bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of polyketides from low cost substrates by the thermotolerant yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus
Authors: McTaggart Tami L. , Bever Danielle , Bassett Shane , Da Silva Nancy A.
Published: March 2019

Kluyveromyces marxianus is a promising nonconventional yeast for biobased chemical production due to its rapid growth rate, high TCA cycle flux, and tolerance to low pH and high temperature. Unlike Saccharomyces cerevisiae, K. marxianus grows on low‐cost substrates to cell densities that equal or surpass densities in glucose, which can be beneficial for utilization of lignocellulosic biomass (xylose), biofuel production waste (glycerol), and whey (lactose). We have evaluated K. marxianus for the synthesis of polyketides, using triacetic acid lactone (TAL) as the product. The 2‐pyrone synthase (2‐PS) was expressed on a CEN/ARS plasmid in three different strains, and the effects of temperature, carbon source, and cultivation strategy on TAL levels were determined. The highest titer was obtained in defined 1% xylose medium at 37°C, with substantial titers at 41 and 43°C. The introduction of a high‐stability 2‐PS mutant and a promoter substitution increased titer four‐fold. 2‐PS expression from a multi‐copy pKD1‐based plasmid improved TAL titers a further five‐fold. Combining the best plasmid, promoter, and strain resulted in a TAL titer of 1.24 g/L and a yield of 0.0295 mol TAL/mol carbon for this otherwise unengineered strain in 3 ml tube culture. This is an excellent titer and yield (on xylose) before metabolic engineering or fed‐batch culture relative to other hosts (on glucose), and demonstrates the promise of this rapidly growing and thermotolerant yeast species for polyketide production.
Dispersion and Phase Separation of Water‐Oil‐Amphiphile Systems in Stirred Tanks
Authors: Hohl Lena , Röder Vanessa , Kraume Matthias
Published: March 2019

Drop size distributions and phase separation behavior of water‐oil‐nonionic amphiphile systems are investigated using an in situ endoscope measurement technique and an external camera in stirred tanks in batch mode. The fitting procedure and the simulation results of a phase separation model are analyzed under the condition that either the swarm sedimentation speed or the mean drop size during sedimentation is known. The steady‐state drop size distributions are self‐similar over the whole range of process parameters, but not in the decaying turbulence field after agitation stop. The coalescence rate in the first seconds after agitation stop clearly affects the separation behavior, so that a prediction of the separation time based on the initial conditions in steady state is not trivial.
DNA barcodes and evidence of cryptic diversity of anthropophagous mosquitoes in Quintana Roo, Mexico
Authors: Chan‐Chable Rahuel J. , Martínez‐Arce Arely , Mis‐Avila Pedro C. , Ortega‐Morales Aldo I.
Published: March 2019

Culicidae mosquitoes are potential vectors of pathogens that affect human health. The correct species identification, as well as the discovery and description of cryptic species, is important in public health for the control and management of specific vectors. In the present study, the diversity of anthropophagous mosquitoes in Quintana Roo, at the border between Mexico and Belize, was evaluated using morphological and molecular data (COI‐DNA Barcoding). A total of 1,413 adult female specimens were collected, belonging to eight genera and 31 morphospecies. Most species formed well‐supported clades. Intraspecific Kimura 2 parameters (K2P) distance average was 0.75%, and a maximum distance of 4.40% was observed for Anopheles crucianss.l. ABGD method identified 28 entities, while 32 entities were identified with the BIN system. In Culex interrogator and Culex nigripalpus a low interspecific genetic distance of 0.1% was observed. One undescribed species belonging to the genus Aedes (Aedesn. sp.) was discovered, but no clear genetic divergence was found between this species and the closely related species Aedes angustivittatus. An intraspecific K2P distance greater than 2.7% was observed in Aedes serratus(3.9%), Anopheles crucianss.l. (4.4%), Culex taeniopus (3.7%), Haemagogus equinus (3.9%), Culex erraticus (5.0%), Psorophora ferox (4.5%), and in Anopheles apicimacula(8.10%); therefore, evidences of cryptic diversity are shown in these species. This study showed that DNA barcodes offer a reliable framework for mosquito species identification in Quintana Roo, except for some closely related species for which it is recommended to use additional nuclear genetic markers such as ITS2, in order to resolve these small discrepancies.
Factors associated with prolonged length of stay in patients admitted with severe hypoglycaemia to a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Chua Jia Min , Lim Weiying , Bee Yong Mong , Goh Su‐Yen , Edmund Chan Tick Chia , Andrew Tan Xia Huang , Wee Zongwen , Xin Xiaohui , Ang Li Chang , Heng Wee May , Teh Ming Ming
Published: March 2019

Severe hypoglycaemia carries considerable morbidity and potential mortality. We aim to elucidate the factors which were associated with a prolonged length of stay (LOS) among patients with diabetes who were admitted to the hospital with severe hypoglycaemia. Three hundred and four patients were included in the analysis, with a mean age of 70.6 ± 11.3 years, mean glycated haemoglobin of 6.9 ± 1.3% and median LOS of 3 days. Patients with a LOS >3 days had significantly higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (4.9 ± 2.1 vs 4.1 ± 2.1, P < 0.01), a lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (34.6 ± 31.4 mL/min vs 44.8 ± 28.9 mL/min, P = 0.01) and a higher proportion of these patients suffered from recurrent hypoglycaemia during the admission (38.9% vs 27.7%, P = 0.04). In addition, they had higher white cell counts (11.1 ± 4.8 × 109/L vs 9.3 ± 3.2 × 109/L) and lower albumin concentrations (32.9 ± 6.6 g/L vs 36.8 ± 4.9 g/L). Bivariate analysis showed that the same factors were associated with prolonged LOS. Identification of risk factors associated with prolonged LOS provides the opportunity for intervention to reduce the LOS and improve the outcomes for these patients.
Serum prolactin overestimation and risk of misdiagnosis
Authors: De Sousa Sunita M.C. , Saleem Mohamed , Rankin Wayne , Torpy David J.
Published: March 2019

Background

Falsely elevated prolactin measurements risk overdiagnosis, and unnecessary imaging and treatment.

Design

We conducted a clinical audit of 18 patients who presented with hyperprolactinaemia, followed by a laboratory audit of 40 split samples across a range of serum prolactin (5‐5051 mIU/L). In each case (total n = 58), serum prolactin was measured on both Roche and Siemens platforms.

Results

Serum prolactin as measured by Roche was higher than the corresponding Siemens value in every case, despite similar reference ranges. The mean discrepancy in serum prolactin by Roche vs. Siemens was +81% in the clinical audit and +50% in the laboratory audit. This led to unnecessary interventions in 7/18 patients (39%) in the clinical audit.

Conclusions

Serum prolactin is overestimated on the Roche relative to the Siemens platform. Laboratories should review Roche reference intervals for serum prolactin, and clinicians should consider repeating serum prolactin on another platform if the serum prolactin is incongruent with the clinical scenario.
Examined and positive lymph nodes counts and lymph nodes ratio are associated with survival in major salivary gland cancer
Authors: Elhusseiny Khaled Mosaad , Abd‐Elhay Fatma Abd‐Elshahed , Kamel Mohamed Gomaa , Abd El Hamid Hassan Heba Hassan , El Tanany Heba Hussien Muhammad , Hieu Truong Hong , Tieu Thuan Minh , Low Soon Khai , Hou Vincent , Dibas Mahmoud , Huy Nguyen Tien
Published: March 2019

Background

We aimed to investigate the prognostic role of examined (dissected) lymph nodes (ELNs), negative LNs (NLNs), and positive (metastatic) LNs (PLNs) counts and LN ratio (LNR = PLNs/ELNs×100) in patients with major salivary gland cancer (SGC).

Methods

Data were retrieved for major SGC patients diagnosed between 1988 and 2011 from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program.

Results

We have included 5446 patients with major SGC. Most patients had parotid gland cancer (84.61%). Patients having >18 ELNs, >4 PLNs, and >33.33% LNR were associated with a worse survival. Moreover, older age, male patients, grade IV, distant stage, unmarried patients, submandibular gland cancer, and received chemotherapy but not received surgery were significantly associated with a worse survival.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that patients with >18 ELNs and >4 PLNs counts, and >33.33% LNR were high‐risk group patients. We strongly suggest adding the ELNs and PLNs counts and/or LNR into the current staging system.
On‐treatment changes of serum Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2 binding protein are associated with the regression of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B patients on interferon α add‐on therapy
Authors: Liu Tianhui , Sun Yameng , Zhou Jialing , Yang Fang , Zou Xia , Wang Lin , Wu Xiaoning , Chen Yongpeng , Piao Hongxin , Lu Lungen , Jiang Wei , Xu Youqing , Feng Bo , Nan Yuemin , Xie Wen , Chen Guofeng , Zheng Huanwei , Li Hai , Ding Huiguo , Liu Hui , Wang Tailing , Ou Xiaojuan , Wu Shanshan , Kong Yuanyuan , Wang Ping , Cong Min , Zhang Yan , You Hong , Jia Jidong
Published: March 2019

Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2‐binding protein (M2BP) has been identified as a predictor for the response of interferon α (IFN‐α) in patients with viral hepatitis. However, whether serum glycosylation isomer of M2BP (M2BPGi) was associated with the regression of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) during IFN‐α add‐on therapy is still unknown. CHB patients were treated with entecavir for 26 weeks followed by entecavir plus pegylated IFN‐α for 52 weeks. Liver biopsies were taken at baseline and treatment week 78. The regression of fibrosis was identified according to Ishak standard or Ishak plus Progressive‐Indeterminate‐Regressive (P‐I‐R) standard. Serum M2BPGi and liver function tests were measured at baseline and every 26 weeks of treatment. A total of 72 CHB patients were included in the present study. Serum M2BPGi was correlated with fibrosis and necroinflammation both at baseline and week 78. If Ishak standard was used as the reference, only the percent change of M2BPGi at week 52 from week 26 (Δ%M2BPGi26w‐52W) was independently associated with fibrosis regression at treatment week 78, the area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of Δ%M2BPGi26w‐52W for predicting fibrosis regression was 0.705. As for Ishak plus P‐I‐R standard, the AUROC of the predictive model for fibrosis regression (0.896*M2BPGi52W + 0.363*necroinflammation score0w + 2.051*Ishak score0w – 4.489) was 0.888. These data indicated that dynamic changes of serum M2BPGi were associated with fibrosis regression in CHB patients on IFN‐α add‐on therapy.
Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells expansion is closely associated with disease severity and progression in HBV‐related acute‐on‐chronic liver failure
Authors: Zeng Yingfu , Li Yiting , Xu Zhen , Gan Weiqiang , Lu Lirong , Huang Xiaohui , Lin Chaoshuang
Published: March 2019

