bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tunable Ligand Effects on Ruthenium Catalyst Activity for Selectively Preparing Imines or Amides by Dehydrogenative Coupling Reactions of Alcohols and Amines
Authors: Higuchi Takafumi , Tagawa Risa , Iimuro Atsuhiro , Akiyama Shoko , Nagae Haruki , Mashima Kazushi
Published: May 2017

Selective dehydrogenative synthesis of imines from a variety of alcohols and amines was developed by using the ruthenium complex [RuCl2(dppea)2] (6 a: dppea=2‐diphenylphosphino‐ethylamine) in the presence of catalytic amounts of Zn(OCOCF3)2 and KOtBu, whereas the selective dehydrogenative formation of amides from the same sources was achieved by using another ruthenium complex, [RuCl2{(S)‐dppmp}2] [6 d: (S)‐dppmp=(S)‐2‐((diphenylphosphenyl)methyl)pyrrolidine], in the presence of catalytic amounts of Zn(OCOCF3)2 and potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (KHMDS). Our previously reported ruthenium complex, [Ru(OCOCF3)2(dppea)2] (8 a), was the catalyst precursor for the imine synthesis, whereas [Ru(OCOCF3)2{(S)‐dppmp}2] (8 d), which was derived from the treatment of 6 d with Zn(OCOCF3)2 and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis, was the pre‐catalyst for the amide formation. Control experiments revealed that the zinc salt functioned as a reagent for replacing chloride anions with trifluoroacetate anions. Plausible mechanisms for both selective dehydrogenative coupling reactions are proposed based on a time‐course study, Hammett plot, and deuterium‐labeling experiments.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Silylative and Germylative Cyclization with Dehydrogenation Leading to 9‐Sila‐ and 9‐Germafluorenes: A Combined Experimental and Computational Mechanistic Study
Authors: Murai Masahito , Okada Ryo , Asako Sobi , Takai Kazuhiko
Published: May 2017

Stoichiometric amounts of oxidants are widely used as promoters (hydrogen acceptors) in dehydrogenative silylation of C−H bonds. However, the present study demonstrates that silylative and germylative cyclization with dehydrogenation can proceed efficiently, even without hydrogen acceptors. The combination of [RhCl(cod)]2 and PPh3 was effective for both transformations, and allowed a reduction in reaction temperature compared with our previous report. Monitoring of the reactions revealed that both transformations had an induction period for the early stage, and that the rate constant of dehydrogenative germylation was greater than that of dehydrogenative silylation. Competitive reactions in the presence of 3,3‐dimethyl‐1‐butene indicated that the ratio of dehydrogenative metalation and hydrometalation was affected by reaction temperature when a hydrosilane or hydrogermane precursor was used. Further mechanistic insights of oxidant‐free dehydrogenative silylation, including the origin of these unique reactivities, were obtained by density functional theory studies.
Coordination‐Supported Imidazolate Networks: Water‐ and Heat‐Stable Mesoporous Polymers for Catalysis
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Yang Shize , Chisholm Matthew F. , Jiang Xueguang , Huang Caili , Dai Sheng
Published: May 2017

The poor water stability of most porous coordination polymers (PCPs) or metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) is widely recognized as a barrier hampering their practical applications. Here, a facile and scalable route to prepare metal‐containing polymers with a good stability in boiling water (100 °C, 24 h) and air (up to 390 °C) is presented. The bifunctional 1‐vinylimidazole (VIm) with a coordinating site and a polymerizable organic group is introduced as the building block. This core strategy includes the synthesis of a rigid monomer with four VIm branches through a coordination process at room temperature, followed by a radical polymerization. We refer to this material as coordination‐supported imidazolate networks (CINs). Interestingly, CINs are composed of rich mesopores from 2–15 nm, as characterized by low‐energy (60 kV) STEM‐HAADF images. In particular, the stable CINs illustrate a high turnover frequency (TOF) of 779 h−1 in the catalytic oxidation of phenol with H2O as the green solvent.
Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles applied for UV‐curing conductive ink by using rice straw extract as reducing agent
Authors: Chen Qifeng , Mi Ting , Chen Guangxue , Liu Guhong
Published: May 2017

There is little doubt that nanomaterials are playing a key role in many technologies, and metallic nanoparticles are traditionally synthesized by wet chemical synthesis techniques where the chemicals used are quite often toxic and flammable. In this paper, we report green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using rice straw (RS) extract. The research includes two parts as follows: Firstly, using AgNO3 as the precursor and RS as reducing agent, PVP as protective agent, and controlling the reaction conditions, nano‐silver particles are generated by the liquid phase reduction method. The prepared Ag nanoparticles are examined by Malvern Zetasizer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), X‐ray diffraction pattern (XRD), and UV spectroscopy. The results show that the size of nano‐silver particles is controllable, they have good dispersion and appearance, and they are stable at long term storage. Finally, using nano‐silver as UV‐curing conductive filler, UV‐curing nano‐silver conductive ink is generated, and its conductive properties are discussed. Results show that the content of conductive filler has an effect on the resistivity of conductive ink.
A statistical analysis for correlation approach to compensate the measured CIELAB colorimetric data for temperature alterations
Authors: Che Jiangning , Senanayake Muditha
Published: May 2017

