bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatially resolved electrical impedance methods for cell and particle characterization
Authors: Schwarz Marvin , Jendrusch Michael , Constantinou Iordania
Published: October 2019

Electrical impedance is an established technique used for cell and particle characterization. The temporal and spectral resolution of electrical impedance have been used to resolve basic cell characteristics like size and type, as well as to determine cell viability and activity. Such electrical impedance measurements are typically performed across the entire sample volume and can only provide an overall indication concerning the properties and state of that sample. For the study of heterogeneous structures such as cell layers, biological tissue, or polydisperse particle mixtures, an overall measured impedance value can only provide limited information and can lead to data misinterpretation. For the investigation of localized sample properties in complex heterogeneous structures/mixtures, the addition of spatial resolution to impedance measurements is necessary. Several spatially resolved impedance measurement techniques have been developed and applied to cell and particle research, including electrical impedance tomography, scanning electrochemical microscopy, and microelectrode arrays. This review provides an overview of spatially resolved impedance measurement methods and assesses their applicability for cell and particle characterization.
Sustainable Porous Carbon with High Specific Surface Area from Soybean Shell via Hydrothermal Carbonization with H3PO4 for Electric Double‐Layer Capacitor Applications
Authors: Wu Yan , Cao Jing-Pei , Zhao Xiao-Yan , Zhuang Qi-Qi , Zhou Zhi , Zhao Ming , Cui Xin , Zhao Yun-Peng , Wei Xian-Yong
Published: October 2019

Soybean shell (SS), as the byproduct of soybeans, is converted into porous carbon (PC) with a high specific surface area (SSA) via hydrothermal carbonization with H3PO4 followed by KOH activation. No obvious effect on the crystal structure of PC can be found by addition of H3PO4 during the hydrothermal process. However, the SSA of PC increases remarkably compared with hydrothermal carbonization without H3PO4, as H3PO4 assists in hydrothermal carbonization dehydration reactions and creates some pores beneficial for KOH activation. The SSA of the obtained PC reaches 2523 m2 g−1, and the hierarchical pore structure is mainly in 0.6–50 nm. The sample prepared by hydrothermal carbonization with 10 wt% H3PO4 and activation by KOH with the ratio of KOH/10‐hydrochar 3 under 700 °C exhibits a specific capacitance of 301 F g−1 in 6 m KOH electrolyte at the current density of 0.1 A g−1. It also has an excellent cycling stability with the specific capacitance remaining at 93.8% after 15 000 cycles. Furthermore, the energy density is 8.1 Wh kg−1 in the two‐electrode system. These results display that PC based on SS is a promising electrode material for the electric double‐layer capacitor.
Reach‐scale changes in channel geometry and dynamics due to the coastal backwater effect: the lower Trinity River, Texas
Authors: Smith Virginia , Mason Jasmine , Mohrig David
Published: October 2019

In this paper we use multiple field surveys spanning several decades to systematically evaluate the geomorphic consequences of a change in flow hydraulics from uniform flow to backwater flow for the lower Trinity River in east Texas, USA. Spatial changes in lateral migration rate, channel geometry, and point bar size correspond to two distinct geomorphic zones. Within the upstream uniform flow reach, the river channel is defined by fully developed point bars and a high rate of lateral channel migration. This zone transitions where the median channel bottom elevation drops below sea level. At this point flow is affected by the backwater influence of the Trinity Bay water surface elevation, as opposed to being bed slope control dominated. The change in hydraulics within the backwater zone is reflected in the channel morphology, which is characterized by smaller point bars, narrower and more symmetrical cross‐sectional channel geometry, lower channel migration rates, and little to no bend deformation or cutoffs. Studying the connection between channel geometry, river bend kinematics, sediment transport, and fluid mechanics in each zone provides a deeper understanding of the relationship between channel shape and river mechanics. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensorimotor and pain‐related alterations of the gray matter and white matter in Type 2 diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Zhang Youming , Qu Minli , Yi Xiaoping , Zhuo Pei , Tang Jingyi , Chen Xin , Zhou Gaofeng , Hu Ping , Qiu Ting , Xing Wu , Mao Yitao , Chen Bihong T , Wu Jing , Zhang Yuanchao , Liao Weihua
Published: October 2019

Although diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) has long been considered a disease of the peripheral nervous system, recent neuroimaging studies have shown that alterations in the central nervous system may play a crucial role in its pathogenesis. Here, we used surface‐based morphometry (SBM) and tract‐based spatial statistics (TBSS) to investigate gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) differences between patients with DPN (n = 67, 44 painless and 23 painful) and healthy controls (HCs; n = 88). Compared with HCs, patients with DPN exhibited GM abnormalities in the pre‐ and postcentral gyrus and in several deep GM nuclei (caudate, putamen, medial pallidum, thalamus, and ventral nuclear). They also exhibited altered WM tracts (corticospinal tract, spinothalamic tract, and thalamocortical projecting fibers). These findings suggest impaired motor and somatosensory pathways in DPN. Further, patients with DPN (particularly painful DPN) exhibited morphological differences in the cingulate, insula, prefrontal cortex, and thalamus, as well as impaired WM integrity in periaqueductal WM and internal and external capsules. This suggests pain‐perception/modulation pathways are altered in painful DPN. Intermodal correlation analyses found that the morphological indices of the brain regions identified by the SBM analysis were significantly correlated with the fractional anisotropy of brain regions identified by the TBSS analysis, suggesting that the GM and WM alterations were tightly coupled. Overall, our study showed sensorimotor and pain‐related GM and WM alterations in patients with DPN, which might be involved in the development of DPN.
Role of regulatory miRNAs of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Rahmani Farzad , Ziaeemehr Aghigh , Shahidsales Soodabeh , Gharib Masoumeh , Khazaei Majid , Ferns Gordon A. , Ryzhikov Mikhail , Avan Amir , Hassanian Seyed M.
Published: October 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the common malignant human tumors with high morbidity worldwide. Aberrant activation of the oncogenic phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) signaling is related to clinicopathological features of HCC. Emerging data revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) have prominent implications for regulating cellular proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and metabolism through targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis. The recognition of the crucial role of miRNAs in hepatocarcinogenesis represents a promising area to identify novel anticancer therapeutics for HCC. The present study summarizes the major findings about the regulatory role of miRNAs in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in the pathogenesis of HCC.
Production and introduction of a novel immunotoxin based on engineered RNase A for inducing death to Her1‐positive cell lines
Authors: Forouharmehr Ali , Nassiri Mohammadreza , Ghovvati Roudsari Shahrokh , Javadmanesh Ali
Published: October 2019

The present study was performed to design an immunotoxin consisting of engineered RNase A and scFv of Cetuximab. To accomplish this study goal, at first to evade RNase A from its inhibitors in the cytoplasm, six amino acids of RNase A were substituted, then the physicochemical features of engineered RNase A were assessed. To investigate the interaction between the engineered RNase A and the ribonuclease inhibitor, protein–protein docking was performed. After engineering the RNase A, it was theoretically conjugated with scFv of Cetuximab using a cleavable linker to produce scFv‐engineered RNase A. Then, wild‐RNase A (14 kD), engineered RNase A (14 kD) and scFv‐engineered RNase A (42 kDa) were expressed in the BL21 (DE3) strain of Escherichia coli and purified by Ni‐NTA columns. To confirm the expressed proteins, western blot analysis was performed. The functioning of wild‐RNase A and engineered RNase A were investigated by RNA fragmentation assay. Finally, to evaluate the cytotoxicity of scFv‐engineered RNase A, a dose–response cytotoxicity assay was performed on Her1‐positive and Her1‐negative cell lines. The results showed that engineered RNase A could maintain its structure and disulfide bonds and evade its inhibitor. Expression and purification were successfully conducted and both enzymes could degrade yeast RNA. The result of cytotoxicity showed that the engineered immunotoxin could induce cell death to Her1‐positive cell lines with an IC50 of 50 nM. It appears that scFv‐engineered RNase A can be a promising molecule for use.
circ‐016910 sponges miR‐574‐5p to regulate cell physiology and milk synthesis via MAPK and PI3K/AKT–mTOR pathways in GMECs
Authors: Liu Yuhan , Hou Jinxing , Zhang Meng , Seleh‐Zo Emeline , Wang Jiangang , Cao Binyun , An Xiaopeng
Published: October 2019

Incremental proofs demonstrate that miRNAs, the essential regulators of gene expression, are implicated in various biological procedures, including mammary development and milk synthesis. Here, the role of miR‐574‐5p in milk synthesis, apoptosis, and proliferation of goat mammary epithelial cells (GMECs) are explored without precedent, and the molecular mechanisms for the impacts are elucidated. Small RNA libraries were constructed using GMECs transfected with miR‐574‐5p mimics and negative control followed by sequencing via Solexa technology. Overall, 332 genes were distinguishingly expressed entre two libraries, with 74 genes upregulated and 258 genes downregulated. This approach revealed mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase kinase 9 (MAP3K9), an upstream activator of MAPK signaling, as a differentially expressed unigene. miR‐574‐5p targeted seed sequences of the MAP3K9 3′‐untranslated region and suppressed its messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels, correspondingly. GMECs with miR‐574‐5p overexpression and MAP3K9 inhibition showed increased cell apoptosis and decreased cell proliferation resulting from sustained suppression of MAPK pathways, while MAP3K9 elevation manifested the opposite results. miR‐574‐5p repressed the phosphorylation of members of protein kinase B (AKT)–mammalian target of rapamycin pathway via downregulating MAP3K9 and AKT3, resulting in reducing the secretion of β‐casein and triglycerides in GMECs. Finally, according to the constructed circular RNA (circRNA) libraries and bioinformatics prediction approach, we selected circ‐016910 and found it acted as a sponge for miR‐574‐5p and blocked its relevant behaviors to undertake biological effects in GMECs. The circRNA–miRNA–mRNA network facilitates further probes on the function of miR‐574‐5p in mammary development and milk synthesis.
15‐LOX‐1 has diverse roles in the resensitization of resistant cancer cell lines to doxorubicin
Authors: Kazan Hasan Huseyin , Urfali‐Mamatoglu Cagri , Yalcin Gizem Damla , Bulut Onur , Sezer Abdullah , Banerjee Sreeparna , Gunduz Ufuk
Published: October 2019

