bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
JNK2 modulates the CD1d‐dependent and ‐independent activation of iNKT cells
Authors: Liu Jianyun , Gallo Richard M. , Khan Masood A. , Iyer Abhirami K. , Kratzke Ian M. , Brutkiewicz Randy R. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractInvariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells play critical roles in autoimmune, anti‐tumor, and anti‐microbial immune responses, and are activated by glycolipids presented by the MHC class I‐like molecule, CD1d. How the activation of signaling pathways impacts antigen (Ag)‐dependent iNKT cell activation is not well‐known. In the current study, we found that the MAPK JNK2 not only negatively regulates CD1d‐mediated Ag presentation in APCs, but also contributes to CD1d‐independent iNKT cell activation. A deficiency in the JNK2 (but not JNK1) isoform enhanced Ag presentation by CD1d. Using a vaccinia virus (VV) infection model known to cause a loss in iNKT cells in a CD1d‐independent, but IL‐12‐dependent manner, we found the virus‐induced loss of iNKT cells in JNK2 KO mice was substantially lower than that observed in JNK1 KO or wild‐type (WT) mice. Importantly, compared to WT mice, JNK2 KO mouse iNKT cells were found to express less surface IL‐12 receptors. As with a VV infection, an IL‐12 injection also resulted in a smaller decrease in JNK2 KO iNKT cells as compared to WT mice. Overall, our work strongly suggests JNK2 is a negative regulator of CD1d‐mediated Ag presentation and contributes to IL‐12‐induced iNKT cell activation and loss during viral infections.
Electrochemical Study of DPPH Incorporated in Carbon Paste Electrode as Potential Tool for Antioxidant Properties Determination
Authors: Djitieu Deutchoua Arlette Danelle , Ngueumaleu Yannick , Kenne Dedzo Gustave , Kenfack Tonle Ignas , Ngameni Emmanuel 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe electrochemical behaviour of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) incorporated in a carbon paste electrode (CPE/DPPH1 %) was studied. Two electrochemical systems assigned to the free‐radical were perfectly defined, including System I where DPPH acts as reducing agent and System II where it acts as an oxidant. Although System II was reversible and remains stable after several consecutive potential scans, System I shows high peak current ratio (Ipa/Ipc=1.4) and a significant decrease in signal intensity when performing consecutive potentials scans. This phenomenon was due to the chemical reaction of the oxidized DPPH and the hydroxide ions present at the vicinity of the electrode surface. This new compound formed was responsible of a new system (System III). Systems II and III were highly pH‐dependent, in agreement with the proton exchange involved in these electrochemical transformations. When experiments were performed in the presence of ascorbic acid (AAH2), only System I was found to be ideal for monitoring the antioxidant activity of AAH2. System I clearly shows a linear dependency between the peak currents of DPPH as a function of AAH2 concentration. This linear response was used to determine the IC50 of ascorbic acid (0.56 μM) in the described experimental condition. This effect was confirmed when controlled amount of tea extracts were used instead of AAH2, confirming the efficiency of CPE/DPPH1 % for the electrochemical evaluation of antioxidant properties.
Zero‐valent Iron Nanoparticles Modified Screen‐printed Electrode for FIA or HPLC Amperometric Detection of Metronidazole in Pharmaceutical Formulations
Authors: Sanchez Cesar A. , Rodríguez Jose A. , Paez‐Hernandez M. Elena , Santos Eva M. , Castrillejo Yolanda 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA zero‐valent iron nanoparticles modified electrode was employed as an amperometric detector in flow conditions to determine metronidazole and 2‐methyl‐5‐nitroimidazole in pharmaceutical formulations. Flow injection analysis at −0.6 V (vs. Ag) achieved limits of detection of 2 and 6 μM for metronidazole and 2‐methyl‐5‐nitroimidazole, respectively, but the analysis was not discriminative between the two compounds. When reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography was applied previous to the electrochemical detection both analytes could be analysed simultaneously. However, the limits of detection slightly increased (10 μM) as a consequence of the use of an organic solvent and a lower sample volume. The relative standard deviation of analytical repeatability was <4.0 % in both techniques. The methods were validated by comparing the results obtained from the analysis of commercial samples with those provided by HPLC‐DAD and no significant differences were detected. Results probed that the modified electrode was a successful tool in the FIA and HPLC analysis of nitro compounds.
