bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term outcomes and five‐year recurrence‐free survival curves after native‐tissue prolapse repair
Authors: Deo Giuseppe , Bernasconi Davide P. , Cola Alice , Palmieri Stefania , Spelzini Federico , Milani Rodolfo , Manodoro Stefano , Frigerio Matteo
Published: August 2019

Objective

To evaluate the long‐term objective and subjective outcomes to build recurrence‐free survival curves after mesh‐free uterosacral ligament suspension and to evaluate the long‐term impact of prognostic factors on outcome measures.

Methods

A retrospective study analyzed 5‐year follow‐up after repair of primary prolapse through high uterosacral ligament suspension. Bulging symptoms and post‐operative prolapse stage II or above were considered subjective and objective recurrences, respectively. The cumulative proportion of relapse‐free patients in time was analyzed by Kaplan‐Meier curves.

Results

A total of 353 women were analyzed. Five‐year recurrence rates were 15.0% for objective recurrence, 13.0% for subjective recurrence, and 4.0% for the combined objective and subjective recurrences. Premenopausal status was shown to be a risk factor for anatomic (P=0.022), symptomatic (P=0.001), and combined (P=0.047) recurrence. Conversely, anterior repair was shown to be a protective factor for symptomatic (P=0.012) and combined (P=0.002) recurrence. Most of the recurrences occurred within 2 years after surgery.

Conclusion

Long‐term outcomes after high uterosacral ligament suspension were satisfactory. Premenopausal status and lack of anterior repair represented risk factors for recurrence in the long term.
A derivatives trading recommendation system: The mid‐curve calendar spread case
Authors: Koshiyama Adriano S. , Firoozye Nikan , Treleaven Philip
Published: August 2019

Derivative traders are usually required to scan through hundreds, even thousands of possible trades on a daily basis. Up to now, not a single solution is available to aid in their job. Hence, this work is aimed to develop a trading recommendation system, and to apply this system to the so‐called Mid‐Curve Calendar Spread (MCCS) trade. To suggest that such approach is feasible, we used a list of 35 different types of MCCSs; a total of 11 predictive and 4 benchmark models. Our results suggest that linear regression with l1‐regularisation (Lasso) compared favourably to other approaches from a predictive and interpretability point of views.
Effects of substrate patterning on cellular spheroid growth and dynamics measured by gradient light interference microscopy (GLIM)
Authors: Fanous Michael J. , Li Yanfen , Kandel Mikhail E. , Abdeen Amr A. , Kilian Kristopher A. , Popescu Gabriel
Published: August 2019

The development of three‐dimensional (3D) cellular architectures during development and pathological processes involves intricate migratory patterns that are modulated by genetics and the surrounding microenvironment. The substrate composition of cell cultures has been demonstrated to influence growth, proliferation and migration in 2D. Here, we study the growth and dynamics of mouse embryonic fibroblast cultures patterned in a tissue sheet which then exhibits 3D growth. Using gradient light interference microscopy (GLIM), a label‐free quantitative phase imaging approach, we explored the influence of geometry on cell growth patterns and rotational dynamics. We apply, for the first time to our knowledge, dispersion‐relation phase spectroscopy (DPS) in polar coordinates to generate the radial and rotational cell mass‐transport. Our data show that cells cultured on engineered substrates undergo rotational transport in a radially independent manner and exhibit faster vertical growth than the control, unpatterned cells. The use of GLIM and polar DPS provides a novel quantitative approach to studying the effects of spatially patterned substrates on cell motility and growth.
Parallelized shifted‐excitation Raman difference spectroscopy for fluorescence rejection in a temporary varying system
Authors: Shimada Rintaro , Nakamura Takashi , Ozawa Takeaki
Published: August 2019

A fluorescence background is one of the common interference factors of the Raman spectroscopic analysis in the biology field. Shifted‐excitation Raman difference spectroscopy (SERDS), in which a slow (typically 1 Hz) modulation to excitation wavelength is coupled with a sequential acquisition of alternating shifted‐excitation spectra, has been used to separate Raman scattering from excitation‐shift insensitive background. This sequential method is susceptible to spectral change and thus is limited only to stable samples. We incorporated a fast laser modulation (200 Hz) and a mechanical streak camera into SERDS to effectively parallelize the SERDS measurement in a single exposure. The developed system expands the scope of SERDS to include temporary varying system. The proof of concept is demonstrated using highly fluorescent samples, including living algae. Quantitative performance in fluorescence rejection and the robustness of the method to the dynamic spectral change during the measurement are manifested.
Optimization of infusional calcium gluconate for prevention of hypocalcemic reactions during therapeutic plasma exchange
Authors: Zhao Yong , Garrity Danielle , Graves Molly , Linden Jeanne , St. Pierre Patricia , Ducharme Paula , Greene Mindy , Vauthrin Michelle , Weinstein Robert
Published: August 2019

We sought to optimize direct intravenous infusion of calcium gluconate (CaGlu) for maintaining plasma ionized calcium concentration ([Ca2+]) and preventing hypocalcemic reactions during 34 consecutive 1‐volume therapeutic plasma exchanges (TPEs) in eight patients. CaGlu, 2 g in 50 mL of 0.9% NaCl, was prepared by our hospital pharmacy and infused at either 1.0 or 1.6 g/h during alternate TPE. Plasma [Ca2+] was monitored at intervals of 20 to 30 minutes. At 1 g/h of CaGlu, plasma [Ca2+] fell by 8.35% after 40 to 50 minutes and then plateaued. At 1.6 g/h of CaGlu, plasma [Ca2+] fell by 6% after 20 to 30 minutes and then plateaued. The difference at 40 to 50 minutes was significant (P = .015). Hypocalcemic reactions were noted in three patients during 5 of 17 TPE at 1.0 g/h (all after 40 to 60 minutes) but 0 of 17 TPE at 1.6 g/h (P = .044). CaGlu at 1.6 g/h stabilized plasma [Ca2+] and appears to prevent hypocalcemic reactions during TPE.
Interference‐enhanced Raman scattering in SiO2/Si structures related to reflectance
Authors: Vančo Ľubomír , Kotlár Mário , Kadlečíková Magdaléna , Vretenár Viliam , Vojs Marian , Kováč Jaroslav
Published: August 2019

Enhancement of Raman scattering due to optical interference may act as a source of error in the issues necessitating a determination of Raman intensity. Its dependence on thin film thickness is the conventional way how to examine the effects of optical interference in Raman signal. To provide a new platform for evaluation of signal coming from substrate in the presence of a transparent capping, we investigate its relation to reflectance (R) instead of the capping thickness. We derived a theoretical model, which was experimentally tested on simple structures consisting of SiO2 deposited on mono‐Si substrates. In agreement between the model and the experiment, interference enhancement is proportional to the product of (1 − R) terms taken at excitation and scattered light wavenumbers. We experimented with two different Raman bands in Si on two different Raman systems. The model was valid regardless of excitation, Raman band, and grating. Constructed for normal incidence, it was in agreement with experiment using objectives with numerical apertures up to 0.25 (0.32). The model was valid also in ultraviolet region, where imaginary part in refractive index of Si considerably rises.
The protective role of DMBT1 in cervical squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Chun‐Xiao
Published: August 2019

To explore the possible influence of deleted in malignant brain tumor 1 (DMBT1) in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). DMBT1 expression was detected by Real‐time reverse transcription PCR (qRT‐PCR) and immunohistochemistry in CSCC and adjacent normal tissues from 167 CSCC patients, and its relationship with clinicopathological features and prognosis was analyzed. Besides, the in vitro experiments, including MTT, Cell‐Light EdU, Wound‐healing, Transwell invasion, Annexin V‐FITC/PI staining, qRT‐PCR, and Western blot, were performed in SiHa and CaSKi cells, which were both divided into Blank, Vector, and DMBT1 groups. The mRNA level and the positive expression rate of DMBT1 in CSCC tissues were lower than the adjacent normal tissues. Moreover, DMBT1 positive rate was linked to FIGO stage, tumor diameter, lymph node metastasis, and tumor differentiation of CSCC. Besides, patients with positive DMBT1 expression had higher 5‐year survival rate than those negative ones. According to the in vitro experiments, SiHa and CaSKi cells with overexpressed DMBT1 showed the inhibition of proliferative ability and the enhancement of apoptosis with the upregulated pro‐apoptosis proteins (Bax and Cleaved caspase‐3) and down‐regulated anti‐apoptosis protein Bcl‐2. Moreover, compared with Blank group, DMBT1 group presented decrease in the migration and invasion of SiHa and CaSKi cells with the down‐expression of interstitial markers (N‐cadherin and Vimentin) and the up‐expression of epithelial marker E‐cadherin. DMBT1 was decreased in CSCC, whereas its overexpression can not only inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion, but induce the apoptosis of human CSCC cells, being a novel strategy for CSCC treatment.
Sepsis in Patients With Cirrhosis Awaiting Liver Transplantation: New Trends and Management
Authors: Martin Mateos Rosa , Albillos Agustín
Published: August 2019

Bacterial infections are more frequent and severe in patients with advanced liver disease and, therefore, in liver transplant candidates. The increased risk of infection in these patients parallels the severity of the immune dysfunction associated with cirrhosis, which is related to systemic inflammation and progressive immunodeficiency. Other factors contribute to this risk, such as genetic polymorphisms, proton pump inhibitor overuse, the numerous invasive procedures and hospitalizations these patients go through, or the immunosuppressive effects of malnutrition or alcohol abuse. Bacterial infections have a great impact on disease progression and significantly increase mortality rates before and after liver transplantation. Mechanisms leading to organ failure in sepsis are associated not only with the hemodynamic derangement but also with an excessive inflammatory response triggered by infection. Furthermore, prophylactic and empirical antibiotic treatment strategies in patients with cirrhosis are being modified according to the growing prevalence of multidrug‐resistant bacteria in the past decade. Also, new criteria have been introduced for the diagnosis of sepsis and septic shock. These new definitions have been validated in patients with cirrhosis and show a better accuracy to predict in‐hospital mortality than previous criteria based on systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Accurate prophylaxis and early identification and treatment of bacterial infections are key to reducing the burden of sepsis in patients with cirrhosis awaiting liver transplantation.
Electroactive High‐Temperature Shape Memory Polymers with High Recovery Stress Induced by Ground Carbon Fibers
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Wang Liancai , Zhang Ziyan , Kong Deyan , Ao Xinling , Xiao Xinli
Published: August 2019

Electroactive shape memory polymers (SMPs) are suitable for remote controllable actuators or applications where direct heat is inconvenient, and herein an electroactive shape memory polyimide (EASMPI) is reported for the first time. EASMPI is synthesized by incorporating ground carbon fibers (GCFs) into a polyimide matrix to form a compact conductive network, and percolation threshold of 0.312 S m−1meets the demands of both electroactive and shape memory effects. The glass transition temperature of 302 °C for EASMPI is much higher than that of other electroactive SMPs, and its shape recovery is activated effectively by a voltage of 15.87 V. Recovery stress is crucial for shape memory materials to output work, and EASMPI produces high recovery stress of 40.1 MPa. The possible mechanisms are discussed, and GCF mainly accounts for its electroactivity and recovery stress. EASMPI shows vast potential in practical applications with its electroactive shape memory effect and high recovery stress at high temperature.
Preserved expressive language as a phenotypic determinant of Mosaic Angelman Syndrome
Authors: Carson Robert P. , Bird Lynne , Childers Anna K. , Wheeler Ferrin , Duis Jessica
Published: August 2019

Background

Angelman Syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with core features of intellectual disability, speech impairment, movement disorders, and a unique behavioral profile. Typically, AS results from absent maternal expression of UBE3A, but some individuals have imprinting defects in a portion of their cells. These individuals are mosaic for normal and defective UBE3A expression, resulting in mosaic AS (mAS) with a partial loss of gene expression.

Methods

This study aims to contrast the mAS phenotype to that of AS. Clinical characteristics of mAS were obtained from a parental survey of 22 mAS patients and from the Angelman Natural History study. These were contrasted with those of AS using historical data.

Results

Developmental delay was present in nearly all mAS patients, whereas the core features of AS were reported in less than 40%. While language and ability to manage activities of daily living were markedly improved over that expected in AS, mAS patients demonstrated a high incidence of behavioral challenges.

Conclusion

Clinical work‐up of an individual with developmental delay, hyperactivity, anxiety, and an uncharacteristically happy demeanor should prompt methylation studies to rule out mAS. We expand the phenotypic spectrum of AS to include features that overlap with Prader‐Willi such as hyperphagia.
Generation and transmission of fractional‐order optical bright solitons in single mode fiber
Authors: Mehboob Abu B. , Usman Muhammad , Hussain Ashiq
Published: August 2019

This article addresses the generation and transmission of fractional‐order optical bright solitons (OBSs) in silica based single mode fiber. We take into account second‐order dispersion effect in the presence of anomalous dispersion and self‐phase modulation together with third‐order dispersion. Fractional‐order OBS have been extracted using nonlinear Schrodinger equation. We consider dispersion dominant case with variation of data rates from 10 to 60 Gbps covering ultralong distance of 9040 km. The transmission link is composed of optical amplifier with gain of 20 dB and a noise figure of 4 dB. The analytical computations are carried out to calculate the nonlinear dispersive effects and a comparison is made between the analytical and simulated results. Erbium‐doped fiber amplifier and dispersion compensated fiber have been used to overcome fluctuations and to maintain the fractional‐order OBS pulse profile. In the end, the outcomes are probed and compared on the basis of Q‐factor and bit error rate (BER). It is observed that best OBS transmission result is achieved at 40 Gbps, where Q‐factor is 9.85 with a corresponding BER of 2.91e−23.
A compact CPW‐fed UWB antenna with quadruple rejected bands
Authors: Zhong Zeng‐Pei , Liang Jia‐Jun , Fan Mo‐Lin , Huang Guan‐Long , He Wei , Chen Xiao‐Chen , Yuan Tao
Published: August 2019

A compact coplanar‐waveguide (CPW)‐fed ultrawideband (UWB) antenna with quadruple rejected bands is proposed. To realize the bandwidth requirement of UWB communication, a gradient folk‐shaped radiating patch and a symmetrical ground plane are employed, which help to cover a frequency band from 2.7 to 10.7 GHz. In order to obtain four rejected bands within the UWB frequency band, four different slots including a cap‐shaped slot, two meandering slots, and a split‐ring are utilized, which contribute to generate rejected bands at C‐band (3.60‐4.32 GHz), wireless local area networks bands (5.17‐5.32 GHz and 5.80‐5.93 GHz), and International Telecommunication Union service band (7.8‐8.2 GHz), respectively. Excellent band‐notched features are obtained by optimizing the positions and lengths of the four slots. Simulated and measured results show that the proposed antenna is especially suitable for UWB communication.
GRASP‐Pro: imProving GRASP DCE‐MRI through self‐calibrating subspace‐modeling and contrast phase automation
Authors: Feng Li , Wen Qiuting , Huang Chenchan , Tong Angela , Liu Fang , Chandarana Hersh
Published: August 2019

Purpose

To propose a highly accelerated, high‐resolution dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) technique called GRASP‐Pro (golden‐angle radial sparse parallel imaging with imProved performance) through a joint sparsity and self‐calibrating subspace constraint with automated selection of contrast phases.

Methods

GRASP‐Pro reconstruction enforces a combination of an explicit low‐rank subspace‐constraint and a temporal sparsity constraint. The temporal basis used to construct the subspace is learned from an intermediate reconstruction step using the low‐resolution portion of radial k‐space, which eliminates the need for generating the basis using auxiliary data or a physical signal model. A convolutional neural network was trained to generate the contrast enhancement curve in the artery, from which clinically relevant contrast phases are automatically selected for evaluation. The performance of GRASP‐Pro was demonstrated for high spatiotemporal resolution DCE‐MRI of the prostate and was compared against standard GRASP in terms of overall image quality, image sharpness, and residual streaks and/or noise level.

Results

Compared to GRASP, GRASP‐Pro reconstructed dynamic images with enhanced sharpness, less residual streaks and/or noise, and finer delineation of the prostate without prolonging reconstruction time. The image quality improvement reached statistical significance (P < 0.05) in all the assessment categories. The neural network successfully generated contrast enhancement curves in the artery, and corresponding peak enhancement indexes correlated well with that from the manual selection.

Conclusion

GRASP‐Pro is a promising method for rapid and continuous DCE‐MRI. It enables superior reconstruction performance over standard GRASP and allows reliable generation of artery enhancement curve to guide the selection of desired contrast phases for improving the efficiency of GRASP MRI workflow.
Fat navigators and Moiré phase tracking comparison for motion estimation and retrospective correction
Authors: Gretsch Frédéric , Mattern Hendrik , Gallichan Daniel , Speck Oliver
Published: August 2019

Purpose

To compare motion tracking by two modern methods (fat navigators [FatNavs] and Moiré phase tracking [MPT]) as well as their performance for retrospective correction of very high resolution acquisitions.

Methods

A direct comparison of FatNavs and MPT motion parameters was performed for several deliberate motion patterns to estimate the agreement between methods. In addition, two different navigator resolution were applied. 0.5 mm isotropic MP2RAGE images with simultaneous MPT and FatNavs tracking were acquired in 9 cooperative subjects with no intentional motion. Retrospective motion corrections based on both tracking modalities were compared qualitatively and quantitatively. The FatNavs impact on quantitative T1 maps was also investigated.

Results

Both methods showed good agreement within a 0.3 mm/° margin in subjects that moved very little. Higher resolution FatNavs (2 mm) showed overall better agreement with MPT than 4 mm resolution ones, except for fast and large motion. The retrospective motion corrections based on MPT or FatNavs were at par in 33 cases out of 36, and visibly improved image quality compared to the uncorrected images. In separate fringe cases, both methods suffered from their respective potential shortcomings: unreliable marker attachment for MPT and poor temporal resolution for FatNavs. The magnetization transfer induced by the navigator RF pulses had a visible impact on the T1 values distribution, with a shift of the gray and white matter peaks of 12 ms at most.

Conclusion

This work confirms both FatNavs and MPT as excellent retrospective motion correction methods for very high resolution imaging of cooperative subjects.
Whole‐heart T1 mapping using a 2D fat image navigator for respiratory motion compensation
Authors: Nordio Giovanna , Schneider Torben , Cruz Gastao , Correia Teresa , Bustin Aurelien , Prieto Claudia , Botnar René M. , Henningsson Markus
Published: August 2019

Purpose

To combine a 3D saturation‐recovery‐based myocardial T1 mapping (3D SASHA) sequence with a 2D image navigator with fat excitation (fat‐iNAV) to allow 3D T1 maps with 100% respiratory scan efficiency and predictable scan time.

Methods

Data from T1 phantom and 10 subjects were acquired at 1.5T. For respiratory motion compensation, a 2D fat‐iNAV was acquired before each 3D SASHA k‐space segment to correct for 2D translational motion in a beat‐to‐beat fashion. The effect of the fat‐iNAV on the 3D SASHA T1 estimation was evaluated on the T1 phantom. For 3 representative subjects, the proposed free‐breathing 3D SASHA with fat‐iNAV was compared to the original implementation with the diaphragmatic navigator. The 3D SASHA with fat‐iNAV was compared to the breath‐hold 2D SASHA sequence in terms of accuracy and precision.

Results

In the phantom study, the Bland‐Altman plot shows that the 2D fat‐iNAVs does not affect the T1 quantification of the 3D SASHA acquisition (0 ± 12.5 ms). For the in vivo study, the 2D fat‐iNAV permits to estimate the respiratory motion of the heart, while allowing for 100% scan efficiency, improving the precision of the T1 measurement compared to non‐motion‐corrected 3D SASHA. However, the image quality achieved with the proposed 3D SASHA with fat‐iNAV is lower compared to the original implementation, with reduced delineation of the myocardial borders and papillary muscles.

Conclusions

We demonstrate the feasibility to combine the 3D SASHA T1 mapping imaging sequence with a 2D fat‐iNAV for respiratory motion compensation, allowing 100% respiratory scan efficiency and predictable scan time.
Dissolved hyperpolarized xenon‐129 MRI in human kidneys
Authors: Chacon‐Caldera Jorge , Maunder Adam , Rao Madhwesha , Norquay Graham , Rodgers Oliver I. , Clemence Matthew , Puddu Claudio , Schad Lothar R. , Wild Jim M.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

To assess the feasibility of using dissolved hyperpolarized xenon‐129 (129Xe) MRI to study renal physiology in humans at 3 T.

Methods

Using a flexible transceiver RF coil, dynamic and spatially resolved 129Xe spectroscopy was performed in the abdomen after inhalation of hyperpolarized 129Xe gas with 3 healthy male volunteers. A transmit‐only receive‐only RF coil array was purpose‐built to focus RF excitation and enhance sensitivity for dynamic imaging of 129Xe uptake in the kidneys using spoiled gradient echo and balanced steady‐state sequences.

Results

Using spatially resolved spectroscopy, different magnitudes of signal from 129Xe dissolved in red blood cells and tissue/plasma could be identified in the kidneys and the aorta. The spectra from both kidneys showed peaks with similar amplitudes and chemical shift values. Imaging with the purpose‐built coil array was shown to provide more than a 3‐fold higher SNR in the kidneys when compared with surrounding tissues, while further physiological information from the dissolved 129Xe in the lungs and in transit to the kidneys was provided with the transceiver coil. The signal of dissolved hyperpolarized 129Xe could be imaged with both tested sequences for about 40 seconds after inhalation.

Conclusion

The uptake of 129Xe dissolved in the human kidneys was measured with spectroscopic and imaging experiments, demonstrating the potential of hyperpolarized 129Xe MR as a novel, noninvasive technique to image human kidney tissue perfusion.
Silent voices: Family caregivers' narratives of involvement in palliative care
Authors: Tarberg Anett Skorpen , Kvangarsnes Marit , Hole Torstein , Thronæs Morten , Madssen Torfinn Støve , Landstad Bodil J.
Published: August 2019

Aim

To explore how family caregivers experience involvement in palliative care.

Design

A qualitative design with a narrative approach was used.

Methods

Purposive sampling and narrative interviews were conducted. Eleven bereaved family caregivers for patients with cancer receiving palliative care were interviewed in Mid‐Norway between November 2016–May 2017.

Results

We identified four themes related to family caregivers' experiences of involvement in the early, middle, terminal and bereavement phases of palliative care: (a) limited involvement in the early phase; (b) emphasis on patient‐centred care in the middle phase; (c) lack of preparation for the dying phase; and (d) lack of systematic follow‐up after death. Family caregivers experienced low level of involvement throughout the palliative pathway.

Conclusion

The involvement of family caregivers in palliative care may not be proportional to their responsibilities. The needs of family caregivers should be addressed in nursing education to give nurses competence to support family caregivers in providing home‐based care.
Convergence and stability estimates in difference setting for time‐fractional parabolic equations with functional delay
Authors: Hendy Ahmed S. , Pimenov Vladimir G. , Macías‐Díaz Jorge E.
Published: August 2019

A class of one‐dimensional time‐fractional parabolic differential equations with delay effects of functional type in the time component is numerically investigated in this work. To that end, a compact difference scheme is constructed for the numerical solution of those equations based on the idea of separating the current state and the prehistory function. In these terms, the prehistory function is approximated by means of an appropriate interpolation–extrapolation operator. A discrete form of the fractional Gronwall inequality is employed to provide an optimal error estimate. The existence and uniqueness of the numerical solutions, the order of approximation error for the constructed scheme, the stability and the order of convergence are mathematically investigated in this work.
Overactivity or blockade of transforming growth factor‐β each generate a specific ureter malformation
Authors: Lopes Filipa M , Roberts Neil A , Zeef Leo AH , Gardiner Natalie J , Woolf Adrian S
Published: August 2019

Transforming growth factor‐β (TGFβ) has been reported to be dysregulated in malformed ureters. There exists, however, little information on whether altered TGFβ levels actually perturb ureter development. We therefore hypothesised that TGFβ has functional effects on ureter morphogenesis. Tgfb1, Tgfb2 and Tgfb3 transcripts coding for TGFβ ligands, as well as Tgfbr1 and Tgfbr2 coding for TGFβ receptors, were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in embryonic mouse ureters collected over a wide range of stages. As assessed by in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry, the two receptors were detected in embryonic urothelia. Next, TGFβ1 was added to serum‐free cultures of embryonic day 15 mouse ureters. These organs contain immature smooth muscle and urothelial layers and their in vivo potential to grow and acquire peristaltic function can be replicated in serum‐free organ culture. Such organs therefore constitute a suitable developmental stage with which to define roles of factors that affect ureter growth and functional differentiation. Exogenous TGFβ1 inhibited growth of the ureter tube and generated cocoon‐like dysmorphogenesis. RNA sequencing suggested that altered levels of transcripts encoding certain fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) followed exposure to TGFβ. In serum‐free organ culture exogenous FGF10 but not FGF18 abrogated certain dysmorphic effects mediated by exogenous TGFβ1. To assess whether an endogenous TGFβ axis functions in developing ureters, embryonic day 15 explants were exposed to TGFβ receptor chemical blockade; growth of the ureter was enhanced, and aberrant bud‐like structures arose from the urothelial tube. The muscle layer was attenuated around these buds, and peristalsis was compromised. To determine whether TGFβ effects were limited to one stage, explants of mouse embryonic day 13 ureters, more primitive organs, were exposed to exogenous TGFβ1, again generating cocoon‐like structures, and to TGFβ receptor blockade, again generating ectopic buds. As for the mouse studies, immunostaining of normal embryonic human ureters detected TGFβRI and TGFβRII in urothelia. Collectively, these observations reveal unsuspected regulatory roles for endogenous TGFβ in embryonic ureters, fine‐tuning morphogenesis and functional differentiation. Our results also support the hypothesis that the TGFβ up‐regulation reported in ureter malformations impacts on pathobiology. Further experiments are needed to unravel the intracellular signalling mechanisms involved in these dysmorphic responses. © 2019 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Secondary hemophagocytic syndrome after autologous hematopoietic cell transplant and immune therapy for neuroblastoma
Authors: Epperly Rebecca , Furman Wayne , Hines Melissa , Santiago Teresa , Li Ying , Madden Renee , Mamcarz Ewelina , Cervi David , Federico Sara , Triplett Brandon , Talleur Aimee
Published: August 2019

Secondary hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) has been described after autologous hematopoietic cell transplant (AutoHCT). We report two cases of secondary HPS after novel consolidation therapy for high‐risk neuroblastoma as part of an institutional phase 2 trial incorporating immunotherapy into a “standard” AutoHCT regimen. Both patients developed liver dysfunction beyond expected course of hepatic veno‐occlusive disease, coagulopathy, hyperferritinemia, and when evaluated, elevated soluble interleukin‐2 receptor and hemophagocytosis. These cases highlight the need for clinicians to have a high index of suspicion for immune‐related complications in patients receiving immune therapies.
Modified hemp fibers intended for fiber‐reinforced polymer composites used in structural applications—A review. I. Methods of modification
Authors: Tanasă Fulga , Zănoagă Mădălina , Teacă Carmen‐Alice , Nechifor Mărioara , Shahzad Asim
Published: August 2019

Natural fiber composites have experienced a renaissance in the last two decades as a response to societal demands for developing eco‐friendly, biodegradable and recyclable materials. They are now being extensively used in everyday products as well as in automotive, packaging, sports and construction industries. Hemp fiber is being used in most of these products because of its superior mechanical properties. Like other natural fibers, hemp fibers require modifications in order to improve their properties and interfacial bonding with polymer matrices, and to reduce their hydrophilic character. These modification methods can be grouped into three major categories: chemical, physical and biological. Chemical methods use chemical reagents to reduce fibers' hydrophilic tendency and thus improve compatibility with the matrix. They also expose more reactive groups on the fiber surface to facilitate efficient coupling with the matrix. Physical methods change structural and surface properties of the fiber and thereby influence the interfacial bonding with matrices, without extensively changing the chemical composition of the fibers. They are cleaner and simpler than the chemical methods. Biological methods use biological agents like fungi, enzymes and bacteria to modify the fiber surface properties. These methods are not toxic like chemical methods and are not energy‐intensive like physical methods. This paper presents an overview of recent developments in these methods. It is concluded that these methods almost invariably result in improvement in fiber/matrix interfacial bonding, resulting in increase in mechanical properties of the composites.
Treatment of Helicobacter pylori in Special Patient Populations
Authors: Nguyen Cynthia T. , Davis Kyle A. , Nisly Sarah A. , Li Julius
Published: August 2019

Helicobacter pylori infection can lead to gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, and gastric cancer. Consequently, complete eradication is the goal of therapy. First‐line therapy for H. pylori infection includes clarithromycin triple therapy (clarithromycin, proton pump inhibitor [PPI], and amoxicillin or metronidazole), bismuth quadruple therapy (bismuth salt, PPI, tetracycline, and metronidazole or amoxicillin), or concomitant therapy (clarithromycin, PPI, amoxicillin, and metronidazole). However, many patients have relative contraindications to the antibiotics included in these regimens, making therapy selection difficult. Furthermore, failure of initial therapy makes selection of second‐line therapy challenging due to concerns for potential resistance to agents included in the initial regimen. This review discusses H. pylori microbiology, including antibiotic resistance, and summarizes the existing evidence for first‐ and second‐line treatment regimens that may be considered for special populations such as patients with penicillin allergies, patients with or at risk for QTc‐interval prolongation, and patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or elderly.
Structure–property relationship of phenoxyimine ligands/metal chloride initiating systems for controlled cationic polymerizations of alkyl vinyl ethers
Authors: Kigoshi Sensho , Kanazawa Arihiro , Kanaoka Shokyoku , Aoshima Sadahito
Published: August 2019

The catalyst structure–property relationships of the phenoxyimine complexes in controlled cationic polymerization of vinyl ethers were investigated based on the Hammett correlation. The correlation analyses of a series of experiments using the phenoxyimine ligands/TiCl4 initiating systems indicated that the substituents on the N‐aryl phenoxyimine ligands affected the polymerization rate and stereoselectivity. Importantly, a linear correlation was observed between the Hammett substituent constants and the polymerization rates, which indicates that the Lewis acidity of the complex is affected by the electron‐withdrawing and ‐donating effects of the substituents. The tacticity of product polymers correlated to the Hammett substituent constants. Unlike the relationship with the polymerization rates, the σ– values, which account for the enhanced resonance effects, were more appropriate for the relationship with the tacticity than the normal σ values. In contrast, the polymerization behavior using o‐substituted ligands exhibited a trend different from those using p‐ or m‐substituted ligands. The structural change, which was caused by the rotation of the CN bonding, most likely triggered the acceleration effect in the case of the o‐substituents. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 2021–2029
Lessons learned from analyzing an explosion at Shanghai SECCO petrochemical plant
Authors: Dong Hanhai , Liu Yi , Zhao Dongfeng , Qi Meng , Chen Jian , Wang Yanchun , Wang Wei
Published: August 2019

On May 12, 2018, six workers from Shanghai AIJINKE Engineering Construction Services Co. died on the spot of an explosion when they were maintaining a benzene tank at Shanghai SECCO Petrochemical Co. The incident was characterized as a disastrous incident caused by hot work in a confined space. This article aimed to analyze the incident in a chronological order by using the event sequence diagram. The FLACS software was used to simulate the variation of pressure and temperature over time when benzene vapor was ignited in the tank. Multilayer bow‐tie analysis was adopted to explore the causes of the explosion, along with the corresponding consequences, and preventive measures. The analyses show that the primary causes were the unsafe behaviors of on‐site workers, hazardous conditions of in‐tank substances, risky factors in the construction environment, and deficiencies in process safety management. Based on the qualitative and quantitative analyses, we emphasize three considerable reasons, which include inappropriate flammable gas detection before the operation, failing to test for flammable gases during the hot work, and deficiency of the Management of Change. Finally, the article concludes with a summary of lessons learned as well as suggestions for incident prevention and safety improvement.
Identification and geographical distribution of pyrethroid resistance mutations in the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae
Authors: Katsavou Evangelia , Vlogiannitis Spyros , Karp‐Tatham Eleanor , Blake Damer P , Ilias Aris , Strube Christina , Kioulos Ilias , Dermauw Wannes , Van Leeuwen Thomas , Vontas John
Published: August 2019

Background

The poultry red mite (PRM) Dermanyssus gallinae is the most common ectoparasite on poultry and causes high economic losses in poultry farming worldwide. Pyrethroid acaricides have been widely used for its control and, consequently, pyrethroid resistance has arisen. In this study we aim to investigate the occurrence of resistance and study the geographical distribution of pyrethroid resistance mutations across PRM populations in Europe.

Results

Full dose–response contact bioassays revealed very high levels of resistance against several pyrethroids (α‐cypermethrin, fluvalinate, and cyfluthrin) in two PRM populations from Greece, compared to a susceptible reference strain. Resistance was associated with mutations in the gene encoding the target site of pyrethroids, the voltage‐gated sodium channel (VGSC). Mutations, M918L and L925V in domain IIS4‐S5 and F1534L in domain IIIS6, were found at positions known to play a role in pyrethroid resistance in other arthropod species. Subsequent screening by sequencing VGSC gene fragments IIS4‐S5 and IIIS6 revealed the presence and distribution of these mutations in many European populations. In some populations, we identified additional or different mutations including M918V/T, L925M, T929I, I936F, and F1538L. The latter mutation is a possible alternative for F1538I that has been previously associated with pyrethroid resistance in other Acari species.

Conclusion

We report very high levels of pyrethroid resistance in PRM populations from Greece, as well as the identification and geographical distribution of 10 pyrethroid resistance mutations in PRM populations across Europe. Our results draw attention to the need for an evidence‐based implementation of PRM control, taking acaricide resistance management into consideration. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Light Management via Tuning the Fluorine‐Doped Tin Oxide Glass Haze‐Drives High‐Efficiency CsPbI3 Solar Cells
Authors: Bian Hui , Wang Qian , Ding Liming , Jin Zhiwen
Published: August 2019

Transparent conductive fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) glasses play a vital role in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) for their high conductivity and outstanding transparent properties. However, among all optical characteristics (transmittance, reflectance, and scattering) for glass, the light‐scattering property (usually defined by the haze) is usually negligent. Herein, four kinds of glasses with different hazes for CsPbI3 PSCs are carefully studied. Obviously, by using optimal glass (haze of 5%, transmittance of 83%, and no antireflection layer), the short‐circuit current density (JSC) and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the cell are enhanced for reducing the escape of light from the solar cell. Further characterization reveals that such improvement not only originates from the comprehensive effect of the scattering from the FTO glass but also the large contrast in the imaginary part of the refractive index and the surface roughness between each layer in the PSC. Meanwhile, the effect of the presence of antireflection films on light scattering is compared. It is also found that leakage current induced by haze glass is avoided for small‐area (0.09 cm2) PSCs usually fabricated in the laboratory.
Silymarin antiproliferative and apoptotic effects: Insights into its clinical impact in various types of cancer
Authors: Hosseinabadi Tahereh , Lorigooini Zahra , Tabarzad Maryam , Salehi Bahare , Rodrigues Célia F. , Martins Natália , Sharifi‐Rad Javad
Published: August 2019

Silymarin is a complex extract isolated from the plant Silybum marianum, widely known for its prominent antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects, although increasing evidences have reported extraordinary antiproliferative and apoptotic abilities. As a result, several signaling pathways involved in cell cycle control, cell proliferation, and cell death have been deconvoluted as critical mechanisms. In this regard, cyclin and cyclin‐dependent pathways have been the most studied ones. Following that, apoptotic pathways, such as p53, Akt, STAT‐3, Ras, and caspases pathways, have been extensively studied, although other mechanisms involved in inflammation and angiogenesis have also been highlighted as silymarin‐likely targets in cancer therapy. Therefore, the main challenge of this review is to discuss the diverse molecular mechanisms for silymarin antiproliferative and apoptotic effects; most of them largely studied in various types of cancers so far. Clinical trials and combination therapies related to silymarin application in cancer prevention and treatment are presented as well.
When and where do ECMWF seasonal forecast systems exhibit anomalously low signal‐to‐noise ratio?
Authors: Charlton‐Perez Andrew J. , Bröcker Jochen , Stockdale Timothy N. , Johnson Stephanie
Published: August 2019

Seasonal predictions of wintertime climate in the Northern Hemisphere midlatitudes, while showing clear correlation skill, suffer from anomalously low signal‐to‐noise ratio. The low signal‐to‐noise ratio means that forecasts need to be made with large ensemble sizes and require significant post‐processing to correct the forecast distribution. In this study, a recently introduced statistical model of seasonal climate predictability is adapted so that it can be used to examine the signal‐to‐noise ratio in two versions of the ECMWF seasonal forecast system. Three novel features of the low signal‐to‐noise ratio are revealed. The low signal‐to‐noise ratio is present only for forecasts initialized on 1 November and not for forecasts initialized on 1 December. The low signal‐to‐noise ratio is predominantly a feature of the lower and middle troposphere and is not present in the stratosphere. The low signal‐to‐noise ratio is linked to low signal amplitude of the forecast systems in early winter. Future studies attempting to examine the signal‐to‐noise ratio should focus on the extent to which this early winter variability is predictable.
Elimination of spectral blocking by ensuring rotation‐free property of discretized pressure gradient within a spectral semi‐implicit semi‐Lagrangian global atmospheric model
Authors: Ujiie Masashi , Hotta Daisuke
Published: August 2019

The widely‐adopted discretization of the horizontal pressure gradient term formulated by Simmons and Burridge for atmospheric models on σ‐p hybrid vertical coordinate is found to incur spectral blocking for rotational wind components at high vertical levels when used in a spectral semi‐Lagrangian model run on a linear grid. A remedy to this issue is proposed and tested using a spectral semi‐implicit semi‐Lagrangian hydrostatic primitive equations model. The proposed method removes aliasing errors at high wave‐numbers by ensuring that the rotation‐free property of the pressure gradient term on the isobaric surface, a feature possessed by the continuous system, is preserved in the discretized system, which highlights the significance of mimetic discretization within the context of numerical weather prediction models.
Ferrocenyl hetaryl thioketones: A computational study of their conformational stability
Authors: Matczak Piotr , Mlostoń Grzegorz , Weigand Wolfgang
Published: August 2019

In this work, the conformational behavior of ferrocenyl‐ and hetaryl‐functionalized thioketones was studied by means of computational quantum chemical methods. Four hetaryl substituents (furan‐2‐yl, thiophen‐2‐yl, selenophen‐2‐yl, and N‐methylpyrrol‐2‐yl) were taken into account. The conformational space of the four ferrocenyl hetaryl thioketones was explored, and all found conformers were characterized using density functional (B3LYP) and wave function (SCS‐MP2) theories. Their stability was explained in terms of intramolecular interactions. Such interactions were described using the methods of natural bond orbitals, “atoms in molecules,” noncovalent interaction index, and localized molecular orbital energy decomposition analysis. The identified conformations essentially differ in the arrangement of hetaryl heteroatom relative to the thiocarbonyl sulfur atom. The furan‐2‐yl substituent favors an s‐trans‐like arrangement of its heteroatom, while the remaining hetaryl substituents tend to adopt an s‐cis‐like arrangement. Such a conformational preference mainly results from the π → π* stabilization between the CS group and the hetaryl ring. Weak intramolecular hydrogen bonding of CH⋯O type was detected in the preferred conformer of ferrocenyl furan‐2‐yl thioketone. Low‐polarity solvents, such as toluene, chloroform, and tetrahydrofuran, have a small effect on the preferred conformers of the four thioketones.
Quantum measurements and thermodynamics
Authors: Bracken Paul
Published: August 2019

Thermodynamics was developed when it was still unclear whether the microworld had an atomic substructure. The objective here is to investigate the relationship between the process of a quantum measurement and the second law of thermodynamics. It is necessary to make the ideas of heat and work explicit in this approach. It is possible to study the correspondence between information entropy and thermodynamic entropy. Finally, a model is proposed in such a way as to resemble an experimental example for the discussion.
Safety profile and oncological outcomes of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) robotic resection: Single center experience
Authors: Maggioni Cristina , Shida Atsuo , Mancini Raffaello , Ioni Luigi , Pernazza Graziano
Published: August 2019

Background

Although usefulness of robot assisted surgery has been largely reported and accepted, robot assisted gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) treatment is rare. Hence, the aim of this study is to report a single center evaluation on gastric GIST's robotic resection.

Methods

Six patients were analyzed focusing on safe (conversion/complications rate, hospital stay), oncological (margin resection, recurrence rate), and feasible (operative time, technical tip, and tricks) profile of robotic‐assisted GIST surgery.

Results

The mean operative time and hospital stay was 173 ± 39 minutes and 3 ± 1 days, respectively. The conversion rate (to open or laparoscopy) was nil, and no intra and postoperative (mean follow‐up 12 months) complications were registered. In all cases, the resections were classified as R0.

Conclusions

This study supports the usefulness of robotic‐assisted surgery, as the anatomical hand‐sewn reconstruction might avoid the stomach distortion, and the oncological (100% R0) and safety profile outcomes encourage its use. However, further studies with larger sample size are recommended to confirm the outcomes of this study.