bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perforated balloon technique: A simple and handy technique to combat no‐reflow phenomenon in coronary system
Authors: Patel Tejas , Shah Sanjay , Gulati Rajiv , Kwan Tak , Cohen Mauricio G. , Pancholy Samir
Published: December 2017

Objective

Examining the efficacy and outcomes of intracoronary (IC) instillation of adenosine using a novel perforated balloon technique (PBT) to combat no‐reflow phenomenon during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Background

Occurrence of no‐reflow during PCI is a serious adverse prognostic event and inability to re‐establish better flow is associated with poor outcomes. Several pharmacological and non‐pharmacological interventions have been used to treat this situation. This series describes the use of PBT for IC adenosine administration and its effects on outcomes during real world interventional practice.

Methods

Subjects comprised of 24 patients with ACS (out of a total of 1,634 patients undergoing PCI between January 2016 and June 2017) in whom we used PBT for IC administration of adenosine to treat coronary no‐reflow.

Results

PBT for IC adenosine instillation was used in 24 (1.5%) of 1,634 patients undergoing PCI. TIMI grade III flow was established in 21 patients (87.5%). In two patients (8.3%) TIMI grade II flow was established and in one patient (4.2%) we were unsuccessful.

Conclusion

We demonstrate the safety and efficacy of a novel strategy for adenosine instillation in the distal coronary bed, the PBT. This technique enables rapid and cost‐effective treatment of no‐reflow phenomenon during PCI for ACS.
Hyperspectral image analysis. When space meets Chemistry
Authors: de Juan Anna
Published: December 2017

Hyperspectral images provide spatial and structural information on samples. This article aims at providing an overview on hyperspectral image analysis research trends, mainly focusing on specific aspects related to this kind of analytical measurement, such as the global/local and the spectral/spatial dualities, the hurdles associated with image fusion strategies, and the design of tools devoted to enhance the spatial definition provided by the instrumental measurement. The complexity of the measurement and the wealth of possibilities to use image properties and information ensure a very lively field of research for the coming years.
Molecular testing for thyroid nodules: Review and current state
Authors: Roth Mara Y. , Witt Robert L. , Steward David L.
Published: December 2017

Thyroid nodules affect nearly two‐thirds of the world population. Fine‐needle biopsy with cytologic evaluation remains the diagnostic test of choice to distinguish benign from malignant thyroid nodules yet fails to discriminate as benign or malignant in up to one‐third of cases. This review discusses the limitation of current cytopathologic evaluation, the development of thyroid molecular testing, and the strengths and limitations of commercially available tests. Initial cytomolecular testing sought to identify specific gene mutations associated with thyroid cancer. Although the presence of a mutation was strongly associated with cancer, the likelihood of identifying a mutation was low; therefore, the test had low sensitivity. Subsequent tests developed have sought to improve the accuracy of cytomolecular testing for thyroid fine‐needle aspirations, both to reassure patients and providers when malignancy may be absent and to confirm the malignancy when present. The development of cytomolecular testing for thyroid nodules has informed and improved current understanding of thyroid nodule formation and progression. When used appropriately and with clear understanding of the advantages and disadvantages, cytomolecular testing has the potential to improve patient care in the setting of indeterminate thyroid nodules by helping to guide both the need for and the extent of thyroid surgery. Cancer 2018;124:888‐98. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Brain maps 4.0—Structure of the rat brain: An open access atlas with global nervous system nomenclature ontology and flatmaps
Authors: Swanson Larry W.
Published: December 2017

The fourth edition (following editions in 1992, 1998, 2004) of Brain maps: structure of the rat brain is presented here as an open access internet resource for the neuroscience community. One new feature is a set of 10 hierarchical nomenclature tables that define and describe all parts of the rat nervous system within the framework of a strictly topographic system devised previously for the human nervous system. These tables constitute a global ontology for knowledge management systems dealing with neural circuitry. A second new feature is an aligned atlas of bilateral flatmaps illustrating rat nervous system development from the neural plate stage to the adult stage, where most gray matter regions, white matter tracts, ganglia, and nerves listed in the nomenclature tables are illustrated schematically. These flatmaps are convenient for future development of online applications analogous to “Google Maps” for systems neuroscience. The third new feature is a completely revised Atlas of the rat brain in spatially aligned transverse sections that can serve as a framework for 3‐D modeling. Atlas parcellation is little changed from the preceding edition, but the nomenclature for rat is now aligned with an emerging panmammalian neuroanatomical nomenclature. All figures are presented in Adobe Illustrator vector graphics format that can be manipulated, modified, and resized as desired, and freely used with a Creative Commons license.
A hemorrhagic transformation model of mechanical stroke therapy with acute hyperglycemia in mice
Authors: Couret David , Bourane Steeve , Catan Aurélie , Nativel Brice , Planesse Cynthia , Dorsemans Anne‐Claire , Ait‐Arsa Imade , Cournot Maxime , Rondeau Philippe , Patche Jessica , Tran‐Dinh Alexy , Lambert Gilles , Diotel Nicolas , Meilhac Olivier
Published: December 2017

