bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Determination and Analysis of Major Ginsenosides in Wild American Ginseng Grown in Tennessee
Authors: Liang Jian , Chen Li , Guo Yu‐Hang , Zhang Mengliang , Gao Ying
Published: June 2019

Ginsenosides are the major constituent that is responsible for the health effects of American ginseng. The ginsenoside profile of wild American ginseng is ultimately the result of germplasm, climate, geography, vegetation species, water, and soil conditions. This is the first report to address the ginsenoside profile of wild American ginseng grown in Tennessee (TN), the third leading state for production of wild American ginseng. In the present study, ten major ginsenosides in wild American ginseng roots grown in TN, including Rb1, Rb2, Rb3, Rc, Rd, Re, Rf, Rg1, Rg2, and Rg3, were determined simultaneously. The chemotypic differences among TN wild ginseng, cultivated American ginseng, and Asian ginseng were assessed based on the widely used markers of ginsenoside profiling, including the top three ginsenosides, ratios of PPD/PPT, Rg1/Rb1, Rg1/Re, and Rb2/Rc. Our findings showed marked variation in ginsenoside profile for TN wild ginseng populations. Nevertheless, TN wild ginseng has significant higher ginsenoside content and more ginsenoside diversity than the cultivated ginseng. The total ginsenoside content in TN wild ginseng, as well as ginsenosides Rg1 and Re, increases with the age of the roots. Marked chemotypic differences between TN wild ginseng and cultivated American ginseng were observed based on the chemotypic markers. Surprisingly, we found that TN wild ginseng is close to Asian ginseng with regard to these characteristics in chemical composition. This study verified an accessible method to scientifically elucidate the difference in chemical constituents to distinguish wild from the cultivated American ginseng. This work is critical for the ecological and biological assessments of wild American ginseng so as to facilitate long‐term sustainability of the wild population.
Squamoid eccrine ductal carcinoma of the ear helix
Authors: Yim Sunmin , Lee Yun Ho , Chae Seoung Wan , Kim Won‐Serk
Published: June 2019

Key Clinical Message

Chronic cutaneous ulcer on the ear helix of 80‐year‐old male was diagnosed with squamoid eccrine ductal carcinoma (SEDC). SEDC is characterized by both atypical squamous and ductal differentiation. SEDC frequently appears on sun‐exposed areas. It could show local recurrence despite complete resection. These characteristics demand cautious attention to SEDC.
Successful determination of nilotinib dosage by therapeutic drug monitoring in a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia developing hepatic dysfunction: A case report
Authors: Nakahara Ryosuke , Sumimoto Takahiro , Ogata Masao , Sato Yuhki , Itoh Hiroki
Published: June 2019

Fixed dosage regimen is currently the standard therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). This case report demonstrates successful determination of nilotinib dosage by therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). TDM may provide useful marker for individualized dosing of TKI for the treatment of CML.
Distributed process monitoring framework based on decomposed modified partial least squares
Authors: Rong Mengyu , Shi Hongbo , Wang Fan , Tan Shuai
Published: June 2019

With the growing complexity of industrial processes, the scale of production processes tends to be large. The significant amount of measurement data in large‐scale processes poses challenges in data collection, management, and storage. In order to perform effective process monitoring in large‐scale processes, the distributed process monitoring strategy is widely applied. Meanwhile, product quality is an important indicator for industrial production. Therefore, a novel quality‐based distributed process monitoring scheme is proposed. Firstly, the Girvan‐Newman (GN) algorithm in complex network divides process variables into multiple sub‐blocks. Secondly, greedy algorithm‐based high‐dimensional mutual information (HDMI) is used to extract quality‐related variables in each sub‐block, through which the irrelevant and redundant variables are eliminated. Thirdly, the decomposed modified partial least squares (DMPLS) approach is used to detect whether a fault is quality‐related or not in each sub‐block. Finally, the Bayesian inference strategy is adopted to combine the detection results of all sub‐blocks. The effectiveness of the distributed DMPLS approach is illustrated through a numerical simulation and the Tennessee Eastman (TE) process. The results show the superiority of our proposed monitoring scheme.
Comparison of methods for assigning the material properties of the distraction callus in computational models
Authors: Mora‐Macías Juan , Giráldez‐Sánchez Miguel Ángel , López Melchor , Domínguez Jaime , Reina‐Romo María Esther
Published: June 2019

In silico models of distraction osteogenesis and fracture healing usually assume constant mechanical properties for the new bone tissue generated. In addition, these models do not always account for the porosity of the woven bone and its evolution. In this study, finite element analyses based on computed tomography (CT) are used to predict the stiffness of the callus until 69 weeks after surgery using 15 CT images obtained at different stages of an experiment on bone transport, technique in which distraction osteogenesis is used to correct bone defects. Three different approaches were used to assign the mechanical properties to the new bone tissue. First, constant mechanical properties of the hard callus tissue and no porosity were assumed. Nevertheless, this approach did not show good correlations. Second, random variations in the elastic modulus and porosity of the woven bone were taken from previous experimental studies. Finally, the elastic properties of each element were assigned depending on gray scale in CT images. The numerically predicted callus stiffness was compared with previous in vivo measurements. It was concluded firstly that assignment depending on gray scale is the method that provides the best results and secondly that the method that considers a random distribution of porosity and elastic modulus of the callus is also suitable to predict the callus stiffness from 15 weeks after surgery. This finding provides a method for assigning the material properties of the distraction callus, which does not require CT images and may contribute to improve current in silico models.
Clinical Evaluation of the Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Inhibition of Platelet Aggregation of Eptifibatide in Healthy Chinese Subjects
Authors: Liu Li , Ding Yanhua , Jiao Zheng , Wu Min , Li Cuiyun , Liu Jingrui , Liu Chengjiao , Hu Yue , Li Qingmei , Zhang Hong
Published: June 2019

