bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mild, Metal‐Free and Protection‐Free Transamidation of N‐Acyl‐2‐piperidones to Amino Acids, Amino Alcohols and Aliphatic Amines and Esterification of N‐Acyl‐2‐piperidones
Authors: Subramani Muthuraman , Rajendran Saravana Kumar
Published: May 2019

Amides are indispensable building blocks of biological systems, pharmaceuticals, and materials. We report a highly selective method for the synthesis of amides via transamidation process. Transamidation of N‐acyl‐2‐piperidones with a broad range of amines is demonstrated under exceedingly mild and metal‐free reaction condition that relies on the amide bond twist to weaken the amidic resonance. Transamidation proceeds under the neat condition at room temperature, in short reaction times (30–90 min) with good yields. Considerable variation is tolerated with both amine and imide substrates. Of note, amines bearing carboxylic acids (glycine and serine) and hydroxyl groups (dopamine, tyramine, etc.) are well tolerated which are otherwise problematic under the metal‐catalyzed protocol. Our current method is applicable for transamidation of both alkyl and aryl‐N‐acyl‐2‐piperidones. The practical value of the method is highlighted by the synthesis of four natural product amide alkaloids in high yields under mild reaction conditions. In the absence of nucleophilic amines, N‐acyl‐2‐piperidones undergoes esterification with EtOH at elevated temperature. Single crystal X‐ray analysis of an N‐acyl‐2‐piperidone shows amide bond twist, τ = –20.39° and pyramidalization, χN = –11.73°. This weakens the amidic conjugation and might be the factor controlling the reactivity and selectivity of these imides. We envision that the N‐acyl‐2‐piperidone scaffold would be useful in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and materials.
Synthesis of Raputimonoindoles A–C and Congeners
Authors: Kock Mario , Fresia Marvin , Jones Peter G. , Lindel Thomas
Published: May 2019

The first synthesis of raputimonoindole A from the tree Raputia praetermissa (Rutaceae) is reported, starting from indole‐5‐carbaldehyde. The key step is Braun′s diastereoselective Heck–Suzuki cascade that assembled the prenylated methylenetetrahydrofuran moiety. The unsubstituted indole enamine functionality was tolerated, and the absolute configuration of naturally occurring raputimonoindole A is assigned as (R,R). Raputimonoindole B was accessed by Ir‐catalyzed C–H activation/borylation followed by Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling. Two biosynthetically related 5‐(dihydrofuran‐2‐yl)indole derivatives from R. simulans were synthesized by ring‐closing metathesis, and their absolute configurations were determined.
Unveiling the relationship between central parkinsonian pain and motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Vila‐Chã Nuno , Cavaco Sara , Mendes Alexandre , Gonçalves Alexandra , Moreira Inês , Fernandes Joana , Damásio Joana , Azevedo Luís Filipe , Castro‐Lopes José
Published: May 2019

Background

Pain in Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common and heterogeneous non‐motor symptom. Although the characteristics and predictors of pain in general and of central pain in particular are still largely unknown.

Methods

A semi‐structured interview, the Brief Pain Inventory and the Pain Disability Index were used to identify and characterize pain in a consecutive series of 292 PD patients. Unified PD Rating Scale‐III, Hoehn & Yahr, Schwab and England Independence Scale and Freezing of Gait Questionnaire were applied to assess motor symptoms and functional independence in off and on conditions. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Questionnaire of Impulsive‐Compulsive Control Disorders were used to screen for anxiety, depression and impulse control disorders.

Results

Two hundred and twelve patients (73%) reported pain, which was classified as: musculoskeletal (63%), dystonia‐related (27%), central parkinsonian (22%) and/or radicular or neuropathic (9%). Patients with pain had more comorbidities and more severe motor symptoms. Patients with central parkinsonian pain were significantly younger, had earlier disease onset, fewer comorbidities, greater non‐axial motor symptom severity in on, more pain‐related disability and more relief of pain with antiparkinsonian medication than patients with non‐central parkinsonian pain.

Conclusions

PD patients with central parkinsonian pain have some distinctive demographic and clinical features, including lower levodopa responsiveness of motor appendicular/limb symptoms to levodopa, associated with greater responsiveness of pain symptoms to these same medications. These findings suggest the need for a more integrated approach to motor and non‐motor symptoms in these patients' clinical care.

Significance

In a consecutive series of 292 patients with PD, almost three quarters of patients with PD reported pain. The study results revealed that pain was related to more severe motor symptoms, anxiety symptoms and comorbidities. Among patients with pain, those with central parkinsonian subtype had distinct demographic and clinical features, including lower levodopa responsiveness for non‐axial motor symptoms and greater responsiveness of pain to antiparkinsonian treatment.
A screening framework study to evaluate CO2storage performance in single and stacked caprock–reservoir systems of the Northern Appalachian Basin
Authors: Raziperchikolaee Samin , Kelley Mark , Gupta Neeraj
Published: May 2019

