bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
miR‐335‐5p induces insulin resistance and pancreatic islet β‐cell secretion in gestational diabetes mellitus mice through VASH1‐mediated TGF‐β signaling pathway
Authors: Tang Xu‐Wen , Qin Qing‐Xin
Published: October 2018

Multiple studies have reported different methods in treating gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); however, the relationship between miR‐335‐5p and GDM still remains unclear. Here, this study explores the effect of miR‐335‐5p on insulin resistance and pancreatic islet β‐cell secretion via activation of the TGFβ signaling pathway by downregulating VASH1 expression in GDM mice. The GDM mouse model was established and mainly treated with miR‐335‐5p mimic, miR‐335‐5p inhibitor, si‐VASH1, and miR‐335‐5p inhibitor + si‐VASH1. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was conducted to detect fasting blood glucose (FBG) fasting insulin (FINS). The OGTT was also used to calculate a homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). A hyperglycemic clamp was performed to measure the glucose infusion rate (GIR), which estimated β‐cell function. Expressions of miR‐335‐5p, VASH1, TGF‐β1, and c‐Myc in pancreatic islet β‐cells were determined by RT‐qPCR, western blot analysis, and insulin release by ELISA. The miR‐335‐5p mimic and si‐VASH1 groups showed elevated blood glucose levels, glucose area under the curve (GAUC), and HOMA‐IR, but a reduced GIR and positive expression of VASH1. Overexpression of miR‐335‐5p and inhibition of VASH1 contributed to activated TGFβ1 pathway, higher c‐Myc, and lower VASH1 expressions, in addition to downregulated insulin and insulin release levels. These findings provided evidence that miR‐335‐5p enhanced insulin resistance and suppressed pancreatic islet β‐cell secretion by inhibiting VASH1, eventually activating the TGF‐β pathway in GDM mice, which provides more clinical insight on the GDM treatment.
Runx2 is required for postnatal intervertebral disc tissue growth and development
Authors: Liao Lifan , Jiang Hua , Fan Yunshan , Lu Ronald S. , Wei Changli , Takarada Takeshi , He Shisheng , Chen Di
Published: October 2018

Runx2 plays an essential role in embryonic disc tissue development in mice. However, the role of runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) in postnatal disc tissue growth and development has not been defined. In the present studies, we generated Runx2 conditional knockout (KO) mice (Runx2Agc1ER), in which Runx2 was deleted in Aggrecan‐expressing cells in disc tissue at postnatal 2‐weeks of age. We then analyzed changes in disc tissue growth and development using histology and immunohistochemical methods in 3‐month‐old mice. We found that large vacuolated notochordal cells were accumulated in the nucleus pulposus (NP) in Runx2 KO mice. The growth plate cartilage tissue in the disc was thicker in Runx2 KO mice. We also found a significant upregulation of Indian hedgehog (Ihh) expression in the cells in NP cells and in annulus fibrosus cells of Runx2 KO mice. These results demonstrated that Runx2 may play an important role in postnatal disc tissue development through interacting with Ihh signaling.
Homogentisic acid induces morphological and mechanical aberration of ochronotic cartilage in alkaptonuria
Authors: Bernardini Giulia , Leone Gemma , Millucci Lia , Consumi Marco , Braconi Daniela , Spiga Ottavia , Galderisi Silvia , Marzocchi Barbara , Viti Cecilia , Giorgetti Giovanna , Lupetti Pietro , Magnani Agnese , Santucci Annalisa
Published: October 2018

Alkaptonuria (AKU) is a disease caused by a deficient homogentisate 1,2‐dioxygenase activity leading to systemic accumulation of homogentisic acid (HGA), that forms a melanin‐like polymer that progressively deposits onto connective tissues causing a pigmentation called “ochronosis” and tissue degeneration. The effects of AKU and ochronotic pigment on the biomechanical properties of articular cartilage need further investigation. To this aim, AKU cartilage was studied using thermal (thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry) and rheological analysis. We found that AKU cartilage had a doubled mesopore radius compared to healthy cartilage. Since the mesoporous structure is the main responsible for maintaining a correct hydrostatic pressure and tissue homoeostasis, drastic changes of thermal and rheological parameters were found in AKU. In particular, AKU tissue lost its capability to enhance chondrocytes metabolism (decreased heat capacity) and hence the production of proteoglycans. A drastic increase in stiffness and decrease in dissipative and lubricant role ensued in AKU cartilage. Multiphoton and scanning electron microscopies revealed destruction of cell–matrix microstructure and disruption of the superficial layer. Such observations on AKU specimens were confirmed in HGA‐treated healthy cartilage, indicating that HGA is the toxic responsible of morphological and mechanical alterations of cartilage in AKU.
Necrosis and necroptosis in germ cell depletion from mammalian ovary
Authors: Chaudhary Govind R. , Yadav Pramod K. , Yadav Anil K. , Tiwari Meenakshi , Gupta Anumegha , Sharma Alka , Sahu Kankshi , Pandey Ashutosh N. , Pandey Ajai K. , Chaube Shail K.
Published: October 2018

