bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasensitive separation of methylprednisolone acetate using a photoresponsive molecularly imprinted polymer incorporated polyester dendrimer based on magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Baimani Nasim , Aberoomand Azar Parviz , Waqif Husain Syed , Ahmad Panahi Homayon , Mehramizi Ali
Published: January 2019

We developed an approach for the use of polyester dendrimer during the imprinting process to raise the number of recognized sites in the polymer matrix and improve its identification ability. Photoresponsive molecularly imprinted polymers were synthesized on modified magnetic nanoparticles involving polyester dendrimer which uses the reactivity between allyl glycidyl ether and acrylic acid for the high‐yielding assembly by surface polymerization. The photoresponsive molecularly imprinted polymers were constructed using methylprednisoloneacetate as the template, water‐soluble azobenzene involving 5‐[(4, 3‐(methacryloyloxy) phenyl) diazenyl] dihydroxy aniline as the novel functional monomer, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the cross‐linker. Through the evaluation of a series of features of spectroscopic and nano‐structural, this sorbent showed excellent selective adsorption, recognition for the template, and provided a highly selective and sensitive strategy for determining the methylprednisoloneacetate in real and pharmaceutical samples. In addition, this sorbent according to good photo‐responsive features and specific affinity to methylprednisoloneacetate with high recognition ability, represented higher binding capacity, a more extensive specific area, and faster mass transfer rate than its corresponding surface molecularly imprinted polymer.
Identification of a pathogenic mutation in ATP2A1 via in silico analysis of exome data for cryptic aberrant splice sites
Authors: Bruels Christine C. , Li Chengcheng , Mendoza Tonatiuh , Khan Jamillah , Reddy Hemakumar M. , Estrella Elicia A. , Ghosh Partha S. , Darras Basil T. , Lidov Hart G. W. , Pacak Christina A. , Kunkel Louis M. , Modave François , Draper Isabelle , Kang Peter B.
Published: January 2019

Background

Pathogenic mutations causing aberrant splicing are often difficult to detect. Standard variant analysis of next‐generation sequence (NGS) data focuses on canonical splice sites. Noncanonical splice sites are more difficult to ascertain.

Methods

We developed a bioinformatics pipeline that screens existing NGS data for potentially aberrant novel essential splice sites (PANESS) and performed a pilot study on a family with a myotonic disorder. Further analyses were performed via qRT‐PCR, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry. RNAi knockdown studies were performed in Drosophila to model the gene deficiency.

Results

The PANESS pipeline identified a homozygous ATP2A1 variant (NC_000016.9:g.28905928G>A; NM_004320.4:c.1287G>A:p.(Glu429=)) that was predicted to cause the omission of exon 11. Aberrant splicing of ATP2A1 was confirmed via qRT‐PCR, and abnormal expression of the protein product sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca++ ATPase 1 (SERCA1) was demonstrated in quadriceps femoris tissue from the proband. Ubiquitous knockdown of SERCA led to lethality in Drosophila, as did knockdown targeting differentiating or fusing myoblasts.

Conclusions

This study confirms the potential of novel in silico algorithms to detect cryptic mutations in existing NGS data; expands the phenotypic spectrum of ATP2A1 mutations beyond classic Brody myopathy; and suggests that genetic testing of ATP2A1 should be considered in patients with clinical myotonia.
Compact dual‐band antenna with slotted ground for implantable applications
Authors: Luo Lingzhi , Hu Bing , Wu Jiahui , Yan Tianwen , Xu Li‐Jie
Published: January 2019

In this article, a miniaturized circular planar inverted‐F antenna (PIFA) is proposed for biomedical applications, operating in Medical Device Radiocommunications Service (MedRadio; 401‐406 MHz) band and Industrial Scientific and Medical (ISM; 2.4‐2.4835 GHz) band. It consists of a U‐shaped patch on top layer, a circular ground on bottom layer, and a shorting pin connecting two layers. By adding two sets of open‐end slots in the ground, dual‐band performance of the proposed antenna is achieved with compact size. Measurement result shows that a wide bandwidth of 41%, ranging from 345 to 510 MHz, can be achieved in MedRadio band, and a wide bandwidth of 27.8%, ranging from 1.92 to 2.60 GHz, can be achieved in ISM band.
Determination of physical location of fiber Bragg gratings using traversal heat‐induced phase shift
Authors: Rodzi Noor Shafikah Md , Mokhtar Mohd Ridzuan , Yusoff Zulfadzli
Published: January 2019

In certain application, the exact location of the grating structure of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is crucial for properly packaging, altering or exploiting the device. This article proposes a simple way to determine the location of FBG by applying heat induced phase shift. A traversing thin heating element is continuously scanned across the FBG while the local optical spectral profile is analyzed. The experiments are performed on an apodised uniform FBG and a chirped FBG. The results show that the symmetry of the local spectral profiles and prominence of the phase‐induced spectral dip can be used to determine the structure center and exact physical location of the apodised FBG. Meanwhile, the location of the linearly chirped FBG can be determined by simply observing the wavelength of the spectral dip.
Design and realization of multilayered cylindrical dielectric lens antenna using 3D printing technology
Authors: Mahouti Peyman , Belen Mehmet A. , Güneş Filiz , Yurt Reyhan
Published: January 2019

