bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of self‐perceived swallowing function, tongue strength and swallow‐related quality of life during radiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Van den Steen Leen , Van Gestel Dirk , Vanderveken Olivier , Vanderwegen Jan , Lazarus Cathy , Daisne Jean‐François , Van Laer Carl , Specenier Pol , Van Rompaey Diane , Mariën Steven , Lawson Georges , Chantrain Gilbert , Desuter Gauthier , Van den Weyngaert Danielle , Cvilic Sophie , Beauvois Sylvie , Allouche Johan , Delacroix Laurence , Vermorken Jan Baptist , Peeters Marc , Dragan Tatiana , Van de Heyning Paul , De Bodt Marc , Van Nuffelen Gwen
Published: February 2019

Background

Radiation‐associated‐dysphagia is a serious side effect of radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC).

Methods

Seventy‐six patients had a weekly prospective follow‐up from baseline until one week post‐RT. Combined mixed model analysis (n = 43) determined the evolution of self‐perceived swallowing function, isometric tongue strength (MIP), tongue strength (TS) during swallowing (Pswal), and quality of life (QoL) in these patients during RT.

Results

Swallowing deteriorated from the third week on, resulting in an increase of tube dependency from 10% at baseline toward 31% post‐RT. Both MIP and Pswal are reduced, with anterior MIP decreasing in 29% of patients and posterior MIP in 17%. Pswal decreases for saliva and a bolus swallow. All QoL subscales except “sleep” were affected during RT.

Conclusions

Self‐perceived swallowing function, TS and QoL decrease during RT for HNC. Current findings highlight the need for early monitoring of these parameters.
The Yield and Safety of Screening Colonoscopy in Patients Evaluated for Liver Transplantation
Authors: Oey Rosalie C. , van Tilburg Laurelle , Erler Nicole S. , Metselaar Herold J. , Spaander Manon C.W. , van Buuren Henk R. , de Man Robert A.
Published: February 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with colonoscopy is commonly used in patients who are candidates for liver transplantation. We initiated this study to define the risk‐benefit ratio of performing screening colonoscopy in this population. A retrospective observational study of all consecutive patients undergoing colonoscopy during pre–liver transplantation screening between 2004 and 2017 was conducted. Endoscopic and pathological findings and clinical events potentially related to the colonoscopy in the 30 days after the procedure were registered and compared with a 30‐day inpatient control time frame. A total of 858 colonoscopies were performed in 808 patients (65% male; median age, 55 years [interquartile range (IQR), 47‐62]; median model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score, 15 [IQR, 11‐18]). CRC was found in 2 patients (0.2%), and advanced adenomas were found in 44 patients (5.4%). The only independent risk factor for an advanced neoplasm was age (odds ratio, 1.072 per year; 95% confidence interval, 1.031‐1.115; P < 0.001). During the 30‐day postprocedure period, 178 clinical events occurred in 128 patients compared with 101 clinical events in 72 patients in the control time frames (P < 0.001). After colonoscopy, there was a significantly increased risk for renal failure (P = 0.001) and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (P = 0.023). Presence of ascites and MELD score were identified as independent risk factors for acute renal failure and GI bleeding. During the study observation period, 53.5% of the screened population actually underwent liver transplantation. Conclusion: CRC screening in pre–liver transplantation patients is associated with a relatively low prevalence of CRC and an increased risk of postcolonoscopy complications such as acute renal failure and GI bleeding, especially in patients with advanced liver disease. Because the risk‐benefit ratio of standard performance of a screening colonoscopy in this population appears questionable, alternative screening strategies should be considered.
Chronic in vivo optogenetic stimulation modulates neuronal excitability, spine morphology, and Hebbian plasticity in the mouse hippocampus
Authors: Moulin Thiago C. , Petiz Lyvia L. , Rayêe Danielle , Winne Jessica , Maia Roberto G. , Lima da Cruz Rafael V. , Amaral Olavo B. , Leão Richardson N.
Published: February 2019

Prolonged increases in excitation can trigger cell‐wide homeostatic responses in neurons, altering membrane channels, promoting morphological changes, and ultimately reducing synaptic weights. However, how synaptic downscaling interacts with classical forms of Hebbian plasticity is still unclear. In this study, we investigated whether chronic optogenetic stimulation of hippocampus CA1 pyramidal neurons in freely moving mice could (a) cause morphological changes reminiscent of homeostatic scaling, (b) modulate synaptic currents that might compensate for chronic excitation, and (c) lead to alterations in Hebbian plasticity. After 24 hr of stimulation with 15‐ms blue light pulses every 90 s, dendritic spine density and area were reduced in the CA1 region of mice expressing channelrhodopsin‐2 (ChR2) when compared to controls. This protocol also reduced the amplitude of mEPSCs for both the AMPA and NMDA components in ex vivo slices obtained from ChR2‐expressing mice immediately after the end of stimulation. Finally, chronic stimulation impaired the induction of LTP and facilitated that of LTD in these slices. Our results indicate that neuronal responses to prolonged network excitation can modulate subsequent Hebbian plasticity in the hippocampus.
Impacts of small cascaded hydropower plants on river discharge in a basin in Southern China
Authors: Xiao Xu , Chen Xiaohong , Zhang Lilan , Lai Rouyi , Liu Jie
Published: February 2019

The run‐off volume altered by the construction of hydropower plants affects ecohydrological processes in catchments. Although the impacts of large hydropower plants have been well documented in the literature, few studies have been conducted on the impacts of small cascaded hydropower plants (SCHPs). To evaluate the impacts of SCHPs on river flow, we chose a representative basin affected by hydropower projects and, to a lesser degree, by other human activities, that is, the Qiuxiang River basin in Southern China. The observed river discharge and climate data during the period of 1958–2016 were investigated. The datasets were divided into a low‐impact period and a high‐impact period based on the number of SCHPs and the capacities of the reservoirs. The daily river discharge alteration was assessed by applying the Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration. To separate the impact of the SCHPs on the local river discharge from that of climate‐related precipitation, the back‐propagation neural network was used to simulate the monthly average river discharge process. An abnormal result was found: Unlike large reservoirs in large watersheds, the SCHPs regulated the flows during the flood season but were not able to mitigate the droughts during the dry season due to their limited storage and the commonly occurring inappropriate interregulations of the SCHPs. The SCHPs also reduced the annual average river discharge in the research basin. The contribution of the SCHPs to the river discharge changes was 85.37%, much higher than the contributions of climate change (13.43%) and other human activities (1.20%). The results demonstrated that the impacts of the SCHPs were different from those of large dams and reservoirs that regulate floods and relieve droughts. It is necessary to raise the awareness of the impacts of these river barriers.
Effects of solvent used for fabrication on drug loading and release kinetics of electrosprayed temozolomide‐loaded PLGA microparticles for the treatment of glioblastoma
Authors: Rodriguez de Anda Daniel A. , Ohannesian Nareg , Martirosyan Karen S. , Chew Sue Anne
Published: February 2019

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and invasive form of malignant brain tumors and despite advances in surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, the survival of patients with GBM still remains poor. Temozolomide (TMZ) is the chemotherapy drug that is most commonly given orally after surgical resection of these tumors. In this study, the effects of solvents (i.e., dichloromethane and acetonitrile) used for the fabrication of electrosprayed TMZ‐loaded poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) on drug loading, loading efficiency, drug release kinetics, surface morphology, and particle size were investigated. The results from this study demonstrated that by using a larger volume of a solvent with higher polarity (i.e., acetonitrile) which allows for a higher amount of hydrophilic TMZ to dissolve into the polymer solution, higher drug loading could be achieved. However, the particles fabricated with high amount of acetonitrile, which has a lower vapor pressure, had large pores and a smaller diameter which led to an initial burst release and high cumulative release at the end of the study. An optimal combination of the two solvents is needed to result in particles with a good amount of loading and minimal initial burst release. The electrosprayed microparticles were able to illicit a cytotoxic response in U‐87 MG glioblastoma cells at a lower concentration of drug compared to the free drug. This work indicated that electrospraying is a promising method for the fabrication of TMZ‐loaded PLGA microparticles for the treatment of GBM and solvent composition can be altered to control drug loading and release kinetics. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 2317–2324, 2019.
Investigation of circular RNAs and related genes in pulmonary fibrosis based on bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Yang Liteng , Liu Xin , Zhang Ning , Chen Lifang , Xu Jingyi , Tang Wencheng
Published: February 2019

Pulmonary fibrosis is a lethal inflammatory disease. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential‐related circular RNAs (circRNAs) and genes that are associated with pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis rat models were constructed and the fibrosis deposition was detected using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining. The differentially expressed circRNAs were obtained through RNA sequencing. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were further performed to uncover the key function and pathways in pulmonary fibrosis. The interaction networks between circRNAs and their downstream micro RNAs (miRNAs) and genes were constructed by Cytoscape Software. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to validate the expression of 10 candidate circRNAs and five of them were performed ringwise sequencing in pulmonary fibrosis rats. We further selected five candidate circRNAs target miRNAs and messenger RNAs and validated by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The pulmonary fibrosis models were successfully constructed according to the pathological examination. circRNAs were differentially expressed between the pulmonary fibrosis and normal pulmonary tissues. GO analysis verified that the differentially expressed circRNAs were significantly clustered in the cellular component, molecular function, and biological process. In the KEGG analysis, circRNAs were enriched in the following pathways: antigen processing and presentation, phagosome, PI3K‐AKt signaling pathway, HTLV‐I infection, and Herpes simplex infection. After validation in pulmonary fibrosis rat models, it was found that five of those circRNAs (chr9:113534327|113546234 [down], chr1:200648164|200672411 [down], chr5:150850432|150865550 [up], chr20:14319170|14326640 [down], and chr10:57634023|57634588 [down]) showed a relatively consistent trend with predictions. Validation of these circRNAs target miRNAs and genes showed that chr9:113534327|113546234, chr20:14319170|14326640, and chr10:57634023|57634588 were implicated in Notch1 activated transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) signaling pathway. The study demonstrated that a series of circRNAs are differentially expressed in pulmonary fibrosis rats. These circRNAs, especially TGF‐β‐ and Notch1‐related circRNAs might play an important role in regulating pulmonary fibrogenesis.
The process of change in psychotherapy with a pregnant patient following perinatal losses: An analysis of a case study
Authors: Cohen Keren , Leibovich Liat , Markin Rayna , Zilcha‐Mano Sigal
Published: February 2019

Aim

Despite research suggesting increased anxiety and depressive symptoms after a perinatal loss and during future pregnancies, little knowledge exists to guide clinicians treating pregnant women after perinatal loss. This case study explores processes that facilitated therapeutic change for a pregnant patient with major depressive disorder (MDD) and posttraumatic stress disorder after perinatal losses.

Method

The study integrated quantitative and narrative analyses in a single case derived from the pilot phase of a randomized controlled trial on supportive‐expressive therapy for MDD.

Results

The quantitative and narrative analyses suggest that an improvement in maladaptive interpersonal patterns toward the therapist, in the form of attachment avoidance, made it possible to form a strong alliance, which in turn led to a successful outcome.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the importance of improving maladaptive interpersonal patterns as a prerequisite to enable patients after pregnancy losses to develop and maintain a corrective therapeutic experience.
Construction of saliency map and hybrid set of features for efficient segmentation and classification of skin lesion
Authors: Khan Muhammad Attique , Akram Tallha , Sharif Muhammad , Saba Tanzila , Javed Kashif , Lali Ikram Ullah , Tanik Urcun John , Rehman Amjad
Published: February 2019

Skin cancer is being a most deadly type of cancers which have grown extensively worldwide from the last decade. For an accurate detection and classification of melanoma, several measures should be considered which include, contrast stretching, irregularity measurement, selection of most optimal features, and so forth. A poor contrast of lesion affects the segmentation accuracy and also increases classification error. To overcome this problem, an efficient model for accurate border detection and classification is presented. The proposed model improves the segmentation accuracy in its preprocessing phase, utilizing contrast enhancement of lesion area compared to the background. The enhanced 2D blue channel is selected for the construction of saliency map, at the end of which threshold function produces the binary image. In addition, particle swarm optimization (PSO) based segmentation is also utilized for accurate border detection and refinement. Few selected features including shape, texture, local, and global are also extracted which are later selected based on genetic algorithm with an advantage of identifying the fittest chromosome. Finally, optimized features are later fed into the support vector machine (SVM) for classification. Comprehensive experiments have been carried out on three datasets named as PH2, ISBI2016, and ISIC (i.e., ISIC MSK‐1, ISIC MSK‐2, and ISIC UDA). The improved accuracy of 97.9, 99.1, 98.4, and 93.8%, respectively obtained for each dataset. The SVM outperforms on the selected dataset in terms of sensitivity, precision rate, accuracy, and FNR. Furthermore, the selection method outperforms and successfully removed the redundant features.
Orchestration of globally distributed knowledge within multinational companies network: A collaborative‐oriented view
Authors: Sajadirad Solmaz , Lassen Astrid Heidemann , Søberg Peder Veng
Published: February 2019

This paper explores how the use of interfirm objects within different knowledge orchestration processes affects collaboration between headquarter and distributed subsidiaries. The discussion focuses on different approaches to knowledge orchestration based on combinations of the use of interfirm objects and the characteristics of knowledge orchestration processes. To this end, a conceptual framework is applied to 11 case studies from Danish industries.

The findings suggest that adopting a collaborative‐oriented view of the use of interfirm objects facilitates orchestration of globally distributed knowledge in multinational companies. The findings also indicate that adoption of different knowledge orchestration approaches by companies can be influenced by headquarter–subsidiaries relationship, type of products, knowledge relevance between headquarter and subsidiaries, and level of headquarters' control over knowledge flow and subsidiaries' operation. Additionally, our findings propose that different approaches to knowledge orchestration can result in different degrees of innovation performance.

This study extends existing literature on global knowledge management by focusing exclusively on knowledge orchestration in multinational companies. By introducing a dynamic view of the use of interfirm objects, facilitating collaboration between headquarters and subsidiaries, our findings would help multinational companies improve headquarter–subsidiaries relationship in favor of the efficiency and effectiveness of globally distributed network.
Evaluation of Aging Resistance in UHMWPE/LLDPE Blend‐Based Carbon Nanotubes Nanocomposites
Authors: da Silva Bruna Cristina , dos Santos Caroline Martins , de Oliveira Couto Carlos Alberto , Backes Eduardo Henrique , Passador Fabio Roberto
Published: February 2019

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)/linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) blend‐based carbon nanotubes nanocomposites with different contents of LLDPE are prepared using a high speed homogenizer. Samples of the materials are thermally treated to understand the correlation between the degree of crystallinity of the treated samples and their impact resistance. Promising results are obtained for the nanocomposite with 10 wt% of LLDPE that shows similar behavior to neat UHMWPE, with the advantage of this nanocomposite being produced by conventional thermoplastic processing methods.
Synthesis of Polyvinylcarbazole/Reduced Graphite Oxide‐ZnO Nanocomposites
Authors: Mota Isabela C. , de Fátima V. Marques Maria
Published: February 2019

In this work, the efficiency of in situ polymerization for the production of polyvinylcarbazole nanocomposites with reduced graphite oxide‐zinc oxide hybrid nanoparticles is evaluated. The ZnO nanoparticles are previously synthesized by the sol‐gel method. The cationic polymerization of polyvinylcarbazole is successfully performed in the presence of the nanoparticles using boron trifluoride as initiator and dichloromethane as solvent at 0 °C. The incorporation of the nanoparticles into the polymer can be observed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, where the characteristic peaks of the structures are observed. In addition, the XRD indicates a hexagonal wurtzite structure of the ZnO nanoparticles. Polymerization shows a yield of almost 100%, with a short reaction time and total conversion of the monomer to high molar mass polyvinylcarbazole, having very high stability to thermal degradation.
An Experimental Investigation of the Mechanical Behavior of GFRP Co‐cured Joints
Authors: se Souza Gustavo , de P. Anjoletto Tamiris , Ferreira Thaysa R. M. , Goyo‐Brito Francisco , Tarpani José R.
Published: February 2019

Co‐cured parts usually have their application where large monolithic composite structures are desired. This study evaluated the mechanical response in monotonic tensile test of bidirectional glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) co‐cured joints manufactured by Vacuum Assisted Resin Infusion – VARTM. All joints were designed with the same number of fiber plies and joint length, varying only the joint geometry. Three geometries were studied: single lap joint (SLJ), stepped lap joint (STJ), and a new concept proposed in this study called interspersed lap joint (ILJ), the latter provides higher shear area and interfacial contact area per layer. Tensile test pointed STJ as presenting 77% of the monolithic GFRP tensile strength, the highest ultimate tensile strength among the studied joints. Void content and failure analysis showed high levels of porosity in the joint region for the ILJ, and also a weak bond between the adherents, which may result in a poor mechanical performance. In summary, simple modifications, such as plies disposal prior infusion can benefit the mechanical properties achieved for co‐cured joints.
Thermal, Mechanical, and Morphological Properties of DPU/Titanate Nanotubes Nanocomposites
Authors: Lima Gabrielle R. , Monteiro Wesley F. , Hoffmann Mauricio S. , dos Santos Claudia A. B. , Toledo Bruno O. , Einloft Sandra , Dullius Jeane , Campani Adriano , Ligabue Rosane A.
Published: February 2019

Nanocomposites of Titanates Nanotubes (TNTs) and waterborne polyurethane were prepared by physical mixture using ultra turrax disperser. TNTs were synthesized by hydrothermal method and added in different contents: 1, 3, and 5% w/w in relation to polymer weight. Films were prepared and characterized by DSC, TGA, DMA and SEM. The increase of fillers content reduced the thermal stability of DPU nanocomposites compared to pure DPU and did not modify the glass transition temperature. To mechanical properties, the addition of 3% and 5% of TNT increased the Young's modulus when compared with pure DPU, but nanocomposite with 1% of TNT presented a decrease in Young's modulus. The stress × strain curves of DPU/TNT 5% presented characteristic behavior of rigid material, with low deformation, unlike other nanocomposites and pure DPU. SEM and TGA analysis proves that the preparation method used promoted the incorporation and good filler dispersion in the polymer matrix.
Biocompatible PCL/PLGA/Polypyrrole Composites for Regenerating Nerves
Authors: Ferreira Cristina Lorenski , Valente Cristhiane Alvim , Zanini Mara Lise , Sgarioni Bruna , Ferreira Tondo Pedro Henrique , Chagastelles Pedro Cesar , Braga Jefferson , Campos Maria Martha , Malmonge José Antonio , de Souza Basso Nara Regina
Published: February 2019

In the field of regenerative medicine, many studies have focused on regenerating peripheral nerves because clinical problems and functional loss of organs are affecting an increasing number of people. Biocompatible polymers can be potentially used for producing biocompatible tubes in order to aid the regeneration of peripheral nerves. This study aims to prepare polymeric composites based on polycaprolactone (PCL), poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA), and polypyrrole fibers (PPy) capable of acting as a conduit for regenerating peripheral nerves. Polypyrrole is synthesized by oxidative chemical polymerization with p‐toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (PTSA) as a doping agent. PCL/PLGA blends (100:0, 90:10, 80:20, and 70:30) (m/m) and PCL/PLGA composites with 10% PPy fibers were prepared by the solvent casting method. PPy with a diameter of 88–974 nm showed electrical conductivity of 2.0 × 10−1 S cm−1. The nontoxic composite films with hydrophilic and porous surfaces presented a thermal stability and degradation period that were suitable for potential use in the regeneration of peripheral nerves.
Effect of the Joncryl® ADR Compatibilizing Agent in Blends of Poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/Poly(lactic acid)
Authors: de C. D. Nunes Edilene , de Souza Alana G. , dos S. Rosa Derval
Published: February 2019

The growing search for biodegradable products contributes to the development of new materials. In this work, the effect of the Joncryl® ADR chain extender on poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/poly(lactic acid) blends was investigated. The mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties and the contact angle of the blends were also studied. The addition of the chain extender can either improve the adhesion between the phases or act as a stress concentrator, depending on the proportion of PLA present in the blend. However, in all samples, the elongation at break was increased. This behavior is also observed in the morphology of the blends, changing the shape of the PLA particles, from spherical to ellipsoid phase. However, in the proportion used (0.5 wt%), the chain extender was not enough to increase the adhesion between the phases of the blends, just the dispersion of the PLA particles. Besides, it is possible to observe that the higher the PLA content in the PBAT mixture, the lower wettability surface of the blends is reached.
Statistical Analyses of Inverse Miniemulsion Acrylic Acid Polymerizations for Encapsulation of Hydrophilic Compounds
Authors: da Cunha Natali A. , Mangia Lys H. R. , Martins Marcel G. , Nele Márcio , Pinto José Carlos
Published: February 2019

Polymer hydrogel nanoparticles are produced through inverse miniemulsion polymerizations, using acrylic acid as monomer and soybean oil as the continuous phase. A crosslinking agent is used to promote the reticulation of the polymer chains and production of hydrophilic nanogels. The synthesis of the polymer nanoparticles is studied with aid of a full factorial design using monomer content, crosslinker content, and reaction temperature as independent variables and monomer conversion and thermal stability of the obtained material as the main responses. The potential to encapsulate hydrophilic actives into the hydrogel matrix is evaluated by using a commercial blue dye as a model. It is observed that incorporation of the blue dye is efficient and that the rates of dye release are very low at different pH values, suggesting the existence of strong physicochemical interactions with the polymer matrix, which can be advantageous in bioimaging and paint applications. Particularly, the proposed inverse miniemulsion procedure enabled the production of stable nanogels.
Preparation of Multifunctional Anionic Initiators Through Reactions Between n‐Butyl Lithium and Divinylbenzene
Authors: Cazumbá Anderson , Tauchert Elias , Nicolini Luis F. , Moutinho Marcus , Pinto José Carlos
Published: February 2019

The main goals of the present work are the production of bifunctional initiators through reactions between n‐butyl lithium (n‐BuLi) and divinylbenzene (DVB) and evaluation of the initiator performance in styrene polymerizations. Bifunctional initiators are desired for production of elastomers because they can be used to produce telechelic polymers. Initiators were prepared in solution in presence of the polar modifier 2,2‐ditetrahydrofurylpropane (DTHFP), used for solvation of the lithium cation and increase of the ion solubility in aliphatic hydrocarbons. It is shown that useful multifunctional initiators can be produced at the analyzed conditions, as indicated by the high average molar masses of the final product.
Materials and machining trends in terms of the existing axioms of the machining theory
Authors: Vasilko K. , Murčinková Z. , Nosáľ J.
Published: February 2019

The paper provides new insight into existing axioms of theory of machining. The existing theory of metalworking was based on the development of cutting materials during the 20th century. In particular, the improvement of cutting materials, the new special materials and progressive technologies and the trends to increase cutting speed call for a review of existing definitions and relations. Appling previously defined relations between cutting conditions and results of machining, the inaccuracies occur and this may lead to an incorrect choice of cutting conditions in the specific conditions of machining. The paper analyses existing well‐known equations used in practice and on the basis of extensive experimental analysis it modifies them. Furthermore, the paper concerns the evaluation of physical and technological parameters, such as chips compression, machined surface roughness, cutting forces, cutting tool‐wear and tool‐life.
Pilot study of a novel multi‐functional noninvasive prenatal test on fetus aneuploidy, copy number variation, and single‐gene disorder screening
Authors: Luo Yuqin , Jia Bei , Yan Kai , Liu Siping , Song Xiaojie , Chen Mingfa , Jin Fan , Du Yang , Wang Juan , Hong Yan , Cao Sha , Li Dawei , Dong Minyue
Published: February 2019

Background

The noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has been successfully used in the clinical screening of fetal trisomy 13, 18, and 21 in the last few years and researches on detecting sub‐chromosomal copy number variations (CNVs) and monogenic diseases are also in progress. To date, multiple tests are needed in order to complete a full set of fetus disorder screening, which is costly and time consuming. Therefore, an integrated 3‐in‐1 NIPT approach will be in great demand by routine clinical practice in the near future.

Methods

We designed a target capture sequencing panel with an associate bioinformatics pipeline to create a novel multi‐functional NIPT method and we evaluated its performance by testing 22 clinical samples containing aneuploidy, CNV, and single‐gene disorder. Chromosomal aneuploidy and CNV were detected based on the Z‐value approach, whereas single‐gene disorder was identified by using the “pseudo‐tetraploid” model to estimate the best‐suited genotype for each locus.

Results

The performance of this newly constructed 3‐in‐1 system was promising. We achieved a 100% detection rate for chromosomal aneuploidies (7/7), a 100% diagnosis rate for fetus CNVs larger than 20 Mb (3/3), and an 86.4% accuracy for single‐gene disorder screening (19/22).

Conclusion

For the first time, we showed that it is possible to use just a single NIPT test to detect three distinct types of fetus disorder and laid a foundation for developing a cheaper, faster, and multi‐functional NIPT method in the future.
Heat stress, a serious threat to reproductive function in animals and humans
Authors: Boni Raffaele
Published: February 2019

Global warming represents a major stressful environmental condition that compromises the reproductive efficiency of animals and humans via a rise of body temperature above its physiological homeothermic point (heat stress [HS]). The injuries caused by HS on reproductive function involves both male and female components, fertilization mechanisms as well as the early and late stages of embryo‐fetal development. This occurrence causes great economic damage in livestock, and, in wild animals creates selective pressure towards the advantages of better‐adapted genotypes to the detriment of others. Humans undergo several types of stress, including heat, and these represent putative causes of ongoing progressive decay in procreation; an increasing number of remedies in the form of antioxidant preparations are now being proposed to counteract the effects of stress. This review aims to describe the results of the most recent studies that aimed to highlight these effects and to draw information on the mechanisms acting as the basis of this problem from a comparative analysis.
Robust a posteriori error estimators for mixed approximation of nearly incompressible elasticity
Authors: Khan Arbaz , Powell Catherine E. , Silvester David J.
Published: February 2019

This paper is concerned with the analysis and implementation of robust finite element approximation methods for mixed formulations of linear elasticity problems where the elastic body is almost incompressible. Several alternative a posteriori error estimators for the energy norm of the finite element error are introduced and analysed. We establish upper and lower bounds for the energy error in terms of these error estimators and show that the constants in the bounds are independent of the Lamé coefficients: The proposed estimators are robust in the incompressible limit. We also consider the requirement for pressure stabilisation when using lowest‐order conforming approximation. Computational results are presented that validate the theoretical estimates. The software used to generate these results is available online.
Human resource management, employee engagement, and nonprofit hospital performance
Authors: Johansen Morgen S. , Sowa Jessica E.
Published: February 2019

Human resource management (HRM) has been shown to impact organizational performance, but more research is needed on particular human resource (HR) practices in nonprofits and their effect on performance. In this article, we explore one HRM practice argued to influence performance, employee engagement in decision‐making, examining whether involving staff at different levels of a nonprofit affects nonprofit organizational performance. Drawing on data from a 2011 study of nonprofit hospitals, we find employee engagement has a positive influence on managerial and stakeholder perceptions of organizational performance. Employee engagement in decision‐making is also related to objective nonprofit performance measures, although the effects are less consistent. We conclude by discussing the implications of these findings for nonprofit research and practice.
Efficiency of 3D‐Ordered Macroporous La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 as an Electrocatalyst for Aprotic Li‐O2 Batteries
Authors: Cheng Junfang , Jiang Yuexing , Zou Lu , Zhang Ming , Zhang Guozhu , Wang Ziling , Huang Yizhen , Chi Bo , Pu Jian , Jian Li
Published: February 2019

Li‐O2 batteries (LOBs) with an extremely high theoretical energy density have been reported to be the most promising candidates for future electric storage systems. Porous catalysts can be beneficial for LOBs. Herein, 3D‐ordered macroporous La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 perovskite oxides (3D‐LSCF) are applied as cathode catalysts in LOBs. With a high Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller surface area (21.8 m2 g−1) and unique honeycomb‐like macroporous structure, the 3D‐LSCF catalysts possess a much higher efficiency than La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 (LSCF) nanoparticles. The unique 3D‐ordered macropores play a significant role in the product deposition as well as oxygen and electrolyte transmission, which are crucial for the discharge‐charge processes of LOBs.
Effects of single‐case reading interventions for students with and at‐risk of emotional and behavioral disorders in grades K–12: A quantitative synthesis
Authors: McKenna John William , Shin Mikyung , Solis Michael , Mize Min , Pfannenstiel Kathleen
Published: February 2019

This study examined the effects of reading interventions from single‐case design studies for students with and at‐risk of emotional and behavioral disorders in grades K–12 using a quantitative synthesis. Seventeen studies met the selection criteria of having one more dependent variables meeting what works clearinghouse (WWC) design standards with or without reservations. Although students’ reading performance significantly improved from baseline to intervention phases (p < 0.001), the overall weighted average effect size was weak (Tau‐U = 0.58, 95% confidence interval = [0.54, 0.63]; d = 0.29); smaller effects were found on reading comprehension. Interventions were less effective for students in secondary grades, students with a comorbid disability, and students in substantially separate settings. While no studies meeting the selection criteria were conducted in inclusive settings, the teacher provided interventions were more effective than those provided by researchers suggesting the importance of the student–teacher relationship for reading instruction. Study limitations, areas for future research, and implications for school practices are discussed.
Synthesis of novel diene polymer via friedel–crafts‐type reaction of polybutadiene with aromatic compounds
Authors: Shinke Yu
Published: February 2019

This study describes a novel and facile synthesis strategy for a styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR)‐like polymer via Friedel–Crafts‐type reaction between aromatic compounds and polybutadiene using an aluminum chloride as a catalyst. Although gelation was induced by a reaction of a generated carbocation with olefins in other polybutadiene chains in benzene and toluene because of their low electron densities on their rings, anisole with a higher electron density reacted with the polybutadiene carbocation efficiently. The introduction ratio of anisole increased as the reaction proceeded, and the obtained polymer, BRAN polymer, contained 15% anisoles for olefins in the polybutadiene in 4 h at 80 °C as estimated by 1H NMR analysis. The glass‐transition temperature (Tg) of the BRAN polymer also increased with anisole content (Tg ~−50 °C when anisole contents 20%). The vulcanizate containing the BRAN polymer showed higher mechanical properties compared to samples using other matrix polymers. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 841–847
Proteomics for Clinical Assessment of Kidney Disease
Authors: Ortiz Alberto
Published: February 2019

Kidney disease is one of the fastest growing causes of death worldwide, disclosing an unmet clinical need for early diagnosis and optimized risk stratification that allows high risk patient selection for clinical trials and for more intensive nephroprotective interventions in the clinic. The current issue of PROTEOMICS—Clinical Applications contains four manuscripts that explore different aspects of clinical proteomics implementation in the context of acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease and, more specifically, diabetic kidney disease, and kidney transplantation from a diagnostic and risk stratification point of view. Overall, the evidence discussed suggests that chronic kidney disease is an example where clinical proteomics has become a valuable tool ready for clinical implementation, expected to have a major impact in patient management.
Resonant Interatomic Auger Transition in Chalcopyrite CuInSe2
Authors: Grebennikov Vladimir I. , Kuznetsova Tatyana V.
Published: February 2019

The interatomic Auger transitions in compounds containing atomic components with core levels close in energy are studied theoretically and experimentally. The Coulomb transitions of a hole between such levels lead to a resonant enhancement of the Auger spectra (with respect to the energy difference between the levels). Interatomic Auger transitions involving high lying levels are formed by shaking up electrons due to the dynamic field of photo holes produced during the transition. These effects are observed experimentally in XPS and Auger spectra of CuInSe2 type materials.
Numerical Investigation of Light Emission from Quantum Dots Embedded into On‐Chip, Low‐Index‐Contrast Optical Waveguides
Authors: Hoehne Theresa , Schnauber Peter , Rodt Sven , Reitzenstein Stephan , Burger Sven
Published: February 2019

Single‐photon emitters integrated into quantum optical circuits will enable new, miniaturized quantum optical devices. Here, we numerically investigate semiconductor quantum dots embedded into low‐refractive‐index‐contrast waveguides. We discuss a model to compute the coupling efficiency of the emitted light field to the fundamental propagation mode of the waveguide, and we optimize the waveguide dimensional parameters for maximum coupling efficiency. Further, we show that for a laterally cropped waveguide the interplay of Purcell enhancement and optimized field profile can enhance the coupling efficiency by a factor of about two.
Naringenin promotes microglial M2 polarization and Aβ degradation enzyme expression
Authors: Yang Zhiyou , Kuboyama Tomoharu , Tohda Chihiro
Published: February 2019

Two kinds of microglia are known, classical M1 and alternative M2 phenotypes. Amyloid β (Aβ), a critical cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD), promotes M1 microglial polarization, leading to neuroinflammation and neuronal death. M2 microglia play important roles in anti‐inflammatory effects, Aβ clearance, and memory recovery in AD. Therefore, increasing of M2 microglia is expected to recover from AD. We previously found that naringenin, a blood–brain barrier penetrating compound, decreased Aβ deposits and recovers memory function in transgenic AD model mice. Naringenin reportedly showed anti‐inflammatory properties. Here, we aim to investigate potential effects of naringenin on microglial polarization and to reveal the underlying mechanisms of Aβ reduction. Primary cultured cortical microglia were treated with Aβ1–42, following administration of naringenin. Naringenin remarkably promoted M2 microglia polarization and inhibited Aβ1–42‐induced M1 microglia activation. Because microglia reportedly played a critical role in cerebral Aβ clearance through Aβ degradation enzymes after phagocytosis, we investigated the expression of Aβ degradation enzymes, such as neprilysin and insulin degradation enzyme. After naringenin treatment, these Aβ degradation enzymes were downregulated in M1 microglia and upregulated in M2 microglia. Taken together, our results showed that naringenin increased Aβ degradation enzymes in M2 microglia, probably leading to Aβ plaque reduction.
Echinacoside alleviates hypobaric hypoxia‐induced memory impairment in C57 mice
Authors: Zheng Hongnan , Su Yuting , Sun Yang , Tang Tianle , Zhang Di , He Xuefeng , Wang Jianbo
Published: February 2019

Acute hypobaric hypoxia (HH) gives rise to persistent cognitive impairment, influencing memory function specifically. Echinacoside (ECH), one of the phenylethanoids isolated from the stems of Cistanche salsa, has been reported to prevent ischemia induced by neuronal injury traditionally. This study then tried to investigate whether ECH could alleviate HH‐induced memory deficit. Ten C57 mice were used as control, and 50 were exposed to HH equivalent to 6,100 m for 7 days in a decompression chamber and were given ECH daily (50, 75, or 100 mg/kg) through gavage during the period of exposure. Cognitive performance was evaluated by the Morris water maze test. ECH, especially at 100 mg/kg, significantly reduced HH‐induced memory decline. Furthermore, ECH increased the expression of nuclear factor E2 p45‐related factor 2, heme oxygenase‐1, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1, and γ‐glutamyl cysteine synthetase in mRNA and protein levels, suggesting that the Keap1–Nrf2–ARE signaling pathway might be involved in neuronal adaptation. The results indicate that ECH could prevent HH‐induced memory impairment, which is associated with antioxidant effect of ECH in the hippocampus.
Effect of submerged vane on three dimensional flow dynamics and bed morphology in river bend
Authors: Biswas Piya , Barbhuiya Abdul Karim
Published: February 2019

A series of hydraulic experiments were undertaken in a 180° bend laboratory flume with parabolic erodible bed to simulate the effect of submerged vanes on the flow field and subsequent scour morphology in a river bend. The objective of the study was to investigate the role of submerged vanes in protecting riverbed erosion in a river bend. Parameters responsible for scour and deposition, including the velocity distribution field, bed shear stress, and kinetic energy, are presented. Results indicate that the presence of submerged vanes (a) reduced the maximum velocity along the outer bank of the parabolic riverbed by approximately 23%, and the location of this velocity field shifted from the outer bank of the 150°‐section to a central zone of 40°; (b) reduced the maximum bed shear stress and turbulence by 32% and 19%, respectively, and their locations also changed; and (c) reduced scour depths by up to 40% at the outer bank of the bend. The data obtained from these experiments will aid in the efficient design of riverbed protection works.
Facile Synthesis of Hierarchical Micro‐mesoporous HKUST‐1 Using Organic Silane Surfactant as a Novel Template
Authors: Li Feier , Zheng Ke , Zheng Xiang , Zheng Liming , Duan Chongxiong , Xi Hongxia
Published: February 2019

Hierarchically porous HKUST‐1 has been successfully fabricated by using organic silane (3‐Aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, γ‐APS) as template under hydrothermal conditions. The amount of template affected on the porosity and morphology of the as‐synthesized samples, indicating the adjustable pore structure. The density functional theory (DFT) calculation was employed to investigate the synthetic mechanism, demonstrating that the amino group in γ‐APS may play an electrophilic role thus the MOFs could construct under the direction of template γ‐APS. The hierarchically porous structure of the as‐synthesized MOFs will improve the mass transfer efficiency compared to the conventional MOFs, demonstrating great significance for the development of MOFs.
Structurally Selective Assembly of a Specific Macrobicycle from a Dynamic Library of Pseudopeptidic Disulfides
Authors: Lafuente María , Alfonso Ignacio , Solà Jordi
Published: February 2019

Molecular recognition is essential in many chemical and biological processes. Studying the behavior of pseudopeptides using dynamic covalent chemistry allows the exploration of a wide range of structural components and molecular interactions with minimal synthetic effort. Herein, we describe how non‐covalent attractive forces in pseudopeptidic building blocks can successfully guide the product distribution in a dynamic library towards topologically more complex compounds that are in principle not expected. The interactions described herein are highly dependent on molecular architecture and media so effective recognition can be altered by just minimal structural or environmental changes. Thus, the chemical and constitutional information contained in the respective building blocks is decoded and expressed through dynamic covalent and non‐covalent bonds in the assembly of either a single macrostructure or an ensemble of components with larger structural diversity. The understanding of supramolecular forces responsible for the component assembly in minimalistic systems can help to comprehend more complex bio‐related processes such as protein folding or protein−protein interactions.
Correction to: Prediction of surface roughness in milling process using vibration signal analysis and artificial neural network
Authors: Wu T. Y. , Lei K. W.
Published: February 2019

The article Prediction of surface roughness in milling process using vibration signal analysis and artificial neural network, written by T. Y. Wu and K. W. Lei, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on 03 January 2019 without open access.
Brief report: Longitudinal associations between physical activity, sleep disturbance and depressive symptoms in adolescent girls
Authors: Raudsepp Lennart , Vink Kristi
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Physical activity (PA) and sleep disturbances (SD) are related with depressive symptoms in adults. However, evidence that PA and SD are prospectively associated with depression is mixed. The aim of this study was to examine longitudinal and bidirectional associations between PA, SD and depressive symptoms in adolescent girls.

Methods

A 2‐year longitudinal study was conducted consisting of three waves, each separated by 1 year. The participants were 173 Estonian adolescent girls aged 14.3 ± 0.4 years (M±SD) who individually completed self‐report measures of PA, SD and depressive symptoms.

Results

Latent growth modelling indicated that the increase in depressive symptoms was associated with an increase in SD and a decrease in PA. Baseline levels of depressive symptoms were predictive of changes in PA and SD, but not the other way around. Moreover, initial SD predicted decrease in PA.

Conclusions

High levels of depressive symptoms at baseline were associated with lower PA and higher SD after two years but not vice versa in adolescent girls.
An approach toward multiscale modeling of direct metal laser sintering process
Authors: Sahoo Seshadev
Published: February 2019

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) is a relatively new technology which produces three dimensional fully dense complex shaped components directly from the powder material in a layer by layer fashion. This is a rapid manufacturing technique, in which the qualities of build parts are dependent completely on the microstructure along with process parameters. Thus, for fabricating of a sound defect-free component in DMLS process, it is required to understand the processing mechanism as well as the process parameter effect. Also to predict the part microstructures during the process may be an important factor for process optimization. The present article gives an idea about the DMLS process with its process feature and provides a comprehensive knowledge for further application of numerical modeling approaches on multiple lengths and time scales to describe different aspects of DMSL process.