bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of the EndoMaster robot‐assisted surgical system in transoral robotic surgery: A cadaveric study
Authors: Tay Gerald , Tan Hiang‐Khoon , Nguyen Thien Khanh , Phee Soo Jay , Iyer N. Gopalakrishna 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe EndoMaster is a novel robot‐assisted surgical system originally designed for endoscopic resection of gastrointestinal polyps and tumours. It incorporates two robotic arms (a grasper and a probe for monopolar diathermy) into the end of a flexible endoscope, creating improved manoeuvrability, with two arms allowing for 9 degrees of movement and triangulation; this enables fine manipulation and dissection of tissues.MethodsThe EndoMaster was used in two human cadavers to perform 4 radical tonsillectomies to evaluate its performance in transoral robotic surgery (TORS).ResultsThe EndoMaster allowed for good visualization of the surgical field and its compact form factor allowed for quick docking and avoided the problem of clashing of the working arms.ConclusionThe EndoMaster system shows promising potential for use in TORS. Further refinements to movements of the effector arms are required.
Pregnancy outcomes of women who received conservative therapy for endometrial carcinoma or atypical endometrial hyperplasia
Authors: Matsuzaki Toshiya , Iwasa Takeshi , Kawakita Takako , Yamamoto Yuri , Abe Akiko , Hayashi Aki , Yano Kiyohito , Nishimura Masato , Kuwahara Akira , Irahara Minoru 
Published: June 2018

AbstractCaseApproximately 3%‐25% of cases of endometrial carcinoma (EC) or atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AH) occur in women aged <40 years and conservative treatment with high‐dose medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is administered to women who wish to preserve their fertility. Here is reported the pregnancy outcomes of patients with EC or AH who received MPA therapy at Tokushima University Hospital, Tokushima, Japan. The frequency of pregnancy and live births among the patients with EC or AH who received conservative treatment, followed by fertility treatment, were analyzed retrospectively.OutcomeTwelve patients underwent fertility examinations and received fertility treatment immediately after the completion of conservative treatment for EC or AH. One patient had the complication of severe diabetes and total embryo cryopreservation was performed before her diabetes was treated. Among the other 11 patients, 8 (72.7%) became pregnant at least once and 6 (54.5%) experienced at least 1 live birth. Three patients (25.0%) suffered disease recurrence during or after the infertility treatment and all of the recurrences occurred in the EC cohort.ConclusionWhen patients with EC or AH wish to preserve their fertility, it is recommended that prompt and effective fertility treatment, including assisted reproductive technology, should be initiated just after conservative treatment because EC and AH exhibit relatively high recurrence rates among conservatively treated patients.
Product diversification strategy, business group affiliation, and IPO underpricing: A study of Chinese firms
Authors: Wang Xiaodan A. , Wan William P. , Yiu Daphne W. 
Published: June 2018

Research Summary: Extant research has largely ignored if and how product diversification strategy influences IPO performance. We intend to fill this gap in the literature, especially in relation to transition economies where the role of diversification is institutionally bound. Specifically, drawing on the strategic actions and political connections arguments, we contend that the level of a firm's product diversification has a positive relationship with IPO underpricing. Given the prominent role of business groups in shaping firms’ diversification strategies in transition economy, we further examine whether business groups’ nonmarket capital—political, relational, and reputational capital—moderates the relationship between product diversification strategy and IPO underpricing.Managerial Summary: Due to the lack of transparency, investors in transition economies face higher ex ante uncertainties and have to bear more investment risks. As such, IPO firms have to “leave more money on the table” to compensate investors. This study aims to answer the question of whether and how an IPO firm's corporate strategy and business group affiliation affect investors' perceived uncertainties and, thus, the need to leave a large amount of money on the table to compensate investors. Using a sample of IPO firms in China, this study finds that the nonmarket capital that stems from business group affiliation helps mitigate the uncertainties investors perceive with higher levels of diversification, thus reducing the need for IPO firms to discount their offerings too much so that they can retain more wealth for business development.
Photocontrollable Fluorogenic Probe for Visualizing Near‐Membrane Hypochlorite in Live Cells
Authors: Peng Pingping , Li Hao , Bai Lei , Wang Liulin , Chen Buxiang , Yu Changmin , Zhang Chengwu , Ge Jingyan , Li Lin , Huang Wei 
Published: June 2018

