bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exenatide ameliorates inflammatory response in human rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast‐like synoviocytes
Authors: Tao Yunxia , Ge Gaoran , Wang Qing , Wang Wei , Zhang Wenhao , Bai Jiaxiang , Lin Jiayi , Shen Jining , Guo Xiaobin , Xu Yaozeng , Geng Dechun
Published: March 2019

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of unknown etiology characterized by degradation of cartilage and bone, accompanied by unimpeded proliferation of synoviocytes of altered phenotype. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of the glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) receptor on human fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) in the pathogenesis of RA using the selective GLP‐1 agonist exenatide, a licensed drug used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Our results indicate that exenatide may play a role in regulating tumor necrosis factor‐α‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction by increasing mitochondrial membrane potential, oxidative stress by reducing the production of reactive oxygen species, the expression of NADPH oxidase 4, expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐3 and MMP‐13, release of proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, and high‐mobility group protein 1, as well as activation of the p38/nuclear factor of κ light polypeptide gene enhancer in B‐cells inhibitor, α/nuclear factor κB signaling pathway in primary human RA FLS. These positive results indicate that exenatide may have potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment and prevention of RA. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 9999(9999):1–9, 2019
Genetic diversity and drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Yunnan, China
Authors: Li Daoqun , Song Yuzhu , Yang Pengpeng , Li Xiaofei , Zhang A‐Mei , Xia Xueshan
Published: March 2019

Background

China is a country with high burden of tuberculosis (TB), especially drug‐resistant TB (DR‐TB), which is still a serious health problem in Yunnan Province. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is the pathogenic microorganism of TB. The epidemiological characteristics of MTB strains in local areas need to be described.

Methods

A total of 430 clinical MTB isolates were collected from Yunnan Province and genotyped through the method of 24‐locus mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit‐variable number tandem DNA repeats (MIRU‐VNTR).

Results

The genotypes of the 24 loci showed abundantly genetic diversity, and allelic diversity index (h) of these loci varied from 0.012 to 0.817. Among the 430 strains, 30 clusters and 370 unique genotypes were identified. Beijing family was the predominant lineage (70.47%) in Yunnan MTB strains, and the other lineages contained T family (5.81%), MANU2 (0.70%), LAM (3.26%), CAS (0.23%), New‐1 (8.37%), and some unknown clades (11.16%). A total of 74 TB strains were identified as drug resistance through drug susceptibility testing (DST), including 38 multidrug‐resistant TB (MDR‐TB) and 36 single‐drug‐resistant TB (SDR‐TB). The frequency of MDR‐TB strains was significantly higher in Beijing family (10.89%) than that in non‐Beijing family (3.94%, P = 0.032).

Conclusions

Although MTB strains showed high genetic diversity in Yunnan, China, the Beijing family was still the dominant strain. A high frequency of MDR‐TB strains was recorded in the Beijing family.
Retracted: Prelamin A overexpression promotes detrusor calcification/aging in urinary incontinence via prelamin A accumulation
Authors: Wu Jing , Guan Fei , Luo Wei , Yuan Zhi‐Wei , Chen Rong‐Qiong , Gou Xin , Shi Xin , Guo Hai‐Xiang , Fang Ke‐Wei
Published: March 2019

Urinary incontinence (UI) is known as a distressing condition particularly among older adults, and negatively associated with health‐related quality of life in both males and females. Prelamin A accumulation has been found in all progeroid laminopathies and is obviously linked to cell and organism aging. Therefore, this study was expected to investigate the effect of prelamin A on detrusor on UI. Prelamin A expression in clinical and animal samples was detected. To investigate the degree of prelamin A accumulation and detrusor calcification/aging, the detrusor cells were subcultured separately into low and high passage. The low‐passage subculture cells were treated with transfection of overexpressed prelamin A plasmid, and transfection of overexpressed prelamin A plasmid and application of farnesyl transferase inhibitor (FTIs) H‐9279, respectively. Zmpste24, Icmt and lamin A/C expression were detected to explore how prelamin A affected detrusor calcification/aging. Prelamin A was overexpressed in aged detrusor cells, indicating prelamin A expression was positively related to the age of subjects. The degree of prelamin A accumulation and detrusor calcification/aging was higher in aged rats and high passage subculture cells. Zmpste24, Icmt and lamin A/C were poorly expressed in cells transfected with overexpressed prelamin A, as well as cell proliferation activity decreased and calcium deposition and apoptotic rate increased. Furthermore, we also found that the effect of overexpressed prelamin A was lost when cells were treated with H‐9279. These findings provide evidence that prelamin A overexpression impairs degradation of its farnesylated form, thus causing prelamin A accumulation which induces detrusor calcification/aging in UI.
Routine versus Targeted Viral Load Strategy among Patients Starting Antiretroviral in Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Pollack Todd M , Duong Hao T , Pham Thuy T , Nguyen Thang D , Libman Howard , Ngo Long , McMahon James H , Elliott Julian H , Do Cuong D , Colby Donn J
Published: March 2019

Introduction

HIV viral load (VL) testing is recommended by the WHO as the preferred method for monitoring patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, evidence that routine VL (RVL) monitoring improves clinical outcomes is lacking.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, randomized controlled trial of RVL monitoring every six months versus a targeted VL (TVL) strategy (routine CD4 plus VL testing if clinical or immunological failure) in patients starting ART between April 2011 and April 2014 at Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi. Six hundred and forty‐seven subjects were randomized to RVL (n = 305) or TVL monitoring (n = 342) and followed up for three years. Primary endpoints were death or WHO clinical Stage 4 events between six and thirty‐six months of ART and rate of virological suppression at three years.

