bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous spectra and radio properties of BL Lacs
Authors: Mingaliev M. , Sotnikova Yu. , Mufakharov T. , Nieppola E. , Tornikoski M. , Tammi J. , Lähteenmäki A. , Udovitskiy R. , Erkenov A.
Published: July 2017

We present the results of 9 years of the blazar observing program at the RATAN‐600 radio telescope (2005–2015). The data were obtained at six frequency bands (1.1, 2.3, 4.8, 7.7, 11.2, and 21.7 GHz) for 290 blazars, mostly BL Lacs. In addition, we used data at 37 GHz obtained quasi‐simultaneously with the Metsahovi radio observatory for some sources. The sample includes blazars of three types: high‐synchrotron peaked (HSP), low‐synchrotron peaked (LSP), and intermediate‐synchrotron peaked (ISP). We present several epochs of flux density measurements, simultaneous radio spectra, spectral indices, and properties of their variability. The analysis of the radio properties of different classes of blazars showed that LSP and HSP BL Lac blazars are quite different objects, on average. LSPs have higher flux densities and flatter spectra, and their variability increases as higher frequencies are considered. On the other hand, HSPs are very faint in the radio domain and tend to have steep low‐frequency spectra, and they are less variable than LSPs at all frequencies. Another result is the spectral flattening above 7.7 GHz detected in HSPs, while an average LSP spectrum typically remains flat at both the low and high frequency ranges we considered.
Toward a sustainable bioeconomy in West Africa: A focus on biorefining
Authors: Fletcher Eugene , Adeboye Peter Temitope , Duedu Kwabena O.
Published: July 2017

Considering its size and expanding population, Africa needs to play a more active role in preventing global warming. The economy of most West African countries is driven by agriculture and the export of processed wood resulting in the generation of tons of wood and agricultural waste. The waste is usually disposed of by burning, which releases harmful greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the environment. Wood and agricultural wastes are valuable biomass feedstocks for second‐generation biofuels and chemicals. The availability of diverse feedstocks makes the West African sub‐region suitable for setting up biorefineries. However, the limiting factors for establishing biorefineries such as appropriate technology, infrastructure and forward‐looking policies have to be addressed. The currently high cost of biofuel production and competitive crude oil prices also make it seem unfeasible for West African countries and other developing economies to invest in this industry. Therefore, we present an idea for developing a multipurpose modular biorefinery model to meet the energy needs of the region with an added advantage of creating new markets and jobs. We also discuss what new energy policies should be focused on in order to fast‐track the development of the bioenergy sector. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tailored Design of Bicontinuous Gyroid Mesoporous Carbon and Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon from Poly(ethylene oxide‐b‐caprolactone) Diblock Copolymers
Authors: Chu Wei‐Cheng , Bastakoti Bishnu Prasad , Kaneti Yusuf Valentino , Li Jheng‐Guang , Alamri Hatem R. , Alothman Zeid A. , Yamauchi Yusuke , Kuo Shiao‐Wei
Published: July 2017

Highly ordered mesoporous resol‐type phenolic resin and the corresponding mesoporous carbon materials were synthesized by using poly(ethylene oxide‐b‐caprolactone) (PEO‐b‐PCL) diblock copolymer as a soft template. The self‐assembled mesoporous phenolic resin was found to form only in a specific resol concentration range of 40–70 wt % due to an intriguing balance of hydrogen‐bonding interactions in the resol/PEO‐b‐PCL mixtures. Furthermore, morphological transitions of the mesostructures from disordered to gyroid to cylindrical and finally to disordered micelle structure were observed with increasing resol concentration. By calcination under nitrogen atmosphere at 800 °C, the bicontinuous mesostructured gyroid phenolic resin could be converted to mesoporous carbon with large pore size without collapse of the original mesostructure. Furthermore, post‐treatment of the mesoporous gyroid phenolic resin with melamine gave rise to N‐doped mesoporous carbon with unique electronic properties for realizing high CO2 adsorption capacity (6.72 mmol g−1at 0 °C).
Mesotrione Herbicide: Efficiency, Effects, and Fate in the Environment after 15 Years of Agricultural Use
Authors: Carles Louis , Joly Muriel , Joly Pierre
Published: July 2017

Mesotrione (2‐[4‐(methylsulfonyl)‐2‐nitrobenzoyl]‐cylohexane‐1,3‐dione) is an herbicide brought to the market 15 years ago and commonly used on maize cultures. This review summarizes the results obtained from worldwide scientific studies on its efficiency, effects, and fate in environment, in order to bring first overall conclusions about its safety of use. The comprehensive review of the available scientific literature reveals that mesotrione applied as recommended ensures the desired effects on sensitive crops, mainly in post‐emergence application, while exhibiting favorable toxicological, and environmental profile. According to the studies realized so far, mesotrione presents no significant risks to humans and other non‐target organisms or to the environment. Its degradation by soil microorganisms is fast, ensuring a low possibility to retrieve mesotrione in ground water. Its terminal residues in soil, maize, grain, and maize straw are below the limit of quantification. All these results suggest that mesotrione applied as directed ensures the respect of current environmental standards and food safety. Future prospects should focus on its associated pesticides when applied in mixtures on field, and on the detection, quantification, and risk assessment of its transformation products in order to exclude any toxicological synergistic effects.
Gene expression profiling of prostate tissue identifies chromatin regulation as a potential link between obesity and lethal prostate cancer
Authors: Ebot Ericka M. , Gerke Travis , Labbé David P. , Sinnott Jennifer A. , Zadra Giorgia , Rider Jennifer R. , Tyekucheva Svitlana , Wilson Kathryn M. , Kelly Rachel S. , Shui Irene M. , Loda Massimo , Kantoff Philip W. , Finn Stephen , Vander Heiden Matthew G. , Brown Myles , Giovannucci Edward L. , Mucci Lorelei A.
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Obese men are at higher risk of advanced prostate cancer and cancer‐specific mortality; however, the biology underlying this association remains unclear. This study examined gene expression profiles of prostate tissue to identify biological processes differentially expressed by obesity status and lethal prostate cancer.

METHODS

Gene expression profiling was performed on tumor (n = 402) and adjacent normal (n = 200) prostate tissue from participants in 2 prospective cohorts who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer from 1982 to 2005. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from the questionnaire immediately preceding cancer diagnosis. Men were followed for metastases or prostate cancer–specific death (lethal disease) through 2011. Gene Ontology biological processes differentially expressed by BMI were identified using gene set enrichment analysis. Pathway scores were computed by averaging the signal intensities of member genes. Odds ratios (ORs) for lethal prostate cancer were estimated with logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among 402 men, 48% were healthy weight, 31% were overweight, and 21% were very overweight/obese. Fifteen gene sets were enriched in tumor tissue, but not normal tissue, of very overweight/obese men versus healthy‐weight men; 5 of these were related to chromatin modification and remodeling (false‐discovery rate < 0.25). Patients with high tumor expression of chromatin‐related genes had worse clinical characteristics (Gleason grade > 7, 41% vs 17%; P = 2 × 10–4) and an increased risk of lethal disease that was independent of grade and stage (OR, 5.26; 95% confidence interval, 2.37‐12.25).

CONCLUSIONS

This study improves our understanding of the biology of aggressive prostate cancer and identifies a potential mechanistic link between obesity and prostate cancer death that warrants further study. Cancer 2017;123:4130–4138. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Cancer‐Related Systemic Inflammation: The Challenges and Therapeutic Opportunities for Personalized Medicine
Authors: Shinko Diana , Diakos Connie I. , Clarke Stephen J. , Charles Kellie A.
Published: July 2017

Over the last decade there has been significant progress towards the development of personalized or “precision” medicine for many patients with cancer. However, there still remain subpopulations of cancer patients that do not possess a tumor mutation profile that is successfully targeted by the newer molecular anticancer drugs and further personalized approaches are needed. The presence of cancer‐related systemic inflammation represents an underappreciated subpopulation of cancer patients needing personalized therapy. For ∼25% of all advanced cancer patients, regardless of histological subtype, the patients with systemic inflammation have significantly poorer response to chemotherapy and also shorter overall survival compared to those cancer patients without inflammation. The development of cancer‐related systemic inflammation involves interactions between host and tumor cells that are potential new drug targets in cancer chemotherapy. In this review we discuss the challenges and clinical opportunities to develop new therapeutic strategies for this underappreciated drug target.
Poly(ethylene glycol)s as Ligands in Calcium‐Catalyzed Cyclic Carbonate Synthesis
Authors: Steinbauer Johannes , Werner Thomas
Published: July 2017

Herein the use of CaI2 in combination with poly(ethylene glycol) dimethyl ether (PEG DME 500) as an efficient catalyst system for the addition of CO2 to epoxides is reported. This protocol is based on a nontoxic and abundant metal in conjunction with a polymeric ligand. Fifteen terminal epoxides were converted at room temperature to give the desired products in yields up to 99 %. Notably, this system was also effective for the synthesis of twelve challenging internal carbonates in yields up to 98 %.
Bacterial communication systems: A mathematical formulation of negative chemotaxis
Authors: Kantelis Konstantinos , Papadimitriou Georgios
Published: July 2017

The emergence of molecular communication (MC) has provided a new paradigm for communication at nanoscale, besides the electromagnetic one. Numerous biological systems have been proposed that could be used for communication, using mostly bacteria as information carriers, ensuring biocompatibility and low complexity requirements. In this work, message dissemination dynamics in a bacterial communication system was under investigation by means of a simulation framework that was designed and developed based on a commercial tool. A mathematical formulation is proposed, in an effort to accurately predict the system's behavior under the presence of chemotactic‐like nodes. Simulation results are in strong agreement with the respective mathematical model, for a wide range of biological processes, including phenomena such as chemotaxis, bacterial growth cycle, and biological message transformation dynamics. In the case of a simple simulation scenario exhibiting chemotaxis, the mean accuracy improvement reaches values of up to 19%.
Low‐Temperature Al‐Al Thermocompression Bonding with Sn Oxidation Protect Layer for Wafer‐Level Hermetic Sealing
Authors: SATOH SHIRO , FUKUSHI HIDEYUKI , ESASHI MASAYOSHI , TANAKA SHUJI
Published: July 2017

This paper describes hermetic seal wafer bonding using Al covered with thin Sn as an antioxidation layer. The bonding temperature is below 400 °C, which is the maximum temperature of CMOS‐LSI backend process. Gas tightness over 3000 h at room temperature and sealing stability through heat treatment under a typical reflow condition of 260 °C for 10 min were confirmed for samples bonded at 370 °C and 380 °C. A key for successful hermetic seal bonding is relatively high bonding pressure and stress concentration on sealing frames as narrow as several micrometers. The results of SEM and EDX analysis suggested that the bonding was due to direct Al‐Al bonding, while Sn was diffused sparsely among Al grain boundaries. The developed bonding technology is usable for wafer‐level integration of LSI and MEMS in conjunction with hermetic sealing.
Assay and recommendations for the detection of vapour‐phase‐mediated antimicrobial activities
Authors: Feyaerts Adam F. , Mathé Lotte , Luyten Walter , Tournu Hélène , Van Dyck Katrien , Broekx Lize , Van Dijck Patrick
Published: July 2017

Antimicrobial activity assays can be carried out in aqueous solutions using multi‐well plates. However, some bioactive compounds are volatile and can cause effects at a distance. To detect such vapour‐phase‐mediated antimicrobial activity, we introduce the vapour‐phase‐mediated patch assay, a simple bioassay that uses standard microtitre plates. As a proof‐of‐principle, we use the vapour‐phase‐mediated patch assay to test a small but chemically diverse set of selected essential oils with known antifungal activities i.e. Origanum compactum, Artemisia dracunculus, Cinnamomum camphora ct linalool, Cinnamomum cassia and Melissa officinalis, as well as their corresponding major components carvacrol, estragole, linalool, trans‐cinnamaldehyde and citral, against two pathogenic Candida species. As all but one of the tested essential oils i.e. Artemisia dracunculus and its corresponding component estragole, showed vapour‐phase‐mediated antimicrobial activity, we conclude that it is a rather common characteristic of essential oils and their components, that should always be taken into consideration. Additionally, we provide suggestions to prevent false positive results due to possible vapour‐phase‐mediated antimicrobial activities in bioactivity tests.
Analysis of the aroma change of instant green tea induced by the treatment with enzymes from Aspergillus niger prepared by using tea stalk and potato dextrose medium
Authors: Zhu Yan Bing , Zhang Zhen Zhen , Yang Yuan Fan , Du Xi Ping , Chen Feng , Ni Hui
Published: July 2017

The effects of two crude enzymes from Aspergillus niger on the aromas of instant green tea have been investigated. The crude enzymes from tea stalk (ETS) and potato dextrose (EPD) were respectively prepared by fermentation. Both enzyme extracts significantly changed the volatile composition and aroma profile. ETS treatment increased the content of 2‐ethylfuran, ethyl 2‐methylbutyrate and decanal and decreased the content of trans‐limonene oxide and 2‐heptanone; EPD treatment increased the concentrations of 2‐ethylfuran and ethyl 2‐methylbutyrate and decreased the concentrations of octanal, methyl salicylate and trans‐limonene oxide. After ETS treatment, the floral and fermented notes increased, while green, woody and sweet notes decreased. EPD treatment decreased green and floral notes. These results indicate that both ETS and EPD contain some novel enzymes, which could modulate the aroma of instant green tea, and thus provide potential enzyme resources for modulating the aroma of tea products.
Association between age‐related reductions in testosterone and risk of prostate cancer—An analysis of patients' data with prostatic diseases
Authors: Wang Kai , Chen Xinguang , Bird Victoria Y. , Gerke Travis A. , Manini Todd M. , Prosperi Mattia
Published: July 2017