Lipoxygenases (LOXs) are a family of enzymes that can oxygenate polyunsaturated fatty acids. As a member of the family, 15‐lipoxygenase‐1 (15‐LOX‐1) specifically metabolizes arachidonic acid and linoleic acid. 15‐LOX‐1 can affect physiological and pathophysiological events via regulation of the protein–lipid interactome, alterations in intracellular redox state and production of lipid metabolites that are involved in the induction and resolution of inflammation. Although several studies have shown that 15‐LOX‐1 has an antitumorigenic role in many different cancer models, including breast cancer, the role of the protein in cancer drug resistance has not been established yet. In this study, we, for the first time, aimed to show the potential role of 15‐LOX‐1 in acquired doxorubicin (DOX) resistance in MCF7 and HeLa cancer cell lines. Our results show that ALOX15 was transcriptionally downregulated in DOX‐resistant cells compared with their drug‐sensitive counterparts. Moreover, overexpression of ALOX15 in the drug‐resistant cells resulted in resensitization of those cells to DOX in a cell‐dependent manner. 15‐LOX‐1 expression could induce apoptosis by activating PPARγ and enhance the accumulation of DOX in drug‐resistant MCF7 cells by altering cellular motility properties, and membrane dynamics. However, HeLa DOX cells did not show any of these effects but were susceptible to cell death when treated with 13(S)‐HODE. These results underline the role and importance of 15‐LOX‐1 in cancer drug resistance, and points to novel mechanisms as a therapeutic approach to overcome cancer drug resistance.
Premature ovarian failure and tissue engineering
Authors: Ghahremani‐Nasab Maryam , Ghanbari Elham , Jahanbani Yalda , Mehdizadeh Amir , Yousefi Mehdi
Published: October 2019

Premature ovarian failure (POF) usually happens former to the age of 40 and affects the female physiological state premenopausal period. In this condition, ovaries stop working long before the expected menopausal time. Of diagnostic symptoms of the disease, one can mention amenorrhea and hypoestrogenism. The cause of POF in most cases is idiopathic; however, cancer therapy may also cause POF. Commonly utilized therapies such as hormone therapy, in‐vitro activation, and regenerative medicine are the most well‐known treatments for POF. Hence, these therapies may be associated with some complications. The aim of the present study is to discuss the beneficial effects of tissue engineering for fertility rehabilitation in patients with POF as a newly emerging therapy.
“I am a Genetic Counselor”: A qualitative exploration of field leaders’ perceptions of the title “genetic counselor”
Authors: Means Chandler , Cirino Allison , Swenson Kathleen B. , Austin Jehannine
Published: October 2019

The genetic counseling profession is 50 years old, and is growing and diversifying. Despite this evolving context, no studies have formally explored the continuing relevance or appropriateness of the title “genetic counselor.” We used a qualitative research methodology (interpretive description) to explore this concept among thought leaders within the genetic counseling profession. We conducted 12 semi‐structured telephone interviews, which ranged in length from 18 to 50 min, and transcribed them verbatim. Analysis and data collection unfolded in parallel. The following themes regarding participants’ perceptions of the title “genetic counselor” emerged from the data: (1) others misunderstand “genetic counselor”; (2) the term “counselor” in our title produces complex and conflicting emotions; (3) risks of changing our title outweigh the benefit; and (4) we need to own the narrative surrounding our title. Despite recognition that the title “genetic counselor” may not capture the full range of diverse roles members of the profession play, our data reveal overall support for the continued relevance and appropriateness of the title, for the value of the strength that comes from unity within the profession, and for efforts to highlight that which unites us across roles, disciplines, and specialties.
An efficient contemporary multicomponent synthesis for the facile access to coumarin‐fused new thiazolyl chromeno[4,3‐b]quinolones in aqueous micellar medium
Authors: Bhosle Manisha R. , Joshi Supriya A. , Bondle Giribala M.
Published: October 2019

Coumarin‐fused polycyclic chromenoquinolone derivatives were synthesized in CTAB/water system with high yields. This protocol is competent, feasible, and sequential one‐pot multicomponent path for the building of titled products. In this projected route solvents, catalysts and surfactants are optimized, and the excellent results were achieved by CTAB in water. CTAB/water has efficiently catalyzed the synthesis of new thiazolyl chromenoquinolone heterocycles and avoids the use of hazardous conventional organic solvents. The synthesized compounds were confirmed by IR, mass, 1H NMR spectral, and elemental analysis. This report represents the first case in which surfactant CTAB has been explored in the synthesis of fused chromenoquinolones in water. A probable reaction mechanism has been established to know the role of CTAB.
Key associations for hepatitis C virus genotypes in the Middle East and North Africa
Authors: Mahmud Sarwat , Chemaitelly Hiam S. , Kouyoumjian Silva P. , Al Kanaani Zaina , Abu‐Raddad Laith J.
Published: October 2019

