bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and development of low cost polyurethane biopolymer based on castor oil and glycerol for biomedical applications
Authors: Tan A. C. W. , Polo‐Cambronell B. J. , Provaggi E. , Ardila‐Suárez C. , Ramirez‐Caballero G. E. , Baldovino‐Medrano V. G. , Kalaskar D. M.
Published: November 2017

In the current study, we present the synthesis of novel low cost bio‐polyurethane compositions with variable mechanical properties based on castor oil and glycerol for biomedical applications. A detailed investigation of the physicochemical properties of the polymer was carried out by using mechanical testing, ATR‐FTIR, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Polymers were also tested in short term in‐vitro cell culture with human mesenchymal stem cells to evaluate their biocompatibility for potential applications as biomaterial. FTIR analysis confirmed the synthesis of castor oil and glycerol based PU polymers. FTIR also showed that the addition of glycerol as co‐polyol increases crosslinking within the polymer backbone hence enhancing the bulk mechanical properties of the polymer. XPS data showed that glycerol incorporation leads to an enrichment of oxidized organic species on the surface of the polymers. Preliminary investigation into in vitro biocompatibility showed that serum protein adsorption can be controlled by varying the glycerol content with polymer backbone. An alamar blue assay looking at the metabolic activity of the cells indicated that castor oil based PU and its variants containing glycerol are non‐toxic to the cells. This study opens an avenue for using low cost bio‐polyurethane based on castor oil and glycerol for biomedical applications.
Impact of weight loss and eating difficulties on health-related quality of life up to 10 years after oesophagectomy for cancer
Authors: Anandavadivelan P. , Wikman A. , Johar A. , Lagergren P.
Published: November 2017

Background

Severe weight loss is experienced by patients with eating difficulties after surgery for oesophageal cancer. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to asssess the influence of eating difficulties and severe weight loss on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) up to 10 years after oesophagectomy.

Methods

Data on bodyweight and HRQoL were collected at 6 months, 3, 5 and 10 years in patients who underwent surgery for oesophageal cancer in Sweden between 2001 and 2005. Exposures were percentage weight loss, and eating difficulties defined by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-OES18 questionnaire. Outcomes were HRQoL scores from the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Repeated-measures ANOVA, adjusting for potential confounders, was used to assess the association between eating difficulties and weight loss (4 exposure groups) and HRQoL scores at each time point. Mean score differences (MDs) between time points or exposure groups were defined as clinically relevant in accordance with evidence-based interpretation guidelines.

Results

In total, 92 of 104 10-year survivors (88·5 per cent) responded to the questionnaires. Weight loss was greatest within 6 months of surgery. Patients with eating difficulties with or without weight loss reported clinically and statistically significantly worsened HRQoL in almost all aspects. The largest MD was seen between 5 and 10 years after surgery for global quality of life, physical, role and social function (MD –22 to –30), as well for fatigue, nausea, dyspnoea, insomnia, appetite loss and diarrhoea (MD 24–36).

Conclusion

Eating difficulties are associated with deterioration in several aspects of HRQoL up to 10 years after surgery for oesophageal cancer.
Pancreatitis and myocarditis coexistence due to infection by Coxsackie B1 and B4 viruses
Authors: Lampropoulos Konstantinos , Bazoukis George , Kolyviras Athanasios , Tse Gary , Saplaouras Athanasios , Iliopoulos Themistoklis
Published: November 2017

Key Clinical Message

Myocarditis can be a rare late manifestation of acute pancreatitis caused by Coxsackie virus infection. Clinicians should be aware of potentially life‐threatening myocarditis because immediate recognition and management are the cornerstones in achieving a better outcome.
Ruthenium‐Crosslinked Hydrogels with Rapid, Visible‐Light Degradation
Authors: Rapp Teresa L. , Highley Christopher B. , Manor Brian C. , Burdick Jason A. , Dmochowski Ivan J.
Published: November 2017

Incorporation of photoresponsive molecules within soft materials can provide spatiotemporal control over bulk properties and address challenges in targeted delivery and mechanical variability. However, the kinetics of in situ photochemical reactions are often slow and typically employ ultraviolet wavelengths. Here, we present a novel photoactive crosslinker Ru(bipyridine)2(3‐pyridinaldehyde)2 (RuAldehyde), which was reacted with hydrazide‐functionalized hyaluronic acid to form hydrogels capable of encapsulating protein cargo. Visible light irradiation (400–500 nm) initiated rapid ligand exchange on the ruthenium center, which degraded the hydrogel within seconds to minutes, depending on gel thickness. An exemplar enzyme cargo, TEM1 β‐lactamase, was loaded into and photoreleased from the Ru‐hydrogel. To expand their applications, Ru‐hydrogels were also processed into microgels using a microfluidic platform.
Assessing Hypervalency in Iodanes
Authors: Stirling András
Published: November 2017

The so‐called hypervalent iodane compounds are very useful and versatile reactants and oxidizing agents in modern organic chemistry. The hypercoordinated central iodine in these compounds hints at a hypervalent state, which is often stressed to justify their reactivity. In this study a theoretical analysis of the electronic structure of a large, representative set of hypercoordinated iodane compounds has been carried out. We observed that the iodonium is not hypervalent in these compounds. In contrast, the analysis reveals a variation of the iodine valence state from a normal octet state to hypovalent depending on the ligands, but irrespective of the coordination number. On the basis of the calculations the reactivity of these compounds can be ascribed to the strong unquenched charge separation present in these molecules which represents a compromise between Coulomb interaction and the resistance of iodonium toward hypervalency. In extreme cases this leads to hypovalency and enhanced reactivity.
Social integration and survival after diagnosis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Sarma Elizabeth A. , Kawachi Ichiro , Poole Elizabeth M. , Tworoger Shelley S. , Giovannucci Edward L. , Fuchs Charles S. , Bao Ying
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Although larger social networks have been associated with lower all‐cause mortality, few studies have examined whether social integration predicts survival outcomes among patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The authors examined the association between social ties and survival after CRC diagnosis in a prospective cohort study.

METHODS

Participants included 896 women in the Nurses' Health Study who were diagnosed with stage I, II, or III CRC between 1992 and 2012. Stage was assigned using the American Joint Committee on Cancer criteria. Social integration was assessed every 4 years since 1992 using the Berkman‐Syme Social Network Index, which included marital status, social network size, contact frequency, religious participation, and other social group participation.

RESULTS

During follow‐up, there were 380 total deaths, 167 of which were due to CRC. In multivariable analyses, women who were socially integrated before diagnosis had a subsequent reduced risk of all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.65; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.46‐0.92) and CRC mortality (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.38‐1.06) compared with women who were socially isolated. In particular, women with more intimate ties (family and friends) had lower all‐cause mortality (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.42‐0.88) and CRC mortality (HR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.34‐1.03) compared with those with few intimate ties. Participation in religious or community activities was not found to be related to outcomes. The analysis of postdiagnosis social integration yielded similar results.

CONCLUSIONS

Socially integrated women were found to have better survival after a diagnosis of CRC, possibly due to beneficial caregiving from their family and friends. Interventions aimed at strengthening social network structures to ensure access to care may be valuable programmatic tools in the management of patients with CRC. Cancer 2018;124:833‐40. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
From two to three dimensions: The importance of the third dimension for evaluating the limits to neuronal miniaturization in insects
Authors: Fischer Stefan , Lu Zhiyuan , Meinertzhagen Ian A.
Published: November 2017

Most studies dealing with the limits to miniaturization in insect brains have until now relied on information based on data collected in two dimensions: either histological sections imaged by light microscopy, or electron micrographs of single ultrathin sections imaged by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). To test the validity of transferring information gained from two‐dimensional images to the third dimension, we examined a 3D image stack from serial‐section TEM (ssTEM) of the optic neuropiles of the miniature parasitic wasp Trichogramma brassicae (Bezdenko, 1968). We reinvestigated the proposed lower limit of 2 µm for the diameters of neuronal somata and found average volumes of 6.5 μm3 for lamina cells and 3.8 μm3 for medulla cells. We likewise found a limiting factor for the volume of nuclei, which averages 41.9% and 49.2% of the cell body volume, respectively, but that in turn the compactness of heterochromatin was not a limiting factor in the minimal volume of the nuclei. Finally, we also found a minimum axon diameter of 98 nm that could nevertheless accommodate axoplasmic mitochondria. Incorporating the third dimension thus proves critically important in avoiding volumetric misinterpretations of these values. We discuss the limitations of analyzing the effects of miniaturization from profile data of neurons and demonstrate that miniaturization within the nervous system can lie beyond previously described limits and in some cases is already present in the optic lobe neurons of T. brassicae.
Single axonal morphology and termination to cerebellar aldolase C stripes characterize distinct spinocerebellar projection systems originating from the thoracic spinal cord in the mouse
Authors: Luo Yuanjun , Patel Radhika Pooja , Sarpong Gideon Anokye , Sasamura Kazuma , Sugihara Izumi
Published: November 2017

The spinocerebellar projection has an essential role in sensorimotor coordination of limbs and the trunk. Multiple groups of spinocerebellar projections have been identified in retrograde labeling studies. In this study, we aimed at characterizing projection patterns of these groups using a combination of anterograde labeling of the thoracic spinal cord and aldolase C immunostaining of longitudinal stripes of the cerebellar cortex in the mouse. We reconstructed 22 single spinocerebellar axons, wholly in the cerebellum and brain stem and partly, in the spinal cord. They were classified into three groups, (a) non‐crossed axons of Clarke's column neurons (NCC, 8 axons), (b) non‐crossed axons of marginal Clarke's column neurons (NMCC, 7 axons), and (c) crossed axons of neurons in the medial ventral horn (CMVH, 7 axons), based on previous retrograde labeling studies. While NCC axons projected mainly to multiple bilateral stripes in vermal lobules II–IV and VIII–IX, and the ipsilateral medial cerebellar nucleus, NMCC axons projected mainly to ipsilateral stripes in paravermal lobules II–V and copula pyramidis, and the anterior interposed nucleus. CMVH axons projected bilaterally to multiple stripes in lobules II–V with a small number of terminals but had abundant collaterals in the spinal cord and medullary reticular nuclei as well as in the vestibular and cerebellar nuclei. The results indicate that, while CMVH axons overlap with propriospinal and spinoreticular projections, NCC and NMCC axons are primarily spinocerebellar axons, which seem to be involved in relatively more proximal and distal sensorimotor controls, respectively.
Electro‐mechanical response of a 3D nerve bundle model to mechanical loads leading to axonal injury
Authors: Cinelli I. , Destrade M. , Duffy M. , McHugh P.
Published: November 2017

Traumatic brain injuries and damage are major causes of death and disability. We propose a 3D fully coupled electro‐mechanical model of a nerve bundle to investigate the electrophysiological impairments due to trauma at the cellular level. The coupling is based on a thermal analogy of the neural electrical activity by using the finite element software Abaqus CAE 6.13‐3. The model includes a real‐time coupling, modulated threshold for spiking activation, and independent alteration of the electrical properties for each 3‐layer fibre within a nerve bundle as a function of strain. Results of the coupled electro‐mechanical model are validated with previously published experimental results of damaged axons. Here, the cases of compression and tension are simulated to induce (mild, moderate, and severe) damage at the nerve membrane of a nerve bundle, made of 4 fibres. Changes in strain, stress distribution, and neural activity are investigated for myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibres, by considering the cases of an intact and of a traumatised nerve membrane. A fully coupled electro‐mechanical modelling approach is established to provide insights into crucial aspects of neural activity at the cellular level due to traumatic brain injury. One of the key findings is the 3D distribution of residual stresses and strains at the membrane of each fibre due to mechanically induced electrophysiological impairments, and its impact on signal transmission.
Towards green computing in wireless sensor networks: Controlled mobility–aided balanced tree approach
Authors: Khatri Aanchal , Kumar Sushil , Kaiwartya Omprakash , Aslam Nauman , Meena Neeru , Abdullah Abdul Hanan
Published: November 2017

Network lifetime maximization has received continuous attention as green computing in wireless sensor networks. Recently, controlled mobility–based green computing has witnessed significant attention from academia and industrial research labs. It is due to the growing number of sensor‐based services in mobility friendly nonhostile environments in our daily life. The intelligent mobility–aided repositioning of sensors is significantly challenging considering the critical constraints including irregular power depletion, static normal sensors, the correlation between sensor position, and coverage and connectivity. In this context, this paper proposes a network lifetime maximization framework based on balanced tree node switching. Specifically, a balanced tree–based network model for wireless sensor networks is designed focusing on energy consumption of sensor nodes in tree‐based networks. The problem of lifetime maximization in tree‐based network is identified considering energy loss rate, path load, and balancing factor. Two node‐shifting algorithms are developed, namely, energy‐based shifting and load‐based shifting for balancing tree‐based network in terms of energy. Analytical and simulation experiment–based comparative performance evaluation attests the benefit of the proposed framework as compared to the state‐of‐the‐art techniques considering a number of energy‐oriented metrics for wireless networks.
Do invasive plants structure microbial communities to accelerate decomposition in intermountain grasslands?
Authors: McTee Michael R. , Lekberg Ylva , Mummey Dan , Rummel Alexii , Ramsey Philip W.
Published: November 2017

Invasive plants are often associated with greater productivity and soil nutrient availabilities, but whether invasive plants with dissimilar traits change decomposer communities and decomposition rates in consistent ways is little known. We compared decomposition rates and the fungal and bacterial communities associated with the litter of three problematic invaders in intermountain grasslands; cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe) and leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula), as well as the native bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata). Shoot and root litter from each plant was placed in cheatgrass, spotted knapweed, and leafy spurge invasions as well as remnant native communities in a fully reciprocal design for 6 months to see whether decomposer communities were species‐specific, and whether litter decomposed fastest when placed in a community composed of its own species (referred to hereafter as home‐field advantage–HFA). Overall, litter from the two invasive forbs, spotted knapweed and leafy spurge, decomposed faster than the native and invasive grasses, regardless of the plant community of incubation. Thus, we found no evidence of HFA. T‐RFLP profiles indicated that both fungal and bacterial communities differed between roots and shoots and among plant species, and that fungal communities also differed among plant community types. Synthesis. These results show that litter from three common invaders to intermountain grasslands decomposes at different rates and cultures microbial communities that are species‐specific, widespread, and persistent through the dramatic shifts in plant communities associated with invasions.
Sampling intraspecific variability in leaf functional traits: Practical suggestions to maximize collected information
Authors: Petruzzellis Francesco , Palandrani Chiara , Savi Tadeja , Alberti Roberto , Nardini Andrea , Bacaro Giovanni
Published: November 2017