In the context of geologic carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration, the storage effectiveness of a caprock–reservoir system is a function of the properties of both the caprock and reservoir – namely, the ability of the caprock to prevent upward leakage of CO2(caprock sealing capability), the mechanical response of the reservoir and caprock (by evaluatingin situstress changes), and the extent and degree to which CO2can be trapped over long periods of time. In this work, all three parameters were considered to evaluate the storage effectiveness of the Cambrian–Ordovician sequence of the Northern Appalachian Basin. We constructed a series of hydro‐mechanical models to investigate interactions between CO2flow and geomechanical processes and to evaluate the three aspects of storage performance. Models were built to evaluate two scenarios: (1) single reservoirs with a single overlying caprock, and (2) systems comprising multiple reservoirs and multiple intermediate caprock units in addition to the primary (uppermost) caprock unit. The overall conclusion of the work is that focusing only on one aspect of storage effectiveness might not necessarily warrant long‐term CO2storage. Results of the sensitivity analysis for the single caprock–reservoir system show that each storage effectiveness metric has its own control parameters. A comparison among three stacked caprock–reservoir systems in different parts of the study area shows that each location in the study area could be appropriate for one of the storage effectiveness metrics. Therefore, we conclude that the screening process to select the best site for CO2sequestration should be based on an evaluation of all three metrics. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hippocampal alterations and functional correlates in adolescents and young adults with congenital heart disease
Authors: Fontes Kimberly , Rohlicek Charles V. , Saint‐Martin Christine , Gilbert Guillaume , Easson Kaitlyn , Majnemer Annette , Marelli Ariane , Chakravarty M. Mallar , Brossard‐Racine Marie
Published: May 2019

There is a high prevalence of neurodevelopmental impairments in individuals living with congenital heart disease (CHD) and the neural correlates of these impairments are not yet fully understood. Recent studies have shown that hippocampal volume and shape differences may provide unique biomarkers for neurodevelopmental disorders. The hippocampus is vulnerable to early life injury, especially in populations at risk for hypoxemia or hemodynamic instability such as in neonates with CHD. We compared hippocampal gray and white matter volume and morphometry between youth born with CHD (n = 50) aged 16–24 years and healthy peers (n = 48). We also explored whether hippocampal gray and white matter volume and morphometry are associated with executive function and self‐regulation deficits. To do so, participants underwent 3T brain magnetic resonance imaging and completed the self‐reported Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function—Adult version. We found that youth with CHD had smaller hippocampal volumes (all statistics corrected for false discovery rate; q < 0.05) as compared to controls. We also observed significant smaller surface area bilaterally and inward displacement on the left hippocampus predominantly on the ventral side (q < 0.10) in the CHD group that were not present in the controls. Left CA1 and CA2/3 were negatively associated with working memory (p < .05). Here, we report, for the first‐time, hippocampal morphometric alterations in youth born with CHD when compared to healthy peers, as well as, structure–function relationships between hippocampal volumes and executive function. These differences may reflect long lasting alterations in brain development specific to individual with CHD.
Exosomal Transport of Hepatocyte‐Derived Drug‐Modified Proteins to the Immune System
Authors: Ogese Monday O. , Jenkins Rosalind E. , Adair Kareena , Tailor Arun , Meng Xiaoli , Faulkner Lee , Enyindah Bright O. , Schofield Amy , Diaz‐Nieto Rafael , Ressel Lorenzo , Eagle Gina L. , Kitteringham Neil R. , Goldring Chris E. , Park B. Kevin , Naisbitt Dean J. , Betts Catherine
Published: May 2019

Idiosyncratic drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) is a rare, often difficult‐to‐predict adverse reaction with complex pathomechanisms. However, it is now evident that certain forms of DILI are immune‐mediated and may involve the activation of drug‐specific T cells. Exosomes are cell‐derived vesicles that carry RNA, lipids, and protein cargo from their cell of origin to distant cells, and they may play a role in immune activation. Herein, primary human hepatocytes were treated with drugs associated with a high incidence of DILI (flucloxacillin, amoxicillin, isoniazid, and nitroso‐sulfamethoxazole) to characterize the proteins packaged within exosomes that are subsequently transported to dendritic cells for processing. Exosomes measured between 50 and 100 nm and expressed enriched CD63. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS‐MS) identified 2,109 proteins, with 608 proteins being quantified across all exosome samples. Data are available through ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD010760. Analysis of gene ontologies revealed that exosomes mirrored whole human liver tissue in terms of the families of proteins present, regardless of drug treatment. However, exosomes from nitroso‐sulfamethoxazole‐treated hepatocytes selectively packaged a specific subset of proteins. LC/MS‐MS also revealed the presence of hepatocyte‐derived exosomal proteins covalently modified with amoxicillin, flucloxacillin, and nitroso‐sulfamethoxazole. Uptake of exosomes by monocyte‐derived dendritic cells occurred silently, mainly through phagocytosis, and was inhibited by latrunculin A. An amoxicillin‐modified 9‐mer peptide derived from the exosomal transcription factor protein SRY (sex determining region Y)‐box 30 activated naïve T cells from human leukocyte antigen A*02:01–positive human donors. Conclusion: This study shows that exosomes have the potential to transmit drug‐specific hepatocyte‐derived signals to the immune system and provide a pathway for the induction of drug hapten‐specific T‐cell responses.
Evidence for age‐related deficits in object‐location binding during place recognition
Authors: Muffato Veronica , Hilton Christopher , Meneghetti Chiara , De Beni Rossana , Wiener Jan M.
Published: May 2019

