bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Failure of internal quality control in detecting significant reagent lot shift in serum creatinine measurement
Authors: Chen Xiaoting , Wang Jia , Zhang Wei , Xie Erfu , Zhang Bingfeng , Xu Hua‐Guo
Published: August 2019

Background

Internal quality control (IQC) in clinical laboratories is carried out to monitor analytical stability. Usually, the satisfactory results of the IQC ensure the acceptability of the examination results. Here, we reported that patients' creatinine results are unreliable, although the internal quality control is satisfactory.

Methods

Creatinine levels were analyzed from two quality control materials and twenty patients' specimens using two different lots of reagents. Lot‐to‐lot comparison was performed. The daily median values of serum creatinine levels of patients were calculated from the test results recorded in our laboratory information system.

Results

Although IQC was consistent, serum creatinine concentrations were higher using lot B (median: 153 μmol/L; interquartile range: 122‐522 μmol/L) than using lot A (median: 133 μmol/L; interquartile range: 76‐508 μmol/L) for 20 patients (P = .001). The Deming linear regression showed a best fit of y = 0.9394 × x + 45.66. R2 = .8919, and mean percentage difference between two lots was 34%. The new lot was considered unacceptable. Likewise, the median serum creatinine level from the 360 patients using lot B was 102 μmol/L, which was significantly higher than the daily medians of patients using lot A (median: 66 μmol/L; range: 61‐70 μmol/L) in the previous month.

Conclusion

The variations in creatinine concentrations proved to be due to different lots of reagents. However, IQC materials tested using both lots of reagent exhibited minimal variation. Therefore, IQC alone is insufficient for assessing laboratory analytical results. This finding prompts us to be vigilant in potential pitfall of interpreting test results based on satisfactory IQC alone.
The Aggregated Extremes Effect: Not All Routes to “Balanced” Bundles are Equally Appealing
Authors: Liu Peggy J. , Lamberton Cait , Haws Kelly L.
Published: August 2019

Prior research establishes that consumers are averse to extreme options, but what does a “moderate” option look like in the context of choices among bundles of items, such as investment portfolios or product assortment packs? We propose that for bundles, two paths to creating risk and reward balance exist: a “bundle‐of‐pure‐moderation” with all moderate‐risk–moderate‐reward (moderate RR) components and a “bundle‐of‐extremes,” composed of equal numbers of extreme high‐risk–high‐reward (high RR) and low‐risk–low‐reward (low RR) components. We show that consumers have stronger preference for the balanced bundle when composed of a bundle‐of‐extremes rather than a bundle‐of‐pure‐moderation, even when equated on expected value, a phenomenon we term “the aggregated extremes effect.” This effect occurs across different choice set configurations and across multiple domains. Additionally, this effect is eliminated among consumers who view the high RR and low RR components as incompatible, as this undermines the perceived attractiveness of the bundle‐of‐extremes. Finally, this effect is also eliminated by exposing consumers to a depiction of potential outcomes, such that consumers can better perceive the risk reduction upside of a bundle‐of‐pure‐moderation.
Assessing the efficacy of TNF‐alpha inhibitors in preventing emergency and emergent colectomies
Authors: Rajan Ruben , Trinder Matthew W , Lo Johnny , Theophilus Mary
Published: August 2019

Background and Aim

Severe ulcerative colitis (UC) is potentially life threatening and is associated with significant morbidity. TNF‐∝ inhibitors (Infliximab) were introduced in Australia for the management of medically resistant, acute, severe flares of UC in 2008. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of Infliximab in preventing emergent and emergency colectomies for patients with moderate to severe UC by comparing colectomy rates before and after its introduction at our institution.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients who were admitted to the Royal Perth Hospital with a flare of UC between 2002 and 2017. Patients were divided into two cohorts: those admitted prior to the introduction of Infliximab (pre‐2008) and those admitted after. We compared data between these two groups, including age, gender, length of admission, use of Infliximab, colectomy, and complications of surgery. We defined emergency surgery as requiring surgery during the index admission and emergent surgery as an operation within 54 weeks.

Results

A total of 313 UC cases from 2002 to 2017 were analyzed. There was a decrease in emergency and emergent colectomies from 19.4 to 8% in the post‐2008 cohort (P = 0.008). Furthermore, there was a decrease in the proportion of operations performed as emergencies, from 36 to 20%. This resulted in a significantly reduced length of stay (13.4–9.7 days, P < 0.05) and complication rate (36 to 20%, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Overall, the need for emergency and emergent operations has drastically reduced at our institution with the introduction of Infliximab. This study has confirmed the efficacy of Infliximab in reducing colectomy rates at our institution.
Tetrahydrobiopterin treatment in phenylketonuria: A repurposing approach
Authors: Evers Roeland A. F. , van Vliet Danique , van Spronsen Francjan J.
Published: August 2019

In phenylketonuria (PKU) patients, early diagnosis by neonatal screening and immediate institution of a phenylalanine‐restricted diet can prevent severe intellectual impairment. Nevertheless, outcome remains suboptimal in some patients asking for additional treatment strategies. Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) could be one of those treatment options, as it may not only increase residual phenylalanine hydroxylase activity in BH4‐responsive PKU patients, but possibly also directly improves neurocognitive functioning in both BH4‐responsive and BH4‐unresponsive PKU patients. In the present review, we aim to further define the theoretical working mechanisms by which BH4 might directly influence neurocognitive functioning in PKU having passed the blood‐brain barrier. Further research should investigate which of these mechanisms are actually involved, and should contribute to the development of an optimal BH4 treatment regimen to directly improve neurocognitive functioning in PKU. Such possible repurposing approach of BH4 treatment in PKU may improve neuropsychological outcome and mental health in both BH4‐responsive and BH4‐unresponsive PKU patients.
Catheter ablation of left‐sided accessory pathways in small children
Authors: Fogelman Rami , Birk Einat , Dagan Tamir , Fogelman Michal , Einbinder Tom , Bruckheimer Elchanan , Swissa Moshe
Published: August 2019

Background

Accessory pathways (APs) are a common reason for supraventricular tachycardia in small children. Trans‐septal puncture (TSP) approach is commonly used for the ablation of left‐sided APs, however it may be challenging in small children. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of trans‐septal approach radiofrequency (RF) ablation of left‐sided APs in children weighing up to 30 kg.

Methods

Of the 658 children who underwent catheter ablation of APs since 06/2002, 86 children had left‐sided AP and weighed less than 30 kg. TSP approach guided with TEE and fluoroscopy was used for left atrium access.

Results

The mean age, height, and body weight were 7.6 ± 1.9 years, 122.4 ± 9.3 cm and 24.0 ± 4.2 kg, respectively. Forty‐three children (50%) were male, 46 of 86 (53%) had manifest AP, 17 of 86 (20%) weighed less than 20 kg and in 24 of 86 children (28%) a three‐dimensional system (3DS) was used to reduce fluoroscopy time. The acute success rate was 98.8% (85/86), with a recurrence rate of 2.4% (2/85) in a mean follow‐up of 66.2 ± 42.7 (9.1‐184.2) months. The mean procedure time and fluoroscopy time were significantly lower for the 3DS group compared to the standard fluoroscopy group 131 ± 41 (55‐262) and 2.4 ± 1.5 (1‐6) minutes vs 164 ± 51 (62‐249) and 27 ± 13 (8‐77) minutes, P < 0.01 and P < 0.0001, respectively. There were no ablation‐related complications.

Conclusions

RF ablation of left‐sided APs using TSP approach in small children had an excellent efficacy and safety profile. The use of 3DS significantly reduces the procedure and fluoroscopy time.
The suction‐assisted endoscopic suture technique: A simple method for endotracheal suturing
Authors: Charous Steven J. , Westfall Edward
Published: August 2019

Background

Silicone stents are commonly employed to treat subglottic stenosis. A frequent complication is the tendency of stents to migrate. As such, various techniques to secure stents have been developed over the years, none of which have gained large popularity. We present a novel, low‐cost, and easy‐to‐perform technique herein.

Objectives

To describe a novel surgical technique to secure silicone stents and prevent migration for management of subglottic stenosis.

Materials and Methods

After standard excision and dilation of stenotic portions in the subglottic or trachea. A silicone stent is introduced in a standard fashion. To secure the stent, an 18‐G needle loaded with braided suture is inserted through skin, trachea, and stent. Endoscopic visualization then permits the surgeon to grasp the suture with forceps. A separate transcutaneous puncture site is performed with an 18‐G needle attached to a 10‐cc syringe (plunger removed) and blue tip suction within the empty syringe, creating an airtight suctioning tool. The grasped suture is gently introduced into the eye of the needle and quickly travels into the 10‐cc syringe with suction assist, leaving both extracorporeal ends of the suture to tie.

Results

This stitch has been employed on seven occasions on four patients. There have been no episodes of stent migration. A laboratory model found the 18‐G needle and braided 3‐0 suture performed optimally.

Conclusions

We present a novel surgical technique to secure silicone stents in management subglottic or tracheal stenosis.

Level of Evidence

Level 4

Laryngoscope, 130:E346–E348, 2020
Drug‐Loaded Elastin‐Like Polypeptide–Collagen Hydrogels with High Modulus for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Pal Pallabi , Nguyen Quynh C. , Benton Angela H. , Marquart Mary E. , Janorkar Amol V.
Published: August 2019

Emphasizing the role of hydrogel stiffness and cellular differentiation, this study develops collagen and elastin‐like polypeptide (ELP)–based bone regenerative hydrogels loaded with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) and doxycycline with mechanical properties suitable for osteogenesis. The drug‐incorporated collagen–ELP hydrogels has significantly higher modulus of 35 ± 5 kPa compared to collagen‐only hydrogels. Doxycycline shows a bi‐phasic release with an initial burst release followed by a gradual release, while rhBMP‐2 exhibits a nearly linear release profile for all hydrogels. The released doxycycline shows anti‐microbial activity againstPseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus sanguinis, andEscherichia coli. Microscopic observation of the hydrogels reveals their interconnected, macroporous, 3D open architecture with pore diameters between 160 and 400 µm. This architecture supports human adipose–derived stem cell attachment and proliferation from initial days of cell seeding, forming a thick cellular sheath by day 21. Interestingly, in collagen and collagen–ELP hydrogels, cell morphology is elongated with stretched slender lamellipodial formation, while cells assemble as spheroidal aggregates in crosslinked as well as drug‐loaded hydrogels. Osteogenic markers, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin, are expressed maximally for drug‐loaded hydrogels compared to those without drugs. The drug‐loaded collagen–ELP hydrogels are thus promising for combating bacterial infection and promoting guided bone regeneration.
Synthesis, Chiroptical, and Redox Properties of Ferrocene‐Containing Optically Active Polymers
Authors: Sotani Taichi , Iwakiri Hiroko , Yamada Hirotaka , Shimosaraya Noritaka , Miyagi Yu , Sanda Fumio
Published: August 2019

