bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A simplified spin and gradient echo approach for brain tumor perfusion imaging
Authors: Stokes Ashley M. , Quarles C. Chad 
Published: March 2015

PurposeIn this study, we propose a simplified acquisition and analysis approach for spin and gradient echo (SAGE)‐based dynamic susceptibility‐contrast MRI (DSC‐MRI) data that is free of contrast agent T1 leakage effects.MethodsA five‐echo SAGE sequence was used to acquire DSC‐MRI data in rat C6 tumors (n = 7). Nonlinear fitting of all echoes was performed to obtain T1‐insensitive ΔR2* and ΔR2 time series. The simplified approach, which includes two gradient echoes and one spin echo, was also used to analytically compute T1‐insensitive ΔR2* using the two gradient echoes and ΔR2 using all three echoes. The blood flow, blood volume, and vessel size values derived from each method were compared.ResultsIn all cases, the five‐echo and simplified SAGE ΔR2* and ΔR2 were in excellent agreement and demonstrated significant T1 leakage correction compared with the uncorrected single‐echo data. The derived hemodynamic parameters for blood volume, blood flow, and vessel size were not significantly different between the two methods.ConclusionsThe proposed simplified SAGE technique enables the acquisition of gradient and spin echo DSC‐MRI data corrected for T1 leakage effects yields parameters that are in agreement with the five‐echo SAGE approach and does not require nonlinear fitting to extract ΔR2* and ΔR2 time series. Magn Reson Med 75:356–362, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Direct control of the temperature rise in parallel transmission by means of temperature virtual observation points: Simulations at 10.5 tesla
Authors: Boulant Nicolas , Wu Xiaoping , Adriany Gregor , Schmitter Sebastian , Uğurbil Kamil , Van de Moortele Pierre‐François 
Published: March 2015

PurposeA method using parallel transmission to mitigate B1+ inhomogeneity while explicitly constraining the temperature rise is reported and compared with a more traditional SAR‐constrained pulse design.MethodsFinite difference time domain simulations are performed on a numerical human head model and for a 16‐channel coil at 10.5 Tesla. Based on a set of presimulations, a virtual observation point compression model for the temperature rise is derived. This compact representation is then used in a nonlinear programming algorithm for pulse design under explicit temperature rise constraints.ResultsIn the example of a time‐of‐flight sequence, radiofrequency pulse performance in some cases is increased by a factor of two compared with SAR‐constrained pulses, while temperature rise is directly and efficiently controlled. Pulse performance can be gained by relaxing the SAR constraints, but at the expense of a loss of direct control on temperature.ConclusionGiven the importance of accurate safety control at ultrahigh field and the lack of direct correspondence between SAR and temperature, this work motivates the need for thorough thermal studies in normal in vivo conditions. The tools presented here will possibly contribute to safer and more efficient MR exams. Magn Reson Med 75:249–256, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Local specific absorption rate in brain tumors at 7 tesla
Authors: Restivo Matthew C. , van den Berg Cornelis A.T. , van Lier Astrid L.H.M.W. , Polders Daniël L. , Raaijmakers Alexander J.E. , Luijten Peter R. , Hoogduin Hans 
Published: March 2015

PurposeMR safety at 7 Tesla relies on accurate numerical simulations of transmit electromagnetic fields to fully assess local specific absorption rate (SAR) safety. Numerical simulations for SAR safety are currently performed using models of healthy patients. These simulations might not be useful for estimating SAR in patients who have large lesions with potentially abnormal dielectric properties, e.g., brain tumors.Theory and MethodsIn this study, brain tumor patient models are constructed based on scans of four patients with high grade brain tumors. Dielectric properties for the modeled tumors are assigned based on electrical properties tomography data for the same patients. Simulations were performed to determine SAR.ResultsLocal SAR increases in the tumors by as much as 30%. However, the location of the maximum 10‐gram averaged SAR typically occurs outside of the tumor, and thus does not increase. In the worst case, if the tumor model is moved to the location of maximum electric field intensity, then we do observe an increase in the estimated peak 10‐gram SAR directly related to the tumor.ConclusionPeak local SAR estimation made on the results of a healthy patient model simulation may underestimate the true peak local SAR in a brain tumor patient. Magn Reson Med 75:381–389, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of intravesically administered 0.1% oxybutynin hydrochloride solution in adult patients with neurogenic bladder: A randomized, prospective, controlled multi‐center trial
Authors: Schröder Annette , Albrecht Uwe , Schnitker Jörg , Reitz André , Stein Raimund 
Published: March 2015

AimsTo verify the efficacy, safety and tolerability of intravesical administration of 0.1% oxybutynin hydrochloride compared to its oral administration for treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) in a randomized, prospective, controlled, open‐label, multi‐center trial in 35 adult patients.MethodsNDO was confirmed within the previous 24 months by urodynamic studies (UDS). Group 1 (n = 18) received 10 ml 0.1% oxybutynin hydrochloride intravesically three times per day and group 2 (n = 17) 5 mg oxybutynin hydrochloride orally three times per day for a period of 28 days. Primary efficacy criterion was the change in the maximum bladder capacity between the beginning of the study and after 4 weeks as assessed by UDS. Adverse drug reactions (ADR) were collected and an evaluation of anticholinergic effects was conducted.ResultsThe increase in maximum bladder capacity was 117 ml with intravesical application (P = 0.0002) versus 18 ml with the oral application (P = 0.51). The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.0086). ADR were reported by 10 (55.6%) of patients with intravesical administration, and by 14 (82.4%) of patients with oral administration. Significant differences in favor of the intravesical application were observed in ADR affecting vision (1/10 vs. 9/14), gastrointestinal tract (8/10 vs. 14/14), nervous system (2/10 vs. 8/14), and skin and subcutis (1/10 vs. 6/14). No serious adverse drug reactions were reported.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the efficacy and safety of intravesical 0.1% oxybutynin hydrochloride in the treatment of NDO with respect to the increase in maximum bladder capacity. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:582–588, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Markers of metabolic health in children differ between weekdays—the result of unhealthier weekend behavior
Authors: Hjorth Mads F. , Damsgaard Camilla T. , Michaelsen Kim F. , Astrup Arne , Sjödin Anders 
Published: March 2015

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate whether indicators of metabolic health fluctuate during the week in a group of children posing unhealthier physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep during weekends compared to weekdays.MethodsA total of 807 eight‐ to eleven‐year‐old children had valid metabolic health markers from one, two, or three measurements contributing 2190 to 2240 observations of metabolic health markers. The weekly variation was tested using linear mixed models.ResultsHomeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMAIR), triglycerides, leptin (all P < 0.001), and adiponectin (P = 0.03) decreased from Monday to Friday, whereas ghrelin increased (P < 0.001). HOMAIR, triglycerides, and leptin were 35%, 28%, and 33% higher on Mondays compared to Fridays, respectively, and ghrelin was 7% lower on Mondays compared to Fridays (all P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe large weekly variation in HOMAIR, triglycerides, and leptin was likely the result of unhealthier behaviors during weekends. These findings have public health relevance and raise methodological issues that should ideally be taken into account in future studies.
Long‐term results of the AIEOP LNH‐97 protocol for childhood lymphoblastic lymphoma
Authors: Pillon Marta , Aricò Maurizio , Mussolin Lara , Carraro Elisa , Conter Valentino , Sala Alessandra , Buffardi Salvatore , Garaventa Alberto , D'Angelo Paolo , Lo Nigro Luca , Santoro Nicola , Piglione Matilde , Lombardi Alessandra , Porta Fulvio , Cesaro Simone , Moleti Maria L. , Casale Fiorina , Mura Rossella , d'Amore Emanuele S. G. , Basso Giuseppe , Rosolen Angelo 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundTreatment intensification was considered a suitable strategy to increase the cure rate of lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) in children.ProcedureThe AIEOP LNH‐97 trial was run between 1997 and 2007 for newly diagnosed LBL in patients aged less than 18 years. Treatment schedule was based on the previous, LSA2‐L2 derived, AIEOP LNH‐92 protocol. Modifications included: increased dose of upfront cyclophosphamide and methotrexate, use of l‐Asparaginase during induction therapy, intensive block therapy for slow responders, and late intensification (“Reinduction”) for patients with advanced stage disease. Total therapy duration was 12 months for stage I and II, and 24 months for stage III and IV. Central nervous system prophylaxis did not include cranial irradiation.Results114 eligible patients were enrolled, 84 males and 30 females; median age was 9 years. Complete remission was obtained in 98% of patients. After a median follow‐up time of seven years, 29 patients failed due to progression of disease (n = 2), relapse (n = 25), or second malignancy (n = 2). The 7‐year overall survival was 82% (standard error [SE] 4%) and the 7‐year event‐free survival was 74% (SE 4%). No subgroup showed significantly different event free survival. None of the patients died of front line chemotherapy‐related toxicity.ConclusionsTreatment intensification was associated with good outcome in children and adolescents with LBL, with limited toxicity. Prognosis after relapse was better for patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Measurements of biological markers and treatment response are necessary for achieving further improvement through more accurate identification and stratification of patients at risk of disease relapse. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:1388–1394. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Severe X‐linked chondrodysplasia punctata in nine new female fetuses
Authors: Lefebvre Mathilde , Dufernez Fabienne , Bruel Ange‐Line , Gonzales Marie , Aral Bernard , Saint‐Onge Judith , Gigot Nadège , Desir Julie , Daelemans Caroline , Jossic Frédérique , Schmitt Sébastien , Mangione Raphaele , Pelluard Fanny , Vincent‐Delorme Catherine , Labaune Jean‐Marc , Bigi Nicole , D'Olne Dominique , Delezoide Anne‐Lise , Toutain Annick , Blesson Sophie , Cormier‐Daire Valérie , Thevenon Julien , El Chehadeh Salima , Masurel‐Paulet Alice , Joyé Nicole , Vibert‐Guigue Claude , Rigonnot Luc , Rousseau Thierry , Vabres Pierre , Hervé Philippe , Lamazière Antonin , Rivière Jean‐Baptiste , Faivre Laurence , Laurent Nicole , Thauvin‐Robinet Christel 
Published: March 2015

AbstractObjectivesConradi–Hünermann–Happle [X‐linked dominant chondrodysplasia punctata 2 (CDPX2)] syndrome is a rare X‐linked dominant skeletal dysplasia usually lethal in men while affected women show wide clinical heterogeneity. Different EBP mutations have been reported. Severe female cases have rarely been reported, with only six antenatal presentations.MethodsTo better characterize the phenotype in female fetuses, we included nine antenatally diagnosed cases of women with EBP mutations. All cases were de novo except for two fetuses with an affected mother and one case of germinal mosaicism.ResultsThe mean age at diagnosis was 22 weeks of gestation. The ultrasound features mainly included bone abnormalities: shortening (8/9 cases) and bowing of the long bones (5/9), punctuate epiphysis (7/9) and an irregular aspect of the spine (5/9). Postnatal X‐rays and examination showed ichthyosis (8/9) and epiphyseal stippling (9/9), with frequent asymmetric short and bowed long bones. The X‐inactivation pattern of the familial case revealed skewed X‐inactivation in the mildly symptomatic mother and random X‐inactivation in the severe fetal case. Differently affected skin samples of the same fetus revealed different patterns of X‐inactivation.ConclusionPrenatal detection of asymmetric shortening and bowing of the long bones and cartilage stippling should raise the possibility of CPDX2 in female fetuses, especially because the majority of such cases involve de novo mutations. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of vinyl acetate under high pressure
Authors: Chen Jing , Zhao Xiaoning , Zhang Lifen , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Xiulin 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTIn this work, high molecular weight polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) (Mn,GPC = 123,000 g/mol, Mw/Mn = 1.28) was synthesized by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) under high pressure (5 kbar), using benzoyl peroxide and N,N‐dimethylaniline as initiator mediated by (S)‐2‐(ethyl propionate)‐(O‐ethyl xanthate) (X1) at 35 °C. Polymerization kinetic study with RAFT agent showed pseudo‐first order kinetics. Additionally, the polymerization rate of VAc under high pressure increased greatly than that under atmospheric pressure. The “living” feature of the resultant PVAc was confirmed by 1H NMR spectroscopy and chain extension experiments. Well‐defined PVAc with high molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution can be obtained relatively fast by using RAFT polymerization at 5 kbar. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 1430–1436
Dispersion of silica nanoparticles bearing perfluorohexyl units into fluorinated copolymers
Authors: Durand Nelly , Habas Jean‐Pierre , Boutevin Bernard , Améduri Bruno 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTThis study aims at determining the compatibility behavior of nanoparticles surface with fluorinated matrices to obtain a homogenous dispersion and better composites properties. First, modified silica nanoparticles by C6F13I and C6F13‐C2H4‐SH led to various fluorinated silica of different massic concentrations and grafting rates. The dispersion of these nanoparticles (in 5 wt %) into molten poly(VDF‐co‐HFP) and poly(TFE‐co‐HFP) matrices were studied as well as the hydrophobic, mechanical, and thermal properties of both fluorinated copolymers and resulting composites. In both series, the storage modulus of nanocomposites increased while the melting (Tm) and decomposition (T10%) temperatures varied with the polymer matrix. They increased for poly(VDF‐co‐HFP) composites (Tm= 134 to 144 °C and T10%= 441 to 464 °C) but decreased for poly(TFE‐co‐HFP) nanocomposites (Tm= 276 to 268 °C and T10%= 488 to 477 °C). © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 1512–1522
An allosteric model for control of pore opening by substrate binding in the EutL microcompartment shell protein
Authors: Thompson Michael C. , Cascio Duilio , Leibly David J. , Yeates Todd O. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe ethanolamine utilization (Eut) microcompartment is a protein‐based metabolic organelle that is strongly associated with pathogenesis in bacteria that inhabit the human gut. The exterior shell of this elaborate protein complex is composed from a few thousand copies of BMC‐domain shell proteins, which form a semi‐permeable diffusion barrier that provides the interior enzymes with substrates and cofactors while simultaneously retaining metabolic intermediates. The ability of this protein shell to regulate passage of substrate and cofactor molecules is critical for microcompartment function, but the details of how this diffusion barrier can allow the passage of large cofactors while still retaining small intermediates remain unclear. Previous work has revealed two conformations of the EutL shell protein, providing substantial evidence for a gated pore that might allow the passage of large cofactors. Here we report structural and biophysical evidence to show that ethanolamine, the substrate of the Eut microcompartment, acts as a negative allosteric regulator of EutL pore opening. Specifically, a series of X‐ray crystal structures of EutL from Clostridium perfringens, along with equilibrium binding studies, reveal that ethanolamine binds to EutL at a site that exists in the closed‐pore conformation and which is incompatible with opening of the large pore for cofactor transport. The allosteric mechanism we propose is consistent with the cofactor requirements of the Eut microcompartment, leading to a new model for EutL function. Furthermore, our results suggest the possibility of redox modulation of the allosteric mechanism, opening potentially new lines of investigation.
