bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrospective analysis of variant venous anatomy in 303 laparoscopic adrenalectomies and its clinical implications
Authors: Sun Fukang , Zhuo Ran , Ma Wenming , He Hongchao , Ye Lei , Xu Danfeng , Wang Weiqing , Ning Guang
Published: January 2019

Background and objectives

To clarify the correlation of variant venous anatomy with adrenal tumor phenotype and surgical outcomes.

Patients and methods

This retrospective study included 303 consecutive minimally invasive adrenalectomies from 301 patients. All adrenal veins were identified. We compared the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data between patients with and without variant adrenal venous anatomy. We also explored the factors associated with venous variants.

Results

We found variant venous anatomy in 62 of 303 adrenalectomies (20.5%). Compared with patients with normal anatomy, those with variant anatomy were associated with larger tumor size, larger adrenal veins, more adrenal medullary tumors, longer operation time, more estimated intraoperative blood loss, longer length of hospitalization, and more transfusion. Computed tomography (CT) images may improve the identification of venous anatomy. Tumor size and diagnosis of pheochromocytoma were independently related to variant venous anatomy, whereas sex, tumor size, and venous variant influenced hemorrhage. For pheochromocytoma with variant venous anatomy operated on by a single surgeon, robot‐assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy was associated with shorter postoperative hospitalization.

Conclusions

Adrenal vein variants are associated with worse outcomes in adrenal tumors and an optimized surgery strategy should be applied to this group of patients.
An Online Educational Program for Individuals With Dissociative Disorders and Their Clinicians: 1‐Year and 2‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Brand Bethany L. , Schielke Hugo J. , Putnam Karen T. , Putnam Frank W. , Loewenstein Richard J. , Myrick Amie , Jepsen Ellen K. K. , Langeland Willemien , Steele Kathy , Classen Catherine C. , Lanius Ruth A.
Published: January 2019

Individuals with dissociative disorders (DDs) are underrecognized, underserved, and often severely psychiatrically ill, characterized by marked dissociative and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms with significant disability. Patients with DD have high rates of nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) and suicide attempts. Despite this, there is a dearth of training about DDs. We report the outcome of a web‐based psychoeducational intervention for an international sample of 111 patients diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder (DID) or other complex DDs. The Treatment of Patients with Dissociative Disorders Network (TOP DD Network) program was designed to investigate whether, over the course of a web‐based psychoeducational program, DD patients would exhibit improved functioning and decreased symptoms, including among patients typically excluded from treatment studies for safety reasons. Using video, written, and behavioral practice exercises, the TOP DD Network program provided therapists and patients with education about DDs as well as skills for improving emotion regulation, managing safety issues, and decreasing symptoms. Participation was associated with reductions in dissociation and PTSD symptoms, improved emotion regulation, and higher adaptive capacities, with overall sample |d|s = 0.44–0.90, as well as reduced NSSI. The improvements in NSSI among the most self‐injurious patients were particularly striking. Although all patient groups showed significant improvements, individuals with higher levels of dissociation demonstrated greater and faster improvement compared to those lower in dissociation |d|s = 0.54–1.04 vs. |d|s  = 0.24–0.75, respectively. These findings support dissemination of DD treatment training and initiation of treatment studies with randomized controlled designs.
Reactive kinetics of carbon dioxide loaded aqueous blend of 2‐amino‐2‐ethyl‐1,3‐propanediol and piperazine using a pressure drop method
Authors: Ullah Sami , Suleman Humbul , Tahir Muhammad Suleman , Sagir Muhammad , Muhammad Shabbir , Al‐Sehemi Abdullah G. , Zafar Masood‐ur‐Rauf , Kareem Firas A. Abdul , Maulud Abdulhalim Shah , Bustam Mohamad Azmi
Published: January 2019

In this study, a new pressure drop method has been used to investigate the kinetics of carbon dioxide reaction with aqueous blend of 2‐amino‐2‐ethyl‐1,3‐propanediol (AEPD) with piperazine (PZ). The blending of a small amount of PZ with AEPD has a significant effect on the observed rate constant, kobs. It was observed that kobs values of the blend increased more than twice than the summation of kobs values of individual alkanolamines. The reaction kinetics in this study were modeled by assuming a termolecular mechanism. The addition of 0.1 mol/L of PZ to 1 mol/L AEPD exhibited an observed rate constant, kobs of 8824.1 s−1, which is comparable to other alkanolamine mixtures. Hence, PZ/AEPD mixtures can be potentially used for rapid carbon dioxide capture.
Knowledge and sustainable competitive advantage of the Eyre Peninsula's fishing industry in Australia
Authors: Quartey Samuel Howard
Published: January 2019

Researchers have largely emphasised the strategic importance of knowledge as a source of competitive advantage from a firm‐level perspective. Instead, this study looks at knowledge and sustainable competitive advantage from an industry‐level perspective. The knowledge‐based view of the firm continues to provide a nuanced understanding of firms' competitiveness but less on industry competitiveness. This study specifically addresses knowledge‐based view of sustainable competitive advantage from a fishing industry perspective by using an exploratory qualitative design and thematic analysis of 54 interviews. The findings demonstrate a strategic, organisational, and commercial influence of knowledge on establishing a sustainable competitive advantage. This study contradicts the universal theoretical assumption that a firm is an effective knowledge creating and distributing entity by arguing that an industry can also create deep knowledge for competition through collaboration than most firms. It argues that knowledge can be the most important source of sustainable competitive advantage for the industry. This paper advances scholarly works that seek to deepen and understand the intersection between knowledge management and strategic management.
Feasibility and tolerability of measuring translaryngeal pressure during exercise
Authors: Fretheim‐Kelly Zoe , Halvorsen Thomas , Heimdal John‐Helge , Strand Eric , Vollsæter Maria , Clemm Hege , Roksund Ola
Published: January 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine if simultaneous tracheal and supraglottic pressure measurement performed during a continuous laryngoscopy exercise (CLE) test is possible, tolerable, and feasible, and if so, whether measurements can be used to determined airflow resistance over the larynx, thus providing an objective outcome measure for the CLE test, the gold standard for diagnosing exercise‐induced laryngeal obstruction.

Study Design

Explorative descriptive clinical study.

Methods

A CLE test was performed with the addition of two pressure sensors (Mikro‐Cath 825‐0101; Millar, Houston, TX) placed at the epiglottic tip and at the fifth tracheal ring. To place sensors, laryngeal anesthesia and a channel scope were required. Tolerability and feasibility was determined by a Likert score and subjective indication from subjects and operators. Adjustments to the technique were made to increase tolerability. The pressure data were continuously collected and analyzed for artifacts, drifts, frequency response, and used with flow data to calculate translaryngeal resistance.

Results

All subjects (n = 7) completed all procedures. Two main areas of concern were identified regarding tolerability: application of topical anesthesia to the larynx and nasal discomfort due to the added diameter of the laryngoscope. Protocol adjustments improved both. Pressure data were obtained from all procedures in all subjects, were consistent, and followed physiological trends.

Conclusions

Continuous measurement of the translaryngeal pressure gradient during a CLE test is possible, feasible, and tolerable. A CLE test with direct measurement of the translaryngeal pressure gradient might become a valuable tool in the objective assessment of respiratory function, and normal values should be established in health and disease.

Level of Evidence

NALaryngoscope, 129:2748–2753, 2019
The benefit of trans‐attic endoscopic control of ossicular prosthesis after cholesteatoma surgery
Authors: Haidar Hassan , Abu Rajab Altamimi Zaid , Larem Aisha , Aslam Waqar , Elsaadi Ali , Abdulkarim Hassanin , Al Duhirat Emad , Mahmood Ashraf Nabeel , Alqahtani Abdulsalam
Published: January 2019

Objective

To show the efficiency of using transmastoid atticotomy (TMA) endoscopy on the outcome of ossiculoplasty in patients with cholesteatoma.

TMA is often performed as part of the surgical management of patients with middle ear cholesteatoma extending to the epitympanum. TMA can also be used as an access for endoscopic view to confirm the right alignment and stability of the ossicular prosthesis because the reconstruction of the tympanic membrane will obscure the visualization of the prosthesis.

Methods

A retrospective study was done at a tertiary referral institute, including 133 ears with cholesteatoma that underwent canal wall‐up tympanomastoidectomy (CWU) with ossicular reconstruction using titanium prosthesis between August 2013 and August 2015. Post packing of the ear canal and position, stability, and axis of the prosthesis were checked using endoscope positioned in the attic through TMA. A postoperative pure‐tone average air–bone gap (ABG) of 20 dB or less was considered as a successful hearing result. Results are compared with historical control groups.

Results

Of the 133 ears, 88 patients underwent reconstruction with partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (PORP), whereas the rest (45 patients) had total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP). A postoperative ABG ≤ 20 dB was obtained in 77.4% of all the patients (79.5% for PORP; 73.3% for TORP).

Conclusion

Endoscopic assessment of the ossicular prosthesis via the attic, after repositioning of the tympanomeatal flap and packing the ear canal, decreases the risk of immediate ossiculoplasty failure and improves the functional outcome after ossicular chain reconstruction in cholesteatoma surgery.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 129:2754–2759, 2019
Accretion of Dietary Docosahexaenoic Acid in Mouse Tissues Did Not Differ between Its Purified Phospholipid and Triacylglycerol Forms
Authors: Adkins Yuriko , Laugero Kevin D. , Mackey Bruce , Kelley Darshan S.
Published: January 2019

Recent studies suggest that dietary krill oil leads to higher omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFA) tissue accretion compared to fish oil because the former is rich in n‐3 PUFA esterified as phospholipids (PL), while n‐3 PUFA in fish oil are primarily esterified as triacylglycerols (TAG). Tissue accretion of the same dietary concentrations of PL‐ and TAG‐docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n‐3) (DHA) has not been compared and was the focus of this study. Mice (n = 12/group) were fed either a control diet or one of six DHA (1%, 2%, or 4%) as PL‐DHA or TAG‐DHA diets for 4 weeks. Compared with the control, DHA concentration in liver, adipose tissue (AT), heart, and eye, but not brain, were significantly higher in mice consuming either PL‐ or TAG‐DHA, but there was no difference in DHA concentration in all tissues between the PL‐ or TAG‐DHA forms. Consumption of PL‐ and TAG‐DHA at all concentrations significantly elevated eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n‐3) (EPA) in all tissues when compared with the control group, while docoshexapentaenoic acid (22:5n‐6) (DPA) was significantly higher in all tissues except for the eye and heart. Both DHA forms lowered total omega‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐6 PUFA) in all tissues and total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in the liver and AT; total saturated fatty acid (SFA) were lowered in the liver but elevated in the AT. An increase in the DHA dose, independent of DHA forms, significantly lowered n‐6 PUFA and significantly elevated n‐3 PUFA concentration in all tissues. Our results do not support the claim that the PL form of n‐3 PUFA leads to higher n‐3 PUFA tissue accretion than their TAG form.
Neurological Complications Occurring After Liver Transplantation: Role of Risk Factors, Hepatic Encephalopathy, and Acute (on Chronic) Brain Injury
Authors: Weiss Nicolas , Thabut Dominique
Published: January 2019