Deciding whether a place is the same or different than places encountered previously is a common task in daily navigation which requires to develop knowledge about the locations of objects (object‐location binding) and to recognize places from different perspectives. These abilities rely on hippocampal functioning which is susceptible to increasing age. Thus, the question of the present study is how they both together impact on place recognition in aging. Forty people aged 20–29, 44 aged 60–69, and 32 aged 70–79 were presented with places consisting of four different objects during the encoding phase. In the test phase, they were then presented with a second place and had to decide whether it was the same or different. Test places were presented from different perspectives (0°, 30°, 60°) and with different object conditions (same, a swap of two objects, a substitution with a novel object). The sensitivity for detecting changes (d′) decreased from 20–29 to 60–69 and to 70–79 years old, and with increasing perspective shifts. Importantly, older adults were less sensitive to object swapping than to object substitution, while young participants did not show any difference. Overall, these results suggest specific age‐related difficulties in object‐location binding in the context of place recognition.
Vitamin C and B3 as new biomaterials to alter intestinal stem cells
Authors: Qi Yijun , Lohman Jo , Bratlie Kaitlin M. , Peroutka‐Bigus Nathan , Bellaire Bryan , Wannemuehler Michael , Yoon Kyoung‐Jin , Barrett Terrence A. , Wang Qun
Published: May 2019

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and vitamin B3 (niacin) have been extensively studied since the 20th century. In the area of stem cell biology, vitamin C has shown its direct impact toward homeostasis and epigenetic changes (D'Aniello et al., Stem Cells International, 2017, 1–16). Vitamin B3 aids in maintaining healthy intestinal homeostasis and reducing gut inflammation by participating in the rapamycin signaling pathway (Kumar et al., The American Journal of Physiology‐Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, 2013). In this study, vitamin C and vitamin B3 (600 and 1,200 μg/mL) have been explored as potential new biomaterials to study their effects on four types of intestinal stem cells which are isolated from mice bearing different microbiota. We observed that C3H ASF and 129 ASF IL‐10 are more sensitive towardB7 600 μg/mL vitamin B3 and 1,200 μg/mL vitamin C. The lowest growth rate and viability for all types of organoids was with 1,200 μg/mL vitamin C. From quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis (qPCR analysis), MUC2 was upregulated for 129 ASF and C3H Conv when exposed to 600 μg/mL and 1,200 μg/mL vitamin C. It suggests that large amounts of glycoprotein may be produced after adding high concentrations of vitamin C. Since inflammatory bowel disease has low level of MUC2, this finding may be helpful in restoring mucosal health by upregulating the MUC2 gene while altering patient's microbiota (Sibila et al., Annals of the American Thoracic Society, 2016). These results are expected to have a positive translational impact because this bottom‐up strategy would be instrumental in developing Vitamin C and B3 based orally available therapeutic strategies and formula for advancing the fields of gastrointestinal regenerative medicine.
CEO characteristics, accounting opacity and stock price synchronicity: Empirical evidence from German listed firms
Authors: Neifar Souhir , Ajili Hana
Published: May 2019

We examine the influence of accounting opacity (earnings management [EM] and tax aggressiveness [TA]) and CEO characteristics (CEO age and tenure) on stock price synchronicity (SPS) of German companies and we test if CEO age and CEO tenure moderate the relation between EM, TA, and SPS. Using the GLS regression, we find that TA and EM have a significant positive effect on SPS. CEO age negatively moderates the relation between TA and SPS. CEO tenure affects positively SPS, but did not moderate neither the relation between EM and SPS nor the relation between TA and SPS. We use several robustness tests that confirm our main analysis.
Dysregulated circRNA_100876 suppresses proliferation of osteosarcoma cancer cells by targeting microRNA‐136
Authors: Jin Jian , Chen Ajuan , Qiu Weizheng , Chen Yilin , Li Qingchu , Zhou Xinying , Jin Dadi
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study was to explore the regulatory mechanism of circRNA_100876/ microRNA‐136 (miR‐136) axis in the development and progression of osteosarcoma cancer. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) was used to evaluate the expression levels of circRNA_100876 and miR‐136 in osteosarcoma cancer samples and the adjacent nontumor tissues. Then, cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and migration of circRNA_100876‐knocked down cells were analyzed by in vitro and in vivo experiments, using cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8), flow cytometry, and transwell and tumorigenesis assays. The expression of circRNA_100876 was found to be significantly upregulated in osteosarcoma, and was closely correlated with the tumor size and tumor differentiation degree. In addition, the knockdown of circRNA_100876 could significantly inhibit the tumor growth, both in vitro and in vivo. Flow cytometry and Western blot analysis results showed that the downregulation of circRNA_100876 inhibited osteosarcoma cells proliferation via promoting apoptosis and arresting more cells in the G2/M stage, as suggested by the expression of apoptosis and cell cycle pathway‐related proteins, which changed consistently. Furthermore, the level of miR‐136 was negatively correlated with the expression of circRNA_100876, and miR‐136 inhibitors were able to reverse the suppression of cell proliferation induced by silencing circRNA_100876. Our study demonstrates that the dysregulation of circRNA_100876 could induce apoptosis and arrest the cell cycle at G2/M stage, followed by suppression of cell proliferation in osteosarcoma, while silencing miR‐136 could restore the cell growth. Therefore, circRNA_100876 might serve as a promising biomarker and treatment target for osteosarcoma.
Synthesis, crystal structures, spectral FT‐IR, NMR and UV–Vis investigations and Hirshfeld surface analysis of two new 2‐hydroxyethyl‐substituted N‐heterocyclic carbene precursors
Authors: Aktaş Aydın , Barut Celepci Duygu , Gök Yetkin
Published: May 2019

