bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Markers and function of human NK cells in normal and pathological conditions
Authors: Del Zotto Genny , Marcenaro Emanuela , Vacca Paola , Sivori Simona , Pende Daniela , Della Chiesa Mariella , Moretta Francesca , Ingegnere Tiziano , Mingari Maria Cristina , Moretta Alessandro , Moretta Lorenzo
Published: January 2017

Natural killer (NK) cells, the most important effectors of the innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), play a fundamental role in tumor immune‐surveillance, defense against viruses and, in general, in innate immune responses. NK cell activation is mediated by several activating receptors and co‐receptors able to recognize ligands on virus‐infected or tumor cells. To prevent healthy cells from auto‐aggression, NK cells are provided with strong inhibitory receptors (KIRs and NKG2A) which recognize HLA class I molecules on target cells and, sensing their level of expression, allow killing of targets underexpressing HLA‐class I. In vivo, NK cell‐mediated anti‐tumor function may be suppressed by tumor or tumor‐associated cells via inhibitory soluble factors/cytokines or the engagement of the so called immune‐check point molecules (e.g., PD1‐PDL1). The study of these immune check‐points is now offering new important opportunities for the therapy of cancer. In haemopoietic stem cell transplantation, alloreactive NK cells (i.e., those that express KIRs, which do not recognize HLA class I molecules on patient cells), derived from HSC of haploidentical donors, are able to kill leukemia blasts and patient's DC, thus preventing both tumor relapses and graft‐versus‐host disease. A clear correlation exists between size of the alloreactive NK cell population and clinical outcome. Thus, in view of the recent major advances in cancer therapy based on immuno‐mediated mechanisms, the phenotypic analysis of cells and molecules involved in these mechanisms plays an increasingly major role. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Social and biophysical variation in regional timber harvest regimes
Authors: Thompson Jonathan R. , Canham Charles D. , Morreale Luca , Kittredge David B. , Butler Brett
Published: January 2017

In terms of adult tree mortality, harvesting is the most prevalent disturbance in northeastern United States forests. Previous studies have demonstrated that stand structure and tree species composition are important predictors of harvest. We extend this work to investigate how social factors further influence harvest regimes. By coupling the Forest Inventory and Analysis database to U.S. Census and National Woodland Owner Survey (NWOS) data, we quantify social and biophysical variation in the frequency and intensity of harvesting throughout a 20‐state region in the northeastern United States. Among social factors, ownership class is most predictive of harvest frequency and intensity. The annual probability of a harvest event within privately owned forest (3%/yr) is twice as high as within publicly owned forests (1.5%/yr). Among private owner classes, the annual harvest probability on corporate‐owned forests (3.6%/yr) is 25% higher than on private woodlands (2.9%/yr). Among public owner classes, the annual probability of harvest is highest on municipally owned forests (2.4%/ yr), followed by state‐owned forests (1.6%/yr), and is lowest on federal forests (1%/yr). In contrast, corporate, state, and municipal forests all have similar distributions of harvest intensity; the median percentage of basal area removed during harvest events is approximately 40% in these three owner groups. Federal forests are similar to private woodlands with median harvest intensities of 23% and 20%, respectively. Social context variables, including local home prices, population density and the distance to a road, help explain the intensity, but not the frequency, of harvesting. Private woodlands constitute the majority of forest area; however, demographic data about their owners (e.g., their age, educational attainment, length of land tenure, retired status) show little relationship to aggregate harvest behavior. Instead, significant predictors for harvesting on private woodlands include live‐tree basal area, forest type, and distance from roads. Just as with natural disturbance regimes, harvest regimes are predictable in terms of their frequency, intensity, and dispersion; and like their natural counterparts, these variables are determined by several important dimensions of environmental context. But in contrast to natural disturbance regimes, the important dimensions of context for harvesting include a combination of social and biophysical variables.
Nonnative fish stocking alters stream ecosystem nutrient dynamics
Authors: Alexiades Alexander V. , Flecker Alexander S. , Kraft Clifford E.
Published: January 2017

Each year, millions of hatchery‐raised fish are stocked into streams and rivers worldwide, yet the effects of hatchery‐raised fish on stream nutrient cycles have seldom been examined. We quantified the influence of supplemental nonnative fish stocking, a widespread recreational fishery management practice, on in‐stream nutrient storage and cycling. We predicted that supplemental, hatchery‐raised brown trout (Salmo trutta) stocking would result in increased N and P supply relative to in‐stream biotic demand for those nutrients and that stocked fishes would remineralize and store a significantly greater amount of N and P than the native fish community, due to higher areal biomass. To test these predictions, we measured the biomass, nutrient (NH4+‐N and soluble reactive phosphorus [SRP]) remineralization rates, and body carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus content of the native fish community and trout stocked into four study streams. We then estimated fish growth rates to determine species‐specific nutrient sequestration rates in body tissues for both stocked and native fish and measured ammonium and phosphorus uptake rates to determine the relative influence of net fish nutrient remineralization on stream nutrient cycles. When brown trout were stocked in these systems at density levels that were orders of magnitude higher than ambient native fish density, they provided a sizeable source of NH4+‐N that could account for up to 85% of demand for that nutrient. Stocked trout had minimal effects on in‐stream SRP cycles even at high release densities, likely due to low per capita SRP excretion rates. A unique feature of our study was that we evaluated the temporal component of the stocked trout nutrient subsidy by estimating the number of fish removed from the system through natural mortality and angler harvest, which indicated that the stocked trout subsidy lasted approximately 6–8 weeks after stocking. By combining population models with areal nutrient excretion rates and estimates of biotic nutrient uptake, we showed that trout stocking provided a strong pulsed nutrient subsidy.
[(para‐Cymene)Ru(dppp)Cl][PF6]‐Catalysed Stereospecific Synthesis of O‐Dienyl Esters, and Evaluation of the Anticancer Activity of a Long‐Chain Fatty Acid O‐Dienyl Ester
Authors: Jena Rajesh K. , Rajesh Y. , Mandal Mahitosh , Bhattacharjee Manish
Published: January 2017

O‐Dienyl esters are obtained through the regio‐ and stereospecific addition of both aromatic and aliphatic carboxylic acids to terminal propargylic alcohols, with the sequential formation of a carbon–oxygen bond and dehydration, in the presence of [(p‐cymene)Ru(dppp)Cl][PF6] (1). Also, the cytotoxicity and anticancer activity of the newly synthesized O‐dienyl ester (Z)‐3‐methylbuta‐1,3‐dienyl oleate have been investigated.
Olefination of N‐Sulfinylimines under Mild Conditions
Authors: Dhara Shubhendu , Diesendruck Charles E.
Published: January 2017

A very simple and efficient diastereoselective synthesis of 1,2‐disubstituted alkenes has been achieved under mild conditions. Sulfoxide stabilised N‐sulfinylimines reacted with in‐situ‐generated phosphonate carbanions to give 1,2‐disubtituted alkenes in good to excellent yields. Different aryl phosphonates reacted with a range of electronically diverse N‐sulfinylimines to give alkenes with >99:1 E selectivity. The most important feature of this protocol is that the reaction can be carried out at room temperature with inexpensive sodium hydride as the most effective base to generate the reactive phosphonate carbanions, and producing the alkenes with E selectivity in up to 85 % isolated yield.
Characterizing the effect of polymyxin B antibiotics to lipopolysaccharide on Escherichia coli surface using atomic force microscopy
Authors: Oh Yoo Jin , Plochberger Birgit , Rechberger Markus , Hinterdorfer Peter
Published: January 2017

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on gram‐negative bacterial outer membranes is the first target for antimicrobial agents, due to their spatial proximity to outer environments of microorganisms. To develop antibacterial compounds with high specificity for LPS binding, the understanding of the molecular nature and their mode of recognition is of key importance. In this study, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and single molecular force spectroscopy were used to characterize the effects of antibiotic polymyxin B (PMB) to the bacterial membrane at the nanoscale. Isolated LPS layer and the intact bacterial membrane were examined with respect to morphological changes at different concentrations of PMB. Our results revealed that 3 hours of 10 μg/mL of PMB exposure caused the highest roughness changes on intact bacterial surfaces, arising from the direct binding of PMB to LPS on the bacterial membrane. Single molecular force spectroscopy was used to probe specific interaction forces between the isolated LPS layer and PMB coupled to the AFM tip. A short range interaction regime mediated by electrostatic forces was visible. Unbinding forces between isolated LPS and PMB were about 30 pN at a retraction velocity of 500 nm/s. We further investigated the effects of the polycationic peptide PMB on bacterial outer membranes and monitored its influences on the deterioration of the bacterial membrane structure. Polymyxin B binding led to rougher appearances and wrinkles on the outer membranes surface, which may finally lead to lethal membrane damage of bacteria. Our studies indicate the potential of AFM for applications in pathogen recognition and nano‐resolution approaches in microbiology.
A reduced reference video quality assessment of H.264 and mpeg2 codec based on sharpness metric
Authors: Ben Amor Mohamed , Larabi Mohamed‐Chaker , Kammoun Fahmi , Masmoudi Nouri
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we propose a new perceptually significant video quality metric for the H.264/Motion Picture Expert Group (MPEG)‐4 Advanced Video Coding (AVC) and MPEG2 standard. Our method operates in the spatial domain by using the Sobel filter. The proposed approach does not require a high computational complexity and can be suitable for real‐time evaluation. We evaluate the performance of the proposed method by using three Common Intermediate Format sequences at different compression rates. The comparison of the obtained results is made with some video quality models using “LIVE”, “IVP” and “IRCCyN/IVC 1080i” databases. The performance metrics, i.e. Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients, indicate that the proposed method gives a good performance in H264 and MPEG2 codec distortions with the three databases comparing with other models.
Evaluation of the surgical apgar score in patients undergoing Ivor–Lewis esophagectomy
Authors: Strøyer Simon , Mantoni Teit , Svendsen Lars Bo
Published: January 2017

Background

The Surgical Apgar Score is a simple outcome score based on intraoperative parameters. The scoring system is recently validated in patients undergoing esophagectomy but without comparable results. This study evaluated the ability of the original and modified Surgical Apgar Scores to predict major complications in a patient population undergoing Ivor–Lewis esophagectomy.

Methods

We retrospectively examined 234 patients who successfully underwent Ivor–Lewis esophagectomy at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen from November 23, 2011 till November 23, 2014. Major complications were defined as Clavien–Dindo grade IIIa or higher within 30 days after surgery. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess factors associated with major complications. Receiver operating characteristics were performed for determination of the predictive value of the Surgical Apgar Score scoring systems.

Results

There were 64 (27.4%) patients with at least one major complication and 4 (1.7%) deaths. The original and modified versions of the Surgical Apgar Score were not associated with major complications and the scoring systems showed no significant predictive value when receiver operating characteristics were performed.

Conclusions

The original or modified versions of the Surgical Apgar Score could possibly be useful in some subgroups of esophagectomy patients, but should not be considered to have a general predictive value. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:186–191. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
De novo thyroid cancer following solid organ transplantation—A 25‐year experience at a high‐volume institution with a review of the literature
Authors: Kluijfhout Wouter P. , Drake Frederick T. , Pasternak Jesse D. , Beninato Toni , Mitmaker Elliot J. , Gosnell Jessica E. , Shen Wen T. , Suh Insoo , Freise Chris E. , Duh Quan‐Yang
Published: January 2017

Background and Objectives

We investigated the rate, stage, and prognosis of thyroid cancer in patients after solid‐organ transplantations, and compared this to the general population.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of patients who developed thyroid cancer after a solid‐organ transplantation between January 1988 and December 2013 at a high volume transplant center. Standardized Incidence Ratio's (SIR) were calculated. Additionally, a systematic review of the literature was performed.

Results

A total of 10,428 patients underwent solid organ transplantation. Eleven patients (11.4 per 100,000 person‐years) developed thyroid cancer: six men and five women with a mean age at diagnosis of thyroid cancer of 58 years. Ten patients underwent surgery and had stage I thyroid cancer. One patient had recurrent disease after a mean follow‐up time of 78 months. The SIR varied between 0.75 and 2.3. Seventeen studies were included in the systematic review with a SIR ranging from 2.5 to 35.

Conclusion

Rate of thyroid cancer is not significantly higher in patients who underwent solid organ transplantation compared to general population. Stage at presentation and prognosis also appear to be similar to that of the general population. Post‐transplant screening for thyroid cancer remains debatable; however, when thyroid cancer is discovered, treatment should be similar to that of non‐transplant patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:105–108. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Plasmonic hot electron tunneling photodetection in vertical Au–graphene hybrid nanostructures
Authors: Du Bowen , Lin Li , Liu Wei , Zu Shuai , Yu Ying , Li Ziwei , Kang Yimin , Peng Hailin , Zhu Xing , Fang Zheyu
Published: January 2017

Plasmon‐induced hot‐electron generation provides an efficient way to convert light into electric current. The investigation of the optoelectronic response in two‐dimensional materials and metallic hybrid nanostructure attracts increasing research interest. Here, we present a tunneling effect of plasmonic hot electrons that is generated from Au nanoparticles, which can vertically tunnel through graphene monolayers. A strong photocurrent induced by the hot electrons was measured in this graphene‐based vertical photodetector with its intensity maximum reached at the plasmon resonance wavelength. The tunneling effect of plasmonic hot electrons was investigated by gradually increasing the incident laser power and bias voltage between the top and bottom electrodes. The dynamic attenuation of plasmonic hot electrons in an excited state was further investigated with multilayered graphene sheets. These results show that our vertical hybrid structure can function as an effective design for the tunneling photodetector, and enable the realization of complex nanophotonic devices that are based on graphene and other 2D materials, such as optical transistors and plasmonic hot‐electron sensors.

image
A true fiber optic refractometer
Authors: Zhou Wenjun , Zhou Yan , Albert Jacques
Published: January 2017

The best instrument to measure the refractive index of liquids is the Abbe refractometer which can only provide accuracies of the order of 10−5 at visible wavelengths and 10−4 in the near infrared. Here we present a technique by which the exact wavelength positions in the near infrared frequency comb of a tilted grating inscribed in the core of an optical fiber can be used to measure the absolute value of the refractive index of a liquid in which the fiber is inserted, with an accuracy of ±5×10−5. This is in contrast to typical fiber optic‐based “refractometry” where only refractive index variations can be measured accurately, hence the appellation of “true” fiber optic refractometer here. In addition to the increased accuracy, the fiber refractometer proposed here offers the additional advantages associated with in situ measurements. The performance of this refractometer is demonstrated by measurements in water from room temperature down to near freezing at wavelengths in the 1550 nm window.

image
Histidine–Zinc Interactions Investigated by Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) and their Application in Self‐Healing Polymers
Authors: Enke Marcel , Jehle Franziska , Bode Stefan , Vitz Jürgen , Harrington Matthew J. , Hager Martin D. , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: January 2017

Histidine–zinc interactions are believed to play a key role in the self‐healing behavior of mussel byssal threads due to their reversible character. Taking this as inspiration, the authors synthesize here histidine‐rich copolymers, as well as model histidine compounds and characterize them using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). With this approach, the influence of two different zinc(II) salts and the role in the complex formation of the amine function of the imidazole ring are investigated in detail. The extracted metal–ligand ratios are utilized to design novel self‐healing metallopolymers. For this purpose, n‐lauryl methacrylate is copolymerized with the histidine monomer via reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The copolymers are crosslinked using different zinc salts, and the resulting coatings are characterized with Raman spectroscopy to investigate the metal coordination behavior and with scratch healing tests to investigate the self‐healing capacity. Finally, the self‐healing behavior of the different materials is correlated with the metal–ligand binding affinity measured by ITC.

image
Anti‐diabetic activities of cis‐ and trans‐2,3,5,4′‐tetrahydroxystilbene 2‐O‐β‐glucopyranoside from Polygonum multiflorum
Authors: Tang Wenping , Li Shiming , Liu Yue , Wu Jia‐Ching , Pan Min‐Hsiung , Huang Mou‐Tuan , Ho Chi‐Tang
Published: January 2017

Scope: Functional foods can be used alone or in combination with existing therapies in preventing and treating type 2 diabetes (T2D). Trans‐2,3,5,4′‐tetrahydroxystilbene 2‐O‐β‐glucopyranoside (trans‐THSG), a dominant bioactive compound from Polygonum multiflorum (PM)—a popular medicinal food in Asia, has attracted increasing research interests due to its strong antioxidant activity. The content of naturally occurring cis‐THSG (cis‐2,3,5,4′‐tetrahydroxystilbene 2‐O‐β‐glucopyranoside) was very low in PM root, but was prepared in this study by mimicking the traditional process of PM. The anti‐diabetic effects of trans‐ and cis‐THSG were evaluated in T2D to search for more efficacious food ingredient(s).

Methods and results: Trans‐THSG was chromatographically purified from PM roots and cis‐THSG was prepared with our innovative process via exposure of trans‐THSG to UV‐light. The anti‐diabetic effects of both THSGs were tested with HFD‐induced male CF‐1 diabetic mice. Cis‐THSG was found more effective than trans‐THSG in hypoglycemic effect and in ameliorating glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. In HepG2 cells, cis‐THSG also demonstrated more potent activity than trans‐THSG in suppressing transcription of phosphoenopyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK).

Conclusion: Cis‐THSG can be an enriched bioactive ingredient in PM roots from post‐processing and is significantly more effective against hyperglycemia than trans‐THSG. One of the effective pathways was through inhibition of PEPCK.
Anomalous diffusion in cerebral glioma assessed using a fractional motion model
Authors: Xu Boyan , Su Lu , Wang Zhenxiong , Fan Yang , Gong Gaolang , Zhu Wenzhen , Gao Peiyi , Gao Jia‐Hong
Published: January 2017

Purpose

To demonstrate the capability of the fractional motion (FM) model for describing anomalous diffusion in cerebral gliomas and to assess the potential feasibility of FM for grading these tumors.

Methods

Diffusion MRI images were acquired from brain tumor patients using a special Stejskal‐Tanner diffusion sequence with variable diffusion gradient amplitudes and separation times. Patients with histopathologically confirmed gliomas, including astrocytic and oligoastrocytic tumors, were selected. The FM‐related parameters, including the Noah exponent (
), the Hurst exponent (
), and the memory parameter (
), were calculated and compared between low‐ and high‐grade gliomas using a two‐sample t‐test. The grading performance was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Results

Twenty‐two patients were included in the present study. The calculated
,
, and
permitted the separation of tumor lesions from surrounding normal tissues in parameter maps and helped differentiate glioma grades. Moreover,
showed greater sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing low‐ and high‐grade gliomas compared with the apparent diffusion coefficient.

Conclusion

The FM model could improve the diagnostic accuracy in differentiating low‐ and high‐grade gliomas. This improved diffusion model may facilitate future studies of neuro‐pathological changes in clinical populations. Magn Reson Med 78:1944–1949, 2017. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Non‐invasive assessment of muscle injury in healthy and dystrophic animals with electrical impedance myography
Authors: Sanchez Benjamin , Iyer Shama R. , Li Jia , Kapur Kush , Xu Su , Rutkove Seward B. , Lovering Richard M.
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Dystrophic muscle is particularly susceptible to eccentric contraction–induced injury. We tested the hypothesis that electrical impedance myography (EIM) can detect injury induced by maximal‐force lengthening contractions.

Methods

We induced injury in the quadriceps of wild‐type (WT) and dystrophic (mdx) mice with eccentric contractions using an established model.

Results

mdx quadriceps had significantly greater losses in peak twitch and tetany compared with losses in WT quadriceps. Injured muscle showed a significant increase in EIM characteristic frequency in both WT (177 ± 7.7%) and mdx (167 ± 7.8%) quadriceps. EIM also revealed decreased extracellular resistance for both WT and mdx quadriceps after injury.

Discussion

Our results show overall agreement between muscle function and EIM measurements of injured muscle, indicating that EIM is a viable tool to assess injury in dystrophic muscle. Muscle Nerve 56: E85–E94, 2017
Modal basis approaches in shape and topology optimization of frequency response problems
Authors: Allaire Grégoire , Michailidis Georgios
Published: January 2017

The optimal design of mechanical structures subject to periodic excitations within a large frequency interval is quite challenging. In order to avoid bad performances for non‐discretized frequencies, it is necessary to finely discretize the frequency interval, leading to a very large number of state equations. Then, if a standard adjoint‐based approach is used for optimization, the computational cost (both in terms of CPU and memory storage) may be prohibitive for large problems, especially in three space dimensions. The goal of the present work is to introduce two new non‐adjoint approaches for dealing with frequency response problems in shape and topology optimization. In both cases, we rely on a classical modal basis approach to compute the states, solutions of the direct problems. In the first method, we do not use any adjoint but rather directly compute the shape derivatives of the eigenmodes in the modal basis. In the second method, we compute the adjoints of the standard approach by using again the modal basis. The numerical cost of these two new strategies are much smaller than the usual ones if the number of modes in the modal basis is much smaller than the number of discretized excitation frequencies. We present numerical examples for the minimization of the dynamic compliance in two and three space dimensions. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semi‐active reduction of vibrations in the mechanical system driven by an electric motor
Authors: Michajłow Maciej , Jankowski Łukasz , Szolc Tomasz , Konowrocki Robert
Published: January 2017

In this paper, a semi‐active damping approach is used for reduction of vibrations in a laboratory drivetrain system. The considered drivetrain system is powered by an electric, asynchronous motor at the one side and loaded with a harmonically varying torque on the other side. Here, an influence of electromechanical interaction, i.e., an electromechanical coupling, between the electric motor and the mechanical system has been taken into consideration. The harmonic load signal induces torsional vibrations in the system, which in the steady‐state phase of motion become periodic. The aim of the work is to determine the optimal control function for a semi‐active damping element, leading to vibration reduction and considering only the steady‐state phase of system motion. The optimal control is derived by using a semi‐analytical approach based on the optimal control theory aided with supplementary numerical computations. The proposed methodology is fully general, and it can be directly applied to any type of a periodically oscillating system.
Theoretical and experimental study of dynamic load‐carrying capacity for flexible robotic arms in point‐to‐point motion
Authors: Shafei A. M. , Korayem M. H.
Published: January 2017

This paper involves the study of a general formulation and numerical solution for the dynamic load‐carrying capacity of a mechanical manipulator with elastic links. The approach presented in this article is based on an open‐loop optimal control. This method results from the Pontryagin minimum principle, which yields a 2‐point boundary value problem. The indirect method has been exploited to extract the optimality conditions. The dynamic equations of motion for this system have been obtained by means of the Gibbs‐Appell formulation and by applying the assumed modes method. The elastic characteristics of the members have been modeled based on the Timoshenko beam theory and its associated mode shapes. The aim of this research is to calculate the maximum‐allowed load that a mechanical manipulator with flexible links can carry while traversing an optimal path. At the end, to evaluate the proposed method, we made a comparison between the simulation results obtained from the presented model and the experimental results obtained from a manipulator with 2 flexible links. The comparison between the simulation and empirical data confirms the credibility of the presented method in computing the dynamic load‐carrying capacity and controlling the point‐to‐point motion of the considered 2‐link flexible manipulator.
Use of high‐frequency ultrasound to study the prenatal development of cranial neural tube defects and hydrocephalus in Gldc‐deficient mice
Authors: Autuori Maria C. , Pai Yun J. , Stuckey Daniel J. , Savery Dawn , Marconi Anna M. , Massa Valentina , Lythgoe Mark F. , Copp Andrew J. , David Anna L. , Greene Nicholas D.E.
Published: January 2017

Objective

We used non‐invasive high‐frequency ultrasound (HFUS) imaging to investigate embryonic brain development in a mouse model for neural tube defects (NTDs) and non‐ketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH).

Method

Using HFUS, we imaged embryos carrying loss of function alleles of Gldc encoding glycine decarboxylase, a component of the glycine cleavage system in mitochondrial folate metabolism, which is known to be associated with cranial NTDs and NKH in humans. We serially examined the same litter during the second half of embryonic development and quantified cerebral structures. Genotype was confirmed using PCR. Histology was used to confirm ultrasound findings.

Results

High‐frequency ultrasound allowed in utero detection of two major brain abnormalities in Gldc‐deficient mouse embryos, cranial NTDs (exencephaly) and ventriculomegaly (corresponding with the previous finding of post‐natal hydrocephalus). Serial ultrasound allowed individual embryos to be analysed at successive gestational time points. From embryonic day 16.5 to 18.5, the lateral ventricle volume reduced in wild‐type and heterozygous embryos but increased in homozygous Gldc‐deficient embryos.

Conclusion

Exencephaly and ventriculomegaly were detectable by HFUS in homozygous Gldc‐deficient mouse embryos indicating this to be an effective tool to study CNS development. Longitudinal analysis of the same embryo allowed the prenatal onset and progression of ventricle enlargement in Gldc‐deficient mice to be determined. © 2017 The Authors. Prenatal Diagnosis published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perceived needs for the information communication technology (ICT)‐based personalized health management program, and its association with information provision, health‐related quality of life (HRQOL), and decisional conflict in cancer patients
Authors: Sim Jin Ah , Chang Yoon Jung , Shin Aesun , Noh Dong‐Young , Han Wonshik , Yang Han‐Kwang , Kim Young Whan , Kim Young Tae , Jeong Seoung‐Yong , Yoon Jung‐Hwan , Kim Yoon Jun , Heo Daesuk , Kim Tae‐You , Oh Do‐Youn , Wu Hong‐Gyun , Kim Hak Jae , Chie Eui Kyu , Kang Keon Wook , Kim Ju Han , Yun Young Ho
Published: January 2017

Objective

The use of information communication technology (ICT)–based tailored health management program can have significant health impacts for cancer patients. Information provision, health‐related quality of life (HRQOL), and decision conflicts were analyzed for their relationship with need for an ICT‐based personalized health management program in Korean cancer survivors.

Methods

The health program needs of 625 cancer survivors from two Korean hospitals were analyzed in this cross‐sectional study. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors related to the need for an ICT‐based tailored health management system. Association of the highest such need with medical information experience, HRQOL, and decision conflicts was determined. Furthermore, patient intentions and expectations for a web‐ or smartphone‐based tailored health management program were investigated.

Results

Cancer survivors indicated high personalized health management program needs. Patients reporting the highest need included those with higher income (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.70; 95% [confidence interval] CI, 1.10‐2.63), those who had received enough information regarding helping themselves (aOR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.09‐2.66), and those who wished to receive more information (aOR, 1.59; 95% CI, 0.97‐2.61). Participants with cognitive functioning problems (aOR, 2.87; 95%CI, 1.34‐6.17) or appetite loss (aOR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.07‐2.93) indicated need for a tailored health care program. Patients who perceived greater support from the decision‐making process also showed the highest need for an ICT‐based program (aOR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.30‐0.82).

Conclusions

We found that higher income, information provision experience, problematic HRQOL, and decisional conflicts are significantly associated with the need for an ICT‐based tailored self‐management program.
Nanostructured multi‐crystalline silicon solar cell with isotropic etching by HF/KMnO4
Authors: Jiang Ye , Shen Honglie , Zheng Chaofan , Pu Tian , Wu Jing , Rui Chunbao , Yang Wangyang , Li Yufang
Published: January 2017

Metal‐assisted chemical etching (MACE) method is an efficient way to improve the power conversion efficiency of solar cell by developing nanostructures. Normally, hydrogen peroxide is widely used as an oxidizing agent, through which anisotropic etching of nanostructures could be achieved. Here, nanoscale textured multi‐crystalline silicon (mc‐Si) solar cell with an efficiency of 18.13% was fabricated by MACE method with potassium permanganate (KMnO4) as an oxidizing agent. The isotropic etching by KMnO4 showed the great uniformity of surface reflectance, corresponding to the isotropic oval pits. The solar cell presented an increase of 0.72mA · cm−2 in the short‐circuit current density comparing with the mc‐Si solar cell fabricated by the traditional process. Though the efficiency still needed optimizing, isotropic etching for mc‐Si would lead a new tendency for MACE technique.
The Influence of Package Size and Flute Type of Corrugated Boxes on Load Bridging in Unit Loads
Authors: Park Jonghun , Horvath Laszlo , White Marshall S. , Phanthanousy Samantha , Araman Philip , Bush Robert J.
Published: January 2017

Shipping pallets often are designed with the assumption that the payload carried is flexible and uniformly distributed on the pallet surface. However, packages on the pallet can act as a series of discrete loads, and the physical interactions among the packages can add stiffness to the pallet/load combination. The term ‘load bridging’ has been used to describe this phenomenon. The study reported in this paper investigated the relationships of package size, corrugated flute type and pallet stiffness to load bridging and the resulting unit‐load deflection. The experimental results indicated that an increase in box size changed the unit‐load deflection by as much as 75%. Flute type was found to impact load bridging and the resulting unit‐load deflection. Changing the corrugated box flute type from B‐flute or BC‐flute to E‐flute reduces the unit‐load deflection by as much as 40%. Also, experimental data indicates that the effect of package size and corrugated board flute type on pallet deflection is the greatest for low stiffness pallets. The results provide information that can be used to design unit loads that use material more efficiently. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Latent Markov and growth mixture models for ordinal individual responses with covariates: A comparison
Authors: Pennoni Fulvia , Romeo Isabella
Published: January 2017

Objective

We review two alternative ways of modeling stability and change of longitudinal data by using time‐fixed and time‐varying covariates for the observed individuals. Both the methods build on the foundation of finite mixture models, and are commonly applied in many fields but they look at the data from different perspectives. Our attempt is to make comparisons when the ordinal nature of the response variable is of interest.

Methods

The latent Markov model is based on time‐varying latent variables to explain the observable behavior of the individuals. It is proposed in a semiparametric formulation as the latent process has a discrete distribution and is characterized by a Markov structure. The growth mixture model is based on a latent categorical variable that accounts for the unobserved heterogeneity in the observed trajectories and on a mixture of Gaussian random variables to account for the variability in the growth factors. We refer to a real data example on self‐reported health status to illustrate their peculiarities and differences.
Leveraging temporal autocorrelation of historical data for improving accuracy in network regression
Authors: Loglisci Corrado , Malerba Donato
Published: January 2017

Temporal data describe processes and phenomena that evolve over time. In many real‐world applications temporal data are characterized by temporal autocorrelation, which expresses the dependence of time‐stamped data over a certain a time lag. Often such processes and phenomena are characterized by evolving complex entities, which we can represent with evolving networks of data. In this scenario, a task that deserves attention is regression inference in temporal network data. In this paper, we investigate how to improve the predictive inference on network data by accommodating temporal autocorrelation of the historical data in the learning process of the prediction models. Historical data is a type of temporal data where most part of the elements has been already stored. In practice, we study how to explicitly consider the influence of data of a network observed in the past, to enhance the prediction on the same network observed at the present. The proposed approach relies on a model ensemble built with individual predictors learned on historical network data. The predictors are trained from summary networks, which synthesize the effect of the autocorrelation in distinct sequences of network observations. Summary networks are identified with a sliding window model. Finally, the model ensemble combines together the predictors with a weighting schema, which reflects the degree of influence of a predictor with respect to the network observed at the present. So, we aim at accommodating the temporal autocorrelation both in the data and in the prediction model. Empirical evaluation demonstrates that the proposed approach can boost regression performance in real‐world network data.
Surface amine‐functionalization of UHMWPE fiber by bio‐inspired polydopamine and grafted hexamethylene diamine
Authors: Hu Juncheng , Feng Xia , Liu Zhengyi , Zhao Yiping , Chen Li
Published: January 2017

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers exhibit excellent mechanical property, but their low surface activity limits the application in many fields. In this work, an efficient method was used to improve the surface activity and adhesion property of UHMWPE fibers. The amine functionalized UHMWPE fibers were prepared by the combination of bio‐inspired polydopamine (PDA) and grafted hexamethylene diamine (HMDA). The chemical structure of UHMWPE fibers was characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The surface morphologies and mechanical property of the fibers were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and tensile testing respectively. In addition, a single‐fiber pull‐out test was carried out to investigate the adhesion property of the fibers with epoxy resin matrix. The results showed that PDA was coated on the surface of UHMWPE fibers and then HMDA was successfully grafted on the PDA layers. The excellent mechanical property of UHMWPE fibers had no obvious change. Compared with the pristine UHMWPE fibers, the interfacial shear strength of the PDA coated UHMWPE fibers with the epoxy resin matrix improved by 28.3%, while the IFSS of the HMDA grafted UHMWPE fibers had an increase of 82.7%. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functionalization of Scanning Probe Tips with Epitaxial Semiconductor Layers
Authors: Giliberti Valeria , Sakat Emilie , Bollani Monica , Altoe M. Virginia , Melli Mauro , Weber‐Bargioni Alexander , Baldassarre Leonetta , Celebrano Michele , Frigerio Jacopo , Isella Giovanni , Cabrini Stefano , Ortolani Michele
Published: January 2017

Functionalized scanning probe tips hold great promise for the controlled delivery of signals from and to selected nanoscale volumes. Here, a new nanotechnological approach for the functionalization of scanning probe tips is presented, targeting the transfer of the optical, electrical, thermal, or chemical properties of precisely characterized epitaxial semiconductor layers to the nanoscale probe tip. Homogeneously doped, strain‐relaxed heteroepitaxial germanium layers, several micrometers thick, are first grown on silicon wafers by low‐energy plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition and then employed to functionalize the probe apex. This choice of materials and growth technique enables the future scalability of the tip functionalization process toward high production volumes. The fabricated probe tips are investigated in a transmission electron microscope, revealing that the crystal structure and the homogeneous doping level of the epitaxial layers are unchanged after the probe‐tip functionalization process. These doped‐germanium tips are also tested as nanoemitters of light at telecom wavelengths (1.55 µm) and applied as scattering probes for near‐field mid‐infrared microscopy. The reported combination of heteroepitaxial growth and a nanofabrication approach can be extended to a variety of epitaxial materials, thus enabling a new generation of scanning probes for the investigation of nanostructured materials and devices.
A Comparative Study of Outcomes Between Single‐Site Robotic and Multi‐port Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: An Experience from a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Balachandran Banujan , Hufford Theadore A. , Mustafa Taha , Kochar Kunal , Sulo Suela , Khorsand Joubin
Published: January 2017

Background

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of single‐site robotic cholecystectomy with multi‐port laparoscopic cholecystectomy within a high‐volume tertiary health care center.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained data was conducted on patients undergoing single‐site robotic cholecystectomy or multi‐port laparoscopic cholecystectomy between October 2011 and July 2014. A single surgeon performed all the surgeries included in the study.

Results

A total of 678 cholecystectomies were performed. Of these, 415 (61%) were single‐site robotic cholecystectomies and 263 (39%) were multi‐port laparoscopic cholecystectomies. Laparoscopic patients had a greater mean BMI (30.5 vs. 29.0 kg/m2; p = 0.008), were more likely to have undergone prior abdominal surgery (83.3 vs. 41.4%; p < 0.001) and had a higher incidence of preexisting comorbidities (76.1 vs. 67.2%; p = 0.014) as compared to the robotic group. There was no statistical difference in the total operative time, rate of conversion to open procedure and mean length of follow‐up between the two groups. The mean length of hospital stay was shorter for patients within the robotic group (1.9 vs. 2.4 days; p = 0.012). Single‐site robotic cholecystectomy was associated with a higher rate of wound infection (3.9 vs. 1.1%; p = 0.037) and incisional hernia (6.5 vs. 1.9%; p = 0.006).

Conclusion

Multi‐port laparoscopic cholecystectomy should remain the gold standard therapy for gallbladder disease. Single‐site robotic cholecystectomy is an effective alternative procedure for uncomplicated benign gallbladder disease in properly selected patients. This must be carefully balanced against a high rate of surgical site infection and incisional hernia, and patients should be informed of these risks.
Brain Oxygenation During Thoracoscopic Repair of Long Gap Esophageal Atresia
Authors: Stolwijk Lisanne J. , van der Zee David C. , Tytgat Stefaan , van der Werff Desiree , Benders Manon J. N. L. , van Herwaarden Maud Y. A. , Lemmers Petra M. A.
Published: January 2017

Background

Elongation and repair of long gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) can be performed thoracoscopically, even directly after birth. The effect of thoracoscopic CO2‐insufflation on cerebral oxygenation (rScO2) during the consecutive thoracoscopic procedures in repair of LGEA was evaluated.

Methods

Prospective case series of five infants, with in total 16 repetitive thoracoscopic procedures. A CO2‐pneumothorax was installed with a pressure of maximum 5 mmHg and flow of 1 L/min. Parameters influencing rScO2 were monitored. For analysis 10 time periods of 10’ during surgery and in the perioperative period were selected.

Results

Median gestational age was 35+3 [range 33+4 to 39+6] weeks; postnatal age at time of first procedure 4 [2–53] days and time of insufflation 127[22–425] min. Median rScO2 varied between 55 and 90%. Transient outliers in cerebral oxygenation were observed in three patients. In Patient 2 oxygenation values below 55% occurred during a low MABP and Hb < 6 mmol/L. The rScO2 increased after erythrocytes transfusion. Patient 5 also showed a rScO2 of 50% with a Hb <6 mmol/L during all procedures, except for a substantial increase during a high paCO2 of 60 mmHg. Patient 4 had a rScO2 > 85% during the first procedure with a concomitant high FiO2 > 45%. All parameters recovered during the surgical course.

Conclusions

This prospective case series of NIRS during consecutive thoracoscopic repair of LGEA showed that cerebral oxygenation remained stable. Transient outliers in rScO2 occurred during changes in hemodynamic or respiratory parameters and normalized after interventions of the anesthesiologist. This study underlines the importance of perioperative neuromonitoring and the close collaboration between pediatric surgeon, anesthesiologist and neonatologist.
Calcium Hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease and brain aging: A framework for integrating new evidence into a comprehensive theory of pathogenesis
Authors:   Alzheimer's Association Calcium Hypothesis Workgroup, Khachaturian Zaven S.
Published: January 2017

This article updates the Calcium Hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease and brain aging on the basis of emerging evidence since 1994 (The present article, with the subtitle “New evidence for a central role of Ca2+ in neurodegeneration,” includes three appendices that provide context and further explanations for the rationale for the revisions in the updated hypothesis—the three appendices are as follows: Appendix I “Emerging concepts on potential pathogenic roles of [Ca2+],” Appendix II “Future studies to validate the central role of dysregulated [Ca2+] in neurodegeneration,” and Appendix III “Epilogue: towards a comprehensive hypothesis.”) (Marx J. Fresh evidence points to an old suspect: calcium. Science 2007; 318:384–385). The aim is not only to re‐evaluate the original key claims of the hypothesis with a critical eye but also to identify gaps in knowledge required to validate relevant claims and delineate additional studies and/or data that are needed. Some of the key challenges for this effort included examination of questions regarding (1) the temporal and spatial relationships of molecular mechanisms that regulate neuronal calcium ion (Ca2+), (2) the role of changes in concentration of calcium ion [Ca2+] in various subcellular compartments of neurons, (3) how alterations in Ca2+ signaling affect the performance of neurons under various conditions, ranging from optimal functioning in a healthy state to conditions of decline and deterioration in performance during aging and in disease, and (4) new ideas about the contributions of aging, genetic, and environmental factors to the causal relationships between dysregulation of [Ca2+] and the functioning of neurons (see Appendices I and II). The updated Calcium Hypothesis also includes revised postulates that are intended to promote further crucial experiments to confirm or reject the various predictions of the hypothesis (see Appendix III).