Orthotopic liver transplantation (LT) remains the only way to definitively cure patients with the most severe liver diseases. Because the survival rate is now fairly high, important questions about neurological sequelae or quality of life after LT have emerged. Indeed, LT represents a peculiar situation because up to 30% of patients present with neurological symptoms after LT compared with only 4% after cardiac transplant and 0.5% after renal transplant. These postoperative neurological symptoms have long been interpreted as sequelae of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). However, postoperative decompensation of an unknown cerebral condition due to the pathophysiology of cirrhosis or undiagnosed neurodegenerative disorders or aging constitute other possibilities that are underrecognized. Some patients who undergo LT for acute liver failure and patients with cirrhosis without episodes of HE and without any previous cerebral alteration also display post‐LT neurological symptoms. This latter situation speaks in favor of a direct adverse effect of either general anesthesia, the surgical procedure, or factors related to the postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) environment. The role of inflammation, which has been described in the ICU setting, could also be a crucial determinant. In this review, we will discuss the neurological complications associated with LT, the neurocognitive complications after LT, and how to assess the LT‐related neurological or neurocognitive complications. Furthermore, we will review the various hypotheses surrounding post‐LT neurocognitive impairment and will conclude with recommendations for future directions.
Microsatellite characterization and marker development for the fungus Penicillium digitatum, causal agent of green mold of citrus
Authors: Varady Erika S. , Bodaghi Sohrab , Vidalakis Georgios , Douhan Greg W.
Published: January 2019

Penicillium digitatum is one of the most important postharvest pathogens of citrus on a global scale causing significant annual losses due to fruit rot. However, little is known about the diversity of P. digitatum populations. The genome of P. digitatum has been sequenced, providing an opportunity to determine the microsatellite distribution within P. digitatum to develop markers that could be valuable tools for studying the population biology of this pathogen. In the analyses, a total of 3,134 microsatellite loci were detected; 66.73%, 23.23%, 8.23%, 1.24%, 0.16%, and 0.77% were detected as mono‐, di‐, tri‐, tetra‐, penta‐, and hexanucleotide repeats, respectively. As consistent with other ascomycete fungi, the genome size of P. digitatum does not seem to correlate with the density of microsatellite loci. However, significantly longer motifs of mono‐, di‐, and tetranucleotide repeats were identified in P. digitatum compared to 10 other published ascomycete species with repeats of over 800, 300, and 900 motifs found, respectively. One isolate from southern California and five additional isolates from other countries (“global isolates”) were used to initially screen microsatellite markers developed in this study. Twelve additional isolates, referred to as the “local isolates,” were also collected from citrus at the University of California Riverside agricultural experiment station and were subsequently used to screen the primers that sequenced well and were polymorphic based on the global isolates. Thirty‐six primers were screened, and nine trinucleotide loci and one hexanucleotide locus were chosen as robust markers. These loci yielded two to seven alleles and will be useful to study population genetic structure of P. digitatum populations.
Approximation by a sequence of operators of the Srivastava‐Gupta type involving the Brenke polynomials with a certain parameter
Authors: Baxhaku Behar , Berisha Artan
Published: January 2019

We introduce a new sequence of linear positive operators by combining the Brenke polynomials and the Srivastava‐Gupta–type operators defined by Srivastava‐Gupta. obtain the moments of the operators and present some classical and statistical approximation properties by means of Korovkin results. Next, we estimate a global result, which includes the Voronovskaya‐type asymptotic formula, local approximation, error estimation in terms of weighted modulus of continuity, and for functions in a Lipschitz‐type space. Lastly, we estimate the rate of approximation for functions with derivatives of bounded variation.
Mechanisms of Transport and Delivery of Vitamin A and Carotenoids to the Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Authors: Harrison Earl H.
Published: January 2019

Vision depends on the delivery of vitamin A (retinol) to the retina. Retinol in blood is bound to retinol‐binding protein (RBP). Retinal pigment epithelia (RPE) cells express the RBP receptor, STRA6, that facilitates uptake of retinol. The retinol is then converted to retinyl esters by the enzyme lecithin:retinol acyltransferase. The esters are the substrate for RPE65, an enzyme that produces 11‐cis retinol, which is converted to 11‐cis retinaldehyde for transport to the photoreceptors to form rhodopsin. The dietary xanthophylls, lutein (LUT) and zeaxanthin (ZEA), accumulate in the macula of the eye, providing protection against age‐related macular degeneration. To reach the macula, carotenoids cross the RPE. In blood, xanthophylls and β‐carotene mostly associate with high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), respectively. Studies using a human RPE cell model evaluate the kinetics of cell uptake when carotenoids are delivered in LDL or HDL. For LUT and β‐carotene, LDL delivery result in the highest rate of uptake. HDL is more effective in delivering ZEA (and meso‐ZEA). This selective HDL‐mediated uptake of ZEA, via a scavenger receptor and LDL‐mediated uptake of LUT and β‐carotene provides a mechanism for the selective accumulation of ZEA > LUT and xanthophylls over β‐carotene in the macula.
Technical Note: Relative proton stopping power estimation from virtual monoenergetic images reconstructed from dual‐layer computed tomography
Authors: Landry Guillaume , Dörringer Fabian , Si‐Mohamed Salim , Douek Philippe , Abascal Juan F. P. J. , Peyrin Françoise , Almeida Isabel P. , Verhaegen Frank , Rinaldi Ilaria , Parodi Katia , Rit Simon
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The objective of this technical note was to investigate the accuracy of proton stopping power relative to water (RSP) estimation using a novel dual‐layer, dual‐energy computed tomography (DL‐DECT) scanner for potential use in proton therapy planning. DL‐DECT allows dual‐energy reconstruction from scans acquired at a single x‐ray tube voltage V by using two‐layered detectors.

Methods

Sets of calibration and evaluation inserts were scanned at a DL‐DECT scanner in a custom phantom with variable diameter D (0 to 150 mm) at V of 120 and 140 kV. Inserts were additionally scanned at a synchrotron computed tomography facility to obtain comparative linear attenuation coefficients for energies from 50 to 100 keV, and reference RSP was obtained using a carbon ion beam and variable water column. DL‐DECT monoenergetic (mono‐E) reconstructions were employed to obtain RSP by adapting the Yang–Saito–Landry (YSL) method. The method was compared to reference RSP via the root mean square error (RMSE) over insert mean values obtained from volumetric regions of interest. The accuracy of intermediate quantities such as the relative electron density (RED), effective atomic number (EAN), and the mono‐E was additionally evaluated.

Results

The lung inserts showed higher errors for all quantities and we report RMSE excluding them. RMSE for μ from DL‐DECT mono‐E was below 1.9%. For the evaluation inserts at D = 150 mm and V = 140 kV, RED RMSE was 1.0%, while for EAN it was 2.9%. RSP RMSE was below 0.8% for all D and V, which did not strongly affect the results.

Conclusions

In this investigation of RSP accuracy from DL‐DECT, we have shown that RMSE below 1% can be achieved. It was possible to adapt the YSL method for DL‐DECT and intermediate quantities RED and EAN had comparable accuracy to previous publications.
Controlled Synthesis, Characterization, and Flow Properties of Ethylene–Diene Copolymers
Authors: Das Chinmay , Elguweri Muhiddin , Jiang Peijun , Kang Shuhui , Kelchtermans Mauritz , McLeish Tom C. B. , Parkinson Matthew , Read Daniel J. , Redlich Michael P. , Shirodkar Pradeep P. , Soulages Johannes M.
Published: January 2019

The flow response of branched entangled resins is dominated by the branching topology of the constituent molecules, a property that is not directly accessible using experimental analytical tools for industrially relevant complex resins. In this paper, the controlled terpolymerization of ethylene, 1,9‐decadiene, and either hexene or octene in a continuous stirred tank reactor with a metallocene catalyst, is reported. The synthesized samples are characterized extensively with various analytical tools and their rheological properties are measured with small amplitude oscillatory shear and start‐up uniaxial extension experiments. A model is developed for the polymerization process with the mass balance during synthesis providing strong constraints on the rate constants. In silico ensembles of molecules, generated via Monte Carlo sampling, are used to reproduce the experimental results. The computer model allows us to infer the detailed branching structure of the molecules and to predict the optimum range of reactor conditions for this synthesis.
The effect of flow on blood oxygen level dependent (R*2) MRI of orthotopic lung tumors
Authors: Zhou Heling , Belzile Olivier , Zhang Zhang , Wagner Jo , Ahn Chul , Richardson James A. , Saha Debabrata , Brekken Rolf A. , Mason Ralph P.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) MRI based on measurements can provide insights into tumor vascular oxygenation. However, measurements are susceptible to blood flow, which may vary accompanying a hyperoxic gas challenge. We investigated flow sensitivity by comparing measurements with and without flow suppression (fs) in 2 orthotopic lung xenograft tumor models.

Methods

H460 (n = 20) and A549 (n = 20) human lung tumor xenografts were induced by surgical implantation of cancer cells in the right lung of nude rats. MRI was performed at 4.7T after tumors reached 5 to 8 mm in diameter. A multiecho gradient echo MRI sequence was acquired with and without spatial saturation bands on each side of the imaging plane to evaluate the effect of flow on . fs and non‐fs MRI measurements were interleaved during an oxygen breathing challenge (from air to 100% O2). ‐weighted signal intensity changes (ΔSI(%)) and measurements were obtained for regions of interest and on a voxel‐by‐voxel basis and discrepancies quantified with Bland–Altman analysis.

Results

Flow suppression affected ΔSI(%) and measurements in each tumor model. Average discrepancy and limits of agreement from Bland–Altman analyses revealed greater flow‐related bias in A549 than H460.