The choice of the best sampling strategy to capture mean values of functional traits for a species/population, while maintaining information about traits’ variability and minimizing the sampling size and effort, is an open issue in functional trait ecology. Intraspecific variability (ITV) of functional traits strongly influences sampling size and effort. However, while adequate information is available about intraspecific variability between individuals (ITVBI) and among populations (ITVPOP), relatively few studies have analyzed intraspecific variability within individuals (ITVWI). Here, we provide an analysis of ITVWI of two foliar traits, namely specific leaf area (SLA) and osmotic potential (π), in a population of Quercus ilex L. We assessed the baseline ITVWI level of variation between the two traits and provided the minimum and optimal sampling size in order to take into account ITVWI, comparing sampling optimization outputs with those previously proposed in the literature. Different factors accounted for different amount of variance of the two traits. SLA variance was mostly spread within individuals (43.4% of the total variance), while π variance was mainly spread between individuals (43.2%). Strategies that did not account for all the canopy strata produced mean values not representative of the sampled population. The minimum size to adequately capture the studied functional traits corresponded to 5 leaves taken randomly from 5 individuals, while the most accurate and feasible sampling size was 4 leaves taken randomly from 10 individuals. We demonstrate that the spatial structure of the canopy could significantly affect traits variability. Moreover, different strategies for different traits could be implemented during sampling surveys. We partially confirm sampling sizes previously proposed in the recent literature and encourage future analysis involving different traits.
D–π–A–π–D Dyes with a 1,3,2‐Dioxaborine Cycle in the Polymethine Chain: Efficient Long‐Wavelength Fluorophores
Authors: Polishchuk Vladyslav , Stanko Mariia , Kulinich Andrii , Shandura Mykola
Published: November 2017

The nitrile group in newly synthesized 5‐cyano‐2,2‐difluoro‐4,6‐dimethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaborine is shown to significantly increase the acidity of the methyl groups. This allows the cyanine condensation with both methyl groups to form D–π–A–π–D dyes in which the dioxaborine cycle is a part of the polymethine chain. There, the reactivity of the remaining methyl group in the semi‐product is reduced enough to perform the reaction stepwise, giving access to nonsymmetric derivatives. The synthesis of dyes with various electron donor termini [indole, benzothiazole, pyran, 4‐(dialkylamino)phenyl] and with different polymethine chain lengths is reported. The obtained compounds show intense absorption and fluorescence in the red and NIR region, their fluorescence brightness (the product of the molar extinction and the fluorescence quantum yield) attaining a value of 200,000 m–1 cm–1. They are characterized by small‐scale positive solvatochromism, yet their fluorescence quantum yield is much more sensitive to ambient polarity. Time‐dependent (TD)DFT calculations have been performed to study the electronic structure of the new dioxaborines and reveal the nature of the long‐wavelength electronic transitions in those molecules.
Relationship between self‐reported cognitive difficulties, objective neuropsychological test performance and psychological distress in chronic pain
Authors: Baker K.S. , Gibson S.J. , Georgiou‐Karistianis N. , Giummarra M.J.
Published: November 2017

Background

Persons with chronic pain often report problems with cognitive abilities, such as memory or attention. There is limited understanding of whether objective performance is consistent with subjective reports, and how psychological factors contribute. We aimed to investigate these relationships in a group of patients expressing cognitive concerns, and evaluate the utility of self‐report tools for pain management settings.

Method

Participants with chronic pain (n = 41) completed standardized neuropsychological tests, and self‐report measures of cognitive functioning, pain, mood and sleep, as part of a broader study investigating cognitive performance in pain.

Results

Average neuropsychological test performance was subtly below normative means (within one standard deviation). Twenty‐five percent of the sample scored substantially below age‐adjusted norms on one or more objective tests. There were moderate‐to‐large associations between objective performance (e.g. Trail‐Making B) and subjective cognitive complaints (e.g. Everyday Memory Questionnaire – Revised), controlling for age and education level. This was moderated by anxiety, such that subjective–objective relationships were particularly strong in those with higher anxiety. Poorer test performance was associated with higher pain intensity and catastrophizing. Subjective–objective cognition relationships remained after controlling for catastrophizing.

Conclusion

Patients’ self‐reported cognitive concerns concurred with objectively measured performance, independent of age, education and catastrophizing. Moreover, those with severe anxiety were more accurate in predicting their cognitive performance. The findings highlight some interesting cognition–mood relationships, and suggest that easy‐to‐administer questionnaires, such as the Everyday Memory Questionnaire – Revised and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function – Adult Version, may be useful to capture cognitive concerns in clinical settings.

Significance

Cognitive concerns in chronic pain reflected objective neurocognitive performance. This was moderated by anxiety, such that self‐reported cognition was more consistent with objective performance in those with high anxiety. Our findings suggest that reported cognitive concerns should be heeded, and self‐report measures may be used clinically to facilitate dialogue about cognitive functioning.
Ground motion selection for seismic slope displacement analysis using a generalized intensity measure distribution method
Authors: Du Wenqi , Wang Gang
Published: November 2017

Selecting ground motions based on the generalized intensity measure distribution (GIMD) approach has many appealing features, but it has not been fully verified in engineering practice. In this paper, several suites of ground motions, which have almost identical distributions of spectral acceleration (SA) ordinates but different distributions of non‐SA intensity measures, are selected using the GIMD‐based approach for a given earthquake scenario. The selected ground motion suites are used to compute the sliding displacements of various slopes. Comparisons of the resulting displacements demonstrate that selecting ground motions with biased distribution of some intensity measures (ie, Arias intensity) may yield systematic biases (up to 60% for some slope types). Therefore, compared to the ground motions selected based only on the distribution of SA ordinates, the ground motion suite selected by the GIMD‐based approach can better represent the various characteristics of earthquake loadings, resulting in generally unbiased estimation in specific engineering applications.
Brain responses to social norms: Meta‐analyses of fMRI studies
Authors: Zinchenko Oksana , Arsalidou Marie
Published: November 2017