This study discusses the synthesis of two new 2‐hydroxyethyl substituted N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) precursors. The NHC precursors were prepared from 1‐(alkyl/aryl)benzimidazole and alkyl halides. They were characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FT‐IR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and elemental analysis techniques. Molecular and crystal structures of 1 and 2 were determined using the single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction method. Crystal structure of the compounds features NHC precursors and chloride anions. Additionally in 2, the asymmetric unit has a water molecule, which forms a tetrameric chloride‐hydrate assembly with the chloride anion. The chloride anions play an important role in the stabilization of crystal structures to form a two‐dimensional supramolecular architecture. The 3D Hirshfeld surface and the associated 2D fingerprint plots were also drawn to gain insights into the behavior of the interactions in the compounds.
Reusable floating polymer nanocomposite photocatalyst for the efficient treatment of dye wastewaters under scaled‐up conditions in batch and recirculation modes
Authors: Das Suman , Mahalingam Hari
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

In the last decade, research on floating photocatalysts has increased rapidly with polymer substrates being a popular choice. However, most of the published work is on very small volumes and there is very little work on scale‐up of such systems.

RESULTS

Polystyrene–titanium dioxide nanocomposite floating films were prepared using a facile solvent casting method and tested for the photocatalytic degradation of four different dyes under UV irradiation. The prepared film was characterised by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES) and profilometry. Scale‐up studies were done in batch mode under optimised conditions, and for the larger reactor volume, the effect of recirculation was studied. Complete decolourisation of the model dye (Remazol Turquoise Blue) was observed within 80 min in the scaled‐up batch process. In the recirculation mode, for a much larger volume of the dye solution, around 75% decolourisation in 6 h was observed. The reusability of the photocatalytic film was tested, and the results promise a minimum decolourisation efficiency of around 70%. Finally, total organic carbon (TOC) and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) analysis were used to assess the degradation of the dye. The maximum TOC reduction observed was around 25% possibly due to the complex nature of the dye used in this study. The intermediate products of degradation were identified, and a tentative mechanism is suggested.

CONCLUSION

This work demonstrates the recirculation aspects of the photocatalytic reactor under the scaled‐up conditions for a complex dye. The prepared film showed excellent stability with satisfactory wastewater decontamination under UV irradiation even after repeated use. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultrastructural changes in colonic epithelial cells in a rat model of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Bochimoto Hiroki , Kondoh Daisuke , Nagata Ryuji , Ishihara Yo , Tomiyasu Jumpei , Han Kyu‐Ho , Shimada Kenichiro , Sasaki Motoki , Kitamura Nobuo , Fukushima Michihiro
Published: May 2019

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a global, chronic intractable disease. The functions of drugs and food components have been evaluated in models of IBD induced by 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). Here, we used transmission (TEM) and osmium‐maceration scanning (SEM) electron microscopy to evaluate the ultrastructure of colonic epithelial cells in rat models of IBD induced by TNBS. Histological evaluation revealed that the intestinal crypts in the most regions of the IBD‐model colons were deformed and we classified them as having high cell migration rates (HMIG). The remaining regions in the intestinal crypts retained a relatively normal structure and we classified them as having low cell migration rates (LMIG). Osmium‐maceration SEM revealed the mucosal fluid flowing in spaces without secretory granules in crypt goblet cells of both HMIG and LMIG regions, indicating the depletion of goblet cell mucin that is found in patients with IBD. The Golgi apparatus in absorptive cells was stacked and curled in both regions. Osmium‐maceration SEM showed membrane network structures resembling endoplasmic reticulum that were large and expanded in absorptive cells with HMIG rather than with LMIG regions in IBD‐model colons. These findings indicated that endoplasmic reticulum stress is associated with susceptibility to IBD and that the effects of various agents can be evaluated according to endoplasmic reticulum stress revealed by using electron microscopy in models of IBD induced by TNBS.
Colourings of cubic graphs inducing isomorphic monochromatic subgraphs
Authors: Abreu Marién , Goedgebeur Jan , Labbate Domenico , Mazzuoccolo Giuseppe
Published: May 2019

