bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ion association with tetra-n-alkylammonium cations stabilizes higher-oxidation-state neptunium dioxocations
Authors: Estes Shanna L. , Qiao Baofu , Jin Geng Bang 
Published: December 2018

AbstractExtended-coordination sphere interactions between dissolved metals and other ions, including electrolyte cations, are not known to perturb the electrochemical behavior of metal cations in water. Herein, we report the stabilization of higher-oxidation-state Np dioxocations in aqueous chloride solutions by hydrophobic tetra-n-alkylammonium (TAA+) cations—an effect not exerted by fully hydrated Li+ cations under similar conditions. Experimental and molecular dynamics simulation results indicate that TAA+ cations not only drive enhanced coordination of anionic Cl– ligands to NpV/VI but also associate with the resulting Np complexes via non-covalent interactions, which together decrease the electrode potential of the NpVI/NpV couple by up to 220 mV (ΔΔG = −22.2 kJ mol−1). Understanding the solvation-dependent interplay between electrolyte cations and metal–oxo species opens an avenue for controlling the formation and redox properties of metal complexes in solution. It also provides valuable mechanistic insights into actinide separation processes that widely use quaternary ammonium cations as extractants or in room temperature ionic liquids.
Microglia and amyloid precursor protein coordinate control of transient Candida cerebritis with memory deficits
Authors: Wu Yifan , Du Shuqi , Johnson Jennifer L. , Tung Hui-Ying , Landers Cameron T. , Liu Yuwei , Seman Brittany G. , Wheeler Robert T. , Costa-Mattioli Mauro , Kheradmand Farrah , Zheng Hui , Corry David B. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBloodborne infections with Candida albicans are an increasingly recognized complication of modern medicine. Here, we present a mouse model of low-grade candidemia to determine the effect of disseminated infection on cerebral function and relevant immune determinants. We show that intravenous injection of 25,000 C. albicans cells causes a highly localized cerebritis marked by the accumulation of activated microglial and astroglial cells around yeast aggregates, forming fungal-induced glial granulomas. Amyloid precursor protein accumulates within the periphery of these granulomas, while cleaved amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides accumulate around the yeast cells. CNS-localized C. albicans further activate the transcription factor NF-κB and induce production of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and Aβ peptides enhance both phagocytic and antifungal activity from BV-2 cells. Mice infected with C. albicans display mild memory impairment that resolves with fungal clearance. Our results warrant additional studies to understand the effect of chronic cerebritis on cognitive and immune function.
Experimental demonstration of robust self-testing for bipartite entangled states
Authors: Zhang Wen-Hao , Chen Geng , Yin Peng , Peng Xing-Xiang , Hu Xiao-Min , Hou Zhi-Bo , Zhou Zhi-Yuan , Yu Shang , Ye Xiang-Jun , Zhou Zong-Quan , Xu Xiao-Ye , Tang Jian-Shun , Xu Jin-Shi , Han Yong-Jian , Liu Bi-Heng , Li Chuan-Feng , Guo Guang-Can 
Published: December 2018

AbstractQuantum entanglement is the key resource for quantum information processing. Device-independent certification of entangled states is a long standing open question, which arouses the concept of self-testing. The central aim of self-testing is to certify the state and measurements of quantum systems without any knowledge of their inner workings, even when the used devices cannot be trusted. Specifically, utilizing Bell’s theorem, one can infer the appearance of certain entangled state when the maximum violation is observed, e.g., to self-test singlet state using CHSH inequality. In this work, by constructing a versatile entanglement source, we experimentally demonstrate a generalized self-testing proposal for various bipartite entangled states up to four dimensions. We show that the high-quality generated states can approach the maximum violations of the utilized Bell inequalities, and thus, their Schmidt coefficients can be precisely inferred by self-testing them into respective target states with near-unity fidelities. Our results indicate the superior completeness and robustness of this method and promote self-testing as a practical tool for developing quantum techniques.
Primary dendrites of mitral cells synapse unto neighboring glomeruli independent of their odorant receptor identity
Authors: Nishizumi Hirofumi , Miyashita Akihiro , Inoue Nobuko , Inokuchi Kasumi , Aoki Mari , Sakano Hitoshi 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIn the mouse olfactory bulb, neural map topography is largely established by axon–axon interactions of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). However, to make the map functional, the OSNs must make proper connections to second-order neurons, the mitral cells. How do the mitral-cell dendrites find their partner glomeruli for synapse formation with OSN axons? Here, we analyze dendrite connections of mitral cells in various mutant mice in which glomerular formation is perturbed. Our present results support the proximity model, whereby mitral cells tend to connect primary dendrites to the nearest neighboring glomeruli regardless of their odorant receptor identities. The physical location of glomeruli rather than the odorant-receptor specificity appears to play a key role in matching mitral cells with their partner OSN axons.
Origin of high-energy charge excitations observed by resonant inelastic X-ray scattering in cuprate superconductors
Authors: Greco Andrés , Yamase Hiroyuki , Bejas Matías 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe recent development of x-ray scattering techniques revealed the charge-excitation spectrum in high-Tc cuprate superconductors. While the presence of a dispersive signal in the high-energy charge-excitation spectrum is well accepted in the electron-doped cuprates, its interpretation and universality are controversial. Since charge fluctuations are observed ubiquitously in cuprate superconductors, the understanding of its origin is a pivotal issue. Here, we employ the layered t − J model with the long-range Coulomb interaction and show that an acoustic-like plasmon mode with a gap at in-plane momentum (0, 0) captures the major features of the high-energy charge excitations. The high-energy charge excitations, therefore, should be a universal feature in cuprate superconductors and are expected also in the hole-doped cuprates. Acoustic-like plasmons in cuprates have not been recognized yet in experiments. We propose several experimental tests to distinguish different interpretations of the high-energy charge excitations.
Acute Myocardial Infarction during Pregnancy
Authors: Maddury Jyotsna , Garre Indrani 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBecause of increase in the incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in younger population with increasing maternal age of pregnancy, the topic of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during pregnancy has gained importance. Pathophysiologically AMI during pregnancy occurs more frequently due to coronary dissection, which is different in detection and management when compared with the atherosclerotic CAD. Dual antiplatelet drugs that are mandatory following AMI require modification before labor. In this review article, authors discuss in detail about the detection and management of AMI at different stages of pregnancy with the risk stratification and recommendations, including 2018 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines on “heart diseases during pregnancy.”
Predictors of Over-Anticoagulation in Warfarin Users in the UK General Population: A Nested Case–Control Study in a Primary Health Care Database
Authors: Martín-Pérez Mar , Gaist David , de Abajo Francisco , García Rodríguez Luis 
Published: December 2018

Background Many patients on warfarin therapy often present with supratherapeutic international normalized ratio (INR) levels, resulting from the influence of several patient-specific factors, which have been associated with adverse outcomes.
Objective This article aims to identify risk factors for over-anticoagulation (INR levels ≥4) in a cohort of patients taking warfarin.
Methods A cohort of warfarin users aged 18 to 85 years from January 2005 to April 2013 was identified in The Health Improvement Network U.K. primary care database (N = 12,506). A random date was assigned to all patients within their eligible person-time (index date), and a nested case–control analysis was performed with individuals presenting a first episode of INR level ≥4 after the index date used as cases (N = 699) and patients with non-supratherapeutic INR values (≤3) as controls (N = 9,798). Using unconditional logistic regression models, odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated adjusted for potential confounders. Two sensitivity analyses were performed with alternative definitions of over-anticoagulation (INR levels ≥5 or > 3).
Results Among the factors examined, the strongest predictors of over-anticoagulation were warfarin indication (in particular, valvular atrial fibrillation and valve replacement), renal failure (with the risk increasing steeply with decreasing estimated glomerular filtration rate), cancer, anaemia, respiratory infections treated with antibiotics, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treated with β2-agonists, polypharmacy (≥10 medications), low socio-economic status and residency in rural areas. Similar results were obtained when supratherapeutic levels were defined as INR ≥5 or, alternatively, as INR > 3.
Conclusion Predictors of supratherapeutic INR levels found in this study might help physicians identify patients where closer INR monitoring is warranted.
Racial Differences in Ischaemia/Bleeding Risk Trade-Off during Anti-Platelet Therapy: Individual Patient Level Landmark Meta-Analysis from Seven RCTs
Authors: Kang Jeehoon , Park Kyung , Palmerini Tullio , Stone Gregg , Lee Michael , Colombo Antonio , Chieffo Alaide , Feres Fausto , Abizaid Alexandre , Bhatt Deepak , Valgimigli Marco , Hong Myeong-Ki , Jang Yangsoo , Gilard Martine , Morice Marie-Claude , Park Duk-Woo , Park Seung-Jung , Jeong Young-Hoon , Park Jiesuck , Koo Bon-Kwon , Kim Hyo-Soo 
Published: December 2018

Background Prolonged dual anti-platelet therapy (DAPT) is intended to reduce ischaemic events, at the cost of an increased bleeding risk in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In this study, we evaluated whether race influences the ischaemia/bleeding risk trade-off.
Methods We searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing DAPT duration after PCI. To compare the benefit or harm between DAPT duration by race, individual patient-level landmark meta-analysis was performed after discontinuation of the shorter duration DAPT group in each RCT. The primary ischaemic endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), and the primary bleeding endpoint was major bleeding events (clinicaltrials.gov NCT03338335).
Results Seven RCTs including 16,518 patients (8,605 East Asians, 7,913 non-East Asians) were pooled. MACE occurred more frequently in non-East Asians (0.8% vs. 1.8%, p < 0.001), while major bleeding events occurred more frequently in East Asians (0.6% vs. 0.3%, p = 0.001). In Cox proportional hazards model, prolonged DAPT significantly increased the risk of major bleeding in East Asians (hazard ratio [HR], 2.843, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.474–5.152, p = 0.002), but not in non-East Asians (HR, 1.375, 95% CI, 0.523–3.616, p = 0.523). East Asians had a higher median probability risk ratio of bleeding to ischaemia (0.66 vs. 0.15), and the proportion of patients with higher probability of bleeding than ischaemia was significantly higher in East Asians (32.3% vs. 0.4%, p < 0.001).
Conclusion We suggest that the ischaemia/bleeding trade-off may be different between East Asians and non-East Asians. In East Asians, prolonged DAPT may have no effect in reducing the ischaemic risk, while significantly increases the bleeding risk.
Agonist-Evoked Increases in Intra-Platelet Zinc Couple to Functional Responses
Authors: Ahmed Niaz , Lopes Pires Maria , Taylor Kirk , Pugh Nicholas 
Published: December 2018

Background Zinc (Zn2+) is an essential trace element that regulates intracellular processes in multiple cell types. While the role of Zn2+ as a platelet agonist is known, its secondary messenger activity in platelets has not been demonstrated.
Objectives This article determines whether cytosolic Zn2+ concentrations ([Zn2+]i) change in platelets in response to agonist stimulation, in a manner consistent with a secondary messenger, and correlates the effects of [Zn2+]i changes on activation markers.
Methods Changes in [Zn2+]i were quantified in Fluozin-3 (Fz-3)-loaded washed, human platelets using fluorometry. Increases in [Zn2+]i were modelled using Zn2+-specific chelators and ionophores. The influence of [Zn2+]i on platelet function was assessed using platelet aggregometry, flow cytometry and Western blotting.
Results Increases of intra-platelet Fluozin-3 (Fz-3) fluorescence occurred in response to stimulation by cross-linked collagen-related peptide (CRP-XL) or U46619, consistent with a rise of [Zn2+]i. Fluoresence increases were blocked by Zn2+ chelators and modulators of the platelet redox state, and were distinct from agonist-evoked [Ca2+]i signals. Stimulation of platelets with the Zn2+ ionophores clioquinol (Cq) or pyrithione (Py) caused sustained increases of [Zn2+]i, resulting in myosin light chain phosphorylation, and cytoskeletal re-arrangements which were sensitive to cytochalasin-D treatment. Cq stimulation resulted in integrin αIIbβ3 activation and release of dense, but not α, granules. Furthermore, Zn2+-ionophores induced externalization of phosphatidylserine.
Conclusion These data suggest that agonist-evoked fluctuations in intra-platelet Zn2+ couple to functional responses, in a manner that is consistent with a role as a secondary messenger. Increased intra-platelet Zn2+ regulates signalling processes, including shape change, αIIbβ3 up-regulation and dense granule release, in a redox-sensitive manner.
Developmental Status of Children Operated for Esophageal Atresia with or without Tracheoesophageal Fistula Along with Maternal Stress, Their Quality of life, and Coping Abilities at AIIMS, New Delhi
Authors: Kumari Vanita , Dhua Anjan , Sapra Savita , Srinivas Maddur , Agarwala Sandeep , Bhatnagar Veereshwar , Joshi Poonam 
Published: December 2018

Introduction Esophageal atresia with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (EA with or without TEF) is one of the neonatal surgical emergencies requiring surgical intervention in the early neonatal period, influencing the developmental outcome in the operated children. This study was aimed to assess the developmental status of children operated for EA with or without TEF along with maternal stress, their quality of life (QOL), and coping abilities.
Materials and Methods A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted on 51 children aged up to 5 years after EA with or without TEF repair and their mothers' in a tertiary care facility. The tools used were, namely, demographic datasheet of child and mother, anthropometry assessment, Developmental Assessment Scale for Indian Infants, and modified Vineland Social Maturity Scale for the developmental evaluation, Child Behavior Checklist (1.5–5 years) caregiver report form, Parental Stress Scale, WHOQOL BREF, and Coping Strategies Checklist.
Results The majority of children had low weight (47.1%) and height (31.4%), for reference age. The overall and social developmental delay was observed in 40.7 and 37.5% of children, respectively, and few children (7.4%) had behavioral problems in the borderline range. Among the mothers, 47% had moderate stress and relatively poor QOL in environmental (60.1 ± 18.9) and psychological (60.8 ± 18.8) domains. The most commonly used coping strategy by the mothers was an emotional outlet (29.4%).
Conclusion Developmental delay was present in children operated for EA with or without TEF caused significant stress among mothers, affecting their QOL for which the emotional outlet was the most commonly used coping strategy.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Pregnancy
Authors: Chhabra Shibba , Kaur Gurleen , Nagi Gagandeep , Tandon Rohit , Goyal Abhishek , Singh Bhupinder , Aslam Naved , Mohan Bishav , Wander Gurpreet 
Published: December 2018

AbstractPulmonary hypertension in pregnancy has always scared the treating physician and gynecologist due to reported high mortality since ages. The upcoming therapies targeting pulmonary hypertension (calcium channel blockers, nitric oxide, endothelin receptor antagonist, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors) and improvement in hemodynamic monitoring and intensive management in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) specialist centers give a ray of hope to these patients. Termination of pregnancy continues to be a management modality in pregnant patients with PAH. Multidisciplinary approach targeting PAH- and pregnancy-specific therapy in this subset can prove rewarding. Larger multicentric studies in the present era of new pharmacologic agents targeting PAH are required.
Prosthetic Heart Valves and Pregnancy: Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Pradhan Akshyaya , Gupta Vikas , Vishwakarma Pravesh 
Published: December 2018

AbstractWith improved outcomes of valvular heart diseases and prosthetic valves, many women now survive into child-bearing age and pregnancy. However, the presence of prosthetic valves in pregnancy has an adverse impact on both maternal and fetal outcomes. The bioprosthetic or tissue valves are less thrombogenic. They do not need any anticoagulation and lead to normal pregnancy with normal baseline valve function. However, they have high rate of structural degeneration, especially in the young with an attendant need of reoperation leading to morbidity. Mechanical valves have excellent hemodynamics during pregnancy but are inherently thrombogenic leading to thromboembolic complications, necessitating uninterrupted anticoagulation. Anticoagulation itself leads to a host of maternal and fetal bleeding complication as well as adverse fetal anomalies. The use of low-dose warfarin throughout pregnancy has the best maternal safety profile. Added to this regimen, targeted replacement with parenteral heparin during the first (6–12 weeks) and late third trimesters (beyond 36 weeks) leads to virtual elimination of embryopathy as well as appreciable reductions of maternal mortality. Proper preconception counseling and antenatal care coupled with planned labor or delivery is essential to ensure best outcomes. These patients are best managed in a tertiary care center with proper expertise in managing adverse cardiovascular, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes.
Validation of instruments for the assessment of dysphagia due to malignancy of the esophagus
Authors: Persson J , Engström C , Bergquist H , Johnsson E , Smedh Ulrika 
Published: December 2018

SUMMARY
The aim of the study was to validate the Watson scale, the Ogilvie scale, and the Goldschmid scale for assessment of dysphagia due to malignancy of the esophagus. After translation of the scales to Swedish, 35 patients with dysphagia due to esophageal malignancy were asked to participate. On day 1, patients were asked to fill in the questionnaires. The patients also kept a food diary for 4 consecutive days, for assessment of actual swallowing ability. On day 10, the patients were asked to fill in the scales again, to control for individual variability. As an external control group, 29 healthy volunteers were asked to fill in the questionnaires once. External validation was done against actual swallowing ability, and against the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer scales QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OG25, which are already validated quality of life scales for malignancy. Reliability in the categorical variables (Ogilvie and Goldschmid) showed weighted kappa values of 0.52 and 0.54, respectively. For the Watson scale and the Dysphagia module of QLQ-OG25, the intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.68 and 0.80, respectively. Correlations between all scales were good to excellent with values of correlation coefficients (rs) between 0.69 and 0.88, with the strongest correlations between the Ogilvie score and the dysphagia module in QLQ-OG25. These latter two scales had the strongest correlation to the food diary (rs = 0.72). Although the Ogilvie scale was superior, all the three scales showed good reliability and are thus judged to have good validity for assessment of dysphagia due to esophageal malignancy.
Timing of Nitrogen Resorption-Related Processes during Fall Senescence in Southern Oak Species
Authors: Sample Richard , Babst Benjamin A 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Oak (Quercus) species are prominent in southern US forests. The ability to recycle nitrogen (N) during dormancy is an important adaptation to conserve a limited resource, but N resorption in southern oaks is not well understood. Leaf protein and chlorophyll are both degraded during senescence to release N that can be stored in stems and roots. We hypothesized that leaf N would decrease soon after degradation of leaf protein and/or chlorophyll. Chlorophyll, protein, and N content were measured in leaves of Q. texana, Q. phellos, and Q. nigra during fall 2016 and 2017, in Arkansas. Degradation of protein, which holds the majority of leaf N, started early, in September, whereas chlorophyll degradation and N export from leaves occurred in late November. The delay between protein degradation and N export indicates that N resorption is drawn out over months in southern oaks, because of an unknown mechanism. Protracted leaf senescence could be due to a physiological or biochemical constraint, or it could be an adaptive trait where fall is typically warm and water-limited, but occasionally wet. Our results lay a foundation for future studies to examine how environmental stress may affect nutrient resorption during leaf senescence in southern oak species.
On the Surgical Implications of Peritrigeminal Perforating Vessels in Microvascular Decompression
Authors: di Russo Paolo , Xu Tao , Cohen Michael A , Perrini Paolo , Stieg Philip E , Evins Alexander I , Bernardo Antonio 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Perforating branches arising from the superior cerebellar artery (SCA) or anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) that pierces the brainstem within 5 mm of the trigeminal root may limit offending vessel transposition during microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia.

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the microsurgical anatomy of peritrigeminal perforators and evaluate their effect on the mobility of the SCA and AICA. Additionally, we propose strategies for mitigating the potential complications caused by the presence of short peritrigeminal perforators.

METHODS
Retrosigmoid approaches and exposure of the upper cerebellopontine angle were performed on 11 cadaveric heads (22 sides). The number, origin, and course of perforators were recorded and each was classified as either type I, short straight (<3 mm); type II, long straight perforators (>3 mm); or type III, long circumflex (>3 mm). Transposition of each SCA and AICA away from trigeminal nerve was performed, and degree of mobilization was evaluated and graded.

RESULTS
A total of 123 perforators were identified, of which 44 were considered peritrigeminal. Of these, 19 arose from the AICA, 18 from the SCA, and 7 from the basilar artery. Type I peritrigeminal perforators were the most common at 77.3%. Transposition or interposition of the parent vessel was not possible in 8 (47.1%) instances.

CONCLUSION
Identification of inhibiting perforators is essential before performing microvascular decompression to avoid ischemic injury to the brainstem. The presence of type I perforators may necessitate extensive arachnoid dissection and use of an interpositioning technique with minimal repositioning of the offending vessel.