bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Active and Stable Pd−GaOx/Al2O3 Catalysts Derived from Intermetallic Pd5Ga3 Nanocrystals for Methane Combustion
Authors: Hou Zhiquan , Liu Yuxi , Deng Jiguang , Lu Yue , Xie Shaohua , Fang Xiuzhong , Dai Hongxing
Published: November 2018

Catalytic combustion of methane is widely used in industrial and transportation activities. The commonly used Pd‐based catalysts, however, are easily deactivated under hydrothermal conditions. In this work, we adopted a novel strategy to prepare a GaOx‐doped Pd/Al2O3 catalyst via the oxidative transformation of intermetallic Pd5Ga3 nanocrystals supported on γ‐Al2O3. We observed a synergistic effect between palladium and gallium oxide via formation of a bi‐functional active Pd−O−Ga phase, resulting in a highly active and exceptionally stable catalyst that could markedly suppress the sintering of noble metals under harsh conditions (hydrothermal treatment at 750 °C). Moreover, the presence of a large amount of surface oxygen vacancies and the surface Pd−O−Ga phase could promote methane combustion over the catalysts. It is believed that such a novel dual‐metal catalyst is promising in practical applications for methane combustion.
Carbon‐Nanotube‐Based Materials for Electrochemical Sensing of the Neurotransmitter Dopamine
Authors: Bala Kanchan , Sharma Deepika , Gupta Neeraj
Published: November 2018

The development of new tools with outstanding performance for monitoring neurotransmitters is a challenging task in neuroscience. Electrochemical probes have attracted tremendous attention for the identification and quantification of neurotransmitters, owing to their demonstrated potential for quick response, real‐time measurements, elevated selectivity and sensitivity. In this Review, we have focused on the recent developments of carbon nanotube (CNT)‐based electrochemical sensors for dopamine detection. The use of CNTs is beneficial for this task, because of their high tensile strength, flexibility, good electrical conductivity, and low thermal expansion coefficient. Therefore, electrochemical sensing approaches with CNTs have opened the door for researchers working towards neurobiomedical applications.
ACHEMA 2018: High‐Pressure Technology
Authors: Herdegen Volker , Haseneder Roland
Published: November 2018

Auf der ACHEMA 2018 waren mehr als 200 Firmen vertreten, die sich mit ihren Produkten im Bereich der Hochdrucktechnik – speziell in der Ventil‐, Dichtungs‐, Pumpen‐, Mess‐ und Analysetechnik sowie dem Behälterbau – bewegen. Der Artikel gibt anhand von exemplarischen Beispielen einen Ausschnitt an aktuellen, technischen Entwicklungen und Trends aus diesem Themenfeld wieder.
Quality assurance guidance for scoring and reporting for pathologists and laboratories undertaking clinical trial work
Authors: Robinson Max , James Jacqueline , Thomas Gareth , West Nicholas , Jones Louise , Lee Jessica , Oien Karin , Freeman Alex , Craig Clare , Sloan Philip , Elliot Philip , Cheang Maggie , Rodriguez‐Justo Manuel , Verrill Clare ,   on behalf of the UK National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Cellular‐Molecular Pathology (CM‐Path) clinical trials working group
Published: November 2018

While pathologists have always played a pivotal role in clinical trials ensuring accurate diagnosis and staging, pathology data from prognostic and predictive tests are increasingly being used to enrol, stratify and randomise patients to experimental treatments. The use of pathological parameters as primary and secondary outcome measures, either as standalone classifiers or in combination with clinical data, is also becoming more common. Moreover, reporting of estimates of residual disease, termed ‘pathological complete response’, have been incorporated into neoadjuvant clinical trials. Pathologists have the expertise to deliver this essential information and they also understand the requirements and limitations of laboratory testing. Quality assurance of pathology‐derived data builds confidence around trial‐specific findings and is necessarily focused on the reproducibility of pathological data, including ‘estimates of uncertainty of measurement’, emphasising the importance of pathologist education, training, calibration and demonstration of satisfactory inter‐observer agreement. There are also opportunities to validate objective image analysis tools alongside conventional histological assessments. The ever‐expanding portfolio of clinical trials will demand more pathologist engagement to deliver the reliable evidence‐base required for new treatments. We provide guidance for quality assurance of pathology scoring and reporting in clinical trials.
Distribution of endogenous normal tau in the mouse brain
Authors: Kubo Atsuko , Misonou Hiroaki , Matsuyama Makoto , Nomori Akane , Wada‐Kakuda Satoko , Takashima Akihiko , Kawata Mitsuhiro , Murayama Shigeo , Ihara Yasuo , Miyasaka Tomohiro
Published: November 2018

