bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gaucher disease type 1 first recognized in an elderly patient with thrombocytopenia and lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Shuai Wen , Wagner Celeste Estefania , Sukswai Narittee , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Bueso‐Ramos Carlos , Oo Thein Hlaing
Published: July 2019

Recognizing Gaucher disease in elderly patients can be challenging. We present a Gaucher disease type 1 case diagnosed in an elderly patient with thrombocytopenia and lung adenocarcinoma. The diagnosis of Gaucher disease was delayed due to lack of familiarity about Gaucher Disease type 1 which can manifest in adulthood.
Intentional acetylsalicylic acid acute intoxication and its clinical management
Authors: Soleimani Reza , Brousmiche Karl , Favresse Julien , Haufroid Vincent , Gruson Damien , Hantson Philippe , Wallemacq Pierre
Published: July 2019

In the last decade, our knowledge about OTC drug intoxication has been expanded much further relative to previous years, though the absence of antidotes in some cases results in healthcare professionals using symptomatic treatment. This case report reminds the reader of the importance of clinical and toxicology laboratories in the management of acute salicylate intoxication in order to avoid hemodialysis.
Industrial Crystallization: Increasingly Unavoidable These Days
Authors: Couvrat Nicolas , Cartigny Yohann
Published: July 2019

No abstract.
A Novel Method to Fabricate Nitrogen and Oxygen Co‐Doped Flexible Cotton‐Based Electrode for Wearable Supercapacitors
Authors: Sun Chao , Zhao Jing , Guo Zhiguang , Zhao Yaping , Cai Zaisheng , Ge Fengyan
Published: July 2019

In this work, we prepared a nitrogen and oxygen co‐doped flexible cotton‐based carbon electrode with high electrochemical performance by using a simple dyeing and carbonization method for its potential application in wearable energy storage devices. The optimized dyed cotton‐based electrode with 10 % o.w.f. (percentage on weigh of fabric) dyeing concentration shows a high areal specific capacitance of 1836±20 mF cm−2 at 2 mA cm−2 in aqueous 6 M KOH, superior cycling lifespan (99.1 % capacitance retention after 5000 cycles), good coulombic efficiency, and high rate property. The outstanding properties can be attributed to the synergistic effect between the double‐layer capacitance (superior conductivity, large surface area, and good wetability) and the extra pseudocapacitance originating from N and O heteroatoms in the dye molecules. More importantly, the symmetric supercapacitor created with CDF‐10 % electrodes exhibits a significant volumetric specific capacitance of 18.2 F cm−3 and energy density of 5.7 mWh cm−3 at a power density of 45.2 mW cm−3, which can power an electronic clock for several minutes. The impressive resulting performance demonstrates that this inexpensive synthetic method, which can be scaled‐up, can be used to create promising materials for wearable electronics.
Simultaneous determination of food colorants in liquid samples by UV‐Visible spectroscopy and multivariate data analysis using a reduced calibration matrix
Authors: Bordagaray Ane , Dávila Sergio , Garcia‐Arrona Rosa , Vidal Maider , Ostra Miren
Published: July 2019

Colorants are widely used in food industry to improve appearance of edible products. This work present a method for the determination of two colorants, tartrazine and allura red, with UV‐Vis spectrophotometry and MCR‐ALS using only five standards for calibration and the correlation constraint. MCR‐ALS is usually applied in second‐order data but it rarely has been used for first order data, for which is more usual the use of PLS. In this case, MCR‐ALS applied to first order data can show some advantages like interference identification and the use of a reduced calibration matrix. Using this methodology, the relative errors obtained are below 0.28%, correlation coefficients are above 0.99 and the calculated LOD and LOQ are 0.26 and 0.80 mg L‐1 for allura red and 0.70 and 2.11 mg L‐1 for tartrazine respectively. The procedure has been successfully applied to some food dyes and other liquid commercial products and, compared to HPLC analysis, no significant differences were found in the results. Recovery values obtained at two spiked levels were between 92.0% and 106.7% except for a sample.
Synergy of Electron Transfer and Charge Transfer in the Control of Photodynamic Behavior of Coordination Polymers
Authors: Yang Xiao‐Dong , Zhu Rui , Yin Jian‐Ping , Ma Shuai , Cui Jing‐Wang , Zhang Jie
Published: July 2019

Photodynamic behavior controlled by the synergy of electron transfer and charge transfer has been characterized in two regioisomeric pyridinium‐bearing coordination polymers (Cd‐Bip and Cd‐Bpy) with the help of a smart charge‐distribution‐related isoreticular strategy. Because it is relatively weak, the charge‐transfer interaction between adjacent 2D networks in Cd‐Bip can be easily perturbed by photoinduced electron transfer under irradiation with 365 nm light, and then successfully drives the occurrence of photodynamic behavior. In contrast, lower energy 450 nm light is absorbed to a lesser extent, and can only induce a low degree of electron transfer, which is insufficient to actuate operation of this photodynamic behavior in Cd‐Bip.
Reactivity of a Sterically Unencumbered α‐Borylated Phosphorus Ylide towards Small Molecules
Authors: Radius Michael , Sattler Ewald , Berberich Helga , Breher Frank
Published: July 2019

