bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating safety profiles of human papillomavirus vaccine across group differences using VAERS data and MedDRA
Authors: Jia Yuxi , Zhu Cong , Du Jingcheng , Xiang Yang , Chen Yong , Wang Wei , Tao Cui
Published: August 2019

Background

The safety of vaccines is a critical factor in maintaining public trust in national vaccination programs. This study aimed to evaluate the safety profiles of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines with regard to the distribution of adverse events (AE) across gender and age, and the correlations across various AEs using the Food and Drug Administration/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).

Methods

For analyses, 27,348 patients aged between 9 and 25 years old with at least one AE reported in VAERS between the year of 2006 and 2017 were included. AEs were summarized into two levels: the lower level preferred term (PT) and higher level system organ classes (SOCs) based on the structure of Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA). A series of statistical analyses were applied on both levels of AEs. Zero-truncated Poisson regression and multivariate logistic regression models were first developed to assess the rate and risk of SOCs across age groups and genders. Pairwise Pearson correlation analyses and hierarchical clustering analyses were then conducted to explore the interrelationships and clustering pattern among AEs.

Results

We identified 27,337 unique HPV vaccine reports between 2006 and 2017. Disproportional reporting of AEs was observed across age and gender in 21 SOCs (p< 0.05). The correlation analyses found most SOCs demonstrate weak positive correlations except for five pairs which were negatively correlated: skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders + injury poisoning and procedural complications; skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders + nervous system disorders; Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders + pregnancy, puerperium and perinatal conditions; nervous system disorders + pregnancy, puerperium and perinatal conditions; pregnancy, puerperium and perinatal conditions + general disorders and administration site conditions. Nervous system disorders had the most AEs which contributed to 12,448 (46%) cases. In the further analyses of correlations between PT in nervous system disorders, the three most strongly correlated AEs were psychiatric disorders (r= 0.35), gastrointestinal disorders (r= 0.215), and musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders (r= 0.261). We observed an inter-SOCs correlation of the PTs among AE pairs by nervous system disorders/psychiatric disorders/gastrointestinal disorders/musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders.

Conclusions

The analyses revealed a different distribution pattern of AEs across gender and age subgroups in 21 SOC level AEs. Correlation analyses and hierarchical clustering analyses further revealed several correlated patterns across various AEs. However, findings from this study should be interpreted with caution. Further clinical studies are needed to understand the heterogeneity of AEs reporting across subgroups and the biological pathways among the statistically correlated AEs.
Validated Stability – Indicating Methods for Determination of Sofosbuvir by UPLC and HPTLC in Pure Form and Tablet Dosage Forms
Authors: Abdel-Razeq Sawsan A. , Nasr Zeinab Adel , S. Said Noha
Published: August 2019

Aims: Two simple and sensitive stability- indicating methods were developed and validated for the quantitative determination of sofosbuvir in presence of its degradation products.

Study Design: Ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) are developed for determination of sofosbuvir in presence of its degradation products, laboratory-prepared mixtures and in tablet dosage forms.

Place and Duration of Study: Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, between August 2018 and March 2019.

Methodology: Two simple and sensitive stability- indicating methods were developed and validated for the quantitative determination of Sofosbuvir in presence of its degradation products. The first method was an Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) method, in which efficient separation was carried out on phenomenex kinetex 2.6 μm C18 100 A column using a mobile phase consisting of filtered and degassed mixture of 0.1% ortho-phosphoric acid in water and methanol with the ratio of (40:60% v/v) adjusted to pH 3.5, at a flow rate of 1 mL min-1 and UV detection at 260 nm at ambient temperature. The second method is a high performance- thin layer chromatographic one (HPTLC) in which chromatographic separation was performed on silica gel 60 F254 plates, with methanol – chloroform – ammonia (2.5: 6: 1.5 % v/v/v) as a developing system followed by densitometric determination at 261 nm. Sofosbuvir was subjected to stress conditions including alkaline, acidic and oxidative degradation.

Results: Beer’s law was obeyed over the range of 1-20 μg mL–1 for UPLC and 2-12 μg / spot for HPTC with good accuracy and precision using the two procedures, respectively. Results obtained was statistically analysed and found to be in accordance with those given by the reported method.

Conclusion: The proposed methods were successfully applied for the determination of sofosbuvir in bulk powder, laboratory prepared mixtures and pharmaceutical dosage form with good accuracy and precision. The methods were validated according to ICH guidelines. The results obtained were compared with those of the reported method and were found to be in good agreement.
Numerical Solution of Two Dimensional Laplace’s Equation on a Regular Domain Using Chebyshev Differentiation Matrices
Authors: Durojaye M. O. , Odeyemi J. K. , Ajie I. J.
Published: August 2019

This work presents an efficient procedure based on Chebychev spectral collocation method for computing the 2D Laplace’s equation on a rectangular domain. The numerical results and comparison of finite difference and finite element methods are presented. We obtained a satisfactory result when compared with other numerical solutions.
Focused Ion Beams and Some Selected Applications
Authors: Machalett Frank , Seidel Paul
Published: August 2019