The main focus of this work was to elucidate the further question of whether the color change correlated linearly with the surface temperature alteration or not. We selected and grouped the colored samples, which were in the form of textile, ceramic, plastic, paint, and ink. Those samples were first measured by IR Thermometer to record exact surface temperature, followed by an immediate color measurement using a spectrophotometer. The color variations of these samples were recorded from about 20°C to 60°C. The trend of CIELAB color coordinates was plotted against surface temperature. The dependency between each CIE colorimetric coordinate and the object's surface temperature was statistically evaluated using Pearson's r, R value, and R‐square analysis. A very strong correlation was observed for ceramic, paint, and ink samples tested, while the textile and plastic sample also exhibited a strong trend. The results added new information about the potential correlation between colorimetric data and temperature. Implications for the future research are discussed.
Image color adjustment for harmony with a target color
Authors: Kim EunJin , Suk Hyeon‐Jeong
Published: May 2017

Although a number of methods have been developed for image adjustment in various applications, very little work has been done in the context of visual design. In this regard, this article introduces a novel and practical context of image color adjustment and develops a method to adjust an image for harmony with a target color. The experiment with designers revealed that designers made significant changes in hue dimension, and preferred to promote color similarity between the image and the target color. Based on insights from designers, we proposed a method to achieve a harmonious combination of an image and a color element by increasing the hue similarity between them. The result of a user test revealed that our method is particularly useful for images with nonliving objects but less effective for images involving human skin, foods, and so on. It is expected that the practical context investigated in this study can promote a variety of related studies that satisfy the tangible needs of industries and academia.
CD8 expression in B chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A case of immuno‐phenotypic aberrancy
Authors: Jain Mili , Kushwaha Rashmi , Verma Shailendra Prasad , Singh Uma Shankar , Tripathi Anil Kumar , Goel Madhu Mati , Kumar Ashutosh
Published: May 2017

Immuno‐phenotyping forms an integral part of laboratory work up of Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Aberrant antigen expressions are a known phenomenon in leukemic blasts, however cross lineage antigen expression is rarely seen in mature B cell leukemia, the reported percentages varying from 1% to 3% in Europe and North America.

Case details: We report a case of Rai stage 1 CLL showing aberrant expression of CD8 on flow cytometry. The patient had stable disease at a follow up of 9 months with no requirement of initiation of treatment.

Discussion: CD8 expression in CLL is rare and approximately 120 cases have been reported from Western population. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case to be reported from India. The prognostic significance has been variably reported from favorable to poor. At present, our case reflects the phenotypic heterogeneity of leukemia. Long term follow up and evaluation of more cases is required to predict the prognostic role in our patient population. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Novel distributed algorithm for coalition formation in cognitive radio networks for throughput enhancement using matching theory
Authors: Tahir Mohammad , Habaebi Mohamed Hadi , Islam Md Rafiqul
Published: May 2017

In this paper, a novel algorithm is proposed for increasing the throughput in cognitive radio networks by forming coalitions among cognitive radio users in AWGN and fading channel environment. Although there have been numerous studies exploring the benefits of coalition formation in cognitive radio networks from the game theory perspective, there are several limitations in their application. To overcome the limitations of game theory, concepts from matching theory are used. Specifically, the stable marriage problem is used to formulate the interactions among the cognitive radio users as a matching game for collaborative distributed spectrum sensing under target detection probability constraint. The utility function is defined as the average probability of false alarm per cognitive radio user. The advantage of stable marriage is that it always converges to a stable matching and is Pareto optimal when the preferences of cognitive radios are strict. In the proposed model, the stable matching problem is extended to propose a novel algorithm to form coalitions of varying sizes for improving the utility of CR (false alarm and throughput). The coalitions formed using the algorithm are stable and do not deviate from the final matching. Using simulations and mathematical analysis, it is shown that the proposed algorithm leads to stable coalitions and returns significant improvement in terms of reduced probability of false alarm and improved throughput per cognitive radio user as compared to the noncooperative scenario.
Upper urinary tract washings outperform voided urine specimens to detect upper tract high‐grade urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Zhang M. Lisa , Rosenthal Dorothy L. , VandenBussche Christopher J.
Published: May 2017

Background

Cytological examination of voided urine (VU) can reliably diagnose high‐grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC) of the lower urinary tract, but its value in the diagnosis of upper tract HGUC (UTHGUC) is less well‐established. To clarify the utility of VU in the setting of UTHGUC, we examined urinary specimens from patients with UTHGUC on follow‐up surgical pathology.

Methods

52 VU specimens (47 patients) with subsequent biopsy‐proven UTHGUC were identified over a 12‐year period; 32 had a corresponding upper tract urinary washing (UW) specimen. Patients with concurrent bladder HGUC were excluded. The diagnoses of VU specimens were tabulated and compared to those of UW specimens.

Results

Three UW specimens had a less severe diagnosis, 8 had the same diagnosis, and 21 had a more severe diagnosis than the corresponding VU specimen from the same patient. Significantly more UW specimens demonstrated high‐risk features as compared with VU specimens (P = .003). In specimens with atypia, a definitive diagnosis of HGUC was made significantly more often on UW vs. VU specimens (P = .003).

Conclusions

Among patients with confirmed UTHGUC, 50% of preceding VU specimens demonstrated high‐grade features compared to almost 90% of UW specimens. Though VU cytology shows atypia in the majority of cases, it performs inferiorly to UW for the detection of UTHGUC. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:700–704. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predictors of premature termination from psychotherapy for anorexia nervosa: Low treatment credibility, early therapy alliance, and self‐transcendence
Authors: Jordan Jennifer , McIntosh Virginia V. W. , Carter Frances A. , Joyce Peter R. , Frampton Christopher M. A. , Luty Suzanne E. , McKenzie Janice M. , Carter Janet D. , Bulik Cynthia M.
Published: May 2017

Objective

Failure to complete treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN) is‐ common, clinically concerning but difficult to predict. This study examines whether therapy‐related factors (patient‐rated pretreatment credibility and early therapeutic alliance) predict subsequent premature termination of treatment (PTT) alongside self‐transcendence (a previously identified clinical predictor) in women with AN.

Methods

56 women aged 17–40 years participating in a randomized outpatient psychotherapy trial for AN. Treatment completion was defined as attending 15/20 planned sessions. Measures were the Treatment Credibility, Temperament and Character Inventory, Vanderbilt Therapeutic Alliance Scale and the Vanderbilt Psychotherapy Process Scale. Statistics were univariate tests, correlations, and logistic regression.

Results

Treatment credibility and certain early patient and therapist alliance/process subscales predicted PTT. Lower self‐transcendence and lower early process accounted for 33% of the variance in predicting PTT.

Discussion

Routine assessment of treatment credibility and early process (comprehensively assessed from multiple perspectives) may help clinicians reduce PTT thereby enhancing treatment outcomes.
How weather instead of urbanity measures affects song trait variability in three European passerine bird species
Authors: Schäfer Julia E. , Janocha Marcel M. , Klaus Sebastian , Tietze Dieter Thomas
Published: May 2017

Previous studies detected an influence of urban characteristics on song traits in passerine birds, that is, song adjustments to ambient noise in urban areas. Several studies already described the effect of weather conditions on the behavior of birds, but not the effect on song traits. We investigate, if song trait variability changes along a continuous urbanity gradient in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. We examined, for the first time on a larger scale, the influence of weather on song parameters. We made song recordings of three common passerine species: the blue and great tit (Cyanistes caeruleus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Parus major Linnaeus, 1758) and the European blackbird (Turdus merula Linnaeus, 1758). We measured different song traits and performed statistical analyses and modeling on a variety of variables—among them urbanity and weather parameters. Remarkably, we found only few cases of a significant influence of urbanity parameters on song traits. The influence of weather parameters (air pressure, atmospheric humidity, air and soil temperatures) on song traits was highly significant. Birds in Frankfurt face high noise pollution and might show different adaptations to high noise levels. The song trait variability of the investigated species is affected more by weather conditions than by urban characteristics in Frankfurt. However, the three species react differently to specific weather parameters. Smaller species seem to be more affected by weather than larger species.
Direct Sulfonamidation of Primary and Secondary Benzylic Alcohols Catalyzed by a Boronic Acid/Oxalic Acid System
Authors: Verdelet Tristan , Ward Robert M. , Hall Dennis G.
Published: May 2017

The direct sulfonamidation of primary and secondary benzylic alcohols catalyzed by a 2,3,4,5‐tetrafluorophenylboronic acid/oxalic acid co‐catalytic system was examined. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions with readily available starting materials and has been shown to be gram‐scalable without significant decrease of yield. Both primary and secondary benzylic alcohols were evaluated and afforded the desired sulfonamide products with good to excellent yields.
Symptoms associated with Lewy body disease in mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Donaghy Paul C. , Barnett Nicola , Olsen Kirsty , Taylor John‐Paul , McKeith Ian G. , O'Brien John T. , Thomas Alan J.
Published: May 2017

Objective

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is associated with a range of cognitive and non‐cognitive symptoms. We aimed to identify if some of these symptoms might aid early diagnosis of Lewy body disease in cases of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods

Lewy body MCI (MCI‐LB; n = 36), Alzheimer's disease MCI (MCI‐AD; n = 21), DLB (n = 36), AD (n = 21) and control (n = 20) participants were recruited. An interview‐based questionnaire about the presence of symptoms thought to be associated with Lewy body disease was completed by participants with, where possible, their carer/relative. The prevalence of each symptom was compared between MCI‐LB and MCI‐AD and between established DLB and AD, and a symptom scale based on these findings was devised.

Results

Fluctuating concentration/attention; episodes of confusion; muscle rigidity; changes in hand‐writing, gait and posture; falls; drooling; weak voice; symptoms of REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) and misjudging objects were more common in MCI‐LB compared with MCI‐AD, and also in DLB compared with AD. Hyposmia, tremor, slowness and autonomic symptoms were not specific to Lewy body disease. REM sleep behaviour disorder and hyposmia were reported to develop several years prior to the onset of cognitive symptoms in Lewy body disease. A 10‐point symptom scale differentiated between MCI‐LB and MCI‐AD with a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 100%.

Conclusions

Drooling, misjudging objects and symptoms related to parkinsonism, fluctuating cognition and RBD may be the most characteristic symptoms of MCI‐LB. Slowness, tremor, autonomic symptoms and hyposmia are all common in MCI‐LB but are not specific to the disease. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crowdsourcing the Moral Limits of Human Gene Editing?
Authors: Juengst Eric T.
Published: May 2017

In 2015, a flourish of “alarums and excursions” by the scientific community propelled CRISPR/Cas9 and other new gene‐editing techniques into public attention. At issue were two kinds of potential gene‐editing experiments in humans: those making inheritable germ‐line modifications and those designed to enhance human traits beyond what is necessary for health and healing. The scientific consensus seemed to be that while research to develop safe and effective human gene editing should continue, society's moral uncertainties about these two kinds of experiments needed to be better resolved before clinical trials of either type should be attempted.

In the United States, the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) convened the Committee on Human Gene Editing: Scientific, Medical and Ethical Considerations to pursue that resolution. The committee's 2017 consensus report has been widely interpreted as “opening the door” to inheritable human genetic modification and holding a line against enhancement interventions. But on a close reading it does neither. There are two reasons for this eccentric conclusion, both of which depend upon the strength of the committee's commitment to engaging diverse public voices in the gene‐editing policy‐making process.
Theta‐paced flickering between place‐cell maps in the hippocampus: A model based on short‐term synaptic plasticity
Authors: Mark Shirley , Romani Sandro , Jezek Karel , Tsodyks Misha
Published: May 2017

Hippocampal place cells represent different environments with distinct neural activity patterns. Following an abrupt switch between two familiar configurations of visual cues defining two environments, the hippocampal neural activity pattern switches almost immediately to the corresponding representation. Surprisingly, during a transient period following the switch to the new environment, occasional fast transitions between the two activity patterns (flickering) were observed (Jezek, Henriksen, Treves, Moser, & Moser, ). Here we show that an attractor neural network model of place cells with connections endowed with short‐term synaptic plasticity can account for this phenomenon. A memory trace of the recent history of network activity is maintained in the state of the synapses, allowing the network to temporarily reactivate the representation of the previous environment in the absence of the corresponding sensory cues. The model predicts that the number of flickering events depends on the amplitude of the ongoing theta rhythm and the distance between the current position of the animal and its position at the time of cue switching. We test these predictions with new analysis of experimental data. These results suggest a potential role of short‐term synaptic plasticity in recruiting the activity of different cell assemblies and in shaping hippocampal activity of behaving animals.
Early‐life stress diminishes the increase in neurogenesis after exercise in adult female mice
Authors: Abbink M. R. , Naninck E. F. G. , Lucassen P. J. , Korosi A.
Published: May 2017

Exposure to early‐life stress (ES) has long‐lasting consequences for later cognition and hippocampal plasticity, including adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN), i.e., the generation of new neurons from stem/progenitor cells in the adult hippocampal dentate gyrus. We had previously demonstrated a sex‐specific vulnerability to ES exposure; female mice exposed to ES from P2‐P9 exhibited only very mild cognitive changes and no reductions in AHN as adult, whereas ES‐exposed male mice showed impaired cognition closely associated with reductions in AHN. Given the apparent resilience of AHN to ES in females, we here questioned whether ES has also altered the capacity to respond to positive stimuli for neurogenesis. We therefore investigated whether exercise, known for its strong pro‐neurogenic effects, can still stimulate AHN in adult female mice that had been earlier exposed to ES. We confirm a strong pro‐neurogenic effect of exercise in the dorsal hippocampus of 8‐month‐old control female mice, but this positive neurogenic response is less apparent in female ES mice. These data provide novel insights in the lasting consequences of ES on hippocampal plasticity in females and also indicate that ES might lastingly reduce the responsiveness of the hippocampal stem cell pool, to exercise, in female mice.
Regulating the for‐profit private healthcare providers towards universal health coverage: A qualitative study of legal and organizational framework in Mongolia
Authors: Tsevelvaanchig Uranchimeg , Narula Indermohan S. , Gouda Hebe , Hill Peter S.
Published: May 2017

Background

Regulating the behavior of private providers in the context of mixed health systems has become increasingly important and challenging in many developing countries moving towards universal health coverage including Mongolia. This study examines the current regulatory architecture for private healthcare in Mongolia exploring its role for improving accessibility, affordability, and quality of private care and identifies gaps in policy design and implementation.

Methods

Qualitative research methods were used including documentary review, analysis, and in‐depth interviews with 45 representatives of key actors involved in and affected by regulations in Mongolia's mixed health system, along with long‐term participant observation.

Results

There has been extensive legal documentation developed regulating private healthcare, with specific organizations assigned to conduct health regulations and inspections. However, the regulatory architecture for healthcare in Mongolia is not optimally designed to improve affordability and quality of private care. This is not limited only to private care: important regulatory functions targeted to quality of care do not exist at the national level. The imprecise content and details of regulations in laws inviting increased political interference, governance issues, unclear roles, and responsibilities of different government regulatory bodies have contributed to failures in implementation of existing regulations.
HIV screening in pregnant women: A systematic review of cost‐effectiveness studies
Authors: Bert Fabrizio , Gualano Maria Rosaria , Biancone Paolo , Brescia Valerio , Camussi Elisa , Martorana Maria , Thomas Robin , Secinaro Silvana , Siliquini Roberta
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Vertical transmission represents the major route of HIV infection for children. However, the preventive interventions available are extremely effective. This review summarizes evidence regarding the cost‐effectiveness of mother‐to‐child‐transmission preventive screenings, to help policy makers in choosing the optimal antenatal screening strategy.

Methods

A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted, using 3 databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Cost‐Effectiveness Analysis Registry. All articles regarding HIV screening to avoid vertical transmission were included.

Results

The review included 21 papers. Seven studies assessed the cost‐effectiveness of universal antenatal screening during early gestation. Two papers considered the integration of HIV screening with other medical interventions. Eight works estimated the cost‐effectiveness of HIV screening in late pregnancy. Finally, 4 papers considered the combination of multiple strategies. The selected papers focused on both developed and developing countries, with a different HIV prevalence. The characteristics and methodology of the studies were heterogeneous. However, all studies agreed about the main findings, outlining the cost‐effectiveness of both universal antenatal screening and HIV rescreening in late pregnancy. Cost‐effectiveness improved when HIV burden increased. The major findings were proved to be robust across various scenarios when tested in sensitivity analysis.

Conclusions

The review confirmed the cost‐effectiveness not only of HIV universal antenatal screening but also of rescreening in late gestation in both developed and developing countries. Universal screening is cost‐effective even in case of extremely low HIV prevalence. Therefore, to maximize screening, coverage appears as a worldwide priority. In certain settings, a targeted screening towards high‐risk groups could be a valuable option.
Drug Release as a function of bioactivity, incubation regime, liquid, and initial load: Release of bortezomib from calcium phosphate‐containing silica/collagen xerogels
Authors: Kruppke Benjamin , Hose Dirk , Schnettler Reinhard , Seckinger Anja , Rößler Sina , Hanke Thomas , Heinemann Sascha
Published: May 2017

The ability of silica‐/collagen‐based composite xerogels to act as drug delivery systems was evaluated by taking into account the initial drug concentration, bioactivity of the xerogels, liquid, and incubation regime. The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib was chosen as a model drug, used for the systemic treatment of multiple myeloma. Incubation during 14 days in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) or simulated body fluid (SBF) showed a weak initial burst and was identified to be of first order with subsequent release being independent from the initial load of 0.1 or 0.2 mg bortezomib per 60 mg monolithic sample. Faster drug release occurred during incubation in SBF compared to PBS, and during static incubation without changing the liquid, compared to dynamic incubation with daily liquid changes. Drug‐loaded xerogels with hydroxyapatite as a third component exhibited enhanced bioactivity retarding drug release, explained by formation of a surface calcium phosphate layer. The fastest release of 50% of the total drug load was observed for biphasic xerogels after 7 days during dynamic incubation in SBF. As a result, the presented concept is suitable for the intended combination of the advantageous bone substitution properties of xerogels and local application of drugs exemplified by bortezomib. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1165–1173, 2018.
Pilomatricoma: An unusual cause of lump in a male breast
Authors: Kapoor Anu , Narayanan Ramakrishna , Tandon Ashwani , Santosh Arun Kumar
Published: May 2017

We present the case of a 48‐year‐old man who presented with a painless, progressively increasing lump in the left breast. The mammographic and sonographic appearance of the lesion was suspicious for malignancy. Fine needle aspiration cytology and histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of pilomatricoma. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 46:209–211, 2018
The utility of on‐site ultrasound screening in population at high risk for deep venous thrombosis in temporary housing after the great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Shibata Muneichi , Chiba Hiroshi , Sasaki Kazuhiro , Ueda Shinsaku , Yamamura Osamu , Hanzawa Kazuhiko
Published: May 2017

Background

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of ultrasonography for screening of a population at risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in a post‐disaster setting.

Methods

Ultrasonography was applied as a screening technique to the residents of a temporary housing facility who were displaced following the Great East Japan Earthquake. Thirty DVT screening sessions were held from April 2013 to June 2015. Individuals were invited to participate if they were identified as “high risk” for DVT, defined as those with low activity levels, a history of lower limb trauma, baseline lower limb pain or swelling, a cancer‐bearing status, or a history of venous thromboembolic event. Ultrasonographic examinations were performed from the calf to the popliteal veins using portable devices.

Results

Of the 3,316 subjects screened (682 men and 2,634 women) with a mean age of 71 ± 9.7 years, DVT was diagnosed in 382 (11.5%). DVT was more likely in older, symptomatic, or female patients with a history of venous thromboembolism and attempting to perform daily exercise. The rate of DVT diagnosis increased from 9.9% in 2013 to 13.5% in 2015.

Conclusions

Ultrasonography is efficient for screening at‐risk populations in challenging settings. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:566–574, 2017
Acceptability of beehive products as ingredients in quinoa bars
Authors: Rios Francisco , Lobo Manuel , Samman Norma
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

The aim of this work was to develop a puffed quinoa bar with beehive products of high content of phenolic compounds, based on acceptability and perception of consumers. A rotational central composite design of three variables (honey, pollen and propolis) was used for food product formulation. The responses to optimize were sensorial acceptability and polyphenol content. Next to acceptability a check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA) test was performed with 115 consumers. Preference maps were used to relate acceptability and sensorial attributes of bars that cause rejection or acceptance.

RESULTS

The experimental design determined that pollen and propolis significantly increased phenolic content but decreased acceptability of formulations. Preference maps established that attributes like astringency, bitter flavor, pungency and intense yellow color were associated with the low acceptability while attributes of sweetness and weak astringency were related to high acceptance of products. Range of polyphenol content determined in the widely accepted formulations was 2.15–2.91 g kg−1, significantly higher than commercial products.

CONCLUSION

The incorporation of beehive products, in quinoa bars, increased the total polyphenol content and the functional properties, but at the same time reduced the consumer acceptability. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Laparoscopic ischemic conditioning of the stomach increases neovascularization of the gastric conduit in patients undergoing esophagectomy for cancer
Authors: Pham Thai H. , Melton Shelby D. , McLaren Patrick J. , Mokdad Ali A. , Huerta Sergio , Wang David H. , Perry Kyle A. , Hardaker Hope L. , Dolan James P.
Published: May 2017

Background and Objectives

Gastric ischemic preconditioning has been proposed to improve blood flow and reduce the incidence of anastomotic complications following esophagectomy with gastric pull‐up. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of prolonged ischemic preconditioning on the degree of neovascularization in the distal gastric conduit at the time of esophagectomy.

Methods

A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database identified 30 patients who underwent esophagectomy. The patients were divided into three groups: control (no preconditioning, n = 9), partial (short gastric vessel ligation only, n = 8), and complete ischemic preconditioning (left and short gastric vessel ligation, n = 13). Microvessel counts were assessed, using immunohistologic analysis to determine the degree of neovascularization at the distal gastric margin.

Results

The groups did not differ in age, gender, BMI, pathologic stage, or cancer subtype. Ischemic preconditioning durations were 163 ± 156 days for partial ischemic preconditioning, compared to 95 ± 50 days for complete ischemic preconditioning (P = 0.2). Immunohistologic analysis demonstrated an increase in microvessel counts of 29% following partial ischemic preconditioning (P = 0.3) and 67% after complete ischemic preconditioning (P < 0.0001), compared to controls.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that prolonged ischemic preconditioning is safe and does not interfere with subsequent esophagectomy. Complete ischemic preconditioning increased neovascularization in the distal gastric conduit.
Color and Power Doppler Sonography for Pneumothorax Detection
Authors: Richards John R. , Awrey Julianne M. , Medeiros Sarah E. , McGahan John P.
Published: May 2017

The use of B‐ and M‐mode sonography for detection of pneumothorax has been well described and studied. It is now widely incorporated by sonographers, emergency physicians, trauma surgeons, radiologists, and critical care specialists worldwide. Lung sonography can be performed rapidly at the bedside or in the prehospital setting. It is more sensitive, specific, and accurate than plain chest radiography. The use of color and power Doppler sonography as an adjunct to B‐ and M‐mode imaging for detection of pneumothorax has been described in a small number of studies and case reports but is much less widely known or used. Color and power Doppler imaging may be used for confirmation of the presence or absence of lung sliding detected with B‐mode sonography. In this article, we examine the physics behind Doppler sonography as it applies to the lung, technique, an actual case, and the past literature describing the use of color and power Doppler sonography for the detection of pneumothorax.
Postinfectious olfactory loss: A retrospective study on 791 patients
Authors: Cavazzana Annachiara , Larsson Maria , Münch Marcus , Hähner Antje , Hummel Thomas
Published: May 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Postinfectious olfactory loss is among the most common causes of olfactory impairment and has substantial negative impact on patients' quality of life. Recovery rates have been shown to spontaneously improve in most of patients, usually within 2 to 3 years. However, existing studies are limited by small sample sizes and short follow‐up. We aimed to assess the prognostic factors for recovery in a large sample of 791 patients with postinfectious olfactory disorders.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 791 patients with postinfectious olfactory loss. Olfactory functions were assessed using the Sniffin' Sticks test at the first and final visits (mean follow‐up = 1.94 years).

Results

Smell test scores improved over time. In particular, patient's age and the odor threshold (T), odor discrimination (D), and odor identification (I) (TDI) score at first visit were significant predictors of the extent of change. The percentage of anosmic and hyposmic patients exhibiting clinically significant improvement was 46% and 35%, respectively.

Conclusions

This study provides new evidence within the postinfectious olfactory loss literature, shedding light on the prognostic factors and showing that recovery of olfactory function is very frequent, even many years after the infection.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:10–15, 2018
Altered molecular profile in thyroid cancers from patients affected by the Three Mile Island nuclear accident
Authors: Goldenberg David , Russo Mariano , Houser Kenneth , Crist Henry , Derr Jonathan B. , Walter Vonn , Warrick Joshua I. , Sheldon Kathryn E. , Broach James , Bann Darrin V.
Published: May 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

In 1979, Three Mile Island (TMI) nuclear power plant experienced a partial meltdown with release of radioactive material. The effects of the accident on thyroid cancer (TC) in the surrounding population remain unclear. Radiation‐induced TCs have a lower incidence of single nucleotide oncogenic driver mutations and higher incidence of gene fusions. We used next generation sequencing (NGS) to identify molecular signatures of radiation‐induced TC in a cohort of TC patients residing near TMI during the time of the accident.

Study Design

Case series.

Methods

We identified 44 patients who developed papillary thyroid carcinoma between 1974 and 2014. Patients who developed TC between 1984 and 1996 were at risk for radiation‐induced TC, patients who developed TC before 1984 or after 1996 were the control group. We used targeted NGS of paired tumor and normal tissue from each patient to identify single nucleotide oncogenic driver mutations. Oncogenic gene fusions were identified using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results

We identified 15 patients in the at‐risk group and 29 patients in the control group. BRAFV600E mutations were identified in 53% patients in the at‐risk group and 83% patients in the control group. The proportion of patients with BRAF mutations in the at‐risk group was significantly lower than predicted by the The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort. Gene fusion or somatic copy number alteration drivers were identified in 33% tumors in the at‐risk group and 14% of tumors in the control group.

Conclusions

Findings were consistent with observations from other radiation‐exposed populations. These data raise the possibility that radiation released from TMI may have altered the molecular profile of TC in the population surrounding TMI.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 127:S1–S9, 2017
Law of large numbers for weighted inductive means in a Hadamard space
Authors: Choi Byoung Jin , Heo Jaeseong , Ji Un Cig
Published: May 2017

We first study the law of large numbers for weighted inductive means of independent identically distributed random variables taking values in a Hadamard space. Secondly, we give a sharp asymptotic estimate for the limit of (non‐weighed) inductive means for the p‐Schatten class.
Tonic and phasic changes in anteromedial globus pallidus activity in Tourette syndrome
Authors: Israelashvili Michal , Smeets Anouk Y.J.M. , Bronfeld Maya , Zeef Dagmar H. , Leentjens Albert F.G. , van Kranen‐Mastenbroek Vivianne , Janssen Marcus L.F. , Temel Yasin , Ackermans Linda , Bar‐Gad Izhar
Published: May 2017

Background: Tourette syndrome is a hyperkinetic neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by tics.

Objective: Assess the neuronal changes in the associative/limbic GP associated with Tourette syndrome.

Methods: Neurophysiological recordings were performed from the anterior (associative/limbic) GPe and GPi of 8 awake patients during DBS electrode implantation surgeries.

Results: The baseline firing rate of the neurons was low in a state‐dependent manner in both segments of the GP. Tic‐dependent transient rate changes were found in the activity of individual neurons of both segments around the time of the tic. Neither oscillatory activity of individual neurons nor correlations in their interactions were observed.

Conclusions: The results demonstrate the involvement of the associative/limbic pathway in the underlying pathophysiology of Tourette syndrome and point to tonic and phasic modulations of basal ganglia output as a key mechanisms underlying the abnormal state of the disorder and the expression of individual tics, respectively. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Well‐posedness and regularity results for a 2m‐th order parabolic equation in symmetric conical domains of ℝN+1
Authors: Cherfaoui Saïda , Kessab Amor , Kheloufi Arezki
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we use the domain decomposition method to prove well‐posedness and smoothness results in anisotropic weighted Sobolev spaces for a multidimensional high‐order parabolic equation set in conical time‐dependent domains of
. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbon and oxygen minibeam radiation therapy: An experimental dosimetric evaluation
Authors: Martínez‐Rovira Immaculada , González Wilfredo , Brons Stephan , Prezado Yolanda
Published: May 2017

Purpose

To perform dosimetric characterization of a minibeam collimator in both carbon and oxygen ion beams to guide optimal setup geometry and irradiation for future radiobiological studies.

Methods

Carbon and oxygen minibeams were generated using a prototype tungsten multislit collimator presenting line apertures 700 μm wide, which are spaced 3500 μm centre‐to‐centre distance apart. Several radiation beam spots generated the desired field size of 15 × 15 mm2 and production of a 50 mm long spread out Bragg peak (SOBP) centered at 80 mm depth in water. Dose evaluations were performed with two different detectors: a PTW microDiamond single crystal diamond detector and radiochromic films (EBT3). Peak‐to‐valley dose ratio (PVDR) values, output factors (OF), penumbras, and full width at half maximum (FWHM) were measured.

Results

Measured lateral dose profiles exhibited spatial fractionation of dose at depth in a water phantom in the expected form of peaks and valleys for both carbon and oxygen radiation fields. The diamond detector and radiochromic film provided measurements of PVDR in good agreement. PVDR values at shallow depth were about 60 and decreased to about 10 at 80 mm depth in water. OF in the center of the SOBP was about 0.4; this value is larger than the corresponding one in proton minibeam radiation therapy measured using a comparable collimator due to a reduced lateral scattering for carbon and oxygen minibeams.

Conclusions

Carbon and oxygen minibeams may be produced by a mechanical collimator. PVDR values and output factors measured in this first study of these minibeam radiation types indicate there is potential for their therapeutic use. Optimization of minibeam collimator design and the number and size of focal spots for irradiation are advocated to improve PDVR values and dose distributions for each specific applied use.
Determining the relative strengths of aromatic and aliphatic C―H⋅⋅⋅X hydrogen bonds in imidazolium ionic liquids through measurement of H/D isotope effects on 19F nuclear shielding
Authors: Bottini Gualberto , Moyna Guillermo
Published: May 2017

The relative strengths of aromatic and aliphatic C―H⋅⋅⋅X hydrogen bonds in imidazolium ionic liquids were investigated through measurement of H/D isotope effects on the 19F nuclear shielding of deuterated isotopologues of 1‐n‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate and tetrafluoroborate ([C4mim]PF6 and [C4mim]BF4). Δ19F(H,D) values ranging from 9.7 to 49.7 ppb were observed for [C4mim]PF6 isotopologues, while for the [C4mim]BF4 series these went from 26.2 to 83.8 ppb. Our findings indicate that the interactions between the fluorinated anions and protons on the C‐1′ and C‐1″ position of the N‐alkyl sidechains are comparable to, and in some cases stronger than, those involving protons on the aromatic ring, underscoring the role that these weak interionic forces have on the local ordering of imidazolium salts in the liquid state. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiple‐coil k‐space interpolation enhances resolution in single‐shot spatiotemporal MRI
Authors: Liberman Gilad , Solomon Eddy , Lustig Michael , Frydman Lucio
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Spatio‐temporal encoding (SPEN) experiments can deliver single‐scan MR images without folding complications and with robustness to chemical shift and susceptibility artifacts. Further resolution improvements are shown to arise by relying on multiple receivers, to interpolate the sampled data along the low‐bandwidth dimension. The ensuing multiple‐sensor interpolation is akin to recently introduced SPEN interleaving procedures, albeit without requiring multiple shots.

Methods

By casting SPEN's spatial rasterization in k‐space, it becomes evident that local k‐data interpolations enabled by multiple receivers are akin to real‐space interleaving of SPEN images. The practical implementation of such a resolution‐enhancing procedure becomes similar to those normally used in simultaneous acquisition of spatial harmonics or sensitivity encoding, yet relaxing these methods’ fold‐over constraints.

Results

Experiments validating the theoretical expectations were carried out on phantoms and human volunteers on a 3T scanner. The experiments showed the expected resolution enhancement, at no cost to the sequence's complexity. With the addition of multibanding and stimulated echo procedures, 48‐slice full‐brain coverage could be recorded free from distortions at submillimeter resolution, in 3 s.

Conclusions

Super‐resolved SPEN with SENSE (SUSPENSE) achieves the goals of multishot SPEN interleaving delivering single‐shot submillimeter in‐plane resolutions in scanners equipped with suitable multiple sensors. Magn Reson Med 79:796–805, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Enhanced quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) using real‐time field control
Authors: Özbay Pinar Senay , Duerst Yolanda , Wilm Bertram Jakob , Pruessmann Klaas Paul , Nanz Daniel
Published: May 2017

Purpose

To assess the potential of a real‐time field‐control (FC) system for mitigating effects of spatiotemporal field fluctuations in quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) at 7 T.

Methods

Magnitude, phase, and QSM images of phantoms and healthy volunteers were acquired under standard conditions and under induced field perturbation (FP) (phantoms: periodic water‐bottle displacement; volunteers: deep breathing and forearm movement) with and without FC, which continuously detects and minimizes magnetic‐field variations.

Results

Field control successfully eliminated FP‐induced impairment of phantom image quality and deviations from a linear susceptibility increase for increasing gadolinium concentration in a Gd dilution series (y = 320x – 0.60, R2 = 0.93 for the scan with FP and FC versus y = 259x – 0.54, R2 = 0.78 for the scan with FP and no FC (slope literature value: 326 ppm L/mol)). Similarly, in volunteers, FC allowed a recovery of a FP‐induced loss of identifiable brain structures and reduced the relative change of mean susceptibilities and standard deviations (93 ± 53% to 34 ± 46%) in all regions of interests with respect to the reference scan.

Conclusions

Real‐time FC improved the delineation of brain structures and the match of susceptibility values with reference values obtained without FP. Magn Reson Med 79:770–778, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.