bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reducing ultrafiltration membrane fouling during recycled paper mill wastewater treatment using pretreatment technologies: a comparison between coagulation and Fenton
Authors: Xu Yanmei , Li Youming , Hou Yi 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDUltrafiltration (UF) technology is efficient in treating wastewater. However, membrane fouling during filtration process affects the performance of UF to a large extent. Pretreatment prior to UF is important for enhancing membrane performance, reducing membrane fouling and extending the membrane lifetime.RESULTSIn this study, two pretreatment technologies, including coagulation and Fenton, were applied individually before UF for treating secondary effluent (SE) from recycled paper mill. Results exhibited that direct membrane filtration got the highest flux loss and worst membrane fouling compared with performances of those conducting pretreatments. Compared to coagulation + UF, Fenton + UF had superior performance in reducing dissolved organics with a COD rejection of 91.81%, and mitigating membrane fouling with a stable flux of 133 J m−2 h−1. GPC results further showed that Fenton pretreatment degraded macromolecules into smaller organic compounds. In addition, the classical blocking filtration laws were employed to scrutinize the fouling alleviation mechanism of pretreatments.CONCLUSIONPretreatments prolonged the transition from pore blocking to cake filtration, thereby reducing fouling. Among them, Fenton was a promising pretreatment method prior to UF for treating recycled paper SE. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
The Use of Ultrasound Simulators to Strengthen Scanning Skills in Medical Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Le Cathie‐Kim , Lewis John , Steinmetz Peter , Dyachenko Alina , Oleskevich Sharon 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesThis study evaluates the use of ultrasound simulators for retaining and improving ultrasound skills acquired in undergraduate ultrasound training.MethodsFourth‐year medical students (n = 19) with prior training in point‐of‐care sonography for shock assessment were recruited for this study. Students were randomly assigned to a study group (n = 10) that followed an undergraduate ultrasound training curriculum, then used a simulator to complete 2 self‐directed practice ultrasound sessions over 4 weeks. The control group (n = 9) followed the same undergraduate ultrasound training curriculum and received no additional access to a simulator or ultrasound training. A blinded assessment of the students was performed before and after the 4‐week study period to evaluate their image acquisition skills on standardized patients (practical examination). To evaluate the student's clinical understanding of pathological ultrasound images, students watched short videos of prerecorded ultrasound scans and were asked to complete a 22‐point questionnaire to identify their findings (visual examination).ResultsAll results were adjusted to pretest performance. The students in the study group performed better than those in the control group on the visual examination (80.1% versus 58.9%; P = .003) and on the practical examination (77.7% versus 57.0%; P = .105) after the 4‐week study period. The score difference on the postintervention practical examinations was significantly better for the study group compared to the control group (11.6% versus –9.9%; P = .0007).ConclusionThe use of ultrasound simulators may be a useful tool to help previously trained medical students retain and improve point‐of‐care ultrasound skills and knowledge.
Diagnostic Value of Arrival Time Parametric Imaging Using Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasonography in Superficial Enlarged Lymph Nodes
Authors: Yin Shan‐shan , Cui Qiu‐li , Fan Zhi‐Hui , Yang Wei , Yan Kun 
Published: September 2018