Conclusion

The effect of flow on , and hence BOLD, was tumor model dependent with measurements being more sensitive in well‐perfused A549 tumors.
Improved chemical exchange saturation transfer imaging with real‐time frequency drift correction
Authors: Liu Ruibin , Zhang Hongxi , Niu Weiming , Lai Can , Ding Qiuping , Chen Weibo , Liang Sayuan , Zhou Jinyuan , Wu Dan , Zhang Yi
Published: January 2019

Purpose

To investigate the effects of frequency drift on chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) imaging at 3T, and to propose a new sequence for correcting artifacts attributed to B0 drift in real time.

Theory and Methods

A frequency‐stabilized CEST (FS‐CEST) imaging sequence was proposed by adding a frequency stabilization module to the conventional non‐frequency‐stabilized CEST (NFS‐CEST) sequence, which consisted of a small tip angle radiofrequency excitation pulse and readout of three non‐phase‐encoded k‐space lines. Experiments were performed on an egg white phantom and 26 human subjects on a heavy‐duty clinical scanner, in order to compare the difference of FS‐CEST and NFS‐CEST sequences for generating the z‐spectrum, magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry (MTRasym) spectrum, and amide proton transfer weighted (APTw) image.

Results

The B0 drift in CEST imaging, if not corrected, would cause APTw images and MTRasym spectra from both the phantom and volunteers to be either significantly higher or lower than the true values, depending on the status of the scanner. The FS‐CEST sequence generated substantially more stable MTRasym spectra and APTw images than the conventional NFS‐CEST sequence. Quantitatively, the compartmental‐average APTw signals (mean ± standard deviation) from frontal white matter regions of all 26 human subjects were –0.32% ± 2.32% for the NFS‐CEST sequence and –0.14% ± 0.37% for the FS‐CEST sequence.

Conclusions

The proposed FS‐CEST sequence provides an effective approach for B0 drift correction without additional scan time and should be adopted on heavy‐duty MRI scanners.
Ristretto MRE: A generalized multi‐shot GRE‐MRE sequence
Authors: Guenthner Christian , Sethi Sweta , Troelstra Marian , Dokumaci Ayse Sila , Sinkus Ralph , Kozerke Sebastian
Published: January 2019

In order to acquire consistent k‐space data in MR elastography, a fixed temporal relationship between the MRI sequence and the underlying period of the wave needs to be ensured. To this end, conventional GRE‐MRE enforces synchronization through repeated triggering of the transducer and forcing the sequence repetition time to be equal to an integer multiple of the wave period. For wave frequencies below 100 Hz, however, this leads to prolonged acquisition times, as the repetition time scales inversely with frequency. A previously developed multi‐shot approach (eXpresso MRE) to multi‐slice GRE‐MRE tackles this issue by acquiring an integer number of slices per wave period, which allows acquisition to be accelerated in typical scenarios by a factor of two or three. In this work, it is demonstrated that the constraints imposed by the eXpresso scheme are overly restrictive. We propose a generalization of the sequence in three steps by incorporating sequence delays into imaging shots and allowing for interleaved wave‐phase acquisition. The Ristretto scheme is compared in terms of imaging shot and total scan duration relative to eXpresso and conventional GRE‐MRE and is validated in three different phantom studies. First, the agreement of measured displacement fields in different stages of the sequence generalization is shown. Second, performance is compared for 25, 36, 40, and 60 Hz actuation frequencies. Third, the performance is assessed for the acquisition of different numbers of slices (13 to 17). In vivo feasibility is demonstrated in the liver and the breast. Here, Ristretto is compared with an optimized eXpresso sequence, leading to scan accelerations of 15% and 5%, respectively, without compromising displacement field and stiffness estimates in general. The Ristretto concept allows us to choose imaging shot durations on a fine grid independent of the number of slices and the wave frequency, permitting 2‐ to 4.5‐fold acceleration of conventional GRE‐MRE acquisitions.
Diet‐Induced Obesity in Cannabinoid‐2 Receptor Knockout Mice and Cannabinoid Receptor 1/2 Double‐Knockout Mice
Authors: Alshaarawy Omayma , Kurjan Emily , Truong Nguyen , Olson L. Karl
Published: January 2019

Objective

Evidence suggests that cannabinoid‐1 receptor (CB1R) activation is associated with increased food intake and body weight gain. Human epidemiological studies, however, show decreased prevalence of obesity in cannabis users. Given the overlapping and complementary functions of the cannabinoid receptors (CB1R and CB2R), mice lacking CB2R and mice lacking both CB1R and CB2R were studied.

Methods

A high‐fat diet was used to study metabolic changes in male mice lacking CB2R (CB2−/−) or lacking both CB1R and CB2R (double‐knockout [CB‐DKO]) compared with wild‐type mice.

Results

When CB2−/− mice were maintained on a high‐fat diet, their weight gain was not different from wild‐type mice (gaining 19 and 21 g, respectively), whereas CB‐DKO mice gained only 5 g. There were no significant differences in food intake or locomotor activity between the three groups. Respiratory exchange rate and heat production were elevated in CB‐DKO mice, with upregulation of adipose tissue thermogenic genes. Glucose tolerance test and insulin levels indicated increased insulin sensitivity in CB‐DKO mice, whereas CB2−/− displayed signs of impaired glucose clearance.

Conclusions

These results indicate that lacking both CB1R and CB2R protected mice from diet‐induced obesity, possibly through the prominent role of CB1R in obesity or through an interactive effect of both receptors.
Primary immune regulatory disorders for the pediatric hematologist and oncologist: A case‐based review
Authors: Chandrakasan Shanmuganathan , Chandra Sharat , Davila Saldana Blachy J. , Torgerson Troy R. , Buchbinder David
Published: January 2019

An array of monogenic immune defects marked by autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, and hyperinflammation rather than infections have been described. Primary immune regulatory disorders pose a challenge to pediatric hematologists and oncologists. This paper focuses on primary immune regulatory disorders including autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) and ALPS‐like syndromes, immunodysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X‐linked (IPEX) and IPEX‐like disorders, common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), CVID‐like, and late‐onset combined immunodeficiency (CID) disorders. Hyperinflammatory disorders and those associated with increased susceptibility to lymphoid malignancies are also discussed. Using a case‐based approach, a review of clinical pearls germane to the clinical and laboratory evaluation as well as the treatment of these disorders is provided.
Synthesis and physical properties of poly(urethane)s using vicinal diols derived from acrylate and styrene monomers
Authors: Akbulut Huseyin , Yoshida Yoshiaki , Yamada Shuhei , Endo Takeshi
Published: January 2019

We describe the utilization of four kinds of diol derivatives, representing structural similarity to the well‐known and commercially available vinyl monomers such as acrylate, acrylamide, styrene, and N‐substituted maleimide. The vinyl monomers are readily converted by dihydroxylation reaction to afford the vicinal diol. The synthesis of poly(urethane)s was performed by the reaction of the vicinal diol with two model diisocyanates, including methylene diphenyl isocyanate (MDI) and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) in the presence of dibutyltin dilaurate to form a series of poly(urethane)s, and the effect of vicinal diol containing a side chain inherited from vinyl monomers on their thermal and mechanical properties was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and tensile test. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 799–805
Highly Flexible and Voltage Based Wavelength Tunable Biosensor
Authors: Muhammad Naseer , Liu Qiang , Tang Xiaopin , Fu Tao , Daud Khan Adnan , Ouyang Zhengbiao
Published: January 2019

A plasmonic absorber as a biosensor based on the highly flexible electro‐optic material is numerically investigated. The structure demonstrates multispectral high absorption in visible and unity absorption in the near‐infrared range. The resonant wavelengths are extremely sensitive to the applied voltage, variation in geometric parameters, and the refractive index of the background material, resulting in wavelength‐tunable absorption that can be used for tunable sensors and filters. The refractive index based sensitivity is calculated on different voltages to adjust the resonances to the desired point in a wide waveband for detecting a large number of different biomaterials. The electro‐optic tunability can be used to reduce fabrication errors and use of scaling. In addition, strong field absorption, broad resonant peaks, and wide incident angle absorption versatility are found in the proposed structure which can be applied for energy harvesting, infra‐red detection, and surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy purposes.
Efficient Visible‐Light‐Induced Photocatalytic Activity of SrTiO3 Co‐Doped With Os and N: A GGA + U Investigation
Authors: Wang Yueqin , Zhang Chao , Liu Yin , Zhang Mingxu , Min Fanfei
Published: January 2019

A systematic investigation based on spin‐polarized DFT + U has been carried out to study the electronic structure of charge compensated (Os, 2N)‐codoped SrTiO3 as compared with that of pure SrTiO3, Os‐doped SrTiO3, N‐doped SrTiO3, and charge non‐compensated (Os, N)‐codoped SrTiO3. The calculated band gap of pure SrTiO3 is improved to 3.22 eV using GGA + U method by choosing appropriate U values, which is in good agreement with the experimental value (3.25 eV). Although charge non‐compensated co‐doping with (Os, N) significantly reduces the photoabsorption energy by introducing localized in‐gap impurity states of Os‐5d, N‐2p, and O‐2p, unfortunately, the presence of these states may hinder charge carrier mobility. The calculated results show that the charge compensated co‐doping with one Os and two N leads to the complete passivation of the mid gap Os‐5d and O‐2p impurity states, thus the positions of the band edges are extended to satisfy the criteria for overall water splitting under visible‐light. The present predictions demonstrate that the charge compensated (Os, 2N)‐codoped SrTiO3 can be a desirable effective photocatalyst for highly active visible‐light‐induced hydrogen production from water splitting due to the enhanced visible‐light activity as well as decreased electron–hole recombination rate.
Anisotropy Magnetoelectric Coupling in NiFe2O4/Bi5Ti3FeO15 0‐3 Type Nanocomposite Films
Authors: Alyeksyei Ariunbayasgalan , Jiang Ning , Jiang Yaoxiang , Lu Qingshan , Zhao Shifeng
Published: January 2019

Multiferroic NiFe2O4/Bi5Ti3FeO15 (NFO/BTFO) 0‐3 type nanocomposit films are synthesized by combining hydro‐thermal and sol‐gel methods. Structure, ferroelectric, magnetic, and magnetoelectric properties for the nanocomposite films are investigated. High magnetoelectric coupling effect has been obtained at room temperature, which is originated from the stress transfer between two different components. Such 0‐3 type structure can effectively depress the clamp effect from the substrate. Moreover, the nanocomposite films obtain anisotropy magnetic and magnetoelectric properties. The nanocomposite films can be potentially applied in sensitive magnetoelectric sensors.
Bidirectional connectivity via fish ladders in a large Neotropical river
Authors: Celestino Leandro Fernandes , Sanz‐Ronda Francisco Javier , Miranda Leandro Esteban , Makrakis Maristela Cavicchioli , Dias João Henrique Pinheiro , Makrakis Sergio
Published: January 2019

The conservation of migratory fish species worldwide has been threatened by the loss of longitudinal connectivity caused by dams intercepting large rivers. One environmental management strategy for reestablishing connectivity is providing passage through fish ladders. However, ladders in Neotropical rivers have been described as ascending one‐way routes. We analysed the movements of Prochilodus lineatus through a fish ladder at a large dam—Porto Primavera—in the heavily impounded Upper Paraná River, Brazil, to determine whether the ladder connected habitats downstream and upstream of the dam, in both directions. A total of 1,419 specimens of P. lineatus were PIT‐tagged above and below the dam, and continuously monitored for 4 years. We documented bidirectional movements of P. lineatus through the fish ladder. Many individuals repeated these movements annually; one individual as many as six times. It was estimated that the cumulative probability that P. lineatus would return from downstream after descending through the ladder was 0.38, 0.50, and 0.56 in 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Correspondingly, return probabilities from upstream were 0.15, 0.22, and 0.26 in 1–3 years, respectively. Although return probabilities from upstream were roughly half, our results suggest the Porto Primavera fish ladder contributes to habitat connectivity, bidirectional passage, and preservation of P. lineatus. These results deviate from the perception that fishways are ineffective in Neotropical rivers. We suggest that fishways can restore the bidirectional connectivity denied to some Neotropical species, and until the services of dams are no longer needed, environmental management through fish ladders could continue to be considered as an integral part of broader conservation strategy designed to preserve native fauna.
Intrinsically Electrochromic Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Cruz Hugo , Jordão Noémi , Dionísio Madalena , Pina Fernando , Branco Luís C.
Published: January 2019

Multi‐colored intrinsically electrochromic based Deep Eutectic Solvents (IEDES) have been firstly developed. IEDES composed by the suitable mixing between viologen salt derivatives as HBA and ethylene glycol (EG), glycerol (Gly) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as HBD have been prepared and characterized by thermal and electrochemical studies. A detailed electrochemical characterization of the IEDES using cyclic voltammetry studies in 2‐electrodes (ECDs) configuration cells were performed. The most promissory IEDES based on viologen salt derivatives can act simultaneously as electrolyte and electrochromic. Preliminary redox cycling studies showed a reversible and stable ECD composed by [(C5O2)2bpy]I2:EG at least until 1300 minutes. The coloration efficiency and reversibility can be tuned changing only the alcohol counterpart and/or the side chains and anion of the viologen derivatives. These IEDES can be explored as functional and efficient multi‐colored ECDs. Also, these innovative materials can open attractive applications for material science and energy devices.
Synthesis of N‐Bridged 6,8‐Dinitrotriazolo[1,5‐a]pyridines
Authors: Starosotnikov Alexey M. , Bastrakov Maxim A. , Knyazev Daniil A. , Fedyanin Ivan V. , Kachala Vadim V. , Dalinger Igor L.
Published: January 2019

Facile and efficient protocols for the synthesis of 2‐R‐6,8‐dinitro[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyridines from commercially available starting materials have been developed. The reactions proceed via cyclization of corresponding 3,5‐dinitropyridine‐2‐yl hydrazides or aldehyde 3,5‐dinitropyridine‐2‐yl hydrazones followed by in situ Dimroth rearrangement to provide these triazole fused bicyclic heterocycles in good yields under mild conditions. Another synthetic route to target N‐bridged dinitro[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyridines includes arylation of 5‐aryltetrazoles with 2‐chloro‐3,5‐dinitropyridine and subsequent thermal decomposition/cyclization.
FMMWCNTs@CPA@SMTU@PdII NPs: As a Versatile Ferromagnetic Nanostructured Catalyst for Sonogashira‐Hagihara Cross‐Coupling Reaction in Solvent‐Free Conditions
Authors: Ghasemzadeh Maryam Sadat , Akhlaghinia Batool
Published: January 2019

This study deals with the designing and preparation of PdII immobilized on ferromagnetic multi‐walled carbon nanotubes functionalized by aminated 2‐chloroethylphosphonic acid with S‐methylisothiourea (FMMWCNTs@CPA@SMTU@PdII NPs) as a versatile ferromagnetic nanostructured catalyst. Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), EDS‐map, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize the nanocatalyst. The results show that FMMWCNTs@CPA@SMTU@PdII NPs with decorated MWCNTs by Fe3O4 NPs exhibited ferromagnetic properties with a uniform rod‐like morphology and particle sizes of about 20–30 nm. The catalytic performance of FMMWCNTs@CPA@SMTU@PdII NPs was evaluated in Sonogashira‐Hagihara cross‐coupling reaction at room temperature and in solvent‐free conditions. Under appropriate condition, all reactions proceeded at a faster initial rate while exhibiting excellent activity and selectivity and the desired products were obtained in relatively excellent yields.
A Green Route Strategy for the Synthesis of Multifunctional Polymer Nanocomposites for Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Mazumdar Payal , Rattan Sunita , Singhal Prachi , Sharma Indu , Gupta Bipin K.
Published: January 2019

Herein, one‐step green strategy is demonstrated for the synthesis of multifunctional polymer nanocomposite material using eco‐friendly thiol‐enephotopolymerization reaction at room temperature without use of any crosslinking agents. The greener route of thiol‐ene click reaction results in the formation of extremely high functional groups incorporated crosslinked surface as the thiol groups are reacted with each double bond in the nanograpite network, which is difficult to obtain by any other conventional method. In an attempt to encounter with environmental issues, this facile nanocomposite material can not only detect organic vapor in air but also degrades organic pollutant and microorganisms in water. The response time obtained by thiol‐ene functionalized nanocomposite (TE‐f‐NC) material is recorded as 6 seconds and the recovery is not more than 60 seconds towards formaldehyde vapors. The TE‐f‐NCs for detection of formaldehyde vapor will make a value‐added ultimate product and their commercialization will directly benefit to the society. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity of the obtained TE‐f‐NC material for the degradation of methyl blue (MB) under UV irradiation source was investigated, and found more than 50% of the initial concentration of MB dye degraded within first 3 min using TE‐f‐NC (0.6%) polymer nanocomposite. Along with photocatalytic activity, It is worth pointing out that the hybrid material can be readily used for antimicrobial activity toward various pathogenic microbes depicting the growth inhibition of microorganism by disrupting the cell walls.
Contemplative interventions and employee distress: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Slemp Gavin R. , Jach Hayley K. , Chia Austin , Loton Daniel J. , Kern Margaret L.
Published: January 2019

Mindfulness, meditation, and other practices that form contemplative interventions are increasingly offered in workplaces to support employee mental health. Studies have reported benefits across various populations, yet researchers have expressed concerns that adoption of such interventions has outpaced scientific evidence. We reappraise the extant literature by meta‐analytically testing the efficacy of contemplative interventions in reducing psychological distress in employees (meta‐analysed set: k = 119; N = 6,044). Complementing other reviews, we also examine a range of moderators and the impact of biases that could artificially inflate effect sizes. Results suggested interventions were generally effective in reducing employee distress, yielding small to moderate effects that were sustained at last follow‐up. Effects were moderated by the type of contemplative intervention offered and the type of control group utilized. We also found evidence of publication bias, which is likely inflating estimated effects. Uncontrolled single‐sample studies were more affected by bias than were large or randomized controlled trial studies. Adjustments for publication bias lowered overall effects. Overall, our review supports the effectiveness of contemplative interventions in reducing employee distress, but there is a need for proactive strategies to mitigate artificially inflated effect sizes to avoid the misapplication of contemplative interventions in work settings.
Lamellarly Stacking Porous N, P Co‐Doped Mo2C/C Nanosheets as High Performance Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lyu Fucong , Zeng Shanshan , Sun Zhifang , Qin Ning , Cao Lujie , Wang Zhenyu , Jia Zhe , Wu Shaofei , Ma Fei‐Xiang , Li Minchan , Wang Wenxi , Li Yang Yang , Lu Jian , Lu Zhouguang
Published: January 2019

Layered stacking and highly porous N, P co‐doped Mo2C/C nanosheets are prepared from a stable Mo‐enhanced hydrogel. The hydrogel is formed through the ultrafast cross‐linking of phosphomolybdic acid and chitosan. During the reduction of the composite hydrogel framework under inert gas protection, highly porous N and P co‐doped carbon nanosheets are produced with the in situ formation of ultrafine Mo2C nanoparticles highly distributed throughout the nanosheets which are entangled via a hierarchical lamellar infrastructure. This unique architecture of the N, P co‐doped Mo2C/C nanosheets tremendously promote the electrochemical activity and operate stability with high specific capacity and extremely stable cycling. In particular, this versatile synthetic strategy can also be extended to other polyoxometalate (such as phosphotungstic acid) to provide greater opportunities for the controlled fabrication of novel hierarchical nanostructures for next‐generation high performance energy storage applications.
Flexible ITO‐Free Organic Photovoltaics on Ultra‐Thin Flexible Glass Substrates with High Efficiency and Improved Stability
Authors: Wang Xiao , Jin Hui , Nagiri Ravi C. R. , Poliquit Beta Z. L. , Subbiah Jegadesan , Jones David J. , Kopidakis Nikos , Burn Paul L. , Yu Junsheng
Published: January 2019

The ability for organic solar cells to be conformable and bendable enables them to be used in a broad range of applications. Indium tin oxide (ITO) or PEDOT:PSS on plastic substrates such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or poly(ethylene napthalate) (PET or PEN) have been used for transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs) for flexible devices. However, ITO is brittle and when used on flexible substrates is prone to cracking, and the acidity of PEDOT:PSS can lead to corrosion of the ester‐based plastic substrates and cause device degradation. In this work, TCEs based on modified high‐conductivity PEDOT:PSS on 100 μm‐thick flexible glass substrates are used as the anode for organic solar cells. The optimized PEDOT:PSS TCE anode on flexible glass has a sheet resistance of ≈30 Ω/sq and a transmission of ≈77% at 550 nm, with a broad transmission window between 300 and 800 nm. The best PEDOT:PSS on flexible glass‐based organic solar cell has a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.0%, which is higher than devices comprising ITO or PEDOT:PSS on PEN, which have PCEs of 6.4% and 5.8%, respectively. It is also found that the ultra‐thin glass devices can be scaled, with 1.6 cm2 flexible cells having an efficiency of 5.2%.
Journal watch
Authors: Kirby Mike
Published: January 2019

Mike Kirby, GP and Visiting Professor to the University of Hertfordshire and The Prostate Centre, London, picks some interesting recent papers and highlights the ‘take‐home’ message.