bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serological profile of asymptomatic HCV positive patients with low level of cryoglobulins
Authors: Basile Umberto , Napodano Cecilia , Pocino Krizia , Gulli Francesca , Santini Stefano Angelo , Todi Laura , Marino Mariapaola , Rapaccini Gian Ludovico
Published: December 2018

Clinical spectrum of hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related cryoglobulinemia varies from an asymptomatic presentation to severe vasculitis and lymphoma. A recent study in HCV‐negative patients suggests that low cryoglobulins (CGs) levels are responsible for severe renal and neurological complications. The aim of this study was to identify a panel of serological biomarkers associated with low levels of CGs in HCV‐positive patients. We studied a population of 79 untreated patients with chronic HCV infection: 13 naïve patients without CGs; 28 patients with asymptomatic mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) and low levels of CGs (16/28 with polyclonal type III and 12/28 with microheterogeneous type III CGs); 38 patients with symptomatic MC and high levels of type II CGs. Serum samples were collected and examined for rheumatoid factor (RF) IgG and IgM, free light chains (FLCs) and C3 and C4 complement components. We found that RF‐IgG and IgM, free k chains and k+λ were increased while C4 component was reduced, both in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Our results suggest that, even in absence of MC symptoms, the low levels of CGs may represent a trigger of activation for immune system in course of HCV infection. The identification of a correlated biomarkers panel could improve the clinical management of these patients and pave the way for target treatment strategies. © 2018 BioFactors, 45(3):318–325, 2019
Corporate carbon risk, voluntary disclosure, and cost of capital: South African evidence
Authors: Lemma Tesfaye T. , Feedman Martin , Mlilo Mthokozisi , Park Jin Dong
Published: December 2018

The study examines the interplay among corporate carbon risk, voluntary disclosure, and cost of capital within the context of South Africa, a “rising power” in the climate policy debate. We develop a system of simultaneous equations models and analyze data drawn from firms traded on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE), for the period 2010 to 2015, using the three‐stage least squares procedure. We find that voluntary carbon disclosure is associated with lower overall (and equity) cost of capital, after controlling for corporate carbon risk. We also find that firms with higher carbon risk tend to provide better quality carbon disclosure and signal the possibility of high carbon risk to avoid negative market reactions resulting from concealing carbon information. Although the capital market does not appear to incorporate individual firm's carbon risk exposure into the required cost of capital, we find that it generally requires higher returns for companies operating in carbon‐intensive sectors. These findings suggest that firms could exploit the virtues of voluntary carbon disclosure to reduce their overall (and equity) cost of capital. Our findings also imply that regulators and policymakers could point to the cost of capital reducing role of voluntary disclosure to lure firms into voluntarily providing superior quality carbon disclosures.
Implement best practices for supervision of sport programs
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: December 2018

ATLANTA — Although there isn't one perfect model to follow that will ensure successful outcomes for supervision of your sport programs, it can certainly help to consider implementing the best practices that have proven effective for other schools.
Avoid compliance violations involving reports of sexual misconduct among student‐athletes
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: December 2018

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In today's higher ed world, most college athletics administrators already know the importance of creating and supporting a culture that takes steps to prevent sexual misconduct and encourages reporting it if it does occur. But do all of your staff members know how to properly handle reports of sexual misconduct? If they don't, then your school and department face serious legal risks and compliance violations.
Reduced Graphene Oxide/CZTSxSe1‐x Composites as a Novel Hole‐Transport Functional Layer in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Nan Hui , Han Jianhua , Yin Xuewen , Zhou Yu , Yao Zhibo , Li Xin , Lin Hong
Published: December 2018

Exploiting lower cost and more stable hole‐transport materials to replace spiro‐OMeTAD is a hot topic in the research field of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). This work exploits a novel hole‐transport composite containing reduced graphene oxides (RGO) and Cu2ZnSn(SSe)4 (CZTSxSe1‐x) by a green sol‐gel method for efficient perovskite solar cells. The composition and crystalline structure of CZTSxSe1‐x were examined by Raman and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy as well as by X‐ray diffraction measurements. Compared with a pristine RGO hole‐transport layer (HTL), the PSC with RGO/CZTSxSe1‐x composite shows an improved photovoltaic performance and enhanced stability. A maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.08 % and an enhanced stability were obtained for the cell with the RGO/CZTS0.5Se0.5 composite. Moreover, only 14 % efficiency reduction ratio was observed for the device stored in air at room temperature after 500 hours without encapsulation. In addition, the different S/Se ratios of CZTSxSe1‐x showed distinct photovoltaic properties of the PSCs, which is attributed to the change of energetic structures, confirmed by electrochemical characterizations.
Swallow‐Nest‐Inspired Strategy towards Ultralight Functional Multiwall‐Carbon‐Nanotube‐Based Aerogels for Supercapacitors
Authors: Jiang Shuai , Qin Xianzhong , Chen Rui , Meng Han , Du Rong , Cai Feipeng , Jiang Bo , Yang Gai , Wang Bo , An Pengfei , Tan Chunhui
Published: December 2018

