bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isotopic composition of precipitation during strong El Niño–Southern Oscillation events in the Southeast Region of Brazil
Authors: dos Santos Vinícius , Dias de Oliveira Marcelo , Boll Jan , Sánchez‐Murillo Ricardo , Menegário Amauri Antonio , Gozzo Luiz Felippe , Gastmans Didier
Published: November 2018

Equatorial Pacific sea surface temperature variations interact with processes of atmospheric circulation, creating conditions for the occurrence of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). ENSO events represent the most important interannual phenomena affecting climate patterns worldwide and causing significant socio‐economic impacts. In the Brazilian territory, ENSO leads to an increase in drought episodes in the north‐eastern region and an increase in precipitation in the southern region, whereas the effects over the south‐east region are yet not well understood. The main goal of this study is to compare variations of isotopic composition in precipitation across the south‐east portion of the Brazilian territory during two very strong ENSO events: 1997–1998 (ENSO 1) and 2014–2016 (ENSO 2). Daily isotopic records, available from the Global Network of Isotopes in Precipitation database for ENSO 1, and samples collected during ENSO 2 were used to compare the influence of both events on the isotopic composition of precipitation. Seasonal variations indicated more depleted precipitation during the wet seasons (δ18O = −5.4 ± 4.0‰) and enriched precipitation during the dry seasons (δ18O = −2.8 ± 2.3‰). Observed rainfall variations were associated with atmospheric large‐scale processes and moisture transport from the Amazon region, whereas extreme values (enriched or depleted) appear to be associated with particular convective and stratiform precipitation events. Overall, more depleted isotopic composition of precipitation (δ18O = −4.60‰) and higher d‐excess (up to +15‰) were observed during the dry season of ENSO 1 when compared with ENSO 2 dry season (δ18O‰ = −2.80‰, d‐excess lower than +14‰). The latter is explained by greater atmospheric moisture content, particularly associated with recycling of transpiration fluxes from the Amazon region, during dry season of ENSO 1. No significant differences for δ18O and δ2H were observed during the wet season; however, d‐excess from ENSO 2 was greater than ENSO 1, due to the slightly greater atmospheric moisture content and very strong upward motion observed. Our findings highlight the opportunity that environmental isotopes offer towards understanding hydrometeorological processes, particularly, the evolution of extreme climatic events of global resonance such as ENSO.
Synthesis, Structure and Sensing Property of Novel Zinc(II) Framework with Mixed 3,3′,5,5′‐Tetra(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)biphenyl and 2,6‐Naphthalenedicarboxylate Ligands
Authors: Xu Yong‐Liang , Liu Yi , Liu Xiao‐Hui , Zhao Yue , Wang Zheng‐Liang , Sun Wei‐Yin
Published: November 2018

With increasing use of antibiotics, it becomes more and more important for selectively and sensitively detecting antibiotics. In this work, a new Zn(II) framework [Zn2(L)(NDC)(HCOO)2] ⋅ 2H2O (1) was achieved by using organic ligands 3,3′,5,5′‐tetra(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)biphenyl (L) and 2,6‐naphthalenedicarboxylic acid (H2NDC). 1 has three‐dimensional (3D) framework structure and exhibits strong luminescence in the solid state as well as in the suspended acetonitrile solution. Furthermore, it was found that the emission of 1 can be quenched efficiently by trace amounts of nitrofuran antibiotics (NFs) including nitrofurazone (NZF), furazolidone (FZD) and nitrofurantoin (NFT) with detection limits of 184, 243 and 263 ppb for NZF, FZD and NFT, respectively, even in the presence of other antibiotics such as penicillin (PCL).
Gelatin nonwovens‐based epithelial morphogenesis involves a signaling axis comprising EGF‐receptor, MAP kinases ERK 1/2, and β1 integrin
Authors: Jedrusik Nicole , Steinberg Thorsten , Husari Ayman , Volk Lukas , Wang Xiaoling , Finkenzeller Günter , Strassburg Sandra , Tomakidi Pascal
Published: November 2018

In biomaterials research, biomechanics which support tissue regeneration steadily gains of importance. Hence, we have previously shown that gelatin‐based electrospun nonwoven mats (NWMs) with a distinct modulus of elasticity (3.2 kPa) promotes epithelial morphogenesis. Since molecular mechanisms of this morphogenesis are still unknown, the present study aims at identifying molecules, involved herein. Epithelia established on the NMWs showed persistence of the activated state of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF‐R), phosphorylated at the src‐specific tyrosine 845 (EGF‐RT845) throughout the observation period of 10 days. To elucidate whether the observed morphogenesis mechanistically involves EGF‐R signaling, we inhibited EGF‐R, by employing the EGF‐RT845 specific inhibitor Gefitinib (IRESSA®). Gefitinib administration yielded a reduced expression of the β1 integrin subunit, a well‐known cell–matrix interaction receptor, concomitant with downregulation of p42/44 ERK1/2 MAP‐kinase activity. To elucidate whether the observed downregulation of β1 is EGF‐RT845‐dependent or emerging from ERK1/2 signaling, we exposed epithelia, grown on the NWMs, with the ERK1/2‐directed inhibitor U0126. In the absence of Gefitinib, inhibition of p42/44 MAP‐kinase activity resulted in decreased β1 integrin protein levels, thus indicating that β1 expression is dependent on ERK1/2 and not EGF‐RT845. Our results showed the first time that an EGF‐R‐β1 integrin‐signaling axis, including ERK1/2, promotes NWM‐elasticity‐based epithelial morphogenesis. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 663–677, 2019.
Balancing biofunctional and biomechanical properties using porous titanium reinforced by carbon nanotubes
Authors: Pavón Juan Jose , López Diana , Mondragón Fanor , Gallego Jaime , Arias Sandra L. , Luitjohan Kara , Holybee Brandon , Torres Yadir , Rodríguez José A. , Echeverry‐Rendón Mónica , Civantos Ana , Allain Jean Paul
Published: November 2018

