bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiotherapy for parotid IgG4‐related disease
Authors: Roos Daniel E. , Dreosti Marcus V. , James Craig L. , Hissaria Pravin
Published: September 2018

We describe the use of radiotherapy for parotid IgG4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD), initially misdiagnosed as Kimura's disease, with sustained good partial response in a 37‐year‐old male. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of radiation for extra‐orbital IgG4‐RD, albeit inadvertently.
Momentary giant T‐waves hint the genesis of the electrocardiographic T‐wave in human
Authors: Yasumasu Tomiya
Published: September 2018

T‐wave morphology changes are linked to dispersion of ventricular repolarization. I encountered an 80‐year‐old man on hemodialysis manifesting momentary giant T‐waves and QT prolongation on the 12‐lead electrocardiogram, soon after initiating mechanical ventilation because of hypercapnic respiratory failure. A computed tomography of the brain showed no acute cerebrovascular accidents. An echocardiogram showed no left ventricular asynergy. Mechanisms that may be responsible for this phenomenon are discussed. Interpreting the giant T‐waves with the concept of the three bipolar limb lead vectors, the Einthoven's triangle leads to recognize origin of the electrocardiographic T‐wave.
CRISPR/Cpf1 facilitated large fragment deletion in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Li Zhen‐Hai , Liu Min , Lyu Xiao‐Mei , Wang Feng‐Qing , Wei Dong‐Zhi
Published: September 2018

In this study, we focused on the applicability of CRISPR/Cpf1 in genome simplification of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and established a CRISPR/Cpf1 assisted method for rapid markerless large fragment deletion to facilitate laboratory evolution of geome of S. cerevisiae by rational genetic engineering. This method uses a Cpf1 expression plasmid and a crRNA array expression plasmid. The DNA fragment between two DSBs generated by CRISPR/Cpf1 can be cut off from the chromosome, along with re‐ligation of the genomic endpoints of the DSBs. Using this method, the large DNA fragment of ∼38 kb between the two genes of TRM10 and REX4 was successfully and rapidly deleted, which was verified by PCR and Sanger DNA Sequencing. This method is simple and rapid, and can be easily implemented for large fragment deletion in S. cerevisiae.
“I Wouldn't Ever Want It”: A Qualitative Evaluation of Patient and Caregiver Perceptions Toward Enteral Tube Feeding in Hip Fracture Inpatients
Authors: King Patricia C. , Barrimore Sally E. , Pulle Ranjeev C. , Bell Jack J.
Published: September 2018

Background

One in 2 hip fracture inpatients are malnourished on admission to hospital, with many experiencing nutrition decline during their length of stay. Despite this, enteral tube feeding (ETF) is rarely used in this population. As patient/caregiver viewpoints regarding the utility of ETF remain unclear, this study explored the perceptions of hip fracture inpatients and caregivers toward ETF use to assist recovery.

Methods

An inductive qualitative research project was conducted within a tertiary hospital orthogeriatric ward. Individual semistructured interviews were undertaken with 13 purposively sampled, postsurgery hip fracture inpatients and 7 caregivers. Interviews were transcribed, hard‐copy coded, and thematically analyzed.

Results

The majority of inpatient participants did not wish to be tube fed. A novel, complex interrelationship of the following 3 main themes emerged: knowledge and understanding, perceived consequences and necessity of tube, contributed toward potential ETF acceptance and refusal. Theme interrelationship was indicated by subthemes (nutrition importance, attitude, and ability to cope) and driven by the following 3 key categories: value of nutrition, quality of life, and personal perception.

Conclusion

A number of factors impacted the likelihood of tube acceptance. This highlights the importance of food as a medicine, treatment intent, and shared decision making when considering ETF in acute hip fracture inpatients.
Dietary salmon milt extracts attenuate hepatosteatosis and liver dysfunction in diet‐induced fatty liver model
Authors: Sakurai Toshihiro , Hayasaka Takahiro , Sekiguchi Hirotaka , Satoh Hiroshi , Chen Zhen , Chiba Hitoshi , Hui Shu‐Ping
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Dietary nucleotides have several reported beneficial effects. Here, we report on a proteomic analysis of the effect of dietary nucleotides‐rich salmon milt extract (SME) on the liver in a diet‐induced fatty liver model.

RESULTS

Young male normal ddY mice were fed a normal chow diet, high carbohydrate diet (HCD), HCD containing 1% SME, or HCD containing 10% SME for 5 days following by a 2‐day fast. Increased serum alanine transferase and aspartate transferase activities were observed in the HCD group and were significantly attenuated in the SME groups (P < 0.05). Hepatic steatosis was observed in all the HCD groups. Hepatic expression of Tnfα was significantly suppressed in the 10% SME group (P < 0.05). Comprehensive proteomic analysis of the liver in the SME groups revealed an increase in the levels of major proteins involved in mitochondrial bioenergetics, including peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma co‐activator 1 alpha, mitochondrial thioredoxin, cardiolipin synthase, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha, and carnitine palmitoyltransferase I.

