bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term Monitoring of Propofol and Fouling Effect on Pencil Graphite Electrodes
Authors: Stradolini Francesca , Kilic Tugba , Di Consiglio Alberto , Ozsoz Mehmet , De Micheli Giovanni , Carrara Sandro 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe evaluation of the efficacy of drugs’ action is of crucial importance for preventing adverse effects due to over‐ or under‐dosing. This is especially valuable in the case of propofol, a benchmark anesthetic, since its plasma concentration has to be continuously monitored to achieve and maintain a certain level of sedation during the surgery. To this end, long‐term monitoring approaches have to be implemented. Electrochemical sensors have taken great interest for propofol monitoring. However, the problem of fouling of the propofol on the sensing electrodes, as due to compound‐polymerization caused by successive measurements, makes almost impossible the long‐term drug monitoring of such a compound. For the first time by this study, we have shown that long‐term monitoring of propofol can be achieved by electrochemical sensors based on Pencil Graphite Electrode (PGE) with a proper clay/graphite ratio. Our research has shown that a clay/graphite ratio of 0.4 prevents fouling and hence enables monitoring of propofol.up to 4‐hours. Surface analysis of various PGEs has been conducted via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) whereas detection of propofol has been investigated by Cyclic Voltammetry (CV).
The impact of channel estimation errors on the performance of cooperative nonorthogonal multiple access 5G systems under Nakagami‐m fading
Authors: Men Jinjin , Ge Jianhua , Zhang Chensi , Li Mingming , Hu Yifan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractNonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA), which can provide high data rates and spectral efficiency in wireless communication, is a promising multiple access technique for the fifth‐generation systems. In this paper, a cooperative NOMA downlink network is investigated over Nakagami‐m fading channels with channel estimation errors taken into consideration. We assume that the direct links between the base station and the users are available and selection combining is conducted at the receiver of the users. First, the closed‐form expressions for the exact and lower bounds of the outage probability are obtained, respectively. Furthermore, due to the presence of the imperfect channel state information, an error floor exists by approximating the outage probability at the high‐signal‐to‐noise‐ratio regime. Next, the ergodic sum rate for the proposed network is analyzed, and the closed‐form expressions for the upper bound of the ergodic sum rate are attained. Finally, extensive numerical results are presented to confirm the correctness of our analysis and to show the superiority of NOMA over conventional cooperative orthogonal multiple access.
Sex‐related differences in behavioral and amygdalar responses to compound facial threat cues
Authors: Im Hee Yeon , Adams Reginald B. , Cushing Cody A. , Boshyan Jasmine , Ward Noreen , Kveraga Kestutis 
Published: March 2018

AbstractDuring face perception, we integrate facial expression and eye gaze to take advantage of their shared signals. For example, fear with averted gaze provides a congruent avoidance cue, signaling both threat presence and its location, whereas fear with direct gaze sends an incongruent cue, leaving threat location ambiguous. It has been proposed that the processing of different combinations of threat cues is mediated by dual processing routes: reflexive processing via magnocellular (M) pathway and reflective processing via parvocellular (P) pathway. Because growing evidence has identified a variety of sex differences in emotional perception, here we also investigated how M and P processing of fear and eye gaze might be modulated by observer's sex, focusing on the amygdala, a structure important to threat perception and affective appraisal. We adjusted luminance and color of face stimuli to selectively engage M or P processing and asked observers to identify emotion of the face. Female observers showed more accurate behavioral responses to faces with averted gaze and greater left amygdala reactivity both to fearful and neutral faces. Conversely, males showed greater right amygdala activation only for M‐biased averted‐gaze fear faces. In addition to functional reactivity differences, females had proportionately greater bilateral amygdala volumes, which positively correlated with behavioral accuracy for M‐biased fear. Conversely, in males only the right amygdala volume was positively correlated with accuracy for M‐biased fear faces. Our findings suggest that M and P processing of facial threat cues is modulated by functional and structural differences in the amygdalae associated with observer's sex.
Polyethylene glycol fusion associated with antioxidants: A new promise in the treatment of traumatic facial paralysis
Authors: Salomone Raquel , Jácomo Alfredo Luiz , Nascimento Silvia Bona do , Lezirovitz Karina , Hojaij Flávio Carneiro , Costa Heloisa Juliana Zabeu Rossi , Bento Ricardo Ferreira 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies in invertebrates have taught us that early cell membrane regeneration is determinant for axonal recovery and survival after trauma. Many authors obtained extraordinary results in neural regeneration using polyethylene glycol fusion protocols, which also involved microsutures and antioxidants.MethodsSixty rats were evaluated with functional and histological protocol after facial nerve neurotmesis. Groups A and B had their stumps coapted with microsuture after 24 hours of neurotmesis and groups C and D after 72 hours. In addition to the microstructure, groups B and D used the polyethylene glycol‐fusion protocol for the modulation of the Ca+2.ResultsAt the sixth week, the latency of group D and duration of group B was lower than groups A and C (P = .011). The axonal diameter of the groups that used polyethylene glycol‐fusion was higher than those who did not use polyethylene glycol‐fusion (P ≤ .001).ConclusionAlthough not providing a functional improvement, polyethylene glycol‐fusion slowed down demyelination.
Presence of lytic Epstein‐Barr virus infection in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Yu Fenggang , Lu Yanan , Petersson Fredrik , Wang De‐Yun , Loh Kwok Seng 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundChromogenic Epstein‐Barr virus‐encoded RNA (EBER) in situ hybridization (EBER‐ISH) is the gold standard to detect Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) but it is difficult to use in conjunction with immunohistochemistry (IHC). In this study, our purpose was to validate the sensitivity and specificity of RNAscope in detection of EBV infection in nasal epithelium and its stroma.MethodsFluorescence‐based RNAscope EBER‐ISH, BRLF1‐ISH, and lineage marker‐IHC were performed on archived formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues from normal nasal cavity (n = 5), nasopharynx (n = 8), and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) specimens (n = 10).ResultsThe EBERs were detected in 10 of 10 NPC samples but was absent in all normal tissues from the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. The EBERs were exclusively located in pan‐cytokeratin (pan‐CK)‐positive tumor epithelial cells but not in CD45‐positive leukocytes and vimentin‐positive stromal fibroblasts. The level of EBER expression varied in tumor cells within patient and between patients as well. Additionally, 5 of 10 patients had positive BRLF‐ISH.ConclusionWe developed a simple and reproducible method to simultaneously detect mRNA and protein in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues of NPC. As a single staining, traditional EBER continues to be useful; however, for interpretation of the phenotype of EBV‐infected cells, RNAscope is superior. Significantly, we showed that lytic EBV infection took place in NPC tumors.
Seasonal variation of stroke incidence in Wujin, a city in southeast China
Authors: Jin Huafeng , Xu Zhiliang , Li Yunyan , Xu Jiaping , Shan Hongmei , Feng Xiaoli , Xie Yan , Bian Keyu , Qin Dong 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate seasonal variations in stroke incidence in a city in southeast China.MethodsFirst‐ever stroke in residents aged 20 or older in Wujin city was reported by local physicians between January 2006 and December 2007. All reported stroke cases were checked with the city‐wide health insurance system. Fatal cases were checked with the household registry system. The annualized stroke incidences were calculated for each month and each season. The stroke incidence was compared among seasons, with spring as a reference.ResultsWujin city had an adult (≥20 y old) population of 1 278 020 in 2010. A total of 2319 stroke cases, 1217 male and 1102 female, were reported in 2006 and 2007. The raw annual incidence of stroke was 90.7/100 000 (95% CI: 82.1‐94.5). Stroke incidence was highest in September (125.2/100 000; 95% CI = 109.4‐139.3) and lowest in January (78.8/100 000; 95% CI = 69.1‐93.2). Stroke incidence was highest in autumn (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.05‐1.32, P < .001, compared with spring). Autumn also had the highest incidences of ischemic stroke (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.06‐1.40).ConclusionsStroke incidence showed monthly and seasonal variations in southeast China. Autumn had the highest incidences of both ischemic stroke and cerebral hemorrhage.
LncRNA H19 targets miR‐22 to modulate H2O2‐induced deregulation in nucleus pulposus cell senescence, proliferation, and ECM synthesis through Wnt signaling
Authors: Wang Xiaobin , Zou Mingxiang , Li Jing , Wang Bing , Zhang Qianshi , Liu Fubin , Lü Guohua 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIntervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IDD) is a major contributor to low back pain. During IDD progression, ROS can be produced in the form of H2O2 in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) in response to elevated cytokines, leading to subsequent alternations of cell fate and metabolic processes. Genetic factors are considered as main contributors to IDD pathopoiesis. Herein, we investigated the detailed function and mechanism of H19, one of the most up‐regulated lncRNAs in IDD specimens, in H2O2‐induced cell senescence model in NPCs. H19 could accelerate H2O2‐induced degenerative changes by promoting cell senescence, increasing ADAMTS‐5 and MMPs protein levels and Collagen I content, as well as suppressing NPC proliferation through activating Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. Moreover, miR‐22, a direct target of H19, could bind to the 3′UTR of LEF1 to inhibit its expression and reverse the effect of H19 on NPCs, thus inhibiting Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. Taken together, H19 acts as a ceRNA to compete with LEF1 for miR‐22, thus modulating downstream Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in NPCs; H19/miR‐22/LEF1 might be a novel target for improving H2O2‐induced NPC senescence and treatment for IDD.
Cochlear implant provider awareness of vaccination guidelines
Authors: Jeyakumar Anita , Bégué Rodolpho E. , Jiang Yu , McKinnon Brian J. 
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveGuidelines for vaccination of cochlear implant (CI) recipients have been promulgated and updated by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to mitigate bacterial meningitis risk. The objective of this study was to survey current CI specialists on: 1) knowledge of current CDC CI recipient immunization recommendations, and 2) impediments to implementation of those guidelines.MethodsA survey to assess knowledge of the CI recipient vaccination guidelines was administered to the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck surgery (AAO–HNS), the American Cochlear Implant Alliance (ACIA), and the American Neurotology Society (ANS). The members of the AAO–HNS and ACIA were invited to participate in the survey via an e‐mail. The members of the ANS were polled during a session of their fall meeting.ResultsA total of 256 individuals participated: 64 from AAO, 59 from ACIA, and 133 from ANS. Participants reported knowledge of the vaccination guidelines as high among all groups and statistically similar. The survey indicated that the participants noted difficulty in obtaining age‐group–specific immunizations. Vaccination status was not consistently reported.ConclusionCochlear implant providers have high awareness of vaccination guidelines but less detailed knowledge of age‐specific recommendations. Obtaining age‐specific vaccines is a challenge, as is consistent documentation of vaccination. Future efforts should be focused on improving knowledge of age‐specific recommendations, easing access of age‐specific vaccines, and improving documentation.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, 128:2145–2152, 2018
Reconfigurable dual‐embedded cross‐slotted microstrip antenna with frequency diversity capability
Authors: Lee Min‐Jae , Noh Yoonsang , Pyo Seongmin 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis article presents a novel reconfigurable microstrip antenna with frequency diversity capability using a dual‐embedded crossed slot structure. The full‐sized cross‐shaped slot is divided by two diagonal rectangular slots and independently separated two diagonal slots are etched at both top and bottom ground plane. In addition, the p‐i‐n diode for a switching device and its bias circuit are employed at the bottom ground slot. In case of the off‐state, the left‐handed circularly polarized wave is obtained because the full‐sized cross‐shaped slot is achieved. Oppositely, in case of the on‐state, that is, the shorted ground slot, the right‐handed circularly polarized wave is utilized because the one diagonal rectangular slot at the top plane is only available and the other ground diagonal slot is invisible. The measurement results of the proposed antenna show that the simulation results such as the reflection coefficient, antenna gain, and radiation pattern are agreed well.
Preparation and cellular uptake of bicyclic‐peptide cargo clicked to cell penetrating peptides
Authors: Kulkarni Ketav , Watson Gabrielle M. , Sang Jianrong , Wilce Jacqueline A. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractCell penetrating peptides (CPPs) are frequently used to deliver peptide cargo into cells where they can exert their biological activity. Their success, however, can be dependent on the cargo, the cell type, and other variables of peptide application. Here we describe the preparation of a bicyclic peptide inhibitor of the Grb7 cancer target and its conjugation via click chemistry to FITC‐labeled derivatives of the classic CPP Penetratin, as well as the equivalent with an additional nuclear localization signal (NLS). We discovered that uptake of the cargo‐Penetratin into the breast cancer cell line MDA‐MB‐231 was slow and led to limited cytosolic distribution. However, the addition of the NLS greatly enhanced the delivery leading to both cytosolic and nuclear distribution.
New directions for urotensin II receptor ligands
Authors: Billard Étienne , Iddir Mustapha , Nassour Hassan , Lee‐Gosselin Laura , Poujol de Molliens Mathilde , Chatenet David 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe urotensinergic system, formed by a G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) termed UT and two endogenous peptide ligands Urotensin II (UII, H‐Glu‐Thr‐Pro‐Asp‐[Cys‐Phe‐Trp‐Lys‐Tyr‐Cys]‐Val‐OH) and Urotensin II‐related peptide (URP, H‐Ala‐[Cys‐Phe‐Trp‐Lys‐Tyr‐Cys]‐Val‐OH), is currently regarded as a potential key contributor to cardiovascular functions. While multiple animal studies have shown the therapeutic potential of UT ligands for the treatment of heart failure and atherosclerosis, their lack of efficacy in clinical studies points toward a greater understanding of UT pharmacology at both the molecular and cellular levels. UII and URP are cyclic peptides that share a common and strictly conserved bioactive cyclic core (‐Cys‐Phe‐Trp‐Lys‐Tyr‐Cys‐) but differ by their extracyclic N‐terminal residues. While sharing common biological activity, these two endogenous ligands appear to be functionally selective, displaying different specific effects through the selection/stabilization of particular UT active conformations. Thus, UII and URP should be regarded as two distinct actors in the control of cardiovascular functions. In this regard, more focus on URP biological effects had to be paid, while systematic evaluation of new antagonists against both endogenous ligands appears mandatory. Overall, this review offers an overview of the actual horizon of UT pharmacology, notably concerning the development of biased ligands and allosteric modulators.
Living with multiple sclerosis: A Jordanian perspective
Authors: Al‐Sharman Alham , Khalil Hanan , Nazzal Mohammad , Al‐Sheyab Nihaya , Alghwiri Alia , El‐Salem Khalid , AlDughmi Mais 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms are very heterogeneous and may lead to reduced physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning that can consequently impair aspects of individual's life. Many studies have examined the living experiences of individuals with MS and its impact on their daily lives. In developing countries and particularly in Jordan, there has been little attempt to conduct studies exploring the experiences of people living with MS. Such knowledge will provide a background to hidden aspects of human concepts, such as culture, perception, and attitudes about chronic diseases.ObjectiveThe purpose of this qualitative study was to explore and describe the daily living experiences and challenges of Jordanian individuals with MS.MethodsA qualitative design was utilized. Sixteen individuals with MS took part in the study; they were interviewed and divided into 4 focus groups. Conversations were digitally recorded followed by a verbatim transcription. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis and validated via researcher triangulation and peer checking.ResultsExperiences of 16 Jordanian individuals with MS who participated in this study were categorized into the following major themes: (a) experiences related to the disease itself and (b) experiences related to the healthcare system. Disease‐related experiences include physical decline, psychosocial withdrawal, and fear of the future. Participants' experiences with the healthcare system include difficulty of diagnosis, poor communication and rapport with healthcare providers, and lack of awareness about MS and its rehabilitation.ConclusionsFindings of this study suggests that more attention should be given to the people with MS in Jordan. In particular, awareness about the disease should be improved among healthcare providers and the general public. Furthermore, rehabilitation services should be emphasized during the management of MS disease.
Detectable end of radiation prostate specific antigen assists in identifying men with unfavorable intermediate‐risk prostate cancer at high risk of distant recurrence and cancer‐specific mortality
Authors: Hayman Jonathan , Phillips Ryan , Chen Di , Perin Jamie , Narang Amol K. , Trieu Janson , Radwan Noura , Greco Stephen , Deville Curtiland , McNutt Todd , Song Daniel Y. , DeWeese Theodore L. , Tran Phuoc T. 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundUndetectable End of Radiation PSA (EOR‐PSA) has been shown to predict improved survival in prostate cancer (PCa). While validating the unfavorable intermediate‐risk (UIR) and favorable intermediate‐risk (FIR) stratifications among Johns Hopkins PCa patients treated with radiotherapy, we examined whether EOR‐PSA could further risk stratify UIR men for survival.MethodsA total of 302 IR patients were identified in the Johns Hopkins PCa database (178 UIR, 124 FIR). Kaplan‐Meier curves and multivariable analysis was performed via Cox regression for biochemical recurrence free survival (bRFS), distant metastasis free survival (DMFS), and overall survival (OS), while a competing risks model was used for PCa specific survival (PCSS). Among the 235 patients with known EOR‐PSA values, we then stratified by EOR‐PSA and performed the aforementioned analysis.ResultsThe median follow‐up time was 11.5 years (138 months). UIR was predictive of worse DMFS and PCSS (P = 0.008 and P = 0.023) on multivariable analysis (MVA). Increased radiation dose was significant for improved DMFS (P = 0.016) on MVA. EOR‐PSA was excluded from the models because it did not trend towards significance as a continuous or binary variable due to interaction with UIR, and we were unable to converge a multivariable model with a variable to control for this interaction. However, when stratifying by detectable versus undetectable EOR‐PSA, UIR had worse DMFS and PCSS among detectable EOR‐PSA patients, but not undetectable patients. UIR was significant on MVA among detectable EOR‐PSA patients for DMFS (P = 0.021) and PCSS (P = 0.033), while RT dose also predicted PCSS (P = 0.013).ConclusionsEOR‐PSA can assist in predicting DMFS and PCSS among UIR patients, suggesting a clinically meaningful time point for considering intensification of treatment in clinical trials of intermediate‐risk men.
Laser ablation synthesis of arsenic–phosphide AsmPn clusters from As–P mixtures. Laser desorption ionisation with quadrupole ion trap time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry: The mass spectrometer as a synthesizer
Authors: Kubáček Pavel , Prokeš Lubomír , Pamreddy Annapurna , Peña‐Méndez Eladia María , Conde José Elias , Alberti Milan , Havel Josef 
Published: March 2018

RationaleOnly a few arsenic phosphides are known. A high potential for the generation of new compounds is offered by Laser Ablation Synthesis (LAS) and when Laser Desorption Ionization (LDI) is coupled with simultaneous Time‐Of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry (TOFMS), immediate identification of the clusters can be achieved.MethodsLAS was used for the generation of arsenic phosphides via laser ablation of phosphorus–arsenic mixtures while quadrupole ion trap time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (QIT‐TOFMS) was used to acquire the mass spectra.ResultsMany new AsmPn± clusters (479 binary and 369 mono‐elemental) not yet described in the literature were generated in the gas phase and their stoichiometry determined. The likely structures for some of the observed clusters arbitrary selected (20) were computed by density functional theory (DFT) optimization.ConclusionsLAS is an advantageous approach for the generation of new AsmPn clusters, while mass spectrometry was found to be an efficient technique for the determination of cluster stoichiometry. The results achieved might inspire the synthesis of new materials.