bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of some mineral nutrients and vitamins in advanced hulled wheat lines
Authors: Tekin Mehmet , Cengiz Mehmet Fatih , Abbasov Mehraj , Aksoy Aytekin , Canci Huseyin , Akar Taner
Published: March 2018

Background and objectives

Ancient wheat species, einkorn and emmer wheat, are potential healthy food sources for their vitamin and element contents. The aim of this study was to evaluate some elements and vitamin A and B complex of 36 einkorn and 49 emmer wheat advanced lines tested under field conditions.

Findings

The results showed that some emmer wheat lines were extremely higher than those from einkorn and durum wheat checks for microelements. The mean concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Se of the emmer wheat lines were found to be 41.72 ± 3.57, 17.06 ± 0.63, 2.85 ± 0.15, 18.11 ± 0.71, and 0.05 ± 0.00 mg/kg, respectively. In addition, the means of A, B1, B2, B5, and B6 concentrations were determined as 65.48 ± 2.39 μg/kg, 4.22 ± 0.13 mg/kg, 0.36 ± 0.05 mg/kg, 3.60 ± 0.21 mg/kg, and 2.06 ± 0.09 mg/kg, respectively.

Conclusions

The emmer wheat lines of 24, 43, 44, and 53 for elemental and 3, 4, 11, 17, and 24 for vitamin A and B complex can be selected for enrichment of the wheat products.

Significance and novelty

Superiority of emmer wheat lines in terms of micronutrients and vitamin A and B complex compared to einkorn lines and durum wheat cultivars was obviously demonstrated.
Durable treatment response of relapsing CNS plasmacytoma using intrathecal chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and Daratumumab
Authors: Elhassadi Ezzat , Murphy Maurice , Hacking Dayle , Farrell Michael
Published: March 2018

Key Clinical Message

CNS myelomatous involvement is a rare complication of multiple myeloma with dismal outcome. This disease's optimal treatment is unclear. Combined approach of systemic therapy, radiotherapy, and intrathecal injections chemotherapy should be considered and autologous stem cell transplant consolidation is offered to eligible patients. The role of Daratumumab in this disease deserves further evaluation.
Synthetic Regulation of 1,4‐Dihydropyridines for the AIE or AIEE Effect: From Rational Design to Mechanistic Views
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wang Na , Yu Yuan , Shan Yi‐Min , Wang Bing , Pu Xue‐Mei , Yu Xiao‐Qi
Published: March 2018

Aggregation‐induced emission/aggregation‐induced emission enhancement (AIE/AIEE) has recently attracted intense research, and a large number of AIE/AIEE luminogens (AIE/AIEEgens) have been constructed for application in diverse scientific fields. The AIE and AIEE effects have similar, but not identical, photophysical behaviors, which are closely related to molecular architectures. However, the current understanding of the inherent differences between AIE and AIEE is still obscure. Herein, a rational design strategy is reported for achieving AIE and AIEE effects by simply incorporating different substituents at the periphery of the same core skeleton. Experimental and theoretical studies on the series of compounds indicated that the restriction of intramolecular twisting motions or/and rotations plays an important role in regard to the corresponding AIE or AIEE behaviors. Moreover, compound 1 a (FW=203, ΦF=80.9 %) was discovered as the lowest molecular weight AIEEgen with a high quantum yield in the solid state despite having no rotatable units. Compound 2 a also exhibited an AIEE effect with the minimum necessary structure (a single ring).
Asymmetric Benzylic Allylic Alkylation Reaction of 3‐Furfural Derivatives by Dearomatizative Dienamine Activation
Authors: He Xiao‐Long , Zhao Hui‐Ru , Duan Chuan‐Qi , Han Xu , Du Wei , Chen Ying‐Chun
Published: March 2018

The dearomatizative dienamine‐type ortho‐quinodimethane species are smoothly generated between 2‐alkyl‐3‐furfurals and chiral secondary amine catalysts, which undergo asymmetric benzylic allylic alkylation reactions with 2‐nitroallylic acetates efficiently. A spectrum of densely functionalized 3‐furfural derivatives are delivered in moderate to high yields with good to excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity (up to 98 % yield, >19:1 d.r., >99 % ee). The latent transformations allow the facile production of some enantioenriched architectures, such as 1,1,2,2‐tetraarylethanes and triarylmethanes, which are not easily available from other protocols.
Tipping the Balance between Ligand and Metal Protonation due to Relativistic Effects: Unusually High Proton Affinity in Gold(I) Pincer Complexes
Authors: Jerabek Paul , Vondung Lisa , Schwerdtfeger Peter
Published: March 2018

Quantum theoretical studies show that the extremely high proton affinity at the metal center of the unusual T‐shaped (LXL)AuI–pincer complex, consisting of a carbazole framework and two mesoionic carbenes, is caused by relativistic effects. This brings the basicity of the AuI center in line with the electron‐rich nitrogen atom of the carbazole ring system, resulting in one of the highest proton affinities for a neutral molecule.
Redox‐triggered chiroptical switching activity of ruthenium(III)‐bis‐(β‐diketonato) complexes bearing a bipyridine‐helicene ligand
Authors: Saleh Nidal , Vanthuyne Nicolas , Bonvoisin Jacques , Autschbach Jochen , Srebro‐Hooper Monika , Crassous Jeanne
Published: March 2018

The charged, electroactive bipyridine‐helicene‐ruthenium(III) complex [4].+,PF6− has been prepared from 3‐(2‐pyridyl)‐4‐aza[6]helicene and a Ru‐bis‐(β‐diketonato)‐bis‐acetonitrile precursor (β‐diketonato: 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐3,5‐heptanedionato). Its chiroptical properties (electronic circular dichroism and optical rotation) were studied both experimentally and theoretically and suggest the presence of 2 diastereoisomers, namely (P,Δ)‐ and (P,Λ)‐[4].+,PF6− (denoted jointly as (P,Δ*)‐[4].+,PF6−) and their mirror‐images (M,Λ)‐ and (M,Δ)‐[4].+,PF6− ((M,Δ*)‐[4].+,PF6−). The electrochemical reduction of (P,Δ*)‐[4].+,PF6− to neutral complex (P,Δ*)‐4 was performed and revealed strong changes in the UV‐vis and electronic circular dichroism spectra. A reversible redox‐triggered chiroptical switching process was then achieved.
Construction of Multi‐Substituted Benzenes via NHC‐Catalyzed Reactions of Carboxylic Esters
Authors: Wu Jichang , Mou Chengli , Chi Yonggui Robin
Published: March 2018

A carbene‐catalyzed ester activation reaction for the synthesis of multi‐substituted benzenes is developed. Tetra‐substituted benzene compounds are efficiently synthesized through this methodology. Compared with aldehyde substrates used in previous reports, the ester substrates used here are much more readily available and inexpensive. In addition, the TEMPO oxidant used here is more inexpensive than the quinones commonly used in related carbene‐catalyzed reactions.
Nine‐year prostate cancer survival differences between aggressive versus conservative therapy in men with advanced and metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Dall'Era Marc A. , Lo Mary J. , Chen Jaclyn , Cress Rosemary , Hamilton Ann S.
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

To the authors' knowledge, the survival benefit of local therapy in the setting of advanced prostate cancer remains unknown. The authors investigated whether prostate‐directed treatment with either surgery or radiotherapy versus conservative treatment in the setting of locally advanced or metastatic disease was associated with improved survival within a cohort of men from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Breast and Prostate Cancer Data Quality and Patterns of Care Study (CDC POC‐BP).

METHODS

Men diagnosed with locally advanced (cT3‐T4 or N+ and M0) or metastatic prostate cancer were identified. The authors compared survival by treatment type, categorized as conservative (androgen deprivation therapy only) versus aggressive (radical prostatectomy or any type of radiotherapy). Nine‐year overall survival and prostate cancer‐specific survival were estimated using the Kaplan‐Meier method. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine factors independently associated with 9‐year prostate cancer‐specific survival.

RESULTS

For men with advanced, nonmetastatic prostate cancer, conservative treatment alone was associated with a 4 times higher likelihood of prostate cancer mortality compared with men treated with surgery (hazard ratio, 4.18; 95% confidence interval, 1.44‐12.14). In contrast, no difference was found between conservative versus aggressive treatment after adjusting for covariates for men with metastatic disease. The 9‐year prostate cancer‐specific survival rate was 27% for those receiving aggressive treatment versus 24% for men undergoing conservative treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors did not observe a survival advantage with local therapy in addition to standard androgen deprivation therapy for men with metastatic prostate cancer. However, the results of the current study did affirm advantages in the setting of locally advanced disease. Aggressive local therapy in the setting of metastatic disease needs to be studied carefully before clinical adoption. Cancer 2018;124:1921‐8. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Dose‐intensified hypofractionated stereotactic body radiation therapy for painful spinal metastases: Results of a phase 2 study
Authors: Guckenberger Matthias , Sweeney Reinhart A. , Hawkins Maria , Belderbos Jose , Andratschke Nicolaus , Ahmed Merina , Madani Indira , Mantel Frederick , Steigerwald Sabrina , Flentje Michael
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate dose‐intensified hypofractionated stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in patients with painful spinal metastases in a multicenter, single‐arm, phase 2 study.

METHODS

Patients with 2 or fewer distinct, noncontiguous, painful, mechanically stable, unirradiated spinal metastases from a solid tumor with a Karnofsky performance status ≥ 60 were eligible. Patients with a long (Mizumoto score ≤ 4) or intermediate overall survival expectancy (Mizumoto score = 5‐9) received 48.5 Gy in 10 fractions or 35 Gy in 5 fractions, respectively, with SBRT. The primary outcome was the overall (complete and partial) pain response as measured with international consensus guidelines 3 months after SBRT.

RESULTS

There were 57 patients enrolled between 2012 and 2015, and 54 of these patients with 60 painful vertebral metastases were analyzed. The 3‐month pain response was evaluated in 42 patients (47 lesions). An overall pain response was observed in 41 lesions (87%), and the pain response remained stable for at least 12 months. The mean maximum pain scores on a visual analogue scale significantly improved from the baseline of 6.1 (standard deviation, 2.5) to 2.0 (standard deviation, 2.3) 3 months after treatment (P < .001). The 5‐level EuroQol 5‐Dimension Questionnaire quality‐of‐life (QOL) dimensions (self‐reported mobility, usual activities, and pain/discomfort) significantly improved from the baseline to 3 months after treatment. The 12‐month overall survival and local control rates were 61.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 48%‐74.8%) and 85.9% (95% CI, 76.7%‐95%), respectively. Grade 3 toxicity was limited to acute pain in 1 patient (2%). No patient experienced radiation‐induced myelopathy. Six patients (11%) developed progressive vertebral compression fractures (VCFs), and 8 patients (15%) developed new VCFs.

CONCLUSIONS

Dose‐intensified SBRT achieved durable local metastasis control and resulted in pronounced and long‐term pain responses and improved QOL. Cancer 2018;124:2001‐9. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Enhanced Photoluminescence and Stability of CH3NH3PbBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystals with Protonated Melamine
Authors: Wang Sangni , Huang Furong , Zhou Liya , Wei Jianwu , Xin Youling , Jin Peng , Cai Zhuo , Yin Zuodong , Pang Qi , Zhang Jin Zhong
Published: March 2018

The surface of CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) plays a critical role in determining their optical properties and stability. The introduction of capping ligands can enhance photoluminescence (PL), reduce non‐radiative recombination, and improve stability. Here, we report a facile synthesis of CH3NH3PbBr3 PNCs with strong and highly stable green PL using melamine (Mela) as a simple and low‐cost capping ligand. The resulting CH3NH3PbBr3/Mela PNCs have cubic phase crystal structure with an average particle size of 5.29±0.06 nm. The optical absorption and PL of the CH3NH3PbBr3/Mela PNCs with narrow bandwidth can be tuned within the visible region, and the PL quantum yield (QY) reached 52.3% compared to 0.4% the pristine CH3NH3PbBr3 PNCs. A synergistic effect between NH3+ and the electron‐rich nitrogen atoms together with p‐p stacking capacity, likely contributes to enhance the PL by effectively passivating of the trap states of PNCs. Furthermore, melamine‐capped PNCs show high stability in protic solvents as a result of the steric bulkiness of the triazine rings, owing to the planar structure together with hydrogen bonding of melamine, which prevents solvent molecules from reaching and reacting with the core of PNCs. This study demonstrates a simple and effective approach for stabilizing PNCs for potential applications such as solar cells and LEDs.
Genomic Variation and Pharmacokinetics in Old Age: A Quantitative Review of Age‐ vs. Genotype‐Related Differences
Authors: Dücker Christof M. , Brockmöller Jürgen
Published: March 2018

Older persons may particularly benefit from pharmacogenetic diagnostics, but there is little clinical evidence on that question. We quantitatively analyzed the effects of age and genotype in drugs with consensus on a therapeutically relevant impact of a genotype. Assuming additive effects of age and genotype, drugs may be classified in groups with different priorities to consider either age, or genotype, or both, in therapy. Particularly interesting were those studies specifically analyzing the age‐by‐genotype interaction.
Evaluation of Potential Disease‐Mediated Drug–Drug Interaction in Patients With Moderate‐to‐Severe Atopic Dermatitis Receiving Dupilumab
Authors: Davis John D. , Bansal Ashish , Hassman David , Akinlade Bolanle , Li Meng , Li Zhaoyang , Swanson Brian , Hamilton Jennifer D. , DiCioccio A. Thomas
Published: March 2018

This open‐label drug–drug interaction study assessed whether blockade by dupilumab of interleukin (IL)‐4 and IL‐13 signaling affects the pharmacokinetics of drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes. The pharmacokinetics of five CYP450 substrates given orally (midazolam, omeprazole, S‐warfarin, caffeine, and metoprolol, metabolized by CYP3A, CYP2C19, CYP2C9, CYP1A2, and CYP2D6, respectively) were evaluated before and 28 days after initiation of dupilumab treatment (subcutaneous 300 mg weekly) in 14 patients with moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis. Dupilumab had no clinically relevant effects on the pharmacokinetics of CYP450 substrates, provided substantial clinical benefit, and was generally well tolerated. Only one serious adverse event was reported, an episode of systemic inflammatory response syndrome that resolved after treatment was discontinued. In summary, blockade of IL‐4/IL‐13 signaling in patients with type 2 inflammation does not appear to significantly affect CYP450 enzyme activities; the use of dupilumab in atopic dermatitis patients is unlikely to influence the pharmacokinetics of CYP450 substrates.
Boosting the Photocatalytic Activity of P25 for Carbon Dioxide Reduction by using a Surface‐Alkalinized Titanium Carbide MXene as Cocatalyst
Authors: Ye Minheng , Wang Xin , Liu Enzuo , Ye Jinhua , Wang Defa
Published: March 2018

Although they are widely used as cocatalysts in promoting photocatalysis, practical application of noble metals is limited by their high cost and rarity. Development of noble‐metal‐free cocatalysts is thus highly demanded. Herein titanium carbide (Ti3C2) MXene is shown to be a highly efficient noble‐metal‐free cocatalyst with commercial titania (P25) for photocatalytic CO2 reduction. Surface alkalinization of Ti3C2 dramatically enhances the activity; the evolution rates of CO (11.74 μmol g−1 h−1) and CH4 (16.61 μmol g−1 h−1) are 3‐ and 277‐times higher than those of bare P25, respectively. The significantly enhanced activity is attributed to the superior electrical conductivity and charge‐carrier separation ability, as well as the abundant CO2 adsorption and activation sites of surface‐alkalinized Ti3C2 MXene, indicating its promise as a highly‐active noble‐metal‐free cocatalysts for photocatalytic CO2 reduction.
Investigation of dust shielding effect of intrinsic ergodic magnetic field line structures in the peripheral plasma in the large helical device
Authors: Shoji M. , Kawamura G. , Smirnov R.D. , Pigarov A. Yu. , Tanaka Y. , Masuzaki S. , Uesugi Y. ,   the LHD Experiment Group
Published: March 2018