The Sonogashira–Hagihara coupling polymerization of ferrocene‐containing l‐phenylalanine‐derived optically active o‐, m‐, p‐substituted bis(iodophenylene) monomers 1o
, 1m
, 1p
with 1,4‐diethynylbenzene (2) and 1,4‐diethynyl‐2,5‐bis[2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy)ethoxy]benzene (3) is carried out to obtain the corresponding polymers consisting of ferrocene, amino acid, and phenyleneethynylene moieties. In the solution state, poly(1o
‐2), poly(1o‐3), and poly(1m
‐2) exhibit no circular dichroism (CD) signals in N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF), while poly(1m‐3), poly(1p
‐2), and poly(1p
‐3) exhibit CD signals assignable to the main chain chromophore, indicating the formation of certain chiral structures. In the solid state, poly(1o
‐2), poly(1o‐3), poly(1m
‐2), and poly(1m‐3) exhibit CD signals in the solid state, while poly(1p
‐2), poly(1p
‐3) does not, indicating the different aggregation manners of the polymers in the solution and solid states. The monomer and the polymers exhibit redox properties assignable to the ferrocene moieties. Thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA) measurements reveal that a 30% weight reduction occurs at 500 °C yielding black ferromagnetic solids.
The Evolution of Movement Disorders in N‐Methyl‐D‐Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis—A Video Log
Authors: Morano Alessandra , Basili Luca Manfredi , Fanella Martina , Giallonardo Anna Teresa , Di Bonaventura Carlo
Published: August 2019

View Supplementary Video 1
The expanding phenotype of OFD1‐related disorders: Hemizygous loss‐of‐function variants in three patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia
Authors: Hannah William B. , DeBrosse Suzanne , Kinghorn BreAnna , Strausbaugh Steven , Aitken Moira L. , Rosenfeld Margaret , Wolf Whitney E. , Knowles Michael R. , Zariwala Maimoona A.
Published: August 2019

Background

OFD1 has long been recognized as the gene implicated in the classic dysmorphology syndrome, oral‐facial‐digital syndrome type I (OFDSI). Over time, pathogenic variants in OFD1 were found to be associated with X‐linked intellectual disability, Joubert syndrome type 10 (JBTS10), Simpson‐Golabi‐Behmel syndrome type 2 (SGBS2), and retinitis pigmentosa. Recently, OFD1 pathogenic variants have been implicated in primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), a disorder of the motile cilia with a phenotype that includes recurrent oto‐sino‐pulmonary infections, situs abnormalities, and decreased fertility.

Methods

We describe three male patients with PCD who were found to have hemizygous pathogenic variants in OFD1, further supporting that PCD is part of a clinical spectrum of OFD1‐related disorders. In addition, we provide a review of the available clinical literature describing patients with OFD1 variants and highlight the phenotypic variability of OFD1‐related disease.

Results

Some individuals with hemizygous OFD1 variants have PCD, either apparently isolated or in combination with other features of OFD1‐related disorders.

Conclusion

As clinicians consider the presence or absence of conditions allelic at OFD1, PCD should be considered part of the spectrum of OFD1‐related disorders. Understanding the OFD1‐related disease spectrum may allow for more focused genetic testing and more timely management of treatable sequelae.
Adenosine stress CMR perfusion imaging of the temporal evolution of perfusion defects in a porcine model of progressive obstructive coronary artery occlusion
Authors: Van Houten M. , Yang Y. , Hauser A. , Glover D.K. , Gan L‐M. , Yeager M. , Salerno M.
Published: August 2019

Adenosine stress CMR perfusion imaging can quantify absolute perfusion and myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) in coronary artery disease (CAD) with higher spatial resolution than positron emission tomography, the only clinically available technique for quantitative myocardial perfusion imaging. While porcine models of CAD are excellent for studying perfusion abnormalities in chronic CAD, to date there are a limited number of studies that use quantitative perfusion for evaluation. Therefore, we developed an adenosine stress CMR protocol to evaluate the temporal evolution of perfusion defects in a porcine model of progressive obstructive CAD. 10 Yucatan minipigs underwent placement of an ameroid occluder around the left circumflex artery (LCX) to induce a progressive chronic coronary obstruction. Four animals underwent a hemodynamic dose range experiment to determine the adenosine dose inducing maximal hyperemia. Each animal had a CMR examination, including stress/rest spiral quantitative perfusion imaging at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 weeks. Late gadolinium enhancement images determined the presence of myocardial infarction, if any existed. Pixelwise quantitative perfusion maps were generated using Fermi deconvolution. The results were statistically analyzed with a repeated mixed measures model to block for physiological variation between the animals. Five animals developed myocardial infarction by 3 weeks, while three developed ischemia without an infarction. The perfusion defects were located in the inferolateral myocardium in the perfusion territory of the LCX. Stress perfusion values were higher in remote segments than both the infarcted and ischemic segments (p < 0.01). MPR values were significantly greater in the remote segments than infarcted and ischemic segments (p < 0.01). While the MPR decreased in all segments, the MPR recovered by the sixth week in the remote regions. We developed a model of progressive CAD and evaluated the temporal evolution of the development of quantitative perfusion defects. This model will serve as a platform for understanding the development of perfusion abnormalities in chronic occlusive CAD.
An indicator‐based problem reduction scheme for coupled reactive transport models
Authors: Freeman Brubeck Lee , Cleall Peter John , Jefferson Anthony Duncan
Published: August 2019

A number of effective models have been developed for simulating chemical transport in porous media; however, when a reactive chemical problem comprises multiple species within a substantial domain for a long period of time, the computational cost can become prohibitively expensive. This issue is addressed here by proposing a new numerical procedure to reduce the number of transport equations to be solved. This new problem reduction scheme (PRS) uses a predictor‐corrector approach, which “predicts” the transport of a set of non‐indicator species using results from a set of indicator species before “correcting” the non‐indicator concentrations using a mass balance error measure. The full chemical transport model is described along with experimental validation. The PRS is then presented together with an investigation, based on a 16‐species reaction‐advection‐diffusion problem, which determines the range of applicability of different orders of the PRS. The results of a further study are presented, in which a set of PRS simulations is compared with those from full model predictions. The application of the scheme to the intermediate‐sized problems considered in the present study showed reductions of up to 82% in CPU time, with good levels of accuracy maintained.
Where it all starts: Lobbying, democracy and the Public Interest
Authors: Bitonti Alberto
Published: August 2019

The article is a theoretical and semantic analysis of the concept of Public Interest. It starts with a focus on the ambiguity of the concepts of interest and public, whose different interpretations directly impact the understanding of the expression “Public Interest.” An examination follows of the most important contributions in the literature on the idea of Public Interest. A distinction is then drawn between the concept and different conceptions of it. In particular, I propose a typology of five ideal–typical conceptions of the Public Interest: formal, substantive, realist, aggregative, and procedural. For each conception, I highlight the constitutive elements and the relevant consequences in their respective visions of democracy and of lobbying. Some expectations are finally advanced on the uses of the various conceptions in actual policymaking contexts.
Tightened Immigration Policies and the Self‐Employment Dynamics of Mexican Immigrants
Authors: Wang Chunbei
Published: August 2019

As the U.S. government has intensified its crackdown on illegal immigration in recent years, an important question to ask is how undocumented immigrants react to the stricter enforcement of immigration laws. This paper seeks to answer whether they increasingly choose self‐employment in an effort to avoid apprehension and subsequent deportation. To guard against endogeneity bias that might stem from increased enforcement in reaction to illegal immigration, the empirical analysis makes use of the September 11 terror attacks (9/11), which inadvertently triggered stricter immigration enforcement nationwide, as a natural experiment. Using a difference‐in‐differences approach and data from the Current Population Survey between 1996 and 2006, this paper examines the changes in the self‐employment choices of male and non‐citizen Mexican immigrants (a proxy for undocumented immigrants) compared to less‐educated Whites (the control group). The findings indicate that male and non‐citizen Mexican immigrants are substantially more likely (40 percent) to enter into self‐employment than less‐educated Whites after 9/11. The analysis further suggests that this finding is not driven by the 2001 recession that coincided with the terror attacks. The increased entries are mainly observed in the group that is most likely to be in the United States illegally and in those who face strong economic incentives. In addition, increased entries are not driven by increased unemployment among Mexican immigrants after the 9/11 event, but, rather, they reflect a change in the behavior of the unemployed Mexican immigrants, perhaps due to changes in perceived risks of detection and deportation.
Microscopic distribution of syringin in freeze‐fixed Syringa vulgaris stems
Authors: Aoki Dan , Okumura Wakaba , Akita Takuya , Matsushita Yasuyuki , Yoshida Masato , Sano Yuzou , Fukushima Kazuhiko
Published: August 2019

Monolignols are precursors of lignin, and their glucosides are often found in plants. Glucosylation creates water‐soluble and chemically stable monolignols by protecting the phenolic hydroxyl group. To discuss the role of sinapyl alcohol glucoside, syringin, in planta, the cellular distribution of syringin in the transverse and radial surfaces of quick‐frozen stems of Syringa vulgaris L. (lilac) was visualized by cryo‐time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy (cryo‐TOF‐SIMS/SEM) analyses. The amount and rough distribution of syringin were confirmed by high‐performance liquid chromatography measurements using serial tangential sections of freeze‐fixed lilac stems. The syringin distribution was also discussed with reference to the tissue classification from microscopic observations. Syringin was mainly found in the phloem region. In the xylem region, syringin was evenly distributed irrespective of the cell type from the cambial zone to the early differentiating stage region and selectively distributed in vessels in the later differentiating stage region. After the lignification of wood fibers, syringin was found in rays and some vessels in the initial part of the annual rings. Previously, artificially administered isotope‐labeled syringin was shown to be assimilated into lignin in the differentiating xylem region. Based on this, our present data showing syringin storage in the differentiating xylem region and its variation depending on the lignification stage suggest that syringin works as a lignin precursor. Additionally, detection of syringin in vessels and rays indicates intercellular transportation of syringin in lilac stems.
Safety Issue of Changed Nanotoxicity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in the Multicomponent System
Authors: Huang Yanan , Ding Lin , Li Chenchen , Wu Min , Wang Mimi , Yao Chenjie , Yin Xuelian , Zhang Junfeng , Liu Jinliang , Zhang Yong , Wu Minghong , Wang Yanli
Published: August 2019

