bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Core–shell fabrication of an extra‐antimicrobial magnetic agent with synergistic effect of substrate ligand to increase the antimicrobial activity of Ag nanoclusters
Authors: Mirahmadi‐Zare S.Z. , Allafchian A.R. , Jalali S.A.H.
Published: May 2018

In this work, a novel antimicrobial agent is synthesized. The metal‐chelating ligand EDTA is incorporated into silver nanoparticles to form a new cluster system which is enhanced in its efficacy to eliminate bacteria. Magnetic nanoparticles of Fe3O4 were layer‐by‐layer coated with aminopropyltriethoxysilane, linked‐EDTA, and silver nanoclusters (Fe3O4@APTES–EDTA@Ag), respectively. All steps of nanocomposite preparation were characterized by the TEM, field emission scanning electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, Vibrating Sample Magnetometer, and Fourier transform infrared. A sequential nucleophilic reaction applied for layer‐by‐layer fabrication of these antimicrobial units which could maintain the functionality of linked‐EDTA as EDTA chelator. The linked‐EDTA sequesters Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions effectively, thereby removing these metallic ions which are necessary for cell‐wall stability, growth, and survival of the bacteria. The antimicrobial activity of silver nanocomposite was qualified by disk diffusion method and quantified by measuring the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration against some Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. The results show that the mean value of inhibition zone (mm) of Fe3O4@APTES–EDTA@Ag and Ag+ against tested bacteria is significantly different by Student's T‐Test (P < 0.01). In addition, the silver‐magnetite nanocomposite lends itself to easy separation in a strong magnetic field, therefore saving time in their recovery if required. The recycling of materials which contain the precious metal silver renders operations economical, and also reduces the potential for ecotoxicity. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: 237–245, 2019
Spatio‐temporal dynamics of resting‐state brain networks improve single‐subject prediction of schizophrenia diagnosis
Authors: Kottaram Akhil , Johnston Leigh , Ganella Eleni , Pantelis Christos , Kotagiri Ramamohanarao , Zalesky Andrew
Published: May 2018

Correlation in functional MRI activity between spatially separated brain regions can fluctuate dynamically when an individual is at rest. These dynamics are typically characterized temporally by measuring fluctuations in functional connectivity between brain regions that remain fixed in space over time. Here, dynamics in functional connectivity were characterized in both time and space. Temporal dynamics were mapped with sliding‐window correlation, while spatial dynamics were characterized by enabling network regions to vary in size (shrink/grow) over time according to the functional connectivity profile of their constituent voxels. These temporal and spatial dynamics were evaluated as biomarkers to distinguish schizophrenia patients from controls, and compared to current biomarkers based on static measures of resting‐state functional connectivity. Support vector machine classifiers were trained using: (a) static, (b) dynamic in time, (c) dynamic in space, and (d) dynamic in time and space characterizations of functional connectivity within canonical resting‐state brain networks. Classifiers trained on functional connectivity dynamics mapped over both space and time predicted diagnostic status with accuracy exceeding 91%, whereas utilizing only spatial or temporal dynamics alone yielded lower classification accuracies. Static measures of functional connectivity yielded the lowest accuracy (79.5%). Compared to healthy comparison individuals, schizophrenia patients generally exhibited functional connectivity that was reduced in strength and more variable. Robustness was established with replication in an independent dataset. The utility of biomarkers based on temporal and spatial functional connectivity dynamics suggests that resting‐state dynamics are not trivially attributable to sampling variability and head motion.
Visual processing as a potential endophenotype in youths with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A sibling study design using the counting Stroop functional MRI
Authors: Fan Li‐Ying , Shang Chi‐Yung , Tseng Wen‐Yih Isaac , Gau Susan Shur‐Fen , Chou Tai‐Li
Published: May 2018

Deficits in inhibitory control and visual processing are common in youths with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but little is known about endophenotypes for unaffected siblings of youths with ADHD. This study aimed to investigate the potential endophenotypes of brain activation and performance in inhibitory control and visual processing among ADHD probands, their unaffected siblings, and neurotypical youths. We assessed 27 ADHD probands, 27 unaffected siblings, and 27 age‐, gender‐, and IQ‐matched neurotypical youths using the counting Stroop functional magnetic resonance imaging and two tasks of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB): rapid visual information processing (RVP) for inhibitory control and spatial span (SSP) for visual processing. ADHD probands showed greater activation than their unaffected siblings and neurotypical youths in the right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and anterior cingulate cortex. Increased activation in the right IFG was positively correlated with the mean latency of the RVP in ADHD probands. Moreover, ADHD probands and their unaffected siblings showed less activation in the left superior parietal lobule (SPL) than neurotypical youths. Increased activation in the left SPL was positively correlated with the spatial length of the SSP in neurotypical youths. Our findings suggest that less activation in the left SPL might be considered as a candidate imaging endophenotype for visual processing in ADHD.
The Context for Reinventing Academic Retirement
Authors: Baldwin Roger G. , Say Brett H. , Belin Angie A.
Published: May 2018

Academic retirement is evolving in a larger context where coalescing demographic, economic, social, and policy trends are calling standard practice into question.
KRAS mutation and epithelial–macrophage interplay in pancreatic neoplastic transformation
Authors: Bishehsari Faraz , Zhang Lijuan , Barlass Usman , Preite Nailliw Z. , Turturro Sanja , Najor Matthew S. , Shetuni Brandon B. , Zayas Janet P. , Mahdavinia Mahboobeh , Abukhdeir Abde M. , Keshavarzian Ali
Published: May 2018

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is characterized by epithelial mutations in KRAS and prominent tumor‐associated inflammation, including macrophage infiltration. But knowledge of early interactions between neoplastic epithelium and macrophages in PDA carcinogenesis is limited. Using a pancreatic organoid model, we found that the expression of mutant KRAS in organoids increased (i) ductal to acinar gene expression ratios, (ii) epithelial cells proliferation and (iii) colony formation capacity in vitro, and endowed pancreatic cells with the ability to generate neoplastic tumors in vivo. KRAS mutations induced a protumorigenic phenotype in macrophages. Altered macrophages decreased epithelial pigment epithelial derived factor (PEDF) expression and induced a cancerous phenotype. We validated our findings using annotated patient samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and in our human PDA specimens. Epithelium‐macrophage cross‐talk occurs early in pancreatic carcinogenesis where KRAS directly induces cancer‐related phenotypes in epithelium, and also promotes a protumorigenic phenotype in macrophages, in turn augmenting neoplastic growth.
Phase I/II trial of pimasertib plus gemcitabine in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer
Authors: Van Cutsem Eric , Hidalgo Manuel , Canon Jean‐Luc , Macarulla Teresa , Bazin Igor , Poddubskaya Elena , Manojlovic Nebojsa , Radenkovic Dejan , Verslype Chris , Raymond Eric , Cubillo Antonio , Schueler Armin , Zhao Charles , Hammel Pascal
Published: May 2018

The selective MEK1/2 inhibitor pimasertib has shown anti‐tumour activity in a pancreatic tumour model. This phase I/II, two‐part trial was conducted in patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (mPaCa) (NCT01016483). In the phase I part, oral pimasertib was given once daily discontinuously (5 days on/2 days off treatment) or twice daily continuously (n = 53) combined with weekly gemcitabine (1,000 mg/m2) in 28‐day cycles to identify the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of pimasertib. In the phase II part, patients were randomised to pimasertib (RP2D) or placebo plus weekly gemcitabine (n = 88) to investigate progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and safety. The RP2D was determined to be 60 mg BID. PFS and OS outcomes did not indicate any treatment benefit for pimasertib over placebo in combination with gemcitabine (median PFS 3.7 and 2.8 months, respectively, HR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.58–1.42: median OS 7.3 vs. 7.6 months, respectively). KRAS status did not influence PFS or OS. The incidence of grade ≥3 adverse events was 91.1% and 85.7% for pimasertib/gemcitabine and placebo/gemcitabine respectively, but there was a higher incidence of ocular events with pimasertib/gemcitabine (28.9% vs. 4.8% for placebo/gemcitabine). In conclusion, no clinical benefit was observed with first‐line pimasertib plus gemcitabine compared with gemcitabine alone in patients with mPaCa.
Retrospective analysis of changes in response topographies of escape‐maintained aggressive behavior during functional analyses
Authors: Hernández Varsovia , Fernand Jonathan K. , Vollmer Timothy R. , Slocum Sarah K.
Published: May 2018

We observed changes in the rates of response topographies during the demand condition of functional analyses for participants who demonstrated problem behavior maintained by escape. Over the course of the functional analysis for each participant, the number of topographies decreased from the first to the last session. Additionally, after the first session of the demand condition the rate of responding for one topography increased or remained at high levels while the rates of all other topographies decreased. The implications of these results when conducting functional analysis are discussed.
A refined cavity construction algorithm for the conductor‐like screening model
Authors: Klamt Andreas , Diedenhofen Michael
Published: May 2018

A cavity construction algorithm based on the triangulation of an iso‐surface is introduced as a new standard for dielectric continuum solvation calculations with the Conductor‐like Screening Model COSMO. It overcomes deficiencies which have become apparent for the original COSMO standard cavity, especially in concave regions of the molecular shaped cavity. The new standard, called FINE Cavity, is described in this article with several application examples. The earlier COSMO cavity construction algorithms are described for comparison. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Revised mechanism of carboxylation of ribulose‐1,5‐biphosphate by rubisco from large scale quantum chemical calculations
Authors: Cummins Peter L. , Kannappan Babu , Gready Jill E.
Published: May 2018

Here, we describe a computational approach for studying enzymes that catalyze complex multi‐step reactions and apply it to Ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase–oxygenase (Rubisco), the enzyme that fixes atmospheric carbon dioxide within photosynthesis. In the 5‐step carboxylase reaction, the substrate Ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate (RuBP) first binds Rubisco and undergoes enolization before binding the second substrate, CO2. Hydration of the RuBP.CO2 complex is followed by CC bond scission and stereospecific protonation. However, details of the roles and protonation states of active‐site residues, and sources of protons and water, remain highly speculative. Large‐scale computations on active‐site models provide a means to better understand this complex chemical mechanism. The computational protocol comprises a combination of hybrid semi‐empirical quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics within constrained molecular dynamics simulations, together with constrained gradient minimization calculations using density functional theory. Alternative pathways for hydration of the RuBP.CO2 complex and associated active‐site protonation networks and proton and water sources were investigated. The main findings from analysis of the resulting energetics advocate major revision to existing mechanisms such that: hydration takes place anti to the CO2; both hydration and CC bond scission require early protonation of CO2 in the RuBP.CO2 complex; CC bond scission and stereospecific protonation reactions are concerted and, effectively, there is only one stable intermediate, the C3‐gemdiolate complex. Our main conclusions for interpreting enzyme kinetic results are that the gemdiolate may represent the elusive Michaelis–Menten‐like complex corresponding to the empirical Km (=Kc) with turnover to product via bond scission concerted with stereospecific protonation consistent with the observed catalytic rate. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tyrosine absorption spectroscopy: Backbone protonation effects on the side chain electronic properties
Authors: Del Galdo Sara , Mancini Giordano , Daidone Isabella , Zanetti Polzi Laura , Amadei Andrea , Barone Vincenzo
Published: May 2018

The UV–vis spectrum of Tyrosine and its response to different backbone protonation states have been studied by applying the Perturbed Matrix Method (PMM) in conjunction with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Herein, we theoretically reproduce the UV–vis absorption spectrum of aqueous solution of Tyrosine in its zwitterionic, anionic and cationic forms, as well as of aqua‐p‐Cresol (i.e., the moiety that constitutes the side chain portion of Tyrosine). To achieve a better accuracy in the MD sampling, the Tyrosine Force Field (FF) parameters were derived de novo via quantum mechanical calculations. The UV–vis absorption spectra are computed considering the occurring electronic transitions in the vertical approximation for each of the chromophore configurations sampled by the classical MD simulations, thus including the effects of the chromophore semiclassical structural fluctuations. Finally, the explicit treatment of the perturbing effect of the embedding environment permits to fully model the inhomogeneous bandwidth of the electronic spectra. Comparison between our theoretical–computational results and experimental data shows that the used model captures the essential features of the spectroscopic process, thus allowing to perform further analysis on the strict relationship between the quantum properties of the chromophore and the different embedding environments. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Scale‐up of production of bacterial nanocellulose using submerged cultivation
Authors: Chen Genqiang , Wu Guochao , Alriksson Björn , Chen Lin , Wang Wei , Jönsson Leif J , Hong Feng F
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

More extensive utilization of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is severely restricted by the low efficiency and small scale of the traditional static cultivation. Submerged fermentation in stirred‐tank reactors (STRs) is potentially favourable for large‐scale production of BNC, but scale‐up of cultivation remains challenging. Even though the STR is most commonly used for submerged cultivation in the fermentation industry, there are few previous attempts to scale‐up production of BNC to pilot scale using an STR. Furthermore, the question of how scale‐up of submerged cultivation affects the properties of the BNC has received very little attention

RESULTS

Four strains were compared in 250‐mL shake flasks. Strain DHU‐ATCC‐1 displayed the highest volumetric productivity, 0.56 g L−1 d−1, and was then cultivated in a 400‐mL STR, showing a similar productivity of 0.55 g L−1 d−1. Scale‐up using a 75‐L STR pilot bioreactor resulted in enhancement of the BNC production rate from 0.056 g d−1 in the shake flasks to 17.3 g d−1 in the 75‐L STR, although the productivity decreased to 0.43 g L−1 d−1. During scale‐up from shake flasks to 400‐mL STR and further on to 75‐L STR, the BNC fibers formed more bundles, whereas the fiber diameter decreased from 25.6 to 21.7 nm. The BNC from the 75‐L STR exhibited a higher degree of polymerization, specifically 3230, higher degree of crystallinity, specifically 83%, larger crystallites, and improved strength including higher tensile energy absorption index and superior stretch at break.

CONCLUSION

It is possible to enhance BNC production, and maintain or improve its properties when scaling up submerged cultivation in STRs. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
NiTi loss on the dentinal walls and instrument deformation during root canal preparation
Authors: Centenaro Carolina Fabiana , Grecca Fabiana Soares , Kopper Patrícia Maria Poli , Vivan Rodrigo Ricci , Pereira Jefferson Ricardo , Rosa Ricardo Abreu da , da Silva Paula Barcellos , Só Marcus Vinícius Reis
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this study was to quantify the presence of nickel (Ni) and titanium (Ti) on dentin walls of prepared root canals using Endosequence (ES) and Wave One (WO) systems, the deformation, and fracture of these instruments. Thirty extracted human premolar teeth were selected and prepared with WO, ES, and manually (control group—CG). Each instrument was used in four root canals. The root canals were irrigated with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite solution. After preparation, roots were sectioned longitudinally and the apical third was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy with X‐ray microanalysis (SEM‐EDS). The percentage of Ni and Ti found on dentin walls was compared using Kruskal–Wallis test and post hoc Dunn. The instruments deformation and fracture was evaluate by SEM before and after use. Spiral distortion, fractures, and surface wear were compared using Mann–Whitney test. The level of significance was set at 5%. Ni and Ti were found on the dentin walls of the apical root canal for ES and WO systems (p > .05). No distortion in the spirals and no instrument fracture were observed. Regarding to surface wear, most of the instruments scored as moderate wear (p > .05). This study concluded the WO and ES presented Ni and Ti loss. In addition, the preparation of four root canals did not caused irreversible deformation in WO and ES instruments.
Reflections on How Learning in Other Domains Informs Our Approach to Coaching Leadership
Authors: Allen Scott J. , Jenkins Daniel M. , Buller Eric
Published: May 2018

As leadership educators with unique and different pasts, we to reflect on nonleadership domains in which we have learned, practiced, and coached. Allen will focus on his experience in springboard diving, Jenkins on his experiences playing and working with jazz musicians, and Buller on his involvement in the military. In each of our experiences, Ericsson and Pool's elements of deliberate practice were present and, in many cases, provided the foundation for our growth and development. There is an opportunity for leadership educators to follow suit and more intentionally design programming that requires deliberate practice.
Sensing of silver nanoparticles on/in endothelial cells using atomic force spectroscopy
Authors: Kolodziejczyk Agnieszka , Jakubowska Aleksandra , Kucinska Magdalena , Wasiak Tomasz , Komorowski Piotr , Makowski Krzysztof , Walkowiak Bogdan
Published: May 2018

Endothelial cells, due to their location, are interesting objects for atomic force spectroscopy study. They constitute a barrier between blood and vessel tissues located deeper, and therefore they are the first line of contact with various substances present in blood, eg, drugs or nanoparticles. This work intends to verify whether the mechanical response of immortalized human umbilical vein endothelial cells (EA.hy926), when exposed to silver nanoparticles, as measured using force spectroscopy, could be effectively used as a bio‐indicator of the physiological state of the cells. Silver nanoparticles were characterized with transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering techniques. Tetrazolium salt reduction test was used to determine cell viability after treatment with silver nanoparticles. An elasticity of native cells was examined in the Hanks' buffer whereas fixed cells were softly fixed with formaldehyde. Additional aspect of the work is the comparative force spectroscopy utilizing AFM probes of ball‐shape and conical geometries, in order to understand what changes in cell elasticity, caused by SNPs, were detectable with each probe. As a supplement to elasticity studies, cell morphology observation by atomic force microscopy and detection of silver nanoparticles inside cells using transmission electron microscopy were also performed. Cells exposed to silver nanoparticles at the highest selected concentrations (3.6 μg/mL, 16 μg/mL) are less elastic. It may be associated with the reorganization of the cellular cytoskeleton and the “strengthening” of the cell cortex caused by presence of silver nanoparticles. This observation does not depend on cell fixation. Agglomerates of silver nanoparticles were observed on the cell membrane as well as inside the cells.
Folate receptor‐targeted 19F MR molecular imaging and proliferation evaluation of lung cancer
Authors: Xu Xiuan , Yan Yuling , Liu Fang , Wu Lina , Shao Mengping , Wang Kai , Sun Xilin , Li Yingbo , Beinpuo Ernest Sanyare Warmann , Shen Baozhong
Published: May 2018

Background

Folate receptors (FRs) hold great potential as important diagnostic and prognostic biological marker for cancer.

Purpose

To assess the targeted capability of the FR‐targeted perfluorocarbon (PFC) nanoparticles and to assess in vivo the relationship between FR expression and tumor proliferation with fluorine‐19 (19F) MR molecular imaging.

Study Type

Prospective animal cancer model.

Animal Model

H460 (n = 14) and A549 (n = 14) nude mice subcutaneous tumor models.

Field Strength

9.4T, 1H and 19F RARE sequences.

Assessment

Intracellular uptake of the PFC nanoparticles was tested in H460 and A549 cell lines. 19F MRI of H460 and A549 subcutaneous tumors was performed following intravenous injection of PFC nanoparticles. The concentration of PFC in tumors were compared. 3′‐Deoxy‐3′‐18F‐fluorothymidine (18F‐FLT) positron emission tomography / computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging, Ki‐67, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining were performed to confirm tumor proliferation.

Statistical Tests

One‐way or two‐way analysis of variance. P < 0.05 was considered a significant difference.

Results

The diameter of the FR‐targeted nanoparticles was 108.8 ± 0.56 nm, and the zeta potential was –58.4 ± 10.8 mV. H460 cells incubated with FR‐targeted nanoparticles showed ∼59.87 ± 3.91% nanoparticles‐labeled, which is significantly higher than the other groups (P < 0.001). The PFC concentration in H460 tumors after injection with FR‐targeted nanoparticles was 4.64 ± 1.21, 8.04 ± 1.38, and 9.16 ± 2.56 mmol/L at 8 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours, respectively (P < 0.05 compared to others). The ratio of 18F‐FLT uptake for H460 and A549 tumors was 3.32 ± 0.17 and 1.48 ± 0.09 (P < 0.05), and there was more Ki‐67 and PCNA in H460 tumor than A549.

Data Conclusion

19F MRI with FR‐targeted PFC nanoparticles can be used in differentiating of FR‐positive and FR‐negative tumors, and further, in evaluation of the two cancer models proliferation.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:1617–1625
A delay‐rational model of electromagnetic interference on multiconductor transmission lines
Authors: Biello E. , Antonini G. , De Lauretis M. , Ekman J.
Published: May 2018

Multiconductor transmission lines have found a wide range of applications, as power lines, as high‐speed interconnects, and as on‐chip interconnects. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) can be described in terms of plane waves that couple to these lines, leading to unwanted disturbance. This paper presents a delayed spectral formulation for the analysis of plane‐wave coupling to multiconductor transmission lines in both the frequency and time domains, called the DeRaG‐EMI model (short for “delay‐rational model based on Green's functions for electromagnetic interference”). The model is based on Green's functions and is described in terms of delayed differential equations in the time domain. The model is suitable for studying the EMI on multiconductor transmission lines in the case of incident fields. The coupling of a plane wave to a line is described in terms of equivalent sources that account for both the delay of the line and the delays of the incoming plane wave. The delay is explicitly extracted and incorporated into the model with hyperbolic functions. The DeRaG‐EMI model does not require any segmentation of the line. Numerical results confirm its accuracy and its improved performance compared with the previous spectral model and with the inverse fast Fourier transform technique.
The influence of different soft‐tissue grafting procedures at single implant placement on esthetics: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zuiderveld Elise G. , Meijer Henny J.A. , Vissink Arjan , Raghoebar Gerry M.
Published: May 2018

Background

Soft‐tissue grafting to thicken the soft tissue around dental implants was proposed to ameliorate the esthetic outcome. Traditionally, connective tissue is used as a grafting material, but a xenogeneic collagen matrix was introduced as an alternative to reduce patient morbidity.

Methods

A total of 60 patients randomly received either no graft (n = 20, NG group), a connective tissue graft (n = 20, CTG group), or a xenogeneic collagen matrix (n = 20, XCM group) when an implant was placed in a preserved alveolar ridge. Changes in mid‐buccal mucosal level (MBML) at 1 (T1) and 12 (T12) months after final implant crown placement were compared to the pre‐extraction level. Additionally, esthetics, marginal bone level, clinical peri‐implant parameters, and patient satisfaction were assessed.

Results

At T12, mean changes in MBML were –0.48 ± 1.5 mm, –0.04 ± 1.1 mm, and –0.17 ± 1.3 mm in the NG, CTG, and XCM groups (P = 0.56), respectively. Regarding the other outcome variables, no significant intergroup differences were observed.

Conclusions

Soft‐tissue grafting at single implant placement in preserved alveolar ridges does not result in a better esthetic outcome or in better peri‐implant health and should not be considered as a standard procedure.
Effect of potassium sorbate (E‐202) and the antifungal PgAFP protein on Aspergillus carbonarius growth and ochratoxin A production in raisin simulating media
Authors: Fodil Sihem , Delgado Josué , Varvaro Leonardo , Yaseen Thaer , Rodríguez Alicia
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by several species of Aspergillus and Penicillium fungi. The presence of OTA in raisins is mainly related to black Aspergillus spp. contamination. This toxin poses risks to human and animal health due to its high toxicity and carcinogenicity. New strategies to avoid the risk associated with OTA are therefore necessary.

RESULTS

A comparison was made between the effects of the antifungal protein PgAFP and potassium sorbate (E‐202) on the growth of Aspergillus carbonarius, biosynthetic‐ and stress‐related gene expression and its OTA production at two water activity (aw) levels, 0.95 and 0.93 aw. The results showed that PgAFP successfully controlled OTA production, whereas E‐202, despite being able to reduce Aspergillus carbonarius growth, caused a significant increase in OTA production by the fungus.

CONCLUSION

PgAFP protein, a biological compound with an antifungal activity, is safer to use than E‐202 and may be proposed as a food preservative and a useful strategy to control ochratoxigenic A. carbonarius in raisins. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Fingerprints of acacia aging treatments by barrels or chips based on volatile profile, sensorial properties, and multivariate analysis
Authors: Alañón M Elena , Marchante Lourdes , Alarcón Marina , Díaz‐Maroto Ignacio J , Pérez‐Coello Soledad , Díaz‐Maroto María Consuelo
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Despite the acceptance of the use of chips as an alternative enological practice to traditional barrels, there is substantial interest in looking for parameters that enable the aging technique to be identified. In the present study, the volatile compound composition and sensorial characteristics of wines aged with chips and barrels of acacia wood were monitored with the aim of finding fingerprints that could be used to discriminate between the two types of aging.

RESULTS

Principal component analysis (PCA) calculated from chemical outputs permitted the two aging techniques to be distinguished. After 4 months of aging in barrels, concentrations of vanillin, ferulic acid, syringaldehyde, and furfural decreased considerably due to the higher oxidation produced by the acacia wood's porosity. This fact made it more difficult to discriminate between those wines aged in barrels for the longest times. On the other hand, PCA applied to sensorial data allowed a clear differentiation between wines aged in acacia barrels for longer periods and those macerated with chips, due to the notable presence of sensory attributes described as acacia wood, nutty, honeyed, and toasty.

CONCLUSION

Chemical and sensorial data can be regarded as complementary methods to obtain fingerprints that enable differentiation between the two different aging techniques by means of acacia wood. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Opioid prescribing practices in patients undergoing surgery for oral cavity cancer
Authors: Pang John , Tringale Kathryn R. , Tapia Viridiana J. , Panuganti Bharat A. , Qualliotine Jesse R. , Jafari Aria , Haft Sunny J. , Friedman Lawrence S. , Furnish Timothy , Brumund Kevin T. , Califano Joseph A. , Coffey Charles S.
Published: May 2018

Objectives

Opioids have been overprescribed after general and orthopedic surgeries, but prescribing patterns have not been reported for head and neck surgery. The objectives of this retrospective review are to describe postoperative opioid prescriptions after oral cancer surgery and determine which patients receive higher amounts.

Methods

A single institution retrospective review was performed for 81 adults with oral cavity tumors undergoing surgery. Opioid prescriptions upon discharge were reported in daily oral morphine equivalents (OME). High opioids were defined as > 90 mg daily and > 200 mg total, commensurate with U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention and state guidelines. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to investigate factors associated with high opioids.

Results

The median number of doses dispensed was 30 (interquartile range [IQR] 30–45; range 3–120). The median daily dose was 30 mg (IQR 20–45 mg; range 15–240 mg). Five patients (6%) received higher than the recommended daily dose. The median total dispensed amount was 225 mg (IQR 150–250 mg; range 15–1200 mg). Fifty‐one (63%) received greater than the recommended total dose. On multivariable logistic regression, advanced tumor stage (odds ratio [OR] 11.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–109.4; P = 0.034) and inpatient pain scores (OR 1.3 per 1‐unit increase; 95% CI 1.0–1.7; P = 0.039) were associated with receiving high total opioids after surgery.

Conclusion

The majority of patients received greater than the recommended 200 mg total OME. Advanced stage and higher inpatient pain scores were associated with receiving more opioids for discharge. Consensus‐driven analgesic plans are needed to reduce excess opioids after discharge following head and neck surgery.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:2361–2366, 2018
Otopathologic evaluation of temporalis fascia grafts following successful tympanoplasty in humans
Authors: Trakimas Danielle R. , Ishai Reuven , Ghanad Iman , Black Nicole L. , Kozin Elliott D. , Cheng Jeffrey Tao , Remenschneider Aaron K.
Published: May 2018

Objective

Temporalis fascia is a commonly used graft material in tympanoplasty; however, little is known about how the histological structure of fascia remodels postimplantation. Herein, we aim to quantify the pre‐ and postoperative microstructure of temporalis fascia and compare histological findings to the native tympanic membrane (TM).

Methods

Temporal bone specimens having undergone successful subtotal or total drum replacement using temporalis fascia were identified (n = 3). Surgically prepared preimplantation temporalis fascia (PreTF, n = 4) and normal TMs (n = 5) were used as controls. Multiple measurements of thickness of PreTF and of normal and fascia reconstructed TMs at the mesotympanum and hypotympanum were obtained. Collagen fiber patterns of normal and reconstructed TMs were histologically described.

Results

In cases of fascia tympanoplasty, the mean time of surgery to death was 16 years (range 8–28 years). All cases contained an aerated middle ear without residual perforation. There was no significant difference between the thickness of PreTF and fascia of reconstructed TMs (234.9 ± 144.9 μm vs. 162.9 ± 71.9 μm, P = 0.1). The lamina propria and total thicknesses of controls (59.8 ± 39.3 μm and 83.7 ± 42.4 μm, respectively) were thinner than the PreTF and fascia‐reconstructed TMs, respectively, in all cases (P ≤ 0.001, P ≤ 0.001). Reconstructed TMs contained a thick, longitudinal fiber structure that was qualitatively similar to PreTF.

Conclusion

Based on human temporal bone specimens, temporalis fascia does not significantly remodel, change thickness, or change fibrous structure following successful tympanoplasty. Results have implications for selection and surgical preparation of graft materials in TM reconstruction.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:E351–E358, 2018
Treatment delays in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma: A national cancer database analysis
Authors: Morse Elliot , Fujiwara Rance J.T. , Judson Benjamin , Mehra Saral
Published: May 2018

Objective

To characterize treatment delays in laryngeal cancer and associate delays with patient, tumor, and treatment factors and with overall survival.

Methods

We identified 33,819 adults with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) in the National Cancer Database from 2004 to 2013. We calculated durations of diagnosis‐to‐treatment initiation, surgery‐to‐adjuvant treatment, radiotherapy duration, total treatment package, and diagnosis‐to‐treatment end intervals. Delays were associated with patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics via multivariable logistic regression and with overall survival by Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

Median durations of diagnosis‐to‐treatment initiation, surgery‐to‐radiation initiation, radiation treatment, total treatment package, and diagnosis‐to‐treatment end were 28, 42, 48, 91, and 107 days in surgical patients; median durations of diagnosis‐to‐treatment initiation, radiation treatment, and diagnosis‐to‐treatment end were 33, 50, and 85 days in nonsurgical patients. Race and insurance status were linked to delays in most intervals. Academic and high‐volume facilities had less delayed radiation treatment but increased delays in most other intervals. Delayed surgery‐to‐radiation and total treatment package intervals were associated with overall survival in surgical patients (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.15 [1.03–1.29], P = 0.015; HR = 1.16 [1.02–1.31], P = 0.025). Diagnosis‐to‐treatment initiation and diagnosis‐to‐treatment end intervals were associated with overall survival in nonsurgical patients (HR = 1.08 [1.02–1.14], P = 0.007; HR = 1.09 [1.03–1.16], P = 0.003, respectively) but not in surgical patients (HR = 0.96 [0.87–1.06] P = 0.440; HR = 1.13 [0.99–1.29], P = 0.062). Radiation delays were associated with overall survival in surgical and nonsurgical patients (HR = 1.21 [1.09–1.36], P = 0.001; HR = 1.37 [1.30–1.44], P < 0.001).

Conclusion

These durations can serve as national benchmarks. Delays could be considered quality indicators in LSCC.

Level of Evidence

2b Laryngoscope, 128:2751–2758, 2018
The effect of photodynamic therapy on pathogenic bacteria around peri‐implant sulcus and in the cavity between abutment and implant after healing phase: A prospective clinical study
Authors: Zhou Lin‐Yi , Shi Jun‐Yu , Zhu Yu , Qian Shu‐Jiao , Lai Hong‐Chang , Gu Ying‐Xin
Published: May 2018

Objectives

To compare levels of pathogens from peri‐implant sulcus versus abutment screw cavities after photodynamic therapy.

Material and Methods

Twenty patients were included. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) was applied both in sulcus and cavities after sampling following suprastructures loading, and repeated after 2 weeks. Two samples each containing four paper points were collected for each implant at baseline, 2 weeks, 3 months: (i) peri‐implant sulcus and (ii) abutment screw cavities. Seventy‐five percent ethanol was applied in another 20 patients as the control group in the same way. qPCR was used to quantify periodontal pathogens: Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Streptococcus mutans.

Results

PDT showed a better bacterial reduction than ethanol. P. g. and F. n. were most frequently detected, while less for S. m. P. gingivalis’ proportion from both sites was significantly higher than the other two bacteria (P < 0.05), except for 2 weeks’ peri‐implant sulcus sample. Bacteria counts from abutment screw cavities were always less than those from peri‐implant sulcus and was significantly lower for total bacteria at 3 months (P < 0.05). Total bacterial from abutment screw cavities significantly reduced at 3 months compared to baseline (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

PDT appears to be effective in bacterial reduction compared to ethanol and can reduce P. gingivalis with short time intervals, as well as decreasing total bacteria counts within abutment screw cavities in the long run, suggesting PDT an effective way sterilizing inner surface of oral implant suprastrutures. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:433–439, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Elliptic complexes of first‐order cone operators: ideal boundary conditions
Authors: Krainer Thomas , Mendoza Gerardo A.
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed description of the spaces that can be specified as L2 domains for the operators of a first order elliptic complex on a compact manifold with conical singularities. This entails an analysis of the nature of the minimal domain and of a complementary space in the maximal domain of each of the operators. The key technical result is the nondegeneracy of a certain pairing of cohomology classes associated with the indicial complex. It is further proved that the set of choices of domains leading to Hilbert complexes in the sense of Brüning and Lesch form a variety, as well as a theorem establishing a necessary and sufficient condition for the operator in a given degree to map its maximal domain into the minimal domain of the next operator.
Upper bound for the ratios of eigenvalues of Schrödinger operators with nonnegative single‐barrier potentials
Authors: Ben Amara Jamel , Hedhly Jihed
Published: May 2018

In this paper we prove the optimal upper bound
urn:x-wiley:0025584X:media:mana201700164:mana201700164-math-0001for one‐dimensional Schrödinger operators with a nonnegative differentiable and single‐barrier potential , such that , where . In particular, if satisfies the additional condition , then for . For this result, we develop a new approach to study the monotonicity of the modified Prüfer angle function.
When opposites attract? Exploring the existence of complementarity in self‐brand congruence processes
Authors: Karampela Maria , Tregear Angela , Ansell Jonathan , Dunnett Susan
Published: May 2018

In the psychology of human interpersonal attraction, complementarity is a well‐recognized phenomenon, where individuals are attracted to partners with different but complementary traits to their own. Although scholarship in human–brand relations draws heavily from interpersonal attraction theory, preferred techniques for measuring self‐brand congruence tend to capture it in only one form: the similarity configuration, which expresses the extent to which brand traits essentially resemble or mirror a consumer's own. Hence, the aim of this study is to explore, for the first time, the existence of complementarity in self‐brand congruence. From a canonical correlation analysis of survey data in which respondents rated their own personality traits and those of their favorite brand, the existence of both similarity and complementarity configurations is indeed revealed. Based on this, the study then derives a measure of self‐brand congruence that captures both configurations, and tests its predictive power for a range of brand‐related outcomes. The new measure is found to perform well against existing measures of self‐brand congruence based purely on a similarity configuration, particularly for emotionally based brand‐related outcomes.
Hyaluronic Acid–Modified Porous Silicon Films for the Electrochemical Sensing of Bacterial Hyaluronidase
Authors: Tücking Katrin‐Stephanie , Vasani Roshan B. , Cavallaro Alex A. , Voelcker Nicolas H. , Schönherr Holger , Prieto‐Simon Beatriz
Published: May 2018

The development of enzyme‐responsive hyaluronic acid methacrylate (HYAMA)‐coated porous silicon (pSi) films and their application in electrochemical diagnostic devices for the in situ detection of the enzyme hyaluronidase (hyal), which is secreted by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria, are reported. The approach relies on a HYAMA‐pSi electrode made of thermally hydrocarbonized pSi (pSi‐THC) that is impregnated with crosslinked HYAMA/polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels. The enzymatic degradation of HYAMA by bacterial hyal is monitored by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) utilizing pSi‐THC as a working electrode and ferro/ferricyanide (FF) as external redox probe. The degradation of HYAMA results in reduced diffusion of the redox probe through the partially charged film, thereby enabling the detection of hyal by DPV. In addition to the determination of the concentration‐dependent response in NaOAc buffer (pH 5.2), the detection of hyal as indicator for the presence of S. aureus bacteria above a threshold level in bacterial supernatants and artificial wound fluid is highlighted.
Evolution of Chain Length Distribution and Microstructure of Macromolecules in Irreversible Copolymerization Proceeding with Segmental Exchange Investigated with a New Monte Carlo Algorithm
Authors: Szymanski Ryszard , Sosnowski Stanislaw
Published: May 2018

A process of irreversible copolymerization with segmental exchange reactions is simulated using a Monte Carlo algorithm. The terminal (dyad) model is assumed for eight considered reactions: propagations and attacks of active centers on monomeric units in chains with subsequent chain scissions. It is established that microstructure of macromolecules at any given moment depends on the values of reaction rate constants and evolves from the beginning one, defined mainly by propagation rates, to the final one, determined by chain transfer rates. Dispersity and randomization degree of unit sequences in macromolecules can change nonmonotonically with progress of the process. Equilibration of the microstructure needs usually significantly longer time than needed for attaining the equilibrium chain lengths distribution. The proposed new Monte Carlo algorithm allows to more efficiently investigate the studied process.
Dynamics of an autocatalator model
Authors: Romanovski Valery G. , Han Maoan , Maćešić Stevan , Tang Yilei
Published: May 2018

We study the dynamics of an autocatalator model, which is described by a 3‐dimensional autonomous cubic differential system. We analyze the number and local properties of equilibrium points of the system using methods of the qualitative theory of ordinary differential equations. We also investigate small‐amplitude limit cycles bifurcating from an equilibrium state of the system. Some numerical simulations illustrating the obtained theoretical results are presented.
Technical Note: Predicting dose distribution with replacing stopping power ratio for inter‐fractional motion and intra‐fractional motion during carbon ion radiotherapy with passive irradiation method for stage I lung cancer
Authors: Kubota Yoshiki , Sakai Makoto , Tashiro Mutsumi , Saitoh Jun‐ichi , Abe Takanori , Ohno Tatsuya , Nakano Takashi
Published: May 2018

Purpose

We designed and evaluated a simple method for predicting the effects of intra‐fractional and/or inter‐fractional motion on dose distribution during carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) for solitary‐lesion stage I lung cancer.

Methods

The proposed method uses computed tomography (CT) images from treatment planning and intra‐tumoral and/or inter‐tumoral displacement. The predicted dose distribution (PDD) was calculated by replacing the current tumor region with the stopping power ratio (SPR) of the lung and replacing the moved tumor region with the SPR of the tumor. The actual dose distribution (ADD) was calculated without the replacement. Ten patients with solitary‐lesion stage I lung cancer were retrospectively studied to evaluate the prediction method's accuracy. Four PDDs for intra‐fractional motion (gate‐in, exhalation, gate‐out, inhalation phases during four‐dimensional CT) and two PDDs for inter‐fractional motion (CT images acquired 1–2 days before treatment) with bone‐ and tumor‐matching methods were compared with each of six ADDs on each CT scan. Percentages of the planning/clinical target volumes (PTV/CTV) receiving >95% of the prescribed dose (V95) and of minimum doses covering 95% of the PTV/CTV (D95) were compared with dose volume histogram parameters.

Results

The maximum tumor displacements occurred in the superior–inferior direction, with intra‐fractional motion values of 3.75 and 8.97 mm for the superior and inferior directions, respectively, and inter‐fractional values of 9.61 and 4.10 mm. The maximum average error for PTV V95 regarding intra‐fractional motion was −0.43% for the gate‐out phase and −0.63% for the inhalation phase. There were no significant differences for these parameters (P = 0.541, P = 0.571). Average errors for PTV and CTV V95 with inter‐fractional motion with bone matching were 2.2% and 2.9%, respectively, with no significant differences (P = 0.387, P = 0.155).

Conclusions

The accuracy of the proposed method was good. Hence, it is feasible to use the proposed method during CIRT to predict dose distribution with respect to intra‐fractional motion and/or inter‐fractional motion of the tumor in patients with solitary‐lesion stage I lung cancer.
Model‐based reconstruction for simultaneous multislice and parallel imaging accelerated multishot diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Dong Zijing , Dai Erpeng , Wang Fuyixue , Zhang Zhe , Ma Xiaodong , Yuan Chun , Guo Hua
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Multishot interleaved echo‐planar imaging (iEPI) can achieve higher image resolution than single‐shot EPI for diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), but its application is limited by the prolonged acquisition time. To reduce the acquisition time, a novel model‐based reconstruction for simultaneous multislice (SMS) and parallel imaging (PI) accelerated iEPI DTI is proposed.

Materials and methods

DTI datasets acquired by iEPI with SMS and PI acceleration can be regarded as 3D k‐space data, which is undersampled along both the slice and phase encoding directions. Instead of reconstruction of individual diffusion‐weighted image, diffusion tensors are directly estimated by the joint reconstruction of undersampled 3D k‐space from all diffusion‐encoding directions using a model‐based formulation to exploit the correlation across different directions. DTI simulation and in vivo acquisition were used to demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed method.

Results

The proposed method reduced the estimation errors and artifacts than traditional parallel imaging reconstruction in DTI simulation. In the in vivo DTI experiment, the acquisition time of 4‐shot iEPI was reduced from 11 min 7 s to 3 min 53 s with an acceleration factor of 4, and the image quality and precision of quantitative parameters were comparable with the fully sampled acquisition.

Conclusions

The proposed model‐based reconstruction for iEPI DTI with SMS and PI can achieve fourfold acceleration while maintaining high accuracy for tensor measurements.