bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic impact of specific molecular profiles in pediatric acute megakaryoblastic leukemia in non‐Down syndrome
Authors: Hara Yusuke , Shiba Norio , Ohki Kentaro , Tabuchi Ken , Yamato Genki , Park Myoung‐ja , Tomizawa Daisuke , Kinoshita Akitoshi , Shimada Akira , Arakawa Hirokazu , Saito Akiko M. , Kiyokawa Nobutaka , Tawa Akio , Horibe Keizo , Taga Takashi , Adachi Souichi , Taki Tomohiko , Hayashi Yasuhide
Published: January 2017

Pediatric acute megakaryoblastic leukemia in non‐Down syndrome (AMKL) is a unique subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Novel CBFA2T3‐GLIS2 and NUP98‐KDM5A fusions recurrently found in AMKL were recently reported as poor prognostic factors. However, their detailed clinical and molecular characteristics in patients treated with recent improved therapies remain uncertain. We analyzed molecular features of 44 AMKL patients treated on two recent Japanese AML protocols, the AML99 and AML‐05 trials. We identified CBFA2T3‐GLIS2, NUP98‐KDM5A, RBM15‐MKL1, and KMT2A rearrangements in 12 (27%), 4 (9%), 2 (5%), and 3 (7%) patients, respectively. Among 459 other AML patients, NUP98‐KDM5A was identified in 3 patients, whereas CBFA2T3‐GLIS2 and RBM15‐MKL1 were only present in AMKL. GATA1 mutations were found in 5 patients (11%). Four‐year overall survival (OS) and event‐free survival (EFS) rates of CBFA2T3‐GLIS2‐positive patients in AMKL were 41.7% and 16.7%, respectively. Three‐year cumulative incidence of relapse in CBFA2T3‐GLIS2‐positive patients was significantly higher than that of CBFA2T3‐GLIS2‐negative patients (75.0% vs. 35.7%, P = 0.024). In multivariate analyses, CBFA2T3‐GLIS2 was an independent poor prognostic factor for OS (HR, 4.34; 95% CI, 1.31–14.38) and EFS (HR, 2.95; 95% CI, 1.20–7.23). Furthermore, seven (54%) of 13 infant AMKL patients were CBFA2T3‐GLIS2‐positive. Notably, out of 7 CBFA2T3‐GLIS2‐positive infants, six (86%) relapsed and five (71%) died. Moreover, all of CBFA2T3‐GLIS2‐positive patients who experienced induction failure (n = 3) were infants, indicating worse prognosis of CBFA2T3‐GLIS2‐positive infants. These findings indicated the significance of CBFA2T3‐GLIS2 as a poor prognostic factor in AMKL patients, particularly in infants.
Assessment of river flow with significant lateral inflow through reverse routing modeling
Authors: Spada Eleonora , Sinagra Marco , Tucciarelli Tullio , Barbetta Silvia , Moramarco Tommaso , Corato Giovanni
Published: January 2017

The discharge hydrograph estimation in rivers based on reverse routing modeling and using only water level data at two gauged sections is here extended to the most general case of significant lateral flow contribution, without needing to deploy rainfall–runoff procedures. The proposed methodology solves the Saint‐Venant equations in diffusive form also involving the lateral contribution using a “head‐driven” modeling approach where lateral inflow is assumed to be function of the water level at the tributary junction. The procedure allows to assess the discharge hydrograph at ends of a selected river reach with significant lateral inflow, starting from the stage recorded there and without needing rainfall data.

Specifically, the MAST 1D hydraulic model is applied to solve the diffusive wave equation using the observed stage hydrograph at the upstream section as upstream boundary condition. The other required data are (a) the observed stage hydrograph at the downstream section, as benchmark for the parameter calibration, and (b) the bathymetry of the river reach, from the upstream section to a short distance after the downstream gauged section. The method is validated with different flood events observed in two river reaches with a significant intermediate basin, where reliable rating curves were available, selected along the Tiber River, in central Italy, and the Alzette River, in Luxembourg. Very good performance indices are found for the computed discharge hydrographs at both the channel ends and along the tributaries. The mean Nash‐Sutcliffe value (NSq) at the channel ends of two rivers is found equal to 0.99 and 0.86 for the upstream and downstream sites, respectively. The procedure is also validated on a longer stretch of the Tiber River including three tributaries for which appreciable results are obtained in terms of NSq for the computed discharge hydrographs at both the channel ends for three investigated flood events.
Long Non‐Coding RNA MALAT1 Interacts With miR‐204 to Modulate Human Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion by Targeting CXCR4
Authors: Tan Xinyu , Huang Zhiguo , Li Xiaogang
Published: January 2017

