bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near Equilibrium 13C18O Bonding During Inorganic Calcite Precipitation Under Chemo‐Stat Conditions
Authors: Levitt Nicholas P. , Eiler John M. , Romanek Christopher S. , Beard Brian L. , Xu Huifang , Johnson Clark M.
Published: February 2018

We report results of 13C/12C, 18O/16O, and 13C18O “clumped” isotope analyses from a series of calcite precipitation experiments from aqueous solutions under laboratory conditions. Chemo‐stat precipitation experiments were performed to synthetically form calcite from aqueous solution onto 43Ca‐labeled calcite seed crystals. Formation rate was controlled during the experiments to investigate the effect of precipitation rate and temperature on 13C18O bonding in calcite, where rates ranged from 10−6.88 to 10−8.20 mol m−2 s−1 at three temperatures (10, 20, and 30°C). No relation was observed between precipitation rate and 13C18O bonding proportion over the range of precipitation rates used. The relation between Δ47 and temperature produced was comparable to calibration studies which report a relatively high sensitivity of 13C18O bonding to temperature over the range investigated. Comparing solution conditions across multiple experimental data sets indicates an inverse relation between saturation state and 13C18O bonding, where high super‐saturation conditions are likely to be furthest from equilibrium 13C18O partitioning. Carbon fractionation between calcite and
was found to be a temperature independent value of +1.6‰. The temperature‐dependent calcite‐water 18O/16O fractionation relation determined in this study is slightly different (larger
value) than those measured in several previous investigations. Significantly, we observe a dependence of the 18O/16O isotope fractionation factor on growth rate. Taken together, these findings suggest carbonate growth in our experiments approached equilibrium more closely than previous experiments of this type, yet did not achieve full O isotope equilibrium.
Magnetic Properties and Paleomagnetism of Zebra Rock, Western Australia: Chemical Remanence Acquisition in Hematite Pigment and Ediacaran Geomagnetic Field Behavior
Authors: Abrajevitch Alexandra , Pillans Brad J. , Roberts Andrew P. , Kodama Kazuto
Published: February 2018

Zebra Rock, a decorative stone remarkable for its unusual pattern of regularly spaced reddish bands and rods with white background, is found within the Neoproterozoic succession in East Kimberley, Western Australia. The unusual pigment distribution suggests that precipitation of hematite, or its precursor phase, occurred in a single episode. Magnetic properties of hematite pigment in Zebra Rock are distinctly different from those of the host shale, with a smaller median particle size and higher degree of structural perfection. The low thermal stability of the Zebra Rock pigment, with onset of thermal alteration at 300°C, suggests that the rocks have not undergone significant metamorphic heating. Stepwise thermal demagnetization reveals multiple magnetization components. Short‐range variability in the relative contributions of the components to the total remanence is indicative of the stochastic nature of the hematite pigment growth process. In addition to seven magnetization components with shallow to intermediate inclinations that can be matched to the Paleozoic Australian apparent polar wander path, Zebra Rock samples contain a distinct steeply dipping magnetization that is not observed in the host shales. The steep magnetization appears to be primary, based on its unique association with the Zebra pattern, dissimilarity with younger directions, and evidence for low degree of thermal alteration of the rocks. The steep characteristic remanence contrasts with previous paleomagnetic indications of low Australian Neoproterozoic paleolatitudes. The characteristic Zebra Rock magnetization is the first Australian example of incompatible magnetization directions that have been reported previously from Ediacaran rocks in Laurentia, Baltica, and Africa.
Wet‐Responsive, Reconfigurable, and Biocompatible Hydrogel Adhesive Films for Transfer Printing of Nanomembranes
Authors: Yi Hoon , Seong Minho , Sun Kahyun , Hwang Insol , Lee Kangseok , Cha Chaenyung , Kim Tae‐il , Jeong Hoon Eui
Published: February 2018

This study presents a wet‐responsive and biocompatible smart hydrogel adhesive that exhibits switchable and controllable adhesions on demand for the simple and efficient transfer printing of nanomembranes. The prepared hydrogel adhesives show adhesion strength as high as ≈191 kPa with the aid of nano‐ or microstructure arrays on the surface in the dry state. When in contact with water, the nano/microscopic and macroscopic shape reconfigurations of the hydrogel adhesive occur, which turns off the adhesion (≈0.30 kPa) with an extremely high adhesion switching ratio (>640). The superior adhesion behaviors of the hydrogels are maintained over repeating cycles of hydration and dehydration, indicating their ability to be used repeatedly. The adhesives are made of a biocompatible hydrogel and their adhesion on/off can be controlled with water, making the adhesives compatible with various materials and surfaces, including biological substrates. Based on these smart adhesion capabilities, diverse metallic and semiconducting nanomembranes can be transferred from donor substrates to either rigid or flexible surfaces including biological tissues in a reproducible and robust fashion. Transfer printing of a nanoscale crack sensor onto a bovine eye further demonstrates the potential of the reconfigurable hydrogel adhesive for use as a stimuli‐responsive, smart, and versatile functional adhesive for nanotransfer printing.
Engineering of Mesoporous Silica Coated Carbon‐Based Materials Optimized for an Ultrahigh Doxorubicin Payload and a Drug Release Activated by pH, T, and NIR‐light
Authors: Wells Connor , Vollin‐Bringel Ophélie , Fiegel Vincent , Harlepp Sébastien , Van der Schueren Benoit , Bégin‐Colin Sylvie , Bégin Dominique , Mertz Damien
Published: February 2018

Among the challenges in nanomedicine, engineering nanomaterials able to combine imaging and multitherapies is hugely needed to address issues of a personalized treatment. In that context, a novel class of drug releasing and remotely activated nanocomposites based on carbon‐based materials coated with mesoporous silica (MS) and loaded with an outstanding level of the antitumoral drug doxorubicin (DOX) is designed. First, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene sheets (called “few‐layer graphene” FLG) are processed to afford a distribution size that is more suitable for nanomedicine applications. Then, the controlled coating of MS shells having a thickness tailored with the sol–gel parameters (amount of precursor, sol–gel time) around the sliced CNTs and exfoliated FLGs is reported. Furthermore, the drug loading in such mesoporous nanocomposites is investigated and the surface modification with an aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS) coating leading to a controlled polysiloxane layer provides an ultrahigh payload of DOX (up to several folds the mass of the initial composites). Such new CNT‐based nanocomposites are demonstrated to release DOX at low acidic pH, high temperature (T), and remotely when they are excited by near infrared (NIR) light. Such nanoconstructs may find applications as components of innovative biomedical scaffolds for phototherapy combined with drug delivery.
Mechanically Versatile Soft Machines through Laminar Jamming
Authors: Narang Yashraj S. , Vlassak Joost J. , Howe Robert D.
Published: February 2018

There are two major structural paradigms in robotics: soft machines, which are conformable, durable, and safe; and traditional rigid robots, which are fast, precise, and capable of applying high forces. Here, the paradigms are bridged by enabling soft machines to behave like traditional rigid robots on command. This task is accomplished via laminar jamming, a structural phenomenon in which a laminate of compliant strips becomes strongly coupled through friction when a pressure gradient is applied, causing dramatic changes in mechanical properties. Rigorous analytical and finite element models of laminar jamming are developed, and jamming structures are experimentally characterized to show that the models are highly accurate. Then jamming structures are integrated into soft machines to enable them to selectively exhibit the stiffness, damping, and kinematics of traditional rigid robots. The models allow jamming structures to efficiently meet arbitrary performance specifications, and the physical demonstrations illustrate how to construct systems that can behave like either soft machines or traditional rigid robots at will, such as continuum manipulators that can rapidly have joints appear and disappear. This study aims to foster a new generation of mechanically versatile machines and structures that cannot simply be classified as “soft” or “rigid.”
Nanocarbon‐Based Materials for Flexible All‐Solid‐State Supercapacitors
Authors: Lv Tian , Liu Mingxian , Zhu Dazhang , Gan Lihua , Chen Tao
Published: February 2018

Because of the rapid development of flexible electronics, it is important to develop high‐performance flexible energy‐storage devices, such as supercapacitors and metal‐ion batteries. Compared with metal‐ion batteries, supercapacitors exhibit higher power density, longer cycling life, and excellent safety, and they can be easily fabricated into all‐solid‐state devices by using polymer gel electrolytes. All‐solid‐state supercapacitors (ASSSCs) have the advantages of being lightweight and flexible, thus showing great potential to be used as power sources for flexible portable electronics. Because of their high specific surface area and excellent electrical and mechanical properties, nanocarbon materials (such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, carbon nanofibers, and so on) have been widely used as efficient electrode materials for flexible ASSSCs, and great achievements have been obtained. Here, the recent advances in flexible ASSSCs are summarized, from design strategies to fabrication techniques for nanocarbon electrodes and devices. Current challenges and future perspectives are also discussed.
Bifunctional Electrocatalysis on Pd‐Ni Core–Shell Nanoparticles for Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction in Alkaline Medium
Authors: Shviro Meital , Polani Shlomi , Dunin‐Borkowski Rafal E. , Zitoun David
Published: February 2018

The development of alkaline exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC) is limited by the sluggish reaction at the anode. Even precious group metals (PGMs) are not effective hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) electrocatalysts in alkaline medium. In this manuscript, the original synthesis of effective HOR electrocatalysts for AEMFC is reported. Here, the limitations of using metal‐organic precursors are described and their replacement with organometallic precursors is proposed. It is shown that completely different nanostructures can be synthesized by the organometallic route, resulting in the formation of NiPd nano‐alloy or Ni@Pd core–shell nanoparticles, instead of Pd@Ni. The presence of both Pd and Ni on the catalyst surface has a drastic effect on its HOR activity, due to a bifunctional electrocatalytic mechanism with hydrogen binding on Pd and OH binding on Ni. The highest activity is measured for NiPd nano‐alloy, whose specific activity reaches and at 0.1 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode at 298 K. These are the highest values reported so far for an NiPd catalyst. By design, the synthetic approach is generic and can be applied to any pair of metals, either PGM or other transition metals, to synthesize alloyed or core–shell electrocatalysts.
Photosensitizer Micelles Together with IDO Inhibitor Enhance Cancer Photothermal Therapy and Immunotherapy
Authors: Peng Jinrong , Xiao Yao , Li Wenting , Yang Qian , Tan Liwei , Jia Yanpeng , Qu Ying , Qian Zhiyong
Published: February 2018

