bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The dynamic contribution of the high‐level visual cortex to imagery and perception
Authors: Boccia Maddalena , Sulpizio Valentina , Teghil Alice , Palermo Liana , Piccardi Laura , Galati Gaspare , Guariglia Cecilia
Published: January 2019

Mental imagery and visual perception rely on the same content‐dependent brain areas in the high‐level visual cortex (HVC). However, little is known about dynamic mechanisms in these areas during imagery and perception. Here we disentangled local and inter‐regional dynamic mechanisms underlying imagery and perception in the HVC and the hippocampus (HC), a key region for memory retrieval during imagery. Nineteen healthy participants watched or imagined a familiar scene or face during fMRI acquisition. The neural code for familiar landmarks and faces was distributed across the HVC and the HC, although with a different representational structure, and generalized across imagery and perception. However, different regional adaptation effects and inter‐regional functional couplings were detected for faces and landmarks during imagery and perception. The left PPA showed opposite adaptation effects, with activity suppression following repeated observation of landmarks, but enhancement following repeated imagery of landmarks. Also, functional coupling between content‐dependent brain areas of the HVC and HC changed as a function of task and content. These findings provide important information about the dynamic networks underlying imagery and perception in the HVC and shed some light upon the thin line between imagery and perception which has characterized the neuropsychological debates on mental imagery.
High‐Quality Diets Are Associated With Reduced Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Chronic Liver Disease: The Multiethnic Cohort
Authors: Bogumil David , Park Song‐Yi , Le Marchand Loïc , Haiman Christopher A. , Wilkens Lynne R. , Boushey Carol J. , Setiawan Veronica Wendy
Published: January 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and chronic liver disease (CLD) are major sources of morbidity and mortality globally. Both HCC incidence and CLD mortality are known to vary by race. There is limited research on the association between dietary measures and these outcomes in a diverse population. We prospectively investigated the associations between four diet quality index (DQI) scores (Healthy Eating Index‐2010, Alternative Healthy Eating Index‐2010, Alternate Mediterranean Diet [aMED], and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), HCC incidence, and CLD mortality in the Multiethnic Cohort. We analyzed data from 169,806 African Americans, Native Hawaiians, Japanese Americans, Latinos, and whites, aged 45 to 75 years. DQI scores were calculated by using a validated food frequency questionnaire administered at baseline. During an average 17 years of follow‐up, 603 incident cases of HCC and 753 CLD deaths were identified among study participants. Multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each DQI were estimated using Cox regression. Higher aMED scores, reflecting favorable adherence to a healthful diet, were associated with a lower risk of HCC (quintile [Q]5 versus Q1 HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.51‐0.90; trend, P = 0.02). In racial/ethnic‐specific analyses, there was no significant heterogeneity across groups (interaction, P = 0.32); however, the association only remained statistically significant among Latinos (Q4 versus Q1 HR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.29‐0.79; trend, P = 0.006). All DQI measures were inversely associated with CLD mortality, with no significant heterogeneity by race/ethnicity. Conclusion: Higher aMED scores were associated with a lower risk of HCC. A higher score of any DQI was associated with a lower risk of CLD mortality. These results suggest that better diet quality may reduce HCC incidence and CLD mortality.
Heat transfer study of convective fin with temperature‐dependent internal heat generation by hybrid block method
Authors: Alkasassbeh Mohammad , Omar Zurni , Mebarek‐Oudina Fateh , Raza Jawad , Chamkha Ali
Published: January 2019

Purpose

In this study, an implicit one‐step hybrid block method using two off‐step points involving the presence of a third derivative for solving second‐order boundary value problems are subjected to Dirichlet‐mixed conditions.

Methodology

To derive this method, the approximate power series solution is interpolated at while its second and third derivatives are collocated at all points on the integrated interval of approximation.

Findings

The new derived method not only performs better compared with the existing methods when solving the same problems but also obtains better properties of the numerical method. Afterward, the proposed method is applied to solve the problem of a convective fin with temperature‐dependent internal heat generation. The effects of various physical parameters on temperature distribution are also examined.
Germline variation in BRCA1/2 is highly ethnic‐specific: Evidence from over 30,000 Chinese hereditary breast and ovarian cancer patients
Authors: Bhaskaran Shanmuga Priya , Chandratre Khyati , Gupta Hemant , Zhang Li , Wang Xiaoyu , Cui Jian , Kim Yeong C. , Sinha Siddharth , Jiang Luhan , Lu Boya , Wu Xiaobing , Qin Zixin , Huang Teng , Wang San Ming
Published: January 2019

BRCA1 and BRCA2 play essential roles in maintaining the genome stability. Pathogenic germline mutations in these two genes disrupt their function, lead to genome instability and increase the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers. BRCA mutations have been extensively screened in Caucasian populations, and the resulting information are used globally as the standard reference in clinical diagnosis, treatment and prevention of BRCA‐related cancers. Recent studies suggest that BRCA mutations can be ethnic‐specific, raising the question whether a Caucasian‐based BRCA mutation information can be used as a universal standard worldwide, or whether an ethnicity‐based BRCA mutation information system need to be developed for the corresponding ethnic populations. In this study, we used Chinese population as a model to test ethnicity‐specific BRCA mutations considering that China has one of the latest numbers of breast cancer patients therefore BRCA mutation carriers. Through comprehensive data mining, standardization and annotation, we collected 1,088 distinct BRCA variants derived from over 30,000 Chinese individuals, one of the largest BRCA data set from a non‐Caucasian population covering nearly all known BRCA variants in the Chinese population (https://dbBRCA-Chinese.fhs.umac.mo). Using this data, we performed multi‐layered analyses to determine the similarities and differences of BRCA variation between Chinese and non‐Chinese ethnic populations. The results show the substantial differences of BRCA data between Chinese and non‐Chinese ethnicities. Our study indicates that the current Caucasian population‐based BRCA data is not adequate to represent the BRCA status in non‐Caucasian populations. Therefore, ethnic‐based BRCA standards need to be established to serve for the non‐Caucasian populations.
Differential responses of myoblasts and myotubes to photobiomodulation are associated with mitochondrial number
Authors: Serrage Hannah J. , Joanisse Sophie , Cooper Paul R. , Palin William , Hadis Mohammed , Darch Owen , Philp Andrew , Milward Mike R.
Published: January 2019

Objective

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is the application of light to promote tissue healing. Current indications suggest PBM induces its beneficial effects in vivo through upregulation of mitochondrial activity. However, how mitochondrial content influences such PBM responses have yet to be evaluated. Hence, the current study assessed the biological response of cells to PBM with varying mitochondrial contents.

Methods

DNA was isolated from myoblasts and myotubes (differentiated myoblasts), and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was amplified and quantified using a microplate assay. Cells were seeded in 96‐wellplates, incubated overnight and subsequently irradiated using a light‐emitting diode array (400, 450, 525, 660, 740, 810, 830 and white light, 24 mW/cm2, 30‐240 seconds, 0.72‐5.76J/cm2). The effects of PBM on markers of mitochondrial activity including reactive‐oxygen‐species and real‐time mitochondrial respiration (Seahorse XFe96) assays were assessed 8 hours post‐irradiation. Datasets were analysed using general linear model followed by one‐way analysis of variance (and post hoc‐Tukey tests); P = 0.05).

Results

Myotubes exhibited mtDNA levels 86% greater than myoblasts (P < 0.001). Irradiation of myotubes at 400, 450 or 810 nm induced 53%, 29% and 47% increases (relative to non‐irradiated control) in maximal respiratory rates, respectively (P < 0.001). Conversely, irradiation of myoblasts at 400 or 450 nm had no significant effect on maximal respiratory rates.

Conclusion

This study suggests that mitochondrial content may influence cellular responses to PBM and as such explain the variability of PBM responses seen in the literature.
Bioactive chitosan‐based scaffolds with improved properties induced by dextran‐grafted nano‐maghemite and l‐arginine amino acid
Authors: Scialla Stefania , Barca Amilcare , Palazzo Barbara , D'Amora Ugo , Russo Teresa , Gloria Antonio , De Santis Roberto , Verri Tiziano , Sannino Alessandro , Ambrosio Luigi , Gervaso Francesca
Published: January 2019

Over the past years, fundamentals of magnetism opened a wide research area of interest, in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The integration of magnetic nanoarchitectures into synthetic/natural scaffold formulations allowed obtaining “on demand” responsive structures able to guide the regeneration process. The aim of this work was the design and characterization of three‐dimensional (3D) chitosan‐based scaffolds containing dextran‐grafted maghemite nanoarchitectures (DM) and functionalized with l‐arginine (l‐Arg) amino acid as bioactive agent. A homogeneous pore distribution and a high degree of interconnection were obtained for all the structures with DMs, which resulted well distributed inside the polymer matrix. All the results suggest that the simultaneous presence of DMs and l‐Arg conferred interesting mechano‐structural and bioactive properties toward osteoblast‐like and human mesenchymal stem cells, differentially stimulating their proliferation both in the absence and in the presence of a time‐dependent magnetic field. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 1244–1252, 2019.
Revolutionary advances in 2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine polymers as biomaterials
Authors: Ishihara Kazuhiko
Published: January 2019

In the last 40 years, many strategies to fabricate biocompatible and antithrombogenic polymers have been proposed, especially in Japan. The development of one such polymers composed of 2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine unit, is described in this review, with specific examples of use in biomedical devices. These polymers are typically incorporated into other materials to effectively prevent unfavorable biological responses and reactions. For example, the polymers suppress protein adsorption and cell adhesion to materials in contact with plasma or whole blood, even in the absence of anticoagulant. These properties are due to the extreme hydrophilicity and electrically neutral nature of the polymers, as well as to the ability of phosphorylcholine to induce bulk‐like behavior in surrounding waters. Accordingly, these polymers have been used worldwide to modify the surfaces and improve the overall biocompatibility of such medical devices as long‐term implantable artificial organs. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 933–943, 2019.
Synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of some new bicyclopyrazolone‐based thiopyran ring systems
Authors: Pasha Ghasem Firouzzadeh , Asghari Sakineh , Tajbakhsh Mahmood , Mohseni Mojtaba
Published: January 2019

