bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of multifunctionalized piperazine polymer and its activity toward pathogenic microorganisms
Authors: Jalageri Manohara Dhulappa , Malgar Puttaiahgowda Yashoda , Parambil Ajithkumar Manayan , Kulal Ananda
Published: January 2019

The study intends to design a simple and powerful synthesis of piperazine‐methacrylate monomer and its homopolymer. The synthesized piperazine‐methacrylate monomer was polymerized by solution polymerization technique in the presence of free‐radical initiator azobis(2‐methylpropionitrile) resulting in the formation of multifunctionalized piperazine polymer. The structural investigation was done by FTIR and NMR (1H and 13C NMR). The thermal properties and degradation of the polymer were examined by DSC and TGA techniques. The polymer exhibited glass transition temperature (Tg) at 88.4 °C. The polymer surface was found to be soft and nonporous which was examined by FESEM. The synthesized polymeric compound exhibited good antimicrobial activity against Gram‐negative bacterium Escherichia coli, tubercular variant Mycobacterium smegmatis, and Gram‐positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus with a zone of inhibition at a range of 15.60–19.33, 15.33–17, and 15.67–18 mm diameter, respectively. The polymer also showed good activity against fungus Candida albicans with a zone of inhibition at a range of 16.33–22 mm diameter. The percentage inhibition of microorganisms increased with increase in concentration (1.5–12 mg) which is carried out by optical density method. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47521.
Imaging Bioluminescent Exogenous Stem Cells in the Intact Guinea Pig Cochlea
Authors: Schomann Timo , Mezzanotte Laura , de Groot John C. M. J. , Löwik Clemens W. G. M. , Frijns Johan H. M. , Huisman Margriet A.
Published: January 2019

Stem‐cell‐based therapy may be used to replace damaged or lost neurons in the cochlear nerve of patients suffering from severe‐to‐profound sensorineural hearing loss. In order to achieve functional recovery in future clinical trials, knowledge about survival of grafted cells and their differentiation into functional neurons is a prerequisite. This calls for non‐invasive in vivo visualization of cells and long‐term monitoring of their survival and fate after cochlear transplantation. We have investigated if molecular optical imaging enables visualization of exogenous cells in the intact cochlea of guinea pig cadaver heads. Transduced (stem) cells, stably co‐expressing fluorescent (copGFP) and bioluminescent (Luc2) reporter molecules, were injected into the internal auditory meatus or directly into the cochlea through the round window. After injection of the cells into the internal auditory meatus, a bright bioluminescent signal was observed in the cavum conchae of the auricle, indicating that light generated by Luc2 is passing through the tympanic membrane and the external auditory meatus. Similar results were obtained after injection of the cells through the round window membrane, either directly into the scala tympani or in Rosenthal's canal within the modiolus of the basal cochlear turn. Imaging of the auditory bulla demonstrated that the bioluminescent signal passes through the tympanic membrane and crevices in the bony wall of the bulla. After opening the auditory bulla, the bioluminescent signal was emanating from the round window. This is the first study demonstrating that bioluminescence imaging enables visualization of luciferase‐expressing cells injected into the intact guinea pig cochlea. Anat Rec, 303:427–440, 2020. © 2019 The Authors. The Anatomical Record published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Anatomists.
Differential Changes in the Number and Morphology of the New Neurons after Chronic Infusion of Wnt7a, Wnt5a, and Dkk‐1 in the Adult Hippocampus In Vivo
Authors: Ortiz‐Matamoros Abril , Arias Clorinda
Published: January 2019

In the adult hippocampus of many mammals, a particular microenvironment in the neurogenic niche regulates the proliferation, self‐renewal, and differentiation of neuronal stem cells. In this proliferative niche, a variety of molecules provide a finely regulated molecular signaling that controls stem cell properties. During development, Wnt signaling has been implicated in cell fate determination and proliferation, in the establishment of cell polarity, as well as a cue for axonal growth and dendrite orientation. In the adult brain, this pathway also participates in the stem cell self‐renewal and neuronal differentiation. However, the effects of the chronic Wnt signaling modulation in the adult hippocampus, through the infusion of Wnt7a, Wnt5a, and Dkk‐1, on the rate of neurogenesis and on the induction of neurite arborization have not been studied. In this study, we show that Wnt7a and Wn5a further increased the rate of newly generated neurons. However, Wnt5a exerted additional effects by promoting neurite growth and neurite misorientation in the dentate gyrus of adult rats. The chronic exposure to Dkk‐1 also generated aberrant location of growing neurites. These results suggest that the interplay of canonical and non‐canonical Wnt ligands participates in neuronal stem cell proliferation and in the establishment of proper neurite maturation. Anat Rec, 302:1647–1657, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Sodium‐Ion Hybrid Battery Combining an Anion‐Intercalation Cathode with an Adsorption‐Type Anode for Enhanced Rate and Cycling Performance
Authors: Lang Jihui , Li Jinrui , Zhang Fan , Ding Xuan , Zapien Juan A. , Tang Yongbing
Published: January 2019

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are based on natural abundant and low‐cost materials and show a good chemical safety. They have thus become an alternative battery technology to conventional lithium‐ion batteries. However, SIBs usually suffer from poor rate capability and insufficient cycling performance caused by the sluggish reaction kinetics of the large Na+ ions, restricting their practical application. Herein, we report a novel sodium‐ion hybrid battery (SHB) combining an anion intercalation‐type graphite cathode material with an adsorption‐type hierarchical porous carbon anode material. The hierarchical porous amorphous carbon is derived from a natural biomass template with macro‐, meso‐, and micro‐ pores as well as high specific surface area, which are beneficial for fast adsorption/desorption of Na+ ions. Consequently, attributed from the hybrid battery design, this SHB exhibits excellent rate capability and cycling performance with a reversible capacity of 80 mAh g−1 at 2 C over a voltage window of 0–3.8 V and capacity retention of 87 % after 1000 cycles at 10 C.
The Essential Eight: A Concise Summary of 21st‐Century Governance Guidelines for Nonprofit Boards
Authors: Lincoln Sharon C. , Partner Casner , Edwards LLP
Published: January 2019

As partner at Boston legal firm Casner & Edwards LLP, Sharon C. Lincoln advises nonprofit organizations on an array of critical issues, ranging from organizational formation and structuring to lobbying and regulatory compliance. Here, she offers an updated analysis of the core elements of nonprofit board governance that ensure boards fulfill their fiduciary duties while advancing their organizations' missions.
Teaching methods for microbiology in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ameen Fuad
Published: January 2019

Microbiology as an academic discipline that does not have a long history, but the knowledge accumulated over the past three centuries is rather considerable, and courses in microbiology are commonly taught in colleges and universities throughout the world. In this article, many of the methods that can be used for teaching microbiology in a classroom and laboratory are discussed. In brief, these methods are limited only by the basic technical facilities to which one has access as well as one's own imagination and creativity. The problems, the academic teaching is facing in Saudi Arabia are discussed; most important of them are the use of new technology and avoiding plagiarism. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(2): 175–178, 2019.
Effects of high hydrostatic pressure on structures, properties of starch, and quality of cationic starch
Authors: Zhang Kuiliang , Ma Xiaoyu , Dai Yangyong , Hou Hanxue , Wang Wentao , Ding Xiuzhen , Zhang Hui , Li Xiangyang , Dong Haizhou
Published: January 2019

Background and objectives

The chemical activity of starch granules is inert. The purpose of this study was to reveal the mechanism of producing high‐quality modified starch by advanced equipment.

Findings

There were pores and central cavities with loose structure in mung bean starch granules, so water could enter the starch granules through the pores under high hydrostatic pressure treatment. The starch molecules could be hydrated, and starch granules could even be gelatinized. The reaction efficiency (RE) of cationic starch increased to 32.20% and the other qualities (solubility, swelling degree, and viscosities) were significantly improved after 100 MPa treatment. The RE and other qualities of cationic starch changed differently after 200 and 400–600 MPa treatments.

Conclusions

High hydrostatic pressure could produce significant mechanochemical effect on starch granules, so the structures and properties of mung bean starch were changed markedly, and the quality of cationic starch was improved.

Significance and novelty

The mechanism of producing high‐quality modified starch by advanced equipment was revealed using mechanochemical theory, which could lay a theoretical foundation for the manufacture of high‐performance modified starch industrial equipment in the future.
Amide Bond Formation Catalyzed by Recyclable Copper Nanoparticles Supported on Zeolite Y under Mild Conditions
Authors: Moglie Yanina , Buxaderas Eduardo , Mancini Agustina , Alonso Francisco , Radivoy Gabriel
Published: January 2019

A series of catalysts based on supported copper nanoparticles have been prepared and tested in the amide bond formation from tertiary amines and acid anhydrides, in the presence of tert‐butyl hydroperoxide as an oxidant. Copper nanoparticles on zeolite Y (CuNPs/ZY) was found to be the most efficient catalyst for the synthesis of amides, working in acetonitrile as solvent, under ligand‐ and base‐free conditions in air. The products were obtained in good to excellent yields and in short reaction times. The CuNPs/ZY system also exhibited higher catalytic activity than some commercially available copper and iron sources and it was reused in ten reaction cycles without any further pre‐treatment. This methodology has been successfully scaled‐up to a gram scale with no detriment to the yield.
Hydration of Polycationic [5]Radialene with Quintuple 1,3‐Dithiol‐2‐ylidenes Leads to a New Class of π‐Extended Tetrathiafulvalene Scaffold
Authors: Ueda Masafumi , Tahara Akimi , Hasegawa Masashi , Shirahata Takashi , Mazaki Yasuhiro , Misaki Yohji
Published: January 2019

[5]Radialene with quintuple 4,5‐benzo‐1,3‐dithiol‐2‐ylidenes (DTs) easily forms a stable polycationic salt (1)4+(BF4−)4 owing to its aromatic character in the central cyclopentadienide ring. In this work, it was found that the polycationic salt (1)4+ underwent a hydration reaction in moist polar solvent to give several unexpected products, namely, an oxygen adduct dicationic salt (2)2+, a tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) vinylogue (3) with 1,4‐dithiine‐2(3H)‐one moieties, and an oxygen adduct of π‐extended TTF with a cyclopentenone core (4). Their molecular structures were fully determined by X‐ray crystal‐structure analysis. In this reaction, irreversible hydration to the polycationic salt might either initiate the ring expansion and lead to the successive hydration at the specific cationic DT ring (for 3), or promote the transannular reactions to the next DT ring followed by elimination of the DT ring (for 4). Cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry measurements for compound 3 indicated the occurrence of multi redox process resulting from electronic delocalization on the vinylogous TTF moiety. The electronic structures of the cationic species of 3 were also investigated by electronic spectra.
Strong Emission Enhancement in pH‐Responsive 2:2 Cucurbit[8]uril Complexes
Authors: Schoder Stefan , Schröder Hendrik V. , Cera Luca , Puttreddy Rakesh , Güttler Arne , Resch‐Genger Ute , Rissanen Kari , Schalley Christoph A.
Published: January 2019

