bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LOCAL DELIVERY OF TARGETED NANOPARTICLES AS THERAPEUTIC APPROACH TO OBLITERANS BRONCHIOLITIS AND MALIGNANT PLEURAL MESOTHELIOMA
Authors: Meloni Federica , Cova Emanuela , Piloni Davide , Inghilleri Simona , Stella Giulia Maria , Colombo Miriam , Prosperi Davide
Published: October 2018

Our work has the objective to develop and provide a new therapeutic approach to rare respiratory disease with poor prognosis. These diseases are united by the fact of being rare diseases, defined orphan, with a very poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Furthermore, they share the possibility to apply a local treatment with the advantage of decreased unwanted biodistribution and systemic toxicity. Bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) is a disease characterized by fibrotic obliteration of the small airways that occurs in response to inflammatory and immunological insults. Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare malignant tumor that originates from the pleura, strongly associated with environmental exposure to asbestos. Our approach consists in the creation of nanocarriers (gold nanoparticles, GNPs), which can be loaded with specific anti-proliferative drugs, specifically targeted to the cells responsible of the two pathological processes (fibroblastoid-like mesenchymal cells in BO, malignant mesothelioma cells in MPM) and suitable for administration by local street (inhaled or intrapleural). First, we isolated, cultured and phenotyped primary cells from patients from BO and MPM. Once you have identified some targets (CD44 for the BO and CD146 for MPM) we designed a nanotool loaded with the specific drugs (everolimus or pemetrexed) and decorated with monoclonal antibody on the surface. We performed experiments in vitro on primary cultures of pathological cells and we demonstrated that these nanoparticles were able to penetrate specifically in target cells expressing the specific receptor and not in other types of normal cells tested, except for the alveolar macrophage which presented the tendency to absorb the nanoparticles, also the not functionalized ones. The anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory action of these nanoparticles was tested in vitro. We have also conducted experiments in animals to prove the lack of both pulmonary and extrapulmonary toxicity following administration of nanoparticles by inhalation.
PRESENTAZIONE DELLâ€™EVENTO E RINGRAZIAMENTI
Authors: Fiorani Valeria Piacentini
Published: October 2018

Non presente.
PRESENTAZIONE DELLA GIORNATA
Authors: D'Ariano Giacomo Mauro , Mariani Cristian , Veca Salvatore
Published: October 2018

Non presente.
Lâ€™AEQUITAS ROMANA: UNA NOZIONE IN CERCA DI EQUILIBRIO
Authors: Mantovani Dario
Published: October 2018

The term aequitas in the Corpus Iuris Civilis (and in rhetoric) forms the origin of the notion of equity, both in the field of law and in other social sciences. Its contents are, however, very contentious. Rather than following the two extremes in modern reconstructions, which consider aequitas either as unitary or as a vague and indefinite notion, this paper considers aequitas as an historically complex notion that kept its original semantic nucleus, but saw the addition of further meanings. This paper is based on a close examination of aequum, from the earliest attestations in the Republican Age until Cicero. We will see that it was a concept already profoundly rooted and elaborated in Roman culture before its reformulation in terms of Greek philosophy, which considerably enriched it, exploring its limits. In this respect, particular attention is paid to distinguishing aequitas from epieikeia as theorized by Aristotle. This paper examines then the development of the concept in the thought of the Roman jurists. As a whole, this study shows that aequitas involves, at its core, an attitude towards decisions that is founded on the criterion of the aequum, i.e. the â€œequalâ€; this conclusion is confirmed by iconographic evidence. Yet, at least from the Late Republic, aequitas is part of a wider conception of man and his relations to others in society, i.e. it is part of a political anthropology that expands and articulates the meanings of aequitas (and without which it might give the impression of being a vague notion).
Segmental dilatation of ileum in a young patient presenting with anemia
Authors: Nischal Neha , Balachandra Deepak , Agarwal Anil Kumar , Puri Sunil Kumar
Published: October 2018

Segmental dilatation of ileum (SDI) is a less known uncommon entity with a confusing clinical scenario and no definite etiopathogenesis. The preoperative diagnosis is of exclusion. However, it has an excellent prognosis after surgery. We describe a case of a young patient who presented with anemia without any overt gastrointestinal (GI) bleed. Thorough radiological examinations were needed to reach the diagnosis of SDI which was confirmed postoperatively.
Factors Influencing the Dividend Policy of Vietnamese Enterprises
Authors: Dang Hung Ngoc , Ha Nguyen Viet , Binh Dang Thai
Published: October 2018

The article explores the factors affecting company’s dividend policy such as profitability, firm size, financial leverage and growth rate.  Data is collected from enterprises listed on the Vietnam securities market in the period of 2006 - 2017 with 2,150 observations. Using the Generalized Least Squares (GLS), the authors have identified two factors that have a positive and significant effect: (i) return on total assets and (ii) firm size. At the same time, research results also show a negative impact of enterprise’s revenue growth rate on the dividend payment ratio. In addition, financial leverage has no impact on company’s dividend policy.
Feedback Mechanisms of HIV/Aids Campaigns in Ghana’s Prisons
Authors: Bisilki Isaac
Published: October 2018

