bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of error types seen in digital panoramic radiographs
Authors: Kaplan Bahar , Katı Ezgi
Published: September 2024

Aims: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of different types of errors in panoramic radiography and explore potential correlations between these errors, age, and gender.
Methods: A total of 2000 panoramic radiographs randomly selected from the patient archives of the Department of Oral, Dental, and Maxillofacial Radiology at Dicle University Faculty of Dentistry, taken in 2023 for various indications, were analyzed. Two experienced radiologists (BK and EK) reviewed the digital panoramic X-ray images. Interobserver agreement was assessed by having both observers re-evaluate 10% of the sample. Patients with developmental anomalies, history of trauma, orthognathic surgery, maxillofacial pathology (e.g., tumors/cysts), and those under 16 years old were excluded. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 20.0 software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), with a significance level set at α=5%. Cohen’s kappa statistics were utilized to calculate intraobserver agreement.
Results: In the analysis of 2000 panoramic radiographs, it was found that 81.16% exhibited at least one error. The predominant error identified was the misplacement of the tongue against the palate, accounting for 34.75% of cases. A statistically significant association was observed between increasing patient age and higher error rates (p0.05).
Conclusion: The prevalence of positioning errors in panoramic radiography is considerable. It underscores the importance of providing adequate training to healthcare professionals and technicians to mitigate the risk of misinterpretation and unnecessary exposure to radiation.
Evaluation of the effect of different fiber reinforced composite resins on the flexural strength of Bulk Fill composite resin
Authors: Demir Ruşen , Ayna Buket
Published: September 2024

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of reinforcing a Bulk Fill composite resin material with different fiber reinforced composite resins (FRCRs) on flexural strength.
Methods: For the flexural strength test, 60 specimens were prepared using 4x4x8 mm polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) blocks in accordance with the standards and the specimens were divided into four study groups [Bulk Fill composite resin (group 1), Bulk Fill composite resin+glass fiber in braided structure (group 2), Bulk Fill composite resin+polyethylene fiber in leno woven structure (group 3), Bulk Fill composite resin+short glass fiber reinforced composite resin (group 4)]. The specimens were soaked in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours and subjected to three-point bending test with Universal Test device. Data were statistically analyzed using Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis-H tests.
Results: The average bending resistance values were 654.72 Newton (N), 682.33 N, 643.87 N and 1003.91 N in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. The effect of short glass fiber reinforced composite resin+Bulk Fill composite resin group on bending resistance was statistically significantly higher than all other groups (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the other groups in terms of flexural strength.
Conclusion: Within the limits of this in vitro study, it was concluded that short glass fiber reinforced composite resin increases the flexural strength of Bulk Fill composite resin as a base material.
What Kind of Bodies Will Come Together in Passage 468?
Authors: Silde Marja
Published: September 2024

The aim of this article is to investigate the question, whether the performance of Passage 468 (2019), as interpreted through the theory of agential realism by Karen Barad and the concept of sensory field by Petri Tervo, could suggest a revised conception of the open body. First, the objective of the text is to review the literature concerning the conceptions of the open body by Bakhtin as part of the carnival culture, and the closed body by Elias as a result of the civilising process. Additionally, I make some remarks about how the open body is considered in theatre history. Secondly, I investigate the analysis of the performance by describing my experience as a spectator of being part of certain sensory fields that were opened up in Passage 468. I argue that the sensory field is akin to staggering away from the safety of identity which determines the way in which we perceive and categorize the different aspects of a performance as separate entities. Finally, I suggest that by translating the sensory field experience into written form as a part of performance analysis, it is possible to understand how different bodies are entangled in the phenomena of the body. As I propose, in this way it is possible to once again conceive of the body and approach it as open and collective.
The Wet Pants - Becoming an Audience with the More than Human
Authors: Welent Sørensen Pernille
Published: September 2024

Inspired by new materialist theories, agential realism, and Karen Barad’s idea of entangled intra-action, this article explores how children, teachers, dancers, and researchers become an audience through their intra-actions with each other and with the more than human – such as a pair of wet leggings. I suggest that ways of becoming an audience are created, not just by following what humans do, but also by following non-humans, things, and how they are entangled with each other in becoming an audience. In this article, I show that knowledge production by following a pair of wet leggings also raises new ethical questions and considerations from a child-etic-perspective and in interactive performances. This leads to considerations around how teachers, dancers, children, research practices, and materiality are entangled.
Functional Implications of the Exon 9 Splice Insert in GluK1 Kainate Receptors
Authors: Dhingra Surbhi , Chopade Prachi M , Vinnakota Rajesh , Kumar Janesh
Published: September 2024

