bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinship and cohabitation in relation to caregiver burden in the context of Alzheimer's disease: a 24‐month longitudinal study
Authors: Viñas‐Diez Vanesa , Turró‐Garriga Oriol , Portellano‐Ortiz Cristina , Gascón‐Bayarri Jordi , Reñé‐Ramírez Ramón , Garre‐Olmo Josep , Conde‐Sala Josep Lluís
Published: January 2017

Objectives

The aims of the study were to identify the clinical characteristics of three groups of caregivers: spouses, live‐in adult–child or non‐live‐in adult–child, and their relation to the degree of perceived burden (Caregiver Burden Interview).

Methods

The sample comprised 275 Alzheimer's disease primary caregivers, with a follow‐up of 24 months. Cognitive, functional and behavioural characteristics were evaluated in persons with dementia, whilst sociodemographic data, use of socio‐medical resources, physical and mental health and self‐perceived burden were assessed in caregivers. Generalized estimating equations were used for longitudinal data analysis.

Results

Spouse caregivers were 45.0% men, sole caregivers (>80%), used few external resources and had worse physical health. The number of female adult–child caregivers was higher (>75%). The live‐in adult–child group, compared with the non‐live‐in adult–child group, was less likely to be married, had a lower level of education, was more commonly the sole caregiver and used fewer external resources. The greatest burden was observed in live‐in adult–child caregivers, and the lowest in the non‐live‐in adult–child group, with no significant variation in the follow‐up for both groups. Spouses had an intermediate level of perceived burden, which rose significantly during follow‐up (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Kinship and cohabitation with the persons with dementia were associated with different scores and evolution of the burden, with an increase in the follow‐up of the spouses, and with more or less burden, depending on cohabitation, in the adult–child groups. Interventions to reduce the level of burden on caregivers should consider these differences. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is there an association between help‐seeking for early detection of Alzheimer's disease and illness representations of this disease among the lay public?
Authors: Shinan‐Altman Shiri , Werner Perla
Published: January 2017

Objective

Help‐seeking (HS) for early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is clearly essential because therapeutic interventions are recognized as being most efficient in the early stages of the disease. Using the Self‐Regulation Model as its conceptual framework, the present study examined the relationship between HS for early detection of AD and lay persons' beliefs and emotional reactions towards AD.

Methods

A convenience sample of 236 community‐dwelling adults, aged 50 and above, completed HS measures related to early detection of AD, HS sources, cognitive and emotional representations, perceived threat, familiarity with AD, and socio‐demographic questionnaires.

Results

Participants expressed low HS levels for early detection of AD. However, participants expressed higher levels of HS willingness if checking for AD would be included in the routine medical examinations conducted by their GPs. Multiple regression analyses showed that AD consequences and perceived threat were the main predictors of HS for early detection of AD, explaining 9.2% of the variance.

Conclusions

Our findings stress the need to increase the lay public's knowledge about available treatment options and their efficacy, even in the advances stages of the disease when the consequences of the disease are much more severe. AD awareness programs should also pay attention to the potential fear which may exist in the case of HS for early detection of AD. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Susceptibility of naïve and differentiated PC12 cells to Japanese encephalitis virus infection
Authors: Li Jian‐Ri , Wu Chih‐Cheng , Chang Cheng‐Yi , Ou Yen‐Chuan , Lin Shih‐Yi , Wang Ya‐Yu , Chen Wen‐Ying , Raung Shue‐Ling , Liao Su‐Lan , Chen Chun‐Jung
Published: January 2017

Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito‐borne disease caused by Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection. Although JEV infects and replicates in cells with multiple tissue origins, neurons are the preferential cells for JEV infection. Currently, the identities of JEV cell tropism are largely unclear. To gain better insight into the underlying identities of JEV cell tropism, this study was designed to compare the JEV cell tropism with naïve or differentiated PC12 cells. Through nerve growth factor‐differentiated PC12 cells, we discovered that JEV efficiently replicated in differentiated PC12 cells rather than naïve cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that viral adsorption/attachment seemed not to be a crucial factor. Supporting data showed that antagonizing postreceptor intracellular signaling of interferons, along with the activation of suppressor of cytokine signaling‐3 (SOCS3) expression and protein tyrosine phosphatase activity, were apparent in differentiated PC12 cells after JEV infection. Independent of differentiating inducing agents, the upregulation of SOCS3 expression and protein tyrosine phosphatase activity, as well as preferential JEV tropism, were common in JEV‐infected differentiated PC12 cells. Using cultured primary neurons, JEV efficiently replicated in embryonic neurons rather than adult neurons, and the preference was accompanied by higher SOCS3 expression and protein tyrosine phosphatase activity. Given that both SOCS3 and protein tyrosine phosphatases have been implicated in the process of neuronal differentiation, JEV infection seems to not only create an antagonizing strategy to escape host's interferon antiviral response but also takes advantage of cellular machinery to favor its replication. Taken together, current findings imply that dynamic changes within cellular regulators of antiviral machinery could be accompanied by events of neuronal differentiation, thus concurrently playing roles in the control of JEV cell tropism and replication. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(2):79–87, 2017
Perceived Criticism in the Treatment of a High‐Risk Adolescent
Authors: Hooley Jill M. , Miklowitz David J.
Published: January 2017

Perceived criticism (PC) is a construct that plays a key role in family relationships of persons with psychiatric disorders. It can be assessed in a brief and simple way using the Perceived Criticism Measure. PC ratings made by patients about their caregivers predict adverse clinical outcomes including increases in symptoms and relapse across a broad range of psychiatric diagnoses. Although research supports the concurrent and predictive validity of PC, the measure is not widely used in clinical practice. Here, we describe the construct of PC and review evidence supporting its clinical utility. We then illustrate how criticism and perceptions of criticism can be addressed in a clinical context, describing a family focused treatment approach used with a depressed adolescent at high risk for bipolar disorder.
SUMO‐modified insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF‐1R) increases cell cycle progression and cell proliferation
Authors: Lin Yingbo , Liu Hongyu , Waraky Ahmed , Haglund Felix , Agarwal Prasoon , Jernberg‐Wiklund Helena , Warsito Dudi , Larsson Olle
Published: January 2017

Increasing number of studies have shown nuclear localization of the insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor (nIGF‐1R) in tumor cells and its links to adverse clinical outcome in various cancers. Any obvious cell physiological roles of nIGF‐1R have, however, still not been disclosed. Previously, we reported that IGF‐1R translocates to cell nucleus and modulates gene expression by binding to enhancers, provided that the receptor is SUMOylated. In this study, we constructed stable transfectants of wild type IGF1R (WT) and triple‐SUMO‐site‐mutated IGF1R (TSM) using igf1r knockout mouse fibroblasts (R‐). Cell clones (R‐WT and R‐TSM) expressing equal amounts of IGF‐1R were selected for experiments. Phosphorylation of IGF‐1R, Akt, and Erk upon IGF‐1 stimulation was equal in R‐WT and R‐TSM. WT was confirmed to enter nuclei. TSM did also undergo nuclear translocation, although to a lesser extent. This may be explained by that TSM heterodimerizes with insulin receptor, which is known to translocate to cell nuclei. R‐WT proliferated substantially faster than R‐TSM, which did not differ significantly from the empty vector control. Upon IGF‐1 stimulation G1‐S‐phase progression of R‐WT increased from 12 to 38%, compared to 13 to 20% of R‐TSM. The G1‐S progression of R‐WT correlated with increased expression of cyclin D1, A, and CDK2, as well as downregulation of p27. This suggests that SUMO‐IGF‐1R affects upstream mechanisms that control and coordinate expression of cell cycle regulators. Further studies to identify such SUMO‐IGF‐1R dependent mechanisms seem important.
Microwave plasma emerging technologies for chemical processes
Authors: de la Fuente Javier F , Kiss Anton A , Radoiu Marilena T , Stefanidis Georgios D
Published: January 2017

Microwave plasma (MWP) technology is currently being used in application fields such as semiconductor and material processing, diamond film deposition and waste remediation. Specific advantages of the technology include the enablement of a high energy density source and a highly reactive medium, operational flexibility, fast response time to inlet variations and low maintenance costs. These aspects make MWP a promising alternative technology to conventional thermal chemical reactors provided that certain technical and operational challenges related to scalability are overcome. Herein, an overview of state‐of‐the‐art applications of MWP in chemical processing is presented (e.g. stripping of photo resist, UV‐disinfection, waste gas treatment, plasma reforming, methane coupling to olefins, coal/biomass/waste pyrolysis/gasification and CO2 conversion). In addition, two potential approaches to tackle scalability limitations are described, namely the development of a single unit microwave generator with high output power (>100 kW), and the coupling of multiple microwave generators with a single reactor chamber. Finally, the fundamental and engineering challenges to enable profitable implementation of the MWP technology at large scale are discussed. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Investigation of the Er: YAG laser and diamond bur cavity preparation on the marginal microleakage of Class V cavities restored with different flowable composites
Authors: Tuna Elif Bahar , Ozel Emre , Kasimoglu Yelda , Firatli Erhan
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the Er:YAG laser and diamond bur cavity preparation on the marginal microleakage of Class V cavities. Group 1: bur preparation (bp) + Vertise Flow (VF); Group 2: laser preparation (lp) + VF; Group 3: bp + Adper Easy One (AEO) + Filtek Ultimate Flowable Composite (FUFC); Group 4: lp + AEO + FUFC; Group 5: bp + Clearfil S3 Bond (CSB) + Clearfil Majesty Flow (CMF); Group 6: lp + CSB + CMF. Data were analyzed by Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests (p < .05). More microleakage was observed in cervical regions compared to occlusal regions in all groups (p < .05). No significant difference was observed among all groups in terms of occlusal and cervical surfaces, respectively (p > .05). The use of the Er:YAG laser for cavity preparation with different adhesive systems and flowable composites did not influence microleakage.
Water repellency reduction using soil heating in infiltration ponds of a wastewater soil aquifer treatment (SAT)
Authors: Nadav Itamar , Tarchitzky Jorge , Chen Yona
Published: January 2017

