bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Total cerebrovascular blood flow and whole brain perfusion in children sedated using propofol with or without ketamine at induction: An investigation with 2D‐Cine PC and ASL
Authors: Makki Malek I. , O'Gorman Ruth L. , Buhler Philip , Baledent Olivier , Kellenberger Christian J. , Sabandal Carola , Weiss Markus , Scheer Ianina , Schmitz Achim
Published: March 2019

Background

Multiple sedation regimes may be used to facilitate pediatric MRI scans. These regimes might affect cerebral blood flow and hemodynamics to varying degrees, particularly in children who may be vulnerable to anesthetic side effects.

Purpose

To compare the effects of propofol monosedation solely (Pm group) vs. a combination of propofol and ketamine (KP group) on brain hemodynamics and perfusion.

Study Type

Prospective double‐blind randomized trial.

Field Strength/Sequences

1.5T and 3T. 2D‐Cine phase contrast (2D‐Cine PC) and pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (ASL).

Population

Children aged from 3 months to 10 years referred for MRI with deep sedation were randomized into either the KP or the Pm group. Perfusion images were acquired with ASL followed by single‐slice 2D‐Cine PC acquired between the cervical vertebra C2 and C3.

Assessment

Average whole‐brain perfusion (WBP ml.min‐1.100 ml‐1) was extracted from the ASL perfusion maps and total cerebrovascular blood flow (CVF) was quantified by bilaterally summing the flow in the vertebral and the internal carotid arteries. The CVF values were converted to units of ml.min‐1.100 g‐1 to calculate the tissue CVF100g (ml.min‐1.100 g‐1). Images were assessed by a neuroradiologist and data from n = 81 (ASL) and n = 55 (PC) cases with no apparent pathology were entered into the analysis.

Statistical Tests

Multivariate analysis of covariance was performed to compare drug sedation effects on WBP, CVF, and CVF100g.

Results

No significant difference in arterial flow was observed (P = 0.57), but the KP group showed significantly higher WBP than the Pm group, covarying for scanner and age (P = 0.003). A correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between mean WBP (ml.min‐1.100 g‐1) and mean CVF100g.

Data Conclusion

The KP group showed higher perfusion but no significant difference in vascular flow compared with the Pm group. WBP and CVF100g correlated significantly, but ASL appeared to have more susceptibility to perfusion differences arising from the different sedation regimes.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 4

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1433–1440.
Prospective evaluation of MRI compared with CT for the etiology of abdominal pain in emergency department patients with concern for appendicitis
Authors: Harringa John B. , Bracken Rebecca L. , Davis John C. , Mao Lu , Kitchin Douglas R. , Robbins Jessica B. , Ziemlewicz Timothy J. , Pickhardt Perry J. , Reeder Scott B. , Repplinger Michael D.
Published: March 2019

Background

Computed tomography (CT) is commonly used in the Emergency Department (ED) to evaluate patients with abdominal pain, but exposes them to ionizing radiation, a possible carcinogen. MRI does not utilize ionizing radiation and may be an alternative.

Purpose

To compare the sensitivity of MRI and CT for acute abdominopelvic ED diagnoses.

Study Type

Prospective, observational cohort.

Population

ED patients ≥12 years old and undergoing CT for possible appendicitis.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T MRI, including T1‐weighted, T2‐weighted, and diffusion‐weighted imaging sequences.

Assessment

Three radiologists independently interpreted each MRI and CT image set separately and blindly, using a standard case report form. Assessments included likelihood of appendicitis, presence of an alternative diagnosis, and likelihood that the alternative diagnosis was causing the patient's symptoms. An expert panel utilized chart review and follow‐up phone interviews to determine all final diagnoses. Times to complete image acquisition and image interpretation were also calculated.

Statistical Tests

Sensitivity was calculated for each radiologist and by consensus (≥2 radiologists in agreement) and are reported as point estimates with 95% confidence intervals. Two‐sided hypothesis tests comparing the sensitivities of the three image types were conducted using Pearson's chi‐squared test with the traditional significance level of P = 0.05.

Results

There were 15 different acute diagnoses identified on the CT/MR images of 113 patients. Using individual radiologist interpretations, the sensitivities of noncontrast‐enhanced MRI (NCE‐MR), contrast‐enhanced MR (CE‐MR), and CT for any acute diagnosis were 77.0% (72.6–81.4%), 84.2% (80.4–88.0%), and 88.7% (85.5–92.1%). Sensitivity of consensus reads was 82.0% (74.9–88.9%), 87.1% (81.0–93.2%), 92.2% (87.3–97.1%), respectively. There was no difference in sensitivities between CE‐MR and CT by individual (P = 0.096) or consensus interpretations (P = 0.281), although NCE‐MR was inferior to CT in both modes of analysis (P < 0.001, P = 0.031, respectively).

