bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous sheath‐free separation of drug‐treated human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans by morphology in biocompatible polymer solutions
Authors: Li Di , Zielinski Jessica , Kozubowski Lukasz , Xuan Xiangchun
Published: February 2018

Cryptococcal meningitis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans is the leading cause of fungal central nervous system infections. Current antifungal treatments for cryptococcal infections are inadequate partly due to the occurrence of drug resistance. Recent studies indicate that the treatment of the azole drug fluconazole changes the morphology of C. neoformans to form enlarged “multimeras” that consist of three or more connected cells/buds. To analyze if these multimeric cells are a prerequisite for C. neoformans to acquire drug resistance, a tool capable of separating them from normal cells is critical. We extend our recently demonstrated sheath‐free elasto‐inertial particle separation technique to fractionate drug‐treated C. neoformans cells by morphology in biocompatible polymer solutions. The separation performance is evaluated for both multimeric and normal cells in terms of three dimensionless metrics: efficiency, purity, and enrichment ratio. The effects of flow rate, polymer concentration, and microchannel height on cell separation are studied.
Combined AC‐electrokinetic effects: Theoretical considerations on a three‐axial ellipsoidal model
Authors: Gimsa Jan
Published: February 2018

AC fields induce charges at the structural interfaces of particles or biological cells. The interaction of these charges with the field generates frequency‐dependent forces that are the basis for AC‐electrokinetic effects such as dielectrophoresis (DEP), electrorotation (ROT), electro‐orientation, and electro‐deformation. The effects can be used for the manipulation or dielectric single‐particle spectroscopy. The observation of a particular effect depends on the spatial and temporal field distributions, as well as on the shape and the dielectric and viscoelastic properties of the object. Because the effects are not mutually independent, combined frequency spectra are obtained, for example, discontinuous DEP and ROT spectra with ranges separated by the reorientation of nonspherical objects in the linearly and circularly polarized DEP and ROT fields, respectively. As an example, the AC electrokinetic behavior of a three‐axial ellipsoidal single‐shell model with the geometry of chicken‐red blood cells is considered. The geometric and electric problems were separated using the influential‐radius approach. The obtained finite‐element model can be electrically interpreted by an RC model leading to an expression for the Clausius–Mossotti factor, which permits the derivation of force, torque, and orientation spectra, as well as of equations for the critical frequencies and force plateaus in DEP and of the characteristic frequencies and peak heights in ROT. Expressions for the orientation in linearly and circularly polarized fields, as well as for the reorientation frequencies were also derived. The considerations suggested that the simultaneous registration of various AC‐electrokinetic spectra is a step towards the dielectric fingerprinting of single objects.
Reflectance spectroscopic optimization of dyeing process and color characterization of ammonia post‐treated wool dyed with Tectona grandis L. leaves extract
Authors: Islam Shahid‐ul‐ , Mohammad Faqeer
Published: February 2018

Anthraquinones based natural dyes are known to form stable complexes with metal ions and the resultant metal‐dye complexes are characterized by good fastness to light and have been extensively studied due to their great potential in the field of functional textiles. To the best of our knowledge, this work investigated for the first time combined effect of potassium aluminium sulfate premordanting and ammonia after‐treatment on dyeing potential, colorimetric characteristics (CIEL*a*b* and K/S), and fastness properties of anthraquinone natural dye extracted from waste leaves of Tectona grandis L. on wool. The dyeing process variables such pH, temperature, and time were optimized through conventional one‐factor‐at‐a‐time (OFT) optimization technique using reflectance spectroscopic method. The optimum conditions for best dyeing results were found to be –dyebath pH 4: dyeing temperature of about 70°C, and a dyeing time of about 90 min. The premordant dyeing with Al3+ and post‐treatment with ammonia yielded different colors with acceptable color fastness to washing, rubbing and good color fastness to light. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1901–1907, 2018
Variation in the sediment deposition behind check‐dams under different soil erosion conditions on the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Wei Yanhong , He Zhong , Jiao Juying , Li Yujin , Chen Yixian , Zhao Hengkang
Published: February 2018

To maintain a reasonable sediment regulation system in the middle reaches of the Yellow River, it is critical to determine the variation in sediment deposition behind check‐dams for different soil erosion conditions. Sediment samples were collected by using a drilling machine in the Fangta watershed of the loess hilly–gully region and the Manhonggou watershed of the weathered sandstone hilly–gully (pisha) region. On the basis of the check‐dam capacity curves, the soil bulk densities and the couplet thickness in these two small watersheds, the sediment yields were deduced at the watershed scale. The annual average sediment deposition rate in the Manhonggou watershed (702.0 mm/(km2·a)) from 1976 to 2009 was much higher than that in the Fangta watershed (171.6 mm/(km2·a)) from 1975 to 2013. The soil particle size distributions in these two small watersheds were generally centred on the silt and sand fractions, which were 42.4% and 50.7% in the Fangta watershed and 60.6% and 32.9% in the Manhonggou watershed, respectively. The annual sediment deposition yield exhibited a decreasing trend; the transition years were 1991 in the Fangta watershed and 1996 in the Manhonggou watershed (P< 0.05). In contrast, the annual average sediment deposition yield was much higher in the Manhonggou watershed (14011.1 t/(km2·a)) than in the Fangta watershed (3149.6 t/(km2·a)). In addition, the rainfalls that induced sediment deposition at the check‐dams were greater than 30 mm in the Fangta watershed and 20 mm in the Manhonggou watershed. The rainfall was not the main reason for the difference in the sediment yield between the two small watersheds. The conversion of farmland to forestland or grassland was the main reason for the decrease in the soil erosion in the Fangta watershed, while the weathered sandstone and bare land were the main factors driving the high sediment yield in the Manhonggou watershed. Knowledge of the sediment deposition process of check‐dams and the variation in the catchment sediment yield under different soil erosion conditions can serve as a basis for the implementation of improved soil erosion and sediment control strategies, particularly in semi‐arid hilly–gully regions. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Importance of growth rate on mercury and polychlorinated biphenyl bioaccumulation in fish
Authors: Li Jiajia , Haffner G. Douglas , Paterson Gordon , Walters David M. , Burtnyk Michael D. , Drouillard Ken G.
Published: February 2018