A series of bicyclopyrazolones were synthesized from the condensation reaction of methyl 4‐oxotetrahydro‐2H‐thiopyran‐3‐carboxylate with hydrazine derivatives in ethanol. All synthesized products were characterized by FT‐IR, 1H, and 13C NMR spectral data, elemental analyses, and mass spectrometry. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of these compounds were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis as Gram‐positive bacteria, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as Gram‐negative bacteria, and the fungus Candida albicans. The results revealed that bicyclopyrazolones including an aryl or aryl sulfonyl group in the N‐2 position of the pyrazolone moiety are the most effective against all the microorganisms studied in this work.
A new green method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their antibacterial activities against gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria
Authors: Nurul Aini Annisa , Al Farraj Dunia Abdulaziz , Endarko Endarko , Rubiyanto Agus , Nur Hadi , Al Khulaifi Manal Mohammed , Hadibarata Tony , Syafiuddin Achmad
Published: January 2019

This study aims to evaluate the capability of Ageratum conyzoides and Mikania micrantha extracts to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their antibacterial capability against gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria. Several properties of the synthesized AgNPs, including plasmonic, biomolecule bonding, shape, size, and antibacterial, were investigated. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy was employed for characterizing their plasmonic properties. Functional groups on the produced AgNPs were investigated by Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy. The size and shape of the AgNPs were identified using the field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Inhibition zone measurement was carried out for evaluating the antibacterial capability. This study showed that the extracts of A. conyzoides and M. micrantha were able reducing agents as evidenced by the formation of the spherical AgNPs. UV–vis spectroscopy, FT‐IR spectroscopy, and FESEM confirmed the physicochemical characteristics of AgNPs. AgNPs that were synthesized using M. micrantha were slightly smaller than those produced using A. conyzoides. In general, the present work establishes that the synthesized AgNPs have antibacterial capability depending on their size and synthesis procedure.
Replicability and randomization test logic in behavior analysis
Authors: Jacobs Kenneth W.
Published: January 2019

Randomization tests are a class of nonparametric statistics that determine the significance of treatment effects. Unlike parametric statistics, randomization tests do not assume a random sample, or make any of the distributional assumptions that often preclude statistical inferences about single‐case data. A feature that randomization tests share with parametric statistics, however, is the derivation of a p‐value. P‐values are notoriously misinterpreted and are partly responsible for the putative “replication crisis.” Behavior analysts might question the utility of adding such a controversial index of statistical significance to their methods, so it is the aim of this paper to describe the randomization test logic and its potentially beneficial consequences. In doing so, this paper will: (1) address the replication crisis as a behavior analyst views it, (2) differentiate the problematic p‐values of parametric statistics from the, arguably, more useful p‐values of randomization tests, and (3) review the logic of randomization tests and their unique fit within the behavior analytic tradition of studying behavioral processes that cut across species.
The Novel Synthesis of Functionalized Indenopyrazolones Using Fe3O4 nanoparticles stabilized on MMT: An Efficient Magnetically Recoverable Heterogeneous Nanocomposite Catalyst
Authors: Hosseini Nasab Narges , Safari Javad
Published: January 2019

A practical and simple approach for the one‐pot multicomponent synthesis of indenopyrazolones is described via the condensation of ninhydrin (indan‐1,2,3‐trione), phenylhydrazine, and various aldehydes in the presence of MMT@Fe3O4 as an environmentally benign core/shell nanocomposite catalyst. The catalyst could be recycled using an external magnet easily and reused several times without remarkable loss of its catalytic activity. Furthermore, avoiding hazardous solvents, reusability of the catalyst, easy work‐up, short reaction times, room temperature, and mild reaction conditions are the advantages of this new eco‐friendly protocol.
Progress and history of the 10th Federation of African Immunological Societies Congress
Authors: Sibanda Elopy , Barbouche Mohamed-Ridha
Published: January 2019

The 10th Federation of African Immunological Societies (FAIS) Congress, held in Tunisia in November 2017, marked a significant scientific milestone. It enabled scientists from across the continent to promote immunology research and to showcase major achievements made by immunologists throughout Africa. This issue of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology (JLB) features manuscripts from the FAIS Congress. As noted in these papers, research in infectious diseases remains the focus of the African immunology community; however, increasingly noncommunicable diseases—such as autoimmunity, allergy, primary immunodeficiency, cancer and transplantation immunology—are also an emerging priority. This overview gives a brief history of the FAIS meeting, which also commemorated the 25th anniversary of the FAIS. It describes the current activities of the organization, as well as its history and the future opportunities for this Federation.

