bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA‐193a‐5p exerts a tumor suppressor role in glioblastoma via modulating NOVA1
Authors: Jin Lingjiang , Li Huiyong , Wang Junyou , Lin Da , Yin Kang , Lin Ligang , Lin Zheng , Lin Gaojun , Wang Hui , Ying Xiaowei , Wang Lisong , Zhang Yongqiang , Teng Lingfang
Published: October 2018

Background and Objectives

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and lethal of intracranial tumors, which is characterized by extensive proliferation and the diffused invasion of tumor cells. MicroRNA‐193a‐5p (miR‐193a‐5p) have been demonstrated previously as a functional suppressor in the development and progression of various cancers. The current study aimed to investigate whether miR‐193a‐5p influences cell proliferation and migration through the mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signaling pathway by targeting neuro‐oncological ventral antigen 1 (NOVA1) in glioblastoma.

Materials and Methods

The miR‐193a‐5p expression was detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay in GBM tissues and cell lines. Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay, colony formation analysis, wound‐healing, and transwell invasion assays were performed to evaluate cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion, respectively. Western blot analysis and luciferase reporter gene assay were performed to verify the downstream target gene of miR‐193a‐5p.

Results

The expression of miR‐193a‐5p was significantly downregulated in GBM tissues and cell lines. Kaplan‐Meier analysis showed that patients with low miR‐193a‐5p expression had a shorter disease‐free survival (P < 0.05). Functionally, miR‐193a‐5p overexpression dramatically suppressed the proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion in glioma cells. Bioinformatics prediction and a luciferase assay confirmed that NOVA1 was a direct functional target of miR‐193a‐5p. Moreover, ectopic expression of NOVA1 could partially reverse the inhibitory effects of miR‐193a‐5p on glioma cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion. NOVA1 overexpression abrogated the inhibitory effect of miR‐193a‐5p on the PTEN/PI3k/AKT pathway.

Conclusion

Taken together, our findings suggested that miR‐193a‐5p functions as a tumor suppressor in glioma cells by directly targeting NOVA1.
Identification of green energy ranunculaceous flora of district Chitral, Northern Pakistan using pollen features through scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Ahmad Manzoor , Zafar Muhammad , Sultana Shazia , Ahmad Mushtaq , Abbas Qamar , Ayoub Muhammad , Bahadur Saraj , Ullah Fazal
Published: October 2018

Pollen micro‐morphological features have proven to be helpful for the plant taxonomists in the identification and classification of plants. The utilization of this plantmayhelpfulin the areas of lignocellulosic conversion to biofuels and diversify application toward biomass. The current study was planned with the aim to evaluate the pollen features of complex Ranunculaceous flora of District Chitral, Northern Pakistan using both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Light Microscope (LM) for their taxonomic importance. Pollens of 18 Ranunculaceous species belonging to 6 genera were collected from different localities of the research area. SEM and LM were used to examine both qualitative and quantitative micro‐morphological features. Sculptring of the sexine include; Scabrate, psilate, echinate, verrucate, perforate gemmate, and reticulate and so forth. Shape of the pollens was sub‐spheroidal, spheroidal, prolate, subprolate and oblate and so forth. Type of pollen was ranged from mono to tricolpate and tricolporate. Quantitative characters include length/width of the pollen, colpus, exine thickness, and P/E ratio. Based on these micro‐morphological features a taxonomic key was prepared for the fast and correct identification.

Research highlight

Study of the pollen micro‐morphological features of Ranunculaceous species by SEM and LM.

Analysing both qualitative and quantitative characters of the pollens.

Preparation of taxonomic key based on micro‐morphological features for the correct and fast identification.
Radiosynthesis of an 18F‐fluoroglycosylated aminoferrocene for in‐vivo imaging of reactive oxygen species activity by PET
Authors: Toms Johannes , Reshetnikov Viktor , Maschauer Simone , Mokhir Andriy , Prante Olaf
Published: October 2018

The imaging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the molecular level with high sensitivity and specificity by positron emission tomography (PET) could be of enormous interest to increase our knowledge about ROS activity and signalling, especially in tumours. The aim of this research was to optimise the click chemistry‐based radiosynthesis of an 18F‐labelled aminoferrocene glycoconjugate that was derived from an N‐alkylaminoferrocene lead structure known to have anticancer activity in vitro. Applying the solvent system phosphate buffer/THF (12/5), Cu(OAc)2 and sodium ascorbate as reducing agent at 60°C, the alkyne 1 reacted with the 18F‐labelled glycosyl azide [18F]2 in the presence of carrier 3 (47μM) to obtain carrier‐added [18F]4 in a radiochemical yield of 85%. Interestingly, the addition of carrier was essential for sufficient radiochemical yield, because it suppressed the oxidation of no‐carrier‐added (n.c.a.) [18F]4. Future work will include the formulation of c.a. [18F]4 for studying its biodistribution in tumour‐bearing mice.
Mucor sp.—An endophyte of Brassicaceae capable of surviving in toxic metal‐rich sites
Authors: Domka Agnieszka , Rozpądek Piotr , Ważny Rafał , Turnau Katarzyna
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study was to assess the biodiversity of endophytic fungi from Arabidopsis arenosa growing on a post mining waste dump and to evaluate their role in plant adaptation to metal toxicity. Severeal of the fungi were beneficial for the plant. Among them, a fungus belonging to the Mucor genus, was found to interact with a broad range of plants, including Brassicaceae metallophytes. Mucor sp. was shown to be highly tolerant to elevated levels of Zn, Cd, and Pb and to accelerate plant‐host growth under either toxic‐metal stress or control conditions. When inoculated with Mucor sp., A. arenosa under toxic‐metal stress acquired more N and showed significantly down‐regulated catalase activity, which suggests suppression of toxic‐metal‐induced oxidative stress. We used the model plant‐A. thaliana to evaluate the dynamics of plant‐tissue colonization by the fungus as monitored with qPCR and to analyze the host's transcriptome response during early stages of the interaction. The results revealed the induction of a plant‐defense and stress‐related response on the 5th day of co‐culture, which was in accord with the decrease of fungal abundance in shoots on the 6th day of interaction. Presented results demonstrate the importance of endophytic fungi in plant toxic‐metal tolerance.
Al—Si ordering in albite: A combined single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy study
Authors: Tribaudino Mario , Gatta G. Diego , Aliatis Irene , Bersani Danilo , Lottici Pier Paolo
Published: October 2018

Raman spectra of a low albite single crystal were collected during annealing at 1076°C for up to 46 days. At seven annealing stages, the single crystal structure was refined by X‐ray intensity data to determine the degree of Al—Si order using the tetrahedral bond distances. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction showed that residuals in the difference‐Fourier map of the electron density and atomic displacement parameters of Si, O, and, most, Na, increase with Al—Si disorder. The Raman spectra show a significant broadening with disorder, and some slight peak shift. Three strong peaks, at 290 cm−1 (νc), 478 cm−1 (νb), and 507 cm−1 (νa) in ordered albite, were examined in further detail. νc and νb show a red‐shift with broadening and Al—Si disorder; νa blue‐shifts with disorder and shows only a minor broadening. The broadening and shifts in Raman spectra are caused by structural deformation associated with Al—Si disorder. The νa peak at 507 cm−1 is the least affected by Al—Si disorder and is suitable to assess compositional changes in plagioclase. The Al—Si order can be determined in albite by the wavenumber difference Δab between the two main peaks νa and νb as follows:

urn:x-wiley:03770486:media:jrs5490:jrs5490-math-0001
where Qod is an order parameter derived from average tetrahedral Al—O and Si—O bond distances.
Chitosan‐glucose Maillard reaction products and their preservative effects on fresh grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) fillets during cold storage
Authors: Bakry Amr M , Ma Chang , Xiong Shanbai , Yin Tao , Zhang Binjia , Huang Qilin
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

A decreasing freshness occurrs in Ctenopharyngodon (C.) idellus during post‐mortem storage. In the present study, chitosan‐glucose Maillard reaction products (CG‐MRPs) were prepared by heating chitosan and glucose at different reaction temperatures and then used for preserving the freshness and quality of C. idellus fillets during cold storage (4 °C).

RESULTS

High temperature enhanced the chitosan‐glucose Maillard reaction and promoted the accumulation of melanoidins and intermediate compounds. The reducing power of CG‐MRPs increased with an increasing reaction temperature. CG‐MRPs inhibited the microbial growth rate and retarded the oxidation of proteins, lipids and nucleotides in C. idellus fillets by suppressing total bacterial count, total volatile basic nitrogen, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and K values during cold storage. Furthermore, CG‐MRPs prolonged shelf‐life. The fillets treated with the CG‐MRPs prepared at 120 °C showed an especially longer shelf‐life (7 days). The preservative effect of CG‐MRPs on fillets was the result of antibacterial components (melanoidins, reductone and furfural) in CG‐MRPs and a reducing power against the oxidative degradation of proteins, nucleotides and lipids in C. idellus fillets.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates that, for C. idellus fillets, treatment with CG‐MRPs prepared at 120 °C for 40 min could be a feasible approach for maintaining the freshness of C. idellus fillets and prolonging shelf‐life during cold storage. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
High moisture extrusion of lupin protein: influence of extrusion parameters on extruder responses and product properties
Authors: Palanisamy Megala , Franke Knut , Berger Ralf G , Heinz Volker , Töpfl Stefan
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

High moisture extrusion (HME) of lupin protein concentrate and isolate (50:50) mixture was performed by varying the extrusion parameters, such as barrel temperature (138–180 °C), water feed (40–68%) and screw speed (400–1800 rpm). The effect of extrusion parameters on extruder responses [die pressure, product temperature, torque and specific mechanical energy (SME)] and product properties [colour, cutting force, cooking yield, microstructure and in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD)] was evaluated.

RESULTS

The multiple regression analysis of the results revealed that the water feed had a significant negative linear effect on the extruder responses considered, as well as on colour difference and cutting force of extrudates. Screw speed had a positive linear effect on product temperature, SME and cooking yield. Barrel temperature affected extruder responses and product properties to a lesser extent. Scanning electron microscopy showed that denser microstructure and higher number of fibre layers were created by increasing temperature and screw speed along with decreasing water feed. The results of IVPD of selected extrudates showed that the increase in barrel temperature decreased the IVPD, whereas the increase in water feed resulted in higher IVPD. The screw speed had no significant effect on IVPD.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrates that the use of lupin protein is feasible to produce meat analogues with HME which could enhance the possibilities to meet the growing protein demands for human consumption. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Chromatographic separation, determination and identification of ecdysteroids: Focus on Maral root (Rhaponticum carthamoides, Leuzea carthamoides)
Authors: Głazowska Joanna , Kamiński Marcin M. , Kamiński Marian
Published: October 2018

The review presents general principles for choosing optimal conditions for ecdysteroid separation, identification, and isolation using HPLC/TLC techniques in RP, NP‐HILIC or NP modes. Analytics of ecdyteroids pose a still insufficiently resolved problem. Plant‐derived ecdysteroids are a point of interest of pharmaceutical industry and sport medicine due to their postulated adaptogenic and anabolic properties. In insects, ecdysteroids regulate larval transformation. Maral root (Rhaponticum carthamoides, Leuzea carthamoides), traditional Siberian folk‐medicine plant used as stimulant to boost overall health and fitness, is a particularly rich source of a wide variety of phytoecdysteroids. The similarity of molecular structures of ecdysteroids present in its extracts together with high content of unrelated compounds of similar chromatographic characteristics makes optimization of separation, identification and isolation of ecdysteroids a difficult analytical task. In that respect, two‐dimensional separations, two‐dimensional separations, 2D HPLC or 2D TLC, could be of use. For identification, the hyphenated techniques are particularly important. Thus, comprehensive overview of MS spectral parameters of ecdysteroids is provided. Described principles could easily be applied for separation of ecdysteroids in extracts from other sources. They are also useful for development of separation procedures for isolation of ecysteroids in preparative‐scale applications.
Substantia Nigra Swelling and Dentate Nucleus T2 Hyperintensity May Be Early Magnetic Resonance Imaging Signs of β‐Propeller Protein‐Associated Neurodegeneration
Authors: Russo Camilla , Ardissone Anna , Freri Elena , Gasperini Serena , Moscatelli Marco , Zorzi Giovanna , Panteghini Celeste , Castellotti Barbara , Garavaglia Barbara , Nardocci Nardo , Chiapparini Luisa
Published: October 2018

Background and Methods

Mutations in WDR45 cause β‐propeller protein‐associated neurodegeneration (BPAN), a type of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA). We reviewed clinical and MRI findings in 4 patients with de novo WDR45 mutations.

Results

Psychomotor delay and movement disorders were present in all cases; early‐onset epileptic encephalopathy was present in 3. In all cases, first MRI showed: prominent bilateral SN enlargement, bilateral dentate nuclei T2‐hyperintensity, and corpus callosum thinning. Iron deposition in the SN and globus pallidus (GP) only became evident later. Diffuse cerebral atrophy was present in 3 cases.

Conclusions

In this series, SN swelling and dentate nucleus T2 hyperintensity were early signs of BPAN, later followed by progressive iron deposition in the SN and GP. When clinical suspicion is raised, MRI is crucial for identifying early features suggesting this type of NBIA.
The effects of certification on total factor productivity: A propensity score matching approach
Authors: Ozbugday Fatih Cemil
Published: October 2018

The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of quality certification on total factor productivity, which is unobservable to and difficult to gauge for firms. To do so, we implement various propensity score matching estimators that handle the self‐selection problem. We use firm‐level data on manufacturing companies in Turkey where firms have devoted significant amounts of resources to get certified. Our findings show that certification does not have any positive effect on total factor productivity. We provide potential explanations for these findings.
Long‐term GPi‐DBS improves motor features in myoclonus‐dystonia and enhances social adjustment
Authors: Kosutzka Zuzana , Tisch Stephen , Bonnet Cecilia , Ruiz Marta , Hainque Elodie , Welter Marie‐Laure , Viallet Francois , Karachi Carine , Navarro Soledad , Jahanshahi Marjan , Rivaud‐Pechoux Sophie , Grabli David , Roze Emmanuel , Vidailhet Marie
Published: October 2018

Background

Good short‐term results of pallidal deep brain stimulation have been reported in myoclonus‐dystonia. Efficacy and safety in the long term remain to be established. In addition, the actual impact of DBS treatment on social inclusion is unknown. The objective of this study was to assess the long‐term clinical outcome, quality of life, and social adjustment of GPi‐DBS in patients with ε‐sarcoglycan (DYT11)‐positive myoclonus‐dystonia.

Methods

Consecutive myoclonus‐dystonia patients with ε‐sarcoglycan mutations who underwent GPi‐DBS were evaluated at least 5 years postoperatively. Motor symptoms were assessed using the Burke‐Fahn‐Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale including the Disability Scale, a composite score combining the rest and action parts of the Unified Myoclonus Rating Scale and modified Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale. Standardized video‐protocols were assessed by a blinded and external movement disorder specialist. Social adjustment, cognition, and mood were evaluated.

Results

Nine patients (5 women) with long‐term GPi‐DBS (8.7 ± 3.1 years) were included. There was significant improvement in the composite myoclonus score (94.1% ± 4% improvement; P = 0.008). Dystonia severity was also markedly improved (71.4% ± 28.33% improvement; P = 0.008) as well as motor disability (88.3% ± 20% improvement; P = 0.008) and abnormal involuntary movement score (71.1% ± 15.0% improvement; P = 0.008). No patients experienced postoperative speech or gait problems or any permanent adverse effects. Eight of the 9 patients had fully enhanced social adjustment and personal achievement, with little or no mood or behavioral disorders.

Conclusions

GPi‐DBS seems to be a safe and efficacious treatment for medically refractory ɛ‐sarcoglycan myoclonus‐dystonia, with sustained motor benefit, good quality of life, and social adjustment in long‐term follow‐up. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Sulforaphane Normalizes Intestinal Flora and Enhances Gut Barrier in Mice with BBN‐Induced Bladder Cancer
Authors: He Canxia , Huang Lei , Lei Peng , Liu Xiaodong , Li Baolong , Shan Yujuan
Published: October 2018

Scope

Gut microbiota imbalance, inflammation, and gut barrier deficiency play an important role in carcinogenesis. Sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate found in cruciferous vegetables, has been proven to be highly effective in inhibiting cancer. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential roles of the gut microbiota in the inhibition of BBN‐induced bladder cancer by SFN.

Methods and Results

N‐butyl‐N‐(4‐hydroxybutyl)‐nitrosamine is used to induce bladder cancer in male C57BL/6 mice, with or without SFN for 23 weeks. SFN ameliorates the histological changes characteristic of bladder cancer, resulting in fewer submucosal capillaries. SFN normalizes gut microbiota dysbiosis in mice with BBN‐induced bladder cancer with a significant increase in Bacteroides fragilis and Clostridium cluster I. SFN also increases butyric acid levels in the mouse colon, and repairs the injury to the mucosal epithelium of the colon and cecum through the upregulation of the expression of tight junction proteins and GLP2. SFN greatly decreases the release of cytokines (IL‐6) and secretory immunoglobulin A in the mice with bladder cancer.

Conclusion

These results suggest that SFN protects against chemical‐induced bladder cancer through normalizing the composition of gut microbiota and repairing the physiological destruction of the gut barrier, as well as decreasing inflammation and the immune response.
Solution dynamics of 5‐fluorouracil entrapped in poly lactic‐co‐glycolic acid (PLGA) microsphere—A study with 1D selective NMR methods
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Pal Samanwita
Published: October 2018

In this report, our main focus is to introduce a set of one‐dimensional (1D) NMR methods based on chemical shift, relaxation, and magnetization transfer, namely, NOE and chemical exchange involving selective pulse excitation to study the solution dynamics of drug in free and encapsulated state within polymeric microsphere. In this regard 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) loaded poly lactic‐co‐glycolic acid (PLGA) microspheres are prepared as model system via standard water‐in‐oil‐in‐water emulsification method. One‐dimensional 1H and 19F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of 5‐FU in presence of PLGA microspheres presented a significant change in linewidth and relaxation rates compared with free 5‐FU confirming encapsulation. Furthermore, loss of coupling pattern in 1H and 19F NMR of PLGA encapsulated 5‐FU as compared with free 5‐FU suggests an enhanced –NH and –H2O protons exchange dynamics in the interior of the microsphere indicating hydrated microsphere cavity. Quantification of exchange dynamics in case of free and PLGA‐encapsulated 5‐FU was attempted employing 1D selective NOESY and 1D multiply selective inversion recovery experiments. Analysis of the exchange rates confirmed existence of more than one kind of water population within the cavity as mentioned in an earlier solid state NMR report.
Displacement analytical prediction of shallow tunnel based on unified displacement function under slope boundary
Authors: Kong Fanchao , Lu Dechun , Du Xiuli , Shen Chenpeng
Published: October 2018

For slope condition of ground surface, the asymmetrical deformation about the vertical center line and the horizontal center line of the tunnel cross section can be formed. A unified displacement function expressed by the Fourier series is presented to express the asymmetrical deformation of the tunnel cross section. Five basic deformation modes corresponding to the expansion order 2 are a complete deformation mode to reflect deformation behaviors of the tunnel cross section under slope boundary. Such this complete displacement mode is implemented into the complex variable solution for analytically predicting tunneling‐induced ground deformation under slope boundary. All of these analytical solutions are verified by good agreements of the comparison between the analytical solutions and finite element method results. A parameter study is carried out to investigate the influence of deformation modes of the tunnel cross section, geometrical conditions of the tunnel and the slope angle, and “Buoyancy effect” on the displacement field. Finally, the proposed method is consistent with measured data of the Hejie tunnel in China qualitatively. The presented solution can provide a simplified indication for evaluating the ground deformation under slope condition of ground surface.
Searching for “transformative moments”: A qualitative study of nurses’ work during home visits to COPD patients and their caregivers in Norway
Authors: Aasbø Gunvor , Kristvik Ellen , Nyheim Solbrække Kari , Werner Anne
Published: October 2018

Aim

The integration of families into healthcare services is being emphasized increasingly in healthcare polices. The aim of this study was to investigate how professionals during home visits support both patients and caregivers in accepting and accommodating to illness.

Design

An explorative qualitative design.

Methods

Participant observations from home visits (N = 20) of pulmonary ambulatory nurses to COPD patients in Norway, followed by interviews with these nurses.

Results

Our findings demonstrate the delicate nature of nurses’ work during home visits to COPD patients and their caregivers. They support both patients and caregivers in reconciling themselves with the negative consequences of illness, as well as giving legitimation to and potential room for, sustainable arrangements within the scope of the relationship. The nurses address significant issues, having transformative potential concerning attitudes and practices related to the management of illness and adjusting to a complex illness trajectory.
Investigation of irradiation dose rate on curing characteristics of carbon fiber/polymer composites by low‐energy electron beam
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Duan Yugang , Ming Yueke , Wang Ben
Published: October 2018

During in situ low‐energy electron beam (E‐Beam) curing for carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer composite, prepregs undergoes 3 sequenced curing processes, namely E‐Beam‐induced curing, postray curing after irradiation, and thermally induced curing. In this study, the irradiation dose rate (IDR) is demonstrated to be influential on the redistribution of the curing portions in the 3 curing stages and directly influences the interlaminar bonding quality of the stepwise cured laminates. Differential scanning calorimetry results showed that higher IDR resulted in higher temperature of irradiated prepregs, and hence, a higher degree of curing was induced by the E‐Beam within a dose range of 0 to 500 kGy as compared to lower IDRs, which decreased the interlaminar physical adhesive quality between layers. Analysis indicates that other than pure physical adhesion between uncured layers, postray curing can further enhance the interlaminar shear strength for cured laminates by introducing cross‐layer chemical bonding in the interlaminar zone.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Gentamicin in Neonates with Hypoxemic‐Ischemic Encephalopathy Receiving Controlled Hypothermia
Authors: Cies Jeffrey J. , Habib Thomas , Bains Vidhy , Young Megan , Menkiti Ogechukwu R.
Published: October 2018

Objective

Identify population pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic target attainment of gentamicin in neonates with hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) undergoing controlled hypothermia (CH).

Design

Prospective open‐label pharmacokinetic study. Gentamicin concentrations were modeled and dosing regimens simulated for a 5000‐patient neonatal population with HIE receiving CH using PMetrics, a nonparametric, pharmacometric modeling, and simulation package for R.

Setting

A 189‐bed children's tertiary care teaching hospital.

Results

Twelve patients, 5 (42%) females and 7 (58%) males, met inclusion criteria with a median gestation age of 39.9 weeks (interquartile range [IQR] 38.5–40.2 wks) and a median birthweight (BW) of 3.3 kg (IQR 3.1–3.7 kg). Gentamicin concentrations were best described by a two‐compartment model with first‐order elimination with BW as a covariate on volume of distribution (Vd). The mean total body population clearance (CL) was 2.2 ± 0.7 ml/minute/kg, and the volume of the central compartment was 0.44 ± 0.06 L/kg. The R2, bias, and precision for the observed versus population predicted model were 0.917, 1.15, and 10.9 μg/ml; the R2, bias, and precision for the observed versus individual predicted model were 0.982, −0.132, and 0.932 μg/ml, respectively. The calculated mean population estimate for the total Vd was 0.96 ± 0.4 L/kg. The dosing regimen that most consistently produced a maximum concentration (Cmax) in the range of 10–12 mg/L with a minimum concentration (Cmin) level less than 2 mg/L was 5 mg/kg/dose given every 36 hours.

Conclusion

These data suggest the population pharmacokinetics of gentamicin in neonates with HIE receiving CH have an increase in gentamicin CL and are different from previous reports in neonates with HIE not receiving CH and/or neonates without HIE. This analysis suggests a dosing regimen of 5 mg/kg/dose every 36 hours results in a gentamicin Cmax within the range of 10–12 mg/L with a Cmin lower than 2 mg/L, which is appropriate for treating susceptible gram‐negative organisms with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 1 mg/L or lower.
Intravenous Lidocaine for Acute Pain: A Systematic Review
Authors: Masic Dalila , Liang Edith , Long Christina , Sterk Ethan J. , Barbas Brian , Rech Megan A.
Published: October 2018

This systematic review evaluates the safety and efficacy of intravenous (IV) lidocaine for the treatment of acute pain in adult patients. The PubMed database was searched for randomized controlled trials, retrospective cohort studies, case series, and case reports evaluating the use of IV lidocaine for the treatment of acute pain in adult patients, published between January 1970 and January 2018. The primary outcome was pain reduction via the Visual Analog Scale, Verbal Rating Scale, or Numeric Rating Scale among patients treated with IV lidocaine and placebo or active controls. Safety outcomes included both nonserious and serious adverse events. A total of 347 titles and abstracts were screened, and after full‐text review, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria involving 512 patients. The four active controls studied were IV morphine, IV ketorolac, IV dihydroergotamine (DHE), and IV chlorpromazine (CPZ). The dosing of IV lidocaine varied among studies between a weight‐based dose of a 1‐ to 2‐mg/kg bolus, a fixed‐bolus dose of 50–100 mg, and a 1‐mg/kg/hour continuous infusion. Monitoring of serum lidocaine concentrations was not done routinely. Intravenous lidocaine had superior efficacy to morphine for renal colic and critical limb ischemia, superior efficacy to DHE for acute migraine, and equivalent efficacy to ketorolac for acute radicular lower back pain. However, lidocaine was less effective than CPZ for the treatment of acute migraine. The most common adverse event reported among all studies were neurologic effects such as altered mental status and slurred speech. Due to the inconsistency in dosing, length of administration, and lack of serum monitoring, the absolute safety of IV lidocaine for acute pain is unknown. Larger, prospective studies are needed before the routine use of IV lidocaine can be recommended for all types of acute pain.
Effects of Dihydroxylammonium 5,5′‐Bistetrazole‐1,1′‐Diolate on the Properties of HTPB Based Composite Solid Propellant
Authors: Pang WeiQiang , Li JunQiang , Wang Ke , Fan XueZhong , De Luca Luigi T. , Bi FuQiang , Li Huan
Published: October 2018

Several industrial‐ and research‐type hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) composite solid rocket propellants, containing dihydroxylammonium 5,5′‐bistetrazole‐1,1′‐diolate (TKX‐50) particles and, featuring the same nominal composition, were prepared. The energetic properties of composite propellants containing different mass fractions of TKX‐50 particles were theoretically computed and experimentally evaluated. The effects of different mass fractions of TKX‐50 on the rheological properties of both TKX‐50/HTPB binder slurries and AP/HTPB/Al propellant slurries were investigated. The strand burning rates, the associated combustion flame structures, and the hazardous properties of the resulting propellants were experimentally analyzed. All of the properties mentioned above were also compared to those of the reference propellant without TKX‐50. The results show that the prepared TKX‐50 particles can sufficiently be dispersed in the HTPB binder plasticized by di‐2‐etylhexyl sebacate (DOS). The propellant compositions containing different mass fractions of TKX‐50 are insensitive to impact and friction, differentlyfrom the reference propellant without TKX‐50. Moreover, over the explored pressure range, TKX‐50 can affect the combustion behavior and decrease the burning rate as well as pressure exponent of composite solid propellants compared with the reference composition.
Laser Ignition of a Low Vulnerability Propellant Based on Nitrocellulose: Effects of Ar and N2 Surrounding Atmospheres
Authors: Courty Léo , Lagrange Jean‐François , Gillard Philippe , Boulnois Christophe
Published: October 2018

Ignition and combustion characteristics of a low‐vulnerability propellant mainly composed of nitrocellulose are studied experimentally. Ignition is obtained using a 10 W laser diode. Experiments are performed in a cylindrical closed‐volume reactor for different initial pressures and initial propellant masses under nitrogen and argon surrounding atmospheres. Ignition delays, maximal overpressures and propagation rates are obtained for different initial pressures and laser powers. Ignition probabilities for different laser powers and gaseous atmospheres are also investigated using the modified Langlie method. Argon is found to be a combustion enhancer for this kind of propellant, compared to nitrogen. Laser power plays a significant role on ignition probabilities and ignition delays, but not on propagation rates. As expected, ignition delay is highly dependent on initial pressure.
Different Effects of Pro-Inflammatory Factors and Hyperosmotic Stress on Corneal Epithelial Stem/Progenitor Cells and Wound Healing in Mice
Authors: Yang Lingling , Zhang Songmei , Duan Haoyun , Dong Muchen , Hu Xiaoli , Zhang Zhaohua , Wang Yao , Zhang Xiaoping , Shi Weiyun , Zhou Qingjun
Published: October 2018

Chronic inflammation and severe dry eye are two important adverse factors for the successful transplant of cultured limbal stem cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of inflammation and hyperosmotic stress (a key pathological factor in dry eye) on corneal epithelial stem cells (CESCs) and corneal epithelial wound healing. We observed that the CESCs exhibited significant morphological changes when treated with interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), or hyperosmotic stress. Colony-forming efficiency or colony-forming size was decreased with the increasing concentrations of IL-1β, TNF-α, or hyperosmotic stress, which was exacerbated when treated simultaneously with pro-inflammatory factors and hyperosmotic stress. However, the colony-forming capacity of CESCs recovered more easily from pro-inflammatory factor treatment than from hyperosmotic stress treatment. Moreover, when compared with pro-inflammatory factors treatment, hyperosmotic stress treatment caused a more significant increase of apoptotic and necrotic cell numbers and cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. Furthermore, the normal ability of corneal epithelial wound healing in the mice model was suppressed by both pro-inflammatory factors and hyperosmotic stress treatment, and especially severely by hyperosmotic stress treatment. In addition, inflammation combined with hyperosmotic stress treatment induced more serious epithelial repair delays and apoptosis in corneal epithelium. Elevated levels of inflammatory factors were found in hyperosmotic stress-treated cells and mice corneas, which persisted even during the recovery period. The results suggested that pro-inflammatory factors cause transient inhibition, while hyperosmotic stress causes severe apoptosis and necrosis, persistent cell cycle arrest of CESCs, and severe corneal wound healing delay. Stem Cells Translational Medicine  2019;8:46–57
Power analysis for multivariable Cox regression models
Authors: Scosyrev Emil , Glimm Ekkehard
Published: October 2018

In power analysis for multivariable Cox regression models, variance of the estimated log‐hazard ratio for the treatment effect is usually approximated by inverting the expected null information matrix. Because, in many typical power analysis settings, assumed true values of the hazard ratios are not necessarily close to unity, the accuracy of this approximation is not theoretically guaranteed. To address this problem, the null variance expression in power calculations can be replaced with one of the alternative expressions derived under the assumed true value of the hazard ratio for the treatment effect. This approach is explored analytically and by simulations in the present paper. We consider several alternative variance expressions and compare their performance to that of the traditional null variance expression. Theoretical analysis and simulations demonstrate that, whereas the null variance expression performs well in many nonnull settings, it can also be very inaccurate, substantially underestimating, or overestimating the true variance in a wide range of realistic scenarios, particularly those where the numbers of treated and control subjects are very different and the true hazard ratio is not close to one. The alternative variance expressions have much better theoretical properties, confirmed in simulations. The most accurate of these expressions has a relatively simple form. It is the sum of inverse expected event counts under treatment and under control scaled up by a variance inflation factor.
Interaction of Amphotericin B with Ergosterol/Cholesterol‐Containing POPG Liposomes Studied by Absorption, Fluorescence and Second Harmonic Spectroscopy
Authors: Kintali Srinivasarao , Kishor Varshney Gopal , Das Kaustuv
Published: October 2018

The membrane permeability induced by the polyene antibiotic Amphotericin B (AmB) against negatively charged L‐α‐phosphatidyl DL‐glycerol (POPG) membranes containing either Ergosterol (Ergo) or Cholesterol (Chol) has been investigated by monitoring the bilayer transport of the LDS‐698 (LDS+) ion using the interfacial selective second harmonic (SH) spectroscopy. The transport of LDS+ becomes faster at very low AmB/Liposome (A/L) ratio whereas Ergo present in the bilayer. As increasing A/L ratio, the average transport time constants (Tav) of the LDS+ ion fall into two kinetic regimes which observed for the different liposomes. In POPG‐Ergo liposomes, the effect of neutralizing either of the two charged functional groups of AmB reveals that interaction of AmB with Ergo is primarily dependent upon the charged amino group present in the mycosamine moiety of AmB. The spectral (absorption and fluorescence) properties of AmB were also studied to supplement the results obtained from SH studies. In summary, at low A/L ratio (< 1), the membrane permeability of the POPG membrane were observed to dependent upon the membrane composition or the pH of the medium, whereas at higher A/L ratio (> 1) the permeability becomes similar for all the cases. The spectroscopic properties of AmB with increasing A/L ratio suggest that the latter phenomena may be due to the aggregated states of AmB in the bilayer which enhance the bilayer permeability irrespective of the bilayer composition and solution pH.
Employees' and line managers' active involvement in participatory organizational interventions: Examining direct, reversed, and reciprocal effects on well‐being
Authors: Tafvelin Susanne , von Thiele Schwarz Ulrica , Nielsen Karina , Hasson Henna
Published: October 2018

This study examined how employee participation and perceptions of line managers' support during a participatory organizational intervention were related to well‐being over time. Although previous studies suggest that employees' and managers' active involvement in participatory organizational interventions may be related to well‐being, little is known about the temporal aspects, such as at which time during the intervention these factors matter, or possible reciprocal effects. Building on conservation of resources theory, we tested hypotheses concerning direct, reversed, and reciprocal relationships between employee participation and perceptions of line manager support in relation to well‐being. We used a four‐wave panel design consisting of 159 hospital workers. Cross‐lagged analyses showed that perceived line managers' support in the initiation and active phase was related to participation in the active phase. Participation in the initiation and active phase was related to well‐being in the active and sustained phase, respectively. Results also revealed that participation in the initiation phase was related to perceived line managers' support in the active phase, which in turn predicted participation in the active phase, which translated into job satisfaction in the sustained phase supporting reversed and reciprocal effects in the form of resource caravans. Theoretical implications for research and practice are discussed.
Being too good for your own good: A stakeholder perspective on the differential effect of firm‐employee relationships on innovation search
Authors: Gambeta Eni , Koka Balaji R. , Hoskisson Robert E.
Published: October 2018

Research Summary:A firm's stakeholder orientation toward its employees is argued to be beneficial for firm outcomes. However, this orientation may also have disparate impacts on particular behaviors and outcomes, such as local versus distant search, which impose contradictory firm requirements. We find that while a strong firm–employee relationship leads to increasingly higher levels of local search (exploitation), it also leads to increasingly lower levels of distant search (exploration). In additional supplementary analyses, we find similar disparate effects on the productivity of innovation and its market value, as well as a moderating effect of the firm's relationship with other stakeholders which exacerbates both the positive and negative impacts of firm–employee relationships. We discuss the implications of these findings for both the innovation and the instrumental stakeholder literatures.

Managerial Summary:Motivating employees toward generating new ideas and innovations is an important challenge for most firms. Establishing the firm as a trustful and good partner for employees may engender in them the commitment and willingness to invest in such activities. However, questions remain as to how “well” the firm should “treat” its employees, and the potential adverse consequences from over‐investing in such relationships. This paper examines these important practical questions and finds that establishing strong relationships with employees can be simultaneously beneficial and harmful for the firm depending on the type of new ideas it seeks. We find that such strong relationships helps with motivating employees to build on and perfect existing knowledge, but is harmful with respect to bringing in new and unfamiliar knowledge.
The relative value of firm and nonprofit experience: Tackling large‐scale social issues across institutional contexts
Authors: Ballesteros Luis , Gatignon Aline
Published: October 2018

Research Summary

Nonprofit organizations (NPOs) are often identified as a natural vehicle for the engagement of firms in large‐scale social issues. We evaluate this argument by examining the conditions under which NPO experience is more valuable than firm experience in overcoming the key challenges associated with corporate disaster giving. Findings from a quasi‐experiment across the 4,396 natural disasters worldwide between 2003 and 2015 demonstrate that firms could donate more by implementing the aid through NPOs (on their own) in countries with low (high) institutional development, especially where they lack (have) market operations. However, we also observe that firms more frequently than not opted into the allocation mode that yielded comparatively low aid, raising questions about incentive alignment and communication across the business and nonprofit sectors.

Managerial Summary

Firms are increasingly tackling social issues across the world. Nonprofit organizations (NPOs) are often identified as natural channels for facilitating such engagement, but we have no systematic evidence to confirm this. We tackle this question by outlining the conditions under which allocating company aid for disaster relief and recovery through NPOs results in greater donations than when the firms disburse its aid directly to victims. We analyze all major natural disasters that affected the world between 2003 and 2015 and observe that firms would have donated more through an NPO (directly) in countries with low (high) institutional development where they lacked (had) local operations. Yet, firms frequently chose the channel that yielded lower donations.

A video abstract is available at https://youtu.be/C8Xg6gqRabQ.
Multinational investment and the value of growth options: Alignment of incremental strategy to environmental uncertainty
Authors: Belderbos René , Tong Tony W. , Wu Shubin
Published: October 2018

Research Summary

One of the motivations for multinational firms' investment in foreign affiliates in uncertain environments is the future growth opportunities the investment may bring. We argue that whether firms derive growth option value from their multinational investment is determined by the interaction between market uncertainty and firms' incremental investment strategy. We show evidence that multinational investment creates growth option value for firms operating affiliates in host countries with high market uncertainty. In such uncertain environments, however, incremental investment strategies—limiting the equity stake or the size of investment in affiliates, across all countries or within each country—prove critical to the value of growth options. Creating growth option value therefore requires an alignment of firms' incremental investment strategy to the uncertain country environments they confront.

Managerial Summary

Managers have long recognized the importance of taking an incremental approach to strategy making, but evidence on whether and when strategic incrementalism is valuable to firms remains scarce. This study focuses on two ways Japanese multinational firms invest incrementally in the context of foreign expansion—by limiting the equity stake or the size of investment in their foreign affiliates—and analyzes when such incremental strategies create valuable growth options that translate into market value. We find that these strategies, whether implemented across all host countries or within each country, do create significant growth option value, provided that market uncertainty is high. The findings highlight the importance of aligning firms' incremental strategy to the environmental uncertainties they confront, in line with the core notion of “fit” in strategic management.
Programmed Hierarchical Hybrid Nanostructures from Fullerene‐Dendrons and Pyrene‐Dendrons
Authors: Park Minwook , Kang Dong‐Gue , Yoon Won‐Jin , Choi Yu‐Jin , Koo Jahyeon , Lim Seok‐In , Jeong Kwang‐Un
Published: October 2018

The construction of fullerene (C60) hierarchical nanostructures with the help of amphiphilic molecules remains a challenging task in nanoscience and nanotechnology. Utilizing the host–guest complex concept, sub‐10 nm layered superstructures are constructed from a monofunctionalized C60 dendron (C60D, guest) and tweezer‐like pyrene dendron (PD, host). Since C60D and PD are asymmetric shape amphiphiles having liquid crystal (LC) dendrons, both C60D and PD construct head‐to‐head bilayer superstructures by themselves. From fluorescence titration experiments, it is realized that the host–guest complex shows 1:1 stoichiometric binding with a binding constant (Ksv = 2.45 × 105m−1). Based on the morphological observations and scattering analyses, it is found that buckle‐like asymmetric building blocks (C60D·PD) are self‐assembled by the host–guest complex and construct multilayer hybrid nanostructures. The hierarchical hybrid nanostructures consist of the self‐assembled C60D·PD bilayer with a 2D C60·P nanoarray sandwiched between LC dendrons. This advanced strategy is expected to be a practicable and rational guideline for the fabrication of programmed hierarchical hybrid nanostructures.
SF6 decomposition components under different metallic free‐conducting wire‐type particles in positive DC partial discharge
Authors: Cao Zhengqin , Tang Ju , Zhou Yongjian , Zeng Fuping
Published: October 2018

This study aimed to explore the common free‐conducting wire‐type particles that can produce severe partial discharge (PD) in DC gas‐insulated equipment. The experiment was conducted on the SF6 positive DC PD experimental system to determine the influence of the free‐conducting wire‐type particles of three kinds of metal materials (aluminum, 18/8 stainless steel, and copper) on SF6 decomposition. The change rules of five main characteristic decomposition components, namely, CF4, CO2, SOF2, SO2F2, and SO2, under different free‐conducting metal particles were obtained using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry quantitative detection. No significant correlation was observed between the formation of CO2 and the kinds of metal materials; however, the kinds of metal materials significantly influenced the formation of the other four kinds of characteristic gases. The differences in the physical and chemical properties of the metal materials caused the different characteristics of SF6 positive DC PD decomposition under different free‐conducting metal wire‐type particles. Findings provide an experimental basis for the diagnosis of fault‐type positive DC SF6 gas‐insulated equipment. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.