Herein, design and realization of a novel, low cost, small size, high gain, 3D printed multilayered cylindrical dielectric lens antenna (MLCDLA) is presented at 10 GHz. In the first stage, MLCDLA is designed suitable the 3D printed technology in CST 3D EM simulation environment. Then gain, return loss, and radiation pattern of the design are investigated in the X‐band frequencies in the same 3D simulated environment. In the second stage, the designed lens is fabricated by the 3D printed technology in dimensions of 30 × 30 × 52.5 mm3 using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, with εr = 2.5. In the final stage, performance characteristics of the proposed LCDLA are measured using 10 GHz rectangular waveguide as feeding unit and are compared with the simulated results and counterpart designs in literature. The prototyped MLCDLA is achieved 14 dBi measured gain at 10 GHz. It can be concluded that the proposed 3D printing method not only enables a high performance MLCDLA design but also provides its fast, low cost, and effective prototyping process which can be used for other microwave devices.
Efficacy of an unguided internet‐based self‐help intervention for social anxiety disorder in university students: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kählke Fanny , Berger Thomas , Schulz Ava , Baumeister Harald , Berking Matthias , Auerbach Randy P. , Bruffaerts Ronny , Cuijpers Pim , Kessler Ronald C. , Ebert David Daniel
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Internet‐ and mobile‐based interventions (IMIs) offer the opportunity to deliver mental health treatments on a large scale. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of an unguided IMI (StudiCare SAD) for university students with social anxiety disorder (SAD).

Methods

University students (N = 200) diagnosed with SAD were randomly assigned to an IMI or a waitlist control group (WLC) with full access to treatment as usual. StudiCare SAD consists of nine sessions. The primary outcome was SAD symptoms at posttreatment (10 weeks), assessed via the Social Phobia Scale (SPS) and the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS). Secondary outcomes included depression, quality of life, fear of positive evaluation, general psychopathology, and interpersonal problems.

Results

Results indicated moderate to large effect sizes in favor of StudiCare SAD compared with WLC for SAD at posttest for the primary outcomes (SPS: d = 0.76; SIAS: d = 0.55, p < 0.001). Effects on all secondary outcomes were significant and in favor of the intervention group.

Conclusion

StudiCare SAD has proven effective in reducing SAD symptoms in university students. Providing IMIs may be a promising way to reach university students with SAD at an early stage with an effective treatment.
The impact of monocular vision on motor function and quality of life in survivors of retinoblastoma
Authors: Weintraub Naomi , Reshef Nurit , Pe'er Jacob , Frenkel Shahar , Rot Ido , Shoshani Naomi , Weintraub Michael
Published: January 2019

Background

Monocular vision has been found to have a negative effect on children's motion processing and motor functions. Yet, knowledge of motor function of survivors of retinoblastoma (RB) with monocular vision (due to enucleation, for example) is limited. This study examined motor function and its relationship to visual‐related and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in survivors of RB with monocular vision.

Procedure

Parents of 27 survivors of RB, who underwent an enucleation of one eye resulting in monocular vision, and of 21 typically developing children between the ages of 6 and 12, were administered questionnaires relating to their children's motor function (DCDQ), as well as vision‐related function (CVFQ) and HRQOL (PedsQL).

Results

Of the 27 survivors of RB, 7 (25.6%) were found to have difficulties in motor functions, compared with 1 (4.8%) child in the control group. The difficulties were faced mainly in daily function requiring control during movement, including jumping, running, and ball playing. Additionally, significant correlations were found between motor functions and children's QOL. Finally, survivors of RB with monocular vision were found to have lower QOL, specifically physical‐ and school‐related QOL.

Conclusion

Survivors of RB who have monocular vision have a higher rate of decreased motor function and lower QOL. These results point to a need for ongoing assessment of survivors of RB to allow timely detection of motor deficits and to institute appropriate therapeutic interventions.
Laser Implantation: An Innovative Technique for Surface Texturing
Authors: Spranger Felix , Hilgenberg Kai
Published: January 2019

Textured surfaces are used in a wide range of engineering applications like aeronautics, automotive industry, or manufacturing technology. Especially the use of micro‐elevated surface features has been shown to be very beneficial to adjust frictional conditions. However, protruding microfeatures are susceptible to wear and a reliable texturing process is difficult to achieve. By introducing the laser implantation technique, this may change.
Brilliant High Performance – Flexible Configuration
Authors: Molitor Thomas
Published: January 2019

Today, high‐power diode lasers already cover a wide range of applications. Besides the continuous power improvements, the key to success is a high variability in terms of beam quality: Large‐scale heat treatments are carried out with the same reliability as applications with high requirements for brilliance. Flexible system configurations and interfaces for the industry 4.0 integration allow for an optimal adjustment to all application situations.
Diagnostics on Gold by Plasmon Resonance
Authors: González Ana Belén , Pozo Jose
Published: January 2019

An emerging company, PhotonicSys, offers new products based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) for diagnostics applications. In a discussion with EPIC experts Ana González and Jose Pozo, CEO Ibrahim Abdulhalim explains the benefits and applications for this kind of devices and the challenges that this technology is facing.
Synthesis of a novel DOPO‐based polyphosphoramide with high char yield and its application in flame‐retardant epoxy resins
Authors: Gangireddy Chandra Sekhar Reddy , Wang Xin , Kan Yongchun , Song Lei , Hu Yuan
Published: January 2019