Data Conclusion

The sensitivity of CE‐MR was similar to CT when diagnosing acute, nontraumatic abdominopelvic pathology in our cohort.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1651–1658.
Acute intranasal osteopontin treatment in male rats following TBI increases the number of activated microglia but does not alter lesion characteristics
Authors: Jullienne Amandine , Hamer Mary , Haddad Elizabeth , Morita Alexander , Gifford Peter , Hartman Richard , Pearce William J. , Tang Jiping , Zhang John H. , Obenaus Andre
Published: March 2019

Intranasal recombinant osteopontin (OPN) has been shown to be neuroprotective in different models of acquired brain injury but has never been tested after traumatic brain injury (TBI). We used a model of moderate‐to‐severe controlled cortical impact in male adult Sprague Dawley rats and tested our hypothesis that OPN treatment would improve neurological outcomes, lesion and brain tissue characteristics, neuroinflammation, and vascular characteristics at 1 day post‐injury. Intranasal OPN administered 1 hr after the TBI did not improve neurological score, lesion volumes, blood–brain barrier, or vascular characteristics. When assessing neuroinflammation, we did not observe any effect of OPN on the astrocyte reactivity but discovered an increased number of activated microglia within the ipsilateral hemisphere. Moreover, we found a correlation between edema and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) expression which was decreased in OPN‐treated animals, suggesting an effect of OPN on the HO‐1 response to injury. Thus, OPN may increase or accelerate the microglial response after TBI, and early response of HO‐1 in modulating edema formation may limit the secondary consequences of TBI at later time points. Additional experiments and at longer time points are needed to determine if intranasal OPN could potentially be used as a treatment after TBI where it might be beneficial by activating protective signaling pathways.
Comparison of long‐term outcomes of laparoscopic and robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy
Authors: Kızılay Fuat , Turna Burak , Apaydın Erdal , Semerci Bülent
Published: March 2019

In this study, we compared the long‐term oncological and functional outcomes of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) and robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RAPN) performed in the treatment of renal tumors. The data of 142 patients (RAPN = 71, LPN = 71) were evaluated. Demographic data, perioperative and postoperative outcomes, long‐term (5‐year) overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) rates of the patients were compared between the two groups. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean follow‐up time was 61.38 months. There were more complex tumors in the RAPN group (P = 0.014). The duration of warm ischemia time (WIT) was shorter in the RAPN group (P = 0.019). Perioperative and postoperative outcomes were similar. There were no differences between the groups in terms of 5‐year metastasis‐free survival, OS, and CSS rates. Hypertension, diabetes, and preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were the predictive factors for renal insufficiency; and preoperative eGFR, WIT, and positive surgical margin were the predictive factors for 5‐year CSS. We concluded that RAPN is an important minimally invasive treatment method for partial nephrectomy with long‐term favorable results, especially in complex tumors. Comparisons of two methods should be made with comparative, prospective, randomized, high case number studies, and the place of RAPN in the treatment of these tumors should be clarified.
Chitosan–Quercetin Bioconjugate as Multi‐Functional Component of Antioxidants and Dual‐Responsive Hydrogel Networks
Authors: Cirillo Giuseppe , Curcio Manuela , Spizzirri Umile Gianfranco , Vittorio Orazio , Valli Emanuele , Farfalla Annafranca , Leggio Antonella , Nicoletta Fiore Pasquale , Iemma Francesca
Published: March 2019

Multifunctional hydrogels based on chitosan–quercetin (CHITQ) conjugate are prepared by a thermo‐induced radical procedure in the presence of N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), acrylamide (AAm), and N,N′‐methylenebis(acrylamide) (MEBA). At first, quercetin (Q) is grafted onto chitosan backbone with a functionalization degree of 275 mg of Q per gram of conjugate, as calculated by 1H‐NMR analyses to impart antioxidant properties to the polysaccharide. Then, a pH and temperature sensitive hydrogel was obtained by involving CHITQ and NIPAAm in the polymerization reaction. The accessibility of phenolic moieties is modified in response to the hydrogel swelling/deswelling, as confirmed by antioxidant tests performed at different temperatures. Dual stimuli‐responsive hydrogels are proposed for the delivery of caffeine as model drug. The release profiles of caffeine depict a system particularly performing as on/off device at acidic pH with excellent applicability prospects.
Improving Interfacial and Compressive Properties of Aramid by Synchronously Grafting and Crosslinking
Authors: Dai Yu , Feng Jiabao , Meng Chenbo , Luo Longbo , Qin Jiaqiang , Liu Xiangyang
Published: March 2019

Improving compressive strength of aramid and its adhesion to resin is of great significance for its application in reinforcing materials. In this study, a novel method for improving interfacial and compressive properties of aramid fiber is presented. α,α′‐Dichloro‐p‐xylene (DCX) is utilized as an external crosslinker to modify aramid fiber containing benzimidazole units during the post swelling process. Chloromethyl groups from DCX can react with benzimidazole moieties of the aramid fiber. The reaction can be regarded as crosslinking inside the fiber and grafting on the surface. By controlling the swelling effect of the solvent during modification, bulk crosslinking degree and surface grafting density can be adjusted. Therefore, intermolecular interaction and surface polarity of the aramid fiber can be improved simultaneously. After modification, the compressive strength of the fiber can be enhanced by nearly 100% and interfacial shear strength increases by 37%, while excellent mechanical properties are maintained. Therefore, comprehensive performance of aramid fiber can be improved significantly by synchronously crosslinking and grafting.
Reprocessable and Multiple Shape Memory Thermosets with Reconfigurability
Authors: Wang Yongwei , Pan Yi , Zheng Zhaohui , Ding Xiaobin
Published: March 2019

Multiple shape memory thermosets for various engineering applications have been quickly developed in recent years, mainly due to their stable thermomechanical performance, environmental stability, excellent chemical, solvent resistance, etc. However, these thermosets are inherently non‐recyclable due to their chemically crosslinked properties, and it is difficult to make the permanent shapes of these thermosets sophisticated and geometrically complex, which significantly restricts a great variety of engineering applications in the industry and technology fields, mainly due to the economic inefficiency and environmental impact. Here, a thermoset with recyclability, multiple shape memory effect (multi‐SME), and permanent shape reconfiguration is reported. After recycling, it also exhibits excellent mechanical properties without sacrificing the excellent multi‐SME, combined elasticity (shape memory), and solid state plasticity, which can be easily scaled up and generalized to a variety of dynamic covalent networks.
Self‐Assembly of Giant Polymer Vesicles by Light‐Assisted Solid Hydration
Authors: Caire da Silva Lucas , Rideau Emeline , Landfester Katharina
Published: March 2019

An amphiphilic copolymer containing a terminal spiropyran (P‐SP) forms giant polymer vesicles when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. The process involves photoisomerization of the spiropyran to the corresponding hydrophilic merocyanine isomer, which significantly improves the efficiency of film hydration and facilitates the self‐assembly of the polymer in water. Giant vesicles formed by light‐assisted hydration have diameters ranging from 5 to 25 micrometers, and can be observed and quantified by confocal fluorescence microscopy. Rapid and efficient formation of giant vesicles only occur during exposure of P‐SP to UV light and within the area delimited by the light beam. Light‐assisted hydration offers high spatial and temporal control over vesicle formation, conditions not easily fulfilled by other techniques.
Aminal Protection of Epoxide Monomer Permits the Introduction of Multiple Secondary Amine Moieties at Poly(ethylene glycol)
Authors: Blankenburg Jan , Frey Holger
Published: March 2019

In contrast to acetal groups, aminal moieties are almost unknown in polymer chemistry. The aminal‐protected isopropyl‐hexahydro‐pyrimidine glycidyl amine (PyGA) for the anionic ring‐opening polymerization (AROP) is introduced. The monomer is prepared in a two‐step synthesis and can be polymerized in a well‐controlled manner under AROP conditions. Several poly(ethylene glycol) block and triblock copolymers are synthesized in a molecular weight range from 2 700 to 11 400 g mol−1 with up to 11 mol% PyGA. The molecular weight distributions are monomodal with low dispersity (Đ = Mw/Mn) below 1.2. After the polymerization, the acid‐labile hexahydro‐pyrimidine rings can be conveniently cleaved in acidic media, liberating two secondary amines per PyGA monomer unit. The released 1,3‐diamine functionalities can be addressed via post‐polymerization modification and show complexation of copper(II) ions in aqueous solution. The compounds are promising for water‐soluble catalyst systems, the removal of transition metals from water, and as a building block for complexing polyethers for biomedical application.
In vivo binding of a tau imaging probe, [11C]PBB3, in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Endo Hironobu , Shimada Hitoshi , Sahara Naruhiko , Ono Maiko , Koga Shunsuke , Kitamura Soichiro , Niwa Fumitoshi , Hirano Shigeki , Kimura Yasuyuki , Ichise Masanori , Shinotoh Hitoshi , Zhang Ming Rong , Kuwabara Satoshi , Dickson Dennis W. , Toda Tatsushi , Suhara Tetsuya , Higuchi Makoto
Published: March 2019

Background

[11C]pyridinyl‐butadienyl‐benzothiazole 3 is a PET imaging agent designed for capturing pathological tau aggregates in diverse neurodegenerative disorders, and would be of clinical utility for neuropathological investigations of PSP.

Objectives

To explore the usefulness of [11C]pyridinyl‐butadienyl‐benzothiazole 3/PET in assessing characteristic distributions of tau pathologies and their association with clinical symptoms in the brains of living PSP patients.

Methods

We assessed 13 PSP patients and 13 age‐matched healthy control subjects. Individuals negative for amyloid β PET with [11C]Pittsburgh compound B underwent clinical scoring, MR scans, and [11C]pyridinyl‐butadienyl‐benzothiazole 3/PET.

Results

There were significant differences in binding potential for [11C]pyridinyl‐butadienyl‐benzothiazole 3 between PSP patients and healthy control subjects (P = 0.02). PSP patients exhibited greater radioligand retention than healthy control subjects in multiple brain regions, including frontoparietal white matter, parietal gray matter, globus pallidus, STN, red nucleus, and cerebellar dentate nucleus. [11C]pyridinyl‐butadienyl‐benzothiazole 3 deposition in frontoparietal white matter, but not gray matter, was correlated with general severity of parkinsonian and PSP symptoms, whereas both gray matter and white matter [11C]pyridinyl‐butadienyl‐benzothiazole 3 accumulations in the frontoparietal cortices were associated with nonverbal cognitive impairments. Autoradiographic and fluorescence labeling with pyridinyl‐butadienyl‐benzothiazole 3 was observed in gray matter and white matter of PSP motor cortex tissues.

Conclusions

Our findings support the in vivo detectability of tau fibrils characteristic of PSP by [11C]pyridinyl‐butadienyl‐benzothiazole 3/PET, and imply distinct and synergistic contributions of gray matter and white matte tau pathologies to clinical symptoms. [11C]pyridinyl‐butadienyl‐benzothiazole 3/PET potentially provides a neuroimaging‐based index for the evolution of PSP tau pathologies promoting the deterioration of motor and cognitive functions. © 2019 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Expansion of the phenotypic spectrum and description of molecular findings in a cohort of patients with oculocutaneous mosaic RASopathies
Authors: Chacon‐Camacho Oscar F. , Lopez‐Moreno Daniel , Morales‐Sanchez Martha A. , Hofmann Enriqueta , Pacheco‐Quito Michelle , Wieland Ilse , Cortes‐Gonzalez Vianney , Villanueva‐Mendoza Cristina , Zenker Martin , Zenteno Juan Carlos
Published: March 2019

Background

Postzygotic KRAS, HRAS, NRAS, and FGFR1 mutations result in a group of mosaic RASopathies characterized by related developmental anomalies in eye, skin, heart, and brain. These oculocutaneous disorders include oculoectodermal syndrome (OES) encephalo‐cranio‐cutaneous lipomatosis (ECCL), and Schimmelpenning‐Feuerstein‐Mims syndrome (SFMS). Here, we report the results of the clinical and molecular characterization of a novel cohort of patients with oculocutaneous mosaic RASopathies.

Methods

Two OES, two ECCL, and two SFMS patients were ascertained in the study. In addition, two subjects with unilateral isolated epibulbar dermoids were also enrolled. Molecular analysis included PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing of KRAS, HRAS, NRAS, and FGFR1 genes in DNA obtained from biopsies (skin/epibulbar dermoids), buccal mucosa, and blood leukocytes. Massive parallel sequencing was employed in two cases with low‐level mosaicism.

Results

In DNA from biopsies, mosaicism for pathogenic variants, including KRAS p.Ala146Thr in two OES subjects, FGFR1 p.Asn546Lys and KRAS p.Ala146Val in ECCL patients, and KRAS p.Gly12Asp in both SFMS patients, was demonstrated. No mutations were shown in DNA from conjunctival lesions in two subjects with isolated epibubar dermoids.

Conclusion

Our study allowed the expansion of the clinical spectrum of mosaic RASopathies and supports that mosaicism for recurrent mutations in KRAS and FGFR1 is a commonly involved mechanism in these rare oculocutaneous anomalies.
Comprehensive Profiling of the Circulatory miRNAome Response to a High Protein Diet in Elderly Men: A Potential Role in Inflammatory Response Modulation
Authors: Ramzan Farha , Mitchell Cameron J. , Milan Amber M. , Schierding William , Zeng Nina , Sharma Pankaja , Mitchell Sarah M. , D'Souza Randall F. , Knowles Scott O. , Roy Nicole C. , Sjödin Anders , Wagner Karl‐Heinz , Cameron‐Smith David
Published: March 2019

Scope

MicroRNA are critical to the coordinated post‐transcriptional regulation of gene expression, yet few studies have addressed the influence of habitual diet on microRNA expression. High protein diets impact cardiometabolic health and body composition in the elderly suggesting the possibility of a complex systems response. Therefore, high‐throughput small RNA sequencing technology is applied in response to doubling the protein recommended dietary allowance (RDA) over 10 weeks in older men to examine alterations in circulating miRNAome.

Methods and Results

Older men (n = 31; 74.1 ± 0.6 y) are randomized to consume either RDA (0.8 g kg−1 day−1) or 2RDA (1.6 g kg−1 day−1) of protein for 10 weeks. Downregulation of five microRNAs (miR‐125b‐5p, ‐100‐5p, ‐99a‐5p, ‐23b‐3p, and ‐203a) is observed following 2RDA with no changes in the RDA. In silico functional analysis highlights target gene enrichment in inflammation‐related pathways. qPCR quantification of predicted inflammatory genes (TNFα, IL‐8, IL‐6, pTEN, PPP1CB, and HOXA1) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells shows increased expression following 2RDA diet (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

The study findings suggest a possible selective alteration in the post‐transcriptional regulation of the immune system following a high protein diet. However, very few microRNAs are altered despite a large change in the dietary protein.
Dementia‐friendly faith village worship services to support African American families: Research protocol
Authors: Epps Fayron , Brewster Glenna , Alexander Karah , Choe Jenny , Heidbreder Virginia , Hepburn Kenneth
Published: March 2019

African American caregivers for persons living with dementia frequently experience emotional strain, burden, social isolation, and depression. One source of support for them when in distress is their church community. However, many African American churches do not have programs to support families and congregants living with dementia. Dementia often restricts persons living with dementia and their caregivers from attending church. Both become increasingly uncomfortable in church settings due to fear of embarrassment, uncertainty about the behavior of the person living with dementia, and shame. Church attendance and religion has been shown to be beneficial for caregivers and elders living with dementia. However, there is little work exploring how involvement in religious practices together (caregivers and persons living with dementia) might enhance the quality of life for these families.

This protocol is written to detail the designing and testing of the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a dementia‐friendly faith village worship service. In the study, we will examine how dementia‐friendly faith village worship services support the well‐being of caregivers and care recipients in three African American churches through observation, interviews, and surveys. A sample of 30 dyads of African American caregivers and persons living with dementia will be asked to attend six modified worship services together over 6 months. In this study, we hope to demonstrate the significant role of churches in the lives of African American family caregivers and persons living with dementia and show that a faith‐based, family‐oriented approach can promote a greater quality of life for African American families living with dementia.
The Thomas Souls Ministry – Onto‐praxis, Dividualism, and Charismatic Catholicism at Lake Chambri, Papua New Guinea
Authors: Falck Christiane
Published: March 2019

The Thomas Souls Ministry is a prayer group founded by Catholics from the middle Sepik. It is led by a spirit of the dead called Thomas who takes possession of a Nyaura (West Iatmul) woman to preach, prophesy, counsel, and heal. While a prominent debate within the Anthropology of Christianity argues for radical change and rupture with the pre‐Christian self and society, I suggest that continuity within change is found in the way my interlocutors have made Christianity their own. I argue that the local concept of the person defined by aspects of dividualism and reflecting ontological premises of people's lifeworld has strongly influenced the way Christianity was appropriated. In current religious practices people put these premises into action and reinforce them in intersubjective encounters with the divine other. Analysing people's ‘onto‐praxis’, I argue that the Thomas Souls Ministry can be understood as part of a re‐empowerment process that re‐appropriates local meanings, spirits, and practices despite, and in fact against, the influence of the Catholic mission proselytizing in the region.
Chlorophyll catabolism precedes changes in chloroplast structure and proteome during leaf senescence
Authors: Tamary Eyal , Nevo Reinat , Naveh Leah , Levin‐Zaidman Smadar , Kiss Vladimir , Savidor Alon , Levin Yishai , Eyal Yoram , Reich Ziv , Adam Zach
Published: March 2019

The earliest visual changes of leaf senescence occur in the chloroplast as chlorophyll is degraded and photosynthesis declines. Yet, a comprehensive understanding of the sequence of catabolic events occurring in chloroplasts during natural leaf senescence is still missing. Here, we combined confocal and electron microscopy together with proteomics and biochemistry to follow structural and molecular changes during Arabidopsis leaf senescence. We observed that initiation of chlorophyll catabolism precedes other breakdown processes. Chloroplast size, stacking of thylakoids, and efficiency of PSII remain stable until late stages of senescence, whereas the number and size of plastoglobules increase. Unlike catabolic enzymes, whose level increase, the level of most proteins decreases during senescence, and chloroplast proteins are overrepresented among these. However, the rate of their disappearance is variable, mostly uncoordinated and independent of their inherent stability during earlier developmental stages. Unexpectedly, degradation of chlorophyll‐binding proteins lags behind chlorophyll catabolism. Autophagy and vacuole proteins are retained at relatively high levels, highlighting the role of extra‐plastidic degradation processes especially in late stages of senescence. The observation that chlorophyll catabolism precedes all other catabolic events may suggest that this process enables or signals further catabolic processes in chloroplasts.
Oncogenic and Non‐Malignant Pancreatic Exosome Cargo Reveal Distinct Expression of Oncogenic and Prognostic Factors Involved in Tumor Invasion and Metastasis
Authors: Emmanouilidi Aikaterini , Paladin Dino , Greening David W. , Falasca Marco
Published: March 2019

Exosomes are small extracellular membrane vesicles important in intercellular communication, with their oncogenic cargo attributed to tumor progression and pre‐metastatic niche formation. To gain an insight into key differences in oncogenic composition of exosomes, human non‐malignant epithelial and pancreatic cancer cell models and purified and characterized resultant exosome populations are utilized. Proteomic analysis reveals the selective enrichment of known exosome markers and signaling proteins in comparison to parental cells. Importantly, valuable insights into oncogenic exosomes (362 unique proteins in comparison to non‐malignant exosomes) of key metastatic regulatory factors and signaling molecules fundamental to pancreatic cancer progression (KRAS, CD44, EGFR) are provided. It is reported that oncogenic exosomes contain factors known to regulate the pre‐metastatic niche (S100A4, F3, ITGβ5, ANXA1), clinically‐relevant proteins which correlate with poor prognosis (CLDN1, MUC1) as well as protein networks involved in various cancer hallmarks including proliferation (CLU, CAV1), invasion (PODXL, ITGA3), metastasis (LAMP1, ST14) and immune surveillance escape (B2M). The presence of these factors in oncogenic exosomes offers an understanding of select differences in exosome composition during tumorigenesis, potential components as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers in pancreatic cancer, and highlights the role of exosomes in mediating crosstalk between tumor and stromal cells.
Factors influencing body image in posttreatment oral cavity cancer patients
Authors: Chang Ya‐Lan , Huang Bing‐Shen , Hung Tsung‐Min , Lin Chien‐Yu , Chen Shu‐Ching
Published: March 2019

Objective

The purpose of this study of posttreatment oral cavity cancer (OCC) patients was to identify factors associated with self‐reported overall body image, perceived attractiveness, and dissatisfaction with body appearance.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study recruited patients with OCC from the outpatient radiation department of a single cancer center in Northern Taiwan. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded, and patients were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), the University of Washington Quality of Life Scale (UW‐QOL), and the Body Image Scale (BIS).

Results

A total of 168 patients were included in this current study, 76 females and 92 males. Negative overall body image was associated with greater degree of depression, greater fear of social interactions, poorer social‐emotional function, receipt of surgery, female gender, and greater avoidance of social interaction; these factors explained 49.0% of the variance in this outcome measure. Poor perceived attractiveness was associated with greater depression, greater fear of social interaction, and receipt of surgery; these factors explained 25.4% of the variance in this outcome measure. Dissatisfaction with body appearance was associated with poor social‐emotional function, greater fear of social interaction, receipt of reconstruction, advanced cancer stage, and female gender; these factors explained 52.2% of the variance in this outcome measure.

Conclusions

This study of posttreatment OCC patients indicated that depression and fear of social interaction strongly influenced overall body image, perceived attractiveness, and dissatisfaction with body appearance.
Attachment styles, self‐compassion, and psychological adjustment in long‐term breast cancer survivors
Authors: Arambasic Jelena , Sherman Kerry A. , Elder Elisabeth ,   Breast Cancer Network Australia
Published: March 2019

Objective

The increasing numbers of breast cancer survivors highlight the importance of delineating factors that identify women who are at risk of poor psychological adjustment in the long term. In breast cancer survivors, higher attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance have been associated with poorer psychological adjustment. Moreover, there is evidence that self‐compassion, a kind manner of treating oneself during difficulties, is associated with psychological adjustment in this population. This study aimed to extend the association between attachment styles and psychological adjustment to the context of long‐term breast cancer survivors and to determine whether lower self‐compassion underlies this association.

Methods

Participants (N = 82) were recruited through emailed invitations to members of the Review and Survey Group of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Following online consent, participants completed measures assessing attachment styles, self‐compassion, psychological stress, and the perceived negative impact of cancer. Bootstrapping analyses using the PROCESS macro were used to test the significance of indirect effects.

Results

As hypothesised, correlational analyses revealed that higher attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance were significantly and positively associated with stress and perceived negative impact of cancer. Bootstrapping analyses revealed significant indirect effects of attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance (on both stress and perceived negative impact of cancer) through lower self‐compassion.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that self‐compassion training may be useful for enhancing the psychological adjustment of long‐term breast cancer survivors. Future longitudinal and experimental studies in more diverse samples are needed to confirm causal directionality of these relationships and to expand upon these findings.
Decontamination of raw produce by surface microdischarge and the evaluation of its damage to cellular components
Authors: Luan Pingshan , Bastarrachea Luis J. , Gilbert Andrea R. , Tikekar Rohan , Oehrlein Gottlieb S.
Published: March 2019

The use of surface microdischarge (SMD) for the bacterial decontamination of raw produce was evaluated. With 1 min of SMD treatment, >2 logarithmic reduction in Escherichia coli O157:H7 was consistently observed. The scanning electron microscopy of
E. coli O157:H7 show that SMD damages the cell membrane, leads to cell expansion, and eventually lysis. The attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy characterization of
E. coli O157:H7 and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) shows that SMD causes (a) the oxidation of cellular components by forming COOH and COO
− groups inside and on the cell wall, and (b) the modification of polysaccharides and phosphorus‐containing groups found in phospholipids and DNA. Further characterization with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggests SMD mainly modifies the O‐chain and core‐polysaccharide part of LPS.
Prediction of Detonation Velocity and N−O Composition of High Energy C−H−N−O Explosives by Means of Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Chandrasekaran Nichith , Oommen Charlie , Kumar V. R. Sanal , Lukin Alexander N. , Abrukov Victor S. , Anufrieva Darya A.
Published: March 2019

The possibilities of the application of Data Science Methods in predicting certain macroscopic properties have been examined in energetic compounds. Artificial neural networks, one of the most promising methods of Data Science, has been used for predicting detonation velocity based on a trained set comprising of a large data set containing 104 data points extracted from over 65 explosive compounds and compositions with diverse characteristics and properties. The utility of the method has been demonstrated through validation for over 37 explosive compounds again with diverse characteristics constituting to a data set of 74 data points. The usefulness and versatility of the method is clear as it exhibits similar predictive accuracy on comparison with the similar data derived from two other well‐known empirical models. Such predictive capabilities will be a great tool for engineers and scientists working with high energetic explosives for quick and simple prediction of detonation velocity given the chemical composition and vice versa.
The combination of AroCell TK 210 ELISA with Prostate Health Index or prostate‐specific antigen density can improve the ability to differentiate prostate cancer from noncancerous conditions
Authors: Jagarlamudi Kiran Kumar , Zupan Mojca , Kumer Kristina , Fabjan Teja , Hlebič Gregor , Eriksson Staffan , Osredkar Joško , Smrkolj Tomaž
Published: March 2019

Background

Prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) is an established tumour marker for prostate cancer (PCa). Serum thymidine kinase 1 is a possible new marker for the detection of PCa. The aim of the study was to investigate the diagnostic value of the AroCell TK 210 enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) together with free PSA, [−2]proPSA, and Prostate Health Index (PHI) in differentiating PCa from benign urological conditions.

Methods

Serum samples from 140 patients with PSA values in the range between 2 and 10 µg/L were collected at the Ljubljana University Medical Centre and the Maribor University Medical Centre. Thymidine kinase (TK1) protein levels were determined using the AroCell TK 210 ELISA and PSA‐related parameters analysed with commercial assays.

Results

Serum TK1 protein, total and free PSA, proPSA, PSA density (PSAD), and PHI levels in patients with confirmed PCa were significantly higher than in patients with benign urological conditions (P < 0.05). Overall, the AroCell TK 210 ELISA results showed a significant correlation with PHI (
r = 0.25,
P = 0.0031). Receiver‐operating characteristic curve analyses were used to compare the area under the curve (AUC) of TK 210 ELISA, PHI, and PSA density. For PHI, the AUC was 0.73, comparable to those of TK 210 ELISA (0.67) and PSAD (0.66), with no significant differences in pairwise comparisons (PHI vs TK 210 ELISA
P = 0.32, PHI vs PSAD
P = 0.24, and TK 210 ELISA vs PSAD
P = 0.95). The AUC for the combination of TK1 plus PSAD was significantly higher than those for the individual PSA‐related biomarkers and marginally PHI, while the AUC for the combination of TK1 plus PHI was significantly higher than those for the individual PSA‐related biomarkers except for PHI and marginally for PSAD. Total PSA concentration was the only marker, that was significantly higher in patients with an increasing Gleason grade.

Conclusions

These results suggest that TK1 protein determinations together with PHI or PSAD could be a valuable additional tool in PCa management.
Incentivizing sustainable development: The impact of a recent policy reform on electricity production efficiency in China
Authors: Li Fan , Xie Jiajia , Wang Wenche
Published: March 2019

China's rapid economic growth has tremendously accelerated its energy use, calling for a more sustainable supply of scarce and nonrenewable energy. Using a firm‐level dataset of 30 major Chinese electricity utilities from 2010 to 2014, this paper applies a stochastic frontier analysis to determine the utilities' technical efficiency, incorporating their operational environments related to a recent policy reform to encourage sustainable development. Our main findings are (a) state ownership, consumer density, and a chief executive officer with a science and engineering background are factors that can improve technical efficiency; (b) asset‐related subsidy increases efficiency whereas income‐related subsidy lowers efficiency; and (c) the five largest regional electricity generation firms exhibit above‐average efficiency levels. These results provide evidence that supports the recent Chinese policy reform. The findings also suggest that electricity generation efficiency, which is essential to sustainable economic development, can be improved through performance‐based regulation and incentives.
Clinochlore‐Supported Copper Nanoparticles as Green and Efficient Catalyst for Room‐Temperature Synthesis of 1,2,3‐Triazoles in Water
Authors: Gholinejad Mohammad , Oftadeh Erfan , Sansano José M.
Published: March 2019

Acid activated clinochlore supported copper nanoparticles was prepared for the first time by immobilization of copper sulfate on clinochlore followed by in situ chemical reduction. This new material (AA‐Clin@Cu) was characterized using SEM, TEM, TGA, FTIR, XRD, XPS, and EDX and it was applied as an efficient and inexpensive catalyst for the synthesis of 1,2,3‐triazoles in water at room temperature. Using this catalyst, benzylic and aliphatic halides, as well as arylboronic acids were reacted successfully with sodium azide and alkynes. The easy synthesis and air‐stable catalyst was recycled for four runs with small drops in catalytic activity. Characterization of the reused catalyst showed similar pattern to the fresh catalyst.
Superconductivity in Perovskite Ba1−xKxBi0.30Pb0.70O3−δ
Authors: Ma Xing , Firdous Attia , Zhang Lei , Wu Shijie , Zhang Jianxiang , Liu Laijun , Wang Yan , Geng Jinling , Sun Junliang , Li Guobao , Liao Fuhui , Lin Jianhua
Published: March 2019

Perovskites Ba1−xKxBi0.30Pb0.70O3−δ (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.25) have been synthesized under 660 °C. P1 space group can describe well the structure of this solid solution. The valences are +3 and +5 for bismuth, +2 and +4 for lead in these compounds. The Tczer° (the highest temperature at which the sample shows zero electrical resistivity) of Ba1−xKxBi0.30Pb0.70O3−δ first increases from 8.2 K for x=0.02 to 11.4 K for x=0.15, then decreases about to 10.4 K for x=0.25.
CO2 Adsorption over Carbon Aerogels: the Effect of Pore and Surface Properties
Authors: Liu Qing , Han Yu , Qian Xingchi , He Pingping , Fei Zhaoyang , Chen Xian , Zhang Zhuxiu , Tang Jihai , Cui Mifen , Qiao Xu
Published: March 2019

Abstract: In order to investigate the effect of the pore and surface properties of carbon aerogels on carbon dioxide adsorption, carbon aerogels were synthesized at different calcination temperatures. The adsorbents were characterized by various technologies, such as X‐ray diffraction, Raman, N2 sorption, and Fourier transform infrared technologies. It was found that the adsorption sites for CO2 caused by pore and surface of the adsorbent determined the CO2 adsorption abilities. The CA‐800 sample carbonized at 800 °C showed the excellent CO2 adsorption capacity (93.98 cm3⋅g−1 at 0 °C) because of the largest pore volume (1.55 cm3⋅g−1) and the highest relative microporous volume determined by the ratio of microporous volume and total volume (0.31/1.55). The richness of the surface functional groups of the carbon aerogels declined and the surface defects determined by the intensity ratio of D and G bands (ID/IG) increased from 0.7584 (CA‐600) to 1.1029 (CA‐900) gradually as the carbonization temperature increasing. It was used to predict the relationship between the CO2 adsorption capacity and the structure properties by the means of equation fitting. The result showed that the highest ratio of Vmicro/Vtol and the lowest surface defects were crucial to the CO2 adsorption performance.
Electrophoretic Deposition of Zeolites Focused on Attendant Electrodecantation and Subsequent Growth of Electric Current
Authors: Brabec Libor , Plšek Jan , Kočiřík Milan
Published: March 2019

During electrophoretic deposition (EPD) a significant amount of high‐silica MFI zeolite or silica does not deposit onto the vertical anode because it undergoes fast electrodecantation e. g. in ethanol(96%). The velocity of electrodecantation is high particularly for small silica spheres which do not sediment by gravitation. The other part of dispersed particles is deposited onto the anode and forms a layer whose thickness increases along the depth of immersion. The multiple increase of electric current comes after EPD of a zeolite. Zeolite cations are expelled to the liquid phase by excess protons occurring near the anode by electrolysis of traces of water. The liquid‐phase conductivity prevails over the electrical resistance of the deposited layer. In order to deposit the dispersed zeolite quantitatively, EPD cell with horizontal electrodes is employed. The fraction of Na+ cations expelled from deposited MFI zeolite reaches even 90%. The current increases much more after EPD of Al‐rich zeolite *BEA containing more Na+ cations. The gradient of Na+ concentration across the cut of the zeolite layer is demonstrated.
An Integrated Approach Toward Renewable Energy Storage Using Rechargeable Ag@Ni0.67Co0.33S‐Based Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Nagaraju Goli , Sekhar S. Chandra , Ramulu Bhimanaboina , Yu Jae Su
Published: March 2019

Self‐powered charging systems in conjunction with renewable energy conversion and storage devices have attracted promising attention in recent years. In this work, a prolific approach to design a wind/solar‐powered rechargeable high‐energy density pouch‐type hybrid supercapacitor (HSC) is proposed. The pouch‐type HSC is fabricated by engineering nature‐inspired nanosliver (nano‐Ag) decorated Ni0.67Co0.33S forest‐like nanostructures on Ni foam (nano‐Ag@NCS FNs/Ni foam) as a battery‐type electrode and porous activated carbon as a capacitive‐type electrode. Initially, the core–shell‐like NCS FNs/Ni foam is prepared via a single‐step wet‐chemical method, followed by a light‐induced growth of nano‐Ag onto it for enhancing the conductivity of the composite. Utilizing the synergistic effects of forest‐like nano‐Ag@NCS FNs/Ni foam as a composite electrode, the fabricated device shows a maximum capacitance of 1104.14 mF cm−2 at a current density of 5 mA cm−2 and it stores superior energy and power densities of 0.36 mWh cm−2 and 27.22 mW cm−2, respectively along with good cycling stability, which are higher than most of previous reports. The high‐energy storage capability of HSCs is further connected to wind fans and solar cells to harvest renewable energy. The wind/solar charged HSCs can effectively operate various electronic devices for a long time, enlightening its potency for the development of sustainable energy systems.
Nanocapsules for Programmed Neurotransmitter Release: Toward Artificial Extracellular Synaptic Vesicles
Authors: Sou Keitaro , Le Duc Long , Sato Hirotaka
Published: March 2019

Nanocapsules present a promising platform for delivering chemicals and biomolecules to a site of action in a living organism. Because the biological action of the encapsulated molecules is blocked until they are released from the nanocapsules, the encapsulation structure enables triggering of the topical and timely action of the molecules at the target site. A similar mechanism seems promising for the spatiotemporal control of signal transduction triggered by the release of signal molecules in neuronal, metabolic, and immune systems. From this perspective, nanocapsules can be regarded as practical tools to apply signal molecules such as neurotransmitters to intervene in signal transduction. However, spatiotemporal control of the payload release from nanocapsules persists as a key technical issue. Stimulus‐responsive nanocapsules that release payloads in response to external input of physical stimuli are promising platforms to enable programmed payload release. These programmable nanocapsules encapsulating neurotransmitters are expected to lead to new insights and perspectives related to artificial extracellular synaptic vesicles that might provide an experimental and therapeutic strategy for neuromodulation and nervous system disorders.
Experimental evaluation of cyclic loading test procedure including gravity load on RC beams
Authors: Muhaj Helisa , Marchão Carla , Lúcio Válter , Gião Rita
Published: March 2019

Test setups and loading histories aim to replicate the real conditions of the building structures. However, most of the tests on beams found in literature do not include gravity loads in the cyclic loading history. An experimental campaign was carried out. Two beam specimens, named CB0 and CB1, designed to exhibit different failure modes were subjected to a loading protocol that involved the imposition of reversed cyclic loading and simultaneous gravity load. The aim was to validate the test procedure for different beam failure modes. Consequently, specimen CB1 failed by rupture of the tensile reinforcing bars while specimen CB0 failed due to concrete crushing and buckling of the compressed reinforcing bars. Results show that the presented loading protocol does not control the failure mode of the specimens. The specimens were also simulated numerically, and the results were comparable with the experimental observations in terms of load capacities, crack patterns, and failure modes.
Reliable fragility functions for seismic collapse assessment of reinforced concrete special moment resisting frame structures under near‐fault ground motions
Authors: Yakhchalian Masood , Yakhchalian Mehrzad , Yakhchalian Mansoor
Published: March 2019

A collapse fragility function shows how the probability of collapse of a structure increases with increasing ground motion intensity measure (IM). To have a more reliable fragility function, an IM should be applied that is efficient and sufficient with respect to ground motion parameters such as magnitude (M) and source‐to‐site distance (R). Typically, pulse‐like near‐fault ground motions are known by the presence of a velocity pulse, and the period of this pulse (Tp) affects the structural response. The present study investigates the application of different scalar and vector‐valued IMs to obtain reliable seismic collapse fragility functions for reinforced concrete special moment resisting frames (RC SMRFs) under near‐fault ground motions. The efficiency and sufficiency of the IMs as the desirable features of an optimal IM are investigated, and it is shown that seismic collapse assessments by using most of the IMs are biased with respect to Tp. The results show that (Sa(T1), Sa(T1)/DSI) has high efficiency and sufficiency with respect to M, R, Tp, and scale factor for collapse capacity prediction of RC SMRFs. Moreover, the multiobjective particle swarm optimization algorithm is applied to improve the efficiency and sufficiency of some advanced scalar IMs, and an optimal scalar IM is proposed.