Tau is a microtubule‐associated protein (MAP) that is localized to the axon. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), the distribution of tau undergoes a remarkable alteration, leading to the formation of tau inclusions in the somatodendritic compartment. While the abnormal aggregated tau has been extensively studied in human patient tissues and animal models of AD, how normal tau localizes to the axon, which would be the foundation to understand how the mis‐localization occurs, has not been well studied due to the poor detectability of normal unaggregated tau in vivo. Therefore, we developed immunohistochemical techniques that can detect normal mouse and human tau in brain tissues with high sensitivity. Using these techniques, we demonstrate the global distribution of tau in the mouse brain and confirmed that normal tau is exclusively localized to the axonal compartment in vivo. Interestingly, tau antibodies strongly labeled nonmyelinated axons such as hippocampal mossy fibers, while white matters generally exhibited low levels of immunoreactivity. Furthermore, mouse tau is highly expressed not only in neurons but also in oligodendrocytes. With super resolution imaging using the stimulated‐depletion microscopy, axonal tau appeared punctate rather than fibrous, indicating that tau decorates microtubules sparsely. Co‐labeling with presynaptic and postsynaptic markers revealed that normal tau is not localized to synapses but sparsely distributes in the axon. Taken together, this study reports novel antibodies to investigate the localization and mis‐localization of tau in vivo and novel findings of normal tau localization in the mouse brain.
A High‐Throughput Absolute‐Level Quantification of Protein‐Bound Amino Acids in Seeds
Authors: Yobi Abou , Angelovici Ruthie
Published: November 2018

In this unit, we describe a high‐throughput absolute quantification protocol for 16 protein‐bound amino acids (PBAAs) that combines a microscale protein hydrolysis step and an absolute quantification step using multiple reaction monitoring—based liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry detection. The approach facilitates analysis of a few hundred samples per week by using a 96‐well‐plate extraction setup and avoiding use of additives. Importantly, the method uses only ∼3 mg of tissue per sample and includes 12 heavy‐amino‐acid internal standards to enable quantification of the absolute levels of PBAAs with high precision, accuracy, and reproducibility. The protocol described herein has been optimized for seed samples but is applicable to other plant tissues. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A signal power adaptive regularized sphere decoding algorithm based multiuser detection technique for underdetermined OFDM/SDMA uplink system
Authors: K. V. Shahnaz , C. K. Ali
Published: November 2018

This work considers a regularized Fincke‐Pohst Sphere Decoder (R‐FSD) to detect the multiuser data of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing/space division multiple access (OFDM/SDMA) uplink system with underdetermined and rank‐deficient channel. Rank‐deficiency of the detected channel coefficients makes error‐free multiuser detection (MUD) a difficult task. In literature, most of the papers deal with either a determined or over‐determined full‐rank system. The method proposed in this work transforms an original ill‐posed least squares (LS) problem to a well‐posed one at the receiver, by using the standard Tikhonov regularization method. This is an efficient, direct, and less complex approach where the channel is modified using a regularization parameter that adapts to the signal power at the receiver. The result obtained is compared with maximum likelihood (ML), zero forcing (ZF), minimum mean squared error (MMSE) and ordered successive interference cancellation (OSIC) based detection techniques.
Performance evaluation of low‐power wireless sensor node with hybrid energy storage
Authors: Haldar Ritwik , Hossain Ashraf , Panda Kirtan Gopal
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we evaluate the performance of low‐power energy‐harvesting wireless sensor node (SN) which has hybrid energy storage unit (ESU) for monitoring applications. This hybrid ESU has super capacitor (SC) as well as thin film battery (TFB) for energy storage. After the deployment of SN, temporal energy outage (TEO) occurs when the stored energy in ESU falls to a minimum level due to uncertain energy‐harvesting process and leakage of energy, rendering it unable to transmit information to base station. In this paper, we estimate the duration to reach TEO state which is an important parameter for evaluating the performance of the hybrid ESU. The proposed model considers variation of leakage energy in SC. We also determine design perspectives of hybrid ESU for different range of performance parameters to maximize the performance criteria. Further, given total cost constraints, we determine the SC and TFB capacity that optimizes the performance criteria. The analytical results are validated by Monte Carlo simulation using MATLAB. The estimated TEO duration can ensure precautions in monitoring applications.
Mitigating spectrum sensing data falsification attack in ad hoc cognitive radio networks
Authors: Rajkumari Roshni , Marchang Ningrinla
Published: November 2018

In a cognitive radio ad hoc network, there is no central authority. Hence, distributed collaborative spectrum sensing (CSS) plays a major role in achieving an accurate spectrum sensing result. However, CSS is sensitive to spectrum sensing data falsification (SSDF) attack, in which a malicious user falsifies its local sensing report before disseminating it into the network. To capture such abnormal behavior of a node, we present an approach for detecting SSDF attack based on dissimilarity score. A secondary user (SU) computes the dissimilarity score of its neighbors from the messages received from its h‐hop neighbors. Further, we also present how the proposed scheme can be used on the sequence of sensing reports to detect and isolate the malicious SUs on the fly.
Evaluation of endogenous urinary biomarkers for indirect detection of urine adulteration attempts by five different chemical adulterants in mass spectrometry methods
Authors: Steuer Andrea E. , Kamber Dominique , Kraemer Thomas
Published: November 2018

