bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of Newer Anticonvulsants for the Treatment of Status Epilepticus
Authors: Farrokh Salia , Bon John , Erdman Michael , Tesoro Eljim 
Published: February 2019

Status epilepticus (SE) has a high mortality rate and is one of the most common neurologic emergencies. Fast progression of this neurologic emergency and lack of response to traditional antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in most cases has challenged clinicians to use new agents. This article evaluates the efficacy and safety of AEDs released to the market after 2000 for SE, refractory status epilepticus (RSE), and super‐refractory status epilepticus (SRSE). The PubMed database was searched for clinical trials published between January 2000 and July 2018 using the search terms status epilepticus, refractory status epilepticus, super refractory status epilepticus, brivaracetam, clobazam, cannabidiol, eslicarbazepine, lacosamide, perampanel, rufinamide, stiripentol, and zonisamide. Trials that evaluated these agents in adults with SE, RSE, and SRSE were included. Brivaracetam use was identified in two retrospective reviews with success rates of 27% and 57%. One unsuccessful case report of cannabidiol use in SE was found. Four clobazam studies were identified in SE and RSE with success rates ranging from 25–100%. No evidence for the use of eslicarbazepine and zonisamide was found. Using the search terms for lacosamide identified 38 articles: 1 systematic review, 5 prospective studies, 15 retrospective reviews, and 17 case reports. Success rates and dosing varied, but studies that included focal or partial types of SE showed higher success rates. Five articles were identified regarding perampanel use in this setting. Three were retrospective reviews with success rates ranging from 17–60%, and two were case reports. Only one case report regarding the use of rufinamide was found; rufinamide titrated up to 4.4 mg/day allowed discontinuation of barbiturate and clobazam. One case report and two case series of stiripentol were found with reported efficacy between 60% and 100% in SRSE. Evidence is currently insufficient to support the use of these agents in this setting.
Augmented Renal Clearance
Authors: Cook Aaron M. , Hatton‐Kolpek Jimmi 
Published: February 2019

Augmented renal clearance (ARC) is a phenomenon in critically ill patients characterized by increased creatinine clearance and elimination of renally eliminated medications. Patients with severe neurologic injury, sepsis, trauma, and burns have been consistently identified as at risk of ARC, with mean creatinine clearances ranging from 170 ml/minute to more than 300 ml/minute. Several potential mechanisms may contribute to the occurrence of ARC including endogenous responses to increased metabolism and solute production, alterations in neurohormonal balance, and therapeutic maneuvers such as fluid resuscitation. Augmented renal clearance is associated with suboptimal exposure to critical medications, including β‐lactams and vancomycin, increasing the risk of treatment failure. Although definitive screening tools are not yet known, critical care pharmacists must be vigilant in recognizing when ARC may be a contributing factor affecting expected treatment outcomes in individual patients. Optimizing dosing strategies in critically ill patients with ARC remains a goal of continued research. The current review discusses the clinical characteristics and methods of identifying patients at risk of ARC, potential mechanisms for ARC, and describes pharmacotherapy dosing considerations in patients with ARC.
Investigations on Non‐isocyanate Based Reticulation of Glycidyl Azide Pre‐polymers
Authors: Araya‐Marchena Mario , St‐Charles Jean‐Christophe , Dubois Charles 
Published: February 2019

AbstractGlycidyl azide polymers (GAP) are being used as energetic binders in explosives and propellant formulations. The elastomeric properties of the binder are normally given by a urethane‐based reticulation process involving isocyanate compounds. Alternatively, azides bearing polymers can be cured by reaction with dialkynes as a result of the so‐called “click chemistry” process. This work investigates the reaction kinetics of GAP with five different dialkynes: one ether, three esters and one alkane derivative. The reactivity parameters of these compounds towards low molecular weight GAP have been established, along with the corresponding exotherm for each curing reaction. In light of the energetic nature of GAP, these results will allow the use of the same dialkyne compounds on a larger scale by making it possible to predict the behavior of these reacting mixtures and to allow a safe control over their exothermic curing process.
Detection of oxytocin, atrial natriuretic peptide, and brain natriuretic peptide using novel imprinted polymers produced with amphiphilic monomers
Authors: Lin Chung‐Yin , Tsai Sheng‐Hung , Tai Dar‐Fu 
Published: February 2019

