bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aspirin inhibits cancer stem cells properties and growth of glioblastoma multiforme through Rb1 pathway modulation
Authors: Pozzoli Giacomo , Marei Hany E. , Althani Asma , Boninsegna Alma , Casalbore Patrizia , Marlier Lionel N. J. L. , Lanzilli Giulia , Zonfrillo Manuela , Petrucci Giovanna , Rocca Bianca , Navarra Pierluigi , Sgambato Alessandro , Cenciarelli Carlo
Published: January 2019

Several clinical studies indicated that the daily use of aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid reduces the cancer risk via cyclooxygenases (Cox‐1 and Cox‐2) inhibition. In addition, aspirin‐induced Cox‐dependent and ‐independent antitumor effects have also been described. Here we report, for the first time, that aspirin treatment of human glioblastoma cancer (GBM) stem cells, a small population responsible for tumor progression and recurrence, is associated with reduced cell proliferation and motility. Aspirin did not interfere with cell viability but induced cell‐cycle arrest. Exogenous prostaglandin E2 significantly increased cell proliferation but did not abrogate the aspirin‐mediated growth inhibition, suggesting a Cox‐independent mechanism. These effects appear to be mediated by the increase of p21
waf1 and p27
Kip1, associated with a reduction of Cyclin D1 and Rb1 protein phosphorylation, and involve the downregulation of key molecules responsible for tumor development, that is, Notch1, Sox2, Stat3, and Survivin. Our results support a possible role of aspirin as adjunctive therapy in the clinical management of GBM patients.
A Phase 1 Randomized Study of Single Intravenous Infusions of the Novel Nitroxyl Donor BMS‐986231 in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Cowart Douglas , Venuti Robert P. , Lynch Kim , Guptill Jeffrey T. , Noveck Robert J. , Foo Shi Yin
Published: January 2019

Nitroxyl (HNO) is a reactive nitrogen molecule that has potential therapeutic benefits for patients with acute heart failure. The results of the first‐in‐human study for BMS‐986231, a novel HNO donor, are reported. The aim of this sequential cohort study was to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic profile of BMS‐986231 after 24‐ and 48‐hour intravenous infusions in healthy volunteers. Eighty subjects were randomized and dosed. Seven cohorts (stratum A) received BMS‐986231 0.1, 0.33, 1, 3, 5, 10, and 15 μg/kg/min or placebo, infused over 24 hours. An additional cohort (stratum B) received 10 μg/kg/min or placebo, infused over 48 hours. Adverse events (AEs) were reported for 30 days after completion of infusion. Blood/urine samples were collected at regular intervals; other parameters (blood pressure, heart rate/rhythm, cardiac index) were also assessed. Headaches were the most commonly reported drug‐related AE (48%) in those who received BMS‐986231, although their severity was reduced by hydration. No other significant drug‐related AEs were noted. BMS‐986231 was associated with dose‐dependent and well‐tolerated reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure versus baseline; cardiac index, as measured noninvasively, was increased. BMS‐986231 had no clinically significant effect on heart rate/rhythm or laboratory parameters. Its mean elimination half‐life was 0.7‐2.5 hours. BMS‐986231 was safe and well‐tolerated for up to 24 hours (15 μg/kg/min) or 48 hours (10 μg/kg/min), with a favorable hemodynamic profile observed. Ongoing studies continue to evaluate the potential benefit of BMS‐986231 in patients with acute heart failure.
Fecograph: A graphical representation of daily stool forms to subtype irritable bowel syndrome in office practice
Authors: Shah Chirag , Grover Anumeet S , Dhore Prashant , Shukla Akash , Abraham Philip , Bhatia Shobna J
Published: January 2019

Background and Aim

Interpreting stool form diaries for subtyping patients with the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is cumbersome; a picture showing a trend would be easier to interpret.

Methods

Fifty‐one consecutive adults with IBS (median age 35.5 years; 47 men), diagnosed using the Rome III criteria, were given a picture of the Bristol stool form scale (BSFS) and asked to record their stool frequency and form for 7 days. The numbers were plotted by a technician as dots on a chart. On the y axis, BSFS category 4 was marked as 0, harder stools as +1 to +3, and softer stools as −1 to −3; each bowel movement was represented on the x axis. A line graph was plotted by connecting the dots. Each “fecograph” was then given for visual interpretation to three gastroenterologists (observers). When most readings appeared to be 0, +1, or −1, it was to be reported as normal; most above +1 as IBS‐constipation (IBS‐C); most below −1 as IBS‐diarrhea (IBS‐D); and readings crossing 1 on either side as IBS‐mixed (IBS‐M). If no clear trend was noted, it was IBS‐unclassified (IBS‐U). Each observer reported all graphs in different orders twice, at 1‐month intervals; thus, 306 reports were available. Interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated.

Results

Eighteen patients had IBS‐C, 13 IBS‐D, 4 IBS‐M, and 16 IBS‐U. The 51 fecographs were reported in mean 20 min 36 s. ICC for intra‐ and interobserver reliability was 0.62 (0.50–0.73).

Conclusion

The fecograph is a reliable and easy‐to‐use tool to subtype patients with IBS.
On the clique number of the square of a line graph and its relation to maximum degree of the line graph
Authors: Faron Maxime , Postle Luke
Published: January 2019

In 1985, Erdős and Nešetřil conjectured that the square of the line graph of a graph , that is, , can be colored with colors. This conjecture implies the weaker conjecture that the clique number of such a graph, that is, , is at most . In 2015, Śleszyńska‐Nowak proved that . In this paper, we prove that . This theorem follows from our stronger result that where .
Pilot study on longitudinal change in pancreatic proton density fat fraction during a weight‐loss surgery program in adults with obesity
Authors: Covarrubias Yesenia , Fowler Kathryn J. , Mamidipalli Adrija , Hamilton Gavin , Wolfson Tanya , Leinhard Olof Dahlqvist , Jacobsen Garth , Horgan Santiago , Schwimmer Jeffrey B. , Reeder Scott B. , Sirlin Claude B.
Published: January 2019

Background

Quantitative‐chemical‐shift‐encoded (CSE)‐MRI methods have been applied to the liver. The feasibility and potential utility CSE‐MRI in monitoring changes in pancreatic proton density fat fraction (PDFF) have not yet been demonstrated.

Purpose

To use quantitative CSE‐MRI to estimate pancreatic fat changes during a weight‐loss program in adults with severe obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). To explore the relationship of reduction in pancreatic PDFF with reductions in anthropometric indices.

Study Type

Prospective/longitudinal.

Population

Nine adults with severe obesity and NAFLD enrolled in a weight‐loss program.

Field Strength/Sequence

CSE‐MRI fat quantification techniques and multistation‐volumetric fat/water separation techniques were performed at 3 T.

Assessment

PDFF values were recorded from parametric maps colocalized across timepoints.

Statistical Tests

Rates of change of log‐transformed variables across time were determined (linear‐regression), and their significance assessed compared with no change (Wilcoxon test). Rates of change were correlated pairwise (Spearman's correlation).

Results

Mean pancreatic PDFF decreased by 5.7% (range 0.7–17.7%) from 14.3 to 8.6%, hepatic PDFF by 11.4% (2.6–22.0%) from 14.8 to 3.4%, weight by 30.9 kg (17.3–64.2 kg) from 119.0 to 88.1 kg, body mass index by 11.0 kg/m2 (6.3–19.1 kg/m2) from 44.1 to 32.9 kg/m2, waist circumference (WC) by 25.2 cm (4.0–41.0 cm) from 133.1 to 107.9 cm, HC by 23.5 cm (4.5–47.0 cm) from 135.8 to 112.3 cm, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) by 2.9 L (1.7–5.7 L) from 7.1 to 4.2 L, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SCAT) by 4.0 L (2.9–7.4 L) from 15.0 to 11.0 L. Log‐transformed rate of change for pancreatic PDFF was moderately correlated with log‐transformed rates for hepatic PDFF, VAT, SCAT, and WC (ρ = 0.5, 0.47, 0.45, and 0.48, respectively), although not statistically significant.

Data Conclusion

Changes in pancreatic PDFF can be estimated by quantitative CSE‐MRI in adults undergoing a weight‐loss surgery program. Pancreatic and hepatic PDFF and anthropometric indices decreased significantly.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy Stage: 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1092–1102.
Transition zone prostate cancer: Logistic regression and machine‐learning models of quantitative ADC, shape and texture features are highly accurate for diagnosis
Authors: Wu Mark , Krishna Satheesh , Thornhill Rebecca E. , Flood Trevor A. , McInnes Matthew D.F. , Schieda Nicola
Published: January 2019

Background

The limitation of diagnosis of transition zone (TZ) prostate cancer (PCa) using subjective assessment of multiparametric (mp) MRI with PI‐RADS v2 is related to overlapping features between cancers and stromal benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) nodules, particularly in small lesions.

Purpose

To evaluate modeling of quantitative apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), texture, and shape features using logistic regression (LR) and support vector machine (SVM) models for the diagnosis of transition zone PCa.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Ninety patients; 44 consecutive TZ PCa were compared with 61 consecutive BPH nodules (26 glandular/35 stromal).

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T/T2‐weighted (T2W) fast spin‐echo, diffusion weighted imaging.

Assessment

A radiologist manually segmented lesions on axial images for quantitative ADC (mean, 10th, 25th‐centile‐ADC), T2W‐shape (circularity, convexity) and T2W‐texture (kurtosis, skewness, entropy, run‐length nonuniformity [RLNU], gray‐level nonuniformity [GLNU]) analysis. A second radiologist segmented one‐fifth of randomly selected lesions to determine the reproducibility of measurements. The reference standard was histopathology for all lesions.

Statistical Tests

Quantitative features were selected a priori and were compared using univariate and multivariate analysis. LR and SVM models of statistically significant features were constructed and evaluated using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis. Subgroup analysis of TZ PCa vs. only stromal BPH and in lesions measuring <15 mm was performed. Agreement in measurements was assessed using the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC).

Results

Mean, 25th and 10th‐centile ADC, circularity, and texture (entropy, RLNU, GLNU) features differed between groups (P < 0.0001–0.0058); however, at multivariate analysis only circularity and ADC metrics (P < 0.001) remained significant. LR and SVM models were highly accurate for the diagnosis of TZ PCa (sensitivity/specificity/AUC): 93.2%/98.4%/0.989 and 93.2%/96.7%/0.949, respectively, with no significance difference between the LR and SVM models (P = 0.2271). Reproducibility of segmentation was excellent (DSC 0.84 tumors and 0.87 BPH). Subgroup analyses of TZ PCa vs. stromal BPH (AUC = 0.976) and in <15 mm lesions (AUC = 0.990) remained highly accurate.

Data Conclusion

LR and SVM models incorporating previously described quantitative ADC, shape and texture analysis features are highly accurate for the diagnosis of TZ PCa and remained accurate when comparing TZ PCa with stromal BPH and in smaller lesions.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:940–950.
Feasibility of a novel mapping system combined with remote magnetic navigation for catheter ablation of premature ventricular contractions
Authors: Dang Shipeng , Jons Christian , Jacobsen Peter Karl , Pehrson Steen , Chen Xu
Published: January 2019

Background

Remote magnetic navigation (RMN) is often used in combination with a 3‐dimensional mapping system to perform catheter ablations. This study aim to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of a novel 3D‐mapping system, EnSite Precision, combined with RMN for catheter ablation of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), and compared it to the procedures performed by CARTO3 with RMN.

Methods

Forty‐three consecutive PVC patients were either ablated with the guidance of EnSite Precision (n = 22) or CARTO (n = 21) navigated by RMN. Procedure‐related details, acute and long‐term success were assessed.

Results

Patient characteristics between both the groups were similar (age: 47.1 ± 19.8 vs 47.1 ± 12.7, female: 63.6% vs 57.1%). No significant difference was found in the procedure time (99.5 ± 30.4 vs 92.9 ± 24.8 min, P = 0.436), mapping time (18.6 ± 12.8 vs 15.5 ± 10.2 min, P = 0.390), radiofrequency ablation time (333.4 ± 267.0 vs 469.3 ± 343.1 s, P = 0.154), fluoroscopy time (4.0 ± 1.9 vs 3.8 ± 2.0 min, P = 0.635), and X‐ray dose (1.8 ± 1.4 vs 2.0 ± 1.2 Gycm2, P = 0.649) between the two groups. No significant procedural complication occurred in either group. In addition, there was no significant differences regarding the acute success rate (90.9% vs 90.5%, P = 0.961) and long‐term success rate (86.4% vs 81.0%, P = 0.631) after 16.2 ± 6.2 months of follow‐up between the two groups.

Conclusions

RMN combined with EnSite Precision mapping system is effective and safe for catheter ablation of PVCs.
Are men better negotiators everywhere? A meta‐analysis of how gender differences in negotiation performance vary across cultures
Authors: Shan Wen , Keller Joshua , Joseph Damien
Published: January 2019

Prior research has found that each culture and gender influences negotiation strategies and outcomes, but less is known about their interplay. We integrate these two research streams by providing a meta‐analytic review of the interactive impact of gender and culture on negotiation performance. We reviewed 185 studies that reported gender differences in intracultural negotiation performance across 30 societies that varied across seven cultural dimensions. Results showed that Hofstede's individualism–collectivism, GLOBE's in‐group collectivism and assertiveness practices, and Schwartz's harmony moderated the gender effect on negotiation performance. We found that in cultures lower in individualism, higher in in‐group collectivism practices, lower in assertiveness practices, and higher in harmony, women more likely outperformed men in negotiations. Implications for the role of gender and culture in negotiations and organizations more broadly are discussed.
Effect of guided bone regeneration on immediately placed implants: Meta‐analyses with at least 12 months follow‐up after functional loading
Authors: Kinaia Bassam M. , Kazerani Shahrdad , Korkis Samuel , Masabni Omar Mario , Shah Maanas , Neely Anthony L.
Published: January 2019

Background

Immediate implant placement (IIP) into fresh extraction socket is a favorable treatment option. If successfully managed, it reduces the overall treatment time, and increases patient's satisfaction. Surgical and restorative factors affect IIP success rates. In this systematic review we evaluate the effect of guided bone regeneration (GBR) at the time of IIP on crestal bone level (CBL) changes after at least 12‐months of functional loading.

Methods

Reviewers conducted an independent search of the National Center for Biotechnology Information PubMed, Medline, and the Cochrane Collaboration Library from 1966 to January 2017 following the inclusion criteria. A hand search of bibliographies of reviews and clinical trials related to IIP was also performed. This study looked into CBL changes around IIP primarily and further extracted the data to conduct three meta‐analysis of “IIP using GBR versus IIP without GBR”, “IIP using bone graft alone versus IIP using bone graft with membrane” and “IIP using GBR versus conventional implant placement” which were further subdivided to provide more detailed information for each. Four reviewers independently assessed the study data and methodologic quality using data extraction and assessment forms.

Results

The electronic search identified 714 potential studies and the hand search retrieved 55 studies. Crestal bone level (CBL) changes were determined in three meta‐analyses. The results revealed a mean difference in CBL changes of 0.175 ± 0.180 mm  in favor of IIP without GBR when compared with implant with GBR. However, IIP with bone graft and membrane showed better results when compared with IIP with bone graft alone [CBL changes of 0.532 ± 0.572 mm]. CBL preservation was noted in IIP with GBR versus conventional implant placement [CBL changes of – 0.001 ± 0.049 mm].

Conclusions

Meta‐analyses showed minimal difference in CBL around IIP with bone graft versus without bone graft and with IIP with GBR compared with conventional implant placement. However, IIP with bone graft and membrane reported better CBL preservation compared with IIP with bone graft alone. Nonetheless, these results should be interpreted with caution because of moderate heterogeneity between studies.
Information integration of force sensing and machine vision for in‐shell shrivelled walnut detection based on the golden‐section search optimal discrimination threshold
Authors: Zhai Zhiqiang , Jin Zuohui , Zhang Ruoyu
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

The shrivelled defect of walnuts has a serious effect on walnut quality and is a common internal defect of in‐shell walnuts. However, only depending on a single detection technique such as machine vision to detect in‐shell shrivelled walnuts is challenging. Meanwhile, the threshold has a great impact on the accuracy of the discrimination analysis. Therefore, the golden‐section was used to search the optimal discrimination threshold and the information integration of force sensing and machine vision was used to identify the shrivelled walnut and the sound walnut.

RESULTS

A discrimination model for in‐shell shrivelled walnut based on information integration of force sensing and machine vision was built. The optimal threshold was determined as 0.3464 by the golden‐section method, and the optimal threshold was used to discriminate the in‐shell shrivelled walnut and the sound walnut. The discriminant accuracy of in‐shell shrivelled and sound walnuts were 96.97% and 85.29%, respectively, and the total discriminant accuracy reached 93.00% based on the discrimination model.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated the information integration of force sensing and machine vision based on the golden‐section search optimal discrimination threshold is a potential method to discriminate shrivelled walnuts and sound walnuts, which also makes a basis for on‐line detection of in‐shell shrivelled walnut. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of estrone and 17α‐ethinylestradiol in digested sludge by ultrasonic liquid extraction and high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection
Authors: Louros Vitória L. , Lima Diana L.D. , Leitão Jorge H. , Esteves Valdemar I. , Nadais Helena G.
Published: January 2019

Estrone, 17β‐estradiol and 17α‐ethinylestradiol are increasingly recognised as important micropollutants to be monitored in wastewater treatment plants. These estrogens are retained onto sludge due to their high adsorption and since they are largely used in land applications, the monitoring of these chemicals in sludge samples is of great importance. This study describes a method for the determination of estrone and 17α‐ethinylestradiol in fresh sludge samples. After spiking fresh digested sludge with estrone and 17α‐ethinylestradiol and maintaining in contact during 5, 30 and 60 min, the freeze‐dried samples were subjected to ultrasonic liquid extraction, with methanol and acetone, and analysed by high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The average recoveries obtained for estrone and 17α‐ethinylestradiol using the different contact times were 103 ± 3 and 97 ± 4%, respectively. Fresh sludge samples from one waste water treatment plant located in Portugal were analysed and estrone was detected in primary fresh sludge, anaerobic digested sludge and dehydrated sludge at a concentration in the range of 1–4.8 μg/g. The method here developed does not require any sample clean‐up, being fast and simple, reliable and inexpensive, making possible its application for monitoring the contamination of sludge with these estrogens.
Investigation of dynamic accumulation and regularity of nine glycosides and saccharides in Rehmannia glutinosa by rapid quantitative analysis technology
Authors: Xu Zhuo , Dai Xinxin , Su Shulan , Yan Hui , Guo Sheng , Qian Dawei , Duan Jin‐ao
Published: January 2019

In the process of planting and harvesting of Rehmannia glutinosa, only the underground part is used, and a large number of stems and leaves that are considered non‐medicinal parts are usually discarded. Recent studies have shown that the chemical components in the leaves are similar to those identified in the roots. In this study, we selected leaves and roots from Rehmannia glutinosa at different growth stages and leaves from different cultivation regions to investigate the dynamic accumulation of three kinds of glycosides (catalpol, acteoside, and ajugol), six kinds of carbohydrates (rhamnose, fructose, sucrose, melibiose, stachyose, and verbascose), and acidic and neutral polysaccharides via rapid quantitative analysis technology, including ultra high performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry, high‐performance liquid chromatography, and UV spectroscopy. The results showed that the Rehmannia glutinosa leaves also contained higher content of catalpol (3.81∼24.51 mg/g), ajugol (0.55∼10.23 mg/g), acteoside (1.34∼21.16 mg/g), monosaccharide/ oligosaccharides (7.71∼120.73 mg/g), and polysaccharides (5.63∼15.57%). In this study, we developed a new rapid and simple method for determination to clarify the distribution and dynamic accumulation of nine glycosides and saccharides in Rehmannia glutinosa leaves to provide a scientific basis for the discovery, development, and utilization of the resource value of Rehmannia glutinosa leaves.
Pulmonary Capillary Hemorrhage Induced by Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Shear Wave Elastography in Ventilated Rats
Authors: Miller Douglas L. , Dong Zhihong , Dou Chunyan , Patterson Brandon , Raghavendran Krishnan
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Diagnostic ultrasound (DUS) imaging can induce pulmonary capillary hemorrhage (PCH), possibly related to the ultrasonic radiation surface pressure arising from reflection at the lung blood‐air interfaces. Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography is a relatively new DUS mode with high‐energy “push pulses” used to move tissue and generate shear waves. The objective of this study was to characterize PCH induced by the ARFI elastographic mode for comparison with other previously tested DUS modes.

Methods

Pulmonary capillary hemorrhage induction was examined for ARFI elastographic frames with 5.7‐MHz push pulses (Acuson S3000; Siemens Medical Solutions, Mountain View, CA), which had a derated PRPA of 2.6 MPa. Groups of rats with tracheal tube placement had no ventilation (spontaneous breathing), intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV), or IPPV plus 8 cm H2O of positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP). Exposure was to 1 or 20 manually triggered image frame acquisitions. The PCH area was measured on the lung surface.

Results

All 20‐frame exposure groups, and even the single‐frame group, had significant PCH relative to shams. Single‐frame exposures produced significantly less PCH (P = .002) than 20‐frame exposures in rats with a tracheal tube only (spontaneous breathing). The PEEP inhibited the PCH and produced about half of the PCH area induced for IPPV without PEEP (P = .014).

Conclusions

The PCH results were comparable with those from a previous study using B‐mode or color Doppler exposure for 5 minutes; however, these modes delivered many more pulses for continuous imaging frames, suggesting that the ARFI elastographic frames were individually much more effective.
Changing Ischemic Lesion Patterns and Hemodynamics of the Posterior Cerebral Artery in Moyamoya Disease
Authors: Wang Jing‐Zhe , He Wen , Zhang Dong , Yu Le‐Bao , Zhao Ya‐Hui , Cai Jin‐Xiu
Published: January 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine how hemodynamics of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) are associated with cerebral ischemic lesions in moyamoya disease (MMD).

Methods

Thirty‐six patients with ischemic MMD (Suzuki grade IV–V) were retrospectively analyzed. Hemodynamic parameters of the PCA were measured by transcranial color‐coded sonography. We classified the range of ischemic lesions into 3 grades and perfusion levels into 3 grades according to computed tomography (CT) results. PCA steno‐occlusion and leptomeningeal collaterals were confirmed by digital subtraction angiography. Ultrasonographic parameters in the PCA were compared with these radiographic findings.

Results

The velocity in the involved PCA (mean flow velocity [MFV] median, 42.00 [range, 34.50–58.00] cm/s) was significantly lower than that in the normal PCA (MFV median, 95.00 [range, 76.50–119.50] cm/s) (P < .001). The velocity in the PCA increased significantly as the leptomeningeal collateral stage advanced (MFV stage 1: median, 38.50 [range, 29.75–63.50] cm/s; stage 2: median, 55.00 [range, 44.00–96.00] cm/s; stage 3: median, 94.00 [range, 54.00–118.25] cm/s; stage 4: median, 85.50 [range, 70.50–117.75] cm/s, respectively) (P < .05). Decreased PCA velocities were associated with a larger ischemic area on CT (P ≤ .001). PCA velocity had no correlation with CT perfusion level of the temporal and frontal lobes. PCA velocity had significant correlations with perfusion level in the occipital (P < .001) and parietal lobes (P < .05).

Conclusions

Our results suggest ischemic lesion patterns (as demonstrated on CT imaging) are associated with PCA velocity measurements in the advanced stage of MMD. Thus, monitoring PCA velocity in patients with advanced MMD may provide additional information to assist in managing these patients.
Survival impact of treatment‐related time intervals in nasopharyngeal carcinoma in the United States
Authors: Tham Tristan , Ahn Seungjun , Teckie Sewit , Roche Ansley , Frank Douglas , Kraus Dennis , Costantino Peter
Published: January 2019

Objective

To determine if delayed or prolonged treatment‐related time intervals (TRTIs) was associated with survival in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) undergoing curative‐intent concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT). The TRTIs investigated were duration of radiation treatment (RTd), time to radiation start (TTR), and time to chemotherapy start (TTC).

Methods

Observational cohort study using the National Cancer Database (NCDB). In this observational cohort study, 3,893 eligible patients with NPC were identified from the NCDB. Patients received CCRT of at least 66 grays and radiation treatment time of at least 40 days. Separate univariable Cox regression model was used to analyze overall survival (OS) as a function of TRTIs, as well as for Charlson/Deyo Score, tumor classification, node classification, histological type, ethnicity, age, sex, and facility type. Upon finding significance at P < 0.05, the multivariable Cox regression analysis with backward elimination was performed to yield the final prediction model. Results were considered statistically significant when P < 0.05.

Results

Radiation treatment was significantly associated with OS in the univariable analysis (hazard ratio: 1.006, 95% confidence interval = 1.004–1.008, P < 0.001). However, RTd was not related to OS in the multivariable analysis (P = 0.19). The TTR and TTC variables were not associated with OS in the univariable analysis (P = 0.88 and P = 0.88, respectively).

Conclusion

TRTIs were not independently associated with OS in this cohort of NPC patients in the NCDB. Future research into the association of TRTI with other disease outcomes, such as disease‐free survival and locoregional control, is needed.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 129:2514–2520, 2019
A laryngeal closure technique for the treatment of patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Furukawa Tatsuya , Komatsu Hirokazu , Fujio Hisami , Kojima Yasutaka , Morita Naruhiko , Teshima Masanori , Shinomiya Hirotaka , Morimoto Koichi , Otsuki Naoki , Kano Makoto , Nibu Ken‐ichi
Published: January 2019

Background

In 2008, Kano developed a new laryngeal closure technique (Kano's method) for the treatment of severe aspiration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique in patients with head and neck cancer.

Methods

Since June 2014 until March 2018, six patients underwent Kano's method for management of severe aspiration after the treatment of head and neck cancers. The anterior parts of the thyroid and the cricoid cartilages were excised widely. The glottis was closed by suturing bilateral vocal folds and reinforced by the sternohyoid muscle. A tracheostoma was created with skin flaps, subglottic mucosal flaps, and stumps of cricoid and trachea cartilages.

Results

No severe complications were observed after the surgery. Oral intake improved without developing aspiration.

Conclusions

Kano's method can provide satisfactory functional results with minimal invasion for treating severe aspiration after advanced surgery, chemotherapy, and/or chemoradiotherapy, in patients with head and neck cancer.

Level of Evidence

4
Organic matter quantity and quality across salinity gradients in conduit‐ vs. diffuse flow‐dominated subterranean estuaries
Authors: Pain Andrea J. , Martin Jonathan B. , Young Caitlin R. , Huang Laibin , Valle‐Levinson Arnoldo
Published: January 2019

Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is a source of water and bioreactive solutes to coastal zones but may be modified by organic matter (OM) remineralization dynamics within subterranean estuaries (STEs). We hypothesize that bioreactive solute fluxes should depend on water residence time in STEs, but links between OM transformations and residence time in STEs are poorly characterized. To test this hypothesis, we compare dissolved OM (DOM) quantity and quality in two hydrologically distinct STE systems: a reef lagoon on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, where semidiurnal mixing in submarine springs of a carbonate karst aquifer results in short residence times, and a barrier lagoon on the east coast of Florida, where slow flow through siliciclastic sediments results in long residence times. We measured dissolved organic carbon concentrations and characterized colored DOM (CDOM) with ultraviolet spectroscopy and fluorescence combined with Parallel Factor Analysis. Both sites exhibit similar shifts in OM quality with salinity and reflect a marine source of labile OM to the STEs. Nonconservative mixing and CDOM production occurs at all sites but the long water residence times in the siliciclastic STEs cause orders of magnitude greater production than the carbonate STE. Consistent CDOM production across sites with disparate characteristics indicates that STEs are common sources of CDOM to surface water. However, observed variation in the magnitudes of CDOM production indicates that estimating global, and even regional, solute fluxes associated with SGD will be complicated by hydrologic control on extents of OM remineralization.
Noncontiguous finished genome sequence and description of Raoultibacter massiliensis gen. nov., sp. nov. and Raoultibacter timonensis sp. nov, two new bacterial species isolated from the human gut
Authors: Traore Sory Ibrahima , Bilen Melhem , Beye Mamadou , Diop Awa , Mbogning Fonkou Maxime Descartes , Tall Mamadou Lamine , Michelle Caroline , Yasir Muhammad , Ibraheem Azhar Esam , Bibi Fehmida , Bittar Fadi , Jiman‐Fatani Asif Ahmad , Daoud Ziad , Cadoret Fréderic , Fournier Pierre‐Edouard , Edouard Sophie
Published: January 2019

As part of the culturomics project aiming at describing the human microbiota, we report in this study the description of the new bacterial genus Raoultibacter gen. nov. that includes two new species, that is, R. massiliensis sp. nov. and R. timonensis sp. nov. The R. massiliensis type strain Marseille‐P2849T was isolated from the fecal specimen of a healthy 19‐year‐old Saudi Bedouin, while R. timonensis type strain Marseille‐P3277T was isolated from the feces of an 11‐year‐old pygmy female living in Congo. Strain Marseille‐P2849T exhibited 91.4% 16S rRNA sequence similarity with Gordonibacter urolithinfaciens, its phylogenetic closest neighbor with standing in nomenclature. As well, strain Marseille‐P3277T exhibited 97.96% 16S rRNA similarity with strain Marseille‐P2849T. Both strains were Gram‐positive, motile, nonspore‐forming rod and form transparent microcolonies on blood agar in both anaerobic and microaerophilic atmospheres. The genome sizes of strain Marseille‐P2849T and strain Marseille‐P3277T were 3,657,161 bp and 4,000,215 bp, respectively. Using a taxono‐genomic approach combining the phenotypic, biochemical, and genomic characteristics, we propose the genus Raoultibacter gen. nov., which contains strains Marseille‐P2849T (= CSUR P2849T, = DSM 103407T) and Marseille‐P3277T (=CCUG 70680T, =CSUR P3277T) as type strains of the species R. massiliensis sp. nov., and R. timonensis sp. nov., respectively.
Performance improved tunable millimeter‐wave signal generation employing UFBG based AOTF with bit walk‐off effect compensation
Authors: Arya Raju , Zacharias Joseph
Published: January 2019

A scheme for the generation of mm‐wave signals at different frequencies with improved performance is proposed and demonstrated by employing a uniform fiber Bragg grating based acousto‐optic tunable filter (UFBG‐AOTF). The different frequencies carry different information at a required data rate according to their application. This method reduces the complexity of the system by alleviating the cascaded Mach‐Zehnder modulators (MZM) and a good transmission performance can be achieved by the FBG. In the previous system, the distance of transmission is reduced to 15 km due to bit walk‐off effect and it also reduces the BER values at larger distances. In the proposed system, the bit walk‐off effect is discussed and compensated to increase the transmission distance up to 60 km. The simulation results along with clear eye‐diagrams show that the BER values are improved at larger distances than the previous system which proves the performance improvement of the proposed system.
Stabilized multiphysics finite element method with Crank–Nicolson scheme for a poroelasticity model
Authors: Ge Zhihao , He Yanan , Li Tingting
Published: January 2019

In the paper, we propose a stabilized multiphysics finite element method with Crank–Nicolson scheme for a poroelasticity model. The method can eliminate the locking phenomenon and reveal the multi‐physical process. The lowest equal order finite element pair is used to reduce the computational cost. Furthermore, the method needs no constraint condition Δt = O(h2) and achieves optimal convergent order. Numerical tests are provided to illustrate the optimal accuracy and good performance in eliminating locking phenomenon of the method.
Azobenzene‐Containing Block Copolymers as Light‐Induced Reworkable Adhesives: Effects of Molecular Weight, Composition, and Block Copolymer Architectures on the Adhesive Properties
Authors: Ito Shotaro , Akiyama Haruhisa , Sekizawa Reiko , Mori Miyuki , Fukata Tamaki , Yoshida Masaru , Kihara Hideyuki
Published: January 2019

We previously reported that ABA‐type triblock copolymers with azobenzene‐containing terminal blocks can be utilized as a light‐induced reworkable adhesive that enables repeatable bonding and debonding on demand. The reworkability was based on the photoisomerization of the azobenzene moiety and concomitant softening and hardening of the azo blocks. Our aim in this study is to investigate the effect of the composition, molecular weight, and block copolymer architectures on the reworkable adhesive properties. For this purpose, we prepared AB diblock, ABA triblock, and 4‐arm (AB)4 star‐block copolymers consisting of polymethacrylates bearing an azobenzene moiety (A block) and 2‐ethylhexyl (B block) side chains and performed adhesion tests by using these block copolymers. As a result, among the ABA block copolymers with varied compositions and molecular weights, the ABA triblock copolymers with an azo block content of about 50 wt % and relatively low molecular weight could achieve an appropriate balance between high adhesion strength and low residual adhesion strength upon UV irradiation. Furthermore, the 4‐arm star‐block structure not only enhances the adhesion strength, but also maintains low residual adhesion strength when exposed to UV irradiation. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 806–813
Robustness analysis of systems' safety through a new notion of input‐to‐state safety
Authors: Romdlony Muhammad Zakiyullah , Jayawardhana Bayu
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we propose a new robustness notion that is applicable for certifying systems' safety with respect to external disturbance signals. The proposed input‐to‐state safety notion allows us to certify systems' safety in the presence of the disturbances, which is analogous to the notion of input‐to‐state stability for analyzing systems' stability.
Alleviating misconceptions about Earth's climate: evidence of behavioral learning in stock‐and‐flow simulations
Authors: Kumar Medha , Dutt Varun
Published: January 2019

Stock‐and‐flow simulation tools, which provide experiences of cause‐and‐effect relationships, are likely to be effective ways to overcome climate misconceptions. However, little is known about the ability of simulation tools to enable the transfer of system dynamics knowledge to subsequent tasks. The primary objective of this research was to use stronger transfer problems in simulation tools and to test the resulting transfer of knowledge. In an experiment, 120 participants were randomly assigned to problems that varied in the use of a stock‐and‐flow simulation tool, Dynamic Climate Change Simulator (DCCS); and, a subsequent paper‐and‐pencil Climate Stabilization (CS) task. Climate misconceptions reduced significantly in the following CS task across problems where the stock behavior was either identical or different between DCCS and CS tasks. Playing DCCS helped people to transfer their system dynamics knowledge to the CS task. We discuss the advantages of using stock‐and‐flow simulation tools for climate education and policy research.

© 2019 System Dynamics Society
Partitioned GMM logistic regression models for longitudinal data
Authors: Irimata Kyle M. , Broatch Jennifer , Wilson Jeffrey R.
Published: January 2019

Correlation is inherent in longitudinal studies due to the repeated measurements on subjects, as well as due to time‐dependent covariates in the study. In the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), data were repeatedly collected on children in grades 7‐12 across four waves. Thus, observations obtained on the same adolescent were correlated, while predictors were correlated with current and future outcomes such as obesity status, among other health issues. Previous methods, such as the generalized method of moments (GMM) approach have been proposed to estimate regression coefficients for time‐dependent covariates. However, these approaches combined all valid moment conditions to produce an averaged parameter estimate for each covariate and thus assumed that the effect of each covariate on the response was constant across time. This assumption is not necessarily optimal in applications such as Add Health or health‐related data. Thus, we depart from this assumption and instead use the Partitioned GMM approach to estimate multiple coefficients for the data based on different time periods. These extra regression coefficients are obtained using a partitioning of the moment conditions pertaining to each respective relationship. This approach offers a deeper understanding and appreciation into the effect of each covariate on the response. We conduct simulation studies, as well as analyses of obesity in Add Health, rehospitalization in Medicare data, and depression scores in a clinical study. The Partitioned GMM methods exhibit benefits over previously proposed models with improved insight into the nonconstant relationships realized when analyzing longitudinal data.
High‐dimensional longitudinal classification with the multinomial fused lasso
Authors: Adhikari Samrachana , Lecci Fabrizio , Becker James T. , Junker Brian W. , Kuller Lewis H. , Lopez Oscar L. , Tibshirani Ryan J.
Published: January 2019

We study regularized estimation in high‐dimensional longitudinal classification problems, using the lasso and fused lasso regularizers. The constructed coefficient estimates are piecewise constant across the time dimension in the longitudinal problem, with adaptively selected change points (break points). We present an efficient algorithm for computing such estimates, based on proximal gradient descent. We apply our proposed technique to a longitudinal data set on Alzheimer's disease from the Cardiovascular Health Study Cognition Study. Using data analysis and a simulation study, we motivate and demonstrate several practical considerations such as the selection of tuning parameters and the assessment of model stability. While race, gender, vascular and heart disease, lack of caregivers, and deterioration of learning and memory are all important predictors of dementia, we also find that these risk factors become more relevant in the later stages of life.
Evaluating classification accuracy for modern learning approaches
Authors: Li Jialiang , Gao Ming , D'Agostino Ralph
Published: January 2019

Deep learning neural network models such as multilayer perceptron (MLP) and convolutional neural network (CNN) are novel and attractive artificial intelligence computing tools. However, evaluation of the performance of these methods is not readily available for practitioners yet. We provide a tutorial for evaluating classification accuracy for various state‐of‐the‐art learning approaches, including familiar shallow and deep learning methods. For qualitative response variables with more than two categories, many traditional accuracy measures such as sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve are not applicable and we have to consider their extensions properly. In this paper, a few important statistical concepts for multicategory classification accuracy are reviewed and their utilities for various learning algorithms are demonstrated with real medical examples. We offer problem‐basedRcode to illustrate how to perform these statistical computations step by step. We expect that such analysis tools will become more familiar to practitioners and receive broader applications in biostatistics.
Mesopore‐Induced Ultrafast Na+‐Storage in T‐Nb2O5/Carbon Nanofiber Films toward Flexible High‐Power Na‐Ion Capacitors
Authors: Li Yuzhu , Wang Huanwen , Wang Libin , Mao Zhifei , Wang Rui , He Beibei , Gong Yansheng , Hu Xianluo
Published: January 2019

Hybrid Na‐ion capacitors (NICs) are receiving considerable interest because they combine the merits of both batteries and supercapacitors and because of the low‐cost of sodium resources. However, further large‐scale deployment of NICs is impeded by the sluggish diffusion of Na+ in the anode. To achieve rapid redox kinetics, herein the controlled fabrication of mesoporous orthorhombic‐Nb2O5 (T‐Nb2O5)/carbon nanofiber (CNF) networks is demonstrated via in situ SiO2‐etching. The as‐obtained mesoporous T‐Nb2O5 (m‐Nb2O5)/CNF membranes are mechanically flexible without using any additives, binders, or current collectors. The in situ formed mesopores can efficiently increase Na+‐storage performances of the m‐Nb2O5/CNF electrode, such as excellent rate capability (up to 150 C) and outstanding cyclability (94% retention after 10 000 cycles at 100 C). A flexible NIC device based on the m‐Nb2O5/CNF anode and the graphene framework (GF)/mesoporous carbon nanofiber (mCNF) cathode, is further constructed, and delivers an ultrahigh power density of 60 kW kg−1 at 55 Wh kg−1 (based on the total weight of m‐Nb2O5/CNF and GF/mCNF). More importantly, owing to the free‐standing flexible electrode configuration, the m‐Nb2O5/CNF//GF/mCNF NIC exhibits high volumetric energy and power densities (11.2 mWh cm−3, 5.4 W cm−3) based on the full device, which holds great promise in a wide variety of flexible electronics.
Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes with Improved Outcoupling Using a High‐Index Contrast Nanoarray
Authors: Jeon Sohee , Zhao Lianfeng , Jung Young‐Jin , Kim Ji Whan , Kim Sei‐Yong , Kang Hyeokjung , Jeong Jun‐Ho , Rand Barry P. , Lee Jeong‐Hwan
Published: January 2019

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) are promising for next‐generation optoelectronic devices due to their potential to achieve high color purity, efficiency, and brightness. Although the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of PeLEDs has recently surpassed 20%, various strategies are being pursued to increase EQE further and reduce the EQE gap compared to other LED technologies. A key point to further boost EQE of PeLEDs is linked to the high refractive index of the perovskite emissive layer, leading to optical losses of more than 70% of emitted photons. Here, it is demonstrated that a randomly distributed nanohole array with high‐index contrast can effectively enhance outcoupling efficiency in PeLEDs. Based on a comprehensive optical analysis on the perovskite thin film and outcoupling structure, it is confirmed that the nanohole array effectively distributes light into the substrate for improved outcoupling, allowing for 1.64 times higher light extraction. As a result, highly efficient red/near‐infrared PeLEDs with a peak EQE of 14.6% are demonstrated.
Effect of specimen thickness and coarse aggregate size on shear strength of single‐keyed dry joints in precast concrete segmental bridges
Authors: Jiang Haibo , Feng Jiahui , Liu Airong , Liang Weibin , Tan Yuhua , Liang Hualian
Published: January 2019

Failures of shear keys in precast concrete segmental bridges (PCSBs) have been attributed to fracture of concrete along the joints with shearing off the keys. The principal goal of this study is to investigate the effect of specimen thickness and coarse aggregate size on shear strength of single‐keyed dry joints in PCSBs, which are noticed by bridges designers in deciding box geometry and requiring the concrete constituents. In this paper, shear performance of match‐casting single‐keyed dry joints is assessed in terms of cracking shear strength, ultimate shear strength, residual shear strength, and failure modes. It was found that there tended to be slightly positive correlation between specimen thickness and ultimate shear strength, while the influence of coarse aggregate size was obscure. The measured shear capacity was compared with several provisions of design formulae.
An informal account of how I learned about English rhythm
Authors: Gilbert Judy B.
Published: January 2019

Classroom time is limited, so the priority question in teaching pronunciation is to find an effective sequence of presentation. This article recounts one teacher's path to learning about different approaches to teaching English rhythm and why it is important. For many years, a common way of distinguishing languages has been based on the assumption of an equal length of time between stresses (stress‐timed) or between syllables (syllable‐timed). But the conclusions in this article are founded on a different concept, not mechanically based but meaning based. That is, instead of being based on regular time intervals, the English system works to make the speaker's intentions clear by adapting the rhythm to focus attention on certain key words. These words are the peaks of information, and it is crucial that the listener catch the signals of these peaks. Because this main signal is made primarily by lengthening the vowel of the primary stress of the important words, and contrastively shortening others, the rhythm is necessarily irregular. Furthermore, this contrastive system affects all of the other sounds, changing or even deleting them. That makes the English system of rhythm a crucial key to clarity, in both speaking and hearing effectively.