Why do some behavioural change campaigns succeed while others fail? What mechanisms are employed in campaign channels/strategies that succeed? Feedback, for example, helps in tracking the progress of ongoing campaigns for informed adjustments in strategies for better communication impact. This study explores the mechanisms for feedback in the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana’s (PPAG) HIV/AIDS campaigns in Ghana’s Prisons. Using semi-structured interviews, the study presents an assessment of the status of these mechanisms in PPAG’s campaigns in Ghana’s prisons with specific recommendations for improvement.
Use of Magnesium Silicate as a New Type of Adsorbent for Dispersive Solid-Phase Extraction Cleanup of the Quick, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe Method for Pesticides During Analysis of Lager Beer by Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Navickiene Sandro , Santos Luis Fabrício Santana , dos Reis Silva Alexandre
Published: October 2018

Background: Pesticides are applied for pest control during the production of cereal grains used in beer production. Given the risks for consumers, it is important to analyze the pesticide residues. Objective: Quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS)-based methods are very effective, and improvement inthe cleanup step is an important approach. Methods: Primary secondary amine (PSA) andmagnesium silicate were evaluated for dispersive-solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) cleanup step in extracts provided by the QuEChERS method in combination with GC-tandem MS for the determination of acetamiprid, terburfos, alachlor, ametryn, atrazine, azoxystrobin, carbofuran, carbosulfan, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, difenoconazole, esfenvalerate, flutriafol,thiamethoxam, and parathion-methyl in lager beer. Results: The amount of 50 mg of magnesium silicate was suitable for cleaning up beer extract as an alternative d-SPE material to PSA. Themethod was validated using beer fortified with pesticides at three concentration levels (0.002, 0.01, and 0.1 μg/mL). Average recoveries ranged from 70 to 123%, with RSDs between 0.3 and 10.5 %. Matrix effects were observed by comparing the slope of matrix-matched standard calibration with that of solvent. The method provided good linearity at the concentration levels of 0.001–2.5 μg/mL. Detection limits ranged from 0.0001 to 0.0007 μg/mL and quantification limits ranged from 0.001 to 0.006 μg/mL. The method was applied to nine beer brands. Conclusions: Results showed that magnesium silicate is an efficient alternative cleanup material to reduce analysiscosts while maintaining the method reliability and accuracy. Highlights: Magnesium silicate was effective as adsorbent for d-SPE step inthe analysis of pesticides in beer.
HIV prevention: Factors that predict compliance with testing and counseling procedures
Authors: Fry Lincoln J. , Fernandez Robert A.J.
Published: October 2018

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and pretest/posttest counseling are central components in prevention efforts in the United States. Yet, not all persons return for their test results and posttest counseling. Based on an exploratory study at four community health centers in South Florida, the authors determined the percentage of patients who returned to these clinics. They also examined those sociodemographic and HIV antibody test-related factors that predicted patient return. Less than 50% of those patients tested returned. Younger, urban, minority group patients whose HIV serostatus was likely to be negative were the least likely to return for test results. The authors describe a direction of future research to address these disturbing findings.
Skewed incentives in our healthcare delivery system
Authors: Ross-Lee Barbara , Kiss Lois E. , Weiser Michael A.
Published: October 2018

Policymakers agree that cost-containment in healthcare delivery cannot be attained unless the incentives for providers, patients, and payers can be changed. The authors review the existing incentives that have led to escalating costs and conflicting interests for providers, patients, employers, third-party payers and taxpayers. They examine the current incentives for each group and explore the changing incentives that the new integrated healthcare systems and managed care present. They conclude that the new systems are not a simplistic solution to the ''healthcare crisis" in cost, access, and quality, but they emphasize that these new systems have already introduced new incentives for provider collaboration and cooperation. The traditional ties of the osteopathic medical profession allow a quick response to creating new integrated systems, but require collaboration to add tertiary care to the profession's strong primary care and community hospital base.
Automotive airbag-induced second-degree chemical burn resulting in Staphylococcus aureus infection
Authors: Polk James D. , Thomas Harold
Published: October 2018

A young woman did not seek emergency treatment after a minor automobile collision as she thought that she had been spared serious injury by the inflation of the driver's-side airbag. She had a benign-looking erythema on her neck which, over the next several days, became a second-degree chemical burn infected with Staphylococcus aureus. The burn and subsequent infection took several weeks to heal and the patient had to endure a prolonged course of antibiotics, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, and continued irrigation. This case exemplifies why alkali chemical burns from an automotive airbag should be treated aggressively, despite their benign appearance, as they may take several days to evolve. Physicians should be warned that careful follow-up examination of patients seen in the hospital emergency department or in the physician's office is necessary to abate any hidden sequelae. Of course, the opportunity to decrease morbidity is lost if the patient does not seek emergency treatment.
Vps74p controls Golgi size in an Arf1‐dependent manner
Authors: Iyer Prasanna , Bhave Madhura , Jain Bhawik Kumar , RoyChowdhury Sudeshna , Bhattacharyya Dibyendu
Published: October 2018

The oncogene GOLPH3 is implicated in Golgi size regulation, a function yet to be experimentally linked to its PI4P effector function or the Golgi cisternal maturation in general. Moreover, its yeast homolog, Vps74p is not yet implicated in Golgi size regulation. Our results indicate that VPS74 deletion increases the late Golgi cisternal size and the cisternal maturation frequencies, and destabilizes the Golgi PI4P gradient in budding yeast. Overexpression of Arf1 can suppress this cisternal enlargement and increased maturation frequency phenotype of ∆vps74. ∆arf1 alters Vps74p and PI4P distribution along the Golgi stacks. We conclude that Vps74p, the downstream effector of Arf1, regulates Golgi size by altering its cisternal maturation frequency and by maintaining the PI4P distribution along the Golgi compartments.
Using microarray‐based subtyping methods for breast cancer in the era of high‐throughput RNA sequencing
Authors: Pedersen Christina Bligaard , Nielsen Finn Cilius , Rossing Maria , Olsen Lars Rønn
Published: October 2018

Breast cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease that can be classified into multiple subtypes based on the tumor transcriptome. Most of the subtyping schemes used in clinics today are derived from analyses of microarray data from thousands of different tumors together with clinical data for the patients from which the tumors were isolated. However, RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq) is gradually replacing microarrays as the preferred transcriptomics platform, and although transcript abundances measured by the two different technologies are largely compatible, subtyping methods developed for probe‐based microarray data are incompatible with RNA‐Seq as input data. Here, we present an RNA‐Seq data processing pipeline, which relies on the mapping of sequencing reads to the probe set target sequences instead of the human reference genome, thereby enabling probe‐based subtyping of breast cancer tumor tissue using sequencing‐based transcriptomics. By analyzing 66 breast cancer tumors for which gene expression was measured using both microarrays and RNA‐Seq, we show that RNA‐Seq data can be directly compared to microarray data using our pipeline. Additionally, we demonstrate that the established subtyping method CITBCMST (Guedj et al., ), which relies on a 375 probe set‐signature to classify samples into the six subtypes basL, lumA, lumB, lumC, mApo, and normL, can be applied without further modifications. This pipeline enables a seamless transition to sequencing‐based transcriptomics for future clinical purposes.
HMGA2 as a functional antagonist of PARP1 inhibitors in tumor cells
Authors: Hombach‐Klonisch Sabine , Kalantari Forouh , Medapati Manoj Reddy , Natarajan Suchitra , Krishnan Sai Nivedita , Kumar‐Kanojia Aditya , Thanasupawat Thatchawan , Begum Farhana , Xu Fred Y. , Hatch Grant M. , Los Marek , Klonisch Thomas
Published: October 2018

Poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase 1 inhibitors alone or in combination with DNA damaging agents are promising clinical drugs in the treatment of cancer. However, there is a need to understand the molecular mechanisms of resistance to PARP1 inhibitors. Expression of HMGA2 in cancer is associated with poor prognosis for patients. Here, we investigated the novel relationship between HMGA2 and PARP1 in DNA damage‐induced PARP1 activity. We used human triple‐negative breast cancer and fibrosarcoma cell lines to demonstrate that HMGA2 colocalizes and interacts with PARP1. High cellular HMGA2 levels correlated with increased DNA damage‐induced PARP1 activity, which was dependent on functional DNA‐binding AT‐hook domains of HMGA2. HMGA2 inhibited PARP1 trapping to DNA and counteracted the cytotoxic effect of PARP inhibitors. Consequently, HMGA2 decreased caspase 3/7 induction and increased cell survival upon treatment with the alkylating methyl methanesulfonate alone or in combination with the PARP inhibitor AZD2281 (olaparib). HMGA2 increased mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate and spare respiratory capacity and increased NAMPT levels, suggesting metabolic support for enhanced PARP1 activity upon DNA damage. Our data showed that expression of HMGA2 in cancer cells reduces sensitivity to PARP inhibitors and suggests that targeting HMGA2 in combination with PARP inhibition may be a promising new therapeutic approach.
Circulating anti‐p16a IgG autoantibodies as a potential prognostic biomarker for non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhao Huan , Zhang Xuan , Han Zhifeng , Wang Yanjun
Published: October 2018

It has been reported that p16 protein is overexpressed in many types of solid cancer and its aberrant expression may trigger the immune response, leading to the secretion of anti‐p16 antibodies. Here, we developed an in‐house ELISA with three p16‐derived linear peptide antigens to examine plasma anti‐p16 antibody levels in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Blood samples were taken from 200 control subjects and 211 patients with NSCLC prior to anticancer therapy. A Mann–Whitney U test demonstrated that plasma anti‐p16a IgG levels were significantly higher in NSCLC patients than in control subjects (Z = −11.14, P < 0.001). However, neither plasma anti‐p16b nor plasma anti‐p16c IgG levels showed significant differences in patients with NSCLC as compared to control subjects. Moreover, further analysis indicated that anti‐p16a IgG levels increased with tumor stages, and patients with late stage NSCLC, namely group IV, had the highest IgG levels among four subgroups. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the anti‐p16a IgG assay had a sensitivity of 32.7% against a specificity of 95.0% in group IV, while Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed no significant difference in overall survival between patients with high anti‐p16a IgG levels and those with low anti‐p16a IgG levels (χ2 = 0.24, P = 0.63). In conclusion, anti‐p16a IgG may be suitable for use as a prognostic biomarker for NSCLC.
Merging images with different central frequencies reduces banding artifacts in balanced steady‐state free precession magnetic resonance cisternography
Authors: Matsumoto Koji , Yokota Hajime , Mukai Hiroki , Masuda Yoshitada , Uno Takashi , Miyati Tosiaki
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of merged balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) magnetic resonance cisternography images.

