bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self‐Assembled Nanostructured Lipid Systems: Is There a Link between Structure and Cytotoxicity?
Authors: Tan Angel , Hong Linda , Du Joanne D. , Boyd Ben J.
Published: November 2018

Self‐assembly of lipid‐based liquid crystalline (LLC) nanoparticles is a formulation art arising from the hydrophilic–lipophilic qualities and the geometric packing of amphiphilic lipid molecules in an aqueous environment. The diversity of commercialized amphiphilic lipids and an increased understanding of the physicochemical factors dictating their membrane curvature has enabled versatile architectural design and engineering of LLC nanoparticles. While these exotic nanostructured materials are hypothesized to form the next generation of smart therapeutics for a broad field of biomedical applications, biological knowledge particularly on the systemic biocompatibility or cytotoxicity of LLC materials remains unclear. Here, an overview on the interactions between LLCs of different internal nanostructures and biological components (including soluble plasma constituents, blood cells, and isolated tissue cell lines) is provided. Factors affecting cell–nanoparticle tolerability such as the type of lipids, type of steric stabilizers, nanoparticle surface charges, and internal nanostructures (or lipid phase behaviors) are elucidated. The mechanisms of cellular uptake and lipid transfer between neighboring membrane domains are also reviewed. A critical analysis of these studies sheds light on future strategies to transform LLC materials into a viable therapeutic entity ideal for internal applications.
Bioinspired Metal Mesh Structure with Significant Electrical and Optical Properties
Authors: Sepat Neha , Sharma Vikas , Singh Satyavir , Sachdev Kanupriya
Published: November 2018

1D metal network is one of the promising alternatives of the conventional transparent conducting electrode (TCE) viz ITO/FTO. Bioinspired fabrication of junction resistance free metal grid structures is explored for their TCE applications. The leaf‐based metal grid electrodes exhibit low DC resistivity (10−5–10−4Ω cm) and high optical transparency (80–90%) in the visible spectrum. The leaf vein structures are varied to obtain better optoelectronic properties. Finally, a multilayered stacked structure (SnO2‐Ag‐Au‐SnO2) is deposited on a poly ethyl terephthalate substrate and low‐ to high‐temperature electrical stability is demonstrated. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results are used to investigate the structural study of the leaf‐based 1D structure. A minimal variation inRsvalues is seen even after 1000 times bending for the flexible transparent structure. It is demonstrated that the specific leaf vein–based metal structures can attain good optical, electrical, and mechanical performance.
Charge and Triplet Exciton Generation in Neat PC70BM Films and Hybrid CuSCN:PC70BM Solar Cells
Authors: Karuthedath Safakath , Gorenflot Julien , Firdaus Yuliar , Sit Wai‐Yu , Eisner Flurin , Seitkhan Akmaral , Ravva Mahesh Kumar , Anthopoulos Thomas D. , Laquai Frédéric
Published: November 2018

Organic solar cells that use only fullerenes as the photoactive material exhibit poor exciton‐to‐charge conversion efficiencies, resulting in low internal quantum efficiencies (IQE). However, the IQE can be greatly improved, when copper(I) thiocyanate (CuSCN) is used as a carrier‐selective interlayer between the phenyl‐C70‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC70BM) layer and the anode. Efficiencies of ≈5.4% have recently been reported for optimized CuSCN:PC70BM (1:3)‐mesostructured heterojunctions, yet the reasons causing the efficiency boost remain unclear. Here, transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy is used to demonstrate that CuSCN does not only act as a carrier‐selective electrode layer, but also facilitates fullerene exciton dissociation and hole transfer at the interface with PC70BM. While intrinsic charge generation in neat PC70BM films proceeds with low yield, hybrid films exhibit much improved exciton dissociation due to the presence of abundant interfaces. Triplet generation with a rate proportional to the product of singlet and charge concentrations is observed in neat PC70BM films, implying a charge–singlet spin exchange mechanism, while in hybrid films, this mechanism is absent and triplet formation is a consequence of nongeminate recombination of free charges. At low carrier concentrations, the fraction of charges outweighs the population of triplets, leading to respectable device efficiencies under one sun illumination.
DRD4 methylation as a potential biomarker for physical aggression: An epigenome‐wide, cross‐tissue investigation
Authors: Cecil Charlotte A. M. , Walton Esther , Pingault Jean‐Baptiste , Provençal Nadine , Pappa Irene , Vitaro Frank , Côté Sylvana , Szyf Moshe , Tremblay Richard E. , Tiemeier Henning , Viding Essi , McCrory Eamon J.
Published: November 2018

Epigenetic processes that regulate gene expression, such as DNA methylation (DNAm), have been linked to individual differences in physical aggression. Yet, it is currently unclear whether: (a) DNAm patterns in humans associate with physical aggression independently of other co‐occurring psychiatric and behavioral symptoms; (b) whether these patterns are observable across multiple tissues; and (c) whether they may function as a causal versus noncausal biomarker of physical aggression. Here, we used a multisample, cross‐tissue design to address these questions. First, we examined genome‐wide DNAm patterns (buccal swabs; Illumina 450k) associated with engagement in physical fights in a sample of high‐risk youth (n = 119; age = 16–24 years; 53% female). We identified one differentially methylated region in DRD4, which survived genome‐wide correction, associated with physical aggression above and beyond co‐occurring symptomatology (e.g., ADHD, substance use), and showed strong cross‐tissue concordance with both blood and brain. Second, we found that DNAm sites within this region were also differentially methylated in an independent sample of young adults, between individuals with a history of chronic‐high versus low physical aggression (peripheral T cells; ages 26–28). Finally, we ran a Mendelian randomization analysis using GWAS data from the EAGLE consortium to test for a causal association of DRD4 methylation with physical aggression. Only one genetic instrument was eligible for the analysis, and results provided no evidence for a causal association. Overall, our findings lend support for peripheral DRD4 methylation as a potential biomarker of physically aggressive behavior, with no evidence yet of a causal relationship.
Camouflaging Structural Diversity: Co‐crystallization of Two Different Nanoparticles Having Different Cores But the Same Shell
Authors: Bodiuzzaman Mohammad , Ghosh Atanu , Sugi Korath Shivan , Nag Abhijit , Khatun Esma , Varghese Babu , Paramasivam Ganesan , Antharjanam Sudhadevi , Natarajan Ganapati , Pradeep Thalappil
Published: November 2018

Two ligand‐protected nanoscale silver moieties, [Ag46(SPhMe2)24(PPh3)8](NO3)2 and [Ag40(SPhMe2)24(PPh3)8](NO3)2 (abbreviated as Ag46 and Ag40, respectively) with almost the same shell but different cores were synthesized simultaneously. As their external structures are identical, the clusters were not distinguishable and become co‐crystallized. The occupancy of each cluster was 50 %. The outer shell of both is composed of Ag32S24P8, which is reminiscent of fullerenes, and it encapsulates a well‐studied core, Ag14 and a completely new core, Ag8, which correspond to a face‐centered cube and a simple cube, respectively, resulting in the Ag46 and Ag40 clusters. The presence of two entities (Ag40 and Ag46 clusters) in a single crystal and their molecular formulae were confirmed by detailed electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The optical spectrum of the mixture showed unique features which were in good agreement with the results from time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT).
Evidence of Phosphonium‐Carbenium Dication Formation in a Superacid: Precursor to Fluorinated Phosphine Oxides
Authors: Castelli Ugo , Lohier Jean‐François , Drukenmüller Ines , Mingot Agnès , Bachman Christian , Alayrac Carole , Marrot Jérôme , Stierstorfer Karin , Kornath Andreas , Gaumont Annie‐Claude , Thibaudeau Sébastien
Published: November 2018

Unambiguously confirmed by low‐temperature in situ NMR experiments, X‐ray diffraction and vibrational spectroscopy, phosphonium‐carbenium superelectrophiles are shown to be generated in strong acidic conditions. Representing crucial intermediates, their exploitation allows for the synthesis of unprecedented fluorinated (cyclic) phosphine oxides.
Coiled‐Coil Peptide Beacon: A Tunable Conformational Switch for Protein Detection
Authors: Mueller Carolin , Grossmann Tom N.
Published: November 2018

The understanding of protein folding and assembly is of central importance for the design of proteins and enzymes with novel or improved functions. Minimalistic model systems, such as coiled‐coils, provide an excellent platform to improve this understanding and to construct novel molecular devices. Along those lines, we designed a conformational switch that is composed of two coiled‐coil forming peptides and a central binding epitope. In the absence of a binding partner, this switch adopts a hairpin‐like conformation that opens upon receptor binding. Variation of the coiled‐coil length modulates the strength of the intramolecular constraint. The two conformational states of this switch have been linked with characteristic fluorescent properties, which enables the detection of the receptor in real‐time.
A Dy4 Cubane: A New Member in the Single‐Molecule Toroics Family
Authors: Fernandez Garcia Guglielmo , Guettas Djamila , Montigaud Vincent , Larini Paolo , Sessoli Roberta , Totti Federico , Cador Olivier , Pilet Guillaume , Le Guennic Boris
Published: November 2018

Molecular materials that possess a toroidal moment associated to a non‐magnetic ground state are known as single‐molecule toroics (SMTs) and are usually planar molecules. Herein, we report a Dy4 cubane, namely [Dy4(Bppd)4(μ3‐OH)4(Pa)4(H2O)4]⋅0.333 H2O (where BppdH=1,3‐Bis(pyridin‐4‐yl)propane‐1,3‐dione and PaH=2‐Picolinic acid) for which magnetometry measurements and state‐of‐art ab initio calculations highlight SMT behavior in a tridimensional structure (3D‐SMT). The in‐depth theoretical analysis on the resulting low‐lying energy states, along with their variation in function of the magnetic exchange pathways, allows further light to be shed on the description of single‐molecule toroics and identify the coupling scheme that better reproduces the observed data.
Facile Synthesis of Pyridines from Propargyl Amines: Concise Total Synthesis of Suaveoline Alkaloids
Authors: Zhao Zhiwen , Wei Hongbo , Xiao Ke , Cheng Bin , Zhai Hongbin , Li Yun
Published: November 2018

A general and efficient protocol was developed for the synthesis of polysubstituted pyridines from propargyl amines and unsaturated carbonyl compounds through a tandem condensation/alkyne isomerization/6π 3‐azatriene electrocyclization sequence. This process was found to be applicable to a wide range of readily available substrates (30 examples, up to 95 % yield) and could be readily performed on a preparative (20 g) scale. By taking advantage of this method for late‐stage pyridine incorporation, we successfully completed the collective total synthesis of suveoline, norsuveoline, and macrophylline.
A Novel Understanding of Phocidae Hearing Adaptations Through a Study of Northern Elephant Seal (Mirounga angustirostris) Ear Anatomy and Histology
Authors: Smodlaka Hrvoje , Khamas Wael A. , Jungers Hali , Pan Roman , Al‐Tikriti Mohammed , Borovac Josip A. , Palmer Lauren , Bukac Martina
Published: November 2018

The most conspicuous aural adaptation in northern elephant seals (NES) is complete absence of an auricle and a tortuous collapsed external acoustic meatus. The NES epitympanic recess contains massive ossicles immersed in the middle ear cavernous sinuses. Engorgement of the cavernous sinuses would make ossicles fully buoyant during deep diving. NES have a comparatively larger cochlear nerve, which carries a significantly larger number of axons than in terrestrial mammals, which would give them auditory ability similar to the obligate marine mammals such as cetaceans. Our calculations show that the traditional “air‐dependent” impedance matching mechanism in NES functions to just half of the capacity compared with the one described in terrestrial mammals. Impedance matching would be further hindered in NES while diving due to fully collapsed external acoustic meatus. Thanks to similarities of acoustic impedance between the sea water, soft tissues, and blood sinuses, very little sound energy would be reflected and lost. When sound is generated underwater, the large ossicles, buoyant in the cavernous sinus, would not move due to oscillation of tympanic membrane. Rather, they would be oscillating due to their inertia and process of acoustic streaming. Our mathematical simulation shows that an increase in sound frequency would cause increased displacement of the stapedial footplate and thus transmit the sound energy to the inner ear. We contend that during diving, impedance matching and sound signal amplification in the middle ear courses through the cavernous sinuses and oscillates the enlarged ossicles, thus enabling a high‐frequency ultrasonic hearing range in Phocidae. Anat Rec, 302:1605–1614, 2019. © 2018 American Association for Anatomy
Carbonstäbe im Bauwesen
Authors: Schumann Alexander , May Maximilian , Curbach Manfred
Published: November 2018

Im Bauwesen findet die Verwendung von Faserverbundkunststoffen (FVK) immer mehr Anwendung. Im Speziellen werden Bewehrungsstäbe aus Carbonfasern vermehrt im Bauwesen eingesetzt, da diese resistent gegenüber Korrosion sind und für den Anwendungsfall sehr gute mechanische Eigenschaften aufweisen. Jedoch müssen bei der Verwendung von Carbonstäben wesentliche Eigenschaften beachtet werden, um sie effizient und ihrem hohen Leistungspotenzial entsprechend einzusetzen. Nach einem geschichtlichen Überblick zur Verwendung von FVK‐Stäben im Bauwesen werden in diesem Beitrag wesentliche mechanische Merkmale und grundlegende Mechanismen von Carbonstäben vorgestellt. Zusätzlich erfolgt ein Ausblick auf das Zug‐ und Verbundtragverhalten von Carbonstäben.

In geplanten Folgebeiträgen wird aufbauend auf den hier vorgestellten grundlegenden Informationen ausführlich auf das Zug‐ und Verbundtragverhalten von Carbonstäben eingegangen.
Optimal promising zone designs
Authors: Hsiao Samuel T. , Liu Lingyun , Mehta Cyrus R.
Published: November 2018

Clinical trials with adaptive sample size reassessment based on an unblinded analysis of interim results are perhaps the most popular class of adaptive designs (see Elsäßer et al., 2007). Such trials are typically designed by prespecifying a zone for the interim test statistic, termed the promising zone, along with a decision rule for increasing the sample size within that zone. Mehta and Pocock (2011) provided some examples of promising zone designs and discussed several procedures for controlling their type‐1 error. They did not, however, address how to choose the promising zone or the corresponding sample size reassessment rule, and proposed instead that the operating characteristics of alternative promising zone designs could be compared by simulation. Jennison and Turnbull (2015) developed an approach based on maximizing expected utility whereby one could evaluate alternative promising zone designs relative to a gold‐standard optimal design. In this paper, we show how, by eliciting a few preferences from the trial sponsor, one can construct promising zone designs that are both intuitive and achieve the Jennison and Turnbull (2015) gold‐standard for optimality.
Chronic alcohol exposure induced gut microbiota dysbiosis and its correlations with neuropsychic behaviors and brain BDNF/Gabra1 changes in mice
Authors: Xu Zheng , Wang Can , Dong Xiaoguang , Hu Tao , Wang Lingling , Zhao Wenbo , Zhu Shaowei , Li Guibao , Hu Yanlai , Gao Qing , Wan Jiale , Liu Zengxun , Sun Jinhao
Published: November 2018

Alcohol addiction can cause brain dysfunction and many other diseases. Recently, increasing evidences have suggested that gut microbiota plays a vital role in regulating alcohol addiction. However, the exact mechanism has not yet been elucidated. Here, our study focused on the intestinal bacteria alternations and their correlations with alcohol‐induced neuropsychic behaviors. When consuming alcohol over 3‐week period, animals gradually displayed anxiety/depression‐like behaviors. Moreover, 16S rRNA sequencing showed significant intestinal microflora dysbiosis and distinct community composition. Actinobacteria and Cyanobacteria were both increased at the phylum level. At the genus level, Adlercreutzia spp., Allobaculum spp., and Turicibacter spp. were increased whereas Helicobacter spp. was decreased. We also found that the distances in inner zone measured by open field test and 4% (v/v) alcohol preference percentages were significantly correlated with Adlercreutzia spp. The possible mechanisms were explored and we found the expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and α1 subunit of γ‐aminobutyric acid A receptor (Gabra1) were both decreased in prefrontal cortex (PFC). Especially, further correlation analyses demonstrated that decreased Adlercreutzia spp. was positively correlated with alcohol preference and negatively correlated with anxiety‐like behavior and BDNF/Gabra1 changes in PFC. Similar relationships were observed between Allobaculum spp. and alcohol preference and BDNF changes. Helicobacter spp. and Turicibacter spp. were also correlated with PFC BDNF and hippocampus Gabra1 level. Taken together, our study showed that gut microbiota dysbiosis during chronic alcohol exposure was closely correlated with alcohol‐induced neuropsychic behaviors and BDNF/Gabra1 expression, which provides a new perspective for understanding underlying mechanisms in alcohol addiction. © 2018 BioFactors, 45(2):187–199, 2019
(Un) doing gender for achieving equality at work: The role of corporate social responsibility
Authors: Torres Luis D. , Jain Aditya , Leka Stavroula
Published: November 2018

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) research has been largely interested in answering the question of why more women at work is good for business, leaving unattended the question of how to achieve this, and how feminist theories can be integrated with this purpose. This paper puts forward some conceptual propositions for advancing these questions by examining the linkages between the doing and undoing gender concepts from the feminist organization studies, and the role of CSR. The paper follows a conceptual approach to develop and support propositions. We propose that gender strategies will vary in organizations according to what CSR orientation they assume (compliance or proactive CSR), and how they navigate the un/doing gender continuum. By doing so, a two‐axis model is portrayed and four specific gender strategies identified. The model can support research aiming at exploring how CSR can be a tool for achieving gender equality at work, and managers looking at implementing or evaluating their gender responsible strategies.
Can interfirm trust improve firms' cooperation on environmental innovation? The moderating role of environmental hostility
Authors: Liao Zhongju , Long Siying
Published: November 2018

Based on the logic of “trust‐behavior,” we examined the relationship between interfirm cognitive trust, emotional trust, and firms' cooperation on environmental innovation, as well as the moderating role of environmental hostility on the relationship between two dimensions of interfirm trust and cooperation on environmental innovation. Data for the study were collected from 216 firms in China. The results indicated that both interfirm cognitive trust and emotional trust were positively correlated to firms' cooperation on environmental innovation, and the effect of emotional trust on firms' cooperation on environmental innovation was negatively moderated by environmental hostility. Finally, the results were discussed and future directions put forward.
Chemical Constituents from Tabernaemontana bufalinaLour.
Authors: Xu Jian , Qu Wei , Cao Wen‐Yuan , Wang Yue , Zheng Kai‐Jun , Luo Shi‐Zheng , Wu Meng‐Yuan , Liu Wen‐Yuan , Feng Feng , Zhang Jie
Published: November 2018

Investigation of the branches and leaves of Tabernaemontana bufalina Lour. led to afford an undescribed monoterpenoid indole alkaloid, namely (3R,7S,14R,19S,20R)‐19‐hydroxypseudovincadifformine (1), and nine known metabolites (2–10). Their structures were determined by analysis of their NMR and ESI‐MS spectra, and modified Mosher's and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) methods were used for establishing the absolute configuration of compound 1. Their cytotoxic activities were assayed using two cancer cell lines. As the results, cytotoxic activities on MDA‐MB‐231 and B16 cells showed IC50 values of 8.9 and 0.13 μm for 6, and of 20.3 and 11.7 μm for 9, respectively.
Feasibility, safety and midterm follow‐up of patients after nonsurgical closure of atrial septal defects using very large 40–46 mm nitinol septal occluders
Authors: Sivakumar Kothandam , Viswambaran Bijesh , Bhattacharjya Sudipta
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To study the feasibility of closure of large atrial septal defects (ASDs) using occluder devices >38 mm and assess the midterm complications.

Background

Feasibility and safety of large occluders >38 mm and their follow‐up are largely unknown.

Methods

All patients with ASDs closed using devices >38 mm were retrospectively analyzed. Since outcome of patients receiving 40 mm devices were known before, patients receiving 40 mm devices were compared with those receiving 42–46 mm devices on demographic, hemodynamic parameters and procedural characteristics.

Results

A total of 17 patients with 40‐mm device and 31 patients with >40‐mm device formed the cohort. The mean echocardiographic defect size was 36.3 ± 3.7 mm. In total 19 patients had deficient retroaortic margin; inferior margin was deficient in one. Larger defects needed special deployment techniques more often. There was acute technical success in all patients. Two procedures failed; one device embolization next day in a patient with deficient inferior margin needed surgery. Another elderly patient with restrictive left ventricular physiology died of multiorgan dysfunction. Two late deaths on follow‐up were unrelated to the procedure. All other patients had symptom improvement. There were no erosions, thromboembolism or valvar regurgitation at a median follow‐up of 39 (1–60) months. Apart from late‐onset atrial flutter in one, there were no arrhythmias on follow‐up.

Conclusions

Occluders larger than 38 mm in appropriately selected patients are feasible, successful and safe in majority and often require special deployment techniques. Complications during and after the procedure were infrequent. Very large defects with any deficient margin except retroaortic rim should be excluded from device closure.
Implantation of the Melody transcatheter pulmonary valve PB1016 in patients with dysfunctional right ventricular outflow tract conduits
Authors: Morray Brian H. , Jones Thomas K. , Coe James Y. , Gitter Roland , Martinez Jose Zunzunegui , Turner Daniel R. , Gray Robert G. , Lung Te‐Hsin , Berman Darren P. , Levi Daniel S.
Published: November 2018

Objectives

This study describes procedural and 1‐year outcomes of the 16 mm Melody PB1016 valve in patients with dysfunctional RVOT conduits.

Background

The Melody PB1016 is a standard Melody valve produced from a 16 mm bovine jugular vein and is intended for deployment up to 20 mm.

Methods

This is a prospective, non‐randomized, multicenter study of the procedural and short‐term outcomes of Melody PB1016 TPV replacement within dysfunctional RVOT conduits. Data from eight centers were included in the analysis.

Results

During the study period, 39 patients underwent attempted Melody TPVR. Of the 39 patients, 30 underwent successful Melody TPVR. The majority of patients underwent placement of one or more stents prior to TPVR. There was a significant reduction in peak conduit pressure gradient following TPVR (38 mmHg vs. 11 mmHg, P < 0.001). There were three cases of confined conduit tears successfully treated with covered stents or the valve itself. Repeat catheterization was performed in one patient for early re‐obstruction that was successfully treated with balloon valvuloplasty. At recent follow‐up, there were no cases of more than mild valve regurgitation and the mean pulmonary valve gradient by echocardiogram remained reduced relative to pre‐TPVR implant measurements (33.5 mmHg vs. 15.2 mmHg). There were no cases of valve stent fracture or endocarditis reported at the 1‐year follow‐up.

Conclusions

Our analysis of TPVR with the PB1016 valve in RVOT conduits showed it to be safe and effective and can be performed in a wide range of conduit sizes with preserved valve function.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02347189.
HgII‐Mediated TlI‐to‐TlIII Oxidation in Dynamic PbII/Tl Porphyrin Complexes
Authors: Le Gac Stéphane , Ndoyom Victoria , Fusaro Luca , Dorcet Vincent , Boitrel Bernard
Published: November 2018

Compared with their purely organic counterparts, molecular switches that are based on metal ion translocations have been underexplored, and more particularly, it remains challenging to control the translocation of several particles in multisite receptors. Recently, bimetallic complexes that undergo double translocation processes have been developed with bis‐strapped porphyrin ligands. To implement a redox control for these systems, we have investigated the formation of heterobimetallic lead/thallium complexes, with thallium in the +I and +III oxidation states. Two different complexes were characterized: 1) a PbII/TlI complex, in which both metal ions interact with the N‐core on its different sides, and 2) a PbII/TlIII complex with TlIII selectively bound to the N‐core and PbII selectively bound to the strap opposite to TlIII. These two complexes undergo interconversion between their two degenerate forms (same coordination of the metal ions but on opposite sides) by different intra or intermolecular translocation pathways. In addition, conversion of the PbII/TlI complex into its PbII/TlIII counterpart was achieved by addition of a stoichiometric amount of HgII salt as a sacrificial electron acceptor. These results further contribute to the elaboration of devices that feature redox‐controlled compartmentalized double translocations.
The incidence of fatal breast cancer measures the increased effectiveness of therapy in women participating in mammography screening
Authors: Tabár László , Dean Peter B. , Chen Tony Hsiu‐Hsi , Yen Amy Ming‐Fang , Chen Sam Li‐Sheng , Fann Jean Ching‐Yuan , Chiu Sherry Yueh‐Hsia , Ku May Mei‐Sheng , Wu Wendy Yi‐Ying , Hsu Chen‐Yang , Chen Yu‐Ching , Beckmann Kerri , Smith Robert A. , Duffy Stephen W.
Published: November 2018

Background

Women and their health care providers need a reliable answer to this important question: If a woman chooses to participate in regular mammography screening, then how much will this choice improve her chances of avoiding a death from breast cancer compared with women who choose not to participate?

Methods

To answer this question, we used comprehensive registries for population, screening history, breast cancer incidence, and disease‐specific death data in a defined population in Dalarna County, Sweden. The annual incidence of breast cancer was calculated along with the annual incidence of breast cancers that were fatal within 10 and within 11 to 20 years of diagnosis among women aged 40 to 69 years who either did or did not participate in mammography screening during a 39‐year period (1977‐2015). For an additional comparison, corresponding data are presented from 19 years of the prescreening period (1958‐1976). All patients received stage‐specific therapy according to the latest national guidelines, irrespective of the mode of detection.

Results

The benefit for women who chose to participate in an organized breast cancer screening program was a 60% lower risk of dying from breast cancer within 10 years after diagnosis (relative risk, 0.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.34‐0.48) and a 47% lower risk of dying from breast cancer within 20 years after diagnosis (relative risk, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.44‐0.63) compared with the corresponding risks for nonparticipants.

Conclusions

Although all patients with breast cancer stand to benefit from advances in breast cancer therapy, the current results demonstrate that women who have participated in mammography screening obtain a significantly greater benefit from the therapy available at the time of diagnosis than do those who have not participated.
Magnum opus of an efficient hospitality technique for load balancing in cloud environment
Authors: Sakthivelmurugan V. , Vimala R. , Aravind Britto K.R.
Published: November 2018

The load balancing approach in the cloud environment is an open issue in the recent days. It helps obtain better resource utilization in cloud environment. It also improves the performance of the system. A good load balancing algorithm in cloud ensures no under loading or over loading in a single host. This paper proposes an algorithm named Hospitality Load Balancing (HLB) algorithm, which aims to balance the load among virtual machines (VM) for increasing the performance and throughput. The proposed algorithm handles preemptive or nonpreemptive tasks, which may be independent. It helps to reduce make span and obtain low task migration. The HLB algorithm has been analyzed and compared with plenty of load balancing technique. An experimental result shows that it is an excellent and effective algorithm when compared with the existing load balancing algorithm. It also illustrates the performance of proposed load balancing scheme with analysis and proves that it attains low makespan and low task migration.
Relationships among climate, stem growth, and biomass δ13C in the giant saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea)
Authors: Hultine K. R. , Dettman D. L. , Williams D. G. , Puente R. , English N. B. , Butterfield B. J. , Búrquez A.
Published: November 2018

Giant saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) is one of the longest‐lived and massive cacti species in the Americas. They occur throughout the Sonoran Desert region with a distribution spanning a five‐fold gradient in mean annual precipitation. Relationships between fitness traits, including stem growth, and spatio‐temporal climate patterns are still poorly understood in saguaro, but are assumed to be largely coupled to summer precipitation. To better understand patterns of climate sensitivity in giant saguaro, annual stem growth, carbon isotope ratios (δ13C) in spine tissues, and seasonal variation in stem volume, a proxy for stem water storage, were evaluated over a single growing season (2014) in six widely distributed populations in the northern Sonoran Desert, and over four consecutive growing seasons (2013–2016) in two populations with differences in mean annual precipitation and site moisture (Mi), defined as precipitation amount divided by mean atmospheric vapor pressure deficit. We hypothesized that saguaro growth and δ13C would be coupled to a complex suite of climate conditions that include winter precipitation and aridity. Annual stem growth of all populations was generally better correlated to Mi than precipitation alone and was best correlated with Mi measured over the hydrologic year, October 2013–September 2014 (F = 39.8, P < 0.0001). Likewise, mean δ13C increased with Mi, with the highest correlation with Mi calculated for July 2013–August 2014 (F = 38.4.0, P < 0.0001). Annual stem growth measured across all populations was well correlated to δ13C in spines produced during the current year of growth (F = 36.3, P < 0.0001). Annual variation in stem growth appeared to reflect annual variation in mean stem volume measured monthly from the summer of the previous year to the summer of the current year of growth. Results suggest that stem growth and photosynthetic physiology recorded by δ13C are coupled to a complex suite of climate conditions with a strong legacy effect from the previous summer and winter. These findings provide new insight on the effects of summer and winter drought and a warming climate on the photosynthesis, growth, and fitness of giant saguaro.
Dry conditions and disturbance promote liana seedling survival and abundance
Authors: Umaña María Natalia , Forero‐Montaña Jimena , Nytch Christopher J. , Thompson Jill , Uriarte María , Zimmerman Jess , Swenson Nathan G.
Published: November 2018

Species composition and community structure in Neotropical forests have been severely affected by increases in climate change and disturbance. Among the most conspicuous changes is the proliferation of lianas. These increases have affected not only the carbon storage capacity of forests but also tree dynamics by reducing tree growth and increasing mortality. Despite the importance of lianas in Neotropical forests, most of the studies on lianas have focused on adult stages, ignoring dynamics at the seedlings stage. Here, we asked whether observed increases in liana abundance are associated with a demographic advantage that emerges early in liana ontogeny and with decreased precipitation and increased disturbance. To test this, we compared patterns of growth and survival between liana seedlings and tree seedlings using a long‐term data set of seedling plots from a subtropical wet forest in Puerto Rico, USA. Then, we examined the effect of precipitation and land use history on these demographic variables. We found evidence for liana seedling survival advantage over trees, but no growth advantages. This survival advantage exhibited significant temporal variation linked with patterns of rainfall, as well as differences associated with land‐use history in the study area. Furthermore, we found that neighborhood density has a negative effect on liana survival and growth. Our results indicate that liana proliferation is likely related to a survival advantage that emerges in early stages and is influenced by climatic conditions and past disturbance. Predicted climatic changes in rainfall patterns, including more frequent and severe droughts, together with increases in disturbance, could have a significant effect on seedling tropical communities by favoring lianas.
Validated numerical fluid simulation of a thin‐layer cascade photobioreactor in OpenFOAM
Authors: Severin Timm Steffen , Brück Thomas , Weuster‐Botz Dirk
Published: November 2018

Recently, microalgae have been considered as a promising alternative for the production of biofuels from CO2. For the efficient cultivation of these microalgae, several types of photobioreactors have been designed and Pilot scale photobioreactors have been used to assess the performance of these reactors. Therein the primarily investigated reactor type is the Raceway Pond. However, the less researched Thin‐Layer Cascade Photobioreactor (TLC) shows a high potential for efficient production processes. Unfortunately, for low‐value products like biofuels costs must be kept to a minimum for an economic operation. To facilitate this, 3D Computational Fluid Dynamic simulations can be employed to estimate performance of reactor variants e.g. with respect to power input and mixing. Since up to now little effort has been put into the modelling of TLC reactors, this report aims to present a simulation approach for these reactors types that allows simple adaptation to different geometric or operational boundary conditions. All models have been generated for a two‐phase mixture in OpenFOAM. To demonstrate its applicability, validation measurements with a physical unit have been performed and were compared to the simulation results. With errors in the order of 10 % a successful simulation of the reactor geometry could be proven.
Mutated EPHA2 is a target for combating lymphatic metastasis in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Sheng Yuanyuan , Wei Jinwang , Zhang Yu , Gao Xiaomei , Wang Zheng , Yang Jing , Yan Shican , Zhu Ying , Zhang Ze , Xu Da , Wang Chaoqun , Zheng Yan , Dong Qiongzhu , Qin Lunxiu
Published: November 2018

Exploring the genetic aberrations favoring metastasis is important for understanding and developing novel strategies to combat cancer metastasis. It remains lack of effective treatment for the dismal prognosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Here, we aimed to study genetic alternations during lymph node metastasis of ICC and investigate potential mechanisms and clinical strategy focused on mutations. We performed whole‐exome sequencing and transcriptome sequencing on samples from 30 ICC patients, including lymph node metastases from five of the patients. We identified the alterations of genetic pattern related to lymph node metastases of ICC. EPHA2, a member of the tyrosine kinase family, was found to be frequently mutated in ICC. Correlation analysis indicated that EPHA2 mutations were closely associated with lymph node metastasis of ICC. In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that EPHA2 mutations could lead to ligand independent phosphorylation of Ser897, and promote lymphatic metastasis of ICC, in which NOTCH1 signaling pathway played an important role. In both in vitro assays and patient‐derived xenografts, an inhibitor of Ser897 phosphorylation effectively suppressed the metastasis of ICC with mutated EPHA2. Our findings demonstrated that EPHA2 mutants may be an attractive therapeutic target for lymphatic metastasis of ICC.
Biological applications of phytosynthesized gold nanoparticles using leaf extract of Dracocephalum kotschyi
Authors: Chahardoli Azam , Karimi Naser , Fattahi Ali , Salimikia Iraj
Published: November 2018

In this work, biosynthesis potentials of Dracocephalum kotschyi leaf extract for the production of gold nanoparticle (AuNPs) were studied, and the biological (catalytic, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer) activities of studied AuNPs were evaluated. Different analytical techniques including UV–visible spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used for the characterization of AuNPs. Moreover, Different testing methods were used for evaluating biological activities of biosynthesized AuNPs. The formation of AuNPs was confirmed by color change and UV–visible spectroscopic analysis. Field emission (FE)‐SEM and TEM images were used to characterize phytosynthesized AuNPs which were predominantly spherical in shape with size in the range of 5–21 nm. These spherical NPs were found to be 39.79 ± 5 nm in size as determined by dynamic light scattering particle size analyzer. XRD pattern confirms the crystalline nature of the biosynthesized nanoparticles. The phytoconstituents involved in the reduction and stabilization of nanoparticles have been identified using FTIR spectra. The phytosynthesized AuNPs showed effective antioxidant, antibacterial and catalytic reduction activities. Furthermore, they have inhibited H1229 and MCF‐7 cancer cell lines proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner. These results have supported that D. kotschyi leaf extract was very efficient for the synthesis of AuNPs, and synthesized NPs showed enhanced biological activities which make them suitable for biomedical applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 621–630, 2019.
Evaluating the effectiveness of intensive versus non‐intensive image interpretation education for radiographers: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Neep Michael J. , Steffens Tom , Eastgate Patrick , McPhail Steven M.
Published: November 2018

Introduction

The purpose of this randomised controlled trial was to compare the effectiveness of intensive and non‐intensive formats of delivery of image interpretation education for radiographers.

Methods

A multi‐centre, stratified (by years of experience) two group parallel arm, single blind, randomised controlled trial was conducted. Participants (n = 48) were allocated to one of two groups to receive image interpretation education: (1) intensive format (13.5 h over two consecutive days) (2) non‐intensive (sequential 90‐min tutorials delivered 1 week apart). Participants undertook x‐ray interpretation tests before education, at 1‐week post‐education completion and at 12‐week post‐education completion.

Results

Image interpretation performance was not significantly different between groups at baseline. A generalised linear model indicated that participants who received intensive education format improved image interpretation performance by a greater margin than the group that received non‐intensive education at 1‐week (P = 0.002) and 12‐week (P < 0.001) follow‐up assessments.

Conclusions

Although both formats of education delivery may be beneficial, the findings of this study have indicated that the intensive format of delivery was more effective at improving radiographers’ ability to interpret trauma radiographs in the weeks after completion of the image interpretation program.
Serological evidence of human infection by bat orthoreovirus in Singapore
Authors: Uehara Anna , Tan Chee Wah , Mani Shailendra , Chua Kaw Bing , Leo Yee Sin , Anderson Danielle E , Wang Lin‐Fa
Published: November 2018

To determine whether Pteropine orthoreovirus (PRV) exposure has occurred in Singapore, we tested 856 individuals from an existing serum panel collected from 2005‐2013. After an initial screen with luciferase immunoprecipitation system and secondary confirmation with virus neutralization test, we identified at least seven individuals with specific antibodies against PRV in both assays. Our findings confirm that PRV spillover into human populations is relatively common in this region of the world.
The impact of the peer review of literature search strategies in support of rapid review reports
Authors: Spry Carolyn , Mierzwinski‐Urban Monika
Published: November 2018

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of the peer review of literature search strategies prepared in support of rapid reviews.

Methods

A sample of 200 CADTH rapid reviews was selected. For each rapid review meeting the inclusion criteria, the pre–peer‐reviewed and corresponding post–peer‐reviewed search strategies were run, and the search results were compared. Bibliographic records retrieved solely by the post–peer‐reviewed search strategy and included in the rapid review report were identified as representing “included studies.” The publication type of each included study was determined, and the attributes of the corresponding record were analyzed to determine the reason for its retrieval by the post–peer‐reviewed search.

Results

The peer review of search strategies resulted in the retrieval of one or more additional records for 75% of the searches investigated, but only a small proportion of these records (4%) represented included studies. The main publication types of the included studies were nonrandomized studies (60%) and narrative reviews (20%). The principal changes to search strategies that resulted in the retrieval of additional included studies were the inclusion of more keywords or subject headings or a change in the way concepts were combined.

Conclusions

The peer review of literature search strategies aids in the retrieval of relevant records particularly those representing nonrandomized studies. The scrutiny of keywords, subject headings, and the relation between search concepts are key components of the peer review process.
Image features and DUS testing traits for peanut pod variety identification and pedigree analysis
Authors: Deng Limiao , Han Zhongzhi
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability) testing of new varieties is an important method for peanut germplasm evaluation and identification of varieties. In order to verify the feasibility of variety identification for peanut DUS testing based on image processing, 2000 peanut pod images from 20 varieties were obtained by a scanner. Initially, six DUS testing traits were quantified using a mathematical method based on image processing technology, and then, size, shape, color and texture features (total 31) were also extracted. Next, the Fisher algorithm was used as a feature selection method to select ‘good’ features from the extracted features to expand the DUS testing traits set. Finally, support vector machine (SVM) and K‐means algorithm were respectively used as recognition model and clustering method for variety identification and pedigree clustering.

RESULTS

By the Fisher selection method, a number of significant candidate features for DUS testing were selected which can be used in the DUS testing further; using the top half of these features (about 18) ordered by Fisher discrimination ability, the recognition rate of SVM model was found to be more than 90%, which was better than unordered features. In addition, a pedigree clustering tree of 20 peanut varieties was built based on the K‐means clustering method, which can be used in deeper studies of the genetic relationship of different varieties.

CONCLUSION

This article can provide a novel reference method for future DUS testing, peanut varieties identification and study of peanut pedigree. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Transient heat stress during tuber development alters post‐harvest carbohydrate composition and decreases processing quality of chipping potatoes
Authors: Busse James S , Wiberley‐Bradford Amy E , Bethke Paul C
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Adverse air and soil temperatures are abiotic stresses that occur frequently and vary widely in duration and magnitude. Heat stress limits productivity of cool‐weather crops such as potato (Solanum tuberosum) and may degrade crop quality. Stem‐end chip defect is a localized discoloration of potato chips that adversely affects finished chip quality. The causes of stem‐end chip defects are poorly understood.

RESULTS

Chipping potatoes were grown under controlled environmental conditions to test the hypothesis that stem‐end chip defect is caused by transient heat stress during the growing season. Heat stress periods with 35 °C days and 29 °C nights were imposed approximately 3 months after planting and lasted for 3, 7 or 14 days. At harvest and after 1, 2 and 3 months of storage at 13 °C, potato tubers were evaluated for glucose, fructose, sucrose and dry matter contents at the basal and apical ends. Chips were fried and rated for defects at the same sampling times. Differences in responses to heat stress were observed among four varieties of chipping potatoes. Heat stress periods of 7 and 14 days increased reducing sugar content in the tuber basal and apical ends, decreased dry matter content, and increased the severity of stem‐end chip defects.

CONCLUSION

Transient heat stress during the growing season decreased post‐harvest chipping potato quality. Tuber reducing sugars and stem‐end chip defects increased while dry matter content decreased. Planting varieties with tolerance to transient heat stress may be an effective way to mitigate these detrimental effects on chipping potato quality. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.