A longitudinal study on the association between facets of mindfulness and eating disorder symptoms in individuals diagnosed with eating disorders
Authors: Sala Margarita , Vanzhula Irina A. , Levinson Cheri A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractMindfulness‐based treatments for eating disorders could be improved by understanding how facets of mindfulness predict eating disorder symptoms over time. We examined whether facets of mindfulness predict eating disorder symptoms over time and vice versa. Individuals with an eating disorder diagnosis (N = 124; 87.9% diagnosed with anorexia nervosa) and an undergraduate sample (N = 290) completed measures of mindfulness at baseline. The clinical sample also completed these measures 1 month later. Individuals in the clinical sample had lower acting with awareness and higher observing than individuals in the undergraduate sample (ps < 0.002). In the clinical sample, higher body dissatisfaction prospectively predicted lower acting with awareness (p = 0.02). Lower acting with awareness prospectively predicted higher drive for thinness (p < 0.01) and bulimic symptoms (p < 0.01). Acting with awareness shows potential as a process that can be altered to effect positive outcomes on drive for thinness and bulimic symptoms.
Evaluation of Different Irrigation Treatments with Saline Water in a Future Climate in Tunisia
Authors: Selim Tarek , Karlsson Linus , Bouksila Fethi , Ben Slimane Abir , Persson Magnus 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWater scarcity and salinization of arable land in Tunisia are forcing the largest water user, the irrigation sector, to modernize and increase its efficiency. This study evaluated the impact of deficit irrigation with saline water in a sandy loam soil cultivated with potatoes in northern Tunisia. The evaluation considered soil salinization and irrigation water productivity in a changing climate by feeding a calibrated model in HYDRUS‐2D/3D with season‐long weather scenarios from one current and two future climate periods. Future weather scenarios were produced by statistically downscaling results from a regional climate model run with two greenhouse gas emission scenarios (RCP2.6 and RCP8.5). Results showed an increase in salt accumulation over the growing season and a potential decrease in crop yield for RCP8.5. RCP2.6 did not, however, result in any significant changes in salt accumulation or crop yield. Even with saline irrigation water, the use of drip technology resulted in a general leaching of salts from the root zone. This was slightly less apparent during deficit irrigation. However, irrigation water productivity was still higher during deficit irrigation than during full irrigation. Deficit irrigation could thus be profitable but long‐term effects should be addressed before making final recommendations. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antimicrobial strategies for urinary catheters
Authors: Zhu Zhiling , Wang Ziping , Li Siheng , Yuan Xun 
Published: November 2018

AbstractOver 75% of hospital‐acquired or nosocomial urinary tract infections are initiated by urinary catheters, which are used during the treatment of 16% of hospitalized patients. Taking the United States as an example, the costs of catheter‐associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) are in excess of $451 million dollars/year. The biofilm formation by pathogenic microbes that protects pathogens from host immune defense and antimicrobial agents is the leading cause for CAUTI. Thus, tremendous efforts have been devoted to antimicrobial coating for urinary catheters in the past few decades, and it has been demonstrated to be one of the most direct and efficient strategies to reduce infections. In this article, we briefly summarize the current methods for preparation of antimicrobial coatings based on different stages in the biofilm formation, highlight recent progress in the urinary catheter coating material design and selection, discuss approaches to improving their long‐term antimicrobial efficacy, biocompatibility, multidrug resistance and recurrent infections, and finally outline future requirements and prospects in antimicrobial coating material design. The scope of the works surveyed is confined to antimicrobial urinary catheters. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 445–467, 2019.
A review on computational fluid dynamic simulation for rotating packed beds
Authors: Yang Yu‐Cheng , Ouyang Yi , Zhang Na , Yu Qing‐Jie , Arowo Moses 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA rotating packed bed (RPB) is one of the cutting‐edge process intensification technologies due to its high mass transfer and mixing efficiency. Nevertheless, owing to the complex structure and hydrodynamic characteristics of RPBs, valuable data inside the reactor is hard to obtain by conventional experimental methods. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) owing to its unique advantages of low cost, completeness of data and ability to simulate real and ideal conditions, has been adopted by many researchers to carry out fundamental research and practical application of RPBs in recent years. This paper therefore elaborates on the research progress on CFD simulation of RPBs. The building of a physical model of these reactors as well as selection of mathematical models are described, then applicability and accuracy of these models are compared and discussed. Simulation results for gas and multiphase flow in reactors are also presented. Additionally, the application of CFD to mixing and mass transfer between phases and processes in rotating packed beds is introduced. Optimum designs of reactors by the CFD method are also described. Finally, problems remaining with CFD simulation of rotating packed beds and future development directions are discussed. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of a headspace solid‐phase microextraction–surface‐enhanced Raman scattering approach to detect volatile pesticides
Authors: Wang Chunrong , Zhang Zhiyun , He Lili 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBy coupling headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) with surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), a facile and rapid method was developed for the detection of organophosphorus insecticides (phorate and isocarbophos) and organic sulfur bactericide (ferbam) in the vapour phase. Two types of SPME fibres based on stainless steel wires coated with gold (Au) nanoparticles were prepared. The fibre (Fibre II) prepared by an etching approach showed better sensitivity than did the fibre (Fibre I) prepared using a layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly method. The Raman spectra of phorate, isocarbophos, and ferbam obtained from Fibre II showed stronger and clearer characteristic peaks compared with those from Fibre I, at 634, 1,043, and 1,380 cm−1, respectively. It was found that the Raman intensity of phorate adsorbed on the Fibre II was nearly three times as high as that on Fibre I at 634 cm−1, whereas the Raman intensity of isocarbophos was around 10 times at 1,043 cm−1 and ferbam was approximately four times at 1,380 cm−1. Using Fibre II, we were able to detect vapour‐phase phorate, isocarbophos, and ferbam at concentrations as low as 0.02, 0.02, and 0.05 ppm, respectively, as well as their mixture. This approach can be simply extended to detect a wide range of volatile organic compounds and shows potential as an easier and faster alternative to gas chromatography methods for studying volatile chemicals in some cases.
Medialization laryngoplasty/arytenoid adduction: U.S. outcomes, discharge status, and utilization trends
Authors: Ekbom Dale C. , Orbelo Diana M. , Sangaralingham Lindsey R. , Mwangi Raphael , Van Houten Holly K. , Balakrishnan Karthik 
Published: November 2018

Objectives/HypothesisTo evaluate trends, outcomes, and healthcare utilization following medialization laryngoplasty (ML) with or without arytenoid adduction (AA) over 10 years.Study DesignRetrospective observational study.MethodsUsing OptumLabs Data Warehouse, trends, outcomes, and healthcare utilization from 2006 to 2015 were examined with a focus on discharge type (same day or not). Predictors of postoperative emergency department (ED) use and hospitalization were determined by multivariable logistic regression.ResultsOverall rate of ML was 1.09 per 100 thousand enrollees per year. Of these, 7.8% ML were combined with an AA. Outpatient same‐day discharge represented 62.0% (1,142 of 1,843) of total patients, steadily increasing over the 10‐year period (P < 0.01). There was a 5.9% revision ML rate and 1.0% rate of tracheotomy within 1 day of ML. A total of 5.6% visited an ED, and 5.4% were admitted to a hospital following initial discharge within 30 days. Same‐day discharge was found to be a predictor of hospitalization within 30 days after ML (odds ratio [OR] 1.74, P = 0.0452), along with Elixhauser comorbidity index of 4 + (OR 5.74, P = 0.0001). Pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension, and weight loss were top predictors of ED visit or hospitalization.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first search evaluating national claims data for ML with or without AA. Overall rate of ML is low, and same‐day discharge has become more common over a 10‐year period, with an associated higher 30‐day hospital admission risk. Correct patient selection criteria for disposition status cannot be fully determined based on current data, but a high Elixhauser comorbidity index clearly carries increased risk for hospitalization after initial discharge.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 129:952–960, 2019
High‐gain patch antenna for cubesat‐based automatic dependent surveillance‐broadcast application
Authors: Liu Wen‐Chung , Tang Tzu‐Yi 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA multilayer patch antenna with high gain when operating in the automatic dependent surveillance‐broadcast (ADS‐B) band is designed for cubesat application. The antenna comprising a slotted‐patch radiator, a defected ground, and dual reflectors has a compact size of 80 × 80 × 8.76 mm3 for suitably placing into a cubesat. By properly embedding slots into the patch elements of the antenna, directional radiation pattern with gain of 6.98 dBi at 1.090 GHz and an impedance bandwidth of 17 MHz (1.087‐1.104 GHz) can be achieved for the ADS‐B signal receiving. Validation is done by fabrication and measurement of the antenna prototype and shows good agreement between simulation and measurement.
