bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding early TLR signaling through the Myddosome
Authors: Balka Katherine R , De Nardo Dominic
Published: September 2018

TLRs are expressed on the plasma and endosomal membranes of innate immune cells acting as sensors of foreign and inherent danger signals that threaten the host. Upon activation, TLRs facilitate the assembly of large intracellular oligomeric signaling complexes, termed Myddosomes, which initiate key signal transduction pathways to elicit critical inflammatory immune responses. The formation of the Myddosome is integral for TLR signaling; however, the molecular mechanisms controlling its formation, disassembly, and the subsequent proximal signaling events remain to be clearly defined. In this review, we present a brief overview of TLR signal transduction pathways, summarize the current understanding of the Myddosome and the proteins that comprise its structure, including MyD88 and members of the IL-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) family. Finally, we will discuss recent advances and open questions regarding early TLR signaling in the context of the Myddosome complex.

Review on our understanding of early TLR signaling with a focus on the Myddosome complex.
The Role of Self‐Attention in Leader Development
Authors: Steele Andrea R. , Day David V.
Published: September 2018

The ability to identify emerging leaders and to facilitate their leader development, is paramount for maintaining sound leadership within organizations, across time. However, research into the proximal antecedents of leader development remains in its infancy. The current longitudinal study sought to broaden current perspectives on the role of self‐attention in promoting leader development, namely growth in leader self‐efficacy and self‐reported emergence into leader roles. The leader development of a sample of 81 managers at an Indian IT company was tracked over three time periods, across approximately 12 months of employment. Random coefficient modeling was employed to model participants’ leader development as a function of their methods of self‐attention. As predicted, reflective self‐attention and ruminative self‐attention were shown to differentially relate to the leader development process. Obtained results have implications for identifying the most effective methods to assist individuals in leveraging their leadership potential.
Augmenting MRI Safety Screening Processes: Reliable Identification of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices by a Ferromagnetic Detector System
Authors: Watson Robert E. , Walsh Suson M. , Felmlee Joel P. , Friedman Paul A. , Keene Mark N.
Published: September 2018

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy Stage: 5 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:e297–e299.
Emergence of human West Nile Virus infection among pediatric population in Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Tandel Kundan , Sharma Shashi , Dash Paban Kumar , Shukla Jyoti , Parida Manmohan
Published: September 2018

Human infections caused by West Nile virus (WNV) mostly remain subclinical and self‐limited. However, nearly 20% infected people suffer from febrile illness and very few of them (<1%) may get neuroinvasive illness. Mortality has been reported among children. India somehow has reported very less number of WNV cases in the past. We collected cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 75 pediatric age group patients clinically suffering from acute encephalitis syndrome. Three of these samples were positive by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction using pan flavivirus primers. On sequencing of the 212 bp long–amplified fragment, it was found to be WNV belonging to lineage 1. This is probably the first report of WNV causing encephalitis from this central part of India.
Different response of human chondrocytes from healthy looking areas and damaged regions to IL1β stimulation under different oxygen tension
Authors: Huang Xiaobin , Zhong Leilei , Hendriks Jan , Post Janine N. , Karperien Marcel
Published: September 2018

Due to its avascular nature, articular cartilage is relatively hypoxic. The aim of this study was to elucidate the functional changes of macroscopically healthy looking areas chondrocytes (MHC) and macroscopically damaged regions chondrocytes (MDC) at a cellular level in response to the inflammatory cytokine IL1β under different oxygen tension levels. In this study, two‐dimensional (2‐D) expanded MHC and MDC were redifferentiated in 3‐D pellet cultures in chondrogenic differentiation medium, supplemented with or without IL1β at conventional culture (normoxia) or 2.5% O2 (hypoxia) for 3 weeks. qPCR, immunohistochemistry and ELISA were used to detect the expression of anabolic and catabolic gene expression. Alcian blue/Safranin O staining and GAG assay were used to measure cartilage matrix production. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed by EdU staining and TUNEL assay, respectively. The results showed that hypoxia enhanced matrix production in both MHC and MDC and this effect was stronger on MDC. Under normoxia, MHC showed higher expression of cartilage markers and lower catabolic genes expression than MDC. Interestingly, hypoxia diminished the difference between MHC and MDC. IL1β potently induced MMPs expression regardless of cell population and oxygen tension. The fold induction of these MMPs in hypoxia was however much higher than in normoxia. In addition, hypoxia promoted the expression of HIF1α and HIF2α in MHC, while it only enhanced HIF1α expression but decreased the HIF2α expression in MDC. We concluded that hypoxia stimulated the redifferentiation of cultured chondrocytes, particularly in MDC derived from macroscopically diseased cartilage. Oxygen tension may profoundly and differentially influence inflammation‐associated cartilage injury and diseases by regulating the expression of HIF1α and HIF2α. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 9999:XX–XX, 2018.
Soft drink consumption and periodontal status in pregnant women
Authors: Menezes Carla C. , Ribeiro Cecilia C. C. , Alves Claudia M. C. , Thomaz Erika B. A. F. , Franco Mayra M. , Batista Rosângela F. L. , Silva Antônio A. M.
Published: September 2018

Background

Periodontal disease is associated with metabolic syndrome, and during pregnancy, it is linked to preeclampsia and preterm birth. We hypothesized that soft drink consumption, which has also been associated with metabolic disorders, may also be linked to periodontal disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between soft drink consumption and periodontal status in pregnancy.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study nested in BRISA (Brazilian Ribeirão Preto and São Luís Birth Cohort Studies). Pregnant women (n = 1,185) completed a questionnaire and underwent periodontal examination from the 22nd to 25th week of pregnancy. The explanatory variable was the frequency of soft drink consumption (times per week). The outcome was periodontal status measured as the number of teeth with probing depth ≥4 mm with bleeding on probing (PD/BOP) or with clinical attachment level ≥4 mm (CAL). Means ratio (MR) was estimated using zero‐inflated Poisson, adjusted for maternal age and income.

