bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interfacial Solar Steam Generation Enables Fast‐Responsive, Energy‐Efficient, and Low‐Cost Off‐Grid Sterilization
Authors: Li Jinlei , Du Meihang , Lv Guangxin , Zhou Lin , Li Xiuqiang , Bertoluzzi Luca , Liu Changhong , Zhu Shining , Zhu Jia
Published: October 2018

Steam sterilization is widely used as one of the most reliable sterilization methods for public health. However, traditional steam sterilization mainly relies on electricity, a constrained resource for many developing countries and areas. The lack of available and affordable sterilization techniques in these areas is exposing human beings to a high risk of various epidemic diseases, and calls for the development of off‐grid sterilization solutions. For the first time, the kinetic advantages of interfacial solar steam generation is fundamentally revealed and it is demonstrated that interfacial solar steam generation can enable fast‐responsive (as short as 8.4 min for a full sterilization cycle) and energy‐efficient (100 J mL−1 for steam reaching 121 °C) sterilization, superior to those of the conventional sterilization techniques. The key solar absorber is made of low cost and widely available biochar. A proof‐of‐concept sterilization system with a 10.5 L solar autoclave is built with very low cost of whole life‐cycle and operates with minimum carbon footprint. Effective sterilization (≈99.999999% inactivation of pathogen), exceeding the requirements of Food and Drug Administration is demonstrated, making the sterilization strategy a promising and complementary personalized sterilization solution, particularly beneficial for off‐grid areas.
Space‐Frequency‐Domain Gradient Metamaterials
Authors: Wu Hao Tian , Wang Dan , Fu Xiaojian , Liu Shuo , Zhang Lei , Bai Guo Dong , Zhang Cheng , Jiang Wei Xiang , Jiang Hao Lin , Wu Rui Yuan , Wu Jun Wei , Cui Tie Jun
Published: October 2018

In recent years, an intense research effort has focused on the flexible manipulation of electromagnetic (EM) waves using metamaterials. As an important category, gradient metamaterials (metamaterials with gradient phases) can impart subwavelength‐scale space‐variant phase changes during the electromagnetic wave propagations to shape EM radiations in which arrays of elements with certain phase gradients can form EM beam propagations as desired. Here, the concept of space‐frequency‐domain gradient metamaterial is proposed, in which new degrees of freedom are attained by introducing frequency‐domain phase gradients to the metamaterial. The frequency gradients of the metamaterial are obtained by the derivative of phase gradients with respect to frequency, which can be used to shape the uniformly distributed phase gradients to vary as demand in the working frequency band without any active devices. The combinations of space and frequency gradients in metamaterials in 1D/2D open new possibilities for more powerful controls of EM waves, thereby yielding more complicated functions such as 2D flexible beam scanning, continuous transformations of vortex modes, and generation of multiple beams with desired transmission directions and transmission modes.
Light‐Induced Gold‐Catalyzed Hiyama Arylation: A Coupling Access to Biarylboronates
Authors: Xie Jin , Sekine Kohei , Witzel Sina , Krämer Petra , Rudolph Matthias , Rominger Frank , Hashmi A. Stephen K.
Published: October 2018

Organoboron compounds are versatile synthetic building blocks. We herein report a new strategy, a photochemical gold‐catalyzed chemo‐selective Hiyama arylation of B,Si bifunctionalized reagents with diazonium salts, which is orthogonal to common strategies and therefore a unique tool for synthesis of valuable biarylboronates. With this new methodology a wide array of diversely functionalized sp2‐ and sp3‐hybridized biarylboronates were obtained. Notably, the synergism of gold catalysis with copper catalysis or palladium catalysis, allows for one‐pot iterative C−X (heteroatom) and C−C couplings for the rapid assembly of several simple fragments to relatively complex molecules. Mechanistic studies indicated that photosensitizer‐free conditions were superior to gold/Ru(bpy)3Cl2 dual catalysis.
“On Water” Surface‐initiated Polymerization of Hydrophobic Monomers
Authors: Che Yunjiao , Zhang Tao , Du Yunhao , Amin Ihsan , Marschelke Claudia , Jordan Rainer
Published: October 2018

We present the “on water” surface‐initiated Cu‐mediated controlled radical polymerization (“on water” SI‐CuCRP) that converts hydrophobic monomers in aqueous reaction medium to polymer brushes at unparalleled speed and efficiency. The method allows the facile conversion of a variety of common monomers under most simple reaction conditions and with minimal monomer amounts to thick and homogeneous polymer brushes. The highly living character of the “on water” SI‐CuCRP allowed the preparation of decablock (homo)polymer brushes and opens the pathway to sequentially controlled polymer brushes on solids.
Efficient Nanostructuring of Silicon by Electrochemical Alloying/Dealloying in Molten Salts for Improved Lithium Storage
Authors: Yuan Yating , Xiao Wei , Wang Zhiyong , Fray Derek J. , Jin Xianbo
Published: October 2018