AbstractHypochlorous acid or hypochlorite (HClO/ClO−) near membrane is one of the most critical reactive oxygen species (ROS). Herein, a photocontrollable fluorogenic probe for directly detecting ClO− near membrane has been designed and synthesized. This probe HOCMem was constructed based on fluorescein by incorporation of a photolabile group (nitrobenzyl group), membrane‐anchoring unit (cholesterol) and ClO−‐sensitive moiety (benzoyl group). Upon the UV irradiation, the probe exhibited a significantly increased emission at 520 nm in the presence of ClO−. However, no fluorescence was observed with the treatment of only UV irradiation or ClO−. In addition, this new probe displayed a good linear relationship with the concentration of ClO− ranged from 1 to 50 μM with a detection limit of 260.77 nM, as well as excellent selectivity for ClO− over other analytes. Furthermore, cell‐based experiments showed the low cytotoxicity of this probe and its capacity for directly detecting near‐membrane ClO− with light switching on/off.
Fluorescent Polymer—Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Complexes with Charged and Noncharged Dendronized Perylene Bisimides for Bioimaging Studies
Authors: Huth Katharina , Glaeske Mareen , Achazi Katharina , Gordeev Georgy , Kumar Shiv , Arenal Raúl , Sharma Sunil K. , Adeli Mohsen , Setaro Antonio , Reich Stephanie , Haag Rainer 
Published: June 2018

AbstractFluorescent nanomaterials are expected to revolutionize medical diagnostic, imaging, and therapeutic tools due to their superior optical and structural properties. Their inefficient water solubility, cell permeability, biodistribution, and high toxicity, however, limit the full potential of their application. To overcome these obstacles, a water‐soluble, fluorescent, cytocompatible polymer—single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) complex is introduced for bioimaging applications. The supramolecular complex consists of an alkylated polymer conjugated with neutral hydroxylated or charged sulfated dendronized perylene bisimides (PBIs) and SWNTs as a general immobilization platform. The polymer backbone solubilizes the SWNTs, decorates them with fluorescent PBIs, and strongly improves their cytocompatibility by wrapping around the SWNT scaffold. In photophysical measurements and biological in vitro studies, sulfated complexes exhibit superior optical properties, cellular uptake, and intracellular staining over their hydroxylated analogs. A toxicity assay confirms the highly improved cytocompatibility of the polymer‐wrapped SWNTs toward surfactant‐solubilized SWNTs. In microscopy studies the complexes allow for the direct imaging of the SWNTs' cellular uptake via the PBI and SWNT emission using the 1st and 2nd optical window for bioimaging. These findings render the polymer‐SWNT complexes with nanometer size, dual fluorescence, multiple charges, and high cytocompatibility as valuable systems for a broad range of fluorescence bioimaging studies.
Water infrastructure: A terrain for studying nonhuman agency, power relations, and socioeconomic change
Authors: Acevedo Guerrero Tatiana 
Published: June 2018

In recent years attention has been paid to the matter of waters' infrastructure as part of a broader social science inquiry into infrastructure systems. From different approaches, works have documented how as infrastructure extracts, contains, channels, processes, leaks, or distributes waters it produces new kinds of spaces and reproduces inequalities or differences between them. Scholars studying water infrastructure have also participated in debates on nonhuman agency, materiality, and malfunction. This article provides a summarized account of the main strands of this literature with the purpose of providing an introductory overview of analyses on water infrastructure.This article is categorized under:Engineering Water > Sustainable Engineering of WaterHuman Water > Water Governance
Ataxin‐2: A versatile posttranscriptional regulator and its implication in neural function
Authors: Lee Jongbo , Kim Minjong , Itoh Taichi Q. , Lim Chunghun 
Published: June 2018

