bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonlocal stochastic differential equations with time‐varying delay driven by G‐Brownian motion
Authors: Yin Wensheng , Cao Jinde 
Published: September 2019

This article studies a class of nonlocal stochastic differential equations driven by G‐Brownian motion (G‐NSDEs for short). We show the existence and uniqueness results of solutions by means of fixed point theorem. In addition, exponential estimation of (1) has been discussed. Furthermore, we present global solution to Equation (1) with the help of G‐Lyapunov functional and ψ‐type function.
Simple circularly polarized planar monopole inverted T‐shaped antenna
Authors: Ellis Mubarak S. , Ahmed Abdul Rahman , Kponyo Jerry John , Nourinia Javad , Ghobadi Changiz , Mohammadi Bahman 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThis article presents a novel planar monopole antenna with circular polarization. The 3‐dB axial ratio (AR) is achieved by: shifting a vertical monopole to the left edge of the substrate in conjunction with a laterally inverted L‐shaped ground plane. When viewed from the top, the antenna resembles an uneven T‐shaped structure rotated at 90°. Measurement results show that; a 3‐dB AR bandwidth is achieved from 3.1 to 6.2 GHz (66.7% fractional bandwidth) and an S11 ≤ −10 dB bandwidth is realized from 2.5 to 6.5 GHz (88.9% fractional bandwidth). The proposed antenna is compact with an area of 20 mm2, produces stable radiation patterns, and its simple to design and fabricate without using parasitic elements or introducing slots on the antenna.
Modeling gold nanoparticle radiosensitization using a clustering algorithm to quantitate DNA double‐strand breaks with mixed‐physics Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Liu Ruirui , Zhao Tianyu , Zhao Xiandong , Reynoso Francisco J. 
Published: September 2019

PurposeThe radiosensitization properties of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are investigated using a simple Geant4 cell model considering a realistic cell geometry and a clustering algorithm to characterize the number of DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs).Materials and methodsA mixed‐physics approach is taken for accurate modeling of low‐energy photon interactions in the different regions of the model using Geant4‐DNA physics within the cell, and Livermore physics within gold. Density‐based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN), a clustering algorithm, is used to directly quantitate DNA DSBs after irradiation. The simulation was run using different sizes of GNPs, different distances of GNPs from the cell nucleus, and several combinations of these two conditions.ResultsFour types of radiation were simulated in the work: 80‐keV monoenergetic photons, 100‐keV monoenergetic photons, a 250‐kVp photon spectrum, and a 6‐MV flattening filter free (FFF) photon spectrum. A variable enhancement in DSB yield, nucleus dose, and cell dose was observed when there are GNPs in the cell cytoplasm, and increases with larger GNPs and proximity to the nucleus. The distance of the GNPs from the nucleus has a large impact on the DSB yield and nucleus dose, but little to no effect on the cell dose. The cell dose enhancement factor of 80 keV photons varies from 1.037–1.125 at 0.2 µm for 30–100 nm GNPs to 1.040–1.127 at 4 μm. The DSB enhancement factor varies from 1.050 to 1.174 at 0.2 µm to a marginal effect of <1.01 at 4 μm. For 100 keV, the dose enhancement factor is from 1.142–1.470 at 0.2 µm to 1.106–1.371 at 4 μm. The DSB enhancement factor varies from 1.249–1.813 at 0.2 µm to almost no effect at 4 μm. For 250 kVp, the dose enhancement factor is from 1.117–1.393 at 0.2 μm to 1.110–1.342 at 4 μm. The DSB enhancement factor varies from 1.183–1.600 at 0.2 μm to a marginal effect of ~1.03 at 4 μm. A 6‐MV FFF shows a dose enhancement factor of 1.061–1.103 at 0.2 μm and 1.053–1.107 at 4 μm. The DSB yield varies from 1.070–1.143 at 0.2 μm to a marginal effect at 4 μm.ConclusionThe stark difference in behavior for DSB yield when compared to cell dose highlights the importance of evaluating more complex radiobiological quantities rather than dose alone when evaluating the radiosensitization properties from metallic nanomaterials. The nucleus dose showed similar characteristics to the DSB yield demonstrating the ability of the method to predict DNA damage and its relationship with nuclear dose. The proposed method provides a way to explore the radiobiological mechanisms of radiation‐induced DNA damages, and it aids to evaluate the physical radiosensitization properties of GNP‐aided radiotherapy, which can be easily combined with radiochemical DSB quantitation in order to better understand the intricate DNA damage induction mechanisms that are involved in GNP‐aided radiotherapy.
MR fingerprinting for water T1 and fat fraction quantification in fat infiltrated skeletal muscles
Authors: Marty Benjamin , Carlier Pierre G. 
Published: September 2019

PurposeTo develop a fast MR fingerprinting (MRF) sequence for simultaneous estimation of water T1 (T1H2O) and fat fraction (FF) in fat infiltrated skeletal muscles.MethodsThe MRF sequence for T1H2O and FF quantification (MRF T1‐FF) comprises a 1400 radial spokes echo train, following nonselective inversion, with varying echo and repetition time, as well as prescribed flip angle. Undersampled frames were reconstructed at different acquisition time‐points by nonuniform Fourier transform, and a bi‐component model based on Bloch simulations applied to adjust the signal evolution and extract T1H2O and FF. The sequence was validated on a multi‐vial phantom, in three healthy volunteers and five patients with neuromuscular diseases. We evaluated the agreement between MRF T1‐FF parameters and reference values and confounding effects due to B0 and B1 inhomogeneities.ResultsIn phantom, T1H2O and FF were highly correlated with references values measured with multi‐inversion time inversion recovery‐stimulated echo acquisition mode and Dixon, respectively (R2 > 0.99). In vivo, T1H2O and FF determined by the MRF T1‐FF sequence were also correlated with reference values (R2 = 0.98 and 0.97, respectively). The precision on T1H2O was better than 5% for muscles where FF was less than 0.4. Both T1H2O and FF values were not confounded by B0 nor B1 inhomogeneities.ConclusionThe MRF T1‐FF sequence derived T1H2O and FF values in voxels containing a mixture of water and fat protons. This method can be used to comprehend and characterize the effects of tissue water compartmentation and distribution on muscle T1 values in patients affected by chronic fat infiltration.
Background suppressed magnetization transfer MRI
Authors: van Gelderen Peter , Duyn Jeff H. 
Published: September 2019

PurposeUp to 30% of the hydrogen atoms in brain tissue are part of molecules (“semisolids”) other than water. In MRI, their magnetization is typically not observed directly, but can influence the water magnetization through magnetization transfer (MT). Comparison of MRI scans differentially sensitized to MT allows estimation of the semisolid fraction and potential changes with disease. Here, we present an approach designed to improve this estimate by measuring the size of the MT effect in a single scan.MethodsA stimulated echo sequence was used to generate a spatial pattern in the longitudinal water magnetization, which was then given time to exchange with semisolids. After saturating the remaining water magnetization, reverse exchange was allowed to partly re‐establish the original water magnetization pattern. The third excitation pulse then formed a stimulated echo out of this pattern.ResultsMT data were obtained on 10 human subjects at 7 T with varying exchange times. The images showed the expected time dependence of signal associated with the forward and reverse exchange processes. Excellent suppression of non‐exchanging background signal was achieved. As expected, this suppression came at the price of a substantial reduction in exchange‐related signal (by ~75% compared to the signal in saturation recovery MT), in part because of the reliance on a 2‐step exchange process.ConclusionThe results demonstrate an MT signal can be observed in a single acquisition without subtraction. This may be advantageous for MT measurements when signal instabilities related to motion and physiological variations exceed thermal noise sources.
Compressed sensing effects on quantitative analysis of undersampled human brain sodium MRI
Authors: Blunck Yasmin , Kolbe Scott C. , Moffat Bradford A. , Ordidge Roger J. , Cleary Jon O. , Johnston Leigh A. 
Published: September 2019

PurposeThe clinical application of sodium MRI is hampered due to relatively low image quality and associated long acquisition times. Compressed sensing (CS) aims at a reduction of measurement time, but has been found to encompass quantitative estimation bias when used in low SNR x‐Nuclei imaging. This work analyses CS in quantitative human brain sodium MRI from undersampled acquisitions and provides recommendations for tissue sodium concentration (TSC) estimation.MethodsCS reconstructions from 3D radial acquisitions of 5 healthy volunteers were investigated over varying undersampling factors (USFs) and CS penalty weights on different sparsity domains, Wavelet, Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT), and Identity. Resulting images were compared with highly sampled and undersampled NUFFT‐based images and evaluated for image quality (i.e. structural similarity), image intensity bias, and its effect on TSC estimates in gray and white matter.ResultsWavelet‐based CS reconstructions show highest image quality with stable TSC estimates for most USFs. Up to an USF of 4, images showed good structural detail. DCT and Identity‐based CS enable good image quality, however show a bias in TSC with a reduction in estimates across USFs.ConclusionsThe image intensity bias is lowest in Wavelet‐based reconstructions and enables an up to fourfold acquisition speed up while maintaining good structural detail. The associated acquisition time reduction can facilitate a translation of sodium MRI into clinical routine.
Impact of fluid overload and infection on respiratory adverse event development during induction therapy for childhood acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Miller Lane H. , Keller Frank , Mertens Ann , Klein Mitchel , Allen Kristen , Castellino Sharon , Woods William G. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundTreatment‐related morbidity and mortality occur frequently in childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) induction. Yet the contributions of respiratory adverse events (AEs) within this population are poorly understood. Furthermore, the roles of fluid overload (FO) and infection in AML pulmonary complications have been inadequately examined.ObjectivesTo describe the incidence, categories, and grades of respiratory AEs and to assess the associations of FO and infection on respiratory AE development in childhood AML induction.MethodsWe retrospectively examined the induction courses of a cohort of de novo pediatric AML patients for any NCI CTCAE grade 2 to 5 respiratory AE, FO, and systemic/pulmonary infection occurrence. Demographic, disease, and treatment‐related data were abstracted. Descriptive, univariate, survival, and multivariable analyses were conducted.ResultsAmong 105 eligible subjects from 2009 to 2016, 49.5% (n = 52) experienced 63 discrete respiratory AEs. FO occurred in 28.6% of subjects (n = 30), with half occurring within 24 hours of hospitalization. Positive FO status < 10 days (aHR 5.5, 95% CI 2.3‐12.8), ≥ 10 days (aHR 13, 95% CI 4.1‐41.8), and positive infection status ≥ 10 days into treatment (aHR 14.9, 5.4‐41.6) were each independently associated with AE development.ConclusionsWe describe a higher incidence of respiratory AEs during childhood AML induction than previously illustrated. FO occurs frequently and early in this course. Late infections and FO at any time frame were strongly associated with AE development. Interventions focused on the prevention and management of FO and infectious respiratory complications could be instrumental in reducing preventable treatment‐related morbidity and mortality.
Clinical and neuropsychological outcome of pediatric non‐midline central nervous system germinoma treated with chemotherapy and reduced dose/volume irradiation: The Children's Hospital Los Angeles experience
Authors: Yeo Kee Kiat , Kayser Kimberly , Margol Ashley S. , Wong Kenneth K. , Robison Nathan , Finlay Jonathan , Dhall Girish 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundGerm cell tumors (GCT) arising from non‐midline structures (basal ganglia, thalamus, and posterior fossa) are rare. Although patients with midline (pineal and suprasellar) germinoma have excellent survival with chemotherapy and whole ventricular irradiation (WVI), germinoma in non‐midline locations have traditionally been treated with craniospinal irradiation (CSI) or whole brain irradiation (WBI) to achieve similar outcomes. However, CSI and WBI are associated with significant long‐term neuropsychological sequelae.MethodsWe describe the clinical and neuropsychological outcomes of patients with non‐midline germinoma treated at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles between 1990 and 2015.ResultsNine patients had basal ganglia/thalamic germinoma and one patient had a cerebellar primary. Eight patients received chemotherapy followed by reduced dose/volume irradiation, whereas two patients received chemotherapy alone as upfront therapy. One patient in the chemotherapy alone group relapsed after 4.3 years and was salvaged with CSI plus boost. The overall survival for the entire cohort was 100% at a median follow‐up of 8.5 years. Neuropsychological data were available for six patients at a median of five months (baseline) and 4.2 years (follow‐up) post‐diagnosis. At four‐year follow‐up, data available revealed intact overall cognitive ability, verbal memory, and executive functioning, but persistent deficits in fine motor function. Comparison of baseline to follow‐up suggests a downward trend in working memory, planning/problem‐solving, verbal memory, and visuospatial integration.ConclusionChemotherapy followed by reduced dose/volume of irradiation is an effective strategy resulting in long‐term survival in patients with non‐midline germinoma. Neuropsychological data suggest relatively minimal morbidity over time.
Cediranib phase‐II study in children with metastatic alveolar soft‐part sarcoma (ASPS)
Authors: Cohen Julia W. , Widemann Brigitte C. , Derdak Joanne , Dombi Eva , Goodwin Anne , Dompierre Jessica , Onukwubiri Uzoma , Steinberg Seth M. , O'Sullivan Coyne Geraldine , Kummar Shivaani , Chen Alice P. , Glod John 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundAlveolar soft‐part sarcoma (ASPS), a rare vascular sarcoma with a clinically indolent course, frequently presents with metastases. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a promising therapeutic target. In a phase‐II trial of the VEGF receptor inhibitor cediranib for adults with ASPS, the partial response (PR) rate (response evaluation criteria in solid tumors [RECIST] v1.0) was 35% (15/43; 95% confidence interval: 21‐51%). We evaluated cediranib in the pediatric population.ProcedurePatients <16 years old with metastatic, unresectable ASPS received cediranib at the pediatric maximum tolerated dose of 12 mg/m2 (≈70% of the fixed adult phase‐II dose orally daily). Tumor response was assessed every two cycles (RECIST v1.0). A Simon two‐stage optimal design (target response rate 35%, rule out 5%) was used.ResultsSeven patients (four females), with a median age of 13 years, (range 9‐15), were enrolled on stage 1. The most frequent grade 2 or 3 adverse events were neutropenia, diarrhea, hypertension, fatigue, and proteinuria. The best response was stable disease (SD) (median cycle number = 34). Three patients were removed from the study treatment for disease progression (cycles 4, 5, and 36). Five of seven patients had SD for ≥14 months. Two patients with SD remain on study (34‐57+ cycles).ConclusionsCediranib did not reach the target response rate in this small pediatric cohort, in contrast to the adult 35% PR rate. The pediatric dosing was 30% lower compared to the adult dosing, which may have contributed to response differences. Prolonged SD was observed in five patients, but given the indolent nature of ASPS, SD cannot be clearly attributed to cediranib. Cediranib has an acceptable safety profile.
The Response of Haloferax volcanii to Salt and Temperature Stress: A Proteome Study by Label‐Free Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Jevtić Živojin , Stoll Britta , Pfeiffer Friedhelm , Sharma Kundan , Urlaub Henning , Marchfelder Anita , Lenz Christof 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIn‐depth proteome analysis of the haloarchaeal model organism Haloferax volcanii has been performed under standard, low/high salt, and low/high temperature conditions using label‐free mass spectrometry. Qualitative analysis of protein identification data from high‐pH/reversed‐phase fractionated samples indicates 61.1% proteome coverage (2509 proteins), which is close to the maximum recorded values in archaea. Identified proteins match to the predicted proteome in their physicochemical properties, with only a small bias against low‐molecular‐weight and membrane‐associated proteins. Cells grown under low and high salt stress as well as low and high temperature stress are quantitatively compared to standard cultures by sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra (SWATH‐MS). A total of 2244 proteins, or 54.7% of the predicted proteome, are quantified across all conditions at high reproducibility, which allowed for global analysis of protein expression changes under these stresses. Of these, 2034 are significantly regulated under at least one stress condition. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis shows that several major cellular pathways are part of H. volcanii’s universal stress response. In addition, specific pathways (purine, cobalamin, and tryptophan) are affected by temperature stress. The most strongly downregulated proteins under all stress conditions, zinc finger protein HVO_2753 and ribosomal protein S14, are found oppositely regulated to their immediate genetic neighbors from the same operon.
Investigation of mode interconversion for interfacial pattern formation through plasma–surface interaction
Authors: Liu Zhijie , Xu Han , Zhou Chunxi , Wang Wei , Liu Dingxin , Kong Michael G. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe appropriate understanding of the plasma–surface interaction is crucial in optimizing the atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) to suit a particular application. In this study, we mainly focus on the behavior of mode interconversion for interfacial patterns regarding APPJ interacting with a indium tin oxide (ITO) glass substrate. By regulating the pulse voltage, annular interfacial pattern formation on ITO surface displays two types of modes, that is, the diffuse pattern and the streamer pattern. Furthermore, these two modes are not independent and are transformed into each other by introducing additive N2 and O2. The reason is mainly attributed to the difference of the N2+(B)/O(3p) ratio and local electric field distribution. This information on the operation mode and interconversion between them provides deep insights into the nature of the physicochemistry during plasma–surface interaction processes.
Restriction of lung volumes but normal function of pulmonary tissue in mulibrey nanism
Authors: Sivunen Johanna , Piirilä Päivi , Karlberg Susann , Kajosaari Merja , Valmari Pekka , Kupari Markku , Lipsanen‐Nyman Marita , Jalanko Hannu , Sovijärvi Anssi RA 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundMulibrey nanism (MUL) is a rare growth restriction disorder with multiple organ manifestations caused by genetic defects affecting the TRIM37 protein. A perimyocardial heart disease is the most serious manifestation. Many MUL children appear to suffer from airway obstruction related to infection or exercise, prompting use of inhaled therapies. Asthma medication is continued up to adolescence or even to adulthood due to persisting of symptoms. The pulmonary pathophysiology has previously not been evaluated in any MUL cohort.MethodsThirty three finnish MUL patients (median age 20 years) were investigated with several lung function tests: spirometry with bronchodilatation test, single‐breath diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide, single‐breath lung volume measurements with helium dilution, and thoracic gas volume, airway resistance and specific conductance measurements with a body plethysmograph. As MUL typically affects body proportions, all variables were compared with reference values and with predicted values calculated from sitting height.ResultsTotal lung capacity and forced vital capacity were markedly reduced (total lung capacity [TLC] and forced vital capacity [FVC], P < .001, 51%‐63% of predicted) and also forced expiratory volume in the first second was reduced (FEV1; P < .001, 47%‐57%). No signs of airway obstruction was seen (normal FEV1/FVC and specific airway conductance SGaw). Diffusing capacity (DLCO) was decreased (P < .001, 60%‐67%) but when related to alveolar volume it was increased (DLCO/VA, P < .001, 130%‐148%). Bronchodilatation suggesting active asthma (FEV1 change ≥12% and ≥​​200 mL) was found only in one patient.ConclusionMUL patients typically have volume restriction of the lungs, but function of the pulmonary tissue remains intact. Evidence of asthma in lung function testing at adult age is rare.
The LUFS domain, its transcriptional regulator proteins, and drug resistance in the fungal pathogen Candida auris
Authors: Misas Elizabeth , Escandón Patricia , McEwen Juan G. , Clay Oliver K. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe LUFS domain (LUG/LUH, Flo8, single‐strand DNA‐binding protein [SSBP]) is a well‐conserved and apparently ancient region found in diverse proteins and taxa. This domain, which has as its most obvious structural feature a series of three helices, has been identified in transcriptional regulator proteins of animals, plants, and fungi. Recently, in these pages (Wang et al., Protein Sci., 2019, 28:788–793), the first crystal structure of a LUFS domain was reported, for the human SSBP2, a transcriptional repressor. We briefly address how the new insights into LUFS structures might contribute to a better understanding of an important transcriptional activator of yeasts that contains the LUFS domain, Flo8, and consider how a focus on the LUFS domain and its variation could help us to understand etiologies of drug resistance in a recently emerged pathogenic fungus, Candida auris.