Organic fluorophores, particularly stimuli‐responsive molecules, are very interesting for biological and material sciences applications, but frequently limited by aggregation‐ and rotation‐caused photoluminescence quenching. A series of easily accessible bipyridinium fluorophores, whose emission is quenched by a twisted intramolecular charge‐transfer (TICT) mechanism, is reported. Encapsulation in a cucurbit[7]uril host gave a 1:1 complex exhibiting a moderate emission increase due to destabilization of the TICT state inside the apolar cucurbituril cavity. A much stronger fluorescence enhancement is observed in 2:2 complexes with the larger cucurbit[8]uril, which is caused by additional conformational restriction of rotations around the aryl/aryl bonds. Because the cucurbituril complexes are pH switchable, this system represents an efficient supramolecular ON/OFF fluorescence switch.
Both excitatory and inhibitory neurons transiently form clusters at the outermost region of the developing mammalian cerebral neocortex
Authors: Shin Minkyung , Kitazawa Ayako , Yoshinaga Satoshi , Hayashi Kanehiro , Hirata Yukio , Dehay Colette , Kubo Ken‐ichiro , Nakajima Kazunori
Published: January 2019

During development of the mammalian cerebral neocortex, postmitotic excitatory neurons migrate toward the outermost region of the neocortex. We previously reported that this outermost region is composed of densely packed relatively immature neurons; we named this region, which is observed during the late stage of mouse neocortical development, the “primitive cortical zone (PCZ).” Here, we report that postmigratory immature neurons spend about 1–1.5 days in the PCZ. An electron microscopic analysis showed that the neurons in the PCZ tend to be in direct contact with each other, mostly in a radial direction, forming “primitive neuronal clusters” with a height of 3–7 cells and a width of 1–2 cells. A time‐course analysis of fluorescently labeled neurons revealed that the neurons took their positions within the primitive clusters in an inside‐out manner. The neurons initially participated in the superficial part of the clusters, gradually shifted their relative positions downward, and then left the clusters at the bottom of this structure. GABAergic inhibitory interneurons were also found within the primitive clusters in the developing mouse neocortex, suggesting that some clusters are composed of both excitatory neurons and inhibitory interneurons. Similar clusters were also observed in the outermost region of embryonic day (E) 78 cynomolgus monkey occipital cortex and 23 gestational week (GW) human neocortices. In the primate neocortices, including human, the presumptive primitive clusters seemed to expand in the radial direction more than that observed in mice, which might contribute to the functional integrity of the primate neocortex.
The competition–dispersal trade‐off exists in forbs but not in graminoids: A case study from multispecies alpine grassland communities
Authors: Zhou Xiaolong , Li Chengzhi , Li Honglin , Shi Qingdong
Published: January 2019

Much theoretical evidence has demonstrated that a trade‐off between competitive and dispersal ability plays an important role in facilitating species coexistence. However, experimental evidence from natural communities is still rare. Here, we tested the competition–dispersal trade‐off hypothesis in an alpine grassland in the Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang, China, by quantifying competitive and dispersal ability using a combination of 4 plant traits (seed mass, ramet mass, height, and dispersal mode). Our results show that the competition–dispersal trade‐off exists in the alpine grassland community and that this pattern was primarily demonstrated by forbs. The results suggest that most forb species are constrained to be either good competitors or good dispersers but not both, while there was no significant trade‐off between competitive and dispersal ability for most graminoids. This might occur because graminoids undergo clonal reproduction, which allows them to find more benign microenvironments, forage for nutrients across a large area and store resources in clonal structures, and they are thus not strictly limited by the particular resources at our study site. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time the CD trade‐off has been tested for plants across the whole life cycle in a natural multispecies plant community, and more comprehensive studies are still needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and the linkage between the CD trade‐off and community composition.
Residual LCMV antigen in transiently CD4+ T cell‐depleted mice induces high levels of virus‐specific antibodies but only limited B‐cell memory
Authors: Schweier Oliver , Aichele Ulrike , Marx Anna‐Friederike , Straub Tobias , Verbeek J. Sjef , Pinschewer Daniel D. , Pircher Hanspeter
Published: January 2019

Infection of C57BL/6 mice with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) strain Armstrong (Arm) induces an acute infection with rapid virus clearance by CD8+ T cells independently of CD4+ T cell help. Residual viral antigen may, however, persist for a prolonged time. Here, we demonstrate that mice that had been transiently depleted of CD4+ T cells during acute LCMV Arm infection generated high levels of virus‐specific IgG antibodies (Ab) after viral clearance. Robust induction of LCMV‐specific IgG after transient CD4+ T cell depletion was dependent on Fcγ receptors but not on the complement receptors CD21/CD35. In contrast to the potent production of LCMV‐specific IgG, the generation of LCMV‐specific isotype‐switched memory B cells after transient CD4+ T cell depletion was considerably reduced. Moreover, mice depleted of CD4+ T cells during acute infection were strongly impaired in generating a secondary LCMV‐specific B cell response upon LCMV rechallenge. In conclusion, our data indicate that LCMV antigen depots after viral clearance were capable of inducing high levels of virus‐specific IgG. They failed, however, to induce robust virus‐specific B cell memory revealing a previously unappreciated dichotomy of specific Ab production and memory cell formation after priming with residual antigen.
Facile Synthesis and Self‐Assembly of Zinc (2‐Diethoxyphosphorylethynyl)porphyrins
Authors: Mitrofanov Alexander Yu. , Rousselin Yoann , Khrustalev Victor N. , Cheprakov Andrey V. , Bessmertnykh‐Lemeune Alla , Beletskaya Irina P.
Published: January 2019

The synthesis of zinc (2‐diethoxyphosphorylethynyl)porphyrins and their self‐organization in solid state and in solution are reported. Copper‐cocatalyzed Sonogashira reaction involving bromoporphyrins and diethyl ethynylphosphonate was used to prepare meso‐substituted derivatives Zn4 and Zn5 bearing one or two ethynylphosphonate substituents at the macrocycle. In contrast, copper‐free Sonogashira coupling of 2‐bromoporphyrin with diethyl ethynylphosphonate is more convenient to prepare porphyrin Zn6 bearing this substituent at the β‐pyrrolic position of the macrocycle. The structures of complexes Zn4a·C7H8, Zn4a·CHCl3, Zn4c and Zn5b·CH2Cl2 in crystals were elucidated by X‐ray diffraction analysis. The supramolecular self‐assembly through weak coordinative binding of the phosphoryl group of one porphyrin molecule to the zinc(II) ion located in the center of another macrocyclic cavity is observed in all crystals. However, ZnII‐porphyrinates Zn4a and Zn5b exist in the solid state as mutually coordinated dimers while complex Zn4c displays a 1D polymer structure. In all dimer complexes, neighboring porphyrin rings are spatially separated, with Zn–O and P=O bond lengths being similar, while the interplanar porphyrin distance is variable, depending on weak intermolecular interactions in the crystals. The self‐organization of (phosphorylethynyl)porphyrins is also observed in weakly polar chloroform and detectable by NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy. The mutually coordinated dimer of electron‐deficient porphyrin Zn5b was observed in 5 × 10–3 m chloroform solution even at room temperature. The kinetic lability of this supramolecular complex was proven by NMR spectroscopy. The associates of more electron‐donating porphyrins Zn4a and Zn4c are less stable, and self‐assembled dimers become the predominant species in 5 × 10–3 m chloroform solution only below 225 K. The self‐assembly of porphyrin Zn4a and Zn5b in more diluted solutions (up to 10–6 m) was also investigated by UV/Vis spectroscopy.
The Synthesis of (±)‐Oxyisocyclointegrin
Authors: Smith Robert J. , Bower Rebekah L. , Ferguson Scott A. , Rosengren Rhonda J. , Cook Greg M. , Hawkins Bill C.
Published: January 2019

The total synthesis of oxyisocyclointegrin is described. The key steps in the synthesis included a Tsuji–Trost allyl migration to exclusively afford the corresponding monoallylated 1,3‐diketone and a photochemical initiated oxidative cyclization to forge the oxepine core.
Synthesis, Structure, and Fluorescence Behavior of Profluorescent 8‐Amino BODIPY Nitroxides
Authors: Schultz‐Simonton Wiley , Skelly Patrick , Chakraborty Indranil , Mascharak Pradip , Braslau Rebecca
Published: January 2019

A series of novel 8‐amino BODIPY profluorescent nitroxides and the corresponding N‐ethoxyamine derivatives were synthesized with varying substitution and molecular geometries. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction data for the three 8‐amino BODIPY nitroxides were obtained. UV‐Vis absorption and emission data for the profluorescent nitroxides and 8‐amino BODIPY N‐ethoxyamine derivatives were examined to assess the utility of these compounds as fluorescent probes.
Effective Parameters, Equilibrium, and Kinetics of Fluoride Adsorption on Prosopis cineraria and Syzygium cumini Leaves
Authors: Keshtkar Mozhgan , Dobaradaran Sina , Keshmiri Saeed , Ramavandi Bahman , Arfaeinia Hossein , Ghaedi Hossein
Published: January 2019

This study was designed to present a facile and effective biosorbent from Prosopis cineraria and Syzygium cumini leave (PCL and SCL) for fluoride removal. The test was done in batch mode and the effect of contact time (5, 25, 60, 90, and 120 min), initial fluoride concentration level (3, 5, 8, and 12 mg/L), and biosorbent dose (1, 3, 5, 10, and 25 g/L) on the biosorption process were examined. The optimum conditions for the maximum fluoride removal were occurred at 1 g/L biosorbent dose and contact time of 120 (for PCL) and 90 min (for SCL). The results suggested that the pseudo‐second‐order and Langmuir isotherm models described the experimental data well. According to the Langmuir model, the maximum adsorption capacity of fluoride for PCL and SCL was attained 11.52 and 7.4 mg/g, respectively. Based on Boyd and intra‐diffusion models, the biosorption of fluoride onto PCL and SCL was mainly controlled by film‐diffusion. The study revealed the potential use of PCL and SCL as two new effective biosorbents for the removal of fluoride from aqueous solution. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: S429–S440, 2019
Assessments of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from stainless steel production in China using two evaluation approaches
Authors: Jing Ran , Yasir Muhammed Wahab , Qian Jin , Zhang Zhen
Published: January 2019