The maximum number of germ cells is present during the fetal life in mammals. Follicular atresia results in rapid depletion of germ cells from the cohort of the ovary. At the time of puberty, only a few hundred (<1%) germ cells are either culminated into oocytes or further get eliminated during the reproductive life. Although apoptosis plays a major role, necrosis as well as necroptosis, might also be involved in germ cell elimination from the mammalian ovary. Both necrosis and necroptosis show similar morphological features and are characterized by an increase in cell volume, cell membrane permeabilization, and rupture that lead to cellular demise. Necroptosis is initiated by tumor necrosis factor and operated through receptor interacting protein kinase as well as mixed lineage kinase domain‐like protein. The acetylcholinesterase, cytokines, starvation, and oxidative stress play important roles in necroptosis‐mediated granulosa cell death. The granulosa cell necroptosis directly or indirectly induces susceptibility toward necroptotic or apoptotic cell death in oocytes. Indeed, prevention of necrosis and necroptosis pathways using their specific inhibitors could enhance growth/differentiation factor‐9 expression, improve survivability as well as the meiotic competency of oocytes, and prevent decline of reproductive potential in several mammalian species and early onset of menopause in women. This study updates the information and focuses on the possible involvement of necrosis and necroptosis in germ cell depletion from the mammalian ovary.
Pancreatic resident endocrine progenitors demonstrate high islet neogenic fidelity and committed homing towards diabetic mice pancreas
Authors: Srivastava Abhay , Dadheech Nidheesh , Vakani Mitul , Gupta Sarita
Published: October 2018

Pancreatic progenitors have been explored for their profound characteristics and unique commitment to generate new functional islets in regenerative medicine. Pancreatic resident endocrine progenitors (PREPs) with mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) phenotype were purified from BALB/c mice pancreas and characterized. PREPs were differentiated into mature islet clusters in vitro by activin‐A and swertisin and functionally characterized. A temporal gene and protein profiling was performed during differentiation. Furthermore, PREPs were labeled with green fluorescent protein (GFP) and transplanted intravenously into streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic mice while monitoring their homing and differentiation leading to amelioration in the diabetic condition. PREPs were positive for unique progenitor markers and transcription factors essential for endocrine pancreatic homeostasis along with having the multipotent MSC phenotype. These cells demonstrated high fidelity for islet neogenesis in minimum time (4 days) to generate mature functional islet clusters (shortest reported period for any isolated stem/progenitor). Furthermore, GFP‐labeled PREPs transplanted in STZ diabetic mice migrated and localized within the injured pancreas without trapping in any other major organ and differentiated rapidly into insulin‐producing cells without an external stimulus. A rapid decrease in fasting blood glucose levels toward normoglycemia along with significant increase in fasting serum insulin levels was observed, which ameliorated the diabetic condition. This study highlights the unique potential of PREPs to generate mature islets within the shortest period and their robust homing toward the damaged pancreas, which ameliorated the diabetic condition suggesting PREPs affinity toward their niche, which can be exploited and extended to other stem cell sources in diabetic therapeutics.
Behçet’s disease: An immunogenetic perspective
Authors: Salmaninejad Arash , Zamani Mohammad Reza , Shabgah Arezoo Gowhari , Hosseini Seyedmojtaba , Mollaei Fatemeh , Hosseini Nayyerehalsadat , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: October 2018

Behçet’s disease (BD) is a chronic and rare multisystemic disorder defined by autoimmunity and inflammatory characteristics, manifested by ocular lesions, recurrent genital and oral ulcers, skin symptoms and arthritis as well as neurological, intestinal, and vascular involvement. Despite the unknown cause of BD, there is some strong documentation for immunological, genetic, environmental, and infectious factors playing a role in the pathogenesis of BD. While the nature of the genetic variants remains unidentified, many genetic risk factors are considered to contribute to BD susceptibility. Along with human leukocyte antigen gene encoding B*51 (HLA‐B*51) and areas including the major histocompatibility complex class I, genome‐wide association studies have recognized numerous other BD susceptibility genes including those encoding interleukin (IL)‐10, IL‐12 receptor β 2 (IL‐12RB2), IL‐23 receptor (IL‐23R), C‐C chemokine receptor 1 gene, signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4), endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase (ERAP1), and genes encoding killer cell lectin‐like receptor family members (KLRC4‐KLRK1). It is believed that BD could be considered as a disorder lying in between autoimmune and autoinflammatory syndromes. The positive responses to classical immunosuppressive agents like azathioprine and cyclosporine and involvement of autoantigens in the initiation of the disorder are the main BD features that reflect the autoimmune nature of the disorder. In this review, we address recent findings on the role of common cytokines, antibodies and immunogenetic factors in BD.
CSC‐3436 inhibits TWIST‐induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition via the suppression of Twist/Bmi1/Akt pathway in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Lai Ying‐Ju , Yu Wan‐Nien , Kuo Sheng‐Chu , Ho Chi‐Tang , Hung Chao‐Ming , Way Tzong‐Der , Chen Chiung‐Tong
Published: October 2018

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide, especially in male. With poor prognosis, significant portions of patients with HNSCC die due to cancer recurrence and tumor metastasis after chemotherapy and targeted therapies. The HNSCC FaDu cell ectopic expression of Twist, a key transcriptional factor of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which triggers EMT and results in the acquisition of a mesenchymal phenotype, was used as the cell model. Our results demonstrated that treatment with newly synthesized 2‐(3‐hydroxyphenyl)‐5‐methylnaphthyridin‐4‐one (CSC‐3436), a flavonoid derivative, elicited changes in its cell morphology, upregulated E‐cadherin messenger RNA and protein expression, downregulated N‐cadherin, vimentin, and CD133 (a marker associated with tumor‐initiating cells) in FaDu‐pCDH‐Twist cells. Moreover, CSC‐3436 exposure reduced B cell‐specific Moloney murine leukemia virus integration site 1 (Bmi1) expression regulated by Twist and further suppressed the direct co‐regulation of E‐cadherin by Twist and Bmi1. Interestingly, CSC‐3436 reduced EMT, cancer stemness, and migration/invasion abilities through the inhibition of the Twist/Bmi1‐Akt/β‐catenin pathway. Most importantly, our findings provided new evidence that CSC‐3436 played a crucial role in therapeutic targeting to Bmi1 and its molecular pathway in HNSCC, and it will be valuable in prognostic prediction and treatment.
Downregulation of SPIN90 promotes fibroblast activation via periostin‐FAK‐ROCK signaling module
Authors: You Eunae , Huh Yun‐Hyun , Lee Jieun , Ko Panseon , Jeong Jangho , Keum Seula , Kim Jaegu , Kwon Ahreum , Song Woo Keun , Rhee Sangmyung
Published: October 2018

Alterations in mechanical properties in the extracellular matrix are modulated by myofibroblasts and are required for progressive fibrotic diseases. Recently, we reported that fibroblasts depleted of SPIN90 showed enhanced differentiation into myofibroblasts via increased acetylation of microtubules in the soft matrix; the mechanisms of the underlying signaling network, however, remain unclear. In this study, we determine the effect of depletion of SPIN90 on FAK/ROCK signaling modules. Transcriptome analysis of
Spin90 KO mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) and fibroblasts activated by TGF‐β revealed that
Postn is the most significantly upregulated gene. Knockdown of
Postn by small interfering RNA suppressed cell adhesion and myofibroblastic differentiation and downregulated FAK activity in
Spin90 KO MEF. Our results indicate that SPIN90 depletion activates FAK/ROCK signaling, induced by
Postn expression, which is critical for myofibroblastic differentiation on soft matrices mimicking the mechanical environment of a normal tissue.
Development of urinary organs in domestic cat during the embryonic and fetal periods
Authors: Mario Lara C. , Morais Maiara P. , Borghesi Jessica , Favaron Phelipe O. , Oliveira Franceliusa D. , Anunciação Adriana R. A. , Agopian Rafael G. , Gomes Samirah A. , Miglino Maria A.
Published: October 2018

The embryonic origin of the urogenital system came from the intermediate mesoderm. Kidney development involves three successive renal systems with a fast chronological overlap: the pronephro, the mesonephro, and the metanephro. Due to the lack of specific knowledge about this system in cats the present work aimed to describe their urinary organs development, focusing on the structures seen in pronephro, mesonephro, and metanephro during the embryonic and fetal stages of development. The techniques used in this study were: light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. For that, embryos and fetuses from 12 pregnant mixed‐breed domestic cats in different gestational stages were used to describe the proposed organs. The pronephro is present at early stages of embryonary development in embryos from 15 to 19 days with the presence of pronephro's corpuscles, ducts and tubules. The mesonephro is found, in general, between days 17 and 37, and contains mesonephric ducts, mesonephric tubules, and glomeruli. The metanephro is seen since 21 days of pregnancy with the presence of glomeruli, proximal and distal contorted tubules and at day 37, the cortex‐medullary region is already differentiated. The evaluation of these structures enhances the knowledge about embryology of the urinary system in cats, aiding a better anatomical understanding of the system in the specie allowing the correlation with other species.
Ability of a wash regimen to remove biofilm from the exposed surface of materials used in osseointegrated implants
Authors: Allyn Gina , Bloebaum Roy D. , Epperson Richard T. , Nielsen Mattias B. , Dodd Kevin A. , Williams Dustin L.
Published: October 2018

The skin/implant interface of osseointegrated (OI) implants is susceptible to infection, causing excess pain, increased morbidity, and possibly implant removal. Novel distal femoral OI implants with binary nitride coatings have been developed with little physiological modeling to collect microbiological evidence of resistance to bacterial attachment. This in vitro study evaluated a Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy coated with TiNbN and treated with low plasticity burnishing (LPB) to assess attachment and biofilm formation of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) under physiologically modeling conditions compared to standard Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy materials with a polished (“Color Buff”) or non‐polished finish (“Satin Finish”). Washability of the materials were also assessed and compared. It was hypothesized that the TiNbN/LPB treatments would resist bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation to a greater degree than the other two materials, and have a higher degree of bacterial removal following a clinically relevant wash regimen. Material types were exposed to a constant flow of broth containing MRSA and were analyzed using bacterial quantification, surface coverage analysis, and SEM imaging. Quantification data showed no difference in bacterial attachment among the varying material types both with and without the wash regimen. Surface coverage and SEM analysis confirmed results. The wash regimen led to an approximately 3 log10 reduction in bacteria for all material types. Though the results did not support the hypothesis that a TiNbN coating/LPB treatment might resist bacterial attachment/biofilm formation more than other alloys, or have less bacteria after cleaning, results did support the potential importance of a daily wound‐hygiene regimen at the skin/implant interface of OI materials. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Prescreening for Osteoporosis With Quantitative Ultrasound in Postmenopausal White Women
Authors: Steiner Bernhard , Dimai Hans Peter , Steiner Hubert , Cirar Sabrina , Fahrleitner‐Pammer Astrid
Published: October 2018

Objectives

Calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is a readily accessible and radiation‐free alternative to dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) for assessing bone mineral density (BMD). Results obtained from QUS measurement cannot directly be compared to DXA, since these techniques capture different bone‐specific parameters. To identify individuals who are likely to have osteoporosis by DXA, device‐specific thresholds have to be defined for QUS. This cross‐sectional study evaluated the accuracy of QUS to identify postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, defined as a T score of –2.5 SDs or lower by DXA, and to calculate device‐specific cutoff values for the QUS device investigated.

Methods

We assessed BMD at the lumbar spine, bilateral femoral neck, and total hip sites with DXA and QUS parameters of the right and left calcanei in a cohort of 245 postmenopausal treatment‐naïve women between 40 and 82 years. Correlation coefficients for BMD and QUS parameters were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated, and areas under the curves (AUCs) were evaluated. Cutoff values for QUS were defined.

Results

Calcaneal QUS had the ability to identify postmenopausal women with a T score of –2.5 or lower at the right hip (AUC, 0.887) and left femoral neck (AUC, 0.824). Cutoff values for the QUS T scores at the right (–1.455) and left (–1.480) calcanei were defined for screening purposes.

Conclusions

This study provides insights into the comparative performance of QUS with DXA. Considering the diagnostic accuracy of this modality in comparison to DXA, it can be recommended as a prescreening tool to reduce the number of DXA screenings.
Feasibility of Ultrasound in Infant Wrist and Thumb Imaging
Authors: Milks Kathryn , Warren Patrick , Popp James , Samora Julie Balch
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To determine the feasibility of ultrasound (US) in infant lateral carpal and base‐of‐the‐thumb imaging. We hypothesized that US would be a practical modality for visualizing the unossified structures.

Methods

Institutional review board approval was obtained for this single‐center pilot study. Healthy infants aged 12 months or younger were enrolled. Ultrasound examinations of the distal radial epiphysis through the first metacarpal were performed with a high‐frequency transducer.

Results

Ultrasound evaluations of the base of the thumb were performed in 18 healthy infants (mean age ± SD, 13.8 ± 9.1 weeks; 44% female). Assuming an elliptical shape, the mean areas of the scaphoid and first metacarpal epiphysis measured 0.85 ± 0.19 and 0.44 ± 0.087 cm2, respectively. The mean areas of the trapezium and ossified first metacarpal as approximate rectangular shapes measured 0.23 ± 0.069 and 0.49 ± 0.16 cm2. A perimeter tracing was also used as an alternative area calculation. The mean trapezium area–to–scaphoid area ratio (0.28 ± 0.10) showed less variability compared to the first metacarpal epiphysis area–to–scaphoid area ratio (0.55 ± 0.20) or first metacarpal area–to–scaphoid area ratio (0.64 ± 0.31).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that US is well suited for the evaluation of the lateral carpus and base of the thumb in young infants. These data serve as a reference to which wrist and thumb abnormalities can be compared.
Ultrasound Features of Rudimentary Horn Ectopic Pregnancies
Authors: Thurber Brian W. , Fleischer Arthur C.
Published: October 2018

Rudimentary horn ectopic pregnancies are uncommonly encountered in women with müllerian duct anomalies. The clinical presentation of this entity is nonspecific, giving ultrasound a critical role in making the diagnosis. Timely diagnosis and management of rudimentary horn ectopic pregnancies are pivotal in reducing the high rates of uterine rupture and maternal mortality historically associated with this condition.
Responses of soil organic carbon, soil respiration, and associated soil properties to long‐term thinning in a semiarid spruce plantation in northwestern China
Authors: He Zhi‐Bin , Chen Long‐Fei , Du Jun , Zhu Xi , Lin Peng‐Fei , Li Jing , Xiang Yang‐Zhou
Published: October 2018

Silvicultural thinning using whole‐tree harvesting (WTH) has been an important and common forest management practice for Picea crassifolia plantations in the Qilian Mountains of China. However, consequences of this silvicultural practice are still not well known. We examined the influence of three thinning levels on long‐term soil carbon storage, soil respiration (Rs), and soil properties. Our results showed that soil carbon stocks decreased significantly with increasing thinning intensity at a soil depth of 0–70 cm, whereas soil water storage increased, especially in the deep soil layers (30–70 cm). Mean Rs rates during the growing season increased significantly with increasing thinning intensity, and the dynamics of Rs coincided with that of soil temperature. Generally, 65% to 73% of the variation in Rs rates in three thinning levels was explained by the changes in soil temperature. WTH significantly increased soil bulk density at the 0‐ to 30‐cm and soil pH at the 0‐ to 20‐cm depths and significantly decreased soil nitrogen and C:N ratio in the 0‐ to 20‐cm layers. As no significant effect of WTH was detected on fine root biomass, we attributed the elevated soil respiration to accelerated decomposition of organic matter as a result of elevated soil temperature and substrate quality. Our results demonstrate the potential for WTH to relieve water deficits in spruce plantations in semiarid regions but suggest that WTH has a negative impact on carbon sequestration.
Therapeutic potential of pteridine derivatives: A comprehensive review
Authors: Carmona‐Martínez Violeta , Ruiz‐Alcaraz Antonio J. , Vera María , Guirado Antonio , Martínez‐Esparza María , García‐Peñarrubia Pilar
Published: October 2018

Pteridines are aromatic compounds formed by fused pyrazine and pyrimidine rings. Many living organisms synthesize pteridines, where they act as pigments, enzymatic cofactors, or immune system activation molecules. This variety of biological functions has motivated the synthesis of a huge number of pteridine derivatives with the aim of studying their therapeutic potential. This review gathers the state‐of‐the‐art of pteridine derivatives, describing their biological activities and molecular targets. The antitumor activity of pteridine‐based compounds is one of the most studied and advanced therapeutic potentials, for which several molecular targets have been identified. Nevertheless, pteridines are also considered as very promising therapeutics for the treatment of chronic inflammation‐related diseases. On the other hand, many pteridine derivatives have been tested for antimicrobial activities but, although some of them resulted to be active in preliminary assays, a deeper research is needed in this area. Moreover, pteridines may be of use in the treatment of many other diseases, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, ischemia, or neurodegeneration, among others. Thus, the diversity of the biological activities shown by these compounds highlights the promising therapeutic use of pteridine derivatives. Indeed, methotrexate, pralatrexate, and triamterene are Food and Drug Administration approved pteridines, while many others are currently under study in clinical trials.
Technical Note: U‐net‐generated synthetic CT images for magnetic resonance imaging‐only prostate intensity‐modulated radiation therapy treatment planning
Authors: Chen Shupeng , Qin An , Zhou Dingyi , Yan Di
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Clinical implementation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐only radiotherapy requires a method to derive synthetic CT image (S‐CT) for dose calculation. This study investigated the feasibility of building a deep convolutional neural network for MRI‐based S‐CT generation and evaluated the dosimetric accuracy on prostate IMRT planning.

Methods

A paired CT and T2‐weighted MR images were acquired from each of 51 prostate cancer patients. Fifteen pairs were randomly chosen as tested set and the remaining 36 pairs as training set. The training subjects were augmented by applying artificial deformations and feed to a two‐dimensional U‐net which contains 23 convolutional layers and 25.29 million trainable parameters. The U‐net represents a nonlinear function with input an MR slice and output the corresponding S‐CT slice. The mean absolute error (MAE) of Hounsfield unit (HU) between the true CT and S‐CT images was used to evaluate the HU estimation accuracy. IMRT plans with dose 79.2 Gy prescribed to the PTV were applied using the true CT images. The true CT images then were replaced by the S‐CT images and the dose matrices were recalculated on the same plan and compared to the one obtained from the true CT using gamma index analysis and absolute point dose discrepancy.

Results

The U‐net was trained from scratch in 58.67 h using a GP100‐GPU. The computation time for generating a new S‐CT volume image was 3.84–7.65 s. Within body, the (mean ± SD) of MAE was (29.96 ± 4.87) HU. The 1%/1 mm and 2%/2 mm gamma pass rates were over 98.03% and 99.36% respectively. The DVH parameters discrepancy was less than 0.87% and the maximum point dose discrepancy within PTV was less than 1.01% respect to the prescription.

Conclusion

The U‐net can generate S‐CT images from conventional MR image within seconds with high dosimetric accuracy for prostate IMRT plan.
Microstructure changes in radiochromic films due to magnetic field and radiation
Authors: Volotskova Olga , Fang Xuiqi , Keidar Michael , Chandarana Hersh , Das Indra J.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

To correlate the dose response and changes in microscopic structures of the radiochromic films exposed to the clinical magnetic field in the range 1.5–3 T with standard and flattening filter‐free (FFF) photon beams.

Methods

The radiochromic film was cut into 5 × 5 cm2 sheets/samples from one batch. These samples were exposed to a 1.5‐T and/or 3‐T B‐fields from an MRI scanner using an abdominal sequence for 7 min before and after irradiation with 6 MV and/or 6 MV FFF beams. Films were placed in a reference condition at 5 cm depth in a solid water phantom and exposed up to 20 Gy. The sample orientation was maintained the same during exposure, readout, and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis. The samples were scanned with an Epson Expression 11000XL in a 48‐bit RGB color mode at 300 dpi with red channel. Scanned images were processed in Image J and red channel mean intensity values were recorded. The samples were then coated with 6 nm gold and imaged by SEM Teneo (5 kV, 13 pA) under 2000, 2500, and 3000 magnifications for texture analysis.

Results

The changes in the microstructure of the films in magnetic fields (1.5‐ and 3.0‐T) were dose dependent. The orientation and granular size of samples at higher doses were altered compared to the controls. Needle‐shaped structures of the active layer were longer and aligned for samples exposed to higher doses and magnetic field. However, no significant changes in optical density due to the presence of a magnetic field pre/postirradiation up to 20 Gy were observed.

Conclusion

Fine structures of the film represent the polymerization characteristics that are affected by the radiation dose in the magnetic field. Upon exposure to radiation, diacetylene monomers undergo polymerization that forms longer chains with a temporal response. Even though this study did not notice any significant changes in optical density due to the presence of magnetic field, this should be studied in simultaneous application of the magnetic field during treatment in a dedicated MR‐linac unit.
Interpretation attributes derived from airborne electromagnetic inversion models using the continuous wavelet transform
Authors: Christensen Niels B.
Published: October 2018

Planning, contracting, data acquisition and processing plus the inverter's quality assessment and inversion of a regional airborne electromagnetic survey may take some months, while the interpretation of the results is a considerably more complex and comprehensive process. Most often an interpretation necessitates additional data that are time consuming to collect and complicated to integrate into an overall model, for example borehole logs, borehole core samples, water chemistry, surface vegetation, satellite imagery plus all existing geological background knowledge. Interpretation basically has to do with identifying categories and finding boundaries between them so that depths, thicknesses and a whole range of other model attributes can be estimated, qualitatively and/or quantitatively. I present two methods using the continuous wavelet transform of finding attributes intended to assist the interpreter: one finds layer boundaries in the smooth multi‐layer models that are most often used in the inversion of large airborne electromagnetic data sets, and the other finds the natural categories of the model parameter. Naturally, being based on the subsurface conductivity distribution, the boundaries and categories suggested are useful only to the extent that they coincide with geological/hydrogeological boundaries and categories – which is for the interpreter to decide.
Creating an effective asset integrity program
Authors: Moyer Lauren , Hedlund Matthew
Published: October 2018

Establishing an effective asset integrity management (AIM) program begins with the creation of a leadership team at the appropriate level of management. The team membership should encompass all areas of responsibility for asset integrity. Management at the corporate level cannot effectively drive execution of the details. Oversight at a low level in the organization can result in inconsistencies in implementation across the enterprise or insufficient resources to fully implement the AIM program.

The AIM program should drive overall risk management for all assets. Regulatory covered processes may have higher safety risks, but non‐covered assets may still pose significant business risk that requires elevated coverage.

The AIM program should be established as a full life cycle program, from design to decommissioning. Clearly defining and documenting standards, roles, and responsibilities for each phase of the life cycle are essential to an effective AIM program. Each role needs to be filled with subject‐matter experts who are actively engaged with the leadership team.

A successful AIM program can improve existing risk management and reliability efforts through appropriate management direction, thoughtful application of the program to all assets, and clear documentation of the expectations for the full life cycle of the equipment. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 38: e12008, 2019
Equity valuation: A survey of professional practice
Authors: Pinto Jerald E. , Robinson Thomas R. , Stowe John D.
Published: October 2018

This paper reports the results of a scientific survey of the equity valuation practices of CFA Institute members with equity analysis job responsibilities. Using an instrument designed to minimize biases in prior valuation surveys and sampling a larger group than in previous studies (13,500 investment professionals, resulting in 1,980 valid completed questionnaires), this paper documents professional practices in the selection of equity valuation approaches, including specific model variations and key input preferences. Important differences in practice were observed across geographies and employer firm types.
Reconciling Disciplinary Literacy Perspectives With Genre‐Oriented Activity Theory: Toward a Fuller Synthesis of Traditions
Authors: Fisher Rick
Published: October 2018

A persisting gap in the field of disciplinary literacy is lack of conceptual clarity around the termdiscipline. In this theoretical article, the author explains some concerns with existing definitional imprecision and argues that genre‐oriented activity theory offers a way to reconceptualize the focus of disciplinary literacy, especially in relation to academic, professional, and other literacies. The author provides an overview of Rhetorical Genre Studies, focusing on a genre‐oriented activity theory model from David Russell, to demonstrate how genres within activity might be used to productively reframe some of the scholarship of disciplinary literacies. Specifically, the notion of genres as recurrent mediating tools used within multilayered, laminated activity systems may offer a more complex frame for exploring disciplinary literacies. The author offers a brief review of previous disciplinary literacy research to show how the field might benefit by incorporating a genre‐oriented approach and closes with research questions for future study.
A Second Lens on Formative Reading Assessment With Multilingual Students
Authors: Briceño Allison , Klein Adria F.
Published: October 2018

Using running records as a lens to facilitate multilingual students’ language and literacy development can help teachers recognize and build on students’ linguistic capital. The authors analyzed 123 running records of Spanish‐speaking first graders to begin to identify the types of language‐related errors they made when reading. Using an assets orientation, the authors ask teachers to shift from the concept of reading errors to language‐related approximations when a student's reading and rereading differ from the text because of linguistic differences. The authors consistently found five types of language‐related approximations in the data: teachers’ use of tolds, verbs, contractions, prepositions, and use of the plural ‐sfor nouns. The possible impact on comprehension for each of these language‐related approximations is explored and practical instructional recommendations provided, as well as a tool to help teachers analyze language‐related approximations.
Testosterone deficiency in non-cancer opioid-treated patients
Authors: Coluzzi F. , Billeci D. , Maggi M. , Corona G.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The use of opioids in patients with chronic non-cancer pain is common and can be associated with opioid-induced androgen deficiency (OPIAD) in men. This review aims to evaluate the current literature regarding the prevalence, clinical consequence and management of OPIAD.

Methods

A database search was performed in Medline, Embase and Cochrane using terms such as “analgesics”, “opioids” and “testosterone”. Relevant literature from January 1969 to March 2018 was evaluated.

Results

The prevalence of patients with OPIAD ranges from 19 to 86%, depending on the criteria for diagnosis of hypogonadism. The opioid-induced suppression of gonadotropin-releasing and luteinizing hormones represents the main important pathogenetic mechanisms. OPIAD has significant negative clinical consequences on sexual function, mood, bone density and body composition. In addition, OPIAD can also impair pain control leading to hyperalgesia, which can contribute to sexual dysfunction and mood impairment.

Conclusions

OPIAD is a common adverse effect of opioid treatment and contributes to sexual dysfunction, impairs pain relief and reduces overall quality of life. The evaluation of serum testosterone levels should be considered in male chronic opioid users and the decision to initiate testosterone treatment should be based on the clinical profile of individuals, in consultation with the patient.
Correction to: A new era of statistics and data science education in Japanese universities
Authors: Takemura Akimichi
Published: October 2018

The article “A new era of statistics and data science education in Japanese universities” written by Akimichi Takemura was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on 14th May 2018 without open access.
A mixed methods examination of adolescents’ reasons for pretending to text
Authors: Tulane Sarah , Vaterlaus J. Mitchell , Beckert Troy E.
Published: October 2018

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to examine reasons adolescents give for pretending to text in various social situations. Pretending to text was conceptualized as when a person uses a cellphone to make it look like they are texting, but they are not actually sending messages. Little research is available from the adolescent perspective regarding self‐presentation and avoidance when using digital devices in social contexts.

Methods

A convergent mixed methods approach was used to understand the experience of high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors (n = 216) in the United States. Chi‐square analyses and t‐tests were used to examine differences between those who pretended to text and those who did not. Qualitative data were analyzed using van Manen's line‐by‐line approach.

Results & conclusions

Participants indicated they pretended to text for reasons of avoidance, to maintain a positive appearance, and sometimes to provide a sense of security if they felt unsafe in a situation. This study uses self‐presentation to further understand adolescent perceptions of pretending to text.
Incidence of differentiated thyroid carcinoma in multinodular goiter patients
Authors: Ghadhban Basim R. , kadam Satar M. , sultan Hanan Abdullatif
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACT

Background:

The prevalence of multinodular goiter in all over the world is high, commonly in developing countries. Incidence of differentiated thyroid carcinoma among patients with multinodular goiter is increased in recent literature.

Aim of study:

To determine the incidence rate of differentiated thyroid carcinoma among patients with multinodular goiter.

Patients and methods:

This study is a cross sectional study carried out in Surgical Ward of Baghdad Teaching Hospital during the period from 1st of October, 2016 to 31st of September, 2017 on convenient sample of 120 patients with multinodular goiter. Clinical history and examination, fine needle aspiration and postoperative histopathology examination was done to confirm the diagnosis.

Results:

Mean age of patients was 43.9 years, with 10 males and 110 females. Fine needle aspiration test showed that 26 (21.7%) multinodular goiter patients had differentiated thyroid carcinoma, while 94 (78.3%) patients had benign goiter. The histopathology of multinodular goiter patients revealed that 40.8% of them had colloid goiter, 17.5% of them had micro-papillary carcinoma and 37,5% of them had follicular adenoma. Differentiated thyroid carcinoma among multinodular goiter patients was significantly associated with smoking and exposure to ionizing radiation.

Conclusions:

The incidence of differentiated thyroid carcinoma among multinodular goiter patients is high.

Highlights:
Integrating Macrostrat and Rockd into Undergraduate Earth Science Teaching
Authors: Cohen Phoebe A. , Lockwood Rowan , Peters Shanan
Published: October 2018

New online resources are opening doors for education and outreach in the earth sciences. One of the most innovative online earth science portals is Macrostrat and its mobile client Rockd - an interface that combines geolocated geological maps with stratigraphic information, lithological data, and crowd-sourced images and descriptions of outcrops. These tools provide a unique educational opportunity for students to interact with primary geological data, create connections between local outcrops and global patterns, and make new field observations. Rockd incorporates an aspect of social media to its platform, which creates a sense of community for users. Here we outline these resources, give instructions on how to use them, and provide examples of how to integrate these resources into a variety of paleontology and earth science courses.
Dinosaurs
Authors: Pagnac Darrin
Published: October 2018

University dinosaur courses provide an influential venue for developing aptitude beyond knowledge of terrestrial Mesozoic reptiles. Passion for dinosaurs, when properly directed, can trigger interest in science and be used to develop critical thinking skills. Examination of dinosaur paleontology can develop competence in information analysis, perception of flawed arguments, recognition of persuasion techniques, and application of disciplined thought processes. Three methods for developing critical thought are outlined. The first uses dinosaur paleontology to illustrate logical fallacies and flawed arguments. The second is a method for evaluating primary dinosaur literature by students of any major. The final example entails critique of dinosaur documentaries based on the appearance of dinosaurs and the disconnect between scientific fact and storytelling techniques. We owe our students more than dinosaur facts; we should foster a set of skills that equips students with the tools necessary to be perceptive citizens and science advocates.
A Closer Look at the Sustainability of Our Groundwater Aquifers
Authors: Strelich Lily
Published: October 2018

Researchers use a new approach to assessing the world’s largest aquifers in hopes of improving groundwater management during drought periods.
U.S. Mint Unveils Design for Special Apollo 11 Coin
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: October 2018

The showcase of a commemorative coin kicks off national celebrations of the Apollo anniversaries.
Detection Method for Pairs of P and S Waves of Deep Low‐Frequency Earthquakes Using a 3‐D Array in the Tokai Area of the Nankai Subduction and Its Application to Hypocenter Determination
Authors: Suzuki Sadaomi , Okubo Makoto , Imanishi Kazutoshi , Takeda Naoto
Published: October 2018

We report on a novel method that uses a three‐dimensional (3‐D) array to detect P and S wave pairs of the deep low‐frequency earthquakes (LFEs) occurring along the Nankai subduction zone. In an effort to determine LFE hypocenters precisely we attempt to find their P and S pairs and obtain S‐P times using a 3‐D array (6 km in the horizontal direction) made up 14 seismic stations with deep (600 m at the deepest) borehole seismographs in the Tokai area. During operation we observed remarkable LFE activities on 10–30 November 2010. Using these data, we succeeded in distinguishing between P and S phases in complex LFE seismic waves using an effect of velocity filtering in semblance analysis via the 3‐D array. We also obtained high‐quality propagation parameters (back azimuths and incidence angles) and S‐P times for the LFEs. Referring to these identified P and S phases, after manually reading the arrival times at the 3‐D array and regular network, we could precisely relocate the hypocenters of 15 LFEs. These hypocenters were distributed in a depth range from 26 to 34 km, and approximately followed the plate interface. A comparison of the LFE hypocenter distribution to seismic tomography indicates that the LFEs are distributed in the oceanic crust and mantle wedge with relatively low velocities under an undrained cover with relatively high velocities following the land Moho (land crust bottom). We believe that our detection method will be useful in the automated detection and preliminary hypocenter determination of LFEs.
Investigating Complex Isochron Data Using Mixture Models
Authors: Davies Joshua H. F. L. , Sheldrake Tom E. , Reimink Jesse R. , Wotzlaw Jörn‐Frederik , Moeck Christian , Finlay Alex
Published: October 2018

The isochron technique for dating geological events is widely used in many fields of isotope geochemistry. However, data sets can be complex, and many samples may not behave as closed systems, resulting in excess scatter around a regression line. In certain data sets, however, excess scatter may result when geological samples are partially reset or when samples are comprised of multiple components recording different geological processes separated in time and/or initial isotope composition. Here we introduce a new approach for investigating evidence of such multicomponent mixtures within isochron space. We provide a mathematical framework to resolve the number of mixture components, without requiring any prior knowledge of this number. Crucially, the model reports the proportion of each individual sample that belongs to each mixture component, allowing the user to return to the samples and independently test model outputs with other techniques. It is important to distinguish accurate and meaningful ages and initial daughter isotope compositions from the meaningless values that are caused by mismatch between geological processes and the models that we use to describe them. First, we demonstrate our new model on a synthetic data set to show that it can successfully separate distinct isochrons in a complex mixture. We further validate our approach with a previously published data set using the 187Re‐187Os system in bitumen and 147Sm/144Nd system in magmatic rocks. We identify discrete components in these data sets and using complementary geological observations discuss the implications of treating these scattered data as recording multiple geological processes.
Using Carbon Isotope Fractionation to Constrain the Extent of Methane Dissolution Into the Water Column Surrounding a Natural Hydrocarbon Gas Seep in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Leonte M. , Wang B. , Socolofsky S. A. , Mau S. , Breier J. A. , Kessler J. D.
Published: October 2018

A gas bubble seep located in the northern Gulf of Mexico was investigated over several days to determine whether changes in the stable carbon isotopic ratio of methane can be used as a tracer for methane dissolution through the water column. Gas bubble and water samples were collected at the seafloor and throughout the water column for isotopic ratio analysis of methane. Our results show that changes in methane isotopic ratios are consistent with laboratory experiments that measured the isotopic fractionation from methane dissolution. A Rayleigh isotope model was applied to the isotope data to determine the fraction of methane dissolved at each depth. On average, the fraction of methane dissolved surpasses 90% past an altitude of 400 m above the seafloor. Methane dissolution was also investigated using a modified version of the Texas A&M Oil spill (Outfall) Calculator (TAMOC) where changes in methane isotopic ratios could be calculated. The TAMOC model results show that dissolution depends on depth and bubble size, explaining the spread in measured isotopic ratios during our investigations. Both the Rayleigh and TAMOC models show that methane bubbles quickly dissolve following emission from the seafloor. Together, these results show that it is possible to use measurements of natural methane isotopes to constrain the extent of methane dissolution following seafloor emission.