bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Phase 1 Assessment of the QT Interval in Healthy Adults Following Exposure to Rolapitant, a Cancer Supportive Care Antiemetic
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Zhang Zhi‐Yi , Wang Jing , Kansra Vikram 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis 2‐part study evaluated the QT/QTc prolongation potential and safety and pharmacokinetics of the antiemetic rolapitant, a neurokinin‐1 receptor antagonist. Part 1 was a randomized, placebo‐controlled single‐dose‐escalation study assessing the safety of a single high dose of rolapitant. Part 2 was a randomized, placebo‐ and positive‐controlled, double‐blind parallel‐group study including 4 treatment arms: rolapitant at the highest safe dose established in part 1, placebo, moxifloxacin 400 mg (positive control), and rolapitant at the presumed therapeutic dose (180 mg). Among 184 adults, rolapitant was absorbed following oral administration under fasting conditions, with a median Tmax of 4 to 6 hours (range, 2–8 hours) and was safe at all doses up to 720 mg. No differences in mean change in QTcF were observed between placebo and rolapitant from baseline or at any point. At any point, the upper bound of the confidence interval for the mean difference between placebo and rolapitant was no greater than 4.4 milliseconds, and the mean difference between placebo and rolapitant was no greater than 1.7 milliseconds, suggesting an insignificant change in QTc with rolapitant. Rolapitant is safe and does not prolong the QT interval at doses up to 720 mg relative to placebo in healthy adults.
Effects of estuarine mudflat formation on tidal prism and large‐scale morphology in experiments
Authors: Braat Lisanne , Leuven Jasper R. F. W. , Lokhorst Ivar R. , Kleinhans Maarten G. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractHuman interference in estuaries has led to increasing problems of mud, such as hyper‐turbidity with adverse ecological effects and siltation of navigation channels and harbours. To deal with this mud sustainably, it is important to understand its long‐term effects on the morphology and dynamics of estuaries. The aim of this study is to understand how mud affects the morphological evolution of estuaries. We focus on the effects of fluvial mud supply on the spatial distribution of mudflats and on how this influences estuary width, depth, surface area and dynamics over time. Three physical experiments with self‐forming channels and shoals were conducted in a new flume type suitable for tidal experiments: the Metronome. In two of the experiments, we added nutshell grains as mud simulant, which is transported in suspension. Time‐lapse images of every tidal cycle and digital elevation models for every 500 cycles were analysed for the three experiments. Mud settles in distinct locations, forming mudflats on bars and sides of the estuary, where the bed elevation is higher. Two important effects of mud were observed: the first is the slight cohesiveness of mud that causes stability on bars limiting vertical erosion, although the bank erosion rate by migrating channels is unaffected. Secondly, mud fills inactive areas and deposits at higher elevations up to the high‐water level and therefore decreases the tidal prism. These combined effects cause a decrease in dynamics in the estuary and lead to near‐equilibrium planforms that are smaller in volume and especially narrower upstream, with increased bar heights and no channel deepening. This trend is in contrast to channel deepening in rivers by muddier floodplain formation. These results imply large consequences for long‐term morphodynamics in estuaries that become muddier due to management practices, which deteriorate ecological quality of intertidal habitats but may create potential area for marshes. © 2018 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Multielements determination and metal transfer investigation in herb medicine Bupleuri Radix by inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Kunlun , Luo Jiaoyang , Ding Tong , Dou Xiaowen , Hu Yuli , Zhang Xingguo , Yang Meihua 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBupleuri Radix is a famous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and an important raw material in TCM patent prescriptions. It is widely used in several countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, and America. However, the impact of heavy metal transfer rules on TCMs remains unknown. In this study, a total of 45 paired original medicines (OMs), decoction pieces (DPs), and vinegar‐processed (VPs) samples were simultaneously determined via inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry after a microwave digestion. The concentrations of the elements were shown at three levels: (a) Al and Fe at the mg/g level; (b) Pb, Cu, Ba, Mn, Cr, and Ni at the mg/kg level; (c) Co, As, Cd, and Hg at μg/kg level. It is worth noting that the Cu levels were found to exceed the maximum concentration set by Chinese legislation (20.0 mg/kg). In addition, Mn, Ni, and Cu levels were higher in samples from the Gansu province than those from other provinces. The accumulation of the heavy metals decreased in the order of OMs > DPs > VPs; this was especially true for the Al and Fe levels. Furthermore, the results indicate that decocting the samples may reduce the intake of heavy metals. The element transfer ratios for decoctions were under 50% compared to herbal medicines and decreased in the order of Co > As > Mn > Hg > other metals. Our study strongly suggests that long‐term and regular monitoring for heavy metals in the plant is necessary.
Cartel dating
Authors: Boswijk H. Peter , Bun Maurice J. G. , Schinkel Maarten Pieter 
Published: September 2018

SummaryThe begin and end dates of cartels are often ambiguous, despite competition authorities stating them with precision. The legally established infringement period(s) from documentary evidence need not coincide with the period(s) of actual cartel effects. In this paper, we show that misdating cartel effects leads to a (weak) overestimation of but‐for prices and an underestimation of overcharges. Total overcharges based on comparing but‐for prices to actual prices are a (weak) underestimation of the true amount overcharged, irrespective of the type and size of the misdating. The bias in antitrust damage estimation based on predicted cartel prices can have either sign. We extend the before‐during‐and‐after method with an empirical cartel dating procedure, which infers structural breaks of unknown number and dates that mark the actual begin and end dates of the collusive effects. Empirical findings in the European Sodium Chlorate cartel corroborate our theoretical results.
Melatonin ameliorates spinal cord injury by suppressing the activation of inflammasomes in rats
Authors: Xu Guanghui , Shi Dong , Zhi Zhongzheng , Ao Rongguang , Yu Baoqing 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe activation of inflammasomes plays an important role in the pathogenesis of spinal cord injury (SCI). In addition, the administration of melatonin (MT) has been shown to suppress the activation of inflammasomes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of MT in the treatment of SCI.MethodsBasso‐Beattie‐Bresnahan (BBB) locomotion scaling was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effect of MT on post‐SCI locomotion recovery. In addition, the measurement of spinal cord water content was performed together with Nissl staining to evaluate the protective effect of MT against SCI. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay, Western blot analysis, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were also conducted to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of MT in the treatment of SCI.ResultsBBB scores of SCI + MT rats were increased compared with the BBB scores of SCI rats, thus confirming the beneficial role of MT treatment in post‐SCI functional recovery. Meanwhile, the administration of MT could alleviate SCI by reducing spinal cord water content and by exerting a neuroprotective effect on motor neurons. Furthermore, in the treatment of SCI, MT also attenuated cell apoptosis. Moreover, the relative expression of NLRP3, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and caspase‐1 were markedly elevated in the SCI group compared with that in the sham group, while the administration of MT reduced the expression of NLRP3 in SCI rats.ConclusionsMT treatment accelerated the recovery of SCI by suppressing the activation of inflammasomes.
Validation of Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System 2017 (LI‐RADS) Criteria for Imaging Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Kierans Andrea S. , Makkar Jasnit , Guniganti Preethi , Cornman‐Homonoff Joshua , Lee Michael J. , Pittman Meredith , Askin Gulce , Hecht Elizabeth M. 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundThe Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI‐RADS) is being adapted by many clinical practices. To support continuation of its use, LI‐RADS (LR) is in need of multicenter validation studies of recent LI‐RADS iterations. Furthermore, while both gadoxetate and extracellular agents have been incorporated into LI‐RADS, comparison of the diagnostic performance between the two has yet to be determined.Purpose/HypothesisTo evaluate the rate, diagnostic performance, and interreader reliability (IRR) of LI‐RADS 2017 for hepatocellular carcinoma, including LR major and ancillary features, with both gadoxetate and extracellular agent‐enhanced MRI against a reference standard of histopathology or imaging follow‐up.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationIn all, 114 patients with 144 observations were included who met LR 2017 criteria for at risk and had at least one hepatic observation on liver MRI performed with either gadoxetate (n = 52) or an extracellular agent (n = 92) between 2010–2016, with histopathology (n = 103) or follow‐up imaging (n = 41).Field Strength/Sequence1.5 and 3.0T/T1‐T2WI, diffusion‐weighted imaging.AssessmentThree radiologists independently assessed major/ancillary features and assigned overall LI‐RADS category for every observation.Statistical TestsDiagnostic performance of LR5/TIV+LR5 for identifying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was compared between contrast agents with a generalized estimating equation. Weighted kappa was performed for interrater reliability.ResultsThe frequency of HCCs among LR1, LR2, LR3, L4, LR5, LRTIV+LR5, and LRM observations were: 0% (all readers), 0–12.5%, 11.4–26.9%, 50–76%, 83.0–95.1%, 83.3–100.0%, and 45.0–65.0%, respectively. Sensitivity of LR5/LRTIV+LR5 for HCC was 59.7–71.4% and specificity 85.0–96.8%. LI‐RADS specificity and positive predictive value for observations imaged with gadoxetate was higher than extracellular agent for the most inexperienced reader (R3) (P = 0.009–0.034). IRR for LI‐RADS categorization was substantial (k = 0.661).Data ConclusionIncreasing numerical LI‐RADS 2017 categories demonstrate a greater percentage of HCCs. LR5/TIV+LR5 demonstrates excellent specificity and fair sensitivity for HCC. MRI with gadoxetate in liver transplant candidates may be beneficial for less experienced readers, although further large‐scale prospective studies are needed.Level of Evidence: 4Technical Efficacy: Stage 3J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:e205–e215.
Digital mass filter analysis in stability zones A and B
Authors: Opačić Bojana , Huntley Adam P. , Clowers Brian H. , Reilly Peter T. A. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractDigitally driven mass filter analysis is an advancing field. This work presents a tutorial of digital waveforms, stability diagrams, and pseudopotential well plots. Experimental results on digitally driven mass filter analysis in stability zones A and B are also shown. This work explains duty cycle manipulation of the waveforms to axially trap and eject ions from linear quadrupoles and how to change and distort the stability diagrams to create mass filters and their effects on the pseudopotential well depth. It discusses the sensitivity and resolution that can be obtained and what limits these benchmarks. It reveals the advantages of mass filter operation without any added direct current potential between the quadrupole electrodes (a = 0).
Characterization of a thermostable κ‐carrageenase from a hot spring bacterium and plant protection activity of the oligosaccharide enzymolysis product
Authors: Li Jiang , Pan Aihong , Xie Maisheng , Zhang Pingping , Gu Xiaoqian 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundSeaweed oligosaccharides are environmentally‐friendly natural products and their use for disease control in sustainable agriculture is extremely promising. Enzymatic digestion to prepare seaweed oligosaccharides has drawn considerable interest. However, the study of enzymatically degraded products of carrageenan is still in its infancy compared with that of other hydrocolloids such as agar and alginate. To prepare degraded carrageenan on a commercial scale, it is necessary to select superior producer bacterial strains to improve the yield and thermostability of carrageenases.ResultsThe carrageenan‐degrading bacteriumBacillussp. HT19 was isolated from sediment of a hot spring in Indonesia, and a κ‐carrageenase with high activity was purified from the culture supernatant. The purified enzyme, named Car19, had maximum activity (538 U mg−1) at 60 °C and pH 7.0. Notably, the enzyme retained >90% of its initial activity after incubation at 60 °C for 24 h. The Ca2+obviously improved the thermostability of Car19 at 70 °C. TheKmandVmaxvalues of purified Car19 were 0.061 mg mL−1and 115.13 U mg−1, respectively, with κ‐carrageenan as substrate. Thin‐layer chromatography and electrospray ionization mass‐spectrometry analysis of hydrolysates indicated that the enzyme exolytically depolymerized κ‐carrageenan to neo‐carrabiose. The hydrolysate enhanced the resistance of cucumber to cucumber mosaic virus and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes in infected plants.ConclusionTo our knowledge, Car19 is the most thermostable κ‐carrageenase reported so far. Its high optimal reaction temperature and thermostability, and unitary hydrolysate constituent, makes Car19 a promising candidate for the preparation of carrageenan oligosaccharides with plant protection activity. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of transglutaminase on rennet‐induced gelation of skim milk and soymilk mixtures
Authors: Han Yixuan , Mei Yuting , Li Kaixin , Xu Yiqing , Wang Fang 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDProtein gels made from cow milk and soymilk can yield products of exceptional value. Transglutaminase (TG) affect rennet‐induced gelation of proteins, and improves the functionality of the final products. In this paper, TG and rennet were added to skim milk and soymilk mixtures simultaneously, and the rennet‐induced coagulation was studied. Diffusing wave spectroscopy and rheology measurements were used to access the structural changes of the mixtures during renneting. Syneresis analysis and microscopy can give more information for understanding the system.RESULTSSoymilk and TG have synergetic effects and inhibit rennet‐induced gelation to a certain degree. With increasing soymilk and TG, elastic index and storage modulus decreased, gelation time was delayed, and curd yield and moisture content increased. At excess soymilk and TG, no curds can be formed. There were significant effects of soymilk and TG on curd microstructure. Soymilk inhibited the aggregation of casein micelles and contributed to more coarse and heterogeneous networks. TG limited reorganization of the proteins, leading to more homogenous networks with small pores.CONCLUSIONThe use of soymilk and TG simultaneously impair rennet‐induced gelation and curd syneresis, and consequently lead to a higher yield of high‐moisture curd. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Three‐dimensional diffusion imaging with spiral encoded navigators from stimulated echoes (3D‐DISPENSE)
Authors: Zhang Qinwei , Coolen Bram F. , Nederveen Aart J. , Strijkers Gustav J. 
Published: September 2018

PurposeTo introduce a new method for motion‐insensitive 3D multishot diffusion imaging using 3D spiral‐encoded navigators from stimulated echoes (3D‐DISPENSE).MethodsThe 3D‐DISPENSE sequence contains a 3D stack‐of‐spiral navigator generated between the diffusion preparation and the turbo spin‐echo image acquisition from the twin pathway of a stimulated echo. Unlike normal navigator methods, 3D‐DISPENSE separates the navigator acquisition from the imaging readout without compromising the image SNR. Phase information from the navigators was included in an iterative image reconstruction algorithm to correct for intershot phase incoherence caused by motion.ResultsIn a phantom experiment, 3D‐DISPENSE correctly estimated deliberately introduced phase errors. In a moving phantom, motion‐induced artifacts in the DWI were greatly mitigated by 3D‐DISPENSE. The ADC after 3D‐DISPENSE correction was identical to the reference. In a brain diffusion tensor experiment, phase‐incoherence artifacts from breathing, cardiac, and subject motion were removed almost perfectly in all view angles, resulting in distortion‐free DWI and color‐coded fractional anisotropy maps with 1.5‐mm isotropic resolution and nearly full brain coverage.ConclusionThree‐dimensional DISPENSE corrects motion‐induced phase‐incoherence artifacts in 3D multishot diffusion imaging and produces high‐quality 3D DWI and DTI.
Potential acceleration performance of a 256‐channel whole‐brain receive array at 7 T
Authors: Hendriks Arjan D. , Luijten Peter R. , Klomp Dennis W. J. , Petridou Natalia 
Published: September 2018

PurposeAssess the potential gain in acceleration performance of a 256‐channel versus 32‐channel receive coil array at 7 T in combination with a 2D CAIPIRINHA sequence for 3D data sets.MethodsA 256‐channel receive setup was simulated by placing 2 small 16‐channel high‐density receive arrays at 2 8 different locations on the head of healthy participants. Multiple consecutive measurements were performed and coil sensitivity maps were combined to form a complete 256‐channel data set. This setup was compared with a standard 32‐channel head coil, in terms of SNR, noise correlation, and acceleration performance (g‐factor).ResultsIn the periphery of the brain, the receive SNR was on average a factor 1.5 higher (ranging up to a factor 2.7 higher) than the 32‐channel coil; in the center of the brain the SNR was comparable or lower, depending on the size of the region of interest, with a factor 1.0 on average (ranging from 0.7 up to a factor of 1.6). The average noise correlation between coil elements was 3% for the 256‐channel coil, and 5% for the 32‐channel coil. At acceptable g‐factors (< 2), the achievable acceleration factor using SENSE and 2D CAIPIRINHA was 24 and 28, respectively, versus 9 and 12 for the 32‐channel coil.ConclusionThe receive performance of the simulated 256 channel array was better than the 32‐channel reference. Combined with 2D CAIPIRINHA, a peak acceleration factor of 28 was assessed, showing great potential for high‐density receive arrays.
Factors influencing survival after recurrence in osteosarcoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Spraker‐Perlman Holly L. , Barkauskas Donald A. , Krailo Mark D. , Meyers Paul A. , Schwartz Cindy L. , Doski John , Gorlick Richard , Janeway Katherine A. , Isakoff Michael S. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundDespite drastic improvement in overall survival for pediatric patients with cancer, those with osteosarcoma have stable rates of survival since the 1980s. This project evaluates the effect of several variables on survival after first recurrence in patients with osteosarcoma.MethodsData from three prospective North American cooperative group trials for newly diagnosed osteosarcoma are included: INT‐0133, POG‐9754, and AOST0121. The analytic population for this study is all enrolled patients with first event‐free survival (EFS) event of relapse. The primary outcome measure for this retrospective analysis was survival after recurrence (SAR).ResultsThe analytic population consisted of N = 431 patients. SAR was statistically significantly associated with age at enrollment (<10 years, P = 0.027), presence of metastatic disease at diagnosis (localized, P < 0.0001), site of relapse (combination lung + bone, unfavorable, P = 0.005), and time to first relapse (2+ years, favorable, P < 0.0001) in multivariate analysis. Ethnicity, primary site of tumor, race, and sex were not significantly related to SAR.ConclusionsProlonged SAR in patients with relapsed osteosarcoma is associated with age, extent of disease at diagnosis, site of and time to relapse. Adolescent and young adult patients with osteosarcoma have shorter SAR than younger patients, consistent with studies showing decreased overall survival in this group. Although patients with primary metastatic disease have shorter SAR, there is a subset of patients who relapse greater than 2 years from initial diagnosis that will become survivors. Histological response was significantly associated with time to relapse, but was not predictive of SAR.
Combination therapy with atorvastatin and celecoxib delays tumor formation in a Fanconi anemia mouse model
Authors: Zhang Qing‐shuo , Deater Matthew , Phan Ngoc , Marcogliese Andrea , Major Angela , Guinan Eva C. , Grompe Markus 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundFanconi anemia is an inherited bone marrow failure disorder associated with a high incidence of leukemia and solid tumors. Currently, no interventions to prevent or delay the formation of solid tumors are available.ProcedureTwo of the most important hallmarks of Fanconi anemia are inflammation and oxidative stress. In this study, we administrated the antioxidant atorvastatin and the anti‐inflammatory drug celecoxib to cohorts of Fancd2−/−/Trp53+/− mice, a model of Fanconi anemia. Treatment started at weaning and continued until the mice developed a palpable mass or suffered from >20% weight loss. Tumor samples and selected tissues were subjected to histopathological examination. χ2 test was performed to analyze tumor incidence, and Kaplan–Meier survival curves were evaluated with log‐rank test. In addition, a small cohort of mice was monitored for the safety of the drugs.ResultsThe combined oral administration of both drugs significantly delayed tumor onset in Fancd2−/−/Trp53+/− mice. Specifically, the treatment delayed the onset of ovarian tumors in Fancd2−/−/Trp53+/− mice and increased the mean ovarian tumor‐free survival time by 17%, whereas this combinatorial drug regimen did not have a significant effect on other tumor types. In addition, no detrimental effects on hematopoiesis from the drug treatment were observed during a 12‐month safety monitoring.ConclusionsThe data presented here suggest that a combination of atorvastatin and celecoxib may be a good candidate for chemoprevention in Fanconi anemia.
Modular LED arrays for large area solar simulation
Authors: Al‐Ahmad Alaa Y. , Holdsworth John , Vaughan Ben , Sharafutdinova Galiya , Zhou Xiaojing , Belcher Warwick J. , Dastoor Paul C. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA modular array of light emitting diodes of six different wavelengths is modelled and experimentally tested to provide Class AAA solar simulator illumination over an area of 20 cm2. The module demonstrates uniform distribution of light flux density across the sample test plane region, achieving Class A AM 1.5 G irradiance (100 mW/cm2) across the 400 to 1100‐nm wavelength range. The new system has a spectral match of 99.5%, a spatial non‐uniformity of 2.0%, and a temporal instability of <0.2%. The performance of the design (which will allow for large area simulators to be cheaply assembled from multiple modules) is then critically assessed in terms of the existing solar simulator standards and benchmarked against a conventional simulator.