bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photocatalytic Synthesis of p‐Anisaldehyde in a Mini Slurry‐Bubble Reactor under Solar Light Irradiation
Authors: Heggo Dalia , Ookawara Shinichi , Ohno Teruhisa , Nakai Toru , Matsushita Yoshihisa , Eldin Mona Gamal , Ohshima Masahiro
Published: July 2019

Dense photocatalyst slurry was employed for the synthesis of p‐anisaldehyde under solar light irradiation. An Fe‐modified rutile TiO
2 (Fe‐TiO
2, 34.5 m
2/g) photocatalyst was used as a visible‐light‐responsive photocatalyst. A conventional TiO
2 (P25, 35 m
2/g) photocatalyst was also examined as a reference catalyst. XRD patterns and diffuse reflectance spectra showed that Fe‐TiO
2 consists of 100 % rutile phase and absorbs more visible light compared to P25, respectively. The catalyst powder was suspended in an ethyl acetate solution of p‐methoxytoluene in the mini‐reactor, with oxygen bubbling, under a solar simulator, visible light, and UV LEDs. p‐anisaldehyde, as a reaction product, was analyzed by sampling using gas‐chromatograph. Regardless of the light source, Fe‐TiO
2 always outperformed P25 in terms of both generation rates (GR) of p‐anisaldehyde and energy requirements (ER). It was demonstrated that the highly dense Fe‐TiO
2 slurry was efficient for the synthesis under solar light owing to the small size of the reactor. The small amount of Pt and ZrO
2 cocatalysts significantly enhanced the GR under solar light. By adopting a visible light responsive Fe‐TiO
2 photocatalyst, the mini slurry‐bubble reactor under solar light achieved a high GR per catalyst mass (CM), which is one to two orders higher than that reported by most previous studies with high‐power lamps.
A Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial to Assess the Effects of 8 Weeks of Administration of GSK256073, a Selective GPR109A Agonist, on High‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Subjects With Dyslipidemia
Authors: Olson Eric J. , Mahar Kelly M. , Haws Thomas F. , Fossler Michael J. , Gao Feng , de Gouville Anne‐Charlotte , Sprecher Dennis L. , Lepore John J.
Published: July 2019

GPR109A (HM74A), a G‐protein‐coupled receptor, is hypothesized to mediate lipid and lipoprotein changes and dermal flushing associated with niacin administration. GSK256073 (8‐chloro‐3‐pentyl‐1H‐purine‐2,6[3H,7H]‐dione) is a selective GPR109A agonist shown to suppress fatty acid levels and produce mild flushing in short‐term clinical studies. This study evaluated the effects of GSK256073 on lipids in subjects with low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc). Subjects (n = 80) were randomized (1:1:1:1) to receive GSK256073 5, 50, or 150 mg/day or matching placebo for 8 weeks. The primary end point was determining the GSK256073 exposure‐response relationship for change from baseline in HDLc. No significant exposure response was observed between GSK256073 and HDLc levels. GSK256073 did not significantly alter HDLc levels versus placebo, but rather revealed a trend at the 150‐mg dose for a nonsignificant decrease in HDLc (‐6.31%; P = .12) and an increase in triglycerides (median, 24.4%; 95% confidence interval, 7.3%‐41.6%). Flushing was reported in 21%, 25%, and 60% of subjects (5, 50, and 150 mg, respectively) versus 24% for placebo. Results indicated that selective activation of the GPR109A receptor with GSK256073 did not produce niacin‐like lipid effects. These findings add to the increasing evidence that niacin‐mediated lipoprotein changes occur predominantly via GPR109A‐independent pathways.
Early emergence increases survival of tree seedlings in Central European temperate forests despite severe late frost
Authors: Bianchi Eva , Bugmann Harald , Bigler Christof
Published: July 2019

Global warming is expected to result in earlier emergence of tree seedlings that may experience higher damages and mortality due to late frost in spring. We monitored emergence, characteristics, and survival of seedlings across ten tree species in temperate mixed deciduous forests of Central Europe over one and a half year. We tested whether the timing of emergence represents a trade‐off for seedling survival between minimizing frost risk and maximizing the length of the growing period. Almost two‐thirds of the seedlings died during the first growing period. The timing of emergence was decisive for seedling survival. Although seedlings that emerged early faced a severe late frost event, they benefited from a longer growing period resulting in increased overall survival. Larger seedling height and higher number of leaves positively influenced survival. Seedlings growing on moss had higher survival compared to mineral soil, litter, or herbaceous vegetation. Synthesis. Our findings demonstrate the importance of emergence time for survival of tree seedlings, with early‐emerging seedlings more likely surviving the first growing period.
Isolated Cationic Organometallic Nickel(I) Arene Complexes
Authors: Schwab Miriam M. , Himmel Daniel , Kacprzak Sylwia , Yassine Zeinab , Kratzert Daniel , Felbek Christina , Weber Stefan , Krossing Ingo
Published: July 2019