Clinical benefit for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in stroke was recently demonstrated in multiple large prospective studies. Acute hyperglycemia (HG) is an important risk factor of poor outcome in stroke patients, including those that underwent MT. The aim of this therapy is to achieve a complete reperfusion in a short time, given that reperfusion damage is dependent on the duration of ischemia. Here, we investigated the effects of acute HG in a mouse model of ischemic stroke induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Hyperglycemic (intraperitoneal [ip] injection of glucose) and control (ip saline injection) 10‐week male C57BL6 mice were subjected to MCAO (30, 90, and 180 min) followed by reperfusion obtained by withdrawal of the monofilament. Infarct volume, hemorrhagic transformation (HT), neutrophil infiltration, and neurological scores were assessed at 24 hr by performing vital staining, ELISA immunofluorescence, and behavioral test, respectively. Glucose injection led to transient HG (blood glucose = 250–390 mg/dL) that significantly increased infarct volume, HT, and worsened neurological outcome. In addition, we report that HG promoted blood‐brain barrier disruption as shown by hemoglobin accumulation in the brain parenchyma and tended to increase neutrophil extravasation within the infarcted area. Acute HG increased neurovascular damage for all MCAO durations tested. HTs were observed as early as 90 min after ischemia under hyperglycemic conditions. This model mimics MT ischemia/reperfusion and allows the exploration of brain injury in hyperglycemic conditions.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Development of Medical Therapies for Pediatric Populations and the Role of Extrapolation
Authors: Barrett Jeffrey S. , Bishai Raafat , Bucci‐Rechtweg Christina , Cheung Amy , Corriol‐Rohou Solange , Haertter Sebastian , James Angela , Kovacs Steven J. , Liu Jing , Potempa Dennis , Strougo Ashley , Vanevski Konstantina ,   for the IQ consortium – CPLG Pediatric Working Group
Published: December 2017

Extrapolation can be used to address challenges in pediatric drug development. This review describes how these challenges could be addressed by further evolution of quantitative frameworks (i.e., model‐based/informed drug discovery and development) and regulatory science in support of pediatric drug development. Included are examples of diseases/indications where extrapolation has been used in different ways as a basis for identifying gaps in the framework and opportunities for continued advancement of pediatric drug development.
Multisite Investigation of Strategies for the Implementation of CYP2C19 Genotype‐Guided Antiplatelet Therapy
Authors: Empey Philip E. , Stevenson James M. , Tuteja Sony , Weitzel Kristin W. , Angiolillo Dominick J. , Beitelshees Amber L. , Coons James C. , Duarte Julio D. , Franchi Francesco , Jeng Linda J.B. , Johnson Julie A. , Kreutz Rolf P. , Limdi Nita A. , Maloney Kristin A. , Owusu Obeng Aniwaa , Peterson Josh F. , Petry Natasha , Pratt Victoria M. , Rollini Fabiana , Scott Stuart A. , Skaar Todd C. , Vesely Mark R. , Stouffer George A. , Wilke Russell A. , Cavallari Larisa H. , Lee Craig R. ,   on behalf of the IGNITE Network
Published: December 2017

CYP2C19 genotype‐guided antiplatelet therapy following percutaneous coronary intervention is increasingly implemented in clinical practice. However, challenges such as selecting a testing platform, communicating test results, building clinical decision support processes, providing patient and provider education, and integrating methods to support the translation of emerging evidence to clinical practice are barriers to broad adoption. In this report, we compare and contrast implementation strategies of 12 early adopters, describing solutions to common problems and initial performance metrics for each program. Key differences between programs included the test result turnaround time and timing of therapy changes, which are both related to the CYP2C19 testing model and platform used. Sites reported the need for new informatics infrastructure, expert clinicians such as pharmacists to interpret results, physician champions, and ongoing education. Consensus lessons learned are presented to provide a path forward for those seeking to implement similar clinical pharmacogenomics programs within their institutions.
Cytological features in eight patients with ALK‐rearranged lung cancer
Authors: Kuroda Naoto , Ohara Masahiko , Wada Yukari , Yasuoka Kaori , Mizuno Keiko , Yorita Kenji , Obayashi Chiho , Takeuchi Kengo
Published: December 2017

Background

ALK‐rearranged lung cancer has been recently identified. Although signet‐ring cell morphology and mucinous cribriform pattern are considered to be characteristic of ALK‐rearranged lung cancer. Some studies have also suggested cytological features.

Methods

This study investigated cytological features of ALK‐rearranged lung cancer in eight patients.

Results

Cytologically, the tumor cell group varied from isolated to large clusters. Small nucleoli, fine granular to vesicular chromatin, and nuclear groove were observed in all patients. Furthermore, extracellular and intracellular mucin and signet‐ring cells were identified in five patients.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the presence of extracellular and intracellular mucin, signet‐ring cells, small nucleoli, fine granular to vesicular chromatin, and nuclear groove in cytological samples may be a diagnostic clue for ALK‐rearranged lung cancer.
Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine‐needle aspiration: What variables influence diagnostic yield?
Authors: Mohanty Sambit K. , Pradhan Dinesh , Sharma Shivani , Sharma Anurag , Patnaik Niharika , Feuerman Martin , Bonasara Robert , Boyd Adrienne , Friedel David , Stavropoulos Stavros , Gupta Mala
Published: December 2017

Background

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) plays an important role in the diagnosis of various lesions. We sought to determine factors that influence the diagnostic yield of EUS–FNA, specifically, the presence of a cytopathologist, FNA site, and the endoscopist's skill.