The relationship between serum total testosterone and prostate cancer (PCa) risk is controversial. The hypothesis that faster age‐related reduction in testosterone is linked with increased PCa risk remains untested. We conducted our study at a tertiary‐level hospital in southeast of the USA, and derived data from the Medical Registry Database of individuals that were diagnosed of any prostate‐related disease from 2001 to 2015. Cases were those diagnosed of PCa and had one or more measurements of testosterone prior to PCa diagnosis. Controls were those without PCa and had one or more testosterone measurements. Multivariable logistic regression models for PCa risk of absolute levels (one‐time measure and 5‐year average) and annual change in testosterone were respectively constructed. Among a total of 1,559 patients, 217 were PCa cases, and neither one‐time measure nor 5‐year average of testosterone was found to be significantly associated with PCa risk. Among the 379 patients with two or more testosterone measurements, 27 were PCa cases. For every 10 ng/dL increment in annual reduction of testosterone, the risk of PCa would increase by 14% [adjusted odds ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03–1.25]. Compared to patients with a relatively stable testosterone, patients with an annual testosterone reduction of more than 30 ng/dL had 5.03 [95% CI: 1.53, 16.55] fold increase in PCa risk. This implies a faster age‐related reduction in, but not absolute level of serum total testosterone as a risk factor for PCa. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm this finding.
Three‐dimensional visualization system for ophthalmic microscopes using visible light and near‐infrared illumination
Authors: Kwon Ki‐Chul , Im Chan Young , Seo Kyoung Yul , Nam Sang Min , Erdenebat Munkh‐Uchral , Shim Young Bo , Han Young‐Geun , Kim Nam
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we describe a three‐dimensional visualization system for ophthalmic microscopes that is aimed at microsurgery without the eyepieces. A three‐dimensional visualization system for ophthalmic microscopes using the mixed illumination, which consists of visible light and near‐infrared illumination, is established in order to acquire more exact information of object and reduce the amount of light irradiated to the patients, and its usage in microsurgery without eyepieces is herein described. A custom‐designed stereoscopic three‐dimensional display which is manufactured for the convenience of the surgeons during the long‐time surgery, is connected directly to the camera of the ophthalmic microscope in order to eliminate the discomfort of eyepieces to the surgeon and signal delay between the camera, mounted on the microscope, and display device for surgeon. The main features of the established system are the signal delay‐free for surgeon and the low level of illumination for patient. In particular, it could significantly reduce the amount of light irradiated on a patient's eye via NIR illumination. Upon comparison with the conventional system during clinical ophthalmology trials, this system is confirmed to require almost the same operation time and reduced discomfort and eyestrain during long periods of observation.
An automated framework to quantify areas of regional ischemia in retinal vascular diseases with OCT angiography
Authors: Anegondi Neha , Chidambara Lavanya , Bhanushali Devanshi , Gadde Santosh G. K. , Yadav Naresh K. , Sinha Roy Abhijit
Published: July 2017

In this observational and cross‐sectional study, capillary nonperfusion (CNP) and vascular changes in branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO, sample size [n] = 26) and choroidal neovascularization (CNV, n = 29) were evaluated. Subjects underwent imaging using Optical coherence tomography angiography (Angiovue OCTA, RTVue XR, Optovue Inc., Fremont, California). Local fractal analysis was applied to the OCTA images of superficial, deep and choriocapillaris layer. CNP area (BRVO eyes) and vascular parameters were computed using local fractal‐based method. Sensitivity and specificity of vascular parameters were assessed with receiver operating characteristics curve. Automated CNP area showed excellent agreement with manually quantified CNP areas in both superficial (intraclass coefficient [ICC] = 0.96) and deep (ICC = 0.96) layers. BRVO eyes showed significantly altered (P < .05) vascular parameters in both superficial and deep layer as compared to normal eyes (n = 30). CNVM eyes had significantly higher capillary free zones (P < .001) as compared to normal eyes. In normal vs BRVO eyes, vessel density and spacing between the large vessels had similar area under the curve (AUC) (P > .05) in both superficial (0.97 and 0.97, respectively) and deep layer (0.99 and 0.98, respectively). Further, capillary free zones showed high AUC (0.92) in differentiating CNV eyes from normal eyes.
Dual fluorescence nanoconjugates for ratiometric detection of reactive oxygen species in inflammatory cells
Authors: Ma Yuxiang , Wang Qian , Zhu Qiuyun , Liu Mengyang , Chen Dan , Han Zhihao , Zhang Congying , Lv Liwei , Gu Yueqing
Published: July 2017

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are largely produced under pathological situations. To understand the etiology of disease, it is urgent to develop efficacious probes for detecting ROS. Herein, a novel nanoconjugate detection system constructed from gold clusters (AuNCs) and quantum dots (QDs) for fluorescence ratiometric‐sensing ROS was reported. Upon interacting with ROS, the red emission fluorescence (645 nm from QDs) in the detection system gradually decreased, while the green fluorescence (480 nm from AuNCs) changed little. The fluorescence ratio at the 2 wavelengths (I480 nm/I645 nm) was linearly correlated with the ROS, which could be used for the real‐time ratiometric detection of ROS. The developed nanoconjugates could be applied to monitor the ROS in inflammatory cells for its ability of generating abundant ROS and uptaking ability to nanoparticles. The stimulated ROS in inflammatory cells were monitored by AuNC‐QD and the results were consistent with the traditional 2′, 7′‐dichlorofluorescin diacetate method, confirming the reliability of the developed method. Featured with the merits of higher photostability, low background, high accuracy of ratiometric detection, the AuNC‐QD conjugate demonstrated its potential to be the probe for real‐time ROS detection in inflammatory cells.
Photostimulation effects on chicken egg development: Perspectives on human newborn treatment
Authors: Buzzá Hilde H. , Zangirolami Amanda C. , Kurachi Cristina , Bagnato Vanderlei S.
Published: July 2017

It is well known that, under exposure to bright light, eggs tend to hatch earlier than control, without any damage to the birds. This report aims to systematically show the effect and establishes a proposal for a possible application to accelerate chicken egg formation, which could be extrapolated or adapted as a great advance in premature human newborns. Comparing several protocols, the experiments show that lower doses of light slowly delivered for 24 h promote higher efficiency in embryo development, increasing on average 25% of its size and more than 70% in weight when compared to the control. This weight difference shows promising results compared to rates of up to 17% found in the literature. These results can be a first step to reduce the stay of premature human infants in hospitals because light, when applied in very low doses, can accelerate the natural biological processes without risks.
Non‐invasive sentinel lymph node mapping and needle guidance using clinical handheld photoacoustic imaging system in small animal
Authors: Sivasubramanian Kathyayini , Periyasamy Vijitha , Pramanik Manojit
Published: July 2017

Translating photoacoustic imaging (PAI) into clinical setup is a challenge. Handheld clinical real‐time PAI systems are not common. In this work, we report an integrated photoacoustic (PA) and clinical ultrasound imaging system by combining light delivery with the ultrasound probe for sentinel lymph node imaging and needle guidance in small animal. The open access clinical ultrasound platform allows seamless integration of PAI resulting in the development of handheld real‐time PAI probe. Both methylene blue and indocyanine green were used for mapping the sentinel lymph node using 675 and 690 nm wavelength illuminations, respectively. Additionally, needle guidance with combined ultrasound and PAI was demonstrated using this imaging system. Up to 1.5 cm imaging depth was observed with a 10 Hz laser at an imaging frame rate of 5 frames per second, which is sufficient for future translation into human sentinel lymph node imaging and needle guidance for fine needle aspiration biopsy.
Dual light‐emitting diode‐based multichannel microscopy for whole‐slide multiplane, multispectral and phase imaging
Authors: Liao Jun , Wang Zhe , Zhang Zibang , Bian Zichao , Guo Kaikai , Nambiar Aparna , Jiang Yutong , Jiang Shaowei , Zhong Jingang , Choma Michael , Zheng Guoan
Published: July 2017

We report the development of a multichannel microscopy for whole‐slide multiplane, multispectral and phase imaging. We use trinocular heads to split the beam path into 6 independent channels and employ a camera array for parallel data acquisition, achieving a maximum data throughput of approximately 1 gigapixel per second. To perform single‐frame rapid autofocusing, we place 2 near‐infrared light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) at the back focal plane of the condenser lens to illuminate the sample from 2 different incident angles. A hot mirror is used to direct the near‐infrared light to an autofocusing camera. For multiplane whole‐slide imaging (WSI), we acquire 6 different focal planes of a thick specimen simultaneously. For multispectral WSI, we relay the 6 independent image planes to the same focal position and simultaneously acquire information at 6 spectral bands. For whole‐slide phase imaging, we acquire images at 3 focal positions simultaneously and use the transport‐of‐intensity equation to recover the phase information. We also provide an open‐source design to further increase the number of channels from 6 to 15. The reported platform provides a simple solution for multiplexed fluorescence imaging and multimodal WSI. Acquiring an instant focal stack without z‐scanning may also enable fast 3‐dimensional dynamic tracking of various biological samples.
Development of a molecular bioswitch using fluorescence lifetime imaging: Incremental activation of fluorescein diacetate
Authors: Barnoy Eran A. , Popovtzer Rachela , Fixler Dror
Published: July 2017

Molecular bioswitches offer an invaluable asset in the shift from systemic to targeted treatments. Within the growing arsenal of switches are imaging probes that functionalize only in given locations or situations. Acetate esters are a common fluorescent example, known to activate upon interaction with esterases. Fluorescein diacetate (FDA) is one such fluorophore used in cell viability assays. These assays rely on the fact that the compound begins colorless and with no fluorescent signature whatsoever, and only after internalization into cells it is possible to detect a fluorescence signal. In this study, using fluorescence intensity (FI) and fluorescence lifetime (FLT) imaging, FDA is shown to be fluorescent even when unactivated. Furthermore, the FLT is shown to change with pH. Finally, the ability to image FDA in different environments simulated by tissue‐imitating phantoms is explored. Altogether, the ability of FDA to serve as a bioswitch when measured using FLT imaging microscopy (FLIM) is assessed. The combination of a spectrum of FDA activation and FLIM serves as a bioswitch, where biologically relevant stimulation can generate detectable and incremental variations.
Granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor administration among hemoglobin S trait donors: A single center experience from the Eastern Mediterranean region
Authors: Gereklioglu Cigdem , Asma Suheyl , Korur Aslı , Tepebaşı Songul , Aytan Pelin , Yeral Mahmut , Kozanoglu Ilknur , Boga Can , Ozdogu Hakan
Published: July 2017

Background and Objective

Assessment of Hemoglobin S trait donors has gained importance together with the increased allogeneic peripheral stem cell transplant activity for sickle cell disease in the regions where the disease is prevalent. Outcomes of Granulocyte‐Colony Stimulating Factor (G‐CSF) administration are obscure for hemoglobin S trait donors. This study aims at investigating the incidence of hemoglobin S carrier status and outcomes of G‐CSF administration among donors who live in Eastern Mediterranean region.

Material and Method

The cross‐sectional, single‐center cohort study was performed with 147 donors between January 2013 and March 2017. Prevalence of hemoglobin S trait was estimated and subjects with or without Hemogobin S trait were compared with regard to stem cell characteristics, early and late clinical outcomes after G‐CSF administration.

Results

Eleven out of 147 donors (7.48%) were found as hemoglobin S trait. G‐CSF administration was successfully completed and yielded good harvesting results in hemoglobin S trait donors. No statistically significant difference was found between groups with regard to early and late side effects, stem cell characteristics. Blood pressures and QTc values were within normal ranges in both groups. Groups were similar with regard to CD34 values.

Conclusion

G‐CSF seems safe in hemoglobin S trait donors. Their being eligible as donors would increase the chance of the patients for allogeneic stem cell transplantation in high prevalence regions. Further studies are required to reveal the safety profile of G‐SCF in hemoglobin S carriers in different regions.
Eulerian partial duals of plane graphs
Authors: Metsidik Metrose , Jin Xian'an
Published: July 2017

In the paper Combinatorica 33(2) (2013) 231–252, Huggett and Moffatt characterized all bipartite partial duals of a plane graph in terms of oriented circuits in its medial graph. An open problem posed in their paper is the characterization of Eulerian partial duals of plane graphs. In this article, we solve this problem by considering half‐edge orientations of medial graphs.
Dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI of the patellar bone: How to quantify perfusion
Authors: Poot Dirk H.J. , van der Heijden Rianne A. , van Middelkoop Marienke , Oei Edwin H.G. , Klein Stefan
Published: July 2017

Purpose

To identify the optimal combination of pharmacokinetic model and arterial input function (AIF) for quantitative analysis of blood perfusion in the patellar bone using dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI).

Materials and Methods

This method design study used a random subset of five control subjects from an Institutional Review Board (IRB)‐approved case–control study into patellofemoral pain, scanned on a 3T MR system with a contrast‐enhanced time‐resolved imaging of contrast kinetics (TRICKS) sequence. We systematically investigated the reproducibility of pharmacokinetic parameters for all combinations of Orton and Parker AIF models with Tofts, Extended Tofts (ETofts), and Brix pharmacokinetic models. Furthermore, we evaluated if the AIF should use literature parameters, be subject‐specific, or group‐specific. Model selection was based on the goodness‐of‐fit and the coefficient of variation of the pharmacokinetic parameters inside the patella. This extends previous studies that were not focused on the patella and did not evaluate as many combinations of arterial and pharmacokinetic models.

Results

The vascular component in the ETofts model could not reliably be recovered (coefficient of variation [CV] of vp >50%) and the Brix model parameters showed high variability of up to 20% for kel across good AIF models. Compared to group‐specific AIF, the subject‐specific AIF's mostly had higher residual. The best reproducibility and goodness‐of‐fit were obtained by combining Tofts' pharmacokinetic model with the group‐specific Parker AIF.

Conclusion

We identified several good combinations of pharmacokinetic models and AIF for quantitative analysis of perfusion in the patellar bone. The recommended combination is Tofts pharmacokinetic model combined with a group‐specific Parker AIF model.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:848–858.
Characterization of clinical predictors of naturally occurring NS3/NS4A protease polymorphism in genotype 1 hepatitis C virus mono and HIV co‐infected patients
Authors: Lisboa Neto Gaspar , Malta Fernanda M. , Gomes‐Gouvêa Michele S. , Noble Caroline F. , Romano Camila M. , Rebello Pinho João R. , Silva Mariliza H. , Leite Andrea G.B. , Piccoli Leonora Z. , Carrilho Flair J. , Mendes‐Correa Maria C.
Published: July 2017

Spontaneously occurring resistance may impair the success of protease inhibitors based regimens in HCV treatment. This study aimed to evaluate associations between amino acid substitutions in NS3/NS4A domain and clinical features of 247 HCV mono or HCV/HIV co‐infected patients. Fourteen samples (5.7%) harbored at least one resistance‐associated substitution (RAS). The following RASs were detected in NS3 region: T54S (6‐2.4%), V55A (7‐2.8%), and Q80R (2‐0.8%). S122G occurred in 86.9% of HCV genotype 1b samples with either natural polymorphisms or RASs. Advanced liver fibrosis and HIV co‐infection were not related to NS3/NS4A amino acid substitutions.
Quantification of interfacial motions following primary and revision total knee arthroplasty: A verification study versus experimental data
Authors: Conlisk Noel , Howie Colin R. , Pankaj Pankaj
Published: July 2017

Motion at the bone–implant interface, following primary or revision knee arthroplasty, can be detrimental to the long‐term survival of the implant. This study employs experimentally verified computational models of the distal femur to characterize the relative motion at the bone–implant interface for three different implant types; a posterior stabilizing implant (PS), a total stabilizing implant (TS) with short stem (12 mm × 50 mm), and a total stabilizing implant (TS) with long offset stem (19 mm × 150 mm with a 4 mm lateral offset). Relative motion was investigated for both cemented and uncemented interface conditions. Monitoring relative motion about a single reference point, though useful for discerning global differences between implant types, was found to not be representative of the true pattern and distribution of motions which occur at the interface. The contribution of elastic deformation to apparent reference point motion varied based on implant type, with the PS and TSSS implanted femurs experiencing larger deformations (43 and 39 μm, respectively) than the TSLS implanted femur (22 μm). Furthermore, the pattern of applied loading was observed to greatly influence location and magnitude of peak motions, as well as the surface area under increased motion. Interestingly, the influence was not uniform across all implant types, with motions at the interface of long stemmed prosthesis found to be less susceptible to changes in pattern of loading. These findings have important implications for the optimization and testing of orthopedic implants in vitro and in silico. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:387–396, 2018.
Determinants of short and long term outcomes in patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction following neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Wengler Craig A. , Valente Stephanie A. , Al‐Hilli Zahraa , Woody Neil M. , Muntean Julia H. , Abraham Jame , Tendulkar Rahul D. , Djohan Risal , O'Rourke Colin , Crowe Joseph P. , Grobmyer Stephen R.
Published: July 2017

Background

We evaluated oncologic outcomes and complications of skin‐sparing mastectomy (SSM) and nipple‐sparing mastectomy (NSM) with immediate reconstruction (IR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with early‐stage and locally advanced breast cancer (BC).

Methods

BC patients from 2000 to 2014 treated with NAC followed by SSM/NSM and IR were reviewed. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, NAC response, complications, and recurrence were analyzed.

Results

Two hundred sixty‐nine patients with 280 BCs were treated with NAC followed by SSM (94%) or NSM (6%) with IR. Median age was 47 (26‐72) years with a median follow‐up of 45 months. Pathologic complete response (pCR) was noted in 49 (17.5%) cases. Overall 30‐day complication rate was 13.2%. Variables associated with complications included BMI (P < 0.0001), tobacco use (P = 0.015), and adjuvant radiation (P = 0.025). Local‐regional recurrence was 3.2% and metastatic recurrence was 13.2%. Variables predicting recurrence risk were pre‐NAC tumor size (P < 0.001), residual tumor size (P = 0.002), Grade III (P = 0.002), HER‐2 negative (P = 0.025), pre‐NAC nodal disease (P = 0.05), and lack of pCR (P = 0.045).

Conclusion

Following NAC, risk factors for complications in patients undergoing SSM/NSM with IR are high BMI, smoking, and adjuvant XRT. SSM/NSM following NAC is associated with excellent local control. These data support expanding the indications for NSM/SSM to include patients receiving NAC.
Conceptualization of Water Flow Pathways in Agricultural Terraced Landscapes
Authors: Preti Federico , Guastini Enrico , Penna Daniele , Dani Andrea , Cassiani Giorgio , Boaga Jacopo , Deiana Rita , Romano Nunzio , Nasta Paolo , Palladino Mario , Errico Alessandro , Giambastiani Yamuna , Trucchi Paolo , Tarolli Paolo
Published: July 2017

Agricultural terraces are often subject to degradation issues related to water movement. A better understanding of the main hydrological processes that govern surface and subsurface water flow pathways and that are responsible for terrace failure and dry‐stone wall collapse is essential for appropriate water resource management and rural landscape maintenance in terraced areas. However, a clear conceptualization of different hydrological functioning related to wall instability issues is still missing. In this study, we monitored a terrace system in a hilly site of central Italy cultivated with vineyards. We adopted a multidisciplinary approach based on soil analysis, different geophysical techniques, hydrological monitoring, high‐resolution grid terrain analysis and field experiments (infiltration and flooding tests) aiming to: (i) obtain new information of terrace soil and subsoil structure; (ii) test the hypothesis on wall instability based on the formation of preferential flow and water accumulation behind the wall; and (iii) develop a conceptual model of water circulation in agricultural terraces. Our results indicate that terrace soil was highly heterogeneous, including discontinuities and piping systems that facilitated a rapid infiltration and the development of fast subsurface flow. Groundwater rise did not occur, as observed in other terraced sites, but infiltrated water accumulated behind dry‐stone walls, increasing pore water pressure and inducing wall bulging and instability. Our findings provided new field evidences of water circulation and led to the definition of a novel paradigm of hydrological functioning of farming terraced systems for addressing more efficient management and maintenance issues in these vulnerable landscapes. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Delivery Science Rapid Analysis Program: a research and operational partnership at Kaiser Permanente Northern California
Authors: Schmittdiel Julie A. , Dlott Richard S. , Young Joseph D. , Rothman Michael B. , Dyer Wendy , Adams Alyce S.
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Health care researchers and delivery system leaders share a common mission to improve health care quality and outcomes. However, differing timelines, incentives, and priorities are often a barrier to research and operational partnerships. In addition, few funding mechanisms exist to generate and solicit analytic questions that are of interest to both research and to operations within health care settings, and provide rapid results that can be used to improve practice and outcomes.

Methods

The Delivery Science Rapid Analysis Program (RAP) was formed in 2013 within the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research, sponsored by The Permanente Medical Group. A steering committee consisting of both researchers and clinical leaders solicits and reviews proposals for rapid analytic projects that will use existing data and are feasible within 6 months and with up to $30,000 (approximately 25%–50% full‐time equivalent) of programmer/analyst effort. Review criteria include the importance of the analytic question for both research and operations, and the potential for the project to have a significant impact on care delivery within 12 months of completion.

Results

The RAP funded 5 research and operational analytic projects between 2013 and 2017. These projects spanned a wide range of clinical areas, including lupus, pediatric obesity, diabetes, e‐cigarette use, and hypertension. The hypertension RAP project, which focused on optimizing thiazide prescribing in Black/African American patients with hypertension, led to new insights that inform an equitable care quality metric designed to reduce blood pressure control disparities throughout the Kaiser Permanente Northern California region.

Conclusions

Programs that actively encourage research and operational analytic partnerships have significant potential to improve care, enhance research collaborations, and contribute to the building and sustaining of learning health systems.
Physiotherapy for Parkinson's Disease in Sweden: Provision, Expertise, and Multi‐professional Collaborations
Authors: Conradsson David , Leavy Breiffni , Hagströmer Maria , Nilsson Maria H. , Franzén Erika
Published: July 2017

Background

Evidence for the positive effects of physiotherapy for persons with Parkinson's disease (PwPD) is rapidly increasing. However, little is known about the provision of physiotherapy for PwPD in everyday practice. The objective of this study was to gain insight into the nature of physiotherapeutic care for PwPD in hospitals, primary care units, and community services in Sweden.

Methods

A web‐based survey was sent out to 2956 members of the Swedish Association of Physiotherapists, including questions about treatment, measurement tools, multi‐professional collaborations, adherence to physiotherapy guidelines, professional expertise, and needs for gaining expertise regarding PwPD.

Results

Of the 1189 physiotherapists who completed the survey, 705 were treating 1 or more PwPD per month in hospitals (21%), in primary care units (37%), and in the community (42%). Physiotherapy frequently targeted a wide range of musculoskeletal and mobility impairments; however, freezing of gait and pain were less frequently treated. Measurement tools recommended for PwPD were infrequently used, and there was a preference for single‐item questions/tools compared with multi‐item instruments. Collaboration with other health care professionals for the rehabilitation of PwPD was rare and was more evident in hospitals than in primary care units and the community. Adherence to physiotherapy guidelines was poor, and most respondents reported that they treated too few PwPD to retain their expertise and they perceived a need to increase their knowledge and skills about physiotherapy for PwPD.

Conclusion

The current findings emphasize the need to strengthen expertise regarding the assessment and treatment of PwPD among physiotherapists in Sweden and to apply strategies endorsing multi‐professional collaboration for PD rehabilitation.
Spatial and temporal variations of regional drought events in southern China
Authors: Wang Yanjiao , Yan Feng
Published: July 2017

In this paper, an objective identification technique for regional extreme events (OITREE) is used to identify regional drought events (RDEs) in southern China based on the daily precipitation dataset of 342 stations from 1961 to 2012. Generally RDEs in southern China occur over an entire year, with high frequencies from January to April and peak frequencies in February and March. The spatial distributions of frequency and intensity of RDEs are consistent, with high frequencies of more than 60 and the annual average number of drought days being more than 30 in most regions of southern China east of 105 ° E. The trend distributions of the frequency and intensity of RDEs in southern China are similar, with increasing trends in most western regions and decreasing trends in most eastern regions. The decreasing trends of RDEs in most eastern regions were mainly affected by the weakening of East Asia summer moonsoon (EASM) from the 1960s to the 1990s, which resulted in the summer main rain belts in eastern China moving from North China to southern China and caused the precipitation increasing in eastern regions of southern China from the 1960s to the 1990s. While the increasing trends of RDEs in most western regions were not only affected by the EASM, but also associated with the weakening of the India‐Burma Trough (IBT) that caused less wet air transport to Southwest China and the decrease of precipitation in western regions of southern China.
Transforming climate model output to forecasts of wind power production: how much resolution is enough?
Authors: MacLeod Dave , Torralba Verónica , Davis Melanie , Doblas‐Reyes Francisco
Published: July 2017

Wind power forecasts are useful tools for power load balancing, energy trading and wind farm operations. Long range monthly‐to‐seasonal forecasting allows the prediction of departures from average weather conditions beyond traditional weather forecast timescales, months in advance. However, it has not yet been demonstrated how these forecasts can be optimally transformed to wind power. The predictable part of a seasonal forecast is for longer monthly averages, not daily averages, but to use monthly averages misses information on variability. To investigate, here a model relating average weather conditions to average wind power output was built, based on the relationship between instantaneous wind speed and power production and incorporating fluctuations in air density due to temperature and wind speed variability. Observed monthly average power output from UK stations was used to validate the model and to investigate the optimal temporal resolution for the data used to drive the model. Multiple simulations of wind power were performed based on reanalysis data, making separate simulations based on monthly, daily and sub‐daily averages, using a distribution defined by the mean across the period to incorporate information on variability. Basing the simulation on monthly averages alone is sub‐optimal: using daily average winds gives the highest correlation against observations. No improvement over this is gained by using sub‐daily averages or including temperature variability. This signifies that to transform seasonal forecasts to wind power a compromise must be made between using the daily averages with debatable skill and the more predictable monthly averages, losing information on day‐to‐day variability.