The cystine‐bridged cyclic peptide hormones (CBCPHs) represent signature structural feature as well as unique biological activity. In this study, three CBCPHs have been identified and characterized, namely, oxytocin, atrial natriuretic peptides (ANPs), and brain natriuretic peptides (BNPs). Because research has shown that ANPs and BNPs are powerful diagnostic biomarkers for heart disease, a highly laudable endeavor would be to develop a novel sensor for detecting ANP or BNP levels. Therefore, an amphiphilic monomer Acr‐His‐NHNH‐Fmoc was synthesized to form molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for targeted CBCPH detection.First, oxytocin, a cardiovascular hormone and a CBCPH, was used as a template to fabricate MIPs on quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) chips. On the other hand, fabricated selected ANP segment or BNP segment as an epitope is able to construct epitope‐mediated MIPs (EMIPs) for ANP or BNP.The developed oxytocin or ANP sensor reached a detection limitation of 0.1nM with the dissociation constants being 30pM for oxytocin and 20pM for ANP. Moreover, BNP sensor achieved a detection limitation of 2.89pM with an even lower Kd value as 2pM. Compared with the performance of EMIPs, the imprinted films showed high affinity and selectivity in special binding to CBCPHs. The developed MIPs‐QCM biosensors thus provide an improved sensing platform using an amphiphilic monomer and may be useful for applications toward cyclotides, cystine knot motifs, or insulin‐like peptides.
A cubic quality loss function and its applications
Authors: Li Shuangshuang , Liu Xintian , Wang Yansong , Wang Xiaolan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe traditional quality evaluation method believed that when the product quality characteristic was within the specification limit, no loss was produced. Taguchi proposed that even if the characteristic was within the range of users' demand, the fluctuation of quality characteristic would still cause loss to users and society. Therefore, he proposed a quadratic quality loss function to describe this loss. The function was established based on the Taylor expansion. It neglected terms with powers higher than 2, which would cause a certain deviation between the calculated and true value. Moreover, the tolerance and loss in the quadratic loss function must satisfied specific relationship, which limited its use. In this paper, the Taylor expansion items are raised to third order. The quality loss coefficients are discussed and analyzed so that the cubic quality loss function is established. In addition, the method of calculating hidden quality cost is given by using the cubic loss function. The hidden quality cost is affected by the quality loss coefficients and should be a range. The cubic quality loss function studies the inapplicability of quadratic loss function, so it widens the scope of application of quality loss function.
Design, Synthesis and In‐Vitro Antitumor Activity of Lupeol Derivatives via Modification at C‐3 and C‐30 Positions
Authors: Saini Monika , Khan Mohammad Faheem , Sangwan Reetu , Khan Mohsin Ali , Kumar Ashok , Verma Ruchi , Ahamad Tanveer , Jain Sudha 
Published: February 2019

