bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mst1/2 Kinases Modulate Glucose Uptake for Osteoblast Differentiation and Bone Formation
Authors: Li Wenling , Deng Yujie , Feng Bo , Mak Kingston King-Lun
Published: February 2018

Bone formation and bone homeostasis are energy-expensive processes. How they are being regulated by energy needs is not completely understood. This is of high clinical importance because diabetic-induced bone loss is common whereas the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we show that Mst1/2 are important regulators for glucose uptake during osteoblast differentiation. Genetically removal of both Mst1/2 kinases simultaneously in mice in early and mature osteoblasts inhibits bone formation and bone remodeling, respectively. We found that the activity of Mst1/2 kinases is sensitive to glucose levels, and in turn, regulates glucose uptake by stabilizing key glucose transporter Glut1. In the absence of Mst1/2 kinases, Glut1 expression is loss and results in AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK) activation and subsequent proteasomal degradation of Runx2. The streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mouse model also recapitulates similar changes in the bone tissues. In addition, Glut1 expression regulated by Mst1/2 kinases is independent of Yap/Taz expression. Our results unravel new mechanistic insights into the orchestration of glucose level and bone homeostasis. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Aluminum oxo‐fluoride clusters: A first principle investigation of stability, synthetic considerations, and the interaction with water
Authors: Schacht Julia , Budau Johannes Horst , Gaston Nicola , Paulus Beate
Published: February 2018

The introduction of the so called fluorolytic sol‐gel synthesis in 2003 gave access to previously inaccessible aluminum oxo‐fluorides, thus to nanoscopic materials and, more importantly, novel catalysts. The intermediate cluster structures synthesized and stabilized by Kemnitz and coworkers have mainly been protected by iso‐propoxide groups. However, since catalytic reactions take place in a large variety of media, hydrophilic analogs of those clusters would be of interest. In this manuscript, we present a computational analysis for the fluorination reaction, which represents the second part of fluorolytic sol‐gel synthesis, and a theoretical study of the synthesized Al4F4(μ4‐O)(μ‐OiPr)5[H(OiPr)2] nanostructure's conversion to its hydroxylated analog Al4F4(μ4‐O)(μ‐OH)5[H(OH)2] utilizing the nudged elastic band method. Furthermore, the role of the fluorine atoms of the cluster in an aqueous medium is evaluated by studying the incremental addition of water molecules to the cluster with and without fluorine atoms. In addition, NMR shifts of clusters exhibiting different substituents are compared. It has been found that the inclusion of an explicit solvent is necessary to capture the magnetic response of the individual cluster atoms in an aqueous solvent correctly. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Catalytic Gas‐phase Fluorination of Hexachlorobutadiene to 1,2‐Dichlorotetrafluorocyclobutene over Cr/Zn‐based Catalysts
Authors: He Jinwei , Zhang Mengxue , Zhou Biao , Zhou Xiaomeng
Published: February 2018

In this paper, the gas‐phase fluorination of hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) to synthesize 1,2‐dichlorotetrafluorocyclobutene (DTB) was carried out over a series of Cr/M/Zn catalysts (M = Ni, Co, Cu, In, Al). The influence of prefluorination by different fluorinating agents (HF, 95%HF + 5%Cl2, 95%HF + 5%O2, CF2O, CF2Cl2) on catalytic performance of Cr/Co/Zn sample was also investigated. The addition of prompters to the Cr/Zn catalyst improved remarkably its catalytic properties. The Cr/Ni/Zn catalyst exhibited the best catalytic activity (1.318 mmol/h/g) at 390 °C and the Cr/Co/Zn catalyst showed the best DTB selectivity (42.5%) at 350 °C. Compared to that of gaseous HF, the catalytic performance of the Cr/Co/Zn catalyst after treatment by HF + O2 and CF2O increased considerably, whereas for HF + Cl2 and CF2Cl2 it showed little effect. In order to identify the different species (Cr─O, Cr─F, CrO
xF
y) present on catalysts’ surface and determine their exact role, these catalysts before and after the reaction were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that the concentration of the various species was responsible for the activity and lifetime of catalysts. Moreover, a possible reaction route is proposed based upon the product distribution. The most feasible formation pathway of DTB proceeded via the cyclization of C4Cl4F2 or C4Cl3F3 to yield c‐C4Cl4F2 and c‐C4Cl3F3 followed by further the Cl/F exchange.
Efficient and Robust Cu/TiO2 Nanorod Photocatalysts for Simultaneous Removal of Cr(VI) and Methylene Blue under Solar Light
Authors: Guan Haojian , Zhou Xiaosong , Wen Willian , Jin Bei , Li Jiajia , Zhang Shanqing
Published: February 2018

Because of its large bandgap, TiO2 can function only under UV light. TiO2 surface modification with noble metal nanoparticles can extend the light absorption from UV to visible light region and enhance the photocatalytic quantum yield. In this work, TiO2 nanorods (Cu/TiO2) modified by copper nanoparticles were prepared by a one‐step solvothermal method at low cost. The resultant Cu/TiO2 nanorods show excellent synergistic effect in the oxidation of methylene blue (MB) and the reduction of aqueous Cr(VI) under solar light irradiation. Mechanistic investigation suggests that the Cr(VI) species could effectively scavenge the electrons from MB in the presence of the as‐prepared photocatalyst, leading to the simultaneous removal of both pollutants. Being economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and highly efficient, the proposed photocatalyst holds promise for technologies involving simultaneous organic degradation and heavy metal removal in wastewater treatment.
A Novel Electrochemical Sensor Based on Copper‐based Metal‐Organic Framework for the Determination of Dopamine
Authors: Li Jun , Xia Jianfei , Zhang Feifei , Wang Zonghua , Liu Qingyun
Published: February 2018

A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with a copper‐based metal‐organic framework (MOF) [HKUST‐1, HKUST‐1 = Cu3(BTC)2 (BTC = 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylicacid)] was developed as a highly sensitive and simple electrochemical sensor for the determination of dopamine (DA). The MOF was prepared by a hydrothermal process, and the morphology and crystal phase of the MOF were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Meanwhile, the electrochemical performance was investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Under optimized conditions, the modified electrode showed excellent electrocatalytic activity and high selectivity toward DA. The linear response range was from 5.0 × 10−7 to 1.0 × 10−4 M and the detection limit was as low as 1.5 × 10−7 M. Moreover, the electrochemical sensor was used to detect DA in real samples with excellent results. MOF‐based sensors hold great promise for routine sensing applications in the field of electrochemical sensing.
Impact of SLCO1B1 Genotype on Pediatric Simvastatin Acid Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Wagner Jonathan B. , Abdel‐Rahman Susan , Van Haandel Leon , Gaedigk Andrea , Gaedigk Roger , Raghuveer Geetha , Kauffman Ralph , Leeder J. Steven
Published: February 2018

This study investigated the impact of allelic variation in SLCO1B1, a gene encoding for the liver‐specific solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1B1 protein (SLCO1B1), on simvastatin and simvastatin acid (SVA) systemic exposure in children and adolescents. Participants (8–20 years old) with at least 1 variant SLCO1B1 c.521T>C allele (521TC, n = 15; 521CC, n = 2) and 2 wild‐type alleles (521TT, n = 15) completed a single oral dose pharmacokinetic study. At equivalent doses, SVA exposure was 6.3‐ and 2.5‐fold greater in 521CC and TC genotypes relative to 521TT (Cmax, 2.1 ± 0.2 vs 1.0 ± 0.5 vs 0.4 ± 0.3 ng/mL; P < .0001; and AUC, 12.1 ± 0.3 vs 4.5 ± 2.5 vs 1.9 ± 1.8 ng·h/mL; P < .0001). The impact of the SLCO1B1 c.521 genotype was more pronounced in children, although considerable interindividual variability in SVA exposure was observed within genotype groups. In addition, SVA systemic exposure was negligible in 25% of pediatric participants. Further investigation of the ontogeny and genetic variation of SVA formation and SLCO1B1‐mediated hepatic uptake is necessary to better understand the variability in SVA exposure in children and its clinical consequences.
Label‐free monitoring of inflammatory tissue conditions using a carrageenan‐induced acute inflammation rat model
Authors: Lee Seung Ho , Lee Sang Hwa , Shin Jae‐Ho , Choi Samjin
Published: February 2018

Although the confirmation of inflammatory changes within tissues at the onset of various diseases is critical for the early detection of disease and selection of appropriate treatment, most therapies are based on complex and time‐consuming diagnostic procedures. Raman spectroscopy has the ability to provide non‐invasive, real‐time, chemical bonding analysis through the inelastic scattering of photons. In this study, we evaluate the feasibility of Raman spectroscopy as a new, easy, fast, and accurate diagnostic method to support diagnostic decisions. The molecular changes in carrageenan‐induced acute inflammation rat tissues were assessed by Raman spectroscopy. Volumes of 0 (control), 100, 150, and 200 µL of 1% carrageenan were administered to rat hind paws to control the degree of inflammation. The prominent peaks at [1,062, 1,131] cm−1 and [2,847, 2,881] cm−1 were selected as characteristic measurements corresponding to the C–C stretching vibrational modes and the symmetric and asymmetric C–H (CH2) stretching vibrational modes, respectively. Principal component analysis of the inflammatory Raman spectra enabled graphical representation of the degree of inflammation through principal component loading profiles of inflammatory tissues on a two‐dimensional plot. Therefore, Raman spectroscopy with multivariate statistical analysis represents a promising method for detecting biomolecular responses based on different types of inflammatory tissues.
A time to trust? The buffering effect of trust and its temporal variations in the context of high‐reliability teams
Authors: Burtscher Michael J. , Meyer Bertolt , Jonas Klaus , Feese Sebastian , Tröster Gerhard
Published: February 2018

This study aims to further clarify the functionality of job resources in the context of high‐reliability teams. Combining extant stress models with theoretical considerations from team research, we address temporal variations in the buffering effect of trust in teammates. We hypothesize that trust buffers the negative effect of objective physical activity on perceived strain and that this buffering effect is more pronounced during later performance episodes (i.e., when employees complete a series of temporally distinguishable tasks). We tested the hypotheses with a sample of professional firefighters who completed a sequence of 3 performance episodes in a high‐fidelity simulation environment. Each participant was equipped with a smartphone capturing individual motion activity, which we used as an indicator of physical activity. In line with our hypotheses, multilevel modeling revealed a buffering effect of trust on the relationship between physical activity and perceived strain. Importantly, this buffering effect was more pronounced in the second performance episode as compared with the first performance episode. Our findings add a temporal perspective to the understanding of the effectiveness of job resources. In addition, the current study illustrates the usefulness of smartphones for obtaining behavioral data in a naturalistic setting.
Isolation and characterization of N2‐fixing bacteria from giant reed and switchgrass for plant growth promotion and nutrient uptake
Authors: Xu Jia , Kloepper Joseph W. , Huang Ping , McInroy John A. , Hu Chia H.
Published: February 2018

The aims of this study were to isolate and characterize N2‐fixing bacteria from giant reed and switchgrass and evaluate their plant growth promotion and nutrient uptake potential for use as biofertilizers. A total of 190 bacteria were obtained from rhizosphere soil and inside stems and roots of giant reed and switchgrass. All the isolates were confirmed to have nitrogenase activity, 96.9% produced auxin, and 85% produced siderophores. Then the top six strains, including Sphingomonas trueperi NNA‐14, Sphingomonas trueperi NNA‐19, Sphingomonas trueperi NNA‐17, Sphingomonas trueperi NNA‐20, Psychrobacillus psychrodurans NP‐3, and Enterobacter oryzae NXU‐38, based on nitrogenase activity, were inoculated on maize and wheat seeds in greenhouse tests to assess their potential benefits to plants. All the selected strains promoted plant growth by increasing at least one plant growth parameter or increasing the nutrient concentration of maize or wheat plants. NNA‐14 outperformed others in promoting early growth and nutrient uptake by maize. Specifically, NNA‐14 significantly increased root length, surface area, and fine roots of maize by 14%, 12%, and 17%, respectively, and enhanced N, Ca, S, B, Cu, and Zn in maize. NNA‐19 and NXU‐38 outperformed others in promoting both early growth and nutrient uptake by wheat. Specifically, NNA‐19 significantly increased root dry weight and number of root tips of wheat by 25% and 96%, respectively, and enhanced Ca in wheat. NXU‐38 significantly increased root length, surface area, and fine roots of wheat by 21%, 13%, and 26%, respectively, and enhanced levels of Ca and Mg in wheat. It is concluded that switchgrass and giant reed are colonized by N2‐fixing bacteria that have the potential to contribute to plant growth and nutrient uptake by agricultural crops.
Lower‐limb muscle function during gait in varus mal‐aligned osteoarthritis patients
Authors: Sritharan Prasanna , Lin Yi‐Chung , Richardson Sara E. , Crossley Kay M. , Birmingham Trevor B. , Pandy Marcus G.
Published: February 2018

This study quantified the contributions by muscular, gravitational and inertial forces to the ground reaction force (GRF) and external knee adduction moment (EKAM) for knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients and controls walking at similar speeds. Gait data for 39 varus mal‐aligned medial knee OA patients and 15 controls were input into musculoskeletal models to calculate the contributions of individual muscles and gravity to the fore‐aft (progression), vertical (support), and mediolateral (balance) GRF, and the EKAM. The temporal patterns of contributions to GRF and EKAM were similar between the groups. Magnitude differences in GRF contributions were small but some reached significance. Peak GRF contributions were lower in patients except hamstrings in early‐stance progression (p < 0.001) and gastrocnemius in late‐stance progression (p < 0.001). Both EKAM peaks were higher in patients, due mainly to greater adduction contribution from gravity (p < 0.001) at the first peak, and lower abduction contributions from soleus (p < 0.001) and gastrocnemius (p < 0.001) at the second peak. Gluteus medius contributed most to EKAM in both groups, but was higher in patients during mid‐stance only (p < 0.001). Differences in GRF contributions were attributed to altered quadriceps‐hamstrings action as well as compensatory adaptation of the ankle plantarflexors to reduced gluteus medius action. The large effect of varus mal‐alignment on the frontal‐plane moment arms of the gravity, soleus, and gastrocnemius GRF contributions about the knee explained greater patient EKAM. Our results shed further light on how the EKAM contributes to altered knee‐joint loads in OA and why some interventions may affect different portions of the EKAM waveform. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2157–2166, 2018.
A Zwitterionic Surfactant Bearing Unsaturated Tail for Enhanced Oil Recovery in High‐Temperature High‐Salinity Reservoirs
Authors: Kamal Muhammad Shahzad , Shakil Hussain Syed M. , Fogang Lionel Talley
Published: February 2018

High‐temperature/high‐salinity (HTHS) reservoirs contain a significant fraction of the world's remaining oil in place and are potential candidates for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Selection of suitable surfactants for such reservoirs is a challenging task. In this work, two synthesized zwitterionic surfactants bearing a saturated and an unsaturated tail, namely 3‐(N‐stearamidopropyl‐N,N‐dimethyl ammonium) propanesulfonate and 3‐(N‐oleamidopropyl‐N,N‐dimethyl ammonium) propanesulfonate, respectively, were evaluated. The surfactant with the unsaturated tail showed excellent solubility in synthetic seawater (57,643 ppm) and in formation brine (213,734 ppm). However, the unsaturated surfactant with a saturated tail showed poor solubility, and therefore it was not evaluated further. The thermal stability of the synthesized unsaturated surfactant solution in seawater was evaluated by heating the solution at 90 °C in a sealed aging tube for 2 weeks. The thermal stability of the unsaturated surfactant was confirmed by FTIR and NMR analysis of the aged samples at such harsh conditions. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the synthesized unsaturated surfactant in seawater was 1.02 × 10−4 mol L−1, while the surface tension at CMC was 30 mN m−1. The synthesized unsaturated surfactant was able to reduce the oil–water interfacial tension to ~10−1 mN m−1 at different conditions. A commercial copolymer of acrylamide and 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sulfonic acid (AM‐AMPS) was tested for EOR applications in HTHS conditions. The addition of the synthesized unsaturated surfactant to the AM‐AMPS copolymer increased the viscosity of the system. The increase in oil recovery by injecting the unsaturated surfactant solution and the surfactant–polymer mixture in solution was 8 and 21%, respectively. The excellent properties of the synthesized unsaturated surfactant show that surfactants with an unsaturated tail can be an excellent choice for HTHS reservoirs.
Quality of preoperative pelvic computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for rectal cancer in a region in Ontario: A retrospective population‐based study
Authors: Bogach Jessica , Tsai Scott , Zbuk Kevin , Wong Raimond , Grubac Vanja , Coates Angela , Pond Gregory R. , Simunovic Marko
Published: February 2018

Background and Objectives

Treatment decisions for rectal cancer rely on preoperative staging with CT and MRI scans. We assessed the quality of such scans in a region of Ontario.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data for patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery between July 2011 and December 2014. We measured three aspects of quality: use; comprehensiveness of reporting T‐category, N‐category, mesorectal fascia (MRF) status; and in non‐radiated patients sensitivity and specificity of reports for relevant elements.

Results

A total of 559 patients underwent major rectal cancer surgery. Preoperative staging with CT and MRI was performed in 93% and 50% of patients. CT scan reports provided information on T‐category, N‐category, and MRF status in 41%, 92%, and 16% of cases. These same elements were reported on MRI in 88%, 93%, and 62% of cases. CT scan sensitivity and specificity was 80% and 80% for T‐category, and 85% and 39% for N‐category. MRI sensitivity and specificity was 75% and 81% for T‐category, 79% and 37% for N‐category, and 33% and 89% for MRF status.

Conclusion

In this region of Ontario, pre‐operative MRI was underutilized, CT reporting of MRF status was low, and when reported sensitivity and specificity of T‐ and N‐category were similar for CT and MRI.
Is tissue still the issue? Lobectomy for suspicious lung nodules without confirmation of malignancy
Authors: Kaaki Suha , Kidane Biniam , Srinathan Sadeesh , Tan Lawrence , Buduhan Gordon
Published: February 2018

Background

Histologic confirmation of malignancy has been indicated for a suspicious lung nodule prior to resection. The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not foregoing routine tissue biopsy increased the incidence of lobectomy for benign lesions.

Methods

Retrospective cohort of 256 patients who underwent thoracoscopic or open lobectomy for a confirmed or suspected pulmonary malignancy, with or without tissue diagnosis. Clinical, radiographic, and pathologic data were compared.

Results

Among 256 patients, 127 had attempted biopsy (group A) and 129 had no biopsy procedure (group B). There was no significant difference in the incidence of benign resections between the groups (Group A = 4 (3.2%) benign pathology vs group B = 9 (7.0%; P = 0.16). Group B had significantly lower operative time (127.1 vs 112.3 minutes; P = 0.004) and intraoperative complications (23 vs 37 patients; P = 0.03). There was a trend toward longer hospital stay and surgical waiting time in group A (6.6 vs 5.2 days, P = 0.24; 92.4 vs 66.2 days; P = 0.14, respectively).

Conclusion

Foregoing biopsies and proceeding to lobectomy in selected patients with suspicious lung nodules is safe, did not increase the incidence of resected benign pathology, and may decrease surgical wait time. Patients should be carefully evaluated and counseled.
Comparison of two novel staging systems with the TNM system in predicting stage III colon cancer survival
Authors: Walker Richard , Wood Trevor , LeSouder Emily , Cleghorn Michelle , Maganti Manjula , MacNeill Andrea , Quereshy Fayez A.
Published: February 2018

Background and Objectives

Adaptations of the TNM staging system that incorporate the Lymph Node Ratio (LNR) have been proposed for stage III colon cancer. This study compared the concordance of two novel staging systems and the TNM system with observed survival outcomes in stage III patients.

Methods

A review of patients who underwent surgery for stage III colon cancer between January 2002 and April 2015 at a tertiary care centre was performed. The Kaplan‐Meier method was used to estimate the 5‐year overall (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) rates, and the concordance probability was calculated to evaluate the discriminatory power of the staging systems.

Results

Two hundred and sixty‐one patients were identified. For TNM stages IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC, 5‐year OS was 83.4%, 67.6%, and 38.3%, respectively (P < 0.001). All three staging systems were independently predictive of OS and DFS (P < 0.001). However, the novel staging system by Sugimoto et al18 was the most favourable prognostic tool, with a concordance of 0.646 for DFS and 0.659 for OS.

Conclusions

The novel staging system by Sugimoto et al18 was superior to the TNM system. Incorporating LNR into staging models for node positive colon cancers may improve survival information available to patients and potentially aid treatment decisions.
Postoperative low hepatitis C virus load predicts long‐term outcomes after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sasaki Kazunari , Shindoh Junichi , Nishioka Yujiro , Sugawara Toshitaka , Margonis Georgios A. , Andreatos Nikolaos , Pawlik Timothy M. , Hashimoto Masaji
Published: February 2018

Background

Preoperative hepatitis C virus (HCV) viral load is known to predict long‐term outcomes after hepatectomy for HCV‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study sought to examine the hypothesis that postoperative and preoperative HCV viral‐load have similar prognostic implications, as well as determine a target viral‐load that will improve long‐term postoperative outcomes.

Method

One hundred and eighty‐one patients who underwent curative hepatectomy for HCV‐related HCC were divided into five groups according to time‐weighted average viral load. The cumulative‐recurrence curves of the five groups were compared to identify prognostic trends. The optimal cut‐off viral load value related to recurrence was also investigated.

Results

The five cumulative‐recurrence curves were separated into two clusters according to viral load. Patients with a negative viral load had comparable recurrence curves to patients with the lowest viral‐load (P = 0.907); both of these patient groups had more favorable outcomes than patients with a viral load categorized in the other groups (all P < 0.050). The optimal cut‐off based on maximum HR method (> or ≤4.0 log10 IU/mL) was a strong prognostic indicator of recurrence in multivariate analysis (HR 3.09; 95%CI 1.96‐5.04; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Postoperative HCV viral load correlated with long‐term surgical outcomes. A low viral load (≤4.0 log10 IU/mL) independently predicted better long‐term outcomes.
Importance of wide re‐resection in adult spermatic cord sarcomas: Report on oncologic outcomes at a single institution
Authors: Murray Katie S. , Vertosick Emily A. , Spaliviero Massimiliano , Mashni Joseph W. , Sjoberg Daniel D. , Alektiar Kaled M. , Herr Harry W. , Russo Paul , Coleman Jonathan A.
Published: February 2018

Background and Objectives

We evaluated the effect of re‐resection with wide margins (undertaken because initial resection performed elsewhere was incomplete) on survival in patients with spermatic cord sarcoma (SCS).

Methods

After excluding those with metastatic disease and those not undergoing surgical intervention, the records of 72 consecutive patients treated for SCS between 1981 and 2011 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center were reviewed. Recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and cancer‐specific survival were calculated using the Kaplan‐Meier method for comparing between the 48 patients who underwent wide re‐resection (WRR) within 5 months of diagnosis and the 24 who did not. The relationship of age, tumor size, tumor histology, adjuvant radiation, and wide re‐resection with recurrence and death was assessed by univariate Cox regression.

Results

WRR significantly improved RFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.16, 95%CI 0.07‐0.37; P < 0.0001), despite the fact that patients receiving WRR had higher‐grade disease. Tumor‐positive margins upon WRR were strongly associated with both disease recurrence (HR 5.56; 95%CI 1.14‐27.11, P = 0.034) and death from cancer (HR 6.16, 95%CI 1.25‐30.29; P = 0.025).

Conclusions

A WRR with negative margins is effective in the management of patients with SCS and leads to improved RFS.
Safety and oncologic outcomes of robotic liver resections: A systematic review
Authors: Tsilimigras Diamantis I. , Moris Dimitrios , Vagios Stylianos , Merath Katiuscha , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: February 2018

The robotic system has emerged as a new minimally invasive technology with promising results. We sought to systematically review the available literature on the safety and the oncologic outcomes of robotic liver surgery. A systematic review was conducted using Medline (PubMed), Embase and Cochrane library through November 12th, 2017. A robotic approach may be a safe and feasible surgical option for minor and major liver resections.
The editorial policy of a learned society
Authors: Huth Edward J.
Published: February 2018

The effect on the editorial policy of a scholarly journal of its being published by a learned society rather than by an independent commercial owner can be examined through consideration of a number of questions that define possible influences on policy. The evidence from a look at the genesis of scholarly journals in learned societies and their evolution suggests that the answers can be many and that the qualities of scholarly journals depend more on the stage of a journal’s evolution, pressures for its profitability, and the editor’s decisions than on the question of a journal’s ownership. Some first–rate journals are non–society, commercially owned journals; some are society–owned and published.
Abstracting and indexing services in China
Authors: Zeng Lei
Published: February 2018

The first abstracting and indexing (A&I) service in China celebrated its thirty–year birthday in 1988. However, it would be a mistake to consider the growth of A&I services in China in the same way as other countries because A&I services in China not only had to start from zero, but also had a rebirth after a period of regression; they are not commercial agencies; at the end of the 1980s, almost all of the A&I services produced in China are printed versions, while computerized production is in the stage of experiment. It is the purpose of this paper to present a picture of the development of A&I services in China and identify some of their problems in order to encourage serious attention to their status.
Managing advertising sales
Authors: Boden Edward
Published: February 2018

Revenue derived from the sale of advertising space is integral to the economy of most professional journals. The selling operation can be carried out in–house or contracted out to a specialist agency. Which is the more cost effective? Factors to be considered in making the choice are discussed.
The epidemiology and prophylaxis of infectious verbal pomposity
Authors: Gregory Martin W.
Published: February 2018

There are two kinds of scientific writing: that which is intended to be read, and that which is intended merely to be cited. The latter tends to be infected with infectious verbal pomposity (IVP). The disease is ubiquitous, but often undiagnozed, with the result that infection spreads to writing of the first type. This paper summarizes our knowledge of the condition, presents a few clinical cases, and offers a new approach to its control.
Despatching the finished journal
Authors: Day Shirley
Published: February 2018

Describes ways to reduce costs in the despatch of journals by consideration and management of the subscription list; reduction of claims; methods of packaging; postage rates and tariffs in different countries.
The Learned Society view of the economics of journal publishing
Authors: Pearce Anthony
Published: February 2018

Considers a pricing policy for the conventional printed journal and how such policies may be devised for electronic publications, and suggests factors which will influence the economics of journal publishing and pricing in the future.
Indexing and the challenge of change at PsyclNFO
Authors: Mulholland Sarah
Published: February 2018

Traces the development of PsyclNFO, the database produced by the American Psychological Association, with its implications for information retrieval and the work of indexers.
Satisfying the needs of industry for journals
Authors: Whittall Jane
Published: February 2018

Provides an understanding of the importance of journals in industry and of the types of measures there taken to ensure value for money and a high quality service, and outlines some ways in which publishers can serve industrial users better by recognizing the need for high–quality services, speedy and reliable delivery, and flexibility of service.
Typography for journals
Authors: Miles John
Published: February 2018

Considers the principles of typography in relation to readers and readability, type of text, editorial methods, and the effects of new electronic publishing options.
Effect of displacement amplitude on fretting wear of 304 stainless steel in air and sea water
Authors: Fan Na , Wang Yunxia , Wang Qiufeng , Wang Mengjiao , Yan Fengyuan
Published: February 2018

The fretting wear behaviours of 304 stainless steel at different displacement amplitudes were investigated by using a SRV‐IV fretting tester in air and sea water, respectively. In air, the friction coefficient as well as the fretting damage of 304 stainless steel increased with the increase of displacement amplitude, and the fretting regime changed from partial slip regime to gross slip regime. Correspondingly, the wear mechanisms transformed from local fatigue and slight oxidation to the combination damages of adhesion wear, abrasive wear, and oxidation. Compared with the dry friction conditions, sea water had a strong effect on fretting behaviour of 304 stainless steel. Adhesion wear was effectively suppressed due to the cooling and lubrication effect of sea water. Therefore, friction coefficient and wear depth decreased significantly. And the damages of 304 stainless steel in sea water were mainly caused by abrasive wear, slight adhesion wear, and corrosion wear.
Film building in circular EHL contact lubricated by oil droplet groups
Authors: Guo Feng , Li Shu‐Yi , Liu Cheng‐Long , Li Xin‐Ming , Liu Xiao‐Ling
Published: February 2018

Numerical calculations have been conducted to study elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) with lubricant in the form of droplet groups, which was aimed to simulate air‐oil lubrication. Two types of lubricant droplet distributions, ie, 1 row of droplets along the centreline of the contact or 2 rows of droplets on each side of the centreline, were adopted. The results showed that continuous EHL film could be obtained in spite that discontinuous lubricant droplets were supplied, which is attributed to the squeeze spread and rejoining of the droplets at the inlet. The total effective lubrication time for full film lubrication has a linear correlation with the number of the droplets, and there exists an optimum droplet spacing distance for continuous full film lubrication. For a constant volume of lubricant, calculations indicated that for most efficient lubrication, there is a trade‐off between the droplet size and the number of droplets divided.
Behavior of In Situ Cross‐Linked Hydrogels with Rapid Gelation Kinetics on Contact with Physiological Fluids
Authors: Diryak Ramadan , Kontogiorgos Vassilis , Ghori Muhammad U. , Bills Paul , Tawfik Ahmed , Morris Gordon A. , Smith Alan M.
Published: February 2018

The impact of different physiological fluids on the rheological properties of gellan gum is investigated using a commercially available rheometer with a modified lower plate. The power of this method is demonstrated by measuring in real time, the rapid gelation kinetics, and gel strength of gellan gum exposed to simulated gastric fluid, lacrimal fluid, saliva, and wound fluid (all having a different ionic composition), highlighting potential use in the intelligent design of in situ gelling delivery systems. Changes in rheological behavior are examined in situ, gelation kinetics are modeled, and microstructure analyzed in the different simulated physiological environments.
Elaboration and Characterization of Advanced Biobased Polyurethane Foams Presenting Anisotropic Behavior
Authors: Furtwengler Pierre , Boumbimba Rodrigue Matadi , Avérous Luc
Published: February 2018

Biobased and open cell polyurethane (PU) foams are produced from a synthesized sorbitol‐based polyester polyol. Different formulations are developed with various blowing agent systems (chemical vs physical blowing). Synthetized foams are fully characterized and compared. The cell morphology is carefully investigated by tomography and scanning electron microscopy. The chemical nature of the primary compounds, foaming kinetics, density, thermal behavior, and conductivity are fully studied, with also the main transition materials temperatures. It is shown that blowing agents especially impact the foaming kinetics. In the case of chemically blowing foams, higher foaming rate and temperatures are obtained. The mechanical behavior is particularly analyzed using quasi‐static compression tests, according two main axes compared to the rise direction. A direct relationship is observed between the formulation, foam structure, foam morphology, and corresponding mechanical properties. Results clearly highlight unexpected properties of biobased PU foams with unveil anisotropic mechanical properties.
MRI supervised and unsupervised classification of Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy
Authors: Péran Patrice , Barbagallo Gaetano , Nemmi Federico , Sierra Maria , Galitzky Monique , Traon Anne Pavy‐Le , Payoux Pierre , Meissner Wassilios G. , Rascol Olivier
Published: February 2018

Background: Multimodal MRI approach is based on a combination of MRI parameters sensitive to different tissue characteristics (eg, volume atrophy, iron deposition, and microstructural damage). The main objective of the present study was to use a multimodal MRI approach to identify brain differences that could discriminate between matched groups of patients with multiple system atrophy, Parkinson's disease, and healthy controls. We assessed the 2 different MSA variants, namely, MSA‐P, with predominant parkinsonism, and MSA‐C, with more prominent cerebellar symptoms.

Methods: Twenty‐six PD patients, 29 MSA patients (16 MSA‐P, 13 MSA‐C), and 26 controls underwent 3‐T MRI comprising T2*‐weighted, T1‐weighted, and diffusion tensor imaging scans. Using whole‐brain voxel‐based MRI, we combined gray‐matter density, T2* relaxation rates, and diffusion tensor imaging scalars to compare and discriminate PD, MSA‐P, MSA‐C, and healthy controls.

Results: Our main results showed that this approach reveals multiparametric modifications within the cerebellum and putamen in both MSA‐C and MSA‐P patients, compared with PD patients. Furthermore, our findings revealed that specific single multimodal MRI markers were sufficient to discriminate MSA‐P and MSA‐C patients from PD patients. Moreover, the unsupervised analysis based on multimodal MRI data could regroup individuals according to their clinical diagnosis, in most cases.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that multimodal MRI is able to discriminate patients with PD from those with MSA with high accuracy. The combination of different MR biomarkers could be a great tool in early stage of disease to help diagnosis. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Polyphenolic Compounds Alter Stress‐Induced Patterns of Global DNA Methylation in Brain and Blood
Authors: Blaze Jennifer , Wang Jun , Ho Lap , Mendelev Natalia , Haghighi Fatemeh , Pasinetti Giulio Maria
Published: February 2018

Scope

Stress is a known contributor to various forms of disease in humans and animals, although mechanisms are still unknown. In animals, psychosocial stress‐induced depression/anxiety phenotypes are coincidental with increased inflammation in both brain and blood. The authors recently showed that a novel treatment with a select bioactive polyphenol preparation promotes resilience to stress‐mediated depression/anxiety phenotypes mice. Moreover, selective bioactive phenolic compounds within the polyphenol preparation are identified that are effective in mitigating the behavioral effects of bone marrow transplantation from stressed mice.

Methods and results

Here, an animal model of adult stress and bone marrow transplantation is used to identify an epigenetic signature of repeated social defeat stress (RSDS) that is passed through bone marrow hematopoietic progenitor cells to naïve mice, revealing the maintenance of epigenetic memory following stress both centrally and peripherally. Further, polyphenols are administered to naïve and stress‐susceptible mice, demonstrating that polyphenol treatment in mice from both susceptible and naïve donors alters global DNA methylation in the central nervous system and periphery and likewise has an effect on human blood cells after immune challenge.

Conclusions

Findings highlight the enduring molecular memory of stress and the possible mechanism by which select bioactive polyphenols may promote resiliency to stress. Polyphenols may be an efficacious alternative to traditional pharmacological treatments in psychiatry.
Changes in prostate orientation due to removal of a Foley catheter
Authors: Litzenberg Dale W. , Muenz Daniel G. , Archer Paul G. , Jackson William C. , Hamstra Daniel A. , Hearn Jason W. , Schipper Matthew J. , Spratt Daniel E.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Investigate the impact on prostate orientation caused by use and removal of a Foley catheter, and the dosimetric impact on men prospectively treated with prostate stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).

Methods

Twenty‐two men underwent a CT simulation with a Foley in place (FCT), followed immediately by a second treatment planning simulation without the Foley (TPCT). The change in prostate orientation was determined by rigid registration of three implanted transponders between FCT and TPCT and compared to measured orientation changes during treatment. The impact on treatment planning and delivery was investigated by analyzing the measured rotations during treatment relative to both CT scans, and introducing rotations of ±15° in the treatment plan to determine the maximum impact of allowed rotations.

Results

Removing the Foley caused a statistically significant prostate rotation (P < 0.0028) compared to normal biological motion in 60% of patients. The largest change in rotation due to removing a Foley occurs about the left–right axis (tilt) which has a standard deviation two to five times larger than changes in rotation about the Sup‐Inf (roll) and Ant‐Post (yaw) axes. The change in tilt due to removing a Foley for prone and supine patients was −1.1° ± 6.0° and 0.3° ± 7.4°, showing no strong directional bias. The average tilt during treatment was −1.6° ± 7.1° compared to the TPCT and would have been −2.0° ± 7.1° had the FCT been used as the reference. The TPCT was a better or equivalent representation of prostate tilt in 82% of patients, vs 50% had the FCT been used for treatment planning. However, 92.7% of fractions would still have been within the ±15° rotation limit if only the FCT were used for treatment planning. When rotated ±15°, urethra V105% = 38.85Gy < 20% was exceeded in 27% of the instances, and prostate (CTV) coverage was maintained above D95% > 37 Gy in all but one instance.

Conclusions

Removing a Foley catheter can cause large prostate rotations. There does not appear to be a clear dosimetric benefit to obtaining the CT scan with a Foley catheter to define the urethra given the changes in urethral position from removing the Foley catheter. If urethral sparing is desired without the use of a Foley, utilization of an MRI to define the urethra may be necessary, or a pseudo‐urethral planning organ at risk volume (PRV) may be used to limit dosimetric hot spots.
A subband Steiglitz‐McBride algorithm for automatic analysis of FID data
Authors: Anjum M.A.R. , Dmochowski Pawel A. , Teal Paul D.
Published: February 2018

Fast, accurate, and automatic extraction of parameters of nuclear magnetic resonance free induction decay (FID) signal for chemical spectroscopy is a challenging problem. Recently, the Steiglitz‐McBride algorithm has been shown to exhibit superior performance in terms of speed, accuracy, and automation when applied to the extraction of T2 relaxation parameters for myelin water imaging of brain. Applying it to FID data reveals that it falls short of the second objective, the accuracy. Especially, it struggles with the issue of missed spectral peaks when applied to chemical samples with relatively dense frequency spectra. To overcome this issue, a preprocessing stage of subband decomposition is proposed before the application of Steiglitz‐McBride algorithm to the FID signal. It is demonstrated that by doing so, a considerable improvement in accuracy is achieved. But this is not gained at the cost of the first objective, the speed. An adaptive subband decomposition is employed in conjunction with the Bayesian information criteria to carry out an efficient decomposition according to spectral content of the signal under investigation. Furthermore, adaptive subband decomposition and the Bayesian information criteria also serve to make the resulting algorithm independent of user input, which also fulfills the third objective, the automation. This makes the proposed algorithm favorable for fast, accurate, and automatic extraction of FID signal parameters.
Prediction of bladder outcomes after ischemic spinal cord injury: A longitudinal cohort study from the European multicenter study about spinal cord injury
Authors: Scivoletto Giorgio , Pavese Chiara , Bachmann Lucas M. , Schubert Martin , Curt Armin , Finazzi Agro Enrico , Kessels Alfons G. , Kessler Thomas M.
Published: February 2018

Objective

The recovery of bladder function after spinal cord injury (SCI) is of major importance for patients and caregivers. We recently developed prediction models of bladder outcomes (defined as the capacity of storing the urine and emptying completely the bladder) 1 year after a SCI of traumatic etiology and investigated if these models would also be applicable to patients with ischemic SCI.

Patients and methods

From the European multicenter study about spinal cord injury (EMSCI), we extracted data of all ischemic SCI patients with available neurological and functional data (according to the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury, ISNCSCI, and Spinal Cord Independence Measure, SCIM) within 40 days and bladder outcomes 1 year after ischemia. The model relies on three predictors: strength of the legs, the presence of sensation in the S3 dermatome, and the part of the SCIM assessing breathing and bladder and bowel control. A simplified model relying on leg strength only was also tested. Bladder outcomes were evaluated according to the score of item six of SCIM.

Results

In total 85 patients (56 males (66%), mean age 55 years) were included. Twenty‐three patients (27%) showed complete bladder function recovery one year after ischemia. Both models showed a very good predictive power: the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (aROC) of the two models was 0.825 and 0.822, respectively.

Conclusions

Comparable to acute traumatic SCI, also in ischemic SCI the outcome of full bladder function recovery can be predicted by clinical scores, and prediction models of bladder outcomes may be applicable in clinical trials.
Scheduling combat logistics force replenishments at sea for the US Navy
Authors: Brown Gerald G. , DeGrange Walter C. , Price Wilson L. , Rowe Anton A.
Published: February 2018

The Replenishment at Sea Planner (RASP) is saving the U.S. Navy millions of dollars a year by reducing fuel consumption of its Combat Logistics Force (CLF). CLF shuttle supply ships deploy from ports to rendezvous with underway U.S. combatants and those of coalition partners. The overwhelming commodity transferred is fuel, ship‐to‐ship by hoses, while other important packaged goods and spare parts are high‐lined, or helicoptered between ships. The U.S. Navy is organized in large areas of responsibility called numbered fleets, and within each of these a scheduler must promulgate a daily forecast of CLF shuttle operations. The operational planning horizon extends out several weeks, or as far into the future as we can forecast demand. We solve RASP with integer linear optimization and a purpose‐built heuristic. RASP plans Replenishment‐at‐Sea (RAS) events with 4‐hour (Navy watch) time fidelity. For five years, RASP has served two purposes: (1) it helps schedulers generate a daily schedule and animates it using Google Earth, and (2) it automates reports command‐to‐ship messages that are essential to keep this complex logistics system operating.