Application of nanostructured silicon (nSi) is significantly retarded by challenges in the production of affordable nSi. We herein report a high‐yield (ca. 100 %) and low‐energy (2 kWh Kg‐nSi−1) nanostructuring of industrial microsized silicon (mSi) through a closed‐loop electrochemical Mg alloying/dealloying in molten MgCl2/NaCl/KCl at 773 K. The resulting nSi unexpectedly shows a salt‐unwetted character, allowing an automatic separation from the melts. Thus water washing and accompanying oxidation of the nSi can be avoided. The final product has a nanoporous structure and comprises Si nanorods (ca. 30 nm in diameter) with an ultrathin oxide coating. It can be used for Li storage giving a combination of high initial coulombic efficiency, high specific capacity, and long cycling stability. This nanostructuring process consumes very few chemicals except for the mSi and produces almost zero waste.
Unveiling the Sulfur–Sulfur Bridge: Accurate Structural and Energetic Characterization of a Homochalcogen Intermolecular Bond
Authors: Obenchain Daniel A. , Spada Lorenzo , Alessandrini Silvia , Rampino Sergio , Herbers Sven , Tasinato Nicola , Mendolicchio Marco , Kraus Peter , Gauss Jürgen , Puzzarini Cristina , Grabow Jens‐Uwe , Barone Vincenzo
Published: October 2018

By combining rotational spectroscopy in supersonic expansion with the capability of state‐of‐the‐art quantum‐chemical computations in accurately determining structural and energetic properties, the genuine nature of a sulfur–sulfur chalcogen bond between dimethyl sulfide and sulfur dioxide has been unveiled in a gas‐jet environment free from collision, solvent and matrix perturbations. A SAPT analysis pointed out that electrostatic S⋅⋅⋅S interactions play the dominant role in determining the stability of the complex, largely overcoming dispersion and C−H⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen‐bond contributions. Indeed, in agreement with the analysis of the quadrupole‐coupling constants and of the methyl internal rotation barrier, the NBO and NOCV/CD approaches show a marked charge transfer between the sulfur atoms. Based on the assignment of the rotational spectra for 7 isotopologues, an accurate semi‐experimental equilibrium structure for the heavy‐atom backbone of the molecular complex has been determined, which is characterized by a S⋅⋅⋅S distance (2.947(3) Å) well below the sum of van der Waals radii.
A new composite measure of ethnic diversity: Investigating the controversy over minority ethnic recruitment at Oxford and Cambridge universities
Authors: Kelly Anthony
Published: October 2018

Measuring ethnic diversity currently amounts simply to counting ethnicities. This makes it impossible to correlate with achievement, to track changes over time or to compare institutions in a meaningful way. It is not clear, for example, whether it is more diverse to have many ethnicities with a large majority in one or two categories, or to have fewer ethnicities with a larger proportion in each. This article is not about race per se, but develops indices from cryptography and ecology to solve the problem of measuring diversity properly. Using data from freedom of information requests and university admissions offices, it analyses the ethnic diversity of undergraduate recruitment at Oxford and Cambridge universities over the past 10 years to resolve one of the most controversial issues in higher education today. It finds that both Oxford and Cambridge universities have increased ethnic diversity by more than 25% over the last decade, but that the problem of under‐recruitment of black UK students remains. The article is an important contribution to research methodology, with clear applications in the field of school effectiveness, and informs the debate on social justice in education, particularly in a period of significant demographic change across Europe.
An ultra‐low cost line follower robot as educational tool for teaching programming and circuit's foundations
Authors: Serrano Pérez Edgar , Juárez López Fernando
Published: October 2018

In this paper, an ultra low‐cost line following robot is presented. The robot is developed through the integration of free educational software and low cost electronics and mechanical devices with the aim of been used as a teaching and learning tool to increase the students confidence/performance and interest in engineering areas. The cost for building this robot‐based educational tool and its related activities is less than 25 USD. Students were encouraged for building its own unique designs using cardboard and open‐source software and hardware. The activities promoted the increase in knowledge and developed student's technical skills such as the use of electronic circuits and sensors, three dimension designs, learning to programming animations and microcontrollers, building self‐made structural and mechanical elements using cardboard and the use of the Bluetooth protocol to achieve the interconnection of devices through the use of an Android based Smartphone. The activities have been developed to allow students to apply and test their own ideas and concepts for solving problems through the computational thinking process and finding digital solutions through programming microcontrollers, all of them in the frame of the maker movement and the inclusion of the arts in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The results of confidence/performance and interest evaluation tests allowed to identify the main areas of gain knowledge and the increasing interest in the engineering fields presented in this work.
Subtype‐specific epidemiology of lymphoid malignancies in Taiwan compared to Japan and the United States, 2002‐2012
Authors: Ko Bor‐Sheng , Chen Li‐Ju , Huang Huai‐Hsuan , Wen Yao‐Chun , Liao Chi‐Yin , Chen Ho‐Min , Hsiao Fei‐Yuan
Published: October 2018

Background

There are many unrevealed parts regarding lymphoma etiology. Previous studies suggested differences in lymphoma epidemiology among countries existed; however, some were one‐center studies that were not enough to represent the whole population.

Objective

To provide epidemiological information on lymphoma within Taiwanese and to compare the data with that in Japan and the United States.

Methods

We used Taiwan Cancer Registry Database as our data source. Patients with lymphoma were identified through the ICD‐O‐3 codes and those with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) were categorized into three major types and 13 subtypes according to 2008 WHO classification. Incidence of lymphoma was adjusted according to the 2000 world standard population.

Results

During 2002‐2012, 21 929 cases were diagnosed with four major types of lymphoma in Taiwan. Aggressive B‐cell lymphoma (52.21%, N = 11 450) was the most common type of NHL. Median age at diagnosis of aggressive B‐cell lymphoma was the eldest (63.0‐65.0 years). Male excess in T/NK‐cell lymphoma was the most obvious (sex ratio: 1.39‐2.07). The incidence of NK/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal type, was higher (male: 0.16‐0.34 per 100 000, female: 0.06‐0.16 per 100 000) in Taiwan than that in the United States and Japan.

Conclusion

This is the first population‐based study in Taiwan to investigate subtype‐specific epidemiology of lymphoma. The incidence rates of lymphoma in Taiwan are mostly lower than those in the United States and higher or comparable to those in Japan except for NK/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal type, whose age‐adjusted incidence in Taiwan is the highest.
Gene Discovery in Gelsemium Highlights Conserved Gene Clusters in Monoterpene Indole Alkaloid Biosynthesis
Authors: Franke Jakob , Kim Jeongwoon , Hamilton John P. , Zhao Dongyan , Pham Gina M. , Wiegert‐Rininger Krystle , Crisovan Emily , Newton Linsey , Vaillancourt Brieanne , Tatsis Evangelos , Buell C. Robin , O'Connor Sarah E.
Published: October 2018

Genome mining is a routine technique in microbes for discovering biosynthetic pathways. In plants, however, genomic information is not commonly used to identify novel biosynthesis genes. Here, we present the genome of the medicinal plant and oxindole monoterpene indole alkaloid (MIA) producer Gelsemium sempervirens (Gelsemiaceae). A gene cluster from Catharanthus roseus, which is utilized at least six enzymatic steps downstream from the last common intermediate shared between the two plant alkaloid types, is found in G. sempervirens, although the corresponding enzymes act on entirely different substrates. This study provides insights into the common genomic context of MIA pathways and is an important milestone in the further elucidation of the Gelsemium oxindole alkaloid pathway.
Gut feelings: The microbiome and children's mental health
Authors: Rouse Amy
Published: October 2018

Microbiota are so plentiful on and in our bodies that their cells outnumber our own human cells nine to one. Most of these organisms live in the gastrointestinal tract; indeed, 100 trillion microbes live in the human intestine. Their contribution to the function, or dysfunction, of our bowels is well‐recognized. The microbiome and the way in which it influences our health more generally is now a frequent topic in the journals of diverse medical specialties, including psychiatry, as well as in popular media. Though most studies looking at the microbiome involve mouse models or adult populations, there are several new studies with children as subjects. As we learn more about how the microbiome affects cognition and emotions, it is important that professionals in the field of children's mental health have a basic understanding of the microbiome. This article aims to provide an introduction to the microbiome and the way it influences mental health, with an emphasis on studies that include children and adolescents.
Enhanced Catalytic Properties of Carbon supported Zirconia and Sulfated Zirconia for the Green Synthesis of Benzodiazepines
Authors: Godino‐Ojer Marina , Milla‐Diez Leticia , Matos Inês , Durán‐Valle Carlos J. , Bernardo Maria , Fonseca Isabel M. , Pérez Mayoral Elena
Published: October 2018

This work reports for the first time a new series of promising porous catalytic carbon materials, functionalized with Lewis and Brønsted acid sites useful in the green synthesis of 2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐1,5‐benzodiazepine – nitrogen heterocyclic compounds. Benzodiazepines and derivatives are fine chemicals exhibiting interesting therapeutic properties. Carbon materials have been barely investigated in the synthesis of this type of compounds. Two commercial carbon materials were selected exhibiting different textural properties: i) Norit RX3 (N) as microporous sample and ii) mesoporous xerogel (X), both used as supports of ZrO2 (Zr) and ZrO2/SO42− (SZr). The supported SZr led to higher conversion values and selectivities to the target benzodiazepine. Both chemical and textural properties influenced significantly the catalytic performance. Particularly relevant are the results concerning the non‐sulfated samples, NZr and XZr, that were able to catalyze the reaction leading to the target benzodiazepine with high selectivity (up to 80 %; 2 h). These results indicated an important role of the carbon own surface functional groups, avoiding the use of H2SO4. Even very low amounts of SZr supported on carbon reveal high activity and selectivity. Therefore, the carbon materials herein reported can be considered an efficient and sustainable alternative bifunctional catalysts for the benzodiazepine synthesis.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Aryl‐ and Alkyl S‐Perfluoroalkylated NH‐Sulfoximines from Sulfides
Authors: Chaabouni Slim , Lohier Jean‐François , Barthelemy Anne‐Laure , Glachet Thomas , Anselmi Elsa , Dagousset Guillaume , Diter Patrick , Pégot Bruce , Magnier Emmanuel , Reboul Vincent
Published: October 2018

A general efficient one‐pot synthesis of S‐perfluoroalkylated NH‐sulfoximines from sulfides has been developed using phenyliodine diacetate (PIDA) and ammonium carbamate. Remarkable rate enhancement with trifluoroethanol was observed, presumably due to H‐bonding effects. These mild and metal‐free conditions are compatible with ‐CH2F, ‐CFCl2, ‐CF2H, ‐CF2Br, ‐C4F9, and ‐CF3 groups, in both the alkyl‐ and aryl series. Based on a 19F NMR analysis, a λ6‐acetoxysulfanenitrile intermediate was proposed.
Future Securing of the Raw Materials Base
Authors: Bertau Martin
Published: October 2018

Das Anwachsen der Weltbevölkerung führt zu einem steigenden Rohstoffbedarf. Recycling ist ein Weg, den Primärrohstoffbedarf zu reduzieren, allerdings führt die zunehmende Verdünnung von Technologiemetallen in Consumerprodukten bei immer kürzer werdenden Produktzyklen zu einem immer stärker zunehmenden Primärrohstoffbedarf. Zudem ist die Qualität der Sekundärrohstoffe gegenüber den Primärprodukten aus dem Bergbau geringer. In einem wertstoffchemischen Verfahren werden die Rohstoffe hingegen herkunftsunabhängig gewonnen, d. h. es spielt keine Rolle, ob sie aus Bergbau, Recycling oder Nachwachsenden Rohstoffen stammen, und sie haben immer Primärproduktqualität.
CFD modelling of almond drying in a tray dryer
Authors: Chilka Amarvir G. , Ranade Vivek V.
Published: October 2018

Drying is important in many food processing applications, and particularly so in the dry fruits industry. This work is focused on developing computational models for simulating the drying of almonds in a tray dryer. It is important to quantitatively understand heat and mass transfer within and around a single almond particle as well as the particle‐particle interactions and their implications for dryer design. In this work, we have developed a systematic CFD modelling framework for modelling almond drying in a tray dryer. A single tray filled with almonds (∼2 kg) were dried at three set temperatures viz., 55, 65, and 75 °C. Air relative humidity at the inlet and outlet locations, and the weight of almonds were measured during drying for each experiment. An additional set of experiments were conducted in which almonds were filled only in the half section of the tray, keeping the other half empty. The same amount of almonds were used, to have multiple layers of almonds in the tray, and the set temperature for the experiment was 75 °C. Flow, heat, and mass transfer in the tray dryer were simulated using commercial CFD software Ansys Fluent. The validated computational model was used to simulate various cases including larger and more trays. The developed approach and models will be useful to select the appropriate dryer configuration and optimize its design. The developed models will also be useful to identify suitable operation conditions for the drying of almonds as well as other food products.
Dam Effect on Soil Nutrients and Potentially Toxic Metals in a Reservoir Riparian Zone
Authors: Zhang Aiying , Cornwell Will , Li Zhaojia , Xiong Gaoming , Yang Dan , Xie Zongqiang
Published: October 2018

The unique hydrological regime of Three Gorges Dam (TGD) has brought enormous challenges to the riparian zone (RRZ), which plays an important role in regulating sediment and nutrient transport into the Yangtze River. The soil in a RRZ is one of the key factors that affect the water quality. After 4 years of winter‐flooding, the concentration of soil nutrients and potentially toxic metals between the flooded reservoir RRZ and adjacent non‐flooded upland (Upland) are examined. There are two main results: First, soil organic carbon and soil available potassium concentration were significantly lower in RRZ than in Upland. Soil total nitrogen (TN) concentration showed the same trend, but with no significance. Soil available phosphorus concentration is significantly higher in RRZ. Second, the concentrations of all the tested potentially toxic metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn), their geoaccumulation index (Igeo) values and potential ecological risk index (Ei) values are significantly higher in RRZ than in Upland. Cd had the highest Igeo and Ei values in RRZ. The present results indicated that the flood–dry–flood cycle caused by TGD has changed the soil nutrient concentrations and increased the potentially toxic metal concentrations. There is a cross‐contamination risk of the soil in RRZ, perhaps related to fertilization. As the last protective barrier for the Yangtze River, soil potentially toxic metals pollution control should deserve a considerable attention in the RRZ formed by TGD.
Innovation in Pharmacovigilance: Use of Artificial Intelligence in Adverse Event Case Processing
Authors: Schmider Juergen , Kumar Krishan , LaForest Chantal , Swankoski Brian , Naim Karen , Caubel Patrick M.
Published: October 2018

Automation of pharmaceutical safety case processing represents a significant opportunity to affect the strongest cost driver for a company's overall pharmacovigilance budget. A pilot was undertaken to test the feasibility of using artificial intelligence and robotic process automation to automate processing of adverse event reports. The pilot paradigm was used to simultaneously test proposed solutions of three commercial vendors. The result confirmed the feasibility of using artificial intelligence–based technology to support extraction from adverse event source documents and evaluation of case validity. In addition, the pilot demonstrated viability of the use of safety database data fields as a surrogate for otherwise time‐consuming and costly direct annotation of source documents. Finally, the evaluation and scoring method used in the pilot was able to differentiate vendor capabilities and identify the best candidate to move into the discovery phase.
Regional differences in winter diets of bobcats in their northern range
Authors: Newbury Roberta K. , Hodges Karen E.
Published: October 2018

When generalist predators have wide geographic ranges, diets may differ dramatically, largely as a result of differing prey communities. Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are widely distributed across southern North America, with their northern range edge occurring in southern Canada and in the northern US states. Within this northern range, bobcats are exposed to cold and snowy winters and a limited number of prey species, conditions that are atypical for most of the range of bobcats. We examined winter diets of bobcats in high elevation and very snowy forests in northwest Montana to determine how these generalist predators managed in these harsh conditions in comparison with elsewhere in the northern range. Bobcats consumed five major prey types: Red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) and Cricetid rodents comprised >78% of the dietary biomass, whereas the larger snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus), deer (Odocoileus spp.), and grouse were consumed much less often. The standardized niche breadth of bobcat diets was 0.29; bobcats from across the northern range also routinely ate multiple prey species, although Eastern bobcats appear to consume more lagomorphs than do Western bobcats. These results indicate that bobcats remain generalists in difficult winter conditions while preying primarily on small‐bodied prey, although bobcats have highly variable diets across their northern range.
Electroactive, Mediating and Thermosensitive Microgel Useful for Covalent Entrapment of Enzymes and Formation of Sensing Layer in Biosensors
Authors: Marcisz Kamil , Kaniewska Klaudia , Mackiewicz Marcin , Nowinska Anna , Romanski Jan , Stojek Zbigniew , Karbarz Marcin
Published: October 2018

Thermosensitive microgel particles based on the polymeric network synthesized from N‐isopropylacrylamide, sodium acrylate and N,N′‐bisacryloylcystine have been functionalized with aminoferrocene, a mediatior, and a model enzyme‐glucose oxidase (GOx). The product was very stable. A thin coating of that material has been successfully attached to the glassy carbon electrode surface to form a sensing layer. A temperature increase to a value higher than the volume phase transition temperature led to a substantial increase in the amperometric signal. That behavior was well switchable. The amperometric signal was linearly dependent on glucose concentration in the physiological concentration range. It appeared that the synthesized and functionalized microgel was a kind of microreactor and might be very useful for the construction of the platforms that can enhance the activity of enzymes in biosensors.
Ultrasensitive Bioaffinity Electrochemical Sensors: Advances and New Perspectives
Authors: Alizadeh Negar , Salimi Abdollah
Published: October 2018

This article reviews recent advances and developments in the field of bioaffinity electrochemical sensors with emphasis on a subclass including immunosensors, aptasensors, genosensors and molecularly imprinted sensosr. Recent insights into novel fabrication methodologies and electrochemical techniques have resulted in the demonstration of biosensors able to detection of wide range of target analyte. It has been shown that due to their high specificity and sensitivity, they represent a great tool in practical applications. Furthermore, at last couple decades nanotechnology has become very popular in the sensor fields due to the high capacity of nanomaterials to immobilize of bioaffinity agents and also their inhibiting effects on denaturation of enzymes and other bioaffinity systems, which they could well have beneficial effects for the performance of these sensors. The main focus of this review is to discuss methods for immobilizing bioreceptors onto a solid support, introduction of nanomaterials for improve sensitivity of biosensor and various electrochemical sensing platforms. The use of biosensor in these applications is most appropriate, because the analysis of trace substances in medical and healthcare applications, environmental science, and food industries is so important. In addition, recent advances in nanomaterial‐mediated bioaffinity sensors used for onset biosensing, point‐of‐care testing and healthcare management are also highlighted.
Laser interference‐based technique for dynamic measurement of single cell deformation manipulated by optical tweezers
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Zhang Fan , Zhu Lianqing , Qu Xinghua , Chu Daping
Published: October 2018

A laser interference‐based method was proposed to measure the deformation response of cell manipulated by optical tweezers. This method was implemented experimentally by integrating a laser illuminating system and optical tweezers with an inverted microscope. Interference fringes generated by the transmitted and reflected lights were recorded by a complementary metal oxide semiconductor camera. From the acquired images, cell height was calculated and cell morphology was constructed. To further validate this method, the morphological analyses of HeLa cells were performed in static state and during detachment process. Subsequently, the dynamic deformation responses of red blood cells were measured during manipulation with optical tweezers. Collectively, this laser interference‐based method precludes the requirement of complex optical alignment, allows easy integration with optical tweezers, and enables dynamic measurement of cell deformation response by using a conventional inverted microscope.
Connexin and Pannexin (Hemi)Channels: Emerging Targets in the Treatment of Liver Disease
Authors: Cooreman Axelle , Van Campenhout Raf , Ballet Steven , Annaert Pieter , Van Den Bossche Bert , Colle Isabelle , Cogliati Bruno , Vinken Mathieu
Published: October 2018

Connexin proteins are the building blocks of hemichannels, which dock further between adjacent cells to form gap junctions. Gap junctions control the intercellular exchange of critical homeostasis regulators. By doing so, gap junctions control virtually all aspects of the hepatic life cycle. In the last decade, it has become clear that connexin hemichannels also provide a pathway for cellular communication on their own independent of their role as structural precursors of gap junctions, namely between the cytosol of an individual cell and its extracellular environment. In contrast to gap junctions, connexin hemichannels become particularly active in liver disease by facilitating inflammation and cell death. This equally holds true for cellular channels composed of pannexins, being connexin‐like proteins recently identified in the liver that gather in structures reminiscent of hemichannels. This paper gives an overview of the involvement of connexin‐based and pannexin‐based channels in noncancerous liver disease.
Analysis of the technical efficiency of the forms of hospital management based on public‐private collaboration of the Madrid Health Service, as compared with traditional management
Authors: Franco Miguel José Luis , Fullana Belda Carmen , Rúa Vieites Antonio
Published: October 2018

Fundamentals

The study aims to carry out a comparative analysis of the technical efficiency of hospital management based on public‐private collaboration, as compared with traditional management. Specifically, we compare traditionally managed public hospitals, public hospitals managed by a private finance initiative (PFI), public hospitals managed through a public‐private partnership (PPP), and hospitals managed through other forms of management, during the period 2009 to 2014, in the hospitals dependent on the Madrid Health Service (SERMAS).

Methods

The study covers all publicly owned general hospitals under SERMAS, consisting of seven PFI hospitals, three PPP hospitals, 11 traditionally managed public hospitals (with the category of general hospital), and four hospitals managed through other forms of hospital management. The technical efficiency indices of the hospitals were calculated using the data envelopment analysis technique. Subsequently, a sensitivity analysis was performed by bootstrapping and variation of model variables to verify their impact on efficiency. Finally, an analysis of the evolution of efficiency in the analyzed period was carried out using the Malmquist Index.

Results

In all the analysis models carried out in the analyzed period, the hospitals managed based on public‐private collaboration were more efficient than the hospitals under traditional management.

Conclusions

The greater efficiency of hospitals managed based on public‐private collaboration, as compared with traditional management, could be attributed to greater organizational and management flexibility.
Familial breast cancer and DNA repair genes: Insights into known and novel susceptibility genes from the GENESIS study, and implications for multigene panel testing
Authors: Girard Elodie , Eon‐Marchais Séverine , Olaso Robert , Renault Anne‐Laure , Damiola Francesca , Dondon Marie‐Gabrielle , Barjhoux Laure , Goidin Didier , Meyer Vincent , Le Gal Dorothée , Beauvallet Juana , Mebirouk Noura , Lonjou Christine , Coignard Juliette , Marcou Morgane , Cavaciuti Eve , Baulard Céline , Bihoreau Marie‐Thérèse , Cohen‐Haguenauer Odile , Leroux Dominique , Penet Clotilde , Fert‐Ferrer Sandra , Colas Chrystelle , Frebourg Thierry , Eisinger François , Adenis Claude , Fajac Anne , Gladieff Laurence , Tinat Julie , Floquet Anne , Chiesa Jean , Giraud Sophie , Mortemousque Isabelle , Soubrier Florent , Audebert‐Bellanger Séverine , Limacher Jean‐Marc , Lasset Christine , Lejeune‐Dumoulin Sophie , Dreyfus Hélène , Bignon Yves‐Jean , Longy Michel , Pujol Pascal , Venat‐Bouvet Laurence , Bonadona Valérie , Berthet Pascaline , Luporsi Elisabeth , Maugard Christine M. , Noguès Catherine , Delnatte Capucine , Fricker Jean‐Pierre , Gesta Paul , Faivre Laurence , Lortholary Alain , Buecher Bruno , Caron Olivier , Gauthier‐Villars Marion , Coupier Isabelle , Servant Nicolas , Boland Anne , Mazoyer Sylvie , Deleuze Jean‐François , Stoppa‐Lyonnet Dominique , Andrieu Nadine , Lesueur Fabienne
Published: October 2018

Pathogenic variants in BRCA1 and BRCA2 only explain the underlying genetic cause of about 10% of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer families. Because of cost‐effectiveness, multigene panel testing is often performed even if the clinical utility of testing most of the genes remains questionable. The purpose of our study was to assess the contribution of rare, deleterious‐predicted variants in DNA repair genes in familial breast cancer (BC) in a well‐characterized and homogeneous population. We analyzed 113 DNA repair genes selected from either an exome sequencing or a candidate gene approach in the GENESIS study, which includes familial BC cases with no BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation and having a sister with BC (N = 1,207), and general population controls (N = 1,199). Sequencing data were filtered for rare loss‐of‐function variants (LoF) and likely deleterious missense variants (MV). We confirmed associations between LoF and MV in PALB2, ATM and CHEK2 and BC occurrence. We also identified for the first time associations between FANCI, MAST1, POLH and RTEL1 and BC susceptibility. Unlike other associated genes, carriers of an ATM LoF had a significantly higher risk of developing BC than carriers of an ATM MV (ORLoF = 17.4 vs. ORMV = 1.6; p
Het = 0.002). Hence, our approach allowed us to specify BC relative risks associated with deleterious‐predicted variants in PALB2, ATM and CHEK2 and to add MAST1, POLH, RTEL1 and FANCI to the list of DNA repair genes possibly involved in BC susceptibility. We also highlight that different types of variants within the same gene can lead to different risk estimates.
Decreased RORC expression and downstream signaling in HTLV‐1‐associated adult T‐cell lymphoma/leukemia uncovers an antiproliferative IL17 link: A potential target for immunotherapy?
Authors: Subramanian Kritika , Dierckx Tim , Khouri Ricardo , Menezes Soraya Maria , Kagdi Huseini , Taylor Graham P. , Farre Lourdes , Bittencourt Achilea , Kataoka Keisuke , Ogawa Seishi , Van Weyenbergh Johan
Published: October 2018

Retinoic acid‐related drugs have shown promising pre‐clinical activity in Adult T‐cell Leukemia/Lymphoma, but RORC signaling has not been explored. Therefore, we investigated transcriptome‐wide interactions of the RORC pathway in HTLV‐1 and ATL, using our own and publicly available gene expression data for ATL and other leukemias. Gene expression data from ATL patients were analyzed using WGCNA to determine gene modules and their correlation to clinical and molecular data. Both PBMCs and CD4+ T‐Cells exhibited decreased RORC expression in four different ATL cohorts. A small subset of RORChi ATL patients was identified with significantly lower pathognomonic CADM1 and HBZ levels but similar levels of other ATL markers (CD4/CD25/CCR4), hinting at a less aggressive ATL subtype. An age‐dependent decrease in RORC expression was found in HTLV‐1‐infected individuals, but not in healthy controls, suggesting an early molecular event predisposing to leukemogenesis. Genes upstream of RORC signaling were members of a proliferative gene module (containing proliferation markers PCNA/Ki67), whereas downstream members clustered in an anti‐proliferative gene module. IL17C transcripts showed the strongest negative correlation to PCNA in both ATL cohorts, which was replicated in two large cohorts of T‐ and B‐cell acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL). Finally, IL17C expression in purified CD4 + CCR4 + CD26‐CD7‐ “ATL‐like” cells from HTLV‐1‐infected individuals and ATL patients was negatively correlated with clonality, underscoring a possible antileukemic/antiproliferative role. In conclusion, decreased RORC expression and downstream signaling might represent an early event in ATL pathogenesis. An antiproliferative IL17C/PCNA link is shared between ATL, T‐ALL and B‐ALL, suggesting (immuno)therapeutic benefit of boosting RORC/IL17 signaling.
Shifting preferences for choice‐making opportunities through histories of differential reinforcer quality
Authors: Drifke Melissa A. , Tiger Jeffrey H. , Gifford Margaret R.
Published: October 2018

Children of both typical and atypical cognitive development tend to prefer contexts in which their behavior results in a choice of reinforcers rather than a single reinforcer, even when the reinforcer accessed is identical across conditions. The origin of this preference has been attributed speculatively to behavioral histories in which choice making tends to be associated with differentially beneficial outcomes. Few studies have evaluated this claim, and those that have, have yielded mixed results. We provided five preschool‐aged children experiences in which choice‐making and no‐choice contexts were differentially associated with higher preference and larger magnitude reinforcers, and we assessed changes in their preference for choice and no‐choice contexts in which outcomes were equated. These conditioning experiences resulted in consistent and replicable shifts in child preference, indicating that preference for choice is malleable through experience.
A review on the use of computational methods to characterize, design, and optimize tissue engineering scaffolds, with a potential in 3D printing fabrication
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Vijayavenkataraman Sanjairaj , Lu Wen Feng , Fuh Jerry Y H
Published: October 2018

The design and fabrication of tissue engineering scaffolds is a highly complex process. In order to provide a proper architecture for cells to grow, proliferate, and differentiate to form tissues, scaffolds have to be made with suitable properties. However, the limited structural designs and conventional fabrication techniques severely cripple the improvement of scaffold properties. To overcome these limitations, many researchers have recently adopted computational methods combined with 3D printing techniques as a new approach for scaffold design and fabrication. This approach allows scaffolds to be designed and fabricated with highly complex microstructures and good control and accuracy. Previous works have also shown this approach to be a very useful tool to predict the scaffold properties and to optimize the scaffold designs with a great reduction of experimental iterations. As this approach combining computational methods and 3D printing techniques for scaffold design and fabrication has many advantages over the conventional trial‐and‐error based approach, it is imperative to provide a state‐of‐the‐art review on the topic. To this end, this article reviews the various applications of computational methods in scaffold design and simulation; it also briefly reviews the application of 3D printing techniques to fabricate the computationally designed scaffolds. Finally, the limitations and future trends of this approach are discussed. Overall, this review will enable readers to understand the benefits of using computational methods coupled with 3D printing to design and fabricate scaffolds, and thus help researchers to improve and optimize the scaffold properties for future tissue engineering research. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1329–1351, 2019.
Effect of additional polishing methods on the physical surface properties of different nanocomposites: SEM and AFM study
Authors: Costa Giovanna de Fátima Alves da , Fernandes Ana Carla Bezerra de Carvalho Justo , Carvalho Lenise Anand de Oliveira , de Andrade Aldenora Cardoso , de Assunção Isauremi Vieira , Borges Boniek Castillo Dutra
Published: October 2018

This evaluated the arrangement of filler particles in depth of nanocomposites, and surface roughness, wettability, microtopography, and micromorphology following additional polishing step. Forty samples of each composite tested [Filtek Z350XT (FZ), IPS Empress Direct (IP)] were fabricated and finished/polished/additionally polished using one of the following methods (n = 10/group): no finishing/polishing (NFP), Sof‐Lex Pop‐On + no additional polishing (SP), Sof‐Lex Pop‐On + Astropol rubber polisher (SP+A), and Sof‐Lex Pop‐On + felt disc with polishing paste (SP+FP). Surface roughness (Ra) and contact angles were measured using a profilometer and goniometer, respectively. Microtopography and micromorphology were evaluated using atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Ra and contact angle data were examined by two‐way analysis of variance and Tukey's test (p < .05). Organic matrix, lower and larger filler particles were disposed in depth. Mean Ra values were lowest and contact angles were smallest in the NFP group for both composite resins. SP+A and SP+FP decreased mean Ra in comparison with SP for FZ, whereas only SP+FP decreased mean Ra in comparison with SP for IP. Only SP+FP increased contact angles in comparison with SP for FZ, whereas contact angles in the SP+A, SP+FP, and SP groups were similar for FZ. Both composites presented more uniform topography and smother surfaces following SP+A and SP+FP in comparison with SP. Therefore, additional polishing improved surface smoothness and decreased wettability of the composite resins studied. SP+FP produced smoother and less wettable surfaces for FZ and IP.
Conventional and quantitative MRI in a novel feline model of demyelination and endogenous remyelination
Authors: Field Aaron S. , Samsonov Alexey , Alexander Andrew L. , Mossahebi Pouria , Duncan Ian D.
Published: October 2018

Background

The feeding of irradiated food to healthy adult cats results in widespread, noninflammatory demyelination of the central nervous system (CNS); a return to a normal diet results in endogenous remyelination with functional recovery. This recently discovered, reversible disease might provide a compelling clinical neuroimaging model system for the development and testing of myelin‐directed MRI methods as well as future remyelination therapies.

Purpose

Identify the noninvasive imaging characteristics of this new disease model and determine whether it features measurable changes on conventional and quantitative MRI.

Study Type

Pilot study.

Animal Model

Ten adult cats at various stages of demyelinating disease induced by an irradiated diet (35–55 kGy), and during recovery following a return to a normal diet.

Field Strength/Sequence

Conventional (T2‐weighted) and quantitative (diffusion tensor, magnetization transfer) at 3T.

Assessment

MRI of the brain, optic nerves, and cervical spinal cord; a subset of diseased cats was euthanized for comparative histopathology.

Statistical Tests

Descriptive statistics.

Results

Disease produced T2 prolongation, progressing from patchy to diffuse throughout most of the cerebral white matter (eventually involving U‐fibers) and spinal cord (primarily dorsal columns, reminiscent of subacute combined degeneration but without evidence of B12 deficiency). Magnetization transfer parameters decreased by 50–53% in cerebral white matter and by 25–30% in optic nerves and spinal cord dorsal columns. Fractional diffusion anisotropy decreased by up to 20% in pyramidal tracts, primarily driven by increased radial diffusivity consistent with axon preservation. Histopathology showed scattered myelin vacuolation of major white matter tracts as well as many thin myelin sheaths consistent with remyelination in the recovery phase, which was detectable on magnetization transfer imaging.

Data Conclusion

Feline irradiated diet‐induced demyelination features noninvasively imageable and quantifiable demyelination and remyelination of the CNS. It is therefore a compelling clinical neuroimaging model system.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1304–1311.
Assessment of microvascular dysfunction in acute limb ischemia‐reperfusion injury
Authors: Ganesh Tameshwar , Zakher Eric , Estrada Marvin , Cheng Hai‐Ling Margaret
Published: October 2018

Background

Ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury involves damage to the microvessel structure (eg, increased permeability) and function (blunted vasomodulation). While microstructural damage can be detected with dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI, there is no diagnostic to detect deficits in microvascular function.

Purpose

To apply a novel MRI method for evaluating dynamic vasomodulation to assess microvascular dysfunction in skeletal muscle following I/R injury.

Study Type

Prospective, longitudinal.

Animal Model

Twenty‐three healthy male adult Sprague–Dawley rats.

Field Strength/Sequence

Dynamic T1 fast field echo imaging at 3.0T with preinjection T1 mapping.

Assessment

Injury in the left hindlimb was induced using a 3‐hour I/R procedure. Longitudinal MRI scanning was performed up to 74 days, with animals completing assessment at different intervals for histological and laser Doppler perfusion validation. Pharmacokinetic parameters Ktrans and ve were determined following i.v. injection of gadovist (0.1 mmol/kg). Vasomodulatory response was probed on gadofosveset (0.3 mmol/kg) using hypercapnic gases delivered through a controlled gas‐mixing circuit to induce vasoconstriction and vasodilation in ventilated rats. Heart rate and blood oxygen saturation were monitored.

Statistical Tests

Two‐way analysis of variance with Tukey–Kramer post‐hoc analysis was used to determine significant changes in vasomodulatory response, Ktrans, and ve.

Results

This new MRI technique revealed impaired vasomodulation in the injured hindlimb. Vasoconstriction was maintained, but vasodilation was blunted up to 21 days postinjury (P < 0.05). However, DCE‐MRI measured Ktrans and ve were significantly (P < 0.05) different from baseline only during acute inflammation (Day 3), with severe inflammation noted on histology.

Data Conclusion

While conventional DCE‐MRI shows normalization after the acute phase, our new approach reveals sustained functional impairment in muscle microvasculature following I/R injury, with compromised response in vasomotor tone present for at least 21 days.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1174–1185.
Injectable Hydrogels as Unique Platforms for Local Chemotherapeutics‐Based Combination Antitumor Therapy
Authors: Yu Shuangjiang , He Chaoliang , Chen Xuesi
Published: October 2018

Different strategies of chemotherapeutics‐based combination cancer therapy have presented enhanced antitumor efficiency and are widely used in clinical cancer treatments. However, several drawbacks of the systems for systemic administration, including low drug accumulation at tumor sites and significant systemic side effects limit their efficacy and application in the clinic. Local drug co‐delivery systems based on injectable hydrogels may have considerable advantages, such as a facile drug‐delivery procedure, targeted delivery of antitumor agents to tumor sites in a sustained manner, and markedly reduced systemic toxicities. Thus, in recent years, these systems have received increasing attention and consequently various injectable hydrogels have been tested as platforms for local chemotherapeutics‐based combination antitumor therapy. In this review, the focus is on recent advances in injectable hydrogel‐based drug co‐delivery systems for local combination antitumor therapy, including multiple chemotherapeutics combination therapy, chemo‐immunotherapy, chemo‐radiotherapy, and hyperthermia‐chemotherapy. Moreover, the rationale and preparation of local co‐delivery systems are summarized and discussed.