The influence of substituents on α‐borylated phosphorus ylides (α‐BCPs) has been investigated in a combined experimental and quantum chemical approach. The synthesis and characterization of Me3PC(H)B(iBu)2 (1), consisting of small Me substituents on phosphorous and iBu residues on boron, is reported. Compound 1 is accessible through a novel synthetic approach, which has been further elucidated through DFT studies. The reactivity of 1 towards various small molecules was probed and compared with that of a previously published derivative, Ph3PC(Me)BEt2 (2). Both α‐BCPs react with NH3 to undergo heterolytic N−H bond cleavage. Different di‐ and trimeric ring structures were observed in the reaction products of 1 with CO and CO2. With PhNCO and PHNCS, the expected insertion products [Me3PC(H)(PhNCO)B(iBu)2] and [Me3PC(H)(PhNCS)B(iBu)2], respectively, were isolated.
Investigation of combustion reactivity and NO emission characteristics of chars obtained from the devolatilization of raw and partially dried lignite
Authors: Zhao Yaying , Wang Zhuozhi , Zhao Guangbo , Sun Rui , Ren Xiaohan
Published: July 2019

In an attempt to achieve the clean and efficient utilization of lignite, drying pre‐treatment was performed in this study before lignite combustion. The combustion reactivity and NO emission characteristics of the partially dried lignite samples in the char combustion stage were investigated by means of TG and isothermal combustion tests, and the reactivity could be summarized as the following order: L1>L0.5>raw>L3>LT>L5 (chars obtained from the devolatilization of the raw and partially dried coals at 378 K for 0.5, 1, 3, 5, and 120 minutes) and the NO conversion ratio of L1 was the lowest. When the moisture content in the coal particles was relatively high (19.68%‐35.84%), the drying treatment could increase the combustion reactivity and inhibit NO emission in the char combustion stage; When the moisture content was within a relatively low range (0.17%‐19.68%), the moisture removal had negative effects on the reactivity and NO emission in the char combustion stage. The surface behaviour and microstructure of the raw coal char and chars derived from the partially dried coals were clarified by temperature programmed desorption/reduction (TPD/TPR) and Raman spectroscopy. The results illustrated that L1 derived from Lc1 (19.68%) was the most reactive sample with the largest amount of C(O) on the particle surface. There were also more reactive aromatic structures in L1 than other samples. Compared with direct combustion or excessive drying treatment, lignite should be dried to a certain degree (19.68%) for optimized lignite combustion.
Surgical excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, external‐beam radiotherapy, or brachytherapy for indolent skin cancer: An international meta‐analysis of 58 studies with 21,000 patients
Authors: Lee Charles T. , Lehrer Eric J. , Aphale Abhishek , Lango Miriam , Galloway Thomas J. , Zaorsky Nicholas G.
Published: July 2019

Background

The objective of this study was to compare the cosmesis and recurrence rates of conventional excision (CE), Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), external‐beam radiation therapy (EBRT), or brachytherapy (BT), for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.

Methods

Population, Intervention, Control, Outcome, Study Design (PICOS), Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA), and Meta‐Analyses of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) methods were used to identify studies on PubMed (from 1985 to 2018), including patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) T1‐T2N0 basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas and ≥10 months follow‐up who received CE, MMS, EBRT, or BT. The primary endpoint was cosmesis, classified as “good,” “fair,” or “poor.” The secondary endpoint was 1‐year recurrence. Fixed‐effects and random‐effects meta‐analyses were performed to evaluate primary and secondary outcomes with respect to treatment modality.

Results

In total, 18,095 studies met initial search criteria. There were 24 CE, 13 MMS, 19 EBRT, and 7 BT studies included with a total of 21,371 patients. The summary effect size for “good” cosmesis was 81% (95% CI, 70.6%‐89.6%), 74.6% (95% CI, 63%‐84.6%), and 97.6% (95% CI, 91.3%‐100%) for CE, EBRT, and BT, respectively. Good cosmesis was 96.0% in the only MMS study that reported cosmesis. BT had improved “good” cosmesis over EBRT (P = .0025) and was similar to CE and MMS. No significant differences were seen for “fair” or “poor” cosmesis. One‐year recurrence rates were low throughout at 0.8% (95% CI, 0.3%‐1.6%), 0.2% (95% CI, 0%‐0.6%), 2% (95% CI, 1.3%‐2.7%), and 0% (95% CI, 0%‐0.5%) for CE, MMS, EBRT, and BT, respectively.

Conclusions

For T1‐T2N0 skin cancers, BT and MMS have improved cosmesis over EBRT and CE. It is unclear whether this is because of treatment superiority or selection and reporting bias. Local control is similar among all modalities at 1 year.
Challenges and opportunities for the simulation of calcium waves on modern multi‐core and many‐core parallel computing platforms
Authors: Barajas Carlos , Gobbert Matthias K. , Kroiz Gerson C. , Peercy Bradford E.
Published: July 2019

