bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiomics and Machine Learning With Multiparametric Preoperative MRI May Accurately Predict the Histopathological Grades of Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: Wang Hexiang , Chen Haisong , Duan Shaofeng , Hao Dapeng , Liu Jihua
Published: September 2019

Background

Preoperative prediction of the grade of soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) is important because of its effect on treatment planning.

Purpose

To assess the value of radiomics features in distinguishing histological grades of STSs.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

In all, 113 patients with pathology‐confirmed low‐grade (grade I), intermediate‐grade (grade II), or high‐grade (grade III) soft tissue sarcoma were collected.

Field Strength/Sequence

The 3.0T axial T1‐weighted imaging (T1WI) with 550 msec repetition time (TR); 18 msec echo time (TE), 312 × 312 matrix, fat‐suppressed fast spin‐echo T2WI with 4291 msec TR, 85 msec TE, 312 × 312 matrix.

Assessment

Multiple machine‐learning methods were trained to establish classification models for predicting STS grades. Eighty STS patients (18 low‐grade [grade I]; 62 high‐grade [grades II–III]) were enrolled in the primary set and we tested the model with a validation set with 33 patients (7 low‐grade, 26 high‐grade).

Statistical Tests

1) Student's t‐tests were applied for continuous variables and the χ2 test were applied for categorical variables between low‐grade STS and high‐grade STS groups. 2) For feature subset selection, either no subset selection or recursive feature elimination was performed. This technology was combined with random forest and support vector machine‐learning methods. Finally, to overcome the disparity in the frequencies of the STS grades, each machine‐learning model was trained i) without subsampling, ii) with the synthetic minority oversampling technique, and iii) with random oversampling examples, for a total of 12 combinations of machine‐learning algorithms that were assessed, trained, and tested in the validation cohort.

Results

The best classification model for the prediction of STS grade was a combination of features selected by recursive feature elimination and random forest classification algorithms with a synthetic minority oversampling technique, which had an area under the curve of 0.9615 (95% confidence interval 0.8944–1.0) in the validation set.

Data Conclusion

Radiomics feature‐based machine‐learning methods are useful for distinguishing STS grades.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:791–797.
Climate projections for glacier change modelling over the Himalayas
Authors: Jury Martin W. , Mendlik Thomas , Tani Satyanarayana , Truhetz Heimo , Maraun Douglas , Immerzeel Walter W. , Lutz Arthur F.
Published: September 2019

Glaciers are of key importance to freshwater supplies in the Himalayan region. Their growth or decline is among other factors determined by an interaction of 2‐m air temperature (TAS) and precipitation rate (PR) and thereof derived positive degree days (PDD) and snow and ice accumulation (SAC). To investigate determining factors in climate projections, we use a model ensemble consisting of 36 CMIP5 general circulation models (GCMs) and 13 regional climate models (RCMs) of two Asian CORDEX domains for two different representative concentration pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). First, we downsize the ensemble in respect to the models' ability to correctly reproduce dominant circulation patterns (i.e., the Indian summer monsoon [ISM] and western disturbances [WDs]) as well as elevation‐dependent trend signals in winter. Within this evaluation, a newly produced data set for the Indus, Ganges and Brahmaputra catchments is used as observational data. The reanalyses WFDEI, ERA‐Interim, NCEP/NCAR and JRA‐55 are used to further account for observational uncertainty. In a next step, remaining TAS and PR data are bias corrected applying a new bias adjustment method, scale distribution mapping, and subsequently PDD and SAC computed. Finally, we identify and quantify projected climate change effects. Until the end of the century, the ensemble indicates a rise of PDD, especially during summer and for lower altitudes. Also TAS is rising, though the highest increases are shown for higher altitudes and between December and April (DJFMA). PRs connected to the ISM are projected to robustly increase, while signals for PR changes during DJFMA show a higher level of uncertainty and spatial heterogeneity. However, a robust decline in solid precipitation is projected over our research domain, with the exception of a small area in the high mountain Indus catchment where no clear signal emerges.
Towards the integration of lean principles and optimization for agricultural production systems: a conceptual review proposition
Authors: Caicedo Solano Nestor E , García Llinás Guisselle A , Montoya‐Torres Jairo R
Published: September 2019

Operative planning in agricultural production has historically had the objective of improving yields and quality. Sowing, cropping, and harvesting are usually treated independently, and waste and the sustainability of operations are generally not integrated into operational planning methodologies for agricultural production. This study shows the need to have a clear and precise methodology to minimize waste in agricultural production systems to ensure sustainability. This need is addressed with a novel methodological guide to minimizing waste in agricultural operations, crop maintenance, and harvesting. The proposed methodology is founded on the use of lean manufacturing as a waste‐management tool. Lean manufacturing principles allow agricultural operations and the variables that represent wastes to be identified, mathematical models to be built, constraints to be defined, and the cost of waste to be illustrated, as well as its minimization through an objective function. To guide implementation, we propose a conceptual model to explain the construction of a mathematical model that represents the development of decision variables on agricultural operations with the elements to consider and the constraints and theoretical proposal of the necessary objective function. The proposed conceptual model and the constructed methodology constitute a novel development within agricultural production systems that could be used by decision makers and farmers. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Hypo‐vascular hepatocellular carcinoma and liver transplantation: Morphological characteristics and implications on outcomes
Authors: Aggarwal Alok , Horwitz Julian K. , Dolan Dan , Kamath Amita , Lewis Sara , Facciuto Matias , Grewal Priya , Fiel Maria Isabel , Schiano Thomas , Facciuto Marcelo E.
Published: September 2019

Background

The clinical importance of hypovascular liver lesions in cirrhotic patients awaiting liver transplantation (LT) has not been fully investigated. The objective of this study was to characterize the clinicopathologic features and management of these tumors and to assess their impact on post‐LT outcomes.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of cirrhotic patients with lesions suspicious for hypovascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent LT at a single institution from 2011‐ 2017.

Results

We identified 22 pre‐LT patients with radiologic diagnosis of a lesion(s) suspicious for hypovascular HCC. There were 28 hypovascular lesions within the 22 patient cohort; 9 lesions (32%) converted to hypervascular HCC before LT and 19 lesions remained hypovascular at LT. 88% of hypovascular lesions were HCC on explant pathology. Compared to patients with hyper‐vascular HCC lesions, hypovascular HCC lesions underwent less preoperative tumor ablation (58% vs 89%; P < .01). Hypovascular HCC were more likely to be well‐differentiated (67% vs 11%; P < .01), but there were no differences in the microvascular invasion, tumor recurrence, or survival post‐LT.

Conclusions

Hypovascular HCC has similar clinical outcomes and needs for transplantation as hypervascular HCC. The high prevalence of HCC within suspicious hypovascular lesions supports a similar monitoring and locoregional therapy strategy as for hypervascular HCC.
A propensity‐score matched analysis of limb salvage vs amputation for osteosarcoma
Authors: Traven Sophia A. , Brinton Daniel L. , Walton Zeke J. , Leddy Lee R.
Published: September 2019

Background and Objectives

With recent advances in chemotherapy and surgical techniques, the trend in the treatment of osteosarcoma continues to progress towards limb salvage. However, studies comparing limb salvage with amputation continue to be limited by selection bias and small sample sizes. This study utilized propensity‐score matching to minimize potential confounders and selection bias to compare the survival rates in patients with osteosarcoma that were treated with amputation vs limb salvage surgery.

Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program was utilized to identify all patients with a diagnosis of extremity osteosarcoma. Patients were matched with demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatment information. These variables were then fitted in a multivariate model and hazard ratios (HR) for overall‐ and disease‐specific mortality was calculated.

Results

A total of 4107 patients were identified, of which, 1538 were left after propensity‐score matching. Older age, Black race, upper extremity location, and higher American joint committee on cancer (AJCC) class were associated with worse overall‐ and disease‐specific mortality rates (P ≤ .0389). Compared with their matched counterparts, patients treated with amputation had higher overall mortality (HR 1.677; P < .0001) and higher disease‐specific mortality (HR 1.678; P < .0001).

Conclusion

Patients whose tumor characteristics preclude limb salvage have significantly higher overall‐ and disease‐specific mortality rates.
Fast analysis of 19 anabolic steroids in bovine tissues by high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Wozniak Barbara , Matraszek–Zuchowska Iwona , Klopot Alicja , Posyniak Andrzej
Published: September 2019

For the detection of 19 steroid hormones in bovine muscle, a fast and sensitive liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry method was developed using both positive and negative ionization mode. Chromatographic separation on Poroshell 120‐EC C18 column was achieved in less than 10 min using isocratic elution of mobile phase of acetonitrile/methanol/water. The compounds were extracted from muscle tissue using ethyl acetate and quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe technique. The purification of the obtained extract was performed by dispersive solid‐phase extraction with sorbents C18, primary secondary amine and magnesium sulphate. The method was validated in accordance with the Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. For all steroids tested good recoveries were obtained (from 51.2 to 121.4%) in the concentration range from decision limits until 5 µg/kg. The values of decision limits and the detection capabilities for individual compounds were in the range 0.10–0.48 and 0.17–0.95 µg/kg, respectively. The method was characterized by satisfactory linearity for most compounds (correlation coefficients  > 0.99) and the reproducibility was lower than 35%. The elaborated procedure has met the criteria for confirmatory methods and is currently used in the official control of hormones.
Prediction of lateral neck lymph node metastasis according to preoperative calcitonin level and tumor size for medullary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Bae Soo Y. , Jung Seung P. , Choe Jun‐Ho , Kim Jee S. , Kim Jung H.
Published: September 2019

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) accounts up to 10% of all thyroid cancers, but is responsible for a disproportionate number of deaths. While surgery is the only curative treatment for MTC, indications for lateral neck lymph node (LLN) dissection are controversial. We performed a retrospective review to describe clinical outcomes in 93 MTC patients from July 1995 to March 2015. We analyzed their clinicopathologic factors, and cut‐off values of tumor size and calcitonin levels were calculated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Using the instances of lymph node metastases, the tumor size cut‐off value was 0.95 cm (area under curve, AUC = 0.697) in patients with ipsilateral central lymph node (CLN) metastases, 2.25 cm (AUC = 0.793) in contralateral CLN metastases, and 1.75 cm (AUC = 0.753) in ipsilateral LLN metastases. The cut‐off values of preoperative calcitonin levels were 226.6 pg/mL (AUC = 0.746) in ipsilateral CLN, 755.0 pg/mL (AUC = 0.840) in contralateral CLN metastases, and 237.0 pg/mL (AUC = 0.775) in ipsilateral LLN metastases. This study supports the notion that ipsilateral LLN metastases occur before contralateral CLN metastases. Therefore, ipsilateral LLN dissection should be considered in patients with contralateral CLN metastases. The extent of surgery should be based on the status of LN metastases, preoperative basal calcitonin level, and tumor size to help individualize the extent of surgery.
Respiratory Epithelial Adenomatoid Hamartoma is Frequent in Olfactory Cleft After Nasalization
Authors: Nguyen Duc Trung , Jankowski Roger , Bey Ayoub , Gauchotte Guillaume , Casse Jean Matthieu , Gondim Teixeira Pedro Augusto , Gallet Patrice , Rumeau Cécile
Published: September 2019

Objectives

To assess the site and histopathology of polyps at the first revision surgery for recurrent nasal polyposis (NP) after radical ethmoidectomy (nasalization).

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Methods

Between January 2008 and December 2015, a total of 62 patients having undergone revision surgery for recurrent NP after nasalization were included. The site and histology of the recurrence of polyps were analyzed according to operative and pathological reports.

Results

Histology showed classical inflammatory nasal polyps (CINP) in 91% of nasal cavities at primary surgery versus respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma (REAH) or REAH associated to CINP in 54.8% at revision surgery (P < .0001). Polyps were principally observed in the ethmoidal complex in 70% of nasal cavities during primary surgery and in the olfactory clefts in 88.7% during revision surgery (P < .0001). The mean interval between nasalization and first revision surgery was 8.8 ± 4.4 years (0.4–21.7 years). This interval was significantly shorter for grade 3 polyps, polyps removed from both ethmoidal complex and olfactory cleft at primary surgery, association of CINP and REAH at primary surgery, and when primary surgery had preserved the middle turbinates.

Conclusion

Polyp recurrences after nasalization were mainly observed in the olfactory clefts and can be different histological features: inflammatory polyps, respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma, or a combination of both.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:2098–2104, 2020
KLF3 is a crucial regulator of metastasis by controlling STAT3 expression in lung cancer
Authors: Sun Wei , Hu Shan , Zu Yukun , Deng Yu
Published: September 2019

Lung cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer‐related mortality worldwide, which is partially due to its metastasis. However, the mechanism underlying its metastasis remains elusive. In this study, we showed that a low Krüppel‐like factor 3 (KLF3) expression level is correlated with a poor prognosis and TNM stages in clinical patients with lung cancer and further demonstrated that KLF3 expression is downregulated in lung cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal samples. In addition, bioinformatics analysis results showed that KLF3 expression is related to lung cancer epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). In vitro and in vivo experiments also showed that KLF3 silencing promotes lung cancer EMT and enhances lung cancer metastasis. More importantly, bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experiments indicated that the role of KLF3 in lung cancer metastasis is dependent on the STAT3 signaling pathway. Overall, our data indicated the crucial function of KLF3 in lung cancer metastasis and suggested opportunities to improve the therapy of patients with lung cancer.
p53 Promotes chemoresponsiveness by regulating hexokinase II gene transcription and metabolic reprogramming in epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Han Chae Young , Patten David A. , Lee Seung Gee , Parks Robin J. , Chan David W. , Harper Mary‐Ellen , Tsang Benjamin K.
Published: September 2019

Metabolic reprogramming (including the Warburg effect) is a hallmark of cancer, yet the association between the altered metabolism and chemoresistance remains elusive. Hexokinase II (HKII) is a key metabolic enzyme and is upregulated in multiple cancers. In this study, we examined the impact of targeting metabolism via silencing of HKII on chemoresistance in ovarian cancer (OVCA). In addition, the regulatory molecular mechanism of tumor metabolism was examined using gain‐ and loss‐of‐function approaches in epithelial OVCA cell lines of various histological subtypes. We demonstrated that cisplatin (CDDP)‐induced p53‐mediated HKII downregulation is a determinant of chemosensitivity in OVCA. Silencing of HKII sensitized chemoresistant OVCA cells to apoptosis in a p53‐dependent manner. As a negative regulator, p53 suppressed HKII transcription by promoter binding and decreased glycolysis. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase‐1 (PDK1) is a key regulator of cell proliferation involved in Akt signaling axis. Our Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and molecular studies also revealed that PDK1, an upstream activator strongly correlates with HKII expression and regulates its metabolic activity. Finally, we demonstrated that the clinically approved drug metformin sensitizes chemoresistant OVCA cells to CDDP via PDK1‐HKII pathway. Collectively, our data implicate that p53‐‐PDK1‐HKII axis is a central regulatory component of metabolism conferring chemoresistance in OVCA.
Understanding the Links Between Cardiovascular Disease and Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Potashkin Judy , Huang Xuemei , Becker Claudia , Chen Honglei , Foltynie Thomas , Marras Connie
Published: September 2019

Studies investigating the associations between genetic or environmental factors and Parkinson's disease (PD) have uncovered a number of factors shared with cardiovascular disease, either as risk factors or manifestations of cardiovascular disease itself. Older age, male sex, and possibly type 2 diabetes are examples. On the other hand, coffee consumption and physical activity are each associated with a lower risk of both PD and cardiovascular disease. This observation raises questions about the underlying pathophysiological links between cardiovascular disease and PD. There is evidence for common mechanisms in the areas of glucose metabolism, cellular stress, lipid metabolism, and inflammation. On the other hand, smoking and total/low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol appear to have opposite associations with cardiovascular disease and PD. Thus, it is uncertain whether the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors will impact on the onset or progression of PD. The available data suggest that a nuanced approach is necessary to manage risk factors such as cholesterol levels once the associations are better understood. Ultimately, the choice of therapy may be tailored to a patient's comorbidity profile. This review presents the epidemiological evidence for both concordant and discordant associations between cardiovascular disease and PD, discusses the cellular and metabolic processes that may underlie these links, and explores the implications this has for patient care and future research. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Functional restoration of elbow flexion in nonobstetric brachial plexus injuries: A meta‐analysis of nerve transfers versus grafts
Authors: Texakalidis Pavlos , Hardcastle Nathan , Tora Muhibullah S. , Boulis Nicholas M.
Published: September 2019

Background

Restoration of elbow flexion is the priority in traumatic brachial plexus injuries. Surgical approaches commonly include nerve transfers and nerve grafting. Our objective was to evaluate the safety and efficacy profile of nerve transfers versus grafting for traumatic nonobstetric brachial plexus injuries.

Methods

This systematic literature review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. A random‐effects model meta‐analysis was conducted, and the I‐square was used to assess heterogeneity. The Medical Research Scale (MRC) score was used to assess the efficacy of the procedures.

Results

Nine studies comprising 490 patients overall were identified. In the pooled analysis, functional recovery of elbow flexion defined as MRC ≥ M3, was superior in the transfer (N = 272/350, 77.7%) compared to the graft group (N = 99/140, 70.7%); however statistical significance was not reached (OR: 1.95; 95%CI: 0.79–4.83; I2: 58.8%). However, the odds for successful restoration of elbow flexion (MRC≥M3) were significantly higher when the ulnar (OR:12.20; 95%CI:3.05–48.80; I2:0%) or pectoral nerves (OR: 9.69; 95% CI: 1.83–51.25; I2: 0%) were used as healthy donors for the transfer compared to the graft procedures. Results between the two groups were similar when the intercostal, spinal accessory, thoracodorsal, contralateral C7 and phrenic nerves were used as donors for the transfer procedures.

Conclusions

The ulnar or pectoral nerve transfer to musculocutaneous is associated with statistically significant superior rates of elbow flexion recovery as compared to graft. No differences were identified in the pooled analysis or the subgroups of other donors used in nerve transfers. Future randomized studies or prospective cohorts are needed to validate our results.
Shielded‐coaxial‐cable coils as receive and transceive array elements for 7T human MRI
Authors: Ruytenberg Thomas , Webb Andrew , Zivkovic Irena
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To investigate the use of shielded‐coaxial‐cable (SCC) coils as elements for multi‐channel receive‐only and transceive arrays for 7T human MRI and to compare their performance with equivalently sized conventional loop coils.

Methods

The SCC coil element consists of a coaxial loop with interrupted central conductor at the feed‐point side and an interrupted shield at the opposite point. Inter‐element decoupling, transmit efficiency, and sample heating were compared with results from conventional capacitively segmented loop coils. Three multichannel arrays (a 4‐channel receive‐only array and 8‐ and 5‐channel transceive arrays) were constructed. Their inter‐element decoupling was characterized via measured noise correlation matrices and additionally under different flexing conditions of the coils. Thermal measurements were performed and in vivo images were acquired.

Results

The measured and simulated maps of both SCC and conventional loops were very similar. For all the arrays constructed, the inter‐element decoupling was much greater for the SCC elements than the conventional ones. Even under high degrees of flexion, the coupling coefficients were lower than −10 dB, with a much smaller frequency shift than for the conventional coils.

Conclusion

Arrays constructed from SCC elements are mechanically flexible and much less sensitive to changes of the coil shape from circular to elongated than arrays constructed from conventional loop coils, which makes them suitable for construction of size adjustable arrays.
Immediate effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on urodynamic parameters of children with myelomeningocele
Authors: Dombek Kathiussa , Costa Monteiro Lucia M. , Fontes Juliana Marin , Ramos Eloane G.
Published: September 2019

Objective

To evaluate the immediate response of electrical stimulation in children with neurogenic bladder (NB) due to myelomeningocele, using the urodynamic study (UDS).

Methods

This is a nonrandomized intervention study with 26 children with neurogenic overactive bladder and low bladder compliance due to myelomeningocele, aged 5 to 15 years. Each child performed a routine UDS and then a second UDS, during which the electrical stimulation was applied in the parasacral region. The main outcome was the difference in the maximum bladder pressure observed between the two urodynamic studies, analyzed from the paired t test.

Results

We found that 77% of the patients had a lower maximum bladder pressure in the test with electrostimulation compared with the ones without electrostimulation. On average, the pressure reduction after stimulation was 7.24 cmH2O (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35‐14.14; P = .04). The reduction was even higher in children under 12 years of age, compared with the children above 12 years (11.29 cmH2O, 95% CI, 3.47‐19.12; P = .01).

Conclusion

The use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation had a significant immediate effect on reducing the maximum bladder pressure during the urodynamic studies among the tested pediatric patients with NB. The results were more significant among children under 12 years of age.
Lifestyle habits associated with nocturnal urination frequency: The Nagahama study
Authors: Tabara Yasuharu , Matsumoto Takeshi , Murase Kimihiko , Setoh Kazuya , Kawaguchi Takahisa , Nagashima Shunsuke , Funada Satoshi , Kosugi Shinji , Hirai Toyohiro , Nakayama Takeo , Wakamura Tomoko , Chin Kazuo , Matsuda Fumihiko ,   the Nagahama study group
Published: September 2019

Background

Nocturia is a risk factor for poor quality of life and increased mortality. This study was aimed to clarifying dietary habits, eating behaviors, and sleep characteristics associated with nocturia to identify modifiable lifestyle factors for nocturia.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 5683 community residents (64.5 ± 7.7 years old). The frequency of nocturnal urination was recorded for 1 week using a sleep diary. The frequency of food intake, unfavorable eating behaviors, and sleep characteristics that may have influence on salt intake and wasting were obtained using a structured questionnaire.

Results

The frequency of nocturnal urination was increased with age (β = .312, P < .001). Other basic factors associated with the frequency were the male sex (β = .090), hypertension (β = .038), sleep apnea (β = .030), B‐type natriuretic peptide level (β = .089), and spot urine sodium excretion (β = −.058). Dietary factors independently associated with nocturnal urination frequency were coffee (≥1 time/day: β = −.059, P < .001) and green vegetable consumption (≥1 time/week: β = −.042, P = .001), whereas habitual intake of dairy products, miso soup, and alcohol were not associated with urination frequency. Later bedtime was inversely associated with nocturnal urination frequency independent of sleep duration (before 23:00: β = −.096; before 24:00: β = −.225; after midnight: β = −.240; all P < .001).

Conclusion

Coffee and green vegetable consumption and later bedtime but not sleep duration are lifestyle factors associated with nocturnal urination frequency.
Additional value of triple‐sensor urethral catheter in demonstrating urethral pressure variations during filling cystometry
Authors: Kummeling M. T. , Bovelander E. , van Uhm J. I. , van Koeveringe G. A. , Elzevier H. W. , Putter H. , Groenendijk P. M.
Published: September 2019

Aims

During filling cystometry, urethral pressure variations (UPV) can be observed. The clinical relevance and a clear definition of this phenomenon are still a matter of debate. For further research and definition of UPV, it is important to determine how this condition can best be demonstrated. The purpose of this study is to compare continuous urethral pressure measurements with a single urethral‐sensor catheter and a triple urethral‐sensor catheter in demonstrating UPV.

Methods

Seventy‐five adult female patients requiring urodynamic investigation enrolled in this prospective study. All patients underwent two series of filling and voiding cystometry. One series was performed with a dual‐air balloon sensor urodynamic catheter, the other series with a triple urethral‐sensor catheter. UPV were defined as urethral pressure drop exceeding 30 cmH2O.

Results

The prevalence of UPV was 37.3% (28 out of 75 patients), more common than detrusor overactivity. The triple urethral‐sensor catheter was more sensitive than the single urethral‐sensor catheter: In eight patients UPV were demonstrated with both catheters and in 18 patients only in the measurement with the triple urethral‐sensor catheter. This difference in detection was significant (P < .001).

Conclusion

There is an additional value in measurement with the triple urethral‐sensor catheter for demonstration of UPV during filling cystometry. Currently, continuous measurement of urethral pressure during filling cystometry and UPV is not defined within International Continence Society terminology. The single urethral‐sensor catheter is useful for a start, however, it demonstrates less than half of all UPV
Asset Management Puts Smart Metering Within Reach of Small Communities
Authors: Noel Andre , Delude Jeannette
Published: September 2019

Municipal water systems, especially in small communities, are being squeezed by many factors that make system management a challenge. The key to success is finding the right technologies, partners, and financing options to move forward.
Implementing a Chemical Cost‐Control Program Is Worth the Effort
Authors: Springer James , Meyer Maria
Published: September 2019

Encouraging competition, using market indices, adjusting prices, and optimizing purchasing can yield significant savings for utilities and their customers. The initial and ongoing investment of time pays off with a sustainable contract that works for utilities and vendors.
Multiphysics modeling and simulation of fluid‐saturated porous ferrogels at finite strains
Authors: Gebhart Philipp , Wallmersperger Thomas
Published: September 2019

Over the last years there has been a growing interest in the study of the behavior of field‐responsive or so called smart materials. Porous ferrogels are a class of these materials consisting of a porous polymeric matrix with dispersed micro‐ or nano‐sized ferromagnetic particles [1–3]. Due to their ability to exhibit large deformations and alter their effective material characteristics upon external magnetic stimulation, these materials are interesting for a wide range of applications in biomedical engineering, microfluidics and other innovative fields of research. The magneto‐poro‐mechanical response of porous ferrogels is a complex phenomenon that spans over multiple length‐scales and essentially depends on (i) the constitutive behavior of the individual components, (ii) their morphology and microstructural arrangement and (iii) the macroscopic shape of the specimen. In this contribution a theoretical and computational framework for the modeling of isotropic porous ferrogels at the macroscale is presented. Within this modeling approach the porous ferrogel is treated as a homogeneous continuum, whereat its complex microstructure is not resolved explicitly. A prototypical isotropic constitutive model is formulated in a conventional enthalpy‐based setting. Numerical examples show the the crucial impact of the macroscopic specimen shape on the macroscopic deformation response in an uniform external magnetic field.
Obesity and psychosocial well‐being among cancer patients and survivors
Authors: Philip Errol J. , Bergerot Cristiane Decat , Clark Karen , Bergerot Paulo , Loscalzo Matthew
Published: September 2019

Objective

As the association between obesity and cancer receives increasing attention, studies have begun to examine the potential impact of excess weight on psychosocial domains during treatment and survivorship. The current study will examine the effect of weight status on psychosocial outcomes among patients diagnosed with breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer.

Methods

This retrospective study included 4159 patients over the age of 55 who were diagnosed with postmenopausal breast (52.2%), prostate (38.7%), or colon cancer (9.1%). Prior to treatment, patients were screened for problem‐related distress using a 33‐item touch screen–based instrument. Descriptive statistics were generated for each cancer type and one‐way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) used to determine significant differences in distress by weight (nonobese: <30 kg/m2 vs obese: ≥30 kg/m2).

Results

A higher prevalence of biopsychosocial problem‐related distress was reported by patients with breast cancer (M = 4.3) compared with prostate (M = 2.8) and colon cancer (M = 3.8). Obese breast and prostate cancer patients reported higher levels of problem‐related distress compared with nonobese patients (P < .05), whereas an opposite trend was noted for patients with colon cancer.

Conclusion

The current study found notable obesity‐related differences among patients diagnosed with postmenopausal breast cancer or prostate cancer, with excess weight consistently associated with poorer psychosocial outcomes. These findings among a large cohort of patients provide insight into the impact of obesity during the cancer care trajectory and can provide guidance in the development and implementation of supportive care services for this “at‐risk” population.
Rheological Behavior of DNAN/HMX Melt‐Cast Explosives
Authors: Zhu Daoli , Zhou Lin , Zhang Xiangrong
Published: September 2019

Understanding the rheological behavior of melt‐cast explosives is critical for manufacturing melt‐cast explosive charges. The research presented herein systematically investigates the rheological behavior of 2,4‐dinitroanisole/tetramethylenetetranitra‐mine (DNAN/HMX) melt‐cast explosive suspensions. The rheological characteristics were measured using a Haake Mars III rheometer. In general, the DNAN/HMX melt‐cast explosive suspensions underwent shear‐thinning (pseudoplastic) and were strongly affected by solid content, particle size (unimodal distribution), particle gradation (bimodal or multimodal distribution), particle morphology, temperature, and chemical additives. The subsequent measurements and analysis provide important contextual information for designing formulations of DNAN/HMX melt‐cast explosives.
Discovery and characterization of a small‐molecule enteropeptidase inhibitor, SCO‐792
Authors: Sasaki Masako , Miyahisa Ikuo , Itono Sachiko , Yashiro Hiroaki , Hiyoshi Hideyuki , Tsuchimori Kazue , Hamagami Ken‐ichi , Moritoh Yusuke , Watanabe Masanori , Tohyama Kimio , Sasaki Minoru , Sakamoto Jun‐ichi , Kawamoto Tomohiro
Published: September 2019

Enteropeptidase, localized into the duodenum brush border, is a key enzyme catalyzing the conversion of pancreatic trypsinogen proenzyme to active trypsin, thereby regulating protein digestion and energy homeostasis. We report the discovery and pharmacological profiles of SCO‐792, a novel inhibitor of enteropeptidase. A screen employing fluorescence resonance energy transfer was performed to identify enteropeptidase inhibitors. Inhibitory profiles were determined by in vitro assays. To evaluate the in vivo inhibitory effect on protein digestion, an oral protein challenge test was performed in rats. Our screen identified a series of enteropeptidase inhibitors, and compound optimization resulted in identification of SCO‐792, which inhibited enteropeptidase activity in vitro, with IC50 values of 4.6 and 5.4 nmol/L in rats and humans, respectively. In vitro inhibition of enteropeptidase by SCO‐792 was potentiated by increased incubation time, and the calculated Kinact/KI was 82 000/mol/L s. An in vitro dissociation assay showed that SCO‐792 had a dissociation half‐life of almost 14 hour, with a calculated koff rate of 0.047/hour, which suggested that SCO‐792 is a reversible enteropeptidase inhibitor. In normal rats, a ≤4 hour prior oral dose of SCO‐792 effectively inhibited plasma elevation of branched‐chain amino acids in an oral protein challenge test, which indicated that SCO‐792 effectively inhibited protein digestion in vivo. In conclusion, our new screen system identified SCO‐792 as a potent and reversible inhibitor against enteropeptidase. SCO‐792 slowly dissociated from enteropeptidase in vitro and inhibited protein digestion in vivo. Further study using SCO‐792 could reveal the effects of inhibiting enteropeptidase on biological actions.
Effective Bandgap Engineering in Perovskite Ferroelectrics by Successive Multiple Doping
Authors: Samanta Shibnath , Rath Martando , Sankaranarayanan Venkataraman , Sethupathi Kanikrishnan , Rao M. S. Ramachandra
Published: September 2019

A very effective method of bandgap engineering in perovskite ferroelectrics by successive multiple doping (SMD) is proposed, tested, and compared with conventional incremental solitary doping (ISD). The application of SMD of La, Nb, and Fe (2% each) in Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT) tailors the bandgap to 2.74 from 3.53 eV (bandgap of pure PZT). This finds potential applications in ferroelectrics‐based photovoltaics and optoelectronics. In contrast, only La doping even up to 10% curtails the bandgap to 3.10 eV. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy study confirms the presence of all elements doped and their chemical states. Analysis of photoluminescence shows that the emissions corresponding to the incorporations of La, Nb, and Fe are in the forbidden region of the energy band. In the case of only La doping, the emission corresponding to La gets broadened as its concentration increases. These observations are summarized and the mechanism of a larger bandgap reduction by SMD compared with solitary doping is explained in a systematic way. Comparing the ferroelectric hysteresis, true switchable polarization, and fatigue behaviors, it is found that ferroelectricity is affected marginally by SMD of La, Nb, and Fe compared with that by the ISD of La up to10%.
High Coercivity in MnAl Disc Prepared by Severe Plastic Deformation
Authors: Si Ping Zhan , Lim Jung Tae , Park Jihoon , Lee Hak Hyeon , Ge Hongliang , Lee Hyunjong , Han Sangho , Kim Hyoung Seop , Choi Chul Jin
Published: September 2019

The low coercivity in MnAl alloys has become a barrier to develop high performance MnAl‐based magnets for more than five decades. Herein, a high room‐temperature coercivity of 0.59 T in MnAl disc is achieved by severe plastic deformation. The grain size of the MnAl decreases significantly when ε‐phase is transformed into τ‐phase and when the τ‐phase is severely deformed. The aging process enhances the magnetization of the deformed τ‐phase significantly and reduces the coercivity of the MnAl disc to 0.396 T. The magnetic domain structure of the severely deformed τ‐MnAl exhibits many pinning sites in the intergranular regions and within the domains, resulting in the high coercivity of the bulk samples. The deformation process produces locally oriented texture of τ‐phase. This study opens a window for development of MnAl‐based bulk magnet with high coercivity and enhanced remanence.
Citrus unshiu peel suppress the metastatic potential of murine melanoma B16F10 cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Choi Eun Ok , Lee Hyesook , HwangBo Hyun , Kwon Da Hye , Kim Min Yeong , Ji Seon Yeong , Hong Su Hyun , Kim Gi‐Young , Park Cheol , Hwang Hye‐Jin , Moon Sung‐Kwon , Yun Seok‐Joong , Kim Wun‐Jae , Choi Yung Hyun
Published: September 2019

The peel of Citrus unshiu Marcow. fruits (CU) has long been used as a traditional medicine that has therapeutic effects against pathogenic diseases, including asthma, vomiting, dyspepsia, blood circulation disorders, and various types of cancer. In this study, we investigated the effect of CU peel on metastatic melanoma, a highly aggressive skin cancer, in B16F10 melanoma cells, and in B16F10 cells inoculated‐C57BL/6 mice. Our results show that ethanol extracts of CU (EECU) inhibited cell growth and increased the apoptotic cells in B16F10 cells. EECU also stimulated the induction of mitochondria‐mediated intrinsic pathway, with reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and increased generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, EECU suppressed the migration, invasion, and colony formation of B16F10 cells. In addition, the oral administration of EECU reduced serum lactate dehydrogenase activity without weight loss, hepatotoxicity, nor nephrotoxicity in B16F10 cell‐inoculated mice. Moreover, EECU markedly suppressed lung hypertrophy, the number and expression of metastatic tumor nodules, and the expression of inflammatory tumor necrosis factor‐alpha in lung tissue. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the inhibitory effect of EECU on the metastasis of melanoma indicates that it may be regarded as a potential therapeutic herbal drug for melanoma.
The effect of plantain syrup on heavy menstrual bleeding: A randomized triple blind clinical trial
Authors: Khodabakhsh Mojdeh , Mahmoudinia Maliheh , Mousavi Bazaz Mojtaba , Hamedi Shokouh Sadat , Hoseini Seyede Samaneh , Feyzabadi Zohre , Shokri Sadegh , Ayati Sedigheh
Published: September 2019

Given the importance of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), we investigated the effect of plantain syrup on HMB. This randomized clinical trial was performed on 68 women with HMB who were referred to the traditional medicine clinics of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. The intervention group received placebo capsule and plantain syrup, whereas the control group received mefenamic acid capsule and placebo syrup in the first 5 days of menstruation for three menstruation cycles. Patients were asked to complete pictorial blood assessment chart one cycle before the intervention and three intervention cycles. Hemoglobin was measured at the beginning and at the end of the study. The results showed that the bleeding duration and severity diminished in both groups. No significant difference was observed between two groups in severity of bleeding after intervention (Cohen's d = .24), but duration of bleeding in mefenamic acid group was reduced significantly in comparison with plantain group (Cohen's d = .57). Although mean hemoglobin alterations in mefenamic acid group had a significant difference before and after the intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups in mean hemoglobin alterations postintervention. Plantain syrup could be suggested as a complementary treatment for HMB, but further studies are required.
Structure and bonding of lanthanide dinitrogen complexes, Ln(N2)1‐8
Authors: Kovács Attila
Published: September 2019

Lanthanide dinitrogen complexes, Ln(N2)x(x= 1‐8), were investigated by Density Functional Theory computations using the B3LYP exchange‐correlation functional in conjunction with quasirelativistic pseudopotentials for Ln. After a recent study on the lanthanum complexes (A. Kovács,Structural Chemistry2018, 29, 1825), the present study aimed to probe the changes upon variously filled 4f subshells of Ln on the structures, stabilities, and bonding properties in related complexes of Nd, Ho, and Lu. The bonding properties were assessed on the basis of natural atomic charges, Ln valence orbital populations, and analysis of bonding molecular orbitals.
Effect of relaxin‐3 on Kiss‐1, gonadotropin‐releasing hormone, and gonadotropin subunit gene expression
Authors: Kanasaki Haruhiko , Tumurbaatar Tuvshintugs , Tumurgan Zolzaya , Oride Aki , Okada Hiroe , Kyo Satoru
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Relaxin‐3 is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that belongs to the insulin superfamily. We examined whether relaxin‐3 could affect hypothalamic Kiss‐1, gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH), and pituitary gonadotropin subunit gene expression.

Methods

Mouse hypothalamic cell models, mHypoA‐50 (originated from the hypothalamic anteroventral periventricular region), mHypoA‐55 (originated from arcuate nucleus), and GT1‐7, and the mouse pituitary gonadotroph LβT2 were used. Expression of Kiss‐1, GnRH, and luteinizing hormone (LH)/follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) β‐subunits was determined after stimulation with relaxin‐3.

Results

RXFP3, a principle relaxin‐3 receptor, was expressed in these cell models. In mHypoA‐50 cells, relaxin‐3 did not exert a significant effect on Kiss‐1 expression. In contrast, the Kiss‐1 gene in mHypoA‐55 was significantly increased by 1 nmol/L relaxin‐3. These cells also express GnRH mRNA, and its expression was significantly stimulated by relaxin‐3. In GT1‐7 cells, relaxin‐3 significantly upregulated Kiss‐1 expression; however, GnRH mRNA expression in GT1‐7 cells was not altered. In primary cultures of fetal rat neuronal cells, 100 nmol/L relaxin‐3 significantly increased GnRH expression. In pituitary gonadotroph LβT2, both LHβ‐ and FSHβ‐subunit were significantly increased by 1 nmol/L relaxin‐3.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that relaxin‐3 exerts its effect by modulating the expression of Kiss‐1, GnRH, and gonadotropin subunits, all of which are part of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal axis.
Drones as a tool to monitor human impacts and vegetation changes in parks and protected areas
Authors: Ancin‐Murguzur Francisco Javier , Munoz Lorena , Monz Christopher , Hausner Vera H.
Published: September 2019

Increased visitation to protected areas could have adverse impacts on the conservation values in the protected areas, and therefore effective visitor monitoring methods are needed to meet the complex management challenges that arise. Collecting data on human impacts is highly time consuming, thus requiring more effective tools that allow for high‐quality and long‐term measurements. In this study, we show how unmanned aerial vehicles (i.e. UAV or drones) could be used to monitor tourism impacts in protected areas. Tourism has boomed in national parks in Norway in recent years, such as in Jotunheimen National Park for which this study applies. We test the use of drones on a site where new tourist facilities will be established to set a baseline to identify future changes. We demonstrate how drones could help protected area management by monitoring visitor use patterns and commonly associated impacts such as trail condition (width and depth), vegetation structure and disturbances, informal trail proliferation, trampling, and trash and other impacts along the trails. We assessed accuracy and reliability compared with intensive field measurements of impacts and found low‐cost drones to be effective in mapping the study area with a resolution of 0.5 cm/pixel: drone derived trail measurements were comparable to traditional measurements with a negligible divergence on trail width measurements and a consistent 1.05 cm divergence on trail depth measurements that can be corrected with a few validation points. In addition, we created a high‐resolution vegetation classification map that could be used as a baseline for monitoring impacts. We conclude that drones can effectively contribute to visitor monitoring by reducing time spent in the field and by providing high‐resolution time series that could be used as baseline to measure tourism impacts on conservation values in protected areas.
Paired Spectroscopic and Crystallographic Studies of Proteases
Authors: Luo Meiqi , Eaton Christopher N. , Hess Kenneth R. , Phillips‐Piro Christine M. , Brewer Scott H. , Fenlon Edward E.
Published: September 2019

The active sites of subtilisin and trypsin have been studied by paired IR spectroscopic and X‐ray crystallographic studies. The active site serines of the proteases were reacted with 4‐cyanobenzenesulfonyl fluoride (CBSF), an inhibitor that contains a nitrile vibrational reporter. The nitrile stretch vibration of the water‐soluble inhibitor model, potassium 4‐cyanobenzenesulfonate (KCBSO), and the inhibitor were calibrated by IR solvent studies in H2O/DMSO and the frequency‐temperature line‐slope (FTLS) method in H2O and THF. The inhibitor complexes were examined by FTLS and the slopes of the best fit lines for subtilisin‐CBS and trypsin‐CBS in aqueous buffer were both measured to be −3.5x10−2 cm−1/°C. These slopes were intermediate in value between that of KCBSO in aqueous buffer and CBSF in THF, which suggests that the active‐site nitriles in both proteases are mostly solvated. The X‐ray crystal structures of the subtilisin‐CBS and trypsin‐CBS complexes were solved at 1.27 and 1.32 Å, respectively. The inhibitor was modelled in two conformations in subtilisin‐CBS and in one conformation in the trypsin‐CBS. The crystallographic data support the FTLS data that the active‐site nitrile groups are mostly solvated and participate in hydrogen bonds with water molecules. The combination of IR spectroscopy utilizing vibrational reporters paired with X‐ray crystallography provides a powerful approach to studying protein structure.