To evaluate the effect of fish growth on mercury (Hg) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) bioaccumulation, a non–steady-state toxicokinetic model, combined with a Wisconsin bioenergetics model, was developed to simulate Hg and PCB bioaccumulation in bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus). The model was validated by comparing observed with predicted Hg and PCB 180 concentrations across 5 age classes from 5 different waterbodies across North America. The non–steady-state model generated accurate predictions for Hg and PCB bioaccumulation in 3 of 5 waterbodies: Apsey Lake (ON, Canada), Sharbot Lake (ON, Canada), and Stonelick Lake (OH, USA). The poor performance of the model for the Detroit River (MI, USA/ON, Canada) and Lake Hartwell (GA/SC, USA), which are 2 well-known contaminated sites with possibly high heterogeneity in spatial contamination, was attributed to changes in feeding behavior and/or prey contamination. Model simulations indicate that growth dilution is a major component of contaminant bioaccumulation patterns in fish, especially during early life stages, and was predicted to be more important for hydrophobic PCBs than for Hg. Simulations that considered tissue-specific growth provided some improvement in model performance particularly for PCBs in fish populations that exhibited changes in their whole-body lipid content with age. Higher variation in lipid growth compared with that of lean dry protein was also observed between different bluegill populations, which partially explains the greater variation in PCB bioaccumulation slopes compared with Hg across sampling sites. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1655–1667. © 2018 SETAC
Robust clustering for ad hoc cognitive radio network
Authors: Li Di , Fang Erwin , Gross James
Published: February 2018

Cluster structure in cognitive radio (CR) networks facilitates cooperative spectrum sensing, routing, and other functionalities. Unlicensed channels, which are temporally available for a group of CR users in one area, consolidate the group into a cluster. More available unlicensed channels in a cluster make the cluster more likely to uphold against the licensed users' influence, making clusters more robust. This paper analyzes the problem of how to form robust clusters in a CR network such that CR systems benefit from collaboration within clusters despite intense primary user activity. We give a formal description of the robust clustering problem, prove it to be NP‐hard, and propose both centralized and distributed solutions. The congestion game model is adopted to analyze the process of cluster formation, which not only contributes to the design of the distributed clustering scheme but also provides a guarantee on the convergence to a Nash equilibrium and the convergence speed. The proposed distributed clustering scheme outperforms state‐of‐the‐art in terms of cluster robustness, convergence speed, and overhead. Extensive simulations are presented supporting the theoretical claims.
Genesis of the Xishadegai Mo deposit in Inner Mongolia, North China: Constraints from geology, geochronology, fluid inclusion, and isotopic compositions
Authors: Zhang Yong‐Mei , Gu Xue‐Xiang , Sun Xuan , Zhao Wei , Xiang Zhong‐Lin , Liu Rui‐Ping
Published: February 2018

The Xishadegai Mo deposit is a medium‐sized deposit located in the northern margin of the North China Craton. The Mo mineralization is structurally controlled, and spatially and temporally related to the Xishadegai felsic intrusive rocks. Ore bodies mainly occur as quartz veins/veinlets in altered granitic rocks associated with potassic, phyllic, argillic, and fluorite alterations. The ore‐forming process can be divided into 3 stages: Stage I K‐feldspar‐quartz ± molybdenite, Stage II quartz‐pyrite‐molybdenite‐muscovite ± fluorite, and Stage III quartz‐fluorite ± muscovite. Four types of fluid inclusions were distinguished in smoky grey and dark grey quartz of the main‐ore stage (II), including two‐phase aqueous inclusions, CO2‐H2O inclusions, daughter mineral‐bearing multiphase inclusions, and minor vapour aqueous inclusions. The fluid inclusions in smoky grey and dark grey quartz are homogenized at temperatures of 195–350 °C and 191–291 °C, respectively, with calculated salinities of 3.9–11.1% NaCleq and 31.5–33.0% NaCleq, respectively. The ore‐forming fluids belong to a H2O‐CO2‐NaCl system characterized by abundant CO2, moderate to high temperature, and low to high salinity. The δ18OH2O and δD values of ore‐stage quartz vary from −0.2‰ to 0.9‰ and from −120‰ to −104‰, respectively, indicating that the ore‐forming fluids were evolved from magmatic water and gradually mixed with significant amounts of meteoric water. Sulphur and lead isotopic compositions indicate that the ore materials were mainly derived from magmatic sources. Zircon LA‐ICP‐MS U–Pb dating on the mineralized porphyritic moyite yielded a weighted mean age of 235.1 ± 2.0 Ma, corresponding to the Triassic postcollisional setting following the closure of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean between the Siberian Plate and the North China Craton. The εHf(t) values and TDM2 ages range from −15.0 to −12.8 and from 2.2 to 2.1 Ga, respectively, suggesting that the Xishadegai granite was mainly generated by melting of Paleoproterozoic crustal components. Collectively, evidence from geology, fluid inclusion, H‐O‐S‐Pb isotopes, and geochronology suggests that the Xishadegai deposit could be classified as a magmatic–hydrothermal vein Mo deposit. Phase separation (immiscibility and boiling) was the most likely mechanism for ore deposition.
Underdamped slug tests with unsaturated‐saturated flows by considering effects of wellbore skins
Authors: Liang Xiuyu , Zhan Hongbin , Zhang You‐Kuan , Liu Jin
Published: February 2018