Dysregulation of the host immune responses induced by host hepatitis B virus (HBV) interactions has been observed in acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF). Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), well known for their immunomodulatory properties, can suppress T‐cell function by regulating the expression of CD3 ζ chain in cancer and autoimmune/infectious diseases while rarely have been studied in ACLF. In this study, MDSCs, CD4+/CD8+ T cells, and CD3 ζ chain were analyzed by flow cytometry in peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from HBV‐related ACLF patients, chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and healthy controls. ACLF patients were followed up for dynamic detection of MDSCs and observation of outcomes after treatment. Interestingly, peripheral CD14+CD33+CD11b+HLA‐DR−/low MDSCs from ACLF patients were significantly increased compared to those from CHB patients and healthy controls. CD4+/CD8+ T cell frequency and CD3 ζ chain expression in T cells were decreased in ACLF patients compared to those of healthy controls and were negatively correlated with matched MDSC frequency. Meanwhile, the frequency of MDSCs was closely correlated with biochemical parameters that are relevant for liver injury rather than virological parameters. Moreover, a lower level of MDSCs was correlated with a better short‐term prognosis (within 4 weeks but not at 8 weeks), and MDSCs remained high in ACLF patients whose conditions worsened within a 4‐week follow‐up period after treatment. These results suggest that MDSCs are closely involved in cell‐mediated immunity in HBV‐related ACLF and that peripheral MDSC expansion is closely associated with disease severity and progression in HBV‐related ACLF, which may serve as a predictor of short‐term prognosis.
Apoptosis and its relation with clinical course in patients with Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever
Authors: Engin Aynur , Aydin Huseyin , Cinar Ziynet , Buyuktuna Seyit Ali , Bakir Mehmet
Published: March 2019

Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick‐mediated viral infection. Patients with CCHF may show various clinical presentations. The cause of this difference in the clinical course is not completely understood. Apoptosis is programmed cell death and plays an important role in regulating the immune system. Our knowledge of the role of apoptosis in CCHF disease is limited. We investigated the role of apoptosis and their relationship with the severity of the disease in CCHF.

Thus, in 30 patients with CCHF and 30 healthy individuals, we analyzed the serum levels of cytochrome C, apoptotic protease activating factor‐1 (Apaf 1), caspase 3, caspase 8, caspase 9, sFas, sFasL, perforin, granzyme B, and CK18 by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. This is the first study that research the serum levels of the mentioned apoptosis markers in adult patients with CCHF.

We found that the serum levels of sFasL, cytochrome C, Apaf 1, caspase 3, caspase 8, caspase 9, perforin, granzyme B, and M30 were statistically significantly different in the acute phase of the disease compared with healthy individuals and patients in convalescent period. There was no association between the clinical severity of the disease and apoptosis markers.

In conclusion, the results of our study suggested that the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathway play an important role in CCHF.
Absolute lymphocyte count and human adenovirus–specific T‐cell immune restoration of human adenovirus infection after kidney transplantation
Authors: Bruminhent Jackrapong , Apiwattanakul Nopporn , Hongeng Suradej , Kantachuvesiri Surasak , Watcharananan Siriorn P.
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Human adenovirus (HAdV) infection can cause substantial morbidity in kidney transplant (KT) recipients. Cell‐mediated immunity plays an important role in controlling HAdV infection after KT.

Methods

We prospectively (January 2015 to June 2018) investigated the absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) and interferon‐γ‐producing CD4+ and CD8
+ T cells at diagnosis and at viral clearance by an intracellular cytokine assay after stimulating with HAdV whole lysate, hexon, and penton proteins. HAdV infection was defined as the presence of HAdV DNA load in plasma or clinical specimens measured by the polymerase chain reaction assay.

Results

Eighteen adult KT recipients were diagnosed with HAdV infection at a median of 16 months (interquartile range [IQR], 2‐39) after KT. The majority (94%) had HAdV‐associated hemorrhagic cystitis. The median ALC at viral clearance was significantly higher compared with diagnosis (2257 cells/mm3 [IQR, 1544‐3078] vs 1001 cells/mm3 [IQR, 641‐1385]; P < 0.001). Eleven patients underwent measurement of the HAdV‐specific T‐cell response. The median numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells at viral clearance were significantly higher compared with diagnosis (448 cells/mm3 [IQR, 248‐651] vs 215 cells/mm3 [IQR, 159‐272], P = 0.02; and 623 cells/mm3 [IQR, 242‐772] vs 235 cells/mm3 [IQR, 129‐266], P < 0.01), respectively. The median percentages of penton‐specific CD4+ and hexon‐specific CD8+ T cells at viral clearance were significantly higher compared with diagnosis (0.012% vs 0%, P = 0.03%; and 0.136% vs 0.016%, P = 0.003, respectively).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest a trend of ALC and HAdV‐specific T‐cell immune restoration in KT recipients who achieve successful HAdV clearance.
Elucidation of hulling‐induced changes in the aroma and aroma‐active compounds of cv. Uzun pistachio (Pistacia vera)
Authors: Sonmezdag Ahmet Salih , Kelebek Hasim , Selli Serkan
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to define the effects of the hulling process on the aroma and aroma‐active composition of cv. Uzun pistachio. Four different hulling processes, namely wet, wet‐dry, dry‐dry and brine, were applied. In addition, solvent‐assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE), simultaneous distillation/extraction (SDE) and purge and trap (P&T) extraction methods were also tested to obtain the best representative aroma extract.

RESULTS

The results revealed that the dry‐dry hulling method was the most prominent according to the aroma and aroma‐active compounds, and this was especially the case with terpene compounds. The method increased the content of terpenes, pyrazines and total aroma compounds. By application of aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA), a total of 18 compounds were detected, of which 11 were identified for the first time in the fruit of pistachio. 2,3‐Dimethylpyrazine, trimethylpyrazine and 2‐ethyl‐3,5‐dimethylpyrazine were the compounds that had the highest flavour dilution factors.

CONCLUSION

In general, the results of the present research indicated that the hulling method highly affected the overall aroma structure of pistachios. The dry‐dry hulling method is therefore suggested to manufacturers to obtain better pistachios with rich and high‐quality aroma. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
A novel deformable lung phantom with programably variable external and internal correlation
Authors: Ranjbar Maida , Sabouri Pouya , Repetto Carlo , Sawant Amit
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Lung motion phantoms used to validate radiotherapy motion management strategies have fairly simplistic designs that do not adequately capture complex phenomena observed in human respiration such as external and internal deformation, variable hysteresis and variable correlation between different parts of the thoracic anatomy. These limitations make reliable evaluation of sophisticated motion management techniques quite challenging. In this work, we present the design and implementation of a programmable, externally and internally deformable lung motion phantom that allows for a reproducible change in external–internal and internal–internal correlation of embedded markers.

Methods

An in‐house–designed lung module, made from natural latex foam was inserted inside the outer shell of a commercially available lung phantom (RSD, Long Beach, CA, USA). Radiopaque markers were placed on the external surface and embedded into the lung module. Two independently programmable high‐precision linear motion actuators were used to generate primarily anterior–posterior (AP) and primarily superior–inferior (SI) motion in a reproducible fashion in order to enable (a) variable correlation between the displacement of interior volume and the exterior surface, (b) independent changes in the amplitude of the AP and SI motions, and (c) variable hysteresis. The ability of the phantom to produce complex and variable motion accurately and reproducibly was evaluated by programming the two actuators with mathematical and patient‐recorded lung tumor motion traces, and recording the trajectories of various markers using kV fluoroscopy. As an example application, the phantom was used to evaluate the performance of lung motion models constructed from kV fluoroscopy and 4DCT images.

Results

The phantom exhibited a high degree of reproducibility and marker motion ranges were reproducible to within 0.5 mm. Variable correlation was observed between the displacements of internal–internal and internal–external markers. The SI and AP components of motion of a specific marker had a correlation parameter that varied from −11 to 17. Monitoring a region of interest on the phantom's surface to estimate internal marker motion led to considerably lower uncertainties than when a single point was monitored.

Conclusions

We successfully designed and implemented a programmable, externally and internally deformable lung motion phantom that allows for a reproducible change in external–internal and internal–internal correlation of embedded markers.
The relationship between peer relations, self‐rated health and smoking behaviour in secondary vocational schools
Authors: Aho Hanna , Koivisto Anna‐Maija , Paavilainen Eija , Joronen Katja
Published: March 2019

Aims

To examine the association between peer relations, self‐rated health and smoking behaviour in vocational school setting.

Background

Smoking in adolescence causes health and socioeconomic inequality in adulthood. There is evidence that smokers are physically less active, have lower academic aspirations and perceive poorer health than non‐smokers.

Method

The study was conducted in spring 2013 and involved 34,776 vocational students who took part in the School Health Promotion Study in Finland. The associations between adolescent smoking habits and peer relations and smokers' self‐rated health were studied adjusting for the respondents' age, parental education and family type.

Results

A substantial proportion of the respondents, 37% of the girls and 36% of the boys, reported smoking daily, 15% of the girls and 14% boys smoked occasionally with a further 15% of the girls and 13% of the boys stating that they were ex‐smokers. Of the girls, 33% and 38% of the boys were non‐smokers. Adjusted multinomial regression revealed that having a close friend or friends predicted smoking among girls and boys. Additionally, the adjusted model indicated that being a bully and/or a bully + bully‐victim was associated with smoking behaviour in boys only. Boys and girls who rated their health as moderate or poor were more often daily smokers; in girls, this was also the case in occasional smokers.

Conclusion

Smoking prevention aimed at vocational schools should take into consideration the norms and expectations related to peer relations which strongly influence adolescents' smoking habits.
Feasibility of enhancing well‐child visits with family nutrition and physical activity risk assessment on body mass index
Authors: Bailey‐Davis L. , Kling S. M. R. , Wood G. C. , Cochran W. J. , Mowery J. W. , Savage J. S. , Stametz R. A. , Welk G. J.
Published: March 2019

Objective

Integration of behavioural risk assessment into well‐child visits is recommended by clinical guidelines, but its feasibility and impact is unknown.

Methods

A quasi‐experimental study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of risk assessment on body mass index (BMI) at 1‐year follow‐up. Children with assessments (intervention) were compared with those who did not complete assessments (non‐respondent) and those who received standard care (non‐exposed).

Results

Analyses included 10,647 children aged 2–9 years (2,724 intervention, 3,324 non‐respondent and 4,599 non‐exposed). Forty‐five per cent of parents completed the assessments. Intervention and non‐respondent groups differed in change in BMI z‐score at 1 year by −0.05 (confidence interval [CI]: −0.08, −0.02; P = 0.0013); no difference was observed with non‐exposed children. The intervention group had a smaller increase in BMI z‐score (0.07 ± 0.63) than non‐respondent group (0.13 ± 0.63). For children with normal weight at baseline, intervention versus non‐respondent groups differed in BMI z‐score change by −0.06 (CI: −0.10, −0.02; P = 0.0025). However, children with overweight at baseline in the intervention versus the non‐exposed group differed in BMI z‐score change (0.07 [CI: 0.02, 0.14]; P = 0.016). When analysed by age, results were similar for 2‐ to 5‐year‐olds, but no differences were found for 6‐ to 9‐year‐olds.

Conclusion

Automating risk assessment in paediatric care is feasible and effective in promoting healthy weight among preschool but not older children.
Seeing the unseen: The Chernobyl imprint on the Hungarian public sphere
Authors: Sarlos Gabor , Fekete Mariann
Published: March 2019

This research article analyzes the influence of the “Chernobyl factor” on the nuclear power discourse in Hungary. Despite its temporal distance, the geographical proximity of the Chernobyl disaster has significantly influenced the lives and perceptions of current Hungarian generations. The research examines two layers of public communication regarding the Chernobyl disaster—political discourse and Hungarian online news media—and matches these with the online representation of the catastrophe. This study finds that despite Chernobyl's significant impact on the cultural memory of Hungarian society, it is considered an event of the past with limited relevance for the future. The contemporary representation of Chernobyl reflects the aspirations and expectations of current society, manifests highly mediatized content, nurtures elements of infotainment, symbolizes danger and negligence, and socially reconstructs meaning through alienation from its original connotation. The Chernobyl factor does not appear significantly in current nuclear discourse in Hungary.
Intermediate‐band effect in hot‐carrier solar cells
Authors: Takeda Yasuhiko
Published: March 2019

I have proposed that two‐step photoexcitation of carriers is feasible in hot‐carrier solar cells (HC‐SCs), like that in intermediate‐band solar cells (IB‐SCs). The second excitation from the IB to the conduction band (CB) in an IB‐SC is regarded to make the carriers in the unoccupied band hot. In an analogous way, in an HC‐SC, a photoexcited carrier arising from the interband transition can be further excited by the next photon via the intraband transition. In other words, the lower‐energy states in the CB function as the IB. Owing to this IB effect, the absorbed energy increases while the excited carrier number decreases under the optimal operating conditions; the latter leads to a decrease in the energy dissipation associated with the hot‐carrier extraction. Consequently, the limiting conversion efficiency of the HC‐SCs improves by up to 6% to 9% (absolute) compared with that with no IB effect, under the condition of the carrier thermalization time of 1 ns and 1000 times concentrated solar illumination. The detrimental impact of the increase in the emitted energy due to the intraband transition is well suppressed under the suitable operating conditions. Thus, the IB effect always provides positive results even if the effect is weak, contrasting to that the weak second excitation could lower the conversion efficiency of an IB‐SC.
Self‐emulsion polymerization of amphiphilic monomers—a green route to synthesis of polymeric nanoscaffolds
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Lee Sejy , Thomas Reju George , Lee Seung‐Jea , Lee Hong‐Joon , Park In‐Kyu , Jeong Yong Yeon , Yoon Tae‐Ho , Shin Dong‐Chan , Lee Jae‐Suk
Published: March 2019

Self‐emulsion polymerization (SEP), a green route developed by us for the polymerization of amphiphilic monomers, does not require any emulsifier or an organic solvent except that the water‐soluble initiators such as 2,2′‐azobis[2‐(2‐imidazolin‐2‐yl)propane]dihydrochloride (VA‐044) and potassium persulfate (KPS) are only used. We report here the polymer nanoscaffolds from a number of amphiphilic monomers, which can be used for in situ encapsulation of a variety of nanoparticles. As a demonstration of the efficacy of these nanoscaffolds, the synthesis of a biocompatible hybrid nanoparticle (nanohybrid), prepared by encapsulating Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticle (Fe3O4 MNPs) in poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) in water, for MRI application is presented. The nanohybrid prepared following the SEP in the form of an emulsion does not involve the use of any stabilizing agent, crosslinker, polymeric emulsifier, or surfactant. This water‐soluble, spherical, and stable nanohybrid containing Fe3O4 MNPs of average size 10 ± 2 nm has a zeta potential value of −41.89 mV under physiological conditions. Magnetic measurement confirmed that the nanohybrid shows typical magnetic behavior having a saturation magnetization (Ms) value of 32.3 emu/g and a transverse relaxivity (r2) value of 29.97 mM−1 s−1, which signifies that it can be used as a T2 contrast agent in MRI. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019
Diet assessment among men undergoing genetic counseling and genetic testing for inherited prostate cancer: Exploring a teachable moment to support diet intervention
Authors: Milliron Brandy‐Joe , Bruneau Michael , Obeid Elias , Gross Laura , Bealin Lisa , Smaltz Christa , Giri Veda N.
Published: March 2019

Background

Genetic counseling (GC) and genetic testing (GT) for prostate cancer (PCA) is a rapidly growing, affording opportunity for healthy lifestyle promotion in men aligned with cancer survivorship and cancer prevention goals. We conducted a targeted dietary analysis of men undergoing GC/GT for PCA for adherence to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Pattern recommendations which align with preventing cancer and recurrences in the Genetic Evaluation of Men (GEM) study at two academic centers to inform future strategies for diet intervention.

