bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An integrity verification scheme of completeness and zero‐knowledge for multi‐Cloud storage
Authors: Cao Laicheng , He Wenwen , Liu Yufei , Guo Xian , Feng Tao
Published: June 2017

To resist the attacks from the malicious Cloud service providers and the organizer, an integrality verification of completeness and zero‐knowledge property (IVCZKP) scheme for multi‐Cloud environment is proposed. First, the bilinear pairing maps are adopted as a basis of theoretical support for IVCZKP scheme. Second, the change of file blocks is recorded, and the hash value of each block is generated through the index‐hash table in the verification process. Finally, the hash value of each block is updated through this index‐hash table to support the dynamic updates to user's data, such as data modification, data insertion, and data deletion. Compared with the original scheme, IVCZKP scheme can resist the forgery attacks and has the completeness and zero‐knowledge property. Theory analysis and the experimental results show that this scheme can reduce the computation time and has more performance on integrity verification in multi‐Cloud environment.
Posture Stabilization Control of Personal Robot Based on Model Predictive Control
Authors: HIROSE NORIAKI , TAJIMA RYOSUKE , SUKIGARA KAZUTOSHI , KOYAMA NAGISA , TANAKA MINORU , ITO SEIGO
Published: June 2017

The aging of the elderly is a significant problem in developed countries. We address this problem by using a personal robot that follows elderly people. To accomplish its task, the robot needs to satisfy two main specifications: compact size and excellent traveling performance. In this paper, we introduce a prototype of our compact personal robot and propose a posture control approach based on model predictive control. Our approach can control the zero moment point within the desired range to achieve quick turning. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is evaluated by both simulations and experiments using the prototype robot.
Synthesis of the Highly Reduced [Fe6C(CO)15]4– Carbonyl Carbide Cluster and Its Reactions with H+ and [Au(PPh3)]+
Authors: Bortoluzzi Marco , Ciabatti Iacopo , Cesari Cristiana , Femoni Cristina , Iapalucci Maria Carmela , Zacchini Stefano
Published: June 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Stefano Zacchini from Bologna University, Italy. The cover image shows the effect of aurophilic interactions on the assembly of a hexanuclear iron carbide tetraanionic cluster with two cationic gold–phosphine fragments.
Catalytic Applications of Pyridine‐Containing Macrocyclic Complexes
Authors: Tseberlidis Giorgio , Intrieri Daniela , Caselli Alessandro
Published: June 2017

The introduction of a pyridine moiety into the skeleton of a polyazamacrocyclic ligand affects both the thermodynamic properties and the coordination kinetics of the resulting metal complexes. These features have attracted great interest from the scientific community in recent years. The field of application of pyridine‐containing macrocyclic ligands ranges from biology to supramolecular chemistry, encompassing MRI, molecular recognition, materials and catalysis. In this microreview we provide a perspective of the catalytic applications of metal complexes of pyridine‐containing macrocycles, including an account of investigations from the authors' laboratories dealing with stereoselective C–C and C–O bond‐forming reactions. The increased conformational rigidity imposed by the pyridine ring allowed for the isolation and characterisation of metal complexes in high oxidation states and the study of their relevance in oxidation reactions. On the other hand, the very different conformations accessible upon the metal coordination and the easily tuneable synthesis of the macrocyclic ligands have been exploited in stereoselective synthesis.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed, Keto‐Directed, Site‐Selective C–H Activation of Diverse Chromanones with Alkenes
Authors: Bakthadoss Manickam , Kumar Polu Vijay , Reddy Tatiparthi Sushmitha
Published: June 2017

A simple and versatile approach towards the synthesis of highly functionalized C5‐alkenylated chromanones in good yields in a regio‐ and stereoselective fashion was explored. This reaction takes place through chelation‐aided oxidative coupling of keto‐directed, site‐selective C–H activation by using chromanones with alkenes in the presence of a ruthenium catalyst under mild conditions.
Vibrational biospectroscopy characterizes biochemical differences between cell types used for toxicological investigations and identifies alterations induced by environmental contaminants
Authors: Heys Kelly A. , Shore Richard F. , Pereira M. Glória , Martin Francis L.
Published: June 2017

The use of cell-based assays is essential in reducing the number of vertebrates used in the investigation of chemical toxicities and in regulatory toxicology assessment. An important factor in obtaining meaningful results that can be accurately extrapolated is the use of biologically appropriate cell lines. In the present preliminary study, attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared (ATR–FTIR) spectroscopy with multivariate analysis was used to assess the fundamental biomolecular differences between a commonly used cell line, MCF-7 cells, and an environmentally relevant cell line derived from mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) dermal fibroblasts. To better understand differences in basic cell biochemistry, the cells were analyzed in the untreated state or post exposure to polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and polybrominated diphenyl ester (PBDE) congeners. The main spectral peaks in spectra from both cell types were associated with cellular macromolecules, particularly proteins and lipids, but the spectra also revealed some cell-specific differences. Spectra from untreated mallard fibroblasts spectra contained a large peak associated with lipids. The cell-related differences in lipids and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) were also identified as regions of spectral alteration induced by PBDE and PCB exposure. Although lipid alterations were observed in post treatment spectra from both cell types, these may be of more significance to mallard fibroblasts, which may be the result of increased intracellular lipid as determined by Nile red staining. Untreated MCF-7 cell spectra contained unique peaks related to DNA and nucleic acids. The DNA-associated spectral regions were also identified as areas of considerable alteration in MCF-7 cells exposed to some congeners including PBDE 47 and PCB 153. The findings indicate that in their native state, MCF-7 and mallard cells have unique biochemical differences, which can be identified using ATR–FTIR spectroscopy. Such differences in biochemical composition may influence cell susceptibility to environmental contaminants and therefore influence the choice of cell type used in toxicology experiments. To our knowledge, the present study is the first study to analyze the biochemistry of a mallard dermal fibroblast cell line and to use ATR–FTIR spectroscopy for this purpose. Thus ATR–FTIR spectroscopy is demonstrated to be a useful tool for exploration of biomolecular variation at the cellular level and with further development, it could be used as part of a panel of cell-based assays to indicate when different results might be seen in environmental species compared with currently used cell lines. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3127–3137. © 2017 SETAC
Spatial and temporal trends of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances in fish fillets and water collected from pool 2 of the Upper Mississippi River
Authors: Newsted John L. , Holem Ryan , Hohenstein Gary , Lange Cleston , Ellefson Mark , Reagen William , Wolf Susan
Published: June 2017

In 2011, poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were analyzed in surface water and fish fillet samples taken from Pool 2 of the Upper Mississippi River, a 33-mile stretch inclusive of the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota (USA) metropolitan area. Approximately 100 each of bluegill, freshwater drum, smallmouth bass, and white bass were sampled within the study area. Surface water samples were also collected from each of the 10 sampling reaches established for the study. Water and fillet samples were analyzed for perfluorinated carboxylic acids (C4–C12), perfluorinated sulfonic acids (C4, C6, and C8), and perfluorooctane sulfonamide. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was observed with the greatest frequency in fish fillets and ranged from 3.0 to 760 ng/g wet weight. Mean (geometric) PFOS concentrations in bluegill, freshwater drum, smallmouth bass, and white bass were 20, 28, 29, and 58 ng/g wet weight, respectively. When compared with fish data collected in 2009, a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in PFOS concentrations was noted. This finding was confirmed based on data from studies conducted in 2012 and 2013. Overall, between 2009 and 2013, PFOS concentrations decreased by 65, 76, and 50% for bluegill, freshwater drum, and white bass, respectively (44% decrease for smallmouth bass from 2009 to 2012). These declines in fish PFOS concentrations are consistent with ongoing efforts to effectively control sources of PFASs to the Mississippi River. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3138–3147. © 2017 SETAC
Geology, geochemistry, and genesis of the Dashui Carlin‐type gold deposit in the West Qinling orogenic belt, Gansu Province, China
Authors: Peng Xiuhong , Yang Hai , Zhang Jiangsu
Published: June 2017

The Dashui gold deposit occurs in the south of West Qinling orogenic belt where is belonged to a famous gold triangle area named “Shan‐Gan‐Chuan” in Northwest China. The presence of native Au associated with hematite alteration is unique in China. The ore bodies at Dashui mainly occur in the limestone and dolomitic limestone units within the Lower Triassic Maresongduo Formation. The granodioritic dykes that intrude the Triassic sedimentary rocks are locally mineralized because of later carbonate alteration. The ore bodies are vein, lenticular, cystic, and dendritic in shape and are controlled by NW‐, NNE‐ (near N‐S‐), and E‐W‐trending faults. Gold mineralization occurs commonly at fault intersections and contact zones between the carbonate and magmatic rocks. The NNE‐ (near N‐S‐) trending faults and associated pinnate fractures are most favorable loci for gold deposition. The metallic minerals include native Au, pyrite, cinnabar, and marcasite, which are mostly overprinted by an oxidized mineral assemblage of hematite and limonite. Gold mineralization is closely associated with decalcification, silicification, and carbonate alterations. Gold content in altered samples correlates with Si enrichment and Ca and Mg depletions. Rare earth elements (REE) increase with Al2O3 and Fe2O3 in altered carbonate rocks, indicating that an enrichment of REE may be closely related to argillic alteration and supergene weathering. The REE patterns of altered carbonate rocks are more likely consistent with granodiorite instead of the ones of fresh carbonate rocks. Moreover, δ34S values of Dashui deposit ranging from −1.8‰ to 4.1‰ indicate that the deep‐sourced magmatic hydrothermal fluids may have worked during the early stage mineralization. Altered carbonate rocks show higher δ13C and lower δ18O values than those of the original host rock. Therefore, the REE, S, C, and O data suggest that the ore‐forming fluids may be magmatic derived and later interact and exchange with host rock and meteoric water. The Dashui gold deposit is characterized by structural and stratigraphic controls; Au–As–Sb–Hg geochemical association; alteration of decalcification, silicification, and argillization; low base‐metals; high Au/Ag ratio; and low δ18O values. These features are consistent with Carlin‐type Au deposits in Western USA, suggesting that the Dashui deposit is a Carlin‐type deposit that formed in the Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous (170 to 135 Ma).
Natural gas characteristics, fluid evolution, and gas charging time of the Ordovician reservoirs in the Shuntuoguole region, Tarim Basin, NW China
Authors: Ni Zhi‐Yong , Wang Tie‐Guan , Li Mei‐Jun , Chen Zhong‐Hong , Ou Guang‐Xi , Cao Zi‐Cheng
Published: June 2017

The Shuntuoguole region is situated at the center of the Tarim Basin, in NW China. It is bordered by the Tazhong Uplift to the west and the Manjiaer Depression to the east. Data obtained on samples collected from exploration wells highlight the large potential for gas discoveries in this region. Component and stable carbon isotopic analyses have been performed on gas samples from 5 wells in the Shuntuoguole region. The dryness coefficients of gas samples vary from 0.95 to 1.00, indicating that the gas samples belong to overmatured dry gas. The carbon isotopic values (δ13C) of all gas samples are heavier than −40‰, compared to the typical gas samples with different sources in the Tarim Basin, revealing that the gas in the Shuntuoguole region originated from source rocks in the Cambrian. The SN‐1 exploitation well was selected to undertake fluid inclusion studies revealing the mechanisms of natural gas charging and fluid evolution. Data from the SN‐1 well drill core indicate a 1,700‐ to 7,050‐m‐thick sedimentary sequence containing Ordovician to Tertiary strata. The Middle Ordovician Yijianfang Formation (Fm) constitutes one of the most important gas reservoirs. The Yijianfang Fm consists principally of limestone containing widely distributed sparry calcite. Numerous fluid inclusions are observed in calcite, and 4 types of fluid inclusions are recognized based on the observed phases and components. These are pure CH4(P‐type), CH4‐bearing (C‐type), aqueous (W‐type), and solid‐bearing (S‐type) inclusions. The trapping temperatures and pressures, determined through the intersection of isochores from coeval fluid inclusions, reach 183 °C to 216 °C and 1,914 bars to 2,196 bars, respectively. When taking into account the regional burial history, we find the natural gas charged during the Neogene interval, from 20 Ma to 3 Ma.
Increasing burden of liver cancer despite extensive use of antiviral agents in a hepatitis B virus‐endemic population
Authors: Choi Jonggi , Han Seungbong , Kim Namkug , Lim Young‐Suk
Published: June 2017

Most mortalities from liver disease and liver cancer worldwide are attributable to hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus. Despite remarkable advances in the treatment of HBV over past decades, limited population‐level data are available regarding its impact on burden of liver disease and liver cancer. Mortality data from liver disease and liver cancer were obtained from the national death certificate database of Korea, an HBV‐endemic country, between 1999 and 2013, and were analyzed by Joinpoint analysis. For liver disease, number of annual deaths decreased by 62.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 62.0‐62.6), crude death rate (CDR) decreased by 64.6% (95% CI, 64.3‐64.9) from 21.2 to 7.5 per 100,000 population, and age‐standardized death rate (ADR) declined by 75.0% (95% CI, 74.7‐75.3), between 1999 and 2013. In contrast, for liver cancer, number of annual deaths increased by 17.8% (95% CI, 17.6‐18.0) and CDR increased by 10.2% (95% CI, 10.0‐10.4) from 20.5 to 22.6, although ADR decreased by 26.9% (95% CI, 26.6‐27.2). The annual number of patients receiving oral antiviral agents against HBV increased from 1,716 to 187,226 during the study period. The increase in mean age at death from liver disease was significantly greater than that from liver cancer (8.8 vs. 6.1 years: P = 0.02). Conclusion: Marked reduction in liver disease mortality by widespread use of antiviral treatments against HBV may increase the life expectancy and number of patients at risk of developing liver cancer, inadvertently leading to increased burden of liver cancer in an HBV‐endemic population. The competing nature between death from liver disease and that from liver cancer should be carefully considered in establishing a health care policy. (Hepatology 2017;66:1454–1463).
A service recovery method to enhance customer satisfaction with a case study of motion sport game
Authors: Chiu Ming‐Chuan , Chang Yi‐Jie
Published: June 2017

Service recovery is a concept that involves regaining customer satisfaction and loyalty. Although existing studies have addressed its importance, few service recovery methodologies have been developed. Thus, there is a need to develop a systematic framework that can first detect customer status and then provide appropriate recovery recommendations to ensure customer satisfaction. This study develops such a framework in relation to an individual health maintenance practice. While regular moderate exercise is known to promote good health and help prevent disease, the lack of exercise remains a crucial health issue. This study presents a logistic regression model that uses both physiological data (heart rate and blood pressure) and psychological data (ratings of perceived exertion) to detect the effectiveness of an individual's exercise and to provide sports‐related service recovery suggestions as needed. To implement and assess this service recovery model, the use of a motion gaming system is proposed.
Precise spike timing dynamics of hippocampal place cell activity sensitive to cholinergic disruption
Authors: Newman Ehren L. , Venditto Sarah Jo C. , Climer Jason R. , Petter Elijah A. , Gillet Shea N. , Levy Sam
Published: June 2017

New memory formation depends on both the hippocampus and modulatory effects of acetylcholine. The mechanism by which acetylcholine levels in the hippocampus enable new encoding remains poorly understood. Here, we tested the hypothesis that cholinergic modulation supports memory formation by leading to structured spike timing in the hippocampus. Specifically, we tested if phase precession in dorsal CA1 was reduced under the influence of a systemic cholinergic antagonist. Unit and field potential were recorded from the dorsal CA1 of rats as they completed laps on a circular track for food rewards before and during the influence of the systemically administered acetylcholine muscarinic receptor antagonist scopolamine. We found that scopolamine significantly reduced phase precession of spiking relative to the field theta, and that this was due to a decrease in the frequency of the spiking rhythmicity. We also found that the correlation between position and theta phase was significantly reduced. This effect was not due to changes in spatial tuning as tuning remained stable for those cells analyzed. Similarly, it was not due to changes in lap‐to‐lap reliability of spiking onset or offset relative to either position or phase as the reliability did not decrease following scopolamine administration. These findings support the hypothesis that memory impairments that follow muscarinic blockade are the result of degraded spike timing in the hippocampus.
Pharmacokinetic study of bortezomib administered intravenously in Taiwanese patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Huang Shang‐Yi , Chang Cheng‐Shyong , Liu Ta‐Chih , Wang Po‐Nan , Yeh Su‐Peng , Ho Ching‐Liang , Kuo Ming‐Chung , Lin Hsuan‐Yu , de Jong Jan , Chen Jia‐Yi , Yang Ya‐Wen
Published: June 2017

This phase 4, single‐arm, non‐randomized, open‐label, post approval commitment study evaluated the pharmacokinetics and safety of bortezomib in Taiwanese patients with multiple myeloma. Patients (≥20 years) with measurable secretory multiple myeloma (serum monoclonal IgG ≥10, IgA/IgE ≥5, IgD ≥0.5 g/L, IgM present [regardless of level], and urine M protein of ≥200 mg/24 h) received intravenous bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2, twice weekly for 2 weeks, followed by a 10‐day resting phase (days 12 to 21). Pharmacokinetics and safety were assessed at pre‐specified time points. All enrolled patients (n = 18, men: 11; women: 7) completed the study. Mean (SD) Cmax (maximum observed plasma concentration) on day 11 was 266 (77.5) ng/mL, approximately 60% higher compared with non‐Asian patients receiving a similar bortezomib regimen but with overlapping ranges. Because of the protracted terminal phase, half‐life (t1/2), area under the plasma concentration‐time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC∞), volume of distribution (Vz), and systemic clearance were not assessable. All patients experienced treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs); 78% were drug‐related. Most commonly reported TEAEs were thrombocytopenia (n = 11 [61%]), neutropenia (n = 9 [50%]), leukopenia (n = 6 [33%]), and diarrhoea (n = 6 [33%]); the most common serious adverse event was pneumonia (n = 2 [11%]). One patient had a dose reduction due to a TEAE of thrombocytopenia. Overall, bortezomib exposure (AUC) in Taiwanese patients (AUClast [SD]: 230 [147] ng·h/mL) with twice weekly intravenous administration was comparable with non‐Asian population (AUClast [SD]: 241 [82] ng·h/mL). Bortezomib treatment was associated with manageable toxicity profile and did not limit the continuity of therapy.
The contextual‐level effects of social trust on health in transitional countries: Instrumental variable analysis of 26 countries
Authors: Habibov Nazim , Cheung Alex
Published: June 2017

We analyse the effect of contextual‐level social capital on health status in a sample of 26 transitional countries of Central and South Europe, Mongolia, and the former Soviet Union for 2006‐2010 (N = 51 911). Contextual‐level social capital is conceptualized as country‐level social trust, while health status is conceptualized as self‐rated health. We use ordinary least squares and instrumental variable regressions to address endogeneity and especially to rule out reverse causality. Both instrumental variable and ordinary least squares regressions suggest a strong positive effect of country‐level trust on health. This finding is consistent for the whole sample as well as separate regional estimations.
Troxerutin with copper generates oxidative stress in cancer cells: Its possible chemotherapeutic mechanism against hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Subastri Ariraman , Suyavaran Arumugam , Preedia Babu Ezhuthupurakkal , Nithyananthan Subramaniyam , Barathidasan Rajamani , Thirunavukkarasu Chinnasamy
Published: June 2017

Troxerutin (TXER) a rutin derivative is known for its anticancer effect against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As part of large study, recently we have shown TXER interact with genetic material and its anti‐mutagenic property. In the present study we have explored its possible mode of action in HCC. Since TXER alone did not show significant anticancer effect on Huh‐7 cells, in vitro biochemical assays were performed for determining anticancer efficacy of TXER + metal complex using transition metals such as Cu, Zn, and Fe. The anticancer efficacy of TXER + Cu on Huh‐7 cells were evaluated using MTT assay, DCFDA, JC‐1 staining, comet assay, cell cycle analysis, immunocytochemistry, and Western blotting. Non‐toxic nature of TXER was analyzed on primary rat hepatocytes. The in vivo efficacy of TXER was tested in N‐nitrosodiethylamine initiated and γ‐benzene hexachloride and partial hepatectomy promoted rat liver cancer. Liver markers, transition metal levels, histopathological examination, and expression levels of GST‐P, 8‐OHdG and Ki‐67 were studied to assess the in vivo anticancer effect of TXER. We observed that TXER + Cu induced extensive cellular death on Huh‐7 cells through generating free radicals and did not possess any toxic effect on normal hepatocytes. The in vivo studies revealed that TXER possess significant anti‐cancer effect as assessed through improved liver markers and suppressed GST‐P, 8‐OHdG, and Ki‐67 expression. TXER treatment reduced the hepatic Cu level in cancer bearing animals. Current study brings the putative mechanism involved in anti‐cancer effect of TXER, further it will help to formulate phytoconstituents coupled anti‐cancer drug for effective treatment of HCC.
Overcoming the resistance of pancreatic cancer to immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Skelton Richard A. , Javed Ammar , Zheng Lei , He Jin
Published: June 2017

Immunotherapy has become a new modality of cancer treatment, but has had a limited success in treating PDAC. A combination approach to immunotherapy, using both immune checkpoint inhibitors and immune activating agonists, is needed, as PDAC does not respond to single‐agent checkpoint inhibitors. Studies have also supported using vaccine‐based therapies to prime the tumor microenvironment of PDAC with effector T‐cells. Other therapeutic strategies including epigenetic agents, stroma modulators, radiotherapy, and T‐cell transfer therapies may also prime the tumor microenvironment to overcome resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion as a component of multimodality therapy for ovarian and primary peritoneal cancer
Authors: Magge Deepa , Ramalingam Lekshmi , Shuai Yongli , Edwards Robert P. , Pingpank James F. , Ahrendt Steven S. , Holtzman Matthew P. , Zeh Herbert J. , Bartlett David L. , Choudry Haroon A.
Published: June 2017

Background and Objectives

The role of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC) in the multimodality treatment of ovarian peritoneal metastases (OPM) and primary peritoneal cancer (PPC) remains controversial. We hypothesized that cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and HIPEC would provide meaningful survival benefit without excessive morbidity.

Methods

We reviewed clinicopathologic and perioperative data following 96 CRS‐HIPEC procedures for primary or recurrent OPM and PPC. Kaplan‐Meier survival curves and multivariate Cox‐regression models identified prognostic factors affecting oncologic outcomes.

Results

CRS‐HIPEC was mostly performed for recurrent disease (56.3%) and high‐grade serous carcinoma (72.9%). Platinum‐based systemic chemotherapy was administered to 89.5% of patients, with 75.5% having platinum‐sensitive disease at CRS‐HIPEC. Complete macroscopic resection was achieved in 70.8% of patients. Clavien‐Dindo grade 3/4 morbidity occurred in 23.4% of patients; three patients died within 60‐days postoperatively. Median overall survival from diagnosis of peritoneal metastases and CRS‐HIPEC was 78 and 38 months, respectively. Completeness of cytoreduction, pathologic subtype, and 30‐day morbidity were independent predictors of survival in multiple regression analysis.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates promising survival data and supports the role of HIPEC in the multimodality treatment algorithm for primary or recurrent OPM and PPC. However definite indications and timing of HIPEC need to be clarified by prospective studies.
Bone resection for facial cutaneous malignancies
Authors: Brunner Markus , Ch'ng Sydney , Shannon Kerwin , Clifford Anthony , Ashford Bruce , Elliott Michael , Clark Jonathan R.
Published: June 2017

Background and Objectives

The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent bone resection for cutaneous malignancy of the face and scalp.

Methods

We retrospectively collected patient data from 62 patients who underwent bone resection for craniofacial cutaneous malignancy of the face and scalp over the last 10 years. We investigated risk factors for disease progression and assessed the utility of pre‐operative imaging to predict bone, dura, and brain infiltration.

Results

Out of all factors analyzed, brain invasion, surgical margin involvement, and dural margin involvement were found to significantly reduce survival. CT and MRI correctly predicted bone infiltration in 88% and 89% of cases. MRI correctly predicted dura invasion in 89% but grossly underestimated the amount of dural invasion in 23% of reports.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that the resection of bone is a reasonable surgical option in the treatment of patients with advanced cutaneous malignancies of the face and scalp. Brain invasion and positive margins reduced the probability of survival.
Effect of abdominopelvic sepsis on cancer outcome in patients undergoing sphincter saving surgery for rectal cancer
Authors: Van de putte Dirk , Van Daele Elke , Willaert Wouter , Pattyn Piet , Ceelen Wim , Van Nieuwenhove Yves ,   on behalf of PROCARE
Published: June 2017

Background

In rectal cancer, the significance of abdominopelvic sepsis (APS) on metastatic tumor growth remains uncertain. We aimed to analyze the effect of abdominopelvic sepsis on long‐term survival in patients undergoing restorative rectal cancer surgery.

Methods

Data were used from the Belgian PROCARE rectal cancer registry. The effect of abdominopelvic infection on survival was assessed in uni‐ and multivariable Cox regression models. The effect of clinical and pathological covariates was controlled by propensity score‐based matching of cases with controls. The effect of abdominopelvic sepsis on the rate of local and metastatic recurrence was evaluated using crosstabulation and the Pearson χ2 test.

Results

In univariable analysis, the presence of APS was associated with significantly worse overall survival (HR 1.3, P = 0.025). After propensity score matching including age, BMI, tumor level, pTstage, pN stage, CRM, tumor grade, number of lymph nodes, and presence of lymphovascular invasion, the association of APS with OS was no longer significant (HR 1.26, 95%CI 0.92‐1.74, P = 0.15). No differences were observed in the risk of local or metastatic recurrence (3.6% vs 2.9% and 13% vs 16.5%).

Conclusions

In this analysis APS after rectal cancer resection was not significantly associated with OS, metastatic, or local recurrence.
Advanced real‐time multi‐display educational system (ARMES): An innovative real‐time audiovisual mentoring tool for complex robotic surgery
Authors: Lee Joong Ho , Tanaka Eiji , Woo Yanghee , Ali Güner , Son Taeil , Kim Hyoung‐Il , Hyung Woo Jin
Published: June 2017

Introduction

The recent scientific and technologic advances have profoundly affected the training of surgeons worldwide. We describe a novel intraoperative real‐time training module, the Advanced Robotic Multi‐display Educational System (ARMES).

Methods

We created a real‐time training module, which can provide a standardized step by step guidance to robotic distal subtotal gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy procedures, ARMES. The short video clips of 20 key steps in the standardized procedure for robotic gastrectomy were created and integrated with TilePro™ software to delivery on da Vinci Surgical Systems (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA).

Results

We successfully performed the robotic distal subtotal gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for patient with gastric cancer employing this new teaching method without any transfer errors or system failures. Using this technique, the total operative time was 197 min and blood loss was 50 mL and there were no intra‐ or post‐operative complications.

Conclusions

Our innovative real‐time mentoring module, ARMES, enables standardized, systematic guidance during surgical procedures.
Microscopic lymphovascular invasion is an independent predictor of survival in resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Epstein Jeffrey D. , Kozak Geoffrey , Fong Zhi Ven , He Jin , Javed Ammar A. , Joneja Upasana , Jiang Wei , Ferrone Cristina R. , Lillemoe Keith D. , Cameron John L. , Weiss Matthew J. , Lavu Harish , Yeo Charles J. , Fernandez‐del Castillo Carlos , Wolfgang Christopher L. , Winter Jordan M.
Published: June 2017

Background and Objectives Despite routine inclusion of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) status in pathologic reports of resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDA), the clinical implications of LVI have not been well characterized.

Methods This study is a retrospective review of 2640 patients who underwent a pancreatectomy for PDA at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, or Johns Hopkins Hospital (2003‐2014). Clinical and pathologic records were extracted from institutional databases.

Results The median post‐resection survival for the total cohort was 19.2 months with a 5‐year survival rate of 15.2%. In a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model including conventional pathologic features, LVI was an independent predictor of survival (HR = 1.14, P = 0.017). In a stratified Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis, patients with N0, LVI‐ PDA had a significantly improved overall survival compared to those with N0, LVI+ PDA (median 31 vs 24 mo, P = 0.020). Similarly, patients with N1, LVI‐ PDA had superior survival to patients with N1, LVI+ disease (18.6 vs 16.5 mo, P = 0.001).

Conclusions As the first large scale study focused on the clinical impact of LVI status in PDA, these data indicate that this routinely reported pathologic feature is a bona fide and independent adverse prognostic factor.
Fabrication of single‐walled carbon nanohorns incorporated a monolithic column for capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Zhao Hongyan , Wang Yizhou , Cheng Heyong , Wang Yuanchao
Published: June 2017

Single‐walled carbon nanohorns have received great interest for their unique properties and diverse potential applications. Herein, we demonstrated the feasibility of single‐walled carbon nanohorns incorporated poly(styrene‐divinylbenzene) monolith as the stationary phase for capillary electrochromatography, which were prepared by one‐step in situ copolymerization. Single‐walled carbon nanohorns were dispersed in styrene to give a stable and homogeneous suspension. The monolithic column gave effective separation for a wide range of aromatic compounds, which was based on hydrophobicity and π–π electrostatic stacking of single‐walled carbon nanohorns. The precisions of migration time and peak area varied in the ranges of 1.4–1.9% for intraday trials and 1.7–3.5% for interday trials, and 3.2–6.7% for intraday trials and 4.1–7.4% for interday trials, and 3.6–7.2% for inter‐column trials and 5.2–21.3% for inter‐column trials, respectively, indicating the good reproducibility of single‐walled carbon nanohorns embedded monolithic columns.
The cognitive features of idiopathic and DYT1 dystonia
Authors: Jahanshahi Marjan , Torkamani Mariam
Published: June 2017

Dystonia is a common movement disorder. In this paper, we review the literature on cognitive function in idiopathic and DYT1 dystonia. In idiopathic or DYT1 dystonia, cognition is largely intact with only isolated executive dysfunction. Dystonia patients also have increased temporal and spatial discrimination thresholds, considered endophenotypes of the disorder because deficits are also shown by unaffected relatives and nonmanifesting carriers of the DYT1 mutation. Anticholinergic medication in high doses can be associated with memory impairment in dystonia. The successful treatment of dystonia with botulinum toxin injections or deep brain stimulation does not produce any major adverse effects on cognition. The aspects of cognition that require further investigation in future studies of dystonia include inhibitory control, decision making, and social cognition. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Optical molecular imaging‐guided radiation therapy part 2: Integrated x‐ray and fluorescence molecular tomography
Authors: Shi Junwei , Udayakumar Thirupandiyur S. , Wang Zhiqun , Dogan Nesrin , Pollack Alan , Yang Yidong
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Differentiating tumor from its surrounding soft tissues is challenging for x‐ray computed tomography (CT). Fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) can directly localize the internal tumors targeted with specific fluorescent probes. A FMT system was developed and integrated onto a CT‐guided irradiator to improve tumor localization for image‐guided radiation.

Methods

The FMT system was aligned orthogonal to the cone‐beam CT onboard our previously developed image‐guided small animal arc radiation treatment system (iSMAART). Through rigorous physical registration, the onboard CT provides accurate surface contour which is used to generate three‐dimensional mesh for FMT reconstruction. During FMT experiments, a point laser source perpendicular to the rotating axis was used to excite the internal fluorophores. The normalized optical images from multiple projection angles were adopted for tomographic reconstruction. To investigate the accuracy of the FMT in locating the tumor and recovering its volume, in vivo experiments were conducted on two breast cancer models: MDA‐MB‐231 cancer xenograft on nude mice and 4T1 cancer xenograft on white mice. Both cancer cell lines overexpress the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). A novel fluorescent poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticle conjugated with anti‐EGFR was intravenously injected to specifically target the breast cancer cells. Another ex vivo experiment on a mouse bearing a surgically implanted Indocyanine Green‐containing glass tube was conducted, to additionally validate the precision of FMT‐guided radiation therapy.

Results

The FMT can accurately localize the single‐nodule breast tumors actively targeted with fluorescent nanoparticles with localization error < 0.5 mm calculated between the centers of mass of tumors in FMT and CT. The reconstructed tumor volume in FMT was significantly correlated with that in the iodinated contrast‐enhanced CT (R2 = 0.94, P < 0.001). The FMT was able to guide focal radiation delivery with submillimeter accuracy.

Conclusion

Using the tumor‐targeting fluorescent probes, the iSMAART with onboard FMT system can accurately differentiate tumors from their surrounding soft tissue, guide precise focal radiation delivery, and potentially assess tumor response in cancer research.
Controlling lactation oestrus: The final frontier for breeding herd management
Authors: van Wettere William H. E. J. , Weaver Alice C. , Greenwood Emma C. , Terry Robyn , Hughes Paul E. , Kind Karen L.
Published: June 2017

Lactation anoestrus limits the flexibility of modern pig production systems such that any increase in lactation length reduces farrowing frequency, and thus profit. This review focuses on post‐partum development of the sow's reproductive system, the physiology of lactation anoestrus and how it can be overcome, as well as the fertility of sows mated while lactating. The propensity for sows to ovulate spontaneously while lactating is high (24–31%), and a high proportion of sows will ovulate rapidly and synchronously in response to combinations of altered suckling (split weaning, interrupted suckling), daily boar contact, exogenous gonadotrophins, and group housing. The apparent ease with which lactation anoestrus can be overcome represents an opportunity to uncouple sow mating from weaning, thus reducing the impact of lactation length on productivity. This is especially true when considering the benefits of the described stimulation methods on the reproductive performance (i.e., shorter weaning to oestrus intervals and higher litter sizes) of the low proportion of sows that maintain lactation anoestrus.
Presence of time‐dependent diffusion in the brachial plexus
Authors: Mahbub Zaid B. , Peters Andrew M. , Gowland Penny A.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This work describes the development of a method to measure the variation of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) with diffusion time (Δ) in the brachial plexus, as a potential method of probing microstructure.

Methods

Diffusion‐weighted MRI with body signal suppression was used to highlight the nerves from surrounding tissues, and sequence parameters were optimized for sensitivity to change with diffusion time. A porous media‐restricted diffusion model based on the Latour‐Mitra equation was fitted to the diffusion time‐dependent ADC data from the brachial plexus nerves and cord.

Results

The ADC was observed to reduce at long diffusion times, confirming that diffusion was restricted in the nerves and cord in healthy subjects. T2 of the nerves was measured to be 80 ± 5 ms, the diffusion coefficient was found to vary from (1.5 ± 0.1) × 10−3 mm2/s at a diffusion time of 18.3 ms to (1.0 ± 0.2) × 10−3 mm2/s at a diffusion time of 81.3 ms.

Conclusion

A novel method of probing restricted diffusion in the brachial plexus was developed. Resulting parameters were comparable with values obtained previously on biological systems. Magn Reson Med 79:789–795, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Large coverage black‐bright blood interleaved imaging sequence (LaBBI) for 3D dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI of vessel wall
Authors: Qi Haikun , Huang Feng , Zhou Zechen , Koken Peter , Balu Niranjan , Zhang Bida , Yuan Chun , Chen Huijun
Published: June 2017

Purpose

To propose a large coverage black‐bright blood interleaved imaging sequence (LaBBI) for 3D dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) of the vessel wall.

Methods

LaBBI consists of a 3D black‐blood stack‐of‐stars golden angle radial acquisition with high spatial resolution for vessel wall imaging and a 2D bright‐blood Cartesian acquisition with high temporal resolution for arterial input function estimation. The two acquisitions were performed in an interleaved fashion within a single scan. Simulations, phantom experiments, and in vivo tests in three patients were performed to investigate the feasibility and performance of the proposed LaBBI.

Results

In simulation tests, the estimated Ktrans and vp by LaBBI were more accurate than conventional bright‐blood DCE‐MRI with lower root mean square error in all the tested conditions. In phantom test, no signal interference was found on the 2D scan in LaBBI. Pharmacokinetic analysis of the patients’ data acquired by LaBBI showed that Ktrans was higher in fibrous tissue (0.0717 ± 0.0279 min−1), while lower in necrotic core (0.0206 ± 0.0040 min−1) and intraplaque hemorrhage (0.0078 ± 0.0007 min−1), compared with normal vessel wall (0.0273 ± 0.0052 min−1).

Conclusion

The proposed LaBBI sequence, with high spatial and temporal resolution, and large coverage blood suppression, was promising to probe the perfusion properties of vessel wall lesions. Magn Reson Med 79:1334–1344, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Subject‐level reliability analysis of fast fMRI with application to epilepsy
Authors: Hao Yongfu , Khoo Hui Ming , von Ellenrieder Nicolas , Gotman Jean
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Recent studies have applied the new magnetic resonance encephalography (MREG) sequence to the study of interictal epileptic discharges (IEDs) in the electroencephalogram (EEG) of epileptic patients. However, there are no criteria to quantitatively evaluate different processing methods, to properly use the new sequence.

Methods

We evaluated different processing steps of this new sequence under the common generalized linear model (GLM) framework by assessing the reliability of results. A bootstrap sampling technique was first used to generate multiple replicated data sets; a GLM with different processing steps was then applied to obtain activation maps, and the reliability of these maps was assessed.

Results

We applied our analysis in an event‐related GLM related to IEDs. A higher reliability was achieved by using a GLM with head motion confound regressor with 24 components rather than the usual 6, with an autoregressive model of order 5 and with a canonical hemodynamic response function (HRF) rather than variable latency or patient‐specific HRFs. Comparison of activation with IED field also favored the canonical HRF, consistent with the reliability analysis.

Conclusion

The reliability analysis helps to optimize the processing methods for this fast fMRI sequence, in a context in which we do not know the ground truth of activation areas. Magn Reson Med 78:1–1, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Sensory mapping of pelvic dermatomes in women with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome
Authors: Sanses Tatiana , McCabe Patrick , Zhong Ling , Taylor Aisha , Chelimsky Gisela , Mahajan Sangeeta , Buffington Tony , Hijaz Adonis , Ialacci Sarah , Janata Jeffrey , Chelimsky Thomas
Published: June 2017

Aim

To describe a sensory map of pelvic dermatomes in women with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS). We hypothesized that if IC/BPS involves changes in central processing, then women with IC/BPS will exhibit sensory abnormalities in neurologic pelvic dermatomes.

Methods

Women with IC/BPS and healthy controls underwent neurologic examination that included evaluation of sharp pain sensitivity and vibration in dermatomes T12, L1, L2, S1‐5. Peripheral nervous system sensitivity to pressure, vibration, and pinprick were scored using numeric rating scales (NRS). Bilateral comparisons were made with Wilcoxon signed‐rank test and comparisons between groups were made by the Mann‐Whitney U‐test.

Results

Total of 74 women with IC/BPS and 36 healthy counterparts were included. IC/BPS and control groups had similar age (43.0 ± 14.1 and 38.6 ± 15.3 years, P = 0.14) and BMI (28.9 ± 8.0 kg/m2 and 26.9 ± 8.4 kg/m2, P = 0.24), respectively. Women with IC/BPS reported hyperalgesia (elevated bilateral NRS pain intensity) in all pelvic dermatomes compared to healthy controls. S4‐S5 region had the highest pain intensity in all participants. All IC/BPS participants exhibited vibration sensation hypoesthesia, at least unilaterally, in all of the pelvic dermatomes except L1 compared to healthy controls.

Conclusion

This detailed map of neurologic pelvic dermatomes in women with IC/BPS found hyperalgesia in all pelvic dermatomes, and some evidence of vibration sensation hypoesthesia, compared to healthy controls. These findings support the hypothesis that IC/BPS may involve changes in central signal processing biased towards nociception.
On the convergence of two‐level Krylov methods for singular symmetric systems
Authors: Erlangga Yogi A. , Nabben Reinhard
Published: June 2017

We discuss the convergence of a two‐level version of the multilevel Krylov method for solving linear systems of equations with symmetric positive semidefinite matrix of coefficients. The analysis is based on the convergence result of Brown and Walker for the Generalized Minimal Residual method (GMRES), with the left‐ and right‐preconditioning implementation of the method. Numerical results based on diffusion problems are presented to show the convergence.
Error analysis of mixed finite element method for Poisson‐Nernst‐Planck system
Authors: He Mingyan , Sun Pengtao
Published: June 2017

To improve the convergence rate in L2 norm from suboptimal to optimal for both electrostatic potential and ionic concentrations in Poisson‐Nernst‐Planck (PNP) system, we propose the mixed finite element method in this article to discretize the electrostatic potential equation, and still use the standard finite element method to discretize the time‐dependent ionic concentrations equations. Optimal error estimates in norm for the electrostatic potential, and in and norms for the ionic concentrations are attained. As a by‐product, the electric field can also achieve a higher approximation order in contrast with the standard finite element method for PNP system. Numerical experiments are performed to validate the theoretical results.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 1924–1948, 2017
Small Proteins Encoded by Unannotated ORFs are Rising Stars of the Proteome, Confirming Shortcomings in Genome Annotations and Current Vision of an mRNA
Authors: Delcourt Vivian , Staskevicius Antanas , Salzet Michel , Fournier Isabelle , Roucou Xavier
Published: June 2017

Short ORF‐encoded peptides and small proteins in eukaryotes have been hiding in the shadow of large proteins for a long time. Recently, improved identifications in MS‐based proteomics and ribosome profiling resulted in the detection of large numbers of small proteins. The variety of functions of small proteins is also emerging. It seems to be the right time to reflect on why small proteins remained invisible. In addition to the obvious technical challenge of detecting small proteins, they were mostly forgotten from annotations and they escaped detection because they were not sought. In this review, we identify conventions that need to be revisited, including the assumption that mature mRNAs carry only one coding sequence. The large‐scale discovery of small proteins and of their functions will require changing some paradigms and undertaking the annotation of ORFs that are still largely perceived as irrelevant coding information compared to already annotated coding sequences.