bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Chinampa: An Ancient Mexican Sub‐Irrigation System
Authors: Robles Braulio , Flores Jorge , Martínez Jose Luis , Herrera Patricia
Published: December 2018

The Chinampa is an agro‐hydrological system practised for many generations, built over shallow lacustrine wetland areas near Mexico City. It was developed by the Aztecs, a pre‐Hispanic culture who settled around the lake in the old Tenochtitlan, ancient capital of the Mexican empire. The Chinampa design takes advantage of local environmental and soil conditions. Nowadays, some are still used by local producers and it is one of the few pre‐Hispanic irrigation structures that have been preserved and that operate as originally designed, with increasing value, because of its sustainability. The Chinampa consists of several layers of vegetation and sludge to produce an organic soil 50 cm above the water level for agricultural use in wetlands. These rectangular plots, surrounded by water, are 5–10 m wide by 50–100 m long. When a significant number of Chinampas are built, they make a network of canals among Chinampas, and broader canals provide navigation routes. The Chinampa is secured on the edges by trees whose roots hold the soil. These agricultural structures have provided many benefits for the inhabitants in the water system of the area, not only productive, but also economic, environmental, cultural and social. In December 1984, the Chinampa system in the Valley of Mexico was declared to be Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO; in 1992, the Mexican government declared the zone a ‘Natural Protected Area’; and in 2004, the wetlands that support the Chinampa were also declared a RAMSAR site. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Natural forms of vitamin E and metabolites—regulation of cancer cell death and underlying mechanisms
Authors: Jiang Qing
Published: December 2018

The disappointing results from large clinical studies of α‐tocopherol (αT), the major form of vitamin E in tissues, for prevention of chronic diseases including cancer have cast doubt on not only αT but also other forms of vitamin E regarding their role in preventing carcinogenesis. However, basic research has shown that specific forms of vitamin E such as γ‐tocopherol (γT), δ‐tocopherol (δT), γ‐tocotrienol (γTE) and δ‐tocotrienol (δTE) can inhibit the growth and induce death of many types of cancer cells, and are capable of suppressing cancer development in preclinical cancer models. For these activities, these vitamin E forms are much stronger than αT. Further, recent research revealed novel anti‐inflammatory and anticancer effects of vitamin E metabolites including 13′‐carboxychromanols. This review focuses on anti‐proliferation and induction of death in cancer cells by vitamin E forms and metabolites, and discuss mechanisms underlying these anticancer activities. The existing in vitro and in vivo evidence indicates that γT, δT, tocotrienols and 13′‐carboxychromanols have anti‐cancer activities via modulating key signaling or mediators that regulate cell death and tumor progression, such as eicosanoids, NF‐κB, STAT3, PI3K, and sphingolipid metabolism. These results provide useful scientific rationales and mechanistic understanding for further translation of basic discoveries to the clinic with respect to potential use of these vitamin E forms and metabolites for cancer prevention and therapy. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(4):495–506, 2019
Tilorone activates NK cells and cytotoxic lymphocytes that kill HLA‐negative tumor cells
Authors: Sharapova Tatiana N. , Romanova Elena A. , Sashchenko Lidia P. , Yashin Denis V.
Published: December 2018

Tilorone hydrochloride, a low‐molecular‐weight synthetic compound, induces interferon production and has been reported to have both antiviral and antitumor activities. Here, we have demonstrated the ability of tilorone to activate NK cells and specific subpopulations of cytotoxic CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes that recognize immune‐evasive tumor cells and kill them via the FasL–Fas interaction. We have also performed a comparative analysis of characteristics between lymphocytes activated in the fraction of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) upon treatment with different stimulants of the immune response: tilorone, innate immunity protein Tag7, and cytokine IL‐2, a regulator of adaptive immunity. The results show that all the three stimulants, regardless of their nature, activate lymphocytes that are identical with respect to the spectrum of target cells, phenotype, and mechanism of cytotoxic action However, these stimulants induce different mechanisms of lymphocyte activation at early stages of the immune response. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(3):376–384, 2019
Population Pharmacokinetics and Exposure‐Response Modeling Analyses of Golimumab in Children With Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Xu Yan , Adedokun Omoniyi J. , Chan Daphne , Hu Chuanpu , Xu Zhenhua , Strauss Richard S. , Hyams Jeffrey S. , Turner Dan , Zhou Honghui
Published: December 2018

Population pharmacokinetics (PK) and exposure‐response (E‐R) analyses were conducted to compare the PK and E‐R relationships of golimumab between children and adults with ulcerative colitis. PK data following subcutaneous golimumab administration to children with ulcerative colitis (6‐17 years) in the PURSUIT‐PEDS‐PK study, adults with ulcerative colitis in the PURSUIT study, and children with pediatric polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (2‐17 years) in the GO‐KIDS study, were included in the population PK analysis. E‐R analysis was conducted using logistic regression to link serum golimumab concentration and Mayo score–based efficacy outcomes in pediatric and adult ulcerative colitis. Golimumab PK was adequately described by a 1‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and elimination. Golimumab apparent clearance and volume of distribution increased with body weight. Golimumab apparent clearance was higher in patients with lower serum albumin, no methotrexate use, and positive antibodies to golimumab; age was not an influential factor after accounting for body weight. Model‐estimated terminal half‐life (9.2 days in children; 9.5 days in adults) and other PK parameters suggest that golimumab PK properties are generally comparable between children and adults with ulcerative colitis. Simulations suggest that a higher induction dose than that tested in PURSUIT‐PEDS‐PK may be needed for children ≤45 kg to achieve exposures comparable to adults. Comparable E‐R relationships between children and adults with ulcerative colitis were observed, although children appeared to be more responsive for the more stringent remission end point. The overall comparable PK and E‐R relationships between children and adults support the extrapolation of golimumab efficacy from the adult to the pediatric ulcerative colitis population.
Magnetic sugarcane bagasse composite for atrazine and fluoride removal
Authors: Helen Toledo J , Alien Blanco‐Flores , Gustavo Lopez‐Téllez , Alfredo R Vilchis‐Nestor , Arteaga‐Larios Nubia , Rodríguez‐Torres Israel
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

