bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A dual flip angle 3D bSSFP magnetization transfer‐like method to differentiate between recent and old myocardial infarction
Authors: Germain Philippe , El Ghannudi Soraya , Labani Aissam , Jeung Mi Y. , Gangi Afshin , Ohlmann Patrick , Roy Catherine 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tissue signal is modulated by magnetization transfer (MT) phenomena, intrinsically induced by balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) imaging.PurposeTo investigate the possible value of such a MT‐like bSSFP approach in two clinical settings involving focal myocardial lesions highligthed by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE+): edema induced by recent myocardial infarction (MI) and fibrotic scar related to chronic infarction.Materials and MethodsPopulation: 48 LGE + patients were studied: 26 with recent MI, 22 with chronic MI. 20 LGE‐normal subjects were considered the control group. Field strength/sequence: Navigator‐based short axis 3D‐bSSFP sequences with 20° and 90° excitation flip angles were acquired (1.5T). Assessment: Pixel‐wise normalized MT Ratio (nMTR) parametric images were calculated according to: nMTR = 100*(S20‐S90*k)/S20, with S20 and S90 signal intensity in 20° and 90° flip angle images and k = Blood20/Blood90 as a normalization ratio. Statistical tests: analysis of variance (ANOVA), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.ResultsOverall normal myocardial nMTR was 50.2 ± 3.6%. In recent MI, nMTR values were significantly reduced in LGE + regions (–22.3 ± 9.9%, P < 0.0001). In cases of chronic infarct, nMTR was significantly increased in LGE + regions (14.2 ± 11.4%, P < 0.0001). Comparison between observed results and theoretical values obtained with the Freeman‐Hill formula showed that most variations observed in MI are related to MT effects instead of relaxation effects.ConclusionIn contrast to LGE imaging, which may show a similar hyperenhancement in recent and old infarctions, nMTR imaging demonstrates an opposite pattern: decreased values for recent infarction and increased values for old infarction, thus allowing to discriminate between these two clinical conditions without gadolinium injection.Level of Evidence: 3Technical Efficacy: Stage 1J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:798–808.
High‐resolution precipitation downscaling in mountainous areas over China: development and application of a statistical mapping approach
Authors: Zhu Xiaochen , Qiu Xinfa , Zeng Yan , Ren Wei , Tao Bo , Pan Hong , Gao Ting , Gao Jiaqi 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTHigh‐resolution precipitation distributions in mountainous areas are important for hydrological and ecological assessments, especially in regions with few weather stations. In this study, we proposed an improved model for precipitation downscaling by adding two new parameters, i.e. the maximum precipitation increment direction and the prevailing precipitation direction, which represent the impacts of elevation and the sources of precipitation, respectively. The model parameterization is based on observations made at meteorological stations, terrain factors (e.g. elevation, aspect, and slope), and the new parameters. To evaluate the model, we used six sub‐models, each of which considers different influencing factors, to estimate the precipitation distribution and compare their estimation errors. Based on the mean absolute error (MAE) and the root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) at the validation stations, we found that the sixth sub‐model, which includes all the influencing factors, clearly ranks above the others in terms of precipitation downscaling. The monthly MAE and the RMSE of our downscaled precipitation range from 2.2 to 16.1 mm and from 3.4 to 22.7 mm, respectively, indicating more accurate estimation than the raw tropical precipitation measuring mission (TRMM) products (monthly MAE: 3.6–22.0 mm; monthly RMSE: 5.1–28.6%). Our results also show that the sixth sub‐model performs better than the Auto‐Searched Orographic and Atmospheric Effects Detrended Kriging model (ASOADeK model or Guan's model) due to the inclusion of the elevation and the sources of precipitation. Based on the sixth sub‐model and the TRMM 3B43 products, we developed the monthly precipitation products in China from 2000 to 2007 at a spatial resolution of 1 km. Our improved approach to precipitation downscaling could be used for regions where the precipitation distribution is greatly affected by the terrain and few observations are available for estimating the precipitation distribution.