The NiI salt [Ni(cod)2]+[Al(ORF)4]– {RF = C(CF3)3} is the starting material for ligand exchange reactions with arenes (benzene, mesitylene and hexamethylbenzene) yielding cationic and purely organometallic 19 valence electron [Ni(cod)(arene)]+ complex salts. The reactions are accompanied by fast solution color changes from yellow to intensely green. Single crystal X‐ray structure analysis, EPR, UV/Vis and IR‐spectroscopic investigations confirm the formation of [Ni(cod)(C6Me6)][Al(ORF)4] (2) as well as [Ni(cod)(mes)][Al(ORF)4] (3, mes = mesitylene) with η6‐coordinated arenes and bidentate cod ligands. The reaction with benzene is plausible but remains less characterized. The energetics of these reactions were used to evaluate diverse DFT methods. 16 functionals with and without D3(BJ) dispersion correction failed to describe the reaction energetics correctly. However, correcting the basic reaction energies with a CCSD(T)/TZ→QZ approach and using further isodesmic reactions with inclusion of COSMO‐RS solvation gave reaction energetics in best agreement with all experimental observations.
DBN‐Catalyzed Regioselective Acylation of Carbohydrates and Diols in Ethyl Acetate
Authors: Ren Bo , Zhang Mengyao , Xu Shijie , Gan Lu , Zhang Li , Tang Lin
Published: July 2019

The 1,5‐diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non‐5‐ene (DBN)‐catalyzed regioselective acylation of carbohydrates and diols in ethyl acetate has been developed. The hydroxyl groups can be selectively acylated by the corresponding anhydride in EtOAc in the presence of a catalytic amount (as low as 0.1 equiv.) of DBN at room temperature to 40 °C. This method avoids metal catalysts and toxic solvents, which makes it comparatively green and mild, and it uses less organic base compared with other selective acylation methods. Mechanism studies indicated that DBN could catalyze the selective acylation of hydroxyl moieties through a dual H‐bonding interaction.
Dying with Dignity; Living with Laws (and Ethics)
Authors: Will Jonathan F.
Published: July 2019

An increasing number of jurisdictions allow individuals to obtain medication prescribed by their physicians for medical assistance in dying (MAID). But discussion of whether (and to what extent) individuals have the right to use the health care system to control the time and manner of their death is not limited to MAID. The right also exists in other contexts, such as directing the withdrawal of life‐sustaining treatments. Palliative (or terminal) sedation involves medications to render a patient unconscious, coupled with either the withdrawal of artificial nutrition and hydration or their not being administered at all. In high‐enough doses, these medications may further suppress already‐weakened cardiopulmonary function even if there is no intent to hasten death. When teaching about these topics, I challenge students to consider whether there are meaningful differences between practices like euthanasia, MAID, aggressive use of morphine, terminal sedation, or the withdrawal of ventilator support. Whether their differences are morally, ethically, or legally meaningful can be difficult to tease out. After recently watching a loved one, whom I call “Stephan,” direct the time and manner of his death within hospice care in a state that does not allow MAID, I am less inclined than ever to believe that the differences are meaningful in a way the law should recognize.
A Reluctant Critic: Why Gynecologic Surgery Needs Reform
Authors: King Louise P.
Published: July 2019

The majority of obstetrician‐gynecologists in practice operate very infrequently. Most residents graduate with strong surgical skill sets, given residency requirements. Nonetheless, their practices become dominated by obstetrics, and their gynecologic surgical skills deteriorate. While cesarean sections are surgical in nature, the skill sets needed in these surgeries differ from the skills used in general gynecologic surgery. As gynecology has taken a back seat to obstetrics in our specialty, not only surgical skills but also diagnostic and management skills have deteriorated.
Relational Potential versus the Parent‐Child Relationship
Authors: Antommaria Armand H. Matheny
Published: July 2019

In an article in this issue of the Hastings Center Report, Aaron Wightman and his coauthors attempt to address health care providers’ moral distress about acceding to parents’ requests to provide life‐sustaining medical treatment to children who have profound cognitive disabilities. They propose combining John Arras's relational potential standard and care ethics, and they argue that the capacity for caring relationships can provide an independent moral justification for honoring such requests. This combination is, however, unstable. Wightman et al.'s language of potential and capacity opens the possibility of substantial misinterpretation. They rely on epistemological and prognostic uncertainty to argue that reciprocity and participation may be present in the parent‐child relationship even when the child's engagement cannot be observed. The terminology suggests that these are characteristics that can be gained or lost rather than characteristics of being born within certain social practices. In contrast, Eva Feder Kittay illuminates family membership as an important social relation. Her articulation of the independent moral value of parenting stands on its own without being conjoined to Arras's position.
The Experts Are Not Enough
Authors: Hurlbut J. Benjamin
Published: July 2019

As Achim Rosemann and colleagues rightly suggest in their article “Heritable Genome Editing in Global Context: National and International Policy Challenges,” in this issue of the Hastings Center Report, the scientific, ethical, and governance challenges associated with heritable genome editing are global in scope. Both the genetic interventions and the social and moral judgments about human identity and integrity associated with them will affect all humanity. Yet the worries, problems, and solutions that the study illuminates reflect only a partial picture of those challenges. That is to be expected from a study of this sort: the “stakeholders” who were consulted are a limited group and as such are bound to provide a particular, limited picture. One of the important contributions that such a study can make is in providing a picture of what problems particular kinds of experts see as the primary problems and how the framing of those problems may displace other questions and perspectives, especially when such parochial framings of problems are elevated to the level of the “global.” Rosemann et al. do not explain how participants were identified as stakeholders or, indeed, how the study identified the stakes. This is a missed opportunity, and it points toward a set of questions that themselves need to be asked about how the stakeholders—and the stakes—of global governance of heritable genome editing are identified.
Psychosocial Effects of Multigene Panel Testing in the Context of Cancer Genomics
Authors: Hamilton Jada G. , Robson Mark E.
Published: July 2019