Reliable detection of urine adulteration attempts to circumvent positive drug testing represents a critical step for laboratories in abstinence control settings. An ideal workflow for high‐throughput testing would involve simultaneous detection of adulteration attempts in the same run with drug detection. Monitoring of degraded or oxidized endogenous urinary compounds as indirect markers has been previously evaluated for that purpose exemplified for the adulterant potassium nitrite (KNO2). Fifteen, previously identified endogenous markers should now be evaluated for their general applicability to detect adulteration attempts for the adulterants hypochlorite‐based bleach (NaOCl), peroxidase and peroxide (H2O2), pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC), and iodine (I2). Initial experiments revealed similar results for the tested adulterants regarding degradation of indolylacryloylglycine (IAG), uric acid (UA), or UA derivatives. 5‐Hydroxyisourate (HIU), the oxidation product of UA, was however only formed by KNO2, PCC, and H2O2. Amino acids showed larger adulterant‐dependent differences. All reactions were shown to be influenced by the adulterant concentration and the urinary pH with large variances depending on compound and adulterant. Except for HIU/PCC, all markers were stable within +/− 30% variation for all adulterants at −20°C. Receiver operating characteristics indicated best sensitivity and specificity over all adulterants for IAG (specificity 0.9, sensitivity 1.0) and UA (specificity 1.0, sensitivity 0.9). HIU gave best results for KNO2, PCC, and H2O2 and N‐acetylneuraminic acid for PCC and H2O2, respectively. When integrating a limited number of targets into existing screening methods, monitoring of UA, IAG, N‐acetylneuraminic acid, and HIU is recommended.
Iron(III) Salalen Complexes for the Polymerisation of Lactide
Authors: Driscoll Oliver J. , Leung Christopher K. C. , Mahon Mary F. , McKeown Paul , Jones Matthew D.
Published: November 2018

Herein, we report the preparation and characterisation of iron(III) salalen complexes, with variation of ligand substituents and backbone investigated. Six new complexes were prepared and characterised by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry and X‐ray crystallography. These complexes have been applied for the ring opening polymerisation (ROP) of rac‐lactide in propylene oxide. Fe(1)Cl was found to have a moderate isotactic preference (Pm = 0.75–0.80) and demonstrated good molecular weight control in solution (Đ = 1.02–1.18). Fe(2–7)Cl were also active for ROP and activities could be related to ligand structure.
Verkade's Superbase as an Organocatalyst for the Strecker Reaction
Authors: Yang Jian , Chatelet Bastien , Ziarelli Fabio , Dufaud Véronique , Hérault Damien , Martinez Alexandre
Published: November 2018

Proazaphosphatranes ‐Verkade's superbases‐ proved to be efficient organocatalysts for the Strecker reaction between protected imines and trimethylsilyl cyanide (TMSCN). Excellent to quantitative yields were reached and, compared to other systems, only low catalyst loading and short reaction times were required for the reaction to proceed efficiently. A remarkable initial turnover frequency (TOF), close to 105 h–1, was achieved, associated with an excellent selectivity since no side reactions were observed. A reaction mechanism was proposed and the key role played by the apical nitrogen in the proazaphosphatrane structure was demonstrated.
Mechanisms of spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of pain: Still in the dark after 50 years
Authors: Jensen Melanie P. , Brownstone Robert M.
Published: November 2018

Background and Objective

Despite the value of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in treating some patients with focal neuropathic pain, technological advances in stimulator design and treatment protocols have not correlated with significant improvements in clinical outcomes. This may be because incomplete understanding of the mechanisms underlying SCS precludes improvement in clinical efficacy. In this brief review, we (a) review phenomenological effects of SCS, (b) review the literature on proposed spinal sites of action of SCS and (c) propose a novel hypothesis of mechanism of action.

Results

Dorsal columns, dorsal roots and dorsal horns have each been proposed as spinal sites of action of SCS. We suggest that evidence in favour of the dorsal columns or dorsal roots as the primary mediators of SCS is weak and propose that the dorsal horn is the crucial site of action. Furthermore, we hypothesize that, based on their location, and neurochemical and morphological properties, dorsal horn islet cells may mediate the effects of SCS.

Conclusions

The precise spinal mechanisms of action of SCS are still unknown. Dorsal horn islet cells have properties that position them to play a key role in analgesic effects of electrical stimulation. Understanding the mechanisms responsible for positive SCS effects are needed for successful translation into clinical dividends.

Significance

We review possible spinal mechanisms of action of spinal cord stimulation for neuropathic pain, proposing that direct modulation of dorsal horn neurons is crucial. We suggest that mechanistic insights are needed for translation into more favourable clinical outcomes.
Comparison of two neonatal pain assessment tools (Children and Infant’s Postoperative Pain Scale and the Neonatal Facial Coding System—Revised) and their relations to clinicians’ intuitive pain estimates
Authors: Kappesser Judith , de Laffolie Jan , Faas Dirk , Ehrhardt Harald , Hermann Christiane
Published: November 2018

Background

Many neonatal observational pain assessment tools are available. Their application in clinical settings, however, has been limited. A further difficulty for decision makers may be to choose among the variety of available tools the appropriate one(s) for their patients. Aims of the present study were (1) to compare two commonly cited neonatal pain assessment tools, the Neonatal Facial Coding System—Revised (NFCS‐R) and the Children and Infant’s Postoperative Pain Scale (CHIPPS), with regard to their psychometric qualities and (2) to explore intuitive clinicians’ ratings by relating them to the tools’ items.

Methods

Three coders applied both pain assessment tools to videos of 44 neonates who were videotaped while undergoing a painful and a stressful procedure. Clinicians rated the pain neonates experienced on a numerical rating scale. Analyses of variances and regression analyses were used to investigate whether tools could discriminate between the procedures and whether tools’ items were predictors of intuitive clinicians’ ratings.

Results

Interrater reliability, internal consistency and relative convergent validity were high for both assessment tools. Both tools discriminated between painful and stressful situations equally well. Roughly one third of variance in clinicians’ intuitive ratings could be explained by items of each tool, however, no single item was found to be a significant predictor.

Conclusions

Both pain assessment tools performed equally well regarding psychometric comparisons. Therefore, clinical utility needs to be considered when having to choose. Possibilities of improvement for both tools were identified. Cues clinicians base their intuitive pain judgements need to be further investigated.

Significance

Psychometric comparisons of neonatal assessment tools provide useful information that can help health care professionals to choose among tools and researchers to improve them. Both tools compared here performed psychometrically equally well. Their clinical utility, however, can be improved, for example by providing a manual (CHIPPS) and training opportunities.
Process optimization for biodiesel production from Moringa oleifera oil using conch shells as heterogeneous catalyst
Authors: Niju Subramaniapillai , Anushya Chelladurai , Balajii Muthusamy
Published: November 2018

The potential of conch shells (CSs) as a suitable heterogeneous basic catalyst for transesterification of high FFA content non‐edible Moringa oleifera oil (MOO) was investigated. Biodiesel was produced by a two‐step transesterification process. In the first step, high FFA content of the oil was reduced from 40.25 to 1.4% using reaction conditions of 1:2 v/v methanol to oil ratio, 1.5 vol% H2SO4 concentration, 2 h reaction time and 60°C reaction temperature. In the second step, the esterified oil was converted into biodiesel by reacting with methanol using calcined conch shells (CCSs) as a heterogeneous basic catalyst. The physiochemical characteristics of the CCS catalyst were studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray (SEM–EDAX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. The characterization results revealed that calcium oxide (CaO) was the major phase of CCS. The effect of process variables on biodiesel conversion was investigated by response surface methodology using Box–Behnken design and the independent variables taken for study are catalyst concentration, methanol to oil ratio and reaction time. The optimum process conditions were found to be 8.02 wt % catalyst concentration, 8.66:1 methanol to oil molar ratio and 130 min reaction time. Under these experimental conditions, methyl ester conversion of 97.06% was obtained which was in reasonable agreement with the predicted value. The structure of Moringa oleifera methyl ester (MOME) was characterized by FTIR and methyl ester conversion was determined by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) spectroscopy. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13015, 2019
Comparison the effect of putrescine application on postharvest quality of Pyrus communis cv. “Shah‐Miveh” and “Spadona”
Authors: Hosseini Marjan Sadat , Babalar Mesbah , Askari Mohammad Ali , Zahedi Seyed Morteza
Published: November 2018

Role of putrescine for extending storage life of pear cv. “Shah‐Miveh” and “Spadona” was evaluated. The trees were sprayed by various concentrations of putrescine (0.5, 1, and 2 mM) and distilled water “control.” After harvest, all samples were stored at 0 ± 1°C, 80%–85% RH for 21 weeks. Thereafter, some physico‐chemical attributes were measured initially and after each storage period 7, 14, and 21 weeks. Putrescine at 1 and 2 mM reduced fruit softening, weight loss, color changes (L*, hue angle), fungal infection as well as retarded the degradation of total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, total phenol (TP), and total antioxidant activity (TAA). However, fruit softening, weight loss, and hue angle rates were slower in “Shah‐Miveh” to “Spadona.” Moreover, at the end of storage, “Shah‐Miveh” demonstrated more TP and TAA in compare to “Spadona.” Thus, putrescine application at higher values may be an effective tool to prolong pear postharvest life during storage.
Different thermal processing effects on peanut allergenicity
Authors: Zhang Tong , Shi Yunfeng , Zhao Yanqing , Wang Jianying , Wang Minjia , Niu Bing , Chen Qin
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Peanut allergy is one of the most common food allergies worldwide. Studies have shown that the incidence of peanut allergies in Western‐born Asians is higher than that in Asia‐born Asians. Notably, Europeans and Americans mostly eat roasted peanuts, whereas Asians mostly eat boiled or fried peanuts.

RESULTS

BALB/c mice were sensitized using purified protein from raw, roasted or boiled peanuts, then fed the same by oral gavage. The relevant allergic reactions were studied using BALB/c mice model, including a rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cell model, simulated gastric fluid experiments, and ultraviolet (UV) and circular dichroism (CD) spectral analysis. Serological studies showed increased levels of immunoglobulin E, interleukin‐4 and interleukin‐5, and pathological studies showed mast cell degranulation and inflammatory changes in jejunal tissues, with an increase in thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) gene expression in all treatment groups compared with the control group (phosphate‐buffered saline). Compared with the raw peanut group, sera from the roasted peanut group produced a significant increase in RBL β‐hexosaminidase A release in vitro, and roasted peanuts showed increased resistance to digestion in simulated gastric fluid experiments. Ultraviolet and CD spectral analyses showed that the roasting and boiling processes altered the structure of the major peanut allergens, which may have contributed to the differences observed in peanut allergenicity.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that peanut allergies are related to peanut thermal processing methods. In our mouse model, the raw, roasted and boiled peanuts elicited different degrees of allergic response. Compared with raw peanut, roasted peanuts show a higher allergenicity, whereas the boiled peanuts show a lower allergenicity. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Real steak knives of cincinnati: Repeated foreign body ingestion with novel endoscopic removal
Authors: Harvey Erin , Lee David , Giliberto John Paul
Published: November 2018

Repeated ingestion of foreign objects presents a multidisciplinary endoscopic dilemma. We report a 32‐year‐old female patient with history of multiple previous foreign body ingestions requiring several past exploratory laparotomies, who presents with a knife blade in the esophagus. We present a novel method of using a rigid cervical esophagoscope with a salivary bypass tube. The tip of the knife was isolated into the cervical esophagoscope, and the salivary bypass tube advanced off the cervical esophagoscope over the knife, shielding the serrated edge during removal preventing laceration to the esophagus. Laryngoscope, 129:567–568, 2019
Automated Indentation Mapping of Vocal Fold Structure and Cover Properties Across Species
Authors: Dion Gregory R. , Lavoie Jean‐Francois , Coelho Paulo , Amin Milan R. , Branski Ryan C.
Published: November 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

Various animal models have been employed to investigate vocal fold (VF) and phonatory function. However, biomechanical testing techniques to characterize vocal fold structural properties vary and have not compared critical properties across species. We adapted a nondestructive, automated indentation mapping technique to simultaneously quantify VF structural properties (VF cover layer and intact VF) in commonly used species based on the hypothesis that VF biomechanical properties are largely preserved across species.

Study Design

Ex vivo animal model.

Methods

Canine, leporine, and swine larynges (n = 4 each) were sagittally bisected, measured, and subjected to normal indentation mapping (indentation at 0.3 mm; 1.2 mm/s) with a 2‐mm spherical indenter to quantify normal force along the VF cover layer, structural stiffness, and displacement at 0.8 mN; two‐dimensional maps of the free VF edge through the conus elasticus were created for these characterizations.

Results

Structural stiffness was 7.79 gf/mm (0.15–74.55) for leporine, 2.48 gf/mm (0.20–41.75) for canine, and 1.45 gf (0.56–4.56) for swine. For each species, the lowest values were along the free VF edge (mean ± standard deviation; leporine: 0.40 ± 0.21 gf/mm, canine: 1.14 ± 0.49 gf/mm, swine: 0.89 ± 0.28 gf/mm). Similar results were obtained for the cover layer normal force at 0.3 mm. On the free VF edge, mean (standard deviation) displacement at 0.08 gf was 0.14 mm (0.05) in leporine, 0.11 mm (0.03) in canine, and 0.10 mm (0.02) in swine.

Conclusions

Automated indentation mapping yielded reproducible biomechanical property measurement of the VF cover and intact VF. Divergent VF structural properties across canine, swine, and leporine species were observed.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 129:E26–E31, 2019
Aspiration in children with unilateral vocal fold paralysis
Authors: Irace Alexandria L. , Dombrowski Natasha D. , Kawai Kosuke , Dodrill Pamela , Perez Jennifer , Hernandez Kayla , Davidson Kathryn , Hseu Anne , Nuss Roger , Rahbar Reza
Published: November 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

To describe the prevalence of aspiration in children with unilateral vocal fold paralysis who underwent objective assessment of swallow function.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

A study of patients presenting to our institution with unilateral vocal fold paralysis in 2015 was conducted. All patients were diagnosed using flexible laryngoscopy. Patients were included if they underwent at least one modified barium swallow (MBS) study for evaluation of their swallowing function due to recurrent respiratory issues and/or feeding difficulty.

Results

Twenty‐eight patients diagnosed with unilateral vocal fold paralysis underwent an MBS study at our institution in 2015. Median age at the time of MBS study was 1.7 years (interquartile range: 0.4–4.3). Twenty‐six patients (92.9%) had dysphagia. Sixteen patients were found to aspirate on MBS study. All patients who aspirated did so without overt signs (silent aspiration). Eighteen patients had congenital heart disease (64.3%) and nine had a history of prematurity (32.1%). Eight patients (28.6%) presented with developmental delays.

Conclusions

Patients who present with unilateral vocal fold paralysis and recurrent respiratory and/or feeding issues may be affected by prominent issues such as swallowing dysfunction and silent aspiration. Clinicians should be aware of this risk and evaluate patients for any signs of feeding or swallowing difficulties.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 129:569–573, 2019
The epidemiology of autologous tissue grafting in primary and revision rhinoplasty
Authors: Lee Linda N. , Quatela Olivia , Bhattacharyya Neil
Published: November 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine the percentage of primary versus revision rhinoplasty cases that require an extranasal source of grafting, as well as age and gender‐specific trends.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of multistate ambulatory surgery and hospital databases.

Methods

Ambulatory rhinoplasty procedures were extracted from the State Ambulatory Surgery Databases for New York, Kentucky, North Carolina, Michigan, and Florida for 2014 to 2015. Cases were examined for simultaneous use of extranasal grafts.

Results

A total of 8,510 rhinoplasties were extracted (65.3% female, mean age = 35.6 years), and 11.9% were revision cases (95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.2‐12.6). An extranasal, autologous source of grafting was required in 12.7% of cases (5.3% auricular, 95% CI: 4%‐6.6%; 1.8% costal, 95% CI: 1%‐2.6%). Revision cases were more likely to require a secondary source of grafting (24.4%, 95% CI: 21.8%‐27.1% vs. 11.1%, 95% CI: 10.3%‐11.8%). In revision cases, the most common graft was auricular cartilage (14.4%, 95% CI: 12.2%‐16.6%) followed by costal (7.1%, 95% CI: 5.52%‐8.69%). Only 1.1% of primary cases required costal cartilage (95% CI: 0.88%‐1.36%) compared to 7.1% of revision cases (95% CI: 5.52%‐8.69%). Of the primary cases, 4.1% required auricular cartilage grafting (95% CI: 3.67%‐4.57%) compared to 14.4% of revision cases (95% CI: 12.2%‐16.6%). Patients who required a graft were older. Significantly more males required autologous grafting than females (P = .047).

Conclusions

Cartilaginous or bony grafting is a critical surgical technique in both primary and secondary rhinoplasties. This is the first study to examine percentages of site‐specific autologous grafting from auricular and costal donor sites for primary and revision cases. Gender and age‐specific trends associated with specific grafting sites are also identified. These data are important to help guide preoperative counseling and informed consent for all rhinoplasty surgeries.

Level of Evidence

NA

Laryngoscope, 129:1549–1553, 2019
Microbial generation of elemental mercury from dissolved methylmercury in seawater
Authors: Lee Cheng‐Shiuan , Fisher Nicholas S.
Published: November 2018

Elemental mercury (Hg0) formation from other mercury species in seawater results from photoreduction and microbial activity, leading to possible evasion from seawater to overlying air. Microbial conversion of monomethylmercury (MeHg) to Hg0 in seawater remains unquantified. A rapid radioassay method was developed using gamma‐emitting 203Hg as a tracer to evaluate Hg0 production from Hg(II) and MeHg in the low pM range. Bacterioplankton assemblages in Atlantic surface seawater and Long Island Sound water were found to rapidly produce Hg0, with production rate constants being directly related to bacterial biomass and independent of dissolved Hg(II) and MeHg concentrations. About 32% of Hg(II) and 19% of MeHg were converted to Hg0 in 4 d in Atlantic surface seawater containing low‐bacterial biomass, and in Long Island Sound water with higher bacterial biomass, 54% of Hg(II) and 8% of MeHg were transformed to Hg0. Decreasing temperatures from 24°C to 4°C reduced Hg0 production rates cell−1 from Hg(II) 3.3 times as much as from a MeHg source. Because Hg0 production rates were linearly related to microbial biomass and temperature, and microbial mercuric reductase was detected in our field samples, we inferred that microbial metabolic activities and enzymatic reactions primarily govern Hg0 formation in subsurface waters where light penetration is diminished.
Nanoimprinted Anisotropic Topography Preferentially Guides Axons and Enhances Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Huang Yun‐An , Ho Chris T. , Lin Yu‐Hsuan , Lee Chen‐Ju , Ho Szu‐Mo , Li Ming‐Chia , Hwang Eric
Published: November 2018

Surface topography has a profound effect on the development of the nervous system, such as neuronal differentiation and morphogenesis. While the interaction of neurons and the surface topography of their local environment is well characterized, the neuron–topography interaction during the regeneration process remains largely unknown. To address this question, an anisotropic surface topography resembling linear grooves made from poly(ethylene‐vinyl acetate) (EVA), a soft and biocompatible polymer, using nanoimprinting, is established. It is found that neurons from both the central and peripheral nervous system can survive and grow on this grooved surface. Additionally, it is observed that axons but not dendrites specifically align with these grooves. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that neurons on the grooved surface are capable of regeneration after an on‐site injury. More importantly, these injured neurons have an accelerated and enhanced regeneration. Together, the data demonstrate that this anisotropic topography guides axon growth and improves axon regeneration. This opens up the possibility to study the effect of surface topography on regenerating axons and has the potential to be developed into a medical device for treating peripheral nerve injuries.
Antibacterial Polymeric Films Fabricated by [2+2] Cycloaddition–Retroelectrocyclization and Ag+ Ion Coordination
Authors: Fujita Hiroyuki , Nihei Nahoko , Bito Masami , Michinobu Tsuyoshi
Published: November 2018

The [2+2] cycloaddition–retroelectrocyclization (CA–RE) between N,N‐dialkylaniline‐substituted alkynes and 7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) is employed to fabricate functional cross‐linked polymer films containing the intramolecular charge‐transfer (CT) chromophores at the cross‐linking points. Polystyrene bearing N,N‐dialkylaniline‐substituted alkynes (P1) and TCNQ polyester (P2) are mixed in tetrahydrofuran (THF), then this solution is spray‐coated onto an indium tin oxide or glass plate. Heating to 100 °C initiates the [2+2] CA‐RE reaction, resulting in the formation of cross‐linked polymer films. The reaction progress and completion are evaluated by monitoring the CT absorption band and cyano vibration peaks. The resulting cross‐linked polymer films show reversible cathodic electrochromism between the neutral and anion radical states. In addition, they also display the visual detection behavior of protic acids and Lewis acids, such as Ag+ ions. Accordingly, the Ag+ ion‐loaded polymer films are prepared, and their antibacterial activities are studied. As more Ag+ ions are loaded, the CT band more bathochromically shifts and more potent antibacterial activities are obtained. Therefore, the antibacterial activity of the polymer films can be visually recognized by the film colors. Furthermore, the loaded Ag+ ions can be released from the polymer films by application of an electrochemical potential.
Molecular Motion in Viscous DGEBA with Nanoparticles as Seen by Quasi‐Elastic Neutron Scattering
Authors: Weidner Maren Christin , Evenson Zach , Zamponi Michaela , Possart Wulff
Published: November 2018

Pure and filled epoxies are widely used in industry. Nanocomposites especially are affected by interphase regions where properties deviate from bulk. The study of molecular mobility in epoxy monomers is a first step to understanding the molecular dynamics in nanocomposites and their effect on crosslinking in epoxy networks. Here, quasi‐elastic neutron scattering is used to disentangle the molecular motions of monomeric diglycidylether of Bisphenol A (DGEBA) and a suspension of zeolite nanoparticles in DGEBA on a timescale from 2 ps to 5.5 ns. Regarding molecular transport of DGEBA inside the suspension, the particles have no impact on the faster rotational motions. A combination of neutron time‐of‐flight and backscattering spectroscopy reveals a pronounced hindrance of DGEBA molecular dynamics on/in the zeolite particles along with a new type of molecular motion occurring on intermediate timescales. That localized motion is attributed to jump diffusion motions, emanating from interphase effects at the zeolite particles.
Developing two efficient adaptive Newton‐type methods with memory
Authors: Mohamadi Zadeh Maryam , Lotfi Taher , Amirfakhrian Majid
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we derive two general adaptive methods with memory in the class of Newton‐type methods by modifying and introducing one and two self accelerators over a variant of Ostrowski's method. The idea of introducing adaptive self‐accelerator (via all the old information for Newton‐type methods) is new and efficient in order to obtain a higher high efficiency index. Finally, we provide convergence analysis and numerical implementations to show the feasibility and applicability of the proposed methods.
Mild Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Deficiency Alters Inflammatory and Lipid Pathways in Liver
Authors: Leclerc Daniel , Christensen Karen E. , Cauvi Olivia , Yang Ethan , Fournelle Frédéric , Bahous Renata H. , Malysheva Olga V. , Deng Liyuan , Wu Qing , Zhou Zili , Gao Zu‐Hua , Chaurand Pierre , Caudill Marie A. , Rozen Rima
Published: November 2018

Scope

Dietary and genetic folate disturbances can lead to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A common variant in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR 677C→T) causes mild MTHFR deficiency with lower 5‐methyltetrahydrofolate for methylation reactions. The goal is to determine whether mild murine MTHFR deficiency contributes to NAFLD‐related effects.

Methods and results

Wild‐type and Mthfr+/− mice, a model for the human variant, are fed control (CD) or high‐fat (HFAT) diets for 8 weeks. On both diets, MTHFR deficiency results in decreased S‐adenosylmethionine, increased S‐adenosylhomocysteine, and decreased betaine with reduced methylation capacity, and changes in expression of several inflammatory or anti‐inflammatory mediators (Saa1, Apoa1, and Pon1). On CD, MTHFR deficiency leads to microvesicular steatosis with expression changes in lipid regulators Xbp1s and Cyp7a1. The combination of MTHFR deficiency and HFAT exacerbates changes in inflammatory mediators and introduces additional effects on inflammation (Saa2) and lipid metabolism (Nr1h4, Srebf1c, Ppara, and Crot). These effects are consistent with increased expression of pro‐inflammatory HDL precursors and greater lipid accumulation. MTHFR deficiency may enhance liver injury through alterations in methylation capacity, inflammatory response, and lipid metabolism.

Conclusion

Individuals with the MTHFR variant may be at increased risk for liver disease and related complications, particularly when consuming high‐fat diets.
Modeling the Synthesis of Butyl Methacrylate Macromonomer by Sequential ATRP‐CCTP
Authors: Zhang Mingmin , Hutchinson Robin A.
Published: November 2018

The atom transfer radical polymerization of butyl methacrylate mediated by Cu(I)Br/N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine in anisole at 70 °C with the subsequent addition of bis(difluoroboryldiphenylglyoximato)cobalt(II) after 2 h is modeled using Predici software, to gain additional insight to the system used experimentally to produce macromonomer chains with narrow dispersity. The mechanistic model, using kinetic coefficients from the literature and activation and deactivation rate coefficients estimated from this work, provides a good representation of experimental results. The simulations demonstrate that the time (conversion) at which cobalt chain transfer agent is added to the system is critical to control the number‐average molar mass of the final product and also confirm that chains of higher length in the final product are more likely to be nonfunctionalized, in agreement with experimental observations. The model predicts the production of a significant fraction of macromonomer oligomers with lengths of 1–3 units, also consistent with experiments.
Pelvic floor muscle training with and without supplementary KAATSU for women with stress urinary incontinence ‐ a randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Due Ulla , Klarskov Niels , Gräs Søren , Lose Gunnar
Published: November 2018

Aims

To explore if adding occlusion training of a thigh (KAATSU) to low‐intensity pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) could increase effect of PFMT in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods

Single‐blinded randomized controlled pilot study. Women with SUI and an ICIQ‐UI‐SF (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short form) score of ≥12 were randomized to a low‐intensity PFMT program followed by KAATSU (KAATSU + PFMT) or to a low‐intensity PFMT program without KAATSU (PFMT group), both performed four times a week for 12 weeks. Primary outcome: Change in the ICIQ‐UI‐SF score at a 12‐week follow‐up. Secondary outcomes: a 3‐day leakage diary, the PGI‐I (Patient Global Index of Improvement scale), bother with KAATSU in a numeric rank scale and change in urethral opening pressure (UOP) measured with urethral pressure reflectometry (UPR) at rest, contraction and straining at the 12‐week follow‐up.