An analytical solution is presented for the slug tests conducted in a partially penetrating well in an unconfined aquifer affected from above by an unsaturated zone. The solution considers the effects of wellbore skin and oscillatory responses on underdamped slug tests. The flow in the saturated zone is described by a two‐dimensional, axially symmetric governing equation, and the flow in the unsaturated zone above the water table by a linearized one‐dimensional Richards' equation. The unsaturated medium properties are represented by the exponential constitutive relationships. A Laplace domain solution is derived using the Laplace and finite Fourier transform and the solution in the real‐time domain is evaluated using the numerical inverse Laplace transform method. The solution derived in this study is more general and reduces to the most commonly used solutions for slug tests in their specified conditions. It is found that the unsaturated flow has a significant impact on the slug test conducted in an unconfined aquifer. The impact of unsaturated flow on such a slug test is enhanced with a larger anisotropy ratio, a shorter well screen length, a shorter distance between the well screen and the water table, or a larger well screen radius. The impact of unsaturated flow on slug tests decreases as the degree of penetration (the length of well screen) increases. For a fixed well screen length, the impact of unsaturated flow on slug tests decreases as the distance between the centre of screen and the water table increases. A large dimensionless well screen radius (>0.01) leads to significant effects of unsaturated flow on slug tests. The unsaturated flow reduces the oscillatory responses to underdamped slug tests. The unsaturated zone has significant impact on slug test under high‐permeability wellbore skin.
Quantitative evaluation of groundwater recharge and evaporation intensity with stable oxygen and hydrogen isotopes in a semi‐arid region, Northwest China
Authors: Yang Qingchun , Mu Haokun , Wang Hao , Ye Xueyan , Ma Hongyun , Martín Jordi Delgado
Published: February 2018

Yinchuan Basin, a semi‐arid area located in Northwest China, is currently subject to increasing pressure from the altered hydrology due to the anthropogenic activities as well as increasing water demands for regional development. Sustainable water management across the region must be underpinned by a clear understanding of the factors that constrain water supply in this area. We measured the stable isotope of oxygen and hydrogen to determine the likely processes that control the interrelations among precipitation, surface water (Yellow River), and groundwater. The hydrogen and oxygen values demonstrate that 2 primary hydrochemical processes, mixing and evaporation/condensation, occurred in the Basin. Recharge proportions of precipitation and Yellow River were quantitatively evaluated based on the isotope mass balance method. The proportions of the Yellow River and atmospheric precipitation recharge are 87.7% and 12.3%, respectively. The evaporation proportions calculated with 18O and D by Rayleigh fractional equation are close to each other, which demonstrate that evaporation intensity increases following the flow direction of the Yellow River. The findings obtained in this study are useful for recognizing the significance of Yellow River to Yinchuan Basin, and some optimal allocation schemes can be adopted for a prospective development of this reputed area in Northwest China.
miRNA‐124‐3p/neuropilin‐1(NRP‐1) axis plays an important role in mediating glioblastoma growth and angiogenesis
Authors: Zhang Guilong , Chen Lukui , Khan Ahsan Ali , Li Bingqian , Gu Bin , Lin Fan , Su Xinhui , Yan Jianghua
Published: February 2018

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most lethal brain malignancy which involves multi‐gene abnormality. Unfortunately, effective therapy against GBM remains lacking. Previously, we found that NRP‐1 and its downstream NRP‐1/GIPC1 pathway played an important role in GBM. In our study, we further investigated the upstream signaling of NRP‐1 to understand how it is regulated. First, we identified that hsa‐miR‐124‐3p was miRNA differentially expressed in GBM and in normal brain tissues by high‐throughput sequencing. Then, by dual luciferase reporter gene, we found miR‐124‐3p can specially bind to the 3′UTR region of the NRP‐1 thus suppresses its expression. Moreover, miR‐124‐3p overexpression significantly inhibited GBM cell proliferation, migration and tumor angiogenesis which resulted in GBM apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, putatively via NRP‐1 mediated PI3K/Akt/NFκB pathways activation in GBM cells. Meanwhile, miR‐124‐3p overexpression also suppressed tumor growth and reduced tumor angiogenesis when targeted by NRP‐1 in a PDX model. Furthermore, NRP‐1 mAb exerted synergistic inhibitory effects with miR‐124‐3p overexpression in GBM. Thus, we discovered that miR‐124‐3p acts as the upstream suppressor of NRP‐1 which promotes GBM cell development and growth by PI3K/Akt/NFκB pathway. The miR‐124‐3p/NRP‐1/GIPC1 pathway as a new pathway has a vital role in GBM, and it could be considered as the potential target for malignant gliomas in future.
Autophosphorylation of the carboxyl‐terminal domain is not required for oncogenic transformation by lung‐cancer derived EGFR mutants
Authors: Cho Jeonghee , Kim Sujin , Du Jinyan , Meyerson Matthew
Published: February 2018

Aberrant activation of cancer‐derived mutants of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is closely associated with cancer pathogenesis and is thought to be mediated through multiple tyrosine phosphorylations within the C‐terminal domain. Here, we examined the consequences of the loss of these C‐terminal phosphorylation sites on cellular transformation in the context of lung‐cancer‐derived L858R, exon 19 deletion and exon 20 insertion mutant EGFR. Oncogenic EGFR mutants with substitution of the 10 potential C‐terminal tyrosine autophosphorylation sites for phenylalanine (CYF10) were still able to promote anchorage‐independent growth in soft agar at levels comparable to the parental L858R or exon19 deletion or exon 20 insertion mutants with intact autophosphorylation sites. Furthermore, these CYF10 mutants retained the ability to transform Ba/F3 cells in the absence of IL‐3. Bead‐based phosphorylation and immunoprecipitation analyses demonstrated that key EGFR‐associated proteins—including Grb2 and PLC‐γ—are neither phosphorylated nor bound to CYF10 mutants in transformed cells. Taken together, we conclude that tyrosine phosphorylation is not required for oncogenic activity of lung‐cancer‐derived mutant EGFR, suggesting these mutants can lead to cellular transformation by an alternative mechanism independent of EGFR phosphorylation.
Household debt, expected economic conditions, and income inequality
Authors: Berisha Edmond , Meszaros John
Published: February 2018

The high level of debt among households outside the top end of the income distribution has led many economists to assert that household debt has been an important component of the increase in income inequality in the United States. In addition, the yield spread provides information about the overall condition of the economy and may also be tied into the distribution of income. The paper's results show that increases in the yield spread and household debt correspond with increases in top income shares, resulting in increases in income inequality. However, as household debt and income inequality increase, the yield spread contracts, which suggests future economic contraction. Thus, rising inequality may signal future economic weakness.
PREDICTORS OF SELF‐REPORTED GAINS IN A RELATIONSHIP‐BASED HOME‐VISITING PROJECT FOR MOTHERS AFTER CHILDBIRTH
Authors: Kaitz Marsha , Chriki Miriam , Tessler Naomi , Levy Judith
Published: February 2018

We assessed mothers’ self‐reported gains from a postpartum home‐visiting (HV) project in which home visitors are volunteer mothers from the community. Hypotheses were that gains are positively related to (a) mothers’ felt‐closeness with their home visitor, (b) mothers’ level of sociodemographic risk, and (c) the home visitors’ preproject training in support services for families or children (Professionalism). One hundred sixty‐four clients returned written evaluations of the HV project. Items assessing gains were reduced to two factors: Improved Well‐Being (“Self”) and Improved Infant Care (“Infant”). Repeated measures general linear models, with Gains (Self, Infant) as the repeated measure, and multiple regression analyses evaluated the hypotheses. Across the sample, gains on both factors were moderate, although gain scores were higher regarding Self than for Infant. Results show that (a) Mothers’ felt‐closeness with their volunteer was strongly related to mothers’ gains; (b) high‐risk mothers gained more from the project than did mothers of lower risk, particularly regarding Infant Care; and (c) mothers visited by volunteers who were professionals reported more substantial gains than did mothers visited by volunteers who were not professionals. Findings can help explain variance in mothers’ gains from such projects and could be useful in improving their efficacy.
Lower sperm quality and testicular and epididymal structural impairment in adult rats exposed to rosuvastatin during prepuberty
Authors: Leite Gabriel Adan Araújo , Sanabria Marciana , Cavariani Marilia Martins , Anselmo‐Franci Janete Aparecida , Pinheiro Patrícia Fernanda Felipe , Domeniconi Raquel Fantin , Kempinas Wilma De Grava
Published: February 2018

The increase of obesity, bad eating habits and the lack of physical exercises are highly related to dyslipidemias. Rosuvastatin is a lipid‐lowering drug and has been indicated to prevent cardiovascular diseases and to treat dyslipidemias due to its higher efficiency to reduce serum cholesterol concentrations. This study aimed to evaluate the reproductive adverse effects on sexual maturity due to rosuvastatin exposure in juvenile male rats during prepuberty. Three groups were randomly formed with newly weaned rats: control, whose rats received saline solution 0.9% and rosuvastatin at doses of 3 or 10 mg kg–1 day–1, administered orally by gavage, from postnatal day 21 until preputial separation (average of 45 days for controls and 49 days for statin‐treated animals), indicative of puberty onset. Male rats were maintained until sexual maturity and were killed on postnatal day 110. In the rosuvastatin‐treated groups, the results showed diminished follicle‐stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and testosterone concentrations, increased estradiol and prolactin concentrations, histopathologic alterations on testis and epididymis and decreased sperm quality. Moreover, statin‐exposed groups showed decreased expression of androgen receptor on testis and epididymis and lower expression of aquaporin‐9 on epididymal epithelium. In conclusion, administration of rosuvastatin to prepubertal male rats provoked long‐term hormonal deregulation and impaired reproduction at adulthood.
Construction of bionic tissue engineering cartilage scaffold based on three‐dimensional printing and oriented frozen technology
Authors: Xu Yuanyuan , Guo Xiao , Yang Shuaitao , Li Long , Zhang Peng , Sun Wei , Liu Changyong , Mi Shengli
Published: February 2018

Articular cartilage (AC) has gradient features in both mechanics and histology as well as a poor regeneration ability. The repair of AC poses difficulties in both research and the clinic. In this paper, a gradient scaffold based on poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA)‐extracellular matrix was proposed. Cartilage scaffolds with a three‐layer gradient structure were fabricated by PLGA through three‐dimensional printing, and the microstructure orientation and pore fabrication were made by decellularized extracellular matrix injection and directional freezing. The manufactured scaffold has a mechanical strength close to that of real cartilage. A quantitative optimization of the Young's modulus and shear modulus was achieved by material mechanics formulas, which achieved a more accurate mechanical bionic and a more stable interface performance because of the one‐time molding process. At the same time, the scaffolds have a bionic and gradient microstructure orientation and pore size, and the stratification ratio can be quantitatively optimized by design of the freeze box and temperature simulation. In general, this paper provides a method to optimize AC scaffolds by both mechanics and histology as well as a bionic multimaterial scaffold. This paper is of significance for cell culture and clinical transplantation experiments. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1664–1676, 2018.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Biologics for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Answer to Optimized Treatment?
Authors: Hoseyni Hannah , Xu Yan , Zhou Honghui
Published: February 2018

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), or the measurement of drug concentrations in blood and antidrug antibodies, for biologic therapies used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an area of growing interest within the IBD community. When there is a definable relationship between drug concentration and clinical effect, blood concentration of biologics (and antidrug antibodies assessment) could be used to predict patient response and to titrate the biologics to maximize therapeutic benefit. This dose individualization has been proven to be more efficacious and cost‐effective than empiric dose adjustment and can better guide therapeutic decisions regarding therapy withdrawal or switch. Appropriate implementation and interpretation of drug concentration measurement in TDM are essential to ensure full clinical benefit. Factors that need to be considered include sources of variability, timing of blood sampling, dosing history, analytical performance, immunogenicity, comedications, and clinical status of the patients. Desired target concentrations for biologics used in IBD have not been clearly determined yet. Published concentration thresholds differed widely for a given biologic, indicating a lack of consistent information. Factors other than drug concentration that may contribute to the dose‐response variation are largely missing in the current TDM setting. A target range is likely preferable to a single value for TDM of biologics in IBD, and additional prospective research needs to be conducted in order to establish these ranges. Moving forward, TDM may be combined with pharmacodynamic end points and modeling and simulation tools for improved therapeutic benefit in IBD.
Comparison of ZnO nanofillers of different shapes on physical, thermal and gas transport properties of PEBA membrane: experimental testing and molecular simulation
Authors: Asghari Morteza , Sheikh Mahdi , Dehghani Mostafa
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

PEBA and nano‐ZnO have been discussed for membrane modification and for gas separation in different studies and in mixed matrix membranes (i.e. PEBA/TiO2, PE/ZnO); however, no report has been published on the gas transport properties of ZnO/PEBA hybrid membranes.

RESULTS

Molecular simulation and experimental approaches were done using PEBA 1657 mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) loaded with ZnO nanorod‐ and nanosphere shaped nanomaterials at 0.5 wt% and 1 wt% loading to investigate the gas separation properties of these MMMs. Structural characterizationwas carried out by FESEM, AFM, BET and FTIR on synthesized membranes, and FFV and WAXD on the simulated membrane cells to study their structural properties. Thermal analysis was carried out by TGA, DMTA and calculation of the glass transition temperature to investigate the thermal properties of the MMMs. The results showed that the addition of ZnO filler significantly improved both the physical and thermal properties of the MMMs based on the characterization tests. The transport properties of the MMMs for three single light gas molecules (CO2, CH4and N2) were investigated using experimental set‐up testing (permeability and selectivity), and also by molecular dynamic and Monte Carlo approaches in molecular simulation (diffusivity and solubility). The addition of ZnO nanomaterials in both shapes to the polymeric membrane significantly increased the transport properties; for example, CO2permeability increased from 120 for membrane without nanomaterial to 135 barrer for membrane with 0.5 wt% of nanosphere ZnO and 157 barrer for membrane with 0.5 wt% nanorod ZnO.

CONCLUSION

The permeability of CH4and N2gases into all samples showed no significant change with an increase in pressure or ZnO loading which is likely due to the penetration paths in the membranes. The membrane with 1 wt% ZnO nanorods had the best performance in the Robeson upper bound 2008 diagram. This sample is thus suggested for industrial development. The simulation results showed a similar trend for the membranes and gas molecules, with an error of 25% to 65% from experimental results. We conclude that the PEBA/1 wt% ZnO nanorods membrane could be an ideal solid polymer membrane for gas separation applications. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation and preliminary in vivo evaluation of 166Ho‐labeled microspheres for possible use in radioembolic therapy of liver cancer
Authors: Subramanian Suresh , Vimalnath K.V. , Dash Ashutosh
Published: February 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or liver cancer is an increasingly prevalent and highly morbid disease with critical significance in the Asian and African subcontinents. Among the various therapies currently used in the clinic to combat the global menace of HCC, radioembolization with suitable therapeutic isotopes is an effective targeted approach. In the Indian context, the significant cost and logistical disadvantage of imported radioembolic formulations for HCC therapy make it essential to develop more feasible indigenous alternatives—using locally available radioisotopes and microspheric carriers—that can serve the nuclear medicine community. With this aim Ho‐166 was produced with good specific activity (>13 GBq mg−1) and purity (>99%) by reactor irradiation. Various commercially available microspheres were labeled with this therapeutic radioisotope, characterized for yield and stability of the radiolabeling, and tested for their in vivo retention and stability in Wistar rat model by viable surgery. Under the optimized reaction conditions, 166Ho‐labeled microspheres were prepared with high yield (>94%‐99%) and in vitro stability (>95%) in saline and serum. Retention studies in animal model showed that 166Ho‐labeled microspheres remained stable in vivo and showed excellent retention in the site of interest (~95% at 72‐hour p.i.). The study indicates good potential and warrants further investigation for application of these indigenous radiolabeled microspheres for HCC therapy. The successful application of this technology in the clinic would lead to logistically advantageous and cost‐effective indigenous alternatives to expensive imported therapeutic solutions.
Theoretical treatment of anharmonicity of vibrational modes of single‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Wang Hengjia , Dickel Doyl , Daw Murray S.
Published: February 2018

We report a computational study, using the “moments method” [Y. Gao and M. Daw, Modell. Simul. Mater. Sci. Eng. 23 045002 (2015)], of the anharmonicity of the vibrational modes of single‐walled carbon nanotubes. We find that modes with displacements largely within the wall are more anharmonic than modes with dominantly radial character, except for a set of modes that are related to the radial breathing mode that are the most anharmonic of all. We also find that periodicity of the calculation along the tube length does not strongly affect the anharmonicity of the modes but that the tubes with larger diameter show more anharmonicity. Comparison is made with available experiments and other calculations.
Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of Surface and Thermal Properties of 3‐Cyclohexyloxy‐2‐Hydroxypropyl Pyridinium and Imidazolium Surface‐Active Ionic Liquids
Authors: Aggarwal Rajni , Singh Sukhprit
Published: February 2018

In this work, 1‐halo‐3‐(cyclohexyloxy)propan‐2‐ol (3a/3b) were reacted with N‐methylimidazole (4) or pyridine (5) to yield the respective 3‐(3‐(cyclohexyloxy)‐2‐hydroxypropyl)‐1‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐3‐ium (6a/6b) or pyridinium (7a/7b) surface‐active ionic liquids (SAIL). The self‐aggregation behavior of these ionic liquids (IL) was evaluated by conductometric and tensiometric methods. The thermal stability and size of the micelles were determined by thermogravimetric analysis and dynamic light scattering studies, respectively. The investigated IL were found to exhibit very low cytotoxicity as evaluated by MTT (3‐(4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay on the C6 glioma cell line, indicating that the investigated SAIL can be considered for biological applications like drug and gene delivery. The conventional IL 3‐methyl‐1‐octyl imidazolium bromide (C
8mimBr) was used for comparison in property evaluations.
Development of Bigels Based on Stearic Acid–Rice Bran Oil Oleogels and Tamarind Gum Hydrogels for Controlled Delivery Applications
Authors: Paul Suprio R. , Qureshi Dilshad , Yogalakshmi Yamini , Nayak Suraj K. , Singh Vinay K. , Syed Irshaan , Sarkar Preetam , Pal Kunal
Published: February 2018

In the last few decades, different types of gels have been widely studied as potential drug delivery carriers. In this paper, we propose the synthesis of an oleogel, a tamarind gum hydrogel, and bigels for applications as drug delivery matrices. The oleogel was prepared by mixing stearic acid and rice bran oil, whereas the hydrogel was prepared by mixing tamarind gum with a hydroethanolic solution. Hydrogel‐in‐oleogel and oleogel‐in‐hydrogel bigels were prepared by mixing the hydrogel and the oleogel. The suitability of the formulations for controlled drug release applications was thoroughly examined using microscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, as well as mechanical, electrical, thermal, drug release, and antimicrobial studies. An alteration in the microarchitecture of the bigels is observed when the oleogel and the hydrogel are mixed in varying proportions. The associative interactions within the formulations increase with the increase in the hydrogel content. The bigels exhibit the presence of stearic acid melting endotherm (associated with the oleogel) and water evaporation endotherm (associated with the hydrogel). This study suggests that the hydrogel has lowest bulk resistance compared to the other formulations. The structural breakdown of the bigels is composition‐dependent, and the bulk electrical resistance is mainly governed by the oleogel phase. An increase in the diffusion of the moxifloxacin HCl from the formulations is observed with the increase of the hydrogel proportion, which in turn increases the rate of release of the drug. The proposed formulations also exhibit good antimicrobial efficacy. The analysis of these properties suggests that specific formulations can be tailored by need‐based applications of the drug release rate.
The protective effects of Sauropus spatulifolius on acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Wei Xiaochen , Li Yanmei , Li Meng , Min Chunyan , Lu Hui , Li Qirun , Yuan Jie , Chen Chen , Li Heran , Zhang Jian
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Sauropus spatulifolius Beille (named ‘Long‐Li‐Ye’ in China) is used to make ‘herbal tea’ to prevent pneumonia. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activities in vitro and the protective effects of Long‐Li‐Ye on acute lung injury (ALI) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

RESULTS

The supernatant after ethanol addition to Long‐Li‐Ye water extract (LLYCSL) and the resin eluting fraction of LLYCSL (LLY40) showed strong antioxidant activities in vitro. LLYCSL and LLY40 could attenuate ALI via decreasing myeloperoxidase activity, increasing superoxide dismutase activity and decreasing the levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), interleukin 1β (IL‐1β) and IL‐6. In addition, LLY40 could increase catalase activity, increase the levels of IL‐10, IL‐4 and IL‐13 and decrease the TNF‐α/IL‐10 ratio.

CONCLUSION

Long‐Li‐Ye could be used as a natural antioxidant for food production and functional food or dietary supplementation for people with ALI. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Distinguishing between northern salt marsh and western harvest mice
Authors: Sustaita Diego , Brown Sarah K. , Barthman‐Thompson Laureen , Estrella Sarah , Patterson Laura , Finfrock Patty Q. , Villablanca Francis X.
Published: February 2018

The northern subspecies of the salt marsh harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys raviventris halicoetes) is morphologically similar to the western harvest mouse (R. megalotis) with which it co‐occurs in the Suisun Marsh, California, USA, and therefore they are difficult to distinguish in the field. The salt marsh harvest mouse is a federal and California state‐listed endangered species, whereas the western harvest mouse has no special status. Thus, our objective was to identify the most effective field metrics that distinguish the species. First we identified a barcode of life and restriction fragment length polymorphism approach for genetically distinguishing between the species. Then we performed univariate tests to examine variation in standard external morphological traits within and between species, and found that differences between species were confounded by sex and age. We then used discriminant function analysis and multiple logistic regression (MLR) to find combinations of characters that resulted in the highest percentages of correct classification based on a data set of individuals with genetically verified species identity. The best model (MLR) correctly classified 90.1 ± 3.5% ( ± SD) of individuals, though all approaches performed relatively poorly with smaller, ostensibly younger, mice. Therefore, tail length, body length, and tail diameter, if treated in a comprehensive multivariate context, can yield substantial accuracy for distinguishing between coexisting northern salt marsh and western harvest mice. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
3D Printing/Interfacial Polymerization Coupling for the Fabrication of Conductive Hydrogel
Authors: Fantino Erika , Roppolo Ignazio , Zhang Dongxing , Xiao Junfeng , Chiappone Annalisa , Castellino Micaela , Guo Qiuquan , Pirri Candido Fabrizio , Yang Jun
Published: February 2018

In this study, 3D printing is coupled with interfacial polymerization to obtain electroactive hydrogels with complex and defined geometry. Conductive hydrogels are created through a two‐step procedure: first a digital light processing 3D printing system is used to fabricate poly(ethylene glycol)diacrylate 3D structure and then pyrrole is oxidized to polypyrrole (PPY), exploiting an interfacial polymerization mechanism through which PPY can be formed in the poly(ethylene glycol) matrix, thus creating a conductive phase.
Lifetime exposure to estrogen and progressive supranuclear palsy: Environmental and Genetic PSP study
Authors: Park Hee Kyung , Ilango Sindana , Charriez Christina M. , Checkoway Harvey , Riley David , Standaert David G. , Bordelon Yvette , Shprecher David R. , Reich Stephen G. , Hall Deborah , Kluger Benzi , Marras Connie , Jankovic Joseph , Dubinsky Richard , Litvan Irene ,   on behalf of the ENGENE‐PSP Study
Published: February 2018

Background

Studies suggesting a protective effect of estrogen in neurodegenerative diseases prompted us to investigate this relationship in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).

Methods

This case‐control study evaluated the self‐reported reproductive characteristics and estrogen of 150 women with PSP and 150 age‐matched female controls who participated in the Environmental Genetic‐PSP study. Conditional logistic regression models were generated to examine associations of PSP with estrogen.

Results

There was no association between years of estrogen exposure duration and PSP. There was a suggestion of an inverse association between composite estrogen score and PSP that did not reach statistical significance (P = .06). Any exposure to estrogen replacement therapy halved the risk of PSP (odds ratio = 0.52; 95% confidence interval = 0.30‐0.92; P = .03). Among PSP cases, earlier age at menarche was associated with better performance on Hoehn and Yahr stage (β = −0.60; SE = 0.26; P = .02) and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale II score (β = −5.19; SE = 2.48; P = .04) at clinical examination.

Conclusions

This case‐control study suggests a protective role of lifetime estrogen exposure in PSP. Future studies will be needed to confirm this association. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Comparing pharmacological treatments for cocaine dependence: Incorporation of methods for enhancing generalizability in meta‐analytic studies
Authors: Susukida Ryoko , Crum Rosa M. , Hong Hwanhee , Stuart Elizabeth A. , Mojtabai Ramin
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Few head‐to‐head comparisons of cocaine dependence medications exist, and combining data from different randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is fraught with methodological challenges including limited generalizability of the RCT findings. This study applied a novel meta‐analytic approach to data of cocaine dependence medications.

Methods

Data from 4 placebo‐controlled RCTs (Reserpine, Modafinil, Buspirone, and Ondansetron) were obtained from the National Institute of Drug Abuse Clinical Trials Network (n = 456). The RCT samples were weighted to resemble treatment‐seeking patients (Treatment Episodes Data Set‐Admissions) and individuals with cocaine dependence in general population (National Survey on Drug Use and Health). We synthesized the generalized outcomes with pairwise meta‐analysis using individual‐level data and compared the generalized outcomes across the 4 RCTs with network meta‐analysis using study‐level data.

Results

Weighting the data by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health generalizability weight made the overall population effect on retention significantly larger than the RCT sample effect. However, there was no significant difference between the population effect and the RCT sample effect on abstinence. Weighting changed the ranking of the effectiveness across treatments.

Conclusions

Applying generalizability weights to meta‐analytic studies is feasible and potentially provides a useful tool in assessing comparative effectiveness of treatments for substance use disorders in target populations.
Oocyte‐activating capacity of fresh and frozen–thawed spermatids in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Ogonuki Narumi , Inoue Hiroki , Matoba Shogo , Kurotaki Yoko K. , Kassai Hidetoshi , Abe Yukiko , Sasaki Erika , Aiba Atsu , Ogura Atsuo
Published: February 2018

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) represents a promising nonhuman primate model for the study of human diseases because of its small size, ease of handling, and availability of gene‐modified animals. Here, we aimed to devise reproductive technology for marmoset spermatid injection using immature males for a possible rapid generational turnover. Spermatids at each step could be identified easily by their morphology under differential interference microscopy: thus, early round spermatids had a round nucleus with a few nucleolus‐like structures and abundant cytoplasm, as in other mammals. The spermatids acquired oocyte‐activating capacity at the late round spermatid stage, as confirmed by the resumption of meiosis and Ca2+ oscillations upon injection into mouse oocytes. The spermatids could be cryopreserved efficiently with a simple medium containing glycerol and CELL BANKER®. Late round or elongated spermatids first appeared at 10–12 months of age, 6–8 months before sexual maturation. Marmoset oocytes microinjected with frozen–thawed late round or elongated spermatids retrieved from a 12‐month‐old male marmoset developed to the 8‐cell stage without the need for artificial oocyte activation stimulation. Thus, it might be possible to shorten the intergeneration time by spermatid injection, from 2 years (by natural mating) to 13–15 months including gestation.
Neuromuscular dysfunction in the cancer patient: Evaluation and treatment
Authors: Baima Jennifer A. , Silver Julie K. , Most Mathew
Published: February 2018

Cancer is a common diagnosis. In conjunction with various anti‐neoplastic therapies delivered sequentially or concurrently, it makes oncology patients among the most complex to treat. This review uses a series of case studies to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of cancer‐related nerve and muscle disorders. Oncologic treatment interventions such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy, often have predictable side‐effects, and sometimes their associated disability can be mitigated, especially if recognized early. Disease progression can mimic other diagnoses. The case studies provide a lens through which to study the presenting symptoms, differential diagnoses, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment interventions. These are all considered within the context of the patient's prognosis and health‐related quality of life. Muscle Nerve 58: 335–343, 2018
Gender and quality of life in myasthenia gravis patients from the myasthenia gravis foundation of America registry
Authors: Lee Ikjae , Kaminski Henry J. , Xin Haichang , Cutter Gary
Published: February 2018

Introduction: Quality of life (QOL) has been poorly characterized among patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) other than assessments performed within the clinical setting. Methods: Patients age ≥ 18 years who were diagnosed with MG and registered with the MG patient registry between July 1, 2013, and June 30, 2016, were included. Demographic information, disease related history, and QOL were compared between men and women using multivariable analysis. Results: A total of 1,315 subjects (827 women) were included. Women were significantly younger, had a younger age at symptom onset, and were more likely to have thymoma and thymectomy. The 15‐item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life scale (MG‐QOL15) was significantly worse in women. MG‐QOL15 score was comparable between women who had thymectomy and men with or without thymectomy. Discussion: QOL among MG patients is worse in women compared with men, but this disparity is eliminated in women who have undergone thymectomy. Muscle Nerve 58: 90–98, 2018
Nerve conduction study of the three supraclavicular nerve branches
Authors: Martinez‐Aparicio Carmen , Jääskeläinen Satu K. , Muyor José M. , Falck Björn
Published: February 2018

Introduction: We describe a new nerve conduction study technique with reference values for the 3 branches of the supraclavicular nerve (SCN) in young healthy subjects and application of it in 2 patients. Methods: The recording electrode was placed on the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, 6–7 cm from the sternoclavicular joint. SCN branches were stimulated below the clavicle, 2.5, 7, and 10.5 cm lateral to the sternoclavicular joint. Results: Twenty healthy volunteers (10 men), 19–38 years, mean 25.9 years (SD 6.3), and 2 patients with SCN lesions were studied. The mean conduction velocities of the SCN branches were 70–78 m/s (SD 8–10 m/s), and amplitudes 3–4 µV (SD 0.9–2.0 µV). There were no side‐to‐side or gender differences. Discussion: The 3 SCN branches could be studied in all subjects. We provide reference values for young subjects. This new method was useful in verifying SCN lesions in 2 patients. Muscle Nerve 58: 300–303, 2018