In recent years, global warming has become a growing concern around the world, and greenhouse gases (GHG) are its major cause. In the current study, the GHG emissions from stainless steel production in Mainland China was evaluated based on two approaches. One (i.e., Approach I) was based on the data, which were collected from a life cycle inventory database (Ecoinvent). The second evaluation (i.e., Approach II) was performed according to the 2015 comprehensive energy consumption data of the Chinese stainless steel industry. When Approach I was employed, the results demonstrated that 1.44 kg CO2‐e of total GHG emissions were generated for producing 1 kg of stainless steel. When adopting Approach II, the average GHG emissions based on comprehensive energy consumption from four stainless steel manufacturers in Mainland China were calculated to be 1.76 kg CO2‐e/kg stainless steel. Further, the main hotspot area of GHG emissions for stainless steel production was found to be the blast furnace (BF) process, based on Approach I. Accordingly, employing an independent electric arc furnace (EAF) instead of a BF‐EAF, as well as choosing clean technologies and updating obsolete and low‐efficiency equipment, is recommended. It is expected that these two approaches can help stakeholders formulate a sustainable strategy for stainless steel production. And more broadly, provide some insights into adopting an appropriate framework for the evaluation of GHG emissions in industrial areas. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: 47–55, 2019
Test and study on transfusion law of gas in mining coal
Authors: Zhang Bang‐an , Zhang Dong‐ming , Yang Yu‐shun , Wen De‐cai
Published: January 2019

In this paper, the seepage tests of mining coal were conducted by servo‐controlled seepage apparatus. These tests consist of conventional triaxial compression seepage tests, and load and unload seepage tests. It was observed that the peak strength and corresponding axial strain of raw coal samples gradually increase with the increase of confining pressure, which conforms to the Mogi‐Coulomb strength criterion, and the internal friction angle was calculated as φ = 42.65°, and the cohesion force was c = 3.56 MPa. The ultimate strength of coal samples after load and unload test was obviously lower than that of the triaxial compression test under the same confining stress conditions, and the deviatoric stress‐permeability curves consistent with the exponential function under two stress paths. In load and unload test, the damage degree of raw coal was characterized by the permeability damage rate and the maximum permeability damage rate. The permeability of coal seam was closely related to the mining stress, it presents a nonlinearly declining as the mining stress increases, and the permeability increases nonlinearly when the mining stress was released.
Effectiveness of Delphi‐ and scenario planning‐like processes in enabling organizational adaptation: A simulation‐based comparison
Authors: Phadnis Shardul S.
Published: January 2019

This study compares two foresight processes—modelled according to empirical evidence of judgment changes in the Delphi method and scenario planning—against aggregation of unaided predictions of key decision‐makers, for guiding an organization's adaptation to its changing environment. Using computer simulation to examine adaptations to environments evolving incrementally (i.e., from one state to another of the same type) and radically (i.e., between states of opposite types), this study seeks to make four contributions to the foresight processes literature. One, it affirms the virtue of decision‐making based on majority agreement among experts by showing that it allows even unaided decisions to outperform the Delphi‐ and scenario planning‐like processes in numerous environmental conditions. Two, it highlights the moderating effect of ambiguity on decision process–performance relationship by showing that slow decision‐making can outperform fast one in hypercompetitive environments when ambiguity is high. Three, it shows that the cost of implementing changes in organizational strategy influences the superiority between the Delphi method and scenario planning for enabling adaptation in turbulent environments. Four, it reveals that the Delphi method and scenario planning outperform unaided decision‐making when managers are slow to update their mental models of the changing environment, and thus, can compensate for this limitation of human decision‐making.
Transoral laser microsurgery for glottic cancer in the elderly: Efficacy and safety
Authors: Rodrigo Juan P. , García‐Velasco Fabian , Ambrosch Petra , Vander Poorten Vincent , Suárez Carlos , Coca‐Pelaz Andrés , Strojan Primoz , Hutcheson Kate , Folz Benedikt J. , Bernal‐Sprekelsen Manuel , Rinaldo Alessandra , Silver Carl E. , Ferlito Alfio
Published: January 2019

Background

Data about the results of transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) in elderly patients are limited.

Methods

A retrospective study of 72 consecutive cases of glottic carcinoma (63 pT1 and 9 pT2 cases) in elderly patients (≥70 years old, mean 76 years) treated with TLM was made. A systematic review of the literature was performed.

Results

Six patients (8%) had postoperative complications, but no treatment‐related deaths were observed. Local recurrences occurred in 12 patients (16.5%): nine with pT1 (14%) and three with pT2 (33%) tumors. Five‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS), overall survival, and laryngectomy‐free survival were 95%, 68%, and 88%, respectively. The literature review indicated that TLM is safe and effective treatment for these patients, with few complications and good local control (>85%) and DSS (>90%) rates.

Conclusions

Our results and the information from the literature show that TLM for glottic cancer in elderly patients can lead to satisfactory treatment results.
Transnasal endoscopic surgery in selected nasal‐ethmoidal cancer with suspected brain invasion: Indications, technique, and outcomes
Authors: Mattavelli Davide , Ferrari Marco , Bolzoni Villaret Andrea , Schreiber Alberto , Rampinelli Vittorio , Turri‐Zanoni Mario , Lancini Davide , Taglietti Valentina , Accorona Remo , Doglietto Francesco , Battaglia Paolo , Castelnuovo Paolo , Nicolai Piero
Published: January 2019

Background

In nasal‐ethmoidal malignancies, brain involvement is associated with dismal prognosis.

Method

Patients undergoing endoscopic resection with transnasal craniectomy and subpial dissection (ERTC‐SD) for brain‐invading nasal‐ethmoidal cancer between 2008 and 2016 were included. Complications were analyzed in all patients, whereas oncological outcomes only in patients with pathological brain invasion. The prognostic impact of previous treatments, brain edema, and histology was assessed. Hospitalization ratio was calculated.

Results

Nineteen patients received ERTC‐SD and 11 had pathological‐proven brain invasion. Histologies were 6 olfactory neuroblastomas (ONB), 3 neuroendocrine carcinomas, and 2 intestinal‐type adenocarcinomas. Mean follow‐up was 21.9 months. Three‐year overall, local recurrence‐free, and distance recurrence‐free survivals were 65.5%, 81.8%, and 68.2%, respectively. Overall and distant recurrence‐free survivals were significantly better in patients with ONB (P = 0.032 and P = 0.013, respectively). Hospitalization ratio was 4.1%. Complication rate was 10.5%.

Conclusion

In selected nasal‐ethmoidal tumors with brain invasion, ERTC‐SD can provide good local control, satisfactory survival, and limited morbidity.
Prognostic significance and population dynamics of peripheral monocytes in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Takahashi Hideyuki , Sakakura Koichi , Tada Hiroe , Kaira Kyoichi , Oyama Tetsunari , Chikamatsu Kazuaki
Published: January 2019

Background

Several inflammatory biomarkers are considered potential prognostic factors in various cancers. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance and population dynamics of pretreatment inflammatory biomarker levels in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

Methods

The influence of neutrophil counts, lymphocyte counts, monocyte counts, platelet counts, lymphocyte‐to‐monocyte ratio (LMR), neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio on progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) was analyzed. We also analyzed the peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected from patients and healthy donors (HDs).

Results

Elevated monocyte count was an independent prognostic factor for PFS. Low LMR was an independent prognostic factor for OS. The proportion of intermediate monocytes was lower, and that of classical monocytes was higher in patients than in HDs. Furthermore, PD‐L1 expression on monocytes was higher in patients than in HDs.

Conclusions

We showed the prognostic significance and population dynamics of peripheral monocytes in patients with OPSCC.
Sequential therapy of neoadjuvant biochemotherapy with cetuximab, paclitaxel, and cisplatin followed by cetuximab‐based concurrent bioradiotherapy in high‐risk locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma: Final analysis of a phase 2 clinical trial
Authors: Yen Chia‐Jui , Tsou Hsiao‐Hui , Hsieh Ching‐Yun , Chu Chang‐Yao , Chiu Chang‐Fang , Chen Chih‐Cheng , Tsao Chao‐Jung , Tsai Kuo‐Yang , Tsai Sen‐Tien , Chang Jang‐Yang , Chang Kwang‐Yu
Published: January 2019

Background

The prognosis of advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma is poor. We investigated the effect of cetuximab‐based sequential therapy as a primary treatment.

Methods

Forty‐seven treatment‐naive patients with advanced tumors originating from the oral cavity or oropharynx were enrolled. Neoadjuvant cetuximab, paclitaxel, and cisplatin were administered, followed by cetuximab‐based radiotherapy. Immunohistochemical staining was applied to study the tissues.

Results

The best overall response rate was 70.2%, including 4 patients with a complete response and 29 with a partial response. The median progression‐free and overall survival rates were 10.3 and 15.2 months, respectively. Patients with more than 50% tumor reduction with neoadjuvant therapy had better survival outcomes. Twenty‐two patients had severe adverse events with mostly dermatological complications. Of the 16 patients who received operations, 9 had increased PD‐L1 staining compared to pretreatment biopsy in the post hoc study.

Conclusion

The regimen was effective in selected patients. Increased PD‐L1 suggested altered tumor features.
Situation awareness, human error, and organizational learning in sociotechnical systems
Authors: Marquardt Nicki
Published: January 2019

In many organizations, the performance of individuals and teams is negatively affected by human error. Studies have shown that these errors can be reduced or even prevented by learning from them and by developing an understanding of error causation and its consequences. The ability to detect, understand, and anticipate errors refers to situation awareness (SA). Although SA is not limited to human error and it is more closely linked with decision making, it is a prerequisite for error reduction in complex sociotechnical work settings. The main objectives of this study were threefold: First, a model that can explain the interrelations between human error, SA, and organizational learning in sociotechnical systems was developed. Secondly, functional and dysfunctional factors that affect human error, SA, and organizational learning were identified. Thirdly, a research methodology was selected and adapted to empirically test the model in a real‐world sociotechnical task environment. To do so, an SA performance test and a human error questionnaire were used to examine SA and respective learning modes of 108 assembly‐line workers in the manufacturing industry. The final test results supported the central assumptions of the applied model. The article concludes by discussing applications in the field of sociotechnical systems analysis, team training, human performance programs, and high‐reliability organizations.
Laminar natural convection of power‐law fluids over a horizontal heated flat plate
Authors: Bahmani Alireza , Kargarsharifabad Hadi
Published: January 2019

Natural convection of power‐law fluids over a horizontal flat plate with constant heat flux is studied. The stretching transformations relating the similarity forms of the boundary layer velocity, pressure, and temperature profiles are applied to the governing boundary layer equations. The resultant set of coupled ordinary differential equations are solved analytically and numerically using the integral method and the finite difference method, respectively. The results are presented for the details of the velocity and temperature fields for various values of the non‐Newtonian power‐law viscosity index (n) and the generalized Prandtl number (Pr*). At a fixed value of the viscosity index, increasing the Prandtl number increases the skin friction and wall temperature. For Pr* > 1, a lower viscosity index results in larger wall skin friction, temperature scale, and thermal boundary layer thickness, and thus lower Nusselt number. The reverse trend is observed for Pr* < 1. By using an integral solution and the numerical results, a semi‐analytical correlation for the Nusselt number is obtained, valid for and .
Slide‐free imaging of hematoxylin‐eosin stained whole‐mount tissues using combined third‐harmonic generation and three‐photon fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Sun Chi‐Kuang , Kao Chien‐Ting , Wei Ming‐Liang , Chia Shih‐Hsuan , Kärtner Franz X. , Ivanov Anatoly , Liao Yi‐Hua
Published: January 2019

Intraoperative margin assessment of surgical tissues during cancer surgery is clinically important, especially in the case of tissue conserving surgery like Mohs micrographic surgery in which minimization of the surgical area is considered crucial. Frozen pathology is the gold standard of assessing excised tissues for signs of remaining cancerous lesions. The current protocol, however, is time‐consuming and labor‐intensive. Instead of the complex frozen sectioning, staining, and traditional white light microscopy imaging protocol, optically sectioned histopathological imaging of hematoxylin‐eosin stained whole‐mount skin tissues with a subfemtoliter resolution is demonstrated by using nonlinear microscopy in this study. With our proposed method, the reagents of staining and the contrast of imaging are fully consistent with the current clinical standard of frozen pathology, thus facilitating rapid intraoperative assessment of surgical tissues for future applications.

Image: Slide‐free nonlinear microscopy imaging of H&E stained whole‐mount skin tissue showing the morphology of sweat glands.
Widefield fluorescence lifetime imaging of protoporphyrin IX for fluorescence‐guided neurosurgery: An ex vivo feasibility study
Authors: Erkkilä Mikael T. , Bauer Bianca , Hecker‐Denschlag Nancy , Madera Medina Maria J. , Leitgeb Rainer A. , Unterhuber Angelika , Gesperger Johanna , Roetzer Thomas , Hauger Christoph , Drexler Wolfgang , Widhalm Georg , Andreana Marco
Published: January 2019

Achieving a maximal safe extent of resection during brain tumor surgery is the goal for improved patient prognosis. Fluorescence‐guided neurosurgery using 5‐aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA) induced protoporphyrin IX has thereby become a valuable tool enabling a high frequency of complete resections and a prolonged progression‐free survival in glioblastoma patients. We present a widefield fluorescence lifetime imaging device with 250 mm working distance, working under similar conditions such as surgical microscopes based on a time‐of‐flight dual tap CMOS camera. In contrast to intensity‐based fluorescence imaging, our method is invariant to light scattering and absorption while being sensitive to the molecular composition of the tissue. We evaluate the feasibility of lifetime imaging of protoporphyrin IX using our system to analyze brain tumor phantoms and fresh 5‐ALA‐labeled human tissue samples. The results demonstrate the potential of our lifetime sensing device to go beyond the limitation of current intensity‐based fluorescence‐guided neurosurgery.
In vitro interaction of human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells with biomimetic 3D scaffold
Authors: Jamalpoor Zahra , Taromi Nafise , Soleimani Mansooreh , Koudehi Masoumeh Foroutan , Asgari Alireza
Published: January 2019

Study of cell‐biomaterial interaction is a crucial aspect of bone tissue engineering to find a state‐of‐the‐art functional substitute. In present study, the Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (hWJ‐MSCs) behavior on three‐dimensional biomimetic nano‐hydroxyapatite/chitosan/gelatin (nHA/CS/Gel) scaffolds was investigated. The outcome was assessed by histological, biochemical and morphological tests. Results indicated that hWJ‐MSCs attached onto the scaffold surface through membrane filopodia, uniformly spread throughout the contacting surface. It only took 3 days for the seeded cells to appear deep inside the scaffold, reflecting proper hWJ‐MSCs adhesion and migration, evidenced by both scanning electron microscope and hematoxilin and eosin assessments. Additionally, the present fabricated nHA/CS/Gel scaffold proved to be non‐toxic as it supported cell proliferation measured by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazoyl‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Moreover, 3‐week culture of hWJ‐MSCs on scaffolds, immersed in osteogenic medium, rendered the microenvironment in favor of hWJ‐MSCs differentiation into osteoblast cells and extracellular matrix secretion. Finally, osteoblasts were immunologically positive for various osteogenic markers including osteocalcin, osteopontin, osteonectin, and alkaline phosphatase. Present findings indicate that nHA/CS/Gel scaffold appropriately harbored hWJ‐MSCs, stimulating their growth, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. hWJ‐MSCs‐loaded nHA/CS/gel substitute may therefore be considered as a suitable platform for the rising demand in in vivo bone repair studies. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 1166–1175, 2019.
Synthetic fluorinated polyamides as efficient gene vectors
Authors: Wang Mian , Xue Han , Gao Min , Wang Qingli , Yang Haijie
Published: January 2019