Kainate receptors are key modulators of synaptic transmission and plasticity in the central nervous system. Different kainate receptor isoforms with distinct spatiotemporal expressions have been identified in the brain. The GluK1-1 splice variant receptors, which are abundant in the adult brain, have an extra fifteen amino acids inserted in the amino-terminal domain (ATD) of the receptor resulting from alternative splicing of exon 9. However, the functional implications of this post-transcriptional modification are not yet clear. We employed a multi-pronged approach using cryogenic electron microscopy, electrophysiology, and other biophysical and biochemical tools to understand the structural and functional impact of this splice insert in the extracellular domain of GluK1 receptors. Our study reveals that the splice insert alters the key gating properties of GluK1 receptors and their modulation by the cognate auxiliary Neuropilin and tolloid-like (Neto) proteins 1 and 2. Mutational analysis identified the role of crucial splice residues that influence receptor properties and their modulation. Furthermore, the cryoEM structure of the variant shows that the presence of exon 9 in GluK1 does not affect the receptor architecture or domain arrangement in the desensitized state. Our study thus provides the first detailed structural and functional characterization of GluK1-1a receptors, highlighting the role of the splice insert in modulating receptor properties and their modulation.
A direct experimental test of Ohno’s hypothesis
Authors: Mihajlovic Ljiljana , Iyengar Bharat Ravi , Baier Florian , Barbier Içvara , Iwaszkiewicz Justyna , Zoete Vincent , Wagner Andreas , Schaerli Yolanda
Published: September 2024

Gene duplication drives evolution by providing raw material for proteins with novel functions. The oldest and historically most influential hypothesis about the evolutionary fate and potential of duplicated genes has been proposed by Susumu Ohno in 1970. This hypothesis essentially posits that gene duplication can help genes tolerate new mutations and thus facilitates the evolution of new phenotypes. Competing hypotheses argue that deleterious mutations will usually inactivate gene duplicates too rapidly for Ohno’s hypothesis to work. Here, we provide a first direct experimental test of Ohno’s hypothesis. Specifically, we evolved one or exactly two copies of a gene encoding a fluorescent protein in
Escherichia coli
through multiple rounds of mutagenesis and selection. We then analyzed the genotypic and phenotypic evolutionary dynamics of the evolving populations through high-throughput DNA sequencing, biochemical assays, and engineering of selected variants. In support of Ohno’s hypothesis, populations carrying two gene copies displayed higher mutational robustness than those carrying a single gene copy. As a consequence, the double-copy populations experienced relaxed purifying selection, evolved higher phenotypic and genetic diversity, carried more mutations and accumulated combinations of key beneficial mutations earlier. However, their phenotypic evolution was not accelerated, possibly because one gene copy rapidly became inactivated by deleterious mutations. Our work provides an experimental platform to test models of evolution by gene duplication, and it supports alternatives to Ohno’s hypothesis that point to the importance of gene dosage.
Human airway macrophages are metabolically reprogrammed by IFN-γ resulting in glycolysis dependent functional plasticity
Authors: Cox Donal J , Connolly Sarah A , Maoldomhnaigh Cilian Ó , Brugman Aenea AI , Thomas Olivia Sandby , Duffin Emily , Gogan Karl M , Gallchobhair Oisin Ó , Murphy Dearbhla M , O’Rourke Sinead A , O’Connell Finbarr , Nadarajan Parthiban , Phelan James J , Gleeson Laura E , Basdeo Sharee A , Keane Joseph
Published: September 2024

Airway macrophages (AM) are the predominant immune cell in the lung and play a crucial role in preventing infection, making them a target for host directed therapy. Macrophage effector functions are associated with cellular metabolism. A knowledge gap remains in understanding metabolic reprogramming and functional plasticity of distinct human macrophage subpopulations, especially in lung resident AM. We examined tissue-resident AM and monocyte derived macrophages (MDM; as a model of blood derived macrophages) in their resting state and after priming with IFN-γ or IL-4 to model the Th1/Th2 axis in the lung. Human macrophages, regardless of origin, had a strong induction of glycolysis in response to IFN-γ or upon stimulation. IFN-γ significantly enhanced cellular energetics in both AM and MDM by upregulating both glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. Upon stimulation, AM do not decrease oxidative phosphorylation unlike MDM which shift to “Warburg”-like metabolism. IFN-γ priming promoted cytokine secretion in AM. Blocking glycolysis with 2- deoxyglucose significantly reduced IFN-γ driven cytokine production in AM, indicating that IFN-γ induces functional plasticity in human AM, which is mechanistically mediated by glycolysis. Directly comparing responses between macrophages, AM were more responsive to IFN-γ priming and dependent on glycolysis for cytokine secretion than MDM. Interestingly, TNF production was under the control of glycolysis in AM and not in MDM. MDM exhibited glycolysis-dependent upregulation of HLA-DR and CD40, whereas IFN-γ upregulated HLA-DR and CD40 on AM independently of glycolysis. These data indicate that human AM are functionally plastic and respond to IFN-γ in a manner distinct from MDM. These data provide evidence that human AM are a tractable target for inhalable immunomodulatory therapies for respiratory diseases.
ATP burst is the dominant driver of antibiotic lethality in Mycobacteria
Authors: Lodhiya Tejan , Palande Aseem , Veeram Anjali , Larrouy-Maumus Gerald , Beste Dany JV , Mukherjee Raju
Published: September 2024

Antibiotic-tolerant bacteria, due to their unique physiology, are refractory to antimicrobial killing and pose challenges for infection control. Incomplete knowledge of how bactericidal antibiotics work, limits our understanding of partial resistance due to phenotypic tolerance in mycobacteria, a driver for developing genetic resistance. Using proteomics,
13
C isotopomer analysis, genetic and biochemical assays, we investigated the physiological response of
M. smegmatis
challenged with aminoglycoside and fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Two distinct classes of antibiotics elicited remarkably similar responses and increased flux through the TCA cycle, causing enhanced respiration, ROS generation, and ATP burst. We observed that excessive ATP levels and not ROS, dominantly contributes to cidality, which may in part be, conferred by sequestration of divalent metal ions by ATP. Consequently,
13
C isotope tracing indicated TCA cycle flux deviation from its oxidative arm as a bacterial adaptive mechanism, which also included activated intrinsic resistance and a higher propensity to develop antibiotic resistance. Our study provides a new understanding of the intricate mechanisms of antibiotic-induced cell death and expands the current paradigm for antibiotic action.
Virtual Reality: A Game Changer in Cardiac Rehabilitation
Authors: Kaur Simran , Kashyap Neha
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Virtual Reality (VR) technology creates a threedimensional virtual environment that mimics the actual world, allowing users to interact with its features and engage in variable exercise where essential components include intensity, repetition, and feedback. It is a computer-generated simulation consisting of sounds and visuals that mimic an actual location or circumstance. Aim: To determine whether VR balance or gait training is superior to traditional balance or gait training for patients. Materials and Methods: An extensive search on various databases was carried out including Ovid, Google Scholar, Medline, PubMed,ResearchGate and Scopus. Researches, RCT’s and reviews done in last 10 year were included for this review. Conclusion: It has been discovered that virtual reality can evoke acute stress reactions accompanied by the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and a decrease in the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system. It is a powerful tool for individual to acquire new learning for the benefit of their psychological well-being.
Analysing the Impact of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorder among Chefs in Different Categories: A Narrative Review
Authors: Kaushal Sourabh , Sharma Nidhi , Kaur Simranjeet
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Chefs are essential contributors to the culinary industry, yet they face unique challenges in their work environment that predispose them to Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs). Aim: This study examines the influence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders on chefs across various categories. Materials and Methods: This review studies chefs in various culinary fields, including cooks, pastry chefs, and sous chefs within the age range of 25 to 45 in both commercial and restaurant settings. A comprehensive literature search was conducted utilising electronic databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. By using the key terms work-related musculoskeletal disorders, chefs, and culinary industry articles were searched from the year 1998 to 2023 based on the impact of WRMSDs on diverse categories of chefs, and published within the last 25 years. Results: By using key terms, 675 articles were retrieved related to WRMSDs, out of which 16 articles (6 cross-sectional studies, 4 observational studies, 2 reviews, 2 surveys, and 2 experimental studies) were included for the review that assessed the prevalence, risk factors, consequences, management strategies, and interventions related to WRMSDs. Conclusion: WRMSDs are prevalent and affecting chefs. Risk factors include physical workload, prolonged standing, awkward posture, repetitive movement, and workplace stress. Interventions include ergonomic improvements, workplace modifications, and lifestyle changes.
Growth and Yield of Amaranthus (Amaranthus spp.) Varieties in Different Planting Systems under Shade Nets during the Kharif Season
Authors: Pawar G. A. , Gabhale L. K. , Parulekar Y. R. , Dalvi N. V. , Dhopavkar R. V.
Published: September 2024

The present investigation carried out at College of Horticulture, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth Dapoli, Dist. Ratnagiri during kharif season in year 2023-2024. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design consist of eight treatments with four replications. In the experiment Factor: A composed four amaranthus types V1: Konkan Durangi, V2: DPL-AS-6, V3: DPL-AS-4, V4: Nigadi Local and Factor: B is planting systems B1: Flat bed, B2: Raised bed. During investigation, the analysis of variance revealed that all the characters viz. growth parameters and yield attributing characters varied significantly. In amaranthus types Konkan Durangi (V1), recorded minimum days required for germination (3.12), highest plant height (25.72 cm), stem diameter (4.98 mm), number of leaves per plant (8.72), minimum days to first harvest (24.83), maximum number of harvests (3.30), highest mean yield per square meter (1.39 kg) and yield (13.92 t ha-1). In the planting systems raised bed (B2), had the minimum days required for germination (3.41), highest plant heights (25.27 cm), number of leaves per plant (8.45), longest leaf length (7.06 cm) and widest leaf breadth (3.99 cm), largest stem diameter (4.17 mm), minimum days to first harvest (25.60), maximum number of harvests (3.01), mean yield per square meter (1.31 kg) and yield (13.06 t ha-1).
TRIM8 regulates stemness in glioblastoma through PIAS3‐STAT3
Authors: Zhang Changming , Mukherjee Subhas , Tucker‐Burden Carol , Ross James L. , Chau Monica J. , Kong Jun , Brat Daniel J.
Published: January 2017

