bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Static endoscopic swallow evaluation in children
Authors: Meister Kara D. , Okland Tyler , Johnson April , Galera Rhona , Ayoub Noel , Sidell Douglas R. 
Published: August 2019

ObjectivesStatic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (SEES) has been demonstrated to have a strong correlation with the Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS) in adults. In children, Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluations of Swallow (FEES) are frequently performed to avoid repeated VFSS; however, a subset of the population does not tolerate FEES. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of a modified SEES in children.MethodsCharts of 50 consecutive patients who underwent FEES evaluations were reviewed. Patients age 3 months to 12 years undergoing SEES, FEES, and VFSS were extracted. We compared a binary assessment of outcome on SEES versus VFSS as the diagnostic standard to report characteristics, including sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predicted value.ResultsA total of 36 patients met all inclusion criteria (mean age 2.8 years). Using the VFSS as the diagnostic standard, residue seen on SEES had a sensitivity of 80.0%, specificity of 85.7%, a positive predictive value of 88.9%, and a negative predictive value of 75.0% for predicting deep penetration or aspiration.ConclusionSEES may be helpful for developing an initial diagnostic impression and may serve as a platform for patient and caregiver counseling. In children who are unable to cooperate with FEES, SEES may provide clinical insight in predicting an abnormal swallow study; however, a normal SEES was less reliable in predicting a safe swallow on subsequent VFSS in this patient population.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 130:1590–1594, 2020
Effects of intragenomic polymorphism in the SSU rRNA gene on estimating marine microeukaryotic diversity: A test for ciliates using single‐cell high‐throughput DNA sequencing
Authors: Zhao Feng , Filker Sabine , Xu Kuidong , Li Ju , Zhou Tong , Huang Pingping 
Published: August 2019

AbstractDiversity assessments using the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene allow for rapid assessments of microeukaryotic communities. Yet, for microeukaryotes, only limited information is available on the extent to which sequence variations within individual genomes exist at this locus. We investigated 14 marine species belonging to four major ciliate groups by single‐cell high‐throughput DNA sequencing to estimate the extent of intragenomic polymorphism in the V4 region of the SSU rRNA gene. Based on these results, we evaluated the potential effect of polymorphism on metabarcoding studies. The intragenomic variability was generally below 3% among about 1000 unique sequences obtained from each studied cell, except of Protocruzia sp., whose intragenomic variability was as high as 15.6% among about 2000 unique sequences. Intragenomic variations significantly correlated with the number of macronuclei, but not with the biovolume of cell or macronuclei, indicating the occurrence of nonuniform evolution within the macronuclei. The removal of rare unique sequences greatly decreased the number of variations. For diversity studies, we therefore propose to conservatively discard rare amplicons. Considering the intragenomic variation within the V4 region, a sequence similarity cutoff of 3% to delimit marine ciliate operational taxonomic units could be substantiated, as at least this threshold could exclude most effect of intragenomic polymorphisms, although it may be too strict for some particular groups.
Spectral Difference Interferometry for the Characterization of Optical Media
Authors: Bottrill Kyle R. H. , Ettabib Mohamed A. , Demirtzioglou Iosif , Marchetti Riccardo , Lacava Cosimo , Parmigiani Francesca , Richardson David J. , Petropoulos Periklis 
Published: August 2019

AbstractA new form of interferometry combining high phase sensitivity and excellent mechanical isolation is proposed and demonstrated. These features arise from maintaining a probe and reference tone in the same medium under test at all times, their ultimate homodyne detection, as well as a novel method employing an optical programmable filter which is used to extract their relative phase difference. A compilation of studies performed to illustrate the applicability of the scheme to a range of measurements of optical propagation characteristics is presented. Measurements include the chromatic dispersion of SMF‐28 of lengths ranging from 1 m to 1 km, the nonlinear coefficient of highly nonlinear fiber and the phase transfer profile of an integrated optical ring resonator.