Results

Overall, 37.1% of subjects were female, median age was 33.4 years (IQR: 29.5 to 38.6), and 47% had a CD4 count ≤100 cells/mm3 at time of ART initiation. Approximately 44% of study events (death, LTFU, withdrawal, or Stage 4 event) and 68% of deaths occurred within the first six months of ART. Among patients on ART at six months, death or Stage 4 event occurred in 3.6% of RVL and 3.9% of TVL (p = 0.823). Survival analysis showed no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.825). Viral suppression at 36 months of ART was 97.2% in RVL and 98.9% in TVL (p = 0.206) at a threshold of 400 copies/mL and was 98.0% in RVL and 98.9% in TVL (p = 0.488) at 1000 copies/mL. In ITT analysis, 20.7% in RVL and 21.9% in TVL (p = 0.693) were unsuppressed at 1000 copies/mL.

Conclusions

We found no significant difference in rates of death or Stage 4 events and virological failure in patients with RVL monitoring compared to those monitored with a TVL strategy after three years of follow‐up. Viral suppression rates were high overall and there were few study events among patients alive and on ART after six months, limiting the study's power to detect a difference among study arms. Nonetheless, these data suggest that the choice of VL monitoring strategy may have less impact on patient outcomes compared to efforts to reduce early mortality and improve ART retention.
Glioma grading using a machine‐learning framework based on optimized features obtained from T1 perfusion MRI and volumes of tumor components
Authors: Sengupta Anirban , Ramaniharan Anandh K. , Gupta Rakesh K. , Agarwal Sumeet , Singh Anup
Published: March 2019

Background

Glioma grading between intermediate grades (Grade II vs. III and Grade III vs. IV) as well as multiclass grades (Grade II vs. III vs. IV) is challenging and needs to be addressed.

Purpose

To develop an artificial intelligence‐based methodology for glioma grading using T1 perfusion parameters and volume of tumor components, and validate the efficacy of the methodology by grading on a cohort of glioma patients.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

The development set consisted of 53 glioma patients and validation consisted of 13 glioma patients.

Field Strength/Sequence

Conventional MRI images (2D T1‐W, dual PD‐T2‐W, and 3D FLAIR) and 3D T1 perfusion MRI data obtained at 3 T.

Assessment

Enhancing and nonenhancing components of glioma were segmented out and combined to form the region of interest (ROI) for glioma grading. Prominent vessels were removed from the selected ROI. Different T1 perfusion parameters from the ROI were combined with volume of tumor components to form the feature set for glioma grading. Optimization was carried out for selection of the statistic of the T1 perfusion parameters and the features to be used for glioma grading using sequential feature selection and random forest‐based feature selection method. An optimized support vector machine (SVM) classifier was used for glioma grading.

Statistical Tests

Mean ± SD, analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey–Kramer test, ROC analysis.

Results

Classification error for Grade II vs. III was 3.7%, for Grade III vs. IV was 5.26%, and for Grade II vs. III vs. IV was 9.43% using the proposed methodology. The mean of the values above the 90th percentile value of T1 perfusion parameters provided a maximum area under the curve (AUC) for intermediate grade differentiation. Random forest obtained optimal feature set provided better grading results than other methods using the SVM classifier.

Data Conclusion

It was feasible to achieve low classification error for intermediate as well as multiclass glioma grading using an SVM classifier based on optimized features obtained from T1 perfusion MRI and volumes of tumor components.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1295–1306.
Accuracy of deep learning to differentiate the histopathological grading of meningiomas on MR images: A preliminary study
Authors: Banzato Tommaso , Causin Francesco , Della Puppa Alessandro , Cester Giacomo , Mazzai Linda , Zotti Alessandro
Published: March 2019

Background

Grading of meningiomas is important in the choice of the most effective treatment for each patient.

Purpose

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) in the differentiation of the histopathological grading of meningiomas from MR images.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

In all, 117 meningioma‐affected patients, 79 World Health Organization [WHO] Grade I, 32 WHO Grade II, and 6 WHO Grade III.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T, 3.0 T postcontrast enhanced T1 W (PCT1W), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps (b values of 0, 500, and 1000 s/mm2).

Assessment

WHO Grade II and WHO Grade III meningiomas were considered a single category. The diagnostic accuracy of the pretrained Inception‐V3 and AlexNet DCNNs was tested on ADC maps and PCT1W images separately. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) were used to asses DCNN performance.

Statistical Test

Leave‐one‐out cross‐validation.