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant form of primary brain tumor, and GBM stem‐like cells (GSCs) contribute to the rapid growth, therapeutic resistance, and clinical recurrence of these fatal tumors. STAT3 signaling supports the maintenance and proliferation of GSCs, yet regulatory mechanisms are not completely understood. Here, we report that tri‐partite motif‐containing protein 8 (TRIM8) activates STAT3 signaling to maintain stemness and self‐renewing capabilities of GSCs. TRIM8 (also known as ‘glioblastoma‐expressed ring finger protein’) is expressed equally in GBM and normal brain tissues, despite its hemizygous deletion in the large majority of GBMs, and its expression is highly correlated with stem cell markers. Experimental knockdown of TRIM8 reduced GSC self‐renewal and expression of SOX2, NESTIN, and p‐STAT3, and promoted glial differentiation. Overexpression of TRIM8 led to higher expression of p‐STAT3, c‐MYC, SOX2, NESTIN, and CD133, and enhanced GSC self‐renewal. We found that TRIM8 activates STAT3 by suppressing the expression of PIAS3, an inhibitor of STAT3, most likely through E3‐mediated ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Interestingly, we also found that STAT3 activation upregulates TRIM8, providing a mechanism for normalized TRIM8 expression in the setting of hemizygous gene deletion. These data demonstrate that bidirectional TRIM8‐STAT3 signaling regulates stemness in GSC.
On the relation between radiation belt electrons and solar wind parameters/geomagnetic indices: Dependence on the first adiabatic invariant and L*
Authors: Zhao H. , Baker D. N. , Jaynes A. N. , Li X. , Elkington S. R. , Kanekal S. G. , Spence H. E. , Boyd A. J. , Huang C.‐L. , Forsyth C.
Published: January 2017

The relation between radiation belt electrons and solar wind/magnetospheric processes is of particular interest due to both scientific and practical needs. Though many studies have focused on this topic, electron data from Van Allen Probes with wide L shell coverage and fine energy resolution, for the first time, enabled this statistical study on the relation between radiation belt electrons and solar wind parameters/geomagnetic indices as a function of first adiabatic invariant μ and L*. Good correlations between electron phase space density (PSD) and solar wind speed, southward IMF Bz, SYM‐H, and AL indices are found over wide μ and L* ranges, with higher correlation coefficients and shorter time lags for low‐μ electrons than high‐μ electrons; the anticorrelation between electron PSD and solar wind proton density is limited to high‐μ electrons at high L*. The solar wind dynamic pressure has dominantly positive correlation with low‐μ electrons and negative correlation with high‐μ electrons at different L*. In addition, electron PSD enhancements also correlate well with various solar wind/geomagnetic parameters, and for most parameters this correlation is even better than that of electron PSD while the time lag is also much shorter. Among all parameters investigated, AL index is shown to correlate the best with electron PSD enhancements, with correlation coefficients up to ~0.8 for low‐μ electrons (time lag ~ 0 day) and ~0.7 for high‐μ electrons (time lag ~ 1–2 days), suggesting the importance of seed and source populations provided by substorms in radiation belt electron PSD enhancements.
Evaluation of the COSMO‐CLM high‐resolution climate simulations over West Africa
Authors: Dieng Diarra , Smiatek Gerhard , Bliefernicht Jan , Heinzeller Dominikus , Sarr A. , Gaye A. T. , Kunstmann Harald
Published: January 2017

The evaluation of a high‐resolution simulation at 0.11° (12 km) with the COnsortium for Small‐scale MOdelling in CLimate Mode (CCLM) regional climate model, applied over West Africa, is presented. This simulation is nested in a CCLM run at resolution of 0.44°, driven with boundary forcing data from the ERA‐Interim reanalysis, and covers the period from 1981 to 2010. The simulated temperature and precipitation are evaluated using three selected climate indices for temperature and eight indices for precipitation in five different regions against a new, daily precipitation climatology covering West Africa and against other state of the art climatologies. The obtained results indicate that CCLM is able to reproduce the observed major climate characteristics including the West African Monsoon within the range of comparable regional climate modeling evaluations studies, but substantial uncertainties remain, especially in the Sahel zone. The seasonal mean temperature bias for the rainy season from June to September ranges from −0.8°C to −1.1°C. The CCLM simulations also underestimate the observed precipitation with biases in precipitation reaching −10% in the high‐resolution and −20% in the low‐resolution model runs. CCLM extends the monsoon precipitation belt too far north, which results in an overestimation of precipitation in the Sahel zone of up to 60%. In the coastal zone, the precipitation is underestimated by up to −90%. These biases in precipitation amounts are associated with errors in the precipitation seasonality. The added value of the higher resolution of the nested run is reflected in a smaller bias in extreme precipitation statistics with respect to the reference data.
Carbonized Silk Nanofiber Membrane for Transparent and Sensitive Electronic Skin
Authors: Wang Qi , Jian Muqiang , Wang Chunya , Zhang Yingying
Published: January 2017

Recent years have witnessed the explosive development of electronic skin. Highly sensitive pressure sensing is one of the primary abilities of electronic skin. To date, most of the reported skin‐like pressure sensors are based on nanomaterials and microstructured polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films, limiting their wide practical applications due to the unknown biotoxicity and the redundant fabrication procedure. A cost‐effective, large‐area‐capable, and biocompatible approach for fabrication of high‐performance skin‐like pressure sensors is highly desired. Silk fibroin (SF) is a natural protein that has recently drawn great attention due to its application as the substrate for flexible electronics. Here, the fabrication of skin‐like pressure sensors is demonstrated using SF‐derived active materials. Flexible and conformal pressure sensors can be fabricated using transparent carbonized silk nanofiber membranes (CSilkNM) and unstructured PDMS films through a cost‐effective and large‐scale capable approach. Due to the unique N‐doped carbon nanofiber network structure of CSilkNM, the obtained pressure sensor shows superior performance, including ultrahigh sensitivity (34.47 kPa−1) for a broad pressure range, an ultralow detection limit (0.8 Pa), rapid response time (<16.7 ms), and high durability (>10 000 cycles). Based on its superior performance, its applications in monitoring human physiological signals, sensing subtle touch, and detecting spatial distribution of pressure are demonstrated.
Flexible and Highly Sensitive Pressure Sensors Based on Bionic Hierarchical Structures
Authors: Jian Muqiang , Xia Kailun , Wang Qi , Yin Zhe , Wang Huimin , Wang Chunya , Xie Huanhuan , Zhang Mingchao , Zhang Yingying
Published: January 2017

The rational design of high‐performance flexible pressure sensors attracts attention because of the potential applications in wearable electronics and human–machine interfacing. For practical applications, pressure sensors with high sensitivity and low detection limit are desired. Here, ta simple process to fabricate high‐performance pressure sensors based on biomimetic hierarchical structures and highly conductive active membranes is presented. Aligned carbon nanotubes/graphene (ACNT/G) is used as the active material and microstructured polydimethylsiloxane (m‐PDMS) molded from natural leaves is used as the flexible matrix. The highly conductive ACNT/G films with unique coalescent structures, which are directly grown using chemical vapor deposition, can be conformably coated on the m‐PDMS films with hierarchical protuberances. Flexible ACNT/G pressure sensors are then constructed by putting two ACNT/G/PDMS films face to face with the orientation of the ACNTs in the two films perpendicular to each other. Due to the unique hierarchical structures of both the ACNT/G and m‐PDMS films, the obtained pressure sensors demonstrate high sensitivity (19.8 kPa−1, <0.3 kPa), low detection limit (0.6 Pa), fast response time (<16.7 ms), low operating voltage (0.03 V), and excellent stability for more than 35 000 loading–unloading cycles, thus promising potential applications in wearable electronics.
Synthesis of Dibenzophosphole Oxides from Dibenzothiophene Dioxides and Phenylphosphine by Two Successive SNAr Reactions
Authors: Onoda Mitsuki , Koyanagi Yoshinari , Saito Hayate , Bhanuchandra M. , Matano Yoshihiro , Yorimitsu Hideki
Published: January 2017

One‐pot treatment of dibenzothiophene dioxides with phenylphosphine and KOH in DMSO at ambient temperature provides the corresponding dibenzophosphole oxides after oxidative workup. Substitution of the endocyclic SO2 unit with PPh could proceed via an intermolecular SNAr reaction of the dioxides with potassium phenylphosphide followed by another SNAr reaction in an intramolecular fashion. Various dibenzophospholes have been synthesized from readily available dibenzothiophene dioxides and were investigated from a photophysical viewpoint.
On the Influence of the Protonation States of Active Site Residues on AChE Reactivation: A QM/MM Approach
Authors: Driant Thomas , Nachon Florian , Ollivier Cyril , Renard Pierre‐Yves , Derat Etienne
Published: January 2017

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme of the serine hydrolase superfamily, is a mediator of signal transmission at cholinergic synapses by catalyzing acetylcholine cleavage into acetate and choline. This enzyme is vulnerable to covalent inhibition by organophosphate compounds (like VX). Covalent inhibition of AChE does not revert spontaneously. Known reactivator compounds have limited action in restoring catalytic activity. QM/MM simulations of VX‐inhibited AChE reactivation by pralidoxime (2‐PAM), a classical reactivator, were performed. These afforded a broad view of the effect of protonation states of active‐site residues, and provide evidence for the role of Glu202, which needs to be protonated for reactivation to occur. In situ deprotonation of 2‐PAM for both protonation states of Glu202 showed that His447 is able to deprotonate 2‐PAM with the assistance of Glu202. Because the active site of serine hydrolases is highly conserved, this work provides new insights on the interplay between the catalytic triad residues and this glutamate, newly identified as protonatable.
Gross‐dependent lower limb lymphoedema
Authors: Hennessy Mairead Marion , O'Brien Gavin Connor
Published: January 2017

Key Clinical Message

Gross‐dependent lower limb lymphoedema is an unusual condition which can be painful particularly if ulceration occurs. Focused history and clinical examination in addition to appropriate radiological investigation aid in the diagnosis. It is difficult to treat and requires a multidisciplinary team including vascular surgeons, dermatologists and clinical nurse specialists. The primary treatment option is compression bandaging.
Dual nano‐sized contrast agents in PET/MRI: a systematic review
Authors: Lahooti Afsaneh , Sarkar Saeed , Laurent Sophie , Shanehsazzadeh Saeed
Published: January 2017

Nowadays molecular imaging plays a vital role in achieving a successful targeted and personalized treatment. Hence, the approach of combining two or more medical imaging modalities was developed. The objective of this review is to systematically compare recent dual contrast agents in Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and in some cases Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/MRI in terms of some their characteristics, such as tumor uptake, and reticuloendothelial system uptake (especially liver) and their relaxivity rates for early detection of primary cancer tumor. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic and integrated overview of this field. Two reviewers individually directed the systematic review search using PubMed, MEDLINE and Google Scholar. Two other reviewers directed quality assessment, using the criteria checklist from the CAMARADES (Collaborative Approach to Meta‐Analysis and Review of Animal Data from Experimental Studies) tool, and differences were resolved by consensus. After reviewing all 49 studies, we concluded that a size range of 20–200 nm can be used for molecular imaging, although it is better to try to achieve as small a size as it is possible. Also, small nanoparticles with a hydrophilic coating and positive charge are suitable as a T2 contrast agent. According to our selected data, the most successful dual probes in terms of high targeting were with an average size of 40 nm, PEGylated using peptides as a biomarker and radiolabeled with copper 64 and gallium 68. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of Lipid Environment on Photodamage Activation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Nogueira Juan J. , Meixner Maximilian , Bittermann Marius , González Leticia
Published: January 2017

Lipid membrane photodamage in photodynamic therapy involves the penetration of a photosensitizer into the membrane, followed by photoactivation through intersystem crossing. The efficiency of both processes, in which electrostatic interactions with the lipid environment play a crucial role, determines the cytotoxic effect of the photosensitizer. Herein, we model the penetration of the archetypal photosensitizer methylene blue into a lipid bilayer and theoretically analyse the impact of the lipid environment on the excited state electronic structure of the photosensitizer. We show that both penetration and intersystem crossing are energetically adverse. The rationalization of the factors behind these unfavourable processes allows us to suggest some rules for the functionalization of the photosensitizer in order to improve its phototoxicity inside the lipid bilayer.
Reactions of [2‐(2‐Naphthyl)phenyl]acetylenes and 2‐(2‐Naphthyl)benzaldehyde O‐Phenyloximes: Synthesis of the Angucycline Tetrangulol and 1,10,12‐Trimethoxy‐8‐methylbenzo[c]phenanthridine
Authors: Ngwira Kennedy J. , Rousseau Amanda L. , Johnson Myron M. , de Koning Charles B.
Published: January 2017

The Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction between (1,4,5‐trimethoxynaphthalen‐2‐yl)boronic acid and 2‐iodo‐3‐methoxy‐5‐methylbenzaldehyde gave the intermediate 3‐methoxy‐5‐methyl‐2‐(1,4,5‐trimethoxynaphthalen‐2‐yl)benzaldehyde. Conversion of this benzaldehyde into the alkyne 2‐(2‐ethynyl‐6‐methoxy‐4‐methylphenyl)‐1,4,5‐trimethoxynaphthalene was accomplished through a Corey–Fuchs reaction. Exposure of the derived acetylene to a catalytic platinum(II)‐mediated ring closure gave the required tetracyclic aromatic product, 1,7,8,12‐tetramethoxy‐3‐methyltetraphene, which was then converted into tetrangulol. Exposure of the related 3‐methoxy‐5‐methyl‐2‐(1,4,5‐trimethoxynaphthalen‐2‐yl)benzaldehyde O‐phenyloxime to microwave irradiation in an ionic liquid yielded 1,10,12‐trimethoxy‐8‐methylbenzo[c]phenanthridine, instead of the desired natural product phenanthroviridone.
An assessment of differential reinforcement procedures for learners with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Johnson Kate A. , Vladescu Jason C. , Kodak Tiffany , Sidener Tina M.
Published: January 2017

Differential reinforcement procedures may promote unprompted correct responding, resulting in a quicker transfer of stimulus control than nondifferential reinforcement. Recent studies that have compared reinforcement arrangements have found that the most effective arrangement may differ across participants. The current study conducted an assessment of differential reinforcement arrangements (i.e., quality, schedule, and magnitude) and nondifferential reinforcement to identify the most effective arrangement for each participant. The assessment phase showed that the quality arrangement was the most efficient for all participants during auditory‐visual matching. Next, a validation phase was conducted to evaluate whether the assessment would predict the most effective arrangement across multiple skills. The results from the assessment phase were validated for all participants for the same skill. However, the results were only validated for one participant during the other skills (i.e., tact and intraverbal). The results are discussed in light of previous research and future areas of research.
G‐CSF mobilized peripheral blood stem cell collection for allogeneic transplantation in healthy donors: Analysis of factors affecting yield
Authors: Machaczka Maciej , Hägglund Hans , Staver Emma , Joks Monika , Hassan Moustapha , Wahlin Björn Engelbrekt , Axdorph Nygell Ulla
Published: January 2017

Mobilized PBSC are the main source for allogeneic HSCT. We aimed to evaluate factors that affect CD34+ cell yield including the donor's age, gender, BSA, processed blood volume and the method of G‐CSF dose calculation. Data from 170 healthy donors were analyzed. The concentration of CD34+ cells in the peripheral blood (PB) and the processed volume of blood were significantly correlated to CD34+ cells yield (P < .00005 and P < .001, respectively). The G‐CSF dose per m2 was significantly correlated to the concentration of CD34+ cells in the PB (P = .0003) and in the product (P = .01). Smaller BSA and less processed volume were found among female donors, who were given lesser G‐CSF dose per m2, and showed lower yield compared to men. However, multivariate analysis of the yield showed that only the concentration of CD34+ cells in the PB and the processed volume remained independent significant.
Solid‐state fermentation of Moringa oleifera leaf meal using Bacillus pumilusCICC 10440
Authors: Zhang Mengmeng , Huang Yewei , Zhao Haichu , Wang Tengfei , Xie Chuanqi , Zhang Dengyang , Wang Xuanjun , Sheng Jun
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

Moringa leaf is licensed as a new food ingredient and is rich in nutrients. However, owing to its high cellulose content, the nutrients are difficult to digest and absorb, which limits the product development and application of Moringa leaf.

RESULTS

Four bacterial strains – Trichoderma reesei CICC 2626, Bacillus pumilus CICC 10440, Bacillus subtilis subsp. CICC 21934, and Bacillus sp. CICC 21942 – were chosen to ferment with Moringa leaf powder. The results of solid fermentation and liquid fermentation show that solid‐state fermentation using Bacillus pumilus CICC 10440 in a 1:60 ratio with Moringa leaf powder produced the greatest amount of soluble protein (285 mg g−1, 2.42 times higher than the control) in 24 h. Using a cellulase activity assay and western blotting, it was found that Bacillus pumilus CICC 10440 uses endoglucanase to dissolve the cellulose to release nutrients from the Moringa oleifera leaf. We expanded the fermentation scale of the Moringa oleifera leaf in a 200 L fermenter and produced a 50 kg batch of Moringa oleifera product.

CONCLUSION

The results showing improvement in the nutrient release of Moringa leaf via microbial fermentation are a promising start and provide a basis for further product development of Moringa leaf. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Electrospun polysulfone (PSf)/titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanocomposite fibers as substrates to prepare thin film forward osmosis membranes
Authors: Zhang Cuicui , Huang Manhong , Meng Lijun , Li Beibei , Cai Teng
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

Forward osmosis (FO) membranes need to be improved since water fluxes of commercial FO membranes are low. Using electrospun polysulfone (PSf)/titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanocomposite fibers as substrates could be a good way to make high‐quality FO membranes. The effect of nano‐TiO2 on polyamide thin film nanocomposite (TFN) FO membrane was investigated. The nanocomposite substrates were fabricated by electrospinning. Hydrophilicity, porosity, pore size and mechanical properties of the membranes were determined.

RESULTS

Results indicated that hydrophilicity, porosity and pore size of the substrates were increased upon addition of TiO2. Water flux of TFN membrane prepared using PSf substrate embedded with 0.25 wt% TiO2 nanoparticles (denoted as TFN 0.25) was improved by 19% compared with controlled TFC membrane. Further increase in TiO2 nanoparticles loading to 0.5 and 0.75 wt% had higher water flux, but their FO performances were compromised by a significant increase in reverse solute flux and the active layer is more vulnerable. FO performance evaluation indicated that TFN 0.25 membrane showed the most promising results, with high water flux and low reverse solute flux.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that PSf/TiO2 solution can be electrospun as substrate to make TFN membranes with higher water flux than commercial membranes and electrospun membranes without nano‐TiO2. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of differential rates of alternative reinforcement on resurgence of human behavior
Authors: Smith Brooke M. , Smith Gregory S. , Shahan Timothy A. , Madden Gregory J. , Twohig Michael P.
Published: January 2017

Despite the success of exposure‐based psychotherapies in anxiety treatment, relapse remains problematic. Resurgence, the return of previously eliminated behavior following the elimination of an alternative source of reinforcement, is a promising model of operant relapse. Nonhuman resurgence research has shown that higher rates of alternative reinforcement result in faster, more comprehensive suppression of target behavior, but also in greater resurgence when alternative reinforcement is eliminated. This study investigated rich and lean rates of alternative reinforcement on response suppression and resurgence in typically developing humans. In Phase 1, three groups (Rich, n = 18; Lean, n = 18; Control, n = 10) acquired the target response. In Phase 2, target responding was extinguished and alternative reinforcement delivered on RI 1 s, RI 3 s, and extinction schedules, respectively. Resurgence was assessed during Phase 3 under extinction conditions for all groups. Target responding was suppressed most thoroughly in Rich and partially in Lean. Target responding resurged in the Rich and Lean groups, but not in the Control group. Between groups, resurgence was more pronounced in the Rich group than the Lean and Control groups. Clinical implications of these findings, including care on the part of clinicians when identifying alternative sources of reinforcement, are discussed.
Host‐related factors explaining interindividual variability of carotenoid bioavailability and tissue concentrations in humans
Authors: Bohn Torsten , Desmarchelier Charles , Dragsted Lars O. , Nielsen Charlotte S. , Stahl Wilhelm , Rühl Ralph , Keijer Jaap , Borel Patrick
Published: January 2017

Carotenoid dietary intake and their endogenous levels have been associated with a decreased risk of several chronic diseases. There are indications that carotenoid bioavailability depends, in addition to the food matrix, on host factors. These include diseases (e.g. colitis), life‐style habits (e.g. smoking), gender and age, as well as genetic variations including single nucleotide polymorphisms that govern carotenoid metabolism. These are expected to explain interindividual differences that contribute to carotenoid uptake, distribution, metabolism and excretion, and therefore possibly also their association with disease risk. For instance, digestion enzymes fostering micellization (PNLIP, CES), expression of uptake/efflux transporters (SR‐BI, CD36, NPC1L1), cleavage enzymes (BCO1/2), intracellular transporters (FABP2), secretion into chylomicrons (APOB, MTTP), carotenoid metabolism in the blood and liver (LPL, APO C/E, LDLR), and distribution to target tissues such as adipose tissue or macula (GSTP1, StARD3) depend on the activity of these proteins. In addition, human microbiota, e.g. via altering bile‐acid concentrations, may play a role in carotenoid bioavailability. In order to comprehend individual, variable responses to these compounds, an improved knowledge on intra‐/interindividual factors determining carotenoid bioavailability, including tissue distribution, is required. Here, we highlight the current knowledge on factors that may explain such intra‐/interindividual differences.
Direct and fast measurement of CT beam filter profiles with simultaneous geometrical calibration
Authors: Yang Kai , Li Xinhua , George Xu X. , Liu Bob
Published: January 2017

Purpose

To accurately measure the beam filter profiles from a variety of CT scanner models and to provide reference data for Monte Carlo simulations of CT scanners.

Methods

This study proposed a new method to measure CT beam filter profiles using a linear‐array x‐ray detector (X‐Scan 0.8f3‐512; Detection Technology Inc., Espoo, Finland) under gantry rotation mode. A robust geometrical calibration approach was developed to determine key geometrical parameters by considering the x‐ray focal spot location relative to the linear‐array detector and the gantry's angular increment at each acquisition point. CT beam intensity profiles were synthesized from continuously measured data during a 10° gantry rotation range with calibrated detector response and system geometry information. Relative transmission profiles of nineteen sets of beam filters were then derived for nine different CT scanner models from three different manufacturers. Equivalent aluminum thickness profiles of these beam filters were determined by analytical calculation using the Spektr Matlab software package to match the measured transmission profiles. Three experiments were performed to validate the accuracy of the geometrical calibration, detector response modeling, and the derived equivalent aluminum thickness profiles.

Results

The beam intensity profiles measured from gantry rotation mode showed very good agreement with those measured with gantry stationary mode, with a maximal difference of 3%. The equivalent aluminum thickness determined by this proposed method agreed well with what was measured by an ion chamber, with a mean difference of 0.4%. The determined HVL profiles matched well with data from a previous study (max difference of 4.7%).

Conclusions

An accurate and robust method to directly measure profiles from a broad list of beam filters and CT scanner models was developed, implemented, and validated. Useful reference data was provided for future research on CT system modeling.
A feasibility study of an integrated NIR/gamma/visible imaging system for endoscopic sentinel lymph node mapping
Authors: Kang Han Gyu , Lee Ho‐Young , Kim Kyeong Min , Song Seong‐Hyun , Hong Gun Chul , Hong Seong Jong
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The aim of this study is to integrate NIR, gamma, and visible imaging tools into a single endoscopic system to overcome the limitation of NIR using gamma imaging and to demonstrate the feasibility of endoscopic NIR/gamma/visible fusion imaging for sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping with a small animal.

Methods

The endoscopic NIR/gamma/visible imaging system consists of a tungsten pinhole collimator, a plastic focusing lens, a BGO crystal (11 × 11 × 2 mm3), a fiber‐optic taper (front = 11 × 11 mm2, end = 4 × 4 mm2), a 122‐cm long endoscopic fiber bundle, an NIR emission filter, a relay lens, and a CCD camera. A custom‐made Derenzo‐like phantom filled with a mixture of 99mTc and indocyanine green (ICG) was used to assess the spatial resolution of the NIR and gamma images. The ICG fluorophore was excited using a light‐emitting diode (LED) with an excitation filter (723–758 nm), and the emitted fluorescence photons were detected with an emission filter (780–820 nm) for a duration of 100 ms. Subsequently, the 99mTc distribution in the phantom was imaged for 3 min. The feasibility of in vivo SLN mapping with a mouse was investigated by injecting a mixture of 99mTc‐antimony sulfur colloid (12 MBq) and ICG (0.1 mL) into the right paw of the mouse (C57/B6) subcutaneously. After one hour, NIR, gamma, and visible images were acquired sequentially. Subsequently, the dissected SLN was imaged in the same way as the in vivo SLN mapping.

Results

The NIR, gamma, and visible images of the Derenzo‐like phantom can be obtained with the proposed endoscopic imaging system. The NIR/gamma/visible fusion image of the SLN showed a good correlation among the NIR, gamma, and visible images both for the in vivo and ex vivo imaging.

Conclusion

We demonstrated the feasibility of the integrated NIR/gamma/visible imaging system using a single endoscopic fiber bundle. In future, we plan to investigate miniaturization of the endoscope head and simultaneous NIR/gamma/visible imaging with dichroic mirrors and three CCD cameras.
Fabrication of graphene oxide and hyperbranched polyurethane composite via in situ polymerization with improved mechanical and dielectric properties
Authors: Yadav Santosh Kumar , Suri Anil , Ansari Mohammad Omaish , Thomas Sabu
Published: January 2017

Herein, we report a simple and one‐pot route for the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO)/hyperbranched polyurethane (HBPU) composite by in situ polymerization technique. The polyurethane (PU) chains formed covalent linkages with the exposed hydroxyl and carboxylic acid groups on the GO. The composite was characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The characterization results revealed that the GO sheets were well dispersed within the HBPU matrix, resulting in very good enhancement in tensile strength and Young's modulus of the composites. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) suggests that the GO has a nucleating effect for the HBPU. The composites also show a mild increase in stability towards thermal degradation, and significantly, higher dielectric constant compared with neat HBPU at low frequencies. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2765–2770, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers