bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Head‐Up Sleep May Cure Patients With Intractable Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: A six‐Month Randomized Trial
Authors: Horinaka Akira , Kitahara Tadashi , Shiozaki Tomoyuki , Ito Taeko , Wada Yoshiro , Yamanaka Toshiaki , Nario Kazuhiko 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to assess head‐position management for intractable idiopathic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) when lying down. We hypothesized that head‐up sleep (HUS) could prevent free‐floating otoliths from entering the semicircular canals.Study DesignA prospective two‐arm multicenter randomized controlled trial.MethodsBPPV was diagnosed in 611 patients (611/1,520; 40.2%) according to the 2015 diagnostic guidelines issued by the International Classification of Vestibular Disorders. Among them, 201 patients were intractable (201/611; 32.9%), 88 of whom were idiopathic and subsequently enrolled in the study. Patients randomly received intervention with HUS at greater than 45° (n = 44) or head‐down sleep (HDS; n = 44) when lying down. Before treatment, they completed several examinations, including subjective visual vertical (SVV). The specific diagnoses for the 88 patients with BPPV included horizontal type cupula (n = 40), horizontal type canal (n = 13), posterior type (n = 26), and probable and/or atypical BPPV (n = 9).ResultsPatient backgrounds did not differ significantly between the HUS and HDS groups. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores of vertiginous sensation were significantly lower in the HUS group than in the HDS group at both the third month and sixth month post‐treatment. Positional/positioning nystagmus observed just before treatment disappeared significantly more often in the HUS group than in the HDS group until the sixth post‐treatment month. Further, especially in HUS group, VAS scores in SVV− group (n = 24) were significantly lower than those in the SVV+ group (n = 20) sixth month post‐treatment.ConclusionsControlling free‐floating otoliths is not easy due to aging of the otolith organs. Repeatedly returning the endless free‐floating debris from the canals to the utricle through physical means is not a good strategy. Therefore, HUS when lying down at home could be recommended as an initial treatment for patients with intractable idiopathic BPPV.Level of Evidence1b
In perspective: An update on telomere targeting in cancer
Authors: Sugarman Eric T. , Zhang Gao , Shay Jerry W. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractEngaging a telomere maintenance mechanism during DNA replication is essential for almost all advanced cancers. The conversion from normal and premalignant somatic cells to advanced malignant cells often results (85%‐90%) from the reactivation of the functional ribonucleoprotein holoenzyme complex, referred to as telomerase. Modulation of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) appears to be rate limiting to produce functional telomerase and engage a telomere maintenance mechanism. The remaining 10% to 15% of cancers overcome progressively shortened telomeres by activating an alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) maintenance mechanism, through a DNA recombination pathway. Exploration into the specific mechanisms of telomere maintenance in cancer have led to the development of drugs such as Imetelstat (GRN163L), BIBR1532, 6‐thio‐dG, VE‐822, and NVP‐BEZ235 being investigated as therapeutic approaches for treating telomerase and ALT tumors. The successful use of 6‐thio‐dG (a nucleoside preferentially recognized by telomerase) that targets and uncaps telomeres in telomerase positive but not normal telomerase silent cells has recently shown impressive effects on multiple types of cancer. For example, 6‐thio‐dG overcomes therapy‐resistant cancers in a fast‐acting mechanism potentially providing an alternative or additional route of treatment for patients with cancer. In this perspective, we provide a synopsis of the current landscape of telomeres and telomerase processing in cancer development and how this new knowledge may improve outcomes for patients with cancer.
Oxygen‐sensitive MRI assessment of tumor response to hypoxic gas breathing challenge
Authors: Yang Donghan M. , Arai Tatsuya J. , Campbell James W. , Gerberich Jenifer L. , Zhou Heling , Mason Ralph P. 
Published: May 2019

Oxygen‐sensitive MRI has been extensively used to investigate tumor oxygenation based on the response (R2* and/or R1) to a gas breathing challenge. Most studies have reported response to hyperoxic gas indicating potential biomarkers of hypoxia. Few studies have examined hypoxic gas breathing and we have now evaluated acute dynamic changes in rat breast tumors.Rats bearing syngeneic subcutaneous (n = 15) or orthotopic (n = 7) 13762NF breast tumors were exposed to a 16% O2 gas breathing challenge and monitored using blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) R2* and tissue oxygen level dependent (TOLD) T1‐weighted measurements at 4.7 T. As a control, we used a traditional hyperoxic gas breathing challenge with 100% O2 on a subset of the subcutaneous tumor bearing rats (n = 6). Tumor subregions identified as responsive on the basis of R2* dynamics coincided with the viable tumor area as judged by subsequent H&E staining. As expected, R2* decreased and T1‐weighted signal increased in response to 100% O2 breathing challenge. Meanwhile, 16% O2 breathing elicited an increase in R2*, but divergent response (increase or decrease) in T1‐weighted signal. The T1‐weighted signal increase may signify a dominating BOLD effect triggered by 16% O2 in the relatively more hypoxic tumors, whereby the influence of increased paramagnetic deoxyhemoglobin outweighs decreased pO2. The results emphasize the importance of combined BOLD and TOLD measurements for the correct interpretation of tumor oxygenation properties.
Synthesis and characterization of PANI/P‐2M conductive composites: Thermal, rheological, mechanical, and electrical properties
Authors: Pati Santwana , Kumar Vipin , Goto Teruya , Takahashi Tatsuhiro , Yokozeki Tomohiro 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn this article, a new conductive thermosetting resin system was developed using Polyaniline with 2‐Methacryloyloxyethyl acid phosphate (P‐2 M) as a dopant. The resin has shown better steady state viscosity and enhanced mechanical properties as high as 3 ± 0.8 GPa as compared to our previously developed resin system of PANI‐DBSA. A DSC analysis was conducted to estimate the activation energy and the exact amount of energy for doping and curing process of the resin. The resin was synthesized with various wt% of PANI and each combination was characterized in detail. As the amount of PANI was increased, the electrical conductivity significantly enhanced. The maximum electrical conductivity obtained is 0.5 S/m, which is lower than other conductive resins but is many orders higher than epoxy resin. The uncured resin was studied for its viscosity change with shear rate and the constitution of PANI in the resin and we obtained a desirable steady‐state viscosity of the resin. Thus, the newly developed resin with efficient steady state viscosity in the favorable range, optimized electrical conductivity, and superior mechanical properties, can be applied into CFRP fabrication.
Pharmacotherapy of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Results from the Randomized BAART Clinical Trial
Authors: DeVane C. Lindsay , Charles Jane M. , Abramson Ruth K. , Williams John E. , Carpenter Laura A. , Raven Sarah , Gwynette Frampton , Stuck Craig A. , Geesey Mark E. , Bradley Catherine , Donovan Jennifer L. , Hall Alicia G. , Sherk Shelley T. , Powers Nancy R. , Spratt Eve , Kinsman Anne , Kruesi Markus J. , Bragg John E. 
Published: May 2019

The objective of this trial, Biomarkers in Autism of Aripiprazole and Risperidone Treatment (BAART), was to provide support and guidance for an evidence‐based approach for the selection and monitoring of initial pharmacotherapy in patients with autism by assessing predictors of efficacy, tolerability, and safety. This randomized double‐blind parallel‐group study was conducted in three academic medical centers and a single private pediatric practice. Eighty children or adolescents (aged 6–17 yrs) with autistic disorder were enrolled, and 61 patients were randomized to the study drug. Of those patients, 51 completed the 10‐week trial, and 31 completed an optional 12‐week blinded extension phase. All patients were treated with 2 weeks of placebo before random assignment to receive aripiprazole (31 patients) or risperidone (30 patients) for 10 weeks. Sixteen placebo responders (20%) were excluded from further analysis. Drug dosing followed U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labeling, and weekly dosage adjustments were allowed until week 4; patients were then maintained on a fixed dose for 6 additional weeks. Safety, physical, and psychological assessments were recorded weekly or every 2 weeks. No significant differences in severity of illness between the aripiprazole and risperidone groups were noted at baseline. All patients significantly improved on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist‐Irritability subscale after 1 week and continued for the remaining 9 weeks and the extension phase. Improvement was greatest in the risperidone group at every assessment period and was statistically significantly better than that in the aripiprazole group at weeks 3 and 6 (p<0.05). No dose‐limiting adverse events occurred during the dose‐titration period. Mean weight gain in the aripiprazole group was significantly less than that in the risperidone group at week 4 (0.62 vs 1.38 kg, p=0.033) and week 10 (1.61 vs 3.31 kg, p<0.001), but the difference became nonsignificant for the 31 patients completing the 3‐month extension phase (4.36 vs 5.55 kg, p=0.26). Pharmacotherapy of patients with autism spectrum disorder resulted in behavioral improvement within 1 week and lasted at least 22 weeks. Weight gain occurred to a greater degree with risperidone than aripiprazole initially, but the differences became nonsignificant by the end of the trial. Our trial supports previous results of drug efficacy and safety in patients with autism spectrum disorder from other trials and extends the evidence‐based support for choosing an FDA‐approved drug for initial pharmacotherapy for autism spectrum disorder.
Graphene Oxide‐Assisted and DNA‐Modulated SERS of AuCu Alloy for the Fabrication of Apurinic/Apyrimidinic Endonuclease 1 Biosensor
Authors: Li Junyao , Heng Hang , Lv Jianlin , Jiang Tingting , Wang Zhaoyin , Dai Zhihui 
Published: May 2019

AbstractFabrication of high‐performance surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) biosensors relies on the coordination of SERS substrates and sensing strategies. Herein, a SERS active AuCu alloy with a starfish‐like structure is prepared using a surfactant‐free method. By covering the anisotropic AuCu alloy with graphene oxide (GO), enhanced SERS activity is obtained owing to graphene‐enhanced Raman scattering and assembly of Raman reporters. Besides, stability of SERS is promoted based on the protection of GO to the AuCu alloy. Meanwhile, it is found that SERS activity of AuCu/GO can be regulated by DNA. The regulation is sequence and length dual‐dependent, and short polyT reveals the strongest ability of enhancing the SERS activity. Relying on this phenomenon, a SERS biosensor is designed to quantify apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1). Because of the APE1‐induced cycling amplification, the biosensor is able to detect APE1 sensitively and selectively. In addition, APE1 in human serum is analyzed by the SERS biosensor and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The data from the SERS method are superior to that from ELISA, indicating great potential of this biosensor in clinical applications.
Light‐Directed Liquid Manipulation in Flexible Bilayer Microtubes
Authors: Xu Bo , Zhu Chongyu , Qin Lang , Wei Jia , Yu Yanlei 
Published: May 2019

AbstractFlexible microfluidic systems have potential in wearable and implantable medical applications. Directional liquid transportation in these systems typically requires mechanical pumps, gas tanks, and magnetic actuators. Herein, an alternative strategy is presented for light‐directed liquid manipulation in flexible bilayer microtubes, which are composed of a commercially available supporting layer and the photodeformable layer of a newly designed azobenzene‐containing linear liquid crystal copolymer. Upon moderate visible light irradiation, various liquid slugs confined in the flexible microtubes are driven in the preset direction over a long distance due to photodeformation‐induced asymmetric capillary forces. Several light‐driven prototypes of parallel array, closed‐loop channel, and multiple micropump are established by the flexible bilayer microtubes to achieve liquid manipulation. Furthermore, an example of a wearable device attached to a finger for light‐directed liquid motion is demonstrated in different gestures. These unique photocontrollable flexible microtubes offer a novel concept of wearable microfluidics.
Ursolic acid induces apoptosis and autophagy in oral cancer cells
Authors: Lin Cheng‐Wen , Chin Hsien‐Kuo , Lee Shou‐Lun , Chiu Chang‐Fang , Chung Jing‐Gung , Lin Zi‐Yin , Wu Chia‐Yung , Liu Ying‐Chen , Hsiao Yung‐Ting , Feng Chia‐Hsien , Bai Li‐Yuan , Weng Jing‐Ru 
Published: May 2019

AbstractOral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the fifth common cause of cancer mortality in Taiwan with high incidence and recurrence and needs new therapeutic strategies. In this study, ursolic acid (UA), a triterpenoid, was examined the antitumor potency in OSCC cells. Our results showed that UA inhibited the proliferation of OSCC cells in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner in both Ca922 and SCC2095 oral cancer cells. UA induced caspase‐dependent apoptosis accompanied with the modulation of various biological biomarkers including downregulating Akt/mTOR/NF‐κB signaling, ERK, and p38. In addition, UA inhibited angiogenesis as evidenced by abrogation of migration/invasion and blocking MMP‐2 secretion in Ca922 cells. Interestingly, UA induced autophagy in OSCC cells, as manifested by LC3B‐II conversion and increased p62 expression and accumulation of autophagosomes. Inhibition by autophagy inhibitor enhanced UA‐mediated apoptosis in Ca922 cells. The experiment provides a rationale for using triterpenoid in the treatment of OSCC.
Carbohydrate‐based nanomaterials for biomedical applications
Authors: Gim Soeun , Zhu Yuntao , Seeberger Peter H. , Delbianco Martina 
Published: May 2019

Carbohydrates are abundant biomolecules, with a strong tendency to form supramolecular networks. A host of carbohydrate‐based nanomaterials have been exploited for biomedical applications. These structures are based on simple mono‐ or disaccharides, as well as on complex, polymeric systems. Chemical modifications serve to tune the shapes and properties of these materials. In particular, carbohydrate‐based nanoparticles and nanogels were used for drug delivery, imaging, and tissue engineering applications. Due to the reversible nature of the assembly, often based on a combination of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, carbohydrate‐based materials are valuable substrates for the creations of responsive systems. Herein, we review the current research on carbohydrate‐based nanomaterials, with a particular focus on carbohydrate assembly. We will discuss how these systems are formed and how their properties are tuned. Particular emphasis will be placed on the use of carbohydrates for biomedical applications.This article is categorized under:Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology.
On semi‐linear elliptic equation arising from Micro‐Electromechanical Systems with contacting elastic membrane
Authors: Chen Huyuan , Wang Ying , Zhou Feng 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis paper is concerned with the nonlinear elliptic problem in a bounded domain Ω of with Dirichlet boundary conditions. This problem arises from Micro‐Electromechanical Systems devices in the case that the elastic membrane contacts the ground plate on the boundary. We analyze the properties of minimal solutions to this equation when and the function satisfying for some and . Our results show how the boundary decay of the membrane works on the solutions and pull‐in voltage λ.
The Effects of Conflict on Fertility: Evidence From the Genocide in Rwanda
Authors: Kraehnert Kati , Brück Tilman , Di Maio Michele , Nisticò Roberto 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Our study analyzes the fertility effects of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. We study the effects of violence on both the duration time to the first birth in the early post-genocide period and on the total number of post-genocide births per woman up to 15 years following the conflict. We use individual-level data from Demographic and Health Surveys, estimating survival and count data models. This article contributes to the literature on the demographic effects of violent conflict by testing two channels through which conflict influences fertility: (1) the type of violence exposure as measured by the death of a child or sibling, and (2) the conflict-induced change in local demographic conditions as captured by the change in the district-level sex ratio. Results indicate the genocide had heterogeneous effects on fertility, depending on the type of violence experienced by the woman, her age cohort, parity, and the time horizon (5, 10, and 15 years after the genocide). There is strong evidence of a child replacement effect. Having experienced the death of a child during the genocide increases both the hazard of having a child in the five years following the genocide and the total number of post-genocide births. Experiencing sibling death during the genocide significantly lowers post-genocide fertility in both the short-run and the long-run. Finally, a reduction in the local sex ratio negatively impacts the hazard of having a child in the five years following the genocide, especially for older women.
Ginzburg–Landau equations on Riemann surfaces of higher genus
Authors: Chouchkov D. , Ercolani N.M. , Rayan S. , Sigal I.M. 
Published: May 2019

We study the Ginzburg–Landau equations on Riemann surfaces of arbitrary genus. In particular, we

Résumé
Nous étudions les équations de Ginzburg–Landau définies sur des surfaces de Riemann de genre arbitraire. En particulier,
The myth of the 1-day training: the effectiveness of psychosocial support capacity-building during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Authors: Horn Rebecca , O'May Fiona , Esliker Rebecca , Gwaikolo Wilfred , Woensdregt Lise , Ruttenberg Leontien , Ager Alastair 
Published: May 2019

Background.In emergencies and resource-poor settings, non-specialists are increasingly being trained to provide psychosocial support to people in distress, with Psychological First Aid (PFA) one of the most widely-used approaches. This paper considers the effectiveness of short training programmes to equip volunteers to provide psychosocial support in emergencies, focusing particularly on whether the PFA training provided during the Ebola outbreak enabled non-specialists to incorporate the key principles into their practice.Methods.Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Sierra Leone and Liberia with 24 PFA trainers; 36 individuals who participated in PFA training; and 12 key informants involved in planning and implementing the PFA roll-out.Results.Findings indicate that many PFA training-of-trainers were short and rarely included content designed to develop training skills. As a result, the PFA training delivered was of variable quality. PFA providers had a good understanding of active listening, but responses to a person in distress were less consistent with the guidance in the PFA training or with the principles of effective interventions outlined by Hobfoll et al.Conclusions.There are advantages to training non-specialists to provide psychosocial support during emergencies, and PFA has all the elements of an effective approach. However, the very short training programmes which have been used to train non-specialists in PFA might be appropriate for participants who already bring a set of relevant skills to the training, but for others it is insufficient. Government/NGO standardisation of PFA training and integration in national emergency response structures and systems could strengthen in-country capacity.
The Impact of Exchange Rates on French Wine Exports
Authors: Cardebat Jean-Marie , Figuet Jean-Marc 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn this article, we analyze the impact of varying exchange rates on French wine exports using a dynamic Armington panel model for the time period from 2000 to 2011. Our results suggest that French wines have become less competitive during the 2000s. This is due to two factors: rising domestic wine prices relative to foreign competitors and the appreciation of the euro against the USD and the GBP. Chinese demand appears to be a key driver of French wine exports. In addition, we find some compositional effects in Bordeaux wine exports. In response to the appreciation of the euro, the share of high-priced wines has increased, suggesting some degree of quality sorting in response to exchange-rate changes. (JEL Classification: F14, F31, Q17)
A new limulid genus from the Strelovec Formation (Middle Triassic, Anisian) of northern Slovenia
Authors: Bicknell Russell D. C. , Žalohar Jure , Miklavc Primož , Celarc Bogomir , Križnar Matija , Hitij Tomaž 
Published: May 2019

AbstractHorseshoe crabs are an archetypal chelicerate group with a fossil record extending back to Early Ordovician time. Although extensively studied, the group generally has a low diversity across the Phanerozoic Eonothem. Here, we expand the known diversity of true horseshoe crabs (Xiphosurida) by the description of a new taxon from the Middle Triassic Strelovec Formation of the Slovenian Alps. The mostly complete fossil is preserved as an external mould and assigned to the family Limulidae Zittel, 1881 asSloveniolimulus rudkini, n. gen., n. sp. The use of landmark and semilandmark geometric morphometrics is explored to corroborate the systematic palaeontology and suggests that the new genus and species are valid. We also provide the first quantitative evidence for the extensive diversity of Triassic horseshoe crabs. We suggest that Triassic horseshoe crabs likely filled many ecological niches left vacant after the end-Permian extinction.
Plio-Pleistocene fault pattern of the Feldbiss fault system (southern border of the Roer Valley Graben, Belgium) based on high resolution reflection seismic data
Authors: Dusar M. , Rijpens J. , Sintubin M. , Wouters L. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA high-resolution reflection seismic survey was carried out in 1999 over the Feldbiss fault system, the southern border of the Roer Valley graben, in Belgium. Six profile-lines with total length of 13982 m provided information on the 40-600 m depth range, covering Lower Pleistocene to Miocene strata with special emphasis on the Plio-Pleistocene Kieseloolite formation. Data quality depends on near-surface conditions and on degree of deformation in some fault zones, with better results for seismic detonator sources compared to vibroseis sources. The new data confirm the segmented character of the fault system with occurrence of fault bends, relay ramps and branching of overlapping fault sequences, testifying of the strong tectonic activity during the lower Pleistocene. Antiform structures along the Bichterweerd scarp, relaying the Feldbiss to the Geleen fault in the Meuse valley, are presented as a model for the Tertiary evolution of the Bree Uplift.