bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macrophages protect against loss of adipose tissue during cancer cachexia
Authors: Erdem Merve , Möckel Diana , Jumpertz Sandra , John Cathleen , Fragoulis Athanassios , Rudolph Ines , Wulfmeier Johanna , Springer Jochen , Horn Henrike , Koch Marco , Lurje Georg , Lammers Twan , Olde Damink Steven , van der Kroft Gregory , Gremse Felix , Cramer Thorsten
Published: July 2019

Background

Cancer cachexia represents a central obstacle in medical oncology as it is associated with poor therapy response and reduced overall survival. Systemic inflammation is considered to be a key driver of cancer cachexia; however, clinical studies with anti‐inflammatory drugs failed to show distinct cachexia‐inhibiting effects. To address this contradiction, we investigated the functional importance of innate immune cells for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)‐associated cachexia.

Methods

A transgenic HCC mouse model was intercrossed with mice harbouring a defect in myeloid cell‐mediated inflammation. Body composition of mice was analysed via nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and microcomputed tomography. Quantitative PCR was used to determine adipose tissue browning and polarization of adipose tissue macrophages. The activation state of distinct areas of the hypothalamus was analysed via immunofluorescence. Multispectral immunofluorescence imaging and immunoblot were applied to characterize sympathetic neurons and macrophages in visceral adipose tissue. Quantification of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in mouse serum was performed with a multiplex immunoassay. Visceral adipose tissue of HCC patients was quantified via the L3 index of computed tomography scans obtained during routine clinical care.

Results

We identified robust cachexia in the HCC mouse model as evidenced by a marked loss of visceral fat and lean mass. Computed tomography‐based analyses demonstrated that a subgroup of human HCC patients displays reduced visceral fat mass, complementing the murine data. While the myeloid cell‐mediated inflammation defect resulted in reduced expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in the serum of HCC‐bearing mice, this unexpectedly did not translate into diminished but rather enhanced cachexia‐associated fat loss. Defective myeloid cell‐mediated inflammation was associated with decreased macrophage abundance in visceral adipose tissue, suggesting a role for local macrophages in the regulation of cancer‐induced fat loss.

Conclusions

Myeloid cell‐mediated inflammation displays a rather unexpected beneficial function in a murine HCC model. These results demonstrate that immune cells are capable of protecting the host against cancer‐induced tissue wasting, adding a further layer of complexity to the pathogenesis of cachexia and providing a potential explanation for the contradictory results of clinical studies with anti‐inflammatory drugs.
Intravoxel incoherent motion imaging of the kidney: The application in patients with hyperuricemia
Authors: Cheng Zhong‐Yuan , Feng You‐Zhen , Hu Jun‐Jiao , Lin Qi‐Ting , Li Wei , Qian Long , Cai Xiang‐Ran
Published: July 2019

Background

Hyperuricemia is an independent risk factor for onset and progression of kidney disease. However, there remains a lack of a reliable and noninvasive biomarker to identify and monitor the changes of renal function in patients with hyperuricemia.

Purpose

To assess the utility of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters in identifying the early changes of renal function in patients with hyperuricemia.

Study Type

Retrospective case–control study.

Population

Eighty‐four male participants, including asymptomatic hyperuricemia (AH, 27 cases), gouty arthritis (GA, 31 cases), and 26 age‐matched healthy controls.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T; intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM).

Assessment

Differences in the IVIM parameters among the three groups were assessed. Pure molecular diffusion (D value); perfusion‐related diffusion (D* value); pseudodiffusion fraction (f value); apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC value); estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Also, they were correlated with eGFR.

Statistical Tests

Bonferroni test, Tamhane's T2 method, and Pearson correlation analysis.

Results

The D values in renal cortex and medulla significantly decreased from the control, AH to GA groups (P < 0.05). The GA patients had a significantly lower cortical f value than the controls and AH patients (P < 0.05). The medullary f values in the AH and GA patients were significantly lower than that in the controls (P < 0.05). Also, the cortical and medullary ADC values had similar results across the three groups (P < 0.05), except for the comparison between the AH and GA groups (P = 0.668, P = 0.111, respectively). No significant correlation was found between any IVIM parameters with eGFR.

Data Conclusion

IVIM imaging may be helpful for detecting the early changes of renal function induced by hyperuricemia. The D value could be the most sensitive IVIM‐derived parameter in the assessment of renal function in patients with hyperuricemia in this study.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy Stage: 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:833–840.
Detection and quantitation of human papillomavirus DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from blood donors
Authors: Vergara Nicolás , Balanda Monserrat , Vidal Deyanira , Roldán Francisco , S. Martín Héctor , Ramírez Eugenio
Published: July 2019

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the etiological agent of cervical cancer. Also, HPV has been associated with anogenital cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, genital warts, and other dermatological diseases. HPV infects epithelial cells and their replication is closely linked to epithelial differentiation. The presence of HPV DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) has been reported in some patients with head and neck cancer, cervical cancer, and other genital diseases. However, the presence of HPV DNA in blood in asymptomatic subjects is still unresolved. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of HPV DNA in PBMC from asymptomatic blood donors. Blood samples were collected from 207 healthy Chilean blood donors. Genomic DNA was extracted from PBMC and HPV DNA detection was performed by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays with GP5+/6+ primers. HPV typing was carried out by genetic sequencing of a 140 to 150 bp fragment of the L1 gene. HPV DNA was detected in 6.8% (14/207) of blood donors. Single HPV infections were detected in seven blood donors. High‐risk HPV was found in 6.3% (13/207) of cases: nine blood donors were infected with HPV‐16, five with HPV‐18, two with HPV‐51, and one case was infected with either 32, 33, 45, 59, 66, 70, or 82. The median viral load value was 21.3 copies/mL blood or 13.4 HPV (+) cells per 10
4 PBMC. These results show that HPV DNA is present in PBMC from healthy blood donors and it suggests that blood could be a new route of HPV dissemination.
Post‐industrial late summer warming recorded in tree‐ring density in the eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Duan Jianping , Li Lun , Ma Zhuguo , Chen Liang
Published: July 2019

Tree‐ring density has been suggested to be a useful proxy for revealing long‐term late summer or growing season temperature variability on the Tibetan Plateau (TP). However, the current chronology length of tree‐ring density records on the TP is obviously shorter than both tree‐ring width and tree‐ring isotope records. This phenomenon implies the possibility of extending the current tree‐ring density record into earlier times and provides us with an opportunity to evaluate recent warming on a longer time scale. In this study, we present a 640‐year tree‐ring maximum latewood density (MXD) chronology of Balfour spruce back to 1,375 CE in the eastern TP. This tree‐ring MXD chronology is longer than the previous ones on the TP. Growth‐climate relationship analysis shows that the established MXD chronology correlates significantly and positively with August–September mean temperatures recorded at the nearest meteorological station over the common period of 1954–2014 (r = 0.66, effective degree of freedom [edf] = 62.7, p < 0.0001). Based on the growth‐climate response relationship, the August–September mean temperature was reconstructed from 1,625 to 2,014, which is the reliable period of the MXD chronology, with the expressed population signal (EPS) greater than 0.85. The reconstructed August–September temperatures show an increasing trend since the late 19th century, and this reconstruction suggests that the last 10‐, 30‐, 50‐ and 100‐year periods all appear to be the warmest over the past 390 years. Together with preciously published temperature reconstructions based on tree‐ring MXD near our study area, the results of this study demonstrate that the southeastern TP has experienced post‐industrial warming since the late 19th century.
Analysis of the Stomal Microbiota of a Percutaneous Osseointegrated Prosthesis: A Longitudinal Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Beck James Peter , Grogan Max , Bennett Brian T. , Jeyapalina Sujee , Agarwal Jay , Bartow‐McKenney Casey , Bugayev Julia , Kubiak Erik , Sinclair Sarina , Grice Elizabeth
Published: July 2019

Percutaneous osseointegrated (OI) prostheses (POPs) are used to skeletally attach artificial limbs in amputees. While any permanent percutaneous interface is at risk of becoming infected by the resident microbiota colonizing the stoma, most of these patients remain infection‐free. Avoidance of infection likely depends upon a mechanically and/or biologically stable skin‐to‐implant interface. The ultimate question remains, “why do some stomata become infected while others do not?” The answer might be found in the dynamic bacterial communities of the patient and within the stomal site itself. This study is an appendix to the first Food and Drug Administration approved prospective early feasibility study of OI prosthetic docking, in which, 10 transfemoral amputees were implanted with a unique POP device. In this analytical, longitudinal cohort study, each patient's skin and stomal microbiota were analyzed from the initial surgery to 1 year following the second‐stage surgery. During each follow‐up visit, three swab samples—stomal, device thigh skin and contralateral thigh skin—were obtained. DNA was extracted, and bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes were amplified and sequenced to profile microbial communities. The stomal microbiota were distinct from the microbiota on the adjacent thigh skin and the skin of the contralateral thigh, with a significantly increased abundance of Staphylococcus aureus within the stoma. Early on stomal microbiota were characterized by high diversity and high relative abundance of obligate anaerobes. Over time, the stomal microbiota shifted and stabilized in communities of lower diversity dominated by Streptococcus, Corynebacterium, and/or Staphylococcus spp. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2645–2654, 2019
Laser intensity limits in surface‐enhanced linear and nonlinear Raman micro‐spectroscopy of organic molecule/Au‐nanoparticle conjugates
Authors: Fabelinsky Victor I. , Kozlov Dimitrii N. , Polivanov Yury N. , Smirnov Valery V. , Bokova‐Sirosh Sofia N. , Obraztsova Elena D. , Arzumanyan Grigory M. , Mamatkulov Kahramon Z. , Afanasiev Konstantin N. , Boginskaya Irina A. , Budashov Igor A. , Nechaeva Natalia L.
Published: July 2019

Laser light, illuminating surface‐enhanced Raman scattering‐active nanostructured CeO2/Al/Al2O3 thin‐film samples with reporter molecules/Au nanoparticle conjugates on the CeO2 surface, may cause irreversible modifications of the conjugates and of the surface structure field‐enhancing properties. As a result, the observed Raman signal decreases or vanishes. The limits of the laser light intensity suitable for nondestructive spectroscopic studies have been assessed using continuous and quasi‐continuous wave (mode‐locked ps‐pulse) laser radiation at different wavelengths. This radiation was used as a pump for linear and nonlinear Raman microspectroscopy of reporter molecules adsorbed on the surface of such a plasmonic metamaterial. Reducing laser power below certain levels allowed reproducible mapping of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering and surface‐enhanced coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering signal strengths at the reporter molecule Raman shifts.
Planetary Terrestrial Analogues Library (PTAL) project: Raman data overview
Authors: Veneranda Marco , Sáiz Jesús , Sanz‐Arranz Aurelio , Manrique Jose Antonio , Lopez‐Reyes Guillermo , Medina Jesús , Dypvik Henning , Werner Stephanie C. , Rull Fernando
Published: July 2019

The multianalytical study of terrestrial analogues is a useful strategy to deepen the knowledge about the geological and environmental evolution of Mars and other extraterrestrial bodies. In spite of the increasing importance that laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIR), and Raman techniques are acquiring in the field of space exploration, there is a lack Web‐based platform providing free access to a wide multispectral database of terrestrial analogue materials. The Planetary Terrestrial Analogues Library (PTAL) project aims at responding to this critical need by developing and providing free Web accessibility to LIBS, NIR, and Raman data from more than 94 terrestrial analogues selected according to their congruence with Martian geological contexts. In this framework, the present manuscript provides the scientific community with a complete overview of the over 4,500 Raman spectra collected to feed the PTAL database. Raman data, obtained through the complementary use of laboratory and spacecraft‐simulator systems, confirmed the effectiveness of this spectroscopic technique for the detection of major and minor mineralogical phases of the samples, the latter being of critical importance for the recognition of geological processes that could have occurred on Mars and other planets. In light of the forthcoming missions to Mars, the results obtained through the Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) ExoMars Simulator offer a valuable insight on the scientific outcome that could derive from the RLS spectrometer that will soon land on Mars as part of the ExoMars rover payload.
Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy, Raman, and density functional theoretical analyses of fentanyl and six analogs
Authors: Wang Ling , Deriu Chiara , Wu Wensong , Mebel Alexander M. , McCord Bruce
Published: July 2019

We examined fentanyl and its six analogs using wB97XD/cc‐pVTZ density functional theoretical (DFT) calculations as well as Raman and Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The in silico DFT calculations provided the vibrational frequencies, Raman activities, and normal mode assignment for each analog. Raman spectroscopy can detect crystalline fentanyl analogs but cannot obtain bands for samples in solution. Therefore, we utilized gold/silver nanospheres and gold/silver nanostars to examine them. The gold/silver nanostars provided stronger signals for the fentanyl analogs, and their SERS spectra can easily distinguish these fentanyl analogs from nonfentanyl opioids and other common drugs of abuse using principle component analysis and other statistical tests. Overall, our results demonstrate that SERS shows great potential to distinguish fentanyl analogs and detect trace quantities of these compounds in mixtures of seized drugs.
Porous alumina aerogel with tunable pore structure for facile, ultrasensitive, and reproducible SERS platform
Authors: Zou Wenbing , Wang Xiaodong , Yang Yongqiang , Wu Yu , Zu Guoqing , Zou Liping , Shen Jun
Published: July 2019

Porous alumina aerogel synthesized by sol–gel method was used as facile and sensitive surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) platform. In a simple “drop‐test” SERS detection, low concentration dye solution mixed with silver nanoparticles was directly dropped on the surface of aerogel platform for SERS detection immediately. The pore structure of alumina aerogel was tuned by adding PEG‐400 and varying the gelation temperature. The effects of surface morphology and pore size of alumina aerogel platform on SERS performance of crystal violet (CV) were investigated. The result shows that large specific surface area and interconnected pore network of aerogel are helpful for fast permeation of solution, generation of “hot spots,” and adsorption of probe molecules. The Raman signal of CV was largely enhanced, enabling a detection concentration to 5 × 10−10 M with a SERS enhancement factor of 3.4 × 107. The SERS enhancement of alumina aerogel platform is remarkably improved with the increase of specific surface area and pore size, which is also confirmed by the finite‐difference time‐domain simulation. Moreover, the relative standard deviation of SERS intensity at 1619 cm-1 band for 5 × 10−8 M CV on aerogel platform is about 12%, indicating a good reproducibility.
Review on tabletop true 3D display
Authors: Ren Hui , Ni Li‐Xia , Li Hai‐Feng , Sang Xin‐Zhu , Gao Xin , Wang Qiong‐Hua
Published: July 2019

Tabletop three‐dimensional (3D) display is an attractive display technology that allows multiple individuals around the table to view the reconstructed 3D objects simultaneously, which can be applied to a variety of application scenarios such as desktop conference and board games. In this review paper, the tabletop true 3D display has been characterized and classified into four categories based on the technologies of light field display, integral imaging, and volumetric 3D and holographic 3D displays. Moreover, the comparisons of these technologies are listed, and the prospect of the tabletop 3D display is discussed.
Non‐native grasses reduce scaled quail habitat
Authors: Fulbright Timothy E. , Kline Holley N. , Wester David B. , Grahmann Eric D. , Hernández Fidel , Brennan Leonard A. , Hehman Michael W.
Published: July 2019

Non‐native grasses are frequently sown in the southwestern United States for livestock forage and erosion control. These grasses often spread from areas where they are planted and replace native grasses and forbs. We tested the hypothesis that chestnut‐bellied scaled quail (Callipepla squamata castanogastris) avoid locations dominated by non‐native grasses. We trapped scaled quail at 5 different sites in southern Texas, USA, and located quail fitted with necklace‐style transmitters 3 times/week during 2013–2014. We manually delineated plant communities using aerial maps and on‐the‐ground knowledge of the study sites. We examined second‐order (home‐range scale) selection by comparing proportion of the areas of plant communities within 62 scaled quail home ranges (used) paired with random home ranges (available). We examined third‐order (within‐home‐range scale) selection by comparing the composition of bird location (used) and random (available) points based on proportion of points within plant communities. For both home‐range scale and within‐home‐range scale analyses, we used non‐parametric multivariate analysis of variance with 9,999 random permutations. We examined fourth‐order (organism‐centered) selection by measuring vegetation variables at used and available locations and then estimating the relative probability of use of vegetation variables and by estimating continuous selection functions for variables that were influential in determining relative probability of use. Buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare) and Old World bluestems (Bothriochloa spp., Dichanthium annulatum and other Dichanthium spp.) comprised 99% (95% CI = 98–100%, n = 143 sites where non‐native plants occurred) of the non‐native grasses in our study areas. Scaled quail avoided non‐native and riparian plant communities at the home‐range and within‐home‐range scales of selection. At the organism‐centered scale of selection, odds of use by scaled quail decreased 28% for every 10% increase in non‐native grass cover and increased 12% for every 10% increase in shrub canopy cover. Scaled quail avoided locations with >10% canopy cover of non‐native grasses. Based on avoidance at 3 scales of selection, dominance of buffelgrass and Old World bluestems degrades habitat for scaled quail. Spread and sowing of non‐native grasses and brush clearing may be partly responsible for declines in scaled quail populations. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Presurgical induction chemotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil
Authors: Burke Mark S. , Loree John T. , Popat Saurin R. , Ford Daniel , Kim Jae , Szymanowski Adam R. , Loree Thom R.
Published: July 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

The indications for and efficacy of induction chemotherapy in the management of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is controversial. With the advent of human papillomavirus (HPV)–related cancers, survival has improved significantly. Here we present a group of patients with tonsil cancer treated with induction chemotherapy followed by surgery.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Thirty‐eight patients with tonsil cancer were treated with induction chemotherapy, consisting of cisplatin and docetaxel, followed by neck dissection and radical tonsillectomy. Twenty‐six patients were HPV+, 28 were nonsmokers or long‐term former smokers, and 28 were T1/T2. Fourteen patients required postoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Median follow‐up time was 4.1 years.

Results

A complete response to induction chemotherapy was achieved in 45% (17) of patients. In total, 76% (29/38) of patients were successfully treated: 53% (20/38) with chemotherapy and surgery alone, and 24% (9/38) required postoperative CRT. Almost 90% (23/26) of HPV+ and half (6/12) of HPV− patients are no evidence of disease (NED). HPV status is a significant prognostic factor (P = .02). Only 38% (5/13) of current smokers were NED compared to 96% (24/25) of nonsmokers (P = .0002). All HPV+ nonsmokers (20/20) were NED at last follow‐up.

Conclusions

In this study, the primary driver of prognosis was smoking status. HPV status and T stage were also important. The prognosis for HPV+ nonsmokers is extremely good; most likely regardless of treatment. Treatment failures have a poor chance of salvage, irrespective of treatment type. With the major exception of HPV− smokers, induction chemotherapy followed by surgery with selective CRT is a viable treatment option for tonsil cancer.

Level of Evidence

4

Laryngoscope, 130:1206–1211, 2020
Reaching a breaking point: How is climate change influencing the timing of ice breakup in lakes across the northern hemisphere?
Authors: Lopez Lianna S. , Hewitt Bailey A. , Sharma Sapna
Published: July 2019

The duration of seasonal winter ice cover has declined in many mid‐ and high‐latitude regions around the world as climate continues to warm. We obtained data on lake ice breakup dates, air temperature, precipitation, and large‐scale climate oscillations for 152 lakes across the northern hemisphere from 1951 to 2014. Ninety‐seven percent of study lakes exhibited earlier ice breakup trends. Forty‐six percent of the variation in ice breakup trends was driven by spring air temperatures and elevation across the northern hemisphere. However, changes in ice breakup have not always been in a gradual or linear pattern. Using the sequential T‐test analysis of regime shifts, we found evidence of abrupt changes in mean ice breakup for 53% of lakes with shift years identified between 1970 and 2002. Concurrently, we found abrupt changes in mean spring and winter air temperatures, winter precipitation, and large‐scale climate oscillations that occurred either the same year or 1 yr prior. Earlier ice breakup and the shortening of the ice season will have consequences for winter heritage, local economies, and lake ecosystems around the world.
Integration of PDA Chemistry and Surface‐Initiated ATRP to Prepare Poly(methyl methacrylate)‐Grafted Carbon Nanotubes and Its Effect on Poly(vinylidene fluoride)–Carbon Nanotube Composite Properties
Authors: Song Shixin , Xia Shan , Wei Yingcong , Lv Xue , Sun Shulin , Li Quanming
Published: July 2019

Poly(methyl methacrylate)‐grafted carbon nanotubes (PMMA@MWCNTs) are nondestructively prepared via the integration of mussel‐inspired polydopamine (PDA) chemistry and the surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) method. The structures and properties of the poly(vinylidene fluoride)‐based (PVDF‐based) nanocomposites filled with pristine MWCNTs and PMMA@MWCNTs are investigated. The results show that the encapsulation of PMMA on the MWCNTs surface not only improves the dispersibility of MWCNTs in the PVDF matrix but also enhances the interfacial interaction between MWCNTs and PVDF. The addition of PMMA@MWCNTs nanofillers to PVDF can effectively induce the crystal structure of PVDF to transform from the α‐phase to the β/γ ‐phase, and nearly 100% β/γ ‐phase PVDF formed when the nanofiller loading is higher than 5 wt%. Compared with the MWCNTs/PVDF composites, the PMMA@MWCNTs/PVDF composites exhibit obvious improvement in the percolation threshold because the PMMA shells hinder the direct contact of the MWCNTs. Moreover, the loss tangent of the PMMA@MWCNTs/PVDF composites is effectively suppressed due to the reduced leakage current in the composites and the enhanced interfacial strength between the nanofiller and the matrix.
Bioinspired Design of LDH‐Based Mobile Building Materials with Enhanced Mechanical and Ultraviolet‐Shielding Performance
Authors: Meng Yang , Zhang Bin , Su Juanjuan , Han Jian
Published: July 2019

Glass fiber reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene composites (PTFE/GF composites) with the excellent performance have been given considerable attention due to their increasing applications in large architecture areas such as stadiums, amusement parks, parking lots, etc. However, the brittleness of glass fiber can hinder the performance of PTFE/GF composites. The PTFE/MLDH (modified ZnAl‐layered double hydroxide)/GF composites inspired by layer‐layer structure are prepared via the multi‐layered dipping method, which consists of GF acting as a reinforcement, PTFE acting as matrix, and MLDH acting as the layer‐layer structure. The results of study show that the high strength and surperflexibility of PTFE/MLDH/GF composites are higher than pure PTFE/GF composites. Especially, when the PTFE/MLDH/GF composites contain 1.6 wt% MLDH, the folding endurance reaches up to 39 035 times, the tensile strength reaches up to 163.57 MPa, and strain reaches up to 8.33%. More significantly, the strength and surperflexibility are illustrated by a mechanism model and it is used to further broaden the application of PTFE/GF composites in mobile building materials. Moreover, it is discovered that the PTFE/MLDH/GF composites have unique translucent performance and excellent ultraviolet‐shielding properties in this study, which further broaden its range of applications.
Reversible Photochromic Nanofiber Membrane Containing Comb‐Like Poly(octadecyl acrylate) Nanoparticles Used for Ultraviolet Intensity Indicator
Authors: Zhang Zhuang , Wang Yu , Wang Jianping , Wang Ning , Han Na , Zhang Xingxiang , Li Wei
Published: July 2019

A novel reversible photo‐responsive polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/polyethylenimine (PEI) electrospinning nanofiber membrane (NFM), assembled with photochromic nanoparticles containing spiropyran, is herein presented and the water resistance, mechanical properties as well as photochromic properties are investigated systematically. Here, glutaraldehyde, which can undergo a cross‐linking reaction with PVA/PEI, is selected as a cross‐linker to enhance water resistance and mechanical behavior of the NFM. Photochromic polymer nanoparticles are prepared using octadecyl acrylate as polymer matrix monomer through miniemulsion polymerization. Effect factors of the whole preparation process such as the PVA/PEI mass ratio, the amount of emulsifier, and the amount of photochromic nanoparticles added are regulated to obtain the optimal experimental parameters. The surface morphology and microstructure, water resistance, and mechanical properties of NFMs are studied by thermal field emission scanning electron microscopy, static water contact angle tester, and tensile universal testing machine, respectively. Furthermore, UV–vis spectrophotometer is employed to investigate the photochromic performance and fatigue resistance of NFMs. Overall, analyses reveal that the reversible photo‐responsive electrospinning NFM exhibit excellent photoresponsivity, photoreversibility, and fatigue resistance upon UV irradiation, thus showing promising application in the field of ultraviolet intensity indicator.
Mesophase Structure‐Enabled Electrostrictive Property in Nylon‐12‐Based Poly(ether‐block‐amide) Copolymers
Authors: Wongwirat Thumawadee , Wang Minghuan , Huang Yanfei , Treufeld Imre , Li Ruipeng , Laoratanakul Pitak , Manuspiya Hathaikarn , Zhu Lei
Published: July 2019

To search for alternative electrostrictive polymers and to understand the underlying mechanism, the structure‐ferroelectric/electrostrictive property relationship for nylon‐12‐based poly(ether‐b‐amide) multiblock copolymers (PEBAX) is investigated. Two PEBAX samples are studied, namely, P6333 and P7033 with 37 and 25 mol.% of soft poly(tetramethylene oxide) (PTMO) blocks, respectively. In both samples, poorly hydrogen‐bonded mesophase facilitates electric field‐induced ferroelectric switching. Meanwhile, the longitudinal electrostrictive strain (S1)–electric field (E) loops are obtained at 2 Hz. Different from conventional poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF‐TrFE)]‐based terpolymers, uniaxially stretched nylon‐12‐based PEBAX samples exhibit negative S1, that is, shrinking rather than elongation in the longitudinal direction. This is attributed to the unique conformation transformation of nylon‐12 crystals during ferroelectric switching. Namely, at a zero electric field, crystalline nylon‐12 chains adopt a more or less antiparallel arrangement of amide groups. Upon high‐field poling, ferroelectric domains are enforced with more twisted chains adopting a parallel arrangement of amide groups. Meanwhile, extensional S1 is observed for P6333 at electric fields above 150 MV m−1. This is attributed to the elongation of the amorphous phases (i.e., amorphous nylon‐12 and PTMO). Therefore, competition between shrinking S1 from mesomorphic nylon‐12 crystals (i.e., nanoactuation) and elongational S1 from amorphous phases determines the ultimate electrostriction behavior in stretched PEBAX films.
Tumor‐derived exosomes (TDEs): How to avoid the sting in the tail
Authors: Wan MeiHua , Ning Bo , Spiegel Sarah , Lyon Christopher J. , Hu Tony Y.
Published: July 2019

Exosomes are abundantly secreted extracellular vesicles that accumulate in the circulation and are of great interest for disease diagnosis and evaluation since their contents reflects the phenotype of their cell of origin. Tumor‐derived exosomes (TDEs) are of particular interest for cancer diagnosis and therapy, since most tumor demonstrate highly elevated exosome secretion rates and provide specific information about the genotype of a tumor and its response to treatment. TDEs also contain regulatory factors that can alter the phenotypes of local and distant tissue sites and alter immune cell functions to promote tumor progression. The abundance, information content, regulatory potential, in vivo half‐life, and physical durability of exosomes suggest that TDEs may represent a superior source of diagnostic biomarkers and treatment targets than other materials currently under investigation. This review will summarize current information on mechanisms that may differentially regulate TDE biogenesis, TDE effects on the immune system that promote tumor survival, growth, and metastasis, and new approaches understudy to counteract or utilize TDE properties in cancer therapies.
Subwavelength resonant dielectric nanoparticles with high refractive indices
Authors: Ammari Habib , Dabrowski Alexander , Fitzpatrick Brian , Millien Pierre , Sini Mourad
Published: July 2019

This paper aims at understanding the nature of the subwavelength resonant frequencies of dielectric particles with high refractive indices. It is proved that for an arbitrary shaped particle, these subwavelength resonant frequencies can be expressed in terms of the eigenvalues of the Newtonian potential associated with its shape. The enhancement of the scattered field at the resonant frequencies is shown. The hybridization of the subwavelength resonant frequencies of a dimer consisting of high refractive index dielectric nanoparticles is also characterized.
Fat suppression for ultrashort echo time imaging using a novel soft‐hard composite radiofrequency pulse
Authors: Ma Ya‐Jun , Jerban Saeed , Jang Hyungseok , Chang Eric Y. , Du Jiang
Published: July 2019

Purpose

To design a soft‐hard composite pulse for fat suppression and water excitation in ultrashort echo time (UTE) imaging with minimal short T2signal attenuation.

Methods

The composite pulse contains a narrow bandwidth soft pulse centered on the fat peak with a small negative flip angle (–α) and a short rectangular pulse with a small positive flip angle (α). The fat magnetization experiences both tipping‐down and ‐back with an identical flip angle and thus returns to the equilibrium state, leaving only the excited water magnetization. Bloch simulations, as well as knee, tibia, and ankle UTE imaging studies, were performed to investigate the effectiveness of fat suppression and corresponding water signal attenuation. A conventional fat saturation (FatSat) module was used for comparison. Signal suppression ratio (SSR), defined as the ratio of signal difference between non‐fat‐suppression and fat‐suppression images over the non‐fat‐suppression signal, was introduced to evaluate the efficiency of the composite pulse.

Results

Numerical simulations demonstrate that the soft‐hard pulse has little saturation effect on short T2water signals. Knee, tibia, and ankle UTE imaging results suggest that comparable fat suppression can be achieved with the soft‐hard pulse and the FatSat module. However, much less water saturation is induced by the soft‐hard pulse, especially for short T2tissues, with SSRs reduced from 71.8 ± 6.9% to 5.8 ± 4.4% for meniscus, from 68.7 ± 5.5% to 7.7 ± 7.6% for bone, and from 62.9 ± 12.0% to 4.8 ± 3.2% for the Achilles tendon.

Conclusion

The soft‐hard composite pulse can suppress fat signals in UTE imaging with little signal attenuation on short T2tissues.
Analysis of different phase unwrapping methods to optimize quantitative susceptibility mapping in the abdomen
Authors: Bechler Eric , Stabinska Julia , Wittsack Hans‐Jörg
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) is heavily impacted by phase processing of gradient echo imaging data. So far, phase unwrapping algorithms have mostly been developed and tested for neuroimaging applications. In this work, a numerical human abdomen phantom was created and used to assess the feasibility of different phase unwrapping algorithms in abdominal QSM. Furthermore, in vivo data were acquired to evaluate consistency with the simulations.

Methods

Laplacian‐based, quality‐guided region growing and graph‐cuts unwrapping techniques were evaluated using the numerical phantom as well as an in vivo measurement. As a quality metric, root mean square error (RMSE) was calculated in order to analyze the performance of the examined unwrapping algorithms. Subsequently, susceptibility maps were generated from the resulting phase maps and compared to the ground truth. The evaluation was carried out on the whole phantom as well as individual organs.

Results

Graph‐cuts led to the most accurate and robust results among the investigated unwrapping methods. The other algorithms showed severe errors in regions with large susceptibility changes (i.e., around the lungs). Deviations from the ground‐truth susceptibility were higher than in the previous brain simulations for all tested algorithms.

Conclusion

Graph‐cuts–based unwrapping algorithms should be preferred in QSM studies in the human abdomen, where large susceptibility changes occur. For further improvement of QSM studies, unwrapping algorithms should be optimized for abdominal applications.
An exact branch‐and‐price algorithm for multitasking scheduling on unrelated parallel machines
Authors: Xiong Xiaoyun , Zhou Peng , Yin Yunqiang , Cheng T. C. E. , Li Dengfeng
Published: July 2019

We consider the multitasking scheduling problem on unrelated parallel machines to minimize the total weighted completion time. In this problem, each machine processes a set of jobs, while the processing of a selected job on a machine may be interrupted by other available jobs scheduled on the same machine but unfinished. To solve this problem, we propose an exact branch‐and‐price algorithm, where the master problem at each search node is solved by a novel column generation scheme, called in‐out column generation, to maintain the stability of the dual variables. We use a greedy heuristic to obtain a set of initial columns to start the in‐out column generation, and a hybrid strategy combining a genetic algorithm and an exact dynamic programming algorithm to solve the pricing subproblems approximately and exactly, respectively. Using randomly generated data, we conduct numerical studies to evaluate the performance of the proposed solution approach. We also examine the effects of multitasking on the scheduling outcomes, with which the decision maker can justify making investments to adopt or avoid multitasking.
Maintaining systems with heterogeneous spare parts
Authors: Abdul‐Malak David T. , Kharoufeh Jeffrey P. , Maillart Lisa M.
Published: July 2019

We consider the problem of optimally maintaining a stochastically degrading, single‐unit system using heterogeneous spares of varying quality. The system's failures are unannounced; therefore, it is inspected periodically to determine its status (functioning or failed). The system continues in operation until it is either preventively or correctively maintained. The available maintenance options include perfect repair, which restores the system to an as‐good‐as‐new condition, and replacement with a randomly selected unit from the supply of heterogeneous spares. The objective is to minimize the total expected discounted maintenance costs over an infinite time horizon. We formulate the problem using a mixed observability Markov decision process (MOMDP) model in which the system's age is observable but its quality must be inferred. We show, under suitable conditions, the monotonicity of the optimal value function in the belief about the system quality and establish conditions under which finite preventive maintenance thresholds exist. A detailed computational study reveals that the optimal policy encourages exploration when the system's quality is uncertain; the policy is more exploitive when the quality is highly certain. The study also demonstrates that substantial cost savings are achieved by utilizing our MOMDP‐based method as compared to more naïve methods of accounting for heterogeneous spares.
Placenta Stem/Stromal Cell–Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Potential Use in Lung Repair
Authors: Kim Sally Yunsun , Joglekar Mugdha V. , Hardikar Anandwardhan A. , Phan Thanh Huyen , Khanal Dipesh , Tharkar Priyanka , Limantoro Christina , Johnson Jancy , Kalionis Bill , Chrzanowski Wojciech
Published: July 2019

Many acute and chronic lung injuries are incurable and rank as the fourth leading cause of death globally. While stem cell treatment for lung injuries is a promising approach, there is growing evidence that the therapeutic efficacy of stem cells originates from secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs). Consequently, EVs are emerging as next‐generation therapeutics. While EVs are extensively researched for diagnostic applications, their therapeutic potential to promote tissue repair is not fully elucidated. By housing and delivering tissue‐repairing cargo, EVs refine the cellular microenvironment, modulate inflammation, and ultimately repair injury. Here, the potential use of EVs derived from two placental mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) lines is presented; a chorionic MSC line (CMSC29) and a decidual MSC cell line (DMSC23) for applications in lung diseases. Functional analyses using in vitro models of injury demonstrate that these EVs have a role in ameliorating injuries caused to lung cells. It is also shown that EVs promote repair of lung epithelial cells. This study is fundamental to advancing the field of EVs and to unlock the full potential of EVs in regenerative medicine.
OLFM4 Expression in Ductal Carcinoma In Situ and in Invasive Breast Cancer Cohorts by a SWATH‐Based Proteomic Approach
Authors: Valo Isabelle , Raro Pedro , Boissard Alice , Maarouf Amine , Jézéquel Pascal , Verriele Véronique , Campone Mario , Coqueret Olivier , Guette Catherine
Published: July 2019

Human olfactomedin‐4 (OLFM4) is a secreted protein involved in a variety of cellular functions including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and cell adhesion. OLFM4 expression has been studied in several tumor types including gastric, colorectal, lung, and endometrioid cancers where it has been suggested to be an independent favorable or unfavorable prognostic marker. For breast cancer, the clinical significance of OLFM4 is still unclear. In the present study, SWATH‐MS is used as a tool for the robust identification and quantification of breast tissue proteins. SWATH‐MS data show that OLFM4 expression is higher in DCIS than in invasive breast cancer. In‐depth analysis of the breast tumor proteome show that OLFM4 is a favorable pronostic marker. Serum OLFM4 levels in peripheral blood are also analyzed by ELISA in 825 cases, including 94 cases of healthy individuals, 61 cases of non‐invasive breast tumor (DCIS) and 670 cases of breast cancer (BC). It is found that serum OLFM4 levels are significantly higher in the DCIS cohort and in the breast cancer cohort compared with the healthy controls. This result suggests that circulating OLFM4 could be an interesting biomarker of early breast cancer. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD014194.
Do We Properly Understand the Fitted Crystal‐Field Parameters?
Authors: Mulak Maciej , Mulak Jacek
Published: July 2019

The possibility of a direct calculation of the two cubic crystal‐field parameters (CFPs) and for each single electron state separately within the range of the whole configuration allows us to estimate the dependent scope of the parameters. Conventionally, in the fitting methods, all available Stark levels energies are taken into consideration to find the optimal CFPs common for all the included states. Here, using the two independent CF splitting moments, the second and the third ones, of the CF splittings for the eight states of the ion doped in Cs2NaLaCl6 matrix: , , , , , , , , their individual parametrizations have been calculated algebraically. The averaged and values achieved in this way are found to be 1993 and 281 , whereas their mean standard deviations are 252 and 181 , respectively. It turns out that the conventionally fitted parametrization is close to the weighed average over the eight various single state parametrizations. Its mean standard deviation, which is a measure of the individual parametrizations diversity, can never vanish. Basically, no fitted parametrization with zero mean standard deviation exists.
The impact of horizontal atmospheric resolution in modelling air–sea heat fluxes
Authors: Wu Peili , Roberts Malcolm , Martin Gill , Chen Xiaolong , Zhou Tianjun , Vidale Pier L.
Published: July 2019

Climate modes as simulated by global climate models are often found to be considerably weaker than are observed. One possibility is that coarse‐resolution climate models do not capture turbulent air–sea fluxes sufficiently. Ensemble experiments with the same atmospheric configuration of the Met Office Hadley Centre climate model, forced with observed sea‐surface temperatures (SST) and at three different horizontal model resolutions (approximately 130, 60 and 25 km), are used to test the sensitivity of air–sea surface heat and moisture fluxes. We find that, although global mean budgets at the three resolutions are very similar, substantial differences appear in regional air–sea flux patterns. Increased model resolution consistently enhances zonal‐mean air–sea fluxes in the mid–high latitudes while suppressing heat fluxes in the low latitudes and weakening the Hadley Circulation. In the North Atlantic, annual mean surface heat fluxes into the atmosphere along the Gulf Stream/North Atlantic Current and over the sub‐polar gyre can increase by up to 10 W/m2 when atmospheric model resolution increases from 130 to 60 km. In the Pacific, increased model resolution tends to weaken the Walker Circulation with increased heat fluxes from the east but markedly reduced fluxes from the western Pacific, leading to significantly improved precipitation over the tropical western Pacific and the Maritime Continent. Changes in air–sea heat fluxes come about mainly as a result of changed near‐surface ventilation. Generally, increasing resolution strengthens surface winds and reduces specific humidity in the mid–high latitudes while weakening surface winds over the Tropics and subtropics.
Impact of atmospheric conditions and levels of urbanization on the relationship between nocturnal surface and urban canopy heat islands
Authors: Feng Jia‐Li , Cai Xiao‐Ming , Chapman Lee
Published: July 2019

Previous investigations of urban heat islands (UHI) are primarily focused either on the canopy heat island intensity (aUHII) derived from weather stations, or on the surface urban heat island intensity (sUHII) derived from satellite instruments. Research of the relationship between sUHII and aUHII (the sUHII‐aUHII relationship) is limited and this study attempts to further progress this possibility by examining the night‐time sUHII‐aUHII relationship for three factors: season, wind speed (WS), and basic land‐use categories modified from local climate zones (urban/suburban), in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Using high‐resolution datasets of canopy air temperature from Birmingham Urban Climate Laboratory and land surface temperature from the MODIS instrument aboard the Terra and Aqua satellites, with a unique methodology of regression analysis, confidence ellipse analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and 2‐D Kolmogorov–Smirnov (K‐S) tests, statistical evidence is provided to present the varying patterns and magnitudes between sUHII and aUHII. The significance of the impact of the three considered factors is clearly supported by the statistical tests. The results indicate that satellite data can be used to infer aUHII with a higher confidence for low WS conditions. Results also demonstrate better confidence in the approach for summer and spring seasons, and for more urbanized sites. Indeed, the analysis potentially indicates that wind advection is a key factor for the investigation of the sUHII‐aUHII relationship. Overall, the methods used here are transferable to other cities and/or can be used to guide further research to explore the sUHII‐aUHII relationship under other environmental conditions.
Event‐triggered filter design for Markovian jump delay systems with nonlinear perturbation using quantized measurement
Authors: Xia Weifeng , Zheng Wei Xing , Xu Shengyuan
Published: July 2019

This paper deals with the problem of mixed passivity and H∞ filter design for a class of Markovian jump delay systems with nonlinear perturbation under event‐triggered scheme and quantization. Firstly, based on an integral inequality, a new sufficient condition for the stochastic stability and performance analysis of the filtering error system is proposed. Secondly, a mode‐dependent condition for the solvability of the filter design problem is given in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The filter parameters can be derived using feasible solutions of the presented LMIs. Finally, three numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed filter design method.