bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variability in vertebral numbers does not contribute to sexual size dimorphism, interspecific variability, or phenotypic plasticity in body size in geckos (Squamata: Gekkota: Paroedura)
Authors: Kratochvíl Lukáš , Kubička Lukáš , Vohralík Martin , Starostová Zuzana 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBody size is a fundamental trait correlated with nearly every aspect of animal life. It is influenced by numerous genetic and non‐genetic factors. Despite its central importance, proximate mechanisms of intra‐ and interspecific variability in body size are still not well understood even in such a largely studied group as reptiles. For our study, we concentrated on the gecko species Paroedura picta. We investigated whether differences in sexual size dimorphism and in final and asymptotic snout‐vent length (induced by a range of incubation and rearing temperatures) are correlated with differences in the number of presacral vertebrae. Moreover, we tested whether changes in this number were associated with evolutionary changes in sexual size dimorphism and body size in the genus Paroedura. We found that the variation in the number of presacral vertebrae is very limited both intra‐ and interspecifically, ranging between 26 and 28 vertebrae with most individuals possessing the modal number of 27. We conclude that changes in the number of vertebrae do not contribute to developmental plasticity or evolutionary changes in body size nor, in contrast to some other squamate lineages, to sexual size dimorphism.
Optimal breastfeeding durations for HIV‐exposed infants: the impact of maternal ART use, infant mortality and replacement feeding risk
Authors: Mallampati Divya , MacLean Rachel L , Shapiro Roger , Dabis Francois , Engelsmann Barbara , Freedberg Kenneth A , Leroy Valeriane , Lockman Shahin , Walensky Rochelle , Rollins Nigel , Ciaranello Andrea 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIntroductionIn 2010, the WHO recommended women living with HIV breastfeed for 12 months while taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) to balance breastfeeding benefits against HIV transmission risks. To inform the 2016 WHO guidelines, we updated prior research on the impact of breastfeeding duration on HIV‐free infant survival (HFS) by incorporating maternal ART duration, infant/child mortality and mother‐to‐child transmission data.MethodsUsing the Cost‐Effectiveness of Preventing AIDS Complications (CEPAC)‐Infant model, we simulated the impact of breastfeeding duration on 24‐month HFS among HIV‐exposed, uninfected infants. We defined “optimal” breastfeeding durations as those maximizing 24‐month HFS. We varied maternal ART duration, mortality rates among breastfed infants/children, and relative risk of mortality associated with replacement feeding (“RRRF”), modelled as a multiplier on all‐cause mortality for replacement‐fed infants/children (range: 1 [no additional risk] to 6). The base‐case simulated RRRF = 3, median infant mortality, and 24‐month maternal ART duration.ResultsIn the base‐case, HFS ranged from 83.1% (no breastfeeding) to 90.2% (12‐months breastfeeding). Optimal breastfeeding durations increased with higher RRRF values and longer maternal ART durations, but did not change substantially with variation in infant mortality rates. Optimal breastfeeding durations often exceeded the previous WHO recommendation of 12 months.ConclusionsIn settings with high RRRF and long maternal ART durations, HFS is maximized when mothers breastfeed longer than the previously‐recommended 12 months. In settings with low RRRF or short maternal ART durations, shorter breastfeeding durations optimize HFS. If mothers are supported to use ART for longer periods of time, it is possible to reduce transmission risks and gain the benefits of longer breastfeeding durations.
Rapid screening and identification of antioxidants in the leaves of Malus hupehensis using off‐line two‐dimensional HPLC–UV–MS/MS coupled with a 1,1′‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl assay
Authors: Liu Minzhuo , Huang Xueqian , Liu Qi , Chen Miao , Liao Sen , Zhu Fawei , Shi Shuyun , Yang Hua , Chen Xiaoqing 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe leaves of Malus hupehensis have a strong antioxidant activity and are commonly consumed as a healthy tea. However, detailed information about its antioxidants is incomplete. Herein, we developed an effective strategy based on combining off‐line two‐dimensional high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet and tandem mass spectrometry detection with a 1,1′‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl assay to rapidly screen and identify the antioxidants from the leaves of M. hupehensis. In the orthogonal two‐dimensional liquid chromatography system, a Venusil HILIC column was used for the first dimension, while a Universil XB‐C18 column was installed in the second dimension. As a result, 32 antioxidants, including ten dihydrochalcones, two flavanones, nine flavonols, four flavones, and seven phenolic acids were tentatively identified, out of which 23 compounds, as far as we know, were isolated and characterized from the leaves of M. hupehensis for the first time. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic investigation of the antioxidants from the leaves of M. hupehensis. The results indicated that the proposed method is an efficient technique to rapidly investigate antioxidants, especially for coeluted and minor compounds in a complex system.
Validation of the Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder (PCBD) Checklist: A Developmentally Informed Assessment Tool for Bereaved Youth
Authors: Kaplow Julie B. , Layne Christopher M. , Oosterhoff Benjamin , Goldenthal Hayley , Howell Kathryn H. , Wamser‐Nanney Rachel , Burnside Amanda , Calhoun Karen , Marbury Daphne , Johnson‐Hughes Laura , Kriesel Molly , Staine Mary Beth , Mankin Marian , Porter‐Howard LaTanya , Pynoos Robert 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe inclusion of Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder (PCBD) in theDSM‐5appendix signifies a call for research regarding the distinguishing features and clinical utility of proposed PCBD criteria. Rigorously constructed tools for assessing PCBD are lacking, especially for youth. This study evaluated the validity and clinical utility of the PCBD Checklist, a 39‐item measure designed to assess PCBD criteria in youth aged 8 to18 years. Test construction procedures involved: (a) reviewing the literature regarding developmental manifestations of proposed criteria, (b) creating a developmentally informed item pool, (c) surveying an expert panel to evaluate the clarity and developmental appropriateness of candidate items, (d) conducting focus groups to evaluate the comprehensibility and acceptability of items, and (e) evaluating psychometric properties in 367 bereaved youth (Mage= 13.49, 55.0% female). The panel, clinicians, and youth provided favorable content validity and comprehensibility ratings for candidate items. As hypothesized, youth who met full PCBD criteria, Criterion B (e.g., preoccupation with the deceased and/or circumstances of the death), or Criterion C (e.g., reactive distress and/or social/identity disruption) reported higher posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms than youth who did not meet these criteria, ηp2= .07–.16. Youth who met Criterion C reported greater functional impairment than youth who did not, ηp2= .08–.12. Youth who qualified for the “traumatic bereavement specifier” reported more frequent posttraumatic stress symptoms than youth who did not, ηp2= .04. Findings support the convergent, discriminant, and discriminant‐groups validity, developmental appropriateness, and clinical utility of the PCBD Checklist.
Surgical management of spontaneous cerebrospinal fistulas and encephaloceles of the temporal bone
Authors: Kutz Joe Walter , Johnson Andrew K. , Wick Cameron C. 
Published: April 2018

Objectives/HypothesisTo describe the presentation, surgical findings, and outcomes in patients with spontaneous temporal bone cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas and encephaloceles.Study DesignRetrospective chart review.MethodsA retrospective chart review of patients treated for a spontaneous temporal bone CSF fistula and/or encephalocele over a 10‐year period was performed. Data recorded included demographic information, presenting signs and symptoms, radiographic and laboratory studies, surgical approach, materials used for repair, surgical complications, and successful closure of the CSF fistula.ResultsFifty patients were identified. Five patients underwent bilateral procedures, for a total of 55 surgical repairs. Thirty‐seven of the patients were female, with a mean age of 57.2 years. Seventy percent of patients were obese, with a mean body mass index of 35.0 kg/m2. The most common presentation was tympanostomy tube otorrhea (68%). Seven patients (14%) presented with meningitis. The middle fossa craniotomy approach was used in 87.3% of cases. Hydroxyapatite bone cement was used in 82.4% of cases. There were four surgical complications: seizure, mastoid infection, tympanic membrane retraction, and a delayed subdural hematoma. There were five persistent or recurrent CSF fistulas that underwent successful revision surgery.ConclusionsSpontaneous CSF fistulas are most common in obese females and should be suspected with a chronic middle ear effusion, persistent otorrhea after tympanostomy tube placement, or in patients with a history of meningitis. The middle fossa craniotomy approach with the use of hydroxyapatite bone cement has a high success rate with a low incidence of postoperative complications.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 128:2170–2177, 2018
Photodynamic therapy induces antifibrotic alterations in primary human vocal fold fibroblasts
Authors: Zhang Chi , Wang Jiajia , Chou Adriana , Gong Ting , Devine Erin E. , Jiang Jack J. 
Published: April 2018

Objectives/HypothesisPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising treatment modality for laryngeal dysplasia, early‐stage carcinoma, and papilloma, and was reported to have the ability to preserve laryngeal function and voice quality without clinical fibrotic response. We aimed to investigate the mechanism behind the antifibrotic effects of PDT on primary human vocal fold fibroblasts (VFFs) in vitro.Study DesignIn vitro analysis from one human donor.MethodsCell viability of VFFs in response to varying doses of PDT was investigated by the Cell Counting Kit‐8 method. Sublethal‐dose PDT (SL‐PDT) was used for the following experiments. Expression of genes related to vocal fold extracellular matrix formation was analyzed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blotting. Effects of PDT on cell migration, collagen contraction, and transforming growth factor β‐1 (TGF‐β1)‐induced myofibroblast differentiation were also analyzed.ResultsPDT affects the viability of VFFs in a dose‐dependent manner. SL‐PDT significantly changed the expression profile of VFFs with antifibrotic effects. It also inhibited cell migration, reduced collagen contraction, and reversed the fibroblast‐myofibroblast differentiation induced by TGF‐β1.ConclusionsSL‐PDT induces antifibrotic alterations in VFFs. This could explain the low incidence of vocal fold scar associated with PDT. Moreover, PDT may be useful in treating existing vocal fold scars. Further studies should focus on the in vivo effect of PDT on vocal fold wound healing and scar remodeling.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 128:E323–E331, 2018
Sonographic assessment of swallowing in irradiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients
Authors: Cheng Dennis T. H. , Lee Kathy Y. S. , Ahuja Anil T. , Tong Michael C. F. 
Published: April 2018

Objectives/HypothesisUltrasonography is an emerging clinical tool to study the dysfunction of swallowing muscles. This was the first sonographic study to assess the relationship between suprahyoid muscle contraction, hyoid bone displacement, and penetration‐aspiration status (PAS) during swallowing in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients treated with radiotherapy (RT). The study also aimed to establish reliability data for the sonographic technique described.Study DesignCross‐sectional study.MethodsGeniohyoid muscle contraction was quantified using brightness‐mode ultrasonography in this study of 40 post‐RT NPC patients. A series of physiological parameters and PAS were measured using videofluoroscopy.ResultsIntra‐ and inter‐rater agreement values ranged from 0.75 to 0.96 across various sonographic measurements. Percentage increase in the cross‐sectional area of the geniohyoid muscle correlated with anterior (r = 0.42, P < .05) but not superior (r = 0.27, P = .09) hyoid displacement. Anterior hyoid displacement and pharyngeal constriction ratio were significantly associated with PAS score.ConclusionsSonographic measurement of suprahyoid muscles provides valuable information on muscle function and is potentially a useful clinical tool in swallowing assessment. Further research is needed to refine the role of this examination in dysphagia.Level of Evidence2b. Laryngoscope, 2552–2559, 2018
All‐Optical Phosphorene Phase Modulator with Enhanced Stability Under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Wang Yunzheng , Zhang Feng , Tang Xian , Chen Xing , Chen Yunxiang , Huang Weichun , Liang Zhiming , Wu Leiming , Ge Yanqi , Song Yufeng , Liu Jie , Zhang Du , Li Jianqing , Zhang Han 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAll‐optical modulators, wherein signal light can be manipulated by another controlling light, have recently emerged as a promising perspective in all‐optical communications, interconnects and signal processing. Herein, by taking advantage of the strong light‐matter interaction and thickness‐dependent direct energy bandgap in few‐layer phosphorene, an all‐fiber all‐optical modulator based on a Mach–Zehnder interferometer comprising few‐layer fluorinated phosphorene‐deposited microfiber has been devised and further demonstrated with phase modulation ability. The phase shift of the signal light, capable of being converted into intensity modulation, could be readily controlled by the photothermal effect in phosphorene. A maximal phase shift of 8π is obtained at a control light of 290 mW, corresponding to a conversion efficiency of 0.029 π mW−1. The optical information carried by the control light is successfully copied towards the signal light with a modulation depth of 17 dB and a rise time constant of 2.5 ms. Stability under ambient conditions is enhanced significantly thanks to atomistic fluorination in phosphorene that can overcome drawbacks of easy oxidation of intrinsic phosphorene and maintain performance for a long term. This prototypical phosphorene‐based all‐optical phase modulator will have a great potential to be applied in all‐optical information processing and be integrated into optical fiber systems.
Spin and Geometric Phase Control Four‐Wave Mixing from Metasurfaces
Authors: Li Guixin , Sartorello Giovanni , Chen Shumei , Nicholls Luke H. , Li King Fai , Zentgraf Thomas , Zhang Shuang , Zayats Anatoly V. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe spin angular momentum of light plays an important role in nonlinear interactions in optical systems with rotational symmetries. Here, the existence of the nonlinear geometric Berry phase is demonstrated in the four‐wave mixing process and applied to spin‐controlled nonlinear light generation from plasmonic metasurfaces. The polarization state of four‐wave mixing from the ultrathin metasurfaces, comprising gold meta‐atoms with four‐fold rotational symmetry, can be controlled by manipulating the spin of the excitation beams. The mutual orientation of the meta‐atoms in the metasurface influences the intensity of four‐wave mixing via the geometric phase effects. These findings provide novel solutions for designing metasurfaces for spin‐controlled nonlinear optical processes with inbuilt all‐optical switching.
Pragmatic Treatment of Stiff Person Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Balint Bettina , Meinck Hans‐Michael 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundStiff person spectrum disorders (SPSD) are a group of rare conditions clinically characterized by stiffness, spasms, and heightened stimulus sensitivity. They also share a spectrum of antibodies.MethodsWe reviewed the literature and our own experience with the aim of providing a practical approach to the treatment of SPSD.ResultsBecause of the rarity of SPSD, there is little evidence to guide treatment decisions. The treatment of SPSD is based on the triad of symptomatic treatment, immunotherapy, and tumor treatment where appropriate. Moreover, the management involves continuous and appropriate monitoring of the symptoms of the disease, its autoimmune associations, and potential treatment side effects.ConclusionsHere we delineated a pragmatic treatment approach to SPSD, based on our experience and existing literature. We also highlighted how our understanding of neuronal antibodies and their implications reflects on management considerations.
Implementing Levodopa‐Carbidopa Intestinal Gel for Parkinson Disease: Insights from US Practitioners
Authors: Burack Michelle , Aldred Jason , Zadikoff Cindy , Vanagunas Arvydas , Klos Kevin , Bilir Bahri , Fernandez Hubert H. , Standaert David G. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundLevodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG, designated in the United States as carbidopa‐levodopa enteral suspension, CLES) was approved in the United States in 2015 for the treatment of refractory motor fluctuations in individuals with Parkinson disease (PD). Many neurologists in the United States have not had personal experience with implementation and management of the unique delivery system for this treatment.Methods and FindingsThis educational review was developed to provide practitioners with an understanding of LCIG use from the clinician's point of view. Practical recommendations for the use of LCIG from the early planning stages through long‐term patient management were compiled from the published literature, regulatory guidance, and clinical experience. Among the topics reviewed were: assembling a multidisciplinary treatment team, identifying treatment candidates, patient/care partner education, procedural considerations, post‐procedural care, LCIG initiation and titration, troubleshooting issues, and ongoing monitoring. For most of these steps, a considerable amount of individualization is possible, which allows clinicians to tailor protocols based on the needs of their teams, the healthcare system, and the patient and care partner. Although clinical practices are heterogeneous, themes of early planning, ongoing education, and a team‐based approach to management are universal.ConclusionsBy using established protocols and insights gleaned from experienced practitioners, clinicians who are unfamiliar with LCIG can more feasibly incorporate this treatment option into their armamentarium for treating PD motor fluctuations.
The cardiorespiratory response and physiological determinants of the assisted 6‐minute handbike cycle test in adult males with muscular dystrophy
Authors: Morse Christopher I. , Bostock Emma L. , Twiss Harriet M. , Kapp Laura H. , Orme Paul , Jacques Matthew F. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The assisted 6‐minute cycle test (A6MCT) distance was assessed in adults with muscular dystrophy (MD). Methods: Forty‐eight males, including those with Duchenne MD (DMD), limb‐girdle MD (LGMD), fascioscapulohumeral MD (FSHD), and Becker MD (BMD), as well as a group without MD (CTRL), completed handgrip strength (HGS), lung function [forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC)], body fat, and biceps thickness assessments. During the A6MCT, ventilation (VE), oxygen uptake (VO2), carbon dioxide (VCO2), and heart rate (HR) were recorded. Results: A6MCT and HGS were lower in MD than CTRL subjects. FEV1, FVC, and biceps thickness were lower in MD than CTRL; lower in DMD than BMD, LGMD, and FSHD; but were not different between BMD, LGMD, and FSHD. A6MCT correlated with HGS, FEV1, FVC, body fat, VO2, VCO2, HR, and VE (r = 0.455–0.708) in pooled BMD, LGMD, and FSHD participants. Discussion: A shorter A6MCT distance in adult males with MD was attributable to HGS and lung function. The A6MCT is appropriate for assessment of physical function in adults with MD. Muscle Nerve 58: 427–433, 2018
Effect of loading duration on uncertainty in creep analysis of clay
Authors: Tan Fang , Zhou Wan‐Huan , Yuen Ka‐Veng 
Published: April 2018

SummarySome studies suggest that creep parameters should be determined using a greater quantity of creep test data to provide more reliable prediction regarding the deformation of soft soils. This study aims to investigate the effect of loading duration on model updating. One‐dimensional consolidation data of intact Vanttila clay under different loading durations collected from the literature is used for demonstration. The Bayesian probabilistic method is used to identify all unknown parameters based on the consolidation data during the entire consolidation process, and their uncertainty can be quantified through the obtained posterior probability density functions. Additionally, the optimal models are also determined from among 9 model candidates. The analyses indicate that the optimal models can describe the creep behavior of intact soft soils under different loading durations, and the adopted method can evaluate the effect of loading duration on uncertainty in the creep analysis. The uncertainty of a specific model and its model parameters decreases as more creep data are involved in the updating process, and the updated models that use more creep data can better capture the deformation behavior of an intact sample. The proposed method can provide quantified uncertainty in the process of model updating and assist engineers to decide whether the creep test data are sufficient for the creep analysis.
Reflection error analysis for wave propagation problems solved by a heterogeneous asynchronous time integrator
Authors: Zafati Eliass , Al Hout Julie 
Published: April 2018

SummaryWithin the framework of dynamic calculations, the hybrid multi–time‐step method proposed by Gravouil and Combescure (GC method) has proven to be an efficient algorithm that enables the use of arbitrary time steps and Newmark time schemes in each subdomain. Nonetheless, when dealing with wave propagation problems, the amount of reflections at the interfaces between subdomains strongly depends on the choice of the time integrators and the time steps used for the simulation study. In this paper, we deal with both one‐ and two‐dimensional wave propagation problems (only the anti‐plane shear wave problem is considered for the two‐dimensional case) with the aim of deriving an analytical estimation of the numerical reflection coefficient at the interface between two linear elastic subdomains having their own time integrators and time scales. The model is approximated using the lowest‐order finite elements, whereas the propagation process is described using harmonic waves. The study is carried out on the explicit/implicit and explicit/explicit integrations using arbitrary time‐step ratios. The numerical reflection coefficient is then analyzed with emphasis on the effect of the time‐step ratio and the direction of incidence.
Robust topology optimization for cellular composites with hybrid uncertainties
Authors: Zheng Jing , Luo Zhen , Li Hao , Jiang Chao 
Published: April 2018

SummaryThis paper will develop a new robust topology optimization method for the concurrent design of cellular composites with an array of identical microstructures subject to random‐interval hybrid uncertainties. A concurrent topology optimization framework is formulated to optimize both the composite macrostructure and the material microstructure. The robust objective function is defined based on the interval mean and interval variance of the corresponding objective function. A new uncertain propagation approach, termed as a hybrid univariate dimension reduction method, is proposed to estimate the interval mean and variance. The sensitivity information of the robust objective function can be obtained after the uncertainty analysis. Several numerical examples are used to validate the effectiveness of the proposed robust topology optimization method.