bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Adult Equivalence Scales Matter in Poverty Estimates? A Northern Ghana Case Study and Simulation
Authors: Regier Greg , Zereyesus Yacob A. , Dalton Timothy J. , Amanor‐Boadu Vincent
Published: September 2018

We test the sensitivity of per capita expenditures to several methods of per adult equivalent expenditures to control for economies of scale and household composition. Simulation analysis determines the indifference point between per capita expenditures and per adult equivalent measures in order to identify the factors contributing to the dominance of one measure over another. Results indicate that overall poverty and inequality measures in northern Ghana are highly sensitive to the use of equivalence scales. Poverty measures for children and the elderly and in urban and rural areas are also sensitive to equivalence scales. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of Normal‐Appearing White Matter in Multiple Sclerosis Using Direct Visualization of Short Transverse Relaxation Time Component (ViSTa) Myelin Water Imaging and Gradient Echo and Spin Echo (GRASE) Myelin Water Imaging
Authors: Choi Joon Yul , Jeong In Hye , Oh Se‐Hong , Oh Chang‐Hyun , Park Na Young , Kim Ho Jin , Lee Jongho
Published: September 2018

Background

In multiple sclerosis (MS), not only lesions but also normal MRI‐appearing white matter (NAWM) may undergo demyelination.

Purpose

To demonstrate the detection of NAWM demyelination using direct visualization of short transverse relaxation time component myelin water imaging (ViSTa‐MWI) and to compare the results with those of conventional gradient echo and spin echo (GRASE)‐MWI.

Study Type

Control/cohort.

Population

Twenty‐five MS patients and 18 healthy controls (HC).

Field Strength/Sequence

3T/ViSTa and GRASE‐MWI.

Assessment

Using ViSTa and GRASE‐MWI, myelin water fraction (MWF) of NAWM or normal WM was compared between MS (all patients or early‐stage MS patients) and HC. The comparison was performed for a global WM mask and five regional WM masks.

Statistical Tests

A general linear model was applied for the comparison. A statistical power and a minimum sample size for the significant difference were obtained. Spearman's correlation coefficient was calculated between MWF and clinical measures and between ViSTa‐MWF and GRASE‐MWF for the global WM mask.

Results

MWFs of ViSTa were significantly lower in the MS patients than those in the HC in all masks (P < 0.001). GRASE‐MWI results revealed reduced MWFs only in global WM, genu, and optic radiation. ViSTa‐MWI had higher statistical powers than that of GRASE‐MWI (power: ViSTa = 99.2 ± 1.6% and GRASE = 75.5 ± 31.0%; sample size: ViSTa = 18 ± 9 and GRASE = 78 ± 75). In early‐stage MS, MWFs of ViSTa were significantly lower than those of the HC in all masks except for centrum semiovale; however, MWFs of GRASE MWI were significantly lower only in optic radiation. Disease duration was correlated with both MWIs (ViSTa; r = –0.437 and GRASE; r = –0.445). ViSTa and GRASE MWFs were significantly correlated in the HC (r = 0.664) and MS (r = 0.768).

Data Conclusion

ViSTa‐MWI may detect a reduction of MWF in NAWM of MS.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1091–1098.
Metabolomics in the clinic: A review of the shared and unique features of untargeted metabolomics for clinical research and clinical testing
Authors: Kennedy Adam D. , Wittmann Bryan M. , Evans Anne M. , Miller Luke A.D. , Toal Douglas R. , Lonergan Shaun , Elsea Sarah H. , Pappan Kirk L.
Published: September 2018

Metabolomics is the untargeted measurement of the metabolome, which is composed of the complement of small molecules detected in a biological sample. As such, metabolomic analysis produces a global biochemical phenotype. It is a technology that has been utilized in the research setting for over a decade. The metabolome is directly linked to and is influenced by genetics, epigenetics, environmental factors, and the microbiome—all of which affect health. Metabolomics can be applied to human clinical diagnostics and to other fields such as veterinary medicine, nutrition, exercise, physiology, agriculture/plant biochemistry, and toxicology. Applications of metabolomics in clinical testing are emerging, but several aspects of its use as a clinical test differ from applications focused on research or biomarker discovery and need to be considered for metabolomics clinical test data to have optimum impact, be meaningful, and be used responsibly. In this review, we deconstruct aspects and challenges of metabolomics for clinical testing by illustrating the significance of test design, accurate and precise data acquisition, quality control, data processing, n‐of‐1 comparison to a reference population, and biochemical pathway analysis. We describe how metabolomics technology is integral to defining individual biochemical phenotypes, elaborates on human health and disease, and fits within the precision medicine landscape. Finally, we conclude by outlining some future steps needed to bring metabolomics into the clinical space and to be recognized by the broader medical and regulatory fields.
Crotalus atrox disintegrin reduces hemorrhagic transformation by attenuating matrix metalloproteinase‐9 activity after middle cerebral artery occlusion in hyperglycemic male rats
Authors: MBride Devin W. , Gren Eric C. K. , Kelln Wayne , Hayes William K. , Zhang John H.
Published: September 2018

Hemorrhagic transformation after ischemic stroke is an independent predictor for poor outcome and is characterized by blood vessel rupture leading to brain edema. To date, no therapies for preventing hemorrhagic transformation exist. Disintegrins from the venom of Crotalus atrox have targets within the coagulation cascade, including receptors on platelets. We hypothesized that disintegrins from C. atrox venom can attenuate hemorrhagic transformation by preventing activation of matrix metalloproteinase after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in hyperglycemic rats. We subjected 48 male Sprague‐Dawley rats weighing 240–260 g to MCAO and hyperglycemia to induce hemorrhagic transformation of the infarction. At reperfusion, we administered either saline (vehicle), whole C. atrox venom (two doses were used), or fractionated C. atrox venom (HPLC Fraction 2). Rats were euthanized 24 hr post‐ictus for measurement of infarction and hemoglobin volume. Reversed‐phase HPLC was performed to fractionate the whole venom and peaks were combined to form Fraction 2, which contained the disintegrin Crotatroxin. Fraction 2 protected against hemorrhagic transformation after MCAO, and attenuated activation of matrix metalloproteinase‐9. Administering matrix metalloproteinase antagonists prevented the protection by Fraction 2. The results of this study indicate that disintegrins found in C. atrox venom may have therapeutic potential for reducing hemorrhagic transformation after ischemic stroke. Moreover, the RP‐HPLC fractions retained sufficient protein activity to suggest that gentler and less efficient orthogonal chromatographic methods may be unnecessary to isolate proteins and explore their function.
A study of contact properties between molybdenum and amorphous silicon tin oxide thin film transistors
Authors: Ning Honglong , Liu Xianzhe , Xu Hua , Lu Kuankuan , Zhang Hongke , Zhang Xiaochen , Yao Rihui , Fang Zhiqiang , Wang Xiaofeng , Peng Junbiao
Published: September 2018

Amorphous silicon tin oxide (a‐STO) semiconductor is of increasing interest for fabricating thin film transistor. The contact properties of Mo source/drain electrode to a‐STO film subjected to different thermal annealing processes was investigated. The formation of molybdenum oxide interlayer between Mo and a‐STO film annealed in air ambient was confirmed by cross‐sectional transmission electron microscopy image, and the interlayer was formed by getting oxygen from a‐STO film in air annealing process. The formation of molybdenum oxide interlayer could provide not only an adhesive layer but also an intermediate barrier layer, and it hindered Mo atoms diffuse into a‐STO film, which would form a good quality of contact interface and facilitate the electron injection from Mo electrode into a‐STO film.
Resolving power in liquid chromatography: A trade‐off between efficiency and analysis time
Authors: Dores‐Sousa José Luís , De Vos Jelle , Eeltink Sebastiaan
Published: September 2018

This review describes chromatographic dispersion and different plate‐height models frequently used to assess the chromatographic performance of ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography column technology. Furthermore, different performance indices, including the resolution, the separation impedance, and kinetic plots are discussed allowing to quantify and visualize the resolving power in liquid chromatography. The construction of kinetic plots is explained, and different visualization approaches are highlighted. Finally, key instrument and column‐technology developments to advance the kinetic performance limits are discussed and selected state‐of‐the‐art applications are highlighted.
The Burden of Sinusitis in Hematologic Transplant Patients: A National Perspective
Authors: Pandrangi Vivek , Reiter Evan R.
Published: September 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine the impact of sinusitis on outcomes of hematologic transplant procedures.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis of a national hospital database.

Methods

The National Inpatient Sample database for 2012 to 2013 was queried using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes to identify patients undergoing hematologic transplants. Patients were divided based upon the presence or absence of a concomitant diagnosis of acute or chronic sinusitis. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, discharge results, lengths of stay (LOS), and costs were compared between groups.

Results

There were 7,069 hematologic transplant cases identified, 2.7% of which had a diagnosis of sinusitis. Sinusitis patients had a longer LOS after transplant (24.9 ± 15.9 days vs. 19.1 ± 17.4 days, P < .001) and higher total hospital charges ($487,941 ± $447,532 vs. $322,300 ± $369,596, P < .001) than nonsinusitis patients. There was no difference in mortality between the two groups (P = .75). The 23 (12%) sinusitis patients who underwent sinus procedures had a longer LOS after transplant (34.8 ± 25 days vs. 23.5 ± 13.7 days, P = .001) and higher total hospital charges ($857,891 ± $718,456 vs. $437,293 ± $372,075, P < .001) than sinusitis patients without sinus procedures. Linear regression showed that sinusitis patients had excess LOS after transplant of 2.442 days and cost of $82,000.098.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that presence of sinusitis in patients undergoing hematologic transplant is associated with increased LOS and higher total hospital charges. Increased focus on diagnosis and if possible treatment of sinusitis prior to admission for transplantation may help reduce the impact of sinusitis after hematologic transplant.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 128:2688–2692, 2018
Predictive Value of Intraoperative Pulmonary Vascular Resistance in Liver Transplantation
Authors: Park Jungchan , Lee Seung‐Hwa , Kim Jeayoun , Park Soo Jung , Park Myung Soo , Choi Gyu‐Seong , Lee Suk‐Koo , Kim Gaab Soo
Published: September 2018

We aimed to evaluate the association between intraoperative pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and clinical outcome of liver transplantation (LT). Cardiovascular involvement of end‐stage liver disease is relatively common, and hemodynamic instability during LT can be fatal to recipients. However, the clinical impact of intraoperative PVR in LT remains undetermined. A total of 363 adult recipients with intraoperative right heart catheterization from January 2011 to May 2016 were analyzed. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to PVR. Two separate analyses were performed according to the time point of measurement: at the beginning and at the end of LT. The primary outcome was all‐cause death or graft failure during the follow‐up period. Increased PVR was observed in 11.8% (43/363) of recipients at the beginning and 12.7% (46/363) of recipients at the end of LT. PVR at the beginning of LT had no significant effect on the rate of death or graft failure in the multivariate analysis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64‐2.38; P = 0.52). In contrast, PVR at the end of LT was significantly associated with death or graft failure during the overall follow‐up period (HR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.13‐3.54; P = 0.02). In conclusion, PVR at the end of LT, rather than the beginning, is associated with clinical outcome. Larger trials are needed to support this finding.
Fabrication of Thermally Crosslinked Hydrolyzed Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity (HPIM)/Polybenzoxazine Electrospun Nanofibrous Membranes
Authors: Satilmis Bekir , Uyar Tamer
Published: September 2018

In this study, thermally crosslinked hydrolyzed polymers of intrinsic microporosity (HPIM)/polybenzoxazine electrospun nanofibrous membranes (NFMs) are successfully produced. The nanofibers having 800 ± 260 to 670 ± 150 nm average fiber diameters from HPIM and blends of HPIM/ benzoxazine (BA‐a) ranging from HPIM:(BA‐a) weight ratio of 9:1 to 2:1 w/w are produced by electrospinning. Self‐standing HPIM/(BA‐a) NFMs are thermally step‐wise cured resulting in crosslinked HPIM/Poly(BA‐a) NFMs. Structural characterization of as‐electrospun HPIM/(BA‐a) and crosslinked HPIM/Poly(BA‐a) NFM is conducted by FT‐IR spectroscopy to trace the ring opening and crosslinking reactions. Elemental analysis and XPS studies show an increase in carbon content and reduction in nitrogen content due to the crosslinking reaction. Decomposition temperature (T
d) of HPIM NFM increases from 218 to 270 °C with the crosslinking based on the DSC. DMA analysis shows that the mechanical strength of the NFMs has increased significantly with crosslinking. Young's moduli of HPIM NFM is increased from 16 ± 7 to 67 ± 1 MPa for crosslinked HPIM/Poly(BA‐a)%33 NFM. Similarly, higher storage modulus is observed for HPIM/Poly(BA‐a) NFMs compared to HPIM NFM. The crosslinked HPIM/Poly(BA‐a) NFMs keep their fibrous morphology after solvent treatment in dimethylformamide revealing their structural stability compared to pristine HPIM NFM.
Heparin‐Immobilized Polymeric Monolithic Column with Submicron Skeletons and Well‐Defined Macropores for Highly Efficient Purification of Enterovirus 71
Authors: Gu Huimin , Liu Yibin , Yin Dezhong , Cai LuKui , Zhang Baoliang , Zhang Qiuyu
Published: September 2018

In this study, glycidyl methacrylate‐based polymerized high internal phase emulsion monolithic column (polyHIPE) with submicron skeletons and well‐defined macropores is prepared and functionalized by immobilizing heparin to obtain a novel affinity chromatographic separation medium for effective purification of Enterovirus 71 (EV71). The pore structure of the obtained monoliths differs significantly from conventional polyHIPE monoliths. The prepared polyHIPE presents well‐defined 3D network skeletons of 0.2–0.5 µm, interconnected macropores of 0.5–2 µm, large specific surface area (47–61 m2 g−1), and excellent permeability (k = 1.0 × 10−13 m2). Further, successful immobilization of heparin is proved by FTIR and XPS and the monoliths display superiority in the purification of EV71 from culture supernatant. The final recovery and binding capacity of EV71 are calculated to be 60% and 152.8 ng per column, respectively. SDS‐PAGE gel electrophoresis and TEM analysis indicate a high efficiency in the removal of impurities from culture supernatant of EV71. This, together with easy fabrication, makes polyHIPE monolith a promising alternative to commercially available monolithic supports for virus purification.
Tough, Stimuli‐Responsive, and Biocompatible Hydrogels with Very High Water Content
Authors: Liu Tianqi , Lu Shuai , Peng Xin , Jiao Chen , Zhang Jianan , Han Mei , Wang Huiliang
Published: September 2018

Some marine creatures like jellyfish have gel‐like bodies consisting mostly of water (above 95 wt%). Yet, their gel‐like bodies still show quite good mechanical properties and can respond to external stimuli. Artificial hydrogels with very high water content are generally extremely weak, and hence their practical applications are strongly limited. Inspired by jellyfish, tough and biocompatible poly(vinyl alcohol)/sodium polyacrylate (PVA/PAANa) hydrogels with very high equilibrium water content (98.23–99.58 wt%) are developed. The equilibrium swollen PVA/PAANa hydrogels show good mechanical properties, with elastic modulus, tensile strength, and elongation up to 0.046 MPa, 0.14 MPa, and 206%, respectively, very close to those of jellyfish mesoglea. Moreover, the PVA/PAANa hydrogels can respond to external multi‐stimuli distinctly, such as metal cations, pH, and salts. Very impressively, the PVA/PAANa hydrogel can easily distinguish tap water from deionized water, and its detection limit of metal cations can be as low as 10−4 mol L−1. Cell cytotoxicity tests and in vivo biocompatibility tests prove that the PVA/PAANa hydrogels have excellent biocompatibility. The tough, stimuli‐responsive, and biocompatible hydrogels with very high water content may find a variety of practical applications in load‐bearing biomaterials, detection, sensors, and agricultural fields.
PADI4 stimulates esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tumor growth and up‐regulates CA9 expression
Authors: Liu Chunyan , Tang Junyi , Li Chang , Pu Guangbo , Yang Dongxia , Chang Xiaotian
Published: September 2018

An increasing amount of evidence indicates that peptidylarginine deiminase isoform 4 (PADI4) plays an important role in tumorigenesis. However, the effects of PADI4 on tumor‐bearing mice are unknown, and no studies have investigated this tumorigenic pathway in an animal model. In the present study, ECA109 cells originating from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) were transfected with PADI4‐expressing lentivirus and were injected into BALB/c nude mice. Tumor size and weight were significantly increased in the mouse tumors established with PADI4‐overexpressing ECA109 cells. PCR array analysis revealed increased CA9 expression in ECA109 cells transfected with a PADI4‐expressing plasmid, while decreased CA9 expression levels were detected in cells transfected with anti‐PADI4 siRNA. Furthermore, up‐regulation of CA9 expression was detected in mouse tumors established with PADI4‐overexpressing cells. Immunohistochemistry detected the increased expression and co‐localization of PADI4 and CA9 in ESCC tissues compared with adjacent non‐tumor tissues and normal tissue controls. These results were verified using Western blotting. Cell proliferation significantly increased or decreased in ECA109 and EC9706 (another ESCC‐originating cell line) cells transfected with a PADI4‐expressing plasmid or anti‐PADI4 siRNA, respectively. The above findings suggest that increased PADI4 expression in ESCC stimulates tumor growth and up‐regulates CA9 expression, which is known to promote metastatic properties in tumor cells.
Optimal period of record for air‐conditioning outdoor design conditions in different climate zones of China
Authors: Li Mingcai , Liang Sujie , Xiang Cao
Published: September 2018

An appropriate record period is necessary for calculating outdoor design conditions precisely, for example, the meteorological conditions of a particular location for heating, ventilation and air‐conditioning (HVAC) design purposes. A method for calculating the optimal period of record (OPR) for air‐conditioning outdoor design conditions is given in this study. The combination of standard deviation method (avoiding the OPR being too short) and optimal climate normal (OCN) model (avoiding the OPR being too long) was used to obtain the appropriate record period for the air‐conditioning outdoor design conditions. Especially, the method was examined in five different climate zones to determine its application. The results show that the OPR is in the range of 5–21 years depending on the climates, much less than the current 30‐year record period used for calculating outdoor design conditions. This indicates the 30‐year record period is no longer suitable for calculating air‐conditioning design conditions. The relatively short record period can well reflect the past climate change and support precise meteorological information for the design of air‐conditioning systems.
Impact of aerosol number concentration on precipitation under different precipitation rates
Authors: Alizadeh‐Choobari O.
Published: September 2018

Mainly by modifying the number concentration and size of cloud droplets, the dynamic and thermodynamic effects of aerosols are important in the formation of precipitation, but so far different and occasionally opposite responses of precipitation to aerosol concentration have been noted. By conducting two numerical experiments with different aerosol concentrations, the impact of aerosol number concentration on precipitation under different precipitation rates is examined. To this end, the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with a two‐moment aerosol‐aware bulk microphysical scheme was applied. Results indicate that mainly through redistribution of precipitation both spatially and temporarily, more hygroscopic aerosols in the atmosphere could potentially reduce light precipitation events, but increase heavy precipitation events. In regions with a high precipitation rate (> 1 mm/hr), an ample influx of water vapour exists. Thus, cloud droplets have no need to compete for water vapour in order to grow, which results in an enhancement of precipitation under the polluted atmosphere. On the other hand, less efficient autoconversion processes and/or increased cloud‐top evaporation may contribute to the decrease in light (< 0.6 mm/hr) to moderate (0.6–1 mm/hr) precipitation under the polluted atmosphere. A delay in the onset of precipitation is identified in the polluted experiment, which leads to a significant increase in precipitation rate, primarily due to more freezing of cloud droplets and extra release of latent heat of freezing, which invigorates cloud developments, while intensification of secondary clouds by aerosols might have also partly contributed.
Statistical learning in computed tomography image estimation
Authors: Bayisa Fekadu L. , Liu Xijia , Garpebring Anders , Yu Jun
Published: September 2018

Purpose

There is increasing interest in computed tomography (CT) image estimations from magnetic resonance (MR) images. The estimated CT images can be utilized for attenuation correction, patient positioning, and dose planning in diagnostic and radiotherapy workflows. This study aims to introduce a novel statistical learning approach for improving CT estimation from MR images and to compare the performance of our method with the existing model‐based CT image estimation methods.

Methods

The statistical learning approach proposed here consists of two stages. At the training stage, prior knowledge about tissue types from CT images was used together with a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) to explore CT image estimations from MR images. Since the prior knowledge is not available at the prediction stage, a classifier based on RUSBoost algorithm was trained to estimate the tissue types from MR images. For a new patient, the trained classifier and GMMs were used to predict CT image from MR images. The classifier and GMMs were validated by using voxel‐level tenfold cross‐validation and patient‐level leave‐one‐out cross‐validation, respectively.

Results

The proposed approach has outperformance in CT estimation quality in comparison with the existing model‐based methods, especially on bone tissues. Our method improved CT image estimation by 5% and 23% on the whole brain and bone tissues, respectively.

Conclusions

Evaluation of our method shows that it is a promising method to generate CT image substitutes for the implementation of fully MR‐based radiotherapy and PET/MRI applications.
Implementation of planar proton minibeam radiation therapy using a pencil beam scanning system: A proof of concept study
Authors: De Marzi Ludovic , Patriarca Annalisa , Nauraye Catherine , Hierso Eric , Dendale Rémi , Guardiola Consuelo , Prezado Yolanda
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Proton minibeam radiation therapy (pMBRT) is an innovative approach that combines the advantages of minibeam radiation therapy with the more precise ballistics of protons to further reduce the side effects of radiation. One of the main challenges of this approach is the generation of very narrow proton pencil beams with an adequate dose‐rate to treat patients within a reasonable treatment time (several minutes) in existing clinical facilities. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of implementing pMBRT by combining the pencil beam scanning (PBS) technique with the use of multislit collimators. This proof of concept study of pMBRT with a clinical system is intended to guide upcoming biological experiments.

Methods

Monte Carlo simulations (TOPAS v3.1.p2) were used to design a suitable multislit collimator to implement planar pMBRT for conventional pencil beam scanning settings. Dose distributions (depth‐dose curves, lateral profiles, Peak‐to‐Valley Dose Ratio (PVDR) and dose‐rates) for different proton beam energies were assessed by means of Monte Carlo simulations and experimental measurements in a water tank using commercial ionization chambers and a new p‐type silicon diode, the IBA RAZOR. An analytical intensity‐modulated dose calculation algorithm designed to optimize the weight of individual Bragg peaks composing the field was also developed and validated.

Results

Proton minibeams were then obtained using a brass multislit collimator with five slits measuring 2 cm × 400 μm in width with a center‐to‐center distance of 4 mm. The measured and calculated dose distributions (depth‐dose curves and lateral profiles) showed a good agreement. Spread‐out Bragg peaks (SOBP) and homogeneous dose distributions around the target were obtained by means of intensity modulation of Bragg peaks, while maintaining spatial fractionation at shallow depths. Mean dose‐rates of 0.12 and 0.09 Gy/s were obtained for one iso‐energy layer and a SOBP conditions in the presence of multislit collimator.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the feasibility of implementing pMBRT on a PBS system. It also confirms the reliability of RAZOR detector for pMBRT dosimetry. This newly developed experimental methodology will support the design of future preclinical research with pMBRT.
Multi‐modal functional MRI to explore placental function over gestation
Authors: Hutter Jana , Slator Paddy J. , Jackson Laurence , Gomes Ana Dos Santos , Ho Alison , Story Lisa , O’Muircheartaigh Jonathan , Teixeira Rui P. A. G. , Chappell Lucy C. , Alexander Daniel C. , Rutherford Mary A. , Hajnal Joseph V.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

To investigate, visualize and quantify the physiology of the human placenta in several dimensions ‐ functional, temporal over gestation, and spatial over the whole organ.

Methods

Bespoke MRI techniques, combining a rich diffusion protocol, anatomical data and T2* mapping together with a multi‐modal pipeline including motion correction and extracted quantitative features were developed and employed on pregnant women between 22 and 38 weeks gestational age including two pregnancies diagnosed with pre‐eclampsia.

Results

A multi‐faceted assessment was demonstrated showing trends of increasing lacunarity, and decreasing T2* and diffusivity over gestation.

Conclusions

The obtained multi‐modal acquisition and quantification shows promising opportunities for studying evolution, adaptation and compensation processes.
Intramuscular interstitial amyloid deposition does not impact anoctaminopathy‐5 phenotype
Authors: Anandan Charenya , Milone Margherita , Liewluck Teerin
Published: September 2018

Introduction: Recessive mutations in the anoctamin‐5‐encoding gene (ANO5) cause muscular dystrophy of various phenotypes. Intramuscular interstitial amyloid deposits were detected in a few patients with anoctaminopathy‐5, some with cardiac involvement. The frequency of amyloid deposition in anoctaminopathy‐5 and its impact on phenotype are unknown. Methods: We retrospectively identified patients with genetically proven anoctaminopathy‐5 who had undergone muscle biopsy and reviewed their clinical and laboratory data. Results: Eight of 15 patients with anoctaminopathy‐5 had intramuscular interstitial amyloid deposits. The median age at onset of weakness was 40 and 45 years in the amyloidosis and nonamyloidosis groups, respectively. Mutations occurred throughout the entire gene in the amyloidosis group. Atrial arrhythmia was noted in 4 patients with amyloidosis and in 4 patients without amyloidosis. The latter group also had premature ventricular contractions. One nonamyloidosis patient had septal hypokinesia. Discussion: Intramuscular amyloidosis occurred in 53% of patients with anoctaminopathy‐5 who underwent muscle biopsy and had no impact on the phenotype. Muscle Nerve 59:133–137, 2019
Acetate chitosan with CaCO3 doping form tough hydrogel for hemostasis and wound healing
Authors: Zhou Yaping , Li Hongyu , Liu Jiwei , Xu Yan , Wang Yonglu , Ren Hao , Li Xueming
Published: September 2018

In recent years, chitosan has been applied for wound management due to its properties of biocompatibility, biodegradability, antimicrobial activity, and low immunogenicity. But the poor water solubility in neutral pH limited its further application in clinical wound healing. To overcome this problem, acetate chitosan was developed and approved as commercial products for wound healing. However, the acidity of acetate chitosan was potentially allergenic, and the poor mechanical properties of its formed hydrogels also hindered the therapeutic efficacy in wound care. In this study, CaCO3 was simply doped into acetate chitosan to form the wound dressing. After absorbing water, the H+ of acetate chitosan reacted with CaCO3 to release Ca2+, resulting in acidity decreased. The production of Ca2+ and residue of CaCO3 cross‐linked with chitosan to form a tough hydrogel by electrostatic interaction. The physical characteristics, swelling, mechanical testing, and blood clotting were evaluated. The results in vitro demonstrated that after doping CaCO3 into acetate chitosan, the mechanical properties and blood clotting of the formed hydrogel were increased. Then, the evaluation of hydrogels in vivo revealed that it can also accelerate the wound healing by promoting re‐epithelization and collagen deposition. This simple way by doping CaCO3 into acetate chitosan can increase wound healing, and it can also broad the application of acetate chitosan in clinical use.
Prevalence and reasons for smoking in adolescent Swiss childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Kasteler Rahel , Belle Fabiën , Schindera Christina , Barben Jürg , Gumy‐Pause Fabienne , Tinner Eva M. , Kuehni Claudia E. ,   for the Swiss Pediatric Oncology Group (SPOG)
Published: September 2018

Background

Smoking harms health, particularly that of childhood cancer survivors, who face risk of pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases because of chemotherapy and radiotherapy to the chest. This nationwide study assessed smoking habits and reasons for smoking in adolescent survivors and healthy peers.

Methods

As part of the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, we sent a questionnaire to all Swiss resident survivors, who were aged 16–19 years. We compared smoking status and reasons for smoking between 511 survivors, 141 of their siblings, and 1,727 adolescents in a representative population‐based study, the Tobacco Monitoring Switzerland (TMS).

Results

Current smoking was less prevalent in survivors (17%) and their siblings (17%) compared with TMS (32%). Survivors and TMS adolescents gave similar reasons for smoking. Stress control, smoking being a habit, and good taste were the reasons for smoking cited most often in both groups. Peer smoking was more important in survivors (49%) than in TMS (34%, P = 0.004). Most important reasons for not smoking in both groups were smoking being unhealthy and not wanting to be addicted.

Conclusions

In Switzerland, survivors smoke as often as their siblings but less than the general population. Peer smoking was a more important reason for smoking in survivors than in the general population, suggesting that reducing smoking in peers could result in a reduction of smoking in survivors. Overall, reasons for smoking were very similar, thus interventions to reduce smoking in survivors could be the same as those used in the general population.
Effect of drill flute direction on delamination at the exit in drilling Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic
Authors: Jia Zhenyuan , Bai Yu , Wang Fuji , Ma Jianwei , Cheng De , Zhang Zhongbiao
Published: September 2018

Drilling holes on Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic components is inevitable for mechanical assembly in the aerospace field. Delamination at the exit frequently occurs and substantially reduces the service life of components. Drill flute direction is one of the main factors affecting delamination at the exit. The article aims to study the effect of drill flute direction on delamination and further to guide the suitable choice of drill flute direction. Comparative experiments are performed in drilling Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic for the drills with different drill flute directions, when a small cutting edge radius is involved. Based on the experimental results, the effects of drill flute direction on the thrust force, force state of the uncut fibers at the exit, and delamination propagation at the exit are obtained. Meanwhile, the phenomenon that delamination at the exit varies with the drill flute direction significantly is explained from aspects of thrust force and force state of the uncut fibers at the exit. The drill with left hand helix owns the most serious delamination at the exit among the tested drills because of its high thrust force and serious tearing function for the uncut fibers at the exit. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1434–E1440, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fast and solvent‐free microwave‐assisted synthesis of thermoresponsive oligo(glycidyl ether)s
Authors: Stöbener Daniel D. , Donath Dorian , Weinhart Marie
Published: September 2018

Low‐molecular weight linear poly(glycidyl ether)s are typically synthesized via the “classical,” oxy‐anionic ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of glycidyl ether monomers at elevated temperatures. To reduce reaction times, a fast process was developed to synthesize oligo(glycidyl ether)s (OGEs) in bulk at a gram‐scale utilizing microwave heating. Well‐defined thermoresponsive copolymers comprising glycidyl methyl ether and ethyl glycidyl ether with molecular weights of up to 3 kDa were synthesized via microwave‐assisted ROP with reaction times of approximately 10 min. The fast reaction kinetics were attributed to the rapid and uniform heating and high temperatures reached during the reaction. Consequently, no significant microwave‐specific acceleration of the oxy‐anionic ROP was observed. The temperature‐triggered phase transition of the OGEs in aqueous solution revealed cloud point temperatures that are highly dependent on the OGE molecular weight, concentration, and comonomer composition, which extends previously reported data. Furthermore, oligo(glycidyl ether) acrylates (OGEAs) with reactive, functional end groups were directly accessible via in situ quenching of the anionic, microwave‐assisted ROP with acrylic acid chloride. The obtained thermoresponsive OGEA macromonomers represent a promising material for the functionalization of surfaces via radical grafting methods to obtain functional, thermoresponsive coatings with potential application in cell culture. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 2496–2504
Synthesis and opto‐electronic properties of functionalized pyrimidine‐based conjugated polymers
Authors: Karmegam Vasanthy , Udamulle Gedara Chinthaka M. , Biewer Michael C. , Stefan Mihaela C.
Published: September 2018

Side chain engineering has been used for tuning the opto‐electronic properties of organic semiconductors. In this work, a series of pyrimidine‐based donor‐acceptor (D‐A) conjugated polymers functionalized with electron‐withdrawing or electron‐donating side chains were synthesized. The opto‐electronic properties of the pyrimidine D‐A conjugated polymers were investigated focusing on the dependence on the electron withdrawing strength of the acceptor moiety, while maintaining the same donor moiety. Fine‐tuning of the energy levels was achieved by introducing electron donating (alkoxy [OR] and alkylthio [SR]) or electron withdrawing (alkylsulfinyl [SOR] and alkylsulfonyl [SO2R]) side chains onto the acceptor moiety. The effects of side chain modification have been investigated through DFT calculations, UV–vis analysis, and electrochemical measurements. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 2547–2553
Controlled evaporative self‐assembly of polymer nanoribbons using oscillating capillary bridges
Authors: Choudhary Satyan , Crosby Alfred J.
Published: September 2018

Evaporative self‐assembly (ESA), based on the “coffee‐ring” effect, is a versatile technique for assembling particle solutions into mesoscale patterns and structures on different substrates. ESA works with a wide variety of organic and inorganic materials, where the solution is a combination of volatile solvent and nonvolatile solute. Modified ESA methods, such as “stop‐and‐go flow coating,” use a programmed meniscus “stick–slip” motion to create mesoscale assemblies with controlled shape, size, and architecture. However, current methods are not scalable for increased production volumes or patterning large surface areas. We demonstrate a new ESA method, where an oscillating blade controls the meniscus depinning and drives the evaporative assembly of solutes at the pinned meniscus. Results show that oscillation frequency and substrate speed control time/distance intervals between successive meniscus depinning, and the assembly dimensions depend on solution concentration, oscillation frequency, substrate speed, and meniscus height. We report the mechanism of the meniscus depinning and the control over assembly cross‐sectional dimensions. This advance provides a scalable ESA method with faster processing times and maintained advantages. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 1545–1551
The multidisciplinary pediatric psycho‐oncology workforce: A national report on supervision for staff and training opportunities
Authors: Kazak Anne E. , Scialla Michele A. , Patenaude Andrea F. , Canter Kimberly , Muriel Anna C. , Kupst Mary Jo , Chen Fang Fang , Wiener Lori
Published: September 2018

Objective

This paper presents data on licensure/certification status, supervision of multidisciplinary pediatric psychosocial staff, and training opportunities in pediatric cancer programs in the United States, data that are critical to provide care aligned with the Standards of Psychosocial Care in Pediatric Cancer (Psychosocial Standards).

Methods

An online survey of psychosocial care consistent with the Psychosocial Standards was completed from a national sample of pediatric cancer programs (144/200). Licensure/certification status, availability and format of supervision for multidisciplinary staff (social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, child life specialists/recreational therapists), and types and number of psychosocial trainees were reported.

Results

Nearly all pediatric psychosocial providers were licensed/certified. Peer consultation was the most frequently endorsed form of staff supervision although a sizeable group of centers reported no systematic ongoing supervision. Trainees in social work and child life were most common although the size of trainee cohorts is generally small. Psychosocial trainees are more prevalent in sites with pediatric hematology/oncology medical fellowship programs and in larger programs.

Conclusions

A properly trained and supported psychosocial workforce is essential to providing evidence‐based care consistent with the Psychosocial Standards. Psychosocial providers are appropriately licensed. However, supervision opportunities are variable and may be inadequate for the intensity of the work. It is important to address the limited opportunities for trainees in pediatric cancer programs, which may influence the pipeline for ongoing and future work in this area.
Biophysical insights into a highly selective l‐arginine‐binding lipoprotein of a pathogenic treponeme
Authors: Deka Ranjit K. , Liu Wei Z. , Tso Shih‐Chia , Norgard Michael V. , Brautigam Chad A.
Published: September 2018

Biophysical and biochemical studies on the lipoproteins and other periplasmic proteins from the spirochetal species Treponema pallidum have yielded numerous insights into the functioning of the organism's peculiar membrane organization, its nutritional requirements, and intermediary metabolism. However, not all T. pallidum proteins have proven to be amenable to biophysical studies. One such recalcitrant protein is Tp0309, a putative polar‐amino‐acid‐binding protein of an ABC transporter system. To gain further information on its possible function, a homolog of the protein from the related species T. vincentii was used as a surrogate. This protein, Tv2483, was crystallized, resulting in the determination of its crystal structure at a resolution of 1.75 Å. The protein has a typical fold for a ligand‐binding protein, and a single molecule of l‐arginine was bound between its two lobes. Differential scanning fluorimetry and isothermal titration calorimetry experiments confirmed that l‐arginine bound to the protein with unusually high selectivity. However, further comparison to Tp0309 showed differences in key amino‐acid‐binding residues may impart an alternate specificity for the T. pallidum protein.
Human MICAL1: Activation by the small GTPase Rab8 and small‐angle X‐ray scattering studies on the oligomerization state of MICAL1 and its complex with Rab8
Authors: Esposito Alessandro , Ventura Valeria , Petoukhov Maxim V. , Rai Amrita , Svergun Dmitri I. , Vanoni Maria A.
Published: September 2018

Human MICAL1 is a member of a recently discovered family of multidomain proteins that couple a FAD‐containing monooxygenase‐like domain to typical protein interaction domains. Growing evidence implicates the NADPH oxidase reaction catalyzed by the flavoprotein domain in generation of hydrogen peroxide as a second messenger in an increasing number of cell types and as a specific modulator of actin filaments stability. Several proteins of the Rab families of small GTPases are emerging as regulators of MICAL activity by binding to its C‐terminal helical domain presumably shifting the equilibrium from the free – auto‐inhibited – conformation to the active one. We here extend the characterization of the MICAL1–Rab8 interaction and show that indeed Rab8, in the active GTP‐bound state, stabilizes the active MICAL1 conformation causing a specific four‐fold increase of kcat of the NADPH oxidase reaction. Kinetic data and small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) measurements support the formation of a 1:1 complex between full‐length MICAL1 and Rab8 with an apparent dissociation constant of approximately 8 μM. This finding supports the hypothesis that Rab8 is a physiological regulator of MICAL1 activity and shows how the protein region preceding the C‐terminal Rab‐binding domain may mask one of the Rab‐binding sites detected with the isolated C‐terminal fragment. SAXS‐based modeling allowed us to propose the first model of the free full‐length MICAL1, which is consistent with an auto‐inhibited conformation in which the C‐terminal region prevents catalysis by interfering with the conformational changes that are predicted to occur during the catalytic cycle.
Cannabinoid WIN 55,212‐2 induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and inhibits proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth in prostate cancer in a cannabinoid‐receptor 2 dependent manner
Authors: Roberto Domenica , Klotz Laurence H. , Venkateswaran Vasundara
Published: September 2018

Background

Cannabinoids have demonstrated anticarcinogenic properties in a variety of malignancies, including in prostate cancer. In the present study, we explored the anti‐cancer effects of the synthetic cannabinoid WIN 55,212‐2 (WIN) in prostate cancer.

Methods

Established prostate cancer cells (PC3, DU145, LNCaP) were treated with varying concentrations of WIN. Cell proliferation was determined by the MTS assay. The anti‐migration and anti‐invasive potential of WIN was examined by the wound healing assay and the matrigel invasion assay. Cell cycle analysis was performed by flow cytometry, and mechanistic studies were performed by Western blot. Athymic mice (n = 10) were inoculated with human PC3 cells. Once tumors reached 100 mm3, animals were randomized into two groups: saline control and WIN (5 mg/kg), delivered by intraperitoneal injection three times per week for 3 weeks.

Results

WIN significantly reduced prostate cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, induced apoptosis, and arrested cells in Go/G1 phase in a dose‐dependent manner. Mechanistic studies revealed these effects were mediated through a pathway involving cell cycle regulators p27, Cdk4, and pRb. Pre‐treatment with a CB2 antagonist, AM630, followed by treatment with WIN resulted in a reversal of the anti‐proliferation and cell cycle arrest previously seen with WIN alone. In vivo, administration of WIN resulted in a reduction in the tumor growth rate compared to control (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The following study provides evidence supporting the use of WIN as a novel therapeutic for prostate cancer.
Structural determination of archaeal UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine 4‐epimerase from Methanobrevibacter ruminantium M1 in complex with the bacterial cell wall intermediate UDP‐N‐acetylmuramic acid
Authors: Carbone Vincenzo , Schofield Linley R. , Sang Carrie , Sutherland‐Smith Andrew J. , Ronimus Ron S.
Published: September 2018

The crystal structure of UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine 4‐epimerase (UDP‐GlcNAc 4‐epimerase; WbpP; EC 5.1.3.7), from the archaeal methanogen Methanobrevibacter ruminantium strain M1, was determined to a resolution of 1.65 Å. The structure, with a single monomer in the crystallographic asymmetric unit, contained a conserved N‐terminal Rossmann‐fold for nucleotide binding and an active site positioned in the C‐terminus. UDP‐GlcNAc 4‐epimerase is a member of the short‐chain dehydrogenases/reductases superfamily, sharing sequence motifs and structural elements characteristic of this family of oxidoreductases and bacterial 4‐epimerases. The protein was co‐crystallized with coenzyme NADH and UDP‐N‐acetylmuramic acid, the latter an unintended inclusion and well known product of the bacterial enzyme MurB and a critical intermediate for bacterial cell wall synthesis. This is a non‐native UDP sugar amongst archaea and was most likely incorporated from the E. coli expression host during purification of the recombinant enzyme.