bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building blocks for thoracic MRI: Challenges, sequences, and protocol design
Authors: Raptis Constantine A. , Ludwig Daniel R. , Hammer Mark M. , Luna Antonio , Broncano Jordi , Henry Travis S. , Bhalla Sanjeev , Ackman Jeanne B.
Published: February 2019

Thoracic MRI presents important and unique challenges. Decreased proton density in the lung in combination with respiratory and cardiac motion can degrade image quality and render poorly executed sequences uninterpretable. Despite these challenges, thoracic MRI has an important clinical role, both as a problem‐solving tool and in an increasing array of clinical indications. Advances in scanner and sequence design have also helped to drive this development, presenting the radiologist with improved techniques for thoracic MRI. Given this evolving landscape, radiologists must be familiar with what thoracic MR has to offer. The first step in developing an effective thoracic MRI practice requires the creation of efficient and malleable protocols that can answer clinical questions. To do this, radiologists must have a working knowledge of the MR sequences that are used in the thorax, many of which have been adapted from use elsewhere in the body. These sequences can be broadly divided into three categories: traditional/anatomic, functional, and cine based. Traditional/anatomic sequences allow for the depiction of anatomy and pathologic processes with the ability for characterization of signal intensity and contrast enhancement. Functional sequences, including diffusion‐weighted imaging, and high temporal resolution dynamic contrast enhancement, allow for the noninvasive measurement of tissue‐specific parameters. Cine‐based sequences can depict the motion of structures in the thorax, either with retrospective ECG gating or in real time. The purpose of this article is to review these categories, the building block sequences that comprise them, and identify basic questions that should be considered in thoracic MRI protocol design.

Level of Evidence: 5

Technical Efficacy Stage: 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:682–701.
Application of neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging to characterize brain microstructural abnormalities in type‐2 diabetics with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Xiong Ying , Zhang Shuoqi , Shi Jingjing , Fan Yang , Zhang Qiang , Zhu Wenzhen
Published: February 2019

Background

Diffusion‐tensor‐imaging (DTI) is sensitive in detecting white matter changes in type‐2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, DTI indices can be affected by either neurite density or spatial variation. A novel diffusion MRI technique, termed neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI), can provide distinct indices of fiber density and dispersion.

Purpose

To characterize brain microstructural alterations in T2DM patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) using the NODDI model.

Study Type

Cross‐sectional.

Subjects

Twenty T2DM patients with (DM‐MCI group), 18 age‐ and gender‐matched T2DM patients with normal cognition (DM‐NC group), and 28 euglycemic healthy controls (HC).

Field Strength/Sequence

3T/NODDI.

Assessment

Diffusion data were analyzed using tract‐based‐spatial‐statistics (TBSS) analysis in white matter and voxel‐based analysis in both white and gray matter. NODDI indices, including intracellular volume fraction (Vic) and orientation dispersion index (ODI), were estimated from multiple regions and compared among these groups.

Statistical Tests

Differences between groups were compared by Student's t‐test, Pearson chi‐square test, or analysis of variance when appropriate. Correlation analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between NODDI variables and clinical measurements.

Results

Whole‐brain TBSS revealed that 2.29% and 2.02% of the white matter regions exhibited decreased fractional anisotropy and Vic, respectively, between the DM‐NC and HC, while considerably larger white matter areas showed decreased fractional anisotropy (38.38%) and Vic (34.64%) between the DM‐MCI and HC (Student's t‐test, P < 0.05). However, the angular variation of neurites, characterized by ODI, exhibited very little (0.1%, P < 0.05) or no difference (P > 0.05) between either the DM‐MCI or DM‐NC groups and HC. Decreased Vic values in the genu of the corpus callosum (R = 0.580, 0.551 and 0.586, P < 0.01) and thalamus (R = 0.570, 0.616, and 0.595, P < 0.05) correlated with glycosylated hemoglobin A1c level, disease duration, and neuropsychological scores, respectively.

Data Conclusion

T2DM patients with cognitive decline had reduced Vic, which indicated decreased density of axons and dendrites. NODDI might be able to help probe microstructural changes in white and gray matter and provide information on diabetic encephalopathy, including those with cognitive impairment.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:889–898.
Can cells maintain their bioactivity in ionic liquids? A novel single‐cell assessment by Raman microspectroscopy
Authors: Matsuda Ami , Sakaguchi Naoko , Shigeto Shinsuke
Published: February 2019

Ionic liquids (ILs) are widely exploited in numerous applications in chemistry, biology, and materials science. Assessment of the toxicity of ILs is thus urgently needed to develop genuinely “green” ILs that do not pose hazards to the environment and humans. Despite considerable efforts mostly with cell viability assays, little has been understood about how, at the molecular level, ILs affect the bioactivity and intracellular chemistry of single individual cells. Here, we report a new method based on Raman microspectroscopy for quantitatively examining the effects of ILs on the bioactivity of single living fission yeast cells beyond just counting viable cells. The ILs studied are two hydrophilic ILs, 2‐hydroxyethyl‐trimethylammonium l‐(+)‐lactate [Cho][Lac] and 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate [emim][AcO], and they were mixed with liquid medium. We used a characteristic yeast Raman band at 1,602 cm−1, which sharply reflects the bioactivity of yeast cells. For both ILs, the Raman spectra measured at lipid droplets in IL‐treated yeast cells clearly exhibited the 1,602‐cm−1 band, indicating that yeast cells can indeed maintain their bioactivity in the ILs. Furthermore, we observed that the amide I peak in the cytoplasmic/nuclear Raman spectrum significantly blueshifts in [emim][AcO] compared with that in the normal medium and [Cho][Lac]. This unexpected finding suggests an IL‐induced change in protein secondary structure from α‐helix to β‐sheet and random‐coil structures. The present study not only demonstrates that Raman microspectroscopy utilizing the 1,602‐cm−1 band of yeast is a unique, powerful tool for single‐cell assessment of IL toxicity, but it also calls attention to the effects of ILs on the structure and hence functions of intracellular molecules that might have been overlooked in previous studies.
Peptides from Mucuna pruriens L., with protection and antioxidant in vitro effect on HeLa cell line
Authors: Martínez‐Leo Edwin E , Martín‐Ortega Armando M , Acevedo‐Fernández Juan J , Moo‐Puc Rosa , Segura‐Campos Maira R
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Mucuna pruriens L. is a legume sown in the Mexican southeast with an important protein content. Studies have shown the potential use of by‐products derived from Mucuna as a functional food because of the hypoglycemic and antihypertensive activities. Thus, this study aims to assess the antioxidant and protective effect of the peptide fractions derived from M. pruriens L., in vitro on the HeLa cell line. An enzymatic hydrolysis with pepsin–pancreatin was performed on the total protein concentrate, from which five peptide fractions were obtained.

RESULTS

All protein derivatives from M. pruriens L., except F5–10 kDa, decreased the hydrogen peroxide production by more than 50%. The highest antioxidant activity was exhibited by F1–3 kDa, which lowered the intracellular reactive oxygen species by 207 ± 4.20%. No significant differences were found in the protective effects of the protein hydrolysate, F5–10 kDa, F3–5 kDa and F1–3 kDa relative to the N‐acetylcysteine control group.

CONCLUSION

This elucidated the potential action mechanisms of M. pruriens L. protein derivatives for future investigations and their role in the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Mutation status and surgical selection
Authors: Margonis Georgios A , Kreis Martin E , Wolfgang Christopher L , Weiss Matthew J
Published: February 2019

Current evidence cannot support denying metastasectomy in otherwise resectable patients solely based on their overall KRAS or BRAF mutational status. The combination of KRAS or BRAF mutational status with certain clinicopathologic characteristics has defined groups of patients who may not derive benefit from metastasectomy, but external validation is needed. The effect of certain KRAS or BRAF variants on survival may be more pronounced and therefore future studies should consider them for surgical selection.
The utility of statistical moments in chromatography using trapezoidal and Simpson's rules of peak integration
Authors: Misra Shobhit , Wahab M. Farooq , Patel Darshan C. , Armstrong Daniel W.
Published: February 2019

Modern chromatographic data acquisition softwares often behave as black boxes where the researchers have little control over the raw data processing. One of the significant interests of separation scientists is to extract physico‐chemical information from chromatographic experiments and peak parameters. In addition, column developers need the total peak shape analysis to characterize the flow profile in chromatographic beds. Statistical moments offer a robust approach for providing detailed information for peaks in terms of area, its center of gravity, variance, resolution, and its skew without assuming any peak model or shape. Despite their utility and theoretical significance, statistical moments are rarely incorporated as they often provide underestimated or overestimated results because of inappropriate choice of the integration method and selection of integration limits. The Gaussian model is universally used in most chromatography softwares to assess efficiency, resolution, and peak position. Herein we present a user‐friendly, and accessible approach for calculating the zeroth, first, second, and third moments through more accurate numerical integration techniques (Trapezoidal and Simpson's rule) which provide an accurate estimate of peak parameters as compared to rectangular integration. An Excel template is also provided which can calculate the four moments in three steps with or without baseline correction.
VOR adaptation training and retention in a patient with profound bilateral vestibular hypofunction
Authors: Gimmon Yoav , Migliaccio Americo A. , Kim Kyoung Jae , Schubert Michael C.
Published: February 2019

A novel training method known as incremental VOR adaptation (IVA) can improve the vestibulo‐ocular reflex (VOR) gain for both active and passive head rotation by coupling active head rotations with a laser‐projected target that moves in the opposite direction of the head at a fraction of the head velocity. A 51‐year‐old male with bilateral vestibular hypofunction participated in a research protocol using a portable IVA device for 645 days. Passive VOR gains improved 179% to 600%; standing posture and gait also improved. Motor learning within the vestibular system using the IVA method is possible after severe vestibular pathology.

Laryngoscope, 129:2568–2573, 2019
Redox‐Responsive Nanogel with Intracellular Reconstruction and Programmable Drug Release for Targeted Tumor Therapy
Authors: Tian Yu , Tian Ran , Chen Li , Jin Ronghua , Feng Yiming , Bai Yongkang , Chen Xin
Published: February 2019

A tumor‐selective drug delivery nanogel with redox‐responsive size swelling and co‐instantaneous drug release is developed. The nanogel is formed by poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether and cystamine double crosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA). The disulfide bond in cystamine (Cys) is in charge of the responsiveness, while the compact polymer network turns the nanogel a capsule for effective drug loading. The tumor targeting is achieved by the known HA‐receptor mediated endocytosis. The responsive swelling of this nanogel and co‐instantaneous drug releases happen with the cleavage of the disulfide bond following tumor targeting and cell endocytosis, which is triggered by massive glutathione (GSH) in the cytoplasm of tumor cells. The highly selective nanogel uptake by tumor cells is directly demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. The dynamic light scattering and fluorescent spectrum reveal the GSH‐triggered size change and simultaneous drug release, which results in higher tumor cytotoxicity and over fourfold efficacy against tumor cells compared with normal cells. These results indicate that these HA‐PEG‐Cys‐DOX nanogels, with performance of selective drug delivery, intracellular reconstruction, and responsive drug release, are promising platforms for better therapeutic effects in cancer treatment.
3D Printing of Photocuring Elastomers with Excellent Mechanical Strength and Resilience
Authors: Ji Zhongying , Zhang Xiaoqin , Yan Changyou , Jia Xin , Xia Yanqiu , Wang Xiaolong , Zhou Feng
Published: February 2019

Three‐dimensional (3D) printing elastomers, as a combination of transformative technology and widely used materials, have received great demand in many fields. However, commercial photocuring elastomer inks for 3D printing usually exhibit poor mechanical strength, inferior resilience, and lower elongation at break. In this study, photocuring inks that can be employed for digital light processing 3D printing are developed with acryloyl‐modified polyethylene glycol (Acryl@PEG). The resultant photocuring inks exhibit not only high tensile strength of 14.1 MPa and elongation of 245.0%, but also excellent resilience (recover to 90.85% after 30 min under the 200% strain). With the photocuring elastomer inks, a variety of architectures including hollow vases, eggs, finger rings, and porous lattices are built with excellent precision, which all could experience large shape deformations repeatedly without any damage, indicating the excellent elasticity, outstanding shape‐recovery property, and mechanical stability. The present photocuring elastomer inks for 3D printing are therefore believed to be promising for soft robots, wearable devices, flexible electronics, and many other applications.
RNA aptamers selected against yeast cells inhibit Candida albicans biofilm formation in vitro
Authors: Bachtiar Boy M. , Srisawat Chatchawan , Bachtiar Endang W.
Published: February 2019

Aptamers that bind live bacterial cells have been widely investigated, but their potential to inhibit Candida albicans biofilm formation needs to be further explored. The aims of this study were to evaluate the binding of C. albicans to RNA aptamers and to examine the potential of aptamers to inhibit C. albicans biofilm formation in vitro. In this study, RNA aptamers selected against yeast cells of C. albicans ATCC 10231 were developed using the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) technique. The binding affinity of the resulting aptamers was then determined by an aptamer‐linked immobilized sorbent assay (ALISA), and a colorimetric (MTT) assay was used to measure the metabolic activity of Candida biofilms. After 11 rounds of SELEX, two candidate aptamers, Ca‐apt‐1 and Ca‐apt‐12, were identified. The Ca‐apt‐1 aptamer also recognized C. albicans isolated from clinical specimens but did not recognize other oral microorganisms (i.e., Streptococcus mutans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The ALISA results showed that the binding affinity of these aptamers was comparable to that of an anti‐C. albicans monoclonal antibody. In addition, Ca‐apt‐1 could inhibit biofilm and hyphal formation of C. albicans in vitro, as demonstrated using biofilm assays. This study shows that RNA aptamers could potentially be used in diagnostic and therapeutic applications for C. albicans‐related disease in the future.
Pursuing CCBHC status individually allows agency to enhance MH service
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: February 2019

A Massachusetts community behavioral health agency with a public profile more focused on its substance use services will now be better able to meet its community's needs in mental health, thanks to receiving a $3.8 million federal grant.
Influence of stereoelectronic effects on the 1JC─F spin–spin coupling constant in fluorinated heterocyclic compounds
Authors: Silla Josué M. , Andrade Laize A.F. , Freitas Matheus P.
Published: February 2019

The Perlin effect and its analog for fluorinated compounds (the fluorine Perlin‐like effect) manifest on one‐bond C─H (C─F for the fluorine Perlin‐like effect) spin–spin coupling constants (SSCCs) in six‐membered rings. These effects can be useful to probe the stereochemistry (axial or equatorial) of the C─H and C─F bonds, respectively. The origin of these effects has been debatable in the literature as being due to hyperconjugative interactions, dipolar effects, and induced current density. Accordingly, a variety of model compounds has been used to probe such effects since the cyclohexanone carbonyl group and the endocyclic heteroatom lone pairs play different roles on the above‐mentioned effects. Thus, the 1JC─F SSCC in fluorinated lactams and lactones were theoretically studied to gain further insight on the nature of the fluorine Perlin‐like effect. In addition, because the intramolecular α‐effect has recently gained attention for its importance in the reactivity and stereoelectronic interactions in peroxide compounds, some fluorinated 1,2‐dioxanes and 1,2‐dithianes were studied to evaluate the role of the α‐effect on the behavior of 1JC─F SSCCs. Differently from fluorinated ketones and ethers, the fluorine Perlin‐like effect in the amides and esters cannot be explained by hyperconjugative or dipolar interactions alone, because the resonance in these groups affect the 1JC─F values. The O─O and S─S‐containing systems exhibit a strong fluorine Perlin‐like effect, but unlike the α‐effect, this behavior cannot be explained neither by hyperconjugation nor by dipolar interactions alone; the spatial proximity of the C─F and O─O/S─S bonds is proposed to affect the magnitude of the 1JC─F SSCC.
Springtime Exploitation of Brook Trout by Anglers in Remote Headwater Streams of Central Appalachia
Authors: Hartman Kyle J. , Andrew Ross G. , Schwinghamer Christopher W. , Thorne David W. , Webster Jeremy S.
Published: February 2019

In the central Appalachian Mountains, Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis are a popular target of anglers, but given the remoteness of many of these systems traditional creel methods of evaluating angling effects are impractical. We used a combination of angler and fish survey sampling methods to determine the sizes and numbers of fish harvested. Fish harvest information was reported by anglers, trout size structures were determined by electrofishing, and angler effort was identified via surveys and remote camera sampling in six streams in West Virginia. On average, anglers retained 3.7 ± 0.2 fish (mean ± SE) ≥ 170 mm TL per trip. Between March 13 and May 29, we estimated that anglers harvested from 0.1 to 2.3 ± 0.3 fish per 100 m in the six streams. Applying these harvest rate estimates to Brook Trout > 170 mm TL, densities in 25 headwater streams in West Virginia yielded a mean of 14.5 angler-days to deplete harvestable-sized fish in these streams. Anglers appeared knowledgeable of local fish populations and focused greater effort on streams with larger populations of harvestable-sized fish. While Brook Trout populations in low-productivity streams may be particularly sensitive to harvest, anglers appear to use them less often. However, in low-productivity streams where fewer harvestable-size fish occur, anglers may still have noticeable effects on mortality through postrelease stress on abundant smaller-sized fish. This study identifies the localized effects that a small subsection of anglers may have on remote populations of sensitive fish and should be carefully considered as a way to understand more widespread effects on popular sport fishes that exist in remote areas.
Pelvic floor muscle activation in stress urinary incontinent women: Impact of a distraction task
Authors: Dewaele Pauline , Deffieux Xavier , Villot Anne , Amarenco Gérard , Billecocq Sylvie , Thubert Thibault
Published: February 2019

Aims

Our purpose was to explore the involvement of cognition in voluntary and involuntary pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contraction in stress urinary incontinent women.

Methods

PFM contraction monitored by surface electromyography (EMG) was measured without a mental distraction task (DT), and with a DT called “paced auditory serial additional test” (PASAT). Forty stress incontinent women performed voluntary contractions of the external anal sphincter (EAS), and reflex EAS contractions induced by means of coughing were studied using the external intercostal muscle (EIC) EMG pattern.

Results

A DT altered PFM pre‐activation when coughing: the reaction time between EIC muscle contraction and EAS contraction (called RT3) was respectively −54.94 ms (IQR −87.12; 3.12) without the PASAT and −3.99 ms (IQR: −47.92; 18.69) with a DT (P = 0.02, Wilcoxon's test). Concerning voluntary contraction, women activated their PFM sooner without than with a DT.

Conclusion

The PASAT altered voluntary and reflex contractions of the PFM in stress urinary incontinent women. Our study suggests that cognition plays a role in urinary pathophysiology. Future studies should investigate rehabilitation programs that consider the role of cognition in stress urinary incontinent women.
Mechanical impact of parturition‐related strains on rat pelvic striated sphincters
Authors: Duran Pamela , Ward Samuel , Christman Karen L. , Alperin Marianna
Published: February 2019

Aims

To define the operational resting sarcomere length (Ls) of the female rat external urethral sphincter (EUS) and external anal sphincter (EAS) and to determine the mechanism of parturition‐related injury of EUS and EAS using a simulated birth injury (SBI) vaginal distention model.

Methods

EUS and EAS of 3‐month‐old Sprague‐Dawley control and injured rats were fixed in situ, harvested, and microdissected for Ls measurements and assessment of ultrastructure. EUS and EAS function was determined at baseline, and immediately and 4 weeks after SBI, using leak point pressure (LPP) and anorectal manometry (ARM), respectively. Operational L
s was compared to species‐specific optimal L
s using one sample Student's t test. Data (mean ± SD) were compared between groups and time points using repeated measures one‐way analysis of variance, followed by Tukey's post hoc pairwise comparisons, with significance set to 0.05.

Results

The operational resting Ls of both sphincters (EUS: 2.09 ± 0.07 µm, EAS: 2.02 ± 0.03 µm) was significantly shorter than optimal rat Ls of 2.4 µm. Strains imposed on EUS and EAS during SBI resulted in significant sarcomere elongation and disruption, compared with the controls (EUS: 3.09 ± 0.11 µm, EAS: 3.37 ± 0.09 µm). Paralleling structural changes, LPP and ARM measures were significantly lower immediately (LPP: 21.5 ± 1.0 cmH2O, ARM: 5.1 ± 2.31 cmH2O) and 4 weeks (LPP: 27.7 ± 1.3cmH2O, ARM: 2.5 ± 1.0 cmH2O) after SBI relative to the baseline (LPP: 43.4 ± 8.5 cmH2O, ARM: 8.2 ± 2.0 cmH2O); P < 0.05.

Conclusions

Analogous to humans, the short resting Ls of rat EUS and EAS favors their sphincteric function. The insult experienced by these muscles during parturition leads to sarcomere hyperelongation, myofibrillar disruption, and dysfunction of the sphincters long‐term.
From biology to behavior: a cross‐disciplinary seminar series surrounding added sugar and low‐calorie sweetener consumption
Authors: Sylvetsky A. C. , Hiedacavage A. , Shah N. , Pokorney P. , Baldauf S. , Merrigan K. , Smith V. , Long M. W. , Black R. , Robien K. , Avena N. , Gaine C. , Greenberg D. , Wootan M. G. , Talegawkar S. , Colon‐Ramos U. , Leahy M. , Ohmes A. , Mennella J. A. , Sacheck J. , Dietz W. H.
Published: February 2019

Introduction

This report presents a synopsis of a three‐part, cross‐sector, seminar series held at the George Washington University (GWU) in Washington, DC from February–April, 2018. The overarching goal of the seminar series was to provide a neutral forum for diverse stakeholders to discuss and critically evaluate approaches to address added sugar intake, with a key focus on the role of low‐calorie sweeteners (LCS).

Methods

During three seminars, twelve speakers from academic institutions, federal agencies, non‐profit organizations, and the food and beverage industries participated in six interactive panel discussions to address: 1) Do Farm Bill Policies Impact Population Sugar Intake? 2) What is the Impact of Sugar‐sweetened Beverage (SSB) Taxes on Health and Business? 3) Is Sugar Addictive? 4) Product Reformulation Efforts: Progress, Challenges, and Concerns? 5) Low‐calorie Sweeteners: Helpful or Harmful, and 6) Are Novel Sweeteners a Plausible Solution? Discussion of each topic involved brief 15‐minute presentations from the speakers, which were followed by a 25‐minute panel discussion moderated by GWU faculty members and addressed questions generated by the audience. Sessions were designed to represent opposing views and stimulate meaningful debate. Given the provocative nature of the seminar series, attendee questions were gathered anonymously using Pigeonhole™, an interactive, online, question and answer platform.

Results

This report summarizes each presentation and recapitulates key perspectives offered by the speakers and moderators.

Conclusions

The seminar series set the foundation for robust cross‐sector dialogue necessary to inform meaningful future research, and ultimately, effective policies for lowering added sugar intakes.
Does the use of incretin‐based medications increase the risk of cancer in patients with type‐2 diabetes mellitus?
Authors: Karp Igor , Sivaswamy Atul , Booth Christopher
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Incretin‐based medications are a novel class of agents for the treatment of type‐2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). The safety profile of these medications is not firmly established, and concerns have been raised about their potential carcinogenicity. The objective of our study was to produce new evidence on the effect of incretin‐based medications on cancer risk in patients with DM2.

Methods

We conducted a “retrospective cohort” study with data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink and the Hospital Episodes Statistics in the UK. New users of either an incretin‐based medication (n = 18 885) or a sulfonylurea medication (n = 36 929) between 2007 and 2013 were identified and followed for up to 8 years. Cox proportional‐hazards models were used to estimate the quasi‐intention‐to‐treat and quasi‐per‐protocol hazard‐ratios for the association between incretin‐based medications with cancer while adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

The adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for use of incretin‐based medications versus use of sulfonylurea medications for the overall‐cancer outcome was 0.97 (0.90, 1.05) in the quasi‐intention‐to‐treat analysis and 0.90 (0.81, 1.00) in the quasi‐per‐protocol analysis. In both analyses, the hazard‐ratio functions over the 8‐year follow‐up seemed fairly constant, and the 8‐year cumulative‐risk functions in the two subcohorts were similar.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that the use of incretin‐based medications in patients with DM2 does not increase the risk of cancer relative to the use of sulfonylurea medications, at least in the first several years of the use. Further research is needed to assess long‐term effects of the use of incretin‐based medications on cancer risk.
Impact of Sofosbuvir‐Based Therapy on Liver Transplant Candidates with Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Dellay Bethany , Sexter Anne , Wang Jeffrey H. , Hess Gregory P. , Ray Kim W. , Israni Ajay K.
Published: February 2019

Background

Sofosbuvir use in patients with decompensated cirrhosis may be associated with reduced liver transplant waitlist mortality and reduced need for transplant.

Methods

Data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients were linked with a national database of pharmacy claims. All adult patients on the liver transplant waitlist on January 1, 2014, or added to the list during 2014, with hepatitis C virus as reason for listing were identified (2009 patients). A subgroup of 1093 unique patients had consistent pharmacy claim capture and observations. We compared patients who were and were not treated with all sofosbuvir‐based regimens.

Results

During the study period, 154 patients received sofosbuvir‐based regimens. These patients had lower model for end‐stage liver disease scores and significantly longer waiting times. We found a trend toward significance for more sofosbuvir‐treated than untreated patients being removed from the waitlist due to improved condition (4.54% vs 3.19%, p=0.03). In a propensity score‐adjusted analysis, sofosbuvir‐treated patients were less likely to undergo transplant (hazard ratio 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.37–0.89, p=0.01).

Conclusion

During the study period reflecting early sofosbuvir use, few liver transplant candidates received sofosbuvir. Use was associated with lower incidence of transplant and a trend toward more waitlist removals due to improved condition.
Evaluating the effects of repeated reading and continuous reading using a standardized dosage of words read
Authors: Hammerschmidt‐Snidarich Stephanie M. , Maki Kathrin E. , Adams Sarah R.
Published: February 2019

Repeated reading (RR) is a common fluency intervention, but recent studies comparing RR to continuous reading (CR; i.e., wide reading) found no significant differences in effects. This prompts the question of whether the mechanism that improves skills is repeatedly reading portions of connected text, or simply reading connected text. The current study examined the differential effectiveness of RR and CR for increasing oral reading fluency rate (ORF) and comprehension of 40 students in second and third grades, randomly assigned to receive the RR or CR intervention. Students in both conditions received a standardized amount of practice (dosage) in the form of number of words read during each intervention session. All but two participants increased their ORF and there were no significant differences between groups on posttest ORF or broad comprehension. Moreover, students with the highest pretest scores made slightly more growth regardless of condition. Students in the RR group demonstrated significantly higher comprehension of practiced passages and students in the CR condition reported significantly higher levels of intervention acceptability. Implications for reading fluency intervention research and practice are discussed.
Frontal free‐radical photopolymerization of thick samples: Applications to LED‐induced fiber‐reinforced polymers
Authors: Carion Pauline , Ibrahim Ahmad , Allonas Xavier , Croutxé‐Barghorn Céline , L'Hostis Gildas
Published: February 2019

Free‐radical photopolymerization is scarcely used for the manufacturing of fiber‐reinforced polymers. The main issue relies on the penetration depth of light which affects the conversion degree when photopolymerizing thick samples. Consequently, this could lead to inhomogeneous polymer properties. The ability of acylphosphine oxides to photobleach under near UV irradiation makes them of great interest for the curing of thick samples. Therefore, the influence of (2,4,6‐trimethylbenzoyl) phosphine oxide on the curing of composites under LED is investigated. Although that a frontal photopolymerization process can be evidenced, it was found that full photobleaching is hardly obtained at high concentration of photoinitiator. Six layers laminates made of unidirectional fiber glass and unsaturated polyester resin were prepared. The existence of an optimal range of concentration for which the conversion of the resin is the most homogeneous throughout its thickness was pointed out, a fact that is confirmed by dynamic mechanical analysis. Interestingly, this effect is reflected in the shrinkage of the resin as shown by direct measurements or deflection experiments. Mechanical analysis was undertaken whose results correlate well with the aforementioned study, demonstrating the occurrence of a balance between the concentration of photoinitiator and the mechanical properties of the samples. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 898–906
Lung cancer stigma and depression: Validation of the Lung Cancer Stigma Inventory
Authors: Ostroff Jamie S. , Riley Kristen E. , Shen Megan J. , Atkinson Thomas M. , Williamson Timothy J. , Hamann Heidi A.
Published: February 2019

Objective

In an effort to provide further evidence for the validity of the Lung Cancer Stigma Inventory (LCSI), this paper examined group differences in lung cancer stigma for patients who report clinically significant depressive symptoms and established a suggested scoring benchmark to identify patients with clinically meaningful levels of lung cancer stigma.

Methods

Patients (N = 231) who were diagnosed with lung cancer and treated within the past 12 months at one of two National Cancer Institute (NCI)‐designated Cancer Centers located in the northeast and southern parts of the United States completed a single battery of questionnaires examining lung cancer stigma and depressed mood. Group differences, bivariate correlations, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were conducted.

Results

Slightly more than a third of patients (35.9%) reported an elevated level of depression. There was a significant correlation (r = 0.44) between lung cancer stigma and depressive mood. The ROC curve analysis indicated an area under curve (AUC) of 0.71. A LCSI cutoff score of 37.5 yielded the optimal ratio of sensitivity (0.93) to specificity (0.70) for identifying patients with clinically meaningful lung cancer stigma.

Conclusions

Consistent with prior work, lung cancer stigma, as measured by the LCSI, was found to be moderately associated with depressed mood. Clinical investigators may use an LCSI total score above 37.5 (ie, greater than or equal to 38 on the LCSI scale of integer scores) as a clinical threshold for identifying patients who may be experiencing clinically meaningful stigma and may benefit from stigma‐reducing interventions.
Energetics of reactions in a dielectric barrier discharge with argon carrier gas: VII anhydrides
Authors: Mertens Jérémy , Watson Sean , Nisol Bernard , Wertheimer Michael R. , Reniers François
Published: February 2019

The method developed for fundamental understanding of energetic exchanges between monomer molecules and argon carrier gas in a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) has previously proven merit. In this seventh article related to this methodology, research has been extended to a new family of precursors: anhydrides. Monomers (typically ‰) were mixed with 10 slm of Ar in a 20 kHz, 8 kV (peak‐to‐peak) DBD corresponding to an energy per cycle of 1600 μJ for pure Ar. For each of the investigated monomers Em, the energy absorbed per molecule was plotted as a function of precursor flow rate. The influence of chemical structure (C/O ratio, unsaturation) has been investigated and compared with previous data for other types of precursors. Thin plasma polymer coatings were deposited; in addition to measuring deposition rates, we also present relationships between Em values, spectro‐ellipsometric and FTIR measurements.
MEMS at Bosch – Si plasma etch success story, history, applications, and products
Authors: Laermer Franz , Urban Andrea
Published: February 2019

MEMS (micro electro mechanical systems) are tiny mechanical structures in the micrometer range combined with an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). MEMS at Bosch look back on more than 25 years of development and production and started based on KOH wet‐etching with restrictions in geometry due to the crystal‐oriented etch behavior of KOH. Based on several years of experience in plasma processing and the availability of new prototype plasma sources, the “Bosch Process,” a three‐dimensional plasma etch process for silicon was invented. This is the key enabler for today's huge variety of MEMS products in our every day life.
Crystallization Study of Ge‐Rich (GeTe)m(Sb2Te3)n Using Two‐Step Annealing Process
Authors: Di Biagio Francesco , Cecchi Stefano , Arciprete Fabrizio , Calarco Raffaella
Published: February 2019

A combination of X‐ray diffraction and Raman scattering is employed to investigate (GeTe)m(Sb2Te3)n alloys crystallized by thermal annealing from the amorphous (a‐) phase. The films are deposited by molecular beam epitaxy on Si(111) substrates. First, a series of a‐GeSbTe (GST) films of different composition is deposited and studied by Raman spectroscopy to identify the Ge‐rich features of the alloys. Second, the crystallization properties of Ge10Sb2Te13 are studied upon different annealing conditions. The aim of this work is to develop a procedure to avoid segregation of Ge and GeTe at the GST crystallization onset (Tx). This is here achieved by means of an incubation step at temperature lower than Tx. The crystallization onset Tx increased to 270 °C, which is about 160 °C higher compared to a reference GeTe sample, while the alloy always crystallizes in the stable Ge1Sb2Te4 composition. The increase of Tx is observed for all annealing conditions, regardless the amount of crystalline Ge segregated. For the optimized annealing treatment, the presence of Ge nanocrystals along with crystalline GeSbTe is unveiled by Raman measurements, paving the way for the control of the microstructure and electrical/thermal properties of Ge‐rich alloys.
Were fraternity brothers defamed by media posts?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: February 2019

The director of chapter services for Lambda Chi Alpha traveled in 2011 to Baton Rouge to conduct a membership review of the Louisiana State University chapter. En route, he made an online social media post stating he was on his way, and “[t]he fraternity world of old is dead; beer monkeys and dope heads are extinct. THAT'S THE DEAL.”
Lead initiatives that boost student success
Authors: Elfman Lois
Published: February 2019

Belinda S. Miles, Ed.D., has spent much of her higher education career working to increase student success at community colleges. Now in her fourth year as president of Westchester Community College, a State University of New York institution, Miles has improved the graduation rate and increased student scholarships.
Interactions between sustainable livelihood of rural household and agricultural land transfer in the mountainous and hilly regions of Sichuan, China
Authors: Guo Shili , Lin Lei , Liu Shaoquan , Wei Yali , Xu Dingde , Li Qianyu , Su Shenglin
Published: February 2019

Research on the sustainable livelihoods of rural households is of great significance in solving rural poverty and promoting the transfer of rural land management rights, which are necessary for realizing better livelihoods and sustainable development. In this study, we used a partial least squares‐structural equation model to systematically explain the interacting mechanisms of livelihood capital, livelihood strategy, and agricultural land transfer in the mountainous and hilly regions of Sichuan, China, based on survey data from 240 rural households. The results are as follows: (a) land transfer characteristics were negatively affected by farmers' livelihood strategies. The higher the proportion of the nonagricultural labor force/livelihood diversity index, the greater the possibility to roll‐out plots. The lower the proportion of the nonagricultural labor force/livelihood diversity index, the greater the possibility to roll‐in plots. (b) Natural capital was directly and negatively affected by livelihood strategy, and indirectly and positively affected by land transfer. (c) Financial capital insurance was indirectly and positively affected by livelihood strategy. Financial capital insurance had a mediating effect: land transfer not only had a direct negative effect on it but also had an indirect effect through natural capital. (d) Financial capital income was directly positively affected by financial capital insurance, and indirectly negatively affected by land transfer and natural capital. Financial capital income had a mediating effect, and livelihood strategy not only had a direct positive effect on it but also had an indirect positive effect via human capital. (e) Physical capital and human capital were directly positively affected by livelihood strategy. (f) Certain moderating effects were observed. Nonagriculture‐dependent farmers had higher physical capital, greater human capital, higher financial capital income, and more area of roll‐out plots than agriculture‐dependent farmers. This study provides theoretical guidance for the formulation of policies for livelihood improvement and sustainable development.
Carbon Dots for In Vivo Bioimaging and Theranostics
Authors: Du Jianjun , Xu Ning , Fan Jiangli , Sun Wen , Peng Xiaojun
Published: February 2019

Carbon dots (CDs), a kind of carbon material discovered accidentally, exhibit unexpected advantages in fluorescence imaging/sensing such as photostability, biocompatibility, and low toxicity. For emerging theranostics, an interdiscipline created by integrating therapy and diagnostics, CDs are good candidates when they are combined with targeted chemo/gene/photodynamic/photothermal therapeutic moieties. Here, the development of CDs in nanomedicine is reviewed from their use as original imaging agents and/or drug carriers to multifunctional theranostic systems. Finally, the challenges and prospects of the next‐generation of CD‐based theranostics for clinical applications are also discussed.
Modification with CREKA Improves Cell Retention in a Rat Model of Myocardial Ischemia Reperfusion
Authors: Chen Jing , Song Yanan , Huang Zheyong , Zhang Ning , Xie Xinxing , Liu Xin , Yang Hongbo , Wang Qiaozi , Li Minghui , Li Qiyu , Gong Hui , Qian Juying , Pang Zhiqing , Ge Junbo
Published: February 2019

Poor cell homing limits the efficacy of cardiac cellular therapy. The homing peptide, cysteine-arginine-glutamic acid-lysine-alanine (CREKA), targets fibrin effectively which is involved in the repair process of tissue injury. Here, we assessed if CREKA-modified stem cells had enhanced fibrin-mediated homing ability resulting in better functional recovery and structural preservation in a rat myocardial injury model. CREKA-modified mesenchymal stem cells (CREKA-MSCs) were obtained via membrane fusion with CREKA-modified liposomes. The fibrin targeting ability of CREKA-MSCs was examined both in vitro and in vivo. Under both static and flow conditions in vitro, CREKA significantly enhanced MSCs binding ability to fibrin clots (2.6- and 2.3-fold, respectively). CREKA-MSCs showed 6.5-fold higher accumulation than unmodified MSCs in injured rat myocardium one day after administration, resulting in better structural preservation and functional recovery. Fibrin is, therefore, a novel target for enhancing homing of transplanted cells to injured myocardium, and the delivery system of fibrin-targeting is on behalf of a universalizable platform technology for regenerative medicine. Stem Cells  2019;37:663–676
High epizoochorous specialization and low DNA sequence divergence in Mediterranean Cynoglossum (Boraginaceae): Evidence from fruit traits and ITS region
Authors: Selvi Federico , Coppi Andrea , Cecchi Lorenzo
Published: February 2019

Fruit morpho‐anatomy and DNA sequence diversity in Euro‐Mediterranean taxa of Cynoglossum and the closely related genera Solenanthus and Pardoglossum were analysed to assess the structural traits that promote dispersal through transport via the fur of mammals, and to evaluate the phylogenetic value of carpological variation in the group. Electron and light microscopy showed striking epizoochorous adaptations in characters of the pluricellular projections of the epicarp (glo chids), such as multiple apiacl hooks, conical shape, and finely tuberculate surface, as well as the heavy mineralization of the cell walls with especially silicon and calcium revealed by X‐ray microanalysis. The attachment potential of nutlets to sheep fleece, estimated through a General Linear Model, was species‐specific and relatively high in the taxa with small and light diaspores (>60%). ITS sequences from 29 specific and infraspecific accessions were poorly variable, with pairwise genetic distances ranging from 0.002 to 0.097 (mean 0.044). A comparative analysis of ITS sequence diversity in relation to the differ ent dispersal strategies in the four main Boraginaceae tribes revealed substantially higher levels of variation and interspecific genetic distances in the non‐epizoochorous groups, including the Cynoglosseae genera Myosotis and Omphalodes. Bayesian and maximum parsimony tree construction suggested paraphyly of Cynoglossum due to the nested position of Solenanthus apenninus and Pardoglossum. Species‐level relationships remained largely unresolved, preventing an estimation of the phylogenetic significance of fruit characters. Rapid spread across the Mediterranean region via epizoochory by wild mammals is possibly the primary cause for the lack of genetic divergence among species. During the Holocene, nomadic and transhumant pasture by domesticated herbivores has likely contributed to further spreading and mixing of previously isolated taxa, possibly causing events of homoploid hybridization and introgression. More variable molecular markers should be tested to better understand the impact of these processes in the evolutionary history of Cynoglossum and to solve relationships within Cynoglosseae.
Major speciation accompanied the dispersal of Vireya Rhododendrons (Ericaceae, Rhododendron sect. Schistanthe) through the Malayan archipelago: Evidence from nuclear gene sequences
Authors: Goetsch Loretta A. , Craven Lyn A. , Hall Benjamin D.
Published: February 2019

The species within Rhododendron sect. Schistanthe (= sect. Vireya), a taxon unique for its tropical habitat, distinctive leaf scales, and tailed seeds, have diversified greatly in morphological features. The section contains over 300 species, occurring mainly on the Malay Peninsula, New Guinea, and the islands between. An analysis based on the combined sequences of three nuclear genes supports a phylogeny in which sect. Schistanthe (less R. santapaui) is monophyletic, with well‐defined clades corresponding to subsections Euvireya, Malayovireya, Pseudovireya, and Discovireya. Within subsect. Euvireya, molecular‐phylogenetic groupings follow geography more closely than traditional taxonomic groupings based upon morphology. One of the two most derived clades contains exclusively species from New Guinea, Australia, and the Solomon Islands. The results are consistent with a stepwise phylogeographic history of sect. Schistanthe, beginning in Asia, proceeding eastward and reaching New Guinea within the last 15 Ma, when movement of the Australian tectonic plate brought New Guinea into the Malesian domain.