bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fresh stillborn and severely asphyxiated neonates share a common hypoxic–ischemic pathway
Authors: Ersdal Hege L. , Eilevstjønn Joar , Linde Jørgen E. , Yeconia Anita , Mduma Estomih R. , Kidanto Hussein , Perlman Jeffrey
Published: December 2017

Objective

To characterize, among non‐breathing flaccid neonates at delivery, immediate heartrate and responses to ventilation in relation to the clinical diagnosis of fresh stillbirth (FSB) or early neonatal death (END) within 24 hours.

Methods

The present cross‐sectional study included all deliveries at Haydom Hospital in rural Tanzania between July 1, 2013, and July 31, 2016. Ventilation parameters and heartrate were recorded by monitors with ventilation and dry‐electrocardiography sensors. Perinatal characteristics were recorded on data forms by trained research assistants.

Results

Among 12 789 neonates delivered, 915 were ventilated; among ventilated neonates, there were 53 (6%) FSBs and 64 (7%) ENDs. Electrocardiography was used in 46 FSBs and 55 ENDs, and these neonates were included in a subanalysis. Initial heartrate was detected in 27 (59%) of 46 FSBs and 52 (95%) of 55 ENDs, and was lower in FSBs (52 ± 19 vs 76 ± 37 bpm; P=0.003). More ENDs responded to ventilation (53% vs 9%; P<0.001), with heartrate increasing above 100 bpm. Heartrate at ventilation discontinuation was higher among ENDs (115 ± 49 vs 52 ± 33 bpm; P<0.001).

Conclusion

Progression to FSB or END after intrapartum hypoxia/anoxia is probably part of the same circulatory end‐process. Distinguishing FSB from severely asphyxiated newborns is clinically difficult and probably influences estimated global perinatal mortality rates.
Modular multimodal user interface for distributed ambient intelligence architectures
Authors: La Tona Giuseppe , Petitti Antonio , Lorusso Adele , Colella Roberto , Milella Annalisa , Attolico Giovanni
Published: December 2017

In recent years, the study of sensor and robot networks for ambient assisted living applications has gained a growing attention. In this work, a multimodal user interface for a distributed ambient intelligence architecture is presented. The user interface has been designed with in mind the specific characteristics of each user and the easiness of use of functions even for people without familiarity with technology. The system has been tested with elderly users: the acquired experience allows the analysis of problems such as user acceptance, usability and suitability of these systems. The tests have shown a good users' feeling towards the interface, especially in relation to the voice interface.
Aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index and gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase‐to‐platelet ratio outweigh fibrosis index based on four factors and red cell distribution width‐platelet ratio in diagnosing liver fibrosis and inflammation in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Wu Xiaojuan , Cai Bei , Su Zhenzhen , Li Yamei , Xu Jin , Deng Rong , Wang Lanlan
Published: December 2017

Background

The benefits of using serum markers to diagnose stages of liver disease in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients are controversial. We conducted a study to compare the clinical significance of four markers in evaluating liver inflammation and fibrosis in CHB patients.

Methods

A total of 323 treatment‐naive CHB patients who received a liver biopsy and routine laboratory testing were enrolled in our study. We used the Scheuer scoring system as a pathological standard for diagnosing liver inflammation and fibrosis. The diagnostic performance of the fibrosis index based on four factors (FIB‐4), the aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI), the gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase‐to‐platelet ratio (GPR), and the red cell distribution width‐platelet ratio (RPR) were analyzed with receiver‐operating characteristic curves (ROC).

Results

No significant differences among the four indexes for diagnosing significant fibrosis (S ≥ 2) was found, while APRI and GPR were superior to FIB‐4 and RPR in diagnosing moderate (G ≥ 2), severe (G ≥ 3) inflammation, and severe fibrosis (S ≥ 3). The AUROCs for diagnosing G ≥ 2 and G ≥ 3 were 0.732 and 0.861 for APRI, 0.726 and0.883 for GPR, 0.703 and0.705 for FIB‐4, and 0.660 and 0.747 for RPR, respectively. The AUROCs for diagnosing S ≥ 2 and S ≥ 3 were0.724 and 0.799 for APRI, 0.714 and0.801 for GPR, 0.683 and0.730 for FIB‐4, and 0.643 and 0.705 for RPR, respectively.

Conclusion

APRI and GPR were more effective than FIB‐4 and RPR at diagnosing liver inflammation and fibrosis.
Delafloxacin Pharmacokinetics in Subjects With Varying Degrees of Renal Function
Authors: Hoover Randall K. , Alcorn Harry , Lawrence Laura , Paulson Susan K. , Quintas Megan , Cammarata Sue K.
Published: December 2017

Delafloxacin, a fluoroquinolone, has activity against gram‐positive organisms including methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and fluoroquinolone‐susceptible and –resistant gram‐negative organisms. This study was conducted to determine delafloxacin pharmacokinetics after a single intravenous infusion or oral dose administration in subjects with varying degrees of renal function. The study was an open‐label, parallel‐group crossover study in subjects with normal renal function or with mild, moderate, or severe renal impairment. Subjects received 300 mg delafloxacin intravenously, placebo intravenously, and 400 mg delafloxacin orally in 3 periods separated by ≥14‐day washouts. Blood and urine pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using noncompartmental methods. Delafloxacin total clearance decreased with decreasing renal function, with a corresponding increase in AUC0–∞. After intravenous administration, mean total clearance was 13.7 and 7.07 L/h, and mean AUC0–∞ was 22.6 and 45.0 μg·h/mL in normal and severe renal subjects, respectively. Mean renal clearance as determined by urinary excretion was 6.03 and 0.44 L/h in normal and severe renal impairment subjects, respectively. Total clearance exhibited linear relationships to eGFR and CLCR. Similar observations were found after oral administration of delafloxacin. Single doses of delafloxacin 300 mg intravenously and 400 mg orally were well tolerated in all groups. In conclusion, renal insufficiency has an effect on delafloxacin clearance; a dosing adjustment for intravenous dosing is warranted for patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min).
Lateral ventricular volume measurement by 3D MR hydrography in fetal ventriculomegaly and normal lateral ventricles
Authors: Zhao Si‐xiu , Xiao Yun‐hua , Lv Fu‐rong , Zhang Zhi‐wei , Sheng Bo , Ma Hong‐li
Published: December 2017

Background

In fetuses with prenatal ventriculomegaly (VM), ventricular volume on MRI has been shown to correlate with poor postnatal outcomes and in utero death. 3D magnetic resonance hydrography (MRH) has been widely used for MR cholangiopancreatography.

Purpose

To investigate the reliability of 3D MRH for lateral ventricular volume measurement in fetuses with VM and normal lateral ventricles, using manual multisection planimetry (MSP) as a reference standard.

Study Type

Prospective study.

Population

Thirty‐five fetuses with VM at 24–37 gestational weeks (GA) and 35 fetuses with normal lateral ventricles at 24–38 GA.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T MRI with 3D MRH and T2‐weighted single‐shot fast‐spin echo sequence.

Assessment

Left, right, and total lateral ventricle volumes in fetuses were acquired from 3D MRH and manual MSP. All image analysis was performed by a radiologist twice and another radiologist once, blindly.

Statistical Tests

Analysis of linear regression analysis, Pearson's correlation coefficient, Bland–Altman plots, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and independent samples t‐test were used for statistical analyses.

Results

There were highly significant relationships between all 3D MRH and manual MSP measurements of lateral ventricular volumes (rVM = 0.92–0.98; rN = 0.95–0.98; all P < 0.0001; VM: VM group, N: normal group), although left, right, and total lateral ventricular volumes measured by 3D MRH tended to be slightly larger than MSP (biasVM 0.1 ± 0.95, 0.26 ± 0.63, and 0.3 ± 0.68 mL, respectively; biasN 0.1 ± 0.95, 0.26 ± 0.63, and 0.3 ± 0.68 mL, respectively). Interrater agreement and intrarater repeatability were also excellent for 3D MRH (ICCVM = 0.994–0.99, ICCN = 0.989–0.992; ICCVM = 0.975–0.987, ICCN = 0.958–0.971, respectively). 3D MRH showed significantly reduced measurement time (VM: 3.55 ± 0.42 vs. 11.81 ± 0.13 min; N: 3.08 ± 0.39 vs. 12.12 ± 0.11 min; all P < 0.0001).

Data Conclusion

Lateral ventricular volume measurement by 3D MRH was comparable to manual MSP.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017.
A study of neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging in wilson's disease
Authors: Song Yu‐kun , Li Xin‐bei , Huang Xiao‐long , Zhao Jing , Zhou Xiang‐xue , Wang Yu‐liang , Yan Xu , Wang Jing‐yan , Chu Jian‐ping
Published: December 2017

Background

Previous studies have indicated that neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) could be used as a biomarker for detecting microstructural changes of brain.

Purpose

To quantitatively evaluate the changes in basal ganglia (BG) and thalamus in Wilson's disease (WD) by NODDI and assess the correlation between parameters and disease severity.

Study Type

Prospective case–control study.

Population

In total, 24 WD patients and 25 age‐ and sex‐matched normal controls were involved in this study.

Field Strength/Sequence

EPI diffusion‐weighted MR images (b‐values = 0, 1000, and 2000 with 30 diffusion gradient directions) were acquired on a 3T scanner.

Assessment

Diffusion data were analyzed using voxel‐based analysis. NODDI indices including intracellular volume fraction (Vic), orientation dispersion index (ODI), and isotropic volume fraction (Viso) were estimated from the BG and thalamus. The disease severity was assessed by two experienced neurologists based on the Global Assessment Scale (GAS). The relative importance of NODDI indices in diagnosing WD and predictive accuracy were also analyzed.

Statistical Testing

The Shapiro–Wilk test, Student's t‐test, χ2 test, Mann–Whitney–Wilcoxon test, Spearman rank correlation coefficient analysis and random‐forest analysis were used for statistical analyses.

Results

The Vic and ODI in the BG and thalamus were significantly lower in WD patients than normal controls, while the Viso in the BG and thalamus were significantly higher (P < 0.01). The Vic in the putamen and ODI in the globus pallidus were negatively correlated with clinical severity (rvic = −0.727, P < 0.001; rodi = −0.705, P < 0.001). The Vic in the putamen was the most valuable predictor for diagnosing WD and the prediction accuracy of NODDI was 95.92%.

Data Conclusion

NODDI can effectively evaluate the changes of microstructure and metabolism during copper deposition in WD, and thus, it is likely to be useful in detecting the changes in the brain of this disease and assessing its progression.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy Stage 2

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2018;48:423–430.
Creativity from Start to Finish: A “Straight‐A” Model of Creative Process and Its Relation to Intelligence
Authors: Sternberg Robert J.
Published: December 2017

This article describes a “straight‐A” model of the creative process. It characterizes the creative process in five overlapping phases, with the variables most affecting those phases characterized as: (1) activators, (2) abilities, (3) amplifiers, (4) appeal to audience, and (5) assessment by audience. The creative process does not complete itself often, in part because all five phases rarely work in the right direction. For example, at Phase 1, there are deactivators as well as activators and at Phase 3, there are attenuators of creativity as well as amplifiers. I further discuss in the article the implications of the model for the relation between creativity and intelligence. In particular, whereas aspects of intelligence (according to the triarchic theory of successful intelligence) involve some degree overlap among creative, analytical, and practical skills, true creativity involves a true conjunction of these skills and is therefore much rarer.
Rapid identification of gutter oil by detecting the capsaicin using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Tian Kangzhen , Wang Wen , Yao Yue , Nie Xinming , Lu Aixia , Wu Ying , Han Caiqin
Published: December 2017

Accurate determination of the gutter oil represents a major food safety challenge. Here, we propose to use the surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with silver nanorod array substrates to detect the capsaicin, a marker of the gutter oil that is difficult to remove. The capsaicin has several characteristic SERS peaks at Δv = 807 cm−1, Δv = 1, 264 cm−1, and so forth, which correspond to the C39‐C37‐C43 stretching vibrational mode at the alkyl chain, the ring stretching vibrational mode, and so forth, confirmed by our density functional theory calculation. This SERS‐based method enabled the rapid and highly sensitive detection of the gutter oil with minimum pretreatment. The concentration dependent SERS investigation shows that the SERS intensity of these characteristic peaks has a linear relationship with the capsaicin concentration when 1 mg/L < C < 60 mg/L. By combining a liquid phase extraction method and the SERS detection strategy, the capsaicin concentration as low as 30 mg/L can be detected from inoculated corn oil samples.
An effective HPLC‐based approach for the evaluation of the content of total phenolic compounds transferred from olives to virgin olive oil during the olive milling process
Authors: Cecchi Lorenzo , Migliorini Marzia , Zanoni Bruno , Breschi Carlotta , Mulinacci Nadia
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Several studies demonstrate a strong interest in learning more about phenolic transfer during oil extraction, with the main goal of increasing the phenolic concentration in olive oils. We aimed to propose and apply a new methodological approach for evaluating phenolic transfer from olives into oil during milling, based on the quantification of phenolic content in whole lyophilized fruits and the corresponding oils and considering the oil extraction yields.

RESULTS

We investigated the phenols transferred into the oil during olive milling in continuous extraction systems in Tuscany. In 2012, oils were extracted from cultivar Frantoio by a two‐phase extraction system; in 2016, oils were extracted from cultivars Leccio del Corno and Arbequina by a three‐phase extraction system. Results highlighted very low percentages of extracted phenols: up to 0.40% by the two‐phase system and up to 0.19% by the three‐phase system (0.08% for cultivar Arbequina and 0.19% for cultivar Leccio del Corno).

CONCLUSION

The usefulness of a simple and effective methodological approach for evaluating the extracted phenols was highlighted. Values of extracted phenols were up to 25 times lower than previous literature data. The proposed approach is applicable in all types of milling processes. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of sugars and cyclitols isolated from various morphological parts of Medicago sativa L
Authors: Al‐Suod Hossam , Ratiu Ileana‐Andreea , Ligor Magdalena , Ligor Tomasz , Buszewski Bogusław
Published: December 2017

Plant research interest has increased all over the world, and a large body of evidence has been collected to show the huge potential of medicinal plants in various disease treatments. Medicago sativa L., known as alfalfa, is a rich source of biologically active components and secondary metabolites and was frequently used from the ancient times both as fodder crop and as a traditional medicine in the treatment of various diseases. Cyclitols, naturally occurring in this plant, have a particular interest for us due to their significant anti‐diabetic, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐cancer properties. In the present study we revealed the isolation, the identification, and the quantification of some cyclitols and sugars extracted from different morphological parts of alfalfa plant. Soxhlet extraction and solid phase extraction were used as extraction and purification methods, while for the analyses derivatization followed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry was involved. The obtained results showed significant differences in the quantities of cyclitols and sugars found in the investigated morphological parts, ranging between 0.02 and 13.86 mg/g of plant in case of cyclitols, and in the range of 0.09 and 40.09 mg/g of plant for sugars. However, roots have the richest part of cyclitols and sugars in contrast to the leaves.
Extreme precipitation and phosphorus loads from two agricultural watersheds
Authors: Carpenter Stephen R. , Booth Eric G. , Kucharik Christopher J.
Published: December 2017

Phosphorus runoff from agricultural land is a major cause of eutrophication in lakes and reservoirs. Frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation events are increasing in agricultural regions of the Upper Midwestern U.S., and these increases are projected to continue as climate warms. We quantified the linkage between extreme daily precipitation and extreme daily discharge, phosphorus (P) load, and P concentration for Pheasant Branch and the Yahara River, two tributaries of Lake Mendota, Wisconsin, U.S.A. using the generalized Pareto distribution. Although precipitation extremes have increased since 1940, over the shorter period of stream monitoring (1994–2015 for Pheasant Branch and 1991–2015 for Yahara) there is no significant trend in extreme precipitation. Nonetheless a disproportionate number of extreme precipitation events (for example seven of the 11 largest 24‐h events since 1901) occurred during the period of stream monitoring. Daily precipitation extremes were associated with extremes in daily discharge and P load. P load return levels increased steeply and almost linearly with precipitation on log‐log axes. The trend toward more frequent and intense precipitation extremes will increase P loading and intensify the eutrophication of the lake, unless the excessive P enrichment of the watershed is reversed.
Water renewal in semi‐enclosed basins: A high resolution Lagrangian approach with application to the Bay of Algeciras, Strait of Gibraltar
Authors: Sammartino Simone , Sánchez‐Garrido José C. , Naranjo Cristina , García Lafuente Jesús , Rodríguez Rubio Pablo , Sotillo Marcos
Published: December 2017

Lagrangian experiments of particle tracking were carried out in the semi‐enclosed Bay of Algeciras attached to the Strait of Gibraltar in order to investigate the flushing patterns. A high resolution three‐domain‐nested hydrodynamic model provided the velocity fields from a 61‐d hindcast, with the aim of analyzing the flushing efficiency of eight different docks under a variety of external conditions, namely, tide phase and strength, and winds. The tracking algorithm was specifically developed to exploit the high spatial resolution of the model that reproduces the local dynamics accurately. Winds are the dominant agent, with westerlies featuring
‐folding times one order of magnitude lower than easterlies. Fortnightly tidal modulation causes a counter‐intuitive effect, with spring tides promoting higher accumulation of particles inside the docks and higher
‐folding times than neap tides. Additionally to high resolution details on the flushing patterns of the Algeciras Port, the model also confirms the Bay as a potential feeder of floating tracers for the nearby Alboran Sea. The proposed approach is easily scalable and exportable to other similar locations worldwide.
A wild model of linear arithmetic and discretely ordered modules
Authors: Glivický Petr , Pudlák Pavel
Published: December 2017

Linear arithmetics are extensions of Presburger arithmetic () by one or more unary functions, each intended as multiplication by a fixed element (scalar), and containing the full induction schemes for their respective languages. In this paper, we construct a model of the 2‐linear arithmetic (linear arithmetic with two scalars) in which an infinitely long initial segment of “Peano multiplication” on is ‐definable. This shows, in particular, that is not model complete in contrast to theories and that are known to satisfy quantifier elimination up to disjunctions of primitive positive formulas. As an application, we show that , as a discretely ordered module over the discretely ordered ring generated by the two scalars, does not have the NIP, answering negatively a question of Chernikov and Hils.
On Schauder equivalence relations
Authors: Ma Xin
Published: December 2017

We study Schauder equivalence relations, which are Borel equivalence relations induced by actions of Banach spaces with Schauder bases. Firstly, we show that and are minimal Schauder equivalence relations. Then, we prove that neither of them is Borel reducible to the quotient where T is the Tsirelson space. This implies that they cannot form a basis for the Schauder equivalence relations. In addition, we apply an argument of Farah to show that every basis for the Schauder equivalence relations, if such exist, has to be of cardinality .
Expression of the arsenite oxidation regulatory operon in Rhizobium sp. str. NT‐26 is under the control of two promoters that respond to different environmental cues
Authors: Corsini Paula M. , Walker Kenneth T. , Santini Joanne M.
Published: December 2017

Rhizobium sp. str. NT‐26 is a Gram‐negative facultative chemolithoautotrophic arsenite oxidizer that has been used as a model organism to study various aspects of arsenite oxidation including the regulation of arsenite oxidation. The three regulatory genes, aioX, aioS, and aioR, are cotranscribed when NT‐26 was grown in the presence or absence of arsenite. The aioXSR operon is upregulated in stationary phase but not by the presence of arsenite in the growth medium. The two transcription start sites upstream of aioX were determined which led to the identification of two promoters, the housekeeping promoter RpoD and the growth‐phase‐dependent promoter RpoE2. Promoter–lacZ fusions confirmed their constitutive and stationary phase expressions. The involvement of the NT‐26 sigma factor RpoE2 in acting on the NT‐26 RpoE2 promoter was confirmed in vivo in Escherichia coli, which lacks a rpoE2 homolog, using a strain carrying both the promoter–lacZ fusion and the NT‐26 rpoE2 gene. An in silico approach was used to search for other RpoE2 promoters and AioR‐binding motifs and led to the identification of other genes that could be regulated by these proteins including those involved in quorum sensing, chemotaxis, and motility expanding the signaling networks important for the microbial metabolism of arsenite.
Cis‐acting DNA elements flanking the variable major protein expression site of Borrelia hermsii are required for murine persistence
Authors: James Allison E. , Rogovskyy Artem S. , Crowley Michael A. , Bankhead Troy
Published: December 2017

In Borrelia hermsii, antigenic variation occurs as a result of a nonreciprocal gene conversion event that places one of ~60 silent variable major protein genes downstream of a single, transcriptionally active promoter. The upstream homology sequence (UHS) and downstream homology sequence (DHS) are two putative cis‐acting DNA elements that have been predicted to serve as crossover points for homologous recombination. In this report, a targeted deletion/in cis complementation technique was used to directly evaluate the role for these elements in antigenic switching. The results demonstrate that deletion of the expression site results in an inability of the pathogen to relapse in immunocompetent mice, and that the utilized technique was successful in producing complemented mutants that are capable of antigenic switching. Additional complemented clones with mutations in the UHS and DHS of the expressed locus were then generated and evaluated for their ability to relapse in immunocompetent mice. Mutation of the UHS and inverted repeat sequence within the DHS rendered these mutants incapable of relapsing. Overall, the results establish the requirement of the inverted repeat of the DHS for antigenic switching, and support the importance of the UHS for B. hermsii persistence in the mammalian host.
Monitoring of the Conformational Space of Dipeptides by Generative Topographic Mapping
Authors: Horvath Dragos , Marcou Gilles , Varnek Alexandre
Published: December 2017

This work describes a procedure to build generative topographic maps (GTM) as 2D representation of the conformational space (CS) of dipeptides. GTMs with excellent propensities to support highly predictive landscapes of various conformational properties were reported for three dipeptides (AA, KE and KR). CS monitoring via GTMproceeds through the projection of conformer ensembles on the map, producing cumulated responsibility (CR) vectors characteristic of the CS areas covered by the ensemble. Overlap of the CS areas visited by two distinct simulations can be expressed by the Tanimoto coefficient Tc of the associated CRs. This idea was used to monitor the reproducibility of the stochastic evolutionary conformer generation process implemented in S4MPLE. It could be shown that conformers produced by <500 S4MPLE runs reproducibly cover the relevant CS zone at given setup of the driving force field. The propensity of a simulation to visit the native CS zone can thus be quantitatively estimated, as the Tc score with respect to the “native“ CR, as defined by the ensemble of dipeptide geometries extracted from PDB proteins. It could be shown that low‐energy CS regions were indeed found to fall within the native zone. The Tc overlap score behaved as a smooth function of force field parameters. This opens the perspective of a novel force field parameter tuning procedure, bound to simultaneously optimize the behavior of the in Silico simulations for every possible dipeptide.
A rigid, stand‐off hybrid dipole, and birdcage coil array for 7 T body imaging
Authors: Paška Jan , Cloos Martijn A. , Wiggins Graham C.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

To design a robust and patient friendly radiofrequency coil array (8‐channel transmit and 16‐channel receive) for cross‐sectional body imaging at 7 T, and to improve our understanding of the combination of dipole and loop like elements for ultra high field strengths.

Methods

The hybrid coil array was optimized in eletromagnetic simulations. Considered array candidates were the dipole, loop and birdcage array. The winning design was constructed and the signal‐to‐noise (SNR) was compared to a close fitting array at 3 T. Transmit and receive properties for different body sizes were assessed, and multi‐parametric maps were acquired with the Plug‐and‐Play MRF method.

Results

The winning design consists of a dipole array for transceive combined with a birdcage array for receive only. The central SNR improved by a factor of 3 as compared to a 3 T system with a local receive array. A transmit efficiency between 2.4 and 3.9
, a specific absorption rate efficiency of 0.25 to 0.53
, and a high SNR was achieved in the center for the targeted patient population.

Conclusion

The constructed coil array is easy to handle, safe, and patient friendly, allowing further development of abdominal imaging at 7 T. Quantitative MRI in the abdomen is possible with Plug‐and‐Play MRF using the designed coil array. Magn Reson Med 80:822–832, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
A backward Euler alternating direction implicit difference scheme for the three‐dimensional fractional evolution equation
Authors: Chen Hongbin , Xu Da , Cao Jiliang , Zhou Jun
Published: December 2017

A backward Euler alternating direction implicit (ADI) difference scheme is formulated and analyzed for the three‐dimensional fractional evolution equation. In our method, the Riemann‐Liouville fractional integral term is treated by means of first order convolution quadrature suggested by Lubich. Meanwhile, an ADI technique is adopted to reduce the multidimensional problem to a series of one‐dimensional problems. A fully discrete difference scheme is constructed with space discretization by finite difference method. Two new inner products and corresponding norms are defined to analyze the scheme. The verification of stability and convergence is based on the nonnegative character of the real quadratic form associated with the convolution quadrature. Numerical experiments are reported to demonstrate the efficiency of our scheme.
Mathematical analysis for management of released fish
Authors: Yoshioka H. , Yaegashi Y.
Published: December 2017

This short paper presents an optimal control model for cost‐effective and ecologically conscious management of released fish. Finding an optimal management strategy reduces to solving a Hamilton‐Jacobi‐Bellman equation having a solution by separation of variables. This paper analyzes the behavior of the solution and the associated optimal management strategy. The latter is verified with an actual strategy for Plecoglossus altivelis in Japan.
Banking regulation (amendment) ordinance, 2017: A resolute ordinance?
Authors: Midthanpally Raja Shekhar
Published: December 2017

This paper is a write up on the recent Banking Regulation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017, which is yet another step in a series of initiatives taken to resolve stressed assets in the Indian banking system. An ordinance to this effect was promulgated over a “bad bank” idea as such an entity would itself be a warehouse of stressed assets and not a resolution mechanism. The paper provides an overview of stressed assets, aim of the ordinance, immediate steps taken by RBI after the promulgation of ordinance, and the looming questions that still remain pertaining to resolution of stressed assets.
Germline APC mutations in hepatoblastoma
Authors: Yang Adeline , Sisson Rebecca , Gupta Anita , Tiao Greg , Geller James I.
Published: December 2017

Background

Conflicting reports on the frequency of germline adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene mutations in patients with hepatoblastoma (HB) have called into question the clinical value of APC mutation testing on apparently sporadic HB.

Methods

An Institutional Review Board approved retrospective review of clinical data collected from patients with HB who received APC testing at our institution was conducted. All HB patients seen at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center were eligible for testing. Potential genotype/phenotype correlations were assessed.

Results

As of July 2015, 29 patients with HB had received constitutional APC testing. Four (14%) were found to have APC pathogenic truncations of the APC protein and in addition two (7%) had APC missense variants of unknown clinical significance. Two patients (7%) had family histories indicative of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Response to chemotherapy tracked differently in APC pathogenic cases, with a slower imaging response despite an equivalent or slightly faster α‐fetoprotein (AFP) response.

Conclusion

The prevalence of pathogenic APC variants in apparently sporadic HB may be higher than previously detected. Differences in time to imaging response, despite similar AFP response, may impact surgical planning. All patients with HB warrant germline APC mutation testing for underlying FAP.
Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy in osteosarcoma
Authors: Guenther Lillian M. , Rowe R. Grant , Acharya Patricia T. , Swenson David W. , Meyer Stephanie C. , Clinton Catherine M. , Guo Dongjing , Sridharan Madhumitha , London Wendy B. , Grier Holcombe E. , Ecklund Kirsten , Janeway Katherine A.
Published: December 2017

Background

In osteosarcoma, patient survival has not changed in over 30 years. Multiple phase II trials have been conducted in osteosarcoma using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) as a primary endpoint; however, none of these have revealed new treatment strategies. We investigated RECIST in newly diagnosed patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy proven to be beneficial.

Methods

Patients treated from 1986 to 2011 for newly diagnosed osteosarcoma with paired tumor imaging before and after adequate neoadjuvant chemotherapy were included in this retrospective study. Two radiologists performed independent, blinded (to image timing) RECIST measurements of primary tumor and lung metastases at diagnosis and post‐neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Association between RECIST and histological necrosis and outcome were assessed.

Results

Seventy‐four patients met inclusion criteria. Five‐year overall survival and progression‐free survival (PFS) were 77 ± 7% and 61 ± 8%, respectively. No patients had RECIST partial or complete response in the primary tumor. Sixty‐four patients (86%) had stable disease, and 10 (14%) had progressive disease (PD). PD in the primary tumor was associated with significantly worse PFS in localized disease patients (P = 0.02). There was no association between RECIST in the primary tumor and necrosis. There were an insufficient number of patients with lung nodules ≥1 cm at diagnosis to evaluate RECIST in pulmonary metastases.

Conclusions

PD by RECIST predicts poor outcome in localized disease patients. In bone lesions, chemotherapy proven to improve overall survival does not result in radiographic responses as measured by RECIST. Further investigation of RECIST in pulmonary metastatic disease in osteosarcoma is needed.
Adolescent patient involvement in discussions about relapsed or refractory cancer with oncology clinicians
Authors: Frederick Natasha N. , Mack Jennifer W.
Published: December 2017

Background

Adolescents with cancer report a strong desire to be actively involved in personal healthcare decision making. The purpose of this study was to examine adolescent cancer patients’ involvement in conversations about relapsed and refractory disease, to characterize the content of patient–clinician communication, and to identify opportunities for improved patient–clinician communication.

Design/method

We analyzed audiotaped conversations between clinicians, parents, and adolescents with relapsed or refractory cancer. Of 36 conversations audiotaped for a larger study, 11 included adolescents ages 12 through 17 years.

Results

Adolescents were responsible for a mean 3.5% of total words spoken (range 0.6–10.0) in each discussion about relapsed or refractory cancer, whereas clinicians were responsible for 66.9% of total words spoken (range 39.5–87.1) and parents were responsible for 30.4% of total words spoken (range 10.9–59.1). Most clinician communication directed at the adolescent involved giving information (27.5%), engaging in social/personal conversation (21.2%), asking about medical history questioning (15.6%), and performing a clinical examination (15.4%). Adolescent communication directed at the clinician was predominantly classified as giving information in response to physician questioning (61.9%). In four of the 11 cases, clinicians sought adolescent opinions or preferences regarding next steps of care; adolescents only shared their preferences when asked directly.

Conclusions

Adolescent patient involvement in conversations about relapsed or refractory cancer is limited and often focused on responding to questions and participating in the history questioning and physical examination. Adolescents play a more active role in conversations about their cancer care when clinicians direct communication toward them. This study highlights opportunities for clinicians to actively engage adolescents in discussions about their medical care.
Interfacial interaction and the fracture toughness (KIC) trends in epoxy nanocomposites filled with functionalized graphene‐based fillers
Authors: Chakraborty Souvik , Chakraborty Amit K. , Barbezat Michel , Terrasi Giovanni P.
Published: December 2017

The present work deals with investigating and understanding the influence of filler‐matrix interfacial interaction on the fracture toughness of epoxy matrix filled with functionalized grapheme‐based fillers—graphene oxide (GO) and n‐butylamine functionalized graphene oxide (GO‐ButA), in fully cured, stoichiometric epoxy systems. A common epoxy resin was cured with two different curing agents (a polyetheramine based and an aliphatic amine based) to understand the significance of the curing agent and of the neat matrix properties on epoxy toughenability. Fractographic and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) indicate improved filler‐matrix interfacial interaction with a maximum of 11% increment in crosslink density with GO‐ButA as fillers. However, these stoichiometrically cured epoxy nanocomposites are seen to embrittle upon addition of nano‐fillers, irrespective of the type of filler or matrix as well as their manufacturer. A hypothesis on the possible cause of this embrittlement is presented based on the build‐up of internal stresses during cool down after cure and/or post cure which is believed to be mostly concentrated around the filler‐matrix interface within these nanocomposites. This work shows that apart from interfacial interactions, nanocomposite fracture toughness is also influenced by the cure reactions and matrix crosslinking, both of which are affected by the choice of curing agent. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E2356–E2369, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Three‐dimensional printing alginate/gelatin scaffolds as dermal substitutes for skin tissue engineering
Authors: Shi Lei , Xiong Liming , Hu Yiqiang , Li Wenchao , Chen ZhiChao , Liu Kang , Zhang Xianglin
Published: December 2017

The combination of artificial skin substitutes and epidermis grafts has been regarded as a promising therapeutic strategy for severe skin injury. Herein, a novel dermal substitute scaffold was manufactured with sodium alginate/gelatin composite material via extrusion freeforming technique and the appropriate printing parameters were investigated. In addition, several strategies of crosslinking process were applied to the scaffolds. Then Fourier transform infrared analysis, SEM observation, uniaxial compression test, dynamic degradation experiment and characterization of deformation were conducted to study the influence of crosslinking processes. Experimental results indicated that a three‐stage crosslinking process can make dermal substitute scaffolds with physicochemical properties that match with human skin tissue and satisfy requirements of skin tissue engineering. Finally, the cell proliferation result also confirms that the scaffolds have benign biocompatibility. This study presents a new potential approach, combining the three‐dimensional bioprinting with mature crosslinking process, to make bioactive dermal substitute scaffold. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1782–1790, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis of the poly(phosphoric‐boric acid) piperazine and its application as an effective flame retardant for epoxy resins
Authors: Xu Miao‐Jun , Ma Kun , Liu Chuan , Li Bin
Published: December 2017

A novel phosphorus‐nitrogen‐boron containing flame retardant additive of poly(phosphoric‐boric acid) piperazine, defined as PPBAP was synthesized by the salt‐forming reaction between anhydrous piperazine and phosphoric/boric acid, and the dehydration polycondensation under heating in nitrogen atmosphere. The synthesized PPBAP and curing agent m‐phenylenediamine were blended into epoxy resins (EP) to prepare flame retardant EP thermosets. The results demonstrated that the flame retardant EP thermosets successfully passed UL‐94 V‐0 rating during vertical burning tests and the limited oxygen index value was as high as 31.9% by incorporating 4 wt% PPBAP. The prepared PPBAP possessed excellent charring capability, meanwhile, PPBAP stimulated epoxy resins matrix decomposed and charring ahead of time due to its catalytic decomposition effect, which led to a higher char yield at high temperature. The incorporation of small amount of PPBAP almost not affected the glass transition temperature of EP thermosets. There are good compatibility between PPBAP and EP matrix, and the EP/PPABP thermosets remained excellent mechanical performance. The introduction of PPBAP benefited to the formation of a sufficient, more compact, homogeneous char layer with high strength on materials surface during combustion. The formed char layer effectively suppressed the heat transmission and diffusion, limited the production of combustible gases and inhibited the emission of smoke, which led to the reduction of the heat and smoke release. Moreover, the av‐EHC value was obviously declined with the addition of PPBAP into EP thermosets. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1858–1867, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Mechanical and interfacial properties of compatibilized polyurethane blends
Authors: Bulatović Vesna Ocelić , Mihaljević Antonia , Govorčin Bajsić Emi
Published: December 2017

The effects of two different styrene‐ethylene/butylene‐styrene (SEBS; SEBS‐g‐MA) block copolymers as potential compatibilizers for thermoplastic polyurethane/isotactic polypropylene blends (TPU/iPP), at different composition were investigated. The compatibilizers involved are unfunctionalized SEBS and functionalized grades containing maleic anhydride grafted to the midblock (SEBS‐g‐MA). Compatibility of each TPU/iPP/SEBS and TPU/iPP/SEBS‐g‐MA polymer blend was compared investigating mechanical, morphological, thermal and interfacial properties. From the results of the interfacial surface free energy, SEBS‐g‐MA is optimal compatibilizer which located at the interface of TPU and iPP phase exhibited much better synergy and improved the compatibility between the TPU and iPP phase. Accordingly, TPU/iPP/SEBS‐g‐MA showed better mechanical properties (higher tensile strength, elongation at break, and E modulus) and finer and more stable morphologies that were clearly observed by scanning electron microscopy. The thermogravimetric analysis confirmed these results showing pronounced thermal stability by addition of functionalized compatibilizer. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1911–1922, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Current and Emerging Pharmacotherapies for Cessation of Tobacco Smoking
Authors: Gómez‐Coronado Nieves , Walker Adam J. , Berk Michael , Dodd Seetal
Published: December 2017

Tobacco use disorder is a chronic illness. With its high comorbidity rate, it is a major cause of years of life lost or years lived with disability; however, it is also considered the most preventable cause of death in developed countries. Since the development of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in 1978, treatment options have continued to evolve and expand. Despite this, currently available treatments remain insufficient, with less than 25% of smokers remaining abstinent 1 year after treatment. In this article, we review existing and emerging smoking cessation pharmacotherapies, with a special emphasis on the most promising agents that are currently being investigated. A search of the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the PubMed, Ovid, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases (August 2 to September 1, 2017) was undertaken for articles on smoking cessation pharmacotherapies, applying no language restrictions. More than 40 pharmacotherapies were reviewed including conventional pharmacotherapies—NRT, bupropion, and varenicline (all approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as first‐line treatment of smoking cessation)—and novel therapies: cytisine, N‐acetylcysteine, cycloserine, memantine, baclofen, topiramate, galantamine, and bromocriptine. Studies of combination NRT and varenicline showed the greatest smoking cessation rates. Clonidine and nortriptyline are second‐line treatments used when first‐line treatments fail or are contraindicated, or by patient preference. Some novel therapies, especially acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, cytisine, and N‐acetylcysteine, display promising results. Because the results of randomized clinical trials were reported using varied end points and outcome measures, direct comparisons between different pharmacotherapies cannot easily be evaluated. Additional high‐quality randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trials with long‐term follow‐up, using validated sustained abstinence measures, are needed to find more effective smoking cessation aids.
Specific T Cell Responses against Minor Histocompatibility Antigens Cannot Generally Be Explained by Absence of Their Allelic Counterparts on the Cell Surface
Authors: Bijen Helena M. , Hassan Chopie , Kester Michel G. D. , Janssen George M. C. , Hombrink Pleun , de Ru Arnoud H. , Drijfhout Jan Wouter , Meiring Hugo D. , de Jong Ad P. , Falkenburg J. H. Frederik , Jimenez Connie R. , Heemskerk Mirjam H. M. , van Veelen Peter A.
Published: December 2017

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation has emerged as immunotherapy in the treatment of a variety of hematological malignancies. Its efficacy depends on induction of graft versus leukemia by donor lymphocytes. Both graft versus leukemia and graft versus host disease are induced by T cells reactive against polymorphic peptides, called minor histocompatibility antigens (MiHA), which differ between patient and donor and are presented in the context of self‐HLA (where HLA is human leukocyte antigen). The allelic counterpart (AC) of the MiHA is generally considered to be absent at the cell surface, based on the absence of immune responses directed against the AC. To study this in detail, we evaluate the recognition, HLA‐binding affinity, and cell surface expression of three selected MiHA. By quantitative MS, we demonstrate the similarly abundant expression of both MiHA and AC at the cell surface. We conclude that the absent recognition of the AC cannot generally be explained by insufficient processing and presentation at the cell surface of the AC.
A computational method for the design of nested proteins by loop‐directed domain insertion
Authors: Blacklock Kristin M. , Yang Lu , Mulligan Vikram K. , Khare Sagar D.
Published: December 2017

The computational design of novel nested proteins—in which the primary structure of one protein domain (insert) is flanked by the primary structure segments of another (parent)—would enable the generation of multifunctional proteins. Here we present a new algorithm, called Loop‐Directed Domain Insertion (LooDo), implemented within the Rosetta software suite, for the purpose of designing nested protein domain combinations connected by flexible linker regions. Conformational space for the insert domain is sampled using large libraries of linker fragments for linker‐to‐parent domain superimposition followed by insert‐to‐linker superimposition. The relative positioning of the two domains (treated as rigid bodies) is sampled efficiently by a grid‐based, mutual placement compatibility search. The conformations of the loop residues, and the identities of loop as well as interface residues, are simultaneously optimized using a generalized kinematic loop closure algorithm and Rosetta EnzymeDesign, respectively, to minimize interface energy. The algorithm was found to consistently sample near‐native conformations and interface sequences for a benchmark set of structurally similar but functionally divergent domain‐inserted enzymes from the α/β hydrolase superfamily, and discriminates well between native and nonnative conformations and sequences, although loop conformations tended to deviate from the native conformations. Furthermore, in cross‐domain placement tests, native insert‐parent domain combinations were ranked as the best‐scoring structures compared to nonnative domain combinations. This algorithm should be broadly applicable to the design of multi‐domain protein complexes with any combination of inserted or tandem domain connections.