bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospects for the involvement of cancer stem cells in the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma
Authors: Izadpanah Sama , Shabani Parastoo , Aghebati‐Maleki Ali , Baghbanzadeh Amir , Fotouhi Ali , Bisadi Amir , Aghebati‐Maleki Leili , Baradaran Behzad
Published: November 2019

Osteosarcoma (OS) is one of the most common bone tumors in children and adolescents that cause a high rate of mortality in this age group and tends to be metastatic, in spite of chemotherapy and surgery. The main reason for this can be returned to a small group of malignant cells called cancer stem cells (CSCs). OS‐CSCs play a key role in the resistance to treatment and relapse and metastasis through self‐renewal and differentiation abilities. In this review, we intend to go through the different aspects of this malignant disease, including the cancer stem cell‐phenotype, methods for isolating CSCs, signaling pathways, and molecular markers in this disease, and drugs showing resistance in treatment efforts of OS.
Long noncoding MAGI2‐AS3 promotes colorectal cancer progression through regulating miR‐3163/TMEM106B axis
Authors: Ren Hui , Li Zhi , Tang Zhengjun , Li Jun , Lang Xiaoou
Published: November 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC), is mostly derived from normal colon epithelial cells, and has been reported to be one of most common gastrointestinal malignancies globally. An increasing number of researchers have claimed that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) exert significant functions in tumor progression. Nevertheless, the function of MAGI2‐AS3 remains uncertain in CRC. The expression of MAGI2‐AS3, miR‐3163, and transmembrane protein 106B (TMEM106B) messenger RNA was examined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Cell apoptosis was measured by caspase‐3 activity test. Cell proliferation was tested by cell‐counting kit 8 and 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine assays. Cell migration was detected by transwell assay. Western blot analysis examined the protein expression of TMEM106B. The expression of Ki‐67 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry assay. The binding capacity between miR‐3163 and MAGI2‐AS3 (or TMEM106B) was studied by radioimmunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays. The expression of MAGI2‐AS3 and TMEM106B was conspicuously upregulated whereas miR‐3163 presented lower expression in CRC cells. MAGI2‐AS3 deficiency facilitated cell apoptosis but hampered cell proliferation and migration. MAGI2‐AS3 combined with miR‐3163 and negatively regulated miR‐3163 expression. In addition, the administration of sh‐MAGI2‐AS3 or miR‐3163 mimics suppressed CRC cell growth in vivo. Subsequently, miR‐3163 targeted TMEM106B and the transfection of sh‐MAGI2‐AS3 or miR‐3163 mimics downregulated TMEM106B expression. Rescue assays verified that TMEM106B overexpression recovered the effects of MAGI2‐AS3 inhibition on cell apoptosis, proliferation, and migration in CRC. MAGI2‐AS3 drives CRC progression through regulating miR‐3163/TMEM106B axis. This supplies innovative insights on the investigation of molecular mechanism in CRC progression.
Performance and microbial analysis during long‐term anaerobic digestion of olive mill wastewater in a packed‐bed biofilm reactor
Authors: Enaime Ghizlane , Nettmann Edith , Berzio Stephan , Baçaoui Abdelaziz , Yaacoubi Abdelrani , Wichern Marc , Gehring Tito , Lübken Manfred
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

The treatment of olive mill wastewater (OMWW) in a packed bed biofilm reactor (PBBR) and the identification of different microorganisms involved in the digestion process is an attractive field for research.

RESULTS

A PBBR treating OMWW under different organic loading rates (OLRs) (0.94–9.36 gCOD/(L d)), showed high stability during an extensive time (723 days) without any sign of acidification. High volumetric biogas and methane (CH4) productions, 4.1 and 2.4 LN/(Lreactor d), respectively were registered at the highest OLR. Meanwhile, high chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal (62.5–79.7%) was obtained throughout the experiment. Phenolic compounds removal was much higher during the first steps of the experiment (75.9–84.2%), and decreased as the OLR increased to about 38%. High homogeneity of biofilm thickness and Bacteria and extracellular polymeric substance distribution were demonstrated by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results of real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 16S rRNA amplicon analyses showed that Bacteria, mainly consisting of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Chloroflexi phylum, was about eight times more abundant than Archaea in the reactor liquid phase, while Bacteria to Archaea ratio was almost one in the biofilm. This points to a major degradation of organic substances in the liquid, while methanogenesis occurred mainly within the biofilm. In the liquid, acetoclastic methanogens were more abundant than hydrogenotrophic ones, while both groups showed likely very similar contributions in the biofilm.

CONCLUSION

Promising results have been presented throughout this work providing information about the long‐term operation of PBBR‐granular activated carbon treating OMWW and analyzing, in an efficient manner, the structure and the composition of the microbial community involved in OMWW digestion. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Incubation of food craving in rats: A review
Authors: Grimm Jeffrey W.
Published: November 2019

Incubation of food craving is an abstinence‐dependent increase in responding for reward‐paired cues. Incubation of craving was first reported for rats responding for cocaine‐paired cues, and later generalized to several drugs of abuse and for food. Incubation of drug and food craving has been reported in clinical studies as well. Incubation of food craving by rats has been reported for standard chow as well as for high fat and sucrose reinforcers. Parametric and other evaluations of the incubation of food craving reveal manipulations that reduce incubation, including environmental enrichment and pharmacological manipulation of dopamine, glutamate, and endogenous opiates. Several brain regions are likely involved in the effect, including mesolimbic terminals and the central nucleus of the amygdala. Further study of the incubation of food craving could facilitate development of treatments for cravings that precede relapse characteristic of drug and food addictions.
Quantitative MRI for Assessment of Treatment Outcomes in a Rabbit VX2 Hepatic Tumor Model
Authors: Keller Sarah , Chapiro Julius , Brangsch Julia , Reimann Carolin , Collettini Federico , Sack Ingolf , Savic Lynn Jeanette , Hamm Bernd , Goldberg Shraga Nahum , Makowski Marcus
Published: November 2019

Globally, primary and secondary liver cancer is one of the most common cancer types, accounting 8.2% of deaths worldwide in 2018. One of the key strategies to improve the patient's prognosis is the early diagnosis, when liver function is still preserved. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the typical wash‐in/wash‐out pattern in conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reaches a sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 96–100%. However, in recent years functional MRI sequences such as hepatocellular‐specific gadolinium‐based dynamic‐contrast enhanced MRI, diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) have been demonstrated to improve the evaluation of treatment success and thus the therapeutic decision‐making and the patient's outcome. In the preclinical research setting, the VX2 liver rabbit tumor, which once originated from a virus‐induced anaplastic squamous cell carcinoma, has played a longstanding role in experimental interventional oncology. Especially the high tumor vascularity allows assessing the treatment response of locoregional interventions such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and transcatheter arterial embolization (TACE). Functional MRI has been used to monitor the tumor growth and viability following interventional treatment. Besides promising results, a comprehensive overview of functional MRI sequences used so far in different treatment setting is lacking, thus lowering the comparability of study results. This review offers a comprehensive overview of study protocols, results, and limitations of quantitative MRI sequences applied to evaluate the treatment outcome of VX2 hepatic tumor models, thus generating a unique basis for future MRI studies and potential translation into the clinical setting.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2019. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:668–685.
Deep‐Learning‐Based Preprocessing for Quantitative Myocardial Perfusion MRI
Authors: Scannell Cian M. , Veta Mitko , Villa Adriana D.M. , Sammut Eva C. , Lee Jack , Breeuwer Marcel , Chiribiri Amedeo
Published: November 2019

Background

Quantitative myocardial perfusion cardiac MRI can provide a fast and robust assessment of myocardial perfusion status for the noninvasive diagnosis of myocardial ischemia while being more objective than visual assessment. However, it currently has limited use in clinical practice due to the challenging postprocessing required, particularly the segmentation.

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of an automated deep learning (DL) pipeline for image processing prior to quantitative analysis.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

In all, 175 (350 MRI scans; 1050 image series) clinical patients under both rest and stress conditions (135/10/30 training/validation/test).

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T/2D multislice saturation recovery T1‐weighted gradient echo sequence.

Assessment

Accuracy was assessed, as compared to the manual operator, through the mean square error of the distance between landmarks and the Dice similarity coefficient of the segmentation and bounding box detection. Quantitative perfusion maps obtained using the automated DL‐based processing were compared to the results obtained with the manually processed images.

Statistical Tests

Bland–Altman plots and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to assess the myocardial blood flow (MBF) obtained using the automated DL pipeline, as compared to values obtained by a manual operator.

Results

The mean (SD) error in the detection of the time of peak signal enhancement in the left ventricle was 1.49 (1.4) timeframes. The mean (SD) Dice similarity coefficients for the bounding box and myocardial segmentation were 0.93 (0.03) and 0.80 (0.06), respectively. The mean (SD) error in the RV insertion point was 2.8 (1.8) mm. The Bland–Altman plots showed a bias of 2.6% of the mean MBF between the automated and manually processed MBF values on a per‐myocardial segment basis. The ICC was 0.89, 95% confidence interval = [0.87, 0.90].

Data Conclusion

We showed high accuracy, compared to manual processing, for the DL‐based processing of myocardial perfusion data leading to quantitative values that are similar to those achieved with manual processing.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy Stage: 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1689–1696.
Effect of Storage Conditions and Activation on Growth Factor Concentration in Platelet‐Rich Plasma
Authors: Kim Joong Il , Bae Hyun Cheol , Park Hee Jung , Lee Myung Chul , Han Hyuk Soo
Published: November 2019

