bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Patients with Dyspeptic Symptoms in Damaturu Metropolitan
Authors: Gide S. , Ibrahim Y. , Anas G. , Alegbe S. D.
Published: September 2019

Aim: To study the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) contamination among dyspeptic patients in Damaturu and report on the relationship between H. pylori predominance and different age groups in the population under study.

Methods: A sum of 229 volunteers with dyspeptic symptoms (140 females and 89 males; mean period of 43.6 ± 14.2 years) took an interest in the investigation. The status of infection caused by H. pylori was determined using serological test. Information was gathered by the utilization of self-managed survey while status of H. pylori was resolved dependent on the serological examination (fast symptomatic test). The one Step H. Pylori serum whole blood rapid test kit was used to detect the presence of IgG antibodies specific to H. pylori infections in the participants.

Results: The prevalence of H. pylori disease was 51.96%. There was no noteworthy factual relationship between age and contamination rate at p-value (0.1515). In young subjects (under 11 years of age), the H. pylori contamination rate was moderately higher (50.00%). The most extreme number of the positive patients was found in the age range of 50-59 years (69.23%) and the base prevalence was in the age range of 10-19 years (50.00%).

The overall prevalence of H. pylori contamination between the gender is out of 89 males, 55 were found to be positive to the infection (61.79%), while out of 140 females, 64 were also positive (45.71%). Despite these findings, there was no critical factual relationship between the genders and H. pylori infection (p=0.113). The statistical qualities of members at the examination section demonstrate that out of 129 patients having a place with the upper lower class, 85 subjects (66.40%) were found to be positive to H. pylori. The lower-middle-class demonstrates that out of 89 subjects 30 were positive (33.70%), while upper-middle outcome demonstrates that out of 12 subjects 4 were confirmed with 33.33%. This demonstrates that subjects living under overcrowded  conditions with dense population have a high contamination rate of H. pylori and therefore is a noteworthy factual relationship between socio-statistic factors and overall prevalence of H. Pylori infection (p = 0.001).

Conclusion: We came to realize the overall prevalence of H. pylori contamination in patients with dyspeptic symptoms in Damaturu. The H. pylori contamination might be a hazard factor for peptic ulcer and more grounded gastritis.
Monte Carlo Methods
Authors: Taimre Thomas , Kroese Dirk P. , Botev Zdravko I.
Published: September 2019

Monte Carlo methods are algorithms that employ pseudorandom numbers to produce numerical approximations to a range of difficult computational problems. This article describes the key ideas behind such algorithms and their use in simulation, estimation, and optimization problems.
Who is more violent in extremist groups? A comparison of leaders and followers
Authors: Jasko Katarzyna , LaFree Gary
Published: September 2019

Few prior studies have examined the extent to which the behavior and characteristics of political extremists are related to their position within radical groups. In this paper we concentrate on one of the most fundamental distinctions in groups: That between leaders and followers. Our main goal is to investigate the comparative propensity of leaders and followers to engage in political violence. In a sample of individuals who have committed ideologically motivated political crimes in the United States (N = 1,331). we found that even though leaders were more ideologically committed to the group's goals and ideologies, they were at the same time less likely to engage in violent acts. Moreover, we found that leaders in radical criminal organizations shared many characteristics with leaders in noncriminal organizations. Specifically, in comparison to followers, they were more often male, older, and they were more likely to belong to an ethnic majority. We consider implications for future research and policy of the fundamental conclusion that compared to leaders, followers in terrorist organizations are more likely to engage in violent acts.
Evaluation of fixed‐jaw IMRT and tangential partial‐VMAT radiotherapy plans for synchronous bilateral breast cancer irradiation based on a dosimetric study
Authors: Huang Jiang‐Hua , Wu Xiu‐Xiu , Lin Xiao , Shi Jun‐Tian , Ma Yu‐Jia , Duan Song , Huang Xiao‐Bo
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To investigate the fixed‐jaw intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (F‐IMRT) and tangential partial volumetric modulated arc therapy (tP‐VMAT) treatment plans for synchronous bilateral breast cancer (SBBC).

Materials and method

Twelve SBBC patients with pTis‐2N0M0 stages who underwent whole‐breast irradiation after breast‐conserving surgery were planned with F‐IMRT and tP‐VMAT techniques prescribing 42.56 Gy (2.66 Gy*16f) to the breast. The F‐IMRT used 8‐12 jaw‐fixed tangential fields with single (sF‐IMRT) or two (F‐IMRT) isocenters located under the sternum or in the center of the left and right planning target volumes (PTVs), and tP‐VMAT used 4 tangential partial arcs with two isocenters located in the center of the left and right PTVs. Plan evaluation was based on dose‐volume histogram (DVH) analysis. Dosimetric parameters were calculated to evaluate plan quality; total monitor units (MUs), and the gamma analysis for patient‐specific quality assurance (QA) were also evaluated.