The present study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic properties and antiplatelet aggregation activity of eptifibatide in healthy Chinese subjects. Eptifibatide (180 μg/kg) was administrated by 2 bolus injections 10 minutes apart, followed by a 2.0 μg/kg/min infusion for 24 hours. The eptifibatide pharmacokinetic and antiplatelet aggregation activities were evaluated using nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling and noncompartmental analysis. Safety assessments included adverse events, hematology, and biochemistry tests. Twelve Chinese healthy subjects were enrolled and completed the study. Steady‐state concentrations were achieved at 0.5 to 24 hours after dosing. The median time to maximum concentration was 13 minutes, and the mean terminal elimination half‐life was 148.19 minutes. The effective inhibition of platelet aggregation (<20% platelet aggregation) occurred by 3 minutes after starting dosing to 4 hours after termination of the infusion. Eptifibatide concentrations were fitted with a 3‐compartment model, and the typical value of clearance was 0.11 L/min, with no significant covariates found. Three mild adverse events were detected in the study. Eptifibatide displays high sensitivity and excellent tolerability in healthy Chinese subjects. The dosage of eptifibatide recommended on the label for whites can effectively inhibit platelet aggregation.
Concept of temporal data retrieval: Undefined value management
Authors: Kvet Michal , Toth Stefan , Krsak Emil
Published: June 2019

Data reliability is the main part of the intelligence of current information systems. Objects can change their status anytime, highlighting the validity frame. Several solutions and architectures have been developed in the recent past to cover the complexity of data management over the whole life cycle. The common and most significant aspect is just the validity and correctness of the stored data tuples. Solutions, where data were updated always synchronously in strictly defined time points, frequency, and granularity, are over. Therefore, it is inevitable to create a solution suitable for the particular system to reach the best performance. We reference an attribute‐oriented temporal model with reflection on data grouping technologies. Many times, there is a case, during which the object is defined only partially or data tuple is not present at all. For these reasons, undefined values must be stored in the database in the form of time itself or attribute expressing the state of the object. This paper deals with time‐oriented database architectures, manages undefined values, and proposes a complex system classification based on transactions, approaches, and indexes. It deals with techniques to model undefined values and covers synchronization processes using data groups. We propose solutions for effective data retrieval with an emphasis on undefined values and states.
Machine learning algorithms to detect DDoS attacks in SDN
Authors: Santos Reneilson , Souza Danilo , Santo Walter , Ribeiro Admilson , Moreno Edward
Published: June 2019

Summary Software‐Defined Networking (SDN) is an emerging network paradigm that has gained significant traction from many researchers to address the requirement of current data centers. Although central control is the major advantage of SDN, it is also a single point of failure if it is made unreachable by a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack. Despite the large number of traditional detection solutions that exist currently, DDoS attacks continue to grow in frequency, volume, and severity. This paper brings an analysis of the problem and suggests the implementation of four machine learning algorithms (SVM, MLP, Decision Tree, and Random Forest) with the purpose of classifying DDoS attacks in an SDN simulated environment (Mininet 2.2.2). With this goal, the DDoS attacks were simulated using the Scapy tool with a list of valid IPs, acquiring, as a result, the best accuracy with the Random Forest algorithm and the best processing time with the Decision Tree algorithm. Moreover, it is shown the most important features to classify DDoS attacks and some drawbacks in the implementation of a classifier to detect the three kinds of DDoS attacks discussed in this paper (controller attack, flow‐table attack, and bandwidth attack).
Innovation for sustainable development in the food industry: Retro and forward‐looking innovation approaches to improve quality and healthiness
Authors: León‐Bravo Verónica , Moretto Antonella , Cagliano Raffaella , Caniato Federico
Published: June 2019

Sustainable development in the food industry requires companies to be more innovative with their products and supply chain as a strategy for developing healthier and higher quality food products, and achieving better economic, environmental, and social performance. A clear path to follow when companies decide to develop innovations for sustainability is still lacking, especially with a focus on quality and healthiness. This study analyzes six case studies in the food industry in Italy, identifying two innovative approaches towards sustainable development for quality and healthiness, namely, forward‐looking innovation and retro‐innovation. The first one represents a typical business model redesign oriented to sustainability, that is, developing new products and reconfiguring the supply chain processes for entering new market segments, applied mainly in smaller companies. The second one, indeed, implies a supply chain restructuring strategy while going back to traditional agricultural processes, especially applied in companies with standard or certified products. Both approaches target sustainability performances and allow an improvement of food quality and healthiness.
Nickel‐Based Transition Metal Nitride Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Tareen Ayesha Khan , Priyanga G. Sudha , Khan Karim , Pervaiz Erum , Thomas Tiju , Yang Minghui
Published: June 2019

