bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investor sentiment and the Chinese index futures market: Evidence from the internet search
Authors: Wang Xiaolin , Ye Qiang , Zhao Feng , Kou Yi
Published: November 2017

We use the search volume index in Baidu to reveal investor sentiment in the Chinese stock index futures market. We find that the abnormal search volume index predicts return reversal in the short term where the effect is mainly caused by the searches of investors who use personal computers rather than mobile devices. We also find that restriction on futures trading changes the relation between the abnormal search volume index and returns significantly. Overall, we provide a new set of results on the effects of investor sentiment on Chinese index futures markets.
A 25.1% Efficient Stand‐Alone Solar Chloralkali Generator Employing a Microtracking Solar Concentrator
Authors: Chinello Enrico , Modestino Miguel A. , Coulot Laurent , Ackermann Mathieu , Gerlich Florian , Psaltis Demetri , Moser Christophe
Published: November 2017

Chlorine is a large‐scale chemical commodity produced via the chloralkali process, which involves the electrolysis of brine in a membrane‐based electrochemical reactor. The reaction is normally driven by grid electricity; nevertheless, the required combination of voltage–current can be guaranteed using renewable power (i.e., photovoltaic electricity). This study demonstrates an off‐grid solar‐powered chlorine generator that couples a novel planar solar concentrator, multijunction InGaP/GaAs/InGaAsNSb solar cells and an electrochemical cell fabricated via additive manufacturing. The planar solar concentrator consists of an array of seven custom injection‐molded lenses and uses microtracking to maintain a ± 40° wide angular acceptance. Triple‐junction solar cells provide the necessary potential (open‐circuit voltage, VOC = 3.16 V) to drive the electrochemical reactions taking place at a De Nora DSA insoluble anode and a nickel cathode. This chloralkali generator is tested under real atmospheric conditions and operated at a record 25.1% solar‐to‐chemical conversion efficiency (SCE). The device represents the proof‐of‐principle of a new generation stand‐alone chlorine production system for off‐grid utilization in remote and inaccessible locations.
Geochemical and geological characteristics of Permian Lucaogou Formation shale of the well Ji174, Jimusar Sag, Junggar Basin, China: Implications for shale oil exploration
Authors: Hu Tao , Pang Xiongqi , Wang Qifeng , Jiang Shu , Wang Xulong , Huang Chuang , Xu Yuan , Li Longlong , Li Hui
Published: November 2017

Abundant shale oil resources were recently found in the organic‐rich Permian Lucaogou (P2l) Formation shale, Jimusar Sag, Junggar Basin. Although some scholars have conducted some researches on the basic geochemical characteristics of the Lucaogou Formation shale, it is not enough to effectively guide the shale oil exploration in the area. This is because during the exploration process of shale oil, besides the basic geochemical characteristics of shale, its mineral composition, physical properties, and oil‐bearing characteristics are all very important evaluation parameters. To systematically evaluate the favourable shale oil exploration sections in the Lucaogou Formation, 265 pieces of shale cores were sampled from well Ji174 in this study. Besides the basic geochemical characteristics of the 265 pieces of cores, the mineralogical, petrophysical, and oil‐bearing characteristics were also analysed. Results show that the shale has abundant organic matter (average total organic carbon 3.51%, average petroleum generation potential 15.67 mg/g), dominated by Type II1 and Type II2 kerogen, and has entered the early‐mature to mature stage. The Upper Member of the Lucaogou Formation has relatively higher organic matter and organic matter type is relatively more oil prone compared to the Lower Member; however, organic matter thermal maturity is lower. The P2l Formation shale is characterized by high carbonate minerals and low clay minerals, and when considering mineralogical brittleness, both the Upper and Lower members are ideally fracturable in shale oil development. The P2l Formation shale has a wide porosity range (1.1–13.9%), and the Lower Member's porosity is slightly greater. The inversion of shale porosity in the P2l Formation is controlled by the differentiated mineral composition. The oil saturation index values of the Lower Member shale are significantly greater than the Upper Member shale. From the above, the Lower Member of the P2l Formation shale is ideally suited and has greater shale oil potential in the Jimusar Sag, Junggar Basin, especially in the depth intervals of 3,255–3,272, 3,282–3,298, and 3,317–3,334 m in the well Ji174.
Understanding ED performance after the implementation of activity‐based funding
Authors: Toloo Ghasem‐Sam , Burke John , Crilly Julia , Williams Ged , McCann Bridie , FitzGerald Gerry , Bell Anthony
Published: November 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe emergency department (ED) activities and staffing after the introduction of activity‐based funding (ABF) to highlight the challenges of new funding arrangements and their implementation.

Methods

A retrospective study of public hospital EDs in Queensland, Australia, was undertaken for 2013‐2014. The ED and hospital characteristics are described to evaluate the alignment between activity and resourcing levels and their impact on performance.

Results

Twenty EDs participated (74% response rate). Weighted activity units (WAUs) and nursing staff varied based on hospital type and size. Larger hospital EDs had on average 9076 WAUs and 13 full time equivalent (FTE) nursing staff per 1000 WAUs; smaller EDs had on average 4587 WAUs and 10.3 FTE nursing staff per 1000 WAUs. Medical staff was relatively consistent (8.1‐8.7 FTE per 1000 WAUs). The proportion of patients admitted, discharged, or transferred within 4 hours ranged from 73% to 79%. The ED medical and nursing staffing numbers did not correlate with the 4‐hour performance.

Conclusion

Substantial variation exists across Queensland EDs when resourcing service delivery in an activity‐based funding environment. Historical inequity persists in the staffing profiles for regional and outer metropolitan departments. The lack of association between resourcing and performance metrics provides opportunity for further investigation of efficient models of care.
Decision making for independent municipal action
Authors: Kurth Margaret , Fox-Lent Cate , Golan Maureen , Linkov Igor
Published: November 2017

Municipalities and cities face myriad challenges with regard to planning; decisions that will have long-standing consequences need to be made in the context of pressing present concerns, constrained budgets, and uncertainty about the future under climate changes. Compounding the challenge may be a lack of clear signals from the state and federal leadership on investment priorities. This paper contends that existing strategies from decision science can prove useful for local governments as they seek actions that are robust despite uncertain futures and broadly beneficial across sectors and time horizons. An illustrative example of decision making with scenario analysis demonstrates how a city can prioritize funding and elevate the baseline functionality of its infrastructure and the well-being of its residents, regardless of when and how climate hazards occur. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:194–197. Published 2017. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Key Points

Municipalities can move forward with strategic and cost-effective planning by investing in actions that are both robust and broadly beneficial. The Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) Scenario Analysis with an emphasis on cobenefits can enable a city to prioritize funding and to elevate the baseline functionality of its infrastructure and the well-being of its residents, regardless of when and how climate hazards occur. Because seemingly well-meaning projects can have surprising, unintended consequences, decisions and policies must also carefully evaluate who will reap the benefits.
Interaction between tobacco smoking and hepatitis B virus infection on the risk of liver cancer in a Chinese population
Authors: Liu Xing , Baecker Aileen , Wu Ming , Zhou Jin‐Yi , Yang Jie , Han Ren‐Qiang , Wang Pei‐Hua , Jin Zi‐Yi , Liu Ai‐Min , Gu Xiaoping , Zhang Xiao‐Feng , Wang Xu‐Shan , Su Ming , Hu Xu , Sun Zheng , Li Gang , Mu Lina , He Na , Li Liming , Zhao Jin‐Kou , Zhang Zuo‐Feng
Published: November 2017

Although tobacco smoking has been reported as a risk factor for liver cancer, few studies have specifically explored the association among Chinese females and the potential interaction between smoking and other risk factors. A population‐based case–control study was conducted and 2,011 liver cancer cases and 7,933 healthy controls were enrolled in Jiangsu, China from 2003 to 2010. Epidemiological data were collected, and serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti‐HCV antibody were measured. Unconditional logistic regression was used to examine association and potential interaction, while semi‐Bayes (SB) method was employed to make estimates more conservative. The prevalence of serum HBsAg positivity was 43.2% among cases and 6.5% among controls. The adjusted odds ratios (OR) for ever smoking were 1.62 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33–1.96) among male and 0.82 (95% CI: 0.53–1.26) among female. Age at first cigarette, duration of smoking and pack‐years of smoking were all significantly associated with liver cancer among men. Compared to HBsAg‐negative never smokers, the adjusted ORs were 1.25 (95% CI: 1.03–1.52) for HBsAg‐negative ever smokers, 7.66 (95% CI: 6.05–9.71) for HBsAg‐positive never smokers, and 15.68 (95% CI: 12.06–20.39) for HBsAg‐positive ever smokers. These different odds ratios indicated super‐additive (RERI: 7.77, 95% CI: 3.81–11.73) and super‐multiplicative interactions (ROR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.17–2.30) between hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and tobacco smoking. Most associations and interactions detected remained statistically significant after SB adjustments. Tobacco smoking and HBV infection positively interact in the development of liver cancer.
Control study of low tube voltage computed tomography angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in diagnosing intracranial micro‐aneurysm
Authors: Li Rui , Duan Yuxia , Liu Jinjin , Cao Guoquan , Yang Yunjun , Zhuge Qichuan , Chen Weijian
Published: November 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic values of low tube voltage cerebral computed tomography (CT) angiography (L‐CTA, 100 kV) of intracranial micro‐aneurysms (IMA, maximum diameter ≤3 mm). The clinical and imaging data of a total of 59 IMA patients confirmed by 3D rotational angiography (3DRA) or surgery were retrospectively analyzed; their L‐CTA data were compared with those of IMA and 3DRA so as to investigate the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of IMA, as well as to objectively evaluate the related radiation dose. Based on the results of 3DRA, 65 cases of IMA and a total of 70 aneurysms, including 65 micro‐aneurysms, were found in the 59 cases. L‐CTA detected a total of 64 IMA, including six multiple cases of IMA, as well as three false positive cases and four missed cases. Compared with the 3DRA (gold standard), the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of L‐CTA toward IMA were 93.85%, 99.56%, and 99.08%, respectively, and the associations of aneurysm size measured by L‐CTA and 3DRA were good. Compared with conventional CTA, the effective dose of L‐CTA was reduced by 36.23%. L‐CTA has high diagnostic sensitivity toward IMA, and can effectively reduce the radiation dose, so it is worth implementing.
Estimation of Wind Drift and Evaporation Losses from Sprinkler Irrigation systemS by Different Data‐Driven Methods
Authors: Maroufpoor E. , Sanikhani H. , Emamgholizadeh S. , Kişi Ö.
Published: November 2017

An accurate estimation of losses created by wind drift and evaporation is necessary for water management in sprinkler irrigation systems. In the current study, three artificial intelligence (AI) methods, namely artificial neural network (ANN), adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and gene expression programming (GEP), were used to estimate the wind drift and evaporation losses (WDEL) based on influential variables such as operating pressure (P), wind speed (W), nozzle diameter (D) and vapour pressure deficit (es − ea). Field measurements data were applied to training and testing of ANN, ANFIS and GEP models. The results of these AI models were also compared with previous studies. Three statistical metrics, namely coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE), were utilized to assess the performance of the models. The results indicate that the AI models (i.e. ANFIS, ANN and GEP) predict the WDEL more accurately than in previous studies. Moreover, the results show that the GEP model (with RMSE = 1.19% and R2 = 0.97) provides a better estimation of WDEL compared to the ANN model (with RMSE = 2.56% and R2 = 0.87) and ANFIS model (with RMSE = 1.64% and R2 = 0.94). Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shotgun label‐free proteomic analysis for identification of proteins in HaCaT human skin keratinocytes regulated by the administration of collagen from soft‐shelled turtle
Authors: Yamamoto Tetsushi , Nakanishi Saori , Mitamura Kuniko , Taga Atsushi
Published: November 2017

Soft‐shelled turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis) are widely distributed in some Asian countries, and we previously reported that soft‐shelled turtle tissue could be a useful material for collagen. In the present study, we performed shotgun liquid chromatography (LC)/mass spectrometry (MS)‐based global proteomic analysis of collagen‐administered human keratinocytes to examine the functional effects of collagen from soft‐shelled turtle on human skin. Using a semiquantitative method based on spectral counting, we were able to successfully identify 187 proteins with expression levels that were changed more than twofold by the administration of collagen from soft‐shelled turtle. Based on Gene Ontology analysis, the functions of these proteins closely correlated with cell–cell adhesion. In addition, epithelial–mesenchymal transition was induced by the administration of collagen from soft‐shelled turtle through the down‐regulation of E‐cadherin expression. Moreover, collagen‐administered keratinocytes significantly facilitated wound healing compared with nontreated cells in an in vitro scratch wound healing assay. These findings suggest that collagen from soft‐shelled turtle provides significant benefits for skin wound healing and may be a useful material for pharmaceuticals and medical care products. © 2017 The Authors Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2403–2413, 2018.
The influence of coping strategies on quality of life in a community facing environmental and economic threats
Authors: Tartaglia Stefano , Conte Enrica , Rollero Chiara , De Piccoli Norma
Published: November 2017

The study investigated the quality of life in a community facing a technological disaster causing environmental and economic damages. For years, the Italian city of Taranto has based its economy on a big steel plant. The industrial plant caused severe environmental pollution, negatively affecting the health of residents living in an area of the city. The steel mill is now under judicial investigation and may be closed in the future, causing the loss of jobs for many citizens. By means of a questionnaire, we investigated the influence of coping strategies on quality of life and place attachment and the effects of being under the environmental (i.e., living in the contaminated area) and the economic (working for the steel mill) threat on these variables. Results showed that living in the contaminated area had negative effects on quality of life both directly and indirectly, lowering place attachment and increasing avoidant coping. Working for the plant had negative effects on the environmental dimension of quality of life.
Exercise improves nicotine reward‐associated cognitive behaviors and related α7 nAChR‐mediated signal transduction in adolescent rats
Authors: Zhou Yuehui , Li Cuicui , Li Rena , Zhou Chenglin
Published: November 2017

The adolescent brain is vulnerable to long‐lasting cognitive disturbances resulting from nicotine exposure. Although exercise has been used as an intervention for ameliorating cognitive deficits in various disorders, the effect on cognitive changes induced by nicotine exposure and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise on nicotine reward‐associated cognitive behaviors in adolescent rats subjected to nicotine conditioned place preference paradigm (CPP). Male adolescent rats were trained on the Go/NoGo task, then subjected to nicotine CPP, and then randomly separated into four groups: sedentary (SED), high‐ (HE), moderate‐ (ME), and low‐intensity (LE) exercise. Rats in exercise groups performed treadmill running 30 min daily for 10 days. Results showed that MEs had shorter escape latencies in the Morris water maze (MWM) test compared to SEDs. Although time spent and distance swam in the target quadrant significantly increased in both the MEs and HEs, the number of target quadrant crosses increased significantly only in MEs. MEs and HEs showed higher performance accuracy on NoGo and lower scores on CPP tasks. Expression of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and downstream signaling molecules increased in MEs in prefrontal cortex but not hippocampus, with α7 nAChRs expression positively associated with NoGo accuracy and MWM probe test performance, but negatively correlated with CPP scores. The findings of this study suggest that moderate‐intensity exercise can improve nicotine induced cognitive behaviors, and implicates prefrontal cortical α7 nAChR‐mediated signal transduction as a possible mechanism.
Terlipressin‐induced modifications of Doppler ultrasound signals of systemic arteries in preterm infants with vasoactive‐resistant patent ductus arteriosus: A pilot study
Authors: Radicioni M. , Bini V. , Campus G. M. , Camerini P. G.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

To study the effects of terlipressin (TP) infusion on systemic perfusion, estimated with pulsed‐wave Doppler ultrasonography of systemic arteries, in a population of extremely low birth‐weight (ELBW) preterm infants with vasoactive‐resistant ductus arteriosus.

Methods

This prospective, observational cohort included, during five years, 12 ELBW infants with hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus and absent or reversed diastolic flow at Doppler ultrasonography of systemic arteries, despite treatment and high‐dose vasoactive support. We measured flow velocity of the anterior cerebral, right renal, and superior mesenteric arteries before and after TP infusion. Changes were evaluated by Spearman's rho coefficient analysis, Wilcoxon signed‐rank, and Friedman test.

Results

Time‐averaged mean velocity of the renal artery (P = .028) increased, while renal pulsatility (P = .010) and resistance (P = .004) indexes, and cerebral artery resistance index (P = .021) decreased after TP infusion. Time‐averaged mean velocity of the anterior cerebral artery proportionately increased with dopamine dose (rho = 0.678; P = .015), but showed opposite shifts after TP (rho = −0.662; P = .024).

Conclusions

These changes suggest that TP may improve systemic perfusion in the ELBW infants with vasoactive‐resistant ductus arteriosus.
Morphometric study of adipocytes on breast cancer by means of photonic microscopy and image analysis
Authors: Suárez–Nájera Luis Eduardo , Chanona–Pérez José Jorge , Valdivia–Flores Alejandra , Marrero–Rodríguez Daniel , Salcedo–Vargas Mauricio , García–Ruiz David Israel , Castro– Reyes Marco Antonio
Published: November 2017

Worldwide, breast cancer (BrCa) is currently the leading cause of deaths associated to malignant lesions in adult women. Given that some studies have mentioned that peritumoral adipocytes may contribute to breast carcinogenesis, present work sought to quantitative evaluate the morphometry of these cells in a group of adult women. Three thousand six hundred sixty four breast adipocytes, that came from biopsies of a group of adult females with different types of breast carcinomas (ductal, lobular, and mixed) and one with normal tissues, were evaluated through an image analysis (IA) process regarding six morphometric descriptors: area (A), perimeter (P), Feret diameter (FD), aspect ratio (AR), roundness factor (RF), and fractal dimension of cellular contour (FDC). Data showed that the adipocytes of the normal tissues group were bigger (A: 3398 ± 2331 µm2, P: 239 ± 83 µm, and FD: 79.9 ± 24.5 µm) than those from BrCa samples (A: 2860 ± 1933 µm2, P: 214 ± 66 µm, and FD: 73.2 ± 22.5 µm), and presented a more irregular contour (FDC of 1.370 ± 0.037 for normal group and of 1.335 ± 0.049 for the oncologic one). Moreover, it could be accounted that adipocytes of mixed carcinomas were largest (FD: 75.1 ± 22.4 µm) than those of lobular lesions (FD: 61.6 ± 22.6 µm), while the adipocytes of ductal carcinomas were the most oval (AR: 1.421 ± 0.524) and roughest (FDC: 1.324 ± 0.050) cells. IA results suggest that BrCa lesions can be categorized through a quantitative morphometric evaluation of peritumoral adipocytes. These findings could let the development of an analytical tool to help the Pathologist to enhance the accuracy of the oncologic diagnose.
Visualization of the native shape of bodipy‐labeled DNA inEscherichia coliby correlative microscopy
Authors: Loukanov Alexandre , Mladenova Polina , Toshev Svetlin , Udono Hibiki , Nakabayashi Seiichiro
Published: November 2017

The native shape and intracellular distribution of newly synthesized DNA was visualized by correlative (light and electron) microscopy in ice embedded whole cells ofEscherichia coli. For that purpose, the commercially available modified nucleoside triphosphate named BODIPY® FL‐14‐dUTP was enzymatically incorporatedin vivointo the genome ofE. colimutant K12 strain, which cannot synthesize thymine. The successful incorporation of this thymidine analogue was confirmed first by fluorescence microscope, where the cells were stained in the typical for bodipy green color. Later the preselected labeledE. coliwere observed by Hilbert Differential Transmission Electron Microscope (HDC TEM) and the distribution of elemental boron (contained in bodipy) was visualized at high‐resolution by an electron spectroscopic imaging (ESI) technique. The practical detection limit of boron was found to be around 5 ∼ 10 mmol/kg in area of 0.1 μm2, which demonstrated that ESI is a suitable approach to study the cytochemistry and location of labeled nucleic fragments within the cytoplasmic chromosomal area. In addition, the fine cellular fibrous and chromosomal ultrastructures were revealedin situby combing of phase‐plate HDC TEM and ESI. The obtained results conclude that the correlation between fluorescent microscopy with phase‐plate HDC TEM and ESI is a powerful approach to explore the structural and conformation dynamics of DNA replication machinery in frozen cells close to the living state.
Perfusion measures for symptom severity and differential outcome of revascularization in limb ischemia: Preliminary results with arterial spin labeling reactive hyperemia
Authors: Chen Hou‐Jen , Roy Trisha L. , Wright Graham A.
Published: November 2017

Background

Previously, a theoretical model based on microvascular physiology was established to facilitate the interpretation of calf perfusion dynamics recorded by arterial spin labeling (ASL).

Purpose

To investigate the clinical relevance of novel perfusion indices by comparing them to the symptoms, response to revascularization, and short‐term functional outcome in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Study Type

Prospective cohort study.

Population

Nineteen patients with PAD.

Field Strength/Sequence

Pulsed ASL at 3T.

Assessment

The mid‐calf reactive hyperemia induced by 2 minutes of arterial occlusion was recorded in PAD patients. The perfusion responses were characterized by the peak, time‐to‐peak, and physiological model‐derived indices including the baseline perfusion fr, arterial resistance Ra, and compliance Ca, and sensitivity gATP and response time τATP of downstream microvasculature to metabolic stress. These indices were compared to the disease severity and outcome within 6 months after revascularization assessed by self‐reported symptoms and the ankle‐brachial index. Disease severity was categorized as asymptomatic, claudication, or critical limb ischemia. The outcome was categorized as symptom resolved or limited improvement.

Statistical Tests

Severity and outcome groups were compared using Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests with Holm–Sidak adjustments.

Results

The peak perfusion decreased and model arterial resistance increased progressively with increasing severity of limb ischemia (P = 0.0402 and 0.0413, respectively). Eleven patients had a successful endovascular procedure, including six patients who had symptoms resolved, four patients who had remaining leg pain, and one patient lost to follow‐up. The subjects with limited improvement had significantly lower preintervention microvascular sensitivity gATP than those with symptoms resolved (8.72 ± 1.46 vs. 4.93 ± 0.91, P = 0.0466).

Data Conclusion

ASL reactive hyperemia reflects multiple aspects of the pathophysiology. Measures of macrovascular arterial disease are related to the manifested symptom severity, whereas preintervention gATP associated with microvascular dysfunction is related to prognosis following revascularization.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 4

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1578–1588.
Detection of liver fibrosis using qualitative and quantitative MR elastography compared to liver surface nodularity measurement, gadoxetic acid uptake, and serum markers
Authors: Besa Cecilia , Wagner Mathilde , Lo Grace , Gordic Sonja , Chatterji Manjil , Kennedy Paul , Stueck Ashley , Thung Swan , Babb James , Smith Andrew , Taouli Bachir
Published: November 2017

Background

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) combining different techniques such as MR elastography (MRE) has emerged as a noninvasive approach to diagnose and stage liver fibrosis with high accuracy allowing for anatomical and functional information.

Purpose

To assess the diagnostic performance of mpMRI including qualitative and quantitative assessment of MRE, liver surface nodularity (LSN) measurement, hepatic enhancement ratios postgadoxetic acid, and serum markers (APRI, FIB‐4) for the detection of liver fibrosis.

Study Type

IRB‐approved retrospective.

Subjects

Eighty‐three adult patients.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T and 3.0T MR systems. MRE and T1‐weighted postgadoxetic acid sequences.

Assessment

Two independent observers analyzed qualitative color‐coded MRE maps on a scale of 0–3. Regions of interest were drawn to measure liver stiffness on MRE stiffness maps and on pre‐ and postcontrast T1‐weighted images to measure hepatic enhancement ratios. Software was used to generate LSN measurements. Histopathology was used as the reference standard for diagnosis of liver fibrosis in all patients.

Statistical Tests

A multivariable logistic analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of liver fibrosis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis evaluated the performance of each imaging technique for detection of fibrosis, in comparison with serum markers.

Results

Liver stiffness measured with MRE provided the strongest correlation with histopathologic fibrosis stage (r = 0.74, P < 0.001), and the highest diagnostic performance for detection of stages F2‐F4, F3‐F4, and F4 (areas under the curve [AUCs] of 0.87, 0.91, and 0.89, respectively, P < 0.001) compared to other methods. Qualitative assessment of MRE maps showed fair to good accuracy for detection of fibrosis (AUC range 0.76–0.84). Multivariable logistic analysis identified liver stiffness and FIB‐4 as independent predictors of fibrosis with AUCs of 0.90 (F2‐F4), 0.93 (F3‐F4) and 0.92 (F4) when combined.

Data Conclusion

Liver stiffness measured with MRE showed the best performance for detection of liver fibrosis compared to LSN and gadoxetic acid uptake, with slight improvement when combined with FIB‐4.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1552–1561.
DMSO as a mobile phase additive enhances detection of ubiquitination sites by nano‐LC‐ESI‐MS/MS
Authors: Doellinger Joerg , Grossegesse Marica , Nitsche Andreas , Lasch Peter
Published: November 2017

Large‐scale detection of ubiquitination sites in whole cell proteomes using nano–liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry is a well‐established technique that has deepened the understanding of protein degradation processes in eukaryotic cells. Ubiquitination sites are usually identified by detection of Lys‐ɛ‐Gly‐Gly (K‐ɛ‐GG)‐remnant peptides, which are generated by tryptic digestion of proteomes. We show in this application note that dimethyl sulfoxide addition to the liquid chromatography mobile phase enhances identification rates of K‐ɛ‐GG peptides by more than 100% due to an increase of peptide signal intensities. The gain in the number of ubiquitination site identifications exceeds by far the gain that has been published for other posttranslational modifications, namely, phosphorylation and acetylation.
Converging early responses to brain injury pave the road to epileptogenesis
Authors: Neuberger Eric J. , Gupta Akshay , Subramanian Deepak , Korgaonkar Akshata A. , Santhakumar Vijayalakshmi
Published: November 2017

Epilepsy, characterized by recurrent seizures and abnormal electrical activity in the brain, is one of the most prevalent brain disorders. Over two million people in the United States have been diagnosed with epilepsy and 3% of the general population will be diagnosed with it at some point in their lives. While most developmental epilepsies occur due to genetic predisposition, a class of “acquired” epilepsies results from a variety of brain insults. A leading etiological factor for epilepsy that is currently on the rise is traumatic brain injury (TBI), which accounts for up to 20% of all symptomatic epilepsies. Remarkably, the presence of an identified early insult that constitutes a risk for development of epilepsy provides a therapeutic window in which the pathological processes associated with brain injury can be manipulated to limit the subsequent development of recurrent seizure activity and epilepsy. Recent studies have revealed diverse pathologies, including enhanced excitability, activated immune signaling, cell death, and enhanced neurogenesis within a week after injury, suggesting a period of heightened adaptive and maladaptive plasticity. An integrated understanding of these processes and their cellular and molecular underpinnings could lead to novel targets to arrest epileptogenesis after trauma. This review attempts to highlight and relate the diverse early changes after trauma and their role in development of epilepsy and suggests potential strategies to limit neurological complications in the injured brain.
The reciprocal relationship between job insecurity and depressive symptoms: A latent transition analysis
Authors: Vander Elst Tinne , Notelaers Guy , Skogstad Anders
Published: November 2017

Previous studies on the relationship between job insecurity and depressive symptoms have mainly focused on the stressor‐to‐strain effect from job insecurity to depressive symptoms, on rather secure and healthy employees, and on rank‐order relationships. This is not entirely in line with stress theories suggesting intraindividual and reciprocal relationships between high levels of stressors and strain. In reply, this study investigated whether high levels of job insecurity were related to subsequent high levels of depressive symptoms, and vice versa. Cross‐lagged dual process latent Markov model analysis with 3‐wave data (time lags of 2 and 3 years) from a representative sample of the Norwegian working force (N = 2,539) revealed 5 latent states of job insecurity and 6 latent states of depressive symptoms. As hypothesized, a reciprocal relationship between the “high job insecurity” state and the “depressed” state was found: Previously highly job‐insecure employees were more likely to be depressed at the next measurement point (OR = 42.54), and employees labeled as depressed were more likely to experience high job insecurity later on (OR = 69.92). This study contributes to stress theory by demonstrating that stressors and strain may relate differently depending on the level of stressor and strain experienced.
The DNA‐methyltransferase inhibitor 5‐aza‐2‐deoxycytidine affects Humicola grisea enzyme activities and the glucose‐mediated gene repression
Authors: Manfrão‐Netto João Heitor C. , Mello‐de‐Sousa Thiago M. , Mach‐Aigner Astrid R. , Mach Robert L. , Poças‐Fonseca Marcio J.
Published: November 2017

Humicola grisea var. thermoidea (Hgvt) is a thermophilic ascomycete that produces lignocellulolytic enzymes and it is proposed for the conversion of agricultural residues into useful byproducts. Drugs that inhibit the DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) activity are employed in epigenetic studies but nothing is known about a possible effect on the production of fungal enzymes. We evaluated the effect of 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐Aza; a chemical inhibitor of DNMTs activity) on the secreted enzyme activity and on the transcription of cellulase and xylanase genes from Hgvt grown in agricultural residues and in glucose. Upon cultivation on wheat bran (WB), the drug provoked an increase in the xylanase activity at 96 h. When Hgvt was grown in glucose (GLU), a repressor of Hgvt glycosyl hydrolase genes, 5‐Aza led to increased transcript accumulation for the cellobiohydrolases and for the xyn2 xylanase genes. In WB, 5‐Aza enhanced the expression of the transcription factor CreA gene. Growth on WB or GLU, in presence of 5‐Aza, led to a significant increase in transcripts of the pH‐response regulator PacC gene. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the effect of a DNMT inhibitor in the production of fungal plant cell wall degradation enzymes.
Production, purification, and characterization of a novel serine‐esterase from Aspergillus westerdijkiae
Authors: Castro Fausto F. , Pinheiro Ana B. P. , Gerhardt Edileusa C. M. , Oliveira Marco A. S. , Barbosa‐Tessmann Ione P.
Published: November 2017

Esterases hydrolyze water soluble short chain fatty acids esters and are biotechnologically important. A strain of Aspergillus westerdijkiae isolated from cooking oil for recycling was found to secrete an esterase. The best enzyme production (19‐24 U/ml of filtrate) culture conditions were stablished. The protein was purified using ammonium sulphate precipitation, dialysis, and a chromatographic step in Sephacryl S‐200 HR. The 32 kDa purified protein presented an optimal temperature of 40°C, with a T50 of 48.95°C, and an optimal pH of 8.0. KM and Vmax were 638.11 µM for p‐NPB and 5.47 µmol of released p‐NP · min−1 · µg−1of protein, respectively. The purified enzyme was partially active in the presence of 25% acetone. PMSF inhibited the enzyme, indicating that it is a serine hydrolase. MS enzyme peptides sequences were used to find the protein in the A. westerdijkiae sequenced genome. A structure model demonstrated that the protein is a member of the a/ß ‐hydrolase fold superfamily.
Chemical characterization of 21 species of marine macroalgae common in Norwegian waters: benefits of and limitations to their potential use in food and feed
Authors: Biancarosa Irene , Belghit Ikram , Bruckner Christian G , Liland Nina S , Waagbø Rune , Amlund Heidi , Heesch Svenja , Lock Erik‐Jan
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

In the past few years, much effort has been invested into developing a new blue economy based on harvesting, cultivating and processing marine macroalgae in Norway. Macroalgae have high potential for a wide range of applications, e.g. as source of pharmaceuticals, production of biofuels or as food and feed. However, data on the chemical composition of macroalgae from Norwegian waters are scant. This study was designed to characterize the chemical composition of 21 algal species. Both macro‐ and micronutrients were analysed. Concentrations of heavy metals and the metalloid arsenic in the algae were also quantified.

RESULTS

The results confirm that marine macroalgae contain nutrients which are relevant for both human and animal nutrition, the concentrations whereof are highly dependent on species. Although heavy metals and arsenic were detected in the algae studied, concentrations were mostly below maximum allowed levels set by food and feed legislation in the EU.

CONCLUSION

This study provides chemical data on a wide range of algal species covering the three taxonomic groups (brown, red and green algae) and discusses both benefits of and potential limitations to their use for food and feed purposes. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
In vitro digestibility, free and bound phenolic profiles and antioxidant activity of thermally treated Eragrostis tef L
Authors: Koubová Eva , Mrázková Martina , Sumczynski Daniela , Orsavová Jana
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Total phenolic content, phenolic profile and antioxidant activity were determined in free and bound phenolic fractions of thermally treated brown and white teff grains.

RESULTS

Phenolic content in raw brown and white teff (1540 and 992 mg gallic acid equivalent kg−1) as well as antioxidant activity (6.3 and 5.5 mmol trolox equivalent kg−1) were higher in free phenolic fractions. The most significant decrease in total phenolics was observed after application of the sous‐vide method (35% for brown teff and 11% for white teff). Main free phenolics of heat‐treated teff were ferulic, protocatechuic, p‐coumaric and ellagic acids, rutin and epigallocatechin. Main bound phenolics were ferulic, gallic, sinapic and ellagic acids, catechin and epigallocatechin. The detrimental effect on free and bound quercetin and bound cinnamic acid concentrations was also examined during heat treatment. Thermally treated brown teff showed a high level of in vitro organic matter digestibility if water cooking and rice cooker (both 99.5%) and sous‐vide (96.5%) methods were applied.

CONCLUSION

The sous‐vide method may be recommended as the most suitable hydrothermal treatment for grains of teff when compared with water cooking and rice cooker methods. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Prediction of benzo[a]pyrene content of smoked sausage using back‐propagation artificial neural network
Authors: Chen Yan , Cai Kezhou , Tu Zehui , Nie Wen , Ji Tuo , Hu Bing , Chen Conggui , Jiang Shaotong
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a potent mutagen and carcinogen, is reported to be present in processed meat products and, in particular, in smoked meat. However, few methods exist for predictive determination of the BaP content of smoked meats such as sausage. In this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) model based on the back‐propagation (BP) algorithm was used to predict the BaP content of smoked sausage.

RESULTS

The results showed that the BP network based on the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm was the best suited for creating a nonlinear map between the input and output parameters. The optimal network structure was 3‐7‐1 and the learning rate was 0.6. This BP‐ANN model allowed for accurate predictions, with the correlation coefficients (R) for the experimentally determined training, validation, test and global data sets being 0.94, 0.96, 0.95 and 0.95 respectively. The validation performance was 0.013, suggesting that the proposed BP‐ANN may be used to predictively detect the BaP content of smoked meat products.

CONCLUSION

An effective predictive model was constructed for estimation of the BaP content of smoked sausage using ANN modeling techniques, which shows potential to predict the BaP content in smoked sausage. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Elevated brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is an early marker for patients at risk for complications after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC)
Authors: Fisher Sarah B. , Rafeeq Safia , Hess Ken , Grotz Travis E. , Mansfield Paul , Royal Richard , Badgwell Brian , Fleming Jason , Fournier Keith , Mann Gary N.
Published: November 2017

Background

Elevated BNP is associated with adverse cardiac outcomes after noncardiac surgery. We assessed BNP values as markers of perioperative fluid status and their correlation with major/cardiopulmonary (CP) complications following CRS + HIPEC.

Methods

Fluid balance, BNP levels, and morbidity data were collected for all patients undergoing CRS + HIPEC between 6/2014 and 2/2016.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐nine patients underwent CRS + HIPEC for appendiceal adenocarcinoma (n = 99), mesothelioma (n = 16), and colon cancer (n = 14). Less than 10% had CP comorbidities. The median PCI was 14 (range 4‐39); 89% underwent CC0/1 resection (n = 115). Median blood loss (EBL) was 497 mL (50‐2700). Major complications (Clavien III‐V) occurred in 16 (12%), CP in 17 (13%), and major/CP in 24 (18%). Thirty‐day mortality occurred in 2 (1.5%). Elevated BNP on POD1 correlated with increased risk of major/CP complications (OR 2.2, P = 0.052). This was most pronounced in the 25 patients receiving cisplatin: for each 100 unit increase in POD1 BNP the OR for major/CP complication was 7.4 versus 1.2 for the remaining patients, P = 0.083. Multivariate analysis identified increased EBL (OR 4.1 P = 0.011) and a trend toward increased BNP on POD1 (OR for each 100 unit increase 2.0, P = 0.10) as risk factors for major/CP complications.

Conclusions

Postoperative BNP measurement after CRS + HIPEC may guide postoperative fluid resuscitation and facilitate identification of patients at risk for major and/or cardiopulmonary complications.
Real‐time detection system for tumor localization during minimally invasive surgery for gastric and colon cancer removal: In vivo feasibility study in a swine model
Authors: Choi Won Jung , Moon Jin‐Hee , Min Jae Seok , Song Yong Keun , Lee Seung A , Ahn Jin Woo , Lee Sang Hun , Jung Ha Chul
Published: November 2017

Background and Objectives

During minimally invasive surgery (MIS), it is impossible to directly detect marked clips around tumors via palpation. Therefore, we developed a novel method and device using Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) technology to detect the position of clips during minimally invasive gastrectomy or colectomy.

Methods

The feasibility of the RFID‐based detection system was evaluated in an animal experiment consisting of seven swine. The primary outcome was to successfully detect the location of RFID clips in the stomach and colon. The secondary outcome measures were to detect time (time during the intracorporeal detection of the RFID clip), and accuracy (distance between the RFID clip and the detected site).

Results

A total of 25 detection attempts (14 in the stomach and 11 in the colon) using the RFID antenna had a 100% success rate. The median detection time was 32.5 s (range, 15‐119 s) for the stomach and 28.0 s (range, 8‐87 s) for the colon. The median detection distance was 6.5 mm (range, 4‐18 mm) for the stomach and 6.0 mm (range, 3‐13 mm) for the colon.

Conclusions

We demonstrated favorable results for a RFID system that detects the position of gastric and colon tumors in real‐time during MIS.
Post‐operative surveillance in retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcoma: The importance of tumor histology in guiding strategy
Authors: Zaidi Mohammad Y. , Canter Robert , Cardona Kenneth
Published: November 2017

Crafting effective surveillance strategies for retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas is difficult given the scarcity of literature on this rare disease. In this article, we will summarize the most recent literature on natural history and recurrence patterns of RPS compiled from multi‐institutional collaborative studies and centers with extended follow‐up data, and based on this evidence, propose principles for histology‐based post‐operative surveillance protocols.
Expression of programmed death‐1 in sentinel lymph nodes of breast cancer
Authors: Tatara Takashi , Mukohara Toru , Shimono Yohei , Yamasaki Takashi , Imamura Yoshinori , Funakoshi Yohei , Toyoda Masanori , Kiyota Naomi , Takao Shintaro , Kono Seishi , Kakeji Yoshihiro , Minami Hironobu
Published: November 2017

Background and Objectives

To explore whether lymphocytes in sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) are highly exposed to tumor neoantigens and thus express high level of programmed death 1 (PD‐1), we examined PD‐1 expression in SLNs and non‐sentinel regional lymph nodes (non‐SLNs) in breast cancer.

Methods

We performed PD‐1 immunohistochemistry in two cohorts: 40 metastasis‐negative SLNs including 10 patients for each subtype (luminal A‐like, luminal B‐like, HER2, and triple negative breast cancer [TNBC]); and 25 pairs of metastasis‐positive SLNs and non‐SLNs (10 luminal A‐like, 10 luminal B‐like, and 5 TNBC).

Results

Among 40 metastasis‐negative SLNs, 34 and 6 samples were PD‐1 intensity grade 1 (low) and 2 (high), respectively. PD‐1 intensity correlated with PD‐1‐positive lymphocyte numbers (P = 0.005); TNBC had the highest PD‐1 lymphocyte numbers among all subtypes. The median PD‐1‐positive lymphocyte number was higher in SLNs than non‐SLNs. In most cases, more lymphocytes in SLNs expressed PD‐1 than those in non‐SLNs (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

TNBC had the greatest PD‐1 expression among all subtypes, and metastasis‐positive SLNs had more PD‐1‐positive lymphocytes than downstream non‐SLNs. These data suggested that lymphocytes in SLNs are activated following exposure to tumor neoantigens and thus tumor specific, and could be utilized as a biomarker platform.
Comparative study on the liquid chromatographic enantioseparation of cyclic β‐amino acids and the related cyclic β‐aminohydroxamic acids on Cinchona alkaloid‐based zwitterionic chiral stationary phases
Authors: Bajtai Attila , Fekete Beáta , Palkó Márta , Fülöp Ferenc , Lindner Wolfgang , Kohout Michal , Ilisz István , Péter Antal
Published: November 2017

The enantiomeric pairs of cis and trans stereoisomers of cyclic β‐aminohydroxamic acids and their related cis and trans cyclic β‐amino acids containing two chiral centers were directly separated on four structurally related chiral stationary phases derived from quinine and quinidine modified with (R,R)‐ and (S,S)‐aminocyclohexanesulfonic acids. Applying these zwitterionic ion‐exchangers as chiral selectors, the effects of the composition of the bulk solvent, the acid and base additives, the structures of the analytes, and temperature on the enantioresolution were investigated. To study the effects of temperature and obtain thermodynamic parameters, experiments were carried out at constant mobile phase compositions in the temperature range 5–50°C. The differences in the changes in standard enthalpy Δ(ΔH°), entropy Δ(ΔS°), and free energy Δ(ΔG°) were calculated from the linear van't Hoff plots derived from the ln α versus 1/T curves in the studied temperature range. Results thus obtained indicated enthalpy‐driven separations in all cases. The sequence of elution of the enantiomers was determined and found to be reversed when ZWIX(–)™ was changed to ZWIX(+)™ or ZWIX(–A) to ZWIX(+A).