bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ancillary studies in pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal effusion cytology
Authors: Sundling Kaitlin E. , Cibas Edmund S.
Published: August 2018

Pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal effusion specimens present diagnostic challenges and clinical opportunities for cytology. For the patient, these specimens may be the first diagnosis of malignancy or the first sign of disease recurrence. This review aims to provide useful approaches with which to resolve key difficulties in cytologic diagnosis through the use of ancillary studies, focusing on immunohistochemistry. These approaches are suggested in concert with clinical, radiographic, and morphologic findings. The differentiation of reactive mesothelial cells from malignant mesothelioma and adenocarcinoma is a recurring theme, and Wilms tumor 1 (WT1)/AE1/AE3, claudin 4, and BRCA1‐associated protein 1 (BAP1) immunostains are useful new tools in the armamentarium. A targeted workup is suggested for patients with no known primary site or with multiple prior malignancies. Molecular and other biomarker testing can be performed on even modestly cellular fluid specimens and may allow patients to benefit from targeted therapy without the need for additional tissue biopsies. Cancer Cytopathol 2018;000:000‐000. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
A practical guide for ancillary studies in pulmonary cytologic specimens
Authors: Auger Manon , Brimo Fadi , Kanber Yonca , Fiset Pierre O. , Camilleri‐Broet Sophie
Published: August 2018

Although most pulmonary cytologic specimens obtained by either exfoliation or fine needle aspirates can be reliably and accurately diagnosed based on pure morphologic criteria alone, a small proportion of cases require ancillary studies for either refining a diagnosis, for resolving a differential diagnosis or increasingly, for predictive purposes in primary lung carcinomas. This article aims to provide practical guidance on the use of common ancillary studies in pulmonary cytologic specimens. Cancer Cytopathol 2018;000:000‐000. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Highly Efficient and Stable Inorganic Perovskite Quantum Dots by Embedding into a Polymer Matrix
Authors: Zhu Jinyang , Xie Zhifeng , Sun Xueke , Zhang Siyuan , Pan Gencai , Zhu Yongsheng , Dong Biao , Bai Xue , Zhang Hanzhuang , Song Hongwei
Published: August 2018

All‐inorganic perovskite quantum dots (QDs) with high photoluminescence quantum yield, narrow spectral bandwidth, and broad spectral tunability have broad applications. However, perovskite QDs suffer from poor stability and the fast anion‐exchange reaction between different halide ions. Herein, we embedded green‐light‐emitting CsPbBr3 QDs and red‐light‐emitting CsPb(Br/I)3 QDs into carboxyl‐containing polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) by the hot‐injection method. As a result, the as‐prepared perovskite@PMMA composites not only retain high luminescence but also exhibit good water resistance. Moreover, this treatment prevents anion exchange between different halide QD particles in the solid state. The applications in light‐emitting diodes and cellular labeling agents are also carried out to demonstrate their good stability.
Energy‐based tuning of convolutional neural networks on multi‐GPUs
Authors: Castro F. M. , Guil N. , Marín‐Jiménez M. J. , Pérez‐Serrano J. , Ujaldón M.
Published: August 2018

Deep Learning (DL) applications are gaining momentum in the realm of Artificial Intelligence, particularly after GPUs have demonstrated remarkable skills for accelerating their challenging computational requirements. Within this context, Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models constitute a representative example of success on a wide set of complex applications, particularly on datasets where the target can be represented through a hierarchy of local features of increasing semantic complexity. In most of the real scenarios, the roadmap to improve results relies on CNN settings involving brute force computation, and researchers have lately proven Nvidia GPUs to be one of the best hardware counterparts for acceleration. Our work complements those findings with an energy study on critical parameters for the deployment of CNNs on flagship image and video applications, ie, object recognition and people identification by gait, respectively. We evaluate energy consumption on four different networks based on the two most popular ones (ResNet/AlexNet), ie, ResNet (167 layers), a 2D CNN (15 layers), a CaffeNet (25 layers), and a ResNetIm (94 layers) using batch sizes of 64, 128, and 256, and then correlate those with speed‐up and accuracy to determine optimal settings. Experimental results on a multi‐GPU server endowed with twin Maxwell and twin Pascal Titan X GPUs demonstrate that energy correlates with performance and that Pascal may have up to 40% gains versus Maxwell. Larger batch sizes extend performance gains and energy savings, but we have to keep an eye on accuracy, which sometimes shows a preference for small batches. We expect this work to provide a preliminary guidance for a wide set of CNN and DL applications in modern HPC times, where the GFLOPS/w ratio constitutes the primary goal.
Simulating systems of systems using situation/reaction paradigm
Authors: Benabidallah Rymel , Sadou Salah , Esnault Armel , Nacer Mohamed Ahmed
Published: August 2018

Modeling and simulation play a major role in complex system engineering. In Systems of Systems (SoS) engineering, a special case of complex systems engineering, they help to better understand and identify the side effects associated with the integration of autonomous constituent systems. Simulation is also a way of apprehending the emerging behaviors from this integration. The dynamic and evolving nature of the SoS environment has led us to rely on their most stable part to define them, namely their mission. In this paper, we propose a simulation framework for SoS based on a mission conceptual model. Mission is defined as a set of situations that require reactions. Situations are defined by rules on facts related to the SoS environment. Reactions are defined as orchestrations of services from constituent systems (subsystems) that must be triggered when a situation is identified. We present this simulation approach through a case study on a Telediabet SoS.
Cloud storage–based personalized sports activity management in Internet plus O2O sports community
Authors: Yu Lan
Published: August 2018

With the development of Internet plus technologies such as IoT, cloud computing, mobile Internet, and big data analysis, several new forms of sports community, which provided significant conveniences to the exercisers, were proposed. However, online communications are still deficient, and relationships among exercisers and between exercisers and sports activities are absent. To solve these problems, an Internet plus O2O sports community was proposed, and the idea and methods of sports activities management are discussed in this paper. Firstly, the activity management framework contributed by activity organizers, participants, and followers is constructed using cloud storage technology. Responsibilities of different kinds of users and constitution of activity data are also described. Secondly, six personalized recommendation algorithms, including tag‐based, relationship‐based, ranking list–based, content‐based, content‐based collaborative filtering, and user‐based collaborative filtering algorithms and their application in sports community are presented. Thirdly, a novel activity management model is designed, which supports online‐offline deep fusion and provides management of the whole procedures of a sports activity. Primary tasks of different activity stages are described. Finally, analysis methods and exhibition forms of statistics, text, and multimedia data are discussed.
Energy efficient channel aware multipath routing protocol for mobile ad‐hoc network
Authors: M. Anand , T. Sasikala , M. Anbarasan
Published: August 2018

Mobile ad‐hoc network (MANET) is a gathering of portable nodes that works without foundation or central administration. Because of the accessibility of little and cheap remote conveying nodes, MANETs can be utilized as a part of different applications, for example, front line correspondence and debacle alleviation applications. Energy consumption is an important issues in MANET because the mobile nodes are battery powered, hence diminishing system lifetime as batteries get depleted rapidly as nodes move and change their positions quickly crosswise over MANET. We propose an energy efficient channel aware routing algorithm for mobile ad‐hoc networks, called energy efficient channel aware ad‐hoc on‐demand multipath distance vector routing (EECA‐AOMDV). EECA‐AOMDV addresses three vital prerequisites of mobile ad‐hoc networks: energy effectiveness, unwavering quality and dragging out system lifetime. The proposed energy efficient channel mindful AOMDV (EECA‐AOMDV) utilizes the channel normal nonfading span and nodal residual energy as directing metric to choose the stable route for way revelation. The key thought of the convention is to discover average channel nonfading duration and maximum nodal residual energy as routing metrics of each course during the time spent choosing way and sort the multi course by slipping channel nonfading duration and nodal leftover energy.
An adaptive algorithm for high‐dimensional integrals on heterogeneous CPU‐GPU systems
Authors: Laccetti Giuliano , Lapegna Marco , Mele Valeria , Montella Raffaele
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we introduce an adaptive procedure for the numerical computation of a high‐dimensional integrals on HPC systems with heterogeneous nodes composed of multi‐core CPU and GPU devices. To this aim, we have integrated together two different approaches: a first one is in charge of a fair workload among the threads running on the multi‐core CPU, while a second one is in charge of an efficient execution of the computational kernels on the GPU. We tested the resulting algorithm on several test functions on a system where the nodes are provided with two Intel ten‐core CPU and one NVIDIA GPU device.
Temperature‐dependent Shape Changes of Ice Nanoclusters on Ag(100)
Authors: Bakradze Georgijs , Morgenstern Karina
Published: August 2018

We investigate the influence of the annealing temperature on the evolution of the ice nanoclusters’ geometry by means of low‐temperature scanning tunneling microscopy. The clusters, grown at 110 K on Ag(100), gradually increase in height and their shape becomes more compact during annealing at 120 K, 125 K, and 130 K. The increase in height indicates an upward mass transport and reflects a stronger water‐water than water‐surface bonding. The change in shape, quantitatively expressed as an increase in fractal dimension, is driven by a reduction of the total energy of the step edge. The significant changes in geometry induced by a relatively mild temperature increase underline the importance of temperature for the shape and all properties influenced by this shape of hydrogen‐bonded clusters of water ice.
Branched‐Chain Polyamine Found in Hyperthermophiles Induces Unique Temperature‐Dependent Structural Changes in Genome‐Size DNA
Authors: Nishio Takashi , Yoshikawa Yuko , Fukuda Wakao , Umezawa Naoki , Higuchi Tsunehiko , Fujiwara Shinsuke , Imanaka Tadayuki , Yoshikawa Kenichi
Published: August 2018

The front cover artwork is provided by the groups of Prof. K. Yoshikawa (Doshisha Univ.), Prof. T. Higuchi (Nagoya City Univ.), Prof. S. Fujiwara (Kwasei‐Gakuin Univ.) and Prof. T. Imanaka (Ritsumeikan Univ.). The image shows that at 80°C, multiple nano‐loops are generated along a strand of large DNA in the presence of a branched‐chain polyamine found in a hyperthermophilic archaeon living near the boiling point of water. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/cphc.201800396.
Maturation of Breathing‐Related Inhibitory Neurotransmission in the Medulla Oblongata of the Embryonic and Perinatal Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata)
Authors: Pickett Kaci L. , Stein Paxton S. , Vincen‐Brown Michael A. , Pilarski Jason Q.
Published: August 2018

