bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fast diffusion kurtosis imaging of fibrotic mouse kidneys
Authors: Kjølby B.F. , Khan A.R. , Chuhutin A. , Pedersen L. , Jensen J.B. , Jakobsen S. , Zeidler D. , Sangill R. , Nyengaard J.R. , Jespersen S.N. , Hansen B. 
Published: October 2016

Diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) is sensitive to tissue microstructure and may therefore be useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease in brain and body organs. Generally, diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) in the body is challenging because of the heterogeneous body composition, which can cause image artefacts as a result of chemical shifts and susceptibility differences. In addition, the abdomen possesses physiological factors (e.g. breathing, heartbeat, blood flow) which may severely reduce image quality, especially when echo planar imaging is employed, as is typical in dMRI. Collectively, these challenging measurement conditions impede the use and exploration of DKI in the body. This impediment is further exacerbated by the traditionally large amount of data required for DKI and the low signal‐to‐noise ratio at the b‐values needed to effectively probe the kurtosis regime. Recently introduced fast DKI techniques reduce the challenge of DKI in the body by decreasing the data requirement substantially, so that, for example, triggering and breath‐hold techniques may be applied for the entire DKI acquisition without causing unfeasible scan times. One common pathological condition for which body DKI may be of immediate clinical value is kidney fibrosis, which causes progressive changes in organ microstructure. With its sensitivity to microstructure, DKI is an obvious candidate for a non‐invasive evaluation method. We present preclinical evidence indicating that the rapidly obtainable tensor‐derived mean kurtosis (
) distinguishes moderately fibrotic kidneys from healthy controls. The presence and degree of fibrosis are confirmed by histology, which also indicates fibrosis as the main driver behind the DKI differences observed between groups. We therefore conclude that fast kurtosis is a likely candidate for an MRI‐based method for the detection and monitoring of renal fibrosis. We provide protocol recommendations for fast renal DKI in humans based on a b‐value optimisation performed using data acquired at 3 T in normal human kidney.
A polytree‐based adaptive polygonal finite element method for topology optimization
Authors: Nguyen‐Xuan H. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryWe propose a highly effective approach using a novel adaptive methodology to perform topology optimization with polygonal meshes, called polytree meshes. Polytree is a hierarchical data structure based on the principle of recursive spatial decomposition of each polygonal element with n nodes into (n + 1) arbitrary new polygonal elements; enabling more efficient utilization of unstructured meshes and arbitrary design domains in topology optimization. In order to treat hanging nodes after each optimization loop, we define the Wachspress coordinate on a reference element and then utilize an affine map to obtain shape functions and their gradients on arbitrary polygons with n vertices and m hanging nodes, called side‐nodes, as the polygonal element with (n + m) vertices. The polytree meshes do not only improve the boundary description quality of the optimal result but also reduce the computational cost of optimization process in comparison with the use of uniformly fine meshes. Several numerical examples are investigated to show the high effectiveness of the proposed method. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Population pharmacokinetics of thrombomodulin alfa in pediatric patients with hematological malignancy and disseminated intravascular coagulation
Authors: Takeuchi Masanobu , Tanoshima Reo , Miyagawa Naoyuki , Sarashina Takeo , Kato Hiromi , Kajiwara Ryosuke , Ito Shinya , Goto Hiroaki 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundThrombomodulin alfa (TM‐α) is a new class of anticoagulant drug for patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). This study aimed to determine the pharmacokinetics of TM‐α and determine the optimal dose in pediatric patients with hematological malignancy and DIC.ProcedurePediatric patients with hematological malignancy and DIC were administered TM‐α at a dose of 0.06 mg/kg (380 U/kg) over 30 min every 24 hr. Blood samples were taken at steady state before the start, immediately after the end, and 24 hr after the start of the sixth administration. Population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using sparse samples with the nonlinear mixed‐effect modeling program NONMEM®, version 7.3.ResultsThe actual and predicted plasma concentrations of TM‐α based on the final population pharmacokinetic model showed a good linear correlation. Clearance and volume of distribution of TM‐α were affected by body weight. The clearance of TM‐α in pediatric patients with hematological malignancy and DIC was higher than that in adults as previously reported. Six of eight patients did not achieve the target trough concentration at steady state. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetic simulation based on the estimated pharmacokinetic parameters from the final model demonstrated that TM‐α administered at a dose of 0.06 mg/kg every 24 hr also failed to achieve the target trough concentration at steady state in the majority of pediatric patients.ConclusionsOur study shows that further dose adjustment of TM‐α is necessary considering the higher clearance per body weight in pediatric patients with hematological malignancy and DIC.
Highly sensitive assessment of neuroblastoma minimal residual disease in ovarian tissue using RT‐qPCR—A strategy for improving the safety of fertility restoration
Authors: Grèze Victoria , Brugnon Florence , Chambon Fanny , Halle Pascale , Canis Michel , Amiot Clotilde , Grémeau Anne‐Sophie , Pereira Bruno , Yáñez Peralta Yania , Tchirkov Andrei , Kanold Justyna 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundOvarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) is the only option available to preserve fertility in prepubertal females with neuroblastoma (NB), a childhood solid tumor that can spread to the ovaries, with a risk of reintroducing malignant cells after an ovarian graft.ProcedureWe set out to determine whether the analysis of TH (tyrosine hydroxylase), PHOX2B (paired‐like homeobox 2b), and DCX (doublecortin) transcripts using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) could be used to detect NB contamination in ovarian tissue. Analyses were performed on benign ovarian tissue from 20 healthy women between November 2014 and September 2015 at the University Hospital of Clermont‐Ferrand. Pericystic benign ovarian tissues were collected and contaminated with increasing numbers of human NB cells (cell lines IMR‐32 and SK‐N‐SH) before detection using RT‐qPCR.ResultsTH and DCX transcripts were detected in uncontaminated ovarian tissue from all the donors, hampering the detection of small numbers of tumor cells. By contrast, PHOX2B was not detected in any uncontaminated ovarian fragment. PHOX2B levels were significantly increased from 10 NB cells. Our study is the first to evaluate minimal residual disease detection using NB mRNAs in human ovarian tissue. Only PHOX2B was a reliable marker of NB cells contaminating ovarian tissue.ConclusionsThese results are encouraging and offer hope in the near future for grafting ovarian tissue in women who survive cancer, whose fertility has been jeopardized by treatment, and who could benefit from OTC without oncological risk.
Piezoresistivities of vapor‐grown carbon fiber/silicone foams for tactile sensor applications
Authors: Guo Chen , Kondo Yasuo , Takai Chika , Fuji Masayoshi 
Published: October 2016

AbstractDue to the growing demand for tactile sensors, the possibility of detecting an external uniaxial pressure by the piezoresistive measuring of a conductive filler/elastomer composite was investigated. A series of piezoresistive models are discussed. Novel highly sensitive piezoresistive foams with excellent elasticity were fabricated using vapor‐grown carbon fiber (VGCF), two‐component silicone elastomer and a new type of thermally expandable micro beads foaming agent to overcome the disadvantages of the silicone elastomer in the utilization of a tactile sensor. Deformations of the foams caused by uniaxial pressure were observed using scanning electron microscopy from cross‐sections. Effects of the VGCF and the foaming agent on the piezoresistivitiy were investigated. The piezoresistive mechanisms of the foams are discussed according to the measurements, and good fit was found between the theoretical calculations and the experimental piezoresistivity measurements. It is found that the addition of the micro beads foaming agent can improve the piezoresistivity of the VGCF/silicone foam and increase the sensitivity and repeatability for its application in a tactile sensor. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Microstructured ZnO coatings combined with antireflective layers for light management in photovoltaic devices
Authors: Frantz Jesse A. , Myers Jason D. , Bekele Robel Y. , Busse Lynda E. , Sanghera Jasbinder S. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWe describe microstructured ZnO coatings that improve photovoltaic (PV) device performance through their antireflective properties and their tendency to scatter incoming light at large angles. In many PV devices, reflection from the transparent conductive top contact significantly degrades performance. Traditional quarter‐wave antireflective (AR) coatings reduce surface reflection but perform optimally for only a narrow spectral range and incident illumination angle. Furthermore, in some types of devices, absorption far from the junction increases the rate of recombination, and light management strategies are required to remedy this. The randomly patterned, microstructured ZnO coatings described in this paper, formed via a simple wet etch process, serve as both an AR layer with superior performance to that of a thin film AR coating alone as well as a large angle forward scatterer. We model formation of the coatings and evaluate their AR properties. When combined with a traditional quarter‐wave MgF2 coating, these microstructured ZnO coatings increase short circuit currents of example Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) devices by over 20% in comparison to those of uncoated devices at normal incidence. A similar improvement is observed for illumination angles of up to 60°. While demonstrated here for CIGS, these structures may prove useful for other PV technologies as well. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Radiometer calibration methods and resulting irradiance differences
Authors: Habte Aron , Sengupta Manajit , Andreas Afshin , Reda Ibrahim , Robinson Justin 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAccurate solar radiation measured by radiometers depends on instrument performance specifications, installation method, calibration procedure, measurement conditions, maintenance practices, location, and environmental conditions. This study addresses the effect of different calibration methodologies and resulting differences provided by radiometric calibration service providers such as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and manufacturers of radiometers. Some of these methods calibrate radiometers indoors and some outdoors. To establish or understand the differences in calibration methodologies, we processed and analyzed field‐measured data from radiometers deployed for 10 months at NREL's Solar Radiation Research Laboratory. These different methods of calibration resulted in a difference of ±1% to ±2% in solar irradiance measurements. Analyzing these differences will ultimately assist in determining the uncertainties of the field radiometer data and will help develop a consensus on a standard for calibration. Further advancing procedures for precisely calibrating radiometers to world reference standards that reduce measurement uncertainties will help the accurate prediction of the output of planned solar conversion projects and improve the bankability of financing solar projects. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The development of SRM assays is transforming proteomics research
Authors: Manes Nathan P. , Nita‐Lazar Aleksandra 
Published: October 2016

Bottom‐up targeted proteomics using SRM is a powerful analytical technology, but it requires the development of SRM assays, which is a complex procedure. Whereas proteome‐wide SRM assays have recently been developed for a small number of species, this is not so for the mouse. In this issue, Percy et al. report the development of hundreds of mouse SRM assays. Their development required shotgun MS to identify proteotypic peptides, synthesis, and LC‐MS characterization of peptide standards, and interlaboratory SRM to robustly assess the quality of the assays. The resulting SRM assays are intended to be used to analyze mouse plasma and cardiac tissue, primarily for cardiovascular disease and cancer research.
Surface functionalized nano‐objects from oleic acid‐derived stabilizer via non‐polar RAFT dispersion polymerization
Authors: Maiti Binoy , Bauri Kamal , Nandi Mridula , De Priyadarsi 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTSurface functionalization in a nanoscopic scaffold is highly desirable to afford nano‐particles with diversified features and functions. Herein are reported the surface decoration of dispersed block copolymer nano‐objects. First, side‐chain double bond containing oleic acid based macro chain transfer agent (macroCTA), poly(2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl oleate) (PMAEO), was synthesized by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and used as a steric stabilizer during the RAFT dispersion block copolymerization of benzyl methacrylate (BzMA) in n‐heptane at 70 °C. We have found that block copolymer morphologies could evolve from spherical micelles, through worm to vesicles, and finally to large compound vesicles with the increase of solvophobic poly(BzMA) block length, keeping solvophilic chain length and total solid content constant. Finally, different thiol compounds having alkyl, carboxyl, hydroxyl, and protected amine functionalities have been ligated onto the PMAEO segment, which is prone to functionalization via its reactive double bond through thiol‐ene radical reactions. Thiol‐ene modification reactions of the as‐synthesized nano‐objects retain their morphologies as visualized by field emission‐scanning electron microscopy. Thus, the facile and modular synthetic approach presented in this study allowed in situ preparation of surface modified block copolymer nano‐objects at very high concentration, where renewable resource derived oleate surface in the nanoparticle was functionalized. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 263–273
Thermal and mechanical properties of random copolymers of diisopropyl fumarate with 1‐adamantyl and bornyl acrylates with high glass transition temperatures
Authors: Matsumoto Akikazu , Sumihara Takayuki 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTWe report the thermal, optical, and mechanical properties of random copolymers produced by radical copolymerizations of diisopropyl fumarate (DiPF) with 1‐adamantyl acrylate (AdA) and bornyl acrylate (BoA). The effects of a methylene spacer included in the main chain and bulky ester alkyl groups in the side chain on the copolymer properties are discussed. The produced copolymers are characterized by NMR and UV–vis spectroscopies, size exclusion chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The copolymerization rate and the molecular weight of the copolymers increase with an increase in the acrylate content in feed during the copolymerization (Mw = 25–110 × 103). The onset temperature of decomposition (Td5) and the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the copolymers also increase according to the content of the acrylate units (Td5 = 296–329 °C and 281–322 °C, Tg = 80–133 °C and 91–106 °C for the copolymers of DiPF with AdA and BoA, respectively). Transparent and flexible copolymer films are obtained by a casting method and their optical properties such as transparency and refractive indices are investigated (nD = 1.478–1.479). The viscoelastic data of the copolymers are collected by DMA measurements under temperature control. The storage modulus decreases at a temperature region over the Tg value of the copolymers, depending on the structure and amount of the acrylate units. The sequence structure of the copolymers is analyzed based on monomer reactivity ratios and composition in order to discuss the copolymer properties related to chain rigidity and sequence length distribution. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 288–296
Confirmation of a nanohybrid shish‐kebab (NHSK) structure in composites of PET and MWCNTs
Authors: Heeley Ellen L. , Hughes Darren J. , Crabb Eleanor M. , Bowen James , Bikondoa Oier , Mayoral Beatriz , McNally Tony 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTHere, the confirmation of an oriented nanohybrid shish‐kebab (NHSK) crystalline structure in a series of composites of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is reported. The combined use of small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) and thermal analysis has been used to investigate the morphology development in PET‐MWCNT nanocomposites under hot isothermal crystallization conditions. The MWCNTs act as both heterogeneous nucleating agents and surfaces (oriented shish structures) for the epitaxial growth of PET crystallites (kebabs) giving an oriented crystalline morphology. In contrast, the PET homopolymer does not show any residual oriented crystalline morphology during isothermal crystallization but gave a sporadic nucleation of a classic unoriented lamellar structure with slower crystallization kinetics. The results provide a valuable insight into the role of MWCNTs as nanoparticulate fillers in the morphology development and subsequent modification of physical properties in engineering polymers. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 132–137
Differences in gene mutations between Chinese and Caucasian cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Zheng Baoying , Cao Ling 
Published: October 2016

SummaryCystic fibrosis (CF) is rarely seen in Asian populations. We diagnosed two CF cases. One of them had a novel mutation c.870‐1G>C in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. There have been 38 Chinese CF patients reported in literature from 1974 until the present (2016), 25 different mutations were identified. Only one of these mutations (R553X) is in the Caucasian CF screening panel. The mutations identified in Chinese CF patients are very different from the common Caucasian gene mutations. The CFTR gene mutation spectrum for the Chinese population requires further investigation. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:E11–E14. © 2016 The Authors. Pediatric Pulmonology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Case series of omalizumab for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Nové‐Josserand Raphaële , Grard Soazic , Auzou Lila , Reix Philippe , Murris‐Espin Marlène , Brémont François , Mammar Benyebka , Mely Laurent , Hubert Dominique , Durieu Isabelle , Burgel Pierre‐Régis 
Published: October 2016

SummaryAllergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) affects up to 15% of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Corticosteroids are used as first‐line therapy, but relapse and adverse effects commonly occur. Case reports have suggested the efficacy of the anti‐IgE recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody omalizumab. A retrospective multicenter observational French study retrieved 32 CF patients (11 children and 21 adults) who have received omalizumab for more than 3 months in the context of ABPA. Clinical characteristics, concomitant medications (inhaled and oral corticosteroids, antifungal drugs), lung function, body mass index (BMI), and serum IgE were compared at the start and during the first year of omalizumab therapy. Omalizumab‐related adverse effects and costs were also evaluated. No significant difference with omalizumab could be demonstrated with regard to lung function, BMI, or the number of patients receiving oral corticosteroids. At the time of initiation of omalizumab, 56% of patients were receiving oral corticosteroids. Five patients were able to discontinue corticosteroids during follow‐up and nine patients were able to reduce their daily dose. A total of 78% of the patients had received antifungal therapy at the time of the initiation of omalizumab. Treatment tolerance was good (12.5% of patients experienced side effects). The median cost of omalizumab treatment was €3,620 per patient per month. Omalizumab may represent a steroid‐sparing therapy in CF patients with ABPA. A randomized‐controlled trial is urgently required to provide higher level of evidence regarding the efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of omalizumab in CF patients with ABPA. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:190–197. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Antenatal smoking and substance‐misuse, infant and newborn response to hypoxia
Authors: Ali Kamal , Rosser Thomas , Bhat Ravindra , Wolff Kim , Hannam Simon , Rafferty Gerrard F. , Greenough Anne 
Published: October 2016

SummaryObjectivesTo determine at the peak age for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) the ventilatory response to hypoxia of infants whose mothers substance misused in pregnancy (SM infants), or smoked during pregnancy (S mothers) and controls whose mothers neither substance misused or smoked. In addition, we compared the ventilatory response to hypoxia during the neonatal period and peak age of SIDS.Working hypothesisInfants of S or SM mothers compared to control infants would have a poorer ventilatory response to hypoxia at the peak age of SIDS.Study DesignProspective, observational study.Patient‐subject selectionTwelve S; 12 SM and 11 control infants were assessed at 6–12 weeks of age and in the neonatal period.MethodologyChanges in minute volume, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and end tidal carbon dioxide levels on switching from breathing room air to 15% oxygen were assessed. Maternal and infant urine samples were tested for cotinine, cannabinoids, opiates, amphetamines, methadone, cocaine, and benzodiazepines.ResultsThe S and SM infants had a greater decline in minute volume (P = 0.037, P = 0.016, respectively) and oxygen saturation (P = 0.031) compared to controls. In all groups, the magnitude of decline in minute volume in response to hypoxia was higher in the neonatal period compared to at 6–12 weeks (P < 0.001).ConclusionsBoth maternal substance misuse and smoking were associated with an impaired response to a hypoxic challenge at the peak age for SIDS. The hypoxic ventilatory decline was more marked in the neonatal period compared to the peak age for SIDS indicating a maturational effect. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:650–655. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Perchlorate Residues Emitted during the Use and Demilitarization of Simulators
Authors: Brochu Sylvie , Turcotte‐Savard Marc‐Olivier 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThis study assessed the dispersion of perchlorate and dioxins and furans (PCDD/PCDF) residues following the use or demilitarization by blow‐in‐place of the Groundburst Simulator (GB) C1A1 and the Thunderflash (TF) C1A1 commonly used in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). The amount of unburned perchlorate residues per pyrotechnic device reached 0.8 and 43 mg for the regular use of TF and the GB, respectively. Their demilitarization by blow‐in‐place operations led to higher dispersion of unburned perchlorate residues, up to 6 and 2300 mg per TF and GB, respectively. Very high deposition rates were obtained for water‐soaked items: up to 460 mg per TF and up to 6600 mg for the GB. Dioxins and furans reached a maximum of 1 pg of Toxic Equivalent (TEQ) for the regular use, and 9 pg TEQ for the BIP operations. Based on these results, it is recommended to find alternate ways to demilitarize malfunctioning and weathered items found in military ranges and training areas.