bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elimination profile of triamcinolone in urine following oral administration
Authors: Chen Ting‐Ting , Tseng Yi‐Chun , Huang Tai‐Yuan , Chang‐Chien Guo‐Ping , Hsu Mei‐Chich
Published: November 2017

Triamcinolone (T) is a glucocorticoid commonly used to relieve inflammation and treat arthritis, severe allergies, and asthma; however, it is banned by the World Anti‐Doping Agency in competition for athletes when administered orally, intravenously, intramuscularly, or rectally. The minimum required performance limit (MRPL) for urinary T is 30 ng/mL. However, the data about the urinary excretion of T after oral administration is limited. We investigate the elimination profile and determine whether single‐dose administration of T would cause a positive doping result. Twelve healthy volunteers received a single‐dose of 4‐mg T rally, and urine samples were collected for 24 hours. A validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was used to determine urinary T levels. Non‐compartmental modeling was used to estimate the pharmacokinetic parameters. All the urinary T concentrations were much higher than the MRPL. The peak urinary T concentration was 3211.4 ± 860.3 ng/mL (mean ± SD), time to peak concentration was 1.7 ± 0.9 hours, and the estimated elimination half‐life was 4.4 ± 2.8 hours. About 27.76% of the consumed dose was eliminated via urine within 24 hours of intake. After a single‐dose oral administration, urinary T concentrations still exceeded the MRPL after 24 hours. This information could be useful for limiting the misuse of T. Athletes should be aware when using T in competition and acquire approval for a therapeutic use exemption prior to use. Moreover, the elimination profile of orally administered T may be crucial information for distinguishing different dosage routes.
Investigation of Maximum Junction Temperature for 4H‐SiC MOSFET During Unclamped Inductive Switching Test
Authors: AN JUNJIE , NAMAI MASAKI , OKAMOTO DAI , YANO HIROSHI , TADANO HIROSHI , IWAMURO NORIYUKI
Published: November 2017

Normally, thermal breakdown is one of the serious failure phenomena in the power device application, which drives the researchers to focus on exploration of the failure mechanism and the new evaluation method for power device. In this paper, unclamped inductive switching test is presented to evaluate energy handing ability and maximum junction temperature of 1200 V/19 A SiC MOSFET during avalanche mode. It is verified that commercial 1200 V/19 A SiC MOSFET can easily withstand almost 10 μs avalanche time and around 924 K maximum junction temperature with 1 mH inductance and 400 V dc bus at the case temperature of 300 K in avalanche mode. In addition, three reasonable evaluation methods of the maximum junction temperature for SiC MOSFET are summarized at different case temperatures.
Scaling Law of Coupling Coefficient and Coil Size in Wireless Power Transfer Design via Magnetic Coupling
Authors: NAGAI CHIAKI , INUKAI KENJI , KOBAYASHI MASATO , TANAKA TATSUYA , ABUMI KENSHO , IMURA TAKEHIRO , HORI YOICHI
Published: November 2017

Wireless Power Transfer (WPT), such as magnetic resonant coupling using a magnetic field, is being studied and discussed for a wide variety of applications. When the transmission distances are large, very large transmitters and receivers need to be considered. However, in the early stages of an investigation, it might be prohibitive to manufacture and evaluate coils of such a large size. To reduce costs and effort, a scaling law can be used to estimate the WPT efficiency of very large coils using the results of smaller coils. In this paper, a scaling law is proposed that relates the coil size to the coupling coefficient, assuming the ratio between the coil diameter and coil length remains constant. The coupling coefficient is one of the parameters that determine the maximum efficiency of magnetic field WPT. The proposed method was verified by an electromagnetic field simulator and experiment. The results of this study provide an easy method for estimating the WPT efficiency of very large coils.
Converter Using SiC‐MOSFET for Ultra‐High‐Speed Elevator
Authors: KATOH KAORU , MORI KAZUHISA , MATSUMOTO YOHEI , YABUUCHI TATSUSHI , OHNUMA NAOTO
Published: November 2017

In this study, we developed a converter based on SiC (Silicon Carbide)‐MOSFET for use in ultra‐high‐speed elevators, with a reduced volume of 15% compared with the conventional converter. We succeeded in reducing the power loss of the converter unit by 56% compared to the conventional converter in one round trip under high temperature condition. Recently, because of their useful characteristics, wide‐gap semiconductors, such as SiC and GaN, have gained considerable attention for use in various applications in the power electronics systems. Therefore, we studied the use of a converter in elevator systems based on SiC‐MOSFET. We used a 1200 V/800 A SiC‐MOSFET module for the converter unit. We developed a prototype of the converter unit and the control panel by applying for the SiC‐MOSFET module for an ultra‐high‐speed elevator. As a result, the setting area of the control panel (main part) becomes less than 43% of the conventional panel. We tried to demonstrate the working of a 68‐kW elevator by applying the prototype control panel. Because of the characteristic of the switching loss of SiC‐MOSFET, the power loss of the converter unit has almost no dependence on temperature. An energy‐saving effect of approximately 17% was achieved in the total elevator system in one round trip under high‐temperature condition.
Charge and Discharge Control to Save Regeneration Energy for Overhead Line and Energy Storage Device Hybrid Power Source Three‐Level Inverter
Authors: ASANO YUKO , OHNO YOSHIKI , KURITA SOICHIRO , KONDO KEIICHIRO , SHINOMIYA TAKESHI , ISHIKAWA KATSUMI
Published: November 2017