Materials and Methods

Twenty ears of 10 healthy volunteers (six men, four women; mean age ± standard deviation, 26.7 ± 1.6 yr) and 10 patients (two men, eight women; mean age, 46.3 ± 10.9 yr) with neoplasm around the sella turcica were included. Two different devices (A and B) were used to confirm the versatility of our method for MR devices with different local magnetic field homogeneity. Images with different central frequencies (±10, ±20, ±30, ±40, and ±50 Hz) were merged with the maximum magnitude of corresponding pixels from the images acquired using both devices. Two neuroradiologists visually graded the image quality of 11 sites in the inner ear and three sites around the sella turcica (scale: 0–2) and compared the quality with that of the corresponding basic image (0 Hz).

Results

The image quality was better in merged images of the vestibule, superior semicircular canal (SCC), posterior SCC, and horizontal SCC (P = 0.005 to 0.020 mainly at ±40 and ±50 Hz on devices A and B), as well as in merged images of the sella turcica and right cavernous sinus (±50 Hz, P = 0.003 and 0.020 on device B, respectively), than it was in the corresponding basic images.

Conclusions

The maximum magnitude merging of images with different central frequencies makes it possible to reduce banding artifacts on bSSFP images without the need for special pulse sequences and image processing programs.
Cerebral autoinflammatory disease treated with anakinra
Authors: Jang Yoonhyuk , Woo Kyung Ah , Lee Soon‐Tae , Park Sung‐Hye , Chu Kon , Lee Sang Kun
Published: October 2018

Interest in autoimmune encephalitis has been growing since the discovery of various autoimmune antibodies, such as N‐methyl D‐aspartate receptors antibody and leucine‐rich glioma‐inactivated 1 antibody. However, in contrast to autoimmune encephalitis associated with dysregulated adaptive immunity in the brain, the question of whether innate immunity‐mediated autoinflammatory diseases exist in the brain has drawn much attention. Herein, we report a patient with microglia‐dominant acute autoinflammatory encephalitis successfully treated with anakinra, an including interleukin‐1 receptor blocker. In comparison to systemic autoinflammatory disease, we term this encephalitis cerebral autoinflammatory disease. Cerebral autoinflammatory disease could suggest new conceptual approaches to patients previously diagnosed with an unspecified encephalitis.
The moderating role of arousal on the seductive detail effect in a multimedia learning setting
Authors: Schneider Sascha , Wirzberger Maria , Rey Günter Daniel
Published: October 2018

Arousal has been found to increase learners' attentional resources. In contrast, seductive details (interesting but learning‐irrelevant information) are considered to distract attention away from relevant information and, thus, hinder learning. However, a possibly moderating role of arousal on the seductive detail effect has not been examined yet. In this study, arousal variations were induced via audio files of false heartbeats. In consequence, 100 participants were randomly assigned to a 2 (with or without seductive details) × 2 (lower vs. higher false heart rates) between‐subjects design. Data on learning performance, cognitive load, motivation, heartbeat frequency, and electro‐dermal activity were collected. Results show learning‐inhibiting effects for seductive details and learning‐enhancing effects for higher false heart rates. Cognitive processes mediate both effects. However, the detrimental effect of seductive details was not present when heart rate was higher. Results indicate that the seductive detail effect is moderated by a learner's state of arousal.
Making treatment more appealing: Lessons from the harm‐reduction field
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2018

The statistic from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health is well‐known and persists every year: nine out of 10 people with a substance use disorder (SUD) do not get treatment; most don't even want it. And this doesn't even include the homeless.
Asking OTP patients to bring in family member or friend is difficult
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2018

The problem of dropout due to continued drug use in medication‐assisted treatment is a serious one. Patients who continue to use drugs despite taking methadone are good candidates for participating in groups aimed at having them bring in family and friends to provide them with support, recent research has found. However, the study showed that if the requirements for participation are too high, the patients won't show up with a community support person, regardless of the incentive — in this case, take‐home doses. Without showing up, they could not get the incentive, and therefore, the incentive was worthless.
NIAAA defines blackouts
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2018

Some people were confused when Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, responding to a question about whether he had ever “blacked out” from drinking, responded that sometimes he fell asleep. So, we checked with the National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA) to get answers. Here's Aaron White, Ph.D., senior scientific advisor to the NIAAA director, explaining what a blackout is.
Mesoporous Organosilica Hollow Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Applications
Authors: Teng Zhaogang , Li Wei , Tang Yuxia , Elzatahry Ahmed , Lu Guangming , Zhao Dongyuan
Published: October 2018

Hollow periodic mesoporous organosilicas (PMOs) with molecularly homogeneous organic functional groups in the inorganic pore walls are attracting more and more attention due to the high surface areas, tunable pore sizes, low densities, large cavities in the center, permeable thin shells, and versatile organic–inorganic hybrid frameworks, which make them promising in a variety of applications including adsorption, catalysis, drug delivery, and nanotheranostics. Herein, recent advances in the synthesis of hollow PMO nanoparticles with various organic moieties are summarized, and the mechanism and new insights of synthesis approaches, including hard‐core templating methods, liquid‐interface assembly methods, and the interfacial reassembly and transformation strategy are discussed in‐depth. Meanwhile, the design principles, properties, and synthetic strategies for some smart hollow architectures such as multishelled hollow PMOs, yolk–shell structured PMOs, and nonspherical hollow PMOs are discussed. Moreover, the typical applications of hollow PMO nanomaterials as nanoreactors for chemical transformations and nanoplatforms for biomedicine are summarized. Finally, the challenges and prospects for the future development of hollow PMOs are described.
Single‐Source Bismuth (Transition Metal) Polyoxovanadate Precursors for the Scalable Synthesis of Doped BiVO4 Photoanodes
Authors: Lu Haijiao , Andrei Virgil , Jenkinson Kellie J. , Regoutz Anna , Li Ning , Creissen Charles E. , Wheatley Andrew E. H. , Hao Hongxun , Reisner Erwin , Wright Dominic S. , Pike Sebastian D.
Published: October 2018

Single‐source precursors are used to produce nanostructured BiVO4 photoanodes for water oxidation in a straightforward and scalable drop‐casting synthetic process. Polyoxometallate precursors, which contain both Bi and V, are produced in a one‐step reaction from commercially available starting materials. Simple annealing of the molecular precursor produces nanocrystalline BiVO4 films. The precursor can be designed to incorporate a third metal (Co, Ni, Cu, or Zn), enabling the direct formation of doped BiVO4 films. In particular, the Co‐ and Zn‐doped photoanodes show promise for photoelectrochemical water oxidation, with photocurrent densities >1 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). Using this simple synthetic process, a 300 cm2 Co‐BiVO4 photoanode is produced, which generates a photocurrent of up to 67 mA at 1.23 V vs RHE and demonstrates the scalability of this approach.
Rationally Designed DNA‐Origami Nanomaterials for Drug Delivery In Vivo
Authors: Jiang Qiao , Liu Shaoli , Liu Jianbing , Wang Zhen‐Gang , Ding Baoquan
Published: October 2018

The recent decades have seen a surge of new nanomaterials designed for efficient drug delivery. DNA nanotechnology has been developed to construct sophisticated 3D nanostructures and artificial molecular devices that can be operated at the nanoscale, giving rise to a variety of programmable functions and fascinating applications. In particular, DNA‐origami nanostructures feature rationally designed geometries and precise spatial addressability, as well as marked biocompatibility, thus providing a promising candidate for drug delivery. Here, the recent successful efforts to employ self‐assembled DNA‐origami nanostructures as drug‐delivery vehicles are summarized. The remaining challenges and open opportunities are also discussed.
A Programmed Anti‐Inflammatory Nanoscaffold (PAIN) as a 3D Tool to Understand the Brain Injury Response
Authors: Maclean Francesca L. , Ims Georgina M. , Horne Malcolm K. , Williams Richard J. , Nisbet David R.
Published: October 2018

Immunology is the next frontier of nano/biomaterial science research, with the immune system determining the degree of tissue repair. However, the complexity of the inflammatory response represents a significant challenge that is essential to understand for the development of future therapies. Cell‐instructive 3D culture environments are critical to improve our understanding of the link between the behavior and morphology of inflammatory cells and to remodel their response to injury. This study has taken two recent high‐profile innovations—functional peptide‐based hydrogels, and the inclusion of anti‐inflammatory agents via coassembly—to make a programmed anti‐inflammatory nanoscaffold (PAIN) with unusual and valuable properties that allows tissue‐independent switching of the inflammatory cascade. Here, extraordinary durability of the anti‐inflammatory agent allows, for the first time, the development of a 3D culture system that maintains the growth and cytoskeletal reorganization of brain tissue, while also facilitating the trophic behavior of brain cells for 22 d in vitro. Notably, this behavior was confirmed within an active scar site due to the unprecedented resilience to the presence of inflammatory cells and enzymes in the brain. Efficacy of the culture system is demonstrated via novel insights about inflammatory cell behavior, which would be impossible to obtain via in vivo experimentation.
Plasmon‐Polariton Induced, “from Surface” RAFT Polymerization, as a Way toward Creation of Grafted Polymer Films with Thickness Precisely Controlled by Self‐Limiting Mechanism
Authors: Erzina Mariia , Guselnikova Olga , Postnikov Pavel , Elashnikov Roman , Kolska Zdenka , Miliutina Elena , Švorčík Václav , Lyutakov Oleksiy
Published: October 2018

Plasmon‐induced “from surface” reversible addition‐fragmentation chain‐transfer (RAFT) polymerization is reported for the first time. The gold grating surface, supporting the surface plasmon polariton excitation and propagation, is grafted with RAFT agent, immersed in the solution, containing the NIPAm monomer and AIBN and subsequently illuminated at a wavelength corresponding to plasmon absorption. The grafting of the polymer layer, its thickness, and morphology are characterized by several techniques (including the surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDX), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), nanomechanical atomic force microscopy (AFM) mapping, and goniometry). It is shown that the polymerization efficiently starts only under the surface plasmon‐polariton excitation. The time‐dependent SERS and XPS measurements indicate rather self‐limiting nature of plasmon‐induced “from the surface” PNIPAm growth, namely the reaction takes place up to a certain polymer thickness and is stopped despite a significant excess of polymerization initiator and monomer in the reaction solution. The present results provide the basis for designing further experiments on plasmonic catalysis in general and offer a new way of producing ultrathin polymer films with a defined structural dimension.
[OSSO]‐Type Fe(III) Metallate as Single‐Component Catalyst for the CO2 Cycloaddition to Epoxides
Authors: Della Monica Francesco , Buonerba Antonio , Paradiso Veronica , Milione Stefano , Grassi Alfonso , Capacchione Carmine
Published: October 2018

A new [OSSO]‐Fe(III) metallate complex was prepared and characterized. We demonstrated that such metallate is the real catalytic active species for the cycloaddition of CO2 to the epoxides, formed from the in situ reaction of the related [OSSO]‐Fe(III) neutral complexes and tetrabutylammonium bromide. The metallate complex was used as a single component catalyst for the formation of cyclic organic carbonates from ten epoxides and CO2 at 1 bar pressure with good activity.