A ‐bisection of a bridgeless cubic graph is a ‐colouring of its vertex set such that the colour classes have the same cardinality and all connected components in the two subgraphs induced by the colour classes (
monochromatic components in what follows) have order at most . Ban and Linial Conjectured that every bridgeless cubic graph admits a ‐bisection except for the Petersen graph. A similar problem for the edge set of cubic graphs has been studied: Wormald conjectured that every cubic graph with has a
‐edge colouring such that the two monochromatic subgraphs are isomorphic linear forests (ie, a forest whose components are paths). Finally, Ando conjectured that every cubic graph admits a bisection such that the two induced monochromatic subgraphs are isomorphic. In this paper, we provide evidence of a strong relation of the conjectures of Ban‐Linial and Wormald with Ando's Conjecture. Furthermore, we also give computational and theoretical evidence in their support. As a result, we pose some open problems stronger than the above‐mentioned conjectures. Moreover, we prove Ban‐Linial's Conjecture for cubic‐cycle permutation graphs. As a by‐product of studying ‐edge colourings of cubic graphs having linear forests as monochromatic components, we also give a negative answer to a problem posed by Jackson and Wormald about certain decompositions of cubic graphs into linear forests.
Tax Policies and Informality in South Africa
Authors: El Badaoui Eliane , Magnani Riccardo
Published: May 2019

Using a micro–macro simulation approach, we evaluate the effects of different tax policies in South Africa. The country is characterised by a high unemployment rate, while the informal sector remains relatively small. The effects of the simulated tax policies are quantified at the macro level, on the individual's labour supply choices, and on income distribution, inequality and poverty. We find that the equity‐efficiency trade‐off can be improved by introducing a system combining a sufficiently high flat rate and a lump‐sum transfer paid only to formal workers. Interestingly, even though it increases the informal sector, this reform reduces inequality and poverty through a reduction in unemployment. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimized preprocessing and machine learning for quantitative Raman spectroscopy in biology
Authors: Storey Emily E. , Helmy Amr S.
Published: May 2019

Raman spectroscopy's capability to provide meaningful composition predictions is heavily reliant on a preprocessing step to remove insignificant spectral variation. This is crucial in biofluid analysis. Widespread adoption of diagnostics using Raman requires a robust model that can withstand routine spectra discrepancies due to unavoidable variations such as age, diet, and medical background. A wealth of preprocessing methods are available, and it is often up to trial‐and‐error or user experience to select the method that gives the best results. This process can be incredibly time consuming and inconsistent for multiple operators. In this study, we detail a method to analyze the statistical variability within a set of training spectra and determine suitability to form a robust model. This allows us to selectively qualify or exclude a preprocessing method, predetermine robustness, and simultaneously identify the number of components that will form the best predictive model. We demonstrate the ability of this technique to improve predictive models of two artificial biological fluids. Raman spectroscopy is ideal for noninvasive, nondestructive analysis. Routine health monitoring that maximizes comfort is increasingly crucial, particularly in epidemic‐level diabetes diagnoses. High variability in spectra of biological samples can hinder Raman's adoption for these methods. Our technique allows the decision of optimal pretreatment method to be determined for the operator; model performance is no longer a function of user experience. We foresee this statistical technique being an instrumental element to widening the adoption of Raman as a monitoring tool in a field of biofluid analysis.
Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering studies of gold‐coated ripple‐like nanostructures on iron substrate achieved by femtosecond laser irradiation in water
Authors: Byram Chandu , Moram Sree Satya Bharati , Soma Venugopal Rao
Published: May 2019

During the past several years, numerous efforts have been accomplished on designing efficient surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates with high sensitivity, good reproducibility, and recyclable nature. However, it still remains a significant challenge to realize all these qualities in a single substrate. We have fabricated ripple‐like nanostructures (NSs) on Iron (Fe) substrate using femtosecond (fs) laser irradiation of Fe target in distilled water. These ripple‐like structures had periodicities in the range of ~90–190 nm, which was confirmed from the analysis of field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) data. We subsequently deposited a thin layer of gold on these ripple‐like Fe NSs using thermal evaporation. Later, these coated NSs were effectively utilized as SERS substrates for methylene blue (MB) detection and were found to be sensitive evident from the data obtained at a very low concentration of 500pM. Furthermore, we observed that the SERS signal variations on the substrate were <11.2% indicating the reproducible nature of these substrates. Additionally, we demonstrate that these substrates can be reused (we establish this for three times consecutively) by detecting malachite green (MG) and an explosive molecule (picric acid, PA) followed by the mixture compound (Rhodamine 6G+MB) through employment of simple cleaning procedures. The detected molecular concentrations in terms of masses were found to be 3.2 pg, 36.5 pg, and 23 ng for MB (for a concentration of 500pM), MG (for a concentration of 5nM), and PA (for a concentration of 5μM), respectively. Furthermore, these Fe NSs exhibited superior batch‐to‐batch reproducibility with a relative standard deviation (RSD) value of ~l4%. The proposed method of fabricating ripple structures as SERS platforms are highly feasible, reliable, and have great potential for on‐site detection of several analyte molecules with an easily transportable Raman spectrometer.
Differential Scanning Calorimetric Study of the Effect of Cholesterol on the Thermotropic Phase Behavior of the Phospholipid 1‐Stearoyl‐2‐Oleoyl‐sn‐Glycero‐3‐Phosphocholine
Authors: Genova Julia , Chamati Hassan , Slavkova Zdravka , Petrov Minko
Published: May 2019

