bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary aspiration of sinus secretions in patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Nelson Jacob , Karempelis Peter , Dunitz Jordan , Hunter Ryan , Boyer Holly
Published: December 2017

Background

Indirect evidence suggests that sinonasal secretions are aspirated into the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), contributing to infection, subsequent tissue damage, and decreased lung function. Our objective is to determine whether sinonasal secretions are transferred to the lungs in patients with CF‐related sinus disease and healthy subjects, particularly in the recumbent position and during sleep.

Methods

We performed a prospective, controlled trial to detect pulmonary aspiration of radiolabeled albumin applied to the nasal mucosa of study subjects with chronic sinusitis related to CF and control subjects without sinus disease. Radioactive counts were measured in the lungs and compared to background counts in both groups after 8 hours of rest/sleep.

Results

Complete data was collected on 12 CF patients and 6 controls. Eleven patients with CF demonstrated higher lung counts than background counts. The average counts of radiolabeled albumin in the lungs of CF patients were significantly greater than background counts (p = 0.03). Controls did not demonstrate this finding (p > 0.90), with only one‐half demonstrating lung counts greater than background counts.

Conclusion

This study provides direct evidence of aspiration of sinonasal secretions into the lungs of patients with CF and healthy adults in the recumbent position. The fact that both patients and controls aspirated secretions suggests that aspiration alone does not account for the pathogenesis of lung disease in CF patients.
Air pollutants may be environmental risk factors in chronic rhinosinusitis disease progression
Authors: Mady Leila J. , Schwarzbach Hannah L. , Moore John A. , Boudreau Robert M. , Willson Thomas J. , Lee Stella E.
Published: December 2017

Background

Little is known about the role of environmental exposures in the pathophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). In this study, we measured the impact of air pollutants (particulate matter 2.5 [PM2.5] and black carbon [BC]) on CRS with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) and CRS without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP).

Methods

Spatial modeling from pollutant monitoring sites was used to estimate exposures surrounding residences for patients meeting inclusion criteria (total patients, n = 234; CRSsNP, n = 96; CRSwNP, n = 138). Disease severity outcome measures included modified Lund‐Mackay score (LMS), systemic steroids, number of functional endoscopic sinus surgeries (FESS), and 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) score. PM2.5 and BC exposures were correlated with outcome measures.

Results

Mean PM2.5 and BC findings were not significantly different between CRSwNP and CRSsNP patients or patients with and without asthma. Among those with CRSsNP, PM2.5 was significantly associated with undergoing FESS. For each unit increase in PM2.5, there was a 1.89‐fold increased risk in the proportion of CRSsNP patients who required further surgery (p = 0.015). This association was not identified in CRSwNP patients (p = 0.445). BC was also significantly associated with SNOT‐22 score in the CRSsNP group. For each 0.1‐unit increase in BC, there was a 7.97‐unit increase in SNOT‐22 (p = 0.008). A similar, although not significant, increase in SNOT‐22 was found with increasing BC in the CRSwNP group (p = 0.728).

Conclusion

Air pollutants correlate with CRS symptom severity that may be influenced by exposure levels, with a more pronounced impact on CRSsNP patients. This study is the first to demonstrate the possible role of inhalant pollutants in CRS phenotypes, addressing a critical knowledge gap in environmental risk factors for disease progression.
Total Synthesis of Bryostatin 8 Using an Organosilane‐Based Strategy
Authors: Zhang Yuebao , Guo Qianyou , Sun Xianwei , Lu Ji , Cao Yanjun , Pu Qiang , Chu Zhiwen , Gao Lu , Song Zhenlei
Published: December 2017

Convergent total synthesis of bryostatin 8 has been accomplished by an organosilane‐based strategy. The C ring is constructed stereoselectively through a geminal bis(silane)‐based [1,5]‐Brook rearrangement, and the B ring through geminal bis(silane)‐based Prins cyclization, thus efficiently joining the northern and southern parts of the molecule.
Normothermic machine perfusion for the assessment and transplantation of declined human kidneys from donation after circulatory death donors
Authors: Hosgood S. A. , Thompson E. , Moore T. , Wilson C. H. , Nicholson M. L.
Published: December 2017

Background

A significant proportion of donation after circulatory death (DCD) kidneys are declined for transplantation because of concerns over their quality. Ex vivo normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) provides a unique opportunity to assess the quality of a kidney and determine its suitability for transplantation.

Methods

In phase 1 of this study, declined human DCD kidneys underwent NMP assessment for 60 min. Kidneys were graded 1–5 using a quality assessment score (QAS) based on macroscopic perfusion, renal blood flow and urine output during NMP. In phase 2 of the study, declined DCD kidneys were assessed by NMP with an intention to transplant them.

Results

In phase 1, 18 of 42 DCD kidneys were declined owing to poor in situ perfusion. After NMP, 28 kidneys had a QAS of 1–3, and were considered suitable for transplantation. In phase 2, ten of 55 declined DCD kidneys underwent assessment by NMP. Eight kidneys had been declined because of poor in situ flushing in the donor and five of these were transplanted successfully. Four of the five kidneys had initial graft function.

Conclusion

NMP technology can be used to increase the number of DCD kidney transplants by assessing their quality before transplantation.
The Use of D2 Collision Gas in Isotope Dilution for the Analysis of Se with Octopole Reaction Cell Inductively Coupled Plasma‐Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Kim Lee‐Won , Pak Yong‐Nam
Published: December 2017

D2 was used as a collision/reaction cell gas in Ar inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry for the analysis of selenium with an isotope dilution method. In conventional H2 collision gas, 80[BrH] was generated by the reaction of collision gas with Br in matrix. The use of D2 could generate 81[BrD] instead of 80[BrH], making it possible for the use of m/z 80, which has the highest abundance among Se isotopes. Two collision gases, H2 and D2, were compared with each other for the isotope spikes of 76Se, 77Se, and 78Se. For an inorganic selenium standard, both gases showed good results of 99% accuracy and below 1% Relative Standard Deviation (RSD). However, for complex‐matrix samples, the results were different. For NIST SRM 1567b (wheat flour), which had a relatively simple matrix, accuracy and precision were similar for both gases. For KRISS CRM 108‐04‐001(oyster) and NIST SRM 2976 (mussel), which had a relatively high level of Br matrix, deuterium gas showed better accuracy and precision. For H2, 77Se showed the highest accuracy (98.4% recovery) but low precision (3.24% RSD). For deuterium, all three spikes showed good results, 98% average recovery and less than 1% RSD. The use of D2 collision gas demonstrates that it is effective for the accurate determination of Se, even for a complex matrix.
Effect of aorto‐ventricular angulation on procedural success in transcatheter aortic valve replacements with the Lotus Valve system
Authors: Rashid Hashrul N. , McCormick Liam M. , Talman Andrew H. , Ihdayhid Abdul R. , Nerlekar Nitesh , Amiruddin Ameera S. , Cameron James , Nasis Arthur , Meredith Ian T. , Gooley Robert P.
Published: December 2017

Objective

To determine the effect of aorto‐ventricular angulation (AA) on procedural success with the Lotus Valve system.

Background

AA, the angulation of the aortic valve basal plane, may affect the deployment of transcatheter aortic valve replacements (TAVRs). The Lotus Valve system is fully repositionable and delivered on a pre‐shaped catheter which may alter the impact of AA on its deployment. The effect of AA on procedural and clinical outcomes with the Lotus valve is unreported.

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent transfemoral TAVR with the Lotus Valve system were analyzed. AA was determined on pre‐procedural multi‐detector computed tomography imaging. Device success, procedural characteristics, and clinical events were assessed according to Valve Academic Research Consortium‐2 (VARC2) definitions.

Results

One hundred sixty‐five patients were analyzed (48% male, mean age 84 years). The mean AA was 47.8 degrees. Patients were, therefore, divided into low AA (AA < 48°) or high AA (AA ≥ 48°). Baseline characteristics were similar in both cohorts. Device success and procedural outcomes were also similar including procedure time, contrast dose, and need to reposition. There was no difference in degree of moderate or greater para‐valvular regurgitation (PVR) (0% vs. 3%, P = 0.09). Clinical outcomes of death, stroke, myocardial infarction, and other major VARC2 endpoints were similar.

Conclusion

AA did not affect device success or clinical outcome with the Lotus Valve system. The Lotus' unique design features may have mitigated the impact of AA by improving the accuracy, ease of valve positioning, and reducing PVR.
Dehydrogenation of N‐Heterocycles by Superoxide Ion Generated through Single‐Electron Transfer
Authors: Huang Yuan‐Qiong , Song Hong‐Jian , Liu Yu‐Xiu , Wang Qing‐Min
Published: December 2017

Nitrogen‐containing heteroarene motifs are found in numerous pharmaceuticals, natural products, and synthetic materials. Although several elegant methods for synthesis of these compounds through dehydrogenation of the corresponding saturated heterocycles have been reported, some of the methods are hampered by long reaction times, harsh conditions, and the need for catalysts that are not readily available. This work reports a novel method for dehydrogenation of N‐heterocycles. Specifically, O2.− generated in situ acts as the oxidant for N‐heterocycle substrates that are susceptible to oxidation through a hydrogen atom transfer mechanism. This method provides a general, green route to N‐heteroarenes.
Current Developments in Production and Utilization of Biogas and Biomethane in Germany
Authors: Daniel‐Gromke Jaqueline , Rensberg Nadja , Denysenko Velina , Stinner Walter , Schmalfuß Tina , Scheftelowitz Mattes , Nelles Michael , Liebetrau Jan
Published: December 2017

This paper presents the results of a status quo analysis of biogas production in Germany. It provides detailed information regarding the biogas plant portfolio and distribution, applied technologies, types of substrates und the contribution of biogas to the electricity, heat and transport sector. The evaluations regarding biogas and biomethane are based on data from annually surveys of biogas plant operators, Federal Network Agency regarding electricity generation, German transmission grid operators regarding direct marketing of electricity, and the current plant register regarding flexibility premium.
Provenance data discovery through Semantic Web resources
Authors: Ornelas Tatiane , Braga Regina , David José Maria N. , Campos Fernanda , Castro Gabriella
Published: December 2017

Providing historical information to deal with knowledge loss about a scientific experiment has been the focus of some several researches. However, computational support for large‐scale scientific experiments is still incipient and is considered one of e‐science's greatest challenges. In this vein, providing provenance information to a scientist is part of these challenges. Provenance information helps to assure the reliability and reproducibility of experiments. Therefore, this work has as its main objective to present a new ontology—Open Provenance Model Ontology‐e (OPMO‐e)—which is part of an architecture, named SciProvMiner. Open Provenance Model Ontology‐e is a new ontology that encompasses both prospective and retrospective provenance. SciProvMiner captures the provenance and implements all inference and completeness rules defined by Open Provenance Model to provide provenance information beyond those already established. We hypothesize that the capture and management of provenance data will provide scientists with implicit strategical information about the experiment through OPMO‐e. Case studies were carried out to evaluate OPMO‐e use considering SciProvMiner. The obtained results revealed that the use of the proposed ontology and SciProvMiner can enhance scientist's knowledge about an experiment.
A Three‐Dimensional Architecture for Hydrogen‐Evolving, Host/Guest, Hybrid Organic/Inorganic Photocathodes Based on Nanolamellar MoO3 Scaffolds
Authors: Ghadirzadeh Ali , Fumagalli Francesco , Mezzetti Alessandro , Bellani Sebastiano , Meda Laura , Antognazza Maria Rosa , Di Fonzo Fabio
Published: December 2017

This work reports on the synthesis and characterization of a three‐dimensional hybrid organic/inorganic photocathode host/guest architecture based on nanolamellar MoO3 scaffolds, where light absorption and charge collection are orthogonal and active surface area is maximized. The proposed nanostructured architecture combines optimized optoelectrical properties and structural–morphological features, resulting in a photocurrent density of 2 mA cm−2 at +0.18 VRHE and an onset potential of +0.65 VRHE. The nanostructured host scaffold presents efficient photon trapping and increased surface area to accommodate the thin organic absorber layer. The ensuing absorption/collection decoupling significantly improves the photoelectrochemical performance, especially when compared to the flat‐stack reference device, suggesting that out‐of‐plane film nanostructuration may provide future opportunity for the design of efficient photoelectrodes.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Diaryl Sulfones from Aryl Halides and Sodium Sulfinates
Authors: Liu Nai‐Wei , Liang Shuai , Margraf Natalie , Shaaban Saad , Luciano Vanessa , Drost Marcella , Manolikakes Georg
Published: December 2017

A novel nickel‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of sulfinic acid salts with aryl halides is described. The reaction provides access to various diaryl sulfones in moderate to excellent yields. A broad range of functional groups and heteroaromatic compounds is tolerated under the reaction conditions.
Assessing the potential and benefits of domestic solar water heating system based on field survey
Authors: Niu Shuwen , Hong Zhenguo , Qiang Wenli , Shi Yingdong , Liang Man , Li Zhen
Published: December 2017

Domestic solar water heating system (DSWHS) without auxiliary energy is widely used in loess hilly region of China. However, there is a lack of studies on DSWHS in this region. This article assessed the potential and benefits of DSWHS on the basis of field survey. Results indicate that a DSWHS with evacuated tube collectors (ETC DSWHS), with a collecting area of 2.09 m2 and an average thermal efficiency of 40%, can supply heat of 3661.7 MJ during its valid period of 263 d. A household with an average of 4.9 people consumes annually 11,043.5 kg of hot water supplied by DSWHS. A total of 1238.7 MJ of energy is needed to heat so much water. The actual thermal efficiency of DSWHS is only 13.53%. Clearly, there is a great potential to improve the energy efficiency of DSWHS. DSWHS has low economic benefit because of its low actual thermal efficiency. However, it has enormous environmental benefits and significant social impacts. The 1238.7‐MJ energy provided by it is equal to that provided by 211.6‐kg raw coal, which can emit 454.99‐kg CO2, 3193.79‐g SO2 during use. Rural residents are recommended to use more hot water supplied by DSWHS through increasing the frequency of bathing and cloth washing. The government should further promote DSWHS utilization by driving costs down. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1781–1791, 2018
The adjunctive application of transcranial direct current stimulation in the management of de novo refractory epilepsia partialis continua in adolescent‐onset POLG‐related mitochondrial disease
Authors: Ng Yi Shiau , van Ruiten Henriette , Lai H. Ming , Scott Rebecca , Ramesh Venkateswaran , Horridge Karen , Taylor Robert W. , Turnbull Doug M. , Gorman Gráinne S. , McFarland Robert , Baker Mark R.
Published: December 2017

Focal status epilepticus in POLG‐related mitochondrial disease is highly refractory to pharmacological agents, including general anesthesia. We report the challenges in managing a previously healthy teenager who presented with de novo epilepsia partialis continua and metabolic stroke resulting from the homozygous p.Ala467Thr POLG mutation, the most common pathogenic variant identified in the Caucasian population. We applied transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS; 2 mA; 20 min) daily as an adjunctive therapy because her focal seizures failed to respond to five antiepileptic drugs at maximal doses. The electrical and clinical seizures stopped after 3 days of tDCS. The second course of tDCS was administered for 14 days when the focal seizures re‐emerged a month later. The patient tolerated the procedure well. Following 4 months of hospitalization and prolonged community rehabilitation, our patient has now returned to full‐time education with support, and there is no report of cognitive deficit. We have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of tDCS in treating refractory focal motor seizures caused by mitochondrial disease.
Political connections, the liability of foreignness, and legitimacy: A business historical analysis of multinationals’ strategies in Chile
Authors: Bucheli Marcelo , Salvaj Erica
Published: December 2017

Research Summary: We conduct a historical analysis of the multinational corporations’ strategy of creating connections with a host country’s elite as a way of legitimizing its operations in contexts characterized by long‐term political, social, and economic changes. We argue that the success or failure of these strategies depends on (a) the perceived legitimacy of these connections among a host country’s society during times of change and (b) the capability of the multinational’s political connections to shield it from challenges arising when the host country’s social structure is undergoing deep transformations. We outline and follow a business historical approach that combines the theoretical frameworks of international business, strategy, organizational theory, and political science to analyze multinationals operating in Chile’s energy and telecommunications sectors from 1932 to 1973.

Managerial Summary: Western multinationals face hard challenges when trying to legitimize their operations vis‐à‐vis the host country’s societies in emerging and underdeveloped countries. One strategy developed by multinationals to neutralize potential challenges to their legitimacy has been to establish connections with influential members of the host country’s elites. We study how this strategy fares in host countries that are undergoing dramatic political and economic changes. We first argue that overtly maintaining open connections with an elite that is viewed as a relic of an illegitimate past can become a liability. And, second, that highly visible connections are more likely to become a liability in times of political and social change than less visible ones. We illustrate our arguments with a historical study of the strategies followed by American telecommunications and oil multinationals in Chile.
Socio‐economic status and physicians' treatment decisions
Authors: Brekke Kurt R. , Holmås Tor Helge , Monstad Karin , Straume Odd Rune
Published: December 2017

This paper studies the relationship between patients' socio‐economic status and general practitioners' (GPs') service provision by exploiting administrative patient‐level data with information on consultation length, medical tests, and fee payments for each visit in Norway over a 5‐year period (2008–2012). To reduce patient heterogeneity, we limit the sample to a given condition, diabetes type II, that is treated almost exclusively in primary care. We estimate GP fixed‐effect models and control for a wide set of patient characteristics. Our results show that, for each visit, patients with low education get shorter consultations but more medical tests, patients with low income get less of both, and patients with low education/income get less services in monetary terms. We also find that, during a year, patients with low education/income visit the GP more often and receive more services in monetary terms. Thus, GPs treat patients differently according to their socio‐economic status, but we find no support for a social gradient.
Well‐paid nurses are good nurses
Authors: Fedele Alessandro
Published: December 2017

Some recent articles suggest that increasing wage in the nursing market with the aim of reducing shortage can negatively impact on the average ability and motivation of applicants attracted and, in turn, on the average quality of care. This finding is at odds with empirical evidence and has been criticized on the grounds that nurses' motivation is modeled in an overly simplistic way. This paper provides a novel theoretical framework where the orientation of nurses' motivation—intrinsic versus extrinsic—is taken into account, and the precise distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation is delineated on the basis of self‐determination and person–environment fit theories. Conditions are derived under which high wages attract able and motivated individuals, thus maximizing the average quality of care.
The use of droplet digital PCR in liquid biopsies: A highly sensitive technique for MYD88 p.(L265P) detection in cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Hiemcke‐Jiwa Laura S. , Minnema Monique C. , Radersma‐van Loon Joyce H. , Jiwa N. Mehdi , de Boer Mirthe , Leguit Roos J. , de Weger Roel A. , Huibers Manon M.H.
Published: December 2017

The gold standard for diagnosis of central nervous system lymphomas still regards a stereotactic brain biopsy, with the risk of major complications for the patient. As tumor cells can be detected in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), CSF analysis can be used as an alternative. In this respect, mutation analysis in CSF can be of added value to other diagnostic parameters such a cytomorphology and clonality analysis. A well‐known example of targeted mutation analysis entails MYD88 p.(L265P) detection, which is present in the majority of Bing Neel syndrome and primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) patients. Unfortunately, tumor yield in CSF can be very low. Therefore, use of the highly sensitive droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) might be a suitable analysis strategy for targeted mutation detection. We analyzed 26 formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) samples (8 positive and 18 negative for MYD88 p.(L265P) mutation) by ddPCR, of which the results were compared with next generation sequencing (NGS). Subsequently, 32 CSF samples were analyzed by ddPCR. ddPCR and NGS results on FFPE material showed 100% concordance. Among the 32 CSF samples, 9 belonged to patients with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) and clinical suspicion of Bing Neel syndrome, and 3 belonged to patients with PCNSL. Nine of these samples tested positive for MYD88 p.(L265P) (8 LPL and 1 PCNSL). This study shows that sensitive MYD88 mutation analysis by ddPCR in CSF is highly reliable and can be applied even when DNA input is low. Therefore, ddPCR is of added value to current diagnostic parameters, especially when the available amount of DNA is limited.
Genome‐wide association study identifies the GLDC/IL33 locus associated with survival of osteosarcoma patients
Authors: Koster Roelof , Panagiotou Orestis A. , Wheeler William A. , Karlins Eric , Gastier‐Foster Julie M. , Caminada de Toledo Silvia Regina , Petrilli Antonio S. , Flanagan Adrienne M. , Tirabosco Roberto , Andrulis Irene L. , Wunder Jay S. , Gokgoz Nalan , Patiño‐Garcia Ana , Lecanda Fernando , Serra Massimo , Hattinger Claudia , Picci Piero , Scotlandi Katia , Thomas David M. , Ballinger Mandy L. , Gorlick Richard , Barkauskas Donald A. , Spector Logan G. , Tucker Margaret , Belynda D. Hicks , Yeager Meredith , Hoover Robert N. , Wacholder Sholom , Chanock Stephen J. , Savage Sharon A. , Mirabello Lisa
Published: December 2017

Survival rates for osteosarcoma, the most common primary bone cancer, have changed little over the past three decades and are particularly low for patients with metastatic disease. We conducted a multi‐institutional genome‐wide association study (GWAS) to identify germline genetic variants associated with overall survival in 632 patients with osteosarcoma, including 523 patients of European ancestry and 109 from Brazil. We conducted a time‐to‐event analysis and estimated hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using Cox proportional hazards models, with and without adjustment for metastatic disease. The results were combined across the European and Brazilian case sets using a random‐effects meta‐analysis. The strongest association after meta‐analysis was for rs3765555 at 9p24.1, which was inversely associated with overall survival (HR = 1.76; 95% CI 1.41–2.18, p = 4.84 × 10−7). After imputation across this region, the combined analysis identified two SNPs that reached genome‐wide significance. The strongest single association was with rs55933544 (HR = 1.9; 95% CI 1.5–2.4; p = 1.3 × 10−8), which localizes to the GLDC gene, adjacent to the IL33 gene and was consistent across both the European and Brazilian case sets. Using publicly available data, the risk allele was associated with lower expression of IL33 and low expression of IL33 was associated with poor survival in an independent set of patients with osteosarcoma. In conclusion, we have identified the GLDC/IL33 locus on chromosome 9p24.1 as associated with overall survival in patients with osteosarcoma. Further studies are needed to confirm this association and shed light on the biological underpinnings of this susceptibility locus.
Ezrin mediates both HGF/Met autocrine and non‐autocrine signaling‐induced metastasis in melanoma
Authors: Huang Liping , Qin Yifei , Zuo Qiang , Bhatnagar Kavita , Xiong Jingbo , Merlino Glenn , Yu Yanlin
Published: December 2017

Aberrant HGF/Met signaling promotes tumor migration, invasion, and metastasis through both autocrine and non‐autocrine mechanisms; however, the molecular downstream signaling mechanisms by which HGF/Met induces metastasis are incompletely understood. We here report that Ezrin expression is stimulated by HGF and correlates with activated HGF/Met, indicating that HGF/Met signaling regulates the expression of Ezrin. We show that HGF/Met signaling activates the transcription factor Sp1 through the MAPK pathway, and activated Sp1 can in turn directly bind to the promoter of Ezrin gene and regulate its transcription. Notably, knockdown of Ezrin expression by shRNAs inhibits the metastasis induced by either HGF/Met autocrine or non‐autocrine signaling in syngeneic wildtype and HGF transgenic mouse hosts. We also used small molecule drugs in preclinical mouse models to confirm that Ezrin is one of the downstream molecules mediating HGF/Met signaling‐induced metastasis in melanoma. We conclude that Ezrin is a key downstream factor involved in the regulation of HGF/Met signaling‐induced metastasis and demonstrate a link between Ezrin and HGF/Met/MAPK/Sp1 activation in the metastatic process. Our data indicate that Ezrin represents a promising therapeutic target for patients bearing tumors with activated HGF/Met signaling.
Subclinical systolic and diastolic dysfunctions in patients with metabolic syndrome and angiographically normal coronary arteries: An echocardiographic study
Authors: Samiei Niloufar , Bayat Maryam , Firouzi Ata , Dehghani Faezeh , Parsaee Mozhgan , Rahimi Shahin , Ahmadi Somayyeh , Pourmojib Maryam , Ghaemmaghami Zahra , Rezaei Yousef , Peighambari Mohammad Mehdi
Published: December 2017

Background

The metabolic syndrome (MetS), as a combination of cardiovascular risk factors, is associated with subclinical cardiovascular diseases. We sought to evaluate the subclinical myocardial dysfunctions using echocardiography in patients with normal coronary arteries.

Materials and Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, we assessed 50 consecutive patients with angiographically‐proven normal coronary arteries and a left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) ≥55%. The diagnosis of MetS was based on the National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. All patients were examined using conventional and two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography for evaluating the myocardial functions.

Results

The patients' mean age was 52.3 ± 8.3 years with 32 females (64%). LV EF, mass index, and full volume were comparable between groups. The LV myocardial performance index (0.40 ± 0.13 vs. 0.32 ± 0.10; P = .027), global longitudinal strain (GLS, −15.8 ± 4.5 vs. −19.7 ± 2.1; P < .001), and global circumferential strain (–17.9 ± 6.1 vs. −21.5 ± 3.3; P = .014) were different between patients with or without MetS, respectively. The GLS discriminated patients with MetS (area under the curve = 0.837, sensitivity 80%, specificity 88%, P < .001).

Conclusions

In MetS without coronary artery disease, echocardiography demonstrated subclinical systolic and diastolic dysfunction.
One‐pot synthesis and characterization CdTe:Zn2+ quantum dots and its molecular interaction with calf thymus DNA
Authors: Yang Cheng‐Zhang , Li Lin‐Yi , Wang Xiao‐Han , Yu Si‐Qian , Hu Yan‐Jun
Published: December 2017

Tremendous research efforts have been dedicated to fabricating high‐quality Zn‐doped CdTe quantum dots (QDs) for any potential biomedical applications. In particular, the correlation of issues regarding how QDs interact with DNA is of greatest importance. Herein, a pH‐responsive study of the interactions between CdTe:Zn2+ quantum dots with 4 different sizes and calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) was conducted using multispectroscopic techniques and electrochemical investigation. Fluorescence studies revealed that this interaction process is predominantly a static process and groove binding was the main binding mode for CdTe:Zn2+ QDs to ctDNA. The calculated negative values of enthalpy (−45.06 kJ mol−1) and entropy (−133.62 J mol−1 K−1) with temperature changes indicated that the hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions played major roles in the reaction. Furthermore, circular dichroism spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry analyses indicate that the normal conformation of ctDNA is discombobulated by CdTe:Zn2+ QDs. In addition, the electrochemical behavior of the affinity of CdTe:Zn2+ QDs for ctDNA agreed well with the results obtained from fluorescence experiments. This study might be meaningful for understanding the molecular binding mechanism of QDs for DNA and provides a basis for QD‐labeled systems.
Urban gully erosion in sub‐Saharan Africa: A case study from Uganda
Authors: Zolezzi Guido , Bezzi Marco , Spada Daniele , Bozzarelli Elisabetta
Published: December 2017

The study examined gully erosion in Koboko, North‐western Uganda, initially a war refugee camp, which progressively turned into a permanent rural town. A repeatable, low‐cost methodology to quantify gully properties in data‐scarce, resource‐limited urban contexts is developed, which integrates collection of existing hydrological, land use data, topographic surveys, hydrological and hydraulic modelling, and interviews to local inhabitants and stakeholders. Four main gullies have developed in the last 10–15 years along the eastern, hillside of Koboko, with width‐to‐depth ratios not exceeding 3 and maximum scour depths of 9 m. Their length ranges between 270 and 460 m in the most densely populated area and is mostly unstable, especially for slopes exceeding 3%. Causes of the gullies include urban road development, changes in urban land cover to impervious surfaces, and inadequate planning of the urban drainage system. The gullies hamper the safety of people and buildings and increase health risks in an already vulnerable community. Slope–area and slope–road length thresholds suggest Koboko to be less susceptible to gullies compared to other reported urban contexts and support the anthropogenic origin of the observed gullies. The analysis allowed to design mitigation measures that still self‐sustain after 3 years of implementation. Results upscaled at country level can be used to predict which other urban centres in Uganda may be susceptible to gullying. Gullying in rapidly developing urban areas in sub‐Saharan Africa clearly show the co‐evolution of a social and a geomorphic system, which should be accounted for in urban planning to avoid adverse societal effects.
The regulation of clinical research: What's love got to do with it?
Authors: Lantos John D.
Published: December 2017

The central philosophical pillar of the current system of research regulation in the United States today is that clinical investigators cannot and should not be trusted to protect the interests of the people whom they recruit to participate in research. That distrust of researchers is coupled with a starry‐eyed idealism about trustworthiness of clinicians. In my opinion, the distrust of researchers and the complacency about clinicians are both misplaced. The result of these twin errors is that people are overprotected in research studies and inadequately protected in clinical care. Patients outside of research studies are exposed to many types of risks from innovative therapy and from practice variation. Researchers who try to study these risks in a risk‐reducing way are hampered by burdensome regulations.

We need a fundamental theoretical and conceptual change. The change would require us to acknowledge 2 things. First, research can be done in a way that does not harm (and might help) current patients. Second, researchers as moral agents can balance their moral obligations to patients with their obligations to science just as clinicians balance their fiduciary obligations to patients with other interests.
Thermally Labile Self‐Healable Branched Gel Networks Fabricated by New Macromolecular Engineering Approach Utilizing Thermoreversibility
Authors: Jung Sungmin , Patel Twinkal , Oh Jung Kwon
Published: December 2017

A new approach based on macromolecular engineering through thermoreversibility is reported to fabricate the engineered gel networks of thermally labile branched polymers exhibiting robust self‐healing. This approach centers on the synthesis of linear polymers having Diels–Alder cycloadducts in the backbones (DALPs) through A2 + B2 step‐growth polymerization of a difunctional furan and a difunctional maleimide. Reactive mixtures of the resulting DALP with a polyfuran at elevated temperature allow for the formation of engineered gel networks through random dissociation of backbone DA linkages of the DALPs by retro‐Diels–Alder reaction, followed by their reconstruction in the presence of polyfuran (with functionality > 2) by Diels–Alder reaction. Optimizing the ratio of furan to DA linkages in the reactive mixtures yields thermally labile networks exhibiting excellent thermoreversibility. Effective self‐healing demonstrated with reconstruction from two separate pieces and complete void filling on surface cuts as well as recovery of healing viscoelasticity suggest that the new macromolecular engineering approach offers versatility toward the development of thermally mendable thermosets.
Stretchable Fluorescent Polyfluorene/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber Blend Electrospun Fibers through Physical Interaction and Geometrical Confinement
Authors: Hsieh Hui‐Ching , Chen Jung‐Yao , Lee Wen‐Ya , Bera Debaditya , Chen Wen‐Chang
Published: December 2017

Stretchable light‐emitting polymers are important for wearable electronics; however, the development of intrinsic stretchable light‐emitting materials with great performance under large applied strain is the most critical challenge. Herein, this study demonstrates the fabrication of stretchable fluorescent poly[(9,9‐bis(3′‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)propyl)‐2,7‐fluorene)‐alt‐2,7‐(9,9‐dioctyl‐fluorene)]/acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (PFN/NBR) blend nanofibers using the uniaxial electrospinning technique. The physical interaction of PFN with NBR and the geometrical confinement of nanofibers are employed to reduce PFN aggregation, leading to the high photoluminescence quantum yield of 35.7%. Such fiber mat film shows stable blue emission at the 50% strain for 200 stretching/release cycles, which has potential applications in smart textiles.
Bouncing back: A commentary on resilience in sustainability narratives
Authors: Jones Peter , Comfort Daphne
Published: December 2017

Resilience is an increasingly common element in the sustainability and sustainable growth narratives of a growing number of companies and organisations. At the same time, a number of meanings are claimed for resilience and the relationship between resilience and sustainability has been depicted in a number of ways. With these thoughts in mind, this short commentary paper outlines the characteristic features of the concept of resilience, provides some illustrations of how a number of companies and organisations are harnessing the concept as an integral part of their sustainability strategies and policies, offers some general reflections on the application of the concept, and concludes with some thoughts on how public relations and communications professionals can contribute to resilience planning.
Retinal vascular complications associated with interferon‐ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C: A population‐based study
Authors: Lai Chien‐Hsiung , Yang Yao‐Hsu , Chen Pau‐Chung , King Ying‐Chi , Liu Chia‐Yen
Published: December 2017

Purpose

To investigate the incidence of retinal vascular complications and risk factors in patients with chronic hepatitis C receiving interferon‐ribavirin therapy in Taiwan.

Methods

By using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, we compared the incidence of retinal vascular complications between patients receiving and not receiving interferon‐ribavirin treatment. The exposure and nonexposure groups were randomly 1:1 frequency‐matched according to age, sex, income, urbanization level, hypertension, and diabetes. Incidence of each retinal vascular complication and hazard ratios were assessed in the follow‐up evaluation.

Results

Of the sample of 4736 patients, a total of 182 patients (3.84%) developed retinopathy during the follow‐up period, of which 110 patients (4.65%) received interferon‐ribavirin therapy and 72 patients (3.04%) did not receive interferon‐ribavirin therapy. After multivariate adjustments, the risk of retinopathy during the follow‐up period was 1.533 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.139‐2.064; P = .0048) times higher in patients receiving interferon‐ribavirin therapy than in those in the comparison cohort not receiving the therapy. Patients with hypertension compared with those without it (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.530; 95% CI, 1.069‐2.135; P = .0125) also had an increased risk of retinopathy.

Conclusions

Interferon‐ribavirin therapy was associated with a 53.3% increased risk of retinal vascular complications compared with not receiving the therapy. Regular ophthalmologic examination is essential for patients receiving interferon‐ribavirin, particularly those with hypertension.
Internal validation of Medicaid Analytic eXtract (MAX) data capture for comprehensive managed care plan enrollees from 2007 to 2010
Authors: Li Yan , Zhu Yanmin , Chen Chao , Wang Xi , Choi Yoonyoung , Henriksen Carl , Winterstein Almut G.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Because of concerns over incomplete medical encounter capture in Medicaid capitated comprehensive managed care (CMC) plans, researchers have traditionally confined analyses to fee‐for‐service (FFS) enrollees. We aimed to evaluate the usability of data for CMC enrollees in Medicaid Analytic eXtract (MAX) files for 29 states from 2007 to 2010.

Methods

We applied 7 measures to MAX inpatient, other therapy, and prescription drug files for each state and study year. Four measures were based on “connectivity” criteria where we expected use of a select essential service to be closely connected to another, resulting in “service pairs.” Three measures were based on “continuity” criteria where we expected patients to continue chronically used services or treatments when they switched enrollment from FFS to CMC plans. High proportions of continuity and comparable proportions of patients with complete service pairs relative to FFS enrollees may suggest complete data capture for CMC enrollees. Data of states that met preset criteria were considered usable for research and policy analyses.

Results

The completeness of CMC enrollees' data in MAX varied by states. Among 22 states having at least 5% CMC plan enrollment, data of 12 states met our quality standard and were considered usable starting in 2007. Four states had usable data starting in 2008 and one in 2009.

Conclusions

The completeness of CMC enrollees' data in MAX improved over the study period. In 17 out of 29 states, CMC enrollees' data in selected years were comparable with FFS enrollees and can be considered for use in analysis.
Correlative transmission Kikuchi diffraction and atom probe tomography study of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 grain boundaries
Authors: Schwarz Torsten , Stechmann Guillaume , Gault Baptiste , Cojocaru‐Mirédin Oana , Wuerz Roland , Raabe Dierk
Published: December 2017

We combined transmission Kikuchi diffraction and atom probe tomography techniques to investigate the relationship between the structure and chemistry of grain boundaries in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin films. Kikuchi patterns with the tetragonal structure of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 were simulated to emphasize the pseudosymmetry issue in this material system and, hence, the orientation determination ambiguity in case of indexing with a cubic zinc‐blende structure. We compared these patterns with experimental data. We detect an elemental redistribution at random high‐angle grain boundaries but no chemical fluctuations at Σ3 twin boundaries. The atom probe tomography analyses reveal Cu depletion as well as In and Se enrichment at random grain boundaries and, at some random grain boundaries, a slight Ga depletion. This In on Cu scenario is accompanied by cosegregation of Na and K originating from the soda‐lime glass substrate. The amount of impurity segregation does vary not only from one grain boundary to another but also along an individual grain boundary. Hence, our results suggest that the degree of passivation of detrimental, nonradiative recombination centers does differ not only between Σ3 twin boundaries and random grain boundaries but also within the same random grain boundary.
Relevance of conservative numerical schemes for an Ensemble Kalman Filter
Authors: Dubinkina Svetlana
Published: December 2017

In this article we study the relevance of quantities conserved by a numerical scheme for data assimilation through statistical equilibrium mechanics. We use the Ensemble Kalman Filter with perturbed observations as a data assimilation method. We consider three Arakawa discretizations of the quasi‐geostrophic model that either preserve energy (Arakawa E), or enstrophy (Arakawa Z), or both (Arakawa EZ). We perform a twin experiment, where observations are generated from the Hamiltonian particle‐mesh (HPM) method, which preserves energy and an infinite number of Casimirs though trivially. Due to the chosen initial conditions and conservation laws of the HPM, the true probability density function (PDF) is skewed, while due to the conservation laws of an Arakawa discretization the modelled PDF is normal. Numerical experiments show that, if observations of stream function are assimilated, the choice of a numerical scheme is crucial for a good reconstruction of the time‐averaged fields and PDF estimation. Arakawa E
completely fails to reproduce the true nonlinear behaviour, Arakawa Z is sensitive to localization and inflation, and Arakawa EZ
provides the best estimate. If observations of potential vorticity are assimilated, a good time‐averaged field reconstruction is independent of a numerical scheme. The PDF estimations are comparable for all Arakawa discretizations. For obtaining non‐zero skewness, localization has to be applied even for a very large ensemble size of 600. Inflation, however, deteriorates skewness estimation for both small and large ensemble sizes.
Hydrogen bonding cooperation in glycine‐(water)n clusters studied by density functional theory calculations
Authors: Shi Yulei , Jiang Wanrun , Zhang Zhiyuan , Li Danhui , Song Huajie , Wang Zhigang
Published: December 2017

Although hydrogen bonds are relatively weak, they play essential roles in life processes. Through cooperative effects, these weak bonds exhibit a significant influence on the structure, function and dynamics of biomolecules. In this work, we study the internal mechanism of cooperativities, involving collective electron and nuclear motions, in multiple H‐bonding glycine‐(H2O)n (n = 2 or 3) clusters, using first‐principles calculations. Multiplex molecular orbitals aid the coherent carrier‐transport through orbital‐penetrating. In addition, the infrared spectra and nuclear vibrating patterns reveal that the H‐bond donor stretching modes exhibit significant connections across neighboring hydrogen bonds. However, when the anharmonic nuclear motions are taken into account, the cooperative effects are partially ruined due to the nonsynchronized nuclei activities. Additionally, the cooperative contributions to the H‐bonding interaction energies are also evaluated. These results give descriptions of cooperativities of multiple hydrogen bonds and provide a more comprehensive insight into conventional intermolecular hydrogen bonding.
Whole‐volume clustering of time series data from zebrafish brain calcium images via mixture modeling
Authors: Nguyen Hien D. , Ullmann Jeremy F. P. , McLachlan Geoffrey J. , Voleti Venkatakaushik , Li Wenze , Hillman Elizabeth M. C. , Reutens David C. , Janke Andrew L.
Published: December 2017

Calcium is a ubiquitous messenger in neural signaling events. An increasing number of techniques are enabling visualization of neurological activity in animal models via luminescent proteins that bind to calcium ions. These techniques generate large volumes of spatially correlated time series. A model‐based functional data analysis methodology via Gaussian mixtures for clustering of data from such visualizations is proposed in this paper. The methodology is theoretically justified, and a computationally efficient approach to estimation is suggested. An example analysis of a zebrafish imaging experiment is presented.
Replacing PbI2 by MAPbI3 to Realize Large Grain Size and Reduced Hysteresis for Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wu Fei , Yue Xiao , Song Qunliang , Zhu Linna
Published: December 2017

Depositing high‐quality perovskite film is of great importance to achieve efficient perovskite solar cells. In this work, we develop an improved precursor solution by directly mixing MAPbI3, PbCl2, and MAI. Different from the conventional “one‐step” solution processing method, in which MAPbI3 is in situ generated from the reaction of PbI2 and MAI, in our case, pure MAPbI3 from commercial source is applied. The MAPbI3:PbCl2:MAI precursor results in improved perovskite film morphology with large grain sizes, as well as enhanced charge transportation process. In addition, reduced hysteresis of the corresponding device is observed compared to the control device using PbI2:PbCl2:MAI precursor. Planar perovskite solar cell prepared from MAPbI3‐based precursor exhibits a champion efficiency of 18.70%, with Voc of 1063 mV, Jsc of 21.91 mA cm−2, and FF of 80%. In contrast, control device shows a moderate PCE of 16.71% under the same condition. The pure MAPbI3 introduced is favorable as perovskite crystallite domains, and the high‐quality perovskite films formed lead to enhanced photovoltaic performances.