bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aminomethyl Transfer (Mannich) Reactions Between an O‐Triethylsilylated Hemiaminal and Anilines, RnC6H5−nNH2 Leading to New Diamines, Triamines, Imines, or 1,3,5‐Triazines Dependent upon Substituent R
Authors: Jacintomoreno Anwar , Sharma Hemant K. , Metta‐Magaña Alejandro , Pannell Keith H.
Published: June 2019

The reactions of the Mannich reagent Et3SiOCH2NMe2 (1) with a variety of anilines (mono‐substituted RC6H4NH2, R=H, 4‐CN, 4‐NO2, 4‐Ph, 4‐Me, 4‐MeO, 4‐Me2N; di‐substituted R2C6H3NH2, R2=3,5‐(CH3)2, 3,5‐(CF3)2; tri‐substituted R3C6H2NH2, R3=3,5‐Me2‐4‐Br and a “super bulky” aniline (Ar*NH2) [Ar*=2,6‐bis(diphenylmethyl)‐4‐tert‐butylphenyl]) led to the formation of a range of products dependent upon the substituent. With electron‐withdrawing substituents, previously unknown diamines, RC6H4NH(CH2NMe2) [R=CN (2 a), NO2 (2 b)] and R2C6H3NH(CH2NMe2) [R2=3,5‐(CF3)2 (2 c)] were formed. Further reaction of 2 a, b, c with 1 yielded the corresponding triamines RC6H4N(CH2NMe2)2 (R=CN (3 a), NO2 (3 b) and R2C6H3N(CH2NMe2)2, R2=3,5‐(CF3)2 (3 c). The new polyamines were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, and for 2 a, 2 c, and 3 c, by single crystal XRD. In the case of electron‐donating groups, R=4‐OMe, 4‐NMe2, 4‐Me, 3,5‐Me2, 3,5‐Me2‐4‐Br, and for R=4‐Ph, the reactions with 1 immediately led to the formation of the related 1,3,5‐triazines, R=4‐MeO (5 a), 4‐Me2N (5 b), 4‐Me (5 c), 3,5‐Me2 (5 d), 3,5‐Me2‐4‐Br (5 e), 4‐Ph (5 f), 4‐Cl (5 g). The “super bulky” aniline rapidly produced a single product, namely the corresponding imine Ar*N=CH2 (4) which was also characterized by single crystal XRD. Imine 4 is both thermally and oxidatively stable. All reactions are very fast, thus based upon the presence of Si we are tempted to denote the reactions of 1 as examples of “Silick” chemistry.
Understanding the influence of microbial contamination on colour alteration of pigments used in wall paintings—The case of red and yellow ochres and ultramarine blue
Authors: Rosado Tânia , Falé Ana , Gil Milene , Mirão José , Candeias António , Caldeira Ana Teresa
Published: June 2019

This article reports biocolonization assays carried out on yellow and red ochres and ultramarine blue pigments. These pigments have been most commonly used in traditional limewash of heritage buildings from southern Portugal (Alentejo) and, in the case of the yellow and red ochres, also in historical decorative wall paintings since Roman times. The research aim was to assess the potential role played by microorganisms in colour alterations observed in indoor and outdoor paint layers for conservation purposes.The assays accomplished several microorganisms previously isolated from degraded wall paintings with signs of biocontamination. The results show that apart from the clear physical stress induced in paint layers by the biometabolic activity, filamentous fungi, yeast, and bacteria are capable of inducing discoloration (in particular, the fungus Aspergillus niger). Raman analysis corroborates their active role in painting discolouration. This methodology, applied to bioprocesses, can be used as noninvasive methodology to signal microbial involvement.
The Intriguing Case of the One‐Photon and Two‐Photon Absorption of a Prototypical Symmetric Squaraine: Comparison of TDDFT and Wave‐Function Methods
Authors: Avila Ferrer Francisco J. , Angeli Celestino , Cerezo Javier , Coriani Sonia , Ferretti Alessandro , Santoro Fabrizio
Published: June 2019

We face the challenging description of the excited states responsible for one photon (OPA) and two photon (TPA) absorption in squaraine dyes, adopting both time‐dependent density functional theory and a large variety of post Hartree Fock methods, including coupled cluster and adiabatic diagrammatic construction methods (ADC, to the second and third order), symmetry adapted cluster configuration interaction (CI), CASSCF including second‐order perturbative corrections (PT2) with standard CASPT2 recipe and according to n‐electron valence PT2 (NEVPT2) approach, and an additional multireference CI with PT2 corrections (CI‐MRPT2). We selected a small prototypical symmetric squaraine dye for which these accurate computations are feasible and experimental data are available. We show that while all methods reasonably reproduce the OPA spectrum, an acceptable description and assignment of the states responsible for TPA is only possible through ADC(3) and multireference calculations, due to the strong involvement of double‐excitations. The nature of ground state and OPA and TPA states is investigated with a rigorous reading of the CASSCF wavefunctions in terms of localized molecular orbitals on the donor and acceptor fragments, showing that these states arise from a balance of many different contributions including biradical configurations, local excitations and charge‐transfer states where both side aromatic rings and the carbonyls of the squarylium moiety act as donors.
Sustainable social responsibility toward multiple stakeholders as a trump card for small and medium‐sized enterprise performance (evidence from China)
Authors: Khan Sher Zaman , Yang Qing , Khan Najib Ullah , Kherbachi Sonia , Huemann Martina
Published: June 2019

Sustainable social responsibility (SSR) toward multiple stakeholders is proclaimed as an obligation of firms rather than a voluntary deed. Keeping in view the stipulation of sustainability, this paper examines the influence of SSR on sustainable competitive position (SCP) and firm performance (FP) in the context of 307 Chinese small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises. The results indicate a significant influence of aggregated and segregated SSR on SCP and FP. With the exception of SSR toward owners, the dimensions of SSR toward employees, the environment, the community, suppliers, and customers exhibit a significant positive influence on SCP and FP. Simultaneously, the results show that SCP has a mediating role in the relationship between SSR and FP. The findings of the study inculcate the managers to stretch substantial consideration to the interests of multiple stakeholders rather than owners only. Based on the evaluation, theoretical and practical implications are presented for managers, owners, and local governments.
The missing links? The indirect impacts of drivers on eco‐innovation
Authors: Keshminder JS , del Río Pablo
Published: June 2019

The drivers of eco‐innovation (EI) have been the focus of much research in the past. Some of these drivers have been external to the firm, such as regulation, whereas others have been internal, including its resources and capabilities and its environmental strategy. However, the analysis of the impact of those drivers on EI has too often been carried out as if they were separated from each other. In reality, the EI drivers are likely to interact. This paper tries to cover this gap in the literature using a holistic and integrated approach. Survey data from 97 chemical firms were analyzed using partial least squares to determine the critical drivers of EI and their interconnections. Our results indicate that, in fact, the impact of some drivers might not be direct but is mediated by their influence on other drivers. This is the case with environmental collaboration, environmental knowledge, green skills, consumer pressure, and export behavior, which have an indirect effect on EI through their impact on environmental strategies. Therefore, our results suggest that environmental strategy is a central mediator and a powerful driver for the entire model.
Medullary carcinoma of thyroid mimicking Hurthle cell neoplasm on cytology: a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Agarwal Charu , Raychaudhuri Sujata , Batra Ashima , Pujani Mukta , Dhingra Shruti
Published: June 2019

Medullary carcinoma of thyroid (MCT) is a neuroendocrine neoplasm derived from the parafollicular cells or C cells. It constitutes 5% of thyroid carcinomas. We present a case of 36‐year‐old female with a left lower lobe thyroid swelling since 8 to 9 years. Swelling was smooth, nontender, and moving with deglutition. Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CECT) findings were suggestive of malignant thyroid nodule. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) smears were highly cellular comprising predominantly Hurthle cells arranged in sheets, clusters, and follicles with few singly scattered cells. Background was hemorrhagic with scant colloids. An impression of follicular neoplasm or suspicious of follicular neoplasm was given with an additional note mentioning that the possibility of Hurthle cell neoplasm could not be excluded. Left hemithyroidectomy was done and sections showed a well‐circumscribed tumor suggestive of MCT, which was confirmed based on immunohistochemistry for calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen. It is difficult to differentiate MCT from Hurthle cell neoplasm. There may be cellular pleomorphism within a single aspirate, but the presence of mixed cell population is a diagnostic pointer for MCT. In the presence of predominant Hurthle cell population, distinguishing these entities by cytomorphology alone is difficult. Hence, clinical findings and histopathology with immunohistochemistry are mandatory in such cases to reach to a correct diagnosis to ensure proper management.
Heterogeneous Mo2C/Fe5C2 Nanoparticles Embedded in Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon as Efficient Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Li Ping , Qiu Yu , Liu Shuangquan , Li Hailong , Zhao Sen , Diao Jinxiang , Guo Xiaohui
Published: June 2019

Searching for highly efficient non‐noble metal‐based catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has received growing attention. Herein, we demonstrated a kind of hybrids of Mo2C/Fe5C2 embedded in N‐doped carbon (Mo2C/Fe5C2@NC) are prepared by pyrolyzing mixtures of Mo3O10‐EDA nanowires and biomass iron‐tannin‐framework ink (Fe‐TA). The as‐prepared Mo2C/Fe5C2@NC samples are characterized via X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scan electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X‐ray photoelectronic spectrum (XPS) techniques. The systematic electrochemical study for the Mo2C/Fe5C2@NC shows a improved catalytic activity toward oxygen reduction reaction in O2 saturated 0.1 m KOH electrolyte. Specially, the Mo2C/Fe5C2@NC‐800 exhibits a remarkably high activity with an onset potentials of 0.92 V, half‐wave potential 0.78 V, and a small tafel slope of 76.89 mV dec–1, and also exhibits a larger limiting current density (5.2 mA cm–2 at 0.1 V vs. RHE), strong tolerance against methanol and long‐term stability (40000 s) comparable to those of the state‐of‐the‐art Pt/C catalysts. Such outstanding catalytic activities are originated from the intrinsic activity of Mo2C and the high conductivity provided by metallic Fe5C2 nanoparticles, and also due to the large amounts of oxygen vacancies created by Mo2C and Fe5C2 as electron donors in Mo2C/Fe5C2@NC hybrids. Therefore, this work is expected to boost the fabrication of various non‐noble carbide‐based heterostructure nanomaterials for practical applications in fuel cells and metal‐air batteries.
Determination of Paraquat Residues in Palm Oil by High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography with UV and Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Halim Norizah , Kuntom Ainie , Shinde Raviraj , Banerjee Kaushik
Published: June 2019

This paper describes a method for determination of paraquat residues in palm oil products by liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detector (HPLC‐UV) and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The sample (5 g) is extracted with 10 mL ethyl acetate/deionized water and purified through a Strata X‐CW anion exchange solid‐phase extraction (SPE) cartridge. While using HPLC, the chromatographic separation is carried out using a reverse phase pentafluorophenyl column with the mobile phase comprising 95% water and 5% methanol with 0.2% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Analysis on a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) column did not require TFA. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) for HPLC‐UV analysis are 0.025 μg mL−1 and 0.05 μg mL−1, respectively. The LC‐MS/MS method did not require an SPE clean‐up and provided an LOQ of 0.01 μg mL−1. The percentage recoveries at the fortification levels of 0.1, 0.05, and 0.01 mg kg−1 are between 70 and 120% with the precision RSD <20%. The matrix effects in LC‐MS/MS analysis are from 40 and 65%, while the recoveries are corrected by paraquat‐D6 as an internal standard. The optimized and validated method fulfills the criteria of DG‐SANTE guidelines and complied with the MRL requirements.

Practical Applications: A simple method is reported for the quantitative analysis of paraquat in palm oil products by using HPLC equipped with UV and MS/MS detections. The optimized method fulfills the Codex guidelines on performance criteria for methods of analysis for the determination of pesticide residues in food and feed requirements and meet the Codex maximum residue level (CODEX MRL) in terms of analytical sensitivity and passed all criteria of European Commission's DG‐SANTE guideline (SANTE/11813/2017) of analytical quality control. The method will be useful for regulatory enforcement as well as high throughput commercial residue testing purposes.

An efficient residue analysis method is reported for determination of paraquat in palm oil by HPLC‐UV and LC‐MS/MS techniques. The optimized method provides acceptable performance in terms of recoveries and precision as per the SANTE/11813/2017 guideline. The method sensitivity complies with the Codex MRL. The method is suitable for monitoring and enforcement of paraquat residues in a range of palm oil products. It holds promise for routine use in regulatory as well as commercial residue testing laboratories.
Double Coating of Micron‐Sized Silicon by TiN@NC for High‐Performance Anode in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Qiaoyun , Pang Chunlei , Chen Weilun , Rao Zhixiang , Lu Haoqi , Xue Lihong , Zhang Wuxing
Published: June 2019

Micron‐sized Si particles are successfully coated by TiN and N‐doped hard carbon (NC) via the combination of the solution method and the tape‐casting method. The double‐coated Si@TiN@NC electrode exhibits excellent electrochemical stability and rate capability, which delivers a reversible capacity of 1024 mAh g−1 at a current density of 4 A g−1 after 550 cycles, corresponding to a capacity retention of 85%. Even at 8 A g−1, the capacity still maintains 1087 mAh g−1. Further investigation shows that the electrochemical enhancement of Si@TiN@NC is mainly attributed to the buffering effect of NC, and the excellent electronic conductivity and mechanical stability of TiN. The TiN@NC double‐layer coating structure provides a new strategy for the design of high‐performance silicon anode in lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Furthermore, the tape‐casting method is a promising way to massively produce silicon‐based composites.
The influence of bath and probe sonication on the physicochemical and microstructural properties of wheat starch
Authors: Jamalabadi Maryam , Saremnezhad Solmaz , Bahrami Akbar , Jafari Seid Mahdi
Published: June 2019

Ultrasound has been rapidly applied successfully in diverse food technological aspects including improvement of functional properties of food ingredients such as starch. This work was carried out to compare the influence of two types of sonication, bath and probe, on several physicochemical and microstructural properties of wheat starch. Two sonication probes (200 and 400 W) and a sonication bath (690 W) were applied to treat wheat starch suspensions at 15 and 30 min. Sonication time in 400 W probe was intermittent while for the other treatments, it was continuous. Swelling capacity (SC), solubility (SB), turbidity (TB), and oil absorption (OA) parameters were investigated for native (control) and sonicated wheat starch. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to determine the influence of sonication treatments on the morphology of wheat starch granules. The highest level of SB and OA, as well as the lowest SC, was obtained for starch samples treated with 200 W sonication probe, while no significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed between two sonication times (15 and 30 min). The SEM images showed significant and nonuniform impact of ultrasound on the structure of starch granules in which some granules remained almost smooth, but some showed high irregular surfaces or even in some cases structure collapse. The highest disintegration of granules was obtained in probe 200 W treatments.
Effects of Clamping Pressure on Cold Start Behavior of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells
Authors: Dafalla A. M. , Wei L. , Liao Z. H. , Jiang F. M.
Published: June 2019

Understanding the cold start process of polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) is crucial to the development of an advanced PEFC of good cold start performance or to the design of advanced cold start strategies. In this study, a three‐dimensional cold start model has been adapted and further developed to numerically investigate the cold start behavior under the applied clamping pressure, which was not considered in previous cold start modeling and simulation work. The PEFC cold start performance is studied under various assembly pressures in terms of polarization curves, ice formation, water content profile, and current density distribution, etc. The results indicate that, using a large clamping pressure leads to a significant decline on the cold start performance; therefore, using an optimum clamping pressure is important to obtain a better cold start performance. It is found that increasing the clamping pressure not only increases the ice accumulation in cathode catalyst layer, but also causes the dehydration of membrane and decreases the cold start performance. The proposed model can be used as a powerful tool to study the realistic cold start performance of PEFC and to assist the development of more advanced PEFC cold start strategies.
AANAPISI Perspectives of Asian American Veterans in College
Authors: Kiang Peter Nien‐chu , Tang Shirley Suet‐ling , Seto Matthew
Published: June 2019

Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions can align their support systems for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students and veterans to create conditions for AAPI student veterans to thrive in college.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Faculty and the Bamboo Ceiling: Barriers to Leadership and Implications for Leadership Development
Authors: Lee Fiona
Published: June 2019

Racial stereotypes of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders limit their access to leadership positions in higher education.
Cloning, overexpression, purification, and modeling of a lectin (Rhinocelectin) with antiproliferative activity from Tiger Milk Mushroom, Lignosus rhinocerus
Authors: Cheong P.C.H. , Yong Y.S. , Fatima A. , Ng S.T. , Tan C.S. , Kong B.H. , Tan N.H. , Rajarajeswaran J. , Fung S.Y.
Published: June 2019

A lectin gene from the Tiger Milk Mushroom Lignosus rhinocerus TM02® was successfully cloned and expressed via vector pET28a in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The recombinant lectin, Rhinocelectin, with a predicted molecular mass of 22.8 kDa, was overexpressed in water‐soluble form without signal peptide and purified via native affinity chromatography Ni‐NTA agarose. Blast protein analysis indicated the lectin to be homologous to jacalin‐related plant lectin. In its native form, Rhinocelectin exists as a homo‐tetramer predicted with four chains of identical proteins consisting of 11 beta‐sheet structures with only one alpha‐helix structure. The antiproliferative activity of the Rhinocelectin against human cancer cell lines was concentration dependent and selective. The IC50 values against triple negative breast cancer cell lines MDA‐MB‐231 and breast cancer MCF‐7 are 36.52 ± 13.55 μg mL−1 and 53.11 ± 22.30 μg mL−1, respectively. Rhinocelectin is only mildly cytotoxic against the corresponding human nontumorigenic breast cell line 184B5 with IC50 value at 142.19 ± 36.34 μg mL−1. The IC50 against human lung cancer cell line A549 cells is 46.14 ± 7.42 μg mL−1 while against nontumorigenic lung cell line NL20 is 41.33 ± 7.43 μg mL−1. The standard anticancer drug, Doxorubicin exhibited IC50 values mostly below 1 μg mL−1 for the cell lines tested. Flow cytometry analysis showed the treated breast cancer cells were arrested at G0/G1 phase and apoptosis induced. Rhinocelectin agglutinated rat and rabbit erythrocytes at a minimal concentration of 3.125 μg mL−1 and 6.250 μg mL−1, respectively.
Growth Hormone Increases Bone Toughness and Decreases Muscle Inflammation in Glucocorticoid-Treated Mdx Mice, Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Yoon Sung-Hee , Grynpas Marc D , Mitchell Jane
Published: June 2019

The absence of functional dystrophin with mutations of the dystrophin-encoding gene in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) results in muscle inflammation and degeneration, as well as bone fragility. Long-term glucocorticoid therapy delays the muscular disease progression but suppresses growth hormone secretion, resulting in short stature and further deleterious effects on bone strength. This study evaluated the therapeutic potential of daily growth hormone therapy in growing mdx mice as a model of DMD. Growth hormone treatment on its own or in combination with glucocorticoids significantly improved muscle histology and function and decreased markers of inflammation in mdx mice. Glucocorticoid treatment thinned cortical bone and decreased bone strength and toughness. Despite the minimal effects of growth hormone on bone microarchitecture, it significantly improved biomechanical properties of femurs and vertebrae, even in the presence of glucocorticoid treatment. Together these studies suggest that the use of growth hormone in DMD should be considered for improvements to muscle and bone health. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
RNA sequencing reveals the circular RNA expression profiles of osteoarthritic synovium
Authors: Xiang Shuai , Li Zeng , Bian Yanyan , Weng Xisheng
Published: June 2019

The role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in regulating cartilage homeostasis in osteoarthritis (OA) has been reported. However, the regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs in OA synovium remains basically unidentified. The current study intended to divulge the expression profile of circRNAs in OA synovium and investigate the possible molecular mechanisms of circRNAs in synovitis in OA through an integrated bioinformatics analysis. A total of 35 synovium samples were collected, including 17 from patients with knee OA and 18 from controls. circRNA sequencing was then carried out on five OA synovium samples as well as five controls to explore the expression pattern of the circRNAs. Real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was done to confirm the manifestation levels of six differentially expressed circRNAs. Gene Ontology (GO) as well as Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) enrichment analyses were done for differentially expressed circRNAs using the DAVID database to annotate the functions. The circRNA‐miRNA coexpression network was then created to estimate the probable molecular regulatory mechanisms of specifically expressed circRNAs in OA synovium. Total of 122 circRNAs were found to be differentially expressed in OA synovium through RNA sequencing. The expressions of five downregulated circRNAs as well as an upregulated circRNA were confirmed through the use of qRT‐PCR. The circRNA‐miRNA network was created to annotate the probable molecular regulatory mechanisms of specifically expressed circRNAs. Our outcomes revealed that circRNAs might be incorporated in the initiation as well as development of OA synovitis and might have prospective importance in OA diagnosis and therapy.
Selenium as an adjuvant for modification of radiation response
Authors: Farhood Bagher , Mortezaee Keywan , Motevaseli Elahe , Mirtavoos‐Mahyari Hanifeh , Shabeeb Dheyauldeen , Eleojo Musa Ahmed , Sanikhani Nafiseh Sadat , Najafi Masoud , Ahmadi Amirhossein
Published: June 2019

Ionizing radiation plays a central role in several medical and industrial purposes. In spite of the beneficial effects of ionizing radiation, there are some concerns related to accidental exposure that could pose a threat to the lives of exposed people. This issue is also very critical for triage of injured people in a possible terror event or nuclear disaster. The most common side effects of ionizing radiation are experienced in cancer patients who had undergone radiotherapy. For complete eradication of tumors, there is a need for high doses of ionizing radiation. However, these high doses lead to severe toxicities in adjacent organs. Management of normal tissue toxicity may be achieved via modulation of radiation responses in both normal and malignant cells. It has been suggested that treatment of patients with some adjuvant agents may be useful for amelioration of radiation toxicity or sensitization of tumor cells. However, there are always some concerns for possible severe toxicities and protection of tumor cells, which in turn affect radiotherapy outcomes. Selenium is a trace element in the body that has shown potent antioxidant and radioprotective effects for many years. Selenium can potently stimulate antioxidant defense of cells, especially via upregulation of glutathione (GSH) level and glutathione peroxidase activity. Some studies in recent years have shown that selenium is able to mitigate radiation toxicity when administered after exposure. These studies suggest that selenium may be a useful radiomitigator for an accidental radiation event. Molecular and cellular studies have revealed that selenium protects different normal cells against radiation, while it may sensitize tumor cells. These differential effects of selenium have also been revealed in some clinical studies. In the present study, we aimed to review the radiomitigative and radioprotective effects of selenium on normal cells/tissues, as well as its radiosensitive effect on cancer cells.
Type 2 diabetes‐induced hyposalivation of the submandibular gland through PINK1/Parkin‐mediated mitophagy
Authors: Xiang Ruo‐Lan , Huang Yan , Zhang Yan , Cong Xin , Zhang Zhe‐Jing , Wu Li‐Ling , Yu Guang‐Yan
Published: June 2019

Diabetes is often accompanied by dysfunction of salivary glands. However, the molecular mechanism remains unclear. The mechanisms that underlie diabetic hyposalivation were studied by db/db mice and SMG‐C6 cells. We found morphological changes and decreased stimulated salivary flow rates of the submandibular gland (SMG) in diabetic mice. We observed structural changes and dysfunction of mitochondria. More mitophagosomes and higher expression of autophagy‐related proteins were detected. Increased levels of proteins PINK1 and Parkin indicate that PINK1/Parkin‐mediated mitophagy was activated in diabetic SMG. Consistently, high glucose (HG) induced mitochondrial dysfunction and PINK1/Parkin‐mediated mitophagy in cultivated SMG‐C6 cells. HG also increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lessened activation of antioxidants in SMG‐C6 cells. In addition, HG lowered ERK1/2 phosphorylation and HG‐induced mitophagy was decreased after ERK1/2 was activated by LM22B‐10. Altogether, these data suggest that ROS played a crucial role in diabetes‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction and PINK1/Parkin‐mediated mitophagy and ERK1/2 was required in HG‐induced mitophagy in SMG.
Morphological variation of the female reproductive organs of the bat Artibeus lituratus during its different reproductive phases
Authors: Rodrigues Alderrosy F. , Santiago Cornélio S. , Morielle‐Versute Eliana , Taboga Sebastião R. , Beguelini Mateus R.
Published: June 2019

Artibeus lituratus is one of the most recognized bat species in the neotropics, probably due to its high abundance in urban areas. Despite its wide distribution, the morphology and physiology of its reproductive organs remain unclear. Thus, the aim of the present study was to describe the morphology and histology of the female reproductive organs of this species, and evaluate morphological variations during its different reproductive phases (nonreproductive, pregnant, lactating, etc.). Thirty adult females were collected, divided into six (6) sample groups, according to the reproductive status, and submitted to anatomical and histological analyses. We show that the ovaries of A. lituratus are polarized, present a low number of interstitial glands, have large and well‐developed Graafian follicles and a persistent corpus luteum, and may present a functional everted corpus luteum. Ovulation is simple, unilateral and nonpreferential, possibly alternated in successive ovulations, and may be sequential, with the occurrence of postpartum estrus. The uterus is simplex, the implantation is fundic and interstitial and the placenta is chorioallantoic, discoidal, and hemochorial. The female reproductive organs of A. lituratus share similarities with the pattern observed in human, which indicates that A. lituratus may be an interesting animal model in reproductive studies.
The endoscopic endonasal approach for sinonasal and nasopharyngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma
Authors: Kashiwazaki Ryota , Turner Meghan T. , Geltzeiler Mathew , Fernandez‐Miranda Juan C. , Gardner Paul A. , Snyderman Carl H. , Wang Eric W.
Published: June 2019

Objective

To determine factors affecting outcomes for patients with sinonasal and nasopharyngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma (SNACC) treated using the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) with preservation of key structures followed by adjuvant radiotherapy (RT).

Method

Retrospective case series of 30 patients treated at the University of Pittsburgh between 2000 and 2014. Hospital records were reviewed for clinical and pathologic data. Outcome measures included overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS), local recurrence‐free survival (LRFS) and distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS) rates.

Results

The majority of patients had T4a and T4b disease (23.3%, and 63.3%). Microscopically positive margins were present in 21 patients (63.6%). Positive margins were present in nine patients (30.0%). The mean and median follow‐up were 3.97 and 3.29 years. Five‐year OS, DFS, LRFS, and DMFS were 62.66%, 58.45%, 87.54%, and 65.26%. High‐/intermediate‐grade tumors had worse DFS (P = .023), and LRFS (P = .026) (HR = 4.837, 95% CI, 1.181–19.812). No factors were associated with significantly worse DMFS. No patient suffered CSF leak, optic nerve, or internal carotid injury. The mean and median length of hospital stay was 4.1 days and 2.0 days (range: 0–32 days).

Conclusion

Organ‐preserving EEA with adjuvant RT for low‐grade SNACC offers 5‐year survival similar to that reported by other studies, which include radical, open skull base surgery. Patients with high‐grade disease do poorly and may benefit from novel treatment strategies. For low‐grade disease, organ‐preserving EEA with RT may be the best option, offering a balance of survival, quality of life, and decreased morbidity for patients with this difficult‐to‐cure disease.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:1414–1421, 2020
Eustachian tube dysfunction in children with cleft palate: A tympanometric time‐to‐event analysis
Authors: Funamura Jamie L. , Said Mena , Lin Sharon J. , McKinney Samantha , Tollefson Travis T.
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To characterize the duration of Eustachian tube dysfunction in children with cleft palate compared to those without cleft palate by performing time‐to‐event analysis on tympanometric data.

To determine predictive characteristics of earlier achievement of normal tympanograms in children with cleft palate.

Methods

Longitudinal tympanometric data from a minimum of 10 years at a single center were reviewed for children with cleft palate born in the years 2003 through 2007. Children with cleft lip without cleft palate born in the same years were used as a reference group to compare children with similar length of follow‐up. The association between time to sustained normal (type A) tympanograms with patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and otologic history was evaluated using time‐to‐event analysis and compared with log rank tests. Adjusted and unadjusted hazard ratios were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

The median age of achieving a type A tympanogram in children with cleft palate was 9.9 years for one and 12.1 years for both ears, compared to 7.1 and 7.4 years in children with cleft lip only (P < 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, clinical characteristics such as the severity of palatal clefting or the presence of a cleft‐associated syndrome/sequence were not predictors of a longer time to a type A tympanogram.

Conclusion

Our results help characterize the observation that there is delayed time to normal Eustachian tube function in children with cleft palate, which is not associated with the degree of palatal clefting.

Level of Evidence

3b Laryngoscope, 130:1044–1050, 2020
Vagal stimulation and laryngeal electromyography for recurrent laryngeal reinnervation in children
Authors: Caloway Christen L. , Diercks Gillian R. , Randolph Gregory , Hartnick Christopher J.
Published: June 2019

Ansa‐to‐recurrent laryngeal nerve (ANSA‐RLN) reinnervation procedures are now often first‐line treatments for some children with unilateral vocal fold immobility. Although many describe that children with prolonged denervation and true vocal fold atrophy should not undergo this procedure, there has been no gold‐standard means of identifying true denervation. Here, we describe a novel technique using evoked vagal electromyography to predict degree of chronic nerve injury prior to recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation in children. This is a simple, readily available technique that may play an important role in predicting likelihood of success with pediatric ANSA‐RLN reinnervation.

Laryngoscope, 130:747–751, 2020
A novel mutation of the PAX3 gene in a Chinese family with Waardenburg syndrome type I
Authors: Ma Jing , Lin Ken , Jiang Hong‐chao , Yang Yanli , Zhang Yu , Yang Guilian , Sun Hao , Ming Cheng , Bi Xianyun , Zhang Tiesong , Ruan Biao
Published: June 2019

Background

To analyze the clinical phenotypes and genetic variants of a Chinese family with Waardenburg syndrome (WS) and to explore the possible molecular pathogenesis of WS.

Methods

The clinical data from a patient and his family were collected. The genomic DNA of the patient and his family was purified from their peripheral blood. All exons and flanking sequences of the MITF, PAX3, SOX10, SNAI2, END3, and EDNRB genes were investigated through high‐throughput sequencing. Based on the results of high‐throughput sequencing, genetic variants in the patient and his family were verified and analyzed by Sanger sequencing.

Results

The patient was diagnosed with typical WS1 that manifested in hearing impairment, inner canthus ectopia and heterochromic iris. Sanger sequencing revealed the pathogenic heterozygous c.420‐424de1CGCGGinsTTAC mutation in the PAX3 gene in the proband, which is a frameshift mutation that changed the amino acid sequence of the PAX3 protein from AVCDRNTVPSV to YSVIETPCRQ* (* refers to a stop codon) from amino acids 141–151. The stop codon induced by this mutation resulted in the truncation of the PAX3 protein. The same mutation sites were also found in the mother and younger sister of the proband. No previous report of this mutation was found in the Human Gene Mutation Database.

Conclusion

The novel heterozygous c.420‐424de1CGCGGinsTTAC mutation is the molecular pathological cause for WS1 in our patient. The clinical and genetic characterization of this family with WS1 elucidated the genetic heterogeneity of PAX3 in WS1. Moreover, the mutation detected in this case has expanded the database of PAX3 mutations.
Patient participation in municipal elderly care from the perspective of nurses and occupational therapists
Authors: Holmqvist Kajsa Lidström , James Inger
Published: June 2019

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe how nurses and occupational therapists in municipal care of older people define and implement patient participation in their daily work.

Design

This study had a cross‐sectional design. Data were collected using an online questionnaire.

Methods

The questionnaire had both closed and open‐ended questions. One‐hundred and fourteen nurses and occupational therapists responded. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Results

Two main themes were identified as follows: “The professionals’ perspective at the centre – Patient participation to enhance compliance” and “The patients’ perspective at the centre – Patient participation as an ongoing process.” The themes covered a continuum. On one extreme, patient participation was equated with making the patient comply with what the professionals wanted to do. On the other extreme, all power was transferred to the patient. The first theme was restricted to the decision‐making process. The second theme covered the entire care or, rehabilitation, process.
Fluorescent Probes from Aromatic Polycyclic Nitrile Oxides: Isoxazoles versus Dihydro‐1λ3,3,2λ4‐Oxazaborinines
Authors: Moiola Mattia , Bova Antonio , Crespi Stefano , Memeo Misal G. , Mella Mariella , Overkleeft Herman S. , Florea Bogdan I. , Quadrelli Paolo
Published: June 2019

Anthracenenitrile oxide undergoes 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction with propargyl bromide affording the expected isoxazole as single regioisomer, suitably synthetically elaborated and functionalized with a protected triple bond. The introduction of a bromine atom at the position C10 of the anthracene moiety allows for inserting a variety of aromatic and heterocyclic substituents through Suzuki coupling. A two‐way synthetic route can lead to simple isoxazole derivatives or, after N−O bond reductive cleavage and BF3 complexation, enamino ketone boron complexes. The photophysical properties of both the substituted isoxazoles and the corresponding boron complexes were investigated to show the potentialities for the employment as fluorescent tags in imaging techniques. The quite good quantum yield values confirm the suitability of these compounds in the cellular environment. Scope and limitations of the methodology are discussed.
Job stress and depressive symptoms among migrant workers in Macau: A moderated mediation model of self‐esteem and perceived social support
Authors: Li Qianfeng , Chi Peilian , Hall Brian J. , Wu Qinglu , Du Hongfei
Published: June 2019

Damaged self‐esteem can explain the negative effects of various job stresses on depressive symptoms of migrant workers. Social support may threaten workers’ self‐esteem in highly stressful environments, and in turn worsen their mental health. This study aimed to examine the indirect role of self‐esteem in the relationship between job stress and depressive symptoms among migrant workers in Macau and whether this indirect effect is modified by social support. A sample of 900 mainland Chinese migrant workers was recruited into the study. Job stress, social support, self‐esteem, and depressive symptoms were measured. Conditional process analysis was used to examine the proposed moderated mediation model. Job stress was associated with depressive symptoms through lower self‐esteem. The indirect effect of job stress on depressive symptoms via decreased self‐esteem was significant among migrant workers with higher levels of social support, but not among migrant workers with lower levels of social support. Our findings suggest that when migrant workers perceive a high level of social support, job stress is more likely to threaten their self‐esteem and in turn increase their risk for depression. Future efforts aimed at promoting the mental health of migrant workers need to tailor interventions to avoid the threatening effect of social support on self‐esteem in job environments with high stress.
Prediction of interfacial strength of HDPE overmolded with EPDM
Authors: Six Wim , Bex Gert‐Jan , Van Bael Albert , De Keyzer Jozefien , Desplentere Frederik
Published: June 2019

Multicomponent injection molding often combines a stiff thermoplastic material with a thermoplastic elastomer or thermoplastic vulcanite. Recently, for high‐demanding applications, a novel process has been developed to replace these thermoplastic elastomers or vulcanite with a thermoset rubber, for example, NBR or EPDM. One of the most important properties of a two component product is an adequate adhesion between both components. This paper describes a method, which combines experiments and numerical simulations to predict the adhesion strength between a thermoplastic, semicrystalline HDPE, and an EPDM thermoset rubber. This method uses numerical simulations of the interfacial temperature and the local degree of cure. The local interface temperature is combined with the results of DSC measurements to predict the degree of melting, subsequently linked to the ability to develop adhesive strength. The degree of cure is used to determine the local rubber strength. The combination of the given data will be used to predict interfacial strength. The results obtained by proposed numerical strategy have been successfully validated with experimental data on a simple plate product. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1489–1498 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
TATB Sensitivity to Shocks from Electrical Arcs
Authors: Chen Kenneth C. , Warne Larry K. , Jorgenson Roy E. , Niederhaus John H.
Published: June 2019

Use of insensitive high explosives (IHEs) has significantly improved ammunition safety because of their remarkable insensitivity to violent cook‐off, shock and impact. Triamino‐trinitrobenzene (TATB) is the IHE used in many modern munitions. Previously, lightning simulations in different test configurations have shown that the required detonation threshold for standard density TATB at ambient and elevated temperatures (250 C) has a sufficient margin over the shock caused by an arc from the most severe lightning. In this paper, the Braginskii model with Lee‐More channel conductivity prescription is used to demonstrate how electrical arcs from lightning could cause detonation in TATB. The steep rise and slow decay in typical lightning pulse are used in demonstrating that the shock pressure from an electrical arc, after reaching the peak, falls off faster than the inverse of the arc radius. For detonation to occur, two necessary detonation conditions must be met: the Pop‐Plot criterion and minimum spot size requirement. The relevant Pop‐Plot for TATB at 250 C was converted into an empirical detonation criterion, which is applicable to explosives subject to shocks of variable pressure. The arc cross‐section was required to meet the minimum detonation spot size reported in the literature. One caveat is that when the shock pressure exceeds the detonation pressure the Pop‐Plot may not be applicable, and the minimum spot size requirement may be smaller.
Synthesis of Propargyl‐Terminated Polybutadiene and Properties of Polytriazole Elastomers
Authors: Gao Wenbo , He Jiyu , Xiao Fei , Yang Rongjie
Published: June 2019

Compared with the traditional polyurethane curing system with polyisocyanate group and hydroxyl group prepolymer, the click chemistry curing system with the polyazide group and the terminal alkyne prepolymer has the advantages of single reaction selectivity and insensitivity to oxygen and water. In this paper, the propargyl‐terminated polybutadiene (PTPB) has been synthesized by using hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), potassium t‐butoxide and bromopropyne as raw materials, and the yield is 98.6 %. The polytriazole elastomers have been prepared through copper‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne huisgen [3+2] dipolar cycloaddition reactions between the propargyl‐terminated polybutadiene (PTPB) as binder and azide (−N3) compound as curing agent. Furthermore, the effects of catalyst type, azide functionality and curing parameters (R value) on elastomer properties are investigated by FTIR, DMA, TG, DSC and mechanical tests. It has been obtained that the crosslinking elastomer formed with the PTPB and azide of 3.8 functionality has better mechanical properties and thermal stability. When the molar ratio R of azide group to alkyne group in curing the PTPB is equal to 1, the PTPB elastomer has the biggest tensile strength and smallest tensile strain, and the change of the R value has little effect on the glass transition temperature and thermal stability of the PTPB elastomers.
Facile and Controllable Fabrication of High‐Performance Methylammonium Lead Triiodide Films Using Lead Acetate Precursor for Low‐Threshold Amplified Spontaneous Emission and Distributed‐Feedback Lasers
Authors: Zhang Qi , Sun Huizhi , Zhang Heyi , Jiang Mao , Wu Xiaodong , Zhang Zhiyuan , Yang Tongyin , Xia Ruidong , Cabanillas-Gonzalez Juan
Published: June 2019

Organic–inorganic lead halide perovskites have emerged rapidly as the most attractive materials for photovoltaics in the last 10 years. Intense research has been done on crystal growth and morphology control to improve their power conversion efficiencies. Furthermore, perovskites also show great potential for optical amplification and lasing. Despite the numerous reports on how processing conditions affect the perovskite light‐harvesting properties, effects on amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) or lasing performance have attracted considerably less attention. Herein, a detailed study on the ASE performance of methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI3) films, processed with lead acetate (Pb(Ac)2) as lead source following a one‐step spin‐coating method and exposed to different post‐deposition conditions, is presented. It is found that the use of Pb(Ac)2 instead of lead iodide (PbI2) accelerates the crystal growth and simplifies the fabrication procedure. Even very thin MAPbI3 films (≈70 nm) can sufficiently support optical amplification and lasing in surface‐emitting distributed‐feedback (DFB) cavities. The facile and highly controllable MAPbI3 film formation observed with Pb(Ac)2 as precursor makes it a preferred choice with respect to PbI2 for future perovskite laser diodes.
Feasibility of predicting live birth by combining conventional embryo evaluation with artificial intelligence applied to a blastocyst image in patients classified by age
Authors: Miyagi Yasunari , Habara Toshihiro , Hirata Rei , Hayashi Nobuyoshi
Published: June 2019

Purpose

To identify the multivariate logistic regression in a combination (combination method) involving artificial intelligence (AI) classifiers in images of blastocysts along with a conventional embryo evaluation (CEE) to predict the probability of accomplishing a live birth in patients classified by maternal age.

Methods

Retrospectively, a total of 5691 blastocysts were enrolled. Images captured 115 hours or 139 hours if not yet sufficiently large after insemination were classified according to age as follows: <35, 35‐37, 38‐39, 40‐41, and ≥42 years old. The classifiers for each category were created by using convolutional neural networks associated with deep learning. Next, the feasibility of a method combining AI with multivariate logistic model functions by CEE was investigated.

Results

The values of the area under the curve (AUC) and the accuracies to predict live birth achieved by the CEE/AI/combination methods were 0.651/0.634/0.655, 0.697/0.688/0.723, 0.771/0.728/0.791, 0.788/0.743/0.806 and 0.820/0.837/0.888, and 0.631/0.647/0.616, 0.687/0.675/0.671, 0.725/0.697/0.732, 0.714/0.776/0.801, and 0.910/0.866/0.784 for age categories of <35, 35‐37, 38‐39, 40‐41, and ≥42 years old, respectively.

Conclusions

Though there were mostly no significant differences regarding the AUC and the sensitivity plus specificity in all age categories, the combination method seemed to be the best.