A novel and highly effective flame retardant (FR), DOPO‐TPMP oligomer, was synthesized by a simple condensation of 4‐(hydroxymethyl)‐2,6,7‐trioxa‐1‐phosphabicyclo[2.2.2]octane‐1‐oxide and phosphorus oxychloride followed by a polycondensation reaction with 6‐(2,5‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐6H‐dibenzo[c,e][1,2]oxaphosphinine‐6‐oxide. The chemical structure of DOPO‐TPMP was well characterized using Fourier transform infrared and NMR spectra. DOPO‐TPMP was used as an additive‐type FR for epoxy resin (EP). The FR properties of the resultant EP composites were investigated by limiting oxygen index (LOI) test, UL‐94 vertical burning test and cone calorimeter measurements. Specifically, the EP composite containing 10.0% DOPO‐TPMP achieved a LOI value of 36.1%, V‐0 rating in the UL‐94 test and a 58% reduction in peak heat release rate. Further mechanism analysis attributed the enhanced flame retardancy to the increased char yield on the addition of DOPO‐TPMP. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Clinical Course of Motor Deficits from Lumbosacral Radiculopathy Due to Disk Herniation
Authors: Akuthota Venu , Marshall Ben , Boimbo Sandra , Osborne Mark C. , Garvan Cynthia S. , Garvan Gerard J. , Buzanowska Marzena , Sauerwein Kelly , Sridhar Balaji V. , Plastaras Christopher T.
Published: January 2019

Background

The clinical course of motor deficits from lumbosacral radiculopathy appears to improve with or without surgery. Strength measurements have been confined to manual muscle testing (MMT) and have not been extensively followed and quantified in prior studies.

Objective

To determine if motor weakness and patient‐reported outcomes related to lumbosacral radiculopathy improve without surgical intervention over the course of 12 months.

Design

Prospective observational cohort.

Setting

Outpatient academic spine practice.

Participants

Adults with acute radicular weakness due to disk herniation.

Methods

Forty patients with radiculopathy and strength deficit were followed over a 12‐month period. Objective strength and performance tests as well as survey‐based measurements were collected at baseline and then every 3 months. Patients underwent comprehensive pain management and rehabilitation and/or surgical approaches as determined in coordination with the treating specialist. This study was approved by the institutional review board of Colorado.

Main Outcome Measurements

Testing of strength was through MMT, handheld dynamometer, and performance‐based testing. Furthermore, visual analog scale, modified Oswestry Disability Index, and 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36) were used to measure pain and disability outcomes.

Results

Of the 40 patients, 33 (82.5%) did not have surgery; 7 (17.5%) had surgery. Twenty‐four of the 33 patients (60%) did not undergo surgery and were followed for 12 months (Comprehensive Pain Management and Rehabilitation, Complete [CPM&R‐C]), and 9 (22%) did not have surgery and lacked at least one follow‐up evaluation (Comprehensive Pain Management and Rehabilitation, Incomplete [CPM&R‐I]). No statistically significant differences were found on baseline measures of strength deficits and SF‐36 domains between the CPM&R‐C, Surgery, and CPM&R‐I groups. Pain and disability scores in the Surgery group were significantly higher than in the CPM&R‐C at baseline. There were statistically significant improvements in all areas of strength, pain, and function when comparing measurements at the 12‐month follow‐up to baseline in the CPM&R‐C group.

Conclusions

Individuals with motor deficits due to lumbosacral radiculopathy improve over time regardless of treatment choice. Most did not choose surgery, and almost all of these patients regained full strength at 1 year. Strength recovery typically occurred in the first 3 months, but there was ongoing recovery over the course of a year.

Level of Evidence

II
Assessing Plantar Sensation in the Foot Using the Foot Roughness Discrimination Test (FoRDT): A Reliability and Validity Study in Stroke
Authors: Gorst Terry , Freeman Jenny , Yarrow Kielan , Marsden Jonathan
Published: January 2019

Background

The plantar foot represents a sensory dynamometric map and is essential for balance and gait control. Sensory impairments are common, yet often difficult to quantify in neurological conditions, particularly stroke. A functionally oriented and quantifiable assessment, the Foot Roughness Discrimination Test (FoRDT), was developed to address these shortcomings.

Objective

To evaluate inter‐ and intrarater reliability, convergent and discriminant validity of the FoRDT.

Design

Test‐retest design.

Setting

Hospital outpatient.

Participants

Thirty‐two people with stroke (mean age 70 years) at least 3 months after stroke, and 32 healthy, age‐matched controls (mean age 70).

Main Outcome Measures

Roughness discrimination thresholds were quantified utilizing acrylic foot plates, laser cut to produce graded spatial gratings. Stroke participants were tested on three occasions, and by two different raters. Inter‐ and intrarater reliability and agreement were evaluated with Intraclass Correlation Coefficients and Bland‐Altman plots. Convergent validity was evaluated through Spearman rank correlation coefficients (rho) between the FoRDT and the Erasmus modified Nottingham Sensory Assessment (EmNSA).

Results

Intra‐ and interrater reliability and agreement were excellent (ICC =0.86 [95% CI 0.72‐0.92] and 0.90 [95% CI 0.76‐0.96]). Discriminant validity was demonstrated through significant differences in FoRDT between stroke and control participants (P < .001). Stroke fallers had statistically significant higher FoRDT scores compared with nonfallers (P = .01). Convergent validity was demonstrated through significant and strong correlations (rho) with the Erasmus MC Nottingham Sensory Assessment (r = .69, P < .01). Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis indicated the novel test to have excellent sensitivity and specificity in predicting the presence of self‐reported sensory impairments. Functional Reach test significantly correlated with FoRDT (r = .62, P < .01) whereas measures of postural sway and gait speed did not (r = .16‐.26, P > .05).

Conclusions

This simple and functionally oriented test of plantar sensation is reliable, valid, and clinically feasible for use in an ambulatory, chronic stroke and older population. It offers clinicians and researchers a sensitive and robust sensory measure and may further support the evaluation of rehabilitation targeting foot sensation.

Level of Evidence

III.
Short‐Term Therapeutic Effects of Ozone in the Management of Pain in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Arias‐Vázquez Pedro Iván , Tovilla‐Zárate Carlos Alfonso , Hernández‐Díaz Yazmín , González‐Castro Thelma Beatriz , Juárez‐Rojop Isela Esther , López‐Narváez María Lilia , Bermudez‐Ocaña Deysi Yadira , Barjau‐Madrígal Hugo Adrián , Legorreta‐Ramírez Gabriela
Published: January 2019

Background

Ozone therapy has been used widely to decrease pain related to osteoarthritis, but the effectiveness of this treatment has not been evaluated.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of ozone therapy in the reduction of pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis, according to the type of intervention and duration of the effect.

Type

Meta‐analysis.

Literature Survey

We performed an online search using PUBMED, DIALNET, SCIELO, MEDIGRAPHIC, and ISCO3 databases. We searched for articles published up to January 2018.

Participants

We selected eight studies including a total of 355 patients and 363 controls.

Methodology

Only randomized‐controlled trials that assessed the efficacy of intraarticular or periarticular infiltrations with ozone to treat knee osteoarthritis in humans were included in the analysis. The results are expressed as standardized mean difference and 95% confidence intervals. The meta‐analysis was performed in accordance with the statement of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses.

Synthesis

We observed that ozone treatment had a therapeutic effect when compared with placebo (d = −0.81, 95% CI −1.06 to −0.55, I2 = 34.79, P(Q) = .47) or other noninvasive treatments. No significant effects were found in favor of the ozone treatment when compared with the use of hyaluronic acid or platelet‐rich plasma. However, the use of ozone had a significant short‐term benefit reducing knee pain (d = −2.26, 95% CI −2.26 to −3.72, I2 = 97, P(Q) < .001). Pain relief benefits lasted between 3 and 6 months.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that intraarticular infiltrations of ozone can be used as an optional effective treatment for the management of pain related to knee osteoarthritis. There are short‐term effect benefits that peak at around 1 month of treatment, with a gradual decline in efficacy after 3 to 6 months of treatment. More studies are needed to improve our understanding of the efficacy of this interventional treatment.

Level of Evidence

I
Intervention for Increasing Vitamin D Supplementation in a Deficient Rehabilitation Population: Outcomes of a Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Krull Christine , Abramoff Benjamin A. , Jerome Mairin , Principe Jessica , Cai Qingpo , Tailor Yogita
Published: January 2019

Background

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is highly prevalent and increases the risk of osteoporosis, falls, and fractures. Patients in acute inpatient rehabilitation have several risk factors for VDD, the adverse effects of which may hinder long‐term functional gain.

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence of and risk factors for VDD in patients admitted to acute inpatient rehabilitation and to evaluate the efficacy of a standardized vitamin D screening and supplementation protocol.

Design

Prospective cohort study as part of a quality improvement initiative.

Setting

An academic, freestanding acute inpatient rehabilitation hospital.

Participants

Patients consecutively admitted over a 4‐month period between November 2014 and February 2015 (n=128 pre‐intervention and n=129 post‐intervention).

Intervention

Universal screening of vitamin D level on admission followed by utilization of a standard supplementation protocol.

Main Outcome Measures

Vitamin D insufficiency (VDI) and VDD prevalence along with screening, and supplementation rates.

Results

Preintervention, 10.2% of patients were screened for VDD, with 23.1% VDI and 46.2% VDD. Postintervention, 89.9% were screened, with 31.9% VDI and 47.4% VDD. 6.3% of all patients were supplemented on vitamin D preintervention compared to 53.5% postintervention. In multivariate analyses, the odds of VDD was significantly associated with African American race (OR 7.30, 95% CI, 1.56‐34.20, P = .12) and age younger than 65 (OR 13.62 95% CI, 2.51‐73.83, P = .002). Diagnoses in the “other neurologic” category were associated with decreased odds of VDD (OR 0.01, 95% CI, 0.001‐0.193, P = .002).

Conclusions

Given the high prevalence of VDD in an acute inpatient rehabilitation hospital, a routine screening and standardized supplementation protocol may improve quality of care.

Level of Evidence

III
Sleep‐disordered breathing is common among term and near term infants in the NICU
Authors: Meerkov Meera S. , Hassan Fauziya , Chervin Ronald D. , Barks John D. , Carlson Martha D. , Shellhaas Renée A.
Published: January 2019

Objective

Among older infants and children, sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) has negative neurocognitive consequences. We evaluated the frequency and potential impact of SDB among newborns who require intensive care.

Study Design

Term and near‐term newborns at risk for seizures underwent 12‐h attended polysomnography in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Bayley Scales of Infant Development, third edition (Bayley‐III) were administered at 18‐22 months.

Result

The 48 newborns (EGA 39.3 ± 1.6) had a median pediatric apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) of 10.1 (3.3‐18.5) and most events were central (vs obstructive). Maternal and prenatal factors were not associated with AHI. Moreover, neonatal PSG results were not associated with Bayley‐III scores (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

SDB is common among term and near‐term newborns at risk for seizures. Follow‐up at ages when more nuanced testing can be performed may be necessary to establish whether neonatal SDB is associated with long‐term neurodevelopmental disability.
Plasma Proteomics Analysis Reveals Dysregulation of Complement Proteins and Inflammation in Acquired Obesity—A Study on Rare BMI‐Discordant Monozygotic Twin Pairs
Authors: Sahebekhtiari Navid , Saraswat Mayank , Joenväärä Sakari , Jokinen Riikka , Lovric Alen , Kaye Sanna , Mardinoglu Adil , Rissanen Aila , Kaprio Jaakko , Renkonen Risto , Pietiläinen Kirsi H.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to elucidate the effect of excess body weight and liver fat on the plasma proteome without interference from genetic variation.

Experimental Design

The effect of excess body weight is assessed in young, healthy monozygotic twins from pairs discordant for body mass index (intrapair difference (Δ) in BMI > 3 kg m−2, n = 26) with untargeted LC‐MS proteomics quantification. The effect of liver fat is interrogated via subgroup analysis of the BMI‐discordant twin cohort: liver fat discordant pairs (Δliver fat > 2%, n = 12) and liver fat concordant pairs (Δliver fat < 2%, n = 14), measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Results

Seventy‐five proteins are differentially expressed, with significant enrichment for complement and inflammatory response pathways in the heavier co‐twins. The complement dysregulation is found in obesity in both the liver fat subgroups. The complement and inflammatory proteins are significantly associated with adiposity measures, insulin resistance and impaired lipids.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

The early pathophysiological mechanisms in obesity are incompletely understood. It is shown that aberrant complement regulation in plasma is present in very early stages of clinically healthy obese persons, independently of liver fat and in the absence of genetic variation that typically confounds human studies.
Children Are Not Small Adults, but Can We Treat Them As Such?
Authors: Krekels Elke H.J. , Calvier Elisa A.M. , van der Graaf Piet H. , Knibbe Catherijne A.J.
Published: January 2019

Although children cannot be considered small adults due to nonlinear processes underlying the pharmacokinetics of drugs, pediatric doses are typically still expressed per kilogram. We use a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) workflow to assess the accuracy of linear scaling of plasma clearance (CLp) for hypothetical drugs with ranges of realistic parameter values in pediatric patients of different ages. The results are compared with 0.75 fixed allometric scaling (AS 0.75). Linear CLp scaling is accurate down to the age of 1 month for drugs undergoing glomerular filtration, except when these drugs are highly bound to alpha‐1‐acid glycoprotein (AGP). For hepatically cleared drugs, linear scaling is reasonably accurate down the age of 2 years, except for AGP‐bound drugs with a low extraction ratio and mature isoenzymes. In neonates, linear scaling outperforms AS 0.75 for human serum albumin (HSA) and AGP‐bound drugs excreted through glomerular filtration. These results suggest that pediatric patients can, in many cases, be treated as small adults.
Ag Nanoparticles Decorated TiO2 Thin Films with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Veziroglu Salih , Ghori Muhammad Zubair , Obermann Anna‐Lena , Röder Katharina , Polonskyi Oleksandr , Strunskus Thomas , Faupel Franz , Aktas Oral Cenk
Published: January 2019

A highly photocatalytic Ag/TiO2 thin film is prepared by the photocatalytic deposition of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) on reactive sputtered columnar TiO2 structures. By altering the ultra‐violet (UV) exposure time, the authors control the morphology and surface coverage of deposited Ag NPs. While a surface coverage of 1–4% (by Ag NPs) leads to a significant increase in the photocatalytic activity, depositing more Ag NPs yield a decrease in the photocatalytic performance (lower than that of bare TiO2). This may arise due to the blocking of UV light incoming to the TiO2 by the formation continuous network of Ag clusters on the surface. Such highly interconnected Ag clusters might also trigger the recombination of electron‐hole pairs. After five consecutive photocatalysis tests, the Ag (1 min)/TiO2 thin film remains intact.
High Resolution Imaging of Chalcogenide Superlattices for Data Storage Applications: Progress and Prospects
Authors: Kooi Bart J. , Momand Jamo
Published: January 2019

Phase‐change materials (PCMs) based on Ge–Sb–Te alloys are a strong contender for next‐generation memory technology. Recently, PCMs in the form of GeTe–Sb2Te3 superlattices (CSLs) have shown superior performance compared to ordinary PCM memory, which relies on switching between amorphous and crystalline phases. Although detailed atomic structure switching models have been developed with the help of ab‐initio simulations, there is still fierce scientific debate concerning the experimental verification of the actual crystal structures pertaining to the two CSL memory states. One of the strongest techniques to provide this information is (scanning) transmission electron microscopy ((S)TEM). The present article reviews the analyses of CSLs using TEM‐based techniques published during the last seven years since the seminal 2011 Nature Nanotechnology paper of Simpson et al., showing the superior performance of the CSL memory. It is critically reviewed what relevant information can be extracted from the (S)TEM results, also showing the impressive progress that has been achieved in a relatively short time frame. Finally, an outlook is given including several open questions. Although debate on actual switching mechanism in CSL memory is clearly not settled, still there is consensus in this field that CSL research has a bright future.
Allogeneic Ex Vivo Expanded Corneal Epithelial Stem Cell Transplantation: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Campbell John D.M. , Ahmad Sajjad , Agrawal Ashish , Bienek Carol , Atkinson Anne , Mcgowan Neil W.A. , Kaye Stephen , Mantry Sanjay , Ramaesh Kanna , Glover Alison , Pelly Jane , MacRury Coral , MacDonald Margaret , Hargreaves Emily , Barry Jacqueline , Drain John , Cuthbertson Bruce , Nerurkar Louis , Downing Ian , Fraser Alasdair R. , Turner Marc L. , Dhillon Baljean
Published: January 2019

Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is a disease resulting from the loss or dysfunction of epithelial stem cells, which seriously impairs sight. Autologous limbal stem cell transplantation is effective in unilateral or partial bilateral disease but not applicable in total bilateral disease. An allogeneic source of transplantable cells for use in total bilateral disease can be obtained from culture of donated cadaveric corneal tissue. We performed a controlled multicenter study to examine the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of allogeneic corneal epithelial stem cells in the treatment of bilateral LSCD. Patients were randomized to receive corneal epithelial stem cells cultured on amniotic membrane (AM): investigational medicinal product (IMP) or control AM only. Patients received systemic immunosuppression. Primary endpoints were safety and visual acuity, secondary endpoint was change in composite ocular surface score (OSS). Sixteen patients were treated and 13 patients completed all assessments. Safety was demonstrated and 9/13 patients had improved visual acuity scores at the end of the trial, with no significant differences between IMP and control groups. Patients in the IMP arm demonstrated significant, sustained improvement in OSS, whereas those in the control arm did not. Serum cytokine levels were measured during and after the period of immune suppression and we identified strongly elevated levels of CXCL8 in the serum of patients with aniridia, which persisted throughout the trial. This first randomized control trial of allogeneic corneal epithelial stem cells in severe bilateral LSCD demonstrates the feasibility and safety of this approach. tem Cells Translational Medicine  2019;8:323–331
Selective Localization of Hierarchically Assembled Particles to Plasma Membranes of Living Cells
Authors: Misra Asish C. , Park Tae‐Hong , Carney Randy P. , Rusciano Giulia , Stellacci Francesco , Lahann Joerg
Published: January 2019

Particles that preferentially partition to a specific cellular subunit, such as the nucleus, mitochondria, or the cytoskeleton, are of relevance to a number of applications, including drug delivery, genetic manipulation, or self‐assembly. Here, hierarchical assemblies of fully synthetic particles that selectively localize to the plasma membrane of mammalian cells are presented. A multimodal approach is used to create assemblies of polymer‐based carrier particles with amphiphilic gold nanoparticles immobilized on one hemisphere. These assemblies persist in the plasma membrane of cells for several days and undergo rearrangements and clustering, typically considered to be hallmarks of membrane‐bound receptors.
Systemic transformation into the birth canal
Authors: Smitsman Anneloes , Currivan Jude
Published: January 2019

The first law of thermodynamics tells that the total amount of energy and matter in our Universe remains constant. This is also called the law of constants and implies that our Universe is a closed system with regard to matter and energy. The second law of thermodynamics was traditionally explained in terms of increasing entropy over time. This law, from an infodynamics perspective, can be regarded as increasing complexity of informational content over time. This opens an evolutionary view how, from an infodynamics perspective, our Universe evolved from initial simplicity through increasing complexity over time. Increasing complexity over time in a closed‐loop system generates unique transformational dynamics. This paper explores how to apply this understanding for systemic transformational change within conventional systems that have evolved from a mechanistic worldview. Examples of praxis are provided to highlight this midwifing process to ease our collective birthing pains into new ways of being.
Bayesian networks for the interpretation of biological evidence
Authors: Schaapveld Tayla E. M. , Opperman Stephanie L. , Harbison SallyAnn
Published: January 2019

In court, it is typical for biological evidence to be reported at a level that only addresses how likely the DNA evidence is if it originated from a particular individual, or individuals. However, there are other questions that could be considered that would be of value in enabling the court, including the jury, to make better informed decisions. For example, although answers to specific questions such as: “Which type of bodily fluid has the DNA originated from?” or, “How was the DNA deposited at the scene?” would be probabilistic in nature, they can be crucial to the outcome of a case. The relationship between the DNA evidence, the source of the DNA and the activity that took place is described in a term called the “hierarchy of propositions.” Currently, such questions are usually answered by scientists subjectively with little to no logical framework to assist them. Bayesian networks have proven to be beneficial in providing logical reasoning by way of a likelihood ratio to help combine subjective, yet, experience‐based, opinions of experts with experimental data when answering questions which can be both complex and uncertain. These networks offer a framework that provides balance, transparency, and robustness in the evaluation of evidence. A current limitation of the use of Bayesian networks includes a lack of understanding of the underlying concepts from both forensic scientists and the courts and consequently a reduced recognition of the potential strengths.

This article is categorized under:

Forensic Biology > Interpretation of Biological Evidence
Elemental and chemical compounds study of enamel and dentine of porcine primary molar teeth
Authors: Tymczyna‐Borowicz Barbara , Nowak Jakub , Jarzębski Maciej , Kuczumow Andrzej
Published: January 2019

For the enamel and dentin of porcine primary molar teeth, the spatial variability of the elements and chemical groups was studied with the aim of identifying the chemistry of porcine teeth, and it was then compared with results for human primary teeth. Porcine teeth were taken from specially bred animals. An electron microprobe was applied for the elemental analyses and a Raman microscope for the determination of chemical groups. The distribution of the main elements (Ca, P) was similar for both porcine and human teeth, whereas major differences were found in the distributions of minor elements (Mg, Sr, Cl, C). Carbonates were present in porcine dentin mainly as A‐substituted species, whereas the B‐substituted ones prevailed in enamel. The mechanism of asymmetric enrichment of Ca and P was quantitatively calculated as a consequence of Mg release. The layer close to the surface of the enamel with air had a unique composition. Cl involvement in enamel close to the boundary with air is a complex process, coupled with the involvement of Sr and release of Mg. The discoveries shed light on the role of elements in apatites, especially the role of carbonates and magnesium in porcine teeth, and put in doubt the potential use of pig apatite as a substitute for human apatite in filling materials.
Salts of Anionic Metal Carbonyl Clusters with Cryptand[2.2.2](Na+), DB‐18‐crown‐6(Na+), and Paramagnetic Cp*2Cr+ Cations Obtained by Reduction
Authors: Konarev Dmitri V. , Kuzmin Alexey V. , Galkin Roman S. , Khasanov Salavat S. , Kurbanov Rinat F. , Otsuka Akihiro , Yamochi Hideki , Kitagawa Hiroshi , Lyubovskaya Rimma N.
Published: January 2019

Reduction of neutral metal clusters (Co4(CO)12, Ru3(CO)12, Fe3(CO)12, Ir4(CO)12, Rh6(CO)16, {CpMo(CO)3}2, {Mn(CO)5}2) by decamethylchromocene (Cp*2Cr) or sodium fluorenone ketyl in the presence of cryptand[2.2.2] and DB‐18‐crown‐6 was studied. Nine new salts with paramagnetic Cp*2Cr+, cryptand[2.2.2](Na+), and DB‐18‐crown‐6(Na+) cations and [Co6(CO)15]2– (1, 2), [Ru6(CO)18]2– (3–4) dianions, [Rh11(CO)23]3– (6) trianions, and new [Ir8(CO)18]2– (5) dianions were obtained and structurally characterized. The increase of nuclearity of clusters under reduction was shown. Fe3(CO)12 preserves the Fe3 core under reduction forming the [Fe3(CO)11]2– dianions in 7. The [CpMo(CO)3]2 and [Mn(CO)5]2 dimers dissociate under reduction forming mononuclear [CpMo(CO)3]– (8) and [Mn(CO)5]– (9) anions. In all anions the increase of negative charge on metal atoms shifts the bands attributed to carbonyl C–O stretching vibrations to smaller wavenumbers in agreement with the elongation of the C–O bonds in 1–9. In contrast, the M–C(CO) bonds are noticeably shortened at the reduction. Magnetic susceptibility of the salts with Cp*2Cr+ is defined by high spin Cp*2Cr+ (S = 3/2) species, whereas all obtained anionic metal clusters and mononuclear anions are diamagnetic. Rather weak magnetic coupling between S = 3/2 spins is observed with Weiss temperature from –1 to –11 K. That is explained by rather long distances between Cp*2Cr+ and the absence of effective π–π interaction between them except compound 7 showing the largest Weiss temperature of –11 K. The {DB‐18‐crown‐6(Na+)}2[Co6(CO)15]2– units in 2 are organized in infinite 1D chains through the coordination of carbonyl groups of the Co6 clusters to the Na+ ions and π–π stacking between benzo groups of the DB‐18‐crown‐6(Na+) cations.
Analytic helicity amplitudes for two-loop five-gluon scattering: the single-minus case
Authors: Badger Simon , Brønnum-Hansen Christian , Hartanto Heribertus Bayu , Peraro Tiziano
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We present a compact analytic expression for the leading colour two-loop five-gluon amplitude in Yang-Mills theory with a single negative helicity and four positive helicities. The analytic result is reconstructed from numerical evaluations over finite fields. The numerical method combines integrand reduction, integration-by-parts identities and Laurent expansion into a basis of pentagon functions to compute the coefficients directly from six-dimensional generalised unitarity cuts.
The holographic interpretation of $$ J\overline{T} $$-deformed CFTs
Authors: Bzowski Adam , Guica Monica
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Recently, a non-local yet possibly UV-complete quantum field theory has been constructed by deforming a two-dimensional CFT by the composite operator

$$ J\overline{T} $$

J

T
¯

, where J is a chiral U(1) current and

$$ \overline{T} $$

T
¯

is a component of the stress tensor. Assuming the original CFT was a holographic CFT, we work out the holographic dual of its

$$ J\overline{T} $$

J

T
¯

deformation. We find that the dual spacetime is still AdS3, but with modified boundary conditions that mix the metric and the Chern-Simons gauge field dual to the U(1) current. We show that when the coefficient of the chiral anomaly for J vanishes, the energy and thermodynamics of black holes obeying these modified boundary conditions precisely reproduce the previously derived field theory spectrum and thermodynamics. Our proposed holographic dictionary can also reproduce the field-theoretical spectrum in presence of the chiral anomaly, upon a certain assumption that we justify. The asymptotic symmetry group associated to these boundary conditions consists of two copies of the Virasoro and one copy of the U(1) Kač-Moody algebra, just as before the deformation; the only effect of the latter is to modify the spacetime dependence of the right-moving Virasoro generators, whose action becomes state-dependent and effectively non-local.
A study of quantum field theories in AdS at finite coupling
Authors: Carmi Dean , Di Pietro Lorenzo , Komatsu Shota
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We study the O(N) and Gross-Neveu models at large N on AdS
d+1 background. Thanks to the isometries of AdS, the observables in these theories are constrained by the SO(d, 2) conformal group even in the presence of mass deformations, as was discussed by Callan and Wilczek [1], and provide an interesting two-parameter family of quantities which interpolate between the S-matrices in flat space and the correlators in CFT with a boundary. For the actual computation, we judiciously use the spectral representation to resum loop diagrams in the bulk. After the resummation, the AdS 4-particle scattering amplitude is given in terms of a single unknown function of the spectral parameter. We then “bootstrap” the unknown function by requiring the absence of double-trace operators in the boundary OPE. Our results are at leading nontrivial order in

$$ \frac{1}{N} $$

1
N

, and include the full dependence on the quartic coupling, the mass parameters, and the AdS radius. In the bosonic O(N) model we study both the massive phase and the symmetry-breaking phase, which exists even in AdS2 evading Coleman’s theorem, and identify the AdS analogue of a resonance in flat space. We then propose that symmetry breaking in AdS implies the existence of a conformal manifold in the boundary conformal theory. We also provide evidence for the existence of a critical point with bulk conformal symmetry, matching existing results and finding new ones for the conformal boundary conditions of the critical theories. For the Gross-Neveu model we find a bound state, which interpolates between the familiar bound state in flat space and the displacement operator at the critical point.
Real time quantum gravity dynamics from classical statistical Yang-Mills simulations
Authors: Hanada Masanori , Romatschke Paul
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We perform microcanonical classical statistical lattice simulations of SU(N) Yang-Mills theory with eight scalars on a circle. Measuring the eigenvalue distribution of the spatial Wilson loop we find two distinct phases depending on the total energy and circle radius, which we tentatively interpret as corresponding to black hole and black string phases in a dual gravity picture. We proceed to study quenches by first preparing the system in one phase, rapidly changing the total energy, and monitoring the real-time system response. We observe that the system relaxes to the equilibrium phase corresponding to the new energy, in the process exhibiting characteristic damped oscillations. We interpret this as the topology change from black hole to black string configurations, with damped oscillations corresponding to quasi-normal mode ringing of the black hole/black string final state. This would suggest that α

′
corrections alone can resolve the singularity associated with the topology change. We extract the real and imaginary part of the lowest-lying presumptive quasinormal mode as a function of energy and N.
Heparin treatment mitigates radiation-induced oral mucositis in mice by interplaying with repopulation processes
Authors: Kowaliuk M. , Schröder I. , Kuess P. , Dörr W.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

To investigate the mechanistic background of the muco-protective effect of systemic heparin treatment on the development of radiation-induced oral mucositis in mice.

Materials and methods

Fractionated irradiation was given to the snouts of male C3H/Neu mice over 2 weeks (10 × 3 Gy), either alone or in combination with daily subcutaneous application of unfractionated or low molecular weight heparin (40 or 200 I.U./mouse, respectively). Over this course of 14 days, groups of mice (n = 3) were sacrificed every second day, their tongues excised and processed for histological analysis. The epithelial radiation response with and without heparin treatment was evaluated in terms of tissue morphology, proliferation and expression of cell contact molecules.

Results

Systemic treatment with heparins significantly reduced the cellular effects of irradiation to the oral epithelium. Heparin treated animals showed significantly higher total epithelial cell numbers and thickness throughout the study course. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation analyses revealed that markedly more epithelial cells retained their proliferative capacity in the beginning of the first treatment week, but the proliferation of the mucosa was not stimulated during the rest of the study course. The expression of the adherens junction protein β‑catenin was slightly elevated in heparin treated animals, on day 2 the increase was statistically significant. The expression of e‑cadherin and occludin was mostly unaffected by the concomitant heparin treatment.

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicate an interplay of additional heparin treatment with the repopulation processes, leading to an earlier onset of this adaptive radiation response in oral mucosa. Importantly, we could demonstrate that the protective potential of heparin did not rely on stimulation of normal tissue proliferation. Since both heparin preparations are already approved for clinical use, they are considered as promising candidates for future clinical studies.