Using the differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) technique, the thermal properties of 1‐stearoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (SOPC) phospholipid and its mixture with cholesterol (Chol), in the range between 10 and 50 mol.%, were investigated. A considerable modification of the structural conformation and the biophysical properties of the bilayer of the phospholipid system after the Chol incorporation were detected. Concentrations below 30 mol.%, and especially in the range 10–20 mol.%, were found to be optimal in the effective miscibility of SOPC and Chol components. The effective miscibility completeness, mainly in the gel and liquid crystal phases, was indicated. It was discovered that Chol mixed with SOPC slightly shifts its gel (L
β) to liquid crystal (L
α) phase transition temperature, decreases cooperativity, expressed by the van't Hoff enthalpy, and markedly and progressively reduces the transition enthalpy to almost zero at 50 mol.%. By deep incubation of the cholesteric phospholipid mixture, it was revealed that the endothermic peak associated with laminar crystal to gel phase transition does not exist in conventional pure SOPC bilayer systems.
Epidemiology and gender differences in pediatric recreational and firearms noise exposure in the USA
Authors: Bhatt Jay M. , Lin Harrison W. , Bhattacharyya Neil
Published: May 2019

Objective

We aim to identify contemporary noise exposures and hearing protection use among U.S. children in a large, population‐based study.

Methods

Cross‐sectional analysis of the 2014 National Health Interview Series was performed. Results from in‐person interviews of families with children under 18 years of age in all 50 states were queried. Potentially harmful exposures to loud sounds and patterns of hearing protection use in the last 12 months were analyzed after representative sample weights were applied.

Results

Among 73.4 million children, 18.4% (9.1 ± 0.4 million) (boys: 23.2%, girls: 13.5%; P < 0.001) were exposed to firearms noise, and 28.2% (20.7 ± 0.6 million) (boys: 30.5%, girls: 25.8%; P < 0.001) to firecrackers and other explosive sounds. Exposure to recreational “very‐loud” noise exposure was more common (7.9%; 5.8 ± 0.3 million), consisting of music players (46.5%), fireworks (44.8%), lawnmowers (42.6%), and firearms (32.5%). However, only 17.1% of boys and 15.6% of girls, totaling 16.4% of all children, always used hearing protection during noise exposures.

Conclusion

Children in the United States are commonly exposed to firearms and recreational loud noises. Hearing protection is infrequently used, and gender disparities in patterns of exposure and use of hearing protection are prevalent. Those children and families at risk should be identified via public health initiatives and appropriately counseled by healthcare providers.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 130:541–545, 2020
Impact of international classification of diseases, 10th revision, on head and neck surgery
Authors: Al‐Qurayshi Zaid , Robins Russell , Pagedar Nitin , Randolph Gregory W. , Kandil Emad
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Review changes in the number of International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐10‐CM) codes utilized in head and neck surgery service and associated changes in cost and charges of health services.

Methods

A retrospective cross‐sectional analysis was performed utilizing the Nationwide Readmissions Database, 2015. The study population included patients who were admitted for a primary head and neck procedure. Patients discharged in the third quarter (Q3), coding system ICD‐9‐CM, compared to patients discharged in the fourth quarter (Q4), coding system ICD‐10‐CM.

Results

A total of 11,456 and 10,431 patients discharged in Q3 and Q4, respectively. Comparing the top 90% billed disease codes demonstrated that the number of ICD‐10‐CM codes was more by a factor of 1.20. However, classifying codes by type of surgery, fewer codes were used in patients who had laryngeal surgeries or tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy by a factor of 0.8. Codes used to document the primary diagnoses for patients who underwent tracheostomy increased the most by a factor of 1.42. Controlling for multiple factors that would affect the cost of health services, there were no significant changes in the cost of management per case (Q3: $70,189.00 ± 1,546.39 vs. Q4: $70,502.00 ± 1,560.17, P = 0.68) or hospital charges (Q3: $273,411.00 ± 7,852.78 vs. Q4: 265,996 ± 7922.77, P = 0.05).

Conclusion

The ICD‐10‐CM provides an expansion of codes. Initial indication is that utilization of ICD‐10‐CM codes for head and neck surgery is within expected parameters and appears not to affect the cost of management and hospital charges despite the overall increase in ICD codes in the newer version.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 130:398–404, 2020
Tumor‐infiltrating lymphocyte quantification stratifies early‐stage human papillomavirus oropharynx cancer prognosis
Authors: Faraji Farhoud , Fung Nicholas , Zaidi Munfarid , Gourin Christine C. , Eisele David W. , Rooper Lisa M. , Fakhry Carole
Published: May 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate if a simple method for assessing tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in primary tumor specimens improves the prognostic value of the American Joint Committee on Cancer, 8th Edition (AJCC8) cancer staging system in human papillomavirus–positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV‐OPC).

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Methods

In this study, TIL density was quantified on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)–stained specimens from patients presenting to Johns Hopkins Hospital between 2009 and 2017 who underwent primary surgical therapy and had primary tumor specimens available for analysis. The prognostic effect of TIL density was evaluated by Kaplan‐Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models considering recurrence‐free survival (RFS) as the primary outcome.

Results

This study included 132 patients. Ninety‐five percent were classified by clinical criteria with AJCC8 early‐stage disease (stage I: 82%, stage II: 13%). After 84 months of follow‐up, 15 recurrences were observed. Among clinically early‐stage disease, TILhigh status was associated with improved RFS compared to TILlow (P = .002). Adjusted analysis showed TILhigh status was associated with 79% lower risk of recurrence than TILlow (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 0.210, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.061‐0.723). In clinical stage I disease, TILhigh status was associated with improved RFS compared to TILlow in both univariate and multivariate analyses (hazard ratio: 0.235, P = .021; aHR: 0.218; 95% CI: 0.058‐0.822). TIL density similarly stratified risk in pathologically staged disease.

Conclusions

In patients with AJCC8 stage I disease, low TIL density was associated with diminished RFS. Our data suggest that assessing TIL density on H&E‐stained primary tumor specimens may enhance the prognostic resolution of the AJCC8 staging criteria for HPV‐OPC.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:930–938, 2020
The impact of expanded endonasal skull base surgery on midfacial growth in pediatric patients
Authors: Parasher Arjun K. , Lerner David K. , Glicksman Jordan T. , Storm Phillip B. , Lee John Y.K. , Vossough Arastoo , Brooks Steven , Palmer James N. , Adappa Nithin D.
Published: May 2019

Objective

Surgical resection of skull base tumors in children is increasingly accomplished through an expanded endonasal approach (EEA). We aim to evaluate the potential effect of the EEA on midfacial growth as a result of iatrogenic damage to nasal growth zones.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of children undergoing craniopharyngioma resection via an open transcranial or EEA. Pre‐ and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging was evaluated for growth in four midfacial measurements based on established cephalometric landmarks: anterior midface height, posterior midface height, palatal length, and sella–nasion distance. Statistical analysis was conducted using a mixed‐effects linear regression model.

Results

Twenty‐two patients underwent an EEA (n = 12) or open transcranial approach (n = 10) for tumor resection with 3 years of imaging follow‐up. There was no difference in midfacial growth between groups for each measurement. Compared to the open group, patients undergoing EEA demonstrated relative anterior midface height growth of −0.42 mm (P = 0.880), posterior midface height growth of −0.44 mm (P = 0.839), palatal length growth of 0.35 mm (P = 0.894), and sella–nasion distance growth of −2.16 (P = 0.365).

Conclusion

We found no difference in midfacial growth measurements between patients undergoing craniopharyngioma resection via an EEA and the open transcranial route after 3 years of imaging follow‐up. Preliminary results on midfacial growth demonstrate that the EEA is a safe alternative to traditional transcranial approaches for the pediatric population. Further investigation with larger sample size and longer duration of follow‐up is warranted to more thoroughly investigate the long‐term implications of the EEA to the skull base.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 130:338–342, 2020
Viscoelastic Evaluation of Poly(Trimethylene Carbonate)s Bearing Oligoethylene Glycol Units Which Show Thermoresponsive Properties at Body Temperature
Authors: Haramiishi Yoshiaki , Kawatani Ryo , Chanthaset Nalinthip , Ajiro Hiroharu
Published: May 2019

Poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) derivatives have been extensively researched for use as low‐toxicity biomaterials. Better biocompatibility and lower toxicity have been achieved by eliminating acid generation from the ester group at the side chains. In this study, thermosensitive PTMC derivatives bearing oligo(ethylene glycol) units are synthesized by ring‐opening polymerization for the development of low‐toxicity and thermosensitive soft materials. The viscoelastic properties of the obtained polymers are then investigated by rheometry to clarify the thermosensitive and molecular weight effects. Furthermore, thermosensitive behaviors and dynamics of these polymers are observed by UV–vis transmittance, DSC, and 1H NMR spectra analysis. These data suggest a mechanism for the thermosensitive behavior where it is surmised that some kind of dehydration phenomenon induces aggregation behavior in aqueous media above lower critical solution temperature. These thermosensitive behaviors provide an important road map for the development of thermosensitive soft materials using ester‐free PTMC derivatives by controlling the thermosensitive behaviors and bulk properties.
Modeling the thermal decomposition of friction composite systems based on yarn reinforced polymer matrices using artificial neural networks
Authors: Kopal I. , Vršková J. , Ondrušová D. , Harničárová M. , Valíček J. , Koleničová Z.
Published: May 2019

The presented work deals with the application of artificial neural networks in the modelling of the thermal decomposition process of friction composite systems based on polymer matrices reinforced by yarns. The thermal decomposition of the automotive clutch friction composite system consisting of a polymer blend reinforced by yarns from organic, inorganic and metallic fibres impregnated with resin, as well as its individual components, was monitored by a method of non‐isothermal thermogravimetry over a wide temperature range. A supervised feed‐forward back‐propagation multi‐layer artificial neural network model, with temperature as the only input parameter, has been developed to predict the thermogravimetric curves of weight loss and time derivative of weight loss of studied friction composite system and its individual components acquired at a fixed constant heating rate under a pure dry nitrogen atmosphere at a constant flow rate. It has been proven that an optimized model with a 1‐25‐6 architecture of an artificial neural network trained by a Levenberg‐Marquardt algorithm is able to predict simultaneously all the analyzed experimental thermogravimetric curves with a high level of reliability and that it thus represents the highly effective artificial intelligence tool for the modelling of thermal stability also of relatively complicated friction composite systems.
Processing and properties of a new biodegradable Mg−Zn−Ca−Zr alloy
Authors: Răducanu D. , Cojocaru V.D. , Șerban N. , Trişcă‐Rusu C. , Necula M.G. , Mudrac R.A. , Dan I. , Nocivin A. , Cinca I.
Published: May 2019

Magnesium alloys are used for degradable orthopaedic and cardiovascular implants due to their favourable mechanical and biological properties, degradation ability in physiological environment and stimulatory effect on the new bone formation. The research challenges are related to the increase of biological and mechanical compatibility. For the present study, a magnesium based alloy design was conducted to the following chemical composition: Mg−2.7Zn−1Ca−0.6Zr (wt.%). A complex thermomechanical processing route was applied: a plastic deformation by extrusion at various temperatures and deformation degrees (400 °C–480 °C, ϵ = 20 %–40 %), followed by various final heat treatments at 200 °C–400 °C for 10 min–60 min. Further, the influence of processing parameters upon the structure, mechanical properties and biological response was studied. Processed specimens were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (secondary electron imaging and energy dispersive spectroscopy) and mechanically by tensile tests. The most representative results were obtained for the samples extruded at 450 °C/ϵ = 20 %, followed by a final heat treatment at 350 °C/15 min, air cooling. Further, for samples which revealed promising results, in‐vitro testing was developed. Biocompatibility testing of the Mg−2.7Zn−1Ca−0.6Zr (wt.%) alloy was realized by indirect contact studies using the Vero (ATCC® CCL‐81™, American Type Culture Collection) cell line. Cells morphologies, cell viability and proliferation were evaluated.
The influence of post‐heat treatments on the tensile strength and surface hardness of selectively laser‐melted AlSi10Mg
Authors: Heilgeist S. , Heine B. , Merkel M. , Hitzler L. , Javanbakht Z. , Öchsner A.
Published: May 2019

To improve the mechanical properties of cast aluminium alloys several post‐heat treatments are known. However, these treatments cannot directly be transposed to additively via selective laser melting manufactured aluminium alloys, e. g., aluminium‐silicon‐magnesium (AlSi10Mg). Therefore, this study aims to determine suitable post‐heat treatments to optimise the mechanical properties of SLM‐built AlSi10Mg specimen. The influence of various post‐heat treatment conditions on the material characteristics was examined through hardness and tensile tests. The findings indicate that the Vickers hardness and ultimate tensile strength could not be improved via secondary precipitation hardening, whereas the fracture elongation shows a value which is distinctly higher than the values of a comparable cast alloy. Solution annealing at 525 °C reduces the hardness and the ultimate tensile strength by about 40 % and increases the fracture elongation three times. A subsequent precipitation hardening allows recovery of 80 % of the as‐built hardness, and 90 % of the previous ultimate tensile strength combined with maintaining an improved fracture elongation of about 35 % compared to the respective as‐fabricated condition.
Laser heat treatment of titanium GRADE 1 with iron‐nickel powder
Authors: Wiśniowski M. , Tański T. , Janicki D.
Published: May 2019

Titanium alloys thanks to their low density and high mechanical properties are a group of materials that are being used willingly nowadays. A promising method of titanium heat treatment is laser alloying. Process parameters like laser beam power, its traverse speed, amount of alloying elements and shield gas, have influence on the resulting material. Different chemical composition and morphology can be achieved resulting in a change of properties on the surface of the material. The paper presents the investigation of titanium GRADE 1 processed with iron‐nickel powder using laser alloying. The treatment was performed using a high power diode laser. Different laser beam power values were used. Treatment resulted in obtaining good‐adhere, porous‐free, uniform composite material with no cracks. Formation of new phases and solid solution was the reason why it was possible to achieve an increase in microhardness on the surface. Light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy examination, microhardness results and X‐ray diffraction are presented within the paper.
The advance of assembly of exopolysaccharide Psl biosynthesis machinery in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Wu Huijun , Wang Di , Tang Maomao , Ma Luyan Z.
Published: May 2019

Biofilms are microbial communities embedded in extracellular matrix. Exopolysaccharide Psl (ePsl) is a key biofilm matrix component that initiates attachment, maintains biofilms architecture, and protects bacteria within biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen. There are at least 12 Psl proteins involved in the biosynthesis of this exopolysaccharide. However, it remains unclear about the function of each Psl protein and how these proteins work together during the biosynthesis of ePsl. PslG has been characterized as a degrader of ePsl in extracellular or periplasm and PslD is predicted to be a transporter. In this study, we found that PslG and its glycoside hydrolytic activity were also involved in the biosynthesis of ePsl. PslG localized mainly in the inner membrane and some in the periplasm. The inner membrane association of PslG was critical for the biosynthesis of ePsl. The expression of PslA, PslD, and PslE helped PslG remain in the inner membrane. The bacterial two‐hybrid results suggested that PslE could interacted with either PslA, PslD, or PslG. The strongest interaction was found between PslE and PslD. Consistently, PslD was disabled to localize on the outer membrane in the ΔpslE strain, suggesting that the PslE‐PslD interaction affected the localization of PslD. Our results shed light on the assembly of ePsl biosynthesis machinery and suggested that the membrane‐associated PslG was a part of ePsl biosynthesis proteins complex.