Reuse of treated wastewater (TWW) for irrigation in agriculture is a common alternative water source in arid regions suffering from fresh water (FW) shortage. Soil aquifer treatment (SAT) is frequently used for advanced TWW purification. Infiltration rates of water through the soil can decrease as a consequence of organic matter (OM) accumulation and the consequent induction of water repellency. In this research, soil heating to high temperatures was examined for its efficiency in OM content reduction and increased infiltration. In a laboratory experiment conducted using a hand burner and a combustion oven, water repellency was found to be reduced following increased heating temperature or heating duration, directly resulting in reduction of OM level. Chemical analysis of OM extracted from the heat treated soils revealed reduction in hydrophobic substances as a consequence of increased temperatures by soil heating and heating duration. In model ponds built to simulate large infiltration basins, OM content was reduced as a result of intensive and moderate soil heating in comparison to the untreated pond. However, no reduction in water repellency and only slight changes in infiltration rate were found as a consequence of soil heating. The differences in results obtained in the laboratory and the field experiments were probably related to the fact that the soil in the field experiment has been continuously reloaded with TWW containing OM.
Effects of synbiotic supplementation on growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality and muscular antioxidant capacity and mineral contents in broilers
Authors: Cheng Yefei , Chen Yueping , Li Xiaohan , Yang Weili , Wen Chao , Kang Yuru , Wang Aiqin , Zhou Yanmin
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary synbiotic supplementation on growth performance, carcass composition, meat quality and muscular antioxidant capacity, and mineral contents in broilers. Accordingly, 96 day‐old male broiler chicks (Arbor Acres Plus; Aviagen, Huntsville, AL, USA) were randomly allocated to two groups, and each group consisted of six replicates with eight chicks each. Birds were fed a corn‐soybean meal basal diet supplemented with either 0 or 1.5 g kg−1 synbiotic, consisting of probiotics (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis and Clostridium butyricum) and prebiotics (yeast cell wall and xylooligosaccharide) from 1 to 42 days of age.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, supplementation with a synbiotic increased average daily gain (P < 0.05) but reduced feed/gain ratio (P < 0.01) in broilers from 1 to 42 days of age. Similalrly, dietary synbiotic inclusion increased breast yield (P < 0.05) but decreased abdominal fat (P < 0.01) in broilers. The breast muscle pH value at 24 h postmortem in broilers was elevated with the incorporation of synbiotic (P < 0.05). By contrast, synbiotic supplementation lowered the cooking loss during heat treatment in a water bath, malondialdehyde content, and total Cr content in the thigh muscle in broilers (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Dietary synbiotic supplementation into the diet of broilers may be an effective method for improving growth performance and carcass compositions, resulting in the production of meat with a favorable quality and oxidative stability. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Suitability of combination of calcium propionate and chitosan for preserving minimally processed banana quality
Authors: Mirshekari Amin , Madani Babak , Golding John B
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

The marketability of fresh‐cut banana slices is limited by the rapid rate of fruit softening and browning. However, there is no scientific literature available about the role of postharvest calcium propionate and chitosan treatment on the quality attributes of fresh‐cut banana. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate these effects.

RESULTS

The application of calcium propionate plus chitosan (CaP+Chit) retained higher firmness, higher ascorbic acid content, higher total antioxidant activity and higher total phenolic compounds, along with lower browning, lower polyphenol oxidase, lower peroxidase, lower polygalacturonase and lower pectin methyl esterase activities and microbial growth, compared to control banana slices after 5 days of cold storage.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study show that CaP+Chit could be used to slow the loss of quality at the same time as maintaining quality and inhibiting microbial loads. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) as a fat replacer improves the physical properties of low‐fat tofu
Authors: Shin Woo‐Kyoung , Wicker Louise , Kim Yookyung
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

The effect of the addition of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) on the textural properties of low‐fat tofu was investigated. Three fat levels (240, 100 and 30 g kg−1) were used to make tofu, which were identified as C (full‐fat tofu), L1 and L2. HPMC (5 g kg−1) was added to soymilk to prepare control and low‐fat tofu, designated as CH, L1H and L2H.

RESULTS

Soymilk with a lower fat level had a lower viscosity: 143 (C), 100 (L1) and 42 (L2) cP. The addition of HPMC increased the viscosity of all types of soymilk, particularly in L2H (107 cP). With fat reduction, tofu syneresis increased from 19% (C) to 29% (L2), although syneresis of L2H recovered to 19%, which is similar to high‐fat control tofu. Decreased fat resulted in a lower firmness in L2 (0.67 N) compared to control (0.78 N). Firmness increased to 1.08 N in L2H tofu, whereas the firmness of CH tofu was 0.63 N. All types of tofu showed a denser, well‐connected and cross‐linking structure when HPMC was added, especially in L2H tofu.

CONCLUSION

HPMC improved the texture of the low‐fat tofu by creating a harder texture and reducing syneresis. HPMC is an effective fat replacer for lower fat soymilk. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of shortening replacement with oleogels on the rheological and tomographic characteristics of aerated baked goods
Authors: Lim Jeongtaek , Jeong Sungmin , Lee JaeHwan , Park Sungkwon , Lee Jonggil , Lee Suyong
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

A great deal of effort has been made to reduce the use of shortening owing to the high level of saturated fats as well as the presence of trans fats. Grape seed oil high in unsaturated fats was structured with candelilla wax to form solid‐like oleogels that were utilized as a shortening replacer in aerated baked goods, specifically muffins.