Hybrid power source three‐level inverter is proposed as a main circuit system with energy storage device for increasing regenerative power. This paper proposes a charge and discharge control method to utilize the regenerated energy. The proposed method is verified by experimental tests with a scaled‐down model and numerical simulation.
Study on Improving Precision of Analysis of Boost Ratio and Power Efficiency of Tapped‐Inductor DC–DC Converter Circuit
Authors: LIU YUHAN , SEKIGUCHI RYO , SANO YUJI
Published: November 2017

Analysis precision of boost ratio and power efficiency in boost DC–DC converter circuit is improved by proposing adaptive equivalent circuit of output diode of the circuit. In experiment, boost ratio and power efficiency in high boost ratio circuit were 9.89% and 76.5% respectively with its load resistance of 20 Ω driven by output voltage 10 V. In experimental results, error in theoretical values of boost ratio compared with the measured values of that was reduced to −3.79% from 57.5% in the conventional circuit. In a tapped‐inductor high boost ratio circuit, error in theoretical values of boost ratio was reduced to 3.54% from 31.8%. Error in theoretical values of power efficiency with the measured values of that was reduced to 5.51% from 33.2% in the conventional circuit. In a high boost ratio circuit, error in theoretical values of power efficiency was reduced to −3.32% from 17.3%. Power loss of every element in boost DC–DC converter circuits was analyzed with high precision by analysis of inductance current waveforms in those circuits. Error in theoretical values of power loss compared with measured values was reduced to equal or less than 5%.
Engineering Electronic Band Structure of Indium‐doped Cd1−xMgxO Alloys for Solar Power Conversion Applications
Authors: Lee Yeonbae , Liu Chao Ping , Yu Kin Man , Walukiewicz Wladek
Published: November 2017

CdO‐based transparent conducting oxide thin films have great potential applications in many optoelectronic devices because of their high mobility, low resistivity, and high transparency over a wide spectral range. However, because of the low band gap of only 2.2 eV, the transparency of this material is limited in the UV spectral range. Alloying of undoped CdO with a larger band gap material such as MgO increases the band gap but tends to degrade electrical conductivity. Recently, it has been demonstrated that In doping of CdO greatly improves the electrical characteristic of this material by increasing both the carrier density and the mobility. In this work, we present a comprehensive study on CdMgO alloys doped with up to 4 % In. We show that the doping with In extends the composition range of conducting films with a composition of up to 40 % of Mg and a band gap of 3.5 eV. Our results could open up a new pathway to transparent conducive oxides that could be used as low‐resistivity contacts and UV‐transparent electron emitter windows in thin‐film photovoltaic technologies.
Ordered Iron‐ and Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Framework as a Carbon Monoxide‐Tolerant Alkaline Anion‐Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Catalyst
Authors: Chen Lei , Xing Yijing , Cai Shichang , Wang Rui , Li Shang , Li Junsheng , Guo Wei , Tang Haolin
Published: November 2017

In this work, we have successfully developed a series of ordered Fe‐ and N‐doped carbon (Fe‐N‐C) catalysts for alkaline anion‐exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) using ordered SiO2 nanospheres as a scaffold template. Compared to the previous work, the SiO2 nanosphere templates used in this work are more well‐ordered and size‐controlled, which increases the surface area of the Fe‐N‐C framework material. We observed that the 30 nm@Fe‐N‐C sample exhibits orderly arranged mesopores, interconnected conductive networks, and large surface area (1192 m2 g−1). Moreover, the 30 nm@Fe‐N‐C sample shows significantly enhanced oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity compared to commercial Pt/C. A more‐positive half‐wave potential of 0.84 V (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE) and remarkably stable limiting current of ≈6.1 mA cm−2 is demonstrated by a three‐electrode configuration rotating disk electrode (RDE) system in 0.1 m KOH solution. An AEMFC based on the 30 nm@Fe‐N‐C sample showed a maximum power density of 100 mW m−2 at a high current density of 230 mA cm−2. In addition, we found the AEMFC based on 30 nm@Fe‐N‐C catalyst could steadily operate for more than 60 h with only 4.65 % performance degradation under constant voltage conditions (0.6 V). More interestingly, this catalyst shows an excellent tolerance for CO as well as remarkably long‐term stability with more than 89.9 % retention of its initial activity after 41.6 min operation, which is obviously superior to the commercial Pt/C catalyst (59 % initial activity retention).
Single‐item measure for assessing quality of life in children with drug‐resistant epilepsy
Authors: Conway Lauryn , Widjaja Elysa , Smith Mary Lou
Published: November 2017

Objective

The current study investigated the psychometric properties of a single‐item quality of life (QOL) measure, the Global Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy question (G‐QOLCE), in children with drug‐resistant epilepsy.

Method

Data came from the Impact of Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery on Health‐Related Quality of Life Study (PESQOL), a multicenter prospective cohort study (n = 118) with observations collected at baseline and at 6 months of follow‐up on children aged 4–18 years. QOL was measured with the QOLCE‐76 and KIDSCREEN‐27. The G‐QOLCE was an overall QOL question derived from the QOLCE‐76. Construct validity and reliability were assessed with Spearman's correlation and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Responsiveness was examined through distribution‐based and anchor‐based methods.

