bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Doping control analysis of four JWH‐250 metabolites in equine urine by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: You Youwen , Proctor Rachel M. , Vasilko Eric D. , Robinson Mary A.
Published: November 2018

JWH‐250 is a synthetic cannabinoid. Its use is prohibited in equine sport according to the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) and the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI). A doping control method to confirm the presence of four JWH‐250 metabolites (JWH‐250 4‐OH‐pentyl, JWH‐250 5‐OH‐pentyl, JWH‐250 5‐OH‐indole, and JWH‐250 N‐pentanoic acid) in equine urine was developed and validated. Urine samples were treated with acetonitrile and evaporated to concentrate the analytes prior to the analysis by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The chromatographic separation was carried out using a Phenomenex Lux® 3 μm AMP column (150 x 3.0 mm). A triple quadrupole mass spectrometer was used for detection of the analytes in positive mode electrospray ionization using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). The limits of detection, quantification, and confirmation for these metabolites were 25, 50, and 50 pg/mL, respectively. The linear dynamic range of quantification was 50–10000 pg/mL. Enzymatic hydrolysis indicated that JWH‐250 4‐OH‐pentyl, JWH‐250 5‐OH‐pentyl, and JWH‐250 5‐OH indole are highly conjugated whereas JWH‐250 N‐pentanoic acid is not conjugated. Relative retention time and product ion intensity ratios were employed as the criteria to confirm the presence of these metabolites in equine urine. The method was successfully applied to post‐race urine samples collected from horses suspected of being exposed to JWH‐250. All four JWH‐250 metabolites were confirmed in these samples, demonstrating the method applicability for equine doping control analysis.
Thioether Oxidation with H2O2 Catalyzed by Nb‐Substituted Polyoxotungstates: Mechanistic Insights
Authors: Zalomaeva Olga V. , Maksimchuk Nataliya V. , Maksimov Gennadii M. , Kholdeeva Oxana A.
Published: November 2018

Nb‐monosubstituted polyoxotungstates of the Lindqvist and Keggin structures, (Bu4N)3[Nb(O)W5O18] (1) and (Bu4N)4[PW11NbO40] (2), respectively, catalyze oxidation of organic sulfides with aqueous H2O2 in acetonitrile. The corresponding peroxo complexes (Bu4N)3[Nb(O2)W5O18] (3) and (Bu4N)4[PW11Nb(O2)O39] (4), formed upon interaction of 1 and 2 with H2O2, are able to oxidize sulfides to sulfoxides and sulfones under stoichiometric conditions. The product analysis of the oxidation of thianthrene 5‐oxide, competitive sulfide–sulfoxide oxidation and Hammett plot implicated electrophilic oxidative properties of 4 and a complex oxidative nature of 3. Protonation of peroxo complex 3 leading to the formation of the peroxo species (Bu4N)2[HNb(O2)W5O18] (5) strongly increases its electrophilicity, which has a great impact on its reactivity and sulfoxidation selectivity.
Sensitive Voltammetric Determination of Bisphenol A Based on a Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Copper Oxide‐Zinc Oxide Decorated on Graphene Oxide
Authors: Ulubay Karabiberoğlu Şükriye
Published: November 2018

A highly sensitive and selective chemical sensor was prepared based on metallic copper‐copper oxides and zinc oxide decorated graphene oxide modified glassy carbon electrode (Cu−Zn/GO/GCE) through an easily electrochemical method for the quantification of bisphenol A (BPA). The composite electrode was characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The electrochemical behavior of BPA in Britton‐Robinson (BR) buffer solution (pH 7.1) was examined using cyclic voltammetry (CV). Under optimized conditions, the square wave voltammetry (SWV) response of Cu−Zn/GO/GCE towards BPA indicates two linear relationships within concentrations (3.0 nmol L−1−0.1 μmol L−1 and 0.35 μmol L−1−20.0 μmol L−) and has a low detection limit (0.88 nmol L−1). The proposed electrochemical sensor based on Cu−Zn/GO/GCE is both time and cost effective, has good reproducibility, high selectivity as well as stability for BPA determination. The developed composite electrode was used to detect BPA in various samples including baby feeding bottle, pacifier, water bottle and food storage container and satisfactory results were obtained with high recoveries.
Identification and monitoring of atypical PML/RARA fusion transcripts in acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Iaccarino Licia , Divona Mariadomenica , Ottone Tiziana , Cicconi Laura , Lavorgna Serena , Ciardi Claudia , Alfonso Valentina , Travaglini Serena , Facchini Luca , Cimino Giuseppe , Di Bona Eros , Voso Maria Teresa , Lo‐Coco Francesco
Published: November 2018

Once the diagnostic suspicion of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) has been raised, international guidelines recommend prompt initiation of tailored therapy and supportive care, while awaiting for genetic confirmation of the diagnosis, and the identification of the specific PML/RARA isoform by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Depending on the PML break point, usually located within intron 6, exon 6, or intron 3, different PML/RARA transcript isoforms may be generated, that is, long (bcr1), variant (bcr2), and short (bcr3), respectively. We report here the characterization of three APL cases harboring atypical PML/RARA transcripts, which were not clearly detectable after standard RT‐PCR amplification. In all three cases, clinical, morphological, and immunophenotypic features were consistent with APL. Direct sequencing allowed the identification of atypical break points within the PML and RARA genes. Then, we designed a patient‐specific quantitative real‐time PCR for the atypical transcripts, which allowed for specific quantitative evaluation of minimal residual disease (MRD) during follow‐up. Despite the rarity of APL cases with an atypical PML/RARA fusion, our study indicates that an integrated laboratory approach, employing several diagnostic techniques is crucial to timely diagnose APL. This approach allows prompt initiation of specific targeted treatment and reliable MRD monitoring in atypical APL cases.
A neural microcircuit model for a scalable scale‐invariant representation of time
Authors: Liu Yue , Tiganj Zoran , Hasselmo Michael E. , Howard Marc W.
Published: November 2018

Scale‐invariant timing has been observed in a wide range of behavioral experiments. The firing properties of recently described time cells provide a possible neural substrate for scale‐invariant behavior. Earlier neural circuit models do not produce scale‐invariant neural sequences. In this article, we present a biologically detailed network model based on an earlier mathematical algorithm. The simulations incorporate exponentially decaying persistent firing maintained by the calcium‐activated nonspecific (CAN) cationic current and a network structure given by the inverse Laplace transform to generate time cells with scale‐invariant firing rates. This model provides the first biologically detailed neural circuit for generating scale‐invariant time cells. The circuit that implements the inverse Laplace transform merely consists of off‐center/on‐surround receptive fields. Critically, rescaling temporal sequences can be accomplished simply via cortical gain control (changing the slope of the f–I curve).
Absence of an early hippocampal encoding signal after medial temporal lesions: No consequence for the spacing effect
Authors: Tautvydaitė Domilė , Manuel Aurélie L. , Nahum Louis , Adam‐Darqué Alexandra , Ptak Radek , Schnider Armin
Published: November 2018

Immediately repeated meaningful pictures in a continuous recognition task induce a positive frontal potential at about 200–300 ms, which appears to emanate from the medial temporal lobe (MTL) centered on the hippocampus, as concluded from inverse solutions, coherence measurements, and depth electrode recordings in humans. In this study, we tested patients with unilateral MTL lesions due to stroke to verify the provenance of this signal and its association with the spacing effect (SE)—the improved learning of material encountered in spaced rather than massed presentation. We found that unilateral left or right MTL lesions abolished the early frontal MTL‐mediated signal but not the spacing effect. We conclude that the SE does not depend on MTL integrity. We suggest that the early frontal signal at 200–300 ms after immediate picture repetition may serve as a direct biomarker of MTL integrity that may be useful in the early stages of diseases like Alzheimer's.
Strontium‐substituted hydroxyapatite stimulates osteogenesis on poly(propylene fumarate) nanocomposite scaffolds
Authors: Li Jingfeng , Liu Xifeng , Park Sungjo , Miller A. Lee , Terzic Andre , Lu Lichun
Published: November 2018

Incorporation of hydroxyapatite (HA) into polymer networks is a promising strategy to enhance the mechanical properties and osteoinductivity of the composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. In this study, we designed a group of nanocomposite scaffolds based on cross‐linkable poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) and 30 wt % strontium‐hydroxyapatite (Sr‐HA) nanoparticles. Four different Sr contents [Sr:(Sr + Ca), molar ratio] in the Sr‐HA particles were studied: 0% (HA), 5% (Sr5‐HA), 10% (Sr10‐HA), and 20% (Sr20‐HA). Two‐dimensional (2D) disks were prepared using a thermal crosslinking method. The structure and surface morphology of different Sr‐HA and PPF/Sr‐HA composites were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). To detect cellular responses in vitro, MC3T3‐E1 cells were seeded and cultured on the different PPF/Sr‐HA composite disks. Cell morphology after 24 h and 5 days were imaged using Live/Dead live cell staining and SEM, respectively. Cell proliferation was quantified using an MTS assay at 1, 4, and 7 days. Osteogenic differentiation of the cells was examined by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining at 10 days and quantified using ALP activity and osteocalcin assays at 7, 14, and 21 days. The sizes of the HA, Sr5‐HA, Sr10‐HA, and Sr20‐HA particles were mainly between 10 × 20 nm and 10 × 250 nm, and these nanoparticles were dispersed or clustered in the composite scaffolds. in vitro cell studies showed that the PPF/Sr10‐HA scaffold was significantly better than the other three groups (PPF/HA, PPF/Sr5‐HA, and PPF/Sr20‐HA) in supporting MC3T3‐E1 cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. PPF/Sr10‐HA may, therefore, serve as a promising scaffold material for bone tissue engineering. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 631–642, 2019.
Retracted: miR‐150 might inhibit cell proliferation and promote cell apoptosis by targeting LMO4 in Burkitt lymphoma
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Wei Yanshuan , Zhou Jun , Wang Guannan , Xiao Lin , Xu Jingjing , Wei Na , Li Wencai , Zhang Mingzhi
Published: November 2018

This study aimed at investigating the effect of microRNA‐150 (miR‐150) on cell proliferation of Burkitt lymphoma and its molecular mechanism. Gene expression analysis was applied to identify target genes of miR‐150 in Burkitt lymphoma cell line ST486 based on the dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets GSE86432. miRNA mimics, inhibitor and small interfering RNA (siRNA) were fluorescently labeled by Cy3, whereas plasmid vector was labeled by EGFP. Cells were viewed by ﬂuorescence microscope and transfection efficiency was evaluated through fluorescent cell percentage. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis (qRT‐PCR) and western blot were applied to detect the expression level of miR‐150 and LMO4. Cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis were explored by CCK‐8, flow cytometry. Targeting relationship was validated by the Luciferase reporter assay. Tumor xenograft and immunohistochemical analysis were conducted in nude mice model. In Burkitt lymphoma cells, miR‐150 expression was significantly lower than normal ones, whereas the expression of
LMO4 was upregulated. miR‐150 might inhibit cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in Burkitt lymphoma deterioration by downregulating
LMO4. The results of tumor xenograft further confirmed the role of miR‐150 in Burkitt lymphoma. Targeting
LMO4 is a significant mechanism by which miR‐150 suppresses cell growth and promotes apoptosis in Burkitt lymphoma cells, thus may provide a novel target for Burkitt lymphoma therapy in the future.
Sewing up the wounds : The epithelial morphogenesis as a central mechanism of calcaronean sponge regeneration
Authors: Lavrov Andrey I. , Bolshakov Fyodor V. , Tokina Daria B. , Ereskovsky Alexander V.
Published: November 2018

Sponges (Porifera) demonstrate prominent regeneration abilities and possess a wide variety of mechanisms, used during this process. In the current study, we combined in vivo observations with histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural technics to elucidate the fine cellular mechanisms of the regeneration in the calcareous sponge Leucosolenia cf. variabilis. The regeneration of Leucosolenia cf. variabilis ends within 4–6 days. The crucial step of the process is the formation of the transient regenerative membrane, formed by the epithelial morphogenesis—spreading of the intact exopinacoderm and choanoderm. The spreading of the choanoderm is accompanied by the transdifferentiation of the choanocytes. The regenerative membrane develops without any contribution of the mesohyl cells. Subsequently, the membrane gradually transforms into the body wall. The cell proliferation is neither affected nor contributes to the regeneration at any stage. Thus, Leucosolenia cf. variabilis regeneration relies on the remodeling of the intact tissues through the epithelial morphogenesis, accompanied by the transdifferentiation of some differentiated cell types, which makes it similar to the regeneration in homoscleromorphs and eumetazoans.
Inter‐decadal variability of the location of maximum intensity of category 4–5 typhoons and its implication on landfall intensity in East Asia
Authors: Liu Kin Sik , Chan Johnny C. L.
Published: November 2018

This study investigates the variations of the location of the lifetime‐maximum intensity (LMI) of the tropical cyclones (TCs) over the western North Pacific and the possible implications on the TC landfall intensity in different regions of East Asia. While the annual mean LMI latitude of TCs with at least tropical storm intensity shows a significant upwards trend during 1960–2016, that for intense typhoons (category 4–5) has no trend but a significant inter‐decadal variation, with distinct periods of higher latitude (1960–1969 and 1991–2011) and lower latitude (1970–1990, 2012–2016). A comparison of the spatial patterns of LMI during the periods 1970–1990 and 1991–2011 shows that the LMI location migrates from the southern to the northern part of East Asia from the first to the second period. This shift results from a higher percentage of recurving and north oriented TCs, a northwards shift of genesis locations and an increase in latitudinal distance between genesis position and LMI location in the second period. The frequency of intense typhoon landfalls and the average landfall intensities of the landfalling TCs therefore increase in Japan, the Korean Peninsula and east China but decrease in southern China. The higher frequency and average landfall intensity lead to higher annual maximum landfall intensity, which is more significant for Japan and the Korean Peninsula. However, the effect on landfall intensity in the southern part of East Asia is not obvious, with only a significant decrease in annual maximum landfall intensities in southern China.
A method for investigating the relative importance of three components in overall uncertainty of climate projections
Authors: Zhuan Meijia , Chen Jie , Xu Chong‐Yu , Zhao Cha , Xiong Lihua , Liu Pan
Published: November 2018

Climate model response (M) and greenhouse gas emissions (S) uncertainties are consistently estimated as spreads of multi‐model and multi‐scenario climate change projections. There has been less agreement in estimating internal climate variability (V). In recent years, an initial condition ensemble (ICE) of a climate model has been developed to study V. ICE is simulated by running a climate model using an identical climate forcing but different initial conditions. Inter‐member differences of an ICE manifestly represent V. However, ICE has been barely used to investigate relative importance of climate change uncertainties. Accordingly, this study proposes a method of using ICEs, without assuming V as constant, for investigating the relative importance of climate change uncertainties and its temporal–spatial variation. Prior to investigating temporal–spatial variation in China, V estimated using ICE was compared to that using multi‐model individual time series at national scale. Results show that V using ICE is qualitatively similar to that using multi‐model individual time series for temperature. However, V is not constant for average and extreme precipitations. V and M dominate before 2050s especially for precipitation. S is dominant in the late 21st century especially for temperature. Mean temperature change is projected to be 30–70% greater than its uncertainty until 2050s, while uncertainty becomes 10–40% greater than the change in the late 21st century. Precipitation change uncertainty overwhelms its change by 70–150% throughout 21st century. Cold regions (e.g., northern China and Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau) tend to have greater temperature change uncertainties. In dry regions (e.g., northwest China), all three uncertainties tend to be great for changes in average and extreme precipitations. This study emphasizes the importance of considering climate change uncertainty in impact studies, especially taking into account that V is irreducible in the future. Using ICEs without assuming V as constant is an appropriate approach to study climate change uncertainty.
The water cycle of the mid‐Holocene West African monsoon: The role of vegetation and dust emission changes
Authors: Messori Gabriele , Gaetani Marco , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Qiong , Pausata Francesco S. R.
Published: November 2018

During the mid‐Holocene (6 kyr BP), West Africa experienced a much stronger and geographically extensive monsoon than in the present day. Changes in orbital forcing, vegetation and dust emissions from the Sahara have been identified as key factors driving this intensification. Here, we analyse how the timing, origin and convergence of moisture fluxes contributing to the monsoonal precipitation change under a range of scenarios: orbital forcing only; orbital and vegetation forcings (Green Sahara); orbital, vegetation and dust forcings (Green Sahara‐reduced dust). We further compare our results to a range of reconstructions of mid‐Holocene precipitation from palaeoclimate archives. In our simulations, the greening of the Sahara leads to a cyclonic water vapour flux anomaly over North Africa with an anomalous westerly flow bringing large amounts of moisture into the Sahel from the Atlantic Ocean. Changes in atmospheric dust under a vegetated Sahara shift the anomalous moisture advection pattern northwards, increasing both moisture convergence and precipitation recycling over the northern Sahel and Sahara and the associated precipitation during the boreal summer. During this season, under both the Green Sahara and Green Sahara‐reduced dust scenarios, local recycling in the Saharan domain exceeds that of the Sahel. This points to local recycling as an important factor modulating vegetation‐precipitation feedbacks and the impact of Saharan dust emissions. Our results also show that temperature and evapotranspiration over the Sahara in the mid‐Holocene are close to Sahelian pre‐industrial values. This suggests that pollen‐based paleoclimate reconstructions of precipitation during the Green Sahara period are likely not biased by possible large evapotranspiration changes in the region.
Noninvasive cardiac arrhythmia ablation with particle beams
Authors: Graeff Christian , Bert Christoph
Published: November 2018

Cardiac arrhythmias are a major health burden, associated with reduced quality of life and substantial morbidity and mortality. Current therapy includes moderately effective medication and catheter‐based ablation of arrhythmogenic substrates in the heart. Catheter interventions frequently have to be repeated due to recurrent arrhythmia, can have rare but severe side‐effects and are less suited especially for potentially lethal left ventricular tachycardia. Noninvasive alternatives are therefore warranted. Photon and ion beam radiotherapy has been studied in animal models and first patient cases have been reported using photons. Ion beams might offer the possibility to greatly reduce dose to surrounding healthy tissue, including critical cardiac substructures.

Based on a recently conducted animal study, we report advantages and disadvantages of 4D‐ion beam therapy, and strategies necessary for a clinical transition. Motion management of both respiration and heartbeat are discussed, as well as range uncertainty resulting from both regular motion and interfractional anatomic changes. Image guidance both in 3D and 4D has to be employed for a safe irradiation, but also population‐based data on motion variability and time behavior of interfractional changes are necessary. Range verification could play a crucial role at least during development of clinical protocols.

For clinical realization, it appears necessary to suppress or conformally mitigate the large respiratory motion to avoid normal tissue complications. Cardiac motion has to be incorporated into treatment planning, either through adequate range‐considering internal margins or through more conformal strategies such as ECG‐based gating or even 4D‐optimization. The latter strategies would necessitate online 4D image guidance.
Advanced Treatment Planning
Authors: Wedenberg Minna , Beltran Chris , Mairani Andrea , Alber Markus
Published: November 2018

Treatment planning for protons and heavier ions is adapting technologies originally developed for photon dose optimization, but also has to meet its particular challenges. Since the quality of the applied dose is more sensitive to geometric uncertainties, treatment plan robust optimization has a much more prominent role in particle therapy. This has led to specific planning tools, approaches, and research into new formulations of the robust optimization problems. Tools for solution space navigation and automatic planning are also being adapted to particle therapy. These challenges become even greater when detailed models of relative biological effectiveness (RBE) are included into dose optimization, as is required for heavier ions.
Radiogenomics
Authors: Story Michael D. , Durante Marco
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Radiogenomics is the study of genomic changes that underlie the radioresponse of normal and tumor tissues. And while this is generally regarded as a whole genome approach, one must keep in mind the impact of single gene biology on radioresponse, (ataxia telangiectasia, Nijmegen breakage syndrome).

Methods

This review begins with the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the DNA with adverse normal tissue events to the prediction of therapeutic outcome after radiotherapy. From there it covers transcriptome (protein coding RNA transcripts) analysis, which is where the greatest understanding of the molecular signaling responsible for the radioresponse of tumors and normal tissues is known. Non‐protein coding RNA transcripts (miRNA, lncRNA), transcribed from what was once thought of as junk DNA, are now known to be negative regulators of the transcription of mRNA by multiple mechanisms. miRNA can act as tumor suppressors or oncogenes regulating a diverse range of cellular processes that drive radioresponse and biosignatures that predict outcome after radiotherapy are described.

Results

Biological signatures that explain differences in radioresponse based upon cell type, biological signatures that predict surviving fraction at 2 Gy and signatures that identify hypoxia have been described. The omics analysis of the response of mammalian cells to charged particle, predominantly proton and carbon ions, is less mature than that seen with low LET radiation exposures. However, there appear to be responses after charged particle exposure that parallel the responses seem with low LET exposures. This commonality of response is centered around the downstream signaling of p53. There are also novel omics responses to charged particles that help explain the response of tumors to charged particle exposures. For instance, signaling pathways associated with angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, migration and invasion appear to be downregulated in a number of cell types when exposed to charged particles. This response supports both in vitro and in vivo data suggesting that tumors exposed to charged particles are less invasive, unlike the response of tumors to low LET exposures. Profoundly lacking for low LET and charged particle exposures are predictive or prognostic signatures of radioresponse or tumor physiology affecting radioresponse that have been validated in prospective clinical trials. For example, the identification of low LET tumor radioresistance could be used as a marker of patient eligibility for carbon therapy. Tissue specific signatures, or accurate imaging of hypoxic regions, could be used for charged particle selection to overcome hypoxia per se, or could be used to prescribe a high LET therapeutic boost to a hypoxic region of a tumor.

Conclusions

Integrating radiogenomics into radiation oncology has the potential to personalize an already precise form of cancer therapy.
Dose detectors, sensors, and their applications
Authors: Giordanengo Simona , Palmans Hugo
Published: November 2018

This article is intended to present the different types of particle and radiation detectors available for applications in particle therapy. Several types of detectors and sensors exist for measurements of absorbed dose in reference and nonreference conditions and the ones in use for beam monitoring. Therefore, this manuscript focuses on the following applications: (a) primary methods for dosimetry in ion beams, (b) measurements of absorbed dose in realistic patient‐specific scenarios with different dose delivery configurations, and (c) beam monitoring. Water and graphite calorimeters, Faraday cups, ionization based gas detectors are described first, followed by the description of the protocols for proton and ion dosimetry. Then films, scintillator and solid‐state detectors are reviewed. Finally, several types of ionization chambers (large, pinpoint, arrays of chambers arranged in regular 1D or 2D pattern, parallel‐plate configuration with large integral electrodes or with anode segmented in strips or pixels, multi‐wire, and the multi‐gap prototype) have been considered. New beam monitors to deal with a wide range of intensity and pulsed beams expected from new accelerators, different dose fractionation and advanced delivery techniques are presented. The existing detectors available for particle therapy have been described taking into account the different requirements for devices used in reference and nonreference conditions and the ones designed for beam monitoring.
Developing a surgeon‐patient communication checklist for total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Gautreau Sylvia , Gould Odette N. , Aquino‐Russell Catherine , Forsythe Michael E.
Published: November 2018

Background

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a well‐established surgical procedure with high rates of clinical success, yet up to 20% of patients are dissatisfied with their outcomes. Surgeon–patient communication is an important contributor to patient satisfaction, particularly in the area of setting or resetting postoperative expectations that are reasonable and achievable for individual patients.

Objective

The goal of the present research was to develop a communication checklist for surgeons to use with their patients, to enhance communication in order better to manage postoperative expectations and increase patient satisfaction with TKA.

Methods

Content analysis was used to identify a preliminary list of checklist items from audio‐recorded interviews of eight patients who were between 6 weeks and 6 months of their recovery from TKA. Patients identified eight issues for which more information was desired. The proportion of mentions for each topic was calculated, and chi‐square tests assessed the distribution and pattern of the categories mentioned across groups of patients.

Results

Certain topics were used significantly more often than others. Age and employment status, but not gender, affected which topics were mentioned more often. The final categories for the checklist included pain management, physiotherapy, medication and general outcome information.

Conclusion

An in‐depth analysis of patient experiences of recovering from TKA was the foundation of this research. The result was a checklist that creates a potential new avenue for increasing patient satisfaction by improving surgeon–patient communication. The research described here could extend to any other type of intervention in which understanding patient expectations and increasing patient satisfaction is the goal.
Weight Recidivism After Roux‐en‐Y Gastric Bypass Surgery: An 11‐Year Experience in a Multiethnic Medical Center
Authors: Thomas Dylan D. , Anderson Wendy A. , Apovian Caroline M. , Hess Donald T. , Yu Liqun , Velazquez Amanda , Carmine Brian , Istfan Nawfal W.
Published: November 2018

Objective

Weight recidivism following Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is common and is associated with recurrence of comorbidities. Studies with long‐term follow‐up of recidivism quantified by weight regain (WR) are lacking. A retrospective review of all RYGB at our center from 2004 to 2015 was performed to examine the effects of race and type 2 diabetes on WR following RYGB.

Methods

Multivariable linear mixed models were used for the effects of time and race on weight, WR relative to nadir weight (WR/nadir), and WR relative to maximal weight loss, and Cox regressions were used for low, moderate, and high WR/nadir.

Results

A total of 1,395 participants were identified. The sample was limited to African American (AA), Caucasian American (CA), and Hispanic American (HA) participants. The effects of time (P < 0.0001), race (P < 0.0001), and race × time interaction (P = 0.0008) on weight trajectory were significant. AA had significantly more WR than CA (P < 0.01). AA and HA had a higher hazard ratio for having low, moderate, and rapid WR/nadir.

Conclusions

Racial disparities after RYGB include WR and particularly affect AA. Understanding the etiologic factors that contribute to these disparities is important to optimize the long‐term clinical outcomes of bariatric surgery.
Polypropylene/carbon nanotube magnetic composites obtained using carbon nanotubes from sawdust
Authors: Nisar Muhammad , Sebag Bernd Maria da Graça , Pinto da Silva Filho Luiz Carlos , Geshev Julian , Barrera Galland Griselda
Published: November 2018

Magnetic polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites with different loadings (from 0.5 to 20 wt %) of carbon nanotubes with iron (CNT‐Fe) were fabricated using the melt‐mixing method. The carbon nanotubes were synthesized by pyrolysis of sawdust from the furniture industry. The morphological characterization shows homogenous dispersion of the filler in the polymer matrix. The addition of only 0.5 wt % CNT‐Fe already results in ferromagnetic behavior in the diamagnetic polymer matrix. The thermal properties were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The results show an increase in the maximum degradation, crystallization, and melting temperatures of the nanocomposites compared with neat PP. The nanocomposites showed improvement in terms of mechanical and oxygen permeability properties. A very significant result of the work is the high remnant magnetization and coercivity values of the nanocomposites at room temperature whereas most of the works on similar systems show magnetic properties only at very low temperatures.
Prenatal diagnosis and clinical implications of an apparently isolated right aortic arch
Authors: Vigneswaran Trisha V. , Allan Lindsey , Charakida Marietta , Durward Andrew , Simpson John M. , Nicolaides Kypros H. , Zidere Vita
Published: November 2018

What is already known about the topic?

Right aortic arch (RAA) has an association with extracardiac and chromosomal anomalies.

RAA with left arterial duct can form a vascular ring.

In children with RAA, there is poor correlation of symptoms and tracheal compression.

What does this study add?

The majority of prenatal cases of an isolated RAA in our cohort are identified during routine screening.

Microdeletion of chromosome 22q11 is the most common genetic association with an apparently isolated RAA, it is seen in a minimum of 7% of cases.

A chromosomal or genetic anomaly is found in half of fetuses with RAA and increased nuchal translucency thickness (NT) and in one‐fifth of those with normal NT.
Isobavachalcone attenuates myotube atrophy induced by TNF‐α through muscle atrophy F‐box signaling and the nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 cascade
Authors: Hur Jinyoung , Kim Mina , Choi Sang Yoon , Jang YoungJin , Ha Tae Youl
Published: November 2018

Skeletal muscle atrophy is a condition characterized by damaged muscle fibers and reduced numbers of muscle cells due to various causes. Muscle atrophy is associated with chronic diseases, such as heart failure, diabetes, and aging‐related diseases. Isobavachalcone (IBC) is a flavonoid found in various foods and natural products, and studies have investigated its diverse effects, including its neuroprotective and anticancer effects. However, no studies have evaluated the effects of IBC on muscle atrophy. Thus, in this study, we assessed the effects of IBC on prevention of muscle atrophy. To evaluate the preventive effects of IBC on muscle atrophy, we used C2C12 myoblasts and induced muscle atrophy by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. IBC regulated the expression levels of muscle atrophy F‐box and muscle RING finger‐1 in response to damaged muscle cells, thereby restoring the expression of myosin heavy chain and myogenin. Moreover, IBC regulated the phosphorylation of the nuclear factor‐κB and p38 and upregulated the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 and heme oxygenase‐1, which are involved in regulating oxidative stress. Our results indicated that IBC acted to relieve TNF‐α‐induced skeletal muscle atrophy by regulating the factors related to inflammation and oxidative stress.
Herbal medicine in oral lichen planus
Authors: Ghahremanlo Atefeh , Boroumand Nadia , Ghazvini Kiarash , Hashemy Seyed Isaac
Published: November 2018

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a common chronic inflammatory and T cell‐mediated autoimmune disease in which the oral mucosa, tongue, and gingiva are involved. Different treatments have been suggested to reduce the symptoms of this disease. Currently, a common treatment for OLP is the use of corticosteroids as the gold standard, although they have considerable side effects. The chronicity of the disease needs the long‐term use of these drugs with ensuing side effects. Therefore, various studies have been done to find an alternative and effective treatment. The use of herbal medicine as an alternative therapy with antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties seems promising. Hence, this review study was done to summarize the efficiency of different herbal medicine in the treatment of OLP.
Most edge‐orderings of Kn have maximal altitude
Authors: Martinsson Anders
Published: November 2018

Suppose the edges of the complete graph on n vertices are assigned a uniformly chosen random ordering. Let X denote the corresponding number of Hamiltonian paths that are increasing in this ordering. It was shown in a recent paper by Lavrov and Loh that this quantity is nonzero with probability at least 1/e − o(1), and conjectured that X is asymptotically almost surely nonzero. In this paper, we prove their conjecture. We further prove a partial result regarding the limiting behavior of X, suggesting that X/n is log‐normal in the limit as n→∞. A key idea of our proof is to show a certain relation between X and its size‐biased distribution. This relies heavily on estimates for the third moment of X.
“We’re getting somewhere”: Development and implementation of a framework for the analysis of productive science discourse
Authors: Grimes Paul , McDonald Scott , van Kampen Paul
Published: November 2018

Sense‐making and argumentation are two common ways to frame student discourse. The former emphasizes the process of students coming to an understanding, the latter the logical and rhetorical structure of the product. When we investigated the discourse of two groups of preservice science teachers in an environment that fosters productive disciplinary engagement, we found that elements of both sense‐making and argumentation pervaded the discourse as the preservice teachers engaged in the scientific practice of developing an explanation of a complex phenomenon. We have developed a framework based on, but extending that of Toulmin that allowed us to capture the to‐and‐fro nature of the development of an explanation by using elements of argumentation and sense‐making as well as transactivity. Using the framework we were able to characterize almost all utterances of the 40‐min discourse of both groups. Both groups arrived at a similar point of conceptual convergence, even though the interactions that took place during the activity were of quite a different nature. We detail the affordances of our framework and contrast them with those of purely argumentation‐based frameworks.
Smallholder farmers as a backbone for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Terlau Wiltrud , Hirsch Darya , Blanke Michael
Published: November 2018

This paper reviews the role of smallholder farmers with respect to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Their double function in the adoption of the SDGs and their socio‐economic limitations have made it difficult for them to fulfil the expectations as promoters of sustainable development. Our analysis showed that 13 SDGs and respective targets address these socio‐economic limitations. We identified that the satisfaction of basic human needs is a central issue for smallholder farmers. Other essential issues are (a) innovative education and training options for producers; (b) new organisational forms such as cooperatives and start‐ups along the value chain from production to logistics and marketing; (c) financial support; (d) access to farming information; (e) suitable, low‐cost, and simple technological solutions and innovations; and (f) an enabling institutional environment. We grouped these issues under the categories “social,” “environment,” “economic,” and “governance.” To assess the double function of smallholder famers, we proposed to apply the handprint approach. This approach focuses on positive sustainability performance and on the social dimension, after modification for food and agriculture. It can therefore illustrate the potential of smallholder farmers as a backbone for sustainable development.
X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy study of neodymium niobate and tantalate precursors and thin films
Authors: Brunckova Helena , Kolev Hristo , Kanuchova Maria
Published: November 2018

Neodymium niobate NdNbO4 (NNO) and tantalate NdTaO4 (NTO) thin films (~100 nm) were prepared by sol‐gel/spin‐coating process on Al2O3 substrate with LaNbO4/PbZrO3 interlayer and annealing at 1000°C. Surface chemistry was investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The core‐level XPS studies of sol‐gel NNO and NTO were performed for the first time. The binding energy differences Δ(O―Nb) and Δ(O―Ta) were used to characterize average energies of Nb―O bonding in NNO (322.9 eV) and Ta―O bonding in NTO (504.2 eV). The XPS demonstrated single valence state of Nd (Nd3+) in precursors. Nd concentration (at. %) decreases from 22% in precursors to 7% in films considering the substrate contains C, Al, Si, Pb, and Zr elements (37%) at Nb or Ta (5%) and O (51%). The X‐ray diffraction analyses verified formation of the monoclinic (M‐NdNbO4 or M′‐NdTaO4), orthorhombic (O‐NdNbO4) and tetragonal (T‐NdTaO4) phases in precursors and films. Single valence state of Nd3+ was confirmed in these films designed for the application in environmental electrolytic thin film devices.
An Efficient Method for the Synthesis of New Non‐Symmetrical Naphthalenediimides
Authors: Alatorre‐Barajas José A. , Ramírez‐Zatarain Sandy D. , Ochoa‐Terán Adrián , Cordova Jesus , Reynoso‐Soto Edgar A. , Chávez Daniel , Miranda‐Soto Valentín , Labastida‐Galván Victoria , Ordoñez Mario
Published: November 2018

Herein we report an efficient synthesis of a series of non‐symmetrical naphthalenediimides (NDIs) bearing different neutral, electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing groups in the imide moieties. The success of this method is based in the regioselective synthesis and isolation of pure carbamoyl naphthoic anhydride acid intermediates (CNA) in good yields (54 to 99%) and high purity, from the reaction of naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride acid (NDA) with one equivalent of different primary amines and THF as solvent. The CNA intermediates were refluxed in toluene and gave the naphthalenemonoimides (NMI) in 55 to 89% yields and high purity. The N‐benzyl NMI was used as starting material in the synthesis of non‐symmetrical NDIs (1 a‐m) in 27 to 80% yield with several amines bearing different substituted benzylic groups. In addition, this methodology was extended to obtain other new NDIs (1 n‐r) in good yields (67‐90%) and purity.
Synthesis of Mesoporous Fe2SiO4/C Nanocomposites and Evaluation of Their Performance as Materials for Lithium‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Zhang Qingtang , Meng Yan , Yan Chao , Zhang Lina
Published: November 2018

The first kind of mesoporous Fe2SiO4/C nanocomposites (MFS‐1) were synthesized from the nano‐SiO2 with a surface area of 137 m2⋅g−1 and the second kind of mesoporous Fe2SiO4/C nanocomposites (MFS‐2) were prepared from the nano‐SiO2 with a surface of 325 m2⋅g−1. XRD results indicate that α‐Fe2SiO4 crystal phase appear in the two samples. SEM proves that the particle size of MFS‐2 (30‐40 nm) is smaller than that of MFS‐1 (40‐60 nm). TEM further proves Fe2SiO4 nanoparticles are homogeneously dispersed in the carbon networking of MFS‐2. Pore structure analysis reveals that the specific surface area of MFS‐2 (136 m2⋅g−1) is evidently larger than that of MFS‐1 (116 m2⋅g−1), revealing the pore properties of mesoporous Fe2SiO4/C nanocomposites can be well controlled by using silica with different surface area. The above characters make MFS‐2 exhibit a high initial reversible capacity of 667 mAh⋅g−1 at 0.1 C, excellent rate capability (282 mAh⋅g−1 at 10 C) and improved cycling stability (606 mAh⋅g−1 at 1 C after 100 cycles).
KIT‐6 Three Dimensional Template Derived Mesoporous Carbon for Oxygen Reduction Reaction: Effect of Template Removal on Catalytic Activity
Authors: Duraisamy Velu , Palanivel Soundarrajan , Thangamuthu Rangasamy , Kumar Sakkarapalayam Murugesan Senthil
Published: November 2018

Non precious highly ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) is of indomitable and perennial catalyst in fuel cells owing to their unique traits and abundant sources. The OMC has been synthesized using KIT‐6 sacrificial template and then this removed by three different etching agents, viz, hydrofluoric acid (HF), sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The principle aim of the present work is that to inspect the etched OMCs for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity. In order to understand the effect of etching, we have first studied their fundamental properties. Among three, the HF etched OMC possess comparative surface area (234 m2 g‐1), mesoporous sizes (6 nm), large pore volumes (0.13 cm3 g‐1) and more accessible defective active sites (ID/IG = 0.90). Hence, the HF etched OMC replica manifest better ORR activity than others in terms of having (0.83 V) onset and (0.71 V) half wave potential, and (2.6 mA/cm2 at 0.2 V) current density in potassium hydroxide (KOH) electrolyte. From the Nyquist plot, a small semicircle (Rct = 13 Ω cm‐2) of HF etched OMC substantiates its better ORR activity. A comparative study on etching of OMC using different etching agents could guide to find out a suitable etching agent for modifying the surface properties of OMC.
Fabrication of Ternary Structure Photocatalyst CdS/CQD@mpg‐C3N4 with Enhanced Photocatytic Performance Based on Synergistic Effect
Authors: Zhao Qian , Yang Cheng , Zhao Haibo , Gao Guofang , Jiang Tingshun
Published: November 2018

Ternary heterostructure composites are promising photocatalysts for degrading organic pollutants in water. In this study, a series of mesoporous carbon nitride (mpg‐C3N4) decorated with different amounts of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and cadmium sulfide quantum dots (CdSQDs) were synthesized with a few simple and feasible steps. Under visible‐light irradiation, the optimal catalyst resulted in a more than 6.16 times faster reaction rate for methyl orange (MO) photodecomposition than pure mpg‐C3N4 and 3.1 times faster than pure cadmium sulfide. The carbon dots and cadmium sulfide quantum dots could be observed on the layers of carbon nitride pore walls through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The physicochemical properties of selected samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET), UV‐vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS), the photoluminescence (PL) and the photocurrent (PC). Probable mechanism of enhanced visible‐light photocatalytic activity was investigated. The properties of combined ternary composites, such as high specific surface area of mpg‐C3N4, good visible‐light harvest ability of CdSQDs and excellent electron storage capacity of CQDs, cooperatively contributed to the final enhancement.
Modeling and Simulation as Boundary Objects to Facilitate Interdisciplinary Research
Authors: Luna‐Reyes Luis F. , Black Laura J. , Ran Weijia , Andersen Deborah Lines , Jarman Holly , Richardson George P. , Andersen David F.
Published: November 2018

This paper describes Group Model Building (GMB) as an effective tool to bring together teams of researchers from different disciplines in theory‐building efforts. We propose that the simulation models, as well as other artefacts used during the modelling process, work as boundary objects useful to facilitate conversations among researchers of different disciplines, uncover insights, and build consensus on causal connections and actionable insights. In addition to providing a more robust theoretical basis for participatory system modelling as an approach to theory development in interdisciplinary work, we describe a study using GMB that illustrates its use. The assessment of the case suggests that system models provide interdisciplinary teams with opportunity to combine the strengths of qualitative and quantitative approaches to express theoretical issues, using an analytical meta‐language that permits iteratively building theory and testing its internal consistency. Moreover, the GMB process helps researchers navigate the tension between achieving interdisciplinary consensus (which often involves adding details) and building a parsimonious theory of the phenomenon under study. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.