An 80‐100 GHz VCO using auxiliary cross‐coupled pair and push‐push topology in 0.18‐μm CMOS
Authors: Huang Jui‐Chi , Wang Sen , Tsai Ting‐Yi 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis letter presents a wide‐tuning‐range CMOS VCO using auxiliary cross‐coupled pair and push‐push topology at W‐band. The auxiliary cross‐coupled pair parallel with the novel push‐push VCO not only compensates resistive losses but also achieves a wide frequency tuning range. The VCO implemented by a standard 0.18‐μm CMOS process consumes a dc power of 36.7 mW with the supply voltage of 1.8 V. The measured output power is −28 dBm from 80.2 GHz to 99.6 GHz. That is, the VCO exhibits a frequency tuning range of 21.7%. The resulting phase noise is −94.6 dBc/Hz at 10 MHz offset frequency and the figure of merit with tuning range (FOMT) is −165.6 dBc/Hz.
A coupled‐fed dual‐band impedance matching network for small long‐term evolution smartphone antennas
Authors: Wu Duo‐Long , Li Jian‐Feng , Wu Yan Jie 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA coupled‐fed dual‐band impedance matching network is presented for the small antennas in long‐term evolution (LTE) smartphones. The impedance matching network consists of two distributed capacitors and two distributed inductors, also functioning as a coupled‐fed structure to feed the planar inverted‐F antenna (PIFA). An equivalent circuit of the impedance matching network is presented to reveal the mechanism of the impedance matching enhancement of the PIFA and the generation of an additional resonant mode operating at the lower band around 720 MHz. Both simulated and measured results show that the printed PIFA with the volume of 50 × 13.5 × 1.6 mm3 achieves the total antenna efficiency larger than 70% over the two operating bands of 690‐1088 MHz and 1690‐2500 MHz for |S11| ≤ ‐10 dB.
“I actually just really need to stop work sometimes”: Exploring fatigue‐related barriers to employment among people with rheumatic diseases
Authors: Helme Caitlin , Hegarty Roisin S.M. , Stebbings Simon , Treharne Gareth J. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPurposeFatigue is a common symptom of many rheumatic diseases (RDs), but more research is needed to explore the experience of fatigue and its impact on employment among people with RDs. The aim of the present study was to investigate experiences of fatigue, its impact on employment and strategies that people with RD use to continue working.MethodSemi‐structured in‐depth interviews were conducted with five participants with a range of RDs living in New Zealand (three women, two men; aged 45–64 years). All participants were employed part time at the time of the interview. The transcripts were subjected to inductive thematic analysis, led by the first author, who had an RD.ResultsFour themes resulted from the analysis: (a) workplace management and coping strategies; (b) the function of positive workplace relationships; (c) barriers to understanding; and (d) collectively improving understanding. These themes act to explain how individuals with RDs in employment believe fatigue to have a bearing on their work, how they manage fatigue at work, how they believe coworkers and employers perceive and manage their fatigue, and what they believe could improve the understanding of fatigue in workplaces.ConclusionsIndividuals with RDs in employment describe fatigue as playing a substantial role in their experiences at work. This research expands on previous literature addressing barriers to employment in those with RDs by specifically addressing the relevance of fatigue. It is imperative to provide information to employers, and guidelines for employees with an RD who are experiencing fatigue should outline appropriate strategies for success at work.
Callers' perceptions of their contact with a rheumatology telephone helpline
Authors: Arvidsson Susann , Nylander Maria L. , Bergman Stefan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundTelephone helplines are useful for improving patients' access to healthcare services and reducing the need for frequent face‐to‐face contact with healthcare professionals. Little is known about how people who phone a helpline perceive the encounter.ObjectivesThe aims of the present study were to describe the variation in how callers perceive their encounter with a rheumatology telephone helpline.MethodsThe study had a descriptive, qualitative design and used a phenomenographic approach, comprising 27 semi‐structured telephone interviews with callers to Rheuma Direct, a rheumatology telephone helpline with specially trained nurses. The callers comprised 22 women and five men, aged 22–89 years (mean 54 years).ResultsThe callers phoned Rheuma Direct when they had problems obtaining answers to questions on the internet or from healthcare professionals. Three descriptive categories emerged: constructive dialogue, specialized competence and applicability. The callers perceived that it was a constructive dialogue when they were able to discuss their concerns with someone, received emotional support, felt reassured and were satisfied with the information provided. They perceived specialized competence when the nurses were experienced and skilful, the advice provided complemented previously received information and when they had more knowledge after the call. The callers perceived that Rheuma Direct had applicability because it was easy to access and they could make different choices before, during and after the telephone call.ConclusionsCallers to a rheumatology telephone helpline perceived it as a valuable complement to other sources of information, and felt that it could provide them with the tools to manage their disease better, as well as future contacts with healthcare professionals.
Determination of Nutrition Risk and Status in Critically Ill Patients: What Are Our Considerations?
Authors: Lee Zheng‐Yii , Heyland Daren K. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe stress catabolism state predisposes critically ill patients to a high risk of malnutrition. This, coupled with inadequate or delayed nutrition provision, will lead to further deterioration of nutrition status. Preexisting malnutrition and iatrogenic underfeeding are associated with increased risk of adverse complications. Therefore, accurate detection of patients who are malnourished and/or with high nutrition risk is important for timely and optimal nutrition intervention. Various tools have been developed for nutrition screening and assessment for hospitalized patients, but not all are studied or validated in critically ill populations. In this review article, we consider the pathophysiology of malnutrition in critical illness and the currently available literature to develop recommendations for nutrition screening and assessment. We suggest the use of the (modified) Nutrition Risk in the Critically Ill (mNUTRIC) for nutrition risk screening and the subjective global assessment (SGA) together with other criteria relevant to the critically ill patients, such as gastrointestinal function, risk of aspiration, determination of sarcopenia and frailty, and risk of refeeding syndrome for nutrition assessment. Further research is needed to identify suitable nutrition monitoring indicators to determine the response to the provision of nutrition.
Tumor‐Derived Extracellular Vesicles as a Novel Source of Protein Biomarkers for Cancer Diagnosis and Monitoring
Authors: Ruhen Olivia , Meehan Katie 
Published: November 2018

Abstract“Liquid biopsies” have received attention as a complementary tool for traditional tissue biopsies that may enhance the spectrum of analysis for tumor‐derived factors. One such factor gaining prominence in the liquid biopsy field is extracellular vesicles (EVs), membrane‐bound nanovesicles which are secreted by cells into biofluids such as blood, urine, and saliva. EVs are released in both physiological and pathological conditions and can transport a variety of molecules, including proteins, metabolites, RNA, microRNAs, and DNA, to distant sites throughout the body. As such, they are emerging as a promising source of tumor biomarkers for the noninvasive diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of cancer patients. In particular, the wealth of tumor‐related information that can be gleaned from the EV proteomic cargo has become apparent through mass spectrometric analysis, which has provided new benchmarks for clinically focused biomarker research. In this review, the current achievements in the use of MS for identifying potential EV‐derived protein biomarkers of cancer are explored, and the techniques and challenges involved in this pursuit are summarized.