bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
X‐nuclei imaging: Current state, technical challenges, and future directions
Authors: Hu Ruomin , Kleimaier Dennis , Malzacher Matthias , Hoesl Michaela A.U. , Paschke Nadia K. , Schad Lothar R.
Published: May 2019

1H imaging is concerned with contrast generation among anatomically distinct soft tissues. X‐nuclei imaging, on the other hand, aims to reveal the underlying changes in the physiological processes on a cellular level. Advanced clinical MR hardware systems improved1H image quality and simultaneously enabled X‐nuclei imaging. Adaptation of1H methods and optimization of both sequence design and postprocessing protocols launched X‐nuclei imaging past feasibility studies and into clinical studies. This review outlines the current state of X‐nuclei MRI, with the focus on23Na,35Cl,39K, and17O. Currently, various aspects of technical challenges limit the possibilities of clinical X‐nuclei MRI applications. To address these challenges, quintessential physical and technical concepts behind different applications are presented, and the advantages and drawbacks are delineated. The working process for methods such as quantification and multiquantum imaging is shown step‐by‐step. Clinical examples are provided to underline the potential value of X‐nuclei imaging in multifaceted areas of application. In conclusion, the scope of the latest technical advance is outlined, and suggestions to overcome the most fundamental hurdles on the way into clinical routine by leveraging the full potential of X‐nuclei imaging are presented.

Level of Evidence:1

Technical Efficacy Stage:3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:355–376.
Hemodynamics of cerebral veins analyzed by 2d and 4d flow mri and ultrasound in healthy volunteers and patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Schuchardt Florian F. , Kaller Christoph P. , Strecker Christoph , Lambeck Johann , Wehrum Thomas , Hennemuth Anja , Anastasopoulos Constantinos , Mader Irina , Harloff Andreas
Published: May 2019

Background

Hemodynamic alterations of extracranial veins are considered an etiologic factor in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, ultrasound and MRI studies could not confirm a pathophysiological link. Because of technical challenges using standard diagnostics, information about the involvement of superficial intracranial veins in proximity to the affected brain in MS is scarce.

Purpose

To comprehensively investigate the hemodynamics of intracranial veins and of the venous outflow tract in MS patients and controls.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Twenty‐eight patients with relapsing‐remitting MS (EDSS1.9 ± 1.1; range 0–3) and 41 healthy controls.

Field Strength/Sequence

3T/2D phase‐contrast and time‐resolved 4D flow MRI, extra‐ and transcranial sonography.

Assessment

Hemodynamics within the superficial and deep intracranial venous system and outflow tract including the internal, basal, and great cerebral vein, straight, superior sagittal, and transverse sinuses, internal jugular and vertebral veins. Sonography adhered to the chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) criteria.

Statistical Tests

Multivariate repeated measure analysis of variance, Student's two‐sample t‐test, chi‐square, Fisher's exact test; separate analysis of the entire cohort and 32 age‐ and sex‐matched participants.

Results

Multi‐ and univariate main effects of the factor group (MS patient vs. control) and its interactions with the factor vessel position (lower flow within dorsal superior sagittal sinus in MS, 3 ± 1 ml/s vs. 3.8 ± 1 ml/s; P < 0.05) in the uncontrolled cohort were attributable to age‐related differences. Age‐ and sex‐matched pairs showed a different velocity gradient in a single segment within the deep cerebral veins (great cerebral vein, vena cerebri magna [VCM] 7.6 ± 1.7 cm/s; straight sinus [StS] 10.5 ± 2.2 cm/s vs. volunteers: VCM 9.2 ± 2.3 cm/s; StS 10.2 ± 2.3 cm/s; P = 0.01), reaching comparable velocities instantaneously downstream. Sonography was not statistically different between groups.

Data Conclusion

Consistent with previous studies focusing on extracranial hemodynamics, our comprehensive analysis of intracerebral venous blood flow did not reveal relevant differences between MS patients and controls.

Level of Evidence 1.

Technical Efficacy Stage 3. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:205–217.
Cortical and thalamic inputs exert cell type‐specific feedforward inhibition on striatal GABAergic interneurons
Authors: Assous Maxime , Tepper James M.
Published: May 2019

The classical view of striatal GABAergic interneuron function has been that they operate as largely independent, parallel, feedforward inhibitory elements providing inhibitory inputs to spiny projection neurons (SPNs). Much recent evidence has shown that the extrinsic innervation of striatal interneurons is not indiscriminate but rather very specific, and that striatal interneurons are themselves interconnected in a cell type‐specific manner. This suggests that the ultimate effect of extrinsic inputs on striatal neuronal activity depends critically on synaptic interactions within interneuronal circuitry. Here, we compared the cortical and thalamic input to two recently described subtypes of striatal GABAergic interneurons, tyrosine hydroxylase‐expressing interneurons (THINs), and spontaneously active bursty interneurons (SABIs) using transgenic TH‐Cre and Htr3a‐Cre mice of both sexes. Our results show that both THINs and SABIs receive strong excitatory input from the motor cortex and the thalamic parafascicular nucleus. Cortical optogenetic stimulation also evokes disynaptic inhibitory GABAergic responses in THINs but not in SABIs. In contrast, optogenetic stimulation of the parafascicular nucleus induces disynaptic inhibitory responses in both interneuron populations. However, the short‐term plasticity of these disynaptic inhibitory responses is different suggesting the involvement of different intrastriatal microcircuits. Altogether, our results point to highly specific interneuronal circuits that are selectively engaged by different excitatory inputs.
Tropical cyclone activity over Bay of Bengal in relation to El Niño‐Southern Oscillation
Authors: Bhardwaj Pankaj , Pattanaik Dushmanta R. , Singh Omvir
Published: May 2019

The present paper investigates the impact of El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on the Bay of Bengal tropical cyclone (TC) activity and associated alterations in environmental conditions during post‐monsoon (October–December) season for a period of 44 years (1972–2015). The analysis reveals that the post‐monsoon season TCs frequency, accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) and power dissipation index (PDI) values are negatively correlated with the Niño 3.4 sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies (significant at the 95% confidence level). La Niña years are characterized by more frequent and intense cyclonic events compared with El Niño years. The mean ACE and PDI values are approximately two times higher in La Niña than El Niño years. The mean number of TC days per year is also higher in La Niña (7.64 days) than El Niño (3.68 days) years (significant at 95% confidence level). In addition, a significant shift in genesis locations, tracks and landfalling locations of TCs has been observed under different ENSO phases. The mean genesis location of TCs have shifted eastward with tendency of more recurving tracks in La Niña than El Niño years. The presence of strong convective activity, reduced vertical wind shear, high SST (≥28°C), enhanced mid‐tropospheric relative humidity and low‐level cyclonic circulation aids the TCs formation and strengthening during La Niña and vice‐versa in El Niño conditions.
Raman spectra of gas mixtures in fluid inclusions: Effect of quartz birefringence on composition measurement
Authors: Caumon Marie‐Camille , Tarantola Alexandre , Wang Wenjing
Published: May 2019

The molar composition of gas mixtures in fluid inclusions is one of the most important properties to reconstruct the Pressure, molar Volume, Temperature Composition properties of geofluids. Raman spectroscopy is a powerful tool for quantitative analysis of the composition of fluids trapped in inclusions as the peak area of each species is directly linked to concentration by its Raman scattering cross section. Previous studies proved the effect of host mineral birefringence on the shape of the stretching vibration band of liquid water, and hence on the quantitative determination of salinity, but the influence on gas‐mixture inclusions was never evaluated. In this study, the Raman signals of coexisting CO2, CH4, and N2 in two natural fluid inclusions in quartz were collected with sample rotation on the microscope stage. Peak area ratios (CO2+/CH4, CO2+/N2, and N2/CH4) showed sinusoidal variations with a period of 45°. On the contrary, the area ratio of the two peaks of CO2 (CO2+/CO2−) and the Fermi diad splitting remained constant with sample rotation. This effect is most probably due to a combination of polarization effects as previously observed for liquid water: depolarization ratios of each gas species, birefringence of the host mineral, and polarization response curve of the spectrometer. It can be canceled by placing the sample at crystal extinction position.
Influence of race and geographic setting on the management of gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ulanja Mark B. , Beutler Bryce D. , Rishi Mohit , Konam Kenneth G. , Zell Steven C. , Patterson Darryll R. , Ambika Santhosh , Gullapalli Nageshwara
Published: May 2019

Background and Objectives

Conflicting evidence indicates that both race and geographic setting may influence the management of malignancies such as gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC).

Methods

We designed a retrospective cohort study utilizing data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program to identify patients with resectable GAC (N = 15 991). Exposures of interest were race and geographic region of diagnosis (West [WE], Midwest [MW], South [SO], or Northeast [NE]). Endpoints included: (1) recommendation against surgery and (2) gastric adenocarcinoma‐specific survival (GACSS). Multivariable logistic and Cox regression models were used to identify pertinent associations.

Results

A total of 15 991 patients were included (2007‐2015). In adjusted analysis, African American individuals more frequently received a recommendation against surgical resection than White (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76‐0.98), Asian American (aOR = 0.55; 95% CI, 0.46‐0.65), and American Indian (aOR = 0.50; 95% CI, 0.31‐0.82) individuals. In addition to race‐based discrepancies, there was a significant association between geography and management: individuals diagnosed with GAC in the SO were more likely to receive a recommendation against surgery (odds ratio = 1.35; 95% CI, 1.23‐1.49) and exhibited poorer GACSS as compared with those in the WE, MW, or NE regions.

Conclusions

Race and geographic region of diagnosis affect treatment recommendations and GACSS among individuals with resectable tumors. African Americans with resectable cancers are more likely to receive a recommendation against surgery than individuals of other racial groups.
Cystic Fibrosis–Associated Liver Disease in Lung Transplant Recipients
Authors: Mallea Jorge , Bolan Candice , Cortese Cherise , Harnois Denise
Published: May 2019

