bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic features and treatment response have better prediction rate than clinical symptoms/signs in distinguishing Crohn's disease and intestinal tuberculosis
Authors: Lin Wei‐Chen , Chang Chen‐Wang , Wang Tsang‐En , Wang Horng‐Yuan , Shih Shou‐Chuan , Chu Cheng‐Hsin , Hsu Tzu‐Chi
Published: October 2018

Background

Intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) is less common than Crohn's disease (CD) in Taiwan. Despite the worldwide decline in TB incidence over last several years, the prevalence yet remains high. Therefore, there is a necessity to increase the clinical awareness of this serious health problem. The aim of this study was to investigate the value of clinical methods that may be helpful in distinguishing CD from ITB.

Methods

Eighty‐five patients, 67 and 18 patients diagnosed with CD and ITB, respectively, from January 2000 to April 2015 at Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei were included. The clinical, laboratory, endoscopic, and histological characteristics were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

CD patients (33 ± 13 years) were younger than ITB patients (57 ± 21 years) (p = 0.103). The incidences of hematochezia, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, and weight loss were not significantly different (p = 0.388, p = 0.699, p = 0.751, p = 0.468, and p = 0.611, respectively). The hemoglobin, platelet, and C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels were also not significantly different (p = 0.388, p = 0.440, and p = 0.330, respectively). The endoscopic features of aphthous ulcer and cobblestone appearance were seen more often in CD patients (p = 0.043 and p = 0.010, respectively). Rectal lesions (29.9 vs. 0%; p = 0.020) were seen only in CD patients. Patulous ileocecal valve was specifically seen in ITB patients (p = 0.006). The histological features of granuloma, cryptitis and crypt abscess, and fissure formation were not significantly different (p = 0.377, p = 0.293, and p = 0.212, respectively).

Conclusions

The endoscopic features of aphthous ulcerations, cobblestone appearance, and rectal involvement in CD and of patulous ileocecal valve in ITB, along with clinical treatment follow‐up, tend to be useful diagnostic characteristics differentiating CD and ITB.

Copyright © 2017, The Gastroenterological Society of Taiwan, The Digestive Endoscopy Society of Taiwan and Taiwan Association for the Study of the Liver.
Performance of quantitative immunochemical test for fecal hemoglobin for surveillance of colorectal neoplasia after polypectomy in clinical practice
Authors: Yang Hsin‐Yeh , Lin Yu‐Min , Chong Lee‐Won , Chang Hung‐Chuen , Liao Chao‐Sheng , Yang Kuo‐Ching
Published: October 2018

Aims

We examined the yield of immunochemical test for fecal hemoglobin (FIT) for the post‐polypectomy individuals in a colorectal cancer screening program.

Methods

We enrolled 50‐75 years average‐risk individuals who attended a biennial FIT‐based colorectal cancer screening program from March 2010 to December 2011 (index round) and from January 2012 to December 2013 (repeated round). Colonoscopy was recommended to the participants with an FIT ≧ 30 μg Hb/g feces.

Participants identified with adenomas and removed by polypectomy in the index round were defined as surveillance group (Sur‐G). Participants with an FIT < 30 μg Hb/g feces in the index round or identified as non‐neoplastic findings of the indexed colonoscopy were defined as repeated screening group (Rsc‐G). We compared key quality indicators for FIT and colonoscopy between Sur‐G and Rsc‐G according to the findings of the repeated round. A p < 0.05 determined by chi‐square test was defined as significant.

Results

There were 222 post‐polypectomy surveillance (Sur‐G) and 7311 repeated screening individuals (Rsc‐G) enrolled for analysis. The FIT positivity rate, colonoscopy compliance rate and colorectal neoplasia (CRN) detection rate were 504 of 7311 (6.9%) vs. 46 of 222 (20.7%) (p < 0.001); 381 of 504 (75.6%) vs. 44 of 46 (95.7%) (p < 0.001) and 207 of 504 (41.1%) vs. 32 of 46 (69.6%) (p < 0.001) for Rsc‐G and Sur‐G respectively. The FIT positivity rate, colonoscopy compliance rate and CRN detection rate were significantly higher in the Sur‐G.

Conclusions

Our results suggest individuals after polypectomy still had high risk of CRN. Biennial FIT may play a role for post‐polypectomy surveillance. Subsequent prospective study is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of FIT for post‐polypectomy surveillance.

Copyright © 2017, The Gastroenterological Society of Taiwan, The Digestive Endoscopy Society of Taiwan and Taiwan Association for the Study of the Liver.
Unusual subcutaneous and choroidal metastases from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma denote a poor prognosis: A case report and literature review
Authors: Kuo Shin‐Huei , Yu Fang‐Jung , Shih Hsiang‐Yao , Kuo Hsi‐Kung , Wu Chun‐Chieh , Lee Po‐Yen , Wu I‐Chen
Published: October 2018

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a devastating disease, generally diagnosed at an advanced stage. Skin metastasis is rare, and choroidal metastases are extremely rare. Herein, we report a case of a 47‐year‐old habitual smoker and drinker who presented with progressive dysphagia, weight loss, and multiple enlarged tumors over his trunk and limbs for 3 months. Upper endoscopy revealed an ulcerative esophageal mass, and pathology confirmed moderately differentiated SCC. Fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography/computed tomography revealed high uptake in the esophageal mass, bone, and subcutaneous lesions. Incisional biopsy of the right thigh tumor indicated metastatic SCC. Accordingly, the patient received palliative chemotherapy and mediastinal radiotherapy. Two weeks later, he experienced partial right visual field loss. Imaging findings suggested choroidal metastasis. Although the skin lesions shrank after treatment, the patient's health quickly deteriorated and he died of severe pneumonia 3 months later. To our knowledge, this is the first report of ESCC with simultaneous subcutaneous and ocular metastasis. Cutaneous and ocular metastases secondary to ESCC are extremely rare; both suggest cancer dissemination and imply an ominous prognosis. Careful physical examination and high awareness are required during follow‐up.

Copyright © 2017, The Gastroenterological Society of Taiwan, The Digestive Endoscopy Society of Taiwan and Taiwan Association for the Study of the Liver.
Timing for cranioplasty to improve neurological outcome: A systematic review
Authors: De Cola Maria C. , Corallo Francesco , Pria Deborah , Lo Buono Viviana , Calabrò Rocco S.
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Cranioplasty is a surgical technique applied for the reconstruction of the skullcap removed during decompressive craniectomy (DC). Cranioplasty improves rehabilitation from a motor and cognitive perspective. However, it may increase the possibility of postoperative complications, such as seizures and infections. Timing of cranioplasty is therefore crucial even though literature is controversial. In this study, we compared motor and cognitive effects of early cranioplasty after DC and assess the optimal timing to perform it.

Methods

A literature research was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. We selected studies including at least one of the following test: Mini‐Mental State Examination, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test immediate and 30‐min delayed recall, Digit Span Test, Glasgow Coma Scale, Glasgow Outcome Scale, Coma Recovery Scale‐Revised, Level of Cognitive Functioning Scale, Functional Independence Measure, and Barthel Index.

Results

Six articles and two systematic reviews were included in the present study. Analysis of changes in pre‐ and postcranioplasty scores showed that an early procedure (within 90 days from decompressive craniectomy) is more effective in improving motor functions (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.51 [0.05; 0.97], p‐value = 0.03), whereas an early procedure did not significantly improve neither MMSE score (SMD = 0.06 [−0.49; 0.61], p‐value = 0.83) nor memory functions (SMD = −0.63 [−0.97; −0.28], p‐value < 0.001). No statistical significance emerged when we compared studies according to the timing from DC.

Conclusions

It is believed that cranioplasty performed from 3 to 6 months after DC may significantly improve both motor and cognitive recovery.
Determinants of mobile technology use and smartphone application interest in cancer patients
Authors: Raghunathan Nirupa Jaya , Korenstein Deborah , Li Qing S. , Tonorezos Emily S. , Mao Jun J.
Published: October 2018

Background

Supportive care is a critical component of the treatment of cancer patients that is underutilized; patient lack of information about these services is an important barrier. Mobile technologies may be useful tools for delivering information, but cancer patient use of and interest in using them to learn about supportive care services have not been described. This study evaluates factors associated with cancer patient use of mobile technologies and interest in smartphone applications for information delivery about supportive care.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional survey among cancer patients from one urban academic hospital and 11 community hospitals. Patients self‐reported use of mobile technologies and interest in smartphone applications. Multivariate logistic analysis was used to identify determinants of mobile technology use and smartphone interest.

Results

Among 631 participants, 466 (74%) reported regular use of mobile devices and 242 (39%) expressed an interest in supportive care information via smartphone applications. Patients under 45 were more likely to use a mobile device (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 6.8, 2.8‐16.9 95% CI, P < 0.001) and were interested in smartphone applications for delivery of information (AOR 3.2, 1.8‐5.9 95% CI, P < 0.001). Non‐white patients had similar use of mobile technology compared to whites but reported greater interest in smartphone application‐based information (AOR 3.4, 2.1‐5.5 95% CI, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Many patients expressed interest in smartphone application‐based information about supportive care services, especially those who are younger and non‐white. Future studies should investigate the characteristics of patients and smartphones applications that will optimize information delivery through a mobile technology platform.
Downregulated miR‐144‐3p contributes to progression of lung adenocarcinoma through elevating the expression of EZH2
Authors: Liu Chao , Yang Zuozhang , Deng Zhiyong , Zhou Youjun , Gong Quan , Zhao Ruilian , Chen Ting
Published: October 2018

Objectives

The intention of our study was to investigate the relationship between miR‐144‐3p and EZH2 as well as the effects of their interaction on cell propagation and invasiveness in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods

The expression levels of miR‐144‐3p and EZH2 in LUAD tissues and normal tissues were determined by qRT‐PCR. The dual‐luciferase reporter assay was utilized to validate the targeting relationship between miR‐144‐3p and EZH2. MTT assay and colony formation assay were performed to evaluate the viability and propagation of LUAD cells, while the effects of miR‐144‐3p and EZH2 on LUAD cell invasiveness were confirmed by transwell assay. Protein expression levels of VEGFA, MMP2, and MMP9 were measured by Western blot. Furthermore, xenograft tumor models were established to verify the effects of miR‐144‐3p on tumor formation and EZH2, VEGFA, MMP2 and MMP9 expressions in vivo.

Results

miR‐144‐3P was downregulated in LUAD tissues, and overexpression of miR‐144‐3p inhibited propagation and invasiveness of LUAD cells. EZH2 was a target of miR‐144‐3p and was highly expressed in LUAD cells. Knockdown of EZH2 could suppress the propagation and invasion of LUAD cells. Increased miR‐144‐3p expression exerted an inhibitory effect on LUAD tumor formation in vivo.

Conclusion

Overexpression of miR‐144‐3p impeded the propagation and invasiveness of LUAD cells by targeting EZH2.
Angiographic and clinical outcomes of antegrade versus retrograde techniques for chronic total occlusion revascularizations: Insights from the PRISON IV trial
Authors: Zivelonghi Carlo , van Andel Mitzi , Venturi Gabriele , Amoroso Giovanni , Teeuwen Koen , Tijssen Jan G.P. , Tavella Domenico , Ribichini Flavio , ten Berg Jurrien M. , Resning Benno J. , Henriques José P.S. , Suttorp Maarten J. , Agostoni Pierfrancesco , Van der Schaaf Renè J.
Published: October 2018

Objectives

Available data indicate mixed outcomes after using retrograde techniques for chronic total occlusion(CTO) recanalization, with generally higher need for repeat revascularization. Aim of this study is to analyze the angiographic and clinical outcome of patients treated with retrograde techniques in the PRISON‐IV trial.

Methods and Results

This is a post‐hoc sub‐analysis from the randomized PRISON‐IV trial. Briefly, 330 patients with a successfully recanalized CTO lesion were randomized 1:1 to receive either hybrid‐SES or EES. The hybrid‐SES failed to reach the non‐inferiority primary endpoint of in‐segment late lumen loss at 9‐month angiography follow‐up. In the present analysis, we divided the population according to the first technical approach, namely antegrade (n = 285) or retrograde approach (n = 45). Demographic characteristics were similar between the two groups, while angiographic features disclosed higher CTO lesion complexity in the group treated with retrograde techniques (J‐CTO score: 1.8 ± 1.1 vs 2.6 ± 1.1, respectively, P < 0.001), with longer occlusions (17.6 ± 10 mm vs 28.8 ± 18.7 mm, P < 0.001) and longer stented segment (48.9 ± 24.4 mm vs 73.1 ± 33.2 mm, P < 0.001). Quantitative coronary analysis disclosed similar results at follow‐up angiography, with a non‐significantly higher in‐stent late‐lumen loss in the retrograde group (0.08 ± 0.52 mm vs 0.18 ± 0.56 mm, P = 0.32). Clinical follow‐up at 12‐months showed similar outcome, with a non‐significantly higher target‐lesions revascularization rate in the retrograde group (6% vs 11.1% respectively, P = 0.2). Significant improvements in angina functional class were observed in both groups.

Conclusions

The present analysis supports the benefits of retrograde techniques in CTO revascularization, with non‐significant differences in angiographic and clinical outcomes at late follow‐up.
Favorable neurological outcome after ischemic cerebrovascular events in patients treated with percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion compared with warfarin
Authors: Lee Oh‐Hyun , Kim Young Dae , Kim Jung‐Sun , Pak Hui‐Nam , Hong Geu‐Ru , Shim Chi Young , Uhm Jae‐Sun , Cho In‐Jeong , Joung Boyoung , Hong Sung‐Jin , Ahn Chul‐Min , Kim Byeong‐Keuk , Ko Young‐Guk , Choi Donghoon , Hong Myeong‐Ki , Yu Cheol‐Woong , Lee Hyun‐Jong , Kang Woong‐Chol , Shin Eun‐Seok , Choi Rak‐kyeong , Lim Do‐Sun , Freixa Xavier , Tzikas Apostolos , Heo Ji Hoe , Jang Yangsoo , Park Jai‐Wun
Published: October 2018

Objectives

This study sought to investigate neurological disability after ischemic cerebrovascular events in patients treated with left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion compared with those on warfarin.

Background

Prior studies demonstrated that cerebrovascular events after LAA occlusion in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is largely nondisabling.

Methods

From the 1,189 patients in the Korean LAA Occlusion and European Amplatzer Cardiac Plug Multi‐Center Registry, 24 patients who experienced ischemic cerebrovascular events after LAA occlusion were enrolled. The neurological outcomes were compared with those in 68 patients who experienced an ischemic cerebrovascular event while on warfarin (Yonsei Stroke Registry). A modified Rankin scale (mRS) score of 3–6 categorized the cerebrovascular event as disabling. The mRS at discharge and at 3 and 12 months postcerebrovascular event in the two groups was compared.

Results

The percentages of disabling cerebrovascular events were 37.5% and 58.8% at discharge (P = 0.07), 20.8% and 42.6% at 3 months (P = 0.08), and 12.5% and 39.7% at 12 months (P = 0.02) in the LAA occlusion and warfarin groups, respectively. The mRS was significantly lower in the LAA occlusion group at discharge and at 3 months (P < 0.01) and 12 months (P < 0.01) postcerebrovascular event despite no significant difference in mRS before cerebrovascular events (P = 0.98). Patients in the LAA occlusion group demonstrated a significant reduction in mRS between discharge and 12 months (P < 0.01), unlike patients in the warfarin group (P = 0.10).

Conclusions

Ischemic cerebrovascular events in patients who previously underwent percutaneous LAA occlusion for NVAF were more favorable than in patients on warfarin.
Impacts of porous material fluid bulk properties on noise attenuation performance of cylinder shell structure based on finite element model
Authors: Li Bin , Li Jian , Yan Shilin , Ju Linfeng , He Xu
Published: October 2018

The noise control method of laying acoustic blanket is adopted to construct a cylinder cell noise experimental device; a typical porous material, melamine foam (MF), is used for noise attenuation experiments in aluminum (Al) and aluminum/melamine foam (Al/MF) cylinder shells and to achieve corresponding in‐shell noise response spectrograms. Based on the Virtual Lab acoustics software, a finite element model has established for the analysis of noise in the Al/MF cylinder shell and numerical simulation computation has been conducted for the acoustic mode and in‐shell acoustic response; the correctness of the finite element model is verified via comparison with theoretical and measured data. On this basis, the impacts of porous material fluid bulk properties on the noise attenuation effect of the Al/MF cylinder shell are further studied within the frequency range of 0 ∼ 1000 Hz. It is suggested that fluid bulk properties changes pose relatively high impacts on internal noise response of a cylindrical cavity. Within low‐frequency and high‐frequency ranges, the response value of sound pressure increases with flow resistivity, while the response value of sound pressure decreases with the increases of tortuosity, porosity, flow resistivity (only for the medium frequency range), and viscous characteristic length in the medium and high frequencies ranges.
A reliability‐based method for optimizing airport collection and distribution network
Authors: Bao Danwen , Di Zhiwei , Zhang Tianxuan
Published: October 2018

In this article, a reliability‐based method for optimizing the road network is presented. A bi‐level optimization model for the road network, of which the lower model is the optimal user equilibrium of the road impedance function and the upper model is the maximum reliability of the network, is constructed and solved by using the genetic algorithm. Moreover, a model for measuring the travel time reliability of the airport collection and distribution network is built based on the improved Bureau of Public Roads (BPR) function, and the reliability of this road network is quantified. Results of our case study show that the mean travel time reliability of all roads in the collection and distribution network of Nanjing Lukou Airport is 0.74, showing a good status on the whole level compared with other roads. The mean travel time reliability of the roads near the airport is higher by 25% or so, indicating that the reliability distribution is significantly uneven. It is proved that this method has higher accuracy and is applicable to calculate airport collection and distribution network reliability. After optimized by using the bi‐level model, the reliability of the road network is increased by about 11%, showing a good optimization effect. However, the optimization process of genetic algorithm is greatly affected by both crossover rate and mutation rate. A higher mutation rate or lower crossover rate will decrease the stability of optimization process. This method can be used as a theoretical reference for optimizing airport collection and distribution networks and improving the efficiency of airport's external transportation service.
Study on the public intention for environmental protection based on social network
Authors: Li Xiaofei , Li Da
Published: October 2018

On the basis of public good game model, this paper allows for the two information states: complete and incomplete information structures, as well as the two ways of behavioral decision: strategic substitutes and strategic complements. Moreover, it systematically analyzes the influences of different social networks on individual behavioral decision for environmental protection. It is found by this study that (1) there is a more stable and effective equilibrium state for individuals to make decision by the strategic complements against the strategic substitutes in complete information structure; (2) in incomplete information structure, the individual decision behavior and earnings depend on the degree and connectivity of network structure. The findings are of practical significance for analyzing the influence of inherent psychological factors and external environmental factors on individuals' decision‐making for environmental protection. Moreover, they can become the targeted proposals in carrying forward participatory environmental protection systems and the public participation in environmental protection
Research on the correlation of port logistics and regional economic growth base on gray relational analysis method
Authors: Ding Hong‐chao , Lian Min‐rong , Chen Xue‐ying , Liu Jia‐ming , Zhong Zu‐chang , Zhang Yu‐fan , Zhou Min‐yao
Published: October 2018

Costal Port, as modern transport hub and logistics nodes linking airlines, railways, highways, and other transport means, plays an important role in driving regional economic growth, while the regional growth in Port inter‐lands offer substantial support and guarantee for the port logistics. The correlation between port logistics and regional economic growth, therefore, may serve the entry point of research on the sustainable development of both Shenzhen and its port, given the positive interplay of the port logistics with regional economy, will gain a better strategic position in the Belt‐and‐Road Initiative and the Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macao Greater Bay Area. Gray correlation analysis and decision tree algorithm are both employed in the light of the status quo of ShenzhenPort to closely examine relevancy between the port logistics and regional economic development. The relevancy among gross industrial output value, total investment in fixed assets and gross import and export value reads 0.69:0.682:0.643, respectively, in contrast to the least relevancy of the construction industry; the gross industrial output value as well import and export value, according to the decision tree algorithms, exert decisive influences on the port logistics.
Mathematical analysis of financial decentralization and economic efficiency in both state‐owned and private enterprises
Authors: He Mei‐Ling , Jiang Qijie , Hong Zheng
Published: October 2018

The relationship between financial decentralization and economic efficiency has been a hot topic in the recent years. Modern enterprises, especially smart manufacturing enterprises, compared to traditional enterprises, have quantities of distinctive attributes. Given this situation, it is worthy of studying what role the financial decentralization plays in improving economic efficiency of both state‐owned and private enterprises. In this paper, a mathematical model is built and utilized to explore the determinants of financial decentralization and the relationship of financial decentralization and economic efficiency. Specifically, the model is extended from the overlapping generations model (OLG), and the first order condition is taken into account to maximize corporate profits and personal utility and to deduce the channels through which financial decentralization affects economic efficiency. Results show that financial decentralization is related to the size of the population employed by the private economy and it contributes to enhancing economic efficiency by affecting the capital efficiency of private companies and the capital quota of private enterprises. This paper theoretically enriches the literature on the factors of economic efficiency and has significant implications in economic efficiency.
A team task complexity measure for emergency procedures in fully automatic metro
Authors: Niu Ke , Fang Weining , Guo Beiyuan
Published: October 2018

A measure of team task complexity for emergency procedures in fully automatic metro is proposed using a Euclidean norm based on two factors: internal complexity of network nodes Nodecom − inside and external complexity of network nodes Nodecom − outside. The development of the operation complexity measure followed four steps. First, team task complexity network for emergency procedures was constructed. Second, the task complexity (TC) method used as complexity measure of individual was adopted to measure the internal complexity of network nodes. Then, the external complexity of network nodes was measured by structure entropy. Finally, the team task complexity values for emergency procedures were determined by the Euclidean norm of the two factors. To verify the validity of this team task complexity measure, a one‐factor experiment was designed to test the proposed model. Thirteen team subjects participated in the experiment and performed 5 typical emergency scenes. Both objective indexes (TeamTIME) and subjective indexes (TeamWORKLOAD and TeamSUBCOMPLEXITY) were used in the experiment. The data analysis showed that the TeamTIME, TeamWORKLOAD, and TeamSUBCOMPLEXITY could be predicted well from the team task complexity value. The proposed team task complexity measure can be used for evaluation of emergency procedures design in fully automatic metro.
Application of deep learning fusion algorithm in natural language processing in emotional semantic analysis
Authors: Gong Yunlu , Lu Nannan , Zhang Jiajian
Published: October 2018

With the development of network technology, people are facing more and more massive information. How to extract emotional information in massive information rapidly has received more and more attention from people. This paper introduces the principle and structure of the traditional emotional model. Different personality, emotional states, and external stimuli will have different effects on emotional semantic analysis. In addition, this paper has proposed emotional semantic analysis method based on wake‐sleep and SVM method. The model starts from the description and calculation of the dynamic characteristics of emotions and more fully predicts the process characteristics that describe the evolution of emotions. Search and category browsing allows users to quickly access these information points. In addition, this paper provides a deep learning fusion algorithm in emotional semantic analysis, introduces its reference implementation and related key technologies, and supports business intelligence to a certain extent, and it has a strong application prospect on the network data information.
Numerical simulation on the operational characteristics of the pulsed inductive acceleration
Authors: Cheng Yuguo , Xia Guangqing
Published: October 2018

To analyse the ionization and acceleration properties of an inductive plasma excited by a pulsed current flowing through the planar coil, the extended GLM formulations of the MHD (EGLM‐MHD) model, combined with the high‐temperature thermodynamic and transport model, is employed to simulate the characteristics of the flow. The two‐dimensional axisymmetric calculation captures the generation, growth, and acceleration of the current sheet, and the process is completed in the first half period. The sheet is mainly comprised of lower ionization level ions in the front and higher level ions at the back, and the density is one order higher than that of the residual plasma on the coil surface. As the abscissa value of the sheet is larger than the decoupling distance, a reversed flow emerges, generating a backward impulse, and the negative velocity can be more than 15 km/s at peak intensity B0 = 0.5 T. In the second 1/4 period, the magnetic field and current density distribute non‐linearly on the surface and regularly in the sheet, caused by the reversing of the changing rate of the magnetic field and the particles' radial diffusion. The results at different intensities show that, for the same coil size, the time at which the maximum velocity Vmax appears is advanced as the intensity increases, and Vmax can be greater than 20 km/s above 0.5 T.
Gully erosion processes, disciplinary fragmentation, and technological innovation
Authors: Bennett Sean J. , Wells Robert R.
Published: October 2018

The development and evolution of gullies on soil‐mantled hillslopes can devastate agricultural regions and cause widespread soil and landscape degradation. Since 2000, international symposia have been organized to address gully erosion processes, and this paper and special issue provide additional context for the 7th International Symposium on Gully Erosion held at Purdue University in 2016. Several important themes of gully erosion emerged during this symposium that warranted additional discussion here. These topics include the importance and impact of technology transfer, disciplinary fragmentation as an impediment for research advancement, the difficulty in defining the erodibility of sediment within gullies, and the opportunities afforded by remote sensing technology. It is envisioned that such symposia will continue to enhance the capabilities of researchers and practitioners to monitor, model, and manage these important geomorphic processes and to mitigate landscape degradation. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of Six Sigma for evaluating the analytical quality of tumor marker assays
Authors: Liu Qian , Fu Mei , Yang Fumeng , Liang Wei , Yang Chuanxi , Zhu Wenjun , Ma Liming , Zhao Changxin
Published: October 2018

Context

The results of detection assays for the same specimen are usually quite different in different laboratories or when tested with different detection systems.

Objective

This study was designed to investigate the value of applying sigma metrics derived from different standards for allowable total error (TEa) in evaluating the analytical quality of tumor marker assays.

Methods

Assays were evaluated for these six tumor markers: total prostate‐specific antigen (tPSA), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP), carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), and carbohydrate antigen 153 (CA153). Sigma values were calculated for two concentrations of quality control products to assess differences in quality of tumor marker assays. Improvement measures were recommended according to the quality goal index, and appropriate quality control rules were selected according to the sigma value.

Results

The sigma value was highest using the higher biological variation‐derived “appropriate” TEa standard: it was sigma ≥6 or higher in 16.7% of tumor markers. Sigma was below 6 for all tumor markers using the other three TEa. CEA, AFP, CA199, CA125, and CA153 required improved precision. The marker tPSA required improve precision and accuracy. According to sigma values by using China's external quality assessment standards, CEA, AFP, CA125, and CA153 require 13s/22s/R4s/41s multirules for internal quality control, CA199 requires use of 13s/22s/R4s/41s/8x multirules, and tPSA requires maximum quality control rules.

Conclusion

Six Sigma is useful for evaluating performance of tumor markers assays and has important application value in the quality control of these assays.
One pot green synthesis of Pt, Co and Pt@Co core‐shell nanoparticles using Sechium edule
Authors: Chelli Venkatanarasimha R , Golder Animes K
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Common approaches for the synthesis of metallic nanostructured materials require the use of fine chemicals and energy‐intensive processes. This work reports a simple eco‐friendly (green) method to engineer the structure of cobalt (Co), platinum (Pt) and PtCo core‐shell nanoparticles using plant‐based analytes present in the extract of Sechium edule, the fruit of a perennial climber plant.

RESULTS

Ascorbic acid (294 mg kg−1 dry fruit) was found to be the primary analyte and it acted for both metal ion reduction and nanoparticle destabilization forming a conjugate with the carboxylate group. The sharp rise in negative zeta‐potential with the rise in pH from a highly acidic medium resulted from a strong destabilization tendency of Pt and Co nanostructures over a wide pH range. The size and colloidal stability, morphology and crystal structure were confirmed with the support of dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. Co nanoprisms (47.3 nm), Pt nanospheres (28.6 nm) and PtCo core‐shell (13.2–26.4 nm) nanoparticles were formed with a polydispersity index of 0.18–0.38. The synergistic effects such as ligand interaction between core and shell and the geometric effect improved the antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli bacteria in comparison to Pt nanospheres and Co nanoprisms, and these results were comparable with ciprofloxacin and cefprozil as the antibiotic controls.

CONCLUSION

Plant analytes served as the electron donors for the formation of Pt and Co nanostructures and also stabilized the particles growth to tailor their structures for an improved antibacterial functionality. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Review: membrane materials for the removal of water from industrial solvents by pervaporation and vapor permeation
Authors: Vane Leland M
Published: October 2018

Organic solvents are widely used in a variety of industrial sectors. Reclaiming and reusing the solvents may be the most economically and environmentally beneficial option for managing spent solvents. Purifying the solvents to meet reuse specifications can be challenging. For hydrophilic solvents, water must be removed prior to reuse, yet many hydrophilic solvents form hard‐to‐separate azeotropic mixtures with water. Such mixtures make separation processes energy‐intensive and cause economic challenges. The membrane processes pervaporation (PV) and vapor permeation (VP) can be less energy‐intensive than distillation‐based processes and have proven to be very effective in removing water from azeotropic mixtures. In PV/VP, separation is based on the solution–diffusion interaction between the dense permselective layer of the membrane and the solvent/water mixture. This review provides a state‐of‐the‐science analysis of materials used as the selective layer(s) of PV/VP membranes in removing water from organic solvents. A variety of membrane materials, such as polymeric, inorganic, mixed matrix, and hybrid, have been reported in the literature. A small subset of these is commercially available and highlighted here: poly (vinyl alcohol), polyimides, amorphous perfluoro polymers, NaA zeolites, chabazite zeolites, T‐type zeolites, and hybrid silicas. The typical performance characteristics and operating limits of these membranes are discussed. Solvents targeted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for reclamation are emphasized and ten common solvents are chosen for analysis: acetonitrile, 1‐butanol, N,N‐dimethyl formamide, ethanol, methanol, methyl isobutyl ketone, methyl tert‐butyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, acetone, and 2‐propanol. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Bedside Ultrasound Versus Chest Radiography for Detection of Pulmonary Edema: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wooten William M. , Shaffer Lynn E. T. , Hamilton Lisa A.
Published: October 2018

Objectives

Chest radiography has been the preferred imaging study to assess pulmonary congestion. However, chest radiography interpretation is influenced by the level of expertise and high interobserver variability. Lung ultrasound (US) may produce more objective findings through evaluation of vertical comet tail artifacts known as B‐lines, which are created by a decrease in the ratio of alveolar air to fluid pulmonary content. Few studies have directly compared chest radiography to bedside US against a reference standard for the diagnosis of pulmonary edema. This study compared the sensitivity and specificity of bedside US and chest radiography in diagnosing pulmonary edema.

Methods

This prospective observational cohort study involved adult patients presenting to the emergency department of an urban tertiary hospital with dyspnea. The primary outcome was the presence or absence of pulmonary edema, as indicated by B‐lines on a bedside lung US examination or radiologist‐interpreted chest radiography. Patients underwent a US examination within about 1 hour of chest radiography. The final diagnosis from the discharge summary served as the reference standard.

Results

Ninety‐nine patients were enrolled; 32.3% had congestive heart failure, and 40.4% had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Bedside US showed significantly higher sensitivity (96%) compared to chest radiography (65%; P < .001). Of 18 patients with negative radiographic findings and a discharge diagnosis of pulmonary edema, 16 (89%) had positive US findings (P < .001).

Conclusions

Bedside US has the potential to identify pulmonary edema more accurately than chest radiography. As current practice within the United States uses chest radiography, reflecting American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association guidelines for management of heart failure, the results of this study warrant further evaluation.
Monitoring Early Breast Cancer Response to Neoadjuvant Therapy Using H‐Scan Ultrasound Imaging: Preliminary Preclinical Results
Authors: Khairalseed Mawia , Javed Kulsoom , Jashkaran Gadhvi , Kim Jung‐Whan , Parker Kevin J , Hoyt Kenneth
Published: October 2018

Objective

H‐scan imaging is a new ultrasound technique used to visualize the relative size of acoustic scatterers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of H‐scan ultrasound imaging for monitoring early tumor response to neoadjuvant treatment using a preclinical breast cancer animal model.

Methods

Real‐time H‐scan ultrasound imaging was implemented on a programmable ultrasound scanner (Vantage 256; Verasonics Inc., Kirkland, WA) equipped with an L11‐4v transducer. Bioluminescence and H‐scan ultrasound was used to image luciferase‐positive breast cancer–bearing mice at baseline and at 24, 48, and 168 hours after administration of a single dose of neoadjuvant (paclitaxel) or sham treatment. Animals were euthanized at 48 or 168 hours, and tumors underwent histologic processing to identify cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Results

Baseline H‐scan ultrasound images of control and therapy group tumors were comparable, but the latter exhibited significant changes over the 7‐day study (P < .05). At termination, there was a marked difference between the H‐scan ultrasound images of control and treated tumors (P < .05). Specifically, H‐scan ultrasound images of treated tumors were more blue in hue than images obtained from control tumors. There was a significant linear correlation between the predominance of the blue hue found in the H‐scan ultrasound images and intratumoral apoptotic activity (R2 > 0.40, P < .04).

Conclusion

Preliminary preclinical results suggest that H‐scan ultrasound imaging is a new and promising tissue characterization modality. H‐scan ultrasound imaging may provide prognostic value when monitoring early tumor response to neoadjuvant treatment.
Imaging of Motor Cortex Physiology in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Burciu Roxana G. , Vaillancourt David E.
Published: October 2018

There is abundant evidence that the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) is not confined to the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway but propagates along the cortico‐basal ganglia‐thalamo‐cortical neural network. A critical node in this functional circuit impacted by PD is the primary motor cortex (M1), which plays a key role in generating neural impulses that regulate movements. The past several decades have lay witness to numerous in vivo neuroimaging techniques that provide a window into the function and structure of M1. A consistent observation from numerous studies is that during voluntary movement, but also at rest, the functional activity of M1 is altered in PD relative to healthy individuals, and it relates to many of the motor signs. Although this abnormal functional activity can be partially restored with acute dopaminergic medication, it continues to deteriorate with disease progression and may predate structural degeneration of M1. The current review discusses the evidence that M1 is fundamental to the pathophysiology of PD, as measured by neuroimaging techniques such as positron emission tomography, single‐photon emission computed tomography, electroencephalography, magnetoencephalography, and functional and structural MRI. Although novel treatments that target the cortex will not cure PD, they could significantly slow down and alter the progressive course of the disease and thus improve clinical care for this degenerative disease. © 2018 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Synapse‐selective rapid potentiation of hippocampal synaptic transmission by 7,8‐dihydroxyflavone
Authors: Kobayashi Katsunori , Suzuki Hidenori
Published: October 2018

Aim

The identification of 7,8‐dihydroxyflavone (DHF) as a small molecule agonist for tropomyosin‐related kinase B (TrkB) facilitated understanding of the role of TrkB signaling in regulating higher brain functions. DHF can penetrate the blood‐brain barrier after systemic administration and changes the performance of cognitive and emotional behavioral tasks. However, it is poorly understood how DHF modulates neuronal functions at cellular levels. Aiming to understand the cellular basis underlying DHF‐induced modifications of the brain functions, we examined the effects of DHF on the hippocampal excitatory synaptic transmission.

Methods

Field excitatory postsynaptic potentials were recorded using hippocampal slices prepared from adult male mice. Effects of bath‐applied DHF on the synaptic efficacy were examined.

Results

We found that DHF induced robust synaptic potentiation at the mossy fiber to CA3 synapse. DHF had minimal effects at other hippocampal excitatory synapses or at immature mossy fiber synapse in juvenile mice. The TrkB receptor blockers K252a and ANA‐12 did not affect the DHF‐induced synaptic potentiation. Drug screening revealed that relatively low concentrations of 2‐aminoethoxydiphenylborane blocked the DHF‐induced synaptic potentiation.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that DHF selectively potentiates hippocampal mossy fiber synaptic transmission via a TrkB receptor‐independent mechanism. This novel neuromodulatory effect of DHF may influence higher brain functions by itself or together with the activation of the TrkB receptor. The rapid induction of the potentiation implies its potential importance in the acute behavioral effects of DHF.
Patient perception and approval of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as an alternative treatment option for obesity
Authors: Gundling F. , Roggenbrod S. , Schleifer S. , Sohn M. , Schepp W.
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) represents a treatment option for some diseases, e.g. recurring Clostridium difficile‐associated colitis. However, there is also evidence that FMT can be effective in treating obesity. This pilot study established the approval and willingness of obese patients to undergo FMT.

Methods

We conducted a survey of adults with obesity using a questionnaire containing 21 both multiple choice and open questions was dispatched to a cohort of 101 persons with obesity. It included questions aiming at the process of FMT itself, donors as well as possible concerns. Additionally aspects of social background and disease activity were dealt with.

Results

The response rate amounted to 30.1% (n = 31). In our population, mean BMI was 40.5 kg/m2 while the vast majority already tried out treatment modalities to lose weight before. 25.8% of persons with obesity were aware of FMT. 62.1% were willing to undergo FMT if the donor was healthy and anonymous while only 6.9% clearly refused this option. Sixty preferred an anonymous donor or a person proposed by their doctor while colonoscopy was the preferred application by 76.7%. The absence of risks of the procedure (47.8%) formed the principal motivation while reduction of medication was considered as least important reason (in 26.1). Insufficient testing of the faeces concerning infections raised the most concerns (in 61.6%).

Conclusion

For the majority of the persons with obesity surveyed FMT represents a treatment option. Approximately two thirds of the questionees would consider FMT as an alternative treatment option, even in spite of a satisfactory disease response to current standard therapies. Unsurprisingly there are concerns in regard to the transmission of possible infectious agents as well as to the hygieneic implementation of FMT itself.
An oxygen‐tolerant photo‐induced metal‐free reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization
Authors: Yu Lei , Wei Yanlong , Tu Yuanyuan , Lin Shudong , Huang Zhenzhu , Hu Jiwen , Chen Yue , Qiao Hang , Zou Wei
Published: October 2018

We report herein a visible light‐induced metal‐free living polymerization with high oxygen tolerance that can be performed in aqueous media. In contrast with ordinary living/controlled radical polymerizations, oxygen can be present throughout the entire reaction process. This reaction can be photo‐induced and proceeds at room temperature. First, we have successfully synthesized a well‐defined polymer in an ambient atmosphere by the photo‐induced radical polymerization method, using acrylic acid as a monomer and fluorescein as a photocatalyst. However, the subsequent chain extension reaction did not occur, possibly due to oxidation of the chain transfer agent (CTA). Despite this, we found that the addition of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) imparted the process with oxygen tolerance. We conducted a systematic study to optimize the best concentrations of the key reagents including the monomer, CTA, fluorescein, and vitamin C. Through these optimizations we were able to synthesize in the presence of oxygen a series of well‐defined poly(acrylic acid)s (PAAs) with dispersities (Ð) below 1.3 and molecular weights that closely matched the theoretical values. The kinetic study showed that the molecular weight of the produced PAA increased linearly with the conversion of the monomer, and chain extension reaction also yielded a block polymer with a higher molecular weight than that of the previous polymer. Therefore, we developed a novel photo‐induced living polymerization method that can be conducted both in the absence of oxygen and in the presence of air. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 2437–2444
Synthesis of phosphorescent iridium‐containing acrylic monomers and their room‐temperature polymerization by Cu(0)‐RDRP
Authors: Christopherson Cheyenne J. , Hackett Zoë S. , Sauvé Ethan R. , Paisley Nathan R. , Tonge Christopher M. , Mayder Don M. , Hudson Zachary M.
Published: October 2018

A series of acrylic monomers based on cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes have been synthesized based on common phosphorescent emitters for organic light‐emitting diodes. A simple room‐temperature polymerization procedure for these materials was developed using Cu(0) reversible deactivation radical polymerization, providing polymers with low dispersities of 1.08–1.14 at conversions from 81 to 93% when the Ir complexes are copolymerized with a carbazole‐based acrylic host. These methods were also found to be suitable for the preparation of high‐molecular‐weight polymers with M
n approaching 40,000 Da, as well as block copolymers formed in one pot from the chain extension of methyl acrylate. This scalable room‐temperature synthesis of iridium‐containing copolymers and block copolymers provides a useful route to optoelectronic materials, which we anticipate can be readily adapted to a broad range of acrylic metallopolymers. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 2539–2546