Focused ion beams (FIBs) have been widely used for micro‐ and nanofabrication, failure analysis, and preparation of research prototypes. This article gives the reader a first and short introduction to the field of FIBs with some basics of FIB generation and an impression of a variety of main established applications as well as select new directions. We describe the design and the principles of functionality of common and new versions of FIB systems generated with different types of ion sources. For more details and further studies, some references to excellent review articles and books are given, which contain further references. An FIB system consists of a source emitting ions from a very small region, an ion optical system for focusing a spot down to a few nm and a scan unit for controlled movement of the focused beam in lateral directions. The ion beam interaction with the target material modifies its surface properties or surface structure by processes such as ion implantation, ion milling, ion‐beam induced etching, and deposition. The FIB offers the opportunity to generate structures in nanometer dimension with a high accuracy by maskless, direct writing with the focused beam. In this article, we give an overview of selected applications. The FIB alone, and moreover combined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) in one vacuum chamber, implemented with several different detectors, opens many fields of applications, such as imaging, analytics, tomography, preparation and fabrication of samples and tools.
Hot Electron Luminescence from Metal and Semiconductor Nanoparticles and Its Applications
Authors: Lan Sheng
Published: August 2019

The recent advances in the study of the hot electron luminescence from metal and semiconductor nanoparticles are discussed. The luminescence from the plasmonic hot spots created in metal nanoparticles and nanostructures is attributed to hot electron intraband luminescence, which is quite similar to blackbody radiation. Since the plasmonic hot spots are sensitive to polarization and wavelength of excitation light, such hot electron intraband luminescence can be employed to realize multidimensional optical data storage with ultralow energy and ultrahigh density. Similar hot electron intraband luminescence was also observed in gallium arsenide and silicon nanoparticles by resonantly exciting their magnetic resonances. It was revealed that the luminescence from gallium arsenide nanoparticles originates from the intraband transition of hot electrons while that from silicon nanoparticles arises from the interband transition of hot electrons assisted by phonons. The different band structures of gallium arsenide and silicon are responsible for the different types of hot electron luminescence observed in gallium arsenide and silicon nanoparticles. It was found that the Auger effect, which is dramatically enhanced by high carrier density, increases the relaxation time of hot electrons within the conduction band, leading to an enhancement in the quantum efficiency by four to five orders of magnitude. The achievement of efficient hot electron luminescence with a broadband indicates that silicon‐based photonic devices integrated with silicon nitride–based optical circuits can be realized by exploiting the Mie resonances in silicon nanoparticles.
Chemical Mechanical Planarization (
CMP
)
Authors: Cook Lee
Published: August 2019

Chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) is an offshoot of conventional polishing which was developed for use in fabrication of semiconductor devices. CMP has grown to become an enabling technology in semiconductor device fabrication. The equipment, consumables, and processes employed have evolved with semiconductor devices, and significant future evolution is expected. CMP is a highly complex process despite its relatively simple outward appearance. Over the past 25 years, there has been an enormous amount of scientific research into the basic mechanisms, which is often difficult to apply to a practical understanding of its industrial use. The purpose of this article is to provide a clear understanding of both the science and application of CMP in sufficient detail to give the reader a more complete picture of the field. The focus is on portraying the key process, technology, and mechanistic issues from a manufacturing point of view. Readers who desire a deeper dive into the topics covered are directed to the references for further reading.
Variants in MME are associated with autosomal‐recessive distal hereditary motor neuropathy
Authors: Hong Daojun , Fang Pu , Yao Sheng , Chen Juanjuan , Zhang Xiaolei , Chen Shuyun , Zhang Jingfen , Tan Dandan , Wang Li , Han Xinsheng , Xin Ling , Wang Yan , Liu Meige , Cong Lu , Zhong Shanshan , Ouyang Hui , Gao Xuguang , Zhang Jun
Published: August 2019

Objective

To identify a new genetic cause in patients segregating distal hereditary motor neuropathy (dHMN) with an autosomal recessive pattern.

Methods

Whole‐exome sequencing was conducted in two siblings and was combined with segregation analysis. Additionally, 83 unrelated dHMN patients with unknown genetic cause were screened. RNA analysis was performed using blood lymphocytes and HEK293 cells transfected with mutant plasmids. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis was applied to the nerve tissue. The enzymatic activities of mutant proteins were measured in the cultured cells to verify the pathogenicity of variants.

Results

The clinical features of the patients showed late‐onset phenotype of distal motor neuropathy without sensory involvement. We identified that compound heterozygous variants of c.1342C>T and c.2071_2072delGCinsTT in the membrane metalloendopeptidase (MME) gene co‐segregated with the phenotype in a dHMN family. In an additional group of 83 patients with dHMN, compound heterozygous variants of c.1416+2T>C and c.2027C>T in MME were identified in one patient. The splice site variant c.1416+2T>C results in skipping of exon 13. The stop variant c.1342C>T induces mRNA degradation via nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay. Transcript levels of MME in the lymphocytes showed no significant differences between the patients and controls. We also identified that MME variants were associated with mild decrease in protein expression in the sural nerve and significant impairments of enzymatic activity.

Interpretation

Variants in the MME gene were associated with not only a Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth neuropathy phenotype but also with an autosomal‐recessive dHMN phenotype. Loss of function may play a role in the pathogenesis of dHMN.
Influence of a Protein Corona on the Oral Pharmacokinetics of Testosterone Released from Mesoporous Silica
Authors: Giri Kalpeshkumar , Kuschnerus Inga , Ruan Juanfang , Garcia‐Bennett Alfonso E.
Published: August 2019

The formation of a protein corona adsorbed on mesoporous silica particles with 2D and 3D pore structures after incubation in fetal bovine serum is investigated. The compositional properties of the resulting protein–particle complex is determined by using mass spectrometry as a function of serum incubation time. The effect of the adsorbed proteins on the drug release properties of the mesoporous particles when these are used to deliver the hormone TST is examined in dissolution media. Changes to the pharmacokinetic parameters are validated in vivo in a rat model. Small changes to the maximum plasma concentration, terminal half‐life, and area under the plasma concentration time curve are observed with pre‐incubation of a hard protein corona around the particles. This strategy is used to slow down the release of pharmaceutical drugs loaded onto mesoporous silica, and acts as a formulation strategy for future nanomedical applications involving advanced drug delivery.
Flexible Solar Thermal Fuel Devices: Composites of Fabric and a Photoliquefiable Azobenzene Derivative
Authors: Hu Jing , Huang Shuai , Yu Mingming , Yu Haifeng
Published: August 2019

Controllable storage and release of solar energy has always been a highlighted scientific issue for its benefit of mankind. Solar thermal fuels (STFs) supply a closed cycle and renewable energy‐storage strategy by transforming solar energy into chemical energy stored in the conformation of molecular isomers, such as cis/trans‐azobenzene, and releasing it as heat under various stimuli. Although the potential high energy density of the STFs which are based on the hybrids of azobenzene derivatives and carbon nanomaterials has been reported the solvent‐assistant charging hinders their practicability. In this study, a solid‐state STF device is designed and fabricated by compositing one photoliquefiable azobenzene (PLAZ) derivative with a flexible fabric template. The photoinduced phase transition of the PLAZ derivative enables the charging of the flexible STFs to be totally solvent‐free. Interestingly, the energy‐storage capacity (energy density ≈201 J g−1) of flexible PLAZ STFs has been improved by the soft fabric template. The exothermic situation is monitored with one infrared camera, which shows 4 °C temperature difference between charged and discharged samples under blue light stimulus. The flexible STFs are may be used in practice as heating equipment.
Melanin–Perovskite Composites for Photothermal Conversion
Authors: Wang Kai , Hou Yuchen , Poudel Bed , Yang Dong , Jiang Yuanyuan , Kang Min‐Gyu , Wang Ke , Wu Congcong , Priya Shashank
Published: August 2019

Biomacromolecular pigments, such as melanin, play an essential role in the survival of all living beings. Melanin absorbs sunlight and transforms it into heat, which is crucial for avoiding damage to skin cells. Light absorption produces excited electrons, which could either fall back to ground states by releasing the heat (photothermal effect) and/or light (photoluminescence), or stay at higher energy levels within its lifetime period, which can be captured through external electronic circuitry (photovoltaic effect). In this study, it is demonstrated that the combination of melanin with halide perovskite light absorber in the form of a composite exhibits high absorbance from the UV to NIR region in the solar spectrum. And the composite displays significantly reduced photoluminescence and minimized density of residual excited states (verified by photovoltaic measurement) owing to the significantly enhanced nonradiant quenching by the melanin. As a result, the composite shows an ultrahigh solar‐thermal quantum yield of 99.56% and solar‐thermal conversion efficiency of ≈81% under one‐sun illumination (AM1.5), which is superior to typical carbon materials such as graphene (≈70%). By coating the photothermal composite film on the hot‐side of thermoelectric devices, a 7000% increase in output power as compared to the blank device under illumination is observed.
Thirty‐year risk of ischemic stroke in individuals with sickle cell trait and modification by chronic kidney disease: The atherosclerosis risk in communities (ARIC) study
Authors: Caughey Melissa C. , Derebail Vimal K. , Key Nigel S. , Reiner Alexander P. , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Kshirsagar Abhijit V. , Heiss Gerardo
Published: August 2019

Sickle cell trait (SCT) has been associated with hypercoagulability, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and ischemic stroke. Whether concomitant CKD modifies long‐term ischemic stroke risk in individuals with SCT is uncertain. We analyzed data from 3602 genotyped black adults (female = 62%, mean baseline age = 54 years) who were followed for a median 26 years by the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. Ischemic stroke was verified by physician review. Associations between SCT and ischemic stroke were analyzed using repeat‐events Cox regression, adjusted for potential confounders. SCT was identified in 236 (7%) participants, who more often had CKD at baseline than noncarriers (18% vs 13%, P = .02). Among those with CKD, elevated factor VII activity was more prevalent with SCT genotype (36% vs 22%; P = .05). From 1987‐2017, 555 ischemic strokes occurred in 436 individuals. The overall hazard ratio of ischemic stroke associated with SCT was 1.31 (95% CI: 0.95‐1.80) and was stronger in participants with concomitant CKD (HR = 2.18; 95% CI: 1.16‐4.12) than those without CKD (HR = 1.09; 95% CI: 0.74‐1.61); P for interaction = .04. The hazard ratio of composite ischemic stroke and/or death associated with SCT was 1.20 (95% CI: 1.01‐1.42) overall, 1.44 (95% CI: 1.002‐2.07) among those with CKD, and 1.15 (95% CI: 0.94‐1.39) among those without CKD; P for interaction = .18. The long‐term risk of ischemic stroke associated with SCT relative to noncarrier genotype appears to be modified by concomitant CKD.
Maintenance therapy in AML: The past, the present and the future
Authors: Molica Matteo , Breccia Massimo , Foa Roberto , Jabbour Elias , Kadia Tapan M.
Published: August 2019

Curative treatment in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) depends on successful induction therapy to achieve a complete remission (CR), and subsequent post‐remission therapy to prevent relapse. High relapse rates after consolidation therapy and after allogeneic stem cell transplant contribute to suboptimal outcomes in AML patients, and continue to represent a difficult challenge. Effective maintenance therapy could play an important role in prolonging the remission interval in the post‐consolidation setting, especially in high risk AML patients. Maintenance treatment approaches based on conventional chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hypomethylating agents, and targeted small molecules have been explored in this setting, but no data so far have been convincing enough to establish this approach as the standard of care. However, ongoing and future studies including novel targeted therapies may demonstrate promising efficacy that could facilitate incorporation of maintenance therapy into clinical practice. In this review we summarize previous and ongoing approaches of maintenance therapy in AML and discuss the most promising strategies.
Ligand‐Free FeCl2‐Catalyzed α‐Alkylation of Ketones with Alcohols
Authors: Ibrahim Jessica Juweriah , Reddy C. Bal , Zhang Shaochun , Yang Yong
Published: August 2019

In this study, we present a facile, cost‐effective and expedient hydrogen‐borrowing strategy to perform α‐alkylation of ketones with primary alcohols using FeCl2 as the catalyst. A set of both ketones and alcohols could be efficiently alkylated to produce their corresponding ketones in good to high yields.
An isotopic study of dietary diversity in formative period Ancachi/Quillagua, Atacama Desert, northern Chile
Authors: Pinder Danielle M. , Gallardo Francisco , Cabello Gloria , Torres‐Rouff Christina , Pestle William J.
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To characterize the paleodiet of individuals from Formative Period (1500 B.C.–A.D. 400) Atacama Desert sites of Ancachi and Quillagua as a means of understanding the dietary and cultural impacts of regional systems of exchange.

Materials and methods

Thirty‐one bone samples recovered from the cemetery of Ancachi (02QU175) and in/around the nearby town of Quillagua were the subject of carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis of bone collagen and hydroxyapatite and multisource mixture modeling (FRUITS, food reconstruction using isotopic transferred signals) of paleodiet. These individuals were compared with nearly 200 other Formative Period individuals from throughout the region to identify differences in dietary behaviors.

Results

80.6% (25/31) of the samples yielded sufficient well‐preserved collagen and were included in the multisource mixture model. The FRUITS model, which compared individuals with a robust database of available foods from the region, identified a wide diversity of diets in the Ancachi/Quillagua area (including both coastal and interior individuals), and, most notably, thirteen individuals who consumed an average of 11.2 ± 1.9% terrestrial animals, 19.8 ± 1.9% legumes, and 22.5 ± 3.1% marine fauna, a balanced pattern of protein consumption distinct from both the coastal and inland individuals in our larger regional sample.

Conclusions

The combination of stable isotope analysis and multisource mixture modeling permitted the characterization of dietary behavior of 25 individuals from nodal sites in the Atacama Desert, thus enhancing our understanding of the economic and social relationships that bound together Formative Period sites, populations, and individuals in this hyperarid region.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative C–Si Bond Formation: A Regioselective Cross‐Coupling Between Trialkyl Silanes and α,β‐Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Allam Bharat Kumar , Azeez Sadaf , Kandasamy Jeyakumar
Published: August 2019

This report presents the first example of nickel‐catalyzed mild decarboxylative cross‐coupling reaction for the regioselective formation of C–Si bond. An easily accessible and significantly stable Ni (dmg)2 owes the role of key promoter. This reaction is highly functional group tolerant and offers α,β‐unsaturated silanes in synthetically useful yields. The reaction gives access to the successful utilization of otherwise difficult trialkyl silanes as coupling partners and operates at a moderate temperature, which is beneficial to deal with highly volatile silanes.
Proposal of 28 GHz In Vitro Exposure System Based on Field Uniformity for Three‐Dimensional Cell Culture Experiments
Authors: Lee Young Seung , Chung Jae‐Young , Jeon Sang Bong , Lee Ae‐Kyoung , Choi Hyung‐Do
Published: August 2019

