bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tracheoesophageal puncture site closure with sternocleidomastoid musculocutaneous transposition flap
Authors: Jaiswal Dushyant , Yadav Prabha , Shankhdhar Vinay Kant , Gujjalanavar Rajendra Suresh , Puranik Prashant 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACT
Introduction: Tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis is highly effective in providing speech after total laryngectomy. Although it is a safe method, in certain cases dilatation or leakage occurs around the prosthesis that needs closure of tracheoesophageal fistula. Both non-surgical and surgical methods for closure have been described. Surgical methods are used when non-surgical methods fail. We present the use of the sternocleidomastoid musculocutaneous (SCMMC) transposition flap for the closure of tracheoesophageal fistula. Materials and Methods: An incision is made at the mucocutaneous junction circumferentially around the tracheostoma. Tracheoesophageal space is dissected down to and beyond the fistula. The tracheoesophageal tract is divided. The oesophageal mucosa is closed with simple sutures. Then SCMMC transposition flap is raised and transposed to cover sutured oesophagus and the defect between the oesophagus and the trachea. Results: This study was done prospectively over a period of 1 year from June 2012 to May 2013. This technique was used in patients with pliable neck skin. In nine patients, this procedure was done (inferior based flap in nine cases) and it was successful in eight patients. In one case, there was dehiscence at the leading edge of flap with oesophageal dehiscence, which required a second procedure. In two cases, there was marginal necrosis of flap, which healed without any intervention. Nine patients in this series were post-radiation. Conclusion: This method of closure is simple and effective for patients with pliable neck skin, who require permanent closure of the tracheoesophageal fistula.
Association of endotoxaemia & gut permeability with complications of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Singh Namrata , Sonika Ujjwal , Moka Praneeth , Sharma Brij , Sachdev Vikas , Mishra Sushil Kumar , Upadhyay Ashish Datt , Saraya Anoop 
Published: September 2019

Background & objectives:
In acute pancreatitis (AP) gut barrier dysfunction is considered as an important predisposing factor leading to increased intestinal permeability (IP). In this study a pooled analysis of data published in our previous four studies on various aspects of gut permeability and endotoxaemia in patients with AP was attempted to find an association between increased IP and severity of disease and associated complications.

Methods:
This study was a pooled analysis of data of four previously published prospective studies on AP. Gut permeability, assessed by lactulose/mannitol excretion in urine and endotoxin core antibodies type IgG and IgM (EndoCab IgG and IgM) were measured on days zero and seven (D0 and D7) of admission. All patients received standard treatment of AP. We studied whether IgG and IgM anti-endotoxin titres and lactulose-mannitol ratio (LMR) at admission and D7 were associated with organ failure, infection and mortality.

Results:
The titres of anti-endotoxin IgG and IgM were lower in all patients of AP (n=204), both in mild AP (n=24) and severe AP (n=180) in the first week, compared to controls (n=15). There was no significant difference in serum IgG and IgM anti-endotoxin levels and LMR at baseline and at D7 among patients with organ failure, infection and mortality.

Interpretation & conclusions:
Our findings showed that serum IgG and IgM anti-endotoxin titres and LMR at admission and at day 7 were not associated with organ failure, infection, and death of patients with AP.
Crafting futures in Lebanese refugee camps
Authors: Avery Helen , Halimeh Nihal 
Published: August 2019

The initiative at the Burj El Barajneh camp is run by a network of local associations and aims at improving living conditions, services, infrastructure and livelihoods for the inhabitants. Burj El Barajneh has a large number of active associations and many highly educated professionals. However, in this complex hyperdense context, any kind of change needs to be carefully considered; there are no simple recipes, and existing professional expertise does not necessarily match the specific conditions of the locality. By working with collective design and collaboration between the camp's inhabitants, it becomes possible to envisage larger coordinated efforts and to solve issues that remain blocked at an individual level.
Network-based approach to identify biomarkers predicting response and prognosis for HER2-negative breast cancer treatment with taxane-anthracycline neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Jiang Cui , Wu Shuo , Jiang Lei , Gao Zhichao , Li Xiaorui , Duan Yangyang , Li Na , Sun Tao 
Published: September 2019

Objective
This study aims to identify effective gene networks and biomarkers to predict response and prognosis for HER2-negative breast cancer patients who received sequential taxane-anthracycline neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Materials and Methods
Transcriptome data of training dataset including 310 HER2-negative breast cancer who received taxane-anthracycline treatment and an independent validation set with 198 samples were analyzed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) approach in R language. Gene ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways analysis were performed for the selected genes. Module-clinical trait relationships were analyzed to explore the genes and pathways that associated with clinicopathological parameters. Log-rank tests and COX regression were used to identify the prognosis-related genes.

Results
We found a significant correlation of an expression module with distant relapse–free survival (HR = 0.213, 95% CI [0.131–0.347], P = 4.80E−9). This blue module contained genes enriched in biological process of hormone levels regulation, reproductive system, response to estradiol, cell growth and mammary gland development as well as pathways including estrogen, apelin, cAMP, the PPAR signaling pathway and fatty acid metabolism. From this module, we further screened and validated six hub genes (CA12, FOXA1, MLPH, XBP1, GATA3 and MAGED2), the expression of which were significantly associated with both better chemotherapeutic response and favorable survival for BC patients.

Conclusion
We used WGCNA approach to reveal a gene network that regulate HER2-negative breast cancer treatment with taxane-anthracycline neoadjuvant chemotherapy, which enriched in pathways of estrogen signaling, apelin signaling, cAMP signaling, the PPAR signaling pathway and fatty acid metabolism. In addition, genes of CA12, FOXA1, MLPH, XBP1, GATA3 and MAGED2 might serve as novel biomarkers predicting chemotherapeutic response and prognosis for HER2-negative breast cancer.
Mobile Phones: A Panacea for the Implementation of E-voting in Nigeria
Authors: Okediran Oladotun O. 
Published: September 2019

Mobile phones have become the most ubiquitous telecommunication technology in developing countries and indeed, the world over, with its penetration rate outstripping those for internet users, fixed phone lines and broadband subscriptions. Services that are offered through mobile phones sometimes referred to as “m-services” could increase the utility of mobile phones to enhance human capabilities. One of such services is mobile voting (m-voting). However, owing to factors such as digital divides, low literacy level, deficits in communication infrastructures, poverty, poor capacity to develop and so on, providing such services except in a highly localized nature, maybe an attendant problem in Nigeria and most developing countries. In this paper, an m-Voting framework was proposed using two of the communication channels of basic phones which are Short Message Service (SMS) and Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD). Basic phones are easy to use and are increasingly able to bypass the barriers of illiteracy and affordability, and they provide access to a wide range of very useful services. The paper investigated the prospects of voting through mobile phones as a substantive voting platform in Nigeria with a view to foster enhanced participation and convenience of voters during electioneering processes.
Philosophy of Molecular Biology
Authors: Brigandt Ingo 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Ongoing empirical discoveries in molecular biology have generated novel conceptual challenges and perspectives. Philosophers of biology have reacted to these trends when investigating the practice of molecular biology and contributed to scientific debates on methodological and conceptual matters. Some major philosophical issues in molecular biology are as follows: First, philosophical accounts of mechanistic explanation yield a notion of explanation in the context of molecular biology that does not have to rely on laws of nature and comports well with molecular discovery. Second, reductionism continues to be debated and increasingly rejected by scientists. Philosophers have likewise moved away from reduction towards integration across fields or integrative explanations covering several levels of organisation. Third, although the gene concept has undergone substantial transformation and even fragmentation, it still enjoys widespread use by molecular biologists, which has prompted philosophers to understand the empirical reasons for this. At the same time, it has been argued that the notion of ‘genetic information’ is largely an empty metaphor, which generates the illusion of explanatory understanding without offering an adequate explanation of molecular and developmental mechanisms.

Key Concepts

Mechanistic explanation yields a notion of explanation for molecular biology that does not have to invoke laws of nature.

Philosophical accounts of mechanistic explanation mesh well with how discovery in molecular biology works.

The idea that all biological knowledge can be reduced to one fundamental theory or that all explanations are reductive has largely been abandoned.

Reductionism tends to be replaced in favour of integration across fields or explanations combining features from different levels of organisation.

The concept of the gene has undergone substantial transformation throughout its history. Despite its more recent fragmentation, the gene concept is still widely used.

The notion of ‘genetic information’ is largely a metaphor, generating the illusion of explanatory understanding, and cannot be articulated in a manner conforming to mechanistic explanations of molecular and developmental processes.
Design of Nanoparticle Systems by Controllable Assembly and Temporal/Spatial Regulation
Authors: Fang Ruochen , Liu Mingjie , Jiang Lei 
Published: August 2019

AbstractNanoparticles (NPs) have been studied for several decades, and outstanding advancements have been made involving fabrication methods and various properties for many different applications. NP assemblies exhibit collective properties that are superior to the properties of individual NPs, and their assembly behavior is significantly affected by interparticle interactions and surrounding layers. The temporal/spatial regulation of NPs and the active species present in NP systems are crucial for achieving desirable performances. Here, the interparticle interactions, surrounding materials (especially ligands), and temporal and spatial regulation are the main topics discussed. The principles and classical examples of these regulation strategies are provided, and the resulting NPs regulated by these strategies exhibit remarkable properties and have great potential for various applications. Finally, the future prospects of the NPs are outlined with respect to the surface modification, temporal and spatial regulation, as well as the binary cooperative complementary principle.
A General Method: Designing a Hypocrystalline Hydroxide Intermediate to Achieve Ultrasmall and Well‐Dispersed Ternary Metal Oxide for Efficient Photovoltaic Devices
Authors: Huang Zhanfeng , Ouyang Dan , Ma Ruiman , Wu Wei , Roy Vellaisamy A. L. , Choy Wallace C. H. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractSolution‐process fine metal‐oxide nanoparticles are promising carrier transport layer candidates for unlocking the full potential of solution process in solar cells, due to their low cost, good stability, and favorable electrical/optical properties. However, exotic organic ligands adopted for achieving small size and monodispersion can mostly cause poor conductivity, which thus impedes their electrical application. In this work, a concept of constructing a hypocrystalline intermediate is proposed to develop a general method for synthesizing various ternary metal oxide (TMO) nanoparticles with a sub‐ten‐nanometer size and good dispersibility without exotic ligands. Particularly, a guideline is summarized based on the understandings about the impact of metal ion intercalation as well as water and anion coordination on the hypocrystalline intermediate. A general method based on the proposed concept is developed to successfully synthesize various sub‐ten‐nanometer TMO nanoparticles with excellent ability for forming high‐quality (smooth and well‐coverage) films. As an application example, the high‐quality films are used as hole transport layers for achieving high‐performance (stability and efficiency) organic/perovskite solar cells. Consequently, this work will contribute to the development of TMO for large‐scale and high‐performance optoelectronic devices and the concept of tailoring intermediate can leverage the fundamental understandings of synthesis strategies for other metal oxides.
Multiscale Soft–Hard Interface Design for Flexible Hybrid Electronics
Authors: Gong Shu , Yap Lim Wei , Zhu Bowen , Cheng Wenlong 
Published: August 2019

AbstractEmerging next‐generation soft electronics will require versatile properties functioning under mechanical compliance, which will involve the use of different types of materials. As a result, control over material interfaces (particularly soft/hard interfaces) has become crucial and is now attracting intensive worldwide research efforts. A series of material and structural interface designs has been devised to improve interfacial adhesion, preventing failure of electromechanical properties under mechanical deformation. Herein, different soft/hard interface design strategies at multiple length scales in the context of flexible hybrid electronics are reviewed. The crucial role of soft ligands and/or polymers in controlling the morphologies of active nanomaterials and stabilizing them is discussed, with a focus on understanding the soft/hard interface at the atomic/molecular scale. Larger nanoscopic and microscopic levels are also discussed, to scrutinize viable intrinsic and extrinsic interfacial designs with the purpose of promoting adhesion, stretchability, and durability. Furthermore, the macroscopic device/human interface as it relates to real‐world applications is analyzed. Finally, a perspective on the current challenges and future opportunities in the development of truly seamlessly integrated soft wearable electronic systems is presented.
Mechanism of bubble formation in step‐emulsification devices
Authors: Mi Sheng , Fu Taotao , Zhu Chunying , Jiang Shaokun , Ma Youguang 
Published: August 2019

AbstractStep‐emulsification device is an emerging technology for bubble generation, which is convenient for numbering‐up. However, the mechanism of bubble formation in such devices remains unclear. In this article, the mechanism of bubble formation in step‐emulsification devices is investigated by using a high‐speed camera. First, the evolution of gas–liquid interface with time during bubble formation is observed. Second, the variation of characteristic parameters of bubbles, such as bubble's volume VB and generation frequency f, with gas and liquid flow rates is described under various liquid viscosities and step widths. Meanwhile, the coupling law of interface evolution with characteristic parameters of bubbles is explored. Finally, the basic guideline for generation of monodispersed bubbles in step‐emulsification is put forward: low liquid viscosity. Connecting the interface evolution with the characteristic parameters, predictive models for bubble's volume, and generation frequency in step‐emulsification are proposed, respectively.
Universal Scaffold for an Activatable Photosensitizer with Completely Inhibited Photosensitivity
Authors: Zhai Wenhao , Zhang Yongkang , Liu Ming , Zhang Hao , Zhang Junqing , Li Changhua 
Published: August 2019

AbstractActivatable photosensitizers (aPSs) sensitive to specific stimuli hold potential for targeting multiple disease biomarkers and are desirable for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Presented herein is the design of aPSs that can be activated and fully recover from an inhibited state in the presence of specific biomarker. A designed long‐wavelength D‐π‐A photosensitizer, PSSe‐I, with highly efficient photosensitivity for generation of 1O2 was used. Caging of the phenolate donor of PSSe‐I with a biomarker‐sensitive group provided ALPPS, and the drastic activation of its photosensitivity was demonstrated intracellularly. To enhance the flexibility of the design strategy, a clickable azide group was introduced into the scaffold to allow integration of more functionality. Modularly derived mito‐PNPS, equipped with a mitochondria‐targeting group and a specific peroxynitrite‐reactive trigger, was synthesized and demonstrated superior performance in cells. This strategy could lead to customization of aPSs applicable to a specific PDT.
Fluorene‐based Lanthanide Coordination Polymer: Structure, Luminescence and Sensing of Picric Acid
Authors: Cheng Jiahui , Liu Zhipeng , Wang Dingkang , Chen Kaixuan , You Yujian , Zhou Xinhui 
Published: August 2019

Luminescent coordination polymers can be potential chemosensors and extensive efforts are being devoted to improve their selectivity and sensitivity. In this work, we report a new kind of fluorene‐based Tb‐CP, Tb4L6·7DMF·5H2O (Tb4L6, H2L = 4,4′‐(9,9‐dimethyl‐9H‐fluorene‐2,7‐diyl)dibenzoic acid), showing 2D network and strong blue emission. Meanwhile, Tb4L6 exhibits excellent selectivity and sensitivity for picric acid (PA). The quenching constant (Ksv) of Tb4L6 is equal to 4.5 × 104 L/mol during the concentration range of 0–30 μmol/L, which approaches the best reported CPs‐based on PA sensor up to now. Moreover, we went into depth on the possible mechanisms of luminescence quenching.
Physical Properties of Beeswax, Sunflower Wax, and Candelilla Wax Mixtures and Oleogels
Authors: Winkler‐Moser Jill K. , Anderson Julie , Felker Frederick C. , Hwang Hong‐Sik 
Published: August 2019

AbstractTo be able to tailor and optimize the physical properties of oleogels for various food applications, more information is needed to understand how different gelators interact. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the interactions between binary mixtures of beeswax (BW), candelilla wax (CLW), and sunflower wax (SFW) in pure form as well as in 5% wax oleogels made with soybean oil, in terms of their crystallization and melting properties, crystal morphology, solid fat content, and gel firmness. CLW:BW mixtures had eutectic melting properties, and oleogels from these mixtures with 40:60 to 90:10 CLW:BW were firmer compared to oleogels made with one wax. The main components in SFW and BW appeared to cocrystallize or crystallize at the same temperature, but nonlinear changes in melting point and solid fat content profile of oleogels prepared with the mixed waxes indicated that SFW dominated oleogel formation. In addition, oleogels prepared with mixtures of SFW and BW had lower firmness compared to oleogels prepared with one wax, indicating an incompatibility between the two waxes. The main wax components in SFW and CLW never cocrystallized, and low levels of CLW appeared to prevent SFW from forming a crystalline platelet network. This resulted in low firmness of oleogels made from mixtures of 90:10 to 60:40 SFW:CLW compared to oleogels prepared with one wax. However, the firmest oleogels of all mixtures were made from 10:90 SFW:CLW. Changes in gel firmness and melting properties with mixed wax oleogels were likely to be due to changes observed in the crystal size and morphology. In addition, the firmest gels were shown to result from mixtures that were predicted to have >40% hydrocarbon content, and a high hydrocarbon to wax ester ratio, but minor components such as free fatty acids and fatty alcohols may have also influenced firmness.
ZnO microparticle‐loaded chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol)/acacia gum nanosphere‐based nanocomposite thin film wound dressings for accelerated wound healing
Authors: Güldiken Çağla Gül , Karaosmanoğlu Oğuzhan , Sivas Hülya , Gerçel Hasan Ferdi 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACTThe present study deals with the development of novel ZnO microparticle‐loaded chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol)/acacia gum nanosphere‐based nanocomposite thin films through electrospraying and evaluation of their potential use in wound healing applications for skin. ZnO microparticles were synthesized and used as bioactive agents. Morphology, size distribution, structure, and dispersion of the synthesized ZnO microparticles were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). ZnO microparticles were incorporated into the ternary nanocomposite films by electrospraying technique. Thermogravimetric analyses reveal that incorporation of ZnO microparticles into the nanocomposite structure improves the thermal stability. Mechanical analyses show that tensile strength reaches to the maximum value of 12.75 MPa with 0.6 wt % ZnO content. SEM and TEM micrographs demonstrate that the nanocomposite films consist of nanospheres with nanocapsular structures whose sizes are mostly between 250 and 550 nm. Viability tests established prevailing cellular performance of the fibroblasts on 0.6 wt % ZnO microparticle‐loaded nanocomposite films with a viability percentage of 160% compared to the control group. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48445.
Relationship between sphenoid sinus volume and accessory septations: A 3D assessment of risky anatomical variants for endoscopic surgery
Authors: Gibelli Daniele , Cellina Michaela , Gibelli Stefano , Cappella Annalisa , Oliva Antonio Giancarlo , Termine Giovanni , Sforza Chiarella 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACTSphenoid sinus accessory septations involve serious complications during their removal for the injury of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and the optic nerve (ON). The relationships of this anatomical variant with sphenoid size still remain unclear. In the present study, 260 patients (equally divided among sexes, aged between 18 and 92 years) were retrospectively assessed. Number of accessory septations and their relationship with ICA and ON were recorded. The 3D model of sphenoid sinuses was extracted. Pearson's coefficient was calculated to assess correlations between the volume of sphenoid sinuses and the number of septations (P < 0.05). Sex‐related differences in prevalence of septations inserted onto ICA or ON were assessed through chi‐square test (P < 0.05). Differences in volume between patients with and without ICA or ON septal insertions were assessed through Mann–Whitney test (P < 0.05). In most of the cases, two septations were found (24.6%), whereas only 21.9% of patients did not show any septum. ICA and ON septal insertions were found in 20.8% and 7.7% of cases, respectively. Number of septations significantly increased with sinus volume, independently from sex (P < 0.001). Moreover, volume was significantly higher in patients with ICA septal insertion (P < 0.001), whereas no difference was found between subjects with and without ON septal insertion (P > 0.05). The present study first proved that septations and probability of ICA insertion are related with sphenoid volume. On the other side, ON insertion does not depend upon sphenoid sinuses size. Anat Rec, 303:1300–1304, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy