bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical loading releases osteoclastogenesis‐modulating factors through stimulation of the P2X7 receptor in hematopoietic progenitor cells
Authors: Bratengeier Cornelia , Bakker Astrid D. , Fahlgren Anna
Published: December 2018

Mechanical instability of bone implants stimulate osteoclast differentiation and peri‐implant bone loss, leading to prosthetic loosening. It is unclear which cells at the periprosthetic interface transduce mechanical signals into a biochemical response, and subsequently facilitate bone loss. We hypothesized that mechanical overloading of hematopoietic bone marrow progenitor cells, which are located near to the inserted bone implants, stimulates the release of osteoclast‐inducing soluble factors. Using a novel in vitro model to apply mechanical overloading, we found that hematopoietic progenitor cells released adenosine triphosphate (ATP) after only 2 min of mechanical loading. The released ATP interacts with its specific receptor P2X7 to stimulate the release of unknown soluble factors that inhibit (physiological loading) or promote (supraphysiological loading) the differentiation of multinucleated osteoclasts derived from bone marrow cultures. Inhibition of ATP‐receptor P2X7 by Brilliant Blue G completely abolished the overloading‐induced stimulation of osteoclast formation. Likewise, stimulation of P2X7 receptor on hematopoietic cells by BzATP enhanced the release of osteoclastogenesis‐stimulating signaling molecules to a similar extent as supraphysiological loading. Supraphysiological loading affected neither gene expression of inflammatory markers involved in aseptic implant loosening (e.g., interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and PTGES2) nor expression of the osteoclast modulators receptor activator of nuclear factor κ‐Β ligand and osteoprotegerin. Our findings suggest that murine hematopoietic progenitor cells are a potential key player in local mechanical loading‐induced bone implant loosening via the ATP/P2X7‐axis. Our approach identifies potential therapeutic targets to prevent prosthetic loosening.
Validation of the albumin–indocyanine green evaluation model in patients with resected hepatocellular carcinoma and comparison with the albumin–bilirubin score
Authors: Russolillo Nadia , Forchino Fabio , Conci Simone , Mele Caterina , Langella Serena , Ruzzenente Andrea , Scoleri Iolanda , Giuliante Felice , Guglielmi Alfredo , Ferrero Alessandro
Published: December 2018

Background

The albumin–indocyanine green evaluation (ALICE) model based on serum albumin and indocyanine retention rate has been shown to be an effective method for predicting postoperative outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Aim of the study was to validate the ALICE model in a large Western cohort of patients by comparing the albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) score and Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) score.

Methods

A total of 400 patients who underwent hepatic resection from January 2005 to June 2016 at three centers were enrolled. The ALICE, ALBI, and CTP scores were computed for all patients.

Results

The ALICE score correlated better with ALBI (r = 0.428) than with CTP score (r = 0.302). Both the ALICE (grade 1: 49%; grade 2: 51%) and the ALBI (grade 1: 52.5%; grade 2: 47.5%) scores stratified the CTP class A patients into two distinct classes. The incidence of ascites (grades 1–3: ALICE 11%, 20%, 58%; ALBI 11%, 23%, 50%) and severe liver failure (ALICE 8.7%, 10.5%, 41.7%; ALBI 8.6%, 12%, 50%) increased with increasing ALBI and ALICE grade and were similar for the same grade.

Conclusions

The ALICE model can assess hepatic functional reserve and predict postoperative outcomes with efficacy comparable with the ALBI grade and better than the CTP score.
Beyond the mean: Understanding firm‐level consequences of variability in diversity climate perceptions
Authors: Reinwald Max , Huettermann Hendrik , Bruch Heike
Published: December 2018

We develop and test an organizational‐level model of the consequences of diversity climate for company performance. Drawing from affective events theory and the organizational climate literature, we highlight the role of idiosyncrasies in employees' diversity climate perceptions. Specifically, we consider diversity climate strength (i.e., agreement in employees' climate perceptions) as a boundary condition of diversity climate's organizational‐level effects and expect high climate strength to be particularly beneficial in demographically diverse organizations. Moreover, we introduce collective positive affect as an underlying mechanism of diversity climate's conditional effects on company performance. Hypotheses are tested in a study of 82 German small‐and‐medium‐sized companies with 13,695 surveyed employees. Results show a moderated mediation relationship where diversity climate is only positively related to organizational performance (via collective positive affect) at relatively high diversity climate strength. Although this finding holds for both demographically diverse and homogeneous organizations, post hoc analyses provide initial evidence that a strong climate only helps to realize the effects of diversity climate on collective positive affect when members of age‐ and gender‐related demographic subgroups converge in their climate perceptions. Our study contributes to a better understanding of diversity climate as an effective lever for managing diversity.
Quantification of pentaerythritol tetrastearate, a mold release agent used in polycarbonate, by non‐aqueous RP HPLC method
Authors: Indira Polasa , Arun Kumar , Ramesh Narayana
Published: December 2018

A new non‐aqueous high‐performance liquid chromatography method for the quantitative determination of mold release agent pentaerythritol tetrastearate in polycarbonate matrix has been developed and validated. The analyte calibration curve was linear over range of 0.05–0.2 mg/mL (Coefficient of determination > 0.999), with limit of detection of 0.03 mg/mL. The repeatability of method was satisfactory with relative standard deviation of 1.6%. The obtained recovery was ranging from 100–101%. Detailed high‐resolution mass spectrometric characterization of the principle peak confirmed that all the five components of pentaerythritol tetrastearate elutes as a single peak under the established chromatographic conditions. The new method is reliable and independent of any variation in composition of analyte in the samples compared to pentaerythritol tetrastearate reference standard used for calibration. The new high‐performance liquid chromatography method is robust and easy to implement in quality control laboratories for quantitative estimation of the mold release agent added in commercial polymer.
Clinical Guidelines in Pediatric Hearing Loss: Systemic Review Using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II Instrument
Authors: Kanabur Pratik , Hubbard Caleb , Jeyakumar Anita
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Despite the importance, impact, and prevalence of pediatric hearing loss (HL), there are very few published clinical practice guidelines (CPG) supporting the evaluation and management of pediatric patients with HL. Our objective was to appraise existing CPGs to ensure safe and effective practices.

Methods

A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCO, as well as a manual Google search. Three independent assessors using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument evaluated CPGs related to HL in children. Standardized domain scores were calculated for each guideline.

Results

A total of four guidelines met the inclusion criteria and were appraised. Scope and purpose achieved a high median score of 83%. Stakeholder involvement, clarity of presentation, and editorial independence achieved intermediate scores of 67%, 54%, and 50%, respectively. The areas that required most improvement and achieved low scores were rigor of development and applicability, with scores of 22% and 38%, respectively. Based on the AGREE II measures, the four guidelines had domain scores less than 60% for each domain, and without modification no guideline could be recommended.

Conclusions

Based on the AGREE II, the qualities of CPGs for pediatric HL have several shortcomings, and the need for a comprehensive CPG remains. Rigor of development and applicability present the greatest opportunities for improvement of these CPGs. Laryngoscope, 130:212–216, 2020
Simultaneous cosegmentation of tumors in PET‐CT images using deep fully convolutional networks
Authors: Zhong Zisha , Kim Yusung , Plichta Kristin , Allen Bryan G. , Zhou Leixin , Buatti John , Wu Xiaodong
Published: December 2018

Purpose

To investigate the use and efficiency of 3‐D deep learning, fully convolutional networks (DFCN) for simultaneous tumor cosegmentation on dual‐modality nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and positron emission tomography (PET)‐computed tomography (CT) images.

Methods

We used DFCN cosegmentation for NSCLC tumors in PET‐CT images, considering both the CT and PET information. The proposed DFCN‐based cosegmentation method consists of two coupled three‐dimensional (3D)‐UNets with an encoder‐decoder architecture, which can communicate with the other in order to share complementary information between PET and CT. The weighted average sensitivity and positive predictive values denoted as Scores, dice similarity coefficients (DSCs), and the average symmetric surface distances were used to assess the performance of the proposed approach on 60 pairs of PET/CTs. A Simultaneous Truth and Performance Level Estimation Algorithm (STAPLE) of 3 expert physicians’ delineations were used as a reference. The proposed DFCN framework was compared to 3 graph‐based cosegmentation methods.

Results

Strong agreement was observed when using the STAPLE references for the proposed DFCN cosegmentation on the PET‐CT images. The average DSCs on CT and PET are 0.861 ± 0.037 and 0.828 ± 0.087, respectively, using DFCN, compared to 0.638 ± 0.165 and 0.643 ± 0.141, respectively, when using the graph‐based cosegmentation method. The proposed DFCN cosegmentation using both PET and CT also outperforms the deep learning method using either PET or CT alone.

Conclusions

The proposed DFCN cosegmentation is able to outperform existing graph‐based segmentation methods. The proposed DFCN cosegmentation shows promise for further integration with quantitative multimodality imaging tools in clinical trials.
Follicle populations and gene expression profiles of Nelore and Angus heifers with low and high ovarian follicle counts
Authors: Favoreto M. G. , Loureiro B. , Ereno R. L. , Pupulim A. G. , Queiroz V. , da Silva Natieli Andrade , Barros C. M.
Published: December 2018

The number of antral follicles counted (AFC) by ultrasound is associated with fertility in cattle. Cows with higher follicle count (HFC) have higher performance in reproductive‐assisted technologies than cows with lower follicle count (LFC). In this study, we aimed to define the preantral follicle count by histology and to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using a microarray in Nelore and Angus heifers with HFC and LFC. The ovaries of each animal were scanned with an ultrasound device 12 to 24 hr after estrus. The groups were formed based on the average number of total follicles (≥3 mm) counted in each breed consistently ± the standard deviation. For the histological analysis, preantral follicles were counted and classified under a stereo microscope, and follicle density was determined. Microarray analysis was performed on pools of three follicles dissected from the ovaries of 15 Nelore (6 HFC and 9 LFC) and 17 Angus heifers (9 HFC and 8 LFC). Angus heifers have increased total and primordial follicle density. Nelore heifers have increased antral follicle count. Different patterns of gene expression regulate follicle recruitment and development in Angus and Nelore heifers and may be associated with the different follicle densities observed in Angus versus Nelore heifers. Furthermore, HFC heifers presented increased expression of genes associated with cellular development and metabolism.
Robust kidney perfusion mapping in pediatric chronic kidney disease using single‐shot 3D‐GRASE ASL with optimized retrospective motion correction
Authors: Nery Fabio , De Vita Enrico , Clark Chris A. , Gordon Isky , Thomas David L.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

To develop a robust renal arterial spin labeling (ASL) acquisition and processing strategy for mapping renal blood flow (RBF) in a pediatric cohort with severe kidney disease.

Methods

A single‐shot background‐suppressed 3D gradient and spin‐echo (GRASE) flow‐sensitive alternating inversion recovery (FAIR) ASL acquisition method was used to perform 2 studies. First, an evaluation of the feasibility of single‐shot 3D‐GRASE and retrospective noise reduction methods was performed in healthy volunteers. Second, a pediatric cohort with severe chronic kidney disease underwent single‐shot 3D‐GRASE FAIR ASL and RBF was quantified following several retrospective motion correction pipelines, including image registration and threshold‐free weighted averaging. The effect of motion correction on the fit errors of saturation recovery (SR) images (required for RBF quantification) and on the perfusion‐weighted image (PWI) temporal signal‐to‐noise ratio (tSNR) was evaluated, as well as the intra‐ and inter‐session repeatability of renal longitudinal relaxation time (T1) and RBF.

Results

The mean cortical and/or functional renal parenchyma RBF in healthy volunteers and CKD patients was 295 ± 97 and 95 ± 47 mL/100 g/min, respectively. Motion‐correction reduced image artefacts in both T1 and RBF maps, significantly reduced SR fit errors, significantly increased the PWI tSNR and improved the improved the repeatability of T1 and RBF in the pediatric patient cohort.

Conclusion

Single‐shot 3D‐GRASE ASL combined with retrospective motion correction enabled repeatable non‐invasive RBF mapping in the first pediatric cohort with severe kidney disease undergoing ASL scans.
Neuromuscular transmission defects in myopathies: Rare but worth searching for
Authors: Elahi Behzad , Laughlin Ruple S. , Litchy William J. , Milone Margherita , Liewluck Teerin
Published: December 2018

Introduction: Decremental responses in repetitive nerve stimulation have been reported in a few hereditary myopathies. We examined the frequency of decrement in a cohort of myopathy patients. Methods: We reviewed all patients referred for myopathy who underwent repetitive nerve stimulation between January 2007 and May 2017. We included patients with decrement (>10%) and either a pathological or molecular diagnosis of myopathy. Results: Among 157 patients with myopathies, 4 patients had decrement (2 hydroxychloroquine‐associated vacuolar myopathy, 1 centronuclear myopathy, and 1 distal myopathy). One hydroxychloroquine‐associated vacuolar myopathy patient also had inflammatory myopathy. Pyridostigmine improved weakness in the centronuclear myopathy patient, but not in the distal myopathy patient. No patient with an acquired myopathy received pyridostigmine. Conclusions: Despite the rare occurrence of decrement in myopathy, its presence may urge consideration of pharmacological intervention. Muscle Nerve 59:475–478, 2019
BICD2 mutational analysis in hereditary spastic paraplegia and hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy
Authors: Kropatsch Regina , Schmidt Helena M. , Buttkereit Pia , Epplen Jörg T. , Hoffjan Sabine
Published: December 2018

Introduction: Mutations in the BICD2 gene are causative for an autosomal dominant form of spinal muscular atrophy (SMALED2). Further, BICD2 mutations have been implicated in hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), but only very few such patients have been described. In this report we aimed to investigate the frequency of BICD2 mutations in patients with HSP and hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (HMSN) who were negative for the most common known genetic causes. Methods: The cohorts comprised 171 HSP and 189 HMSN patients. Mutational analysis was performed with high‐resolution melting analysis followed by Sanger sequencing. Results: In both cohorts, we found no known or likely pathogenic mutations in the BICD2 gene. Discussion:
BICD2 mutations appear rather unlikely to cause a phenotype of HMSN and are a very rare cause of the HSP phenotype. Muscle Nerve 59:484–486, 2019
Complexity of edge coloring with minimum reload/changeover costs
Authors: Gözüpek Didem , Shalom Mordechai
Published: December 2018

In an edge‐colored graph, a traversal cost occurs along a path when consecutive edges with different colors are traversed. The value of the traversal cost depends only on the colors of the edges. Two related global cost measures, namely the reload cost and the changeover cost with applications in telecommunications, transportation networks, and energy distribution networks have been studied in the literature. Previous work focused on problems with an edge‐colored graph being part of the input. In this paper, we formulate problems that aim to find an edge coloring of a graph minimizing the reload and changeover costs. One pair of problems aims to find a proper edge coloring to minimize the reload/changeover cost of a set of paths. Another pair of problems aim to find a proper edge coloring and a spanning tree to minimize the reload/changeover cost. We present several hardness results and polynomial‐time solvable special cases.
Fibroblast‐specific integrin‐alpha V differentially regulates type 17 and type 2 driven inflammation and fibrosis
Authors: Sciurba Joshua C , Gieseck Richard L , Jiwrajka Nikhil , White Sandra D , Karmele Erik P , Redes Jamie , Vannella Kevin M , Henderson Neil C , Wynn Thomas A , Hart Kevin M
Published: December 2018

Fibroproliferative diseases affect a significant proportion of the world's population. Despite this, core mechanisms driving organ fibrosis of diverse etiologies remain ill defined. Recent studies suggest that integrin‐alpha V serves as a master driver of fibrosis in multiple organs. Although diverse mechanisms contribute to the progression of fibrosis, TGF‐β and IL‐13 have emerged as central mediators of fibrosis during type 1/type 17, and type 2 polarized inflammatory responses, respectively. To investigate if integrin‐alpha V interactions or signaling is critical to the development of type 2 fibrosis, we analyzed fibroblast‐specific integrin‐alpha V knockout mice in three type 2‐driven inflammatory disease models. While we confirmed a role for integrin‐alpha V in type 17‐associated fibrosis, integrin‐alpha V was not critical to the development of type 2‐driven fibrosis. Additionally, our studies support a novel mechanism through which fibroblasts, via integrin‐alpha V expression, are capable of regulating immune polarization. We show that when integrin‐alpha V is deleted on fibroblasts, initiation of type 17 inflammation is inhibited leading to a deregulation of type 2 inflammation. This mechanism is most evident in a model of severe asthma, which is characterized by a mixed type 2/type 17 inflammatory response. Together, these findings suggest dual targeting of integrin‐alpha V and type 2 pathways may be needed to ameliorate fibrosis and prevent rebound of opposing pro‐fibrotic and inflammatory mechanisms. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tribological and mechanical properties of PBT composites with microcapsules and potassium titanate whiskers
Authors: Mu Bo , Jiang Ziyan , Yang Baoping , Cui Jinfeng , Wang Xia , Guo Junhong , Bao Xuemei , Chen Li
Published: December 2018

Melamine resin microcapsules encapsulating liquid paraffin as core materials are synthesized. By using melt blending method, different ratios of microcapsules and modified potassium titanate whiskers (PTWs) are added to poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) matrix to fabricate the binary and ternary PBT composites. The effect of oil‐loaded microcapsules content on mechanical properties and tribological properties of PBT composites are evaluated by electronic universal testing machine and high speed block‐on‐ring wear tester, respectively. The results indicate that the incorporation of microcapsule could significantly reduce the friction and wear of the composites mainly due to the self‐lubricating effect of liquid paraffin released from the ruptured microcapsule during the friction process; however, the mechanical properties of the PBT binary composites are reduced. Hence, PTWs are adopted to effectively improve the mechanical properties of materials which could improve the tribological properties of the ternary composites as well due to the synergistic effects of microcapsules and PTWs. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:490–499, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
A Relationship Between the Heat of Vaporization, Surface Tension, and the Solubility Parameters, Which Includes the Ratio of the Coordination Numbers, Based on Stefan's Rule
Authors: Pereira Cláudio Nunes , Vebber Guilherme Cañete
Published: December 2018

The correct calculi of surface tension and solubility parameters are of paramount importance for many fields of chemical engineering and materials design, such as encapsulation methods (which use the mean field theory), dispersion of nanopowders, phase compatibility in chemical blends and nanocomposites, among others. The solubility parameters play a key role in these applications along with the surface tension. Until now, the relationship between solubility parameters and surface tension was only indirect, through the Skaarup–Beerbower formula, although well‐known physicochemical rules, such as Stefan's rule, could be applied to them directly, as shown in this study. The prediction of both the solubility parameters and surface tension within chemical groups can be obtained with high accuracy using critical temperature and molar volume, parameters easily found in the literature. The proposed rules are original, simple and have direct practical applications for the development of new materials. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E312–E321, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
TLR9 rs352139 Genetic Variant Promotes Tacrolimus Elimination in Chinese Liver Transplant Patients During the Early Posttransplantation Period
Authors: Ou Baochi , Liu Yuan , Zhang Tao , Sun Yahuang , Chen Jiayi , Peng Zhihai
Published: December 2018

Background

There are limited markers that could facilitate individualized tacrolimus treatment in the early posttransplantation period. Genetic factors have been found to play critical roles in determining tacrolimus pharmacokinetics.

Objective

We aimed to examine the association of donor and recipient Toll‐like receptor (TLR) polymorphisms with tacrolimus elimination and the potential mechanism for TLR gene polymorphism–mediated tacrolimus metabolism.

