bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of PlanIQ Feasibility DVH for head and neck treatment planning
Authors: Fried David V. , Chera Bhishamjit S. , Das Shiva K.
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Designing a radiation plan that optimally delivers both target coverage and normal tissue sparing is challenging. There are limited tools to determine what is dosimetrically achievable and frequently the experience of the planner/physician is relied upon to make these determinations. PlanIQ software provides a tool that uses target and organ at risk (OAR) geometry to indicate the difficulty of achieving different points for organ dose–volume histograms (DVH). We hypothesized that PlanIQ Feasibility DVH may aid planners in reducing dose to OARs.

Methods and materials

Clinically delivered head and neck treatments (clinical plan) were re‐planned (re‐plan) putting high emphasis on maximally sparing the contralateral parotid gland, contralateral submandibular gland, and larynx while maintaining routine clinical dosimetric objectives. The planner was blinded to the results of the clinically delivered plan as well as the Feasibility DVHs from PlanIQ. The re‐plan treatments were designed using 3‐arc VMAT in Raystation (RaySearch Laboratories, Sweden). The planner was then given the results from the PlanIQ Feasibility DVH analysis and developed an additional plan incorporating this information using 4‐arc VMAT (IQ plan). The DVHs across the three treatment plans were compared with what was deemed “impossible” by PlanIQ's Feasibility DVH (Impossible DVH). The impossible DVH (red) is defined as the DVH generated using the minimal dose that any voxel outside the targets must receive given 100% target coverage.

Results

The re‐plans performed blinded to PlanIQ Feasibilty DVH achieved superior sparing of aforementioned OARs compared to the clinically delivered plans and resulted in discrepancies from the impossible DVHs by an average of 200–700 cGy. Using the PlanIQ Feasibility DVH led to additionalOAR sparing compared to both the re‐plans and clinical plans and reduced the discrepancies from the impossible DVHs to an average of approximately 100 cGy. The dose reduction from clinical to re‐plan and re‐plan to IQ plan were significantly different even when taking into account multiple hypothesis testing for both the contralateral parotid and the larynx (P < 0.004 for all comparisons). No significant differences were observed between the three plans for the contralateral parotid when considering multiple hypothesis testing.

Conclusions

Clinical treatment plans and blinded re‐plans were found to suboptimally spare OARs. PlanIQ could aid planners in generating treatment plans that push the limits of OAR sparing while maintaining routine clinical target coverage goals.
LMI‐based adaptive output feedback fault‐tolerant controller design for nonlinear systems
Authors: Azmi Hadi , Khosrowjerdi Mohammad Javad
Published: August 2017

This paper presents 2‐novel linear matrix inequality (LMI)‐based adaptive output feedback fault‐tolerant control strategies for the class of nonlinear Lipschitz systems in the presence of bounded matched or mismatched disturbances and simultaneous occurrence of actuator faults, including failure, loss of effectiveness, and stuck. The constructive algorithms based on LMI with creatively using Lyapunov stability theory and without the need for an explicit information about mode of actuator faults or fault detection and isolation mechanism are developed for online tuning of adaptive and fixed output‐feedback gains to stabilize the closed‐loop control system asymptotically. The proposed controllers guarantee to compensate actuator faults effects and to attenuate disturbance effects. The resulting control methods have simpler structure, as compared with most existing recent methods and more suitable for practical systems. The merits of the proposed fault‐tolerant control scheme have been verified by the simulation on nonlinear Boeing 747 lateral motion dynamic model subjected to actuator faults.
Integrated design of fault detection, isolation, and control for continuous‐time Markovian jump systems
Authors: Davoodi M. , Meskin N. , Khorasani K.
Published: August 2017

In this paper, the problem of integrated fault detection, isolation, and control design of continuous‐time Markovian jump linear systems with uncertain transition probabilities is introduced and addressed for the first time in the literature. A single Markovian jump module designated as the integrated fault detection, isolation, and control under a mixed robust
framework is considered to simultaneously achieve the desired detection, isolation, and control objectives. Conventional mixed robust
approaches to the fault detection and isolation problem lead to conservative results due to the selection of identical Lyapunov matrices. Consequently, the extended linear matrix inequality methodology is utilized in this work to reduce the conservativeness of standard approaches by introducing additional matrix variables so that the coupling of Lyapunov matrices with the system matrices is eliminated. Simulation results for an application to the GE F‐404 aircraft engine system illustrate the effectiveness and capabilities of our proposed design methodologies. Comparisons with relevant work in the literature are also provided to demonstrate the advantages of our proposed solutions.
Characterization of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Mg–Y–Zn Alloys with Respect to Different Content of LPSO Phase
Authors: Horváth Klaudia , Drozdenko Daria , Daniš Stanislav , Garcés Gerardo , Máthis Kristián , Kim Shae , Dobroň Patrik
Published: August 2017

The Mg–Y–Zn alloys with different contents of alloying elements are extruded at an extrusion ratio of 4:1 at 350 °C. The microstructure of the alloys is of an inhomogeneous character showing fine grains produced due to dynamic recrystallization and coarse original grains elongated along the extrusion direction (ED). Moreover, Y and Zn form a long‐period stacking‐ordered (LPSO) phase whose volume fraction increases with their increasing content in the alloy. All investigated alloys exhibit distinct fiber textures with basal planes oriented parallel to ED. It is seen that increasing content of alloying elements leads to a weaker texture. Compression tests with concurrent acoustic emission (AE) measurements are performed along ED at room temperature and a constant strain rate in order to reveal active deformation mechanisms in the alloys and to relate them to their mechanical properties. The AE response is also discussed with respect to the volume fraction of the LPSO phase.
Robust Fe3Mo3C Supported IrMn Clusters as Highly Efficient Bifunctional Air Electrode for Metal–Air Battery
Authors: Cui Zhiming , Li Yutao , Fu Gengtao , Li Xiang , Goodenough John B.
Published: August 2017

Catalysts at the air cathode for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions are central to the stability of rechargeable metal–air batteries, an issue that is gaining increasing interest in recent years. Herein, a highly durable and efficient carbide‐based bifunctional catalyst consisting of iron–molybdenum carbide (Fe3Mo3C) and IrMn nanoalloys is demonstratred. This carbide is chemically stable in alkaline media and over the potential range of an air cathode. More importantly, Fe3Mo3C is very active for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline media. Fe3Mo3C supported IrMn as a bifunictional catalysts exhibits superior catalytic performance than the state of the art ORR catalyst (Pt/C) and the oxygen evolution reaction catalyst (Ir/C). IrMn/Fe3Mo3C enables Zn–air batteries to achieve long‐term cycling performance over 200 h with high efficiency. The extraordinarily high performance of IrMn/Fe3Mo3C bifunictional catalyst provides a very promising alternative to the conventional Pt/C and Ir/C catalyst for an air cathode in alkaline electrolyte.
Single‐Mode Distributed Feedback Laser Operation in Solution‐Processed Halide Perovskite Alloy System
Authors: Cha Hyungrae , Bae Seunghwan , Jung Hyunho , Ko Min Jae , Jeon Heonsu
Published: August 2017

A single‐mode laser operation from a solution‐processed halide perovskite alloy system, CH(NH2)2Pb(I1−xBrx)3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1), is reported. Despite its simplicity, the solution process results in halide perovskite alloy films of smooth and uniform surface morphology that exhibits characteristics of bandgap engineering, where t he bandgap and thus emission wavelength can be tuned (from near‐infrared to green) by controlling the anion composition ratio x. A set of thin films of the halide perovskite alloy are coated on top of the fused quartz substrates with engraved surface gratings and are optically excited to induce distributed feedback lasing action. Laser devices operate in single modes over a wide range of wavelengths, depending on the composition ratio, up to room temperature for x = 0 and 1 and up to 200 K for alloys. This study demonstrates control of the polarization of the single‐mode laser output by carefully choosing the grating period. The achievement is an important milestone toward the advancement in the applicability of halide perovskite materials to optoelectronic devices.
Sexual assault in the US military: A comparison of risk in deployed and non‐deployed locations among Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom active component and Reserve/National Guard servicewomen
Authors: Sadler Anne G. , Booth Brenda M. , Torner James C. , Mengeling Michelle A.
Published: August 2017

Background

To determine whether sexual assault in the military (SAIM) among active component and Reserve/National Guard servicewomen is more likely to occur in deployed or non‐deployed locations; and which location poses greater risk for SAIM when time spent in‐location is considered.

Methods

A total of 1337 Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom era servicewomen completed telephone interviews eliciting socio‐demographics, military and sexual assault histories, including attempted and completed sexual assault.

Results

Half of the sample had been deployed (58%). Overall 16% (N = 245) experienced SAIM; a higher proportion while not deployed (15%; n = 208) than while deployed (4%; n = 52). However, the incidence of SAIM per 100 person‐years was higher in deployed than in non‐deployed locations: 3.5 vs 2.4. Active component and Reserve/National Guard had similar deployment lengths, but Reserve/National Guard had higher SAIM incidence rates/100 person‐years (2.8 vs 4.0).

Conclusions

A higher proportion of servicewomen experienced SAIM while not deployed; however, adjusting for time in each location, servicewomen were at greater risk during deployment.
Challenges in measuring the effects of pharmacological interventions on cognitive and adaptive functioning in individuals with Down syndrome: A systematic review
Authors: Keeling Lori A. , Spiridigliozzi Gail A. , Hart Sarah J. , Baker Jane A. , Jones Harrison N. , Kishnani Priya S.
Published: August 2017

We systematically reviewed the measures used in pharmaceutical trials in children/adults with Down syndrome without dementia. Our purpose was to identify developmentally appropriate outcome measures capable of detecting changes in cognitive and adaptive functioning in this population. Eleven studies were included and used diverse outcome measures across the domains of language, memory, attention, behavior, and executive/adaptive functioning. Our results highlight the challenges in selecting measures capable of capturing improvements in pharmaceutical trials in individuals with DS. We offer suggestions to enhance future research, including: conducting studies with larger samples of participants with a range of developmental abilities; modifying existing/developing novel outcome measures; incorporating advances from related areas and DS observational studies; and considering alternative analytic techniques to characterize treatment effects.
Significance of human papillomavirus positivity in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kılıç Suat , Kılıç Sarah S. , Kim Emilie S. , Baredes Soly , Mahmoud Omar , Gray Stacey T. , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: August 2017

Background

The role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) is not well understood.

Methods

The National Cancer Database was queried for cases of SNSCC with known HPV status. Demographics, socioeconomic variables, TNM stage, histology, grade, treatment modalities, and overall survival (OS) through 5 years were compared between HPV‐positive and HPV‐negative tumors. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed.

Results

Seven hundred seventy (770) cases were identified; 526 were HPV‐negative (68.3%) and 244 (31.7%) were HPV‐positive. Patients with HPV‐positive tumors were younger (58.0 vs 63.7 years, p < 0.0001). Nasal cavity (49.4%) tumors were more likely to be HPV‐positive (p < 0.05) than maxillary (18.8%), ethmoid (18.8%), and frontal (18.2%) sinus tumors. Large cell nonkeratinizing (42.4%), papillary (42.1%), and basaloid (56.5%) tumors were more likely than keratinizing (25.2%) tumors to be HPV‐positive (p < 0.05). Well‐differentiated (grade I) tumors (9.0%) were less likely than higher grade tumors to be HPV‐positive (p < 0.05). Gender, race, facility type, insurance type, median income, education level, Charlson‐Deyo comorbidity score, overall stage, T stage, N stage, M stage, tumor size, treatment modality, surgical approach, and surgical margins did not vary by HPV status (p ≥ 0.05). HPV‐positive tumors had higher OS than HPV‐negative tumors (p < 0.0001). At 5 years, OS was 68.1% and 51.5% for HPV‐positive and HPV‐negative tumors, respectively. On multivariate analyses, HPV positivity remained a favorable prognostic factor (hazard ratio, 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.34‐0.70).

Conclusion

HPV positivity is more common in nasal cavity SCC and nonkeratinizing SNSCC. It is also a favorable prognostic factor in SNSCC. Future studies on SNSCC should take HPV positivity into consideration.
GABBR2 mutations determine phenotype in rett syndrome and epileptic encephalopathy
Authors: Yoo Yongjin , Jung Jane , Lee Yoo‐Na , Lee Youngha , Cho Hyosuk , Na Eunjung , Hong JeaYeok , Kim Eunjin , Lee Jin Sook , Lee Je Sang , Hong Chansik , Park Sang‐Yoon , Wie Jinhong , Miller Kathryn , Shur Natasha , Clow Cheryl , Ebel Roseànne S. , DeBrosse Suzanne D. , Henderson Lindsay B. , Willaert Rebecca , Castaldi Christopher , Tikhonova Irina , Bilgüvar Kaya , Mane Shrikant , Kim Ki Joong , Hwang Yong Seung , Lee Seok‐Geun , So Insuk , Lim Byung Chan , Choi Hee‐Jung , Seong Jae Young , Shin Yong Beom , Jung Hosung , Chae Jong‐Hee , Choi Murim
Published: August 2017

Objective

Rett syndrome (RTT) and epileptic encephalopathy (EE) are devastating neurodevelopmental disorders with distinct diagnostic criteria. However, highly heterogeneous and overlapping clinical features often allocate patients into the boundary of the two conditions, complicating accurate diagnosis and appropriate medical interventions. Therefore, we investigated the specific molecular mechanism that allows an understanding of the pathogenesis and relationship of these two conditions.

Methods

We screened novel genetic factors from 34 RTT‐like patients without MECP2 mutations, which account for ∼90% of RTT cases, by whole‐exome sequencing. The biological function of the discovered variants was assessed in cell culture and Xenopus tropicalis models.

Results

We identified a recurring de novo variant in GABAB receptor R2 (GABBR2) that reduces the receptor function, whereas different GABBR2 variants in EE patients possess a more profound effect in reducing receptor activity and are more responsive to agonist rescue in an animal model.

Interpretation

GABBR2 is a genetic factor that determines RTT‐ or EE‐like phenotype expression depending on the variant positions. GABBR2‐mediated γ‐aminobutyric acid signaling is a crucial factor in determining the severity and nature of neurodevelopmental phenotypes. Ann Neurol 2017;82:466–478
Reply to “Photoredox Catalysis: The Need to Elucidate the Photochemical Mechanism”
Authors: Ghosh Indrajit , Bardagi Javier I. , König Burkhard
Published: August 2017

Spektroskopische Messungen und abgeschätzte thermodynamische Werte sind wichtige Hilfsmittel für mechanistische Untersuchungen von Photokatalysen. Messwerte, die nur unter idealisierten Bedingungen ermittelt werden und die Komplexität präparativer organischer Reaktionsgemische ausblenden, sind allerdings wenig geeignet, um mechanistische Hypothesen zu beweisen oder Syntheseausbeuten und ‐selektivitäten zu verbessern.
Correct Modeling of Cisplatin: a Paradigmatic Case
Authors: Tasinato Nicola , Puzzarini Cristina , Barone Vincenzo
Published: August 2017

Quantum chemistry is a useful tool in modern approaches to drug and material design, but only when the adopted model reflects a correct physical picture. Paradigmatic is the case of cis‐diaminodichloroplatinum(II), cis‐[Pt(NH3)2Cl2], for which the correct simulation of the structural and vibrational properties measured experimentally still remains an open question. By using this molecule as a proof of concept, it is shown that state‐of‐the‐art quantum chemical calculations and a simple model, capturing the basic physical flavors, a cis‐[Pt(NH3)2Cl2] dimer, can provide the accuracy required for interpretative purposes. The present outcomes have fundamental implications for benchmark studies aiming at assessing the accuracy of a given computational protocol.
Selenium and Selenocysteine in Protein Chemistry
Authors: Mousa Reem , Notis Dardashti Rebecca , Metanis Norman
Published: August 2017

Selenocysteine, the selenium‐containing analogue of cysteine, is the twenty‐first proteinogenic amino acid. Since its discovery almost fifty years ago, it has been exploited in unnatural systems even more often than in natural systems. Selenocysteine chemistry has attracted the attention of many chemists in the field of chemical biology owing to its high reactivity and resulting potential for various applications such as chemical modification, chemical protein (semi)synthesis, and protein folding, to name a few. In this Minireview, we will focus on the chemistry of selenium and selenocysteine and their utility in protein chemistry.
Rendering Photoreactivity to Ceria: The Role of Defects
Authors: Yang Chengwu , Yu Xiaojuan , Pleßow Philipp N. , Heißler Stefan , Weidler Peter G. , Nefedov Alexei , Studt Felix , Wang Yuemin , Wöll Christof
Published: August 2017

The photoreactivity of ceria, a photochemically inert oxide with a large band gap, can be increased to competitive values by introducing defects. This previously unexplained phenomenon has been investigated by monitoring the UV‐induced decomposition of N2O on well‐defined single crystals of ceria by using infrared reflection‐absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS). The IRRAS data, in conjunction with theory, provide direct evidence that reducing the ceria(110) surface yields high photoreactivity. No such effects are seen on the (111) surface. The low‐temperature photodecomposition of N2O occurs at surface O vacancies on the (110) surface, where the electron‐rich cerium cations with a significantly lowered coordination number cause a local lowering of the huge band gap (ca. 6 eV). The quantum efficiency of strongly reduced ceria(110) surfaces in the photodecomposition of N2O amounts to 0.03 %, and is thus comparable to that reported for the photooxidation of CO on rutile TiO2(110).
Light‐Activated Active Colloid Ribbons
Authors: Lin Zhihua , Si Tieyan , Wu Zhiguang , Gao Changyong , Lin Xiankun , He Qiang
Published: August 2017

We report a dynamic self‐organization of self‐propelled peanut‐shaped hematite motors from non‐equilibrium driving forces where the propulsion can be triggered by blue light. They result in one‐dimensional, active colloid ribbons with a positive phototactic characteristic. The motion of colloid motors is ascribed to the diffusion‐osmotic flow in a chemical gradient by the photocatalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide fuel. We show that self‐propelled peanut‐shaped colloids readily form one‐dimensional, slithering ribbon structures under the out‐of‐equilibrium collisions. This self‐organization intrinsically results from the competition among the osmotically driven motion, the phoretic attraction and the inherent magnetic moments. The giant size number fluctuation in colloid ribbons is observed above a critical point 4.1 % of the surface density of colloid motors. Such phototactic colloid ribbons may provide a model system to understand the emergence of function in biological systems and have potential to construct bioinspired active materials based on different active building blocks.
Star‐shaped Polymers through Simple Wavelength‐Selective Free‐Radical Photopolymerization
Authors: Eibel Anna , Fast David E. , Sattelkow Jürgen , Zalibera Michal , Wang Jieping , Huber Alex , Müller Georgina , Neshchadin Dmytro , Dietliker Kurt , Plank Harald , Grützmacher Hansjörg , Gescheidt Georg
Published: August 2017

Star‐shaped polymers represent highly desired materials in nanotechnology and life sciences, including biomedical applications (e.g., diagnostic imaging, tissue engineering, and targeted drug delivery). Herein, we report a straightforward synthesis of wavelength‐selective multifunctional photoinitiators (PIs) that contain a bisacylphosphane oxide (BAPO) group and an α‐hydroxy ketone moiety within one molecule. By using three different wavelengths, these photoactive groups can be selectively addressed and activated, thereby allowing the synthesis of ABC‐type miktoarm star polymers through a simple, highly selective, and robust free‐radical polymerization method. The photochemistry of these new initiators and the feasibility of this concept were investigated in unprecedented detail by using various spectroscopic techniques.
Photoredox Imino Functionalizations of Olefins
Authors: Davies Jacob , Sheikh Nadeem S. , Leonori Daniele
Published: August 2017

Shown herein is that polyfunctionalized nitrogen heterocycles can be easily prepared by a visible‐light‐mediated radical cascade process. This divergent strategy features the oxidative generation of iminyl radicals and subsequent cyclization/radical trapping, which allows the effective construction of highly functionalized heterocycles. The reactions proceed efficiently at room temperature, utilize an organic photocatalyst, use simple and readily available materials, and generate, in a single step, valuable building blocks that would be difficult to prepare by other methods.
Tungstate supported mesoporous silica SBA‐15 with imidazolium framework as a hybrid nanocatalyst for selective oxidation of sulfides in the presence of hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Sedrpoushan Alireza , Hosseini‐Eshbala Fereshteh , Mohanazadeh Farajollah , Heydari Masoud
Published: August 2017

In this work, a new heterogeneous catalyst (SBA‐15/Im/WO42−) was prepared, and then its performance in the oxidation of organic sulfides was studied (using 30% H2O2 as green oxidant under neutral reaction conditions). This organic–inorganic hybrid mesoporous material was characterized by various techniques, such as FT‐IR, inductively coupled plasma, X‐ray powder diffraction, high‐resolution‐transmission electron microscopy, N2 adsorption–desorption and thermogravimetric analysis. The catalyst was also applied to the selective oxidation of various sulfides. The hybrid catalyst was easily recovered, and was very stable and retained good activity for at least five successive runs without any additional activation. Moreover, there was no remarkable decrease in the activity and selectivity of the catalyst. The products could be easily isolated by just removing the solvent after filtering the catalyst. The yields of the catalytic productions through this catalyst were in the range from 75% to 97%.
The effect of using different types of nanoparticles on optimal design of fin and tube heat exchanger
Authors: Hajabdollahi Zahra , Hajabdollahi Hassan , Fu Pei Fang
Published: August 2017

Application of different types of nanoparticles including Al2O3, SiO2, and CuO is studied to find the effects of nanoparticles on the thermoeconomic optimization of a fin and tube heat exchanger. The effectiveness and the total annual cost are considered as objective functions, and optimization is performed using multi‐objective particle swarm optimization algorithm by selection of nine design parameters including nanoparticle volumetric concentration and parameters related to the heat exchanger geometry. The effect of nanoparticles on total annual cost (TAC) vs effectiveness indicates that TAC increases by increase of effectiveness. The results also reveal that in all the studied cases, thermoeconomic improvement is found in the case of nanoparticle additive compared with the base fluid for the high heat exchanger effectiveness. Moreover, application of Al2O3 and CuO is more beneficial than SiO2 in the aspect of thermoeconomic point of view. Furthermore, Al2O3 causes a higher effectiveness in the case of considering nanoparticle price, while in the case of neglecting nanoparticle price, CuO is the best for the higher effectiveness. © 2017 Curtin University and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and relaxation dynamics of ethylene–propylene–diene rubber/clay nanocomposites with crosslinking interfacial design
Authors: Zhang Fengshun , Zhao Qi , Liu Tao , Lei Yajie , Chen Chao
Published: August 2017

Ethylene–propylene–diene rubber (EPDM)/clay nanocomposites with crosslinking bonding at the interface were fabricated through the intercalation method involving double‐bond functional groups. For comparison, an organoclay modified with an intercalation agent without double bonds was also prepared. X‐ray diffraction indicated that the EPDM intercalated into the galleries of the nanoclay due to crosslinking with the organic intercalation reagent containing double bonds. According to the dielectric relaxation spectra, the segmental relaxation of EPDM was greatly confined, due to the strong filler/polymer interfacial interaction. And a new relaxation appeared at higher temperature and lower frequency than segmental relaxation when the content of clay with double bonds reached 10 phr; the new relaxation is attributed to interfacial relaxation. Whereas the new relaxation did not appear by adding ordinary organoclay, the dynamic mechanical analysis loss peak of EPDM, corresponding to the glass transition, moved to a higher temperature due to covulcanization. The presence of crosslinking in the EPDM/clay nanocomposites can play a significant role in improving their mechanical properties. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45553.
Use of LIDAR and photointerpretation to map the water supply at the Las Murias‐Los Tallares Roman gold mine (Castrocontrigo, León, Spain)
Authors: Matías Roberto , Llamas Bernardo
Published: August 2017

A comprehensive study of the water supply at Las Murias‐Los Tallares Roman gold mine (Castrocontrigo, León, Spain) was conducted using LIDAR technology and photointerpretation that revealed all‐new and interesting aspects both as concerns the length of the channels and their structure and supply capacity.

Although LIDAR technology proves to be very valuable and essential to analysing Roman hydraulic mining structures, there are various limitations when reconstructing supply systems due to the accuracy of LIDAR data and the deterioration of the structures after having been abandoned for nearly 2,000 years.
North Atlantic polar lows and weather regimes: do current links persist in a warmer climate?
Authors: Mallet Paul‐Etienne , Claud Chantal , Vicomte Marie
Published: August 2017

Polar low development over the North Atlantic under a warmer climate is assessed using simulations of an atmospheric–oceanic coupled general circulation model, specifically with regards to the evolution of large‐scale atmospheric variability described by weather regimes, and their links with lower‐layer static stability. While a relationship has been identified for the present climate, under a warmer climate, polar low favorable conditions are expected to occur less often, and the large‐scale circulation variability appears to have reduced influence on stability, and thus, on polar low occurrence.
Children's Sensitivity to Cost and Reward in Decision Making across Distinct Domains of Probability, Effort, and Delay
Authors: Gatzke‐Kopp Lisa M. , Ram Nilam , Lydon‐Staley David M. , DuPuis David
Published: August 2017

Many behavioral paradigms used to study individuals' decision‐making tendencies do not capture the decision components that contribute to behavioral outcomes, such as differentiating decisions driven toward a reward from decisions driven away from a cost. This study tested a novel decision‐making task in a sample of 403 children (age 9 years) enrolled in an ongoing longitudinal study. The task consisted of three blocks representing distinct cost domains (delay, probability, and effort), wherein children were presented with a deck of cards, each of which consisted of a reward and a cost. Children elected whether to accept or skip the card at each trial. Reward–cost pairs were selected by using an adaptive algorithm to strategically sample the decision space in the fewest number of trials. Using person‐specific regression models, decision preferences were quantified for each cost domain with respect to general tolerance (intercept), as well as parameters estimating the effect of incremental increases in reward or cost on the probability of accepting a card. Results support the relative independence of decision‐making tendencies across cost domains, with moderate correlations observed between tolerance for delay and effort. Specific decision parameters showed unique associations with cognitive and behavioral measures including executive function, academic motivation, anxiety, and hyperactivity. Evidence indicates that sensitivity to reward is an important factor in incentivizing decisions to work harder or wait longer. Dissociating the relative contributions of reward and cost sensitivity in multiple domains may facilitate the identification of heterogeneity in suboptimal decision making. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retrospective study on timing of resection of hepatocellular adenoma
Authors: Klompenhouwer A J , Bröker M E E , Thomeer M G J , Gaspersz M P , de Man R A , IJzermans J N M
Published: August 2017

Background

Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is a benign liver tumour that may be complicated by bleeding or malignant transformation. Present guidelines advise cessation of oral contraceptives and surgical resection if the lesion is still larger than 5 cm at 6 months after diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether this 6-month interval is sufficient to expect regression of a large HCA to 5 cm or smaller.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included all patients with an HCA larger than 5 cm diagnosed between 1999 and 2015 with follow-up of at least 6 months. Medical records were reviewed for patient characteristics, clinical presentation, lesion characteristics, management and complications. Differences in characteristics were assessed between patients kept under surveillance and those who underwent treatment for an HCA larger than 5 cm.

Results

Some 194 patients were included, of whom 192 were women. Eighty-six patients were kept under surveillance and 108 underwent HCA treatment. Patients in the surveillance group had a significantly higher BMI (P = 0·029), smaller baseline HCA diameter (P < 0·001), more centrally located lesions (P < 0·001) and were more likely to have multiple lesions (P = 0·001) than those in the treatment group. There were no significant differences in sex, age at diagnosis, symptoms, complication rates and HCA subtype distribution. Time-to-event analysis in patients managed conservatively and those still undergoing treatment more than 6 months after diagnosis showed that 69 of 118 HCAs (58·5 per cent) regressed to 5 cm or smaller after a median of 104 (95 per cent c.i. 80–128) weeks. Larger HCAs took longer to regress (P < 0·001). No complications were documented during follow-up.

Conclusion

This study suggests that a 6-month cut-off point for assessment of regression of HCA larger than 5 cm to no more than 5 cm is too early. As no complications were documented during follow-up, the cut-off point in women with typical, non-β-catenin-activated HCA could be prolonged to 12 months, irrespective of baseline diameter.
Natural history of anorectal sepsis
Authors: Sahnan K , Askari A , Adegbola S O , Tozer P J , Phillips R K S , Hart A , Faiz O D
Published: August 2017

Background

Progression from anorectal abscess to fistula is poorly described and it remains unclear which patients develop a fistula following an abscess. The aim was to assess the burden of anorectal abscess and to identify risk factors for subsequent fistula formation.

Methods

The Hospital Episode Statistics database was used to identify all patients presenting with new anorectal abscesses. Cox regression analysis was undertaken to identify factors predictive of fistula formation.

Results

A total of 165 536 patients were identified in the database as having attended a hospital in England with an abscess for the first time between 1997 and 2012. Of these, 158 713 (95·9 per cent) had complete data for all variables and were included in this study, the remaining 6823 (4·1 per cent) with incomplete data were excluded from the study. The overall incidence rate of abscess was 20·2 per 100 000. The rate of subsequent fistula formation following an abscess was 15·5 per cent (23 012 of 148 286) in idiopathic cases and 41·6 per cent (4337 of 10 427 in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (26·7 per cent coded concurrently as ulcerative colitis; 47·2 per cent coded as Crohn's disease). Of all patients who developed a fistula, 67·5 per cent did so within the first year. Independent predictors of fistula formation were: IBD, in particular Crohn's disease (hazard ratio (HR) 3·51; P < 0·001), ulcerative colitis (HR 1·82; P < 0·001), female sex (HR 1·18; P < 0·001), age at time of first abscess 41–60 years (HR 1·85 versus less than 20 years; P < 0·001), and intersphincteric (HR 1·53; P < 0·001) or ischiorectal (HR 1·48; P < 0·001) abscess location compared with perianal. Some 2·9 per cent of all patients presenting with a new abscess were subsequently diagnosed with Crohn's disease; the median time to diagnosis was 14 months.

Conclusion

The burden of anorectal sepsis is high, with subsequent fistula formation nearly three times more common in Crohn's disease than idiopathic disease, and female sex is an independent predictor of fistula formation following abscess drainage. Most fistulas form within the first year of presentation with an abscess.
Songs about cancer, gene expression, and the biochemistry of photosynthesis
Authors: Heineman Richard H.
Published: August 2017

These three biology songs can be used for educational purposes to teach about biochemical concepts. They touch on three different topics: (1) cancer progression and germ cells, (2) gene expression, promoters, and repressors, and (3) electronegativity and the biochemical basis of photosynthesis. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46(1):98–99, 2018.
The association between lesion location, sex and poststroke depression: Meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zhao Hui , Fang Yan , Wang Suishan , Zhou Haiyun
Published: August 2017

Background

Poststroke depression (PSD) is a common form of stroke patients. Whether the risk of PSD is influenced by the stroke lesion location and sex remains a matter of debate. The objective of this study was to examine the association between the risk of PSD and the stroke lesion location and sex by performing a systematic meta‐analysis.

Methods

Subgroup analyses were performed according to the time interval after stroke onset to assessment for PSD. A total of 31 reports involving 5,309 subjects (for lesion location analysis) and 5,489 subjects (for sex analysis) suffering from stroke were included in this meta‐analysis.

Results

The pooled odds ratio (OR) of PSD after a left‐hemisphere stroke, compared with a right‐hemisphere stroke was 1.11 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.82–1.49) and OR of PSD after a male stroke, compared with a female stroke was 0.68 (95% CI 0.58–0.81). Subacute poststroke subgroup (1–6 months) significantly favored PSD occurring after a left hemisphere stroke (OR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.21–1.87). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant association between PSD and female stroke for studies with acute poststroke group (OR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.62–0.86) and subacute poststroke stroke phase (OR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.56–0.86).

Conclusions

This systematic review suggests that patients with left hemisphere stroke may be more susceptible to PSD during subacute phase of stroke and female stroke may be more susceptible to PSD during acute and subacute phase of stroke.
Using machine learning to classify temporal lobe epilepsy based on diffusion MRI
Authors: Del Gaizo John , Mofrad Neda , Jensen Jens H. , Clark David , Glenn Russell , Helpern Joseph , Bonilha Leonardo
Published: August 2017

Background

It is common for patients diagnosed with medial temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) to have extrahippocampal damage. However, it is unclear whether microstructural extrahippocampal abnormalities are consistent enough to enable classification using diffusion MRI imaging. Therefore, we implemented a support vector machine (SVM)‐based method to predict TLE from three different imaging modalities: mean kurtosis (MK), mean diffusivity (MD), and fractional anisotropy (FA). While MD and FA can be calculated from traditional diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), MK requires diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI).

Methods

Thirty‐two TLE patients and 36 healthy controls underwent DKI imaging. To measure predictive capability, a fivefold cross‐validation (CV) was repeated for 1000 iterations. An ensemble of SVM models, each with a different regularization value, was trained with the subject images in the training set, and had performance assessed on the test set. The different regularization values were determined using a Bayesian‐based method.

Results

Mean kurtosis achieved higher accuracy than both FA and MD on every iteration, and had far superior average accuracy: 0.82 (MK), 0.68 (FA), and 0.51 (MD). Finally, the MK voxels with the highest coefficients in the predictive models were distributed within the inferior medial aspect of the temporal lobes.

Conclusion

These results corroborate our earlier publications which indicated that DKI shows more promise in identifying TLE‐associated pathological features than DTI. Also, the locations of the contributory MK voxels were in areas with high fiber crossing and complex fiber anatomy. These traits result in non‐Gaussian water diffusion, and hence render DTI less likely to detect abnormalities. If the location of consistent microstructural abnormalities can be better understood, then it may be possible in the future to identify the various phenotypes of TLE. This is important since treatment outcome varies dependent on type of TLE.
Assisting the neurologist in diagnosis of CNS malignancies ‐ Current Possibilities and Limits of Cerebrospinal Fluid Cytology and Immunocytochemistry
Authors: Dušková Jaroslava , Sobek Ondřej
Published: August 2017

Objectives

In tumorous impairment of CNS, cytological identification of the neoplastic cells in CSF frequently requires the use of ancillary techniques. Our methods are focused on identifying algorithms that increase the probability of identifying CSF malignant cells.

Materials and Methods

A total of 1.272 CSF samples from patients with tumorous infiltration of CNS of nonhematologic origin along with 721 samples from patients with hematologic malignancies were analyzed in a complex setting including cytological and immunocytochemical investigations.

Results and Discussion

In CSF diagnostics we are aware of the limited amount of sample combined frequently with neoplastic oligocytosis. Provided atypical, potentially malignant cells in CSF are found, further investigation(s) should maximize the probability of their identification—an appropriate cytological staining and immunocytochemical panel is to be applied. (i) In cases of known recent malignancy: immunoprofile of the recent neoplasm has been considered in immunocytochemical panel. (ii) In patients with a history of malignancy: The propensity to develop a new different malignancy must be taken into account. (iii) Atypical cells found in the CSF of a patient with a negative history of malignancy: Considering the most frequent clinically silent malignancies, stepwise immunocytochemistry is employed. Three milliliter of initial CSF sample represents the absolute minimum to start with.

Conclusions

The steps of the laboratory activity targeted on malignancy in the CSF detection can be expected as follows: (i) The sample will be divided for both nonmorphology and cytopathology investigations. (ii) Basic stainings will triage the samples into those with no suspicion of malignancy and the remaining ones. (iii) Special stainings and stepwise immunocytochemistry will be performed in parallel with the nonmorphology investigations.
Flipped classroom or an active lecture?
Authors: Pickering James D. , Roberts David J. H.
Published: August 2017

Recent changes in anatomy education have seen the introduction of flipped classrooms as a replacement to the traditional didactic lecture. This approach utilizes the increasing availability of digital technology to create learning resources that can be accessed prior to attending class, with face‐to‐face sessions then becoming more student‐centered via discussion, collaborative learning, and problem‐solving activities. Although this approach may appear intuitive, this viewpoint commentary presents a counter opinion and highlights a simple alternative that utilizes evidence‐based active learning approaches as part of the traditional lecture. The active lecture takes the traditional lecture, and (1) ensures the lecture content is relevant and has clear objectives, (2) contains lecture material that is designed according to the latest evidence‐base, (3) complements it with additional supplementary material, (4) creates space to check prior understanding and knowledge levels, and (5) utilizes suitable technology to facilitate continual engagement and interaction. Clin. Anat. 31:118–121, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CISD2 enhances the chemosensitivity of gastric cancer through the enhancement of 5‐FU‐induced apoptosis and the inhibition of autophagy by AKT/mTOR pathway
Authors: Sun Yi , Jiang Yingming , Huang Jintuan , Chen Hao , Liao Yi , Yang Zuli
Published: August 2017

Gastric cancer (GC) is a prevalent upper gastrointestinal tumor characterized by high morbidity and mortality due to imperfect screening systems and the rapid development of resistance to 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU). CDGSH iron sulfur domain 2 (CISD2) has been recently regarded as a candidate oncogene in several types of tumors. It is, therefore, necessary to investigate its biological function and clinical significance in gastric cancer. In this study, the down‐regulated expression level of CISD2 in GC compared with adjacent normal tissues was evaluated by quantitative RT‐PCR and Western blotting. An immunohistochemical analysis indicated that CISD2 expression in GC was significantly correlated with age (P = 0.002), Lauren's classification (P = 0.001), and differentiation (P = 0.049). Two cell lines, MKN1 and BGC823, were used to analyze the role of CISD2 in gastric carcinogenesis and response to 5‐FU through CCK‐8 assays, the RT‐CES system, Transwell assays, flow cytometry, and confocal fluorescence microscopy. The overexpression of CISD2 resulted in reduced cellular growth and proliferation, inhibition of metastatic ability, and increased apoptosis. 5‐FU treatment increased endogenous as well as exogenous overexpression of CISD2 in GC cells. Further investigation revealed that CISD2 enhanced sensitivity to 5‐FU via an increase in apoptosis and inhibition of protective autophagy through the activation of the AKT/mTOR pathway. In conclusion, CISD2 is down‐regulated in gastric cancer, and its effects on the inhibition of cellular proliferation, metastatic ability, and increased chemotherapy sensitivity are mediated by antagonism to 5‐FU‐induced autophagy through the AKT/mTOR pathway.
Fractalkine/CX3CR1 induces apoptosis resistance and proliferation through the activation of the AKT/NF‐κB cascade in pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Wang Hui , Cai Jun , Du Shaoxia , Guo Zhongkui , Xin Beibei , Wang Juan , Wei Wei , Shen Xiaohong
Published: August 2017

Fractalkine (FKN, CX3CL1) is highly expressed in a majority of malignant solid tumours. Fractalkine is the only known ligand for CX3CR1. In this study, we performed an analysis to determine the effects of fractalkine/CX3CR1 on modulating apoptosis and explored the related mechanisms. The expression of fractalkine/CX3CR1 was detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. The levels of AKT/p‐AKT, BCL‐xl, and BCL‐2 were detected by western blotting. Then, the effects of exogenous and endogenous fractalkine on the regulation of tumour apoptosis and proliferation were investigated. The mechanism of fractalkine/CX3CR1 on modulating apoptosis in cancer cells through the activation of AKT/NF‐κB/p65 signals was evaluated. The effect of fractalkine on regulating cell cycle distribution was also tested. Fractalkine, AKT/p‐AKT, and apoptotic regulatory proteins BCL‐xl and BCL‐2 were highly expressed in human pancreatic cancer tissues. In vitro, fractalkine/CX3CR1 promoted proliferation and mediated resistance to apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells. The antiapoptotic effect of fractalkine was induced by the activation of AKT/NF‐κB/p65 signalling in pancreatic cancer cells. The NF‐κB/p65 contributes to promote the expressions of BCL‐xl and BCL‐2 and reduce caspase activity, thereby inhibiting apoptotic processes. Treatment with fractalkine resulted in the enrichment of pancreatic cancer cells in S phase with a concomitant decrease in the number of cells in G1 phase. The present study demonstrated the function of fractalkine in the activation of the AKT/NF‐κB/p65 signalling cascade and mediation of apoptosis resistance in pancreatic cancer cells. Fractalkine/CX3CR1 could serve as a diagnostic marker and as a potential target for chemotherapy in early stage pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is characterized by local recurrence, neural invasion, or distant metastasis. The present study demonstrated the overexpression of fractalkine/CX3CR1 in pancreatic cancer tissues, indicating its important role in the tumourigenesis of pancreatic cancer, and suggested that the overexpression of fractalkine/CX3CR1 could serve as a diagnostic marker for pancreatic cancer. Moreover, we reveal the mechanism that fractalkine functions on the activation of the AKT/NF‐κB/p65 signalling cascade and regulation of the antiapoptosis process in pancreatic cancer cells. Fractalkine/CX3CR1 could serve as an effective therapeutic target of chemotherapeutic and biologic agents in early stage pancreatic cancer.