bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reproducibility and repeatability of MRI‐based body composition analysis
Authors: Borga Magnus , Ahlgren André , Romu Thobias , Widholm Per , Dahlqvist Leinhard Olof , West Janne 
Published: June 2020

PurposeThere is an absence of reproducibility studies on MRI‐based body composition analysis in current literature. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the between‐scanner reproducibility and the repeatability of a method for MRI‐based body composition analysis.MethodsEighteen healthy volunteers of varying body mass index and adiposity were each scanned twice on five different 1.5T and 3T scanners from three different vendors. Two‐point Dixon neck‐to knee images and two additional liver scans were acquired with similar protocols. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume, abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (ASAT) volume, thigh muscle volume, and muscle fat infiltration (MFI) in the thigh muscle were measured. Liver proton density fat fraction (PDFF) was assessed using two different methods, the scanner vendor's 6‐point method and an in‐house 2‐point method. Within‐scanner test‐retest repeatability and between‐scanner reproducibility were calculated using analysis of variance.ResultsRepeatability coefficients were 13 centiliters (cl) (VAT), 24 cl (ASAT), 17 cl (total thigh muscle volume), 0.53% (MFI), and 1.27‐1.37% for liver PDFF. Reproducibility coefficients were 24 cl (VAT), 42 cl (ASAT), 31 cl (total thigh muscle volume), 1.44% (MFI), and 2.37‐2.40% for liver PDFF.ConclusionFor all measures except MFI, the within‐scanner repeatability explained much of the overall reproducibility. The two methods for measuring liver fat had similar reproducibility. This study showed that the investigated method eliminates effects due to scanner differences. The results can be used for power calculations in clinical studies or to better understand the scanner‐induced variability in clinical applications.
A least‐squares finite element method based on the Helmholtz decomposition for hyperbolic balance laws
Authors: Kalchev Delyan Z. , Manteuffel Thomas A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn this paper, a least‐squares finite element method for scalar nonlinear hyperbolic balance laws is proposed and studied. The approach is based on a formulation that utilizes an appropriate Helmholtz decomposition of the flux vector and is related to the standard notion of a weak solution. This relationship, together with a corresponding connection to negative‐norm least‐squares, is described in detail. As a consequence, an important numerical conservation theorem is obtained, similar to the famous Lax–Wendroff theorem. The numerical conservation properties of the method in this paper do not fall precisely in the framework introduced by Lax and Wendroff, but they are similar in spirit as they guarantee that when L2 convergence holds, the resulting approximations approach a weak solution to the hyperbolic problem. The least‐squares functional is continuous and coercive in an H−1‐type norm, but not L2‐coercive. Nevertheless, the L2 convergence properties of the method are discussed. Convergence can be obtained either by an explicit regularization of the functional, that provides control of the L2 norm, or by properly choosing the finite element spaces, providing implicit control of the L2 norm. Numerical results for the inviscid Burgers equation with discontinuous source terms are shown, demonstrating the L2 convergence of the obtained approximations to the physically admissible solution. The numerical method utilizes a least‐squares functional, minimized on finite element spaces, and a Gauss–Newton technique with nested iteration. We believe that the linear systems encountered with this formulation are amenable to multigrid techniques and combining the method with adaptive mesh refinement would make this approach an efficient tool for solving balance laws (this is the focus of a future study).
CYP2D6 Genetic Polymorphisms and Risperidone Pharmacokinetics: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Lusi , Brown Sarah Jane , Shan Yuting , Lee Adam M. , Allen Josiah D. , Eum Seenae , de Leon Jose , Bishop Jeffrey R. 
Published: June 2020

Background
Risperidone is a second‐generation antipsychotic drug metabolized to an active metabolite, 9‐hydroxyrisperidone, primarily by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 and to a lesser extent by CYP3A4. The extent to which drug metabolism genetics impacts risperidone and 9‐hydroxyrisperidone exposure has not been clarified.
Objective
A systematic review and meta‐analysis evaluated the impact of genetically defined CYP2D6 function on risperidone pharmacokinetics applying a standardized genotype–phenotype translation system.
Methods
A comprehensive electronic database search identified studies reporting relationships between genetically determined CYP2D6 metabolism and risperidone pharmacokinetic properties. The exposure of risperidone or active moiety (risperidone + 9‐hydroxyrisperidone) was measured by dose‐adjusted steady‐state serum or plasma concentration or area under the concentration‐time curve as primary outcomes. Subjects were assigned to CYP2D6 poor metabolizer, intermediate metabolizer, normal metabolizer, or ultrarapid metabolizer groups using a standardized genotype–phenotype translation method. Effect sizes between groups were pooled and stratified by single or multiple dosing regimens.
Results
A total of 15 studies involving 2125 adult subjects were included in the meta‐analysis. Following multiple‐dose oral administration, compared with CYP2D6 normal metabolizers, the risperidone dose‐adjusted steady‐state serum/plasma concentration was 2.35‐fold higher in intermediate metabolizers (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.77–3.13, p<0.0001) and 6.20‐fold higher in poor metabolizers (95% CI 5.05–7.62, p<0.0001); the active moiety dose‐adjusted steady‐state concentration was 1.18‐fold higher in intermediate metabolizers (95% CI 1.11–1.25, p<0.0001) and 1.44‐fold higher in poor metabolizers (95% CI 1.23–1.69, p<0.0001). Higher area under the concentration‐time curve of risperidone and active moiety was also found in single‐dose studies.
Conclusion
Genetically defined impaired CYP2D6 activity is associated with increased exposure of both risperidone and risperidone + 9‐hydroxyrisperidone in adults receiving oral formulations. Additional studies are needed to quantify the clinical impact of these relationships.
The synergetic effect of zinc phthalate and carboxymethyl cellulose–carbon nanotube of glass fibers surfaces on improving strength and toughness of polypropylene composite
Authors: Fang Jianpeng , Cheng Yue , Zhang Ling , Li Chunzhong 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe interfacial interaction between glass fibers (GFs) and polypropylene (PP) resin is the key factor which affects the properties of GFs reinforced PP composites. The β‐transcrystallization (β‐TC) structure induced by β‐nucleating agent (β‐NA) at the interface is beneficial to improving the interfacial performance and comprehensive mechanical properties. However, due to the poor adhesive ability, it is difficult to introduce β‐NAs onto GFs surface directly. In this work, for solving above problem, the sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and NH2 functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used to construct the network structure on GFs (CMC‐CNT‐GF) through plenty of active groups. Furthermore, the zinc phthalate (ZnPht, β‐NA) was synthesized and coated on GFs surface by hydrogen bonds interaction with CMC‐CNT and physical anchoring effect (ZnPht@CMC‐CNT‐GF). Finally, the hybrid GFs reinforced PP composite (iPP/ZnPht@CMC‐CNT‐GF) was prepared, which exhibited enhanced tensile, flexural, and impact strength by 20.1, 9.3, and 33.3%, respectively when compared with the iPP/raw GF due to the formation of β‐TC and improvement of interfacial adhesion. This study provides an effective strategy to introduce β‐NAs on GFs with network structure for improving interfacial properties by inducing β‐TC to enhance the strength and toughness of composite, which could be applied in other fiber/semicrystalline polymer systems.
Study of Shock Initiation of an NTO‐Based Melt‐Cast Insensitive Composition
Authors: Trzciński Waldemar A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe paper presents research on the shock initiation of a melt‐cast insensitive explosive composition containing 3‐nitro‐1,2,4‐triazole‐5‐one (NTO), 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT), wax, and aluminum powder. The composition was elaborated for steel tubes and initiated with the use of boosters of various configurations. Research systems were made to measure the velocity of detonation wave and to determine the type of response of the composition to shock initiation. A relatively long shock to detonation distances after initiation using the boosters with a steel buffer were found. A method of initiating the composition was indicated to guarantees an immediate achievement of the stationary detonation regime. An attempt was also made to explain the observed processes theoretically. The results obtained can be used in the design of munition filled with melt‐cast insensitive explosives.
Early intervention exercise training does not delay prostate cancer progression in Pten−/− mice
Authors: Taylor Renea A. , Farrelly Simon G. , Clark Ashlee K. , Watt Matthew J. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundThere is convincing evidence that men with advanced prostate cancer experience improved quality of life as a result of exercise therapy, although there is limited preclinical, and no clinical, data to directly support the notion that exercise training improves prostate cancer prognosis or outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of regular exercise training on the early stages of prostate cancer progression, as well as assessing whether alterations to prostate cancer metabolism are induced by exercise.MethodsMice with prostate‐specific deletion of Pten (Pten−/−) remained sedentary or underwent 6 weeks of endurance exercise training or high‐intensity exercise training involving treadmill running. At the conclusion of the training period, the prostate lobes were excised. A portion of fresh tissue was used to assess glucose, glutamine, and fatty acid metabolism by radiometric techniques and a second portion was fixed for histopathology.ResultsDespite the implementation of an effective exercise regime, as confirmed by improvements in running capacity, neither prostate mass, cell proliferation or the incidence of high‐grade prostate intraepithelial hyperplasia or noninvasive carcinoma in situ were significantly different between groups. Similarly, neither glucose uptake, oxidation and de novo lipogenesis, glutamine oxidation, or fatty acid uptake, oxidation and storage into various lipids were significantly different in prostate tissue obtained from untrained and exercise trained mice.ConclusionsThese results show that 6 weeks of moderate or high‐intensity exercise training does not alter substrate metabolism in the prostate or slow the progression of Pten‐null prostate cancer. These results question whether exercise is a useful therapy to prevent or delay prostate cancer progression.
PTH suppression by calcitriol does not predict off‐target actions in experimental CKD
Authors: Svajger Bruno A. , Pruss Cynthia M. , Laverty Kimberly J. , Zelt Jason G. E. , Jones Glenville , Kaufmann Martin , Petkovich Martin , Holden Rachel M. , Adams Michael A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractVitamin D receptor agonist (VDRA) therapy for PTH suppression is a mainstay for patients with severe CKD. Calcitriol (1,25‐(OH)2D3) is a former first‐line VDRA in CKD treatment. However, a consequence of its use in CKD is accelerated vascular calcification (VC). An experimental CKD model was used to determine whether altering the calcitriol delivery profile to obtain different PTH suppression levels could improve vascular health outcomes. High adenine diet (0.25%) was used to generate experimental CKD in rats. CKD rats were treated using different calcitriol dosing strategies: (a) 20 ng/kg SD (n = 8), (b) 80 ng/kg SD (n = 8), (c) 5 ng/kg QID (n = 9), or (d) 20 ng/kg QID (n = 9). Multiple targets of calcitriol were assessed which include arterial calcium and phosphate as well as circulating calcium, phosphate, PTH, FGF‐23, VWF, and vitamin D metabolome. PTH suppression occurred dose‐dependently after 1‐week calcitriol treatment (P < .01), but the suppressive effect was lost over time. Both VC and circulating FGF‐23 increased > 10× in all calcitriol‐treated rats (P < .05 and P < .001, respectively); similarly, circulating VWF increased at all time points (P < .05). Ad‐hoc analysis of CKD morbidities in treated rats indicated no differences in negative outcomes based on PTH suppression level (minimal‐, target‐, and over‐). Comparing different calcitriol dosing strategies revealed the following: (a) despite initial calcitriol‐influenced PTH suppression across all treatments, the ability to continually suppress PTH was markedly reduced by study conclusion and (b) PTH suppression level is not an adequate proxy for improvements in overall CKD morbidity. These findings show (a) a more holistic approach to evaluate CKD treatment efficacy aside from PTH suppression is needed and (b) that other VDRA therapies should be examined in CKD treatment.
Cotton thrips infestation predictor: a practical tool for predicting tobacco thrips (Frankliniella fusca) infestation of cotton seedlings in the south‐eastern United States
Authors: Chappell Thomas M , Ward Rebecca V , DePolt Kelley T , Roberts Phillip M , Greene Jeremy K , Kennedy George G 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundThrips (order Thysanoptera) infestations of cotton seedlings result in plant injury, increasing the detrimental consequences of other challenges to production agriculture, such as abiotic stress or infestation by other pests. Using Frankliniella fusca as a thrips species of focus, we empirically developed a composite model of thrips phenology and cotton seedling susceptibility to predict site‐specific infestation risk so that monitoring and other resources can be allocated efficiently, to optimize the timing of thrips control measures to maximize effectiveness, and to inform stakeholders about the dynamics of thrips infestation and cotton seedling injury at a time when thrips are evolving resistance to commonly‐used pesticides.ResultsA mixture distribution model of thrips infestation potential, fit to data describing F. fusca adult dispersal in time, proved best for predicting infestations of F. fusca on cotton seedlings. Thrips generations occurring each year as a function of weather are represented as a probability distribution. A model of cotton seedling growth was also developed to predict susceptibility as a function of weather. Combining these two models resulted in a model of seedling injury, which was validated and developed for implementation as a software tool.ConclusionsExperimental validation of the implemented model demonstrated the utility of its output in predicting infestation risk. Successful implementation and use of the software tool derived from this model was enabled by close cooperation with university extension personnel, agricultural consultants, and growers, underscoring the importance of stakeholder and expert input to the success of applied analytical research. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Tunnel entries and a killing agent uncover the importance of fly retention in Drosophilasuzukii traps
Authors: Van Kerckvoorde Vincent , Clymans Rik , Bangels Eva , Alhmedi Ammar , De Ketelaere Bart , De Clercq Patrick , Bylemans Dany , Belien Tim 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundSpotted wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), is a pest of stone and small fruits causing considerable economic losses. Current management strategies rely primarily on calendar‐based spraying, owing to the poor relationship between monitoring data and damage levels, and the lack of success of mass‐trapping tools. The aim of this study was to evaluate different trap models for SWD, with an emphasis on their fly‐retention capacity. To this end, we examined and quantified the added value of two fly‐retaining trap features; tunnel entries to impede escape and an insecticide‐coated inner surface as a killing agent.ResultsAn insecticide‐coated inner surface resulted in significantly higher trap retention after 24 h in the laboratory (4.9‐ to 7.4‐fold greater, depending on trap type) compared to a noncoated trap. Trapping efficacy was significantly improved in field trials by such a killing agent in the trap (1.2‐ to 4.5‐fold greater). Tunnel entries significantly improved trap retention in the laboratory and field (by 1.5‐fold).ConclusionThe outcomes of this study clearly reveal the substantial impact of the fly‐retention capacity of SWD traps on their overall capture performances. It was demonstrated for the first time that an insecticide‐coated inner surface as a killing agent significantly improves trap efficacy for SWD. This finding can readily be implemented in any trap model to improve monitoring and mass trapping of SWD. Also tunnel entries were shown to have a significant influence on the fly retention and, hence, substantially enhance trapping efficacy.
Activist hedge fund success: The role of reputation
Authors: Wiersema Margarethe , Ahn Albert , Zhang Yu 
Published: June 2020

AbstractResearch SummaryActivist hedge funds are the new breed of corporate raiders, yet we know little about how the management and board of target firms respond to activist investors. Using a behavioral perspective, we propose that an activist's reputation for being confrontational conveys information to the target company as to what they are likely to encounter in an activist campaign. To avoid the potential adverse consequences of engaging in such a contest, we propose and find that target companies are more likely to settle with an activist known for being confrontational. Our study contributes to corporate governance research by providing insight into the importance of the social context surrounding activist campaigns and the role of reputation in influencing how companies respond to activist investors.Managerial SummaryGiven that hedge fund activism is having a major impact on firm's strategic and financial decision‐making, it is important to understand how these activist investors influence companies. An activist campaign is a highly disruptive event leading to considerable ambiguity and uncertainty as to what is likely to transpire. Given this information void, our study finds that the board and management respond based on the reputation of the activist investor that has taken a stake in the company. That activist investors with a reputation for being hostile are more successful may be a defensive response on the part of management in order to avoid the potential adverse consequences of a hostile campaign. This has implications for corporate governance and the fiduciary duty of the board.
Photosensitizer‐Modified MnO2 Nanoparticles to Enhance Photodynamic Treatment of Abscesses and Boost Immune Protection for Treated Mice
Authors: Wang Chenya , Xiao Yuanpeng , Zhu Wenwen , Chu Jiacheng , Xu Jun , Zhao He , Shen Fengyun , Peng Rui , Liu Zhuang 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe emergence of drug‐resistant bacteria and easy recurrence has been challenging in the clinical treatment of skin abscesses resulting from bacterial infections (e.g., by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)). Herein, an antibacterial nanoagent capable of modulating the abscess microenvironment is designed to enhance photodynamic treatment of skin abscesses, and subsequently activate the immune system to effectively prevent abscess recurrence. In the system, manganese dioxide nanoparticles (MnO2 NPs) with high catalytic reactivity toward H2O2 are modified with photosensitizer chlorine e6 (Ce6) and coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG). The obtained Ce6@MnO2‐PEG NPs, by triggering the decomposition of lesion endogenous H2O2, are able to effectively relieve the hypoxic abscess microenvironment during S. aureus infection. The light‐triggered photodynamic bacterial killing effect could thus be remarkably enhanced, resulting in effective in vivo therapy of S. aureus‐induced skin abscesses. Interestingly, a notable pathogen‐specific immunological memory effect against future infection by the same species of bacteria is elicited after such treatment, owing to the release of bacterial antigens post photodynamic therapy (PDT) together with the adjuvant‐like function of manganese ions to activate the host immune system. This work thus presents a new type of photodynamic nanoagent particularly promising for highly effective light‐triggered abscess treatment and prevention of abscess recurrence.
Vapor‐Sensitive Materials from Polysaccharide Fibers with Self‐Assembling Twisted Microstructures
Authors: Budpud Kulisara , Okeyoshi Kosuke , Okajima Maiko K. , Kaneko Tatsuo 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPolysaccharides play a variety of roles in nature, including molecular recognition and water retention. The microscale structures of polysaccharides are seldom utilized in vitro because of the difficulties in regulating self‐assembled structures. Herein, it is demonstrated that a cyanobacterial polysaccharide, sacran, can hierarchically self‐assemble as twisted fibers from nanoscale to microscale with diameters of ≈1 µm and lengths >800 µm that are remarkably larger than polysaccharides previously reported. Unlike other rigid fibrillar polysaccharides, the sacran fiber is capable of flexibly transforming into two‐dimensional (2D) snaking and three‐dimensional (3D) twisted structures at an evaporative air–water interface. Furthermore, a vapor‐sensitive film with a millisecond‐scale response time is developed from the crosslinked polymer due to the spring‐like behavior of twisted structures. This study increases understanding of the functions of fibers in nature and establishes a novel approach to the design of environmentally adaptive materials for soft sensors and actuators.
Core–Shell–Satellite Nanomaces as Remotely Controlled Self‐Fueling Fenton Reagents for Imaging‐Guided Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer‐Specific Therapy
Authors: Du Yang , Yang Chuang , Li Fangyuan , Liao Hongwei , Chen Zheng , Lin Peihua , Wang Nan , Zhou Yan , Lee Ji Young , Ding Qiang , Ling Daishun 
Published: June 2020

AbstractTriple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly aggressive and insensitive to conventional targeted therapies, resulting in poor therapeutic outcomes. Recent studies have shown that abnormal iron metabolism is observed in TNBC, suggesting an opportunity for TNBC treatment via the iron‐dependent Fenton reaction. Nevertheless, the efficiency of current Fenton reagents is largely restricted by the lack of specificity and low intracellular H2O2 level of cancer cells. Herein, core–shell–satellite nanomaces (Au @ MSN@IONP) are fabricated, as near‐infrared (NIR) light‐triggered self‐fueling Fenton reagents for the amplified Fenton reaction inside TNBC cells. Specifically, the Au nanorod core can convert NIR light energy into heat to induce massive production of intracellular H2O2, thereby the surface‐decorated iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP) are being fueled for robust Fenton reaction. By exploiting the vulnerability of iron efflux in TNBC cells, such a self‐fueling Fenton reaction leads to highly specific anti‐TNBC efficacy with minimal cytotoxicity to normal cells. The PI3K/Akt/FoxO axis, intimately involved in the redox regulation and survival of TNBC, is demonstrated to be inhibited after the treatment. Consequently, precise in vivo orthotopic TNBC ablation is achieved under the guidance of IONP‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. The results demonstrate the proof‐of‐concept of NIR‐light‐triggered self‐fueling Fenton reagents against TNBC with low ferroportin levels.