bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma with eosinophilia of the thyroid: Case report of a rare lesion with novel genetic mutation
Authors: Wiles Austin Blackburn , Kraft Adele O. , Mueller Sandra M. , Powers Celeste N.
Published: January 2019

Sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma with eosinophilia (SMECE) is a rare primary cancer of the thyroid. This tumor is analogous to other primary tumors of the salivary glands, breast, pancreas, and esophagus. We present a case of this rare tumor with characteristic clinical features, ultrasound images, cytopathology, histopathology, and a heretofore undocumented somatic gene mutation. Additionally, we provide a succinct review of the controversial literature for this uncommon lesion.
Perinatal antibiotics alter preterm infant EEG and neurobehavior in the Family Nurture Intervention trial
Authors: Firestein Morgan R. , Myers Michael M. , Austin Judy , Stark Raymond I. , Barone Joseph L. , Ludwig Robert J. , Welch Martha G.
Published: January 2019

Early exposure to antibiotics has been shown to increase risk for poor neurobehavioral development, particularly with regard to attention deficit disorders. Clinically, electroencephalography (EEG) is increasingly used as a biomarker of these deficits. Less is known about the effects of antibiotics on neurobehavioral and neurophysiological outcomes in preterm infants, a population at particularly high risk for attention deficits and perinatal antibiotic exposure. This study examines the effects of perinatal antibiotic exposure on neonatal EEG and attention deficits as measured by the Child Behavior Checklist in 4‐ to 5‐year‐old children who were enrolled in an NICU‐based randomized controlled trial comparing Family Nurture Intervention (FNI) to standard care. Antibiotic‐exposed infants had increased attention problems and there was a main effect of antibiotic exposure such that exposed infants had higher EEG power. This effect was fourfold greater in infants who received standard NICU care compared to those who received the intervention, suggesting a buffering effect of the intervention. We hypothesize that the relationship between antibiotic exposure and altered neurodevelopment may be due to effects of antibiotics on the microbiome, and that FNI may buffer these adverse consequences.
Modulation of Insulin Secretion in Non‐insulin‐dependent Diabetes Mellitus by Two Novel Oral Hypoglycaemic Agents, NN623 and A4166
Authors: Kikuchi M.
Published: January 2019

Two novel oral hypoglycaemic agents, NN623 and A4166, have been developed and are now in phase II clinical trial. Both agents have several common characteristics from sulphonylureas. NN623 is a stereoisomer of derivatives of benzoic acid and A4166 is also a stereoisomer of phenylalanine derivative. The predominant mechanism of the action is thought to be like sulphonylureas. Both NN623 and A4166 occupy, at least partly, a common receptor site with glibenclamide and close the ATP‐dependent K+ channel. They are rapidly absorbed from the intestine and are eliminated mainly into the bile. NN623 is about 10 times more potent in hypoglycaemic action than glibenclamide and 100 times more than A4166 in terms of dosage. When 1.0 mg NN623 or 60 mg A4166 was given orally in the post‐absorptive state to healthy volunteers, both agents evoked hypoglycaemia by 40 min. The duration of hypoglycaemia after NN623 was longer than after A4166 by about 1 hour. The effect of food on their bioavailability is similar. Food has marked influence on the absorption of both drugs and on their efficacy. When 1 mg of NN623 or 60 mg of A4166 was administered just before the meal, Tmax of NN623 and A4166 was 34 ± 18 min and 18 ± 6 min, while T1/2 was 0.64 ± 0.12 h and 0.98 ± 0.06 h, respectively. The postprandial rise in plasma glucose was reduced at 45 min and thereafter over 4‐h after 1.0 mg NN623 and at 30 min to 90 min after 60 mg A4166. Plasma insulin levels rose more than those after placebo from 30 to 90 min after NN623 and at 20 to 40 min after A4166. Both agents stimulated insulin release much more in the postprandial than in the fasting state. There was no difference in the bioavailabillty after 5 or 7 days of administration. However, when administered immediately after the meal, the absorption of both drugs was delayed and the rise in plasma absorption was not suppressed until 60 min after the meal. Both fasting and postprandial hyperglycaemia were reduced after 1 to 4 weeks of premeal treatment with 0.5 mg NN623 or 60 mg A4166 in subjects with NIDDM. Plasma glucose levels were decreased over 4 h after NN623 and over 1 h after A4166. The meal‐induced insulin response was almost doubled by NN623 over 2 hand 1 h by A4166. There was no difference in the bioavailability after breakfast between the first and last administrations of both drugs. In conclusion, a rapid rise in plasma insulin levels is associated with the suppression of postprandial hyperglycaemia.
GLP‐1 in NIDDM
Authors: Holst J.J.
Published: January 2019

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), a product of intestinal expression of the glucagon gene, is a potent insulinotropic hormone released in response to ingestion of meals. Specific GLP‐1 receptors, G‐protein coupled receptors that activate adenylate cyclase are located in the pancreatic islets and also in brain and various other tissues. GLP‐1 also inhibits glucagon secretion and therefore inhibits hepatic glucose production and decreases blood glucose. However, as its effects on insulin secretion are glucose dependent, its effect on blood glucose is self‐limiting. Because of these actions GLP‐1 administration can completely normalize the hyperglycaemia of NIDDM without a risk of hypoglycaemia and GLP‐1 is therefore currently considered as a therapeutic agent. GLP‐1 also inhibits gastrointestinal secretion and motility, presumably via interaction with cerebral receptors. This effect may help curtail meal‐induced glucose excursions, but may also limit its use. Being a peptide GLP‐1 requires parenteral administration, but because of rapid enzymatic degradation its bioavailability is low. Current research efforts are aimed at the development of orally active GLP‐1 analogues.
Insulin Secretion and Insulin Sensitivity in People with Impaired Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Pimenta W. , Mitrakou A. , Jensen T. , Yki-Järvinen H. , Daily G. , Gerich J.
Published: January 2019

To assess the roles of pancreatic beta‐cell (β‐cell) dysfunction and insulin resistance in the pathogenesis of non‐insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, we used euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic and hyperglycaemic clamps to compare insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in Caucasian individuals of European ancestry with either normal glucose tolerance (NGT) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Both groups were carefully matched for age, gender, obesity and body fat distribution. During the hyperglycaemic clamps, IGT had significantly lower first phase (650 ± 60 vs 992 ± 92 pmol l1, p = 0.001) and second phase (231 ± 24 vs 326 ± 21 pmol l−1, p < 0.001) plasma insulin responses while their insulin sensitivity index (0.126 ± 0.012 μmol kg−1 pM−1) was not significantly different from that of NGT (0.144 ± 0.012 μmol kg−1 min−1 pM−1), p = 0.69). Similarly, during the euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamps, the insulin sensitivity index of the IGT (0.076 ± 0.005 μmol kg−1 min−1 pM−1) was not significantly different from that of the NGT (0.086 ± 0.007 μmol kg−1 min−1 pM−1), p = 0.28. We conclude that since β‐cell dysfunction is already evident in people with impaired glucose tolerance but insulin resistance is not, impaired insulin secretion is most likely the primary genetic factor predisposing to the development of non‐insulin dependent diabetes mellitus in Caucasians of European ancestry.
Developmental Deformity Due to scalloped Non‐Function in Drosophila Brain Leads to Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Rohith Basavanahalli Nanjundaiah , Shyamala Baragur Venkatanarayanasetty
Published: January 2019

Neural identity and wiring specificity are fundamental to brain function. Factors affecting proliferation of the progenitor cells leading to an expansion or regression of specific neuronal clusters are expected to challenge the process of formation of precise synaptic connections with their partners and their further integration to result in proper functional neural circuitry. We have investigated the role of scalloped, a Hippo pathway gene in Drosophila brain development and have shown that its function is critical to regulate proliferation of Mushroom Body Neuroblasts and to limit the neuronal cluster size to normal in the fly brain. Here we investigate the consequent effect of the anatomical phenotype of mutant flies on the brain function, as exemplified by their cognitive performance. We demonstrate that the neural expansion in important neural clusters of the olfactory pathway, caused due to Scalloped inactivation, imparts severe disabilities in learning, short‐term memory and long‐term memory. Scalloped knockdown in αβ Kenyon Cell clusters drastically reduces long‐term memory performance. Scalloped deficiency induced neural expansion in antennal lobe and ellipsoid body neurons bring down short‐term memory performance significantly. We also demonstrate that the cognitive impairments observed here are not due to a problem in memory formation or execution in the adult, but are due to the developmental deformities caused in the respective class of neurons. Our results strongly indicate that the additional neurons generated by Scalloped inactivation are not synergistically integrated into, but rather perturb the formation of precise functional circuitry.
Growth and quality of Fagus sylvatica saplings depend on seed source, site, and browsing intensity
Authors: Frank Aline , Heiri Caroline , Kupferschmid Andrea D.
Published: January 2019

Local climate and ungulate browsing are two major factors that affect tree regeneration and genetic adaptation in Central European forests. Owing to climate change and increasing ungulate numbers, the abiotic and biotic environments of trees are changing remarkably, making it necessary to investigate the separate and joint effects of seed source (i.e., location of tree population origin) and ungulate herbivory. We used a common garden experiment to study the growth and morphology of Fagus sylvatica saplings from 77 Swiss seed sources. The experiment was set up at two sites and included a clipping treatment (i.e., terminal shoot clipped at two intensities) applied before budburst to simulate winter ungulate browsing. We studied F. sylvatica sapling growth and morphology before and two years after clipping. Measured growth traits included sapling height, stem diameter, and biomass. Morphological traits included multi‐stemming, stem and crown form, stem quality, and reaction to clipping. Seed source, test site, and simulated leader browsing were all important in determining the growth and quality of F. sylvatica saplings. The effects of seed source on growth and quality indicate that F. sylvatica possesses a large pool of diverse genotypes across Switzerland and thus has the potential to adapt to local conditions through gene flow. Growth and morphology differed significantly between the two test sites, indicating that local environments should be considered carefully when a new plantation is established. The effect of the single simulated browsing event disappeared over time for the growth traits, owing to growth compensation. However, sapling quality decreased after clipping, suggesting that browsing may lead to persistent quality losses in production forests. Neither the growth nor the morphological reaction after clipping depended on the effect of population, meaning that resilience to browsing was independent of seed source. Consequently, interactions with ungulate browsing do not have to be taken into account when selecting F. sylvatica populations for particular climatic and site conditions.
Knowledge coproduction in environmental impact assessment: Lessons from the mining industry in Panama
Authors: Mitchell Ross E. , Leach Bryan
Published: January 2019

This paper explores questions concerning knowledge coproduction as applied to the extractive sector through an ex‐post evaluation of an environmental impact assessment (EIA) process for a proposed copper and gold mine in Panama. Theoretical underpinnings of knowledge are highlighted, and barriers or enablers to knowledge coproduction are explored, including syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic boundaries and trust building. Reflection is based on the authors' participation as EIA practitioners on the project. Knowledge sharing between the EIA project team and stakeholders are placed in the context of knowledge coproduction theory and application. Different types of knowledge—fast and slow, tacit and explicit, and traditional and expert—are integrated into an adapted version of Nonaka's knowledge spiral model, illustrating the progression of knowledge coproduction through various activities and actors in EIA. Findings support the contention that explicitly designing and implementing knowledge coproduction into EIA practice can help improve environmental governance in the extractive sector.
CD69+ memory T lymphocytes of the bone marrow and spleen express the signature transcripts of tissue‐resident memory T lymphocytes
Authors: Siracusa Francesco , Durek Pawel , McGrath Mairi A. , Sercan‐Alp Özen , Rao Anna , Du Weijie , Cendón Carla , Chang Hyun‐Dong , Heinz Gitta Anne , Mashreghi Mir‐Farzin , Radbruch Andreas , Dong Jun
Published: January 2019

It is a matter of current debate whether the bone marrow is a hub for circulating memory T lymphocytes and/or the home of resident memory T lymphocytes. Here we demonstrate for CD69+ murine CD8+, and CD69+ murine and human CD4+ memory T lymphocytes of the bone marrow, making up between 30 and 60% of bone marrow memory T lymphocytes, that they express the gene expression signature of tissue‐resident memory T lymphocytes. This suggests that a substantial proportion of bone marrow memory T lymphocytes are resident. It adds to previous evidence that bone marrow memory T cells are resting in terms of mobility and proliferation, and maintain exclusive long‐term memory to distinct, systemic antigens.
Features of Magnetic Behavior in the Row of Pentacoordinated Bis‐o‐Iminobenzosemiquinonato Metal (Al, Ga, In) Complexes
Authors: Ershova Irina V. , Bogomyakov Artem S. , Fukin Georgy K. , Piskunov Alexandr V.
Published: January 2019

The series of pentacoordinated bis‐o‐iminobenzosemiquinonato complexes with general formula (imSQ)2MR where imSQ – is a radical anion of 4,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐N‐(2,6‐di‐isopropylphenyl)‐o‐iminobenzoquinone (M = Al, Ga, In; R = Akl, Hal, N3, NCS) has been expanded through synthesis of six new (imSQ)2MR complexes [M = In, R = Me (1), Br (5), Cl (6); M = Ga, R = OPh (16), NCO (17); M = Al, R = NCO (23)]. In all complexes (imSQ)2MR except for R = Alk the strong antiferromagnetic exchange coupling between organic radicals, conditioned by the presence of the pathway for superexchange, takes place. In the (imSQ)2GaR complexes the value of magnetic exchange interaction (J) was found to depend linearly on the distance between metal center and inorganic apical substituent: the shortening of Ga–R distance in the row Ga–I > Ga–Br > Ga–Cl > Ga–NCS > Ga–OPh is accompanied by the increasing of J value from –68.6 to –139.3 cm–1. For Al and In analogues complexes such dependence has not been observed. The pathway for superexchange in pentacoordinated (imSQ)2MR complexes was found to be broken after complex coordination geometry changeover to hexacoordinated one, which was clearly demonstrated by the example of pyridine molecule coordination to the (imSQ)2InI (4).
Illuminating the Intermolecular vs. Intramolecular Excited State Energy Transfer Quenching by Europium(III) Ions
Authors: Junker Anne Kathrine R. , Sørensen Thomas Just
Published: January 2019

Bright lanthanide‐based probes rely on sensitised lanthanide luminescence. The outcome of the excited state energy transfer cascade – from sensitiser chromophore to lanthanide(III) ion – should be the population of the lanthanide excited state with an efficiency equal to unity. This is rarely the case, and this is a particular problem for europium(III) due to the low energy of the Eu(II)/Eu(III) redox couple. Thus, photoinduced electron transfer quenching can be an efficient drain for the excited state energy, reducing the brightness of a probe. Here, the effect of intramolecular PeT in a lanthanide‐based probe is investigated by contrasting intramolecular processes in coumarin‐appended 1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane‐1,4,7‐triacetate (DO3A) complexes with intermolecular processes induced through collisional quenching. We find that the excited energy transfer processes involving terbium(III) and europium(III) are slow in the complex when compared to collisional quenching. Further, we show that the quenching event may lead to lanthanide luminescence and suggest that the fate of a PeT quenching event may not be non‐radiative loss of the excitation energy.
Preparation and Spectroscopic Characterization of Si‐Coated Vegetable Oils and their Application in In Situ Curing of Hybrid Coatings
Authors: Maurin‐Pasturel Guillaume , Lemor Alain , Robin Jean‐Jacques , Lapinte Vincent
Published: January 2019

The modification of natural oils with heteroatoms leads to materials that can be employed in various areas thanks to their specific properties. Here, a solventless chemical modification of epoxidized linseed oil with an aminosilane without a catalyst is developed, and a detailed study of the chemical reactions involved during the process is reported. The mechanism results in two competitive reactions: the ring‐opening of epoxides and trans‐amidification of triglycerides with the amine functional group of aminosilane. These competitive reactions are shown by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and 1H, 13C, and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Even if the epoxy ring‐opening remains the major route, the trans‐amidification cannot be ignored. These modified oils are very reactive under atmospheric conditions by cross‐linking according to a polycondensation of the −Si(OMe)3 moieties or via a sol‐gel process and lead to a rapid hardening. The final material gives hydrophobic and glossy coatings on cellulose and glass.

Practical Applications: This paper details the easy route to convert vegetable oils into coatings by crosslinking under mild conditions. These bio‐based materials can be applied as oil‐based impregnating products for exterior wood protection and in the hydrophobization of paper.

Epoxidized linseed oil is chemically modified with an amino silane to make it reactive under atmospheric conditions. The chemical reaction is detailed and side reactions identified. Polycondensation of the grafted alkoxysilanes leads to hydrophobic coatings on cellulose and glass.
Electronic Communication in Pyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrroles Possessing Sterically Hindered Aromatic Substituents
Authors: Banasiewicz Marzena , Stężycki Rafał , Kumar G. Dinesh , Krzeszewski Maciej , Tasior Mariusz , Koszarna Beata , Janiga Anita , Vakuliuk Olena , Sadowski Bartłomiej , Gryko Daniel T. , Jacquemin Denis
Published: January 2019

An investigation of the multicomponent reaction of aldehydes deriving from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with aromatic amines and butane‐2,3‐dione led to the development of new conditions for the synthesis of tetraaryl‐pyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrroles. A major improvement lies in the use of toluene as a co‐solvent, enabling both the aldehyde and the initially formed imine to be soluble in the reaction mixture. A variety of aldehydes possessing a naphthalene subunit were transformed into a library of pyrrolopyrroles decorated with large aromatic substituents at the 2 and 5 positions, providing yellow‐orange‐emitting dyes with large fluorescence quantum yields and large Stokes shifts. We show that there is a significant π‐conjugation between the peripheral polycyclic subunits and the electron‐rich core, which translates into pronounced bathochromic shifts in absorption and emission maxima compared to the parent molecule. An analysis of the relationship between the degree of planarization of tetraaryl‐pyrrolopyrroles and their photophysical properties is reported. The computational studies, performed with Time‐Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD‐DFT), have revealed that typically electron‐rich polycyclic arenes became electron‐acceptors when attached to pyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrrole core. It has also been shown that there is a significant change of geometries of these heterocycles between the ground and the excited states.
Carbon Nanotube‐phenolic Resin Composite Electrode Fabricated by Far Infrared‐assisted Crosslinking for Enhanced Amperometric Detection
Authors: Wang Xinmei , Wang Jing , Zhang Luyan , Chen Gang
Published: January 2019

The composite of carbon nanotube (CNT) and phenolic resin was prepared in a piece of fused silica capillary based on the far infrared‐assisted crosslinking of phenolic novolac resin in the presence of CNTs and hexamethylenetetramine for electrochemical sensing. The surface morphology and structure of the prepared materials were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results indicated that CNTs in the composite was adhered by the crosslinked phenolic resin to form an electrically conductive network. Many broken ends of CNTs appeared on the surface of the composite electrode in the form of a nanoelectrode array. The novel electrode was employed in the amperometric detection of synephrine and hesperidin in Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium in combination with capillary zone electrophoresis. The novel CNT‐based electrode owned the advantages of high sensitivity, low fabrication expense and excellent electrocatalytic performances, indicating great promise for the electrochemical detection in other analysis systems.
Investigating Electrochemical Stability and Reliability of Gold Electrode‐electrolyte Systems to Develop Bioelectronic Nose Using Insect Olfactory Receptor
Authors: Khadka Roshan , Aydemir Nihan , Carraher Colm , Hamiaux Cyril , Baek Paul , Cheema Jamal , Kralicek Andrew , Travas‐Sejdic Jadranka
Published: January 2019

This article aims to demonstrate an electrochemically stable and reliable gold electrode‐electrolyte system to develop an insect odorant receptor (Drosophila melanogaster Or35a) based bioelectronic nose. Cyclic voltammograms (CVs) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) of bare gold electrodes, after modification with the self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) of 6‐mercaptohexanoic acid (MHA) and after immobilization with Or35a integrated into the lipid bilayers of liposomes were conducted in the presence of four different redox probes. Potassium ferri/ferrocyanide [Fe(CN)6]3−/[Fe (CN)6]4− and hydroquinone (H2Q) redox probes revealed variable and irreversible signals at the time scale of our measurements, with atomic force microscopy (AFM) images and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results suggesting gold surface etching due to the presence of CN− ions in case of [Fe(CN)6]3−/[Fe (CN)6]4−. Although the hexaammineruthenium complex showed stable electrochemical behaviour at all stages of biosensor development, changes in CV and EIS readings after each surface modifications were insignificant. PBS buffer as a non‐Faradaic medium, was found to provide reliable systems for electrochemical probing of modified gold electrodes with Or35a/liposomes in aqueous media. Using this system, we have shown that this novel biosensor can detect its known odorant E2‐hexenal selectively compared to methyl salicylate down to femtomolar concentration.
Effect of Power Density on the Electrochemical Properties of Undoped Amorphous Carbon (a‐C) Thin Films
Authors: Palomäki Tommi , Caro Miguel A. , Wester Niklas , Sainio Sami , Etula Jarkko , Johansson Leena‐Sisko , Han Jeon G. , Koskinen Jari , Laurila Tomi
Published: January 2019

Undoped a‐C thin films were deposited with varying power density from 10 to 25 W/cm2 using unbalanced closed‐field magnetron sputtering (CFUBMS). The effect of power density on the physical and electrochemical properties was investigated by experimental characterization methods and atomistic simulations. XPS indicated that the films were composed mostly of sp2‐bonded carbon (55–58 at.%) with a small amount of oxygen (8–9 at.%) in the surface region. The films appeared completely amorphous in XRD. The ID/IG ratio obtained by Raman spectroscopy indicated an increase from 1.76 to 2.34 with power density. The experimental and simulated data suggested a possible ordering and/or clustering of the sp2 phase with power density as the cause of the improved electrical properties of the a‐C films. The electrochemical properties of a‐C were between those of glassy carbon and tetrahedral amorphous carbon with potential windows ranging from 2.77 to 2.93 V and double‐layer capacitance values around 0.90 μF cm−2. Electron transfer for Ru(NH3)63+/2+ and FcMeOH+1/0 was reversible whereas that for IrCl62−/3− was quasi‐reversible. Peak potential separation of dopamine and oxidation potential of ascorbic acid decreased with power density, correlating with the structural and electrical changes of the films. The a‐C thin films deposited by CFUBMS are inherently conductive and their physical properties can be adjusted by varying the deposition parameters to a wide range of electrochemical applications.
The degree of substitution affects the enantioselectivity of sulfobutylether‐β‐cyclodextrin chiral stationary phases
Authors: Folprechtová Denisa , Kalíková Květa , Kozlík Petr , Tesařová Eva
Published: January 2019

Three chiral stationary phases were prepared by dynamic coating of sulfobutylether‐β‐cyclodextrin (SBE‐β‐CD) with different degrees of substitution, onto strong anion‐exchange stationary phases. The enantioselective potential and stability of newly prepared chiral stationary phases were examined using a set of structurally different chiral analytes. Measurements were performed in RP‐HPLC. Mobile phases consisted of methanol/formic acid, pH 2.10, and methanol/10 mM ammonium acetate buffer, pH 4.00, in various volume ratios. SBE‐β‐CDs with degrees of substitution (DS) 4, 6.3, and 10 proved suitable for the enantioseparation of 14, 11, and 8 analytes, respectively. The SBE‐β‐CD DS 4 based chiral stationary phase enabled the enantioseparation of the nearly all basic and neutral compounds. Chiral stationary phases with higher sulfobutylether‐β‐cyclodextrin substitution (especially DS 10) yielded higher enantioresolution values for acidic compounds.
Experimental investigation of seismic behaviour of the ancient Protiron monument model
Authors: Nikolić Željana , Krstevska Lidija , Marović Pavao , Smoljanović Hrvoje
Published: January 2019

Throughout history, dry‐stone masonry structures have been strengthened with different types of metal connectors in order to increase their resistance which enabled their survival, especially in the seismically active area. One such example is the ancient Protiron monument placed in the Peristyle square of the Diocletian's Palace in Split, Croatia. The Protiron was built at the turn of the 3rd century as a stone masonry structure with dowels embedded between its base, columns, capitals and broad gable. The stone blocks in the broad gable were connected by metal clamps during restoration at the beginning of the 20th century. In order to study the seismic performance of the strengthened stone masonry structures, an experimental investigation of seismic behaviour of a physical model of the Protiron was performed on the shaking table. The model was designed as a true replica model in a length scale of 1:4 and exposed to representative earthquake with increasing intensities up to collapse. The tests provided a clear insight into system behaviour, damage mechanism and failure under intensive seismic load, especially into the efficiency of connecting elements, which had a special role in increasing seismic resistance and protection of the structure from collapse. Additionally, this experiment provided valuable data for verification and calibration of numerical models for strengthened stone masonry structures.
Spatial variation of flow characteristics in a subarctic meandering river in ice‐covered and open‐channel conditions: A 2D hydrodynamic modelling approach
Authors: Lotsari Eliisa , Tarsa Tiia , Kämäri Maria , Alho Petteri , Kasvi Elina
Published: January 2019

To be able to understand year‐round river channel evolution both at present and in the future, the spatial variation of the flow characteristics and their sediment transport capabilities under ice cover need to be detected. As the measurements done through cross‐sectional drill holes cover only a small portion of the river channel area, the numerical simulations give insight into the wider spatial horizontal variation of the flow characteristics. Therefore, we simulate the ice‐covered flow with a hydrodynamic two‐dimensional (2D) model in a meandering subarctic river (Pulmanki River, Finland) in mid‐winter conditions and compare them to the pre‐winter open‐channel low flow situation. Based on the simulations, which are calibrated with reference measurements, we aim to detect (1) how ice‐covered mid‐winter flow characteristics vary spatially and (2) the erosion and sedimentation potential of the ice‐covered flow compared to open‐channel conditions.

The 2D hydrodynamic model replicated the observed flow characteristics in both open‐channel and ice‐covered conditions. During both seasons, the greatest erosional forces locate in the shallow sections. The narrow, freely flowing channel area found in mid‐winter cause the main differences in the spatial flow variation between seasons. Despite the causes of the horizontal recirculating flow structures being similar in both seasons, the structures formed in different locations depended on whether the river was open or ice covered. The critical thresholds for particle entrainment are exceeded more often in open‐channel conditions than during ice‐covered flow. The results indicate spatially extensive sediment transport in open‐channel conditions, but that the spatial variability and differences in depositional and erosional locations increase in ice‐covered conditions. Asymmetrical bends and straight reaches erode throughout the year, whereas symmetrical, smaller bends mainly erode in open‐channel conditions and are prone to deposition in winter. The long ice‐covered season can greatly affect the annual morphology of the submerged channel. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Timescale dependence in river channel migration measurements
Authors: Donovan Mitchell , Belmont Patrick
Published: January 2019

Accurately measuring river meander migration over time is critical for sediment budgets and understanding how rivers respond to changes in hydrology or sediment supply. However, estimates of meander migration rates or streambank contributions to sediment budgets using repeat aerial imagery, maps, or topographic data will be underestimated without proper accounting for channel reversal. Furthermore, comparing channel planform adjustment measured over dissimilar timescales are biased because short‐ and long‐term measurements are disproportionately affected by temporary rate variability, long‐term hiatuses, and channel reversals. We evaluate the role of timescale dependence for the Root River, a single threaded meandering sand‐ and gravel‐bedded river in southeastern Minnesota, USA, with 76 years of aerial photographs spanning an era of landscape changes that have drastically altered flows. Empirical data and results from a statistical river migration model both confirm a temporal measurement‐scale dependence, illustrated by systematic underestimations (2–15% at 50 years) and convergence of migration rates measured over sufficiently long timescales (> 40 years). Frequency of channel reversals exerts primary control on measurement bias for longer time intervals by erasing the record of observable migration. We conclude that using long‐term measurements of channel migration for sediment remobilization projections, streambank contributions to sediment budgets, sediment flux estimates, and perceptions of fluvial change will necessarily underestimate such calculations. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A high‐order solver for simulating vortex‐induced vibrations using the sliding‐mesh spectral difference method and hybrid grids
Authors: Qiu Zihua , Zhang Bin , Liang Chunlei , Xu Min
Published: January 2019

We present a high‐order solver for simulating vortex‐induced vibrations (VIVs) at very challenging situations, for example, VIVs of a row of very closely placed objects with large relative displacements. This solver works on unstructured hybrid grids by employing the high‐order tensor‐product spectral difference method for quadrilateral grids and the Raviart‐Thomas spectral difference method for triangular grids. To deal with the challenging situations where a traditional conforming moving mesh is incapable, we split a computational domain into nonoverlapping subdomains, where each interior subdomain encloses an object and moves freely with respect to its neighbors. A nonuniform sliding‐mesh method that ensures high‐order accuracy is developed to deal with sliding interfaces between subdomains. A monolithic approach is adopted to seamlessly couple the fluid and solid vibration equations. Moreover, the solver is parallelized to further improve its efficiency on distributed‐memory computers. Through a series of numerical tests, we demonstrate that this solver is high‐order accurate for both inviscid and viscous flows and has good parallel efficiency, making it ideal for VIV studies.
Development of casein‐based nanoencapsulation systems for delivery of epigallocatechin gallate and folic acid
Authors: Malekhosseini Parisa , Alami Mehran , Khomeiri Morteza , Esteghlal Sara , Nekoei Abdo‐Reza , Hosseini Seyed Mohammad Hashem
Published: January 2019

In this work, binding characteristics of two hydrophilic nutraceutical models, namely epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and folic acid (FA), to sodium caseinate were studied by fluorimetry technique. EGCG‐loaded casein molecules were then converted to either re‐combined casein micelles (r‐CMs) or casein nanoparticles (CNPs). Binding stoichiometry of EGCG and FA was 0.81 and 1.02, respectively. As determined by DLS technique, the average particle size of r‐CMs prepared at 0.5% concentration was 66.2 nm. Thermal treatment (74°C, 20 s) had significant (p < 0.05) influence on the particle size of nanocarriers, but not nutraceutical loading. The average size of CNPs was larger than that of r‐CMs. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) of EGCG was 85%, and its ejection from the nanocarrier was less than 3% over 21 days. Alkaline conditions resulted in higher release of EGCG than acidic conditions. r‐CMs were more effective than CNPs during the protection of EGCG against heat‐induced degradation. TEM micrographs confirmed the formation of r‐CMs.
Use of instrumental variables for endogenous treatment at the provider level
Authors: Konetzka R. Tamara , Yang Fan , Werner Rachel M.
Published: January 2019

Health economists are often interested in the effects of provider‐level attributes (e.g., nonprofit status or quality rating) on patient outcomes, but estimation is subject to selection bias due to correlation with other omitted provider‐level attributes that also affect patient outcomes. Recently, researchers have attempted to use patient‐level instrumental variables, such as differential distance, to solve this problem of a provider‐level endogenous treatment variable in settings where patients are nested within providers. However, to satisfy validity assumptions, an instrumental variable for a provider attribute must be at the provider level or a larger unit of aggregation, not at the patient level. A patient‐level instrument cannot predict variation in a provider attribute separately from other, potentially unmeasured, provider attributes. In this paper, we explain this misapplication, review the extent of this problem in recent literature, and offer alternative approaches to avoid this misapplication of patient‐level instrumental variables.
Metabolic tumor volume and total lesion glycolysis predict tumor progression and survival after salvage surgery for recurrent oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Choi Woo Ri , Oh Jungsu S. , Roh Jong‐Lyel , Kim Jae Seung , Oh Inhye , Choi Seung‐Ho , Nam Soon Yuhl , Kim Sang Yoon
Published: January 2019

Background

This study evaluated the prognostic role of Fluorine 18‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT (18F‐FDG PET/CT) parameters quantitatively measured in patients with recurrent oral cavity cancer.

Methods

Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to assess the associations between quantitative 18F‐FDG PET/CT parameters and other clinicopathological factors and progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

All of the 18F‐FDG PET parameters (SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVpeak, metabolic tumor volume [MTV], and total lesion glycolysis [TLG]) were significantly associated with poor PFS and OS outcomes after salvage treatment (P < .01). In multivariate analyses, Karnofsky performance score, recurrence site, MTV, and TLG were independent variables predictive of both PFS and OS (P < .05). High MTV (>8.8 mL) or TLG (>29.4 g) values at recurrent lesions were associated with >5‐fold increased risk for tumor progression and mortality after salvage surgery.

Conclusions

The PET parameters of MTV and TLG measured at recurrent lesions may predict tumor progression and survival after salvage treatment.

Condensed Abstract

This study examined the role of 18F‐FDG PET/CT at recurrent staging for predicting tumor progression and survival in 71 consecutive patients with recurrent oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas. Of 18F‐FDG parameters, metabolic tumor volume and total lesion glycolysis were independent factors predictive of tumor progression and survival after salvage treatment.
Early childhood social responsiveness predicts the general factor of personality in early adolescence
Authors: Dunkel Curtis S. , van der Linden Dimitri , Kawamoto Tetsuya
Published: January 2019

Positively valenced personality traits are positively correlated, forming a general factor of personality or GFP. A leading interpretation of the GFP is that it reflects social effectiveness. Accordingly, the GFP has been associated with positive social outcomes in adolescence. Yet little is known about its developmental origins. Given that the GFP is partially heritable, it was hypothesized that childhood social engagement would predict the GFP in early adolescence. Archived data from the Colorado Adoption Project were used to test this hypothesis. Using combinations of self and other ratings of personality, and adopting a range of different statistical techniques, confirmed that responsiveness to and fear of (inversely) strangers during the first 4 years of age predicted the GFP at age 12. Future research examining the possible developmental origins of the GFP is prescribed.

Highlights

Can the general factor of personality be predicted by early childhood temperament?

Sociability toward strangers in the first four years was associated with the general factor of personality in early adolescence.

The results point to the foundations of the general factor of personality.
Germline BRCA2 K3326X and CHEK2 I157T mutations increase risk for sporadic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Obazee O. , Archibugi L. , Andriulli A. , Soucek P. , Małecka‐Panas E. , Ivanauskas A. , Johnson T. , Gazouli M. , Pausch T. , Lawlor R. T. , Cavestro G. M. , Milanetto A. C. , Di Leo M. , Pasquali C. , Hegyi P. , Szentesi A. , Radu C. E. , Gheorghe C. , Theodoropoulos G. E. , Bergmann F. , Brenner H. , Vodickova L. , Katzke V. , Campa D. , Strobel O. , Kaiser J. , Pezzilli R. , Federici F. , Mohelnikova‐Duchonova B. , Boggi U. , Lemstrova R. , Johansen J. S. , Bojesen S. E. , Chen I. , Jensen B. V. , Capurso G. , Pazienza V. , Dervenis C. , Sperti C. , Mambrini A. , Hackert T. , Kaaks R. , Basso D. , Talar‐Wojnarowska R. , Maiello E. , Izbicki J. R. , Cuk K. , Saum K. U. , Cantore M. , Kupcinskas J. , Palmieri O. , Delle Fave G. , Landi S. , Salvia R. , Fogar P. , Vashist Y. K. , Scarpa A. , Vodicka P. , Tjaden C. , Iskierka‐Jazdzewska E. , Canzian F.
Published: January 2019

Rare truncating BRCA2 K3326X (rs11571833) and pathogenic CHEK2 I157T (rs17879961) variants have previously been implicated in familial pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), but not in sporadic cases. The effect of both mutations in important DNA repair genes on sporadic PDAC risk may shed light on the genetic architecture of this disease. Both mutations were genotyped in germline DNA from 2,935 sporadic PDAC cases and 5,626 control subjects within the PANcreatic Disease ReseArch (PANDoRA) consortium. Risk estimates were evaluated using multivariate unconditional logistic regression with adjustment for possible confounders such as sex, age and country of origin. Statistical analyses were two‐sided with p values <0.05 considered significant. K3326X and I157T were associated with increased risk of developing sporadic PDAC (odds ratio (ORdom) = 1.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.26–2.52, p = 1.19 × 10−3 and ORdom = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.15–2.63, p = 8.57 × 10−3, respectively). Neither mutation was significantly associated with risk of developing early‐onset PDAC. This retrospective study demonstrates novel risk estimates of K3326X and I157T in sporadic PDAC which suggest that upon validation and in combination with other established genetic and non‐genetic risk factors, these mutations may be used to improve pancreatic cancer risk assessment in European populations. Identification of carriers of these risk alleles as high‐risk groups may also facilitate screening or prevention strategies for such individuals, regardless of family history.
Postmenopausal hormone use and cutaneous melanoma risk: A French prospective cohort study
Authors: Cervenka I. , Al Rahmoun M. , Mahamat‐Saleh Y. , Savoye I. , Boutron‐Ruault M.C. , Fournier A. , Kvaskoff M.
Published: January 2019

Cutaneous melanoma has been suspected to be influenced by female hormones. Several studies reported a positive association between menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) use and melanoma risk; however, previous findings were conflicting. We sought to explore the associations between MHT use and melanoma risk in a prospective cohort of women in France, where a particularly wide variety of MHT formulations are available. E3N is a prospective cohort of 98,995 French women aged 40–65 years in 1990. MHT use was assessed through biennial self‐administered questionnaires. We used Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusted for age and skin cancer risk factors. Over 1990–2008, 444 melanoma cases were ascertained among 75,523 postmenopausal women. Ever use of MHT was associated with a higher melanoma risk (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.35, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.07–1.71). The association was strongest among past users (HR = 1.55, CI = 1.17–2.07, homogeneity for past vs. recent use: p = 0.11), and users of MHT containing norpregnane derivatives (HR = 1.59, CI = 1.11–2.27), although with no heterogeneity across types of MHT (p = 0.13). Among MHT users, the association was similar across durations of use. However, a higher risk was observed when treatment onset occurred shortly after menopause (<6 months: HR = 1.55, CI = 1.16–2.07 vs. ≥2 years). Associations between MHT use and melanoma risk were similar after adjustment for UV exposure, although MHT users were more likely to report sunscreen use than nonusers. Our data do not support a strong association between MHT use and melanoma risk. Further investigation is needed to explore potential effect modification by UV exposure on this relationship.
Ionic Liquid with Silyl Substituted Cation: Thermophysical and CO2/N2 Permeation Properties
Authors: Gouveia Andreia S. L. , Soares Bruna , Simões Sofia , Antonov Dmitrii Y. , Lozinskaya Elena I. , Saramago Benilde , Shaplov Alexander S. , Marrucho Isabel M.
Published: January 2019

Novel functionalized ionic liquid (IL) combining an imidazolium‐based cation with branched alkyl chain bearing silyl group, 1‐methyl‐3‐(2‐methyl‐3‐(trimethylsilyl)propyl)imidazolium ([Si−C1−C3‐mim]+), and bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([NTf2]−) anion was synthesized and its thermophysical properties (density, viscosity, surface tension, surface entropy and enthalpy, thermal stability) were studied in a wide temperature range and compared with those of ILs having linear alkyl ([Cn‐mim][NTf2]) and siloxane ([(SiOSi)C1mim][NTf2]) side chains. It was found that at 25 °C [Si−C1−C3‐mim][NTf2] is a liquid with dynamic viscosity of 224 cP (224 mPa s) and density of 1.32 g cm−3. The presence of side branched alkyl chain with trimethylsilyl end‐group prevents crystallization of IL and leads to higher viscosities and lower densities in comparison with commonly known [Cn‐mim][NTf2] (n=2–4). As surface excess enthalpy was found to be in the lower end of the usual range of values for ILs, the interactions between silyl‐functionalized cation and [NTf2] anion can be considered as relatively weak. Finally, [Si−C1−C3‐mim][NTf2] was used for the preparation of polymer supported ionic liquid membranes (SILMs) and their CO2 and N2 permeation properties at 20 °C and 100 kPa were determined: permeability PCO2=311, PN2=12 Barrer, diffusivity DCO2=115×1012, DN2=227×1012 m2 s−1 and CO2/N2 permselectivity αCO2/N2=25.3.
The effect of tantalum incorporation on the physical and chemical properties of ternary silicon–calcium–phosphorous mesoporous bioactive glasses
Authors: Mendonca Andrew , Rahman Md. Saidur , Alhalawani Adel , Rodriguez Omar , Gallant Reid C. , Ni Heyu , Clarkin Owen M. , Towler Mark R.
Published: January 2019

Synthesis and characterization of the first mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs) containing tantalum are reported here, along with their potential application as hemostats. Silica MBGs were synthesized using with the molar composition of (80‐x)% Si, 15% Ca, 5% P, and x% Ta. It was found that incorporation of >1 mol % Ta into the MBGs changes their physical and chemical properties. Increasing Ta content from 0 to 10 mol % causes a decrease in the surface area and pore volume of ~20 and ~35%, respectively. This is due to the increase in nonbridging oxygens and mismatch of thermal expansion coefficient which created discontinuities in the ordered channel structure. However, the effect is not significant on the amount of ions (Si, Ca, P, and Ta) released, from the sample into deionized water, for short durations (<60 min). In a mouse tail‐cut model, a significant decrease in bleeding time (≥50% of average bleeding time) was found for Ta‐MBGs compared to having no treatment, Arista, and MBG without Ta. Further studies are proposed to determine the mechanism of Ta involvement with the hemostatic process. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 2229–2237, 2019.