Electrocatalysis is an efficient and promising means of energy conversion, with minimal environmental footprint. To enhance reaction rates, catalysts are required to minimize overpotential. Alternatives to noble metal electrocatalysts are essential to address these needs on a large scale. In this context, transition metal nitride (TMN) nanoparticles have attracted much attention owing to their high catalytic activity, distinctive electronic structures, and enhanced surface morphologies. Nickel‐based materials are an ideal choice for electrocatalysts given nickel's abundance and low cost in comparison to noble metals. In this Minireview, advancements made specifically in Ni‐based binary and ternary TMNs as electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are critically evaluated. When used as OER electrocatalysts, Ni‐based nanomaterials with 3 D architectures on a suitable support (e.g., a foam support) speed up electron transfer as a result of well‐oriented crystal structures and also assist intermediate diffusion, during reaction, of evolved gases. 2 D Ni‐based nitride sheet materials synthesized without supports usually perform better than 3 D supported electrocatalysts. The focus of this Minireview is a systematic description of OER activity for state‐of‐the‐art Ni‐based nitrides as nanostructured electrocatalysts.
A High‐Sensitivity 10‐Color Flow Cytometric Minimal Residual Disease Assay in B‐Lymphoblastic Leukemia/Lymphoma Can Easily Achieve the Sensitivity of 2‐in‐106and Is Superior to Standard Minimal Residual Disease Assay: A Study of 622 Patients
Authors: Tembhare Prashant R. , Subramanian PG Papagudi G. , Ghogale Sitaram , Chatterjee Gaurav , Patkar Nikhil V. , Gupta Avinash , Shukla Rahul , Badrinath Yajamanam , Deshpande Nilesh , Narula Gaurav , Rodrigues Pearl , Girase Karishma , Dhaliwal Dilshad , Prasad Maya , Shetty Dhanalaxmi , Banavali Shripad , Gujral Sumeet
Published: June 2019

Background

Flow‐cytometric minimal residual disease (FC‐MRD) monitoring is a well‐established risk‐stratification factor in B‐lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (‐B‐ALL) and is being considered as a basis for deintensification or escalation in treatment protocols. However, currently practiced standard FC‐MRD has limited sensitivity (up to 0.01%) and higher false MRD‐negative rate. Hence, a highly sensitive, widely applicable, and easily reproducible FC‐MRD assay is needed, which can provide a reliable basis for therapeutic modifications.

Methods

A 10‐color high‐event analysis FC‐MRD assay was studied for the evaluation of MRD status at postinduction, (PI; day‐35), postconsolidation, (PC; day‐78), and subsequent follow‐up time‐points (SFU) in bone marrow samples from pediatric B‐ALL.

Results

One‐thousand MRD samples (PI‐62.2%; PC‐26.5%; and SFU‐11.3%) from 622 childhood B‐ALL patients were studied. High‐event analysis was performed with median 4,452,000 events (range, 839,000 to 8,866,000 events) and >4 million events in 71% samples. MRD was measurable in 43.2% of PI‐samples, in 29.4% PC‐samples, and in 32.7% SFU‐samples. To simulate comparison with standard FC‐MRD, we reanalyzed MRD results gating only first 500,000 and first 1000,000 events in 122 PI‐MRD positive samples with MRD levels <0.02%. Of these samples gated for 500,000 events and 1000,000 events, 32% and 21.3% were found to be falsely MRD‐negative, respectively.

Conclusions

We report an easily reproducible high‐sensitivity 10‐color FC‐MRD assay with the sensitivity of 2‐in‐106(0.0002%). It allowed the detection of low‐level MRD in samples, which could have been reported negative using the standard FC‐MRD with limited event analysis. Thus, this high‐sensitivity MRD‐methodology can provide a reliable basis for therapeutic modifications in B‐ALL. © 2019 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Essential waters: Young bull sharks in Fiji's largest riverine system
Authors: Glaus Kerstin B. J. , Brunnschweiler Juerg M. , Piovano Susanna , Mescam Gauthier , Genter Franziska , Fluekiger Pascal , Rico Ciro
Published: June 2019

Coastal and estuarine systems provide critical shark habitats due to their relatively high productivity and shallow, protected waters. The young (neonates, young‐of‐the‐year, and juveniles) of many coastal shark species occupy a diverse range of habitats and areas where they experience environmental variability, including acute and seasonal shifts in local salinities and temperatures. Although the location and functioning of essential shark habitats has been a focus in recent shark research, there is a paucity of data from the South Pacific. In this study, we document the temporal and spatial distribution, age class composition, and environmental parameters of young bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) in the Rewa, Sigatoka, and Navua Rivers, Fiji's three largest riverine systems. One hundred and seventy‐two young bull sharks were captured in fisheries‐independent surveys from January 2016 to April 2018. The vast majority of the captures were neonates. Seasonality in patterns of occurrence of neonate individuals suggests a defined parturition period during summer. Environmental parameters between the Rewa and the Sigatoka River differed significantly, as did the recorded young bull sharks abundance. According to the surveys, young bull sharks occur in all three rivers with the Rewa River likely representing essential habitat for newly born bull sharks. These results enhance the understanding of bull shark ecology in Fiji and provide a scientific basis for the implementation of local conservation strategies that contribute to the protection of critical habitats.
Polar and Nonpolar Matrix Consisting of Twined Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube and High Nitrogen‐Doped Porous Carbon Derived from Ionic Liquid for Stable Li‐S Battery
Authors: Wang Zhijin , Cheng Juanjuan , Song Hongjia , Xue Dan , Zhong Xiangli , Wang Jinbin
Published: June 2019