This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) through an analytical and quantitative meta‐regression methodology. For the most common genotypes 1, 3, and 4, country/subregion explained more than 77% of the variation in the distribution of each genotype. Genotype 1 was common across MENA, and was more present in high‐risk clinical populations than in the general population. Genotype 3 was much more present in Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan than the rest of countries, and was associated with transmission through injecting drug use. Genotype 4 was broadly disseminated in Egypt in all populations, with overall limited presence elsewhere. While genotype 2 was more present in high‐risk clinical populations and people who inject drugs, most of the variation in its distribution remained unexplained. Genotypes 5, 6, and 7 had low or no presence in MENA, limiting the epidemiological inferences that could be drawn. To sum up, geography is the principal determinant of HCV genotype distribution. Genotype 1 is associated with transmission through high‐risk clinical procedures, while genotype 3 is associated with injecting drug use. These findings demonstrate the power of such analytical approach, which if extended to other regions and globally, can yield relevant epidemiological inferences.
The induction and characterization of monoclonal antibodies specific to GP of Ebola virus
Authors: Tian Xiaoyan , Chen Deyan , Wang Huanru , Xu Shijie , Zhu Linjing , Wu Xilin , Wu Zhiwei
Published: October 2019

The Ebola virus is highly infectious and characterized by hemorrhagic fever, headache, and so on with a high mortality rate. Currently, there are neither therapeutic drugs or vaccines against the Ebola virus nor fast diagnostic methods for the detection of Ebola virus infection. This study reported the induction and isolation of two monoclonal antibodies that specifically recognized the glycoprotein (GP) and secreted glycoprotein (sGP) of the Ebola virus. Plasmids encoding either GP or sGP were constructed and immunized BALB/c mice, accordingly purified sGP was boosted. The antisera were analyzed for binding activity against sGP protein in enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and neutralization activity in a pseudotyped virus neutralization assay. A number of reactive clones were isolated and two monoclonal antibodies T231 and T242 were identified to react with both GP and sGP. Western blot and ELISA assays showed that the monoclonal antibodies could react with GP and sGP, respectively. Moreover, they could recognize Ebola pseudovirus by cellular immunochemistry assay. We labeled the monoclonal antibody T231 with biotin and analyzed the competitiveness of the two antibodies by the ELISA test. The results showed that the binding epitopes of the two monoclonal antibodies to sGP were partially overlapped. In summary, two GP‐specific mAbs were identified, which will be used to detect the Ebola virus or investigate GP.
Differential deletion of GDNF in the auditory system leads to altered sound responsiveness
Authors: Harasztosi Csaba , Wolter Steffen , Gutsche Katja , Durán‐Alonso María Beatriz , López‐Hernández Iris , Pascual Alberto , López‐Barneo José , Knipper Marlies , Rüttiger Lukas , Schimmang Thomas
Published: October 2019

Glial‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has been proposed as a potent neurotrophic factor with the potential to cure neurodegenerative diseases. In the cochlea, GDNF has been detected in auditory neurons and sensory receptor cells and its expression is upregulated upon trauma. Moreover, the application of GDNF in different animal models of deafness has shown its capacity to prevent hearing loss and promoted its future use in therapeutic trials in humans. In the present study we have examined the endogenous requirement of GDNF during auditory development in mice. Using alacZknockin allele we have confirmed the expression of GDNF in the cochlea including its sensory regions during development. Global inactivation of GDNF throughout the hearing system using aFoxg1‐Cre line causes perinatal lethality but reveals no apparent defects during formation of the cochlea. UsingTrkC‐Cre andAtoh1‐Cre lines, we were able to generate viable mutants lacking GDNF in auditory neurons or both auditory neurons and sensory hair cells. These mutants show normal frequency‐dependent auditory thresholds. However, mechanoelectrical response properties of outer hair cells (OHCs) inTrkC‐CreGDNFmutants are altered at low thresholds. Furthermore, auditory brainstem wave analysis shows an abnormal increase of wave I. On the other hand,Atoh1‐CreGDNFmutants show normal OHC function but their auditory brainstem wave pattern is reduced at the levels of wave I, III and IV. These results show that GDNF expression during the development is required to maintain functional hearing at different levels of the auditory system.
Application of two‐dimensional liquid chromatography in the separation of traditional Chinese medicine
Authors: Zhou Weijia , Liu Yanming , Wang Jixia , Guo Zhimou , Shen Aijin , Liu Yanfang , Liang Xinmiao
Published: October 2019

Traditional Chinese medicines have been widely used to prevent and cure diseases for thousands of years. For the purpose of better understanding the extremely complicated traditional Chinese medicines, powerful separation techniques are essential. Two‐dimensional liquid chromatography has been proven to be more powerful for the separation of complex traditional Chinese medicines due to its enhanced peak capacity and resolution compared with one‐dimensional liquid chromatography. Enormous efforts have been made on the coupling of independent separation mechanisms to improve the resolving power for complex traditional Chinese medicine samples, including the development and introduction of novel stationary phases. This review aims to give an overview on the applications of two‐dimensional liquid chromatography in traditional Chinese medicine research since 2008, including comprehensive two‐dimensional liquid chromatography, heart‐cutting two‐dimensional liquid chromatography both in on‐line, and off‐line mode. Different couplings of separation modes were respectively discussed based on specific studies, with emphasis on the applications of novel stationary phases in the two‐dimensional liquid chromatography.
Dispersive solid‐phase extraction adsorbent of methamphetamine using in‐situ synthesized carbon‐based conductive polypyrrole nanocomposite: focus on clinical applications in human urine
Authors: Jabbari Neghin Rashtchi , Taghvimi Arezou , Dastmalchi Siavoush , Javadzadeh Yousef
Published: October 2019

Determination of methamphetamine is of great importance in clinical and forensic laboratories because there are low dosages of drugs in the biological media and social problems created due to the methamphetamine consumption. Polymeric carbon based‐nano composites are reasonable candidates for dispersive solid phase extraction method due to facial and affordable synthesis process and high selectivity and sensitivity. Nano graphene oxide polypyrolle composite was synthesized and employed as dispersive solid‐phase extraction adsorbent for methamphetamine extraction from complex urine matrix. Full characterization of the prepared nano graphene oxide polypyrolle composite was completed and the influential extraction parameters were investigated through one‐parameter‐at‐a‐time method. High‐performance liquid chromatography detectors were applied as detection and quantification instrument. The optimized extraction parameters included 300 µL of methanol, 10 min of extraction and desorption time, 6000 stirring rate, urine pH value of 10, 60 mg of adsorbent, and 6 mL of urine volume. After outlining the calibration curve, the linear range of the method was considered as 30–800 ng/mL. The detection limit for the suggested method was 9 ng/mL. The analysis of addicted subjects with the proposed method confirmed the utility of the method in different analytical and clinical laboratories.
Pattern of Renal Blood Flow and Renovascular Parameters in Adult Patients With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Asbeutah Akram M. , Adekile Adekunle , AlMajran Abdullah A. , Asbeutah Abdul Aziz A. , Naief Athbi A. , Al‐Jafar Hassan
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To evaluate renal blood flow patterns and renovascular parameters in adult patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) without laboratory evidence of renal impairment.

Methods

Sixty‐five steady‐state adult patients with SCD (50 hemoglobin SS [HbSS], 12 HbSβ0, and 3 HbSD) and 30 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were studied. The kidney length, echo pattern, peak systolic velocity (PSV), end‐diastolic velocity, renal‐to‐aortic ratio, resistive index (RI), acceleration time (AT), and renal vein velocity were acquired, recorded, and analyzed with a 1–5‐MHz curvilinear transducer through the abdomen.

Results

The mean age ± SD of the patients with SCD was 32.89 ± 13.89 years. The highest means for the ultrasound‐measured renal length and cortical thickness in the SCD and control groups were 11.78 ± 1.30 and 11.27 ± 0.77 cm and 1.86 ± 0.41 and 1.78 ± 0.28 cm, respectively. The figures were significantly higher in the SCD group than the control group (P < .05). Fifty‐nine (90.8%) patients had a mild diffuse increase in cortical echogenicity with preserved renal cortical thickness. The highest mean extrarenal PSVs in the SCD and control groups were 138.46 ± 56.32 and 101.75 ± 31.48 cm/s (P < .05). However, the highest intrarenal RI and AT in SCD and control groups were 0.69 ± 0.07 and 0.06 ± 0.02 seconds and 0.63 ± 0.05 and 0.04 ± 0.01 seconds (P < .05). There was no significant correlation between the RI, AT, and PSV among the patients with SCD (P > .05).

Conclusions

Increased renal length and cortical echogenicity with elevated PSV, RI, and AT values can serve as early ultrasound changes in adult patients with SCD without renal impairment.
Outcomes of free flap reconstructions with near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) monitoring: A systematic review
Authors: Newton Ethan , Butskiy Oleksandr , Shadgan Babak , Prisman Eitan , Anderson Donald W.
Published: October 2019

Background

Free flap failure or vascular compromise remains a dreadful complication of microvascular free tissue transfer. Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a novel technique for free flap monitoring that has the propensity for early detection of vascular compromise when compared to the current gold standard, clinical monitoring (CM). The objective of this review is to evaluate the efficacy of a NIRS system in the postoperative monitoring of free flaps and its effect on flap salvage.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review was performed including English‐language articles evaluating the use of NIRS in free flap monitoring. MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), OVID, and Web of Science were searched upto December 2017.

Results

A total of 590 articles were identified, and 10 articles were included for analysis. Overall, flaps with vascular compromise monitored with NIRS had a significantly higher salvage rate of 89% compared with a salvage rate of 50% in the flaps monitored by CM alone (p < .01). Partial loss occurred in 15% of the successful salvages in the NIRS group versus 80% with CM alone (p < .01). Detection of vascular compromise by NIRS preceded clinical signs on average by 82 ± 49 min. NIRS was accurate in detecting compromised flaps with a low false‐positive and false‐negative rate.

Conclusion

Despite lack of robust data, NIRS has the potential to be an objective, accurate, and continuous postoperative free flap monitoring technique with a greater flap salvage rate than CM alone.
Signed and sign‐changing solutions for a Kirchhoff‐type problem involving the fractional p‐Laplacian with critical Hardy nonlinearity
Authors: Gabert Rodrigo F. , Rodrigues Rodrigo S.
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we study the existence of three solutions for a Kirchhoff equation involving the nonlocal fractional p‐Laplacian considering Sobolev and Hardy nonlinearities at subcritical and critical growths. The proof is based on mountain pass theorem and constrained minimization in Nehari sets.
Tracer kinetic models as temporal constraints during brain tumor DCE‐MRI reconstruction
Authors: Lingala Sajan Goud , Guo Yi , Bliesener Yannick , Zhu Yinghua , Lebel R. Marc , Law Meng , Nayak Krishna S.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

To apply tracer kinetic models as temporal constraints during reconstruction of under‐sampled brain tumor dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

A library of concentration vs time profiles is simulated for a range of physiological kinetic parameters. The library is reduced to a dictionary of temporal bases, where each profile is approximated by a sparse linear combination of the bases. Image reconstruction is formulated as estimation of concentration profiles and sparse model coefficients with a fixed sparsity level. Simulations are performed to evaluate modeling error, and error statistics in kinetic parameter estimation in presence of noise. Retrospective under‐sampling experiments are performed on a brain tumor DCE digital reference object (DRO), and 12 brain tumor in‐vivo 3T datasets. The performances of the proposed under‐sampled reconstruction scheme and an existing compressed sensing‐based temporal finite‐difference (tFD) under‐sampled reconstruction were compared against the fully sampled inverse Fourier Transform‐based reconstruction.

Results

Simulations demonstrate that sparsity levels of 2 and 3 model the library profiles from the Patlak and extended Tofts‐Kety (ETK) models, respectively. Noise sensitivity analysis showed equivalent kinetic parameter estimation error statistics from noisy concentration profiles, and model approximated profiles. DRO‐based experiments showed good fidelity in recovery of kinetic maps from 20‐fold under‐sampled data. In‐vivo experiments demonstrated reduced bias and uncertainty in kinetic mapping with the proposed approach compared to tFD at under‐sampled reduction factors >= 20.

Conclusions

Tracer kinetic models can be applied as temporal constraints during brain tumor DCE‐MRI reconstruction. The proposed under‐sampled scheme resulted in model parameter estimates less biased with respect to conventional fully sampled DCE MRI reconstructions and parameter estimation. The approach is flexible, can use nonlinear kinetic models, and does not require tuning of regularization parameters.
When not to rely on Boltzmann populations. Automated CASE‐3D structure elucidation of hyacinthacines through chemical shift differences
Authors: Navarro‐Vázquez Armando
Published: October 2019

An Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) procedure (CASE‐3D) has been successfully applied to the NMR based configurational assignment of reported hyacinthacines (1–3,5–8), recently target of configurational analysis using the popular DP4+ methodology. The present analysis makes use of reported 1H and 13C shifts and, in some particular cases, a few 3JHH couplings. The difficulty in proper computational prediction of relative energies, in molecules capable of inter‐molecular hydrogen bonding, introduces large errors in the prediction of conformationally averaged NMR properties in methods based on Boltzmann averaging such as DP4 or DP4+. In contrast CASE‐3D conformational amplitudes are free parameters in the model. Here we show that the CASE‐3D conformational model selection strategy, when combined with a larger energy cutoff in the molecular‐modelling conformational exploration, was sufficient to correctly assign the relative configuration in five of seven cases. Introduction of more information, either by supplementing 1H and 13C data with a few J‐couplings, or using a cutoff based on computed DFT energies for the definition of the conformational ensembles, allowed the safe assignment of configuration for all compounds.
Voxel‐wise lesion mapping of self‐reported urinary incontinence in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Fröhlich Kilian , Wang Ruihao , Bobinger Tobias , Schmidt Manuel , Dörfler Arnd , Nickel Florian T. , Hilz Max J. , Lee De‐Hyung , Linker Ralf A. , Seifert Frank , Winder Klemens
Published: October 2019

Aims

Besides spinal lesions, urinary incontinence may be attributed to particular cerebral lesion sites in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. We intended to determine the contribution of suprapontine lesions to urinary incontinence in MS using a voxel‐wise lesion analysis.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we sought MS patients with documented urinary incontinence in a local database. We established a control group of MS‐patients without documented urinary incontinence matched for gender, age, and disease severity. Patients with urinary incontinence due to local diseases of the urinary tract were excluded. The MS lesions were analyzed on T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans (1.5 or 3T). After manual delineation and transformation into stereotaxic space, we determined the lesion overlap and compared the presence or absence of urinary incontinence voxel‐wise between patients with and without lesions in a given voxel performing the Liebermeister test with 4000 permutations.

Results

A total of 56 patients with urinary incontinence and MS fulfilled the criteria and were included. The analysis yielded associations between urinary incontinence and MS in the frontal white matter, temporo‐occipital, and parahippocampal regions.

Conclusions

Our voxel‐wise analysis indicated associations between self‐reported urinary incontinence and lesions in the left frontal white matter and right parahippocampal region. Thus, our data suggest that dysfunction of supraspinal bladder control due to cerebral lesions may contribute to the pathophysiology of urinary incontinence in MS.
Incorporation of two‐dimensional nanomaterials into silk fibroin nanofibers for cardiac tissue engineering
Authors: Nazari Hojjatollah , Heirani‐Tabasi Asieh , Hajiabbas Maryam , Khalili Masoud , Shahsavari Alavijeh Mohammadhossein , Hatamie Shadie , Mahdavi Gorabi Armita , Esmaeili Elaheh , Ahmadi Tafti Seyed Hossein
Published: October 2019

Mimicking the extracellular matrix to have a similar nanofibrous structure regarding electrical conductivity and mechanical properties would be highly beneficial for cardiac tissue engineering. The molybdenum disulfide, MoS2, and reduced graphene oxide, rGO, nanosheets are two‐dimensional nanomaterials which can be considered as great candidates for enhancing the electrical and mechanical properties of biological scaffolds for cardiac tissue engineering applications. In this study, MoS2 and rGO nanosheets were synthesized and incorporated into silk fibroin nanofibers, SF, via electrospinning method. Then, the human iPSCs transfected with TBX‐18 gene, TBX18‐hiPSCs, were seeded on these scaffolds for in vitro studies. The MoS2 and rGO nanosheets were studied by Raman spectroscopy. After incorporation of the nanosheets into SF nanofibers, the associated characterizations were carried out including scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, water contact angle, and mechanical test. Furthermore, SF, SF/MoS2, and SF/rGO scaffolds were used for in vitro studies. Herein, the scaffolds exhibited acceptable biocompatibility and considerable attachment to TBX18‐hiPSCs confirmed by 3‐(4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide, MTT, assay, and scanning electron microscopy. Also, the real‐time PCR and immunostaining studies confirmed the maturity and upregulation of cardiac functional genes, including GATA‐4, c‐TnT, and α‐MHC in the SF/MoS2 and SF/rGO scaffolds compared with the bare SF one. Therefore, the reinforcement of these SF‐based scaffolds with MoS2 and rGO endues them as a suitable candidate for cardiac tissue engineering.
Fetal and neonatal abnormalities due to congenital herpes simplex virus infection: a literature review
Authors: Fa Francesca , Laup Laetitia , Mandelbrot Laurent , Sibiude Jeanne , Picone Olivier
Published: October 2019

Objective

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection during pregnancy can cause severe neonatal infections. It is also a rare cause of congenital infections. We aimed to describe fetal and neonatal abnormalities of congenital HSV infection in order to define the features that are accessible to prenatal diagnosis during ultrasound screening and/or during a work‐up for congenital malformations.

Methods

We analysed all cases of congenital HSV infection (CHI) described before and/or after birth and identified in Pubed and classified the findings as accessible or not to prenatal diagnosis.

Results

Thirty‐six cases of congenital herpes infection were reported, of which 15 were described prenatally and 21 postnatally. The most frequently reported malformations accessible to prenatal diagnosis were cerebral anomalies. The most common abnormalities described after birth were skin lesions and keratitis, which are not considered amenable to prenatal ultrasound detection. CHI can due to either HSV1 or HSV2 infection, whether primary or non‐primary infection, with or without the presence of maternal symptoms.

Conclusion

Prenatal ultrasound abnormalities due to CHI are rare, varied and non‐specific. There is no clear role for fetal ultrasound in the routine management of women with primary or non‐primary HSV infection in pregnancy. However, in fetuses with ultrasound abnormalities suggestive of congenital infection, HSV should still be considered as a differential diagnosis after the more common in utero infections, such as cytomegalovirus, are excluded.
Synthesis, thermal, rheological characteristics, and enzymatic degradation of aliphatic polyesters with lignin‐based aromatic pendant groups
Authors: Arza Carlos R. , Wang Ping , Linares‐Pastén Javier , Zhang Baozhong
Published: October 2019

This research aims to produce lignin‐based biodegradable polyesters with improved thermal quality. A series of aliphatic polyesters with lignin‐based aromatic side groups were synthesized by conventional melt‐polycondensation. Decent molecular weight (21–64 kg mol−1) was achieved for the polymerizations. The molecular structures and thermal and mechanical properties of the obtained polyesters were characterized. As a result, the obtained polyesters are all amorphous, and their glass‐transition temperature (Tg) depends on the size of the pendant aromatic group (31–51 °C). Furthermore, according to the TGA results, the thermal decomposition temperatures of the polyesters are all above 390 °C, which make them superior compared with commercial biodegradable polyesters like polylactic acid or polyhydroxyalkanoates. Finally, rheological characteristics and enzymatic degradation of the obtained polyesters were also measured. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 2314–2323
Coping strategies of patients with advanced lung or colorectal cancer in six European countries: Insights from the ACTION Study
Authors: Jabbarian Lea J. , Korfage Ida J. , Červ Branka , van Delden Johannes J.M. , Deliens Luc , Miccinesi Guido , Payne Sheila , Thit Johnsen Anna , Verkissen Mariëtte N. , Wilcock Andrew , van der Heide Agnes , Rietjens Judith A.C. ,   on behalf of the ACTION consortium
Published: October 2019

Objective

Even when medical treatments are limited, supporting patients’ coping strategies could improve their quality of life. Greater understanding of patients’ coping strategies, and influencing factors, can aid developing such support. We examined the prevalence of coping strategies and associated variables.

Methods

We used sociodemographic and baseline data from the ACTION trial, including measures of Denial, Acceptance, and Problem‐focused coping (COPE; Brief COPE inventory), of patients with advanced cancer from six European countries. Clinicians provided clinical information. Linear mixed models with clustering at hospital level were used.

Results

Data from 675 patients with stage III/IV lung (342, 51%) or stage IV colorectal (333, 49%) cancer were used; mean age 66 (10 SD) years. Overall, patients scored low on Denial and high on Acceptance and Problem‐focused coping. Older age was associated with higher scores on Denial than younger age (β= 0.05; CI[0.023; 0.074]), and patients from Italy (β= 1.57 CI[0.760; 2.388]) and Denmark (β= 1.82 CI[0.881; 2.750]) scored higher on Denial than patients in other countries.

Conclusions

Patients with advanced cancer predominantly used Acceptance and Problem‐focused coping, and Denial to a lesser extent. Since the studied coping strategies of patients with advanced cancer vary between subpopulations, we recommend taking these factors into account when developing tailored interventions to support patients’ coping strategies.
Ultrahigh Sensitivity and Selectivity of Pentagonal SiC2 Monolayer Gas Sensors: The Synergistic Effect of Composition and Structural Topology
Authors: Tang Lin , Cheng Meng-Qi , Chen Qing , Huang Tao , Yang Ke , Huang Wei-Qing , Hu Wangyu , Huang Gui-Fang
Published: October 2019

Composition and structural topology dominate the properties and functionalities of materials, especially for 2D atomic crystals, where the structure‐ and composition‐property relations are more sensitive than for their 3D counterparts. Herein, the electronic structure and transport properties of pentagonal SiC2 (P‐SiC2) monolayer with and without adsorption of typical small‐molecule gases, such as CO, CO2, NH3, NO, and NO2, are systemically investigated using first‐principles calculations and nonequilibrium Green's function (NEGF) method. The results show that the NO2 molecule on P‐SiC2 has suitable adsorption strength and apparent charge transfer compared with other molecules. Moreover, the I–V curves of P‐SiC2 display a tremendous increase of 301% in current after NO2 adsorption. Such ultrahigh sensitivity and selectivity to nitrogen oxides of P‐SiC2 surpass those of graphene and penta‐graphene (PG) with isostructure. Compared with graphene and PG, the superior sensing performance of P‐SiC2 can be attributed to the synergistic effect of composition and structural topology. This work suggests that P‐SiC2 monolayer is a promising candidate for novel gas sensors, and tuning the structural topology and/or composition of 2D materials is an effective strategy to obtain desirable performance for nanoelectronics and optoelectronics.
Altitude control for flexible wing unmanned aerial vehicle based on active disturbance rejection control and feedforward compensation
Authors: Sun Hao , Sun Qinglin , Wu Wannan , Chen Zengqiang , Tao Jin
Published: October 2019

For achieving the accurate trajectory tracking of the flexible wing unmanned aerial vehicle in the complicated missions, especially the vertical component, a feedforward compensation unit–based active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) is proposed. In ADRC, the internal dynamics and complicated influence of the total disturbance will be estimated and dynamically compensated by extended state observer (ESO). It puts a very high request on the observation ability of ESO with the unpredictable external disturbance, complex internal coupling influence, and the strong nonlinear characteristic of the proposed system. For this reason, by deeply analyzing the model of this system, the varying attitude influence on the altitude control will be deduced. Then, this influence will be compensated previously by a feedforward compensation unit. Through the previous compensation of the calculable part of the internal dynamics and total disturbance, the burden of ESO can be reduced largely. In this way, it improves the control effect of the ADRC with better observation precision of ESO. After that, based on the hardware‐in‐the‐loop simulation, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified completely with the complicated flight missions. The robustness of the control effect and observation ability of ESO are also verified by the Monte Carlo simulation. At last, the results of actual flight experiment prove the advancement and practicability of the proposed ADRC method.
Regression analysis of recurrent‐event‐free time from multiple follow‐up windows
Authors: Xia Meng , Murray Susan , Tayob Nabihah
Published: October 2019

This research develops multivariable restricted time models appropriate for analysis of recurrent events data, where data is repurposed into censored longitudinal time‐to‐first‐event outcomes in τ‐length follow‐up windows. We develop two approaches for addressing the censored nature of the outcomes: a pseudo‐observation (PO) approach and a multiple‐imputation (MI) approach. Each of these approaches allows for complete data methods, such as generalized estimating equations, to be used for the analysis of the newly constructed correlated outcomes. Through simulation, this manuscript assesses the performance of the proposed PO and MI methods. Both PO and MI approaches show attractive results with either correlated or independent gap times in an individual. We also demonstrate how to apply the proposed methods in the data from azithromycin in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Trial.
O3‐Type Layered Ni‐Rich Oxide: A High‐Capacity and Superior‐Rate Cathode for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Jun , Tang Manjing , Liu Hao , Chen Xueying , Xu Zhanwei , Huang Jianfeng , Su Qingmei , Xia Yongyao
Published: October 2019

Inspired by its high‐active and open layered framework for fast Li+ extraction/insertion reactions, layered Ni‐rich oxide is proposed as an outstanding Na‐intercalated cathode for high‐performance sodium‐ion batteries. An O3‐type Na0.75Ni0.82Co0.12Mn0.06O2 is achieved through a facile electrochemical ion‐exchange strategy in which Li+ ions are first extracted from the LiNi0.82Co0.12Mn0.06O2 cathode and Na+ ions are then inserted into a layered oxide framework. Furthermore, the reaction mechanism of layered Ni‐rich oxide during Na+ extraction/insertion is investigated in detail by combining ex situ X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electron energy loss spectroscopy. As an excellent cathode for Na‐ion batteries, O3‐type Na0.75Ni0.82Co0.12Mn0.06O2 delivers a high reversible capacity of 171 mAh g−1 and a remarkably stable discharge voltage of 2.8 V during long‐term cycling. In addition, the fast Na+ transport in the cathode enables high rate capability with 89 mAh g−1 at 9 C. The as‐prepared Ni‐rich oxide cathode is expected to significantly break through the limited performance of current sodium‐ion batteries.