Metastasis‐associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) is involved in the development and progression of many types of tumors. An aberrant expression of MALAT1 was observed in many kinds of cancers. However, the exact effects and molecular mechanisms of MALAT1 in human hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) progression are still unknown. Here, we investigated the role of MALAT1 in human HCCA cell lines and clinical tumor samples in order to determine the function of this lncRNA. In our research, lncRNA‐MALAT1 was specifically upregulated in HCCA tissues and cell lines, and was associated with pathological T stage, a larger tumor size, and perineural invasion. Knockdown of MALAT1 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of human HCCA cell. In addition, chemokine receptor‐4 (CXCR4) was involved in MALAT1 induced human HCCA growth, migration, and invasion. By using online tools and a series of mechanistic analysis, we also demonstrated that miR‐204‐dependent CXCR4 regulation was required in MALAT1 modulating HCCA cell growth, migration and invasion. Taken together, our data indicated that MALAT1 might play an oncogenic role in HCCA through miR‐204‐dependent CXCR4 regulation, and could be regarded as a therapeutic target in HCCA. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3643–3653, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MutY DNA Glycosylase Protects Cells From Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha‐Induced Necroptosis
Authors: Tran An Hue Vy , Han Se Hee , Kim Joon , Grasso Francesca , Kim In San , Han Ye Sun
Published: January 2017

Numerous studies have implied that mutY DNA glycosylase (MYH) is involved in the repair of post‐replicative mispairs and plays a critical role in the base excision repair pathway. Recent in vitro studies have shown that MYH interacts with tumor necrosis factor receptor type 1‐associated death domain (TRADD), a key effector protein of tumor necrosis factor receptor‐1 (TNFR1) signaling. The association between MYH and TRADD is reversed during tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α)‐ and camptothecin (CPT)‐induced apoptosis, and enhanced during TNF‐α‐induced survival. After investigating the role of MYH interacts with various proteins following TNF‐α stimulation, here, we focus on MYH and TRADD interaction functions in necroptosis and its effects to related proteins. We report that the level of the MYH and TRADD complex was also reduced during necroptosis induced by TNF‐α and zVAD‐fmk. In particular, we also found that MYH is a biologically important necrosis suppressor. Under combined TNF‐α and zVAD‐fmk treatment, MYH‐deficient cells were induced to enter the necroptosis pathway but primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) were not. Necroptosis in the absence of MYH proceeds via the inactivation of caspase‐8, followed by an increase in the formation of the kinase receptor‐ interacting protein 1 (RIP1)‐RIP3 complex. Our results suggested that MYH, which interacts with TRADD, inhibits TNF‐α necroptotic signaling. Therefore, MYH inactivation is essential for necroptosis via the downregulation of caspase‐8. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1827–1838, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Catalytic Conversion of SO2 Released from the Roasting Process of Copper Sulfides to SO3 by New Nanocatalysts of Vanadium(V) Oxide
Authors: Assefi Mohammad , Torabi Masoumeh , Sajadi Ali
Published: January 2017

Two new silica‐supported vanadium(V) oxide nanocatalysts were synthesized from vanadyl(IV) sulfate and vanadyl(IV) oxalate by the sol–gel method. The nanocatalysts were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray fluorescence, and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy. The average diameter of the nanocatalysts was ~16 nm. The catalytic activity of both nanocatalysts was investigated in the oxidation of sulfur dioxide (SO2) released from the roasting of copper sulfides to sulfur trioxide (SO3), and the results were compared with those obtained from a commercial BASF (Baden Aniline and Soda Factory) catalyst. It is worth mentioning that our nanocatalysts show higher activity than the commercial catalyst for the oxidation of SO2 to SO3 under similar reaction conditions. The suggested electrocatalytic mechanism for the oxidation of SO2 to SO3 was confirmed by computational studies. Our calculations indicate that the terminal VO bond of V2O5 is likely the most active site for the adsorption and oxidation of SO2.
Use of partially purified peroxidase of agricultural by‐product rice bran in deoxynivalenol reduction
Authors: Gautério Gabrielle Victoria , Malta Danielle Specht , Reginatto Laís , Feltrin Ana Carla Penteado , Garda‐Buffon Jaqueline , Kalil Susana Juliano
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

Once peroxidase purification can improve substrate degradation capacity, peroxidase from rice bran was purified by expanded bed adsorption (EBA) coupled to diafiltration/ultrafiltration (DF/UF) and applied for deoxynivalenol (DON) reduction.

RESULTS

The DF/UF step was optimized according to membrane molecular weight cutoff (MWCO), DF cycles number, operation temperature and CaCl2
addition to the DF buffer. DON reduction tests were carried out with both clarified and purified peroxidase. The use of MWCO of 10 kDa, 10 °C, six DF cycles and adding 4 mmol L−1 CaCl2
to DF buffer promoted enzyme purification of 4.4‐fold and enzymatic recovery of 79.4%. The global purification process combining two techniques resulted in enzyme purification of 75.1‐fold with an enzymatic recovery of 22.8%. Peroxidase purified by EBA combined with DF/UF resulted in DON reduction of 81.7% in a model system.

CONCLUSION

Peroxidase purification was achieved by scale‐up integrated strategies. The use of purified peroxidase from agricultural by‐products could be a promising alternative for enzymatic DON levels reduction. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Polarization microscopy as a tool for quantitative evaluation of collagen using picrosirius red in different stages of CKD in cats
Authors: Morais G. B. , Viana D. A. , Silva F. M. O. , Xavier Júnior F. A. F. , Farias K. M. , Pessoa C. D'Ó , Silveira J. A. M. , Alves A. P. N. N. , Mota M. R. L. , Silva F. D. O. , Sampaio C. M. S. , Verdugo J. M. G. , Evangelista J. S. A. M.
Published: January 2017

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a relevant disease in feline clinic. The tubulointerstitial damage, with collagen deposition and fibrosis, is an important result of this process. The aim of this study was to quantify and correlate the deposition of collagen and severity of interstitial fibrosis (IF) in the kidney from cats in different stages of CKD. Kidney fragments from 10 adult cats with CKD were analyzed and stained by Masson's trichrome (MT) and Picrosirius red (PSR) for circular polarized microscopy. Random quantitative analysis was performed on MT sections to classify the degree of IF, per field area, with and without circular polarization. Statistics correlations were performed by Spearman's (ρ; p < .05). There was a significant correlation of IF quantification with the area of interstitial collagen deposition by polarized PSR (PSRp) (r = .7939, p = .0098) and nonpolarized PSR (PSRn) (r = .7781, p = .0080). There was a positive correlation of serum creatinine (sCr) at different stages of CKD with PSRp (r = .7939, p = .0098), PSRn (r = .8667, p = .0027) and MT (r = .7818, p = .0117). Correlations between the percentage of quantified area was also positive from PSRp to PSRn (r = .9030, p = .0009) and PSRp to MT (r = .7939, p = .0098). The PSRN was also correlated with MT (r = .9273, p = .0001). The correlation with IF and sCr follows the disease evolution and the quantification of collagen by PSR is an excellent tool for analyzing the disease severity at different stages.
Finite 2‐Distance Transitive Graphs
Authors: Corr Brian P. , Jin Wei , Schneider Csaba
Published: January 2017

A noncomplete graph Γ is said to be (G, 2)‐distance transitive if G is a subgroup of the automorphism group of Γ that is transitive on the vertex set of Γ, and for any vertex u of Γ, the stabilizer is transitive on the sets of vertices at distances 1 and 2 from u. This article investigates the family of (G, 2)‐distance transitive graphs that are not (G, 2)‐arc transitive. Our main result is the classification of such graphs of valency not greater than 5. We also prove several results about (G, 2)‐distance transitive, but not (G, 2)‐arc transitive graphs of girth 4.
Evaluation of the quality of herbal teas by DART/TOF‐MS
Authors: Prchalová J. , Kovařík F. , Rajchl A.
Published: January 2017

The paper focuses on the optimization, settings and validation of direct analysis in real time coupled with time‐of‐flight detector when used for the evaluation of the quality of selected herbal teas (fennel, chamomile, nettle, linden, peppermint, thyme, lemon balm, marigold, sage, rose hip and St. John's wort). The ionization mode, the optimal ionization temperature and the type of solvent for sample extraction were optimized. The characteristic compounds of the analysed herbal teas (glycosides, flavonoids and phenolic and terpenic substances, such as chamazulene, anethole, menthol, thymol, salviol and hypericin) were detected. The obtained mass spectra were evaluated by multidimensional chemometric methods, such as cluster analysis, linear discriminate analysis and principal component analysis. The chemometric methods showed that the single variety herbal teas were grouped according to their taxonomic affiliation. The developed method is suitable for quick identification of herbs and can be potentially used for assessing the quality and authenticity of herbal teas. Direct analysis in real time/time‐of‐flight‐MS is also suitable for the evaluation of selected substances contained in the mentioned herbs and herbal products. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Composition, microstructure and SERS properties of titanium nitride thin film prepared via nitridation of sol–gel derived titania thin films
Authors: Wei Hengyong , Wu Mingming , Dong Zhanliang , Chen Ying , Bu Jinglong , Lin Jian , Yu Yun , Wei Yingna , Cui Yi , Wang Ruisheng
Published: January 2017

The titanium nitride thin film was successfully prepared via direct nitridation of the sol–gel derived TiO2 thin film at different temperatures in ammonia gas. The composition, microstructure and optical properties of the thin films were characterized in order to investigate their effect on the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) performance of the thin films. With the nitridation temperatures increasing, the anatase phase transformed into titanium nitride phase in the films and the concentration of nitrogen incorporation increased accordingly. Consequentially, the sol–gel derived TiO2 thin film was converted to non‐stoichiometry titanium nitride (TiOxNy) thin film, as determined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), RAMAN and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). As a result, a blue‐shift of the surface plasmon resonance absorption peaks and narrowing optical band gap of the thin films were observed, leading to the improvement of SERS performance via electromagnetic enhancement mechanism and charge‐transfer effect. In addition, the surface of thin films became gradually rough with the nitridation temperatures increasing, ascribed to the growth of titanium nitride crystal grains. Most of all, the thin films nitrided at 1000 °C had the most rough surface, and many ‘hot spots’ formed on the thin film surface accordingly, which were favorable for enhancing SERS‐active, and thereby the thin films exhibited the largest SERS enhancement. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Basics of meta‐analysis: I2 is not an absolute measure of heterogeneity
Authors: Borenstein Michael , Higgins Julian P. T. , Hedges Larry V. , Rothstein Hannah R.
Published: January 2017

When we speak about heterogeneity in a meta‐analysis, our intent is usually to understand the substantive implications of the heterogeneity. If an intervention yields a mean effect size of 50 points, we want to know if the effect size in different populations varies from 40 to 60, or from 10 to 90, because this speaks to the potential utility of the intervention. While there is a common belief that the I2 statistic provides this information, it actually does not. In this example, if we are told that I2 is 50%, we have no way of knowing if the effects range from 40 to 60, or from 10 to 90, or across some other range. Rather, if we want to communicate the predicted range of effects, then we should simply report this range. This gives readers the information they think is being captured by I2 and does so in a way that is concise and unambiguous. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bounded geometry and leaves
Authors: Álvarez López Jesús A. , Barral Lijó Ramón
Published: January 2017

The main theorem states that any complete connected Riemannian manifold of bounded geometry can be isometrically realized as a leaf with trivial holonomy in a compact Riemannian foliated space.
Specific patterns of neuronal loss in the pulvinar nucleus in dementia with lewy bodies
Authors: Erskine Daniel , Thomas Alan J. , Attems Johannes , Taylor John‐Paul , McKeith Ian G. , Morris Christopher M. , Khundakar Ahmad A.
Published: January 2017

Background: Complex visual hallucinations occur in 70%‐80% of dementia with Lewy bodies patients and significantly affect well‐being. Despite the prevalence of visual hallucinations in dementia with Lewy bodies, the neuropathological basis of this phenomenon is poorly understood. The pulvinar nucleus of the thalamus has not previously been neuropathologically examined, but has been linked to visual hallucinations in dementia with Lewy bodies. The objective of this study was to investigate whether neuropathological or morphometric changes occur in the pulvinar nucleus in dementia with Lewy bodies cases that may contribute to visual hallucinations.

Methods: Postmortem pulvinar tissue was acquired from 8 individuals with dementia with Lewy bodies, 8 with Alzheimer's disease, and 8 control cases and was analyzed using stereological and quantitative neuropathological techniques.

Results: Lewy body pathology was present throughout the pulvinar in dementia with Lewy bodies but was most severe in the medial pulvinar. Neuronal loss was found in the lateral pulvinar in dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer's disease but was more severe in dementia with Lewy bodies.

Conclusions: The pulvinar has an important role in visual attention, visual target selection and affective visual perception. These functions are thought to be deficient in dementia with Lewy bodies and may contribute a vulnerability to visual hallucinations. Therefore, this study has demonstrated neuropathological changes that may promote the manifestation of visual hallucinations in dementia with Lewy bodies. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Consideration of documentary records in the Annals of the Choson Dynasty for the frequency analysis of rainfall in Seoul, Korea
Authors: Park Minkyu , Yoo Chulsang , Jun Changhyun
Published: January 2017

In this study, flood records in the Annals of the Choson Dynasty (1392–1910) were considered for the frequency analysis of rainfall in Seoul, Korea. The old Korean rain gauge (Chukwooki) data (1777–1907) were also used to evaluate major flood records in the Annals of the Choson Dynasty. The design rainfalls were estimated using the binomial censored data maximum likelihood estimator. The results can be summarized as follows. (1) The frequency analysis was done for 24 h rainfall amounts as this was assumed to represent the three different rainfall records well: the documentary records in the Annals of the Choson Dynasty, the Chukwooki data and the modern data. Also, given the possible uncertainty level of the classification results of the documentary records, only 19 catastrophic events (the highest level of flood) were considered in the frequency analysis. The threshold value was decided to be 388 mm by comparing the documentary records with the Chukwooki data. (2) The sensitivity analysis shows that the effects of the threshold value, the number of catastrophic records, and the accuracy level of the flood records in the Annals of the Choson Dynasty on the frequency analysis results are very limited. That is, the length of the flood records in the Annals of the Choson Dynasty was found to be long enough to overcome the possible uncertainty of the flood records. (3) The design rainfalls estimated by taking into account the flood records in the Annals of the Choson Dynasty were found to be very similar to those for the modern data. However, the confidence intervals estimated by considering all the records available were found to be just one third of those of the modern data.
Optimizing dual‐energy x‐ray parameters for the ExacTrac clinical stereoscopic imaging system to enhance soft‐tissue imaging
Authors: Bowman Wesley A. , Robar James L. , Sattarivand Mike
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Stereoscopic x‐ray image guided radiotherapy for lung tumors is often hindered by bone overlap and limited soft‐tissue contrast. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of dual‐energy imaging techniques and to optimize parameters of the ExacTrac stereoscopic imaging system to enhance soft‐tissue imaging for application to lung stereotactic body radiation therapy.

Methods

Simulated spectra and a physical lung phantom were used to optimize filter material, thickness, tube potentials, and weighting factors to obtain bone subtracted dual‐energy images. Spektr simulations were used to identify material in the atomic number range (3–83) based on a metric defined to separate spectra of high and low‐energies. Both energies used the same filter due to time constraints of imaging in the presence of respiratory motion. The lung phantom contained bone, soft tissue, and tumor mimicking materials, and it was imaged with a filter thickness in the range of (0–0.7) mm and a kVp range of (60–80) for low energy and (120,140) for high energy. Optimal dual‐energy weighting factors were obtained when the bone to soft‐tissue contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) was minimized. Optimal filter thickness and tube potential were achieved by maximizing tumor‐to‐background CNR. Using the optimized parameters, dual‐energy images of an anthropomorphic Rando phantom with a spherical tumor mimicking material inserted in his lung were acquired and evaluated for bone subtraction and tumor contrast. Imaging dose was measured using the dual‐energy technique with and without beam filtration and matched to that of a clinical conventional single energy technique.

Results

Tin was the material of choice for beam filtering providing the best energy separation, non‐toxicity, and non‐reactiveness. The best soft‐tissue‐weighted image in the lung phantom was obtained using 0.2 mm tin and (140, 60) kVp pair. Dual‐energy images of the Rando phantom with the tin filter had noticeable improvement in bone elimination, tumor contrast, and noise content when compared to dual‐energy imaging with no filtration. The surface dose was 0.52 mGy per each stereoscopic view for both clinical single energy technique and the dual‐energy technique in both cases of with and without the tin filter.

Conclusions

Dual‐energy soft‐tissue imaging is feasible without additional imaging dose using the ExacTrac stereoscopic imaging system with optimized acquisition parameters and no beam filtration. Addition of a single tin filter for both the high and low energies has noticeable improvements on dual‐energy imaging with optimized parameters. Clinical implementation of a dual‐energy technique on ExacTrac stereoscopic imaging could improve lung tumor visibility.
Scatter correction using a primary modulator on a clinical angiography C‐arm CT system
Authors: Bier Bastian , Berger Martin , Maier Andreas , Kachelrieß Marc , Ritschl Ludwig , Müller Kerstin , Choi Jang‐Hwan , Fahrig Rebecca
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) suffers from a large amount of scatter, resulting in severe scatter artifacts in the reconstructions. Recently, a new scatter correction approach, called improved primary modulator scatter estimation (iPMSE), was introduced. That approach utilizes a primary modulator that is inserted between the X‐ray source and the object. This modulation enables estimation of the scatter in the projection domain by optimizing an objective function with respect to the scatter estimate. Up to now the approach has not been implemented on a clinical angiography C‐arm CT system.

Methods

In our work, the iPMSE method is transferred to a clinical C‐arm CBCT. Additional processing steps are added in order to compensate for the C‐arm scanner motion and the automatic X‐ray tube current modulation. These challenges were overcome by establishing a reference modulator database and a block‐matching algorithm. Experiments with phantom and experimental in vivo data were performed to evaluate the method.

Results

We show that scatter correction using primary modulation is possible on a clinical C‐arm CBCT. Scatter artifacts in the reconstructions are reduced with the newly extended method. Compared to a scan with a narrow collimation, our approach showed superior results with an improvement of the contrast and the contrast‐to‐noise ratio for the phantom experiments. In vivo data are evaluated by comparing the results with a scan with a narrow collimation and with a constant scatter correction approach.

Conclusions

Scatter correction using primary modulation is possible on a clinical CBCT by compensating for the scanner motion and the tube current modulation. Scatter artifacts could be reduced in the reconstructions of phantom scans and in experimental in vivo data.
Statistical image‐domain multimaterial decomposition for dual‐energy CT
Authors: Xue Yi , Ruan Ruoshui , Hu Xiuhua , Kuang Yu , Wang Jing , Long Yong , Niu Tianye
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Dual‐energy CT (DECT) enhances tissue characterization because of its basis material decomposition capability. In addition to conventional two‐material decomposition from DECT measurements, multimaterial decomposition (MMD) is required in many clinical applications. To solve the ill‐posed problem of reconstructing multi‐material images from dual‐energy measurements, additional constraints are incorporated into the formulation, including volume and mass conservation and the assumptions that there are at most three materials in each pixel and various material types among pixels. The recently proposed flexible image‐domain MMD method decomposes pixels sequentially into multiple basis materials using a direct inversion scheme which leads to magnified noise in the material images. In this paper, we propose a statistical image‐domain MMD method for DECT to suppress the noise.

Methods

The proposed method applies penalized weighted least‐square (PWLS) reconstruction with a negative log‐likelihood term and edge‐preserving regularization for each material. The statistical weight is determined by a data‐based method accounting for the noise variance of high‐ and low‐energy CT images. We apply the optimization transfer principles to design a serial of pixel‐wise separable quadratic surrogates (PWSQS) functions which monotonically decrease the cost function. The separability in each pixel enables the simultaneous update of all pixels.

Results

The proposed method is evaluated on a digital phantom, Catphan©600 phantom and three patients (pelvis, head, and thigh). We also implement the direct inversion and low‐pass filtration methods for a comparison purpose. Compared with the direct inversion method, the proposed method reduces noise standard deviation (STD) in soft tissue by 95.35% in the digital phantom study, by 88.01% in the Catphan©600 phantom study, by 92.45% in the pelvis patient study, by 60.21% in the head patient study, and by 81.22% in the thigh patient study, respectively. The overall volume fraction accuracy is improved by around 6.85%. Compared with the low‐pass filtration method, the root‐mean‐square percentage error (RMSE(%)) of electron densities in the Catphan©600 phantom is decreased by 20.89%. As modulation transfer function (MTF) magnitude decreased to 50%, the proposed method increases the spatial resolution by an overall factor of 1.64 on the digital phantom, and 2.16 on the Catphan©600 phantom. The overall volume fraction accuracy is increased by 6.15%.

Conclusions

We proposed a statistical image‐domain MMD method using DECT measurements. The method successfully suppresses the magnified noise while faithfully retaining the quantification accuracy and anatomical structure in the decomposed material images. The proposed method is practical and promising for advanced clinical applications using DECT imaging.
Towards a neurochemical profile of the amygdala using short‐TE 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 3 T
Authors: Schubert Florian , Kühn Simone , Gallinat Jürgen , Mekle Ralf , Ittermann Bernd
Published: January 2017

The amygdala plays a key role in emotional learning and in the processing of emotions. As disturbed amygdala function has been linked to several psychiatric conditions, a knowledge of its biochemistry, especially neurotransmitter levels, is highly desirable. The spin echo full intensity acquired localized (SPECIAL) sequence, together with a transmit/receive coil, was used to perform very short‐TE magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 3 T to determine the neurochemical profile in a spectroscopic voxel containing the amygdala in 21 healthy adult subjects. For spectral analysis, advanced data processing was applied in combination with a macromolecule baseline measured in the anterior cingulate for spectral fitting. The concentrations of total N‐acetylaspartate, total creatine, total choline, myo‐inositol and, for the first time, glutamate were quantified with high reliability (uncertainties far below 10%). For these metabolites, the inter‐individual variability, reflected by the relative standard deviations for the cohort studied, varied between 12% (glutamate) and 22% (myo‐inositol). Glutamine and glutathione could also be determined, albeit with lower precision. Retest on four subjects showed good reproducibility. The devised method allows the determination of metabolite concentrations in the amygdala voxel, including glutamate, provides an estimation of glutamine and glutathione, and may help in the study of disturbed amygdala metabolism in pathologies such as anxiety disorder, autism and major depression.
Validation of clinic weights from electronic health records against standardized weight measurements in weight loss trials
Authors: Xiao Lan , Lv Nan , Rosas Lisa G. , Au David , Ma Jun
Published: January 2017

Objective

To validate clinic weights in electronic health records against researcher‐measured weights for outcome assessment in weight loss trials.

Methods

Clinic and researcher‐measured weights from a published trial (BE WELL) were compared using Lin's concordance correlation coefficient, Bland and Altman's limits of agreement, and polynomial regression model. Changes in clinic and researcher‐measured weights in BE WELL and another trial, E‐LITE, were analyzed using growth curve modeling.

Results

Among BE WELL (n = 330) and E‐LITE (n = 241) participants, 96% and 90% had clinic weights (mean [SD] of 5.8 [6.1] and 3.7 [3.9] records) over 12 and 15 months of follow‐up, respectively. The concordance correlation coefficient was 0.99, and limits of agreement plots showed no pattern between or within treatment groups, suggesting overall good agreement between researcher‐measured and nearest‐in‐time clinic weights up to 3 months. The 95% confidence intervals for predicted percent differences fell within ±3% for clinic weights within 3 months of the researcher‐measured weights. Furthermore, the growth curve slopes for clinic and researcher‐measured weights by treatment group did not differ significantly, suggesting similar inferences about treatment effects over time, in both trials.

Conclusions

Compared with researcher‐measured weights, close‐in‐time clinic weights showed high agreement and inference validity. Clinic weights could be a valid pragmatic outcome measure in weight loss studies.
Model of a polymer chain twisted inside a statistical segment. Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) in chloroform solutions
Authors: Bushin Stanislav V , Bezrukova Marina A , Koeckelberghs Guy , Persoons André , Yakimansky Alexander V
Published: January 2017

A set of hydrodynamic methods in extremely dilute solutions (determination of intrinsic viscosity [η], translational diffusion D and flotation in a centrifugal field s) was used in the studies of conformational properties, dimensions and equilibrium rigidity of individual molecules of a series of samples of poly(3‐hexylthiophene). Absolute molecular masses MsD were determined. The Mark–Kuhn–Houwink equations for the range of MsD from 2240 to 15 300 g mol−1 are given. For the first time, an analysis of conformational properties and equilibrium flexibility of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) molecules was carried out using the model of a statistical segment containing a twisted polymer chain. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Responsiveness of the bridge maneuvers in subjects with symptomatic lumbar spondylolisthesis: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Vanti Carla , Ferrari Silvano , Berjano Pedro , Villafañe Jorge Hugo , Monticone Marco
Published: January 2017

Background and Purpose

To date no study was made on the responsiveness of Bridge tests (BTs) in subjects with low back pain and spondylolisthesis (SPL) submitted to a physical therapy program. The objective of this study is to examine the responsiveness of the BTs in subjects with symptomatic lumbar SPL.

Methods

One hundred twenty patients with symptomatic SPL received physical therapy treatments for a number of sessions depending on the individual patient's needs. Each session included supervised exercises and the teaching of home exercises aiming to improve the lumbar stability, for about 1 hr in total. At the beginning and immediately after the last session of treatment, participants completed the Oswestry Disability Index – Italian version and the Pain Numerical Rating Scale, and performed the supine bridging (SBT) and the prone bridging (PBT). The global perception of effectiveness was measured with a seven‐point Likert scale Global Perceived Effect questionnaire.

Results

The mean post‐treatment change score (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 18.2 s (14.5; 21.9) for the PBT and 43.9 s (35.1; 52.8) for the SBT, all p < .001. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the PBT was 0.83 (95% CI 0.74–0.91) and for the SBT was 0.703 (95% CI 0.61–0.80). The optimal cutoff points were 19.5 s for the PBT and 62.5 s for the SBT. Logistic regression revealed that PBT (odds ratio = 0.952) was associated with the type of SPL. The final regression model explained 36.4% (R2 = 0.36; p = .001) of the variability.

Discussion

Bridge maneuvers proved to be responsive, because their results were significantly related to pain and disability changes. BTs may be suggested to detect clinical changes after physical therapy treatment in symptomatic SPL. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The correlation between crystallization kinetics and polymorphism behavior in the nanocomposite of poly(vinylidene fluoride) and quaternary phosphonium salts
Authors: Fu Chao , Wang Xuemei , Qian Jing , Ran Xianghai
Published: January 2017

Dominant electroactive phases (β‐ and γ‐phase) are induced in poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) by simply melt‐blending with a small amount of quaternary phosphonium salts (QPS), required no organic treatment for regularly‐used inorganic nanofillers. Two kinds of QPS with similar structure are selected to investigate the correlation between crystallization kinetics from melt and electroactive phase formation of PVDF. What is more, nearly 100% electroactive phase is achieved. Tetraphenylphosphonium bromide (TPPB) can effectively increase the crystallization rate of PVDF and initiate the PVDF crystallize into γ‐phase directly from the melt. Smaller amount of tetraphenylphosphonium chloride (TPPC) added into PVDF matrix achieves an abrupt increasing of the crystallization rate and cause the PVDF trend to crystallize into β‐phase. Moreover, the crystallization regime II disappears or moves to higher temperature where the crystal growth rate is controlled by segmental diffusion rate together with the secondary nucleation rate. These results can be attributed to a stronger interaction between the TPPC nanoparticles and PVDF chain segments than TPPB. The inductive mechanism of TPPB and TPPC on PVDF polymorphism behavior is also researched.
IQC‐based robustness analysis of discrete‐time linear time‐varying systems
Authors: Fry J. Micah , Farhood Mazen , Seiler Peter
Published: January 2017

The paper investigates the robust stability and performance of uncertain linear time‐varying (LTV) systems using an integral quadratic constraint (IQC) based analysis approach. Specifically, previous theoretical work on IQC‐based robustness analysis of linear time‐invariant (LTI) systems is extended to discrete‐time LTV systems. In the case of a general LTV nominal system, the analysis solution is provided in terms of an infinite‐dimensional convex optimization problem. This optimization problem reduces into a finite‐dimensional semidefinite program when the nominal system in question is finite horizon, periodic, or, more generally, eventually periodic. Finally, the results are applied to an unmanned aircraft control system executing an aggressive maneuver, where the developed techniques are used to find the region in which the aircraft is guaranteed to reside at the end of its planned trajectory. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Controlled Design of Ripple‐Like Polyamide‐6 Nanofiber/Nets Membrane for High‐Efficiency Air Filter
Authors: Zhang Shichao , Liu Hui , Zuo Fenglei , Yin Xia , Yu Jianyong , Ding Bin
Published: January 2017

The filtration capacity of fibrous media for airborne particles is restricted by their thick diameter, low porosity, and limited frontal area. The ability to solve this problem would have broad technological implications for various air filtration applications; despite many past efforts, it remains a great challenge to achieve. Herein, a facile and scalable strategy to fabricate the ripple‐like polyamide‐6 nanofiber/nets (PA‐6 NF/N) air filter via combining electrospinning/netting technique with receiving substrate design is demonstrated. This proposed approach allows the scaffold filaments to orderly embed into 2D PA‐6 nanonets layer with Steiner‐tree structures and nanoscale diameter of ≈20 nm, resulting in the ripple‐like membrane with extremely small pore size, highly porous structure, and hugely extended frontal surface, by facilely adjusting its pleat span and pleat pitch. These unique structural advantages enable the ripple‐like PA‐6 NF/N filter to filtrate the ultrafine particles with high removal efficiency of 99.996%, low air resistance of 95 Pa, and robust quality factor of >0.11 Pa−1; using its superlight weight of 0.9 g m−2 and physical sieving manner. This approach has the potentialities to give rise to a novel generation of filter media displaying enhanced filtration capacity for various applications thanks to their nanoscale features and designed macrostructures.
Agraulos ceticephalusand other Cambrian trilobites in the subfamily Agraulinae from Bohemia, Newfoundland and Wales
Authors: Fletcher Terence P.
Published: January 2017

The Cambrian trilobiteAgraulos ceticephalusBarrande, first described from Bohemia, is the type species for the genus and subfamily Agraulinae. That subfamily is here regarded as a ptychoparioid grouping in the family Solenopleuridae, characterized by prominently punctate cephala. In Bohemia, it occurs with, and is related to, specimens of the genus SkreiaspisRůžička, differing mainly in their glabellar shapes and cephalic borders. More‐complete descriptions of their type species are based largely on undistorted museum topotypes and supplementary specimens ofceticephaluscollected from Avalonian Newfoundland and Wales. With such information and the use of Photoshop, a reinterpretation of the original tectonically‐distorted syntypes of ‘A. longicephalus’ from Wales indicates that those specimens cannot be differentiated fromceticephalus. Consequently, Hicks’ species may be regarded as a junior synonym. Additional information derived from recent Welsh collections concerns the hypostome–rostral plate relationship ofceticephalusand the recognition of a ventral plate lying beneath the rostral plate. Non‐syntype Welsh material, subsequently assigned to ‘longicephalus’, includes specimens ofA. lewisisp. nov. with a prominent occipital spine, relatively long genal spines and upstanding thoracic axial spines. Other species ofAgraulosoccur in Newfoundland, viz.,affinis,socialis, ‘sp. nov. 1’ and ‘sp. nov. 2’, marked by differences in their anterior cephalic borders, occipital rings and ornamented thoracic axes. Two species ofSkreiaspis, viz.,punctatissimussp. nov and ‘S. sp. nov. 1’ are recognized in the Newfoundland succession along with two other agraulines,Skehanos quadrangularisWhitfield and ‘Agraulinae gen. nov.’ To demonstrate the significant differences between the biometrics of the external surfaces and their inner parietal moulds/casts, and those of meraspid–holaspid cranidial growth stages between 0.10 and 2.9 cm sagittal length, a suite ofA. socialiscranidia intermixed with some other Newfoundland agraulines of comparable size is illustrated.
Relationship Between Amyloid Precursor Protein in Seminal Plasma and Abnormal Penile Sympathetic Skin Response in Lifelong Premature Ejaculation
Authors: Hong Zhiwei , Feng Yuming , Ding Hualong , Hu Xuechun , Lu Jin-Chun , Ge Xie , Ge Yifeng , Yao Bing
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system can play an important role in lifelong premature ejaculation (PE). Our previous study found that amyloid precursor protein (APP) levels in seminal plasma of patients with PE were clearly increased. Amyloid-β (Aβ) is derived from APP. Excessive Aβ, especially Aβ42, can cause neuronal dysfunction.

Aim

To determine whether APP and Aβ42 are associated with an abnormal penile sympathetic skin response (PSSR).

Methods

From November 2015 to April 2016, 24 patients with lifelong PE (mean age = 29.2 ± 5.3) with self-estimated intravaginal ejaculatory latency time no longer than 2 minutes and 10 control subjects (mean age = 28.0 ± 5.5) were enrolled consecutively from andrology clinics. PSSR was measured in patients with lifelong PE. APP and Aβ42 levels in seminal plasma were determined.

Main Outcome Measures

PSSR in patients with lifelong PE and APP and Aβ42 levels in all subjects.

Results

Patients with PE presented 1.5-fold higher levels of APP (P = .004) than control subjects. Seminal plasma protein concentration (C) in the PE group was lower than that in the control group (P = .007). APP divided by C (APP/C) was 2.0-fold higher (P < .001) in the PE group. Aβ42 level was not different between the PE and control groups, but Aβ42 divided by C (Aβ42/C) was significantly higher in the PE group (P < .001). No differences in APP and APP/C were found between patients with PE in the abnormal and normal PSSR groups. The abnormal PSSR group presented significantly higher Aβ42 (P = .007) and Aβ42/C (P < .001) levels. The latency of PSSR was negatively correlated with Aβ42/C (r = −0.436; P = .033).

Conclusion

These results showed that patients with lifelong PE had higher APP and Aβ42 levels in seminal plasma. Abnormal PSSR was related to a higher Aβ42 level. Drugs that decrease Aβ could be treatment of PE.
From Marx to Market: The Debates on the Economic System in Vietnam’s Revised Constitution
Authors: PHAM Duy Nghia
Published: January 2017

This article analyzes the socio-economic and political contexts behind the2013 Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam(2013 Constitution), in which demands for deeper institutional reform emerged in Vietnam, and explains the constitutional discourse within Vietnam as to its economic order. Diverse forces and platforms within Vietnam’s party-state and beyond have contributed to the exchange of ideas and values on the economic order. As a result of this public discourse, the provisions on the economic order of the 2013 Constitution are ideological compromises, reflecting the contradicting views within the party-state and society in Vietnam on the role of the market, private property, and the freedom to conduct business. The 2013 Constitution has taken a step towards a free market economy by recognizing the decisive role of the market in the national economy. It emphasizes the importance of the private sector and promises that it will be treated fairly among all other economic sectors. From this perspective, the 2013 Constitution contains the seeds of future political and legal guarantees which could protect individual liberties. However, in line with the socialist ideology adopted by its predecessors, the 2013 Constitution reaffirms the dominance of the public sector and the leading role of state-owned enterprises, and preserves the ambiguous “ownership of the entire Vietnamese people of land and natural resources”. Due to this ambiguity, the 2013 Constitution fails to lay down the foundations for far-reaching comprehensive institutional reforms that Vietnam urgently requires.
Constitutional Debate and Development on Human Rights in Vietnam
Authors: VU Giao Cong , TRAN Kien
Published: January 2017

This article analyzes the constitutional debate on and development of human rights in Vietnam throughout five constitutions from 1946 to 2013, as well as the prospects and challenges in promoting human rights in Vietnam during and after the development of its 2013 Constitution. It begins with an investigation and discussion of the human rights provisions from the 1946 Constitution to the 1992 Constitution – a period where the socialist human rights tradition was established in Vietnam. It follows with an analysis of the debates on the new human rights and citizens’ rights provisions in the 1992 Constitution, where a new concept of natural human rights emerged. The article continues to explore how the struggle and debates surrounding the competing conception of rights – socialist and positivist on one hand and natural law-based on the other – come into play in shaping the 2013 Constitution. It then proceeds to evaluate the potential challenges involved in the implementation of these rights in the coming years. The authors argue that the development of constitutional human rights in Vietnam is still limited by ideological barriers. It also faces substantial practical challenges owing to, inter alia, the absence of provisions for the immediate implementation of such rights as well as legal mechanisms for the protection of constitutional rights, such as a constitutional review system.