bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seascape genetics of the spiny lobster Panulirus homarus in the Western Indian Ocean: Understanding how oceanographic features shape the genetic structure of species with high larval dispersal potential
Authors: Singh Sohana P. , Groeneveld Johan C. , Hart‐Davis Michael G. , Backeberg Björn C. , Willows‐Munro Sandi
Published: November 2018

This study examines the fine‐scale population genetic structure and phylogeography of the spiny lobster Panulirus homarus in the Western Indian Ocean. A seascape genetics approach was used to relate the observed genetic structure based on 21 microsatellite loci to ocean circulation patterns, and to determine the influence of latitude, sea surface temperature (SST), and ocean turbidity (KD490) on population‐level processes. At a geospatial level, the genetic clusters recovered corresponded to three putative subspecies, P. h. rubellus from the SW Indian Ocean, P. h. megasculptus from the NW Indian Ocean, and P. h. homarus from the tropical region in‐between. Virtual passive Lagrangian particles advected using satellite‐derived ocean surface currents were used to simulate larval dispersal. In the SW Indian Ocean, the dispersion of particles tracked over a 4‐month period provided insight into a steep genetic gradient observed at the Delagoa Bight, which separates P. h. rubellus and P. h. homarus. South of the contact zone, particles were advected southwestwards by prevailing boundary currents or were retained in nearshore eddies close to release locations. Some particles released in southeast Madagascar dispersed across the Mozambique Channel and reached the African shelf. Dispersal was characterized by high seasonal and inter‐annual variability, and a large proportion of particles were dispersed far offshore and presumably lost. In the NW Indian Ocean, particles were retained within the Arabian Sea. Larval retention and self‐recruitment in the Arabian Sea could explain the recent genetic divergence between P. h. megasculptus and P. h. homarus. Geographic distance and minimum SST were significantly associated with genetic differentiation in multivariate analysis, suggesting that larval tolerance to SST plays a role in shaping the population structure of P. homarus.
The sensitivity of snow ephemerality to warming climate across an arid to montane vegetation gradient
Authors: Petersky Rose S. , Shoemaker Kevin T. , Weisberg Peter J. , Harpold Adrian A.
Published: November 2018

Shifts from longer seasonal snowpacks to shorter, ephemeral snowpacks (snowpacks that persist for <60 days) due to climate change will alter the timing and rates of water availability. Ephemeral snowmelt has less predictable timing and lowers soil water availability during the growing season. The Great Basin, United States is an ideal system to study snow ephemerality across a broad climate gradient. To identify the climatic controls on snow ephemerality, we analysed moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) snow‐covered products from water years 2001–2015 using an object‐based mapping approach and a random forest model. Winter temperature and precipitation were the most influential variables on the maximum snow duration. We predict that warming the average winter air temperature by 2 and 4°C would reduce the areal extent of seasonal snow by 14.7 and 47.8%, respectively (8.8% of the Great Basin's areal extent is seasonal in the historical record), with shifts to ephemeral snowpack concentrated in lower elevations and warmer regions. The combination of warming and interannual precipitation variability (i.e., reductions of 25%) had different effects on vegetation types. Vegetation types that have had consistent seasonal snow cover in their historical record are likely to have lower resilience to a new hydrologic regime, with earlier and more intermittent snowmelt causing a longer but drier growing season. Implications of increased snow ephemerality on vegetation productivity and susceptibility to disturbance will depend on local topography, subsurface water storage, and physiological adaptations. Nevertheless, patterns found in this study can help target management intervention to species that are most at risk.
Probing Magnetic Excitations in CoII Single‐Molecule Magnets by Inelastic Neutron Scattering
Authors: Stavretis Shelby E. , Cheng Yongqiang , Daemen Luke L. , Brown Craig M. , Moseley Duncan H. , Bill Eckhard , Atanasov Mihail , Ramirez‐Cuesta Anibal J. , Neese Frank , Xue Zi‐Ling
Published: November 2018

Co(acac)2(H2O)2 (1, acac = acetylacetonate), a transition metal complex (S = 3/2), displays field‐induced slow magnetic relaxation as a single‐molecule magnet. For 1 and its isotopologues Co(acac)2(D2O)2 (1‐d4) and Co(acac‐d7)2(D2O)2 (1‐d18) in approximately D4h symmetry, zero‐field splitting of the ground electronic state leads to two Kramers doublets (KDs): lower energy MS = ±1/2 (ϕ1,2) and higher energy MS = ±3/2 (ϕ3,4) states. This work employs inelastic neutron scattering (INS), a unique method to probe magnetic transitions, to probe different magnetic excitations in 1‐d4 and 1‐d18. Direct‐geometry, time‐of‐flight Disk‐Chopper Spectrometer (DCS), with applied magnetic fields up to 10 T, has been used to study the intra‐KD transition as a result of Zeeman splitting, MS = –1/2 (ϕ1) → MS = +1/2 (ϕ2), in 1‐d18. This is a rare study of the MS = –1/2 → MS = +1/2 excitation in transition metal complexes by INS. Indirect‐geometry INS spectrometer VISION has been used to probe the inter‐KD, ZFS transition, MS = ±1/2 (ϕ1,2) → MS = ±3/2 (ϕ3,4) in both 1‐d4 and 1‐d18, by variable‐temperature (VT) properties of this excitation. The INS spectra measured on VISION also give phonon features of the complexes that are well described by periodic DFT phonon calculations.
Healthcare Reforms and Fiscal Discipline in Europe: Responsibility or Responsiveness?
Authors: Crespy Amandine , Szabó Imre
Published: November 2018

This paper asks how governments across Europe have responded to the dilemma between financial responsibility and political responsiveness against the background of heightened fiscal pressure. Focusing on the domestic politics of healthcare reforms in four contrasted cases (England, France, Hungary, and Ireland), we investigate how governments frame and legitimize these reforms. We find that references to input legitimacy vary greatly according to prevailing values of governments and party politics in the respective national realms. With regard to output legitimacy, efficiency and financial sustainability tend to prevail over concerns related to quality in those countries that are more affected by debt. Across all cases, governments rely on an instrumentalist conception of throughput legitimacy, meaning that they use consultation with different stakeholders as a way to prevent adverse politicization and to support their framing of the reforms.
Seismic responses of bridges with rocking column‐foundation: A dimensionless regression analysis
Authors: Zhang Jian , Xie Yazhou , Wu Gang
Published: November 2018

Rocking column‐foundation system is a new design concept for bridges that can reduce overall seismic damage, minimize construction and repair time, and achieve lower cost in general. However, such system involves complex dynamic responses due to impacts and highly nonlinear rocking behavior. This study presents a dimensionless regression analysis to estimate the rocking and shaking responses of the flexible column‐foundation system under near‐fault ground motions. First, the transient drift and rocking responses of the system are solved numerically using previously established analytical models. Subsequently, the peak column drifts and uplift angles are derived as functions of ground motion characteristics and the geometric and dynamic parameters of column‐foundation system in regressed dimensionless forms. The proposed response models are further examined by validating against the numerical simulations for several as‐built bridge cases. It is shown that the proposed model not only physically quantifies the influences of prominent parameters, but also consistently reflects the complex dynamics of the system. The seismic demands of rocking column‐foundation system can be realistically predicted directly from structural and ground motion characteristics. This can significantly benefit the design of bridges incorporating this new design concept.
The effectiveness of PEPFAR's funding for women and children with HIV/AIDS
Authors: Kim Yiyeon
Published: November 2018

Has President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief's (PEPFAR) funding been effective in reducing the rate of HIV new infections and AIDS‐related deaths among women and children? While previous studies have found HIV/AIDS aid to be ineffective and PEPFAR funding to produce negative externalities, there is lack of empirical examination of the impact of PEPFAR on women and children despite the emphasis on prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV during the Bush and Obama administrations. Using descriptive analysis and difference‐in‐differences (DID) regression, this study finds that PEPFAR's funding has reduced the HIV new infections and AIDS‐related death rates of women and children for both focus countries and recipient countries, which are those that were added in a second phase. These findings show that PEPFAR's strategy for women and children has been effective and that it should be continued. However, while PEPFAR has contributed to the fight against HIV/AIDS, the effects of its work have been underestimated.
Enhancement of thermal efficiency and cost effectiveness by development of melting furnace by revamping and troubleshooting fuel‐fired furnace
Authors: Kumbhar Siddharaj V. , Sonage B. K.
Published: November 2018

Technological development of furnaces over conventional melting methods of diesel or gas‐fired furnaces is necessary. These furnaces have large amount of heat losses and hence their thermal efficiency is very low. Moreover, these furnaces do not produce good quality melt because of the chances of embedment of impurities from after‐combustion gases and agitation. The time required for melting in such furnaces is more. Also, insulation is not provided and there are heat losses which increase the time of melting. An electric resistance heating furnace is developed which overcomes all the problems associated with the fuel‐fired conventional furnace. The thermal efficiency of this developed furnace is found to increase quite drastically up to 85%, which is by about 33% more than conventional furnace; while reducing the operating cost of furnace. This benefits industry overall by profit of 70% and certainly can replace the existing conventional fuel‐fired furnaces.
CDC25A pathway toward tumorigenesis: Molecular targets of CDC25A in cell‐cycle regulation
Authors: Sadeghi Hossein , Golalipour Masoud , Yamchi Ahad , Farazmandfar Touraj , Shahbazi Majid
Published: November 2018

The cell division cycle 25 (CDC25) phosphatases regulate key transitions between cell‐cycle phases during normal cell division, and in the case of DNA damage, they are key targets of the checkpoint machinery that ensure genetic stability. Little is known about the mechanisms underlying dysregulation and downstream targets of CDC25. To understand these mechanisms, we silenced the CDC25A gene in breast cancer cell line MDA‐MB‐231 and studied downstream targets of CDC25A gene. MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells were transfected and silenced by CDC25A small interfering RNA. Total messenger RNA (mRNA) was extracted and analyzed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. CDC25A phosphatase level was visualized by Western blot analysis and was analyzed by 2D electrophoresis and LC‐ESI‐MS/MS. After CDC25A silencing, cell proliferation reduced, and the expression of 12 proteins changed. These proteins are involved in cell‐cycle regulation, programmed cell death, cell differentiation, regulation of gene expression, mRNA editing, protein folding, and cell signaling pathways. Five of these proteins, including ribosomal protein lateral stalk subunit P0, growth factor receptor bound protein 2, pyruvate kinase muscle 2, eukaryotic translation elongation factor 2, and calpain small subunit 1 increase the activity of cyclin D1. Our results suggest that CDC25A controls the cell proliferation and tumorigenesis by a change in expression of proteins involved in cyclin D1 regulation and G1/S transition.
Putative tumor suppressor cytoglobin promotes aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligand–mediated triple negative breast cancer cell death
Authors: Rowland Leah K. , Campbell Petreena S. , Mavingire Nicole , Wooten Jonathan V. , McLean Lancelot , Zylstra Dain , Thorne Gabriell , Daly Devin , Boyle Kristopher , Whang Sonya , Unternaehrer Juli , Brantley Eileen J.
Published: November 2018

Nearly 40 000 women die annually from breast cancer in the United States. Clinically available targeted breast cancer therapy is largely ineffective in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), characterized by tumors that lack expression of the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2). TNBC is associated with a poor prognosis. Previous reports show that aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) partial agonist 2‐(4‐amino‐3‐methylphenyl)‐5‐fluorobenzothiazole (5F 203) selectively inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells, including those of the TNBC subtype. We previously demonstrated that 5F 203 induced the expression of putative tumor suppressor gene cytoglobin (CYGB) in breast cancer cells. In the current study, we determined that 5F 203 induces apoptosis and caspase‐3 activation in MDA‐MB‐468 TNBC cells and in T47D ER+ PR
+ Her2
− breast cancer cells. We also show that caspases and CYGB promote 5F 203–mediated apoptosis in MDA‐MB‐468 cells. 5F 203 induced lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) and cathepsin B release in MDA‐MB‐468 and T47D cells. In addition, silencing CYGB attenuated the ability of 5F 203 to induce caspase‐3/‐7 activation, proapoptotic gene expression, LMP, and cathepsin B release in MDA‐MB‐468 cells. Moreover, 5F 203 induced CYGB protein expression, proapoptotic protein expression, and caspase‐3 cleavage in MDA‐MB‐468 cells and in MDA‐MB‐468 xenograft tumors grown orthotopically in athymic mice. These data provide a basis for the development of AhR ligands with the potential to restore CYGB expression as a novel strategy to treat TNBC.
Sodium–glucose cotransporter inhibitors and oxidative stress: An update
Authors: Yaribeygi Habib , Atkin Stephen L. , Butler Alexandra E. , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: November 2018

Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are therapeutic agents that have been used recently to reduce tubular absorption of glucose, leading to enhanced glycosuria, resulting in the reduction of blood glucose and improved diabetes control. Recent data suggest that SGLT2 inhibitors have antioxidant properties that may be key to the reduction in cardiovascular death found in clinical trials. Oxidative stress is involved in the development and progression of atherosclerosis, as well as underlying diabetes complications, and may result from either increased free‐radical production, a reduction in antioxidative capacity, or a combination of both. In this report, we have reviewed the recent evidence of the impact that SGLT2 inhibition may have on improved oxidative stress by either amelioration of free‐radical generation or potentiation of cellular antioxidative capacity, and its importance in the prevention of cardiovascular and diabetes complications.
MicroRNA‐99a‐5p suppresses breast cancer progression and cell‐cycle pathway through downregulating CDC25A
Authors: Qin Hongzhen , Liu Wenfei
Published: November 2018

In this study, we aimed to explore the association between miR‐99a‐5p and CDC25A in breast cancer and the regulatory mechanisms of miR‐99a‐5p on breast cancer. The expressions of messenger RNA and microRNAs in breast cancer tissues and adjacent tissues were analyzed by the Cancer Genome Atlas microarray analysis. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was conducted to find out the expression levels of miR‐99a‐5p and
CDC25A. The expression levels of proteins (CDC25A, ki67, cyclin D1, p21, BAX, BCL‐2, BCL‐XL, MMP2, and MMP9) were determined by Western blot analysis. The relationship between miR‐99a‐5p and
CDC25A was predicted and verified by bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase assay. After transfection, cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of breast cancer tissues were, respectively, observed by cell counting kit‐8 assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometry (FCM). Furthermore, the relationship among miR‐99a‐5p,
CDC25A, and cell‐cycle progression was determined by FCM assay. The nude mouse transplantation tumor experiment was performed to verify the influence of miR‐99a‐5p on breast cancer cell in vivo. The expression of miR‐99a‐5p in breast cancer tissues and cells was significantly downregulated, whereas
CDC25A expression was upregulated. MiR‐99a‐5p targeted
CDC25A and suppressed its expression in breast cancer cells. Overexpression of miR‐99a‐5p and decreased expression of
CDC25A could suppress breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion and facilitate apoptosis. Cell‐cycle progression was significantly activated by downregulated miR‐99a‐5p and upregulated
CDC25A. Moreover, miR‐99a‐5p overexpression repressed the expressions of CDC25A, marker ki67, and Cyclin D1 proteins, whereas it upregulated the expression of p21 protein. MicroRNA‐99a‐5p suppresses breast cancer progression and cell‐cycle pathway through downregulating
CDC25A.
A study of quiet eye's phenomenon in the shooting section of “laser run” of modern pentathlon
Authors: Chirico Andrea , Fegatelli Dario , Galli Federica , Mallia Luca , Alivernini Fabio , Cordone Susanna , Giancamilli Francesco , Pecci Stefano , Tosi Gian Marco , Giordano Antonio , Lucidi Fabio , Massaro Mina
Published: November 2018

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of the Quiet eye (QE) phenomenon on performances during the shooting section of “Laser Run” of Modern Pentathlon, in two samples of athletes (novices and experts). The “Laser Run” consists of running and shooting activities. The study involved 18 experienced athletes of the Italian National Team of Modern Pentathlon (i.e., “elite” group) and 18 young and nonexpert athletes of a local Pentathlon club (i.e., “novice” group). Participants performed, in ecological conditions, five trials of four series of shootings (as it occurs in the real competitions), for a total of 20 series. During the shooting trials, athletes wore a mobile Eye Tracking System to record eye movements (saccades, blinks, and fixations). Key measures of the study were QE parameters (QE Duration [QED], Relative QED [RQED], and QE Onset), as well as the performance (accuracy and time to perform the event). The results revealed that both groups of athletes had a longer QED, RQED, and an earlier onset during their best shots than during the worse ones. Furthermore, differences between the groups showed that elite athletes had an earlier onset and a shorter QED than the novice group of athletes. These results provide insightful information about different cognitive and perceptual processes involved in Modern Pentathlon's athletes' performances at both the elite and non‐elite level.
Organ‐on‐chip models: Implications in drug discovery and clinical applications
Authors: Mittal Rahul , Woo Frank W. , Castro Carlo S. , Cohen Madeline A. , Karanxha Joana , Mittal Jeenu , Chhibber Tanya , Jhaveri Vasanti M.
Published: November 2018

Before a lead compound goes through a clinical trial, preclinical studies utilize two‐dimensional (2D) in vitro models and animal models to study the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of that lead compound. However, these current preclinical studies may not accurately represent the efficacy and safety of a lead compound in humans, as there has been a high failure rate of drugs that enter clinical trials. All of these failures and the associated costs demonstrate a need for more representative models of human organ systems for screening in the preclinical phase of drug development. In this study, we review the recent advances in in vitro modeling including three‐dimensional (3D) organoids, 3D microfabrication, and 3D bioprinting for various organs including the heart, kidney, lung, gastrointestinal tract (intestine–gut–stomach), liver, placenta, adipose, retina, bone, and brain as well as multiorgan models. The availability of organ‐on‐chip models provides a wealth of opportunities to understand the pathogenesis of human diseases and provide a potentially better model to screen a drug, as these models utilize a dynamic 3D environment similar to the human body. Although there are limitations of organ‐on‐chip models, the emergence of new technologies have refined their capability for translational research as well as precision medicine.
Pathophysiological changes in experimental polycystic ovary syndrome in female albino rats: Using either hemin or L‐arginine
Authors: Ragy Merhan M. , Abdel‐Hamid Heba A. , Toni Nisreen D.M.
Published: November 2018

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), one of the important endocrine disorders affecting females in the reproductive age, is caused mainly by an abnormal oxidation status that subsequently causes inflammatory conditions. Thus, this study aims to examine the possible individual prophylactic effects of gasotransmitters, hemin, or L‐arginine in letrozole‐induced PCOS. Fifty adult female albino rats were used and separated into a control group, which received the vehicle; a letrozole‐induced PCOS group (L), which received letrozole orally at a dose level of 1 mg/kg for 21 days; a letrozole+hemin (L+H) group, which received letrozole plus hemin at a dose level of 25 mg/kg injected IP twice per week for 21 days; and a letrozole+L‐arginine (L+A) group, which received letrozole plus L‐arginine at a dose level of 200 mg/kg orally for 21 days. During PCO induction, the body weight and Lee index were measured. Serum glucose, insulin, lipid profile, gonadotrophic hormones, testosterone, estrogen, and tumor necrosis factor alpha were assayed, while ovarian tissues were analyzed to measure the oxidative state and histopathological changes. Our results proved that either hemin or L‐arginine administration could improve the oxidative state, the inflammatory reaction, the hormonal imbalance, and the metabolic disturbances in PCO rats, which was confirmed by a histopathological examination of the rats’ ovaries. In conclusion, either hemin or L‐arginine had protective effects against PCOS with better pathophysiological changes with hemin.
Assessment of mold and yeast in some bakery products of Lahore, Pakistan based on LM and SEM
Authors: Saeed Iqra , Shaheen Shabnum , Hussain Khadim , Khan Muhammad Asaf , Jaffer Mehwish , Mahmood Tariq , Khalid Sana , Sarwar Samina , Tahir Arifa , Khan Farah
Published: November 2018

The present investigation was designed to throw light on the microbial status of bakery products available in bakeries and supermarkets of Lahore. Different bakery samples such as biscuits, pizza, patties were collected from different localities such as Anar Kali, Chauburji, Faisal Town, Iqbal Town, Model Town, Muslim Town were investigated for mold and yeast using serial dilution technique inoculated over malt extract agar and potato dextrose agar under sterilized conditions. Isolated fungi were namely Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus terreus, Curvularia americana, Fusarium solani, Penicillium digitatum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Geotrichum candidum. Results depicted maximum fungal viable count in biscuits, collected from Model Town while minimum count was in the samples of Chauburji. In the case of pizza, the maximum fungal viable count was found in the sample of Muslim Town. In the case of patties, the maximum fungal viable count was found in the sample of Muslim Town while minimum count was found in the sample of Iqbal Town. Prevalence of microorganisms may be due to the use of contaminated raw material, use of polluted waters, human handling, and the use of contaminated containers. Contaminated food intake can lead to measurable signs of liver injury, inflammation, etc. Preventive measures like washing and drying of hands before preparing food, cleaning of food preparation areas, and the use of clean equipment can avoid microbes which cause hazards to human health.

Research Highlights

Bakery products of Lahore, Pakistan is investigated for the first time on the basis of light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and found very significant to check the quality of bakery products or not.
Almost partitioning 2‐colored complete 3‐uniform hypergraphs into two monochromatic tight or loose cycles
Authors: Bustamante Sebastián , Hàn Hiêp , Stein Maya
Published: November 2018

We show that for every there exists an integer such that every ‐coloring of the ‐uniform complete hypergraph on vertices contains two disjoint monochromatic tight cycles of distinct colors that together cover all but at most vertices. The same result holds if tight cycles are replaced by loose cycles.
Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Tetraethylene Glycol Tethered Ciprofloxacin–Isatin Hybrids as Novel Antitubercular Agents
Authors: Gao Tao , Hu Weiwei , Zeng Zhigang , Sun Shaofa , Wang Rang
Published: November 2018

A new set of tetraethylene glycol tethered ciprofloxacin–isatin hybrids 5a–l with greater lipophilicity than the parent ciprofloxacin was designed, synthesized, and screened for their in vitro antimycobacterial activity against drug‐sensitive Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) H37Rv and multidrug‐resistant MTB strains as well as toxicity in a mammalian VERO cell line. The preliminary results revealed that all hybrids exhibited considerable activity against MTB H37Rv with minimum inhibitory concentration in a range of 0.205–14.186 μg/mL. Especially, hybrid 5a with low cytotoxicity displayed highest activity against both drug‐sensitive MTB H37Rv and two clinically isolates multidrug‐resistant MTB strains, suggesting that it may serve as a new and promising candidate for further study.
Test–retest multisite reproducibility of neurovascular 4D flow MRI
Authors: Wen Baohong , Tian Shuping , Cheng Jingliang , Li Yinhua , Zhang Huixia , Xue Kangkang , Zhang Zanxia , Fan Yang , Wu Bing
Published: November 2018

Background

4D flow MRI shows great potential in neurovascular disorders such as stenosis, atherosclerotic disease, aneurysms, and vascular malformations. Its widespread application in the neurovascular system requires evidence of good test–retest multicenter reproducibility.

Purpose

To assess the multicenter reproducibility, test–retest reliability and interobserver dependence of 4D flow MRI in measurements of cerebral blood flow/velocity in main intracranial vessels.

Study Type

Prospective study.

Subjects

Ten healthy subjects underwent 4D flow scans at three different centers. All subjects were scanned twice at 2 different days at each center.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T; 4D flow sequence.

Assessment

Multicenter reproducibility, test–retest reliability and interobserver agreement for measurements of the blood flow and peak velocity from five regions of interest were assessed (bilateral internal carotid arteries, bilateral medial cerebral arteries, and sagittal sinus).

Statistical Test

A Shapiro–Wilks test was conducted to assess normality of measurements in each scan. Coefficient of variances (CVs) was computed to evaluate intra‐ and intersite variances of all measurements. The multicenter reproducibility was assessed by two‐way mixed intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). A Bland–Altman plot and Pearson correlation were used to evaluate test–retest reliability. ICC was calculated to assess interobserver agreements.

Results

All P‐values for Shapiro–Wilks tests were greater than 0.05, which indicated the normality of all measurements. Both intra‐ and intersite CVs were lower than 12%. There was good test–retest reliability for both blood flow and peak velocity of all ROIs (r = 0.75–0.94). In addition, high multicenter reproducibility was detected (ICC = 0.77–0.96, all P < 0.001). The results of these measurements also showed great interobserver agreement (all ICC > 0.9 and all P < 0.001).

Data Conclusion

High multicenter reproducibility and test–retest reliability was shown for 4D flow in the measurements of blood flow and peak velocity of intracranial vessels. In addition, these measurements showed great interobserver agreement.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1543–1552.
Updated results on catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias arising from the papillary muscles of the left ventricle
Authors: Rivera Santiago , Tomas Leandro , Ricapito Maria de la Paz , Nicolas Vecchio , Reinoso Marcelo , Caro Milagros , Mondragon Ignacio , Albina Gaston , Giniger Alberto , Scazzuso Fernando
Published: November 2018

Background

Catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) arising from the left ventricle`s (LV) papillary muscles (PM) is challenging. In this study we present results of catheter ablation using multiple energy sources and image‐based approaches.

Methods

Fifty‐three patients (49 ± 17 years old; 34% females; median LV ejection fraction 53 ± 11%) underwent catheter cryoablation or radiofrequency (RF) ablation with non‐contact force sensing (Non‐CFS) catheters and cardiac computed tomography integration (CTII) into the electroanatomical mapping system or contact force sensing RF (CFS RF) ablation catheters and intracardiac echo‐facilitated 3D electroanatomical mapping. Ventricular arrhythmias foci were mapped at either the anterolateral (ALPM) or posteromedial papillary muscles (PMPM). Ablation was performed using an 8‐mm cryoablation catheter (CRYO); a Non‐CFS 4‐mm open‐irrigated RF catheter; or a CFS RF 3.5‐mm open‐irrigated tip catheter, via transmitral or transaortic approach.

Results

Acute success rate was 83% for Non‐CFS RF/CTII; 100% for CRYO/CTII (n = 16) and CFS RF/ICE3D (n = 14) (P = 0.03). Catheter stability was achieved in all patients treated with Cryo/CTII. VA recurrence at 12 months follow‐up was 48% (n = 11) for Non‐CFS RF/CTII; 19% (n = 3) for CRYO/CTII; and 7% (n = 1) for CFS RF/ICE3D (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Non‐CFS/CTII was associated with an increased risk of recurrence of the clinical arrhythmia. Ablation with either CFS RF/ICE3D or CRYO/CTII showed high acute success rates and low recurrence rates during follow‐up. Cryoablation provided stable contact and was less arrhythmogenic.
Comparison of dynamic water distribution and microstructure formation of shiitake mushrooms during hot air and far infrared radiation drying by low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance and scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Zhao Yuanyuan , Bi Jinfeng , Yi Jianyong , Njoroge Daniel M , Peng Jian , Hou Chunhui
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

An abundance of shiitake mushrooms is consumed in dried form around the world. In the present study, changes in water state, water distribution and microstructure of shiitake mushrooms during hot‐air drying (HAD) and far‐infrared radiation drying (FIRD) processes were investigated using low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance and scanning electron microscopy. Quality attributes of the dried products were compared in terms of drying property, appearance, rehydration behavior, texture and storage stability.

RESULTS

Compared with HAD, the rate of water diffusion and evaporation of the shiitake mushrooms dried by FIRD was higher, thus resulting in a shorter drying time (630 min), a lower water content (0.07 g g–1 wet basis) and a higher glass transition temperature (7.88 °C) for dried products. Moreover, a homogenous and porous microstructure with less shrinkage and case hardening was demonstrated by the FIRD samples, indicating a superior texture, including a larger pileus diameter (3.4 cm), a higher rehydration ratio (7.31), a lower hardness (37.93 N) and a higher crispness (1.41 mm) for FIRD shiitake mushrooms.

CONCLUSION

High‐quality shiitake mushrooms with a desirable texture could be produced by FIRD by enhancing the diffusion of internal water and alleviating the case hardening during a relatively short drying process. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Phase II trial of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with intraperitoneal paclitaxel, S‐1, and intravenous cisplatin and paclitaxel for stage IIIA or IIIB gastric cancer
Authors: Shinkai Masayuki , Imano Motohiro , Chiba Yasutaka , Iwama Mitsuru , Shiraisi Osamu , Yasuda Atsushi , Tsubaki Masanobu , Nishida Shozo , Kimura Yutaka , Yasuda Takushi
Published: November 2018

Background

We carried out a phase II trial to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy comprising a single intraperitoneal administration of paclitaxel, followed by intravenous administrations of paclitaxel and cisplatin with S‐1 for clinical stage III gastric cancer.

Methods

Patients with potentially resectable gastric cancer were eligible. A laparoscopic survey was performed to confirm CY0 and P0. Intraperitoneal paclitaxel (60 mg/m
2) was administered, followed by systemic chemotherapy. Surgery was performed after two cycles of chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was the response rate of chemotherapy. Secondary endpoints were adverse events, pathological response rate, and overall survival rate.

Results

Twenty patients were enrolled. Planned cycles were completed in all patients. Grade 3/4 leukopenia and grade 3/4 neutropenia were observed in four (20%) and seven (35%) patients, respectively. The overall response rate was 70% (partial response: 14, stable disease: 5, progressive disease: 1). All patients underwent R0 gastrectomy with D2 lymph‐node dissection, with no surgery‐related deaths. The pathological response rate was 65% (13 of 20). The 3‐ and 5‐year overall survival rates were 90.0% and 77.1%, respectively.

Conclusions

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy including intraperitoneal paclitaxel followed by sequential intravenous paclitaxel and cisplatin with S‐1 for resectable advanced gastric cancer is feasible and effective.
Urban redevelopment and tourism growth: Relationship between tourism infrastructure and international visitor flows
Authors: Lim Christine , Zhu Liang , Koo Tay T.R.
Published: November 2018

The paper examines the effect of tourism infrastructure on inbound tourism demand along with other known factors influencing tourism. The study is undertaken in the context of Singapore where revitalization of infrastructure has been an important policy aimed at urban redevelopment and tourism growth. Using a panel of 30 origin markets between 2000 and 2015, the paper applied a dynamic generalized method of moments estimation showing that tourism infrastructure increases tourism demand above trend. The relatively price insensitive and income sensitive nature of tourism demand appear to be favourable conditions to use tourism as a strategy to enhance the city state's competitiveness.
Review of Liver Elastography Guidelines
Authors: Ferraioli Giovanna
Published: November 2018

Nowadays, shear wave elastographic techniques have brought a substantial reduction of liver biopsies performed to stage liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis. The availability of accurate noninvasive methods for the assessment of liver fibrosis was an important breakthrough and prompted ultrasound federations of societies as well as clinical and radiologic societies to issue international guidelines or consensus statements on the clinical applications of shear wave elastographic techniques. This article reviews the guidelines that have been published as of today.
Effect of the Folate Ligand Density on the Targeting Property of Folated‐Conjugated Polymeric Nanoparticles
Authors: Gong Yan Chun , Xiong Xiang Yuan , Ge Xiang Jun , Li Zi Ling , Li Yu Ping
Published: November 2018

Targeted drug delivery systems have attracted increasing attention due to their ability for delivering anticancer drugs selectively to tumor cells. Folic acid (FA)‐conjugated targeted block copolymers, FA‐Pluronic‐polycaprolactone (FA‐Pluronic‐PCL) are synthesized in this study. The anticancer drug paclitaxel (PTX) is loaded in FA‐Pluronic‐PCL nanoparticles by nanoprecipitation method. The in vitro release of PTX from FA‐Pluronic‐PCL nanoparticles shows slow and sustained release behaviors. The effect of FA ligand density of FA‐Pluronic‐PCL nanoparticles on their targeting properties is examined by both cytotoxicity and fluorescence methods. It is shown that FA‐Pluronic‐PCL nanoparticles indicated better targeting ability than non‐targeted PCL‐Pluronic‐PCL nanoparticles. Furthermore, FA‐F127‐PCL nanoparticle with 10% FA molar content has more effective antitumor activity and higher cellular uptake than those with 50% and 91% FA molar content. These results prove that FA‐F127‐PCL nanoparticle with 10% FA molar content can be a better candidate as the drug carrier in targeted drug delivery systems.
Technical Note: Design of a handheld dipole antenna for a compact thermoacoustic imaging system
Authors: Huang Lin , Ge Shaoli , Zheng Zhu , Jiang Huabei
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Conventional antenna used in thermoacoustic imaging (TAI) is often bulky, making it difficult to translate TAI from the bench to the clinic. In this paper, we proposed a handheld dipole antenna which will be a good candidate for the construction of a compact TAI system.

Methods

Here, we propose a TAI system based on a handheld dipole antenna with an aperture of 6 cm and a weight of 230 g. Compensation of the electric field attenuation for such a system was also investigated.

Results

Compared to the conventional open‐ended waveguide and pyramidal horn antenna used in TAI, our results reveal that the electric field attenuation induced distortion is effectively reduced by using the attenuation factor 1/r2 for compensation and that the handheld dipole antenna provides the highest efficiency of microwave delivery.

Conclusions

This study suggests that the handheld dipole antenna has the potential to be utilized for the construction of a compact TAI system, making TAI more suitable for preclinical and clinical applications.
Whole knee joint T1 values measured in vivo at 3T by combined 3D ultrashort echo time cones actual flip angle and variable flip angle methods
Authors: Ma Ya‐Jun , Zhao Wei , Wan Lidi , Guo Tan , Searleman Adam , Jang Hyungseok , Chang Eric Y. , Du Jiang
Published: November 2018

Purpose

To measure T1 relaxations for the major tissues in whole knee joints on a clinical 3T scanner.

Methods

The 3D UTE‐Cones actual flip angle imaging (AFI) method was used to map the transmission radiofrequency field (B1) in both short and long T2 tissues, which was then used to correct the 3D UTE‐Cones variable flip angle (VFA) fitting to generate accurate T1 maps. Numerical simulation was carried out to investigate the accuracy of T1 measurement for a range of T2 values, excitation pulse durations, and B1 errors. Then, the 3D UTE‐Cones AFI‐VFA method was applied to healthy volunteers (N = 16) to quantify the T1 of knee tissues including cartilage, meniscus, quadriceps tendon, patellar tendon, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), marrow, and muscles at 3T.

Results

Numerical simulation showed that the 3D UTE‐Cones AFI‐VFA technique can provide accurate T1 measurements (error <1%) when the tissue T2 is longer than 1 ms and a 150 μs excitation RF pulse is used and therefore is suitable for most knee joint tissues. The proposed 3D UTE‐Cones AFI‐VFA method showed an average T1 of 1098 ± 67 ms for cartilage, 833 ± 47 ms for meniscus, 800 ± 66 ms for quadriceps tendon, 656 ± 43 ms for patellar tendon, 873 ± 38 ms for ACL, 832 ± 49 ms for PCL, 379 ± 18 ms for marrow, and 1393 ± 46 ms for muscles.

Conclusion

The 3D UTE‐Cones AFI‐VFA method allows volumetric T1 measurement of the major tissues in whole knee joints on a clinical 3T scanner.
A Facile Fabrication of PCL/OBC/MWCNTs Nanocomposite with Selective Dispersion of MWCNTs to Access Electrically Responsive Shape Memory Effect
Authors: Yang Zi‐Xuan , Liu Xu , Shao Yan , Yin Bo , Yang Ming‐Bo
Published: November 2018

poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)/ethylene‐α‐octene block copolymer (OBC)/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposite was prepared in this work. After achieving the co‐continuous phase morphology of PCL/OBC binary blend by varying the composition, MWCNTs were selectively dispersed in OBC as conductive filler to investigate the electrically responsive shape memory effect. The results indicated that the shape memory effect (SME) of PCL/OBC was sensitive to the composition of component. The optimal SME could be observed when the volume fraction of PCL and OBC was 50:50, which was applied for the further exploration of electrically responsive SME. Additionally, the MWCNTs selectively located in OBC formed percolated structure when the component of MWCNTs was 1.5 vol%, and the shape recovery ratio (Rr) increased with MWCNTs content and applied voltage. Typically, the sample exhibited the excellent electrically actuated shape memory effect when the MWCNTs loading was 5 vol%. Ultimately, it only took 30 s for the sample to achieve the 100% recoverability under 30 V. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1353–E1363, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Direct oral anticoagulant use and subsequent start of proton pump inhibitors as proxy for gastric complaints
Authors: Zielinski G. Denise , Teichert Martina , Klok Frederikus A. , Rosendaal Frits R. , Huisman Menno V. , Cannegieter Suzanne C. , Lijfering Willem M.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Dabigatran use has been linked to gastrointestinal complaints, but it is unknown if this leads to more use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI). Furthermore, it is unknown whether gastrointestinal complaints occur more frequently in dabigatran users compared with other direct oral anticoagulant (DOACs) users. We investigated the association between DOAC use (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or apixaban) and subsequent PPI initiation as a proxy for gastrointestinal complaints.

Methods

In this population‐based observational study with an active‐comparator new user study design, anonymised dispensing data from Community Pharmacies in the Netherlands from 2012 to 2016 were used. Patients initiating DOAC for the treatment of atrial fibrillation without any PPI use before or at time of DOAC initiation were included. The outcome measure, subsequent PPI initiation, was determined in 28553 DOAC users.

Results

The patients initiating dabigatran (10 942), apixaban (4897), or rivaroxaban (12714) were comparable for age (mean 69 years), sex (62% men), socioeconomic class, and concomitant medication use. The risk of PPI initiation in apixaban versus rivaroxaban users was similar (adjusted hazard ratio 1.06; 95% confidence interval 0.96‐1.31) The adjusted hazard ratio of initiating PPI for dabigatran users was 1.21 (95% confidence interval 1.14‐1.29) compared with rivaroxaban/apixaban users. The cumulative incidence of PPI initiation at 6 months of follow‐up for patients using dabigatran was 13.0%, and 10.0% for those using rivaroxaban/apixaban, yielding a number needing treatment of 33.

Conclusions

Proton pump inhibitor initiation occurred frequently in incident DOAC users but more often in patients treated with dabigatran than in those treated with rivaroxaban or apixaban.
Manufacturing of Volumetric Glass–Based Composites with Single‐ and Double‐QD Doping
Authors: Nowaczynski Rafal , Gajc Marcin , Surma Hancza B. , Osewski Pawel , Strzep Adam , Ryba‐Romanowski Witold , Pawlak Dorota A.
Published: November 2018

Quantum dot (QD)‐based light‐emitting materials are gaining increased attention because of their easily tunable optical properties desired for various applications in biology, optoelectronics, and photonics. However, few methods can be used to manufacture volumetric materials doped with more than one type of QD other than QD‐polymer hybrids, and they often require complicated preparation processes and are prone to luminescence quenching by QD aggregation and separation from the matrix. Here, simultaneous doping of a volumetric glass‐based nanocomposite with two types of QDs is demonstrated for the first time in a single‐step process using the nanoparticle direct doping method. Glass rods doped with CdTe, CdSe/ZnS, or co‐doped with both QDs, are obtained. Photoluminescence and lifetime experiments confirm temperature‐dependent double emission with maxima at 596 and 720 nm with mean lifetimes up to 16 ns, as well as radiative energy transfer from the short wavelength–emitting QDs to the long wavelength–emitting QDs. This approach may enable the simple and cost‐efficient manufacturing of bulk materials that produce multicolor luminescence with cascade excitation pumping. Applications that could benefit from this include broadband optical fiber amplifiers, backlight systems in LCD screens, high‐power LEDs, or down‐converting solar concentrators used to increase the efficiency of solar panels.
Germline genetic testing for inherited prostate cancer in practice: Implications for genetic testing, precision therapy, and cascade testing
Authors: Giri Veda N. , Hegarty Sarah E. , Hyatt Colette , O'Leary Erin , Garcia John , Knudsen Karen E. , Kelly William K. , Gomella Leonard G.
Published: November 2018

Background

Genetic testing capability and guidelines are rapidly expanding to assess inherited prostate cancer (PCA). Clinical genetic data from multigene testing can provide insights into the germline pathogenic variant (PV) spectrum and correlates in men with PCA unselected for metastatic disease to optimize identification of men for genetic evaluation and management.

Methods

A retrospective cross‐sectional analysis was conducted of de‐identified clinical genetic testing data from a large commercial genetic testing laboratory in the US. ICD‐10 claims codes were used to identify men with PCA, along with family history data. Gleason score was abstracted from test request forms. Overall PV rate among men with PCA was estimated, along with PVs in DNA repair genes. Family history and Gleason score association to germline DNA repair PVs was assessed using Fisher's exact test with correction for false‐discovery.

Results

As of August 2017, genetic results were available on 1328 men with PCA. Overall PV rate was 15.6%, with 10.9% of PV in DNA repair genes. PVs were most commonly identified in BRCA2 (4.5%), CHEK2 (2.2%), ATM (1.8%), and BRCA1 (1.1%). Breast cancer family history was significantly associated with germline DNA repair PVs (OR 1.89, [95%CI 1.33, 2.68], P = 0.003). Among men with Gleason score>= 6 (n = 706), Gleason> = 8 was significantly associated with DNA repair PVs (OR 1.85 [95%CI 1.22, 2.80], P = 0.004).

Conclusions

A substantial proportion of men with PCA unselected for metastatic disease carry germline DNA repair PVs. Breast cancer family history and high Gleason score are important predictors to identify men with PCA who may carry germline DNA repair PVs. Our findings support current NCCN guidelines and have implications for genetic assessment, therapeutic management, and cascade testing for men with PCA and their families.