bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biologically Inspired, Cell‐Selective Release of Aptamer‐Trapped Growth Factors by Traction Forces
Authors: Stejskalová Anna , Oliva Nuria , England Frances J. , Almquist Benjamin D.
Published: January 2019

Biomaterial scaffolds that are designed to incorporate dynamic, spatiotemporal information have the potential to interface with cells and tissues to direct behavior. Here, a bioinspired, programmable nanotechnology‐based platform is described that harnesses cellular traction forces to activate growth factors, eliminating the need for exogenous triggers (e.g., light), spatially diffuse triggers (e.g., enzymes, pH changes), or passive activation (e.g., hydrolysis). Flexible aptamer technology is used to create modular, synthetic mimics of the Large Latent Complex that restrains transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1). This flexible nanotechnology‐based approach is shown here to work with both platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF‐BB) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF‐165), integrate with glass coverslips, polyacrylamide gels, and collagen scaffolds, enable activation by various cells (e.g., primary human dermal fibroblasts, HMEC‐1 endothelial cells), and unlock fundamentally new capabilities such as selective activation of growth factors by differing cell types (e.g., activation by smooth muscle cells but not fibroblasts) within clinically relevant collagen sponges.
Ultrathin Fully Printed Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells with Arbitrary Designs on Biocompatible Substrates
Authors: Zimmermann Johannes , Schlisske Stefan , Held Martin , Tisserant Jean‐Nicolas , Porcarelli Luca , Sanchez‐Sanchez Ana , Mecerreyes David , Hernandez‐Sosa Gerardo
Published: January 2019

Organic electronic devices are often highlighted in terms of cost‐efficient solution processing and potential printability. However, few studies are reporting truly full‐solution‐processed devices taking into account the electrodes as well as all other layers. This results in a production method that only partially benefits from the cost efficiency of solution processing and that still depends on costly and elaborate techniques like evaporation and/or lithography. This lack of knowledge is addressed by presenting a truly fully printed light‐emitting electrochemical cell on ultraflexible parylene C substrates usable for conformable electronics. All device parts are fabricated by industrial relevant printing‐techniques under ambient atmosphere. Inkjet printing is used for the structuring of the device layout and is therefore able to implement and create arbitrary designs. Further layers are produced by blade coating which is well suited for the coating of large areas. The devices show stable operation at a luminance higher than 100 cd m−2 for 8.8 h, can reach a maximum brightness of 918 cd m−2, and exhibit a turn‐on time of 40 s to reach 100 cd m−2. Moreover, biocompatible and biodegradable materials are utilized to allow potential applications in life science and bioelectronics.
Tetraphenylpyrazine Based AIE Luminogens: Unique Excited State Decay and Its Application in Deep‐Blue Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Pan Lingxiang , Wu Haozhong , Liu Junkai , Xue Kaiqi , Luo Wenwen , Chen Ping , Wang Zhiming , Qin Anjun , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: January 2019

Carbazole‐modified tetraphenylpyrazine (TPP) derivatives TPP‐Cz, TPP‐PhCz, TPP‐2Cz, and TPP‐2PhCz are prepared with different patterns by inserting a π‐bridge and adopting two‐armed forms to produce aggregation‐induced emission (AIE)‐type deep‐blue emitters for organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) applications. Systematic spectral analysis and detailed theoretical calculation of these TPP derivatives reveal their special excited state behaviors. Unlike the traditional AIE unit, which features enhanced emission from solution to aggregate with the nonradiative decay channel blocked, a tenfold increase in the radiative decay rate of these TPP‐based AIE luminogens (AIEgens) is observed from the solution to film states. The formation of a stable quinone conformation of the TPP center and its peripheral phenyl group in the excited state is the main reason for this behavior. The distribution changes in the total reorganization energy are further integrated, and a feasible molecular design strategy is proposed for the TPP family. Nondoped OLEDs are fabricated, and the AIEgens exhibit good performance with valuable blue emission (x + y < 0.3). The TPP‐Cz‐based optimized devices exhibit more stable external quantum efficiencies and an ideal roll‐off with unchanged Commission Internationale de l'Elcairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.16, 0.11). These findings demonstrate the great potential of TPP with its unique excited state characteristics as a deep‐blue AIEgen.
CoFe2O4@SiO2‐CPTES‐Guanidine‐Cu(II): A novel and reusable nanocatalyst for the synthesis of 2,3‐dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H)‐ones and polyhydroquinolines and oxidation of sulfides
Authors: Heidari Leili , Shiri Lotfi
Published: January 2019

CoFe2O4@SiO2‐CPTES‐Guanidine‐Cu(II) magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized and used as a new, inexpensive and efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of polyhydroquinolines and 2,3‐dihydroquinazoline‐4(1H)‐ones and for the oxidation of sulfides. The structure of this nanocatalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Simple preparation, high catalytic activity, simple operation, high yields, use of green solvents, easy magnetic separation and reusability of the catalyst are some of the advantages of this protocol.
Is the Mole Rat Vomeronasal Organ Functional?
Authors: Dennis John C. , Stilwell Natalie K. , Smith Timothy D. , Park Thomas J. , Bhatnagar Kunwar P. , Morrison Edward E.
Published: January 2019

The colonial naked mole rat Heterocephalus glaber is a subterranean, eusocial rodent. The H. glaber vomeronasal organ neuroepithelium (VNE) displays little postnatal growth. However, the VNE remains neuronal in contrast to some mammals that possess nonfunctional vomeronasal organ remnants, for example, catarrhine primates and some bats. Here, we describe the vomeronasal organ (VNO) microanatomy in the naked mole rat and we make preliminary observations to determine if H. glaber shares its minimal postnatal VNE growth with other African mole rats. We also determine the immunoreactivity to the mitotic marker Ki67, growth‐associated protein 43 (GAP43), and olfactory marker protein (OMP) in six adult and three subadult H. glaber individuals. VNE volume measurements on a small sample of Cryptomys hottentotus and Fukomys damarensis indicate that the VNE of those African mole rat species are also likely to be growth‐deficient. Ki67(+) cells show that the sensory epithelium is mitotically active. GAP43 labelling indicates neurogenesis and OMP(+) cells are present though less numerous compared to GAP43(+) cells. In this respect, the VNO of H. glaber does not appear vestigial. The African mole rat VNE may be unusually variable, perhaps reflecting reduced selection pressure on the vomeronasal system. If so, African mole rats may provide a useful genetic model for understanding the morphological variability observed in the mammalian VNO. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Anat Rec, 303:318–329, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Reduced Right Ventricular Output Reserve in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis and Mildly Elevated Pulmonary Artery Pressure
Authors: Nagel Christian , Marra Alberto M. , Benjamin Nicola , Blank Norbert , Cittadini Antonio , Coghlan Gerry , Distler Oliver , Denton Christopher P. , Egenlauf Benjamin , Fiehn Christoph , Fischer Christine , Harutyunova Satenik , Hoeper Marius M. , Lorenz Hanns‐Martin , Xanthouli Panagiota , Bossone Eduardo , Grünig Ekkehard
Published: January 2019

Objective

This prospective study was undertaken to evaluate right ventricular function and pulmonary arterial compliance (PAC; ratio of stroke volume to pulse pressure) at rest and during exercise in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) with normal mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), patients with SSc with mildly elevated mean PAP, and patients with SSc with manifest pulmonary hypertension (PH).

Methods

Patients with SSc (n = 112) underwent clinical assessment and right‐sided heart catheterization at rest and during exercise and were divided into 3 groups according to their resting mean PAP values: normal mean PAP (≤20 mm Hg), mildly elevated mean PAP (21–24 mm Hg), and PH (mean PAP ≥25 mm Hg). Results were compared between groups by analysis of variance followed by post hoc Student's t‐test.

Results

Compared to patients with normal mean PAP, patients with mildly elevated mean PAP had a lower 6‐minute walking distance (P = 0.008), lower cardiac index (P = 0.027) and higher pulmonary vascular resistance (P = 0.0002) during exercise, and lower PAC at rest (P = 0.016) and different stages of exercise (P = 0.033 for 25W and P = 0.024 for 75W).

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that impaired 6‐minute walking distance in SSc patients with mildly elevated mean PAP might be caused by reduced PAC during exercise and reduced right ventricular output reserve, presumably due to impaired coupling between the right ventricle and the pulmonary vasculature. These findings provide further evidence of the clinical relevance of mildly elevated mean PAP in patients with SSc.
Usefulness of 18F‐Labeled Fluorodeoxyglucose–Positron Emission Tomography for the Diagnosis of Lymphoma in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome
Authors: Keraen Jérémy , Blanc Estelle , Besson Florent L. , Leguern Véronique , Meyer Céline , Henry Julien , Belkhir Rakiba , Nocturne Gaétane , Mariette Xavier , Seror Raphaèle
Published: January 2019

Objective

The usefulness of positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET‐CT) with 18F‐labeled fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) for the diagnosis of lymphoma in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is unclear, since the abnormalities it reveals may be due to systemic manifestations of SS. This study was undertaken to compare 18F‐FDG–PET‐CT in patients with primary SS with lymphoma and those without lymphoma in order to identify patterns associated with lymphoma.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted in 2 centers and included patients who met the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism 2016 criteria for primary SS and had undergone PET‐CT. Two independent readers who were blinded with regard to lymphoma diagnosis analyzed PET‐CT scans. Abnormalities were compared between patients with and those without lymphoma.

Results

Of the 45 patients included, 15 had lymphoma. Compared to patients without lymphoma, the mean size (P = 0.048) and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) (P = 0.001) of the parotid glands were higher in patients with lymphoma. FDG uptake in the lymph nodes was observed in 53.3% of the patients with lymphoma and 43.3% of the patients without lymphoma, with no difference in the number of sites, uptake pattern, or mean SUVmax. Focal pulmonary uptake (nodules or condensations) was observed in 5 of the patients with lymphoma (33.3%) but only 1 patient without lymphoma (3.3%) (P = 0.01). Having an SUVmax in the parotid gland of ≥4.7 and/or the presence of focal pulmonary lesions was highly suggestive of lymphoma (sensitivity 80%, specificity 83.3%).

Conclusion

Some systemic manifestations of primary SS (lymphadenopathy, pulmonary involvement, and salivary gland involvement) can be visualized by PET‐CT. Involvement of the lymph nodes and parotid glands is commonly observed with a similar frequency in SS patients with and those without lymphoma. An SUVmax in the parotid glands of ≥4.7 and/or the presence of focal lung lesions are associated with the diagnosis of lymphoma.
The effect of response interruption and redirection with and without a differential reinforcement of alternative behavior component on stereotypy and appropriate responses
Authors: Cividini‐Motta Catia , Garcia Anna R. , Livingston Cynthia , MacNaul Hannah L.
Published: January 2019

Individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often engage in repetitive and stereotypic behaviors (American Psychological Association, 2013). Therefore, interventions that reduce stereotypy and potentially increase appropriate responses are of interest in the field of applied behavior analysis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the isolated and additive effects of response interruption and redirection (RIRD) and differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) on both stereotypy and appropriate responses to determine whether either of these interventions alone or in combination is more effective and more efficient in increasing appropriate responses and decreasing stereotypy. Results showed that both RIRD and RIRD + DRA were effective interventions in decreasing stereotypy, but no procedure resulted in a sustained increase in appropriate responses.
Could lean practices and process innovation enhance supply chain sustainability of small and medium‐sized enterprises?
Authors: Dey Prasanta Kumar , Malesios Chrisovalantis , De Debashree , Chowdhury Soumyadeb , Abdelaziz Fouad Ben
Published: January 2019

Small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) adopt lean practices (LP) to reduce waste across their organisational value chain, which helps achieve sustainability. Process innovation (PI) has also been applied through cleaner production, environmental management system, ecodesign, and so on to address both customers' needs and legislations by policymakers. Although prior studies reveal the effect of sustainable practices, LP, and PI on sustainable performance separately, less is known on the integrated effect of them on sustainability performance. Moreover, studies on mediating effect of LP and PI on sustainability performance are scant. This is significant as LP and PI are considered to be the enablers for achieving sustainability performance. This research addresses this knowledge gap. The research first theorises a model integrating these four major constructs (sustainability practices, LP, PI, and sustainability performance) through hypotheses development. Subsequently, using structural equation modelling, it is tested whether each of sustainability practices, LP, and PI effect sustainability performances. Additionally, mediating effect of LP and PI between sustainability practices and performances is derived. The study uses data from 119 SMEs within manufacturing industries in the Midlands, United Kingdom. Further, a few case studies have been undertaken to validate the findings from quantitative analysis. The overall results show that although sustainability practices, LP, and PI help achieve sustainability performance of SMEs supply chain through efficiency and responsiveness respectively, the mediating effect LP is more compared with PI. Moreover, SMEs adopt LP when they are economy focused and implement PI when they are pressurised by customers and/or policymakers.
Pt/ZSM‐22 with Partially Filled Micropore Channels as Excellent Shape‐Selective Hydroisomerization Catalyst
Authors: Lv Guang , Wang Congxin , Wang Ping , Sun Lei , Liu Hao , Qu Wei , Wang Donge , Ma Huaijun , Tian Zhijian
Published: January 2019

Pt/ZSM‐22 with partially filled micropore channels (Pt/Z22‐PF) was prepared through a facile in‐situ coke deposition approach. Compared with conventional Pt/ZSM‐22 with evacuated micropore channels (Pt/Z22‐E), Pt/Z22‐PF exhibits much higher activity and isomer yield in n‐dodecane hydroisomerization. Specifically, the turnover frequency of n‐dodecane and the maximum multibranched isomer yield on Pt/Z22‐PF are about twice that on Pt/Z22‐E (314 vs. 144 h−1, 49 % vs. 29 %). Theoretical simulations and adsorption experiments demonstrate that the diffusion limitation of hydrocarbon and the accessibility of acid sites inside the micropore channels are reduced dramatically because of the partial fill. This is beneficial for the diffusion of alkene intermediates and the suppression of cracking reactions, resulting in a superior activity and high yield of isomers, especially multibranched isomers.
2H and 13C NMR‐Based Enantiodetection Using Polyacetylene versus Polypeptide Aligning Media: Versatile and Complementary Tools for Chemists
Authors: Lesot Philippe , Berdagué Philippe , Meddour Abdelkrim , Kreiter Alexander , Noll Markus , Reggelin Michael
Published: January 2019

Invited for this month's cover are the collaborating groups of Dr. Philippe Lesot (DR CNRS) at Université Paris‐Sud/Université Paris‐Saclay, France, and Professor Michael Reggelin at TU Darmstadt, Germany. The cover shows the proton‐decoupled natural abundance deuterium (NAD‐{1H}) Q‐resolved Fz 2D‐NMR spectrum of (±)‐3‐methylhexane measured in the anisotropic lyotropic chiral liquid‐crystalline phase formed by a concentrated solution of a helically chiral polyarylacetylene in chloroform solvent. Seventeen out of the twenty possible deuterium quadrupolar doublets are observed, demonstrating the enormous enantiodifferentiating capability of the system, even for an unfunctionalized chiral alkane. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cplu.201800493.
Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting with p‐Type Metal Oxide Semiconductor Photocathodes
Authors: Jang Youn Jeong , Lee Jae Sung
Published: January 2019

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a promising way to produce clean and sustainable hydrogen fuel. Solar hydrogen production by using p‐type metal oxide semiconductor photocathodes has not been studied as extensively as that with n‐type metal oxide semiconductor photoanodes and p‐type photovoltaic‐grade non‐oxide semiconductor photocathodes. Copper‐based oxide photocathodes show relatively good conductivity, but suffer from instability in aqueous solution under illumination, whereas iron‐based metal oxide photocathodes demonstrate more stable PEC performance but have problems in charge separation and transport. Herein, an overview of recent progress in p‐type metal oxide‐based photocathodes for PEC water reduction is provided. Although these materials have not been fully developed to reach their potential performance, the challenges involved have been identified and strategies to overcome these limitations have been proposed. Future research in this field should address these issues and challenges in addition to the discovery of new materials.
Efficacy and safety of osimertinib in treating EGFR‐mutated advanced NSCLC: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yi Lilan , Fan Junsheng , Qian Ruolan , Luo Peng , Zhang Jian
Published: January 2019

Osimertinib is the only Food and Drug Administration‐approved third‐generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine‐kinase inhibitor (TKI). A meta‐analysis was performed to aggregate the mixed results of published clinical trials to assess the efficacy and safety of osimertinib. A systematic search of the PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library electronic databases was performed to identify eligible literature. The primary endpoints were overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression‐free survival (PFS), and adverse events (AEs). A total of 3,086 advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients from 11 studies have been identified. The aggregate efficacy parameters for treatment‐naïve patients with EGFR‐TKI‐sensitizing mutations are as follows: ORR 79% (95% CI 75–84%), DCR 97% (95% CI 95–99%), 6‐month PFS 83% (95% CI 80–87%), and 12‐month PFS 64% (95% CI 59–69%). The aggregate efficacy parameters for advanced NSCLC harboring T790M mutations after earlier‐generation EGFR‐TKI therapy are as follows: ORR 58% (95% CI 46–71%), DCR 80% (95% CI 63–98%), 6‐month PFS 63% (95% CI 58–69%), and 12‐month PFS 32% (95% CI 17–47%). EGFR‐TKI‐naïve patients with EGFR‐positive mutations tend to have longer median PFS than EGFR‐TKI‐pretreated counterparts (19.17 vs. 10.58 months). The most common AEs were diarrhea and rash, of which the pooled incidences were 44 and 42%, respectively. Generally, osimertinib is a favorable treatment option for previously treated T790M mutation‐positive advanced NSCLC as well as a preferable therapy for untreated EGFR mutation‐positive advanced NSCLC. Additionally, osimertinib is well tolerated by most patients.
Insight into genetic susceptibility to male breast cancer by multigene panel testing: Results from a multicenter study in Italy
Authors: Rizzolo Piera , Zelli Veronica , Silvestri Valentina , Valentini Virginia , Zanna Ines , Bianchi Simonetta , Masala Giovanna , Spinelli Alessandro Mauro , Tibiletti Maria Grazia , Russo Antonio , Varesco Liliana , Giannini Giuseppe , Capalbo Carlo , Calistri Daniele , Cortesi Laura , Viel Alessandra , Bonanni Bernardo , Azzollini Jacopo , Manoukian Siranoush , Montagna Marco , Peterlongo Paolo , Radice Paolo , Palli Domenico , Ottini Laura
Published: January 2019

Breast cancer (BC) in men is rare and genetic predisposition is likely to play a relevant role in its etiology. Inherited mutations in BRCA1/2 account for about 13% of all cases and additional genes that may contribute to the missing heritability need to be investigated. In our study, a well‐characterized series of 523 male BC (MBC) patients from the Italian multicenter study on MBC, enriched for non‐BRCA1/2 MBC cases, was screened by a multigene custom panel of 50 cancer‐associated genes. The main clinical‐pathologic characteristics of MBC in pathogenic variant carriers and non‐carriers were also compared. BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants were detected in twenty patients, thus, a total of 503 non‐BRCA1/2 MBC patients were examined in our study. Twenty‐seven of the non‐BRCA1/2 MBC patients were carriers of germline pathogenic variants in other genes, including two APC p.Ile1307Lys variant carriers and one MUTYH biallelic variant carrier. PALB2 was the most frequently altered gene (1.2%) and PALB2 pathogenic variants were significantly associated with high risk of MBC. Non‐BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant carriers were more likely to have personal (p = 0.0005) and family (p = 0.007) history of cancer. Results of our study support a central role of PALB2 in MBC susceptibility and show a low impact of CHEK2 on MBC predisposition in the Italian population. Overall, our data indicate that a multigene testing approach may benefit from appropriately selected patients with implications for clinical management and counseling of MBC patients and their family members.
Biexponential T1ρ relaxation mapping of human knee menisci
Authors: Baboli Rahman , Sharafi Azadeh , Chang Gregory , Regatte Ravinder R.
Published: January 2019

Background

Measuring T1ρ in the knee menisci can potentially be used as noninvasive biomarkers in detecting early‐stage osteoarthritis (OA).

Purpose

To demonstrate the feasibility of biexponential T1ρ relaxation mapping of human knee menisci.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Eight healthy volunteers with no known inflammation, trauma, or pain in the knee and three symptomatic subjects with early knee OA.

Field Strength/Sequence

Customized Turbo‐FLASH sequence to acquire 3D‐T1ρ‐weighted images on a 3 T MRI scanner.

Assessment

T1ρ relaxation values were assessed in 11 meniscal regions of interest (ROIs) using monoexponential and biexponential models.

Statistical Tests

Nonparametric rank‐sum tests, Kruskal–Wallis test, and coefficient of variation.

Results

The mean monoexponential T1ρ relaxation in the lateral menisci were 28.05 ± 4.2 msec and 37.06 ± 10.64 msec for healthy subjects and early knee OA patients, respectively, while the short and long components were 8.07 ± 0.5 msec and 72.35 ± 3.2 msec for healthy subjects and 2.63 ± 2.99 msec and 55.27 ± 24.76 msec for early knee OA patients, respectively. The mean monoexponential T1ρ relaxation in the medial menisci were 34.30 ± 3.8 msec and 37.26 ± 11.38 msec for healthy and OA patients, respectively, while the short and long components were 7.76 ± 0.7 msec and 72.19 ± 4.2 msec for healthy subjects and 3.06 ± 3.24 msec and 55.27 ± 24.59 msec for OA patients, respectively. Statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences were observed in the monoexponential relaxation between some of the ROIs. The T1ρ,short was significantly lower (P = 0.02) in the patients than controls. The rmsCV% ranges were 1.51–16.6%, 3.59–14.3%, and 4.91–15.6% for T1ρ‐mono, T1ρ‐short, and T1ρ‐long, respectively.

Data Conclusion

Our results showed that in all ROIs, T1ρ relaxation times of outer zones (red zones) were less than inner zones (white zones). Monoexponential T1ρ was increased in medial, lateral, and body menisci of early OA while the biexponential numbers were decreased in early OA patients.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy Stage: 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:824–835.
Biodegradation of Petroleum Oil Effluents and Production of Biosurfactants: Effect of Initial Oil Concentration
Authors: Mostafa Nagat Abdalla , Tayeb Aghareed M. , Mohamed Olfat Abdalla , Farouq Rania
Published: January 2019

Biosurfactants have been used in the petroleum oil industry for oil storage tank cleaning, for reducing the viscosity of heavy oil, thereby facilitating recovery, transportation, and pipelining. Also, they are used for microbial enhanced oil recovery either from residual oil in reservoirs or from oily wastewater. The present study is an investigation of biodegradation of petroleum oil effluents using Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 for producing rhamnolipid biosurfactants. The processes were performed in a mechanically agitated, fully baffled, air‐sparged 10 L glass fermenter with a 5 L working volume. The effect of oil concentration (1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5%) on the efficiency of oil biodegradation, rhamnolipid production, surface tension, and bacterial biomass was studied. The fermentation with 1.5% oil concentration gave the highest biodegradation for aliphatic hydrocarbons (98.85%), followed by 2% oil concentration (95% degradation), then with 2.5% oil concentration (80% degradation), and finally with 1% oil concentration (66.8% degradation). Also, the complete biodegradation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons was achieved for all tested oil concentrations. On the other hand, maximum rhamnolipid production of 2.7 g L−1 as rhamnose equivalent and lower surface tension (30.2 mN m−1) were achieved at 2% oil concentration.
Pathological mechanisms of laryngeal papillomatosis based on laryngeal epithelial characteristics
Authors: Kurita Takashi , Chitose Shun‐ichi , Sato Kiminori , Sakazaki Tomo , Fukahori Mioko , Sueyoshi Shintaro , Umeno Hirohito
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infects basal cells of the stratified squamous epithelium through micro epithelial trauma. However, laryngeal papillomatosis commonly appears in any site on the laryngeal mucosa not covered by stratified squamous epithelium. The purpose of this study is to clarify pathological mechanisms of laryngeal papillomatosis based on the characteristics of the laryngeal epithelium.

Study Design

Morphological and immunohistochemical study.

Methods

Larynges from one newborn and two adults were used. Morphological differences in the laryngeal squamo‐ciliary junction (lSCJ) were compared to those in the cervical squamo‐columnar junction (cSCJ) in a resected cervix uterus. Morphological characteristics of laryngeal epithelial distribution were also compared between the newborn and adult larynges. Immunohistochemical evaluations were performed using p63 (an epithelial stem‐cell marker) and integrin‐α6 (a cellular HPV receptor).

Results

Morphological differences were noted between the lSCJ and the cSCJ. The lSCJ was present in the adult, but not the newborn supraglottis. Goblet cells in the pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium were also found in the adult but not the newborn larynx. In addition, basal cells of the stratified squamous epithelium as well as the pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium expressed p63 and integrin‐α6 in both newborn and adult larynges.

Conclusions

HPV can infect any immature laryngeal epithelium with or without the lSCJ. Squamous metaplasia of pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium with a latent HPV infection can also cause tumorigenesis.

Level of Evidence

N/A
A Review on Bioengineering Approaches to Insulin Delivery: A Pharmaceutical and Engineering Perspective
Authors: Baghban Taraghdari Zahra , Imani Rana , Mohabatpour Fatemeh
Published: January 2019

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most prevalent non‐contagious disease, which has affected a large number of people all over the world. Among all treatments known to have a positive influence in the control of DM, insulin therapy is the most common and effective one. Nowadays, various methods of insulin delivery are under investigation, which are able to reach a plausible bioavailability with ignorable side effects instead of insulin injection. This article presents a comprehensive review of the insulin therapy approach with a focus on modified methods in insulin delivery strategies and current advances in engineered insulin delivery systems.
Alkanes with the First Three Maximal/Minimal Modified First Zagreb Connection Indices
Authors: Du Zhibin , Ali Akbar , Trinajstić Nenad
Published: January 2019

The modified first Zagreb connection index (
) is a molecular descriptor, which was initially appeared within a formula of the total electron energy of alternant hydrocarbons in 1972. In a recent paper [A. Ali, N. Trinajstić, A novel/old modification of the first Zagreb index, Mol. Inform. 37 (2018) 1800008], it was observed that the molecular descriptor
correlates well with the entropy and acentric factor of octane isomers. In this article, the molecules with the first three maximal
values as well as the first three minimal
values are determined from the family of all alkanes with n carbon atoms, for
. This extends the main results of the aforementioned paper.
Proactive multipurpose health risk screening in health care settings: Methods, design, and reach
Authors: Guertler Diana , Moehring Anne , Krause Kristian , Eck Sandra , Batra Anil , Chenot Jean‐François , Freyer‐Adam Jennis , Ulbricht Sabina , Rumpf Hans‐Jürgen , Bischof Gallus , John Ulrich , Meyer Christian
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Real world implementation of proactive screening and brief intervention in health care is threatened by high cost. Using e‐health interventions and screening for multiple health risk factors may provide more efficiency. We describe methodological details of a proactive multipurpose health risk screening in health care settings and report on participation rates, participants' characteristics, and participation factors.

Methods

Patients between 18 and 64 years from ambulatory practices and hospitals were proactively approached by study assistants at three sites for a computerized screening on harmful alcohol and tobacco consumption, depressive symptoms, insufficient fruit/vegetable consumption, physical inactivity and overweight. On the basis of their health risk pattern, a computerized algorithm allocated patients to one of five studies each of them addressing a psychiatric research question.

Results

Among all eligible patients, 13,763 (86.5%) were screened. Younger age and being female predicted screening participation. Of those with complete data (n = 12,828), 82.9% reported at least two health risks and 34.0% were eligible for a study. Study participation ranged between 35.2% and 50.8%, and was associated with socio‐demographics and problem severity.

Conclusions

This study supports the use of systematic proactive screening for multiple health risks in health care settings as it is more resource‐saving than single focused screening.
Mechanized tunneling induced ground movement and its dependency on the tunnel volume loss and soil properties
Authors: Zhao Chenyang , Alimardani Lavasan Arash , Barciaga Thomas , Schanz Tom
Published: January 2019

This study investigates the ground movements due to mechanized tunnel excavation by applying two‐dimensional finite element analyses. To assess the contribution of the compressibility and plasticity of the soil on the ground movements, different constitutive models are employed to describe the soil behavior. The influence of volume loss around the tunnel on the surface volume loss is investigated, and a quadratic correlation between them is proposed. Consequently, the empirical Gaussian distribution curve, which is generally used to determine the tunneling induced settlement trough, is improved by applying the proposed quadratic correlation between surface volume loss and tunnel volume loss. Furthermore, the settlement trough width parameter has been derived by a linear function of tunnel volume loss as well. The proposed equations are validated via a case study of centrifuge tests from the literature. The results show that the proposed modification enhances the empirical solution by having better knowledge on the model parameters. Additionally, tunnel overburden and coefficient of lateral earth pressure at rest (K0) are taken into account to study their influence on the tunneling induced surface settlements. Finally, global sensitivity analysis is applied to evaluate the relative importance of corresponding model parameters in terms of their influence on the ground movements.
Palladium Acyclic Diaminocarbene (ADC) Triflate Complexes as Effective Precatalysts for the Hiyama Alkynylation/Cyclization Reaction Yielding Benzofuran Compounds: Probing the Influence of the Triflate Co‐Ligand in the One‐Pot Tandem Reaction
Authors: Singh Chandan , Prakasham A. P. , Ghosh Prasenjit
Published: January 2019

Palladium acyclic diaminocarbene (ADC) complexes of the type cis‐[(R1NH)(R2)methylidene]Pd(OCOCF3)2(CNR1) [R1 = 2,4,6‐(CH3)3C6H2: R2 = NC4H8 (1); NC5H10 (2)] have been synthesized and structurally characterized. These 1 and 2 complexes are effective precatalysts for the one‐pot tandem Hiyama alkynylation/cyclization reaction producing benzofuran compounds and, quite interestingly, higher yields of ca. 33−52 % were observed for the aryl triethoxysilylalkyne substrates as compared to that of ca. 15−21 % for the aliphatic triethoxysilylalkyne substrates. The 1 and 2 complexes were conveniently prepared by the salt metathesis reaction of the chloro derivatives with AgOCOCF3 in excellent yields (ca. 84−94 %) under ambient conditions.
Precision photon spectra for wino annihilation
Authors: Baumgart Matthew , Cohen Timothy , Moulin Emmanuel , Moult Ian , Rinchiuso Lucia , Rodd Nicholas L. , Slatyer Tracy R. , Stewart Iain W. , Vaidya Varun
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We provide precise predictions for the hard photon spectrum resulting from neutral SU(2)
W
triplet (wino) dark matter annihilation. Our calculation is performed utilizing an effective field theory expansion around the endpoint region where the photon energy is near the wino mass. This has direct relevance to line searches at indirect detection experiments. We compute the spectrum at next-to-leading logarithmic (NLL) accuracy within the framework established by a factorization formula derived previously by our collaboration. This allows simultaneous resummation of large Sudakov logarithms (arising from a restricted final state) and Sommerfeld effects. Resummation at NLL accuracy shows good convergence of the perturbative series due to the smallness of the electroweak coupling constant — scale variation yields uncertainties on our NLL prediction at the level of 5%. We highlight a number of interesting field theory effects that appear at NLL associated with the presence of electroweak symmetry breaking, which should have more general applicability. We also study the importance of using the full spectrum as compared with a single endpoint bin approximation when computing experimental limits. Our calculation provides a state of the art prediction for the hard photon spectrum that can be easily generalized to other DM candidates, allowing for the robust interpretation of data collected by current and future indirect detection experiments.
Beta and neutrinoless double beta decays with KeV sterile fermions
Authors: Abada Asmaa , Hernández-Cabezudo Álvaro , Marcano Xabier
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Motivated by the capability of the KATRIN experiment to explore the existence of KeV neutrinos in the [1 − 18.5] KeV mass range, we explore the viability of minimal extensions of the Standard Model involving sterile neutrinos (namely the 3 + N frameworks) and study their possible impact in both the beta energy spectrum and the neutrinoless double beta decay effective mass, for the two possible ordering cases for the light neutrino spectrum. We also explore how both observables can discriminate between motivated low-scale seesaw realizations involving KeV sterile neutrinos. Our study concerns the prospect of a Type-I seesaw with two right-handed neutrinos, and a combination of the inverse and the linear seesaws where the Standard Model is minimally extended by two quasi-degenerate sterile fermions. We also discuss the possibility of exploring the latter case searching for double-kinks in KATRIN.
The Evolving Role of Vacuum Assisted Biopsy of the Breast: A Progression from Fine‐Needle Aspiration Biopsy
Authors: Bennett Ian C. , Saboo Apoorva
Published: January 2019

Background

The management of breast disease has been greatly facilitated by the technology of needle biopsy interventions, and over the past 30 years, this has evolved from the use of fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) to the current methodology of vacuum assisted biopsy (VAB).

Methods

This article provides an historical review of the application of needle interventions of the breast in the diagnosis and management of breast conditions, and discusses current indications for the use of vacuum assisted biopsies and vacuum assisted excisions.

Results

Whilst FNAB continues to have a limited role in breast disease diagnosis, the necessity of achieving an histological diagnosis has preferentially seen the development and wider application of automated core needle biopsies (CNB) and VAB in the assessment and management of breast lesions. The advantages of CNB and VAB include the ability to distinguish in situ and invasive disease pre‐operatively, and the ability to achieve prior knowledge of immunohistochemical tumour markers particularly in the setting of neoadjuvant drug treatments.

Conclusion

Due to its ability to obtain larger tissue samples, VAB does have diagnostic advantages over CNB and indications for the utilization of VAB are discussed. VAB additionally has an expanding role as a tool for breast lesion excision.
Unifying Children’s Surgery and Anesthesia Stakeholders Across Institutions and Clinical Disciplines: Challenges and Solutions from Uganda
Authors: Kisa Phyllis , Grabski David F. , Ozgediz Doruk , Ajiko Margaret , Aspide Raffaele , Baird Robert , Barker Gillian , Birabwa‐Male Doreen , Blair Geoffrey , Cameron Brian , Cheung Maija , Cigliano Bruno , Cunningham David , D’Agostino Sergio , Duffy Damian , Evans Faye , Fitzgerald Tamara N. , Galiwango George , Gerolmini Domenico , Gerolmini Marcello , Kakembo Nasser , Kambugu Joyce B. , Lakhoo Kokila , Langer Monica , Muhumuza Moses Fisha , Muzira Arlene , Nabukenya Mary T. , Naik‐Mathuria Bindi , Nakku Doreen , Nankunda Jolly , Ogwang Martin , Okello Innocent , Penny Norgrove , Reimer Eleanor , Sabatini Coleen , Sekabira John , Situma Martin , Ssenyonga Peter , Tumukunde Janat , Villalona Gustavo
Published: January 2019

Background

There is a significant unmet need for children’s surgical care in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Multidisciplinary collaboration is required to advance the surgical and anesthesia care of children’s surgical conditions such as congenital conditions, cancer and injuries. Nonetheless, there are limited examples of this process from LMICs. We describe the development and 3‐year outcomes following a 2015 stakeholders’ meeting in Uganda to catalyze multidisciplinary and multi‐institutional collaboration.

Methods

The stakeholders’ meeting was a daylong conference held in Kampala with local, regional and international collaborators in attendance. Multiple clinical specialties including surgical subspecialists, pediatric anesthesia, perioperative nursing, pediatric oncology and neonatology were represented. Key thematic areas including infrastructure, training and workforce retention, service delivery, and research and advocacy were addressed, and short‐term objectives were agreed upon. We reported the 3‐year outcomes following the meeting by thematic area.

Results

The Pediatric Surgical Foundation was developed following the meeting to formalize coordination between institutions. Through international collaborations, operating room capacity has increased. A pediatric general surgery fellowship has expanded at Mulago and Mbarara hospitals supplemented by an international fellowship in multiple disciplines. Coordinated outreach camps have continued to assist with training and service delivery in rural regional hospitals.

Conclusion

Collaborations between disciplines, both within LMICs and with international partners, are required to advance children’s surgery. The unification of stakeholders across clinical disciplines and institutional partnerships can facilitate increased children’s surgical capacity. Such a process may prove useful in other LMICs with a wide range of children’s surgery stakeholders.
Comparison of volatile leaf compounds and herbivorous insect communities on three willow species
Authors: Inui Yoko , Miyamoto Yasushi , Ohgushi Takayuki
Published: January 2019

Plants produce volatile compounds known to influence insect preferences for oviposition and feeding. To examine whether volatile leaf compounds are correlated with the herbivorous insect community, we analyzed volatile compounds in leaves from three co‐occurring willow species, Salix serissaefolia, S. eriocarpa, and S. integra, and investigated their associated insect communities in 3 months across different years. The gas chromatographic profiles of volatile compounds were highly specific to each willow species and remained constant in the study months. In a comparison between the chemical composition of the volatile compounds and the taxon composition of the insect communities, dissimilarity patterns in chemical composition among the three willow species were very close to those in herbivorous insect communities. These findings indicate that willow leaves produce specific volatiles that are highly correlated with the community structure of herbivorous insects associated with them.
Improving field establishment of cacao (Theobroma cacao) through mulching, irrigation and shading
Authors: Acheampong K. , Daymond A. J. , Adu-Yeboah P. , Hadley P.
Published: January 2019

Establishment of young cacao trees in West Africa can be severely impeded by the onset of the dry season. To address this issue, a field experiment was conducted in Ghana to examine whether different mulch treatments and irrigation applied during the dry season combined with overhead shade could improve survival, early growth and yield of cacao. The mulch treatments used were polyethylene film and coffee husks placed around the young plants. Irrigation was used as a positive control, and no mulching or irrigation was a negative control. Three shade regimes were provided through different arrangements ofGliricidia sepiumand plantains. Four different cacao clones were used in the study in a replicated split-plot design. Early growth of cacao was stimulated under the irrigation and plastic mulch treatments. Higher rates of photosynthesis during the dry season appeared to underlie these increases. Significantly higher early yields were also observed under the irrigation and coffee mulch treatments compared with the control. Plant survival varied significantly between treatments; irrigation was associated with the highest plant survival (94%), followed by the plastic mulch treatment (91%), coffee husk (82%) and the control (70%). There was also an increase in survival when more intense shading was used. Under zero mulch conditions, differences in survival were observed between clones. The clones P 30 [POS] and SCA 6 were more sensitive to drought (in terms of survival) than PA 150 and T 79/501. It is concluded that relatively simple mulching techniques or controlled irrigation in conjunction with appropriate shade management can significantly improve early establishment and cropping of cacao.
Effect of topical mometasone furoate on adenoidal lymphoid tissue: a light microscopic study
Authors: Ahmed M R , Abou-Halawa A S , Ibrahim I H , Zittoon R F , Makary E F Y
Published: January 2019

Background

Adenoid hypertrophy is a common cause of upper airway obstruction, and adenoidectomy is one of the most frequently performed operations in children. Topical nasal steroids can act directly on nasopharyngeal lymphoid tissue to decrease its reactive inflammatory changes and potentially reduce its size.

Objective

To study the light microscopic changes in adenoidal lymphoid tissue after one month of topical steroid use.

Methods

Twenty-six children with adenoid hypertrophy grade 3 scheduled for adenoidectomy were randomly divided into two equal groups: one group received mometasone furoate aqueous nasal spray (Nasonex) 100 mcg/day for four weeks, and a control group received nasal normal saline 0.9 per cent for four weeks. The removed adenoids were examined histopathologically.

Results

Adenoidal tissue from the mometasone group had less reactive germinal centres and less spongiosis compared to the control group. The latter showed proliferating, reactive, variable sized and shaped lymphoid follicles, with congested blood vessels in the interfollicular areas.

Conclusion

The use of intranasal mometasone furoate aqueous nasal spray (Nasonex) for one month reduced adenoidal tissue reactive cellular changes and its vascularity. This is, however, a pilot study; a longer treatment period is needed to assess the effect of treatment on adenoidal size.
Wave kinetic equation for inhomogeneous drift-wave turbulence beyond the quasilinear approximation
Authors: Ruiz D. E. , Glinsky M. E. , Dodin I. Y.
Published: January 2019

The formation of zonal flows from inhomogeneous drift-wave (DW) turbulence is often described using statistical theories derived within the quasilinear approximation. However, this approximation neglects wave–wave collisions. Hence, some important effects such as the Batchelor–Kraichnan inverse-energy cascade are not captured within this approach. Here we derive a wave kinetic equation that includes a DW collision operator in the presence of zonal flows. Our derivation makes use of the Weyl calculus, the quasinormal statistical closure and the geometrical-optics approximation. The obtained model conserves both the total enstrophy and energy of the system. The derived DW collision operator breaks down at the Rayleigh–Kuo threshold. This threshold is missed by homogeneous-turbulence theory but expected from a full-wave quasilinear analysis. In the future, this theory might help better understand the interactions between drift waves and zonal flows, including the validity domain of the quasilinear approximation that is commonly used in the literature.