The present investigation focuses on the synthesis and application of a magnetic adsorbent material formed by the agro‐industrial waste sugarcane bagasse (SCB). Its application in the removal of fluoride and atrazine demonstrates its properties as a potential adsorbent material for the treatment of contaminated wastewater.

RESULTS

The synthesis method proved to be simple and reproducible. The presence and distribution of magnetite and fluoride on the surface of the material were studied by characterization techniques (SEM, EDX, FTIR‐ATR). Several specific functional groups were identified which may interact with atrazine and fluoride molecules in the adsorption process. Kinetic results indicated that second‐ and pseudo‐second‐order model fitted better for the fluoride and atrazine adsorption processes, respectively. The adsorption processes took place by chemisorption onto heterogeneous surfaces. Isotherm data fitted better to the Langmuir–Freundlich model in both systems; therefore, the process took place by a combination of mechanisms. Cellulose and lignin from sugarcane bagasse contribute in the adsorption process, while magnetite not only improve performance of composite for the removal of the chemical species tested, but also achieve a simple separation process via magnetic interactions' with a common magnet. The adsorption capacities of the composites were 0.5036 mg g−1 for fluoride and 40.11 mg g−1 for atrazine.

CONCLUSION

The synthesis of the magnetic composite is simple and generates a material that is easy to manipulate and isolate after the process. The affinity of the composite with atrazine is greater than with fluoride; however, the composite can be used in systems with low concentration. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
A versatile synthetic route to the preparation of 15N heterocycles
Authors: Chukanov Nikita V. , Kidd Bryce E. , Kovtunova Larisa M. , Bukhtiyarov Valerii I. , Shchepin Roman V. , Chekmenev Eduard Y. , Goodson Boyd M. , Kovtunov Kirill V. , Koptyug Igor V.
Published: December 2018

A robust medium‐scale (approximately 3 g) synthetic method for 15N labeling of pyridine (15N‐Py) is reported based on the Zincke reaction. 15N enrichment in excess of 81% was achieved with approximately 33% yield. 15N‐Py serves as a standard substrate in a wide range of studies employing a hyperpolarization technique for efficient polarization transfer from parahydrogen to heteronuclei; this technique, called SABRE (signal amplification by reversible exchange), employs a simultaneous chemical exchange of parahydrogen and a to‐be‐hyperpolarized substrate (e.g., pyridine) on metal centers. In studies aimed at the development of hyperpolarized contrast agents for in vivo molecular imaging, pyridine is often employed either as a model substrate (for hyperpolarization technique development, quality assurance, and phantom imaging studies) or as a co‐substrate to facilitate more efficient hyperpolarization of a wide range of emerging contrast agents (e.g., nicotinamide). Here, the produced 15N‐Py was used for the feasibility study of spontaneous 15N hyperpolarization at high magnetic (HF) fields (7 T and 9.4 T) of an NMR spectrometer and an MRI scanner. SABRE hyperpolarization enabled acquisition of 2D MRI imaging of catalyst‐bound 15N‐pyridine with 75 × 75 mm2 field of view (FOV), 32 × 32 matrix size, demonstrating the feasibility of 15N HF‐SABRE molecular imaging with 2.4 × 2.4 mm2 spatial resolution.
Global wave‐2 structure of El Niño–Southern Oscillation‐modulated convection
Authors: Jury Mark R.
Published: December 2018

The temporal and spatial structure of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)‐modulated convection is analysed. Computation of the leading empirical orthogonal function mode in filtered satellite outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) fields yields a time score with a 4–5 year cycle that follows Niño3.4 sea surface temperature (SST), and a spatial loading pattern with global wave‐2 structure. Alternating centres of action are located over the central Pacific, West Atlantic, west Indian and Maritime Continent. The wave‐2 pattern is underpinned by a split Walker cell and June–August SST anomalies in the equatorial Atlantic opposite to the East Pacific and west Indian Oceans. Hovmoller plots of the upper velocity potential and sea surface height exhibit continuous eastwards propagation of a wave‐1 pattern in the 2010–2016 ENSO cycle. Atmospheric convection (OLR) reflects basin‐scale patterns that switch sign with ENSO phase, as coupled zonal propagating waves become super‐positioned.
Volume change in infrapatellar fat pad is associated not with obesity but with cartilage degeneration
Authors: Masaki Tadashi , Takahashi Kenji , Hashimoto Sanshiro , Ikuta Futoshi , Watanabe Atsuya , Kiuchi Shinji , Okuaki Tomoyuki , Mochizuki Yusuke , Takai Shinro
Published: December 2018

Infrapatellar fat pad has been implicated in knee osteoarthritis. We examined whether infrapatellar fat pad volume is associated with quantitative cartilage changes using magnetic resonance imaging T1ρ mapping. Fifty‐eight knees of knee pain patients (19 men, 39 women, mean age 57.0 [range 29–85] years) who were conservatively managed and had >1 T1ρ mapping images taken over time were evaluated. We used three slices from the medial femoral and tibial cartilage; areas showing T1ρ values <130 ms and >50 ms were designated as having cartilage degeneration. Cases were categorized into three groups: Improvement, No Change, and Deterioration. Fat‐suppressed T2‐weighted sagittal magnetic resonance images were used for measuring infrapatellar fat pad volume. Percent change in infrapatellar fat pad volume was −5.01 ± 5.66%, −2.06 ± 4.92%, and 0.05 ± 6.09% in the Improvement (n = 22), No Change (n = 22), and Deterioration (n = 14) groups, respectively, demonstrating significantly reduced infrapatellar fat pad volume in the Improvement group (p < 0.05). Multivariate regression analyses revealed that the percent change in infrapatellar fat pad volume significantly affected T1ρ change category independent of age, sex, follow‐up period, baseline infrapatellar fat pad volume, and Kellgren‐Lawrence grade. Infrapatellar fat pad volume and obesity or body weight change showed no correlation. Infrapatellar fat pad volume was reduced in patients with improved quantitative cartilage assessment on magnetic resonance imaging T1ρ mapping. This is the first study demonstrating associations between quantitative cartilage changes and infrapatellar fat pad morphological changes, suggesting a detrimental role of infrapatellar fat pad volume in articular cartilage degeneration. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Gingival crevicular fluid and salivary HIF‐1α, VEGF, and TNF‐α levels in periodontal health and disease
Authors: Afacan Beral , Öztürk Veli Özgen , Paşalı Çiğdem , Bozkurt Emir , Köse Timur , Emingil Gülnur
Published: December 2018

Background

Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 alpha (HIF‐1α) is expressed as an adaptive response to hypoxia, mediates angiogenesis through the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and can be induced by tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α). This study aimed to investigate the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and salivary HIF‐1α, VEGF, and TNF‐α levels in periodontal health and disease.

Methods

A total of 87 individuals, 20 generalized aggressive periodontitis (G‐AgP), 20 chronic periodontitis (CP), 26 gingivitis patients, and 21 periodontally healthy individuals, were included. Clinical periodontal parameters were recorded; GCF and salivary samples were collected; and HIF‐1α, VEGF, and TNF‐α levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Nonparametric tests were used for the statistical analyses.

Results

G‐AgP and CP groups had significantly higher GCF HIF‐1α, VEGF, and TNF‐α total amounts than gingivitis and healthy groups (P < 0.05). GCF HIF‐1α and TNF‐α total amounts in gingivitis group were significantly higher than the healthy group (P < 0.05). GCF and salivary concentrations of biomarkers were similar in both periodontitis groups (P > 0.05). Salivary HIF‐1α concentrations in gingivitis group were significantly higher than G‐AgP and healthy groups (P < 0.05). GCF HIF‐1α, VEGF, and TNF‐α total amounts were positively correlated with the site‐specific clinical periodontal parameters and with each other (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

HIF‐1α is detectable in GCF and saliva of periodontally diseased and healthy individuals, and the GCF levels of the biomarker can be affected by disease status. Increased GCF HIF‐1α, VEGF, and TNF‐α levels in both chronic and aggressive form of periodontitis might suggest the role of TNF‐α/HIF‐1α/VEGF pathway in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases.
The Nomological Network of a Behavioral Distress Tolerance Task in Veterans
Authors: Brown Ruth C. , Overstreet Cassie , Sheerin Christina , Berenz Erin , Hawn Sage , Pickett Treven , McDonald Scott , Danielson Carla Kmett , Amstadter Ananda B.
Published: December 2018

There is a relative lack of research on distress tolerance (DT) in veteran samples. The aims of the study were to (a) evaluate convergent and discriminant validity of a behavioral measure of DT compared to theoretically similar (i.e., self‐report DT, negative urgency) and dissimilar (i.e., risk‐taking) constructs and (b) evaluate the concurrent validity of DT in relation to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive symptoms in a veteran sample. A sample of U.S. veterans who served after the September 11, 2001 terror attacks (N = 306, 89.9% male; M age 30.2 years, SD = 4.5, range: 21–40 years) completed self‐report and behavioral measures of DT, risk‐taking, impulsivity, and depressive symptoms, and completed a clinical interview for PTSD. Results of a multitrait–multimethod matrix found significant yet minimal shared variance, r2 = .01–.03, ps = .002–.055, between the self‐report and behavioral measures of DT. We used a series of multiple regressions to examine the relative contribution of the behavioral and self‐report DT measures in the prediction of PTSD and depressive symptoms. Self‐reported, but not behavioral, DT accounted for unique variance in PTSD, r2 = .12, p < .001, and depressive symptoms, r2 = .23, p < .001. Participants with PTSD or higher scores on measures of depression were more likely to report greater increases in frustration and irritability after completing the behavioral task. Results indicate that DT is not a unidimensional construct and must be considered in the context of specific emotions (e.g., tolerance of irritability vs. fear) and contexts (e.g., behavioral, affective).
Supraglottic Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Population‐Based Study of 22,675 Cases
Authors: Patel Tapan D. , Echanique Kristen A. , Yip Candice , Hsueh Wayne D. , Baredes Soly , Park Richard Chan Woo , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: December 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

The authors used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to analyze epidemiological features of patients presenting with supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma (SCCa) and to evaluate treatment trends and outcomes.

Methods

The SEER database was queried for patients with supraglottic SCCa from 1973 to 2013. Information on demographics; tumor size; histologic grade; American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage; SEER local, regional, distant stage; and treatment modality were analyzed.

Results

There were 22,675 cases of primary supraglottic SCCa identified. The mean age at diagnosis was 62.3 years, with males accounting for 70.3% of all cases. A high percentage of patients presented with stage IV disease (44.9%). The most common treatment modality was radiotherapy (46.6%), followed by combination of surgery and radiotherapy (29.2%) and surgery alone (15.0%). Overall 5‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) for all cases was 54.0%. When stratified by treatment modality, 5‐year DSS was best for patients receiving surgery alone (64.2%). However, for patients with AJCC stage IV disease, survival was significantly better with combined surgery and radiotherapy (52.5%).

Conclusion

In general, supraglottic SCCa is treated most commonly with radiotherapy, followed by surgery and radiotherapy. Patients managed surgically had better 5‐year DSS when compared to patients treated by other modalities. However, when stratified by stage, patients with AJCC stage IV disease had significantly better survival with combined surgery and radiotherapy. Of patients receiving surgery, supraglottic laryngectomy was found to have a significantly better 5‐year DSS when compared to both total laryngectomy and laryngectomy, not otherwise specified.

Level of Evidence

NA

Laryngoscope, 129:1822–1827, 2019
Improving the corrosion and wear resistance of grey cast iron components by surface welding with duplex stainless steel using regulated gas metal arc welding: Influence of dilution on corrosion properties
Authors: Reisgen U. , Sharma R. , Wieland S. , Gonzalez E. , Oechsner M. , Andersohn G. , Ellermeier J. , Siebers M. , Heider B.
Published: December 2018

Surface welding of duplex stainless steel on lamellar grey cast iron was performed to produce thick (several millimetres) protective surface layers with a regulated gas metal arc welding process. As dominant parameters, the influence of the composition of the shielding gas (argon‐helium mixture) as well as preheating temperature on the corrosion resistance were investigated. Both the addition of helium to shielding gas and preheating of the base material increase the heat input and reduce the cooling rates and result in higher dilution. This leads to reduced hardness in the heat affected zone and prevents cracking. However, the formation and portion of carbides in the surface layers increase. The influence of these parameters on the microstructure in the surface layers as well as in the heat affected zone and the influence on the corrosion behaviour in artificial seawater were investigated with immersion tests and potentiodynamic polarization measurements. The corrosion properties of the parent lamellar grey cast iron were greatly enhanced by the surface layers, but inferior to duplex stainless steel. With additional metallographic investigations the corrosion mechanisms were investigated. The corrosion mechanisms are extensively influenced by the phase distribution in the surface layers and by the formation of carbides.
The impact of firm membership in an Independent System Operator (ISO) on production cost and cost efficiency in the generation sector of the U.S. electric utility industry
Authors: Granderson Gerald
Published: December 2018

This paper examines how ISO membership impacts cost efficiency. Utilities joining ISOs can face more competition in selling electric power, possibly leading to lower profits, which can incentivize utilities to operate more cost efficiently to maintain a specified level of profits. The empirical model involves estimating a Probit model, then OLS regression, then a stochastic cost frontier. Using a 1992 to 2000 panel of 34 investor‐owned electric utilities, empirical results indicate that ISO membership contributed to higher production cost, lower cost efficiency, and ISO members subject to the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments operated more cost efficiently than ISO members not subject to the Amendments.
Combination of Whole Grapeseed Flour and Newly Isolated Kefir Lactic Acid Bacteria Reduces High‐Fat‐Induced Hepatic Steatosis
Authors: Kwon Ji‐Hye , Lee Hyeon Gyu , Seo Kun‐Ho , Kim Hyunsook
Published: December 2018

Scope

This study aims to determine the separate and combined effect of a prebiotic (catechin‐rich wine grapeseed flour, GSF) and a probiotic (newly isolated kefir lactic acid bacteria, LAB) on hepatic steatosis of obese mice.

Methods and results

High‐fat (HF)‐induced obese mice are fed a HF diet containing 6% microcrystalline cellulose (MCC, control), 10% GSF, orally administrated LAB, or a combination of GSF and LAB for 9 weeks. There is a significant reduction of body weight gain and liver weights, plasma insulin concentrations, and HOMA‐IR in all experimental groups compared to control. Total lipid content, triglyceride, and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐cholesterol concentrations of the liver are also significantly lowered. The combination of GSF and LAB further significantly affects cecum propionate content, plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST/GOT), and zonulin concentrations, which is significantly correlated with hepatic lipid content. Analysis of hepatic microarray data reveals that genes related to lipid synthesis, bile acid and cholesterol synthesis, antioxidant activities, oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver function are significantly modulated following the combination of GSF and LAB.

