bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phospholipid localization implies microglial morphology and function via Cdc42 in vitro
Authors: Tokizane Kyohei , Konishi Hiroyuki , Makide Kumiko , Kawana Hiroki , Nakamuta Shinichi , Kaibuchi Kozo , Ohwada Tomohiko , Aoki Junken , Kiyama Hiroshi
Published: February 2017

Under a quiescent state, microglia exhibit a ramified shape, rather than the amoeboid‐like morphology following injury or inflammation. The manipulation of microglial morphology in vitro has not been very successful, which has impeded the progress of microglial studies. We demonstrate that lysophosphatidylserine (LysoPS), a kind of lysophospholipids, rapidly and substantially alters the morphology of primary cultured microglia to an in vivo‐like ramified shape in a receptor independent manner. This mechanism is mediated by Cdc42 activity. LysoPS is incorporated into the plasma membrane and converted to phosphatidylserine (PS) via the Lands' cycle. The accumulated PS on the membrane recruits Cdc42. Both Cdc42 and PS colocalize predominantly in primary and secondary processes, but not in peripheral branches or tips of microglia. Along with the morphological changes LysoPS suppresses inflammatory cytokine production and NF‐kB activity. The present study provides a tool to manipulate a microglial phenotype from an amoeboid to a fully ramified in vitro, which certainly contributes to studies exploring microglial physiology and pathology.
The impact of wildfire on baseflow recession rates in California
Authors: Bart Ryan R. , Tague Christina L.
Published: February 2017

The effect of wildfire on peak streamflow and annual water yield has been investigated empirically in numerous studies. The effect of wildfire on baseflow recession rates, in contrast, is not well documented. The objective of this paper was to quantify the effect of wildfire on baseflow recession rates in California for both individual watersheds and for all the study watersheds collectively. Two additional variables, antecedent groundwater storage and potential evapotranspiration, were also investigated for their effect on baseflow recession rates and postfire baseflow recession rate response. Differences between prefire and postfire baseflow recession rates were modeled statistically in 8 watersheds using a mixed statistical model that accounted for fixed and random effects. For the all‐watershed model, antecedent groundwater storage, potential evapotranspiration, and wildfire were each found to be significant controls on baseflow recession rates. Wildfire decreased baseflow recession rates 52.5% (37.6% to 66.0%), implying that postfire reductions in above‐ground vegetation (e.g., decreased interception, decreased evapotranspiration) were a stronger control on baseflow recession rate change than hydrophobicity. At an individual watershed scale, baseflow recession rate response to wildfire was found to be sensitive to intraannual differences in antecedent groundwater storage in 2 watersheds, with the effect of wildfire on baseflow recession rates being greater with lower levels of antecedent groundwater storage. Examination of burn severity for a subset of the study watersheds pointed to riparian zone burn severity as a potential primary control on postfire recession rate change. This study demonstrates that wildfire may have a substantial impact on fluxes to and from groundwater storages, altering the rate at which baseflow recedes.
Transthoracic echocardiography study of congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries
Authors: Singh Amarjit , Singh Gurpreet , Dhaliwal Tejveer S. , Singh Manpreet
Published: February 2017

Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA) is a rare congenital heart defect, occurring in only 0.5% of patients exhibiting congenital heart defects. Because it is not seen in a routine transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) examination, CCTGA may be missed. The echocardiography diagnosis of CCTGA is difficult and not well explained in most textbooks. The present report provides key sonographic images that contribute to the diagnosis. In the present case, the patient had no prior history of heart disease. TTE revealed that the patient had CCTGA and early tricuspid regurgitation with right ventricle enlargement and hypertrophy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:375–379, 2017;
Looking into the puparium: Micro‐CT visualization of the internal morphological changes during metamorphosis of the blow fly, Calliphora vicina, with the first quantitative analysis of organ development in cyclorrhaphous dipterans
Authors: Martín‐Vega Daniel , Simonsen Thomas J. , Hall Martin J. R.
Published: February 2017

Metamorphosis of cyclorrhaphous flies takes place inside a barrel‐like puparium, formed by the shrinking, hardening and darkening of the third‐instar larval cuticle. The opacity of this structure hampers the visualization of the morphological changes occurring inside and therefore a full understanding of the metamorphosis process. Here, we use micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) to describe the internal morphological changes that occur during metamorphosis of the blow fly, Calliphora vicina Robineau‐Desvoidy 1830 (Diptera: Calliphoridae) at a greater temporal resolution than anything hitherto published. The morphological changes were documented at 10% intervals of the total intra‐puparial period, and down to 2.5% intervals during the first 20% interval, when the most dramatic morphological changes occur. Moreover, the development of an internal gas bubble, which plays an essential role during early metamorphosis, was further investigated with X‐ray images and micro‐CT virtual sections. The origin of this gas bubble has been largely unknown, but micro‐CT virtual sections show that it is connected to one of the main tracheal trunks. Micro‐CT virtual sections also provided enough resolution for determining the completion of the larval‐pupal and pupal‐adult apolyses, thus enabling an accurate timing of the different intra‐puparial life stages. The prepupal, pupal, and pharate adult stages last for 7.5%, 22.5%, and 70% of the total intra‐puparial development, respectively. Furthermore, we provide for the first time quantitative data on the development of two organ systems of the blow fly: the alimentary canal and the indirect flight muscles. There is a significant and negative correlation between the volume of the indirect flight muscles and the pre‐helicoidal region of the midgut during metamorphosis. The latter occupies a large portion of the thorax during the pupal stage but narrows progressively as the indirect flight muscles increase in volume during the development of the pharate adult.
MR enterography in nonresponsive adult celiac disease: Correlation with endoscopic, pathologic, serologic, and genetic features
Authors: Radmard Amir Reza , Hashemi Taheri Amir Pejman , Salehian Nik Elham , Kooraki Soheil , Kolahdoozan Shadi , Mirminachi Babak , Sotoudeh Masoud , Ekhlasi Golnaz , Malekzadeh Reza , Shahbazkhani Bijan
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To assess small bowel abnormalities on magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) in adult patients with nonresponsive celiac disease (CD) and investigate their associations with endoscopic, histopathologic, serologic, and genetic features.

Materials and Methods

This prospective study was carried out between September 2012 and August 2013. After approval by the Ethics Committee of our institution, informed consent was acquired from all participants. Forty consecutive patients with nonresponsive CD, aged 17–76 years, underwent MRE using a 1.5T unit. Sequences included T2‐HASTE, True‐FISP, pre‐ and postcontrast VIBE to assess the quantitative (number of ileal and jejunal folds) and qualitative (fold pattern abnormalities, mural thickening, increased enhancement, bowel dilatation, or intussusception) measures. Endoscopic manifestations were categorized as normal/mild vs. severe. Histopathological results were divided into mild and severe. Genotyping of HLA‐DQ2 and DQ8 was performed. Serum levels of tissue‐transglutaminase, endomysial, and gliadin antibodies were also determined. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used.

Results

Twenty‐nine (72.5%) cases showed abnormal MRE. Reversed jejunoileal fold pattern had significant association with severe endoscopic (odds ratio [OR] = 8.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.73–40.5) and pathologic features (OR = 7.36, 95% CI 1.33–40.54). An increased number of ileal folds/inch was significantly associated with severe MARSH score and positive HLA‐DQ8. (P < 0.001 and P = 0.026, respectively). Ileal fold number had the highest areas under the curve for prediction of severe endoscopic (AUC: 0.75, P = 0.009) and pathologic (AUC: 0.84, P < 0.001) findings and positive anti‐transglutaminase antibody (AUC: 0.85, P = 0.027).

Conclusion

Fold pattern reversal on MRE is highly associated with endoscopic and pathologic features of refractory celiac disease (RCD). Increased ileal folds showed higher correlation with endoscopic‐pathologic features, HLA‐DQ8, and anti‐transglutaminase level. MRE might be more sensitive for detection of increased ileal folds in CD rather than reduction of duodenal and jejunal folds due to better distension of ileal loops.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1096–1106.
Can algorithmically assessed MRI features predict which patients with a preoperative diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ are upstaged to invasive breast cancer?
Authors: Harowicz Michael R. , Saha Ashirbani , Grimm Lars J. , Marcom P. Kelly , Marks Jeffrey R. , Hwang E. Shelley , Mazurowski Maciej A.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To assess the ability of algorithmically assessed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features to predict the likelihood of upstaging to invasive cancer in newly diagnosed ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

Materials and Methods

We identified 131 patients at our institution from 2000–2014 with a core needle biopsy‐confirmed diagnosis of pure DCIS, a 1.5 or 3T preoperative bilateral breast MRI with nonfat‐saturated T1‐weighted MRI sequences, no preoperative therapy before breast MRI, and no prior history of breast cancer. A fellowship‐trained radiologist identified the lesion on each breast MRI using a bounding box. Twenty‐nine imaging features were then computed automatically using computer algorithms based on the radiologist's annotation.

Results

The rate of upstaging of DCIS to invasive cancer in our study was 26.7% (35/131). Out of all imaging variables tested, the information measure of correlation 1, which quantifies spatial dependency in neighboring voxels of the tumor, showed the highest predictive value of upstaging with an area under the curve (AUC) = 0.719 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.609–0.829). This feature was statistically significant after adjusting for tumor size (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Automatically assessed MRI features may have a role in triaging which patients with a preoperative diagnosis of DCIS are at highest risk for occult invasive disease.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1332–1340.
Yeast alter micro‐oxygenation of wine: oxygen consumption and aldehyde production
Authors: Han Guomin , Webb Michael R , Richter Chandra , Parsons Jessica , Waterhouse Andrew L
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Micro‐oxygenation (MOx) is a common winemaking treatment used to improve red wine color development and diminish vegetal aroma, amongst other effects. It is commonly applied to wine immediately after yeast fermentation (phase 1) or later, during aging (phase 2). Although most winemakers avoid MOx during malolactic (ML) fermentation, it is often not possible to avoid because ML bacteria are often present during phase 1 MOx treatment. We investigated the effect of common yeast and bacteria on the outcome of micro‐oxygenation.

RESULTS

Compared to sterile filtered wine, Saccharomyces cerevisiae inoculation significantly increased oxygen consumption, keeping dissolved oxygen in wine below 30 µg L–1 during micro‐oxygenation, whereas Oenococcus oeni inoculation was not associated with a significant impact on the concentration of dissolved oxygen. The unfiltered baseline wine also had both present, although with much higher populations of bacteria and consumed oxygen. The yeast‐treated wine yielded much higher levels of acetaldehyde, rising from 4.3 to 29 mg L–1 during micro‐oxygenation, whereas no significant difference was found between the bacteria‐treated wine and the filtered control. The unfiltered wine exhibited rapid oxygen consumption but no additional acetaldehyde, as well as reduced pyruvate. Analysis of the acetaldehyde‐glycerol acetal levels showed a good correlation with acetaldehyde concentrations.

CONCLUSION

The production of acetaldehyde is a key outcome of MOx and it is dramatically increased in the presence of yeast, although it is possibly counteracted by the metabolism of O. oeni bacteria. Additional controlled experiments are necessary to clarify the interaction of yeast and bacteria during MOx treatments. Analysis of the glycerol acetals may be useful as a proxy for acetaldehyde levels. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Limited synchronous hepatic resection does not compromise peri‐operative outcomes or survival after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy
Authors: Saxena Akshat , Valle Sarah J. , Liauw Winston , Morris David L.
Published: February 2017

INTRODUCTION

There is uncertainty about whether hepatic resection (HR) combined with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) is effective.

METHODS

Nine hundred and thirty‐five consecutive CRS/HIPEC procedures were performed between 1996 and 2016 of which 132(14%) involved concomitant HR. Peri‐operative complications were graded according to the Clavien‐Dindo Classification. The association of concomitant HR with 19 peri‐operative outcomes and overall survival (OS) was assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Patients undergoing HR had a lower peritoneal disease burden (peritoneal cancer index <17) (46 vs 29%, P < 0.001) and underwent a shorter operation (<9 h) (53 vs 42%, P = 0.019). After accounting for confounding factors, HR was not associated with in‐hospital mortality (Relative risk [RR], 2.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.52‐11.77; P = 0.577) or grade III/IV morbidity (RR, 1.18; 95%CI, 0.74‐1.90; P = 0.488). Moreover, HR was not associated with an increased risk of other complications on univariate or multivariate analysis. Median OS for all colorectal cancer patients was 32.3 month with resected HM versus 30.5 months without HM (P = 0.587).

CONCLUSION

Given prudent patient selection, concomitant HR does not compromise peri‐operative outcomes or survival after CRS/HIPEC.
Electrospun Poly(l‐Lactic Acid) Nanofibers for Nanogenerator and Diagnostic Sensor Applications
Authors: Zhao Gengrui , Huang Baisheng , Zhang Jinxi , Wang Aochen , Ren Kailiang , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: February 2017

This paper presents for the first time that poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA) nanofibers can show the piezoelectricity along the fiber direction (d33) by using an electrospinning method. First, the electrospun fiber bundles are characterized by scanning electron microscope, X‐ray, and piezoelectric coefficient measurements. The data show that the supercritical CO2treatment can greatly enhance the piezoelectricity of electrospun PLLA fibers, which can be resulting from the increased crystallinity of the fibers. Later, it is found that the electrospun PLLA fiber can generate a current of 8 pA and a voltage of 20 mV by a simple push–release process. Further, a single PLLA fiber‐based blood pulse sensor is also fabricated and tested and shows around a 2 pA output for blood pulse. Due to easy fabrication and relatively simple structure, this device enables a broad range of promising future applications in the medical sensor area.

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Nonlinear generalized sections and vector bundle homomorphisms in Colombeau spaces of generalized functions
Authors: Nigsch Eduard A.
Published: February 2017

We define and characterize spaces of manifold‐valued generalized functions and generalized vector bundle homomorphisms in the setting of the full diffeomorphism‐invariant vector‐valued Colombeau algebra. Furthermore, we establish point value characterizations for these spaces.
Hereditary myopathies with early respiratory insufficiency in adults
Authors: Naddaf Elie , Milone Margherita
Published: February 2017

Introduction: Hereditary myopathies with early respiratory insufficiency as a predominant feature of the clinical phenotype are uncommon and underestimated in adults. Methods: We reviewed the clinical and laboratory data of patients with hereditary myopathies who demonstrated early respiratory insufficiency before the need for ambulatory assistance. Only patients with disease‐causing mutations or a specific histopathological diagnosis were included. Patients with cardiomyopathy were excluded. Results: We identified 22 patients; half had isolated respiratory symptoms at onset. The diagnosis of the myopathy was often delayed, resulting in delayed ventilatory support. The most common myopathies were adult‐onset Pompe disease, myofibrillar myopathy, multi‐minicore disease, and myotonic dystrophy type 1. Single cases of laminopathy, MELAS (mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and strokelike events), centronuclear myopathy, and cytoplasmic body myopathy were identified. Conclusion: We highlighted the most common hereditary myopathies associated with early respiratory insufficiency as the predominant clinical feature, and underscored the importance of a timely diagnosis for patient care. Muscle Nerve 56: 881–886, 2017
Longitudinal course of lung function in myotonic dystrophy type 1
Authors: Thil Catherine , Agrinier Nelly , Chenuel Bruno , Poussel Mathias
Published: February 2017

Introduction: Quality of life and prognosis among patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) depend on the degree of respiratory impairment. However, the changes over time in pulmonary function in DM1 have not been clearly described. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed pulmonary function tests of 80 DM1 patients followed for at least 5 years. Results: During 9.02 ± 3.4 years of follow‐up, the average annual changes were: forced vital capacity (FVC) –0.034 ± 0.06 L (–0.72 ± 1.7% predicted); forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) –0.043 ± 0.05 L (–1.07 ± 1.7% predicted); and total lung capacity (TLC) –0.047 ± 0.1 L (–1.15 ± 1.7% predicted). Conclusions: These results suggest that, compared with other neuromuscular disorders, DM1 is, overall, associated with slowly progressive impairment of lung function. Muscle Nerve 56: 816–818, 2017
The extrapolated reference values procedure: Theory, algorithm, and results in patients and control subjects
Authors: Nandedkar Sanjeev D. , Sanders Donald B. , Hobson‐Webb Lisa D. , Billakota Santoshi , Barkhaus Paul E. , Stålberg Erik V.
Published: February 2017

Introduction: Reference values (RVs) are required to separate normal from abnormal values obtained in electrodiagnostic (EDx) testing. However, it is frequently impractical to perform studies on control subjects to obtain RVs. The Extrapolated Reference Values (E‐Ref) procedure extracts RVs from data obtained during clinically indicated EDx testing. We compared the E‐Ref results with established RVs in several sets of EDx data. Methods: The mathematical basis for E‐Ref was explored to develop an algorithm for the E‐Ref procedure. To test the validity of this algorithm, it was applied to simulated and real jitter measurements from control subjects and patients with myasthenia gravis, and to nerve conduction studies from patients with various conditions referred for EDx studies. Results: There was good concordance between E‐Ref and RVs for all evaluated data sets. Discussion: E‐Ref is a promising method to develop RVs. Muscle Nerve 57: 90–95, 2018
Design of five‐layer gold nanoparticles self‐assembled in a liquid open tubular column for ultrasensitive nano‐LC‐MS/MS proteomic analysis of 80 living cells
Authors: Shao Xi , Zhang Xiangmin
Published: February 2017

In this work, for the first time, a liquid open tubular column modified by five‐layer gold nanoparticles and linked with C18 (GNPs@C18) was designed and fabricated for nano‐LC‐MS/MS analysis of 80 living cells. Sixty nanometer gold nanoparticles were self‐assembled layer by layer on the inner wall of a 20 μm id fused‐silica capillary. C18 was then linked on the gold nanoparticles to make the liquid open tubular column show hydrophobic character. Enough loading capacities for analysis of 80 living cells, ∼100 fmol for pk‐10 and ∼30 fmol for insulin, were obtained with the 2 m × 20 μm id five‐layer GNPs@C18 open tubular column. The open tubular column was used in an online pretreatment and direct nano‐LC‐MS/MS analysis system to analyze 80 living HepG2 cells. In total, 650 proteins were identified in triplicate runs. The subcellular localization of the identified proteins showed that our system had no bias toward different cellular compartments. Protein copy number per cell of the identified proteins showed that the detection limit could reach 50 zmol and the abundance of the identified proteins could cover a dynamic range of 6 orders.
Impact of universal health coverage on suicide risk in newly diagnosed cancer patients: Population‐based cohort study from 1985 to 2007 in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Po‐Hsien , Liao Shih‐Cheng , Chen I‐Ming , Kuo Po‐Hsiu , Shan Jia‐Chi , Lee Ming‐Been , Chen Wei J.
Published: February 2017

Background

National Health Insurance (NHI), launched in 1995 in Taiwan, lightens patient's financial burdens but its effect on the suicide risk in cancer patients is unclear. We aimed to investigate the impacts of the NHI on the suicide in newly diagnosed cancer patients.

Methods

We identified patients with newly diagnosed cancer from the nationwide Taiwan Cancer Registration from 1985 to 2007, and ascertained suicide deaths from the national database of registered deaths between 1985 and 2009. Standardized mortality ratio (SMR) of suicide risk among patients with cancer was calculated, and the suicide risk ratios were examined by gender, age group, and prognosis.

Results

For the 916 337 registered cancer patients with 4 300 953 person‐years, 2 543 died by suicide, with a suicide rate of 59.1 per 100 000 person‐years. Compared to the general population, cancer patients had an SMR of 2.47 for suicide, with a higher figure for males (2.73), age 45 to 64 (2.89), and cancer of poor prognosis (3.19). The suicide risk was highest in the first 2 years after the initial diagnosis. Comparing the cohorts of the period before (1985 to 1992) and after (1996 to 2007) the launch of NHI, we saw a reduction in the SMR within the first 2 years after cancer diagnosis (20%), with more prominent reduction for females (29%), age under 45 (69%), and cancer of good prognosis (33%).

Conclusions

A universal health coverage relieving both physical and psychological distress may account for the post‐NHI reduction of immediate suicide risk in patients of newly diagnosed cancer.
A Placebo‐Controlled Double‐Blinded Randomized Pilot Study of Combination Phytotherapy in Biochemically Recurrent Prostate Cancer
Authors: van Die M. Diana , Williams Scott G. , Emery Jon , Bone Kerry M. , Taylor Jeremy M.G. , Lusk Elizabeth , Pirotta Marie V.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Men with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer following local therapies often use natural supplements in an attempt to delay metastases and/or avoid the need for more aggressive treatments with undesirable side‐effects. While there is a growing body of research into phytotherapeutic agents in this cohort, with some promising results, as yet no definitive recommendations can be made. This pilot study was undertaken to assess the feasibility of a fully‐powered study to examine the effects of this phytotherapeutic intervention (containing turmeric, resveratrol, green tea and broccoli sprouts) on PSA doubling time in men with biochemical recurrence with a moderate PSA rise rate.

METHODS

A double blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled parallel trial was conducted with 22 men with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer and a moderate rise rate (PSA doubling time of 4–15 months and no evidence of metastases from conventional imaging methods). Patients were randomized to either the active treatment arm or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary endpoints were feasibility of study recruitment and procedures, and measurement of proposed secondary endpoints (prostate symptoms, quality of life, anxiety, and depression as measured on the EORTC QLQ‐C30 and PR‐25, the IPSS and HADS). Data were collected to estimate PSA‐log slopes and PSA‐doubling times, using a mixed model, for both the pre‐intervention and post‐intervention periods.

RESULTS

Adherence to study protocol was excellent, and the phytotherapeutic intervention was well‐tolerated, with similar numbers of mild‐to‐moderate adverse events in the active and placebo arms. Both the intervention and data collection methods were acceptable to participants. No statistical difference between groups on clinical outcomes was expected in this pilot study. There was between‐subject variation in the PSA post treatment, but on average the active treatment group experienced a non‐significant increase in the log‐slope of PSA (pre‐treatment doubling time = 10.2 months, post‐treatment doubling time = 5.5 months), and the placebo group experienced no change in the log‐slope of PSA (pre‐treatment doubling time = 10.8 months, post‐treatment doubling time = 10.9 months).

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that a fully powered study of this combination is feasible in men with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer and a moderate PSA rise rate. Prostate 77:765–775, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Safety and Immunological Efficacy of a DNA Vaccine Encoding the Androgen Receptor Ligand‐Binding Domain (AR‐LBD)
Authors: Olson Brian M. , Bradley Eric S. , Sawicki Thomas , Zhong Weixiong , Ranheim Erik A. , Bloom Jordan E. , Colluru Viswa T. , Johnson Laura E. , Rekoske Brian T. , Eickhoff Jens C. , McNeel Douglas G.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

The androgen receptor (AR) is a key oncogenic driver of prostate cancer, and has been the primary focus of prostate cancer treatment for several decades. We have previously demonstrated that the AR is also an immunological target antigen, recognized in patients with prostate cancer, and targetable by means of vaccines in rodent models with delays in prostate tumor growth. The current study was performed to determine the safety and immunological efficacy of a GMP‐grade plasmid DNA vaccine encoding the ligand‐binding domain (LBD) of the AR, pTVG‐AR.

METHODS

Groups of male mice (n = 6–10 per group) were evaluated after four or seven immunizations, using different schedules and inclusion of GM‐CSF as a vaccine adjuvant. Animals were assessed for toxicity using gross observations, pathological analysis, and analysis of serum chemistries. Animals were analyzed for evidence of vaccine‐augmented immunity by tetramer analysis. Survival studies using different immunization schedules and inclusion of GM‐CSF were conducted in an autochthonous genetically engineered mouse model.

RESULTS

No significant toxicities were observed in terms of animal weights, histopathology, hematological changes, or changes in serum chemistries, although there was a trend to lower serum glucose in animals treated with the vaccine. There was specifically no evidence of toxicity in other tissues that express AR, including liver, muscle, hematopoietic, and brain. Vaccination was found to elicit AR LBD‐specific CD8+ T cells. In a subsequent study of tumor‐bearing animals, animals treated with vaccine had prolonged survival compared with control‐immunized mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies demonstrate that, in immunocompetent mice expressing the target antigen, immunization with the pTVG‐AR vaccine was both safe and effective in eliciting AR‐specific cellular immune responses, and prolonged the survival of prostate tumor‐bearing mice. These findings support the clinical evaluation of pTVG‐AR in patients with recurrent prostate cancer. Prostate 77:812–821, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Image Segmentation for Fruit Detection and Yield Estimation in Apple Orchards
Authors: Bargoti Suchet , Underwood James P.
Published: February 2017

Ground vehicles equipped with monocular vision systems are a valuable source of high‐resolution image data for precision agriculture applications in orchards. This paper presents an image processing framework for fruit detection and counting using orchard image data. A general‐purpose image segmentation approach is used, including two feature learning algorithms; multiscale multilayered perceptrons (MLP) and convolutional neural networks (CNN). These networks were extended by including contextual information about how the image data was captured (metadata), which correlates with some of the appearance variations and/or class distributions observed in the data. The pixel‐wise fruit segmentation output is processed using the watershed segmentation (WS) and circular Hough transform (CHT) algorithms to detect and count individual fruits. Experiments were conducted in a commercial apple orchard near Melbourne, Australia. The results show an improvement in fruit segmentation performance with the inclusion of metadata on the previously benchmarked MLP network. We extend this work with CNNs, bringing agrovision closer to the state‐of‐the‐art in computer vision, where although metadata had negligible influence, the best pixel‐wise F1‐score of 0.791 was achieved. The WS algorithm produced the best apple detection and counting results, with a detection F1‐score of 0.861. As a final step, image fruit counts were accumulated over multiple rows at the orchard and compared against the post‐harvest fruit counts that were obtained from a grading and counting machine. The count estimates using CNN and WS resulted in the best performance for this data set, with a squared correlation coefficient of .
Power and sample size calculation for paired recurrent events data based on robust nonparametric tests
Authors: Su Pei‐Fang , Chung Chia‐Hua , Wang Yu‐Wen , Chi Yunchan , Chang Ying‐Ju
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this paper is to develop a formula for calculating the required sample size for paired recurrent events data. The developed formula is based on robust non‐parametric tests for comparing the marginal mean function of events between paired samples. This calculation can accommodate the associations among a sequence of paired recurrent event times with a specification of correlated gamma frailty variables for a proportional intensity model. We evaluate the performance of the proposed method with comprehensive simulations including the impacts of paired correlations, homogeneous or nonhomogeneous processes, marginal hazard rates, censoring rate, accrual and follow‐up times, as well as the sensitivity analysis for the assumption of the frailty distribution. The use of the formula is also demonstrated using a premature infant study from the neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary center in southern Taiwan. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of Complexation and Host‐Guest Interaction between Redox‐Active Ligands and Metal Cations by Chemiluminescence
Authors: Motoyoshiya Jiro , Wada Jun‐ya , Mukawa Kentaro , Maekawa Yuto , Kaneta Ayato , Fujimoto Tetsuya
Published: February 2017

In the presence of some redox‐active ligands, such as p‐phenylenediamine derivatives and lariat types of azacrown ethers all bearing dipicolylamino groups, the peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence (PO‐CL) was effectively quenched by the electronic interaction between the high‐energy intermediates and the ligands due to control of the CIEEL process. The addition of certain metal cations suitable for complexation with the ligands controls the electron donating abilities of the ligands leading to CL operation by permitting the CIEEL process. The combination of the metal cations and the ligands that turns the CIEEL on or off almost agreed with the known complexations and host‐guest interactions between them in spite of some exceptions due to different conditions. Based on these results the present chemiluminescence system will be useful for qualitative detection of such the coordination interactions.
Effect of Ru Precursors and Reduction Conditions on Catalyst Performance in Glycerol Hydrogenolysis
Authors: Mane Rasika B. , Patil Shivanand T. , Gurav Hanmant , Rayalu Sadhana S. , Rode Chandrashekhar V.
Published: February 2017

Catalyst precursors, their reduction protocols and reaction conditions integrally influenced the activity and selectivity pattern in glycerol hydrogenolysis. Ru prepared from chloride precursor (Ru(Cl)/C−B) showed the maximum selectivity to C−C cleavage products EG (56 %) and methanol (17 %) with 23 % selectivity to 1,2‐PDO. While, that prepared from nitrosyl precursor (Ru(n)/C−B) showed higher selectivity to 1,2‐PDO (44 %) and lower to EG (42 %). The catalysts prepared either with chloride or nitrosyl precursors but reduced by H2 showed lower glycerol conversion (10‐11 %) than NaBH4 reduced catalysts. For these catalysts, 1,2‐PDO selectivity increased to 40–43 % along with the major formation of 2‐propanol (48‐49 %) and very less selectivities to C−C cleavage products. The lower activity of the H2 reduced catalysts can be related to their lower acidity and the bigger Ru metal particle size (3‐5 nm). For Ru(Cl)/C−B catalyst, glycerol conversion increased from 28–97 % with a rise in temperature from 180 to 250 oC also favoring 1,2‐PDO selectivity; indicating that C−O bond cleavage was favoured in comparison to C−C scission, at higher temperature.
Phosphine‐Catalyzed Domino Reactions of Allenoates with N‐Hydroxyphthalimides: Direct Method to 3 a‐Hydroxyisoxazolo[3,2‐a]isoindol‐8(3 aH)‐one Derivatives
Authors: Zhao Shuang , Zhu Yong , Wu Yichao , Lu Tao , Zhou Qingfa
Published: February 2017

A novel and efficient method for the synthesis of 3a‐hydroxyisoxazolo[3,2‐a]isoindol‐8(3aH)‐one derivatives through N‐hydroxyphthalimides and allenoates has been described. These domino reactions were catalyzed by triphenylphosphine and exhibited good functional group tolerance and scalability without the use of metals.
Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Performance in Reduced Graphene Oxide/BiFeO3 Heterostructures
Authors: Ren Yan , Nan Feng , You Lu , Zhou Yang , Wang Yanyan , Wang Junling , Su Xiaodong , Shen Mingrong , Fang Liang
Published: February 2017

BiFeO3 (BFO)‐based ferroelectrics have been proved to be visible‐light‐driven photoelectrodes for O2 production. However, the hitherto reported photoelectrochemical performances remain inferior to meet the requirements for any applications. Besides, expensive noble metals (Ag, Au) are commonly required to achieve high photoelectric conversion efficiency. Here, the significant enhancements of photoelectrochemical performance is reported by fabricating a noble‐metal‐free reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/BFO composite film via a simple and cost‐effective solution process. The optimized RGO/BFO composite film exhibits a 600% improvement of the short‐circuit photocurrent density compared to that of the pristine BFO, and also outperforms the noble‐metal/BFO cells under the same reaction conditions. Furthermore, the incident photon‐to‐current efficiency of the optimized RGO/BFO sample shows threefold enhancement. This study delivers a facile and low‐cost approach to preparing 2D materials/ferroelectric heterostructures and offers a promising pathway to boost the performance of semiconducting ferroelectric photoelectrodes.
Assessment of the short‐term toxicity of TiO2 nanofiber in Sprague Dawley rats
Authors: Gato Worlanyo E. , Hunter Daniel A. , Byrd Ian C. , Mays Christopher A. , Yau Wilson , Wu Ji
Published: February 2017

Synthetic nanomaterials have many unique chemical and physical properties, mainly due to their high specific surface area and quantum confinement effect. Specifically, titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanomaterial has high stability, anticorrosive, and photocatalytic properties. However, there are concerns over adverse biological effects resulting from bioeffects. This study was to investigate adverse effects associated with acute ingestion of TiO2 nanofiber (TDNF). TDNF was fabricated via electrospinning method, followed by dissolution in water. Six‐ to seven‐week‐old male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to a total of 0, 40, and 60 ppm of TDNF for 2 weeks via oral gavage. Serum total protein and weight gain during the course of this study displayed marginal concentration‐dependent alterations. These findings were followed by a global gene expression analysis to identify which transcripts might be responsive to TNDF toxicity. Differentially expressed mRNA levels were dose‐dependently higher in animals exposed to TNDF. The majority of the affected genes were biochemically involved in immune response and inflammation. We believe this is due to the fact that TNDF is unable to penetrate the cell and forms phagocytosis sites that trigger inflammatory and immune response. All results taken together, short‐term ingestion of TNDF produced marginal effects indicative of inflammation. Finally, the broad gene expression data were validated through quantification of immunoglobulin heavy chain alpha (Igha). Igha gene was upregulated in treated groups, showing similar expression patterns to the global gene expression data.
Physical activity initiated by employer induces improvements in a novel set of biomarkers of inflammation: an 8-week follow-up study
Authors: Lunde Lars-Kristian , Skare Øivind , Aass Hans C. D. , Mamen Asgeir , Einarsdóttir Elín , Ulvestad Bente , Skogstad Marit
Published: February 2017

Purpose

We investigated the level of pro- and anti-inflammatory biomarkers before and after 8 weeks of unsupervised physical activity (PA) initiated by employer.

Methods

During autumn 2014, background data, blood samples and self-reported exercise level were collected from 76 men and 41 women in a Norwegian road maintenance company. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), leptin, adiponectin, p-selectin and CD40 ligand (CD40L) were analyzed. $${\dot V}{{\rm{O}}_{{\rm{2max}}}}$$

V
˙

O

2
max

was measured in a subgroup of 50 subjects.

Results

With reference point of exercise ≤1 time/week, we found that participants who exercised 2–3 times/week had higher $${\dot V}{{\rm{O}}_{{\rm{2max}}}}$$

V
˙

O

2
max

values (5.6 mL kg−1 min−1; 95% CI [1.3, 9.9]). MCP-1 was lower in those who exercised ≥ 4 times/week (−81.98 pg/ml [−142.9, −21.0]). IL-6 and p-selectin levels were lower in females who exercised ≥4 times/week (−1.04 pg/ml [−2.04, −0.03] and −13.75 ng/ml [−24.03, −3.48]). Leptin was lower in participants who exercised 2–3 times/week (−0.39 µg/ml ln [−0.68, −0.09]) and ≥4 times/week (−0.69 µg/ml ln [−1.10, −0.28]). During follow-up, $${\dot V}{{\rm{O}}_{{\rm{2max}}}}$$

V
˙

O

2
max

increased (2.9 mL kg−1 min−1 [1.5, 4.3]), while p-selectin and CD40L decreased (−2.33 ng/ml [−3.78, −0.87] and 718.14 ng/ml [−1368, −68]). MCP-1 levels decreased among men (−32.70 pg/ml [−51.21, −14.19]). A joint analysis of all biomarkers (inversed adiponectin) showed that those who exercised ≥4 times/week at baseline had lower total levels of biomarkers and that total biomarker levels decreased during follow-up.

Conclusions

Exercising several times a week was associated with less inflammation compared to exercising once a week or less. During the 8-week follow-up, total levels of biomarkers of inflammation improved.
Specific Ion Effects of Salt Solutions on Colloidal Properties of Octadecylamine Hydrochloride
Authors: Li Enze , Du Zhiping , Li Da , Cheng Fangqin
Published: February 2017

Flotation continues to be a major technique for the production of potash from low grade, complex systems containing a variety of ores and ions. The specific ion effects on the behavior of the flotation collector in the KCl flotation system becomes important to the interpretation of the flotation mechanism. In this work, specific ion effects on the turbidity, surface tension and aggregation behavior of the common collector in KCl flotation, octadecylamine hydrochloride (ODA), have been investigated. The results from turbidity and surface tension studies of ODA solutions show that both cations and anions can affect the colloidal properties of ODA. Molecular dynamics simulations show that the binding that energy barrier between ODA headgroups and anions is principally responsible for the specific anion effect of γCAC of ODA solutions. In addition, the ion effect on the ODA aggregation particle size was also studied by using transmission electron micrographs (TEM) and dynamic light scattering. The data reveal that the presence of salt ions can induce the formation of larger ODA colloidal particles, on which the cation effect is more significant. This work provides detailed information of specific ion effect on colloidal properties of ODA, which may promote a further understanding of the flotation mechanism and help to improve the flotation of KCl from brine sources.
Reduced Incision Surgical Fixation of Diaphyseal Forearm Fractures in Adults through a Minimally Invasive Volar Approach
Authors: Nathaniel Ng Li Wen , Louis Lim Zongwei Joel , Weixiang Xu Roland , Dennis Hey Hwee Weng
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The study aimed to describe and evaluate the minimally invasive volar approach to the forearm for open reduction and internal fixation of diaphyseal radius fractures.

Methods

This is a matched case-control study involving patients with diaphyseal forearm fractures operated by one orthopaedic surgeon over 2 years. Cases underwent a minimally invasive volar approach, whereas controls underwent a standard Henry's approach. In total, 17 cases and 17 controls were studied based on patient demographics, injury patterns, and surgical outcomes.

Results

The duration of surgery was significantly shorter for cases than for controls in combined radius and ulna fracture fixation (58.8 minutes vs. 84 minutes; p = 0.03). There was no significant difference in operative time for isolated radius fractures, hospitalisation duration, and time to return to work. No malalignment or complications were observed.

Conclusion

The minimally invasive volar approach to the forearm is as safe and efficacious as traditional approaches in the fixation of diaphyseal radius fractures.
A composite measure of cognitive and functional progression in Alzheimer's disease: Design of the Capturing Changes in Cognition study
Authors: Jutten Roos J. , Harrison John , de Jong Frank Jan , Aleman André , Ritchie Craig W. , Scheltens Philip , Sikkes Sietske A.M.
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Cognitive testing in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is essential for establishing diagnosis, monitoring progression, and evaluating treatments. Assessments should ideally be brief, reliable, valid, and reflect clinically meaningful changes. There is a lack of instruments that meet all these criteria. In the Capturing Changes in Cognition (Catch‐Cog) study, we seek to correct these deficiencies through the development and validation of a composite measure combining cognition and function: the cognitive‐functional composite (CFC). We expect that the CFC is able to detect clinically relevant changes over time in early dementia stages of AD.

Methods/Design

We will include patients (n = 350) with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to AD from memory clinics in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. We will include cognitively healthy volunteers (n = 30) as a control group. The CFC is based on the “cognitive composite” and the Amsterdam instrumental activities of daily living questionnaire. We will investigate test–retest reliability with baseline and 2‐ to 3‐week follow‐up assessments (n = 50 patients and n = 30 healthy controls). We will involve experts and participants to evaluate the initial feasibility and refine the CFC if needed. Subsequently, we will perform a longitudinal construct validation study in a prospective cohort (n = 300) with baseline, 3‐, 6‐, and 12‐month follow‐up assessments. The main outcome is cognitive and functional progression measured by the CFC. Reference measures for progression include traditional cognitive and functional tests, disease burden measures, and brain imaging methods. Using linear mixed modeling, we will investigate longitudinal changes on the CFC and relate these to the reference measures. Using linear regression analyses, we will evaluate the influence of possible confounders such as age, gender, and education on the CFC.

Discussion

By performing an independent longitudinal construct validation, the Catch‐Cog study of the novel CFC will contribute to the improvement of disease monitoring and treatment evaluation in early dementia stages of AD.
The Dirichlet problem for the equation of prescribed mean curvature
Authors: Wang Guofang
Published: February 2017

We prove that there exist at least two distinct solutions to the Dirichlet problem for the equation of prescribed mean curvature

∆X = 2H(X) X_u\wedge X_v

, the curvature function

H

being in a full neighborhood of a suitable constant.
Radially symmetric solutions of a class of problems of the calculus of variations without convexity assumptions
Authors: Cellina Arrigo , Flores Fabián
Published: February 2017

We show that the functional

\mathrm{I}(u) = \int _{\mathrm{B}}a(|x|)\:u\:(x)\:dx + \int _{\mathrm{B}}h(|x|,\mathrm{\Delta }u\:(x)−\mathrm{\lambda }u\:(x))\:dx

attains a minimum on the space

\mathrm{W}_{0}^{2,p}\left(\mathrm{B}\right)

.

Nous montrons que le fonctionnel

\mathrm{I}(u) = \int _{\mathrm{B}}a(|x|)\:u\:(x)\:dx + \int _{\mathrm{B}}h\:(|x|,\mathrm{\Delta }u\:(x)−\mathrm{\lambda }u\:(x))\:dx

atteint le minimum sur l’espace

\mathrm{W}_{0}^{2,p}\left(\mathrm{B}\right)

.
Phenotypic Variability of Dystrophinopathy Symptomatic Female Carriers
Authors: Cotta Ana , Paim Julia Filardi , Carvalho Elmano , Navarro Mônica Machado , Valicek Jaquelin , da-Cunha-Junior Antonio Lopes , Menezes Miriam Melo , Nunes Simone Vilela , Xavier-Neto Rafael , da Silveira Eni Braga , Costa-e-Silva Cynthia , Takata Reinaldo Issao , Vargas Antonio Pedro
Published: February 2017

Background: Dystrophinopathies are X-linked muscular dystrophies characterized by pathogenic mutations in the dystrophin gene. Symptomatic dystrophinopathy female carriers may present with limb-girdle weakness. The diagnosis may be challenging in the absence of affected male relatives. We aimed to describe the phenotypic variability in a series of molecular-confirmed female dystrophinopathy patients. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of medical records from 1997 to 2015. Results: Ten female dystrophinopathy patients were selected, two with unusual phenotypes: one with early joint contractures muscular dystrophy and the other with very late onset myopathy. Muscle imaging studies demonstrated predominant asymmetric fat replacement. Muscle biopsy immunohistochemistry demonstrated clear mosaic pattern in two cases and only subtle reduction of dystrophin intensity in three. Conclusions: Adequate diagnosis is fundamental for genetic counseling and cardiologic follow-up. Female patients with dystrophinopathy may present unusual phenotypes such as early contractures and very late onset myopathy.