bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nipple‐sparing mastectomy and breast reconstruction with a deep inferior epigastric perforator flap using thoracodorsal recipient vessels and a low lateral incision
Authors: Ho Olivia A. , Lin Yi‐Ling , Pappalardo Marco , Cheng Ming‐Huei 
Published: September 2018

Background: Nipple‐sparing mastectomy poses challenges in providing esthetically‐pleasing immediate autologous breast reconstruction. This study was to investigate the outcomes of nipple‐sparing mastectomy with breast reconstruction using free abdominal flaps between two different recipient sites.Methods: Between 2010 and 2016, 79 patients who underwent nipple‐sparing mastectomy with autologous breast reconstruction using thoracodorsal (TD) vessels in 30 cases or internal mammary (IM) vessels in 49 cases were investigated. Demographics, intraoperative findings, complications, and quality of life using Breast‐Q questionnaire were compared between two groups.Results: All flap survived. There was no statistical difference in age, BMI, ischemia time, and flap‐used percentage. The TD artery had a statistically smaller diameter 1.8 ± 0.4 mm than the IM artery 2.7 ± 0.43 mm (p = 0.02). At a mean follow‐up of 44.4 ± 35.2 months, there was no statistical difference in total complication rates between TD and IM groups (23.3% and 36.7%, respectively, p > 0.05). The “psychosocial well‐being” of Breast‐Q in TD group 83.9 ± 14.6 was statistically greater than IM group 72.8 ± 17.6 (p = 0.04).Conclusions: Nipple‐sparing mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction using TD vessels with a low lateral scar is a safe procedure that provides an inconspicuous scar with better cosmesis and minimal complication rate.
Pancreaticoduodenectomy and metastasectomy for metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Chawla Akhil , Williams Richelle T. , Sich Nicholas , Clancy Thomas , Wang Jiping , Ashley Stanley , Pezzi Christopher , Swanson Richard 
Published: September 2018

Background and ObjectivesVarious treatment options exist for patients with metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs). Surgical resection with pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) typically reserved for patients with limited disease. Definitive data are lacking to support either the resection of primary PNET in the metastatic setting or for surgical debulking of metastatic lesions.MethodsWe conducted an analysis of the National Cancer Database (NCDB) using the pancreatic cancer Participant User File. Thirty‐ and 90‐day mortality rates and survival rates were determined for patients undergoing PD for primary tumor resection and compared with patients who had no surgery or metastasectomy. The Kaplan‐Meier method was used to compare survival time. Cox regression models were used to assess factors independently associated with overall survival time.ResultsResection of the primary tumor or metastatic disease each significantly improved overall survival time compared with no resection. Adding metastasectomy to PD resulted in an incremental increase in overall survival time. Both PD and metastasectomy are independently associated with overall survival time.ConclusionsOur report highlights the potential for survival time benefit in appropriately selected patients who undergo PD in the setting of metastatic PNET.
Determination of pesticides residues in vegetable and fruit samples by solid‐phase microextraction with a covalent organic framework as the fiber coating coupled with gas chromatography and electron capture detection
Authors: Wang Mengting , Zhou Xin , Zang Xiaohuan , Pang Yachao , Chang Qingyun , Wang Chun , Wang Zhi 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn this study, a covalent organic framework designated as TpPaNO2 was synthesized by a mechanochemical grinding method and then coated on stainless steel wire by a sol‐gel technique to prepare a solid‐phase microextraction fiber. The TpPaNO2 fiber based solid‐phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography‐electron capture detection was applied to determine the residues of 11 pesticides (trlfuralln, dicofol, α‐endosulfan, 1‐chloro‐4‐[2,2‐dichloro‐1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)ethenyl]benzene, nitrofen, β‐endosulfan, 1‐chloro‐4‐[2,2‐dichloro‐1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)ethyl]benzene, 1,1,1‐trichloro‐2,2‐bis(4‐chlorophenyl)ethane, bifenthrin, permethrin and fenvalerate) in vegetable and fruit samples. The effects of extraction time, extraction temperature, sample pH, stirring rate and desorption temperature on the extraction efficiency were investigated. Under the optimized conditions, the limits of detection for the eleven pesticides were in the range of 0.04–0.25 μg/kg. The recoveries of the eleven pesticides in the vegetable and fruit samples were 81.5–111% with the relative standard deviations less than 11.2%.
Selective and sensitive determination of tetracyclines by HPLC with chemiluminescence detection based on a cerium(IV)‐methoxylated cypridina luciferin analogue system
Authors: Li Jie , Zeng Wangsheng , Lai Xiaojing , Wang Xu , Xu Xin , Cai Hongping , Wei Lijun , Cheng Xiang lei 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA novel approach for the simultaneous and selective analysis of chlortetracycline, doxycycline, 4‐epichlortetracycline, oxytetracycline, metacycline, and tetracycline by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with sensitive post‐column chemiluminescence reaction was set up. Six tetracyclines were separated through a simple and effective isocratic procedure using a mixture of acetonitrile and 3.5 mM methanesulfonic acid. After that, intensive chemiluminescence signals were produced by the reaction between cerium(IV) and methoxylated cypridina luciferin analogues system in the presence of tetracyclines. Under the appropriate experimental conditions, the developed method was evaluated by testing of linearity, limits of detection, precision, and accuracy. The limit of detection was from 2 to 10 nM and relative standard deviation of intraday precision was below 9%. The developed high‐performance liquid chromatography with chemiluminescence method has been performed for the with trace analysis of tetracycline antibiotic residues in milk samples with satisfactory results.
Synthesis of Nitroxide End‐Labeled Polymers by Capturing Polystyrene Radicals with Spin Traps
Authors: Heiler Katherine E. , Pan Ching W. , Heiler Alexander J. , Wu Jessica P. , Tillman Eric S. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAtom transfer radical polymerization is used to synthesize brominated polystyrene, and the alkyl halide chain end is transformed into a nitroxide radical by the addition of excess nitrosobenzene to a redox active reaction mixture. The nitroxide group at the chain is verified using gel permeation chromatography, UV–vis, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, showing the addition of the nitroso group does not result in a doubling of molecular weight, with the resulting polymer possessing new absorptions in the 300–400 nm range and an unpaired electron. The nature of the radical trap plays a role in halting the reaction at the end‐capped nitroxide polymer, rather than undergoing dimerization via atom transfer radical coupling‐type pathways. The polymeric nitroxide radical can be used to trap a second polymer radical in a subsequent reaction, simply by reacting with a second bromine‐capped polymer and adjusting the redox activity of the solution.
Nanostructured Membranes from Soft and Hard Nanoparticles Prepared via RAFT‐mediated PISA
Authors: Rubio Adrien , Desnos Gregoire , Semsarilar Mona 
Published: September 2018

AbstractReversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) dispersion polymerization of benzyl methacrylate (BzMA) is used to prepare a series of near mono‐dispersed poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)‐poly(benzyl methacrylate) (PDMA‐PBzMA) diblock copolymer nanoparticles in an ethanol–water binary mixture via polymerization‐induced self‐assembly. A relatively long PDMA (DP = 88) chain transfer agent is targeted to ensure that only spherical morphologies are obtained. High (>99%) BzMA monomer conversions can be achieved within 24 h when targeting degrees of polymerization (DP) of up to 1000. The resulting particles are analyzed using dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Particles with PBzMA DPs of 500 and 1000 are used as templates for deposition of silica particles. TEM images confirm that tetramethyl orthosilicate precursor is successfully converted into silica sols that are deposited on the surface of the spherical polymer nanoparticles. Thin film membranes are then prepared from these silicified spherical particles (hard spheres) as well as the initial spherical particles devoid of silica coating (soft spheres). These membranes are fully characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and water filtration test.
Cross Conjugated Organometallic Polymers Exhibiting Ultrafast Excitation Energy Channeling: Drastic Effect of the Connectivity
Authors: Lei Hu , Juvenal Frank , Karsenti Paul‐Ludovic , Fortin Daniel , Harvey Pierre D. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA polymer composed of 2,6‐diethynylanthraquinone diimine (AQI) and trans‐bis(tributylphosphine)platinum(II), [Pt], flanked by one tetraphenylpalladium(II)porphyrin (TPPPd) and one para‐nitrobenzene (C6H4NO2) is prepared (P1: M
n = 57000, M
w = 124500, Đ = 2.18, DP = 52.5) and is studied by time‐resolved emission spectroscopy and fs transient absorption spectroscopy (fs‐TAS). A model polymer (AQI(C6H4NO2)2‐[Pt])
n
is used for comparison (P2: M
n = 88200, M
w = 188700, Đ = 2.14, DP = 111). Taking advantage of the dynamics of the excited states of [Pt] and TPPPd and those obtained for P1 and P2, it is shown that the excitation energy absorbed by the central polymer chain, (AQI‐[Pt])
n
, channels this energy very efficiently, to the pendent TPPPd with a rate of energy transfer, k
ET(S1), larger than 2.3 × 1010 s−1 for an energy transfer 1(AQI‐[Pt])* → TPPPd for P1 at 298 K based on the decrease of the fluorescence lifetime of the (AQI‐[Pt])
n
chain in P1 compared to P2. This rate is more accurately estimated by fs‐TAS and is found to be 1.8 × 1011 s−1. This rate is ultrafast and is due to a large contribution of the Dexter mechanism across the imine bridge (CN).
Cavitation‐Induced Stress Whitening in Semi‐Crystalline Polymers
Authors: Lu Ying , Men Yongfeng 
Published: September 2018

AbstractCavitation‐induced stress whitening in semi‐crystalline polymers during stretching significantly influences the physical properties of the materials. This review summarizes studies focusing on two different cavitation processes triggered at small and large strain regimes. The corresponding mechanisms of these two cavitation processes are discussed. For cavitation activated at small strain, there are two basic but distinctly different models with the initiation of cavities either in the amorphous phase or in the crystalline skeleton. For the cavitation triggered at a large strain regime, there are also two different arguments being either due to the defects located in the ends of micro‐fibrils or as a consequence of the fragmentation of load‐bearing inter‐fibril/micro‐fibril tie chains in highly oriented amorphous networks. A unified understanding of the cavitation processes during stretching semi‐crystalline polymers based on interpenetrated network model is proposed. Finally, this review outlooks future research topics for better understanding the cavitation mechanism to meet the industrial need.
Reversible Chemo‐Topographic Control of Adhesion in Polydopamine Nanomembranes
Authors: Chiang Po‐Ju , Tang Guannan , Kwon Ik Soo , Eristoff Sophia , Bettinger Christopher J. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe use of polydopamine nanomembranes as a conformal coating with reversible adhesion is demonstrated. Here, two approaches to achieve reversible adhesion in polydopamine nanomembranes are reported: 1) controlling the surface chemistry using pH and 2) altering the texture through mechanical strain. pH‐dependent reversible adhesion in an aqueous environment can achieve differential pull‐off force of ≈0 and 1.93 ± 0.39 mN. Strain‐dependent adhesion in dry environments can produce between 0.26 ± 0.04 and 1.48 ± 0.06 mN, a range of 5.7 times difference. A theoretical framework based on elliptical Johnson–Kendall–Roberts theory to describe the relation between adhesion and the sinusoidal microtexture geometry is proposed. This model is in good agreement with experimentally determined values for interfacial adhesion in dry environments.
MicroRNA‐451a acts as tumor suppressor in cutaneous basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Sun Hui , Jiang Pingdong 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundBasal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. The underlying mechanism leading to BCC formation is not fully uncovered. The aim of this study was to characterize miRNA‐451a as a novel tumor suppressor in cutaneous BCC.MethodsWe first evaluated miRNA‐451a level in human BCC clinical tissues and inducible BCC mouse model. Then we studied the impact of overexpressing or inhibiting miR‐451a in cell proliferation, colony formation potential, and cell cycle pattern. Next, we employed luciferase reporter assay and western blotting to evaluate TBX1 as a downstream target of miRNA‐451a. Lastly, we confirmed TBX1 expressional change in BCC tissues by qPCR.ResultsmiRNA‐451a was significantly reduced in human BCC tissues. The downregulation of miRNA‐451a was also confirmed in BCC mouse model. Overexpressing miRNA‐451a in tumor cells markedly suppressed cell growth through G1 cell cycle arrest. However, inhibiting miRNA‐451a in primary cells promoted cell growth and colony formation capacity. TBX1 (602054) was predicted as a downstream target of miRNA‐451a and this was confirmed by luciferase assay and protein expression. Finally, TBX1 level was shown upregulated in BCC tissues as inversely to miR451a.ConclusionOur studies revealed that miRNA‐451a/TBX1 axis played a pivotal role in BCC tumorigenesis.
Taurine: A Regulator of Cellular Redox Homeostasis and Skeletal Muscle Function
Authors: Seidel Ulrike , Huebbe Patricia , Rimbach Gerald 
Published: September 2018

AbstractTaurine is a nonproteinogenic ß‐aminosulfonic acid. Important dietary sources of taurine are fish and seafood. Taurine interacts with ion channels, stabilizes membranes, and regulates the cell volume. These actions confirm its high concentrations in excitable tissues like retina, neurons, and muscles. Retinal degeneration, cardiomyopathy, as well as skeletal muscle malfunction are evident in taurine‐deficient phenotypes. There is evidence that taurine counteracts lipid peroxidation and increases cellular antioxidant defense in response to inflammation. In activated neutrophils, taurine reacts with hypochloric acid to form taurine chloramine, which triggers the Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1–nuclear factor E2‐related factor 1 (Keap1–Nrf2) pathway. Consequently, Nrf2 target genes, such as heme oxygenase‐1 and catalase, are induced. Furthermore, taurine may prevent an overload of reactive oxygen species (ROS) directly by an inhibition of ROS generation within the respiratory chain. Taurine affects mitochondrial bioenergetics and taurine‐deficient mice exhibit an impaired exercise performance. Moreover, some studies demonstrate that taurine enhances the glycogen repletion in the postexercise recovery phase. In the case of taurine deficiency, many studies observed a phenotype known in muscle senescence and skeletal muscle disorders. Overall, taurine plays an important role in cellular redox homeostasis and skeletal muscle function.
Design of robust nonfragile H∞ controller for uncertain nonlinear polynomial systems
Authors: Rezgui Marwa , Ayadi Hela Belkhiria , Benhadj Braiek Naceur 
Published: September 2018

SummaryThis paper is concerned with the robust H∞ nonfragile controller design for a particular class of nonlinear systems, namely, the perturbed polynomial systems, which are subject to unstructured bounded uncertainties in both the system model and the control law. Combining the Lyapunov stability theory, properties of linear matrix inequality, and Kronecker product properties, a sufficient condition of robust H∞ nonfragile control design is proposed. More specifically, we propose a robust H∞ controller of nonlinear polynomial systems with additive unstructured uncertainties and variation in the control law itself that guarantee the stability and the attenuation of external perturbations. Two examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Surface modification of polyamide 12 angioplasty balloons by photochemical reaction with an aromatic azide
Authors: D'Onofrio Simone , Bignotti Fabio 
Published: September 2018

Polyamide 12 (PA12) is used in a variety of applications when low moisture absorption, good dimensional stability, and toughness are required. Polyamide 12 is one of the polymers most frequently employed to fabricate angioplasty balloon catheters; however, its high hydrophobicity and chemical inertness require the application of coatings to make its surface more hydrophilic and biocompatible. In this work, an alternative method, based on the photochemical reaction of PA12 with a hydrophilic aromatic azide, was developed. Static and dynamic contact angle measurements evidenced that the surface modification process was able to improve PA12 wettability and that the effects were retained even after 12 months from surface treatment. Polyamide 12 modification resulted in an increase of its surface free energy, as evaluated by the van Oss, Good, and Chaudhury method. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the aromatic azide on PA12 surface. Finally, compliance tests showed that the modification process did not reduce the mechanical performance of balloons.
Identification of Changing Ribosome Protein Compositions using Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Samir Parimal , Browne Christopher M. , Rahul  , Sun Ming , Shen Bingxin , Li Wen , Frank Joachim , Link Andrew J. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe regulatory role of the ribosome in gene expression has come into sharper focus. It has been proposed that ribosomes are dynamic complexes capable of changing their protein composition in response to environmental stimuli. MS is applied to identify quantitative changes in the protein composition of S. cerevisiae 80S ribosomes in response to different environmental stimuli. Using quantitative MS, it is found that the paralog yeast ribosomal proteins RPL8A (eL8A) and RPL8B (eL8B) change their relative proportions in the 80S ribosome when yeast is switched from growth in glucose to glycerol. By using yeast genetics and polysome profiling, it is shown that yeast ribosomes containing either RPL8A or RPL8B are not functionally interchangeable. The quantitative proteomic data support the hypothesis that ribosomes are dynamic complexes that alter their composition and functional activity in response to changes in growth or environmental conditions.
Hotelling's T2 control charts with fixed and variable sample sizes for monitoring short production runs
Authors: Chong Nger Ling , Khoo Michael B. C. , Haq Abdul , Castagliola Philippe 
Published: September 2018

AbstractShort production runs are common in enterprises that require a high degree of flexibility and variety in manufacturing processes. To date, past research on short production runs has little focus on the multivariate control charts. In view of this, fixed sample size (FSS) and variable sample size (VSS) Hotelling's T2 charts are designed to monitor the process mean when the production horizon is finite. Optimal parameters to minimize the out‐of‐control (1) truncated average run length (TARL) and (2) expected TARL (ETARL) are provided such that the in‐control TARL is equal to the number of inspections (say I). The numerical study considers the run length performances of the FSS and VSS T2 short‐run charts for both known and unknown shift sizes. The VSS T2 short‐run chart performs well in swiftly detecting various mean shifts in comparison with the FSS T2 short‐run chart. Additionally, the VSS T2 short‐run chart is superior to the FSS T2 short‐run chart, in terms of the truncated standard deviation of the run length, expected truncated standard deviation of the run length, probability that the chart signals an alarm within the I inspections, ie, P(I) and expected P(I). A case study on the impurity profile of a crystalline drug substance illustrates the implementation of the VSS T2 short‐run chart.
Defects in interferon pathways as potential biomarkers of sensitivity to oncolytic viruses
Authors: Matveeva Olga V. , Chumakov Peter M. 
Published: September 2018

SummaryIncreased sensitivity of cancer cells to viruses is a prerequisite for the success of oncolytic virotherapy. One of the major causes of such a phenotype is the disruption of innate antiviral defenses associated with dysfunction of type 1 interferons (IFNs) that permits unlimited replication of viruses in cancer cells. Defects in IFN pathways help cancer progression by providing additional advantages to tumor cells. However, while these defects promote the survival and accelerated proliferation of malignant cells, they facilitate viral replication and thus enhance the efficiency of viral oncolysis. This review describes a broad spectrum of defects in genes that participate in IFN induction and IFN response pathways. Expression levels and/or functional activities of these genes are frequently low or absent in cancer cells, making them sensitive to virus infection. Therefore, certain specific defects in IFN signaling cascades might serve as potential biomarkers to help in identifying individual cancer patients who are likely to benefit from oncolytic virotherapy.
Nonparametric methods for fault diagnosis in dynamic systems
Authors: Zhirabok Alexey , Shumsky Alexey , Scherbatyuk Alexander 
Published: September 2018

SummaryThe problem of fault diagnosis in engineering systems with uncertainties described by nonlinear discrete‐time models is studied within the scope of analytical redundancy concept. Solution of the problem assumes the checking redundancy relations existing among system inputs and outputs measured over a finite time window. The nonparametric method is used to construct redundancy relations involving transformation of the initial system model into canonical form with special properties. The obtained results are illustrated by the general electric servoactuator of manipulation robots.
pth moment exponential input‐to‐state stability of nonlinear discrete‐time impulsive stochastic delay systems
Authors: Wu Xuan , Zhang Yu 
Published: September 2018

SummaryThis paper investigates the pth moment exponential input‐to‐state stability (ISS) of nonlinear discrete‐time impulsive stochastic delay systems. By employing Lyapunov functionals, some pth moment exponential ISS criteria are provided. The obtained results show that a discrete‐time stochastic delay system can become pth moment exponential input‐to‐state stable by impulsive controls even if it may be not input‐to‐state stable itself. On the other hand, the original system without impulses can retain its ISS property with appropriate destabilizing impulses. As an application, the theoretical results are used to test the ISS for a class of recurrent neural networks under stochastic perturbations. Finally, a numerical example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the results.