bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative in vitro Activities of Different Antibiotics against Clinical Isolates of Gram-negative Bacilli
Authors: Jain Sachin H. , Joshi Pradnya
Published: March 2019

Objective: The local anti-microbial susceptibility profile plays a very critical role in guiding clinicians to choose the appropriate empiric therapies. This study was conducted to assess the pathogen characteristics and the in vitro susceptibility of different Gram negative isolates to commonly used antibiotics in our hospital settings.

Methods: A total of 110 Gram negative isolates were included in the study.  A retrospective, observational analysis of antibiogram data was performed for four antimicrobial agents including CSE-1034 (ceftriaxone-sulbactam-EDTA), piperacillin-tazobactam (pip-taz), cefoperazone-sulbactam and meropenem. 

Results: Of the 200 clinical specimens analysed, Gram negative isolates obtained from 110 samples were included in the final analysis. The most common Gram negative isolates were Klebsiella species (35.5%), E. coli (33.6%) and P. aeruginosa (21.8%). The overall susceptibility was highest to CSE-1034 (100%) followed by meropenem (66.4%), cefoperazone-sulbactam (56.4%) and pip-taz (45.5%). The MIC90 range of CSE-1034 for Enterobacteriaceae was ≤0.5-≤4μg/ml and ≤2μg/ml for susceptible P. aeruginosa isolates. The MIC90 of meropenem for 94.4% of meropenem-susceptible Enterobacteriaceae strains was <0.25μg/ml and 64.3% of P. aeruginosa were having MIC ≤0.25μg/ml. The MIC90 of pip-taz for 82.5% of the pip-taz susceptible Enterobacteriaceae strains was 4μg/ml and 63.6% of P. aeruginosa was ≤8.0μg/ml. The MIC90 of cefoperazone-sulbactam susceptible strains were between ≤8 to ≤16μg/ml and 45.8% isolates of susceptible P. aeruginosa were having MIC between ≤8 to ≤16μg/ml.

Conclusions: Overall, this in vitro surveillance study suggests that CSE-1034 can be considered an important therapeutic option for the treatment of various multi drug resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections and avert the threat of resistance to last resort antibiotics including carbapenems.
Cervical Cancer Knowledge and Screening among Schooling and Uneducated Females within Tamale-Ghana
Authors: Asante K. S. , Mohammed A. G. , Delle A. A. , Mumuni A. N.
Published: March 2019

Background: Cervical cancer, one of the gynecological cancers, is a serious health concern in Ghana. To improve the chances of survival and treatment outcomes for this condition, early screening and detection is the best remedy. Comprehensive knowledge and positive attitude highly influence acceptability and uptake of screening methods.

Objective: To assess the knowledge about cervical cancer and screening practice among females in secondary and tertiary institutions and uneducated females in Tamale-Ghana.

Methods: Females (n = 300) between the ages of 15 and 49 years, comprising 100 participants in three categories (senior high school, tertiary institution and the non-educated) were recruited into the study. Data was gathered through a semi-structured questionnaire, and analyzed by descriptive statistical methods.

Results: Approximately 61.3% of the participants have heard about cervical cancer, 33.1% and 29.9% of them got the information from school and the media respectively. Of those who have heard about cervical cancer, only 19.3% had considerable general knowledge about the condition. A significant association (p = 0.02) was observed between educational level and knowledge about cervical cancer. Meanwhile, only 5.3% of the 300 participants were previously screened for cervical cancer. Lack of information about cervical cancer was the most reported reason (46.6%) for not attending cervical cancer screening.

Conclusion: Proactive intervention is required in the study area towards preventing new diagnosis through mass education, establishment of cervical cancer control programs, as well as screening and treatment centers.
Toxicity of Different Dilutions of Spinosad Bait against Two Fruit-fly Species (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Raga Adalton , Baldo Fernando Berton , E Silva Sara Braga , Silva Ferreira Larissa Ketlin da , Galdino Leonardo Tambones , Sato Mário Eidi
Published: March 2019

Toxic bait is an alternative to manage fruit flies (Tephritidae) in orchards and in wide-area programmes. The mortality caused by different dilutions of spinosad baits on adults of Ceratitis capitata (Wied.) and Anastrepha grandis (Macquart) (Tephritidae) were compared with a hydrolysed protein (BioAnastrepha) and water in laboratory. Females and males of C. capitata and A. grandis were exposed to Success® 0.02CB (GF-120 NF Naturalyte fruit-fly, 0.02% spinosad) diluted in distilled water (v/v) at 1:1.5; 1:4.5; 1:9.0 and 1:18.0. Spinosad dilutions at 1: 1.5 and 1: 4.5 showed similar effects and provided 100% adult mortality 24 hours after exposure to the baits. Anastrepha grandis was more susceptible to spinosad baits than C. capitata. Females of C. capitata were less susceptible to spinosad diluted at 1: 1.5, 1: 4.5 and 1: 90, than C. capitata males and both sexes of A. grandis. The values of lethal times (LT50) varied for the different dilutions of spinosad for both fruit-fly species; however, with different patterns for each species. The LT50 values of the two highest concentrations (1: 1.5, 1: 4.5) of spinosad bait were similar for fruit flies of both sexes of each species, but a significant difference was observed between species, with higher LT50 values for C. capitata. In general, the cumulative mortalities of spinosad baits increased at 240, 360, 480 minutes and 24 hours after exposure. BioAnastrepha was shown to be toxic to both species, especially for A. grandis, killing 82% of females and 72% of males at 24 hours after exposure. Spinosad bait may be used in different dilutions to manage C. capitata and A. grandis, with similar toxicity for the two highest spinosad concentrations.
Estimated Power Output from a Simplified Pico Hydropower System
Authors: Okibe Edeoja Alex , Sunday Ibrahim Joshua , Ochonu Lawrence
Published: March 2019

Based on the results of no-load tests carried out on a simplified Pico hydropower system currently undergoing development, on-load tests were carried out. A turbine of runner diameter 0.40 m, penstock diameters in the range  and nozzle area ratios in the range  were used for the on-load tests. A 2.5 kW alternator was linked to the turbine using a v-belt drive on pulleys of ratio 6:1. The effective vertical height from the outlet of the reservoir to the plane of the turbine shaft was 6.95 m. A 0.74 kW electric pump was used to recycle the water to the overhead reservoir. The rotational speeds of the turbine and alternator shafts, the volume of water displaced and voltage were measured for each penstock diameter and nozzle area ratio. The measured data were used to compute the system volumetric flow rate and to estimate the power output based on the alternator manufacturer’s specifications. The turbine efficiency was also computed. The system developed a maximum voltage of 224 V with  and a minimum voltage of 111 V with  and . The corresponding estimated power outputs were 2.125 kW and 1.545 kW respectively. The mean maximum and minimum efficiencies based on the estimated power output were 0.85 and 0.618 respectively. The overall results indicate very good potential for the system as a clean, decentralized small power generation unit that gives control to the user.
Cuckoo Search Algorithm Optimization Approaches for Solving Economic Load Dispatch: A Review
Authors: Adedayo Ajenikoko Ganiyu , Simeon Olaniyan Olusoji , Oludayo Adeniran John
Published: March 2019

Cuckoo search algorithm (CSA) is an effective and highly reliable swarm intelligence based optimization approach. It is a technique of determining the most efficient, low cost and reliable operation of a power system by dispatching the available electricity generation resources to supply the load on the system. This paper presents a comprehensive review of CSA application in Economic Load Dispatch (ELD) problem. This review will assist power system engineers with a view to enhancing the optimal operation of available thermal plants in electrical power systems.
The Use of Fuzzy Logic Model to Investigate the Effect of Weather Parameter Impact on Electrical Load Based on Short Term Forecasting: Further Study
Authors: Ali Danladi , Vasira G. P.
Published: March 2019

Electrical load forecasting is very important for effective planning and management of power system. Accurate load forecasting helps the electrical power company to make some decisions on how to meet up with their consumers’ demand.  This paper presents a solution methodology using fuzzy logic approach for short term load forecasting (SLTF) for Adamawa State University. The proposed method used fuzzy reasoning decision rules that utilized the nonlinear relationship between inputs and output. The model developed was able to forecast the future load with mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 1.36% and forecasting without previous load at the input of the fuzzy logic model yields better prediction error. However, from the result obtained, it shows temperature has a significant impact on electrical load than the relative humidity. Also, electrical load shall increase by 1.84 kW on the 25th September, 2018 due to increase in temperature.
The Japanese Electric Power Policy Studied through the Business Structure of the Power Industry: A Long-term Analysis before and after "Deregulation"
Authors: Aoki Hidekazu , Kawamiya Nobuo
Published: March 2019

The Federation of Electric Power Companies (FEPC) of Japan has long been releasing the detailed financial statements of their member corporations (on their website). We have analyzed the transition of Japan's electric power policy through the business structure of the electric power industry using the FEPC financial data over 53 years. Thus, we have clarified the problems and distortions built into the power industry by Japan's power policy as stated in the following: (1) During the regulation period, the dual-price mechanism for the industrial use and the home-use sectors had been effectuated, where (2) the former shared two thirds of the power demand but yielded only small profits or even losses; and the latter, sharing only one third of the demand, yielded nearly all of the industry's profits; however, (3) since the start of complete retail deregulation, this dual-price mechanism has come to suffer paralysis and the power majors began a cutthroat competition, which now seems to result in diminution of profitability in the home-use sector (the industry's former treasure box). This price-cutting war is considered very dangerous for the sustainability of this industry because this business is highly equipment-intensive and is severely vulnerable to any revenue instability. Meanwhile, declining demand due to the declining population is inevitable, and the power infrastructure will become excessively capacitive against demand. At the policy level of the government, recognition to this is overwhelmingly short. There is a possibility that the most powerful risk of both the electric power industries and social economy will be the way of the electric power policy that leads electricity demand from the expected growth rate and prepares the power supply configuration based on it.
Influence of Socio-economic Factors of Rural Households on Fuelwood Consumption in Orlu Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: H. A. Egwuonwu, , Nweke A. P.
Published: March 2019

The study analysed the influence of socio-economic factors of rural household on fuelwood consumption in Orlu Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study described the socio-economic characteristics of the households; determined the quantity (kg) of fuel wood consumed by household per week; identified coping measure in fuelwood scarcity among household and determined the influence of socio-economic characteristics of households on the quantity (kg) of fuelwood consumed. Data for the study were collected using structured questionnaire from 60 rural households through multi-stage sampling technique. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical tools and multiple regression analysis. Greater proportions (68.33%) were females. Mean age was 43.00 years. Majority (73.33%) were married with an average household size of 6 persons. The major occupation was farming (51.67%). Average farm size and farming experience of the rural household were 1.30 ha and 19 years respectively. Majority (56.67%) had primary education. Average fuelwood consumed by households weekly was 30.20 kg. The main coping measures for increasing fuelwood scarcity in the area were extinguish firewood after cooking (96.67%) and shifting to saw dust (88.33%). Estimated multiple regression analysis revealed that there was significant relationship between household heads socio-economic characteristic and quantity of fuelwood consumed weekly. The major determinants of the fuelwood collection and consumption in the area were age, sex, farm size, marital status, main occupation and educational level of household heads. The F-ratio was 5.125, indicating the overall significant of the regression model at 1% level of probability.
A Spatial Analysis of Political Participation in Telangana State, India
Authors: Virugu Karunakar , Lonavath Ashok Kumar
Published: March 2019

Telangana state is a newly formed state in India. It is the 29th state and was formed on 2nd June, 2014. It was part of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh state. The lack of political participation from the Telangana regions in state of Andhra Pradesh was the major cause for demanding separate state hood for Telangana. The Geopolitical analysis expresses that the heads of the political parties and governing portfolios was only from Rayalaseema and Andhra region. The regional disparities were one of the major causes of discrimination among the regions. It is worthwhile to mention the political dynamics within Telangana and give the scenario of political participation among different regions of Telangana. The study of Zilla Parishad elections (ZP) is a micro-level political participation of people in Telangana as with Panchayat Raj elections in different states of India.

Geographical Information System (GIS) was employed to analyse the spatial patterns of Geopolitical participation of people in ZP elections. 

Panchayat Raj elections were held 4 times in Telangana, when it was part of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh. The research paper analyse the political dynamics of Panchayat Raj as democracy of ZPTC’s. There are 443 ZPTC’s in Telangana and the three major political parties like Indian National Congress (INC), Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Telangana Rastra Samiti (TRS) plays the significant role in the Geo-politics of Telangana.
Heavy Heparin: A Stable Isotope‐Enriched, Chemoenzymatically‐Synthesized, Poly‐Component Drug
Authors: Cress Brady F. , Bhaskar Ujjwal , Vaidyanathan Deepika , Williams Asher , Cai Chao , Liu Xinyue , Fu Li , M‐Chari Vandhana , Zhang Fuming , Mousa Shaker A. , Dordick Jonathan S. , Koffas Mattheos A. G. , Linhardt Robert J.
Published: March 2019

Heparin is a highly sulfated, complex polysaccharide and widely used anticoagulant pharmaceutical. In this work, we chemoenzymatically synthesized perdeuteroheparin from biosynthetically enriched heparosan precursor obtained from microbial culture in deuterated medium. Chemical de‐N‐acetylation, chemical N‐sulfation, enzymatic epimerization, and enzymatic sulfation with recombinant heparin biosynthetic enzymes afforded perdeuteroheparin comparable to pharmaceutical heparin. A series of applications for heavy heparin and its heavy biosynthetic intermediates are demonstrated, including generation of stable isotope labeled disaccharide standards, development of a non‐radioactive NMR assay for glucuronosyl‐C5‐epimerase, and background‐free quantification of in vivo half‐life following administration to rabbits. We anticipate that this approach can be extended to produce other isotope‐enriched glycosaminoglycans.
Supermacroporous polydivinylbenzene cryogels with high surface area: Synthesis by solvothermal postcrosslinking and their adsorption behaviors for carbon dioxide and aniline
Authors: Guo Fenghao , Wang Yinping , Chen Xilu , Chen Mingqian , He Wei , Chen Zhiyong
Published: March 2019

Cryogels are supermacroporous but restricted by lack of surface area in utilization to date. We here propose a method for fabrication of supermacroporous polydivinylbenzene (PDVB) cryogels with high surface area by redox‐initiated cryopolymerization combined with solvothermal postcrosslinking technique. The PDVB precursor cryogels are prepared by redox‐initiated cryopolymerization, followed by postcrosslinking of residual double bonds to form hypercrosslinked cryogels under solvothermal conditions. The hypercrosslinked cryogels maintain the original supermacroporosity and display very high surface area up to 1462 m2 g−1. We demonstrate the utilization of the resultant cryogel in uptake of carbon dioxide (7.9 wt % at 1 bar and 62.2 wt % at 25 bar, respectively) and uptake of aniline (333.3 mg g−1 at room temperature) from aqueous solutions. The adsorption behaviors of aniline on the hypercrosslinked cryogels are found to follow Langmuir model as well as Freundlich model in equilibrium adsorption and to follow pseudo‐second‐order model in kinetic adsorption, respectively. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47716.
Orange to green switching anthraquinone‐based electrochromic material
Authors: Bini Kim , Gedefaw Desta , Pan Caroline , Bjuggren Jonas M. , Sharma Anirudh , Wang Ergang , Andersson Mats R.
Published: March 2019

An easily accessible anthraquinone‐benzodithiophene‐based high bandgap polymer (PTAq) was synthesized by Stille coupling reactions in remarkably high yield (96.5%). The highest occupied molecular orbital energy level of the polymer was estimated from the onset of oxidation in a cyclic voltammetry study to be −5.7 eV. PTAq showed an orange‐to‐green color switching with the application of a 1.0‐V external potential to the polymer film, which was visible to the naked eye. The optical behavior change was also monitored using ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy and revealed a respectable 75% transmittance change when the polymer film was subjected to a 1.0‐V external potential. The high color contrast observed makes PTAq one of the most promising materials for electrochromic device applications. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47729.
Residential virtual power plant with photovoltaic output forecasting and demand response
Authors: Cui Shichang , Wang Yan‐Wu , Lin Xiangning , Xiao Jiang‐Wen
Published: March 2019

Decreasing conventional power supply is promoting the development of the distributed renewable energy sources, such as solar power and wind power. Recently rooftop photovoltaic has been widely applied, and accordingly efficient energy management is getting increasingly important for fully use of renewable energy and the peak shaving of the main grid. This paper investigates the residential energy management as a small‐scale virtual power plant (VPP) connected to the main grid includes distributed energy resources, energy storages and residential loads. The self‐organizing map (SOM) and the radical basis function (RBF) networks are adopted to classify the weather types and predict hourly photovoltaic output precisely. In a time‐of‐use electricity market, price‐based demand response is applied to adjust the demand. The residential VPP has two goals: maximum profit by selling surplus power to grid and minimum power purchased from grid. The two goals are integrated as an optimization object by introducing a weight parameter. The algorithm combining receding horizon optimization and linear programming is proposed to solve the optimization problem in residential VPP. Numerical simulation tests can help to find the most suitable value of the weight parameter. Different scenarios are simulated and discussed to demonstrate the performance of the VPP and the proposed algorithm.
Multiple imputation for discrete data: Evaluation of the joint latent normal model
Authors: Quartagno Matteo , Carpenter James R.
Published: March 2019

Missing data are ubiquitous in clinical and social research, and multiple imputation (MI) is increasingly the methodology of choice for practitioners. Two principal strategies for imputation have been proposed in the literature: joint modelling multiple imputation (JM‐MI) and full conditional specification multiple imputation (FCS‐MI). While JM‐MI is arguably a preferable approach, because it involves specification of an explicit imputation model, FCS‐MI is pragmatically appealing, because of its flexibility in handling different types of variables. JM‐MI has developed from the multivariate normal model, and latent normal variables have been proposed as a natural way to extend this model to handle categorical variables. In this article, we evaluate the latent normal model through an extensive simulation study and an application on data from the German Breast Cancer Study Group, comparing the results with FCS‐MI. We divide our investigation in four sections, focusing on (i) binary, (ii) categorical, (iii) ordinal, and (iv) count data. Using data simulated from both the latent normal model and the general location model, we find that in all but one extreme general location model setting JM‐MI works very well, and sometimes outperforms FCS‐MI. We conclude the latent normal model, implemented in the R package jomo, can be used with confidence by researchers, both for single and multilevel multiple imputation.
Diversity in Fungal Intermolecular Phenol Coupling of Polyketides: Regioselective Laccase‐Based Systems
Authors: Fürtges Leon , Obermaier Sebastian , Thiele Wiebke , Foegen Silke , Müller Michael
Published: March 2019

Polyketides form a structurally diverse and pharmaceutically important class of secondary metabolites. Both diversity and biological activity are largely facilitated by post‐polyketide synthase tailoring including methylation, oxidation, reduction, glycosylation, and dimerization. Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs), flavin‐dependent monooxygenases (FMOs), and laccases are known to catalyze phenol coupling in the biosynthesis of polyketide dimers. Polyketide homodimers resulting from enzyme catalysis are often formed in a highly regio‐ and stereoselective manner, in contrast to analogous nonenzymatic dimerization. Although it is known that CYPs and FMOs are capable of selectively generating one of several putative isomers, hitherto described laccases depend on auxiliary proteins to achieve similar selectivity. Herein, regioselective phenol coupling catalyzed by a fungal laccase is demonstrated. The heterologously produced Av‐VirL from Aspergillus viridinutans selectively generated the 6,6′‐homodimer of (R)‐semivioxanthin. Genome analysis is used to show that laccase‐based phenol‐coupling systems are widespread in fungi. Homologues of Av‐VirL were identified in the putative biosynthetic gene clusters of vioxanthin, xanthomegnin, and xanthoepocin, and of the perylenequinones hypocrellin A, elsinochrome A, and cercosporin. These findings show that laccases are capable of selective phenol coupling in the absence of auxiliary proteins.
Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with preexcitation presenting as a myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke with a history of recurrent syncope: A case report
Authors: Al‐Saadi Jonathan , Mattsson Gustav , Kader Rozh , Magnusson Peter
Published: March 2019

Key Clinical Message

Contrast‐enhanced echocardiography or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is of value in the diagnosis of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is rare in Caucasians, and gene negativity does not rule out the diagnosis. Risk stratification for sudden cardiac death and decisions about anticoagulation in cases with atrial fibrillation should be based on guidelines.
Comparison of different excitation‐ and data sampling‐methods in structural health monitoring
Authors: Maas Stefan , Nguyen Viet Ha , Kebig Tanja , Schommer Sebastian , Zürbes Arno
Published: March 2019

Structural Health Monitoring with analysis of dynamic characteristics intends to detect stiffness changes caused by damage. It can be performed by vibrational tests resulting to modal parameters, that is, eigenfrequencies, damping, modeshapes, or modal masses. Those parameters are themselves informational and even allow often deducing the stiffness matrix. Based on that, it is possible to identify and to localize changes in the stiffness matrix due to damage, that is, localization and quantification of damage. However, changing test conditions, like ambient temperature or excitation force or existing nonlinearities of concrete, show important influence on damage indicators and hence need compensation prior to damage detection. Considering this background, this article focuses on comparing ambient excitation to forced excitation including appropriate exciters. Furthermore, continuous monitoring is discussed vs discrete testing in distinct time‐intervals. The intention of the comparison is to give an overview, that is, helpful for choosing appropriate measurement technique for the sake of correct damage detection subsequently.
Potential Precursor Alternatives to the Pyrophoric Trimethylaluminium for the Atomic Layer Deposition of Aluminium Oxide
Authors: Mai Lukas , Boysen Nils , Zanders David , de los Arcos Teresa , Mitschker Felix , Mallick Bert , Grundmeier Guido , Awakowicz Peter , Devi Anjana
Published: March 2019

New precursor chemistries for the atomic layer deposition (ALD) of aluminium oxide are reported as potential alternatives to the pyrophoric trimethylaluminium (TMA) which is to date a widely used Al precursor. Combining the high reactivity of aluminium alkyls employing the 3‐(dimethylamino)propyl (DMP) ligand with thermally stable amide ligands yielded three new heteroleptic, non‐pyrophoric compounds [Al(NMe2)2(DMP)] (2), [Al(NEt2)2(DMP)] (3, BDEADA) and [Al(NiPr2)2(DMP)] (4), which combine the properties of both ligand systems. The compounds were synthesized and thoroughly chemically characterized, showing the intramolecular stabilization of the DMP ligand as well as only reactive Al−C and Al−N bonds, which are the key factors for the thermal stability accompanied by a sufficient reactivity, both being crucial for ALD precursors. Upon rational variation of the amide alkyl chains, tunable and high evaporation rates accompanied by thermal stability were found, as revealed by thermal evaluation. In addition, a new and promising plasma enhanced (PE)ALD process using BDEADA and oxygen plasma in a wide temperature range from 60 to 220 °C is reported and compared to that of a modified variation of the TMA, namely [AlMe2(DMP)] (DMAD). The resulting Al2O3 layers are of high density, smooth, uniform, and of high purity. The applicability of the Al2O3 films as effective gas barrier layers (GBLs) was successfully demonstrated, considering that coating on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates yielded very good oxygen transmission rates (OTR) with an improvement factor of 86 for a 15 nm film by using DMAD and a factor of 25 for a film thickness of just 5 nm by using BDEDA compared to bare PET substrates. All these film attributes are of the same quality as those obtained for the industrial precursor TMA, rendering the new precursors safe and potential alternatives to TMA.
Rapid Deoxyfluorination of Alcohols with N‐Tosyl‐4‐chlorobenzenesulfonimidoyl Fluoride (SulfoxFluor) at Room Temperature
Authors: Guo Junkai , Kuang Cuiwen , Rong Jian , Li Lingchun , Ni Chuanfa , Hu Jinbo
Published: March 2019

The deoxyfluorination of alcohols is a fundamentally important approach to access alkyl fluorides, and thus the development of shelf‐stable, easy‐to‐handle, fluorine‐economical, and highly selective deoxyfluorination reagents is highly desired. This work describes the development of a crystalline compound, N‐tosyl‐4‐chlorobenzenesulfonimidoyl fluoride (SulfoxFluor), as a novel deoxyfluorination reagent that possesses all of the aforementioned merits, which is rare in the arena of deoxyfluorination. Endowed by the multi‐dimensional modulating ability of the sulfonimidoyl group, SulfoxFluor is superior to 2‐pyridinesulfonyl fluoride (PyFluor) in fluorination rate, and is also superior to perfluorobutanesulfonyl fluoride (PBSF) in fluorine‐economy. Its reaction with alcohols not only tolerates a wide range of functionalities including the more sterically hindered alcoholic hydroxyl groups, but also exhibits high fluorination/elimination selectivity. Because SulfoxFluor can be easily prepared from inexpensive materials and can be safely handled without special techniques, it promises to serve as a practical deoxyfluorination reagent for the synthesis of various alkyl fluorides.
Intrusion detection system based on GA‐fuzzy classifier for detecting malicious attacks
Authors: Pradeep Mohan Kumar K. , Saravanan M. , Thenmozhi M. , Vijayakumar K.
Published: March 2019

Usage of computer resources, being a very important part in day to day life, it is to be noticed that the security threats have also increased. Hence, Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is used for detection and prevention of computer resources from security threats generated by malicious attackers. Existing techniques like encryption mechanism, authentication mechanism, and access control do not support for analyzing large volume of data and it is efficient only in the case of limited number of attacks. Attackers attack the computer resources based on the weakness of the security level in the Information system and they can violate the rules and regulation of computer system (Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability) easily. Handling threats on computer resources still remains a challenging issue. Distributed Denial of Service attacks (DDoS) is an important attack that sends more than one number of requests to the destination server from multiple compromised systems that makes the Information system unable to process the request thereby resulting in non‐response to the attacker as well as normal end user, which results in large number of false alarms and less detection accuracy rates. We propose a new model called hybrid‐based intrusion detection system (GA‐Fuzzy) for handling large volume NSL‐KDD Dataset for detecting attacks effectively and for reducing misclassification alarm rate. Here, Genetic algorithm (GA) is used for creating new pattern (new features, records) for training the Fuzzy classifier effectively. We use Principle Component Analysis (PCA) as a feature selection method that eliminates irrelevant and redundant data from the NSL‐KDD dataset that improves the efficiency and to attain 99.96% detection accuracy and 0.04% false alarm rate.
Secure‐aware and privacy‐preserving electronic health record searching in cloud environment
Authors: Wang Xiao , Zhang Aiqing , Xie Xiaojuan , Ye Xinrong
Published: March 2019

Cloud storage has become a trend of storage in modern age. The cloud‐based electronic health record (EHR) system has brought great convenience for health care. When a user visits a doctor for a treatment, the doctor may be necessary to access the history health records generated at other medical institutions. Thus, we present a secure EHR searching scheme based on conjunctive keyword search with proxy re‐encryption to realize data sharing between different medical institutions. Firstly, we propose a framework for health data sharing among multiple medical institutions based on cloud storage. We explore the public key encryption with conjunctive keyword search to encrypt the original data and store it in the cloud. It ensures data security with searchability. Furthermore, we adopt the identity‐based access control mechanism and proxy re‐encryption scheme to guarantee the legitimacy of access and the privacy of the original data. Generally speaking, our work can achieve authentication, keyword privacy, and privacy preservation. Moreover, the performance evaluation shows that the scheme can achieve high computational efficiency.
Mandibular reconstruction with the scapula tip free flap
Authors: Blumberg Jeffrey M. , Walker Paul , Johnson Stephanie , Johnson Bradley , Yu Eugene , Lacasse Marie‐Constance , Lam David K. , Rittenberg Brian , Yao Christopher M.K.L. , Chepeha Douglas , de Almeida John R. , Goldstein David P. , Gilbert Ralph
Published: March 2019

Introduction

The scapula tip free flap has been described for reconstruction of short mandible defects with extensive soft tissue needs. The versatility of this flap has not been extensively described.

Methods

Retrospective case series of patients who underwent mandibulectomy and reconstruction with the scapula tip free flap from 2005 to 2016. Outcomes include bony union, complications, dental rehabilitation, and donor site morbidity.

Results

A total of 120 patients were identified. Average harvested bone was 7.7 cm, with 54% undergoing one osteotomy, and 76.7% harvested as a chimeric flap. Radiographically, average inset bone was 6.6 cm. Complete or partial bony union was observed at 74.4% of proximal and 82.6% of distal osteotomies. A 95% of reconstructions met criteria for dental implants. Mean disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score was 21.2.

Conclusions

The scapular tip is an excellent option for reconstruction of segmental mandible defects with the option of osteotomy, excellent bony union rates, low donor site morbidity, and potential for dental rehabilitation.
Parotidectomy by an endoscopic‐assisted postauricular‐groove approach
Authors: Li Tiancheng , Liu Yuhe , Wang Quangui , Qin Yong , Gao Weihua , Li Qian , Schiferle Erik , Xiao Shuifang
Published: March 2019

Background

To investigate the feasibility of an endoscopic‐assisted postauricular‐groove approach parotidectomy and to evaluate the advantages and limitations of such an approach.

Methods

A total of 72 patients with parotid gland tumors underwent a parotidectomy procedure between January 2014 and January 2016. Of the aforementioned patients, 15 were treated by a postauricular‐groove approach (group I), whereas the remaining 57 were treated by the Blair “S” incision (group II).

Results

Difference in visual analogue scale score for aesthetic outcome (0 vs 3) and median intraoperative blood loss (30 vs 50 mL) was statistically significant. Operation time and transient facial nerve paralysis were comparable. No recurrence of tumors was found in either group.

Conclusion

The endoscopic‐assisted postauricular‐groove approach for limited parotid tumor resection offers several advantages over the conventional “S” incision parotidectomy. In addition, it is arguably safer and results in a superior aesthetic outcome.
Electroacupuncture in rats normalizes the diabetes‐induced alterations in the septo‐hippocampal cholinergic system
Authors: Protto Virginia , Soligo Marzia , De Stefano Maria Egle , Farioli‐Vecchioli Stefano , Marlier Lionel N. J. L. , Nisticò Robert , Manni Luigi
Published: March 2019

Diabetes induces early sufferance in the cholinergic septo‐hippocampal system, characterized by deficits in learning and memory, reduced hippocampal plasticity and abnormal pro‐nerve growth factor (proNGF) release from hippocampal cells, all linked to dysfunctions in the muscarinic cholinergic modulation of hippocampal physiology. These alterations are associated with dysregulation of several cholinergic markers, such as the NGF receptor system and the acetylcholine biosynthetic enzyme choline‐acetyl transferase (ChAT), in the medial septum and its target, the hippocampus. Controlled and repeated sensory stimulation by electroacupuncture has been proven effective in counteracting the consequences of diabetes on cholinergic system physiology in the brain. Here, we used a well‐established Type 1 diabetes model, obtained by injecting young adult male rats with streptozotocin, to induce sufferance in the septo‐hippocampal system. We then evaluated the effects of a 3‐week treatment with low‐frequency electroacupuncture on: (a) the expression and protein distribution of proNGF in the hippocampus, (b) the tissue distribution and content of NGF receptors in the medial septum, (c) the neuronal cholinergic and glial phenotype in the septo‐hippocampal circuitry. Twice‐a‐week treatment with low‐frequency electroacupuncture normalized, in both hippocampus and medial septum, the ratio between the neurotrophic NGF and its neurotoxic counterpart, the precursor proNGF. Electroacupuncture regulated the balance between the two major proNGF variants (proNGF‐A and proNGF‐B) at both gene expression and protein synthesis levels. In addition, electroacupuncture recovered to basal level the pro‐neurotrophic NGF receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase‐A content, down‐regulated in medial septum cholinergic neurons by diabetes. Electroacupuncture also regulated ChAT content in medial septum neurons and its anterograde transport toward the hippocampus. Our data indicate that repeated sensory stimulation can positively affect brain circuits involved in learning and memory, reverting early impairment induced by diabetes development. Electroacupuncture could exert its effects on the septo‐hippocampal cholinergic neurotransmission in diabetic rats, not only by rescuing the hippocampal muscarinic responsivity, as previously described, but also normalizing acetylcholine biosynthesis and NGF metabolism in the hippocampus.
Automated classification of hepatocellular carcinoma differentiation using multiphoton microscopy and deep learning
Authors: Lin Hongxin , Wei Chao , Wang Guangxing , Chen Hu , Lin Lisheng , Ni Ming , Chen Jianxin , Zhuo Shuangmu
Published: March 2019

In the case of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) samples, classification of differentiation is crucial for determining prognosis and treatment strategy decisions. However, a label‐free and automated classification system for HCC grading has not been yet developed. Hence, in this study, we demonstrate the fusion of multiphoton microscopy and a deep‐learning algorithm for classifying HCC differentiation to produce an innovative computer‐aided diagnostic method. Convolutional neural networks based on the VGG‐16 framework were trained using 217 combined two‐photon excitation fluorescence and second‐harmonic generation images; the resulting classification accuracy of the HCC differentiation grade was over 90%. Our results suggest that a combination of multiphoton microscopy and deep learning can realize label‐free, automated methods for various tissues, diseases and other related classification problems.
Effects of Intravenous Zoledronate on Bone Turnover and Bone Density Persist for at Least 11 Years in HIV-Infected Men
Authors: Bolland Mark J , Horne Anne M , Briggs Simon E , Thomas Mark G , Reid IanR , Gamble Greg D , Grey Andrew
Published: March 2019

Previously we reported the results of a 4-year extension of a 2-year randomized placebo-controlled trial showing that the antiresorptive effects of two annual 4-mg doses of zoledronate in HIV-infected men persisted for at least 5 years after the second dose. We set out to determine whether the effects on BMD and bone turnover persist beyond 10 years. We invited all participants in the original trial known to be alive and living in New Zealand to attend an additional visit approximately 12 years after trial entry and 11 years after their second dose of study medication. The outcome measures were BMD at the lumbar spine, proximal femur, and total body, and markers of bone turnover. Twenty-five of the 43 men originally enrolled in the trial attended the final visit, representing 25 of 31 (81%) participants alive and residing in New Zealand at the time. The average duration of follow-up was 12.4 years. At the final visit, BMD remained higher in the zoledronate group than the placebo group (lumbar spine 3.7%, 95% CI, 0.1 to 7.3; total hip 3.7%, 95% CI, 1.2 to 6.2; femoral neck 5.0%, 95% CI, 2.1 to 7.9; total body 2.4%, 95% CI, 0.7 to 4.0), and the between-group differences in BMD remained stable between 6 and 12 years. Serum CTx remained lower in the zoledronate group than the placebo group between 6 and 12 years and, at the final visit, was 45% lower (95% CI, 25 to 64) than the placebo group. P1NP was 26% (95% CI, 4 to 48) lower in the zoledronate group than the placebo group at the final visit. In summary, two annual 4-mg doses of zoledronate have effects on bone turnover and BMD in men that persist for at least 11 years after the second dose. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The interaction of high and low‐risk human papillomavirus genotypes increases the risk of developing genital warts: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Hasanzadeh Malihe , Rejali Marzieh , Mehramiz Mehraneh , Akbari Mahdieh , Mousavi Seresht Leila , Yazdandoost Yasaman , Farokhi Saba , Mahdian Zahra , Maleki Faezeh , Emamdadi‐Aliabad Zohreh , Jalilvand Narjes , Khorrami Shadi , Fadaei Zahra , Movahedi Mehraneh , Hosseini Zeinab , Razmi Fatemeh , Takamoli Toktame , Ferns Gordon A. , Avan Amir
Published: March 2019

Cervical cancer is among the most common type of cancers in women and is associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Genital warts are also reported to be linked with HPV infection types 11 and 6. In turn, clinical characteristics and morphological features of warts may be useful in the prediction of prognosis and in making treatment decisions. Thus, we have investigated the association of high and low‐risk HPVs genotype with genital wart risk, as well as pathological and cytological information in cases recruited from a population‐based cohort study of 1380 patients. Patients infected with HPV genotype 6 or 11 had an increased risk of having warts, with OR of 2.34 (95% CI: 0.955‐5.737, P = 0.06). Also, this association was enhanced in the presence of high plus low‐risk HPV for having genital wart (OR: 2.814; 95%: 1.208‐6.55,
P = 0.017) and cases having high‐risk HPV (OR: 2.329; 95% CI: 1.029‐5.269,
P = 0.042). Moreover, we observed patients with genital warts having CIN2/3, indicating the importance of informing the physician to the patient to prevent more severe lesions. Our data demonstrated that patients with both low/high‐risk HPV types had an increased risk of developing genital warts and persistent infection with HPV was a necessary precursor for the increase in cervical lesions.
Loneliness and social support: Differential predictive power on depression and satisfaction in senior citizens
Authors: Tomás Jose M. , Pinazo‐Hernandis Sacramento , Oliver Amparo , Donio‐Bellegarde Mónica , Tomás‐Aguirre Francisco
Published: March 2019

The lack of social support and the feelings of loneliness among older adults are associated with physical and mental health negative outcomes. This study attempts to test for their differential predictive power on depression and satisfaction in seniors. Data were drawn from a sample of 335 older adults ranging from 55 to 80 years old, with a mean age of 63.97 years (standard deviation = 5.56) attending a learning program at the University of Valencia during the academic year 2014–2015. In addition to health and wellbeing outcomes, we used the Functional Social Support Questionnaire DUKE‐UNC, and two scales of loneliness, the de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale and the University of California Loneliness Scale version 3. Using structural equations models with Mplus, two models were proposed to assess the predictive power of social support and loneliness on wellbeing outcomes, specifically life satisfaction and depression, while controlling for health. Results confirm the negative association between loneliness and satisfaction with life and the positive one with depression.
Tumour‐specific and organ‐specific protein synthesis rates in patients with pancreatic cancer
Authors: van Dijk David P.J. , Horstman Astrid M.H. , Smeets Joey S.J. , den Dulk Marcel , Grabsch Heike I. , Dejong Cornelis H.C. , Rensen Sander S. , Olde Damink Steven W.M. , van Loon Luc J.C.
Published: March 2019

Background

Living tissues maintain a fine balance between protein synthesis and protein breakdown rates. Animal studies indicate that protein synthesis rates are higher in organs when compared with skeletal muscle tissue. As such, organ and tumour protein synthesis could have major effects on whole‐body protein metabolism in wasting disorders such as cancer cachexia. We aimed to assess protein synthesis rates in pancreatic tumour tissue and healthy pancreas, liver, and skeletal muscle tissue in vivo in humans.

Methods

In eight patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy, primed continuous infusions with L‐[ring‐13C6]phenylalanine and L‐[3,5‐2H2]tyrosine were started prior to surgery and continued throughout the surgical procedures. During surgery, plasma samples and biopsies from the pancreas, pancreatic tumour, liver, and vastus lateralis muscle were taken. Post‐absorptive fractional protein synthesis rates were determined by measuring incorporation of labelled L‐[ring‐13C6]phenylalanine in tissue protein using the weighed plasma L‐[ring‐13C6]phenylalanine enrichments as the precursor pool.

Results

Five male patients and three female patients with a mean age of 67 ± 2 years were included into this study. Plasma L‐[ring‐13C6]phenylalanine enrichments (6–9 mole per cent excess) did not change during surgery (P = 0.60). Pancreatic tumour protein synthesis rates were 2.6‐fold lower than surrounding pancreatic tissue protein synthesis rates (0.268 ± 0.053 vs. 0.694 ± 0.228%/h, respectively; P = 0.028) and 1.7‐fold lower than liver protein synthesis rates (0.268 ± 0.053 vs. 0.448 ± 0.043%/h, respectively; P = 0.046). Among healthy organ samples, protein synthesis rates were 20‐fold and 13‐fold higher in pancreas and liver, respectively, compared with skeletal muscle tissue (0.694 ± 0.228 and 0.448 ± 0.043 vs. 0.035 ± 0.005%/h, respectively; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Liver and pancreas tissue protein synthesis rates are higher when compared with pancreatic tumour and skeletal muscle tissue protein synthesis rates and can, therefore, strongly impact whole‐body protein metabolism in vivo in humans.
Prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B virus infection in Middle‐Limburg Belgium, year 2017: Importance of migration
Authors: Koc Özgür M. , Kremer Cécile , Bielen Rob , Buscchots Dana , Hens Niel , Nevens Frederik , Robaeys Geert
Published: March 2019

Background and Aim

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence study performed in 2003 in Belgium is believed to be underestimating HBV prevalence due to underrepresentation of the non‐Belgian population. Therefore, we assessed the prevalence and risk factors of HBV infection in a multi‐ethnic region situated in Middle‐Limburg Belgium, in 2017.

Methods

Between May and November 2017, blood samples and questionnaires were taken from patients who presented at the emergency department of a large educational hospital. Blood samples were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antibodies (anti‐HBc). A sample size of 1000 persons was required to obtain a representative sample of the general Middle‐Limburg population.

Results

Of the 1131 patients screened, the overall HBsAg prevalence was 0.97% with differences between Belgians (0.67%) and first‐generation‐migrants (2.55%), (P = 0.015). Five (45.5%) of 11 HBsAg‐positive individuals were not aware of their HBV status. All five (100%) newly diagnosed HBsAg‐positive patients had further clinical evaluation and all had a normal level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT). The prevalence of anti‐HBc was 8.4%, and was significantly associated with age‐gender‐ethnicity interaction, presence of HBV‐infected household member, hepatitis C virus infection, men who have sex with men, and hemodialysis.

Conclusions

In this area with large immigrant populations, we found a higher prevalence of HBV infection compared with the nationwide study of 2003. National HBV screening for first‐generation migrants is needed as this high‐risk group will go unnoticed due to the possible incorrect interpretation of normal ALT values.