CONCLUSION

Dietary SME improved liver function in the diet‐induced fatty liver model. Activation of mitochondrial biogenetic function might be involved in this process. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Modeling of the angular distribution of the emitted molecular flux from a cylindrical nozzle in a free molecular flow
Authors: Kim Do‐hun , Lee Myung‐sun , Moon Jeong‐il , Pahk Heui‐jae
Published: September 2018

In the linear source of a thermal evaporation system, the thickness of the deposited molecules depends on the angular distribution of the emitted molecular flux from the nozzle. According to Knudsen in 1907, for a cylindrical nozzle, the angular distribution of the emitted molecular flux can be expressed in the form of cosn(θ). The actual angular distribution, however, does not precisely match the form of cosn(θ) by Knudsen. Therefore, various theoretical methods have been studied in an effort to express the angular distribution of the emitted molecular flux mathematically. Using these conventional methods can allow one to determine the accurate angular distribution of the emitted molecular flux, but the same calculation should be repeated whenever the shape of the nozzle changes, as the angular distribution acquired by these methods is not an “analytical solution” but a “numerical solution.” In this paper, an analytical model of the accurate angular distribution determined via an approximation method is proposed to make the nozzle array optimization processes of linear sources faster and more accurate for a cylindrical nozzle. The model is verified through a comparison involving the direct simulation Monte Carlo method and an experiment with a point evaporation source.
Enantiomers separation by capillary electrochromatography using polysaccharide‐based stationary phases
Authors: D’ Orazio Giovanni , Asensio‐Ramos María , Fanali Chiara
Published: September 2018

The separation of chiral compounds is an interesting and important topic of research because these compounds are involved in some biological processes, fundamentally in human health. Among the various application fields where enantiomers are remarkable, drug analysis has to be considered. Most of the drugs contain enantiomers and very often one of the two isomers could be pharmacologically more active or even dangerous. Therefore, the separation of these compounds is very important. Among the different analytical techniques usually employed, capillary electrochromatography has demonstrated great capability in enantiomers resolution. The great potential of this electromigration technique stands mainly in its high efficiency due to the use of an electrosmotic flow (flat flow profile) and on the high selectivity because of the use of a stationary phase. Chiral separation can be obtained utilizing several chiral stationary phases including a polysaccharide derivative. The aim of this review paper is to summarize the main features of capillary electrochromatography and polysaccharide derivatives of chiral stationary phase. It also report examples of practical applications utilizing this approach.
Vegetative filter strips—Effect of vegetation type and shape of strip on run‐off and sediment trapping
Authors: Pan Daili , Gao Xiaodong , Wang Juan , Yang Min , Wu Pute , Huang Jun , Dyck Miles , Zhao Xining
Published: September 2018

Vegetative filter strips (VFSs) are a common type of off‐site method used to enhance the sustainability of catchment systems by promoting desirable soil and landscape functions. The transport of water run‐off and sediment to downstream reaches can be restricted by VFSs in the flow path. The adoption of VFSs is increasing because they have been demonstrated to be effective for trapping run‐off and sediment. Thus, an optimized design procedure for developing VFSs is required. To further understand the roles of both vegetation type and geometric size in the design of VFSs, global sensitivity analysis (GSA) within the Vegetative Filter Strip Modeling System was conducted using a traditional elementary effect test and a novel density‐based method called PAWN. The analysis involved both a uniform and a concentrated flow scenario. The GSA outcomes indicated that the inputs related to vegetation type were vital for the VFS design, especially in terms of the run‐off reduction function of the VFS, irrespective of the scenario that was used. The vertical saturated hydraulic conductivity was the main input responsible for the influence of vegetation type. The inputs related to vegetation type had limited influences on the sediment trapping performance of the VFS, which was shown to be mainly controlled by the length of the VFS. The role of vegetation type in the design of VFSs must be fully considered, especially in cases in which VFSs are established primarily for flood control or run‐off reduction purposes.
Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information's scholarly journal publishing: A case study
Authors: Rhee Hea Lim
Published: September 2018

Key points

The relationship between the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) and Journal of Information Science Theory and Practice (JISTaP) enables both to benefit from the other.

KISTI is able to test new systems with its own journal, JISTaP.

JISTaP benefits from both financial and technical support of its parent, although this can restrict its ability to make changes and use alternative technologies.
One man's trash is another man's treasure—the effect of bacteria on phytoplankton–zooplankton interactions in chemostat systems
Authors: Raatz M. , Schälicke S. , Sieber M. , Wacker A. , Gaedke U.
Published: September 2018

Chemostat experiments are employed to study predator–prey and other trophic interactions, frequently using phytoplankton–zooplankton systems. These experiments often use population dynamics as fingerprints of ecological and evolutionary processes, assuming that the contributions of all major actors to these dynamics are known. However, bacteria are often neglected although they are frequently present. We argue that even without external carbon input bacteria may affect the experimental outcomes depending on experimental conditions and the physiological traits of bacteria, phytoplankton, and zooplankton. Using a static carbon flux model and a dynamic simulation model, we predict the minimum and maximum impact of bacteria on phytoplankton–zooplankton population dynamics. Under bacteria‐suppressing conditions, we find that the effect of bacteria is indeed negligible and their omission justified. Under bacteria‐favoring conditions, however, bacteria may strongly affect average biomasses of phytoplankton and zooplankton. The population dynamics may become highly complex, which may result in wrong interpretations when inferring processes (e.g., trait changes) from population dynamic patterns without considering bacteria. We provide suggestions to reduce the bacterial impact experimentally. Besides optimizing experimental conditions (e.g., the dilution rate) the appropriate choice of the zooplankton predator is decisive. Counterintuitively, bacteria have a larger impact if the predator is not bacterivorous as high bacterial biomasses and complex population dynamics arise via competition for nutrients with the phytoplankton. Only at least partial bacterivory minimizes the impact of bacteria. Our results help to improve the design of chemostat experiments and their interpretation, and advance the study of ecological and evolutionary processes in aquatic food webs.
Corrosion and corrosion fatigue performances of micro‐arc oxidation coating on AZ31B cast magnesium alloy
Authors: Xue Yuna , Pang Xin , Jiang Bailing , Jahed Hamid
Published: September 2018

In this work, the corrosion performances of micro‐arc oxidation (MAO) coating on AZ31B cast alloy were examined. MAO coating synthesized at a low current density of 34 mA/cm2 has a uniform and compact microstructure with very fine micro‐pores and few structural defects; thus, robust protection is provided for the AZ31B substrate in corrosive solutions. The long‐term corrosion and corrosion fatigue behaviors of the MAO coatings formed at the optimal current density for 5 and 10 min were characterized. The results show that the MAO coating formed for 10 min provides greater protection in a salt fog environment than the coating formed for 5 min does because it is thicker. The fatigue life and fracture analysis of bare, MAO‐coated and E‐paint MAO‐coated AZ31B indicate that the MAO coating reduces corrosion fatigue life by 55% due to the micro‐pores and micro‐cracks on its surface providing initiation sites under stress conditions and accelerating crack propagation. However, E‐paint MAO‐coated specimens show improved corrosion fatigue strength in 107 cycles at ∼60 and ∼50 MPa under the same conditions due to the sealing of the micro‐pores and micro‐cracks in the MAO coatings.
Corrosion of porous Ti35Zr28Nb in Hanks’ solution and 3.5 wt% NaCl
Authors: Heywood Matthew , Shi Zhiming , Li Yuncang , Wen Cuie , Kanwar Jagat , Xiao Yin , Atrens Andrej
Published: September 2018

The present research examined the corrosion and crevice corrosion behavior of porous specimens of Ti35Zr28Nb and CP Ti in Hanks’ solution at 37 °C and in 3.5 wt% NaCl at 95 °C. The following conclusions can be drawn. There was no crevice corrosion for porous specimens of Ti35Zr28Nb and CP Ti in Hanks’ solution at 37 °C and in 3.5 wt% NaCl at 95 °C. Both alloys had low corrosion rates in both solutions, and both alloys were passive in both solutions.
Modification of Solventless‐Synthesized Benzoxazine Resin by Phthalonitrile Group: An Effective Approach for Enhancing Thermal Stability of Polybenzoxazines
Authors: Liu Yuqi , Yin Ren , Yu Xinye , Zhang Kan
Published: September 2018

Although the solventless method for synthesizing benzoxazine resins has the advantage of low cost, the impurities involved in the products such as oligomers and original phenols significantly weaken the properties of polybenzoxazines. Herein, the commercialized BA‐a (benzoxazine derived from bisphenol‐A, aniline, and formaldehyde) resin obtained from a solventless method is modified by phthalonitrile through the reaction between phenol groups and 4‐nitrophtahlonitrile. The structures of obtained resins have been confirmed by 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). In addition, the ring‐opening polymerization behavior of each resin has been studied by differential scanning calorimetry and in situ FTIR. Furthermore, the thermal properties of the cross‐linked thermosets were measured by thermomechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. The phthalonitrile‐functionalized benzoxazine resin shows a low polymerization temperature with the maximum of exothermic peak centered at 218.7 °C, and its corresponding polybenzoxazine exhibits excellent thermal stability, with a high Td5 value (346 °C) and high char yield (42.78%).
HighTgand Thermo‐Oxidatively Stable Thermosetting Polyimides Derived from a Carborane‐Containing Diamine
Authors: Wu Yuane , Chen Gong , Feng Chen , Yang Jiping
Published: September 2018

To provide high‐temperature polyimide matrix resins, novel carborane‐containing thermosetting polyimides are presented. First, the low‐viscosity carborane‐containing imide oligomers are synthesized using newly designed 1‐(3‐amino‐4‐tolyl)‐2‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐o‐carborane and aromatic dianhydride as monomers, 4‐phenylethynyl phthalic anhydride as the end‐capping reagent. Followed by thermal curing, the resulting polyimides show highTg(≥500 °C) and above 92.1% char yield at 800 °C both in nitrogen and air atmosphere due to the incorporation of the bulky carborane cages. Aging studies, performed at 400 and 500 °C for 5 h in air on a carborane‐containing polyimide and a carborane‐free polyimide, show that the polyimide with carborane groups possesses excellent thermo‐oxidative stability. Moreover, the novel polyimides exhibit constant and relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion values over a wide range of temperature, indicative of a remarkable dimensional stability. Thus, this study clearly demonstrates the viability of the incorporation of carborane cages to access polyimide thermosets with ultrahighTgand thermo‐oxidative stability.
A Simple, Small‐Bandgap Porphyrin‐Based Conjugated Polymer for Application in Organic Electronics
Authors: Yang Fan , Li Cheng , Wei Yuanzhi , Yan Nanfu , Wang Xiaohui , Liu Feng , You Shengyong , Wang Jizheng , Ma Wei , Li Weiwei
Published: September 2018

A simple, small‐bandgap porphyrin‐based conjugated polymer with ethylnyl linkers is prepared for application in organic electronics. Beneficial from quinoid resonance form, the polymer showed near‐infrared absorption up to 1000 nm and strong photoluminescence emission with a quantum yield of 0.2%. The polymer can be successfully applied to several electronic devices, such as organic field‐effect transistors with ambipolar charge transport, organic solar cells with a high external quantum efficiency of 0.58 at 970 nm, and organic photodetectors with high responsibility and detectivity.
Lactobacillus acidophilus Alleviated Salmonella‐Induced Goblet Cells Loss and Colitis by Notch Pathway
Authors: Wu Haiqin , Ye Lulu , Lu Xiaoxi , Xie Shuang , Yang Qian , Yu Qinghua
Published: September 2018

Scope

The intestinal mucosal barrier, including the mucus layer, protects against invasion of enteropathogens, thereby inhibiting infection. In this study, the protective effect of Lactobacillus on the intestinal barrier against Salmonella infection is investigated. The underlying mechanism of its effect, specifically on the regulation of goblet cells through the Notch pathway, is also elucidated.

Methods and results

Here, the protective effect of Lactobacillus on alleviating changes in the intestinal barrier caused by Salmonella infection is explored. It has been found that Salmonella typhimurium colonizes the colon and damages colonic mucosa. However, Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 alleviates the colitis caused by Salmonella infection. Moreover, S. typhimurium infection causes colonic crypt hyperplasia with increased PCNA+ cells, while L. acidophilus administration resolves these pathological changes. In addition, it has been further demonstrated that Salmonella results in severe colitis associated with goblet cells, and Lactobacillus improves colitis similarly associated with goblet cells. Salmonella infection induces goblet cell loss and reduces MUC2 expression by increasing Dll1, Dll4, and HES1 expression, while L. acidophilus reverses epithelial damage by balancing the Notch pathway.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that colitis improvement is controlled by Lactobacillus ATCC 4356 by regulation of the Notch pathway; this finding will be useful for prevention against animal S. typhimurium infection.
A method for tumor dosimetry based on hybrid planar‐SPECT/CT images and semiautomatic segmentation
Authors: Roth Daniel , Gustafsson Johan , Sundlöv Anna , Sjögreen Gleisner Katarina
Published: September 2018

Purpose

A hybrid planar‐SPECT/CT method for tumor dosimetry in Lu‐DOTATATE therapy, applicable to datasets consisting of multiple conjugate‐view images and one SPECT/CT, is developed and evaluated.

Methods

The imaging protocol includes conjugate‐view imaging at 1, 24, 96, and 168 h post infusion (p.i.) and a SPECT/CT acquisition 24 h p.i. The dosimetry method uses the planar images to estimate the shape of the time–activity concentration curve, which is then rescaled to absolute units using the SPECT‐derived activity concentration. The resulting time‐integrated activity concentration coefficient (TIACC) is used to calculate the tumor‐absorbed dose. Semiautomatic segmentation techniques are applied for tumor delineation in both planar and SPECT images, where the planar image segmentation is accomplished using an active‐rays‐based technique. The selection of tumors is done by visual inspection of planar and SPECT images and applying a set of criteria concerning the tumor visibility and possible interference from superimposed activity uptakes in the planar images. Five different strategies for determining values from planar regions of interest (ROIs), based on entire or partial ROIs, and with and without background correction, are evaluated. Evaluation is performed against a SPECT/CT‐based method on data from six patients where sequential conjugate‐view and SPECT/CT imaging have been performed in parallel and against ground truths in Monte Carlo simulated images. The patient data are also used to evaluate the interoperator variability and to assess the validity of the developed criteria for tumor selection.

Results

For patient images, the hybrid method produces TIACCs that are on average 6% below those of the SPECT/CT only method, with standard deviations for the relative TIACC differences of 8%–11%. Simulations show that the hybrid and SPECT‐based methods estimate the TIACCs to within approximately 10% for tumors larger than around 10 ml, while for smaller tumors, all methods underestimate the TIACCs due to underestimations of the activity concentrations in the SPECT images. The planar image segmentation has a low operator dependence, with a median Dice similarity coefficient of 0.97 between operators. The adopted criteria for tumor selection manage to discriminate the tumors for which the absorbed‐dose deviations between the hybrid and SPECT methods are the highest.

Conclusions

The hybrid method is found suitable for studies of tumor‐absorbed doses in radionuclide therapy, provided that selection criteria regarding the visibility and overlapping activities in the planar images are applied.
Validation of the Prodromal Questionnaire–Brief in a representative sample of adolescents: Internal structure, norms, reliability, and links with psychopathology
Authors: Fonseca‐Pedrero Eduardo , Inchausti Felix , Pérez‐Albéniz Alicia , Ortuño‐Sierra Javier
Published: September 2018

Objectives

The main purpose of the present study was twofold: to validate the Prodromal Questionnaire–Brief (PQ‐B) in a community‐derived sample of adolescents and to examine the links between psychotic‐like experiences and emotional and behavioral problems, prosocial behavior, suicidal ideation, and bipolar‐like experiences.

Method

One thousand five hundred eighty‐eight students selected by random sampling participated in a cross‐sectional survey. The PQ‐B, Paykel Suicide Scale, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, Mood Disorder Questionnaire, Penn Matrix Reasoning Test, Family Affluence Scale‐II, and Oviedo Infrequency Scale were used.

Results

The unidimensional factorial structure of the PQ‐B items showed adequate goodness of fit index. This model also showed configural and strong invariance across gender. The internal consistency of the PQ‐B total frequency score was 0.92. A high degree of overlap was found between psychotic‐like experiences and emotional and behavioral problems, suicidal ideation, and bipolar‐like experiences.

Conclusion

The PQ‐B is a brief, easy, and reliable tool for screening psychotic‐like experiences in adolescents from the general population. The assessment of risk for psychosis and its relationship with other psychopathological risk factors in a close‐in strategy or two‐stage process model may help us to enhance the early identification for youths at heightened risk for serious mental disorders.
Regional investigation of lung function and microstructure parameters by localized 129Xe chemical shift saturation recovery and dissolved‐phase imaging: A reproducibility study
Authors: Kern Agilo Luitger , Gutberlet Marcel , Qing Kun , Voskrebenzev Andreas , Klimeš Filip , Kaireit Till Frederik , Czerner Christoph , Biller Heike , Wacker Frank , Ruppert Kai , Hohlfeld Jens M. , Vogel‐Claussen Jens
Published: September 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the reproducibility and regional variation of parameters obtained from localized 129Xe chemical shift saturation recovery (CSSR) MR spectroscopy in healthy volunteers and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to compare the results to 129Xe dissolved‐phase MR imaging.

Methods

Thirteen healthy volunteers and 10 COPD patients were scanned twice using 129Xe dissolved‐phase imaging, CSSR, and ventilation imaging sequences. A 16‐channel phased‐array coil in combination with the regularized spectral localization achieved by sensitivity heterogeneity (SPLASH) method was used to perform a regional analysis of CSSR data. Lung function and microstructural parameters were obtained using Patz model functions and their reproducibility was assessed.

Results

The Patz model alveolar wall thickness parameter shows good reproducibility on a regional basis with a median coefficient of variation of 6.5% in healthy volunteers and 12.4% in COPD patients. Significant regional differences of lung function parameters derived from localized CSSR were found in healthy volunteers and correlations with spirometric indices were found.

Conclusion

Localized 129Xe CSSR provides reproducible estimates of alveolar wall thickness and is able to detect regional differences of lung microstructure.
In vivo microscopic diffusional kurtosis imaging with symmetrized double diffusion encoding EPI
Authors: Ji Yang , Paulsen Jeffrey , Zhou Iris Yuwen , Lu Dongshuang , Machado Patrick , Qiu Bensheng , Song Yi‐Qiao , Sun Phillip Zhe
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Diffusional kurtosis imaging (DKI) measures the deviation of the displacement probability from a normal distribution, complementing the data commonly acquired by diffusion MRI. It is important to elucidate the sources of kurtosis contrast, particularly in biological tissues where microscopic kurtosis (intrinsic kurtosis) and diffusional heterogeneity may co‐exist.

Methods

We have developed a technique for microscopic kurtosis MRI, dubbed microscopic diffusional kurtosis imaging (µDKI), using a symmetrized double diffusion encoding (s‐DDE) EPI sequence. We compared this newly developed µDKI to conventional DKI methods in both a triple compartment phantom and in vivo.

Results

Our results showed that whereas conventional DKI and µDKI provided similar measurements in a compartment of monosphere beads, kurtosis measured by µDKI was significantly less than that measured by conventional DKI in a compartment of mixed Gaussian pools. For in vivo brain imaging, µDKI showed small yet significantly lower kurtosis measurement in regions of the cortex, CSF, and internal capsule compared to the conventional DKI approach.

Conclusions

Our study showed that µDKI is less susceptible than conventional DKI to sub‐voxel diffusional heterogeneity. Our study also provided important preliminary demonstration of our technique in vivo, warranting future studies to investigate its diagnostic use in examining neurological disorders.
Wideband myocardial perfusion pulse sequence for imaging patients with a cardiac implantable electronic device
Authors: Hong KyungPyo , Collins Jeremy D. , Knight Bradley P. , Carr James C. , Lee Daniel C. , Kim Daniel
Published: September 2018

Purpose

To develop a wideband cardiac perfusion pulse sequence and test whether it is capable of suppressing image artifacts in patients with a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED), while not exceeding the specific absorption rate (SAR) limit (2.0 W/kg).

Methods

A wideband perfusion pulse sequence was developed by incorporating a wideband saturation pulse to achieve a good balance between saturation of magnetization and SAR. Clinical standard and wideband perfusion MRI scans were performed back‐to‐back in a randomized order on 16 patients with a CIED undergoing clinical cardiac MRI. Two expert readers graded the artifact intensity and extent on a segmental basis using a 5‐point Likert scale, where significant artifact was defined by a composite score. The variance in myocardial signal prior to tissue‐enhancement was analyzed to quantify artifact‐intensity. Whole‐body SAR values computed by the MR scanner were read from the DICOM header. Either a paired t‐test or Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was performed to compare two groups.

Results

While the mean whole‐body SAR for a single‐slice wideband perfusion scan (0.38 ± 0.08W/kg) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than for a single‐slice standard perfusion scan (0.11 ± 0.03W/kg), it was 81% below 2.0 W/kg. The mean variance in myocardial signal prior to tissue‐enhancement was significantly (p < 0.001) higher for standard (422.6 ± 306.6 a.u.) than wideband (107.0 ± 60.9 a.u.). Among 105 myocardial segments, standard produced 19 segments (18%) that were deemed to have significant artifacts, whereas wideband produced only 3 segments (3%).

Conclusion

A wideband perfusion pulse sequence is capable of suppressing image artifacts induced by a CIED while not exceeding SAR at 2.0 W/kg.
Assessment of Carbon Dioxide Piscicide Treatments
Authors: Cupp Aaron R. , Smerud Justin R. , Tix John A. , Rivera Jose M. , Kageyama Stacie A. , Merkes Christopher M. , Erickson Richard A. , Amberg Jon J. , Gaikowski Mark P.
Published: September 2018

Few chemicals are approved to control or eradicate nuisance fish populations in the United States. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is currently being developed and studied as a new piscicide option for nonselective population control. This study evaluated dry ice (solid state CO2) as a simple CO2 delivery method during winter piscicide applications. Nonnative Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Bighead Carp H. nobilis, and native Fathead Minnow Pimephales promelas were overwintered together in ice-covered ponds treated with 25 kg dry ice/100,000 L (low treatment) or 50 kg dry ice/100,000 L (high treatment). Overwinter fish survival was significantly reduced in ponds treated with dry ice relative to untreated control ponds. Fathead Minnows were less susceptible to CO2 exposure than the carps, with 26–96% survival in low-treatment ponds and 4–68% survival in high-treatment ponds. Silver Carp and Bighead Carp were more sensitive to CO2 treatments and no individuals of either species survived in ponds with the high-treatment level. Water samples were also collected in all ponds throughout this study, and we observed notably higher Silver Carp and Bighead Carp environmental DNA (eDNA) concentrations in dry-ice-treated ponds relative to untreated control ponds. Distinct changes in eDNA trends correlated with fish mortality, and results indicate that eDNA sampling could be a useful indicator of piscicide efficacy. This study demonstrates that CO2 administered as dry ice is an effective under-ice piscicide method.
Mix‐&‐Read Determination of Mercury(II) at Trace Levels with Hybrid Mesoporous Silica Materials Incorporating Fluorescent Probes by a Simple Mix‐&‐Load Technique
Authors: Climent Estela , Hecht Mandy , Witthuhn Heike , Gawlitza Kornelia , Rurack Knut
Published: September 2018

The synthesis, characterization, and application of mesoporous materials containing boron–dipyrromethene (BODIPY) moieties that allow the sensitive and selective detection of HgII in aqueous environments by fluorescence enhancement is reported. For this purpose, BODIPY dye I containing a thia‐aza crown ether receptor as the fluorescent probe for the detection of HgII in aqueous environments is encapsulated into mesoporous materials to avoid self‐quenching or aggregation in water. Determination of HgII is accomplished within a few seconds with high selectivity and sensitivity, reaching a limit of detection of 12 ppt. The determination of trace amounts of HgII in natural waters and in fish extracts is demonstrated by using our sensing material. The incorporation of the material into several μ‐PAD strips yields a portable, cheap, quick, and easy‐to‐handle tool for trace HgII analysis in water.
PSTPIP1‐associated myeloid‐related proteinemia inflammatory syndrome: A rare cause of childhood neutropenia associated with systemic inflammation and hyperzincemia
Authors: Hashmi Saman K. , Bergstrom Katie , Bertuch Alison A. , Despotovic Jenny M. , Muscal Eyal , Xia Fan , Bi Weimin , Marcogliese Andrea , Diaz Rosa
Published: September 2018

Neutropenia in pediatric patients can be due to a variety of disorders. We describe two patients who underwent extensive evaluation over many years for arthralgias and moderate neutropenia of unclear etiology. Genetic testing identified a pathogenic variant in PSTPIP1 (proline‐serine‐threonine phosphatase‐interacting protein 1) in both patients. Markedly elevated inflammatory markers and zinc levels confirmed the rare diagnosis of PSTPIP1‐associated myeloid‐related proteinemia inflammatory (PAMI) syndrome, tailoring treatment. Neutropenia is common in patients with PAMI syndrome. Unique mutations seen in PAMI syndrome may account for the specific phenotypic features of this disorder.
A structural reconsideration: Linear aliphatic or alicyclic hard segments for biodegradable thermoplastic polyurethanes?
Authors: Seidler Konstanze , Ehrmann Katharina , Steinbauer Patrick , Rohatschek Andreas , Andriotis Orestis G. , Dworak Claudia , Koch Thomas , Bergmeister Helga , Grasl Christian , Schima Heinrich , J. Thurner Philipp , Liska Robert , Baudis Stefan
Published: September 2018

Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPUs) with a biodegradable chain extender and different nonaromatic diisocyanate hard segments were synthesized and tested concerning their thermal, mechanical, and degradation properties and for their processability regarding electrospinning. The design of the TPUs was based on the structural modification of the hard segment using linear aliphatic hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI), more rigid alicyclic 4,4′‐methylene bis(cyclohexylisocyanate) (H12MDI), 1,3‐bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane (BIMC), or isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI). The soft segment consisted of poly(tetrahydrofuran). Bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BET) was used as chain extender with cleavable ester bonds. Some of the polyurethanes based on alicyclic diisocyanate showed better mechanical performance than the less rigid HMDI‐based TPU. The TPU in vitro degradability was tested for 25 days at elevated temperatures in PBS buffer and indicated a bulk erosion process. Electrospinning experiments were conducted and promising results with respect to further applicability of these materials in vascular tissue engineering were obtained. © 2018 The Authors Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 2214–2224
Synthesis and dilute solution properties of branched poly(benzyl methacrylate) using na‐clay supported aqueous‐phase catalysis
Authors: Aggarwal Ravi , Baskaran Durairaj
Published: September 2018

The supported aqueous‐phase catalysis (SAPC) using hydrated interface has been used to synthesize branched polymers (star and graft) of benzyl methacrylate (BnMA) via atom‐transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) in the presence of Na‐clay supported catalyst in anisole at ambient temperature. The propagation of star poly(BnMA)s using diPENDTA‐Br6, as hexa‐functional initiator is confined at the hydrated interface between the support and the liquid medium as evident from the obtained polymers that are catalyst contamination‐free, and exhibited moderately narrow molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn ≤ 1.33). The hexa‐functionality of synthesized stars is verified by 1H NMR, the measurement of their intrinsic viscosity ([η]), and radius of gyration (Rg). The polymerization was also recycled up to 5 times to produce star PBnMAs with high initiator efficiency. The star polymers prepared using hydrated Na‐clay supported is compared with star prepared using covalent silica supported catalyst system. The star polymer obtained from covalently supported catalyst gave broad Mw/Mn and poor initiator efficiency. The polystyrene‐graft‐PBnMA (PS‐g‐PBnMA) copolymer is also prepared using hydrated Na‐clay supported catalyst system in anisole at ambient temperature. The graft‐copolymer had narrow Mw/Mn and was confirmed using 1H NMR and atomic force microscopy. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 2225–2237
Non‐oxidative methane coupling to C2 hydrocarbons in a microwave plasma reactor
Authors: Minea Teofil , van den Bekerom Dirk C. M. , Peeters Floran J. J. , Zoethout Erwin , Graswinckel Martijn F. , van de Sanden Mauritius C. M. , Cents Toine , Lefferts Leon , van Rooij Gerard J.
Published: September 2018

Non‐oxidative methane activation is carried out in a microwave plasma reactor for coupling to higher hydrocarbons. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to measure absolute concentrations of the major hydrocarbon species. Hydrogen concentration was also independently inferred from pressure‐based change in molar flow measurements. By closing both the carbon and hydrogen balance, from stoichiometry of the reactions, the amount of deposits was obtained as well. Additionally, core gas temperatures up to 2500 K were measured with Raman scattering when nitrogen acted as probing molecule in sample mixture discharges. At low gas temperatures, ethane and ethylene were significant products based on plasma chemistry, with ethane selectivities reaching up to 60%. At higher gas temperatures, thermal effects become stronger shifting the selectivity toward acetylene and deposits, resembling more with equilibrium calculations. The energy efficiency of the methane conversion reached up to 15% from which 10% represented coupling efficiency to higher hydrocarbons. It is concluded that there is an interplay between plasma and thermal chemistry where plasma generates radicals and final distribution is set by thermodynamics.
Facile One‐Step Synthesis of Black Phosphorus via Microwave Irradiation with Excellent Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: He Dongyang , Zhang Zhaocheng , Qu Jiao , Yuan Xing , Guan Jiunian
Published: September 2018

A rapid one‐step microwave‐assisted liquid‐phase synthesis (MLS) method of black phosphorus (BP) is reported for the first time in this work. Under microwave irradiation, BP is generated within 45 min. The lattice spaces of the as‐prepared BP are determined as 0.338 and 0.158 nm, belonging to the (021) and (220) planes of BP, respectively. BP is grown in situ on red phosphorus (RP), which can be used directly as a metal‐free photocatalyst. The coupled BP–RP heterostructure exhibits an excellent performance in visible‐light photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue with BP acting as cocatalyst. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of BP–RP heterostructure compared with RP itself is obtained and explained in terms of the efficient separation of photogenerated electrons (eCB−) and holes (h+) due to the well‐matched energy level of BP and RP. The new‐developed MLS method holds great promise for developing an easy and efficient preparation method of BP for photocatalytic applications.
White Cathodoluminescence Emission from Eu‐Doped SiAlON Thin Films
Authors: Camps Ivan , Mariscal Antonio , Calvo‐Barrio Lorenzo , Serna Rosalía
Published: September 2018

SiAlON materials in thin film configuration are very attractive because their composition can be easily modified from that of silicon dioxide to that of silicon nitride to effectively tune their electrical and optical response, therefore making them suitable for a wide range of optoelectronic devices. In addition, rare‐earth doped SiAlON phosphors in powder configuration are excellent down‐converters to visible light when excited by ultraviolet‐blue photons from light emitting diodes. In this work, the direct excitation by electrons of amorphous nanostructured Eu‐doped SiAlON thin films is explored. XPS analysis shows that the Eu in the films is in its divalent oxidation state (Eu2+), with traces of Eu with a richer oxygen coordination at the film surface. The cathodoluminescence emission from the films is dominated by a wide emission band (FWHM 195 nm) in the visible associated with the Eu2+ 5d to 4f electronic transitions, with a small narrow peak contribution from Eu3+ intra‐4f electronic transitions. Assessment of the CIE color coordinates shows that the spectral emission is close to the pure white. These results show the excellent potential of the Eu‐doped SiAlON films for its implementation in CMOS structures as white light solid state emitters in field emission lamps and displays.
Multi‐scale observations of atmospheric moisture variability in relation to heavy precipitating systems in the northwestern Mediterranean during HyMeX IOP12
Authors: Khodayar Samiro , Czajka Beata , Caldas‐Alvarez Alberto , Helgert Sebastian , Flamant Cyrille , Di Girolamo Paolo , Bock Olivier , Chazette Patrick
Published: September 2018

The deployment of special instrumentation for the Hydrological Cycle in the Mediterranean Experiment (HyMeX) provides a valuable opportunity to investigate the spatio‐temporal variability of atmospheric water vapour across scales in relationship with the occurrence of Heavy Precipitation Systems (HPSs) in the north Western Mediterranean (WMed) during the Intensive Observation Period (IOP12), which is the focus of this investigation. High‐resolution convection‐permitting COSMO simulations complement the observational network and allow the calculation of on‐line trajectories.

In addition to the presence of a favourable large‐scale situation and low‐level convergence, atmospheric moisture changes resulting in conditionally unstable air are identified as responsible for convective initiation (CI). All HPSs within the north‐WMed form in periods/areas of maximum integrated water vapour (IWV; 35–45 kg/m2) after an increase of about 10–20 kg/m2. The most intense events receive moisture from different sources simultaneously and show a sudden increase of about 10 kg/m2 between 6 and 12 h prior to the event, whereas in the less intense events the increase is larger, about 20 kg/m2, over a period of at least 24–36 h. Changes in the lower (∼900 hPa) and mid‐troposphere (∼700 hPa) control the evolution of the atmospheric moisture and the instability increase prior to CI. Spatial inhomogeneities in the lower boundary layer determine the timing and location of deep convection, whereas enhanced moisture in the mid‐troposphere favours intensification. Moister and deeper boundary layers, with updraughts reaching up to 2 km are identified in those pre‐convective environments leading to HPS, whereas dry, shallow boundary layers are found everywhere else. The build‐up time and vertical distribution of the moisture changes are found to be crucial for the evolution and severity of the HPSs rather than the amount of total column atmospheric moisture.
Failure time distributions for complex equipment
Authors: Collins David H. , Warr Richard L.
Published: September 2018

The exponential distribution is inadequate as a failure time model for most components; however, under certain conditions (in particular, that component failure rates are small and mutually independent, and failed components are immediately replaced or perfectly repaired), it is applicable to complex repairable systems with large numbers of components in series, regardless of component distributions, as shown by Drenick in 1960. This result implies that system behavior may become simpler as more components are added. We review necessary conditions for the result and present some simulation studies to assess how well it holds in systems with finite numbers of components. We also note that Drenick's result is analogous to similar results in other systems disciplines, again resulting in simpler behavior as the number of entities in the system increases.
Following the Kinetics of Barium Titanate Nanocrystal Formation in Benzyl Alcohol Under Near‐Ambient Conditions
Authors: Veldhuis Sjoerd A. , Stawski Tomasz M. , Gonzalez Rodriguez Pablo , Yuan Huiyu , Besselink Rogier , Benning Liane G. , ten Elshof Johan E.
Published: September 2018

In complex chemical syntheses (e.g., coprecipitation reactions), nucleation, growth, and coarsening often occur concurrently, obscuring the individual processes. Improved knowledge of these processes will help to better understand and optimize the reaction protocol. Here, a form‐free and model independent approach, based on a combination of time‐resolved small/wide‐angle X‐ray scattering, is employed to elucidate the effect of reaction parameters (such as precursor concentration, reactant stoichiometry, and temperature) on the nucleation, crystallization, and growth phenomena during the formation of nanocrystalline barium titanate. The strength of this approach is that it relies solely on the total scattered intensity (i.e., scattering invariant) of the investigated system, and no prior knowledge is required. As such, it can be widely applied to other synthesis protocols and material's systems. Through the scattering invariant, it is found that the amorphous‐to‐crystalline transformation of barium titanate is predominantly determined by the total amount of water released from the gel‐like barium hydroxide octahydrate precursor, and three rate‐limiting regimes are established. As a result of this improved understanding of the effect of varying reaction conditions, elementary boundary conditions can be set up for a better control of the barium titanate nanocrystal synthesis.
Lipoplex‐Mediated Single‐Cell Transfection via Droplet Microfluidics
Authors: Li Xuan , Aghaamoo Mohammad , Liu Shiyue , Lee Do‐Hyun , Lee Abraham P.
Published: September 2018

While lipoplex (cationic lipid‐nucleic acid complex)‐mediated intracellular delivery is widely adopted in mammalian cell transfection, its transfection efficiency for suspension cells, e.g., lymphatic and hematopoietic cells, is reported at only ≈5% or even lower. Here, efficient and consistent lipoplex‐mediated transfection is demonstrated for hard‐to‐transfect suspension cells via a single‐cell, droplet‐microfluidics approach. In these microdroplets, monodisperse lipoplexes for effective gene delivery are generated via chaotic mixing induced by the serpentine microchannel and co‐confined with single cells. Moreover, the cell membrane permeability increases due to the shear stress exerted on the single cells when they pass through the droplet pinch‐off junction. The transfection efficiency, examined by the delivery of the pcDNA3‐EGFP plasmid, improves from ≈5% to ≈50% for all three tested suspension cell lines, i.e., K562, THP‐1, Jurkat, and with significantly reduced cell‐to‐cell variation, compared to the bulk method. Efficient targeted knockout of the TP53BP1 gene for K562 cells via the CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)–CAS9 (CRISPR‐associated nuclease 9) mechanism is also achieved using this platform. Lipoplex‐mediated single‐cell transfection via droplet microfluidics is expected to have broad applications in gene therapy and regenerative medicine by providing high transfection efficiency and low cell‐to‐cell variation for hard‐to‐transfect suspension cells.