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the value of arrival‐time parametric imaging for differential diagnosis of superficial enlarged lymph nodes.MethodsPatients with lymphadenopathy who received contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and biopsy were included in this study. Following CEUS, a prototype software of the arrival‐time parametric imaging system was used to analyze the video footage. Arrival‐time patterns during the arterial phase were evaluated. The quantitative parameters including arrival time of periphery, arrival time of center, and the travel time (△T) were calculated.ResultsA total of 145 lymph nodes were analyzed. Arrival‐time parametric imaging showed that 80.3% of metastatic lymph nodes and 68.4% of lymphoid tuberculosis presented a centripetal perfusion pattern, 76.5% of lymphoma showed complete homogeneous enhancement, and 81.2% of reactive lymph nodes had centrifugal patterns. The arrival time of periphery (sec) of metastatic lymph nodes was substantially earlier than that of lymphoma (11.0 ± 3.1 versus 12.6 ± 3.6; P < .05). The arrival time of center (sec) of metastatic lymph nodes was obviously later than that of lymphoma and reactive lymph nodes (13.4 ± 3.3 versus 10.5 ± 2.9 and 10.6 ± 1.5; P < .05). The travel time (△T) (sec) in metastatic lymph nodes was substantially longer than in reactive lymph nodes and lymphoma (4.2 ± 2.1 versus 2.3 ± 1.6 and 2.9 ± 2.5; P < .05). At a △T cutoff value of 2.75 seconds (using the receiver operating characteristic curve), the sensitivity and specificity in differentiating metastatic lymph nodes from benign lymph nodes (lymphoid tuberculosis and reactive lymph nodes) were 78.9% and 64.7%, respectively.ConclusionsEnhanced patterns and parameters of arrival‐time parametric imaging during CEUS could provide more information for the differential diagnosis of enlarged superficial lymph nodes.
Accessible Personal Ultrasound Training Simulator
Authors: Gunabushanam Gowthaman , Nautsch Felix , Mills Ian , Scoutt Leslie M. 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesUltrasound simulators are increasingly used for teaching and training purposes, but development has been limited by the need for dedicated and often expensive hardware. The objective of this study was to develop and deploy an accessible and very low‐cost personal ultrasound training simulator and obtain trainee feedback.MethodsAn ultrasound simulator software program that uses a smartphone as a “mock‐probe” and a laptop computer as a “mock ultrasound machine” was created. Spatial positional data is acquired from the smartphone's inbuilt accelerometer and gyroscope and transmitted to the laptop computer for processing and display of simulated ultrasound images in real time by the software program. After obtaining institutional review board approval and informed consent, all first‐year radiology residents at our institution were provided access to the simulator program during the “bootcamp” introductory conference series, and a written survey was conducted to obtain feedback.ResultsA personal ultrasound training simulator software program (Persimus) that reliably performs motion sensing along 2 axes and displays simulated ultrasound images was developed. Nine of 12 (75%) first‐year residents at our institution participated in the written survey. Residents’ scored values were 8.44 ± 1.33 and 8.44 ± 1.33 (mean + standard deviation) for perceived utility and overall impression and satisfaction, respectively, of the simulator on the Likert scale (1–10, with 10 being the highest score).ConclusionPersonal ultrasound simulators are technically feasible. These are well received by first‐year radiology residents and perceived as useful to their education.
Histone Variants as Stem Cell Biomarkers for Long‐Term Injection Medialization Laryngoplasty
Authors: Voss Stephen , San‐Marina Serban , Oldenburg Michael S. , Ekbom Dale , Madden Benjamin J. , Charlesworth Mary Cristine , Janus Jeffrey R. 
Published: September 2018

Objectives/HypothesisVocal fold (VF) paralysis by sectioning the recurrent laryngeal nerve dramatically impacts the life of thyroidectomy patients. Volume‐expanding materials can temporarily restore VF medialization. To prolong this benefit, adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) and micronized acellular dermis (MACD) were co‐injected in a rabbit model of injection medialization laryngoplasty. Biomarkers of in situ proliferation were identified by mass spectrometry proteomics and pathway analysis to guide future efforts to increase the length of benefit.MethodsADSCs were expanded and/or differentiated into chondrocytes (CHON) as collagen microspheres. After VF paralysis rabbits received MACD, MACD + undifferentiated ADSC, or MACD+CHON, ADSCs differentiated into chondrocytes. After 12 weeks, animals were sacrificed and 5‐µm paraffin‐embedded cryosections were prepared from larynges for hematoxylin and eosin visualization and nanoflow liquid chromatography electrospray‐ionization tandem‐mass spectrometry analysis of tissue collections. Validated proteins were processed by Venn subtraction and gene ontology (GO) overrepresentation analysis to identify unique pathways and biomarkers.ResultsConfirmed proteins numbered 147 (MACD), 1,243 (MACD+ADSC), and 1,033 (MACD+CHON). Totally, 333 proteins were uniquely found in the MACD+ADSC group, including mesenchymal surface markers CD9, CD44, fibronectin, and vimentin. Over 70% of proteins belonged to catalytic activity and binding GO categories, with the histone (H) family being overrepresented (P < 0.05). Histone variants H3.3, H2A.V, and H2A.Z (associated with open chromatin states) were overrepresented in the MACD+ADSC group, whereas structural histones H2A, H2B, and H4 were not.ConclusionBiomarkers, including atypical histones, are associated with in vivo proliferation of ADSCs and an expanded VF medialization volume.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 128:E402–E408, 2018
Longitudinal Pure‐Tone Threshold Changes in the Same Subjects: Analysis of Factors Affecting Hearing
Authors: Kim Hantai , Lee Jung‐Jun , Moon Yeorae , Park Hun Yi 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesTo investigate the change of hearing threshold over time and analyze factors that could affect hearing, this longitudinal study of pure‐tone threshold changes in the same subjects at a 9‐year interval was performed.Study DesignRetrospective longitudinal study in a single center (n = 1,978).MethodsA total of 1,978 subjects were included; they received pure‐tone audiometry at a 9‐year interval. The degree of the threshold changes was examined and compared between age groups. The subjects' data, such as the level of cholesterol, were analyzed to find risk factors on hearing.ResultsThe average of the threshold changes was 3.35 dB in the 20s to 30s; 4.38 dB in the 30s to 40s; 5.75 dB in the 40s to 50s; 7.21 dB in the 50s to 60s; and 10.00 dB in the 60s to 70s (all P < 0.05). If the low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) was maintained below 100 mg/dl, the difference in the weighted four‐frequency average was 5.45 dB, whereas it was 6.15 dB in the subjects whose LDL‐C was over 100 mg/dl (P = 0.032, age‐adjusted). In current smokers, the thresholds increased more than in never‐ or ex‐smokers (P = 0.026 in the weighted four‐frequency average and P = 0.011 at 8,000 Hz, age‐adjusted).ConclusionThe degree of the threshold changes exhibited an exponential increase with age. Cessation of smoking is advisable to prevent increased aggravation of hearing. Strict management of the low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol may have a positive effect on hearing.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 129:470–476, 2019
CEST MRI of 3‐O‐methyl‐D‐glucose uptake and accumulation in brain tumors
Authors: Sehgal Akansha Ashvani , Li Yuguo , Lal Bachchu , Yadav Nirbhay N. , Xu Xiang , Xu Jiadi , Laterra John , van Zijl Peter C.M. 
Published: September 2018

