bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palaeoproterozoic tectonic evolution of the Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt, North China Craton: Geochemical and isotopic evidence from ca. 2.17 Ga felsic tuff
Authors: Xu Wang , Liu Fulai , Wang Fang , Santosh M. , Dong Yongsheng
Published: January 2019

The Palaeoproterozoic tectonic evolution of the Jiao–Liao–Ji Belt (JLJB) in the North China Craton remains controversial, particularly in the absence of adequate evidence for oceanic plate subduction. Here, we report SHRIMP U–Pb zircon ages, whole‐rock geochemistry, and Sm–Nd isotope data on felsic tuffs from the Anshan–Helan–Lianshanguang area in the Liaodong Peninsula which provides important insights into the early tectonic evolution of the JLJB. The zircon SHRIMP U–Pb ages suggest formation of the tuffs crystallized at ca. 2.17 Ga, which coincide with the crystallization of the voluminous Liaoji granitoids in this belt. The felsic tuffs show calc‐alkaline features and are characterized by a wide range of SiO2 (61.89–72.55 wt.%), MgO (1.35–5.80 wt.%), Cr (36.0–67.8 ppm) and Ni (5.88–28.8 ppm) contents, and low TiO2 (0.42–0.64 wt.%) and total Fe2O3 (2.14–5.64 wt.%) concentrations. They also display enrichment in LREE and depletion in Nb, Ta, and Ti similar to the features of continental arc andesites. Their wide variation in whole‐rock εNd(t) (−2.6 to +3.4) combined with the synchronous magmatic activity in this region suggests that they were derived from mixing of mafic (e.g., those in the Liaohe suite) and felsic (e.g., the Liaoji granitoids) magmas, followed by fractional crystallization. In view of the widespread distribution of magmatism, including the Helan felsic tuffs and Liaoji granitoids, and the synchronous sedimentary rocks in the Liaodong Peninsula, we propose that the evolution of the JLJB involved an initial back‐arc extension stage, followed by arc‐continent collision.
Geochemistry and geochronology of the Dongyang gold deposit in southeast China: Constraints on ore genesis
Authors: Xu Nan , Li Sheng‐Rong , Wu Cai‐lai , Santosh M.
Published: January 2019

Mesozoic magmatism and lithospheric destruction in East China exerted significant control on gold metallogeny. Here, we investigate the mineralogy, geochemistry, geochronology, and isotopic systematics of the Dongyang gold deposit in southeast China to constrain its origin and geodynamics. This is a newly discovered epithermal gold deposit along the Circum–Pacific metallogenic belt and is characterized by intense silicification and sericitization. The C–H–O isotope data suggest deep magmatic sources of the ores and indicate that the ore‐forming fluids comprised a mixture of magmatic water and meteoric water. The S–Pb values of the pyrite indicate magmatic origin for the sulfur, and deposit was derived mostly from crustal sources, mixed with mantle materials. The Rb–Sr dating of the pyrite from the ore deposit shows an age of 164.2 ± 9.9 Ma, whereas the zircon U–Pb SHRIMP ages of the rhyolite porphyry is 160.9 ± 0.5 Ma, suggesting that the timing of mineralization is close to that of the crystallization of the dykes. In conjunction with previous studies on similar deposits, we suggest that the gold mineralization was the response of continental lithospheric thinning in southeast China triggered by the subduction of the Palaeo‐Pacific Ocean Plate.
Anxiety symptom levels are persistent in older adults with a mental disorder: A 33‐month follow‐up study
Authors: Bakkane Bendixen Anette , Engedal Knut , Selbæk Geir , Benth Jūratė Šaltytė , Hartberg Cecilie Bhandari
Published: January 2019

Objective

Anxiety symptoms are common in old age and have been suggested as risk factors for development of cognitive impairment and mortality. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether anxiety symptoms among older adults with a mental health diagnosis are persistent, and severity of anxiety predicts cognitive decline and mortality.

Methods

We collected data from 201 patients referred to specialist mental health service in a department of geriatric psychiatry. Of these, 150 were reexamined after 33 months, while 51 patients died before follow‐up. Mean age (SD) at baseline among the patients that were reexamined was 73.4 (7.3) years, and 67% were women. The Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI) was used to measure anxiety symptoms at baseline and follow‐up. We investigated whether higher GAI scores at baseline were associated with persistence of anxiety. Associations with cognitive decline or mortality were also explored. The associations were estimated by use of trajectory analysis and regression models.

Results

Seventy‐four percentages had the same level of anxiety symptoms, and 29% had a high level of anxiety at baseline and follow‐up. GAI score at baseline was not associated with cognitive decline or mortality at 33‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion

In a longitudinal study of anxiety symptoms among older adults in specialist mental health services, we demonstrate persistent high or low levels of anxiety symptoms. Anxiety trajectories over time were not predicted by patient characteristics. Also the level of anxiety cannot be used as predictor for future cognitive decline or mortality in a clinical population.
EEG‐based age‐prediction models as stable and heritable indicators of brain maturational level in children and adolescents
Authors: Vandenbosch Marjolein M. L. J. Z. , van 't Ent Dennis , Boomsma Dorret I. , Anokhin Andrey P. , Smit Dirk J. A.
Published: January 2019

The human brain shows remarkable development of functional brain activity from childhood to adolescence. Here, we investigated whether electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings are suitable for predicting the age of children and adolescents. Moreover, we investigated whether overestimation or underestimation of age was stable over longer time periods, as stable prediction error can be interpreted as reflecting individual brain maturational level. Finally, we established whether the age‐prediction error was genetically determined. Then, 3 min eyes‐closed resting‐state EEG data from the longitudinal EEG studies of Netherlands Twin Register (NTR; n = 836) and Washington University in St. Louis (n = 702) were used at ages 5, 7, 12, 14, 16, and 18. Longitudinal data were available within childhood (5–7 years) and adolescence (16–18 years). We calculated power in 1 Hz wide bins (1–24 Hz). Random forest (RF) regression and relevance vector machine with sixfold cross‐validation were applied. The best mean absolute prediction error was obtained with RF (1.22 years). Classification of childhood versus puberty/adolescence reached over 94% accuracy. Prediction errors were moderately to highly stable over periods of 1.5–2.1 years (0.53 < r < 0.74) and signifcantly affected by genetic factors (heritability between 42 and 79%). Our results show that age prediction from low‐cost EEG recordings is comparable in accuracy to those obtained with magnetic resonance imaging. Children and adolescents showed stable overestimation or underestimation of their age, which means that some participants have stable brain activity patterns that reflect those of an older or younger age, and could therefore reflect individual brain maturational level. This prediction error is heritable, suggesting that genes underlie maturational level of functional brain activity. We propose that age prediction based on EEG recordings can be used for tracking neurodevelopment in typically developing children, in preterm children, and in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Chiral Polymers and Polymeric Particles for Enantioselective Crystallization
Authors: Medina Dana D. , Mastai Yitzhak
Published: January 2019

Chiral polymers and chiral polymeric particles have emerged as a new and exciting field of research in recent years mainly due to their possibly applications in chiral chemistry. This paper reviews the present state of the art regarding production techniques for the synthesis and applications of chiral polymeric particles. The main methods for preparing of chiral polymeric particles such as: direct polymerization, emulsion, precipitation, and suspension polymerization of chiral monomers, are reviewed. Moreover, in this article we also present the use of chiral polymers as chiral templates for the synthesis of chiral mesoporous materials. In this review we highlighted the properties and parameters involved in the preparation of these chiral polymeric materials. The present review focuses mainly on the use of chiral polymer and chiral polymeric particles for enantioselective crystallization and enantioseparation. References of the most relevant literature published by various research groups are provided. Anyway, it is clear that chiral polymeric particles are a distinctive type of chiral nanomaterials that can find many new application in other fields like, chiral drug delivery systems, enantioselective catalysis. We hope that this review article will inspired new researchers in this field and will boost the research dealing on chiral polymeric particles especially in their implementation in new areas in chiral chemistry.
Resveratrol potentially increased the tumoricidal effect of doxorubicin on SKOV3 cancer stem cells in vitro
Authors: Pouyafar Ayda , Zadi Heydarabad Milad , Aghdam Sina Bahar , Khaksar Majid , Azimi Ako , Rahbarghazi Reza , Talebi Mehdi
Published: January 2019

Ovarian cancer is associated with a high percentage of recurrence of tumor and resistance to chemotherapy. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) form a rare population with a significant capacity to begin and expand malignant diseases. Eliminating the drug resistance of CSCs by factors that have fewer side effects to the patient is vital. To investigate the effect of resveratrol (RES) and doxorubicin (DOX) on drug resistance and apoptosis of CSCs; at the first, isolation of CSCs from SKOV3 ovarian carcinoma cells and their dosage adjustment (IC50) with RES and DOX was performed. Then, isolated CSCs were treated with RES and DOX IC
50 of 55 and 250 nM, respectively. Subsequently, their effects on drug resistance and cell death were evaluated using real‐time polymerase chain reaction, rhodamine 123 uptakes. The results of the present study demonstrated that treatment of SKOV3 with 55 μM of RES and 250 nM of DOX simultaneously increased cell viability in CSCs to DOX after 24 and 48 hours by increasing the expression of Bcl‐2‐associated X protein (BAX) and caspase‐3 genes, and decreased the expression and function of multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) and multidrug resistance‐associated protein 1 (MRP1) genes indicated by intracellular the rhodamine 123 content. Treatment of RES could increase the activity of DOX cell viability in CSCs originated from SKOV3 ovarian carcinoma and decrease drug resistance capacity to DOX.
Long‐noncoding RNA HOTAIR inhibits immunologic rejection of mouse leukemia cells through activating the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway in a mouse model of leukemia
Authors: Li Guo‐Jie , Ding Hui , Miao Dong
Published: January 2019

Long‐noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) is involved in the development of diverse diseases, including leukemia, while the role lncRNA HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) played in leukemia remains unclear and in need of further investigation. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the effects of lncRNA HOTAIR on the immunologic rejection of leukemia cells through the Wnt/β‐catenin in mice. Mice were administrated with HOTAIR mimics as well as small interfering RNA HOTAIR to explore the regulatory role of HOTAIR. The numbers of white blood cell (WBC) and platelet (PLT) and the content of hemoglobin in peripheral blood (PB) were determined. The cytokine level in PB was measured. T‐lymphocyte proliferation activity, Ig production by B cells, natural killer (NK) cell activity, and the proportion of cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4)/CD8 T cell subsets were detected. Expression of HOTAIR, β‐catenin, cyclinD1, GSK‐3β, and c‐Myc in bone marrow was determined. It was revealed that the WBC number increased, while the PLT number along with the hemoglobin content in PB decreased with the upregulated HOTAIR. Additionally, elevated HOTAIR led to decreased levels of transforming growth factor‐β, interferon‐γ, interleukin‐10, and tumor necrosis factor‐α in PB, proliferation activity in T‐lymphocyte, and inhibited Ig production, NK cell activity, and the ratio of CD4/CD8 T cell subsets in B‐lymphocyte. Furthermore, Wnt/β‐catenin was activated by overexpressing HOTAIR. Enhanced survival and proliferation were shown with increased expression of cyclinD1, GSK‐3β, and c‐Myc in the bone marrow of mice induced by overexpressing HOTAIR. These results indicate that restored HOTAIR reduces the immunologic rejection of leukemia cells in mice by activating Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.
Extracellular micro/nanovesicles rescue kidney from ischemia‐reperfusion injury
Authors: Farzamfar Saeed , Hasanpour Akram , Nazeri Niloufar , Razavi Hengameh , Salehi Majid , Shafei Shilan , Nooshabadi Vajiheh T. , Vaez Ahmad , Ehterami Arian , Sahrapeyma Hamed , Ai Jafar
Published: January 2019

Acute renal failure (ARF) is a clinical challenge that is highly resistant to treatment, and its high rate of mortality is alarming. Ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) is the most common cause of ARF. Especially IRI is implicated in kidney transplantation and can determine graft survival. Although the exact pathophysiology of renal IRI is unknown, the role of inflammatory responses has been elucidated. Because mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have strong immunomodulatory properties, they are under extensive investigation as a therapeutic modality for renal IRI. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an integral role in cell‐to‐cell communication. Because the regenerative potential of the MSCs can be recapitulated by their EVs, the therapeutic appeal of MSC‐derived EVs has dramatically increased in the past decade. Higher safety profile and ease of preservation without losing function are other advantages of EVs compared with their producing cells. In the current review, the preliminary results and potential of MSC‐derived EVs to alleviate kidney IRI are summarized. We might be heading toward a cell‐free approach to treat renal IRI.
Astaxanthin but not quercetin preserves mitochondrial integrity and function, ameliorates oxidative stress, and reduces heat‐induced skeletal muscle injury
Authors: Yu Tianzheng , Dohl Jacob , Chen Yifan , Gasier Heath G. , Deuster Patricia A.
Published: January 2019

Heat stress causes mitochondrial dysfunction and increases mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), both of which contribute to heat‐induced skeletal muscle injury. In this study, we tested whether either astaxanthin or quercetin, two dietary antioxidants, could ameliorate heat‐induced skeletal muscle oxidative injury. In mouse C2C12 myoblasts exposed to 43°C heat stress, astaxanthin inhibited heat‐induced ROS production in a concentration‐dependent manner (1–20 μM), whereas the ROS levels remained high in cells treated with quercetin over a range of concentrations (2–100 µM). Because mitochondria are both the main source and a primary target of heat‐induced ROS, we then tested the effects of astaxanthin and quercetin on mitochondrial integrity and function, under both normal temperature (37°C) and heat stress conditions. Quercetin treatment at 37°C induced mitochondrial fragmentation and decreased membrane potential (ΔΨ
m), accompanied by reduced protein expression of the master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ coactivator‐1α (PGC‐1α). It also induced cleavage of mitochondrial inner‐membrane fusion protein OPA1. In contrast, astaxanthin at 37°C increased protein expression of PGC‐1α and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), and maintained tubular structure and normal ΔΨm. Under 43°C heat stress conditions, whereas quercetin failed to rescue C2C12 cells from injury, astaxanthin treatment prevented heat‐induced mitochondrial fragmentation and depolarization, and apoptotic cell death. We also isolated rat flexor digitorum brevis myofibers and confirmed the data from C2C12 myoblasts that astaxanthin but not quercetin preserves mitochondrial integrity and function and ameliorates heat‐induced skeletal muscle injury. These results confirm that mitochondria may be a potential therapeutic target for heat‐related illness and suggest that astaxanthin may potentially be an effective preventive strategy.
Molecular pathogenesis of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome based on gene expression
Authors: Karamali Maryam , Shafabakhsh Rana , Ghanbari Zinat , Eftekhar Tahereh , Asemi Zatollah
Published: January 2019

Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) is a chronic bladder inflammation that leads to chronic bladder pain and urinary urgency and frequency. The presentation of IC/PBS is heterogeneous, and it is classified as ulcerative IC/PBS and nonulcerative IC/PBS. The main cause of IC/PBS is thought to be a persistent inflammatory condition in the bladder, though the actual pathophysiology has not been identified yet. Although the underlying pathophysiology of IC/PBS is not completely understood, several theories for the etiology of this syndrome have been suggested, including deficiency of the glycosaminoglycan covering urothelium surface that results in leaky urothelium infection, immunological etiology, activated mast cells, neural changes, and inflammation. In addition, there are no gold standards for the detection of this disorder to date. So, determination of gene expression and its role in different signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of this heterogeneous disorder contribute to the more efficient cognition of the pathophysiology of this disease and to the design of effective treatments and molecular diagnostic methods for IC/PBS.
Determinants of fraud examination performance: An empirical study of internal investigation reports
Authors: Gottschalk Petter
Published: January 2019

Fraud examiners from global auditing firms and local law firms are in the business of private policing by conducting internal investigations in private and public organisations when there is suspicion of financial crime. The business is often characterised by secrecy, and reports of investigations are often difficult or impossible to disclose. Since 2012, we have successfully retrieved 63 fraud examination reports in Scandinavia. Based on these reports, this article presents a statistical analysis of fraud examination performance. Performance was measured in terms of the extent of successful reconstruction of past events and the extent of justification of conclusions from the examinations. We identified three statistically significant determinants of fraud examination performance: the seriousness of the consequences, the relative seriousness of the consequences and the conclusions, and the seriousness of the conclusions.
Use of gadoxetate disodium in patients with chronic liver disease and its implications for liver imaging reporting and data system (LI‐RADS)
Authors: Chernyak Victoria , Fowler Kathryn J. , Heiken Jay P. , Sirlin Claude B.
Published: January 2019

Use of gadoxetate disodium, a hepatobiliary gadolinium‐based agent, in patients with chronic parenchymal liver disease offers the advantage of improved sensitivity for detecting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Imaging features of liver observations on gadoxetate‐enhanced MRI may also serve as biomarkers of recurrence‐free and overall survival following definitive treatment of HCC. A number of technical and interpretative pitfalls specific to gadoxetate exist, however, and needs to be recognized when protocoling and interpreting MRI exams with this agent. This article reviews the advantages and pitfalls of gadoxetate use in patients at risk for HCC, and the potential impact on Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI‐RADS) imaging feature assessment and categorization.

Level of Evidence: 5

Technical Efficacy Stage: 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1236–1252.
MRI analysis of fecal volume and dryness: Validation study using an experimental oxycodone‐induced constipation model
Authors: Mark Esben B. , Bødker Mark B. , Grønlund Debbie , Østergaard Lasse R. , Frøkjær Jens B. , Drewes Asbjørn M.
Published: January 2019

Background

Opioids are known to affect gastrointestinal motility, but their effect on fluid absorption and secretion is poorly understood in humans.

Purpose

To investigate the effect of oxycodone on colonic fecal volume and stool dryness by using a novel MRI‐based technique.

Study Type

Prospective, randomized, double‐blinded, crossover study.

Subjects

Twenty‐five healthy male volunteers (median age: 24 years [range: 21–56]; mean body mass index [BMI]: 23.9 kg/m2 [range: 22.9–25.0]) without known gastrointestinal disease.

Field Strength/Sequence

T2‐weighted and two‐point Dixon MRI scans of the abdomen at 1.5 T.

Assessment

Subjects were treated for 5 days with prolonged‐release oxycodone or a placebo. Imaging was performed on the first and last study day in each period. Images of the colon were analyzed with semiautomatic k‐means‐based segmentation software. Regional colonic fecal volumes were quantified excluding gas volume and colon wall. Two‐point Dixon and T2‐weighted MRI signal intensity were assessed as a proxy of colonic stool dryness. Data were obtained in a previously reported study.

Statistical Tests

Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to test the reliability of measurements between days, while repeated measures mixed models were applied to test treatment effects.

Results

After oxycodone treatment, total colonic fecal volume was significantly increased compared with placebo (mean change 100 mL vs. –13 mL; P = 0.001), with the largest increase (24%) observed in the ascending colon/cecum (P = 0.001). Dixon signal increased (less water in colon content) after oxycodone treatment compared with placebo (mean 0.09 vs. –0.02; P < 0.001). T2‐weighted signal decreased (less water in colon content) after oxycodone treatment compared with placebo (mean –0.03 vs. 0.03; P = 0.002).

Data Conclusion

The 5‐day oxycodone treatment increased colonic fecal volume and increased stool dryness compared with placebo. This imaging‐based method for noninvasive analysis of colon content has the potential to characterize gastrointestinal symptoms in general, such as in constipation.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy Stage: 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:733–745.
Epstein‐Barr virus LMP2A utilizes Syk and PI3K to activate NF‐κB in B‐cell lymphomas to increase MIP‐1α production
Authors: Incrocci Ryan , McAloon Jason , Montesano Michael , Bardahl Jonathan , Vagvala Saivenkat , Stone Amanda , Swanson‐Mungerson Michelle
Published: January 2019

The incidence of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) is growing due to an increase in Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐associated HL in AIDS patients. The HL tumor microenvironment is vital for the survival of the malignant Hodgkin‐Reed Sternberg (HRS) cells of HL, which express the EBV protein latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A). While previous work shows that LMP2A mimics B‐cell receptor (BCR) signaling to promote the survival of HRS cells, the ability of LMP2A to establish and maintain the tumor microenvironment through the production of chemokines remains unknown. Since BCR signaling induces the production of the chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein‐1α (MIP‐1α), and since LMP2A is a BCR mimic, we hypothesized that LMP2A increases MIP‐1α levels. A comparison of multiple LMP2A‐negative and ‐positive cell lines demonstrates that LMP2A increases MIP‐1α. Additionally, LMP2A‐mutant cell lines and pharmacologic inhibitors indicate that LMP2A activates a Syk/PI3K/NF‐κB pathway to enhance MIP‐1α. Finally, based on the finding that an NF‐κB inhibitor decreased MIP‐1α RNA/protein in LMP2A‐positive cells, we are the first to demonstrate that LMP2A increases the nuclear localization of the NF‐κB p65 subunit using DNA‐binding assays and confocal microscopy in human B cells. These findings not only have implications for the treatment of HL, but also other LMP2A‐expressing B‐cell tumors that overexpress NF‐κB.
Cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin G titers do not predict reactivation risk in immunocompetent hosts
Authors: Mansfield Sara A. , Dwivedi Varun , Elgharably Haytham , Griessl Marion , Zimmerman Peter D. , Limaye Ajit P. , Cook Charles H.
Published: January 2019

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation occurs in roughly one‐third of immunocompetent patients during critical illness, and is associated with worse outcomes. These outcomes have prompted consideration of early antiviral prophylaxis, but two‐third of patients would receive unnecessary treatment. Tissue viral load has been associated with risk of reactivation in murine models, and recent work has suggested a relationship between immune responses to CMV and underlying viral load. We, therefore, sought to confirm the hypothesis that serum CMV‐specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) correlates with tissue viral load, and might be used to predict the risk of reactivation during critical illness. We confirm that there is a good correlation between tissue viral load and serum CMV‐specific IgG after laboratory infection of inbred mice. Further, we show that naturally infected outbred hosts have variable tissue viral DNA loads that do not correlate well with serum IgG. Perhaps as a consequence, CMV‐specific IgG was not predictive of reactivation events in immunocompetent humans. When reactivation did occur, those with the lowest IgG levels had longer durations of reactivation, but IgG quartiles were not associated with differing peak DNAemia. Together our data suggest that CMV‐specific IgG titers diverge from tissue viral loads in outbred immunocompetent hosts, and their importance for the control of reactivation events remains unclear.
Real‐time Raman analysis of cleaning solution: Determination of Al/Alq3 residue in cleaning mixture
Authors: Cui Yinhua , Shim Ho Jae , Gao Yuan , Pyo Sung Gyu
Published: January 2019

The analysis of cleaning solutions is difficult, especially if a chemical reaction occurs in the mixed solution. Such chemical reactions lead to real‐time changes in the vibrations of the molecules due to changes in the binding forces. Thus, techniques for analyzing mixed solutions are required to determine the processes that occur during the cleaning process. A real‐time intermolecular vibrational analysis method employing Raman spectroscopy is used herein for quantitative analysis of organic and inorganic residues in TFD4 cleaning solution (TFD4 comprises a mixture of anionic and nonionic surfactant agents, potassium hydroxide, and stabilizing agents). This study also identifies the development of a new peak, indicative of Al‐bonding in TFD4 solution during the cleaning process, and demonstrates that a change in the bonding occurs in the solution. The result of Raman intensity measurement by changing the bonding strength in solution can be applied to make predictive models and analytical techniques that can indicate the relationship of mixed solution.
Development and characterization of biodegradable films from whey protein concentrate, psyllium husk and oxidized, crosslinked, dual‐modified lotus rhizome starch composite
Authors: Sukhija Sakshi , Singh Sukhcharn , Riar Charanjit S
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

The combined effect of variously chemically modified lotus rhizome starch, whey protein concentrate, psyllium husk and glycerol was evaluated on developed biodegradable films.

RESULTS

Dual‐modified lotus rhizome starch composite films presented minimum solubility and water vapor permeability and maximum tensile strength among native and modified starch composite films. Elongation at break of dual‐modified starch composite films (FLCOS1, FLCOS2) was found to be a maximum, whereas a decrease was observed for FLCOS3. Oxidized lotus rhizome starch composite films were the most transparent among native and modified starch composite films, whereas crosslinked lotus rhizome starch composite films were the least transparent. Scanning electron microscopy indicated a homogeneous compact surface of oxidized starch composite films, whereas troughs were observed in crosslinked and dual‐modified starch composite films. Using whey protein concentrate, psyllium husk and glycerol without any phase separation, smoother films and with compact microstructures were produced. Fourier transform infrared analysis revealed additional peaks for modified starch films, confirming greater interaction among starch and film‐forming components, whereas amorphous structure was indicated from X‐ray diffraction results of modified starch composite films.

CONCLUSIONS

Owing to various properties of modified starches, these films find application in edible contact packages and can better be used for products where higher structural integrity and lower water vapor transmission are needed. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Fortification of zinc in a parboiled low‐amylose rice: effects of milling and cooking
Authors: Wahengbam Elizabeth D , Green Brian D , Hazarika Manuj K
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Rice is a staple diet for many people, however, it is not a good source of micronutrients. The process of parboiling induces several desirable changes in rice: it improves the retention of available micronutrients, and in the case of low‐amylose varieties it eases the cooking requirement. During parboiling of brown rice, when soaking is conducted in micronutrient‐rich solutions, it affects fortification. This study is aimed at examining the suitability of the method of zinc fortification by a brown rice parboiling process in a low‐amylose rice.

RESULTS

Application of the method of zinc fortification by a brown rice parboiling process increased the zinc content in unmilled rice. Milling caused a reduction in zinc content per gram of grain, indicating a high concentration of zinc at the outer layer. Both milled and unmilled rice could retain more than 86% of zinc upon cooking. Changes in colour values in uncooked rice, due to zinc fortification, were non‐significant at P ≤ 0.05. Rehydration of zinc‐fortified rice at 60 °C for 25 min yielded hardness values similar to that of its cooked form.

CONCLUSION

The method of zinc fortification by brown rice parboiling is a pragmatic way to produce zinc‐fortified parboiled rice to combat zinc deficiency with a reduced cooking requirement from a low‐amylose rice variety. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Combined double vascularized lymph node transfers and modified radical reduction with preservation of perforators for advanced stages of lymphedema
Authors: Ciudad Pedro , Manrique Oscar J , Adabi Kian , Huang Tony Chieh‐Ting , Agko Mouchammed , Trignano Emilio , Chang Wei‐Ling , Chen Tsung‐Wei , Salgado Christopher J. , Chen Hung‐Chi
Published: January 2019

Background

Treatment of advanced lymphedema requires not only restoration of physiological lymph drainage, but also excision of fibrotic tissue and excess skin. The aim of this study is to show how the combination of double vascularized lymph node transfers (VLNTs) and a modified radical reduction with preservation of perforators (RRPP) can accomplish both of these treatment goals.

Methods

Between 2010 and 2016, 16 patients (15 female and one male) with extremity lymphedema underwent a combined double gastroepiploic VLNTs and modified RRPP. Demographics, outcomes including circumference reduction rates, preoperative and postoperative lymphoscintigraphy, complications, and responses to the Lymphedema Quality of Life (LYMQOL) questionnaire were analyzed.

Results

All flaps survived. The mean follow‐up period was 14.2 months (range, 12‐19). The mean circumference reduction rate was 74.5% ± 6.9% for the upper limb and 68.0% ± 4.2% for the lower limb. There were no major complications. Minor complications, including numbness and hyperesthesia, were treated conservatively. LYMQOL showed a 2.7‐fold quality‐of‐life improvement (P < 0.01). Postoperative lymphoscintigraphy showed improved lymphatic drainage in all cases.

Conclusion

Combined double VLNTs and modified RRPP safely and effectively improves lymphatic drainage, reduces fibrotic tissue and excess skin, decreases episodes of infections, and improves patients’ quality of life in the advanced stages of lymphedema.
Modern‐Day Nationwide Utilization of Intravascular Ultrasound and Its Impact on the Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Coronary Atherectomy in the United States
Authors: Desai Rupak , Patel Upenkumar , Fong Hee Kong , Sadolikar Ashish , Zalavadia Dipen , Gupta Sonu , Doshi Rajkumar , Sachdeva Rajesh , Kumar Gautam
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) and coronary atherectomy (CA) are useful modalities in managing calcified coronary lesions. Considering an inadequacy of data, we aimed to compare the outcomes with versus without IVUS assistance in percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) with CA.

Methods

From the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample data set for the years 2012 to 2014, we identified adult patients undergoing PCI and CA with or without IVUS assistance using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. We assessed the impact of IVUS on procedural outcomes, length of stay, total hospital charges, and predictors of IVUS utilization by multivariable analyses. Discharge weights were used to calculate national estimates.

Results

A total of 46,095 PCIs with CA procedures were performed from 2012 to 2014, of these, 4800 (10.4%) procedures were IVUS‐assisted. IVUS‐assisted procedures showed lower odds of in‐hospital mortality (odds ratio, 0.57; P = .024) but higher odds of any cardiac complication (odds ratio, 1.25; P = .025). Total hospital charges were higher in IVUS‐assisted procedures without any substantial difference in the length of stay between the groups. Cardiac complication rates declined (from 16.2% to 14.8%) from 2012 to 2014, whereas inpatient mortality increased (1.1%–4.4%) in IVUS‐assisted procedures during the same period. The odds of IVUS utilization were higher in Asian/Pacific Islander and urban teaching and western region hospitals. Comorbidities, including hypertension, obesity, and chronic pulmonary disease, raised odds of IVUS utilization.

Conclusions

IVUS‐assisted procedures showed lower in‐hospital mortality and higher iatrogenic and overall cardiac complications. The mortality rate in patients undergoing IVUS‐assisted PCI with CA was on the rise, with declining cardiac complication rates from 2012 to 2014.
Localized peaking regimes for quasilinear parabolic equations
Authors: Shishkov Andrey E. , Yevgenieva Yevgeniia A.
Published: January 2019

This paper deals with the asymptotic behavior as of all weak (energy) solutions of a class of equations with the following model representative:
urn:x-wiley:0025584X:media:mana201700436:mana201700436-math-0002with prescribed global energy function
urn:x-wiley:0025584X:media:mana201700436:mana201700436-math-0003Here , , , Ω is a bounded smooth domain, . Particularly, in the case
urn:x-wiley:0025584X:media:mana201700436:mana201700436-math-0008it is proved that the solution u remains uniformly bounded as in an arbitrary subdomain and the sharp upper estimate of when has been obtained depending on and . In the case for all , sharp sufficient conditions on degeneration of near that guarantee the above mentioned boundedness for an arbitrary (even large) solution have been found and the sharp upper estimate of a final profile of the solution when has been obtained.
Contextualizing customer organizational citizenship behaviors: The changing nature of value cocreation and customer satisfaction across service settings
Authors: Choi Laee , Lawry Charles A. , Kim MiRan
Published: January 2019

This study identified economic, emotional, and relational value as outcomes of customer organizational citizenship behaviors (COCBs; Study 1: in‐depth interviews). Study 2 (filed survey) found that COCBs have the strongest impact on emotional value compared with economic and relational value. Economic, emotional, and relational value also lead to customer satisfaction. Specifically, the findings supported that emotional value asymmetrically influences customer satisfaction, whereas economic and relational value symmetrically and positively influence customer satisfaction. Study 3 (filed survey) demonstrated that emotional value through COCBs has a greater and symmetrical influence on satisfaction in hedonic rather than utilitarian service contexts. However, economic value through COCBs is negatively associated with satisfaction in hedonic contexts, and there is no significant difference in the impact of relational value on satisfaction between service contexts. This study furnishes empirical evidence for the associations among COCBs, value perceptions, and customer satisfaction, along with their dynamic relationship patterns across service contexts.
Exploring efficiency differentials between Saudi higher education institutions
Authors: Mousa Wael , Ghulam Yaseen
Published: January 2019

There have been considerable public debates surrounding the efficiency of Saudi higher education institutions, specifically after Vision 2030. We explore the efficiency of institutions of higher learning in Saudi Arabia. Panel data from 61 higher education institutions are employed for the academic years 2008–2014 to estimate efficiency scores. Also, second stage regression analysis was employed to identify the main determinants of efficiency scores. We conclude that despite exponential growth in government funding for the higher education sector, technical efficiencies remained almost stagnant over the study period along with a persistence of inefficiencies. Second stage regression results confirm that institution ownership itself does not have a significant effect on efficiency scores. However, being a university and acquiring more than 20 years of experience have a positive impact on efficiency scores. An increase in both lower secondary completion rates and percentage of female students in secondary general education increases efficiencies, whereas higher employment to population ratio and increasing female academic staff ratio in tertiary education reduces institutional efficiencies.
Compact coplanar waveguide power splitter with filtering capability based on slow‐wave structures
Authors: Vélez Paris , Aznar‐Ballesta Francisco , Coromina Jan , Bonache Jordi , Martín Ferran
Published: January 2019

A compact coplanar waveguide (CPW) power splitter with filtering capability is presented in this paper. The splitter consists of a pair of 70.71 Ω impedance inverters implemented by means of inductively and capacitively loaded slow‐wave structures. Such slow‐wave structures efficiently shorten the length of the inverters, thereby providing substantial size reduction to the power splitter. The filtering functionality is due to the Bragg effect, related to periodicity. The proposed splitter, designed to be functional at 1 GHz, exhibits good performance at that frequency, with measured return loss of 20.6 dB and insertion loss of 3.15 dB and 3.23 dB at the output ports. Moreover, the suppression level at the first, second and third harmonic frequency is better than 12.4 dB, 34.6 dB and 24.7 dB, respectively. As compared to the length of the ordinary inverters, the length of the constitutive slow‐wave impedance is reduced by a factor of two.
Dual‐Band Microstrip‐Fed SQUARE ring antenna input and output performances analysis for Wi‐Fi application
Authors: Mbinack Clément
Published: January 2019

Simple and fast analytical methods are developed to investigate microstrip‐fed square ring antenna. Input impedance is calculated using the parallel plate capacitance model inspired of the rectangular microstrip patch antenna. Radiation properties are theoretically performed using pure TEM of wave propagation. It has been established that microstrip square ring antenna has similar radiation properties to the conventional rectangular microstrip patch antenna with surface reduction.
Practical aspects of oligopeptide AAKLVFF as an alignment medium for the measurements of residual dipolar coupling of organic molecules
Authors: Liu Han , Chen Pian , Li Xiao‐Lu , Sun Han , Lei Xinxiang
Published: January 2019

Practical aspects of the oligopeptide AAKLVFF as an alignment medium are discussed, including large‐scale synthesis of the oligopeptide, detailed description of preparation of the alignment medium, and acquisition of the RDCs. The resulting orienting medium is stable and highly homogeneous with tunable alignment strength in methanol. We demonstrated its applicability on the stereochemical elucidation of two natural products, oridonin and α‐santonin.
Ethical considerations of using a single minor donor for three bone marrow harvests for three HLA‐matched siblings with primary immunodeficiency
Authors: Parikh Suhag H. , Pentz Rebecca D. , Haight Ann , Adeli Mehdi , Martin Paul L. , Driscoll Timothy A. , Page Kristin , Kurtzberg Joanne , Prasad Vinod K. , Barfield Raymond C.
Published: January 2019

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is curative for primary immunodeficiencies. Bone marrow from an unaffected human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐identical sibling donor is the ideal graft source. For minor donors, meaningful consent or assent may not be feasible, and permission from parents or legal guardians is considered acceptable. Adverse events, albeit extremely small, can be associated with bone marrow harvest in pediatric donors. Donor safety concerns potentially increase with multiple bone marrow harvests. Very little is known about multiple bone marrow harvests from pediatric donors. We describe the ethical considerations and clinical decision‐making in an unusual clinical situation where three patients with the same primary immunodeficiency were HLA identical to one another and their younger sibling, who underwent bone marrow harvests three times between 1.3 and 4 years of age, resulting in successful transplantation for all three patients. We hope that this experience will provide guidance to providers and families in a similar situation.
Diffuse panbronchiolitis: A progressive fatal lung disease that is curable with azithromycin, but only if diagnosed!
Authors: Weinberger Miles , Lesser Daniel
Published: January 2019

Diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) is a rare progressive and eventually fatal pulmonary disease first identified in Japan and initially seen predominantly in Southeast Asia. Macrolide antibiotics rapidly reverse symptoms and pathology, and their use increased the 5 and 10‐year survival from 50 and 30 percent, respectively, to over 90%. Review of 181 case reports from previous publications found patients with DPB commonly had their pulmonary symptoms preceded by rhinosinusitis, frequently by many years. Long delays in diagnosis for many years were common. The review further identified DPB in all ethnic groups and multiple areas outside of Southeast Asia. Although diagnosis was most commonly made in adults, 13% of the diagnoses were made in children and nine of the adult cases described onset in childhood. Few cases of relapse were reported, but extended periods of monitoring after treatment were not generally present.
Evaluation of Rice stripe virus transmission efficiency by quantification of viral load in the saliva of insect vector
Authors: Li Jing , Zhao Wan , Wang Wei , Zhang Lili , Cui Feng
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Persistent plant viruses transfer from insect gut to the hemolymph, and finally to the salivary glands before inoculation into the plant hosts with saliva during insect feeding. Virus accumulation in saliva is an important indicator for the transmission ability of an insect vector. In order to evaluate the transmission ability of the small brown planthopper to rice stripe virus (RSV), we successfully measured accumulation of RSV in the saliva of planthoppers via the absolute real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction method by quantifying the copy numbers of viral genes.

RESULTS

After feeding on an artificial diet for 24 h, the copy numbers of viral genes of capsid protein (CP) and disease‐specific protein (SP) can be detected in the saliva collected from as few as ten viruliferous planthoppers and ten non‐viruliferous planthoppers after infected with RSV for 7 days. When the expression of planthopper G protein pathway suppressor 2 or c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase was knocked down, the copy numbers of CP and SP in the saliva varied accordingly.

CONCLUSION

Our study provided an accurate and convenient detection system to evaluate the transmission efficiency of RSV by small brown planthoppers, and this method may also be suitable for other persistent plant viruses. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Experimental Observation of Bound States of 2D Dirac Electrons at Surface Steps of the Topological Insulator Bi2Se3
Authors: Fedotov Nikolai , Zaitsev‐Zotov Sergei
Published: January 2019

Topologically protected surface states of three‐dimensional topological insulators provide a model framework for studying massless Dirac electrons in two dimensions. Usually a step on the surface of a topological insulator is treated as a scatterer for the Dirac electrons, and the study of its effect is focused on the interference of the incident and scattered electrons. Then a major role plays the warping of the Dirac cone far from the Dirac point. The existence of another significant effect near the Dirac point brought about by the presence of steps is experimentally demonstrated here. Namely the band bending in the vicinity of steps leads to formation of 1D bound states in the corresponding potential wells. The observation of bound states in such potential wells in our scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy investigation of the surface of the topological insulator Bi2Se3 is reported. Numerical simulations support our conclusion and provide a recipe for the identification of such states.
Disease severity in respiratory syncytial virus infection: Role of host genetic variation
Authors: Tahamtan Alireza , Askari Fatemeh Sana , Bont Louis , Salimi Vahid
Published: January 2019

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in the pediatric population worldwide. The immunopathology of RSV infection varies considerably and severe disease occurs only in a minority of the population. There are many factors (host, viral, and environmental) that contribute to the complicated disease phenotype. In this regard, host factors are decisive for pulmonary susceptibility to RSV infection. Host genetic diversity certainly affects the balance between control of viral replication and tissue damage during RSV infection, consequently impacting on diseases outcome. In this review, we discuss the role of host genetic variation in disease caused by RSV aiming to highlight genetic risk factors for one of the most common diseases in early childhood. Our findings clearly indicate that the response of each individual to infection is influenced by genetic diversity mainly linked to the regulation of host immune responses. Future genetic association and functional studies using more powerful and consistently reproducible approaches will likely be able to confirm, refine, and expand our developing concept of RSV disease pathogenesis.