Conclusion

These data suggest that amelioration of HF‐induced hepatic steatosis after consumption of GSF and LAB is partially mediated via alteration of cecum propionate and intestinal permeability, which modulates hepatic gene expression.
Predictive gamma passing rate by dose uncertainty potential accumulation model
Authors: Shiba Eiji , Saito Akito , Furumi Makoto , Murakami Yuji , Ohguri Takayuki , Tsuneda Masato , Yahara Katsuya , Nishio Teiji , Korogi Yukunori , Nagata Yasushi
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) utilizes many small fields for producing a uniform dose distribution. Therefore, there are many field junctions in the target region, and resulting dose uncertainties are accumulated. However, such accumulation of the dose uncertainty has not been implemented in the current practice of IMRT dose verification. The purpose of this study is to develop a method to predict the gamma passing rate (GPR) using a dose uncertainty accumulation model.

Methods

Thirty‐three intensity‐modulated (IM) beams for head‐and‐neck cases with step‐and‐shoot techniques were used in this study. The treatment plan was created using the XiO treatment planning system (TPS). The IM beam was produced by the ONCOR Impression Plus linear accelerator. MapCHECK was used to measure the dose distribution. The distribution of a dose uncertainty potential (DUP) was generated by in‐house software that accumulated field shapes weighted by a segmental monitor unit, followed by Gaussian folding. The width of the Gaussian was determined from the width of the lateral penumbra. The dose difference between the calculated and measured doses was compared with the estimated DUP at each point. The GPR of each beam was predicted for 2%/2‐mm, 3%/2‐mm, and 3%/3‐mm tolerances by its own DUP histogram and a GPR‐vs‐DUP correlation of other beams using the leave‐one‐out cross‐validation method. The predicted GPR was compared with the measured GPR to evaluate the performance of this prediction method. The criteria for the predicted GPR corresponding to a measured GPR ≥ 90% were estimated to examine the feasibility of estimating the measured GPR by this GPR prediction method.

Results

The DUP was confirmed to have proportionality to the standard deviation (SD) of the dose difference. The SDs of the difference between the measured and predicted GPRs were 3.1, 1.7, and 1.4% for 2%/2‐mm, 3%/2‐mm, and 3%/3‐mm tolerances, respectively. The criteria of the predicted GPR corresponding to the measured GPR ≥ 90% were 94.1 and 95.0% with confidence levels of 99 and 99.9%, respectively.

Conclusion

In this study, we confirmed the good proportionality between the dose difference and the estimated DUP. The results showed a feasibility to predict the dose difference from DUP as estimated by a DUP accumulation model. The predicted GPR developed in this study showed good accuracy for planar dose distributions of head and neck IMRT. The prediction method developed in this study is considered to be feasible as a substitute for the current practice of measurement‐based verification of the dose distribution with gamma analysis.
Evaluation of multi‐frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis for the assessment of body composition in individuals with obesity
Authors: Sullivan P. A. , Still C. D. , Jamieson S. T. , Dixon C. B. , Irving B. A. , Andreacci J. L.
Published: December 2018

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare body composition measurements estimated by multi‐frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MF‐BIA) with air displacement plethysmography (ADP) in individuals with obesity.

Methods

Bariatric patients were recruited from Geisinger's Center for Nutrition and Weight Management Clinic in Danville, Pennsylvania. Sixty‐two participants (age = 52.4 ± 9.3 years; body mass index = 38.9 ± 8.0 kg m−2) reported for a same‐day testing visit. Body composition was measured using a common MF‐BIA analyzer (InBody 720, Biospace Co., Beverly Hills, CA) and ADP.

Results

Strong relationships were observed between MF‐BIA and ADP methods (r = 0.88–0.96, P < 0.001). There were no differences between MF‐BIA and ADP measures of per cent body fat, fat mass or fat‐free mass for the total sample or when examined by gender.

Conclusions

The InBody 720 MF‐BIA analyzer produced body composition measurements that were similar to ADP supporting the use of this technology in the obese population.
Entropic effect implication for change in polymer coils swelling state in the demixing enthalpy recovery of aqueous poly(vinyl methyl ether) solutions
Authors: Song Li , Lin Jiaxiang , He Yang , Li Jingqing , Sheng Jing , Jiang Shichun , Huang Dinghai
Published: December 2018

Time‐dependent demixing enthalpy recovery behavior of aqueous poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME) solutions exhibits distinct recovery characteristics in three concentration regions. The absence of recovery behavior below a water concentration of 38.3 wt % indicates that the PVME coil is in a globular state. The typically sigmoidal recovery behavior of demixing enthalpy above 38.3 wt % is ascribed to the reswelling of the collapsed polymer coils induced by the entropic effect. The increase in difference between the upper and lower limits indicates the continued swelling of the PVME coils. Above 65 wt %, a dominant diluting effect can be observed, and a much longer phase separation time is needed to reach the expected lower limit. In contrast, the recovery of demixing enthalpy in a wide range of water concentration (from 38.3 to 90 wt %) exhibits the same feature. The infrared spectroscopy results are in agreement with the above macroscopic differential scanning calorimetry results. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 142–151
Efficacy of problem‐solving therapy for spouses of men with prostate cancer: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Malcarne Vanessa L. , Ko Celine M. , Roesch Scott C. , Banthia Rajni , Sadler Georgia Robins
Published: December 2018

Objective

Prostate cancer can have a significant negative impact on patients and their spouses. Problem‐solving therapy (PST) has been shown to help reduce distress and improve quality of life among cancer and caregiver populations. This study tested the efficacy of PST for spouses of men with prostate cancer.

Methods

Spouses of men diagnosed with prostate cancer within the past 18 months (N = 164) were randomly assigned to PST (n = 78) or usual psychosocial care (UPC; n = 86). Spouses completed measures of constructive and dysfunctional problem solving, cancer‐related distress, mood, physical and mental health, and dyadic adjustment at preintervention and post‐intervention and 3‐month post‐intervention follow‐up.

Results

Constructive problem solving increased from pre‐intervention to post‐intervention among spouses receiving PST but not for spouses receiving UPC; this was maintained at follow‐up. There was no decrease in dysfunctional problem solving. Spouses receiving PST versus UPC reported less cancer‐related distress post‐intervention and at follow‐up. There were no significant changes in mood or physical and mental health. Dyadic adjustment was significantly better for spouses receiving PST versus UPC at post‐intervention but not at follow‐up. Improvements in constructive problem solving mediated better mood and dyadic adjustment post‐intervention.

Conclusions

Results support the efficacy of PST for improving spouses' constructive problem solving. There was evidence of both direct and mediated positive effects of PST for both individual and dyadic adjustment. PST may be useful for improving individual and dyadic outcomes for spouses of men with prostate cancer.
Periostin levels in children without respiratory disease
Authors: O'Connell Patricia , Gaston Benjamin , Bonfield Tracey , Grabski Theresa , Fletcher David , Shein Steven L.
Published: December 2018

Background

Periostin is a protein that serves as a downstream marker of the T‐helper type 2 (Th2) cell response. It may serve to identify drug‐responsive inflammatory phenotypes, particularly in children with asthma and possibly bronchiolitis. There are no published levels of periostin in healthy children <2 years of age, limiting interpretation of periostin levels in disease. We sought to explore the range of periostin levels of children <2 years without significant confounding illnesses.

Methods

Children undergoing clinically indicated phlebotomy or having a peripheral intravenous catheter inserted prior to general anesthesia or procedural sedation were enrolled. A 0.5 mL sample of blood was collected and frozen at −70°C. After thawing, periostin was measured with a Luminex assay (R&D Systems, Minneapolis, MN). Medical record review and/or parental interview elicited potential variables associated with periostin. Association was evaluated using Mann‐Whitney rank sum test, Kruskal‐Wallis ANOVA, and Spearman correlation as appropriate.

Results

Among 43 children (23 male, 20 female, age range 9‐15.7 months), periostin levels were inversely correlated to age (r = −0.438, P = 0.003). Periostin levels also differed significantly between children <12mo (734.0 [576.6‐906.5] ng/mL), 12‐18mo (645.1 [363.8‐538.2] ng/mL) and >18mo (416.4 [363.8‐538.15] ng/mL) (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In our sample of relatively healthy patients <2 years old, periostin levels were inversely correlated with age and not dependent on other studied variables. However, further work is needed to establish normal periostin values in young children.
The role of polysomnography in decannulation of children with brain and spinal cord injuries
Authors: Morrow Amanda K. , Tunkel David E. , Collaco Joseph M. , McGrath‐Morrow Sharon A. , Lam Janet C. , Accardo Jennifer A. , Rybczynski Suzanne V.
Published: December 2018

Objective

The objective of this retrospective review was to determine the utility of polysomnography (PSG) in influencing the decision to decannulate pediatric patients with brain and spinal cord injuries in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital setting.

Methods

Between 2010 and 2016, data were collected on pediatric patients with brain and/or spinal cord injuries who had PSG performed with the goal of decannulation. Patients underwent a decannulation protocol involving toleration of continuous tracheostomy capping and bedside tracheoscopy by otolaryngology. Decision to decannulate was determined with input from multiple disciplines. Associations were examined between decannulation success and findings on PSG as well as demographic factors, injury characteristics, otolaryngology findings, and timeline from initial injury to selected events.

Results

A total of 46 patients underwent PSG, after which 38 (83%) were deemed appropriate and eight (17%) were deemed inappropriate for decannulation. Individuals who were deemed ready for decannulation had significantly lower obstructive apnea hypopnea indexes (AHI) (1.7 vs 5.4 events/h, P = 0.03), respiratory disturbance indexes (RDI) (2.4 vs 7.6 events/h, P = 0.006), and peak end tidal carbon dioxide (CO2) levels (50.0 vs 58.7 torr, P = 0.009) on PSG compared to those who were not decannulated. There were no complications following decannulation prior to discharge.

Conclusion

PSG provided important additional information as part of a multidisciplinary team assessment of clinical readiness for decannulation in pediatric patients with brain and spinal cord injuries who underwent a decannulation protocol. Obstructive AHI, RDI, and peak end tidal CO2 level were associated with successful decannulation prior to discharge from inpatient rehabilitation.
CAR‐T cell therapy: personalised immunotherapy for cancer
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: December 2018

Tisagenlecleucel and axicabtagene ciloleucel – recently licensed for the treatment of certain patients with leukaemia or lymphoma – are the first of a new wave of personalised cancer treatments known as CAR‐T cell therapies. This article discusses their innovative mechanism of action, clinical trial efficacy, adverse effects and future place in therapy.
Thyroid hormone replacement: applying the Goldilocks principle
Authors: Tran Anh , Hyer Steve , Bathgate Gabriella , Okosieme Onyebuchi
Published: December 2018