Despite the well‐known advantages of the titanium‐based implant systems, they still lack an optimal balance between biofunctionality and mechanical strength, especially regarding the modulation of cellular response and a desired implant osseointegration. In this work, we fabricated a nanocomposite based on porous commercially pure grade 4 titanium (c.p. Ti) reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNT) at 5% and 10% w/w, with the aim of obtaining a nanocomposite with lower stiffness compared to traditional titanium‐based implants and with the mechanical strength and bioactivity owed by the CNT. Results obtained by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy characterization showed that the CNT dispersed and incorporated into the porous c.p. Ti matrix. Interestingly, CNT were associated with a higher twining within neighbor Ti grains, which was indeed consistent with an increased in nano‐hardness. Biological evaluation by MTT and Comet assay revealed that the nanocomposites did not induce genotoxicity and cytotoxicity on two different cells lines despite the presence of nickel at the surface. Accordingly, a purification step would be required before these CNT can be used for biomedical applications. Our results indicate that incorporation of CNT into porous c.p. Ti is a promising avenue to achieve an adequate balance between biofunctionality and mechanical strength in Ti‐based scaffolds for tissue replacement. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 719–731, 2019.
Retracted: MicroRNA‐34a inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma progression by repressing hexokinase‐1
Authors: Zhou Yitong , Liu Kai , Liu Yahui , Tan Ludong
Published: November 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is known as a frequent type of primary cancer in the liver, and it is the third‐most common cause of cancer‐related death all over the world. However, the molecular mechanism in the progression of HCC is still unclear. The current study was designed to investigate the expression and function of microRNA‐34a (miR‐34a) in HCC. In HCC tissues and cells, the expression levels of miR‐34a were analyzed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The association between the level of miR‐34a and hexokinase (HK)‐1 was also investigated via luciferase reporter assay. Cell viability and proliferation were detected by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and flow cytometry. To assess whether miR‐34a can limit tumor growth in vivo, animal models and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay were used for examining the role of miR‐34a on the development of HCC and cell apoptosis. The expression level of miR‐34a was reduced in HCC samples and cells. The expression of miR‐34a was associated with the viability and proliferation capacity of HCC cells, and miR‐34a could inhibit HCC cells proliferation by inhibiting HK1. In the mouse model of HCC, volumes and weight of the tumors were significantly decreased by transfection with miR‐34a mimic compared with the control group. Furthermore, miR‐34a mimics could induce apoptosis in a greater proportion of cells compared with the control group. Taken together, the data may provide some novel insights into the molecular mechanism of miR‐34a and HK1 in the progression of HCC. Thus, miR‐34a/HK1 axis might be a novel promising therapeutic target for treating HCC.
Analysis of long noncoding RNA expression profiles in the whole blood of neonates with hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy
Authors: Dong Xiaohua , Zhao Yingmin , Huang Yun , Yu Lingling , Yang Xiaojing , Gao Feng
Published: November 2018

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to participate in many biological processes. To investigate the expression profiles of lncRNAs and their potential functions in neonatal hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), we detected the lncRNA and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in the peripheral blood samples from HIE patients and controls using a microarray. A total of 376 lncRNAs and 126 mRNAs were differentially expressed between the HIE and the non‐HIE samples (fold change > 2). Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to validate the microarray data. Gene Ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis were performed to determine the gene function. Furthermore, the lncRNA‐mRNA coexpression network was generated to predict the potential targets of lncRNAs. In conclusion, our study first demonstrated the differential expression profiles of lncRNAs in the whole blood of infants with HIE and may provide a new view of the distinct lncRNA functions in HIE.
Virtual screening of National Cancer Institute database for claudin‐4 inhibitors: Synthesis, biological evaluation, and molecular dynamics studies
Authors: Rambabu Majji , Jayanthi Sivaraman
Published: November 2018

Claudin‐4 (CLDN4) is a vital member of tight‐junction proteins that is often overexpressed in cancer and other malignancies. The three‐dimensional structure of human CLDN4 was constructed based on homology modeling approach. A total of 265 242 molecules from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) database has been utilized as a dataset for this study. In the present work, structure‐based virtual screening is performed with the NCI database using Glide. By molecular docking, 10 candidate molecules with high scoring functions, which binds to the active site of CLDN4 were identified. Subsequently, molecular dynamics simulations of membrane protein were used for optimization of the top‐three lead compounds (NCI110039, NCI344682, and NCI661251) with CLDN4 in a dynamic system. The lead molecule from NCI database NCI11039 (purpurogallin carboxylic acid) was synthesized and cytotoxic properties were evaluated with A549, MCF7 cell lines. Our docking and dynamics simulations predicted that ARG31, ASN142, ASP146, and ARG158 as critically important residues involved in the CLDN4 activity. Finally, three lead candidates from the NCI database were identified as potent CLDN4 inhibitors. Cytotoxicity assays had proved that purpurogallin carboxylic acid had an inhibitory effect towards breast (MCF7) and lung (A549) cancer cell lines. Computational insights and in vitro (cytotoxicity) studies reported in this study are expected to be helpful for the development of novel anticancer agents.
Abuse Potential of Samidorphan: A Phase I, Oxycodone‐, Pentazocine‐, Naltrexone‐, and Placebo‐Controlled Study
Authors: Pathak Sanjeev , Vince Bradley , Kelsh Debra , Setnik Beatrice , Nangia Narinder , DiPetrillo Lauren , Puhl Matthew D. , Sun Lei , Stanford Arielle D. , Ehrich Elliot
Published: November 2018

Samidorphan is a μ‐opioid receptor antagonist in development for the treatment of schizophrenia, in combination with olanzapine, and major depressive disorder, in combination with buprenorphine, at proposed therapeutic doses of samidorphan 10 mg and 2 mg, respectively. A double‐blind, double‐dummy, active‐ and placebo‐controlled, crossover study evaluated the abuse potential of samidorphan in healthy, nondependent, recreational opioid users. Following a qualification phase, participants were randomized to 1 of 6 treatment sequences of study drugs: placebo, samidorphan (10 or 30 mg), oxycodone (40 mg), pentazocine (30 mg), and naltrexone (100 mg) in a 6 × 6 Williams design. The primary end point was maximum effect (Emax) for “at‐the‐moment” Drug Liking visual analog scale scores. Secondary end points included Emax visual analog scale scores for Take Drug Again and Overall Drug Liking and safety assessments. Among 47 participants, at‐the‐moment Emax Drug Liking scores for positive study controls oxycodone and pentazocine were significantly higher than placebo (P < .001) and samidorphan (both doses; P < .001). Both samidorphan doses had Emax Drug Liking scores similar to placebo and naltrexone (median within‐subject differences of 0.0). Emax Take Drug Again scores for samidorphan (both doses) were higher than placebo, but similar to naltrexone, an unscheduled μ‐opioid receptor antagonist. Adverse events to evaluate abuse potential occurred less frequently with samidorphan, naltrexone, and placebo than with oxycodone and pentazocine. Findings from this study support a lack of abuse potential with samidorphan at doses up to 30 mg and a safety profile consistent with previous samidorphan clinical studies.
Catalytic performance of Ni supported on ZnO‐Al2O3 composites with different Zn content in methane dry reforming
Authors: Masoom Nataj Seyedeh Molood , Alavi Seyed Mehdi , Mazloom Golshan
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Because of increasing environmental contaminations, hydrogen has attracted much attention as an effective and clean energy source. In addition, hydrogen and syngas are raw materials used in the production of valuable compounds. Methane dry reforming is one common method for syngas production. In this work, Ni catalysts supported on different ZnO–Al2O3 composite oxides were prepared. The effects of variation in Zn/Al ratio (Zn/Al = 0, 0.33, 0.5, 1, 2 and 3) on physico‐chemical properties and their activity and stability in methane dry reforming were investigated.

RESULTS

The results indicated that Zn addition led to decreasing surface area, weakening the interaction between active phase and support, improving Ni reduction and therefore enhancing initial activity.

CONCLUSION

When Zn content was low or just enough to produce ZnAl2O4 phase, only metallic Ni particles were detected after reaction which led to carbon filaments formation and deactivation of catalysts. Increasing Zn content formed NiZn alloy that played essential roles in activity and stability. High amounts of Zn (Zn/Al = 3) did not favor promoting effects due to the increasing active phase sizes and decreasing contact area. Ni/ZnO–Al2O3 with Zn/Al = 2 exhibited the highest activity and stability in methane dry reforming. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Design, Synthesis, and Antifungal Activity of 3‐(Thiophen‐2‐yl)‐1,5‐dihydro‐2H‐pyrrol‐2‐one Derivatives Bearing a Carbonic Ester Group
Authors: Wang Xiaobin , Ren Zhengjiao , Mei Yudong , Liu Menghan , Chen Min , Si Weijie , Yang Chunlong , Song Yimin
Published: November 2018

A series of 3‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐1,5‐dihydro‐2H‐pyrrol‐2‐one derivatives bearing a carbonic ester group were designed and synthesized by integrating a thiophene nucleus and a pyrroline‐2‐one scaffold in a single molecular architecture. Their structures were confirmed by IR, 1H‐NMR, EI‐MS, and elemental analyses, and their antifungal activities against Fusarium graminearum (Fg), Rhizoctorzia solani (Rs), and Botrytis cinerea (Bc) were evaluated. The antifungal bioassays indicated that some title compounds exhibited desirable antifungal effects against the tested fungi. Strikingly, the title compounds 4i, 4k, 4n, and 4o showed obvious antifungal activities against Rs, with corresponding EC50 values of 35.26, 33.56, 23.90, and 30.48 μg/mL, respectively, which are better than that of hymexazol (37.86 μg/mL). These results indicated that 3‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐1,5‐dihydro‐2H‐pyrrol‐2‐one derivatives bearing a carbonic ester group can serve as potential structural templates in the search for novel high‐efficient fungicides.
Immune rebalancing by oral immunotherapy: A novel method for getting the immune system back on track
Authors: Ilan Yaron
Published: November 2018

Immune modulating treatments are often associated with immune suppression or an opposing anti-inflammatory paradigm. As such, there is a risk of exposing patients to infections and malignancies. Contrarily, eliciting only mild immune modulation can be insufficient for alleviating immune-mediated damage. Oral immunotherapy is a novel approach that uses the inherent ability of the gut immune system to generate signals that specifically suppress inflammation at affected sites, without inducing generalized immune suppression. Oral immunotherapy is being developed as a method to rebalance systemic immunity and restore balance, getting it back on track, rather than pushing the immune response too much or too little in opposing directions. Here, I review recent preclinical and clinical data examining the technique and describe its primary advantages.
Multimodality fMRI with perfusion, diffusion‐weighted MRI and 1H‐MRS in the diagnosis of lympho‐associated benign and malignant lesions of the parotid gland
Authors: Zhu Ling , Wang Jingbo , Shi Huimin , Tao Xiaofeng
Published: November 2018

Background

Differential diagnosis of the mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALToma) and tumor‐like benign lymphoepithelial lesion (BLEL) in the parotid gland is difficult.

Purpose

To distinguish MALToma and BLEL with multimodality MRI including hydrogenproton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS), diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI‐MR), and dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE‐MR), and evaluate each sequence.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Twenty‐five patients with parotid tumor‐like BLEL and 20 with parotid MALToma.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5‐T/T1WI, T2WI, single‐voxel 1H‐MRS, DWI‐MR, and DCE‐MR.

Assessment

All MR images were interpreted and agreed upon by two radiologists who were blinded to clinical information and histopathologic results. The imaging diagnoses were then compared to the histopathologic results.

Statistical Tests

Youden index was used to determine the optimized threshold value. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of different functional (f)MRI methods.

Results

Fisher's exact test indicated a significant difference between the 1H‐MRS images of the two lesions (P < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of positive choline (Cho) peak in 1H‐MRS of parotid MALToma were 80%, 76%, and 77.7%, respectively. The mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was 0.992 × 10−3mm2/s in patients with parotid tumor‐like BLEL and 0.634 × 10−3mm2/s in patients with parotid MALToma, and the difference was statistically significant (t‐test, P < 0.001). Choosing the Youden index as 0.669 × 10−3mm2/s, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the assay were 78.9%, 95.8%, and 88.4%, respectively. Assuming that time‐intensity curve (TIC) type I indicated parotid MALToma (positive), and type II and type III indicated parotid tumor‐like BLEL (negative), the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of time‐to‐peak (TTP) and initial slope of increase (ISI) in diagnosing MALToma were 94.1%, 95.2%, and 94.7%, respectively. Combining methods of TTP, ADC, and Cho peak reached the highest AUC (1.000).

Data Conclusion

Combined use 1H‐MRS, DWI‐MR, and DCE‐MR increased the accuracy of the differential diagnosis between these lesions to 100%. Cho peak in 1H‐MRS, ADC less than 0.669 × 10−3mm2/s, TIC type I together indicated parotid MALToma.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:423–432.
Mechanical properties of a hierarchical electrospun scaffold for ovine anterior cruciate ligament replacement
Authors: Pauly Hannah , Kelly Daniel , Popat Ketul , Easley Jeremiah , Palmer Ross , Haut Donahue Tammy L.
Published: November 2018

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) acts to stabilize the knee and prevent excessive motion of the tibia relative to the femur. Tears of the ACL are common and can result in pain and damage to surrounding tissues. Thus a torn ACL is often surgically replaced with an autograft or allograft material. Drawbacks to clinically available ACL grafts motivate the development of a tissue engineered ACL replacement. Our group has previously developed a polycaprolactone electrospun scaffold that mimics the hierarchical structure of the ACL. The goal of this study was to investigate the mechanical properties of the electrospun scaffold as an ACL replacement. Scaffold mechanical properties were assessed prior to implantation via stress relaxation and pull to failure testing. Following in vitro characterization, electrospun scaffolds and soft tissue grafts were implanted into ovine cadaver stifle joints as ACL replacements. Stifle joints with ACL replacements were tested via a simulated anterior drawer test as well as in situ stress relaxation and pull to failure tests and compared to stifle joints with the native ACL intact. Prior to implantation the scaffold matched the native ovine ACL well in the range of functional strains as evidenced by stress relaxation measures and the toe region stiffness. After implantation the scaffold was more similar to the native ACL than the soft tissue graft, particularly when it came to reducing joint laxity and matching stress relaxation measures. These results demonstrate that the electrospun scaffold has the potential to be a suitable material for ACL replacement. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:421–430, 2019.
Kinetic and mechanistic features of carbon dioxide reforming of methane over Co–Ce/ZrO2 catalysts
Authors: Paksoy Aysun Ipek , Yassi Akdag Cansu , Selen Caglayan Burcu , Aksoylu Ahmet Erhan
Published: November 2018

Carbon dioxide reforming of methane (CDRM) is an effective route to utilize CO2 and CH4, the most abundant, thermodynamically stable and hazardous greenhouse gases. To overcome the economical impediments to favor CDRM's industrial applicability, its mechanistic features need to be revealed both for developing efficient catalysts and optimizing operational conditions. In this context, this work aims to obtain power‐law type CDRM kinetic expressions over 5%Co–2%Ce/ZrO2 and 10%Co–2%Ce/ZrO2 catalysts and compare and analyze mechanistic routes to elucidate the effect of the Co:Ce ratio on kinetics. The empirical power‐law type rate expressions were estimated with the reaction orders of 1.63 and 1.12 for CH4 and 0.29 and –0.12 for CO2 for 5%Co–2%Ce/ZrO2 and 10%Co–2%Ce/ZrO2 catalysts, respectively. Limited CH4 activation and, thus, carbon formation due to low Co loading lead to accumulation of surface oxygen on ZrO2 as redox ability of Ce becomes suppressed. This causes higher CO2 activation barrier. The presence of H2 in the feed slows down mechanistic steps involving CHx. The reactions including CH4 activation, most probably reversible direct CH4 dissociation, are found to be rate determining.
Isolated Paresis of Laryngeal Adduction: What Are the Laryngoscopic and Stroboscopic Findings?
Authors: Imamura Rui , Marcelo Agatha M. , Tsuji Domingos H.
Published: November 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

This study aimed to describe the videolaryngostroboscopic (VLS) findings in a cohort of patients with isolated paresis of laryngeal adduction and identify predictive variables that may be related to voice recovery.

Study Design

Chart review and VLS analysis of dysphonic patients diagnosed with isolated paresis of laryngeal adduction by laryngeal electromyography (LEMG).

Methods

Demographic, clinical, VLS, and LEMG findings were analyzed according to the outcome of dysphonia.

Results

There were 17 patients, 12 males (70.6%), mean age of 46.6 years, with median dysphonia duration of 4 months (range, 1–60 months) included in the study. In all patients, gross movement of both vocal folds were normal. Laryngoscopy showed limited adduction of the ipsilateral ventricular fold, contralateral interarytenoid region deviation, and vocal fold atrophy in 100%, 94.1%, and 76.5% of patients, respectively. VLS findings included: impairment of glottic closure (94.1%), phase asymmetry (94.1%), and reduced mucosal wave on the affected side (76.5%). Predictors of good voice outcome were sudden onset (P = .012), duration of dysphonia on presentation shorter than 5 months (P = .005), and absence of polyphasic potentials on LEMG (P = .041).

Conclusions

Findings on VLS as described suggest isolated paresis of laryngeal adduction and should warrant indication of LEMG for definite diagnosis. Voice improvement may be related to clinical and LEMG findings.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 129:919–925, 2019
The shifting relationship between weight and pediatric obstructive sleep apnea: A historical review
Authors: Keefe Katherine R. , Patel Prachi N. , Levi Jessica R.
Published: November 2018

Objectives

For more than a century, pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was associated with failure to thrive. However, that association has faded over the last few decades. A 21st century child with OSA is much more likely to be overweight than underweight. This raises the question: Has pediatric OSA changed over time, or has the rise of childhood obesity in the United States created a new, separate disease? This literature review explores the historical shift in the relationship between weight and OSA, and the associated changes in treatment.

Results

We demonstrate a clear transition in the prevalence of failure to thrive and obesity in the OSA literature in the mid‐2000s. What is less clear is whether these two clinical phenotypes should be considered two distinct diseases, or whether subtle differences in one set of pathophysiologic pathways—adenotonsillar hypertrophy, altered inflammation, and increased energy expenditure—can lead to divergent metabolic outcomes. More research is needed to fully elucidate the pathophysiology of OSA in children with obesity.

Conclusions

We may need new and different treatments for obesity‐associated OSA as adenotonsillectomy—which is effective at reversing failure to thrive in OSA—is not as effective at treating OSA in children with obesity. One option is drug‐induced sleep endoscopy, which could personalize and improve surgical treatment of OSA. There is some evidence that therapies used for OSA in adults (e.g., weight loss and positive airway pressure) are also helpful for overweight/obese children with OSA.

Laryngoscope, 129:2414–2419, 2019
The role of differential DMSP production and community composition in predicting variability of global surface DMSP concentrations
Authors: McParland Erin L. , Levine Naomi M.
Published: November 2018

Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is an important labile component of the marine dissolved organic matter pool that is produced by the majority of eukaryotic marine phytoplankton and by many prokaryotes. Despite decades of research, the contribution of different environmental drivers of DMSP production to regional and seasonal variability remains unknown. A synthesis of the current state‐of‐knowledge suggested that approximately half of confirmed DMSP producers are low producers (intracellular DMSP < 50 mM). Low DMSP producers (LoDPs; e.g., diatoms) were shown to strongly regulate intracellular DMSP concentrations (~ 16‐fold change) as a predictable function of nutrient stress. By comparison, high DMSP producers (HiDPs; e.g., coccolithophores) showed very little response (~ 1.5‐fold change). To assess the importance of differential DMSP production by low and high producers, DMSP concentrations were predicted for two time‐series sites (a high‐ and low‐productivity site) and for the global ocean by explicitly incorporating both community composition and mechanistic nutrient stress. Despite large, predictable intracellular DMSP changes, low producers contributed less than 5% to global DMSP. This indicates that, while variations in DMSP production by low producers could be important for predicting microbial interactions and low producer physiology, it is not necessary for predicting global DMSP concentrations. Our analysis suggests that community composition, particularly HiDP biomass, is the dominant driver of variability in in situ DMSP concentrations, even in low‐productivity regions where high producers are typically the subdominant group. Accurate predictions of in situ DMSP concentrations require improved representation of subdominant community dynamics in ecosystem models and remote‐sensing algorithms.
Effect of Aryl Substituents and Fluorine Addition on the Optoelectronic Properties and Organic Solar Cell Performance of a High Efficiency Indacenodithienothiophene‐alt‐Quinoxaline π‐Conjugated Polymer
Authors: Tatsi Elisavet , Spanos Michael , Katsouras Athanasios , Squeo Benedetta M. , Ibraikulov Olzhas A. , Zimmermann Nicolas , Heiser Thomas , Lévêque Patrick , Gregoriou Vasilis G. , Avgeropoulos Apostolos , Leclerc Nicolas , Chochos Christos L.
Published: November 2018

A series of donor‐acceptor (D‐A) π‐conjugated polymers, based on indacenodithienothiophene (IDTT) as an electron‐donating unit and quinoxaline as an electron‐deficient moiety, are synthesized via a Pd‐catalyzed Stille cross‐coupling polymerization. Molecular characteristics, photovoltaic parameters, and optoelectronic properties are examined through structural differences corresponding to thienyl versus phenyl side group substitutions on the IDTT and the non‐fluorinated versus the monofluoro quinoxaline derivatives. One of the most important outcome is that the power conversion efficiency (PCE) in the studied polymers is more device architecture dependent (conventional vs inverted) rather than chemical structure dependent. From single junction solar cells based on bulk heterojunction polymer:[6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) systems as the active layer, a maximum PCE of 5.33% has been achieved from the polymer containing the thienyl substituent on the IDTT and one fluorine atom on the quinoxaline. This demonstrates that finding the optimum molecular weight of ThIDTT‐QF or introducing the monofluoro‐quinoxaline in a regioregular motif in the polymer backbone significantly higher PCE can be expected versus the fully optimized high performance PhIDTT‐Q conjugated polymer.
Attachment of a 1,8‐Naphthalimide Moiety to a Conjugated Polythiophene Efficiently Improves the Sensing Abilities of Naphthalimide‐Based Materials
Authors: Hladysh Sviatoslav , Murmiliuk Anastasiia , Vohlídal Jiří , Zedník Jiří
Published: November 2018

A novel polythiophene‐based conjugated polymer bearing 1,8‐naphthalimide‐based pendants is prepared by a two‐step modification of regioregular poly[3‐(6‐bromohexyl)thiophene] involving a nucleophilic substitution reaction of the bromide end‐groups with sodium azide followed by a robust, copper‐catalyzed Huisgen click reaction with a novel 1,8‐naphthalinmide derivative containing an active, N‐substituted propyne group. Both the polymer and the highly luminescent‐active synthesized dye are extensively studied in solution by UV–vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence, NMR, light‐scattering and isothermal titration calorimetry. The materials prepared are considered potential chemosensors for different transition metals, such as Fe2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, and Cd2+. Luminescence quenching shows that these materials have a higher sensitivity to Fe2+ than to the other metal ions tested. Moreover, the 1,8‐naphthalimide‐based conjugated polymer is more efficiently quenched by Fe2+ metal ions, at a significantly lower concentration and with a higher binding constant than its parent 1,8‐naphthalimide derivative, thus indicating a high potential for sensor development.
Chemically Modified Polyvinyl Butyral Polymer Membrane as a Gel Electrolyte for Lithium Ion Battery Applications
Authors: Xu Ziqiang , Li Wenlei , Chen Zhi , Wang Dongxia , Feng Tingting , Potapenko Hanna , Wu Mengqiang
Published: November 2018

A novel porous membrane of chemically modified polyvinyl butyral (mPVB), with improved thermal properties and chemical stability for lithium ion battery applications, is successfully synthesized by utilizing the chain extension reaction of the OH units from PVB. The porous mPVB membranes are obtained via the tape casting and phase inversion method. The corresponding gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) is achieved by immersing the as‐prepared membranes in the liquid electrolyte. The electrochemical performances of the GPE show that the mPVB membranes have the features of good uniformity, high porosity (≈90%), great thermal stability, and high mechanical strength. Moreover, the GPE exhibits good chemical stability, a wide electrochemical window, as well as high ionic conductivity (≈1.21 × 10−3 S cm−1). A test of a Li/GPE/LiFePO4 battery cell shows a capacity of 147.7 mAh g−1 and excellent cycling stability, demonstrating the great potential of the mPVB‐based GPE for lithium ion battery applications.
Oxidation‐Responsive Materials: Biological Rationale, State of the Art, Multiple Responsiveness, and Open Issues
Authors: El‐Mohtadi Farah , d'Arcy Richard , Tirelli Nicola
Published: November 2018

In this review, a general introduction to biological oxidants (focusing on reactive oxygen species, ROS) and the biomedical rationale behind the development of materials capable of responding to ROS is provided. The state of the art for preparative aspects and mechanistic responses of the most commonly used macromolecular ROS‐responsive systems, including polysulfides, polyselenides, polythioketals, polyoxalates, and also oligoproline‐ and catechol‐based materials, is subsequently given. The endowment of multiple responsiveness, with specific emphasis on the cases where a molecular logic gate behavior can be obtained, is focused on. Finally, fundamental open issues, which include implications of the “drug”‐like character of ROS‐responsive materials (inherent anti‐inflammatory behavior) and the poor quantitative understanding of ROS roles in biology, are discussed.
How to Install TEMPO in Dielectric Polymers—Their Rational Design toward Energy‐Storable Materials
Authors: Feng Yang , Suga Takeo , Nishide Hiroyuki , Ohki Yoshimichi , Chen George , Li Shengtao
Published: November 2018

Polar groups and the charge‐transport capability play significant roles in the dielectric properties of organic polymers, and thus influence the electric energy density upon application as a capacitor material. Here, the dielectric properties and electric conductivity of a series of polymers containing 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO) radicals are investigated. The neat radical polymer poly(TEMPO methacrylate) (PTMA) has a high dielectric constant but poor breakdown strength. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is introduced as an insulating polymer with high resistivity on breakdown, along with molecular design of PTMA. Copolymers of TEMPO methacrylate and methyl methacrylate, P(TMA‐r‐MMA), exhibit high breakdown strengths but low dielectric constants. PMMA blended with TEMPO exhibits the highest electric energy density of 7.4 J cm−3 (that of PTMA is 0.48 J cm−3 as a control), with both a high dielectric constant (≈6.8) and a high breakdown strength (≈500 MV m−1). It benefits from long‐range but not bulk charge transport in the blends, which is different from the bulk charge transport in PTMA and the short‐range charge transport in P(TMA‐r‐MMA). These results indicate that the TEMPO moiety located in the high breakdown matrix leads to a high energy‐storage density in the capacitor.
Prenatal diagnosis of familial exudative vitreoretinopathy and Norrie disease
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Zhu Jing , Yang Jiyun , Zhang Xiang , Zhang Qi , Zhao Peiquan
Published: November 2018

Background

Both familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) and Norrie disease (ND) are hereditary retinal disorders which can cause severe visual impairment and blindness at a young age. The present study aimed to report the use of antenatal genetic testing and ultrasound in the diagnosis and counseling of FEVR and ND.

Methods

Amniocentesis and ultrasonography were performed in high‐risk mothers, with children having FEVR or ND, to predict severe ocular abnormalities.

Results

Case 1: A homozygous NDP mutation (c.376T>C, NM_000266) was detected in the proband and his mother. Molecular prenatal analysis of the fetal DNA revealed no mutations. No ocular abnormalities were detected on ultrasonography. The pregnancy progressed uneventfully to a normal outcome. Case 2: A novel heterozygous FZD4 mutation (c.1010dupA, NM_012193) was detected in the proband and his mother. The same mutation was detected in the fetus, but ultrasonography showed no ocular abnormalities. A healthy baby boy with stage 1 FEVR was born after an uneventful pregnancy. Case 3: Deletions of exons 2 and 3 in the NDP were found in the proband and his mother. The same deletion mutation was detected in the female fetus, but the ultrasound scan was normal. The pregnancy progressed uneventfully to a normal outcome.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, antenatal genetic analyses were used in conjunction with ultrasound for the first time, to diagnose FEVR and ND, and predict the postnatal prognoses in at‐risk babies.
Gene coexpression network analysis identified potential biomarkers in gestational diabetes mellitus progression
Authors: Zhao Xiaomin , Li Wen
Published: November 2018

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common problems during pregnancy. Lack of international consistent diagnostic procedures has limit improvement of current therapeutic effectiveness. Here, we aimed to screen potential gene biomarkers that might play vital roles in GDM progression for assistance of its diagnostic and treatment.

Methods

Gene expression profiles in four GDM placentae at first trimester, four GDM placentae at second trimester, and four normal placentae were obtained from the publicly available Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) indicated two gene modules, that is, black and brown module, that was significantly positively and negatively correlated with GDM progression time points, respectively. Additionally, a significant positive correlation between module membership (MM) and degree in protein–protein interaction network of brown module genes was observed.

Results

KIF2C, CENPE, CCNA2, AURKB, MAD2L1, CCNB2, CDC20, PLK1, CCNB1, and CDK1 all have degree larger than 50 and MM larger than 0.9, so they might be valuable biomarkers in GDM. Gene set enrichment analysis inferred tight relations between carbohydrate metabolism or steroid biosynthesis‐related processes and GDM progression.

Conclusions

All in all, our study should provide several novel references for GDM diagnosis and therapeutic.
Dual‐port, aperture coupled and tapered fed patch antenna for full‐duplex ISM applications
Authors: Sangam Ramanand S. , Poolakkal Sreeni , Palthiya Ramkumar , Nallam Nagarjuna , Kshetrimayum Rakhesh S.
Published: November 2018

Dual port, aperture coupled and tapered fed patch antenna with high isolation is proposed for full‐duplex 2.4 GHz ISM applications. This antenna can achieve a measured isolation of around 60 dB at 2.4 GHz and isolation band of 2.3‐2.6 GHz for more than 59.5 dB. Such a high isolation surpasses the isolation performance of dual‐port antennas available in the literature.
Magnetocaloric materials as switchable high contrast ratio MRI labels
Authors: Barbic Mladen , Dodd Stephen J. , Morris H. Douglas , Dilley Neil , Marcheschi Barbara , Huston Alan , Harris Tim D. , Koretsky Alan P.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

To develop switchable and tunable labels with high contrast ratio for MRI using magnetocaloric materials that have sharp first‐order magnetic phase transitions at physiological temperatures and typical MRI magnetic field strengths.

Methods

A prototypical magnetocaloric material iron‐rhodium (FeRh) was prepared by melt mixing, high‐temperature annealing, and ice‐water quenching. Temperature‐ and magnetic field‐dependent magnetization measurements of wire‐cut FeRh samples were performed on a vibrating sample magnetometer. Temperature‐dependent MRI of FeRh samples was performed on a 4.7T MRI.

Results

Temperature‐dependent MRI clearly demonstrated image contrast changes due to the sharp magnetic state transition of the FeRh samples in the MRI magnetic field (4.7T) and at a physiologically relevant temperature (~37°C).

Conclusion

A magnetocaloric material, FeRh, was demonstrated to act as a high contrast ratio switchable MRI contrast agent due to its sharp first‐order magnetic phase transition in the DC magnetic field of MRI and at physiologically relevant temperatures. A wide range of magnetocaloric materials are available that can be tuned by materials science techniques to optimize their response under MRI‐appropriate conditions and be controllably switched in situ with temperature, magnetic field, or a combination of both.
Predictive potential of Perzyna viscoplastic modelling for granular geomaterials
Authors: Lazari Maria , Sanavia Lorenzo , di Prisco Claudio , Pisanò Federico
Published: November 2018

This paper reappraises Perzyna‐type viscoplasticity for the constitutive modelling of granular geomaterials, with emphasis on the simulation of rate/time effects of different magnitude. An existing elasto‐plastic model for sands is first recast into a Perzyna viscoplastic formulation and then calibrated/validated against laboratory test results on Hostun sand from the literature. Notable model features include (1) enhanced definition of the viscous nucleus function and (2) void ratio dependence of stiffness and viscous parameters, to model the pycnotropic behaviour of granular materials with a single set of parameters, uniquely identified against standard creep and triaxial test results. The comparison between experimental data and numerical simulations points out the predicative capability of the developed model and the complexity of defining a unique viscous nucleus function to capture sand behaviour under different loading/initial/boundary and drainage conditions. It is concluded that the unified viscoplastic simulation of both drained and undrained response is particularly challenging within Perzyna's framework and opens to future research in the area. The discussion presented is relevant, for instance, to the simulation of multiphase strain localisation phenomena, such as those associated to slope stability problems in variably saturated soils.
Cohesive fracture analysis using Powell‐Sabin B‐splines
Authors: Chen Lin , de Borst René
Published: November 2018

Powell‐Sabin B‐splines, which are based on triangles, are employed to model cohesive crack propagation without a predefined interface. The method removes limitations that adhere to isogeometric analysis regarding discrete crack analysis. Isogeometric analysis requires that the initial mesh be aligned a priori with the final crack path to a certain extent. These restrictions are partly related to the fact that in isogeometric analysis, the crack is introduced in the parameter domain by meshline insertions. Herein, the crack is introduced directly in the physical domain. Because of the use of triangles, remeshing and tracking the real crack path in the physical domain is relatively standard. The method can be implemented in existing finite element programmes in a straightforward manner through the use of Bézier extraction. The accuracy of the approach to model free crack propagation is demonstrated by several numerical examples, including discrete crack modelling in an L‐shaped beam and the Nooru‐Mohamed tension‐shear test.
On the optimality of the sequential approach for network design problems of service operations
Authors: Baron Opher , Berman Oded , Deutsch Yael
Published: November 2018

We consider the problem of service network design: choosing the optimal number, locations, and service capacities of facilities, taking into account that facilities may have a finite or an infinite waiting room. Accordingly, our service measure is either the percentage of blocked customers or the percentage of customers who need to wait in line. The goal is to minimize the total cost, which consists of costs associated with traveling, blocking or queueing delay, service capacities, and operating (fixed) costs. We derive structural results when facilities are on a two‐node network, and then use them to study the problem for a general network. We prove that the cost of service capacity and the cost of blocking or queueing delay are independent of the number of opened facilities as long as all facilities are identical in terms of their design parameters c and K (or only c in the case of an infinite waiting room). We use our results to develop an efficient algorithm that solves the problem for general networks. Finally, to demonstrate the applicability of our results and tractability of our algorithm, we discuss as an example an industrial‐size problem, which considers the drive‐through operations of McDonald's in the Toronto metropolitan area.
High expression of CCR5 in melanoma enhances epithelial–mesenchymal transition and metastasis via TGFβ1
Authors: Liu Jie , Wang Caihong , Ma Xuhui , Tian Yang , Wang Chunying , Fu Yan , Luo Yongzhang
Published: November 2018

Chemokine receptors are highly expressed in various cancers and play crucial roles in tumor progression. However, their expression patterns and functions in melanoma are unclear. The present study aimed to identify the chemokine receptors that play critical roles in melanoma progression and unravel the underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that CCR5 was more abundant in melanoma cells than normal cells and was positively associated with tumor malignancy in clinical patients. Animal experiments suggested that CCR5 deficiency in B16/F10 or A375 cells suppressed primary tumor growth and lung metastasis, whereas CCR5 overexpression in B16/F0 cells enhanced primary tumor growth and lung metastasis. CCR5 played a critical role in proliferation and migration of melanoma cells in vitro. Importantly, CCR5 was required for maintenance of the mesenchymal phenotype of metastatic melanoma cells. Mechanistically, CCR5 positively regulated expression of TGFβ1, which in turn induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition and migration via PI3K/AKT/GSK3β signaling. Collectively, our results establish a critical role of CCR5 expressed by melanoma cells in cancer progression and reveal the novel mechanisms controlling this process, which suggests the prognostic value of CCR5 in melanoma patients and provides novel insights into CCR5‐targeted strategies for melanoma treatment. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.