Ataxin‐2 (ATXN2) is a eukaryotic RNA‐binding protein that is conserved from yeast to human. Genetic expansion of a poly‐glutamine tract in human ATXN2 has been implicated in several neurodegenerative diseases, likely acting through gain‐of‐function effects. Emerging evidence, however, suggests that ATXN2 plays more direct roles in neural function via specific molecular and cellular pathways. ATXN2 and its associated protein complex control distinct steps in posttranscriptional gene expression, including poly‐A tailing, RNA stabilization, microRNA‐dependent gene silencing, and translational activation. Specific RNA substrates have been identified for the functions of ATXN2 in aspects of neural physiology, such as circadian rhythms and olfactory habituation. Genetic models of ATXN2 loss‐of‐function have further revealed its significance in stress‐induced cytoplasmic granules, mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling, and cellular metabolism, all of which are crucial for neural homeostasis. Accordingly, we propose that molecular evolution has been selecting the ATXN2 protein complex as an important trans‐acting module for the posttranscriptional control of diverse neural functions. This explains how ATXN2 intimately interacts with various neurodegenerative disease genes, and suggests that loss‐of‐function effects of ATXN2 could be therapeutic targets for ATXN2‐related neurological disorders.This article is categorized under:

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
A simple method to estimate the rate of the bamboo expansion based on one‐time measurement of spatial distribution of culms
Authors: Kobayashi Keito , Kitayama Kanehiro , Onoda Yusuke 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMoso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) groves have been expanding in Japanese forests, thus an assessment of the rate of bamboo grove expansion is a critical issue. Previous studies used time‐series data which span typically more than a few years in order to determine the expansion of bamboo groves. This method cannot be used when time‐series data were not available. In this study, we developed and tested a simple indicator based on one‐time measurement of spatial distribution of culms to estimate the rate of bamboo grove expansion. Among 19 locations at four sites, the distribution patterns of culms from the pure bamboo stands to the expanding front were highly correlated with the actual edge expansion rate (E) based on the aerial photographs collected over ca. 15‐ and 30‐year periods. In contrast, the culm density in the original stand itself was not correlated with E. These results suggest that one‐time measurement of the distribution patterns of living culms (but not stand density) could be a useful indicator for estimating the expansion rates of bamboo groves.
Electromagnetohydrodynamic two-phase flow-induced vibrations in vertical heated upward flow
Authors: Abdollahzadeh Jamalabadi Mohammad Yaghoub 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn this paper, a mathematical model is presented to determine the effect of electro-magneto-hydro-dynamic forces on steady-state fluid-induced vibrations of vapor and liquid water flow in a heated vertical channel. The two-phase flow model used in this study includes continuity, non-homogeneous Navier-Stokes, non-equilibrium temperature balance with an approximation of spherical harmonics method (P-1 model) for thermal radiation at low-pressure condition close to saturation (1–2 bars). Governing equations are solved by finite volume method. The result of the code is validated with the various experimental data's accessible in previous works. Then the code is used to estimate the effects of Lorentz forces on two-phase flow-induced vibrations. As shown, the fluid-induced vibrations increase with the increase of electro-magneto-hydrodynamic forces. As shown by the increase of Lorentz force, the fluid impact, cross-sectional, water-hammer forces, the frequency of two-phase fluctuations and peak velocities are controlled while the root-mean-square fluid force increased. Furthermore, the result has shown that the Lorentz force has not influenced the bubble departure frequency, surface tension force, and density of active nucleation site, bubble departure diameter, sound velocity, and the liquid superficial velocity.Highlights EMHD effects on two phase flow induced vibrations in a vertical channel is performed. Lorentz force controls water-hammer impact and velocities but RMS force increases. Bubble departure, nucleation, and superficial velocity unaffected by Lorentz force.
An indoor thermal environment design system for renovation using augmented reality
Authors: Fukuda Tomohiro , Yokoi Kazuki , Yabuki Nobuyoshi , Motamedi Ali 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe renovation projects of buildings and living spaces, which aim to improve the thermal environment, are gaining importance because of energy saving effects and occupants' health considerations. However, the indoor thermal design is not usually performed in a very efficient manner by stakeholders, due to the limitations of a sequential waterfall design process model, and due to the difficulty in comprehending the CFD simulation results for stakeholders. On the other hand, indoor greenery has been introduced to buildings as a method for adjusting the thermal condition. Creating a VR environment, which can realistically and intuitively visualize a thermal simulation model is very time consuming and the resulting VR environment created by 3D computer graphics objects is disconnected from the reality and does not allow design stakeholders to experience the feelings of the real world. Therefore, the objective of this research is to develop a new AR-based methodology for intuitively visualizing indoor thermal environment for building renovation projects. In our proposed system, easy-to-comprehend visualization of CFD results augment the real scenes to provide users with information about thermal effects of their renovation design alternatives interactively. Case studies to assess the effect of indoor greenery alternatives on the thermal environment are performed. In conclusion, integrating CFD and AR provides users with a more natural feeling of the future thermal environment. The proposed method was evaluated feasible and effective.Highlights An indoor thermal environment design system for renovation projects is developed. Visualization of indoor CFD results in an AR environment is realized and tested. Users can study both architectural design and thermal environment simultaneously. Feasibility and practicality were validated through case studies of indoor greenery alternatives.
Surgical treatment of malignant colon polyps
Authors: Ramos Nuno Telo Preto , Gonçalves André , Silva Pedro Correia da , Barbosa José 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Background In the therapeutic decision about the malignant colon polyp, several factors predicting residual disease after the endoscopic resection guide the decision of surveillance or surgical intervention. This is a challenging decision, because even in the presence of high-risk predictors currently used, only 15–30% of the patients will have residual disease in the surgical specimen.
Objective To evaluate patients with a diagnosis of malignant colon polyp at the Hospital Center of São João, who were indicated for surgical treatment, studying the predictors of residual disease in the surgical specimen.
Methods A retrospective study was carried out, based on the patients with malignant colon polyp diagnosed and treated at the Hospital Center of São João in the city of Porto, Portugal, between 2009 and 2016. The endoscopic, anatomopathological, surgical and follow-up data were reviewed.
Results Of the total number of patients in the study (n = 96), 59 (61.5%) were indicated for surgery after a multidisciplinary discussion. Of this group, 21 patients (35.6%) had residual disease in the surgical specimen, with presence of lymph node invasion in 8 patients (13.6%). The presence of malignancy in the surgical resection specimen was statistically significantly associated with: size of the resected polyp (p = 0.023); sessile polyp (p = 0.007); piecemeal resection (p = 0.002).
Conclusions The persistence of malignancy in the surgical specimen was associated with larger sessile polyps and piecemeal removal. A significant number of patients did not show malignancy in the surgical resection specimen, with more markers being required to better stratify patients.
Risk of Melanoma With Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitor Use Among Patients With Erectile Dysfunction, Pulmonary Hypertension, and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Authors: Shkolyar Eugene , Li Shufeng , Tang Jean , Eisenberg Michael L. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Background
Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5is), a treatment for erectile dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension (pHTN), and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), have been implicated in melanoma development.

Aim
We sought to determine the association between PDE5i use and melanoma development among patients with erectile dysfunction, pHTN, and LUTS.

Methods
This was a retrospective cohort study of subjects contained within the Truven Health MarketScan claims database, which provides information on insurance claims in the United States for privately insured individuals, from 2007–2015. Individuals taking PDE5i were identified through pharmacy claims. A comparison group of men diagnosed with conditions for which PDE5i are prescribed was assembled.

Outcomes
Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI) of incident melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Results
Of 610,881 subjects prescribed PDE5i, 636 developed melanoma (0.10%). The control group had 8,711 diagnoses of melanoma. There was an association between increased PDE5i tablet use and melanoma (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.05–1.09). This association was also present between PDE5i use and basal cell carcinoma (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02–1.07) and squamous cell carcinoma (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.07). In patients with pHTN and LUTS prescribed PDE5is, there was no relationship between exposure and melanoma incidence (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.48–1.13; and HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.97–1.10, respectively).

Clinical Implications
There is little evidence for a clinically relevant association between PDE5i use and melanoma incidence.

Strengths & Limitations
Our current work represents the largest study to date evaluating the relationship between PDE5i use and melanoma risk, and the first to examine all current indications of PDE5i use among men and women. Limitations include a patient population limited to commercially insured individuals, unknown patient medication compliance, and lack of information on patient skin type, lifestyle, and sun-exposure habits.

Conclusion
There is a slight association between higher-volume PDE5i use and development of melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. This association among all skin cancers implies that confounding may account for the observed association.
Injection medialization laryngoplasty improves dysphagia in patients with unilateral vocal fold immobility
Authors: Anis Mursalin M. , Memon Zainulabideen 
Published: June 2018

ObjectiveTo assess patient reported swallowing outcomes before and after injection medialization laryngoplasty in patients with unilateral vocal fold immobility (UVFI).MethodsCase series with chart review of patients with UVFI who underwent injection medialization laryngoplasty at a community laryngology practice by a single clinician between October 2015 and December 2017. Patient‐reported validated surveys of swallowing impairment, Eating Assessment Tool (EAT‐10), demographics, etiology and duration of symptoms were recorded before and after injection. A paired t test was done on EAT‐10 surveys before and after IML to assess for statistical significance.ResultsTwenty‐one patients with UVFI and glottic insufficiency underwent IML between October 2015 and December 2017. Nineteen of 21 patients (90%) presented with dysphagia (EAT‐10 ≥ 3). 76% of patients with dysphagia reported improvement in swallowing function after IML. The EAT‐10 scores of UVFI patients with dysphagia before and after IML were 17.0 ± 14.0 and 4.2 ± 9.6, respectively (p = 0.004).ConclusionsNearly all patients with UVFI and glottic insufficiency report associated dysphagia. Three fourths of these patients perceive improvement in their swallowing function after injection medialization laryngoplasty. Patients with idiopathic UVFI may have a more sustained improvement and those with severe preop dysphagia may not benefit. Further research is necessary to refine patient selection and to assess duration of improved swallowing function.
Age-adjusted D-dimer thresholds in the investigation of suspected pulmonary embolism: A retrospective evaluation in patients ages 50 and older using administrative data
Authors: Senior Kevin , Burles Kristin , Wang Dongmei , Grigat Daniel , Innes Grant D. , Andruchow James E. , Lang Eddy S. , McRae Andrew D. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractObjectivesD-dimer testing is an important component of the workup for pulmonary embolism (PE). However, age-related increases in D-dimer concentrations result in false positives in older adults, leading to potentially unnecessary imaging utilization. The objective of this study was to quantify the test characteristics of an age-adjusted D-dimer cut-off for ruling out PE in older patients investigated in actual clinical practice.MethodsThis observational study used administrative data from four emergency departments from July 2013 to January 2015. Eligible patients were ages 50 and older with symptoms of PE who underwent D-dimer testing. The primary outcome was 30-day diagnosis of PE, confirmed by imaging reports. Test characteristics of the D-dimer assay were calculated using the standard reference value (500 ng/ml), the local reference value (470 ng/ml), and an age-adjusted threshold (10 ng/ml × patient’s age).ResultsThis cohort includes 6,655 patients ages 50 and older undergoing D-dimer testing for a possible PE. Of these, 246 (3.7%) were diagnosed with PE. Age-adjusted D-dimer cut-offs were more specific than standard cut-offs (75.4% v. 63.8%) but less sensitive (90.3% v. 97.2%). The false-negative risk in this population was 0.49% using age-adjusted D-dimer cut-offs compared with 0.15% with traditional cut-offs.ConclusionAge-adjusted D-dimer cut-offs are substantially more specific than traditional cut-offs and may reduce CT utilization among older patients with suspected PE. We observed a loss of sensitivity, with an increased risk of false-negatives, using age-adjusted cut-offs. We encourage further evaluation of the safety and accuracy of age-adjusted D-dimer cut-offs in actual clinical practice.