Results

The higher tertile of consumption of soft drinks during pregnancy was associated with PD/BOP (MR = 1.34; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03 to 1.75); while the highest tertile of diastolic blood pressure was also associated to CAL (MR = 1.21; 95% CI 1:07 to 1.35).

Conclusion

High soft drink consumption was associated with the number of teeth with PD/BOP in pregnant women, suggesting that beverage consumption is a factor that contributes to the systemic inflammatory burden, which is common to periodontal disease, metabolic syndrome, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Lattice dynamics study of cubic Tb2O3
Authors: Ibáñez Jordi , Blázquez Oriol , Hernández Sergi , Garrido Blas , Rodríguez‐Hernández Plácida , Muñoz Alfonso , Velázquez Matias , Veber Philippe , Manjón Francisco Javier
Published: September 2018

We report a joint experimental and theoretical study of the lattice dynamics of cubic Tb2O3. Up to 16 optical Raman‐active modes have been observed with polarized and unpolarized Raman scattering measurements on a high‐quality Tb2O3 single crystal. The measured wavenumbers have been compared with those of other rare‐earth (RE) and related sesquioxides with cubic (C‐type or bixbyite) structure. First‐principles calculations have allowed us to assign the symmetry of the experimentally observed Raman‐active modes. Additional lattice‐dynamical calculations on the related cubic RE sesquioxides Dy2O3, Gd2O3, Eu2O3, and Sm2O3 indicate that the phonon wavenumbers of the Raman‐active modes in these compounds are monotonically reduced with increasing the lattice parameter along the Dy2O3‐Tb2O3‐Gd2O3‐Eu2O3‐Sm2O3 series, thus prompting for a revision of the experimental Raman spectra of some of these compounds (mainly Eu2O3 but also Gd2O3).
Effect of duck egg white peptide‐ferrous chelate on iron bioavailability in vivo and structure characterization
Authors: Li Bo , He Hui , Shi Wen , Hou Tao
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

In order to utilize the industrial by‐product ‘salted duck egg white’ as novel iron additives, the effects of desalted duck egg white peptides‐ferrous chelate (DPs‐Fe) on the promotion of iron uptake and the structure were investigated.

RESULTS

Different doses of DPs‐Fe were given and iron sulfate (FeSO4) was used as a positive control. After three weeks, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), red blood cells (RBCs), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), serum iron (SI) and serum ferritin (SF) in iron‐deficiency anemia (IDA) rats could be significantly (P < 0.05) increased to the normal levels by DPs‐Fe. The gene expressions of divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), ferroportin 1 (FPN1) and Hepcidin could be regulated by DPs‐Fe. Additionally, DPs‐Fe was formed during the chelation process and the structure was characterized. Eight crucial iron‐chelating peptides of duck egg white peptides (DPs) were identified by HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS, such as Pro‐Val‐Glu‐Glu and Arg‐Ser‐Ser. It indicated that Glu, Asp, Lys, His, Ser, Cys residues might play crucial roles in the chelating of DPs with iron.

CONCLUSION

DPs‐Fe could be a potential iron supplement, and the Glu, Asp, Lys, His played important roles in binding iron and promoting iron uptake. This research expands the understanding of iron uptake by DPs and provides an opportunity for recycling a discarded processing byproduct. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Learning from implementation setbacks: Identifying and responding to contextual challenges
Authors: Harrison Michael I. , Grantham Susan
Published: September 2018

Introduction

We address organizational learning about implementation context during setbacks to primary care redesign in an ambulatory system. The redesign expanded care teams and added a medical assistant assigned administrative and coordination tasks. The redesign was expected to improve care efficiency, prevention, and continuity. In response to setbacks, redesign and system leaders used understanding of context to plan system‐wide changes, as well as program adjustments. Doing so enhanced the redesign's prospects and contributed to system learning.

Methods

We conducted a 33‐month, mixed‐methods study. Qualitative data included quarterly calls with the redesign leaders and 63 activity log entries. There were three site visits; 73 interviews with practice leaders, providers, and medical assistants. Data analysis used categories from an implementation research framework; these were refined and then expanded inductively using log reports, debriefings with change leaders, and documents. Quantitative analysis used system operational data on chronic care, prevention, efficiency, productivity, and patient access.

Results

Redesigned teams were not implemented as widely or rapidly as anticipated and did not deliver hoped‐for gains in operational metrics. Interviews reported that team redesign was leading to improvements in chronic care and prevention and eased provider burden. Besides making small adjustments to cope with setbacks, redesign and system leaders engaged in more thorough organizational learning. They examined contextual challenges underlying setbacks and posing risks to the delivery system as a whole. Their responses to challenges helped strengthen the redesign's prospects, improved the delivery system's position in its labor market, and helped the system prepare to meet emerging requirements for value‐based care and population health.

Conclusions

This case points to benefits for both health care researchers and change practitioners of paying closer attention to how context affects implementation of organizational change, and to opportunities and conditions for learning from setbacks during change.
Differing Impact of Sarcopenia and Frailty in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Bhanji Rahima A. , Narayanan Praveena , Moynagh Michael R. , Takahashi Naoki , Angirekula Mounika , Kennedy Cassie C. , Mara Kristin C. , Dierkhising Ross A. , Watt Kymberly D.
Published: September 2018

Sarcopenia and frailty are commonly encountered in patients with end‐stage liver disease and are associated with adverse clinical outcomes, including decompensation and wait‐list mortality. The impact of these entities in patients with differing disease etiologies has not been elucidated. We aim to ascertain the change in their prevalence over time on the wait list and determine their impact on hospitalization, delisting, and wait‐list survival, specifically for patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Adult patients who were evaluated for their first liver transplant from 2014 to 2016 with a primary diagnosis of NASH (n = 136) or ALD (n = 129) were included. Computed tomography scans were used to determine the presence of sarcopenia and myosteatosis. Frailty was diagnosed using the Rockwood frailty index. Patients with NASH had a significantly lower prevalence of sarcopenia (22% versus 47%; P < 0.001) but a significantly higher prevalence of frailty (49% versus 34%; P = 0.03) when compared with patients with ALD at the time of listing. In patients with NASH, sarcopenia was not associated with adverse events, but a higher frailty score was associated with an increased length of hospitalization (P = 0.05) and an increased risk of delisting (P = 0.02). In patients with ALD, univariate analysis showed the presence of sarcopenia was associated with an increased risk of delisting (P = 0.01). In conclusion, sarcopenia and frailty occur with differing prevalence with variable impact on outcomes in wait‐listed patients with NASH and ALD.
Elections and opportunistic budgetary policies in Greece
Authors: Chortareas Georgios , Logothetis Vassilis E. , Papandreou Andreas A.
Published: September 2018

We consider the presence of electorally motivated cycles in Greece's fiscal policies from 1974 to 2011 and find strong evidence of preelectoral manipulation. In the election years the government's primary balance deteriorates via increased expenditures. The political budget cycle appears subdued in the post‐Maastricht treaty period, which implies tighter constraints on public finances. We demonstrate, however, that the opportunistic manipulation of public finances lives on, albeit through a different channel. In particular, we produce evidence of electoral effects in the composition of expenditures, with the expenses for compensation to employees increasing during election years. Furthermore, our results show that snap elections affect expenses positively, and prolonged incumbencies affect negatively the government's primary balance and revenues. Finally, no evidence of partisan effects exists in Greece's fiscal policies.
Modelling adverse meteorological conditions for aircraft arising from airflow over complex terrain
Authors: Stocker Jenny , Carruthers David , Johnson Kate , Hunt Julian , Chan Pak Wai
Published: September 2018

With the aim of developing a forecasting system for the prediction of adverse meteorological conditions in the vicinity of complex terrain for aircraft landing at Hong Kong International Airport, the linearized, quasi‐empirical FLOWSTAR model has been configured to represent a series of eight landing events (2015–2017); half of these events reported significant wind shear and, for two, the landing attempt was aborted. Meteorological data used as input to the model have been derived from Hong Kong Observatory radiosonde measurements; these are the most reliable available despite being recorded at a location distant from the airport and at one or more hours before or after landing events. In general, the model predicts stronger wind shear for cases where adverse conditions have been reported. Analysis of the magnitude of wind shear generated as a result of wind veering and backing helps to quantify the importance of nonlinear flow features such as trapped lee waves. The model is able to represent strong downslope flows and recirculating flow regions (rotors) generated by the mountainous region located upwind of the airport. Comparisons of model predictions against LIDAR traces indicate that the model replicates wind shear for 50% of cases where it was recorded, although the location and magnitude of the wind shear usually differs between the modelled and measured datasets; the lack of agreement is likely to be because the input meteorological conditions are not wholly representative of the upstream conditions and the LIDAR trace does not exactly coincide with the aircraft trajectory.
Rainfall asymmetries of landfalling tropical cyclones along the South China coast
Authors: Chan Kelvin T. F. , Chan Johnny C. L. , Wong Wai Kin
Published: September 2018

The rainfall distribution associated with landfalling tropical cyclones (TCs) along the South China coast are examined using radar data from Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). This preliminary study relates the landfall direction, and possible rotations/transitions of TC rainfall asymmetries before and after the landfall. Three types of landfalling TCs on the South China coast are categorized: from the east, normal to the coast and from the southwest. For those from the east, the rainfall maximum rotates anticyclonically from the southwest before later landfall to the northwest. TCs making landfall perpendicular to the coast have a rainfall maximum remaining in the southwest quadrant throughout the landfall process. For TCs making landfall from the southwest, the rainfall maximum rotates cyclonically from the southeast before later landfall to the northeast. The relative importance of the impact of land properties and vertical wind shear on these rainfall asymmetries is investigated by using a numerical model. Sensitivity tests show that the rotations/transitions of landfalling TC rainfall asymmetry appear to be insensitive to land properties (e.g. moisture availability, surface friction and topography), but result primarily from changes in the orientations of the vertical wind shear in the environment. However, the surface friction of the landmass appears to contribute to the enhancement of rainfall intensity.
Consequence of meteorological factors on flood formation in selected river catchments of Lithuania
Authors: Akstinas Vytautas , Meilutyte‐Lukauskiene Diana , Kriauciuniene Jurate
Published: September 2018

The increase in hydrological extremes during the last two decades has had a significant impact on natural and social environments. These hydrological extremes depend greatly on changes in the meteorological parameters. The task of this research was to evaluate the impact of meteorological factors (snow water equivalent and heavy rainfall) on the formation of spring floods in the basins of the Nemunas, Lielupė and Venta rivers. Five Lithuanian rivers (Venta, Šešuvis, Mūša, Merkys and Žeimena) from these basins were analysed in detail. These rivers fall within the Western, Central and Southeastern hydrological regions of Lithuania. Long‐time‐series data for daily discharge, precipitation and thickness of snow cover from 12 meteorological and five hydrological gauging stations were used. The evaluation of the relation between these factors was carried out for two periods: 1961–1987 and 1988–2014. The relation between the maximum discharge of the spring flood, the maximum snow water equivalent before the flood and the precipitation amount 10 days before the flood was analysed by multiple regression analysis. The high correlation co‐efficients between the observed and predicted maximum discharges of the spring flood for the created regression models fluctuated between 0.63 and 0.86. The verification of the selected regression model was performed with Hydrologiska Byråns Vattenbalansavdelning (HBV) software, which also showed a high correlation co‐efficient (0.71). The applied methodology of this research could be used for better perception of flood‐formation consequences in different hydrological regions of Europe.
Current state of practice regarding digital radiography exposure indicators and deviation indices: Report of AAPM Imaging Physics Committee Task Group 232
Authors: Dave Jaydev K. , Jones A. Kyle , Fisher Ryan , Hulme Katie , Rill Lynn , Zamora David , Woodward Andrew , Brady Samuel , MacDougall Robert D. , Goldman Lee , Lang Susan , Peck Donald , Apgar Bruce , Shepard S. Jeff , Uzenoff Robert , Willis Charles
Published: September 2018

Beginning with the advent of digital radiography systems in 1981, manufacturers of these systems provided indicators of detector exposure. These indicators were manufacturer‐specific, and users in facilities with equipment from multiple manufacturers found it a challenge to monitor and manage variations in indicated exposure in routine clinical use. In 2008, a common definition of exposure index (EI) was realized in International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) International Standard 62494‐1 Ed. 1, which also introduced and defined the deviation index (DI), a number quantifying the difference between the detector EI for a given radiograph and the target exposure index (EIT). An exposure index that differed by a constant from that established by the IEC and the concept of the deviation index also appear in American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Report No. 116 published in 2009. The AAPM Report No. 116 went beyond the IEC standard in supplying a table (Table II in the report of TG‐116) titled “Exposure Indicator DI Control Limits for Clinical Images,” which listed suggested DI ranges and actions to be considered for each range. As the IEC EI was implemented and clinical DI data were gathered, concerns were voiced that the DI control limits published in the report of TG‐116 were too strict and did not accurately reflect clinical practice. The charge of task group 232 (TG‐232) and the objective of this final report was to investigate the current state of the practice for CR/DR Exposure and Deviation Indices based on AAPM TG 116 and IEC‐62494, for the purpose of establishing achievable goals (reference levels) and action levels in digital radiography. Data corresponding to EI and DI were collected from a range of practice settings for a number of body parts and views (adults and pediatric radiographs) and analyzed in aggregate and separately. A subset of radiographs was also evaluated by radiologists based on criteria adapted from the European Guidelines on Quality Criteria for Diagnostic Radiographic Images from the European Commission. Analysis revealed that typical DI distribution was characterized by a standard deviation (SD) of 1.3–3.6 with mean DI values substantially different from 0.0, and less than 50% of DI values fell within the significant action limits proposed by AAPM TG‐116 (−1.0 ≤ DI ≤ 1.0). Recommendations stemming from this analysis include targeting a mean DI value of 0.0 and action limits at ±1 and ±2 SD of the DI based on actual DI data of an individual site. EIT values, DI values, and associated action limits should be reviewed on an ongoing basis and optimization of DI values should be a process of continuous quality improvement with a goal of reducing practice variation.
TReNDS—Software for reaction monitoring with time‐resolved non‐uniform sampling
Authors: Urbańczyk Mateusz , Shchukina Alexandra , Gołowicz Dariusz , Kazimierczuk Krzysztof
Published: September 2018

NMR spectroscopy, used routinely for structure elucidation, has also become a widely applied tool for process and reaction monitoring. However, the most informative of NMR methods—correlation experiments—are often useless in this kind of applications. The traditional sampling of a multidimensional FID is usually time‐consuming, and thus, the reaction‐monitoring toolbox was practically limited to 1D experiments (with rare exceptions, e.g., single‐scan or fast‐sampling experiments). Recently, the technique of time‐resolved non‐uniform sampling (TR‐NUS) has been proposed, which allows to use standard multidimensional pulse sequences preserving the temporal resolution close to that achievable in 1D experiments. However, the method existed only as a prototype and did not allow on‐the‐fly processing during the reaction.

In this paper, we introduce TReNDS: free, user‐friendly software kit for acquisition and processing of TR‐NUS data. The program works on Bruker, Agilent, and Magritek spectrometers, allowing to carry out up to four experiments with interleaved TR‐NUS. The performance of the program is demonstrated on the example of enzymatic hydrolysis of sucrose.
An efficient MRI agent targeting extracellular markers in prostate adenocarcinoma
Authors: Pagoto Amerigo , Tripepi Martina , Stefania Rachele , Lanzardo Stefania , Livio Longo Dario , Garello Francesca , Porpiglia Francesco , Manfredi Matteo , Aime Silvio , Terreno Enzo
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most widespread tumor affecting males in Western countries. We propose a novel MRI molecular tetrameric probe based on the heptadentate gadolinium (Gd)‐AAZTA (6‐amino‐6‐methylperhydro‐1,4‐diazepinetetraacetic acid) that is able to in vivo detect PCa through the recognition of the fibrin–fibronectin (FB–FN) complex.

Methods

The peptide CREKA (Cys‐Arg‐Glu‐Lys‐Ala), targeting the FB–FN complex in the reactive stroma of the tumor, was synthesized by solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) and conjugated to the tetramer dL‐(Gd‐AAZTA)4. The resulting probe was characterized by 1H relaxometry, tested in vitro on FB clots and in vivo on an orthotopic mouse model of PCa.

Results

CREKA‐dL‐(Gd‐AAZTA)4 showed a remarkable relaxivity of 18.2 ms−1 (0.47 T, 25°C) because of the presence of 2 water molecules (q = 2) in the inner coordination sphere of each Gd3+ ion, whose rotational motion (τR) is lengthened as the result of the relatively high molecular weight. The probe displayed a detectable affinity for plasma‐derived FB clots. On intravenous injection of the probe in an orthotopic mouse model of PCa, a significant increase in the prostate T1 contrast (~40%) was observed. The MRI signal appears statistically higher either with respect to the one observed for the control probes and to the one detected when CREKA‐dL‐(Gd‐AAZTA)4 was administered to healthy animals.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the ability of the CREKA‐dL‐(Gd‐AAZTA)4 probe to specifically localize in prostate tumor after injection. The high relaxivity of the probe allows the reduction of the injected dose to 20 µmolGd/kg, yielding a good in vivo contrast enhancement in the region of prostate tumor.
A functional form for a representative individual arterial input function measured from a population using high temporal resolution DCE MRI
Authors: Georgiou Leonidas , Wilson Daniel J. , Sharma Nisha , Perren Timothy J. , Buckley David L.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

To measure the arterial input function (AIF), an essential component of tracer kinetic analysis, in a population of patients using an optimized dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) imaging sequence and to estimate inter‐ and intrapatient variability. From these data, a representative AIF that may be used for realistic simulation studies can be extracted.

Methods

Thirty‐nine female patients were imaged on multiple visits before and during a course of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. A total of 97 T1‐weighted DCE studies were analyzed including bookend estimates of T1 and model‐fitting to each individual AIF. Area under the curve and cardiac output were estimated from each first pass peak, and these data were used to assess inter‐ and intrapatient variability of the AIF.

Results

Interpatient variability exceeded intrapatient variability of the AIF. There was no change in cardiac output as a function of MR visit (mean value 5.6 ± 1.1 L/min) but baseline blood T1 increased significantly following the start of chemotherapy (which was accompanied by a decrease in hematocrit).

Conclusion

The AIF in an individual patient can be measured reproducibly but the variability of AIFs between patients suggests that use of a population AIF will decrease the precision of tracer kinetic analysis performed in cross‐patient comparison studies. A representative AIF is presented that is typical of the population but retains the characteristics of an individually measured AIF.
A compact rational Krylov method for large‐scale rational eigenvalue problems
Authors: Dopico Froilán M. , González‐Pizarro Javier
Published: September 2018

In this work, we propose a new method, termed as R‐CORK, for the numerical solution of large‐scale rational eigenvalue problems, which is based on a linearization and on a compact decomposition of the rational Krylov subspaces corresponding to this linearization. R‐CORK is an extension of the compact rational Krylov method (CORK) introduced very recently in the literature to solve a family of nonlinear eigenvalue problems that can be expressed and linearized in certain particular ways and which include arbitrary polynomial eigenvalue problems, but not arbitrary rational eigenvalue problems. The R‐CORK method exploits the structure of the linearized problem by representing the Krylov vectors in a compact form in order to reduce the cost of storage, resulting in a method with two levels of orthogonalization. The first level of orthogonalization works with vectors of the same size as the original problem, and the second level works with vectors of size much smaller than the original problem. Since vectors of the size of the linearization are never stored or orthogonalized, R‐CORK is more efficient from the point of view of memory and orthogonalization than the classical rational Krylov method applied directly to the linearization. Taking into account that the R‐CORK method is based on a classical rational Krylov method, to implement implicit restarting is also possible, and we show how to do it in a memory‐efficient way. Finally, some numerical examples are included in order to show that the R‐CORK method performs satisfactorily in practice.
A mussel‐inspired method to fabricate a novel reduced graphene oxide/Bi12O17Cl2 composites membrane for catalytic degradation and oil/water separation
Authors: Yu Zongxue , Min Xia , Li Fei , Yin Di , Peng Yixing , Zeng Guangyong
Published: September 2018

In this study, a novel dopamine modified graphene‐based photocatalytic membrane with Bi12O17Cl2 inserted was fabricated to modify the commercial cellulose acetate membrane via vacuum filtration method. Results showed the reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/poly(dopamine) (PDA)/Bi12O17Cl2‐CA photocatalytic composite membrane exhibited 98% removal efficiency for methylene blue (MB) within 100 minutes and 96% removal efficiency for 4‐CP within 160 minutes. Importantly, the photocatalytic composite membrane can simultaneously achieve dye degradation and oil‐water separation in only one device within a short time. And the as‐prepared membrane displayed great antifouling performance and recyclability after 10 cycles. Meanwhile, the membrane showed excellent stability in the agitated water bath or different pH conditions. In summary, the photocatalytic membrane investigated in this study opens new avenue for treatment of wastewater.
Impact of cyclophosphamide and etoposide on outcome of clear cell sarcoma of the kidney treated on the National Wilms Tumor Study‐5 (NWTS‐5)
Authors: Seibel Nita L. , Chi Yueh‐Yun , Perlman Elizabeth J. , Tian Jing , Sun Junfeng , Anderson James R. , Ritchey Michael L. , Thomas Patrick R. , Miser James , Kalapurakal John A. , Grundy Paul E. , Green Daniel M.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

To improve the event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) for patients with clear cell sarcoma of the kidney (CCSK) by incorporating cyclophosphamide and etoposide into treatment on National Wilms Tumor Study (NWTS)‐5.

Patients and methods

Patients less than 16 years of age with a centrally confirmed pathological diagnosis of CCSK were eligible for treatment on this prospective single‐arm study conducted between August 1995 and June 2002. Staging consisted of CT scans of chest, abdomen, pelvis, bone scan, skeletal survey, and CT or MRI of the head. Treatment consisted of vincristine/doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide alternating with cyclophosphamide/etoposide for 24 weeks and radiation to sites of disease.

Results

One hundred eight eligible patients were enrolled on study (69% males, 63% Caucasian), with a median age of 22 months. Stage distribution was as follows: stage I, 12; II, 44; III, 45; IV, 7. Median follow‐up was 9.7 years. Five‐year EFS and OS were 79% (95% CI: 71%–88%) and 90% (95% CI: 84%–96%). Five‐year EFS for stage I–IV was 100%, 88%, 73%, and 29%, respectively. Twenty of the 23 disease‐related events occurred within three years of initial treatment. The most common site of recurrence was brain (12/23).

Conclusion

The outcome for patients with CCSK treated on NWTS‐5 was similar to NWTS‐4 and accomplished over a shorter treatment duration. Stage was highly predictive of outcome. Brain metastases occurred more frequently than on NWTS‐4. Regimen I showed more benefit for patients with stage I and II disease as compared with higher stages of disease where new therapies are needed.
Peripheral blood flow cytometry for the diagnosis of pediatric acute leukemia: Highly reliable with rare exceptions
Authors: Cheng Jinjun , Klairmont Matthew M. , Choi John K.
Published: September 2018

Background

Recent data have demonstrated the high sensitivity and specificity of peripheral blood flow cytometry (PBFC) for the diagnosis of pediatric leukemia; however, diagnostically significant immunophenotypic discrepancies between PBFC and bone marrow (BM) evaluation, which result in different lineage assignment and treatment protocols, can rarely occur. Here, we sought to further characterize the performance of PBFC for pediatric leukemia and highlight the exceptions when PBFC can result in misdiagnosis.

Methods

An institutional database was searched between 2012 and 2016 for cases of acute leukemia with concurrent PBFC and BM evaluation. Immunophenotyping results from the peripheral blood and BM using four or eight color flow cytometry, as well as BM cytochemical staining and immunohistochemistry, were compared.

Results

Two hundred ninety PBFC samples with concurrent BM evaluation were identified. Based on the final immunophenotypic classification, the cases were distributed as follows: 108 B‐lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL), 57 T‐lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL), 116 acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and 9 mixed‐phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL). Among all cases, five had a diagnostically significant discrepancy between PBFC and BM evaluation. In three cases, the immunophenotype by PBFC was consistent with early T‐cell precursor ALL (ETP‐ALL), whereas BM evaluation demonstrated MPAL. Two cases were suspicious for acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL) and MPAL, T/myeloid by PBFC but were diagnosed as B‐ALL and T‐ALL in the BM.

Conclusion

Immunophenotypic classification by PBFC is accurate (>98%) in almost all cases of pediatric leukemia with the rare exceptions of suspected ETP‐ALL, MPAL, and AMKL. These PBFC diagnoses should be confirmed with BM immunophenotyping.
Population‐based trends in the prenatal diagnosis of sex chromosome aneuploidy before and after non‐invasive prenatal testing
Authors: Howard‐Bath Allanah , Poulton Alice , Halliday Jane , Hui Lisa
Published: September 2018

Objective

To assess the impact of non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) on trends in the prenatal diagnosis of sex chromosome aneuploidy (SCA) in a population with >73,000 annual births.

Method

Retrospective population‐based cohort study from 1986–2016 of all women undergoing prenatal diagnosis before 25 weeks gestation in the Australian state of Victoria. Statistical significance was tested using the chi‐square test for trend or proportions.

Results

There were 2,043,345 births and 842 SCA diagnoses from 1986–2016. The percentage of prenatal diagnostic tests leading to a SCA diagnosis increased significantly from 0.95% in 2010 to 2.93% in 2016 (p < 0.001) but due to a concurrent decline in testing, the annual prenatal diagnosis rate of SCA remained stable at 4.4/10,000 births. Among confirmed fetal SCAs the most common indication for testing in 1986 was advanced maternal age (63%); in 2016 it was high risk NIPT (49%).

Conclusion

SCAs now make up an increasing proportion of prenatal diagnostic results but due to the overall decline in diagnostic testing, the prenatal prevalence as a percentage of births remained steady. The ascertainment of fetal SCA has evolved from an incidental finding after testing for increased risk of trisomy 21, to a diagnosis obtained after suspected SCA on NIPT.
Detecting the diverted use of psychoactive drugs by adolescents and young adults: A pilot study
Authors: Jouanjus Emilie , Falcou Alice , Deheul Sylvie , Roussin Anne , Lapeyre‐Mestre Maryse
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The increasing trend of diversion of nonprescription drugs (NPDs) by adolescents or young adults is worrying. We implemented this pilot study before a national investigation to identify requests for suspected recreational use of psychoactive drugs made by young subjects to community pharmacies.

Methods

Thirty‐eight French community pharmacies were asked to complete questionnaire (with age, gender of subjects; name, form, quantity of drugs) for each suspect request formulated by subjects under 26. Besides, pharmacists were asked about the regulatory measures they thought useful to decrease this diverted use by young people. Nineteen pharmacies participated. The study covered from December 12, 2016 to January 23, 2017.

Results

Forty‐one requests mentioning 51 drugs were reported. They concerned males (85%) aged 20 years old on average, including 6 minors. The most frequent age class was that comprised between 18 and 20 years old. Codeine‐containing drugs (29 reports) and promethazine (17 reports), the main components of the popular cocktail “Purple drank,” were the most requested, followed by dextromethorphan (3 reports). Fifteen drugs were requested in syrup form. One request concerned the prescription drug ketamine. Pharmacists suggested to schedule the concerned NPDs to prescription‐only drugs and to increase the education of students as well as the public.

Conclusions

Codeine and promethazine, the main components of the popular cocktail Purple drank, were the most requested. Suspect requests of psychoactive drugs made by adolescents or young adults in community pharmacies should be carefully surveyed and combined to the monitoring of falsified prescriptions.
Columnar liquid crystalline assembly of a U‐shaped molecular scaffold stabilized by covalent or noncovalent incorporation of aromatic molecules
Authors: Shibuya Yoshiki , Itoh Yoshimitsu , Aida Takuzo
Published: September 2018

We report on our serendipitous finding of the anomalous behavior of a novel liquid crystalline (LC) molecule UH/H, containing a U‐shaped handle. While UH/H itself shows a bicontinuous cubic (Cubbi) phase, UH/H in the presence of pyrene molecules as an external guest forms a hexagonal columnar (Colh) phase without phase separation. Interestingly, even when the pyrene molecules were covalently attached to UH/H (UPy/Py), the molecule exhibited a Colh phase, with a similar columnar geometry to that of UH/H mixed with pyrene molecules (1–4 equiv.). This result means that no matter how the pyrene moieties are incorporated in the LC system, the resultant material exhibited a similar molecular assembly with a columnar geometry. This finding is interesting because UH/H and pyrene molecules do not seem to have specific interactions or shape complementarity to form a columnar assembly, as in the case of UPy/Py. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 342–351
Nonmigratory internal plasticization of poly(vinyl chloride) via pendant triazoles bearing alkyl or polyether esters
Authors: Higa Chad M. , Tek Andy T. , Wojtecki Rudy J. , Braslau Rebecca
Published: September 2018

Branched and linear nonmigratory internal plasticizers attached to PVC by a pendant triazole linkage were synthesized and investigated. Copper‐free azide‐alkyne thermal cycloaddition was employed to covalently bind triazole‐based phthalate mimics to PVC. To systematically investigate the effect of plasticizer structure on glass transition temperature, several architectural motifs were explored. Free volume theory was considered when designing many of these internal plasticizers: hexyl‐tethers were utilized to generate additional space between the triazole‐phthalate mimic and the polymer backbone. Miscibility of these triazole‐plasticizers in PVC is important: variation of the ester moieties on the triazole possessing alkyl and/or poly(ethylene oxide) chains produced a wide range of glass transition temperatures (Tg): from anti‐plasticizing 96 °C, to highly efficient plasticized materials exhibiting Tg values as low as −42 °C. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 2397–2411
The glucose‐responsive behavior of a block copolymer featuring boronic acid and glycine
Authors: Gaballa Heba , Shang Jiaojiao , Meier Sabrina , Theato Patrick
Published: September 2018

Glucose responsive block copolymer featuring boronic acid as a glucose responsive moiety and glycine are reported. The first block is polymerized through reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and the resulting poly(N‐acryloylmorpholine)113 (PAcM) is employed as a macro‐chain transfer agent for chain extension with pentafluorophenyl acrylate (PFPA) yielding a well‐defined PAcM113‐block‐poly(pentafluorophenyl acrylate)84 (PPFPA). The PPFPA block is then reacted with functional (3‐aminomethyl) phenyl boronic acid and glycine via post‐polymerization modification and the structure of the block copolymer is confirmed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 19F NMR, Fourier transform infrared, and gel permeation chromatography. By copolymerizing glycine into the polymer backbone, the relative pKa of the block copolymer is significantly lowered. The block copolymer can self‐assemble into core–shell micelles in aqueous solution and disassemble in response to glucose at the physiological pH. Furthermore, the encapsulation and release of Nile red (NR) as a hydrophobic model drug is studied under the physiological pH. The influence of the glucose concentration on the NR release from the polymeric micelles is demonstrated. These results suggested that the glucose‐responsive poly[(AcM)113‐b‐(3‐(aminomethyl)phenylboronic acid hydrochloride(‐co‐Gly)84] block copolymer has potential applications as a glucose‐responsive polymer for insulin delivery. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 422–431
Effect of Titanium and Zirconium Hydrides on the Parameters of Confined Explosions of RDX‐Based Explosives – A Comparison to Aluminium
Authors: Cudziło Stanisław , Trzciński Waldemar A. , Paszula Józef , Szala Mateusz , Chyłek Zbigniew
Published: September 2018

Overpressure and temperature histories of explosions of RDX‐based non‐ideal explosives containing 15, 30 and 45 % of Al, (Al/ZrH2), TiH2 and ZrH2 were measured in a closed chamber filled with argon and air. The solid post‐explosion products were analysed to determine their elemental and phase composition and characterise their morphology. The experimental explosion parameters were compared with those obtained from thermochemical calculations. The results obtained indicate that all the additives react both with the RDX detonation products (anaerobic reactions) and with ambient atmospheric oxygen (aerobic reactions). Explosions of 50‐g charges of the tested compositions in the chamber filled with air produces enough heat to increase the temperature of the explosion products to 2500–3000 K and maintain it above 2000 K for 300 ms, at least. Consequently melted droplets of the metals burn in gaseous RDX detonation products and next in the atmospheric oxygen forming spheroidal particles of zirconium and titanium oxides. In the inert atmosphere explosions, the temperatures higher than 2000 K last approx. 20 ms, and are reached only when aluminized explosives are detonated. Regardless the atmosphere in the chamber, the highest QSP and temperature values were determined for explosives containing Al powder, and the lowest ones for those with titanium hydride.
Analysis of Residual Explosives by Swab Touch Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Bain Ryan M. , Fedick Patrick W. , Dilger Jonathan M. , Cooks R. Graham
Published: September 2018

Swab touch spray ionization mass spectrometry, an ambient ionization technique, has been applied to the analysis of six explosives from various surfaces including glass, metal, Teflon, plastic, human hands and three types of gloves (nitrile, vinyl and latex). A swab, attached to a metallic handle, was used to sample explosive residues and acted as the ion source. The explosives, 1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazinane (RDX), 1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazocane (HMX), and 2,2‐bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]propane‐1,3‐diyl dinitrate (PETN) had an absolute limit of detection of 10 ng from all the surfaces except for PETN from the nitrile gloves (limit of detection 100 ng). Sodium perchlorate, 2‐methyl‐1,3,5‐trinitrobenzene (TNT) and tetra‐butylammonium perchlorate had limits of detection of 100 pg, 10 pg, and 1 pg, respectively from all surfaces. This study demonstrates the feasibility of swab touch spray ionization mass spectrometry for detection of a wide array of explosives from a variety of forensically applicable surfaces with disposable, commercial, tamperproof and individually‐wrapped conductive swabs without complicated/lengthy sample preparations or extractions.
Sensitivity and Phase Transition of Heated ϵ‐CL‐20 in Drop‐Weight Impact Test
Authors: Zheng Xue , Yu Shaojun , Wen Wen , Wen Yushi , Wang Pei , Lan Lingang , Dai Xiaogan , Han Yong , Li Jingming , Li Yubin
Published: September 2018

In order to understand the effect of polymorphic transformation on the impact sensitivity of heated hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL‐20) and its composite, the polymorphic transition of CL‐20 crystal under heat stimulation was investigated using powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) and microscopic methods. The effects of particle size and PDA coating on polymorphic transition of CL‐20 were explored. The experiments showed that the polymorphic transition at 160 °C was related to the particle size and surroundings of CL‐20 crystals. As the temperature increases, changes in the molecule conformation of larger crystals were more facilitated than in smaller ones, the ϵ→γ solid‐solid phase transitions went along thoroughly in larger crystals. Poly (dopamine) (PDA) coating played a key role in the significant inhibition of phase transition owing to the restriction effect via its compact and rigid shell. The lower pressure caused by drop‐weight impact can facilitate the ϵ→γ phase transition of heated CL‐20. This investigation contributes to comprehend the polymorphic transformation mechanism of CL‐20 and provides guidance for effective control on the CL‐20 polymorphs in CL‐20‐based composites.