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by mutations in the gene that encodes for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein (CFTR). CFTR gene mutations manifest as epithelial cell dysfunction in the airways, biliary tract, pancreas, gut, sweat glands, paranasal sinuses, and genitourinary tract. The clinical manifestations of this dysfunction include respiratory tract infections, bronchiectasis, pancreatic insufficiency, malabsorption, intestinal obstruction, liver disease, and male infertility. The liver disease manifestations of CF can include biliary disease, multilobular cirrhosis, and portal hypertension with and without cirrhosis. Pulmonary disease is the main cause for morbidity and mortality in individuals with CF, and according to the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, CF is the third most common indication for lung transplantation in adults, accounting for 16% of procedures performed. The survival after lung transplantation in individuals with CF continues to improve and is now the highest among end‐stage lung diseases requiring transplant. The survival rate at 10 years is close to 50%. Given the potential presence of liver disease in CF patients undergoing an evaluation for lung transplantation and in lung transplant recipients, it is important to understand the manifestations of liver disease in CF patients and the recommended workup and follow‐up. This review aims to discuss the current literature and provide guidance in the management of these patients.
Gene signature associated with neuro‐endocrine activity predicting prognosis of pancreatic carcinoma
Authors: Chen Ke , He Yiping , Liu Yuan , Yang Xiujiang
Published: May 2019

Background

Genomic analysis is the promising tool to clear understanding of the tumorigenesis and guide molecular classification for pancreatic cancer. Our purpose was to develop a critical predictive model for prognosis in pancreatic carcinoma, based on the genomic data.

Methods

The online The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) datasets were queried as training and validation cohorts for comprehensive bioinformatic analysis. We applied Lasso and multivariate Cox regression to shrink genes and construct predictive model.

Results

A four genes model (DNAH10: HR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.57–0.88, HSBP1L1: HR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.18–1.92, KIAA0513: HR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.50–0.96, and MRPL3: HR = 3.73, 95% CI = 2.03–6.86), was proposed and validated. The C‐index was 0.73 (95% CI: 0.7–0.77). Patients in high‐risk and low‐risk group, stratified by model, suffered significantly different overall survival time (15.1 vs. 49.3 months, p < 0.0001 in TCGA; 423 vs. 618 days, p = 0.038 in ICGC). Taken clinical parameters into consideration, the risk‐score was independent marker in clinical subpopulation. To explore the molecular mechanisms, 579 differential expression genes (DEG) in two groups were identified by edgeR. Functional enrichment of DEG indicated neuro‐endocrine activity was the potential mechanism for the discrepant prognosis.

Conclusion

A specific four genes signature with the ability to predicted survival of pancreatic carcinoma was generated, which may indicate the connection between neuro‐endocrine activity and patients’ prognosis.
Shading artifact correction in breast CT using an interleaved deep learning segmentation and maximum‐likelihood polynomial fitting approach
Authors: Ghazi Peymon , Hernandez Andrew M. , Abbey Craig , Yang Kai , Boone John M.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this work was twofold: (a) To provide a robust and accurate method for image segmentation of dedicated breast CT (bCT) volume data sets, and (b) to improve Hounsfield unit (HU) accuracy in bCT by means of a postprocessing method that uses the segmented images to correct for the low‐frequency shading artifacts in reconstructed images.

Methods

A sequential and iterative application of image segmentation and low‐order polynomial fitting to bCT volume data sets was used in the interleaved correction (IC) method. Image segmentation was performed through a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) with a modified U‐Net architecture. A total of 45 621 coronal bCT images from 111 patient volume data sets were segmented (using a previously published segmentation algorithm) and used for neural network training, validation, and testing. All patient data sets were selected from scans performed on four different prototype breast CT systems. The adipose voxels for each patient volume data set, segmented using the proposed CNN, were then fit to a three‐dimensional low‐order polynomial. The polynomial fit was subsequently used to correct for the shading artifacts introduced by scatter and beam hardening in a method termed “flat fielding.” An interleaved utilization of image segmentation and flat fielding was repeated until a convergence criterion was satisfied. Mathematical and physical phantom studies were conducted to evaluate the dependence of the proposed algorithm on breast size and the distribution of fibroglandular tissue. In addition, a subset of patient scans (not used in the CNN training, testing or validation) were used to investigate the accuracy of the IC method across different scanner designs and beam qualities.

Results

The IC method resulted in an accurate classification of different tissue types with an average Dice similarity coefficient > 95%, precision > 97%, recall > 95%, and F1‐score > 96% across all tissue types. The flat fielding correction of bCT images resulted in a significant reduction in either cupping or capping artifacts in both mathematical and physical phantom studies as measured by the integral nonuniformity metric with an average reduction of 71% for cupping and 30% for capping across different phantom sizes, and the Uniformity Index with an average reduction of 53% for cupping and 34% for capping.

Conclusion

The validation studies demonstrated that the IC method improves Hounsfield Units (HU) accuracy and effectively corrects for shading artifacts caused by scatter contamination and beam hardening. The postprocessing approach described herein is relevant to the broad scope of bCT devices and does not require any modification in hardware or existing scan protocols. The trained CNN parameters and network architecture are available for interested users.
Correction for volume recombination in liquid ionization chambers at high dose‐per‐pulse
Authors: Gotz Malte , Ka Leonhard , Tölli Heikki , Pawelke Jörg
Published: May 2019

Purpose

To determine the volume recombination at high dose‐per‐pulse in liquid ionization chambers (LIC) and to ascertain whether existing calculation methods verified in air‐filled chambers may be used to calculate a correction factor.

Methods

Two LICs, one filled with 2,2,4‐trimethylpentane (isooctane) the other with tetramethylsilane (TMS), were irradiated in a pulsed, 20 MeV electron beam. Via reference measurements with a Faraday cup, the saturation correction for volume recombination was determined for dose‐per‐pulse values ranging from about 5 mGy to 1 Gy for both chambers at a pulse duration of 693 ns. In addition, the isooctane chamber was irradiated with pulses of varying duration, ranging from 5 ps to 10 ms, at a dose‐per‐pulse of about 76.5 mGy. The dose‐per‐pulse‐dependent measurements were compared to calculations based on Boag's models (with and without a free electron fraction), the two‐dose‐rate method, and a numerical calculation. The pulse duration dependent measurements were compared only to a numerical calculation that iteratively calculates the charge transport and loss in a 1D model of an ionization chamber.

Results

In TMS only Boag's model with a free electron fraction and the numerical calculation are in good agreement with the experimental data. However, in isooctane, good agreement is observed between the experimental data, the numerical calculation as well as the two‐dose‐rate method, and Boag's model including a free electron fraction. Only Boag's model without a free electron fraction shows a good agreement with lesser extend. Furthermore, the pulse duration‐dependent data for isooctane are well described by the numerical model.

Conclusion

With isooctane as an active medium, a LIC could be directly used in a field with high dose‐per‐pulse utilizing the well‐established two‐dose‐rate method to correct the volume recombination. In addition, pulsed fields with variable pulse duration are easily modeled for this medium using a numerical calculation. Other media, as exemplified by the TMS‐filled chamber, might require additional considerations, such as including a fraction of free electrons in the consideration of volume recombination.
Method of levels not limits for assessment of cooling detection thresholds
Authors: Dyck P. James B. , Dyck Peter J.
Published: May 2019

See article on pages 141–146 in this issue.
Are EAU/ESPU pediatric urology guideline recommendations on neurogenic bladder well received by the patients? Results of a survey on awareness in spina bifida patients and caregivers
Authors: Dogan Hasan S. , Stein Raimund , ‘T Hoen Lisette A. , Bogaert Guy , Nijman Rien J. M. , Tekgul Serdar , Quaedackers Josine , Silay Mesrur S. , Radmayr Christian
Published: May 2019

Aims

The Paediatric Urology Guidelines Panel reports initial experience with patient involvement in spina bifida patient groups to gather information on their awareness of the guidelines and reflection of guideline recommendations.

Methods

The survey was delivered to spina bifida patients/parents via the national society groups in Turkey, Germany, and The Netherlands. Questions included demographic features, medical status, awareness, and agreement on the recommendations given in the guidelines and future expectations.

Results

A total of 291 patients from 3 countries responded to the survey. Mean age was 13.9 ± 12.2 years, male/female ratio 138/151, 75% of all surveys were completed by the caregivers. The medication was taken by 78% of patients (64% anticholinergics). Complete dryness rates for urine and stool were 24% and 47%, respectively. The agreement rates on the recommendations regarding urodynamics, intermittent catheterization, anticholinergics drug use, bowel management, and life‐long follow‐up were 97%, 82%, 91%, 77%, and 98%, respectively. Only 8% of responders were aware of the European Association of Urology/European Society for Pediatric Urology guidelines. The priorities of patients for future expectations were as the following: quality of life (QoL), surgical techniques, development of new medications and sexuality/fertility issues. Male spina bifida patients preferred new medications and sex/fertility issues more, whereas females favored QoL issues improvement more.

Conclusions

Although the native language of the involved patients was different from English, awareness of guidelines was 8%. The general approval of the recommendations given in the guidelines is quite high. The national society groups showed a great interest to get involved in the creation of the guidelines to improve health care for spina bifida patients.
Some new results on the preservation of the NBUE and NWUE aging classes under the formation of coherent systems
Authors: Lindqvist Bo H. , Samaniego Francisco J.
Published: May 2019

We consider the classical problem of whether certain classes of lifetime distributions are preserved under the formation of coherent systems. Under the assumption of independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) component lifetimes, we consider the NBUE (new better than used in expectation) and NWUE (new worse than used in expectation) classes. First, a necessary condition for a coherent system to preserve the NBUE class is given. Sufficient conditions are then obtained for systems satisfying this necessary condition. The sufficient conditions are satisfied for a collection of systems which includes all parallel systems, but the collection is shown to be strictly larger. We also prove that no coherent system preserves the NWUE class. As byproducts of our study, we obtain the following results for the case of i.i.d. component lifetimes: (a) the DFR (decreasing failure rate) class is preserved by no coherent systems other than series systems, and (b) the IMRL (increasing mean residual life) class is not preserved by any coherent systems. Generalizations to the case of dependent component lifetimes are briefly discussed.
Tooth ablation in Iron Age central Thailand: Evidence from the archaeological sites of Ban Mai Chaimongkol and Tha Kae
Authors: Palefsky Gina
Published: May 2019

Tooth ablation is identified differentially among Iron Age inhabitants of the inland region of central Thailand at the archaeological sites of Ban Mai Chaimongkol and Tha Kae (ca. 2650–1450 bp). Analysis of the subsets of adult individuals with adequately preserved anterior dentition (Ban Mai Chaimongkol n = 12; Tha Kae n = 6) documents bilateral removal of the maxillary lateral incisors and canines at Ban Mai Chaimongkol and bilateral removal of the maxillary lateral incisors at Tha Kae, affecting 17% (n = 2) and 67% (n = 4) of observable individuals, respectively. Ablation was not associated with sex, age, mortuary features, or grave goods in this sample. Possible social significances of this practice are discussed in relation to skeletal evidence of tooth ablation elsewhere in Mainland Southeast Asia and archaeological contexts specific to central Thailand.
Bladder cancer, a unique model to understand cancer immunity and develop immunotherapy approaches
Authors: Song Dongkui , Powles Thomas , Shi Lei , Zhang Lirong , Ingersoll Molly A , Lu Yong‐Jie
Published: May 2019

With the mechanistic understanding of immune checkpoints and success in checkpoint blockade using antibodies for the treatment of certain cancers, immunotherapy has become one of the hottest areas in cancer research, with promise of long‐lasting therapeutic effect. Currently, however, only a proportion of cancers have a good response to checkpoint inhibition immunotherapy. Better understanding of the cancer response and resistance mechanisms is essential to fully explore the potential of immunotherapy to cure the majority of cancers. Bladder cancer, one of the most common and aggressive malignant diseases, has been successfully treated both at early and advanced stages by different immunotherapeutic approaches, bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) intravesical instillation and anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 immune checkpoint blockade, respectively. Therefore, it provides a good model to investigate cancer immune response mechanisms and to improve the efficiency of immunotherapy. Here, we review bladder cancer immunotherapy with equal weight on BCG and anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 therapies and demonstrate why and how bladder cancer can be used as a model to study the predictors and mechanisms of cancer immune response and shine light on further development of immunotherapy approaches and response predictive biomarkers to improve immunotherapy of bladder cancer and other malignancies. We review the success of BCG and anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 treatment of bladder cancer, the underlying mechanisms and the therapeutic response predictors, including the limits to our knowledge. We then highlight briefly the adaptation of immunotherapy approaches and predictors developed in other cancers for bladder cancer therapy. Finally, we explore the potential of using bladder cancer as a model to investigate cancer immune response mechanisms and new therapeutic approaches, which may be translated into immunotherapy of other human cancers. © 2019 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Insulin Glargine Dose and Weight Changes in Underweight, Normal Weight, and Overweight Children Newly Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Chalk Bethany Sharpless , Crane Janet , Yenokyan Gayane , Pineda Erika May , Lee Carlton K.K.
Published: May 2019

Study Objective

Newly diagnosed pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) can be underweight, overweight, or normal weight at presentation. Study objectives were to determine if, across weight categories, admission body weight (ABW)‐based initial insulin glargine dosing resulted in similar fasting blood glucose responses on day of discharge, how initial ABW‐based doses differed from doses at outpatient follow‐up, and whether an ideal body weight (IBW) would provide a better estimate of body weight after discharge.

Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Urban tertiary academic medical center.

Patients

Eighty‐one pediatric patients newly diagnosed with T1D who started therapy with subcutaneous insulin glargine between October 2014 and October 2016; patients were categorized by weight using body mass index (BMI) percentiles (underweight, normal weight, or overweight/obese).

Measurements and Main Results

Data on patient parameters from hospitalization to outpatient physician follow‐up were collected. The McLaren, Moore, and BMI IBW methods were used to calculate IBW for each patient; these IBWs were compared with weights at outpatient follow‐up. Initial insulin glargine doses were similar among all weight groups: median (range) 0.299 (0.227–0.4), 0.297 (0.204–0.421), and 0.291 (0.194–0.394) units/kg/dose, respectively, for the underweight, normal weight, and overweight/obese groups. No significant differences in discharge fasting glucose level or insulin glargine dose change from admission to first outpatient follow‐up visit were noted. Underweight patients gained significantly more weight within 60 days after discharge compared with normal and overweight/obese patients, (median 16.3% vs 7.7% and 5.7%, respectively; p=0.002), aligning closest with the McLaren IBW. ABW was the best estimate of weight at outpatient follow‐up in the overweight/obese patient group.

Conclusion

For children who presented underweight, the McLaren IBW method was the best predictor of outpatient dose and body weight, whereas ABW was the best estimate in overweight and obese patients. Further investigation of the role of IBW‐ or ABW‐based dosing methods in underweight pediatric patients with T1D may assist in optimal dosing.
Cover Image, Volume 75, Issue 6
Authors: Wang Guobin , Lan Yubin , Qi Haixia , Chen Pengchao , Hewitt Andrew , Han Yuxing
Published: May 2019

The cover image is based on Research Article Field evaluation of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sprayer: effect of spray volume on deposition and the control of pests and disease in wheat by Guobin Wang et al., DOI: 10.1002/ps.5321. Illustration Credit: Guobin Wang, Yubin Lan, and Yuxing Han.

image
Local Corrosion of Silicon as Root Cause for Potential‐Induced Degradation at the Rear Side of Bifacial PERC Solar Cells
Authors: Sporleder Kai , Naumann Volker , Bauer Jan , Richter Susanne , Hähnel Angelika , Großer Stephan , Turek Marko , Hagendorf Christian
Published: May 2019

Industrial bifacial PERC solar cells are exposed to a high‐voltage stress at the rear side. The tested cells show a potential‐induced degradation (PID) in Voc and Isc. From a front side current–voltage measurement, a power loss of about 12%rel is observed, however, without a significant change in the fill factor. The degradation is traced back to micron‐sized hole‐shaped damages of the rear surface, which correlate with localized regions of increased recombination. A focused ion beam (FIB) cross‐section through a hole‐shaped damage is performed for subsequent transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDXS). EDXS shows an accumulation of Na, K, and Ca impurities in the cavity. Thus, it is assumed that corrosion of the Si surface occurs beneath the AlOx/SiNy passivation layer stack and is accompanied by the formation of a SiO2 layer.
Application of the Warn‐on‐Forecast system for flash‐flood‐producing heavy convective rainfall events
Authors: Yussouf Nusrat , Knopfmeier Kent H.
Published: May 2019

The vision of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Warn‐on‐Forecast (WoF) research and development project is to provide very short‐term probabilistic model guidance products that will aid the ability of National Weather Service forecasters to issue probabilistic warnings of severe convective hazards with higher accuracy and longer lead times. The experimental Warn‐on‐Forecast System (WoFS), which is under development, is a frequently cycled, regional, convective‐scale, on‐demand, ensemble data assimilation and prediction system. The system assimilates thunderstorm observations to forecast the life cycle and associated hazards of individual convective storms. Most of the initial research effort, since the beginning of the WoF project in 2009, has been focused on tornadic events, which constitute one of the most violent and difficult to predict weather threats. However, the system emerging from this project has significant potential to help with prediction of other hazards as well: in particular, flash‐flood‐producing, convectively driven intense rainfall events. This study focuses on the application of WoFS in 0–6‐hr probabilistic rainfall forecasts of several flash‐flood‐producing heavy rainfall events during the spring and summer of 2015 and 2016. Results indicate that WoFS successfully initializes the convective storms in the ensemble. Visual inspections and probabilistic verification metrics show that WoFS predicts the intense rainfall that often leads to flash flooding at the correct location with higher accuracy in areal coverage and amount during the 0–3 hr forecast period than during the later 3–6 hr period. Overall results indicate that the frequently updated 0–6‐hr ensemble forecast from the WoFS has the potential to highlight areas where intense rainfall can result in flash flooding and increase near‐term situational awareness of flash flood threats.
On the number of spanning trees and normalized Laplacian of linear octagonal‐quadrilateral networks
Authors: Liu Jia‐Bao , Zhao Jing , Zhu Zhongxun
Published: May 2019

The normalized Laplacian makes a great contribution on analyzing the structure properties of nonregular graphs. Let On be a linear octagonal‐quadrilateral network. In this article, we first concern the normalized Laplacian spectrum of On based on the decomposition theorem for the corresponding matrices. Then we derive the closed‐term formulas of the degree‐Kirchhoff index and the number of spanning trees of linear octagonal‐quadrilateral networks on the basis of the relations between the roots and coefficients, respectively.
The apparatus composition and architecture of Erismodus quadridactylus and the implications for element homology in prioniodinin conodonts
Authors: Dhanda Rosie , Murdock Duncan J. E. , Repetski John E. , Donoghue Philip C. J. , Smith M. Paul
Published: May 2019

The apparatus composition and architecture of prioniodinin conodonts is poorly understood, largely because few prioniodinin taxa are represented by articulated oral feeding apparatuses (natural assemblages) in the fossil record, but also due to the highly variable gradational morphology of their constituent elements that makes apparatus reconstruction problematic. We describe here a natural assemblage of Erismodus quadridactylus (Stauffer), a prioniodinin, from the Sandbian (Late Ordovician) of North Dakota, USA. The assemblage demonstrates that the apparatus architecture of Erismodus is similar to those of late Palaeozoic prioniodinins namely, Kladognathus Rexroad and Hibbardella Bassler, but also has similarities with ozarkodinin apparatuses. In addition, there is evidence to suggest that E. quadridactylus shares topological similarities to balognathid architecture, with respect to the position of its inferred P elements. The apparatus composition and architecture presented here indicate that, at least with respect to the M–S array, an ‘ozarkodinin‐type’ bauplan is probably more widely representative across prioniodontids. The assemblage demonstrates that element morphotypes traditionally considered to lie within the S array are M elements, whereas others traditionally interpreted as P elements are found in the S array. These observations are used as a basis for refining concepts of element homology among prioniodinin conodonts and their closest relatives.
pH‐Responsive Starch‐Citrate Nanoparticles for Controlled Release of Paracetamol
Authors: Chin Suk Fun , Romainor Ain N. B. , Pang Suh Cem , Lee Boon Kiat , Hwang Siaw San
Published: May 2019

Starch‐citrate samples with degrees of substitution (DS) ranging from 0.11 to 0.90 are synthesized by a green esterification reaction between citric acid and native sago starch (Metroxylon sagu) in an aqueous medium. Starch‐citrate nanoparticles with mean diameter of 105 nm are subsequently obtained by controlled precipitation through drop‐wise addition of dissolved starch‐citrate solution into excess absolute ethanol. These nanoparticles are observed to exhibit pH‐responsive release profiles within the physiological pH range of 1.2–8.6. The release profile of a model drug (paracetamol) is observed to obey the zero‐order kinetics, with the release mechanism based on the diffusion and swelling model. The cytotoxicity study in HaCaT cell lines (human skin cells) shows that starch‐citrate nanoparticles are non‐toxic and hence are suitable for biomedical applications as pH‐responsive drug carriers.
Inhibition of mTOR by Rapamycin Aggravates Corneal Epithelial Stem Cell Deficiency by Upregulating Inflammatory Response
Authors: Park Jong Woo , Ko Jung Hwa , Kim Bo Hee , Ryu Jin Suk , Kim Hyun Ji , Kim Mee Kum , Oh Joo Youn
Published: May 2019

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is critical to the regulation of stem cell maintenance and function in a cell-type and context-dependent manner. However, the effects of mTOR signaling on corneal epithelial stem cells (CESCs) under inflammatory conditions are not clear. Here, we demonstrate that mTOR inhibition with rapamycin promotes apoptosis of CESCs in a mouse model of sterile inflammation-induced CESC deficiency, and thereby aggravates the disease. Apoptosis induction in CESCs by rapamycin is not due to direct effect of rapamycin on the cells, but mediated by increase in neutrophilic inflammation. The interleukin (IL)-10/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 anti-inflammatory pathway was downregulated in a Toll-like receptor 2-independent manner after rapamycin treatment and IL-10 replenishment abrogated the effects of rapamycin on inflammation and CESC apoptosis. Hence, our data reveal that the mTOR signaling is implicated in the control of the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory balance in the cornea and that mTOR inhibition with rapamycin is detrimental to CESCs by accelerating inflammation-induced collateral damage to the cells. Stem Cells  2019;37:1212–1222
Winter Survival, Habitat Use, and Hypoxia Tolerance of Montana Arctic Grayling in a Winterkill‐Prone Lake
Authors: Davis Michael N. , McMahon Thomas E. , Webb Molly A. H. , Ilgen Jason E. , Hitch Alan T. , Jaeger Matthew E. , Cutting Kyle A.
Published: May 2019

Winter hypoxia in shallow, ice‐covered lakes can be a significant limiting factor for overwintering fish populations. In this study we tested the hypothesis that low overwinter survival due to winter hypoxia is a limiting factor for a rare, adfluvial population of native Arctic Grayling Thymallus arcticus inhabiting Upper Red Rock Lake, Montana. We used a combined laboratory and telemetry study to document the extent of hypoxia over two winters and to assess the physiological tolerance, behavioral response, and winter survival in relation to hypoxia. In the laboratory, we observed a significant behavioral and physiological response to dissolved oxygen (DO) levels ≤ 4.0 mg/L and determined acute 24‐h LC50 values (concentration lethal to 50% of test fish) of 0.75 mg/L DO for adults and 1.50–1.96 mg/L for juveniles at temperatures of 1–3°C. In the field study, we observed dynamic DO concentrations (DO < 1.0 to 10.0 mg/L) during winter ice cover, ranging from persistent near‐anoxic conditions near the bottom to DO concentrations > 4.0 mg/L in the epilimnion. Radiotelemetry indicated adult winter survival rate was high (0.97 in 2014, 0.95 in 2015) and that telemetered fish selected deeper (>1 m), more oxygenated habitat during ice cover. Our study demonstrated that Arctic Grayling have a high tolerance to acute hypoxia exposure and exhibit a physiological and behavioral stress response to DO concentrations ≤ 4.0 mg/L. Although hypoxia was present in parts of the lake, sufficient suitable habitat with DO > 4.0 mg/L was available in the lake epilimnion in both study winters. However, winter conditions more severe than those observed during our 2‐year study occur periodically in the lake, and thus winterkill could still be a limiting factor for the population.
Performance of irradiated blended cement paste composites containing ceramic waste powder towards sulfates, chlorides, and seawater attack
Authors: Abdel‐Rahman Hoda A. , Younes M. M.
Published: May 2019

Within the scope of this study, blended cement pastes were prepared by replacing different proportions of ordinary Portland cement with ceramic waste powder (CWP). The hardened blended cement pastes were cured under tap water for different periods of time up to 180 days. Physico‐mechanical properties of specimens were studied in terms of free lime content, chemically combined water, compressive strength, and particle size distribution. The results manifested that the optimum content of ceramic waste which gave a marked improvement in the mechanical properties was 10% as compared to the other specimens at the same curing age. Besides that, similar specimens of the hardened blended cement paste containing 10% CWP were impregnated with unsaturated polyester and exposed to different doses of gamma rays from 10 to 50 kGy. Both the impregnated specimens that irradiated at a dose of 30 kGy and the neat blended cement paste that contained 10% ceramic waste were soaked in 1, 3, and 5% magnesium sulfate, sodium chloride solutions, and in seawater for up to 180 days. The results indicated that the composite specimens became more resistant to aggressive solutions and their durability increased as compared to the neat blended cement paste prepared under the same previous conditions. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 26:24–34, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Morphology, mechanical property, and processing thermal stability of PVC/La‐OMMTs nanocomposites prepared viain situintercalative polymerization
Authors: Wang Heyun , Li Yingchun , Wei Zhong , Song Yanmei , Liu Qiang , Wu Chunlin , Wang Hao , Jiang Haoji
Published: May 2019

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) nanocomposites were prepared via anin situintercalative suspension polymerization of vinyl chloride with four organic carboxylic acid salts (montmorillonite [MMT] units) containing thermally stable lanthanum ions. The effects of different lanthanum organic montmorillonites (La‐OMMTs) on the particle features and molecular weight were investigated. The transmission electron microscopy data indicated the formation of partially exfoliated or intercalated PVC/La‐OMMTs nanocomposites. The effect of different functional groups on the mechanical properties and processing thermal stability of PVC/La‐OMMT nanocomposites were investigated. Tensile testing and two‐roll mill processing results showed that La‐OMMTs could enhance the dynamic thermal stability and mechanical properties versus PVC pure resin and PVC/I.30P nanocomposites (composed of PVC and I.30P). This suggested that the double bond and amidogen group in La‐OMMTs could promote the dispersion of La‐OMMTs in the PVC matrix and also improve the adhesion between the La‐OMMTs and PVC matrix. The results have potential value in the industrial development of PVC/La‐OMMTs nanocomposites. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 26:97–108, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Indirect estimation of masses beyond collider reach — in EFT
Authors: Goertz Florian
Published: May 2019

Abstract

We demonstrate how masses of new states, beyond direct experimental reach, could nevertheless be estimated in the framework of effective field theory (EFT), given broad assumptions on the underlying UV physics, however not sticking to a particular setup nor fixing the coupling strength of the scenario. The flat direction in the coupling-vs.-mass plane (g
∗ vs. M) is lifted by studying correlations between observables that depend on operators with a different ℏ scaling. We discuss the remaining model dependence (which is inherent even in the EFT approach to have control over the error due to the truncation of the power series), as well as prospects to test paradigms of UV physics. We provide an assessment of which correlations are best suited regarding sensitivity, give an overview of possible/expected effects in different observables, and demonstrate how perturbativity and direct search limits corner possible patterns of deviations from the SM in a given UV paradigm. In particular, given a certain pattern of deviations from the SM, we address the question whether we actually expect to see the new states at the LHC or the FCC, relying solely on EFT arguments.
Leading loop effects in pseudoscalar-Higgs portal dark matter
Authors: Ghorbani Karim , Ghorbani Parsa Hossein
Published: May 2019

Abstract

We examine a model with a fermionic dark matter candidate having pseudoscalar interaction with the standard model particles where its direct detection elastic scattering cross section at tree level is highly suppressed. We then calculate analytically the leading loop contribution to the spin independent scattering cross section. It turns out that these loop effects are sizable over a large region of the parameter space. Taking constraints from direct detection experiments, the invisible Higgs decay measurements, observed DM relic density, we find viable regions which are within reach in the future direct detection experiments such as XENONnT.
On the combinatorics of partition functions in AdS3/LCFT2
Authors: Mvondo-She Yannick , Zoubos Konstantinos
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Three-dimensional Topologically Massive Gravity at its critical point has been conjectured to be holographically dual to a Logarithmic CFT. However, many details of this correspondence are still lacking. In this work, we study the 1-loop partition function of Critical Cosmological Topologically Massive Gravity, previously derived by Gaberdiel, Grumiller and Vassilevich, and show that it can be usefully rewritten as a Bell polynomial expansion. We also show that there is a relationship between this Bell polynomial expansion and the plethystic exponential. Our reformulation allows us to match the TMG partition function to states on the CFT side, including the multi-particle states of t (the logarithmic partner of the CFT stress tensor) which had previously been elusive. We also discuss the appearance of a ladder action between the different multi-particle sectors in the partition function, which induces an interesting sl(2) structure on the n-particle components of the partition function.
Graphene oxide/carbon nanotubes nanocoating for improved scale inhibitor adsorption ability onto rock formation
Authors: Ishtiaq Umair , Muhsan Ali Samer , Rozali Ain Syahirah , Mohamed Norani M. , Badri Albarody Thar M.
Published: May 2019

The formation of mineral scale has been a major constraint in the oilfield operations as it leads to numerous flow assurance issues. Scale deposition in the formation and production tubing can restrict the flow of hydrocarbon and interferes with the running and operation of downhole equipment. Scale inhibition squeeze treatment is one of the most common form of scale prevention. Although current squeeze treatment is the optimal way to prevent scale from depositing, it is still lack in certain aspect such as adsorption ability and retention time within the rock formation. This paper presents promising advantages of engaging nanotechnology to enhance current scale inhibition treatment. Experimental studies were carried out to examine the potential benefits of using graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes to increase the adsorption of conventional scale inhibitor, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on rock formation in a process called nano-carbon enhanced squeeze treatment (NCEST). This process involves treating the rock surface in the near wellbore region with nanomaterials that allow better adsorption capacity of scale inhibitor. Analysis testing using various techniques including field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray and ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometer were conducted to study the adsorption, retention and bonding of the scale inhibitor with nanomaterials and rock. NCEST technique was observed to significantly increase the adsorption of EDTA on rock sample treated with nanomaterials with a maximum adsorption of 180 mg/g compared to 51 mg/g on rock sample without nanomaterials treatment. In terms of cost–benefit, it is estimated to have significant reduction in operating expenses (up to 50%) after implementing the NCEST technique compared to that of conventional squeeze treatment.