bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors predicting peripheral blood progenitor cell mobilization in healthy donors in the era of related alternative donors: Experience from a single center
Authors: Bailén Rebeca , Pérez‐Corral Ana María , Pascual Cristina , Kwon Mi , Serrano David , Gayoso Jorge , Balsalobre Pascual , Muñoz Cristina , Díez‐Martín José Luis , Anguita Javier
Published: January 2019

Background

Poor mobilization results are unexpected after G‐CSF‐induced peripheral blood stem cell collection in healthy donors. However, 2%‐5% of the donors are poor mobilizers. Factors predicting CD34+‐cell yield after mobilization in related alternative donors are still poorly known.

Patients and methods

Baseline characteristics and efficacy results of G‐CSF induced mobilization of 159 adult healthy donors in our institution from 2008 to 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. All donors received 10 μg/kg of G‐CSF once a day subcutaneously for 4 days. Leukapheresis started on the 5th day of G‐CSF treatment. Donors were classified as poor mobilizers if they had less than 20 000 CD34 + cell/mL peripheral blood count in the 5th day of G‐CSF treatment or if they needed three or more leukapheresis for graft collection.

Results

Age, weight, and platelet count before and after mobilization were significantly different between poor and good mobilizers. Poor mobilizers (n = 16) were older (50.6 vs 41.7 years, P = 0.002), weight lower (64 vs 75 kg, P = 0.00) and showed a lower platelet count before (199.5 vs 219.0 × 109/L, P = 0.03) and after (192.5 vs 206 × 109/L, P = 0.019) mobilization. In the multivariate analysis only the 30% of the variability of mobilization was explained by the model (sensitivity 80%, specificity 70%).

Conclusion

In this cohort of healthy donors in a single institution, older age, less weight, and lower platelet count was associated with poorer mobilization. With clinical and analytic factors it is not possible to predict more than 30% of the variability. Further studies are needed to investigate new variables.
Asperyellone pretreatment protects HaCaT cells from UVB irradiation induced oxidative damages: Assessment under in vitro and in vivo conditions and at molecular level
Authors: Santhakumaran Iswarya , Kesavan Shanuja Shailaja , Arumugam Gnanamani
Published: January 2019

The present study explores the UVB protective role of Asperyellone (AY), a secondary metabolite of Aspergillus niger strain AN01. The in vitro UVB protective efficacy of AY was studied using the Human Epidermal keratinocytes cells (HaCaT) cell line. The results suggest the appreciable scavenging of UVB‐induced reactive oxygen species in the AY‐pretreated cells compared with UVB control. Experimental results on the antioxidant enzymes (Catalase, SOD, LPO, and GPx) profile, histochemical, and molecular analyses support the UVB protective effect of AY in HaCaT cells. Further, the in vivo UVB protective efficacy of AY was studied using animal models and compared with that of commercially available UVB protective agents. Physical, biochemical, and molecular analyses of skin samples emphasized the UVB protective role of AY. Thus, the important beneficial effects of AY have been explored in the present study.
Effects of social support and cultural capital on global meaning among bereaved elders in rural China: A hierarchical linear analysis
Authors: Pan Haimin
Published: January 2019

This study explored the context effect in the relationship between capital (income, social support, and cultural capital) and changes in global meaning. We interviewed a sample of 352 bereaved Chinese elders from 18 communities in rural China and conducted hierarchical linear modeling for data analysis. The effects of social support and cultural capital in terms of traditional Chinese culture on changes in global meaning differed across communities. Social support earned its credit in buffering function against bereavement, whereas traditional Chinese culture posed a risk of elevating negative global meaning. More social support and positive global meaning are reliable predictors for enhancing the psychological health of bereaved elders.
Overexpression of oncostatin M receptor regulates local immune response in glioblastoma
Authors: Guo Qing , Guan Ge‐fei , Cao Jing‐yuan , Zou Cun‐yi , Zhu Chen , Cheng Wen , Xu Xiao‐yan , Lin Zhi‐guo , Cheng Peng , Wu An‐hua
Published: January 2019

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal cancer in central nervous system. It is urgently needed to look for novel therapeutics for GBM. Oncostatin M receptor (OSMR) is a cytokine receptor gene of IL‐6 family and has been reported to be involved in regulating GBM tumorigenesis. However, the role of OSMR regulating the disrupted immune response in GBM need to be further investigated. Three gene expression profiles, Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data set (GSE16011), were enrolled in our study and used for OSMR expression and survival analysis. The expression of OSMR was further verified with immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis in glioma tissues. Microenvironment cell populations‐counter (MCP‐counter) was applied for analyzing the relationship between OSMR expression and nontumor cells. The functions of OSMR in GBM was investigated by Gene Ontology, Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), gene set variation analysis and so on. The analysis of cytokine receptor activity‐related genes in glioma identifies OSMR as a gene with an independent predictive factor for progressive malignancy in GBM. Furthermore, OSMR expression is a prognostic marker in the response prediction to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. OSMR contributes to the regulation of local immune response and extracellular matrix process in GBM. Our findings define an important role of OSMR in the regulation of local immune response in GBM, which may suggest OSMR as a possible biomarker in developing new therapeutic immune strategies in GBM.
Whole exome sequencing identified a novel mutation (p.Ala1884Pro) of β‐spectrin in a Chinese family with hereditary spherocytosis
Authors: Fan Liang‐Liang , Liu Ji‐Shi , Huang Hao , Du Ran , Xiang Rong
Published: January 2019

Background

Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is an inherited disorder of erythrocyte. The typical feature of HS is the presence of spherical‐shaped erythrocytes on the peripheral blood smear. According to previous studies, more than five candidate genes, such as ANK1, SPTB, SPTA1, SLC4A1 and EPB42 have been identified in HS patients.

Methods

In the present study, a Chinese HS family was investigated. The proband suffered from pathologic jaundice and splenomegaly. A blood test and peripheral blood smear experiment further confirmed the diagnosis of HS. We selected the proband to perform the whole exome sequencing.

Results

After data filtering and co‐segregation analysis, we identified 12 mutations in affected members that were absent in healthy members. In consideration of the inheritance pattern, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man clinical phenotypes, Toppgene function and American College of Medical Genetics classification, we considered the novel mutation (c.5650G > C/p.Ala1884Pro) of β‐spectrin (SPTB) to be the genetic lesion in this family. The novel mutation, resulting in a substitution of alanine by proline, may lead to transformation of the SPTB protein structure, which affects the binding between SPTB and ankyrin.

Conclusions

The present study confirmed the hereditary red blood cell membrane disorders at a molecular level and expanded the spectrum of SPTB mutations. This may contribute to the clinical management and genetic counseling with respect to HS.
New 1,3,4‐Thiadiazole Derivatives: Synthesis, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Abo‐Bakr Ahmed M. , Hashem Heba E.
Published: January 2019

In the present study, 2,5‐bis(mercapto‐acetichydrazide)‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole (1) was utilized by different reagents, namely, ethoxymethylene malononitrile, ethoxymethylene ethyl cyanoacetate, triethyl orthoformate, phenyl isothiocyanate, carbon disulfide, isatin, acetophenone, cyclohexanone, different aldehydes, and different anhydrides, to yield a new series of 2,5‐disubstituted‐1,3,4‐thiadiazoles 2–18. The chemical structure of these products was characterized by the spectral data IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, MS, and elemental analysis. All the synthesized compounds were screened for their antibacterial activity.
Synthesis and Insecticidal Activity of New Quinoline Derivatives Containing Perfluoropropanyl Moiety
Authors: Cheng Long , Cai Peng‐Peng , Zhang Rui‐Rui , Han Liang , Tan Cheng‐Xia , Weng Jian‐Quan , Xu Tian‐Ming , Liu Xing‐Hai
Published: January 2019

A series of new quinoline derivatives containing perfluoropropanyl moiety were designed and synthesized. Their structures were confirmed by 1H‐NMR, MS, and elemental analysis. The bioassay results showed that compound 4e exhibited good insecticidal activity against Plutella xylostella and Mythimna separata at 100 mg/L.
Focal cerebellar infarction as an initial sign of mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke‐like episodes
Authors: Ko Ara , Lee Sang‐Jun , Lee Young‐Mock
Published: January 2019

Mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke‐like episodes (MELAS) is a type of mitochondrial disorder and stroke‐like lesions are observed prominently in the brain magnetic resonance imaging. Those stroke‐like lesions of MELAS patients are usually located in the posterior quadrants and do not correspond to typical vascular territories. This case illustrates that focal cerebellar infarction can be the sole initial sign of MELAS.
3D‐T1ρ prepared zero echo time‐based PETRA sequence for in vivo biexponential relaxation mapping of semisolid short‐T2 tissues at 3 T
Authors: Sharafi Azadeh , Baboli Rahman , Chang Gregory , Regatte Ravinder R.
Published: January 2019

Background

In addition to the articular cartilage, osteoarthritis (OA) affects several other tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and subchondral bone. T1ρ relaxation study of these short T2 tissues may provide a more comprehensive evaluation of OA.

Purpose

To develop a 3D spin‐lattice relaxation in the rotating frame (T1ρ) prepared zero echo time (ZTE)‐based pointwise encoding time reduction with radial acquisition (3D‐T1ρ‐PETRA) sequence for relaxation mapping of semisolid short‐T2 tissues on a clinical 3 T scanner.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Phantom, two bovine whole knee joint and Achilles tendon specimens, 10 healthy volunteers with no known inflammation, trauma or pain in the knee or ankle.

Field Strength/Sequence

A customized PETRA sequence to acquire fat‐suppressed 3D T1ρ‐weighted images tissues with semisolid short T2/ relaxation times in the knee and ankle joints at 3 T.

Assessment

Mono‐ and biexponential T1ρ relaxation components were assessed in the patellar tendon (PT), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and Achilles tendon (AT).

Statistical Tests

Kruskal–Wallis with post‐hoc Dunn's test for multiple pairwise comparisons.

Results

Phantom and ex vivo studies showed the feasibility of T1ρ relaxation mapping using the proposed 3D‐T1ρ‐PETRA sequence. The in vivo study demonstrated an averaged mono‐T1ρ relaxation of (median [IQR]) 15.9 [14.5] msec, 23.6 [9.4] msec, 17.4 [7.4] msec, and 5.8 [10.2] msec in the PT, ACL, PCL, and AT, respectively. The bicomponent analysis showed the short and long components (with their relative fractions) of 0.65 [1.0] msec (46.9 [15.3]%) and 37.3 [18.4] msec (53.1 [15.3]%) for PT, 1.7 [2.1] msec (42.5 [12.5]%) and 43.7 [17.8] msec (57.5 [12.5]%) for ACL, and 1.2 [1.9] msec (42.6 [14.0]%) and 27.7 [14.7] msec (57.3 [14.0]%) for PCL and 0.4 [0.02] msec (58.8 [13.3]%/) and 31.3 [10.8] msec (41.2 [13.3]%) for AT. Statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences were observed in the mono‐ and biexponential relaxation between several regions.

Data Conclusion

The 3D‐T1ρ‐PETRA sequence allows volumetric, isotropic (0.78 × 0.78 × 0.78 mm), biexponential T1ρ assessment with corresponding fractions of the tissues with semisolid short T2/.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy Stage: 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1207–1218.
Histatin‐1 counteracts the cytotoxic and antimigratory effects of zoledronic acid in endothelial and osteoblast‐like cells
Authors: Castro Martín , Torres Pedro , Solano Luis , Córdova Luis A. , Torres Vicente A.
Published: January 2019

Background

Zoledronic acid, the most frequent agent associated with bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), has been reported as cytotoxic for bone and vascular cells. Hence, identification of novel approaches aiming to counteract its cytotoxic effects will be desirable to develop preventive therapies for BRONJ. The salivary peptide Histatin‐1 was recently shown to promote oral wound healing, by acting in epithelial and endothelial cells; however, its effects on cells exposed to zoledronic acid have not been explored. This study aims to unveil the role of Histatin‐1 in osteoblastic and vascular cell lineages challenged with zoledronic acid.

Methods

The effects of zoledronic acid (1–100 µM), Histatin‐1 (10 µM), or their combination was evaluated in cytotoxicity (Trypan Blue exclusion) and cell migration (Boyden Chamber) assays. Caspase‐3 cleavage was evaluated by Western blot. The angiogenic capacity of endothelial cells was assessed in a tubule formation assay in vitro.

Results

Zoledronic acid decreased cell viability and migration of osteosarcoma cells (SAOS‐2) and preosteoblasts (MC3T3‐E1), in a dose‐response manner. Importantly, Histatin‐1 restored both cell viability and migration in both cell lines upon challenge with zoledronic acid. These effects were recapitulated in endothelial cells (EA.hy926), as Histatin‐1 counteracted cytotoxic and antimigratory effects of zoledronic acid, and restored the angiogenic capacity in vitro.

Conclusion

We conclude that Histatin‐1 counteracts the cytotoxic and antimigratory effects of zoledronic acid in osteoblast‐like and endothelial cells. These observations highlight the potential use of Histatin‐1, in the design of novel therapies aiming to prevent and treat BRONJ.
Effect of frying and storage on oxidative quality of conjugated linoleic‐acid‐rich soybean oil produced by photoisomerization using plantain as a model system
Authors: Rodríguez‐Miranda Jesus , Gallegos‐Marín Ivet , Hernández‐Santos Betsabe , Herman‐Lara Erasmo , Medina‐Juárez Luis Angel , Juárez‐Barrientos José M , Martínez‐Sánchez Cecilia E
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is known to have beneficial properties to health. Naturally, in foods it is found in very low concentrations, and so these beneficial properties cannot be obtained. This study investigated the enrichment of soybean oil by photoisomerization, as well as assessing its oxidative stability during the frying process using plantain slices as a model system and after a storage period of 20 days at 60 °C.

RESULTS

The oxidative stability of soybean oil enriched with CLA by photoirradiation was measured based on the peroxide, p‐anisidine, and Totox values, as well as by the polyphenol content, tocopherol content and DPPH· scavenging capacity. The results obtained showed that a substantial amount of CLA was obtained by photoirradiation (31.73%). The oxidative stability values of the oil enriched with CLA showed good stability during a frying cycle; however, this stability decreased when it was stored and during the final frying cycles.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained indicated that photoirradiation is a good technique for obtaining oils enriched with CLA, and in this way CLA can be incorporated into foods; however, it is necessary to add antioxidants to improve their stability. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Nonsuicidal Self‐Injury and Borderline Personality Features as Risk Factors for Suicidal Ideation Among Male Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Cunningham Katherine C. , Grossmann Jessica L. , Seay Kathryn B. , Dennis Paul A. , Clancy Carolina P. , Hertzberg Michael A. , Berlin Kate , Ruffin Rachel A. , Dedert Eric A. , Gratz Kim L. , Calhoun Patrick S. , Beckham Jean C. , Kimbrel Nathan A.
Published: January 2019

U.S. veterans are at increased risk for suicide compared to their civilian counterparts and account for approximately 20% of all deaths by suicide. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality features (BPF) have each been associated with increased suicide risk. Additionally, emerging research suggests that nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) may be a unique risk factor for suicidal behavior. Archival data from 728 male veterans with a PTSD diagnosis who were receiving care through an outpatient Veterans Health Administration (VHA) specialty PTSD clinic were analyzed. Diagnosis of PTSD was based on a structured clinical interview administered by trained clinicians. A subscale of the Personality Assessment Inventory was used to assess BPF, and NSSI and suicidal ideation (SI) were assessed by self‐report. Findings revealed that NSSI (58.8%) and BPF (23.5%) were both relatively common in this sample of male veterans with PTSD. As expected, each condition was associated with significantly increased odds of experiencing SI compared to PTSD alone, odds ratios (ORs) = 1.2–2.6. Moreover, co‐occurring PTSD, NSSI, and BPF were associated with significantly increased odds of experiencing SI compared with PTSD, OR = 5.68; comorbid PTSD and NSSI, OR = 2.57; and comorbid PTSD and BPF, OR = 2.13. The present findings provide new insight into the rates of NSSI and BPF among male veterans with PTSD and highlight the potential importance of these factors in suicide risk.
Doppler Color Scoring System in Women With an Incomplete Miscarriage: Interobserver and Intraobserver Reproducibility Study
Authors: Leong Grace Ting Ting , Leonardi Mathew , Lu Chuan , Mein Brendan , Espada Mercedes , Shakeri Babak , Nadim Batool , Reid Shannon , Casikar Ishwari , Condous George
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Doppler Color Scoring (DCS) has been used to predict successful expectant management of incomplete miscarriage. The aim of this study was to assess inter‐ and intraobserver reproducibility of the DCS system in women with incomplete miscarriage noted on transvaginal sonography.

Methods

This was a prospective reproducibility study involving offline analysis of 32 prerecorded video sets on transvaginal sonography in real time of women with incomplete miscarriage. Vascularization of retained products of conception was recorded using the DCS system adopted from the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis group. Five gynecologic sonologists of varying experience assigned a DCS classification to each video in the analysis. The same videos were reanalyzed, in a different order, at least 7 days later, to assess intraobserver agreement. Inter‐ and intraobserver correlations were performed to determine agreement. Interobserver agreement was also measured between each observer and the reference standard (G.C.). A Cohen's κ coefficient value less than 0 suggests poor agreement, 0.01 to 0.20 slight, 0.21 to 0.40 fair, 0.41 to 0.60 moderate, 0.61 to 0.80 substantial, and 0.81 and 0.99 almost perfect.

Results

Interobserver agreement for all observers for DCS allocation ranged from 0.480 to 0.751. Overall interobserver agreement for 5 observers was substantial (κ, 0.626). Overall interobserver agreements for the 2 inexperienced and 3 experienced observers compared to G.C. were 0.521 and 0.618, respectively. Experienced observers achieved overall almost perfect intraobserver agreement, compared to substantial agreement for inexperienced sonologists.

Conclusions

DCS interobserver reproducibility between all observers and GC ranged from moderate to substantial. DCS intraobserver reproducibility was substantial to almost perfect. The DCS system appears to be a reproducible tool in evaluating women with incomplete miscarriage.
NPK 2.0: Introducing tensor decompositions to the kinetic analysis of gas–solid reactions
Authors: Birkelbach Felix , Deutsch Markus , Flegkas Stylianos , Winter Franz , Werner Andreas
Published: January 2019

A method for deriving kinetic models of gas–solid reactions for reactor and process design is presented. It is based on the nonparametric kinetics (NPK) method and resolves many of its shortcomings by applying tensor rank‐1 approximation methods. With this method, it is possible to derive kinetic models based on the general kinetic equation from any combination of experiments without additional a priori assumptions. The most notable improvements over the original method are that it is computationally much simpler and that it is not limited to two variables. Two algorithms for computing the rank‐1 approximation as well as a tailored initialization method are presented, and their performance is assessed. Formulae for the variance estimation of the solution values are derived to improve the accuracy of the model identification and to provide a tool for diagnosing the quality of the kinetic model. The methods effectiveness and performance are assessed by applying it to a simulated data set. A Matlab implementation is available as Supporting Information.
Qualitative and quantitative scintigraphy in sialorrhea before and after botulinum toxin injection
Authors: Ribeiro Livia Barroso , Xerez Denise Rodrigues , Maliska Carmelindo , de Souza Sergio Augusto Lopes , Costa Milton Melciades Barbosa
Published: January 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Sialorrhea is excessive saliva production and its usual escape of from the oral cavity. The use of botulinum toxin has been preconized, but its effectiveness until now has been unreliably measured. Our objective was to qualitatively and quantitatively determine the effectiveness of botulinum toxin injection in the reduction of saliva production by the parotid gland.

Study Design

Outcomes research.

Methods

Patients with moderate‐to‐critical sialorrhea had one of the parotid glands injected with 50 U of botulinum toxin, leaving the other as the control. Fifteen days after the toxin injection, they underwent scintigraphic analyses with intravenous injection of 10 mCi (37 MBq) of Tc‐99 m (sodium pertechnetate). After this, the noninjected gland was treated for therapeutic complementation.

Results

The glands injected with botulinum toxin showed uptake reduction in 100% of patients. The uptake reduction in counts per second varied from 8% to 36%. The Wilcoxon paired test comparing the control glands with those injected showed a significant difference for the action of botulinum toxin (P = .0039).

Conclusions

The scintigraphic study of parotid glands shows that botulinum toxin is effective in reducing sodium pertechnetate uptake.

Level of Evidence

2c Laryngoscope, 129:2521–2526, 2019
Factors associated with suicidal ideation risk in head and neck cancer: A longitudinal study
Authors: Chang Dun‐Cheng , Chen Andy Wei‐Ge , Lo Yu‐Sheng , Chuang Yi‐Ching , Chen Mu‐Kuan
Published: January 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

The risk factors associated with suicidal ideation among patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) have rarely been investigated. Thus, this study proposed an effective screening model to facilitate the identification of patients with HNC who are at risk of committing suicide.

Study Design

Retrospective longitudinal study.

Methods

We recruited 286 inpatients with HNC who were referred to the psychiatry department for an emotional distress assessment during cancer treatment. Sociodemographic and clinical factors, as well as Distress Thermometer (DT) scoring, were gathered and analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Among the patients, 27 (9.4%) were recognized as having suicidal ideation. A logistic regression analysis revealed five significant indicators associated with suicidal ideation, namely depression (odds ratio [OR]: 42.83), dysphoria (OR: 8.06), hypopharyngeal cancer (OR: 4.61), cancer history (OR: 4.53), and average DT scores (OR: 1.84). Based on the receiver operating characteristic and logistic regression, the model can predict suicidal ideation with 93.4% accuracy (area under the curve value).

Conclusions

Our findings provide strong evidence that patients with depression, hypopharyngeal cancer, higher DT scores, and previous cancer history can be quickly screened for suicidal ideation, which may help to prevent suicide events in patients with HNC.

Level of Evidence

3b Laryngoscope, 129:2491–2495, 2019
Biogeographic drivers of diazotrophs in the western Pacific Ocean
Authors: Chen Mingming , Lu Yangyang , Jiao Nianzhi , Tian Jiwei , Kao Shuh‐Ji , Zhang Yao
Published: January 2019

The global budget of marine nitrogen (N) is not balanced, with N removal largely exceeding N fixation. One of the major causes of this imbalance is our inadequate understanding of the diversity and distribution of marine N2 fixers (diazotrophs) as well as their contribution to N2 fixation. Here, we performed a large‐scale cross‐system study spanning the South China Sea, Luzon Strait, Philippine Sea, and western tropical Pacific Ocean to compare the biogeography of seven major diazotrophic groups and N2 fixation rates in these ecosystems. Distinct spatial niche differentiation was observed. Trichodesmium was dominant in the South China Sea and western equatorial Pacific, whereas the unicellular cyanobacterium UCYN‐B dominated in the Philippine Sea. Furthermore, contrasting diel patterns of Trichodesmium nifH genes and UCYN‐B nifH gene transcript activity were observed. The heterotrophic diazotroph Gamma A phylotype was widespread throughout the western Pacific Ocean and occupied an ecological niche that overlapped with that of UCYN‐B. Moreover, Gamma A (or other possible unknown/undetected diazotrophs) rather than Trichodesmium and UCYN‐B may have been responsible for the high N2 fixation rates in some samples. Regional biogeochemistry analyses revealed cross‐system variations in N2‐fixing community composition and activity constrained by sea surface temperature, aerosol optical thickness, current velocity, mixed‐layer depth, and chlorophyll a concentration. These factors except for temperature essentially control/reflected iron supply/bioavailability and thus drive diazotroph biogeography. This study highlights biogeographical controls on marine N2 fixers and increases our understanding of global diazotroph biogeography.
Takeover deterrents and cross partial ownership: The case of golden shares
Authors: Serbera Jean‐Philippe , Fry John
Published: January 2019

We analyse takeovers in an industry with bilateral capital‐linked firms in cross partial ownership (CPO). Before merger, CPO reduces the profitability of involved firms, confirming the “outsider effect.” However, the impact of CPO upon merger profitability is two‐sided in a Cournot setting. CPO, by cointegrating profits, increases output collusion leading to anticompetitive effects with facilitated mergers in most cases. Nonetheless, a protective threshold exists for which CPO arrangements can reduce the incentives for hostile takeovers. This has potentially significant regulatory implications. An illustrative example showcases the potential relevance of CPO as a defence against hostile takeovers across different industries.
Studies examine nonmedical use and outcomes of ADHD medications in adults
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: January 2019

Recent trends indicate a rise in nonmedical use of prescription stimulant medications in adult patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The nonmedical use of these medications, whether oral or non‐oral, carries risk for serious adverse medical outcomes, according to new data addressing both of these issues, released this month.
Nontraditional populations impacted by eating disorders
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: January 2019

As preparation commences for National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAW) next month, treatment providers for the eating disorder population seek to help the field and the public to realize its impact on all populations, regardless of gender, age or sexual orientation.
Multiparametric MR for non‐invasive evaluation of tumour tissue histological characteristics after radionuclide therapy
Authors: Montelius Mikael , Jalnefjord Oscar , Spetz Johan , Nilsson Ola , Forssell‐Aronsson Eva , Ljungberg Maria
Published: January 2019

Early non‐invasive tumour therapy response assessment requires methods sensitive to biological and physiological tumour characteristics.

The aim of this study was to find and evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) derived tumour tissue parameters that correlate with histological parameters and that reflect effects of radionuclide therapy.

Mice bearing a subcutaneous human small‐intestine neuroendocrine tumour were i.v. injected with 177Lu‐octreotate. MRI was performed (7 T Bruker Biospec) on different post‐therapy intervals (1 and 13 days) using T2‐weighted imaging, mapping of T2* and T1 relaxation time constants, as well as diffusion and dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE‐MRI) techniques. After MRI, animals were killed and tumours excised. Four differently stained histological sections of the most central imaged tumour plane were digitized, and segmentation techniques were used to produce maps reflecting fibrotic and vascular density, apoptosis, and proliferation. Histological maps were aligned with MRI‐derived parametric maps using landmark‐based registration. Correlations and predictive power were evaluated using linear mixed‐effects models and cross‐validation, respectively.

Several MR parameters showed statistically significant correlations with histological parameters. In particular, three DCE‐MRI‐derived parameters reflecting capillary function additionally showed high predictive power regarding apoptosis (2/3) and proliferation (1/3). T1 could be used to predict vascular density, and perfusion fraction derived from diffusion MRI could predict fibrotic density, although with lower predictive power.

This work demonstrates the potential to use multiparametric MRI to retrieve important information on the tumour microenvironment after radiotherapy. The non‐invasiveness of the method also allows longitudinal tumour tissue characterization. Further investigation is warranted to evaluate the parameters highlighted in this study longitudinally, in larger studies, and with additional histological methods.
BOLD‐based cerebrovascular reactivity vascular transfer function isolates amplitude and timing responses to better characterize cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Atwi Sarah , Shao Han , Crane David E. , da Costa Leodante , Aviv Richard I. , Mikulis David J. , Black Sandra E. , MacIntosh Bradley J.
Published: January 2019

Cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) is a dynamic measure of the cerebral blood vessel response to vasoactive stimulus. Conventional CVR measures amplitude changes in the blood‐oxygenation‐level‐dependent (BOLD) signal per unit change in end‐tidal CO2 (PETCO2), effectively discarding potential timing information. This study proposes a deconvolution procedure to characterize CVR responses based on a vascular transfer function (VTF) that separates amplitude and timing CVR effects. We implemented the CVR‐VTF to primarily evaluate normal‐appearing white matter (WM) responses in those with a range of small vessel disease. Comparisons between simulations of PETCO2 input models revealed that boxcar and ramp hypercapnia paradigms had the lowest relative deconvolution error. We used a T2* BOLD‐MRI sequence on a 3 T MRI scanner, with a boxcar delivery model of CO2, to test the CVR‐VTF approach in 18 healthy adults and three white matter hyperintensity (WMH) groups: 20 adults with moderate WMH, 12 adults with severe WMH, and 10 adults with genetic WMH (CADASIL). A subset of participants performed a second CVR session at a one‐year follow‐up. Conventional CVR, area under the curve of VTF (VTF‐AUC), and VTF time‐to‐peak (VTF‐TTP) were assessed in WM and grey matter (GM) at baseline and one‐year follow‐up. WMH groups had lower WM VTF‐AUC compared with the healthy group (p < 0.0001), whereas GM CVR did not differ between groups (p > 0.1). WM VTF‐TTP of the healthy group was less than that in the moderate WMH group (p = 0.016). Baseline VTF‐AUC was lower than follow‐up VTF‐AUC in WM (p = 0.013) and GM (p = 0.026). The intraclass correlation for VTF‐AUC in WM was 0.39 and coefficient of repeatability was 0.08 [%BOLD/mm Hg]. This study assessed CVR timing and amplitude information without applying model assumptions to the CVR response; this approach may be useful in the development of robust clinical biomarkers of CSVD.
Meet the Board of ChemistryOpen: Mario Pagliaro
Authors: Pagliaro Mario
Published: January 2019

Mario Pagliaro

image

is a chemistry and energy scholar at Italy′s Research Council based in Palermo (Italy). The research of his group focuses on the broad areas of nanochemistry, solar energy, and bioeconomy, which has been developed in co‐operation with leading researchers in Italy and abroad. He was appointed Fellow by the Royal Society of Chemistry in 2014, and has been President of Palermo′s public energy utility. In 2008, he co‐founded Sicily′s Solar Pole, working towards the Institute of Solar Energy and Bioeconomy at Italy′s CNR. He currently serves as an active Editorial Advisory Board member for ChemistryOpen.
Effect of nanoclay grafting onto flax fibers on the interfacial shear strength and mechanical properties of flax/epoxy composites
Authors: Wang Anni , Xia Damin , Xian Guijun , Li Hui
Published: January 2019

The low fiber strength and high hydrophilic characteristics limit the wide acceptance of natural fiber‐reinforced polymer (NFRP) composites in structural applications. In this article, to enhance the mechanical properties of flax fiber‐based NFRP, flax fibers were tried to be grafted with organic nanoclay in assistance of a silane coupling agent. The effects of the nanoclay grafting on the interfacial shear strength between flax–epoxy resin and the tensile and flexural properties of the flax–epoxy composites were investigated. Through micrograph observation (scanning electron microscope [SEM] and atomic force microscope [AFM]), together with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, nanoclay was confirmed to be successfully grafted onto the fiber surface through covalent bonds. The flax fiber‐based NFRP plates were prepared with a vacuum‐assisted resin infusion process. With the optimized nanoclay content (1.3 wt.%), an increase in the pull‐out shear strength of flax yarn from epoxy block by 71% and short‐beam shear strength by 17.9% were realized, respectively. Meanwhile, compared to the control samples, the grafted flax fiber‐reinforced plates were enhanced in the flexural strength and tensile strength by 20.7% and 14.3%, respectively. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3482–3492, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Investigation of the effect of aluminum oxide nanoparticle additives and gamma irradiation on the thermal behavior of syndiotactic polystyrene
Authors: Abdeldaym A. , Elhady M. A.
Published: January 2019

Syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) containing 3, 5, 7, and 10 wt% of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles were prepared following the melt‐mixing technique. The thermal behavior of the sPS/Al2O3 nanocomposites was investigated through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and melt flow index (MFI). The DSC results indicated that for all sPS/Al2O3 nanocomposites, the melting temperature (Tm), the melting enthalpy (ΔHm), the crystallization temperature (Tc), and the glass transition temperature (Tg) increased with an increase in the Al2O3 nanoparticles content. The TGA analysis indicated that the thermal stability of all nanocomposites is significantly enhanced after the addition of Al2O3 nanoparticles with different contents. The activation energy was determined through two different models: the Coats–Redfern model and Broido's models were utilized to measure the activation energy of thermal decomposition by assuming first‐order kinetics. The results of both methods have displayed a high level of agreement. Our study extended to study the MFI of the sPS/Al2O3 nanocomposites. The MFI reduced when the Al2O3 nanoparticles content increased. The effect of gamma irradiation on the thermal behavior of the sPS/Al2O3 nanoparticles was also investigated at different gamma‐absorbed doses. Significant modifications were observed in the thermal behavior of sPS/Al2O3 nanocomposites after the irradiation process, and the experimental data indicated that the addition of Al2O3 nanocomposites in small loading contents and gamma irradiation can significantly help improve the thermal properties of sPS. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3588–3600, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Early growth trajectories of children's approaches to learning: The contribution of parent and family characteristics
Authors: Buek Katharine W.
Published: January 2019

Children's approaches to learning (AtL) has been identified in research and policy as a key domain of children's school readiness. However, relatively little is known about the child and family factors that shape early AtL, how it varies in the general population, or how it develops and changes through the early years of schooling. This exploratory study examined the growth of children's AtL over six occasions spanning kindergarten through second grade in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Survey (ECLS‐K) class of 2010–2011 as predicted by parenting and family characteristics. Latent classes of AtL growth were identified through growth mixture modeling and regressed onto explanatory covariates to uncover patterns and sources of variation in children's AtL. Results revealed higher and lower AtL growth classes significantly associated with demographic and parenting variables measured in kindergarten. In particular, sex (male) and poverty were associated with lower AtL trajectories, whereas the presence of both biological parents in the household and parent involvement at school and at home predicted membership in the higher AtL group. Implications of these findings for further clarification and exploration of AtL as a construct are discussed.
Characterization of Multiferroic Bi2Mn4O10 by Dielectric and Neutron Spectroscopy
Authors: Ziegler Fabian , Köhler Lennart , Gibhardt Holger , Gesing Thorsten M. , Murshed Mangir M. , Sobolev Oleg , Piovano Andrea , Eckold Götz
Published: January 2019

The low‐temperature behavior of single‐crystalline Bi2Mn4O10 is studied using dielectric impedance spectroscopy and inelastic neutron scattering. Several relaxation processes with pronounced anisotropic character can be identified in the frequency range between 1 Hz and 1 MHz for temperatures between 150 and 300 K. The dielectric as well as the mechanical properties are demonstrated close to the anti‐ferromagnetic transition. The static dielectric permittivity yields a small but well‐defined peak at the Néel temperature of (38.3 ± 0.1) K, which is related to the type‐II multiferroic nature of this transition. Spectra of acoustic phonons, on the other hand, do not exhibit any significant temperature‐dependent variation and, hence, there are no indications for a predominant magneto‐elastic coupling associated with this phase transition.
Variational integrator for the rotating shallow‐water equations on the sphere
Authors: Brecht Rüdiger , Bauer Werner , Bihlo Alexander , Gay‐Balmaz François , MacLachlan Scott
Published: January 2019

We develop a variational integrator for the shallow‐water equations on a rotating sphere. The variational integrator is built around a discretization of the continuous Euler–Poincaré reduction framework for Eulerian hydrodynamics. We describe the discretization of the continuous Euler–Poincaré equations on arbitrary simplicial meshes. Standard numerical tests are carried out to verify the accuracy and excellent conservational properties of the discrete variational integrator.
Novel Synthesis of CdSe Quantum Dots in a Confined Space by Using a High Internal Phase Emulsion and Their Application in Fluorescent Labeling
Authors: Xu Dawei , Zou Wei , Du Zhongjie , Wang Hong , Liu Bin , Zhang Chen
Published: January 2019

The synthesis of CdSe quantum dots (QDs) in a confined space constructed by the aqueous continuous phase of high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) at room temperature was proposed, and the obtained high quality QDs was applied as the label of amino groups in epoxy resin. In a typical system of oil‐in‐water HIPE, the aqueous solution film containing selenium powder, cadmium chloride, and 3‐mercaptopropionic acid was squeezed by the droplet of toluene and acted as a nano‐reactor, and then QDs nanoparticles with high fluorescence intensity were generated at room temperature. The morphologies of HIPE containing QDs were observed by fluorescence microscopy, and the QDs product were characterized by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and UV‐vis Spectrophotometer. The effect of the confined space, including the stability, the dimension of continuous phase, and the interface structure of HIPE, on the fluorescence performance of QDs were investigated. Furthermore, the mechanism of ‘temporary ligand’ was proposed to explain the better performance of QDs prepared at the introduction of ionic emulsifier. Finally, attributed to the inherent carboxylic end ligands of obtained QDs, it is applied to mark the amino curing agent in the epoxy resin, and the visualized observation of the dispersion of amino curing agent in epoxy matrix was realized.
Structural Diversity in Heterobimetallic Complexes of Alkaline Earth Metals and Molybdenum, and Selective Dye Adsorption Properties of Mixed Metal Oxides Synthesized from the Heterobimetallic Complexes
Authors: Das Dhiraj
Published: January 2019

Four heterobimetallic complexes of group 2 metal (Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, and Ba2+) and molybdenum metalloligand ([Mo2O5L2]2− {H2L=2‐(3‐tert‐butyl‐2‐hydroxy‐5‐methoxybenzylamino) acetic acid}) have been synthesized and structurally characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The size‐dependent structural diversity has been observed. The coordination number of alkaline earth metal has gradually been increased from hexacoordinate to octa‐coordinate and as a result, we are able to get monomer to dimer to one‐dimensional (1D) coordination polymer. The lattice water molecule further connects two 1D chains and generated a two‐dimensional (2D) network. The heterobimetallic complexes afford mixed‐metal oxides of the type MMoO4⋅MoO3 (M = Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, and Ba2+). The dye and gas adsorption properties of the mixed metal oxides have been studied. They exhibit selective cationic dyes adsorption from the mixture of anionic and cationic dye.
Catalytic Upgrading of Renewable Levulinic Acid to Levulinate Esters Using Perchloric Acid Decorated Nanoporous Silica Gels
Authors: Yang Fu , Tang Jingjing
Published: January 2019

Catalytic upgrading of renewable biomass resource toward useful chemicals is interesting but challenged, in this paper, several inorganic acids were examined for the catalytic esterification of levulinic acid with alcohol, and then ulteriorly loaded on the applicable supports to obtain the heterogeneous catalysts. Among them, HClO4/SiO2 nanoporous solid‐acid catalyst exhibits the highest catalytic activity for the synthesis of ethyl levulinate. The resulting HClO4/SiO2 catalyst was characterized by FT‐IR, Energy Dispersive X‐ray (EDX)‐mapping, X‐ray Diffraction (XRD), NH3‐Temperature‐Programmed‐Desorption (TPD), and N2 desorption. Various reaction factors including loading of HClO4, catalyst dosage, reaction time and temperature were checked and optimized. As expected, the targeted catalyst affords 99% yield of ethyl levulinate and a durable activity even with five runs. Finally, esterification of levulinic acid with various alcohols over the HClO4/SiO2 was further expanded based on the optimal reaction condition.
Simple and Label‐Free Liquid Crystal‐based Optical Sensor for Highly Sensitive and Selective Endotoxin Detection by Aptamer Binding and Separation
Authors: An Zongfu , Jang Chang‐Hyun
Published: January 2019

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS), also commonly known as lipoglycans and endotoxins, can often accidentally contaminate recombinant protein therapeutics and bacteria‐derived plasmid DNA vaccines. Since LPS can induce fever, hypotension, shock, and even death, their early and sensitive detection is necessary in relevant bioassays and for parenteral drug administration and/or biotherapeutics. In this study, an optical biosensor was developed using LPS‐specific single‐stranded DNA aptamers as LPS‐selective probes. (3‐Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane and glutaraldehyde were used as linkers to immobilize the LPS high‐affinity aptamer on glass. Subsequently, each modification step was characterized by the optical responses obtained from liquid crystals using a polarized optical microscope. The sensor's ability to detect LPS was confirmed using a broad LPS detection range (5.5 pg/mL ‐ 100 ng/mL). Despite the presence of plasmid DNA, RNA, and bovine serum albumin, the aptamer sensor showed high selectivity for LPS and could be regenerated for reuse at a low pH, thus, providing a promising option for detecting LPS in complex, low pH environments.
Re‐visiting the Antioxidant Activity of Se‐ and Te‐ Carbohydrates: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Kashyap Chayanika , Mazumder Lakhya Jyoti , Rohman Shahnaz S. , Ullah Sabnam S. , Guha Ankur Kanti
Published: January 2019

Antioxidants have attracted interest for a very long time. Because of their unique ability to quench other toxic free radicals in the body, these molecules have been the focus of many chemists. Herein, we have undertaken a quantum chemical study on some carbohydrates and their heavier Se and Te derivatives to evaluate the essential parameters responsible for showing antioxidant abilities through different mechanistic pathways. The effect of different solvent media on their antioxidant ability has also been explored. Our study reveals that heavier Se and Te containing carbohydrates show higher antioxidant abilities and in addition, the aromatic derivatives of these molecules show even superior ability.
A Biodegradable and Stretchable Protein‐Based Sensor as Artificial Electronic Skin for Human Motion Detection
Authors: Hou Chen , Xu Zijie , Qiu Wu , Wu Ronghui , Wang Yanan , Xu Qingchi , Liu Xiang Yang , Guo Wenxi
Published: January 2019

Due to the natural biodegradability and biocompatibility, silk fibroin (SF) is one of the ideal platforms for on‐skin and implantable electronic devices. However, the development of SF‐based electronics is still at a preliminary stage due to the SF film intrinsic brittleness as well as the solubility in water, which prevent the fabrication of SF‐based electronics through traditional techniques. In this article, a flexible and stretchable silver nanofibers (Ag NFs)/SF based electrode is synthesized through water‐free procedures, which demonstrates outstanding performance, i.e., low sheet resistance (10.5 Ω sq−1), high transmittance (>90%), excellent stability even after bending cycles >2200 times, and good extensibility (>60% stretching). In addition, on the basis of such advanced (Ag NFs)/SF electrode, a flexible and tactile sensor is further fabricated, which can simultaneously detect pressure and strain signals with a large monitoring window (35 Pa–700 kPa). Besides, this sensor is air‐permeable and inflammation‐free, so that it can be directly laminated onto human skins for long‐term health monitoring. Considering the biodegradable and skin‐comfortable features, this sensor may become promising to find potential applications in on‐skin or implantable health‐monitoring devices.
Full likelihood inference for max‐stable data
Authors: Huser Raphaël , Dombry Clément , Ribatet Mathieu , Genton Marc G.
Published: January 2019

We show how to perform full likelihood inference for max‐stable multivariate distributions or processes based on a stochastic expectation–maximization algorithm, which combines statistical and computational efficiency in high dimensions. The good performance of this methodology is demonstrated by simulation based on the popular logistic and Brown–Resnick models, and it is shown to provide computational time improvements with respect to a direct computation of the likelihood. Strategies to further reduce the computational burden are also discussed.