Methods

The data on cytopathologist's availability, duration of procedure, number of passes made, and diagnostic material for cell block (CB) preparation was collected over an 18 months period.

Results

230 specimens (218 patients) were obtained from pancreas (114), lymph node (64), submucosal lesions of the gastrointestinal tract (27), liver (8), and miscellaneous (17) sites. The results were classified as informative (77.8%) and non‐informative (NI) (22.2%). The NI rate was significantly high, when a cytopathologist was absent (P = .0008). As the likelihood of cytopathologist's presence increased from 35.8% to 82.9%, the CB quality increased (P < .0001). In the absence of a cytopathologist, the likelihood of NI result increased more than 2‐fold (P = .03) and of an inadequate CB increased 3‐fold (P < .0001). The more experienced endoscopist “C” (compared to the less experienced “A + B”) was less likely to get inadequate material (40.5% vs. 66.3%) (P = .0001).

Conclusion

The diagnostic yield of EUS–FNA is significantly related to the presence of an on‐site cytopathologist and endoscopist's skill in procuring diagnostic material.
Indicators of clinical significance among women in the community with binge‐eating disorder symptoms: Delineating the roles of binge frequency, body mass index, and overvaluation
Authors: Mitchison Deborah , Rieger Elizabeth , Harrison Carmel , Murray Stuart B. , Griffiths Scott , Mond Jonathan
Published: December 2017

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the relative contributions of binge eating, body image disturbance, and body mass index (BMI) to distress and disability in binge‐eating disorder (BED).

Method

A community sample of 174 women with BED‐type symptomatology provided demographic, weight, and height information, and completed measures of overvaluation of weight/shape and binge eating, general psychological distress and impairment in role functioning. Correlation and regression analyses examined the associations between predictors (binge eating, overvaluation, BMI), and outcomes (distress, functional impairment).

Results

Binge eating and overvaluation were moderately to strongly correlated with distress and functional impairment, whereas BMI was not correlated with distress and only weakly correlated with functional impairment. Regression analysis indicated that both overvaluation and binge eating were strong and unique predictors of both distress and impairment, the contribution of overvaluation to variance in functional impairment being particularly strong, whereas BMI did not uniquely predict functional impairment or distress.

Discussion

The findings support the inclusion of overvaluation as a diagnostic criterion or specifier in BED and the need to focus on body image disturbance in treatment and public health efforts in order to reduce the individual and community health burden of this condition.
A Text Input System Based on Information of Voluntary Blink and Eye‐Gaze Using an Image Analysis
Authors: SATO HIRONOBU , ABE KIYOHIKO , OHI SHOICHI , OHYAMA MINORU
Published: December 2017

Eye‐gaze input interfaces have been proposed. The main purpose of these systems is communication aid for the severely disabled. We have previously developed a text input system using eye‐gaze based on an image analysis under natural light. This input system employed dwell time based method to select indicators. By employing voluntary (conscious) blink based method rather than dwell time as indicator selection, it is expected to increase the efficiency of text input. We propose a new text input system based on eye‐gaze and voluntary blink method. The newly added eye blink measurement function is necessary to realize high time resolution. Furthermore, each of the eye‐gaze and eye blink measurements is very time consuming. If these measurements are performed sequentially, it is difficult to finish calculation within required time for real‐time processing. To cope with this problem, we realize the concurrent processing of these measurements by multithread structure. We conducted an examination of nine subjects to input Japanese text using our new input system. All of nine subjects could complete the task of Japanese text input. Based on a result of this experiment, we evaluated our new system.
Associations among arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and seedlings are predicted to change with tree successional status
Authors: Bachelot Benedicte , Uriarte María , Muscarella Robert , Forero‐Montaña Jimena , Thompson Jill , McGuire Krista , Zimmerman Jess , Swenson Nathan G. , Clark James S.
Published: December 2017

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in the soil may influence tropical tree dynamics and forest succession. The mechanisms are poorly understood, because the functional characteristics and abundances of tree species and AM fungi are likely to be codependent. We used generalized joint attribute modeling to evaluate if AM fungi are associated with three forest community metrics for a sub‐tropical montane forest in Puerto Rico. The metrics chosen to reflect changes during forest succession are the abundance of seedlings of different successional status, the amount of foliar damage on seedlings of different successional status, and community‐weighted mean functional trait values (adult specific leaf area [SLA], adult wood density, and seed mass). We used high‐throughput DNA sequencing to identify fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in the soil. Model predictions showed that seedlings of mid‐ and late‐successional species had less leaf damage when the 12 most common AM fungi were abundant compared to when these fungi were absent. We also found that seedlings of mid‐successional species were predicted to be more abundant when the 12 most common AM fungi were abundant compared to when these fungi were absent. In contrast, early‐successional tree seedlings were predicted to be less abundant when the 12 most common AM fungi were abundant compared to when these fungi were absent. Finally, we showed that, among the 12 most common AM fungi, different AM fungi were correlated with functional trait characteristics of early‐ or late‐successional species. Together, these results suggest that early‐successional species might not rely as much as mid‐ and late‐successional species on AM fungi, and AM fungi might accelerate forest succession.
Heart and brain interaction in patients with heart failure: overview and proposal for a taxonomy. A position paper from the Study Group on Heart and Brain Interaction of the Heart Failure Association
Authors: Doehner Wolfram , Ural Dilek , Haeusler Karl Georg , Čelutkienė Jelena , Bestetti Reinaldo , Cavusoglu Yuksel , Peña‐Duque Marco A. , Glavas Duska , Iacoviello Massimo , Laufs Ulrich , Alvear Ricardo Marmol , Mbakwem Amam , Piepoli Massimo F. , Rosen Stuart D. , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Vitale Cristiana , Yilmaz M. Birhan , Anker Stefan D. , Filippatos Gerasimos , Seferovic Petar , Coats Andrew J.S. , Ruschitzka Frank
Published: December 2017

Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome with multiple interactions between the failing myocardium and cerebral (dys‐)functions. Bi‐directional feedback interactions between the heart and the brain are inherent in the pathophysiology of HF: (i) the impaired cardiac function affects cerebral structure and functional capacity, and (ii) neuronal signals impact on the cardiovascular continuum. These interactions contribute to the symptomatic presentation of HF patients and affect many co‐morbidities of HF. Moreover, neuro‐cardiac feedback signals significantly promote aggravation and further progression of HF and are causal in the poor prognosis of HF. The diversity and complexity of heart and brain interactions make it difficult to develop a comprehensive overview. In this paper a systematic approach is proposed to develop a comprehensive atlas of related conditions, signals and disease mechanisms of the interactions between the heart and the brain in HF. The proposed taxonomy is based on pathophysiological principles. Impaired perfusion of the brain may represent one major category, with acute (cardio‐embolic) or chronic (haemodynamic failure) low perfusion being sub‐categories with mostly different consequences (i.e. ischaemic stroke or cognitive impairment, respectively). Further categories include impairment of higher cortical function (mood, cognition), of brain stem function (sympathetic over‐activation, neuro‐cardiac reflexes). Treatment‐related interactions could be categorized as medical, interventional and device‐related interactions. Also interactions due to specific diseases are categorized. A methodical approach to categorize the interdependency of heart and brain may help to integrate individual research areas into an overall picture.
C5aR activation in the absence of C5a: A new disease mechanism of autoimmune hemolytic anemia in mice
Authors: Syed Shahzad N. , Rau Eduard , Ziegelmann Mareen , Sogkas Georgios , Brüne Bernhard , Schmidt Reinhold E.
Published: December 2017

IgG Fc receptors (FcγRs) and the C5a anaphylatoxin receptor (C5aR) were identified as key regulators of type II autoimmune injury in mice. However, and with respect to C5aR, the relative importance of C5a for IgG autoantibody‐induced cellular destruction remained unclear. Using an experimental model of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), we here report marked differences in the development of AIHA between mice lacking C5aR and C5‐deficient (Hc0) strain, indicating a limited role of C5 in this type of C5aR‐regulated disease. Ex‐vivo‐analyses of liver homogenates from anemic Hc0 mice demonstrate C5a‐independent C5aR activation, upregulation of FcγR expression and amplification of erythrophagocytosis by macrophages. As assessed by pharmacological inhibition studies, targeting of C5aR, but not of C5, is effective in treating experimental AIHA. Collectively, these results define a previously unrecognized disease mechanism of C5aR activation in AIHA that does not necessarily involve C5 and C5a.
Emergence of Surface‐ and Interface‐Induced Structures and Properties in Metal–Organic Framework Thin Films
Authors: Haraguchi Tomoyuki , Otsubo Kazuya , Kitagawa Hiroshi
Published: December 2017

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are of particular interest to researchers because of their structural diversity and variety of properties. MOF thin films have been intensively investigated for potential applications such as membranes, gas sensors, catalysts, etc. Although most MOF thin films have almost the same structure and properties as their bulk, some MOF thin films show remarkable structural changes and hidden properties that are not observed in the bulk. These phenomena would be induced by the surface and the interface. Recent improvements in thin‐film fabrication methods enabled us to construct MOF thin films and discuss the properties based on the structure, thickness and crystalline orientation in detail. This microreview describes and discusses the fascinating nature of MOF thin films originating from surface/interface. This paper is expected to help with the construction of a research strategy for MOF thin films to obtain hidden structures and properties of MOFs that are not observed in their bulk.
Pain patterns during adolescence can be grouped into four pain classes with distinct profiles: A study on a population based cohort of 2953 adolescents
Authors: Holden S. , Rathleff M.S. , Roos E.M. , Jensen M.B. , Pourbordbari N. , Graven‐Nielsen T.
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Although multi‐site pain is common in adolescents, pain conditions are frequently diagnosed and treated in isolation. Little is known about whether there are specific sites in which pain commonly co‐occurs. This study examines the patterns of pain in adolescents, and whether these are associated with sports participation, health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), and sex.

Methods

In previously collected cohort data (‘Adolescent Pain in Aalborg‐2011’), adolescents (aged 12–19) completed an online questionnaire, including demographic data, current pain sites, sports participation and HRQoL (assessed by Euro‐QoL 5D‐3L). Latent class analysis was used to classify spatial pain patterns, based on the pain sites. The analysis included 2953 adolescents.

Results

Four classes were identified as follows: (1) little or no pain (63% of adolescents), (2) majority lower extremity pain (10%), (3) multi‐site bodily pain (22%) and (4) head and stomach pain (3%). The lower extremity multi‐site pain group reported highest weekly sports participation (p < 0.001; mean: 2.9 days/week; 95% CI 2.7 to 3.2), while the multi‐site bodily pain and the multi‐site head and stomach pain groups had lowest EQ‐5D scores (p < 0.001). Males were more likely to belong to the little or no pain class, whereas females were more likely to belong to the multi‐site bodily pain class.

Conclusions

Latent class analysis identified distinct classes of pain patterns in adolescents, characterized by sex, differences in HRQoL and sports participation. The class with multi‐site bodily pain and reduced quality of life was the largest among adolescents reporting pain, and future research on treatment strategies should consider targeting this group.
Direct Alcohol‐Fueled Low‐Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: A Review
Authors: Yang Byung Chan , Koo Junmo , Shin Jeong Woo , Go Dohyun , Shim Joon Hyung , An Jihwan
Published: December 2017

Low‐temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LT‐SOFCs, operating temperature≤600 °C) are advantageous in potential applicability, affordability, and durability compared to conventional SOFCs (operating temperature: 800–1000 °C). Direct operation of LT‐SOFCs on liquid alcohol fuels can further improve their portability as well as accessibility to the fuel. In this review, we overview the results of LT‐SOFCs directly fueled by liquid alcohols that operate at 600 °C and below. Fundamentals regarding operation principles, losses, as well as reactions associated with liquid alcohol‐fueled LT‐SOFCs are presented. The materials, structures, and fabrication processes of cell components, namely anode, electrolyte, and cathode, are mainly reviewed. The electrochemical performances of alcohol‐fueled LT‐SOFCs are also summarized and compared with those of H2‐fueled LT‐SOFCs.
Cloud to IDA: Efficient fragility assessment with limited scaling
Authors: Miano Andrea , Jalayer Fatemeh , Ebrahimian Hossein , Prota Andrea
Published: December 2017

Incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) leads to curves expressed in terms of structural response versus intensity, commonly known as the IDA curves. It is known that implementation of IDA usually involves significant computational effort and most often significant scaling of the original records to various intensity levels. Employing as the performance variable the critical demand to capacity ratio (DCR) throughout the structure, which is equal to unity at the onset of the limit state, facilitates the identification of the intensity values at the onset of a desired limit state and hence the implementation of the IDA procedure. Employing the structural response to un‐scaled records and the corresponding regression‐based response predictions (a.k.a., the “Cloud Analysis”) helps in identifying the range of intensity values corresponding to demand to capacity ratio values in the vicinity of unity. The Cloud to IDA procedure for structural fragility assessment is proposed on the premise of exploiting the Cloud Analysis results to obtain the IDA curves both with minimum number of analyses and minimum amount of scaling. The transverse frame of a shear‐critical 7‐story older RC building in Van Nuys, CA, which is modeled in Opensees with fiber‐section considering the flexural‐shear‐axial interactions and the bar slip, is employed as a case study. It is demonstrated, by comparing the results to IDA and other state of the art non‐linear dynamic procedures based on no scaling or spectral‐shape‐compatible scaling, that the Cloud to IDA procedure leads to reliable results in terms of structural fragility and risk for the prescribed limit state.
Transport of moderately sorted gravel at low bed shear stresses: The role of fine sediment infiltration
Authors: Perret Emeline , Berni Céline , Camenen Benoît , Herrero Albert , El Kadi Abderrezzak Kamal
Published: December 2017

A reliable estimation of sediment transport in gravel‐bed streams is important for various practical engineering and biological studies (e.g., channel stability design, bed degradation/aggradation, restoration of spawning habitat). In the present work, we report original laboratory experiments investigating the transport of gravel particles at low bed shear stresses. The laboratory tests were conducted under unsteady flow conditions inducing low bed shear stresses, with detailed monitoring of the bed topography using a laser scanner. Effects of bed surface arrangements were documented by testing loose and packed bed configurations. Effects of fine sediments were examined by testing beds with sand, artificial fine sand or cohesive silt infiltrated in the gravel matrix. Analysis of the experimental data revealed that the transport of gravel particles depends upon the bed arrangement, the bed material properties (e.g., size and shape, consolidation index, permeability) and the concentration of fine sediments within the surface layer of moving grains. This concentration is directly related to the distribution of fine particles within the gravel matrix (i.e., bottom‐up infiltration or bridging) and their transport mode (i.e., bedload or suspended load). Compared to loose beds, the mobility of gravel is reduced for packed beds and for beds clogged from the bottom up with cohesive fine sediments; in both cases, the bed shear stress for gravel entrainment increases by about 12%. On the other hand, the mobility of gravel increases significantly (bed shear stress for particle motion decreasing up to 40%) for beds clogged at the surface by non‐cohesive sand particles. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A strongly coupled partitioned approach for fluid‐structure‐fracture interaction
Authors: Sudhakar Y. , Wall Wolfgang A.
Published: December 2017

We present a novel method to model large deformation fluid‐structure‐fracture interaction, which is characterized by the fact that the fluid‐induced loads lead to fracture of the structure and the fluid medium fills the resulting crack opening; the mutual interaction between the crack faces and the surrounding fluid contributes substantially to the overall dynamics. A mesh refitting approach is used to model the quasi‐static fracture of the structure, and a robust embedded interface formulation is used to solve the fluid flow equations. The proposed method uses a strongly coupled partitioned scheme with Aitken's Δ2 method as convergence accelerator. Selected numerical examples of increasing complexity are presented to evaluate the performance of the proposed fluid‐structure‐fracture coupling algorithm. The most difficult simulation of the reported examples involves a number of complex phenomena: mixed‐mode crack propagation through the structure, fluid starts to fill the crack opening, complete fracture of the structure into two pieces of which one is carried away by the flow.
On improvements of simplified and highly stable lattice Boltzmann method: Formulations, boundary treatment, and stability analysis
Authors: Chen Z. , Shu C. , Tan D. , Wu C.
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we present a detailed report on a revised form of simplified and highly stable lattice Boltzmann method (SHSLBM) and its boundary treatment as well as stability analysis. The SHSLBM is a recently developed scheme within lattice Boltzmann framework, which utilizes lattice properties and relationships given by Chapman‐Enskog expansion analysis to reconstruct solutions of macroscopic governing equations recovered from lattice Boltzmann equation and resolved in a predictor‐corrector scheme. Formulations of original SHSLBM are slightly adjusted in the present work to facilitate implementation on body‐fitted mesh. The boundary treatment proposed in this paper offers an analytical approach to interpret no‐slip boundary condition, and the stability analysis in this paper fixes flaws in previous works and reveals a very nice stability characteristic in high Reynolds number scenarios. Several benchmark tests are conducted for comprehensive evaluation of the boundary treatment and numerical validation of stability analysis. It turns out that by adopting the modifications suggested in this work, lower numerical error can be expected.
The versatility of spectrum analysis for forecasting financial time series
Authors: Rostan Pierre , Rostan Alexandra
Published: December 2017

The versatility of the one‐dimensional discrete wavelet analysis combined with wavelet and Burg extensions for forecasting financial times series with distinctive properties is illustrated with market data. Any time series of financial assets may be decomposed into simpler signals called approximations and details in the framework of the one‐dimensional discrete wavelet analysis. The simplified signals are recomposed after extension. The final output is the forecasted time series which is compared to observed data. Results show the pertinence of adding spectrum analysis to the battery of tools used by econometricians and quantitative analysts for the forecast of economic or financial time series.
Delirium pathophysiology: An updated hypothesis of the etiology of acute brain failure
Authors: Maldonado José R.
Published: December 2017

Background

Delirium is the most common neuropsychiatric syndrome encountered by clinicians dealing with older adults and the medically ill and is best characterized by 5 core domains: cognitive deficits, attentional deficits, circadian rhythm dysregulation, emotional dysregulation, and alteration in psychomotor functioning.

Design

An extensive literature review and consolidation of published data into a novel interpretation of known pathophysiological causes of delirium.

Results

Available data suggest that numerous pathological factors may serve as precipitants for delirium, each having differential effects depending on patient‐specific patient physiological characteristics (substrate). On the basis of an extensive literature search, a newly proposed theory, the systems integration failure hypothesis, was developed to bring together the most salient previously described theories, by describing the various contributions from each into a complex web of pathways—highlighting areas of intersection and commonalities and explaining how the variable contribution of these may lead to the development of various cognitive and behavioral dysfunctions characteristic of delirium. The specific cognitive and behavioral manifestations of the specific delirium picture result from a combination of neurotransmitter function and availability, variability in integration and processing of sensory information, motor responses to both external and internal cues, and the degree of breakdown in neuronal network connectivity, hence the term acute brain failure.

Conclusions

The systems integration failure hypothesis attempts to explain how the various proposed delirium pathophysiologic theories interact with each other, causing various clinically observed delirium phenotypes. A better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of delirium may eventually assist in designing better prevention and management approaches.
Empirically derived dimensional syndromes of self‐reported psychopathology: Cross‐cultural comparisons of Portuguese and US elders
Authors: Ivanova Masha Y. , Achenbach Thomas , Leite Manuela , Almeida Vera , Caldas Carlos , Turner Lori , Dumas Julie A.
Published: December 2017

Objective

As the world population ages, mental health professionals increasingly need empirically supported assessment instruments for older adult psychopathology. This study tested the degree to which syndromes derived from self‐ratings of psychopathology by elders in the US would fit self‐ratings by elders in Portugal.

Methods

The Older Adult Self‐Report (OASR) was completed by 352 60‐ to 102‐year‐olds in Portuguese community and residential settings.

Results

Confirmatory factor analyses tested the fit of the 7‐syndrome OASR model to self‐ratings by Portuguese elders. The primary fit index (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation) showed good fit, while secondary fit indices (the Comparative Fit Index and the Tucker‐Lewis Index) showed acceptable fit. Loadings of 95 of the 97 items on their expected syndromes were statistically significant (mean = .63), indicating that the items measured the syndromes well. Correlations between latent factors, ie, between the hypothesized syndrome constructs measured by the items, averaged .66. The correlations between syndromes reflect varying degrees of comorbidity between problems comprising particular pairs of syndromes.

Conclusions

The results support the syndrome structure of the OASR for Portuguese elders, offering Portuguese clinicians and researchers a useful instrument for assessing a broad spectrum of psychopathology. The results also offer a core of empirically supported taxonomic constructs of later life psychopathology as a basis for advancing clinical practice, training, and cross‐cultural research.
The eyes have it: Using eye tracking to inform information processing strategies in multi‐attributes choices
Authors: Ryan Mandy , Krucien Nicolas , Hermens Frouke
Published: December 2017

Although choice experiments (CEs) are widely applied in economics to study choice behaviour, understanding of how individuals process attribute information remains limited. We show how eye‐tracking methods can provide insight into how decisions are made. Participants completed a CE, while their eye movements were recorded. Results show that although the information presented guided participants' decisions, there were also several processing biases at work. Evidence was found of (a) top‐to‐bottom, (b) left‐to‐right, and (c) first‐to‐last order biases. Experimental factors—whether attributes are defined as “best” or “worst,” choice task complexity, and attribute ordering—also influence information processing. How individuals visually process attribute information was shown to be related to their choices. Implications for the design and analysis of CEs and future research are discussed.
Multiple model combination methods for annual maximum water level prediction during river ice breakup
Authors: Sun Wei , Trevor Bernard
Published: December 2017

The Athabasca River is the largest unregulated river in Alberta, Canada, with ice jams frequently occurring in the vicinity of Fort McMurray. Modelling tools are desired to forecast ice‐related flood events. Multiple model combination methods can often obtain better predictive performances than any member models due to possible variance reduction of forecast errors or correction of biases. However, few applications of this method to river ice forecasting are reported. Thus, a framework of multiple model combination methods for maximum breakup water level (MBWL) Prediction during river ice breakup is proposed. Within the framework, the member models describe the relations between the MBWL (predicted variable) and their corresponding indicators (predictor variables); the combining models link the relations between the predicted MBWL by each member model and the observed MBWL. Especially, adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference systems, artificial neural networks, and multiple linear regression are not only employed as member models but also as combining models. Simple average methods (SAM) are selected as the basic combining model due to simple calculations. In the SAM, an equal weight (1/n) is assigned to n member models. The historical breakup data of the Athabasca River at Fort McMurray for the past 36 years (1980 to 2015) are collected to facilitate the comparison of models. These models are examined using the leave‐one‐out cross validation and the holdout validation methods. A SAM, which is the average output from three optimal member models, is selected as the best model as it has the optimal validation performance (lowest average squared errors). In terms of lowest average squared errors, the SAM improves upon the optimal artificial neural networks, adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference systems, and multiple linear regression member models by 21.95%, 30.97%, and 24.03%, respectively. This result sheds light on the effectiveness of combining different forecasting models when a scarce river ice data set is investigated. The indicators included in the SAM may indicate that the MBWL is affected by water flow conditions just after freeze‐up, overall freezing conditions during winter, and snowpack conditions before breakup.
Retracted: DCLK1 promotes epithelial‐mesenchymal transition via the PI3K/Akt/NF‐κB pathway in colorectal cancer
Authors: Liu Weiying , Wang Shixing , Sun Qi , Yang Zhen , Liu Min , Tang Hua
Published: December 2017

Double cortin‐like kinase 1 (DCLK1) plays important roles during the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in human colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the role of DCLK1 in regulating the EMT of CRC is still poorly understood. In this study, we report evidence that DCLK1 acts as a potent oncogene to drive its extremely malignant character of EMT in an NF‐κB‐dependent manner in CRC cells. Mechanistic investigations showed that DCLK1 induced the NF‐κBp65 subunit expression through the PI3K/Akt/Sp1 axis and activated NF‐κBp65 through the PI3K/Akt/IκBα pathway during the EMT of CRC cells. Moreover, we found that silencing the expression of DCLK1 inhibited the invasion and metastasis of CRC cells in vivo. Collectively, our findings identify DCLK1 as a pivotal regulator of an EMT axis in CRC, thus implicating DCLK1 as a potential therapeutic target for CRC metastasis.
The sphingosine kinase 2 inhibitor ABC294640 displays anti‐non‐small cell lung cancer activities in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Dai Lu , Smith Charles D. , Foroozesh Maryam , Miele Lucio , Qin Zhiqiang
Published: December 2017

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for about 85‐90% of lung cancer cases, and is the number one killer among cancers in the United States. The majorities of lung cancer patients do not respond well to conventional chemo‐ and/or radio‐therapeutic regimens, and have a dismal 5‐year survival rate of ∼15%. The recent introduction of targeted therapy and immunotherapy gives new hopes to NSCLC patients, but even with these agents, not all patients respond, and responses are rarely complete. Thus, there is still an urgent need to identify new therapeutic targets in NSCLC and develop novel anti‐cancer agents. Sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2) is one of the key enzymes in sphingolipid metabolism. SphK2 expression predicts poor survival in NSCLC patients, and is associated with Gefitinib‐resistance. In this study, the anti‐NSCLC activities of ABC294640, the only first‐in‐class orally available inhibitor of SphK2, were explored. The results obtained indicate that ABC294640 treatment causes significant NSCLC cell apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and suppression of tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, lipidomics analyses revealed the complete signature of ceramide and dihydro(dh)‐ceramide species in the NSCLC cell‐lines with or without ABC294640 treatment. These findings indicate that sphingolipid metabolism targeted therapy may be developed as a promising strategy against NSCLC.
Survivin is a novel transcription regulator of KIT and is downregulated by miRNA‐494 in gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Yun SeongJu , Kim Won Kyu , Kwon Yujin , Jang Mi , Bauer Sebastian , Kim Hoguen
Published: December 2017

Gain‐of‐function mutations of KIT are pathognomonic in sporadic gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Several microRNAs have been shown to be dysregulated in GISTs and impact KIT expression. Little is known though on KIT‐independent targets of KIT‐regulating mRNAs. We sought to investigate how miR‐494 inhibits GIST proliferation and to identify novel target gene. We used microarray‐based gene expression analyses to identify pathways and target genes affected by miR‐494. The expressional relationship between survivin and miR‐494 was determined in 35 GIST tissues. Cell proliferation assay, FACS analysis, colony formation assay, promoter assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChiP) were performed to clarify the roles of survivin in GIST progression. Gene expression microarray analysis revealed that miR‐494 inhibited GISTs by affecting multiple genes in the cell cycle pathway. Survivin (BIRC5) was a key target of miR‐494, and its expression showed an inverse correlation with miR‐494 expression in 35 GIST tissues (Pearson's correlation coefficient, r = −0.418, p = 0.012). Downregulation of survivin inhibited proliferation and colony formation, and resulted in cell cycle alteration. Induced survivin overexpression relieved miR‐494‐mediated inhibition of GIST progression. Targeting PI3K effectively suppressed proliferation of GISTs with downregulation of survivin. Survivin also regulated KIT expression at the transcription level. Immunohistochemical analysis using 113 GISTs revealed that survivin expression was significantly correlated with overall survival of GIST patients (p = 0.004). Our findings indicated that miR‐494 synergistically suppressed GISTs by concomitantly targeting survivin and KIT.
Fluorescence‐ and multispectral optoacoustic imaging for an optimized detection of deeply located tumors in an orthotopic mouse model of pancreatic carcinoma
Authors: Napp Joanna , Stammes Marieke A. , Claussen Jing , Prevoo Hendrica A.J.M. , Sier Cornelis F.M. , Hoeben Freek J.M. , Robillard Marc S. , Vahrmeijer Alexander L. , Devling Tim , Chan Alan B. , de Geus‐Oei Lioe‐Fee , Alves Frauke
Published: December 2017

A crucial point for the management of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the decrease of R1 resections. Our aim was to evaluate the combination of multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) with fluorescence guided surgery (FGS) for diagnosis and perioperative detection of tumor nodules and resection margins in a xenotransplant mouse model of human pancreatic cancer. The peptide cRGD, conjugated with the near infrared fluorescent (NIRF) dye IRDye800CW and with a trans‐cyclooctene (TCO) tag for future click chemistry (cRGD‐800CW‐TCO), was applied to PDAC bearing immunodeficient nude mice; 27 days after orthotopic transplantation of human AsPC‐1 cells into the head of the pancreas, mice were injected with cRGD‐800CW‐TCO and imaged with fluorescence‐ and optoacoustic devices before and 2, 6 and 24 hr after injection, before they were sacrificed and dissected with a guidance of FGS imaging system. Fluorescence imaging of cRGD‐800CW‐TCO allowed detection of the tumor area but without information about the depth, whereas MSOT allowed high resolution 3 D identification of the tumor area, in particular of small tumor nodules. Highly sensitive delineation of tumor burden was achieved during FGS in all mice. Imaging of whole‐mouse cryosections, histopathological analysis and NIRF microscopy confirmed the localization of cRGD‐800CW‐TCO within the tumor tissue. In principle, all imaging modalities applied here were able to detect PDAC in vivo. However, the combination of MSOT and FGS provided detailed spatial information of the signal and achieved a complete overview of the distribution and localization of cRGD‐800CW‐TCO within the tumor before and during surgical intervention.