bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abbreviated‐protocol screening MRI vs. complete‐protocol diagnostic MRI for detection of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis: An equivalence study using LI‐RADS v2018
Authors: Khatri Gaurav , Pedrosa Ivan , Ananthakrishnan Lakshmi , de Leon Alberto Diaz , Fetzer David T. , Leyendecker John , Singal Amit G. , Xi Yin , Yopp Adam , Yokoo Takeshi
Published: June 2019

Background

The high operational cost of MRI limits its utility for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) screening. Abbreviated‐protocol dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (aMRI) may help lower cost while maintaining the high accuracy of complete‐protocol diagnostic MRI (cMRI).

Purpose

To compare aMRI to cMRI for HCC detection in cirrhosis patients.

Study Type

Cross‐sectional study.

Study Population

Cirrhosis patients undergoing MRI for suspected HCC.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T and 3T; aMRI (coronal T2‐weighted, axial dynamic contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted fat‐suppressed sequences); cMRI (aMRI sequences and unenhanced axial T2‐, T1‐, and diffusion‐weighted sequences).

Assessment

From each cMRI, an abbreviated exam was created by extracting only the aMRI sequences. Five radiologists independently reviewed aMRI and cMRI and assigned per‐patient screening results by the presence/absence of any actionable observation per Liver Imaging and Reporting Data System v2018 (LI‐RADS 4, 5, M, or TIV categories). Per‐patient HCC status was determined by the composite reference standard of histopathology, follow‐up imaging, consensus expert panel imaging review, and clinical follow‐up.

Statistical Tests

Interreader agreement between aMRI and cMRI was compared with that of cMRI and tested for interchangeability against a tolerance margin of 0.05. Per‐patient screening sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were compared between aMRI and cMRI and tested for equivalence against a tolerance margin of 0.05.

Results

In 93 cirrhosis patients, five radiologists recorded on average 121 liver observations. Interreader screening agreement probability (and 95% confidence interval confidence interval [CI]) was 0.914 [0.900, 0.926] between aMRI and cMRI, and 0.927 [0.908, 0.942] for cMRI; their difference was within the 0.05 margin for interchangeability. In 86 patients in whom a final HCC status could be determined, the detection sensitivity and specificity of aMRI was 0.921 [0.864, 0.956] and 0.886 [0.844, 0.918], within the 5% equivalence margin to cMRI, 0.936 [0.881, 0.965] and 0.883 [0.840, 0.915], respectively.

Data Conclusion

Abbreviated‐protocol screening MRI is interchangeable with, and equivalent to, complete‐protocol diagnostic MRI for per‐patient HCC detection in cirrhosis.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy: Stage 6

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:415–425.
Study of the distribution of hepatitis B immunoglobulin in pregnant mice using small‐animal imaging technology
Authors: Chen Yunru , Kong Ying , Shi Lei , Zhang Xi , Yang Xueliang , Liu Xiaojing , Lin Shumei , Ye Feng
Published: June 2019

Background

The safety and necessity of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) in preventing the mother‐to‐child transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) are still controversial because of its unclear mechanism of action and the inconsistent injection programs used during gestation.

Objectives

This study aimed to show the dynamic transportation and distribution of HBIG in the maternal body and to provide evidence for its clinical efficacy in preventing mother‐to‐child HBV transmission.

Study design

Pregnant mice were injected with Cy7‐labeled mouse anti‐human monoclonal hepatitis B surface antibodies through the tail vein. In vivo imaging technology was used to observe the dynamic transportation and distribution of HBIG in the pregnant mice.

Results

HBIG fluorescence signals were higher in the uterus than in the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Fluorescence signals in the uterine region were obviously higher at the third trimester than at early and mid pregnancy.

Conclusions

HBIG is gradually deposited in the mouse placenta during pregnancy, with the phenomenon being more significant in the third trimester.
Influence of fin width and gate structure on the performance of AlGaN/GaN fin‐shaped HEMTs
Authors: Zhang Meng , Ma Xiaohua , Mi Minhan , Yang Ling , Wu Sheng , Hou Bin , Zhu Qing , Zhang Hengshuang , Wu Mei , Hao Yue
Published: June 2019

In this paper, a systematic theoretical study on the fin‐shaped AlGaN/GaN HEMTs with trigate structure and dual‐gate structure is performed by TCAD simulation. The influence of different gate structures and fin width on the DC performance of the fin‐shaped AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) are mainly studied and compared. A simplified physical analysis of the influence of fin width and gate structure on the threshold voltage is made.
Effects of wolf pack size and winter conditions on elk mortality
Authors: Horne Jon S. , Hurley Mark A. , White Craig G. , Rachael Jon
Published: June 2019

Elk (Cervus canadensis) are high‐profile game animals for many states in the western United States, yet over the past several decades some populations have experienced a persistent and broad‐scale decline in recruitment. Over this same period, gray wolves (Canis lupus) have become an integral component of many western landscapes and agencies are increasingly challenged to maximize hunting opportunities of ungulates via predator management while simultaneously ensuring wolf conservation. To better understand the implications of predator management on elk populations, we monitored survival of 1,244 adult female elk and 806 6‐month‐old calves from 29 populations distributed throughout Idaho, USA, from 2004 to 2016. We developed predictive models of mortality that related mortality risk to wolf pack size, winter conditions, and individual‐level characteristics. Annual mortality rates (excluding harvest) for adult females and calves were 0.09 and 0.40, respectively. Calf mortality was predicted best with a model that included additive effects of chest girth at time of capture, mean size of surrounding wolf packs, and snow depth. Adult female mortality was predicted best with a model that included female age, mean size of surrounding wolf packs, and snow depth. Based on a sensitivity analysis, chest girth had the largest effect on risk of mortality for calves followed by pack size and snow depth. Other than the effect of senescence in the oldest (>15 yr) individuals, pack size and snow depth had the largest effect on risk of mortality for adult females. We estimated cause‐specific mortality and predation was the dominant cause of known‐fate mortalities for adult females (35% mountain lion [Puma concolor] and 32% wolf) and calves (45% mountain lion and 28% wolf), whereas malnutrition accounted for 9% and 10% of adult female and calf mortalities, respectively. Wolves preferentially selected smaller calves and older adult females, whereas mountain lions showed little preference for calf size or age class of adult females. Our study indicates managers can increase elk survival by reducing wolf pack sizes on surrounding winter ranges, especially in areas where, or during years when, snow is deep. Additionally, managers interested in improving over‐winter calf survival can implement actions to increase the size of calves entering winter by increasing the nutritional quality of summer and early fall forage resources. Although our study was prompted by management questions related to wolves, mountain lions killed more elk than wolves and differences in selection of individual elk indicate mountain lions may have comparably more of an effect on elk population dynamics. Although we were unable to relate changes in mountain lion populations to elk survival in our study, future research should seek a better understanding of multi‐predator systems, including how management of one predator affect others and ultimately how these interactions affect elk survival. © 2019 The Wildlife Society
The influence of volume fraction of amorphous phase on corrosion resistance of Mg67Zn29Ca4 alloy
Authors: Chlewicka Monika , Cieślak Grzegorz , Mizera Jarosław
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the structure and corrosion resistance of amorphous, amorphous‐crystalline, and crystalline Mg67Zn29Ca4 alloy for biodegradable applications. This paper presents a preparation method and results of the structural characterization and corrosion resistance analysis of the material. Samples were prepared in the form of 3 mm diameter rods. The structure of the alloy was examined with the use of X‐ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy. The thermal properties of the samples were examined with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results of DSC analysis were used to determine heat treatment temperatures, allowing to obtain different fractures of crystalline phase in the material. Corrosion resistance of heat‐treated samples was investigated by immersion tests and electrochemical measurements performed in the simulated body fluid. The X‐ray diffraction results confirmed that the prepared Mg67Zn29Ca4 alloy's structure is fully amorphous. After heat treatment, samples with different fractions of amorphous phase in the structure were obtained. Immersion tests of the samples showed that the structure significantly influenced corrosion resistance in examined materials. It should be pointed out, that certain amounts of crystalline phase in amorphous matrix can greatly improve the corrosion resistance of Mg67Zn29Ca4 alloy.
Photoinitiation Mechanism and Ability of Monoamino‐Substituted Anthraquinone Derivatives as Cationic Photoinitiators of Polymerization under LEDs
Authors: Zhang Jing , Lalevée Jacques , Hill Nicholas S. , Peng Xiaotong , Zhu Di , Kiehl Jonathan , Morlet‐Savary Fabrice , Stenzel Martina H. , Coote Michelle L. , Xiao Pu
Published: June 2019

The design and development of photoinitiating systems applicable to UV or even visible light delivered from light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) has been attracting increasing attention due to their great potential applications in various fields. Compared to the strategy of synthesizing novel compounds, the exploration of existing chemicals with interesting photochemical/photophysical properties for their usage as photoinitiators is more appealing and easily commercialized. Nevertheless, a number of compounds such as monoamino‐substituted anthraquinone derivatives, which are intensively investigated for their photophysical and photochemical properties, have seldom been studied for their roles as photoinitiators under LED irradiation. Herein, three monoamino‐substituted anthraquinone derivatives, that is, 1‐aminoanthraquinone, 1‐(methylamino)anthraquinone and 1‐(benzamido)anthraquinone, are studied for their potential as photoinitiators. The photoinitiation mechanism of these monoamino‐substituted anthraquinone derivatives, when combined with iodonium salt, is first clarified using computational quantum chemistry, fluorescence, steady‐state photolysis, and electron spin resonance spin‐trapping techniques. Then, their photoinitiation ability for the cationic photopolymerization of epoxide and divinyl ether monomers is also investigated.
Sensitivity of Volumetric Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy to Progression of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1
Authors: Deelchand Dinesh K. , Joers James M. , Ravishankar Adarsh , Lyu Tianmeng , Emir Uzay E. , Hutter Diane , Gomez Christopher M. , Bushara Khalaf O. , Lenglet Christophe , Eberly Lynn E. , Öz Gülin
Published: June 2019

Background

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) causes progressive degeneration of the cerebellum and brainstem. Volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was shown to be more sensitive to disease progression than the most sensitive clinical measure, the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), in longitudinal studies, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was shown to detect neurochemical abnormalities with high sensitivity cross‐sectionally in SCA1.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to compare the sensitivities to change of volumetric MRI, MRS, and SARA in a 3‐year longitudinal study in SCA1.

Methods

A total of 16 early‐to‐moderate stage patients with SCA1 (SARA 0‐14) and 21 matched healthy participants were scanned up to 3 times with 1.5‐year intervals. Ataxia severity was assessed with SARA. T1‐weighted images and magnetic resonance spectra from the cerebellar vermis, cerebellar white matter, and pons were acquired at 3T.

Results

The pontine total N‐acetylaspartate‐to‐myo‐inositol ratio was the most sensitive MRS measure to change (−3.9 ± 4.6%/yr in SCA1 vs. −0.3 ± 3.5%/yr in controls; P < 0.02), and the pontine volume was the most sensitive MRI measure to change (−2.6 ± 1.2%/yr in SCA1 vs. −0.1 ± 1.2 in controls; P < 0.02). Effect size (mean percent change/standard deviation of percent change) of pontine volume was highest (−2.13) followed by pontine N‐acetylaspartate‐to‐myo‐inositol ratio (−0.84) and SARA (+0.60). The pontine N‐acetylaspartate‐to‐myo‐inositol ratio was abnormal for 1 premanifest patient at all visits and predicted study withdrawal as a result of disease progression in 3 patients.

Conclusion

Both MRI and MRS were more sensitive to disease progression than SARA in SCA1. Pontine volume was most sensitive to change, whereas MRS may have more sensitivity at the premanifest stage and predictive value for disease progression.
Association study of genetic variations of inflammatory biomarkers with susceptibility and severity of obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Zhang Zeming , Wang Qiubo , Chen Baoyuan , Wang Yancun , Miao Yafang , Han Li
Published: June 2019

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases health risks of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Both genetic factors and environmental exposures contribute to the occurrence of OSA. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of four functional inflammatory single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (VWF rs1063856, IL‐6 rs1800796, TNF rs1800629, and CRP rs2794521) in the susceptibility and severity of OSA.

Methods

A case–control study of OSA among Chinese population was conducted. Genotyping was performed using ABI TaqMan SNP genotyping technique.

Results

We found VWF rs1063856 (OR = 1.50, 95% CIs = 1.10–2.04; p = 0.010), IL‐6 rs1800796 (OR = 1.32, 95% CIs = 1.11–1.56; p = 0.002), TNF rs1800629 (OR = 1.44, 95% CIs = 1.13–1.83; p = 0.003), and CRP rs2794521 (OR = 1.27, 95% CIs = 1.04–1.55; p = 0.021) were all significantly associated with increased susceptibility of OSA, while VWF rs1063856 (OR = 1.75, 95% CIs = 1.18–2.62; p = 0.006), IL‐6 rs1800796 (OR = 1.39, 95% CIs = 1.10–1.76; p = 0.006) were associated with the severity of OSA.

Conclusions

Our study indicated that functional variants of inflammatory biomarkers could cause the occurrence of OSA and influence the severity of OSA. These findings further support that inflammatory cytokines were closely related to the occurrence and development of OSA.
Clinical application of chromosomal microarray analysis in fetuses with increased nuchal translucency and normal karyotype
Authors: Su Linjuan , Huang Hailong , An Gang , Cai Meiying , Wu Xiaoqing , Li Ying , Xie Xiaorui , Lin Yuan , Wang Meiying , Xu Liangpu
Published: June 2019

Background

Submicroscopic chromosomal imbalance is associated with an increased nuchal translucency (NT). Most previous research has recommended the use of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) for prenatal diagnosis if the NT ≥ 3.5 mm. However, there is no current global consensus on the cutoff value for CMA. In this study, we aimed to discuss the fetuses with smaller increased NT which was between cutoff value of NT for karyotype analysis (NT of 2.5 mm in China) and the recommended cutoff value for CMA (NT of 3.5 mm) whether should be excluded from CMA test.

Methods

Singleton pregnant women (N = 192) who had undergone invasive procedures owing to an increased NT (NT ≥ 2.5 mm) were enrolled. Fetal cells were collected and subjected to single nucleotide polymorphism array and karyotype analyses simultaneously. Cases were excluded if the karyotype analysis indicated aneuploidy and apparent structural aberrations.

Results

Fourteen cases of aneuploidy and four cases of structural abnormalities were excluded. Of the remaining 174 cases, 119 fetuses had NTs of 2.5–3.4 mm, and 55 fetuses with NT ≥ 3.5 mm. Eleven copy number variants (CNVs) were identified. In fetuses with smaller NTs, six (6/119, 5.9%) variations were detected, including two (2/119, 1.6%) clinically significant CNVs (pathogenic or likely pathogenic CNV), one  likely benign CNV, two variants unknown significance, and one incidental CNV. Five (5/55, 9.1%) variations were found in fetuses with NT ≥ 3.5 mm. Among these CNVs, three (3/55, 5.5%) cases had clinically significant CNVs, and two had likely benign CNV. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of all CNVs and clinically significant CNVs in the two groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

CMA improved the diagnostic yield of chromosomal aberrations for fetuses with NTs of 2.5–3.4 mm and apparently normal karyotype, regardless of whether other ultrasonic abnormalities were observed.
Digital watermarking scheme for colour remote sensing image based on quaternion wavelet transform and tensor decomposition
Authors: Li Dongshuang , Che Xiaoyu , Luo Wen , Hu Yong , Wang Yannan , Yu Zhaoyuan , Yuan Linwang
Published: June 2019

Digital watermarking is important for protecting the intellectual property of remote sensing images. Unlike watermarking in ordinary colour images, in colour remote sensing images, watermarking has an important requirement: robustness. In this paper, a robust nonblind watermarking scheme for colour remote sensing images, which considers both frequency and statistical pattern features, is constructed based on the quaternion wavelet transform (QWT) and tensor decomposition. Using the QWT, not only the abundant phase information can be used to preserve detailed host image features to improve the imperceptibility of the watermark, but also the frequency coefficients of the host image can provide a stable position to embed the watermark. To further strengthen the robustness, the global statistical feature structure acquired through the tensor Tucker decomposition is employed to distribute the watermark's energy among different colour bands. Because both the QWT frequency coefficients and the tensor decomposition global statistical feature structure are highly stable against external distortion, their integration yields the proposed scheme, which is robust to many image manipulations. A simulation experiment shows that our method can balance the trade‐off between imperceptibility and robustness and that it is more robust than the traditional QWT and discrete wavelet transform (DWT) methods under many different types of image manipulations.
The structure of the fractional powers of the noncommutative Fourier law
Authors: Colombo Fabrizio , Peloso Marco M. , Pinton Stefano
Published: June 2019

In the recent years, there has been a lot of interest in fractional diffusion and fractional evolution problems. The spectral theory on the S‐spectrum turned out to be an important tool to define new fractional diffusion operators stating from the Fourier law for nonhomogeneous materials. Precisely, let eℓ, eℓ=1,2,3 be orthogonal unit vectors in
and let
be a bounded open set with smooth boundary ∂Ω. Denoting by
a point in Ω, the heat equation is obtained replacing the Fourier law given by

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma5719:mma5719-math-0004
into the conservation of energy law. In this paper, we investigate the structure of the fractional powers of the vector operator T, with homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions. Recently, we have found sufficient conditions on the coefficients a, b,
such that the fractional powers of T exist in the sense of the S‐spectrum approach. In this paper, we show that under a different set of conditions on the coefficients a, b, c, the fractional powers of T have a different structure.
A general bilinear form to generate different wave structures of solitons for a (3+1)‐dimensional Boiti‐Leon‐Manna‐Pempinelli equation
Authors: Osman M. S. , Wazwaz Abdul‐Majid
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we investigate a (3+1)‐dimensional Boiti‐Leon‐Manna‐Pempinelli equation (3D‐BMLP). By using bilinear forms under certain conditions, we obtain different wave structures for the 3D‐BMLP. Among these waves, lump waves, breather waves, mixed waves, and multi‐soliton wave solutions are constructed. The propagation and the dynamical behavior of the obtained solutions are discussed for different values of the free parameters.
Interdiction models for delaying adversarial attacks against critical information technology infrastructure
Authors: Zheng Kaiyue , Albert Laura A.
Published: June 2019

Information technology (IT) infrastructure relies on a globalized supply chain that is vulnerable to numerous risks from adversarial attacks. It is important to protect IT infrastructure from these dynamic, persistent risks by delaying adversarial exploits. In this paper, we propose max‐min interdiction models for critical infrastructure protection that prioritizes cost‐effective security mitigations to maximally delay adversarial attacks. We consider attacks originating from multiple adversaries, each of which aims to find a “critical path” through the attack surface to complete the corresponding attack as soon as possible. Decision‐makers can deploy mitigations to delay attack exploits, however, mitigation effectiveness is sometimes uncertain. We propose a stochastic model variant to address this uncertainty by incorporating random delay times. The proposed models can be reformulated as a nested max‐max problem using dualization. We propose a Lagrangian heuristic approach that decomposes the max‐max problem into a number of smaller subproblems, and updates upper and lower bounds to the original problem via subgradient optimization. We evaluate the perfect information solution value as an alternative method for updating the upper bound. Computational results demonstrate that the Lagrangian heuristic identifies near‐optimal solutions efficiently, which outperforms a general purpose mixed‐integer programming solver on medium and large instances.
Krylov subspace methods to solve a class of tensor equations via the Einstein product
Authors: Huang Baohua , Xie Yajun , Ma Changfeng
Published: June 2019

This paper is concerned with some of the well‐known iterative methods in their tensor forms to solve a class of tensor equations via the Einstein product. More precisely, the tensor forms of the Arnoldi and Lanczos processes are derived and the tensor form of the global GMRES method is presented. Meanwhile, the tensor forms of the MINIRES and SYMMLQ methods are also established. The proposed methods use tensor computations with no matricizations involved. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed methods and testify the conclusions suggested in this paper.
Manipulating the degradation rate of PVA nanoparticles by a novel chemical‐free method
Authors: Mandegari Mansoor , Ghasemi‐Mobarakeh Laleh , Zamani Maedeh
Published: June 2019

The high water solubility of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is one of the challenging problems in its application. In order to rectify this problem, PVA needs to be crosslinked. Freeze‐thawing in solid state as a novel physical crosslinking method was employed for enhancement the stability of PVA nanoparticles in aqueous solutions during this study. PVA nanoparticles were successfully prepared by electrospraying and electrospray conditions were optimized in the view points of polymer concentration and solvent system. The morphology of nanoparticles was tailored from collapsed particles and mixture of particles/fibers to spherical particle by manipulating of polymer solution concentration and solvent system. After preparation of PVA nanoparticles in optimum condition, they were frozen at −20°C and subsequently thawed at 25°C for different cycles of 1, 2, and 3. Field‐emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and biodegradation were used to evaluate the effect of freeze‐thawing on properties of PVA nanoparticles. FE‐SEM showed the spherical morphology of the PVA nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 200 to 300 nm. The FTIR spectroscopy indicated that the crystallinity of PVA nanoparticles increases after freeze‐thawing process. Moreover, by increasing the number of cycles, degree of crystallinity of nanoparticles increases. The XRD and DSC analysis of PVA nanoparticles again demonstrated the increasing of crystallinity of nanoparticles after freeze‐thawing process. The biodegradation behavior of PVA nanoparticles after freeze‐thawing exhibited the decreasing of degradation rate by increasing the number of cycles. Our overall results present a solvent‐less and safe method for crosslinking of PVA nanoparticles in solid state, which make it suitable for biomedical applications.
Effect of cold atmospheric plasmas on bacteria in liquid: The role of gas composition
Authors: Kaupe Julian , Tschang Chen‐Yon T , Birk Florian , Coenen Daniela , Thoma Markus H , Mitic Slobodan
Published: June 2019

In order to study the impact of different gas compositions on the bactericidal efficiency of cold atmospheric plasma jets, a device with a controlled atmosphere is built. Various mixtures of argon and helium with air are studied regarding their sterilizing effect onEscherichia coliin solution. Bacteria reduction rates react fundamentally different on addition of air in both gases. In case of helium, a distinct maximum for small admixtures is observed.

Several diagnostic techniques were applied to the plasma. Stronger formation of peroxynitrous acid due to higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and nitrite is found to be responsible for the observed trends and differences. The presented findings are important for the development of efficient treatment devices.
TreeSnap: A citizen science app connecting tree enthusiasts and forest scientists
Authors: Crocker Ellen , Condon Bradford , Almsaeed Abdullah , Jarret Benjamin , Nelson C. Dana , Abbott Albert G. , Main Doreen , Staton Margaret
Published: June 2019

Societal Impact Statement

The scientists that study and work to improve forest health need information on where pests and diseases are spreading, as well as where healthy, resilient trees remain. TreeSnap is a citizen science project and mobile app created to meet this need by enabling citizens to easily submit global positioning system (GPS) locations, photos, and observational information about trees of interest to scientists. The app was designed and built to ensure that the data being collected directly helps scientists engaged in a number of forest health research activities, including studying the genetic diversity of tree species, breeding trees, and monitoring tree health.
Diagnostic value of spirometry vs impulse oscillometry: A comparative study in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Mondal Pritish , Yirinec Alison , Midya Vishal , Sankoorikal Binu‐John , Smink Gayle , Khokhar Arshjot , Abu‐Hasan Mutasim , Bascom Rebecca
Published: June 2019

Background

Spirometry is conventionally used to diagnose airway diseases in children with sickle cell disease (C‐SCD). However, spirometry is difficult for younger children to perform, is effort dependent, and it provides limited information on respiratory mechanics. Impulse oscillometry (IOS) is an effort‐independent pulmonary function test (PFT), which measures total airway resistance (R5Hz) and reactance (AX). IOS could be advantageous without certain limitations of spirometry.

Aim

To compare the accuracy of IOS vs spirometry in making the diagnosis of asthma and assessing age‐related pulmonary changes in C‐SCD.

Study design

Retrospective chart review.

Subject selection

Fifty‐six C‐SCD and thirty‐six controls (asthmatics without SCD) followed at Penn State with PFTs obtained during the initial pulmonary evaluation.

Methodology

We grouped C‐SCD into asthmatics and non‐asthmatics based on pre‐referral diagnosis and compared PFTs between two groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses and machine learning tools (XGBoost and artificial neural network) were used to rank the spirometry and IOS measures based on their ability to predict a diagnosis of asthma. Robust linear regression was used to analyze association among height/age with various PFT measures.

Results

Both ROC and XGBoost indicated that FEF25‐75%, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity, and R5Hz(%) were the top three predictors for asthma diagnosis. R5Hz(%) and AX had superior bronchodilator response (BDR) than FEV1. IOS parameters had significant association with height/age in C‐SCD (possibly due to the stiff lungs) but not in controls.

Conclusion

IOS had advantages over spirometry in C‐SCD because it is feasible in early childhood, provides insights into the pulmonary mechanics, and is more sensitive to detect BDR.
Clinical assessment of reactive balance control in acquired brain injury: A comparison of manual and cable release‐from‐lean assessment methods
Authors: Borrelli James R. , Junod Christiane A. , Inness Elizabeth L. , Jones Simon , Mansfield Avril , Maki Brian E.
Published: June 2019

Objective

Perturbation‐evoked stepping reactions are infrequently assessed directly in clinical settings even though stepping reactions in response to a sudden loss‐of‐balance perturbation ultimately determine whether a fall occurs. Individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) due to stroke who are ambulatory and awaiting hospital discharge have been found to exhibit delayed stepping reactions but are typically discharged without assessment of perturbation‐evoked stepping. Tests that specifically target the capacity to perform perturbation‐evoked stepping reactions are important to identify those at risk for falls and to direct intervention strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate agreement and reliability of two assessment methods used to assess rapid stepping reactions, specifically in individuals with ABI due to stroke or other causes. A secondary aim was to compare perturbation‐triggered biomechanics of the two assessment methods.

Methods

Thirty‐five participants who were less than 4 months post‐ABI were evaluated in an inpatient unit at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. Stepping reactions were assessed using manual release‐from‐lean and cable release‐from‐lean perturbation‐based assessment methods.

Results

There was moderate agreement between the assessment scores resulting from the two assessment methods (κ = 0.55) and substantial test–retest reliability (κ's > 0.61) for both assessment methods. There was no evidence that the assessment score was affected by assessment method, test–retest, or assessment order. However, the cable release from lean resulted in a more rapid release of the lean support force (2 ms vs. 125 ms) and earlier foot‐off times (340 ms vs. 401 ms) compared with the manual release from lean.

Conclusion

Delays in foot‐off time associated with the manual release‐from‐lean perturbation raise concerns that the manual assessment method may not provide a perturbation that is sufficiently challenging to reveal a patient's balance‐recovery capacity and associated fall risk. However, the manual assessment requires no equipment and the assessment score may provide a useful indication of gross reactive balance control.
Distinct expression patterns of SULT2B1b in human prostate epithelium
Authors: Yang Jiang , Broman Meaghan M. , Cooper Paula O. , Lanman Nadia A. , Strand Douglas W. , Morrissey Colm , Ratliff Timothy L.
Published: June 2019

Background

SULT2B1b (sulfotransferase family cytosolic 2B member 1b) catalyzes the sulfate conjugation of substrates such as cholesterol and oxysterols. Our laboratory has previously shown that SULT2B1b inhibition modulates androgen receptor signaling and induces apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. However, the functions of SULT2B1b in the prostate remain poorly understood.

Methods

We characterized the expression pattern of SULT2B1b in human benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) as well as prostate cancer to determine the relationship between SULT2B1b and prostate diseases, using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, immunoblot, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

SULT2B1b was strongly detected in the prostate epithelium but was absent in the stroma. Significantly lower SULT2B1b was found in primary cancer cells compared with adjacent normal epithelial cells. SULT2B1b further decreased in metastatic cancer cells. Most interestingly, we found, for the first time, that SULT2B1b was much more concentrated in the luminal layer than in the basal layer in both normal prostate and BPH samples. The stronger presence of SULT2B1b in luminal epithelial cells was confirmed by costaining with luminal and basal markers and in sorted paired luminal and basal cells. SULT2B1b expression was induced with prostate organoid differentiation.

Conclusions

SULT2B1b inversely correlates with prostate cancer status, with the highest level in the normal epithelium and lowest in the advanced metastatic prostate cancer. Furthermore, SULT2B1b is mostly located within the luminal layer of the prostate epithelium, suggesting that it may be implicated in luminal differentiation.
Establishing a cryopreservation protocol for patient‐derived xenografts of prostate cancer
Authors: Porter Laura H. , Lawrence Mitchell G. , Wang Hong , Clark Ashlee K , Bakshi Andrew , Obinata Daisuke , Goode David , Papargiris Melissa , MURAL  , Clouston David , Ryan Andrew , Norden Sam , Corey Eva , Nelson Peter S. , Isaacs John T. , Grummet Jeremy , Kourambas John , Sandhu Shahneen , Murphy Declan G. , Pook David , Frydenberg Mark , Taylor Renea A. , Risbridger Gail P.
Published: June 2019

Background

Serially transplantable patient‐derived xenografts (PDXs) are invaluable preclinical models for studying tumor biology and evaluating therapeutic agents. As these models are challenging to establish from prostate cancer specimens, the ability to preserve them through cryopreservation has several advantages for ongoing research. Despite this, there is still uncertainty about the ability to cryopreserve PDXs of prostate cancer. This study compared three different cryopreservation protocols to identify a method that can be used to reproducibly cryopreserve a diverse cohort of prostate cancer PDX models.

Methods

One serially transplantable prostate cancer PDX from the Melbourne Urological Research Alliance cohort was used to compare three cryopreservation protocols: slow freezing in fetal calf serum (FCS) with 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), FCS with 10% DMSO supplemented with the Rho‐associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y‐27632 and vitrification. The efficiency of the slow freezing protocols was then assessed in 17 additional prostate cancer PDXs. Following cryopreservation, PDXs were re‐established in host mice that were either intact and supplemented with testosterone or castrated. Graft take rate, tumor growth, histological features, and transcriptome profiles before and after cryopreservation were compared.

Results

Slow freezing maintained the viability and histological features of prostate cancer PDXs, and the addition of a ROCK inhibitor increased their growth following cryopreservation. Using the slow freezing method, we re‐established 100% of PDXs grown in either testosterone‐supplemented or castrated host mice. Importantly, the long‐term tumor growth rate and transcriptome profile were maintained following cryopreservation.

Conclusion

This study has identified a protocol to reliably cryopreserve and re‐establish a diverse cohort of serially transplantable PDXs of prostate cancer. This study has the potential to significantly improve the practicality of maintaining PDX models. Cryopreservation may also increase the accessibility of these important resources and provide new opportunities for preclinical studies on a broader spectrum of prostate tumors.
Fabrication of Methylammonium Bismuth Iodide Layers Employing Methylamine Vapor Exposure
Authors: Stümmler Dominik , Sanders Simon , Mühlenbruch Sebastian , Pfeiffer Pascal , Simkus Gintautas , Heuken Michael , Vescan Andrei , Kalisch Holger
Published: June 2019

Methylammonium bismuth iodide (MBI) is a promising candidate for nontoxic perovskite solar cells because of its pronounced stability compared with other lead‐free compounds. Herein, the transformation of solution‐processed BiI3 to MBI employing an exposure to methylamine (MA) vapor is demonstrated. The MA process features a very fast reaction, short process times, and atmospheric‐pressure conditions. The reaction of BiI3 with MA is analyzed and discussed in detail, and the formation of MBI is confirmed via X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Devices based on MA‐treated solution‐deposited BiI3 show performance figures comparable to those of conventionally solution‐processed cells. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate that exposure to MA is a promising route toward a fast, versatile, and resource‐efficient production of MA cation based perovskites for solar cell modules.
Robustness of asymptotic accelerated life test plans to small‐sample settings
Authors: King Caleb
Published: June 2019

Much of the statistical literature on optimal test planning for accelerated life testing utilize asymptotic methods to derive optimal test plans. While sufficient effort is made to assess the robustness of these test plans to the choice of design parameters and distribution assumptions, there is very little literature on the performance of asymptotic test plans relative to small samples (on the order of 10‐15 samples). An alternative concern is that the asymptotic test plans may not necessarily be the true “optimal” test plan for a given sample size. The purpose of this research is to present exact or “near‐exact” methods for developing test plans and compare the performance of these test plans with corresponding asymptotic test plans in small‐sample settings. The optimal location of design points and sample allocation is determined using each method for lognormal and Weibull lifetime distributions with both complete and Type 1 right‐censored data under two selected acceleration factor models. The investigations reveal that asymptotic test plans tend to corroborate quite well with exact test plans and thus are suitably robust to small‐sample settings in terms of optimal variance.
A low‐cost and efficient autonomous row‐following robot for food production in polytunnels
Authors: Le Tuan D. , Ponnambalam Vignesh R. , Gjevestad Jon G. O. , From Pål J.
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we present an automatic motion planner for agricultural robots that allows us to set up a robot to follow rows without having to explicitly enter waypoints. In most cases, when robots are used to cover large agricultural areas, they will need waypoints as inputs, either as premeasured coordinates in an outdoor environment, or as positions in a map in an indoor environment. This can be a tedious process as several hundreds or even thousands of waypoints will be needed for large farms. In particular, we find that in unstructured environments such as the ones found on farms, the need for waypoints increases. In this paper, we present an approach that enables robots to safely traverse not only between straight rows but also through curved rows without the need for any predetermined waypoints. Most types of infrastructure found in agriculture, such as polytunnels, are built on uneven terrain, thus containing a mix of straight and curved plant rows, for which traditional methods of row following will fail. Different from traditional approaches of row following that only consider straight‐line‐of‐sight rows, our approach identifies the rows on each side with the goal of staying in the middle of the rows, even if the rows are not straight. Waypoints are only needed on the very extreme of the rows, and these will be automatically generated by the system. With our approach, the robot can just be placed in the corner of the field and will then determine the trajectory without further input from the user. We thus obtain an approach that can reduce the installation time from potentially hours to just a matter of minutes. The final autonomous system is low cost and efficient for various tasks that requires moving between plant rows inside a polytunnel. Several experiments were performed and the robot demonstrates 1.4% position drift over 21 m of navigation path.
Assessment of spatial and temporal properties of Ka/Q band earth‐space radio channel across Europe using Alphasat Aldo Paraboni payload
Authors: Ventouras Spiros , Martellucci Antonio , Reeves Richard , Rumi Emal , Fontan Fernando P. , Machado Fernando , Pastoriza Vicente , Rocha Armando , Mota Susana , Jorge Flavio , Panagopoulos Athanasios D. , Papafragkakis Apostolos Z. , Kourogiorgas Charilaos I. , Fiser Ondrej , Pek Viktor , Pesice Petr , Grabner Martin , Vilhar Andrej , Kelmendi Arsim , Hrovat Andrej , Vanhoenacker‐Janvier Danielle , Quibus Laurent , Goussetis George , Costouri Alexios , Nessel James
Published: June 2019

The upcoming migration of satellite services to higher bands, namely, the Ka‐ and Q/V‐bands, offers many advantages in terms of bandwidth and system capacity. However, it poses challenges as propagation effects introduced by the various atmospheric phenomena are particularly pronounced in these bands and can become a serious constraint in terms of system reliability and performance. This paper presents the goals, organisation, and preliminary results of an ongoing large‐scale European coordinated propagation campaign using the Alphasat Aldo Paraboni Ka/Q band signal payload on satellite, performed by a wide scientific consortium in the framework of a European Space Agency (ESA) project. The main objective of this activity is the experimental characterisation of the spatial and temporal correlation over Europe of the radio channel at Ka and Q band for future modelling activities and to collect data for development and testing of fading mitigation techniques.
A note on the empirical Bayes heterogeneity variance estimator in meta‐analysis
Authors: Sidik Kurex , Jonkman Jeffrey N.
Published: June 2019

This paper focuses on the empirical Bayes (EB) or Mandel‐Paule estimator of the heterogeneity variance in meta‐analysis, which was discussed by Morris and proposed in earlier publications by Mandel and Paule in an inter‐laboratory context. The relationship of the EB estimator to other heterogeneity variance estimators typically used in meta‐analysis is explored, and approximate variance estimators for the EB estimate of the heterogeneity variance are proposed based on the M‐estimation method. Statistical inference for the overall treatment effect using the EB estimator and the proposed standard errors is discussed using two example data sets from meta‐analysis applications.
Host‐Guest Complexes of l‐Borneol with Cucurbituril and Cyclodextrin and Its Potential Use in Analysis of Drugs
Authors: Tang Qing , Wang Cheng‐Hui , Xi Yun‐Yun , Huang Ying , Tao Zhu
Published: June 2019

Host–guest inclusion of l‐borneol with cucurbit[7]uril, cucurbit[8]uril, β‐cyclodextrin and HP‐β‐cyclodextrin in aqueous solution was investigated by Isothermal titration calorimetry and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, a supramolecular fluorescent probe between cucurbit[8]uril (Q[8]) and Proflavine (PF) (designated 2PF@Q[8]) showed a remarkable fluorescence enhancement to l‐borneol. The 2PF@Q[8] fluorescent probe can be used to detect l‐borneol with a detection limit of ∼10−8 mol/L. A good linear relationship of emission intensity at 514 nm for l‐borneol at concentrations of 0.1–3.0 μmol/L was observed. The proposed sensing mechanism was investigated using 1H NMR spectroscopy and ITC. Fluorescent cell imaging of prostate cancer (PC3) cells showed the that the 2PF@Q[8] fluorescent probe could be used to image l‐borneol in living cells.
Superior Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Performance in 2H‐MoS2 to that of 1T Phase
Authors: Zhang Wencui , Liao Xiaobin , Pan Xuelei , Yan Mengyu , Li Yanxi , Tian Xiaocong , Zhao Yan , Xu Lin , Mai Liqiang
Published: June 2019

In the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), energy‐level matching is a prerequisite for excellent electrocatalytic activity. Conventional strategies such as chemical doping and the incorporation of defects underscore the complicated process of controlling the doping species and the defect concentration, which obstructs the understanding of the function of band structure in HER catalysis. Accordingly, 2H‐MoS2 and 1T‐MoS2 are used to create electrocatalytic nanodevices to address the function of band structure in HER catalysis. Interestingly, it is found that the 2H‐MoS2 with modulated Fermi level under the application of a vertical electric field exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity (as evidenced by an overpotential of 74 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 99 mV per decade), which is superior to 1T‐MoS2. This unexpected excellent HER performance is ascribed to the fact that electrons are injected into the conduction band under the condition of back‐gate voltage, which leads to the increased Fermi level of 2H‐MoS2 and a shorter Debye screen length. Hence, the required energy to drive electrons from the electrocatalyst surface to reactant will decrease, which activates the 2H‐MoS2 thermodynamically.
Template‐Free, Surfactant‐Mediated Orientation of Self‐Assembled Supercrystals of Metal–Organic Framework Particles
Authors: Avci Civan , Liu Yang , Pariente Jose Angel , Blanco Alvaro , Lopez Cefe , Imaz Inhar , Maspoch Daniel
Published: June 2019

Mesoscale self‐assembly of particles into supercrystals is important for the design of functional materials such as photonic and plasmonic crystals. However, while much progress has been made in self‐assembling supercrystals adopting diverse lattices and using different types of particles, controlling their growth orientation on surfaces has received limited success. Most of the latter orientation control has been achieved via templating methods in which lithographic processes are used to form a patterned surface that acts as a template for particle assembly. Herein, a template‐free method to self‐assemble (111)‐, (100)‐, and (110)‐oriented face‐centered cubic supercrystals of the metal–organic framework ZIF‐8 particles by adjusting the amount of surfactant (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) used is described. It is shown that these supercrystals behave as photonic crystals whose properties depend on their growth orientation. This control on the orientation of the supercrystals dictates the orientation of the composing porous particles that might ultimately facilitate pore orientation on surfaces for designing membranes and sensors.
Modeling Research Technique of Nonmetallic Inclusions Distribution in Liquid Steel during Its Flow through the Tundish Water Model
Authors: Merder Tomasz , Warzecha Marek , Warzecha Piotr , Pieprzyca Jacek , Hutny Artur
Published: June 2019

This study shows research results of behaviors of nonmetallic inclusions (NMIs) in a tundish represented by water model. The object under investigation is a two‐strand trough‐type continuous casting tundish operating in one of the Polish steel plants. Hollow glass microspheres with diameters ranging from 10 to 140 μm are used for testing, which represents the NMIs. The distribution process of microspheres is investigated; the qualitative analysis (visualization) and quantitative analysis (using a laser particle counter) of microsphere distribution (movement) are performed. Based on the obtained results, it is found that the analyzed tundish is not of optimal design, in terms of removing small NMIs, as they are conducted in a stream of liquid flowing at the bottom of the tundish, moving directly into nozzles of the tundish. Their movement is caused by the shaped liquid‐flow phenomena in the tundish working space. The test results help to validate a numerical model, which can be used in further studies to redesign the working space of the tundish. The positive result of verification facilitates to obtain a tool for implementing flow optimization in terms of receiving high metallurgical purity of slabs.