bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of artemisinin extraction from Artemisia annua L. with supercritical carbon dioxide + ethanol using response surface methodology
Authors: Ciftci Ozan Nazim , Cahyadi Jessica , Guigard Selma E. , Saldaña Marleny D. A.
Published: May 2018

Malaria is a high priority life‐threatening public health concern in developing countries, and therefore there is a growing interest to obtain artemisinin for the production of artemisinin‐based combination therapy products. In this study, artemisinin was extracted from the Artemisia annua L. plant using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) modified with ethanol. Response surface methodology based on central composite rotatable design was employed to investigate and optimize the extraction conditions of pressure (9.9–30 MPa), temperature (33–67°C), and co‐solvent (ethanol, 0–12.6 wt.%). Optimum SC‐CO2 extraction conditions were found to be 30 MPa and 33°C without ethanol. Under optimized conditions, the predicted artemisinin yield was 1.09% whereas the experimental value was 0.71 ± 0.07%. Soxhlet extraction with hexane resulted in higher artemisinin yields and there was no significant difference in the purity of the extracts obtained with SC‐CO2 and Soxhlet extractions. Results indicated that SC‐CO2 and SC‐CO2+ethanol extraction is a promising alternative for the extraction of artemisinin to eliminate the use of organic solvents, such as hexane, and produce extracts that can be used for the production of antimalarial products.
Performance of Oxygen Carriers with Different Porosities in Chemical Looping Water‐Splitting
Authors: Qiu Yu , Zeng DeWang , Chen Chao , Zeng JiMin , Zhang Shuai , Xiao Rui
Published: May 2018

Chemical looping is a novel process for clean energy conversion with CO2 capture. However, sintering of oxygen carriers is one of the important issues that hinders the development of chemical looping technology. Here we applied an air‐liquid foam templated sol‐gel method to produce anti‐sintering materials. By virtue of tunable sol precursors, we obtained a series of materials with different porous characteristics and found these initial textures could significantly affect the activity and stability of the materials in chemical looping. In the first cycle, materials with larger exposed surface had better reactivity. However, small pore closure and particle shrinkage occurred in the subsequent cycles. All of these factors contributed to the unstable nature of the materials, and the results suggested materials derived from templated sol solutions with more large pores were more robust during chemical looping. For other clean energy applications, we also hope the explored method can be extended to produce more materials with high reactivity and stability.
Win‐Win: Benefits of Expanding Retirement Options and Increasing the Engagement of Retired Faculty and Staff
Authors: Goldberg Carole E. , Baldwin Roger G.
Published: May 2018

Creative approaches to academic retirement can yield benefits for retirees, their institutions, and society at large.
Web‐based thyroid imaging reporting and data system: Malignancy risk of atypia of undetermined significance or follicular lesion of undetermined significance thyroid nodules calculated by a combination of ultrasonography features and biopsy results
Authors: Choi Young Jun , Baek Jung Hwan , Shin Jung Hee , Shim Woo Hyun , Kim Seon‐Ok , Lee Won‐Hong , Song Dong Eun , Kim Tae Yong , Chung Ki‐Wook , Lee Jeong Hyun
Published: May 2018

Background

The purpose of this study was to construct a web‐based predictive model using ultrasound characteristics and subcategorized biopsy results for thyroid nodules of atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) to stratify the risk of malignancy.

Methods

Data included 672 thyroid nodules from 656 patients from a historical cohort. We analyzed ultrasound images of thyroid nodules and biopsy results according to nuclear atypia and architectural atypia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to predict whether nodules were diagnosed as malignant or benign.

Results

The ultrasound features, including spiculated margin, marked hypoechogenicity, calcifications, biopsy results, and cytologic atypia, showed significant differences between groups. A 13‐point risk scoring system was developed, and the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the development and validation sets were 0.837 and 0.830, respectively (http://www.gap.kr/thyroidnodule_b3.php).

Conclusion

We devised a web‐based predictive model using the combined information of ultrasound characteristics and biopsy results for AUS/FLUS thyroid nodules to stratify the malignant risk.
Primary intestinal‐type adenocarcinoma of the oral tongue: Case report and review of histologic origin and oncologic management
Authors: Berg Jenna , Manosalva Rodolfo E. , Coughlin Andrew , Su Yungpo Bernard , Huang Tien‐Shew , Gentry John
Published: May 2018

Background

Primary intestinal‐type adenocarcinoma (ITAC) of the oral tongue is an extremely uncommon malignancy with only 3 cases reported in the literature. This high‐grade malignancy originates from metaplasia of minor salivary glands.

Methods

A 40‐year‐old man presented with a gradually enlarging midline oral tongue mass, odynophagia, and dysphagia. Management included a median lingual glossectomy, bilateral neck dissections, and adjuvant chemoradiation with 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU). Additional chemotherapy with folinic acid, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) was given to mimic therapy in colonic adenocarcinomas.

Results

Thirteen months after surgery and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy, there is no evidence of locoregional or distant disease. His diet and speech have normalized after reconstruction without free tissue transfer.

Conclusion

We report the fourth case of oral tongue ITAC, and present the first histologic evidence of metaplasia of oral cavity salivary epithelium. We also discuss adjuvant therapy recommendations given the lack of clarity for treatment of this rare disease.
Effect of cell‐phone radiofrequency on angiogenesis and cell invasion in human head and neck cancer cells
Authors: Alahmad Yaman M. , Aljaber Mohammed , Saleh Alaaeldin I. , Yalcin Huseyin C. , Aboulkassim Tahar , Yasmeen Amber , Batist Gerald , Moustafa Ala‐Eddin Al
Published: May 2018

Background

Today, the cell phone is the most widespread technology globally. However, the outcome of cell‐phone radiofrequency on head and neck cancer progression has not yet been explored.

Methods

The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and human head and neck cancer cell lines, FaDu and SCC25, were used to explore the outcome of cell‐phone radiofrequency on angiogenesis, cell invasion, and colony formation of head and neck cancer cells, respectively. Western blot analysis was used to investigate the impact of the cell phone on the regulation of E‐cadherin and Erk1/Erk2 genes.

Results

Our data revealed that cell‐phone radiofrequency promotes angiogenesis of the CAM. In addition, the cell phone enhances cell invasion and colony formation of human head and neck cancer cells; this is accompanied by a downregulation of E‐cadherin expression. More significantly, we found that the cell phone can activate Erk1/Erk2 in our experimental models.

Conclusion

Our investigation reveals that cell‐phone radiofrequency could enhance head and neck cancer by stimulating angiogenesis and cell invasion via Erk1/Erk2 activation.
Oral cancer involving masticator space (T4b): Review of literature and future directions
Authors: Trivedi Nirav P.
Published: May 2018

The oral cancer with masticator‐space involvement is classified as T4b disease. The limited data suggest that the masticator space is a complex anatomic area and tumors with varying degrees of infiltration may have different oncologic outcomes. It is not advisable to group all T4b tumors as one and consider them for palliative‐intent treatment. A group of patients with limited spread (infra‐notch) has potential for good outcome. These cancers can be considered for downstaging to T4a classification based on best available data and clinical considerations. The radical surgical resection remains the mainstay of curative‐intent treatment and the ability to achieve negative margins at the skull base remains the most important prognostic factor. The alternative approaches to either increase radicality of surgery or to downsize the tumor with neoadjuvant therapies have shown encouraging trends but larger, well designed, and prospective studies will be needed to make meaningful conclusions. It is important to rationalize and form common ground for further research.
Free jejunal flap transfer with multiple vascular pedicles for safe and reliable pharyngoesophageal reconstruction
Authors: Kurita Tomoyuki , Kubo Tateki , Tashima Hiroki , Fujii Takashi
Published: May 2018

Background

In pharyngoesophageal reconstruction, we transferred a long jejunum flap containing multiple pedicles to achieve a 100% flap survival rate, and used the redundant mesentery to cover important tissues and fill in the dead space to reduce common postoperative complications, such as surgical site infections and fistula formation.

Methods

A total of 243 jejunal flap transfers with multiple vascular anastomoses were reviewed to examine flap survival and rates of early postoperative complications, such as surgical site infections and fistula formation, perioperative mortality, and donor site morbidity.

Results

All 243 jejunal flaps survived without any partial necrosis. The surgical site infections occurred in 15 cases (6.2%) and fistula formation in 9 cases (3.7%). The perioperative mortality rate was 0.4%. There were 7 cases (2.9%) with donor site morbidity.

Conclusion

Although our procedure requires extra operating time for additional vessel anastomoses, it could be performed safely and reliably with a high success rate.
Pretreatment risk stratification of feeding tube use in patients treated with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy for head and neck cancer
Authors: Anderson Nigel J. , Jackson James E. , Smith Jennifer G. , Wada Morikatsu , Schneider Michal , Poulsen Michael , Rolfo Maureen , Fahandej Maziar , Gan Hui , Joon Daryl Lim , Khoo Vincent
Published: May 2018

Background

The purpose of this study was to establish a risk stratification model for feeding tube use in patients who undergo intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for head and neck cancers.

Methods

One hundred thirty‐nine patients treated with definitive IMRT (+/‐ concurrent chemotherapy) for head and neck mucosal cancers were included in this study. Patients were recommended a prophylactic feeding tube and followed up by a dietician for at least 8 weeks postradiotherapy (post‐RT). Potential prognostic factors were analyzed for risk and duration of feeding tube use for at least 25% of dietary requirements.

Results

Many variables had significant effects on risk and/or duration of feeding tube use in univariate analyses. Subsequent multivariable analysis showed that T classification ≥3 and level 2 lymphadenopathy were the best independent significant predictors of higher risk and duration of feeding tube use, respectively, in oral cavity, pharyngeal, and supraglottic primaries.

Conclusion

In patients treated with definitive IMRT, T classification ≥3 and level 2 lymphadenopathy can potentially stratify patients into 4 risk groups for developing severe dysphagia requiring feeding tube use.
Age‐related differences in health‐related quality of life among thyroid cancer survivors compared with a normative sample: Results from the PROFILES Registry
Authors: Mols Floortje , Schoormans Dounya , Smit Jan W. A. , Netea‐Maier Romana T. , Links Thera P. , van der Graaf Winette T. A. , Husson Olga
Published: May 2018

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare general health‐related quality of life (HR‐QOL) of thyroid cancer survivors with a normative sample stratified by age at diagnosis (adolescents and young adults 18‐35 years; middle‐aged adults 36‐64 years; elderly 65‐84 years), and to compare general HR‐QOL and disease‐specific symptoms among adolescents and young adults, middle‐aged adults, and elderly thyroid cancer survivors in an exploratory population‐based cross‐sectional study.

Methods

All patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer between 1990 and 2008, who were registered in the Eindhoven Cancer Registry, received a survey. Our final sample included 293 thyroid cancer survivors.

Results

Compared with a normative sample, adolescents and young adult thyroid cancer survivors showed statistically significant and clinically meaningfully worse physical, role, cognitive, and social functioning, and more fatigue and financial problems. Adolescents and young adult thyroid cancer survivors scored statistically significant and clinically meaningfully better on physical functioning and interest in sex compared with the elderly and had less sympathetic and throat/mouth problems compared with middle‐aged adults.

Conclusion

Thyroid cancer seems to have a greater impact on younger than older thyroid cancer survivors and the lower HR‐QOL in older compared to younger thyroid cancer survivors is probably caused mostly by their age and not the cancer.
Prosody, Pacing, and Situational Fluency (or Why Fluency Matters for Older Readers)
Authors: Kuhn Melanie R. , Schwanenflugel Paula J.
Published: May 2018

This commentary challenges the traditional, narrow definition of reading fluency. As part of this reconceptualization, the authors consider the role of stamina, content, and vocabulary in fluent reading. They look at prosody, silent reading, oral reading, and challenging texts (both fiction and informational). Finally, the authors discuss the role that fluency can play in upper grades and how educators can aid its development for older readers.
Free energy landscapes of prototropic tautomerism in pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate schiff bases at the active site of an enzyme in aqueous medium
Authors: Soniya Kumari , Chandra Amalendu
Published: May 2018

We have performed hybrid quantum‐classical metadynamics simulations and quantum chemical calculations to investigate the free energy landscapes of intramolecular proton transfer and associated tautomeric equilibrium in pyridoxal 5
‐phosphate (PLP) Schiff Bases, namely the internal and external aldimines, at the active site of serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) enzyme in aqueous medium. It is important to determine the relative stability of the two tautomers (ketoenamine and enolimine) of the PLP aldimines to study the catalytic activity of the concerned enzyme. Both the internal PLP aldimine (PLP‐LYS) and the external PLP aldimine (PLP‐SER) of SHMT are found to have a higher stability for the ketoenamine tautomer over the enolimine form. The higher stability of the ketoenamine tautomer can be attributed to the more number of favorable interactions of the ketoenamine form with its surroundings at the active site of the enzyme. The ketoenamine is found to be stabilized by about 2.5 kcal/mol in the PLP‐LYS internal aldimine, while this stabilization is about 6.7 kcal/mol for the PLP‐SER external aldimine at the active site of the enzyme compared to the corresponding enolimine forms. The interactions faced by the PLP aldimines at the active site pocket determine the relative dominance of the tautomers and could possibly alter the tautomeric shift in different PLP dependent enzymes. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Understanding diagnostic safety in emergency medicine: A case‐by‐case review of closed ED malpractice claims
Authors: Lemoine Nancy , Dajer Antonio , Konwinski Joseph , Cavanaugh Dianne , Besthoff Catherine , Singh Hardeep
Published: May 2018

The report Improving Diagnosis in Health Care calls for collaboration between professional liability insurance carriers and health care providers to identify opportunities to improve diagnostic performance. We used this collaborative approach and involved risk management/patient safety professionals and emergency medicine physician reviewers to analyze diagnosis‐related emergency medicine closed claims from a large malpractice insurer. Our aim was to identify opportunities for risk reduction and to develop an approach for improving at‐risk processes. Analysis of these cases revealed several missed opportunities in the diagnostic process. A collaborative approach offered greater insight into diagnosis process failures that may not have been evident if cases were reviewed in silos. Focused review findings led to a multidisciplinary improvement collaborative to develop clinical guidelines for improving at‐risk practices and informed a simulation‐based training initiative.
Using Deliberate Practice to Build an Instructor Development Program
Authors: Werner Linnette , Kessenich Katherine
Published: May 2018

Learning to teach leadership in adaptive ways, such as using the classroom as a living leadership laboratory, requires a great deal of unlearning as well as deliberate, guided practice. However, developing instructors who are experts in this form of education is a challenging and underexplored area of leadership education. In the current essay, the authors explore how six of Ericsson and Pool's requirements for deliberate practice have been applied to a large undergraduate leadership minor in the Midwest to support leadership instructors using the Intentional Emergence (IE) model as a way to shift the classroom from traditional educational strategies to a leadership laboratory. The authors then discuss considerations for educators in translating this work to their own contexts.
Electrical storm in an infant with short‐coupled variant of torsade de pointes
Authors: Kise Hiroaki , Ohno Seiko , Kono Yosuke , Yoshizawa Masashi , Harama Daisuke , Okafuji Asami , Toda Takako , Koizumi Keiichi , Hoshiai Minako , Sugita Kanji , Horie Minoru
Published: May 2018

A 10‐month‐old infant experienced cardiac arrest caused by ventricular fibrillation (VF). His electrocardiogram (ECG) at rest was within the normal range. Amiodarone was indispensable due to its refractoriness to defibrillation. After implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation, ICD shock was delivered. ICD recordings documented VF and ventricular tachycardia (VT) triggered by premature ventricular contractions with an extremely short coupling interval (240 ms), which were controlled by verapamil. To the best of our knowledge, our case is the first infant with ScTdP. As the electrical storm with ScTdP occurs unpredictably, it can be a cause of sudden infant death syndrome.
Clinical periodontal status and inflammatory cytokines in primary Sjögren syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Özçaka Özgün , Alpöz Esin , Nalbantsoy Ayşe , Karabulut Gonca , Kabasakal Yasemin
Published: May 2018

Background

The aim of the present study is to compare the clinical periodontal findings as well as gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β), interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) and caspase‐1 in primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) subjects.

Methods

In the present case control study plasma and GCF samples were collected, full‐mouth recordings comprising plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP) and probing depth (PD) were performed in 44 subjects with pSS, 39 subjects with RA and 30 systemically healthy subjects. Plasma and GCF TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IFN‐gamma and caspase‐1 levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

There were no differences in GCF and plasma levels of IFN‐γ and TNF‐α in all the study groups (p > 0.05). GCF levels of IL‐1β were higher in pSS group than healthy group (p = 0.035). Caspase‐1 GCF levels were significantly higher in pSS group than RA group (p = 0.032). Highest plasma IL‐1β levels were detected in pSS compared to RA and healthy groups (p < 0.001). Healthy group has higher caspase‐1 plasma levels than pSS and RA groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The results of the present study reveal that the periodontal status of patients with pSS does not differ from systemically healthy subjects. Further studies involving longitudinal assessments on larger populations with standardized patient inclusion criteria are needed to confirm the findings.
Effect of dietary α‐ketoglutarate and allicin supplementation on the composition and diversity of the cecal microbial community in growing pigs
Authors: Liu Shaojuan , He Liuqin , Jiang Qian , Duraipandiyan Veeramuthu , Al‐Dhabi Naif A , Liu Gang , Yao Kang , Yin Yulong
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

The search for substitutes for antibiotics has recently become urgent. In our previous work, dietary α‐ketoglutarate (AKG) combined with allicin improved growth performance and enhanced immunity in growing pigs, whereas the effects on them of intestinal microbiota were unclear. Here, we further investigate the effects of dietary AKG and allicin supplementation on the composition and diversity of intestinal microbiota in growing pigs.

RESULTS

Treatment with a combination of AKG and allicin enhanced cecal bacteria richness and diversity, as evidenced by changes in Chao 1, ACE, Shannon, and Simpson values when compared to the control group and antibiotics group. At the phylum level, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the two most abundant phyla. Treatment with a combination of AKG and allicin increased the numbers of Firmicutes and reduced the numbers of Bacteroidetes. Prevotella was the most abundant genus; it was increased by treatment with a combination of AKG and allicin. Furthermore, compared with the antibiotic group, the level of acetate was increased in the AKG group with or without allicin. Treatment with a combination of AKG and allicin increased the levels of cecal butyrate and total volatile fatty acids (VFA) when compared with the control group in growing pigs.

CONCLUSION

Dietary 1.0% AKG combined with 0.5% allicin improved cecal microbial composition and diversity, which might further promote VFA metabolism in growing pigs. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Photoactivation of Extracellular‐Signal‐Regulated Kinase Signaling in Target Cells by Femtosecond Laser
Authors: Wang Shaoyang , Liu Yaohui , Zhang Dapeng , Chen Shih‐chi , Kong Siu‐Kai , Hu Minglie , Cao Youjia , He Hao
Published: May 2018

Optogenetics employs light to manipulate cellular events such as activation of molecular channels, signaling molecules, and gene transcription, by transfection with engineered light‐sensitive proteins. In the last decade, great progresses in life science have been made by optogenetics, but the gene transfection limits its further medical applications. In this study, it is reported that a short flash of femtosecond‐laser stimulation can directly activate extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), an essential signaling pathway, in target cells, without any optogenetic technology. This all‐optical approach can be easily accomplished by a two‐photon or confocal microscope coupled with a femtosecond laser. The photostimulation can initiate immediate ERK translocation into nucleus and exit back to cytosol. The nuclear ERK level can be regulated by combination of multiple photostimulations. Subsequent up‐regulation of phosphorylated endogenous eIF4E indicates successful activation of the ERK signaling pathway. Occasionally, ERK activation in the surrounding cells of the stimulation is observed. Some key signaling cascades in the ERK2 pathway activated by photostimulation is further clarified. Altogether, this all‐optical method can activate ERK without any exogenous chemicals or proteins and thus be with promissing potential for related research.
Optical signature of nerve tissue—Exploratory ex vivo study comparing optical, histological, and molecular characteristics of different adipose and nerve tissues
Authors: Balthasar Andrea J.R. , Bydlon Torre M. , Ippel Hans , van der Voort Marjolein , Hendriks Benno H.W. , Lucassen Gerald W. , van Geffen Geert‐Jan , van Kleef Maarten , van Dijk Paul , Lataster Arno
Published: May 2018

Background

During several anesthesiological procedures, needles are inserted through the skin of a patient to target nerves. In most cases, the needle traverses several tissues—skin, subcutaneous adipose tissue, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels—to reach the target nerve. A clear identification of the target nerve can improve the success of the nerve block and reduce the rate of complications. This may be accomplished with diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) which can provide a quantitative measure of the tissue composition. The goal of the current study was to further explore the morphological, biological, chemical, and optical characteristics of the tissues encountered during needle insertion to improve future DRS classification algorithms.

Methods

To compare characteristics of nerve tissue (sciatic nerve) and adipose tissues, the following techniques were used: histology, DRS, absorption spectrophotometry, high‐resolution magic‐angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (HR‐MAS NMR) spectroscopy, and solution 2D 13C‐1H heteronuclear single‐quantum coherence spectroscopy. Tissues from five human freshly frozen cadavers were examined.

Results

Histology clearly highlights a higher density of cellular nuclei, collagen, and cytoplasm in fascicular nerve tissue (IFAS). IFAS showed lower absorption of light around 1200 nm and 1750 nm, higher absorption around 1500 nm and 2000 nm, and a shift in the peak observed around 1000 nm. DRS measurements showed a higher water percentage and collagen concentration in IFAS and a lower fat percentage compared to all other tissues. The scattering parameter (b) was highest in IFAS. The HR‐MAS NMR data showed three extra chemical peak shifts in IFAS tissue.

Conclusion

Collagen, water, and cellular nuclei concentration are clearly different between nerve fascicular tissue and other adipose tissue and explain some of the differences observed in the optical absorption, DRS, and HR‐NMR spectra of these tissues. Some differences observed between fascicular nerve tissue and adipose tissues cannot yet be explained but may be helpful in improving the discriminatory capabilities of DRS in anesthesiology procedures. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:948–960, 2018. © 2018 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterizing the homogeneous variety
Authors: Occhetta Gianluca , Solá Conde Luis E. , Watanabe Kiwamu
Published: May 2018

In this paper we consider the 15‐dimensional rational homogeneous variety of Picard number one F4(4), and provide a characterization of it in terms of its variety of minimal rational tangents.
Neuroimaging abnormalities in individuals exhibiting Parkinson's disease risk markers
Authors: Heldmann Marcus , Heeren Janna , Klein Christine , Rauch Linus , Hagenah Johann , Münte Thomas F. , Kasten Meike , Brüggemann Norbert
Published: May 2018

Background: The concept of prodromal Parkinson's disease (PD) involves variable combinations of nonmotor features and subtle motor abnormalities as a result of ongoing neurodegeneration in the brain stem including substantia nigra (SN) and abnormal findings upon transcranial sonography and nuclear imaging. Except for nuclear imaging, the predictive value of risk markers for the conversion to overt PD is low.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether PD risk markers are associated with changes in brain structure and to what extent cognitive changes are risk markers for PD.

Methods: Diffusion‐weighted imaging, voxel‐based morphometry, and cortical thickness analysis was performed in 29 individuals with hyposmia and/or an increased SN hyperechogenicity (SN+) upon transcranial sonography and 28 controls without these 2 risk markers. Classical parkinsonian signs were an exclusion criterion. All of the participants underwent a neuropsychological test battery addressing executive functions, learning ability, and verbal fluency.

Results: In the PD risk group, diffusion‐weighted imaging mean diffusivity was increased in 4 left hemisphere clusters (posterior thalamus, inferior longitudinal fasciculus, fornix, corticospinal tract). A negative relationship of mean diffusivity and smell function was present for the posterior thalamus and the corticospinal tract. There was a significant correlation of mean diffusivity values and SN+ in all clusters. Neither voxel‐based morphometry nor cortical thickness analysis revealed any group differences. No relevant group differences were observed for cognitive tests included.

Conclusion: PD‐free individuals with PD risk markers show microstructural changes of the white matter, including areas relevant for motor and limbic processes. In addition, our study provides for the first time a neuroanatomical correlate for SN hyperechogenicity. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Inhaling xenon ameliorates l‐dopa‐induced dyskinesia in experimental parkinsonism
Authors: Baufreton Jérôme , Milekovic Tomislav , Li Qin , McGuire Steve , Moraud Eduardo Martin , Porras Grégory , Sun Shiqi , Ko Wai Kin D. , Chazalon Marine , Morin Stéphanie , Normand Elisabeth , Farjot Géraldine , Milet Aude , Pype Jan , Pioli Elsa , Courtine Gregoire , Bessière Baptiste , Bezard Erwan
Published: May 2018

Parkinson's disease motor symptoms are treated with levodopa, but long‐term treatment leads to disabling dyskinesia. Altered synaptic transmission and maladaptive plasticity of corticostriatal glutamatergic projections play a critical role in the pathophysiology of dyskinesia. Because the noble gas xenon inhibits excitatory glutamatergic signaling, primarily through allosteric antagonism of the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors, we aimed to test its putative antidyskinetic capabilities. We first studied the direct effect of xenon gas exposure on corticostriatal plasticity in a murine model of levodopa‐induced dyskinesia We then studied the impact of xenon inhalation on behavioral dyskinetic manifestations in the gold‐standard rat and primate models of PD and levodopa‐induced dyskinesia. Last, we studied the effect of xenon inhalation on axial gait and posture deficits in a primate model of PD with levodopa‐induced dyskinesia. This study shows that xenon gas exposure (1) normalized synaptic transmission and reversed maladaptive plasticity of corticostriatal glutamatergic projections associated with levodopa‐induced dyskinesia, (2) ameliorated dyskinesia in rat and nonhuman primate models of PD and dyskinesia, and (3) improved gait performance in a nonhuman primate model of PD. These results pave the way for clinical testing of this unconventional but safe approach. © 2018 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Image‐based retrospective 4D MRI in external beam radiotherapy: A comparative study with a digital phantom
Authors: Paganelli Chiara , Kipritidis John , Lee Danny , Baroni Guido , Keall Paul , Riboldi Marco
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Several image‐based retrospective sorting methods of 4D magnetic resonance imaging (4D MRI) have been proposed for respiratory motion reconstruction in external beam radiotherapy. However, the optimal strategy for providing accurate and artifact‐free 4D MRI, ideally corresponding to an average breathing cycle, is not yet defined. This study presents a proactive comparison of three published image‐based sorting methods, to define a groundwork for benchmarking in 4D MRI.

Methods

Three published 4D MRI methods were selected for image retrospective sorting: body area, mutual information, and navigator slice. The three image‐based methods were compared against a conventional retrospective sorting method based on an external surrogate. Comparisons were performed by means of an MRI digital phantom, derived from the XCAT CT phantom generated with different patient‐derived signals, for a total of 12 cases. Specific multislice MRI acquisitions were simulated for slice sorting and sagittal, coronal, and axial orientations were tested. An average 4D cycle was generated as ground truth.

Results

Individual and grouped patient analyses showed better performance of the navigator slice and mutual information in amplitude binning with respect to the body area strategy. Binning artifacts were reduced on the diaphragm with the slice navigator method due to the acquired internal information. Tumor motion description accurately matched the ground truth in the mutual information strategy with amplitude binning. The body area method followed the performance of the external surrogate and presented larger errors, since was not correlated with the internal anatomy. Sagittal and coronal orientations reported lower errors than axial slicing. Individual analysis showed the need of a patient‐specific evaluation for the selection of the best method.

Conclusions

A comparison between three different image‐based retrospective sorting methods for 4D MRI is proposed, providing guidelines for benchmark definition in MRI‐guided radiotherapy.
Prospective frequency correction using outer volume suppression‐localized navigator for MR spectroscopy and spectroscopic imaging
Authors: Lee Chu‐Yu , Choi In‐Young , Lee Phil
Published: May 2018

Purpose

New frequency correction methods are required to achieve the accurate measurement of frequency drifts in MRS and MRSI. We present a prospective frequency correction method with outer volume suppression (OVS)‐based localization and selective water excitation for effective frequency correction with better SNR improvement compared to other techniques.

Methods

An OVS‐localized navigator was developed to prospectively correct frequency drifts during MRS and MRSI measurements. The performance of the navigator was tested on the human brain and a solution phantom for frequency drifts induced by head motion or gradient heating by a preceding DWI experiment at 3T.

Results

The OVS‐localized navigator could accurately track motion‐induced frequency drifts with an RMS error of 0.5 Hz. The SNR of MRS signals was not affected by use of the OVS‐localized navigator when compared with and without the navigator (P > 0.05). The frequency drifts induced by DWI experiments were 5.1 ± 0.3 Hz/min during MRSI measurements on humans, resulting in increased spectral linewidth, significant bias in metabolite concentrations, and significantly increased Cramér‐Rao lower bounds (P < 0.05). After prospective frequency corrections, the quality of MRSI was recovered to the level of those without any DWI‐induced frequency drifts, judged by the spectral linewidth, metabolite concentrations, and Cramér‐Rao lower bounds.

Conclusion

The OVS‐localized navigator demonstrated effective prospective frequency corrections for large frequency drifts (5 Hz/min) without introducing any saturation‐induced SNR loss. These benefits can be particularly beneficial for the acquisition of MRS signals with long T1 and/or short TR, and spectral editing.
Factor structure of the WISC‐V in four standardization age groups: Exploratory and hierarchical factor analyses with the 16 primary and secondary subtests
Authors: Canivez Gary L. , Dombrowski Stefan C. , Watkins Marley W.
Published: May 2018

This study examined the factor structure of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children‐Fifth Edition (WISC‐V) with four standardization sample age groups (6–8, 9–11, 12–14, 15–16 years) using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), multiple factor extraction criteria, and hierarchical EFA not included in the WISC‐VTechnical and Interpretation Manual. Factor extraction criteria suggested that one to four factors might be sufficient despite the publisher‐promoted, five‐factor solution. Forced extraction of five factors resulted in only one WISC‐V subtest obtaining a salient pattern coefficient on the fifth factor in all four groups, rendering it inadequate. Evidence did not support the publisher's desire to split Perceptual Reasoning into separate Visual Spatial and Fluid Reasoning dimensions. Results indicated that most WISC‐V subtests were properly associated with the four theoretically oriented first‐order factors resembling the WISC‐IV, thegfactor accounted for large portions of total and common variance, and the four first‐order group factors accounted for small portions of total and common variance. Results were consistent with EFA of the WISC‐V total standardization sample.
Association of follicular fluid volume with membrane stretchability of human metaphase II oocytes following the gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist protocol during intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Authors: Inoue Taketo , Taguchi Sayumi , Hirao Kayoko , Tsujimoto Yoshiko , Yamamoto Shuji , Uemura Mikiko , Miyazaki Kazunori , Yamashita Yoshiki
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The authors previously revealed the association of the follicular fluid (FF) volume with oolemma stretchability following the gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol during intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). However, the impact of the GnRH agonist protocol on oolemma stretchability remains unclear.

Methods

Data that were obtained from 74 ICSI cycles were reviewed retrospectively. Controlled ovarian stimulation was performed in accordance with the short GnRH agonist protocol. Each follicle was individually aspirated and assigned to one of six groups, according to the FF volume. The oolemma stretchability during ICSI was evaluated by using a mechanical stimulus for oolemma penetration; that is, oolemma penetration with or without aspiration (high vs low stretchability, respectively).

Results

The incidence of low oolemma stretchability was significantly higher in the <1.0 mL group than that in the ≥1.0 mL group. The normal fertilization rate was significantly lower in the <1.0 mL group than that in the 2.0‐<3.0 mL group. The rate of blastocyst development was lower in the <1.0 mL group than that in the 3.0‐<4.0 mL group.

Conclusion

The FF volume potentially was associated with metaphase II oolemma stretchability, fertilization, and blastocyst development.
Allogeneic Umbilical Cord Blood Infusion for Adults with Ischemic Stroke: Clinical Outcomes from a Phase I Safety Study
Authors: Laskowitz Daniel T. , Bennett Ellen R. , Durham Rebecca J. , Volpi John J. , Wiese Jonathan R. , Frankel Michael , Shpall Elizabeth , Wilson Jeffry M. , Troy Jesse , Kurtzberg Joanne
Published: May 2018

Stroke is a major cause of death and long-term disability, affecting one in six people worldwide. The only currently available approved pharmacological treatment for ischemic stroke is tissue plasminogen activator; however, relatively few patients are eligible for this therapy. We hypothesized that intravenous (IV) infusion of banked unrelated allogeneic umbilical cord blood (UCB) would improve functional outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke. To investigate this, we conducted a phase I open-label trial to assess the safety and feasibility of a single IV infusion of non-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matched, ABO matched, unrelated allogeneic UCB into adult stroke patients. Ten participants with acute middle cerebral artery ischemic stroke were enrolled. UCB units were matched for blood group antigens and race but not HLA, and infused 3–9 days post-stroke. The adverse event (AE) profile over a 12 month postinfusion period indicated that the treatment was well-tolerated in these stroke patients, with no serious AEs directly related to the study product. Study participants were also assessed using neurological and functional evaluations, including the modified Rankin Score (mRS) and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). At 3 months post-treatment, all participants had improved by at least one grade in mRS (mean 2.8 ± 0.9) and by at least 4 points in NIHSS (mean 5.9 ± 1.4), relative to baseline. Together, these data suggest that a single i.v. dose of allogeneic non-HLA matched human UCB cells is safe in adults with ischemic stroke, and support the conduct of a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2 study.
Ternary Composite of Biomass Porous Carbon/SnO2/Pt: An Efficient Catalyst for Reduction of Aromatic Nitro Compounds
Authors: Shang Huishan , Du Lulu , Guan Huijuan , Zhang Bing , Xiang Xu
Published: May 2018

Ternary composite of biomass porous carbon/SnO2/Pt was prepared by a facile two‐step method consisting of the hydrothermal process and the impregnation‐chemical reduction procedure. The SEM and TEM revealed that particles of SnO2 deposited on the surface of porous carbon (PC) and formed an intermediate layer, which facilitated Pt nanoparticles (around 3–4 nm) to deposit uniformly and firmly on the surface. The ternary composite catalyst of Pt‐SnO2/PC exhibited significantly enhanced performance during the catalytic reduction of 4‐nitrophenol to 4‐aminophenol, and the reaction could completely finished within 80 seconds at room temperature, which apparent rate constant (Ka=71 × 10−3 s−1) was approximately 36 times higher than that of Pt/PC with the same Pt loading. The hybrid catalyst also presented a good stability and the catalytic activity could maintain above 90% even after eighth recycling of reaction. Due to its unique structure and high catalytic performance, ternary composite of Pt‐SnO2/PC has great potential in catalysis applications.
Ru(II)‐Catalyzed Hydroarylation of Maleimides with Cyclic N‐SulfonylKetimines through ortho‐C‐H Bond Activation
Authors: Reddy Keesari N. , Krishna Rao Medikonda V. , Sridhar Balasubramanian , Reddy Basi V. Subba
Published: May 2018

A highly regioselective Ru(II)‐catalyzed hydroarylation of maleimides with 3‐aryl cyclic N‐sulfonyl ketimines has been developed for the first time to produce 3‐[(isothiazol‐3‐yl)phenyl]succinimide derivatives in good yields. This method is a simple and atom‐economical, which provides pharmaceutically relevant 3‐arylsuccinimide derivatives.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Structure of a [Cu(phen)2(OTf)]OTf Complex: An Efficient Nitrogen Transfer Pre‐catalyst.
Authors: Valle Henry U. , Riley Kathleen M. , Russell Dylan E. , Wolgemuth Daniel K. , Voges‐Haupt C. Flannery , Rogers T. Alexander , Redd Shanterell L. , Stokes Sean L. , Emerson Joseph P.
Published: May 2018

Aziridines are valued as important building blocks for the synthesis of a wide range of active compounds. The development of efficient, cost effective catalysts for nitrene transfer reactions to olefins is a continuing area of research in modern chemistry. There are a number of transition metal complexes that are known to catalyse the aziridination of olefins, however most require expensive transition metal ions. Herein we report our efforts to generate aziridines using a copper(II) complex that offers high efficiency at forming aziridines from olefins and N‐transfer agents.
Brønsted‐Acid‐Catalyzed para‐Selective Diazotization of Anilines with Aryl Diazonium Tetrafluoroborates
Authors: Xiong Biquan , Wang Gang , Wan Liming , Xiong Tao , Zhou Congshan , Liu Yu , Zhang Panliang , Yang Changan , Tang Kewen
Published: May 2018

An efficient brønsted acid‐catalyzed method for the para‐selective diazotization at the aromatic carbon‐hydrogen sites para to an amido substituent in nonpolar solvent is illustrated, using aryl diazonium tetrafluoroborates as diazotization reagents. The direct transformation occurs under mild reaction conditions with ample scope, avoids the use of metals, and is tolerated with valuable functional groups. It is a simple way to generate a broad spectrum of functionalized azo anilines from basic starting materials with good to excellent yields.
Enantioselective Palladium‐Catalyzed N‐Allylation of Lactams
Authors: Visse Robin , Fidan Mesut , Götzinger Alissa , Motzny Angelika , Jeddi Samir , Braun Manfred
Published: May 2018

N‐Deprotonated five‐, six‐, seven, and nine‐membered lactams undergo smooth palladium‐catalyzed N‐allylation with methyl‐(pent‐3‐en‐2‐yl)‐carbonate or 2‐chloro‐3‐pentene. With axially chiral bisphosphane ligands, enantioselectivities ranging from 83 to 97% ee are reached. The configuration of one of the allylation products is assigned unambiguously by the preparation of a relay compound and by analogy to the others. Using the enantioselective allylation protocol as a key step, δ‐valerolactam is converted into (4S,9aR)‐4‐methylquinolizidine.
Application of Compact TiO2 Layer Fabricated by Pulsed Laser Deposition in Organometal Trihalide Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Hao , Wang Hong , Ma Meiyang , Wu Yu , Dong Shuai , Xu Qingyu
Published: May 2018

Organometal trihalide perovskite solar cells have been rapidly developed and attracted much attention in recent years due to their high photoelectric conversion efficiency and low cost. Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) is a widely adopted technology which is used in the preparation of thin films, especially oxide thin films. With this technology, the thickness and composition of films can be conveniently and accurately controlled. In the structure of perovskite solar cells, TiO2 layer working as the n‐type semiconductor is used to block holes and transport electrons into electrode, which is crucial for the performance of whole devices. Here, the PLD technique is introduced into the preparation of TiO2 layers. In comparison with common spin coating method, TiO2 layers prepared by this technique are ultrathin and more compact. Compact TiO2 (c‐TiO2) layers with optimized thickness of 32 nm have been prepared by the PLD method and the highest efficiency of 13.95% for MAPbI3‐based solar cell devices has been achieved.
First Full Structural Characterization of Chloro Formamidinium Salts
Authors: Möller Andreas , George Janine , Dronskowski Richard
Published: May 2018

While the synthesis of chloro formamidinium chloride has been known for over one century, no solid‐state structure of a chlorine‐substituted formamidinium compound has been reported up to now. Herein, we describe syntheses, solid‐state structures, and vibrational properties of four chloro formamidinium compounds, namely [ClC(NH2)2]Cl (1), [ClC(NH2)2](AuCl4) (2), [ClC(NH2)2]2(PdCl4) (3), and [ClC(NH2)2]2(PtCl6) (4), as determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SCXRD). 1 and 3 crystallize in the monoclinic space group P21/c, 2 in the orthorhombic space group Pbcn, whereas 4 adopts the triclinic space group P1. By using a combination of high‐resolution time‐of‐flight neutron powder diffraction, state‐of‐the‐art DFT calculations as well as IR spectroscopy, the prior SCXRD result was fully confirmed and augmented by determining the hydrogen‐bonded molecular networks. First‐principles electronic‐structure calculations corroborate the ionic nature of these salts by showing very flat, molecular‐like bands next to the Fermi level, in addition to indirect bandgaps. This study underlines the upmost importance of complementing diffraction data by ab initio calculations, as theory‐derived anisotropic displacement parameters served as fixed numerical entries.
Evaluation Metrics and Evaluation
Authors: Dalianis Hercules
Published: May 2018

This chapter describes the metrics for the evaluation of information retrieval and natural language processing systems, the annotation techniques and evaluation metrics and the concepts of training, development and evaluations sets for information retrieval systems.
Basic Building Blocks for Clinical Text Processing
Authors: Dalianis Hercules
Published: May 2018

This chapter presents the basic building blocks for clinical text processing and relates them to the building blocks for standard text processing using natural languages processing techniques.
Computational Methods for Text Analysis and Text Classification
Authors: Dalianis Hercules
Published: May 2018

This chapter presents the computational methods for text analysis and text classification, including both rule-based and machine learning-based methods such as unsupervised and supervised methods.