bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case reports of coronary fibromuscular dysplasia and spontaneous coronary artery dissections
Authors: Lee Carolyn , Starovoytov Andrew , Saw Jacqueline
Published: November 2018

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an important cause of acute coronary syndrome especially in women. The most common underlying predisposing cause of SCAD is fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD), a non‐inflammatory arteriopathy that results in weakening of the affected arteries, and can cause dissection or aneurysm. Coronary FMD (CFMD) was described as rare, and was shown to cause SCAD in histopathological case reports. Unfortunately, CFMD is challenging to diagnose on coronary angiography, as the findings can be similar to other causes of coronary artery disease. Therefore, we illustrate two case examples of CFMD on coronary angiography, and highlight findings on optical coherence tomography to aid diagnosis.
Algorithmic solutions to common problems encountered during chronic total occlusion angioplasty: The algorithms within the algorithm
Authors: Riley Robert F. , Walsh Simon J. , Kirtane Ajay J. , Michael Wyman R. , Nicholson William J. , Azzalini Lorenzo , Spratt James C. , Kalra Sanjog , Hanratty Colm G. , Pershad Ashish , DeMartini Tony , Karmpaliotis Dimitri , Lombardi William L. , Aaron Grantham J.
Published: November 2018

Improved technical equipment, dissemination of best practices, and the importance of complete coronary revascularization have led to a renewed interest in coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) PCI. In particular, the hybrid algorithm has been associated with increasing procedural success rates in the US. However, the hybrid algorithm only covers overarching strategies in the overall approach to these lesions. Several technical challenges can occur during execution of these approaches, each of which has several potential solutions. A systematic or algorithmic approach to dealing with these challenges could contribute to improved procedural efficiency and higher procedural success. While there have been isolated attempts in the past to codify approaches to each of these situations, there has not been a contemporary, comprehensive review of the potential solutions to these problems. We present 10 common problems encountered during CTO PCI and a consensus hierarchical approach to them.
Routine postprocedure ultrasound increases rate of detection of femoral arterial thrombosis in infants after cardiac catheterization
Authors: Kamyszek Reed W. , Leraas Harold J. , Nag Uttara P. , Olivere Lindsey A. , Nash Amanda L. , Kemeny Hanna R. , Kim Jina , Hill Kevin D. , Fleming Gregory A. , Jooste Edmund H. , Otto James , Tracy Elisabeth T.
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To examine the effect of implementing postcatheterization ultrasound (US) on femoral arterial thrombosis detection rates and factors associated with thrombosis in infants.

Background

Although femoral arterial thrombosis is an uncommon complication of cardiac catheterization, it can cause limb threatening complications. Previous studies assessing the utility of postprocedure US to detect thrombosis in infants have utilized US as an adjunct to standard clinical detection methods, are small scale, or include small cohorts of infants within older populations.

Methods

We reviewed institutional records of patients 0–12 months undergoing catheterization from 2007 to 2016. Demographics and procedural data were compared between the thrombosis and non‐thrombosis group. Pre‐ and post‐US groups were compared for detected thrombosis rate. Using univariate and multivariable analyses, we identified factors associated with thrombosis.

Results

In total, 270 patients underwent 509 catheterizations, with 40 (7.9%) documented thromboses. The rate of thrombus detection in patients younger than 6 months increased from 8.3% to 23.4% (P = 0.006) after implementing routine US. On multivariable analysis, lower weight (P < 0.001), larger arterial sheath size (P < 0.001), and longer procedure duration (P = 0.003) were independently associated with higher odds of thrombosis.

Conclusions

Higher rates of femoral arterial thrombosis detection were observed since implementing an US screening program. Further studies are needed to evaluate age‐related changes in hemostasis in this population and how advanced screening methods and anticoagulation protocols may help improve short‐term and long‐term sequelae of femoral arterial thrombosis.
Trimethylamine N‐Oxide Electrochemical Biosensor with a Chimeric Enzyme
Authors: Mitrova Biljana , Waffo Armel F. T. , Kaufmann Paul , Iobbi‐Nivol Chantal , Leimkühler Silke , Wollenberger Ulla
Published: November 2018

For the first time, an enzyme‐based electrochemical biosensor system for determination of trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO) is described. It employs an active chimeric variant of TorA in combination with an enzymatically deoxygenating system and a low‐potential mediator for effective regeneration of the enzyme and cathodic current generation. TMAO reductase (TorA) is a molybdoenzyme found in marine and most enterobacteria that specifically catalyzes the reduction of TMAO to trimethylamine (TMA). The chimeric TorA, named TorA‐FDH, corresponds to the apoform of TorA from Escherichia coli reconstituted with the molybdenum cofactor from formate dehydrogenase (FDH). Each enzyme, TorA and TorA‐FDH, was immobilized on the surface of a carbon electrode and protected with a dialysis membrane. The biosensor operates at an applied potential of −0.8 V [vs. Ag/AgCl (1 M KCl)] under ambient air conditions thanks to an additional enzymatic O2‐scavenger system. A comparison between the two enzymatic sensors revealed a much higher sensitivity for the biosensor with immobilized TorA‐FDH. This biosensor exhibits a sensitivity of 14.16 nA/μM TMAO in a useful measuring range of 2–110 μM with a detection limit of LOD=2.96 nM (S/N=3), and was similar for TMAO in buffer and in spiked serum samples. With a response time of 16±2 s, the biosensor is stable over prolonged daily measurements (n=20). This electrochemical biosensor provides suitable applications in detecting TMAO levels in human serum.
An Ultrafast Molecular‐Rotor‐Based Fluorescent Turn‐On Sensor for the Perrhenate Anion in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Desai Akshat M. , Singh Prabhat K.
Published: November 2018

Devising sensors for the perrhenate anion in aqueous media is extremely challenging, and has seldom been reported in the literature. Herein, we report a fluorescence turn‐on sensor for the perrhenate anion in aqueous media based on the aggregation‐induced emission of a popular ultrafast molecular rotor dye, Thioflavin‐T. The selective response towards the perrhenate anion has been rationalized in terms of matching water affinity, with the weakly hydrated perrhenate anion spontaneously forming a contact ion pair with the weakly hydrated ultrafast molecule‐rotor‐based organic cation, Thioflavin‐T, which in turn leads to an aggregate assembly that provides a fluorescence turn‐on response towards perrhenate. The sensing response of Thioflavin‐T has been found to be quite selective towards the perrhenate anion when tested against anions that are ubiquitously present in the environment, such as chloride, nitrate, and sulfate anions. The formation of self‐assembled Thioflavin‐T aggregates has also been investigated by time‐resolved emission and temperature‐dependent measurements.
Histological and micro‐computed tomography evaluations of newly formed bone after maxillary sinus augmentation using a xenograft with similar density and mineral content of bone: An experimental study in rabbits
Authors: Iida Takahisa , Silva Erick Ricardo , Lang Niklaus P. , Apaza Alccayhuaman Karol Alí , Botticelli Daniele , Xavier Samuel P.
Published: November 2018

The objective of this study was to evaluate possible differences in the assessment of bone formation between histological and micro‐computed tomography (CT) analyses in maxillary sinuses augmented with a xenograft with similar density and mineral content of bone. A collagen membrane was placed subjacent the elevated sinus mucosa at the test sites of 18 rabbits, and the elevated spaces were filled with xenograft. The antrostomy was covered with collagen membranes, bilaterally. Six rabbits per group were sacrificed after 2, 4, and 8 weeks of healing. Biopsies were retrieved and scanned in a high‐resolution micro‐CT at two different gray thresholds. Histological assessments were subsequently performed. At the histological analyses, bone increased over time, from 7.5 ± 2.4% to 27.0 ± 5.3%, between 2 and 8 weeks of healing. The highest content of bone was found close to the sinus bone walls, whereas the middle regions contained lower amounts. At the micro‐CT analyses, discrepancies were found in bone content percentages compared with the histological analyses, especially after 2 weeks of healing and within the middle regions of the sinus, in which new bone was ~15–22% at the micro‐CT analyses and only 1.6% at the histological evaluation. The outcomes of a micro‐CT analysis performed in an early phase of healing may be altered when a resorbable bone substitute with similar density and mineral content of bone is applied.
An adaptive continuous‐time incremental Σ∆ ADC for neural recording implants
Authors: Barati Saeid , Yavari Mohammad
Published: November 2018

In this paper, an analog‐to‐digital converter (ADC) with adaptive resolution is presented for wireless neural recording implants. The resolution of the ADC is changed according to the neural signal content, and for this purpose, a continuous‐time (CT) incremental sigma‐delta (IΣ∆) modulator is employed. The ADC digitizes the action potential (AP) and background noise (B‐noise) with 8‐bit and 3‐bit resolutions, respectively. An automatic AP detector is used to separate the APs from the B‐noise in order to select one of the two proportional resolutions. The power dissipation and output data rate of the ADC are reduced by using this technique. Analytical calculations and behavioral simulation results are provided to evaluate the performance of the proposed ADC. To further confirm its efficiency, the circuit‐level implementation of the CT IΣ∆ ADC is presented in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) 90‐nm complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process. According to the simulation results, the proposed ADC achieves 8‐bit or 3‐bit resolution adaptively with 10 kHz bandwidth while the average power consumption is less than 1.89 μW from a single 1‐V power supply.
Mediastinal seminoma presenting as a neck mass falsely diagnosed as anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Murshed Khaled , Al‐Bozom Issam , Vattoth Surjith , Akhtar Mohammed
Published: November 2018

Germ cell tumors can occur in the mediastinum. They account for about 20% of tumors at this location. The majority are located in the anterior mediastinum and usually occur in young adult males. Extension of mediastinal germ cell tumors into the neck with mass formation is a very rare and unusual event. Herein, we report a case of a 34 year old male who presented with a progressively enlarging neck mass. Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) was performed as initial evaluation and showed cellular smears comprising atypical large cells with prominent irregular nucleoli and moderate amount of cytoplasm with lymphocytic infiltrate and some epithelioid granulomas in the background. The mass was misdiagnosed initially on the cytology smears as anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. The subsequent tissue core biopsy showed sheets and nests of atypical cells admixed with ill‐defined granulomatous inflammation. By immunohistochemistry, the tumor cells were immunoreactive with SALL4, PLAP and OCT3/4, compatible with malignant germ cell tumor, seminomatous type. It is very rare for patients with primary mediastinal seminoma to present initially with a neck mass. Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) of this “neck mass” can lead to misinterpretation of findings due to similarities in cytological features between malignant germ cell tumors and other undifferentiated malignant neoplasms and the diagnosis, therefore, can be very challenging.
Cervical cancer screening by molecular Pap‐transformation of gynecologic cytology
Authors: Barodawala Shaikhali M , Chadha Kirti , Kavishwar Vikas , Murthy Anuradha , Shetye Shamma
Published: November 2018

Background

Cervical cancer is one of the common cancers in women accounting for 7.9% of all cancers. In India it is the second commonest cancer in women. The immortality of the cancer cell and the relatively long time frame from acquisition of infection to development of cervical cancer was established. As major advancements like LBC, HPV testing were introduced in the recent years, screening has taken a new avatar, the Molecular pap!! The objectives of this study were:

To compare gynecologic cytology and abnormal results with respect to conventional and LBC.

To study the role of HPV cotesting and ancillary tests performed, that is, HPV CISH, and p16ink4a by IHC.

Methods

About 71 924 Conventional and LBC samples were included from August 2009 to December 2017. Cases for HPV testing along the conventional smears were 1539. HPV can be tested from the same LBC vial as the sample remains stable at room temperature for 6 weeks. HPV DNA PCR was carried out in our laboratory for High and Low risk genotypes. Cytology findings were also correlated with histology.

Results

Detection rate of SILs in LBC samples were higher (2.20%). The commonest abnormality was LSIL in LBC and ASCUS in conventional smears. Commonest HR HPV and LR HPV detected was 1 61 856 and 61 142.

Conclusion

LBC with HPV cotesting improves sensitivity and specificity and reduces ambiguous results; allows better compliance, as a negative result of both tests allows patients to get screening every 5 years, thereby increasing screening intervals, important in a resource limited situation.
The LepRdb/db mice model for studying glycation in the context of diabetes
Authors: Guilbaud Axel , Howsam Michael , Niquet‐Léridon Céline , Delguste Florian , Boulanger Eric , Tessier Frédéric J.
Published: November 2018

Background

Early (furosine) and advanced (carboxymethyllysine, CML) products of glycation (AGEs) have been reported as increased in plasma, tissues, and organs of diabetic people, indicating a direct link between glycation and type 2 diabetes (T2D). While murine models present some of the characteristics observed in diabetic humans, their pertinence as models of glycation, particularly for T2D, remains poorly described. The aim of this study was to characterize and compare glycation in several organs of two commonly studied murine models of T2D using stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS).

Methods

Defining parameters of type 2 diabetes including body weight, fasting glycaemia, and glucose intolerance were measured in three different C57BL6 mouse models of T2D—the genetic LepRdb/db (db/db) model and two diet‐induced obesity (DIO) models—and their respective controls. Furosine, free, and protein‐bound CML were quantified in kidneys, lungs, heart, and liver by LC‐MS/MS.

Results

The obesity, hyperglycaemia, and glucose intolerance in db/db mice was accompanied by an increase of furosine and protein‐bound CML levels in all organs relative to controls. The DIO models took several months to become obese, exhibited less severe hyperglycaemia and glucose intolerance, while glycation products were not significantly different between these groups (with the exception of furosine in liver and CML in lungs).

Conclusions

The db/db model better reflected the characteristics of human T2D compared with the DIO models and exhibited greater formation and accumulation of both furosine and protein‐bound CML in all of the organs tested here.
MicroRNA‐296‐5p promotes healing of diabetic wound by targeting sodium‐glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2)
Authors: Liu Xiaomin , Wang Yanmao , Zhang Xiaotian , Zhang Xinju , Guo Jing , Zhou Jinbao , Chai Yimin , Ma Zhong‐liang
Published: November 2018

Background

Diabetic wounds are refractory and very difficult to heal. We aimed to use miRNA to identify novel and specific molecular markers for diabetes mellitus (DM) diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

The expression level of miR‐296‐5p was determined in tissue samples of 12 DM patients. The effect of miR‐296‐5p on proliferation of β‐cells was examined using Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) and colony formation assay. The effect of miR‐296‐5p on cell cycle progression was analysed using flow cytometry. The target gene was verified using luciferase reporter assay. A rat diabetes model was used to assess the effect of miR‐296‐5p in vivo.

Results

Overexpression of miR‐296‐5p suppressed cell proliferation, arrested cell cycle progression, and increased the healing rate of diabetic wounds both in vivo and in vitro. TargetScan analysis results showed that miR‐296‐5p is a direct regulator of SGLT2.

Conclusions

miR‐296‐5p can increase the healing rate of diabetic wounds and may be an effective molecular tool in DM diagnosis and therapy.
Temporal changes in Weddell seal dive behavior over winter: Are females increasing foraging effort to support gestation?
Authors: Shero Michelle R. , Goetz Kimberly T. , Costa Daniel P. , Burns Jennifer M.
Published: November 2018

In capital‐breeding marine mammals, prey acquisition during the foraging trip coinciding with gestation must provide energy to meet the immediate needs of the growing fetus and also a store to meet the subsequent demands of lactation. Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) that give birth following the gestational (winter) foraging period gain similar proportions of mass and lipid as compared to females that fail to give birth. Therefore, any changes in foraging behavior can be attributed to gestational costs. To investigate differences in foraging effort associated with successful reproduction, twenty‐three satellite tags were deployed on post‐molt female Weddell seals in the Ross Sea. Of the 20 females that returned to the area the following year, 12 females gave birth and eight did not. Females that gave birth the following year began the winter foraging period with significantly longer and deeper dives, as compared to non‐reproductive seals. Mid‐ to late winter, reproductive females spent a significantly greater proportion of the day diving, and either depressed their diving metabolic rates (DMR), or exceeded their calculated aerobic dive limit (cADL) more frequently than females that returned without a pup. Moreover, non‐reproductive females organized their dives into 2–3 short bouts per day on average (BOUTshort; 7.06 ± 1.29 hr; mean ± 95% CI), whereas reproductive females made 1–2 BOUTshort per day (10.9 ± 2.84 hr), comprising one long daily foraging bout without rest. The magnitude of the increase in dive activity budgets and depression in calculated DMR closely matched the estimated energetic requirements of supporting a fetus. This study is one of the first to identify increases in foraging effort that are associated with successful reproduction in a top predator and indicates that reproductive females must operate closer to their physiological limits to support gestational costs.
Coral epigenetic responses to nutrient stress: Histone H2A.X phosphorylation dynamics and DNA methylation in the staghorn coral Acropora cervicornis
Authors: Rodriguez‐Casariego Javier A. , Ladd Mark C. , Shantz Andrew A. , Lopes Christian , Cheema Manjinder S. , Kim Bohyun , Roberts Steven B. , Fourqurean James W. , Ausio Juan , Burkepile Deron E. , Eirin‐Lopez Jose M.
Published: November 2018

Nutrient pollution and thermal stress constitute two of the main drivers of global change in the coastal oceans. While different studies have addressed the physiological effects and ecological consequences of these stressors in corals, the role of acquired modifications in the coral epigenome during acclimatory and adaptive responses remains unknown. The present work aims to address that gap by monitoring two types of epigenetic mechanisms, namely histone modifications and DNA methylation, during a 7‐week‐long experiment in which staghorn coral fragments (Acropora cervicornis) were exposed to nutrient stress (nitrogen, nitrogen + phosphorus) in the presence of thermal stress. The major conclusion of this experiment can be summarized by two main results: First, coral holobiont responses to the combined effects of nutrient enrichment and thermal stress involve the post‐translational phosphorylation of the histone variant H2A.X (involved in responses to DNA damage), as well as nonsignificant modifications in DNA methylation trends. Second, the reduction in H2A.X phosphorylation (and the subsequent potential impairment of DNA repair mechanisms) observed after prolonged coral exposure to nitrogen enrichment and thermal stress is consistent with the symbiont‐driven phosphorus limitation previously observed in corals subject to nitrogen enrichment. The alteration of this epigenetic mechanism could help to explain the synergistic effects of nutrient imbalance and thermal stress on coral fitness (i.e., increased bleaching and mortality) while supporting the positive effect of phosphorus addition to improving coral resilience to thermal stress. Overall, this work provides new insights into the role of epigenetic mechanisms during coral responses to global change, discussing future research directions and the potential benefits for improving restoration, management and conservation of coral reef ecosystems worldwide.
Scale‐dependent home range optimality for a solitary omnivore
Authors: Gantchoff Mariela , Wang Guiming , Beyer Dean , Belant Jerrold
Published: November 2018

Spatial and temporal heterogeneity are fundamental mechanisms structuring home ranges. Under optimality, an individual should structure their space use economically to maximize fitness. We evaluated support for three hypotheses related to range optimality in American black bears (Ursus americanus), predicting (a) range location on a landscape will correspond with high vegetation productivity, (b) increasing forest fragmentation will result in larger ranges, and (c) increasing proportion of forest and/or mean vegetation productivity will result in smaller ranges. We used black bear radio telemetry data from Michigan (2009–2015), Missouri (2010–2016), and Mississippi (2008–2017), USA. Annual space use excluded winter, and we separated seasonal space use into spring, summer, and fall. We collected data from 143 bears (80 females, 63 males), resulting in 97 annual and 538 seasonal ranges. We used generalized linear mixed models to evaluate productivity (estimated through Normalized Difference Vegetation Index [NDVI]) selection, and range size (km2) variation between individuals. At the annual scale, black bears consistently selected areas with greater vegetation productivity than the surrounding landscape; yet selection weakened and was more variable seasonally. Opposite to our prediction, we found that increasing fragmentation consistently resulted in smaller ranges; non‐forested land covers and forest edges might provide greater abundance or more diverse foods for bears. Ranges with a greater proportion of forest were smaller, likely reflecting an increase in food and cover which could reduce movements, yet there was no support for more productive ranges also being smaller as expected from an area minimizing strategy. Black bears displayed a scale‐dependent space use strategy: at larger spatial and temporal scales, productivity acted as the strongest limiting factor and energy maximizing was the dominant strategy, while an area minimizing strategy was exhibited seasonally. We revealed consistent, scale‐dependent responses by black bears to environmental conditions, demonstrating the intrinsic plasticity of this adaptable omnivore.
Electroanalytical Determination of Vancomycin at a Graphene‐modified Electrode: Comparison of Electrochemical Property between Graphene, Carbon Nanotube, and Carbon Black
Authors: Hadi Mojtaba , Mollaei Tahere
Published: November 2018

Carbon nanotube, graphene and carbon black, as electrode modifiers, were compared and evaluated for the electrochemical determination of vancomycin. Among them, the best results were obtained at the graphene‐modified electrode. Additions of vancomycin using square wave voltammetry at the graphene‐modified electrode showed a linear range from 0.70 μM to 50 μM and a detection limit of 0.20 μM was obtained. To control the correct dose of vancomycin and reduce its side effects, its accurate determination in blood plasma is very important. Therefore, the method was applied for the vancomycin determination in spiked human plasma samples and satisfactory recoveries were observed. The developed method exhibited fast analysis, high sensitivity, good repeatability and freedom from other interfering species.
Low cell surface hydrophobicity is one of the key factors for high butanol tolerance of Lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Petrova Penka , Tsvetanova Flora , Petrov Kaloyan
Published: November 2018

Highly butanol‐tolerant strains have always been attractive because of their potential as microbial hosts for butanol production. However, due to the amphiphilic nature of 1‐butanol as a solvent, the relationship between the cell surface hydrophobicity and butanol resistance remained ambiguous to date. In this work, the quantitatively estimated cell surface hydrophobicity of 74 Lactic acid bacteria strains were juxtaposed to their tolerance to various butanol concentrations. The obtained results revealed that the strains’ hydrophobicity was inversely proportional to their butanol tolerance. All highly butanol‐resistant strains were hydrophilic (cell surface hydrophobicity<1%), whereas the more hydrophobic the strains were, the more sensitive to butanol they were. Furthermore, cultivation at increasing butanol concentrations showed a clear tendency to decrease the level of hydrophobicity in all tested organisms, thus suggesting possible adaptation mechanisms. Purposeful reduction of cell surface hydrophobicity (by removal of S‐layer proteins from the cell envelope) also led to an increase of butanol resistance. Since the results covered 23 different Lactic acid bacteria species of seven genera, it could be concluded that regardless of the species, the lower degree of cells’ hydrophobicity clearly correlates with the higher level of butanol tolerance.
How flexperts deal with changing expertise demands: A qualitative study into the processes of expertise renewal
Authors: Frie Lonneke S. , Potting Karin C. J. M. , Sjoer Ellen , Van der Heijden Beatrice I. J. M. , Korzilius Hubert P. L. M.
Published: November 2018

Flexperts are a particular category of experts who are in the possession of in‐depth domain‐specific knowledge and skills combined with the ability to develop and materialize new areas of expertise, that is, expertise renewal. This ability enables them to decisively respond to new expertise demands that arise as a result of changes in their expertise territories. Thus far, there is a limited understanding of how flexperts develop new areas of expertise in a complex, professional setting, and how they accomplish to materialize this new expertise for multiple stakeholders, both inside and outside organizations. In this qualitative interview study, we aim to increase our understanding of the processes by which flexperts accomplish the renewal of their expertise. Ten Dutch flexperts, known for their high level of expert performance and ability to renew their expertise, and from a variety of disciplines, were interviewed. Based on the findings of our study, we have developed a model that summarizes their expertise renewal processes. This Model of Expertise Renewal extends process models on expertise redevelopment and adaptive expertise, and provides directions for future research on how the ability of expertise renewal contributes to the career sustainability of experts. Furthermore, it provides experts, Human Resource Development (HRD) practitioners, and line managers with a framework for creating learning paths and interventions for renewing expertise in case expertise territories are about to change.
Strong associations of a healthy lifestyle with all stages of colorectal carcinogenesis: Results from a large cohort of participants of screening colonoscopy
Authors: Erben Vanessa , Carr Prudence R , Holleczek Bernd , Stegmaier Christa , Hoffmeister Michael , Brenner Hermann
Published: November 2018

The risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with a wide range of dietary and lifestyle factors. The individual contribution of single modifiable factors, such as alcohol consumption, physical activity, smoking, body mass index (BMI) or dietary components, to the development of CRC has been investigated extensively, but evidence on their combined effect at various stages of colorectal carcinogenesis is sparse. The aim of our study was to analyze the association of a healthy lifestyle pattern with prevalence of early and advanced colorectal neoplasms. A total of 13,600 participants of screening colonoscopy in Saarland/Germany (mean age 62.9 years) who were enrolled in the KolosSal study (Effektivität der Früherkennungs‐Koloskopie: eine Saarland‐weite Studie) from 2005 until 2013 were included in this cross‐sectional analysis. Dietary and lifestyle data were collected and colonoscopy results were extracted from physicians’ reports. The association of an a priori defined healthy lifestyle score—including dietary intake, alcohol consumption, physical activity, smoking and BMI—with early and advanced colorectal neoplasms was assessed by multiple logistic regression analyses with comprehensive adjustment for potential confounders. Strong inverse dose–response relationships were observed between an overall healthier lifestyle pattern and presence of advanced colorectal neoplasms, nonadvanced adenomas and hyperplastic polyps (p value <0.0001 in all cases), with adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) for the highest compared to the lowest category of the healthy lifestyle score of 0.41 (0.30–0.56), 0.42 (0.33–0.54) and 0.39 (0.29–0.54) respectively. A healthy lifestyle is strongly associated with lower risk of all stages of colorectal neoplasms.
A review of error correction procedures during instruction for children with developmental disabilities
Authors: Cariveau Tom , La Cruz Montilla Astrid , Gonzalez Elizabeth , Ball Sydney
Published: November 2018

Error correction procedures are remedial strategies presented following an incorrect response that increases the probability that a correct response will occur in the future. Error correction is commonly used during skill acquisition programs for children with developmental disabilities; however, the specific strategy used may differ considerably. Recent comparative studies have examined the effect of numerous error correction procedures on the efficiency of acquisition for children with developmental disabilities. Despite considerable merit, minor procedural differences and unique terms for similar procedures likely affect comparisons across studies. Here, we clarify the procedures and findings of these studies and suggest areas of future research.
Increased Marginal Stiffness Differentiates Infiltrative From Noninfiltrative Cutaneous Basal Cell Carcinomas in the Facial Area: A Prospective Study
Authors: Alfageme Fernando , Salgüero Irene , Nájera Laura , Suarez Masa L. , Roustan Gastón
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common dermatologic malignant skin cancer. Infiltrative histologic variants are more aggressive and require wider surgical margins or Mohs surgery, in contrast with noninfiltrative variants, which are commonly treated with standard surgical excision. Elastography has not been used to date to differentiate between the histologic variants of BCC. The purpose of this study was to differentiate infiltrative from noninfiltrative BCCs on elastography.

Methods

A total of 31 facial BCCs were studied. Preoperatively, color Doppler ultrasound and strain elastographic examinations of the lesions were performed. The size, intralesional vascularization, and presence of hyperechoic dots were considered relevant B‐mode and color Doppler variables. Strain ratios of the tumors were obtained with respect to adjacent healthy tissue. Increased marginal stiffness, which was considered hardness in greater than 50% of the tumor margin, was also blindly evaluated. Histologic confirmation and subtyping (infiltrative or noninfiltrative) were performed in all cases.

Results

Infiltrative BCCs did not differ in the size, presence or absence of hyperechoic dots, or vascularization from noninfiltrative BCCs. Strain ratios were similar in both infiltrative and noninfiltrative BCCs (mean ± SD, 1.82 ± 0.879 versus 2.2 ± 1.11). However, infiltrative BCCs had statistically increased marginal stiffness in comparison with noninfiltrative BCCs (88.0% versus 18.8%). Increased marginal stiffness had sensitivity and specificity of 0.89 and 0.82 respectively, with a positive predictive value of 0.67 for infiltrative BCCs and a negative predictive value of 0.95 for noninfiltrative BCCs.

Conclusions

Histologic variants of BCC have different elastographic patterns. These differences may be of help in preoperative assessments of the BCC subtype and specific surgical planning, avoiding unnecessary skin biopsies.
Corrosive effect of lithium nitrate trihydrate on common heat exchanger materials
Authors: Emmons Emily , Shamberger Patrick J.
Published: November 2018

Lithium nitrate trihydate (LNH) is a promising latent heat energy storage material with one of the largest specific and volumetric enthalpies of fusion of all near‐room temperature melting phase change materials. However, the understanding of corrosion rates and mechanisms of common metals and polymers in LNH, which is an extremely high salt content solution (wH2O < 0.50), remains relatively limited. Here, we report corrosion rates and mechanisms resulting from 6 months immersion corrosion studies on 9 common polymeric materials and 12 metallic alloys in molten LNH along with likasite, a common nucleation agent. Copper alloys were observed to corrode in liquid LNH, experiencing both uniform surface corrosion and localized pitting corrosion. Aluminum alloys experienced localized corrosion in liquid LNH, which was more severe in cases with likasite present, in which cases Cu dissolved from likasite enhanced corrosion pitting rates. Thus, in the absence of effective corrosion inhibitors, aluminum, and copper are not viable as heat exchanger materials for LNH.
Lindelöf theorems for monotone Sobolev functions in Orlicz spaces on uniform domains
Authors: Futamura Toshihide , Shimomura Tetsu
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we are concerned with Lindelöf type theorems for monotone (in the sense of Lebesgue) Sobolev functions u on a uniform domain satisfying
urn:x-wiley:0025584X:media:mana201800014:mana201800014-math-0002where ∇ denotes the gradient, denotes the distance from z to the boundary , φ is of log‐type and ω is a weight function satisfying the doubling condition.
Baseline predictors for progression 4 years after Parkinson's disease diagnosis in the De Novo Parkinson Cohort (DeNoPa)
Authors: Mollenhauer Brit , Zimmermann Johannes , Sixel‐Döring Friederike , Focke Niels K. , Wicke Tamara , Ebentheuer Jens , Schaumburg Martina , Lang Elisabeth , Friede Tim , Trenkwalder Claudia ,   on behalf of the DeNoPa Study Group
Published: November 2018

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to investigate (1) the annual rate of progression of motor and cognitive symptoms and (2) baseline predictors of different modalities for this progression in early Parkinson's disease (PD) when compared with healthy controls.

Methods

A total of 135 de novo PD and 109 healthy controls (of the De Novo Parkinson cohort) were investigated at baseline and after 24 and 48 months. To delineate motor progression and cognitive decline, the Movement Disorder Society‐Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III (MDS‐UPDRS III) and the Mini‐Mental Status Examination (MMSE) were selected. Baseline variables used to predict progression included sociodemographic factors, comorbidities, motor/nonmotor symptoms, polysomnography, MRI, and laboratory biomarkers in serum and CSF.

Results

Symptoms worsened over 4 years in PD with an annual change of 1.8 points on the MDS‐UPDRS III and 0.2 points on the MMSE. Baseline predictors of worse progression of motor symptoms in PD included male sex, orthostatic blood pressure drop, diagnosis of coronary artery disease, arterial hypertension, elevated serum uric acid, and CSF neurofilament light chain. Predictors of cognitive decline in PD included previous heavy alcohol abuse, current diagnoses of diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, elevated periodic limb movement index during sleep, decreased hippocampal volume by MRI, higher baseline levels of uric acid, C‐reactive protein, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and glucose levels.

Conclusion

Cardiovascular risk factors, deregulated blood glucose, uric acid metabolism, and inflammation were identified as risk markers for faster disease progression. Our panel of risk parameters needs validation during our continuing follow‐up and also in independent patient cohorts. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Bimolecular Nucleophilic Substitution Reactions: Predictive Models for Rate Constants and Molecular Reaction Pairs Analysis
Authors: Gimadiev Timur , Madzhidov Timur , Tetko Igor , Nugmanov Ramil , Casciuc Iury , Klimchuk Olga , Bodrov Andrey , Polishchuk Pavel , Antipin Igor , Varnek Alexandre
Published: November 2018

Here, we report the data visualization, analysis and modeling for a large set of 4830 SN2 reactions the rate constant of which (logk) was measured at different experimental conditions (solvent, temperature). The reactions were encoded by one single molecular graph – Condensed Graph of Reactions, which allowed us to use conventional chemoinformatics techniques developed for individual molecules. Thus, Matched Reaction Pairs approach was suggested and used for the analyses of substituents effects on the substrates and nucleophiles reactivity. The data were visualized with the help of the Generative Topographic Mapping approach. Consensus Support Vector Regression (SVR) model for the rate constant was prepared. Unbiased estimation of the model's performance was made in cross‐validation on reactions measured on unique structural transformations. The model's performance in cross‐validation (RMSE=0.61 logk units) and on the external test set (RMSE=0.80) is close to the noise in data. Performances of the local models obtained for selected subsets of reactions proceeding in particular solvents or with particular type of nucleophiles were similar to that of the model built on the entire set. Finally, four different definitions of model's applicability domains for reactions were examined.
A new wide stopband and high gain quasi‐Yagi filtering antenna
Authors: Zheng Licheng , Zhai Huiqing , Wei Zichun , Ma Shaobo , Shi Junhao
Published: November 2018

In this letter, a new wide stopband and high gain Quasi‐Yagi filtering antenna is proposed. At the beginning of feeder line in the improved Balun filtering antenna, it is integrated with the stripline low‐pass filter that contributes to wide out‐of‐band suppression. The proposed filtering antenna works from 2.25 GHz to 2.55 GHz, with a maximum gain of 8dBi at 2.5 GHz. Moreover, it possesses a faster roll‐off rate from 2.55 GHz(8 dB) to 2.8 GHz (−20 dB) and a better rejection up to 12 GHz(5 times of central frequency) outside the working band.
UHMWPE/organoclay nanocomposites fabricated by melt intercalation under continuous elongational flow: Dispersion, thermal behaviors and mechanical properties
Authors: Lin Wangyang , Hou Aolin , Feng Yan‐Hong , Yang Zhi‐Tao , Qu Jin‐Ping
Published: November 2018

The preparation of ultra‐high‐molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)/organoclay nanocomposites by continuous elongational flow technique was investigated in a novel eccentric rotor extruder (ERE). The distribution and dispersion morphologies of organo‐modified montmorillonite (OMMT) layers were revealed and observed by ash determination, wide angle X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The thermal and thermal‐mechanical behaviors were characterized by differential scanning calorimeter, thermal gravimetric analysis and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The mechanical performances was measured by tensile and impact test. The morphologies of the nanocomposites evidenced that the OMMT layers can be well intercalated or/and exfoliated by UHMWPE matrix, then the fabrication mechanism of intercalated and exfoliated OMMT structures under continuous elongational flow was discussed. The ideal dispersion of OMMT in UHMWPE matrix obviously improved the crystallinity and the mechanical properties at a certain concentration of OMMT loading, indicating that the lower OMMT addition can lead an effective strengthening and toughening for UHMWPE. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:547–554, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Structural interpretations on tensile fracture mechanism and elongational rheology of poly(vinylidene fluoride)/halloysite nanotubes nanocomposites
Authors: Wu Min , Huang Han‐Xiong
Published: November 2018

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs)‐filled poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanocomposites were fabricated using continuous mixing extrusion with and without water injection. The HNTs dispersion state was qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by using transmission electron microscopy and the Halpin‐Tsai equation, suggesting better HNTs dispersion in the nanocomposites fabricated with water injection. To grasp the relationship between the structure and properties, the effect of the HNTs dispersion on the tensile fracture mechanism and melt elongational rheology of the nanocomposites was investigated. It was deduced from morphological observations on the fractured surfaces that for the nanocomposites fabricated without and with water injection, cracks initially formed at the vicinity of HNTs aggregates and the thinner brittle fracture edge region, respectively. This was attributed to the important roles of the PVDF crystallization behavior and HNTs dispersion on the formation of the voids, wedges and ridges, which are the origins for forming cracks and easily formed at region with more HNTs aggregates or lower crystallinity. The nanocomposites fabricated with water injection exhibited lower elongational viscosities and 17–60% increments for the draw ratios at break than those fabricated without water injection, due to better HNTs dispersion induced by injected water. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:773–780, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Comparative Nuclear Proteomics Analysis Provides Insight into the Mechanism of Signaling and Immune Response to Blast Disease Caused by Magnaportheoryzae in Rice
Authors: Narula Kanika , Choudhary Pooja , Ghosh Sudip , Elagamey Eman , Chakraborty Niranjan , Chakraborty Subhra
Published: November 2018

Modulation of plant immune system by extrinsic/intrinsic factors and host‐specific determinants fine‐tunes cellular components involving multiple organelles, particularly nucleus to mount resistance against pathogen attack. Rice blast, caused by hemibiotrophic fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, is one of the most devastating diseases that adversely affect rice productivity. However, the role of nuclear proteins and their regulation in response to M. oryzae remains unknown. Here, the nucleus‐associated immune pathways in blast‐resistant rice genotype are elucidated. Temporal analysis of nuclear proteome is carried out using 2‐DE coupled MS/MS analysis. A total of 140 immune responsive proteins are identified associated with nuclear reorganization, cell division, energy production/deprivation, signaling, and gene regulation. The proteome data are interrogated using correlation network analysis that identified significant functional modules pointing toward immune‐related coinciding processes through a common mechanism of remodeling and homeostasis. Novel clues regarding blast resistance include nucleus‐associated redox homeostasis and glycolytic enzyme–mediated chromatin organization which manipulates cell division and immunity. Taken together, the study herein provides evidence that the coordination of nuclear function and reprogramming of host translational machinery regulate resistance mechanism against blast disease.
Theoretical investigation on atmospheric reaction of O(3P) with CH2CN
Authors: Zhang Yunju , Sun Yuxi
Published: November 2018

The degradation reaction of CH2CN radical with O(3P) was firstly studied using quantum chemical methods. The energetics were calculated at CCSD(T)/cc‐pVTZ//B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p). The formation of the intermediate C‐IM1 (CH2C(O)N) is the dominant channel by addition between O(3P) and the central‐C atom of CH2CN. Due to higher barriers, the terminal‐C‐addition/elimination, N‐addition/elimination, substitution and hydrogen abstraction channels are negligible. The rate constants were calculated by means of the RRKM‐TST theory. The total rate constants revealed positive temperature dependence and pressure independence. The calculated results were in good agreement with the experimental values.
Catalytic role of 16‐s‐16 micelles on condensation reaction of ninhydrin and metal‐dipeptide complex
Authors: Kumar Dileep , Rub Malik Abdul
Published: November 2018

Catalytic role of 16‐s‐16 (s = spacer) micelles on condensation reaction of ninhydrin and metal‐dipeptide ([Cu (II)‐Gly‐Leu]+) complex have been studied by varying reactants concentration at various temperatures ranges from 333 K to 353 K. The reaction was monitored at definite time interval with the help of UV‐vis spectrophotometer. For evaluation of critical micelle concentration (cmc) of 16‐s‐16 surfactants with and without reactants (ninhydrin and metal‐dipeptide complex), conductometic technique was used throughout the study. During kinetic runs, study confirms the first‐order path in complex and fractional‐order path in ninhydrin. Rate constant (kψ) increased with rise in [16‐s‐16] below cmc value, then became almost constant with further increase in concentration (like conventional surfactants). Great enhancement in rate value was noted at higher surfactant concentrations. The rate enhancement below and above cmc values of 16‐s‐16 surfactants has been accounted in the light of pseudo‐phase model. Kinetic data were used to calculate several factors including micelle‐substrate binding constants and thermodynamic parameters.
Complementaries and Contradictions: National Security and Privacy Risks in U.S. Federal Policy, 1968–2018
Authors: Sivan‐Sevilla Ido
Published: November 2018

How does the U.S. balance privacy with national security? This article analyzes how the three regulatory regimes of information collection for criminal investigations, foreign intelligence gathering, and cybersecurity have balanced privacy with national security over a 50‐year period. A longitudinal, arena‐based analysis is conducted of policies (N = 63) introduced between 1968 and 2018 to determine how policy processes harm, compromise, or complement privacy and national security. The study considers the roles of context, process, actor variance, and commercial interests in these policy constructions. Analysis over time reveals that policy actors’ instrumental use of technological contexts and invocations of security crises and privacy scandals have influenced policy changes. Analysis across policy arenas shows that actor variance and levels of transparency in the process shape policy outcomes and highlights the conflicting roles of commercial interests in favor of and in opposition to privacy safeguards. While the existing literature does address these relationships, it mostly focuses on one of the three regulatory regimes over a limited period. Considering these regimes together, the article uses a comparative process‐tracing analysis to show how and explain why policy processes dynamically construct different kinds of relationships across time and space.