Electrode materials with superior electrochemical properties are at the core of energy‐conversion and storage devices such as supercapacitors. Here, an ultralight functionalized multiwall‐carbon‐nanotube (FMWCNT) based aerogel with swallow nest structure is fabricated by a simple and facile method, and further used as a freestanding electrode for supercapacitors. Besides, soft X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure measurements were performed to probe the valence bonds of the as‐prepared FMWCNT aerogel, revealing the existence of chemical interactions among the atoms. More importantly, a series of experiments including cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge‐discharge cycling, and rate capability tests were performed to evaluate the properties of the as‐prepared FMWCNT aerogel electrodes. Impressively, the specific capacitance of the electrodes was as high as 319 F g−1 in 0.5 M H2SO4 at a constant current density of 10 A g−1, and no decay was observed after 2000 cycles. These superior properties can be attributed to the unique interconnected nanostructure, large specific surface area, and synergistic effect of the FMWCNT aerogel.
Synthesis of 2,3‐Fused Indoline Aminals via 4 + 2 Cycloaddition of NH‐free Benzazetidines with Indoles
Authors: Bai Zibo , Tong Huarong , Wang Hao , Chen Gong , He Gang
Published: December 2018

Summary of main observation and conclusion

A 4 + 2 cycloaddition reaction of NH‐free benzazetidines with indoles under the catalysis of camphorsulfonic acid was developed. This method shows a broad substrate scope of benzazetidines and indoles, and offers a convenient method for stereoselective synthesis of various cis‐2,3‐fused indoline aminals. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest the reaction proceed via a stepwise pathway featuring an electrophilic attack on the benzylic carbon of benzazetidine.
Association of Medicaid enrollee characteristics and primary care utilization with cancer outcomes for the period spanning Medicaid expansion in New Jersey
Authors: Tsui Jennifer , DeLia Derek , Stroup Antoinette M. , Nova Jose , Kulkarni Aishwarya , Ferrante Jeanne M. , Cantor Joel C.
Published: December 2018

Background

Cancer outcomes for Medicaid enrollees may be affected by patients’ primary care (PC) utilization and complex Medicaid enrollment dynamics, which have recently changed for many states under the Affordable Care Act.

Methods

With New Jersey State Cancer Registry and linked Medicaid claims data, a retrospective cohort study was conducted for patients with incident breast, colorectal, or invasive cervical cancer (aged 21‐64 years) diagnosed in 2012‐2014. Associations of Medicaid enrollment factors and PC utilization with the stage at diagnosis and treatment delays were examined with multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

The study included 19,209 total cancer cases and 3253 linked Medicaid cases. Medicaid cases were more likely to be diagnosed at a late stage and to experience treatment delays in comparison with non‐Medicaid cases. In adjusted analyses, Medicaid cases with 1 or more PC visits before the diagnosis had lower odds of a late‐stage diagnosis (odds ratio, 0.47; 95% confidence interval, 0.33‐0.67) in comparison with Medicaid cases with no outpatient visits. New enrollees (<6 months) and longer term enrollees in fee‐for‐service (FFS) Medicaid had greater odds of a late‐stage diagnosis and treatment delays in comparison with those in Medicaid managed care.

Conclusions

Medicaid patients with cancer diagnosed just before and in the initial year of eligibility expansion had worse outcomes than non‐Medicaid cases. Poor outcomes were especially pronounced among new enrollees, those without outpatient visits before their diagnosis, and FFS enrollees. Targeted strategies to enhance care continuity, including access to PC providers before the diagnosis and a better understanding of pathways to cancer care upon Medicaid enrollment, are needed to improve outcomes in this population.
BCR/ABL1–like acute lymphoblastic leukemia: How to diagnose and treat?
Authors: Chiaretti Sabina , Messina Monica , Foà Robin
Published: December 2018

BCR/ABL1–like acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) accounts for 15% to 30% of B‐lineage ALL, with a peak of incidence occurring in adolescence. This subgroup of patients is characterized by a peculiar transcriptional profile that resembles that of true BCR/ABL1–positive cases, and have a heterogeneous genetic background and a poor outcome. Next‐generation sequencing studies have demonstrated that the majority of patients carry rearrangements of tyrosine kinases or cytokine receptors and mutations of janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), thus opening the way to the possible use of targeted therapeutic approaches. However, several issues remain unresolved at both the diagnostic and therapeutic level, such as the definition of a standardized method to identify BCR/ABL1–like ALL and the design of ad hoc clinical trials examining tyrosine kinase inhibitors or other tailored treatments. These aspects are discussed in this review.
The clinical conundrum of managing relapsed small cell lung cancer
Authors: Nazha Bassel , Owonikoko Taofeek K.
Published: December 2018

The management of patients with relapsed/refractory small cell lung cancer is a true clinical conundrum. Using a common but challenging clinical scenario, this article discusses treatment considerations and promising emergent data on immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and targeted therapy.
Hydride Formation Diminishes CO2 Reduction Rate on Palladium
Authors: Billeter Emanuel , Terreni Jasmin , Borgschulte Andreas
Published: December 2018

The catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 includes the dissociation of hydrogen and further reaction with CO2 and intermediates. We investigate how the amount of hydrogen in the bulk of the catalyst affects the hydrogenation reaction taking place at the surface. For this, we developed an experimental setup described herein, based on a magnetic suspension balance and an infrared spectrometer, and measured pressure‐composition isotherms of the Pd−H system under conditions relevant for CO2 reduction. The addition of CO2 has no influence on the measured hydrogen absorption isotherms. The pressure dependence of the CO formation rate changes suddenly upon formation of the β‐PdH phase. This effect is attributed to a smaller surface coverage of hydrogen due to repulsive electronic interactions affecting both bulk and surface hydrogen.
Novel Impactor and Microsphere‐Based Assay Used to Measure Containment of Aerosols Generated in a Flow Cytometer Cell Sorter
Authors: Perfetto Stephen P. , Hogarth Phillip J. , Monard Simon , Fontes Ben , Reifel Kristen M. , Swan Brandon K. , Baijer Jan , Jellison Evan R. , Lyon Geoffrey , Lovelace Patty , Nguyen Richard , Ambrozak David , Holmes Kevin L.
Published: December 2018

Today's state‐of‐the‐art cell sorting flow cytometers are equipped with aerosol containment systems designed to evacuate aerosols from the sort chamber during a sort. This biosafety device is especially important when the sort operator is sorting infectious or potentially infections samples. Hence, it is critical to evaluate the performance for this system in normal operation and in “failure” mode to determine the efficacy of containment. In the past decade, the most popular published method for evaluating containment has been the Glo‐Germ bead procedure. These highly fluorescent and multisize particles can easily be detected on a microscope slide and enumerated using a fluorescent microscope. Collecting particles on this slide is accomplished using an Aerotech impactor. This sampler collects potentially escaping aerosols from the sort chamber before enumerating any particles. Although the Glo‐Germ procedure has been adopted by many labs, there are several drawbacks with the procedure that have limited its adoption by cell sorter laboratories: The Aerotech impactor is a reusable device that requires rigorous cleaning between measurements. The surface area of the collection slide is large and difficult to scan on a fluorescence microscope. These beads produce a wide variation in sizes resulting in inconsistency in flow rates. Here, we describe a novel and replacement method utilizing a Cyclex‐d impactor and Dragon Green beads. This method was compared for sensitivity of detection of escaped aerosols with a published method for aerosol detection which utilizes a UV‐APS aerodynamic particle sizer and a UV‐excitable dye. One of the advantages of the Cyclex‐d system is the narrow‐defined field of collection as compared to the standard Glo‐Germ bead procedure, this means a smaller sampling area is used in the Cyclex‐d impactor as compared to the AeroTech impactor. In addition, the sensitivity of detection was found to be better using the Cyclex‐d collection device as compared to the standard Glo‐Germ bead procedure. © 2018 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Ruthenium Nanoparticles Supported on Carbon Microfibers for Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalysis
Authors: Creus Jordi , Mallón Laura , Romero Nuria , Bofill Roger , Moya Alicia , Fierro Jose L. G. , Mas‐Ballesté Rubén , Sala Xavier , Philippot Karine , García‐Antón Jordi
Published: December 2018

Four different cathodes for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) have been developed by the decoration of commercial carbon microfibers with Ru nanoparticles (Ru NPs). Two types of carbon fibers have been used: pristine, as‐received, carbon fibers (pCF) and carbon fibers modified by an oxidative treatment that led to the functionalization of their surface with carboxylic groups (fCF). The decoration of these CFs with Ru NPs has been performed by two different methodologies based on the organometallic approach: direct synthesis of Ru NPs on top of the CFs (in‐situ Ru NPs) or impregnation of the CFs with a colloidal solution of preformed Ru NPs stabilized with 4‐phenylpyridine (RuPP NPs; ex‐situ Ru NPs). The electrocatalytic performance of these four cathodes (ex‐situ RuPP@pCF and RuPP@fCF; in‐situ Ru@pCF and Ru@fCF) for the HER has been studied in acidic conditions. The results obtained show that both the nature of the NPs and of the carbon fibers play a key role on the stability and activity of the hybrid electrodes: ex‐situ prepared Ru NPs afford better activities at lower overpotentials and better stabilities than those formed in‐situ. Among the two ex‐situ systems, an enhancement of the stability with pCF is observed, that may arise from more effective π‐interactions between 4‐phenylpyridine ligand and the surface of these carbon fibers. This interaction is somehow disfavored with fCF due to the presence of the surface carboxylic groups.
Estimation of growth and exopolysaccharide production by two soil cyanobacteria, Scytonema tolypothrichoides and Tolypothrix bouteillei as determined by cultivation in irradiance and temperature crossed gradients
Authors: Kvíderová Jana , Kumar Dhanesh , Lukavský Jaromír , Kaštánek Petr , Adhikary Siba Prasad
Published: December 2018

Two filamentous cyanobacteria of the genera Scytonema and Tolypothrix were reported to be effective for stabilizing soil in arid areas due to the production of significant amounts of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS). These EPS may also have applications in the biotechnology industry. Therefore, two cyanobacterial species, Scytonema tolypothrichoides and Tolypothrix bouteillei were examined using crossed gradients of temperature (8–40°C) and irradiance (3–21 W m−2) to identify their temperature and irradiance optima for maximum biomass and EPS production. According to their reported temperature requirements, both strains were considered mesophilic. The optimum growth range of temperature in S. tolypothrichoides (27 to 34°C) was higher than T. bouteillei (22–32°C). The optimum irradiance range for growth of S. tolypothrichoides (9–13 W m−2) was slightly lower than T. bouteillei (7–18 W m−2). Maximum EPS production by S. tolypothrichoides occurred at similar temperatures (28–34°C) as T. bouteillei (27–34°C), both slightly higher than for maximum growth. The optimum irradiance range for EPS production was comparable to that for growth in S. tolypotrichoides (8–13 W m−2), and slightly lower in T. bouteillei (7–17 W m−2). The Redundancy Analysis confirmed that temperature was the most important controlling factor and protocols for field applications or for mass cultivation can now be developed.
Differentiation of Aneugens and Clastogens in the In Vitro Micronucleus Test by Kinetochore Scoring Using Automated Image Analysis
Authors: Wilde Sabrina , Queisser Nina , Holz Christian , Raschke Marian , Sutter Andreas
Published: December 2018