Purpose3‐O‐Methyl‐D‐glucose (3‐OMG) is a nonmetabolizable structural analog of glucose that offers potential to be used as a CEST‐contrast agent for tumor detection. Here, we explore it for CEST‐detection of malignant brain tumors and compare it with D‐glucose.MethodsGlioma xenografts of a U87‐MG cell line were implanted in five mice. Dynamic 3‐OMG weighted images were collected using CEST‐MRI at 11.7 T at a single offset of 1.2 ppm, showing the effect of accumulation of the contrast agent in the tumor, following an intravenous injection of 3‐OMG (3 g/kg).ResultsTumor regions showed higher enhancement as compared to contralateral brain. The CEST contrast enhancement in the tumor region ranged from 2.5‐5.0%, while it was 1.5‐3.5% in contralateral brain. Previous D‐glucose studies of the same tumor model showed an enhancement of 1.5‐3.0% and 0.5‐1.5% in tumor and contralateral brain, respectively. The signal gradually stabilized to a value that persisted for the length of the scan.Conclusions3‐OMG shows a CEST contrast enhancement that is approximately twice as much as that of D‐glucose for a similar tumor line. In view of its suggested low toxicity and transport properties across the BBB, 3‐OMG provides an option to be used as a nonmetallic contrast agent for evaluating brain tumors.
Effectiveness of Ultrasonic Imaging for Evaluating Presence and Maturity of Eggs in Fishes in Remote Field Locations
Authors: Brizendine Morgan E. , Ward David L. , Bonar Scott A. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Ultrasonic imaging is an effective, nonlethal method used to determine sex and maturity in a variety of fishes. However, many previous studies of this technique have been performed in laboratory environments. Using Common Carp Cyprinus carpio, we developed a standardized method for ultrasonically scanning cyprinids, and we accurately sexed 78% (N = 58) of those individuals. We then applied this method to endangered Humpback Chub Gila cypha and obtained 751 scans of Humpback Chub in remote field locations within the Grand Canyon, Arizona. Ultrasonic scanning took less than 1 min per fish to perform, and we identified females containing eggs based on two jpeg images and one 10-s video clip. Using ImageJ software to evaluate ultrasonic scans of ovulatory, captive Humpback Chub, we determined that female fish were potentially ovulatory when scanned eggs exhibited an ImageJ brightness value within the range of 32–44. Although we could successfully evaluate egg maturity, we were unable to estimate egg mass. Fisheries managers can use this noninvasive scanning method or a similar technique in remote field locations to collect ultrasonic scans from cyprinids to determine their reproductive status.
Synthesis and characterization of polypropylene‐graft‐poly(l‐lactide) copolymers by CuAAC click chemistry
Authors: Acik Gokhan , Altinkok Cagatay , Tasdelen Mehmet Atilla 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTThe syntheses of polypropylene‐graft‐poly(l‐lactide) copolymers (PP‐g‐PLAs) via copper (I)‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition “click” reaction (CuAAC) using azide side‐chain functionalized polypropylene (PP‐N3) and alkyne end‐functionalized poly(l‐lactide) (PLA‐Alkyne) were reported. The CuAAC was then applied to azide and different feeding ratios of alkyne functional polymers to give PP‐g‐PLAs that were characterized by FTIR, 1H‐NMR, GPC, DSC, and WCA measurements. The CuAAC click reaction was achieved by two different feeding ratio (PP‐N3:PLA‐Alkyne = 1:5 and 1:10) and thermal, biodegradable, and surface properties of obtained graft copolymers were investigated. The molar ratio of PLA were calculated as 72.7 (PP‐g‐PLA‐1) and 78.4% (PP‐g‐PLA‐2) by 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. The water contact angle (WCA) values of PP‐g‐PLA‐1 (81o ± 1.3) and PP‐g‐PLA‐2 (75o ± 1.6) copolymers were compared with commercial chlorinated polypropylene (PP‐Cl) (90o ± 1.0), suggesting a more hydrophilic nature of desired graft copolymers produced. Conversely, the enzymatic biodegradation studies revealed that the weight losses of graft copolymers were determined as 13.6 and 22.1%, which is about 4% for commercial PP‐Cl sample. Thus, it was clear that this simple and facile method was effective in promoting biodegradation of commercial polypropylene and attractive particularly for worldwide environmental remediation goals. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 2595–2601
Elevated 4β‐hydroxycholesterol/cholesterol ratio in anorexia nervosa patients
Authors: Hole Kristine , Heiberg Petra L. , Gjestad Caroline , Mehus Lise L. , Rø Øyvind , Molden Espen 
Published: September 2018

AbstractRecent studies have shown that the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A phenotype marker 4β‐hydroxycholesterol/cholesterol (4βOHC/C) ratio is negatively correlated with body weight in healthy volunteers, and that obese patients have lower 4βOHC levels than healthy controls. However, 4βOHC/C ratio in underweight patients has yet to be reported. The aim of this study was to examine potential differences in CYP3A activity between underweight patients with anorexia nervosa and normal‐weight volunteers by measuring plasma 4βOHC/C ratio. Furthermore, we wished to describe any association between body mass index (BMI) and 4βOHC/C ratio in underweight patients. A total of 20 underweight patients and 16 normal‐weight volunteers were included in the study, all females. Underweight patients had a median 4βOHC/C ratio (molar ratio × 10−5) of 2.52 (range, 0.90–11.3) compared to 1.29 (0.56–2.09) in normal‐weight subjects (Mann‐Whitney P = 0.0005). 4βOHC/C ratio was negatively correlated with BMI in underweight patients (r = −0.56, P = 0.011), and in the whole study population (r = −0.67, P < 0.0001). This suggests that the negative correlation between 4βOHC/C and BMI, which has previously been reported between 4βOHC/C and body weight in healthy volunteers, extends to underweight patients. The findings indicate that CYP3A activity increases with decreasing BMI, resulting in higher CYP3A activity in underweight patients compared to normal‐weight subjects. The potential clinical relevance of this needs to be studied further by comparing pharmacokinetics of drugs subjected to CYP3A‐mediated metabolism in underweight vs. normal‐weight individuals.
Drug Design Concepts for LSD1‐Selective Inhibitors
Authors: Ota Yosuke , Suzuki Takayoshi 
Published: September 2018

AbstractLysine‐specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is one of the flavin‐dependent oxidases and is involved in many cellular processes by controlling the methylation of histone H3. Recently, it has been reported that LSD1 is associated with several diseases such as cancer, metabolic disorders, and psychiatric diseases. Thus, LSD1 is an attractive molecular target for the treatment of these diseases, and its inhibitors are predicted as therapeutic agents. Although a variety of LSD1 inhibitors have been reported to date, many of them show insufficient activities and selectivity toward LSD1. Meanwhile, we identified several LSD1‐selective inhibitors using target‐guided synthesis strategies based on our original ideas. Our LSD1 inhibitors show not only potent LSD1‐selective inhibitory activities, but also unique bioactivities both in vitro and in vivo. This account highlights our drug design concepts for and identification of LSD1‐selective inhibitors.
Role of fetal intertwin difference in middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity in predicting neonatal twin anemia–polycythemia sequence
Authors: Tavares de Sousa M. , Fonseca A. , Hecher K. 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo evaluate the relationship between the fetal intertwin difference in middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA‐PSV) and intertwin difference in hemoglobin (Hb) concentration at birth in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies in order to assess its potential role in the prediction of twin anemia–polycythemia sequence (TAPS).MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of MCDA twin pregnancies delivered between January 2012 and January 2018. All pregnancies with measurements of MCA‐PSV within 7 days prior to delivery and in which neonatal Hb concentration was available were included. The correlation between fetal intertwin difference in MCA‐PSV, expressed in multiples of the median (MoM), and neonatal intertwin difference in Hb concentration was investigated. Receiver–operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the performance of fetal intertwin difference in MCA‐PSV for predicting intertwin difference in Hb > 90th centile at birth.ResultsA total of 154 out of 256 MC twin pregnancies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Fetal intertwin difference in MCA‐PSV MoM correlated positively with neonatal intertwin difference in Hb concentration (r = 0.79; P < 0.001). The 90th centile for intertwin difference in Hb was 7.25 g/dL. There were 15 (9.7%) cases with a Hb difference ≥ 7.25 g/dL at birth. ROC curve analysis showed a high accuracy of fetal intertwin MCA‐PSV MoM difference for the prediction of neonatal intertwin Hb difference ≥ 7.25 g/dL at birth (area under the ROC curve, 0.976 (95% CI, 0.935–0.993); P = 0.012). The optimal cut‐off for intertwin MCA‐PSV MoM difference was 0.373, with a sensitivity of 93.3% (95% CI, 68.1–99.8%) and a specificity of 95.7% (95% CI, 90.8–98.4%). The positive predictive value was 70% (95% CI, 45.7–88.1%) and the negative predictive value was 99.3% (95% CI, 95.9–100%).ConclusionOur findings show that fetal intertwin MCA‐PSV MoM difference is a good predictor of neonatal intertwin Hb concentration difference > 90th centile and potentially of TAPS. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Freedom of Movement Needs to Be Defended as the Core of EU Citizenship
Authors: De Witte Floris 
Published: September 2018

AbstractFreedom of movement is under attack politically, legally, and conceptually. There is more than one reason to defend it. I argue that EU citizenship should be primarily about free movement as it (a) emancipates the individual from the nation state; (b) it serves to recalibrate questions of justice and democracy in a more appropriate manner; and (c) it lacks the ties to a homogenous political ‘community of fate’ that perpetuate significant exclusionary practices.
EU-Citizens Should Have the Right to Vote in National Elections
Authors: Cayla Philippe , Seth Catriona 
Published: September 2018

AbstractShould being European in Europe not entitle you to have a say in the way the part of Europe in which you live, work and pay taxes is governed? EU nationals have the right to vote in European and local elections, wherever they live within the EU. Should they not also be entitled to vote in national elections even if they reside in an EU nation other than their home country?
Free Movement as a Means of Subject-Formation: Defending a More Relational Approach to EU Citizenship
Authors: Neuvonen Päivi Johanna 
Published: September 2018

AbstractShould EU citizenship ‘be primarily about free movement’? According to Floris de Witte, free movement as the core of EU citizenship can contribute to emancipation, justice, and the distinction between the ‘nation’ and the ‘state’ within the EU. I share his view that these objectives ought to be important to European integration in general and to EU citizenship in particular. But I am not fully convinced that free movement as ‘the central thing that EU citizenship should be about’ will automatically result in more just and emancipated relations between EU citizens.
The New Cleavage Between Mobile and Immobile Europeans
Authors: Bauböck Rainer 
Published: September 2018

AbstractFloris de Witte’s spirited defence of free movement focuses on EU integration through law. But there is something important missing in his story. The battle for freedom of movement and European integration is no longer fought primarily in the courts where individual rights trump majority preferences; it is increasingly fought in polling statioins, parliaments and the mass media. In order to survive, European integration through law will have to be complemented with integration through democracy, by winning the hearts and minds not only of mobile Europeans, but of immobile ones as well.