bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Refractory Plasmonic Metal Nitride Nanoparticles for Broadband Near‐Infrared Optical Switches
Authors: Xian Yuehui , Cai Yu , Sun Xiaoyu , Liu Xiaofeng , Guo Qiangbing , Zhang Zuxing , Tong Limin , Qiu Jianrong 
Published: May 2019

AbstractUltrafast laser‐induced thermalization‐cooling of carriers in plasmonic nanostructures has been extensively explored in the development of high‐speed photonic switches with a broad operating bandwidth. However, potential laser damage arising from the strong light–matter interaction remains a tremendous obstacle for practical applications of most colloidal processed plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs). Here, it is demonstrated that titanium nitride (TiN) NPs, with a broadband localized surface plasmon resonance in the near infrared (NIR) region, can be exploited as an ultrafast optical switch based on transient photo‐bleaching, which manifests as a saturable absorption behavior with strong optical nonlinearity. The developed TiN‐based optical switches exhibit high robustness against laser damage (up to peak power of 557 GW cm−2) and enable both Q‐switched and transform‐limited mode‐locked pulse generation in the NIR spectral region in either fiber or solid‐state lasers with pulse duration down to 763 fs. The results may stimulate further exploration of metal nitride materials for applications in nonlinear optics and ultrafast photonic devices.
Under‐Oil Superhydrophilic Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Silica Hybrid Nanofibrous Aerogel for Gravity‐Driven Separation of Surfactant‐Stabilized Water‐in‐Oil Emulsions
Authors: Zheng Xie , Liu Xiaoyun , Zha Liusheng 
Published: May 2019

AbstractFor efficient and green separation of surfactant‐stabilized water‐in‐oil (W/O) emulsions, under‐oil superhydrophilic poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/silica hybrid nanofibrous aerogel is fabricated by freeze‐drying the dispersion of shortened PVA/tetraethyl orthosilicate composite electrospun nanofibers in t‐butanol, followed by heat‐treatment. Its hierarchical porous structure, observed by scanning electron microscope, consists of major and minor pores with an average diameter of 15.9 and 1.0 µm, respectively. The silica‐based crosslinking structure inside the nanofibers and the chemical linkage between them, evidenced by infrared spectroscopy, endows the nanofibrous aerogel with desirable stability in water and compression recoverability. When it is used for gravity‐driven separation of Span80 stabilized water‐in‐n‐hexane emulsion, the flux is 2083 L m−2 h−1 and the purity of the separated n‐hexane reaches 99.997%, corresponding to the separation efficiency of 99.79%. The nanofibrous aerogel after use is readily recycled by rinsing and freeze‐drying, without using any organic solvent, as it possesses under‐oil superhydrophilicity and prominent oil antifouling property. Differing from the previously reported separation materials, PVA/silica hybrid nanofibrous aerogel simultaneously acts as gravity‐driven filtration material and adsorption material to both absorb their coalesced water droplets and allow the separated oil to penetrate in the separation process.
MDS evidence‐based review of treatments for essential tremor
Authors: Ferreira Joaquim J. , Mestre Tiago A. , Lyons Kelly E. , Benito‐León Julián , Tan Eng‐King , Abbruzzese Giovanni , Hallett Mark , Haubenberger Dietrich , Elble Rodger , Deuschl Günther ,   on behalf of MDS Task Force on Tremor and the MDS Evidence Based Medicine Committee
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundEssential tremor is one of the most prevalent movement disorders. Many treatments for essential tremor have been reported in clinical practice, but it is uncertain which options have the most robust evidence. The International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society commissioned a task force on tremor to review clinical studies of treatments for essential tremor.ObjectivesTo conduct an evidence‐based review of current pharmacological and surgical treatments for essential tremor, using standardized criteria defined a priori by the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.MethodsWe followed the recommendations of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society Evidence Based Medicine Committee.ResultsSixty‐four studies of pharmacological and surgical interventions were included in the review. Propranolol and primidone were classified as clinically useful, similar to Topiramate, but only for doses higher than 200 mg/day. Alprazolam and botulinum toxin type A were classified as possibly useful. Unilateral Ventralis intermedius thalamic DBS, radiofrequency thalamotomy, and MRI‐guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy were considered possibly useful. All the above recommendations were made for limb tremor in essential tremor. There was insufficient evidence for voice and head tremor as well as for the remaining interventions.ConclusionPropranolol, primidone, and topiramate (>200 mg/day) are the pharmacological interventions in which the data reviewed robustly supported efficacy. Their safety profile and patient preference may guide the prioritization of these interventions in clinical practice. MRI‐guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy was, for the first time, assessed and was considered to be possibly useful. There is a need to improve study design in essential tremor and overcome the limitation of small sample sizes, cross‐over studies, short‐term follow‐up studies, and use of nonvalidated clinical scales. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Prepulse inhibition of the blink reflex is abnormal in functional movement disorders
Authors: Hanzlíková Zuzana , Kofler Markus , Slovák Matěj , Věchetová Gabriela , Fečíková Anna , Kemlink David , Sieger Tomáš , Růžička Evžen , Valls‐Solé Josep , Edwards Mark J. , Serranová Tereza 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundPatients with functional movement disorders also typically have functional somatic symptoms, including pain, fatigue, and sensory disturbance. A potentially unifying mechanism for such symptoms is a failure in processing of sensory inputs. Prepulse inhibition is a neurophysiological method that allows for the study of preconscious somatosensory processing.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess prepulse inhibition in patients with functional movement disorders and healthy control subjects.MethodsWe analyzed the effect of a weak electrical stimulus to the index finger (prepulse) on the magnitude of the R2 response of the blink reflex induced by electrical stimuli delivered to the supraorbital nerve in 22 patients with clinically established functional movement disorders and 22 matched controls. Pain, depression, anxiety, and obsessive‐compulsive symptoms were assessed using self‐rated questionnaires. In addition, in patients we assessed motor symptom severity.ResultsPrepulses suppressed the R2 response of the blink reflex in both groups, by 36.4% (standard deviation: 25.6) in patients and by 67.3% (standard deviation: 16.4) in controls. This difference was significant (P < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between motor and nonmotor symptom measures and prepulse inhibition size.ConclusionsImpaired prepulse inhibition of the blink reflex suggests an abnormal preconscious processing of somatosensory inputs, which can be interpreted within predictive coding accounts of both functional movement disorders and functional somatic syndromes. Our results, along with previous findings of a reduced prepulse inhibition in fibromyalgia syndrome, support a possible unified pathophysiology across functional neurological and somatic syndromes with noteworthy implications for diagnostic classification and development of novel biomarkers and treatments. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Clinical and methodological challenges for assessing freezing of gait: Future perspectives
Authors: Mancini Martina , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Horak Fay B. , Lewis Simon J.G. , Nieuwboer Alice , Nonnekes Jorik 
Published: May 2019

AbstractFreezing of gait, defined as sudden and usually brief episodes of inability to produce effective stepping, often results in falls and is both disabling and common in parkinsonism. In this narrative review, sprung from the 2nd International Workshop on freezing of gait in Leuven, we summarize the latest insights into clinical and methodological challenges for assessing freezing of gait. We also highlight the role of emerging wearable technology to improve the management of this debilitating symptom. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Further support linking the 22q11.2 microduplication to an increased risk of bladder exstrophy and highlighting LZTR1 as a candidate gene
Authors: Lundin Johanna , Markljung Ellen , Baranowska Körberg Izabella , Hofmeister Wolfgang , Cao Jia , Nilsson Daniel , Holmdahl Gundela , Barker Gillian , Anderberg Magnus , Vukojević Vladana , Lindstrand Anna , Nordenskjöld Agneta 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe bladder exstrophy‐epispadias complex (BEEC) is a congenital malformation of the bladder and urethra. The underlying causes of this malformation are still largely unknown; however, aside from environment, genetics is thought to play an essential role. The recurrent 22q11.2 microduplication is the most persistently detected genetic aberration found in BEEC cases.MethodsWe performed array comparative genomic hybridization (array‐CGH) analysis of 76 Swedish BEEC patients. Statistical analysis was performed on current dataset pooled with previously published data on the 22q11.2 microduplication in BEEC patients. We performed massive parallel sequencing (MPS) of the 22q11.2 region in 20 BEEC patients without the 22q11.2 microduplication followed by functional studies.ResultsWe identified three additional cases with the 22q11.2 microduplication. Pooling data from this study with previously published reports showed a statistically significant enrichment of the 22q11.2 microduplication in BEEC patients (2.61% in cases vs. 0.08% in controls; OR = 32.6; p = 8.7 × 10−4). MPS of the 22q11.2 region in 20 BEEC patients without the 22q11.2 microduplication identified a novel variant in LZTR1 (p.Ser698Phe) in one patient. Functional evaluation of the LZTR1 p.Ser698Phe variant in live NIH 3T3 cells showed that the concentration and cytoplasmic mobility differ between the Lztr1wt and Lztr1mut, indicating a potential functional effect of the LZTR1mut.ConclusionOur study further emphasizes the involvement of the 22q11.2 region in BEEC development and highlights LZTR1 as a candidate gene underlying the urogenital malformation.
Long noncoding RNA NEAT1 regulates the development of osteosarcoma through sponging miR‐34a‐5p to mediate HOXA13 expression as a competitive endogenous RNA
Authors: Ji Shaolin , Wang Shunsheng , Zhao Xiaodan , Lv Li 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundLong noncoding RNA (lncRNA) exerts a potential regulatory role in tumorigenesis. LncRNA NEAT1 expression remains high in osteosarcoma tissues. However, its biological mechanism in osteosarcoma remains unknown.MethodsIn this study, NEAT1 expression in osteosarcoma cells was detected by qRT‐PCR. Proliferative and apoptosis potentials of osteosarcoma cells were determined by CCK‐8 assay and Flow Cytometry, respectively. We identified the potential target of NEAT1 through bioinformatics and dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. Furthermore, their interaction and functions in regulating the development of osteosarcoma were clarified by Western blot and RIP assay.ResultsOur results demonstrated a high expression of NEAT1 in osteosarcoma tissues and cells. Overexpression of NEAT1 markedly accelerated proliferative and reduced apoptosis potentials of osteosarcoma cells. Besides, NEAT1 could positively regulate the expression of HOXA13 by competing with miR‐34a‐5p.ConclusionThese results indicated that NEAT1 participated in the development of osteosarcoma as a ceRNA to competitively bind to miR‐34a‐5p and thus mediate HOXA13 expression.
A risk assessment model of acute liver allograft rejection by genetic polymorphism of CD276
Authors: Yu Xiaobo , Wei Bajin , Su Rong , Yao Jia , Feng Xiaowen , Jiang Guoping , Xie Haiyang , Wu Jian , Xu Xiao , Zhang Min , Zheng Shusen , Zhou Lin 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundLiver transplantation is an effective therapy for end‐stage liver diseases and acute liver failure. After the operation, however, recipients may suffer grafts loss induced by alloimmune reaction, which is termed as acute allograft rejection. The interaction between costimulatory molecules, CD276, and its ligand, TREML2, promotes T cell‐mediated immune response, as well as acute or chronic allograft rejection. Our research aimed at correlating genetic polymorphisms of CD276/TREML2 with acute rejection, and evaluating its prognostic value of acute rejection after liver transplantation.MethodsThe study enrolled a total of 388 recipients. Among them, acute allograft rejection was observed in 54 cases. We performed single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping of CD276, including rs11072431, rs11574495, rs12593558, rs12594627, rs2127015, rs3816661 and rs7176654, and TREML2, including rs4714431, rs6915083, rs7754593, and rs9394767 from preoperative peripheral blood genome DNA.ResultsWe found rs2127015 of CD276, rs6915083 and rs7754593 of TREML2, and HBV infection as well were associated with acute rejection. And, rs2127015 influences CD276 expression. Moreover, we established a risk assessment model, composited by statistically proved risk factors.ConclusionBy integrating both clinical and genetic variables, liver transplant recipients can be categorized into different risk groups, and might benefit from individualized therapies.
FANCC Dutch founder mutation in a Mennonite family from Tamaulipas, México
Authors: García‐de Teresa Benilde , Frias Sara , Molina Bertha , Villarreal María Teresa , Rodriguez Alfredo , Carnevale Alessandra , López‐Hernández Gerardo , Vollbrechtshausen Lilia , Olaya‐Vargas Alberto , Torres Leda 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundFanconi anemia (FA) (OMIM #227650) is a rare hereditary disease characterized by genomic instability. The clinical phenotype involves malformations, bone marrow failure, and cancer predisposition. Genetic heterogeneity is a remarkable feature of FA; at least 22 FANC genes are known to cooperate in a unique FA/BRCA repair pathway. A common rule on the mutations found in these genes is allelic heterogeneity, except for mutations known to have arisen from a founder effect like the FANCC c.67delG in the Dutch Mennonite Community. Here, we present an 11‐year‐old male patient, member of the Mennonite Community of Tamaulipas México, with a clinical and cytogenetic diagnosis of FA.MethodChromosome fragility test was performed in all siblings. Genomic DNA was obtained from peripheral blood samples. Sanger sequencing was used to identify the FANCC c.67delG mutation (NC_000009.11(NM_000136.2):c.67delG p.(Asp23IlefsTer23)) and its accompanying haplotype.ResultsThe FANCC c.67delG mutation in 13 members of his family confirmed a FA diagnosis in two of his siblings and identified heterozygous carriers. Haplotype analysis supports that in this family, FA is caused by the founder mutation that initially appeared in Mennonite Dutch and followed this population's migrations through Canada and further to Mexico.ConclusionThe identification of the FANCC c.67delG mutation in this family not only allows proper genetic counseling, but it also grants the possibility to raise awareness of FA risk among the Mennonite community living in Mexico.
Production of highly polarized [1‐13C]acetate by rapid decarboxylation of [2‐13C]pyruvate – application to hyperpolarized cardiac spectroscopy and imaging
Authors: Steinhauser Jonas , Wespi Patrick , Kwiatkowski Grzegorz , Kozerke Sebastian 
Published: May 2019

PurposeThe objective of the present work was to develop and implement an efficient approach to hyperpolarize [1‐13C]acetate and apply it to in vivo cardiac spectroscopy and imaging.MethodsRapid hydrogen peroxide induced decarboxylation was used to convert hyperpolarized [2‐13C]pyruvate into highly polarized [1‐13C]acetate employing an additional step following rapid dissolution of [2‐13C]pyruvate in a home‐built multi‐sample dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization system. Phantom dissolution experiments were conducted to determine optimal parameters of the decarboxylation reaction, retaining polarization and T1 of [1‐13C]acetate. In vivo feasibility of detecting [1‐13C]acetate metabolism is demonstrated using slice‐selective spectroscopy and multi‐echo imaging of [1‐13C]acetate and [1‐13C]acetylcarnitine in the healthy rat heart.ResultsThe first in vivo signal was observed ~23 s after dissolution. At the corresponding time point in the phantom experiments, 97.9 ± 0.4% of [2‐13C]pyruvate were converted into [1‐13C]acetate by the decarboxylation reaction. T1 and polarization of [1‐13C]acetate was determined to be 29.7 ± 1.9% and a 47.7 ± 0.5 s. Polarization levels of [2‐13C]pyruvate and [1‐13C]acetate were not significantly different after transfer to the scanner. In vivo, [1‐13C]acetate and [1‐13C]acetylcarnitine could be detected using spectroscopy and imaging.ConclusionDecarboxylation of hyperpolarized [2‐13C]pyruvate enables the efficient production of highly polarized [1‐13C]acetate that is applicable to study short‐chain fatty acid metabolism in the in vivo heart.
Compressed Sensing 3D‐GRASE for faster High‐Resolution MRI
Authors: Cristobal‐Huerta A. , Poot D.H.J. , Vogel M.W. , Krestin G.P. , Hernandez‐Tamames J.A. 
Published: May 2019

PurposeHigh‐resolution three‐dimensional (3D) structural MRI is useful for delineating complex or small structures of the body. However, it requires long acquisition times and high SAR, limiting its clinical use. The purpose of this work is to accelerate the acquisition of high‐resolution images by combining compressed sensing and parallel imaging (CSPI) on a 3D‐GRASE sequence and to compare it with a (CS)PI 3D‐FSE sequence. Several sampling patterns were investigated to assess their influence on image quality.MethodsThe proposed k‐space sampling patterns are based on two undersampled k‐space grids, variable density (VD) Poisson‐disc, and VD pseudo‐random Gaussian, and five different trajectories described in the literature. Bloch simulations are performed to obtain the transform point spread function and evaluate the coherence of each sampling pattern. Image resolution was assessed by the full‐width at half‐maximum (FWHM). Prospective CSPI 3D‐GRASE phantom and in vivo experiments in knee and brain are carried out to assess image quality, SNR, SAR, and acquisition time compared to PI 3D‐GRASE, PI 3D‐FSE, and CSPI 3D‐FSE acquisitions.ResultsSampling patterns with VD Poisson‐disc obtain the lowest coherence for both PD‐weighted and ‐weighted acquisitions. VD pseudo‐random Gaussian obtains lower FWHM, but higher sidelobes than VD Poisson‐disc. CSPI 3D‐GRASE reduces acquisition time (43% for PD‐weighted and 40% for ‐weighted) and SAR (∼45% for PD‐weighted and ‐weighted) compared to CSPI 3D‐FSE.ConclusionsCSPI 3D‐GRASE reduces acquisition time compared to a CSPI 3DFSE acquisition, preserving image quality. The design of the sampling pattern is crucial for image quality in CSPI 3D‐GRASE image acquisitions.
Development of a GPGPU‐parallelized hybrid finite‐discrete element method for modeling rock fracture
Authors: Fukuda Daisuke , Mohammadnejad Mojtaba , Liu Hongyuan , Dehkhoda Sevda , Chan Andrew , Cho Sang‐Ho , Min Gyeong‐Jo , Han Haoyu , Kodama Jun‐ichi , Fujii Yoshiaki 
Published: May 2019

SummaryThe hybrid finite‐discrete element method (FDEM) is widely used for engineering applications, which, however, is computationally expensive and needs further development, especially when rock fracture process is modeled. This study aims to further develop a sequential hybrid FDEM code formerly proposed by the authors and parallelize it using compute unified device architecture (CUDA) C/C++ on the basis of a general‐purpose graphics processing unit (GPGPU) for rock engineering applications. Because the contact detection algorithm in the sequential code is not suitable for GPGPU parallelization, a different contact detection algorithm is implemented in the GPGPU‐parallelized hybrid FDEM. Moreover, a number of new features are implemented in the hybrid FDEM code, including the local damping technique for efficient geostatic stress analysis, contact damping, contact friction, and the absorbing boundary. Then, a number of simulations with both quasi‐static and dynamic loading conditions are conducted using the GPGPU‐parallelized hybrid FDEM, and the obtained results are compared both quantitatively and qualitatively with those from either theoretical analysis or the literature to calibrate the implementations. Finally, the speed‐up performance of the hybrid FDEM is discussed in terms of its performance on various GPGPU accelerators and a comparison with the sequential code, which reveals that the GPGPU‐parallelized hybrid FDEM can run more than 128 times faster than the sequential code if it is run on appropriate GPGPU accelerators, such as the Quadro GP100. It is concluded that the GPGPU‐parallelized hybrid FDEM developed in this study is a valuable and powerful numerical tool for rock engineering applications.
Efficient and accurate stress recovery procedure and a posteriori error estimator for the stable generalized/extended finite element method
Authors: Lins Rafael , Proença Sergio Persival , Duarte C. Armando 
Published: May 2019

SummaryThis paper presents a new stress recovery technique for the generalized/extended finite element method (G/XFEM) and for the stable generalized FEM (SGFEM). The recovery procedure is based on a locally weighted L2 projection of raw stresses over element patches; the set of elements sharing a node. Such projection leads to a block‐diagonal system of equations for the recovered stresses. The recovery procedure can be used with GFEM and SGFEM approximations based on any choice of elements and enrichment functions. Here, the focus is on low‐order 2D approximations for linear elastic fracture problems. A procedure for computing recovered stresses at re‐entrant corners of any internal angle is also presented. The proposed stress recovery technique is used to define a Zienkiewicz‐Zhu (ZZ) a posteriori error estimator for the G/XFEM and the SGFEM. The accuracy, computational cost, and convergence rate of recovered stresses together with the quality of the ZZ estimator, including its effectivity index, are demonstrated in problems with smooth and singular solutions.
Struggling to be seen and understood as a person – Chronic back pain patients’ experiences of encounters in health care: An interview study
Authors: Allvin Renée , Fjordkvist Erika , Blomberg Karin 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to describe how patients with chronic back pain experience encounters with health care. Persons with chronic back pain are a stigmatized group often treated based on stereotypes, which may lead to misunderstandings and create frustrated patients and healthcare personnel. Few studies have examined the generic aspects of quality of care in this context.DesignA descriptive design with a qualitative approach was used.MethodsNine individual interviews were conducted with chronic back pain patients after admission to an orthopaedic hospital ward. Data were analysed using content analysis.ResultsThe patients’ experiences of healthcare encounters can be described by the theme “Struggling to be seen and understood as a person,” comprising the categories “Lack of access and trust to care,” “A desire to be taken care of and listened to” and “Own strength to handle healthcare situations.”