State‐of‐the‐art distributed‐memory computer clusters contain multicore CPUs with 16 and more cores. The second generation of the Intel Xeon Phi many‐core processor has more than 60 cores with 16 GB of high‐performance on‐chip memory. We contrast the performance of the second‐generation Intel Xeon Phi, code‐named Knights Landing (KNL), with 68 computational cores to the latest multicore CPU Intel Skylake with 18 cores. A special‐purpose code solving a system of nonlinear reaction‐diffusion partial differential equations with several thousands of point sources modeled mathematically by Dirac delta distributions serves as realistic test bed. The system is discretized in space by the finite volume method and advanced by fully implicit time‐stepping, with a matrix‐free implementation that allows the complex model to have an extremely small memory footprint. The sample application is a seven variable model of calcium‐induced calcium release (CICR) that models the interplay between electrical excitation, calcium signaling, and mechanical contraction in a heart cell. The results demonstrate that excellent parallel scalability is possible on both hardware platforms, but that modern multicore CPUs outperform the specialized many‐core Intel Xeon Phi KNL architecture for a large class of problems such as systems of parabolic partial differential equations.
Using Electronic Health Records to Derive Control Arms for Early Phase Single‐Arm Lung Cancer Trials: Proof‐of‐Concept in Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Carrigan Gillis , Whipple Samuel , Capra William B. , Taylor Michael D. , Brown Jeffrey S. , Lu Michael , Arnieri Brandon , Copping Ryan , Rothman Kenneth J.
Published: July 2019

Oncology drug development increasingly relies on single‐arm clinical trials. External controls (ECs) derived from electronic health record (EHR) databases may provide additional context. Patients from a US‐based oncology EHR database were aligned with patients from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and trial‐specific eligibility criteria were applied to the EHR dataset. Overall survival (OS) in the EC‐derived control arm was compared with OS in the RCT experimental arm. The primary outcome was OS, defined as time from randomization or treatment initiation (EHR) to death. Cox regression models were used to obtain effect estimates using EHR data. EC‐derived hazard ratio estimates aligned closely with those from the corresponding RCT with one exception. Comparing log HRs among all RCT and EC results gave a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.86. Properly selected control arms from contemporaneous EHR data could be used to put single‐arm trials of OS in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer into context.
When Expectancies Are Violated: A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Colloca Luana , Schenk Lieven A. , Nathan Dominic E. , Robinson Oliver J. , Grillon Christian
Published: July 2019

Positive and negative expectancies drive behavioral and neurobiological placebo and nocebo effects, which in turn can have profound effects on patient improvement or worsening. However, expectations of events and outcomes are often not met in daily life and clinical practice. It is currently unknown how this affects placebo and nocebo effects. We have demonstrated that the violation of expectancies, such as when there is a discrepancy between what is expected and what is actually presented, reduces both placebo and nocebo effects while causing an extinction of placebo effects. The reduction of placebo and nocebo effects was paralleled by an activation of the left inferior parietal cortex, a brain region that redirects attention when discrepancies between sensory and cognitive events occur. Our findings highlight the importance of expectancy violation in shaping placebo and nocebo effects and open up new avenues for managing positive and negative expectations in clinical trials and practices.
Tracking Dye‐Independent Approach to Identify and Isolate In Vitro Expanded T Cells
Authors: Elias George , Ogunjimi Benson , Van Tendeloo Viggo
Published: July 2019

T cell proliferation is routinely identified in vitro using tracking dyes or through detecting intracellular upregulation of the nuclear protein, Ki‐67. However, labeling with tracking dyes is cumbersome, associated with cellular toxicity, while Ki‐67 cannot be used to identify and isolate viable T cells, and both techniques are incompatible with MACS technology. Here, we introduce a simple tool to identify and isolate in vitro T cell expansion that is tracking dye‐independent and allows for sorting of viable T cells. We show that CD71, a transferrin receptor, and CD98, a heterodimer glycoprotein involved in both integrin signaling and amino‐acid transport, are both highly upregulated on proliferating T cells upon in vitro stimulation, and that CD71 expression is maximal on the more recent progeny T cells, while CD98 upregulation remains stable across different generations of progeny T cells. Moreover, we demonstrate that the upregulation of CD71 and CD98 identifies CFSElow T cells and provides further proof of the antigen‐specificity of T cells identified by CD71 and CD98 dual upregulation based on tetramer staining. We further show that CD71 can be used to enrich for in vitro expanding T cells using MACS technology. In conclusion, we show that CD71 and CD98 can be used to identify and isolate expanded T cells following in vitro stimulation and that CD71 is an MACS‐compatible alternative to tracking dyes or Ki‐67 detection. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Cytology with rapid on‐site examination (ROSE) does not improve diagnostic yield of EUS‐FNA of pancreatic cystic lesions
Authors: Estrada Paul , Benson Mark , Gopal Deepak , Buehler Darya , Pfau Patrick
Published: July 2019

Background

Cytology with rapid on‐site evaluation (ROSE) has been shown to increase the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) for solid pancreatic lesions. No data exists on the need for rapid onsite cytology in the evaluation of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs). The purpose of this study is to determine whether onsite cytology impacts the diagnostic yield of EUS‐FNA of PCLs.

Methods

We prospectively examined all patients with PCLs who underwent EUS‐FNA without onsite cytology over a 6‐month period and compared this to a historical cohort of patients with PCLs who underwent EUS‐FNA with ROSE in the previous 6 months. Comparison was made between the two groups based upon patient demographics, EUS cyst characteristics, and FNA fluid & cytopathology results.

Results

A total of 100 EUS‐FNA exams for PCLs were identified: 46 with ROSE and 54 without onsite cytology. The majority of cytology findings were negative or nondiagnostic, 87.0% in the ROSE group, 77.8% in the group without onsite cytology. There was no difference using EUS‐FNA without onsite cytology compared to ROSE when measuring total diagnostic yield (22.2% vs 13.0%, P = .30), number of nondiagnostic specimens (50% vs 54%, P = .69), and number of needle passes (1.51 vs 1.57, P = .68).

Conclusions

(a) The majority of cytology results from EUS‐FNA of cystic lesions are negative or nondiagnostic. (b) Having rapid onsite cytology evaluation of cystic lesions does not affect the number of needle passes nor diagnostic yield and is thus not recommended.
Nornostocine congeners as potential anticancer drugs: An overview
Authors: Sahoo Chita R. , Paidesetty Sudhir K. , Padhy Rabindra N.
Published: July 2019

The naturally occurring phyco‐constituent nostocine A, bearing the pyrazolotriazine scaffold in its structural frame, belongs to an organic class of pharmacologically curious candidates with a remarkable anticancer activity. This review summarizes the chemistry of numerous synthetic strategies of demethylated nostocine as “nornostocine derivatives,” in which the substitutes are connected to a few functionalities with the pyrazolotriazine moiety at N‐1, C‐3, and C‐5 positions. These strategies may provide a framework to design and develop a novel potent anticancer drug candidate(s) with an augment of structure activity relationship related to anticancer activities.
Stand inventory data from the 10‐ha forest research plot in Uholka: 15 yr of primeval beech forest development
Authors: Stillhard Jonas , Hobi Martina , Hülsmann Lisa , Brang Peter , Ginzler Christian , Kabal Myroslav , Nitzsche Jens , Projer Gilbert , Shparyk Yuriy , Commarmot Brigitte
Published: July 2019

Forests dominated by European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) are among both the most widespread in Europe and the most intensely exploited globally. One of the largest remnants of unmanaged beech forests in Europe is the Uholka‐Shyrokyi Luh forest in Transcarpathia, Ukraine, covering 8,800 ha of primeval forest. In 2000, a permanent forest plot of 10 ha has been established in the Uholka massif. All living and dead trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 60 mm were identified to species, DBH measured, stems tagged and mapped. Since then, the plot has been remeasured in 2005, 2010, and 2015. In total, 4,820 individual trees were measured with 14,116 individual measurements throughout all four inventories. In spring 2018, an Airborne Laser Scan was carried out, covering the Uholka‐Shyrokyi Luh forest. This data set allows us to derive a high‐resolution digital elevation model (DEM) of the plot area. European beech covers a share of ≈ 95% of the basal area (BA) of all living stems. While BA was relatively stable throughout all inventories (≈ 38 m2/ha), the number of stems increased considerably between 2010 and 2015 from 290 to 430 stems/ha. Additionally, the proportion of beech stems decreased from 95% in 2010 to 86% in 2015. The continuity of the share of beech on BA and the decrease in number of stems can be traced back to disturbance events, which led to an increase of more light demanding species in the recruitment but did not alter the distribution of BA as these small trees contribute very little to BA. The data set allows for important insights into the development and the spatial and temporal dynamics of primeval beech forests. It can be used to quantify the demographic processes growth, mortality, and recruitment, and to study inter‐ and intraspecific effects on demographic rates, stand structure, and species composition. No copyright or proprietary restrictions are associated with the use of this data set other than citation of this Data Paper.
Plant diversity loss affects stream ecosystem multifunctionality
Authors: López‐Rojo Naiara , Pozo Jesús , Pérez Javier , Basaguren Ana , Martínez Aingeru , Tonin Alan M. , Correa‐Araneda Francisco , Boyero Luz
Published: July 2019

Biodiversity loss is occurring globally at unprecedented rates, altering the functioning of the Earth's ecosystems. Multiple processes are often key components of ecosystem functioning, but it is unclear how biodiversity loss affects ecosystem multifunctionality (i.e., the ability of ecosystems to maintain multiple processes simultaneously). This is particularly true for some ecosystem types such as streams, which have been understudied, despite their key role in global biogeochemical cycles and their serious impairment by the widespread loss of riparian vegetation as a result of global change. Using a microcosm experiment, we tested whether losing riparian plant diversity affected stream multifunctionality, taking into account nine key processes related to litter decomposition, animal biomass production, and nutrient cycling, and simulating plant species loss from four to one in the presence or absence of litter‐feeding detritivores. Multifunctionality increased with plant diversity in the presence of detritivores and decreased in their absence, evidencing a key role of detritivores in biodiversity–ecosystem‐functioning (BEF) relationships. Moreover, by exploring effects of plant diversity on each process individually we were able to reveal potential mechanisms underlying BEF relationships; for example, effects of plant diversity on nutrient cycling occurred at least partly via indirect nutrient transfer, and were possibly accompanied by changes in microbial stoichiometry. Such mechanisms were unnoticeable when examining multifunctionality metrics, suggesting that individual processes provide crucial information to understand how stream ecosystem functioning is impaired by biodiversity loss.
Negative plant–soil feedbacks are stronger in agricultural habitats than in forest fragments in the tropical Andes
Authors: Pizano Camila , Kitajima Kaoru , Graham James H. , Mangan Scott A.
Published: July 2019