Attribution of temperature changes in Western China
Authors: Wang Yujie , Sun Ying , Hu Ting , Qin Dahe , Song Lianchun 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTWestern China (WC) is located in the arid and semi‐arid belt of the mid‐latitudes. Understanding the causes of the large temperature increases experienced in this region is of great importance because both the fragile ecological environment and the human societies in WC are highly vulnerable to changes in climate. We conducted a detection and attribution analysis on the annual mean temperature using an optimal fingerprinting method by comparing observations based on homogenized station data with simulations conducted using the models that participated in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5). The results show that the increase in the mean temperature can be attributed to human activities. The effect of anthropogenic (ANT) forcing can be detected in single‐signal detection analyses when the response to the ANT forcing is compared directly with the observations. This effect can also be separated from the influence of the natural external forcing in two‐signal analyses. The warming attributable to the ANT forcing explains most of the observed regional warming. The models appear to have underestimated the observed warming, suggesting that the projected future temperature increases based on raw output from the model simulations may have also been underestimated.
Performances of BATS and CLM land‐surface schemes in RegCM4 in simulating precipitation over CORDEX Southeast Asia domain
Authors: Chung Jing Xiang , Juneng Liew , Tangang Fredolin , Jamaluddin Ahmad F. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTThis study evaluates the sensitivity of precipitation in Southeast Asia (SEA) to the choice of land‐surface schemes available in RegCM4, that is BATS1e (BATS) and CLM4.5 (CLM), over the CORDEX SEA domain. Two similar simulations using different land‐surface schemes were conducted for the period 1989 to 2007, with a horizontal resolution of 25 × 25 km. Four different types of observational data were used to evaluate the performance of these simulations. It was found that both of these simulations reproduced the SEA precipitation climatology spatial patterns reasonably well. However, the BATS simulation systematically produced higher frequency and more intense precipitation over land. The CLM simulation, although overestimating the precipitation frequency, produced a lower amount of on‐land precipitation. The precipitation annual cycle and interannual variability were both insensitive to the choice of land‐surface scheme. The errors in the precipitation simulation were found to originate from the simulated convective precipitation (CPr). Large‐scale precipitation was found to be less sensitive to the choice of land‐surface scheme. The influence of the land‐surface scheme on SEA precipitation simulation took place through the interaction between soil moisture content and CPr. The soil moisture content was consistently higher in the BATS simulation, as was the CPr simulated. During December to February (DJF), the difference in the precipitation amount simulated by BATS and CLM simulations was lower over the SEA mainland, even though the soil moisture content in both simulations was very different. This difference was due to the inactivity of the convective activities over the SEA mainland during DJF. This study concludes that the simulation of SEA precipitation amount was sensitive to the choice of land‐surface scheme, and recommend the use of CLM4.5 land‐surface scheme for simulation of SEA precipitation.
Assessing neurodevelopmental effects of arsenolipids in pre‐differentiated human neurons
Authors: Witt Barbara , Ebert Franziska , Meyer Sören , Francesconi Kevin A. , Schwerdtle Tanja 
Published: July 2017

ScopeIn the general population exposure to arsenic occurs mainly via diet. Highest arsenic concentrations are found in seafood, where arsenic is present predominantly in its organic forms including arsenolipids. Since recent studies have provided evidence that arsenolipids could reach the brain of an organism and exert toxicity in fully differentiated human neurons, this work aims to assess the neurodevelopmental toxicity of arsenolipids.Methods and resultsNeurodevelopmental effects of three arsenic‐containing hydrocarbons (AsHC), two arsenic‐containing fatty acids (AsFA), arsenite and dimethylarsinic acid (DMAV) were characterized in pre‐differentiated human neurons. AsHCs and arsenite caused substantial cytotoxicity in a similar, low concentration range, whereas AsFAs and DMAV were less toxic. AsHCs were highly accessible for cells and exerted pronounced neurodevelopmental effects, with neurite outgrowth and the mitochondrial membrane potential being sensitive endpoints; arsenite did not substantially decrease those two endpoints. In fully differentiated neurons, arsenite and AsHCs caused neurite toxicity.ConclusionThese results indicate for a neurodevelopmental potential of AsHCs. Taken into account the possibility that AsHCs might easily reach the developing brain when exposed during early life, neurotoxicity and neurodevelopmental toxicity cannot be excluded. Further studies are needed in order to progress the urgently needed risk assessment.
A novel approach for the numerical investigation of optimal control problems containing multiple delays
Authors: Marzban Hamid Reza , Pirmoradian Hoda 
Published: July 2017

SummaryThis paper deals with the numerical solution of optimal control problems with multiple delays in both state and control variables. A direct approach based on a hybrid of block‐pulse functions and Lagrange interpolating polynomials is used to convert the original problem into a mathematical programming one. The resulting optimization problem is then solved numerically by the Lagrange multipliers method. The operational matrix of delay for the presented framework is derived. This matrix plays an imperative role to transfer information between 2 consecutive switching points. Furthermore, 2 upper bounds on the error with respect to the L2‐norm and infinity norm are established. Several optimal control problems containing multiple delays are carried out to illustrate the various aspects of the proposed approach. The simulation results are compared with either analytical or numerical solutions available in the literature.
Light‐Emitting Agents for Noninvasive Assessment of Kidney Function
Authors: Huang Jiaguo , Gretz Norbert 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe noninvasive assessment of kidney function and diagnosis of kidney disease have long been challenges. Traditional methods are not routinely available, because the existing protocols are cumbersome, time consuming, and invasive. In the past few years, significant progress in the area of diagnosing kidney function and disease on the basis of light‐emitting agents has been made. Herein, we briefly review light‐emitting agents, including organic fluorescent agents and inorganic renal clearable luminescent nanoparticles for the noninvasive and real‐time monitoring of kidney function and disease. Moreover, some significant requirements and strategies regarding the design of ideal glomerular filtration rate agents and renal clearable nanoparticles are discussed. Finally, we discuss future challenges in expediting clinical translation of these developed light‐emitting agents, along with considerations of the efforts that need to be made to develop new agents and diagnosing kidney disease.
Quinoline‐Derived Two‐Photon‐Sensitive Octupolar Probes
Authors: Dunkel Petra , Petit Morgane , Dhimane Hamid , Blanchard‐Desce Mireille , Ogden David , Dalko Peter I. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA systematic study on quinoline‐derived light sensitive probes, having third‐order rotational symmetry is presented. The electronically linked octupolar structures show considerably improved linear and nonlinear photophysical properties under one‐ and two‐photon irradiation conditions compared to the corresponding monomers. Photolysis of the three acetate derivatives shows strong structure dependency: whereas irradiation of the 6‐ and 7‐aminoquinoline derivatives resulted in fast intramolecular cyclization and only trace amounts of fragmentation products, the 8‐aminoquinoline derivative afforded clean and selective photolysis, with a sequential release of their acetate groups (δu[730]=0.67 GM).
Aortic microcalcification is associated with elastin fragmentation in Marfan syndrome
Authors: Wanga Shaynah , Hibender Stijntje , Ridwan Yanto , van Roomen Cindy , Vos Mariska , van der Made Ingeborg , van Vliet Nicole , Franken Romy , van Riel Luigi AMJG , Groenink Maarten , Zwinderman Aeilko H , Mulder Barbara JM , de Vries Carlie JM , Essers Jeroen , de Waard Vivian 
Published: July 2017

AbstractMarfan syndrome (MFS) is a connective tissue disorder in which aortic rupture is the major cause of death. MFS patients with an aortic diameter below the advised limit for prophylactic surgery (<5 cm) may unexpectedly experience an aortic dissection or rupture, despite yearly monitoring. Hence, there is a clear need for improved prognostic markers to predict such aortic events. We hypothesize that elastin fragments play a causal role in aortic calcification in MFS, and that microcalcification serves as a marker for aortic disease severity. To address this hypothesis, we analysed MFS patient and mouse aortas. MFS patient aortic tissue showed enhanced microcalcification in areas with extensive elastic lamina fragmentation in the media. A causal relationship between medial injury and microcalcification was revealed by studies in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs); elastin peptides were shown to increase the activity of the calcification marker alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and reduce the expression of the calcification inhibitor matrix GLA protein in human SMCs. In murine Fbn1C1039G/+ MFS aortic SMCs, Alpl mRNA and activity were upregulated as compared with wild‐type SMCs. The elastin peptide‐induced ALP activity was prevented by incubation with lactose or a neuraminidase inhibitor, which inhibit the elastin receptor complex, and a mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase‐1/2 inhibitor, indicating downstream involvement of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase‐1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation. Histological analyses in MFS mice revealed macrocalcification in the aortic root, whereas the ascending aorta contained microcalcification, as identified with the near‐infrared fluorescent bisphosphonate probe OsteoSense‐800. Significantly, microcalcification correlated strongly with aortic diameter, distensibility, elastin breaks, and phosphorylated ERK1/2. In conclusion, microcalcification co‐localizes with aortic elastin degradation in MFS aortas of humans and mice, where elastin‐derived peptides induce a calcification process in SMCs via the elastin receptor complex and ERK1/2 activation. We propose microcalcification as a novel imaging marker to monitor local elastin degradation and thus predict aortic events in MFS patients. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complications preceding early deaths in Black and White children with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Winestone Lena E. , Getz Kelly D. , Miller Tamara P. , Li Yimei , Huang Yuan‐Shung , Seif Alix E. , Fisher Brian T. , Aplenc Richard 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBlack patients have a twofold increased risk of induction mortality compared to White patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We reviewed diagnosis and billing data from Pediatric Health Information System for 28 AML Induction I deaths to investigate conditions preceding death in White and Black patients. Half of deaths occurred within 10 days of initial diagnostic admission. Respiratory, cardiac, renal, and infectious complications were common prior to both White and Black deaths. Deaths in White patients were more commonly preceded by intracranial hemorrhage compared to deaths in Black patients. Future studies should assess management approaches of complications by race to identify modifiable processes that reduce mortality.
Outcome after prenatal and postnatal diagnosis of complex congenital heart defects and the influence of genetic anomalies
Authors: De Groote Katya , Vanhie Ellen , Roets Ellen , Ramaekers Paul , De Wilde Hans , Panzer Joseph , Vandekerckhove Kristof , Bove Thierry , François Katrien , Van Herck Koen , De Wolf Daniël 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectiveDetermine prenatal detection rate, mortality and association with genetic abnormalities in patients with severe CHD.MethodSingle center retrospective study in patients with severe CHD diagnosed prenatally or postnatally (2006 to 2014).ResultsA total of 567 patients were included, 176 (31%) after prenatal diagnosis, with large differences in prenatal detection rate among CHD types. Coarctation (24%), tetralogy of Fallot (21%) and univentricular heart (19%) were the most prevalent CHD. Overall mortality rate was 30% with important contributions of prenatal mortality including termination of pregnancy (40%) and postnatal compassionate care (15%). In the group requiring surgery, mortality rate was 12%. Genetic testing was available in 70%. A genetic cause was present in 140/394 patients tested (36%; 25% in the total group). Mortality was higher in the group with abnormal genetic testing compared with those with normal or no genetic testing (57/141 vs 112/423; p = 0,002).ConclusionOnly one third of severe CHD are detected; overall mortality remains high (30%) with major contributions of termination of pregnancy and compassionate care. A genetic cause was found in 36% and was associated with a decreased survival. Counseling must include the possibility of associated genetic pathology and its impact on survival. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A mixed‐methods study to explore the supportive care needs of breast cancer survivors
Authors: Cheng K.K.F. , Cheng H.L. , Wong W.H. , Koh C. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectiveNeeds assessment is the essence of quality cancer survivorship care. The aim of this study was to explore the supportive care needs of breast cancer survivors (BCS) in the first 5 years post treatment.MethodsA mixed‐methods approach was employed. A quantitative study included a Supportive Care Needs Survey, which was completed by 250 BCS to identify the level of their needs for help. The quantitative data informed semistructured qualitative interviews undertaken with 60 BCS to explore in detail their posttreatment needs and experiences.Results32.4% and 16.8% reported 1 to 5 and greater than or equal to 6 needs for help, respectively. The regression analyses revealed that women within 2 years posttreatment and with higher educational level had higher levels of Psychological and Health Care System/Information needs. The qualitative data revealed “continuity of care” and “lifestyle advice and self‐management” as prominent survivorship concerns. It was shown that determination to continue normal life, social support, and feeling overwhelmed by information were all experienced as important influences on survivors' need for help.ConclusionsPosttreatment needs vary with BCS characteristics and to the domains concerned. The approach to posttreatment care needs to be personalized and viable.
Dielectric screening effect of electronic polarization and intramolecular hydrogen bonding
Authors: Sung Shen‐Shu 
Published: July 2017

AbstractRecent site‐resolved hydrogen exchange measurements have uncovered significant discrepancies between simulations and experimental data during protein folding, including the excessive intramolecular hydrogen bonds in simulations. This finding indicates a possibility that intramolecular charge–charge interactions have not included sufficient dielectric screening effect of the electronic polarization. Scaling down peptide atomic charges according to the optical dielectric constant is tested in this study. As a result, the number of intramolecular hydrogen bonds is lower than using unscaled atomic charges while reaching the same levels of helical contents or β‐hairpin backbone hydrogen bonds, because van der Waals interactions contribute substantially to peptide folding in water. Reducing intramolecular charge–charge interactions and hydrogen bonding increases conformational search efficiency. In particular, it reduces the equilibrium helical content in simulations using AMBER force field and the energy barrier in folding simulations using CHARMM force field.
Effect of radical prostatectomy on levels of cancer related epitopes in circulating macrophages of patients with clinically localized prostate cancer
Authors: Todenhöfer Tilman , Hennenlotter Jörg , Keller Gabriel , Neumann Tim , Stenzl Arnulf , Bedke Jens 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveEpitopes of the apoptosis related protein DNaseX (Apo10) and the pentose‐phosphate‐pathway associated protein transketolase‐like 1 (TKTL1) have been shown to be increased in circulating macrophages of patients with different cancer types including prostate cancer (PC). So far, the effect of cancer‐specific therapies on the levels of these markers in blood samples of patients with PC has not been evaluated yet. The aim of the present study was to prospectively assess the effect of surgical removal of the prostate on levels of Apo10 and TKTL1 in blood macrophages using Epitope Detection In Monocytes (EDIM).MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 174 patients with clinically localized PC undergoing radical prostatectomy. Peripheral blood was collected preoperatively in all patients and postoperatively in a subgroup of 72 patients. We separately assessed the proportion of CD14/CD16‐positive monocytes expressing Apo10 and TKTL1 using flow cytometry. The proportion of positive cells was multiplied by ten to generate a score for Apo10 and TKTL1, separately. Pre‐ and postoperative scores of Apo10 and TKTL1 were compared. Moreover, results were correlated with clinicopathologic parameters.ResultsIn the total cohort, Median preoperative Apo10 and TKTL1 scores were 136 (Range 101‐254) and 139 (102‐216). In patients who underwent blood collection and testing either pre‐ and postoperatively (n = 72), median pre‐ versus postoperative scores were 132 (101‐215) versus 103 (70‐156) for Apo10 (P < 0.0001) and 140 (102‐212) versus 115 (84‐187) (P < 0.0001) for TKTL1. Following radical prostatectomy, 56 (77.7%) and 59 (81.9%) patients in the cohort of patients with blood collection before and after prostatectomy showed a decrease of Apo10 and TKTL1 expressing monocytes. TKTL1 and Apo10 did not show any correlation with known histopathologic and clinical risk parameters.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrates that surgical removal of the primary tumor leads to a significant decrease of Apo10 and TKTL1 expressing macrophages. This observation further encourages studies assessing the optimal clinical utility of EDIM‐based detection of Apo10 and TKTL1 in patients with PC.