Lithium–sulfur batteries are recognized as high energy density systems. However, due to the reproducibility of nonpolar S8, polar polysulfide intermediates and the final Li2S during cycling, developing an effective matrix to reduce sulfur consumption in the cathode and improve the cycle stability is still challenging. Herein, a polar and nonpolar matrix consisting of twined multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and high nitrogen‐doped porous carbon is designed, in which the twined MWCNT could provide the nonpolar and physical bind, meanwhile, the N‐enriched porous carbon derived from ionic liquid could provide polar and chemical anchoring. The composite is prepared by carbonizing the 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium dicyanamide (Emim‐dca) ionic liquid, which is loaded on the intertwined MWCNT. The ionic‐liquid‐derived composite material shows more microporous and low‐diameter mesoporous structures than intertwined MWCNT, and the nitrogen content reaches 7.42 At%. Assembled in lithium–sulfur batteries, the specific capacity of the battery reaches 1558.6 mAh g−1 at the first cycle of 0.1 C. After the 300 times cycling at 1 C, the specific capacity still remains 614.34 mAh g−1 and the attenuation is only 0.021% for each cycle. Moreover, the attenuation in the changing rate charge–discharge test is weaker than the pure intertwined MWCNT composite cathode.
Analysis of antioxidant effect of two tripeptides isolated from fermented grains (Jiupei) and the antioxidative interaction with 4‐methylguaiacol, 4‐ethylguaiacol, and vanillin
Authors: Jiang Yunsong , Zhao Dongrui , Sun Jinyuan , Luo Xuelian , Li Hehe , Sun Xiaotao , Zheng Fuping
Published: June 2019

Jiupei (fermented grains) is the raw material for Baijiu distillation. The antioxidant activities of peptides Val‐Asn‐Pro (VNP) and Tyr‐Gly‐Asp (YGD) identified from Jiupei were evaluated according to in vitro chemical assays (e.g., 2,2′‐azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) diammonium salt, 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity) and 2,2′‐azobis (2‐methylpropionamide)‐dihydrochloride‐activated HepG2 cell model. The interaction on antioxidant activities between peptides (VNP and YGD) and three functional phenols (4‐methylguaiacol, 4‐ethylguaiacol, and vanillin) which were found in Baijiu was also measured. On the basis of the results, two peptides exhibited strong antioxidant ability in oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. Furthermore, they suppressed the generation of reactive oxygen species. The intracellular antioxidant enzymatic system and nonenzymatic system were also regulated by VNP and YGD. In addition, it was confirmed that partial auxo‐action between peptides and phenols appeared mostly in chemical assays. The findings above might indicate that VNP and YGD are potent natural antioxidants in Jiupei even in Baijiu through distillation process and lay the foundation for illustrating the interactions among different functional substances in Baijiu.
Accuracy evaluation of automated electrochemiluminescence immunoassay for everolimus and sirolimus compared to liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Lee Eun Jin , Kim Hyun‐Ki , Ahn Sunyoung , Lee Woochang , Kim Hyun Soo , Chun Sail , Min Won‐Ki
Published: June 2019

Background

We evaluated the analytical performance of a newly developed electrochemiluminescence immunoassay for everolimus and sirolimus compared to that of liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS).

Methods

According to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines, the analytical performance including precision, recovery, linearity, and carryover was evaluated. For correlation evaluation, the results of Elecsys® analysis of everolimus and sirolimus were compared with those of LC‐MS/MS using 120 samples from patients treated with everolimus or sirolimus.

Results

The within‐run and total imprecision values were as follows: 2.3%‐4.5% and 4.5%‐6.4% for the everolimus assay; 3.3%‐4.8% and 4.7%‐8.1% for the sirolimus assay, respectively. The measured concentration was linear over the range of 0.718‐27.585 ng/mL for everolimus analysis and 0.789‐26.880 ng/mL for sirolimus analysis (all R2 > 0.99). Recovery was 93.5%‐105.5% for the everolimus assay and 99.2%‐109.1% for the sirolimus assay (except lowest levels). Carryover was −1.09% for the everolimus assay and −0.12% for the sirolimus assay. The results of the two chemiluminescence immunoassays showed acceptable correlations with those of LC‐MS/MS (R = 0.9585 and R = 0.9799, respectively). The two immunoassays showed slightly proportional biases compared to LC‐MS/MS.

Conclusion

Elecsys® Everolimus and Sirolimus assays showed acceptable analytical performance in precision, linearity, and correlation compared to LC‐MS/MS These methods can be adopted in the clinical laboratory for rapid therapeutic drug monitoring of patients who require treatment with immunosuppressants.
Serum ubiquitin C‐terminal hydrolase L1 predicts cognitive impairment in patients with acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning
Authors: Pang Li , Liu Junlan , Li Wei , Xia Yan , Xing Jihong
Published: June 2019

Background

To assess the usefulness of serum C‐terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH‐L1) level as a biomarker for predicting cognitive impairment in patients with acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning (AOPP).

Methods

Two hundred and seven adult patients with AOPP were included in this study. Serum UCH‐L1 levels were assessed on admission (Day 1 postpoisoning) and on Days 3 and 7 postpoisoning. The associations between serum UCH‐L1 levels, other clinical predictors, and cognitive function evaluated on Day 30 postpoisoning were investigated.

Results

On multivariate analysis, serum UCH‐L1 levels on admission (odds ratio [OR] 1.889, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.609‐3.082, P = 0.002) and 24‐hour APACHE II score (OR 1.736, 95% CI 1.264‐3.272, P = 0.012) were independent predictors of cognitive impairment on Day 30 postpoisoning. Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve, serum UCH‐L1 levels >5.9 ng/mL on admission predicted cognitive impairment on Day 30 postpoisoning with 86.1% sensitivity and 72.5% specificity (area under the curve, 0.869; 95% CI 0.815‐0.923). On admission [8.51 (6.53‐10.22) ng/mL vs 4.25 (2.57‐6.31) ng/mL, P < 0.001] and Day 3 [9.31 (7.92‐10.98) ng/mL vs 3.32 (2.25‐5.13) ng/mL, P < 0.001] and Day 7 [4.96 (3.28‐7.26) ng/mL vs 2.27 (1.55‐3.24) ng/mL, P < 0.001] postpoisoning, serum UCH‐L1 concentration was significantly higher in patients that developed cognitive impairment compared to those that did not.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that serum UCH‐L1 level has potential as a novel biomarker for predicting cognitive impairment 30 days after AOPP.
The association between the ApoE polymorphisms and the MRI‐defined intracranial lesions in a cohort of southern China population
Authors: Li Zhuoran , Yang Na , Lei Xiuxia , Lin Chuying , Li Nan , Jiang Xinqing , Wei Xinhua , Xu Banglao
Published: June 2019

Background

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele is considered as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the association of APOE allele with MRI evidence of intracranial lesions has not been well understood.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time PCR was performed to detect the APOE genotype; MRI was examined for intracranial lesions. Their association was evaluated in a cohort of 226 AD patients and 2607 healthy individuals in southern China.

Results

The frequencies of ε2, ε3, and ε4 alleles were 8.0%, 82.9%, and 9.1% in the whole study population. The frequency of APOE‐ε4 allele was significantly higher in the AD subjects than that in the control group (14.4% vs 8.6%, P < 0.001). We found that brain atrophy occurred at a rate of 12.3% in ε4 allele group vs 8.5% in non‐ε4 genotype group, with a significance of P = 0.008. Severe brain atrophy occurred at a rate of 1.0% in ε4 allele group vs 0.2% in non‐ε4 genotype group (P = 0.011). The individuals carrying APOE ε4/ε4 had an odds ratio (OR) of 7.64 (P < 0.01) for developing AD, while the APOE ε3/ε4 gene carriers had an OR of 1.47 (P = 0.031) and the OR in APOE ε2/ε3 carriers is 0.81 (P = 0.372). Interestingly, we found that the risk of ε4/ε4 allele carrier developing AD was significantly higher in male (P < 0.001) than female (P = 0.478).

Conclusion

Compared to ε2 and ε3 alleles, the presence of APOE‐ε4 allele might increase the risk for AD in a dose‐dependent manner in southern China. Moreover, the presence of APOE‐ε4 allele results in a higher incidence of brain atrophy.
Morphochemical characterization, microhardness, water sorption, and solubility of regular viscosity bulk fill and traditional composite resins
Authors: Melo Rafaela A. , Bispo Andressa de Souza Leite , Barbosa Gustavo A. S. , Galvão Marilia R. , de Assunção Isauremi V. , Souza Rodrigo O de Assunção , Borges Boniek C. D.
Published: June 2019

Objective

To evaluate the morphology of filler particles, chemical composition, microhardness (MH), water sorption (WSp), and solubility (WSl) of a regular viscosity bulk fill and traditional composite resins.

Methods

Eighty samples (Ø:5 mm; height: 4 mm) were prepared according to the factors “composite” (Aura/SDI, FiltekZ250 XT/3M, Aura Bulk Fill/SDI, and Filtek Bulk Fill/3M) and “filling technique” (incremental and bulk) (n = 10). Vickers MH was measured on the top and bottom surfaces of each samples, and then WSp and WSl were obtained by means of mass gain and loss. Morphology of filler particles and chemical characteristics of composites were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersity spectroscopy (EDS) in additional samples (n = 1/group). Data were analyzed using two‐ and three‐way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p < .05).

Results

No significant difference was found for WSp among the groups. Comparing composites in the incremental technique, Aura bulk fill composite showed lower WSI than the other materials and in the bulk fill technique, Filtek Bulk Fill showed the lowest value. Filtek Bulk Fill showed higher MH than the other composites on the bottom surface when samples were produced by bulk filling.

Conclusion

The composites presented good physical properties, but the bulk fill ones showed better results for the bottom microhardness and solubility, although chemical elements and morphology were similar in general.
What makes employees want to stay? A study in the Malaysian manufacturing sector
Authors: Subramaniam Chandrakantan , Choo Ling Suan , Johari Johanim
Published: June 2019

An organization's employee retention rate can signal a source of competitive advantage or risk. Yet, many of the factors that can affect retention rates have not been adequately studied, particularly in sectors where competition for highly qualified employees is fierce, such as the Malaysian manufacturing industry. To assess the impact of three categories of organizational initiatives—performance management, rewards and recognition, and hiring and promotion practices—on employee retention in Malaysia, researchers polled 130 employees in a semiconductor manufacturing facility. They also examined the moderating role of work environment and job design. Using a structural equation approach to analyze several hypothesized relationships, the researchers found that performance management, as well as rewards and recognition, had a significant impact on employees' willingness to remain with their employer, and that work environment and job design significantly moderated the relationship between hiring and promotion and employee retention. Employers that wish to improve their employee retention rate can begin by strengthening human resources practices that foster employee engagement and commitment.
The new route for realization of 1‐μm‐pixel‐pitch high‐resolution displays
Authors: Choi Ji Hun , Yang Jong‐Heon , Pi Jae‐Eun , Hwang Chi‐Young , Kim Yong‐Hae , Kim Gi Heon , Kim Hee‐Ok , Hwang Chi‐Sun
Published: June 2019

A new pixel structure for the realization of a 1‐μm‐pixel‐pitch display was developed. This structure, named vertically stacked thin‐film transistor (VST), was based on the conventional back‐channel etched thin‐film transistor (TFT), but all the layers except the horizontal gate line were vertically stacked on the embedded data line, enabling the implementation of high‐resolution display panels. The VST device with a channel length of 1 μm showed a high field effect mobility of more than 50 cm2/Vs and low subthreshold slope of 78 mV per decade. It also shows a high uniform electrical characteristic over the entire 6‐in. wafer. The development of a new pixel architecture is expected to enable the implementation of 1‐μm‐pixel‐pitch high‐resolution displays such as spatial light modulators for digital holograms.
Determination of five nucleosides by LC‐MS/MS and the application of the method to quantify N6‐methyladenosine level in liver messenger ribonucleic acid of an acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity mouse model
Authors: Liu Ruijuan , Zhao Fang , Wei Jingyao , Yu Pei , Zhang Ji , Wang Yueqin , Li Zeyun , Zhang Jiali , Zhang Xiaojian , Tian Xin
Published: June 2019

Ribonucleic acid N6‐methyladenosine methylation plays an important role in a variety of biological processes and diseases. Acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity is one of the major challenges faced by clinicians. To date, the link between N6‐methyladenosine and acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity has not been studied. In this study, a simple ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the simultaneous determination of five nucleosides (adenosine, uridine, cytidine, guanosine, and N6‐methyladenosine) in messenger ribonucleic acid. After enzymatic digestion of messenger ribonucleic acid, the nucleosides sample was separated on an Acquity UPLC column with gradient elution using methanol and 0.02% formic acid water, and detected by a Qtrap 4500 mass spectrometer with an electrospray ionization mode. The method was validated over the concentration ranges of 4–800 ng/mL for adenosine, uridine, cytidine, and guanosine and 0.1–20 ng/mL for N6‐methyladenosine. It was successfully applied to the determination of N6‐methyladenosine levels in liver messenger ribonucleic acid in an acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity mouse model and a control group. This study offers a method for the determination of nucleoside contents in epigenetic studies and constitutes the first step toward the investigation of ribonucleic acid methylation in acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity, which will facilitate the elucidation of its mechanism.
Phthalate sum determination in farmland soils using high‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Han Yangying , Ren Yanmei , Duan Jiahui , Liu Laping , Gao Jinming , Liu Shuhui
Published: June 2019

A selective and low organic‐solvent‐consuming method of sample preparation combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry is introduced for phthalate sum analysis in farmland soil. Sample treatment involves a one‐step hydrolysis of phthalates using methanol and alkaline and tetrabutylammonium bromide for 20 min at 80℃. Then, the resulting phthalic acid in the acidified hydrolysate is extracted using an octanol‐based supramolecular solvent without purification. Under optimized conditions, the correlation coefficients were 0.992–0.999 and standard errors (Sy/x) were 0.018–0.138 for calibration curves within the range of 50–2000 ng/mL. No obvious matrix effect occurred between the pure supramolecular solvent and soil extract. The recovery rates ranged from 91 to 107% with the relative standard deviation ranging from 0.5–7.3%. Intra‐ and interday repeatability, expressed as relative standard deviation, was less than 8.0 and 11.0%, respectively. The detected limit was 2.49 nmol/g, and the quantification limit was 3.64 nmol/g. Fifteen soil samples were analysed, and the background corrected phthalate sum ranged from 1.44 to 120 nmol/g.
Temperature‐dependent rate constant for the reaction of F atoms with HNO3
Authors: Bedjanian Yuri
Published: June 2019

The kinetics of the reaction of F atom with HNO3, source of NO3 radicals widely used in laboratory studies, has been investigated at nearly 2.7 mbar total pressure of helium over a wide temperature range, T = 220‐700 K, using a low‐pressure discharge flow reactor combined with an electron impact ionization quadrupole mass spectrometer. The rate constant of the reaction F + HNO3 → NO3 + HF (1) was determined using both relative rate method and absolute measurements under pseudo–first‐order conditions, monitoring the kinetics of F‐atom consumption in excess of HNO3, k1 = (8.2 ± 0.4) × 10−12 exp((315 ± 15)/T) cm3 molecule−1 s−1 (where the uncertainties represent precision at the 2σ level, the estimated total uncertainty on k1 being 15% at all temperatures). The reaction rate constant was found to be in excellent agreement with the only previous temperature‐dependent study. Experiments on detection of the reaction product, HF, have shown that NO3 and HF forming channel of the title reaction is the dominant, if not unique, on the whole temperature range of the study.
Two Specific Sulfatide Species Are Dysregulated during Renal Development in a Mouse Model of Alport Syndrome
Authors: Gessel Megan M. , Spraggins Jeffrey M. , Voziyan Paul A. , Abrahamson Dale R. , Caprioli Richard M. , Hudson Billy G.
Published: June 2019

Alport syndrome is caused by mutations in collagen IV that alter the morphology of renal glomerular basement membrane. Mutations result in proteinuria, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and renal failure but the pathogenic mechanisms are not fully understood. Using imaging mass spectrometry, we aimed to determine whether the spatial and/or temporal patterns of renal lipids are perturbed during the development of Alport syndrome in the mouse model. Our results show that most sulfatides are present at similar levels in both the wild‐type (WT) and the Alport kidneys, with the exception of two specific sulfatide species, SulfoHex‐Cer(d18:2/24:0) and SulfoHex‐Cer(d18:2/16:0). In the Alport but not in WT kidneys, the levels of these species mirror the previously described abnormal laminin expression in Alport syndrome. The presence of these sulfatides in renal tubules but not in glomeruli suggests that this specific aberrant lipid pattern may be related to the development of tubulointerstitial fibrosis in Alport disease.
Streptomyces sp. MUM273b: A mangrove‐derived potential source for antioxidant and UVB radiation protectants
Authors: Tan Loh Teng‐Hern , Mahendra Camille Keisha , Yow Yoon‐Yen , Chan Kok‐Gan , Khan Tahir Mehmood , Lee Learn‐Han , Goh Bey‐Hing
Published: June 2019

Microbial natural products serve as a good source for antioxidants. The mangrove‐derived Streptomyces bacteria have been evidenced to produce antioxidative compounds. This study reports the isolation of Streptomyces sp. MUM273b from mangrove soil that may serve as a promising source of antioxidants and UV‐protective agents. Identification and characterization methods determine that strain MUM273b belongs to the genus Streptomyces. The MUM273b extract exhibits antioxidant activities, including DPPH, ABTS, and superoxide radical scavenging activities and also metal‐chelating activity. The MUM273b extract was also shown to inhibit the production of malondialdehyde in metal‐induced lipid peroxidation. Strong correlation between the antioxidant activities and the total phenolic content of MUM273b extract was shown. In addition, MUM273b extract exhibited cytoprotective effect on the UVB‐induced cell death in HaCaT keratinocytes. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis detected phenolics, pyrrole, pyrazine, ester, and cyclic dipeptides in MUM273b extract. In summary, Streptomyces MUM273b extract portrays an exciting avenue for future antioxidative drugs and cosmeceuticals development.
Executive compensation and firm risk after successful mergers and acquisitions in Africa
Authors: Amewu Godfred , Alagidede Paul
Published: June 2019

This paper examines the impact of various executive compensation types on the postmerger risk taking by firm's executives. We find that executive pay influences firm risk differently depending on compensation type and risk measure. Specifically, we find that rewarding executives with cash compensation reduces the total postmerger risk of acquirers. However, managers are motivated to increase systematic risk when they are rewarded with stock‐based incentives. Besides, based on the argument that managerial compensation portfolio might impact systematic and unsystematic risks differently, our findings show no evidence of the impact of executive pay on unsystematic risk.
Helical polysaccharides
Authors: Fittolani Giulio , Seeberger Peter H. , Delbianco Martina
Published: June 2019

In analogy to polypeptides and polynucleotides, polysaccharides tend to form helical secondary structures, as well as higher hierarchical assemblies. Nevertheless, the conformation of polysaccharides in solution remains in most cases elusive due to their intrinsic complexity and lack of analytical techniques. In this review, we discuss the different helical shapes adopted by polysaccharides, with particular focus on how the helical character is exploited to form supramolecular assemblies, such as inclusion complexes with linear guest molecules and co‐helices with polynucleotide strands. Several methodologies are used to tune the polysaccharides conformation, ranging from ion‐mediated coil‐helix transition to chemical synthesis of well‐defined compounds with specific modifications. The latter provides ideal tailor‐made probes for structural studies, with the aim to correlate their three‐dimensional structure and the macroscopic properties. Applications of oligosaccharides with defined shapes in molecular recognition and catalysis are envisioned.
A Comparison of Self‐Reported Unmet Healthcare Needs among Adaptive and Able‐Bodied Athletes
Authors: Ramey Lindsay , Hayano Todd , Blatz Daniel , Gedman Marissa , Blauwet Cheri
Published: June 2019

Background

Studies have revealed a higher incidence of injury and illness among elite adaptive athletes when compared to able‐bodied athletes in competition. However, individuals with disabilities report poorer access to health care.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to identify differences in healthcare access, satisfaction, and unmet needs between recreational adaptive and able‐bodied athletes in all sports and within a single sport (hockey).

Design

Cross‐sectional, survey‐based study.

Setting

Recreation sports programs in Boston, MA and Chicago, IL.

Participants

Adult, recreational, competitive adaptive, and able‐bodied athletes.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

The Short‐Form Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ‐18) for healthcare access and satisfaction; percentage of athletes reporting unmet sports‐related healthcare needs in the prior year.

Results

Sixty adaptive athletes (78% male, age 35.7 ± 12.4 years) and 65 able‐bodied athletes (40% male, age 34.9 ± 11.9 years) participated. Mean access and satisfaction scores were not significantly different between groups in all sports (P = .53 and P = .19, respectively) or hockey (P = .28 and P = .55, respectively). Unmet needs were more commonly reported among adaptive athletes (18.3% all sports, 20.0% hockey) as compared to able‐bodied athletes (9.2% all sports, 4.0% hockey). This reached statistical significance in the hockey group (P = .03), but not all sports (P = .12).

Conclusions

No differences were seen between groups in healthcare access or satisfaction scores. Adaptive athletes of the same sport reported a higher rate of unmet sports‐related healthcare needs but with few doctor's visits in the preceding year, suggesting discrepancies in expectations and healthcare‐seeking behavior.

Level of Evidence

III
Analysis of carbon‐carbon bonding in small hydrocarbons and dicarbon using dynamic orbital forces: Bond energies and sigma/pi partition. Comparison with sila compounds
Authors: Fuster Franck , Chaquin Patrick
Published: June 2019

The CC bonding is analyzed using dynamic orbital forces (DOF) in the series cyclopropane‐ethane‐ benzene‐ethylene‐acetylene. The sum Σ(DOF)t of the DOF over occupied molecular orbitals (MOs) is found linearly correlated to bond energies and thus can be used as a tool for determination of CC bond strength. A partition of bonding into σ and π components indicates a weakening of the σ bonding along the series, mainly due to the decrease of the bonding character of the highest σ MO. For C2 molecule, Σ(DOF) t was computed taking into account the four dominant configurations. On the basis of the preceding correlation, the C2 bond was found about 15 kcal/mol weaker than that of acetylene, with a 25% σ participation; the bond order of C2 can be evaluated at about 2.8 if we assume bond orders of 3 for acetylene and 2 for ethylene. Some sila homologs of the preceding carbon compounds have been studied. They exhibit characteristics generally close to the carbon compounds. A quite good correlation between Σ(DOF)t and bond energies is also observed.
Quasi‐polynomial mixing of critical two‐dimensional random cluster models
Authors: Gheissari Reza , Lubetzky Eyal
Published: June 2019

We study the Glauber dynamics for the random cluster (FK) model on the torus with parameters (p,q), for q ∈ (1,4] and p the critical point pc. The dynamics is believed to undergo a critical slowdown, with its continuous‐time mixing time transitioning from for p ≠ pc to a power‐law in n at p = pc. This was verified at p ≠ pc by Blanca and Sinclair, whereas at the critical p = pc, with the exception of the special integer points q = 2,3,4 (where the model corresponds to the Ising/Potts models) the best‐known upper bound on mixing was exponential in n. Here we prove an upper bound of at p = pc for all q ∈ (1,4], where a key ingredient is bounding the number of nested long‐range crossings at criticality.
Powers of Hamiltonian cycles in randomly augmented graphs
Authors: Dudek Andrzej , Reiher Christian , Ruciński Andrzej , Schacht Mathias
Published: June 2019

We study the existence of powers of Hamiltonian cycles in graphs with large minimum degree to which some additional edges have been added in a random manner. It follows from the theorems of Dirac and of Komlós, Sarközy, and Szemerédi that for every k ≥ 1 and sufficiently large n already the minimum degree for an n‐vertex graph G alone suffices to ensure the existence of a kth power of a Hamiltonian cycle. Here we show that under essentially the same degree assumption the addition of just O(n) random edges ensures the presence of the (k + 1)st power of a Hamiltonian cycle with probability close to one.
A model of owner estimate cost for software development project in Indonesia
Authors: Sholiq  , Subriadi Apol Pribadi , Muqtadiroh Feby Artwodini , Dewi Renny Sari
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this study is to develop a model of owner estimate cost of software development projects. The model consists of three main components, namely, personnel direct costs, nonpersonnel direct costs, and taxes. Personnel direct costs are obtained by using the use case points (UCP) method that has been advanced. Initially, UCP was utilized to calculate the effort required to complete the software project. In this study, UCP was institutionalized to obtain personnel direct costs by distributing the acquired effort into each activity in a project. Further, the effort per activity is multiplied by the pay rate for each activity. Personnel direct costs are resulted by adding up the cost of all activities. The experiment has been conducted on nine software development projects in which the model is applied to get the estimated cost calculation.
An efficient point‐to‐point security solution for multihop routing in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Olakanmi Oladayo O. , Dada Adedamola
Published: June 2019

Multihop enhances the performance of wireless sensor network (WSN); however, it is prone to several security and privacy issues due to its over‐reliance on intermediary nodes during transmission. Providing an effective security solution in WSNs with low computational cost is a challenging issue. Although there are several existing schemes to secure WSN, these schemes suffer from high computational cost in their authentication and signature verification processes, which reduces the overall performance of the network. In our scheme, we proposed an efficient lightweight security solution to mitigate security issues related to multihop routing in WSNs. A point‐to‐point authentication technique, additive perturbation, and symmetric encryption, using a novel key distribution and perturbs generation techniques to ensure data integrity and confidentiality during multihop routing, are engaged in our solution. As a result, our scheme is able to secure WSNs against possible known attacks and performs better than existing state‐of‐the‐art security scheme for multihop routing. The performance analysis shows that the proposed scheme requires low computational cost and secured against attacks.