Methods

Participants of GEM with PCA or at‐risk for PCA completed a structured food frequency questionnaire indicating number of servings consumed per day or per week of fruits, vegetables, red meat, seafood, processed meat, and foods high in saturated fat. Adherence to the USDA recommendations was assessed for the total sample and by PCA status and aggressiveness, family history, and body mass index (BMI) throughχ2contingency analyses. One‐samplettests were used to compare the dietary behaviors of men to USDA Recommendations. Levels of α were set a priori atP < 0.05.

Results

Of 239 males undergoing GC on the study, surveys were completed by 197 men (82.4%), and complete survey data was available on 113 men (47.3%). By the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention BMI classification, 82.3% of the cohort was overweight (45.1%) or obese (37.2%). GEM participants reported consuming less fruits (P = 0.015), less vegetables (P < 0.001), less seafood (P < 0.001), more processed meats (P < 0.001), and more foods high in saturated fats (P < 0.001) than recommended.

Conclusion

A high proportion of men receiving GC/GT for PCA were overweight and/or obese with lack of adherence to national diet recommendations for cancer risk and recurrence, affording a teachable moment and supporting the systematic focus of introducing nutrition intervention during GC to promote survivorship.
Comparison of the Moist Parcel‐in‐Cell (MPIC) model with large‐eddy simulation for an idealized cloud
Authors: Böing Steven J. , Dritschel David G. , Parker Douglas J. , Blyth Alan M.
Published: March 2019

The ascent of a moist thermal is used to test a recently developed essentially Lagrangian model for simulating moist convection. In this Moist‐Parcel‐In‐Cell (MPIC) model, a number of parcels are used to represent the flow in each grid cell. This has the advantage that the parcels provide an efficient and explicit representation of subgrid‐scale flow. The model is compared against Eulerian large‐eddy simulations with a version of the Met Office NERC Cloud model (MONC) which solves the same equations in a more traditional Eulerian scheme. Both models perform the same idealized simulation of the effects of latent heat release and evaporation, rather than a specific atmospheric regime.

Dynamical features evolve similarly throughout the development of the thermal using the two approaches. Subgrid‐scale properties of small‐scale eddies captured by the MPIC model can be explicitly reconstructed on a finer grid. MPIC simulations thus resolve smaller features when using the same grid spacing as MONC, which is useful for detailed studies of turbulence in clouds.

The convergence of bulk properties is also used to compare the two models. Most of these properties converge rapidly, though the probability distribution function of liquid water converges only slowly with grid resolution in MPIC. This may imply that the current implementation of the parcel mixing mechanism underestimates small‐scale mixing.

Finally, it is shown how Lagrangian parcels can be used to study the origin of cloud air in a consistent manner in MPIC.
Hadron collider sensitivity to fat flavourful Z′s for $$ {R}_{K^{\left(\ast \right)}} $$
Authors: Allanach B. C. , Corbett Tyler , Dolan Matthew J. , You Tevong
Published: March 2019

Abstract

We further investigate the case where new physics in the form of a massive Z
′ particle explains apparent measurements of lepton flavour non-universality in B → K
(*)
l
+
l
− decays. Hadron collider sensitivities for direct production of such Z
′s have been previously studied in the narrow width limit for a μ
+
μ
− final state. Here, we extend the analysis to sizeable decay widths and improve the sensitivity estimate for the narrow width case. We estimate the sensitivities of the high luminosity 14 TeV Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC), a high energy 27 TeV LHC (HE-LHC), as well as a potential 100 TeV future circular collider (FCC). The HL-LHC has sensitivity to narrow Z
′ resonances consistent with the anomalies. In one of our simplified models the FCC could probe 23 TeV Z
′ particles with widths of up to 0.35 of their mass at 95% confidence level (CL). In another model, the HL-LHC and HE-LHC cover sizeable portions of parameter space, but the whole of perturbative parameter space can be covered by the FCC.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for High Takeoff Left Main Coronary Artery: A Case Report
Authors: Vankudoth Seetharam , Banoth Madhurima
Published: March 2019

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for high takeoff left main is challenging, as it poses difficulties with the engagement of the guiding catheter and establishment of backup support. This report examines the case of a 53-year-old woman with history of anterior wall myocardial infarction with a ventricular septal defect (VSD), who was treated with left anterior descending (LAD) angioplasty and VSD device closure done 4 years back, and now she presented with unstable angina. After successful engagement of 5F Tiger diagnostic catheter through a right radial artery, the angiography revealed an 80% stenosis of the proximal LAD and in-stent restenosis 70% of mid-LAD. The authors tried to engage the left coronary system through the right femoral artery with 6F Judkins left, 6F Amplatzer left, 6F EBU, and 6F XBU. They could not cannulate because of high takeoff left main, so they switched to right radial access. Then they engaged a 6F 3.5 EBU catheter. Due to the weak backup support of the guiding catheter, they used another wire to stabilize it and the stent was implanted successfully. This is one of the rare case reports of PCI for high takeoff left main.
Australian Birds of Prey in Flight
Authors: Seaton Richard , Gilfedder Mat , Debus Stephen
Published: March 2019

Birds of prey spend most of their time in flight and, when viewed from the ground, they are notoriously hard to identify. Australian Birds of Prey in Flight is a photographic guide to the eagles, hawks, kites and falcons flying high above you. Individual species profiles describe distinguishing features and the text is supported by detailed images showing the birds at six different angles and poses, using photographs from many of Australia's leading bird photographers. Annotated multi-species comparison plates highlight key features that can help differentiate birds of prey in flight.
This book will be of value to anyone who wants to learn more about Australia's birds of prey, and will provide a useful reference for identifying soaring birds in the field, and also while trying to identify images from your own camera.
Comparative study of auditory brainstem response and auditory steady-state response as an objective measure for hearing aid verification
Authors: Shabana M. I. , Selim M. H. , Abd El-Latif S. M. , Hamdy M. M. , El-Gohary M. M.
Published: March 2019

Introduction:

Hearing aid benefit could be measured objectively by electrophysiological tests. Objective measures are important for hearing assessment in individuals who are unable to provide behavioural responses to reach optimal hearing aids fitting verification.

Purpose:

This study was designed to compare the Functional Gain (FG) of Auditory Steady State Response (ASSR) and Tone Burst Auditory Brainstem Response (TB ABR) as objective tools with the subjective FG using sound field pure tone audiometry (PTA) in adult patients with sensorineural hearing loss using two hearing aid fitting formulae; DSL v5 and NAL-NL2.

Material and methods:

This study included twenty hearing-impaired adults, their hearing thresholds ranged from moderate to moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss with flat or gradually falling configuration. Their age ranged from eighteen to sixty years. Subjects were examined in three scheduled sessions; unaided, aided NAL-NL2 and aided DSL V5. Each session included free field PTA, TB ABR and ASSR testing at four tested frequencies 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz.

Results:

The mean difference between free field PTA FG and TB ABR FG was 6.02 ± 5.11 and 6.51 ± 4.53 by NAL-NL2 and DSL v5 respectively. The cumulative percentage of cases who had mean total differences within ±2 SD (< ±15 dB) was 100% in both formulae. The mean difference between free field PTA FG and ASSR FG was 2.00 ± 7.48 and 2.00 ± 6.99 by NAL-NL2 and DSL v5 formulae respectively. The cumulative percentage of cases who had mean total differences within ±2 SD (< ±15 dB) was 90% in NAL-NL2 formula and 95% in DSL v5 formula. When using identical test conditions and the same type of stimulus, NAL-NL2 and DSL v5 revealed similar functional gain measurements.

Conclusions:

Both TB ABR and ASSR are valuable objective measures for thresholds detection. The FG measured by TB ABR and ASSR could be applied as an objective tool for hearing aid fitting verification in hearing impaired individuals.
Gastric Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Tumor (PEComa)
Authors: Xu Jinghong , Yan Yu , Xiang Xueping , Jiang Peter , Hu Xiangrong , Yang Wenjun
Published: March 2019

Objectives

To review the clinicopathologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular features of gastric perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa).

Methods

We identified two new cases of gastric PEComa and summarized the clinical and pathologic characteristics of this rare neoplasm.

Results

The first case was a 48-year-old woman who was treated with an endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), and the second case was a 64-year-old man who received a distal gastrectomy. Microscopic examination showed one tumor was composed of purely epithelioid cells, while the other was composed of epithelioid and spindle cells. Both tumors were immunoreactive for melanocytic markers (HMB45 and Melan-A), smooth muscle actin, and vimentin. No TFE3 gene rearrangement was identified by fluorescence in situ hybridization in either case.

Conclusions

Gastric PEComa is an exceedingly rare neoplasm, with only seven other reported cases to date. We are the first to report the results of molecular assays for the TFE3 gene rearrangement associated with gastric PEComa.
Trends in substance use and in the attributable burden of disease and mortality in the WHO European Region, 2010–16
Authors: Rehm Jürgen , Manthey Jakob , Shield Kevin D , Ferreira-Borges Carina
Published: March 2019

Background

This paper examines changes in substance use, and compares the resulting attributable burden of disease in the WHO European Region between 2010 and 2016.

Methods

Data for 2010 and 2016 on the number of deaths, years of life lost (YLL) and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost were obtained by sex and country from the 2016 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study. Exposure data for all substances except alcohol were obtained from the same study, while alcohol data were obtained from the WHO. Proportional changes were calculated for the WHO European Region as a whole to identify trends and for sub-regions to identify which regions contributed most to trends.

Results

In the WHO European Region in 2016, substance use caused 2.1 million deaths, 48.6 million YLL and 57.9 million DALYs lost, representing 22.4, 29.0 and 20.4% of all deaths, YLL and DALYs, respectively. The substance-attributable burden of disease was higher among men than women and highest in the eastern parts of the WHO European Region. Changes in the number of deaths, YLL and DALYs lost between 2010 and 2016 were almost uniformly downward, with the largest proportional changes observed for men. Exposure to tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs also decreased uniformly.

Conclusions

Substance use and its attributable mortality and burden of disease have decreased in the WHO European Region since 2010. However, overall levels of substance use and the resulting burden of disease in the Region remain high compared with other regions of the world.
Fisheries sustainability relies on biological understanding, evidence-based management, and conducive industry conditions
Authors: Nilsson Jessica A , Johnson Craig R , Fulton Elizabeth A , Haward Marcus
Published: March 2019

This article recognizes that the impacts and effects of fishing are key to marine ecosystem management and explores the relationship between fisheries exploitation and sustainable harvests, and the collapse and depletion of stocks. A survey of 21 fisheries from around the world assessed key biological, environmental, social, economic, industry, governance, and management variables and associated criteria that potentially affect stock abundance. We developed 51 criteria as potential contributing factors underpinning three main fishery management outcomes: a sustainable fishery, a depleted fishery, or a collapsed fishery. The criteria that scored highest for the 15 sustainable fisheries in the analysis were associated with the broad groupings of biology (characteristics of the species and stock), management (legal and policy frameworks, tools and decision systems), and industry (economic performance and value). This analysis showed that while a fishery might have a high score for management, sustainability is likely to be difficult to achieve without a medium or high score for biological knowledge.
International law in domestic courts in an era of populism
Authors: Hostovsky Brandes Tamar
Published: March 2019

This article examines the manner in which the rise of populism affects the use of international law by domestic courts. It argues that populism may have a negative effect on the willingness of domestic courts to refer to international law. It further argues that although such response is understandable, it is regrettable, since incorporation of international law into domestic court rulings can serve as a counter-populism measure. Maintaining international law as part of the domestic legal discourse is particularly important in a populist setting, for two reasons. First, where constitutionalism is overtaken by populists, international law can serve as an important source on which courts can draw to protect human rights. In addition, referral, analysis, and application of international law are means of maintaining pluralism in legal and public debate and, accordingly, enhancing democracy.
Does the site of coronary endarterectomy have an impact on the clinical outcomes and graft patency?
Authors: Zhu Pengxiong , Ye Xiaofeng , Chen Anqing , Liu Jun , Wang Zhe , Zhou Mi , Zhao Qiang
Published: March 2019

OBJECTIVES

To explore whether coronary endarterectomy (CE) sites have obvious impacts on the clinical outcomes and graft patency in off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB).

METHODS

The patients who underwent OPCAB with CE in our unit between January 2009 and December 2016 were included. The patients and the grafts were grouped according to the CE sites. The primary end points were mid-term main adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.

RESULTS

In total, 290 patients who underwent OPCAB with CE were included. CE of the left anterior descending artery (LAD), left circumflex artery and the right coronary artery was performed in 46, 30 and 194 patients, respectively. There were 60, 42 and 217 grafts anastomosed to LAD-CE, left circumflex artery-CE and right coronary artery-CE sites in 290 patients. CE was not performed in the 20 patients requiring multivessel CE. There was no significant difference in perioperative outcomes. The average follow-up time was 51 months (12–103 months). There was no significant difference in mid-term death, main adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, Canadian Cardiovascular Classification for angina class and 1-year graft patency among the 3 groups. However, the rate of New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV (LAD vs left circumflex artery: 59% vs 25%, P = 0.011; LAD vs right coronary artery: 59% vs 27%, P < 0.001) was higher in the LAD group than in the other groups. These results were consistent with the Kaplan–Meier curves of freedom from the adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

CE sites had no obvious impact on mid-term death, main adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, MI, stroke, Canadian Cardiovascular Classification for angina class and 1-year graft patency in patients who underwent OPCAB with CE. The patients undergoing LAD-CE had higher rates of NYHA class III or IV.
To sign or not to sign: explaining the formation of China’s bilateral investment treaties
Authors: Han Donglin , Chen Zhaoyuan , Tian Ye
Published: March 2019

This article empirically examines various factors affecting the formation of China’s bilateral investment treaties (BITs) since 1978. Using a panel data analysis, this article finds that domestic and foreign relationship as well as foreign country and global factors, help explain the signing of BITs. Specifically, China’s trade openness and economic growth, foreign countries’ level of democracy, and socialization are positively related to the signing of BITs, while foreign economic growth and the distance between two countries are negatively related to the signing of BITs. Generally, this article finds that China signs BITs mainly to attract foreign capital, signaling to foreign investors that it protects their rights in China. Meanwhile, China has been less likely to sign BITs with countries with which it enjoys favorable bargaining position. As this article finds, China is more likely to sign BITs with democratic countries, suggesting that global spread of democracy spread globalization.
p53 balances between tissue hierarchy and anarchy
Authors: Koifman Gabriela , Aloni-Grinstein Ronit , Rotter Varda
Published: March 2019

Normal tissues are organized in a hierarchical model, whereas at the apex of these hierarchies reside stem cells (SCs) capable of self-renewal and of producing differentiated cellular progenies, leading to normal development and homeostasis. Alike, tumors are organized in a hierarchical manner, with cancer SCs residing at the apex, contributing to the development and nourishment of tumors. p53, the well-known ‘guardian of the genome’, possesses various roles in embryonic development as well as in adult SC life and serves as the ‘guardian of tissue hierarchy’. Moreover, p53 serves as a barrier for dedifferentiation and reprogramming by constraining the cells to a somatic state and preventing their conversion to SCs. On the contrary, the mutant forms of p53 that lost their tumor suppressor activity and gain oncogenic functions serve as ‘inducers of tissue anarchy’ and promote cancer development. In this review, we discuss these two sides of the p53 token that sentence a tissue either to an ordered hierarchy and life or to anarchy and death. A better understanding of these processes may open new horizons for the development of new cancer therapies.