bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Black Sea dissolved organic matter dynamics: Insights from optical analyses
Authors: Margolin Andrew R. , Gonnelli Margherita , Hansell Dennis A. , Santinelli Chiara
Published: March 2018

To obtain qualitative information on the Black Sea's dissolved organic matter (DOM) pool, the optical properties (absorption and fluorescence) were measured in 111 samples collected across the basin. Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) was considered at three wavelengths (254 nm, 280 nm, and 325 nm), along with the spectral slope between 275 nm and 295 nm (S275–295) and the specific ultraviolet absorbance at 254 nm (SUVA254). Using parallel factor analysis, a five‐component model identified three humic‐like components, a protein‐like component, and a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon‐like component. In the basin's oxic layer (upper ∼ 100 m), protein‐like CDOM was elevated, likely due to the production of this labile material, while humic‐like material was low, suggesting its removal by photo‐oxidation. In the underlying waters, the protein‐like material decreased, perhaps due to the utilization of this nitrogen‐containing DOM, while humic‐like material increased, suggesting its production at depth. In the anoxic layer (lower ∼ 2000 m), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) varied by only ∼ 10% while CDOM increased with depth by a factor of approximately two; the optical properties correlated well with the H2S‐equivalence of mineralization, referred to here as apparent carbon mineralization (ACM), while DOC did not. The strong correlation between CDOM and ACM is similar to correlations previously identified in the open ocean that compared CDOM with apparent oxygen utilization, suggesting that CDOM accumulates as a function of mineralization, independently of the oxidizing agent (i.e., oxygen or sulfate).
Preventive effect of polynucleotide on post‐thyroidectomy scars: A randomized, double‐blinded, controlled trial
Authors: Kim Ji Hee , Jeong Jong Ju , Lee Young In , Lee Won Jai , Lee Chorok , Chung Woong Youn , Nam Kee‐Hyun , Lee Ju Hee
Published: March 2018

Background and Objective

Polynucleotide (PN) provides a structural scaffold to induce anti‐inflammatory and enhanced wound healing properties, and this study aimed to assess the efficacy of PN administration in the prevention of post‐operative scars after conventional open total thyroidectomy.

Study Design Materials and Methods

Forty‐two patients with thyroid carcinoma who underwent total thyroidectomy were randomly assigned to the study (PN administration) or control (normal saline) group. All patients underwent a single session of combined ablative and non‐ablative fractional laser. The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), global photographic assessment, and objective scar were assessed using three‐dimensional (3D) camera at baseline and at 2, 4, 8, and 16 weeks after surgery.

Results

Patients who underwent PN injection demonstrated better surgical scar quality outcome. Participants in the PN administration group had lower VSS scores than the control group (2.09 ± 0.47 vs. 4.01 ± 0.55, respectively) and lower scar height (0.23 ± 0.03 vs. 0.29 ± 0.03, respectively), as measured using 3D imaging. Furthermore, in the PN injected group, the degree of erythema, and pigmentation of the scar were less prominent. No patient developed hypertrophic scar or keloids on the surgical site. No other adverse events, including post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation, scarring, or infection, were observed.

Conclusion

Adjuvant administration of PN along with conventional fractional laser treatment led to more favorable effect in wound healing and post‐operative scar prevention after thyroidectomy. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:755–762, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High speed ink aggregates are ejected from tattoos during Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser treatments
Authors: Murphy Michael J.
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Dark material has been observed embedded within glass slides following Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser treatment of tattoos. It appears that these fragments are ejected at high speed from the skin during the treatment.

Method

Light microscopic analysis of the slides reveals aggregates of dark fragmented material, presumably tattoo ink, with evidence of fractured/melted glass. Photomicrographs reveal that the sizes of these aggregates are in the range 12 μm to 0.5 mm.

Results

Tattoo ink fragments were clearly observed on the surface and embedded within glass slides. Surface aggregates were observed as a fine dust and were easily washed off while deeper fragments remained in situ. The embedded fragments were not visible to the unaided eye. Some fragments appeared to have melted yielding an “insect‐like” appearance. These were found to be located between approximately 0.2 and 1 mm deep in the glass.

Conclusion

Given the particle masses and kinetic energies attained by some of these aggregates their velocities, when leaving the skin, may be hundreds to thousands of metres per second. However, the masses of the aggregates are minuscule meaning that laser operators may be subjected to these high‐speed aggregates without their knowledge. These high‐speed fragments of ink may pose a contamination risk to laser operators. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:711–717, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Patient Selection by Tumor Markers in Liver Transplantation for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Lee Hae Won , Song Gi‐Won , Lee Sung‐Gyu , Kim Jong Man , Joh Jae‐Won , Han Dai Hoon , Kim Soon Il , Kim Seong Hoon , Kim Dong‐Sik , Cho Jai Young , Suh Kyung‐Suk
Published: March 2018

Although far advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is generally considered a contraindication for liver transplantation (LT), biologically favorable tumors among them could show acceptable results. However, it is still unclear which tumors can be treated with LT. Data were collected on adult patients who underwent LT for HCC beyond the Milan criteria in 8 Korean LT centers between January 2000 and June 2013. Far advanced HCC was defined as HCC with the largest tumor ≥ 10 cm, 10 or more tumor nodules, or accompanying macrovascular invasion. A total of 688 patients, including 169 with far advanced HCC, were enrolled in this study. The 5‐year overall and recurrence‐free survival rates were 60.4% and 55.1%, respectively, for all patients but only 28.7% and 24.8%, respectively, for patients with far advanced HCC (P < 0.001). Both preoperative alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) and protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist II (PIVKA‐II) were significant risk factors for HCC recurrence after LT. In particular, AFP + PIVKA‐II combined was a better predictor than either marker alone. Of all far advanced HCC patients with available AFP and PIVKA‐II levels, 45 (30.8%) had low AFP + PIVKA‐II (≤300) and their 5‐year overall and recurrence‐free survival rate were 47.8% and 53.4%, respectively, which were acceptable and significantly superior to those of patients with AFP (ng/mL) + PIVKA‐II (nAU/mL) > 300 (21.0% and 10.8%, respectively; P < 0.001). In conclusion, patients with favorable HCC had acceptable outcomes after LT even when their tumors were extremely advanced. AFP + PIVKA‐II gave reliable information about the tumor biology of far advanced HCC. Liver Transplantation 00 000–000 2018 AASLD.
Sequential Coating of Insulin Secreting Beta Cells within Multilayers of Polysaccharide Nanogels
Authors: Bal Tugba , Oran Dilem Ceren , Sasaki Yoshihiro , Akiyoshi Kazunari , Kizilel Seda
Published: March 2018

Pancreatic islet transplantation has emerged as a promising treatment for type‐1 diabetes (T1D); however, its clinical application is still limited by the life‐long use of immunosuppressive drugs, insufficient number of islets to achieve normoglycemia, and large transplantation volume. This paper reports a unique approach for nanothin coating of insulin secreting beta cell aggregates. The coating is based on hydrophobic and covalent interactions between natural acrylate modified cholesterol bearing pullulan (CHPOA) nanogels and MIN6 beta cell aggregates. Beta cell aggregates are prepared as spheroids through hanging drop method, which is optimized with respect to hanging drop volume and initial number of beta cells. These aggregates, defined as pseudoislets, are coated with sequential layers of nanogels and are evaluated as viable and functional for insulin secretion. Coating experiments are carried out using physiologically compatible medium, where pseudoislets are not brought in contact with toxic prepolymer solutions used in existing approaches. This study offers new opportunities through coating of islets with advanced functional materials under completely physiological conditions for clinical translation of cell transplantation technology. The technique developed here will establish a new paradigm for creating tolerable grafts for other chronic diseases such as anemia, cancer, central nervous system (CNS) diseases.
Synthesis from Molecule into 3D Polyamide 6 Microspheres Stacked Polyhedrons via Self‐Assembly
Authors: Liu Yan , Duan Jianping , Xia Housheng , Xu Jian , Yang Guisheng
Published: March 2018

Self‐assembly provides the basis for a procedure used to organize larger objects into regular, 3D microsphere stacked polyhedrons. A novel approach is described for the fabrication of 3D structured micrometer‐scale polyhedrons which are packed with nanosized spheres in the order of 400 nm by in situ polymerization using phase inversion technology. The extended polyhedrons can assemble into decimeter‐level ordered materials. The side length of an individual polyhedron can be effectively tuned from 10 to 100 µm through several ways. This method realizes directly self‐assembly from molecule to regular extended polyhedrons materials. The process is primarily based on in situ anion polymerization of lactam in two‐phase system whose self‐assembly is driven by hydrogen bonds' force and polyethylene glycol stepwise crystallization synergistically. The results suggest that this strategy for self‐assembly can be applied to design nonplanar complex geometric structure materials. In the future, polyhedrons packed with microspheres may be possible to build more complex 3D, self‐assembly device modules for advanced materials.
Biodegradable Polyester Thermogelling System as Emerging Materials for Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Shan Andrew Huayang , Jiang Lu , Li Zibiao
Published: March 2018

Polyesters comprise the earliest and most extensive investigation as biomaterials. The integration of polyester into thermogelling system is one of the most recent trends in the development of hydrogel research. In this review, the most recent development of polyester based thermogelling systems is summarized with respect to different types of polyester materials, including poly(lactic acid), polycaprolactone, polyhydroxyalkanoates, poly(glycerol sebacate), and the combination of different types of polyesters in various architectures. The insights on the involvement of polyester in the improvement of gel function and property, as well as the underlying mechanism and structure–performance correlation, are provided. The emerging applications of using these newly developed sophisticated biodegradable polymeric thermogelling systems in therapeutic deliveries and tissue engineering are also summarized.
Polyelectrolyte–Graphene Oxide Multilayer Composites for Array of Microchambers which are Mechanically Robust and Responsive to NIR Light
Authors: Ermakov Alexey , Lim Su Hui , Gorelik Sergey , Kauling Alan P. , de Oliveira Ricardo V. B. , Castro Neto A. H. , Glukhovskoy Evgeniy , Gorin Dmitry A. , Sukhorukov Gleb B. , Kiryukhin Maxim V.
Published: March 2018

Development of composite polymer/graphene oxide (GO) materials attracts significant attention due to their unique properties. In this work, highly ordered arrays of hollow microchambers made of composite polyelectrolyte/GO multilayers (PEGOMs) are successfully fabricated via layer‐by‐layer assembly on sacrificial or sustainable templates having imprinted patterns of microwells on their surface. Mechanical and optical properties of PEGOMs are studied by nanoindentation and near‐infrared (NIR) absorption spectroscopy. Incorporation of three GO layers in between the polyelectrolyte multilayer stacks increases Young's modulus and critical stress of the microchambers by a factor of 5.6 and 2.6, respectively. Optical density of this PEGOM film is found to decrease gradually from 0.14 at λ = 800 nm to 0.06 at λ = 1500 nm. Remote opening of PEGOM microchambers with NIR laser beam is also demonstrated. One of the possible applications of the developed structures includes micropackaging and delivery systems in biological tissues with remote triggering.
Reversible Adsorption of Methylene Blue as Cationic Model Cargo onto Polyzwitterionic Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Biehl Philip , von der Lühe Moritz , Schacher Felix H.
Published: March 2018

The reversible electrostatic adsorption of the cationic dye methylene blue (MB) as a model compound to polydehydroalanine (PDha)‐coated magnetic multicore nanoparticles (MCNP) is presented. The pH responsiveness of the zwitterionic coating material enables reversible switching of the net surface charge of the PDha@MCNP hybrid particles by changes in pH and thus allows reversible adsorption of MB at neutral pH and desorption at low pH values. The resulting hybrid materials can be very interesting systems in the context of water purification, and the reversible adsorption is studied using UV–vis spectroscopy under varying surrounding conditions. The particles are characterized using dynamic light scattering, zeta potential measurements, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis.
Microporous Polycarbazole Materials: From Preparation and Properties to Applications
Authors: Chen Qi , Han Bao‐Hang
Published: March 2018

Polycarbazoles with rigid skeletons and electron‐rich conjugated systems are beneficial to form permanent porous materials with intrinsic photoelectric properties. In recent years, the research related to porous polycarbazoles becomes a hot topic in the field of porous organic polymers. The preparation methods for porous polycarbazoles are diverse, commonly represented by the oxidation coupling reaction and the Friedel–Crafts reaction. Other methods such as nitrile‐based trimerization, electrochemical polymerization, and classic C–C coupling reactions are also reported. Porous polycarbazoles generally possess large specific surface area, permanent pore structure, and high thermal and chemical stability, which show potential applications in gas storage and separation, catalysis, sensors, and electronics. In this review, the recent research progress on the synthetic methods, functions, and applications of porous polycarbazoles is summarized.
Seed phytochemicals shape the community structures of cultivable actinobacteria‐inhabiting plant interiors of Thai pigmented rice
Authors: Nakaew Nareeluk , Sungthong Rungroch
Published: March 2018

We examined abundance, bioactivity, and endophytism of cultivable actinobacteria isolated from plant interiors of two Thai pigmented rice cultivars: Hom Nin (HN) rice and Luem Pua (LP) glutinous rice. Both rice cultivars housed the same amount of endophytic actinobacteria (33 isolates each). Microbispora (76%) and Streptomyces (73%) were the predominant endophytic actinobacteria of LP glutinous rice and HN rice, respectively. Sphaerisporangium (9%) was found only in LP glutinous rice. Twelve percent of endophytic actinobacteria was the possibility of discovering novel species from both rice cultivars. Most endophytic actinobacteria exhibited plant growth‐promoting potentials, including antimicrobial activity against test bacteria and phytopathogenic fungi, solubilization of phosphate, and production of biostimulants (i.e., ammonia, indole‐3‐acetic acid, and siderophore) and biocatalysts (i.e., amylase, cellulase, chitinase, lipase, and protease). Our findings revealed that seed phytochemicals of pigmented rice (e.g., anthocyanin, γ‐oryzanol, phytate, antioxidants, and content of amylose) were effectors, shaping the community structures and biofunctions of endophytic actinobacteria. We conclude that pigmented rice is yet a challenging source for discovery of bioactive and novel actinobacteria. This study also provides new insights into the plant‐endophyte interactions by which seed phytochemicals act as a primary checkpoint in the natural selection for establishing unique plant endophytomes.
A 16S rRNA gene sequencing and analysis protocol for the Illumina MiniSeq platform
Authors: Pichler Monica , Coskun Ömer K. , Ortega‐Arbulú Ana‐Sofia , Conci Nicola , Wörheide Gert , Vargas Sergio , Orsi William D.
Published: March 2018

High‐throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene on the Illumina platform is commonly used to assess microbial diversity in environmental samples. The MiniSeq, Illumina's latest benchtop sequencer, enables more cost‐efficient DNA sequencing relative to larger Illumina sequencing platforms (e.g., MiSeq). Here we used a modified custom primer sequencing approach to test the fidelity of the MiniSeq for high‐throughput sequencing of the V4 hypervariable region of 16S rRNA genes from complex communities in environmental samples. To this end, we designed additional sequencing primers that enabled application of a dual‐index barcoding method on the MiniSeq. A mock community was sequenced alongside the environmental samples in four different sequencing runs as a quality control benchmark. We were able to recapture a realistic richness of the mock community in all sequencing runs, and identify meaningful differences in alpha and beta diversity in the environmental samples. Furthermore, rarefaction analysis indicated diversity in many environmental samples was close to saturation. These results show that the MiniSeq can produce similar quantities of high‐quality V4 reads compared to the MiSeq, yet is a cost‐effective option for any laboratory interested in performing high‐throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
Effect of lactulose intervention on gut microbiota and short chain fatty acid composition of C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Zhai Shixiang , Zhu Limeng , Qin Song , Li Lili
Published: March 2018

Gut microbiota have strong connections with health. Lactulose has been shown to regulate gut microbiota and benefit host health. In this study, the effect of short‐term (3 week) intervention of lactulose on gut microbiota was investigated. Gut microbiota were detected from mouse feces by 16S rRNA high‐throughput sequencing, and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were detected by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Lactulose intervention enhanced the α‐diversity of the gut microbiota; increased the abundance of hydrogen‐producing bacteria Prevotellaceae and Rikenellaceae, probiotics Bifidobacteriaceae and Lactobacillaceae, and mucin‐degrading bacteria Akkermansia and Helicobacter; decreased the abundance of harmful bacteria Desulfovibrionaceae and branched‐chain SCFAs (BCFAs). These results suggest that lactulose intervention effectively increased the diversity and improved the structure of the intestinal microbiota, which may be beneficial for host health.
Antimicrobial activity of selected essential oils against Streptococcus suis isolated from pigs
Authors: de Aguiar Fabiana C. , Solarte Ana Lucía , Tarradas Carmen , Luque Inmaculada , Maldonado Alfonso , Galán‐Relaño Ángela , Huerta Belén
Published: March 2018

The inhibitory potential by contact and vapor of basil, cinnamon, clove, peppermint, oregano, rosemary, common thyme, and red thyme essential oils (EOs) against 20 strains of Streptococcus suis was determined by the disk diffusion test. The broth microdilution method was used to determine the minimal inhibitory and minimal bactericidal concentration (MIC and MBC) of the four selected oils. Furthermore, the bactericidal power (ratio MBC/MIC) was calculated. The EOs with the major potential in the disk diffusion method were red thyme, common thyme, oregano, and cinnamon (∅ mean 16.5–34.2 mm), whereas cinnamon did not show vapor activity. In the microdilution test, all the EOs showed notable antimicrobial activity (MIC90 and MBC90 312.5–625 μg·ml−1) and a strong bactericidal power (ratio = 1). This is the first study that selects essential oils against S. suis. New studies about the possible synergic effect of EOs with antibiotics and about toxicity and efficacy in in vivo conditions are recommended.
Salt induction and activation of MtlD, the key enzyme in the synthesis of the compatible solute mannitol in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Zeidler Sabine , Hubloher Josephine , König Patricia , Ngu Ngoc Dinh , Scholz Anica , Averhoff Beate , Müller Volker
Published: March 2018

Mannitol is the major compatible solute, next to glutamate, synthesized by the opportunistic human pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii under low water activities. The key enzyme for mannitol biosynthesis, MtlD, was identified. MtlD is highly similar to the bifunctional mannitol‐1‐phosphate dehydrogenase/phosphatase from Acinetobacter baylyi. After deletion of the mtlD gene from A. baumannii ATCC 19606T cells no longer accumulated mannitol and growth was completely impaired at high salt. Addition of glycine betaine restored growth, demonstrating that mannitol is an important compatible solute in the human pathogen. MtlD was heterologously produced and purified. Enzyme activity was strictly salt dependent. Highest stimulation was reached at 600 mmol/L NaCl. Addition of different sodium as well as potassium salts restored activity, with highest stimulations up to 41 U/mg protein by sodium glutamate. In contrast, an increase in osmolarity by addition of sugars did not restore activity. Regulation of mannitol synthesis was also assayed at the transcriptional level. Reporter gene assays revealed that expression of mtlD is strongly dependent on high osmolarity, not discriminating between different salts or sugars. The presence of glycine betaine or its precursor choline repressed promoter activation. These data indicate a dual regulation of mannitol production in A. baumannii, at the transcriptional and the enzymatic level, depending on high osmolarity.
Potential of Lactobacillus plantarum IBB3036 and Lactobacillus salivarius IBB3154 to persistence in chicken after in ovo delivery
Authors: Aleksandrzak‐Piekarczyk Tamara , Puzia Weronika , Żylińska Joanna , Cieśla Jarosław , Gulewicz Krzysztof A. , Bardowski Jacek K. , Górecki Roman K.
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study was to characterize and compare selected Lactobacillus strains originating from different environments (cow milk and hen feces) with respect to their applicative potential to colonize gastrointestinal track of chickens before hatching from an egg. In vitro phenotypic characterization of lactobacilli strains included the investigation of the important prerequisites for persistence in gastrointestinal tract, such as a capability to survive in the presence of bile salts and at low pH, enzymatic and sugar metabolic profiles, adhesion abilities, and resistance to osmolytes, temperature, and antibiotics. Regarding the resistance of lactobacilli to most of the various stress factors tested, the milk isolate Lactobacillus plantarum IBB3036 showed better abilities than the chicken feces isolate Lactobacillus salivarius IBB3154. However, regarding the acidification tolerance and adherence ability, L. salivarius IBB3154 revealed better characteristics. Use of these two selected lactobacilli isolates together with proper prebiotics resulted in the preparation of two S1 and S2 bioformulations, which were injected in ovo into hen Cobb500 FF fertilized eggs. Furthermore, in vivo tests assessing the persistence of L. plantarum IBB3036 and L. salivarius IBB3154 in the chicken gastrointestinal tract was monitored by PCR‐based classical and quantitative techniques and revealed the presence of both strains in fecal samples collected 3 days after hatching. Subsequently, the number of L. salivarius IBB3154 increased significantly in the chicken intestine, whereas the presence of L. plantarum IBB3036 was gradually decreased.
6‐n‐propylthiouracil taste disruption and TAS2R38 nontasting form in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Cossu Giovanni , Melis Melania , Sarchioto Marianna , Melis Marta , Melis Maurizio , Morelli Micaela , Tomassini Barbarossa Iole
Published: March 2018

Background: The few studies that evaluated taste function in Parkinson's disease (PD) showed inconsistent results. The inherited ability to taste the bitter compound of 6‐n‐propylthiouracil has been considered to be a paradigm of general taste perception. 6‐n‐propylthiouracil taste perception is mediated by the TAS2R38 receptor, and reduced 6‐n‐propylthiouracil sensitivity has been associated with several diseases not typically related to taste function.

Objectives: We evaluated the 6‐n‐propylthiouracil taste perception and the TAS2R38 gene as genetic risk factors for the development of idiopathic PD in PD patients and healthy controls (HC).

Methods: The 6‐n‐propylthiouracil taste perception was assessed by testing the responsiveness, and the ability to recognize, 6‐n‐propylthiouracil and sodium chloride. The participants were classified for 6‐n‐propylthiouracil taster status and genotyped for the TAS2R38 gene.

Results: A significant increase in the frequency of participants classified as 6‐n‐propylthiouracil nontasters and a reduced ability to recognize bitter taste quality of 6‐n‐propylthiouracil were found in PD patients when compared with healthy controls. The results also showed that only 5% of PD patients had the homozygous genotype for the dominant tasting variant of TAS2R38, whereas most of them carried the recessive nontaster form and a high number had a rare variant.

Conclusions: Our results show that 6‐n‐propylthiouracil taster status and TAS2R38 locus are associated with PD. The 6‐n‐propylthiouracil test may therefore represent a novel, simple way to identify increased vulnerability to PD. Moreover, the presence of the nontasting form of TAS2R38 in PD may further substantiate that disease‐associated taste disruption may represent a risk factor associated with the disease. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
New mutations and an updated database for the patched‐1 (PTCH1) gene
Authors: Reinders Marie G. , van Hout Antonius F. , Cosgun Betûl , Paulussen Aimée D. , Leter Edward M. , Steijlen Peter M. , Mosterd Klara , van Geel Michel , Gille Johan J.
Published: March 2018

Background

Basal cell nevus syndrome (BCNS) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by multiple basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), maxillary keratocysts, and cerebral calcifications. BCNS most commonly is caused by a germline mutation in the patched‐1 (PTCH1) gene. PTCH1 mutations are also described in patients with holoprosencephaly.

Methods

We have established a locus‐specific database for the PTCH1 gene using the Leiden Open Variation Database (LOVD). We included 117 new PTCH1 variations, in addition to 331 previously published unique PTCH1 mutations. These new mutations were found in 141 patients who had a positive PTCH1 mutation analysis in either the VU University Medical Centre (VUMC) or Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC) between 1995 and 2015.

Results

The database contains 331 previously published unique PTCH1 mutations and 117 new PTCH1 variations.

Conclusion

We have established a locus‐specific database for the PTCH1 gene using the Leiden Open Variation Database (LOVD). The database provides an open collection for both clinicians and researchers and is accessible online at http://www.lovd.nl/PTCH1.
Anatomy of medial plantar superficial branch artery perforators: Facilitation of medial plantar superficial branch artery perforator (MPAP) flap harvesting and design for finger pulp reconstruction
Authors: Lohasammakul Suphalerk , Turbpaiboon Chairat , Chaiyasate Kongkrit , Tatsanavivat Parin , Chompoopong Supin , Roham Ali , Ratanalekha Rosarin , Aojanepong Chongdee
Published: March 2018

Background

Medial plantar artery perforator (MPAP) flap was proposed as proper option for finger pulp reconstruction. To provide the previously unavailable vessel information required for this small flap design, this study aimed to gather all necessary anatomy of MPA, MPAP, and their territories of blood supply to apply in clinical MPAP flap reconstruction minimizing perforator injury.

Methods

Dissection of 30 Thai cadaveric feet for visualizing superficial branch of MPA and its perforators (MPAP) using acrylic dye cannulation were performed. Diameter, length, number of branches, course, distributing areas of these vessels, and also their areas of blood supply were recorded in relation to specified landmarks, eg, C‐MTH line; medial calcaneal tuberosity to plantar side of the first metatarsal head and S point; emerging point of superficial branch of MPA from deep fasciae into subcutaneous layer.

Results

Average diameter of MPA at its origin and total length are 1.63 ± 0.3 and 52.8 ± 16.1 mm, respectively. It provides 1–3 perforators, with an average size and length of 0.36 ± 0.11 and 23.2 ± 5.47 mm, respectively. Its distribution is mostly in the posteromedial quadrant within 50 and 30 mm from the midpoint of C‐MTH line and the S point, respectively. The estimated perforator flap area is 2.5 cm × 1.5 cm and 4.5 cm × 2.5 cm for single and double perforators, respectively.

Conclusions

MPAP flap was proved as another ideal option for finger pulp reconstruction. Its limitation is small size of perforators but this can be overcome by using MPA for microsurgical anastomosis instead.
Generalised magnetic polarizability tensors
Authors: Ledger Paul David , Lionheart William R.B.
Published: March 2018

We present a new complete asymptotic expansion for the low‐frequency time‐harmonic magnetic field perturbation caused by the presence of a conducting (permeable) object as its size tends to zero for the eddy current regime of Maxwell's equations. The new asymptotic expansion allows the characterisation of the shape and material properties of such objects by a new class of generalised magnetic polarizability tensors, and we provide an explicit formula for their calculation. Our result will have important implications for metal detectors since it will improve small object discrimination, and for situations where the background field varies over the inclusion, this information will be useable, and indeed useful, in identifying their shape and material properties. Thus, improving the ability of metal detectors to locate landmines and unexploded ordnance, sort metals in recycling processes, and ensure food safety as well as enhancing security screening at airports and public events.
A class of efficient high‐order iterative methods with memory for nonlinear equations and their dynamics
Authors: Howk Cory L. , Hueso José L. , Martínez Eulalia , Teruel Carles
Published: March 2018

In this paper we obtain some theoretical results about iterative methods with memory for nonlinear equations. The class of algorithms we consider focus on incorporating memory without increasing the computational cost of the algorithm. This class uses for the predictor step of each iteration a quantity that has already been calculated in the previous iteration, typically the quantity governing the slope from the previous corrector step. In this way we do not introduce any extra computation, and more importantly, we avoid new function evaluations, allowing us to obtain high‐order iterative methods in a simple way. A specific class of methods of this type is introduced, and we prove the convergence order is 2n+2n−2 with n+1 function evaluations. An exhaustive efficiency study is performed to show the competitiveness of these methods. Finally, we test some specific examples and explore the effect that this predictor may have on the convergence set by setting a dynamical study.
On an alternative view to complex calculus
Authors: Bashirov Agamirza E. , Norozpour Sajedeh
Published: March 2018

In most (if not all) textbooks on complex calculus, the differentiation and integration of complex functions are presented by using the algebraic form of complex variables because the respective formulae in terms of the polar form are inappropriate. In this paper, we demonstrate that by transferring the field structure of the system of complex numbers to the Riemann surface of complex logarithm and changing the sense of derivative and integral, complex calculus can be delivered in terms of the polar form of complex variables identically to the presentation in terms of algebraic form.
An inverse problem of identifying the diffusion coefficient in a coupled parabolic‐elliptic system
Authors: Deng Zui‐Cha , Cai Chao , Yang Liu
Published: March 2018

This work studies a nonlinear inverse problem of reconstructing the diffusion coefficient in a parabolic‐elliptic system using the final measurement data, which has important application in a large field of applied science. Being different from other works, which are governed by single partial differential equations, the underlying mathematical model in this paper is a coupled parabolic‐elliptic system, which makes theoretical analysis rather difficult. On the basis of the optimal control framework, the identification problem is transformed into an optimization problem. Then the existence of the minimizer is proved, and the necessary condition that must be satisfied by the minimizer is also given. Since the optimal control problem is nonconvex, one may not expect a unique solution universally. However, the local uniqueness and stability of the minimizer are deduced in this paper.
Wastewater bioremediation using white rot fungi: Validation of a dynamical system with real data obtained in laboratory
Authors: Bulai Iulia Martina , Spina Federica , Varese Giovanna Cristina , Venturino Ezio
Published: March 2018

Nowadays, wastewater treatment has become an important issue in view of the ever increasing worldwide paucity of abundant and clean water supplies. In this work, we propose a mathematical model describing the process of decolorization of textile industry wastewater and validate it using data from a laboratory experiment. To this aim, a selected white rot fungus, capable of degrading a wide range of recalcitrant compounds, is used against Remazol Brilliant Blue Reactive dye. The real data obtained in laboratory are use to fit the parameters of our model. The qualitative analysis is performed to study the behavior of the wastewater and of the fungus as functions of time. In the present study the, carbon (glucose) has an important role in the system since it can sustain the fungal metabolism and growth. Furthermore a more general mathematical model is studied, considering an open system where there is a constant input and output of pollutant and nutrients respectively.
Numerical solving of several types of two‐dimensional integral equations and estimation of error bound
Authors: Berenguer Maria Isabel , Gámez Domingo
Published: March 2018

Using fixed‐point techniques and Faber‐Schauder systems in Banach spaces, we obtain an approximation of the solution of 2‐dimensional nonlinear Volterra, Fredholm, and mixed Volterra‐Fredholm integral equations.
Existence of solutions of infinite systems of differential equations of general order with boundary conditions in the spaces c0 and ℓ1 via the measure of noncompactness
Authors: Srivastava H. M. , Das Anupam , Hazarika Bipan , Mohiuddine S. A.
Published: March 2018

The aim of this paper is to obtain existence results for an infinite system of differential equations of order n with boundary conditions in the Banach spaces c0 and ℓ1 with the help of a technique associated with measures of noncompactness. We also provide some illustrative examples in support of our existence theorems.
Stability of nonconstant steady‐state solutions for 2‐fluid nonisentropic Euler‐Poisson equations in semiconductor
Authors: Li Xin , Wang Shu , Feng Yuehong
Published: March 2018

We consider the periodic problem for 2‐fluid nonisentropic Euler‐Poisson equations in semiconductor. By choosing a suitable symmetrizers and using an induction argument on the order of the time‐space derivatives of solutions in energy estimates, we obtain the global stability of solutions with exponential decay in time near the nonconstant steady‐states for 2‐fluid nonisentropic Euler‐Poisson equations. This improves the results obtained for models with temperature diffusion terms by using the pressure functions pν in place of the unknown variables densities nν.
Applications of a formula on Beltrami flow
Authors: Zeng Yong , Zhang Zhibing
Published: March 2018

In this note, we obtain uniqueness results for Beltrami flow in both bounded and unbounded domain with nonempty boundary by establishing an elementary but useful formula involving operators div and curl. We also use this formula to deal with Maxwell and Stokes eigenvalue problems.
Dynamic response of pulsatile flow of blood in a stenosed tapered artery
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Subrata , Mandal Mani Shankar , Mukhopadhyay Swati
Published: March 2018

The aim of this paper is to throw some light on the rheological study of pulsatile blood flow in a stenosed tapered arterial segment. Arterial wall is considered to be rigid and flexible separately for improving the similarity to the in vivo situation. The streaming blood is considered to be Newtonian. The governing nonlinear equations of motion are sought using the well‐known stream function‐vorticity method and are solved numerically by finite difference technique. Important rheological parameters, such as axial velocity component, wall shear stress, and flow separation region are estimated in the neighborhood of the stenosis. Effects of stenosis height, vessel tapering, and wall flexibility on the blood flow are investigated properly and are explained in detail through their graphical representations.
Reconstruction of undersampled radial free‐breathing 3D abdominal MRI using stacked convolutional auto‐encoders
Authors: Lv Jun , Chen Kun , Yang Ming , Zhang Jue , Wang Xiaoying
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Free‐breathing three‐dimensional (3D) abdominal imaging is a challenging task for MRI, as respiratory motion severely degrades image quality. One of the most promising self‐navigation techniques is the 3D golden‐angle radial stack‐of‐stars (SOS) sequence, which has advantages in terms of speed, resolution, and allowing free breathing. However, streaking artifacts are still clearly observed in reconstructed images when undersampling is applied. This work presents a novel reconstruction approach based on a stacked convolutional auto‐encoder (SCAE) network to solve this problem.

Methods

Thirty healthy volunteers participated in our experiment. To build the dataset, reference and artifact‐affected images were reconstructed using 451 golden‐angle spokes and the first 20, 40, or 90 golden‐angle spokes corresponding to acceleration rates of 31.4, 15.7, and 6.98, respectively. In the training step, we trained the SCAE by feeding it with patches from artifact‐affected images. The SCAE outputs patches in the corresponding reference images. In the testing step, we applied the trained SCAE to map each input artifact‐affected patch to the corresponding reference image patch.

Result

The SCAE‐based reconstruction images with acceleration rates of 6.98 and 15.7 show nearly similar quality as the reference images. Additionally, the calculation time is below 1 s. Moreover, the proposed approach preserves important features, such as lesions not presented in the training set.

Conclusion

The preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed SCAE‐based strategy for correcting the streaking artifacts of undersampled free‐breathing 3D abdominal MRI with a negligible reconstruction time.
HU deviation in lung and bone tissues: Characterization and a corrective strategy
Authors: Ai Hua A. , Meier Joseph G. , Wendt Richard E.
Published: March 2018

Introduction

In the era of precision medicine, quantitative applications of x‐ray Computed Tomography (CT) are on the rise. These require accurate measurement of the CT number, also known as the Hounsfield Unit. In this study, we evaluated the effect of patient attenuation‐induced beam hardening of the x‐ray spectrum on the accuracy of the HU values and a strategy to correct for the resulting deviations in the measured HU values.

Materials and methods

A CIRS electron density phantom was scanned on a Siemens Biograph mCT Flow CT scanner and a GE Discovery 710 CT scanner using standard techniques that are employed in the clinic to assess the HU deviation caused by beam hardening in different tissue types. In addition, an anthropomorphic ATOM adult male upper torso phantom was scanned on the GE Discovery 710 scanner. Various amounts of Superflab bolus material were wrapped around the phantoms to simulate different patient sizes. The mean HU values that were measured in the phantoms were evaluated as a function of the water‐equivalent area (Aw), a parameter that is described in the report of AAPM Task Group 220. A strategy by which to correct the HU values was developed and tested. The variation in the HU values in the anthropomorphic ATOM phantom under different simulated body sizes, both before and after correction, were compared, with a focus on the lung and bone tissues.

Results

Significant HU deviations that depended on the simulated patient size were observed. A positive correlation between HU and Aw was observed for tissue types that have an HU of less than zero, while a negative correlation was observed for tissue types with HU values that are greater than zero. The magnitude of the difference increases as the underlying attenuation property deviates further away from that of water. In the electron density phantom study, the maximum observed HU differences between the measured and reference values in the cortical bone and lung materials were 426 and 94 HU, respectively. In the anthropomorphic phantom study, the HU difference was as much as −136.7 ± 8.2 HU (or −7.6% ± 0.5% of the attenuation coefficient, AC) in the spine region, and up to 37.6 ± 1.6 HU (or 17.3% ± 0.8% of AC) in the lung region between scenarios that simulated normal and obese patients. Our HU correction method reduced the HU deviations to 8.5 ± 9.1 HU (or 0.5% ± 0.5%) for bone and to −6.4 ± 1.7 HU (or −3.0% ± 0.8%) for lung. The HU differences in the soft tissue materials before and after the correction were insignificant. Visual improvement of the tissue contrast was also achieved in the data of the simulated obese patient.

Conclusions

The effect of a patient's size on the HU values of lung and bone tissues can be significant. The accuracy of those HU values was substantially improved by the correction method that was developed for and employed in this study.
In‐vitro evaluation of accuracy of dynamic contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (DCEUS)‐based parametric perfusion imaging with respiratory motion‐compensation
Authors: Wang Diya , Xiao Mengnan , Zhang Yu , Su Zhe , Zong Yujin , Wang Supin , Wan Mingxi
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The accuracy of multi‐parametric perfusion imaging (PPI) based on dynamic contrast‐enhanced ultrasound is disturbed by the respiratory motion in some cases, especially during characterizing hemodynamic features of abdominal tumor angiogenesis. This study aimed to effectively remove those disturbances on PPI and evaluate its accuracy.

Method

The respiratory motion‐compensation (rMoCo) strategy in PPI was modified by employing non‐negative matrix factorization combined with phase‐by‐phase compensation. According to the known and controllable ground truths in in‐vitro perfusion experiments, the accuracy of the modified rMoCo strategy was further evaluated from multiple perspectives in a simulated dual‐vessel flow phantom.

Results

Compared with that of PPIs without rMoCo, the mean correlation coefficient between six PPIs with rMoCo and the corresponding static PPIs was up to 0.98 ± 0.01 and improved by 0.17 ± 0.04 (P < 0.05). The estimated error of vascular diameter decreased from 87.85% (P < 0.05) to 7.25% (P < 0.05) after rMoCo. PPIs with rMoCo were significantly consistent with static PPIs without respiratory motion disturbances.

Conclusions

These quantitative results illustrated the disturbances induced by respiratory motion were effectively removed and the accuracy of PPIs was significantly improved. The partial parabolic and bimodal hemodynamic characteristics and the anatomical structures and sizes were accurately quantified and depicted by PPIs with rMoCo. The modified method can benefit physicians in providing accurate diagnoses and in developing appropriate therapeutic strategies for abdominal diseases.
Patient‐specific estimation of spatially variant image noise for a pinhole cardiacSPECTcamera
Authors: Cuddy‐Walsh Sarah G. , Wells R. Glenn
Published: March 2018

Purpose

New single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) cameras using fixed pinhole collimation are increasingly popular. Pinhole collimators are known to have variable sensitivity with distance and angle from the pinhole aperture. It follows that pinholeSPECTsystems will also have spatially variant sensitivity and hence spatially variant image noise. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a rapid method for analytically estimating a map of the noise magnitude in a reconstructed image using data from a single clinical acquisition.

Methods

The projected voxel (PV) noise estimation method uses a modified forward projector with attenuation effects to estimate the number of photons detected from each voxel in the field‐of‐view. We approximate the noise for each voxel as the standard deviation of a Poisson distribution with a mean equal to the number of detected photons. An empirical formula is used to address scaling discrepancies caused by image reconstruction. Calibration coefficients are determined for thePVmethod by comparing it with noise measured from a nonparametrically bootstrapped set of images of a spherical uniformly filled Tc‐99m water phantom. Validation studies comparePVnoise estimates with bootstrapped measured noise for 31 patient images (5 min, 340 MBq,99mTc‐tetrofosmin rest study).

Results

Bland–Altman analysis showsR2correlations ≥70% between thePV‐estimated and ‐measured image noise. For the 31 patient cardiac images, thePVnoise estimate has an average bias of 0.1% compared to bootstrapped noise and have a coefficient of variation (CV) ≤ 17%. The bootstrap approach to noise measurement requires 5 h of computation for each image, whereas thePVnoise estimate requires only 64 s. In cardiac images, image noise due to attenuation and camera sensitivity varies on average from 4% at the apex to 9% in the basal posterior region of the heart. The standard deviation between 15 healthy patient study images (including physiological variability in the population) ranges from 6% to 16.5% over the length of the heart.

Conclusions

ThePVmethod provides a rapid estimate for spatially variant patient‐specific image noise magnitude in a pinhole‐collimated dedicated cardiacSPECTcamera with a bias of −0.3% and better than 83% precision.