bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Photoelectrocatalytic H2 Evolution over Two‐Dimensional MoS2 Nanosheets Loaded on Cu‐Doped CdS Nanorods
Authors: Tian Haoyang , Liang Jintao , Ma Xuli , Cao Lele , Hu Xueyan , Gao Mengting , Yang Huimin , Liang Zhenhai
Published: December 2018

Transition‐metal ion doping and efficient decoration by using a co‐catalyst have been proven to effectively inhibit the recombination of photogenerated electron‐hole pairs and broaden the visible‐light response region. Here, we have constructed MoS2 nanosheets decorated on a copper‐doped CdS nanorod composite as a noble‐metal‐free photoelectrocatalyst. This kind of composite material was constructed through a simple solvothermal method. The morphology, structure, chemical states, photoelectrochemical properties, and other properties were tested by using a diverse range of analytical techniques. Owing to the Cu2+ doping and the excellent electron‐capturing ability of MoS2, 5 % MoS2/Cu−CdS (with 7 % Cu2+ doping in CdS) exhibits excellent hydrogen evolution reaction with a rate of 10.18 mmol h−1 g−1, which is about 48 times higher than that of pure CdS. A significant increase in the photoelectrochemical performance of the composite catalytic material benefits from the synergistic effect between CdS and MoS2 and fast interfacial charge transfer, owing to the Cu2+ doping. These findings provide a new thought for further research of the ion doping in photoelectrocatalytic field.
Kinetic modelling of alkyl ketene dimer hydrolysis during the storage and papermaking process
Authors: Yan Ning , Wan Xiao‐Fang , Hu Hui‐Chao , Chai Xin‐Sheng
Published: December 2018

An investigation of the hydrolysis of diluted alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) dispersion was carried out under different conditions from which a kinetic model for predicting the AKD hydrolysis during its storage and papermaking process was proposed. As observed, the higher pH, elevated temperature, and longer time can accelerate the hydrolysis of AKD in the water medium. The results showed that the proposed model could provide a satisfactory description of AKD hydrolysis at various conditions, in which the R‐squared of the correlation coefficient (R2) between the measured and predicted data was 0.978. Based on this model, a successful controlling strategy aimed at optimizing the chemical efficiency in the practical application can be determined.
The redox fountain
Authors: Ducci Matthias
Published: December 2018

Im Beitrag werden spektakuläre Varianten des bekannten Springbrunnenversuchs vorgestellt. Während bei dem originären Experiment Säure‐Base‐Indikatoren eingesetzt werden, wird bei den folgenden Versuchen der sich verändernde pH‐Wert beim Einströmen der Lösung in den Kolben ausgenutzt, um Redoxreaktionen zu initiieren.
CNT‐Catalyzed Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethylbenzene to Styrene: DFT Calculations Disclose the Pathways
Authors: Marforio Tainah Dorina , Bottoni Andrea , Zerbetto Francesco , Calvaresi Matteo
Published: December 2018

Oxygen atoms, in the form of epoxy or carbonyl groups present at the edges of carbon nanotubes, trigger oxidative dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene. DFT calculations reveal that the process can occur along three pathways. The first two bifurcate from the initial transformation of an epoxide into a hydroxyl group, which occurs via a biradical transition state and the formation of a benzyl‐like intermediate. The epoxide can further react to release styrene and form a water molecule, as observed experimentally, via a highly exothermic process. Alternatively, in the presence of a second adjacent epoxide, styrene is also produced without water formation along a less exothermic pathway that leaves two hydroxyl groups on the nanotube surface. Along the third pathway, two adjacent carbonyl groups (quinone functionality) also promote the formation of styrene, with energy barriers similar to those calculated in the presence of epoxy groups. These are in the range 36–37 kcal mol−1. These values that can be easily surmounted at the working temperature used in the experiment (between 450 and 550 °C).
Implementation and Validation of an Automated Flow Cytometry Analysis Pipeline for Human Immune Profiling
Authors: Conrad Valerie K. , Dubay Christopher J. , Malek Mehrnoush , Brinkman Ryan R. , Koguchi Yoshinobu , Redmond William L.
Published: December 2018

Automated reagent preparation, sample processing, and data acquisition have increased the rate at which flow cytometry data can be generated. Furthermore, advances in technology and flow cytometry instrumentation continually increase the complexity and dimensionality of this data. Together, this leads to increased pressure on manual data analysis, which has inherent limitations including subjectivity of the analyst and the length of time needed for data processing. These issues can create bottlenecks in the data processing workflow and potentially compromise data quality. To address these issues, as well as the challenges associated with manual gating in a high‐volume human immune profiling laboratory, we sought to implement an automated analysis pipeline. In this report, we discuss considerations for selecting an automated analysis method, the process of implementing an automated pipeline, and detail our successful incorporation of an automated gating strategy with flowDensity into our analysis workflow. This validated pipeline augments our laboratory's ability to provide rapid high‐throughput immune profiling for patients participating in cancer immunotherapy clinical trials. © International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Comparison of CerviHPV and Hybrid Capture 2 HPV tests for detection of high‐risk HPV infection in cervical swab specimens
Authors: Zhao Guodong , Tian Yaping , Du Yingying , Sun Jinli , Wang Zhenzhen , Ma Yong , Zheng Minxue
Published: December 2018

Background

Persistent high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV) infection is the etiological cause of virtually all cervical cancer cases. HR‐HPV screening achieved with earlier generations of HR‐HPV tests has been instrumental in the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer worldwide. The first FDA‐approved HR‐HPV test, digene Hybrid Capture 2 HPV DNA Test (HC2), has been prominent in these efforts. Newer tests have since been developed to improve upon the capability of HC2 test.

Methods

To evaluate the performance of a new multiplex real‐time quantitative PCR assay for HR‐HPV detection, CerviHPV HR‐HPV Test (CerviHPV), 232 cervical swab specimens were collected and analyzed by HC2 and CerviHPV tests for comparison.

Results

HC2 test detected 69 (29.7%) positive cases, whereas CerviHPV test reported 43 (18.5%) positive cases. The concordance rate between the two tests was 84.5% with a kappa value of 0.579. Additional analyses identified only HPV66 or low‐risk HPV (LR‐HPV) types in six HC2 positive discordant cases, suggesting these HC2 results to be false positive.

Conclusion

CerviHPV test has two advantages over HC2 test: It contains a cellular control to eliminate false negative results due to failed sample collection and processing, and it can simultaneously detect and genotype the two most carcinogenic HPV types, HPV16 and 18. In this comparison study, CerviHPV test also demonstrated higher analytical specificity for HR‐HPV genotypes than HC2 test. Therefore, CerviHPV test has the potential to become a viable option for cervical cancer screening in the clinics.
From feces to data: A metabarcoding method for analyzing consumed and available prey in a bird‐insect food web
Authors: Rytkönen Seppo , Vesterinen Eero J. , Westerduin Coen , Leviäkangas Tiina , Vatka Emma , Mutanen Marko , Välimäki Panu , Hukkanen Markku , Suokas Marko , Orell Markku
Published: December 2018

Diets play a key role in understanding trophic interactions. Knowing the actual structure of food webs contributes greatly to our understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The research of prey preferences of different predators requires knowledge not only of the prey consumed, but also of what is available. In this study, we applied DNA metabarcoding to analyze the diet of 4 bird species (willow tits Poecile montanus, Siberian tits Poecile cinctus, great tits Parus major and blue tits Cyanistes caeruleus) by using the feces of nestlings. The availability of their assumed prey (Lepidoptera) was determined from feces of larvae (frass) collected from the main foraging habitat, birch (Betula spp.) canopy. We identified 53 prey species from the nestling feces, of which 11 (21%) were also detected from the frass samples (eight lepidopterans). Approximately 80% of identified prey species in the nestling feces represented lepidopterans, which is in line with the earlier studies on the parids' diet. A subsequent laboratory experiment showed a threshold for fecal sample size and the barcoding success, suggesting that the smallest frass samples do not contain enough larval DNA to be detected by high‐throughput sequencing. To summarize, we apply metabarcoding for the first time in a combined approach to identify available prey (through frass) and consumed prey (via nestling feces), expanding the scope and precision for future dietary studies on insectivorous birds.
Chiral Tetraaryl‐ and Tetraalkynylborates as Chiral Solvating Agents for Tetraalkylammonium Salts
Authors: Tayama Eiji , Sugawara Takeshi
Published: December 2018

The application of tetracarbon‐substituted chiral borate sodium salts (NaBR*4) as NMR chiral solvating agents for various tetraalkylammonium salts (R4NX) has been successfully demonstrated. Ion exchange between R4NX and NaBR*4 proceeded in excellent yields and provided the corresponding diastereomeric salts (R4NBR*4). The ee values of the R4NX salts were determined by 1H NMR analysis of R4NBR*4. Two types of chiral borates, tetraaryl‐ and tetraalkynylborates with optically active 1,1′‐binaphthyl components were used. At the beginning of this research, we investigated the efficacy of a known chiral tetraarylborate developed by Pommerening et al. for R4NX. To expand the possibility of further structural design of the chiral borate, we designed chiral tetraalkynylborates as a new structure. Their synthesis and application are also described.
Expertise, availability build camaraderie across campus
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: December 2018

“I love the camaraderie of my peers,” said Carnell Jones, Ph.D., director of enrollment services at the University of Rhode Island. “There's not a department where I'm not known and welcome,” he added.
Trace element characterization of bitumen constraints on the hydrocarbon source of the giant gas field in Sichuan Basin, South China
Authors: Ni Zhiyong , Chen Zhonghong , Li Meijun , Yang Chengyu , Wen Long , Hong Haitao , Luo Bing
Published: December 2018

The exploration of high production, natural gas wells (>106 m3/d) has been extremely successful in the Gaoshiti and Moxi areas of the Leshan–Longnvsi paleo‐uplift, in the west‐central Sichuan Basin. This paper focuses on the Sinian and Cambrian reservoirs from the Gaoshiti and Moxi areas, where a dataset of new trace elements in bitumen and potential source rock is reported and where hydrocarbon‐source correlation is attempted based on trace elements characteristics of the 12 potential source rocks and 22 bitumen samples. Results show that the bitumen from the three reservoirs can be distinguished from each other using trace element distribution patterns and redox‐ and provenance‐sensitive elemental ratios. Bitumen in the second and fourth members of the Sinian Dengying Formation were derived primarily from the third member of the source rocks of the Dengying Formation, which represents a self‐sourced paleo‐petroleum system. In contrast, bitumen in the reservoirs of the Cambrian Longwangmiao Formation is derived from the Cambrian Qiongzhusi Formation and third member of Dengying Formation. The trace element method used in this study improves our understanding of the complex hydrocarbon–source relation and confirm the potential target for petroleum exploration in the study area.
Capturing Preservice Chemistry Teachers’ Visual Representations of Redox Reactions through Storyboards
Authors: Akaygun Sevil , Adadan Emine , Kelly Resa
Published: December 2018

This study aimed to identify preservice chemistry teachers’ understanding of redox reactions at the submicroscopic level and how they make connections to macroscopic level. Twenty‐five preservice chemistry teachers first viewed a video of a redox reaction happening between a zinc wire and a copper(II) sulfate solution, then they reflected on their macroscopic observations, and generated storyboards (a sequence of drawings) representing this reaction at the submicroscopic level. Both the reflections and the storyboards were coded, and the categories reflecting the participants’ levels of understanding were determined. Results showed that the participants usually identified the macroscopic evidences, but they had conceptual difficulties in interpreting and representing evidences at the submicroscopic level. Few participants indicated a scientific or a moderate understanding of redox reactions, whereas the majority exhibited either weak or alternative understanding of redox reactions.
Dynamic Modeling of Sludge Compaction and Consolidation Processes in Wastewater Secondary Settling Tanks
Authors: Abusam A. , Keesman K. J.
Published: December 2018

The double exponential settling model is the widely accepted model for wastewater secondary settling tanks. However, this model does not estimate accurately solids concentrations in the settler underflow stream, mainly because sludge compression and consolidation processes are not considered. In activated sludge systems, accurate estimation of the solids in the underflow stream will facilitate the calibration process and can lead to correct estimates of particularly kinetic parameters related to biomass growth. Using principles of compaction and consolidation, as in soil mechanics, a dynamic model of the sludge consolidation processes taking place in the secondary settling tanks is developed and incorporated to the commonly used double exponential settling model. The modified double exponential model is calibrated and validated using data obtained from a full‐scale wastewater treatment plant. Good agreement between predicted and measured data confirmed the validity of the modified model.
Bacterial Adhesion to Metal Oxide‐Coated Surfaces in the Presence of Silicic Acid
Authors: Park Seong‐Jik , Kim Song‐Bae
Published: December 2018

This study investigated the effect of silicic acid to the adhesion of Bacillus subtilis to metal oxide‐coated surfaces. The first sets of column experiments were conducted under various concentrations of silicic acid. The second and third experiments were performed under various concentrations of sulfate and nitrate to compare the results from silicic acid. Bacterial breakthrough curves were obtained by monitoring effluent, and mass recoveries were quantified from these curves. The results show that, at silicic acid concentrations between 0 and 0.2 mM, bacteria were negatively charged, while the charges of metal oxides were changed from positive to negative. Bacterial adhesion to metal oxide‐coated surfaces decreased sharply with increasing silicic acid concentration (bacterial mass recovery increased from 11.5 to 82.2%), as a result of the hindrance effect of silicic acid adsorbed onto metal oxide‐coated surfaces. Between 0.2 and 10 mM, both bacteria and metal oxides were negatively charged. Bacterial adhesion remained constant (mass recovery were 80.5 to 82.2%), despite the increasing silicic acid concentration, possibly as a result of the hindrance effect of polymerized silicic acid. That is, the bacterial approach to the metal oxide‐coated surfaces could be disturbed through steric hindrance of polymerized silicic acid, which compensates the potential enhancement effect from the electrical double layer compression. The results also illustrate that the effect of silicic acid on bacterial adhesion was greater than those of sulfate and nitrate. This study demonstrates that silicic acid can play a significant role in bacterial interaction with metal oxide‐coated surfaces.
Medication adherence: Scope of the problem, ways to measure, ways to improve, and the role of the pharmacist
Authors: Touchette Daniel R. , Sharp Lisa K.
Published: December 2018

Background

Medications are the cornerstone for the management of chronic conditions; however, approximately half of Americans do not take their prescribed medications as intended. Such behavior results in suboptimal clinical outcomes and financial strains on the health care system.

Aims

This manuscript outlines challenges with addressing medication adherence and proposes an integrated conceptual model with opportunities for pharmacists to intervene.

Discussion and conclusion

Pharmacists have many opportunities to support patients in adhering to their medications by addressing contextual issues.
Structural bioinformatics insights into ATP binding mechanism in zebrafish (Danio rerio) cyclin‐dependent kinase‐like 5 (zCDKL5) protein
Authors: Rout Ajaya Kumar , Mishra Jagruti , Dehury Budheswar , Maharana Jitendra , Acharya Varsha , Karna Subodha Kumar , Parida Pranaya Kumar , Behera Bijay Kumar , Das Basanta Kumar
Published: December 2018

In mammalian systems, the conserved cyclin‐dependent protein kinases (CDKs) control the process of cell division and curb the transcription mechanism in response to diverse signaling events that are essential for the catalytic activity. In zebrafish, zCDKL5 portrays differential expression profiling in several tissues and presumed to play a vital role in the neuronal development. In this present study, the sequence‐structure relationship and mode of ATP binding in zCDKL5 was unveiled through theoretical modeling, molecular docking, and MD simulations. Like human CDKs, the modeled zCDKL5 was found to be bipartite in nature, where, ATP binds to the central cavity of the catalytic domain through a strong network of H‐bonding, electrostatic, and hydrophobic interactions. MD simulation portrayed that conserved residues, viz, Ile10, Gly11, Glu12, Val18, Val64, Glu81, Cys143, and Asp144 were indispensable for tight anchoring of ATP and contribute to the stability of the zCDKL5‐ATP complex. MM/PBSA binding free energy analysis displayed that van der Waal energy (ΔG
vwd) and Electrostatic energy (ΔG
ele) were the major contributors towards the overall binding free energy. Thus, the comparative structural bioinformatics approach has shed new insights into the dynamics and ATP binding mechanism of zCDKL5. The results from the study will help to undertake further research on the role of phosphorylated CDKL5 in the onset of neurodevelopmental disorders caused by mutations in higher eukaryotic systems.
Retracted: Effects of ebv‐miR‐BART7 on tumorigenicity, metastasis, and TRAIL sensitivity of non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Lei , Liu Li‐fa , Zhou Li , Liao Fei , Wang Ju
Published: December 2018

Objective

To investigate how the Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) encoded microRNA BART7 (miR‐BART7) affects tumorigenicity, metastasis, and TRAIL sensitivity of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Real time‐polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect miR‐BART7 expression in NSCLC cell lines. A549 and Calu‐1 cells transfected with miR‐BART7 inhibitors/mimics were used to do the in‐vitro experiments, including 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide, Annexin V‐fluorescein isothiocyanate/PI, wound‐healing, transwell, clonogenic assays, Western blot analysis, and anchorage‐independent growth assay. Additionally, mice were used to inject A549 cells infected with miR‐BART7 inhibitors to observe the tumorigenicity and metastasis of NSCLC.

Results

TRAIL‐resistant NSCLC cell lines (H460R, A549, Calu‐1, and H1299) exhibited higher miR‐BART7 rather than sensitive H460 and H292 cells. After transfected with miR‐BART7 inhibitors, we observed an inhibition in proliferation, migration, invasion, and colony formation, but an enhancement in apoptosis as well as expressions of caspase‐3 and caspase‐8 in A549 and Calu‐1 cells. Besides, TRAIL elevated the migration, invasion, and anchorage‐independent growth of A549 cells, which was reversed by silencing DR4 and DR5 (siDRs). However, miR‐BART7 inhibitors could reduce migration, invasion, and transformation potential of TRAIL treated A549 cells. Moreover, the expression of transforming growth factor‐beta 1 (TGFβ1) could be decreased by miR‐BART7 inhibitors with or without TRAIL treatment. Moreover, the tumor growth, epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition, and metastasis was suppressed and tumor‐free survival was extended after injection of A549‐miR‐BART7 inhibitors.

Conclusion

Inhibition of miR‐BART7 exerted inhibitory effects on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and colony formation, consequently facilitating cell apoptosis and raising TRAIL sensitivity, providing a new therapeutic target in NSCLC.
Sprouty1 regulates neuritogenesis and survival of cortical neurons
Authors: Gu Xi , Su Xiaohong , Jia Chunhong , Lin Lifang , Liu Shuhu , Zhang Peidong , Wang Xuemin , Jiang Xiaodan
Published: December 2018

In multicellular organisms, receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) control a variety of cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and survival. Sprouty (SPRY) proteins represent an important class of ligand‐inducible inhibitors of RTK‐dependent signaling pathways. Here, we investigated the role of SPRY1 in cells of the central nervous system (CNS). Expression of SPRY1 was substantially higher in neural stem cells than in cortical neurons and was increased during neuronal differentiation of cortical neurons. We found that SPRY1 was a direct target gene of the CNS‐specific microRNA, miR‐124 and miR‐132. In primary cultures of cortical neurons, the neurotrophic factors brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) downregulated SPRY1 expression to positively regulate their own functions. In immature cortical neurons and mouse N2A cells, we found that overexpression of SPRY1 inhibited neurite development, whereas knockdown of SPRY1 expression promoted neurite development. In mature neurons, overexpression of SPRY1 inhibited the prosurvival effects of both BDNF and FGF2 on glutamate‐mediated neuronal cell death. SPRY1 was also upregulated upon glutamate treatment in mature neurons and partially contributed to the cytotoxic effect of glutamate. Together, our results indicate that SPRY1 contributes to the regulation of CNS functions by influencing both neuronal differentiation under normal physiological processes and neuronal survival under pathological conditions.
Microfiltration membrane possessing chelation function and its adsorption and rejection properties towards heavy metal ions
Authors: Du Ruikui , Gao Baojiao , Men Jiying
Published: December 2018

Background

Removing toxic heavy metal ions from water bodies is one of the most important areas of water treatment, and using porous membranes with a chelating function is a good route for this. Graft‐type porous membranes with a chelating function are innovate functional membranes. In this work, the main aims are to prepare such a functional membrane and evaluate its adsorption and rejection properties for heavy metal ions in water through adsorption isotherm experiments and permeation experiments.

Results

Glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was graft‐polymerized on the surface of polysulfone (PSF) microfiltration membrane through a surface initiating system, getting the grafted membrane PSF‐g‐PGMA. Then the ring‐opening reaction of the epoxy group of the grafted PGMA was carried out with iminodiacetic acid (IDAA) as reagent, obtaining PSF‐g‐PGMA/IDAA membrane, on which a great deal of IDAA as chelating ligand was bonded. PSF‐g‐PGMA/IDAA membrane possesses a strong adsorption ability towards heavy metal ions via the chelating action and electrostatic interaction. The order of adsorption capacity was Pb2+>Cu2+>Cd2+, and the adsorption capacity of Pb2+ ion reached 4.5 µmol cm−2. When an injection filter with a membrane area of 1.77 cm2 was used, the rejection rate of PSF‐g‐PGMA/IDAA membrane for the three heavy metal ions with concentrations of 0.1 mmol L−1 were maintained at a level of 95% until the permeation solution volume reached 100 mL.

Conclusion

The grafted microfiltration membrane PSF‐g‐PGMA/IDAA can be easily prepared and possesses excellent rejection and removing performance towards heavy metal ions © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Dehydration as a stressor in toads (Rhinella ornata)
Authors: Barsotti Adriana Maria Giorgi , Titon Junior Braz , Titon Stefanny Christie Monteiro , Gomes Fernando Ribeiro
Published: December 2018

Availability of a humid environment is essential for amphibians to carry out their activities and most species are characterized by low resistance to evaporative water loss. Moreover, dehydration severely compromises amphibian locomotor and foraging performance, representing a relevant selective factor modulating the evolution of its integrative phenotype. In this way, we hypothesized that dehydration is a stressor for toads, inducing a stress response comparable to that elicited by another commonly used stress protocol: restraint challenge. We evaluated changes in plasma levels of corticosterone (CORT), hematocrit (Hct), and neutrophil:lymphocyte (N:L) ratio in adult males of Rhinella ornata, experimentally submitted to different levels of hydration (100%, 90%, and 80% of standard body mass) and to restraint challenge. Our results showed that dehydrating toads by 10% increase CORT to levels equivalent to that obtained by restraint. Moreover, toads dehydrated by 20% show a more pronounced increase in CORT, along with increased Hct and N:L ratio. In this way, we corroborated the hypothesis that dehydration triggers a pronounced stress response in
R. ornata.
Diffusion tensor imaging and diffusion modeling: Application to monitoring changes in the medial gastrocnemius in disuse atrophy induced by unilateral limb suspension
Authors: Malis Vadim , Sinha Usha , Csapo Robert , Narici Marco , Smitaman Edward , Sinha Shantanu
Published: December 2018

Background

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) assesses underlying tissue microstructure, and has been applied to studying skeletal muscle. Unloading of the lower leg causes decreases in muscle force, mass, and muscle protein synthesis as well as changes in muscle architecture.

Purpose

To monitor the change in DTI indices in the medial gastrocnemius (MG) after 4‐week unilateral limb suspension (ULLS) and to explore the feasibility of extracting tissue microstructural parameters based on a two‐compartment diffusion model.

Study Type

Prospective cohort study.

Subjects

Seven moderately active subjects (29.1 ± 5.7 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

3T, single‐shot fat‐suppressed echo planar spin echo sequence.

Assessment

Suspension‐related changes in the DTI indices (eigenvalues: λ1, λ2, λ3, fractional anisotropy; coefficient of planarity) were statistically analyzed. Changes in model‐derived tissue parameters (muscle fiber circularity and diameter, intracellular volume fraction, and residence time) after suspension are qualitatively discussed.

Statistical Tests

Changes in the DTI indices of the MG between pre‐ and postsuspension were assessed using repeated‐measures two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

All the eigenvalues (λ1: P = 0.025, λ2: P = 0.035, λ3: P = 0.049) as well as anisotropic diffusion coefficient (P = 0.029) were significantly smaller post‐ULLS. Diffusion modeling revealed that fibers were more circular (circularity index increased from 0.55 to 0.95) with a smaller diameter (diameter decreased from 82–60 μm) postsuspension.

Data Conclusion

We have shown that DTI indices change with disuse and modeling can relate these voxel level changes to changes in the tissue microarchitecture.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018.
LAP+ Treg is a better biomarker than total Treg in viral myocarditis
Authors: Wang Xinggang , Ge Junbo , Chen Ruizhen
Published: December 2018

Latency associated peptide (LAP) is a protein expressed on the membrane of some regulatory T cells (Treg). LAP+ Treg have a greater immunomodulatory effect than that of their negative counterparts. In this study, we presented the data on the proportion of LAP+ Treg out of CD4+ cells in mice with viral myocarditis, which we believed was more sensitive and specific than that of the ratio of total Treg in CD4+ cells. Comparing with the previously recognized total Treg, LAP+ Treg was a better biomarker on myocardial inflammation.
Induction of interleukin 6 impairs the anti‐HBV efficiency of IFN‐α in human hepatocytes through upregulation of SOCS3
Authors: Yang Kai , Guan Shihe , Zhang Hao , Chen Zhiwu
Published: December 2018

Interleukin 6 (IL‐6) is a pleiotropic cytokine with pivotal functions in the regulation of the biological responses of several target cells, including hepatocytes. Previous studies have shown that serum IL‐6 levels are increased in hepatitis B patients. However, the role of IL‐6 in modulating the anti‐hepatitis B virus (HBV) activity of interferon‐α (IFN‐α) remains unclear. In this study, we found that both HBV and viral proteins could induce the expression of IL‐6 in hepatocytes (LO2 and HepG2). Exogenous IL‐6 had no effect on HBV replication, whereas knockdown of IL‐6 expression by RNAi inhibited that. Interestingly, IFN‐α markedly induced IL‐6 expression in hepatocytes, especially in HBV replicating hepatocytes. In turn, IL‐6 impaired the anti‐HBV efficiency of IFN‐α by decreases the expression of IFN‐α downstream effectors by upregulation of suppressor of cytokine signaling‐3 (SOCS3). Furthermore, we demonstrated that downregulation of SOCS3 improved IFN antiviral activity to some extent in HBV replicating hepatocytes. These data provided new insights for a better understanding of the mechanism of IFN‐α resistance and may represent a novel therapeutic strategy to efficiently target HBV infection.
Preparation of restricted‐access material precolumns by grafting δ‐gluconolactone onto a hybrid silica monolithic column for on‐line solid‐phase extraction of tetracycline residues from milk
Authors: Huang Li‐Fei , Jia Bo , Jiang Lin , Liu Wei‐Lun , Xia Li‐Ya , Lv Yun‐Kai
Published: December 2018

A restricted‐access material–hybrid monolithic column was prepared based on single‐component organosiloxane and dynamic grafting of δ‐gluconolactone for on‐line solid phase extraction of tetracycline antibiotic residues from milk. The hybrid monolithic column was prepared in a stainless‐steel chromatographic column using methyltrimethoxysilane as the single precursor. δ‐Gluconolactone was covalently coupled to aminopropyl derivatized hybrid monolithic column, which formed hydrophilic structures on the surface of the pore of the restricted‐access material–hybrid monolithic column. The columns were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption, contact angle analysis, dynamic adsorption, and chromatographic performance evaluation. The restricted‐access material–hybrid monolithic column was applied to the on‐line extraction of tetracycline residues from milk. An enrichment factor of 15.8 and a good sample clean‐up effect were obtained under the optimized conditions. The recoveries of the three spiked milk samples were between 81.7 and 102.5% with relative standard deviations (n = 3) in the range of 2–5%. The limits of detection (S/N = 3) for target compounds were in the range of 3.80–9.03 μg/kg. The results show that the on‐line extraction using the restricted‐access material–hybrid monolithic column was powerful for food sample pretreatment with high selectivity and good clean‐up effect.
Otolaryngology Residency Interviewing Dates and Practices: What Should an Applicant Expect?
Authors: Lee Andrew H. , Liao Ross , Young Patrick , Yi Paul H. , Reh Douglas , Eisele David W. , Hillel Alexander T.
Published: December 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

Scheduling otolaryngology interviews may be a challenge for residency applicants due to overlapping interview dates. Our objective was to identify otolaryngology interview date patterns and scheduling conflicts over the past six application cycles.

Study Design

Retrospective review of otolaryngology online forums (Otomatch.com and Student Doctor Network).

Methods

Online threads related to residency interview dates posted during the 2012 to 2013 through 2017 to 2018 interview seasons on Otomatch.com were reviewed. Program directors were contacted to complete any missing data. The χ‐ goodness‐of‐fit test and the χ2 test of independence was used to compare proportions. Analysis of variance was used to compare values across years.

Results

Data from an average of 98 programs (99%) per year were obtained. The majority of invitations arrived late October (49%), followed by early November (37.1%). Interviews occurred primarily in December (48.4%) and January (37.5%). Programs on average scheduled 2.47 (range, 0–4) interview dates. Most interviews fell on Fridays (28.7%) and Saturdays (22.7%) (P < .0001), with an increasing trend toward interviewing on consecutive days. There was substantial overlap in interview dates, with six dates alone accounting for an average of 31.3% of all interviews in a given interview cycle.

Conclusions

The majority of otolaryngology interviews occur in December or January and fall on a Friday or Saturday. There is considerable overlap with the potential for scheduling conflicts. Our findings can help set expectations for applicants regarding interview invitations, as well as a strategy for scheduling interviews.

Level of Evidence

NA

Laryngoscope, 129:2280–2285, 2019
What makes us tick: Implications of personality differences among otolaryngology residents and faculty
Authors: Villwock Jennifer A. , Bowe Sarah N. , Rotich Duncan C. , Beltramo Alvin , Friedman Alan , Kraft Shannon M.
Published: December 2018

Objective

The rapid personal and professional growth experienced during medical training and practice is impacted by personality. The surgeon's personality is renowned in both medical lore and literature. However, it is now known that the personality characteristics of today's millennial trainees differ from older faculty. This study investigates the variability of different personality attributes among otolaryngology residents and faculty, as well as the practical implications of these findings.

Methods

The opportunity to complete a series of web‐based, commercially available, self‐administered five factor‐based personality assessments was given to otolaryngology residents and faculty at nine academic training programs. The psychometrically validated assessments evaluate innate personality 1) strengths, 2) challenges, and 3) motivators/values. Differences between groups in the assessed metrics were evaluated using two‐tailed t tests.

Results

Seventy‐eight otolaryngology faculty and 104 residents completed all three assessments. Of the assessed metrics, there were several significant differences between residents and faculty (all P < 0.05). Residents scored higher than faculty in the domains of interpersonal sensitivity, sociability, and inquisitiveness. With respect to potential challenges, faculty displayed higher levels of skepticism and reservation. In contrast, residents scored higher in the categories of mischievous and dutiful. As for motivators/values, although both groups were highly motivated by altruism, faculty valued tradition more than residents, whereas residents valued hedonism and affiliation more than faculty.

Conclusion

There are notable differences between residents and faculty in multiple domains, with implications for communication, education, and professional development.

Level of Evidence

3

Laryngoscope, 129:2286–2290, 2019
The pattern of hearing outcome following surgery of the semicircular canals
Authors: Wolfovitz Amit , Grobman Ariel B. , Babcock Thomas A. , Angeli Simon I.
Published: December 2018

Objective

To analyze demographic, clinical, surgical, and audiometric factors that may affect hearing outcome following surgery for the semicircular canals (SCC).

Method

This is a retrospective case review of adults who underwent surgeries for superior SCC (SSCC), lateral SCC (LSCC), or posterior SCC (PSCC) and whose data were extracted and analyzed for factors affecting the hearing outcome in these procedures.

Results

Thirteen patients underwent surgery for SSCC, seven cases for the LSCC, one for the PSCC, and one case of combined PSCC/SSCC surgery. The mean age was 49.8 ± 12 years (21–66). There was no difference between the preoperative and postoperative pure tone average (PTA) thresholds at 0.5–3 kHz. Higher thresholds were noted at 4, 6, and 8 kHz postoperatively. Deterioration (>10 dB) in the bone‐conduction (BC) PTA was demonstrated in 3 of 22 (13.6%) cases with no significant difference in the demographic, clinical, surgical, and preoperative audiometric parameters relative to the cases without PTA BC change. A significantly larger difference in PTA BC (pre‐ vs. postoperative) was seen for males. Small effect size was noted for Air conduction (AC) PTA in males, and moderate effect size for Word Recognition Score (WRS) in surgery for the LSCC compare to SSCC.

Conclusions

SCC surgeries carry a relatively low risk of deterioration in PTA BC. High frequency thresholds should also be included in postoperative hearing outcome assessment. Cases of LSCC for intractable Meniere's disease and surgery in males carry higher risk of poor postoperative hearing outcomes.

Level of Evidence: 4
Inter‐ and intra‐tumor heterogeneity of SMAD4 loss in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Hernandez Ariel L. , Wang Ying , Somerset Hilary L. , Keysar Stephen B. , Aisner Dara L. , Marshall Carrie , Bowles Daniel W. , Karam Sana D. , Raben David , Jimeno Antonio , Varella‐Garcia Marileila , Wang Xiao‐Jing
Published: December 2018

Reports regarding the frequency of SMAD4 loss in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) vary significantly. We have shown that SMAD4 deletion contributes to HNSCC initiation and progression. Therefore, accurately detecting genetic SMAD4 loss is critical to determine prognosis and therapeutic interventions in personalized medicine. We developed a SMAD4 fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay to identify chromosomal SMAD4 loss at the single cell level of primary HNSCC specimens and patient derived xenograft (PDX) tumors derived from HNSCCs. SMAD4 heterozygous loss was detected in 35% of primary HNSCCs and 41.3% of PDX tumors. Additionally, 4.3% of PDX tumors had SMAD4 homozygous loss. These frequencies of SMAD4 loss were similar to those in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). However, we identified significant heterogeneities of SMAD4 loss (partial or complete) among cells within each tumor. We also found that aneuploidy (monosomy and polysomy) contributed greatly to how to define chromosomal SMAD4 deletion. Furthermore, in cultured PDX tumors, SMAD4 mutant cells outcompeted SMAD4 wildtype cells, resulting in establishing homogenous SMAD4 mutant HNSCC cell lines with partial or complete genomic SMAD4 loss, suggesting a survival advantage of SMAD4 mutant cells. Taken together, our study reveals inter‐ and intra‐tumor heterogeneities of SMAD4 chromosomal loss in HNSCCs. Further, SMAD4 FISH assay provides a platform for future clinical diagnosis of SMAD4 chromosomal loss that potentially serves as a molecular marker for prognosis and therapeutic intervention in cancer patients.
Assessing the Evidence in Evidence‐Based Medicine
Authors: Koretz Ronald L.
Published: December 2018

Evidence‐based medicine (EBM) has become a fixture in today's medical practice. Evidence consists of memorialized observations and should be contrasted with dogmatic pronouncements and/or hypotheses. Evidence has varying degrees of reliability. The randomized clinical trial (RCT) or a systematic review of RCTs is accorded the highest level of credibility and expert opinion the lowest. This ranking reflects the internal validity (degree to which factors in the study interfere with the gathering or interpretation of the observations) of the study design; more valid designs are more credible. The provision of healthcare requires an almost constant assessment of evidence. In so doing, there are a number of principles of EBM that need to be kept in mind:

Association can never prove causation.

Various methodologic biases can influence conclusions made in both RCTs and observational studies.

The strength of RCTs is in the elimination of confounding bias.

Surrogate outcomes must be validated in RCTs assessing how they are changed compared with the clinical outcomes.

Subgroup analyses cannot prove hypotheses although they can generate them.

P < 0.05 is not the same as truth.

Type I errors are more likely to occur when multiple analyses are performed, when trials are prematurely stopped for perceived benefit when there was no a priori plan to do so, or in small papers with dramatic results that are selectively published.

The failure to find a difference does not mean that no difference exists (type II error).
Detection and mitigation of monitor identification attacks in collaborative intrusion detection systems
Authors: Vasilomanolakis Emmanouil , Mühlhäuser Max
Published: December 2018

Collaborative defensive approaches such as collaborative intrusion detection system (CIDS) have emerged as a response to the continuous increase in the sophistication of cyberattacks. Such systems utilize a plethora of heterogeneous monitors to create a holistic picture of the monitored network. A number of research institutes deploy CIDSs that publish their alert data publicly over the Internet. This is important for researchers and security administrators, as such systems provide a source of real‐world alert data for experimentation. However, a class of identification attacks exists, namely probe‐response attacks (PRAs), which can significantly reduce the benefits of a CIDS. In particular, such attacks allow an adversary to detect the network location of the monitors of a CIDS. This article discusses the state of the art, with an emphasis on our previous and ongoing work, with regard to the detection and the mitigation of PRAs. We compare the most promising defensive mechanisms with respect to their effectiveness and the possible negative effects they might introduce to the CIDS. Finally, we provide a thorough discussion of research gaps and possible future directions for the field.
Effect of liraglutide on anthropometric measurements, sagittal abdominal diameter and adiponectin levels in people with type 2 diabetes treated with multiple daily insulin injections: evaluations from a randomized trial (MDI‐liraglutide study 5)
Authors: Ahmadi S. S. , Filipsson K. , Dimenäs H. , Isaksson S. S. , Imberg H. , Sjöberg S. , Ahrén B. , Dahlqvist S. , Gustafsson T. , Tuomilehto J. , Hirsch I. B. , Lind M.
Published: December 2018

Aim

Use of the glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonist liraglutide has been shown to reduce weight. Different types of anthropometric measurements can be used to measure adiposity. This study evaluated the effect of liraglutide on sagittal abdominal diameter, waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio and adiponectin levels in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) treated with multiple daily insulin injections (MDI).

Materials and methods

In the multicentre, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled MDI‐liraglutide trial, 124 individuals with T2D treated with MDI were randomized to either liraglutide or placebo. Basal values of weight, waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio, sagittal abdominal diameter and adiponectin were compared with measurements at 12 and 24 weeks after randomization.

Results

Baseline‐adjusted mean weight loss was 3.8 ± 2.9 kg greater in liraglutide than placebo‐treated individuals (p < 0.0001). Waist circumference was reduced by 2.9 ± 4.3 cm and 0.2 ± 3.6 cm in the liraglutide and placebo groups, respectively, after 24 weeks (baseline‐adjusted mean difference: 2.6 ± 4.0 cm, p = 0.0005). Corresponding reductions in sagittal abdominal diameter were 1.1 ± 1.7 cm and 0.0 ± 1.8 cm (baseline‐adjusted mean difference: 1.1 ± 1.7 cm, p = 0.0008). Hip circumference was reduced in patients randomized to liraglutide (baseline‐adjusted mean difference between treatment groups: 2.8 ± 3.8 cm, p = 0.0001), but there was no significant difference between the groups in either waist‐to‐hip ratio (baseline‐adjusted mean difference: 0.0 ± 0.04 cm, p = 0.51) or adiponectin levels (baseline‐adjusted mean difference: 0.8 ± 3.3 mg L−1, p = 0.17). Lower HbA1c and mean glucose levels measured by masked continuous glucose monitoring at baseline were associated with greater effects of liraglutide on reductions in waist circumference and sagittal abdominal diameter.

Conclusions

In patients with T2D, adding liraglutide to MDI may reduce abdominal and hip obesity to a similar extent, suggesting an effect on both visceral and subcutaneous fat. Liraglutide had greater effects on reducing abdominal obesity in patients with less pronounced long‐term hyperglycaemia but did not affect adiponectin levels.
Segmental relaxation and partial crystallization of chain‐extended Poly(l‐lactic acid) reinforced with carboxylated carbon nanotube
Authors: Yousefzade Omid , Valenti Sofia , Puiggalí Jordi , Garmabi Hamid , Macovez Roberto
Published: December 2018

Temperature‐modulated differential scanning calorimetry (TMDSC) and broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) were employed to study the glass transition, size of the cooperative rearranging regions (CRRs), crystallization kinetics, and dielectric relaxation response of nanocomposites constituted by chain‐extended poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA) and carboxylated carbon nanotubes (f‐CNTs). The CRR size and the number of relaxing structural units decreased in the presence of crystals during isothermal crystallization. All samples displayed both a primary (α) and secondary (β) relaxation in BDS spectra. The relaxation dynamics of PLLA chains was barely affected by the presence of the f‐CNT. Constrained polymer chains and thickness of interphase (t
i) were measured using dielectric spectra in tan δ representation. t
i values were found to be 46 and 24 nm for sample containing 0.2 and 0.5% weight fraction of f‐CNT, respectively. All samples underwent partial crystallization (with roughly 30% of final crystalline fraction) some 15 or 20° above their glass‐transition temperature (T
g). Crystallization leads to a fragile‐to‐strong transition in the temperature dependence of the cooperative α relaxation and to the increased visibility of a Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars (MWS) interfacial relaxation, which appears to be present in all samples. The heterogeneity of the polymeric samples was quantified in terms of a new parameter, the heterogeneity index (H). © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 222–233
Advances in attractive ellipsoid method for robust control design
Authors: Azhmyakov V. , Mera M. , Juárez R.
Published: December 2018

Our contribution is devoted to a further theoretic development of the attractive ellipsoid method (AEM). We consider dynamic models given by nonlinear ordinary differential equations in the presence of bounded disturbances. The resulting robustness analysis of the closed‐loop system incorporates the celebrated Clarke invariancy concept (an analytic extension of the celebrated Lyapunov methodology). We finally obtain a new general geometric characterization of the AEM‐based approach to the robust systems design. Moreover, we also discuss the corresponding numerical aspects of the proposed theoretical extensions of the method. The theoretic results obtained in this contribution are finally illustrated by a practically oriented computational example.