The medullary portion of the embryonic zebra finch hindbrain was isolated and superfused with physiologically relevant artificial cerebral spinal fluid. This in vitro preparation produced uninterrupted rhythmic episodes of neural activity via cranial nerve IX (glossopharyngeal) from embryonic day 4 (E4) through hatching on E14. Cranial nerve IX carries motor activity to the glottis during the inspiratory phase of breathing, and we focused on the role of synaptic inhibition during the embryonic and perinatal maturation of this branchiomotor outflow. We show that spontaneous neural activity (SNA) is first observed on E4 and temporally transforms as the embryo ages. To start, SNA is dependent on the excitatory actions of GABAA and glycine. As the embryo continues to develop, GABAergic and glycinergic neurotransmission take on a modulatory role, albeit an excitatory one, through E10. After that, data show that GABAergic and glycinergic neurotransmission switches to a phenotype consistent with inhibition, coincident with the onset of functional breathing. We also report that the inhibitory action of GABAergic and glycinergic receptor gating is not necessary for the spontaneous generation of branchiomotor motor rhythms in these birds near hatching. This is the first report focusing on the development of central breathing‐related inhibitory neurotransmission in birds during the entire period of embryogenesis.
Postmortem tissue distribution of morphine and its metabolites in a series of heroin‐related deaths
Authors: Maskell Peter D. , Wilson Nathan E. , Seetohul L. Nitin , Crichton Megan L. , Beer Lewis J. , Drummond Gail , De Paoli Giorgia
Published: August 2018

The abuse of heroin (diamorphine) and heroin‐related deaths are increasing around the world. The interpretation of the toxicological results from suspected heroin‐related deaths is notoriously difficult, especially in cases where there may be limited samples. To help forensic practitioners with heroin interpretation, we determined the concentration of morphine (M), morphine‐3‐glucuronide (M3G), and morphine‐6‐glucuronide (M6G) in blood (femoral and cardiac), brain (thalamus), liver (deep right lobe), bone marrow (sternum), skeletal muscle (psoas), and vitreous humor in 44 heroin‐related deaths. The presence of 6‐monoacetylmorphine (6‐MAM) in any of the postmortem samples was used as confirmation of heroin use. Quantitation was carried out using a validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method with solid‐phase extraction. We also determined the presence of papaverine, noscapine and codeine in the samples, substances often found in illicit heroin and that may help determine illicit heroin use. The results of this study show that vitreous is the best sample to detect 6‐MAM (100% of cases), and thus heroin use. The results of the M, M3G, and M6G quantitation in this study allow a degree of interpretation when samples are limited. However in some cases it may not be possible to determine heroin/morphine use as in four cases in muscle (three cases in bone marrow) no morphine, M3G, or M6G were detected, even though they were detected in other case samples. As always, postmortem cases of suspected morphine/heroin intoxication should be interpreted with care and with as much case knowledge as possible.
Label‐free Voltammetric Immunosensor for Prostate Specific Antigen Detection
Authors: Oliveira Nélia , Costa‐Rama Estefanía , Viswanathan Subramanian , Delerue‐Matos Cristina , Pereira Lourdes , Morais Simone
Published: August 2018

This work describes a sensitive voltammetric immunosensor for label‐free electroanalysis of the prostate specific antigen (PSA), the main biomarker of prostate cancer. A gold electrode was firstly modified with the optimum self‐assembled monolayer (SAM), 1,6‐hexanedithiol, followed by the subsequent adsorption of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and, then, the monoclonal antibody to recognize PSA was immobilized. The influence of the most significant experimental variables (SAM type and incubation time, AuNPs deposition, antibody concentration and bovine serum albumin immobilization) on the biosensor response was studied by microscopy and voltammetry techniques. The electroanalytical detection was based on the interaction between PSA antibody and PSA via square‐wave voltammetry using ferrocyanide/ferricyanide as electrochemical redox indicator. Using the proposed immunosensor, PSA was specifically detected within the linear range between 0.2 and 200 ng mL−1 with 0.01 ng mL−1 as limit of detection. The immunosensor allows accurate, reproducible and sensitive (22.7 % reduction mL ng−1) detection in a concentration range useful for clinical purposes.
Application of a Polypyrrole/Carboxy Methyl Cellulose Ion Imprinted Polymer in the Electrochemical Detection of Mercury in Water
Authors: Velempini Tarisai , Pillay Kriveshini , Mbianda Xavier Y. , Arotiba Omotayo A.
Published: August 2018

Sulphur containing carboxy methyl ion imprinted polymers (S‐IIPs) were applied as an electrode modifier for the electrochemical detection of Hg(II). A bare glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified by electro‐polymerizing a layer of pyrrole and then drop coating with S‐IIPs. The bare GCE, GCE/polypyrrole (GCE/PPy), GCE/polyprrole/non‐ion imprinted polymers (GCE/PPy/NIPs) and the GCE/polypyrrole/sulphur ion imprinted polymers (GCE/PPy/S‐IIPs) electrodes were characterised with Fourier Transmission Infrared (FTIR) and electrochemical impendence spectroscopy (EIS). The square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) optimised conditions for the GCE/PPy/S‐IIPs were: a pH of 3, deposition potential of −1.0 V, pre‐concentration time of 60 s and 0.1 M HCl supporting electrolyte. The developed ion imprinted polymer electrochemical sensor was applied in the detection of Hg(II) in water. A detection limit of 0.1 μg L−1 was calculated within a concentration range of 20–800 μg L−1. The sensor was selective in the presence of interfering ions and method was validated with inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES) using real water and standard water samples.
Meiotic arrest and spindle defects are associated with altered KIF11 expression in porcine oocytes
Authors: Wan Xiang , Zhang Yu , Lan Mei , Pan Meng‐Hao , Tang Feng , Zhang Hao‐Lin , Ou Xiang‐Hong , Sun Shao‐Chen
Published: August 2018

Kinesin superfamily proteins (KIFs) act as molecular motors and are involved in material transport along microtubules to maintain normal cellular functions. KIF11 (also named kinesin‐5, Eg5, and KSP) is a plus‐end‐directed homotetrameric kinesin that regulates spindle formation for actuate chromosomal separation during mitosis. However, the roles of KIF11 in meiosis are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the regulatory functions of KIF11 during porcine oocyte maturation. The results indicated that KIF11 was expressed in different stages during porcine oocyte meiosis. Inhibition of KIF11 activity led to the failure of the first polar body extrusion, and we found that cell cycle progression was disturbed, which was confirmed by the decreased Cdc2 expression. Furthermore, inhibition of KIF11 resulted in decreased tubulin acetylation and caused sequential disruption of the spindle assembly and chromosome alignment. We also found that in postovulatory aging porcine oocytes, the KIF11 expression was altered, indicating that KIF11 was involved with aging‐induced spindle disorganization. In summary, our results showed that KIF11 regulated the cell cycle and tubulin acetylation related spindle formation in porcine oocyte meiosis. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 59:805–812, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative Performance Evaluation of Flame Retardant Additives for Lithium Ion Batteries – I. Safety, Chemical and Electrochemical Stabilities
Authors: Dagger Tim , Rad Babak R. , Schappacher Falko M. , Winter Martin
Published: August 2018

Within this 1st part of a comparative study, flame retardant electrolyte additives (FRs), as candidates for lithium ion battery electrolytes, from four different phosphorous‐containing molecule classes, are investigated. The five FRs (tris(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl)phosphate (TFP), tris(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl)phosphite (TTFPi), bis(2,2,2 trifluoroethyl)methylphosphonate (TFMP), (ethoxy)pentafluorocyclotriphosphazene (PFPN) and (phenoxy)pentafluoro‐cyclotriphosphazene (FPPN)) are investigated in a comparative manner to conclude structure‐property relationships according to their self‐extinguishing time (SET), onset temperature of the thermal runaway, chemical and electrochemical stability. SET experiments using standard electrolyte (1 M LiPF6 in ethylene carbonate : dimethyl carbonate 1 : 1 wt%) confirm high reproducibility of the used SET device. The results reveal a strong dependency of the ignition time on the SET. Therefore it is suggested, to investigate the SET for various ignition times. All FR additives remain chemically stable for weeks after added to the standard electrolyte during storage (approved by nuclear magnetic resonance). Cyclophosphazenes show superior results concerning their first time of inflammation and thermal electrolyte stability (approved by adiabatic reaction calorimetry). All additives show partial electrolyte decomposition only during the first charge in voltammetric experiments.
Comparative Performance Evaluation of Flame Retardant Additives for Lithium Ion Batteries – II. Full Cell Cycling and Postmortem Analyses
Authors: Dagger Tim , Niehoff Philip , Lürenbaum Constantin , Schappacher Falko M. , Winter Martin
Published: August 2018

Within this 2nd part of a comparative study five flame retardant additives (FRs) as candidates for lithium ion battery (LIB) electrolytes are evaluated in terms of their electrochemical performance in order to investigate performance differences and their long‐term stability. FRs from four different phosphorus‐containing molecule classes, (namely tris(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl)phosphate (TFP), tris(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl)phosphite (TTFPi), bis(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl)methylphosphonate (TFMP), (ethoxy)pentafluorocyclotriphosphazene (PFPN), (phenoxy)pentafluorocyclotriphosphazene (FPPN)) are investigated using MCMB graphite anode/NMC111 cathode full cells and cycled up to 501 times. A major part of the investigations focuses on the effect of different FRs on the first cycle performance, the raising additional resistance, the rate capability and the self‐discharge behavior of the cells. It is shown that the addition of fluorinated cyclophosphazenes (PFPN and FPPN) provides the best electrochemical performance among the evaluated additives. Postmortem investigations by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy further validate the decomposition of TFP and TTFPi during prolonged cycling, thus explaining the detrimental impact on electrochemical performance. Hence, these additives are not suitable for application in LIB in terms of safety enhancement. In contrast, TFMP, PFPN and FPPN improve the electrolyte stability. The formation of typical decomposition products (e. g. dimethyl‐2,5‐dioxahexanedicarboxylate) that indicate severe electrolyte degradation, is avoided by using these additives.
Neonicotinoid insecticide hydrolysis and photolysis: Rates and residual toxicity
Authors: Todey Stephen A. , Fallon Ann M. , Arnold William A.
Published: August 2018

Neonicotinoid insecticides are the most widely used class of insecticides worldwide. Concern has grown over their widespread environmental presence and potential unintended adverse effects. The present study examined hydrolysis and photolysis reaction rates of neonicotinoids and assessed any residual toxicity of reaction products. Hydrolysis rates were tested between pH 4 and 10 and found to be base-catalyzed. Experiments revealed a nonelementary rate law for hydrolysis, with the hydroxide concentration raised to a power of 0.55 ± 0.09, which has implications for accurate prediction of environmental half-lives. Divalent metal ions (Cu2+, Ni2+, Zn2+) and minerals (kaolinite, goethite, TiO2) had no effect on hydrolysis rates. The hydrolysis rate in a natural water, however, was slower than that predicted by buffered experiments. Nitenpyram, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, and clothianidin reacted via direct photolysis in both ultrapure and natural waters, with average quantum yields of 0.024 ± 0.001, 0.0105 ± 0.0002, 0.0140 ± 0.0002, and 0.0101 ± 0.0001, respectively. Acetamiprid primarily underwent indirect photolysis by reaction with OH· (1.7 ± [0.2] × 109 M−1 s−1). For all compounds, the urea derivative was the most commonly detected product in both hydrolysis and photolysis experiments. Using mosquito (Culex pipiens) larvae, no residual toxicity of reaction products was observed. Results indicate long environmental half-lives for the tested neonicotinoids, which may help to explain their ubiquitous presence in environmental matrices. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2797–2809. © 2018 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC

Abstract

Neonicotinoid insecticdes photolyze and hydrolyze to form urea-derivatives, which do not retain toxicity when tested on mosquito larvae.
Neoproterozoic arc volcanic rocks of the Nanping–Ninghua tectonic belt, South China: Implications for the collision between the North and South Wuyi blocks
Authors: Jiang Yang , Zhao Xilin , Zhang Yanjie , Xing Guangfu , Xu Mincheng , Liu Huan
Published: August 2018

Numerous volcanic–sedimentary rocks of the Wanquan and Gaiyang groups are found throughout the Nanping–Ninghua tectonic belt, South China. However, detailed studies on the tectonic evolution of the Nanping–Ninghua tectonic belt have been limited by the lack of systematic previous research linking these volcanic–sedimentary rocks. This study presents a systematic petrological, geochronological, and geochemical study of meta‐volcanic rocks from the Louqian Formation in Mingxi County, China. Zircons from these rocks were analysed by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) and yielded a U–Pb weighted mean age of 734.7 ± 3.3 Ma. The SiO2 contents of the meta‐volcanic rocks range from 59.91 to 73.47 wt.%, and they have high Al2O3 and Na2O + K2O contents (13.17–18.80 and 6.73–11.19 wt.%, respectively), and low CaO, MgO, and FeOT contents. All samples are enriched in large‐ion lithophile elements (LILE; e.g., Ba, Rb, and K) and depleted in high‐field‐strength elements (HFSE; e.g., Nb, Ta, Ti, and P). Marked negative Eu anomalies are similar to those in arc igneous rocks. Based on regional geological data and previous studies, we propose that the Nanping–Ninghua tectonic belt formed in an active continental margin environment from 825 to 696 Ma. Island arc magmatism was caused by the oceanic crust subduction, which contributed to the formation of an intermediate–silicic volcanic belt along the Nanping–Ninghua continental margin that was active until 696 Ma. The North and South Wuyi blocks did not assembly to form a unified Wuyi Block before 696 Ma, and there is no unified pre‐Nanhua crystalline basement present in the Cathaysia Block.
Treatment of mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma with a long‐term once‐weekly regimen of oral azithromycin: Results from the phase II MALT—A trial
Authors: Lagler Heimo , Kiesewetter Barbara , Dolak Werner , Obermueller Markus , Simonitsch‐Klupp Ingrid , Lukas Julius , Neuper Ortrun , Lamm Wolfgang W. , Mayerhoefer Marius E. , Raderer Markus
Published: August 2018

The macrolide clarithromycin has been reported as active for therapy of mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Pharmacokinetic properties, however, require continuous daily intake over a prolonged period of time. As the macrolide azithromycin is characterized by a long half‐life as well as potential antineoplastic activity in vitro, we have performed a phase II trial of long‐term once‐weekly oral azithromycin for treatment of MALT lymphoma. In a 2‐stage‐design, 16 patients (10 f/6 m) with histologically verified and measurable MALT lymphoma were included in the first phase of the trial, which could be expanded to a maximum of 46 patients depending on remissions in the first phase. Patients were given oral azithromycin 1500 mg once‐weekly 4 times a month, and restaging was performed after 3 and 6 months. Two patients had gastric and 14 extragastric MALT lymphoma; 12/16 patients were treatment‐naive and received azithromycin as first line treatment. Tolerance of this regimen was excellent, and 14/16 patients received 6 months of treatment as scheduled, while 1 patient each discontinued after 4 (progressive disease) and 1 cycle (personal reasons), respectively. The most commonly observed side effects were mild nausea (n = 8) and diarrhea (n = 4). Efficacy, however, was low as only 4/16 patients (25%) responded, with 2 complete and 2 partial remissions, 9 patients (56%) had stable disease, and 3 patients 19%) were rated as progressive disease. As the predefined activity of more than 7/16 patients responding was not reached, the study was stopped after 16 patients. Although long‐term once‐weekly oral azithromycin showed some antilymphoma activity, the response rate was below the predefined threshold of interest. However, based on our data, one cannot rule out suboptimal dosing in our study; attempts to study azithromycin at a different mode of application might be warranted in the future.
Patients' satisfaction and public and private sectors' health care service quality in Pakistan: Application of grey decision analysis approaches
Authors: Javed Saad Ahmed , Liu Sifeng , Mahmoudi Amin , Nawaz Muhammad
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The study aims to evaluate the comprehensive relationship between patient satisfaction and five dimensions of health care service quality in Pakistani public/private health care sectors, using a novel grey relational analysis (GRA) models and the Hurwicz criteria of decision making under uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from private and public health care facilities of Pakistan through an improved SERVQUAL instrument. Deng's GRA, absolute GRA, and the second synthetic GRA models were applied to address the problem under study.

Findings

Grey relational analysis models revealed that reliability and responsiveness are most strongly predicting patient satisfaction in public and private health care sectors, respectively. The Hurwicz criteria showed that patients are more likely to be satisfied from private health care facilities.

Limitations/implications

Limitations of SERVQUAL model are also the limitations of the study; eg, the study suggests that because of the absence of “cost,” which is a key quality indicator of Pakistani public sector health care facilities, the model was unable to comprehensively evaluate the health care situation in light of the observations of price‐focused Pakistani patients. The study recommends tailoring of SERVQUAL model for the resource‐scant and underdeveloped countries where people's evaluation of the quality of the hospitals is likely to be influenced by the price of services.

Originality/value

The study is a pioneer in health care evaluation of public and private sectors of Lahore and Rawalpindi while using GRA models, in general, and the second synthetic GRA model, in particular. It presents an alternative method to the statistical way of analyzing data by successfully demonstrating the use of grey methods, which can make reasonable decisions even through small samples.
The toxicity of ZnO nanomaterials to HepG2 cells: the influence of size and shape of particles
Authors: Yan Dejian , Long Jimin , Liu Jikai , Cao Yi
Published: August 2018

Understanding the possible role of physicochemical properties in determining the toxicity of ZnO nanomaterials (NMs) is crucial for the safe use of ZnO‐based materials. In this study, we synthesized four types of ZnO NMs, and characterized them as ZnO nanorods (NRs; length 400‐500 nm, diameter 150‐200 nm), ZnO Mini‐NRs (length 50‐100 nm, diameter 15‐20 nm), amorphous ZnO microspheres (a‐ZnO MS) and crystalline ZnO MS (c‐ZnO MS; the a/c‐ZnO MS are nanoflowers with an extensive growth of sheet‐like structures). ZnO NMs and ZnO Mini‐NRs were significantly more cytotoxic than a/c‐ZnO MS, and this trend was similar in both HepG2 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Intracellular reactive oxygen species was only modestly induced by c‐ZnO MS, whereas intracellular Zn ions were dose‐dependently increased in HepG2 cells by the exposure of all types of ZnO NMs. The expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress marker DDIT3 was induced following an order of ZnO NRs > a‐ZnO MS > c‐ZnO MS > ZnO Mini‐NRs, and the apoptosis gene CASP12 was induced following an order of a‐ZnO MS > ZnO NRs > c‐ZnO MS > ZnO Mini‐NRs. Combined, these results suggested that ZnO NM‐induced cytotoxicity and expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress‐apoptosis genes could be influenced by the size and shape of ZnO NMs.
Effects of bone marrow mononuclear cells delivered through a graft vessel in patients with previous myocardial infarction and chronic heart failure: An echocardiographic study of left ventricular dyssynchrony
Authors: Qi Zhi , Liu Sheng , Duan Fujian
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Several trials are investigating the delivery of stem cells to treat ischemic cardiomyopathy. The aim of this study was the echocardiographic evaluation of the effectiveness of isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) combined with bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNC) delivered through the graft vessels to improve left ventricular dyssynchrony in patients with previous myocardial infarction and chronic heart failure.

Methods

42 patients with previous myocardial infarction and chronic heart failure were randomly allocated to either the CABG only group (n = 18) or the CABG with BMMNC graft group (n = 24group). We used 2D strain imaging to measure the absolute difference in time‐to‐peak radial strain between the earliest and the latest activated segments on LV short‐axis images at the apical (RSTa), at the mitral annulus (RSTb), and at the papillary muscle (RSTm) level.

Results

The effective rate of LV dyssynchrony improvement was significantly higher in the CABG + BMMNC than in the CABG only group (RSTb: 91.7% vs 50%, P < .05; RSTm: 78.6% vs 35.7%, P < .05; RSTa: 92.3% vs 50%, P < .05). The deterioration rate of LV synchrony was significantly lower in the CABG + BMMNC than in the CABG only group for RSTb (8.3% vs 70%, P < .05;) and RSTm (0 vs 50%, P < .05), but not for RSTa (18.2% vs 37.5%, P > .05).

Conclusions

Combining CABG with BMMNC delivering provided a better improvement of left ventricular dyssynchrony than CABG only.
Perspectives of South African youth in the development of an implant for HIV prevention
Authors: Krogstad Emily A , Atujuna Millicent , Montgomery Elizabeth T , Minnis Alexandra , Ndwayana Sheily , Malapane Tsholofelo , Shapley‐Quinn Mary Kate , Manenzhe Kgahlisho , Bekker Linda‐Gail , van der Straten Ariane
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Implants are a new dosage form in development for HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with potential for high adherence given that they are provider‐administered and are intended for long‐acting protection. Integrating end‐user preference into early stage product development may further overcome challenges with future product uptake and adherence. Hence, we sought to optimize the design of a PrEP implant in early‐stage development by gathering opinions about implant attributes from potential end‐users in South Africa.

Methods

We conducted 14 focus group discussions (FGDs) with young women and men aged 18 to 24 in Cape Town and Soshanguve, South Africa, inviting participants into discussion as co‐designers. FGDs were homogenous by gender and previous implant experience. During FGDs, we showed prototype devices and followed a semi‐structured guide with questions on history of contraceptive implant use, preferences for physical characteristics of an implant, implant biodegradability, insertion process, participant‐driven ideas for implant design, and social adoption considerations. FGDs were facilitated in English, isiXhosa, Tswana, isiZulu, or Tsonga, audio‐recorded, transcribed into English, and qualitatively coded and analysed.

Results

In this qualitative sample of 105 youth (68 women and 37 men), 58 participants were from Soshanguve and 47 from Cape Town, and 23% had previously used contraceptive implants. Participants expressed preferences for several implant design features; specifically, longer duration (≥6 months) was more important to most participants than the size or number of devices implanted. A majority preferred a flexible versus stiff implant to minimize palpability, thereby increasing discreetness and comfort. Nearly all participants favoured a biodegradable implant to avoid removal and thus reduce clinic visits. Concerns about the implant centred on its possible side effects and the “plastic” look of the prototype displayed for demonstration.

Conclusions

This study offers preliminary insights into an implant for HIV prevention that provides long‐lasting protection may be well received among young South Africans. Additionally, flexibility, discreetness, and biodegradability may increase acceptability of the implant. Such end–user feedback is being incorporated into current implant designs in the hope of creating an effective long‐acting PrEP product that is likely to achieve high uptake and adherence in target populations.
Single scan quantitative gradient recalled echo MRI for evaluation of tissue damage in lesions and normal appearing gray and white matter in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Xiang Biao , Wen Jie , Cross Anne H. , Yablonskiy Dmitriy A.
Published: August 2018

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease affecting the human central nervous system (CNS) and leading to neurologic disability. Although conventional MRI techniques can readily detect focal white matter (WM) lesions, it remains challenging to quantify tissue damage in normal‐appearing gray matter (GM) and WM.

Purpose

To demonstrate that a new MRI biomarker, R2t*, can provide quantitative analysis of tissue damage across the brain in MS patients in a single scan.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Forty‐four MS patients and 19 healthy controls (HC).

Field Strength/Sequence

3T, quantitative gradient‐recalled‐echo (qGRE), Magnetization‐prepared rapid gradient‐echo, fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery.

Assessment

Severity of tissue damage was assessed by reduced R2t*. Tissue atrophy was assessed by cortical thickness and cervical spinal cord cross‐sectional area (CSA). Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite was used for clinical assessment.

Results

R2t* in cortical GM was more sensitive to MS damage than cortical atrophy. Using more than two standard deviations (SD) reduction versus age‐matched HC as the cutoff, 48% of MS patients showed lower R2t*, versus only 9% with lower cortical thickness. Significant correlations between severities of tissue injury were identified among 1) upper cervical cord and several cortical regions, including motor cortex (P < 0.001), and 2) adjacent regions of GM and subcortical WM (P < 0.001). R2t*‐defined tissue cellular damage in cortical GM was greater relative to adjacent WM. Reductions in cortical R2t* correlated with cognitive impairment (P < 0.01). Motor‐related clinical signs correlated most with cervical cord CSA (P < 0.001).

Data Conclusion

Reductions in R2t* within cortical GM was more sensitive to tissue damage than atrophy, potentially allowing a reduced sample size in clinical trials. R2t* together with structural morphometry suggested topographic patterns of regions showing correlated tissue damage throughout the brain and the cervical spinal cord of MS patients.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:487–498.
Local multiquadric scheme for solving two‐dimensional weakly singular Hammerstein integral equations
Authors: Assari Pouria , Asadi‐Mehregan Fatemeh
Published: August 2018

The main purpose of this article is to present a numerical method for solving two‐dimensional Fredholm‐Hammerstein integral equations of the second kind with weakly singular kernels. The scheme utilizes locally supported (inverse) multiquadric functions constructed on scattered points as a basis in the discrete collocation method. The local (inverse) multiquadrics estimate a function in any dimensions via a small set of data instead of all points in the solution domain. The proposed method uses a special accurate quadrature formula based on the nonuniform Gauss‐Legendre integration rule for approximating singular integrals appeared in the scheme. In comparison with the globally supported (inverse) multiquadric for the numerical solution of integral equations, the proposed method is stable and uses much less computer memory. Moreover, the algorithm of the presented approach is attractive and easy to implement on computers. Since the scheme does not require any mesh generations on the domain, it can be identified as a meshless method. The error analysis of the method is provided. The convergence accuracy of the new technique is examined over several two‐dimensional Hammerstein integral equations and obtained results confirm the theoretical error estimates.
Maternal experience and adult neurogenesis in mammals: Implications for maternal care, cognition, and mental health
Authors: Medina Joanna , Workman Joanna L.
Published: August 2018

The transition to motherhood encompasses physiological and behavioral adaptations essential for the initiation and maintenance of offspring care and feeding and includes widespread changes throughout the brain. The growth of new neurons occurs across the lifespan in distinct regions of mammalian brains and changes dynamically across reproductive events in female mammals. The subventricular zone (SVZ) and dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus undergo high rates of neurogenesis in adulthood and are sensitive to hormonal fluctuations. Pregnancy and the postpartum period are associated with increased cell proliferation in the SVZ and interneuron survival in the olfactory bulb. In mice, peripartum prolactin signaling mediates SVZ neurogenesis and is important for enhanced olfactory recognition of offspring and maternal care. In contrast, cell proliferation and immature neuron survival decrease in the DG during the postpartum period. High baseline glucocorticoid concentrations suppress hippocampal neurogenesis, potentially representing an energetic trade‐off accompanying a reduced need for spatial navigation early postpartum. In women, hippocampal volume decline during pregnancy and partial recovery during the postpartum period could contribute to the risk of psychiatric illness. New evidence indicates that the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR) is an additional site for adult neurogenesis sensitive to reproductive experience and offspring contact. In this review, we discuss the initial and lasting impact of maternal experience on adult neurogenesis. Because neurogenesis has been implicated in a variety of psychiatric and neurodegenerative illnesses, understanding how reproductive experience alters new neuron production in maternal mammals has far‐reaching implications for women's health and wellness across the lifespan.
Regimes of rainfall preceding regional rainfall events over the plain of Beijing City
Authors: Yuan Weihua , Xu Hang , Yu Rucong , Li Jian , Zhang Yingxin , He Na
Published: August 2018

Four regimes of rainfall that preceded strong regional rainfall events (RREs) over the plain area of Beijing City (BJP) were studied using hourly station‐based rainfall observations during the warm season (May–October) of the past 8 years. The RREs were outlined by the maximum rainfall at all stations over the BJP each hour. The strong RREs were classified into four groups based on the rainfall that occurred in the 3 hr before the start of the events, which originated from areas northwest, southeast, northeast and southwest of the BJP. The four groups of RREs exhibited different characteristics. The number of RREs from the northwestern mountains was the highest, that is, approximately twice (four times) that from the northeastern mountains and the southwestern plain (southeastern coastal areas). The amounts, intensities and durations of the RREs from the southwestern plain were two to fourfold higher than those from the three other directions. The mean rainfall centres of the RREs from the northeast and southeast were located outside the BJP. Correspondingly, the spatial coverages and homogeneities of the RREs in the BJP from the northeast and southeast were poorer than those from the two other directions. All four groups of RREs ended to the southeast of the BJP and occurred mainly from the late afternoon to the early morning. Detailed rainfall classification based on the origination and feature analyses of all rainfall processes will enrich our knowledge of the rainfall evolutions of the BJP. In addition, combined with a study of the circulation of the rainfall processes, comprehensive understanding of fine‐scale rainfall features will provide further information for rainfall forecasting. In the future, our analyses will be applied to the corresponding atmospheric circulations of those RREs with different origins to identify the key factors that lead to different rainfall distributions.
Extreme rainfall estimation at ungauged sites: Comparison between region‐of‐influence approach of regional analysis and spatial interpolation technique
Authors: Das Samiran
Published: August 2018

Reliable estimation of design extreme rainfall at an ungauged site is regarded to be an important task in engineering hydrology. This study compares two approaches of extreme rainfall estimation at ungauged locations: region‐of‐influence (ROI) approach of regional estimation and interpolation‐based at‐site estimation in a low‐lying country where the density of rainfall measurements is relatively low. Both approaches incorporate generalized extreme value (GEV) based index‐flood estimation procedure in which the growth factor is used as the means of comparison. The geographical proximity based ROI scheme is assessed for its suitability in ungauged cases whereas popular interpolation techniques—inverse distance weighting (IDW) and kriging—are examined to find an appropriate model for the same purpose. The estimation of index is required in the index‐flood method to get a complete frequency curve at ungauged locations. This study also compares several interpolation approaches in this regard. Annual maximum daily rainfall data at 34 stations located in Bangladesh have been used to assess the performance. The successful evaluation of homogeneity test and the unbounded characteristics of frequency model prove the appropriateness of the ROI scheme in ungauged conditions. The ordinary kriging (OK) is found to be superior to the IDW method in terms of cross‐validation error measures. The estimates of index rainfall obtained by OK with or without anisotropy produce very similar results, although a slight improvement is achieved when an anisotropic semi‐variogram in east direction is used. Regarding comparison between OK and ROI, both methods show a similar performance, indicating that both can be used for ungauged estimation. The overall results suggest that the spatial information about rainfall is an important factor in terms of formation of governing character of extreme rainfall in a low‐lying region like Bangladesh.