bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Not all missed opportunities cast the same shadow: Voluntary inaction reduces the “sting” of missed sales promotions
Authors: Ford Weixing , Andrews Demetra , Sivaraman Anuradha , Krishnamurthy Parthasarathy
Published: November 2019

How do consumers who miss extremely attractive sales promotions respond to merely attractive opportunities they later encounter when prices return to higher levels? The literature on inaction inertia suggests that the more attractive the missed opportunity, the less likely a consumer is to accept the subsequently encountered inferior opportunity, indicating that consumers may stay undecided. Thus, consumers are believed to be negatively influenced by the shadow of the attractive opportunities they missed. This has adverse consequences for both consumer and firm welfare. Yet, we sometimes do see consumers buying even after missing a sale. We draw from the literature on regret and personal responsibility to hypothesize the conditions that would allow the consumer to remain uninfluenced by the attractiveness of the missed opportunity. In three studies, we find support for the idea that personal responsibility for missing the first opportunity allows consumers to be less influenced by its attractiveness when they see a second inferior opportunity compared to conditions in which they were not personally responsible for missing the first opportunity; this bodes well both for consumer and marketer welfare.
Application of modified alveolar ridge augmentation technique for horizontal bone augmentation in posterior mandibular region: Report of 3 cases
Authors: Chu Shunli , Xu Hongwei , Li Xianjing , Guo Tianqi , Ting Zhu , Zhou Yanmin
Published: November 2019

Three cases with severe horizontal bone deficiency on mandibular posterior region were committed by modified alveolar ridge augmentation. The therapeutic outcomes show that it is an effective methodology in cases with compromised horizontal bone.
Ligands with Two Monoanionic N,N‐Binding Sites: Synthesis and Coordination Chemistry
Authors: Kretschmer Robert
Published: November 2019

Polytopic ligands have become ubiquitous in coordination chemistry because they grant access to a variety of mono‐ and polynuclear complexes of transition metals as well as rare‐earth and main‐group elements. Nitrogen‐based ditopic ligands, in which two monoanionic N,N‐binding sites are framed within one molecule, are of particular importance and are therefore the primary focus of this review. In detail, bis(amidine)s, bis(guanidine)s, bis(β‐diimine)s, bis(aminotroponimine)s, bis(pyrrolimine)s, and miscellaneous bis(N,N‐chelating) ligands are reviewed. In addition to the general synthetic protocols, the application of these ligands is discussed along with their coordination chemistry, the multifarious binding modes, and the ability of these ligands to bridge two (or more) metal(loids).
A Quadrupolar Bis‐Triarylborane Chromophore as a Fluorimetric and Chirooptic Probe for Simultaneous and Selective Sensing of DNA, RNA and Proteins
Authors: Ban Željka , Griesbeck Stefanie , Tomić Sanja , Nitsch Jörn , Marder Todd B. , Piantanida Ivo
Published: November 2019

A water‐soluble tetracationic quadrupolar bis‐triarylborane chromophore showed strong binding to ds‐DNA, ds‐RNA, ss‐RNA, as well as to the naturally most abundant protein, BSA. The novel dye can distinguish between DNA/RNA and BSA by fluorescence emission separated by Δ=3600 cm−1, allowing for the simultaneous quantification of DNA/RNA and protein (BSA) in a mixture. The applicability of such fluorimetric differentiation in vitro was demonstrated, strongly supporting a protein‐like target as a dominant binding site of1in cells. Moreover, our dye also bound strongly to ss‐RNA, with the unusual rod‐like structure of the dye, decorated by four positive charges at its termini and having a hydrophobic core, acting as a spindle for wrapping A, C and U ss‐RNAs, but not poly G, the latter preserving its secondary structure. To the best of our knowledge, such unmatched, multifaceted binding activity of a small molecule toward DNA, RNA, and proteins and the selectivity of its fluorimetric and chirooptic response makes the quadrupolar bis‐triarylborane a novel chromophore/fluorophore moiety for biochemical applications.
Highest and Fastest Removal Rate of PbII Ions through Rational Functionalized Decoration of a Metal–Organic Framework Cavity
Authors: Afshariazar Farzaneh , Morsali Ali , Wang Jun , Junk Peter C.
Published: November 2019

To overcome the challenge of developing a multipurpose adsorbent for effective removal of toxic and carcinogenic PbII ions from aqueous solutions, a made‐for‐purpose functional group (N1,N2‐di(pyridine‐4‐yl)oxalamide) was rationally designed and incorporated into the cavities of a Zn metal–organic framework (MOF), namely, TMU‐56. Large enough pore size along with high densities of strong metal chelating sites lead not only to the highest uptake capacity for PbII ions, but also the fastest removal rate that has ever been reported for functionalized MOFs, occurring in just 20 s. Moreover, high concentrations of lead ions favor the ion exchange reaction, resulting in a high degree of metal exchange. In addition, TMU‐56 can be a practical adsorbent because of its notable performance in the simultaneous removal of several toxic and carcinogenic heavy metals from wastewater, which has rare precedence.
Identifying models of trait‐mediated community assembly using random forests and approximate Bayesian computation
Authors: Ruffley Megan , Peterson Katie , Week Bob , Tank David C. , Harmon Luke J.
Published: November 2019

Ecologists often use dispersion metrics and statistical hypothesis testing to infer processes of community formation such as environmental filtering, competitive exclusion, and neutral species assembly. These metrics have limited power in inferring assembly models because they rely on often‐violated assumptions. Here, we adapt a model of phenotypic similarity and repulsion to simulate the process of community assembly via environmental filtering and competitive exclusion, all while parameterizing the strength of the respective ecological processes. We then use random forests and approximate Bayesian computation to distinguish between these models given the simulated data. We find that our approach is more accurate than using dispersion metrics and accounts for uncertainty in model selection. We also demonstrate that the parameter determining the strength of the assembly processes can be accurately estimated. This approach is available in the R package CAMI; Community Assembly Model Inference. We demonstrate the effectiveness of CAMI using an example of plant communities living on lava flow islands.
Nest attendance by tropical and temperate passerine birds: Same constancy, different strategy
Authors: Austin Suzanne H. , Robinson William Douglas , Ellis Vincenzo A. , Rodden Robinson Tara , Ricklefs Robert E.
Published: November 2019

Parental care in birds varies among species and geographic regions. Incubation behavior influences embryonic development rate and varies substantially among species.

We studied attendance at the nest by videoing nests or collecting data from the literature for 112 species in north temperate and lowland tropical sites, then associated patterns of incubation on‐ and off‐bouts with species and environmental traits.

Songbirds nesting at low elevations incubate their eggs for an average of 74.1% (±12.9 SD,n = 60 species) of the time in temperate regions and 71.0% (±12.2 SD,n = 52 species) in tropical regions during daylight hours, and 84.3% (±8.2 SD) and 85.3% (±6.2 SD), respectively, of each 24‐hr cycle.

While these attendance percentages do not differ significantly between latitudes, our data also show that lowland tropical songbirds make fewer visits to the nest and, consequently, have longer on‐bouts and off‐bouts during incubation. This pattern in attendance reflects a latitudinal contrast in parental care strategy, where lowland tropical birds reduce visits to the nest by increasing on‐ and off‐bout lengths while maintaining the same proportion of time spent incubating their eggs (constancy).

Similar constancy across latitude suggests that tropical and temperate birds may be similarly constrained to maintain elevated egg temperatures for normal embryo growth.

The different attendance strategies adopted in each region may reflect differences in ambient temperature, adult foraging time, and nest predation rate. Consistently warm ambient temperatures likely allow tropical birds to take longer off‐bouts, and thereby to reduce activity around the nest, compared to temperate birds.
Mitogenomic phylogenetic analyses of Leptogorgia virgulata and Leptogorgia hebes (Anthozoa: Octocorallia) from the Gulf of Mexico provides insight on Gorgoniidae divergence between Pacific and Atlantic lineages
Authors: Silvestri Samantha , Figueroa Diego F. , Hicks David , Figueroa Nicole J.
Published: November 2019

The use of genetics in recent years has brought to light the need to reevaluate the classification of many gorgonian octocorals. This study focuses on two Leptogorgia species—Leptogorgia virgulata and Leptogorgia hebes—from the northwestern Gulf of Mexico (GOM). We target complete mitochondrial genomes and mtMutS sequences, and integrate this data with previous genetic research of gorgonian corals to resolve phylogenetic relationships and estimate divergence times. This study contributes the first complete mitochondrial genomes for L. ptogorgia virgulata and L. hebes. Our resulting phylogenies stress the need to redefine the taxonomy of the genus Leptogorgia in its entirety. The fossil‐calibrated divergence times for Eastern Pacific and Western Atlantic Leptogorgia species based on complete mitochondrial genomes shows that the use of multiple genes results in estimates of more recent speciation events than previous research based on single genes. These more recent divergence times are in agreement with geologic data pertaining to the formation of the Isthmus of Panama.
The combined use of raw and phylogenetically independent methods of outlier detection uncovers genome‐wide dynamics of local adaptation in a lizard
Authors: Llanos‐Garrido Alejandro , Pérez‐Tris Javier , Díaz José A.
Published: November 2019

Local adaptation is a dynamic process by which different allele combinations are selected in different populations at different times, and whose genetic signature can be inferred by genome‐wide outlier analyses. We combined gene flow estimates with two methods of outlier detection, one of them independent of population coancestry (CIOA) and the other one not (ROA), to identify genetic variants favored when ecology promotes phenotypic convergence. We analyzed genotyping‐by‐sequencing data from five populations of a lizard distributed over an environmentally heterogeneous range that has been changing since the split of eastern and western lineages ca. 3 mya. Overall, western lizards inhabit forest habitat and are unstriped, whereas eastern ones inhabit shrublands and are striped. However, one population (Lerma) has unstriped phenotype despite its eastern ancestry. The analysis of 73,291 SNPs confirmed the east–west division and identified nonoverlapping sets of outliers (12 identified by ROA and 9 by CIOA). ROA revealed ancestral adaptive variation in the uncovered outliers that were subject to divergent selection and differently fixed for eastern and western populations at the extremes of the environmental gradient. Interestingly, such variation was maintained in Lerma, where we found high levels of heterozygosity for ROA outliers, whereas CIOA uncovered innovative variants that were selected only there. Overall, it seems that both the maintenance of ancestral variation and asymmetric migration have counterbalanced adaptive lineage splitting in our model species. This scenario, which is likely promoted by a changing and heterogeneous environment, could hamper ecological speciation of locally adapted populations despite strong genetic structure between lineages.
Effect of altitude and soil properties on biomass and plant richness in the grasslands of Tibet, China, and Manang District, Nepal
Authors: Bhandari Jyoti , Zhang Yangjian
Published: November 2019

A positive relationship between plant species richness and biomass has often documented in temperate grassland systems but is still largely lacking in the Himalayan region. Considering altitude and soil properties as major factors influencing species richness and biomass in the Himalayan grasslands, we tested the hypothesis that peak aboveground biomass and species richness increase with higher levels of soil nutrients and decrease with altitude. Our study was conducted in the grasslands of Tibet, China, and Manang District, Nepal, which represent, respectively, the northern and southern slopes of the central Himalayan grasslands. During the growing seasons, we measured vegetation aboveground biomass and soil properties along an altitudinal gradient on the northern slope in 2011 and 2012, and on the grasslands of the southern slope in 2017. Data were analyzed with a Spearman correlation analysis, classification and regression tree model, and the structural equation modeling (SEM) to identify the key factors determining aboveground biomass and species richness. The results demonstrated that aboveground biomass and species richness on the southern slope were significantly greater at the lowest altitude zone compared to middle and higher zones, whereas on the northern slope, aboveground biomass and species richness were not significantly different at three altitudinal zones. There was a significant positive correlation between aboveground biomass and species richness on both northern and southern slopes. However, the slope was found higher in grasslands of southern slope compared to the grasslands of northern slope. Classification and regression tree analysis and SEM indicated that altitude is most closely associated with large‐scale variations in aboveground biomass and species richness. The Spearman correlation analysis revealed that altitude and soil pH were negatively related to aboveground biomass in these grasslands. This study demonstrates that on northern and southern slopes of the Himalayan Range, a positive relation between plant species richness and biomass is determined more by altitude than soil nutrients.
Biological and ecological classification of biomimicry from a biology push standpoint
Authors: Bae Haejin , Lee Eunok
Published: November 2019

Biomimicry refers to a cooperative process that develops a sustainable world by taking inspiration from the structure, function, process, and mechanism of an organism adapted to the environment through the evolution of nature. A classification system of biomimicry from a biological and ecological point of view (biology push) can provide a framework for the sustainable development of society, the environment, and the economy. Thus, the purpose of this study was to categorize biological and ecological functions and to present a collaborative biomimicry system that suggests engineering and industrial sectors where biomimicry functions can be applied. Based on biology push, the biological and ecological functions were divided into six groups with subgroups of specific features, related to the fields of technology and industry. Through the formulation of the new biological functional framework, the biomimicry system can be used as a simple classification tool to determine the expected value of the final product as well as provide the knowledge data required in engineering and industry.
CCR9 signaling in dendritic cells drives the differentiation of Foxp3+ Tregs and suppresses the allergic IgE response in the gut
Authors: Pathak Manisha , Padghan Priyanka , Halder Namrita , Shilpi  , Kulkarni Neeraja , Sonar Sandip A. , Lal Girdhari
Published: November 2019

The chemokine receptor CCR9 and its only known ligand CCL25 play an important role in gut inflammation and autoimmune colitis. The function of CCR9‐CCL25 in the migration of immune cells is well characterized. However, its role in the immune cell differentiation is mostly not known. Using dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced gut inflammation model, we showed that CCR9+ dendritic cells (DCs) specifically CD11b−CD103+ DCs were significantly increased in the gut‐associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) compared to control mice. These CCR9+ DCs express lower MHC II and CD86 molecules and had regulatory surface markers (FasL and latency‐associated peptide, LAP) in the GALT. In the presence of CCL25, CCR9+ DCs promoted in vitro differentiation of Foxp3+ regulatory CD4+ T cells (Tregs). CCL25‐induced differentiation of Tregs was due to intrinsic signaling in the DCs but not through CD4+ T cells, which was driven by the production of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and not IL‐10. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of CCR9+ DCs in C57BL/6 mice promoted Tregs but reduced the Th17 cells in the GALT, and also suppressed the OVA‐specific gut‐allergic response. Our results suggest CCR9+ DCs have a regulatory function and may provide a new cellular therapeutic strategy to control gut inflammation and allergic immune reaction.
Tetrahydrofuran as an Oxygen Donor Additive to Enhance Stability and Reproducibility of Perovskite Solar Cells Fabricated in High Relative Humidity (50%) Atmosphere
Authors: Chaudhary Bhumika , Kulkarni Ashish , Jena Ajay Kumar , Ikegami Masashi , Miyasaka Tsutomu
Published: November 2019

In sequential deposition method of lead‐halide perovskite material, the PbI2 layer morphology and remnant PbI2 play an important role in enhancing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the perovskite solar cell. However, humidity levels affect the PbI2 and perovskite film morphology, resulting in defect sites and recombination centers on the surface and within the bulk of the material, thus impeding the overall device performance and stability. To address this, incorporation of tetrahydrofuran (THF) additive in PbI2–dimethylformamide (DMF) precursor solution is reported, to improve the quality of PbI2 thin films and to prevent the water interaction directly with PbI2 under high humidity environments. The O‐donor THF interacts with PbI2, resulting in a homogeneous, dense, and pinhole‐free layer as compared with the PbI2 layer without additive. The perovskite layer so obtained from the pinhole‐free PbI2 layer is compact, resulting in a significant reduction of defects/traps. The device is fabricated with modified perovskite in ≈50% humidity atmosphere, resulting in 15% efficiency with high reproducibility. Moreover, the THF‐modified non‐encapsulated perovskite device retains 80% PCE after exposure to 50% relative humidity for 20 days. A strategy to fabricate perovskite solar cells, with reproducible efficiency in high humidity atmosphere viable for large‐scale production, is demonstrated.
Using model error in response history analysis to evaluate component calibration methods
Authors: Zsarnóczay Adam , Baker Jack W.
Published: November 2019

This research is part of a larger effort to better understand and quantify the epistemic model uncertainty in dynamic response‐history simulations. This paper focuses on how calibration methods influence model uncertainty. Structural models in earthquake engineering are typically built up from independently calibrated component models. During component calibration, engineers often use experimental component response under quasi‐static loading to find parameters that minimize the error in structural response under dynamic loading. Since the calibration and the simulation environments are different, if a calibration method wants to provide optimal parameters for simulation, it has to focus on features of the component response that are important from the perspective of global structural behavior. Relevance describes how efficiently a calibration method can focus on such important features. A framework of virtual experiments and a methodology is proposed to evaluate the influence of calibration relevance on model error in simulations. The evaluation is demonstrated through a case study with buckling‐restrained braced frames (BRBF). Two calibration methods are compared in the case study. The first, highly relevant calibration method is based on stiffness and hardening characteristics of braces; the second, less relevant calibration method is based on the axial force response of braces. The highly relevant calibration method consistently identified the preferable parameter sets. In contrast, the less relevant calibration method showed poor to mediocre performance. The framework and methodology presented here are not limited to BRBF. They have the potential to facilitate and systematize the improvement of component‐model calibration methods for any structural system.
LCPPA: Lattice‐based conditional privacy preserving authentication in vehicular communication
Authors: Dharminder Dharminder , Mishra Dheerendra
Published: November 2019

Vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) plays an extremely important role in intelligent transportation systems. It enables vehicles equipped with smart devices to communicate with vehicles or available road side units or infrastructure. It has been observed that the security of data and privacy of user are two key challenges for vehicular communication to enable sharing of resources among unfamiliar vehicles. The existing classical cryptography‐based schemes are not secure in the quantum computing world due to Shor's algorithm. To address the challenges in post‐quantum era, we have presented a framework based on short integer solution problem in some lattice that attains all effective identification and authenticity of the user to get authorized access, along with revocation to services. The integrity of proposed framework ensures that information is accurate and can be trusted. This paper ensures conditional autonomous driving and efficient vehicular traffic flow in a VANET. As a result, the presented protocol is suitable for practical applications even in the post‐quantum environment, which can be utilized for reliable vehicular communication.
Ewing sarcoma with FEV gene rearrangements is a rare subset with predilection for extraskeletal locations and aggressive behavior
Authors: Tsuda Yusuke , Dickson Brendan C. , Swanson David , Sung Yun‐Shao , Zhang Lei , Meyers Paul , Healey John H. , Antonescu Cristina R.
Published: November 2019

The molecular hallmark of Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a fusion involving the EWSR1 gene and a member of the ETS family of transcription factors. EWSR1‐FLI1 is the most common variant, occurring in 90% of cases, followed by EWSR1‐ERG. In a small subset, the FUS gene can substitute for EWSR1 in these fusions. Only rare case reports have been described to date of ES with FEV gene rearrangements. In this study, we investigate the clinicopathologic and molecular features of 10 ES patients with FEV‐rearrangements, either fused to EWSR1 (n = 4) or to FUS (n = 6). The median age at diagnosis was 38 years (range, 5‐61 years); occurring in six males and four females. All tumors were located at extraskeletal sites, occurring more often in the axial soft tissues. Tumors had a similar morphologic appearance and immunophenotype as ES with more common EWSR1‐ETS fusions. Of six patients with follow‐up data, five patients (83%) developed metastasis and two patients (33%) died of their diseases. The diagnosis was confirmed either by fluorescence in situ hybridization and/or targeted RNA sequencing. In the five cases tested by targeted sequencing, the fusion transcripts were composed of EWSR1 or FUS fused to either exon 1 or 2 of FEV, retaining the FEV ETS DNA binding domain. This is the largest study to date investigating the ES subset with EWSR1/FUS‐FEV fusions showing a predilection for extraskeletal sites and aggressive behavior.
Perceived threat of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in Chinese older adults: The role of knowledge and perceived stigma
Authors: Gao Ms Xiang , Gao Mr Xiang , Guo Lin , Sun Fei , Zhang Anao
Published: November 2019

Objectives

This study focused on perceived threat of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) in Chinese older adults and investigated its associations with their perceived stigma and knowledge of ADRD.

Methods

We examined Chinese older adults' perceived threat of ADRD and its associations with perceived stigma, knowledge of ADRD, family variables and health variables. Data for this cross‐sectional study were collected by student interviewers in 2016. The participants (N = 754) were recruited from two urban communities in mainland China and their ages ranged from 60 to 89 (M = 69.54, SD = 7.35).

Results

Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that those who are younger, have more depressive symptoms and lower levels of family cohesion are more likely to worry about ADRD. More ADRD knowledge and higher levels of perceived stigma are significantly associated with perceived threat of ADRD. Community site moderated the relationship between stigma and perceived threat of ADRD.

Conclusions

Intervention or service programs need to promote ADRD knowledge and awareness in a culturally sensitive way as well as address stigma and fear toward ADRD in the older population. Future studies are needed to incorporate more cultural and environmental factors to fully understand Chinese older adults' attitudes toward and literacy of ADRD.
Perceived social isolation and cognitive functioning. Longitudinal findings based on the German Ageing Survey
Authors: Hajek André , Riedel‐Heller Steffi G. , König Hans‐Helmut
Published: November 2019

Objectives

There is a lack of longitudinal studies, which are both based on nationally representative samples and use standardized instruments to quantify social isolation. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the link between perceived social isolation and cognitive functioning longitudinally.

Methods/Design

Longitudinal data with n = 6420 from 2014 (wave 5) to 2017 (wave 6) were drawn from the German Ageing Survey (nationally representative sample of individuals aged 40 years and over). Perceived social isolation was assessed using a scale by Bude and Lantermann. Cognitive functioning was quantified using the established digit symbol test. To reduce the problem of unobserved heterogeneity, linear fixed effects regressions were used.

Results

Regressions showed that increases in perceived social isolation were associated with decreases in cognitive functioning. With regard to covariates, decreases in cognitive functioning were associated with increases in aging and worsening self‐rated health, whereas changes in marital status, employment status, income, physical functioning, and physical illnesses were not associated with the outcome measure.

Conclusions

Based on a nationally representative sample and exploiting the panel data structure, the study findings extend current knowledge by showing that increasing perceived social isolation contributes to decreases in cognitive functioning among individuals aged 40 years and over longitudinally. Future longitudinal studies based on panel data methods are required to validate the study findings.
HPV circulating tumoral DNA quantification by droplet‐based digital PCR: A promising predictive and prognostic biomarker for HPV‐associated oropharyngeal cancers
Authors: Veyer David , Wack Maxime , Mandavit Marion , Garrigou Sonia , Hans Stéphane , Bonfils Pierre , Tartour Eric , Bélec Laurent , Wang‐Renault Shu‐Fang , Laurent‐Puig Pierre , Mirghani Haitham , Rance Bastien , Taly Valérie , Badoual Cécile , Péré Hélène
Published: November 2019

We aimed to determine whether pretherapeutic assessment of HPV circulating tumoral DNA (HPV ctDNA) by droplet‐based digital PCR (ddPCR) could constitute a predictive and prognostic biomarker for HPV‐associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). A mono‐institutional prospective biomarker study on 66 patients with p16+/HPV16‐positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) was conducted in European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris, France. Blood samples were collected at the time of diagnosis before any treatment. Optimized digital PCR assays were used to quantify HPV16 ctDNA. Forty‐seven (71%) patients showed a positive pretherapeutic HPV ctDNA at time of diagnosis. Interestingly, the quantity of HPV16 ctDNA at baseline, as assessed by ddPCR, was significantly correlated with the T/N/M status or OPSCC stages according to the 2018 new staging criteria for high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR HPV) related OPSCC from American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC). Moreover, all recurrences and the majority (83%) of death reported events occurred in patients with positive HPV16 ctDNA at baseline. Finally, when posttreatment blood samples were available (n = 6), the kinetic of pretreatment/posttreatment HPV16 ctDNA was clearly associated with treatment success or failure. HPV ctDNA monitoring by ddPCR could constitute a useful and noninvasive dynamic biomarker to select HR HPV‐related OPSCC patients eligible for potential treatment de‐escalation and to monitor treatment response.
Safety and efficacy of contained manual morcellation during laparoscopic or robotic gynecological surgery
Authors: Hong Mun Kun , Wei Yu‐Chi , Chu Tang‐Yuan , Wang Jen‐Hung , Ding Dah‐Ching
Published: November 2019

Objective

To assess the safety and efficacy of contained manual morcellation (CMM) with a tissue pouch during minimally invasive robotic or laparoscopic surgeries.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study included women who underwent robotic or laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery at a tertiary referral center between February 2014 and April 2017. The specimen was postoperatively contained, sliced into one or more long strips, and then pulled out. The surgical type, specimen containment time, containment failure rate, specimen weight, manual morcellation time, and overall CMM speed (g/min) were recorded. Surgical complications related (bowel or bladder injury, ureteral injury, vascular injuries, and tumor dissemination) or not related (delayed wound healing, infection, and hernia) to CMM were also documented. The patients were followed up for 2 years.

Results

A total of 165 cases were recorded, comprising 149 cases that underwent laparoscopic and 16 that underwent robotic gynecological surgeries. The average time for specimen containment and manual morcellation in CMM was 6.7 ± 5.0 and 13.2 ± 11.2 min, respectively. The mean morcellation speed was 25.1 ± 8.5 g/min. Among the specimens, those of the uterus with adenomyosis had the lowest CMM speed (21.4 ± 8.0 g/min), whereas those of the uterus with myoma had the highest speed (27.5 ± 8.9 g/min). The pouch perforation rate after CMM was 13.3% and no pouch‐related complication was noted.

Conclusion

CMM is an efficient method for specimen removal.
An efficient blockchain‐based approach for cooperative decision making in swarm robotics
Authors: Singh Pranav K. , Singh Roshan , Nandi Sunit K. , Ghafoor Kayhan Z. , Rawat Danda B. , Nandi Sukumar
Published: November 2019

Swarm robotics is an emerging robotic domain that aims to accomplish complex tasks with the cooperative effort of a group of simple robots. These robots communicate and share information to coordinate their actions for achieving a common goal. However, existing mechanisms of control and communications are not very secure, efficient, and also rely on centralized controlling authority. It is not flexible, and also has low transparency and tracking capabilities. Blockchain, a decentralized technology based on peer to peer communication along with smart contracts, can be a potential contender for addressing these challenges. However, blockchains are resource‐intensive and not found suitable for resource‐constrained devices. We propose a blockchain‐based framework, which is based on Proof‐of‐Authority (PoA) consensus mechanism to ensure efficiency. We experiment with test‐bed implementation using RaspberryPi. The results obtained demonstrate that the PoA mechanism is not a resource‐hungry one (unlike other state‐of‐the‐art consensus mechanisms). The blockchain with PoA in swarm robotics can provide the necessary security, transparency, decentralization, reliability, autonomy, etc.
Single‐use IgE‐selective immunoadsorber column for the treatment of severe atopic dermatitis
Authors: Meyersburg Damian , Laimer Martin , Kugler Andrea , Mühlthaler Eva , Lindlbauer Nadja , Hitzl Wolfgang , Rohde Eva , Bauer Johann W. , Grabmer Christoph
Published: November 2019

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin disease with unmet therapeutic need in a critical cohort of recalcitrant cases. Immunoadsorption (IA) aims at an immunomodulatory depletion of pathogenic serum mediators and has recently revealed promising clinical results for the treatment of AD.

Objective

To determine efficacy, sustainability, safety, and clinical impact of IgE selective IA in AD using a single‐use IgE immunoadsorber column.

Methods

This open‐label pilot study comprised five patients (mean SCORAD 67.9 ± 11.4, range 52.2‐81.9; mean serum IgE level 5904 ± 5945 U/mL, range 1000‐15 600 IU/mL) who underwent IgE‐selective IA. Three patients continued prior therapy with systemic immunosuppressive drugs during IA as an add‐on therapeutic approach. All patients received three courses of IA. The first course consisted of three consecutive daily treatments followed by two sequences with two consecutive applications. All courses were performed on a monthly regimen.

Results

IA proved efficacy in selectively depleting serum IgE levels in all participants (mean reduction by cycle of 81% ± 12%, range 64%‐93%). It further led to a clinically relevant and sustained improvement of AD with a maximum decline in SCORAD and EASI scores by up to 35% and 52%, respectively, compared to baseline. Scores persisted below baseline for at least 12 weeks beyond the last IA. The intervention was also well tolerated with no severe adverse events during a total of 35 procedures.

Conclusion

Data of this preliminary trial indicates clinical efficacy, feasibility, safety as well as tolerability of IgE‐selective IA in AD.
Differences in oncological outcomes and inflammatory biomarkers between right‐sided and left‐sided stage I‐III colorectal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Guo Dongming , Li Xinxin , Xie Aosi , Cao Qiangjian , Zhang Jinhai , Zhang Feiran , Li Wei , Chen Juntian
Published: November 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in oncological outcome and inflammatory biomarkers between right‐sided colon cancer (RCC) and left‐sided colorectal cancer (LCRC).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 339 patients with stage I‐III colorectal cancer, including 125 RCC patients and 214 LCRC patients, who underwent radical resection from January 2012 to January 2014. Comparison of neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte‐to‐monocyte ratio (LMR) between RCC and LCRC was evaluated using the Mann‐Whitney U test. Overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) were analyzed using Kaplan‐Meier analysis and compared using the log‐rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify the prognostic value of inflammatory markers.

Results

Patients with RCC had higher NLR (P = .002) and PLR (P < .001) but lower LMR (P = .002) compared to LCRC. In stage I‐III, RCC showed poorer OS and DFS than LCRC (61.6% vs 71.5%, P = .018; 64.8% vs 76.2%, P = .006). Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that NLR, PLR, and LMR were independent predictors for both OS and DFS in RCC, whereas only PLR was found to be an independent prognostic predictor in LCRC.

Conclusion

The prognosis and prognostic value of inflammatory biomarkers were significantly different between RCC and LCRC. Novel therapeutic strategies are needed, and proper prognostic predictors should be selected according to colorectal tumor location.
A simplified composite outcome measure to assess the effect of periodontal regenerative treatment in intraosseous defects
Authors: Trombelli Leonardo , Farina Roberto , Vecchiatini Renata , Maietti Elisa , Simonelli Anna
Published: November 2019

Background

To propose a novel composite outcome measure (COM) for periodontal regenerative treatment of intraosseous defects.

Methods

COM is based on the combination of clinically relevant clinical attachment level (CAL) gain (≥3 mm) and pocket closure (post‐surgery probing depth [PD] ≤ 4 mm). Treatment was regarded as successful when a clinically relevant CAL gain was associated with pocket closure, and failing when either clinically relevant CAL gain and pocket closure were not achieved. The effect of the different regenerative treatments was both collectively and separately evaluated according to COM in a defect cohort accessed by Single Flap Approach (SFA).

Results

In the entire study cohort, the procedure resulted in a 6‐month CAL gain of 3.7 ± 1.9 mm, which was clinically relevant in 71.8% of patients. Six‐month residual PD was 3.7 ± 1.1 mm, with pocket closure recorded in 79.6% of patients. COM revealed a successful treatment in 60 patients (58%), and a treatment failure in 7 patients (7%). Mean CAL gain was clinically relevant for each treatment, whereas the residual PD values were consistent with pocket closure for the majority of treatment options. However, when COM was used to rate the treatment outcome of each procedure, it appeared that a successful treatment ranged from 41.5% to 77.5%, whereas treatment failure varied from 3% to 15% for different treatments.

Conclusions

Compared to single probing measurements, COM seems (1) more accurate in capturing the overall benefit of the regenerative procedure and (2) to better identify which factor (CAL gain, residual pocket) mainly contributed to determine a treatment failure.
Evaluation of bacterial and fungal communities during the fermentation of Baixi sufu, a traditional spicy fermented bean curd
Authors: Wan Hongfang , Liu Ting , Su Caiwei , Ji Xu , Wang Liping , Zhao Yong , Wang Zhengquan
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Baixi sufu (BS) is a traditional Chinese spicy fermented bean curd manufactured with a natural starter. In this study, the bacterial and fungal communities during BS fermentation were determined by culture and by the culture‐independent method of high‐throughput sequencing (HTS). Correlation analyses were performed to select the microorganisms potentially contributing to this fermentation.

RESULTS

During the fermentation of BS, 162 bacterial and 97 fungal strains were isolated and identified, and a total of 268 314 bacterial and 287 844 fungal high‐quality sequences were analyzed. In general, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), especially Enterococcus and Lactococcus, were dominant in the early stage of fermentation, and spore‐forming bacteria, especially Bacillus spp., became the predominant bacteria by the end of fermentation. Geotrichum, Mortierella, and unclassified Ascomycota, were the major fungal populations, which could not be detected in the final product. Correlation analyses indicated that Enterococcus, Bacillus, Geotrichum, and unclassified Ascomycota correlated significantly and positively with amino nitrogen. However, due to the sporulation characteristics of Bacillus, they may have little effect on BS ripening. The presence of Bifidobacterium spp. in sufu is reported for the first time, but the excessive counts of the Bacillus cereus group (>105 CFU g−1) indicate a potential hazard to consumers.

CONCLUSION

The profiles obtained from this study will contribute to the development of autochthonous starter cultures to control BS fermentation, and may lead to the development of novel strategies to shorten the fermentation time of sufu products. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Optimization of enzyme‐assisted extraction of ferulic acid from sweet corn cob by response surface methodology
Authors: Lau Tiffany , Harbourne Niamh , Oruña‐Concha Maria J
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Sweet corn cob (SCC), an agricultural by‐product of the corn‐processing industry, contains more than 80% insoluble bound ferulic acid (FA). Extraction of these bound phenolics can be achieved through chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis; however, the shift towards greener chemistry has raised awareness about the use of enzymatic hydrolysis. In the present study, the ability of ferulic acid esterase (FAE) and xylanase (XY) to catalyze the hydrolysis of FA from SCC was investigated. Response surface methodology (RSM), based on a five‐level, four‐factor central composite rotatable design (CCRD), was used to establish the optimum conditions for enzymatic hydrolysis of FA from SCC. Sweet corn cob was treated with a combination of FAE and XY at various concentrations (FAE: 0.00 to 0.04 U/g; XY: 0.00 to 18 093.5 U/g), temperatures (45 to 65 °C), and pH levels (pH 4.5 to 6.5).

RESULTS

The optimum extraction conditions predicted by the model were: FAE concentration of 0.02 U/g, XY concentration of 3475.3 U/g, extraction pH of 4.5, and an extraction temperature of 45 °C.

CONCLUSION

Under these conditions, the experimental yield of FA was 1.69 ± 0.02 g kg−1 of SCC, which is in agreement with the value predicted by the model. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Grandmaternal betaine supplementation enhances hepatic IGF2 expression in F2 rat offspring through modification of promoter DNA methylation
Authors: Yang Shu , Zhao Nannan , Sun Bo , Yang Yang , Hu Yun , Zhao Ruqian
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

We reported previously that maternal betaine promotes hepatic insulin‐like growth factor (IGF2) expression in F1 offspring rats through hypermethylation of the IGF2/H19 imprinting control region (ICR). It remains unknown whether this acquired trait can be transmitted to the F2 generation. This study aimed to determine whether dietary betaine supplementation to grand dams affects the hepatic IGF2 expression in F2 rat offspring and how it is related to alterations in DNA methylation. F2 rat offspring derived from grand dams fed basal or betaine‐supplemented diet (10 g kg−1) were examined at weaning. Serum IGF2 concentration was measured with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hepatic expression of IGF2, together with other proliferation and apoptosis markers, was determined by using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), western blot, and immunohistochemistry. The methylation status of the IGF2/H19 ICR and the promoters of IGF2 gene were detected by methylated DNA immunoprecipitation quantitative polymerase chain reaction (MeDIP‐qPCR).

RESULTS

The maternal betaine‐induced up‐regulation of hepatic IGF2 expression in F1 rat offspring was transmitted to the F2 generation. The F2 rats from the betaine group demonstrated enhanced hepatic IGF2 expression at both mRNA and protein levels, in association with higher serum IGF2 concentration. No alterations were observed in the ICR methylation of the IGF2/H19 locus, and hypomethylation was detected in promoters of IGF2 gene in betaine group.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that maternal betaine enhances hepatic IGF2 expression in F2 rat offspring through modification of DNA methylation on IGF2 promoters. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Margins in Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Predictors, Outcomes, and the Endoscopic Approach
Authors: Torabi Sina J. , Spock Todd , Cardoso Bruno , Chao Janet , Morse Elliot , Manes R. Peter , Judson Benjamin L.
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To identify factors associated with positive margins following surgical management of sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC), especially with regard to endoscopic treatment.

Methods

In a retrospective analysis of adult patients with clinically staged tumor (T)1 to T4a SNSCC within the National Cancer Database (NCDB) from 2004 to 2014, factors were associated with positive margins using multivariable binary logistic regression. Cases from 2010 to 2014 had surgical approach (open vs. endoscopic) available and were analyzed in a subgroup to assess the association of surgical approach with margin status. The association of margin status with overall survival (OS) and additional therapy administration was also assessed.

Results

We identified 2,968 cases, of which 807 (27.2%) had positive margins. On multivariable analysis, factors associated with positive margins included higher T stage (T4a vs. T1: odds ratio [OR] 2.768 [95% CI 2.143–3.577]), less differentiated tumors (poorly differentiated vs. well differentiated: OR 1.403 [95% CI 1.060–1.856]), and tumors in the ethmoid sinus (vs. nasal cavity; OR 1.889 [95% CI 1.305–2.734]). Cases treated at higher volume facilities (HVFs) were associated with a lower likelihood of positive margins (OR 0.716 [95% CI 0.582–0.881]). Positive margins were associated with decreased OS (hazard ratio 1.672 [95% CI 1.464–1.908]) and an increased rate of additional therapy (OR 1.966 [95% confidence interval 1.597–2.421]). An endoscopic approach was not associated with an increased likelihood of obtaining positive margins (vs. open; OR 1.151 [0.903–1.651]).

Conclusion

Positive margins were less likely when performed at HVFs and more likely in the ethmoid sinus than other subsites. Importantly, there was no association between positive margins and surgical approach. Endoscopic surgery may offer a safe, less invasive alternative to open surgery for select patients.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 130:E388–E396, 2020
Efficacy and safety of steroid‐impregnated implants following sinus surgery: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Wanpeng , Lu Hanyu , Wang Huan , Sun Xicai , Wang Dehui
Published: November 2019

Objectives

The purpose of this meta‐analysis was to discuss the efficacy and safety of bioabsorbable steroid‐impregnated implants following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were comprehensively searched for studies comparing the experimental group (bioabsorbable steroid‐impregnated implants) with the control group (bioabsorbable nonsteroid‐impregnated implants). Lund‐Kennedy scores, Perioperative Sinus Endoscopy (POSE) scores, polyp change, significant adhesion, middle turbinate lateralization, and adverse events were extracted from the final eligible studies. RevMan 5.3 software was used to analyze the data.

Results

Eight randomized controlled trials were included in our analysis. The experimental group showed no significant differences from the control group in Lund‐Kennedy scores (weighted mean difference (WMD) −0.40; 95% confidence interval [confidence interval (CI)] −1.05 to −0.62; P = 0.23). The experimental group had lower POSE scores compared with the control group, and there was a significant difference (WMD −1.88; 95% CI −2.32 to −1.43, P < 0.00001). The pooled results also demonstrated significant differences in polyp change, significant adhesion, and middle turbinate lateralization between the two groups. In addition, there was no significant difference with respect to adverse events between the two groups (odds ratio (OR) 0.38; 95% CI: 0.07 to 2.03; P = 0.26).

Conclusion

Bioabsorbable steroid‐impregnated implants following ESS are effective in improving the endoscopic appearance of the healing process, and the safety profile appears to be favorable for the treatment of CRS patients.

Level of Evidence

1A Laryngoscope, 2019