This study aimed to evaluate growth factor concentration in platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) (leukocyte‐rich PRP) based on storage temperature, duration of storage, and method of activation. PRP samples were stored at 24℃ (room temperature group), 4℃ (refrigerator group), and −70℃ (deep‐freezer group). In each temperature, four aliquots were prepared based on the time of analysis (immediately, 1, 3, and 7 days after preparation). After storage, concentrations of platelet‐derived growth factor‐AA (PDGF‐AA), transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1), and fibroblast growth factor‐basic (FGF‐B) were assessed with/without activation using Quantikine colorimetric sandwich immunoassay kits. PRP was activated with 10% Triton‐X for PDGF‐AA, VEGF, FGF‐B, IGF‐1 measurement and sonication for TGF‐β1 measurement. Without activation, PDGF‐AA concentration was highest on day 7 in the room temperature group. With activation, the concentration of PDGF‐AA was constant over the observation period at all temperatures. Without activation, the TGF‐β1 concentration remained negligible over the observation period at all temperatures. However, with activation, TGF‐β1 gradually increased to its highest concentration on day 7 at all temperatures. Over the observation period, VEGF and IGF‐1 concentrations were constant with and without activation at all temperatures. Without activation, FGF‐B concentration increased, with the highest concentration observed on day 7 in the deep‐freezer group. With activation, FGF‐B concentration decreased after day 1 in the room temperature group. Growth factor concentration in PRP differed significantly based on storage temperature, duration of storage, and method of activation. Appropriate storage conditions and activation are important to optimize its effects on desired clinical outcomes. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:777‐784, 2020
Effects of Immunonutrition on Chemoradiotherapy Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zheng Xiaoya , Yu Kaili , Wang Guiyue , Liu Miao , Li Yuhang , Yu Pulin , Yang Mengyuan , Guo Nana , Ma Xiaohui , Bu Yue , Peng Yahui , Han Ci , Yu Kaijiang , Wang Changsong
Published: November 2019

Objective

We conducted a systematic review to assess the effects of immunonutrition on chemoradiotherapy patients.

Methods

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and the Web of Science. We assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Our primary outcomes were the incidence of oral mucositis and diarrhea. The secondary outcomes were the incidence of esophagitis, grade ≥3 oral mucositis, grade ≥3 diarrhea, grade ≥3 esophagitis, and body weight loss.

Results

A total of 1478 patients and 27 studies were included. There were no significant differences in the incidence of oral mucositis (relative risk [RR] = 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79–1.05), diarrhea (RR = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.76–1.05), or esophagitis (RR = 0.55; 95% CI, 0.11–2.86) between the immunonutrition group and standard nutrition/placebo group. Nevertheless, immunonutrition significantly reduced the incidence of grade ≥3 oral mucositis (RR = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.22–0.92), grade ≥3 diarrhea (RR = 0.56; 95% CI, 0.35–0.88), grade ≥3 esophagitis (RR = 0.15; 95% CI, 0.04–0.54), and losing >5% body weight (RR = 0.34; 95% CI, 0.18–0.64).

Conclusions

In this study, immunonutrition failed to reduce the incidence rates of oral mucositis, diarrhea, or esophagitis but was conducive to significantly improving the severity of oral mucositis and diarrhea esophagitis and reducing the rate of body weight loss.
Impact of water on the hydrogen bonding between halide‐based ion‐pairs investigated by Raman scattering and density functional theory calculations
Authors: Pandey Deepak K. , Sanchora Paridhi , Rana Debkumar , Donfack Patrice , Materny Arnulf , Singh Dheeraj K.
Published: November 2019

We present a study of the impact of water on the size‐ and electronegativity‐dependent hydrogen bonds between cation and anion of imidazolium‐based ionic liquids (ILs) with halide anions. We have combined Raman spectroscopy with density functional theory (DFT) computations to characterize the intermolecular associations of cation–anion–water moieties. The Raman band at ~1,422 cm−1, which is assigned to the ν(N─CH2─CH3) vibration of the ethyl chain in the neat ion pairs (pure ion pairs), is blue shifted by +7, +4, and +3 cm−1 for 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolim (C2mim) cation‐based C2mim X ion pairs with X = Cl, Br, and I, respectively, in a water‐rich environment. Simultaneously, upon dilution, a new peak at ~1,438 cm−1 starts to appear at the high‐wavenumber side with continuously increasing intensity. These significant perturbations of the ν(N─CH2─CH3) vibrational mode in water environment are a clear indication of the change in the alkyl chain conformation. Further, the relative intensities of the Raman bands at ~2,946 and ~2,950 cm−1 corresponding to νs (CH2) and νas (CH3) of the ethyl chain, respectively, were significantly changed upon dilution, which also confirms the conformational change of the alkyl chain. The Raman band belonging to the C4/5─H stretch mode was significantly blue shifted by +33, +41, and +42 cm−1 going from the studied neat ion pairs having Cl, Br, and I anions to the corresponding water mixtures, respectively. Significant changes were also observed for the ν(C2─H) vibrational mode of the ion pairs in water environment; here, we observed blue shifts of +60, +51, and +50 cm−1 for ion pairs having Cl, Br, and I anions, respectively. These results confirm the weakening of the ion‐pair interaction due to the interaction with water molecules. In contrast to the ILs with halide anions, C2mim BF4 does not show any variation in the Raman peak positions upon dilution. Experimental results are nicely supported by the results of DFT calculations, and a sensible connection was established.
Efficient ab initio quantum mechanical simulations of structural stability and vibrational properties of bulk, monolayer and (n,0) nanotubes: Yttrium sesquioxide Y2O3
Authors: Larbi Tarek , El‐Kelany Khaled E. , Doll Klaus , Amlouk Mosbah
Published: November 2019

In this contribution, we report reliable ab initio quantum mechanical simulations of a variety of physical properties concerning yttrium sesquioxide (Y2O3) in different arrangements from the bulk, the monolayer (h‐Y2O3), to the (n,0) single‐walled nanotubes in the range from n = 6 to 32, for geometry optimization and vibrational properties. Structural parameters, phonon wavenumbers, infrared (IR) and Raman intensities, and elastic constants are computed via density functional theory (DFT/B3LYP) where the trend towards the (h‐Y2O3) monolayer for large nanotube radius is discussed. We firstly report combined experimental and computational studies on the structural and vibrational properties of the bulk Y2O3. Then, IR and Raman spectra of all arrangements are simulated via the coupled perturbed Hartree–Fock and Kohn–Sham (CPHF/KS) computational schemes. For the (n,0) Y2O3 nanotube family, two sets of IR active phonon modes in the (200–400 cm−1) and (600–900 cm−1) ranges are determined. Both of them tend smoothly with different slope, towards the optical vibrational modes of the h‐Y2O3 single layer. Three sets of active phonon bands are obtained in their Raman spectrum. The first one, in the 0–100 cm−1 range contains two phonon modes, their vibration wavenumbers tend to zero at very large tube radius and are found to be connected to the elastic constants C11 and C66 of the h‐Y2O3 monolayer as the 1D → 2D transition is approached. The second one, in 200–400 cm−1 range tends to the optical mode E′ (ν = 308 cm−1) of the monolayer. The third set, in the 600–900 cm−1 range contains two active modes, their intensities tend to zero in the limit of large nanotube without change in their vibration wavenumbers.
Antioxidant and antifungal activity of phenolic compounds and their relation to aflatoxin B1 occurrence in soybeans (Glycine max L.)
Authors: Silva Bibiana , Souza Manuel M , Badiale‐Furlong Eliana
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Soybean is widely used in food formulations; however, few studies on fungal or mycotoxin contamination have been undertaken. Free, conjugated, and bound phenolic compounds, and their antioxidant and antifungal potential, were therefore evaluated together with the occurrence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in soybeans.

RESULTS

The conjugated and bound phenolic soybean extracts were more efficient for the inhibition of the 2,2 diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl (DPPH) radical, the peroxidase enzyme, and the fungal α‐amylase enzyme. Aflatoxin B1, detected at low levels (0.96 to 1.67 ng g−1), confirmed the protective effect of soybean phenolic compounds against mycotoxigenic contamination. Principal component analysis confirmed that syringic, p‐hydroxybenzoic, p‐coumaric acids and vanillin were essential for antioxidant and antifungal activities.

CONCLUSION

This study presented new insights into the functionality of phenolic compounds in soybeans, regarding their potential to protect the crops naturally against fungal contamination, avoiding aflatoxin production, as attested by the correlations between phenolic compounds and antioxidant mechanisms. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Production of diacylglycerols through glycerolysis with SBA‐15 supported Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase as catalyst
Authors: Zhao Xihong , Zhao Fenghuan , Zhong Nanjing
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

In this study, SBA‐15 was functionalized by silane coupling reagents, then lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus (TLL) was immobilized onto the parent and the organically modified SBA‐15 for diacylglycerol (DAG) production through glycerolysis.

RESULTS

Diacylglycerol content of 54.77 ± 0.63%, and triacylglycerol (TAG) conversion of 77.75 ± 1.24%, were obtained from the parent SBA‐15 supported TLL‐mediated glycerolysis reaction in a solvent‐free system. However, poor performance was unexpectedly observed when co‐solvents were introduced into the reaction system. After organic modification, the functionalized SBA‐15 supported TLL samples all exhibited reasonable performance, producing DAG content over 40 wt% and TAG conversion over 70 wt%. Higher DAG content, up to 59.19 ± 1.10%, was observed from the phenyl group‐modified SBA‐15 supported TLL. The operational stability of the immobilized TLL samples in glycerolysis was also improved after organic functionalization. The phenyl group‐modified SBA‐15 supported TLL showed good reusability in the present glycerolysis reaction, and 95.21 ± 4.87% of the initial glycerolysis activity remained after five cycles of reuse.

CONCLUSION

The organic modification of SBA‐15 improved the catalytic performance of its supported TLL in glycerolysis, in terms of TAG conversion, DAG content, and reusability. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
A laser current control algorithm to avoid color distortion in laser projection displays
Authors: Guo Dabo , Wang Zhen , Li Longmin , Wu Junling , Yuan Guang
Published: November 2019

Laser display technology has gradually become an important solution for large screen display. As a mature lighting technology in recent decades, phosphor has been widely used in the field of lighting and display. As a solid‐state light source, it has the advantages of low power consumption, environmental protection, rich color, and dynamic modulation. The luminescent efficiency of phosphors varies with temperature, which results in the nonlinearity of phosphor emission when the light source is dynamically modulated and the color temperature drift of the display image. In this paper, a control model of color temperature of laser TV display changing with laser current and temperature is established. The color temperature of laser TV is corrected by using current compensation control algorithm. The problem of color temperature drift caused by the change of phosphor conversion efficiency with t7emperature is solved. The color temperature deviation is 1118 K in the luminance range of the light source before compensation. By compensating and controlling the laser current, the ratio of blue light and phosphor is constant when the luminance changes, thus ensuring the color temperature constant when the luminance of the laser light source changes. The color temperature deviation is 50 K in the luminance range. By analyzing the different luminance of the display image, the stability of the color temperature is improved.
Improved sound quality by using the exciter speaker in OLED panel
Authors: Lee Sungtae , Park Kwanho , Park Sinkyun , Lee Joohong , Park Hyungwoo
Published: November 2019

