bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Central‐to‐Axial Chirality Conversion Approach Designed on Organocatalytic Enantioselective Povarov Cycloadditions: First Access to Configurationally Stable Indole–Quinoline Atropisomers
Authors: Bisag Giorgiana Denisa , Pecorari Daniel , Mazzanti Andrea , Bernardi Luca , Fochi Mariafrancesca , Bencivenni Giorgio , Bertuzzi Giulio , Corti Vasco
Published: September 2019

The first stereoselective synthesis of enantioenriched axially chiral indole–quinoline systems is presented. The strategy takes advantage of an organocatalytic enantioselective Povarov cycloaddition of 3‐alkenylindoles and N‐arylimines, followed by an oxidative central‐to‐axial chirality conversion process, allowing for access to previously unreported axially chiral indole–quinoline biaryls. The methodology is also implemented for the design and the preparation of challenging compounds exhibiting two stereogenic axes. DFT calculations shed light on the stereoselectivity of the central‐to‐axial chirality conversion, showing unconventional behavior.
Rational Localization of Metal Nanoparticles in Yolk–Shell MOFs for Enhancing Catalytic Performance in Selective Hydrogenation of Cinnamaldehyde
Authors: Zhou Awu , Dou Yibo , Zhou Jian , Li Jian‐Rong
Published: September 2019

The development of sustainable catalysts to simultaneously improve activity and selectivity remains a challenge. Herein, it is demonstrated that metal nanoparticles (MNPs) can be encapsulated into a yolk–shell metal–organic framework (MOF) with controllable spatial localization to optimize catalytic performance. When the MNPs are located in the void space between the shell and the core of the MOF, the resulting MNPs@MOF composites show both high catalytic activity and selectivity toward the hydrogenation of α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes. In particular, the easily recoverable and stable Ptvoid@MOF(Y) shows an exceptionally high selectivity of 98.2 % for cinnamyl alcohol at a high conversion of 97 %. The excellent performance can be attributed to easy diffusion of the reactants to access highly exposed MNPs in the MOF support, as well as the improved adsorption of the reactant and desorption of the product due to the appropriate metal–support interaction and rich void space between core and shell.
Habitat‐dependent occupancy and movement in a migrant songbird highlights the importance of mangroves and forested lagoons in Panama and Colombia
Authors: Bulluck Lesley , Ames Elizabeth , Bayly Nicholas , Reese Jessie , Viverette Cathy , Wright James , Caguazango Angela , Tonra Christopher
Published: September 2019

Climate change is predicted to impact tropical mangrove forests due to decreased rainfall, sea‐level rise, and increased seasonality of flooding. Such changes are likely to influence habitat quality for migratory songbirds occupying mangrove wetlands during the tropical dry season. Overwintering habitat quality is known to be associated with fitness in migratory songbirds, yet studies have focused primarily on territorial species. Little is known about the ecology of nonterritorial species that may display more complex movement patterns within and among habitats of differing quality. In this study, we assess within‐season survival and movement at two spatio‐temporal scales of a nonterritorial overwintering bird, the prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea), that depends on mangroves and tropical lowland forests. Specifically, we (a) estimated within‐patch survival and persistence over a six‐week period using radio‐tagged birds in central Panama and (b) modeled abundance and occupancy dynamics at survey points throughout eastern Panama and northern Colombia as the dry season progressed. We found that site persistence was highest in mangroves; however, the probability of survival did not differ among habitats. The probability of warbler occupancy increased with canopy cover, and wet habitats were least likely to experience local extinction as the dry season progressed. We also found that warbler abundance is highest in forests with the tallest canopies. This study is one of the first to demonstrate habitat‐dependent occupancy and movement in anonterritorialoverwintering migrant songbird, and our findings highlight the need to conserve intact, mature mangrove, and lowland forests.
Design and Synthesis of New Protease‐Triggered CO‐Releasing Peptide–Metal‐Complex Conjugates
Authors: Sitnikov Nikolay S. , Malysheva Yulia B. , Fedorov Alexey Yu. , Schmalz Hans‐Günther
Published: September 2019

Aiming at the development of novel protease‐triggered CO‐releasing molecules (PT‐CORMs) we designed a series of oxycyclohexadiene‐Fe(CO)3 complexes, which are connected through a self‐immolative linker with a plasmin‐specifying peptide unit. The challenging synthesis of these compounds was elaborated employing a combination of solid‐phase peptide synthesis and solution chemical synthesis. Late‐stage attachment of the organometallic unit and Pd‐catalyzed cleavage of an alloc‐protected lysine side chain afforded the target compounds in good yields and high purity.
Reticulated Mesoporous TiO2 Scaffold, Fabricated by Spray Coating, for Large‐Area Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Tomulescu Andrei Gabriel , Stancu Viorica , Beşleagă Cristina , Enculescu Monica , Nemneş George Alexandru , Florea Mihaela , Dumitru Viorel , Pintilie Lucian , Pintilie Ioana , Leonat Lucia
Published: September 2019

Development of reproducible, low‐cost fabrication technologies that are readily adaptable to large‐scale production, is one of the main challenges in the field of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). So far, for all the other layers in a solar cell, large‐area deposition methods have been adapted, except for mesoporous fabrication. Herein, the fabrication of mesoporous TiO2 scaffolds using a large‐area deposition technique, such as spray coating, is shown. Moreover, this technique induces the formation of a very specific reticulated structure with well‐delimited, oval‐shaped cavities. The cavities have irregular dimensions, with diameters in the range of 3–7 μm, ≈350 nm height, resulting in an overall increase in roughness of one order of magnitude, compared with the spin‐coated mesoporous scaffold. Using this rough structured mesoporous TiO2 in PSCs not only does not affect the efficiency of solar cells but actually improves it from an average of 10% to 12% in comparison with the devices containing a spin‐coated mesoporous scaffold.
A process‐depositional model for the evaluation of archaeological potential and survey methods in a boreal forest setting, Northeastern Alberta, Canada
Authors: Woywitka Robin , Froese Duane
Published: September 2019

More than 1,000 archaeological sites occur within the Clearwater‐Athabasca Spillway, a relict channel that routed catastrophic drainage from glacial Lake Agassiz during deglaciation of northeastern Alberta. This high site density is rare in the region, and artifact assemblages are large due to the presence of abundant sources of lithic raw material. Unfortunately, sites are rarely preserved in stratified or deeply buried deposits. As is often the case in subarctic areas, this lack of depositional context coupled with a paucity of datable organic materials has hindered the establishment of cultural chronologies for the region. To address this issue, we develop a process‐depositional model and digital terrain analysis to identify where thicker sediments may have accumulated, and assess whether survey strategies have adequately tested these areas. We find current survey strategies are biased to testing upland ridges with thin deposits, and that inconsistent methods of recording sediment thickness make it difficult to assess whether vertical profiles are being sampled to sterile deposits. We recommend that future survey strategies in boreal forest settings focus on a broader suite of landforms and landform elements, including those that act as sediment traps.
A Practical Study on How Proactive Quality Approach Can Improve System Development Process to Ensure System‐Effectiveness and ‐Performance
Authors: Aziz Haokar , Qvenild Rolf , Falk Kristin
Published: September 2019

This paper investigates how a proactive quality approach can aid in improving the systems development process for a young company in the water cleaning industry. We apply a mix‐method gap analysis between the existing system development process, and a future desired state. The paper conducts a case study on an existing water cleaning system. Additional data complements this gap analysis, including surveys in the company, analysis of time sheets, water samples from the system, customer‐ and employee‐interviews, work sessions with employees, and observations. Our results show that the company lacks emphasis on activities related to systems engineering. For the case, forty‐nine percent of hours spent in the operational life related to non‐conformances of customer requirements. The paper also illustrates how to implement the two proactive quality tools that are familiar to the employees, namely risk assessments and Quality Function Deployment. In conclusion, a proactive quality approach, with focus on the familiar tools that are easy to implement, could reduce non‐conformances in system operations and improve system performance.
Applying Mission‐Based Adaptability to Discipline Designs
Authors: Zhu Haifeng
Published: September 2019

Mission‐based adaptability is an important metric in developing sustainable systems and can be used to guide system architecture designs. In this work, it was found such a method can be used in a much broader scope, including guiding detailed system designs. Specifically, this paper has two contributions. First, it applies mission‐based adaptability theory to control systems, and provides two system design flows using mapping techniques, to allow the controller to be conveniently designed. Second, it is shown that theoretically the Model Predictive Control (MPC) optimization can be treated as being equivalent to optimizing Mission Effectiveness Function (MEF) on a single mission in the short‐term case and optimizing on multiple missions in the long‐term case. The effectiveness is shown through two example cases, an aircraft engine and an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system.
An A3AOs Method of Software Tools Integration in the Complex System Development
Authors: Johanssen Marius , Zhao Yang‐Yang
Published: September 2019

Companies commonly face cost pressures due to the increasing industry rivalry and competition. Software tools in this regard has become more and more popular in assisting the complex systems development. However, the lack of a proper system development process that integrates the usage of software tools will hinder the company efficiency. This is especially visible as each engineer may use software tools differently. In the context of complex system developments, this research investigates the optimization of the system development process by integrating software tools. We propose an architecture of a new system development process using A3 Architectural Overviews. Based on a real‐life case study and quick‐prototyping techniques, the architecture evolves into an optimized system development process that can increase efficiency, quality and consistency for the case company.
Elevating the meaning of data and operations within the development lifecycle through an interoperable toolchain
Authors: Alvarez‐Rodríguez Jose María , Zuñiga Roy Mendieta , Llorens Juan
Published: September 2019

The use of different engineering methods and tools is a common practice to cover all stages in the systems development lifecycle, generating a very good number of system artifacts. Moreover, these artifacts are commonly encoded in different formats and can only be accessed, in most cases, through proprietary and non‐standard protocols. In this context, the OSLC (Open Services for Lifecycle Collaboration) initiative pursues the creation of public specifications (data shapes) to exchange any artifact generated during the development lifecycle. In this paper, authors extend and apply the OSLC KM (Knowledge Management) specification as a solution with a two‐folded objective: 1) representation of any kind of system artifact and 2) extension of OSLC mechanisms to support the notion of delegated operation. In this manner, it is possible to enhance the exchange of data items and to reuse existing operations within the toolchain as it is demonstrated through a case study.
Transforming the Engineering Organization with Systems Engineering and Quality Management
Authors: Brown Barclay R. , Leigh Bradford , Douglass Bruce , Kennedy Larry
Published: September 2019

Never have the challenges of complex product and systems development been greater. Rising complexity coupled with the need for fast development cycle times and lower development and support costs have driven development efforts into a Faustian dilemma. Is it better to become highly agile by forgoing documentation, process and discipline—or to labor under the burden of restrictive, formal processes which use much needed time for non‐development activities like planning, design and documentation? As some development organizations sell their quality souls for expediency, while ignoring the eventual price they may pay, others stay the course, hoping their ponderous processes do not leave them vulnerable to disruptive start‐ups and new business models. Is there a better path? Yes, modern development concepts properly deployed and implemented in a values‐based quality management environment provide a choice of chaos versus quality.

The dramatic growth and development of the Internet of Things (IoT) has produced new kinds of risks and unknowns that can result in dangerous unintended consequences and the increased impact of undiscovered defects on people and processes. Reports of major security defects and breaches of data storage have become commonplace.

As has always been the case, effective and successful product and systems development is a function of optimally employing people, process and tools. In what follows, we will describe the important challenges and opportunities in each of these three areas, and show how a values‐based quality management approach provides the context, values and standards for achieving both short‐ and long‐term success. Values‐based quality management has all of the protocols, due diligence, rigor, systems thinking, and scientific thought associated with 1QR. It also includes the added emphasis of 21st century techniques, and the ability to train and retain high‐performers.
PRR34‐AS1 overexpression promotes protection of propofol pretreatment against ischemia/reperfusion injury in a mouse model after total knee arthroplasty via blockade of the JAK1‐dependent JAK‐STAT signaling pathway
Authors: Fang Hua , Zhang Fang‐Xiang , Li Hua‐Feng , Yang Miao , Liao Ren , Wang Ru‐Rong , Wang Quan‐Yun , Zheng Peng‐Cheng , Zhang Jian‐Ping
Published: September 2019

Long noncoding RNAs have been documented to be protective against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, few research works have focused on the protective effects of PRR34‐AS1 on I/R injury after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The objective of the present study was to investigate the possible effect of PRR34‐AS1 on I/R injury after TKA. A mouse model with I/R injury after TKA was established. The interaction between PRR34‐AS1 and Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) was examined and thoroughly investigated. Next, the effects of PRR34‐AS1 on the expression of apoptosis‐related proteins, JAS‐signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathways, and inflammation‐related genes, chondrocyte proliferation, and apoptosis were analyzed after gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments. Attenuated symptoms were observed in mice pretreated with propofol, which was evidenced by decreased positive expression rate of JAK1 protein and superoxide dismutase content along with increased malondialdehyde content and IL‐10 levels. PRR34‐AS1 was poorly expressed in mice with I/R injury after TKA. JAK1 was a target of PRR34‐AS1. Upregulated PRR34‐AS1 diminished expression of JAK1, STAT1, JAK2, and STAT3 as well as cell apoptosis, while enhancing cell proliferation in vitro. Furthermore, JAK1 silencing could reverse the suppressed cell proliferation and enhanced cell apoptosis of chondrocytes imposed by silencing PRR34‐AS1. Upregulation of PRR34‐AS1 can potentially relieve I/R injury after TKA in mice pretreated with propofol through inhibition of the JAS‐STAT signaling pathway by targeting JAK1.
Decoding communication patterns of the innate immune system by quantitative proteomics
Authors: Sukumaran Arjun , Coish Jeremia M , Yeung Jason , Muselius Benjamin , Gadjeva Mihaela , MacNeil Adam J , Geddes-McAlister Jennifer
Published: September 2019

The innate immune system is a collective network of cell types involved in cell recruitment and activation using a robust and refined communication system. Engagement of receptor-mediated intracellular signaling initiates communication cascades by conveying information about the host cell status to surrounding cells for surveillance and protection. Comprehensive profiling of innate immune cells is challenging due to low cell numbers, high dynamic range of the cellular proteome, low abundance of secreted proteins, and the release of degradative enzymes (e.g., proteases). However, recent advances in mass spectrometry-based proteomics provides the capability to overcome these limitations through profiling the dynamics of cellular processes, signaling cascades, post-translational modifications, and interaction networks. Moreover, integration of technologies and molecular datasets provide a holistic view of a complex and intricate network of communications underscoring host defense and tissue homeostasis mechanisms. In this Review, we explore the diverse applications of mass spectrometry-based proteomics in innate immunity to define communication patterns of the innate immune cells during health and disease. We also provide a technical overview of mass spectrometry-based proteomic workflows, with a focus on bottom-up approaches, and we present the emerging role of proteomics in immune-based drug discovery while providing a perspective on new applications in the future.
The Kaufman Domains of Creativity Scale: Turkish Validation and Relationship to Academic Major
Authors: Kandemir Mehmet Ali , Kaufman James C.
Published: September 2019

One common self‐assessment of creativity is the Kaufman Domains of Creativity Scale (K‐DOCS). This article provides support for a Turkish translation of the instrument, offering exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis to determine whether the factors were consistent across cultures. The participants consisted of two groups. The first group consisted of 1,260 undergraduate students (912 females, 348 males) at a public university in Turkey and was utilized for the principal axis factoring analysis. Horn's parallel analysis, a robust statistical technique, was employed to determine the number of factors to be extracted from a scale. The second group consisted of 1,215 participants (885 females and 330 males) who were utilized for confirmatory factor analysis. Results supported a nine‐factor solution as a better fit for this sample than the five‐solution originally used by Kaufman. Of the original five factors, four factors were divided into two sub‐factors, which were distinct although moderately correlated. Finally, we determined the relationship between K‐DOCS factors and college major. We also found good evidence for the construct, discriminant, and convergent validity of the scale. Relationships between K‐DOCS factors and college major were largely consistent with predictions, providing additional evidence for the construct validity of the scale.
Morphological and Apparent‐Level Stiffness Variations Between Normal and Osteoarthritic Bone in the Humeral Head
Authors: Knowles Nikolas K. , Kusins Jonathan , Columbus Melanie P. , Athwal George S. , Ferreira Louis M.
Published: September 2019

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by morphological changes that alter bone structure and mechanical properties. This study compared bone morphometric parameters and apparent modulus between humeral heads excised from end‐stage OA patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty (n = 28) and non‐pathologic normal cadavers (n = 28). Morphometric parameters were determined in central cores, with regional variations compared in four medial to lateral regions. Linear regression compared apparent modulus, morphometric parameters, and age. Micro finite element models estimated trabecular apparent modulus and derived density–modulus relationships. Significant differences were found for bone volume fraction (p < 0.001) and trabecular thickness (p < 0.001) in the most medial regions. No significant differences occurred between morphometric parameters and apparent modulus or age, except in slope between groups for apparent modulus versus trabecular number (p = 0.021), and in intercept for trabecular thickness versus age (p = 0.040). Significant differences occurred in both slope and intercept between density–modulus regression fits for each group (p ≤ 0.001). The normal group showed high correlations in the power‐fit (r2 = 0.87), with a lower correlation (r2 = 0.61) and a more linear relationship, in the OA group. This study suggests that alterations in structure and apparent modulus persist mainly in subchondral regions of end‐stage OA bone. As such, if pathologic regions are removed during joint replacement, computational models that utilize modeling parameters from non‐pathologic normal bone may be applied to end‐stage OA bone. An improved understanding of humeral trabecular bone variations has potential to improve the surgical management of end‐stage OA patients. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:503–509, 2020
Efficacy validation of a lymphatic drainage device for lymphedema drainage in a rat model
Authors: Cheng Ming‐Huei , Yang Chin Yu , Tee Richard , Hong Yu‐Ting , Lu Chih‐Cheng
Published: September 2019

Background

Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) is an effective surgery for extremity lymphedema. This study evaluated a lymphatic drainage device (LDD) for the drainage of accumulated fluid into the venous system.

Methods

Micropore filtering membranes with pore sizes of 5, 0.65, and 0.22 μm polyvinylidene difluoride, and 0.8 μm Nylon Net Filter were evaluated to determine the in vitro efficiency of drainage flow of an LDD. The two superior membranes were further used for the evaluation of the inflow and outflow of the LDD in vivo using 5% albumin.

Results

At 5 minutes, the volumes drained with 5, 0.65, and 0.22 μm polyvinylidene difluoride and 0.8 μm nylon membranes were 15.2, 2.77, 2.37, and 0.59 mL, respectively (P < .01). At 10 minutes, the collected volumes of 5 and 0.65 μm polyvinylidene difluoride were 1788 and 1051 μL (P = .3). The indocyanine green fluorescence was detected at 50 seconds for the 5 μm polyvinylidene difluoride membrane but not for the 0.65 μm membrane.

Conclusions

The study successfully demonstrated the proof‐of‐concept of the LDD prototype that mimicked VLNT with drainage of 5% albumin into the venous system in a rat model.
Does consumer‐firm affiliation matter? The impact of social distance on consumers’ moral judgments
Authors: Lo Carolyn J. , Tsarenko Yelena , Tojib Dewi
Published: September 2019

When the leader of a firm commits a professional transgression, how would customers’ judgments of the transgressor's professional performance and immorality differ from those of noncustomers’? This research answers this question by investigating factors that explain the discrepancy in moral judgments between noncustomers and customers affiliated with the firm of a transgressing leader. Drawing on construal level theory, our two experimental studies consistently demonstrate that relative to high social distance (i.e., noncustomers), low social distance (i.e., customers) leads to more positive judgments of the transgressor's professional performance, but differences in the social distance do not directly lead to disparities in judgments of immorality. Social distance, however, affects both performance and immorality judgments when mediating mechanisms (conscious and nonconscious moral reasoning) are accounted for, such that low social distance indirectly influences customers to be more lenient in not only their performance judgments but also their immorality judgments. This research contributes to the topic of morality that permeates the current discourse on ethical business transgressions and, in particular, to an understanding of specific mechanisms that guide consumers’ moral judgments.
Antiapoptotic properties of MALT1 protease are associated with redox homeostasis in ABC‐DLBCL cells
Authors: Zhu Leqing , Tang Fen , Lei Zhiwei , Guo Chengbin , Song Yueqi , Huang Junqing , Xia Xichun
Published: September 2019

Mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein‐1 (MALT1) protease presents crucial antiapoptotic properties in activated B cell‐like diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (ABC‐DLBCL); however, the mechanism is unclear. Here, we reported that inhibition of MALT1 protease in ABC‐DLBCL cells led to cell apoptosis, along with elevated mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production and a reduced oxygen consumption rate. These alterations induced by MALT1 protease inhibition were associated with reduced expression of glutaminase (GLS1) and glutathione levels. We further show that MALT1 protease was required for the activation and nuclear translocation of c‐Jun, which functions as a transcription factor of the GLS1 gene by binding directly to its promoter region. Taken together, MALT1 protease maintained mitochondrial redox homeostasis and mitochondrial bioenergetics through the MALT1‐c‐Jun‐GLS1‐coupled metabolic pathway to defend against apoptosis in ABC‐DLBCL cells, which raises exciting possibilities regarding targeting of the MALT1‐c‐Jun‐GLS1 axis as a potential therapeutic strategy against ABC‐DLBCL.
Tracheostomy manipulations: Impact on tracheostomy safety
Authors: Espinel Alexandra G , Scriven Kelly , Shah Rahul K
Published: September 2019

Importance

Tracheotomy is one of the riskiest procedures for composite morbidity within pediatric otolaryngology. During the postoperative period, each time the tracheostomy tube is manipulated, there is opportunity for morbidity (e.g. a patient is vulnerable to accidental decannulation and airway loss).

Objective

To identify areas of improvement in caring for “fresh tracheostomy” patients by determining the number of times a tracheostomy tube is manipulated from placement until discharge. The hypothesis is that the more a tracheostomy is manipulated, the higher probability of morbidity.

Methods

A quality improvement initiative was conducted to map the care of patients who underwent tracheostomy placement over 12 months. Tracheostomy care and manipulation by all providers were reviewed. Complications, wound care, and respiratory treatments were also evaluated.

Results

Patients were hospitalized for an average of 39 days (7–140) following tracheostomy. The first tracheostomy tube change occurred on average 6 days (5–10) following placement. Tracheostomy tubes were manipulated an average of 6 (2.5–11.9) times a day to amount to 216 (51–1091) times between placement and discharge. Bedside nurses and respiratory therapists were responsible for 95% of these actions; physicians accounted for 4%. There were 6 tracheostomy related complications. Three were accidental decannulations resulting in cardiopulmonary arrest. One of these caused long term patient morbidity. Patients with more than 4 manipulations per day during the 2 weeks following tracheostomy tube placement, were more likely to have a tracheostomy related complication than those with less than 4 (OR: 12.5; 95% CI: 1.2–130.6; P = 0.0349).

Interpretation

While uncommon, complications related to tracheostomy can have serious long term effects and at best prolongs length of stay for patients. Reducing the number of tracheostomy manipulations may provide safer postoperative care ultimately reducing morbidity and potentially mortality; children on average have 6 tracheotomy manipulations/day with only 2% being by the physician.
Quality of life in children following nasal septal surgery: A review of its outcome
Authors: Saniasiaya Jeyasakthy , Abdullah Baharudin
Published: September 2019

Nasal septal surgery among children remains controversial because of its adverse effect on craniofacial development. Recent studies, however, have demonstrated that early nasal septal correction prevents the midfacial and nasal growth deformity that is the inevitable consequence of nasal septal abnormality. Nasal septal surgery in children has been reported to lead to significant improvement in quality of life. We reviewed the existing literature to evaluate the outcomes of pediatric nasal septal surgery.
The use of biologics in children with allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis: Current updates
Authors: Shinee Tan , Sutikno Budi , Abdullah Baharudin
Published: September 2019

The therapeutic goals of the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are symptom relief, avoiding complications, and improving quality of life. In the treatment of AR and CRS, several limitations of currently prescribed medicines have been identified. Antihistamine administration (both oral and topical) together with intranasal corticosteroids bring relief to the majority of patients, but their dependency on the medications and a necessity to maintain strict compliance with regular medication regimes pose a challenge. Immunotherapeutic agents are an option in some patients, but polysensitized patients, the risk of anaphylaxis, and the need for daily administration for years are limiting it from becoming the main therapy modality. Immunotherapy in any form requires commitment by the patient, which renders adherence and compliance issues particularly relevant. The procedure involved are generally time‐consuming and entail an associated risk of severe adverse reactions. The use of biologics could overcome the limitations of other therapeutic modalities. They could be used as a monotherapy or combined with pre‐existing medications. The benefits of targeted therapy include less adverse effects and optimal efficacy. The aim of the present review was to investigate the collective literature to date pertaining to the role of biologics in managing children with AR and CRS.
Aspiration of a drug in a blister pack
Authors: Mori Masataka , Kusanagi Kasumi , Ashikari Shuhei , Iwanami Takashi , Yasuda Manabu , Hanagiri Takeshi
Published: September 2019

We report a rare case of aspiration of a drug in a press‐through package (PTP) treated by not just pulling it but using a unique technique. A 73‐year‐old woman was referred to our department because of a persistent cough resulting from aspiration of a PTP. Flexible bronchoscopy identified the PTP in the trachea immediately above the carina. Just pulling the centre of the PTP edge with biopsy forceps could not move it, and we then rotated it by pulling the corner of the PTP edge to directly below the vocal cord. Passing over the vocal cord was difficult, which made us remove the bronchoscope and urge the patient to cough. These rotation techniques and voluntary coughing successfully removed the foreign body. This unique procedure may aid in the removal of a similar foreign body using a flexible bronchoscope forceps with insufficient grasping force.
Using acoustic metrics to characterize underwater acoustic biodiversity in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Roca Irene T. , Van Opzeeland Ilse
Published: September 2019

Acoustic metrics (AM) assist our interpretation of acoustic environments by aggregating a complex signal into a unique number. Numerous AM have been developed for terrestrial ecosystems, with applications ranging from rapid biodiversity assessments to characterizing habitat quality. However, there has been comparatively little research aimed at understanding how these metrics perform to characterize the acoustic features of marine habitats and their relation with ecosystem biodiversity. Our objectives were to 1) assess whether AM are able to capture the spectral and temporal differences between two distinct Antarctic marine acoustic environment types (i.e., pelagic vs. on‐shelf), 2) evaluate the performance of a combination of AM compared to the signal full frequency spectrum to characterize marine mammals acoustic assemblages (i.e., species richness–SR–and species identity) and 3) estimate the contribution of SR to the local marine acoustic heterogeneity measured by single AM. We used 23 different AM to develop a supervised machine learning approach to discriminate between acoustic environments. AM performance was similar to the full spectrum, achieving correct classifications for SR levels of 58% and 92% for pelagic and on‐shelf sites respectively and > 88% for species identities. Our analyses show that a combination of AM is a promising approach to characterize marine acoustic communities. It allows an intuitive ecological interpretation of passive acoustic data, which in the light of ongoing environmental changes, supports the holistic approach needed to detect and understand trends in species diversity, acoustic communities and underwater habitat quality.
Selective Fluorescent Turn‐Off Detection of Picric Acid Using a Novel Tripodal Supramolecular Triazole‐Trindane‐Based Receptor
Authors: Bharadwaj Vinita , Park Jung Eun , Sahoo Suban K , Choi Heung‐Jin
Published: September 2019

Applying click chemistry, a new C3v‐symmetric tripodal supramolecular receptor L based on para‐nitrophenyl triazole trindane platform was introduced for the fluorescent turn‐off sensing of picric acid (PA). The selectivity of the receptor L was examined towards various nitroaromatic compounds, such as picric acid, 4‐nitrotoluene, 1‐chloro‐4‐nitrobenzene, m‐dinitrobenzene, 3‐nitrotoluene, 2‐nitrotoluene, nitrobenzene, p‐nitrophenol and 1‐chloro‐2‐nitrobenzene in aqueous DMSO medium. With micromolar detection limit, the receptor L showed selective fluorescence quenching at 421 nm in the presence of PA due to the energy transfer occurred from the receptor L to PA. The interaction between the receptor L and PA was complemented with the quantum mechanical calculations. Finally, the practical utility of L was validated by monitoring PA concentration in various real environmental water samples.
Co(II)‐Porphyrin Immobilized on Graphene Oxide: An Efficient Catalyst for the Beckmann Rearrangement
Authors: Ghadamyari Zohreh , Khojastehnezhad Amir , Seyedi Seyed Mohammad , Shiri Ali
Published: September 2019

In this report, the synthesis of amides from aldoximes (Beckmann rearrangement) has been reported using cobalt(II) porphyrin covalently linked to graphene oxide as a nano heterogeneous catalyst. The prepared catalyst was characterized by applying of FT‐IR, TGA, TEM, SEM, EDX, ICP and UV‐Vis techniques. All analyses confirm the successful insertion of cobalt into the porphyrin ring and covalently linkage of Co‐Porphyrin on the graphene oxide. Moreover, the prepared catalyst was applied in order to investigate its performance in the Beckmann rearrangement. This heterogeneous catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic efficiency with a high yield of products. Also, the suggested catalyst could be recycled for five runs without a dramatic decrease in its catalytic activity or metal leaching.
A Spirobixanthene‐Based Dendrimeric Hole‐Transporting Material for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yu Wei , Zhang Jinhui , Tu Dandan , Yang Qing , Wang Xuchao , Liu Xuan , Cheng Feng , Qiao Yu , Li Gang , Guo Xin , Li Can
Published: September 2019

A dendrimer based on a spirobixanthene core, termed DH1, is designed and synthesized as a hole‐transporting material (HTM) for perovskite solar cells (PSCs). DH1 showing a hyperbranched structure with methoxydiphenylamine carbazole dendrons stretching outward along the para‐phenylene spacer acquires a large molecular size of up to 1.9 nm, which favors good thermal stability and amorphous property. The thus obtained DH1‐based pinhole‐free film as a hole‐transport layer results in a power conversion efficiency of 17.13% and reduced hysteresis behavior of MAPbI3‐based planar PSCs. This work provides the first example of the use of dendrimer‐type HTM for PSC application, demonstrating a promising approach to design HTMs in a quasiglobular dendrimer with a large molecular size.
Antioxidant Properties of Rye Starch Films Containing Rosehip Extract and Their Application in Packaging of Chicken Breast
Authors: Go Eun‐Jeong , Song Kyung Bin
Published: September 2019

Starch is extracted from rye and used as a film base material to develop a new biodegradable film. Different concentrations (0.4, 0.7, and 1.0 g per 100 mL) of rosehip extract (RHE) are incorporated as active materials to enhance the physicochemical properties of rye starch films. As the RHE concentration increases, the tensile strength of rye starch films decreases and elongation at break increases, resulting in improved flexibility of the films. The optical properties of the films are also enhanced by increasing opacity and decreasing light transmittance. Ultraviolet light is completely blocked. The antioxidant activities of the films are determined by evaluating 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities. The highest ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities are observed for 1.0% RHE films (96.87% and 80.22%, respectively). Chicken breast samples wrapped with the 1.0% RHE film have lower peroxide and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values than samples wrapped with film not containing RHE as well as the non‐packaged control, suggesting that lipid oxidation in the chicken breast is inhibited by the inclusion of RHE. The results indicate that rye starch films incorporated with RHE can be used as an active packaging material to retard lipid oxidation in foods.
Hybrid Reaction Systems for the Synthesis of Alkylated Compounds Based upon Cu‐Catalyzed Coupling of Radicals and Organometallic Species
Authors: Takeuchi Kentaro , Murata Yumi , Hirata Goki , Sheppard Tom D. , Nishikata Takashi
Published: September 2019

A transition metal catalyzed alkylation with an alkyl halide is one of the most difficult reactions to achieve, because of the difficult oxidative addition of an alkyl‐halogen bond to a metal, and the tendency of the resulting alkylmetal intermediate to undergo a β‐hydride elimination reaction to give an olefin. In this review, we discuss hybrid reaction systems involving Cu catalyzed combination of radicals and organometallic species, which enable facile alkylation reactions to construct C−C and C‐heteroatom bonds. This paper highlights recent progress in arylation, alkenylation, alkynylation, cyclization, addition and introduction of heteroatoms via these hybrid reaction systems.
Application of coagulation‐ultrafiltration‐nanofiltration in a pilot study for Tai Lake water treatment
Authors: Li Tian , Zhang Yunlu , Gui Bo , Gao Kuo , Zhao Qingqing , Qu Ruixin , Liu Tuodong , Hoffmann Michael , Staaks Christian , Dong Bingzhi
Published: September 2019

In this study, the inline coagulation was combined with ultrafiltration and nanofiltration (UF‐NF) in a pilot study for Tai Lake water treatment. The results showed that the combination process was very effective for Tai Lake water treatment in terms of organic removal and membrane fouling control. With inline coagulation, no irreversible membrane fouling was observed for either UF or NF at fluxes of 65–90 and 22–26 L/(m2 hr), respectively. The membrane foulants were analyzed, and the results indicated that the low molecular weight fractions in the feed were main membrane fouling contributors for both UF and NF, where hydrophilic substances and proteins, as well as neutral substances and humic acids with polycarboxyl groups, contributed significantly to UF and NF membrane fouling, respectively. Compared with direct UF‐NF filtration without coagulation, the coagulants could aggregate organic micromolecules for cake formation. With inline coagulation, the moving flocs could generate shear stress to scrub the membrane surface for fouling control of UF. Moreover, with inline coagulation, the organics removal efficiency could be further increased by 10%–20%. With NF, the permeate had a TOC concentration of less than 0.5 mg/L, satisfying the drinking water quality. Therefore, the coagulation‐UF‐NF is very useful for Tai Lake water treatment.

Practitioner points

Inline coagulation‐UF‐NF for Tai Lake Water treatment is implemented.

Inline coagulation can aggregate hydrophilic substances to reduce membrane fouling.

Moving flocs produce shear stress for fouling control of UF‐NF.

Superior quality of permeate is achieved with the combined coagulation‐UF‐NF process.
High-resolution mapping of a major and consensus quantitative trait locus for oil content to a ~ 0.8-Mb region on chromosome A08 in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Liu Nian , Guo Jianbin , Zhou Xiaojing , Wu Bei , Huang Li , Luo Huaiyong , Chen Yuning , Chen Weigang , Lei Yong , Huang Yi , Liao Boshou , Jiang Huifang
Published: September 2019

Key message

ddRAD-seq-based high-density genetic map comprising 2595 loci identified a major and consensus QTL with a linked marker in a 0.8-Mb physical interval for oil content in peanut.

Enhancing oil content is an important breeding objective in peanut. High-resolution mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) with linked markers could facilitate marker-assisted selection in breeding for target traits. In the present study, a recombined inbred line population (Xuhua 13 × Zhonghua 6) was used to construct a genetic map based on double-digest restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-seq). The resulting high-density genetic map contained 2595 loci, and spanned a length of 2465.62 cM, with an average distance of 0.95 cM/locus. Seven QTLs for oil content were identified on five linkage groups, including the major and stable QTL qOCA08.1 on chromosome A08 with 10.14–27.19% phenotypic variation explained. The physical interval of qOCA08.1 was further delimited to a ~ 0.8-Mb genomic region where two genes affecting oil synthesis had been annotated. The marker SNPOCA08 was developed targeting the SNP loci associated with oil content and validated in peanut cultivars with diverse oil contents. The major and stable QTL identified in the present study could be further dissected for gene discovery. Furthermore, the tightly linked marker for oil content would be useful in marker-assisted breeding in peanut.
Incidence of major depression diagnoses in the Canadian Armed Forces: longitudinal analysis of clinical and health administrative data
Authors: Thériault François L. , Hawes R. A. , Garber B. G. , Momoli F. , Gardner W. , Zamorski M. A. , Colman I.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Major depression is a leading cause of morbidity in military populations. However, due to a lack of longitudinal data, little is known about the rate at which military personnel experience the onset of new episodes of major depression. We used a new source of clinical and administrative data to estimate the incidence of major depression diagnoses in Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel, and to compare incidence rates between demographic and occupational factors.

Methods

We extracted all data recorded in the electronic medical records of CAF Regular Force personnel, at every primary care and mental health clinical encounter since 2016. Using a 12-month lookback period, we linked data over time, and identified all patients with incident diagnoses of major depression. We then linked clinical data to CAF administrative records, and estimated incidence rates. We used multivariate Poisson regression to compare adjusted incidence rates between demographic and occupational factors.

Results

From January to December 2017, CAF Regular Force personnel were diagnosed with major depression at a rate of 29.2 new cases per 1000 person-years at risk. Female sex, age 30 years and older, and non-officer ranks were associated with significantly higher incidence rates.

Conclusions

We completed the largest study to date on diagnoses of major depression in the Canadian military, and have provided the first estimates of incidence rates in CAF personnel. Our results can inform future mental health resource allocation, and ongoing major depression prevention efforts within the Canadian Armed Forces and other military organizations.
Acute ACL reconstruction shows superior clinical results and can be performed safely without an increased risk of developing arthrofibrosis
Authors: von Essen Christoffer , Eriksson Karl , Barenius Björn
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To compare acute ACL reconstruction (ACLR) within 8 days of injury with delayed reconstruction after normalized range of motion (ROM), 6–10 weeks after injury. It was hypothesized that acute ACL reconstruction with modern techniques is safe and can be beneficial in terms of patient-reported outcomes and range of motion.

Methods

The effect of acute and delayed ACLR was randomized studied on 70 patients with high recreational activity level, Tegner level 6 or more, between 2006 and 2013. Patient-reported outcomes, objective IKDC, KOOS, and manual stability measurements were documented during the 24-month follow-up period.

Results

The acute ACLR group did not result in increased stiffness and showed superior outcome regarding strength and how the patient felt their knee functioning at 24 months. In addition, the acute group was not inferior to the delayed group in any assessment. Regarding patient-related outcomes in KOOS, both groups showed significant improvements in all subscales, but no difference was found between the groups. Functional return (FR) rate was almost double compared to the Swedish knee ligament register and treatment failure (TF) rate was reduced by half, no significant difference between the groups. No difference regarding cyclops removal, re-injury of ACL or meniscus was found between the two surgical timing groups.

Conclusion

Acute ACLR within 8 days of injury does not appear to adversely affect ROM or result in increased stiffness in the knee joint and was not inferior to the delayed group in any assessment when compared to delayed surgery.

Level of evidence

I.
Naturally occurring mixtures of Alternaria toxins: anti-estrogenic and genotoxic effects in vitro
Authors: Aichinger Georg , Krüger Franziska , Puntscher Hannes , Preindl Karin , Warth Benedikt , Marko Doris
Published: September 2019

Alternaria molds can produce a variety of different mycotoxins, often resulting in food contamination with chemical mixtures, posing a challenge for risk assessment. Some of these metabolites possess estrogenic properties, an effect whose toxicological relevance is questioned in the light of the strong genotoxic and cytotoxic properties of co-occurring toxins. Thus, we tested a complex extract from A. alternata for estrogenic properties in Ishikawa cells. By assessing alkaline phosphatase activity, we did not observe estrogen receptor (ER) activation at non-cytotoxic concentrations (≤ 10 µg/ml). Furthermore, an extract stripped of highly genotoxic perylene quinones also did not mediate estrogenic effects, despite diminished genotoxic properties in the comet assay (≥ 10 µg/ml). Interestingly, both extracts impaired the estrogenicity of 17β-estradiol (E2) at non-cytotoxic concentrations (5–10 µg/ml), indicating anti-estrogenic effects which could not be explained by the presence of known mycoestrogens. A mechanism for this unexpected result might be the activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) by Alternaria metabolites, as indicated by the induction of CYP1A1 transcription. While a direct influence on the metabolism of E2 could not be confirmed by LC–MS/MS, literature describing a direct interplay of the AhR with estrogenic pathways points to a corresponding mode of action. Taken together, the present study indicates AhR-mediated anti-estrogenic effects as a novel mechanism of naturally co-occurring Alternaria toxin mixtures. Furthermore, our results confirm their genotoxic activity and raise questions about the contribution of still undiscovered metabolites to toxicological properties.