Linear fluorinated polyamides with reversible cationic charges are feasibly prepared to be used as highly efficient gene vectors in HEK293 cell line. Due to the uniform polymer structure, the relationship between the physicochemical properties and transfection efficiency could be unambiguously investigated. The different efficiency in the application of gene delivery between the parent polyethylenimine (PEI) and the polyamides is directly associated with the differences in chemical and physical properties between secondary amines and fluorinated amides. We found that fluorination not only increases the cellular uptake of polymer/DNA polyplexes, but it also decreases cytotoxicity in terms of inducing lower concentrations of proinflammatory cytokine TNF‐α. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 2132–2139, 2019.
HGFAC expression decreased in liver cancer and its low expression correlated with DNA hypermethylation and poor prognosis
Authors: Yin Li , Mu Yudong , Lin Yingzi , Xia Qianfeng
Published: January 2019

As the activator of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), hepatocyte growth factor activator (HGFAC) has been previously reported to involve in liver, kidney, and stomach regeneration in response to injury and several types of cancers. This study aimed to explore the expression of HGFAC and the correlation between decreased HGFAC and DNA methylation in liver cancer and its clinical significance. The molecular profiling of HGFAC in liver cancer was analyzed using genomic, transcriptomic, immunohistochemistry, and patient survival information from databases, including oncomine, HPA, COSMIC, UCSC Xena, MPRESS, and Kaplan‐Meier plotter. It was found that HGFAC expression at transcriptional and translational level decreased in liver cancer compared with normal tissues. There is a negative correlation between the HGFAC expression and methylation around the promoter region which indicated that HGFAC expression might be controlled by DNA methylation. Moreover, the decreased HGFAC is associated with significantly short over survival time in liver cancer patients. In conclusion, decreased HGFAC expression in liver cancer associated with poor survival outcome. Hypermethylation around the promoter region contributed to the decreased expression of HGFAC. HGFAC may be a useful and predictive biomarker for the prognosis of liver cancer patients. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the relationship between HGFAC DNA methylation and its expression.
Long noncoding RNA AK088388 regulates autophagy through miR‐30a to affect cardiomyocyte injury
Authors: Wang Jing‐jing , Bie Zi‐dong , Sun Chao‐feng
Published: January 2019

Finding ways to reduce myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in the process of myocardial infarction has been an area of intense study in the field of heart disease. Recent studies have shown that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and autophagy play important roles in cardiovascular diseases. In our study, software analysis and dual‐luciferase reporter assays have shown that miR‐30a has binding sites on both AK088388 and Beclin‐1. Continuing experiments found that miR‐30a expression is downregulated, while the expressions of AK088388, Beclin‐1, and LC3‐II are upregulated in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) cardiomyocytes; miR‐30a inhibits the expression of AK088388, Beclin‐1, and LC3‐II in H/R cardiomyocytes, while AK088388 promotes the expression of Beclin‐1 and LC3‐II and inhibits miR‐30a expression. AK088388 small interfering RNA and miR‐30a mimics can promote the viability of H/R cardiomyocytes, reduce lactate dehydrogenase release, and reduce apoptosis. Mutations of the miR‐30a binding site in AK088388 could not block the effects of miR‐30a mentioned above. Therefore, AK088388 can competitively bind to miR‐30a, promoting the expression of Beclin‐1 and LC3‐II, autophagy, and eventually cell damage. This finding provides new evidence for understanding the role of lncRNA in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.
HIF1A‐AS2 predicts poor prognosis and regulates cell migration and invasion in triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Wang Yufei , Zhang Guochao , Han Jie
Published: January 2019

The aberrant expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1A)‐antisense RNA 2 (HIF1A‐AS2) was found in various human cancers including breast cancer. The aim of this study was to present more evidence about the role HIF1A‐AS2 on triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC). In our results, HIF1A‐AS2 was also found to be upregulated in TNBC tissues compared with non‐TNBC tissues or adjacent normal tissues. Besides, HIF1A‐AS2 expression was also elevated in TNBC cell lines compared with the normal breast epithelial cell line. Moreover, high expression of HIF1A‐AS2 was associated with lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and unfavorable histological grade in TNBC patients. Survival analysis showed a TNBC patient with high HIF1A‐AS2 expression had shorter overall survival than patients with low HIF1A‐AS2 expression, and HIF1A‐AS2 high expression acted as an independent poor prognostic factor for overall survival in TNBC patients. The cell migration and invasion assays suggested inhibition of HIF1A‐AS2 obviously depressed TNBC cell migration and invasion. In conclusion, HIF1A‐AS2 serves as a novel biomarker for predicting clinical progression and prognosis in TNBC.