The technology of using a vibrating OLED panel directly as a speaker was commercialized for the first time in 2017 in LG Display. This technology attaches a vibration actuator called an exciter to the back of the OLED panel, where it operates the OLED panel as a diaphragm of the speaker. With the development of the display maker, it developed from CRT to PDP, LCD, and LED. In the process, the image quality and appearance are leading the way. In previous studies, image and sound must be improved at the same time for easy information transmission. In addition, the concentration of watching is improved when the positions of the image and the sound match. The advantage of this technology is that it provides the viewer with direct sound coming from the panel, delivering clear audio when the sound and video appear in the same position. That gives the viewer a high intensity and maximizes the effect of information transfer. In this paper, we introduce research that generates sound directly from the exciter speaker to the panel. It also improves the sound quality of exciter speakers. Furthermore, it makes the left and right sounds independent from the sound using the exciter speakers.
miR‐922 regulates apoptosis, migration, and invasion by targeting SOCS1 in gastric cancer
Authors: Shayimu Paerhati , Wang Jing‐Bin , Liu Lin , Tuerdi Rousidan , Yu Cun‐Guo , Yusufu Aikeremu
Published: November 2019

Gastric cancer (GC) is the second leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Studies have shown that miR‐922 facilitates the development of various diseases and tumors. However, the role of miR‐922 in GC and related molecular mechanisms are still unrevealed. Current study indicated that miR‐922 was overexpressed in GC tissues and cells. The survival rate of patients in high miR‐922 expression group is significantly lower than that in low miR‐922 expression group. In addition, overexpression of miR‐922 observably restrained the apoptosis of SGC7901 cells and promoted SGC7901 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. TargetScan predicted that suppressors of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) was a potential target of miR‐922. miR‐922 upregulation profoundly inhibited the expression of SOCS1. Furthermore, the mRNA level of SOCS1 in GC tissues was significantly lower than that in adjacent tissues, indicating that miR‐922 promoted the proliferation, invasion, and migration, and inhibited apoptosis of SGC7901 cells by downregulating the level of SOCS1. In conclusion, miR‐922 may have potential for diagnosis of GC.
Long‐term audiologic outcomes after cochlear implantation for single‐sided deafness
Authors: Sullivan Christopher Blake , Al‐Qurayshi Zaid , Zhu Vivian , Liu Andrew , Dunn Camille , Gantz Bruce J. , Hansen Marlan R.
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the long‐term audiometric outcomes, sound localization abilities, binaural benefits, and tinnitus assessment of subjects with cochlear implant (CI) after a diagnosis of unilateral severe‐to‐profound hearing loss.

Method

The study group consisted of 60 (mean age 52 years, range 19–84) subjects with profound hearing loss in one ear and normal to near‐normal hearing in the other ear who underwent CI. Data analysis included pre‐ and postoperative Consonant‐Nucleus‐Consonant (CNC) Word scores, AzBio Sentence scores, pure tone thresholds, sound localization, and Iowa Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire scores.

Results

Preoperative average duration of deafness was 3.69 years (standard deviation 4.31), with an average follow‐up time of 37.9 months (range 1–87). CNC and AzBio scores significantly improved (both P < 0.001) postoperatively among the entire cohort, and there was much heterogeneity in outcomes with respect to deafness etiology subgroup analysis. Sound localization abilities tended to improve longitudinally in the entire cohort. Binaural benefits using an adaptive Hearing in Noise Test test showed a significant (P < 0.001) improvement with head shadow effect. Utilizing the Iowa Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire, there was significant improvement in social, physical, and emotional well‐being (P = 0.011), along with hearing abilities (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

This case series is the largest cohort of CI SSD subjects to date and systematically analyzes their functional outcomes. Subjects have meaningful improvement in word understanding, and sound localization tends to gradually improve over time. Binaural benefit analysis showed significant improvement with head shadow effect, which likely provides ease of listening.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:1805–1811, 2020
Microplastic concentrations in two Oregon bivalve species: Spatial, temporal, and species variability
Authors: Baechler Britta R. , Granek Elise F. , Hunter Matthew V. , Conn Kathleen E.
Published: November 2019

Microplastics are an ecological stressor with implications for ecosystem and human health when present in seafood. We quantified microplastic types, concentrations, anatomical burdens, geographic distribution, and temporal differences in Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) and Pacific razor clams (Siliqua patula) from 15 Oregon coast, U.S.A. sites. Microplastics were present in organisms from all sites. On average, whole oysters and razor clams contained 10.95 ± 0.77 and 8.84 ± 0.45 microplastic pieces per individual, or 0.35 ± 0.04 pieces g−1 tissue and 0.16 ± 0.02 pieces g−1 tissue, respectively. Contamination was quantified but not subtracted. Over 99% of microplastics were fibers. Material type was determined using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. Spring samples contained more microplastics than summer samples in oysters but not razor clams. Our study is the first to document microplastics in Pacific razor clams and provides important coast‐wide data to compare microplastic burden across species, seasons, and sites.
Efficacy of a New Therapeutic Option for Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia: Superficial Shaving Combined With Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Zhao Shuang , Liu Dihui , Shi Wei , Kang Yanan , Li Qingling , Liu Queping , Chen Mingliang , Li Fangfang , Su Juan , Zhang Yu , Wu Lisha
Published: November 2019

Background and Objective

Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), a precancerous lesion, is difficult to treat by excision or ablation due to high recurrence rates. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive therapeutic procedure and is now widely used to treat non‐melanoma skin diseases. However, the clinical response rates of VIN to single PDT are unstable. The reason may be the limited light penetration into deep tissues. Objective: To retrospectively evaluate the clinical response and recurrence of VIN after combined treatment with superficial shaving and PDT.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Seventeen patients with VIN were enrolled. All patients had multifocal high‐grade VIN that had failed to respond to various therapies. Superficial shaving was performed only once and prior to the first 5‐aminolaevulinic acid (5‐ALA)‐PDT cycle. Generally, the procedure of 5‐ALA PDT for each patient was performed in three sessions. Clinical response, recurrence, cosmetic outcomes, adverse events, patient satisfaction, quality of life, and mental health were assessed. The expression of p16 and Ki‐67 in pre‐ and post‐treatment tissue was detected.

Results

A clinical response of 94% was observed in 17 patients, who were administered combination therapy, over an observation period of 12 months. Approximately, 71% of patients had excellent cosmetic outcomes. All patients had satisfactory therapeutic effects and significant improvements in quality of life and mental health. Downregulation of p16 and Ki‐67 may have been correlated with recurrence after 5‐ALA‐PDT.

Conclusion

Combined treatment with superficial shaving and 5‐ALA‐PDT is a safe and effective option for VIN. In particular, combination therapy is recommended for patients with large, multifocal, high‐grade lesions; repeated recurrence; and strong willingness to maintain vulvar configuration and function. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Multi‐Functional Silicon Nanoparticle Designed for Enhanced Osteoblast Calcification and Related Combination Therapy
Authors: Shao Nannan , Guan Yuyao , Liu Sha , Li Xiaoyuan , Zhou Dongfang , Huang Yubin
Published: November 2019

Implant materials applied in bone defect commonly focus on the inducement of bone regeneration and neglect to cure complications including bacterial infection and inflammation, which may result in delayed unions or even amputation. In this study, a microporous silica nanoparticle‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐b‐(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) is synthesized for loading DXMS and the ECM‐derived peptide (Sequence: Succinic acid‐GTPGPQGIAGQRGVV) in order to enhance the osteoblast calcification and relieve related symptoms. Positively charged PDMA blocks endow the nanoparticle with the antimicrobial property. Moreover, the combination of DXMS makes it have the ability of anti‐inflammation and promoting calcification formation. Furthermore, incorporation of the peptide leads to a significant improvement of mineralization and alkaline phosphatase expression in the preosteoblast. After intramuscular implantation in mice for four weeks, the results indicate the composite nanoparticle can promote ectopic bone formation. These combined properties make the composite silicon nanoparticle a promising osteogenic drug appropriate for further study in bone repair and related combination therapy.
Mechanical Assembly of Thermo‐Responsive Polymer‐Based Untethered Shape‐Morphing Structures
Authors: Wang Wei
Published: November 2019

Shape‐morphing robotic structures can provide innovative approaches for various applications ranging from soft robotics to flexible electronics. However, the programmed deformation of direct‐3D printed polymer‐based structures cannot be separated from their subsequent conventional shape‐programming process. This work aims to simplify the fabrication process and demonstrates a rapid and adaptable approach for building stimulus‐responsive polymer‐based shape‐morphing structures of any shape. This is accomplished through mechanically assembling a set of identical self‐bending units in different patterns to form morphing structures using auxiliary hard connectors. A self‐bending unit fabricated by a 3D printing method can be actuated upon heating without the need for tethered power sources and is able to transform from a flat shape to a bending shape. This enables the assembled morphing‐structure to achieve the programmed integral shape without the need for a shape‐programming process. Differently assembled morphing structures used as independent robotic mechanisms are sequentially demonstrated with applications in biomimetic morphing structures, grasping mechanisms, and responsive electrical devices. This proposed approach based on a mechanical assembling method paves the way for rapid and simple prototyping of stimulus‐responsive polymer‐based shape‐morphing structures with arbitrary architectures for a variety of applications in deployable structures, bionic mechanisms, robotics, and flexible electronics.
Nehari‐type families of harmonic mappings
Authors: Arbeláez Hugo , Chuaqui Martin , Sierra Willy
Published: November 2019

We introduce affine and linearly invariant families of locally injective harmonic mappings of the unit disk . We derive sharp distortion theorems for the Jacobian that are used to establish a uniform modulus of continuity for the quasiconformal mappings in each class. Finally, we find a converse of a recent theorem of Chen and Ponnusamy characterizing when the image under a quasiconformal harmonic univalent mapping is a John domain.
Characterizing White Matter in Huntington's Disease
Authors: Gregory Sarah , Johnson Eileanoir , Byrne Lauren M. , Rodrigues Filipe B. , Henderson Alexandra , Moss John , Thomas David , Zhang Hui , De Vita Enrico , Tabrizi Sarah J. , Rees Geraint , Scahill Rachael I. , Wild Edward J.
Published: November 2019

Background

Investigating early white matter (WM) change in Huntington's disease (HD) can improve our understanding of the way in which disease spreads from the striatum.

Objectives

We provide a detailed characterization of pathology‐related WM change in HD. We first examined WM microstructure using diffusion‐weighted imaging and then investigated both underlying biological properties of WM and products of WM damage including iron, myelin plus neurofilament light, a biofluid marker of axonal degeneration—in parallel with the mutant huntingtin protein.

Methods

We examined WM change in HD gene carriers from the HD–CSFcohort, baseline visit. We used standard‐diffusion magnetic resonance imaging to measure metrics including fractional anisotropy, a marker of WM integrity, and diffusivity; a novel diffusion model (neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging) to measure axonal density and organization; T1‐weighted and T2‐weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging images to derive proxy iron content and myelin‐contrast measures; and biofluid concentrations of neurofilament light (in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma) and mutant huntingtin protein (in CSF).

Results

HD gene carriers displayed reduced fractional anisotropy and increased diffusivity when compared with controls, both of which were also associated with disease progression, CSF, and mutant huntingtin protein levels. HD gene carriers also displayed proxy measures of reduced myelin contrast and iron in the striatum.

Conclusion

Collectively, these findings present a more complete characterization of HD‐related microstructural brain changes. The correlation between reduced fractional anisotropy, increased axonal orientation, and biofluid markers suggest that axonal breakdown is associated with increased WM degeneration, whereas higher quantitative T2 signal and lower myelin‐contrast may indicate a process of demyelination limited to the striatum.
Study of one‐dimensional space‐time fractional‐order Burgers‐Fisher and Burgers‐Huxley fluid models
Authors: Singh Anup , Diwedi Kushal Dhar , Das Subir , Ong Seng‐Huat
Published: November 2019

The shifted Legendre collocation method is used to solve the one‐dimensional nonlinear reaction‐advection‐diffusion equation having spatial and temporal fractional‐order derivatives with initial and boundary conditions. The solution profiles of the normalized solute concentration of space‐time fractional‐order Burgers‐Fisher and Burgers‐Huxley equations are presented through graphs for different particular cases. The main purpose of the article is the graphical exhibition of the effect of the temporal, spatial fractional‐order derivatives and the reaction term on the solution profile of the space‐time fractional‐order Burgers‐Fisher and Burgers‐Huxley equations. The other purpose of the article is the error estimation of the proposed method. A drive has been taken to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method through tabular presentation of comparison of numerical results with analytical results for the existing problems through convergence analysis.
Application of a new method for simultaneous phase and baseline correction of NMR signals (SINC)
Authors: Steimers Ellen , Sawall Mathias , Behrens Richard , Meinhardt Denise , Simoneau Joël , Münnemann Kerstin , Neymeyr Klaus , von Harbou Erik
Published: November 2019

Recently, we presented a new approach for simultaneous phase and baseline correction of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals (SINC) that is based on multiobjective optimization. The algorithm can automatically correct large sets of NMR spectra, which are commonly acquired when reactions and processes are monitored with NMR spectroscopy. The aim of the algorithm is to provide spectra that can be evaluated quantitatively, for example, to calculate the composition of a mixture or the extent of reaction. In this work, the SINC algorithm is tested in three different studies. In an in‐house comparison study, spectra of different mixtures were corrected both with the SINC method and manually by different experienced users. The study shows that the results of the different users vary significantly and that their average uncertainty of the composition measurement is larger than the uncertainty obtained when the spectra are corrected with the SINC method. By means of a dilution study, we demonstrate that the SINC method is also applicable for the correction of spectra with low signal‐to‐noise ratio. Furthermore, a large set of NMR spectra that was acquired to follow a reaction was corrected with the SINC method. Even in this system, where the areas of the peaks and their chemical shifts changed during the course of reaction, the SINC method corrected the spectra robustly. The results show that this method is especially suited to correct large sets of NMR spectra and it is thus an important contribution for the automation of the evaluation of NMR spectra.
Radiofrequency excitation–related 23Na MRI signal loss in skeletal muscle, cartilage, and skin
Authors: Kordzadeh Atefeh , Duchscherer Jade , Beaulieu Christian , Stobbe Rob
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To assess the sodium MRI signal loss resulting from typically used RF excitation pulses in human skeletal muscle, patellar cartilage, and skin.

Methods

A double flip‐angle experiment was performed 3 times on the knees of 5 healthy volunteers with prescribed ω1 = γB1 of 1.67 kHz, 0.333 kHz, and 0.167 kHz. This was done to search for ω1‐dependent increased rates of sodium‐23 central resonance flipping known to result from residual quadrupole splitting (ωQ), as this flip‐angle effect is associated with signal loss. This study facilitated in vivo regression of Gaussian‐distributed residual quadrupole splitting SD (ωQ(SD)) as well as T2fast and T2slow. Signal loss predicted from simulation was then compared with images acquired using 90° RF pulse lengths of 0.5 ms, 0.25 ms, and 0.15 ms.

Results

Sodium‐23 central resonance flipping was significantly greater than prescribed (44% cartilage, 23% skin, 9% muscle) using ω1 = 0.167 kHz, but only 4% cartilage, 5% skin, and 2% muscle using ω1 = 1.67 kHz. Regression yielded ωQ(SD) = 420 ± 50 Hz for cartilage but no significant ωQ(SD) for skin or muscle. This points to rapid biexponential relaxation as the cause of the flip‐angle effect for skin/muscle. The T2fast(60%)/T2slow(40%) values were 1.6 ± 0.8 ms/16.1 ± 2.5 ms for muscle, 2.7 ± 0.9 ms/18.4 ± 2.5 ms for cartilage, and 0.4 ± 0.1 ms/9.3 ± 1.7 ms for skin. Simulation predicted signal loss of 6% ± 3%, 3% ± 1%, and 2% ± 1% for muscle, 16% ± 3%, 6% ± 1%, and 3% ± 1% for cartilage, and 26% ± 7%, 15% ± 4%, and 10% ± 3% for skin when using 90° RF pulse lengths of 0.5 ms, 0.25 ms, and 0.15 ms, matching experiment.

Conclusion

High‐power (short) RF pulses are necessary to reduce excitation‐related signal loss, particularly for sodium‐23 imaging of cartilage and skin.
Invariant manifolds in control problems
Authors: Steindl Alois
Published: November 2019

Invariant manifolds are useful tools for the investigation of nearly all nonlinear systems. Especially for the determination of stabilizing controls the center‐stable manifold characterizes the proper feedback controls.

The method is demonstrated for the stabilization of a tethered satellite in the local vertical position by applying tension control. While in‐plane perturbations can be extinguished in finite time, the tension control acts as parametric excitation for out‐of‐plane perturbations and is only able to cause a slow algebraic decay for both kinds of perturbations. An analytical or numerical power series expansion of the center‐stable manifold at the target state provides the proper feedback controls.
Narrow‐disperse, cross‐linked polymer microspheres by one‐step dispersion polymerization with a chain transfer agent
Authors: Wang Hongxin , Liu Baijun , Zhang Mingyao , Du Shuai , Wu Gaocheng , Hu Yiwei , Zhang Jinhui , Liu Xiangchi
Published: November 2019

The increasing demand for monodispersed cross‐linked polymers in high‐quality applications requires continuous improvement in their preparation process. In this study, an appropriate amount of a chain transfer agent was added to a traditional cross‐linking system, resulting in the preparation by one‐step dispersion polymerization of cross‐linked polystyrene (PS) microspheres with a particle size of 3.867 μm and a diameter coefficient of variation of 0.011. The particles were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and an Ubbelohde viscometer. The results show that the tertiary dodecyl mercaptan (TDDM) chain transfer during nucleation increases the oligomer concentration, promotes the aggregation of the oligomers, increases the primary particle size, and reduces the cross‐linking effect. This controls the volume of cross‐linked chains in the primary particles, thus avoiding the problem of poor dispersion of the polymer microspheres due to the introduction of divinylbenzene (DVB). This study produces a preparation method for cross‐linked microspheres.
Sound absorption and compressive property of PU foam‐filled composite sandwiches: Effects of needle‐punched fabric structure, porous structure, and fabric‐foam interface
Authors: Li Ting‐Ting , Zhang Xiao , Wang Hongyang , Dai Wenna , Huang Shih‐Yu , Shiu Bing‐Chiuan , Lou Ching‐Wen , Lin Jia‐Horng
Published: November 2019

The flexible polyurethane (PU) foam‐filled composite sandwiches are constructed using three types of needle‐punched fabrics (upper layer), PU foam (core layer), and nylon (bottom layer). Different contents of deionized water were used to adjust the pore size and bulk density of PU foam by free‐foaming. Effects of needle‐punched fabric components, cell structure, and fabric‐foam interface on sound absorption and compressive property of the composite sandwiches were investigated. Fabric‐foam interface contributes to improve high‐frequency sound absorption efficiency. When containing 0.5 wt% water in the core and nylon‐glass grid needle‐punched composite fabric (NPUN‐G) in the upper face, the composite sandwiches exhibited optimal sound absorption of 0.78 at low frequency of 450 Hz, and optimal compressive strength of 14.4 kPa. Combination of needle‐punched composite fabric improved the sound absorption coefficient and compressive strength, as high as 223% and 121%, respectively, compared with pure PU foam. This study provided an important basis for the preparation of high‐strength composite sandwiches with low‐frequency sound absorption.
Examining the role of school psychologists as providers of mental and behavioral health services
Authors: Eklund Katie , DeMarchena Sarah L. , Rossen Eric , Izumi Jared T. , Vaillancourt Kelly , Rader Kelly Shawna
Published: November 2019

The school setting represents the most common setting by which youth receive mental and behavioral health (MBH) services (Farmer et al., 2003, Psychiatr Serv, 54, 60–66). Nevertheless, many school psychologists are not providing MBH services despite the high prevalence of need. Additional research is needed to understand factors leading to these deficits, as well as potential solutions to ameliorate these concerns. The current study surveyed 341 school psychologists across seven states and found current ratios are one school psychologist for every 1,500–2,000 students. Study results suggest school psychologists are providing a half to full day of universal, prevention‐oriented MBH services each week whereas more targeted, direct services (e.g., individual or small group counseling) are offered 1–4 hr each week. The school psychologist‐to‐student ratios also demonstrated a statistically significant and inverse association with the provision of targeted MBH services, with higher ratios resulting in fewer MBH services. Respondents provided potential solutions for how to expand the delivery of MBH services within schools, including increased awareness and support among school and district administrators, as well as access to training and professional development related to MBH services.