bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trpm2 enhances physiological bioenergetics and protects against pathological oxidative cardiac injury: Role of Pyk2 phosphorylation
Authors: Miller Barbara A. , Wang JuFang , Song Jianliang , Zhang Xue‐Qian , Hirschler‐Laszkiewicz Iwona , Shanmughapriya Santhanam , Tomar Dhanendra , Rajan Sudasan , Feldman Arthur M. , Madesh Muniswamy , Sheu Shey‐Shing , Cheung Joseph Y.
Published: January 2019

The mechanisms by which Trpm2 channels enhance mitochondrial bioenergetics and protect against oxidative stress‐induced cardiac injury remain unclear. Here, the role of proline‐rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) in Trpm2 signaling is explored. Activation of Trpm2 in adult myocytes with H2O2 resulted in 10‐ to 21‐fold increases in Pyk2 phosphorylation in wild‐type (WT) myocytes which was significantly lower (~40%) in Trpm2 knockout (KO) myocytes. Pyk2 phosphorylation was inhibited (~54%) by the Trpm2 blocker clotrimazole. Buffering Trpm2‐mediated Ca2+ increase with 1,2‐bis(2‐aminophenoxy)ethane‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) resulted in significantly reduced pPyk2 in WT but not in KO myocytes, indicating Ca2+ influx through activated Trpm2 channels phosphorylated Pyk2. Part of phosphorylated Pyk2 translocated from cytosol to mitochondria which has been previously shown to augment mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and enhance adenosine triphosphate generation. Although Trpm2‐mediated Ca2+ influx phosphorylated Ca2+‐calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII), the CaMKII inhibitor KN93 did not significantly affect Pyk2 phosphorylation in H2O2‐treated WT myocytes. After ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), Pyk2 phosphorylation and its downstream prosurvival signaling molecules (pERK1/2 and pAkt) were significantly lower in KO‐I/R when compared with WT‐I/R hearts. After hypoxia/reoxygenation, mitochondrial membrane potential was lower and superoxide level was higher in KO myocytes, and were restored to WT values by the mitochondria‐targeted superoxide scavenger MitoTempo. Our results suggested that Ca2+ influx via tonically activated Trpm2 phosphorylated Pyk2, part of which translocated to mitochondria, resulting in better mitochondrial bioenergetics to maintain cardiac health. After I/R, Pyk2 activated prosurvival signaling molecules and prevented excessive increases in reactive oxygen species, thereby affording protection from I/R injury.
Targeted rapid knee MRI exam using T2 shuffling
Authors: Tamir Jonathan I. , Taviani Valentina , Alley Marcus T. , Perkins Becki C. , Hart Lori , O'Brien Kendall , Wishah Fidaa , Sandberg Jesse K , Anderson Michael J. , Turek Javier S. , Willke Theodore L. , Lustig Michael , Vasanawala Shreyas S.
Published: January 2019

Background

MRI is commonly used to evaluate pediatric musculoskeletal pathologies, but same‐day/near‐term scheduling and short exams remain challenges.

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of a targeted rapid pediatric knee MRI exam, with the goal of reducing cost and enabling same‐day MRI access.

Study Type

A cost effectiveness study done prospectively.

Subjects

Forty‐seven pediatric patients.

Field Strength/Sequence

3T. The 10‐minute protocol was based on T2 Shuffling, a four‐dimensional acquisition and reconstruction of images with variable T2 contrast, and a T1 2D fast spin‐echo (FSE) sequence. A distributed, compressed sensing‐based reconstruction was implemented on a four‐node high‐performance compute cluster and integrated into the clinical workflow.

Assessment

In an Institutional Review Board‐approved study with informed consent/assent, we implemented a targeted pediatric knee MRI exam for assessing pediatric knee pain. Pediatric patients were subselected for the exam based on insurance plan and clinical indication. Over a 2‐year period, 47 subjects were recruited for the study and 49 MRIs were ordered. Date and time information was recorded for MRI referral, registration, and completion. Image quality was assessed from 0 (nondiagnostic) to 5 (outstanding) by two readers, and consensus was subsequently reached.

Statistical Tests

A Wilcoxon rank‐sum test assessed the null hypothesis that the targeted exam times compared with conventional knee exam times were unchanged.

Results

Of the 49 cases, 20 were completed on the same day as exam referral. Median time from registration to exam completion was 18.7 minutes. Median reconstruction time for T2 Shuffling was reduced from 18.9 minutes to 95 seconds using the distributed implementation. Technical fees charged for the targeted exam were one‐third that of the routine clinical knee exam. No subject had to return for additional imaging.

Data Conclusion

The targeted knee MRI exam is feasible and reduces the imaging time, cost, and barrier to same‐day MRI access for pediatric patients.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 6

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019.
Accessible magnetic resonance imaging: A review
Authors: Geethanath Sairam , Vaughan John Thomas
Published: January 2019

The role of MRI in diagnostics, prognostics, and discoveries in basic sciences has been well established. However, access to this life‐saving technology is largely restricted to countries in upper‐middle to high‐income groups. In this article, we collate recent global MR scanner density data and group them into six geographical regions based on the WHO classification. We then analyze these data with respect to demographic factors such as population size, life expectancy, the percentage of internet users, and World Bank income grouping. We map these demographic factors to five dimensions or characteristics of accessible MRI, adapting definitions from the healthcare literature. With this background, the study then reviews recent demonstrations of accessible MRI categorized based on main magnetic field strength. We describe demonstrated examples for each of these categories, ranging from ultralow‐field to ultrahigh‐field MRI. Lastly, we review MR methods and associated developments impacting accessible MRI such as increasing/augmenting MR awareness and local expertise, incorporating hardware‐cognizant methods, rapid quantitative imaging, and leveraging innovations from adjacent fields.

Level of Evidence: 5

Technical Efficacy Stage: 6

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019.
Accuracy of blood flow assessment in cerebral arteries with 4D flow MRI: Evaluation with three segmentation methods
Authors: Dunås Tora , Holmgren Madelene , Wåhlin Anders , Malm Jan , Eklund Anders
Published: January 2019

Background

Accelerated 4D flow MRI allows for high‐resolution velocity measurements with whole‐brain coverage. Such scans are increasingly used to calculate flow rates of individual arteries in the vascular tree, but detailed information about the accuracy and precision in relation to different postprocessing options is lacking.

Purpose

To evaluate and optimize three proposed segmentation methods and determine the accuracy of in vivo 4D flow MRI blood flow rate assessments in major cerebral arteries, with high‐resolution 2D PCMRI as a reference.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Thirty‐five subjects (20 women, 79 ± 5 years, range 70–91 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

4D flow MRI with PC‐VIPR and 2D PCMRI acquired with a 3 T scanner.

Assessment

We compared blood flow rates measured with 4D flow MRI, to the reference, in nine main cerebral arteries. Lumen segmentation in the 4D flow MRI was performed with k‐means clustering using four different input datasets, and with two types of thresholding methods. The threshold was defined as a percentage of the maximum intensity value in the complex difference image. Local and global thresholding approaches were used, with evaluated thresholds from 6–26%.

Statistical Tests

Paired t‐test, F‐test, linear correlation (P < 0.05 was considered significant) along with intraclass correlation (ICC).

Results

With the thresholding methods, the lowest average flow difference was obtained for 20% local (0.02 ± 15.0 ml/min, ICC = 0.97, n = 310) or 10% global (0.08 ± 17.3 ml/min, ICC = 0.97, n = 310) thresholding with a significant lower standard deviation for local (F‐test, P = 0.01). For all clustering methods, we found a large systematic underestimation of flow compared with 2D PCMRI (16.1–22.3 ml/min).

Data Conclusion

A locally adapted threshold value gives a more stable result compared with a globally fixed threshold. 4D flow with the proposed segmentation method has the potential to become a useful reliable clinical tool for assessment of blood flow in the major cerebral arteries.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:511–518.
Diffusion kurtosis imaging‐derived histogram metrics for prediction of KRAS mutation in rectal adenocarcinoma: Preliminary findings
Authors: Cui Yanfen , Cui Xue'e , Yang Xiaotang , Zhuo Zhizheng , Du Xiaosong , Xin Lei , Yang Zhao , Cheng Xintao
Published: January 2019

Background

Although histological examination is the standard method for assessing genetic status, the development of a noninvasive method, which can display the heterogeneity of the whole tumor to supplement genotype analysis, might be important for personalized treatment strategies.

Purpose

To evaluate the potential role of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI)‐derived parameters using histogram analysis derived from whole‐tumor volumes for prediction of the status of KRAS mutations in patients with rectal adenocarcinoma.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

In all, 148 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma who were treated at our institution.

Sequence

DKI was performed with a 3.0 T MRI system using a single‐shot echo‐planar imaging sequence with b values of 0, 700, 1400, and 2100 sec/mm2.

Assessment

D, K, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were measured using whole‐tumor volume histogram analysis and were compared between different KRAS mutations status.

Statistical Tests

Student's t‐test or Mann–Whitney U‐test, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used for statistical analysis.

Results

All the percentile metrics of ADC and D values were significantly lower in the mutated group than those in the wildtype group (all P < 0.05), except for the minimum value of ADC and D (both P > 0.05), while K‐related percentile metrics were higher in the mutated group compared with those in the wildtype group (all P < 0.05). Regarding the comparison of the diagnostic performance of all the histogram metrics, K75th showed the highest AUC value of 0.871, and the corresponding values for sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 81.43%, 78.21%, 77.03%, and 82.43%, respectively.

Data Conclusion

DKI metrics with whole‐tumor volume histogram analysis is associated with KRAS mutations, and thus may be useful for predicting the KRAS status of rectal cancers for guiding targeted therapy.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:930–939.
New directions for exploring the consequences of proactive behaviors: Introduction to the special issue
Authors: Liu Wu , Tangirala Subrahmaniam , Lee Cynthia , Parker Sharon K.
Published: January 2019

This special issue introduces new directions for exploring the consequences of proactive behaviors. The authors summarize the new scopes of consequences, new social contexts, and new methods in this exploration. They also identify several limitations of the existing literature and call for more future research in this stream.
Potential contributions of climate change and urbanization to precipitation trends across China at national, regional and local scales
Authors: Gu Xihui , Zhang Qiang , Singh Vijay P. , Song Changqing , Sun Peng , Li Jianfeng
Published: January 2019

Climate change and urbanization collectively influence precipitation changes. However, their separate potential contributions to precipitation changes are not well understood due to their complex interactions. Hence, a “trajectory”‐based method was used to separate their potential contributions across national, regional and local scales in China. Precipitation changes in non‐urban regions can be regarded as representing the influence of climate change and can serve as a reference for isolating precipitation changes due to urbanization in urban areas. Our results revealed that climate change was the dominant factor for precipitation trends, while urbanization exhibited a relatively weak influence, especially for extreme precipitation at the national scale. At the regional scale, the impacts of urbanization on precipitation became more significant. About 20.2 and −30.6% of positive and negative trends in total precipitation originated from urbanization. At the local scale, the potential contribution of urbanization was strongly correlated with local environmental characteristics. Although there were differences in the potential contributions of climate change and urbanization at national, regional and local scales, climate change was the dominant factor for precipitation trends and urbanization acted as a regulator to drying or wetting due to precipitation under climate change. In general, urbanization causes a greater impact on total precipitation than on precipitation extremes. Due to this, attribution approach is static and broad‐based and does not render the level of confidence that is needed for scale‐aware attribution, future studies are needed to understand the physical mechanisms of impacts of local environment changes on precipitation trends at different geographical locations over China.
Effects of the Tibetan Plateau and its second staircase terrain on rainstorms over North China: From the perspective of water vapour transport
Authors: Zhao Yang , Xu Xiangde , Zhao Tianliang , Yang Xiaojun
Published: January 2019

The effects of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and its second staircase terrain (i.e., the extension of the TP) on summer rainstorms over North China (NC) from the perspective of large‐scale water vapour transport were investigated based on the frequency of summer rainstorms from 70 observational stations in NC and National Centers for Environmental Prediction reanalysis data from 1961 to 2010. Seven rainstorm cases over NC during 1981–2016 acquired from ERA‐Interim reanalysis data and observational hourly precipitation data were selected. Two water vapour transport channels provided favourable backgrounds for rainstorms over NC. One channel flowed along the northern edge of the TP via westerlies. The other channel flowed along the eastern edges of the TP and its second staircase terrain accompanied with southerly monsoon airflow, with water vapour sources from the Bay of Bengal, South China Sea, and western Pacific. The abundant water vapour that was transported along the two channels not only offered a favourable moisture background for rainstorms over NC but also resulted in the development of water vapour flux vortexes that supplied convergence conditions for rainstorms in situ. At low levels, water vapour transport mainly flowed along the eastern edge of the TP second staircase terrain. The results from the Weather and Research Forecasting model simulation of a randomly selected rainstorm case originating from the TP to NC confirmed the vital effect of the TP second staircase terrain on rainstorms over NC accompanied with water vapour transport.
The decadal shift of the long persistent rainfall over the northern part of China and the associated ocean conditions
Authors: Yan Peiwen , Huang Danqing , Zhu Jian , Kuang Xueyuan , Huang Ying
Published: January 2019

The long persistent rainfall (LPR) over the northern part of China has a great impact on its society and economics. This study investigates the decadal shift of the regional‐mean LPR frequency over the northern part of China (LPR frequency) from 1971 to 2014 and the associated ocean conditions. The LPR frequency has experienced a significant decadal shift around 1996, with an enhanced (reduced) anomaly before (after) 1996, which is closely associated with a meridional tri‐pole sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly over the central Pacific, a La Niña‐like anomaly for the pre‐1996 epoch (1971–1996) and an obvious warming over the south Indian Ocean and the western part of south Pacific Ocean in the post‐1996 epoch (1997–2014). In the pre‐1996 epoch, associated with the typical SSTs, the ascent motion with increasing humidity anomalies are over the northern part of China. Meanwhile, high (low) pressure anomalies are over western Asia and East Asia (Europe and central Asia), which resembles as the positive phase of the Silk Road pattern (SRP). It would be associated with the polewards shift of the East Asian jet stream (EAJS) and therefore result in the northwards shift of the rain belt and benefit the occurrence of the LPR. In the post‐1996 epoch, associated with the warming over the specific south oceans, a descend anomaly dominates over the northern part of China, as well as the resembled negative phase of the SRP over mid‐high latitudes and equatorwards shift of the EAJS. These would suppress the rainfall over the northern part of China and reduce the LPR frequency over there after 1996.
Influence of the strongest central Pacific El Niño–Southern Oscillation events on the precipitation in eastern China
Authors: Li Yan , Ma Baisheng , Feng Juan , Lu Yao
Published: January 2019

The impact of the strongest central Pacific (CP) El Niño event 2009/2010 and CP La Niña event 1998/1999 from 1979 to 2010 on the precipitation in eastern China has been analysed. During the 2009/2010 CP El Niño event, it is rainy in northern China during maturing winter and decaying spring, but dry during decaying summer. The rainfall centre is located in south China during maturing period and gradually moves northwards, remaining over the Yellow‐Huai River valley during decaying summer. When the 1998/1999 CP La Niña event occurs, northern China is in a state of drought throughout. In south China, dry periods gradually evolve into rainy ones from maturing winter to decaying summer. The two strongest events also have notable impact on the extreme rainfall, and they mainly affect the total rainfall by influencing the extreme precipitation in eastern China. When the 2009/2010 CP El Niño event occurs, the Western Pacific Subtropical High (WPSH) is stronger with a northwards shift, and there is an obvious anticyclonic circulation near the South China Sea and Philippines. Furthermore, during decaying summer, the Pacific–Japan (PJ) wave train shows an eastwards shift comparing to the typical PJ wave train locating from low latitudes to high latitudes, associating with clearly northwardly spreading wave activity fluxes (WAFs) from the equator. When the 1998/1999 CP La Niña event occurs, the WPSH is weaker and retreats eastwards, and there is a noticeable cyclonic circulation around the South China Sea. In decaying spring, the convective activity in the South China Sea is strong, and there are correspondingly significant WAFs spreading from southeastern Asia to north. In decaying summer, northern (southern) China is controlled by anomalous anticyclones (cyclones) with weak (strong) convection, and the WAFs extend northwards to the Yangtze and Huai River valleys.
Imaging of the subtalar joint: A novel approach to an old problem
Authors: Krähenbühl Nicola , Lenz Amy L. , Lisonbee Rich , Deforth Manja , Zwicky Lukas , Hintermann Beat , Saltzman Charles L. , Anderson Andrew E. , Barg Alexej
Published: January 2019

Evaluation of the subtalar joint using conventional radiographs is difficult. The purpose of this study was to assess how the posterior facet of the subtalar joint is projected on eight standard radiographic views of the foot and ankle. Weightbearing computed tomography (CT) scans of 27 volunteers without ankle pathology were performed. Eight standard views of the foot and ankle (antero‐posterior [AP] view, mortise view, subtalar view, four different Broden views) were reconstructed using digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs). The appearance of the posterior facet of the subtalar joint was assessed for each view. In addition, the position of the joint line was projected onto three‐dimensional (3‐D) models of the calcaneus. We found (i) on the AP view of the ankle joint, the posterior part of the posterior facet is visualized and appears convex (calcaneal side); (ii) on the mortise view of the ankle joint, a slightly more anterior part (compared to the AP view) is visualized and appears either convex or flat; (iii) on the subtalar view, the anterior part of the posterior facet is visualized and appears either convex, flat or concave; and (iv) using the Broden views, the posterior and anterior part of the posterior facet can be visualized. This study clarifies which parts of the posterior facet of the subtalar joint are visualized on eight standard views of the foot and ankle. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Exploring intersectionality issues in entrepreneurial finance: Policy responses and future research directions
Authors: Scott Jonathan M. , Hussain Javed
Published: January 2019

Entrepreneurial finance scholars (and policy makers) need to adopt an intersectional approach to their analysis (and policymaking) and pay more attention to the interplay between the owner‐manager characteristics of ethnicity/race, gender, and social class. As most literature on entrepreneurial finance treats ethnicity/race, gender, and class separately, an intersectional approach to analysis is complex, whether social (race, gender, and social class) or situational characteristics (entrepreneur vs. migrant/social or health‐care worker). Women, ethnic minorities, and working‐class people are disadvantaged when seeking finance. We integrate the literature and propose intersectionality as a framework for policy makers, because the interplay between these characteristics can be addressed to develop innovative methods of finance.
Scalping of aroma compounds from food simulants into polyethylene terephthalate laminated steel
Authors: Yuan Shaofeng , Zhang Yichi , Xie Yunfei , Guo Yahui , Cheng Yuliang , Qian He , Liu Zhigang , Shen Junjie , Yao Weirong
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Aroma scalping is a very common problem and can affect the sensory quality of packaged food. To study the aroma scalping characteristics of polyethylene terephthalate laminated steel (PET‐LS), the sorption kinetics of six common aroma compounds (2‐pentanone, 2‐heptanone, hexanal, citral, butyl acetate, isopentyl acetate) in foods were assessed for drawn–redrawn cans made with PET‐LS.

RESULTS

Storage temperature and initial concentration were proved as important factors to affect compound sorption and diffusion for flavors. The correlation between logarithm of equilibrium absorption ln M∞ and reciprocal of absolute temperature 1/T showed good linear relationship (R2 = 0.9380–0.9998) at 4 °C, 20 °C and 50 °C, and the M∞ obtained by the experiment was very close to the predicted value at 37 °C. At low initial concentration (below 500 µL L−1), the absorption capacity and initial concentration showed a slow linear growth trend, whereas there was a rapid change at high initial concentration. The values of diffusion coefficient D were on the order of 10−11–10−12 m2 day−1, which were lower than reported for other polymer materials (linear low‐density polyethylene, polybutylene succinate, polylactic acid).

CONCLUSION

The equilibrium absorption amount of each flavor component was dependent on the temperature under the same concentration (500 µL L−1). The Fickian diffusion model was used for fitting the experimental kinetics values satisfactorily (R2 = 0.9158–0.9885). © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Healthy diet: a step toward a sustainable diet by reducing water footprint
Authors: Sobhani Seyyed Reza , Rezazadeh Arezoo , Omidvar Nasrin , Eini‐Zinab Hassan
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

This paper aims to assess different scenarios that reduce water use by following healthy diet recommendations. In this study, a food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the usual food intake of a sample of 723 individuals, aged 20–64 years, from Urmia, Iran. In order to calculate water use for production of food items, the water footprint method was applied. A linear programming technique was used to find a healthy diet with low blue water footprint in three scenarios.

RESULTS

The biggest decline in water use compared with real intake (57%) was found in scenario 1, where the model‐generated consider energy intake equal to usual energy intake. In scenario 2, in which the proportion of each food group was allowed to be in accordance with the Iranian food pyramid, the reduction in water use was less than for scenario 1 (47%). In scenario 3, where the Recommended Dietary Allowance values were also added to the set of model restrictions, the water usage was 51% of the real diet.

CONCLUSION

A healthy diet with greater proportion of energy from fruit and dairy instead of a diet with high proportion of energy from ‘meat–fish–poultry–eggs’ and ‘bread–cereal–rice–pasta’ can supply all Recommended Dietary Allowances while reducing water use. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Partial propane extraction of aromatic compounds from dehydrated basils (Ocimum Lamiaceae)
Authors: Kalkan Elif , Maness Niels O , Chrz Donna R
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Many conventional extraction methods for basils (Ocimum sp. Lamiaceae) produce only the extract as a usable product and leave the extracted herb as a waste product. We demonstrate partial extraction of chemically and morphologically diverse basil cultivars using propane at low temperature (20–27 °C) and pressure (950–1200 kPa) and evaluate the process for production of dual products, the extracted herb (raffinate) and the herb extract in terms of aromatic content and color.

RESULTS

The extracts contained aromatic compounds that were characteristic of but not always identical in terms of relative abundance to the dehydrated herb. Extraction decreased total aromatics in the raffinate by 12–43% but the individual aromatic proportions remained essentially the same, preserving flavor characteristics of the raffinate. Color was mostly unchanged by the extraction process.

CONCLUSION

Partial propane extraction resulted in two useful basil products (an extract and extraction raffinate). Aromatic extractability was tissue and cultivar dependent for basils. Therefore, partial extraction protocols should be optimized according to cultivar/plant tissue abundance to provide consistent aromatic intensity of these potential food products. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of a highly sensitive gas chromatography–mass spectrometry method preceded by solid‐phase microextraction for the analysis of propofol in low‐volume cerebral microdialysate samples
Authors: Guntner Armin Sebastian , Stöcklegger Simon , Kneidinger Michael , Illievich Udo , Buchberger Wolfgang
Published: January 2019

To date, the commonly used intravenous anesthetic propofol has been widely studied, and fundamental pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic characteristics of the drug are known. However, propofol has not yet been quantified in vivo in the target organ, the human brain. Here, cerebral microdialysis offers the unique opportunity to sample propofol in the living human organism. Therefore, a highly sensitive analytical method for propofol quantitation in small sample volumes of 30 μL, based on direct immersion solid‐phase microextraction was developed. Preconcentration was followed by gas chromatographic separation and mass spectrometric detection of the compound. This optimized method provided a linear range between the lower limit of detection (50 ng/L) and 200 μg/L. Matrix‐matched calibration was used to compensate recovery issues. A precision of 2.7% relative standard deviation between five consecutive measurements and an interday precision of 6.4% relative standard deviation could be achieved. Furthermore, the permeability of propofol through a cerebral microdialysate system was tested. In summary, the developed method to analyze cerebral microdialysate samples, allows the in vivo quantitation of propofol in the living human brain. Additionally the calculation of extracellular fluid levels is enabled since the recovery of the cerebral microdialysis regarding propofol was determined.
Cost savings associated with an outpatient otolaryngology telemedicine clinic
Authors: Philips Ramez , Seim Nolan , Matrka Laura , Locklear Brittany , Moberly Aaron C. , Inman Mark , Essig Garth
Published: January 2019

Objective

To test the null hypothesis that there is no difference in patient cost savings between the telemedicine and traditional face‐to‐face approach. The second objective was to assess the financial impact on the peripheral healthcare system, as compared with staffing a conventional clinic with “on‐site” otolaryngologist.

Methods

Twenty‐one patients were enrolled. To assess “patient‐benefit” cost savings, a model was formulated that would utilize a certified nurse practitioner (CNP) to conduct a general otolaryngology clinic at the peripheral site, as compared with having to travel to the tertiary referral center. A “peripheral site‐benefit” cost analysis was performed to assess costs of initiating and operating a telemedicine clinic at the peripheral site, compared with having an on‐site otolaryngologist.

Results

The total patient‐benefit cost savings would be $182.09 per patient per encounter and $333.22 per patient annually. The fixed cost to the peripheral site to initiate the telemedicine system was $9,895. Two hundred sixty telemedicine encounters would be needed to offset the initial cost, and 537 encounters would be needed to surpass revenue of the conventional clinic.

Conclusion

A real‐time telemedicine otolaryngology clinic provides significant cost savings for both patients and the peripheral healthcare system. This pilot study supports telemedicine as a cost‐effective approach to providing general otolaryngology care to rural patients.

Level of Evidence

4
Incorporation of Benzoxazine Pendants in Polymer Chains: A Simple Approach to Add‐Up Multi‐Responsive Functions
Authors: Niyomsin Sorapat , Hirai Tomoyasu , Takahara Atsushi , Chirachanchai Suwabun
Published: January 2019

External stimuli responsive polymers can be derived from the functional side group in copolymers. Benzoxazine dimer is a good candidate for expressing multi‐responsive properties based on the type of phenol in combination with its metal complexation. The present work proposes a vinyl monomer containing a benzoxazine pendant, which contains an azo group as the functional monomer. The copolymerization with methylmethacrylate (MMA) via atom transfer radical polymerization leads to a block copolymer, specifically, PA‐Azo‐C3‐b‐PMMA, which forms uniform nanoparticles. The ring opening of benzoxazine monomer results in dimer pendants. The copolymer obtained, PA‐Azo‐C3‐b‐PMMA, shows multi‐responsive functions in terms of metal ion complexation, and UV responsiveness through the dimer pendants and azobenzene groups. The UV exposure results in loss of uniformity of the nanoparticles as well as a decrease in size. This work demonstrates the role of benzoxazine pendants in developing PMMA copolymer showing external stimuli responsive functions.
A study of the changing climate in the US‐Affiliated Pacific Islands using observations and CMIP5 model output
Authors: Chowdhury Md Rashed , Chu Pao‐Shin
Published: January 2019

This exploratory research examines the impacts of changing climate on the vulnerable US‐Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI) from the perspective of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) coupled with General Circulation Models (GCMs). Island‐wide projections of future climate change (e.g. temperature, rainfall, and net water flux) were made using the latest IPCC AR5 GCMs protocol (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase—CMIP5) with 38 GCMs with up to 105 model runs. A review was also made of studies on model‐based future projections of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The CMIP5 model's results clearly illustrate that the past trend in temperature (1950–2017) is rising while the rainfall trend remains more or less static. It is also clear from the projections that the long‐term trend for temperature rise is fast and significant, while the trend for rainfall and net water flux (P‐E) rise appears to be slow and marginal. On the perspective of CMIP5 model's evaluation for the USAPI region, the temperature projections are found to be promising, while the rainfall projection potentials, despite some limitations, are also encouraging. The prime concerns for future disruptions in the USAPI region are the consequences of increasing frequency of the ENSO and related rainfall activities. The long‐term warming signal may further complicate the problem. Therefore, the currently water‐stressed islands and low‐lying atolls in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and Republic of Marshalls Islands (RMI) are particularly vulnerable to El Niño‐related heat stress or drought and La Niña‐related inundations or flooding. In both cases, the future demand‐oriented climate‐sensitive water resources sector will be severely affected. A climate‐information‐based comprehensive water resources management plan (for the 2030s) is therefore essential with more detailed ENSO‐related climate information and impacts in terms people can understand and respond to.
Evaluation of the detection of GBA missense mutations and other variants using the Oxford Nanopore MinION
Authors: Leija‐Salazar Melissa , Sedlazeck Fritz J. , Toffoli Marco , Mullin Stephen , Mokretar Katya , Athanasopoulou Maria , Donald Aimee , Sharma Reena , Hughes Derralynn , Schapira Anthony H.V. , Proukakis Christos
Published: January 2019

Background

Mutations in GBA cause Gaucher disease when biallelic and are strong risk factors for Parkinson's disease when heterozygous. GBA analysis is complicated by the nearby pseudogene. We aimed to design and validate a method for sequencing GBA using long reads.

Methods

We sequenced GBA on the Oxford Nanopore MinION as an 8.9 kb amplicon from 102 individuals, including patients with Parkinson's and Gaucher diseases. We used NanoOK for quality metrics, NGMLR to align data (after comparing with GraphMap), Nanopolish and Sniffles to call variants, and WhatsHap for phasing.

Results

We detected all known missense mutations in these samples, including the common p.N409S (N370S) and p.L483P (L444P) in multiple samples, and nine rarer ones, as well as a splicing and a truncating mutation, and intronic SNPs. We demonstrated the ability to phase mutations, confirm compound heterozygosity, and assign haplotypes. We also detected two known risk variants in some Parkinson's patients. Rare false positives were easily identified and filtered, with the Nanopolish quality score adjusted for the number of reads a very robust discriminator. In two individuals carrying a recombinant allele, we were able to detect and fully define it in one carrier, where it included a 55‐base pair deletion, but not in another one, suggesting a limitation of the PCR enrichment method. Missense mutations were detected at the correct zygosity, except for the case where the RecNciI one was missed.

Conclusion

The Oxford Nanopore MinION can detect missense mutations and an exonic deletion in this difficult gene, with the added advantages of phasing and intronic analysis. It can be used as an efficient research tool, but additional work is required to exclude all recombinants.
Similar constructing method for solving nonhomogeneous mixed boundary value problem of n‐interval composite ode and its application
Authors: Dong Xiaoxu , Liu Zhibin , Li Shunchu
Published: January 2019

This paper studies a simple method—Similar Constructing Method (SCM)—for constructing the exact solutions of the nonhomogeneous mixed boundary value problem for sets of n‐interval composite second‐order ordinary differential equation (ODE) with variable coefficient. Then this paper proves the correctness of the solution obtained by SCM. After that, this paper has done simulation experiment. This section uses the SCM to solve the nonhomogeneous boundary value problem of three‐interval composite Bessel equation. Solutions are presented in graphical form for various parameter values, and the influence of parameters on the solution is analyzed. The example shows that using SCM to solve the class of nonhomogeneous mixed boundary value problems of n‐interval composite second‐order linear ODE is easy, convenient, and effective.
Zero Mach number limit to compressible quantum magnetohydrodynamic equations with vanishing viscosity coefficients
Authors: Yang Jianwei , Que Fengzhen
Published: January 2019

The connection between the compressible viscous quantum magnetohydrodynamic model with low Mach number and the ideal incompressible magnetohydrodynamic equations is studied in a periodic domain. More precisely, for well‐prepared initial data, we prove the convergence of classical solutions of the compressible viscous quantum magnetohydrodynamic model to the classical solutions of the incompressible ideal magnetohydrodynamic equations with a convergence rate when the Mach number, viscosity coefficient, and magnetic diffusion coefficient simultaneously tend to zero.
Explicit versus implicit front advancing schemes for the simulation of hydraulic fracture growth
Authors: Zia Haseeb , Lecampion Brice
Published: January 2019

The proper computation of the time evolution of the fracture front is the main challenge of three‐dimensional (3D) hydraulic fracture growth simulation. We discuss explicit and implicit variants of a hydraulic fracture propagation scheme based on a level set representation of the fracture. Such a scheme couples a finite discretization of the governing equations and the near‐tip hydraulic fracture asymptotes. We benchmark the accuracy, robustness, and stability of these different front advancing schemes on a number of test cases. Our results indicate a large computational gain of the explicit scheme at the expense of a slightly less accurate solution (few percent less accuracy over few time steps) when crossing heterogeneities. The predictor corrector scheme combines at least an approximately 25% computational gain while retaining the stability and accuracy of the fully implicit version of the scheme in all cases.
Fast data acquisition techniques in magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging
Authors: Vidya Shankar Rohini , Chang John C. , Hu Houchun H. , Kodibagkar Vikram D.
Published: January 2019

Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) is an important technique for assessing the spatial variation of metabolites in vivo. The long scan times in MRSI limit clinical applicability due to patient discomfort, increased costs, motion artifacts, and limited protocol flexibility. Faster acquisition strategies can address these limitations and could potentially facilitate increased adoption of MRSI into routine clinical protocols with minimal addition to the current anatomical and functional acquisition protocols in terms of imaging time. Not surprisingly, a lot of effort has been devoted to the development of faster MRSI techniques that aim to capture the same underlying metabolic information (relative metabolite peak areas and spatial distribution) as obtained by conventional MRSI, in greatly reduced time. The gain in imaging time results, in some cases, in a loss of signal‐to‐noise ratio and/or in spatial and spectral blurring.

This review examines the current techniques and advances in fast MRSI in two and three spatial dimensions and their applications. This review categorizes the acceleration techniques according to their strategy for acquisition of the k‐space. Techniques such as fast/turbo‐spin echo MRSI, echo‐planar spectroscopic imaging, and non‐Cartesian MRSI effectively cover the full k‐space in a more efficient manner per TR. On the other hand, techniques such as parallel imaging and compressed sensing acquire fewer k‐space points and employ advanced reconstruction algorithms to recreate the spatial‐spectral information, which maintains statistical fidelity in test conditions (ie no statistically significant differences on voxel‐wise comparisions) with the fully sampled data. The advantages and limitations of each state‐of‐the‐art technique are reviewed in detail, concluding with a note on future directions and challenges in the field of fast spectroscopic imaging.
Comparison of basis functions and q‐space sampling schemes for robust compressed sensing reconstruction accelerating diffusion spectrum imaging
Authors: Tobisch Alexandra , Schultz Thomas , Stirnberg Rüdiger , Varela‐Mattatall Gabriel , Knutsson Hans , Irarrázaval Pablo , Stöcker Tony
Published: January 2019

Time constraints placed on magnetic resonance imaging often restrict the application of advanced diffusion MRI (dMRI) protocols in clinical practice and in high throughput research studies. Therefore, acquisition strategies for accelerated dMRI have been investigated to allow for the collection of versatile and high quality imaging data, even if stringent scan time limits are imposed. Diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI), an advanced acquisition strategy that allows for a high resolution of intra‐voxel microstructure, can be sufficiently accelerated by means of compressed sensing (CS) theory. CS theory describes a framework for the efficient collection of fewer samples of a data set than conventionally required followed by robust reconstruction to recover the full data set from sparse measurements. For an accurate recovery of DSI data, a suitable acquisition scheme for sparse q‐space sampling and the sensing and sparsifying bases for CS reconstruction need to be selected. In this work we explore three different types of q‐space undersampling schemes and two frameworks for CS reconstruction based on either Fourier or SHORE basis functions. After CS recovery, diffusion and microstructural parameters and orientational information are estimated from the reconstructed data by means of state‐of‐the‐art processing techniques for dMRI analysis. By means of simulation, diffusion phantom andin vivoDSI data, an isotropic distribution of q‐space samples was found to be optimal for sparse DSI. The CS reconstruction results indicate superior performance of Fourier‐based CS‐DSI compared to the SHORE‐based approach. Based on these findings we outline an experimental design for accelerated DSI and robust CS reconstruction of the sparse measurements that is suitable for the application within time‐limited studies.
Combined effects of interface modification and nano‐reinforcement via nano‐enhanced interphase in hybrid‐fabric composites for tribological applications
Authors: Yuan Junya , Zhang Zhaozhu , Yang Mingming , Wu Liangfei , Li Peilong , Guo Fang , Men Xuehu , Liu Weimin
Published: January 2019

Hybrid Nomex/PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) fabric composites have demonstrated sufficient potential in tribological field due to their prominent mechanical and self‐lubricating capabilities. However, the poor fabric‐matrix interfacial adhesion and weak bonding of transfer‐film to counterface are still the bottlenecks for practical applications of these materials. Herein, growth of ZnO nanowires onto the surface of hybrid Nomex/PTFE fabric based on air‐plasma treatment was developed, aiming at enhancing the fabric‐matrix interfacial performance using a mild hydrothermal method. Mechanical testing showed significant improvement in the interfacial adhesion strength, while retaining the full mechanical strength and flexibility of pristine hybrid‐fabric. More importantly, the ZnO nanowires, released onto the interface during sliding process, participated in the tribo‐physical actions contributing to the formation of a uniform and tenacious transfer‐film. It is thought, therefore, that the ZnO‐enhanced interphase has the dual effects of interface modification and nano‐reinforcement of transfer‐film. As a result, the tribological performance of hybrid‐fabric–ZnO nanowires composites presented a considerable enhancement under varied load conditions. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3383–3392, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of extruder screw configurations on thermal properties of glass fiber‐reinforced polyamide 6 composites throughout the direct long‐fiber‐reinforced thermoplastics process
Authors: Yang Mingyu , Kuboki Takashi , Wood Jeffrey , Ugresic Vanja
Published: January 2019

The direct long‐fiber‐reinforced thermoplastics (D‐LFT) process is a series of processes involving two twin‐screw extruders, a conveyer, and a compression molding machine. The second twin‐screw extruder is designed for mixing continuous fibers with polymer melt and plays an important role in the D‐LFT process. This study investigates effects of the screw configurations of the second extruder on thermal properties of glass fiber‐reinforced polyamide 6 (PA6) composites throughout the D‐LFT process. Two screw configurations, which generate low and high shear stress in composite melt (named the conveying and mixing screws, respectively), were used in the second twin‐screw extruder. Samples were taken from four different locations along the D‐LFT process and characterized using triple detection gel permeation chromatography (GPC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results suggested that the molecular weight of the PA6 matrix increased in the later stages of the D‐LFT process (i.e., after the second extruder) by branching of PA6 molecules. In addition, the mixing screw decreased the molecular weight of the PA6 matrix more than the conveying screw. However, such a decrease in molecular weight had little influence on the thermal stability and crystallization behavior of the composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3500–3509, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Ultrasoft polycarbonate polyurethane nanofibers made by electrospinning: Fabrication and characterization
Authors: Julien Tamalia C.M. , Subramanyam Manopriya Devisetty , Katakam Hruday Chand , Lee Sanboh , Thomas Sylvia , Harmon Julie P.
Published: January 2019

A novel, high performance ultrasoft polycarbonate polyurethane polymer was electrospun and tested against its bulk material to investigate changes in its thermal and mechanical properties. A series of fiber membranes was processed via solution electrospinning using a 90:10 ratio of dimethyformamide‐ethylacetate. Thermal, mechanical, and structural properties were obtained using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS), and tensile testing. TGA revealed that thermal stability of the membranes increased with the concentration of polymer solution used in spinning. DSC showed no variation in glass transition temperatures while the melting point regions varied noticeably with spinning conditions. WAXS profiles in solution casts films and electrospun mats showed the presence of diffraction peaks related to ordered crystal lamellae in the hard segment region at lower concentrations; these intensified after electrospinning. As the concentration of the polymer solution increased, the molecular orientation decreased. Tensile testing showed a significant increase in tensile strength at 18 w/v% fiber membranes. The ability of the polymer membrane characteristics to be tuned by processing conditions is of great interest in applications related to biotechnology, drug delivery, and implantable polymeric systems. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:838–845, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers