bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Life history changes in Trogoderma variabile and T. inclusum due to mating delay with implications for mating disruption as a management tactic
Authors: Gerken Alison R. , Campbell James F.
Published: January 2018

Controlling postharvest pest species is a costly process with insecticide resistance and species‐specific control requiring multiple tactics. Mating disruption (MD) can be used to both decrease a female's access to males and delay timing of mating and decreases overall mating success in a population and population growth rate. Development of new commercially available MD products requires an understanding of life history parameters associated with mating delay. These can provide information for targeting proportions of reproducing individuals using MD. After delaying mating for females of two closely related beetle species, Trogoderma variabile and T. inclusum, we surveyed survivorship, number of eggs laid, and number of progeny emerged. With increases in mating age, total number of eggs laid and total number of progeny emerged significantly declined over time. T. inclusum typically had greater numbers of eggs laid and progeny emerged compared to T. variabile as female age at mating increased, suggesting that T. inclusum may be more resistant to long‐term delays in mating. Life span showed an increase as mating age increased but life span significantly decreased almost immediately following mating. Simulations depicting multiple distributions of mating within a population suggest that in a closed population, high levels of mating delay significantly reduced reproductive growth rates. Although reproductive growth rates were decreased with increased mating age, they are still large enough to maintain populations. This study highlights the differences in life history between two closely related species, suggesting that T. inclusum outperforms T. variabile over the course of a life span, but T. variabile has better reproductive capabilities early in life. MD may also be a viable component of a pest management system for these two species as it significantly decreased overall reproductive output and population growth.
Functional macronutritional generalism in a large omnivore, the brown bear
Authors: Coogan Sean C. P. , Raubenheimer David , Stenhouse Gordon B. , Coops Nicholas C. , Nielsen Scott E.
Published: January 2018

We combine a recently developed framework for describing dietary generalism with compositional data analysis to examine patterns of omnivory in a large widely distributed mammal. Using the brown bear (Ursus arctos) as a model species, we collected and analyzed data from the literature to estimate the proportions of macronutrients (protein, carbohydrate, and lipid) in the diets of bear populations. Across their range, bears consumed a diversity of foods that resulted in annual population diets that varied in macronutrient proportions, suggesting a wide fundamental macronutrient niche. The variance matrix of pairwise macronutrient log‐ratios indicated that the most variable macronutrient among diets was carbohydrate, while protein and lipid were more proportional or codependent (i.e., relatively more constant log‐ratios). Populations that consumed anthropogenic foods, such agricultural crops and supplementary feed (e.g., corn), had a higher geometric mean proportion of carbohydrate, and lower proportion of protein, in annual diets. Seasonally, mean diets were lower in protein and higher in carbohydrate, during autumn compared to spring. Populations with anthropogenic subsidies, however, had higher mean proportions of carbohydrate and lower protein, across seasons compared to populations with natural diets. Proportions of macronutrients similar to those selected in experiments by captive brown bears, and which optimized primarily fat mass gain, were observed among hyperphagic prehibernation autumn diets. However, the majority of these were from populations consuming anthropogenic foods, while diets of natural populations were more variable and typically higher in protein. Some anthropogenic diets were close to the proportions selected by captive bears during summer. Our results suggest that omnivory in brown bears is a functional adaptation enabling them to occupy a diverse range of habitats and tolerate variation in the nutritional composition and availability of food resources. Furthermore, we show that populations consuming human‐sourced foods have different dietary macronutrient proportions relative to populations with natural diets.
A hydrogeological landscape framework to identify peatland wildfire smouldering hot spots
Authors: Hokanson K.J. , Moore P.A. , Lukenbach M.C. , Devito K.J. , Kettridge N. , Petrone R.M. , Mendoza C.A. , Waddington J.M.
Published: January 2018

Northern peatlands are important global carbon stores, but there is concern that these boreal peat reserves are at risk due to increased fire frequency and severity as predicted by climate change models. In a subhumid climate, hydrogeological position is an important control on peatland hydrology and wildfire vulnerability. Consequently, we hypothesized that in a coarse‐textured glaciofluvial outwash, isolated peatlands lacking the moderating effect of large‐scale groundwater flow would have greater water table (WT) variability and would also be more vulnerable to deep WT drawdown and wildfire during dry climate cycles. A holistic approach was taken to evaluate 3 well‐accepted factors that are associated with smouldering in boreal peatlands: hollow microform coverage, peatland margin morphometry, and gravimetric water content. Using a combination of field measurements (bulk density, humification, WT position, hummock–hollow distribution, and margin width) and modelling (1‐D vertical unsaturated flow coupled with a simple peat–fuel energy balance equation), we assessed the vulnerability of peat to smouldering. We found that a peatland in the regionally intermediate topographic position is the most vulnerable to smouldering due to the interaction of variable connectivity to large‐scale groundwater flow and the absence of mineral stratigraphy for limiting WT declines during dry conditions. Our findings represent a novel assessment framework and tool for fire managers by providing a priori knowledge of potential peat smouldering hot spot locations in the landscape to efficiently allocate resources and reduce emergency response time to smouldering events.
On the ecological significance of pollen color: a case study in American trout lily (Erythronium americanum)
Authors: Austen Emily J. , Lin Shang‐Yao , Forrest Jessica R. K.
Published: January 2018

Evolutionary ecologists seek to explain the processes that maintain variation within populations. In plants, petal color variation can affect pollinator visitation, environmental tolerance, and herbivore deterrence. Variation in sexual organs may similarly affect plant performance. Within‐population variation in pollen color, as occurs in the eastern North American spring ephemeralErythronium americanum, provides an excellent opportunity to investigate the maintenance of variation in this trait. Although the red/yellow pollen‐color polymorphism ofE. americanumis widely recognized, it has been poorly documented. Our goals were thus (1) to determine the geographic distribution of the color morphs and (2) to test the effects of pollen color on components of pollen performance. Data provided by citizen scientists indicated that populations range from monomorphic red, to polymorphic, to monomorphic yellow, but there was no detectable geographic pattern in morph distribution, suggesting morph occurrence cannot be explained by a broad‐scale ecological cline. In field experiments, we found no effect of pollen color on the probability of predation by the pollen‐feeding beetleAsclera ruficollis, on the ability of pollen to tolerateUV‐B radiation, or on siring success (as measured by the fruit set of hand‐pollinated flowers). Pollinators, however, exhibited site‐specific pollen‐color preferences, suggesting they may act as agents of selection on this trait, and, depending on the constancy of their preferences, could contribute to the maintenance of variation. Collectively, our results eliminate some hypothesized ecological effects of pollen color inE. americanum, and identify effects of pollen color on pollinator attraction as a promising direction for future investigation.
A novel transforming growth factor beta‐induced long noncoding RNA promotes an inflammatory microenvironment in human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Merdrignac Aude , Angenard Gaëlle , Allain Coralie , Petitjean Kilian , Bergeat Damien , Bellaud Pascale , Fautrel Allain , Turlin Bruno , Clément Bruno , Dooley Steven , Sulpice Laurent , Boudjema Karim , Coulouarn Cédric
Published: January 2018

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a deadly liver primary cancer associated with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic opportunities. Active transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling is a hallmark of the iCCA microenvironment. However, the impact of TGFβ on the transcriptome of iCCA tumor cells has been poorly investigated. Here, we have identified a specific TGFβ signature of genes commonly deregulated in iCCA cell lines, namely HuCCT1 and Huh28. Novel coding and noncoding TGFβ targets were identified, including a TGFβ‐induced long noncoding RNA (TLINC), formerly known as cancer susceptibility candidate 15 (CASC15). TLINC is a general target induced by TGFβ in hepatic and nonhepatic cell types. In iCCA cell lines, the expression of a long and short TLINC isoform was associated with an epithelial or mesenchymal phenotype, respectively. Both isoforms were detected in the nucleus and cytoplasm. The long isoform of TLINC was associated with a migratory phenotype in iCCA cell lines and with the induction of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 8, both in vitro and in resected human iCCA. TLINC was also identified as a tumor marker expressed in both epithelial and stroma cells. In nontumor livers, TLINC was only expressed in specific portal areas with signs of ductular reaction and inflammation. Finally, we provide experimental evidence of circular isoforms of TLINC, both in iCCA cells treated with TGFβ and in resected human iCCA. Conclusion: We identify a novel TGFβ‐induced long noncoding RNA up‐regulated in human iCCA and associated with an inflammatory microenvironment. (Hepatology Communications 2018;2:254‐269)
The function of patient‐centered care in mitigating the effect of nursing shortage on the outcomes of care
Authors: Jarrar Mu'taman , Rahman Hamzah Abdul , Minai Mohd Sobri , AbuMadini Mahdi S. , Larbi Mercy
Published: January 2018

Background

The shortage of nursing staff is a national and international issue. Inadequate number of hospital nurse staff leads to poor health care services. Yet the effects of patient‐centeredness between the relationships of nursing shortage on the quality of care (QC) and patient safety (PS) have not been explored. The aim of this study was to examine the mediating effects of patient‐centeredness on the relationship of nursing shortage on the QC and PS in the Medical and Surgical Wards, in Malaysian private hospitals.

Method

A descriptive, cross‐sectional study was carried out on 12 private hospitals. Data was gathered, through a self‐ administered questionnaire, from 652 nurses, with a 61.8% response rate. Stratified simple random sampling was used to allow all nurses to participate in the study. Hayes PROCESS macro‐regression analyses were conducted to explore the mediating effects of patient‐centeredness on the relationships of hospital nurse staffing on the QC and PS.

Results

Patient‐centeredness mediated the relationships of hospital nurse staffing on both the QC (F = 52.73 and P = 0.000) and PS (F = 31.56 and P = 0.000).