Sonographers guide to venous surgery and treatments
Authors: Allcorn Tamara Elizabeth 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundVaricose veins traditionally are often viewed as more of a cosmetic issue than a serious medical problem. However a condition that can lead to ulcerations, uncontrolled swelling and increased pains and discomforts is greatly more than a cosmetic issue. With improvements in technology and increasing availability to a variety of treatment techniques, it is understandable sonographers have difficulties in understanding what is expected from a venous incompetence scan.AimsThis paper attempts to outline the essential information a sonographer is required to know about advancing treatments of varicose veins, and outlines the details we are required to document to the treating physicians.DiscussionThe first line of treatment at early onset of venous disease is generally compression stockings. However when dealing with longer term issues, other techniques are utilised. Minimally invasive techniques such as sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation, radio‐frequency ablation may be used. More invasive surgical options of ligation, stripping and phlebectomy can also treat varicosities.ConclusionUnderstanding the possible treatments for a patient should enable sonographers to be able to identify and document the necessary information a surgeon requires. To provide the surgeon with detailed diagrams, including directional arrows of flow, provides the surgeon with enough information to make an informed decision for treatment for the patient.
Upregulation of lncRNA MEG3 Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells From Multiple Myeloma Patients By Targeting BMP4 Transcription
Authors: Zhuang Wenzhuo , Ge Xueping , Yang Sijun , Huang Moli , Zhuang Wenyue , Chen Ping , Zhang Xiaohui , Fu Jinxiang , Qu Jing , Li Bingzong 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by the impaired osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as important regulatory molecules in tumor-suppressor and oncogenic pathways. Here we showed that MSCs from MM expressed less lncRNA MEG3 relative to those from normal donors during osteogenic differentiation. To evaluate the effect of MEG3 on osteogenesis, bone marrow MSCs with enhanced or reduced MEG3 were prepared. We observed that MEG3 knockdown significantly reduced the expression of key osteogenic markers, including Runt-related transcription factor 2, osterix, and osteocalcin, while overexpression of MEG3 enhanced their expression. Additionally, MEG3 knockdown decreased BMP4 transcription. Here we showed that MEG3 was critical for SOX2 transcriptional repression of the BMP4. MEG3, which is located near the BMP4 gene, could dissociate the transcription factor SOX2 from the BMP4 promoter. A stable complex containing the MEG3, SOX2, and the SOX2 consensus site of BMP4 suggested that MEG3 activated transcriptional activity by directly influencing SOX2 activity. By using assays such as luciferase, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and RNA immunoprecipitation, we showed that MEG3 had a critical function in a mechanism of promoter-specific transcriptional activation. These results suggested that MEG3 played an essential role in osteogenic differentiation in bone marrow MSCs, partly by activating BMP4 transcription. Our data provided novel evidence for the biological and clinical significance of lncRNA MEG3 expression as a potential biomarker for identifying patients with MM and as a potential therapeutic target in MM. Stem Cells 2015;33:1985–1997
Anomaly detection in performance regression testing by transaction profile estimation
Authors: Ghaith Shadi , Wang Miao , Perry Philip , Jiang Zhen Ming , O'Sullivan Pat , Murphy John 
Published: March 2015

SummaryAs part of the process to test a new release of an application, the performance testing team need to confirm that the existing functionalities do not perform worse than those in the previous release, a problem known as performance regression anomaly. Most existing approaches to analyse performance regression testing data vary according to the applied workload, which usually leads to the need for an extra performance testing run. To ease such lengthy tasks, we propose a new workload‐independent, automated technique to detect anomalies in performance regression testing data using the concept known as transaction profile (TP). The TP is inferred from the performance regression testing data along with the queueing network model of the testing system. Based on a case study conducted against two web applications, one open source and one industrial, we have been able to automatically generate the ‘TP run report’ and verify that it can be used to uncover performance regression anomalies caused by software updates. In particular, the report helped us to isolate the real anomaly issues from those caused by workload changes with an average F1 measure of 85% for the open source application and 90% for the industrial application. Such results support our proposal to use the TP as a more efficient technique in identifying performance regression anomalies than the state of the art industry and research techniques. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.