Results

Forty‐one women with SUI and an ICIQ‐UI‐SF of 13 (range 12‐16) were included. Fourteen in the KAATSU + PFMT and 17 in the PFMT group completed the study. Both groups had a significant and clinically relevant improvement of the ICIQ‐UI‐SF score and decrease in number of incontinence episodes with no significant between group differences. UOP did not increase significantly in either group. Bother with KAATSU was low but seven of 14 women expressed dislike with KAATSU.

Conclusions

The added KAATSU protocol did not increase the effect of low‐intensity PFMT and it was not well tolerated. While subjective effect was significant in both intervention groups this was not reflected in the UPR measures.
Transarterial radioembolization with yttrium‐90 of unresectable primary hepatic malignancy in children
Authors: Aguado Allison , Ristagno Ross , Towbin Alexander J. , Gupta Anita , Haberle Sinisa , Qi Zhihua , Patel Manish N. , Kukreja Kamlesh U. , Tiao Gregory M. , Geller James I.
Published: November 2018

Background

Primary malignant liver tumors are rare, accounting for 1% to 2% of all childhood cancers. When chemotherapy fails, transarterial radioembolization with yttrium‐90 (TARE‐Y90) may offer an alternative therapy as a bridge to surgical resection or liver transplant or for palliation.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of 10 pediatric patients with histologically confirmed primary liver malignancy who received treatment with TARE‐Y90.

Results

The median age at treatment was 5.5 years (range, 2–18 years). Median patient survival from initial diagnosis was 12.5 months (range, 10–28 months), and median patient survival after TARE‐Y90 was 4 months (range, 2–20 months). Retreatment was well tolerated in three of 10 patients, with these patients demonstrating the longest survival times (range, 17–20 months). One patient was transplanted 6 weeks after TARE‐Y90. By RECIST 1.1 criteria of all target lesions, eight of nine patients had stable disease, and one of nine had progressive disease. By mRECIST criteria (requiring postcontrast arterial phase imaging), two of seven patients had a partial response, four of seven had stable disease, and one of seven had progressive disease.

Conclusion

TARE‐Y90 of unresectable primary liver malignancy is both technically feasible and demonstrates an anticancer effect, and retreatment is well tolerated. TARE‐Y90 could be considered as adjunctive therapy in pediatric patients with unresectable hepatic malignancies and could be used as a bridge to surgical resection or liver transplant. More research is required to determine the efficacy of this treatment in children and to define the clinical scenarios where benefit is likely to be optimized.
Nano‐dispersion of fluorinated phosphonate‐modified nanodiamond in crystalline fluoropolymer matrix to achieve a transparent polymer/nanofiller hybrid
Authors: Tasaki Taira , Guo Yifei , Machida Hiroki , Akasaka Shuichi , Fujimori Atsuhiro
Published: November 2018

Well‐dispersed polymer/organo‐modified nanodiamond composites were created using crystalline fluorinated polymers as a matrix. All crystalline fluorinated polymers in this study were heat‐resistant and became transparent via high‐temperature drawing. The polyvinylidene‐fluoride‐based copolymer had a low‐melting point for a fluororesin and was easy to handle. Both fluorocarbon‐ and hydrocarbon‐modified nanodiamond formed well‐dispersed nanocomposites in polyvinylidene‐fluoride‐based fluorocopolymers. The former was prepared due to excellent miscibility, and the latter was obtained by the so‐called “nucleation effect”. In this case, the nucleation effect was induced by the “epitaxial growth” resulting from the affinity between the end of the polymer chain and the modified chain and the similarity between the crystal structures of the modified‐chain molecule and the corresponding polymer. However, fabricating a nanocomposite by combining hydrocarbon‐modified fine particles and a fluorinated polymer is not universally feasible, and this system was unique. Ethylene‐tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoroalkoxyalkane polymers showing high‐melting points cannot form a nanohybrid with hydrocarbon‐modified inorganic nanoparticles. In addition, to form a nanocomposite via melt‐compounding, the desorption temperature of the modified chain of the outermost surface of the organo‐nanodiamond had to be increased. Phosphonic acid containing fluorocarbon chain‐modified nanodiamond satisfied all these requirements. The obtained nanocomposite exhibited enhanced physical properties and unique nanodiamond characteristics. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E842–E855, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Nanocapsules containing binary phase change material obtained via miniemulsion polymerization with reactive emulsifier: Synthesis, characterization, and application in fabric finishing
Authors: Zhou Jianhua , Cui Yanjiao , Yao Hongtao , Ma Jianzhong , Ren Huijun
Published: November 2018

The nanocapsules containingn‐butyl stearate (BS) andn‐octadecane (C18) as binary phase change material and polyacrylate as shell were synthesized via miniemulsion polymerization using reactive emulsifier. The phase transition (change) temperatures and phase change enthalpies of the phase change material can be adjusted by regulating the composition of BS and C18. Moreover, the influences of emulsification method and reactive emulsifier dosage were studied. SEM and TEM analysis showed the nanocapsules were a spherical shape with core‐shell structure and the average size was about 170 nm. DSC and FT‐IR analysis indicated the binary phase change material was encapsulated with polyacrylate shell, and the fusing and crystallizing temperatures and latent heats of nanocapsules were determined as 26.07 °C and 24.85 °C, 56.89 J g−1and 54.02 J g−1respectively, and the encapsulation efficiency was above 55.09%. In addition, the results of thermoregulating and durability property revealed that the finished cotton fabric had temperature‐regulated and durability properties. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E42–E51, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers