bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revitalizing Spin Natural Orbital Analysis: Electronic Structures of Mixed‐Valence Compounds, Singlet Biradicals, and Antiferromagnetically Coupled Systems
Authors: Sheong FuKit , Zhang Jing‐Xuan , Lin Zhenyang
Published: January 2019

Chemical systems with open‐shell electronic structure have been gaining attention these days. Their potential applications in first‐row transition metal catalysis, molecular wires, photovoltaics and other potential applications have urged the adoption of a simple analysis tool to better understand their open‐shell electronic structures, especially the role played by the unpaired electrons. Despite its lack of popularity, spin natural orbital (SNO) analysis is a tool we found to well‐suit this purpose. We have therefore re‐examined how the SNO could help us analyze some interesting open‐shell systems, including mixed‐valence compounds, singlet biradicals, and antiferromagnetically coupled systems. We found that some interesting patterns emerge from SNO analysis, especially those associated with exchange interaction. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DnaJ chaperones contribute to canalization
Authors: Hughes Samantha , Vrinds Inge , de Roo Joris , Francke Christof , Shimeld Sebastian M. , Woollard Alison , Sato Atsuko
Published: January 2019

Canalization, an intrinsic robustness of development to external (environmental) or internal (genetic) perturbations, was first proposed over half a century ago. However, whether the robustness to environmental stress (environmental canalization [EC]) and to genetic variation (genetic canalization) are underpinned by the same molecular basis remains elusive. The recent discovery of the involvement of two endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐associated DnaJ genes in developmental buffering, orthologues of which are conserved across Metazoa, indicates that the role of ER‐associated DnaJ genes might be conserved across the animal kingdom. To test this, we surveyed the ER‐associated DnaJ chaperones in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We then quantified the phenotype, in the form of variance and mean of seam cell counts, from RNA interference knockdown of DnaJs under three different temperatures. We find that seven out of eight ER‐associated DnaJs are involved in either EC or microenvironmental canalization. Moreover, we also found two DnaJ genes not specifically associated with ER (DNAJC2/dnj‐11 and DNAJA2/dnj‐19) were involved in canalization. Protein expression pattern showed that these DnaJs are upregulated by heat stress, yet not all of them are expressed in the seam cells. Moreover, we found that most of the buffering DnaJs also control lifespan. We therefore concluded that a number of DnaJ chaperones, not limited to those associated with the ER, are involved in canalization as a part of the complex system that underlies development.
Using the diffusion of innovations model to guide participant engagement in the genomics era
Authors: Lewis Katie L. , Facio Flavia M. , Berrios Courtney D.
Published: January 2019

Exome and genome sequencing (EGS) are increasingly the genetic testing modalities of choice among researchers owing to their ready availability, low cost, and large data output. Recruitment of larger, more diverse cohorts into long‐term studies with extensive data collection is fundamental to the success of EGS research and to the widespread benefit of genomic medicine to various populations. Effective engagement will be critical to meeting this demand. The Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) model provides a framework for how new technologies are adopted in communities, including antecedents of an individual's decision to adopt the technology, how the technology's attributes influence its acceptability, the predictors of sustained use of that technology, and its diffusion through society. We apply the DOI model to frame participant engagement in EGS research and to guide the proposal of potential strategies that aim to overcome forecasted challenges. Finally, we suggest a variety of ways genetic counselors can apply their skills and training to the development and implementation of these strategies.
Development and differentiation of the reproductive system of Tropidurus catalanensis (Squamata: Tropiduridae)
Authors: Delssin Andrea Raquel , Sandoval María Teresa , Ortiz Martin Alejandro , Alvarez Blanca Beatriz
Published: January 2019

Development and differentiation of the reproductive system in lizards begin in the embryonic period, although the stage and time of their occurrence vary according to populations and species. In this study, the events of the development and differentiation of the reproductive system of males and females of Tropidurus catalanensis were characterized during the embryonic, neonatal, and juvenile periods. Embryos at Stages 27, 34, 37, 40, and 41, neonates and juveniles, from Corrientes, Argentina, were analyzed. At Stage 27, the genital ridge was not observed but primordial germ cells were recorded in the yolk sac as well as the mesenteric mesenchyme, indicating the beginning of germ cell migration. Gonadal differentiation commenced at Stage 34. In males from Stage 37, the testes possessed seminiferous cords with Sertoli cells and spermatogonia, while in hatchlings seminiferous tubules and interstitial tissue with mature Leydig cells were present. Spermatogenesis was observed in a specimen of 51.9 mm snout‐vent length, corresponding to the minimum reproductive size. In females, from Stage 37 until hatching, the ovaries had a cavernous medulla and a cortex with somatic cells and abundant oogonia. The onset of meiosis and folliculogenesis occurred in the juvenile period.
Sexual reproduction of the placental brooder Celleporella hyalina (Bryozoa, Cheilostomata) in the White Sea
Authors: Nekliudova Uliana A. , Schwaha Thomas F. , Kotenko Olga N. , Gruber Daniela , Cyran Norbert , Ostrovsky Andrew N.
Published: January 2019

The evolution of parental care is a central field in many ecological and evolutionary studies, but integral approaches encompassing various life‐history traits are not common. Else, the structure, development and functioning of the placental analogues in invertebrates are poorly understood. Here, we describe the life‐history, sexual colony dynamics, oogenesis, fertilization and brooding in the boreal‐Arctic cheilostome bryozoan Celleporella hyalina. This placental brooder incubates its progeny in calcified protective chambers (ovicells) formed by polymorphic sexual zooids. We conducted a detailed ultrastructural study of the ovary and oogenesis, and provide evidence of both auto‐ and heterosynthetic mechanisms of vitellogenesis. We detected sperm inside the early oocyte and within funicular strands, and discuss possible variants of fertilization. We also detail the development and functioning of the placental analogue (embryophore) in the various stages of embryonic incubation as well as embryonic histotrophic nourishment. In contrast to all known cheilostome placentas, the main part of embryophore of C. hyalina is not a single cell layer. Rather, it is a massive “nutritive tissue” whose basal part is associated with funicular strands presumably providing transport function. C. hyalina shows a mixture of reproductive traits with macrolecithal oogenesis and well‐developed placenta. These features give it an intermediate position in the continuum of variation of matrotrophic provisioning between lecithotrophic and placentotrophic cheilostome brooders. The structural and developmental differences revealed in the placental analogue of C. hyalina, together with its position on the bryozoan molecular tree, point to the independent origin of placentation in the family Hippothoidae.
Catheter ablation for treatment of atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Agasthi Pradyumna , Lee Justin Z. , Amin Mustapha , Al‐Saffar Farah , Goel Vasudha , Tseng Andrew , Almader‐Douglas Diana , Killu Ammar M. , Deshmukh Abhishek J. , Del‐Carpio Munoz Freddy , Mulpuru Siva K.
Published: January 2019

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) among patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Our primary aim was to evaluate patient‐centered outcomes and surrogate outcomes following catheter ablation (CA) of AF among patients with HFrEF compared to standard medical therapy with or without device therapy (atrioventricular node ablation and cardiac resynchronization therapy).

Methods

A systematic literature review was performed limiting our searches to randomized control trials reporting outcomes of CA compared to standard medical therapy with or without device therapy were included. Patient‐centered outcomes were relative reduction in all‐cause mortality, heart failure readmissions, and recurrence of AF. Surrogate outcomes of interest were change in ejection fraction, change in peak oxygen consumption, reduction in brain natriuretic peptide levels, change in 6‐minute walk distance, and change in Minnesota living with heart failure score.

Results

Seven randomized control trials (Patient n = 721) met our inclusion criteria. All trials used radiofrequency energy for CA of AF. CA for AF was associated with significantly lower all‐cause mortality (Risk ratio [RR] = 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.35‐0.76, P = 0.001, I2 = 0%), lower rate of heart failure readmission (RR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.46‐0.74, P < 0.001, I2 = 0%) and lower rate of AF recurrence (RR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.22‐0.50, P < 0.001, I2 = 68%) as compared to standard medical therapy. Surrogate outcomes showed a similar benefit favoring CA.

Conclusion and Relevance

Catheter ablation for AF in HFrEF is associated with improvement in patient‐centered outcomes and surrogate outcomes when compared to standard medical therapy with or without device therapy.
Sustained‐release subdermal buprenorphine implants: the future of opioid use disorder management?
Authors: Shephard Christopher J. , Drovandi Aaron D.
Published: January 2019

Aim

To discuss the use of 6‐monthly buprenorphine implants for maintenance treatment of opioid use disorder and the potential clinical implications if approved in Australia.

Data sources

MEDLINE, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and Web of Science were searched using the key terms ‘buprenorphine implant’, ‘opioid dependence’ and ‘Probuphine’ for articles published between January 2000 and August 2017.

Study selection

English‐language, peer‐reviewed articles were eligible for inclusion if they evaluated the effectiveness of buprenorphine implants for opioid dependence.

Results

After implantation, an initial pulse is followed by an exponential decline to a non‐fluctuating buprenorphine plasma concentration sustained over 6 months. In a double‐blind randomised controlled trial, buprenorphine implants were non‐inferior to low‐to‐moderate doses of sublingual buprenorphine (SLB) in clinically stable abstinent patients, with 6‐month abstinence being superior to SLB. Adverse effects are comparable to established buprenorphine preparations, although local issues from surgical implantation and explantation procedures appear commonplace, necessitating risk evaluation and mitigation strategies. No studies compared implantable buprenorphine to methadone, which retains patients in therapy more effectively than SLB at a fixed and low dose. Implants offer potential cost savings over SLB, with biannual dosing and tamper‐proof characteristics poised to address issues such as poor adherence, misuse, diversion and inadvertent exposures.

Conclusion

Buprenorphine implants have expanded the therapeutic repertoire for opioid use disorder, offering greater opportunity for treatment individualisation. Implants are currently indicated for a small subset of patients who have first demonstrated clinical stability on low‐to‐moderate doses of SLB. Preliminary data highlight their potential to hypothetically supersede existing treatment modalities in appropriately selected candidates.
Separation of six compounds from pigeon pea leaves by elution–extrusion counter‐current chromatography
Authors: He Xiaoai , Zhang Huichen , Liang Xianrui
Published: January 2019

A valid and reliable method was established to separate six compounds from pigeon pea leaves via elution‐extrusion counter‐current chromatography. A solvent system composed of n‐hexane/methanol/formic acid aqueous solution with pH = 3 (10:6:4, v/v) was screened to achieve satisfactory isolation from the ethanol extract of pigeon pea leaves. Four compounds, 9.2 mg of compound 1 (96.8%), 3.2 mg of 2 (88.0%), 6.2 mg of 4 (94.2%) and 25.2 mg of 5 (94.2%), were obtained by conventional elution from 100 mg of the precipitation fraction, respectively. Two compounds, 14.4 mg of 3 (96.3%) and 28.1 mg of 6 (96.6%), with high K values were obtained by the subsequent extrusion procedure. The compounds 1–6 were identified as 3‐methoxy‐5‐(2‐phenylethenyl)‐phenol, pinostrobin chalcone, pinostrobin, 2‐hydroxy‐4‐methoxy‐6‐(2‐phenylvinyl)‐benzoic acid, longistylin C and cajaninstilbene acid by quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The in vitro antiproliferation activities of compounds 1, 5 and 6 against human hepatoma cell were evaluated and the half‐maximum inhibitory concentrations were acquired.
Solar‐Powered Point‐of‐Care Sonography: Our Himalayan Experience
Authors: Nolting Laura , Baker Daniel , Hardy Zachary , Kushinka Marc , Brown Heather A.
Published: January 2019

The benefits of sonography utilization in low‐resource communities has been thoroughly demonstrated in the literature.1–3 As ultrasound units have become smaller and more portable, the feasibility of bringing these imaging devices into more remote areas is becoming a reality. One factor that limits ultrasound use in austere environments is battery life. Although solar power has been used for oxygen delivery5,6 in resource‐limited settings, its use in sonography has not been previously described. This report describes the use of a Lumify (Philips; Amsterdam, Netherlands) for a month‐long trip into a remote Himalayan region of India powered exclusively with an Anker (Shenzhen, China) solar panel for the entirety of the trip.

According to the Palmetto Health Institutional Review Board, this does not qualify as “research” as defined by the US Department of Health and Human Services and therefore does not meet the requirements for institutional review board review.
Role of Ultrasound to Monitor Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treated With a Local Corticosteroid
Authors: Chakkalakkoombil Sunitha Vellathussery , Nair Pradeep Pankajakshan , Govindarajalou Ramkumar , Barathi Deepak , Marusani Revanth , Kumar Kottyen Thazhath Harichandra
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is an entrapment neuropathy resulting from compression of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel (CT). We assessed the role of high‐resolution ultrasound (US) in monitoring patients with CTS treated with corticosteroid injection.

Methods

We performed high‐resolution US evaluations of the wrists of patients with CTS before and after treatment with local corticosteroid. Thirty‐nine and 17 wrists were included for analysis at the end of 1 and 3 months, respectively. The cross‐sectional area (CSA) and anteroposterior diameter (APD) of the median nerve at the CT and clinical and electrophysiologic data were recorded. We assessed whether changes in US measurements before and after the treatment correlated with clinical and electrophysiologic parameters.

Results

The Boston symptom severity scale (p < .01), Boston functional status scale (p < .01), median nerve motor latency (p = .017), median nerve sensory velocity (p = .003), and difference in motor latencies (p = 0.03) and difference in sensory latencies (p = .03) between median and ulnar nerves showed significant changes over 1 or/and 3 months compared to baseline values. Changes in the CSA and APD correlated with changes in some clinical and electrophysiologic parameters. However, measurements of the CSA and APD at 1 or 3 months were not significantly different from baseline values.

Conclusions

High‐resolution US parameters such as the APD and CSA of the median nerve at the CT inlet were not useful to monitor patients with CTS treated with corticosteroid injections.
Convective Patterns in Solution‐Casted Films from Acylated Hyaluronan
Authors: Chmelař Josef , Mrazek Jiri , Dusankova Marcela , Novotny Jaroslav , Velebny Vladimir
Published: January 2019

The evaporation of thin solution layers is an important process taking place in fields such as distillation, coating, or thin film manufacturing. Under suitable conditions, evaporation can induce convective flow by creating gradients in surface tension (Bénard–Marangoni instability) or density. These phenomena have been studied by many authors, but detailed and illustrative visualizations of real experiments are surprisingly scarce compared to simulation results and drawn schemes. Therefore, detailed and representative visualizations of regular Bénard–Marangoni convective cell patterns are provided in solution‐casted films from acylated hyaluronan. The visualizations agree with predictions made in the literature, thus providing important experimental validation. Most importantly, structures resulting from both horizontal and vertical convective flow are clearly visible. In a subsequent parametric study, the effects of selected parameters on the size of the convective cells are elucidated. The results suggest that the cell size increases with increasing solution layer height and increasing polymer concentration, while no statistically significant effect is observed for the degree of hyaluronan substitution.
Starshapedness of the superlevel sets of solutions to equations involving the fractional Laplacian in starshaped rings
Authors: Jarohs Sven , Kulczycki Tadeusz , Salani Paolo
Published: January 2019

We study solutions of the problem

urn:x-wiley:0025584X:media:mana201700226:mana201700226-math-0001

where are open sets such that , , and f is a nonlinearity. Under different assumptions on f we prove that, if D0 and D1 are starshaped with respect to the same point , then the same occurs for every superlevel set of u.
The impact of visualizing use versus acquisition of a product on the appeal of its complement
Authors: Zemack‐Rugar Yael , Rabino Rebecca
Published: January 2019

Prior work on consumer visualization has focused on how visualization increases the appeal of the imagined product itself. Instead, the present work examines the effects of visualization on the appeal of the imagined product's complement. The authors distinguish between two visualized consumption actions: use and acquisition. Both are predicted to increase the appeal of the complement, but this increase is expected to be asymmetric, with imagined acquisition leading to a greater increase than imagined use. Specifically, the authors propose that imagining use evokes consideration of how one would interact with the product, which increases the salience of the imagined product's attributes. Conversely, imagining acquisition evokes consideration of why one would purchase the product, which increases the salience of the imagined product's goals. As complementarity is defined by products’ shared goals (not physical attributes), it is predicted and shown that imagining acquisition results in a greater increase in the appeal of the complement than imagining use. Four studies demonstrate the asymmetric effect of imagined use versus acquisition on preference, choice, and willingness‐to‐pay for a complement. The studies also provide evidence for the proposed process and rule out several alternative explanations. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Enhanced hyperpolarized chemical shift imaging based on a priori segmented information
Authors: Farkash Gil , Markovic Stefan , Novakovic Mihajlo , Frydman Lucio
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to develop an approach for improving the resolution and sensitivity of hyperpolarized 13C MRSI based on a priori anatomical information derived from featured, water‐based 1H images.

Methods

A reconstruction algorithm exploiting 1H MRI for the redefinition of the 13C MRSI anatomies was developed, based on a modification of the spectroscopy with linear algebraic modeling (SLAM) principle. To enhance 13C spatial resolution and reduce spillover effects without compromising SNR, this model was extended by endowing it with a search allowing smooth variations in the 13C MR intensity within the targeted regions of interest.

Results

Experiments were performed in vitro on enzymatic solutions and in vivo on rodents, based on the administration of 13C‐enriched hyperpolarized pyruvate and urea. The spectral images reconstructed for these substrates and from metabolic products based on predefined 1H anatomical compartments using the new algorithm, compared favorably with those arising from conventional Fourier‐based analyses of the same data. The new approach also delivered reliable kinetic 13C results, for the kind of processes and timescales usually targeted by hyperpolarized MRSI.

Conclusion

A simple, flexible strategy is introduced to boost the sensitivity and resolution provided by hyperpolarized 13C MRSI, based on readily available 1H MR information.
Simian immunodeficiency virus transiently increases brain temperature in rhesus monkeys: detection with magnetic resonance spectroscopy thermometry
Authors: Mintzopoulos Dionyssios , Ratai Eva‐Maria , He Julian , Gonzalez Ramon Gilberto , Kaufman Marc J.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

To evaluate brain temperature effects of early simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection in rhesus macaques using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) thermometry (MRSt) and to determine whether temperature correlates with brain choline or myo‐inositol levels.

Methods

Brain temperature was retrospectively determined in serial MRS scans that had been acquired at baseline and at 2 and 4 weeks post‐SIV infection (wpi) in 16 monkeys by calculating the chemical shift difference between N‐acetylaspartate (NAA) and water peaks in sequentially acquired water‐suppressed and unsuppressed point‐resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) spectra. Frontal and parietal cortex, basal ganglia, and white matter spectra were analyzed.

Results

At 2 wpi, brain and rectal temperatures increased relative to baseline and normalized at 4 wpi. Brain temperatures correlated with choline levels in several brain areas, but not with myo‐inositol levels.

Conclusion

These data indicate that SIV transiently increases brain temperature soon after infection and that temperature is correlated with transient changes in choline levels. Given that choline levels are associated with brain inflammation in SIV‐infected monkeys, our findings suggest that the SIV‐induced temperature increase reflects brain inflammation. We conclude that MRSt may be informative in human immunodeficiency virus models and may be useful for assessing effects of treatments that reduce inflammation. This study also illustrates that existing MRS data sets containing unsuppressed water spectra can be used to measure tissue temperature, an important physiological parameter.
A novel bioreactor for combined magnetic resonance spectroscopy and optical imaging of metabolism in 3D cell cultures
Authors: Cox Benjamin L. , Erickson‐Bhatt Sarah , Szulczewski Joseph M. , Squirrell Jayne M. , Ludwig Kai D. , Macdonald Erin B. , Swader Robert , Ponik Suzanne M. , Eliceiri Kevin W. , Fain Sean B.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) of endogenous fluorescent metabolites permits the measurement of cellular metabolism in cell, tissue and animal models. In parallel, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of dynamic nuclear (hyper)polarized (DNP) 13C‐pyruvate enables measurement of metabolism at larger in vivo scales. Presented here are the design and initial application of a bioreactor that connects these 2 metabolic imaging modalities in vitro, using 3D cell cultures.

Methods

The model fitting for FLIM data analysis and the theory behind a model for the diffusion of pyruvate into a collagen gel are detailed. The device is MRI‐compatible, including an optical window, a temperature control system and an injection port for the introduction of contrast agents. Three‐dimensional printing, computer numerical control machining and laser cutting were used to fabricate custom parts.

Results

Performance of the bioreactor is demonstrated for 4 T1 murine breast cancer cells under glucose deprivation. Mean nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) fluorescence lifetimes were 10% longer and hyperpolarized 13C lactate:pyruvate (Lac:Pyr) ratios were 60% lower for glucose‐deprived 4 T1 cells compared to 4 T1 cells in normal medium. Looking at the individual components of the NADH fluorescent lifetime, τ1 (free NADH) showed no significant change, while τ2 (bound NADH) showed a significant increase, suggesting that the increase in mean lifetime was due to a change in bound NADH.

Conclusion

A novel bioreactor that is compatible with, and can exploit the benefits of, both FLIM and 13C MRS in 3D cell cultures for studies of cell metabolism has been designed and applied.
Cliff retreat of permafrost coast in south‐west Baydaratskaya Bay, Kara Sea, during 2005–2016
Authors: Isaev V.S. , Koshurnikov A.V. , Pogorelov A. , Amangurov R.M. , Podchasov O. , Sergeev D.O. , Buldovich S.N. , Aleksyutina D.M. , Grishakina E.A. , Kioka A.
Published: January 2019

Recent years of increasing air temperature in the Arctic have led to a significant increase in the rate of retreat of permafrost coast, which has threatened livelihoods and infrastructure in these areas. The Kara Sea hosts more than 25% of the total Arctic coastline. However, little is known about how coastal erosion in the Kara Sea may have changed through time, and the climatic and environmental drivers remain unclear. Here we study coastal dynamics along a 4‐km stretch of permafrost and sea‐ice‐affected coastline in south‐west Baydaratskaya Bay of the Kara Sea, western Siberia, between 2005 and 2016, by using handheld differential GPS mapping and satellite imagery. We identified temporal and spatial variations in the retreat rates, ranging between 1.0 (+0.1/−0.6) and 1.9 (+0.7/−1.3) m/yr over the studied coastline during 2005–2016. We also made ground temperature measurements, subsurface resistivity measurements and estimates of wave energy flux of wind‐driven ocean waves, to investigate the dominant climatic factors influencing the observed retreat rates through time. We found that wind‐driven wave activity during sea‐ice‐free days influences the magnitude of coastal retreat in the study area, while recent temperature rise has contributed less to enhancing coastal retreat during the study period. This suggests that the amount of eroded sediment and the associated release of nutrient to the nearshore zone are controlled by the magnitude of wave activity, which may influence infrastructure along the permafrost coast and marine ecosystems in the proximal ocean.
Expression of MUC1 in eosinophilic metaplasia of the prostate
Authors: Koleva Maria , Dikov Dorian , Belovejdov Veselin , Sarafian Victoria
Published: January 2019

Background

Eosinophilic metaplasia (EM) in the prostate is characterized by the presence of eosinophilic cytoplasmic granules in benign prostatic epithelium. These granules show exocrine‐type morphology and positive expression for prostate specific antigen (PSA) and some lysosomal markers. The nature and the full immunohistochemical profile of the granules of EM have not been studied in detail yet.

Aim

The aim of the current study is to investigate the expression of epithelial mucins (MUCs) in prostatic epithelium with EM.

Methods

Twenty specimens from transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) were reviewed for the presence of EM and were stained with Periodic acid‐Schiff's procedure with diastase digestion (PAS.D) and immunostained with PSA and MUCs: MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC6.

Results

The EM‐foci of all prostate glands are PAS.D, PSA positive and show constant immunoreactivity for MUC1. The expression of MUC1 is with membranous and cytoplasmic localization: predominantly apical with membranous accentuation in the cases of EM with large eosinophilic granules, and perinuclear in EM with small eosinophilic granules. There is no expression of other MUCs (MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC6) in prostatic EM.

Conclusion

We report for the first time that eosinophilic cytoplasmic granules in prostatic EM are MUC1 positive and can vary in size. Based on our immunohistochemical study we suggest that EM of the prostate is not a form of mucinous metaplasia. The present results enrich the available information about the immunophenotype of EM. We assume that MUC1 might serve as a reliable and constant, although nonspecific, immunohistochemical marker of benign EM‐phenotype.
Transovarial effects of insect growth regulators on Stephanitis pyrioides (Hemiptera: Tingidae)
Authors: Joseph Shimat V
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Azalea lace bug, Stephanitis pyrioides (Scott) (Hemiptera: Tingidae) is a serious insect pest of azaleas (Rhododendron L. spp.) in the USA. S. pyrioides feeding causes chlorosis, which affects the aesthetic value and marketability of azalea plants. Management of S. pyrioides primarily involves neonicotinoid insecticides and their use has been drastically reduced or discontinued. Insect growth regulators (IGRs) are known to elicit transovarial activity as IGR‐exposed adults produce non‐viable eggs, which is not documented for S. pyrioides. Thus, transovarial activity of novaluron, azadirachtin, pyriproxyfen and buprofezin has been explored against S. pyrioides.

RESULTS

A low number of S. pyrioides young instars was produced when adults were exposed to topical novaluron compared with non‐treated adults. When adults contacted dried residues of novaluron and buprofezin, production of young instars was reduced relative to non‐treated controls. When insects exposed to 1.0× and < 1.0× doses of novaluron were compared, the number of young instars produced was similar.

CONCLUSION

Transovarial activity was elicited in S. pyrioides when adults were exposed to IGRs, especially novaluron. When adults were exposed to < 1.0× (up to 0.25×) and 1.0× doses of novaluron, the transovarial effect was similar. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
High‐Pressure Neutron Diffraction Study of LaCoO3
Authors: Capone Mara , Ridley Christopher J. , Funnell Nicholas P. , Guthrie Malcolm , Bull Craig L.
Published: January 2019

The authors report a high‐pressure variable‐temperature neutron diffraction study of LaCoO3, from ambient to 6 GPa at 120, 290, and 480 K. The authors see no evidence for previously‐reported discontinuities in the CoO and LaO distances in the pressure and temperature ranges studied. Such discontinuities have previously been attributed to the well‐documented spin‐state transition of the Co3+ cation (from , S = 1 →, S = 0), the authors conclude that manifestations of the electronic configuration of LaCoO3 are not evident in the crystallographic structure upon pressurization. The authors also report bulk moduli for each of these temperatures as 134(2), 135(1), and 111(1) GPa, respectively, as fitted to a second‐order Birch–Murnaghan equation of state.
Nested combination tests with a time‐to‐event endpoint using a short‐term endpoint for design adaptations
Authors: Jörgens Silke , Wassmer Gernot , König Franz , Posch Martin
Published: January 2019

Adaptive trial methodology for multiarmed trials and enrichment designs has been extensively discussed in the past. A general principle to construct test procedures that control the family‐wise Type I error rate in the strong sense is based on combination tests within a closed test. Using survival data, a problem arises when using information of patients for adaptive decision making, which are under risk at interim. With the currently available testing procedures, either no testing of hypotheses in interim analyses is possible or there are restrictions on the interim data that can be used in the adaptation decisions as, essentially, only the interim test statistics of the primary endpoint may be used. We propose a general adaptive testing procedure, covering multiarmed and enrichment designs, which does not have these restrictions. An important application are clinical trials, where short‐term surrogate endpoints are used as basis for trial adaptations, and we illustrate how such trials can be designed. We propose statistical models to assess the impact of effect sizes, the correlation structure between the short‐term and the primary endpoint, the sample size, the timing of interim analyses, and the selection rule on the operating characteristics.
Blinded sample size reestimation in event‐driven clinical trials: Methods and an application in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Friede Tim , Pohlmann Harald , Schmidli Heinz
Published: January 2019

Motivated by a recently completed trial in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, we developed blinded sample size reestimation procedures for clinical trials with time‐to‐event endpoint and assessed their properties in simulation studies. Assuming independent right‐censoring and proportional hazards for the two treatment groups, we considered event‐driven designs with fixed number of events, which guarantees the power to be at a desired level under a certain alternative. We develop reestimation procedures based on parametric models and show that these maintain the expected duration of the trial at a target length in flexible follow‐up designs across a range of nuisance parameter values by adjusting the number of patients recruited into the trial based on blinded nuisance parameter estimates. Furthermore, we provide convincing evidence from a simulation study that such procedures proposed do not inflate the type I error rate in any practically relevant way, thereby satisfying the standards set by relevant international guidelines. Inspired by practical application of these procedures, we outline a number of extensions including methods for extrapolating the observed survival curve beyond the interim time point, application of reestimation procedures to interval censored data, and situations in which a confirmation of event is required leading to a certain lag time.
The phytochemical and anti‐inflammatory studies of Dillenia suffruticosa leaves
Authors: Abubakar Saifullah , Al‐Mansoub Majed Ahmed , Murugaiyah Vikneswaran , Chan Kit‐Lam
Published: January 2019

The Dillenia suffruticosa leaves (Dilleniaceae), a folk medicine recommended in Southeast Asia for treating inflammation, were phytochemically studied for the first time and assessed for suppression of λ‐carrageenan‐induced paw oedema in rats. The crude methanolic extract orally administered at 5,000 mg/kg, displayed no toxicity and at 250 to 1,000 mg/kg significantly suppressed the paw oedema. Two‐isolated triterpenoids, betulinic acid (1) and koetjapic acid (2) orally administered at 50 mg/kg, significantly reduced the paw oedema, (p < 0.001) and (p < 0.005) at the fourth h onwards to 47.36% ± 2.23 and 53.43% ± 7.09, respectively, from 95.90% ± 6.88 oedema induced by λ‐carrageenan alone. 1 and the isolated flavonoids of vitexin (3), tiliroside (4), and kaempferol (5), displayed moderately more of cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 than COX‐1 enzyme inhibition, whereas 2 was slightly more inhibition of COX‐1. The in silico molecular docking studies provided support to the in vitro COX studies that the isolated compounds formed H‐bonding with the amino acid residues at the COX‐2 catalytic sites. The triterpenoids were bound to the peroxidase, possibly inhibiting the peroxidase reaction, whereas the flavonoids interacted more at the cyclooxygenase, resembling celecoxib, therefore providing evidences that these compounds were responsible for the anti‐inflammatory properties of D. suffruticosa.
Effect of panaxytriol on cytochrome P450 3A4 via the pregnane X receptor regulatory pathway
Authors: Wu Jie , Yao Na , Hu Qingqing , Liu Mingyi , Zhang Hong , Xiong Yuqing , Hu Jinfang , Xia Chunhua
Published: January 2019

Panaxytriol (PXT) is one of the major effective components of red ginseng and Shenmai injection. The present study aimed to explore the effect of PXT on cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) based on the pregnane X receptor (PXR)–CYP3A4 regulatory pathway in HepG2 cells and hPXR‐overexpressing HepG2 cells treated with PXT for different time periods using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and dual‐luciferase reporter gene assays. PXT could upregulate the levels of PXR and CYP3A4 mRNA in HepG2 cells treated with PXT for 1 hr, with no impact on the expression of their protein levels. The expression levels of both PXR and CYP3A4 mRNA and protein in HepG2 cells treated with PXT for 24 hr increased in a concentration‐dependent manner. The effects of PXT on the expression of PXR and CYP3A4 mRNA and protein in hPXR‐overexpressing HepG2 cells were similar to those in HepG2 cells. Moreover, the influence trend of PXT on CYP3A4 was consistent with that of PXR in HepG2 cells and hPXR‐overexpressing HepG2 cells. The dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay in HepG2 cells further demonstrated that PXT treatment for specific time periods could significantly induce the expression of CYP3A4 mediated by the PXR regulatory pathway.
Ab‐initio study of electronic, optical, thermal, and transport properties of Cr4AlB6
Authors: Rastogi Anugya , Rajpoot Priyanka , Rastogi Rupali , Verma Udai P.
Published: January 2019

Theoretical investigation of different physical parameters of Cr4AlB6 have been done within the framework of density functional theory. Cr4AlB6 is a no band gap material. Its Cr‐3d states contributes the most at the Fermi level. Thermal properties are investigated using quasi‐harmonic Debye model as implemented in Gibbs code for different values of pressure and temperature. Study of transport property suggests that its electrical conductivity increases nonlinearly with increase in temperature but the relative change in its value is very low whereas its thermal conductivity increases linearly with the increase in temperature and relative increase in thermal conductivity is very high. The behavior of Cr4AlB6 is anisotropic and property is ceramic. It has potential applications in making ceramic capacitors. Its reflectivity is high in low energy region. It suggests that material can be used as coating material for far‐infrared radiation. Study of the transport property suggests that because of very high value of thermal conductivity, it can be used for heat sink applications.
Improved H∞ sampled‐data control for semilinear parabolic PDE systems
Authors: Wu Huai‐Ning , Wang Zi‐Peng , Li Han‐Xiong
Published: January 2019

In this paper, an H∞ sampled‐data control problem is addressed for semilinear parabolic partial differential equation (PDE) systems. By using a time‐dependent Lyapunov functional and vector Poincare's inequality, a sampled‐data controller under spatially averaged measurements is developed to stabilize exponentially the PDE system with an H∞ control performance. The stabilization condition is presented in terms of a set of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, simulation results on the control of the diffusion equation and the FitzHugh‐Nagumo equation are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed design method.
Using simulation studies to evaluate statistical methods
Authors: Morris Tim P. , White Ian R. , Crowther Michael J.
Published: January 2019

Simulation studies are computer experiments that involve creating data by pseudo‐random sampling. A key strength of simulation studies is the ability to understand the behavior of statistical methods because some “truth” (usually some parameter/s of interest) is known from the process of generating the data. This allows us to consider properties of methods, such as bias. While widely used, simulation studies are often poorly designed, analyzed, and reported. This tutorial outlines the rationale for using simulation studies and offers guidance for design, execution, analysis, reporting, and presentation. In particular, this tutorial provides a structured approach for planning and reporting simulation studies, which involves defining aims, data‐generating mechanisms, estimands, methods, and performance measures (“ADEMP”); coherent terminology for simulation studies; guidance on coding simulation studies; a critical discussion of key performance measures and their estimation; guidance on structuring tabular and graphical presentation of results; and new graphical presentations. With a view to describing recent practice, we review 100 articles taken from Volume 34 ofStatistics in Medicine, which included at least one simulation study and identify areas for improvement.
Understanding the Giant Gap between Single‐Pore‐ and Membrane‐Based Nanofluidic Osmotic Power Generators
Authors: Gao Jun , Liu Xueli , Jiang Yanan , Ding Liping , Jiang Lei , Guo Wei
Published: January 2019

Nanofluidic blue energy harvesting attracts great interest due to its high power density and easy‐to‐implement nature. Proof‐of‐concept studies on single‐pore platforms show that the power density approaches up to 103 to 106 W m–2. However, to translate the estimated high power density into real high power becomes a challenge in membrane‐scale applications. The actual power density from existing membrane materials is merely several watts per square meter. Understanding the origin and thereby bridging the giant gap between the single‐pore demonstration and the membrane‐scale application is therefore highly demanded. In this work, an intuitive resistance paradigm is adopted to show that this giant gap originates from the different ion transport property in porous membrane, which is dominated by both the constant reservoir resistance and the reservoir/nanopore interfacial resistance. In this case, the generated electric power becomes saturated despite the increasing pore number. The theoretical predictions are further compared with existing experimental results in literature. For both single nanopore and multipore membrane, the simulation results excellently cover the range of the experimental results. Importantly, by suppressing the reservoir and interfacial resistances, kW m–2 to MW m–2 power density can be achieved with multipore membranes, approaching the level of a single‐pore system.
Near‐Infrared Annihilation of Conductive Filaments in Quasiplane MoSe2/Bi2Se3 Nanosheets for Mimicking Heterosynaptic Plasticity
Authors: Wang Yan , Yang Jing , Wang Zhanpeng , Chen Jinrui , Yang Qing , Lv Ziyu , Zhou Ye , Zhai Yongbiao , Li Zongxiao , Han Su‐Ting
Published: January 2019

It is desirable to imitate synaptic functionality to break through the memory wall in traditional von Neumann architecture. Modulating heterosynaptic plasticity between pre‐ and postneurons by another modulatory interneuron ensures the computing system to display more complicated functions. Optoelectronic devices facilitate the inspiration for high‐performance artificial heterosynaptic systems. Nevertheless, the utilization of near‐infrared (NIR) irradiation to act as a modulatory terminal for heterosynaptic plasticity emulation has not yet been realized. Here, an NIR resistive random access memory (RRAM) is reported, based on quasiplane MoSe2/Bi2Se3 heterostructure in which the anomalous NIR threshold switching and NIR reset operation are realized. Furthermore, it is shown that such an NIR irradiation can be employed as a modulatory terminal to emulate heterosynaptic plasticity. The reconfigurable 2D image recognition is also demonstrated by an RRAM crossbar array. NIR annihilation effect in quasiplane MoSe2/Bi2Se3 nanosheets may open a path toward optical‐modulated in‐memory computing and artificial retinal prostheses.
Pfaffian particles and strings in SO(2N) gauge theories
Authors: Teper Michael
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We introduce (generalised) Pfaffian operators into our lattice calculations of the mass spectra and confining string tensions of SO(2N) gauge theories, complementing the conventional trace operators used in previous lattice calculations. In SO(6) the corresponding ‘Pfaffian’ particles match the negative charge conjugation particles of SU(4), thus resolving a puzzle arising from the observation that SO(6) and SU(4) have the same Lie algebra. The same holds true (but much more trivially) for SO(2) and U(1). For SO(4) the Pfaffian particles are degenerate with, but orthogonal to, those obtained with the usual single trace operators. That is to say, there is a doubling of the spectrum, as one might expect given that the Lie algebra of SO(4) is the same as that of SU(2) × SU(2). Additional SO(8) and SO(10) calculations of the Pfaffian spectrum confirm the naive expectation that these masses increase with N, so that they cease to play a role in the physics of SO(N) gauge theories as N → ∞. We also calculate the energies of Pfaffian ‘strings’ in these gauge theories. Although all our lattice calculations are for gauge theories in D = 2 + 1, similar conclusions should hold for D = 3 + 1.
Charged scalar-tensor solitons and black holes with (approximate) Anti-de Sitter asymptotics
Authors: Brihaye Yves , Hartmann Betti
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We discuss charged and static solutions in a shift-symmetric scalar-tensor gravity model including a negative cosmological constant. The solutions are only approximately Anti-de Sitter (AdS) asymptotically. While spherically symmetric black holes with scalar-tensor hair do exist in our model, the uncharged spherically symmetric scalar-tensor solitons constructed recently cannot be generalised to include charge. We point out that this is due to the divergence of the electric monopole at the origin of the coordinate system, while higher order multipoles are well-behaved. We also demonstrate that black holes with scalar hair exist only for horizon value larger than that of the corresponding extremal Reissner-Nordström-AdS (RNAdS) solution, i.e. that we cannot construct solutions with arbitrarily small horizon radius. We demonstrate that for fixed Q a horizon radius exists at which the specific heat C

Q
diverges — signalling a transition from thermodynamically unstable to stable black holes. In contrast to the RNAdS case, however, we have only been able to construct a stable phase of large horizon black holes, while a stable phase of small horizon black holes does not (seem to) exist.
Biometrics in air transport: no flight of fancy
Authors: Farrell Sean
Published: January 2019

The once-fanciful dream of travelling through airports and flying around the world without needing to show your passport or boarding pass at any stage in the journey is now becoming a reality. The biometric technology driving this is quickly moving from the experimental phase to full implementation in many airports worldwide – and passengers, airlines, airports and governments all stand to benefit.
Securing the new wave of non-human users
Authors: Rizkallah Juliette
Published: January 2019

It is no secret that the advent of the digital age has spurred significant progress in businesses – particularly with the rising deployment of bots and artificial intelligence (AI) to boost efficiency in the workplace. But, as with most opportunities, there are challenges. And, unfortunately for businesses, fraudsters are not lagging behind when it comes to adopting these technological innovations to support their criminal efforts. As companies increasingly embed artificially intelligent ‘workers’ to help support operations, they are unwittingly exposing themselves to further risk if not properly secured, creating additional pathways for fraudsters to infiltrate.