There is now strong evidence suggesting that interactions between plants and their species‐specific antagonistic microbes can maintain native plant community diversity. In contrast, the decay in diversity in plant communities invaded by nonnative plant species might be caused by weakening negative feedback strengths, perhaps because of the increased relative importance of plant mutualists such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Although the vast majority of studies examining plant–soil feedbacks have been conducted in a single habitat type, there are fewer studies that have tested how the strength and direction of these feedbacks change across habitats with differing dominating plants. In a fragmented montane agricultural system in Colombia, we experimentally teased apart the relative importance of AMF and non‐AMF microbes (a microbial filtrate) to the strength and direction of feedbacks in both native and nonnative plant species. We hypothesized that native tree species of forest fragments would exhibit stronger negative feedbacks with a microbial filtrate that likely contained pathogens than with AMF alone, whereas nonnative plant species, especially a highly invasive dominant grass, would exhibit overall weaker negative feedbacks or even positive feedbacks regardless of the microbial type. We reciprocally inoculated each of 10 plant species separately with either the AMF community or the microbial filtrate originating from their own conspecifics, or with the AMF or microbial filtrate originating from each of the other nine heterospecific plant species. Overall, we found that the strength of negative feedback mediated by the filtrate was much stronger than feedbacks mediated by AMF. Surprisingly, we found that the two nonnative species, Urochloa brizantha and Coffea arabica, experienced stronger negative feedbacks with microbial filtrate than did the native forest tree species, suggesting that species‐specific antagonistic microbes accumulate when a single host species dominates, as is the case in agricultural habitats. However, negative feedback between forest trees and agricultural species suggests that soil community dynamics may contribute to the re‐establishment of native species into abandoned agricultural lands. Furthermore, our finding of no negative feedbacks among trees in forest fragments may be due to a loss in diversity of those microbes that drive diversity‐maintaining processes in intact tropical forests.
Plant structural complexity mediates trade‐off in direct and indirect plant defense by birds
Authors: Nell Colleen S. , Mooney Kailen A.
Published: July 2019

Direct and indirect defenses are predicted to trade‐off due to costs associated with redundancy in plant defense, but the factors mediating a plant's position along this trade‐off axis are unknown. We conducted a bird exclusion experiment of nine sympatric shrub species to assess convergent associations among direct defense, indirect defense from birds, and shrub structural complexity, a trait predicted to influence bird foraging. We found high variation in defense; direct resistance varied four‐fold, with indirect defense ranging from a 59% reduction to a 32% increase in herbivore density. These resistance strategies traded off and were mediated by plant structure; high complexity was associated with weaker indirect defense from birds, strong direct defense, and more predatory arthropods. Our findings suggest that species with growth forms that inhibit bird foraging invest more in direct defense and may provide refuge for arthropod predators. Accordingly, we provide evidence for a potentially widespread mechanism underlying the evolution of plant defenses.
Elicitation with methyl jasmonate combined with cultivation in the Plantform™ temporary immersion bioreactor highly increases the accumulation of selected centellosides and phenolics in Centella asiatica (L.) Urban shoot culture
Authors: Skrzypczak‐Pietraszek Ewa , Urbańska Aneta , Żmudzki Paweł , Pietraszek Jacek
Published: July 2019

Centella asiatica (L.) Urban is an important pharmacopoeial plant used not only in medicine but also in cosmetology. C. asiatica agitated shoot cultures were established to study the influence of ethephon, methyl jasmonate, L‐phenylalanine (Eth 50 µM, MeJa 50 µM, L‐Phe 2.4 g/L of medium, respectively; seven variants of the supplementation) on the accumulation of secondary metabolites: the main centellosides (asiaticoside and madecassoside) and selected phenolic acids, and flavonoids in the biomass. Microshoots were harvested two and six days after the supplementation. Secondary metabolites were analyzed in methanolic extracts by UPLC‐MS/MS (centellosides) and by HPLC‐DAD (phenolics). In comparison with the reference cultures, the concentrations of individual secondary metabolites increased as follows: centellosides up to 5.6‐fold (asiaticoside), phenolic acids up to 122‐fold (p‐coumaric acid) and flavonoids up to 22.4‐fold (kaempherol). The highest production increase of individual compounds was observed for different variants of supplementation. Variant C (50 µM MeJa), the most optimal for centellosides and flavonoid accumulation, was selected for the experiment with bioreactors. Bioreactor Plantform™, compared to RITA® system and agitated cultures, appeared to be the most advantageous for secondary metabolites production in C. asiatica shoot cultures. The phenolic acid, flavonoid, centelloside, and total secondary metabolite productivity in Plantform™ system is 1.8‐fold, 1.7‐fold, 2.8‐fold, 2.1‐fold, respectively, higher than in MeJa elicitated agitated cultures, and 4.3‐fold, 7.3‐fold, 12.2‐fold, 7.2‐fold, respectively, higher than in control agitated cultures.
Load frequency control of multi‐area hybrid power system integrated with renewable energy sources utilizing FACTS & energy storage system
Authors: Dutta Ankush , Prakash Surya
Published: July 2019

This article proposes the minimization of the frequency deviations in the three‐area hybrid power system. The application of thyristor controlled phase shifter (TCPS) and ultracapacitor (UC) is utilized on load frequency control (LFC). The quality of power supply is affected due to continuous and random changes in load during the operation of the power system. Hence, a power system control is required to maintain a continuous balance between power generation and load demand. LFC plays an important role in maintaining constant frequency and voltage in order to ensure the reliability of electric power. The proportional integral derivative (PID) is adopted for the LFC scheme. The three‐area system considered in this article is integrated with conventional and renewable energy sources such as solar, biomass, and fuel cell. TCPS connected in series with the tie‐line ensures the stabilization of the system and provides additional service like dynamic power flow control in the tie‐line and the power quality is sustained by the subordinate control of supercapacitor energy storage. The system variability is basically due to the frequency fluctuations when it is subject to the load deviations. Thus, the suppression of peak value of frequency deviation through power modulation control is the only way to reduce this problem. By using this method, the efficiency of proposed technique becomes better in deregulated environment which is accepted for the load frequency control scheme. By utilizing these technologies, the better results are obtainable than without the usage of TCPS and a supercapacitor.
Biosorption of nickel from aqueous solution onto Liagora viscida: Kinetics, isotherm, and thermodynamics
Authors: Komarabathina Srikanth , Pulipati King , Pujari Murali , Kodavaty Jagadeeshwar
Published: July 2019

The present article addresses the effect of various parameters on batch biosorption of nickel using an inexpensive Liagora viscida algae as a biosorbent. The experimental studies revealed that for an initial metal solution concentration of 20–200 ppm, the equilibrium is achieved after 50 min and the maximum sorption at a pH of 5. Isotherms such as Temkin, Freundlich, and Langmuir were examined. The data are well suitable by using the Langmuir isotherm with a sorption uptake of 22.77 mg/g, confirming that L. viscida can be considered as a low‐cost biosorbent. The dynamic experimental data were represented well by pseudo‐first‐order kinetics. The thermodynamic study revealed that the biosorption of nickel on to L. viscida was endothermic and spontaneous.
Catechin and caffeine contents in green tea at different harvest periods and their metabolism in miniature swine
Authors: Wakamatsu Misato , Yamanouchi Hiroki , Sahara Hisashi , Iwanaga Takehiro , Kuroda Rei , Yamamoto Ayaka , Minami Yuji , Sekijima Mitsuhiro , Yamada Kazuhiko , Kajiya Katsuko
Published: July 2019

The catechin content in green tea leaves varies according to cultivation conditions such as intensity of solar radiation, temperature, and precipitation, and thus, there is ambiguity about the best harvest time for obtaining optimal functional effects. In this study, the Yabukita (ordinary) and Benifuki varieties, which contain methylated catechin, were used to determine the difference in green tea catechins according to harvest times and tea manufacturing processes. Caffeine determination was also carried out to provide information about green tea intake for all age‐groups of children and pregnant women. Determining the quantity of each catechin was difficult because of degradation, polymerization, and isomerization that had occurred during heat‐drying in the refining process. In addition, the absorption of catechin compounds was tested using miniature swine because of their functional and physiological similarity to humans. Benifuki tea leaves contained epigallocatechin‐3‐(3”‐O‐methyl) gallate (EGCg3”Me) instead of epigallocatechin‐3‐(4”‐O‐methyl) gallate (EGCg4”Me). However, EGCg4”Me was detected during the entire intake period, but EGCg3”Me was not detected in the blood of miniature swine fed Benifuki tea. It is possible that the position of the methyl group was modified by the pig metabolism. Furthermore, caffeine from both Yabukita and Benifuki tea varieties was found to be easily accumulated in miniature swine. These results suggest that nonrefined September–October picking tea (autumn and winter tea) of the Benifuki variety is preferable over the Yabukita variety for consumption by children and pregnant women owing to its lower caffeine content and higher content of methylated catechin.
A difference degree test for comparing brain networks
Authors: Higgins Ixavier A. , Kundu Suprateek , Choi Ki Sueng , Mayberg Helen S. , Guo Ying
Published: July 2019

Recently, there has been a proliferation of methods investigating functional connectivity as a biomarker for mental disorders. Typical approaches include massive univariate testing at each edge or comparisons of network metrics to identify differing topological features. Limitations of these methods include low statistical power due to the large number of comparisons and difficulty attributing overall differences in networks to local variation. We propose a method to capture the difference degree, which is the number of edges incident to each region in the difference network. Our difference degree test (DDT) is a two‐step procedure for identifying brain regions incident to a significant number of differentially weighted edges (DWEs). First, we select a data‐adaptive threshold which identifies the DWEs followed by a statistical test for the number of DWEs incident to each brain region. We achieve this by generating an appropriate set of null networks which are matched on the first and second moments of the observed difference network using the Hirschberger–Qi–Steuer algorithm. This formulation permits separation of the network's true topology from the nuisance topology induced by the correlation measure that alters interregional connectivity in ways unrelated to brain function. In simulations, the proposed approach outperforms competing methods in detecting differentially connected regions of interest. Application of DDT to a major depressive disorder dataset leads to the identification of brain regions in the default mode network commonly implicated in this ruminative disorder.
Differential effects of Down's syndrome and Alzheimer's neuropathology on default mode connectivity
Authors: Wilson Liam R. , Vatansever Deniz , Annus Tiina , Williams Guy B. , Hong Young T. , Fryer Tim D. , Nestor Peter J. , Holland Anthony J. , Zaman Shahid H.
Published: July 2019

Down's syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that invariably results in both intellectual disability and Alzheimer's disease neuropathology. However, only a limited number of studies to date have investigated intrinsic brain network organisation in people with Down's syndrome, none of which addressed the links between functional connectivity and Alzheimer's disease. In this cross‐sectional study, we employed11C‐Pittsburgh Compound‐B (PiB) positron emission tomography in order to group participants with Down's syndrome based on the presence of fibrillar beta‐amyloid neuropathology. We also acquired resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging data to interrogate the connectivity of the default mode network; a large‐scale system with demonstrated links to Alzheimer's disease. The results revealed widespread positive connectivity of the default mode network in people with Down's syndrome (n= 34, ages 30–55, median age = 43.5) and a stark lack of anti‐correlation. However, in contrast to typically developing controls (n= 20, ages 30–55, median age = 43.5), the Down's syndrome group also showed significantly weaker connections in localised frontal and posterior brain regions. Notably, while a comparison of the PiB‐negative Down's syndrome group (n= 19, ages 30–48, median age = 41.0) to controls suggested that alterations in default mode connectivity to frontal brain regions are related to atypical development, a comparison of the PiB‐positive (n= 15, ages 39–55, median age = 48.0) and PiB‐negative Down's syndrome groups indicated that aberrant connectivity in posterior cortices is associated with the presence of Alzheimer's disease neuropathology. Such distinct profiles of altered connectivity not only further our understanding of the brain physiology that underlies these two inherently linked conditions but may also potentially provide a biomarker for future studies of neurodegeneration in people with Down's syndrome.
Patterns of care and treatment outcomes for local recurrence of NPC after definite IMRT—A study by the HKNPCSG
Authors: Ng Wai‐Tong , Wong Edwin C.Y. , Cheung Alice K.W. , Chow James C.H. , Poon Darren M.C. , Lai Jessica W.Y. , Chiang Chi‐Leung , Choi Horace C.W. , Chau Tin‐Ching , Lee Victor H.F. , Lee Anne W.M. , Tam Anthony H.P. , Au Kwok‐Hung
Published: July 2019

Background

This study evaluates the contemporary care for patients with locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma after failure of the primary course of intensity modulated radiotherapy.

Methods

Eligible patients were identified through the Hong Kong Cancer Registry database. Patterns of care and treatment outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Two hundred seventy‐two patients with locally recurrent tumors were identified. Of them, 30.9% received surgery, whereas 35.7% received re‐irradiation (re‐RT). The 5‐year overall survival (OS) for the whole group was 30.2%. Old age and advanced rT classification were adverse prognostic factors, whereas surgery (mainly in resectable recurrence) was associated with favorable survival outcome. The 5‐year OS rates for patients who received surgery and re‐RT were 56.3% and 21.8%, respectively.

Conclusions

Early detection of resectable recurrence is of paramount importance as surgery for resectable tumors offers the potential to achieve excellent outcomes. Re‐RT could be considered in selected patients with unresectable disease and favorable prognostic features.
Estimating human exposure to titanium dioxide from personal care products through a social survey approach
Authors: Wu Fan , Hicks Andrea L
Published: July 2019

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been widely applied in personal care products (PCPs), with up to 36% of TiO2 in PCPs is present at the nanoscale. Due to the large quantity produced and the wide application of TiO2, there is a great potential for human exposure through various routes and therefore a great potential to elicit adverse impacts. This work utilizes a social survey to generate information and estimate TiO2 (bulk and nanoparticle [NP]) exposure to individuals through the daily use of PCPs. Households in the Madison, Wisconsin, USA metropolitan area were surveyed about their PCP usage. Survey results were then combined with usage patterns and TiO2 content in each PCP category to estimate human exposures. Results indicate sunscreen and toothpaste are major contributors to TiO2 dermal exposure. The estimated daily dermal route of exposure ranges from 2.8 to 21.4 mg TiO2 per person per day. Toothpaste has the potential to be ingested though the oral route; 0.15 to 3.9 mg TiO2 per day were estimated to be ingested when 10% toothpaste ingestion was assumed. The results generated in the present case study are generalizable in predicting individual TiO2 exposure from PCPs when the usage pattern is available. In addition, this study can be further used for risk assessment and to refine the use of TiO2 in PCPs. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;00:1–7. © 2019 SETAC
Near full genome characterization of HIV‐1 unique recombinant forms in Cameroon reveals dominant CRF02_AG and F2 recombination patterns
Authors: Banin Andrew N , Tuen Michael , Bimela Jude S , Tongo Marcel , Zappile Paul , Khodadadi‐Jamayran Alireza , Nanfack Aubin J , Okonko Iheanyi O , Meli Josephine , Wang Xiaohong , Mbanya Dora , Ngogang Jeanne , Gorny Miroslaw K , Heguy Adriana , Fokunang Charles , Duerr Ralf
Published: July 2019

Introduction

In Cameroon, a manifold diversity of HIV strains exists with CRF02_AG and unique recombinant forms (URFs) being the predominant strains. In recent years, a steady increase in URFs and clade F2 viruses has been monitored through partial genome sequencing. There is an information gap in the characterization of emerging URFs along the full genome, which is needed to address the challenges URFs pose towards diagnosis, treatment and HIV‐1 vaccine design.

Method

Eighteen Cameroonian URFs from samples collected between the years 2000 and 2015 were studied using a newly developed near full genome sequencing (NFGS) protocol based on variable nested RT‐PCRs with a versatile primer set. Near full genomes were characterized for recombination patterns and sequence signatures with possible impact on antiretroviral treatment or Env‐directed immune responses. Third‐generation sequencing (3GS) of near full or half genomes (HGs) gave insight into intra‐patient URF diversity.

Results

The characterized URFs were composed of a broad variety of subtypes and recombinants including A, F, G, CRF01_AE, CRF02_AG and CRF22_01A1. Phylogenetic analysis unveiled dominant CRF02_AG and F2 recombination patterns. 3GS indicated a high intra‐patient URF diversity with up to four distinct viral sub‐populations present in plasma at the same time. URF pol genomic analysis revealed a number of accessory drug resistance mutations (DRMs) in the ART‐naïve participants. Genotypic env analysis suggests CCR5 usage in 14/18 samples and identified deviations at residues, critical for gp120/gp41 interphase and CD4 binding site broadly neutralizing antibodies in more than half of the studied URFs. V1V2 sites of immune pressure in the human RV144 vaccine study varied in more than a third of URFs.

Conclusions

This study identified novel mosaic patterns in URFs in Cameroon. In line with the regional predominance of CRF_02AG and the increased prevalence of clade F2, prominent CRF_02AG and F2 background patterns were observed underlying the URFs. In the context of the novel mosaic genomes, the impact of the identified accessory DRMs and Env epitope variations on treatment and immune control remains elusive. The evolving diversity of HIV‐1 URFs in Cameroon requires continuous monitoring to respond to the increasing challenges for diagnosis, antiretroviral treatment and prevention.
Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in Critical Illness: A Review of Scoring Tools
Authors: Asrani Varsha M. , Brown Annabelle , Huang Wei , Bissett Ian , Windsor John A.
Published: July 2019

Gastrointestinal dysfunction/failure (GDF) is a common feature of critical illness. There is no consensus on the best way to measure severity of GDF. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate and compare all gastrointestinal dysfunction scoring tools (GDSTs) to determine aspects that might be useful to construct a new gut scoring tool for intensive care patients. A comprehensive database search of MEDLINE and EMBASE on GDSTs in acute, surgical, and critically ill patients was conducted. Extraction of data was conducted for study characteristics, GDST domains, feasibility of the scoring process, clinical outcomes, and quality of life attributes; independent authors conducted the search, applied the selection criteria, and extracted the data. Methodological quality of studies was assessed. A GDST matrix was created using 14 scoring tools and was evaluated for validity. The 14 GDSTs identified were used in different clinical settings, including critical illness, acute intestinal failure, gastrointestinal disorders, and postoperative patients. There was marked variation between these GDSTs. There is a lack of emphasis in the use of objective laboratory parameters and gut‐specific biomarkers to measure GDF in majority of the studies. The overall quality of evidence was poor, and most tools lacked formal validation. This review has highlighted the lack of an agreed and validated approach to scoring GDF in critical illness. The identified aspects of GDF relevant to critical illness should now be incorporated in a new scoring tool and prospectively tested in intensive care patients.
Bone formation following sinus grafting with an alloplastic biphasic calcium phosphate in Lanyu Taiwanese mini‐pigs
Authors: Hung Chao‐Chien , Fu Earl , Chiu Hsien‐Chung , Liang Huang‐Chien
Published: July 2019

Background

To evaluate the new bone formation after grafting with a synthetic biphasic calcium phosphate in sinuses with minimal bone height, the alloplastic and xenograft materials were compared after grafting into Lanyu Taiwanese mini‐pig sinuses via split‐mouth design.

Methods

In six mini‐pigs, synthetic hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP) particles were inserted into one of the sinus cavities using the extra‐oral approach, where deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) particles were placed contralaterally. Fluorescent bony labels of Alizarin and Calcein green were delivered at weeks 4 and 8, respectively. Animals were sacrificed at week 12 and the augmented tissues were evaluated by cone‐beam computed tomography, microcomputed tomography, and histology.

Results

By radiographic examination, the mean thicknesses of sinus cortexes for DBBM and HA/TCP groups were similar (0.35 versus 0.38 cm) and the mean volumes augmented were also indifferent (1.29 versus 1.64 cm3). The distributions of bones, residual particles, and non‐mineralized tissues in augmented masses between groups were undistinguishable. Under microscopy, however, macroporosities of osteons were filled with HA/TCP residual particles, whereas the newly formed bones lay on top of DBBM particle surfaces. Although the mineral deposition rates between groups were indifferent, the mean labeled surface in the HA/TCP group was significantly greater than those in the DBBM group at week 4 (35.16% versus 14.00% for HA/TCP and DBBM, respectively) but less than that at week 8 (19.33% versus 39.16%, respectively).

Conclusion

Sinus augmentation with synthetic HA/TCP and DBBM exhibited similar effectiveness in new bone formation.