Methods

Two independent cohorts including 297 patients receiving liver transplantation (LT) were enrolled in this study (cohort A was composed of 200 patients; cohort B included 97 patients and served as a validation set). Toll‐like receptors polymorphisms were genotyped using TaqMan single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) assays. The protein expressions were detected by Western blotting. The metabolism assay was used to quantify tacrolimus elimination. The activity of nuclear factor‐kB (NF‐kB) was evaluated by luciferase reporter assay.

Results

Tacrolimus dose‐adjusted trough blood concentrations (C/D) ratios were significantly lower for donor TLR9 rs352139 AG/GG carriers than AA carriers at weeks 1, 2, and 3 after LT. In multivariate analysis, donor and recipient CYP3A5 rs776746 and donor TLR9 rs352139 were independent predictors of tacrolimus C/D ratios in the early period after transplantation in both cohorts. When investigating the combined effects of donor CYP3A5 rs776746 and donor TLR9 rs352139 genotypes, the C/D ratios were remarkably significant at all time points during the first month after LT within the four groups. Furthermore, CYP3A5 mRNA expression in liver tissue was significantly higher for AG/GG patients than AA carriers after LT. In addition, we demonstrated that the TLR9 rs352139 genetic variant promotes tacrolimus metabolism of liver cells via upregulation of CYP3A5, which is dependent on the repression of NF‐κB/pregnane X receptor (PXR) signaling.

Conclusions

Donor TLR9 rs352139 genetic variant facilitated tacrolimus elimination during the early stage after LT in Chinese patients, which might be related to the upregulation of CYP3A5 enzyme via the NF‐kB/PXR signaling pathway.
A Combination of Proteomic Approaches Identifies A Panel of Circulating Extracellular Vesicle Proteins Related to the Risk of Suffering Cardiovascular Disease in Obese Patients
Authors: Barrachina María N. , Sueiro Aurelio M. , Casas Vanessa , Izquierdo Irene , Hermida‐Nogueira Lidia , Guitián Esteban , Casanueva Felipe F. , Abián Joaquín , Carrascal Montserrat , Pardo María , García Ángel
Published: December 2018

Plasma‐derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been extensively described as putative biomarkers in different diseases. Interestingly, increased levels of EVs subpopulations are well known to associate with obesity. The goal of this study is to identify EVs‐derived biomarkers in plasma from obese patients in order to predict the development of pathological events associated with obesity. Samples are obtained from 22 obese patients and their lean‐matched controls are divided into two cohorts: one for a 2D fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis (2D‐DIGE)‐based study, and the other one for a label free LC–MS/MS‐based approach. EVs are isolated following a serial ultracentrifugation protocol. Twenty‐two and 23 differentially regulated features are detected from 2D‐DIGE and label free LC–MS/MS, respectively; most of them involve in the coagulation and complement cascades. Remarkably, there is an upregulation of complement C4, complement C3, and fibrinogen in obese patients following both approaches, the latter two also validated by 2D‐western‐blotting in an independent cohort. These results correlate with a proinflammatory and prothrombotic state of those individuals. On the other hand, a downregulation of adiponectin leading to an increased risk of suffering cardiovascular diseases has been shown. The results suggest the relevance of plasma‐derived‐EVs proteins as a source of potential biomarkers for the development of atherothrombotic events in obesity.
Scavager: A Versatile Postsearch Validation Algorithm for Shotgun Proteomics Based on Gradient Boosting
Authors: Ivanov Mark V. , Levitsky Lev I. , Bubis Julia A. , Gorshkov Mikhail V.
Published: December 2018

Shotgun proteomics workflows for database protein identification typically include a combination of search engines and postsearch validation software based mostly on machine learning algorithms. Here, a new postsearch validation tool called Scavager employing CatBoost, an open‐source gradient boosting library, which shows improved efficiency compared with the other popular algorithms, such as Percolator, PeptideProphet, and Q‐ranker, is presented. The comparison is done using multiple data sets and search engines, including MSGF+, MSFragger, X!Tandem, Comet, and recently introduced IdentiPy. Implemented in Python programming language, Scavager is open‐source and freely available at https://bitbucket.org/markmipt/scavager.
A model for charge transport in semicrystalline polymer thin films
Authors: Raj Mohan S. , Singh Manoranjan P. , Joshi M. P.
Published: December 2018

A model for simulating the charge transport properties of semicrystalline polymer (SCrP) using Monte Carlo simulation is reinvented. The model is validated by reproducing the experimentally observed field and temperature dependence of mobility in Poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) (P3HT) thin films. This study also provides a new physical insight to the origin of much debated negative field dependence of mobility (NFDM) observed at low electric field strengths in P3HT thin films. The observed NFDM, which is not explainable with the mechanisms proposed earlier, is attributed to the weak dependence of transit time on the applied electric field strengths. In the semicrystalline films, the charge transport takes place mostly through the crystalline regions, in which the charge transport is weakly dependent on the strength of the applied electric field. In addition, a possible explanation for the origin of Arrhenius temperature dependence of mobility (lnμ ∝ 1/T) commonly observed in SCrP thin films is also proposed. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 137–141
New Criteria for Safety Distances During Pneumatic Pressure Testing of Vessels and Pipes
Authors: Miller Derek , Jallais Simon , Pham‐Huy Minh , Geng Jihui
Published: December 2018

The industrial gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) industries routinely perform equipment pressure testing pneumatically, rather than hydraulically, due to the necessity for keep piping and equipment dry. Hazards associated with potential failure of pneumatically pressurized equipment under test are well understood, but today, there is no commonly recognized industry guidance on recommended safety distances to protect personnel during such tests. Air Products, Air Liquide and BakerRisk have worked together to develop such guidance for the testing of vessels, process pipes and pipelines, and present in this article new, simple to use correlations, with results also presented in the form of lookup tables. These new correlations are based on the application of established methods, validated against previously published independent test data and new test data presented here for the first time. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 38: e12025, 2019
Microfronts in the nocturnal boundary layer
Authors: Mahrt Larry
Published: December 2018

Previous studies of submeso motions in the nocturnal boundary layer have concentrated on wave‐like motions. Our study concentrates on common microfronts by analyzing three contrasting datasets. Passage of warm microfronts lead to increased wind speed, increased turbulent intensity and decreased stratification. These events have been previously examined indirectly in terms of patches of warmer turbulent air as part of turbulent intermittency. Cold microfronts generally lead to less turbulence mixing and greater stratification, although individual cold microfronts vary considerably. Both the warm and cold microfronts in our data are usually embedded within a thermally indirect circulation (rising cold air and sinking warm air). The kinetic energy required for this indirect circulation appears to be provided by deep propagating disturbances that extend above the surface inversion layer. The large variability of microfront structure at a given site and the variability between sites are examined.
Hydrostatic vertical velocity and incompressibility in the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Egger Joseph , Hoinka Klaus‐Peter
Published: December 2018

The vertical velocity w is evaluated for the Northern Hemisphere from reanalysis data and two forms of the Richardson equation. This equation is based on the hydrostatic assumption and the thermodynamic energy equation. The standard form of the Richardson equation allows one to quantify the contributions to the vertical velocity of the horizontal divergence δ, the vertical pressure velocity ω and heating, and to test the incompressibility assumption underlying many dynamic models and theories. However, there are cancellations between two important terms. This shortcoming is substantially reduced in a further version of this equation where one term dominates. This version is the backbone of the data evaluation.

The vertical velocities resulting from the Richardson equation in the troposphere are in good agreement with those obtained directly from the reanalysis data. It is found that the assumption of incompressibility provides a good estimate for w in the mid troposphere, even above Greenland and the Tibetan Plateau, both for the annual mean and the standard deviation of w, but is less acceptable in the upper troposphere and almost useless in the lower stratosphere. The contribution of heating to w is small.
Vector field analysis for surface registration in computer‐assisted ENT surgery
Authors: Diakov Georgi , Freysinger Wolfgang
Published: December 2018

Background

Manual paired‐point registration for navigated ENT‐surgery is prone to human errors; automatic surface registration is often caught in local minima.

Methods

Anatomical features of the human occiput are integrated into an algorithm for surface registration. A vector force field is defined between the patient and operating room datasets; registration is facilitated through gradient‐based vector field analysis optimization of an energy function. The method is validated exemplarily on patient surface data provided by a mechanically positioned A‐mode ultrasound sensor.

Results

Successful registrations were achieved within the entire parameter space, as well as from positions of local minima that were found by the Gaussian fields algorithm for surface registration. Sub‐millimetric registration error was measured in clinically relevant anatomical areas on the anterior skull and within the generally accepted margin of 1.5 mm for the entire head.

Conclusion

The satisfactory behavior of this approach potentially suggests a wider clinical integration.
Klinefelter syndrome: From pediatrics to geriatrics
Authors: Shiraishi Koji , Matsuyama Hideyasu
Published: December 2018

Background

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is one of the major causes of nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro‐TESE) is often performed to retrieve sperm. Infertility specialists have to care for KS patients on a lifelong basis.

Methods

Based on a literature review and our own experience, male infertility treatment and KS pathophysiology were considered on a lifelong basis.

Main findings

Patients diagnosed early often have an increased number of aberrant X chromosomes. Cryptorchidism and hypospadias are often found, and surgical correction is required. Cryopreservation of testicular sperm during adolescence is an issue of debate because the sperm retrieval rate (SRR) in KS patients decreases with age. The SRR in adult KS patients is higher than that in other patients with NOA; however, low testosterone levels after micro‐TESE will lower the general health and quality of life. KS men face a number of comorbidities, such as malignancies, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, bone disease, and immune diseases, which ultimately results in increased mortality rates.

Conclusion

A deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of KS and the histories of KS patients before they seek infertility treatment, during which discussions with multidisciplinary teams are sometimes needed, will help to properly treat these patients.
The household as a source of labor for entrepreneurs: Evidence from New York City during industrialization
Authors: Ruef Martin
Published: December 2018

Research Summary

This article conceptualizes households as a crucial pool of labor for small entrepreneurs. The household varied historically in its scope (depending on whether bonded workers were included) and work intensity (depending on the authority or coercion exercised by household heads). Drawing on data that enumerate over 100,000 households in New York City, I examine how the shift from institutions of unfree labor to wage labor affected business proprietorship between 1790 and 1850. Given the disproportionate importance of unfree household labor to small entrepreneurs, the contraction of this labor source may offer one general explanation for their decline.

Managerial Summary

How does household scope and composition affect the ability of an individual to run their own business? Historical archives can provide useful insights into this question. They track long‐term declines in family size and the emancipation of non‐family members—such as apprentices, indentured servants, and slaves—from the authority of household heads. Examining records from early New York City, this study shows that business ownership was strongly linked with the ownership of slaves and the presence of dependent males after the American Revolution. Large households and unfree laborers were especially important for entrepreneurship among individuals with limited wealth. For modern economies, the results suggest that policymakers consider potential tensions between small business ownership and the development of free and equitable labor markets.
Acidification Impacts and Goals for Gauging Recovery of Brook Trout Populations and Fish Communities in Streams of the Western Adirondack Mountains, New York, USA
Authors: Baldigo Barry P. , George Scott D. , Lawrence Gregory B. , Paul Eric A.
Published: December 2018

Results from several long‐term monitoring programs in the western Adirondack Mountains, New York, indicate that acid–base chemistry of headwater streams has remained unchanged or improved only marginally since the 1990s. A paucity of quantitative fishery data, however, limits our understanding of the pre‐acidified communities as well as present‐day impacts of acidification on fish assemblages, which impedes efforts to evaluate temporal trends and biological recovery in streams of the region. Fish communities were characterized at 48 streams (chemistry was assessed at 47 streams) in the western Adirondacks at least once during summer 2014–2016 to assess present‐day effects of acidification on fish assemblages, refine important relations, and identify biological targets and chemical effect thresholds that could help gauge biological recovery across the region. Concentrations of inorganic aluminum (Ali) exceeded chronic and acute toxicity thresholds (1.0 and 2.0 μmol/L) in 21.3% and 8.5%, respectively, of 47 study streams sampled during summer 2014–2016 and in 64.0% and 44.0% of 25 streams sampled during spring 2014–2015. In streams with summer Ali concentrations less than 1.0 μmol/L, community richness, density, and biomass averaged 2.0 species, 444.2 fish/0.1 ha, and 1,924.4 g/0.1 ha, respectively, whereas density and biomass of Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis populations averaged 280.8 fish/0.1 ha and 1,384.0 g/0.1 ha, respectively. These findings identify defensible targets for biological recovery and show that Ali toxicity is not a major concern for fish assemblages in most streams during summer base flow periods but is potentially a serious issue for fish in as many as two‐thirds of streams during spring high flows. Though additional data are needed to address several limitations and information gaps, results from this study provide a sound foundation to gauge biological recovery, detect future effects of climatic stressors, and help ensure that functional stream ecosystems can be sustained or restored in parts of the Adirondacks.
Using geospatial technology to teach language and content to English learners
Authors: Kangas Sara E. N. , Hammond Thomas C. , Bodzin Alec M.
Published: December 2018

It has been well documented that English learners (ELs) in U.S. secondary schools have limited access to rigorous content area curriculum, in particular science. Yet watering down or forgoing content area instruction compromises the short‐ and long‐term academic trajectories of ELs. Thus, the need for science curricula that marries rich learning opportunities with language support continues to be a pressing need in EL education. This article draws on an innovative inquiry‐based science curriculum to demonstrate how geospatial technologies can be utilized to provide ELs with rigorous academic and second language learning opportunities. The featured curriculum includes tasks that engage students in locally relevant issues and draws on principles of second language acquisition and geospatial learning. The curriculum ultimately demonstrates how opportunities to learn can be cultivated for ELs as well as other language learners in a wide range of academic contexts.
An experimental medicine study of the phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, roflumilast, on working memory-related brain activity and episodic memory in schizophrenia patients
Authors: Gilleen James , Farah Yakub , Davison Cate , Kerins Sarah , Valdearenas Lorena , Uz Tolga , Lahu Gez , Tsai Max , Ogrinc Frank , Reichenberg Avi , Williams Steve C. , Mehta Mitul A. , Shergill Sukhi S.
Published: December 2018

Rationale

Schizophrenia is associated with impairments in cognitive functioning yet there are no approved drugs to treat these deficits.

Objectives

Based on animal models, we investigated the potential for roflumilast, a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4), to improve cognition, which may act by increasing intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate in brain regions underlying cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.

Methods

This study consisted of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design involving 15 schizophrenia patients. In 3 treatment periods, patients were given 8 days of placebo or one of the two doses of roflumilast (100 and 250 μg daily) with 14 days of washout between treatments. The primary endpoints were dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) activation during a visuospatial working memory task measured with fMRI on dosing day 8 and verbal memory and working memory performance change from baseline to day 8. Least square mean change scores were calculated for behavioural outcomes; fMRI data were analysed in SPM12 with bilateral DLPFC as regions of interest.

Results

Verbal memory was significantly improved under 250 μg roflumilast (effect size (ES) = 0.77) compared to placebo. fMRI analyses revealed that increasing dose of roflumilast was associated with reduction of bilateral DLPFC activation during working memory compared to placebo, although this was not statistically significant (ES = 0.31 for the higher dose). Working memory was not improved (ES = 0.03).

Conclusions

Results support the mechanistic validation of potential novel strategies for improving cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia and suggest that PDE4 inhibition may be beneficial for cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia.

Trial registration

NCT02079844.
A Transdisciplinary Complex Adaptive Systems (T-CAS) Approach to Developing a National School-Based Culture of Prevention for Health Improvement: the School Health Research Network (SHRN) in Wales
Authors: Murphy Simon , Littlecott Hannah , Hewitt Gillian , MacDonald Sarah , Roberts Joan , Bishop Julie , Roberts Chris , Thurston Richard , Bishop Alexa , Moore Laurence , Moore Graham
Published: December 2018

The paper reflects on a transdisciplinary complex adaptive systems (T-CAS) approach to the development of a school health research network (SHRN) in Wales for a national culture of prevention for health improvement in schools. A T-CAS approach focuses on key stages and activities within a continuous network cycle to facilitate systems level change. The theory highlights the importance of establishing transdisciplinary strategic partnerships to identify and develop opportunities for system reorientation. Investment in and the linking of resources develops the capacity for key social agents to take advantage of disruption points in the re-orientated system, and engagement activities develop the network to facilitate new social interactions and opportunities for transdisciplinary activities. A focus on transdisciplinary action research to co-produce interventions, generate research evidence and inform policy and practice is shown to play an important part in developing new normative processes that act to self-regulate the emerging system. Finally, the provision of reciprocal network benefits provides critical feedback loops that stabilise the emerging adaptive system and promote the network cycle. SHRN is shown to have embedded itself in the system by securing sustainability funding from health and education, a key role in national and regional planning and recruiting every eligible school to the network. It has begun to reorient the system to one of evidence generation (56 research studies co-produced) and opportunities for data-led practice at multiple levels. Further capacity development will be required to capitalise on these. The advantages of a complex systems approach to address barriers to change and the transferability of a T-CAS network approach across settings and cultures are highlighted.
Ki-67 labeling index in glioblastoma; does it really matter?
Authors: Alkhaibary Ali , Alassiri Ali H. , AlSufiani Fahd , Alharbi Mohammed A.
Published: December 2018

Objective/Background:

Glioblastoma (GB) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults. Ki-67 is a nonhistone nuclear protein that is expressed by cells entering the mitotic cycle and is associated with the transcription of ribosomal RNA (rRNA). In gliomas, the extent of expression of Ki-67 is roughly proportional to the histologic grade. Over the years, association studies were conducted trying to link the poor outcome in different types of malignant tumors to the Ki-67 proliferative index. This study is designed to investigate the relationship between the proliferation marker, Ki-67, and the overall survival amongst glioblastoma patients diagnosed between 2006 and 2012 at a single institution in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

This is a retrospective cohort study which investigated the status of Ki-67 labeling index in glioblastoma patients diagnosed at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between 2006 and 2012. The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to assess the overall survival (OS) and the Mantel–Cox log-rank test was used to compare the survival curves. Multivariate analysis using Cox proportional-hazards model was used to investigate other factors that might influence the overall survival.

Results:

A total of 44 glioblastoma patients were included in the study. The median age at diagnosis was 56 (1–91) years. The 12-month survival rate for all glioblastoma patients was 48%. The median survival for patients with Ki-67 labeling index of ≤27%, and >27% was 11 months and 14 months, respectively.

Conclusion:

The difference between the survival curves of patients with Ki-67 labeling index of ≤27%, and Ki-67 of >27% was statistically insignificant (p = .130). Therefore, Ki-67 labeling index alone cannot predict survival in glioblastoma patients.
Diverting transverse colostomy in a midline incision, a case report
Authors: Sugarbaker Paul H.
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

A diverting ostomy to increase the safety or treat complications of a colorectal anastomosis is a time honored surgical procedure. Most surgeons choose to construct a diverting loop ileostomy. Under some clinical conditions a diverting transverse colostomy may be advantageous. The transverse colostomy may be placed in the midline abdominal incision.

A patient who required an emergency fecal diversion on his 19th postoperative day had a loop transverse colostomy through the midline abdominal incision. A diverting loop transverse colostomy was performed with ease. The transverse colon crossed the abdomen at the level of the apex of the midline abdominal incision. It was brought to the skin level with minor dissection and exteriorized by a plastic rod. Construction of a diverting loop ileostomy was not possible because of extensive adhesions from multiple prior surgeries.

When a diversion of the fecal stream is needed in a patient with extensive adhesions, a loop transverse colostomy in the apex of a midline incision should be considered. This procedure has not been previously reported.

Highlights: