bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of mining‐induced stress in fully mechanized top‐coal caving under high horizontal stress
Authors: Huo Yuming , Song Xuanmin , Sun Zedong , Wang Zhonglun , Li Haocheng
Published: February 2020

In fully mechanized top‐coal caving (FMTC), the effects of coal caving are closely related to the degree of damage to the top‐coal which is determined by the stress state therein. Therefore, research into the evolution of mining‐induced stress field is key to understanding failure mechanisms of top‐coal. By taking the 12 309 FMTC face in Wangjialing Coal Mine (China) as the engineering background and using field measurement and numerical simulation, we studied the evolution of the principal stress field in FMTC under high horizontal stress. The research results demonstrated that in situ stress in Wangjialing Coal Mine was a high horizontal stress and lateral pressure coefficients in the north‐south and east‐west directions were 1.52 and 0.45, respectively. Under the influence of mining, principal stresses were concentrated in front of the coal wall, with concentration factors of 2.26, 2.24, and 2.85, respectively. The minimum principal stress in unconstrained sides of the top‐coal in the roof‐control zone was tensile. The directions of intermediate and minimum principal stresses in the top‐coal were more sensitive to the influence of mining compared to the maximum principal stress. During rotation of the principal stress direction in top‐coal, the location (19 m in front of the coal wall) where the maximum and intermediate principal stresses were equal and the location of the coal wall are key positions.
Single-Pot Method for the Collection and Preparation of Natural Water for Microplastic Analyses: Microplastics in the Mississippi River System during and after Historic Flooding
Authors: Scircle Austin , Cizdziel James V. , Missling Klara , Li Libby , Vianello Alvise
Published: February 2020

We describe a simple single-pot method for collection and preparation of natural water for microplastic analyses. The method prepares samples in the same vessel (mason jars) that they are collected in right up until the microplastics are transferred onto filters or spectroscopic windows for analyses. The method minimized contamination, degradation, and losses, while increasing recoveries and throughput when compared with conventional sieving. We applied it to surface grab samples collected from the Mississippi River and its major tributaries during and after historic flooding in 2019. Microplastics (>~30 µm) were quantified using Nile red fluorescence detection, and a small subset of samples were identified by micro-Fourier transform infrared imaging spectroscopy. Concentrations were lower during the flooding, likely due to dilution. Concentrations ranged from approximately 14 microplastics/L in the Tennessee River during flooding to approximately 83 microplastics/L in the Ohio River during low-flow (summer) conditions. Loads of microplastics tended to increase downriver and ranged from approximately 87 to approximately 129 trillion microplastics/d near New Orleans. Most of the microplastics (>60%) were in the lower size fraction (~30–90 µm) and consisted primarily of fragments (~85%), followed by fibers (~8%) and beads (~7%), with polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyacrylate as the primary microplastic types. Overall, we demonstrate that the single-pot method is effective and versatile and, because it uses relatively inexpensive and easily assembled materials, can be adapted for microplastic surveys worldwide, especially those involving sample collection by volunteers from the community and schools. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:986–995. © 2020 SETAC

Abstract

Impact of flooding on microplastics in the Mississippi River system.
Co‐producing knowledge: the Integrated Ecosystem Model for resource management in Arctic Alaska
Authors: Euskirchen Eugénie S , Timm Kristin , Breen Amy L , Gray Stephen , Rupp T Scott , Martin Philip , Reynolds Joel H , Sesser Amanda , Murphy Karen , Littell Jeremy S , Bennett Alec , Bolton W Robert , Carman Tobey , Genet Hélène , Griffith Brad , Kurkowski Tom , Lara Mark J , Marchenko Sergei , Nicolsky Dmitry , Panda Santosh , Romanovsky Vladimir , Rutter Ruth , Tucker Colin L , McGuire A David
Published: February 2020

Assessments of climate‐change effects on ecosystem processes and services in high‐latitude regions are hindered by a lack of decision‐support tools capable of forecasting possible future landscapes. We describe a collaborative effort to develop and apply the Integrated Ecosystem Model (IEM) for Alaska and northwestern Canada to explore how climate change influences interactions among disturbance regimes, permafrost integrity, hydrology, and vegetation, and how these dynamics in turn influence resource management decisions. This process emphasizes co‐production of knowledge among decision makers, scientists, major funders, partners, and stakeholders. We highlight research findings based on IEM applications in Arctic Alaska, as well as successes and challenges of the co‐production process. The overall framework and lessons from our work with the IEM are relevant to other collaborative efforts outside the Arctic that aim to develop a decision‐support tool or an undertaking of equivalent scope.
Regulation and signaling of the GPR17 receptor in oligodendroglial cells
Authors: Lecca Davide , Raffaele Stefano , Abbracchio Maria P. , Fumagalli Marta
Published: February 2020

Remyelination, namely, the formation of new myelin sheaths around denuded axons, counteracts axonal degeneration and restores neuronal function. Considerable advances have been made in understanding this regenerative process that often fails in diseases like multiple sclerosis, leaving axons demyelinated and vulnerable to damage, thus contributing to disease progression. The identification of the membrane receptor GPR17 on a subset of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), which mediate remyelination in the adult central nervous system (CNS), has led to a huge amount of evidence that validated this receptor as a new attractive target for remyelinating therapies. Here, we summarize the role of GPR17 in OPC function, myelination and remyelination, describing its atypical pharmacology, its downstream signaling, and the genetic and epigenetic factors modulating its activity. We also highlight crucial insights into GPR17 pathophysiology coming from the demonstration that oligodendrocyte injury, associated with inflammation in chronic neurodegenerative conditions, is invariably characterized by abnormal and persistent GPR17 upregulation, which, in turn, is accompanied by a block of OPCs at immature premyelinating stages. Finally, we discuss the current literature in light of the potential exploitment of GPR17 as a therapeutic target to promote remyelination.
Interleukin‐6 signaling requires only few IL‐6 molecules: Relation to physiological concentrations of extracellular IL‐6
Authors: Hansen Morten B.
Published: February 2020

Introduction

The aim of this study was to give quantitative insight into the number of cytokine molecules needed to activate a target cell and relate this to the physiological consequences of the amounts of cytokines typically detectable in humans. As a model system blood interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) was chosen since this cytokine is one of the most studied and clinically monitored cytokines, and because of the tools for the present investigations such as fully bioactive iodinated recombinant IL‐6, cellular cytokine binding assays, and bioassays have been thoroughly validated.

Methods

The key intermediates of the basic equilibrium principles that govern cytokine binding and exchange were deduced and applied on concrete estimations of cellular and extracellular IL‐6 binding in the bloodstream based on experimental binding data and data from the literature. In parallel, in vitro cellular IL‐6 binding data was substantiated by paired measurements of IL‐6 bioactivity on IL‐6 sensitive B9 hybridoma cells.

Results

Blood leucocytes and B9 cells expressed 50 to 300, 10 to 20 picomolar affinity, IL‐6 binding sites per cell and at physiological concentrations of IL‐6 less than 10 IL‐6 molecules seemed to be bound to blood cells. Nonetheless, binding off as few as four IL‐6 molecules per cell seemed to result in statistically significant bioactivity, whereas binding of 16 IL‐6 molecules triggered extensive cellular responses.

Conclusion

Together, the estimations and the measurements support the notion that target cells with more than 100 bioactive cytokine receptors per cell, such as T cells and hepatocytes, are likely to be under steady and substantial cytokine‐induced endocrine activation.
Combination therapy with the CDK7 inhibitor and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor exerts synergistic anticancer effects against MYCN‐amplified neuroblastoma
Authors: Tee Andrew E. , Ciampa Olivia C. , Wong Matthew , Fletcher Jamie I. , Kamili Alvin , Chen Jingwei , Ho Nicholas , Sun Yuting , Carter Daniel R. , Cheung Belamy B. , Marshall Glenn M. , Liu Pei Y. , Liu Tao
Published: February 2020

Patients with neuroblastoma due to MYCN oncogene amplification and consequent N‐Myc oncoprotein overexpression have very poor prognosis. The cyclin‐dependent kinase 7 (CDK7)/super‐enhancer inhibitor THZ1 suppresses MYCN gene transcription, reduces neuroblastoma cell proliferation, but does not cause significant cell death. The protein kinase phosphatase 1 nuclear targeting subunit (PNUTS) has recently been shown to interact with c‐Myc protein and suppresses c‐Myc protein degradation. Here we screened the U.S. Food and Drug Administration‐Approved Oncology Drugs Set V from the National Cancer Institute, and identified tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), including ponatinib and lapatinib, as the Approved Oncology Drugs exerting the best synergistic anticancer effects with THZ1 in MYCN‐amplified neuroblastoma cells. Combination therapy with THZ1 and ponatinib or lapatinib synergistically induced neuroblastoma cell apoptosis, while having little effects in normal nonmalignant cells. Differential gene expression analysis identified PNUTS as one of the genes most synergistically reduced by the combination therapy. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot analyses confirmed that THZ1 and the TKIs synergistically downregulated PNUTS mRNA and protein expression and reduced N‐Myc protein but not N‐Myc mRNA expression. In addition, PNUTS knockdown resulted in decreased N‐Myc protein but not mRNA expression and decreased MYCN‐amplified neuroblastoma cell proliferation and survival. As CDK7 inhibitors are currently under clinical evaluation in patients, our data suggest the addition of the TKI ponatinib or lapatinib in CDK7 inhibitor clinical trials in patients.
Landscape of combination therapy trials in breast cancer brain metastasis
Authors: Fares Jawad , Kanojia Deepak , Rashidi Aida , Ulasov Ilya , Lesniak Maciej S.
Published: February 2020

Combination therapy has become a cornerstone in cancer treatment to potentiate therapeutic effectiveness and overcome drug resistance and metastasis. In this work, we explore combination trials in breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM), highlighting deficiencies in trial design and underlining promising combination strategies. On October 31, 2019, we examined ClinicalTrials.gov for interventional and therapeutic clinical trials involving combination therapy for BCBM, without limiting for date or location. Information on trial characteristics was collected. Combination therapies used in trials were analyzed and explored in line with evidence from the medical literature. Sixty‐five combination therapy trials were selected (n = 65), constituting less than 0.7% of all breast cancer trials. Most trials (62%) combined ≥2 chemotherapeutic agents. Chemotherapy with radiation was main‐stay in 23% of trials. Trastuzumab was mostly used in combination (31%), followed by lapatinib (20%) and capecitabine (15%). Common strategies involved combining tyrosine kinase inhibitors with thymidylate synthase inhibitors (6 trials), dual HER‐dimerization inhibitors (3 trials), microtubule inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (3 trials), and HER‐dimerization inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (3 trials). The combination of tucatinib and capecitabine yielded the highest objective response rate (83%) in early phase trials. The triple combination of trastuzumab, tucatinib and capecitabine lowered the risk of disease progression or death by 52% in patients with HER2‐positive BCBM. Combining therapeutic agents based on biological mechanisms is necessary to increase the effectiveness of available anti‐cancer regimens. Significant survival benefit has yet to be achieved in future combination therapy trials. Enhancing drug delivery through blood–brain barrier permeable agents may potentiate the overall therapeutic outcomes.
In vivo evaluation of an electrospun and 3D printed cellular delivery device for dermal wound healing
Authors: Clohessy Ryan M. , Cohen David J. , Stumbraite Karolina , Boyan Barbara D. , Schwartz Zvi
Published: February 2020

Burns and chronic wounds are especially challenging wounds to heal. In efforts to heal these wounds, physicians often use autologous skin grafts to help restore mechanical and barrier functionality to the wound area. These grafts are, by nature, limited in availability. In an effort to provide an alternative, we have developed an electrospun wound dressing designed to incorporate into the wound with the option to deliver a cellular payload. Here, a blend of poly(glycolic acid) and poly(ethylene glycol) was electrospun as part of a custom fabrication method that incorporated 3D printed poly(vinyl alcohol) sacrificial elements. This preparation is unique compared to traditional electrospinning as sacrificial elements provide an internal void space for an injectable payload to be delivered to the wound site. When the construct was tested in vivo (full thickness excisional skin wounds), wound closure was slightly delayed by the presence of the scaffold in both normal and challenged wounds. Quality of healing was improved in normal wounds as measured by histomorphometrics when treated with the construct and exhibited increased neovascularization. Our results demonstrate that the extracellular matrix‐like scaffold developed in this study is beneficial to healing of full thickness skin defects and may benefit challenged wounds.
Heparin‐induced lipoprotein precipitation apheresis in dyslipidemic patients: A multiparametric assessment
Authors: Merolle Lucia , Marraccini Chiara , Latorrata Alessia , Quartieri Eleonora , Farioli Daniela , Scarano Luca , Fasano Tommaso , Bergamini Stefania , Bellei Elisa , Monari Emanuela , Tomasi Aldo , Di Bartolomeo Erminia , Baricchi Roberto , Pertinhez Thelma A.
Published: February 2020

Low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis (LA) selectively eliminates lipoproteins containing apolipoprotein B 100 (ApoB100) on patients affected by severe dyslipidemia. In addition to lowering lipids, LA is thought to exert pleiotropic effects altering a number of other compounds associated with atherosclerosis, such as pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines or pro‐thrombotic factors. More knowledge needs to be gathered on the effects of LA, and particularly on its ability to modify blood components other than lipids. We performed a multiparametric assessment of the inflammatory, metabolic and proteomic profile changes after Heparin‐induced lipoprotein precipitation (H.E.L.P.) apheresis on serum samples from nine dyslipidemic patients evaluating cholesterol and lipoproteins, plasma viscosity and density, metabolites, cytokines, PCSK9 levels and other proteins selectively removed after the treatment. Our results show that H.E.L.P. apheresis is effective in lowering lipoprotein and PCSK9 levels. Although not significantly, complement and inflammation‐related proteins are also affected, indicating a possible transient epiphenomenon induced by the extracorporeal procedure.
Iodine substituted phosphorus corrole complexes as possible photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy: Insights from theory
Authors: Alberto Marta Erminia , De Simone Bruna Clara , Liuzzi Simona , Marino Tiziana , Russo Nino , Toscano Marirosa
Published: February 2020

The search for new dyes to be used as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a field of great interest from both experimental and theoretical viewpoints. In this study, the main photophysical properties (excitation energies, singlet‐triplet energy gap, and spin orbit coupling matrix elements) of some unsubstituted and iodine substituted phosphorus corrole complexes have been determined by using density functional theory and its time‐dependent formulation. Results show that these compounds can be proposed as photosensitizers in PDT. The heavy atom effects have been rationalized on the basis of El‐Sayed rules.
The Cascade C─H functionalization with sequential hydroxylation and oxidation through heterogeneous BINAP‐copper on hydrotalcite
Authors: Zhang Qiaohong , Wang Huibin , Hu Wenkang , Xu Xiaqing , Xu Zhaojun , Chen Chen , Wang Dawei
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Aromatic thioether derivatives exist widely in natural products and have significant applications in modern synthesis and the pharmaceutical industry; for example, 2‐sulfanylphenols and arylthioquinones are important intermediates in the processing of anticancer, antibiotic, antivirus and antimalarial drugs. Direct C─H hydroxylation was considered as one of the efficient methods for the synthesis of these compounds. Homogeneous transition metal catalysts usually were used through a cross‐coupling of halogen‐substituted phenols with thiophenols. However, from the perspectives of sustainable development and easy recovery, it is necessary to develop an efficient and recoverable catalytic system to realize the synthesis of aromatic thioether derivatives with good efficiency and recyclability.

RESULTS

The heterogeneous catalyst [Cu(binap)I]2@HT in the present work showed good catalytic activity for the C─H hydroxylation of benzenethiol and phenylboronic acid. The catalytic system was tolerant to various substituents including alkyl, alkoxy, ester, halogen or trifluoromethyl on the phenyl ring of the thiophenols or arylboric acids. In addition to electron‐donating groups, the products with strong electron‐withdrawing groups, such as methyl formylate and trifluoromethyl also were achieved with good yields at 90 °C for 12 h (68% and 66%, respectively). Repeated experiment results showed that the catalyst could be reused at least five times without obvious decrease in catalytic activity.

CONCLUSION

A BINAP‐Cu complex supported on hydrotalcite was prepared and used as a heterogeneous catalyst for the C─H activation of thiophenol under mild reaction conditions. Through a cascade C─H hydroxylation and further oxidation process, 2‐Sulfanylphenols and arylthioquinones could be obtained with moderate‐to‐good yields for a series of 2‐(phenylthio)phenol derivatives using the heterogeneous catalyst [Cu(binap)I]2@HT. In addition, this heterogeneous catalyst showed good recylbility. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Quantitizing findings from qualitative studies for integration in mixed methods reviewing
Authors: van Grootel Leonie , Balachandran Nair Lakshmi , Klugkist Irene , van Wesel Floryt
Published: February 2020

In mixed methods reviewing, data from quantitative and qualitative studies are combined at the review level. One possible way to combine findings of quantitative and qualitative studies is to quantitize qualitative findings prior to their incorporation in a quantitative review. There are only a few examples of the quantification of qualitative findings within this context. This study adds to current research on mixed methods review methodology by reporting the pilot implementation of a new four‐step quantitizing approach. We report how we extract and quantitize the strength of relationships found in qualitative studies by assigning correlations to vague quantifiers in text fragments. This article describes (a) how the analysis is prepared; (b) how vague quantifiers in text fragments are organized and transformed to numerical values; (c) how qualitative studies as a whole are assigned effect sizes; and (d) how the overall mean effects size and variance can be calculated. The pilot implementation shows how findings from 26 primary qualitative studies are transformed into mean effect sizes and corresponding variances.
On the Role of DGAT1 in Seed Glycerolipid Metabolic Network and Critical Stages of Plant Development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Liping , Li Qiang , Xia Qun , Shen Wenyun , Selvaraj Gopalan , Zou Jitao
Published: February 2020

Studies on the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana have uncovered the identities of most enzymatic components involved in seed storage lipid biosynthesis. However, much remains to be learned on how pathway interactions operate in the seed metabolic network. In this study, we dissected seed glycerolipid molecular compositional changes in the Arabidopsis mutant deficient in diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1). Our results indicate that metabolic adjustments occurred in both phosphatidylcholine synthesis and deacylation in developing seeds. Ultrastructural changes of perturbed oil and protein bodies were also evident in cotyledon parenchyma cells. To unmask the physiological and developmental role associated with DGAT1‐mediated neutral lipid biosynthesis, we attempted to combine dgat1 mutation with lpcat2 that harbors a defect in lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 2 (LPCAT2). Disruption in both DGAT1 and LPCAT2 led to an apparent defect in pollen development that manifested as pollen sterility. Collectively, our results highlight a role of DGAT1 in both storage lipid synthesis and plant development.
Effect of number of layers on erosion, corrosion, and wear resistance of multilayer Cr–N/Cr–Al–N coatings on AISI 630 stainless steel
Authors: Olia H. , Ghobadi M. , Danaee Iman , Onsori S.
Published: February 2020

In the present study, multilayered Cr–N/Cr–Al–N coatings were prepared by cathodic arc physical vapor deposition (PVD) with different numbers of layers and the same total thickness on AISI 630 steel in an attempt to improve the wear and erosion–corrosion resistance. Structural analysis of the coatings was performed by field scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy. Depth profiles and roughness parameters of worn surfaces were calculated after erosion and wear tests. XRD indicated that nitride compounds were formed in multilayer coatings by PVD. The Cr–N/Cr–Al–N coating exhibited superior corrosion resistance compared with AISI 630 substrate. The erosion–corrosion results revealed that the smoothest wear track with the minimum erosion rate and wear depth was obtained for five‐ and seven‐layered coatings. The failure mechanism of the bare substrate was influenced by plastic deformation via cutting and plowing, while the failure mechanism for coated samples was chipping and delamination. According to the wear results, the multilayer coatings showed a lower friction coefficient and better surface morphology that demonstrated their high ability for wear protection.
A minimalist approach to polarization resistance measurements in a reinforced concrete structure
Authors: Keßler Sylvia , Sagüés Alberto A.
Published: February 2020

In the curriculum of future civil engineers, electrochemical concepts are often neglected, even though this knowledge is essential to adequately maintain reinforced concrete structures in a chloride‐exposed environment. Experiments are necessary to consolidate key theoretical concepts, but laboratory experience often involves complex and expensive electronic equipment that may obscure the basic procedures at work. This paper presents a simple minimalistic electrochemical test for polarization resistance measurements by which students can learn basic concepts of corrosion electrochemistry and estimate the corrosion rate as a key parameter for estimation of the remaining service life of concrete structures. The focus is on avoiding unnecessary complications and providing an experiment that can be readily implemented for a wider student reach.
Diphasic Worsening of Freezing of Gait in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Perez Parra Sahyli , McKay J. Lucas , Factor Stewart A.
Published: February 2020

Background

The relationship between freezing of gait (FOG) and levodopa response is complex. Some patients respond, some have no response and in some patients levodopa causes FOG. We present 2 cases demonstrating a diphasic worsening of FOG after levodopa dosing.

Cases

Two PD patients with FOG were examined during the practically defined off state, the transition from off to on (15 and 22 minutes postdose), and in the full on state (45 and 60 minutes postdose). FOG was measured using Movement Disorder Society–Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III, item 11: freezing of gait. Both patients experienced worsening of FOG during the transition followed by improvement during the on state. Case 1 had serum levodopa levels measured. Videos are provided.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this diphasic pattern of worsening of FOG has not been previously reported. The cause of this phenomenon is unknown but may relate to an inhibitory action of subthreshold levels of levodopa.
On the Riesz potential operator of variable order from variable exponent Morrey space to variable exponent Campanato space
Authors: Rafeiro Humberto , Samko Stefan
Published: February 2020

For the Riesz potential of variable order over bounded domains in Euclidean space, we prove the boundedness result from variable exponent Morrey spaces to variable exponent Campanato spaces. A special attention is paid to weaken assumptions on variability of the Riesz potential.
Numerical simulation of terahertz radiation in photoconductive antenna
Authors: Xiong Zhong‐gang , Deng Hu , Chen Jun‐xue , Chen Lin‐yu , Liu Quan‐chen , Guo Jin , Shang Li‐ping
Published: February 2020

The terahertz radiation in photoconductive antenna involves the multiple physical processes. It is a challenge to simulate the terahertz radiation in photoconductive antenna. A numerical simulation tool for the photoconductive antenna is very necessary to effectively design and optimize the terahertz radiation source. In this paper, by introducing the auxiliary equations describing the dynamic behaviors of carriers in the semiconductor into the Maxwell's equations, we use the three‐dimensional finite‐difference time‐domain method to solve these equations and obtain the time‐domain solutions in the nearfield of antenna. A near‐to‐far‐field transformation in the layered medium is adopted in order to obtain the wave pattern of terahertz radiation in the far field. Assisted by the developed simulation tool, the terahertz time‐domain waveforms and other terahertz radiation characteristics for the photoconductive antenna can be presented. By comparing with the experimental results reported in the references, the validity and reliability of these physical models and the developed simulation tool are demonstrated. More importantly, the results given in this paper will be of great significance to design and optimize the radiation performance of photoconductive antenna with different structures.
Modeling and validation of a new reconfigurable patch antenna through equivalent lumped circuit‐based design for minimum tuning effort
Authors: Koc Polat Hilal , Geyikoglu Miraç D. , Cavusoglu Bulent
Published: February 2020

This study presents a modeling of a new reconfigurable patch antenna with equivalent lumped circuit. Instead of intuitive approaches, including structural changes used in the literature, the proposed reconfigurable antenna design is based on minimum tuning effort using only capacitance adjustments. The proposed design resolves impedance mismatch problem, which occurs due to the nature of using several frequencies by only capacitance adjustments rather than physical structure adjustments. Reconfigurable patch antenna for 2.45 GHz (Wi‐Fi), 3.6 GHz (Wi‐max and 5G), 5.4 GHz (WLAN and 5G) was considered for novel design strategy. A complete equivalent circuit model is configured and validated through AWR software. Full wave analysis of the proposed antenna is performed using CST software. A prototype of the proposed antenna is also fabricated on a FR4 substrate with the dimensions of 48.19 x 38.36 x 1.53 mm3 and measured to validate the full wave analysis and circuit theory solution results. It is shown that the equivalent circuit model, full wave analysis, and measurement results are in good agreement.
Estimating patient water equivalent diameter from CT localizer images – A longitudinal and multi‐institutional study of the stability of calibration parameters
Authors: Zhang Da , Liu Xinming , Duan Xinhui , Bankier Alexander A. , Rong John , Palmer Matthew R.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Water equivalent diameter (WED) is a robust patient‐size descriptor. Localizer‐based WED estimation is less sensitive to truncation errors resulting from limited field of view, and produces WED estimates at different locations within one localizer radiograph, prior to the initiation of axial scans. This method is considered difficult to implement by the clinical community due to the necessary calibration between localizer pixel values (LPV) and attenuation, and the unknown stability of calibration results across scanners and over time. We investigated the stability of calibration results across 25 computed tomography (CT) scanners from three medical centers, and their stability over 3 ∼ 29 months for 14 of those scanners.

Methods

Localizer and axial images of ACR and body computed tomography dose index phantoms were acquired, using routine clinical techniques (120 kV and lateral localizers) on each of the 25 CT scanners: 8 GE scanners (CT750HD, VCT, and Revolution), 8 Siemens scanners (Definition AS, Force, Flash, and Edge), 5 Canon scanners (Aquilion‐One, Aquilion‐Prime80, and Aquilion‐64), and 4 Philips scanners (iCT 256, iQon, and Ingenuity). By associating axial images with the corresponding localizer lines, the relationship between the scaled water equivalent area (WEA) and averaged LPV were established through regression analysis.

Results

Linear relationships between the scaled WEA and the averaged LPV were observed in all 25 CT scanners (). Calibration parameters were similar for CT scanners from the same vendor: the coefficients of variation (COV) were ≤ 1% in all four vendor groups for the calibration slope, and < 7% for the intercept. By analyzing the deviation of WED resulted from errors in the calibration slope or intercept alone, we derived the tolerance ranges for the slope or intercept for a given WED error level. The variation of slope and intercept from different CT scanners of the same vendor introduced <±2.5% error in the estimated WED for subjects of 20 and 30‐cm WED. The calibration parameters remained stable over time, with the maximum deviations all within the boundary values that introduce ±2.5% error in the estimated WED for subjects of 20 and 30‐cm WED.

Conclusions

The stability in calibration results among CT scanners of the same vendor and over time demonstrated the feasibility of implementing WED estimation for routine clinical use.
The 2016 QSM Challenge: Lessons learned and considerations for a future challenge design
Authors: Milovic Carlos , Tejos Cristian , Acosta‐Cabronero Julio , Özbay Pinar Senay , Schwesser Ferdinand , Marques Jose Pedro , Irarrazaval Pablo , Bilgic Berkin , Langkammer Christian
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The 4th International Workshop on MRI Phase Contrast and QSM (2016, Graz, Austria) hosted the first QSM Challenge. A single‐orientation gradient recalled echo acquisition was provided, along with COSMOS and the χ33 STI component as ground truths. The submitted solutions differed more than expected depending on the error metric used for optimization and were generally over‐regularized. This raised (unanswered) questions about the ground truths and the metrics utilized.

Methods

We investigated the influence of background field remnants by applying additional filters. We also estimated the anisotropic contributions from the STI tensor to the apparent susceptibility to amend the χ33 ground truth and to investigate the impact on the reconstructions. Lastly, we used forward simulations from the COSMOS reconstruction to investigate the impact noise had on the metric scores.

Results

Reconstructions compared against the amended STI ground truth returned lower errors. We show that the background field remnants had a minor impact in the errors. In the absence of inconsistencies, all metrics converged to the same regularization weights, whereas structural similarity index metric was more insensitive to such inconsistencies.

Conclusion

There was a mismatch between the provided data and the ground truths due to the presence of unaccounted anisotropic susceptibility contributions and noise. Given the lack of reliable ground truths when using in vivo acquisitions, simulations are suggested for future QSM Challenges.
MRSIGMA: Magnetic Resonance SIGnature MAtching for real‐time volumetric imaging
Authors: Feng Li , Tyagi Neelam , Otazo Ricardo
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To propose a real‐time 3D MRI technique called MR SIGnature MAtching (MRSIGMA) for high‐resolution volumetric imaging and motion tracking with very low imaging latency.

Methods

MRSIGMA consists of two steps: (1) offline learning of a database of possible 3D motion states and corresponding motion signature ranges and (2) online matching of new motion signatures acquired in real time with prelearned motion states. Specifically, the offline learning step (non‐real‐time) reconstructs motion‐resolved 4D images representing different motion states and assigns a unique motion range to each state. The online matching step (real‐time) acquires motion signatures only and selects one of the prelearned 3D motion states for each newly acquired signature, which generates 3D images efficiently in real time. The MRSIGMA technique was evaluated on 15 golden‐angle stack‐of‐stars liver data sets, and the performance of respiratory motion tracking with the online‐generated real‐time 3D MRI was compared with the corresponding 2D projections acquired in real time.

Results

The total latency of generating each 3D image during online matching was about 300 ms, including acquisition of the motion signature data (~138 ms) and corresponding matching process (~150 ms). Linear correlation assessment suggested excellent correlation (R2 = 0.948) between motion displacement measured from the online‐generated real‐time 3D images and the 2D real‐time projections.

Conclusion

This proof‐of‐concept study demonstrates the feasibility of MRSIGMA for high‐resolution real‐time volumetric imaging, which shifts the acquisition and reconstruction burden to an offline learning step and leaves fast online matching for online imaging with very low imaging latency. The MRSIGMA technique can potentially be used for real‐time motion tracking in MRI‐guided radiation therapy.
A metabolite‐specific 3D stack‐of‐spiral bSSFP sequence for improved lactate imaging in hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate studies on a 3T clinical scanner
Authors: Tang Shuyu , Bok Robert , Qin Hecong , Reed Galen , VanCriekinge Mark , Delos Santos Romelyn , Overall William , Santos Juan , Gordon Jeremy , Wang Zhen Jane , Vigneron Daniel B. , Larson Peder E. Z.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The balanced steady‐state free precession sequence has been previously explored to improve the efficient use of nonrecoverable hyperpolarized magnetization, but suffers from poor spectral selectivity and long acquisition time. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel metabolite‐specific 3D bSSFP (“MS‐3DSSFP”) sequence with stack‐of‐spiral readouts for improved lactate imaging in hyperpolarized []pyruvate studies on a clinical 3T scanner.

Methods

Simulations were performed to evaluate the spectral response of the MS‐3DSSFP sequence. Thermal phantom experiments were performed to validate the MS‐3DSSFP sequence. In vivo hyperpolarized [], pyruvate studies were performed to compare the MS‐3DSSFP sequence with metabolite‐specific gradient echo (“MS‐GRE”) sequences for lactate imaging.

Results

Simulations, phantom, and in vivo studies demonstrate that the MS‐3DSSFP sequence achieved spectrally selective excitation on lactate while minimally perturbing other metabolites. Compared with MS‐GRE sequences, the MS‐3DSSFP sequence showed approximately a 2.5‐fold SNR improvement for lactate imaging in rat kidneys, prostate tumors in a mouse model, and human kidneys.

Conclusions

Improved lactate imaging using the MS‐3DSSFP sequence in hyperpolarized []pyruvate studies was demonstrated in animals and humans. The MS‐3DSSFP sequence could be applied for other clinical applications such as in the brain or adapted for imaging other metabolites such as pyruvate and bicarbonate.
One‐hour universal protocol for mouse genotyping
Authors: Joubert Romain , Mariot Virginie , Dumonceaux Julie
Published: February 2020

Background

Transgenic animals are widely used for research and for most of them, genotyping is unavoidable. Published protocols may be powerful but may also present disadvantages such as their cost or the requirement of additional steps/equipment. Moreover, if more than one strain must be genotyped, several protocols may need to be developed.

Methods

we adapted the existing amplification‐resistant mutation protocol to develop the 1‐h universal genotyping protocol (1‐HUG), which allows the robust genotyping of genetically modified mice in 1 h from sample isolation to polymerase chain reaction gel running.

Results

This protocol allows the genotyping of different mouse models including mdx mouse, and FLExDUX4 and HSA‐MerCreMer alone or in combination. It can be applied to different types of genomic modifications and to sexing.

Conclusions

The 1‐HUG protocol can be used routinely in any laboratory using mouse models for neuromuscular diseases.
Recent advances in the biology of tumour hypoxia with relevance to diagnostic practice and tissue‐based research
Authors: Macklin Philip S , Yamamoto Atsushi , Browning Lisa , Hofer Monika , Adam Julie , Pugh Christopher W
Published: February 2020

In this review article, we examine the importance of low levels of oxygen (hypoxia) in cancer biology. We provide a brief description of how mammalian cells sense oxygen. The hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) pathway is currently the best characterised oxygen‐sensing system, but recent work has revealed that mammals also use an oxygen‐sensing system found in plants to regulate the abundance of some proteins and peptides with an amino‐terminal cysteine residue. We discuss how the HIF pathway is affected during the growth of solid tumours, which develop in microenvironments with gradients of oxygen availability. We then introduce the concept of ‘pseudohypoxia’, a state of constitutive, oxygen‐independent HIF system activation that occurs due to oncogenic stimulation in a number of specific tumour types that are of immediate relevance to diagnostic histopathologists. We provide an overview of the different methods of quantifying tumour hypoxia, emphasising the importance of pre‐analytic factors in interpreting the results of tissue‐based studies. Finally, we review recent approaches to targeting hypoxia/HIF system activation for therapeutic benefit, the application of which may require knowledge of which hypoxia signalling components are being utilised by a given tumour. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Biology and therapeutic targeting of tumour‐associated macrophages
Authors: Beltraminelli Tim , De Palma Michele
Published: February 2020

Macrophages sustain tumour progression by facilitating angiogenesis, promoting immunosuppression, and enhancing cancer cell invasion and metastasis. They also modulate tumour response to anti‐cancer therapy in pre‐clinical models. This knowledge has motivated the development of agents that target tumour‐associated macrophages (TAMs), some of which have been investigated in early clinical trials. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the biology and therapeutic targeting of TAMs, highlighting opportunities, setbacks, and new challenges that have emerged after a decade of intense translational and clinical research into these multifaceted immune cells. © 2020 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of Nickel nanoparticles on graphene oxide as a promising reinforcement for epoxy composites
Authors: Vakhshouri Mohammad , Khosravi Hamed
Published: February 2020

Herein, Nickel‐decorated graphene oxide nanoplatelets (Ni@GNs) were introduced as a promising reinforcement for epoxy composites. The morphology and structure of Ni@GNs were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, atomic force microscope, and scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy‐dispersive X‐ray analyzer. This study sought to investigate the effects of Ni@GNs addition at different weight percentages (0.05, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 wt%) on the tensile and dry‐sliding wear properties of epoxy composites. Maximum enhancements in tensile strength (ie, 36%) and failure strain (ie, 56%) were observed for the specimen filled with 0.1 wt% Ni@GNs. In addition, by the introduction of 0.7 wt% Ni@GNs, a maximum enhancement of tensile modulus (ie, 39%) was achieved. The results of the wear tests demonstrated that the wear rate and friction coefficient of the epoxy matrix were decreased by 86% and 75%, respectively, by the addition of 0.3 wt% Ni@GNs. It was also found that the Ni@GNs/epoxy nanocomposite showed significant improvements in tensile and wear properties in comparison to the specimen filled with GNs.
Pregabalin and injury: A nested case‐control and case‐crossover study
Authors: Miyamoto Yoshihisa , Iwagami Masao , Aso Shotaro , Matsui Hiroki , Doi Kent , Yasunaga Hideo
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This study was performed to investigate the association between the use of pregabalin and injury.

Methods

The study was based on a predefined cohort of patients aged ≥20 years who had been registered for ≥6 months and contributed to the Japan Medical Data Center claims database. All patients (cases) had been treated for injuries from January 2014 to December 2016. One‐to‐four case‐control matching was performed for age, sex, calendar day of injury (index date), and follow‐up duration. A conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate the odds ratio (OR) for pregabalin use within 180 days prior to the index date between the matched cases and controls, with adjustment for comorbidities and relevant drug categories associated with a risk of injury. To minimize within‐individual confounding, we also performed a case‐crossover analysis to compare the odds of pregabalin use between a 30‐day hazard period immediately before the injury and five consecutive 30‐day control periods within individuals with injury.

Results

Among the 2 324 974 people in the nested cohort, we identified 18 084 cases with injury and 71 885 matched controls. The proportion of pregabalin use was 1.7% (304/18 084) and 1.1% (803/71 885), respectively. The adjusted OR for injury was 1.22 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06‐1.40). In the case‐crossover analysis (n = 304), pregabalin use was also significantly associated with an increased risk of injury (adjusted OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.10‐2.00).

Conclusion

This large database study using two different study designs consistently suggested that the use of pregabalin may be associated with an increased risk of injury.
CalibraCurve: A Tool for Calibration of Targeted MS‐Based Measurements
Authors: Kohl Michael , Stepath Markus , Bracht Thilo , Megger Dominik A , Sitek Barbara , Marcus Katrin , Eisenacher Martin
Published: February 2020

Targeted proteomics techniques allow accurate quantitative measurements of analytes in complex matrices with dynamic linear ranges that span up to 4–5 orders of magnitude. Hence, targeted methods are promising for the development of robust protein assays in several sensitive areas, for example, in health care. However, exploiting the full method potential requires reliable determination of the dynamic range along with related quantification limits for each analyte. Here, a software named CalibraCurve that enables an automated batch‐mode determination of dynamic linear ranges and quantification limits for both targeted proteomics and similar assays is presented. The software uses a variety of measures to assess the accuracy of the calibration, namely precision and trueness. Two different kinds of customizable graphs are created (calibration curves and response factor plots). The accuracy measures and the graphs offer an intuitive, detailed, and reliable opportunity to assess the quality of the model fit. Thus, CalibraCurve is deemed a highly useful and flexible tool to facilitate the development and control of reliable SRM/MRM‐MS‐based proteomics assays.
Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Nutrition: Where Are We and Where Are We Heading?
Authors: Elma Ömer , Yilmaz Sevilay T. , Deliens Tom , Clarys Peter , Nijs Jo , Coppieters Iris , Polli Andrea , Malfliet Anneleen
Published: February 2020

Nutrition is one of the most important lifestyle factors related to chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, poor diet is also considered a predicting, perpetuating, or underlying factor in chronic musculoskeletal pain. This narrative review provides an overview of current knowledge on the relationship between nutrition and chronic musculoskeletal pain (ie, inflammation, obesity, homeostatic balance, and central sensitization as underlying mechanisms). This review also identifies how dietary intake assessments and nutritional behavior interventions for chronic musculoskeletal pain can be used in clinical practice and identifies areas in need of additional research. Based on the available literature, dietary behavior and quality could have an impact on chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions, but the direction of this impact is unclear. There is a need for additional human nutrition studies that focus on specific musculoskeletal pain conditions and underlying pathologies.