The in vitro micronucleus test according to OECD Test Guideline 487 (TG 487) is widely used to investigate the genotoxic potential of drugs. Besides the identification of in vitro genotoxicants, the assay can be complemented with kinetochore staining for the differentiation between clastogens and aneugens. This differentiation constitutes a major contribution to risk assessment as especially aneugens show a threshold response. Thus, a novel method for automated MN plus kinetochore (k+) scoring by image analysis was developed based on the OECD TG 487. Compound‐induced increases in MN frequency can be detected using the cytokinesis‐block (cytochalasin B) method in V79 cells after 24 h in a 96‐well format. Nuclei, MN, and kinetochores were labeled with nuclear counterstain and anti‐kinetochore antibodies, respectively, to score MN in binuclear or multinuclear cells and to differentiate compound‐induced MN by the presence of kinetochores. First, a reference data set was created by manual scoring using two clastogens and aneugens. After developing the automated scoring process, a set of 14 reference genotoxicants were studied. The automated image analysis yielded the expected results: 5/5 clastogens and 6/6 aneugens (sensitivity: 100%) as well as 3/3 non‐genotoxicants (specificity: 100%) were correctly identified. Further, a threshold was determined for identifying aneugens. Based on the data for our internally characterized reference compounds, unknown compounds that induce ≥53.8% k+ MN are classified as aneugens. The current data demonstrate excellent specificity and sensitivity and the methodology is superior to manual microscopic analysis in terms of speed and throughput as well as the absence of human bias. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 60:227–242, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bile‐Derived Organoids From Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Recapitulate Their Inflammatory Immune Profile
Authors: Soroka Carol J. , Assis David N. , Alrabadi Leina S. , Roberts Scott , Cusack Laura , Jaffe Ariel B. , Boyer James L.
Published: December 2018

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a heterogeneous and progressive fibroinflammatory cholangiopathy with no known etiology or effective treatment. Studies of PSC are limited due to difficulty in accessing the cholangiocyte, the small percentage of these cells in the liver, instability of in vitro culture systems, and reliance on samples from end‐stage disease. Here, we demonstrate that stem cells can be isolated from the bile of PSC patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography earlier in their clinical course and maintained long term in vitro as three‐dimensional (3D) organoids that express a biliary genetic phenotype. Additionally, bile‐derived organoids (BDOs) can be biobanked and samples obtained longitudinally over the course of the disease. These BDOs express known cholangiocyte markers including gamma glutamyl transferase, cytokeratin 19, epithelial cellular adhesion molecule, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, and anion exchanger 2. RNA sequence analysis identified 39 genes whose expression differed in organoids from PSC patients compared to non‐PSC controls, including human leukocyte antigen DM alpha chain and chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 20 (CCL20), immune‐related genes previously described in genome‐wide association studies of PSC. Incubation of these BDOs with interleukin 17A or tumor necrosis factor alpha led to an immune‐reactive phenotype with a significant increase in secretion of proinflammatory mediators, including CCL20, a T‐cell chemoattractant. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that bile can be used as a source of biliary‐like cells that can be maintained long term in vitro as 3D organoids; these BDOs retain features of cholangiopathies, including the ability to react to inflammatory stimuli by secreting chemokines and propagating an immune‐reactive phenotype reflective of the pathogenesis of these diseases; thus, BDOs represent a platform for the study of the pathogenesis and therapy of cholangiopathies, particularly PSC.
Disinfection and Dewatering of Wastewater Solids by Interstitial Vapor Generation
Authors: Kramer Timothy A. , Hill T. Keith , Beckley John
Published: December 2018

Disinfection of wastewater solids (waste activated solids [WAS]) by interstitial vapor generation was investigated. In addition to the magnitude of disinfection, the amount of water removed and cost relative to traditional residuals disinfection processes was also examined. The process of interstitial vapor generation occurs as a result of the rapid heating of liquid in the interstices of the solid–liquid array. Intense heating causes boiling of the slurry liquid, resulting in an expanding vapor front that simultaneously dewaters the wastewater solids and contributes to the destruction of viable pathogenic microorganisms. Objectives of the study were threefold: (1) to validate disinfection of WAS using the interstitial vapor technique; (2) establish the degree of possible drying of the residuals using the techniques; and (3) establish the key operating variables for the process. Results showed a significant reduction in the most probable number of total coliforms and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Specifically, greater than four‐log unit reductions were produced for both total coliform and E. coli bacteria. In addition to quantifying the reduction in bacteria, the percent solids were increased from an initial amount of 7.6% (mass basis) to a final solids content greater than 90% using optimal processing conditions. Cost comparisons were also conducted and shown to be quite favorable when compared with traditional disinfection methods such as lime addition. Because of the high level of E. coli reduction achieved, the process of interstitial vapor generation is shown to be capable of converting a class B biosolids into a class A pathogen reduced product. For example, an initial most probable number (MPN) of 1.2 × 106 E. coli bacteria were reduced to 19 at the extreme conditions of the process, well below the requirement of an MPN of 1000 for fecal coliform bacteria. Given its ability to disinfect and dewater wastewater solids, the interstitial vapor generation process was found to be a robust and beneficial technique to produce an environmental and publicly acceptable recyclable biosolids resource.
Decolorization and Degradation of Dyes with Mediated Fenton Reaction
Authors: Goodell Barry , Qian Yuhui , Jellison Jody , Richard Mike
Published: December 2018

A mediated Fenton system has been evaluated for decolorization of several types of dyes. The result shows that the Fenton system with a dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) chelator‐mediator effectively reduced the color of a diluted solution of Carta Yellow RW liquid, Carta Yellow G liquid, and Cartasol Red 2GF liquid dye to a colorless level after 90 minutes of treatment with 100 l M iron II (Fe[II]), 100 l M DHBA, and 10 μM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at room temperature. Our results show that compared to a neat Fenton process, the mediated Fenton decolorization process increased the production, and therefore the effective longevity, of hydroxyl radical (OH) species to increase the decolorization efficiency. Our results suggest that application of this system would also result in an increase in dissolved oxygen (DO) in solution, which in turn would result in reduction of chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and total organic carbon (TOC).
Advancements in Molecular Techniques and Applications in Environmental Engineering
Authors: Mahendra Shaily , Gedalanga Phillip , Kotay Shireen M. , Torres César I. , Butler Caitlyn S. , Goel Ramesh
Published: December 2018

Molecular biological tools continue to be well suited to the challenges and complexity of research focused on the natural and engineered environments. These methods are being applied to an increasing range of efforts in environmental engineering research and practice for an improved understanding of important biological processes. While real‐time quantitative PCR (qPCR) has become a staple analytical technique in the molecular toolbox, other nucleic acid‐based techniques are gaining popularity. Microbial community analysis has seen an increasing impact in the literature in part due to the diverse array of analytical techniques that are able to provide information on structural changes including catalyzed reporter deposition fluorescence in situ hybridization (CARD‐FISH), microarrays, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) and next generation sequencing technologies. Novel biosensors that integrate molecular analysis are being developed to rapidly detect and quantify microorganisms, estrogenic compounds and other targets of interest. The advent of advanced molecular analyses has resulted in an exponential rise in genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic data. Hence, methods involving quality control are gaining popularity as the concern for rigorous standards in molecular data collection and analysis keeps pace with demand. This review will provide environmental engineers and microbiologists an overview of important advancements in molecular techniques and highlight the application of these methods in diverse environments.
Potentials for prolonging shelf‐life of platelets by near infrared low‐level light
Authors: Zhang Qi , Lu Min , Wu Mei X.
Published: December 2018

Platelets are uniquely stored at room temperature, during which they gradually loss their quality owing to deteriorating functions of mitochondria over time. Given the well‐documented beneficial effect of near infrared low‐level light (LLL) on mitochondrial functions, we explored a potential for LLL to protect mitochondrial function and extend the shelf‐life of platelets beyond the current 5 days. We found that exposure of a platelet‐containing storage bag to 830 nm light‐emitting diode (LED) light at 0.5 J/cm2 prior to storage could significantly retain a pH value and viability of the platelets stored for 8 days with improved quality compared to those stored similarly for 5 days in controls. The LLL inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lactate production, while sustaining ATP synthesis and mitochondrial membrane potential and morphology in the stored platelets. It also sustained aggregation capacity and in vivo survival of stored platelets, concomitant with no significant activation, as suggested by similar CD62p expression and enhanced agonist‐induced aggregation and recovery following infusion in the presence compared to absence of LLL treatment. This simple, additive‐free, cost‐effective, noninvasive approach can be readily incorporated into the current platelet storage system to potentially improve quality of stored platelets.
Impact of pretreatments on outcomes after living donor liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ogawa Kohei , Kaido Toshimi , Okajima Hideaki , Fujimoto Yasuhiro , Yoshizawa Atsushi , Yagi Shintaro , Hori Tomohide , Iida Taku , Takada Yasutsugu , Uemoto Shinji
Published: December 2018

Background

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of pretreatments on outcomes after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

From February 1999 to March 2015, 223 patients underwent LDLT for HCC. Until December 2006, there was no restriction in patient selection criteria regarding the number and size of tumors, following which we implemented the Kyoto criteria (tumor number ≤10, maximal diameter ≤5 cm, and des‐gamma‐carboxy prothrombin ≤400 mAU/ml) since January 2007.

Results

Of 223 patients, 156 had a history of pretreatments. Among 101 patients meeting the Milan criteria at the initial diagnosis, 38 progressed to beyond the criteria at liver transplantation (LT). Twenty‐two out of 38 met the Kyoto criteria, and their survival and recurrence rates were significantly better than those of patients exceeding the Kyoto criteria (P = 0.004 and 0.035, respectively). Regarding the number of pretreatments (0 vs. 1–4 vs. ≥5), recurrence rate was significantly higher in the ≥5 pretreatments group than the 0 group. However, for patients meeting the Kyoto criteria, there were no significant differences in recurrence rates between these three groups.

Conclusion

Better outcomes will be achieved by performing LT for HCCs meeting the Kyoto criteria even after repeated pretreatments.
Perfusion MRI in treatment evaluation of glioblastomas: Clinical relevance of current and future techniques
Authors: van Dijken Bart R.J. , van Laar Peter Jan , Smits Marion , Dankbaar Jan Willem , Enting Roelien H. , van der Hoorn Anouk
Published: December 2018

Treatment evaluation of patients with glioblastomas is important to aid in clinical decisions. Conventional MRI with contrast is currently the standard method, but unable to differentiate tumor progression from treatment‐related effects. Pseudoprogression appears as new enhancement, and thus mimics tumor progression on conventional MRI. Contrarily, a decrease in enhancement or edema on conventional MRI during antiangiogenic treatment can be due to pseudoresponse and is not necessarily reflective of a favorable outcome. Neovascularization is a hallmark of tumor progression but not for posttherapeutic effects. Perfusion‐weighted MRI provides a plethora of additional parameters that can help to identify this neovascularization. This review shows that perfusion MRI aids to identify tumor progression, pseudoprogression, and pseudoresponse. The review provides an overview of the most applicable perfusion MRI methods and their limitations. Finally, future developments and remaining challenges of perfusion MRI in treatment evaluation in neuro‐oncology are discussed.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 4

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:11–22.
Polymer conductive fabric grid array antenna with pliable feature for wearable application
Authors: Ramli Ridduan M. , Abdul Rahim Sharul K. , Sabran Mursyidul I. , Yong Wai Yan , Pon Lai Ly , Islam Mohammad T.
Published: December 2018

A flexible microstrip grid array antenna designed on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate and copper conductive fabric as the patch and ground plane is presented. The proposed rectangular geometry designed at 15 GHz is made of 19 cells with 22 radiating elements. The proposed antenna achieves almost 40% wideband characteristics at −10 dB reflection coefficient from 11.10 GHz until 16.2 GHz with measured maximum gain of 14.0 dBi in normal state. Analysis on performance of antenna at bend state with various value of bend radius has been done. The measured reflection coefficient shows low sensitivity to bending effect where the antenna operates well at designed frequency which is at 15 GHz. Due to these criteria, it is a suitable candidate for wearable applications.
Integrated multi‐echo denoising strategy improves identification of inherent language laterality
Authors: Amemiya Shiori , Yamashita Hiroshi , Takao Hidemasa , Abe Osamu
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Although increasingly used in both neuroscience and clinical studies, a major challenge facing resting‐state FMRI (rs‐FMRI) still lies in isolating BOLD signal fluctuations resulting from neuronal activity from noise. In this study, we investigated the effect of a newly proposed denoising approach, integrated multi‐echo rs‐FMRI analysis, on language mapping.

Methods

Multiband multi‐echo rs‐FMRI data were acquired, along with language task FMRI that identified language areas in the left hemisphere of 12 subjects. The language laterality and specificity of the language mapping given by seed‐based correlation analysis were compared among the rs‐FMRI data sets pre‐processed using 3 different approaches: multi‐echo data with integrated multi‐echo independent component analysis, denoising that uses the TE‐dependency of each signal component to judge its origin, and multi‐echo and single‐echo data with conventional denoising. The laterality index was automatically computed without setting any threshold to minimize the arbitrariness and to ensure the generality of the result.

Results

A repeated measures analysis of variance followed by post hoc tests showed that optimal combination of the 3‐echo data succeeded in increasing the correlation within the targeted language system. With the physically principled multi‐echo denoising approach, the integrated strategy further succeeded in revealing areas of synchronization more specific to the language system compared with conventional denoising approach, which eventually improved the identification of the laterality of the system.

Conclusion

By successfully reducing non‐specific correlations spreading over the brain, integrated multi‐echo approach improved language mapping and identification of the laterality of the system using rs‐FMRI.
HDAC inhibition in glioblastoma monitored by hyperpolarized 13C MRSI
Authors: Radoul Marina , Najac Chloé , Viswanath Pavithra , Mukherjee Joydeep , Kelly Mark , Gillespie Anne Marie , Chaumeil Myriam M. , Eriksson Pia , Delos Santos Romelyn , Pieper Russell O. , Ronen Sabrina M.
Published: December 2018

Vorinostat is a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor that inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in solid tumors, and is in clinical trials for the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM). The goal of this study was to assess whether hyperpolarized 13C MRS and magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) can detect HDAC inhibition in GBM models. First, we confirmed HDAC inhibition in U87 GBM cells and evaluated real‐time dynamic metabolic changes using a bioreactor system with live vorinostat‐treated or control cells. We found a significant 40% decrease in the 13C MRS‐detectable ratio of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]lactate to hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate, [1‐13C]Lac/Pyr, and a 37% decrease in the pseudo‐rate constant, kPL, for hyperpolarized [1‐13C]lactate production, in vorinostat‐treated cells compared with controls. To understand the underlying mechanism for this finding, we assessed the expression and activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (which catalyzes the pyruvate to lactate conversion), its associated cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, the expression of monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) MCT1 and MCT4 (which shuttle pyruvate and lactate in and out of the cell) and intracellular lactate levels. We found that the most likely explanation for our finding that hyperpolarized lactate is reduced in treated cells is a 30% reduction in intracellular lactate levels that occurs as a result of increased expression of both MCT1 and MCT4 in vorinostat‐treated cells. In vivo 13C MRSI studies of orthotopic tumors in mice also showed a significant 52% decrease in hyperpolarized [1‐13C]Lac/Pyr when comparing vorinostat‐treated U87 GBM tumors with controls, and, as in the cell studies, this metabolic finding was associated with increased MCT1 and MCT4 expression in HDAC‐inhibited tumors. Thus, the 13C MRSI‐detectable decrease in hyperpolarized [1‐13C]lactate production could serve as a biomarker of response to HDAC inhibitors.
Convergence and stability analysis of the deformable discrete element method
Authors: Madan Nikhil , Rojek Jerzy , Nosewicz Szymon
Published: December 2018

This work investigates numerical properties of the algorithm of the discrete element method (DEM) employing deformable circular disks presented in the authors' earlier publication. The new formulation called the deformable DEM (DDEM) enhances the standard DEM (SDEM) by introducing an additional (global) deformation mode caused by the stresses in the particles induced by the contact forces. An accurate computation of the contact forces would require an iterative solution of the implicit relationship between the contact forces and particle displacements. In order to preserve efficiency of the DEM, the new formulation has been adapted to the explicit time integration. It has been shown that the explicit DDEM algorithm is conditionally stable and there are two restrictions on its stability. Except for the limitation of the time step as in the SDEM, the stability in the DDEM is governed by the convergence criterion of the iterative solution of the contact forces. The convergence and stability limits have been determined analytically and numerically for selected regular and irregular configurations. It has also been found out that the critical time step in DDEM remains unchanged with respect to the SDEM.
Towards an enhanced understanding of aid policy reform: Learning from theFrench case
Authors: Cumming Gordon D.
Published: December 2018

Major overhauls of aid policies and institutions are comparatively rare. When they happen, they are usually ascribed to pressures arising from outside donor agencies. Where internal forces for change are identified, the focus is on field operatives rather than political entrepreneurs based in donor head offices. This article homes in on the role of the political entrepreneur and shows how this actor can help effect top‐down reforms to overseas development assistance. It does so by combining a political entrepreneurship perspective with a broader theorisation of policy change, historical institutionalism, and applying this innovative framework to French aid reforms over the years (2001–2010) when Jean‐Michel Severino was Managing Director of the Agence Française de Développement. It finds that, although historical institutionalism can explain the broad direction of French changes in terms of “structural factors” such as exogenous shocks and new institutional configurations, it struggles to account for incremental shifts and the emergence of “new” ideas. Political entrepreneurship addresses these issues through its emphasis on individual human agents and their operational and ideational strategies. It concludes that this relatively parsimonious framework could provide an enhanced understanding of other reforms in the international development field and beyond.
Risk factors for chemotherapy‐induced nausea in pediatric patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy
Authors: Dupuis L. Lee , Tamura Roy N. , Kelly Kara M. , Krischer Jeffrey P. , Langevin Anne‐Marie , Chen Lu , Kolb E. Anders , Ullrich Nicole J. , Sahler Olle Jane Z. , Hendershot Eleanor , Stratton Ann , Sung Lillian , McLean Thomas W.
Published: December 2018

Background

Little is known regarding risk factors for chemotherapy‐induced nausea (CIN) in pediatric patients.

Procedure

A secondary analysis was conducted of a previously published multicenter, prospective, randomized, single‐blind, sham‐controlled trial assessing the efficacy of acupressure in preventing CIN in pediatric patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy. The primary outcome was nausea severity, self‐reported using the Pediatric Nausea Assessment Tool. The relationships between acute and delayed nausea severity and patient‐ (sex, race, age, and cancer diagnosis) and treatment‐related (chemotherapy, antiemetic prophylaxis, CIN, and vomiting control) factors were analyzed by a proportional odds generalized estimating equation approach. The acute phase started with administration of the first and continued for 24 hours after the last chemotherapy dose. The delayed phase started at the end of the acute phase and continued until the next chemotherapy block (maximum seven days).

Results

In the acute and delayed phases, 165 and 144 patients provided data for analysis, respectively. Nonwhite race was significantly associated with higher acute phase nausea severity (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1–2.6). Poor CIN control in the acute phase (OR, 16; 95% CI, 4.0–64.6), diagnosis of a cancer other than a central nervous system (CNS) tumor (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.2–5.3), and cisplatin administration (OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 2.1–6.0) were significantly associated with higher delayed phase nausea severity.

Conclusion

Acute phase CIN was associated with nonwhite race. Delayed phase CIN was associated with poor acute phase CIN control, diagnosis of non‐CNS cancer, and receipt of cisplatin. These findings will inform future antiemetic trial design.
Fluorinated Boron Nitride Quantum Dots: A New 0D Material for Energy Conversion and Detection of Cellular Metabolism
Authors: Radhakrishnan Sruthi , Park Jun Hyoung , Neupane Ram , de los Reyes Carlos A. , Sudeep Parambath M. , Paulose Maggie , Martí Angel A. , Tiwary Chandra Sekhar , Khabashesku Valery N. , Varghese Oomman K. , Kaipparettu Benny Abraham , Ajayan Pulickel M.
Published: December 2018

Quantum dots encompass a broad spectrum of optical, catalytic, and electrochemical properties bringing in novel applications in catalysis, imaging, displays, and optoelectronics. Herein, the unanticipated broad‐spectrum light absorption and high fluorescence quantum yield in fluorinated boron nitride (FBN) quantum dots are discussed. A heterostructure of FBN quantum dots with a wide‐bandgap semiconductor, titania nanotube arrays, exhibits high photocatalytic activity as evidenced by high external quantum efficiency extending from ultraviolet to green region of the solar spectrum (≈24% at 400 nm). The high activity is confirmed using photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution experiments. Further, it is demonstrated that high fluorescence quantum yield could be tapped for the detection of glycolytic activity in cancer cells compared to normal cells. This finding could shift the paradigm of molecular detection using quantum dots. The 0D structure and the gap states introduced through fluorination are believed to be responsible for these unprecedented characteristics of boron nitride.
On Exclusion of Positive Cosmological Constant
Authors: Dvali Gia , Gomez Cesar
Published: December 2018

Some time ago we have suggested that positive vacuum energy exhibits a finite quantum break time, which can be a signal that a positive cosmological constant is inconsistent. From the requirement that the Universe never undergoes through quantum breaking, we have derived an absolute lower bound on the speed of variation of positive vacuum energy. The same suggestion about exclusion of positive cosmological constant was made recently. We show that the new bound represents a particular string theoretic version of the old bound, which is more general. In this light, we show that the existing window still provides a large room for the inflationary and dark energy model building. In particular, the inflationary models with gravitational strength interactions, are protected against fast quantum breaking.
HOXB13 interaction with MEIS1 modifies proliferation and gene expression in prostate cancer
Authors: Johng Dorhyun , Torga Gonzalo , Ewing Charles M. , Jin Kideok , Norris John D. , McDonnell Donald P. , Isaacs William B.
Published: December 2018

Background

The recurrent p.Gly84Glu germline mutation (G84E) in HOXB13 is consistently associated with prostate cancer (PCa), although the mechanisms underlying such linkage remain elusive. The majority of the PCa‐associated HOXB13 mutations identified are localized to two conserved domains in HOXB13 that have been shown to mediate the interaction with MEIS cofactors belonging to the TALE family of homeodomain transcription factors. In this study, we sought to interrogate the biochemical and functional interactions between HOXB13 and MEIS in prostatic cells with a goal of defining how the HOXB13‐MEIS complex impacts PCa pathobiology and define the extent to which the oncogenic activity of G84E is related to its effect on HOXB13‐MEIS interaction/function.

Methods

HOXB13 and MEIS paralog expression in prostate epithelial cells and PCa cell lines was characterized by qPCR and immunoblot analyses. HOXB13 and MEIS1 co‐expression in human prostate tissue was confirmed by IHC, followed by co‐IP mapping of HOXB13‐MEIS1 interactions. Proliferation of the PCa cell line LAPC4 following shRNA‐mediated knockdown of each gene or both genes was assessed using DNA‐ and metabolic‐based assays. Transcriptional targets of HOXB13 and MEIS1 were identified by gene expression profiling and qPCR. Finally, protein stability of HOXB13 in the context of MEIS1 was determined using pulse‐chase assays.

Results

HOXB13 and MEIS1 are co‐expressed and interact in prostate cells. Both of the putative MEIS interacting domains (MID) within HOXB13 were shown to be capable of mediating the interaction between HOXB13 and MEIS1 independently and such interactions were not influenced by the G84E mutation. The inhibitory effect of either HOXB13 or MEIS1 knockdown on cellular proliferation was augmented by knockdown of both genes, and MEIS1 knockdown abolished HOXB13‐driven regulation of BCHE and TNFSF10 mRNA expression. Notably, we demonstrated that MEIS1 stabilized the HOXB13 protein in LAPC4 cells.

Conclusions

Our study provides evidence for functional HOXB13‐MEIS1 interactions in PCa. MEIS1 may contribute to the cancer‐promoting actions of HOXB13 in cellular proliferation and gene regulation by prolonging HOXB13 half‐life. Our data demonstrates that G84E is not a loss‐of‐function mutation that interferes with HOXB13 stability or ability to interact with MEIS1.
Dielectric and Ferroelectric Response of Multiphase Bi‐Fe‐O Ceramics
Authors: Monteduro Anna Grazia , Rizzato Silvia , Leo Chiara , Karmakar Shilpi , Sirsi Fausto , Leo Angelo , Tasco Vittorianna , Esposito Marco , Passaseo Adriana , Caricato Anna Paola , Martino Maurizio , Maruccio Giuseppe
Published: December 2018

The structural, dielectric, and ferroelectric characterization of multiphase Bi‐Fe‐O prepared with an excess of Bi up to 20% is reported. It is found that the dominant phase in all samples is the BiFeO3 perovskite in addition to an increasing amount of the Bi‐rich sillenite phases (Bi12.5Fe0.5O19.48/Bi25FeO39) with the Bi excess content. At room temperature, the multiphase Bi‐Fe‐O results in advanced electrical properties, with higher dielectric constant (161 at 1 MHz) and low losses (tanδ = 0.032 at 1 MHz). The ferroelectric character of multiphase ceramics is confirmed by PUND measurements, which shows increased polarization values and coercive field with respect to the single phase ceramics.