Conclusion

Patient‐centeredness helps to mitigate the negative associations of nursing shortage on the outcomes of care. The study provides a guide for hospital managers, leaders, decision‐makers, risk managers, and policymakers to maintain adequate staffing level and instill the culture of patient‐centeredness in order to deliver high quality and safer care.
Chemical Sensors Based on Cucurbit[n]uril Macrocycles
Authors: Sinn Stephan , Biedermann Frank
Published: January 2018

Cucurbit[n]urils (CBn) are glycoluril‐based macrocyclic hosts that bind many biologically, medicinally and environmentally relevant analytes with record high affinities in aqueous media. They are therefore prime candidates for the design of chemosensors that are operational in biological fluids, waste and drinking water and have promising potential to be utilized for in vitro and in vivo sensing and imaging applications. Unlike protein‐based antibodies, CBn can be prepared in multi kilogram scales, they are chemically robust and they show a desired fast analyte‐binding kinetics. Unlike protein‐based antibodies, CBn can be prepared in multi kilogram scales, are chemically robust and show a desired fast analyte‐binding kinetics Selective analyte detection and differentiation is possible owing to the charge‐ and size‐selective binding characteristics of the CBn members and due to the wide range of cyclic and acyclic CBn derivatives that differ in their analyte binding preference. Because CBn hosts are spectroscopically silent in the visible electromagnetic spectrum, optical signal transduction with CBn based chemosensing ensembles is typically performed by indicator displacement assays (IDA), which are easy to implement and applicable to both aliphatic and aromatic analytes. The extension to array‐based sensing with CBn chemosensors is straightforward. Associative binding assays (ABA), which are uniquely available with CB8‐based self‐assembled receptors offer superior analyte differentiation possibility due to emerging spectral fingerprints in the absorbance, circular dichroism (CD) and emission spectra for the receptor•analyte complexes. Direct signal generation is promising for inherently spectroscopically active analytes, for instance through absorbance, CD, emission and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Sensitive NMR (19F, 129Xe) techniques, electron spin resonance (ESR), redox, and mass spectrometry are also valuable signal transduction options for specific analytes. CBn based chemosensors were successfully utilized for the monitoring of biophysical processes and enzymatic reactions with label free analytes or substrates in real time. These applications capitalize on the fast equilibration kinetics of CBn‐analyte complexes and the bio‐compatibility of CBn hosts. The tabulated large body of data extracted from reported CBn‐based binding studies is hoped to provide the reader with a valuable starting point for designing practically applicable CBn‐based sensors.
Effects of inorganic mercury exposure on histological structure, antioxidant status and immune response of immune organs in yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)
Authors: Sun Yaling , Li Yingwen , Rao Jiedan , Liu Zhihao , Chen Qiliang
Published: January 2018

Mercury (Hg) is well recognized as a highly toxic substance to fish. Nevertheless, little is known about the toxic effects of Hg on immune organs. In this study, we investigated histology, antioxidant status and immune response of the spleen and head kidney in yellow catfish following 6 weeks of exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of inorganic Hg (2 and 10 μg l–1 Hg2+). As expected, Hg accumulation and histological injury in both tissues were observed. Meanwhile, Hg2+ exposure induced oxidative stress, which increased antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) activities, glutathione content, anti‐hydroxyl radical capacity and the expression of genes associated with antioxidant (sod1, cat, gpx1, nrf2 and mt) and stress (hsp70) responses in dose‐ and tissue‐specific manners. In the spleen, the mRNA levels of immune‐related genes (il‐1β, il‐8, tnf‐α, il‐10, tgf‐β, lys and c3) were upregulated by Hg2+ exposure. However, in the head kidney, upregulation of tnf‐α, il‐10 and tgf‐β mRNAs and downregulation of il‐1β and lys expressions were observed, while transcriptions of il‐8 and c3 were remarkably upregulated only in the 2 μg l–1 group. Overall, our study indicated that Hg2+ exposure could result in Hg accumulation and thereby induced histological impairment, oxidative stress and immunotoxicity in immune organs of yellow catfish, but some enzymes and/or genes involved in antioxidant and immune systems would be activated to resist Hg2+‐induced damage.
All‐electron relativistic computations on the low‐lying electronic states, bond length, and vibrational frequency of CeF diatomic molecule with spin–orbit coupling effects
Authors: Kondo Yusuke , Kobayashi Masato , Akama Tomoko , Noro Takeshi , Taketsugu Tetsuya
Published: January 2018

Ab initio all‐electron computations have been carried out for Ce+ and CeF, including the electron correlation, scalar relativistic, and spin–orbit coupling effects in a quantitative manner. First, the n‐electron valence state second‐order multireference perturbation theory (NEVPT2) and spin–orbit configuration interaction (SOCI) based on the state‐averaged restricted active space multiconfigurational self‐consistent field (SA‐RASSCF) and state‐averaged complete active space multiconfigurational self‐consistent field (SA‐CASSCF) wavefunctions have been applied to evaluations of the low‐lying energy levels of Ce+ with [Xe]4f15d16s1 and [Xe]4f15d2 configurations, to test the accuracy of several all‐electron relativistic basis sets. It is shown that the mixing of quartet and doublet states is essential to reproduce the excitation energies. Then, SA‐RASSCF(CASSCF)/NEVPT2 + SOCI computations with the Sapporo(‐DKH3)‐2012‐QZP basis set were carried out to determine the energy levels of the low‐lying electronic states of CeF. The calculated excitation energies, bond length, and vibrational frequency are shown to be in good agreement with the available experimental data. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of glucose and lipid markers on the correlation of calculated and enzymatic measured low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol in diabetic patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Dong Qiu‐Ting , Gao Ying , Wu Na‐Qiong , Guo Yuan‐Lin , Zhu Cheng‐Gang , Li Sha , Liu Hui‐Hui , Cao Ye‐Xuan , Zhang Hui‐Wen , Zhao Xi , Liu Geng , Dong Qian , Li Jian‐Jun
Published: January 2018

Background and Aims

Low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) is widely estimated by Friedewald equation (FE) and Enzymatic test (ET), which are affected by several factors. The aim of this study was to observe the impact of diabetic lipid and glucose patterns on the correlation between FE LDL‐C (F‐LDL) and ET LDL‐C (E‐LDL) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods and Results

A total of 8155 CAD patients were consecutively enrolled and their lipid profiles were measured. The impacts of triglyceride (TG), glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) on the correlation of F‐LDL and E‐LDL were examined. The difference value (DV) between F‐LDL and E‐LDL was compared using ANOVA test. The CAD patients with DM were elder and had higher body mass index, plasma TG compared with those without DM (P < .05 separately). In the whole population, F‐LDL was lower than E‐LDL but showed a high correlation with E‐LDL (r = .970, P = .000). Moreover, as the TG concentrations increased, the DV increased accordingly but the correlation between F‐LDL and E‐LDL decreased (P < .01). The similar trend was also found in both DM and non‐DM patients comparing with different TG groups. However, in patients with DM, there was no significant difference of DV in different HbA1c groups or HDL‐C concentrations (P > .05).

Conclusion

Although F‐LDL might underestimate the value of LDL‐C, the correlation between F‐LDL and E‐LDL was clinically acceptable (r = .97), suggesting the LDL‐C values measured by two methods were similarly reliable in CAD patients with or without DM.
The mediating effect of cognitive emotion regulation strategies in the relationship between perceived social support and resilience in postwar youth
Authors: Pejičić Marija , Ristić Milica , Anđelković Vesna
Published: January 2018

This article presents research aimed to investigate the effect of perceived social support on an individual's resilience, with the assumption that it is, at least partially, indirect and that it is achieved through cognitive emotion regulation strategies. The Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale, Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were used with a sample group of young adults, comprising 319 respondents from a student population of both genders. The results indicated that the perceived support of family, friends, and a significant other is a significant predictive factor for resilience–the more present these factors are, the greater the resilience. The relationship between the perceived support of friends and resilience is partially direct, and partially indirect, whereby both planning and positive reappraisal have the role of mediators. These results lead to the conclusion that the perceived support of friends is a significant protective factor for mental health, partially because of the fact that it makes an individual more prepared to see a certain stressful situation as an opportunity for personal growth and to actively confront it.
RSV‐hRV co‐infection is a risk factor for recurrent bronchial obstruction and early sensitization 3 years after bronchiolitis
Authors: Amat Flore , Plantard Chloé , Mulliez Aurélien , Petit Isabelle , Rochette Emmanuelle , Verdan Matthieu , Henquell Cécile , Labbé Guillaume , Heraud Marie Christine , Evrard Bertrand , Labbé André
Published: January 2018

To assess risk factors of recurrent bronchial obstruction and allergic sensitization 3 years after an episode of acute bronchiolitis, whether after ambulatory care treatment or hospitalization. A monocentric prospective longitudinal study including infants aged under 1 year with acute bronchiolitis was performed, with clinical (severity score), biological (serum Krebs von den Lungen 6 antigen), and viral (14 virus by naso‐pharyngeal suction detection) assessments. Follow‐up included a quaterly telephone interview, and a final clinical examination at 3 years. Biological markers of atopy were also measured in peripheral blood, including specific IgEs towards aero‐ and food allergens. Complete data were available for 154 children. 46.8% of them had recurrent wheezing (RW). No difference was found according to initial severity, care at home or in the hospital, respiratory virus involved, or existence of co‐infection. A familial history of atopy was identified as a risk factor for recurrent bronchial obstruction (60% for RW infants versus 39%, P = 0.02), as living in an apartment (35% versus 15%, P = 0.002). 18.6% of the infants were sensitized, with 48.1% of them sensitized to aeroallergens and 81.5% to food allergens. Multivariate analysis confirmed that a familial history of atopy (P = 0.02) and initial co‐infection RSV‐hRV (P = 0.02) were correlated with the risk of sensitization to aeroallergens at 3 years. Familial history of atopy and RSV‐hRV co‐infection are risk factors for recurrent bronchial obstruction and sensitization.
Characteristics of a naturally regulated grizzly bear population
Authors: Keay Jeffrey A. , Robbins Charles T. , Farley Sean D.
Published: January 2018

Knowledge of density‐dependent responses in grizzly bears is largely circumstantial yet critical to managing populations near carrying capacity. We studied grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) body condition and demographics in Denali National Park, Alaska, USA, 1991–1998, and compared our results with data from a nearby heavily hunted population to better understand the characteristics of a naturally regulated bear population. We captured grizzly bears just after den emergence in spring (May) and just before den entrance in fall (Sep). We measured body fat using bioelectrical impedance analysis, estimated bear ages, and fitted adult, subadult, and 2‐year‐old dependent bears with telemetry‐collars. We used capture‐mark‐resight techniques to estimate density. We estimated grizzly bear density at 37 bears/1,000 km2; density of adult and subadult bears was 27 bears/1,000 km2. Adult females that produced cubs had 40% more fat and 10% more lean mass pre‐denning than non‐reproductive females but had similar lean mass and similar but very low body fat (8%) post‐denning. Adult females that produced cubs lost more fat and lean mass over winter than non‐reproductive adult females. The physiological demand on adult females producing cubs was 29 kg of total body mass split evenly between fat mass and lean mass. Females that did not lose cubs during the cubs’ first summer averaged more body fat the previous fall than those that lost partial or entire litters. Reproductive rate (0.34) and average litter size (2.1) were high and comparable to increasing populations (λ > 0). Age of dependent young at family breakup (2.9 yr) and age of first reproduction (7.5 yr) were high and comparable to declining populations (λ < 0). Cub (0.34), cub litter (0.43), and yearling survival rates (0.46) were low. Subadult and adult survival rates were high (0.94–1.00) for both sexes. The female age structure was bimodal, suggesting episodic recruitment. The percentage of subadult males was low (3% of population and 10% of male segment). We conclude that the grizzly bear population in Denali National Park was near or at carrying capacity relative to available nutritional resources, adult female access to nutritional resources determined whether cubs were born and the likelihood of their survival, and high dependent bear mortality was the primary factor limiting recruitment and regulating the population. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
The influence of the nitrogen/nickel‐ratio on the cyclic behavior of austenitic high strength steels with twinning‐induced plasticity and transformation‐induced plasticity effects
Authors: Güler S. , Schymura M. , Fischer A. , Droste M. , Biermann H.
Published: January 2018

Austenitic high nitrogen (AHNS) and austenitic high interstitial steels (AHIS) are of interest for mechanical engineering applications because of their unique combination of mechanical (strength, ductility), chemical (corrosion resistance) and physical (non‐ferromagnetic) properties. But despite their high strength values e. g. after cold deformation up to 2 GPa in combination with an elongation to fracture of 30 %, which is based on twinning‐induced plasticity (TWIP) mechanisms and transformation‐induced plasticity (TRIP) mechanisms, the fatigue limit remains relatively small. While for chromium‐nickel steels the fatigue limit rises with about 0.5‐times the elastic limit it does not at all for austenitic high‐nitrogen steels or only to a much smaller extent for nickel‐free austenitic high‐interstitial steels. The reasons are still not fully understood but this behavior can roughly be related to the tendency for planar or wavy slip. Now the latter is hindered by nitrogen and promoted by nickel. This contribution shows the fatigue behavior of chromium‐manganese‐carbon‐nitrogen (CrMnCn) steels with carbon+nitrogen‐contents up to 1.07 wt.%. Beside the governing influence of these interstitials on fatigue this study displays, how the nitrogen/nickel‐ratio might be another important parameter for the fatigue behavior of such steels.
Thermodynamic calculation and analysis for aluminum‐alloyed high boron high speed steel
Authors: Yang Y.W. , Fu H.G. , Wang K.M. , Zhu L.L. , Jang L.
Published: January 2018

The equilibrium solidified phase diagrams of high boron high speed steel have been calculated and the vertical section of iron‐carbon pseudo‐binary phase diagrams has been drawn with different aluminum concentration. The effect of aluminum on phase diagrams and solidification microstructure has been investigated by using optical microscope, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry. The results show that the austenite region shrinks to a small area and the δ‐iron changes into α‐iron directly during cooling process when the aluminum content reaches 1.5 wt.%. The addition of excessive amount of aluminum favors the formation of ferrite, which leads to the hardness decreasing. Moreover, excessive amount of aluminum (Al≥1.5 wt.%) will make network M2B borocarbides tend to break. Alloying with aluminum raises the solubility of carbon in the matrix and reduces the quenched hardness. The calculation results are agreed with the ones from experimental. The calculation of phase diagrams method has been successfully used for the computation of phase equilibrium in the multi‐component high boron high‐speed steel system. The work provides a practical method for engineers and researchers in related areas.
Dopamine reuptake transporter–single‐photon emission computed tomography and transcranial sonography as imaging markers of prediagnostic Parkinson's disease
Authors: Noyce Alastair J. , Dickson John , Rees Richard N. , Bestwick Jonathan P. , Isaias Ioannis U. , Politis Marios , Giovannoni Gavin , Warner Thomas T. , Lees Andrew J. , Schrag Anette
Published: January 2018

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine whether prediagnostic features of Parkinson's disease (PD) were associated with changes in dopamine reuptake transporter–single‐photon emission computed tomography and transcranial sonography.

Methods: Prediagnostic features of PD (risk estimates, University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test, Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder Screening Questionnaire, and finger‐tapping scores) were assessed in a large cohort of older U.K. residents. A total of 46 participants were included in analyses of prediagnostic features and MDS‐UPDRS scores with the striatal binding ratio on dopamine reuptake transporter–single‐photon emission computed tomography and nigral hyperechogenicity on transcranial sonography.

Results: The striatal binding ratio was associated with PD risk estimates (P = .040), University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (P = .002), Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder Screening Questionnaire scores (P = .024), tapping speed (P = .024), and MDS‐UPDRS motor scores (P = .009). Remotely collected assessments explained 26% of variation in the striatal binding ratio. The inclusion of MDS‐UPDRS motor scores did not explain additional variance. The size of the nigral echogenic area on transcranial sonography was associated with risk estimates (P < .001) and MDS‐UPDRS scores (P = .03) only.

Conclusions: The dopamine reuptake transporter–single‐photon emission computed tomography results correlated with motor and nonmotor features of prediagnostic PD, supporting its potential use as a marker in the prodromal phase of PD. Transcranial sonography results also correlated with risk scores and motor signs. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Real‐time correction of respiration‐induced distortions in the human spinal cord using a 24‐channel shim array
Authors: Topfer Ryan , Foias Alexandru , Stikov Nikola , Cohen‐Adad Julien
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To reduce respiration‐induced magnetic field distortions and the attendant image artifacts in echo‐planar imaging (EPI) of the human spinal cord.

Methods

Using a custom‐designed 24‐channel shim array, shim updates were issued in real time based on a concurrently monitored respiratory trace and a pair of gradient echo (GRE) field maps acquired during an initial training phase. Proof‐of‐concept application in GRE–EPI was conducted in 6 subjects.

Results

Over the thoracic spinal cord, real‐time shimming reduced respiration‐induced distortions in the EPI by 48.2% ± 12.2% and increased the mean temporal signal‐to‐noise ratio by 15.7% ± 7.9%.

Conclusion

Real‐time shim adjustment substantially reduces spatiotemporal B0 field variation, opening the door to more robust imaging and spectroscopy investigations of the spinal cord. Magn Reson Med 80:935–946, 2018. © 2018 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Increased hyperpolarized [1‐13C] lactate production in a model of joint inflammation is not accompanied by tissue acidosis as assessed using hyperpolarized 13C‐labelled bicarbonate
Authors: Wright Alan J. , Husson Zoé M.A. , Hu De‐En , Callejo Gerard , Brindle Kevin M. , Smith Ewan St. John
Published: January 2018

Arthritic conditions are a major source of chronic pain. Furthering our understanding of disease mechanisms creates the opportunity to develop more targeted therapeutics. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), measurements of pH in human synovial fluid suggest that acidosis occurs, but that this is highly variable between individuals. Here we sought to determine if tissue acidosis occurs in a widely used rodent arthritis model: complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)‐induced inflammation. CFA robustly evoked paw and ankle swelling, concomitant with worsening clinical scores over time. We used magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate metabolism to demonstrate that CFA induces an increase in the lactate‐to‐pyruvate ratio. This increase is indicative of enhanced glycolysis and an increased lactate concentration, as has been observed in the synovial fluid from RA patients, and which was correlated with acidosis. We also measured the 13CO2/H13CO3− ratio, in animals injected with hyperpolarized H13CO3−, to estimate extracellular tissue pH and showed that despite the apparent increase in glycolytic activity in CFA‐induced inflammation there was no accompanying decrease in extracellular pH. The pH was 7.23 ± 0.06 in control paws and 7.32 ± 0.09 in inflamed paws. These results could explain why mice lacking acid‐sensing ion channel subunits 1, 2 and 3 do not display any changes in mechanical or thermal hyperalgesia in CFA‐induced inflammation.
The value of cell‐free DNA for molecular pathology
Authors: Stewart Caitlin M , Kothari Prachi D , Mouliere Florent , Mair Richard , Somnay Saira , Benayed Ryma , Zehir Ahmet , Weigelt Britta , Dawson Sarah‐Jane , Arcila Maria E , Berger Michael F , Tsui Dana WY
Published: January 2018

Over the past decade, advances in molecular biology and genomics techniques have revolutionized the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The technological advances in tissue profiling have also been applied to the study of cell‐free nucleic acids, an area of increasing interest for molecular pathology. Cell‐free nucleic acids are released from tumour cells into the surrounding body fluids and can be assayed non‐invasively. The repertoire of genomic alterations in circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) is reflective of both primary tumours and distant metastatic sites, and ctDNA can be sampled multiple times, thereby overcoming the limitations of the analysis of single biopsies. Furthermore, ctDNA can be sampled regularly to monitor response to treatment, to define the evolution of the tumour genome, and to assess the acquisition of resistance and minimal residual disease. Recently, clinical ctDNA assays have been approved for guidance of therapy, which is an exciting first step in translating cell‐free nucleic acid research tests into clinical use for oncology. In this review, we discuss the advantages of cell‐free nucleic acids as analytes in different body fluids, including blood plasma, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid, and their clinical applications in solid tumours and haematological malignancies. We will also discuss practical considerations for clinical deployment, such as preanalytical factors and regulatory requirements. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determining the prevalence of vestibular screening failures in pediatric cancer patients whose therapies include radiation to the head/neck and platin‐based therapies: A pilot study
Authors: Camet Miranda L. , Hayashi Susan S. , Sinks Belinda C. , Henry Jennifer , Gettinger Katie , Hite Ashley , Kiefer Juliann , Mohrmann Caroline , Sandheinrich Taryn , Gao Feng , Hayashi Robert J.
Published: January 2018

Background

Sensorineural hearing loss due to ototoxic cancer therapy is well established; effects on the vestibular system are unknown. We examined the feasibility of implementing vestibular screens for pediatric cancer survivors exposed to ototoxic agents. The prevalence of screening failures is reported.

Methods

Cancer survivors who were 6–17 years, at least 1‐month posttreatment, and received ototoxic therapy (radiation to the head/neck, cisplatin, carboplatin) were eligible. Screening measures included (1) Pediatric Vestibular Symptom Questionnaire, (2) Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance, and (3) Dynamic Visual Acuity.

Results

Vestibular screening failures were observed in 30 participants (60%). Patients with a brain tumor diagnosis were at increased risk for failures compared to nonbrain tumor patients (74.2% vs. 36.8%, P = 0.009). Patients who underwent brain surgery were at increased risk for failures compared to patients without brain surgery (71% vs. 42%, P = 0.043). Patients with a longer duration between end of treatment and vestibular screening had a reduced risk of failures, with an almost 20% decrease for each year between the time points (odds ratio = 0.812; 95% confidence interval: 0.683–0.964, P = 0.018). Receiving carboplatin correlated with a decreased risk of failure (P = 0.016), due to a negative correlation with other clinical risk factors (diagnosis of a brain tumor, major brain surgery) that are associated with vestibular screening failure.

Conclusion

Vestibular screening failures are highly prevalent in childhood cancer survivors who received ototoxic therapy. Broad screening of this population and further characterization of these patients are warranted.
Synergistic Interaction between Cholesterol and Functionalized Ionic Liquid Based Surfactant Leading to the Morphological Transition
Authors: Vaid Zuber S. , Rajput Sargam M. , Kuddushi Muzammil , Kumar Arvind , El Seoud Omar A. , Malek Naved I.
Published: January 2018

Stable vesicular aggregate is the primary requisite to transport and deliver the biological and pharmaceutical standards. The serendipitous discovery of nonlipid vesicles made with the nonlipid building blocks, such as ionic liquid based surfactants (ILBSs) proved to be advantageous over others. In a quest to achieve stable, more rigid and hydrophobic vesicles from ILBSs, here we have investigated the lipid (cholesterol) induced unilamellar vesicle formation in the aqueous functionalized and nonfunctionalized ILBSs. The vesicles show outstanding stability with time, temperature and dilution with water. Spectroscopic (turbidity, steady state absorbance and fluorescence), scattering (dynamic light scattering) and microscopic (transmission electron microscopy) techniques were used to characterize the vesicles. The hydration behavior and rigidity associated with the vesicular bilayer on transforming from micellar assembly was characterized through steady state absorbance and fluorescence techniques. The unilamellar vesicles derived are compared with the conventional surfactant, i. e. cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide.
Mechanism of Aerobic Alcohol Oxidation Mediated by Water‐Soluble CuII‐TEMPO Catalyst in Water: A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Li Siyu , Cheng Lin , Wu Qi , Zhang Qiancheng , Yang Jucai , Liu Juming
Published: January 2018

The catalytic mechanism for the aerobic alcohol oxidation in the alkaline water solution catalyzed by a CuII/2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyl‐1‐oxy (TEMPO) catalyst system, ([(L)CuII(Hen)(H2O)] (H3L: 3‐(5‐Chloro‐2‐hydroxy‐3‐sulfophenylhydrazo) pentane‐2,4‐dione; en: Ethylenediamine), is presented by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Four pathways (path A, path B, path C and path D) are presented. Our calculations demonstrate that path A is the favourable pathway and zwitterionic property of the catalyst is not likely affect the efficiency of alcohol oxidation. In path A, the catalytic cycle consists of catalyst activation, substrate oxidation and catalyst regeneration parts. The calculated turn‐over frequency (TOF=3.89 h−1) is in line with the experimental result (TOF=5.40 h−1). It is also found that the H atom migrates from alkoxide to the oxygen atom of TEMPO in the TOF determining transition state (TDTS).
Single and Double Binding of 1,10‐Phenanthroline and 4,7‐Dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline to HMeQ[7]: Contrasting pKa Shifts Induced by HMeQ[7]
Authors: Meng Ling‐Jian , Zhao Wen‐Xuan , Chen Li–Xia , Sun Wen‐Qi , Lin Rui‐Lian , Zhu Qian‐Jiang , Tao Zhu , Liu Jing‐Xin
Published: January 2018

By using UV‐vis absorption, we ascertained the HMeQ[7] induced supramolecular pKa shifts of 1,10‐phenanthroline (guest 1) and 4,7‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline (guest 2), which are completely different. Based on the pKa values of guests 1 and 2, the binding behaviors of HMeQ[7] with guests 1 and 2 at a specified solution pH were investigated by NMR spectroscopy and ITC techniques. NMR data indicate that the complexation of HMeQ[7] with guests 1 and 2 may generate half‐inclusion complex 1⊂HMeQ[7] and double binding complex 2⊂HMeQ[7]∪2. The later one possesses two binding modes simultaneously, one being endo binding and the other one being exo binding, which is not observed in conventional host−guest complex. Such mixed double binding behavior for guest 2 should be one of the reasons for its large pKa shift. ITC experiments further confirmed the formation of the 1 : 1 and 1 : 2 host−guest complexes.
Rail surface spalling detection based on visual saliency
Authors: Hu Zhixin , Zhu Hongtao , Hu Ming , Ma Yong
Published: January 2018

The rail surface images captured by line‐scan cameras are susceptible to nonuniform illumination, stray light, smoothness variations of the rail surface, and so on, which degrade the detection accuracy of the rail surface spalling. To solve this problem, we propose an optical rail surface spalling detection algorithm based on visual saliency. First, the rail surface area is located to eliminate the interference of the surrounding area. Then, a two‐dimensional difference of Gaussian (2D DoG) filter is used to reduce the noise. The filtered images are processed by means of a block local contrast measure (BLCM) estimator, which enhances the contrast of the spalling areas and produces the saliency map. Finally, a threshold is applied to locate the spalling areas. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm achieves a detection accuracy of 93.5% and shows good robustness under nonuniform illumination and various rail surface smoothness conditions. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
ASPRE trial: incidence of preterm pre‐eclampsia in patients fulfilling ACOG and NICE criteria according to risk by FMF algorithm
Authors: Poon L. C. , Rolnik D. L. , Tan M. Y. , Delgado J. L. , Tsokaki T. , Akolekar R. , Singh M. , Andrade W. , Efeturk T. , Jani J. C. , Plasencia W. , Papaioannou G. , Blazquez A. R. , Carbone I. F. , Wright D. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: January 2018

Objective

To report the incidence of preterm pre‐eclampsia (PE) in women who are screen positive according to the criteria of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and compare the incidence with that in those who are screen positive or screen negative by The Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) algorithm.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of data from the ASPRE study. The study population consisted of women with singleton pregnancy who underwent prospective screening for preterm PE by means of the FMF algorithm, which combines maternal factors and biomarkers at 11–13 weeks' gestation. The incidence of preterm PE in women fulfilling the NICE and ACOG criteria was estimated; in these patients the incidence of preterm PE was then calculated in those who were screen negative relative to those who were screen positive by the FMF algorithm.

Results

A total of 34 573 women with singleton pregnancy delivering at ≥ 24 weeks' gestation underwent prospective screening for preterm PE, of which 239 (0.7%) cases developed preterm PE. At least one of the ACOG criteria was fulfilled in 22 287 (64.5%) pregnancies and the incidence of preterm PE was 0.97% (95% CI, 0.85–1.11%); in the subgroup that was screen positive by the FMF algorithm the incidence of preterm PE was 4.80% (95% CI, 4.14–5.55%), and in those that were screen negative it was 0.25% (95% CI, 0.18–0.33%), with a relative incidence in FMF screen negative to FMF screen positive of 0.051 (95% CI, 0.037–0.071). In 1392 (4.0%) pregnancies, at least one of the NICE high‐risk criteria was fulfilled, and in this group the incidence of preterm PE was 5.17% (95% CI, 4.13–6.46%); in the subgroups of screen positive and screen negative by the FMF algorithm, the incidence of preterm PE was 8.71% (95% CI, 6.93–10.89%) and 0.65% (95% CI, 0.25–1.67%), respectively, and the relative incidence was 0.075 (95% CI, 0.028–0.205). In 2360 (6.8%) pregnancies fulfilling at least two of the NICE moderate‐risk criteria, the incidence of preterm PE was 1.74% (95% CI, 1.28–2.35%); in the subgroups of screen positive and screen negative by the FMF algorithm the incidence was 4.91% (95% CI, 3.54–6.79%) and 0.42% (95% CI, 0.20–0.86%), respectively, and the relative incidence was 0.085 (95% CI, 0.038–0.192).

Conclusion

In women who are screen positive for preterm PE by the ACOG or NICE criteria but screen negative by the FMF algorithm, the risk of preterm PE is reduced to within or below background levels. The results provide further evidence to support the personalized risk‐based screening method that combines maternal factors and biomarkers. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Semiconducting polymer nanoparticles for amplified photoacoustic imaging
Authors: Zhou Libo , Zhou Hua , Wu Changfeng
Published: January 2018

Semiconducting polymer nanoparticles (SPNs) are a new class of photonic materials with great potential for biomedical applications. Owing to their large absorption coefficients, tunable optical properties, and high photostability, SPNs have recently been used to improve the sensitivity and resolution of photoacoustic (PA) imaging. In particular, a number of strategies have been explored to design activatable SPNs for amplified in vivo PA imaging. In this review, the recent advances in the development of SPNs as exogenous PA contrasts agents have been summarized and their promising potential as multifunctional probes for cancer theranostics has been discussed.

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
Dinuclear Diphosphine Complexes of Gold(I) Alkynyls, the Effects of Alkynyl Substituents onto Photophysical Behavior
Authors: Shakirova Julia R. , Shimada Masaki , Olisov Dmitrii A. , Starova Galina L. , Nishihara Hiroshi , Tunik Sergey P.
Published: January 2018

A series of dinuclear diphosphine complexes of gold(I) alkynyls containing bis(diphenylphosphanyl)ethane/propane and alkynyl ligands with aromatic substituents (biphenyl, pyrene, and azobenzene) was synthesized and characterized using X‐ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. Photophysical parameters of the compounds obtained strongly depend on the nature of aromatic substituents in the alkynyl ligands. Azobenzene containing derivatives are non‐luminescent, whereas biphenyl and pyrene containing complexes display moderate emission both in solution and in solid state. The complexes with biphenyl substituents display strong heavy atom effect and show typical phosphorescent emission. In contrast, the complexes containing pyrene chromophore are fluorescent that points to the absence of spin orbit coupling in these systems, which additionally display static excimer emission in solid phase due to ground state π‐stacking of the pyrene moieties.