RESULTS

Muffin batters with greater amounts of oleogels exhibited lower viscosity, greater shear‐thinning behavior and less elastic nature. The shortening replacement with oleogels significantly increased the specific gravity of the batters, consequently affecting the muffin volume after baking. X‐ray tomography indicated a lower fragmentation index (i.e. a more connected solid structure) in the oleogel‐incorporated muffins, which was correlated with more enclosed and isolated air cells. A stress relaxation test showed that the shortening replacement with oleogels produced muffins with a firmer and springier texture. Based on fatty acid compositions, the ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids was significantly reduced from 2.81 to 0.41.

CONCLUSION

Use of the oleogels as a shortening replacer at a ratio of 1:3 by weight was effective in producing muffins with comparable quality attributes to the control with shortening. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Right dominance in the incidence of external auditory canal squamous cell carcinoma in the Japanese population: Does handedness affect carcinogenesis?
Authors: Tsunoda Atsunobu , Sumi Takuro , Terasaki Omi , Kishimoto Seiji
Published: January 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

To investigate the relationship between handedness and the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma in the external auditory canal (EACSCC).

Materials and Methods

Sixty‐eight cases of EACSCC were enrolled in this study, and their affected side was checked. Handedness and ear‐picking habits were also investigated in 34 EACSCC cases. Handedness was judged based on self‐categorization, and the relationship between handedness and the affected side was investigated.

Results

Fifty‐two cases occurred on the right side, and 16 cases occurred on the left side of patients with EACSCC. The incidence of laterality in EACSCC showed a statistically significant right dominance. Concerning handedness, 29 cases were right‐handed, 4 cases were left‐handed, and 1 case was ambidextrous. Twenty‐seven out of the 29 right‐handed cases and 1 ambidextrous case suffered from carcinoma on the right side, whereas 3 left‐handed cases suffered from carcinoma on the left side. That is, most of the cases suffered from EACSCC on the same side as their handedness, and this tendency showed a statistically significant difference. Most of the patients with EACSCC experienced itching and habitual ear‐picking in the affected side.

Conclusion

Mechanical stimulations to the EAC, such as ear picking, may plausibly cause EACSCC. In Japan, ear picking, also called “mimikaki,” is a popular habit and an established unique culture. Because ear picking requires delicate handling and manipulation, this tends to occur on the same side as the handedness in the Japanese population. This is the first report about the relationship between handedness and carcinogenesis.

Level of Evidence

N/A.
MAPK pathways regulation by DUSP1 in the development of osteosarcoma: Potential markers and therapeutic targets
Authors: Lopes Luana Joyce Silva , Tesser‐Gamba Francine , Petrilli Antônio Sérgio , de Seixas Alves Maria Teresa , Garcia‐Filho Reynaldo Jesus , Toledo Silvia Regina Caminada
Published: January 2017

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most frequent primary bone tumor that affect children and adolescents. This tumor is highly aggressive with high risk of metastasis and the implementation of new drugs has not been successful. The search for biomarkers or new therapeutic targets is urgently needed and can help in advances of OS treatment. MAPKs are major signaling transduction molecules that play an important role in regulating a variety of cellular responses. DUSP1 is a phosphatase that dephosphorylates the MAPKs. Both MAPKs and DUSPs have been implicated as major modulators of critical signaling pathways that are dysregulated in various diseases. In a previous study, we found an increase in MAPK7 gene expression contributed for worst overall survival and treatment response. We analyzed gene expression of MAPK pathways that participate in MAPK7 regulation, and DUSP1 gene using paired 28 pre/post‐chemotherapy and 12 metastasis OS samples. To understand the DUSP1 role in the pathogenesis of OS, we assessed the function of DUSP1 in four OS cell lines through a series of cellular assays combined with gene silencing technique. Our findings showed increased MAP2K6, MAP4K3, and DUSP1 gene expression in post‐chemotherapy OS samples presenting poor prognosis. We also found that the suppression of DUSP1 gene expression resulted in decreased proliferation, migration, and invasion in OS cells. These results suggest that members of MAPK family may be possible prognostic markers in OS and DUSP1 has a relevant role in the OS pathogenesis and can be an attractive therapeutic target in new strategies of OS treatment.
Antitrust Compliance: Managerial Incentives and Collusive Behavior
Authors: Paha Johannes
Published: January 2017

This article analyzes a manager's incentives to establish and sustain an illegal collusive agreement if her firm is subject to profit shocks, if her utility function is concave in profits (e.g., because of risk aversion), and if she incurs opportunity costs (e.g., by violating a social norm). The model supports the empirical observation that if collusion is to be established and sustained in a state with low profits, then this state must be quite persistent. It also indicates that compliance with antitrust laws can be ensured best by combining a zero tolerance policy with a strategy of forgiveness. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Medial sural artery as a salvage recipient vessel for complex post traumatic microvascular lower limb reconstruction
Authors: Baliarsing Amresh , Date Shivprasad , Ciudad Pedro
Published: January 2017

Background

Complex lower extremity trauma still poses a formidable challenge for micro vascular reconstruction. The extensive surrounding zone of trauma can make it difficult to find a suitable recipient pedicle for anastomosis. A need was felt for exploration of newer recipient vessels in lower extremity which could be harnessed for reliable and tension free micro anastomosis. The purpose of the present report is to highlight the possibility of using medial sural artery for safe micro vascular anastomosis in selected scenarios like vessel depleted extremity.

Methods

Between 2008 and 2013, we used the medial sural vessels for micro anastomosis in 10 cases of lower extremity trauma. All the cases had severe soft tissue trauma with or without a bony defect. A computed tomography angiogram (CTA) of the involved extremity revealed either severe perivascular scarring around the standard recipient vessels or patency of just a single vessel. However, in all cases a patent medial sural pedicle was identified on CTA. Interposition vein grafts (IVGs) were used in most cases to ensure a tension free anastomosis.

Results

In all cases, unscarred medial sural vessels were identified with average dissected length and diameter being 6.2 cm (range 4 to 7.5 cm) and 2 mm (range 1.5 to 2.5 mm) respectively. Vein graft [average length 5.6 cm (range 4 to 15 cm)] was interposed in seven cases, while in remaining three, long saphenous vein was used for vein anastomosis. All the flaps survived after the surgery. There was one re‐exploration for evacuation of peri‐anastomotic hematoma with no adverse effect on flap survival. The mean follow up period was 27.6 months. In the four cases with bone reconstruction, bony union was seen between 5 and 8 months. They were able to walk without aids and resume work after 10–14 months, following a structured rehabilitation program. The patients with soft tissue reconstruction (6 cases) could carry out aid free locomotion and resume their routine after 4–6 weeks. There were no long term complications in any of the flap.

Conclusions

Medial sural artery may prove to be a reliable recipient pedicle for use in complex lower extremity trauma cases and could possibly provide a safer alternative in cases with severe perivascular scarring or in a “single vessel” extremity.
High spatial resolution hyperpolarized 3He MRI of the rodent lung using a single breath X‐centric gradient‐recalled echo approach
Authors: Ouriadov Alexei V. , Santyr Giles E.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Hyperpolarized (HP) gas MRI of the rodent lung is of great interest because of the increasing need for novel biomarkers with which to develop new therapies for respiratory diseases. The use of fast gradient‐recalled echo (FGRE) for high‐resolution HP gas rodent lung MRI is challenging as a result of signal loss caused by significant diffusion weighting, particularly in the larger airways. In this work, a modified FGRE approach is described for HP 3He rodent lung MRI using a centric‐out readout scheme (ie, x‐centric), allowing high‐resolution, density‐weighted imaging.

Methods

HP 3He x‐centric imaging was performed in a phantom and compared with a conventional partial‐echo FGRE acquisition for in‐plane spatial resolutions varying between 39 and 312 µm. Partial‐echo and x‐centric acquisitions were also compared for high spatial‐resolution breath‐hold (1 s) imaging of rodent lungs.

Results

X‐centric provided improved signal‐to‐noise ratio efficiency by a factor of up to 13/1.7 and 6.7/1.8, compared with the partial‐echo FGRE for the airways/parenchyma of mouse and rat, respectively, at high spatial resolutions in vivo (<78 µm). In particular, rodent major airways with less restricted diffusion of 3He could only be visualized with the x‐centric method.

Conclusions

The x‐centric method significantly reduces diffusion weighting, allowing high spatial and temporal resolution HP 3He gas density‐weighted rodent lung MRI. Magn Reson Med 78:2334–2341, 2017. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Oxidation of [U‐13C]glucose in the human brain at 7T under steady state conditions
Authors: Cheshkov Sergey , Dimitrov Ivan E. , Jakkamsetti Vikram , Good Levi , Kelly Dorothy , Rajasekaran Karthik , DeBerardinis Ralph J. , Pascual Juan M. , Sherry A. Dean , Malloy Craig R.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Disorders of brain energy metabolism and neurotransmitter recycling have been implicated in multiple neurological conditions. 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy (13C MRS) during intravenous administration of 13C‐labeled compounds has been used to measure turnover rates of brain metabolites. This approach, however, requires prolonged infusion inside the magnet. Proton decoupling is typically required but may be difficult to implement with standard equipment. We examined an alternative approach to monitor glucose metabolism in the human brain.

Methods

13C‐enriched glucose was infused in healthy subjects outside the magnet to a steady‐state level of 13C enrichment. Subsequently, the subjects were scanned at 7T for 60 min without 1H decoupling. Metabolic modeling was used to calculate anaplerosis.

Results

Biomarkers of energy metabolism and anaplerosis were detected. The glutamate C5 doublet provided information about glucose‐derived acetyl‐coenzyme A flux into the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle via pyruvate dehydrogenase, and the bicarbonate signal reflected overall TCA cycle activity. The glutamate C1/C5 ratio is sensitive to anaplerosis.

Conclusion

Brain 13C MRS at 7T provides information about glucose oxidation and anaplerosis without the need of prolonged 13C infusions inside the scanner and without technical challenges of 1H decoupling, making it a feasible approach for clinical research. Magn Reson Med 78:2065–2071, 2017. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
In vivo imaging of electrical properties of an animal tumor model with an 8‐channel transceiver array at 7 T using electrical properties tomography
Authors: Liu Jiaen , Shao Qi , Wang Yicun , Adriany Gregor , Bischof John , Van de Moortele Pierre‐Francois , He Bin
Published: January 2017

Purpose

To develop and evaluate a technique for imaging electrical properties ((EPs), conductivity and permittivity) of an animal tumor model in vivo using MRI.

Methods

Electrical properties were reconstructed from the calculated EP gradient, which was derived using two sets of measured transmit B1 magnitude and relative phase maps with the sample and radiofrequency (RF) coil oriented in the positive and negative z‐directions, respectively. An eight‐channel transceiver microstrip array RF coil fitting the size of the animal was developed for generating and mapping B1 fields to reconstruct EPs. The technique was evaluated at 7 tesla using a physical phantom and in vivo on two Copenhagen rats with subcutaneously implanted AT‐1 rat prostate cancer on a hind limb.

Results

The reconstructed EPs in the phantom experiment was in good agreement with the target EP map determined by a dielectric probe. Reconstructed conductivity map of the animals revealed the boundary between tumor and healthy tissue consistent with the boundary indicated by T1‐weighted MRI.

Conclusion

A technique for imaging EP of an animal tumor model using MRI has been developed with high sensitivity, accuracy, and resolution, as demonstrated in the phantom experiment. Further animal experiments are needed to demonstrate its translational value for tumor diagnosis. Magn Reson Med 78:2157–2169, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Chitosan loaded with silver nanoparticles, CS‐AgNPs, using thymus syriacus, wild mint, and rosemary essential oil extracts as reducing and capping agents
Authors: AL‐Shnani Fadi , Al‐Haddad Thanaa , Karabet Francois , Allaf Abdul Wahab
Published: January 2017

The present study describes the green method for the preparation of chitosan loaded with silver nanoparticles (CS‐AgNPs) in the presence of 3 different extracted essential oils. The essential oils play dual roles as reductant and capping agents. The reducing power and DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) assay for the 3 essential oils—Thymus syriacus (T), wild mint (M), and rosemary (R)—have been reported. The preparation of CS‐AgNPs was performed by 2 steps. The 3 previously extracted essential oils have been used as reducing and capping agent in the first step, while in the second step, silver nanoparticles were integrated in chitosan. The integration of AgNPs in the structure of chitosan was confirmed by ultraviolet‐visible, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy techniques, and energy dispersive X‐ray. Surface plasmon resonance confirmed the formation of CS‐AgNPs with maximum absorbance at λmax between 405 ‐ 410 and 410 ‐ 430 nm for colloidal and films of CS‐AgNPs, respectively. The intensity of bands at 3408 cm−1 in the fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements was decreased substantially and shifted slightly to lower frequency (∆υ = 43 cm−1). Scanning electron microscopy shows a spherical morphology of AgNPs with size of 62 nm for both colloidal and film samples, and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis shows peaks confirming AgNPs formation.
Electrical, optical and spectroscopic characterisation of a radio frequency discharge used for electrosurgical cutting
Authors: Bürger Ines , Bibinov Nikita , Neugebauer Alexander , Enderle Markus , Awakowicz Peter
Published: January 2017

Electric scalpels are used for cutting of biological tissue, for example, for resection of tumour tissue in surgery. During the electrosurgical procedure a plasma is ignited in a gap between the electric scalpel and the tissue. In this study, the plasma operated on porcine kidney and a tissue substitute (cellulose impregnated with isotonic saline) is characterised by means of voltage‐current measurements, microphotography, optical emission spectroscopy and numerical simulation. The molecular emission of nitrogen is used for the determination of the gas temperature and the reduced electric field. The electron density is determined using the measured electric current density.
Quantification by nano liquid chromatography parallel reaction monitoring mass spectrometry of human apolipoprotein A‐I, apolipoprotein B, and hemoglobin A1c in dried blood spots
Authors: Henderson Clark M. , Bollinger James G. , Becker Jessica O. , Wallace Jennifer M. , Laha Thomas J. , MacCoss Michael J. , Hoofnagle Andrew N.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Proteomic analysis of blood proteins in dried blood spots (DBS) is gaining attention as a possible replacement for measurements in plasma/serum collected by venipuncture. We aimed to develop and provisionally validate a nanoflow LC‐PRM‐MS method for clinical use.

Experimental design

We used Skyline to develop a nanoflow LC‐PRM‐MS method to quantify glycated hemoglobin‐β, apolipoprotein A‐I, and apolipoprotein B in DBS. Precision, linearity, interferences, and stability were determined and the method was used to analyze samples from 36 human volunteers. The method was compared with clinically validated measurements in paired blood collected via venipuncture.

Results

The method was relatively precise for these proteins (10–11% CV) and linear across the normal concentration ranges of these proteins. Interference from high total serum protein concentration (>8 g/dL) was noted for apolipoprotein A‐I and apolipoprotein B. Proteins in DBS were stable for 14 days at temperatures below 25°C and trypsinized samples were stable for 48 h at 7°C. There was moderate correlation with clinical methods (r = 0.783–0.858) and significant bias in individual samples.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Although the method had adequate precision and linearity for a biomarker, the accuracy compared with clinically validated assays raises concerns regarding the use of DBS compared with venipuncture for clinical use.
Electron quantum optics as quantum signal processing
Authors: Roussel B. , Cabart C. , Fève G. , Thibierge E. , Degiovanni P.
Published: January 2017

The recent developments of electron quantum optics in quantum Hall edge channels have given us new ways to probe the behavior of electrons in quantum conductors. It has brought new quantities called electronic coherences under the spotlight. In this paper, we explore the relations between electron quantum optics and signal processing through a global review of the various methods for accessing single‐ and two‐electron coherences in electron quantum optics. We interpret electron quantum optics interference experiments as analog signal processing, converting quantum signals into experimentally observable quantities such as current averages and correlations. This point of view also gives us a procedure to obtain quantum information quantities from electron quantum optics coherences. We illustrate these ideas by discussing two‐mode entanglement in electron quantum optics. We also sketch how signal processing ideas may open new perspectives for representing electronic coherences in quantum conductors and understand the properties of the underlying many‐body electronic state.
Spin Hall magnetoresistance in antiferromagnet/normal metal bilayers
Authors: Manchon Aurélien
Published: January 2017

We investigate the emergence of spin Hall magnetoresistance in a magnetic bilayer composed of a normal metal adjacent to an antiferromagnet. Based on a recently derived drift‐diffusion equation, we show that the resistance of the bilayer depends on the relative angle between the direction transverse to the current flow and the Néel order parameter. While this effect presents striking similarities with the spin Hall magnetoresistance recently reported in ferromagnetic bilayers, its physical origin is attributed to the anisotropic spin relaxation of itinerant spins in the antiferromagnet.
A framework for the investigation of pleiotropy in two‐sample summary data Mendelian randomization
Authors: Bowden Jack , Del Greco M Fabiola , Minelli Cosetta , Davey Smith George , Sheehan Nuala , Thompson John
Published: January 2017

Mendelian randomization (MR) uses genetic data to probe questions of causality in epidemiological research, by invoking the Instrumental Variable (IV) assumptions. In recent years, it has become commonplace to attempt MR analyses by synthesising summary data estimates of genetic association gleaned from large and independent study populations. This is referred to as two‐sample summary data MR. Unfortunately, due to the sheer number of variants that can be easily included into summary data MR analyses, it is increasingly likely that some do not meet the IV assumptions due to pleiotropy. There is a pressing need to develop methods that can both detect and correct for pleiotropy, in order to preserve the validity of the MR approach in this context. In this paper, we aim to clarify how established methods of meta‐regression and random effects modelling from mainstream meta‐analysis are being adapted to perform this task. Specifically, we focus on two contrastin g approaches: the Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) method which assumes in its simplest form that all genetic variants are valid IVs, and the method of MR‐Egger regression that allows all variants to violate the IV assumptions, albeit in a specific way. We investigate the ability of two popular random effects models to provide robustness to pleiotropy under the IVW approach, and propose statistics to quantify the relative goodness‐of‐fit of the IVW approach over MR‐Egger regression. © 2017 The Authors. Statistics in Medicine Published by JohnWiley & Sons Ltd
Incorporation of the time aspect into the liability‐threshold model for case‐control‐family data
Authors: Cederkvist Luise , Holst Klaus K. , Andersen Klaus K. , Glidden David V. , Frederiksen Kirsten , Kjær Susanne K. , Scheike Thomas H.
Published: January 2017

Familial aggregation and the role of genetic and environmental factors can be investigated through family studies analysed using the liability‐threshold model. The liability‐threshold model ignores the timing of events including the age of disease onset and right censoring, which can lead to estimates that are difficult to interpret and are potentially biased. We incorporate the time aspect into the liability‐threshold model for case‐control‐family data following the same approach that has been applied in the twin setting. Thus, the data are considered as arising from a competing risks setting and inverse probability of censoring weights are used to adjust for right censoring. In the case‐control‐family setting, recognising the existence of competing events is highly relevant to the sampling of control probands. Because of the presence of multiple family members who may be censored at different ages, the estimation of inverse probability of censoring weights is not as straightforward as in the twin setting but requires consideration. We propose to employ a composite likelihood conditioning on proband status that markedly simplifies adjustment for right censoring. We assess the proposed approach using simulation studies and apply it in the analysis of two Danish register‐based case‐control‐family studies: one on cancer diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, and one on early‐onset breast cancer. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A k‐means clustering‐based security framework for mobile data mining
Authors: Guizani Sghaier
Published: January 2017

Data mining is a process of digging data sets from large data‐bases, especially for use to improve the operation efficiency of a company, institution, or an organization. With the increasing cases of cyber and other computer‐related crimes, computer and mobile data security has become a matter of concern, secure, and non‐contaminated data is very important for data mining to improve the performance of a system. This paper proposes a system framework that is able to collect information and then be able to generate alerts in real time. The proposed scheme is then simulated using the K‐means clustering algorithm, which is one of the most popular clustering algorithms to determine the efficiency and the accuracy of the proposed scheme. The paper concludes by proposing further improvements to be undertaken on the proposed system to improve its efficiency and accuracy. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Somatic Leiomyosarcoma of the Soft Tissues: A Single‐Institutional Analysis of Factors Predictive of Survival in 164 Patients
Authors: Harati Kamran , Daigeler Adrien , Lange Kim , Niggemann Hiltrud , Stricker Ingo , Steinau Hans‐Ulrich , Lehnhardt Marcus , Goertz Ole
Published: January 2017

Background

Somatic leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is an aggressive soft tissue sarcoma entity with a high metastatic potential. The purpose of this study was to identify prognostic indicators of survival in patients with somatic LMS of the soft tissues.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed the relationship between local recurrence‐free survival (LRFS), disease‐specific survival (DSS), overall survival (OS) and potential prognostic factors in 164 patients who were suitable for surgical treatment in curative intent. Patients with soft tissue LMS of the extremities, the truncal wall and the head and neck area were included. The median follow‐up time was 4.9 years.

Results

In the entire cohort, the 5‐year estimate of the DSS, OS and LRFS rate were 74.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 65.0–81.8), 70.6% (95% CI: 60.9–78.3) and 63.4% (95% CI 53.4–71.9), respectively. Thirty‐eight patients (23.2%) developed distant metastases with a median survival time of 1.5 years after diagnosis of metastasis. Surgical margins attained at the initial oncologic resection and eventual re‐excisions did not influence DSS, OS and LRFS significantly. Within the R0 subgroup, close and wide negative margins led to similar outcomes. High histologic grade (P < 0.001), size >5 cm (P = 0.002) and subfascial localisation (P = 0.002) were associated with significantly diminished DSS in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, only histologic grade was found to be an independent prognostic factor of DSS.

Conclusions

The data from this study could not determine a prognostic significance of surgical margins suggesting that tumour characteristics other than margin status are important. Tumour biology reflected by the histologic grade dictates the final outcome.
Design of pilot studies to inform the construction of composite outcome measures
Authors: Edland Steven D. , Ard M. Colin , Li Weiwei , Jiang Lingjing
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Composite scales have recently been proposed as outcome measures for clinical trials. For example, the Preclinical Alzheimer's Cognitive Composite (PACC) is the sum of z‐score normed component measures assessing episodic memory, timed executive function, and global cognition. Alternative methods of calculating composite total scores using the weighted sum of the component measures that maximize the signal‐to‐noise ratio of the resulting composite score have been proposed. Optimal weights can be estimated from pilot data, but it is an open question how large a pilot trial is required to calculate reliably optimal weights.

Methods

We describe the calculation of optimal weights and use large‐scale computer simulations to investigate the question as how large a pilot study sample is required to inform the calculation of optimal weights. The simulations are informed by the pattern of decline observed in cognitively normal subjects enrolled in the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study Prevention Instrument cohort study, restricting to n = 75 subjects aged 75 years and older with an APOE ε4 risk allele and therefore likely to have an underlying Alzheimer's disease neurodegenerative process.

Results

In the context of secondary prevention trials in Alzheimer's disease and using the components of the PACC, we found that pilot studies as small as 100 are sufficient to meaningfully inform weighting parameters. Regardless of the pilot study sample size used to inform weights, the optimally weighted PACC consistently outperformed the standard PACC in terms of statistical power to detect treatment effects in a clinical trial. Pilot studies of size 300 produced weights that achieved near‐optimal statistical power and reduced required sample size relative to the standard PACC by more than half.

Discussion

These simulations suggest that modestly sized pilot studies, comparable to that of a phase 2 clinical trial, are sufficient to inform the construction of composite outcome measures. Although these findings apply only to the PACC in the context of prodromal Alzheimer's disease, the observation that weights only have to approximate the optimal weights to achieve near‐optimal performance should generalize. Performing a pilot study or phase 2 trial to inform the weighting of proposed composite outcome measures is highly cost‐effective. The net effect of more efficient outcome measures is that smaller trials will be required to test novel treatments. Alternatively, second generation trials can use prior clinical trial data to inform weighting, so that greater efficiency can be achieved as we move forward.
MOZI AND THE GHOSTS: THE CONCEPT OFMING明 INMOZI’S “MING GUI”《明鬼》
Authors: Gibas Piotr
Published: January 2017

This article offers a new reading ofMozi’s chapter “Ming gui” 明鬼, conventionally considered as a treatise explaining Mohist ideas about ghosts and spirits, by shifting the focus from the ghosts (gui鬼) to the concept ofming明, interpreted as “sagely illumination.” The “Ming gui” chapter does not discuss ghosts in general, but instead a specific group of “punitive ghosts” who mete out punishments and rewards; it also shows thatming guiwas not a group of ghosts particular toMozior Mohism alone, but was widespread in the beliefs and practices of the period. The execution of justice, which is the crucial concern of the treatise, depends onming—the principle of justice and Heaven’s agency in human life—and not on ghosts.Mingalso is an indispensable component of sagehood, as it is the illuminated sage ruler (ming jun明君) who, on behalf of Heaven, ultimately metes out just punishments and rewards.