bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The clinical value of combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer patients: A meta‐analysis of efficacy and safety
Authors: Wu Yingcheng , Shi Hui , Jiang Maorong , Qiu Mingyan , Jia Keren , Cao Tianyue , Shang Yujuan , Shi Lili , Jiang Kui , Wu Huiqun
Published: August 2017

The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in combination therapy is an emerging trend in tumor immunology. However, the value of combination immunotherapy remains controversial, because of the toxic effects induced by combination. The added benefit of each additional drug has not been assessed against the added toxicity. We searched for clinical trials that evaluated ICI monotherapies and combination therapies in lung cancer and melanoma patients. The overall response rate (ORR), grade 3/4 treatment‐related adverse event rate, overall survival (OS), and progression‐free survival (PFS) were extracted from the most recently published studies to determine the relative risk (RR), hazard ratios (HRs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Seven randomized controlled trials and one open‐label study were identified (n = 3,097). Treatments included combinations of several ICIs, a combination of an ICI and dacarbazine, two combinations of an ICI, paclitaxel and carboplatin, and a combination of an ICI and gp100 vaccine. Higher ORR (RR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.03–2.20, p = 0.034), OS (HR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.78–0.95, p = 0.000), and PFS (HR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.72–1.14, p = 0.000) values were observed in combination therapy than in monotherapy. In addition, the toxicity of combination ICI immunotherapy was higher (RR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.03–2.19, p = 0.036) than that of monotherapy. This meta‐analysis showed that the addition of nivolumab to ipilimumab better benefits PFS and ORR. Adding sargramostim was associated with better OS and safety. The efficacy and safety of a nivolumab‐ipilimumab‐sargramostim combination should be investigated further.
Recent Advances in Iron Catalyzed Oxidation Reactions of Organic Compounds
Authors: Bauer Eike B.
Published: August 2017

Iron‐catalyzed oxidation reactions have been increasingly investigated in the past two decades and have seen a major increase in research activity. This review article demonstrates the vigorous research activities in the field based on examples from the most recent literature. Catalyst systems are discussed that are active in the oxygenation of alkanes and alkenes to obtain alcohols, ketones or epoxides. Iron‐catalyzed oxidation of alcohols to the corresponding carbonyl units are also included. Enantioselective and heterogeneous catalyst systems are presented as well, and a brief overview of mechanistic pictures is given.
microRNA‐145 downregulates SIP1‐expression but differentially regulates proliferation, migration, invasion and Wnt signaling in SW480 and SW620 cells
Authors: Sathyanarayanan Anusha , Chandrasekaran Karthik Subramanian , Karunagaran Devarajan
Published: August 2017

microRNA‐145 (miR‐145) has been shown to act as a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer but its role in the regulation of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is unclear. Ectopic expression of miR‐145 suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion in SW480 but surprisingly enhanced these traits in its metastatic counterpart, SW620 cells, while, antimiR‐145 reversed the effects of miR‐145 in both of these human colorectal cancer cells. In SW480 and SW620 cells, SMAD‐interacting protein 1 (SIP1), was identified as a target of miR‐145, and its expression was suppressed both at mRNA and protein levels, and siRNA‐SIP1 mimicked the effects of miR‐145. Further, re‐introduction of SIP1 alone or its co‐expression with miR‐145, rescued SW480 and SW620 cells from the effects of miR‐145, indicating that the distinct functions of miR‐145 might be mediated, in part, through SIP1. Since Wnt signaling plays an essential role in EMT in CRC progression, the effects of miR‐145 on the expression of Wnt signaling intermediates and EMT markers were studied. Re‐expression of miR‐145 was found to downregulate the expression of CTNNB1, TCF4, CCND1, VIM, and SNAI, but, upregulated CDH1 expression in SW480 cells. On the other hand, miR‐145 exhibited an oncogenic potential in SW620 cells by actuating Wnt signaling and the expression of EMT‐relevant markers. These results strongly hint that the paradoxical functions of miR‐145 in the regulation of proliferation, migration and invasion might be mediated through downregulation of SIP1, and differential tuning of Wnt signaling and EMT‐mediators.
Phonon spectra, electronic, and thermodynamic properties of WS2 nanotubes
Authors: Evarestov Robert A. , Bandura Andrei V. , Porsev Vitaly V. , Kovalenko Alexey V.
Published: August 2017

Hybrid density functional theory calculations are performed for the first time on the phonon dispersion and thermodynamic properties of WS2‐based single‐wall nanotubes. Symmetry analysis is presented for phonon modes in nanotubes using the standard (crystallographic) factorization for line groups. Symmetry and the number of infra‐red and Raman active modes in achiral WS2 nanotubes are given for armchair and zigzag chiralities. It is demonstrated that a number of infrared and Raman active modes is independent on the nanotube diameter. The zone‐folding approach is applied to find out an impact of curvature on electron and phonon band structure of nanotubes rolled up from the monolayer. Phonon frequencies obtained both for layers and nanotubes are used to compute the thermal contributions to their thermodynamic functions. The temperature dependences of energy, entropy, and heat capacity of nanotubes are estimated with respect to those of the monolayer. The role of phonons in the stability estimation of nanotubes is discussed based on Helmholtz free energy calculations. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microwave‐assisted Three‐component Reactions for Regioselective Synthesis of Functionalized Benzo[e]indoles
Authors: Wei Jing , Liu Lei , Tang Dan‐Ni , Wu Cui‐Ping , Zhao Xiao‐Juan , Hao Wen‐Juan , Jiang Bo
Published: August 2017

Microwave‐assisted three‐component reactions of arylglyoxals with cyclic 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds and naphthalen‐2‐amine have been established, by which a series of new functionalized benzo[e]indoles with good yields were synthesized. The reaction was easily conducted in HOAc, enabling domino cyclization to construct three new σ‐bonds in a one‐pot operation. Flexible structural modification and broad functional group compatibility as well as mild reaction conditions make this strategy a useful and attractive process of library generation for drug discovery.
Priests of God: An Enchanted Humanitarianism on the African Migration Route
Authors: Ngo May
Published: August 2017

This article examines a prevailing ‘enchanted humanitarianism’ discourse within a faith‐based organisation working with migrants in Morocco that encompassed tensions, contestations and ambiguity, revealing a fundamental ‘identity ambiguity’ in the organisation between evangelism and humanitarianism. This was the source of much tension in the organisation's operations and is indicative of entangling constructions of the sacred and the secular in faith‐based organisations, going against an essentialised or monolithic conception of the role of ‘religion’ in humanitarianism. These entanglements are illustrated through an examination of two organisational issues—the identity of staff and the flexibility of criteria for its beneficiaries. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does Microfinance Make Households More Resilient to Shocks? Evidence From the Cyclone Phailin in India
Authors: Calis Thijmen , Gangopadhyay Shubhashis , Ghosh Namrata , Lensink Robert , Meesters Aljar
Published: August 2017

This research note examines the relevance of microfinance as a means to cope with natural disasters, using the event of the cyclone Phailin, which struck India in 2013. The results indicate that microfinance helps reduce the negative effects of extreme weather‐related shocks. In light of the somewhat disappointing outcomes suggested by several recent rigorous impact studies, this research paints a more positive picture of the importance of microfinance as an insurance mechanism to deal with weather‐related risks. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Homeless People in Nicaragua: A Point‐in‐Time Count in León
Authors: Suarez Alexia , Berrios Alberto , Bonilla Enrique , Vázquez José Juan
Published: August 2017

This work analyses the difficulties encounter to determine who should be considered a homeless person in a developing country, and the result of a point‐in‐time count of homeless people done in the city of Leon (185,000 inhabitants), Nicaragua. Throughout the point‐in‐time count, 82 unduplicated persons living homeless were tallied (76% male; 23% female); 11% were under age. Half of the homeless detected seemed to have problems related to mental health, alcohol and drugs, and/or wounds, dermatological or dental problems. Sixty‐nine percent showed a bad physical appearance, 74% had poor personal hygiene, and 80% had the dirty or very dirty clothes.
Extrusion modifies some physicochemical properties of milk protein concentrate for improved performance in high‐protein nutrition bars
Authors: Banach Justin C , Clark Stephanie , Lamsal Buddhi P
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Extruded and ground milk protein concentrate powders, specifically those with 800 g kg–1 protein (i.e. MPC80), imparted softness, cohesion and textural stability to high‐protein nutrition (HPN) bars. The present study evaluated some physicochemical properties of extruded and conventionally produced (i.e. spray‐dried) MPC80 to explain these improvements. Protein chemical changes and aggregations within MPC80‐formulated HPN bars during storage were characterized.

RESULTS

Extruded MPC80 powders had broader particle size distribution (P < 0.05) and smaller volume‐weighted mean diameter (P < 0.05) than the spray‐dried control. Loose, tapped and particle densities increased (P < 0.05) and correspondingly occluded and interstitial air volumes decreased (P < 0.05) after extruding and milling MPC80. Extrusion decreased water holding capacity (P < 0.05) and solubility (P < 0.05), yet improved the wettability (P < 0.05) of MPC80. MPC80 free sulfhydryl (P < 0.05) and free amine (P < 0.05) concentrations decreased after extrusion. Sulfhydryl and amine concentrations changed (P < 0.05) and disulfide‐linked and, more prominently, Maillard‐induced aggregates developed during HPN bar storage.

CONCLUSION

Extrusion and milling together changed the physicochemical properties of MPC80. Chemical changes and protein aggregations occurred in HPN bars prepared with either type of MPC80. Thus, the physicochemical properties of the formulating powder require consideration for desired HPN bar texture and stability. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Color holographic system without undesirable light based on area sampling of digital lens
Authors: Xiao Dan , Wang Di , Liu Su‐Juan , Wang Qiong‐Hua
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we demonstrate a color holographic system without undesirable light based on area sampling of a digital lens. This system, which improves the quality of the reconstructed color image, is fundamentally realized by using three spatial light modulators and a rectangle aperture. By altering the sampling area of the digital lens on the spatial light modulator panels, we can control the offset position of the reconstructed image. Thus, the zero‐order diffraction light as the undesirable light and the reconstructed images are separated, and the chromatic aberration can be corrected. In addition, a rectangle aperture is used to eliminate the zero‐order diffraction light. The final reconstructed image with improved quality can be observed, which verifies the effectiveness of our proposed system.
Trismus surgical release and free flap reconstruction after radiation therapy in oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: de Pablo Alba , Chen Yu‐Ting , Chen Jyh‐Kwei , Tsao Chung‐Kan
Published: August 2017

Background and Objectives

This study aims to review our experience in trismus release followed by free flap reconstruction after radiotherapy in oral and oropharyngeal cancer, describe the results obtained in long‐term follow‐up and identify possible predictors of outcome.

Methods

Patients’ demographics, tumor characteristics and treatment where retrieved. Surgical release and reconstructive procedures were detailed. Interincisor distances (IIDs) where measured preoperatively (PO‐IID), intraoperatively after release (IO‐IID) and in the last follow‐up (FU‐IID). Potential predictors of outcome in terms of interincisor long‐term gain (LT‐gain) and postoperative loss (PO‐loss) were analyzed.

Results

Twenty‐eight patients were included in our study. The mean LT‐gain was 8.9 ± 7.0 mm, and the PO‐loss was 22.14 ± 7.27 mm. Patients with a PO‐IID of 10 mm or less had a significant higher LT‐gain (P = 0.038). Predictors of worse outcome included having received a previous maxillectomy during tumor ablation (lower LT‐gain, P = 0.035), and previous buccal mucosa resection (higher PO‐loss, P = 0.044).

Conclusions

Trismus release and free flap reconstruction after radiotherapy in oral and oropharyngeal cancer patients seems to be associated with modest long term results and a high incidence of trismus recurrence, particularly in cases of prior buccal resections or maxillectomy. Patients should be adequately informed and carefully selected before indicating the procedure.
Cattle grazing effects on mountain gazelles in Mediterranean natural landscapes
Authors: Shamoon Hila , Dayan Tamar , Saltz David
Published: August 2017

Frequently, Mediterranean natural and semi‐natural areas will undergo cattle grazing as a form of fire fuel reduction management. We used a multi‐species approach to understand effects of cattle grazing on mountain gazelle (Gazella gazella) in relation to 2 potential predators of gazelle neonates: golden jackal (Canis aureus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa). We used light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data and a fine‐scale camera trap design (0.01‐km2 grid) in Ramat Hanadiv Nature Park in the Mediterranean region of Israel to determine gazelle habitat and patch preferences in response to grazing using N‐mixture models. Cattle grazing decreased female gazelle detectability and activity and attracted potential predators during the most sensitive time of the year for gazelle: parturition and the critical first 5 weeks of fawns' lives. Grazing management acts as a disturbance for gazelles and increases risk for neonates. Our results show the importance of understanding the broader mechanism behind predator–prey dynamics and how indirect human‐mediated management actions and direct predation may have adverse effects on wild populations. We recommend that cattle be allowed to enter natural areas only after the spring birth peak. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Persistent respiratory effort after adenotonsillectomy in children with sleep‐disordered breathing
Authors: Martinot Jean‐Benoît , Le‐Dong N. Nam , Denison Stéphane , Guénard Hervé Jean‐Pierre , Borel Jean‐Christian , Silkoff Philip E. , Pepin Jean‐Louis , Gozal David
Published: August 2017

Objectives

Adenotonsillectomy (AT) markedly improves but does not necessarily normalize polysomnographic findings in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy and related sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB). Adenotonsillectomy efficacy should be evaluated by follow‐up polysomnography (PSG), but this method may underestimate persistent respiratory effort (RE). Mandibular movement (MMas) monitoring is an innovative measurement that readily identifies RE during upper airway obstruction. We hypothesized that MMas indices would decrease in parallel of PSG indices and that children with persistent RE more reliably could be identified with MMas.

Methods

Twenty‐five children (3–12 years of age) with SDB were enrolled in this individual prospective‐cohort study. Polysomnography was supplemented with a midsagittal movement magnetic sensor that measured MMas during each respiratory cycle before and > 3 months after AT.

Results

Adenotonsillectomy significantly improved PSG indices, except for RE‐related arousals (RERA). Mandibular movement index changes after AT significantly were correlated with corresponding decreases in sleep apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) and O2 desaturation index (ODI) (Spearman's rho = 0.978 and 0.922, respectively), whereas changes in MMas duration significantly were associated with both RERA duration (rho = 0.475, P = 0.017) and index (rho = 0.564, P = 0.003). Conditional multivariate analysis showed that both AHI and RERA significantly contributed to the variance of MMas index after AT (P = 0.0003 and 0.0005, respectively), whereas MMas duration consistently was related to the duration of RERA regardless of AT.

Conclusion

Adenotonsillectomy significantly reduced AHI. However, persistent RERA were apparent in a significant proportion of children, and this was reflected by the remaining abnormal MMas pattern. Follow‐up of children after AT can be recommended and readily achieved by monitoring MMas to identify persistent RE.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:1230–1237, 2018
Genomics and advances towards precision medicine for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Van Waes Carter , Musbahi Omar
Published: August 2017

Objective

To provide a review of emerging knowledge from genomics and related basic science, preclinical, and clinical precision medicine studies in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Data Sources

The Cancer Genome Atlas Network (TCGA) publications, PubMed‐based literature review, and ClinicalTrials.gov.

Review Methods

TCGA publications, PubMed, and ClinicalTrials.gov were queried for genomics and related basic science, preclinical, and developmental clinical precision medicine studies in HNSCC.

Results

TCGA reported comprehensive genomic analyses of 279 HNSCC, defining the landscape and frequency of chromosomal copy number alterations, mutations, and expressed genes that contribute to pathogenesis, prognosis, and resistance to therapy. This provides a road map for basic science and preclinical studies to identify key pathways in cancer and cells of the tumor microenvironment affected by these alterations, and candidate targets for new small molecule and biologic therapies.

Conclusion

Recurrent chromosomal abnormalities, mutations, and expression of genes affecting HNSCC subsets are associated with differences in prognosis, and define molecules, pathways, and deregulated immune responses as candidates for therapy. Activity of molecularly targeted agents appears to be enhanced by rational combinations of these agents and standard therapies targeting the complex alterations that affect multiple pathways and mechanisms in HNSCC.

Level of Evidence

NA.
A Facile Method Synthesizing Hydrogel Using Hybranched Polyether Amine (hPEA) as Coinitiator and Crosslinker
Authors: Liu Zhiyong , Zhang Changxu , Xu Hongjie , Ma Xiaodong , Shi Zixing , Yin Jie
Published: August 2017

Inhomogeneities are responsible for the poor mechanical properties of hydrogels. To achieve good performances, this study reports here the design and synthesis of hydrogels with negligible defects named as initiator‐crosslinker (IC) hydrogel where hybranched polyether amine (hPEA) performs as both coinitiator and crosslinker. The initiation mechanism used in this system is classical but the crosslinking mechanism is different from the conventional hydrogels. A series of hydrogels with various mechanical properties are synthesized by varying the content ratio of coinitiator hPEA and initiator ammonium persulfate. Tensile tests demonstrated that IC hydrogels had excellent mechanical properties elongation at break up to 3000%. The toughness calculated from stress–strain curve highly depended on the content of hPEA and the largest one is about 4.02 MJ m−3 which is much higher than the conventional hydrogels (0.03 MJ m−3). Rheological and swelling results also indicated the obtained hydrogels are indeed crosslinked by both chemical bond and physical interaction.
Panel‐based whole exome sequencing identifies novel mutations in microphthalmia and anophthalmia patients showing complex Mendelian inheritance patterns
Authors: Riera Marina , Wert Ana , Nieto Isabel , Pomares Esther
Published: August 2017

Background

Microphthalmia and anophthalmia (MA) are congenital eye abnormalities that show an extremely high clinical and genetic complexity. In this study, we evaluated the implementation of whole exome sequencing (WES) for the genetic analysis of MA patients. This approach was used to investigate three unrelated families in which previous single‐gene analyses failed to identify the molecular cause.

Methods

A total of 47 genes previously associated with nonsyndromic MA were included in our panel. WES was performed in one affected patient from each family using the AmpliSeqTM Exome technology and the Ion ProtonTM platform.

Results

A novel heterozygous OTX2 missense mutation was identified in a patient showing bilateral anophthalmia who inherited the variant from a parent who was a carrier, but showed no sign of the condition. We also describe a new PAX6 missense variant in an autosomal‐dominant pedigree affected by mild bilateral microphthalmia showing high intrafamiliar variability, with germline mosaicism determined to be the most plausible molecular cause of the disease. Finally, a heterozygous missense mutation in RBP4 was found to be responsible in an isolated case of bilateral complex microphthalmia.

Conclusion

This study highlights that panel‐based WES is a reliable and effective strategy for the genetic diagnosis of MA. Furthermore, using this technique, the mutational spectrum of these diseases was broadened, with novel variants identified in each of the OTX2, PAX6, and RBP4 genes. Moreover, we report new cases of reduced penetrance, mosaicism, and variable phenotypic expressivity associated with MA, further demonstrating the heterogeneity of such disorders.
A chemical shift encoding (CSE) approach for spectral selection in fluorine‐19 MRI
Authors: Ludwig Kai D. , Hernando Diego , Roberts Nathan T. , van Heeswijk Ruud B. , Fain Sean B.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

To develop a chemical shift encoding (CSE) approach for fluorine‐19 MRI of perfluorocarbons in the presence of multiple known fluorinated chemical species.

Theory and Methods

A multi‐echo CSE technique is applied for spectral separation of the perfluorocarbon perfluoro‐15‐crown‐5‐ether (PFCE) and isoflurane (ISO) based on their chemical shifts at 4.7 T. Cramér‐Rao lower bound analysis is used to identify echo combinations with optimal signal‐to‐noise performance. Signal contributions are fit with a multispectral fluorine signal model using a non‐linear least squares estimation reconstruction directly from k‐space data. This CSE approach is tested in fluorine‐19 phantoms and in a mouse with a 2D and 3D spoiled gradient‐echo acquisition using multiple echo times determined from Cramér‐Rao lower bound analysis.

Results

Cramér‐Rao lower bound analysis for PFCE and ISO separation shows signal‐to‐noise performance is maximized with a 0.33 ms echo separation. A linear behavior (R2 = 0.987) between PFCE signal and known relative PFCE volume is observed in CSE reconstructed images using a mixed PFCE/ISO phantom. Effective spatial and spectral separation of PFCE and ISO is shown in phantoms and in vivo.

Conclusion

Feasibility of a gradient‐echo CSE acquisition and image reconstruction approach with optimized noise performance is demonstrated through fluorine‐19 MRI of PFCE with effective removal of ISO signal contributions. Magn Reson Med 79:2183–2189, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
A novel approach based on low‐field NMR for the detection of the pathological components of sputum in cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Abrami Michela , Ascenzioni Fiorentina , Di Domenico Enea Gino , Maschio Massimo , Ventura Alessandro , Confalonieri Marco , Di Gioia Sante , Conese Massimo , Dapas Barbara , Grassi Gabriele , Grassi Mario
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Development of a reliable, simple method to monitor lung condition in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Lung functionality assessment in CF patients is relevant, as most of them still die of respiratory failure. In lung mucus (sputum) of CF patients, components such as proteins, biopolymers, DNA, bacteria, and mucin are pathologically increased. As lung functionality is related to the amount of the pathological components in the sputum, their determination can help clinicians in monitoring lung condition and planning therapy.

Methods

Low‐field NMR was used to evaluate the variation of the relaxation time (T2m) of the water hydrogens present in CF sputum in relation to the amounts of the pathological components. Low‐field NMR was tested in artificial samples (mucin or alginates), then in conditional sputum (saliva from healthy volunteers, added by different amounts of the pathological components), and finally in 12 patients’ sputums, in which T2m was correlated to a commonly used lung monitoring test (i.e., forced expiratory volume in the first second).

Results

T2m significantly (P < 0.05) differed between samples with and without pathological components and between healthy and CF patients (P < 0.05), in which T2m correlated (r = 0.87) with FEV1.

Conclusions

The presented method can potentially become a valuable lung‐monitoring tool in CF patients. Magn Reson Med 79:2323–2331, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Echo‐planar spectroscopic imaging with dual‐readout alternated gradients (DRAG‐EPSI) at 7 T: Application for 2‐hydroxyglutarate imaging in glioma patients
Authors: An Zhongxu , Tiwari Vivek , Ganji Sandeep K. , Baxter Jeannie , Levy Michael , Pinho Marco C. , Pan Edward , Maher Elizabeth A. , Patel Toral R. , Mickey Bruce E. , Choi Changho
Published: August 2017

Purpose

To develop echo‐planar spectroscopic imaging (EPSI) with large spectral width and accomplish high‐resolution imaging of 2‐hydroxyglutarate (2HG) at 7 T.

Methods

We designed a new EPSI readout scheme at 7 T. Data were recorded with dual‐readout alternated gradients and combined according to the gradient polarity. Following validation of its performance in phantoms, the new readout scheme, together with previously reported 2HG‐optimized magnetic resonance spectroscopy (point‐resolved spectroscopy echo time of 78 ms), was used for time‐efficient and high‐resolution imaging of 2HG and other metabolites in five glioma patients before treatment. Unsuppressed water, acquired with EPSI, was used as reference for multichannel combination, eddy‐current compensation, and metabolite quantification. Spectral fitting was conducted with the LCModel using in‐house calculated basis sets.

Results

Using a readout gradient strength of 9.5 mT/m and slew rate of 90 mT/m/ms, dual‐readout alternated gradients EPSI permitted 1638‐Hz spectral width with 6 × 6 mm2 in‐plane resolution at 7 T. Phantom data indicated that dual‐readout alternated gradients EPSI provides proper metabolite signals and induces much less frequency drifts than conventional EPSI. For a spatial resolution of 0.5 mL, 2HG was detected in tumors with precision (Cramer‐Rao lower bound < 10%). The 2HG was estimated to be 2.3 to 3.3 mM in tumors of three patients with biopsy‐proven isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutant gliomas. The 2HG was undetectable in an IDH wild‐type glioblastoma. For a radiographically suggested glioma, the estimated 2HG of 2.3 ± 0.2 mM (Cramer‐Rao lower bound < 10%) indicated that the lesion may be an IDH mutant glioma.

Conclusions

The data indicated that the dual‐readout alternated gradients EPSI can provide reliable high‐resolution imaging of 2HG in glioma patients at 7 T in vivo. Magn Reson Med 79:1851–1861, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Vastly accelerated linear least‐squares fitting with numerical optimization for dual‐input delay‐compensated quantitative liver perfusion mapping
Authors: Jafari Ramin , Chhabra Shalini , Prince Martin R. , Wang Yi , Spincemaille Pascal
Published: August 2017

Purpose

To propose an efficient algorithm to perform dual input compartment modeling for generating perfusion maps in the liver.

Methods

We implemented whole field‐of‐view linear least squares (LLS) to fit a delay‐compensated dual‐input single‐compartment model to very high temporal resolution (four frames per second) contrast‐enhanced 3D liver data, to calculate kinetic parameter maps. Using simulated data and experimental data in healthy subjects and patients, whole‐field LLS was compared with the conventional voxel‐wise nonlinear least‐squares (NLLS) approach in terms of accuracy, performance, and computation time.

Results

Simulations showed good agreement between LLS and NLLS for a range of kinetic parameters. The whole‐field LLS method allowed generating liver perfusion maps approximately 160‐fold faster than voxel‐wise NLLS, while obtaining similar perfusion parameters.

Conclusions

Delay‐compensated dual‐input liver perfusion analysis using whole‐field LLS allows generating perfusion maps with a considerable speedup compared with conventional voxel‐wise NLLS fitting. Magn Reson Med 79:2415–2421, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Topology optimization for linear thermo‐mechanical transient problems: Modal reduction and adjoint sensitivities
Authors: Hooijkamp E. C. , Keulen F. van
Published: August 2017

This paper focuses on topology optimization for linear transient thermo‐mechanical problems. The latter are, for example, encountered for extreme precision tools and instrumentation. Due to the transient nature, a standard adjoint sensitivity analysis will result in a backward transient analysis for the adjoint variables, leading to both storage and computational inefficiencies. A method is proposed that rigorously eliminates the backward transient integration for the adjoint sensitivity analysis. At the basis is a model‐order reduction technique, which relies on a reduced thermal modal basis combined with static correction. The modal amplitudes can be readily obtained semi‐analytically using simple convolutions. This accurate but reduced‐order model is the starting point for an adjoint sensitivity analysis. Via a tactic selection of adjoint variables, the backward transient analysis for the adjoints is completely eliminated, whereas computational efficiency and consistency are maintained. The effectiveness of the resulting adjoint sensitivities and their application in topology optimization are demonstrated on the basis of several test examples.
Automatic generation of locally refined Cartesian meshes: Data management and algorithms
Authors: Capizzano Francesco
Published: August 2017

The paper describes the main features of an automatic and three‐dimensional Cartesian mesher specifically designed for compressible inviscid/viscous flow solvers based on an immersed boundary technique. The development of a meshing tool able of conducting non‐isotropic cell refinements is a very tiresome task. The major difficulty is to imagine, at the pre‐design phase, a light but flexible data management, which minimizes the memory and CPUs' resources. In particular, the embedded geometry has to be detected by means of a fast and robust tagging procedure. Cells in proximity of the wall have to be refined in a proper way to adequately solve large flow gradients. Smooth variation of mesh density between differently refined zones has to be guaranteed to increase the flow solver robustness. A procedure to obtain accurate data on the geometry surfaces should be foresee. Here, a robust algorithm is developed to reconstruct a surface triangulation starting from the intersection points among volume cells and the geometry surfaces. The paper attempts to address all the above issues to help the readers in designing their own tools and suggesting them a way forward.
Growth of aligned polypyrrole acicular nanorods and their application as Pt‐free semitransparent counter electrode in dye‐sensitized solar cell
Authors: Jha Purushottam , Veerender P. , Koiry S.P. , Sridevi C. , Chauhan A.K. , Muthe K.P. , Gadkari S.C.
Published: August 2017

Polypyrrole films on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO)‐coated glass substrate were prepared in situ by placing FTO/glass substrates where pyrrole was polymerized by methyl orange‐ferric chloride complex. The atomic force microscopy image indicated growth of acicular nanorods of polypyrrole. These films exhibited catalytic activity towards I3−/I− redox couple and have been investigated for counter electrode application in dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The fabricated DSSC with N719 dye/TiO2 as photoanode, and PPy/FTO as counter electrode shows ~1.7% efficiency.
Management of both toughness and stiffness of polypropylene nanocomposites using poly(5‐hexen‐1‐ol‐co‐propylene) and silica nanospheres
Authors: Watanabe Ryota , Kunioka Masao , Sato Hiroaki , Mizukado Junji , Hagihara Hideaki
Published: August 2017

We developed novel polypropylene (PP)/silica nanocomposites using PP and silica nanospheres (SNSs) combined with poly(5‐hexen‐1‐ol‐co‐propylene) (PPOH), which is a functionalized PP containing hydroxyl groups that was assumed to play a role as not only an elastomer but also an interface modifier. Since the affinity between the PP matrix and silica filler was expected to be improved by blending with PPOH, its influence on the mechanical properties, structure, and toughness of the ternary composites was examined in detail to provide a better understanding of the role of the matrix‐filler affinity on the mechanical properties. The dispersity of the SNSs in the fabricated PP/PPOH/SNS nanocomposite was improved by increasing the hydroxyl group content of PPOH due to the enhanced affinity between PPOH and the SNSs. The SNSs in the composite with PPOH containing 6.4 mol% hydroxyl groups (PPOH6.4) were almost dispersed in the microscale domain, while the SNSs in the composite with 1.3 mol% hydroxy groups (PPOH1.3) were considerably aggregated. The toughness of the nanocomposite was noticeably improved by blending PPOH6.4 without a significant loss of stiffness. In contrast, the toughness was hardly improved using PPOH1.3. Therefore, both the fine dispersion of the SNSs and the excellent affinity between PPOH6.4 and the SNSs contributed to the good balance of toughness and stiffness of the PP/PPOH/SNS nanocomposite.
Reverse atom transfer radical random copolymerization of styrene and methyl methacrylate in the presence of diatomite nanoplatelets
Authors: Sarsabili Mohammadreza , Rahmatolahzadeh Reza , Shobeiri Seyed Amin , Hamadanian Masood , Farazin Alireza , Khezri Khezrollah
Published: August 2017

Diatomite nanoplatelets were used for in situ random copolymerization of styrene and methyl methacrylate by reverse atom transfer radical polymerization to synthesize different well‐defined nanocomposites. Inherent features of the pristine diatomite nanoplatelets were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherm, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope. Gas and size exclusion chromatography was also used to determine conversion and molecular weight determinations, respectively. Considerable increment in conversion (from 81% to 97%) was achieved by adding 3 wt% diatomite nanoplatelets in the copolymer matrix. Moreover, molecular weight of random copolymer chains was increased from 12 890 to 13 960 g·mol−1 by addition of 3 wt% diatomite nanoplatelets; however, polydispersity index (PDI) values increases from 1.36 to 1.59. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to evaluate copolymers composition. Thermal gravimetric analysis results indicate that thermal stability of the nanocomposites is improved by adding diatomite nanoplatelets. Differential scanning calorimetry shows an increase in glass transition temperature from 66°C to 71°C by adding 3 wt% of diatomite nanoplatelets.
Flame retarded self‐reinforced polypropylene composites prepared by injection moulding
Authors: Vadas Dániel , Kmetty Ákos , Bárány Tamás , Marosi György , Bocz Katalin
Published: August 2017

A method was elaborated to prepare flame retarded self‐reinforced polypropylene composites by injection moulding. The effect of intumescent flame retardant (FR) loading was comprehensively investigated on the morphology, flammability, and mechanical properties of the self‐reinforced polypropylene composites and compared with non‐reinforced counterparts of identical additive contents. Homogeneous distribution of both the reinforcing polypropylene fibres and the FR additive was achieved endowing significantly improved strength and stiffness accompanied with increased fire resistance. At 10% FR content, 37% reduction of peak of heat release rate, UL94 V‐2 rating, and LOI of 24.5 vol% were achieved without compromising the improved mechanical performance of the injection moulded self‐reinforced composites, ie, a 4‐fold increase of tensile strength and a 7‐fold increase of tensile modulus were reached compared with the non‐reinforced counterpart. At higher loading (15% FR), the FR properties improved further (LOI of 29.5 vol% was reached); however, due to the abrasive effect of the FR particles in the matrix, the structure of the reinforcing fibres tends to get damaged during the thermo‐mechanical processing, and thus their reinforcing efficacy deteriorated. It is demonstrated that the combination of polymer fibre reinforcement with other fillers (such as FRs) is advantageous and feasible even by injection moulding, but the balance between the individual attributed properties needs to be found.
Consequences of diagnosing a tumor predisposition syndrome in children with cancer: A literature review
Authors: Postema Floor A.M. , Hopman Saskia M.J. , Hennekam Raoul C. , Merks Johannes H.M.
Published: August 2017

Up to 8.5% of children with cancer have a genetic cause for their cancer: a tumor predisposition syndrome (TPS). Diagnosing a TPS is of great importance, as it may have major consequences for clinical care. Patients with TPSs require specific monitoring and management. We present an overview of the cancer‐related and noncancer‐related consequences for the 36 most common TPSs.
Pharmacotherapeutic Management of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients with Continuous‐Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Sieg Adam C. , Moretz Jeremy D. , Horn Edward , Jennings Douglas L.
Published: August 2017

Continuous‐flow left ventricular assist devices (CF‐LVADs) have become an integral component of the management in patients with advanced heart failure, serving as destination therapy or as a bridge to heart transplantation. Despite significant advances in the design and longevity of the device, the ongoing risk for bleeding remains a significant concern. The genesis of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in patients with CF‐LVADs is likely multifactorial and may include components of acquired von Willebrand disease, angiodysplasia, and gastrointestinal arteriovenous malformations, as well as additional risk factors such as history of GIB and increased age. Several pharmacotherapy options have been used, but the data surrounding their overall efficacy remain sparse. The necessity for larger prospective studies is essential to further advance the management of this devastating complication. Within this review, we discuss the known pathophysiologic process of CF‐LVAD–related GIB and highlight the therapeutic options discussed within the literature. In addition, we discuss potential therapeutic options based on mechanisms of action as they correlate to known pathophysiologic processes of CF‐LVAD–related GIB. Finally, we provide recommendations for constructing drug therapy regimens in patients with CF‐LVADs who develop GIB.
Contemporary Time Trends in Use of Antiplatelet Agents Among Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and Comorbid Diabetes Mellitus or Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Desai Rishi J. , Spoendlin Julia , Mogun Helen , Gagne Joshua J.
Published: August 2017

Study Objective

To describe contemporary trends of P2Y12 inhibitor use in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and comorbid diabetes mellitus (DM) and/or chronic kidney disease (CKD) who have a higher risk of recurring ACS and may benefit from treatment with higher efficacy third‐generation agents (prasugrel and ticagrelor).

Design

Observational cohort study.

Setting

A large U.S. commercial insurance program (2009–2015).

Patients

P2Y12 inhibitor initiated within 2 weeks after an ACS event.

Measurements and Main Results

We identified 98,649 P2Y12 inhibitor initiators, of whom 24.5% had comorbid DM (no CKD), 10.5% had CKD (no DM), and 12.6% had DM and CKD. Overall, 85.2% of patients initiated clopidogrel, followed by prasugrel (11.6%) and ticagrelor (3.2%). Prasugrel use decreased over time irrespective of preexisting DM and/or CKD; ticagrelor use increased. In logistic regression models accounting for patient demographics and clinical covariates, preexisting DM alone was not associated with prasugrel or ticagrelor versus clopidogrel treatment initiation; however, having CKD with or without DM significantly reduced the likelihood of receiving prasugrel versus clopidogrel (odds ratio [OR] 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74–0.88 for CKD alone; OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.83–0.98 for DM and CKD). Comorbid DM and CKD reduced the odds of initiating ticagrelor versus clopidogrel (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.70–0.92).

Principal Conclusions

We observed lower or similar use of prasugrel and ticagrelor compared with clopidogrel in patients with ACS and comorbid DM and/or CKD. Given the potential for worse clinical outcomes with clopidogrel in these patients, our findings highlight the need to investigate the implications of these trends on recurrent ACS and bleeding events.
Design and synthesis of triptycene based fluorescent polymer with pendent triazole: Effect of functionality on host–guest interaction
Authors: Mondal Snehasish , Jana Achintya , Bera Ranajit , Das Neeladri
Published: August 2017

Fluorescent materials have emerged as one of the promising candidates for chemical sensing due to their high sensitivity towards analytes that are relatively electron deficient such as nitroaromatics (NACs). Herein, four new 1,2,3‐triazole functionalized dibromo monomers (2‐5) have been synthesized. These dibromo monomers (2‐5) have been subsequently polymerized with 2,6‐diethynyltriptycene (DET) to yield four new ethynyl linked polymers (P2‐P5) with 1,2,3‐triazole pendent. These polymers are organosoluble, amorphous in nature and have high thermal stability [Td > 289 °C and high char yield (>73%) at 800 °C]. Interestingly these new polymers (P2‐P5) are highly fluorescent in solution (Φ = 0.37–0.43 in DCM) relative to the polymer (P1) that does not have the 1,2,3‐triazole motif as a pendent. The host–guest interaction between these polymers (P1‐P5) and electron deficient molecules (PA and C60) has been investigated. The Stern–Volmer quenching constant (KSV) data suggest that the interaction of picric acid and polymers increases significantly in presence of 1,2,3‐triazole linked pendent group whereas in case of C60, the KSV value decrease considerably in presence of 1,2,3‐triazole linked pendent. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3725–3735
Protein structure model refinement in CASP12 using short and long molecular dynamics simulations in implicit solvent
Authors: Terashi Genki , Kihara Daisuke
Published: August 2017

Protein structure prediction has matured over years, particularly those which use structure templates for building a model. It can build a model with correct overall conformation in cases where appropriate templates are available. Models with the correct topology can be practically useful for limited purposes that need residue‐level accuracy, but further improvement of the models can allow the models to be used in tasks that need detailed structures, such as molecular replacement in X‐ray crystallography or structure‐based drug screening. Thus, model refinement is an important final step in protein structure prediction to bridge predictions to real‐life applications. Model refinement is one of the categories in recent rounds of critical assessment of techniques in protein structure prediction (CASP) and has recently been drawing more attention due to its realized importance. Here we report our group's performance in the refinement category in CASP12. Our method is based on inexpensive short molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in implicit solvent. Our performance in CASP12 was among the top, which was consistent with the previous round, CASP11. Our method with short MD runs achieved comparable performance with other methods that used longer simulations. Detailed analyses found that improvements typically occurred in entire regions of a structure rather than only in flexible loop regions. The remaining challenge in the structure refinement includes large conformational refinement which involves substantial motions of secondary structure elements or domains.
Iodization‐Induced Reversible Wettability in Nanostructured Ag Films
Authors: Ravipati Praveena , Vanjarana S. Sameera , Purkayastha Debarun D. , Mamidipudi Ghanashyam K.
Published: August 2017

Ag films of 5 nm thickness were iodized for durations up to 3 h leading to the formation of β‐AgI structure. The water contact angle (WCA) for the un‐iodized and as‐deposited Ag film was 107.2° which is decreased to 70.7° on iodization for 3 h. In contrast, the Ag films annealed at 300 °C for 2 h prior to iodization showed a water contact angle of 40.3°. The WCA decreased further to 14.9° after iodization for 3 h. This hydrophobic–hydrophilic transition can be related to the chemical modification of the surface change in crystal structure and variation in surface roughness. Significantly, the films also exhibited reversible wettabilty under UV irradiation.
Tuning the Interlayer Interaction of a Twisted Multilayer Wrinkle With Temperature
Authors: Verhagen Tim , Pacakova Barbara , Vales Vaclav , Drogowska Karolina , Bousa Milan , Hübner Uwe , Kalbac Martin , Vejpravova Jana , Frank Otakar
Published: August 2017

Twisted bilayer graphene, a promising material for optoelectronic applications, offers several effective routes toward electronic structure engineering, for example via tuning the relative orientation of the two graphene layers or by varying the distance between them. The so‐called collapsed wrinkles, standing, or folded, combine both of these properties. The mutual lattice alignment of the sidewalls of wrinkle leads to formation of a graphene superlattice. Using Raman spectroscopy, we show that the interaction between the sidewalls of the wrinkle and thereby the properties of the twisted multilayer wrinkle can be well tuned by temperature.