AbstractLupeol has been isolated from ethanol extract of stem bark of Bombax ceiba through normal phase column chromatography. Total fourteen derivatives of lupeol were synthesized and assayed for in vitro antitumor activities against MDA MB‐231, HeLa and A549 cell lines. In cell proliferation experiments, pyrimidine‐2(5H)‐thione derivative (15) was found to be most potent and significantly inhibited all three tested cancer cell lines i. e. MDA MB‐231 (IC50 27.13±2.13), HeLa (IC50 45.95±1.42) and A549 (IC50 46.27±0.9). The (2, 4‐dinitrophenyl) hydrazyl‐3‐lupeol Derivative (12) exhibited antitumor activity against MDA MB‐231 (IC50 35.88±1.9) and HeLa cells (IC50 31.91±1.6) whereas (2, 4‐dinitrophenyl)‐2H‐imidazole derivative (14) showed activity against MDA MB‐231 (IC50 38.05±1.9) and A549 (IC50 42.01±0.90) cells respectively. Structure activity relationship is also described. Our study showed that compound 15 exhibited promising activity against MDA MB‐231 and A549 cancer cell lines.
Magnetic Mesoporous SBA‐15 Functionalized with a NHC Pd(II) Complex: An Efficient and Recoverable Nanocatalyst for Hiyama Reaction
Authors: Nuri Ayat , Mansoori Yagoub , Bezaatpour Abolfazl , Shchukarev Andrey , Mikkola Jyri‐Pekka 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMagnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) were covered by a silica shell and then embedded into mesoporous silica (SBA‐15). Magnetic mesoporous silica (Fe3O4@SiO2‐SBA) was then reacted with 3‐chloropropyltriethoxysilane (CPTS), sodium salt of imidazole and 2‐bromopyridine to give Fe3O4@SiO2‐SBA functionalized with 3‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1H‐imidazol‐3‐ium‐propyl (PIP) as a supported pincer ligand for Pd(II). The functionalized magnetic mesoporous silica were then treated with t‐BuOK at −80 °C in THF and then reacted with [PdCl2(SMe2)2] to give supported Pd(II)‐carbene complex containing C,N‐bidentate ligand. The chloride ions were then exchanged by bromide ions using a NaBr solution of diethylether/acetone mixture. The prepared catalyst was characterized with, FT‐IR, thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area measurement (SBET), energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX) and wide angle X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD). The prepared magnetic catalyst was effectively used in the coupling reaction of triethoxyphenylsilane with aryl halides (Hiyama reaction) in the presence of a base. The reaction parameters such as solvents, amount of catalyst, base and temperature were optimized. The catalyst was then magnetically decanted, washed, and reused several times.
Nickel‐induced VEGF expression via regulation of Akt, ERK1/2, NFκB, and AMPK pathways in H460 cells
Authors: Wang Jui‐Chin , Chen Shih‐Yin , Wang Meilin , Ko Jiunn‐Liang , Wu Chieh‐Lin , Chen Ching‐Chung , Lin Hui‐Wen , Chang Yuan‐Yen 
Published: February 2019

AbstractProspective cohort studies have indicated that a highly nickel‐polluted environment may severely affect human health, resulting in such conditions as respiratory tract cancers. Such exposure can trigger vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. However, the signal transduction pathways leading to VEGF induction by nickel compounds are not well understood. This study revealed the occurrence of VEGF induction in human non‐small‐cell lung cancer H460 cells exposed to NiCl2. Moreover, exposing H460 cells to NiCl2 activated extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase (ERK), nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), and protein kinase B (Akt) as well as downregulated AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) expression. The mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and ERK inhibitor significantly blocked NiCl2‐induced ERK activation and VEGF production. Pretreating H460 cells with a PI3K/Akt inhibitor substantially inhibited NiCl2‐induced VEGF expression and reduced Akt, ERK, and NFκB phosphorylation. Furthermore, 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide ribonucleoside‐induced AMPK activation improved VEGF expression in NiCl2‐treated H460 cells significantly. These results indicate that NiCl2 induces VEGF production through Akt, ERK, NFκB activation and AMPK suppression and mediates various types of pathophysiological angiogenesis.
Computational communication research
Authors: Matei Sorin A. , Kee Kerk F. 
Published: February 2019

The article advances a new way to think about computational research, in general, and computational communication research, in particular. Contrary to current definitions of “computational science,” which emphasizes its inductive nature, we define computational research as an incomplete inductive process, blending both theoretical and data‐driven methods of discovery. Communication theory needs to be driven by a clear concept of human needs and abilities, recovering and extending known theoretical insights from mass and interpersonal communication research. The definition we propose for computational communication research has a practical implication. Relying on theory, the definition demands to identify specific processes and domains within the field of computational communication research. The processes include communication production, behavior, and effects. The domains include collaboration, trust, and data storytelling and journalism, while the methods include content and network analyses. The article starts with a broad definition of the “computational” approach, using the Johari window. We continue with a typology of computational communication research, which blends reviews of foundational texts with summaries of leading research. In the conclusions, we discuss the strengths and identify new opportunities in the field of computational communication research.This article is categorized under:Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Human Centricity and User InteractionCommercial, Legal, and Ethical Issues > Social ConsiderationsFundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Big Data Mining
Recent advancement of light‐based single‐molecule approaches for studying biomolecules
Authors: Croop Benjamin , Zhang Chenyi , Lim Youngbin , Gelfand Ryan M. , Han Kyu Young 
Published: February 2019