Results

The G‐QOLCE showed moderate (r ≥ 0.30) to strong (r ≥ 0.50) correlations with composite scores, and most subscales of the QOLCE‐76 and KIDSCREEN‐27 at baseline and 6‐month follow‐up. The G‐QOLCE had moderate test‐retest reliability (ICC range: 0.49–0.72) and was able to detect clinically important change in patients' QOL (standardized response mean: 0.38; probability of change: 0.65; Guyatt's responsiveness statistics: 0.62 and 0.78). Caregiver anxiety and family functioning contributed most strongly to G‐QOLCE scores over time.

Significance

Results offer promising preliminary evidence regarding the validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the proposed single‐item QOL measure. The G‐QOLCE is a potentially useful tool that can be feasibly administered in a busy clinical setting to evaluate clinical status and impact of treatment outcomes in pediatric epilepsy.
Sensory evaluation of biscuits enriched with artichoke fiber‐rich powders (Cynara scolymus L.)
Authors: San José Francisco J. , Collado‐Fernández Montserrat , López Rafael
Published: November 2017

The artichoke by‐products from the canning industry are mainly used for silage, being minimally revaluated. The ways of extraction of by‐products of artichoke into fiber‐rich powders modify their industrial applications in biscuits, as the sensory evaluation may change compared with the reference fiber (Pea fiber, P) used with commercial biscuit. In this sensory study biscuits enriched with fiber‐rich powders of artichoke (W, Ca) are compared with biscuits with the same percentage of the reference fiber (P) and control biscuits without fiber (B). For most of the sensory attributes of the biscuits enriched with artichoke fiber‐rich powders were perceived similar to the biscuits with the commercial reference fiber (P). The good sensory behavior of the biscuits with artichoke fiber‐rich powders during two storage conditions applied may confirm that the artichoke by‐products would be a suitable substitute for pea fiber in oven‐baked products, like wholemeal biscuits with high‐fiber content.
Microwave‐assisted extraction and ultrasound‐assisted extraction for recovering carotenoids from Gac peel and their effects on antioxidant capacity of the extracts
Authors: Chuyen Hoang V. , Nguyen Minh H. , Roach Paul D. , Golding John B. , Parks Sophie E.
Published: November 2017

The peel of Gac fruit (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.) contains high levels of bioactive compounds, especially carotenoids which possess significant antioxidant capacities. However, the peel of Gac is regarded as a waste from the production of carotenoid‐rich oil from Gac fruit. In this study, carotenoids of Gac peel were extracted by microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) using ethyl acetate as extraction solvent. The effect of extraction time and different levels of microwave and ultrasonic powers on the yield of total carotenoid and antioxidant capacity of the extracts were investigated. The results showed that an extraction at 120 W for 25 min and an extraction at 200 W for 80 min were the most effective for MAE and UAE of the Gac peel samples, respectively. The maximum carotenoid and antioxidant capacity yields of UAE were significantly higher than those of the MAE. The antioxidant capacity of extract obtained by the UAE was also significantly higher that of the conventional extraction using the same ratio of solvent to material. The results showed that both MAE and UAE could be used to reduce the extraction time significantly in comparison with conventional extraction of Gac peel while still obtained good extraction efficiencies. Thus, MAE and UAE are recommended for the improvement of carotenoid and antioxidant capacity extraction from Gac peel.
Effects of 3 months continuous intake of supplement containing Pantoea agglomerans LPS to maintain normal bloodstream in adults: Parallel double‐blind randomized controlled study
Authors: Nakata Yoko , Kohchi Chie , Ogawa Kazue , Nakamoto Takeru , Yoshimura Hiroshi , Soma Gen‐ichiro
Published: November 2017

In this study, the effects on the maintenance of normal bloodstream by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were investigated in the parallel‐group randomized double‐blind study using supplement containing Pantoea agglomerans LPS (201.5 μg/tablet as LPS). Screening was previously performed in the implementation of the study. Adult males and females with normal value to borderline (healthy subjects) in the hematologic parameters, for which reference values were given, were chosen in this study. The period of ingestion of the supplement was 3 months. As the result, a significant decrease in the rate of change (the ratio when the baseline was 1) of HbA1c, which is a glycative stress marker, was found in the group which ingested LPS supplement after 3 months. Also, a significant increase in the number of fingertip capillary vessels was found compared with the control group. From these results, the effects of the maintenance of bloodstream by ingestion of LPS were shown.
Small amounts of ethanol attenuate folic acid stability in acidic beverages during storage
Authors: Kida Kaori , Tomotake Muneaki , Sasako Hiroshi , Matsuda Yoshihito , Sasaki Naomi , Yamamoto Norio
Published: November 2017

Folic acid (FA) is an essential compound involved in important biochemical processes and is used to fortify various food products. FA in fortified acidic beverages decomposes during storage due to H+ attack. FA stability in acidic beverages is a serious problem as food fortification should guarantee labeled FA concentrations until the expiry date. In this study, we investigated the influence of ethanol (EtOH) on FA depletion using a model acidic beverage and observed that small amounts of EtOH, derived from added flavor, promoted FA depletion. FA depletion was promoted by only small amounts of EtOH, but not by acetonitrile. This suggested that FA decomposition might be accelerated by EtOH, which surrounds FA molecules in solution due to selective solvation. In the development of FA‐fortified beverages, EtOH content should be decreased or removed altogether, to prevent accelerating FA decomposition.
Cytoplasmic localization of the cell polarity factor scribble supports liver tumor formation and tumor cell invasiveness
Authors: Wan Shan , Meyer Anne‐Sophie , Weiler Sofia Maria Elisabeth , Rupp Christian , Tóth Marcell , Sticht Carsten , Singer Stephan , Thomann Stefan , Roessler Stephanie , Schorpp‐Kistner Marina , Schmitt Jennifer , Gretz Norbert , Angel Peter , Tschaharganeh Darjus Felix , Marquardt Jens , Schirmacher Peter , Pinna Federico , Breuhahn Kai
Published: November 2017

The loss of epithelial cell polarity plays an important role in the development and progression of liver cancer. However, the specific molecular mechanisms supporting tumor initiation and progression are poorly understood. In this study, transcriptome data and immunofluorescence stains of tissue samples derived from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients revealed that overexpression associated with cytoplasmic localization of the basolateral cell polarity complex protein scribble (Scrib) correlated with poor prognosis of HCC patients. In comparison with HCC cells stably expressing wild‐type Scrib (ScribWT), mutated Scrib with enforced cytoplasmic enrichment (ScribP305L) induced AKT signaling through the destabilization of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and PH domain and leucine‐rich repeat protein phosphatase 1 (PHLPP1). Cytoplasmic ScribP305L stimulated a gene signature and a phenotype characteristic for epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and HCC cell invasiveness. ScribP305L‐dependent invasion was mediated by the activator protein 1 (AP‐1) constituents ATF2 and JunB through induction of paracrine‐acting secreted protein acidic and cysteine‐rich (SPARC). Coexpression of ScribP305L and the oncogene c‐MYC through hydrodynamic gene delivery in mouse livers promoted tumor formation and increased abundance of pAKT, pATF2, and SPARC in comparison with controls. Finally, cytoplasmic Scrib localization correlated with AKT and ATF2 phosphorylation in human HCC tissues, and the ScribP305L‐dependent gene signature was enriched in cancer patients with poor prognosis. Conclusion: Perturbation of hepatocellular polarity due to overexpression and cytoplasmic enrichment of Scrib supports tumor initiation and HCC cell dissemination through specific molecular mechanisms. Biomarker signatures identified in this study can be used for the identification of HCC patients with higher risk for the development of metastasis. (Hepatology 2018;67:1842‐1856).
Sclerostin Antibody Treatment Stimulates Bone Formation to Normalize Bone Mass in Male Down Syndrome Mice
Authors: Williams Diarra K , Parham Sean G , Schryver Eric , Akel Nisreen S , Shelton R Shane , Webber Jessica , Swain Francis L , Schmidt Jami , Suva Larry J , Gaddy Dana
Published: November 2017

Down syndrome (DS), characterized by trisomy of human chromosome 21, is associated with a variety of endocrine disorders as well as profound skeletal abnormalities. The low bone mass phenotype in DS is defined by low bone turnover due to decreased osteoclast and osteoblast activity, decreasing the utility of antiresorptive agents in people with DS. Sclerostin antibody (SclAb) is a therapeutic candidate currently being evaluated as a bone anabolic agent. Scl, the product of the sclerostin gene (SOST), inhibits bone formation through its inhibition of Wnt signaling. SclAb increases bone mass by suppressing the action of the endogenous inhibitor of bone formation, Scl. To examine the effects of SclAb on the DS bone phenotype, 8‐week‐old male wild‐type (WT) andTs65Dn DS mice were treated with 4 weekly iv injections of 100 mg/kg SclAb. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), microCT, and dynamic histomorphometry analyses revealed that SclAb had a significant anabolic effect on both age‐matched WT littermate controls and Ts65Dn DS mice that was osteoblast mediated, without significant changes in osteoclast parameters. SclAb treatment significantly increased both cortical and trabecular bone mass at multiple sites; SclAb treatment resulted in the normalization of Ts65Dn bone mineral density (BMD) to WT levels in the proximal tibia, distal femur, and whole body. Ex vivo bone marrow cultures demonstrated that SclAb increased the recruitment of the mesenchymal progenitors into the osteoblast lineage, as indicated by increased alkaline phosphatase–positive colonies, with no effect on osteoclast differentiation. Together, in the setting of a murine model of DS and decreased bone turnover, SclAb had a potent anabolic effect. SclAb stimulated bone formation and increased osteoblastogenesis without affecting osteoclastogenesis or bone resorption. These data suggest that SclAb is a promising new therapy to improve bone mass and reduce fracture risk in the face of the low bone mass and turnover prevalent in the DS population. © 2017 The Authors JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Factorial Structure and Measurement Invariance of the Innovative Behavior Questionnaire
Authors: Purc Ewelina , Laguna Mariola
Published: November 2017

The article presents an analysis of the factorial structure and measurement invariance of the Innovative Behavior Questionnaire, developed by Scott and Bruce. Although the instrument is widely used to capture individuals' innovative behavior, very little evidence concerning its psychometric properties is available. A time‐lagged study among 382 employees was conducted to check the factorial structure of the questionnaire, using confirmatory factor analysis, as well as its measurement invariance across gender and time. One‐factor structure (with correlated error terms of first three items) and strict invariance across time and across gender of the Innovative Behavior Questionnaire were demonstrated. As such, the measure can be used as a reliable tool for capturing individuals' innovative behavior by self‐report.
Perception of a privilege walk activity and its impact on pharmacy students’ views on social justice in a service learning elective: a pilot study
Authors: Jacob Sabrina Anne , Palanisamy Uma D. , Chung Carole Mei Choo
Published: November 2017

Background

There is a need for students involved in service learning units to be aware of their own positions of privilege so as to help them understand the contributing factors in systems of inequality.

Aim

To explore pharmacy students’ perceptions of a Privilege Walk Activity (PWA) and its impact on their views on social justice.

Method

A cross‐sectional pilot study was conducted involving undergraduate Bachelor of Pharmacy students enrolled in a service learning unit. The survey was administered at the end of a PWA and was made up of nine Likert‐style questions and three open‐ended questions.

Results

18 out of 23 students responded (78.3%). More than 60% of students agreed that the activity provided them with some insight about the different privileges people had growing up, while approximately 80% claimed that the PWA would help in their communication and interaction with those being served by the NGOs to which they will be attached as part of undertaking the service learning unit. From the qualitative analysis, four main themes emerged: preconceived notions, expressions of gratitude, effect of PWA on self‐reflection, and impact of PWA on approach to service learning. Students expressed shock to discover differences in privilege among their peers. A number of students felt the session made them more reflective, and taught them to be non‐judgmental when dealing with the underprivileged.

Conclusion

The PWA managed to raise an awareness in the students of the imbalances in privilege. Findings can be used to encourage the incorporation of more theoretical content on issues of social justice within service learning units.
Referral patterns from emergency department to otolaryngology clinic
Authors: Garneau Jonathan C. , Wasserman Isaac , Konuthula Neeraja , Malkin Benjamin D.
Published: November 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Patients who present to the emergency department (ED) with various otolaryngologic disorders are frequently referred to an otolaryngologist for follow‐up care. Our aim was to further characterize this group as it has not been well described in the literature.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional retrospective study.

Methods

We reviewed the charts of patients seen during an 18‐month period in an urban public hospital trauma center adult ED and referred to an otolaryngology clinic for follow‐up care.

Results

Seven hundred thirty‐eight patients were seen and referred; the most common diagnoses made by ED providers were peripheral vertigo (12%), otitis externa (8%), and nasal fractures (8%). Nine percent of patients were evaluated during their ED visit by an otolaryngology provider. Three hundred seventy‐two (50%) patients returned for their otolaryngology clinic visit; facial trauma patients were least likely to return. The most common diagnoses made by otolaryngology providers were otitis externa (12%), peripheral vertigo (12%), and nasal fractures (7%). There was 50% concordance between patients’ diagnoses made by ED and otolaryngology providers. The most common differences were otitis media versus otitis externa (10%) and acute pharyngitis versus laryngopharyngeal reflux (8%). During 37% of follow‐up visits, an in‐office procedure was performed, most commonly flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy, cerumen removal, and nasal endoscopy.

Conclusions

Our analysis reports comprehensive characteristics of this referral group, identifying potential areas for improvement in patient management, resident education and efficiency. Otolaryngologists covering EDs should be familiar with this population in terms of types of cases that may affect their practices.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:1062–1067, 2018
Impact of an oral appliance on obstructive sleep apnea severity, quality of life, and biomarkers
Authors: Fernández‐Julián Enrique , Pérez‐Carbonell Tomás , Marco Rocío , Pellicer Verónica , Rodriguez‐Borja Enrique , Marco Jaime
Published: November 2017

Objective/Hypothesis

To investigate outcomes including efficacy, quality of life, and levels of inflammatory markers of a mandibular advancement device (MAD) for moderate‐to‐severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Study Design

Case‐control study.

Methods

Patients with apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 15/hr who only accepted MAD therapy (study group) or who refused any treatment (control group) were recruited. At baseline and at 6 months, polysomnography, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ), C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 1β, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) were assessed in both groups.

Results

At baseline, the study group (n = 30) showed a higher percentage of rapid eye movement sleep and higher CRP levels (P < .05) than the control group (n = 10). At 6 months, the MAD significantly improved AHI and lowest oxygen saturation (P < .01), non–rapid eye movement (N)1 and N3 sleep stages (P < .05), ESS score (P < .05), FOSQ total score (P < .01), interleukin 1β (P < .05), and TNF‐α (P < .01) compared with the untreated group. In the overall, moderate, and severe OSA groups, 63.3%, 75%, and 50%, respectively, achieved at least good response.

Conclusions

Use of a MAD significantly improved polysomnographic parameters, quality of life, and some inflammatory markers (CRP, IL‐β, and TNF‐α) in a significant proportion of patients with moderate OSA and in some patients with severe OSA. Hence, a MAD may be a viable alternative therapy in patients with moderate‐to‐severe OSA who refuse continuous positive airway pressure.

Level of Evidence

3b. Laryngoscope, 128:1720–1726, 2018
Cyanate distribution and uptake above and within the Eastern Tropical South Pacific oxygen deficient zone
Authors: Widner Brittany , Mordy Calvin W. , Mulholland Margaret R.
Published: November 2017

Cyanate is a simple reduced nitrogen (N) compound that can be a source of N and carbon (C) for marine organisms and may also be a substrate for dissimilatory N processes such as nitrification and anammox. We measured cyanate distributions and cyanate and urea uptake in the Eastern Tropical South Pacific, a region defined by coastal upwelling, high primary productivity, a shallow oxic layer, and rapid N loss from a large oxygen deficient zone (ODZ). Cyanate concentrations ranged from below the limit of detection (0.4 nM) to 45 nM in the oxic upper water column. Below the oxycline, cyanate concentrations were largely below detection except for small cyanate peaks (2–8.3 nM) within the core of the ODZ at some stations. The majority of N taken up in the shallow oxic layer was from ammonium and urea (78% ± 8%); cyanate uptake was < 2% of these. Uptake of cyanate fluctuated diurnally with the highest rates of cyanate N uptake in the early afternoon. In the ODZ, rates of cyanate, urea, and ammonium uptake were similar to each other (0.1–14 nmol N L−1 d−1) and to previously reported rates of 29N2 production supported by cyanate and ammonium (3–14 nmol N2 L−1 d−1). This suggests a role for cyanate in the metabolism of anaerobic microbes and a potential role for cyanate in the anammox reaction (cyanammox). To our knowledge, these represent the first rates of N uptake in a marine anoxic water column.
Efficient filtration of micron and submicron particles by ascidians from oligotrophic waters
Authors: Jacobi Yuval , Yahel Gitai , Shenkar Noa
Published: November 2017

Suspended food particles in oligotrophic waters are scarce and the planktonic community is dominated by minute picoplanktonic (< 2 μm) cells. Consequently, suspension feeders inhabiting such environments are faced with the dual challenge of capturing extremely small particles and efficiently processing large volumes of water. We used direct in situ techniques to characterize the size‐dependent capture efficiency curve of four solitary ascidian species (Chordata, Tunicata) from the ultra‐oligotrophic East‐Mediterranean, and two species from the oligotrophic Gulf of Aqaba (Northern Red‐Sea). To control for confounding factors such as particle surface chemistry, we used a suspension of artificial polystyrene microspheres with a wide range of sizes (from 0.3 μm to 10 μm) but identical surface chemistry. This suspension was introduced into the inhalant siphon while the water inhaled and exhaled by the otherwise undisturbed ascidian was cleanly sampled. All the investigated ascidian species captured ≥ 1 μm microspheres at 95% ± 8% efficiency (mean ± 95% Confidence Interval) with no significant difference between species. Moreover, and in contrast to reports from eutrophic waters, both in situ and laboratory experiments revealed an efficient capture of submicron 0.3 μm microspheres at close to 50% efficiency. For most of the species tested, the capture efficiency of microspheres dropped below optimum between 1 μm and 0.5 μm providing an estimation of their mucus mesh pore size. We suggest that ascidians from oligotrophic waters are adapted for capturing submicron particles picoplankton and other. Such adaptation enables “oligotrophic” ascidians to access a much larger food source and facilitates the transfer of planktonic C, N, and P from the water column to the benthos.
Copepod avoidance of thin chemical layers of harmful algal compounds
Authors: True A. C. , Webster D. R. , Weissburg M. J. , Yen J.
Published: November 2017

In a physical model of a thin planktonic layer, the estuarine copepod Acartia tonsa strongly avoided weakly stratified layers of dissolved chemical compounds from the harmful dinoflagellate Karenia brevis. Chemical‐induced changes in swimming kinematics allowed copepods to effectively avoid the layer and surrounding volume, highlighting the relevance of harmful alga‐grazer interactions at a distance that involve dissolved chemical signals. Avoidance increased significantly with increasing chemical concentration representative of a range of ecologically relevant bloom conditions (1–104 cells/mL equivalent). Under mid to maximal bloom conditions, Acartia displayed visually and hydrodynamically conspicuous avoidance jumps featuring large, rapid displacements with swimming speeds near those reported for predatory escape reactions. Previous findings show K. brevis is both toxic and nutritionally inadequate to A. tonsa when ingested and that exposure to dissolved chemical compounds likely rapidly suppresses effective sampling and grazing behaviors. Thus, copepods have strong incentive to sense and avoid nearby, spatially discrete patches of toxic algae in order to improve fitness by avoiding exposure and/or ingestion and associated negative impacts. Our results suggest harmful alga not only produce deleterious physiological effects in copepod grazers, but chemical‐induced behavioral responses also likely alter grazer distributions and top‐down control via avoidance reactions (reduced harmful alga‐grazer encounter rates). Additionally, predator‐prey encounter rates at higher trophic levels are likely enhanced via significant changes in copepod swimming kinematics. These combined mechanisms could protect and sustain harmful blooms contained in subsurface thin layers until blooms reach critical mass and produce widespread impacts at the ecosystem level, the “cryptic bloom” effect.
Complications from microfocused transcutaneous ultrasound: Case series and review of the literature
Authors: Friedmann Daniel P. , Bourgeois Gregory P. , Chan Henry H.L. , Zedlitz Ann C. , Butterwick Kimberly J.
Published: November 2017

Background and Objective

Microfocused ultrasound (MFUS) technology has been utilized since 2009 for improvement in mild to moderate skin and soft tissue laxity of the face and neck. Few complications have been previously reported, the majority of which include mild and transient erythema, edema, ecchymosis, and nerve paralysis. Rare yet serious potential complications of MFUS for noninvasive skin tightening of the face and neck are, however, possible.

Methods & Materials

Retrospective multicenter case series of five patients from the authors’ practice who developed serious adverse events directly related to MFUS with a commercially available device (Ultherapy; Merz North America, Inc., Raleigh, NC).

Results

Five patients developed blistering, erosion/ulceration, cutaneous, or subcutaneous tissue edema with resulting atrophy, and/or cutaneous necrosis following single sessions of MFUS.

Conclusion

Despite their rarity, serious adverse events secondary to MFUS are nevertheless possible and may be underreported. Early management of complications includes local wound care, patient reassurance, and topical corticosteroids and/or pulsed‐dye laser to mitigate inflammatory sequelae. Other cosmetic and surgical therapies should be utilized when conservative measures have failed. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:13–19, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Challenges to laser‐assisted drug delivery: Applying theory to clinical practice
Authors: Ibrahim Omer , Wenande Emily , Hogan Sara , Arndt Kenneth A. , Haedersdal Merete , Dover Jeffrey S.
Published: November 2017

Background

The percutaneous penetration of topically applied compounds can be enhanced using external chemical or physical sources and thus laser‐assisted drug delivery is a burgeoning area of interest within the field of dermatology.

Objectives

This article briefly discusses the mechanism of laser‐assisted drug delivery and expands upon the challenges and safety issues that may arise in the clinical implementation of this modality.

Results

The existing literature demonstrates that investigators and clinicians in dermatology have successfully delivered anti‐inflammatory, anti‐neoplastic, and anti‐oxidative medications transdermally for the treatment of a variety of conditions including scarring, photoageing, and cutaneous neoplasia. Despite growth of the field, much remains to be learned about the applicability of laser‐assisted drug delivery in humans, and practitioners are faced with new safety concerns that may be associated with this treatment modality.

Conclusions

Challenges in laser assisted drug delivery include unpredictability of dosing and response to therapy, possibility of inducing local and systemic reactions, and variability in treatment regimens. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:20–27, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of a methodology to evaluate corrosive creepage using a survival and reliability analysis model
Authors: Kodet Anja , Lobnig Renate , Bayer Michael
Published: November 2017

The subject of this work is the development of a method for the evaluation of corrosive creeping according to the survival and reliability analysis. To realize this goal, steel sheets with four types of coatings were scratched and exposed to a corrosive alternating climate test (VDA 233–102) until they reached a selected value for severity of corrosion which is defined as infiltration of (U/2) ≥ 2 mm. The time to reach this defined target is noted and mathematical modeling of the data, on the basis of survival and reliability models, was performed. The investigation, according to survival analysis, with variable dwell and fixed infiltration values, makes it possible to get predictions of the severity of corrosion. Using this evaluation methodology, it is possible to get additional information on the corrosion protection system under research. The additional information includes: the speed of corrosion in mm/day, the initiation time, and the propagation gradient.
Recruit, retain students in a difficult market
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: November 2017

Is your institution or your division for adult learners struggling with enrollment numbers? If so, you're not alone. Spring 2017 undergraduate enrollment across postsecondary education was down 1.9 percent compared to spring 2016, according to National Student Clearinghouse Research Center figures, although graduate enrollments have risen slightly. And adult learners contributed most heavily to the decline. Among students over age 24, enrollment dropped 3.6 percent for the year. That followed a year‐to‐year enrollment decline of 3.4 percent from spring 2015 to spring 2016, and a drop of 3.6 percent from spring 2014 to spring 2015 (learn more at http://bit.ly/2gxOtXt).
Recognize how your own patterns and choices affect interactions with others
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: November 2017

BOSTON — “My number‐one requested topic [for speaking engagements] is, ‘life would be easy if it weren't for other people,’” said Connie Podesta, motivational speaker and author, at the national conference for the National Association for College Admission Counseling. Podesta discussed some of the top complaints and realities of working in industries where you must work with other people, whether co‐workers, faculty, other administrative staff, students, or parents.
Boost student completion as a student‐centered institution
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: November 2017

“I like to say that I have the heart of an advisor and the brain of an academic,” said Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs at California State University, Los Angeles. That mentality, born out of Mahoney's background as both a lecturer and academic advisor, has been at the forefront of Mahoney's work to improve time to degree and completion rates on campus. “[Throughout my career] I've been consumed with the inadvertent obstacles we place in students' way as they attempt to achieve their degrees,” Mahoney said. She shared strategies and changes the Cal State LA campus is making to improve completion rates.
Electrospun functionalized magnetic polyamide 6 composite nanofiber: Fabrication and stabilization
Authors: Darwish Mohamed S. A. , Bakry Ahmed , Kolek Ondřej , Martinová Lenka , Stibor Ivan
Published: November 2017

One of the major challenges in the preparation of magnetic nanoparticles is to minimize the aggregation of the obtained nanoparticles. In addition, the presence of functional groups on the surface of the magnetic nanoparticles and the allowance of further functionalizing of these particles with drugs and therapeutic agents are other drawbacks. Functionalized magnetic polyamide 6 composite nanofibers (magnetic PA6) with diameters of 120 and 200 nm were fabricated by electrospinning process. The surface of the magnetic particles was functionalized with polyethylenimine (PEI), 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS), polyethylene glycol, and tetraethoxysilane on an individual basis. The dispersion of magnetic nanoparticles within the polymeric solution of polyamide 6 was created and examined by the electrospinning process. The morphologies and diameter distributions of the resultant nanofibers were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The APTS/PA6 solution coated magnetic nanoparticles showed better electrospinning performance than the other structures. The dispersion and the morphology of the magnetic nanoparticles in the PA6 nanofiber matrix were investigated using SEM, energy‐dispersive X‐ray, and transmission electron microscopy. In addition, the thermal stability and magnetic behavior of these nanoparticles were assessed using thermal gravimetric analysis and vibrating sample magnetometer, respectively. The introduced preparation method in this work not only provides nanofibers with controlled size but also homogeneously dispersed the magnetic nanoparticles within the fibers. The combination of high magnetic properties with outstanding thermal stability as presented by the obtained magnetic nanofibers in this study is very promising in the diagnosis and therapy of cancer. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:296–303, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Severe Hypoglycemia Caused by Lenalidomide
Authors: Przybylski Daniel J. , Birhiray Ruemu , Reeves David J.
Published: November 2017

Lenalidomide is commonly used for multiple myeloma as either induction or maintenance therapy. The agent is associated with a host of adverse effects, but hypoglycemia has only been reported in one phase I trial in patients with solid tumors. We describe a 74‐year‐old woman who experienced grade 3 hypoglycemia (blood glucose level 35 mg/dl) likely related to lenalidomide. Her medical history was significant for refractory myeloma and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Lenalidomide was started as maintenance therapy following autologous bone marrow transplantation. Approximately 3 years later, she developed refractory hypoglycemia necessitating hospital admission despite stopping antihyperglycemic agents 4 weeks prior to admission. Lenalidomide was withheld during her admission and restarted 2 days prior to discharge. Work‐up for causes of persistent hypoglycemia was negative, and her glucose levels improved over her 26‐day hospitalization. She was readmitted approximately one month later for hypoglycemia, and lenalidomide was permanently discontinued. Again, work‐up for causes of hypoglycemia was negative, and her glucose levels stabilized over her hospitalization. After discontinuation of lenalidomide, hypoglycemia did not recur, and within 1 year the patient required reinitiation of antihyperglycemic medications to control her glucose levels. Given the resolution of hypoglycemia with lenalidomide discontinuation and return of hyperglycemia after restarting the agent, it is likely that lenalidomide was the cause of the patient's hypoglycemia. Use of the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale indicated a definite relationship (score of 9) between the patient's development of grade 3 hypoglycemia and lenalidomide therapy. Although this adverse drug reaction had been previously reported with lenalidomide during phase I trials in patients with solid tumors, only grade 1 or 2 hypoglycemia was reported in three patients. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of grade 3 hypoglycemia caused by lenalidomide.
Photoabsorption and damage of OSG low‐k films by VUV emission at 140–160 nm
Authors: Lopaev Dmitry V. , Rakhlinsky Vladislav V. , Zyryanov Sergey M. , Mankelevich Yury A. , Rakhimova Tatyana V. , Kurchikov Konstantin A. , Baklanov Mikhail R.
Published: November 2017

Vacuum Ultraviolet (VUV) absorption and damage of porous OSG low‐k dielectrics in the wavelength range 140–160 nm was measured. The measurements were done for two OSG films with different porosity. VUV absorption by OSG dielectrics very slowly decreases with increasing wavelength compared to SiO2 which absorption sharply drops reaching the absorption edge. As the analysis has shown the absorption cross‐sections reduced to the Si atom density of these films are very close that indicates the same mechanisms of absorption and damage. The possible absorption and damage mechanisms are briefly discussed.
Physiological and anatomical dead space in mechanically ventilated newborn infants
Authors: Dassios Theodore , Dixon Paul , Hickey Ann , Fouzas Sotirios , Greenough Anne
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To compare the anatomical (VD‐Ana) and alveolar dead space (VD‐Alv) in term and prematurely born infants and identify the clinical determinants of those indices.

Working Hypothesis

VD‐Ana and VD‐Alv will be higher in prematurely born compared to term born infants.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis of data collected at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.

Patient Selection

Fifty‐six infants (11 term, 45 preterm) were studied at a median age of 8 (IQR 2‐33) days.

Methodology

VD‐Ana was determined using Fowler's method of volumetric capnography. VD‐Alv was determined by subtracting VD‐Ana from the physiological dead space which was determined by the Bohr‐Enghoff equation. VD‐Ana and VD‐Alv were related to body weight at the time of study.

Results

The median VD‐Ana/kg was higher in prematurely born infants [3.7 (IQR: 3.0‐4.5) mL/kg] compared to term infants [2.4 (IQR: 1.9‐2.9) mL/kg, adjusted P = 0.001]. The median VD‐Alv/kg was not higher in prematurely born infants [0.3 (IQR: 0.1‐0.5)] compared to term infants [0.1 (IQR: 0.0‐0.2) mL/kg] after adjusting for differences in respiratory rate and days of ventilation (P = 0.482). VD‐Ana/kg was related to postmenstrual age (r = −0.388, P < 0.001), birth weight (r = −0.397, P < 0.001), and weight at measurement (r = −0.476, P < 0.001). VD‐Alv/kg was related to postmenstrual age (r = −0.254, P < 0.001), birth weight (r = −0.291, P = 0.002), and weight at measurement (r = −0.281, P = 0.003) and related to days of ventilation (r = 0.194, P = 0.044).

Conclusions

VD‐Ana/kg and VD‐Alv/kg increased with decreasing weight and gestation. VD‐Alv was higher in infants that have undergone prolonged mechanical ventilation.