bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One‐Pot Copper‐Catalyzed Cascade Bicyclization Strategy for Synthesis of 2‐(1H‐Indol‐1‐yl)‐4,5‐dihydrothiazoles and 2‐(1H‐Indol‐1‐yl)thiazol‐5‐yl Aryl Ketones with Molecular Oxygen as an Oxygen Source
Authors: Xie Jialin , Guo Zhonglin , Huang Yuanqiong , Qu Yi , Song Hongjian , Song Haibin , Liu Yuxiu , Wang Qingmin
Published: December 2018

An atom‐economical method for synthesizing N‐heterocyclic indoles from readily available o‐alkynylphenyl isothiocyanates and propargylamine derivatives is reported. This method involves a copper‐catalyzed cascade bicyclization process consisting of an intramolecular 5‐exo‐dig hydrothiolation reaction and an intramolecular hydroamination reaction and, depending on whether or not molecular oxygen is present, selectively affords Z‐isomers of 2‐(1H‐indol‐1‐yl)‐4,5‐dihydrothiazoles or 2‐(1H‐indol‐1‐yl)thiazol‐5‐yl aryl ketones in satisfactory yields. Mechanistic studies indicate that molecular oxygen acts as the oxygen source for the ketone moiety in the products.

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The Role of Charge Selective Contacts in Perovskite Solar Cell Stability
Authors: Roose Bart , Wang Qiong , Abate Antonio
Published: December 2018

Lead halide perovskite solar cells have rapidly achieved high efficiencies comparable to established commercial photovoltaic technologies. The main focus of the field is now shifting toward improving the device lifetime. Many efforts have been made to increase the stability of the perovskite compound and charge‐selective contacts. The electron and hole selective contacts are responsible for the transport of photogenerated charges out of the solar cell and are in intimate contact with the perovskite absorber. Besides the intrinsic stability of the selective contacts themselves, the interfaces at perovskite/selective contact and metal/selective contact play an important role in determining the overall operational lifetime of perovskite solar cells. This review discusses the impact of external factors, i.e., heat, UV‐light, oxygen, and moisture, and measured conditions, i.e., applied bias on the overall stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The authors summarize and analyze the reported strategies, i.e., material engineering of selective contacts and interface engineering via the introduction of interlayers in the aim of enhancing the device stability of PSCs at elevated temperatures, high humidity, and UV irradiation. Finally, an outlook is provided with an emphasis on inorganic contacts that is believed to be the key to achieving highly stable PSCs.
Diffusion, mixing, and segregation in confined granular flows
Authors: Fry Alexander M. , Umbanhowar Paul B. , Ottino Julio M. , Lueptow Richard M.
Published: December 2018

Discrete element method simulations of confined bidisperse granular shear flows elucidate the balance between diffusion and segregation that can lead to either mixed or segregated states, depending on confining pressure. Results indicate that the collisional diffusion is essentially independent of overburden pressure. Because the rate of segregation diminishes with overburden pressure, the tendency for particles to segregate weakens relative to the remixing of particles due to collisional diffusion as the overburden pressure increases. Using a continuum approach that includes a pressure‐dependent segregation velocity and a pressure‐independent diffusion coefficient, the interplay between diffusion and segregation is accurately predicted for both size and density bidisperse mixtures over a wide range of flow conditions when compared to simulation results. Additional simulations with initially segregated conditions demonstrate that applying a high enough overburden pressure can suppress segregation to the point that collisional diffusion mixes the segregated particles. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 65: 875–881, 2019
Co2(CO)8‐Catalyzed Base‐Free Arylsulfonyl Transfer Process via the S‐N Bond Cleavage of N‐Cyano‐N‐Phenyl Arenesulfonamides
Authors: Li Jiang‐Sheng , Yang Pan‐Pan , Chen Guo‐Qin , Xie Xin‐Yun , Li Zhi‐Wei , Li Wen‐Sheng , Liu Wei‐Dong
Published: December 2018

Air‐ and bench‐stable N‐cyano‐N‐phenyl arenesulfonamides (NCASs) have been demonstrated to be sulfonylating agents for the synthesis of N‐arylsulfonyl benzimidazoles catalyzed by dicobalt octacarbony, Co2(CO)8, without any bases. This protocol undergoes an intermolecular N‐ to N‐arylsulfonyl transfer process involving the S−N bond cleavage of NCASs instead of normal CN group migration via the C−N bond scission.
Left atrial appendage occlusion using a Watchman device in a transplanted heart with biatrial anastomosis
Authors: Poulin Marie‐France , Mohamedali Burhan , Kavinsky Clifford J. , Krishnan Kousik
Published: December 2018

A percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion using a Watchman device was performed in a patient with prior biatrial anastomosis orthotopic heart transplant (OHT). Due to the anatomical changes following biatrial anastomosis, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) imaging and transseptal puncture become technically challenging. We describe how the standard LAA views on TEE were obtained for device sizing, and how the transseptal puncture was modified to cross the scarred septum. This case demonstrates that LAA occlusion using a Watchman device in biatrial anastomosis OHT is safe and can successfully be done.
Graphene‐hBN Hybrid Nanogap for Boosting DNA Nucleobases Recognition Sensitivity
Authors: Panahi S. F. K. S. , Namiranian Afshin , Jamaati Maryam
Published: December 2018

The construction of hybrid graphene/hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanodevices with applications in sensing could make it possible to tailor hybrid nanogap architectures. Here, we explore the advantages of hybrid graphene/hexagonal boron nitride nanogaps to improve the sensing of DNA nucleobases compared to graphene nanogaps. To this end, ab‐initio calculations are employed to investigate both the electronic properties of different graphene/hBN hybrids and the transport properties of DNA nucleobases located between aforementioned hybrid nanogaps. Our results show that hybrid nanogaps with boron interfaces shift the HOMO toward the Fermi energy leading to a better transmission coefficient in the vicinity of the Fermi energy level. In addition, nanogaps with boron interfaces and narrower graphene nanoroads enhance the sensitivity at and around the Fermi energy level for all nucleobases, especially for small ones.
A Splitting Theorem for Scalar Curvature
Authors: Chodosh Otis , Eichmair Michael , Moraru Vlad
Published: December 2018

We show that a Riemannian 3‐manifold with nonnegative scalar curvature is flat if it contains an area‐minimizing cylinder. This scalar‐curvature analogue of the classical splitting theorem of J. Cheeger and D. Gromoll (1971) was conjectured by D. Fischer‐Colbrie and R. Schoen (1980) and by M. Cai and G. Galloway (2000). © 2018 the Authors. Communications on Pure and Applied Mathematics is published by the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An efficient weighted trust‐based malicious node detection scheme for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Zawaideh Firas , Salamah Muhammed
Published: December 2018

The aim of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is to gather sensor data from a monitored environment. However, the collected or reported information might be falsified by faults or malicious nodes. Hence, identifying malicious nodes in an effective and timely manner is essential for the network to function properly and reliably. Maliciously behaving nodes are usually detected and isolated by reputation and trust‐based schemes before they can damage the network. In this paper, we propose an efficient weighted trust‐based malicious node detection (WT‐MND) scheme that can detect malicious nodes in a clustered WSN. The node behaviors are realistically treated by accounting for false‐positive and false‐negative instances. The simulation results confirm the timely identification and isolation of maliciously behaving nodes by the WT‐MND scheme. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is afforded by the adaptive trust‐update process, which implicitly performs trust recovery of temporarily malfunctioning nodes and computes a different trust‐update factor for each node depending on its behavior. The proposed scheme is more effective and scalable than the related schemes in the literature, as evidenced by its higher detection ratio (DR) and lower misdetection ratio (MDR), which only slightly vary with the network's size. Moreover, the scheme sustains its efficient characteristics without significant power consumption overheads.
New measures for evaluation of environmental perturbations using Before‐After‐Control‐Impact analyses
Authors: Chevalier Mathieu , Russell James C. , Knape Jonas
Published: December 2018

Before‐After‐Control‐Impact (BACI) designs are powerful tools to derive inferences about environmental perturbations (e.g., hurricanes, restoration programs) when controlled experimental designs are unfeasible. Applications of BACI designs mostly rely on testing for a significant interaction between periods and treatments (so‐called BACI contrast) to demonstrate the effects of the perturbation. However, significant interactions can emerge for several reasons, including when changes are larger in control sites, such that additional diagnostics must be performed to determine the full complexity of system changes. We propose two measures that detail the nature of change implied by BACI contrasts, along with its uncertainty. CI‐divergence (Control‐Impact divergence) quantifies to what extent control and impact sites have diverged between the after and the before period, whereas CI‐contribution (Control‐Impact contribution) quantifies to what extent the change between periods is stronger in impact sites relative to control sites. To illustrate how these two CI measures can be combined with BACI contrast to gain insights about effects of environmental perturbations, we used count data from the Swedish Breeding Bird Survey to investigate how hurricane Gudrun affected the long‐term abundances of four bird species in forested areas of southern Sweden. Before‐After‐Control‐Impact contrasts suggested the hurricane affected all four species. However, the values of the two CI measures strongly differed, even among species showing similar BACI contrasts. Those differences highlight qualitatively distinct population trajectories between periods and treatments requiring different ecological explanations. Overall, we show that BACI contrasts do not provide the full story in assessing the effects of environmental perturbations. The two CI measures can be used to assist ecological interpretations, or to specify detailed hypotheses about effects of restoration actions to allow stronger confirmatory inference about their outcomes. By providing a framework to develop more detailed explanations and hypotheses about ecological changes, the two CI measures can improve conclusions and strengthen evidence of effects of conservation actions and impact assessments under BACI designs.
Defining a ‘frequent admitter’ phenotype among patients with repeat heart failure admissions
Authors: Go Yun Yun , Sellmair Reinhard , Allen John C. , Sahlén Anders , Bulluck Heerajnarain , Sim David , Jaufeerally Fazlur R. , MacDonald Michael R. , Lim Zhan Yun , Chai Ping , Loh Seet Yoong , Yap Jonathan , Lam Carolyn S.P.
Published: December 2018

Aims

We aimed to identify a ‘frequent admitter’ phenotype among patients admitted for acute decompensated heart failure (HF).

Methods and results

We studied 10 363 patients in a population‐based prospective HF registry (2008–2012), segregated into clusters based on their 3‐year HF readmission frequency trajectories. Using receiver‐operating characteristic analysis, we identified the index year readmission frequency threshold that most accurately predicts HF admission frequency clusters. Two clusters of HF patients were identified: a high frequency cluster (90.9%, mean 2.35 ± 3.68 admissions/year) and a low frequency cluster (9.1%, mean 0.50 ± 0.81 admission/year). An index year threshold of two admissions was optimal for distinguishing between clusters. Based on this threshold, ‘frequent admitters’, defined as patients with ≥ 2 HF admissions in the index year (n = 2587), were of younger age (68 ± 13 vs 69 ± 13 years), more often male (58% vs. 54%), smokers (38.4% vs. 34.4%) and had lower left ventricular ejection fraction (37 ± 17 vs. 41 ± 17%) compared to ‘non‐frequent admitters’ (< 2 HF admissions in the index year; n = 7776) (all P < 0.001). Despite similar rates of advanced care utilization, frequent admitters had longer length of stay (median 4.3 vs. 4.0 days), higher annual inpatient costs (€ 7015 vs. € 2967) and higher all‐cause mortality at 3 years compared to the non‐frequent admitters (adjusted odds ratio 2.33, 95% confidence interval 2.11–2.58; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

‘Frequent admitters’ have distinct clinical characteristics and worse outcomes compared to non‐frequent admitters. This study may provide a means of anticipating the HF readmission burden and thereby aid in healthcare resource distribution relative to the HF admission frequency phenotype.
Population analysis of socioeconomic status and otolaryngologist distribution on head and neck cancer outcomes
Authors: Pagedar Nitin A. , Davis Andrew B. , Sperry Steven M. , Charlton Mary E. , Lynch Charles F.
Published: December 2018

Background

The relationship between clinical outcomes and geographic determinants is not well known for head and neck cancer. Socioeconomic status (SES) factors and the distribution of health care resources might impact outcomes.

Methods

Head and neck cancer cases in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were studied. Patient‐level prognostic factors were identified from the SEER, and county‐level factors were identified from the Area Health Resource File. Stage at presentation and observed survival were the outcomes of interest, with predictive factors identified by multivariate logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

On multivariate analysis, tumor site, sex, race, marital status, rural residence, and county poverty level predicted stage at presentation. Sex, race, marital status, county‐level poverty, and number of otolaryngologists predicted observed survival.

Conclusion

Adverse county‐level SES predicted advanced cancer stage at presentation and diminished observed survival. SES was a stronger predictor of patient outcomes than rurality or number of otolaryngologists.
Association between comorbidity and survival in head and neck cancer: Results from Head and Neck 5000
Authors: Schimansky Sarah , Lang Samantha , Beynon Rhona , Penfold Christopher , Davies Amy , Waylen Andrea , Thomas Steve , Pring Miranda , Pawlita Michael , Waterboer Tim , Ness Andy
Published: December 2018

Background

People with head and neck cancer have higher comorbidity levels but it remains unclear if pretreatment comorbidity is an independent prognosticator in head and neck cancer.

Methods

Survival analyses were performed using data from participants in a UK multicentre cohort study with cancers of the oral cavity (n = 668), oropharynx (n = 1074), and larynx (n = 530). Survival analyses were incrementally adjusted for age, sex, marital status, income, education, stage, alcohol, and smoking.

Results

After adjusting for demographic, clinical, and behavioral confounders, higher baseline comorbidity was associated with reduced overall survival (mild comorbidity HR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.1, 1.7; moderate comorbidity HR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.3, 2.2; severe comorbidity HR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.9, 4.; P‐trend<.001).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that comorbidity is an independent prognosticator for overall survival in head and neck cancer. Comorbid illnesses should be considered in the assessment and treatment planning of people with head and neck cancer.
Entecavir and Peginterferon Alfa‐2a in Adults With Hepatitis B e Antigen–Positive Immune‐Tolerant Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Authors: Feld Jordan J. , Terrault Norah A. , Lin Hsing‐Hua S. , Belle Steven H. , Chung Raymond T. , Tsai Naoky , Khalili Mandana , Perrillo Robert , Cooper Stewart L. , Ghany Marc G. , Janssen Harry L.A. , Lok Anna S. ,   for the Hepatitis B Research Network
Published: December 2018

Monotherapy with interferon or nucleoside analog is generally not recommended during the immune‐tolerant (IT) phase of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Recognition that high HBV DNA levels are associated with hepatocellular carcinoma has increased interest in treating HBV in the IT phase. Small pediatric studies reported efficacy with combination nucleoside analog and interferon therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the combination of entecavir and peginterferon in adults in the IT phase of chronic HBV infection. Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)–positive adults with HBV DNA > 107 IU/mL and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≤ 1.5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) (male: ≤ 45, female: ≤ 30 U/L) received entecavir 0.5 mg daily for 8 weeks followed by the addition of peginterferon alfa‐2a 180 µg/week to entecavir for an additional 40 weeks. The primary endpoint was HBeAg loss and HBV DNA ≤ 1,000 IU/mL 48 weeks after end of treatment (EOT). Among 28 participants from 11 sites, the median age was 37.2 (range: 22‐61) years, 54% were male, and 96% were Asian. Nearly all were infected with genotype C (64%) or B (32%). Median baseline HBV DNA was 8.2 log10 IU/mL, and ALT was 0.9 times the ULN. Although one (4%) participant cleared HBeAg, none met the primary endpoint of both HBeAg loss AND HBV DNA ≤ 1,000 IU/mL 48 weeks post‐EOT. ALT elevations > 5 times the ULN occurred in eight (29%) participants, and none were associated with icterus. Forty‐eight weeks posttreatment, HBV DNA rebounded to baseline levels in all participants, including the participant who lost HBeAg, and ALT values returned to near baseline levels in all but four participants. Conclusion: A lead‐in strategy of 8 weeks of entecavir followed by combination peginterferon and entecavir therapy for 40 weeks had limited efficacy in adults in the IT phase of chronic HBV infection and cannot be recommended.
Effects of stimulus presentation order during auditory–visual conditional discrimination training for children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Cubicciotti Julie E. , Vladescu Jason C. , Reeve Kenneth F. , Carroll Regina A. , Schnell Lauren K.
Published: December 2018

Children with autism spectrum disorder are typically taught conditional discriminations using a match‐to‐sample arrangement. Consideration should be given to the temporal order in which antecedent stimuli (the sample and comparison stimuli) are presented during match‐to‐sample trials, as various arrangements have been used in the extant literature. The purpose of the current study was to compare the effects of four stimulus presentation orders on the acquisition of auditory–visual conditional discriminations. The study included participants from a clinically relevant population (three children with autism spectrum disorder), employed clinically relevant teaching procedures, and included two presentation formats not included in previous comparison evaluations (simultaneous and sample‐first with re‐presentation conditions). Results were found to be learner‐specific; that is, a different stimulus presentation format was most efficient for each participant. We provide suggestions to evaluate stimulus control topographies and enhance experimental control in match‐to‐sample arrangements.
Mononuclear cell collection for extracorporeal photopheresis by using the “off‐line” system: A comparative study between COBE Spectra and Spectra Optia devices
Authors: Pascual Cristina , González‐Arias Elena , Pérez‐Corral Ana María , Bailén Rebeca , Gayoso Jorge , Besson Nelly , Serrano David , Kwon Mi , Anguita Javier , Díez‐Martín José Luis
Published: December 2018

Background

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is an efficient and established therapy to treat acute and chronic graft vs host disease (GVHD). Using an “off‐line” method, the first step (mononuclear cell [MNC] collection) is decisive, as long as a high MNC yield and purity in the collected product is desirable. Two “off‐line” devices were compared: the COBE Spectra and the Spectra Optia (Terumo BCT), using both continuous and intermittent protocols.

Patients and methods

Twelve patients with GvHD (7 acute/5 chronic) were enrolled between June 2014 and May 2015 and were alternatively assigned for each procedure to either the COBE Spectra or the Spectra Optia cell separator. Patients characteristics and procedure/product parameters were analyzed.

Results

Two hundred procedures (100 per device) were included. The Spectra Optia system showed higher total nucleated cells and MNC collection efficiencies (18.6(10.2‐29.7) vs 7.9(4.1‐14.8)% and 43.6(20.3‐59.5) vs 23.3(11.4‐37.1)%, P < .001) and monocyte and lymphocyte collection efficiencies (55.2(17.7‐83.2) vs 22.8(9‐38.9)% and 38.3(26.7‐53.4) vs 22.2(9‐38.9)%, respectively, P < .001). Absolute platelet loss (PL) and PL per liter of blood processed were significantly lower in the Spectra Optia group (22.9(18.3‐28.1) vs 33.6(26.5‐41.1)%, P < .001 and 3.7(3.1‐4.5) vs 4.3(3.5‐4.2)%, P = .01, respectively). However, granulocyte contamination was higher (4.5(1.3‐36) vs 1.2(0.4‐5.7)%, P < .001) and a higher product haematocrit was obtained with the Spectra Optia (1(0.5‐1.6) vs 0.3(0.2‐0.5)%, P < .001), without an impact on irradiation time.

Conclusions

In our study, Spectra Optia proved to be safe and effective in collecting MNC with high yield and purity for ECP in GvHD.
Long non‐coding RNAs in cancer: Another layer of complexity
Authors: de Oliveira Jaqueline Carvalho , Oliveira Luana Caroline , Mathias Carolina , Pedroso Gabrielle Araújo , Lemos Debora Souza , Salviano‐Silva Amanda , Jucoski Tayana Schultz , Lobo‐Alves Sara Cristina , Zambalde Erika Pereira , Cipolla Gabriel Adelman , Gradia Daniela Fiori
Published: December 2018

We review the most well characterized long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) with important roles in hallmarks of cancer, additionally including lncRNAs with a higher potential for clinical application. LncRNAs are transcripts larger than 200 nucleotides in length that do not appear to have protein‐coding potential, although some of those may produce small functional peptides. These transcripts have attracted significant attention from researchers as a result of their role in genetic regulation, including epigenetic, transcriptional and post‐transcriptional regulation, being involved in numerous biological processes, as well as being associated with multifactorial diseases, including tumorigenesis. The hallmarks of cancer include sustaining proliferative signaling, evading growth suppressors, resisting cell death, enabling replicative immortality, inducing angiogenesis and activating invasion/metastasis. Additionally, genome instability, inflammation, reprogramming of energy metabolism and evading immune destruction and lncRNAs are implicated in all hallmarks of cancer. Based on the great number of studies describing lncRNAs associated with diverse aspects of most tumor types, lncRNAs have essential roles in potentially all biological features of cancer cells and show great utility as diagnostic and prognostic markers, as exemplified by PCA3 lncRNA detection in prostate cancer diagnosis.
Design, Synthesis, Molecular Modeling Study, and Antimicrobial Activity of Some Novel Pyrano[2,3‐b]pyridine and Pyrrolo[2,3‐b]pyrano[2.3‐d]pyridine Derivatives
Authors: Elkanzi Nadia A. A. , Bakr Rania B. , Ghoneim Amira A.
Published: December 2018