Recent long pulse discharges in the large helical device (LHD) have been interrupted by radiation collapse induced by the emission of dust from the surface of the vacuum vessel and the divertor region. The dust shielding effect by intrinsic ergodic magnetic field line structures (ergodic layer) formed around the main plasma confinement region is investigated using a three‐dimensional peripheral plasma fluid code (EMC3‐EIRENE) coupled with a dust transport simulation code (DUSTT). Simulations performed in three different magnetic configurations with narrow, medium, and wide ergodic layers show that the wide ergodic layer is not always effective in shielding the main plasma from the dust emission. Optimum operational regimes for controlling the influence of the dust emission on the sustainment of plasma discharges are found by investigating the impurity ion content in the peripheral plasma for various plasma heating powers and plasma densities in the three magnetic configurations.
Application of area scaling analysis to identify natural killer cell and monocyte involvement in the GranToxiLux antibody dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity assay
Authors: Pollara Justin , Orlandi Chiara , Beck Charles , Edwards R. Whitney , Hu Yi , Liu Shuying , Wang Shixia , Koup Richard A. , Denny Thomas N. , Lu Shan , Tomaras Georgia D. , DeVico Anthony , Lewis George K. , Ferrari Guido
Published: March 2018

Several different assay methodologies have been described for the evaluation of HIV or SIV‐specific antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Commonly used assays measure ADCC by evaluating effector cell functions, or by detecting elimination of target cells. Signaling through Fc receptors, cellular activation, cytotoxic granule exocytosis, or accumulation of cytolytic and immune signaling factors have been used to evaluate ADCC at the level of the effector cells. Alternatively, assays that measure killing or loss of target cells provide a direct assessment of the specific killing activity of antibodies capable of ADCC. Thus, each of these two distinct types of assays provides information on only one of the critical components of an ADCC event; either the effector cells involved, or the resulting effect on the target cell. We have developed a simple modification of our previously described high‐throughput ADCC GranToxiLux (GTL) assay that uses area scaling analysis (ASA) to facilitate simultaneous quantification of ADCC activity at the target cell level, and assessment of the contribution of natural killer cells and monocytes to the total observed ADCC activity when whole human peripheral blood mononuclear cells are used as a source of effector cells. The modified analysis method requires no additional reagents and can, therefore, be easily included in prospective studies. Moreover, ASA can also often be applied to pre‐existing ADCC‐GTL datasets. Thus, incorporation of ASA to the ADCC‐GTL assay provides an ancillary assessment of the ability of natural and vaccine‐induced antibodies to recruit natural killer cells as well as monocytes against HIV or SIV; or to any other field of research for which this assay is applied. © 2018 The Authors. Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of ISAC.
Manual dexterity in young and healthy older adults. 2. Association with cognitive abilities
Authors: Vasylenko Olena , Gorecka Marta M. , Rodríguez‐Aranda Claudia
Published: March 2018

Currently, little is known about the cognitive constraints underlying manual dexterity decline in aging. Here, we assessed the relationship between cognitive function and dexterity in 45 young and 55 healthy older adults. Effects of gender on the cognition‐dexterity association were also explored. Cognitive assessment comprised neuropsychological tests of executive function, working memory, attention, and memory. Dexterity assessment included evaluation of movement times and kinematics during performance of unimanual and bimanual tasks of the Purdue Pegboard Test. Cognitive and dexterity group differences were established. Thereafter, regression analyses showed that executive function best predicted movement times and to some extent path lengths for the left hand in the older group. No gender differences were found in older participants. The findings confirm the involvement of executive function in manual dexterity in aging and suggest that movement times and path length may be useful parameters to assess the cognition‐dexterity association in older adults.
The effects of capillary transit time heterogeneity on the BOLD signal
Authors: Angleys Hugo , Jespersen Sune N , Østergaard Leif
Published: March 2018

Neurovascular coupling mechanisms give rise to vasodilation and functional hyperemia upon neural activation, thereby altering blood oxygenation. This blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) contrast allows studies of activation patterns in the working human brain by functional MRI (fMRI). The BOLD‐weighted fMRI signal shows characteristic transients in relation to functional activation, such as the so‐called initial dip, overshoot, and post‐stimulus undershoot. These transients are modulated by other physiological stimuli and in disease, but the underlying physiological mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Capillary transit time heterogeneity (CTH) has been shown to affect oxygen extraction, and hence blood oxygenation. Here, we examine how recently reported redistributions of capillary blood flow during functional activation would be expected to affect BOLD signal transients. We developed a three‐compartment (hemoglobin, plasma, and tissue) model to predict the BOLD signal, incorporating the effects of dynamic changes in CTH. Our model predicts that the BOLD signal represents the superposition of a positive component resulting from increases in cerebral blood flow (CBF), and a negative component, resulting from elevated tissue metabolism and homogenization of capillary flows (reduced CTH). The model reproduces salient features of BOLD signal dynamics under conditions such as hypercapnia, hyperoxia, and caffeine intake, where both brain physiology and BOLD characteristics are altered. Neuroglial signaling and metabolism could affect CBF and capillary flow patterns differently. Further studies of neurovascular and neuro‐capillary coupling mechanisms may help us relate BOLD signals to the firing of certain neuronal populations based on their respective BOLD “fingerprints.”
Continuous prediction of clay‐bed stream erosion in response to climate model output for a small urban watershed
Authors: Brennan Colin P. , Parsapour‐Moghaddam Parna , Rennie Colin D. , Seidou Ousmane
Published: March 2018

The response of the semi‐alluvial clay‐bed Watts Creek is assessed subject to climate change. Climate impacts are expected to have regional variability, and few studies have assessed the impacts of future climate in a small urban watershed. The 21‐km2 watershed located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, is highly urbanized (68%) and agricultural (20%) with limited forest cover (12%). Continuous simulations were performed using the SWMHYMO lumped hydrologic modelling platform for the open water year, excluding spring freshet (April 1 to October 31). A shear stress exceedance and stream power erosion routine was added to the platform to calculate erosion potential. To account for uncertainty in the collected data, 9 different field datasets were used to calibrate the model, each leading to a distinct set of calibrated parameter values. The difference between the datasets lies in the choice of the rating curves and calibration period. The 2041–2080 precipitation outputs of the 4th version of the Canadian Regional Climate Model (CanRCM4) ran under representative concentration pathways (RCPs) 4.5 and 8.5 at the MacDonald Cartier International Airport were downscaled using quantile matching and then used as input to the continuous hydrologic model. For each set of calibrated parameters, a cumulative effective work index based on the reach‐averaged shear stress was calculated for Watts Creek using both the historic (1967–2007) and projected future (2041–2080) flows, using a bed material critical shear stress for entrainment of 3.7 Pa. These results suggest an increase of 75% (respectively 139%) under RCP4.5 (respectively RCP8.5) in cumulative effective work index compared with historic conditions for the average measured bed strength. The work index increase is driven by an increased occurrence of above‐threshold events and, more importantly, by the increased frequency of large events. The predicted flow regime under climate change would significantly alter the erosion potential and stability of Watts Creek.
Retrospective cohort study comparing the adverse reactions and efficacy of intravenous iron polymaltose with ferric carboxymaltose for iron deficiency anemia
Authors: Gilmartin Christine E. , Hoang Thu , Cutts Briony A. , Leung Laura
Published: March 2018

Objective

To examine the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and the efficacy of intravenous iron polymaltose and ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) among gynecology/obstetric patients with anemia.

Methods

The present retrospective observational study examined data from anemic obstetrics and gynecology patients who received either iron polymaltose or FCM between January 1, 2011, and April 30, 2015, at The Royal Women's Hospital, Victoria, Australia. Patient demographic data, dosage, ADR documentation, and hemoglobin levels were collected from medical records and compared.

Results

The study included 221 patients; 111 and 110 received iron polymaltose and FCM, respectively. ADRs were documented for 18 (16.2%) patients in the iron polymaltose group and 2 (1.8%) in the FCM group (P<0.001), with no incidences of anaphylaxis. Both formulations achieved increased hemoglobin levels within 12 weeks (P<0.001 for both). Mean hemoglobin level increases were similar in both groups among non‐pregnant patients (P=0.186), but were greater in the iron polymaltose cohort among pregnant patients (P=0.005). FCM dose compliance was suboptimal, with 8 of 57 (14%) patients who required second visits for doses greater than 1000 mg returning for the infusion.

Conclusion

FCM was associated with a lower incidence of ADRs than iron polymaltose. Patients receiving FCM infusions were less likely to receive their total required iron dose. Further randomized prospective studies are required to compare clinical efficacy of iron polymaltose versus FCM.
Is non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease a reflection of what we eat or simply how much we eat?
Authors: Sharp Kiri P H , Schultz Michael , Coppell Kirsten J
Published: March 2018

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an increasingly common and potentially serious condition, which has emerged with the obesity epidemic. This disease can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer. Associated comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, are common. Obesity is the key risk factor and diet appears to be a critical factor in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. We reviewed studies undertaken on human subjects investigating which dietary components initiate excess hepatic triglyceride deposition. Most experimental diets used high‐calorie excesses, or extreme proportions of fat or carbohydrate, not typical of current dietary patterns. Hypercaloric diets, where the additional calories were predominantly either fat or carbohydrates, increased intrahepatocellular lipids. The type of fat appeared important, with diets high in saturated fatty acids favoring hepatic fat accumulation which was substantially lower with polyunsaturated fatty acids. The effect of dietary fructose on markers of NAFLD did not appear to be worse than that of glucose. The initiation of excess hepatic triglycerides is likely to be a complex interaction of energy and nutrients with more than one dietary factor involved. It was not possible to disentangle the hepatic effects of excess energy from that of different macronutrient distributions in current literature. Further investigation is needed to determine the type of diet that is likely to lead to the development of NAFLD. A better understanding of the contribution of diet to pathogenesis of NAFLD would better inform prevention strategies.
Glioma infiltration sign on high b‐value diffusion‐weighted imaging in gliomas and its prognostic value
Authors: Zeng Qiang , Ling Chenhan , Shi Feina , Dong Fei , Jiang Biao , Zhang Jianmin
Published: March 2018

Background

Glioma cells may infiltrate beyond the tumor margins revealed on conventional structural images.

Purpose

To investigate whether the presence of a glioma infiltration sign on high b‐value diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) can predict the prognosis of gliomas.

Study Type

Retrospective cohort.

Subjects

Fifty‐two patients with gliomas (14 WHO grade II; 13 WHO grade III; 25 WHO grade IV).

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T, including a T1‐weighted contrast‐enhanced (T1w‐CE) sequence, contrast‐enhanced T2‐flair sequence, and a DWI sequence.

Assessment

T1w‐CE images and contrast‐enhanced T2‐flair images were used for identifying the tumor region for enhancing and nonenhancing gliomas, respectively. The glioma infiltration sign was defined as the presence of a peritumoral abnormal high signal region on DWI map, which was adjacent to the tumor region and had higher signal than surrounding areas. This sign was assessed on a high b‐value DWI map with b = 3000 s/mm2. For patients with glioma infiltration sign, DWI3000max, DWI1000max, ADC3000min, and ADC1000min were measured by drawing a region of interest over the peritumoral abnormal high signal region.

Statistical Tests

Survival analysis was conducted by using Cox regression.

Results

Glioma infiltration sign was observed in 28 (53.8%) patients. The occurrence rate of this sign was 92.0% in grade IV gliomas, 30.8% in grade III gliomas, and 7.1% in grade II gliomas. The glioma infiltration sign could independently predict both the progression‐free survival (hazard ratio [HR], 95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.58 [3.19–23.03], P < 0.001) and overall survival (HR, 95% CI = 11.90 [3.41–41.55], P < 0.001) after adjustment. For patients with glioma infiltration sign, DWI3000max (P = 0.005) and ADC3000min (P = 0.008) were both independent predictors of overall survival after adjustment, while DWI1000max and ADC1000min were not.

Data Conclusion

The glioma infiltration sign on high b‐value DWI is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in glioma patients. High b‐value DWI might be a convenient method to detect glioma infiltration.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:643–651.
High‐resolution multiple reaction monitoring method for quantification of steroidal hormones in plasma
Authors: Peti Ana Paula Ferranti , Locachevic Gisele Aparecida , Prado Morgana Kelly Borges , de Moraes Luiz Alberto Beraldo , Faccioli Lúcia Helena
Published: March 2018

Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) is one of the most powerful modes of analysis in liquid chromatographic tandem mass spectrometry for quantification of low‐concentration metabolites in biological samples. The advances in mass spectrometry enabled the development of high‐resolution multiple reaction monitoring (MRMHR) and became suitable for the more specific analysis of target analytes. This is important for lipidomic studies and contributes in the medical and pharmaceutical fields, primarily in investigating alterations in cells or fluids relevant to various diseases. Therefore, this work proposes the development of the MRMHR method for quantification of circulating steroids. We focused on the determination of corticosterone, 11‐dehydrocorticosterone (11‐DHC), cortisol, cortisone, aldosterone, and progesterone concentration in serum, by using 129sv male mice exposed to chronic unpredictable stress to validate the quantification. The method was conducted according to the ANVISA normative, adopting a coefficient of variation, as well as relative standard deviation and relative error lower than 15% in linearity, intraday and interday precision, and accuracy. For cortisol, corticosterone, and their inert metabolites (cortisone and 11‐DHC), the lower limit of quantification was 3.9 ng· mL−1, while that for progesterone and aldosterone was 7.8 and 15.6 ng· mL−1, respectively. MRMHR analysis showed that animals submitted to stressors have 4.5 times more corticosterone in their serum than nonstressed mice. However, 11‐DHC concentration does not vary significantly in response to stress for these animals. The results indicate that the method can be applied for quantification of steroids in several biological samples, such as human plasma.
Towards a global land surface climate fiducial reference measurements network
Authors: Thorne P. W. , Diamond H. J. , Goodison B. , Harrigan S. , Hausfather Z. , Ingleby N. B. , Jones P. D. , Lawrimore J. H. , Lister D. H. , Merlone A. , Oakley T. , Palecki M. , Peterson T. C. , de Podesta M. , Tassone C. , Venema V. , Willett K. M.
Published: March 2018

There is overwhelming evidence that the climate system has warmed since the instigation of instrumental meteorological observations. The Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concluded that the evidence for warming was unequivocal. However, owing to imperfect measurements and ubiquitous changes in measurement networks and techniques, there remain uncertainties in many of the details of these historical changes. These uncertainties do not call into question the trend or overall magnitude of the changes in the global climate system. Rather, they act to make the picture less clear than it could be, particularly at the local scale where many decisions regarding adaptation choices will be required, both now and in the future. A set of high‐quality long‐term fiducial reference measurements of essential climate variables will enable future generations to make rigorous assessments of future climate change and variability, providing society with the best possible information to support future decisions. Here we propose that by implementing and maintaining a suitably stable and metrologically well‐characterized global land surface climate fiducial reference measurements network, the present‐day scientific community can bequeath to future generations a better set of observations. This will aid future adaptation decisions and help us to monitor and quantify the effectiveness of internationally agreed mitigation steps. This article provides the background, rationale, metrological principles, and practical considerations regarding what would be involved in such a network, and outlines the benefits which may accrue. The challenge, of course, is how to convert such a vision to a long‐term sustainable capability providing the necessary well‐characterized measurement series to the benefit of global science and future generations.
Forecasting casino revenue by incorporating Google trends
Authors: Kim Woo‐Hyuk , Malek Kristin
Published: March 2018

This study investigates whether Google Trends has predictive power for improving casino‐revenue forecasting. More specifically, the present study aims to (a) examine the value of using readily available Google Trends data to improve predictive accuracy in the forecasting of casino revenue and (b) compare domestic casinos and foreigner‐only casinos given the significantly different spending patterns of such casinos' patrons. Accordingly, this research utilizes time‐series analyses that incorporate Google Trend data into five steps: the selection of keywords, the processing of search data, indexing construction, the prediction casino revenues, and evaluations of forecast accuracy. The evidence collected suggests that forecasting models using Google Trends data do significantly improve forecasting models for casino revenue. This study provides discussions of and implications for this type of methodology, for casino research, and for better industry practices.
Are we doing enough for visual research in tourism? The past, present, and future of tourism studies using photographic images
Authors: Park Eerang , Kim Sangkyun
Published: March 2018

The importance of visuality in tourism has increased the number of studies that situate photography into the discourse of visual images. However, the majority of studies continue to be qualitative research. This paper highlights how visual research in tourism has not yet widened the scope of research and has overlooked a variety of photographic content that has the potential to inform other important aspects of visuality in tourism research. It attempts to make a particular contribution to tourism visual research by bridging the research gaps in the relevant tourism literature through corroborating innovative approaches from both theoretical and empirical perspectives.
Influence of Ulipristal Acetate Therapy on Uterine Fibroid‐Related Symptoms and on Uterine and Fibroid Volumes and Vascularity Indices Assessed by Ultrasound
Authors: Baggio Silvia , Pomini Paola , Galeone Fabiana , Presti Francesca , Santi Lorenza , Raffaelli Ricciarda , Franchi Massimo
Published: March 2018

Objectives

To investigate the modifications of uterine and fibroid volume, to study Doppler changes in uterine arteries and fibroid‐supplying vessels, and to assess possible symptomatic relief after 3 months of treatment with ulipristal acetate.

Methods

Forty‐two premenopausal women with symptomatic fibroids were included in the study. They were evaluated clinically for the symptoms reported and underwent ultrasound examinations before starting treatment and after 3 months of therapy with ulipristal acetate. Transvaginal scanning was performed by the same sonographer, who measured the uterine volume and uterine artery pulsatility index and resistive index. Considering that some patients had more than 1 fibroid, the vascularization (supplying vessel pulsatility and resistive indices), locations, and sizes of a total of 73 fibroids were also recorded.

Results

After 3 months of ulipristal acetate, patients had a significant improvement of all symptoms (P < .05). The percentage of uterine volume reduction was 14% (P = .03), with fibroid volume reduction of 32.8% (P = .01). Uterine artery vascular indices decreased after treatment, but their reduction did not reach significant results, whereas all fibroid vascular indices decreased significantly after 3 months of ulipristal acetate (P < .05). When the fibroids were divided according to their localization, all had significant volume reduction after therapy, but type 5 had the highest decrease (42%) compared to other fibroid types (P = .03).

Conclusions

Fibroid treatment with ulipristal acetate resulted in a significant improvement of fibroid‐related symptoms; moreover, it proved to be effective in decreasing both uterine and fibroid volumes and fibroid vascularization. Type 5 fibroids seem to have the most major response to treatment.
Uniform rotundity of Orlicz function spaces equipped with the ‐Amemiya norm
Authors: Kaczmarek Radosław
Published: March 2018

Necessary and sufficient conditions for uniform rotundity of Orlicz function spaces equipped with the p‐Amemiya norm are presented. The obtained results unify, complete and widen the characterization of uniform rotundity of Orlicz spaces. In the case of the ∞‐Amemiya (i.e. the Luxemburg) norm or the 1‐Amemiya (i.e. the Orlicz) norm, these results were known earlier. Some connections with the fixed point theory and the best approximation theory are presented.
Estimating correlations among cardiovascular patients' psychiatric and physical symptom indicators: The biplot in correspondence analysis approach
Authors: Kim Se‐Kang , Annunziato Rachel A.
Published: March 2018

Objectives

We employed the correspondence analysis (CA) biplot to estimate correlations between gender–age levels of cardiovascular disease patients and their psychiatric and physical symptoms. Utilization of this correlation estimation can inform clinical practice by elucidating associations between certain psychiatric or physical symptoms and specific gender–age levels.

Method

The CA biplot utilized here was designed to visually inspect row–column category associations in a 2‐dimensional plane and then to numerically estimate the category associations with correlations. To do so, we (a) estimated dimensions from row and column categories with CA; (b) verified statistical significance of dimensions with a permutation test; (c) projected row and column categories in a plan constructed with the first 2 dimensions that were statistically significant; (d) visually inspected category associations in the plane; and (e) numerically estimated category associations with correlations.

Results

Consistent with the previous results, female cardiovascular disease patients were more likely to experience psychiatric symptoms than the male patients. However, when examining the results by gender and age, both female and male patients in their 50s and 60s tended to experience elevated rates of the psychiatric symptoms.

Conclusions

The CA biplot can be useful for isolating key clinical concerns among any medical populations.
Non‐contrast MR imaging of blood‐brain barrier permeability to water
Authors: Lin Zixuan , Li Yang , Su Pan , Mao Deng , Wei Zhiliang , Pillai Jay J. , Moghekar Abhay , van Osch Matthias , Ge Yulin , Lu Hanzhang
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Many brain diseases are associated with an alteration in blood‐brain barrier (BBB) and its permeability. Current methods using contrast agent are primarily sensitive to major leakage of BBB to macromolecules, but may not detect subtle changes in BBB permeability. The present study aims to develop a novel non‐contrast MRI technique for the assessment of BBB permeability to water.

Methods

The central principle is that by measuring arterially labeled blood spins that are drained into cerebral veins, water extraction fraction (E) and permeability‐surface‐area product (PS) of BBB can be determined. Four studies were performed. We first demonstrated the proof‐of‐principle using conventional ASL with very long post‐labeling delays (PLD). Next, a new sequence, dubbed water‐extraction‐with‐phase‐contrast‐arterial‐spin‐tagging (WEPCAST), and its Look‐Locker (LL) version were developed. Finally, we demonstrated that the sensitivity of the technique can be significantly enhanced by acquiring the data under mild hypercapnia.

Results

By combining a strong background suppression with long PLDs (2500–4500 ms), ASL spins were reliably detected in the superior sagittal sinus (SSS), demonstrating the feasibility of measuring this signal. The WEPCAST sequence eliminated partial voluming effects of tissue perfusion and allowed quantitative estimation of E = 95.5 ± 1.1% and PS = 188.9 ± 13.4 mL/100 g/min, which were in good agreement with literature reports. LL‐WEPCAST sequence shortened the scan time from 19 min to 5 min while providing results consistent with multiple single‐PLD acquisitions. Mild hypercapnia increased SNR by 78 ± 25% without causing a discomfort in participants.

Conclusion

A new non‐contrast technique for the assessment of global BBB permeability was developed, which may have important clinical applications.
Phase‐encoded xSPEN: A novel high‐resolution volumetric alternative to RARE MRI
Authors: Zhang Zhiyong , Lustig Michael , Frydman Lucio
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To develop a rapid, non‐CPMG high‐resolution volumetric imaging approach, exhibiting a speed and in‐plane resilience to field inhomogeneities comparable to RARE/turbo‐spin‐echo (TSE) while endowed with unique downsampling characteristics.

Methods

A multi‐scan extension of cross‐term spatiotemporal encoding (xSPEN) is introduced and analyzed. The method simultaneously yields ky/kz data containing low and high frequency components, as well as transposed, low‐resolution z/y images. This dual k‐/spatial‐domain information is captured by a multi‐scan procedure that phase‐encodes ky while simultaneously slice‐selecting z. A reconstruction scheme converting this information into high resolution 3D images with fully multiplexed volumetric coverage is introduced and exemplified.

Results

Phase‐encoded xSPEN was tested by human brain imaging at sub‐mm resolutions. The method exceeded 2D TSE's sensitivity by factors of ≈3–4, while providing similar resolution and SNR as 3D TSE in ≈50% acquisition times. The method's contrast is dominated by T2 and is free from “bright‐fat” effects associated to spin‐echo trains. Further acceleration is enabled by the method's downsampling abilities. Tradeoffs between encoding time, number of measurements, spatial resolution, SNR, and artifact levels are also laid out.

Conclusion

A new MRI strategy is introduced delivering high in‐ and through‐plane resolutions while enjoying full Fourier multiplexing, leading to fast acquisitions with high SNR.
Study on electron beam cross‐linked ethylene‐tetrafluoroethylene copolymer‐insulated cables for aerospace applications: Mechanical performance, crystallization kinetics, and fluoride precipitation
Authors: Min Jun , Tao Zhaozeng , Song Xupeng , Zhang Jin , Wang Zenghui , Ji Yanlei , Zhai Guofu , Ye Xuerong
Published: March 2018

The cross‐linking effects of cross‐linked ethylene‐tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (XETFE)‐insulated cables at different electron beam radiation doses were analyzed in this paper. Evaluation of the mechanical performance of the cables revealed that the highest tensile and breaking elongation was achieved at a radiation dose of 8 × 104 Gy and that XETFE had a good resistance to extreme electron beam irradiation. This is attributed to the cross‐linking effects induced by electron beam irradiation, and this takes full advantage of the strength of molecular chain crosslink to each other. The crystallization kinetics of XETFE at different electron beam radiation doses were studied in detail in terms of the non‐isothermal and isothermal crystallization processes. The results indicated that the crystallinity of the XETFE domain increased with an increase in the radiation dose as a result of heterogeneous nucleation. Moreover, the highest ΔEa was obtained, indicating that XETFE absorbed some energy at a radiation dose of 8 × 104 Gy. These kinetic parameters had help in carrying out a comprehensive evaluation of the performance of XETFE‐insulated cables for aerospace applications. Moreover, the fluoride precipitation observed in this study indicated that upon electron beam irradiation, XETFE could internally produce hydrogen fluoride, which is corrosive to metals. Thus, optimizing the radiation dose was necessary to achieve the desired performance. We could believe that the improvement for properties of electron beam XETFE insulation cables would expand their range of applications in the aerospace field.