Results

The application of the Inception‐V3 DCNN on ADC maps provided the best diagnostic accuracy results, with an AUC of 0.94 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88–0.98). Remarkably, only 1/38 WHO Grade II–III and 7/79 WHO Grade I lesions were misclassified by this model. The application of AlexNet on ADC maps had a low discriminating accuracy, with an AUC of 0.68 (95% CI, 0.59–0.76) and a high misclassification rate on both WHO Grade I and WHO Grade II–III cases. The discriminating accuracy of both DCNNs on postcontrast T1W images was low, with Inception‐V3 displaying an AUC of 0.68 (95% CI, 0.59–0.76) and AlexNet displaying an AUC of 0.55 (95% CI, 0.45–0.64).

Data Conclusion

DCNNs can accurately discriminate between benign and atypical/anaplastic meningiomas from ADC maps but not from PCT1W images.

Level of evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1152–1159.
Multiobjective optimal design of saturated surface‐mounted permanent magnet synchronous motors
Authors: Ilka Reza , Alinejad‐Beromi Yousef
Published: March 2019

This paper presents a multiobjective optimal design of the parameters of surface‐mounted permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) considering saturation of the iron core. Multiobjective parameter tuning can further improve the performance characteristics of such motors. Specifically, efficiency and total volume are of great importance in industrial applications. A new formulation is presented for these two objective functions. In this paper, a multiobjective optimization based on a modified nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA‐II) is utilized for optimal design of PMSM. Pareto‐optimal solution is achieved, and optimal variables are obtained. The best solutions are then selected by k‐means clustering algorithm for the motor under study. Finally, finite element analysis (FEA) is performed to validate the optimization procedure. The FEA results agree well with the values obtained by the optimization process.
Physicochemical and functional properties of sweetpotato flour
Authors: Cui Rongbin , Zhu Fan
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas Lam.) is a major starchy crop with great agricultural significance in many countries. There is a need to assess more genetic resources for sweetpotato quality improvement. This study aims to analyze physicochemical properties of whole (unpeeled) root flours from seven New Zealand sweetpotato varieties with commercial significance. Using whole unpeeled plants for ‘healthy’ food formulations becomes more popular due to nutritional effects and environmental concerns.

RESULTS

Great variations were found in chemical composition, in vitro antioxidant activities, swelling power, water solubility index, in vitro digestibility, thermal, pasting and gel textural properties of the seven flours. The antioxidant activities and phenolic contents were higher in the color‐fleshed samples. Correlation analysis showed that the swelling, pasting and texture properties were largely affected by the activity of the endogenous amylase. Principal component analysis was done in four aspects including chemical composition, mineral content, antioxidant activities and functional properties to analyze the similarity and difference among these seven sweetpotato varieties.

CONCLUSION

The seven sweetpotato flours showed a wide range of functionalities and will be useful for the formulations of diverse and ‘healthy’ sweetpotato‐based products. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Improved stability in organic light‐emitting devices by mixing ambipolar and wide energy gap hosts
Authors: Bangsund John S. , Hershey Kyle W. , Rathwell Dominea C. K. , Na Hong‐Yeop , Jeon Jeong‐Hwan , Trefonas Peter , Holmes Russell J.
Published: March 2019

We demonstrate improved stability in phosphorescent organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs) by incorporating a wide energy gap host material into an ambipolar emissive layer. Unlike conventional mixed‐host OLEDs that combine hole‐ and electron‐transporting hosts, charge transport in this device occurs primarily along the ambipolar host and the emitter, while the wide energy gap host serves to modify the charge injection and transport characteristics of the emissive layer. This approach allows both the width and position of the exciton recombination zone to be tuned without introducing exciplex states. Whereas overall device stability improves with increasing recombination zone width in conventional mixed‐host OLEDs, mixing in this system reduces the recombination zone extent yet still increases device lifetime. By decoupling luminance losses into the photostability of the emitter and the exciton formation efficiency, we show that this enhancement arises from a trade‐off between bulk and interfacial degradation. The addition of the wide energy gap host moves the recombination zone away from the interface between the hole‐transport layer and the emissive layer, sacrificing a modest increase in bulk degradation to substantially reduce interfacial degradation. We find that the lifetime can be improved by 50% by balancing these competing degradation pathways.
Novel 4T1C pixel circuit for high image quality OLEDoS microdisplays
Authors: Li Hong Ge , Guo Xiao Yu , Lu Hui Yuan , Shao Xibin , Yang Dongfang , Wang Xiang
Published: March 2019

A novel pixel circuit with a bulk‐driven technique is proposed for high image quality organic light‐emitting diode‐on‐silicon (OLEDoS) microdisplays. The proposed pixel circuit based on bulk‐driven technique achieves a wide input voltage range and nanoampere (nA) emission current. The experiment results based on the 0.18 μm 1P5M CMOS process is demonstrated. The input data voltage width of the proposed circuit is approximately 2.6 V. The ratio of the input voltage range to the supply voltage based on bulk‐driven 4T1C is 78.82%.
High‐efficiency switchable optical elements for advanced head‐up displays
Authors: Zhan Tao , Lee Yun‐Han , Xiong Jianghao , Tan Guanjun , Yin Kun , Yang Jilin , Liu Sheng , Wu Shin‐Tson
Published: March 2019

The Pancharatnam‐Berry optical elements (PBOEs) are utilized to enhance the performance of head‐up displays (HUDs). The Pancharatnam‐Berry lenses (PBLs) provide varifocal functionality and compensate chromatic aberrations, while the Pancharatnam‐Berry deflectors (PBDs) can function as optical combiners and waveguide couplers. Moreover, the Rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA) based on the scattering matrix is developed and applied in the structure optimization of PBOEs for HUD applications.
Overexpression of c‐Ski promotes cell proliferation, invasion and migration of gastric cancer associated fibroblasts
Authors: Zhang Hui , Wang Jin‐Si , Chen Xiao‐Geng , Kang Li , Lin Meng‐Bo
Published: March 2019

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of c‐Ski on cell proliferation, invasion and migration of gastric cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Expression of c‐Ski in gastric cancer (GC) tissues was determined using immunohistochemistry. Both CAFs and non‐cancerous gastric fibroblasts (NGFs) were isolated and cultured. c‐Ski and Smad3 were over‐expressed or knocked down using pcDNA3.0‐c‐Ski/Smad3 or siRNA, respectively. Cell viability, invasion and migration were measured and expression of c‐Ski, α‐SMA, and Smad3 in cells was determined using real time quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) and Western blotting. Expression of c‐Ski was significantly higher in both in GC tissues and cell lines, and was the highest in tissues of diffuse type. Both c‐Ski and α‐SMA were significantly over‐expressed in CAFs compared with that in the NGFs. When c‐Ski was over‐expressed in NGFs, cell viability, cell invasion and migration were all enhanced and expression of Smad3 was downregulated. When c‐Ski was inhibited, cell viability, cell invasion, and migration were all suppressed and expression of Smad3 was upregulated. Meanwhile, overexpression of Smad3 significantly reversed the effects of over‐expressed c‐Ski in NGFs, and knockdown of Smad3 dramatically reversed the effects of si‐c‐Ski in CAFs. Over‐expressed c‐Ski could enhance cell viability, promote cell invasion, and migration of GC CAFs, and the effects might be through regulation of Smad3 signaling. This study may give deeper insights for relationship between c‐Ski and CAFs, as well as role of c‐Ski in cancer development, and also provide some novel research targets for treatment of GC.
Clinical Value of Fused PET/MRI for Surgical Planning in Patients With Oral/Oropharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Hayashi Kazuki , Kikuchi Masahiro , Imai Yukihiro , Yamashita Daisuke , Hino Megumu , Ito Kyo , Shimizu Keiji , Harada Hiroyuki , Shinohara Shogo
Published: March 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the usefulness of fused positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance (MR) images for surgical planning in patients with oral/oropharyngeal cancer and suspected mandibular invasion.

Study Design

Individual cohort study.

Methods

Eleven of 17 patients with suspected mandibular invasion of squamous cell carcinoma of the lower gingiva, oropharynx, and buccal mucosa who underwent 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/computed tomography (CT) and contrast‐enhanced MR imaging (MRI) and had fused PET/MR images were enrolled in this study. The area for surgical resection was determined based on the fused images. The usefulness of these images was confirmed by comparing them with the histopathologic findings in the resected tumors.

Results

Histopathologic evaluation of the surgical specimens revealed that nine of the 11 patients had invasion into the mandible and/or medial pterygoid muscle. All patients had a negative surgical margin. The sensitivity and specificity for detection of mandibular/medial pterygoid muscle invasion was 100%/40% and 83%/100% by fused PET/MRI, respectively, and 100%/20% and 100%/60% by PET/CT, respectively. Interobserver reproducibility between two radiologists/nuclear medicine physicians and two head and neck surgeons showed that the only statistically significant κ values were for PET/MRI.

Conclusions

PET/MRI can be easily understood by head and neck surgeons, who are not diagnostic imaging professionals, and can be used when planning the area to be surgically resected in patients with oral/oropharyngeal cancer and clinically suspected mandibular invasion. Considering the expense of a hybrid PET/MRI system, creation of a fused PET/MR image would provide a reasonable and reliable tool for clinical use in these patients.

Level of Evidence

2b Laryngoscope, 130:367–374, 2020
Recruitment of Arctic deep‐sea invertebrates: Results from a long‐term hard‐substrate colonization experiment at the Long‐Term Ecological Research observatory HAUSGARTEN
Authors: Meyer‐Kaiser Kirstin , Bergmann Melanie , Soltwedel Thomas , Klages Michael
Published: March 2019

For benthic marine invertebrates, recruitment strongly influences the composition and abundance of resulting communities. We present the results of a long‐term (1999–2017) colonization experiment at the Long‐Term Ecological Research observatory HAUSGARTEN in the Fram Strait (Arctic Ocean, 79°N, 04°E, 2500 m water depth). Recruitment panels were constructed from plastic and brick and deployed attached to a metal frame in 1999. The experiment was monitored using a remotely operated vehicle in 2003 and 2011 and recovered in 2017. Recruitment was very low, with only foraminiferans being visible after 4 yr (2003) and one metazoan species, the hydroid Halisiphonia arctica, being visible on the panels after 12 yr (2011). After 18 yr underwater, panels were colonized by 13 metazoan species as well as calcareous and agglutinating foraminiferans. Recruitment was higher on brick panels than on plastic, but while some species were more common on panels at higher altitude (H. arctica and the crinoid Bathycrinus carpenterii), others were more common on panels closer to the seafloor (serpulid polychaetes) or on panels in line with the predominant bottom current (small round white sponges). The most common species recruiting to our panels can be described as opportunistic. Meanwhile, large hexactinellid sponges that are common in natural communities did not recruit to our panels. These results suggest that community assembly in the Arctic deep sea takes much longer than the two decades spanned by this study.
Dry phase conditions prime wet‐phase dissolved organic matter dynamics in intermittent rivers
Authors: del Campo Rubén , Gómez Rosa , Singer Gabriel
Published: March 2019

During the dry phase of intermittent rivers, diverse particulate organic materials, such as leaf litter or macrophytes, remain on dry riverbeds. Together with riverbed sediments, these organic substrates are exposed to various environmental conditions that can alter their chemical composition, with potential implications for later use by heterotroph consumers when flow is re‐established. Here, we investigate how different environmental conditions during the dry phase alter quantity, composition, and biodegradability of dissolved organic matter (DOM) leached from dry riverbeds. To this end, we simulated the “preconditioning” of various DOM sources during a dry phase of 60 d under conditions mimicking open‐ and closed‐canopy rivers. Over the whole experiment, we produced leachates for measurements of nutrients and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration, DOM characterization by absorbance and fluorescence measurements and ultrahigh‐resolution mass spectrometry, and DOM biodegradability. We found that rain, solar radiation, and its associated heat greatly affected leached DOM quantity, composition, and biodegradability. Under open‐canopy conditions, sporadic rain caused the impoverishment of nutrients and DOC by leaching, whereas intense solar radiation and associated heat resulted in a drop of DOM quality and biodegradability by accelerated humification of DOM. In contrast, the preconditioning of DOM sources under a closed canopy barely affected DOM quality and biodegradability because of the protection from rain, solar radiation, and heat by the forest vegetation. Our results suggest that contrasting environmental conditions during the dry phase in open‐ vs. closed‐canopy intermittent rivers can translate into radically different DOM processing during the early wet phase.
Simultaneous 3D whole‐heart bright‐blood and black blood imaging for cardiovascular anatomy and wall assessment with interleaved T2prep‐IR
Authors: Milotta Giorgia , Ginami Giulia , Cruz Gastao , Neji Radhouene , Prieto Claudia , Botnar René M.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

To develop a motion‐corrected 3D flow‐insensitive imaging approach interleaved T2 prepared‐inversion recovery (iT2prep‐IR) for simultaneous lumen and wall visualization of the great thoracic vessels and cardiac structures.

Methods

A 3D flow‐insensitive approach for simultaneous cardiovascular lumen and wall visualization (iT2prep) has been previously proposed. This approach requires subject‐dependent weighted subtraction to completely null the arterial blood signal in the black‐blood volume. Here, we propose an (T2prep‐IR) approach to improve wall visualization and remove need for weighted subtraction. The proposed sequence is based on the acquisition and direct subtraction of 2 interleaved 3D whole‐heart data sets acquired with and without T2prep‐IR preparation. Image navigators are acquired before data acquisition to enable 2D translational and 3D non‐rigid motion correction allowing 100% respiratory scan efficiency. The proposed approach was evaluated in 10 healthy subjects and compared with the conventional 2D double inversion recovery (DIR) sequence and the 3D iT2prep sequence. Additionally, 5 patients with congenital heart disease were acquired to test the clinical feasibility of the proposed approach.

Results

The proposed iT2prep‐IR sequence showed improved blood nulling compared to both DIR and iT2prep techniques in terms of SNR (SNRblood = 6.9, 12.2, and 18.2, respectively) and contrast‐to‐noise‐ratio (CNRmyoc‐blood = 28.4, 15.4, and 15.3, respectively). No statistical difference was observed between iT2prep‐IR, iT2prep and DIR atrial and ventricular wall thickness quantification.

Conclusion

The proposed interleaved T2prep‐IR sequence enables the simultaneous lumen and wall visualization of cardiac structures and shows promising results in terms of SNR, CNR, and wall thickness measurement.
Clinical spectrum of neuropathy after primary total knee arthroplasty: A series of 54 cases
Authors: Speelziek Scott J.A. , Staff Nathan P. , Johnson Rebecca L. , Sierra Rafael J. , Laughlin Ruple S.
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Neuropathy after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can cause significant morbidity but is inconsistently reported.

Methods

We reviewed the clinical, electrodiagnostic and perioperative features of all patients who underwent primary TKA at our institution and developed a new neuropathy within 8 weeks postoperatively.

Results

Fifty‐four cases were identified (incidence 0.37% [95% confidence interval, 0.28–0.49]) affecting the following nerve(s): peroneal (37), sciatic (11), ulnar (2), tibial (2), sural (1), and lumbosacral plexus (1). In all cases with follow‐up data, motor recovery typically occurred within 1 year and was complete or near‐complete.

Conclusions

Post‐TKA neuropathy is uncommon, typically does not require intervention and usually resolves within 1 year. Post‐TKA neuropathy most often affects the nerves surgically at risk. Anesthesia type does not correlate with post‐TKA neuropathy. An inflammatory etiology for post‐TKA neuropathy is rare but should be considered in specific cases. Muscle Nerve 59:679–682, 2019
An interface‐condition substitution strategy for theoretical study of dissolution‐timescale reactive infiltration instability in fluid‐saturated porous rocks
Authors: Zhao Chongbin , Hobbs Bruce E. , Ord Alison
Published: March 2019

A theoretical study of reactive infiltration instability is conducted on the dissolution timescale. In the present theoretical study, the transient behavior of a dissolution‐timescale reactive infiltration system needs to be considered, so that the upstream region of the chemical dissolution front should be finite. In addition, the chemical dissolution front of finite thickness should be considered on the dissolution timescale. Owing to these different considerations, it is very difficult, even in some special cases, to derive the first‐order perturbation solutions of the reactive infiltration system on the dissolution timescale. To overcome this difficulty, an interface‐condition substitution strategy is proposed in this paper. The basic idea behind the proposed strategy is that although the first‐order perturbation equations in the downstream region cannot be directly solved in a purely mathematical manner, they should hold at the planar reference front, which is the interface between the upstream region and the downstream region. This can lead to two new equations at the interface. The main advantage of using the proposed interface‐condition substitution strategy is that through using the original interface conditions as a bridge, the perturbation solutions for the dimensionless acid concentration, dimensionless Darcy velocity, and their derivatives involved in the two new equations at the interface can be evaluated just by using the obtained analytical solutions in the upstream region. The proposed strategy has been successfully used to derive the dimensionless growth rate, which is the key issue associated with the theoretical study of dissolution‐timescale reactive infiltration instability in fluid‐saturated porous rocks.
Municipal boundaries demarcations and ward delimitations—Impact on service delivery
Authors: Kanyane Modimowabarwa
Published: March 2019

Ward delimitation is a call that demands interrogation. Issues of ward delimitation and their impact on service delivery are critical. While reminiscing the past, good or bad, the study warns the Municipal Demarcation Board, the authority in charge of demarcation and delimitations of municipal boundaries and wards, to delimit wards without inciting conflicts and violence. Employing multicase studies, the study follows empirical analysis drawing examples from local, regional, and international orientations to arrive at scientific conclusions. The Board must not be seen as a springboard for political embattlement but an instrument similar to institutions demanding accountabilities to deepen democracy. This is possible if the Board ceases from delimiting wards in preparations for local government elections.
Chromosomal microarray analysis in fetuses with an isolated congenital heart defect: A retrospective, nationwide, multicenter study in France
Authors: Hureaux Marguerite , Guterman Sarah , Hervé Bérénice , Till Marianne , Jaillard Sylvie , Redon Sylvie , Valduga Myléne , Coutton Charles , Missirian Chantal , Prieur Fabienne , Simon‐Bouy Brigitte , Beneteau Claire , Kuentz Paul , Rooryck Caroline , Gruchy Nicolas , Marle Nathalie , Plutino Morgane , Tosca Lucie , Dupont Celine , Puechberty Jacques , Schluth‐Bolard Caroline , Salomon Laurent , Sanlaville Damien , Malan Valérie , Vialard François
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) may be isolated or associated with other malformations. The use of chromosome microarray (CMA) can increase the genetic diagnostic yield for CHDs by between 4% and 10%. The objective of this study was to evaluate the value of CMA after the prenatal diagnosis of an isolated CHD.

Methods

In a retrospective, nationwide study performed in France, we collected data on all cases of isolated CHD that had been explored using CMAs in 2015.

Results

A total of 239 fetuses were included and 33 copy number variations (CNVs) were reported; 19 were considered to be pathogenic, six were variants of unknown significance, and eight were benign variants. The anomaly detection rate was 10.4% overall but ranged from 0% to 16.7% as a function of the isolated CHD in question. The known CNVs were 22q11.21 deletions (n = 10), 22q11.21 duplications (n = 2), 8p23 deletions (n = 2), an Alagille syndrome (n = 1), and a Kleefstra syndrome (n = 1).

Conclusion

The additional diagnostic yield was clinically significant (3.1%), even when anomalies in the 22q11.21 region were not taken into account. Hence, patients with a suspected isolated CHD and a normal karyotype must be screened for chromosome anomalies other than 22q11.21 duplications and deletions.
The clinical effects of purslane (Portulaca oleracea) seeds on metabolic profiles in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Gheflati Alireza , Adelnia Elham , Nadjarzadeh Azadeh
Published: March 2019

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of chronic liver diseases associated with unfavorable metabolic profiles and oxidative stress parameters. This study was designed to determine the effects of purslane seeds consumption with a low‐calorie diet on insulin resistance, lipid profile, and oxidative stress indices in patients with NAFLD. This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 54 individuals with NAFLD. Subjects were randomly assigned to consume either 10 g/day of purslane seeds sachet before breakfast and dinner in addition to a low‐calorie diet (n = 27) or only the low‐calorie diet (n = 27) for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected at the beginning and end of the study to measure relevant variables. Intake of purslane seeds with the low‐calorie diet led to a significant decrease in serum concentrations of fasting blood sugar (FBS; −3.52 ± 10.45 compared with 3.03 ± 9.01 mg/dl, P = 0.017), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI; 0.13 ± 0.27 compared with −0.002 ± 0.016, P = 0.017), total cholesterol (4.33 ± 34.04 compared with 23.48 ± 29.47 mg/dl, P = 0.032), and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C; −4.35 ± 22.65 compared with 11.82 ± 16.08 mg/dl, P = 0.004) after intervention. Compared with the control group, purslane seeds consumption with adherence to a low‐calorie diet had beneficial effects on FBS, HOMA‐IR, QUICKI, serum total, and LDL‐C in patients with NAFLD but did not affect other glycemic, lipid profile, and oxidative stress parameters.
Simultaneous design of AWC and nonlinear controller for uncertain nonlinear systems under input saturation
Authors: Hussain Muntazir , Rehan Muhammad , Ahn Choon Ki , Hong Keum‐Shik , Saqib Najam us
Published: March 2019

This article addresses a novel technique for the simultaneous design of a robust nonlinear controller and static anti‐windup compensator (AWC) for uncertain nonlinear systems under actuator saturation and exogenous
bounded input. The system is presumed to have locally Lipschitz nonlinearities, time‐varying uncertainties (appearing both in the linear as well as nonlinear dynamics and both in the state in addition to the output equations), and external norm‐bounded inputs both in the state and the output equations. Several bilinear matrix inequality–based conditions are derived to simultaneously design the robust nonlinear controller and AWC gains for uncertain nonlinear systems by employing the Lyapunov functional, reformulated Lipschitz property, uncertainty bounds, linear parameter‐varying approach, modified local and global sector conditions, iterative linear matrix inequality algorithm, convex optimization procedure, and
gain minimization. The proposed multiobjective AWC‐based dynamic robust nonlinear controller guarantees the mitigation of saturation effects, robustness against time‐varying parametric norm‐bounded uncertainties, the asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop nonlinear system under zero external disturbances, and the attenuation of disturbance effects under nonzero external disturbances. The effectiveness of the proposed AWC‐based dynamic robust nonlinear controller synthesis scheme is illustrated by simulation examples.
Adaptive practical preassigned finite‐time stability for a class of pure‐feedback systems with full state constraints
Authors: Liu Yang , Liu Xiaoping , Jing Yuanwei
Published: March 2019

This paper focuses on an adaptive practical preassigned finite‐time control problem for a class of unknown pure‐feedback nonlinear systems with full state constraints. Two new concepts, called preassigned finite‐time function and practical preassigned finite‐time stability, are defined. In order to achieve the main result, the pure‐feedback system is first transformed into an affine strict‐feedback nonlinear system based on the mean value theorem. Then, an adaptive preassigned finite‐time controller is obtained based on a modified barrier Lyapunov function and backstepping technique. Finally, simulation examples are exhibited to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Uncovering the Mechanism Behind the Improved Stability of 2D Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Perovskites
Authors: Shi Zhiming , Cao Zhen , Sun Xiaojuan , Jia Yuping , Li Dabing , Cavallo Luigi , Schwingenschlögl Udo
Published: March 2019

2D organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites (OIHPs) may resolve the stability problem of bulk OIHPs. First‐principles calculations are employed to investigate the mechanism behind their favorable material properties. Two processes are identified to play a critical role: First, the 2D structure supports additional distortions that enhance the intrinsic structural stability. Second, the surface terminations of 2D OIHPs suppress degradation effects due to humidity. Having uncovered the stabilization mechanism, 2D OIHPs are designed with optimal stability and favorable electronic properties.
Simultaneous Quantification and Visualization of Titanium Dioxide Nanomaterial Uptake at the Single Cell Level in an In Vitro Model of the Human Small Intestine
Authors: Meyer Thomas , Venus Tom , Sieg Holger , Böhmert Linda , Kunz Birgitta M. , Krause Benjamin , Jalili Pegah , Hogeveen Kevin , Chevance Soizic , Gauffre Fabienne , Burel Agnes , Jungnickel Harald , Tentschert Jutta , Laux Peter , Luch Andreas , Braeuning Albert , Lampen Alfonso , Fessard Valerie , Meijer Jan , Estrela‐Lopis Irina
Published: March 2019

Useful properties render titanium dioxide nanomaterials (NMs) to be one of the most commonly used NMs worldwide. TiO2 powder is used as food additives (E171), which may contain up to 36% nanoparticles. Consequently, humans could be exposed to comparatively high amounts of NMs that may induce adverse effects of chronic exposure conditions. Visualization and quantification of cellular NM uptake as well as their interactions with biomolecules within cells are key issues regarding risk assessment. Advanced quantitative imaging tools for NM detection within biological environments are therefore required. A combination of the label‐free spatially resolved dosimetric tools, microresolved particle induced X‐ray emission and Rutherford backscattering, together with high resolution imaging techniques, such as time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy, are applied to visualize the cellular translocation pattern of TiO2 NMs and to quantify the NM‐load, cellular major, and trace elements in differentiated Caco‐2 cells as a function of their surface properties at the single cell level. Internalized NMs are not only able to impair the cellular homeostasis by themselves, but also to induce an intracellular redistribution of metabolically relevant elements such as phosphorus, sulfur, iron, and copper.
Seismic performance of the spatial model of precast concrete shear wall structure using grouted lap splice connection and cast‐in‐situ concrete
Authors: Zhangfeng Zhu , Zhengxing Guo
Published: March 2019

Precast concrete structure has been increasingly used all over the world. Its seismic performance has always been the key factor of its application in earthquake‐affected zones, especially in China. A new precast concrete shear wall structure using grouted lap splice connection and cast‐in‐place concrete was proposed in this paper. Low‐cyclic reversed load testing was conducted on a one‐half scale spatial specimen of the bottom four stories of the new precast concrete shear wall structure. The test results were compared with the push‐over analysis results to evaluate the seismic performance of the specimen. The specimen showed good integrity and satisfies the current demands for Chinese seismic fortification. Moreover, due to the effect of infill walls strengthening the shear walls, and the effect of local cast‐in‐situ concrete regions constraining the precast components and connecting transverse walls to longitudinal walls, the specimen performed as tube structure and possessed excessive strength and stiffness.
A review of automatic differentiation and its efficient implementation
Authors: Margossian Charles C.
Published: March 2019

Derivatives play a critical role in computational statistics, examples being Bayesian inference using Hamiltonian Monte Carlo sampling and the training of neural networks. Automatic differentiation (AD) is a powerful tool to automate the calculation of derivatives and is preferable to more traditional methods, especially when differentiating complex algorithms and mathematical functions. The implementation of AD, however, requires some care to insure efficiency. Modern differentiation packages deploy a broad range of computational techniques to improve applicability, run time, and memory management. Among these techniques are operation overloading, region‐based memory, and expression templates. There also exist several mathematical techniques which can yield high performance gains when applied to complex algorithms. For example, semi‐analytical derivatives can reduce by orders of magnitude the runtime required to numerically solve and differentiate an algebraic equation. Open and practical problems include the extension of current packages to provide more specialized routines, and finding optimal methods to perform higher‐order differentiation.

This article is categorized under:

Algorithmic Development > Scalable Statistical Methods
miR‐146a‐5p: Expression, regulation, and functions in cancer
Authors: Iacona Joseph R. , Lutz Carol S.
Published: March 2019

Cancer as we know it is actually an umbrella term for over 100 very unique malignancies in various tissues throughout the human body. Each type, and even subtype of cancer, has different genetic, epigenetic, and other cellular events responsible for malignant development and metastasis. Recent work has indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a major role in these processes, sometimes by promoting cancer growth and other times by suppressing tumorigenesis. miRNAs are small, noncoding RNAs that negatively regulate expression of specific target genes. This review goes into an in‐depth look at the most recent finding regarding the significance of one particular miRNA, miR‐146a‐5p, and its involvement in cancer. Target gene validation and pathway analysis have provided mechanistic insight into this miRNA's purpose in assorted tissues. Additionally, this review outlines novel findings that suggest miR‐146a‐5p may be useful as a noninvasive biomarker and as a targeted therapeutic in several cancers.

This article is categorized under:

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs
Holographic correlators in AdS3
Authors: Giusto Stefano , Russo Rodolfo , Wen Congkao
Published: March 2019

Abstract

We derive the four-point correlators of scalar operators of dimension one in the supergravity limit of the D1D5 CFT holographically dual to string theory on AdS3×S
3×ℳ, with ℳ either T
4 or K3. We avoid the use of Witten diagrams but deduce our result from a limit of the heavy-heavy-light-light correlators computed in [1], together with several consistency requirements of the OPE in the various channels. This result represents the first holographic correlators of single-trace operators computed in AdS3.
Cutting the cylinder into squares: the square form factor
Authors: Nieto Juan Miguel
Published: March 2019

Abstract

In this article we present a method for constructing two-point functions in the spirit of the hexagon proposal, which leads us to propose a “square form factor”. Since cutting the square gives us two squares, we can write a consistency condition that heavily constrains such form factors. In particular, we are able to use this constraint to reconstruct the Gaudin through the forest expansion of the determinant appearing in its definition. We also use this procedure to compute the norm of off-shell Bethe states for some simple cases.
Adolescents with chronic illness and the transition to self‐management: A systematic review
Authors: Lerch Matthew F. , Thrane Susan E.
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Chronic illness effects one in ten adolescents worldwide. Adolescence involves a desire for autonomy from parental control and the necessity to transition care from parent to child. This review investigates the transition to adolescent self‐management of chronic illness treatment behaviors in the context of parent‐adolescent relationships.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science was conducted from earliest database records to early June 2017. Articles were included if they focused on adolescents, addressed illness self‐management, discussed the parent‐adolescent relationship, and were published in English. Articles were excluded if the chronic illness was a mental health condition, included children younger than 10 years of age, or lacked peer review.

Results

Nine studies met inclusion criteria. Outcomes included challenges to adolescent self‐management, nature of the parent‐adolescent relationship, illness representation, perceptions of adolescent self‐efficacy in compliance, medical decision making, laboratory measures, and adolescent self‐management competence. Across diagnoses, parents who were available to monitor, be a resource, collaborate with their adolescent, and engage in ongoing dialogue were key in the successful transition to autonomous illness management.

Conclusions

There is a paucity of research addressing the experiences of adolescents in becoming experts in their own care.