When nanomaterials are exposed to complex systems, such as food, they may cause significant changes in physical and chemical properties and even toxicity. The toxicity evaluation of complex systems is urgent. Unfortunately, so far, there is no database established about the toxicity changes of nanoparticles in composite systems. In this paper, the changes and toxicity mechanism of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in a composite system are studied. The results show that the dissolution of zinc ions (Zn2+) in acidic systems (vitamin C, tartaric acid, or citric acid) increases the toxicity of ZnO NPs. However, the toxicity of ZnO NPs is reduced by the complexation effect with Zn2+ in phosphoric acid, phosphate, and glutathione systems. The influence of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) on the toxicity of ZnO NPs depends on size and surface properties. In brief, the intracellular Zn2+ homeostasis level is the decisive factor in determining the toxicity change in complex systems. The results indicate that the toxicity changes are very different in combined systems, which may have potential food safety issues, especially for unstable nanoparticles.
A systematic review on antioxidant and antiinflammatory activity of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) oil and further confirmation of antiinflammatory activity by chemical profiling and molecular docking
Authors: Afroz Mohasana , Zihad S. M. Neamul Kabir , Uddin Shaikh Jamal , Rouf Razina , Rahman Md. Shamim , Islam Muhammad Torequl , Khan Ishaq N. , Ali Eunüs S. , Aziz Shahin , Shilpi Jamil A. , Nahar Lutfun , Sarker Satyajit D.
Published: August 2019

Traditionally, sesame oil (SO) has been used as a popular food and medicine. The review aims to summarize the antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects of SO and its identified compounds as well as further fatty acid profiling and molecular docking study to correlate the interaction of its identified constituents with cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2). For this, a literature study was made using Google Scholar, Pubmed, and SciFinder databases. Literature study demonstrated that SO has potential antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects in various test systems, including humans, animals, and cultured cells through various pathways such as inhibition of COX, nonenzymatic defense mechanism, inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines, NF‐kB or mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling, and prostaglandin synthesis pathway. Fatty acid analysis of SO using gas chromatography identified known nine fatty acids. In silico study revealed that sesamin, sesaminol, sesamolin, stigmasterol, Δ5‐avenasterol, and Δ7‐avenasterol (−9.6 to −10.7 kcal/mol) were the most efficient ligand for interaction and binding with COX‐2. The known fatty acid also showed binding efficiency with COX‐2 to some extent (−6.0 to −8.4 kcal/mol). In summary, it is evident that SO may be one of promising traditional medicines that we could use in the prevention and management of diseases associated with oxidative stress and inflammation.
Eriodictyol inhibits high glucose‐induced extracellular matrix accumulation, oxidative stress, and inflammation in human glomerular mesangial cells
Authors: Bai Jin , Wang Yi , Zhu Xiaoguang , Shi Jun
Published: August 2019

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the major complications of diabetes mellitus. The progression of DN has been found to be associated with high glucose (HG)‐induced oxidative stress and inflammation in diabetes mellitus. Eriodictyol is a flavonoid that possesses antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects. However, the effect of eriodictyol on DN remains unknown. In the present study, we evaluated the role of eriodictyol in mesangial cells (MCs) in response to HG condition. The results showed that eriodictyol repressed cell proliferation of HG‐stimulated MCs. Treatment with eriodictyol attenuated oxidative stress, which was evidenced by increased superoxide dismutase activity as well as decreased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde. Besides, eriodictyol suppressed the expressions of two NADPH oxidase (NOX) isoforms, NOX2 and NOX4, which are responsible for the generation of ROS. Eriodictyol suppressed the production of extracellular matrix proteins including fibronectin and Collagen IV, as well as the secretion of inflammatory cytokines including TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 in HG‐induced MCs. Moreover, the HG‐induced activation of Akt/NF‐κB pathway was mitigated by eriodictyol. In conclusion, eriodictyol protected MCs from HG stimulation though inhibition of Akt/NF‐κB pathway.
Retrieval of sea surface salinity from SMAP L‐band radiometer: A novel approach for wind speed correction
Authors: Sharma Neerja
Published: August 2019

The present article introduces a new sea surface salinity (SSS) retrieval technique from the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) L–band (1.4 GHz) microwave radiometer. The ocean surface wind speed (WS) correction, which is very critical in any of the SSS retrieval techniques, is accounted for with a different approach. A model function between ΔSSS (the difference between SSS of flat and rough ocean surfaces) and ocean surface WS is developed and used to correct the impact of ocean surface roughness due to the winds on SSS. In addition to WS correction, the retrieval technique appropriately accounts for the effects of atmospheric attenuation on L‐band frequency due to water vapour and oxygen, and ocean surface temperature on SSS. The performance of the estimations is statistically evaluated by comparing the estimations with the in situ Argo, buoy SSS, and SMAP version 3, 70 km resolution SSS observations in global oceans during 2016. The retrieved salinity well captured the global distribution patterns of SSS, including low and high values. Comparison of retrieved salinity with Argo and SMAP products show a root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) of 0.32 and 0.39 psu, a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.94 and 0.93, and a scatter index of 0.0093 and 0.011 respectively on a monthly time‐scale. In addition, retrieved SSS promisingly captured day‐to‐day variability in SSS observed by tropical moored buoy SSS with RMSE of 0.36 psu and a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.94. The validation confirms the potential ability of the new retrieval technique in capturing SSS changes on daily and monthly time‐scales.
Thermochemical study of gaseous indium–arsenic sulfosalt
Authors: Shugurov Sergey M. , Panin Andrej I. , Lopatin Sergey I. , Pulyalina Alexandra Yu
Published: August 2019

Rationale

Sulfide systems are often used at high temperatures, when vaporization of the components is enabled. Sulfide ores are used as sources of various metals and nonmetals and gaseous sulfides, and sulfosalts may also play a role in the atmosphere chemistry of hot rocky exoplanets. To predict the existence and thermal stability of gaseous sulfides and sulfosalts it is important to know their thermodynamic characteristics. In this study the sulfosalt of indium and arsenic was obtained in the gaseous phase for the first time.

Methods

High‐temperature Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry was used to determine the partial pressures of vapor species over indium and arsenic sulfides. A molybdenum double two‐temperature cell was used to create the conditions of coexistence of indium and arsenic sulfides. A theoretical study of gaseous As4S4 and In2AsS2 was performed using both B3LYP, M06, PBE0 and TPSSh hybrid DFT functionals and an ab initio wave function‐based MP2(Full) method.

Results

Gaseous In2AsS2 has been identified during vaporization of In6S7 and As2S3 from the molybdenum double two‐temperature cell. The structure and molecular parameters of gaseous In2AsS2 were determined using quantum chemical calculations. Energetically favorable structures of gaseous In2S, AsS, As4S4 and In2AsS2 were found and vibrational frequencies were evaluated in the harmonic approximation. The formation enthalpy of gaseous In2AsS2 (186 ± 37 kJ mol−1) was derived as a result of measurements of the equilibrium constants of two independent gas‐phase reactions.

Conclusions

The gaseous sulfosalt of indium and arsenic was obtained for the first time. The formation enthalpy of the In2AsS2 (g) molecule at 298 K was evaluated both experimentally and theoretically. The thermal stability of the gaseous sulfosalt is less than that of the gaseous oxyacid salts.
Parameter inference with deep jointly informed neural networks
Authors: Humbird Kelli D. , Peterson J. Luc , McClarren Ryan G.
Published: August 2019

A common challenge in modeling inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiments with computer simulations is that many of the simulation inputs are unknown and cannot be directly measured. Often, parameters that are measured in the experiment are used to infer the unknown inputs by solving the inverse problem: finding the set of simulation inputs that result in outputs consistent with the experimental observations. In ICF, this process is often referred to as a “post‐shot analysis.” Post‐shot analyses are challenging as the inverse problem is often highly degenerate, the input parameter space is vast, and simulations are computationally expensive. In this work, deep neural network models equipped with model uncertainty estimates are used to train inverse models, which map directly from output to input space, to find the distribution of post‐shot simulations that are consistent with experimental observations. The inverse model approach is compared to Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling of the forward model, which maps from input to output space, for parameter inference tasks of varying complexity. The inverse models perform best when searching vast parameter spaces for post‐shot simulations that are consistent with a large number of observables, where MCMC sampling can be prohibitively expensive. We demonstrate how augmenting inverse models with autoencoders enable the inclusion of several dozen observables in the inverse mapping, reducing the degeneracy of the model and improving the accuracy of the post‐shot analysis.
Revealing the Simultaneous Effects of Conductivity and Amorphous Nature of Atomic‐Layer‐Deposited Double‐Anion‐Based Zinc Oxysulfide as Superior Anodes in Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Sinha Soumyadeep , Didwal Pravin N. , Nandi Dip K. , Verma Rakesh , Cho Jae Yu , Kim Soo‐Hyun , Park Chan‐Jin , Heo Jaeyeong
Published: August 2019

Although sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are considered promising alternatives to their Li counterparts, they still suffer from challenges like slow kinetics of the sodiation process, large volume change, and inferior cycling stability. On the other hand, the presence of additional reversible conversion reactions makes the metal compounds the preferred anode materials over carbon. However, conductivity and crystallinity of such materials often play the pivotal role in this regard. To address these issues, atomic layer deposited double‐anion‐based ternary zinc oxysulfide (ZnOS) thin films as an anode material in SIBs are reported. Electrochemical studies are carried out with different O/(O+S) ratios, including O‐rich and S‐rich crystalline ZnOS along with the amorphous phase. Amorphous ZnOS with the O/(O+S) ratio of ≈0.4 delivers the most stable and considerably high specific (and volumetric) capacities of 271.9 (≈1315.6 mAh cm−3) and 173.1 mAh g−1 (≈837.7 mAh cm−3) at the current densities of 500 and 1000 mA g−1, respectively. A dominant capacitive‐controlled contribution of the amorphous ZnOS anode indicates faster electrochemical reaction kinetics. An electrochemical reaction mechanism is also proposed via X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. A comparison of the cycling stability further establishes the advantage of this double‐anion‐based material over pristine ZnO and ZnS anodes.
SnSe2 Nanosheets for Subpicosecond Harmonic Mode‐Locked Pulse Generation
Authors: Liu Ji‐Shu , Li Xiao‐Hui , Guo Yi‐Xuan , Qyyum Abdul , Shi Zhao‐Jiang , Feng Tian‐Ci , Zhang Ying , Jiang Chuan‐Xiu , Liu Xin‐Feng
Published: August 2019

Tin diselenide (SnSe2) nanosheets as novel 2D layered materials have excellent optical properties with many promising application prospects, such as photoelectric detectors, nonlinear optics, infrared photoelectric devices, and ultrafast photonics. Among them, ultrafast photonics has attracted much attention due to its enormous advantages; for instance, extremely fast pulse, strong peak power, and narrow bandwidth. In this work, SnSe2 nanosheets are fabricated by using solvothermal treatment, and the characteristics of SnSe2 are systemically investigated. In addition, the solution of SnSe2 nanosheets is successfully prepared as a fiber‐based saturable absorber by utilizing the evanescent field effect, which can bear a high pump power. 31st‐order subpicosecond harmonic mode locking is generated in an Er‐doped fiber laser, corresponding to the maximum repetition rate of 257.3 MHz and pulse duration of 887 fs. The results show that SnSe2 can be used as an excellent nonlinear photonic device in many fields, such as frequency comb, lasers, photodetectors, etc.
Silane Modification of Carbon Nanotubes and Preparation of Silane Cross‐Linked LLDPE/MWCNT Nanocomposites
Authors: Azizi Hamed , Fallahi Hedieh , Ghasemi Ismail , Karrabi Mohammad , Nazemian Mahboobeh
Published: August 2019

The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of carbon nanotube (CNT) content, surface modification, and silane cross‐linking on mechanical and electrical properties of linear low‐density polyethylene/multiwall CNT nanocomposites. CNTs were functionalized by vinyltriethoxysilane to incorporate the ─O─C2H5 functional groups and were melt‐blended with polyethylene. Silane‐grafted polyethylene was then moisture cross‐linked. Silanization of CNT was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and EDX analysis. Hot‐set test results showed that silane cross‐linking of polyethylene and incorporation of modified CNTs into polyethylene led to an increase in cross‐linking density and the number of entanglements resulting in a decrease in elongation. It was found that the addition of pristine multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and functionalized MWCNTs does not affect silane cross‐linking density. Silane modification resulted in a stronger adhesion of the silane cross‐linked LLDPE to silanized MWCNTs according to scanning electron microscopy micrographs. Additionally, the electrical tests revealed that the silane modification of CNTs results in an improvement in electrical properties of nanocomposites, while silane cross‐linking will not have an effect on electrical properties. Rheological properties of MWCNT/LLDPE nanocomposites have been studied thoroughly and have been discussed in this study. Moreover, according to TGA test results, modification of the MWCNTs led to a better dispersion of them in the LLDPE matrix and consequently resulted in an improvement in thermal properties of the nanocomposites. Crystallinity and melting properties of the nanocomposites have been evaluated in detail using DSC analysis. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 26:113–126, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Ultra-high-throughput picoliter-droplet microfluidics screening of the industrial cellulase-producing filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei
Authors: He Ronglin , Ding Ruihua , Heyman John A , Zhang Dongyuan , Tu Ran
Published: August 2019

The selection of improved producers among the huge number of variants in mutant libraries is a key issue in filamentous fungi of industrial biotechnology. Here, we developed a droplet-based microfluidic high-throughput screening platform for selection of high-cellulase producers from filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei. The screening system used a fluorogenic assay to measure amount of cellulase and its activity. The key effectors such as cellulase-inducing medium, spore germination, droplet cultivation time, droplet fluorescence signal detection, and droplet cell sorting were studied. An artificial pre-mixed library of high- and low-cellulase-producing T. reesei strains was screened successfully to verify the feasibility of our method. Finally, two cellulase hyperproducers exhibiting improvements in cellulase activity of 27% and 46% were isolated from an atmospheric and room-temperature plasma (ARTP)-mutated library. This high-throughput screening system could be applied to the engineering of T. reesei strains and other industrially valuable protein-producing filamentous fungi.
The Impact of Agricultural Technologies on Poverty and Vulnerability of Smallholders in Ethiopia: A Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Biru Wubneshe Dessalegn , Zeller Manfred , Loos Tim K.
Published: August 2019

Many studies evaluating the impact of adoption on welfare focused on adoption of a single technology giving little attention on the complementarity/substitutability among agricultural technologies. Yet, smallholders commonly adopt several complementary technologies at a time and their adoption decision is best characterized by multivariate models. This paper, therefore, examines the impact of multiple complementary technologies adoption on consumption, poverty and vulnerability of smallholders in Ethiopia. The study used a balanced panel data obtained from a survey of 390 farm households collected in 2012, 2014 and 2016. A two stage multinomial endogenous switching regression model combined with the Mundlak approach and balanced panel data is employed to account for unobserved heterogeneity for the adoption decision and differences in household and farm characteristics. An ordered probit model is used to analyze the impact on poverty and vulnerability. We find that the adoption of improved technologies increases consumption expenditure significantly and the greatest impact is attained when farmers combine multiple complementary technologies. Similarly, the likelihood of households to remain poor or vulnerable decreased with the adoption of different complementary technologies. We therefore conclude that the adoption of multiple complementary technologies has substantial dynamic benefits that improve the welfare of smallholders in the study area, and given the observed low level of adoption rates, we suggest that much more intervention is warranted, with a special focus on poorer and vulnerable households, to ensure smallholders get support to improve their input use.
Depressive symptoms at age 9–13 and chronic disabling fatigue at age 16: A longitudinal study
Authors: Collin Simon M. , Norris Tom , Joinson Carol , Loades Maria E. , Lewis Glyn , Stansfeld Stephen A. , Crawley Esther
Published: August 2019

Introduction

We investigated whether depressive symptoms at ages 9–13 years were associated with chronic disabling fatigue (CDF) at age 16 among children in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents & Children (ALSPAC) birth cohort.

Methods

Depressive symptoms at ages 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 years were defined as a child‐ or parent‐completed Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ) score ≥11 (range 0–26). SMFQ score was also analysed as a continuous exposure. Chronic disabling fatigue at 16 was defined as fatigue of ≥6 months' but <5 years’ duration which prevented school attendance or activities, for which other causes were not identified, and with a Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire score ≥19. Logistic regression was used with multiple imputation to correct for missing data bias. We performed sensitivity analyses in which children who had CDF and depressive symptoms at age 16 were reclassified as not having CDF.

Results

In fully adjusted models using imputed data (N = 13,978), depressive symptoms at ages 9, 11, and 13 years were associated with 2‐ to 3‐fold higher odds of CDF at age 16. Each one‐point increase in SMFQ score at ages 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 years was associated with 6–11% higher odds of CDF at age 16. Depressive symptoms and continuous SMFQ scores at each age were not associated with CDF if the outcome was reclassified to exclude children with comorbid depressive symptoms at age 16.

Conclusions

Depressive symptoms at ages 9–13 were associated with chronic disabling fatigue at age 16, but causality is not certain.
A cognitive stress test for prodromal Alzheimer's disease: Multiethnic generalizability
Authors: Curiel Cid Rosie E. , Loewenstein David A. , Rosselli Monica , Matias‐Guiu Jordi A. , Piña Daema , Adjouadi Malek , Cabrerizo Mercedes , Bauer Russell M. , Chan Aldrich , DeKosky Steven T. , Golde Todd , Greig‐Custo Maria T. , Lizarraga Gabriel , Peñate Ailyn , Duara Ranjan
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Culturally fair cognitive assessments sensitive to detecting changes associated with prodromal Alzheimer's disease are needed.

Methods

Performance of Hispanic and non‐Hispanic older adults on the Loewenstein‐Acevedo Scale of Semantic Interference and Learning (LASSI‐L) was examined in persons with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) or normal cognition. The association between a novel cognitive marker, the failure to recover from proactive semantic interference (frPSI), and cortical thinning was explored.

Results

English‐speaking aMCI participants scored lower than cognitively normal participants on all LASSI‐L indices, while Spanish‐speaking aMCI participants scored lower in learning, frPSI, and delayed recall. Healthy controls obtained equivalent scores on all indices except retroactive semantic interference. English‐speaking and Spanish‐speaking aMCI participants had equivalent scores except English speaker's greater vulnerability to frPSI. Across aMCI groups, frPSI was associated with cortical thinning of the entorhinal cortex and precuneus (r = −0.45 to r = 0.52; P < .005).

Discussion

In diverse populations, LASSI‐L performance differentiated patients with aMCI from cognitively normal older adults and was associated with thinning in Alzheimer's disease–prone regions, suggesting its clinical utility.
Basic Disaster Preparedness of Rural Community Pharmacies in 5 States
Authors: Henkel Paul J. , Marvanova Marketa
Published: August 2019

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to investigate the basic preparedness of rural community pharmacies to continue operations during and immediately following a disaster.

Methods:

In 2014, we conducted a telephone survey (N = 990) of community pharmacies in 3 rural areas: North Dakota/South Dakota, West Virginia, Southern Oregon/Northern California regarding whether they had a formal disaster/continuity plan, offsite data backup, emergency power generation, and/or had a certified pharmacy immunizer on staff. Logistic regression and chi square were performed using Stata 11.1.

Findings:

Community pharmacies in rural areas (≤50.0 persons/mile2) were less likely to have emergency power (odds ratio [OR] = 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.32-1.07) or certified pharmacy immunizer on staff (OR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.34-0.64). Pharmacies in lower income areas were less likely to have emergency power and offsite data backup or a formal disaster plan (OR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.49-0.99) compared with pharmacies in higher income areas. Community pharmacies in areas of higher percent elderly population were less likely to have emergency power (OR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.39-0.73), or certified pharmacy immunizer on staff (OR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.47-0.91) compared with chain pharmacies in areas with lower percent elderly population.

Conclusions:

Being in a rural, low-income, or high-elderly area was associated with lower likelihood of basic preparedness of community pharmacies.
MWA tied-array processing I: Calibration and beamformation
Authors: Ord S. M. , Tremblay S. E. , McSweeney S. J. , Bhat N. D. R. , Sobey C. , Mitchell D. A. , Hancock P. J. , Kirsten F.
Published: August 2019

The Murchison Widefield Array is a low-frequency Square Kilometre Array precursor located at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory in Western Australia. Primarily designed as an imaging telescope, but with a flexible signal path, the capabilities of this telescope have recently been extended to include off-line incoherent and tied-array beam formation using recorded antenna voltages. This has provided the capability for high-time and frequency resolution observations, including a pulsar science program. This paper describes the algorithms and pipeline that we have developed to form the tied-array beam products from the summation of calibrated signals of the antenna elements, and presents example polarimetric profiles for PSRs J0437-4715 and J1900-2600 at 185 MHz.