The therapeutic outcome of photothermal therapy (PTT) remains impeded by the transparent depth of light. Combining PTT with immunotherapy provides strategies to solve this problem. Regulating metabolism‐related enzymes is a promising strategy to stimulate immune response. Here, a nanosystem (NLG919/IR780 micelles) with the properties of photothermal conversion and regulation of the tryptophan metabolic pathway is used to suppress the growth of the tumor margin beyond effective PTT and promote tumor PTT and immunotherapy. It is revealed that mild heat treatment promotes the growth of the tumor margin beyond effective PTT for the upregulation of heat shock protein (HSP), indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO), and programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1). The NLG919/IR780 micelles can effectively inhibit the activity of IDO but do not affect the level of IDO expression. NLG919/IR780 micelles can effectively accumulate in the tumor and can migrate to lymph nodes and the lymphatic system. In vivo antitumor studies reveal that NLG919/IR780 micelles effectively suppress the growth of tumor margin following PTT in primary tumors. NLG919/IR780 micelle‐mediated PTT and IDO inhibition further stimulate the activation of T lymphocytes, inhibiting the growth of distal tumors (abscopal effect). The results demonstrate that the NLG919/IR780 micelles combine PTT and immunotherapy and suppress the tumor margin as well as distal tumor growth post photothermal therapy.
Circadian cortisol dynamics across reproductive stages and in relation to breastfeeding in the Philippines
Authors: Thayer Zaneta M. , Agustin Bechayda Sonny , Kuzawa Christopher W.
Published: February 2018

Objective

An increase in cortisol during human pregnancy helps coordinate the onset of parturition, and can have long‐term effects on offspring biology. Maternal cortisol can also be transferred to offspring via breast milk during lactation. However, little is known about how diurnal cortisol profiles vary by trimester of pregnancy or during the postpartum period. Here, we describe diurnal cortisol profiles among a large cross‐sectional sample of healthy Filipino young adult women varying in reproductive status and, during the postpartum period, in whether or not they are breastfeeding.

Methods

Salivary cortisol, anthropometric, and questionnaire data were obtained from participants in a birth cohort in metropolitan Cebu, Philippines (N = 741; age 20.8–22.4 years). Cortisol was assessed at waking, thirty minutes after waking (cortisol awakening response, CAR), and before bed.

Results

Compared with nulliparous women, morning cortisol was roughly 50% higher among women in late gestation, while evening cortisol was roughly 4‐fold higher and the CAR was lower. Postpartum waking and evening cortisol were lower among currently breastfeeding women compared to nulliparous women, but were comparable in the absence of breastfeeding. The CAR was significantly lower among postpartum women compared to nulliparous women irrespective of breastfeeding status.

Conclusions

These findings are consistent with known alterations in hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis function during reproduction, and in particular point to marked and progressive elevation in maternal cortisol during the course of gestation. Cortisol appears to return to nulliparous levels after parturition, with levels suppressed below nulliparous levels during lactation.
Suppression of the Verwey Transition by Charge Trapping
Authors: Schmitz‐Antoniak Carolin , Schmitz Detlef , Warland Anne , Darbandi Masih , Haldar Soumyajyoti , Bhandary Sumanta , Sanyal Biplab , Eriksson Olle , Wende Heiko
Published: February 2018

The Verwey transition in Fe3O4 nanoparticles with a mean diameter of 6.3 nm is suppressed after capping the particles with a 3.5 nm thick shell of SiO2. By X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and its associated X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism this suppression can be correlated to localized Fe2+ states and a reduced double exchange visible in different site‐specific magnetization behavior in high magnetic fields. The results are discussed in terms of charge trapping at defects in the Fe3O4/ SiO2 interface and the consequent difficulties in the formation of the common phases of Fe3O4. By comparison to X‐ray absorption spectra of bare Fe3O4 nanoparticles in course of the Verwey transition, particular changes in the spectral shape could be correlated to changes in the number of unoccupied d states for Fe ions at different lattice sites. These findings are supported by density functional theory calculations.
Total Synthesis of Tambromycin by Combining Chemocatalytic and Biocatalytic C−H Functionalization
Authors: Zhang Xiao , King‐Smith Emma , Renata Hans
Published: February 2018

A combination of genomic and metabolomic approaches recently resulted in the identification of a nonribosomal tetrapeptide tambromycin, which possesses promising antiproliferative activity and several unusual structural features, including a densely substituted indole, a methyloxazoline ring, and an unusual pyrrolidine‐containing amino acid called tambroline. In this work, we identify a concise synthetic route to access tambromycin, which relies on the strategic use of biocatalytic and chemocatalytic C−H functionalization methods to prepare two key precursors to the natural product in an efficient and scalable manner. The success of our study highlights the benefits of applying the principles of biocatalytic retrosynthesis as well as C−H functionalization logic to the synthesis of complex molecular scaffolds.
Controllable Assembly of Enzymes for Multiplexed Lab‐on‐a‐Chip Bioassays with a Tunable Detection Range
Authors: Xianyu Yunlei , Wu Jing , Chen Yiping , Zheng Wenshu , Xie Mengxia , Jiang Xingyu
Published: February 2018

Multiplexed analysis of molecules with different concentrations requires assays with a tunable detection range. A strategy is outlined that uses click chemistry to assemble horseradish peroxidase in a controlled fashion to generate enzyme assemblies as probes for multiplexed bioassays. This controllable assembly of enzymes on detection antibodies allows for lab‐on‐a‐chip immunoassays with a tunable detection range from pg mL−1 to μg mL−1. Simultaneous, multiplexed bioassays of clinically relevant inflammatory biomarkers in serum are demonstrated in one lab‐on‐a‐chip format, with a limit of detection of 0.47 pg mL−1 for interleukin‐6, 2.6 pg mL−1 for procalcitonin, and 40 ng mL−1 for C‐reactive protein. This controlled assembly technique provides a multiplexed platform for simultaneous and quantitative analyses of both low‐abundance and high‐abundance biomarkers with a broad detection range, which holds great promise as a point‐of‐care platform for biomedical diagnostics.
Role of Lgals9 Deficiency in Attenuating Nephritis and Arthritis in BALB/c Mice in a Pristane‐Induced Lupus Model
Authors: Zeggar Sonia , Watanabe Katsue S. , Teshigawara Sanae , Hiramatsu Sumie , Katsuyama Takayuki , Katsuyama Eri , Watanabe Haruki , Matsumoto Yoshinori , Kawabata Tomoko , Sada Ken‐ei , Niki Toshiro , Hirashima Mitsuomi , Wada Jun
Published: February 2018

Objective

In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease associated with multiple organ involvement, the development of lupus nephritis determines prognosis, and arthritis impairs quality of life. Galectin 9 (Gal‐9, Lgals9) is a β‐galactoside–binding lectin that has been used for clinical application in autoimmune diseases, since recombinant Gal‐9, as a ligand for T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain–containing protein 3 (TIM‐3), induces apoptosis of activated CD4+TIM‐3+ Th1 cells. This study was undertaken to investigate whether deficiency of Lgals9 has beneficial or deleterious effects on lupus in a murine model.

Methods

Gal‐9+/+ and Gal‐9−/− female BALB/c mice were injected with pristane, and the severity of arthritis, proteinuria, and levels of autoantibody production were assessed at several time points immediately following injection. At 7 months after pristane injection, renal pathologic features, the severity of joint inflammation, and formation of lipogranulomas were evaluated. Subsets of inflammatory cells in the spleen and peritoneal lavage were characterized, and expression levels of cytokines from peritoneal macrophages were analyzed.

Results

Lgals9 deficiency protected against the development of immune complex glomerulonephritis, arthritis, and peritoneal lipogranuloma formation in BALB/c mice in this murine model of pristane‐induced lupus. The populations of T cell subsets and B cells in the spleen and peritoneum were not altered by Lgals9 deficiency in pristane‐injected BALB/c mice. Furthermore, Lgals9 deficiency protected against pristane‐induced lupus without altering the Toll‐like receptor 7–type I interferon pathway.

Conclusion

Gal‐9 is required for the induction and development of lupus nephritis and arthritis in this murine model of SLE. The results of the current investigation provide a potential new strategy in which antagonism of Gal‐9 may be beneficial for the treatment of nephritis and arthritis in patients with SLE through targeting of activated macrophages.
Meta-analysis of risk of developing malignancy in congenital choledochal malformation
Authors: ten Hove A , de Meijer V E , Hulscher J B F , de Kleine R H J
Published: February 2018

Background

Choledochal malformations comprise various congenital cystic dilatations of the extrahepatic and/or intrahepatic biliary tree. Choledochal malformation is generally considered a premalignant condition, but reliable data on the risk of malignancy and optimal surgical treatment are lacking. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the prevalence of malignancy in patients with choledochal malformation and to differentiate between subtypes. In addition, the risk of malignancy following cystic drainage versus complete cyst excision was assessed.

Methods

A systematic review of PubMed and Embase databases was performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement. A meta-analysis of the risk of malignancy following cystic drainage versus complete cyst excision was undertaken in line with MOOSE guidelines. Prevalence of malignancy was defined as the rate of biliary cancer before resection, and malignant transformation as new-onset biliary cancer after surgery.

Results

Eighteen observational studies were included, reporting a total of 2904 patients with a median age of 36 years. Of these, 312 in total developed a malignancy (10·7 per cent); the prevalence of malignancy was 7·3 per cent and the rate of malignant transformation was 3·4 per cent. Patients with types I and IV choledochal malformation had an increased risk of malignancy (P = 0·016). Patients who underwent cystic drainage had an increased risk of developing biliary malignancy compared with those who had complete cyst excision, with an odds ratio of 3·97 (95 per cent c.i. 2·40 to 6·55).

Conclusion

The risk of developing malignancy among patients with choledochal malformation was almost 11 per cent. The malignancy risk following cystic drainage surgery was four times higher than that after complete cyst excision. Complete surgical resection is recommended in patients with choledochal malformation.
The patient's perspective on breast radiotherapy: Initial fears and expectations versus reality
Authors: Shaverdian Narek , Wang Xiaoyan , Hegde John V. , Aledia Criselda , Weidhaas Joanne B. , Steinberg Michael L. , McCloskey Susan A.
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Although the efficacy and toxicity of breast radiotherapy (RT) has been studied extensively, to the authors' knowledge little is known regarding the patient's perspective on the modern breast RT experience. To better inform future patients and providers, the authors explored patient perceptions of their RT experience.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who were free of disease recurrence and who had been treated between 2012 and 2016 were surveyed regarding their original fears, how short‐term and long‐term toxicities compared with initial expectations, and how pretreatment beliefs concerning RT compared with the actual experience.

RESULTS

A total of 502 patients were surveyed, with a response rate of 65% (327 patients). The median patient age and posttreatment follow‐up was 59 years and 31 months, respectively. Approximately 83% of patients (269 patients) underwent breast conservation therapy. Although approximately 68% of patients (221 patients) endorsed that they initially had little to no knowledge regarding RT, approximately 47% (152 patients) reported that they had heard frightening stories. Approximately 2% of patients (6 patients) agreed that the negative stories they previously heard about RT were actually true. Approximately 92% of patients treated with breast conservation (247 patients) and 81% of patients who underwent mastectomy (47 patients) agreed with the statement “If future patients knew the real truth about RT, they would be less scared about treatment.” Approximately 83% (272 patients) and 84% (274 patients), respectively, of all patients reported the overall severity of short‐term and long‐term side effects to be better than or as expected.

CONCLUSIONS

Breast RT is associated with misconceptions and fears. Patients' experiences with modern breast RT appear to be superior to expectations, and the majority of patients in the current study agreed that their initial negative impressions were unfounded. Cancer 2018;124:1673‐81. © 2018 American Cancer Society
Thioether–NHC‐Ligated PdII Complex for Crafting a Filtration‐Free Magnetically Retrievable Catalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling in Water
Authors: Nayan Sharma Kamal , Satrawala Naveen , Kumar Joshi Raj
Published: February 2018

A new benzimidazolium salt, 1‐[benzylaminocarbonylmethyl]‐3‐(2‐phenylsulfanylethyl)‐1H‐benzimidazolium chloride (L), which is a precursor of a novel thioether‐functionalized NHC, has been synthesized by subjecting 1H‐benzimidazole to a sequence of reactions with 1,2‐dichloroethane, sodium thiophenolate, and N‐benzyl‐2‐chloroacetamide, successively. The moisture/air‐insensitive complex [Pd(L–HCl)Cl2] (1) was prepared by the reaction of L with PdCl2. The molecular structure of 1, established by X‐ray crystallography, revealed a square‐planar geometry around Pd. Complex 1 was screened for Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions of various aryl/heteroaryl bromides (yields of up to 94 % in 2 h) in water at room temperature. Furthermore, complex 1 was immobilized onto the surface of aminopropyl‐functionalized silica‐coated magnetite nanoparticles [NPs, Fe3O4@SiO2‐(CH2)3‐NH2] by a stepwise modification strategy to develop the heterogeneous magnetically retrievable catalyst Fe3O4@SiO2‐1′, in which the amide functionality present in the side‐arm of the NHC within the NHC–PdII complex serves as linker. This magnetic nanosupport, bearing palladium complexes incorporating a novel thioether‐based NHC ligand that functions in aqueous aerobic medium and can be easily separated, renders Fe3O4@SiO2‐1′ a most desirable catalyst for the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction. It was also observed that the catalyst was effective for up to seven cycles and was easily separated from the reaction medium by the use of an external magnet, further increasing its appeal.
Survival of patients with hepatobiliary tract and duodenal cancer sites in Germany and the United States in the early 21st century
Authors: Pulte Dianne , Weberpals Janick , Schröder Chloé Charlotte , Emrich Katharina , Holleczek Bernd , Katalinic Alexander , Luttmann Sabine , Sirri Eunice , Jansen Lina , Brenner Hermann ,   for the GEKID Cancer Survival Working Group
Published: February 2018

Hepatobiliary tract cancers (HBTCs) are a heterogeneous group of cancers with high mortality. Because most of these cancers, with the exception of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), are rare, few data are available concerning the population level survival expectations of patients with HBTC. Here, we describe survival of patients with HBTC in Germany with comparison to survival in the US. Therefore, data were extracted from 12 databases in Germany and the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER13) database in the US. Period analysis and modeled period analysis were used to calculate 5‐year relative survival estimates for patients with HBTC diagnosed from 1997 to 2013. HCC was the most common HBTC in each database, accounting for over 1/3 of HBTC in Germany and about half of cases in the US. Overall age adjusted 5‐year relative survival for HBTC in 2006‐2013 was 19.1% in Germany and 20.6% in the US. Five‐year relative survival increased by 3.8% units in Germany and 4.5% units in the US between 2002–2005 and 2010–2013. Five‐year relative survival for individual types of HBTC ranged from 9.8% in Germany and 2.9% in the US for not otherwise specified biliary tract cancers to 44.4% and 50.1%, respectively, in Germany and the US for duodenal cancers. In conclusion, survival for HBTC remains poor in both Germany and the US, although a small increase in survival in the past decade was observed. Further work to find better treatment options for HBTC is needed to improve survival.
Neoadjuvant hyperfractionated chemoradiation and liver transplantation for unresectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma in Canada
Authors: Loveday Benjamin P.T. , Knox Jennifer J. , Dawson Laura A. , Metser Ur , Brade Anthony , Horgan Anne M. , Gallinger Steven , Greig Paul D. , Moulton Carol‐anne
Published: February 2018

Background and Objectives

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation and liver transplantation may be offered for unresectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA). This study aimed to determine the dropout rate and survival of patients who entered a national tri‐modality protocol.

Method

Patients enrolled Jan 2009‐Aug 2015 were included. Enrolment criteria: ≤65 years, brush biopsy‐proven unresectable pCCA <3.5 cm diameter. Conformal radiotherapy was given concurrently with Capecitabine. Following surgical staging, patients received maintenance Cisplatin and Gemcitabine until transplant or progression. Time to event analyses were performed from start of neoadjuvant therapy.

Results

Of 43 patients screened, 18 started treatment; median age 53.9 (26.7‐62.8) years, tumour diameter 2.7 (2.0‐3.4) cm. 11/18 dropped out due to metastatic disease identified during chemoradiation (n = 2), surgical staging (n = 6), or maintenance chemotherapy (n = 3). Six patients underwent transplantation. Median follow up was 17.6 (4.9‐57.7) months and overall survival 16.4 months. One and two year survival was 70.6% and 35.3%, respectively. One and 2 year post transplant survival was 83.3% and 55.6%. Median progression free survival was 11.5 months.

Conclusion

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation and liver transplantation for unresectable early stage pCCA is feasible, although with high rates of dropout and disease progression. Further research is required to determine factors to help select patients for treatment.
Evaluation of the Stiffness of Tissues Surrounding Thyroid Nodules with Shear Wave Elastography
Authors: Hu Lei , He Nianan , Ye Lei , Zhou Hangcheng , Zhong Wen , Zhang Xinshu
Published: February 2018

Objectives

This study evaluated the stiffness of tissue surrounding thyroid nodules using shear wave elastography (SWE).

Methods

A total of 128 thyroid nodules in 108 patients were examined with conventional ultrasound imaging and SWE. The maximum Young modulus value was measured to evaluate the stiffness of the thyroid nodules (E) and the 2‐mm perinodular region (Eshell). The number of thyroid fibrocytes was evaluated by Masson trichrome staining and image‐processing software. The arrangement of the fibrous structure was also classified.

Results

The mean age ± SD of the 108 patients was 33.12 ± 13.34 years (range, 18–80 years). Thirty‐nine thyroid nodules were classified as benign and 89 as malignant. Eshell was significantly higher for malignant nodules (95.0 ± 21.9 kPa) compared with benign nodules (48.1 ± 17.0 kPa; P < .001). Eshell yielded an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve value of 0.951, which was used for the diagnosis of nodules. There was a high positive correlation between E and Eshell in the malignant group (R = 0.722; P < .001) and a moderate positive correlation in the benign group (R = 0.601; P < .001). Percentages of fibrocytes correlated highly with Eshell in all samples as well as in malignant samples (R = 0.867 and R = 0.729, respectively; P < .001). The degree of disorder of the tissue surrounding thyroid nodules was positively correlated with Eshell (R = 0.833).

Conclusions

Perinodular stiffness has potential to improve diagnosis of thyroid nodules.
Intra‐ and Inter‐rater Reliability of Navigated Ultrasound in the Assessment of Pelvic Tilt in Symptom‐Free Young Adults
Authors: Marques Carlos J. , Martin Tobias , Fiedler Franziska , Weber Mathias , Breul Viktor , Lampe Frank , Kozak Josef
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Pelvic tilt is the angle between the anterior pelvic plane and the coronal plane. It affects cup positioning in total hip arthroplasty. The primary objective of this study was to test the intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability of a navigated smart device–based ultrasound system for pelvic tilt assessment. The secondary objective was to test the inter‐rater variability of the measurements on a hip phantom.

Methods

A repeated‐measures design was used. Two raters measured the pelvic tilt of 12 symptom‐free young adults in upright and supine positions. Additionally, pelvic tilt was measured on a hip phantom. Each rater performed 3 measurements in each body position on the participants and 12 measurements on the hip phantom. Intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability were calculated with the use of intraclass correlation coefficients. The variability in measurements on the hip phantom was assessed by a Bland‐Altman analysis of agreement.

Results

Intraclass correlation coefficient 95% confidence intervals for intra‐rater reliability ranged from good to excellent and moderate to excellent for the supine and upright positions respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficient 95% confidence intervals for inter‐rater reliability ranged from poor to excellent for both positions. Hip phantom measurements showed no significant average bias (P > .05) and no significant proportional bias (P > .05). The 95% inter‐rater limits of agreement were ±1.3° and ±1.7° for the supine and upright positions, respectively.

Conclusions

The intra‐rater reliability values achieved were suitable. Intraclass correlation coefficient values for inter‐rater reliability remained below an acceptable level. Possible reasons and overcoming strategies were presented. The 95% limits of agreement were good, at less than ±2°.
Shear Wave and Strain Elastographic Features of the Brachial Plexus in Healthy Adults: Reliability of the Findings—a Pilot Study
Authors: Aslan Ahmet , Aktan Ahmet , Aslan Mine , Gülseren Yıldız , Kabaalioğlu Adnan
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To determine the sonoelastographic findings for the normal brachial plexus via shear wave elastography (SWE) and strain elastography (SE) and the reliability of the measurements.

Methods

Thirty‐nine healthy adult volunteers were included in the study. The brachial plexus was evaluated with SWE and SE at the interscalene region by 2 observers separately, and the observers were unaware of each other's outcomes. The elastic modulus (kilopascals), shear wave velocity (SWV, meters per second), and strain ratio were obtained. Elasticity patterns on SE were assessed as hard, intermediate, and soft. An intraclass correlation coefficient analysis was performed for determining the reliability of sonoelastographic findings. The correlation of sonoelastographic features with age and sex was investigated.

Results

The volunteers included 13 men and 26 women. The mean age of the participants ± SD was 36.2 ± 7.8 (range, 25–56) years. The mean elasticity modulus values of the brachial plexus for observers 1 and 2 were 17.03 (95% confidence interval [CI], 15.03, 19.03) and 13.83 (95% CI, 12.23, 15.43) kPa, respectively; the SWVs were 2.24 (95% CI, 2.12, 2.36) and 2.04 (95% CI, 1.93, 2.15) m/s; and the strain ratios were 1.20 (95% CI, 1.18, 1.25) 1.38 (95% CI, 1.22, 1.54). The elasticity pattern was mostly intermediate stiffness for both observers (n = 72 [92.3%]; n = 75 [96.1%]). The intraclass correlation coefficient was poor to moderate and statistically significant for the elastic modulus, SWV, and elasticity pattern (P < .05 for all parameters). The sonoelastographic characteristics of the brachial plexus had no correlation with age or sex.

Conclusions

The reliability and reproducibility of sonoelastography of the brachial plexus are low, and the appropriateness of this technique in this manner is controversial.
Distribution and occupancy of wolverines on tundra, northwestern Alaska
Authors: Poley Lucy G. , Magoun Audrey J. , Robards Martin D. , Klimstra Ryan L.
Published: February 2018

Understanding wildlife distribution and habitat use is needed for effectively balancing resource development, wildlife conservation, and Alaska Native subsistence on the North Slope of Alaska, USA. This region includes the National Petroleum Reserve‐Alaska (NPR‐A), a 96,000‐km2remote area of largely undeveloped lands that is important for wildlife, including caribou (Rangifer tarandus), wolves (Canis lupus), and wolverines (Gulo gulo). We focused our study on spring distribution and occupancy of wolverines in the NPR‐A because a baseline distribution estimate is required to understand current distribution and track changes over time. We conducted aerial surveys of wolverine tracks in snow during March and April of 2014 and 2015, surveying over 84,400 km2using 100‐km2hexagonal sampling units. We used hierarchical Bayesian occupancy modeling to determine wolverine distribution and estimate probability of occupancy within each hexagon, relative to measured covariates with potential to affect either detection or occupancy. Probability of wolverine occupancy increased as well‐drained soils increased, suggesting that wolverines prefer drier areas or habitat features associated with well‐drained soils. In addition, as standard deviation of elevation increased, wolverine occupancy also increased, indicating that wolverines may prefer areas with more rugged and variable terrain. Mean elevation was not retained as a covariate in the best‐fitting model, supporting the importance of terrain ruggedness rather than elevation on wolverine distribution within the NPR‐A. Spatially, areas of highest wolverine occupancy occurred within the southern and northeastern portions of the study area, with lowest occupancy in the northern portion of the study area west of Teshekpuk Lake. Based on the spatial pattern of wolverine probability of occupancy, we proposed 4 potential wolverine management zones with varying priorities for monitoring and managing wolverine populations. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Preserving the digital imprint
Authors: Meadows Jack
Published: February 2018

Describes the work being promoted in North America and Europe by their respective Commissions on Preservation and Access to provide national archiving services for electronic information systems.
Retrieving information from scientific periodicals
Authors: Clarke Michèle
Published: February 2018

Considers the indexing of scientific and medical periodicals, covering the need for indexes, the effect on information retrieval of the electronic revolution, types of journals and entries, the process of indexing, cumulation, and publisherAndexer relations
Erythrocyte‐Derived Nanoparticles as a Theranostic Agent for Near‐Infrared Fluorescence Imaging and Thrombolysis of Blood Clots
Authors: Vankayala Raviraj , Corber Samantha R. , Mac Jenny T. , Rao Masaru P. , Shafie Mohammad , Anvari Bahman
Published: February 2018

Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot obstructs or narrows the arteries that supply blood to the brain. Currently, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), a thrombolytic agent, is the only United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved pharmacologic treatment for ischemic stroke. Despite its effective usage, the major limitation of tPA that stems from its short half‐life in plasma (≈5 min) is the potential for increased risk of hemorrhagic complications. To circumvent these limitations, herein, the first proof‐of‐principle demonstration of a theranostic nanoconstruct system derived from erythrocytes doped with the FDA‐approved near‐infrared (NIR) imaging agent, indocyanine green, and surface‐functionalized with tPA is reported. Using a clot model, the dual functionality of these nanoconstructs in NIR fluorescence imaging and clot lysis is demonstrated. These biomimetic theranostic nanoconstructs may ultimately be effective in imaging and treatment of blood clots involved in ischemic stroke.
Bioinspired Tunable Sacrificial Bonds Endowing Tetra‐PEG Based PU Hydrogel with Tunable Mechanical Properties, Shape‐Memory, and Self‐Healing Functions
Authors: Lin Chengyu , Li Zhao , Lei Kun , Jia Haiyan , Yu Lin , Zheng Zhen , Wang Xinling
Published: February 2018

Development of hydrogels with excellent and tunable mechanical properties combining with multifunctions is an intriguing issue in material science and engineering. Herein, bioinspired tunable sacrificial bonds are introduced into the tetra‐poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) based polyurethane (PU) (TP) network to afford a hydrogel with tunable mechanical properties, shape‐memory, and self‐healing functions. The mussel‐inspired compound of Lysine‐dopamine (LDA) is introduced into the network of TP hydrogel through polyurethane/polyurea chemistry to form LDA‐tetra‐PEG‐PU (LTP) hydrogel. As catechol groups in LDAs can intermolecularly interact with each other and can also coordinate with ferric ions with different coordination ratios, these physical interactions with different strengths in the afforded LTP hydrogel construct kinds of sequentially tuned sacrificial bonds. As a result, these sacrificial bonds preferentially rupture prior to the covalent network upon external loading, which dissipate the energy and endow the hydrogel with advanced and postadjustable mechanical properties. This mechanism is investigated in detail. Furthermore, the LTP hydrogel shows multifunctions such as shape‐memory and self‐healing abilities. In addition, the tetra‐PEG based hydrogel shows remarkable thermoresponsiveness that the hydrogel distinctly contracts with the increase of the temperature. The improved mechanical strength and multifunctions should enlarge the application areas of the tetra‐PEG based hydrogel in various fields.
Technical Note: Scintillation well counters and particle counting digital autoradiography devices can be used to detect activities associated with genomic profiling adequacy of biopsy specimens obtained after a low activity 18F‐FDG injection
Authors: Kirov Assen S. , Fanchon Louise M. , Seiter Daniel , Czmielewski Christian , Russell James , Dogan Snjezana , Carlin Sean , Pinker‐Domenig Katja , Yorke Ellen , Schmidtlein C. Ross , Boyko Vitaly , Fujisawa Sho , Manova‐Todorova Katia , Zanzonico Pat , Dauer Lawrence , Deasy Joseph O. , Humm John L. , Solomon Stephen
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Genomic profiling of biopsied tissue is the basis for precision cancer therapy. However, biopsied materials may not contain sufficient amounts of tumor deoxyribonucleonic acid needed for the analysis. We propose a method to determine the adequacy of specimens for performing genomic profiling by quantifying their metabolic activity.

Methods

We estimated the average density of tumor cells in biopsy specimens needed to successfully perform genomic analysis following the Memorial Sloan Kettering Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets (MSK‐IMPACT) protocol from the minimum amount of deoxyribonucleonic acid needed and the volume of tissue typically used for analysis. The average 18F‐FDG uptake per cell was assessed by incubating HT‐29 adenocarcinoma tumor cells in 18F‐FDG containing solution and then measuring their activity with a scintillation well counter. Consequently, we evaluated the response of two devices around the minimum expected activities which would indicate genomic profiling adequacy of biopsy specimens obtained under 18F‐FDG PET/CT guidance. Surrogate samples obtained using 18G core needle biopsies of gels containing either 18F‐FDG‐loaded cells in the expected concentrations or the corresponding activity were measured using autoradiography and a scintillation well counter. Autoradiography was performed using a CCD‐based device with real‐time image display as well as with digital autoradiography imaging plates following a 30‐min off‐line protocol for specimen activity determination against previously established calibration.

Results

Cell incubation experiments and estimates obtained from quantitative autoradiography of biopsy specimens (QABS) indicate that specimens acquired under 18F‐FDG PET/CT guidance that contained the minimum amount of cells needed for genomic profiling would have an average activity concentration in the range of about 3 to about 9 kBq/mL. When exposed to specimens with similar activity concentration, both a CCD‐based autoradiography device and a scintillation well counter produced signals with sufficient signal‐to‐background ratio for specimen genomic adequacy identification in less than 10 min, which is short enough to allow procedure guidance.

Conclusion

Scintillation well counter measurements and CCD‐based autoradiography have adequate sensitivity to detect the tumor burden needed for genomic profiling during 18F‐FDG PET/CT‐guided 18G core needle biopsies of liver adenocarcinoma metastases.
A clinically relevant IMRT QA workflow: Design and validation
Authors: Stambaugh Cassandra , Ezzell Gary
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine clinically relevant pass/question/fail criteria for gamma analysis of intensity‐modulated radiation therapy quality assurance (IMRT QA) plans, identify which plans should be further analyzed with dose–volume histogram (DVH) metrics, and create a workflow for performing that DVH‐based analysis.

Methods

A total of 11 plans, 5 prostate and 6 head/neck, were selected to represent known good plans based on their high‐passing rate using conventional IMRT QA criteria. These were modified by moving the programmed MLC positions to underdose the target or overdose important structures by varying amounts. Commercially available hardware/software was used to measure and analyze all plans (76 total) using 4%/3 mm, 3%/3 mm, 3%/2 mm, and 2%/2 mm gamma criteria. Two receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves per criterion were created to assess effective passing rates. One ROC curve was to find a higher threshold that determined a clear pass and the second to find a lower threshold to determine a clear failure. Plans between these two thresholds need DVH‐based analysis to assess the clinical consequence of the dose difference. The modified plans were analyzed in the planning system and reconstructed in commercially available DVH‐based analysis software to access the accuracy and usefulness of the software.

Results

Analysis of the ROC curves showed optimal pass and fail thresholds for plan error detection per criterion to achieve clinically relevant sensitivity and specificity. Based on measurement uncertainty and pass/fail ranges, 3%/2 mm gamma criteria with a pass threshold of 95% and a fail threshold of 90% were most optimal. DVH analysis showed good agreement with all reconstructed plans except where the changes to the MLC patterns caused the periphery of the target to be underdosed. For questionable plans, comparing the organ‐specific DVHs to the physician‐provided planning constraints proved to be an efficient and effective workflow since plans for which the target dose was slightly high or where organs at risk were underdosed could be released for the treatment without consulting the physician for a clinical decision.

Conclusion

This work indicates the potential for appreciable improvement in error detection for IMRT QA. Using effective pass/fail thresholds to determine plans that need DVH‐based analysis minimizes the need for excessive, time‐consuming, analysis, and making use of the dosimetric constraints of the plan minimizes the burden on physicians. Overall, DVH‐based analysis is a powerful tool that can provide substantial insight over the traditional approach that does not provide structure‐specific data.