Novel derivatives of pyrano[2,3‐b]pyridine and pyrrolo[2,3‐b]pyrano[2.3‐d]pyridine were prepared, and their structures were elucidated by spectral and elemental analyses. The newly prepared candidates were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity againstCandida sp.,Aspergillus multi,Aspergillus niger,Escherichia coli, andStaphylococcus aureus. All the tested compounds revealed potent to moderate activity toward all tested microorganisms; especially, candidate10showed comparable antifungal activity as that showed by the standard drug ketoconazole towardCandida sp., and ethyl 4‐methyl‐1,7,8,9‐tetrahydropyrano[2,3‐b]pyrrolo[2,3‐d]pyridine‐3‐carboxylate (12) was the most active compound against all the tested bacteria. Furthermore, the newly synthesized compounds are subjected to molecular docking study for the inhibition of the enzyme L‐glutamine: D‐fructose‐6‐phosphate amidotransferase [GlcN‐6‐P], which is a new target for antimicrobials to explain action mode of these target compounds as leads for discovering other antimicrobial agents.
Persons living with HIV with advanced HIV disease: need for novel care models
Authors: Teasdale Chloe A , Yuengling Katharine , Preko Peter , Syowai Maureen , Ndagije Felix , Rabkin Miriam , Abrams Elaine J , El‐Sadr Wafaa M
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Despite increasing focus on test and treat strategies for people living with HIV (PLHIV), many continue to enrol late in care and initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) when they have advanced HIV disease.

Methods

We analyzed PLHIV ≥15 years of age starting ART in Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique and Tanzania from 2005 to 2015 based on CD4+ groups at ART initiation (≥200, 100 to 199, 50 to 99 and <50 cells/mm3) to examine attrition (loss to follow‐up (LTF) and death) using Kaplan‐Meier estimators and Cox proportional hazards models. LTF was defined as no clinic visit >6 months; deaths were ascertained from medical records.

Results and discussion

A total of 305,443 PLHIV were included in the analysis: 118,580 (38.8%) CD4+ ≥200, 91,788 (30.1%) CD4+ 100 to 199, 44,029 (14.4%) CD4+ 50 to 99 and 51,046 (16.7%) CD4+ <50 cells/mm3. At 12 months after ART initiation, attrition for those with CD4+ ≥200, 100 to 199, 50 to 99 and <50 cells/mm3 was 21.3% (95% CI 21.1 to 21.6), 21.8% (95% CI 21.6 to 22.1), 27.3% (95% CI 26.9 to 27.7) and 33.6% (95% CI 33.2 to 34.0) respectively. In multivariable models, compared to PLHIV with CD4+ ≥200 cells/mm3, those with CD4+ 50 to 99 cells/mm3 had 29% increased risk of attrition (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) 1.29, 95% CI 1.27 to 1.32) and those with <50 cells/mm3 had 56% increased risk of attrition (AHR 1.56, 95% CI 1.53 to 1.58). Men had higher attrition compared to women across all CD4+ groups and overall were 28% more likely to experience attrition (AHR 1.28, 95% CI 1.26 to 1.29). Even after ART initiation, PLHIV with advanced disease had notably inferior outcomes with substantial gradient within the low CD4+ strata highlighting the need for targeted interventions for these populations.

Conclusions

Greater efforts, including the identification of effective differentiated service delivery models, are needed to ensure that all PLHIV starting treatment can garner the benefits from ART and achieve favourable outcomes.
Significant fat reduction in deep‐fried kamaboko by fish protein hydrolysates derived from common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Zeng Qingzhu , Dai Mingrui , Yang Yuan , Su Dongxiao , Feng Shilun , He Shan , Tian Bin
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

To evaluate their fat reduction effect, common carp fish protein hydrolysates (FPH) were made using four methods: the conventional enzymatic process, a microwave‐intensified enzymatic process, the conventional alkaline hydrolysis process, and a microwave‐intensified alkaline hydrolysis process.

RESULTS

The efficiency of protein extraction was significantly enhanced by microwave intensification. The oil‐holding capacities of FPH produced by these four processes were all lower than that of raw fish protein. The water‐holding capacities of FPH produced by these four processes were all higher than that of raw fish protein. The FPH from the four processes and raw fish protein were used in the preparation of deep‐fried kamaboko. The fat content of deep‐fried kamaboko was drastically reduced from approximately 160 g kg−1 to about 50 g kg−1 by replacing 20 g kg−1 fish mince with FPH, regardless of the process. Texture profile analysis (TPA) of deep‐fried kamaboko found no significant difference in hardness and brittleness among all the deep‐fried kamaboko samples. The similar interior protein cross‐linking micro‐structure of all these samples further explained the TPA finding.

CONCLUSION

With the involvement of FPH in the formulation, the fat content of deep‐fried kamaboko can be significantly reduced from approximately 160 to 50 g kg−1, without a change in its texture. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Mandated wrapping of airway cart instruments: Limited access without the intended safety benefits
Authors: Nielsen Skyler W. , Stevens Jayne R. , Stevens Gregory J. , Patel Jagatkumar , Eller Robert L.
Published: December 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

Isolated case studies have shown improper sterilization or contamination of equipment from anesthesia carts can lead to transmission of disease and even death. Citing this literature, national accrediting agencies mandated all instruments in the otolaryngology airway carts at San Antonio Military Medical Center be packaged to prevent contamination. This study sought to determine the infection and safety implications of packaged airway cart instruments.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

A review of upper aerodigestive tract procedures, some of which penetrated mucosa, was performed by analyzing 100 patient records during the unpackaged period and 100 during the packaged period. A comparison of infections, deaths, and length of stay in the hospital was included in the analysis. Additionally, a timed simulation to setup a simple group of instruments for an emergency airway situation from both the unpackaged and packaged airway carts was performed using a total of 11 surgical technologists and nurses.