Recent advances in single‐molecule techniques have led to new discoveries in analytical chemistry, biophysics, and medicine. Understanding the structure and behavior of single biomolecules provides a wealth of information compared to studying large ensembles. However, developing single‐molecule techniques is challenging and requires advances in optics, engineering, biology, and chemistry. In this paper, we will review the state of the art in single‐molecule applications with a focus over the last few years of development. The advancements covered will mainly include light‐based in vitro methods, and we will discuss the fundamentals of each with a focus on the platforms themselves. We will also summarize their limitations and current and future applications to the wider biological and chemical fields.This article is categorized under:
Laboratory Methods and Technologies > Imaging
Laboratory Methods and Technologies > Macromolecular Interactions, Methods
Analytical and Computational Methods > Analytical Methods
Responses to losses in high-deductible health insurance: persistence, emotions, and rationality
Authors: PAULY MARK V. , KUNREUTHER HOWARD 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThere have been few empirical studies on how consumers respond to their loss experience over time when choosing between high- and low-deductible health insurance plans. To address this question, we designed a ten-period web-based experiment to explore how subjects respond to the presence or absence of illness-related costs in a given period when making their future health insurance choices when they are explicitly informed that future premiums or loss probabilities will not change over time. A sizable minority of the respondents who initially chose high-deductible plans switched after a loss, and switching is more likely if they self-report negative emotional responses to experiencing an uninsured loss. Switching from low- to high-deductible plans is less likely and less responsive to loss experience. The study reveals that many individuals make their health insurance choices by considering factors not included in classical economic models of choice.
Is the Hypointensity in Motor Cortex the Hallmark of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?
Authors: Boll Marie Catherine , Marrufo Meléndez Oscar René , Rios Camilo , Maciel Zenil Jesus , de Alba Yara 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACT:Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating disease that targets motor neurons. Upper motor neurons degeneration is pathologically characterized by brain iron accumulation. Signal attenuation in the shape of a ribbon at the posterior border of the precentral gyrus can be observed on conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences including T2-weighted sequence. Methods: With the aim to know the qualities of this potential marker of ALS, we conducted a prospective study. Patients with definite ALS in the age range of 40–70 years and healthy controls underwent 3T brain MRI using a standardized sequence. A second MRI was performed 18 months later under the same conditions in the patients with ALS. Results: Most of the patients with ALS (91.66%) exhibited a “black ribbon” (BR) with an average area of 79.98 mm3. Signal attenuation discriminated ALS with a mean value of 63.97 arbitrary units (AU) on the left BR (95% CI: 60.67–67.27), a mean value of 59.15 AU (95% CI: 54.78–63.53) on the right BR, and a significant difference with control subjects presenting a mean value of 107.85 AU (p < 0.001). The optimal cut-off point for differentiating patients with ALS from controls (sensitivity, 0.92; specificity, 0.93) was 83 AU. Forced vital capacity and muscle strength in the contralateral upper extremity were significantly correlated with the ribbon intensity in ALS. Patients who underwent a second study exhibited significant changes in the BR related to the rapid evolution of the disease. Conclusions: This marker represents a valuable tool for the selection of candidates and their follow-up in clinical trials.
Clinical Features of Lewis–Sumner Syndrome: Can Trauma Precipitate Symptoms?
Authors: Hughes Isaac Michael William , Goodridge Alan Edward 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACT:Introduction: Lewis–Sumner syndrome (LSS) is a demyelinating peripheral neuropathy described in 1982. Methods: We reviewed the charts of nine LSS patients in neurological care for their symptoms, response to different treatment regimens, and pattern of nerve involvement. Results: One patient had an Adie’s pupil. Every patient studied had median nerve involvement. Seven of nine patients required intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy and all showed improvement with IVIg. Four of nine patients received oral steroid therapy and had some improvement. Two of nine patients received azathioprine to little effect. Two of nine patients experienced significant trauma while receiving neurological follow-up and their symptoms worsened to a clinically significant degree afterward. Discussion: We noticed a possible association between trauma and symptom severity in cases of LSS with preexisting neurological follow-up. We hypothesize that physical trauma exacerbates LSS. To our knowledge, this is an unreported phenomenon.
NOTE ON SUMS INVOLVING THE EULER FUNCTION
Authors: CHERN SHANE 
Published: February 2019

In this note, we provide refined estimates of two sums involving the Euler totient function, $$\begin{eqnarray}\mathop{\sum }_{n\leq x}\unicode[STIX]{x1D719}\biggl(\biggl[\frac{x}{n}\biggr]\biggr)\quad \text{and}\quad \mathop{\sum }_{n\leq x}\frac{\unicode[STIX]{x1D719}([x/n])}{[x/n]},\end{eqnarray}$$ where $[x]$ denotes the integral part of real $x$. The above summations were recently considered by Bordellès et al. [‘On a sum involving the Euler function’, Preprint, 2018, arXiv:1808.00188] and Wu [‘On a sum involving the Euler totient function’, Preprint, 2018, hal-01884018].
APPROXIMATIONS OF SUBHOMOGENEOUS ALGEBRAS
Authors: SHULMAN TATIANA , UUYE OTGONBAYAR 
Published: February 2019

Let $n$ be a positive integer. A $C^{\ast }$-algebra is said to be $n$-subhomogeneous if all its irreducible representations have dimension at most $n$. We give various approximation properties characterising $n$-subhomogeneous $C^{\ast }$-algebras.
A joint study of whole exome sequencing and structural MRI analysis in major depressive disorder
Authors: Zhang Yamin , Li Mingli , Wang Qiang , Hsu Jacob Shujui , Deng Wei , Ma Xiaohong , Ni Peiyan , Zhao Liansheng , Tian Yang , Sham Pak Chung , Li Tao 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide and influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. Genetic studies of MDD have focused on common variants and have been constrained by the heterogeneity of clinical symptoms.MethodsWe sequenced the exome of 77 cases and 245 controls of Han Chinese ancestry and scanned their brain. Burden tests of rare variants were performed first to explore the association between genes/pathways and MDD. Secondly, parallel Independent Component Analysis was conducted to investigate genetic underpinnings of gray matter volume (GMV) changes of MDD.ResultsTwo genes (CSMD1, p = 5.32×10−6; CNTNAP5, p = 1.32×10−6) and one pathway (Neuroactive Ligand Receptor Interactive, p = 1.29×10−5) achieved significance in burden test. In addition, we identified one pair of imaging-genetic components of significant correlation (r = 0.38, p = 9.92×10−6). The imaging component reflected decreased GMV in cases and correlated with intelligence quotient (IQ). IQ mediated the effects of GMV on MDD. The genetic component enriched in two gene sets, namely Singling by G-protein coupled receptors [false discovery rate (FDR) q = 3.23×10−4) and Alzheimer Disease Up (FDR q = 6.12×10−4).ConclusionsBoth rare variants analysis and imaging–genetic analysis found evidence corresponding with the neuroinflammation and synaptic plasticity hypotheses of MDD. The mediation of IQ indicates that genetic component may act on MDD through GMV alteration and cognitive impairment.
Wide Field Imaging and Photometry by 2k × 2k CCD
Authors: Chen J.-S. 
Published: February 2019

The Ford Aerospace 2048 × 2048 CCD with UV coating is used at the BAO 60/90
cm f/3 Schmidt telescope focal plane, giving a field-of-view of about one square
degree and spatial resolution of 1.67 arcsecond per pixel. The paper reviews the
following topics:

1)
basic performance of the system;

2)
anti-blooming technique for a large field CCD;

3)
flat fielding for a large field CCD;

4)
photometric properties of compressed images.
Geometric Optimization of a Delta Type Parallel Robot Using Harmony Search Algorithm
Authors: Mazare Mahmood , Taghizadeh Mostafa 
Published: February 2019

SummaryThis paper aims to provide an optimal design of geometric parameters of a special architecture of the delta parallel mechanism, in order to improve positioning accuracy, workspace size, and kinematic and dynamic performance characteristics. In the studied 3[P2(US)] robot, the radius of both fixed and moving platforms, length of the connecting rods, and installation angle of the actuators of the manipulator are chosen as the decision variables. These parameters are optimized to maximize the weighted objective function, comprising workspace volume, global dexterity, global mass, global error, and global error sensitivity indices. Optimizations are performed employing two distinct algorithms, Genetic and Harmony Search whose results confirm each other. The optimal design of the robot leads to maximum workspace size, high dexterity, and dynamic performance, with a minimum error of the end-effector position in its reachable workspace.