Social norms have a critical role in everyday decision‐making, as frequent interaction with others regulates our behavior. Neuroimaging studies show that social‐based and fairness‐related decision‐making activates an inconsistent set of areas, which sometimes includes the anterior insula, anterior cingulate cortex, and others lateral prefrontal cortices. Social‐based decision‐making is complex and variability in findings may be driven by socio‐cognitive activities related to social norms. To distinguish among social‐cognitive activities related to social norms, we identified 36 eligible articles in the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) literature, which we separate into two categories (a) social norm representation and (b) norm violations. The majority of original articles (>60%) used tasks associated with fairness norms and decision‐making, such as ultimatum game, dictator game, or prisoner's dilemma; the rest used tasks associated to violation of moral norms, such as scenarios and sentences of moral depravity ratings. Using quantitative meta‐analyses, we report common and distinct brain areas that show concordance as a function of category. Specifically, concordance in ventromedial prefrontal regions is distinct to social norm representation processing, whereas concordance in right insula, dorsolateral prefrontal, and dorsal cingulate cortices is distinct to norm violation processing. We propose a neurocognitive model of social norms for healthy adults, which could help guide future research in social norm compliance and mechanisms of its enforcement.
Clinical diagnosis and treatment outcomes for parapharyngeal space schwannomas: A single‐institution review of 21 cases
Authors: Sato Yoichiro , Imanishi Yorihisa , Tomita Toshiki , Ozawa Hiroyuki , Sakamoto Koji , Fujii Ryoichi , Shigetomi Seiji , Habu Noboru , Otsuka Kuninori , Watanabe Yoshihiro , Sekimizu Mariko , Ogawa Kaoru
Published: November 2017

Background

Because the incidence of schwannoma arising from the parapharyngeal space (PPS) is very low, no studies have analyzed extirpation methods and postoperative neurological complications exclusively in PPS schwannomas.

Methods

The preoperative diagnosis and clinical outcomes of surgical treatment in 21 patients with PPS schwannoma who underwent surgery were investigated.

Results

Neurological deficit of the involved nerve developed in all patients regardless of the extirpation method used. However, the incidence of first bite syndrome in sympathetic chain schwannoma was significantly lower after intracapsular enucleation (40%) than after total resection (100%; P = .045). Furthermore, the incidence of postoperative complications unrelated to the involved nerve was lower after intracapsular enucleation (0%) than after total resection (42.9%; P = .055).

Conclusion

Although postoperative neurological deficit of the involved nerve was unavoidable in PPS schwannoma, intracapsular enucleation could be beneficial by reducing its severity and the incidence of complications unrelated to the involved nerve.
Gender and leadership aspiration: The impact of work–life initiatives
Authors: Fritz Claudia , van Knippenberg Daan
Published: November 2017

Despite the increase in female leaders, women still remain a minority. As aspiration, defined as the interest for achieving a leadership position, is one predictor of advancement, it is important to understand conditions fostering female leadership aspiration. Because women face more domestic and child care responsibilities, we predict that there is an interaction between gender and work–life initiatives. These initiatives help employees balance their work and private life through simplifying the integration and diminishing tension between the two spheres. Because the work–life interface poses greater challenges for women, we hypothesize that work–life initiatives have a stronger influence on women's leadership aspiration. Results of a survey ofN= 402 employed men and women supported this hypothesis. The interaction effect of gender and work–life initiatives on leadership aspiration was positive, implying that women's leadership aspiration is more influenced by work–life initiatives. Our other hypothesis which states that work–life initiatives—regardless of gender—are positively related to leadership aspiration was supported. Hence, men's leadership aspiration also was positively influenced by the availability of such initiatives. This study suggests that by implementing work–life initiatives, such as flexible work arrangements, leaves of absence, or on‐site child assistance, organizations may encourage leadership aspiration for both genders. Our data show that the interaction effect of gender and work–life initiatives was positively related to leadership aspiration, but this may particularly hold true for women.
Ovarian cancer early detection by circulating CA125 in the context of anti‐CA125 autoantibody levels: Results from the EPIC cohort
Authors: Fortner Renée T. , Schock Helena , Le Cornet Charlotte , Hüsing Anika , Vitonis Allison F. , Johnson Theron S. , Fichorova Raina N. , Fashemi Titilayo , Yamamoto Hidemi S. , Tjønneland Anne , Hansen Louise , Overvad Kim , Boutron‐Ruault Marie‐Christine , Kvaskoff Marina , Severi Gianluca , Boeing Heiner , Trichopoulou Antonia , Papatesta Eleni‐Maria , La Vecchia Carlo , Palli Domenico , Sieri Sabina , Tumino Rosario , Sacerdote Carlotta , Mattiello Amalia , Onland‐Moret N. Charlotte , Peeters Petra H. , Bueno‐de‐Mesquita H. B(as) , Weiderpass Elisabete , Quirós J. Ramón , Duell Eric J. , Sánchez Maria‐Jose , Navarro Carmen , Ardanaz Eva , Larrañaga Nerea , Nodin Björn , Jirström Karin , Idahl Annika , Lundin Eva , Khaw Kay‐Tee , Travis Ruth C. , Gunter Marc , Johansson Mattias , Dossus Laure , Merritt Melissa A. , Riboli Elio , Terry Kathryn L. , Cramer Daniel W. , Kaaks Rudolf
Published: November 2017

CA125 is the best ovarian cancer early detection marker to date; however, sensitivity is limited and complementary markers are required to improve discrimination between ovarian cancer cases and non‐cases. Anti‐CA125 autoantibodies are observed in circulation. Our objective was to evaluate whether these antibodies (1) can serve as early detection markers, providing evidence of an immune response to a developing tumor, and (2) modify the discriminatory capacity of CA125 by either masking CA125 levels (resulting in lower discrimination) or acting synergistically to improve discrimination between cases and non‐cases. We investigated these objectives using a nested case–control study within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort (EPIC) including 250 cases diagnosed within 4 years of blood collection and up to four matched controls. Circulating CA125 antigen and antibody levels were quantified using an electrochemiluminescence assay. Adjusted areas under the curve (aAUCs) by 2‐year lag‐time intervals were calculated using conditional logistic regression calibrated toward the absolute risk estimates from a pre‐existing epidemiological risk model as an offset‐variable. Anti‐CA125 levels alone did not discriminate cases from controls. For cases diagnosed <2 years after blood collection, discrimination by CA125 antigen was suggestively higher with higher anti‐CA125 levels (aAUC, highest antibody tertile: 0.84 [0.76–0.92]; lowest tertile: 0.76 [0.67–0.86]; phet = 0.06). We provide the first evidence of potentially synergistic discrimination effects of CA125 and anti‐CA125 antibodies in ovarian early detection. If these findings are replicated, evaluating CA125 in the context of its antibody may improve ovarian cancer early detection.
Carbonylative Sonogashira Coupling of Aryl Iodides with Terminal Alkynes Catalyzed by Palladium Nanoparticles
Authors: Feng Xiujuan , Song Jiliang , Bao Ming
Published: November 2017

A convenient and efficient method for the synthesis of α,β‐alkynyl ketones from the three‐component coupling of aryl iodides, terminal alkynes, and carbon monoxide (carbonylative Sonogashira coupling reaction) is successfully developed. The carbonylative Sonogashira coupling reaction proceeded smoothly under mild conditions in the presence of palladium nanoparticles to produce the corresponding α,β‐alkynyl ketones in good to excellent yields.
Rapid on‐site evaluation of routine biochemical parameters to predict right ventricular dysfunction in and the prognosis of patients with acute pulmonary embolism upon admission to the emergency room
Authors: Jia Dong , Liu Fan , Zhang Qin , Zeng Guang‐qiao , Li Xue‐lian , Hou Gang
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Patients with acute pulmonary embolism(APE)who present with right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) have a worse prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the value of routine biochemical parameters in predicting RVD and 30‐day mortality in patients with APE.

Methods

We retrospectively collected the clinical data for 154 enrolled patients, including the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), D‐dimer, cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP). We analyzed the correlation between RVD and the parameters and conducted a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to confirm the cut‐off values for predicting RVD and 30‐day mortality. Formulas were built with relevant parameters to predict RVD and 30‐day mortality.

Results

Age, NLR, PLR, D‐dimer, the ratio of cTnI (+), and NT‐proBNP (+) were significantly higher in RVD (+) patients. The ratio of cTnI (+) and NT‐proBNP (+) in 30‐day mortality (+) patients was significantly higher than that in 30‐day mortality (−) patients. According to the logistic regression analysis, NLR, cTnI (+), and NT‐proBNP (+) correlated with RVD. The formula for the RVD risk score is 0.072 × NLR+1.460 × NT‐proBNP (+)+2.113 × cTnI (+), and the area under the curve (AUC) = 0.890 (95% CI: 0.839‐0.941, P = .001). The formula for the 30‐day mortality risk score is 0.115 × NLR + 2.046 × NT‐proBNP (+) + 1.946 × cTnI (+) −0.016 × PLR, and the AUC = 0.903 (95% CI: 0.829‐0.976, P = .001).

Conclusions

The rapid on‐site evaluation of routine biochemical parameters, including NLR, cTnI, and NT‐proBNP levels, and the formula developed using these parameters are valuable for predicting RVD and 30‐day mortality in patients with APE.
Pharmacological and molecular approaches for the treatment of β‐hemoglobin disorders
Authors: Lohani Neelam , Bhargava Nupur , Munshi Anjana , Ramalingam Sivaprakash
Published: November 2017

β‐hemoglobin disorders, such as β‐thalassemia and sickle cell anemia are among the most prevalent inherited genetic disorders worldwide. These disorders are caused by mutations in the gene encoding hemoglobin‐β (HBB), a vital protein found in red blood cells (RBCs) that carries oxygen from lungs to all parts of the human body. As a consequence, there has been an enduring interest in this field in formulating therapeutic strategies for the treatment of these diseases. Currently, there is no cure available for hemoglobin disorders, although, some patients have been treated with bone marrow transplantation, whose scope is limited because of the difficulty in finding a histocompatible donor and also due to transplant‐associated clinical complications that can arise during the treatment. On account of these constraints, reactivation of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) synthesis holds immense promise and is a viable strategy to alleviate the symptoms of β‐hemoglobin disorders. Development of new genomic tools has led to the identification of important natural genetic modifiers of hemoglobin switching which include BCL11A, KLF1, HBSIL‐MYB, LRF, LSD1, LDB1, histone deacetylases 1 and 2 (HDAC1 and HDAC2). miRNAs are also promising therapeutic targets for development of more effective strategies for the induction of HbF production. Many new small molecule pharmacological inducers of HbF production are already under pre‐clinical and clinical development. Furthermore, recent advancements in gene and cell therapy includes targeted genome editing and iPS cell technologies, both of which utilizes a patient's own cells, are emerging as extremely promising approaches for significantly reducing the burden of β‐hemoglobin disorders.
Experimental and theoretical consideration of the factors influencing cationic pollutants retention by seashell waste
Authors: Egerić Marija , Smičiklas Ivana , Mraković Ana , Jović Mihajlo , Šljivić‐Ivanović Marija , Antanasijević Davor , Ristić Mirjana
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Seashell waste (SW) is rich in biogenic calcium carbonate and potentially can substitute geological sources in various applications, such as the separation of heavy metals and radionuclides from contaminated solutions. This study aims to compare SW sorption efficiency towards different chemical species (Cu2+, Zn2+, Pb2+ and Sr2+) and to evaluate the effects of various factors based on the experimental data and modeling approach.

RESULTS

The reaction of SW with aqueous metal solutions is a combination of several processes that result in metal retention, Ca2+ release, and changes in pH. SW demonstrates variable selectivity for investigated cations, depending on their concentrations and reaction times. Maximum sorption capacities declined in the order Zn2+ > Pb2+ ≈ Sr2+ > Cu2+. The model based on general regression neural network (GRNN) architecture was developed, which enabled prediction of removal efficiency taking into account the process specific, metal specific parameters and their non‐linear interactions. Initial concentration and covalent radius of a cation exhibit the highest, while the initial pH the lowest significance.

CONCLUSION

Ecological problems caused by SW accumulation in coastal areas could be mitigated by mastering technologies for their practical utilization. The results obtained facilitate the understanding of cationic pollutants removal by SW in the range of experimental conditions, while the GRNN approach demonstrates advantages in modeling complex sorption processes. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Stimulation of the germination and growth of different plant species using an electric field treatment with IrO2‐Ta2O5|Ti electrodes
Authors: Acosta‐Santoyo Gustavo , Herrada Rosa Alhelí , De Folter Stefan , Bustos Erika
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

The goal of this research was to develop the electro‐culturing process for different species of plants including Arabidopsis thaliana and Mammillaria mathildae using IrO2‐Ta2O5|Ti | Ti (anode) electrodes while applying a constant direct current electric field.

RESULTS

Germination rate was increased in both plant species, growth rate was also enhanced during early life stages of A. thaliana, while the size of the Cactaceae M. mathildae was also increased. Root structure was analyzed in an in vitro analysis using A. thaliana and several enhanced aspects were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

This Testing showed that an electro‐culturing process was beneficial during testing as soil ions underwent electro‐migration allowing the permeation of the nutrients to the seeds. Furthermore, a decrease in pH was observed near the IrO2‐Ta2O5|Ti anodes, due to electrolysis of the water during the electro‐culture process (pH = 1), and generation of hydroxyl radicals (·OH) was observed during this electrolysis when seeds were exposed to low intensity direct current electric fields for a short time. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of fluorescent dyes to measure protein aggregation within mammalian cell culture supernatants
Authors: Oshinbolu Sheun , Shah Rachana , Finka Gary , Molloy Mike , Uden Mark , Bracewell Daniel G
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

A current challenge in bioprocessing is the ability to analyse critical quality attributes such as aggregation without prior purification. This study evaluated the use of fluorescent dyes (Bis‐ANS, SYPRO Orange, Thioflavin T and ProteoStat) to characterise mAb aggregates in Chinese hamster ovary clarified cultures.

RESULTS

The null and mAb culture supernatants showed an increase in fluorescence intensity over the duration of the culture. The null cultures on day 14 saw a rapid increase in fluorescence intensity; day 10 to day 14, Bis‐ANS and Thioflavin T had average increases of 21% and 48%, respectively, whereas ProteoStat and SYPRO Orange showed an average increase of 60%. Higher fluorescence intensity on day 14 with the null cultures, also correlated with loss of viability.

CONCLUSION

Fluorescent dyes are not a specific indicator of mAb aggregation, but rather an indicator of overall protein aggregation or high molecular weight species. SYPRO Orange was more sensitive at detecting very large molecular weight species and ProteoStat seemed better suited to smaller aggregates. Although the assay cannot be used to measure mAb aggregates in cell culture, it could be used to aid cell line selection in maximising viabilities and minimising the amount of aggregates. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Usefulness of Doppler waveform analysis before performing a complex procedure using femoral venous access
Authors: Shin Seung Yong , Kim Hyangkyoung , Choi Yoo Shin , Kim Sang Wook
Published: November 2017

Ultrasonography is a well‐defined and widely accepted technique in the settings of interventional procedures requiring peripheral venous access, either for the confirmation of the vein patency (with the compression test) or for guiding needle insertion. This report describes a case of unsuccessful guidewire passage through the right iliac vein in spite of successful ultrasonography‐guided puncture of the femoral vein. On repeat duplex ultrasonography, the Doppler waveform showed a continuous pattern without respiratory phasicity, which was consistent with proximal venous occlusion. Venous Doppler signal waveform analysis can be helpful for ensuring downstream patency when planning long‐distance catheterization via femoral venous access.
Microscopic investigations of palynological features of convolvulaceous species from arid zone of Pakistan
Authors: Ashfaq Shomaila , Zafar Muhammad , Ahmad Mushtaq , Sultana Shazia , Bahadur Siraj , Khan Adeel , Shah Amin
Published: November 2017

The pollen morphology of some species of glamorous family Convolvulaceae from arid zones of Pakistan has been evaluated. The pollen grains were acetolyzed, measured, described qualitatively, and illustrated using Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The examined species have differences in shape, size, polarity and exine ornamentation, confirming the eurypalynous character. The pollen types varies from psilate to echinate and colpi to tricolporate, tetracolporate and pantocolporate. Exine ornamentation was exposed as perforate, reticulate and echinate. Spine morphology and exine sculpture are vital for the distinction of species. Pollen fertility shows that selected plants species are well‐known in the Arid Zone. A taxonomic key is prepared to use these variations in the identification of species. Statistical analysis by using the Software XLSTAT exhibited that some morphological features is the main characters in identification of the taxa. These studied taxa were separated from each other using cluster Analysis. Our results constructed on MVSP ver. 3.22 software analyses that show morphological explanation; thus, the results highlight the importance of pollen morphology in the identification and characterization of species of the family convolvulacae in arid zone.
Improving document ranking with genetic and optimization algorithms
Authors: Master Lawrence
Published: November 2017

There are many applications to ranking including page searching, question answering, recommender systems, sentiment analysis, and collaborative filtering, to name a few. In the past several years, machine learning and information retrieval techniques have been used to develop ranking algorithms, and several listwise approaches to learning to rank have been developed. We propose a new method, which we call GeneticListMLE++ and GeneticListNet++, which builds on the original ListMLE and ListNet algorithms. Our method substantially improves on the original ListMLE and ListNet ranking approaches by incorporating genetic optimization of hyperparameters, a nonlinear neural network ranking model, and a regularization technique.
Early mechanical stimulation only permits timely bone healing in sheep
Authors: Tufekci Pelin , Tavakoli Aramesh , Dlaska Constantin , Neumann Mirjam , Shanker Mihir , Saifzadeh Siamak , Steck Roland , Schuetz Michael , Epari Devakar
Published: November 2017

Bone fracture healing is sensitive to the fixation stability. However, it is unclear which phases of healing are mechano‐sensitive and if mechanical stimulation is required throughout repair. In this study, a novel bone defect model, which isolates an experimental fracture from functional loading, was applied in sheep to investigate if stimulation limited to the early proliferative phase is sufficient for bone healing. An active fixator controlled motion in the fracture. Animals of the control group were unstimulated. In the physiological‐like group, 1 mm axial compressive movements were applied between day 5 and 21, thereafter the movements were decreased in weekly increments and stopped after 6 weeks. In the early stimulatory group, the movements were stopped after 3 weeks. The experimental fractures were evaluated with mechanical and micro‐computed tomography methods after 9 weeks healing. The callus strength of the stimulated fractures (physiological‐like and early stimulatory) was greater than the unstimulated control group. The control group was characterized by minimal external callus formation and a lack of bone bridging at 9 weeks. In contrast, the stimulated groups exhibited advanced healing with solid bone formation across the defect. This was confirmed quantitatively by a lower bone volume in the control group compared to the stimulated groups.The novel experimental model permits the application of a well‐defined load history to an experimental bone fracture. The poor healing observed in the control group is consistent with under‐stimulation. This study has shown early mechanical stimulation only is sufficient for a timely healing outcome. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1790–1796, 2018.
Customer satisfaction with the services of microfinance institutions: Scale development and validation
Authors: Kanyurhi Eddy Balemba
Published: November 2017

Customer satisfaction is a multidimensional construct with five factors: price, reliability, accessibility and flexibility, appearance, social and enhancement of customers. The presence of social inclusion and customer enhancement, accessibility, and flexibility dimensions reveals that a scale measurement should be specific both to a context and to a sector. The value attached to the appearance factor confirms that microfinance seriously tends to “mission drift" which means targeting less poor customers. The simultaneous occurrence of appearance and social dimensions in the same scale is proof that the social and financial goals should coexist in all stages of the development of microfinance institutions. As long as the social funds do not substitute market funds used in financing poor microborrowers, the share of poor clients served increases. So does financial inclusion of the poor.