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Control of Interface Defects for Efficient and Stable Quasi‐2D Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes Using Nickel Oxide Hole Injection Layer
Authors: Lee Seungjin , Kim Da Bin , Hamilton Iain , Daboczi Matyas , Nam Yun Seok , Lee Bo Ram , Zhao Baodan , Jang Chung Hyeon , Friend Richard H. , Kim Ji‐Seon , Song Myoung Hoon
Published: October 2018

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have emerged as promising materials for light‐emitting diodes owing to their narrow emission spectrum and wide range of color tunability. However, the low exciton binding energy in MHPs leads to a competition between the trap‐mediated nonradiative recombination and the bimolecular radiative recombination. Here, efficient and stable green emissive perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) with an external quantum efficiency of 14.6% are demonstrated through compositional, dimensional, and interfacial modulations of MHPs. The interfacial energetics and optoelectronic properties of the perovskite layer grown on a nickel oxide (NiOx) and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate hole injection interfaces are investigated. The better interface formed between the NiOx/perovskite layers in terms of lower density of traps/defects, as well as more balanced charge carriers in the perovskite layer leading to high recombination yield of carriers are the main reasons for significantly improved device efficiency, photostability of perovskite, and operational stability of PeLEDs.
Controlling Intermolecular Interactions at Interfaces: Case of Supramolecular Tuning of Fullerene's Electronic Structure
Authors: Das Saunak , Preiß Julia , Plentz Jonathan , Brückner Uwe , von der Lühe Moritz , Eckardt Oliver , Dathe Andre , Schacher Felix H. , Täuscher Eric , Ritter Uwe , Csáki Andrea , Andrä Gudrun , Dietzek Benjamin , Presselt Martin
Published: October 2018

It is demonstrated that systematic and designated control of supramolecular nanostructures via interfacial engineering enables (opto)electronic C60‐material properties to be widely adjusted. Interestingly, the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energies of the same amphiphilic fullerene species are tuned up to 120 meV using supramolecular assembly, competitive to complete molecular change; cf. PC61BM to PC71BM causes a change of 200 meV. Morphology control is achieved through different thin‐film production techniques involving molecular assembly at interfaces, including liquid–liquid interfacial precipitation (LLIP), and Langmuir–Blodgett technique at air–water interface. LLIP enables supramolecularly ordered extended surfaces, yielding the least electronically stable LUMO (ELUMO = −4.28 eV). After qualitatively explaining the observed electrochemical LUMO energy variation for these assemblies with varied molecular packing and aggregate dimensions, an analytical equation is proposed, connecting morphological parameters with LUMO energies with prospects in supramolecular chemistry. To demonstrate the applicability of supramolecular structure–electronic property relations and of supramolecular structure fabrication protocols established in this work to tailor device properties, amorphous‐Si/fullerene hybrid solar cells are built and characterized. It is found that the supramolecular structure variation can be successfully translated to the solar cells, giving rise to a prototype linear relation between LUMO energy and open‐circuit voltage.
Synergistic bimetallic Ru–Pt catalysts for the low‐temperature aqueous phase reforming of ethanol
Authors: Zhao Zheng , Zhang Lu , Tan Qiaohua , Yang Feifei , Faria Jimmy , Resasco Daniel
Published: October 2018

Aqueous phase reforming (APR) of ethanol has been studied over a series of Ru and Pt catalysts supported on carbon and titania, with different metal loadings and particle sizes. This study proposed that, on both metals, ethanol is first dehydrogenated to acetaldehyde, which subsequently undergoes CC cleavage followed by different paths, depending on the catalyst used. For instance, although monometallic Pt has high selectivity toward H2 via dehydrogenation, it has a low efficiency for CC cleavage, lowering the overall H2 yield. Large Ru particles produce CH4 through methanation, which is undesirable because it consumes H2. Small Ru particles have lower activity but higher selectivity toward H2 rather than CH4. On these small particles, CO blocks low‐coordination sites, inhibiting methanation. The combination of the two metals in bimetallic Ru–Pt catalysts results in improved performance, benefiting from the desirable properties of each Ru and Pt, without the negative effects of either. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 65: 151–160, 2019
Particle dynamics in sheared particulate suspensions
Authors: Strybulevych Anatoliy , Norisuye Tomohisa , Hasselfield Matthew , Page John H.
Published: October 2018

Measurements of particle dynamics of neutrally buoyant suspensions of non‐Brownian glass beads in a Couette cell using dynamic sound scattering are reported. The dynamics were studied under steady shear flow across the entire gap between the stator and rotor for shear rates from 0.26 to 6.59 s
−1 and particle concentrations from 20% to 50%, thereby enabling a comprehensive investigation of the dynamics to be carried out. The average particle velocity profile varies linearly with depth inside the cell for all shear rates and concentrations. The fluctuations in the particle velocities are large, indicating that the particles are not confined to streamlines but continue to fluctuate substantially during steady flow. Our data indicate that the fluctuations are anisotropic. The components of the velocity fluctuations (granular temperature) parallel to the flow and in the vertical direction are much larger than in the radial direction. The fluctuation anisotropy decreases as the concentration increases. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 65: 840–849, 2019
Length‐dependent DNA degradation kinetic model: Decay compensation in DNA tracer concentration measurements
Authors: Mikutis Gediminas , Schmid Lucius , Stark Wendelin J. , Grass Robert N.
Published: October 2018