This paper proposes a novel in vitro exposure system operating at millimeter‐wave (mmWave) 28 GHz, one of the frequency bands under consideration for fifth generation (5G) communication. We employed the field uniformity concept along cross‐sectional observation planes at shorter distances from the radiation antenna for better efficiency and a small‐size system. A choke‐ring antenna was designed for this purpose in consideration of a wider beamwidth (BW) and a symmetric far‐field pattern across three principal planes. The permittivity of Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium solution was measured to examine the specific absorption rate (SAR) of the skin cell layer inside a Petri dish model for a three‐dimensional (3D) cell culture in vitro experiment. The best deployment of Petri dishes, taking into account a geometrical field symmetry, was proposed. Local SAR values within the cell layer among the Petri dishes were determined with different polarization angles. It was determined that this polarization effect should be considered when the actual exposure and deployment were conducted. We finally proposed an in vitro exposure system based on the field uniformity including downward exposure from an antenna for 3D cell culture experiments. A small‐size chamber system was obtained, and the size was estimated using the planar near‐field chamber design rule. Bioelectromagnetics. 2019;40:445–457. © 2019 Bioelectromagnetics Society
Design of continuous contacting countercurrent unit operations: An approach based on the usage of orthogonal collocation and Matlab
Authors: Garma Raoudha , Binous Housam , Dhaouadi Hatem , Bellagi Ahmed
Published: August 2019

A counter‐current set‐up is preferred to its co‐current counterpart because substantial improvement in the performance of the unit operation is achieved. Hence, proper design of countercurrent unit operations is a fundamental part of any undergraduate chemical engineering curriculum. The governing equations, derived from material and/or energy balance equations around a continuous‐contact counter‐current unit consist of at least two coupled differential equations where the independent variable is either position or area. Such problems also involve limit conditions at both edges of the unit. In the present paper, we demonstrate that these mathematical problems are readily solved by the orthogonal collocation technique despite their seemingly mathematical complexity especially to undergraduate chemical engineering students. Our approach is applied to following four case studies: (a) countercurrent heat exchanger, (b) gas‐liquid absorption in a packed column, (c) water cooling tower and finally (d) gas permeation using dense membranes. One advantage of the method lays in the fact that both (a) the size of the equipment (eg, height of the gas‐liquid contactor, area of the separation membrane or heat exchanger…) and (b) the compositions and/or temperature profiles are obtained simultaneously in a single fast and easy calculation. These computations always involve a discretization step based on collocation points. This discretization transforms the differential equations into a set of nonlinear algebraic equation, which is readily solved using the ubiquitous command (ie, fsolve) of Matlab®.
Inflammatory markers in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: Effects of advanced liver disease
Authors: Sellers Cortlandt M. , Uhlig Johannes , Ludwig Johannes M. , Stein Stacey M. , Kim Hyun S.
Published: August 2019

Background

To investigate the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII) as prognostic biomarkers in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) with a focus on viral hepatitis and liver status.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, patients from the institutional cancer registry with ICC from 2005 to 2016 were stratified by treatment group. Baseline inflammatory markers were dichotomized at the median. Overall survival (OS) was assessed via Kaplan‐Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard models. Multiple patient, liver, and tumor factors were included in the multivariable analysis (MVA).

Results

About 131 patients (median age 65 years, 52% male, 76% Caucasian) had a median OS of 13.0 months. Resection/interventional oncology with/without systemic therapy had improved survival vs systemic therapy alone in Child‐Pugh A patients (P < 0.01). In Child‐Pugh B/C patients, this survival difference became nonsignificant (P = 0.22). Increased NLR and SII were associated with decreased survival (P < 0.01), while dichotomized PLR was not (P = 0.3). On MVA, increased NLR remained an independent prognostic factor (HR 1.6, P < 0.05). In Child‐Pugh class A (n = 94), low‐NLR had higher OS vs high‐NLR (25.4 vs 12.2 months, P < 0.01). In Child‐Pugh class B/C (n = 28), NLR did not have a significant effect on median OS (low‐ vs high‐NLR: 6.7 vs 2.9 months, P = 0.2). Child‐Pugh class acted as an effect modifier on MVA for NLR (P = 0.0124).

Conclusions

The NLR has a stronger impact as a prognostic marker in ICC over the PLR and SII. This survival effect is decreased in advanced liver disease.
Characterization of an Orphan Type III Polyketide Synthase Conserved in Uncultivated “Entotheonella” Sponge Symbionts
Authors: Reiter Silke , Cahn Jackson K. B. , Wiebach Vincent , Ueoka Reiko , Piel Jörn
Published: August 2019

Uncultivated bacterial symbionts from the candidate genus “Entotheonella” have been shown to produce diverse natural products previously attributed to their sponge hosts. In addition to these known compounds, “Entotheonella” genomes contain rich sets of biosynthetic gene clusters that lack identified natural products. Among these is a small type III polyketide synthase (PKS) cluster, one of only three clusters present in all known “Entotheonella” genomes. This conserved “Entotheonella” PKS (cep) cluster encodes the type III PKS CepA and the putative methyltransferase CepB. Herein, the characterization of CepA as an enzyme involved in phenolic lipid biosynthesis is reported. In vitro analysis showed a specificity for alkyl starter substrates and the production of tri‐ and tetraketide pyrones and tetraketide resorcinols. The conserved distribution of the cep cluster suggests an important role for the phenolic lipid polyketides produced in “Entotheonella” variants.
Enlargement of Submicron Gas‐Borne Particles by Heterogeneous Condensation for Energy‐Efficient Aerosol Separation
Authors: Hamberger Philipp , Koch Daniela Piccioni , Sinanis Sokratis , Schaber Karlheinz
Published: August 2019

To improve the efficiency of aerosol separation, a process sequence for particle enlargement by condensation of water vapor on their surface is suggested. The presented method makes use of packed columns in non‐equilibrium operation to achieve supersaturation, which is required for droplet growth. Although this method is known for several years, it is not widely used in industrial processes and still needs accurate investigations for consolidation and establishment. The simulation tool AerCoDe3.0 for predicting saturation and particle growth in packed columns allows investigating the thermal energy consumption under various operation conditions. Based on the results obtained in this study, optimized arrangements of columns, which are applicable as preconditioning step for existing particle separators, are proposed.
Treatment of fracturing wastewater using microalgae‐bacteria consortium
Authors: Li Ran , Pan Jie , Yan Minmin , Yang Jiang , Qin Wenlong , Liu Yang
Published: August 2019

The symbiotic relationships between Chlorella vulgaris and Bacillus bacteria in fracturing wastewater treatment were investigated under different conditions, including varying dilution ratios of fracturing wastewater (2‐4), dosages of bacteria (20 mg/L‐80 mg/L), and pH (6.5‐8.5). The effects of process variables on the response of algal density were optimized and investigated via the Box‐Behnken response surface design. The individual and interactive effects of process variables on the response were studied by a second‐order polynomial model and three‐dimensional response surface plots. The optimal treatment conditions were a dilution ratio of 2, bacteria dose of 72.13 mg/L, and pH of 6.5, and the maximum biomass concentration of Chlorella vulgaris was 2.23 g/L. Moreover, Bacillus bacteria can increase the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACCase) of Chlorella vulgaris. Compared to the free Chlorella vulgaris, the co‐cultivation of Chlorella and Bacillus bacteria can improve the algal growth and degradation of organic pollutants.
Fast and Reliable PCR Amplification from Aspergillus fumigatus Spore Suspension Without Traditional DNA Extraction
Authors: Fraczek Marcin G. , Zhao Can , Dineen Lauren , Lebedinec Ressa , Bowyer Paul , Bromley Michael , Delneri Daniela
Published: August 2019

Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic human pathogenic mold. DNA extraction from this fungus is usually performed by mechanical perturbation of cells, as it possesses a rigid and complex cell wall. While this is not problematic for single isolates, it can be time consuming for large numbers of strains if using traditional DNA extraction procedures. Therefore, in this article we describe a fast and efficient thermal‐shock method to release DNA from spores of A. fumigatus and other filamentous fungi without the need for complex extraction methods. This is especially important for high‐throughput PCR analyses of mutants in 96‐ or 384‐well formats in a very short period of time without any concern about sample cross‐contamination. This method is currently being used to validate the protein‐coding gene and non‐coding RNA knockout libraries in A. fumigatus generated in our laboratory, and could be used in the future for diagnostics purposes. © 2019 The Authors.
On the evaluation of ignition threshold in proton‐carbon hybrid ignitor beam proposal
Authors: Mehrangiz M. , Khoshbinfar S.
Published: August 2019

We may improve plasma ignition quality in a conically guided proton fast ignition scheme by the application of an extra lower intensity, secondary carbon beam. According to the experimental measurements on the number of laser‐accelerated ions, the temporal evolution of the hot spot electron, ion, and radiation temperatures was examined using three‐temperature plasma model, in radiation pressure acceleration (RPA) mechanisms for a proton‐Carbon beam configuration, Eavg ≈ 10 MeV/nucleon. The hot spot ignition was evaluated by the well‐known stopping power models proposed independently by Li–Petrasso (LP) and Brown–Preston–Singleton (BPS). Based on our analytical results, with time, plasma temperature in the LP model surpasses the BPS model. From this point of view, to compensate this deficiency in the BPS method, we will show that the density ratio of 17% is required when the energy spread is 10%. The results were also validated by the DEIRA‐4 code. Moreover, the electron‐ion equilibrium will decrease up to 9.3 and 4.4% for the LP and BPS methods, respectively. It is demonstrated that the key features of a higher average ion energy as well as the narrow beam profile in the RPA regime may effectively ignite hot spot much better than in the Target Normal Sheath Acceleration (TNSA) counterpart. It is estimated that the proton‐Carbon beam proposal can reduce ion beam energy to 8.42 kJ, approximately saving 15% of ignitor energy.
Design and acceptance test of compact planar monopole antenna for LTE smartphone considering SAR, TRP, and HAC values
Authors: Das Saumya , Bose Tanushree , Islam Hashinur
Published: August 2019

Eight different types of compact multiband planar antennas are proposed in this work for covering several long‐term evaluation (LTE) and Wi‐Fi bands in a smartphone antenna design. Gradual inclusion of several sections of a radiator on an inexpensive FR4 substrate is presented for receiving multi‐LTE bands with a handset device. Along with the presently available LTE bands, this antenna design approach also includes upcoming LTE in unlicensed spectrum and LTE licensed‐assisted access. Various techniques such as partial ground, branch line slit, parasitic structure, and meandered lines are used to achieve desired resonant frequencies, bandwidth, matching, and miniaturization. The final type of eight antennas has been implemented in the real‐world mobile phone handset. The interaction between the mobile handset and the human phantom model has been analyzed at few specific frequencies for evaluating specific absorption rate (SAR) and total radiated power (TRP) in a simulated manner. The same type is also studied as a hearing aid compatibility (HAC)–supported wireless device. The simulated results show the SAR and HAC values are at the acceptance level for this proposed design. A prototype model is developed and few parameters are measured for validation.
Common genetic architecture and environmental risk factors underpin the anxiety‐disordered eating relationship: Findings from an adolescent twin cohort
Authors: Fairweather‐Schmidt A. Kate , Wade Tracey D.
Published: August 2019

Objective

Despite established comorbidity between anxiety and disordered eating (DE), and a plethora of research using various methodologies to examine this overlap, use of twin modeling to expose whether a shared genetic liability underpins these conditions remains rare.

Method

Data from a longitudinal sample of female twins were selected: measures of risk for DE from Wave 1 (N = 699, 351 pairs, aged 12–15 years), and the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) and Children's Anxiety Sensitivity Index (CASI) from Wave 2 (N = 669, 338 pairs, aged 16–19 years). At this time, they also completed Children's Anxiety Sensitivity Index (CASI). Bivariate Cholesky decomposition models adjusting for age and body mass index centile investigated the covariance structure between the CASI and EDE.

Results

Modeling both genetic and nonshared environmental influences parsimoniously fit these data. All paths were significant. Additive genetic influences were notable for CASI and EDE phenotypes; 14% of the heritable variance was contributed by CASI to the expression of EDE. There was also a smaller but significant contribution of nonshared environmental influences. A multinomial logistic regression indicated body dissatisfaction (RRR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.07–2.18) differentiated groups with highest EDE scores from the highest CASI scores.

Discussion

Shared genetic and environmental influences appear to underpin the relationship, and potentially the observed comorbidity, between anxiety sensitivity and DE. The age of onset is typically earlier for anxiety than DE, suggesting a significant opportunity for early intervention work to reduce the likelihood of subsequent development of DE.
Nonlinear corrector for Reynolds‐averaged Navier‐Stokes equations
Authors: Frazza Loïc , Loseille Adrien , Dervieux Alain , Alauzet Frédéric
Published: August 2019

The scope of this paper is to present a nonlinear error estimation and correction for Navier‐Stokes and Reynolds‐averaged Navier‐Stokes equations. This nonlinear corrector enables better solution or functional output predictions at fixed mesh complexity and can be considered in a mesh adaptation process. After solving the problem at hand, a corrected solution is obtained by solving again the problem with an added source term. This source term is deduced from the evaluation of the residual of the numerical solution interpolated on the h/2 mesh. To avoid the generation of the h/2 mesh (which is prohibitive for realistic applications), the residual at each vertex is computed by local refinement only in the neighborhood of the considered vertex. One of the main feature of this approach is that it automatically takes into account all the properties of the considered numerical method. The numerical examples point out that it successfully improves solution predictions and yields a sharp estimate of the numerical error. Moreover, we demonstrate the superiority of the nonlinear corrector with respect to linear corrector that can be found in the literature.
Investigation of GHG emission sources and reducing GHG emissions in a municipal wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Demir Özlem , Yapıcıoğlu Pelin
Published: August 2019

Global warming and the greenhouse effect are two of the most important environmental problems. Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide emissions are the main greenhouse gas emissions in wastewater treatment plants. In this study, the greenhouse gas emission sources in a wastewater treatment plant were determined. Direct (from fossil fuel combustion, methane emissions, and process emissions of the other greenhouse gases) and indirect emissions (primarily from electricity use) in the plant were monitored. The optimum influent characteristics and operating conditions have been defined by using Monte Carlo simulation to minimize the emissions. The results revealed that the highest direct greenhouse gas emission was observed in August with the value of 23.328 kg CO2‐eq d–1 and the lowest emission was 7.56 kg CO2‐eq d–1 measured in January. The aeration tank is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Indirect emission has occurred because of the anaerobic digester but the biogas has been cogenerated in the plant, so it has been ignored for the calculation. According to the simulation study, if the plant is operated under optimum operating conditions, it can emit the lowest amount of greenhouse gas emissions. The optimum removal values required for the minimum greenhouse gas emissions are 79% for chemical oxygen demand, 75% for biochemical oxygen demand, and 82% for total suspended solid. The optimum operating conditions for the aeration tank, which is the major source of emission, are 5.33 h of hydraulic retention time, 0.215 d of solid retention time, and 0.999 for food/microorganisms. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Of Drowning Children and Doubtful Analogies
Authors: Largent Emily A.
Published: August 2019

In this issue of the Hastings Center Report, James Sabin and his colleagues ask what responsibility investigators in a learning health organization have to patients when research—particularly research of which patients might be unaware—illuminates problematic aspects of the patients' care. Sabin and his colleagues were confronted by this question in the midst of designing a randomized controlled trial that sought to determine if an educational intervention targeted at patients with atrial fibrillation and their clinicians reduces underuse of oral anticoagulants. Worried about harm that might befall patients in the control group and fearing that they would be negligent bystanders if they knew these patients were at risk and did nothing, the investigators adopted a “workaround.” But the “workaround,” I suggest, was not a solution to the negligent bystander problem. Nor was it a solution to the problem as I would alternatively frame it—how to address instances of suboptimal patient care identified through research within learning health organizations.
Breast cancer treatment pathway improvement using time‐driven activity‐based costing
Authors: Nabelsi Véronique , Plouffe Véronique
Published: August 2019

Time‐driven activity‐based costing (TDABC) is increasingly used to establish more accurate and time‐dependent costs for complex health care pathways. We propose to extend this approach to detect the specific improvements (eg, lean methods) that can be introduced into a care process. We analyzed a care trajectory in radiation oncology for breast cancer patients at major Canadian urban hospital.

This approach allowed us to identify the activities and resource groups related to the execution of each activity, and to estimate the execution time for each. Based on the model, we were able to extract financial data with which we could evaluate process costs. The total cost of the care trajectory was $2383.82 for 2015 to 2016. Out of a total of 1389 trajectories, only 268 were completed.

The implementation of TDABC gives users a clearer idea of costs and encourages managers to understand how they break down over the course of a care trajectory. Once these costs are understood, decisions can be made regarding resource allocation and waste elimination, enabling lean methods to be implemented. The result is better reorganization of work by allocating resources differently, optimizing the care trajectory, and thereby reducing its costs.
Silent invasion: Sinanodonta woodiana successfully reproduces and possibly endangers native mussels in the north of its invasive range in Europe
Authors: Urbańska Maria , Kirschenstein Małgorzata , Obolewski Krystian , Ożgo Małgorzata
Published: August 2019

The explosive global spread of Sinadonta woodiana, a large‐bodied unionid mussel of East Asian origin, potentially affects the functioning of freshwater habitats and threatens native mussels. Molecular data indicate that its invasion in Europe started with a single colonization event, followed by in situ adaptation. This study traces one of the possible routes of such adaptation. It documents a population of S. woodiana with a known history of a two‐stage introduction: first, from a heated water source to a production fish pond in northern Poland, and subsequently from that pond to the study site. As the latest local transfer occurred more than 15 years before the study, the abundance of young S. woodiana in various age classes provides proof of ongoing in situ reproduction and resolves the question of the ability of S. woodiana to permanently colonize thermally unpolluted water bodies in areas with prolonged and cold winters. The study also shows that translocations of glochidia‐infested fish and/or adult mussels between water bodies in such areas result in the establishment of new self‐recruiting populations. Together, these findings show that further expansion of S. woodiana into colder regions and establishment of new populations in already invaded areas are to be expected. The relative abundance of S. woodiana and the native unionids: Anodonta anatina and A. cygnea was 40%, 18%, and 42%, respectively. S. woodiana contributed to 65% of the total mussel biomass. Individuals in the first three size classes, corresponding to the 2‐ to 4 year age classes, composed 50% of S. woodiana, 37% of A. anatina, and 26% of A. cygnea. The high proportion of young individuals in S. woodiana indicates population trajectories toward a gradually increasing dominance of this species and possibly reflects its negative impacts via interactions with host fish and competition for resources.
Reviewing recently developed technologies to direct cell activity through the control of pore size: From the macro‐ to the nanoscale
Authors: Sgarminato Viola , Tonda‐Turo Chiara , Ciardelli Gianluca
Published: August 2019

Scaffold pore size plays a fundamental role in the regeneration of new tissue since it has been shown to direct cell activity in situ. It is well known that cellular response changes in relation with pores diameter. Consequently, researchers developed efficient approaches to realize scaffolds with controllable macro‐, micro‐, and nanoporous architecture. In this context, new strategies aiming at the manufacturing of scaffolds with multiscale pore networks have emerged, in the attempt to mimic the complex hierarchical structures found in living systems. In this review, we aim at providing an overview of the fabrication methods currently adopted to realize scaffolds with controlled, multisized pores highlighting their specific influence on cellular activity.
Hydrangea‐like ZnO nanospheres on Al substrates via hydrothermal synthesis for photocatalytic activity
Authors: Zeng Zhi , Gao Shiyong , Wang Guangning , Ma Xinzhi , Sang Dandan , Jiao Shujie , Wang Dongbo , Jia Jie , Hu Gengxin , Wang Jinzhong
Published: August 2019

Hydrangea‐like ZnO nanospheres were fabricated on Al substrates via a facile hydrothermal method with only one step. Scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and photoluminescence were used to investigate their morphology, component, structure, and optical properties. The hierarchical nanospheres are fabricated by 2D nanosheets with the shape of 3D sphere. By adjusting the reaction time, the formation process was monitored. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanospheres was also investigated for their dye degradation, and they exhibit good photocatalytic ability to congo red, with the degradation rate of 98.4%. Besides, they have universal catalysis effect on methyl orange.