Results

For PTVs, the three plans had similar Dmean and conformity index (CI) values. F‐IMRT showed a slightly better target coverage according to the V100% values and demonstrated an obvious reduction in V105% and Dmax compared with the values observed for sF‐IMRT and tP‐VMAT. Compared with tP‐VMAT, sF‐IMRT was slightly better in terms of V100%, V105% and Dmax. In addition, F‐IMRT achieved the best homogeneity index (HI) values for PTVs. Concerning healthy tissue, tP‐VMAT had an advantage in minimizing the high dose volume. The MUs of the tP‐VMAT plan were decreased approximately 1.45 and 1 times compared with the sF‐IMRT and F‐IMRT plans, respectively, and all plans passed QA. For the lungs, heart and liver, F‐IMRT achieved the smallest values in terms of Dmean and showed a significant difference compared with tP‐VMAT. Simultaneously, sF‐IMRT was also superior to tP‐VMAT. For the coronary artery, tP‐VMAT achieved the lowest Dmean, while the value for F‐IMRT was 2.24% lower compared with sF‐IMRT. For all organs at risk (OARs), tP‐VMAT was superior at the high dose level. In contrast, sF‐IMRT and F‐IMRT were obviously superior at the low dose level. The sF‐IMRT and F‐IMRT plans showed consistent trends.

Conclusion

All treatment plans for the provided techniques were of high quality and feasible for SBBC patients. However, we recommend F‐IMRT with a single isocenter as a priority technique because of the tremendous advantage of local hot spot control in PTVs and the reduced dose to OARs at low dose levels. When the irradiated dose to the lungs and heart exceed the clinical restriction, two isocenter F‐IMRT can be used to maximize OAR sparing. Additionally, tP‐VMAT can be adopted for improving cold spots in PTVs or high‐dose exposure to normal tissue when the interval between PTVs is narrow.
Supplementing Claims Data with Electronic Medical Records to Improve Estimation and Classification of Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Feldman Candace H. , Yoshida Kazuki , Xu Chang , Frits Michelle L. , Shadick Nancy A. , Weinblatt Michael E. , Connolly Sean E. , Alemao Evo , Solomon Daniel H.
Published: September 2019

Objective

Previous attempts to estimate rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity using claims data only did not yield high performance. We aimed to assess whether supplementing claims data with readily available electronic medical record (EMR) data might result in improvement.

Methods

We used a subset of the Brigham and Women's Hospital Rheumatoid Arthritis Sequential Study (BRASS) that had linked Medicare claims. The disease activity score in 28 joints with C‐reactive protein (DAS28‐CRP) was considered the gold standard of measure. Variables in the linked Medicare claims, as well asEMRrecorded in the preceding one‐year period were used as potential explanatory variables. We constructed three models: “Claims‐Only,” “Claims + Medications,” and “Claims + Medications + Labs (laboratory data fromEMR). We selected variables via adaptiveLASSO. Model performance was measured with adjusted R2 for continuousDAS28‐CRPand C‐statistics for binary category classification (high/moderate vs low disease activity/remission).

Results

We identified 300 patients with laboratory data and linked Medicare claims. The mean age was 68 years and 80% were female. The mean (SD)DAS28‐CRPwas 3.6 (1.6) and 51% had high or moderateDAS28‐CRP. For the continuous estimation, the adjusted R2 was 0.02 for Claims‐Only, 0.09 for Claims + Medications, and 0.18 for Claims + Medications + Labs. The C‐statistics for discriminating the binary categories were 0.61 for Claims‐Only, 0.68 for Claims + Medications, and 0.76 for Claims + Medications + Labs.

Conclusion

AddingEMR‐derived variables to claims‐derived variables resulted in modest improvement. Even withEMRvariables, we were unable to estimate continuousDAS28‐CRPsatisfactorily. However, in claims‐EMRmodels, we were able to discriminate between binary categories of disease activity with reasonable accuracy.
Tilting‐Sensitive Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Energy Harvesting from Unstable/Fluctuating Surfaces
Authors: Zhong Wei , Xu Liang , Wang Haiming , An Jie , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: September 2019

The invention of triboelectric nanogenerators provides an opportunity to utilize previously wasted mechanical energy. The sway energy of ships that affects navigation and comfort on board has been considered negative in the past. Here, a tilting‐sensitive triboelectric nanogenerator (TS‐TENG) that can effectively harvest energy from unstable/fluctuating surfaces is demonstrated by using the sway energy of ships. The device adopts integrated blade structures on sliders, which make it sensitive to tilts and guarantee its power output. The response of the device to tilt agitations of different slopes and frequencies is systematically investigated. Rotational symmetry configuration is used to improve the motion stability of the device by excluding extra torque on the sliders. The peak power density and average power density of the TS‐TENG can reach 1.41 and 0.1 W m−3, respectively, in low‐frequency and low‐amplitude fluctuating conditions. By the excellent performance of harvesting energy from unstable/fluctuating surfaces, the TS‐TENG is considered promising for powering various distributed sensor devices on the ship for smart ships.
Metal−Organic Decomposition Ink for Printed Electronics
Authors: Choi Yejung , Seong Kwang‐dong , Piao Yuanzhe
Published: September 2019

Printed electronics is a rapidly expanding research field because of its incomparable economic efficiency. While various types of inks are employed in the printing of electronics, metal–organic decomposition (MOD) ink is an interesting type of ink worth paying attention to. MOD ink consists of metals in their ionic state and the advantages include simple preparation, long shelf life, high jetting stability, and low temperature processing. Additionally, the ease of large‐scale fabrication through industrial scale printing processes makes MOD ink ideal for printed electronics. To improve the conductivity, morphology, and variety of the conductive substance resulting from MOD ink, recent research has focused on the variation of the ink composition, printing techniques, and sintering methods. Here, the conventional methods of preparation and processing of MOD ink are introduced, followed by discussion of various research efforts to date. Furthermore, applications and their examples including but not limited to conventional conductive patterning are presented.
Multistimuli Responsive Liquid‐Release in Dynamic Polymer Coatings for Controlling Surface Slipperiness and Optical Performance
Authors: Zhao Huaixia , Prieto‐López Lizbeth Ofelia , Zhou Xiaozhuang , Deng Xu , Cui Jiaxi
Published: September 2019

Controllable stabilization of liquids on interfaces is emerging as a novel method to mediate surface properties. Here, the fast, stimuli‐responsive liquid release from dynamic polymer coatings is described to mediate surface slipperiness and optical performance. These polymer coatings consist of a slippery liquid‐locked rough surface and a liquid‐supplied bottom layer storing the liquid in embedded droplets. They are prepared by a simple one‐pot casting of a solution of cross‐linkable polymer and silicone oil in tetrahydrofuran. It is demonstrated that upon mechano‐, solvent‐, or thermo‐stimulation, the liquid stored in the bottom layer is released altering both surface slipperiness and optical properties of the coatings.
Treatment of Glioblastoma Using Multicomponent Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Turan Oguz , Bielecki Peter A. , Perera Vindya , Lorkowski Morgan , Covarrubias Gil , Tong Kathleen , Yun Aaron , Loutrianakis Georgia , Raghunathan Shruti , Park Youngjun , Moon Taylor , Cooley Shane , Dixit Deobrat , Griswold Mark A. , Ghaghada Ketan B. , Peiris Pubudu M. , Rich Jeremy N. , Karathanasis Efstathios
Published: September 2019

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains highly lethal. This partially stems from the presence of brain tumor initiating cells (BTICs), a highly plastic cellular subpopulation that is resistant to current therapies. In addition to resistance, the blood–brain barrier limits the penetration of most drugs into GBMs. To effectively deliver a BTIC‐specific inhibitor to brain tumors, a multicomponent nanoparticle, termed Fe@MSN, which contains a mesoporous silica shell and an iron oxide core, is developed. Fibronectin‐targeting ligands direct the nanoparticle to the near‐perivascular areas of GBM. After Fe@MSN particles are deposited in the tumor, an external low‐power radiofrequency (RF) field triggers rapid drug release due to mechanical tumbling of the particle resulting in penetration of high amounts of drug across the blood–brain tumor interface and widespread drug delivery into the GBM. The nanoparticle is loaded with the drug 1400W, which is a potent inhibitor of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). It is shown that iNOS is preferentially expressed in BTICs and is required for their maintenance. Using the 1400W‐loaded Fe@MSN and RF‐triggered release, in vivo studies indicate that the treatment disrupts the BTIC population in hypoxic niches, suppresses tumor growth and significantly increases survival in BTIC‐derived GBM xenografts.
Gene Delivery to Nonhuman Primate Preimplantation Embryos Using Recombinant Adeno‐Associated Virus
Authors: Wang Dan , Niu Yuyu , Ren Lingzhi , Kang Yu , Tai Phillip W. L. , Si Chenyang , Mendonca Craig A. , Ma Hong , Gao Guangping , Ji Weizhi
Published: September 2019

Delivery of genome editing tools to mammalian zygotes has revolutionized animal modeling. However, the mechanical delivery method to introduce genes and proteins to zygotes remains a challenge for some animal species that are important in biomedical research. Here, an approach to achieve gene delivery and genome editing in nonhuman primate embryos is presented by infecting zygotes with recombinant adeno‐associated viruses (rAAVs). Together with previous reports from the authors of this paper and others, this approach is potentially applicable to a broad range of mammals. In addition to genome editing and animal modeling, this rAAV‐based method can facilitate gene function studies in early‐stage embryos.
Targeted Delivery of siRNA Lipoplexes to Cancer Cells Using Macrophage Transient Horizontal Gene Transfer
Authors: Wayne Elizabeth C. , Long Christian , Haney Matthew J. , Batrakova Elena V. , Leisner Tina M. , Parise Leslie V. , Kabanov Alexander V.
Published: September 2019

Delivery of nucleic acids into solid tumor environments remains a pressing challenge. This study examines the ability of macrophages to horizontally transfer small interfering RNA (siRNA) lipoplexes to cancer cells. Macrophages are a natural candidate for a drug carrier because of their ability to accumulate at high densities into many cancer types, including, breast, prostate, brain, and colon cancer. Here, it is demonstrated that macrophages can horizontally transfer siRNA to cancer cells during in vitro coculture. The amount of transfer can be dosed depending on the amount of siRNA loaded and total number of macrophages delivered. Macrophages loaded with calcium integrin binding protein‐1 (CIB1)‐siRNA result in decreased tumorsphere growth and decreased mRNA expression of CIB1 and KI67 in MDA‐MB‐468 human breast cancer cells. Adoptive transfer of macrophages transfected with CIB1‐siRNA localizes to the orthotopic MDA‐MB‐468 tumor. Furthermore, it is reported that macrophage activation can modulate this transfer process as well as intracellular trafficking protein Rab27a. As macrophages are heavily involved in tumor progression, understanding how to use macrophages for drug delivery can substantially benefit the treatment of tumors.
Biomaterials for High‐Energy Lithium‐Based Batteries: Strategies, Challenges, and Perspectives
Authors: Fu Xuewei , Zhong Wei‐Hong
Published: September 2019

Developing high‐performance batteries through applying renewable resources is of great significance for meeting ever‐growing energy demands and sustainability requirements. Biomaterials have overwhelming advantages in material abundance, environmental benignity, low cost, and more importantly, multifunctionalities from structural and compositional diversity. Therefore, significant and fruitful research on exploiting various natural biomaterials (e.g., soy protein, chitosan, cellulose, fungus, etc.) for boosting high‐energy lithium‐based batteries by means of making or modifying critical battery components (e.g., electrode, electrolyte, and separator) are reported. In this review, the recent advances and main strategies for adopting biomaterials in electrode, electrolyte, and separator engineering for high‐energy lithium‐based batteries are comprehensively summarized. The contributions of biomaterials to stabilizing electrodes, capturing electrochemical intermediates, and protecting lithium metal anodes/enhancing battery safety are specifically emphasized. Furthermore, advantages and challenges of various strategies for fabricating battery materials via biomaterials are described. Finally, future perspectives and possible solutions for further development of biomaterials for high‐energy lithium‐based batteries are proposed.
Toward understanding inflorescence development and architecture in Passiflora: insights from comparative anatomy and expression of APETALA1
Authors: Hernandes‐Lopes José , Sousa‐Baena Mariane S. , Lemos Renata C. C. , Corrêa Tatiana C. S. , Van Sluys Marie‐Anne , Melo‐de‐Pinna Gladys Flavia de Albuquerque
Published: September 2019

Premise

The inflorescence of Passiflora species originates from a bud complex that derives from an initially undivided meristem and ultimately produces flowers and tendrils. Because the development of the inflorescence structures derived from such meristems has been variously interpreted, we investigated the ontogeny of the bud complex and the expression of APETALA1 (AP1) in Passiflora species.

Methods

The anatomical development of 15 species of Passiflora was analyzed using light and scanning electron microscopy. We localized AP1 expression in tissues during inflorescence initiation in two Passiflora species using in situ hybridization.

Results

In most species, the first primordium to differentiate from the bud complex is a bract, which develops laterally to what will become the inflorescence first‐order axis, in this case, the tendril. The bract axillary meristem originates the second‐order inflorescence axis meristem, which produces two bracteoles, subsequently developing into a floral meristem. AP1 is uniformly expressed in the initially undivided meristem, with expression maintained in the organ primordia derived from the bud complex. Signal is particularly strong in tendril tips.

Conclusions

We concluded that what is often understood as the first bract produced by a floral meristem actually is produced by the original axillary meristem. Bracteoles develop from the meristem in the bract axil; bracteoles plus floral meristem constitute the inflorescence second‐order axis. Comparison of inflorescence early developmental stages in different subgenera indicates flowers are arranged in a modified cyme, with the tendril representing the inflorescence terminal portion. PasAP1 has a broad expression pattern and may have an important role during inflorescence development.
“Be careful!” Perceptions of work‐safety culture among hired Latinx child farmworkers in North Carolina
Authors: Arcury Thomas A. , Arnold Taylor J. , Mora Dana C. , Sandberg Joanne C. , Daniel Stephanie S. , Wiggins Melinda F. , Quandt Sara A.
Published: September 2019

Background

Children as young as 10 years of age can be hired to work on farms. Many of these hired child farmworkers are Latinx. Although these children experience high rates of injury, little research has addressed work‐safety perceptions among hired Latinx child farmworkers.

Methods

For this qualitative study, we conducted in‐depth interviews in North Carolina in 2016 with 30 Latinx child farmworkers, ages 10 to 17. Our analysis used the work‐safety culture conceptual framework to delineate their perceptions of the psychological, behavioral, and situational elements of safety culture.

Results

The child farmworkers describe a weak work‐safety culture. Psychologically, they understand that their parents want them to be safe, but they observe that safety is important to only a fraction of their supervisors and coworkers. Behaviorally, they recognize many of the hazards they confront while working, but it is not clear how well they use this knowledge to mitigate these hazards or to change their behaviors to avoid these hazards. Situationally, several children note that the only safety training they receive is the imperative to “be careful.” Most receive little formal training, much of the training they receive is informally provided by family members and coworkers rather than supervisors, and their training is geared more toward how to complete a task than how to complete the task safely.

Conclusions

Child farmworkers perceive that work‐safety culture is of limited importance in agriculture. Regulations are needed that improve work‐safety culture in agriculture, especially for those vulnerable due to minority age.
Detection and quantification of Staphylococcus in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Wagner Mackenzie Brett , Baker Jesse , Douglas Richard G. , Taylor Michael W. , Biswas Kristi
Published: September 2019

Background

The sinonasal microbiota has been implicated in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) pathogenesis, particularly related to the presence of Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus epidermidis is also prevalent within the sinonasal microbiota and may inhibit S. aureus colonization. We investigated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer pairs for measuring absolute abundances of S. aureus and S. epidermidis, then compared bacterial community composition and absolute abundances of these species between CRS patients and controls.

Methods

Six candidate Staphylococcus species‐specific primer pairs were tested in silico and in vitro against pure bacterial isolates. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) for absolute quantification of S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and overall bacterial load were assessed in 40 CRS (CRS without nasal polyposis [CRSsNP] = 22, CRS with nasal polyposis [CRSwNP] = 18) patients and 14 controls. Amplicon sequencing of the V3‐V4 hypervariable regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) bacterial gene were conducted to investigate community composition.

Results

Primer pairs targeting the gmk gene of S. aureus and nrd gene from S. epidermidis were the most specific and sensitive primers. S. aureus (CRSsNP = 81.8% occurrence, CRSwNP = 83%, control = 92.9%) and S. epidermidis (CRSsNP = 95.5%, CRSwNP = 100%, control = 92.9%) were very prevalent, as indicated by qPCR results. Both CRSsNP and CRSwNP had significantly (p < 0.05) higher bacterial load when compared with controls (p < 0.05 for both). No significant correlation was observed between S. aureus and S. epidermidis abundances (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Bacterial community sequencing detected Staphylococcus‐assigned sequences in nearly all patients; however, it could not differentiate between S. aureus and S. epidermidis. Here, we present primer pairs that can distinguish between these species. We report a very high prevalence of S. aureus in both CRS patients and controls.
Catalytic Asymmetric Conjugate Addition of a Borylalkyl Copper Complex for Chiral Organoboronate Synthesis
Authors: Jang Won Jun , Yun Jaesook
Published: September 2019

We report the catalytic enantioselective conjugate addition of a borylalkyl copper nucleophile generated in situ from a 1,1‐diborylmethane derivative to α,β‐unsaturated diesters. In the presence of a chiral N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)–copper catalyst, this method facilitated the enantioselective incorporation of a CH2Bpin moiety at the β‐position of the diesters to yield β‐chiral alkyl boronates in up to 86 % yield with high enantioselectivity. The alkylboron moiety in the resulting chiral diester products was converted into various functional groups by organic transformation of the C−B bond.
Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and biological evaluation of a novel chemosensor with different metal ions
Authors: Gaber M. , Fayed Tarek A. , El‐Nahass Marwa N. , Diab H.A. , El‐Gamil Mohammed M.
Published: September 2019

A novel chemosensor, namely 3‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐1‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐one, CPPEO, and its metal complexes have been synthesized and characterized by using sets of chemical and spectroscopic techniques, such as elemental analysis, mass, Fourier transform‐infrared and UV–Vis spectral analysis. The thermal properties of the metal complexes have been investigated by thermogravimetric techniques. The decomposition mechanism of the titled complexes was suggested. The results showed that the Co2+ and Mn2+ complexes have an octahedral geometry, while Zn2+ and Cd2+ complexes have tetrahedral geometry. The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of the thermal decomposition stages have been evaluated using the Coats–Redfern method. The optical sensing response of the investigated chemosensor to the different metal ions was investigated. It responds well to the tested metal ions as reflected from the significant change in both absorption and emission spectra upon adding different concentrations of the metal salts, confirming the intramolecular charge transfer of the chemosensor upon effective coordination with the used metal ions. This leads to enhancing ICT interaction, causing a significant shift in the presence of strongly complexing metal ions. This was fully reversible, where the solution of dye‐metal ion complex was decomplexed by adding an EDTA solution to revert the original spectrum of the dye. The stability constants, K, for the complexes of the investigated chemosensor with the mentioned metal ions were calculated, indicating that Co2+ is the most effectively detected, and the potential of the novel dye was highly efficient switchers for Co2+ ions. Additionally, the molecular modeling was carried out for the chemosensor and its metal complexes. Finally, the solid complexes have been tested for their in vitro antimicrobial activities against some bacterial strains (Gram +ve and Gram −ve bacteria), as well as antifungal strains.
Highly effective flame‐retarded polyester diol with synergistic effects for waterborne polyurethane application
Authors: Wang Shuang , Du Xiaosheng , Fu Xihan , Du Zongliang , Wang Haibo , Cheng Xu
Published: September 2019

In this article, a novel bi‐reactive flame retardant (FRD) was successfully synthesized for waterborne polyurethane (WPU). The chemical structures of FRD were characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectra and 1H and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance. Then, the FRD was incorporated into polyurethane backbone to prepare a series of flame‐retarded WPU (FRWPU). The flammability characteristics of FRWPU were measured by limited oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94, and cone calorimeter (CCT) tests. The FRPWU‐7 had a high LOI value of 30.5% with UL94 V‐0 rating. Moreover, the CCT values indicated that FRD induced the gaseous phase quenching effect of phosphorus‐containing free radicals derived from the decomposed phosphaphenanthrene group on the gas‐phase flame retardancy. Scanning electron micrographs and Raman spectra exhibited that FRD promoted the charring formation of phosphorus‐rich char layer with graphitized surface and honeycomb‐like intumescent structure in WPU matrix during burning. This study provides a new way to design a novel reactive P–P flame retardant consisted of the phosphaphenanthrene group and intumescent flame retardant for WPU application. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48444.
Electrophysical properties of woven polymer mesh fabrics
Authors: Cerovic Dragana D. , Asanovic Koviljka A. , Maletic Slavica B. , Marinkovic Filip S. , Petronijevic Ivan M. , Dojcilovic Jablan R.
Published: September 2019

The investigation was performed on three woven mesh fabrics made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA) 6.6 monofilaments, and PA 6.6 with carbon filament (CF). The dielectric properties were examined as functions of frequency at room conditions and as functions of frequency and temperature under the vacuum. It was observed at lower frequency higher changes of dielectric permittivity for the sample with CFs at room conditions. For PET and PA 6.6, dielectric permittivity in the vacuum was steady and little lower; furthermore, dielectric spectra showed the existence of γ‐, β‐, and α‐relaxations. The dc volume electrical resistivity was investigated in the function of relative humidity at room temperature for PA 6.6 and PA 6.6 with CF. For the sample with the CF, a decrease in the dc electrical resistivity of nine orders of magnitude in the direction with CF was registered as compared to the direction without a conductive filament. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48456.
A new function of immunity‐related gene Zn72D in male fertility of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Biwot John C. , Zhang Hua‐Bao , Chen Meng‐Yan , Wang Yu‐Feng
Published: September 2019

Zn72D encodes the Drosophila zinc finger protein Zn72D. It was first identified to be involved in phagocytosis and indicated to have a role in immunity. Then it was demonstrated to have a function in RNA splicing and dosage compensation in Drosophila melanogaster. In this study, we discovered a new function of Zn72D in male fertility. We showed that knockdown of Zn72D in fly testes caused an extremely low egg hatch rate. Immunofluorescence staining of Zn72D knockdown testes exhibited scattered spermatid nuclei and no actin cones or individualization complexes (ICs) during spermiogenesis, whereas the early‐stage germ cells and the spermatocytes were observed clearly. There were no mature sperms in the seminal vesicles of Zn72D knockdown fly testes, although a few sperms could be found close to the seminal vesicle. We further showed that many cytoskeleton‐related genes were significantly downregulated in fly testes due to Zn72D knockdown. Taken together these findings suggest that Zn72D may have an important function in spermatogenesis by sustaining the cytoskeleton‐based morphogenesis and individualization thus ensuring the proper formation of sperm in D. melanogaster.
Identification of novel imidazoles as IDO1 inhibitors through microwave‐assisted one‐pot multicomponent reactions
Authors: Bai Zhizheng , Huang Huidan , Chen Jianqiu , Zhang Xiaoyun , Ding Yimei
Published: September 2019

A series of imidazole derivatives were designed following rational drug design, and synthesized through microwave‐assisted one‐pot multicomponent reactions. These compounds are produced in large quantities, and are known to be tolerant toward a variety of substrates, thus providing target molecules in a single step within a short time. These compounds were further tested for their ability to inhibit indoleamine‐2,3‐dioxygenase 1 (IDO1). The most promising compound thus obtained is 4o, which displayed IC50 values of 0.82 μΜ. Further in vivo assessment indicated that 4o could reduce the kynurenine levels in plasma by 42.3% in 4 hr, indicating that the compound could act as a promising lead compound for further investigations.
Self‐assembly and Cycling of a Three‐state PdxLy Metallosupramolecular System
Authors: Preston Dan , Inglis Amanda R. , Crowley James D. , Kruger Paul E.
Published: September 2019

The use of stimuli to induce reversible structural transformations in metallosupramolecular systems is of keen interest to chemists seeking to mimic the way that Nature effects conformational changes in biological machinery. While a wide array of stimuli have been deployed towards this end, stoichiometric changes have only been explored in a handful of examples. Furthermore, switching has generally been between only two distinct states. Here we use a simple 2‐(1‐(pyridine‐4‐methyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine “click” ligand in combination with PdII in various stoichiometries and concentrations to quantitatively access and cycle between three distinct species: a [PdL2]2+ monomer, a [Pd2L2]4+ dimer, and a [Pd9L12]18+ cage.
Feedback passivity‐based control of discrete nonlinear systems with time‐delay for variable geometry truss manipulator
Authors: Zhao Yanchun C. , Hu Shiqiang Q. , Xu Qimin M.
Published: September 2019

In this paper, the feedback passivity‐based control of nonlinear discrete time‐delay systems for variable geometry truss manipulators is investigated. To determine an appropriate communication channel in the sense of feedback passivation, we first model the dynamics of the variable geometry truss manipulator as a generalized discrete nonlinear system with time‐delay. Then we further prove that when the infinite norm of estimated error is bounded, as long as there is a controller enables the closed‐loop system to be input‐strictly passive, there must be a deterministic equivalent controller to ensure that the system is stochastically quasi passive. After that, on the basis of the conclusion obtained, a more conclusive corollary is addressed for linear plants. Though passivity is a stricter condition than stability, feedback passivation does not impose more restrictions on estimate errors, and therefore does not require more communication channel information than mean square stability. Finally, we simplify the variable geometry truss dynamics to a linear plant to simulate to verify the validity of our method, and also compared the experimental results with the methods in the existing literature.
Exploring Treatment and Capacity‐Sharing Agreements Between Water Utilities
Authors: Gorelick David E. , Zeff Harrison B. , Hughes Jeff , Eskaf Shadi , Characklis Gregory W.
Published: September 2019

Key Takeaways

Capacity‐sharing agreements can help water utilities make use of spare capacity while long‐run demands catch up with projections by allocating project capacity and splitting infrastructure costs between multiple utilities.

Utility size, projected growth, and regional context all can influence the most effective choice of capacity‐sharing agreement.

Analysis of cooperative agreements can inform utility managers on how to effectively design and implement agreements of their own.
Tiered Water Rates: Understanding Their Equity and Impacts on Customer Bills
Authors: Clumpner Greg
Published: September 2019

Key Takeaways

Rate design affects individual customer bills and the equity of individual ratepayers within (not just between) customer classes.

A better understanding of tiered rates may lower the risk of ratepayers seeing water and wastewater rates as inequitable.

Water utilities should demonstrate the cost basis of water rates, especially how tiered rates reflect water supply costs and quantities.
Glutathione transferase genotypes may serve as determinants of risk and prognosis in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Pljesa‐Ercegovac Marija , Savic‐Radojevic Ana , Coric Vesna , Radic Tanja , Simic Tatjana
Published: September 2019

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents a group of histologically similar neoplasms with significant intratumor and intertumor genetic heterogeneity. Recognized risk factors for RCC development include smoking, hypertension, obesity, as well as von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease. Inactivation of VHL, deregulated nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2) pathway, and altered redox homeostasis, together with changes in glutathione transferase (GST) profile, are considered as important contributing factors in RCC development and progression. Although the available results of both gene–gene and gene–environment analysis are quite heterogeneous, they clearly indicate that certain GST genotypes may play a role as risk modifiers, either individually or in combination with other Phase I or Phase II gene polymorphisms, as well as in subjects exposed to relevant substrates. Seemingly, GST genotyping could identify individuals with impaired detoxification in renal parenchyma that are at higher risk of developing RCC. In addition to well established roles of GSTs in conjugation and biotransformation of xenobiotics, GSTs have emerged as significant regulators of pathways determining cell proliferation and survival. Indeed, there are evidence in favor of GST significance, not only in terms of risk for RCC development, but also with respect to progression and prognosis. So far, GSTM1‐active genotype was confirmed to be an independent predictor of higher risk of overall mortality. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that certain GST variants may assist in individual RCC risk assessment, as well as postoperative prognosis. Even more, GST profiling might contribute to development of personalized targeted therapy in RCC patients.
Computational fluid dynamics modeling, a novel, and effective approach for developing scalable cell therapy manufacturing processes
Authors: Shafa Mehdi , Panchalingam Krishna M , Walsh Tylor , Richardson Thomas , Baghbaderani Behnam Ahmadian
Published: September 2019

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) hold great potential to generate novel, curative cell therapy products. However, current methods to generate these novel therapies lack scalability, are labor‐intensive, require a large footprint, and are not suited to meet clinical and commercial demands. Therefore, it is necessary to develop scalable manufacturing processes to accommodate the generation of high‐quality iPSC derivatives under controlled conditions. The current scale‐up methods used in cell therapy processes are based on empirical, geometry‐dependent methods that do not accurately represent the hydrodynamics of 3D bioreactors. These methods require multiple iterations of scale‐up studies, resulting in increased development cost and time. Here we show a novel approach using computational fluid dynamics modeling to effectively scale‐up cell therapy manufacturing processes in 3D bioreactors. Using a GMP‐compatible iPSC line, we translated and scaled‐up a small‐scale cardiomyocyte differentiation process to a 3‐L computer‐controlled bioreactor in an efficient manner, showing comparability in both systems.
Investigation of the effects of oxidative stress‐inducing factors on culturing and productivity of Bordetella pertussis
Authors: Zavatti Vanessa , Budman Hector , Legge Raymond L. , Tamer Melih
Published: September 2019

The stress response of Bordetella pertussis during fermentation was assessed by means of fluorescence‐based techniques. During the manufacturing of vaccines, B. pertussis is subjected to stress during adaptation to a new environment and operating conditions in the bioreactor, which can have harmful consequences on growth and protein yield. In this study, stress was imposed by varying the percentage of dissolved oxygen (DO) and inoculum size, and by adding rotenone and hydrogen peroxide. In this study, fluorescence spectroscopy is used as a tool for measuring oxidative stress. High levels of DO during fed‐batch operation had no detrimental effect on growth, but the specific productivity of pertactin (PRN) decreased. Cultures that were started with an inoculum size that was 10 times smaller than the control resulted in significantly less PRN as compared to controls where reduction was more significant in flasks as compared to bioreactors. A comparison of filtered to heat‐sterilized media revealed that filtered media offered a protective effect against H2O2. Heat sterilization of the media might result in the destruction of components that offer protection against oxidative stress. Nonetheless, filter sterilization on its own would be insufficient for large‐scale manufacturing. It should be emphasized that the effects of these stressors while investigating for other microorganisms have not been studied for B. pertussis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma in Sweden: A population‐based study
Authors: Cashin Peter H. , Jansson Palmer Gabriella , Asplund Dan , Graf Wilhelm , Syk Ingvar
Published: September 2019

The study aim was to report survival and morbidity of all patients in Sweden with peritoneal mesothelioma treated with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) as well as investigate whether the survival has increased on a population level since this treatment was nationalized 2011. Study data were collected from the Swedish HIPEC registry and the Swedish National Cancer Registry. All patients with peritoneal mesothelioma scheduled for CRS/HIPEC treatment in Sweden January 2011 to March 2018 were retrieved from the Swedish HIPEC registry. Clinicopathological and survival data were collected. For population‐level analysis, all patients with diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) were identified from the Swedish National Cancer Registry and data were retrieved from two separate 5‐year time periods: 1999‐2003 and 2011‐2015. Thirty‐two patients were accepted for CRS/HIPEC. Four were open/close cases. Two‐year survival rate was 84% or 59% when excluding borderline peritoneal mesotheliomas (n = 17). Median overall survival was not reached. Grade III‐IV Clavien‐Dindo events occurred in 22% with no mortality. From the national cancer registry, 102 DMPM cases were retrieved: 40 cases between 1999 and 2003, and 62 cases between 2011 and 2015 (corresponding to an increase from 0.9 to 1.24/million/year, P = .04). Six patients (10%) received CRS/HIPEC in the second period. Median OS increased between periods from 7 to 15 months and 5‐year survival from 14% to 29% (P = .03). Peritoneal mesothelioma of both borderline and DMPM subtypes undergoing CRS/HIPEC have good long‐term survival. The incidence of DMPM in Sweden has increased. Overall survival has increased alongside the introduction of CRS/HIPEC, which may be a contributing factor.
Association of health insurance status with presentation, treatment and outcomes in soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Jain Varsha , Venigalla Sriram , Sebro Ronnie A. , Karakousis Giorgos C. , Wilson Robert J. , Weber Kristy L. , Shabason Jacob E.
Published: September 2019

Background

Numerous studies across a variety of malignancies have demonstrated that health insurance status is associated with differences in clinical presentation, type of treatments received, and survival. The effect of insurance status on the management of soft tissue sarcoma is unknown. We assessed the association of insurance on (a) stage at diagnosis, (b) receipt of neoadjuvant/adjuvant radiation therapy, and (c) overall survival (OS) in patients with soft tissue sarcoma.

Methods

The study cohort was identified from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) and consisted of patients with stage I‐IV soft tissue sarcoma of various histologies diagnosed from 2004 to 2015. The patients were stratified by age (<65 and ≥65 years) and by insurance status (commercial, Medicare, Medicaid and uninsured). Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, we evaluated the association between insurance status and (a) stage at diagnosis (Stage I‐III vs IV), and (b) receipt of neoadjuvant/adjuvant radiation therapy in patients with locally advanced disease. The association of insurance status on OS was assessed using Kaplan‐Meier and multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses. A propensity score matched survival analysis was performed to account for measured confounders.

Results

49 754 patients were identified of whom 23 677 (48%) had commercial insurance, 20 867 (42%) had Medicare, 3229 (6%) had Medicaid, and 1981 (4%) were uninsured. In patients <65 years, those with Medicaid (OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.57‐1.93, P < .001) and the uninsured (OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.51‐1.94, P < .001) were more likely to present with stage IV vs Stage I‐III disease. Furthermore, among patients with locally advanced disease treated with limb sparing surgery, those with Medicaid (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.77‐ 0.98, P = .021) and the uninsured (OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.63‐0.85, P < .001) were less likely to receive neoadjuvant or adjuvant radiotherapy as compared to those with commercial insurance. Lastly, having Medicaid (HR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.17‐1.34, P < .001) and no insurance (HR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.20‐1.41, P < .001) was associated with worse OS compared to having commercial insurance, a finding which remained significant after propensity score matching. In contrast, in patients ≥65 years, there were no statistically significant differences between those with Medicare and commercial insurance with regards to disease presentation, receipt of radiotherapy, or survival.

Conclusions

In a large modern cohort identified from the NCDB, commercial insurance status in patients <65 years was associated early diagnosis, receipt of neoadjuvant/adjuvant radiation therapy, and overall survival for patients with soft tissue sarcoma. Further efforts are warranted to understand disparities in care based on health insurance in the United States.