In Situ Viscosity‐Controlled Electrospinning with a Low Threshold Voltage
Authors: He Haijun , Kara Yahya , Molnár Kolos 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn the present study, a novel electrospinning method is proposed,where jet formation is aided by shearing the solution in situ. With a generalpolymer solution, viscosity decreases by shearing, that is, the solution isshear‐thinning. Poly(ethylene‐oxide) is used as a model polymer andthe effects of rotation speed, solution concentration, and gap size (the widthof the annular orifice) on the process and the morphology of the obtainedfibers are investigated. It is found that the threshold voltage for generatingmultiple jets decreased from 35 to 12 kV when rotation speed is higher than60 rpm (or shear rate more than 310 s−1). Additionally, the results show thatfiber diameter increases as the concentration of the solution increases. Thechi‐square two‐sample test is used to compare the distribution of fibersproduced by the capillary method and the novel electrospinning process. Inthe authors' method, the viscosity of the solution can be changed by applyingmechanical forces on it during the electrospinning process, which results inthe initiation of the electrospinning jet at a low threshold voltage. It is alsofound that gap size has a similar effect on fiber diameter as needle diameter in classical electrospinning.
The Influence of Pre‐Electrospinning Plasma Treatment on Physicochemical Characteristics of PLA Nanofibers
Authors: Rezaei Fatemeh , Planckaert Tom , Vercruysse Chris , Verjans Jente , Van Der Voort Pascal , Declercq Heidi , Hoogenboom Richard , Morent Rino , De Geyter Nathalie 
Published: August 2019

AbstractMorphology, crystallinity, thermal, and mechanical properties of nanofibrous mats are known to highly affect the behavior of these materials in desired applications. In this study, multiple characteristics of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanofibrous mats prepared from plasma‐treated pre‐electrospinning solutions are studied as a function of various plasma operational parameters. X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and tensile tests are performed. In addition, the pristine and plasma‐treated PLA solutions are examined with size exclusion chromatography to study the effect of the conducted pre‐electrospinning plasma treatments (PEPT) on the molecular weight of PLA. Aging analysis of the pristine and plasma‐treated solutions is also performed by evaluating the viscosity, conductivity, surface tension, and pH during an aging period of 10 days. To investigate if the results are only affected by the plasma treatment or also affected by the electrospinning, pristine and plasma‐treated PLA cast layers are also analyzed. The results reveal that PEPT preserved the surface chemical composition of the nanofibers and the molecular weight distribution of PLA, while morphology and mechanical properties of the nanofibers are considerably enhanced. Moreover, plasma‐treated polymer solutions resulted in the formation of nicely elongated nanofibers up to 4 days after plasma treatment.
Three‐reaction high‐resolution melting assay for rapid differentiation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex members
Authors: Landolt Patricia , Stephan Roger , Stevens Marc J. A. , Scherrer Simone 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe possibility of introducing a reliable assay for a quick identification and differentiation of the main species of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) supports the improvement of efficient tuberculosis combating strategies worldwide. Commercially available assays are often based on cultured samples; however, due to the long cultivation time of mycobacteria, results are delayed. Developed PCR approaches have been published previously, though, when testing intricate veterinary samples, the complex composition of multiplex qPCRs frequently leads to assay failure. In order to overcome those limits, a paradigm of a three‐reaction high‐resolution melting (HRM) assay for the simultaneous identification and differentiation of the main members of MTBC was established. The assay is based on single nucleotide polymorphisms within gyrB and gyrA, which have been used as target for the establishment of two highly specific HRM assays (HRM assays 1 and 2) discriminating M. tuberculosis/ Mycobacterium canetti, Mycobacterium bovis/M. bovis BCG, Mycobacterium caprae/rare M. caprae/M. bovis ecotypes, Mycobacterium africanum/Mycobacterium orygis/ Mycobacterium pinnipedii/Clade A1, Mycobacterium microti, and a rare subtype of M. canettii followed by a third HRM assay (HRM assay 3) allowing a further differentiation of M. bovis, M. bovis BCG, and a rare subtype of M. caprae/M. bovis, which is considered to be a novel ecotype. High‐resolution melting assay 1 is described in a previously published report. High‐resolution melting assay 2 showed 100% correlation of all 39 examined isolates with the results of a commercial identification kit. 96% of the clinical samples tested demonstrated concordant results. High‐resolution melting assay 3 showed an accordance of 100% with the results of the commercially available identification kit of all 22 samples analyzed. The proposed strategy of the three‐reaction HRM assay can be used for an accurate differentiation of up to seven groups of MTBC and potentially to identify a rare subtype of M. canettii either on isolates or on clinical samples.
YY1 cooperates with TFEB to regulate autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis in melanoma
Authors: Du Jing , Ren Wenyan , Yao Fengping , Wang Hong , Zhang Kexin , Luo Meiying , Shang Yuxue , O'Connell Douglas , Bei Zhuchun , Wang Hongquan , Xiong Ran , Yang Yongfei 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAutophagy is a self‐proteolytic process that degrades intracellular material to maintain cellular homeostasis. Transcription factor EB (TFEB) is the master activator that regulates the transcription of genes involved in autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis. However, the cotranscriptional factors of TFEB are rarely identified. Here, we found that Yin Yang 1 (YY1) regulated autophagy and lysosome biogenesis in melanoma cells. YY1 cooperates with TFEB to regulate autophagy through controlling the transcription of autophagy and lysosome biogenesis related genes. Moreover, suppression of YY1 enhanced the antitumor efficiency of vemurafenib both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, these studies identify YY1 as a novel cotranscription factor of TFEB in regulating autophagy and lysosomal functions and suggest YY1 could be a therapeutic target in cancer treatment.
Seeding of protein aggregation causes cognitive impairment in rat model of cortical synucleinopathy
Authors: Espa Elena , Clemensson Erik K.H. , Luk Kelvin C. , Heuer Andreas , Björklund Tomas , Cenci M. Angela 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundCortical α‐synuclein pathology plays a role in the development of cognitive dysfunction in both Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, although the causative cellular lesions have remained unclear. We aimed to address causal links between α‐synuclein‐driven pathology in the cerebral cortex and the development of cognitive impairments using new experimental models.MethodsNeuronal overexpression of human α‐synuclein was induced in the rat medial prefrontal cortex using viral vectors. This was combined with inoculations of preformed fibrils of human α‐synuclein in some animals. Rats were evaluated with tests probing prefrontal cognitive functions (delayed matching/nonmatching to position and 5‐choice serial reaction time task). Patterns of neuropathology were characterized immunohistochemically.ResultsNeither α‐synuclein overexpression nor the fibril seeds alone yielded any behavioral phenotype. In contrast, combining the 2 approaches produced significant impairments in working memory, attention, and inhibitory control. All animals injected with α‐synuclein vectors exhibited high immunoreactivity for human α‐synuclein in the medial prefrontal cortex and its primary projection targets. However, only when this overexpression was combined with fibril inoculations did animals exhibit large, proteinase K‐resistant and Ser129‐phosphorylated α‐synuclein intraneuronal inclusions in the medial prefrontal cortex and its closely interconnected brain regions. The inclusions were associated with distorted dendritic morphologies and partial neuronal loss in the targeted cortical areas.ConclusionsCortical overexpression of human α‐synuclein is not sufficient to produce cognitive dysfunction, whereas combining this overexpression with fibril seeds yields both cognitive and histopathological phenotypes that are relevant to human Lewy body disease. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Twenty years on: Myoclonus‐dystonia and ε‐sarcoglycan — neurodevelopment, channel, and signaling dysfunction
Authors: Menozzi Elisa , Balint Bettina , Latorre Anna , Valente Enza Maria , Rothwell John C. , Bhatia Kailash P. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractMyoclonus‐dystonia is a clinical syndrome characterized by a typical childhood onset of myoclonic jerks and dystonia involving the neck, trunk, and upper limbs. Psychiatric symptomatology, namely, alcohol dependence and phobic and obsessive‐compulsive disorder, is also part of the clinical picture. Zonisamide has demonstrated effectiveness at reducing both myoclonus and dystonia, and deep brain stimulation seems to be an effective and long‐lasting therapeutic option for medication‐refractory cases. In a subset of patients, myoclonus‐dystonia is associated with pathogenic variants in the epsilon‐sarcoglycan gene, located on chromosome 7q21, and up to now, more than 100 different pathogenic variants of the epsilon‐sarcoglycan gene have been described. In a few families with a clinical phenotype resembling myoclonus‐dystonia associated with distinct clinical features, variants have been identified in genes involved in novel pathways such as calcium channel regulation and neurodevelopment. Because of phenotypic similarities with epsilon‐sarcoglycan gene–related myoclonus‐dystonia, these conditions can be collectively classified as “myoclonus‐dystonia syndromes.” In the present article, we present myoclonus‐dystonia caused by epsilon‐sarcoglycan gene mutations, with a focus on genetics and underlying disease mechanisms. Second, we review those conditions falling within the spectrum of myoclonus‐dystonia syndromes, highlighting their genetic background and involved pathways. Finally, we critically discuss the normal and pathological function of the epsilon‐sarcoglycan gene and its product, suggesting a role in the stabilization of the dopaminergic membrane via regulation of calcium homeostasis and in the neurodevelopmental process involving the cerebello‐thalamo‐pallido‐cortical network. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Targeting B7‐1 in immunotherapy
Authors: Chen Rui , Ganesan Aravindhan , Okoye Isobel , Arutyunova Elena , Elahi Shokrollah , Lemieux M. Joanne , Barakat Khaled 
Published: August 2019

AbstractModulation of T‐cell immune functions by blocking key immune checkpoint protein interactions using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has been an innovative immunotherapeutic strategy. T‐cells are regulated by different checkpoint proteins at the immunological synapse including the B7 ligands (B7‐1 or CD80 and B7‐2 or CD86), which is discussed in this review. These ligands are typically expressed on antigen presenting cells and interact with CD28 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) receptors on T‐cells. Their interactions with CD28 trigger a costimulatory signal that potentiates T‐cell activation, function and survival in response to cognate antigen. In addition, their interactions with CTLA‐4 can also inhibit certain effector T‐cell responses, particularly in response to sustained antigen stimulation. Through these mechanisms, the balance between T‐cell activation and suppression is maintained, preventing the occurrence of immunopathology. Given their crucial roles in immune regulation, targeting B7 ligands has been an attractive strategy in cancer and autoimmunity. This review presents an overview of the essential roles of B7‐1, highlighting the therapeutic benefits of modulating this protein in immunotherapy, and reviewing earlier and state‐of‐the‐art efforts in developing anti‐B7‐1 inhibitors. Finally, we discuss the challenges facing the design of selective B7‐1 inhibitors and present our perspectives for future developments.
Compact quasi‐elliptic bandpass filter with high selectivity using short‐circuited coupled line
Authors: Li Daotong , Wang Ju‐An , Liu Ying , Chen Zhen , Yang Lisheng 
Published: August 2019

AbstractA design strategy of a bandpass filter (BPF) with sharp roll‐off and improved stopband performances is presented in this paper. The proposed filter prototype consists of a couple of parallel‐coupled stepped‐impedance resonators (SIRs) and two short‐circuited coupled lines (SCCLs). The theoretical analysis and numerical simulations on the parallel‐coupled SIRs and coupling structure are carried out. Furthermore, a Butterworth BPF is studied and designed first. By loading the SCCL at the I/O ports of the Chebyshev BPF, four transmission zeros can be introduced beside the passband, which improves the selectivity and stopband performances significantly. For demonstration, a BPF prototype with the center frequency of 2.02 GHz and 3‐dB fractional bandwidth of 5.2% is designed, fabricated, and measured. Moreover, the measured insertion loss is less than 1.5 dB and the rejection levels are larger than 40 dB in both lower and upper stopbands. Thus, the measurement results verify the feasibility of the design.
Influence of the pH Value on the Hydrothermal Degradation of Fructose
Authors: Körner Paul , Jung Dennis , Kruse Andrea 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe hydrothermal treatment of sugars features a promising technology for the production of fine and platform chemicals from renewable resources. In this work the hydrothermal decomposition of fructose was studied in a buffered medium at a pH range between 2.2 and 8.0. It is demonstrated that at lower pH values mainly 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), levulinic acid and humin are generated, while lactic acid and acetic acid are produced at higher pH values. The work shows that the use of moderate acidic conditions may have advantages for the hydrothermal HMF production over the use of strongly acidic conditions, as especially the degradation into levulinic acid is suppressed. Besides, this study deals with a rather complex reaction network, hence limitations and need for adaption of the kinetic model are discussed.
Clinical investigation of α1‐antitrypsin and lactoferrin in gingival sulcus fluid from elderly patients—A preliminary report
Authors: Uchiyama Kimio , Kotani Kazuhiko , Kato Toru , Asoda Seiji 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo compare levels of α1‐antitrypsin (AT) and lactoferrin (LF) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and on the tongue and determine whether MATATACORO® (MA‐T), a stabilized chlorine dioxide solution, affects GCF AT and LF levels.MethodologyThe α1‐antitrypsin and lactoferrin levels in GCF and on the tongue were measured for 18 elderly patients (mean age: 83 years) and correlations were analyzed. AT and LF levels in GCF were assessed before and 1 hr after treatment with MA‐T.ResultsThe α1‐antitrypsin and lactoferrin levels were lower on the tongue than in GCF (median 0.6, 0.4 μg/mL vs median 2.4, 3.6 μg/mL). The respective AT and LF levels in GCF and on the tongue were positively correlated (AT:r = .43, LF:r = .69). GCF AT and LF levels were reduced following MA‐T treatment (AT: median 3.6 and 1.9 μg/mL and LF: 2.3 and 0.4 μg/mL pre‐ and post‐treatment, respectively; bothP < .01).ConclusionThe α1‐antitrypsin and lactoferrin levels in GCF were higher than those on the tongue, but AT and LF were detectable for both sampling types. The reduction in GCF AT and LF levels after MA‐T treatment suggests that MA‐T could be used to control periodontal inflammation.
The Preparation and Rheological Properties of Novel Energetic Composites TEGDN/NBC
Authors: Huang Xiaorui , Luo Qingping , Zhu Juan , Li Zhaoqian , Li Chunzhi , Pei Chonghua 
Published: August 2019

AbstractNitrated bacterial cellulose (NBC) has been used to displace nitrocellulose (NC) because of its superior physicochemical properties, such as mechanical strength and purity, compared with NC. To meet the high energy and high strength requirements of propellants, TEGDN/NBC composites were prepared following the designs of triethylene glycol dinitrate (TEGDN) propellant. The basic properties such as structure, morphology and thermal properties were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (NMR), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and simultaneous thermal analysis (TG‐DSC). The rheological properties were measured and the effects of the solvents, solution concentrations and TEGDN Contents on rheological properties of TEGDN/NBC solutions were studied in detail. The results showed TEGDN/NBC composites had good flowability and low viscosity in DMF solvent. As solution concentrations increased, the viscosities of the TEGDN/NBC solutions greatly increased. As the TEGDN content increased, the viscosities, storage modulus and loss modulus firstly increased and then decreased, reached their maximum values when the TEGDN content was 15 wt %. The addition of TEGDN into NBC improved the thermal stability of NBC and the elasticity of the NBC solutions and was beneficial for its processing.
Environment‐Friendly Formation of High Energetic Nano‐Al/Fe2O3 Bilayer by Aqueous Electrophoretic Deposition
Authors: Zhang Daixiong , Pei Rui , Peng Xiofei , Xiang Qing , Wang Xia 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn this study, nano‐Al/Fe2O3 bilayer was successfully formed via aqueous electrophoretic deposition (EPD) route for the first time. For this formation, the first layer of nano‐Fe2O3 was prepared by EPD using the bi‐additive of 0.015 mM HCl+10 mg L−1 PEI, and then the second layer of nano‐Al was immediately prepared by EPD using 5 mg L−1 PEI as additive. The electrophoretic nano‐Al/Fe2O3 bilayer had high heat release of ∼2800 J g−1 and exhibited good combustion performance. In comparison with the previous work realized by using organic‐solvent‐EPD, we believe this study can pave a new way for preparing the bilayers of nanothermites or metallic reactive materials by more cost‐effective and environment‐friendly aqueous EPD route.
4‐Amino‐1‐Butyl‐1,2,4‐Triazolium Nitrate – Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Schaller Uwe , Keicher Thomas , Weiser Volker , Hürttlen Jürgen 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAn improved synthesis of the energetic ionic liquid 4‐amino‐1‐butyl‐1,2,4‐triazolium nitrate (C4 N) is presented via a one‐step metal‐free route using butyl nitrate. C4 N offers promising properties like very low vapour pressure combined with good insensitivity. In addition, long‐term and thermal stability were investigated. The potential use as an energetic additive to improve the rheological properties of GAP‐based energetic polymers was studied resulting in an almost four times lower viscosity at 15 wt.‐% C4 N content. As an additive to a nitromethane‐based monopropellant C4 N works as burning rate modifier which additionally reduces the propellant sensitivity.