bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequent expression of CD30 in extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma: Potential therapeutic target for anti‐CD30 antibody‐based therapy
Authors: Kawamoto Keisuke , Miyoshi Hiroaki , Suzuki Takaharu , Sasaki Yuya , Yamada Kyohei , Yanagida Eriko , Muto Reiji , Kiryu Maiko , Sone Hirohito , Seto Masao , Ohshima Koichi , Takizawa Jun
Published: October 2017

Extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL) is a subtype of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma with a poor prognosis. Although first‐line treatments for patients with localized ENKTL have been established, there is no gold standard treatment for patients with advanced ENKTL and refractory and/or relapsed disease. Anti‐CD30 antibody‐based therapy, including brentuximab vedotin (BV), has been shown to target malignant lymphomas with CD30 expression. In particular, this therapeutic agent has recently been suggested to be effective for Hodgkin lymphoma and mature T‐cell lymphoma. However, the efficacy of BV toward ENKTL has not yet been established. Therefore, we investigated the expression of CD30 in a large cohort to evaluate BV as a potential treatment for ENKTL. In this study, 97 Japanese patients with newly diagnosed ENKTL between January 2007 and December 2015 were enrolled. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry were performed for the evaluation of CD30 expression. If the cut‐off value of CD30 expression is 1% or more, there were 55 positive cases (56.5%). According to the localization of lesion, the frequency of CD30 expression was significantly higher in the non‐nasal type than in the nasal type (P = .0394). No differences were observed in almost all clinical characteristics between CD30‐positive cases and CD30‐negative cases. In addition, the expression of CD30 was not a prognostic factor for either overall survival or progression‐free survival. In conclusion, frequent expression of CD30 in ENKTL suggests anti‐CD30 antibody‐based therapy may be an effective treatment.
Time course study of long‐term biocompatibility and foreign body reaction to intraneural polyimide‐based implants
Authors: de la Oliva Natàlia , Navarro Xavier , del Valle Jaume
Published: October 2017

The foreign body reaction (FBR) against an implanted device is characterized by the formation of a fibrotic tissue around the implant. In the case of interfaces for peripheral nerves, used to stimulate specific group of axons and to record different nerve signals, the FBR induces a matrix deposition around the implant creating a physical separation between nerve fibers and the interface that may reduce its functionality over time. In order to understand how the FBR to intraneural interfaces evolves, polyimide non‐functional devices were implanted in rat peripheral nerve. Functional tests (electrophysiological, pain and locomotion) and histological evaluation demonstrated that implanted devices did not cause any alteration in nerve function, in myelinated axons or in nerve architecture. The inflammatory response due to the surgical implantation decreased after 2 weeks. In contrast, inflammation was higher and more prolonged in the device implanted nerves with a peak after 2 weeks. With regard to tissue deposition, a tissue capsule appeared soon around the devices, acquiring maximal thickness at 2 weeks and being remodeled subsequently. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed two different cell types implicated in the FBR in the nerve: macrophages as the first cells in contact with the interface and fibroblasts that appear later at the edge of the capsule. Our results describe how the FBR against a polyimide implant in the peripheral nerve occurs and which are the main cellular players. Increasing knowledge of these responses will help to improve strategies to decrease the FBR against intraneural implants and to extend their usability. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 746–757, 2018.
In‐vitro biocompatibility, bioactivity and photoluminescence properties of Eu3+/Sr2+ dual‐doped nano‐hydroxyapatite for biomedical applications
Authors: Sundarabharathi Lakshmanaperumal , Parangusan Hemalatha , Ponnamma Deepalekshmi , Al-Maadeed Mariam Al Ali , Chinnaswamy Mahendran
Published: October 2017

In the present investigation, we have successfully synthesized luminescent Eu3+‐doped and Eu3+/Sr2+ codoped hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles through sol‐gel assisted precipitation method with the aim of developing novel biomaterials containing osteoblast mineral (Sr2+) and luminescence activator (Eu3+). The structure, morphology, thermal stability, and luminescence properties of the resultant spherical nanoparticles (50–100 nm diameters) were studied. Moreover, the in‐vitro bioactivity of Eu0.1Sr0.1HA nanoparticles was investigated by immersing in the simulated body fluid for many weeks. The antimicrobial activity results against gram positive and gram negative bacterial stains, showed better resistivity for the Eu0.1Sr0.1HA among the other compositions. The MTT [3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay of live/dead cells cultured with Eu3+/Sr2+‐doped HA nanoparticles retained its normal morphology and did not show a significant impact on cell proliferation at various incubation days, which evidence for the material's superior biocompatible nature even at a higher concentration of 375 µg/mL. Thus, the incorporation of dual ions in HA nanoparticles with strong luminescence properties develops potential biomaterial for live cell imaging and in nanomedicine. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2191–2201, 2018.
The advanced glycation end product Nϵ‐carboxymethyllysine and its precursor glyoxal increase serotonin release from Caco‐2 cells
Authors: Holik Ann‐Katrin , Lieder Barbara , Kretschy Nicole , Somoza Mark M. , Ley Jakob P. , Hans Joachim , Somoza Veronika
Published: October 2017

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), comprising a highly diverse class of Maillard reaction compounds formed in vivo and during heating processes of foods, have been described in the progression of several degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and diabetes mellitus. Nϵ‐Carboxymethyllysine (CML) represents a well‐characterized AGE, which is frequently encountered in a Western diet and is known to mediate its cellular effects through binding to the receptor for AGEs (RAGE). As very little is known about the impact of exogenous CML and its precursor, glyoxal, on intestinal cells, a genome‐wide screening using a customized microarray was conducted in fully differentiated Caco‐2 cells. After verification of gene regulation by qPCR, functional assays on fatty acid uptake, glucose uptake, and serotonin release were performed. While only treatment with glyoxal showed a slight impact on fatty acid uptake (P < 0.05), both compounds reduced glucose uptake significantly, leading to values of 81.3% ± 22.8% (500 μM CML, control set to 100%) and 68.3% ± 20.9% (0.3 μM glyoxal). Treatment with 500 μM CML or 0.3 μM glyoxal increased serotonin release (P < 0.05) to 236% ± 111% and 264% ± 66%, respectively. Co‐incubation with the RAGE antagonist FPS‐ZM1 reduced CML‐induced serotonin release by 34%, suggesting a RAGE‐mediated mechanism. Similarly, co‐incubation with the SGLT‐1 inhibitor phloridzin attenuated serotonin release after CML treatment by 32%, hinting at a connection between CML‐stimulated serotonin release and glucose uptake. Future studies need to elucidate whether the CML/glyoxal‐induced serotonin release in enterocytes might stimulate serotonin‐mediated intestinal motility.
XIST promotes gastric cancer (GC) progression through TGF‐β1 via targeting miR‐185
Authors: Zhang Quan , Chen Baiyu , Liu Ping , Yang Jing
Published: October 2017

LncRNAs and microRNAs can play significant roles in various cancers, including gastric cancer (GC). In our study, we investigated the role of lncRNA XIST in GC. We observed that XIST was increased in MGC803 and BGC823 cells compared to human normal gastric epithelial GES‐1 cells. It was also shown that miR‐185 was decreased in GC cell lines. Silencing XIST can inhibit the growth of GC cells and bioinformatics analysis was performed to confirm the correlation between XIST and miR‐185. Interestingly, a negative correlation was indicated between XIST and miR‐185 in GC cells. In addition, TGF‐β1 was predicted as a target gene of miR‐185. miR‐185 can modulate TGF‐β1 expression negatively in vitro. Moreover, we found that sh‐XIST inhibited GC development via decreasing TGF‐β1 by upregulating miR‐185 in vitro. Therefore, we speculated that XIST can act as a competing endogenous lncRNA (ceRNA) to regulate TGF‐β1 by sponging miR‐185 in GC. Taken these together, it was indicated that XIST/miR‐185/TGF‐β1 axis participated in the development of GC. XIST could act as a potential prognostic biomarker in GC development.
Improvement in lactone production from biotransformation of ricinoleic acid based on the porous starch delivery system
Authors: Rong Shaofeng , Wang Mengze , Yang Shulin , Li Qianqian , Guan Shimin , Cai Baoguo , Zhang Shuo
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

The natural gamma‐decalactone (GDL) produced by microbial fermentation is an essential lactone compound as a generally recognized as safe food additive. Effective control of the substrate ricinoleic acid (RA) concentration in the biotransformation medium is a bottleneck for the industrial manufacture of GDL. In this study, porous starch (P‐S) was utilized as a carrier of RA to control its distribution in the medium. The effect of P‐S on the biotransformation was evaluated and the mechanism was revealed.

RESULTS

Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the RA layer was formed on the surface of P‐S, which increased the opportunity for interaction between microorganisms and the substrate. With P‐S‐embedded RA as a substrate, the yield of GDL increased to 3.36 g L‐1 which was 17.5% higher than in the control. In addition, the presence of P‐S in this system had no negative effect on the viability of the microorganism.

CONCLUSION

This study is a new attempt to apply P‐S as a delivery system in the biotransformation of GDL to increase its yield which indicates that the P‐S‐controlled release is a potential method of improving natural GDL production in industrial scale. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Jansen‐MIDAS: A multi‐level photomicrograph segmentation software based on isotropic undecimated wavelets
Authors: de Siqueira Alexandre Fioravante , Cabrera Flávio Camargo , Nakasuga Wagner Massayuki , Pagamisse Aylton , Job Aldo Eloizo
Published: October 2017

Image segmentation, the process of separating the elements within a picture, is frequently used for obtaining information from photomicrographs. Segmentation methods should be used with reservations, since incorrect results can mislead when interpreting regions of interest (ROI). This decreases the success rate of extra procedures. Multi‐Level Starlet Segmentation (MLSS) and Multi‐Level Starlet Optimal Segmentation (MLSOS) were developed to be an alternative for general segmentation tools. These methods gave rise to Jansen‐MIDAS, an open‐source software. A scientist can use it to obtain several segmentations of hers/his photomicrographs. It is a reliable alternative to process different types of photomicrographs: previous versions of Jansen‐MIDAS were used to segment ROI in photomicrographs of two different materials, with an accuracy superior to 89%.
Optimization of mass spectrometry acquisition parameters for determination of polycarbonate additives, degradation products, and colorants migrating from food contact materials to chocolate
Authors: Bignardi Chiara , Cavazza Antonella , Laganà Carmen , Salvadeo Paola , Corradini Claudio
Published: October 2017

The interest towards “substances of emerging concerns” referred to objects intended to come into contact with food is recently growing. Such substances can be found in traces in simulants and in food products put in contact with plastic materials. In this context, it is important to set up analytical systems characterized by high sensitivity and to improve detection parameters to enhance signals. This work was aimed at optimizing a method based on UHPLC coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry to quantify the most common plastic additives, and able to detect the presence of polymers degradation products and coloring agents migrating from plastic re‐usable containers. The optimization of mass spectrometric parameter settings for quantitative analysis of additives has been achieved by a chemometric approach, using a full factorial and d‐optimal experimental designs, allowing to evaluate possible interactions between the investigated parameters. Results showed that the optimized method was characterized by improved features in terms of sensitivity respect to existing methods and was successfully applied to the analysis of a complex model food system such as chocolate put in contact with 14 polycarbonate tableware samples. A new procedure for sample pre‐treatment was carried out and validated, showing high reliability. Results reported, for the first time, the presence of several molecules migrating to chocolate, in particular belonging to plastic additives, such Cyasorb UV5411, Tinuvin 234, Uvitex OB, and oligomers, whose amount was found to be correlated to age and degree of damage of the containers.
Projected changes in mean rainfall and temperature over East Africa based on CMIP5 models
Authors: Ongoma Victor , Chen Haishan , Gao Chujie
Published: October 2017

This study presents potential future variations of mean rainfall and temperature over East Africa (EA) based on five models that participated in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) and representative concentration pathways (RCPs): 4.5 and 8.5. In this study, climate simulations of two timeframes, a baseline period (1961–1990) and projection period (2071–2100), are compared. The models reproduce EA's bimodal rainfall pattern but overestimate and underestimate seasonal rainfall of October–December (OND) and March–May (MAM), respectively. Rainfall is projected to increase under the two scenarios. Larger increases in rainfall will occur during the OND season than during the MAM season and in RCP8.5 than in RCP4.5. During the last half of the 21st century, EA is likely to warm by 1.7–2.8 and 2.2–5.4 °C under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, respectively, relative to the baseline period. Scenario uncertainty is projected to exceed model uncertainty from the middle to the end of the 21st century. The central parts of Kenya and the Lake Victoria Basin will witness the highest increases in seasonal rainfall. The probability density functions (PDFs) of future seasonal rainfall show a positive shift and a statistically insignificant increase in variance relative to the baseline. Thus, EA is likely to experience an increase in extreme rainfall events. Understanding the future climate variability in EA is important for planning purposes but these results are based on relatively course resolution models prone to bias and therefore should be used with caution. There is a need for further research on climate projections over EA, including determining the causes of the poor performance of global models in reproducing rainfall climatology and trends over the region.
Observational evidence of the combined influence of atmospheric circulations and local factors on near‐surface meteorology in Dagze Co basin, inner Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Yang Wei , Guo Xiaofeng , Wang Yongjie
Published: October 2017

Based on meteorological observations of three automatic weather stations (AWSs), spanning an altitudinal range of 1400 m from 4480 to 5880 m above sea level (m a.s.l.) during August 2015 to August 2016, this study presents a description of the spatio‐temporal characteristics of the near‐surface meteorology of the Dagze Co (lake) basin in the interior of the Tibetan Plateau. We also investigated the influence of synoptic atmospheric systems and local factors on the meteorological characteristics. We found that the onset and withdrawal of the South Asian summer monsoon triggered seasonal shift in meteorological variables including wind direction, precipitation, and relative humidity. In addition, the magnitude of various meteorological factors during the monsoonal period is clearly associated with the intensity of the South Asian summer monsoon, which subsequently controls the lake water budget of Dagze Co. Moreover, both the local topography and the existence of the lake contribute significantly to the altitudinal variation of several meteorological factors. For example, the orographic precipitation near the glaciated area at 5880 m a.s.l. was about three times greater than in the area adjacent to the lake. The dominating katabatic wind over these glaciated areas weakens the up‐valley wind and consequently wind speed tends to decrease with increasing elevation during the monsoonal season. In addition, different levels of cloudiness between the low‐altitude lake and the glaciated mountain area contribute to a 40–50% reduction in incoming short‐wave radiation receipt. Our observations will hopefully contribute to future glacio‐hydrological studies and will help to evaluate statistically/dynamically downscaled climate fields in the interior of Tibetan Plateau which contains numerous lakes and glaciers.
Morphological characterization of calanchi (badland) hillslope connectivity
Authors: Caraballo‐Arias Nathalie Almaru , Di Stefano Costanza , Ferro Vito
Published: October 2017

Calanchi, a type of Italian badlands created by a combination of water erosion processes and local geomorphological and tectonic controls, is a striking example of long‐term landscape evolution. In small temporal/spatial scales, the calanchi exhibit many of the geomorphic processes and landforms that may be observed in fluvial landscapes; hence, they may be considered as microbasins where geomorphic dynamics and landscape features can be related. The goal of this research is testing the use of simple morphometric variables for assessing sediment connectivity of calanchi landforms. In order to detect the morphological characteristics controlling the landscape connectivity of calanchi basins, 2 areas located in Sicily (Italy) were examined. The investigated features were identified on 119 calanchi basins and mapped using orthophotographs and 2‐m‐resolution digital elevation models. Application of Hack's law to the calanchi basins showed that the width/length ratio increases with the drainage area, suggesting that calanchi may have a limited connectivity of their hillslopes to the main channel. Moreover, the analysis of the drainage network composition suggested that calanchi are sediment removal systems more efficient than river basins. The empirical frequency distribution of the travel time, which is the ratio between the length and the square root of the hillslope steepness, of each cell of the calanchi digital elevation model was established. Finally, for each calanchi basin, an index of hillslope connectivity was devised. This was explored as a function of the sediment transport efficiency itself estimated by the travel time and the corresponding sediment delivery ratio of each calanco hillslope cell.
T1 mapping with the variable flip angle technique: A simple correction for insufficient spoiling of transverse magnetization
Authors: Baudrexel Simon , Nöth Ulrike , Schüre Jan‐Rüdiger , Deichmann Ralf
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The variable flip angle method derives T1 maps from radiofrequency‐spoiled gradient‐echo data sets, acquired with different flip angles α. Because the method assumes validity of the Ernst equation, insufficient spoiling of transverse magnetization yields errors in T1 estimation, depending on the chosen radiofrequency‐spoiling phase increment (Δϕ). This paper presents a versatile correction method that uses modified flip angles α' to restore the validity of the Ernst equation.

Methods

Spoiled gradient‐echo signals were simulated for three commonly used phase increments Δϕ (50°/117°/150°), different values of α, repetition time (TR), T1, and a T2 of 85 ms. For each parameter combination, α′ (for which the Ernst equation yielded the same signal) and a correction factor CΔϕ(α, TR, T1) = α′/α were determined. CΔϕ was found to be independent of T1 and fitted as polynomial CΔϕ(α, TR), allowing to calculate α′ for any protocol using this Δϕ. The accuracy of the correction method for T2 values deviating from 85 ms was also determined. The method was tested in vitro and in vivo for variable flip angle scans with different acquisition parameters.

Results

The technique considerably improved the accuracy of variable flip angle–based T1 maps in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions

The proposed method allows for a simple correction of insufficient spoiling in gradient‐echo data. The required polynomial parameters are supplied for three common Δϕ. Magn Reson Med 79:3082–3092, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Prospective comparison of acute motor axonal neuropathy and acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy in 140 children with Guillain–Barré syndrome in India
Authors: Kalita Jayantee , Kumar Mritunjai , Misra Usha K.
Published: October 2017

Introduction

There have been few reports on subtypes of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) in children. We compared clinical and laboratory findings of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) and acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN).

Methods

One hundred forty children with GBS were included. Based on nerve conduction study (NCS) findings, patients were subclassified as AIDP, AMAN, acute motor sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN), and equivocal.

Results

Clinically, 72.1% of patients had pure motor, 24.3% motor sensory, and 3.4% Miller Fisher syndrome. Based on NCS, 67.8% of patients had AIDP, 23.6% had AMAN, and 4.3% had AMSAN. By 3 months, 2.1% patients had died, 47.1% had complete recovery, and 24.3% had poor recovery (wheelchair‐bound). Children with AMAN had more frequent lower limb weakness (P = 0.02) and a lower probability of complete recovery (P = 0.01) at 3 months than children with AIDP (56% vs. 30%).

Discussion

AIDP is the most common GBS subtype in children. It is characterized by better recovery at 3 months when compared with AMAN.Muscle Nerve57: 761–765, 2018
Sonographic evaluation of the vagus nerves: Protocol, reference values, and side‐to‐side differences
Authors: Pelz Johann Otto , Belau Elena , Henn Philipp , Hammer Niels , Classen Joseph , Weise David
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Reported sonographic reference values for the vagus nerves (VNs) vary greatly. We aimed to generate reference values in a large cohort and examine intrarater, interrater, and across‐ultrasound systems agreement.

Methods

The VNs of 60 healthy subjects were examined by 2 sonographers and with 2 ultrasound systems. Cross‐sectional areas (CSAs) of each VN were assessed at the level of the carotid sinus [proximal measurement level (ML)] and thyroid gland (distal ML).

Results

Mean VN CSA was significantly larger on the right side (proximal ML: 2.7 ± 0.6 mm2 vs. 2.1 ± 0.5 mm2; distal ML: 2.6 ± 0.6 mm2 vs. 1.9 ± 0.4 mm2). VN CSA decreased with increasing age. There were good intrarater, interrater, and across‐ultrasound systems agreements.

Discussion

The right VN CSA is significantly larger than the left. These side‐ and age‐specific reference values for the VN may be useful for future studies. Muscle Nerve 57: 766–771, 2018
French translation and cross‐cultural adaptation of The Myotonic Dystrophy Health Index
Authors: Gagnon Cynthia , Tremblay Marjolaine , CôTé Isabelle , Heatwole Chad
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Validation studies of disease‐specific instruments for myotonic dystrophy type‐1 (DM1) are required prior to their global use in clinical trials involving different cultures and countries. Here we translate and culturally adapt the Myotonic Dystrophy Health Index (MDHI), a disease‐specific patient‐reported outcome (PRO) measure, for a French DM1 population.

Methods

Using the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research Task Force method for translation and adaptation of PRO questionnaires, we created a French translation of the MDHI. We subsequently tested this instrument in a cohort of French‐speaking patients with DM1.

Results

The MDHI was forward and back translated and modified by consensus to create the most compatible translation. Cognitive interviews were conducted with 5 patients with DM1 to ensure the usability and understanding of the translation.

Discussion

The French version of the MDHI is an optimal translation of the original instrument that is acceptable to native patients and ready for clinical trial use. Muscle Nerve 57: 686–689, 2018
Electrodiagnostic errors contribute to chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy misdiagnosis
Authors: Allen Jeffrey A. , Ney John , Lewis Richard A.
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Documentation of peripheral nerve demyelination is an important part of the chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) diagnostic process.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients referred with a diagnosis of CIDP who were found to have a different condition. Electrodiagnostic study data and interpretations formulated at the time of the initial diagnosis were compared to those obtained during the reevaluation.

Results

Thirty‐nine of 86 patients were found not to have CIDP. Initial electrodiagnostic data quality was generally acceptable, but initial electrodiagnostic conclusions were confirmed in only 45% of misdiagnosed studies.

Discussion

Vulnerability to interpretive errors increases when amplitude‐dependent slowing occurs with length‐dependent axonal neuropathies or motor neuron disease, amplitude‐independent slowing occurs in diabetic patients, fibular nerve to extensor digitorum brevis (EDB) muscle findings are the focal diagnostic abnormality, conduction block is absent, conduction velocity (CV) slowing is limited to compressible sites, and accurate electrodiagnostic interpretations are dismissed in favor of equivocal clinical and cerebrospinal fluid findings. Muscle Nerve 57: 542–549, 2018
Electrodiagnostic studies in the intensive care unit: A comparison study 2 decades later
Authors: Ojha Ajitesh , Zivkovic Sasha A. , Lacomis David
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Since the late 1980s, critical illness myopathy (CIM) and critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) have been increasingly recognized in the intensive care unit (ICU). We explored whether these causes of ICU weakness were now more likely to lead to electrodiagnostic studies (EDX) at our institution than they were 19–20 years earlier.

Methods

We reviewed 100 consecutive ICU patients who underwent EDX from 2009 to 2015 and compared them to a previously reported study population from 1990–1995.

Results

Thirty‐seven (39%) had CIM, CIP, or both versus 55% in the previous study (P = 0.04). Thirty‐four (36%) were diagnosed with “traditional” pre‐ICU causes of weakness, such as motor neuron disease or Guillain‐Barre syndrome, versus 29% in the earlier study (P = 0.3).

Discussion

CIM and CIP continue to be common disorders that lead to ICU EDX, but their proportion declined compared with 19–20 years earlier, possibly due to the perceived role and selective use of EDX in the ICU. Muscle Nerve 57: 772–776, 2018
Peptidergic nerve fibers in the urethra: Morphological and neurochemical characteristics in female mice of reproductive age
Authors: Barry Christine M. , Ji Esther , Sharma Harman , Yap Pauline , Spencer Nicholas J. , Matusica Dusan , Haberberger Rainer V.
Published: October 2017

Background

Peptidergic nerve fibers provide important contributions to urethral function. Urethral innervation of female mice is not well documented.

Aims

To determine the distribution and projection sites of nerve fibers immunoreactive for vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the urethra of wild‐type control mice and compare innervation characteristics between the proximal and distal urethra of young nullipara and older multipara mice. Furthermore, to identify the location and neurochemical coding of the spinal afferent nerve endings in the urethra, whose sensory neurons reside in lumbosacral dorsal root ganglia (DRG).

Methods

Multiple labeling immunohistochemistry of urethral sections of nulliparous (6‐8 weeks old), and multiparous (9‐12 months old) mice, and anterograde axonal tracing from L5‐S2 (DRG) in vivo.

Results

Abundant VIP‐, CGRP‐, SP‐, and NPY‐immunoreactive nerve fibers were identified in the adventitia, muscularis, and lamina propria of proximal and distal segments of the urethra. A proportion of fibers were closely associated with blood vessels, glands, and cells immunoreactive for PGP9.5. The epithelium contained abundant nerve fibers immunoreactive for CGRP and/or SP. Epithelial innervation was increased in the distal urethra of multipara mice. Abundant fibers were traced from L5‐S2 DRG to all urethral regions.

Conclusions

We present the first identification of spinal afferent endings in the urethra. Peptidergic nerve fibers, including multiple populations of spinal afferents, provide rich innervation of the female mouse urethra. The morphology of fibers in the epithelium and other regions suggests multiple nerve‐cell interactions impacting on urethral function.
A semidefinite program approach for computing the maximum eigenvalue of a class of structured tensors and its applications in hypergraphs and copositivity test
Authors: Chen Haibin , Chen Yannan , Li Guoyin , Qi Liqun
Published: October 2017

Finding the maximum eigenvalue of a symmetric tensor is an important topic in tensor computation and numerical multilinear algebra. In this paper, we introduce a new class of structured tensors called W‐tensors, which not only extends the well‐studied nonnegative tensors by allowing negative entries but also covers several important tensors arising naturally from spectral hypergraph theory. We then show that finding the maximum H‐eigenvalue of an even‐order symmetric W‐tensor is equivalent to solving a structured semidefinite program and hence can be validated in polynomial time. This yields a highly efficient semidefinite program algorithm for computing the maximum H‐eigenvalue of W‐tensors and is based on a new structured sums‐of‐squares decomposition result for a nonnegative polynomial induced by W‐tensors. Numerical experiments illustrate that the proposed algorithm can successfully find the maximum H‐eigenvalue of W‐tensors with dimension up to 10,000, subject to machine precision. As applications, we provide a polynomial time algorithm for computing the maximum H‐eigenvalues of large‐size Laplacian tensors of hyperstars and hypertrees, where the algorithm can be up to 13 times faster than the state‐of‐the‐art numerical method introduced by Ng, Qi, and Zhou in 2009. Finally, we also show that the proposed algorithm can be used to test the copositivity of a multivariate form associated with symmetric extended Z‐tensors, whose order may be even or odd.
Survey of data assimilation methods for convective‐scale numerical weather prediction at operational centres
Authors: Gustafsson Nils , Janjić Tijana , Schraff Christoph , Leuenberger Daniel , Weissmann Martin , Reich Hendrik , Brousseau Pierre , Montmerle Thibaut , Wattrelot Eric , Bučánek Antonín , Mile Máté , Hamdi Rafiq , Lindskog Magnus , Barkmeijer Jan , Dahlbom Mats , Macpherson Bruce , Ballard Sue , Inverarity Gordon , Carley Jacob , Alexander Curtis , Dowell David , Liu Shun , Ikuta Yasutaka , Fujita Tadashi
Published: October 2017

Data assimilation (DA) methods for convective‐scale numerical weather prediction at operational centres are surveyed. The operational methods include variational methods (3D‐Var and 4D‐Var), ensemble methods (LETKF) and hybrids between variational and ensemble methods (3DEnVar and 4DEnVar). At several operational centres, other assimilation algorithms, like latent heat nudging, are additionally applied to improve the model initial state, with emphasis on convective scales. It is demonstrated that the quality of forecasts based on initial data from convective‐scale DA is significantly better than the quality of forecasts from simple downscaling of larger‐scale initial data. However, the duration of positive impact depends on the weather situation, the size of the computational domain and the data that are assimilated. Furthermore it is shown that more advanced methods applied at convective scales provide improvements over simpler methods. This motivates continued research and development in convective‐scale DA.

Challenges in research and development for improvements of convective‐scale DA are also reviewed and discussed. The difficulty of handling the wide range of spatial and temporal scales makes development of multi‐scale assimilation methods and space–time covariance localization techniques important. Improved utilization of observations is also important. In order to extract more information from existing observing systems of convective‐scale phenomena (e.g. weather radar data and satellite image data), it is necessary to provide improved statistical descriptions of the observation errors associated with these observations.
The double sampling range chart
Authors: Costa Antonio
Published: October 2017

The R chart and the S2 chart are the usual charts for monitoring process dispersion; however, the double sampling (DS) scheme has only be used with the S2 chart. The difficulty in obtaining the properties of the DS R chart might explain the lack of papers dealing with this type of DS chart. The S2 chart has the advantage of being more efficient than the R chart, but the same is not always observed with their DS versions. Depending on the size of the 2 samples, the DS R chart performs better. The trade‐off between operational simplicity and power of detection might lead the practitioner to choose the DS R chart, even with the DS S2 chart signaling faster.
Modeling the convergence accommodation of stereo vision for binocular endoscopy
Authors: Gao Yuanqian , Li Jinhua , Li Jianmin , Wang Shuxin
Published: October 2017

Background

The stereo laparoscope is an important tool for achieving depth perception in robot‐assisted minimally invasive surgery (MIS).

Methods

A dynamic convergence accommodation algorithm is proposed to improve the viewing experience and achieve accurate depth perception. Based on the principle of the human vision system, a positional kinematic model of the binocular view system is established. The imaging plane pair is rectified to ensure that the two rectified virtual optical axes intersect at the fixation target to provide immersive depth perception.

Results

Stereo disparity was simulated with the roll and pitch movements of the binocular system. The chessboard test and the endoscopic peg transfer task were performed, and the results demonstrated the improved disparity distribution and robustness of the proposed convergence accommodation method with respect to the position of the fixation target.

Conclusions

This method offers a new solution for effective depth perception with the stereo laparoscopes used in robot‐assisted MIS.
The effect of coupling agents on the interfacial properties of wood‐fiber–reinforced polyimide composites
Authors: Ying Li , Liu Yang , Dan Hu , Di Yang
Published: October 2017

Wood‐fiber–reinforced polyimide (PI) has been widely used in many engineering fields because of its high specific strength and stiffness. However, PI does not adhere well with wood fibers because it has a low free surface energy. In addition, high viscosity in the melted phase causes poor impregnation. In this study, surface treatment methods, ie, coupling agents with plasma treatment on wood fibers, were applied to increase the interfacial strength between the wood fibers and the PI matrix. The modified wood fiber surfaces were analyzed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. To analyze the effectiveness of the surface treatment method, the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) was measured using the 3‐point bending test. From the test results, the ILSS of the specimens treated with the silane coupling agent after the plasma treatment increased by 48.7% compared with those of the untreated specimens.
Effects of lithium insertion and deinsertion into V2O5 thin films: Optical, structural, and absorption properties
Authors: Jourdani R. , Jadoual L. , Ait El Fqih M. , El Boujlaidi A. , Aouchiche H. , Kaddouri A.
Published: October 2017

The lithiated/delithiated vanadium pentoxide films deposited by sol‐gel spin coating on indium tin oxide–coated glass substrates were analyzed by sputter‐induced photon spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and optical absorption techniques. First, it is shown that the crystalline structure of V2O5 after intercalation remains practically unchanged. Particularly, in the optical spectra during 5 keV Kr+ ion bombardment of clean, intercalated, and deintercalated V2O5 films, a series of sharp lines and unexpected continuum radiation were observed and well explained. It is also demonstrated that the intercalation and deintercalation of lithium have strong influences on various characteristics of pentoxide vanadium. The interpretations of the obtained results in the 3 experiments—X‐ray diffraction, sputter‐induced photon spectroscopy, and optical absorption techniques—are coherent and complement each other.
Surface treatment of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene fibers using potassium permanganate and mechanical properties of its composites
Authors: Li Weiwei , Ma Renliang , Huang Momo , Meng Li , Pan Qiwei
Published: October 2017

Potassium permanganate was applied to improve the surface properties of the ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers. The results suggested that the surface oxygen atoms increased dramatically and the O/C ratio increased from 0.030 to 0.563 after treatment. The increased surface roughness and the O‐containing groups on the treated fiber surface decreased the contact angles with water and ethylene glycol. The crystallinity and the crystallite size of the treated fibers increased, and the DSC results indicated that chain scission and the formation of ―C═O chemical defects in the amorphous region were the main mechanisms of the deterioration of the treated UHMEPE fibers. The breaking strength and the elongation at break of the fibers decreased, but the modulus increased after treatment. The treated fibers exhibited better adhesion with epoxy matrix. An improvement of 27.6% from 101.4 to 129.4 MPa in ILSS confirmed the improvement in the interfacial adhesion strength of composites. The impact and bending strength of composites were both improved.
Rolling Temperature Tailoring of Nanocrystalline Phases and Tensile Properties of Exceptional Nanocrystalline/Microcrystalline 316L Stainless Steel
Authors: Yuan Miwen , Han Yijun , La Peiqing , Wei Fuan , Ma Fuliang
Published: October 2017

The effects of the rolling temperature on nanocrystalline phases and tensile properties of nanocrystalline/microcrystalline 316L stainless steel, that is, fabricated by the aluminothermic reaction method are investigated in this study. The rolling experiments are first performed at 1073 K with 40% and then with a 70% thickness reduction at the temperatures of 1073, 973, and 873 K. X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD) and SEM are used to analyze the evolution of the phases, and the microstructure is characterized using TEM. When the rolling temperature is 1073 K, the initial nano‐grains disappears gradually with the increasing rate of thickness reduction and are followed by the formation of the new sub‐micro grain phase. While the elongation increase to 24% monotonically, the strength of the steels initially increases and then decreases. When the rolling temperature decreases to 873 K, 316L stainless steels obtain a typical bimodal structure and achieve a super balance of high strength and considerable ductility (σ0.2 = 702 MPa, EL. = 20%). The nano‐grain fraction of approximately 50% is the optimized structure for bimodal grain size 316L stainless steel.
Co‐Precipitation Behavior of MnS and AlN in a Low‐Carbon Steel
Authors: Lückl Martin , Wojcik Tomasz , Povoden‐Karadeniz Erwin , Zamberger Sabine , Kozeschnik Ernst
Published: October 2017

In this work, the simultaneous precipitation of MnS and AlN particles in low‐carbon steel and their effect on hot ductility is investigated. On basis of a thermal treatment, which involves an intermediate cooling and reheating step, the authors show that the two compounds can precipitate in a symbiotic manner under conditions, where precipitation of isolated AlN will otherwise be suppressed. This co‐precipitation behavior is studied by transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, as well as accompanying thermokinetic simulations with the software package MatCalc. The calculated evolution of the phase fractions, mean radii as well as number densities of the two compounds shows good agreement with the experimental observations and, thereby, supports our interpretation of the MnS–AlN co‐precipitation mechanism.
Bias and estimation under misspecification of the risk period in self‐controlled case series studies
Authors: Campos Luis Fernando , Şentürk Damla , Chen Yanjun , Nguyen Danh V.
Published: October 2017

The self‐controlled case series (SCCS) method is useful for estimating the relative incidence (RI) of acute events, such as adverse events during a specified risk period following an exposure (e.g. six‐week period after vaccinations or 30‐day period after infection‐related hospitalizations). In practice, the “optimal” risk period is unknown and must be specified. To date, two approaches are available to guide the specification of the risk period. Both methods do not fully utilize the nature of the bias due to misspecification, which to date has not been characterized. Thus, we elucidate the bias of SCCS estimate of the RI when the risk period is misspecified. We then propose a novel method that more effectively estimates the optimal risk period and the associated RI of adverse events. The new method incorporates information on the functional form of the bias. Efficacy of the proposed approach is illustrated with substantial reduction in bias and variance in simulation studies. The proposed method is illustrated with two SCCS studies to determine the (1) risk of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura after measles–mumps–rubella vaccination in children and (2) risk of cardiovascular events after infection‐related hospitalizations in older patients on dialysis. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of Nanocrystalline Gd2O2NCN from a Versatile Single‐source Precursor
Authors: Ionescu Emanuel , Li Wenjie , Wiehl Leonore , Mera Gabriela , Riedel Ralf
Published: October 2017

Nanocrystalline Gd2O2NCN (P3m1, crystallite size 30–40 nm) was synthesized upon ammonolysis of bis[[(N‐carboxymethyl,N‐carboxy‐κO‐methyl)amino‐κN]‐ethyl]‐glycinato(3‐)‐κN,κO]gadolinium(III) (diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid gadolinium(III) dihydrogen salt or gadopentetic acid, Gd‐H2DTPA hereafter) at 900 °C. The conversion of Gd‐H2DTPA into Gd2O2NCN takes place in several steps, probably via transient formation of iminodiacetate‐, glycinate‐, and carbamate‐containing complexes of Gd. Thermal treatment in air of Gd‐H2DTPA at 750 and 1300 °C delivers nanocrystalline bixbyite‐type Gd2O3 (Ia3, crystallite size 30–70 nm); in an argon or nitrogen atmosphere the formation of monoclinic Gd2O3 (C2/m) was observed at 1300 °C. The synthesized Gd2O2NCN converts upon thermal treatment in air, nitrogen, or argon atmosphere into monoclinic Gd2O3 (C2/m). In ammonia atmosphere, Gd2O2NCN seems to be stable against decomposition, even upon prolonged exposure to 1000 °C. This study indicates that Gd‐H2DTPA may be a robust, low‐cost, and flexible precursor for nanoscaled Gd‐based nanopowders. Moreover, precursor approaches based on metal complexes using H5DTPA as a ligand are suggested as promising access pathways towards nanocrystalline materials in the M/O/C/N system.
International Scholarship Programs of the American College of Surgeons: Expansion of the Global Surgical Network
Authors: Nigri Giuseppe , Early Kate , Tsoulfas George , Ferreres Alberto , Ferrone Cristina R. , Schulick Richard , Al‐Refaie Waddah B. , Turner Patricia L. , Velmahos George
Published: October 2017

Background

The American College of Surgeons has always promoted education and collaborations with other countries and their scientific organizations. The International Guest Scholarship program was established in 1968 to support the travel of foreign surgeons to medical Institutions in the USA and Canada. The program has grown substantially over time and now includes different categories of scholarships and surgeons. The objective of this article is to describe the experiences gained by the international scholars who visited US and Canadian institutions through these ACS programs.

Study design

In order to collect information regarding these scholarships from the surgeons who have already participated in the program, an Internet‐based survey was e‐mailed to alumni. The surveys were constructed to gather career information on former scholars and to analyze the perceived impact of these programs on their careers.

Results

Among the international scholarships alumni, most are now Fellows of the American College of Surgeons. The majority of respondents maintained contact with their host surgeons in the USA or Canada; they began or continued research, surgical education and surgical quality improvement initiatives in their country of origin based upon their experiences as international scholars. Most of the alumni reported that the experience they had during the scholarship was inspiring, opened their minds and broadened their horizons.

Conclusions

The overall effect of ACS international scholarship program should be considered as positive, as 80–90% of respondent alumni consider their experience very helpful and feel that it provided them with opportunities that would not have been possible without it. It is incumbent upon the ACS to continue along this path by identifying funding and donation sources, as well as enriching the content and goals.
Projecting the Supply and Demand for Certified Genetic Counselors: a Workforce Study
Authors: Hoskovec Jennifer M. , Bennett R. L. , Carey M. E. , DaVanzo J. E. , Dougherty M. , Hahn S. E. , LeRoy B. S. , O'Neal S. , Richardson J. G. , Wicklund C. A.
Published: October 2017

As of May 2017, there were 4242 Certified Genetic Counselors (CGC) (American Board of Genetic Counseling, Inc. 2017) and 41 graduate‐level genetic counseling training programs (Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling 2017) in North America, and the demand for CGCs continues to increase. In the Fall of 2015 the Genetic Counselor Workforce Working Group, comprised of representatives from the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC), the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC), the Association of Genetic Counseling Program Directors (AGCPD), the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG), and the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) commissioned a formal workforce study to project supply of and demand for CGCs through 2026. The data indicate a shortage of genetic counselors engaged in direct patient care. Assuming two scenarios for demand, supply is expected to reach equilibrium between 2024 and 2030. However, given the rate of growth in genetic counseling training programs in the six months since the study was completed, it is reasonable to expect that the number of new programs may be higher than anticipated by 2026. If true, and assuming that growth in programs is matched by equivalent growth in clinical training slots, the supply of CGCs in direct patient care would meet demand earlier than these models predict.