In recent years, with both the development of next‐generation sequencing approaches and the Supreme Court decision invalidating gene patents, declining costs have contributed to the emergence of a new model of hereditary cancer genetic testing. Multigene panel testing (or multiplex testing) involves using next‐generation sequencing technology to determine the sequence of multiple cancer‐susceptibility genes. In addition to high‐penetrance cancer‐susceptibility genes, multigene panels frequently include genes that are less robustly associated with cancer predisposition. Scientific understanding about associations between many specific moderate‐penetrance gene variants and cancer risks is incomplete. The emergence of multigene panel tests has created unique challenges that may have meaningful psychosocial implications. Contrasted with the serial testing process, wherein patients consider the personal and clinical implications of each evaluated gene, with multigene panel testing, patients provide broad consent to whichever genes are included in a particular panel and then, after the test, receive in‐depth genetic counseling to clarify the distinct implications of their specific results. Consequently, patients undergoing multigene panel testing may have a less nuanced understanding of the test and its implications, and they may have fewer opportunities to self‐select against the receipt of particular types of genetic‐risk information. Evidence is conflicting regarding the emotional effects of this testing.
Choice Architecture
Authors: Berlinger Nancy
Published: July 2019

“Choices” about nonmedical aging‐related matters, such as housing, are weirdly extreme in the long last stage of life in America. In my experiences accompanying my parents to consultations with physicians, elder‐care lawyers, and social service providers, a middle‐class older adult's presumed choices are the high‐end assisted living facility—or the Medicaid spend‐down. Nothing in between. Experts in aging and housing are calling attention to this “forgotten middle”—the millions of older Americans like my mother, people who are neither rich nor poor and whose needs in this long last stage of life cannot reliably be met through publicly funded health insurance or personal savings.
Modelling the effects of permafrost loss on discharge from a wetland‐dominated, discontinuous permafrost basin
Authors: Stone Lindsay E. , Fang Xing , Haynes Kristine M. , Helbig Manuel , Pomeroy John W. , Sonnentag Oliver , Quinton William L.
Published: July 2019

Permafrost degradation in the peat‐rich southern fringe of the discontinuous permafrost zone is catalysing substantial changes to land cover with expansion of permafrost‐free wetlands (bogs and fens) and shrinkage of forest‐dominated permafrost peat plateaux. Predicting discharge from headwater basins in this region depends upon understanding and numerically representing the interactions between storage and discharge within and between the major land cover types and how these interactions are changing. To better understand the implications of advanced permafrost thaw‐induced land cover change on wetland discharge, with all landscape features capable of contributing to drainage networks, the hydrological behaviour of a channel fen sub‐basin in the headwaters of Scotty Creek, Northwest Territories, Canada, dominated by peat plateau–bog complexes, was modelled using the Cold Regions Hydrological Modelling platform for the period of 2009 to 2015. The model construction was based on field water balance observations, and performance was deemed adequate when evaluated against measured water balance components. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the impact of progressive permafrost loss on discharge from the sub‐basin, in which all units of the sub‐basin have the potential to contribute to the drainage network, by incrementally reducing the ratio of wetland to plateau in the modelled sub‐basin. Simulated reductions in permafrost extent decreased total annual discharge from the channel fen by 2.5% for every 10% decrease in permafrost area due to increased surface storage capacity, reduced run‐off efficiency, and increased landscape evapotranspiration. Runoff ratios for the fen hydrological response unit dropped from 0.54 to 0.48 after the simulated 50% permafrost area loss with a substantial reduction of 0.47 to 0.31 during the snowmelt season. The reduction in peat plateau area resulted in decreased seasonal variability in discharge due to changes in the flow path routing, with amplified low flows associated with small increases in subsurface discharge, and decreased peak discharge with large reductions in surface run‐off.
Multiple imputation and clinico‐serological models to predict human papillomavirus status in oropharyngeal carcinoma: An alternative when tissue is unavailable
Authors: Ren Jianjun , Xu Wei , Su Jie , Ren Xue , Cheng Dangxiao , Chen Zhuo , Bender Noemi , Mirshams Maryam , Habbous Steven , de Almeida John R. , Perez‐Ordonez Bayardo , Goldstein David P , Wang Jennifer R , Bratman Scott V. , Huang Shao Hui , Jang Raymond , Zhao Yu , Waterboer Tim , Hung Rayjean J. , Liu Geoffrey
Published: July 2019

In cancer epidemiological studies, determination of human papillomavirus (HPV) in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) typically depends on the availability of tumor tissue testing, and/or tumor tissue access. Identifying alternative methods for estimating HPV status can improve the quality of such studies when tissue is unavailable. We developed multiple predictive models for tumor HPV status and prognosis by combining both clinico‐epidemiological variables and either serological multiplex assays of HPV or multiple imputation of HPV status (HPVmi). Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of these methods compared to either p16 immunostaining (p16 IHC) or survival were assessed. When compared to a reference of tumor tissue p16 IHC in 783 OPSCC patients, the clinic‐HPVsero model incorporating a composite of 20 HPV serological antibodies (HPVsero) and 4 clinical factors (c‐index: 0.96) performed better than using HPVsero (c‐index: 0.92) or HPVmi (c‐index: 0.76) alone. However, the model that contained a single HPV16 E6 antibody combined with four clinical variables, performed extremely well (clinic‐s1‐16E6; c‐index: 0.95). When defining HPV status by HPVsero, s1‐16E6, HPVmi or through p16 IHC, each of these definitions demonstrated improved overall and disease‐free survival in HPV‐positive OPSCC patients, when compared to HPV‐negative patients (adjusted hazard ratios between 0.25 and 0.63). Our study demonstrates that when blood samples are available, a model that utilizes a single s1‐16E6 antibody combined with several clinical features has excellent test performance characteristics to estimate HPV status and prognosis. When neither blood nor tumor tissue is available, multiple imputation, calibrated on local population characteristics, remains a viable, but suboptimal option.
Structure and antimicrobial properties of long‐chain branched poly (lactic acid)
Authors: Li Zhengqiu , Liu Lei , Chen Baoshu , Zhao Tianbao , Ran Longchang , Yuan Xiaodie , Cao Zhiwen , Wu Ting
Published: July 2019

Long‐chain branched poly (lactic acid) (LCB‐PLA) with antimicrobial functional group was fabricated through a two‐step ring‐opening reactive processing for improving antimicrobial properties and broadening the PLA processing window. A combination of linear viscoelasticity and the branch‐on‐branch (BOB) model predicted probable compositions and chain topologies of the products. It is also explored the antimicrobial properties of LCB‐PLA to provide a theoretical basis for broadening the possible applications.
Vascular access practices for therapeutic apheresis: Results of a survey
Authors: Tanhehco Yvette C. , Zantek Nicole D. , Alsammak Mohamed , Chhibber Vishesh , Li Yanhua , Becker Joanne , Wu Ding W. , Foster Tisha , Wehrli Gay
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Obtaining vascular access (VA) is a critical part of the therapeutic apheresis (TA) treatment plan. Currently, there are no guidelines for VA decision‐making and maintenance related to TA procedures.

Materials and Methods

A 28‐question survey to gather qualitative information regarding VA practices was distributed to the American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) 2018 Annual Meeting attendees and all ASFA members for voluntary participation. The descriptive analyses were reported as the number and frequency of responses for each question.

Results

Total participation was 206 with 147 (71.4%) answering some or all 16 VA focused questions. The majority of respondents were nurses or physicians (89.0%) at sites providing ≥100 procedures. The most common TA procedures were plasma exchange, red cell exchange, and leukocytapheresis. The VA evaluation was predominantly performed by the TA service (80.3%, 118/147). The majority of TA physicians and/or providers do not insert (91.7%, 132/144) or remove (81.2%, 117/143) VA catheters. When an emergent TA procedure is needed, the majority of respondents felt <2 hours was an acceptable turnaround time for VA placement (64.3%, 92/143). The most common anticoagulant for locking catheters and/or ports was heparin. The majority of TA services (54.3%, 76/140) collect data on aborted procedures due to catheter/line/port problems unrelated to infection, but only 41.4% (58/140) collect data on infections.

Conclusion

VA contributes significantly to the overall risks associated with and the safety of TA. Our survey shows that there is substantial variation but common themes in TA VA practices. Several areas for future research may be identified.
Quantum parameters based study of some heterocycles using density functional theory method: A comparative theoretical study
Authors: Rathi Parveen , Khanna Radhika , Jaswal Vivek Sheel
Published: July 2019

Density functional theory can envisage a vast assortment of molecular possessions such as molecular structures, vibrational frequencies, molecular energies, ionization energies, polar, electric and magnetic properties etc. The efficacy of this method relies on the study of electronic parameters to categorize the reactive sites to comprehend the plausible action of these scaffolds. Further it also facilitates the correlation between the structural characteristics of drug and their inhibition efficiency against infectious microorganisms. In light of the above facts, we have studied the structural parameters such as energy (total), variation of electron density over highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), charge distribution, absolute electronegativity (χ), softness/hardness (σ/ɳ) and fraction of electron transfer (ΔN) of some previously synthesized heterocycles.
A house is not a home: Modeling the effects of social support and connection within resettled refugee populations
Authors: Wanna Cassandra P. , Seehuus Martin , Mazzulla Emily , Fondacaro Karen
Published: July 2019

Aim

The U.S. resettlement program currently resettles refugees in communities of similar or the same ethnic background known as like‐ethnic communities. This practice provides resettled refugees with a familiar community who may be able to provide support through the difficult resettlement process. However, by associating with a like‐ethnic community, resettled refugees may limit interaction with the host community, which may have subsequent adverse effects on well‐being.

Methods

This study examined whether satisfaction with community support is moderated by a premigration factor (trauma history) or a postmigration factor (English fluency) in predicting depressive symptoms in a resettled refugee community (N = 179). Four moderation models were analyzed and compared.

Results

The model in which English fluency moderated the relationship between satisfaction with community support and depressive symptoms had the best overall model fit. In addition, trauma history was found to also be a meaningful but secondary moderator within this relationship. English fluency and trauma history within this study did not significantly interact.

Conclusion

These results highlight the importance of early English language lessons and community support during resettlement. Further, they emphasize the need to integrate refugees with individuals from similar backgrounds, as well as with host communities throughout resettlement.
The neighborhood story project: Co‐creating learning, caring, and empowering environments
Authors: Thurber Amie
Published: July 2019

Aims

The study examines the Neighborhood Story Project, a facilitated three‐month action research project that engages residents in community change. In particular, this paper identifies design and facilitation elements that facilitated participant growth within the project.

Methods

This constructivist multi‐case study examines three Neighborhood Story Projects, all located in Nashville, TN. The analysis draws on observational, focus group and interview data.

Results

Findings suggest that the intentional cocreation of a learning, caring, and empowering environment propelled member gains. The paper identifies specific design elements that fostered these conditions, suggesting a group‐work practice model for intervening in gentrifying neighborhoods.

Conclusion

This study contributes to theory and practice related to group‐level interventions in neighborhoods undergoing rapid demographic changes. Findings can be leveraged to better understand processes and strategies for fostering place attachments, social ties, and civic action.
microRNA‐10b confers cisplatin resistance by activating AKT/mTOR/P70S6K signaling via targeting PPARγ in esophageal cancer
Authors: Wu Kai , Hu Yamei , Yan Kanglu , Qi Yu , Zhang Chunyang , Zhu Dengyan , Liu Donglei , Zhao Song
Published: July 2019

It is well known that the acquisition of chemoresistance is a major obstacle for the effective treatment of human cancers. It is reported that microRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in chemotherapy resistance of various malignancies. miR‐10b was previously proved as an oncogene in multiple malignancies, including esophageal cancer. However, its biological significance in regulating cisplatin (DDP) resistance in esophageal cancer is still elusive. Here, we observed that miR‐10b expression was upregulated and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ) expression was downregulated in esophageal cancer tumor tissues and cells. PPARγ was proved as a functional target of miR‐10b. Moreover, suppression of miR‐10b enhanced the chemosensitivity of esophageal cancer cells to DDP in vitro and in vivo. In addition, PPARγ‐mediated DDP sensitivity was weakened by miR‐10b overexpression. Furthermore, miR‐10b‐activated AKT/mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway through targeting PPARγ. Inactivation of AKT/mTOR/p70S6K by AKT inhibitor (GSK690693) attenuated miR‐10b‐induced DDP resistance in esophageal cancer cells. Taken together these observation, miRNA‐10b‐mediated PPARγ inhibition enhanced DDP resistance by activating the AKT/mTOR/P70S6K signaling in esophageal cancer, suggesting a potential target to improve therapeutic response of patients with esophageal cancer to DDP.
Moving from alcohol to methane biofilters: an experimental study on biofilter performance and carbon distribution
Authors: Ferdowsi Milad , Desrochers Michaël , Jones Joseph Peter , Heitz Michèle
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Biofilters can be used to eliminate different gaseous pollutants including alcohols (e.g. methanol, ethanol) and methane (CH4) individually or in a mixture. In this regard, the biofilter adaptability to feed composition variation is an industrial requisite. Inlet gas composition changes also give a better insight about carbon input and end‐points in biofilters. In this study, the gradual conversions of two biofilters from methanol and ethanol to CH4 were investigated.

RESULTS

Both biofilters reached 100% removal efficiencies for the alcohols with no initial inoculation. Keeping the total inlet load constant (30 ± 1.3 g m−3 h−1), CH4 was progressively substituted in the feed with corresponding alcohol:CH4 mass ratios of 3:1, 1:1, 1:3 and 0 galcohol:gCH4. Maximum CH4 removal efficiencies of 52% and 29% were obtained (respectively) for biofilters started with methanol and ethanol. By moving from alcohols to CH4 biofilters, the gas phase output carbon increased from 273 to 666 gcarbon day−1 and from 377 to 681 gcarbon day−1 respectively for the methanol‐ and ethanol‐based biofilters.

CONCLUSION

This study showed a successful treatment based on inlet pollutant alteration from methanol or ethanol to CH4 in two separate biofilters. However, the methanol‐based biofilter displayed a better performance and a shorter acclimation time for CH4 conversion. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
A modified formula for accurate determination of three‐dimensional birefringence of fiber using modified subfringe integration method
Authors: El‐Morsy M.A.
Published: July 2019

The development of the use of interferometric techniques in the study of the optical properties of materials encouraged many researchers to work on the derivation and development of the theoretical considerations and the equations used in the calculations of those properties. The form of these equations depends on the technique used and the cross section of the sample, and also on the method of calculating the optical path difference of light across the sample studied. A modified formula to calculate the three‐dimensional birefringence distribution of the fiber, without the need to determine the refractive indices of the fiber in the parallel and perpendicular directions, was presented. The phase distribution of the simulated and experiment interferograms was obtained using subfringe integration method. The results obtained from the new method were compared with the calculated results of a well‐known method (Z method) and the figures presented showed that the results of the two methods were close to each other.
Isolated limb perfusion and infusion in the treatment of melanoma and soft tissue sarcoma in the era of modern systemic therapies
Authors: Song Yun , Bruce Adrienne N. , Fraker Douglas L. , Karakousis Giorgos C.
Published: July 2019

Background and Objectives

Isolated limb perfusion (ILP) and infusion (ILI) are treatment modalities for unresectable melanoma in‐transit metastases and extremity soft tissue sarcomas (STS). We sought to characterize the national trend in their utilization in the context of novel melanoma therapies introduced in 2011.

Methods

Using the National Inpatient Sample (2005‐2014), patients with a primary diagnosis of limb melanoma or STS who underwent ILP/ILI were identified by diagnosis and procedure codes. Annual percent change (APC) in ILP/ILI procedures was determined.

Results

From 2005 through 2014, 670 and 130 ILP/ILI procedures were performed for melanoma and STS, respectively. Mean age was 64 (SD 15) years for melanoma and 59 (SD 18) years for STS. Over time, procedures for melanoma decreased with an APC of ‐17 (P = .019). Comparing 2005‐2010 and 2011‐2014, the mean number of procedures for melanoma decreased from 91 to 32 per year (P = .007). In contrast, there was no change for STS (APC 6.5, P = .39; mean 11 and 16 per year in 2005‐2010 and 2011‐2014, respectively, P = .46).

Conclusions

ILI/ILP utilization has decreased for melanoma, but not for STS. Whether trends for ILP and ILI differed could not be determined. ILP/ILI remains an important option to consider for regional disease control.
A method for rapid determination of arsenic species in vegetables using microwave‐assisted extraction followed by detection with HPLC hyphenated to inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Jia Xintong , Yang Xiaoyue , Zhao Wei , Hu Yuanan , Cheng Hefa
Published: July 2019

Driven by the significant need for characterization of the chemical speciation of arsenic in food, this work developed a method for rapid determination of four common arsenic species, namely, arsenite, arsenate, monomethyl arsenic acid, and dimethyl arsenic acid, in vegetables using microwave‐assisted extraction, followed by detection with high‐performance liquid chromatography hyphenated to inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry. Initial screening results showed that microwave‐assisted extraction using 1% HNO3 exhibited the highest overall efficiencies for all arsenic species without causing significant degradation of the organic ones. With the aid of response surface methodology, the optimum conditions established for extraction of arsenic species from vegetables were: 500 mg of freeze‐dried vegetable sample, extracted by closed vessel microwave‐assisted extraction using 10 mL of 2% v/v HNO3 at 90°C for 17 min. Application of the method in the analysis of 24 market vegetable samples indicates that the extraction efficiencies for total arsenic species were in the range of 91.4–106%. Arsenite and arsenate were found to be the predominant arsenic species in the vegetables, which suggests that vegetable consumption could be an important route of inorganic arsenic exposure for the population with a heavy vegetable diet in arsenic polluted regions.
Event Centrality: Factor Structure and Links to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Clusters
Authors: Wamser‐Nanney Rachel
Published: July 2019

Event centrality is defined as the extent to which traumatic events are perceived to be integral to one's life. However, there are discrepancies regarding the factor structure of event centrality, as the factor structure may differ depending on the nature of the trauma. Event centrality has predicted posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); yet, few studies have taken into account other key cognitive predictors of PTSD, such as posttraumatic cognitions. The PTSD symptom clusters also remain largely unexamined, despite potential specificity in their ties to event centrality. The aims of the current study were to: (a) examine the factor structure of event centrality and whether the structure differs following interpersonal versus noninterpersonal trauma; (b) investigate whether event centrality predicts PTSD symptom clusters beyond posttraumatic cognitions; and (c) determine if the associations between event centrality, posttraumatic cognitions, and PTSD are equivalent between trauma types. The study aims were examined utilizing 263 college students (Mage = 24.54, SD = 6.29; 79.8% female; 58% White). Event centrality was best represented by one factor, which was consistent between groups. Structural equation models indicated that event centrality and posttraumatic cognitions regarding the self predicted each of the PTSD symptom clusters across groups, βs = .27–.58. However, event centrality was more strongly related to avoidance symptoms among individuals who experienced a noninterpersonal trauma. For both the interpersonal and noninterpersonal groups, event centrality had equivalent ties to each cluster. Even after accounting for negative trauma‐related beliefs, event centrality appears to be relevant in understanding posttrauma functioning.
Mechanically Robust Nanofibrous Xerogel Membrane for One‐Pass Removal of Trace Water in Oil
Authors: Yang Xue , Wang Na , He Hongwei , Chen Fuxing , Yang Yuyan , Ning Xin
Published: July 2019

Removal of trace water from oil is essential for a high‐performance fuel supply system. Trace water in fuel is a crucial contributor to frequent system maintenance and failure. In this work, an electrospun polyacrylic acid/polyvinyl alcohol (PAA/PVA) nanofibrous xerogel membrane (NFM) is prepared to remove trace water in oil. Based on the optimization of the weight ratio and the crosslinking conditions of PAA/PVA, the resultant NFM shows remarkable water‐retaining capacity (swelling ratio of 124.8 g/g) and rapid absorption property. The optimal membrane displays a small average pore size of 523.2 nm, high porosity of 79.6% as well as robust tensile strength of 8.1 MPa. Additionally, after just one pass through a single layer membrane (thickness of 35 ± 3 µm and areal density of 3.5 ± 0.5 g m−2), the milky oil containing 1 wt% water is clarified and the water content reduced to 130 ppm. With extensive water being absorbed into the 3D network (different with the conventional separation mechanism) as well as good compatibility with oil, a multilayer pleated scheme may provide a practical methodology for enhancing fuel oil properties and performances.
Deep Brain Stimulation in Patients with Isolated Generalized Dystonia Caused by PRKRA Mutation
Authors: Casagrande Sara Carvalho Barbosa , Listik Clarice , Coelho Daniel Boari , Limongi Joao Carlos Papaterra , Teixeira Luis Augusto , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen , Barbosa Egberto Reis , Cury Rubens Gisbert
Published: July 2019

View Supplementary Video 1
EIF4G1 is a novel candidate gene associated with severe asthenozoospermia
Authors: Sha Yanwei , Liu Wensheng , Huang Xianjing , Li Yang , Ji Zhiyong , Mei Libin , Lin Shaobin , Kong Shuangbo , Lu Jinhua , Kong Lingyuan , Zhu Xingshen , Lu Zhongxian , Ding Lu
Published: July 2019

Background

Asthenozoospermia (AZS), also known as asthenospermia, is characterized by reduced motility of ejaculated spermatozoa and is detected in more than 40% of infertile patients. Because the proportion of progressive spermatozoa in severe AZS is <1%, severe AZS is an urgent challenge in reproductive medicine. Several genes have been reported to be relevant to severe asthenospermia. However, these gene mutations are found only in sporadic cases and can explain only a small fraction of severe AZS, so additional genetic pathogenies need to be explored.

Methods and results

By screening the variant genes in a patient with severe AZS using whole exome sequencing, we identified biallelic mutations c.2521C>T: p.(Pro841Ser) (NC_000003.11: g.184043412C>T) in exon13 and c.2957C>G: p.(Ala986Gly) (NC_000003.11: g.184045117C>G) in exon17 in the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4 gamma 1 gene (EIF4G1, RefSeq: NM_004953.4, OMIM: 600495) of the patient. Both of the mutation sites are rare and potentially deleterious. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed a disrupted axonemal structure with mitochondrial sheath defects. The EIF4G1 protein level was extremely low, and the mitochondrial marker cytochrome c oxidase subunit 4I1 (COXIV, OMIM: 123864) and mitochondrially encoded ATP synthase 6 (ATP6, OMIM: 516060) protein levels were also decreased in the patient's spermatozoa as revealed by WB and IF analysis. This infertility associated with this condition was overcome by intracytoplasmic sperm injections, as his wife became pregnant successfully.

Conclusion

Our experimental findings indicate that the EIF4G1 gene is a novel candidate gene that may be relevant to severe AZS.
TP53BP1 regulates chromosome alignment and spindle bipolarity in mouse oocytes
Authors: Jin Zhe‐Long , Suk Namgoong , Kim Nam‐Hyung
Published: July 2019

Meiotic oocytes lack classic centrosomes; therefore, bipolar spindle assembly depends on the clustering of acentriolar microtubule‐organizing centers (MTOCs) into two poles. The bipolar spindle is an essential cellular component that ensures accurate chromosome segregation during anaphase. If the spindle does not form properly, it can result in aneuploidy or cell death. However, the molecular mechanism by which the bipolar spindle is established is not yet fully understood. Tumor suppressor p53‐binding protein 1 (TP53BP1) is known to mediate the DNA damage response. Several recent studies have indicated that TP53BP1 has noncanonical roles in processes, such as spindle formation; however, the role of TP53BP1 in oocyte meiosis is currently unclear. Our results show that TP53BP1 knockdown affects spindle bipolarity and chromatin alignment by altering MTOC stability during oocyte maturation. TP53BP1 was localized in the cytoplasm and displayed an irregular cloud pattern around the spindle/chromosome region. TP53BP1 was also required for the correct localization of MTOCs into the two spindle poles during pro‐meiosis I. TP53BP1 deletion altered the MTOC‐localized Aurora Kinase A. TP53BP1 knockdown caused the microtubules to detach from the kinetochores and increased the rate of aneuploidy. Taken together, our data show that TP53BP1 plays crucial roles in chromosome stability and spindle bipolarity during meiotic maturation.
Electrochemical Glycosylation as an Enabling Tool for the Stereoselective Synthesis of Cyclic Oligosaccharides
Authors: Manmode Sujit , Tanabe Shichidai , Yamamoto Takashi , Sasaki Norihiko , Nokami Toshiki , Itoh Toshiyuki
Published: July 2019

Electrochemical glycosylation of a linear oligosaccharide with a protecting‐group‐free primary hydroxyl group afforded cyclic oligo‐saccharides, up to hexasaccharides, in high yields. Precursors of the cyclic oligosaccharides were prepared by automated electro‐chemical assembly‐a method for the automated electrochemical solution‐phase synthesis of oligosaccharides. We demonstrated that electrochemical glycosylation is useful not only for intermolecular glycosylation but also for intramolecular glycosylation to synthesize cyclic oligosaccharides.
Examining the feasibility, acceptability, and potential utility of mobile distress screening in adult cancer patients
Authors: Chow Philip I. , Drago Fabrizio , Kennedy Erin M. , Chambers Nicole , Sheffield Christina , Cohn Wendy F.
Published: July 2019

Objective

A common method of distress monitoring in cancer patients relies on static and retrospective data collected in‐person at the time of a health care provider appointment. Relatively little work has examined the potential usefulness of mobile distress monitoring using cancer patients' smartphones. The current study deployed longitudinal distress monitoring using secure text messaging.

Methods

In an observational study, a total of 52 cancer patients receiving active cancer treatment (Mage = 58, 62% female) received a text message once a week for 4 weeks. Text messages contained a secure link to complete online the Patient Health Questionnaire‐4 (PHQ‐4), a commonly used distress screener.

Results

Cancer patients completed a distress screener 75% of the time they received a text message. On average, it took less than a minute to complete each mobile distress screener. Geolocation data indicated that cancer patients completed distress screeners across a range of locations. Analyses of model fit of distress scores indicated significant heterogeneity in variability of distress scores over time and across cancer patients (AIC = 630.5). Quantitative feedback from cancer patients at the end of the study indicated high ease of use, ease of learning, and satisfaction of completing mobile distress screeners.

Conclusions

These findings support the use of secure text messaging to monitor longitudinal, out of clinic, distress in cancer patients. Findings also highlight the importance of mobile‐based approaches to distress screening in order to maximize opportunities to intervene.
Preparation and Application of Electrochemical Sensor Based on Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Coated Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Nitrocellulose Detection
Authors: Meng Xiangjun , Xiao Zhenggang , Scott Stephen K
Published: July 2019

In order to develop a novel method for the identification and detection of nitrocellulose (NC), an electrochemical sensor based on surface molecularly imprinted polymer is prepared in this work. First, a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) nanocomposite on the surface of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was synthesized with a surface polymerization method using NC as a template, methacrylic acid as a functional monomer, ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate as a cross‐linker and 2,2′‐azobis (2‐methylpropionitrile) as an initiator. The molecular structure, morphology and thermal performance of prepared MWCNTs‐MIP were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope, Fourier‐transform Infrared Spectrascopy and Thermogravimetric Analysis. Results show that a stable imprinted layer was constructed on the surface of MWCNTs. Then the electrochemical sensor based on MWCNTs‐MIP was prepared using a glassy carbon electrode and tested by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The electrochemical test demonstrated that the modified electrode is very responsive towards the NC. The detection of NC in the range of 0 to 7×10−5 mg/ml at the MWCNTs‐MIP/glassy carbon electrode was monitored by DPV with a limit of detection of 3.45×10−10 mg/ml. Furthermore, the MWCNTs‐MIP sensor not only exhibited good specificity, reproducibility and stability, but also demonstrated availability of NC detection in the propellant sample.
Unclogging improvement based on interdate and interreach comparison of water release monitoring (Durance, France)
Authors: Loire Rémi , Piégay Hervé , Malavoi Jean‐René , Beche Leah , Dumoutier Quentin , Mosseri Julie , Kerjean Caroline
Published: July 2019

Large‐scale flow release experiments are becoming common for improving aquatic habitat quality downstream of dams. Because of the naturally high fine sediment load in the Durance River, France due to inputs from torrential tributaries draining badlands, unpredictable high flow events with dam overspill are not always sufficient to prevent clogging, which can lead to habitat degradation (especially spawning habitats) in bypassed reaches. Therefore, large‐scale flow experiments were conducted on four reaches to test the efficacy of clear‐water releases to improve aquatic habitat conditions. Continuous measurements of water depth, suspended sediment concentrations, and turbidity were conducted during twelve releases and compared on nine. Before and after each release, superficial clogging was measured. The study shows that there is a link between the volume of suspended sediments carried by water releases and the initial clogging. The volumes carried were low compared with the river's annual transport. The effect on clogging can vary significantly from one release to another. In particular, the hydrological context surrounding the releases has a significant influence on clogging. Comparisons of monitoring showed that releases are more effective on reaches that are more severely regulated (high hydrological control) than on those that are less well‐controlled. The areas with the highest initial clogging tend to unclog more than those with lower initial clogging; however, the latter zones are most impacted by ineffective releases. Performing a release on environments with low initial clogging can therefore be environmentally damaging. To ensure that releases are successful and that intervention is warranted, initial clogging should be measured in the field and releases should only be performed if the clogging is judged to be unfavourable.
Shedding Light on the Trehalose‐Enabled Mucopermeation of Nanoparticles with Label‐Free Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Siddhanta Soumik , Bhattacharjee Sourav , Harrison Sabine M. , Scholz Dimitri , Barman Ishan
Published: July 2019

Nanoparticle‐based drug delivery systems have attracted significant interest owing to their promise as tunable platforms that offer improved intracellular release of cargo therapeutics. However, significant challenges remain in maintaining the physiological stability of the mucosal matrix due to the nanoparticle‐induced reduction in the matrix diffusivity and promotion of mucin aggregation. Such aggregation also adversely impacts the permeability of the nanoparticles, and thus, diminishes the efficacy of nanoparticle‐based formulations. Here, an entirely complementary approach is proposed to the existing nanoparticle functionalization methods to address these challenges by using trehalose, a naturally occurring disaccharide that offers exceptional protein stabilization. Plasmon‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy and far‐red fluorescence emission of the plasmonic silver nanoparticulate clusters are harnessed to create a unique dual‐functional, aggregating, and imaging agent that obviates the need of an additional reporter to investigate mucus–nanoparticle interactions. These spectroscopy‐based density mapping tools uncover the mechanism of mucus–nanoparticle interactions and establish the protective role of trehalose microenvironment in minimizing the nanoparticle aggregation. Thus, in contrast to the prevailing belief, these results demonstrate that nonfunctionalized nanoparticles may rapidly penetrate through mucus barriers, and by leveraging the bioprotectant attributes of trehalose, an in vivo milieu for efficient mucosal drug delivery can be generated.