Results

Each group had a total of four airway infections and neither had any deaths. The average length of hospital stay was 0.36 days for the unpackaged period and 0.44 days from the packaged period. None of these variables reached statistical significance. The average time to find and set out the correct instruments for the two groups was 46.6 and 95.5 seconds for the unpackaged and packaged airway carts, respectively (P = .004).

Conclusions

This study suggests individually packaging of instruments used for emergency airway cases may put lives at risk when time matters and fails to decrease the risk of infection.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 129:715–719, 2019
Impact of high‐ versus low‐risk genotype on sinonasal radiographic disease in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Halderman Ashleigh A. , Lee Stella , London Nyall R. , Day Andrew , Jain Raksha , Moore John A. , Lin Sandra Y.
Published: December 2018

Objective

Understanding of how specific mutations impact the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein has given rise to the classification of CF patients into low‐risk and high‐risk genotypes. Few prior studies have investigated differences in sinonasal disease between low‐risk and high‐risk CF genotypes. This multi‐institutional review aimed to evaluate radiographic sinus disease severity based on genotype.

Methods

A review was conducted on adult patients with CF evaluated between 2005 to 2017 at three academic institutions. Data including age, gender, CFTR mutation, and presence of a maxillofacial/sinus computed tomography scan was collected. A modified Lund‐Mackay score (MLMS) was assigned to each scan, and the presence of sinus aplasia or hypoplasia was determined. Patients were further grouped depending on genotype into low‐ or high‐risk for comparison.

Results

A total of 126 patients were included with 99 patients in the high‐risk and 21 in the low‐risk groups. The high‐risk group had significantly higher MLMS than the low‐risk group (mean 13.88 vs. 8.06, P < 0.0001, 95% CI −8.196 to −3.462) The rate of frontal (P < 0.01), maxillary (P = 0.04), and sphenoid (P < 0.001) hypoplasia/aplasia was significantly higher in high‐risk patients compared to low‐risk.

Conclusion

This is one of the largest studies to date evaluating the impact of CF genotype on paranasal sinus development and disease. Genotype appears to impact sinonasal disease severity and also potentially paranasal sinus cavity development to a degree, although the exact mechanism is unknown.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 129:788–793, 2019
Association of epistaxis with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Authors: Kunz Seraina M. , Holzmann David , Soyka Michael B.
Published: December 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

To investigate the association between epistaxis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Study Design

Case‐control cohort study.

Methods

This study included patients from the tertiary‐care ear, nose, and throat department at the University Hospital of Zurich between December 1, 2016 and June 1, 2017. We assessed the cardiovascular risk profiles in a group of 41 patients presenting with epistaxis, and a group of 41 matched controls, focusing on a surrogate parameter for atherosclerosis: the carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT).

Results

With a mean of 1.06 mm (standard deviation [SD] = 0.17), CIMT values were on average 26% higher in epistaxis patients than in their controls, with a mean of 0.84 mm (SD = 0.14; P < .001). Occurrence of severe epistaxis was also associated with lower ankle–brachial index values at 0.96 (SD = 0.12) versus 1.05 (SD = 0.17) (P < .001) and significantly higher QRISK2 relative risks (an algorithm for predicting cardiovascular risk) than found in the control group (1.81, SD = 0.97 vs. 1.35, SD = 0.28; P = .028). A binary logistic regression model, adjusted for possible confounders, showed an odds ratio of 2.5 for the occurrence of epistaxis per increase in CIMT of 0.1 mm in the study population (95% confidence interval: 1.56‐4.11; P < .001).

Conclusions

The occurrence of severe epistaxis was shown to be closely associated with the prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Accordingly, patients affected by epistaxis should be regarded as at an elevated cardiovascular risk, which indicates the need for appropriate further medical assessment and preventive measures.

Level of Evidence

3b

Trial registration

Clinical trials NCT03092973 Laryngoscope, 129:783–787, 2019
Significance of intraparotid node metastasis in predicting local control in primary parotid cancer
Authors: Feng Yanping , Liu Fei , Cheng Guangyan , Fang Qigen , Niu Xinyu , He Wei
Published: December 2018

Objective

To analyze the metastasis rate in intraglandular lymph nodes (IGLNs) with a focus on discussing the significance of IGLN metastasis in local control (LC) of parotid gland cancer (PGC).

Methods

A total of 337 patients were enrolled. Information including age; sex; and pathologic variables such as tumor (T) stage, IGLN metastasis, and follow‐up findings was extracted and analyzed.

Results

IGLN metastasis was noted in 111 (32.9%) patients. Tumor stage, pathologic nodal stage, perineural invasion, resection status, and lymphovascular invasion were significantly related to IGLN metastasis. Local recurrence was noted in 67 (19.9%) patients. IGLN metastasis was an independent predictor of LC. The 10‐year LC rate was 94% for patients without IGLN metastasis, 56% for patients with metastasis in no more than two IGLNs, and 22% for patients with metastasis in more than two IGLNs. This difference was significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The IGLN metastasis rate is relatively high in PGC patients and is significantly associated with disease grade and T stage. IGLN metastasis is associated with poorer local LC, and patients with more than two metastatic nodes have the worst prognosis.

Level of Evidence

4

Laryngoscope, 129:2309–2312, 2019
Size‐Stable Supramolecular Hyperbranched Polymer Vesicles for Redox‐Triggered Double‐Drug Release
Authors: Du Guowen , Wang Shuodong , Yuan Hongxing , Wang Jingxia , Song Yanli , Liu Tingting , Tian Wei
Published: December 2018

Supramolecular polymer vesicles (SPVs) with stimuli‐responsive features are promising multifunctional nanocarriers; however, improving the stability and developing multiple‐drug‐loaded SPVs remain key issues in this field. In this work, cross‐linked supramolecular hyperbranched polymer vesicles (SHPVs) with redox‐responsiveness are first constructed based on an AB2‐type macromonomer‐synthesized SHP. The obtained cross‐linked SHPVs exhibit much better size stability than those of non‐cross‐linked branched self‐assemblies, and higher double‐drug‐loading capacity compared with linear supramolecular polymer self‐assemblies. Particularly, these cross‐linked SHPVs exhibit a redox‐triggered, controlled double‐drug release behavior upon the addition of H2O2.
Effects of Air Exposure During Simulated Catch-and-Release Angling on Survival and Fitness of Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout
Authors: Roth Curtis J. , Schill Daniel J. , Quist Michael C. , High Brett , Campbell Matthew R. , Vu Ninh V.
Published: December 2018

Concerns have been raised regarding the practice of exposing fish to air during catch-and-release (C&R) angling. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of air exposure on short- and long-term survival and progeny production of Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri. Prespawn adults were sampled at a weir during upstream migration in 2016 and 2017, exposed to a simulated angling event of 102 s, and then exposed to air for a randomly selected duration of 0, 30, or 60 s. An additional control group was added during 2017 in which fish were not exposed to simulated angling or air. In total, 1,519 fish were sampled in 2016, and 744 fish were sampled in 2017. Additionally, age-0 fish (2016: n = 2,924; 2017: n = 1,492) were collected to evaluate the effects of air exposure on the production of progeny. No effect of angling itself or of angling and air exposure was observed on short-term (≤60 d posttreatment) or long-term (>1 year posttreatment) survival of adults, with one exception. During 2016, fish that had been air exposed for 60 s had a statistically higher short-term survival rate than fish that received no air exposure. Air exposure had no effect on the proportion of fish that successfully spawned. Regression analysis revealed that neither angling nor air exposure affected progeny production. Considering that much of the literature, as well as this study, reports little to no influence of air exposure on salmonid mortality or reproductive success, it seems highly unlikely that air exposure of less than 60 s during C&R angling would have negative population-level effects.
Impact of Low‐Frequency Vibrations on Charge Transport in High‐Mobility Organic Semiconductors
Authors: Sosorev Andrey Yu. , Maslennikov Dmitry R. , Kharlanov Oleg G. , Chernyshov Ivan Yu. , Bruevich Vladimir V. , Paraschuk Dmitry Yu.
Published: December 2018

Despite decades of intensive studies of charge transport in organic semiconductors (OSs), understanding of mechanisms underpinning efficient charge transport in them remains elusive. Recently, it has been suggested that low‐frequency (LF) vibrations are a limiting factor of charge transport in high‐mobility OSs. Nevertheless, the relationship between the molecular structure, crystal packing, LF vibrations, and charge transport is still obscured. This hinders the focused search of high‐mobility OSs so that researchers rely mainly on trial‐and‐error method. This review presents theoretical and experimental approaches to studying the LF vibrations and their role in charge transport with a focus on recent results. It is anticipated that tight cooperation between experimentalists and theorists will yield an advanced understanding of LF vibrations in OSs and their impact on charge transport. This will guide the design of novel high‐mobility organic semiconductors for organic electronics.
Investigations into the performance of travelling wave enabled conventional and cyclic ion mobility systems to characterise protomers of fluoroquinolone antibiotic residues
Authors: McCullagh Michael , Giles Kevin , Richardson Keith , Stead Sara , Palmer Martin
Published: December 2018

Rationale

Fluoroquinolones (FLQs) have been shown to form protomers with distinctive fragment profiles. Experimental parameters affect protomer formation, impacting observed conventional tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) dissociation and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transition reproducibility. Collision cross section (CCS) measurement can provide an additional identification metric and improved ion mobility (IM) separation strategies could provide further understanding of fluctuations in fragmentation when using electrospray ionisation (ESI).

Methods

Porcine muscle tissue was fortified with nine fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Extracts were cleaned using QuEChERS dispersive extraction. Separation was achieved via ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) and analysis performed using positive ion ESI coupled with linear T‐wave IM (N2 and CO2 drift gas) and cyclic IM‐MS (calibrated to perform accurate mass and CCS measurement).

Results

IM‐resolved protomeric species have been observed for nine FLQs (uniquely three for danofloxacin). Long‐term reproducibility and cross‐platform T‐wave/cIM studies have demonstrated CCS metric errors <1.5% when compared with a FLQ protomer reference CCS library. When comparing FLQ protomer separation using a standard, linear T‐wave IM separator (N2/CO2) and using a high‐resolution cyclic T‐wave device (N2), protomer peak‐to‐peak resolution ranged between Rs = 1 to Rs = 6 for the IM strategies utilised.

Conclusions

CCS is a reliable cross platform metric; specific FLQ CCS identification fingerprints have been produced, illustrating the potential to compliment MS/MS specificity or provide an alternative identification metric. Using cIM there is opportunity to correlate the erratic nature of protomer formation with the analytical conditions used and to gain further understanding of ionisation/dissociation mechanisms taking place during routine analyses.
Hexamethylenetetramine Copper Diiodide Immobilized on Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite as Recyclable Catalyst for Sonochemical Green Synthesis of Diarylethynes
Authors: Naeimi Hossein , Kiani Fatemeh
Published: December 2018

The carbon‐carbon cross coupling reactions through transition‐metal‐catalyzed processes has been significantly developed for their important synthetic applications. A novel and efficient Copper (I) immobilized on hexamethylenetetramine functionalized graphene oxide catalytic system was successfully synthesized and applied in sonogashira coupling reaction under ultrasonic irradiation. The catalysts were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) techniques. Also the organic products have been confirmed by spectroscopic and physical data such as; FT‐IR, 1H NMR, and melting point. The catalyst could be easily recovered and reused eight times without a significant loss of activity, which is an additional sustainable characteristic of this method.
Bromine‐Induced Defects in Anion‐Deficient Zinc Oxide as Stable Photocatalysis Promoters
Authors: Meethal Bhabhina Ninnora , Swaminathan Sindhu
Published: December 2018

The physico‐chemical properties and photocatalytic performance stability of bromine doped zinc oxide is compared with that of undoped zinc oxide system. Interstitially located bromine induced defects turning to photocatalytic promoter is a rarely studied, but relevant area. Here, high yield one‐pot synthesis with cost‐effective and straightforward method is adopted for the synthesis. A detailed study on the physico‐chemical properties of the prepared photocatalyst materials is done following advanced methodologies. Surface modification of anion deficient zinc oxide in presence of bromine is confirmed from X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. This study highlights the synergetic effect attained through Br induced defects with anion deficiencies in ZnO by fine tuning the level of doping. Plausible photocatalytic mechanism for water purification employing efficient electron‐hole separation due to interstitially located bromine and anion deficiency in ZnO is proposed. Bromine doped ZnO photocatalyst showed complete degradation of methylene blue (20 ppm) within a short period of time compared to pristine ZnO.
An Efficient Synthesis of Chiral Non‐Racemic Hydroxyalkanoic Acids by Olefin Cross‐Metathesis Reactions
Authors: Asaro Fioretta , Drioli Sara , Forzato Cristina , Nitti Patrizia
Published: December 2018

Cross‐metathesis reactions of 1‐hepten‐3‐ol, 1‐octen‐4‐ol, 1‐octen‐4‐yl acetate and 1‐tetradecen‐4‐ol with unsaturated methyl esters were investigated to optimize the synthesis of methyl hydroxyalkenoates, precursors of hydroxyalkanoic acids. Various commercially available catalysts, concentration ratios of reagents as well as microwave irradiation were explored. (R)‐8‐hydroxydodecanoic acid and (S)‐8‐hydroxystearic acid were successfully obtained in 3 steps from enantiomerically enriched alcohols.
Quantification of seismic performance factors of steel diagrid system
Authors: Heshmati Mahdi , Aghakouchak Ali Akbar
Published: December 2018

This study is carried out to evaluate the response modification, overstrength, and deflection amplification factors for steel diagrid system. To quantify these factors, the rational procedure introduced in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) P695, which is based on low probability of structural collapse and encompasses nonlinear static and dynamic analyses, is used. To this end, a series of diagrid structures with various slopes of external braces are designed. Nonlinear static analyses are performed to obtain system overstrength and period‐based ductility. Incremental dynamic analyses are then performed to assess collapse margin ratio (CMR) of the archetypes. The effects of spectral shape of different ground motions are considered in CMR values to obtain an adjusted CMR (ACMR), for each archetype. The values of calculated ACMRs are compared with the acceptable values of FEMA P695 to assess reliability of presumed seismic performance factors of diagrid systems. The results show that values of calculated ACMRs for steel diagrid systems designed using the response modification factor equal to 4.50 are acceptable. It is also observed that as the slope of the peripheral diagonal elements increases, the overstrength and the collapse margin ratios decrease, and the ductility of system increases.
Seismic response control of base‐isolated buildings using multiple tuned mass dampers
Authors: Stanikzai Mohammad Hamayoun , Elias Said , Matsagar Vasant A. , Jain Arvind K.
Published: December 2018

Seismic response of a base‐isolated building equipped with single tuned mass damper (STMD), multiple tuned mass dampers (MTMDs), and distributed multiple tuned mass dampers (d‐MTMDs) under real earthquake ground motions is investigated. Numerical study is carried out using analytical models of five‐, 10‐, and 15‐storey base‐isolated buildings equipped with the STMD, MTMDs, and d‐MTMDs. The buildings are modeled as shear‐type structure with a lateral degree of freedom at each floor level, and the buildings are isolated using the laminated rubber bearing, lead‐core rubber bearing, friction pendulum system, and resilient‐friction base isolator. The coupled differential equation of motion for the buildings are derived and solved in the incremental form using Newmark's step‐by‐step method of integration. From the numerical study conducted, it is concluded that installing a tuned mass damper at each floor level of a base‐isolated building reduces the structural response in terms of top floor acceleration and bearing displacement. It is found that installing the MTMDs and d‐MTMDs are significantly beneficial in reducing top floor acceleration as compared with the STMD. Further, almost comparable reduction in the bearing displacement could be obtained by installing the STMD, MTMDs at top, and d‐MTMDs in the base‐isolated buildings. The d‐MTMDs are more beneficial as compared with the STMD and MTMDs as otherwise huge controller mass can now be divided and distributed on different floor levels.