The Goldilocks principle, ie not too much or too little, but just right, is important when prescribing thyroid hormone replacement, especially in the elderly or women of reproductive age. The authors present the results of their multi‐practice audit evaluating the monitoring of patients on thyroid hormone replacement in primary care.
Phosphorene as H2S and CH4 Gas Sensor
Authors: Mansouri Elham , Karamdel Javad , Berahman Masoud , Ahmadi Mohammad Taghi
Published: December 2018

First‐principle calculations within density functional theory are carried out to investigate the adsorption of various gas molecules, including hydrogen sulfide and methane on two‐dimensional monolayer phosphorene in order to fully exploit the gas sensing capabilities. The adsorption properties of different molecules in the environment on monolayer phosphorene base material is discussed in terms of the Mulliken charge transfer, energy band gap, adsorption energy. The prominent adsorption sites of methane, hydrogen sulfide, water, and oxygen on monolayer phosphorene are investigated at an atomistic level. Based on the results the transport properties of monolayer phosphorene exposed to these gas molecules are investigated both in zigzag and armchair direction using non‐equilibrium Green function tuned with density functional theory. The results show that using both directions simultaneously as gas sensing can be an effective technique to distinguish hydrogen sulfide and methane gas molecules from others and demonstrate great selectivity.
Ultrastable Combined Planar‐Fiber Plasmon Sensor
Authors: Tomyshev Kirill A. , Tazhetdinova Diana K. , Manuilovich Egor S. , Butov Oleg V.
Published: December 2018

A new design for a hybrid fiber‐planar refractive index sensor based on the surface plasmon resonance effect is presented. The key element of the design is a thin layer of gold covering a tilted fiber Bragg grating. In the study, a specially developed microfluidic chip is used to perform measurements directly in the flow of the investigated liquid. Rigidly mounting the sensor to the base of the fluid chip is proposed. The presented experimental data demonstrate the high stability of the sensor readings and the low noise level during measurements in a liquid flow. The proposed construction is a promising decision for application in compact immunoassay systems based on microfluidic technologies.
Robust nonlinear control of atomic force microscope via immersion and invariance
Authors: Keighobadi Jafar , Hosseini‐Pishrobat Mehran , Faraji Javad , Oveisi Atta , Nestorović Tamara
Published: December 2018

This paper reports an immersion and invariance (I&I)–based robust nonlinear controller for atomic force microscope (AFM) applications. The AFM dynamics is prone to chaos, which, in practice, leads to performance degradation and inaccurate measurements. Therefore, we design a nonlinear tracking controller that stabilizes the AFM dynamics around a desired periodic orbit. To this end, in the tracking error state space, we define a target invariant manifold, on which the system dynamics fulfills the control objective. First, considering a nominal case with full state measurement and no modeling uncertainty, we design an I&I controller to render the target manifold exponentially attractive. Next, we consider an uncertain AFM dynamics, in which only the displacement of the probe cantilever is measured. In the framework of the I&I method, we recast the robust output feedback control problem as the immersion of the output feedback closed‐loop system into the nominal full state one. For this purpose, we define another target invariant manifold that recovers the performance of the nominal control system. Moreover, to handle large uncertainty/disturbances, we incorporate the method of active disturbance rejection into the I&I output feedback control. Through Lyapunov‐based analysis of the closed‐loop stability and robustness, we show the semiglobal practical stability and convergence of the tracking error dynamics. Finally, we present a set of detailed, comparative software simulations to assess the effectiveness of the control method.
Robust variable screening for regression using factor profiling
Authors: Wang Yixin , Van Aelst Stefan
Published: December 2018

Sure independence screening is a fast procedure for variable selection in ultra‐high dimensional regression analysis. Unfortunately, its performance greatly deteriorates with increasing dependence among the predictors. To solve this issue, Factor Profiled Sure Independence Screening (FPSIS) models the correlation structure of the predictor variables, assuming that it can be represented by a few latent factors. The correlations can then be profiled out by projecting the data onto the orthogonal complement of the subspace spanned by these factors. However, neither of these methods can handle the presence of outliers in the data. Therefore, we propose a robust screening method which uses a least trimmed squares method to estimate the latent factors and the factor‐profiled variables. Variable screening is then performed on factor profiled variables by using regression MM‐estimators. Different types of outliers in this model and their roles in variable screening are studied. Both simulation studies and a real data analysis show that the proposed robust procedure has good performance on clean data and outperforms the two nonrobust methods on contaminated data.
Mesoporous V‐Zr Catalysts for Selective Formation of 1,4‐Naphthoquinone by Degradation of Naphthalene with Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Yu Chaojie , Zhou Zhiwei , Qin Juan , Li Yang , Liu Guang , Wu Wenliang
Published: December 2018

In order to control the deep oxidation of naphthalene with hydrogen peroxide for increasing the 1,4‐naphthoquinone selectivity, the mesoporous V−Zr samples were prepared by evaporation induced self‐assembly (EISA) method, and their physical chemical properties were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer, N2 sorption, Raman, temperature programmed oxidation, scanning electron microscope‐energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope techniques. The characterization results showed that the vanadium species can be successfully homogeneously incorporated into the ordered framework of mesoporous ZrO2, and it would stabilize the tetragonal ZrO2 phase and increase the temperature of phase transformation from tetragonal to monoclinic phase. The highest surface areas and appropriate pore volumes derived from more oxygen vacancies owing to the valence unbalance between the vanadium and zirconium species for the 12V−Zr‐773 sample with the Xm value of 1.1% has a better catalytic performance than other catalysts, whose selectivity of 1,4‐naphthoquinone can reach 67.7%. The catalytic performance would be promoted and the catalytic stability can be kept well even after reaction for five times using ascorbic acid as reducer. This method can provide a valuable reference for the degradation of naphthalene to the protection of the environment.
Composition of MoO2 Nanoparticles with RGO Sheets as Improved Lithium Ion Battery Anode
Authors: Patil Shivaraj B. , Kishore Brij , Reddy Viswanath , Ganganagappa Nagaraju
Published: December 2018

Though molybdenum dioxide (MoO2) has attractive properties, conductivity is still threat to its implementation as it is very low compared to graphite. Herein, we have come up with MoO2‐rGO nanocomposite to mitigate this drawback, where nano sized MoO2 particles have been synthesised and supported with graphene sheets. Several physicochemical characterization techniques have been used to confirm the desired state of the obtained material. In this report, rGO supported MoO2 nanoparticles have been investigated as an anode for lithium ion battery and its electrochemical properties have been extensively studied. The new architecture exhibits excellent electrochemical performance by delivering a high discharge capacity of 1205 mA h g−1 even after 100 cycles. It also exhibits good rate capability by delivering discharge capacities of 809, 753, 675 mA h g−1 at current rates of 1 C, 3 C and 5 C, respectively.
SOX2 Regulates P63 and Stem/Progenitor Cell State in the Corneal Epithelium
Authors: Bhattacharya Swarnabh , Serror Laura , Nir Eshkar , Dhiraj Dalbir , Altshuler Anna , Khreish Maroun , Tiosano Beatrice , Hasson Peleg , Panman Lia , Luxenburg Chen , Aberdam Daniel , Shalom-Feuerstein Ruby
Published: December 2018

Mutations in key transcription factors SOX2 and P63 were linked with developmental defects and postnatal abnormalities such as corneal opacification, neovascularization, and blindness. The latter phenotypes suggest that SOX2 and P63 may be involved in corneal epithelial regeneration. Although P63 has been shown to be a key regulator of limbal stem cells, the expression pattern and function of SOX2 in the adult cornea remained unclear. Here, we show that SOX2 regulates P63 to control corneal epithelial stem/progenitor cell function. SOX2 and P63 were co-expressed in the stem/progenitor cell compartments of the murine cornea in vivo and in undifferentiated human limbal epithelial stem/progenitor cells in vitro. In line, a new consensus site that allows SOX2-mediated regulation of P63 enhancer was identified while repression of SOX2 reduced P63 expression, suggesting that SOX2 is upstream to P63. Importantly, knockdown of SOX2 significantly attenuated cell proliferation, long-term colony-forming potential of stem/progenitor cells, and induced robust cell differentiation. However, this effect was reverted by forced expression of P63, suggesting that SOX2 acts, at least in part, through P63. Finally, miR-450b was identified as a direct repressor of SOX2 that was required for SOX2/P63 downregulation and cell differentiation. Altogether, we propose that SOX2/P63 pathway is an essential regulator of corneal stem/progenitor cells while mutations in SOX2 or P63 may disrupt epithelial regeneration, leading to loss of corneal transparency and blindness. Stem Cells  2019;37:417–429
The Impact of Integrin β2 on Granulocyte/Macrophage Progenitor Proliferation
Authors: Zhang Li-Jie , Yan Cen , Schouteden Sarah , Ma Xiao-Juan , Zhao Dong , Peters Thorsten , Verfaillie Catherine M. , Feng Ying-Mei
Published: December 2018

Previously, we reported that although the HSPC frequency in bone marrow cells (BMC) was comparable between β2−/− and β2+/+ mice, transplantation of β2−/− BMC into lethally irradiated CD45.1 recipient resulted in more myeloid cell production than β2+/+ BMC. The objective of this study is to address if integrin β2 deficiency skews granulocyte/macrophage progenitor (GMP) proliferation. FACS analysis demonstrated that GMP frequency and cell number were higher and megakaryocyte/erythrocyte progenitor frequency and cell number were lower in β2−/− mice than β2+/+ mice. However, the common myeloid progenitors (CMP) frequency and cell number were similar between the two groups. The increased GMP number was due to GMP proliferation as evidenced by the percentage of BrdU-incorporating GMP. Whole genome transcriptome analysis identified increased FcεRIα expression in β2−/− CMP compared to β2+/+ CMP. FcεRIα expression on β2−/− GMP was detected increased in β2−/− mice by qRT-PCR and FACS. Although transplantation of FcεRIαhi GMP or FcεRIαlo GMP into lethally irradiated CD45.1 recipient resulted in comparable myeloid cell production, transplantation of β2 deficient FcεRIαhi GMP generated more myeloid cells than β2+/+ FcεRIαhi GMP. GATA2 expression was increased in β2−/− GMP. Using a luciferase reporter assay, we demonstrated that mutation of the GATA2 binding site in the FcεRIα promoter region diminished FcεRIα transcription. In vitro, the addition of IgE, the ligand of FcεRIα, promoted GMP expansion, which was abrogated by inhibition of JNK phosphorylation. Integrin β2 deficiency promoted GMP proliferation and myeloid cell production, which was mediated via FcεRIα/IgE-induced JNK phosphorylation in GMP. Stem Cells  2019;37:430–440