bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delayed aortic regurgitation due to traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva
Authors: Takahashi Nozomi , Nakada Taka‐aki , Oda Shigeto
Published: January 2019

Case

Pseudoaneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva (PSV) caused by trauma is rare. Surgical intervention is the standard treatment approach for traumatic PSV, as it has a high risk of rupture and is potentially fatal.We hereby report a 59‐year‐old man with traumatic PSV due to a traffic accident. Imaging studies revealed traumatic PSV. However, he refused surgery due to the lack of symptoms and was discharged on day 9. Two years later, he visited our hospital with cardiac failure due to severe aortic valve regurgitation (AR) induced by PSV.

Outcome

A Bentall operation was carried out and the patient was discharged without any complications.

Conclusions

This case illustrates progression to aortic valve regurgitation as a complication of traumatic PSV and stresses the point that surgical intervention should be considered even in asymptomatic cases of traumatic PSV.
Vinyltriflimide – ein Fall von assistierter Vinylkationenbildung
Authors: Schroeder Sebastian , Strauch Christina , Gaelings Niklas , Niggemann Meike
Published: January 2019

Ein neues Konzept zur Selektivitätskontrolle in kationenvermittelten Reaktionen wurde identifiziert, das eine chemo‐, regio‐ und stereoselektive Addition von Nukleophilen an Alkine ermöglicht: Die assistierte Vinylkationenbildung, ermöglicht durch einen lithiumbasierten supramolekularen Cluster. DFT‐Analyse eines Modellkomplexes (Li2NTf2+⋅3 H2O) bestätigt, dass allein ein Komplex des angreifenden Nukleophils mit dem Übergangszustand der Protonierung des Alkins für die selektive N‐Addition an das Vinylkation verantwortlich ist. Obendrein wurde so eine einfache Syntheseroute zu bisher unzugänglichen Vinyltriflimiden entwickelt.
Reversible Covalent Stabilization of Stacking Contacts in DNA Assemblies
Authors: Gerling Thomas , Dietz Hendrik
Published: January 2019

Stacking bonds formed between two blunt‐ended DNA double helices can be used to reversibly stabilize higher‐order complexes that are assembled from rigid DNA components. Typically, at low cation concentrations, stacking bonds break and thus higher‐order complexes disassemble. Herein, we present a site‐specific photochemical mechanism for the reversible covalent stabilization of stacking bonds in DNA assemblies. To this end, we modified one blunt end with the 3‐cyanovinylcarbazole (cnvK) moiety and positioned a thymine residue (T) at the other blunt end. In the bound state, the two blunt‐ended helices are stacked together, resulting in a co‐localization of cnvK and T. Such a configuration induces the formation of a covalent bond across the stacking contact upon irradiation with 365 nm light. This bond can also be cleaved upon irradiation with 310 nm light, allowing repeated formation and cleavage of the same covalent bond on the timescale of seconds. Our system will expand the range of conditions under which stacking‐bond‐stabilized objects may be utilized.
Accurate Determination of 1H‐15N Dipolar Couplings Using Inaccurate Settings of the Magic Angle in Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Xue Kai , Mühlbauer Max , Mamone Salvatore , Sarkar Riddhiman , Reif Bernd
Published: January 2019

Magic‐angle spinning (MAS) is an essential ingredient in a wide variety of solid‐state NMR experiments. The standard procedures to adjust the rotor angle are not highly accurate, resulting in a slight misadjustment of the rotor from the magic angle (
) on the order of a few millidegrees. This small missetting has no significant impact on the overall spectral resolution, but is sufficient to reintroduce anisotropic interactions. Shown here is that site‐specific 1H‐15N dipolar couplings can be accurately measured in a heavily deuterated protein. This method can be applied at arbitrarily high MAS frequencies, since neither rotor synchronization nor particularly high radiofrequency field strengths are required. The off‐MAS method allows the quantification of order parameters for very dynamic residues, which often escape an analysis using existing methods.
Restraining Cancer Cells by Dual Metabolic Inhibition with a Mitochondrion‐Targeted Platinum(II) Complex
Authors: Wang Kun , Zhu Chengcheng , He Yafeng , Zhang Zhenqin , Zhou Wen , Muhammad Nafees , Guo Yan , Wang Xiaoyong , Guo Zijian
Published: January 2019

Cancer cells usually adapt metabolic phenotypes to chemotherapeutics. A defensive strategy against this flexibility is to modulate signaling pathways relevant to cancer bioenergetics. A triphenylphosphonium‐modified terpyridine platinum(II) complex (TTP) was designed to inhibit thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and multiple metabolisms of cancer cells. TTP exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity against cisplatin‐insensitive human ovarian cancer cells in a caspase‐3‐independent manner and showed preferential inhibition to mitochondrial TrxR. The morphology and function of mitochondria were severely damaged, and the levels of mitochondrial and cellular reactive oxygen species were decreased. As a result, TTP exerted strong inhibition to both mitochondrial and glycolytic bioenergetics, thus inducing cancer cells to enter a hypometabolic state.
Understanding and Optimizing Tourniquet Use During Extremity Surgery
Authors: Jensen Jacob , Hicks Rodney W. , Labovitz Jonathan
Published: January 2019

Tourniquet use during extremity surgery is commonplace and a relatively safe practice. The surgical team's knowledge of the patient history, proper assessment, and indications and contraindications for and risks of tourniquet use can prevent unwanted outcomes. Exploration of these critical areas reinforces perioperative nurses’ awareness and understanding of safe tourniquet use. Additionally, a review of the physiological effect of tourniquets on the skin, the body's response to local compression, the risk of vascular compromise, and the effect of the tourniquet on postoperative pain and swelling provides insight into AORN recommended practice guidelines. This article summarizes the indications and assessments for and risks of tourniquet use for patients during extremity surgery. An understanding of these topics can improve surgical outcomes and promote safe perioperative care.
Bone Cement Implantation Syndrome: Key Concepts for Perioperative Nurses
Authors: Hines Cheryl B. , Collins‐Yoder Angela
Published: January 2019

Bone cement implantation syndrome (BCIS) is a potentially fatal complication of orthopedic surgeries that use cement. The symptoms of BCIS occur primarily during femoral fracture repairs, but this complication has been reported in a wide variety of cemented procedures. Clinical presentation of this syndrome begins as a cascade with hypoxia and hypotension; if it is not reversed, it ends with right‐sided heart failure and cardiac arrest. This syndrome usually occurs at cementation, prosthesis insertion, joint reduction, or tourniquet deflation, and should be treated with aggressive resuscitation and supportive care. This article provides a comprehensive explanation of bone cement, the identification and management of BCIS, and the roles of the perioperative team in the event of cardiopulmonary collapse. It includes a case study that can be used as an educational tool for simulation, mock drills, or staff meetings; it also may be used as a framework for creating policies.
Voice in Digital Education: The Impact of Instructor's Perceived Age and Gender on Student Learning and Evaluation
Authors: Weinkle Laura J. , Stratford Jennifer M. , Lee Lisa M. J.
Published: January 2019

Instructor evaluations are influenced by implicit age and gender bias, with lower ratings and negative feedback given to instructors believed to stray from stereotypical age and gender norms. Female instructors exhibiting typically male‐associated qualities such as leadership and authority, are often negatively impacted. Implicit bias also influences evaluation of digital resources and instructors, regardless of students' positive learning outcomes. As digital learning resources become the norm in education, it is crucial to explore the impact of implicit bias at various educational levels. In this study, undergraduate and graduate students were randomly exposed to one of five digital tutorials; four experimental tutorials presenting identical anatomy content with narrators of different gender and age, and a control tutorial featuring origami (paper folding) instructions without audio. Learning outcomes were measured by pre‐quiz vs. post‐quiz comparisons using repeated measures MANOVA. Implicit bias was analyzed by evaluation response comparisons using repeated measures MANOVA and three‐way MANOVA. Post‐quiz scores increased significantly in the four experimental groups (P < 0.05) but not in the control (P = 0.99). The increased performance was not statistically different across the four experimental groups (P > 0.26), suggesting that learning occurred irrespective of the instructor gender and age. Students' evaluations were consistently higher for the experimental resources than the control. There was no significant difference in evaluations across the four experimental groups but compared to the control, younger male and younger female narrators received significantly higher ratings for approachability, acceptance, inclusivity, and care for student learning. The study highlights important considerations for digital resources development and interpretation of student evaluations.
The orographic effect of Reunion Island on tropical cyclone track and intensity
Authors: Barbary David , Leroux Marie‐Dominique , Bousquet Olivier
Published: January 2019

Like Taiwan, the orography of Reunion Island may impact tropical cyclone (TC) track and intensity. A Mann–Whitney test is applied on best‐track data from the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center (RSMC) La Reunion to demonstrate that this effect is detectable at less than 250 km from the island. A set of idealized experiments is carried out to investigate this effect with the French non‐hydrostatic mesoscale numerical model Meso‐NH at 12 and 4‐km horizontal grid spacing. Results show that the island influences TC track and intensity within two radii of maximum winds, defining a distance of influence. The impact is similar to an aspiration of the vortex by the island, accompanied by vortex weakening. An asymmetry is found between TCs passing north or south of the island and can be explained by the presence of the island in the flow.
Der BIM‐basierte materielle Gebäudepass als Optimierungswerkzeug
Authors: Honic Meliha , Kovacic Iva , Rechberger Helmut
Published: January 2019

Die Bauindustrie zählt zu den größten Verbrauchern von Rohmaterialien und ist für 40 % des CO2‐Ausstoßes verantwortlich, was eine dringende Optimierung im Sinne der Nachhaltigkeit notwendig macht. Die Steigerung von Recyclingraten in der Baubranche ist daher eine der Hauptstrategien der EU, um den Ressourcenverbrauch sowie die ökologischen Einflüsse und Energieverbräuche zu minimieren. Um effizientes Recycling zu erreichen, ist detailliertes Wissen über die Baubestände und die eingebauten Materialien notwendig, welches meistens nicht vorhanden ist. In diesem Beitrag wird das Konzept des materiellen Gebäudepasses (MGP) präsentiert, welcher für die Evaluierung des Recycling‐Potenzials sowie der ökologischen Einflüsse konzipiert ist. Zudem beinhaltet der MGP alle im Gebäude enthaltenen Materialien sowie ihre Eigenschaften und dient als Optimierungswerkzeug in frühen Planungsphasen. In ihrer Forschung haben die Verfasser einen BIM(Building Information Modeling)‐basierten MGP für die Optimierung der Planung bezüglich Ressourceneffizienz und ökologischem Fußabdruck erstellt. Dabei wurden die Struktur und die Methode für den MGP sowie der Workflow für die semiautomatisierte Generierung entwickelt und anhand eines Use Case verifiziert. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass sich die entwickelte Methode für die MGP‐Generierung sehr gut für die Evaluierung der in Gebäuden eingebauten Materialien eignet. Der MGP stellt zudem ein wichtiges Entscheidungswerkzeug in frühen Planungsphasen dar.
Ultrasound‐Controlled Chiral Separation of Four Amino Acids and 2,2,2‐Trifluoro‐1‐(9‐anthryl)ethanol
Authors: Lee Jae Hwan , Ryoo Jae Jeong
Published: January 2019

Chiral separation of 4‐hydroxyphenylglycine, phenylglycine, tryptophan, methionine, and 2,2,2‐trifluoro‐1‐(9‐anthryl)ethanol (TFAE) was performed under ultrasound reduction at room temperature and high temperature (50 °C). At high temperature (50 °C), both α and Rs were improved slightly under ultrasound reduction as compared to those under non‐ultrasonic and ultrasonic irradiation (50 watt/L) conditions. Even at low temperatures, the largest α was observed under ultrasound reduction conditions, except in the case of methionine. However, at low temperature, Rs was reduced under ultrasound (50 watt/L) irradiation, but was improved under ultrasound reduction rather than under the continuous ultrasonic irradiation. Similar to the fact that gradient elution (based on solvent polarity) can improve α , ultrasound reduction can improve α and Rs. Ultrasound reduction is demonstrated to aid the rapid separation of chiral compounds with improved resolution, especially, at high temperatures. Although chromatographic separation using ultrasound has been rarely dealt with until now, ultrasound can be used as an external field in chromatography.
Prognostic and diagnostic significance of circRNAs expression in hepatocellular carcinoma patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Huang Xin , Zhang Weiyue , Shao Zengwu
Published: January 2019

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) as novel biomarkers are widely investigated in various cancers. The aim of our study was to reveal the clinicopathological, prognostic, and diagnostic features of circRNAs in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A systematical search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases. Eligible studies reporting on the association among circRNAs and clinicopathological, prognostic, diagnostic values of HCC patients were included. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilized to assess clinicopathological parameters, sensitivity, and specificity, and hazard ratios (HRs) were to evaluate overall survival (OS). 17 eligible studies which included 7 for clinicopathological features, 10 for prognosis, and 8 for diagnosis were in our study. As for clinicopathological parameters, high expression of oncogenic circRNAs had a significant association with poor clinicopathological features and tumor‐suppressor circRNAs proved the contrary. In terms of the prognostic values, oncogenic circRNAs had a negative influence on overall survival (OS: HR = 3.39, 95%Cl: 2.59‐4.19), and high expression of tumor‐suppressor circRNAs was relevant to improved survival outcomes (OS: HR = 0.46, 95%Cl: 0.37‐0.56). The pooled diagnostic outcomes indicated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.84, with sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 72% in discriminating HCC from controls. Our study indicates that circRNAs may be important biomarkers for prognostic and diagnostic values of HCC.
Organic Semiconductors for Photothermal Therapy and Photoacoustic Imaging
Authors: Wang Xuemei , Geng Zhongmin , Cong Hailin , Shen Youqing , Yu Bing
Published: January 2019

In recent years, semiconducting polymer nanoparticles (SPNs) have been attracting considerable attention because of their outstanding characteristics such as higher light and thermal stability. They are widely used in fields of biomedicine such as photoacoustic (PA) imaging (PAI), photodynamic therapy (PDT), and photothermal therapy (PTT). PAI, a new imaging modality based on PA effects, shows great promise in biomedical applications. SPNs that display strong optical absorbance in the visible and near‐infrared (NIR) regions can be promising candidates for in vivo PTT and PAI. Here we introduce the preparation of organic conjugated polymer fluorescent nanoparticles in the aqueous phase. We then discuss the application of water‐dispersible conjugated polymer nanoparticles in PA and PTT. Finally, we discuss the opportunities and challenges for the development of organic conjugated polymer nanoparticles.
A Probabilistic‐Statistical Model of Change of Particle Size Distribution in Settlers and Tanks
Authors: Grechushkin Andrey N. , Lvov Vladimir A.
Published: January 2019

A probabilistic and statistical model of changes in the particle size distribution of the dispersed phase of low‐concentrated suspensions has been developed. The applicability of the method is theoretically substantiated. It is demonstrated that changes in the particle size distribution, in particular in the field of gravity, can be described by the Fokker‐Planck‐Kolmogorov equation.
Oxygenated Nitrogen‐Doped Microporous Nanocarbon as a Permselective Interlayer for Ultrastable Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Li Wanlong , Ye Yusheng , Qian Ji , Xing Yi , Qu Wei , Zhang Nanxiang , Li Li , Wu Feng , Chen Renjie
Published: January 2019

The commercial success of lithium‐sulfur (Li−S) batteries is still impeded by the severe capacity decay caused by polysulfide shuttling between the cathode and anode. Herein, we present an oxygenated metal‐organic framework (MOF)‐derived nitrogen‐doped microporous carbon (OMNC) interlayer to mitigate the shuttling of polysulfides. The OMNC interlayer with abundant carboxyl and hydroxyl groups is highly permselective to Li+ ions but efficiently suppress the penetration of undesired Sn2− ions to the anode side owing to electrostatic interactions. The doped nitrogen in OMNC can enhance the binding with polysulfides, thus alleviating the shuttle effect. The strong affinity of oxygenated groups and doped nitrogen with polysulfides is demonstrated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Furthermore, the highly conductive OMNC interlayer can also act as a second current collector to promote electron transportation, thus strengthening the utilization of the active material and improving the cycling performance of the cells. At a high sulfur loading up to 3 mg cm−2, the multi‐walled carbon nanotubes/sulfur (CNTs/S) cathode matched with the OMNC interlayer exhibits a reversible capacity of 580.5 mAh g−1 after 610 cycles at 1 C, corresponding to an average capacity loss per cycle of 0.038 %. These results suggest a new way to advanced Li−S batteries using a MOF‐derived multifunctional interlayer.
Gadolinium(III)‐Based Dual 1H/19F Magnetic Resonance Imaging Probes
Authors: Pujales‐Paradela Rosa , Savić Tanja , Esteban‐Gómez David , Angelovski Goran , Carniato Fabio , Botta Mauro , Platas‐Iglesias Carlos
Published: January 2019

We present two novel octadentate cyclen‐based ligands bearing one (L1) or two (L2) phenylacetamide pendants with two CF3 groups either at positions 3 and 5 (L1) or 4 (L2). The corresponding Gd3+ complexes possess one coordinated water molecule, as confirmed by luminescence lifetime measurements on the EuIII and TbIII analogues. A detailed 1H and 17O relaxometric characterization has revealed the parameters that govern the relaxivities of these complexes. The water‐exchange rate of the mono‐amide derivative GdL1 (kex298=1.52×106 s−1) is faster than that determined for the bis‐amide complex GdL2 (kex298=0.73×106 s−1). 1H and 19F NMR studies have indicated that the complexes are present in solution almost exclusively as the square‐antiprismatic (SAP) isomers. 19F NMR relaxation studies indicated Gd⋅⋅⋅F distances of 7.4±0.1 and 9.1±0.1 Å for GdL1 and GdL2, respectively. Phantom MRI studies revealed the favorable properties of GdL2 as a dual 1H/19F magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probe, whereas the shorter Gd⋅⋅⋅F distance of GdL1 reduces the signal‐to‐noise ratio due to the very short transverse relaxation time of the 19F NMR signal.
On the Use of Online Reparametrization in Automated Platforms for Kinetic Model Identification
Authors: Quaglio Marco , Waldron Conor , Pankajakshan Arun , Cao Enhong , Gavriilidis Asterios , Fraga Eric S. , Galvanin Federico
Published: January 2019

Parameter estimation algorithms integrated in automated platforms for kinetic model identification are required to solve two optimization problems: i) a parameter estimation problem given the available samples; ii) a model‐based design of experiments problem to select the conditions for collecting future samples. These problems may be ill‐posed, leading to numerical failures when optimization routines are applied. In this work, an approach of online reparametrization is introduced to enhance the robustness of model identification algorithms towards ill‐posed parameter estimation problems.
Experimental Methods in Chemical Engineering: Mass Spectrometry—MS
Authors: Perreault Patrice , Robert Etienne , Patience Gregory S.
Published: January 2019

Mass spectrometry identifies the atomic mass of molecules and fragments in the gas phase. The spectrometer ionizes the molecules that then pass through an electric or magnetic field towards a detector. The field modifies the molecule's trajectory and we infer mass from its direction and velocity in a static field or from the stability of its path in a dynamic field. The electric current is amplified and a mass spectrum is generated from the location or timing of the signal from the detector, translated into a plot of the intensity as a function of the mass‐over‐charge ratio. It is field deployable, measures concentrations in real time with a temporal resolution better than 100 ms, and detection limits of fg. However, the signal drifts with time so we have to calibrate it as frequently as every hour. Calibrating requires multiple mixtures with varying concentrations to map the non‐linear response. The Web of Science Core Collection indexed over 60 000 articles that refer to MS (2016 and 2017) with applications ranging from permanent gas analysis, to identifying protein, forensic science, and natural products. The bibliometric software VOSViewer() identified four clusters of research related to MS: (1) proteomics, proteins, plasma, and metabolomics; (2) solid phase extraction together with gas chromatography; (3) tandem mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography; and (4) waste water and toxicity. We expect that the technique will continue to evolve with increased sensitivity, lower drift, and greater specificity. Miniaturization efforts should also continue in order to develop faster field deployable instruments.
Growth hormone deficiency and neurocognitive function in adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Krull Kevin R. , Li Chenghong , Phillips Nicholas S. , Cheung Yin Ting , Brinkman Tara M. , Wilson Carmen L. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Khan Raja B. , Merchant Thomas E. , Sabin Noah D. , Srivastava DeoKumar , Pui Ching‐Hon , Robison Leslie L. , Hudson Melissa M. , Sklar Charles A. , Chemaitilly Wassim
Published: January 2019

Background

The impact of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) on neurocognitive function is poorly understood in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This study examined the contribution of GHD to functional outcomes while adjusting for cranial radiation therapy (CRT).

Methods

Adult survivors of ALL (N = 571; 49% female; mean age, 37.4 years; age range, 19.4‐62.2 years) completed neurocognitive tests and self‐reported neurocognitive symptoms, emotional distress, and quality of life. GHD was defined as a previous diagnosis of GHD or a plasma insulin‐like growth factor1 level less than −2.0 standard deviations for sex and age at the time of neurocognitive testing. Hypothyroidism, hypogonadism, sex, age at diagnosis, CRT dose, and intrathecal and high‐dose intravenous methotrexate were included as covariates in multivariable linear regression models.

Results

Of the 571 survivors, 298 (52%) had GHD, and those with GHD received higher doses of CRT (P = .002). Survivors who had GHD, irrespective of prior growth hormone treatment, demonstrated poorer vocabulary (z‐score, −0.84 vs −0.61; P = .02), processing speed (z‐score, −0.49 vs −0.30; P = .04), cognitive flexibility (z‐score, −1.37 vs −0.94; P = .01), and verbal fluency (z‐score, −0.74 vs −0.44; P = .001), and they self‐reported more neurocognitive problems and poorer quality of life compared with survivors who did not have GHD. Multivariable and mediation models revealed that GHD was associated with small effects on quality of life (general health, P = .01; vitality, P = .01; mental health, P = .01); and CRT dose accounted for the lower neurocognitive outcomes.

Conclusions

Adult survivors of childhood ALL who receive CRT are at risk for GHD, although poor neurocognitive outcomes are determined by CRT dose and not by the presence of GHD.
New entities, new technologies, new findings: A review of the cytologic features of recently established subtypes of renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Robila Valentina , Kraft Adele O. , Smith Steven Christopher
Published: January 2019

Several new renal tumor types with distinctive pathologic, epidemiologic, and genetic signatures have recently been adopted in the fourth edition of the World Health Organization classification. In succeeding years, the cytologic features of most of these new types have been described, adding to the trend of increasing diagnostic accuracy for most common renal cell carcinoma subtypes and the important diagnostic role of cytologic sampling in the management and personalization of therapy. The current article reviews the cytologic findings from these recently established renal cell carcinoma subtypes. Emphasis is placed on cytologic diagnostic clues, confirmatory ancillary testing, salient differential diagnoses, and challenges that can be encountered in an attempt to render accurate interpretations in small samples.
Information flow control in object‐based peer‐to‐peer publish/subscribe systems
Authors: Nakamura Shigenari , Enokido Tomoya , Takizawa Makoto
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we propose a P2PPSO (P2P [peer‐to‐peer] type of topic‐based Publish/Subscribe with Object concept) model, where each peer process (peer) exchanges objects by publishing and receiving event messages with no centralized coordinator. In addition, objects are characterized by topics. Suppose an event message ej published by a peer pj carries an object on some topics into a target peer pi. Here, information in the peer pj illegally flows to the peer pi if the target peer pi is not allowed to subscribe the topics. An illegal object is an object whose topics a target peer is not allowed to subscribe. Even if an event message is received by a target peer by checking topics, objects carried by the event message may be illegal at the target peer. In this paper, we propose a TOBS (topics‐of‐objects–based synchronization) protocol to prevent target peers from receiving illegal objects in the P2PPSO model. Here, even if an event message is received by a target peer, illegal objects in the event message are not delivered to the target peer. In the evaluation, we show how many event messages carry illegal objects in the TOBS protocol.
Predator water balance alters intraguild predation in a streamside food web
Authors: Leinbach Israel L. , McCluney Kevin E. , Sabo John L.
Published: January 2019

Previous work suggests that animal water balance can influence trophic interactions, with predators increasing their consumption of water‐laden prey to meet water demands. But it is unclear how the need for water interacts with the need for energy to drive trophic interactions under shifting conditions. Using manipulative field experiments, we show that water balance influences the effects of top predators on prey with contrasting ratios of water and energy, altering the frequency of intraguild predation. Water‐stressed top predators (large spiders) negatively affect water‐laden basal prey (crickets), especially male prey with higher water content, whereas alleviation of water limitation causes top predators to switch to negatively affecting energy‐rich midlevel predators (small spiders). Thus, the relative water and energy content of multiple prey, combined with the water demand of the top predator, influences trophic interactions in ways that can alter the strength of intraguild predation. These findings underscore the need for integration of multiresource approaches for understanding implications of global change for food webs.
Preparation and Molecular Structure of a Cationic Bisplumbylene
Authors: Kargin Denis , Krekić Kristijan , Pietschnig Rudolf
Published: January 2019

A cationic phosphanyl substituted plumbylene has been generated by chloride abstraction from a neutral bisplumbylene embedded into a bicyclic [3]ferrocenophane scaffold. The primary cationic bisplumbylene [Fe(C5H4PtBuPb)2Cl]+AlCl4– has been characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. It undergoes rapid chloride exchange with its neutral counterpart in solution, and adduct formation between both components has been identified via single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The energy balance for chloride abstraction and adduct formation has been explored for a simplified model system using DFT calculations, which was also used to assess the charge distribution within these molecules.
Arsenic (III) removal from water by hydroxyapatite‐bentonite clay‐nanocrystalline cellulose
Authors: Hokkanen Sanna , Doshi Bhairavi , Srivastava Varsha , Puro Liisa , Koivula Risto
Published: January 2019

In the present study, natural, non‐toxic nano size adsorption material: hydroxyapatite‐bentonite clay‐nanocrystalline cellulose (CHA‐BENT‐NCC) was successfully prepared for As(III) removal from water solution. The efficiency of this composite material was investigated as a function of solution pH, time, As(III) concentration, and temperature. The chemical and morphological structures of adsorbent were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive analysis of X‐rays (EDAX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results of the kinetic study revealed that the adsorption rate was very high in the beginning and over 95% of As(III) removal was achieved within the first 5 min. The kinetics of As(III) on CHA‐BENT‐NCC complied with the pseudo‐first‐order model. The maximum uptake was 51.01 mg/g by Langmuir model and 48.99 mg/g by Dubinin–Radushkevich model. The preservation of As(III) specification was studied as function of time using three different storage method. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13146, 2019
Techno‐economic Analysis of a More Efficient Hydrogen Generation System Prototype: A Case Study of PEM Electrolyzer with Cr‐C Coated SS304 Bipolar Plates
Authors: Taner T. , Naqvi S. A. H. , Ozkaymak M.
Published: January 2019

This study presents a more efficient and innovative prototype of a hydrogen generation system using proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer. The aim of this study is to generate hydrogen gas energy that conducts the chemical reaction by electrolytic movements as well as to design a system that generates energy with H2 through new technology. The Cr‐C coated SS304 bipolar plates were used in the electrolysis cells and the septic mixture (urea, ammonia, methyl alcohol) was used in the electrolyzer as a chemical solution to make the hydrogen production more efficient and cost effective. The super strong magnets were also mounted on the outer surface of the electrolysis cells to improve the performance and efficiency. The performance of the electrolyzer was determined by operating the current and voltage parameters. The results were collected through experiments and the optimization of the different parameters. In this prototype study, the production of hydrogen gas in the system (1 MW) through the presented system was found to be as 6 m3 h−1 and the simple payback period (SPP) was calculated as 2.32 y. These results indicate that this system can produce hydrogen more efficiently and economically.
Prospective evaluation of pretreatment and intratreatment FDG PET‐CT SUV stability in primary head and neck cancer
Authors: Mendez Lucas C. , Conrad Tatiana , Lee Justin , Smith Benjamin , Brotherston Drew , Le Tuyen , Kiss Alex , Caldwell Curtis B. , Karam Irene , Poon Ian
Published: January 2019

Purpose

To evaluate standardized uptake value (SUV) stability on pretreatment and intratreatment 18‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (PET‐CT) in patients undergoing definitive CRT for head and neck cancer (HNC).

Methods

Primary tumor and nodal volumes of interest (VOIs) from HNC patients were contoured on the pretreatment and intratreatment PET‐CT by two independent observers. SUV stability was measured with intersection calculations (DICE, overlap fraction, center to center) between the VOIs at threshold levels of 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90% of the SUV maximum.

Results

The mean calculated DICE of the 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% SUV threshold was 0.53, 0.48, 0.41, 0.28, and 0.12, respectively. The mean calculated overlap fraction was 0.71, 0.65, 0.58, 0.43, and 0.2, respectively. Center‐center difference demonstrates spatial variability of 7.8, 8.2, 8.6, 9.5, and 11.2 mm for these SUV subvolumes of interest.

Conclusions

HNC subvolumes defined by SUV thresholding technique in FDG PET‐CT imaging do not remain physically stable during (chemo)RT.

Highlights

All pretreatment and intratreatment SUV thresholds (50%‐90%) overlap indexes are low during the course of (chemo)radiation.

Pretreatment and intratreatment center to center variation further corroborates that all FDG threshold volumes do not remain stable during treatment.

No difference in SUV threshold stability was seen between p16 positive and negative tumors.
The influence of contrived motivating operations on social discounting: Relative economic hardship affects choice
Authors: Belisle Jordan , Dixon Mark R. , Rowsey Kyle E.
Published: January 2019

Thirty‐six participants were given three social discounting surveys, and each survey was preceded by one of three contrived hypothetical scenarios. In each scenario, the participant was asked to consider situations in which either the participant (SELF), a hypothetical other (OTHER), or both the participant and the hypothetical other (BOTH) were experiencing economic hardship (i.e., needed money to avoid a negative outcome). Results replicate previous research suggesting that the probability of participants foregoing the money decreased across social distance in the BOTH and OTHER conditions; however, no discounting was observed for median responses in the SELF condition. In addition, the highest area under the curve and lowest s values were associated with the OTHER condition, and the inverse results were observed for the SELF condition. Taken together, these results suggest that relative economic hardship may act as a motivating operation affecting social discounting with the potential for further translational utility.
Anemia and Risk of Fractures in Older Korean Adults: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Lee Eun Ae , Shin Dong Wook , Yoo Jun Hyun , Ko Hyeon Young , Jeong Su Min
Published: January 2019

Anemia is a common health problem in older adults and is associated with risk factors for fracture such as low physical function and low bone mass. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between anemia and fracture risk in older adults. We conducted a retrospective cohort study from 2003 to 2013. The participants were community-dwelling Korean adults aged 65 years and older who participated in the National Health Screening Program (n = 72,131) between 2003 and 2008. Anemia (<12 g/dL for women and <13 g/dL for men) and severity of anemia (mild: 11 g/dL ≤ Hb < 12 g/dL; moderate to severe: Hb < 11 g/dL) were defined by World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. The incidence of any fractures, vertebral fractures, and femur fractures was identified using ICD-10 codes. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to assess risk of fracture according to anemia. Anemia was associated with increased risk of fracture in men (any: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18–1.41; vertebral: aHR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.03–1.40; femur: aHR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.44–2.04), and less strongly but still significantly in women (any: aHR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.11–1.41; vertebral: aHR = 1.11, 95% CI 1.03–1.20; femur: aHR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.25–1.52). Higher risk was observed in subjects with moderate-to-severe anemia in both sexes. Considering the high prevalence of anemia in older adults, it is important that health professionals recognize increased fracture risk in older adults with anemia. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Effects of Denosumab and Alendronate on Bone Health and Vascular Function in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Iseri Ken , Watanabe Makoto , Yoshikawa Hisako , Mitsui Hisao , Endo Teruhiko , Yamamoto Yuichiro , Iyoda Masayuki , Ryu Kakei , Inaba Taro , Shibata Takanori
Published: January 2019

Mineral and bone disorders including osteoporosis are common in dialysis patients and contribute to increased morbimortality. However, whether denosumab and alendronate are effective and safe treatments in hemodialysis patients is not known. Thus, we conducted a prospective, three-center study of 48 hemodialysis patients who were diagnosed as having osteoporosis and had not received anti-osteoporotic agents previously. Participants were randomized to either denosumab or intravenous alendronate, and all subjects received elemental calcium and calcitriol during the initial 2 weeks. The primary endpoint was the percent change in lumbar spine bone mineral density (LSBMD) at 12 months of treatment. The secondary endpoints included the following: change in BMD at other sites; change of serum bone turnover markers (BTM), coronary artery calcium score (CACS), ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), flow mediated dilation (FMD), and intima-media thickness at the carotid artery (CA-IMT); change from day 0 to day 14 in serum levels of Ca and P; time course of serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and intact parathyroid hormone (i-PTH); new fractures; and adverse events. Initial supplementation with elemental calcium and calcitriol markedly ameliorated the decrease of serum corrected calcium (cCa) levels induced by denosumab during the first 2 weeks, whereas serum cCa levels in the alendronate group were increased. Denosumab and alendronate markedly decreased serum levels of BTM and increased LSBMD at 12 months compared with baseline. However, no significant differences were found in the changes in LSBMD between the two groups. The serum cCa, P, and i-PTH levels in the two groups were maintained within the appropriate range. In contrast to the anti-osteoporotic effects, no significant differences after 12 months of treatment were found in the CACS, CA-IMT, ABI, baPWV, and FMD compared with pretreatment in both groups. Denosumab and alendronate treatment improved LSBMD, reduced BTM, and appeared to be safe in hemodialysis patients with osteoporosis. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Alignment differs between patellofemoral osteoarthritis cases and matched controls: An upright 3D MRI study
Authors: Macri Erin M. , d'Entremont Agnes G. , Crossley Kay M. , Hart Harvi F. , Forster Bruce B. , Wilson David R. , Ratzlaff Charles R. , Goldsmith Charlie H. , Khan Karim M.
Published: January 2019

Patellofemoral (PF) osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent and clinically important knee OA subgroup. Malalignment may be an important risk factor for PF OA. However, little is known about alignment in PF OA, particularly in an upright, weightbearing environment. Using a vertically‐oriented open‐bore MR scanner, we evaluated 3D knee alignment in 15 PF OA cases and 15 individually matched asymptomatic controls. We imaged one knee per participant while they stood two‐legged at four flexion angles (0°, 15°, 30°, 45°), and also while they stood one‐legged at 30° knee flexion. We calculated 3D patellofemoral and tibiofemoral alignment. Using mixed effects models, four of the five patellofemoral measures differed by group. For key measures, PF OA patellae were 6.6° [95%CI 5.0, 8.2] more laterally tilted, 2.4 mm [1.3, 3.5] more laterally translated, and at least 3.7 mm [0.2, 7.2] more proximally translated compared to controls (more with knees flexed). Alignment did not differ between two‐legged stance and one‐legged stance in either group. Statement of Clinical Significance: Our study demonstrated significant and clinically relevant differences in alignment between PF OA cases and controls in upright standing and squatting positions. Our findings were similar to those in previous studies of PF OA using traditional MR scanners in supine positions, supporting the clinical usefulness of existing methods aimed at identifying individuals who may benefit from interventions designed to correct malalignment. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research® Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the Orthopaedic Research Society. 9999:1–9, 2019.
Stage‐matched survival differences by ethnicity among gastric cancer patients of Asian ancestry treated in the United States
Authors: Rhome Ryan M. , Ru Meng , Moshier Erin , Mazumdar Madhu , Buckstein Michael H.
Published: January 2019

Background

Differences have been noted in overall survival (OS) in gastric cancer (GC) between trials conducted in Western vs Asian countries. The National Cancer Database (NCDB) reports outcomes and patient/disease variables relevant to OS.

Methods

Using NCDB, we identified 89 558 adult patients with GC diagnosed (2004‐2012), where self‐reported race/ethnicity was available. Cox proportional hazard model was used to calculate multivariable hazard ratio (HR) of death, adjusting for race/ethnicity, age, gender, insurance, histology, grade, location, stage, and treatment type.

Results

After adjustment, Asian patients had improved OS (HR = 0.74, 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 0.71‐0.77). There were differences in OS between Asian ethnicities compared with white patients (n = 69 945), notably with Korean (n = 1249, HR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.64‐0.75), Chinese (n = 1271, HR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.64‐0.75), and Indian/Pakistani patients (n = 492, HR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.61‐0.76). Japanese (n = 829, HR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.77‐0.91) and Vietnamese (n = 560, HR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.71‐0.88) OS was also improved (P < 0.0001), while Filipino patients showed no difference (n = 415, HR = 1.00). Black patients had slightly improved OS (n = 13 500, HR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.95‐1.00, P = 0.035).

Conclusions

This analysis supports improved OS in Asian patients independent of stage, treatment, and known patient or disease characteristics in this large US cohort, and is the largest to define OS differences between Asian ethnicities.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing as a treatment for tinnitus
Authors: Phillips John S. , Erskine Sally , Moore Tal , Nunney Ian , Wright Catherine
Published: January 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine the effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) as a treatment for tinnitus.

Study Design

Single‐site prospective interventional clinical trial at a university hospital in the United Kingdom.

Methods

Participants were provided with tEMDR. This is a bespoke EMDR protocol that was developed specifically to treat individuals with tinnitus. Participants received a maximum of 10 sessions of tEMDR. Outcome measures including tinnitus questionnaires and mood questionnaires were recorded at baseline, discharge, and at 6 months postdischarge.

Results

Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory scores demonstrated a statistically significant improvement at discharge after EMDR intervention (P = .0005 and P = .0098, respectively); this improvement was maintained at 6 months postdischarge. There was also a moderate but not significant (P = .0625) improvement in Beck Anxiety Inventory scores.

Conclusions

This study has demonstrated that the provision of tEMDR has resulted in a clinically and statistically significant improvement in tinnitus symptoms in the majority of those participants who took part. Furthermore, the treatment effect was maintained at 6 months after treatment ceased. This study is of particular interest, as the study protocol was designed to be purposefully inclusive of a diverse range of tinnitus patients. However, as a small uncontrolled study, these results do not consider the significant effects of placebo and therapist interaction. Larger high‐quality studies are essential for the verification of these preliminary results.

Level of Evidence

4

Laryngoscope, 129:2384–2390, 2019
Patency of the nasolacrimal drainage system after power‐assisted medial flap turbinoplasty
Authors: Almoumen Zahra , AlQahtani Saeed , Albaharna Hussain
Published: January 2019

Objective

Turbinoplasty is a common procedure for the management of nasal blockage resulting from inferior turbinate hypertrophy. There are many ways to perform turbinoplasty; however, power‐assisted medial flap turbinoplasty provides reliable reduction and long‐lasting results compared to other techniques. The aim of this study was to assess the patency of the nasolacrimal drainage system after power‐assisted medial flap turbinoplasty and to investigate the safety of this procedure with regard to drainage of the nasolacrimal ducts.

Methods

This prospective study included 31 patients (62 turbinates) who underwent power‐assisted medial flap turbinoplasty in the period between January 2017 and December 2017 and had a normal nasolacrimal drainage system as confirmed by endoscopic fluorescein dye test preoperatively. The test was repeated 3 months postoperatively to test for patency.

Results

All the patients showed normal drainage of the fluorescein dye from the inferior meatus preoperatively and postoperatively as well. No other major complications resulting from the power‐assisted medial flap turbinoplasty procedure were reported.

Conclusion

Power‐assisted medial flap turbinoplasty is a safe and effective procedure. There was no nasolacrimal duct injury among our patients and we did not observe any major complications.

Level of Evidence

IIb
Glycopolymers Made from Polyrotaxanes Terminated with Bile Acids: Preparation, Self‐Assembly, and Targeting Delivery
Authors: Liu Sa , Jin Jiahong , Jia Yong‐Guang , Wang Jin , Mo Lina , Chen Xiaohui , Qi Dawei , Chen Yunhua , Ren Li
Published: January 2019

The use of natural compounds to construct biomaterials, including delivery system, is an attractive strategy. In the present study, through threading functional α‐cyclodextrins onto the conjugated macromolecules of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and natural compound bile acid, glycopolymers of polyrotaxanes with the active targeting ability are obtained. These glycopolymers self‐assemble into micelles as evidenced by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy, in which glucosamine, as an example of targeting groups, is introduced. These micelles after loading doxorubicin (DOX) exhibit the selective recognition with cancer cells 4T1. Meanwhile, the maximal half inhibitory concentration is determined to be ≈2.5 mg L−1 for the DOX‐loaded micelles, close to the value of free DOX·HCl (1.9 mg L−1). The cumulative release of DOX at pH 5.5 is faster than at pH 7.4, which may be used as the controlled release system. This drug delivery system assembled by glycopolymers features high drug loading of DOX, superior biocompatibility. The strategy not only utilizes the micellization induced by bile acids, but also overcomes the major limitation of PEG such as the lack of targeting groups. In particular, this drug delivery platform can extend to grafting the other targeting groups, rendering this system more versatile.