bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mapping of regional lung microstructural parameters using hyperpolarized 129Xe dissolved‐phase MRI in healthy volunteers and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Kern Agilo L. , Gutberlet Marcel , Voskrebenzev Andreas , Klimeš Filip , Rotärmel Alexander , Wacker Frank , Hohlfeld Jens M. , Vogel‐Claussen Jens 
Published: October 2018

PurposeTo develop a novel technique for voxel‐based mapping of lung microstructural parameters using hyperpolarized 129Xe dissolved‐phase MR imaging during saturation recovery.MethodsA pulse sequence using a highly undersampled stack‐of‐stars trajectory was developed, and low‐rank plus sparse matrix decomposition was employed for reconstruction of regional 129Xe uptake dynamics into lung tissue. In 4 healthy volunteers and 9 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the technique was tested and compared to chemical shift saturation recovery spectroscopy in patients. Reproducibility of 129Xe gas uptake imaging was assessed by computing coefficients of variation, and results were compared with other modalities.ResultsNumerical simulations and results from in vivo measurements in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease showed that septal wall thickness and surface‐to‐volume ratio can be measured with an accuracy close to spectroscopic measurements. The average of the microstructural parameters of the total lung volume showed good reproducibility (coefficient of variation wall thickness: 7.4% coefficient of variation surface‐to‐volume ratio: 7.5%) and correlated strongly with the findings of global chemical shift saturation recovery spectroscopy. Gravitational gradients of microstructural parameters and increased heterogeneity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients were observed.ConclusionA novel technique for mapping of regional lung microstructural parameters was introduced, and its feasibility was shown in healthy volunteers and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.
Feasibility and safety of delivering full‐dose anticoagulation therapy in children treated according to Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute acute lymphoblastic leukemia consortium therapy protocols
Authors: Bhatt Mihir D. , Parmar Neha , Fowler Jo‐Ann , Chan Anthony K. C. , Athale Uma H. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe literature is void of an evidence‐based anticoagulation therapy (ACT) management strategy in the context of thrombocytopenia. We examined the impact of thrombocytopenia on low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH) dosing and incidence of bleeding in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or lymphoblastic lymphoma (LL) who developed thromboembolism (TE) during therapy according to DFCI ALL protocols.ProcedurePatient records from our tertiary care center were reviewed for demographics, details of diagnoses and therapy of ALL/LL and TE diagnoses, platelet counts during ACT, LMWH dosing, and bleeding episodes.ResultsThirty‐nine TEs were diagnosed in 33 patients [mean age 9 years (range, 2.5–18); 16 males and 31 with ALL] during the study period. A majority (85%) of patients were diagnosed with TE in the consolidation phase with mean time to TE 5.75 months from ALL/LL diagnosis. All patients received LMWH, and the median duration of ACT was 5.9 months (range, 1–11 months). Platelets were measured weekly. On 29 occasions, platelet nadir was <50 × 109/L, and twice it was < 20 × 109/L. One (3%) patient had major bleeding episode while on ACT. Platelet count at the time of bleeding was 222 × 109/L. Ninety‐two procedures [83 lumbar punctures (LPs), 9 central venous line (CVL) insertion/revision] were completed without bleeding complications. Asparaginase was held temporarily with TE diagnosis in 48% of patients; most (88%) patients completed all scheduled doses as per protocol.ConclusionsAbility to administer full‐dose LMWH, expected bleeding rate, and completion of asparaginase doses while on ACT suggest full‐dose ACT is feasible and safe in children with ALL/LL who develop TE during DFCI ALL consortium therapy protocols.
How I approach managing student athletes at risk for bleeding
Authors: Witmer Char M. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractFrequently, pediatric hematologists need to provide guidance regarding sports participation for children with congenital coagulopathies, immune thrombocytopenia, and those receiving anticoagulation. Although sports participation has clear health and psychosocial benefits, it can be associated with harm secondary to bleeding from injury. Decision‐making for sports involvement should be individualized, patient centered, and well informed. This review focuses on the current data regarding the benefit as well as risks for sports participation and provides a framework for advising and supporting the student athlete who is at risk for bleeding.
Virtual reality as complementary pain therapy in hospitalized patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Agrawal Anurag K. , Robertson Simon , Litwin Liat , Tringale Erica , Treadwell Marsha , Hoppe Carolyn , Marsh Anne 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveDue to incomplete management of vaso‐occlusive pain episodes (VOE) in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), we sought to determine if immersive VR would be feasible for inpatients. Secondarily, we hypothesized that a single VR session would improve the VOE pain experience.ProceduresConsecutive patients with SCD eight years and older admitted for VOE were offered one 15‐minute VR session, utilizing a relaxing underwater world specifically created for pediatric patients and to minimize potential simulator side effects. Safety and acceptability were evaluated with a brief survey before and after the session. Pain was evaluated utilizing the validated adolescent pediatric pain tool (APPT). Survey data and pain scores were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed‐rank test as the data were nonnormally distributed.ResultsThirty patients, 21 female, with a median age of 16 years were enrolled, the majority having hemoglobin SS disease. The VR session had no reported side effects; all patients requested VR again in the future. Median pain intensity (pre‐VR 7.3 [interquartile range, IQR, 6.1, 8.8], post‐VR 5.8 [4.7, 7.9]), number of affected body areas (pre‐VR 3.0 [2.0, 7.8], post‐VR 2.0 [0, 4.8]), and qualitative measures including sensory, affective, evaluative, and temporal pain domains were all statistically reduced (i.e., P ≤0.01).ConclusionsVR therapy was feasible in a cohort of patients with SCD admitted for VOE. In addition to standard therapies, VR may help reduce the pain experience with SCD VOE. Further study is required to determine the impact of VR therapy on opioid usage and length of stay in hospital.
Acquired right ventricular outflow tract obstruction in twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome; a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Eschbach Sanne J. , ten Harkel Arend D.J. , Middeldorp Johanna M. , Klumper Frans J.C.M. , Oepkes Dick , Lopriore Enrico , Haak Monique C. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe pathophysiology of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO) in twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) recipients is incompletely understood. We aimed to investigate the development and spectrum of RVOTO in TTTS recipients.MethodsA prospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted between 2015 and 2017. Echocardiographic assessment was performed in recipients from TTTS diagnosis until the neonatal period.ResultsPrenatal RVOTO, defined as abnormal flow velocity waveforms across the pulmonary valve (PV), was diagnosed in 12.9% (16/124) of recipients at TTTS diagnosis. Postnatal RVOTO was found in 6.7% (7/105) of surviving recipients. All recipients with severe postnatal RVOTO showed prenatal RVOTO at TTTS diagnosis. In 5.6% (6/108) of cases, prenatal RVOTO appeared only after laser therapy, and in 1.9% (2/108), this progressed to mild postnatal pulmonary stenosis. Elevated peak systolic PV velocities were more frequently associated with postnatal RVOTO compared with prenatal finding of functional pulmonary atresia. Postnatal RVOTO was associated with early manifestation of TTTS but was equally found in all Quintero stages.ConclusionIn the spectrum of postnatal RVOTO, severe cases show prenatal RVOTO at TTTS diagnosis. However, RVOTO can develop after laser or even in the neonatal period and in all Quintero stages. A potential risk factor for postnatal RVOTO is early TTTS manifestation.
Effect of Lepidium meyenii on in vitro fertilization via improvement in acrosome reaction and motility of mouse and human sperm
Authors: Aoki Yusuke , Tsujimura Akira , Nagashima Yuki , Hiramatsu Ippei , Uesaka Yuka , Nozaki Taiji , Ogishima Tatsuya , Shirai Masato , Shoyama Yukihiro , Tanaka Hiromitsu , Horie Shigeo 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPurposeThe direct effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on sperm remain unclear. Herein, we examined the direct effect of Maca on in vitro fertilization.MethodsWe examined the fertilization rate in a mouse model and the rate of acrosome reaction in sperm from transgenic mice expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) in a Maca extract‐containing human tubal fluid (HTF) medium. Using human sperm, we assessed acrosome status via fluorescein isothiocyanate‐conjugated peanut agglutinin (FITC‐PNA) staining and performed detailed analysis using a sperm motility analysis system (SMAS).ResultsIn the mouse model, the fertilization rate in the Maca extract‐containing HTF was significantly higher than that in the control medium. The acrosome reaction rate in sperm from transgenic mice expressing EGFP was also significantly higher in the Maca extract‐containing HTF than that in the control medium. Similarly, a high acrosome reaction rate, identified via FITC‐PNA staining of human sperm samples, was found in the Maca extract‐containing HTF compared with that in the control medium. Human sperm motility in the Maca extract‐containing HTF was also increased compared with that in the control medium as measured using an SMAS.ConclusionsMaca improved in vitro fertilization rates by inducing an acrosome reaction and increasing sperm motility.
Stability analysis of a class of uncertain switched time‐delay systems with sliding modes
Authors: Kani Mohammad Hasan H. , Yazdanpanah Mohammad Javad , Markazi Amir H.D. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryThis paper presents sufficient conditions to ensure the exponential stability of uncertain switched time‐delay systems with time‐delayed state‐dependent switching conditions, which can model high speed supercavitation vehicles (HSSVs). Based on the intrinsic properties of HSSVs, cavity can be represented by a relation between the states and time‐delayed states of the system. Moreover, a sliding behavior can be occurred at the cavity boundary in HSSVs. Therefore, the main contribution of this paper is to develop a set of LMI stability conditions in the presence of time‐delayed states in the linear state‐dependent switching signal and absorbing sliding modes in the state space, simultaneously. In addition, because of the possible existing uncertainties in HSSVs, another set of LMI‐based sufficient conditions is derived in order to analyze the stability of switched time‐delay systems with additive norm bounded uncertainties. The application of the proposed theorems are also validated through numerical examples. Finally, the stability of a two‐degrees‐of‐freedom longitudinal description of an HSSV is shown using the proposed stability theorems.
Corncob‐to‐xylose residue (CCXR) derived porous biochar as an excellent adsorbent to remove organic dyes from wastewater
Authors: Yu Yanling , Wan Yuan , Shang Hongru , Wang Bin , Zhang Peng , Feng Yujie 
Published: October 2018

Biochar was prepared from corncob‐to‐xylose residue (CCXR) by KOH activation and anaerobic pyrolysis method. The effect of activation temperature on the microstructure of the biochar was studied. Results showed that the biochar prepared at 850°C (850NBC) possessed high specific surface area and exhibited excellent adsorption property. The maximum adsorption capacity of 2249 mg g−1 was obtained when 850NBC was used for treating methylene blue (MB) solution. Adsorption isotherm fittings revealed that Langmuir and Freundlich models were applicable to 850NBC adsorption process, and the adsorption process was limited by adsorption site and the biochar surface functional groups. Furthermore, 850NBC showed good adsorption property when it was used to treat the other organic dyes of Congo red (751 mg g−1), Orange II (735 mg g−1), Indigo carmine (662 mg g−1) and Methyl Orange (465 mg g−1). Biochar 850NBC also possessed an acceptable recyclability which maintained 68.7% absorption capacity after 6 cycles when it was used to treat MB solution. These results proposed that 850NBC is expected to be a promising potential adsorbent for treating organic dyes waste water.
Nonanebis (peroxoic acid)‐Mediated Transition‐Metal‐Free Approach for N‐Oxide Synthesis
Authors: Gayakwad Eknath M. , Patel Khushbu P. , Shankarling Ganapati S. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAn efficient, metal catalyst free approach for the synthesis of N‐oxide is described. Nonanebis (peroxoic acid) is used as a source of oxygen, it is non shock sensitive, stable and easy to handle at room temperature. This protocol is applicable for various aromatic as well as aliphatic tertiary amines in good to excellent yields. Less reaction time, optimum temperature, easy workup procedure and metal catalyst free approach is the beauty of the present protocol.
Application of TiO2Nanotubes as a Drug Delivery System for Biomedical Implants: A Critical Overview
Authors: Kunrath Marcel F. , Hubler Roberto , Shinkai Rosemary S. A. , Teixeira. Eduardo R. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractTiO2nanotubes (TNTs) surfaces have been applied as a coating to metallic biomedical implants, presenting promising results in preliminary analyses in terms of integration to living tissues when considering cell adhesion and proliferation, physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. They also present the potential to incorporate drugs and regulate their release to the surrounding tissues. Considering this particular potential, a critical review of the latest studies that considered the possible incorporation of specific drugs like antibiotics, anti‐inflammatories and/or proteins and cytokines capable of positively influence the healing process at the implant‐tissue interface has been considered relevant. Also, a summary about TNTs physicochemical characteristics and biocompatibility studies is presented. Advanced methods for regulating this drug‐release mechanism and its specific chemical immobilization in anin vivoenvironment are discussed, along with TNTs future clinical perspectives.
Activity of M2(BDC)2(DABCO) (M= Co, Ni, Cu and Zn) Metal‐Organic Frameworks Prepared via Ball‐Milling Solvent‐Free Method in Acylation of Alcohols, Amines and Aldehydes
Authors: Mahdian Sakineh , Naimi‐Jamal M. Reza , Panahi Leila 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMetal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) M2(BDC)2(DABCO), (M=Co, Ni, Cu and Zn, BDC= 1,4‐benzenedicarboxylic acid, and DABCO= 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) have been prepared via a simple and effective strategy by the ball‐milling method, with no use of a solvent at room temperature. This method provides a facile, green, solvent‐free and low‐cost strategy for the preparation of Co, Ni, Cu and Zn based M2(BDC)2(DABCO) nanoporous particles (NPs) with square lattice structures. The structure and morphology of the MOFs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The catalytic activity of the prepared MOFs was investigated in the acylation reaction of alcohols, amines and aldehydes with acetic anhydride in solvent‐free method. The Lewis acid activity of the as‐synthesized MOFs was drastically enhanced by microwave irradiation.
Neurosteroid allopregnanolone inhibits glutamate release from rat cerebrocortical nerve terminals
Authors: Chang Yi , Hsieh Hsi Lung , Huang Shu Kuei , Wang Su Jane 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAllopregnanolone, an active metabolite of progesterone, has been reported to exhibit neuroprotective activity in several preclinical models. Considering that the excitotoxicity caused by excessive glutamate is implicated in many brain disorders, the effect of allopregnanolone on glutamate release in rat cerebrocortical nerve terminals and possible underlying mechanism were investigated. We observed that allopregnanolone inhibited 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP)‐evoked glutamate release, and this inhibition was prevented by chelating the extracellular Ca2+ ions and the vesicular transporter inhibitor. Allopregnanolone reduced the elevation of 4‐AP‐evoked intrasynaptosomal Ca2+ levels, but did not affect the synaptosomal membrane potential. In the presence of N‐, P/Q‐, and R‐type channel blockers, allopregnanolone‐mediated inhibition of 4‐AP‐evoked glutamate release was markedly reduced; however, the intracellular Ca2+‐release inhibitors did not affect the allopregnanolone effect. Furthermore, allopregnanolone‐mediated inhibition of 4‐AP‐evoked glutamate release was completely abolished in the synaptosomes pretreated with inhibitors of Ca2+/calmodulin, adenylate cyclase, and protein kinase A (PKA), namely calmidazolium, MDL12330A, and H89, respectively. Additionally, the allopregnanolone effect on evoked glutamate release was antagonized by the GABAA receptor antagonist SR95531. Our data are the first to suggest that allopregnanolone reduce the Ca2+ influx through N‐, P/Q‐, and R‐type Ca2+ channels, through the activation of GABAA receptors present on cerebrocortical nerve terminals, subsequently suppressing the Ca2+‐calmodulin/PKA cascade and decreasing 4‐AP‐evoked glutamate release.
Membraneless nuclear organelles and the search for phases within phases
Authors: Sawyer Iain A. , Sturgill David , Dundr Miroslav 
Published: October 2018

Cells are segregated into two distinct compartment groups to optimize cellular function. The first is characterized by lipid membranes that encapsulate specific regions and regulate macromolecular flux. The second, known collectively as membraneless organelles (MLOs), lacks defining lipid membranes and exhibits self‐organizing properties. MLOs are enriched with specific RNAs and proteins that catalyze essential cellular processes. A prominent sub‐class of MLOs are known as nuclear bodies, which includes nucleoli, paraspeckles, and other droplets. These microenvironments contain specific RNAs, exhibit archetypal liquid–liquid phase separation characteristics, and harbor intrinsically disordered, multivalent hub proteins. We present an analysis of nuclear body protein disorder that suggests MLO proteomes are significantly more disordered than structured cellular features. We also outline common MLO ultrastructural features, exemplified by the three sub‐compartments present inside the nucleolus. A core‐shell configuration, or phase within a phase, is displayed by several nuclear bodies and may be functionally important. Finally, we summarize evidence indicating extensive RNA and protein sharing between distinct nuclear bodies, suggesting functional cooperation and similar nucleation principles. Considering the substantial accumulation of specific coding and noncoding RNA classes inside MLOs, evidence that RNA buffers specific phase transition events, and the absence of a clear correlation between total intrinsic protein disorder and MLO accumulation, we conclude that RNA biogenesis may play a key role in MLO formation, internal organization, and function.This article is categorized under:

RNA Export and Localization > RNA Localization
RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
Strings on warped AdS3 via $$ \mathrm{T}\overline{\mathrm{J}} $$ deformations
Authors: Apolo Luis , Song Wei 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe study a toy model of the Kerr/CFT correspondence using string theory on AdS3×S3. We propose a single trace irrelevant deformation of the dual CFT generated by a vertex operator with spacetime dimensions (2,1). This operator shares the same quantum numbers as the integrable$$ T\overline{J} $$TJ¯deformation of two-dimensional CFTs where$$ \overline{J} $$J¯is a chiral U(1) current. We show that the deformation is marginal on the worldsheet and that the target spacetime is deformed to null warped AdS3upon dimensional reduction. We also calculate the spectrum of the deformed theory on the cylinder and compare it to the field theory analysis of$$ T\overline{J} $$TJ¯-deformed CFTs.
Invertebrate recruitment on artificial substrates in the Red Sea: role of substrate type and orientation
Authors: Siddik A.A. , Al-Sofyani A.A. , Ba-Akdah M.A. , Satheesh S. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSurface physical properties, hydrodynamics, biochemical cues, orientation and temporal scales play an important role in invertebrate larval recruitment on artificial substrates. In the present study, invertebrate recruitment on four different substrates (acrylic, stainless steel, ceramic and concrete panels) was investigated in two different orientations (vertical and horizontal) in the central Red Sea. Results showed significant variations in the abundance of benthic invertebrates between the different substrates. While barnacles and bivalves preferred panels placed in vertical positions, the abundance of bryozoans was high on horizontal panels. Artificial panel submersion season plays a significant role in the recruitment of benthic invertebrates on surfaces in the Red Sea. In conclusion, this study supports the overall notion that marine invertebrate recruitment on hard substrates is regulated by a combination of factors which include substrate type, orientation and submersion season.
MarketizingHindutva: The state, society, and markets in Hindu nationalism
Authors: CHACKO PRIYA 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe embrace of markets and globalization by radical political parties is often taken as reflecting and facilitating the moderation of their ideologies. This article considers the case of Hindu nationalism, orHindutva, in India. It is argued that, rather than resulting in the moderation of Hindu nationalism, mainstream economic ideas are adopted and adapted by its proponents to further theHindutvaproject. Hence, until the 1990s, the Hindu nationalist political party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), its earlier incarnation, the Jana Sangh, and the grass-roots organization, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), adopted and adapted mainstream ideas by emphasizing the state as the protector of (Hindu) society against markets and as a tool of societal transformation for its Hindu nationalist support base. Since the 1990s, Indian bureaucratic and political elites, including in the BJP, have adopted a view of the market as the main driver of societal transformations. Under the leadership of Narendra Modi, in particular, the BJP has sought to consolidate a broader support base and stimulate economic growth and job creation by bolstering the corporate sector and recreating the middle and ‘neo-middle’ classes as ‘virtuous market citizens’ who view themselves as entrepreneurs and consumers but whose behaviour is regulated by the framework of Hindu nationalism. These policies, however, remain contested within the Hindu nationalist movement and in Indian society generally. The BJP's discourse against ‘anti-nationals’ and the use of legal sanctions against dissent is an attempt to curb these challenges.