DNA is often used as a tracer in both environmental fluid flow characterization and in material tracking to avoid counterfeiting and ensure transparency in product value chains. The main drawback of DNA as a tracer is its limited stability, making quantitative analysis difficult. Here, we study length‐dependent DNA decay at elevated temperatures and under sunlight by quantitative PCR and show that the stability of randomly generated DNA sequences is inversely proportional to the sequence length. By quantifying the remaining DNA length distribution, we present a method to determine the extent of decay and to account for it. We propose a correction factor based on the ratio of measured concentrations of two different length sequences. Multiplying the measured DNA concentration by this length‐dependent correction factor enables precise DNA tracer quantification, even if DNA molecules have undergone more than 100‐fold degradation. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 65: 40–48, 2019
Microwave‐induced polar/nonpolar mixture separation performance in a film evaporation process
Authors: Li Hong , Liu Jiahui , Li Xingang , Gao Xin
Published: October 2018

Selective microwave heating and irradiation reportedly have a significant impact on the relative volatility of polar/nonpolar mixtures. However, the use of this feature for a separation process has not yet been reported. In this article, a microwave‐induced film evaporation process based on a nonequilibrium process was developed to separate polar/nonpolar mixtures. The influencing mechanism of microwaves on the separation of a polar/nonpolar system was studied by comparing the experimental results in the presence/absence of microwave irradiation. The influences of several operating parameters, such as the initial composition, temperature, residence time, and microwave power density, were explored. The results clearly demonstrate that microwave irradiation can improve the polar component vaporization and shift the vapor phase composition. The results also indicate that the differences in the dielectric properties play a significant role in the effect of microwave irradiation on a film evaporation separation process. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 65: 745–754, 2019
Tyrosine kinase inhibitor interruptions, discontinuations and switching in patients with chronic‐phase chronic myeloid leukemia in routine clinical practice: SIMPLICITY
Authors: Hehlmann Rüdiger , Cortes Jorge E. , Zyczynski Teresa , Gambacorti‐Passerini Carlo , Goldberg Stuart L. , Mauro Michael J. , Michallet Mauricette , Simonsson Bengt , Williams Loretta A. , Gajavelli Srikanth , DeGutis Irene , Sen Ginny P. , Paquette Ron L.
Published: October 2018

SIMPLICITY (NCT01244750) is an observational study exploring tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) use and management patterns in patients with chronic phase‐chronic myeloid leukemia in the US and Europe in routine clinical practice. Herein we describe interruptions, discontinuations and switching of TKI therapy during the initial 2 years of treatment among 1121 patients prospectively enrolled between October 1, 2010 and March 7, 2017. Patient characteristics were broadly similar between the imatinib (n = 370), dasatinib (n = 376), and nilotinib (n = 375) cohorts. Treatment interruptions occurred in 16.4% (year 1) and 4.0% (year 2) of patients, mainly attributed to hematologic intolerances. Treatment discontinuations occurred in 21.8% (year 1) and 10.2% (year 2) of patients, with the highest rate within the first 3 months for intolerance. Switching of TKI was seen in 17.8% (year 1) and 9.5% (year 2) of patients. Significant associations were found between TKI switching and female gender (year 1), age ≥65 years at diagnosis (year 2) and treatment with imatinib (year 2). Intolerance was the most common reason given for patients discontinuing and for switching TKI therapy; however resistance was also cited. Lack of response monitoring in routine clinical practice may have resulted in lower identification of resistance in this dataset. Data from SIMPLICITY suggest that, in routine clinical practice, intolerance and resistance to TKIs influence decisions to change treatment. Changes in TKI therapy are frequent, with nearly a third of patients discontinuing their first‐line TKI.
Using micro computed tomography to investigate a fetal mummy with possible situs inversus: A case report
Authors: Schanandore James V.
Published: October 2018

Objectives

Computed tomography (CT) is commonly used to noninvasively examine mummified remains, but can have resolution limitations when analyzing smaller mummified specimens, such as fetal mummies. This short report determines if the enhanced resolution of micro CT improves the anatomical analysis of mummified fetal anatomy.

Methods

A fetal mummy from an anatomical collection was scanned by a micro CT at a resolution of 0.08 mm slice thickness. The mummy was also scanned at a resolution of 0.6 mm slice thickness to mimic the approximate minimum resolution of a conventional CT scanner. The anatomy was virtually reconstructed at both resolutions to compare anatomical detail for determining sex, gestation, and the presence of congenital/ pathological conditions.

Results

The anatomical reconstructions based on the micro CT were significantly more detailed than the conventional CT data. This resulted in improved identification of sex and the presence of a congenital/ pathological condition.

Conclusion

Micro CT should be considered when examining fetal mummies, because of the enhanced resolution resulting in improve anatomical analysis.
Decision rule approach applied to estimate occupational lead exposure in a case‐control study of kidney cancer
Authors: Callahan Catherine L. , Locke Sarah J. , Dopart Pamela J. , Stewart Patricia A. , Schwartz Kendra , Ruterbusch Julie J. , Graubard Barry I. , Rothman Nathaniel , Hofmann Jonathan N. , Purdue Mark P. , Friesen Melissa C.
Published: October 2018

Background

We developed a systematic, data‐driven approach to estimate metrics of occupational exposure to lead to aid in epidemiologic analyses in a case‐control study of kidney cancer.

Methods

Probability of exposure to ten lead sources was assigned using decision rules developed from an extensive literature review and expert judgement. For jobs with >50% probability of exposure, we assigned source‐specific frequency based on subjects’ self‐reported task frequencies or means of subjects’ job‐groups and source‐specific intensity estimates of blood lead (μg/dL).

Results

In our study, 18.7% of employed person‐years were associated with high (≥80%) probability of exposure to any lead source. The most common medium (>50%) or high probability source of lead exposure was leaded gasoline (2.5% and 11.5% of employed person‐years, respectively). The median blood lead attributed to occupational exposure was 3.1 μg/dL.

Conclusions

These rules can aid in future studies after population‐specific adaption for geographic differences and different exposure scenarios.
Haploinsufficiency of NCOR1 associated with autism spectrum disorder, scoliosis, and abnormal palatogenesis
Authors: Sakaguchi Yuri , Uehara Tomoko , Suzuki Hisato , Sakamoto Yoshiaki , Fujiwara Mineko , Kosaki Kenjiro , Takenouchi Toshiki
Published: October 2018

NCOR1 (nuclear receptor corepressor 1) is a transcriptional coregulatory protein that regulates the balance between histone acetylation and histone deacetylation. NCOR1 is listed as one of the 3,230 dose‐sensitive genes which very rarely show truncating mutations in the pediatric population without severe diseases, even in a heterozygous state. In a large cohort study of intellectual disability/autism spectrum disorder, splicing mutations were identified in two individuals, however, the truncating effects of these splicing mutations have not been examined at the transcription level. We describe a 3‐year‐old girl who had behavior consistent with autism spectrum disorder, a bifid uvula, and early‐onset scoliosis. Trio exome analysis showed a de novo heterozygous mutation at the splice donor site in exon 19 of NCOR1, c.2182 + 1G > T (NM_00190440.1). Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay confirmed that the splicing mutation results in skipping of exon 19, a shift in the reading frame and then to nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay. This patient represents the first patient who has had unequivocal documentation of haploinsufficient for the NCOR1 gene. Based on our observations, we conclude that NCOR1 is indeed a human disease‐causing gene. We further suggest that bifid uvula, a micro form of cleft palate, may well be causally related to de novo NCOR1 haploinsufficiency, in that a previously reported deletion mapping study of atypical Smith‐Magenis syndrome patients with large deletions and cleft palate identified that NCOR1, the only loss‐of‐function‐intolerant gene within the region, is located in the smallest region of overlap.
Variance of IQ is partially dependent on deletion type among 1,427 22q11.2 deletion syndrome subjects
Authors: Zhao Yingjie , Guo Tingwei , Fiksinski Ania , Breetvelt Elemi , McDonald‐McGinn Donna M. , Crowley Terrence B. , Diacou Alexander , Schneider Maude , Eliez Stephan , Swillen Ann , Breckpot Jeroen , Vermeesch Joris , Chow Eva W. C. , Gothelf Doron , Duijff Sasja , Evers Rens , van Amelsvoort Thérèse A. , van den Bree Marianne , Owen Michael , Niarchou Maria , Bearden Carrie E. , Ornstein Claudia , Pontillo Maria , Buzzanca Antonino , Vicari Stefano , Armando Marco , Murphy Kieran C. , Murphy Clodagh , Garcia‐Minaur Sixto , Philip Nicole , Campbell Linda , Morey‐Cañellas Jaume , Raventos Jasna , Rosell Jordi , Heine‐Suner Damian , Shprintzen Robert J. , Gur Raquel E. , Zackai Elaine , Emanuel Beverly S. , Wang Tao , Kates Wendy R. , Bassett Anne S. , Vorstman Jacob A. S. , Morrow Bernice E. ,   on behalf of the International 22q11.2 Brain and Behavior Consortium
Published: October 2018

The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is caused by non‐allelic homologous recombination events during meiosis between low copy repeats (LCR22) termed A, B, C, and D. Most patients have a typical LCR22A‐D (AD) deletion of 3 million base pairs (Mb). In this report, we evaluated IQ scores in 1,478 subjects with 22q11.2DS. The mean of full scale IQ, verbal IQ, and performance IQ scores in our cohort were 72.41 (standard deviation‐SD of 13.72), 75.91(SD of 14.46), and 73.01(SD of 13.71), respectively. To investigate whether IQ scores are associated with deletion size, we examined individuals with the 3 Mb, AD (n = 1,353) and nested 1.5 Mb, AB (n = 74) deletions, since they comprised the largest subgroups. We found that full scale IQ was decreased by 6.25 points (p = .002), verbal IQ was decreased by 8.17 points (p = .0002) and performance IQ was decreased by 4.03 points (p = .028) in subjects with the AD versus AB deletion. Thus, individuals with the smaller, 1.5 Mb AB deletion have modestly higher IQ scores than those with the larger, 3 Mb AD deletion. Overall, the deletion of genes in the AB region largely explains the observed low IQ in the 22q11.2DS population. However, our results also indicate that haploinsufficiency of genes in the LCR22B‐D region (BD) exert an additional negative impact on IQ. Furthermore, we did not find evidence of a confounding effect of severe congenital heart disease on IQ scores in our cohort.