In 25 years the African immunology fraternity has expanded to 15 countries and is producing quality research in regionally relevant topics.
MRI biomarkers in osseous tumors
Authors: Fukuda Takeshi , Wengler Kenneth , de Carvalho Ruben , Boonsri Pattira , Schweitzer Mark E.
Published: January 2019

Although radiography continues to play a critical role in osseous tumor assessment, there have been remarkable advances in cross‐sectional imaging. MRI has taken a lead in this assessment due to high tissue contrast and spatial resolution, which are well suited for bone lesion assessment. More recently, although somewhat lagging other organ systems, quantitative parameters have shown promising potential as biomarkers for osseous tumors. Among these sequences are chemical shift imaging (CSI), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) from diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), quantitative dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE)‐MRI, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). In this article, we review the background and recent roles of these quantitative MRI biomarkers for osseous tumors.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy Stage: 3

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2019. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:702–718.
Optimization of parabolic cell for gas Raman analysis
Authors: Yu Anlan , Zuo Duluo , Wang Xinbing
Published: January 2019

Raman spectroscopy is a widely practicable technique in gas analysis, but the application in simultaneous detection of multiple‐trace gas is still a challenge for its weak signal level. To extend the application of Raman gas analysis to detection of trace gas constituents, a closed parabolic sample cell proposed in our previous work is optimized by optical analysis and experimental verification. The optical analysis shows that for a parabolic reflector with rim diameter 6p (p, semi‐latus rectum), the collecting solid angle can be as large as 90% of full space (4π) and the power‐collecting efficiency can be as high as 80%. The variation of the Raman signal level with the position of collecting aperture and the parameter p of parabolic reflector was verified by the experimental results. At the optimized structure parameters, we get a signal‐to‐background ratio of 122 and a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 305 in the Raman spectra of ambient air with exposure time of 1 s. From the results of standard analytic gaseous samples, the limits of detection of 33 ppm‐bar for H2, 38 ppm‐bar for CO, 19 ppm‐bar for CH4, 27 ppm‐bar for C2H6, 23 ppm‐bar for C2H4, and 20 ppm‐bar for C2H2 were obtained with exposure time of 200 s. These results indicate that the parabolic sample cell is a competitive Raman collector, which showing good balance in signal enhancement and background level.
The evidence‐based preoperative assessment for the otolaryngologist
Authors: Nickel Christopher , Segarra Daniel , Padhya Tapan , Mifsud Matthew
Published: January 2019

There is a narrow window of opportunity between surgical scheduling and the operative date to optimize patients for an elective surgical procedure. Traditionally, preoperative care has involved extended routine testing batteries with intermittent referrals for medical clearance. These traditions are costly, inefficient, and yield no clear reduction in perioperative morbidity and mortality. Evidence, which has evolved over the past decade, suggests that optimal preoperative care requires a patient‐centric, personalized, and often multidisciplinary approach. We present an up‐to‐date overview of this literature with a focus on the otolaryngologic surgical population. An algorithmic approach to preoperative patient assessment is also proposed in hopes of both optimizing patient outcome and streamlining routine clinical workflow. Laryngoscope, 130:38–44, 2020
Interannual variation in seasonal diatom sedimentation reveals the importance of late winter processes and their timing for sediment signal formation
Authors: Maier Dominique Béatrice , Diehl Sebastian , Bigler Christian
Published: January 2019

Disentangling the process information contained in a diatom sediment signature is crucial for reliable future predictions based on paleolimnological records. In this study, we combine limnological and paleolimnological monitoring to address the fundamental question: Which environmental information is contained in a diatom sediment signal? We compared annual diatom sequential sediment trap records with the diatom record of the annually varved lake sediment of Nylandssjön (northern Sweden) from three meteorologically different years (2012–2014). The seasonal patterns in diatom sedimentation were strikingly different in varve years 2012 and 2014 compared to varve year 2013. In 2012 and 2014, up to 70% of the annual flux occurred in a single spring month and was dominated by Cyclotella glomerata. In contrast, in 2013, peak fluxes were much lower and more annually integrated. Next, we compared the full‐year diatom trap results with year round in‐lake physical, chemical, and biological monitored parameters, as well as meteorological variables. Annual averages of environmental conditions did not explain the interannual variability in diatom sedimentation. Instead, the seasonality of diatom sedimentation was determined by the timing of the spring diatom bloom relative to lake over‐turn in winters with warm vs. cold air temperature. With our combined limnological and paleolimnological monitoring approach, we find that an annual diatom signal can either contain primarily seasonal climate information from a short time period or be annually integrated. We synthesize our results in a novel conceptual model, which describes the response of sediment diatom signals to two distinct sequences of late‐winter conditions.
National platform for Rare Diseases Data Registry of Japan
Authors: Furusawa Yoshihiko , Yamaguchi Izumi , Yagishita Naoko , Tanzawa Kazumasa , Matsuda Fumihiko , Yamano Yoshihisa ,   RADDAR‐J Research and Development Group
Published: January 2019

Introduction

In Japan, there are approximately 300 projects conducting research on rare diseases supported by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan (MHLW) and the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED). Diverse data, including clinical, genomic, and sample‐related data, are generated by these projects. However, at present, such data are managed individually by each project. This makes it difficult for third parties to ascertain the data generated by projects.

Methods

Again this background, at the beginning of 2017, the AMED started the National Platform for Rare Diseases Data Registry of Japan (RADDAR‐J), whose mission is to construct a cross‐sectional data integration platform incorporating projects supported by the AMED and MHLW. RADDAR‐J promotes data sharing by the projects in accordance with the data‐sharing policy established by the AMED, which classifies data sharing into three categories based on the strategies used to protect the rights of researchers while promoting data sharing. RADDAR‐J integrates and analyzes data shared by each project to add value to the resources and promote secondary use by third parties while protecting the rights of the researchers who shared their data. The platform is designed to provide incentives to projects that shared their data by supporting registry construction or genomic analysis to promote data sharing. RADDAR‐J also has the function of data identification to securely integrate data originating from the same person. RADDAR‐J accelerates clinical research by encouraging each project to utilize a central ethics committee.

Results/Conclusion

The use of the platform by projects is expected to lead to streamlined data collection, improved quality assurance, improved access to data, and promotion of joint research and the secondary use of shared data. These benefits will accelerate research into diagnosis and treatment technologies and will hopefully lead to improved quality of life for patients with rare diseases.
Serum Omega‐6 Fatty Acids and Immunology‐Related Gene Expression in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells: A Cross‐Sectional Analysis in Healthy Children
Authors: Christensen Jacob J. , Bakke Siril S. , Ulven Stine M. , Retterstøl Kjetil , Henriksen Tore , Bollerslev Jens , Espevik Terje , Aukrust Pål , Halvorsen Bente , Holven Kirsten B.
Published: January 2019

Scope

Some studies suggest that a high dietary intake of omega‐6 fatty acids is pro‐inflammatory. However, whether omega‐6 fatty acids actually cause pathogenic inflammation in humans is debated. Therefore, the associations between expression of immunology‐related genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and serum total omega‐6 PUFA status are investigated.

Methods and results

Serum fatty acid profile and expression of 460 immunology‐related genes in PBMCs from 58 healthy children (6–13 years) is measured, and examined the expression differences between children with high or low total omega‐6 PUFA status (upper vs lower tertile). Taken together, both univariate analyses and integrated omics analyses support that while high omega‐6 PUFA level associated with higher expressing of genes related to innate immune responses, it also associated with lower expression of several genes related to adaptive immune responses.

Conclusion

Omega‐6 PUFA status associated both positively and negatively with expression of specific immunology‐related genes in PBMCs in healthy children. The results may suggest a nuanced role for omega‐6 fatty acids in the interphase of lipids and inflammation, and warrants further examination in gene‐environment studies and randomized controlled trials.
Evaluation of the Elekta Agility MLC performance using high‐resolution log files
Authors: Kabat Christopher N. , Defoor Dewayne L. , Myers Pamela , Kirby Neil , Rasmussen Karl , Saenz Daniel L. , Mavroidis Panayiotis , Papanikolaou Niko , Stathakis Sotirios
Published: January 2019

Purpose

With the advent of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment techniques, the requirement for more elaborate approaches in reviewing linac components’ integrity has become even more stringent. A possible solution to this challenge is to employ the usage of log files generated during treatment. The log files generated by the new generation of Elekta linacs record events at a higher frequency (25 Hz) than their predecessors, which allows for retrospective analysis and identification of subtle changes and provides another means of quality assurance. The ability to track machine components based on log files for each treatment can allow for constant monitoring of fraction consistency in addition to machine reliability. Using Elekta Agility log files, a set of tests were developed to evaluate the reliability and robustness of the multileaf collimators (MLCs).

Methods

To evaluate Elekta log file utilization for linac MLC QA effectiveness, five MLC test patterns were constructed to review the effects of leaf velocity and acceleration on positional accuracy, including gravitational effects for the Elekta MLC system. Each test was run five times in a particular setting to obtain reproducibility data and statistical averages. This study was performed on two identical Versa HD machines, each delivering a full set of test plans with all possible variations. Plans were delivered using Elekta's iCOMcat software and recorded log files were extracted. Log files were reformatted for readability and automatically analyzed in Matlab®.

Results

The Elekta Agility MLC system was shown to be capable of obtaining speeds within the range of 5–35 mm/s. MLC step and shoot tests have demonstrated the MLC system's capability of having positional repeatability, averaging 0.03‐ and 0.08‐mm offsets with and without gravitational effects, respectively. The IMRT‐specific tests have shown that gravitational effects are negligible with all positional tests averaging 0.5‐mm offsets. The largest speed root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) for the MLC system was found at the maximum speed of 35 mm/s with an average error of 0.8 mm. For slower speeds, the value was found to be much lower.

Conclusion

Utilizing log files has demonstrated the feasibility for higher precision of MLC motions to be reviewed, based on the performance tests that were instituted. Log files provide insight on the effects of friction, acceleration, and gravity, with MU's delivered that previously could not be reviewed in such detail. Based on our results, log file‐based QA has enhanced our ability to review performance, functionality, and perform QA on Elekta's MLC system.
Validation of lesion simulations in clinical CT data for anonymized chest and abdominal CT databases
Authors: Robins Marthony , Solomon Justin , Koweek Lynne M. Hurwitz , Christensen Jared , Samei Ehsan
Published: January 2019

Purpose

To make available to the medical imaging community a computed tomography (CT) image database composed of hybrid datasets (patient CT images with digitally inserted anthropomorphic lesions) where lesion ground truth is known a priori. It is envisioned that such a dataset could be a resource for the assessment of CT image quality, machine learning, and imaging technologies [e.g., computer aided detection (CAD) and segmentation algorithms].

Acquisition and validation methods

This HIPPA compliant, IRB waiver of approval study consisted of utilizing 120 chest and 100 abdominal clinically acquired adult CT exams. One image series per patient exam was utilized based on coverage of the anatomical region of interest (either the thorax or abdomen). All image series were de‐identified. Simulated lesions were derived from a library of anatomically informed digital lesions (93 lung and 50 liver lesions) where six and four digital lesions with nominal diameters ranging from 4 to 20 mm were inserted into lung and liver image series, respectively. Locations for lesion insertion were randomly chosen. A previously validated lesion simulation and virtual insertion technique were utilized. The resulting hybrid images were reviewed by three experienced radiologists to assure similarity with routine clinical imaging in a diverse adult population.

Data format and usage notes

The database is composed of four datasets that contain 100 patient cases each, for a total of 400 image series accompanied by Matlab.mat tables that provide descriptive information about the virtually inserted lesions (i.e., size, shape, opacity, and insertion location in physical (world) coordinates and voxel indices). All image and metadata are stored in DICOM format on the Quantitative Imaging Data Warehouse (https://qidw.rsna.org/#collection/57d463471cac0a4ec8ff8f46/folder/5b23dceb1cac0a4ec800a770?dialog=login), in two sets: (a) QIBA CT Hybrid Dataset I which contains Lung I and Liver I datasets, and (b) QIBA CT Hybrid Dataset II which contains Lung II and Liver II datasets. The QIDW is supported by the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Registration is required upon initial log in.

Potential applications

By simulating lesion opacity (full solid, part solid and ground glass), size, and texture, the relationship between lesion morphology and segmentation or CAD algorithm performance can be investigated without the need for repetitive patient exams. This database can also serve as a reference standard for device and reader performance studies.
Skin advanced glycation end products as biomarkers of photosensitivity in schizophrenia
Authors: Tani Eriko , Ohnuma Tohru , Hirose Hitoki , Nakayama Ken , Mao Wanyi , Nakadaira Mariko , Orimo Narihiro , Yamashita Hiroki , Takebayashi Yuto , Miki Yasue , Katsuta Narimasa , Nishimon Shohei , Hasegawa Toshio , Komiyama Etsuko , Suga Yasushi , Ikeda Shigaku , Arai Heii
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Photosensitivity to ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation from sunlight is an important side effect of treatment with antipsychotic agents. However, the pathophysiology of drug‐induced photosensitivity remains unclear. Recent studies demonstrated the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), annotated as carbonyl stress, to be associated with the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. In this study, we investigated the relationship among skin AGE levels, minimal response dose (MRD) with UVA for photosensitivity, and the daily dose of antipsychotic agents in patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls.

Methods

We enrolled 14 patients with schizophrenia and 14 healthy controls. Measurement of skin AGE levels was conducted with AGE scanner, a fluorometric method for assaying skin AGE levels. Measurement of MRD was conducted with UV irradiation device.

Results

Skin AGE levels and MRD at 24, 48, and 72 hr in patients with schizophrenia showed a higher tendency for photosensitivity than in the controls, but the difference was statistically insignificant. Multiple linear regression analysis using skin AGE levels failed to show any influence of independent variables. MRD did not affect skin AGE levels.

Conclusions

Photosensitivity to UVA in patients with schizophrenia receiving treatment with antipsychotic agents might not be affected by skin AGE levels.
Synthesis of α‐fluoro‐α,β‐unsaturated esters monitored by 1D and 2D benchtop NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Weidener Dennis , Singh Kawarpal , Blümich Bernhard
Published: January 2019

For optimization and control of pharmaceutically and industrially important reactions, chemical information is required in real time. Instrument size, handling, and operation costs are important criteria to be considered when choosing a suitable analytical method apart from sensitivity and resolution. This present study explores the use of a robust and compact nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer to monitor the stereo‐selective formation of α‐fluoro‐α,β‐unsaturated esters from α‐fluoro‐β‐keto esters via deprotonation and deacylation in real time. These compounds are precursors of various pharmaceutically active substances. The real‐time study revealed the deprotonation and deacylation steps of the reaction. The reaction was studied at temperatures ranging from 293 to 333 K by interleaved one‐dimensional 1H and 19F and two‐dimensional 1H–1H COSY experiments. The kinetic rate constants were evaluated using a pseudo first‐order kinetic model. The activation energies for the deprotonation and deacylation steps were determined to 28 ± 2 and 63.5 ± 8 kJ/mol, respectively. This showed that the deprotonation step is fast compared with the deacylation step and that the deacylation step determines the rate of the overall reaction. The reaction was repeated three times at 293 K to monitor the repeatability and stability of the system. The compact NMR spectrometer provided detailed information on the mechanism and kinetics of the reaction, which is essential for optimizing the synthetic routes for stepwise syntheses of pharmaceutically active substances.
1H–13C HMBC NMR experiments as a structural and analytical tool for the characterization of elusive trans/cis hydroperoxide isomers from oxidized unsaturated fatty acids in solution
Authors: Ahmed Raheel , Siddiqui Hina , Choudhary Muhammad Iqbal , Gerothanassis Ioannis P.
Published: January 2019

The radical‐dependent oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids is a fundamental reaction in lipid chemistry, biochemistry, and technology. We report herein the first successful application of 1H–13C HMBC NMR experiment for the identification and quantification of complex and minor (3.9% to 0.85%) components of cis and trans primary hydroperoxide isomers of oxidized oleate and linoleate methyl esters in solution, without the need of laborious isolation of the individual components.
Vasculitic neuropathy: Comparison of clinical predictors with histopathological outcome
Authors: Nathani Dev , Barnett Michael H. , Spies Judith , Pollard John , Wang Min‐Xia , Kiernan Matthew C.
Published: January 2019

Introduction:To improve diagnostic accuracy, in this study we compared prebiopsy clinical parameters with subsequent pathological confirmation of peripheral nerve vasculitis. Methods: Clinical, laboratory, and neurophysiological parameters were analyzed for consecutive patients referred for nerve biopsy with suspected vasculitis. Patients were assigned pathological categories of definite, probable, possible, or absent vasculitis using validated guidelines. Patients with definite or probable vasculitis were considered to have pathologically confirmed vasculitis. Results: From a cohort of 78 patients, biopsy confirmed vasculitis in 29.5%. Parameters that best differentiated between pathologically confirmed and pathologically unlikely vasculitis were stepwise clinical progression (34.8% vs. 5.6%), the presence of serum anti‐myeloperoxidase antibody (28.6% vs. 2.2%) and rheumatoid factor seropositivity (38.1% vs. 10.7%). Pathologically absent vasculitis was frequent in patients with normal (100%) or primarily demyelinating (87.5%) nerve conduction studies. Discussion: Factoring the negative predictors of pathologically confirmed vasculitis into decision‐making can reduce the frequency of diagnostically unhelpful nerve biopsies. Muscle Nerve 59:643–649, 2019
Patterns of initial migraine treatment in Denmark: A population‐based study
Authors: Thomsen Reimar Wernich , Szépligeti Szimonetta Komjáthiné , Xue Fei , Pedersen Lars , Sørensen Henrik Toft , Ehrenstein Vera
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Population‐based data are sparse on utilization of prophylactic versus acute therapies for newly diagnosed migraine. We examined initial migraine treatment patterns and associated patient characteristics in Denmark.

Methods

We used population‐based health databases to assemble a nationwide cohort of adult migraine patients in 2005 to 2013. Migraine was defined as a first hospital diagnosis of migraine or a second redeemed outpatient prescription for triptans, ergots, pizotifen, or flunarizine. We classified the initial migraine treatment received after migraine onset as “no treatment,” “acute only,” “prophylactic only,” and “both acute and prophylactic” and described distributions of sex, age, comorbidities, and comedications.

Results

Among 97 431 migraine patients (78% women, median age of 41 y [interquartile range of 32‐50 y]), the initial migraine treatments received were “acute only” (88.2%), “prophylactic only” (1.9%), and “both acute and prophylactic” (5.2%) whereas 4.6% had no record of treatment. Initiators of prophylactic treatment—with or without acute treatment—were less likely than initiators of acute treatment to be women (71% and 77% versus 79%), were older (median ages: 45 and 44 y versus 41 y), and had more comorbidities (including hypertension [31% and 24% versus 7%] and diabetes [6% and 5% versus 3%]). Nonpersistence with initial prophylactic treatment was common: within the first year, 35% of initiators stopped therapy fully, 50% stopped and restarted, and 15% switched drugs.

Conclusions

For 88% of patients with incident migraine, the initial migraine treatment was acute treatment only. Use of prophylactic medication as initial treatment was low and correlated with higher age and comorbidity.
Kinematic Visual Biofeedback Improves Accuracy of Swallowing Maneuver Training and Accuracy of Clinician Cues During Training in Stroke Patients with Dysphagia
Authors: Vose Alicia K. , Marcus Arielle , Humbert Ianessa
Published: January 2019

Background

Dysphagia (swallowing impairment) is a common and often life‐threatening problem after stroke. Submental surface electromyography (ssEMG) visual biofeedback is a commonly used clinical tool to train novel swallowing maneuvers, even though its effectiveness has been questioned.

Objective

To compare the effect of ssEMG and videofluoroscopy (VF) visual biofeedback on swallowing airway protection accuracy when training the volitional laryngeal closure swallowing maneuver (vLVC) in poststroke patients with dysphagia. Researchers also examined whether clinicians accurately judged vLVC performance. The hypothesis was that patient vLVC accuracy and clinician verbal cue accuracy will be greatest with VF (kinematic) visual biofeedback.

Patients

Nineteen patients with dysphagia post stroke.

Setting

Outpatient swallowing research laboratory.

Design

Randomized clinical trial.

Methods

Patients underwent 2 study phases. Phase 1: first demonstrated ability to perform the vLVC accurately. Phase 2: vLVC training. Participants were randomized into three biofeedback groups including the ssEMG group (ssEMG biofeedback in both phases), the VF group (VF biofeedback in both phases), and the mixed group (VF phase 1, ssEMG phase 2). To promote the best vLVC performance, a clinician provided real‐time, verbal cueing using only the visual biofeedback type also seen by the patient, although both VF and ssEMG were recorded for all participants.

Main Outcome Measure

Patient performance accuracy and clinician feedback accuracy for performing the vLVC maneuver.

Results

Both accuracy of vLVC training performance and clinician feedback accuracy were worse in the ssEMG group compared with the VF and mixed groups (P < .001).

Conclusions

Swallowing airway protection requires precisely timed movements of small, hidden laryngeal and pharyngeal structures. Kinematic biofeedback (VF) may be required, at some point, to ensure that target swallowing movements are being trained during rehabilitation, rather than maladaptive movements.

Level of Evidence

I.
Metal Free Acid‐Mediated Solid‐State Polymerization and Processability of Polymers Based on 3,4‐Alkylenedioxythiophenes
Authors: Sikder Bikash Kumar
Published: January 2019

The present article reports metal free acid‐mediated polymerization of 3,4‐alkylenedioxythiophenes in a solvent free medium and processability of insoluble polymers. It also describes structural variants and functional aqueous dispersions based on 3,4‐alkylenedioxythiophenes. Polymers were processed by dispersing the insoluble polymer powders in aqueous media using polymeric aromatic surfactant (polystyrenesulfonate, PSS) and aliphatic surfactant (sodiumdodecylsulfonate, SDS), respectively. The effect of surfactant on particle size, stability, and conductivity of the dispersions was investigated in detail. Polymer particles in SDS‐based dispersions tend to agglomerate which resulted enhanced conductivity of the thin films. Electrochemical studies revealed that the polymers are electroactive in nature and are transparent in oxidized state. The electrochromic contrast between the oxidized and reduced states of the polymers was in the range of 40–46%. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 783–791
Tolerance to nymphs and adults of Mahanarva spectabilis (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) by forage plants in fertilized soils
Authors: Alvarenga Roberta , Auad Alexander Machado , Moraes Jair Campos , da Silva Sandra Elisa Barbosa , Rodrigues Brunno Santos
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Several factors may degrade pastures, in particular, inadequate nutrient application and spittlebug attacks. Mahanarva spectabilis (Distant, 1909) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae), one of the species that occur in Brazil, is a limiting pest in forage production. This study analyzes the influence of fertilization with the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) on the survival of M. spectabilis nymphs, and the effects of damage by nymphs and adults on the production, quality and regrowth capacity of the forages Brachiaria ruziziensis, Pennisetum purpureum and Digitaria sp.

RESULTS

Fertilization of the forages differentially affected damage due to spittlebug herbivory. Attacks by nymphs and adults decreased chlorophyll content, plant regrowth and forage quality, and increased injury, regardless of fertilization. The availability of nutrients in the soil not only decreased fiber content, but also increased crude protein, chlorophyll content and regrowth, even when pest infested. Soil fertilization increased the capacity of forage plants to lessen, albeit not eliminate, the effects of injury by M. spectabilis.

CONCLUSION

Forages in fertilized soil are more tolerant to attacks by M. spectabilis nymphs and adults. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Ozone treatments activate defence responses against Meloidogyne incognita and Tomato spotted wilt virus in tomato
Authors: Prigigallo Maria I , Melillo Maria Teresa , Bubici Giovanni , Dobrev Petre I , Vankova Radomira , Cillo Fabrizio , Veronico Pasqua
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Ozonated water (O3wat) soil drench and/or foliar spray applications were evaluated for their potential to control the root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita (RKN) and the airborne pathogen Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) in tomato. We investigated how O3wat modulates the salicylic acid/jasmonic acid/ethylene (SA/JA/ET) signalling network in the host, locally and systemically, to induce resistance to nematode and virus.

RESULTS

The application as soil drench was effective in reducing the number of galls and egg masses, but did not reduce the incidence and severity of TSWV infection. Conversely, O3wat applied by foliar spray decreased TSWV disease incidence and severity (−20%), but was not able to control M. incognita infection. SA‐related genes were generally upregulated in both locally treated and systemically reached tissues, showing a positive action of the O3wat treatment on SA signalling. Neither O3wat application method significantly altered JA‐related gene expression in either direction. ET‐related genes were differentially regulated by root or leaf treatments, indicating that O3wat may have different effects on ET‐mediated signalling in different organs. JA/ET/SA related pathways were differentially modulated by O3wat in the presence of either RKN or TSWV.

CONCLUSION

O3wat had a higher efficacy when applied directly to organs challenged by the pathogens, although it was potentially able to stimulate defence responses through the activation of SA signalling. Owing to its safety and effectiveness in controlling nematode and virus infections, O3wat can be considered as a possible alternative tool for sustainable disease management practices. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry