bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
All‐optical VPN platform for multisite VLC‐based networks
Authors: Salhi Meriem , Sliti Maha , Boudriga Noureddine
Published: October 2018

Optical networks and, in particular, visible light communication represent a very promising communication medium for future‐generation company networks. The establishment of virtual private networks (VPNs) in these specific distributed networks is a fundamental issue. In this paper, we present an all‐optical VPN platform based on visible light communication small cells on the access side and an optical fiber link on the backbone side. We exploited the security enhancement using the superposition of optical signals encoded using optical code‐division multiplexing codewords specific to each user. Two VPN modes are proposed: transport and tunnel. Even though the transport mode provides a much lower blocking rate as well as transmission performance (lower packet delay), the tunnel mode is advantageous from a security perspective due to the embedded optical code‐division multiple access encoding that it implements. Simulations are carried out for both modes to study the performance and security level provided by the proposed VPN architecture relatively to specific parameters (codeword size and number of simultaneous users).
Targeted RNA sequencing: A routine ancillary technique in the diagnosis of bone and soft tissue neoplasms
Authors: Dickson Brendan C. , Swanson David
Published: October 2018

The past decade has witnessed remarkable progress in delineating the molecular pathogenesis of many mesenchymal neoplasms. This, in large part, is attributable to the application of next‐generation sequencing. As these techniques decrease in cost, and increasingly support the use of routine clinical specimens—such as formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue and cytology samples—they are beginning to be routinely implemented in diagnostic pathology laboratories. The breadth of testing possible by next‐generation sequencing makes this a useful adjunct for pathologists, particularly with the emergence of targeted therapies. The intent of this article is to share our experience, over 2 years, as an early adopter of targeted RNA sequencing as an ancillary diagnostic technique for fusion gene detection in bone and soft tissue neoplasms.
Geochemical characteristics of basalts from Andaman subduction zone: Implications on magma genesis at intraoceanic back‐arc spreading centres
Authors: Saha Abhishek , Mudholkar Abhay V. , Kamesh Raju K.A. , Doley Bhagyashee , Sensarma Simontini
Published: October 2018

This study reports new petrological and geochemical data for the ocean floor volcanic rocks dredged from the back‐arc basin of the Andaman Sea and elucidates their geochemical characteristics and petrogenetic aspects to provide insights into the melt generation processes, oceanic crust emplacement, and tectonomagmatic evolution of the Andaman back‐arc basin. The studied samples are porphyritic basalts with olivine, plagioclase, and clinopyroxene representing the phenocrysts and the groundmass composition marked by plagioclase microlites, granular clinopyroxenes, and glass. Geochemical characteristics of these basalts reflect sub‐alkaline, tholeiitic composition of precursor magma that experienced clinopyroxene‐Ti magnetite fractionation. The overall geochemical trend for these basalts reflects LILE–HFSE–REE depleted MORB‐type chemistry which is modified by input from subduction‐derived components. Pronounced enrichment in selected LREE (Nd) and incompatible fluid‐mobile trace elements like Ba with positive primitive mantle‐normalized La and Sr anomalies in the majority of these basalts are attributed to transport and influx of slab‐dehydrated fluids and sediments into the depleted back‐arc mantle asthenosphere from the dehydrating subducted oceanic lithosphere in the volcanic arc front during initial stage of back‐arc rifting in the Andaman Sea. The studied basalts were derived by 10%–30% partial melting of a heterogeneous spinel lherzolitic mantle at a shallow depth. The chemical heterogeneity of the spinel lherozolite source suggests an enrichment‐depletion history of back‐arc mantle correlatable with the transitional tectonic evolution of the back‐arc basin from an initial rifting to matured spreading stage. The depleted MORB‐type mantle (DMM) beneath a juvenile back arc experienced infiltration of fluids and subduction‐derived components (SDC) from proximal subducting oceanic slab that gradually diminished with increasing distance from the arc and progressive back‐arc spreading. The episodes of melt generation and magma genesis invoke a gradual geodynamic transition from incipient back‐arc rifting to matured back‐arc spreading stages in the tectonomagmatic evolution of the Andaman back‐arc basin system. Oceanic crust generated during the incipient rifting stage sampled arc‐type melts enriched and hydrated by subduction inputs and fluid flux, while oceanic crust formed during matured back‐arc extension stage inherited trace element depleted MORB‐type mantle signatures devoid of subduction influence.
A theoretical study of the properties of ninety‐two “aromatic” six‐membered rings including benzene, azines, phosphinines and azaphosphinines
Authors: Elguero Eric , Alkorta Ibon , Elguero José
Published: October 2018

Ninety‐two unsaturated hexagonal compounds (from benzene to hexaphosphinine, including azines and azaphosphinines) have been theoretically studied at DFT level, B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p). Lone pair/lone pair repulsion between adjacent N atoms has been deduced using an empirical partition of the energy. Aromaticity based on magnetic criteria and on Bader analysis was studied finding that both criteria were almost orthogonal. The structure that are nonplanar or broken have been analyzed in function of their geometry or the fragments, respectively.
The Case for Strategic Academic Advising Management
Authors: Joslin Jennifer E.
Published: October 2018

Recent national trends in US higher education point to the importance of deemphasizing solo and isolated initiatives and focus instead on identifying and addressing institution‐wide movements for improvement. These trends suggest that academic advising is entering a new period in which comprehensive, intentional, and integrated advising solutions are preferred and sought.
Student Success: Academic Advising, Student Learning Data, and Technology
Authors: Steele George E.
Published: October 2018

Two of the most important issues facing those in the field of academic advising are the use of technology and data analytics. There is no question that technology and data will shape the delivery and expectations for academic advising in higher education in the years to come. This chapter explores the intersections between advising, technology, and data.
Calnexin Depletion by Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress During Cholestasis Inhibits the Na+‐Taurocholate Cotransporting Polypeptide
Authors: Robin Marion J.D. , Appelman Monique D. , Vos Harmjan R. , van Es Robert M. , Paton James C. , Paton Adrienne W. , Burgering Boudewijn , Fickert Peter , Heijmans Jarom , van de Graaf Stan F.J.
Published: October 2018

Cholestasis‐induced accumulation of bile acids in the liver leads to farnesoid X receptor (FXR)‐mediated transcriptional down‐regulation of the bile acid importer Na+‐taurocholate cotransporting protein (NTCP) and to induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. However, whether ER stress affects bile acid uptake is largely unknown. Here, we investigated the role of ER stress on the regulation and function of the bile acid transporter NTCP. ER stress was induced using thapsigargin or subtilase cytotoxin in human osteosarcoma (U2OS) and human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells stably expressing NTCP. Cellular bile acid uptake was determined using radiolabeled taurocholate (TCA). NTCP plasma membrane expression was determined by cell surface biotinylation. Mice received a single injection of thapsigargin, and effects of ER stress on NTCP messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein were measured by reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and western blot analysis. Effects of cholestasis on NTCP and ER stress were assessed in response to 3, 5‐diethoxycarbonyl‐1, 4‐dihydrocollidine (DDC) feeding or bile duct ligation in FXR–/– mice after 7 or 3 days, respectively. Novel NTCP‐interacting proteins were identified by mass spectrometry (MS), interaction verified, and assessed by co‐immunoprecipitation and TCA uptake for functional relevance in relation to ER stress. ER stress induction strongly reduced NTCP protein expression, plasma membrane abundance, and NTCP‐mediated bile acid uptake. This was not controlled by FXR or through a single unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway but mainly depended on the interaction of NTCP with calnexin, an ER chaperone. In mice, expression of both NTCP and calnexin was reduced by thapsigargin or cholestasis‐induced ER stress. Calnexin down‐regulation in vitro recapitulated the effect of ER stress on NTCP. Conclusion: ER stress‐induced down‐regulation of calnexin provides an additional mechanism to dampen NTCP‐mediated bile acid uptake and protect hepatocytes against bile acid overload during cholestasis.
Societal and individual determinants in the enrollment of personal health records: A preliminary investigation from China
Authors: Zhang Ping , Zhang Liuyi , Wang Fang , Cheng Yao , Liang Yuan
Published: October 2018

Background

Although personal health records (PHRs) have many benefits, how to effectively enroll them is a worldwide concern, especially in developing countries, and there has been little research targeting both societal and individual factors that affect the enrollment of PHRs.

Objective

To provide evidence and recommendations for the sustainable development of PHRs combined societal and individual determinants.

Methods

A cross‐sectional door‐to‐door survey was conducted with a sample of 1100 individuals aged 15 and older in central China. The main measure was whether residents had enrolled in PHRs through the CHS.

Results

While the overall rate of PHR enrollment was only 27.93%, the willingness to enroll in PHRs among survey participants was much higher (75.86%). Statistically significant variables among societal level were proportion of acquaintances with PHRs and informed consent (OR = 17.09, OR = 31.06, respectively) and among individual level were age, education level, presence of doctor‐diagnosed hypertension, and willingness to enroll in PHRs.

Conclusions

Societal determinants would reveal the positive role of psychological bandwagon effect and the ethical principle of informed consent in enrolling PHRs, and individual determinants would reveal the priority demographics for enrolling PHRs, notably the elderly, those with a higher education level and hypertensive patients.
Structuring ambiguity in hospital governance
Authors: Scholten Gerard , Muijsers‐Creemers Linda , Moen Jan , Bal Roland
Published: October 2018

This empirical, multicase research into developing governance structures highlights the strategies of four Dutch hospitals to strengthen their governability. The hospitals studied choose to commit themselves to duality as their starting point for structuring governance arrangements. All of them create positions of doctors and managers that are based on consensual decision making and common responsibility, in this way structuring governance at hospital level and unit level. Interestingly, they consciously choose to create ambiguous positions keeping formalization by rules and job descriptions low. Efficacy of dual hospital governance depends heavily on personal strength, mutual understanding, and trust of the incumbents, which offers new chances for governability but also harbors vulnerability to hospital governance.
Quantitative analysis of somatically acquired and constitutive uniparental disomy in gastrointestinal cancers
Authors: Torabi Keyvan , Erola Pau , Alvarez‐Mora Maria Isabel , Díaz‐Gay Marcos , Ferrer Queralt , Castells Antoni , Castellví‐Bel Sergi , Milà Montserrat , Lozano Juan José , Miró Rosa , Ried Thomas , Ponsa Immaculada , Camps Jordi
Published: October 2018

Somatically acquired uniparental disomies (aUPDs) are frequent events in solid tumors and have been associated with cancer‐related genes. Studies assessing their functional consequences across several cancer types are therefore necessary. Here, we aimed at integrating aUPD profiles with the mutational status of cancer‐related genes in a tumor‐type specific manner. Using TCGA datasets for 1,032 gastrointestinal cancers, including colon (COAD), rectum (READ), stomach (STAD), esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), we show a non‐random distribution of aUPD, suggesting the existence of a cancer‐specific landscape of aUPD events. Our analysis indicates that aUPD acts as a “second hit” in Knudson's model in order to achieve biallelic inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. In particular, APC, ARID1A and NOTCH1 were recurrently inactivated by the presence of homozygous mutation as a consequence of aUPD in COAD and READ, STAD and ESCC, respectively. Furthermore, while TP53 showed inactivation caused by aUPD at chromosome arm 17p across all tumor types, copy number losses at this genomic position were also frequent. By experimental and computationally inferring genome ploidy, we demonstrate that an increased number of aUPD events, both affecting the whole chromosome or segments of it, were present in highly aneuploid genomes compared to near‐diploid tumors. Finally, the presence of mosaic UPD was detected at a higher frequency in DNA extracted from peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with colorectal cancer compared to healthy individuals. In summary, our study defines specific profiles of aUPD in gastrointestinal cancers and provides unequivocal evidence of their relevance in cancer.
Estimating the global cancer incidence and mortality in 2018: GLOBOCAN sources and methods
Authors: Ferlay J. , Colombet M. , Soerjomataram I. , Mathers C. , Parkin D.M. , Piñeros M. , Znaor A. , Bray F.
Published: October 2018

Estimates of the worldwide incidence and mortality from 36 cancers and for all cancers combined for the year 2018 are now available in the GLOBOCAN 2018 database, compiled and disseminated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). This paper reviews the sources and methods used in compiling the cancer statistics in 185 countries. The validity of the national estimates depends upon the representativeness of the source information, and to take into account possible sources of bias, uncertainty intervals are now provided for the estimated sex‐ and site‐specific all‐ages number of new cancer cases and cancer deaths. We briefly describe the key results globally and by world region. There were an estimated 18.1 million (95% UI: 17.5–18.7 million) new cases of cancer (17 million excluding non‐melanoma skin cancer) and 9.6 million (95% UI: 9.3–9.8 million) deaths from cancer (9.5 million excluding non‐melanoma skin cancer) worldwide in 2018.
Risk factors for preterm delivery among early onset cancer survivors: A Finnish register‐based study
Authors: Melin Johanna , Heinävaara Sirpa , Malila Nea , Tiitinen Aila , Gissler Mika , Madanat‐Harjuoja Laura
Published: October 2018

Previous studies have shown an elevated risk for preterm delivery among early onset cancer survivors. Whether the preterm delivery starts spontaneously, due to possible uterine damage because of cancer treatment, or is induced due to maternal conditions is unclear. Our aim was to assess pregnancy related conditions in female cancer survivors possibly underlying the elevated risk for preterm labor. Nationwide cancer and birth registries were merged to identify 1,753 first deliveries of cancer survivors (diagnosed below 40 years of age) and 5,123 first deliveries of matched female comparison subjects between January 1991 and December 2013. Conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate the risk for pregnancy related conditions adjusting for maternal age, gestational age and smoking. We found an overall increased risk for hospitalization during pregnancy (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.25–1.68), intrahepatic cholestasis (OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.09–7.49), fear of childbirth (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.31–3.85) and mental disorders and diseases of the nervous system complicating pregnancy and labor (OR 5.89, 95% CI 2.31–15.00). Among survivors, 129 (7.4%) delivered preterm compared to 268 (5.2%) comparisons subjects (p = 0.004). We found a statistically significant increased risk for preterm delivery among cancer survivors with vaginal bleeding (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.07–1.71) and pre‐eclampsia (1.35, 95% CI 1.06–1.72) compared to comparison subjects with the same condition. Health professionals treating these women should be aware of these risks. In general, however, our results are reassuring when it comes to pregnancies among cancer survivors.
Global DNA methylation reflects spatial heterogeneity and molecular evolution of lung adenocarcinomas
Authors: Dietz Steffen , Lifshitz Aviezer , Kazdal Daniel , Harms Alexander , Endris Volker , Winter Hauke , Stenzinger Albrecht , Warth Arne , Sill Martin , Tanay Amos , Sültmann Holger
Published: October 2018

Lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) is the most prevalent subtype of lung cancer and characterized by considerable morphological and mutational heterogeneity. However, little is known about the epigenomic intratumor variability between spatially separated histological growth patterns of ADC. In order to reconstruct the clonal evolution of histomorphological patterns, we performed global DNA methylation profiling of 27 primary tumor regions, seven matched normal tissues and six lymph node metastases from seven ADC cases. Additionally, we investigated the methylation data from 369 samples of the TCGA ADC cohort. All regions showed varying degrees of methylation changes between segments of different, but also of the same growth patterns. Similarly, copy number variations were seen between spatially distinct segments of each patient. Hierarchical clustering of promoter methylation revealed extensive heterogeneity within and between the cases. Intratumor DNA methylation heterogeneity demonstrated a branched clonal evolution of ADC regions driven by genomic instability with subclonal copy number changes. Notably, methylation profiles within tumors were not more similar to each other than to those from other individuals. In two cases, different tumor regions of the same individuals were represented in distant clusters of the TCGA cohort, illustrating the extensive epigenomic intratumor heterogeneity of ADCs. We found no evidence for the lymph node metastases to be derived from a common growth pattern. Instead, they had evolved early and separately from a particular pattern in each primary tumor. Our results suggest that extensive variation of epigenomic features contributes to the molecular and phenotypic heterogeneity of primary ADCs and lymph node metastases.
Resveratrol significantly inhibits the occurrence and development of cervical cancer by regulating phospholipid scramblase 1
Authors: Zhao Yanhua , Yuan Xiying , Li Xiang , Zhang Yi
Published: October 2018

Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most common female malignancies, and resveratrol is a polyphenol isolated from the skins of grapes, which has been reported to significantly alter the cellular physiology of tumor cells. However, little is known about the role of phospholipid scramblase 1 (PLSCR1) in pathogenesis of CC. Here, we demonstrated that resveratrol could significantly inhibit both the growth of HeLa cells and expression of PLSCR1. These results suggest that resveratrol‐mediated cell growth inhibition can be regulated by PLSCR1.
Theoretical studies on thermally activated delayed fluorescence mechanism of a series of organic light‐emitting diodes emitters comprising 2,7‐diphenylamino‐9,9‐dimethylacridine as electron donor
Authors: Feng Songyan , Wen Keke , Si Yubing , Guo Xugeng , Zhang Jinglai
Published: October 2018

According to one experimentally reported thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitter (AcDPA‐2TP), two new molecules (AcDPA‐2PP and AcDPA‐TPP) have been designed theoretically to probe into the effect of different acceptor strengths on their TADF mechanisms. In this work, the rates of reverse intersystem crossing (kRISC) of the three targeted molecules were calculated by the semiclassical Marcus rate expression. The present results demonstrate that the kRISC rate of AcDPA‐2PP is estimated to be 5.56 × 106 s−1, about twice larger than that of AcDPA‐2TP (2.63 × 106 s−1), and especially AcDPA‐TPP is found to exhibit the largest kRISC value (6.97 × 106 s−1) among the three molecules. Considering that AcDPA‐2TP has been observed to be an efficient TADF emitter, our newly designed two molecules AcDPA‐2PP and AcDPA‐TPP are also expected to be potential TADF materials. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association of vascular endothelial growth factor expression and polymorphisms with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Dong Ping‐ping
Published: October 2018

Objective

To study the associations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and its gene polymorphisms with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

A total of 239 GDM patients (GDM group) and 275 healthy pregnant women (Control group) were included in this study. VEGF genotypes (including rs2146323, rs2010963, rs3025039, rs3025010, and rs833069) were analyzed by TaqMan assay. ELISA was used to determine the serum VEGF levels. The software SHEsis was performed to analyze haplotypes.

Results

The carrier with the rs2146323 AA, CA+AA genotypes, and A allele, as well as the rs3025039 CT, TT, CT+TT genotypes, and T allele showed the increased risk of GDM (all P < 0.05), but the distributions of genotype and allele at rs2010963, rs3025010, and rs833069 were not significantly different between GDM patients and controls (all P > 0.05). Notably, the frequency of rs2010963‐rs833069‐rs2146323‐rs3025010 haplotypes CAAC, CAAT, CACC, CACT, GACT, and GGCT was found statistically different between GDM patients and controls (all P < 0.05). The patients with rs3025039 CT+TT genotype had higher VEGF levels than those with CC genotype (all P < 0.05). Besides, age, family histories of diabetes, previous GDM, hypertension, pre‐pregnancy body mass index, fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)‐IR, rs2146323 CA+AA, rs3025039 CT+TT, and VEGF expression level were independent risk factors, while HOMA‐β was an independent protective factor for GDM (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

VEGF rs2146323 and rs3025039 polymorphisms and its expression were significantly correlated with the risk of GDM, providing a great clinical value for GDM assessment and diagnosis.
Development and validation of a rapid method for genotyping three P‐selectin gene polymorphisms based on high resolution melting analysis
Authors: Ceri Andrea , Pavic Marina , Horvat Ivana , Radic Antolic Margareta , Zadro Renata
Published: October 2018

Background

High resolution melting (HRM) analysis is one of the newer, reliable, and sensitive genotyping techniques, which offers considerable time and cost savings. P‐selectin is an adhesion molecule that has a role in the initial phases of leukocyte adhesion to stimulated platelets and endothelial cells in inflammation. Multiple polymorphisms in P‐selectin gene (SELP) that affect the protein sequence have been described. The aim of this study was to design, optimize, and validate a simple and rapid in‐house HRM‐based method for genotyping the NM_003005.3:c.992G>A (c.992G>A), NM_003005.3:c.1918G>T (c.1918G>T), and NM_003005.3:c.2266A>C (c.2266A>C) SELP polymorphisms.

Methods

Initial genotyping of three SELP polymorphisms was performed by applying polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with sequence‐specific primers (SSP), which was used as a reference method for determination of analytical sensitivity. PCR‐HRM was performed with primers for c.2266A>C reported in the literature. Primers for the remaining two polymorphisms were designed using Primer‐BLAST. Precision testing was performed using three samples with different genotypes. For accuracy, analytical sensitivity and specificity testing, 20 wild type, 10 heterozygous, and 10 homozygous samples were chosen per polymorphism. Results were expressed as percentage of concordance with the acceptability criterion ≥95%.

Results

Agreement of results was 100% for all validation parameters except for analytical sensitivity for c.1918G>T and c.2266A>C, with agreement of 90%. Repeated analysis using both methods revealed an error in initial genotyping and correct genotyping by PCR‐HRM, which was confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

Conclusion

The validation confirmed PCR‐HRM as a precise, accurate, and specific method for genotyping the c.992G>A, c.1918G>T, and c.2266A>C SELP polymorphisms.
Thrombin cleavage of osteopontin controls activation of hepatic stellate cells and is essential for liver fibrogenesis
Authors: Cui Guangying , Chen Jianing , Wu Zhongwen , Huang Haijun , Wang Lin , Liang Yan , Zeng Ping , Yang Jiezuan , Uede Toshimitsu , Diao Hongyan
Published: October 2018

Liver biopsy is the current reliable way of evaluating liver fibrosis. However, no specific sera biomarker could be applied in clinical diagnosis. As the pivotal role of osteopontin (OPN) reported in numerous liver diseases, thrombin‐cleaved OPN (Thr‐OPN) exposes an integrin‐binding motif that promoted biological functions. Herein, we investigated the potential of Thr‐OPN in liver fibrosis. Using patient samples, mouse models and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), we analyzed the involvement of Thr‐OPN in liver fibrosis. The result showed that, first, Thr‐OPN level was significantly higher in patients with liver cirrhosis than that in patients with chronic hepatitis B and healthy controls. Thr‐OPN level was positively correlated with liver fibrosis degree in clinical samples. Then in mouse models, it showed a similar correlation between hepatic Thr‐OPN levels and liver fibrosis degree. Thr‐OPN peptides exacerbated liver fibrosis in OPN‐deficient mice, whereas the neutralization of Thr‐OPN alleviated liver fibrosis in wild‐type mice. Furthermore, when compared with full‐length OPN (FL‐OPN), Thr‐OPN exhibited a greater ability to promote HSC activation, proliferation, and migration via mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase and nuclear factor (NF)‐κB pathways. In conclusion, Thr‐OPN, not FL‐OPN, was critically involved in the exacerbation of liver fibrosis by α9 and α4 integrins via MAP kinase and NF‐κB signaling pathway, thus representing a novel diagnostic biomarker and treatment target for liver cirrhosis.
Luminal obstruction in uncomplicated appendicitis: Detection with sonography and potential clinical implications
Authors: Kuhn Karin J. , Brooke Jeffrey R. , Olcott Eric W.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

To determine the frequency of luminal obstruction on appendiceal graded compression sonography (US) in patients with uncomplicated appendicitis and test the hypothesis that this frequency is similar to the failure rates of primary antibiotic therapy for uncomplicated appendicitis when treatment selection is based on CT findings.

Methods

Sonograms of 150 consecutive patients with appendicitis diagnosed on ultrasound (US) and proven histopathologically were retrospectively evaluated; 114 (76.0%) had uncomplicated appendicitis, that is, appendicitis without gangrene or perforation, and were evaluated for appendicolithiasis and lymphoid hyperplasia using previously published sonographic criteria, and for luminal obstruction.

Results

Of the 114 patients with uncomplicated appendicitis, US demonstrated no luminal obstruction in 74 (64.9%) and luminal obstruction in 40 (35.1%, P = .018), the latter including 16 (40.0%) with lymphoid hyperplasia and 24 (60.0%, P = .074) with appendicolithiasis.

Conclusions

US demonstrated luminal obstruction in 35.1% of patients with uncomplicated appendicitis, similar to the published failure rates of antibiotic therapy when treatment selection is based on CT. This confirms the hypothesis, supporting the possibility that undiagnosed luminal obstruction may account for treatment failures when patients are selected by CT for primary antibiotic therapy, and suggests a role for US in selecting patients without luminal obstruction for antibiotic therapy.
Microbial assessment of pathogenic bacterial growth in ice cream and kulfa
Authors: Shaheen Shabnum , Jaffer Mehwish , Aslam Barira , Hussain Khadim , Khan Asaf , Ashfaq Muhammad , Ulfat Mobina , Sardar Andaleeb Anwar , Ahmad Mushtaq , Zafar Muhammad , Khan Farah
Published: October 2018

Current study was focused to examine the total bacterial count in packed and unpacked ice cream and kulfa collected from 12 different localities of Lahore. The bacterial colonies were isolated and grown on agar‐broth media under sterilized conditions. Serial dilution technique was used to compose the replicates to get total viable count of bacteria. Results in case of packed ice cream samples indicated maximum (618 × 10–6 CFU/g) and minimum (79 × 10–6 CFU/g) bacterial count while in case of unpacked ice cream samples maximum and minimum bacterial count was 163 × 10–6 CFU/g and 71 × 10–6 CFU/g, respectively. Whereas in case of packed kulfa samples, maximum and minimum recorded bacterial count was 163 × 10–6 CFU/g and 72 × 10–6 CFU/g, respectively. The LM and SEM of the isolated bacteria were also performed for correct identification. Results indicated that the total bacterial count recorded in the samples exceeded the standard tolerable range which can lead to serious health damage of consumers.
“Drawn from Alice in Wonderland”: Expert and public debates over merit, race, and testing in Massachusetts police officer selection, 1967–1979
Authors: Probolus Kimberly
Published: October 2018

This study explores the use of tests to select police officers in Massachusetts from 1967–1979. I show how a range of actors understood the construction of merit within the context of police selection in Boston during the Civil Rights movement and how these debates raised larger questions about objectivity in the social sciences and the law. I argue that when experts exposed the way seemingly objective “intelligence” tests perpetuated racial inequality, the public rejected their expertise, instead reaffirming their trust in tests as the best way to evaluate merit and by instead challenging the law’s objectivity. This paper puts histories of merit in conversation with scholarship on affirmative action and employment discrimination to provide a fuller understanding of how intelligence tests are constructed and how nonexpert actors interpreted debates about testing, defining and redefining merit in ways that reflected their beliefs about race, opportunity, and employment.
Morphological features of the yolk processing pattern in the eastern fence lizard, Sceloporus undulatus (Phrynosomatidae)
Authors: Blackburn Daniel G. , Lestz Luisa , Barnes Madeline S. , Powers Kathryn G. , Langkilde Tracy
Published: October 2018

Features of embryonic development in birds traditionally have been assumed to be shared by sauropsids in general. Herein, we document a pattern of yolk processing and cellularization in the Eastern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) that is fundamentally different from that of birds. In the avian pattern, cells of the yolk sac lining phagocytose, and digest yolk material. These cells release products of digestion into underlying blood vessels for transport back to the embryo. In contrast, microscopic examination of the developing eggs of S. undulatus reveals that the yolk mass is converted into vascularized, “spaghetti‐like” strands that fill the yolk sac cavity. Three successive developmental stages are involved. First, the liquid yolk is invaded by proliferating endodermal cells, which phagocytose and digest the yolk material. These cells form clumps that progressively fill the yolk sac cavity. Second, small blood vessels derived from the yolk sac vasculature invade the yolk sac cavity. Third, the endodermal cells become organized in monolayers around these vessels. This arrangement provides a means by which large numbers of endodermal cells can digest yolk, with each cell being positioned to release products of digestion into an adjacent blood vessel for transport to the embryo. The mechanism of yolk processing in this lizard species is similar to that of recently studied snakes. From its phylogenetic distribution, we infer that this pattern probably is ancestral for squamate sauropsids.
Incidence and risk factors of unplanned intubation during pediatric sedation for MRI
Authors: Kim Doyeon , Lee Eun Kyung , Jeong Ji Seon , Gil Nam‐Su , Hahm Tae Soo , Shin Young Hee
Published: October 2018

Background

It is often difficult for the pediatric patient to cooperate or to remain immobile during MR scans. Therefore, sedation is usually needed for children.

Purpose

To evaluate the incidence and contributing factors of unanticipated intubation during sedation for MRI scan in children.

Study Type

Retrospective observational study.

Population/Subjects

In all, 1165 charts were reviewed retrospectively of patients who had been sedated by anesthesiologists at a single institution from May 2015 to June 2016.

Assessment

Patient's demographics, the region of the MRI scan, total amount of medication, duration of sedation, and any adverse event during MRI were assessed. The adverse events during sedation including airway obstruction, apnea, desaturation, bradycardia, and hypotension were also assessed.

Statistical Tests

Risk factors of unplanned intubation during MRI sedation were identified by univariate and multivariate analysis. Firth's exact logistic regression was used for univariate and multivariate analysis. According to the results from multiple logistic regression, a nomogram was developed to predict the risk.

Results

A total of 1165 children aged 7 days to 18 years with sedation used during an MRI scan during the study period showed an incidence of unexpected intubation as ~2% (n = 23, 95% confidence interval [CI]; 0.0123, 0.0295). Multivariate logistic regression revealed the following risk factors of unplanned intubation: American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class III patients (odds ratio [OR] 1.212, P < 0.001), premature birth (OR 2.317, P < 0.001), and the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (OR 1.474, P < 0.001) or congenital heart disease (OR 1.118, P < 0.001).

Data Conclusion

This study identified risk factors of unplanned intubation as follows: ASA class III patients, premature birth, and the presence of GERD or congenital heart disease. The physician should screen risk factors of unexpected intubation and maintain adequate sedation during MRI scans in pediatric patients.

Level of Evidence 3.

Technical Efficacy Stage 5.

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1053–1061.
Comparison between an abbreviated and full MRI protocol for detecting additional disease when doing breast cancer staging
Authors: Girometti Rossano , Nitti Adriana , Lorenzon Michele , Greco Franco , Londero Viviana , Zuiani Chiara
Published: October 2018

Background

Previous studies have shown that abbreviated magnetic resonance imaging (aMRI) compares well to full‐protocol MRI (fpMRI) in breast cancer (BC) screening, with the potential advantage of a less costly and complex examination. To our knowledge, the role for aMRI in staging BC has been poorly investigated, especially in assessing additional disease (ie, additional lesions compared to the index one prompting the examination).

Purpose

To compare aMRI and fpMRI in detecting additional disease in BC staging.

Study type

Retrospective monocentric cohort study.

Population

In all, 87 patients with 89 biopsy‐proven index lesions referred to staging fpMRI between January–June 2016.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 1.5T magnet using short tau inversion recovery (STIR) T2‐weighted imaging, echoplanar diffusion‐weighted imaging, and 3D fast long angle shot (FLASH) T1‐weighted imaging.

Assessment

During independent sessions, four readers with 1.5–20 years of experience in breast imaging, blinded to the pathological examination and previous imaging, assessed multifocal, multicentric, and contralateral additional lesions on fpMRI and aMRI (including precontrast T1‐weighted 3D FLASH sequence, first postcontrast subtracted T1‐weighted 3D FLASH sequence, and a transverse maximum intensity projection reconstruction).

Statistical Tests

We calculated the per‐lesion cancer detection rate (CDR), positive predictive value (PPV), and false discovery rate (FDR) for additional disease, assessing the significance of intrareader differences in CDR with the McNemar test.

Results

Pathological analysis found 36 additional lesions (multifocal, multicentric, and contralateral in 20, 15, and 1 cases, respectively). Readers' CDR was comparably high using aMRI (range 88.9–94.4%) or fpMRI (range 91.7–94.4%) (P > 0.05). PPV and FDR of aMRI (ranges 76.2–84.6% and 15.4–23.8%, respectively), and fpMRI (ranges 76.7–82.9% and 17.2–23.3%, respectively) were comparable on an intrareader basis. Using aMRI, two out of four readers induced two false‐negative cases (one case each) with presumably limited impact on surgical planning (multifocal cancers <1 cm in size).

Data Conclusion

aMRI was comparable to fpMRI in staging additional BC.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:e222–e230.
A bisection‐based heuristic for rapid EM‐driven multiobjective design of compact impedance transformers
Authors: Bekasiewicz Adrian , Koziel Slawomir
Published: October 2018

Design of microwave structures is a multiobjective task where several conflicting requirements have to be considered at the same time. For contemporary circuits characterized by complex geometries, multiobjective optimization cannot be performed using standard population‐based algorithms due to high cost of electromagnetic (EM) evaluations. In this work, we propose a deterministic approach for fast EM‐driven multiobjective design of microwave structures. Our Pareto ranking bisection algorithm (PRBA) generates candidate designs by dividing the line segments connecting previously obtained Pareto optimal solutions and refining them by means of poll‐type search involving Pareto ranking. Computational efficiency of the optimization process is ensured by a small number of objective function evaluations required by PRBA as well as by executing the algorithm using the low‐fidelity EM model of the structure at hand. The algorithm is demonstrated using a compact impedance transformer. Experimental validation is also provided.
Kimchi extracts as inhibitors of colour deterioration and lipid oxidation in raw ground pork meat during refrigerated storage
Authors: Lee Mi‐Ai , Kim Tae‐Kyung , Hwang Ko‐Eun , Choi Yun‐Jeong , Park Sung‐Hee , Kim Cheon‐Jei , Choi Yun‐Sang
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Kimchi is a Korean, traditional fermented food made from Korean cabbage, radish, fermented jeotgal, ginger, garlic, and red pepper powder. It is a good source of natural antioxidants such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, vitamins, and carotenoids. In this study, the antioxidant effects of various kimchi extracts on raw ground pork during refrigerated storage were investigated. Raw ground pork samples were treated with ascorbic acid, butylated hydroxyl toluene, baechu kimchi extract (BKE), gat kimchi extract (GKE), puchu kimchi extract (PKE), and white kimchi extract (WKE) and compared with raw ground pork without antioxidant treatment (NC).

RESULTS

Increased metmyoglobin (MetMb), thiobarbituric acid reacting substance (TBARS), and total bacterial counts (TBC) were observed in all meat samples after storage, whereas pH, lightness, and redness values tended to decrease with increased storage time. All treated samples had lower TBARS and MetMb values and TBC compared to the control samples. Various kimchi ethanol extracts protected raw ground pork from lipid oxidation. The most potent antioxidant was GKE, whereas WKE was the weakest.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that the tested extracts, especially kimchi, have potential as natural preservatives to reduce colour degradation, lipid oxidation, and bacterial count in raw ground pork meat. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of the 3‐hydroxy pyridine antioxidant effect on the thermal‐oxidative degradation of HTPB
Authors: Nazmi Ali , Yarmohammadi Masoud , Zamani Pedram Mona , Shahidzadeh Mansour
Published: October 2018

The effect of the mixture of two antioxidants has been evaluated on the thermal‐oxidant degradation of the hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) because of its importance in the coatings and adhesives industries. 2,2‐Methylene bis(4‐methyl‐6‐tertiarybutylphenol) or A.O.2246 and 3‐hydroxy pyridine have been considered as antioxidants in this study as a common HTPB antioxidant and an active antioxidant, respectively. The thermal‐oxidant degradation behavior of the HTPB has been investigated in the presence of a mixture of two antioxidants by TGA and DTG tests, and, subsequently, the results of these tests have been interpreted by two model‐free methods, e.g., Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose and Friedman methods. The results revealed that the mixture of two antioxidants affected the activation energy of the thermal‐oxidant degradation reaction of the HTPB. The calculated activation energy value obtained from the Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose method was about 199 ± 1 kJ⋅mol−1. In addition, the Ea value at various conversion rates has also been calculated by using the Friedman method. This method showed that the highest Ea value in the thermal‐oxidant degradation reaction belonged to the initiation step of the reaction (about 299 kJ⋅mol−1). Moreover, the lowest activation energy value was correlated to the second step of the degradation reaction at a conversion rate of 0.6 (about 184 kJ⋅mol−1).
Using reflectance confocal microscopy to observe in vivo melanolysis after treatment with the picosecond alexandrite laser and Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser in melasma
Authors: Jo Da Jung , Kang In‐Hye , Baek Ji Hwoon , Gwak Min Jae , Lee Sang Jun , Shin Min Kyung
Published: October 2018

Objectives

Melasma is an acquired type of hyperpigmentation that is characterized by the appearance of scattered light‐ to dark‐brown macules and patches on the face. Recently, several lasers have been proposed as treatment options for melasma. In particular, the picosecond alexandrite laser is an ideal laser for selective photothermal melanolysis. The aim of our study was to compare the effectiveness in melanolysis of a single treatment of the picosecond alexandrite laser with that of the Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser using reflectance confocal microscopy imaging of the melasma lesions.

Materials and Methods

We performed a spilt‐face study using the picosecond alexandrite laser and Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser in eight patients with melasma. Both melasma lesions and surrounding normal skin were examined under reflectance confocal microscopy 1 and 24 hours after treatment. The melanin intensity of each skin layer was investigated.

Results

At baseline, melasma has irregular melanin distribution and a higher melanin density than surrounding normal skin under reflectance confocal microscopy. After a single treatment with either the picosecond alexandrite laser or the Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser, both melanin‐induced reflectance and melanin index decreased.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that it is feasible to assess the distribution of melanin by reflectance confocal microscopy and observe the melanolysis in melasma lesion after laser treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. 51:423–429, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Asymptotics for models of non‐stationary diffusion in domains with a surface distribution of obstacles
Authors: Gómez Delfina , Lobo Miguel , Pérez‐Martínez María‐Eugenia
Published: October 2018

We consider a time‐dependent model for the diffusion of a substance through an incompressible fluid in a perforated domain Ωϵ,
with n = 3,4. The fluid flows in a domain containing a periodical set of “obstacles” (Ω\Ωϵ) placed along an inner (n − 1)‐dimensional manifold
. The size of the obstacles is much smaller than the size of the characteristic period ϵ. An advection term appears in the partial differential equation linking the fluid velocity with the concentration, while we assume a nonlinear adsorption law on the boundary of the obstacles. This law involves a monotone nonlinear function σ of the concentration and a large adsorption parameter. The “critical adsorption parameter” depends on the size of the obstacles , and, for different sizes, we derive the time‐dependent homogenized models. These models contain a “strange term” in the transmission conditions on Σ, which is a nonlinear function and inherits the properties of σ. The case in which the fluid velocity and the concentration do not interact is also considered for n ≥ 3.
Uncertainty principles associated with the offset linear canonical transform
Authors: Huo Haiye , Sun Wenchang , Xiao Li
Published: October 2018

As a time‐shifted and frequency‐modulated version of the linear canonical transform (LCT), the offset linear canonical transform (OLCT) provides a more general framework of most existing linear integral transforms in signal processing and optics. To study simultaneous localization of a signal and its OLCT, the classical Heisenberg's uncertainty principle has been recently generalized for the OLCT. In this paper, we complement it by presenting another two uncertainty principles, ie, Donoho‐Stark's uncertainty principle and Amrein‐Berthier‐Benedicks's uncertainty principle, for the OLCT. Moreover, we generalize the short‐time LCT to the short‐time OLCT. We likewise present Lieb's uncertainty principle for the short‐time OLCT and give a lower bound for its essential support.
A bridge between dual porosity and multiscale models of heterogeneous deformable porous media
Authors: Hajiabadi Mohammad R. , Khoei Amir R.
Published: October 2018

In this paper, a multiscale homogenization approach is developed for fully coupled saturated porous media to represent the idealized sugar cube model, which is generally employed in fractured porous media on the basis of dual porosity models. In this manner, an extended version of the Hill‐Mandel theory that incorporates the microdynamic effects into the multiscale analysis is presented, and the concept of the deformable dual porosity model is demonstrated. Numerical simulations are performed employing the multiscale analysis and dual porosity model, and the results are compared with the direct numerical simulation through 2 numerical examples. Finally, a combined multiscale‐dual porosity technique is introduced by employing a bridge between these 2 techniques as an alternative approach that reduces the computational cost of numerical simulation in modeling of heterogeneous deformable porous media.