bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perspectives of monitoring of cataclysmic variables in the very soft X‐ray band
Authors: Šimon V. 
Published: December 2018

Some components and important regions of X‐ray spectra of cataclysmic variables (CVs) are present only in the very soft band with energy E < 1.5 keV, which is beyond the region of sensitivity of most available X‐ray monitors. We show that a population study of a large ensemble of such systems with various states of activity that will be observable by eROSITA (on board the SRG satellite) will be a suitable method of investigation even with its very sampled data. We demonstrate that the hardness ratios of such X‐ray spectra show specific positions and patterns of the individual types of CVs in the hardness vs. hardness diagrams. Quiescent dwarf novae and intermediate polars constitute a long tail extending from a group of the high‐state polars. Interstellar absorption plays only a marginal role in this respect. A complicated distribution of CVs in these diagrams thus mainly reflects the complexity of the emitting regions, the absorbing regions intrinsic to the source, and the emission mechanisms in various CVs and CV types. Although this is a case study using incomplete data as examples, it demonstrates serendipitous scientific potentials of the eROSITA archives.
Physical parameters of RR Lyrae stars in NGC 6171
Authors: Deras D. , Arellano Ferro A. , Muneer S. , Giridhar S. , Michel R. 
Published: December 2018

We present an analysis of VI CCD time series photometry of the globular cluster NGC 6171. The main goal is to determine individual physical parameters for single‐mode RR Lyrae stars present in the field of view of our images, by means of light curve Fourier decomposition and well‐established calibrations and zero points. This leads to the estimation of the mean values of the metallicity and distance for the parental cluster. From the RRab stars, we find [Fe/H]ZW = −1.33 ± 0.12 and distance d = 5.3 ± 0.3 kpc, and from the RRc stars we find [Fe/H]ZW = −1.02 ± 0.19 and distance d = 5.3 ± 0.2 kpc. Independent methods such as the P–L (period–luminosity) relations for RRab and SX Phe stars enable the estimation of a weighted average distance to the cluster of 5.4 ± 0.1 kpc. We confirm the amplitude modulations of the Blazhko type of five RRab and the non‐membership of V21 to the cluster. The color–magnitude diagram is consistent with an age of 11 Gyrs. The distribution of RRab and RRc stars seems well segregated around the first overtone red edge of the instability strip. This positions NGC 6171 among OoI‐type clusters where the pulsating modes are neatly separated in the horizontal branch. We report two new irregular variables of the Lb type.
BMA‐Mod: A Bayesian model averaging strategy for determining dose‐response relationships in the presence of model uncertainty
Authors: Gould A. Lawrence 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSuccessful pharmaceutical drug development requires finding correct doses. The issues that conventional dose‐response analyses consider, namely whether responses are related to doses, which doses have responses differing from a control dose response, the functional form of a dose‐response relationship, and the dose(s) to carry forward, do not need to be addressed simultaneously. Determining if a dose‐response relationship exists, regardless of its functional form, and then identifying a range of doses to study further may be a more efficient strategy. This article describes a novel estimation‐focused Bayesian approach (BMA‐Mod) for carrying out the analyses when the actual dose‐response function is unknown. Realizations from Bayesian analyses of linear, generalized linear, and nonlinear regression models that may include random effects and covariates other than dose are optimally combined to produce distributions of important secondary quantities, including test‐control differences, predictive distributions of possible outcomes from future trials, and ranges of doses corresponding to target outcomes. The objective is similar to the objective of the hypothesis‐testing based MCP‐Mod approach, but provides more model and distributional flexibility and does not require testing hypotheses or adjusting for multiple comparisons. A number of examples illustrate the application of the method.
A reversible calix[4]arene armed phenolphthalein based fluorescent probe for the detection of Zn2+ and an application in living cells
Authors: Erdemir Serkan , Malkondu Sait , Kocyigit Ozcan 
Published: December 2018

AbstractA reversible and easy assembled fluorescent sensor based on calix[4]arene and phenolphthalein (C4P) was developed for selective zinc ion (Zn2+) sensing in aqueous samples. The probe C4P demonstrated high selective and sensitive detection towards Zn2+ over other competitive metal ions. Interaction of Zn2+ with a solution of C4P resulted in a considerable increment in emission intensity at 440 nm (λex = 365 nm) due to the suppression of photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process and the restriction of C=N isomerization. The binding constant (Ka) of C4P with Zn2+ was calculated to be 4.50 × 1011 M−2 and also the limit of detection of C4P for Zn2+ was as low as 0.108 μM (at 10−7 M level). Moreover, the fluorescence imaging in the human colon cancer cells suggested that C4P had great potential to be used to examine Zn2+ in vivo.
Callosal thickness profiles for prognosticating conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease: A classification approach
Authors: Adamson Chris , Beare Richard , Ball Gareth , Walterfang Mark , Seal Marc ,   the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: December 2018

AbstractIntroductionAlzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. Finding biomarkers to prognosticate transition from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to AD is important to clinical medicine. Promising imaging biomarkers of AD conversion identified so far include atrophy of the cerebral cortex and subcortical gray matter nuclei.MethodsThis study introduces thickness and bending angle of the corpus callosum as a putative white matter marker of MCI to AD conversion. The corpus callosum is computationally less demanding to segment automatically compared to more complicated structures and a subject can be processed in a few minutes. We aimed to demonstrate that callosal shape and thickness measures provide a simple, effective, and accurate prognostication tool in ADNI dataset. Using longitudinal datasets, we classified MCI subjects based on conversion to AD assessed via cognitive testing. We evaluated the classification accuracy of callosal shape features in comparison with the existing “gold standard” cortical thickness and subcortical gray matter volume measures.ResultsThe callosal thickness measures were less accurate in classifying conversion status by cognitive scores compared to gray matter measures for AD.ConclusionsWhile this paper presented a negative result, this method may be more suitable for a disease of the white matter.
Age‐specific clinical characteristics and outcome in patients over 60 years old with large hemispheric infarction
Authors: Li Jie , Zhang Ping , Tao Wendan , Yi Xingyang , Zhang Jing , Wang Chun 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to investigate age‐specific clinical characteristics in patients aged >60 years with large hemispheric infarction (LHI).MethodsWe prospectively enrolled consecutive patients with LHI. Patients were divided into two groups: ≤60 vs. >60 years, and demographics, vascular risk factors, clinical feature, in‐hospital treatment, 3‐month mortality, and unfavorable outcome (defined as a mRS score of 4–6) rate were compared.ResultsOf the 256 cases included, 140 (54.7%) were older than 60 years. Compared with the younger, the older patients had higher rates of hypertension (66.4% vs. 31.0%), coronary heart disease (19.3% vs. 2.6%), atrial fibrillation (53.6% vs. 31.0%; all p < 0.001), more history of stroke (21.4% vs. 5.2%, p < 0.001), less history of rheumatic heart disease (16.4% vs. 30.1%, p = 0.009), and alcohol consumption (12.1% vs. 21.6%, p = 0.043). Cardio‐embolism is the most common stroke etiology regardless of age (55.7% and 38.8%, respectively). Furthermore, the elderly less frequently received decompressive hemicraniectomy (4.3% vs. 15.5%, p = 0.005) and mechanical ventilation (7.9% vs. 16.4%, p = 0.035) and had a higher frequency of stroke‐related complication (83.6% vs. 66.4%, p = 0.001). A total of 26 (18.6%) older patients and 15 (12.9%) younger patients died during hospitalization (p = 0.221), and 59 (42.1%) older patients and 35 (30.2%) younger patients died at 3 months (p = 0.061). Patient aged >60 years had significantly higher unfavorable outcome rate at 3 months (adjusted odds ratio, OR 4.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.08–8.88; p < 0.05]. However, older age is not independently associated with 3‐month mortality (42.1% vs. 30.2%, p = 0.095 [log‐rank test]).ConclusionsLarge hemispheric infarction patients over 60 years old were a little more than those aged ≤60 years and constitute more than half of those suffered from malignant brain edema and two thirds of in‐hospital death and 3‐month mortality. The elderly had more cardio‐origin risk factors, received less aggressive hospital treatment, and showed higher risk of unfavorable outcome than the younger.
Outcome of contralateral C7 transfers to different recipient nerves after global brachial plexus avulsion
Authors: Liu Yuzhou , Yang Xun , Gao Kaiming , Yu Hu , Xiao Feng , Zhuang Yongqing , Lao Jie 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIntroductionContralateral cervical seventh nerve root (CC7) transfer has been widely applied for treatment of traumatic brachial plexus injury. The purpose of the study was to evaluate outcomes of patients with global brachial plexus avulsion (GBPA) after CC7 transfer and compare the recoveries of median nerve as the only recipient nerve and one of the multiple recipient nerves.MethodsA retrospective review of 51 patients treated with CC7 transfers after GBPA was carried out. The British Medical Research Council (MRC) grading system and range of joint motion (ROM) were used for motor and sensory assessment.ResultsThe effective rates of FCR were 57.7%, 45.5%, and 36.4% in CC7 transfer to median nerve (CC7‐Md), CC7 transfer to median nerve and biceps branch (CC7‐Md+Bic) and CC7 transfer to median nerve and triceps branch (CC7‐Md+Tric) groups, respectively. There were no statistical differences no matter in FCR or FDS among groups. The effective rate in biceps had no significant difference with that in triceps. The effective sensory recovery rate was 65.4%, 54.5%, and 36.4% in CC7‐Md, CC7‐Md+Bic, and CC7‐Md+Tric groups. There were no statistical differences in the sensory effective recovery rate among groups. All the ROMs were improved significantly after surgery. The improvement of ROM of elbow flexion after surgery in CC7‐Md+Bic group was significantly larger than that of elbow extension after surgery in CC7‐Md+Tric group (p = 0.047).ConclusionsThe CC7 transfer contributed to the functional improvement of the hand and wrist for the patients with global brachial plexus avulsion. The whole CC7 could be used to repair more than one recipient nerve (including median nerve) without affecting the recovery of median nerve. When CC7 was used to repair two nerves, biceps branch might be preferred to choose as one recipient nerve rather than triceps branch.
Combined hemophagocytic syndrome and thrombotic microangiopathy due to mixed infection with influenza virus and pneumococcal pneumonia
Authors: Ishiguro Takashi , Kojima Ayako , Shimizu Taisuke , Mita Norikatsu , Kuroiwa Seiichiro , Takayanagi Noboru 
Published: December 2018

Key Clinical MessageDevelopment of hemophagocytic syndrome and thrombotic microangiopathy due to community‐acquired pneumonia is rare, but delayed management of these complications can lead to a poor prognosis. Infection by both Streptococcus pneumoniae and influenza virus can cause these complications; thus, physicians should pay attention to them when treating influenza‐associated pneumococcal pneumonia.
Use of direct oral anticoagulants in the treatment of left ventricular thrombi: A tertiary center experience and review of the literature
Authors: Shokr Mohamed , Ahmed Abdelrahman , Abubakar Hossam , Sayedahmad Ziad , Rashed Ahmed , Afonso Luis , Cardozo Shaun 
Published: December 2018

Key Clinical MessageDirect oral anticoagulants can potentially provide a more convenient oral alternative for the management of left ventricular thrombi than Warfarin. These medications do not require frequent monitoring and have less drug‐drug interactions. Randomized controlled trials are needed to further demonstrate their efficacy and safety in this setting.
The first reported case of vincristine‐induced unilateral vocal cord palsy in an adult patient with HIV‐associated Burkitt‐like lymphoma being treated with dose‐escalated R‐EPOCH
Authors: Rahmat Leena T. , Brandt Philip H. , Ali Syed S. 
Published: December 2018

Key Clinical MessageVincristine‐induced vocal cord palsy (VCP) is a rare but critical complication. Prompt recognition of VCP is imperative. Vincristine‐induced VCP is reversible, and a complete remission of a lymphoma is still feasible upon withdrawal of vincristine from the chemotherapeutic regimen early in the course of treatment.
Performance Characteristics of a Suspended‐Catalyst Oscillatory Membrane Photocatalytic Reactor
Authors: Gomaa Hassan G. , Sabouni Rana 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe performance characteristics of an oscillatory membrane photocatalytic reactor were investigated using dye degradation over a suspended ZnO catalyst as a model reaction. Both flat‐surface membranes and ones with transverse turbulence promoters (TP) were used. Application of oscillatory motion can be effective in enhancing the performance of suspended‐catalyst membrane photocatalytic reactors. The eddy formation and vortex shedding when using membranes with TP gave rise to several synergistic effects by providing effective removal of catalyst deposits from the membrane surface, which enhanced the flux and increased the suspended‐catalyst fraction in solution, which consequently enhanced the reaction rate. The effective mixing in the reaction channel minimized particles sedimentation and agglomeration which further enhanced the catalyst suspension and increased its effective reaction area. The specific energy consumption favorably compared to a membrane cross‐flow filtration system.
Increase of Redox Potential during the Evolution of Enzymes Degrading Recalcitrant Lignin
Authors: Ayuso‐Fernández Iván , De Lacey Antonio L. , Cañada Francisco J. , Ruiz‐Dueñas Francisco J. , Martínez Angel T. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractTo investigate how ligninolytic peroxidases acquired the uniquely high redox potential they show today, their ancestors were resurrected and characterized. Unfortunately, the transient Compounds I (CI) and II (CII) from peroxide activation of the enzyme resting state (RS) are unstable. Therefore, the reduction potentials (E°′) of the three redox couples (CI/RS, CI/CII and CII/RS) were estimated (for the first time in a ligninolytic peroxidase) from equilibrium concentrations analyzed by stopped‐flow UV/Vis spectroscopy. Interestingly, the E°′ of rate‐limiting CII reduction to RS increased 70 mV from the common peroxidase ancestor to extant lignin peroxidase (LiP), and the same boost was observed for CI/RS and CI/CII, albeit with higher E°′ values. A straightforward correlation was found between the E°′ value and the progressive displacement of the proximal histidine Hϵ1 chemical shift in the NMR spectra, due to the higher paramagnetic effect of the heme Fe3+. More interestingly, the E°′ and NMR data also correlated with the evolutionary time, revealing that ancestral peroxidases increased their reduction potential in the evolution to LiP thanks to molecular rearrangements in their heme pocket during the last 400 million years.
(5Z)‐7‐Oxozeaenol: A novel and potent resorcylic acid lactone kinase inhibitor with a cis‐enone Michael acceptor
Authors: Ellestad George A. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIn this review, evidence is presented from a number of research groups over the past two decades that show that (5Z)‐7‐oxozeaenol, an initially biologically uninteresting fungal metabolite, is a remarkably selective and potent kinase inhibitor with important antiproliferative and anti‐inflammatory properties. Taken together, this research shows (5Z)‐7‐oxozeaenol to be a surprisingly selective and competitive ATP binder in which the aromatic ring of the resorcylic lactone mimics the adenine ring of ATP; that it binds covalently to a conserved cysteine at a metabolically unstable cis‐enone Michael acceptor; the conformational importance of the macrocycle, which depends on the absolute stereochemistry and hydrogen bonding properties of the 8,9‐diol; and the success of medicinal chemistry in stabilizing the cis‐enone.
Hf 4+ Ion Concentration Dependence of Holographic Storage Properties in Hf:Fe:Cu:LiNbO3 Crystals
Authors: Dai Li , Han Xianbo , Shao Yu , Liu Chunrui , Wang Luping 
Published: December 2018

AbstractA series of Hf:Fe:Cu:LiNbO3 crystal with various concentrations of Hf 4+ ion doping are grown in air by the conventional Czochralski technique. The segregation coefficients of the Hf 4+, Fe3+, and Cu2+ ions in the crystals are carried out with an inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectrometer. The birefringence gradient method is measured in order to analyze the optical homogeneity of Hf:Fe:Cu:LiNbO3 crystals. The holographic storage properties of Hf:Fe:Cu:LiNbO3 crystals are investigated by the two‐wavelength coupling experiment. The result shows that the writing time constant shortens from 529.3 to 214.4 s, and the dynamic range increases from 1.12 to 8.07 with increasing Hf 4+ content in the Hf:Fe:Cu:LiNbO3 crystals.
Polymers Based on Cyclic Carbonates as Trait d'Union Between Polymer Chemistry and Sustainable CO2 Utilization
Authors: Yadav Neha , Seidi Farzad , Crespy Daniel , D'Elia Valerio 
Published: December 2018

AbstractGiven the large amount of anthropogenic CO2 emissions, it is advantageous to use CO2 as feedstock for the fabrication of everyday products, such as fuels and materials. An attractive way to use CO2 in the synthesis of polymers is by the formation of five‐membered cyclic organic carbonate monomers (5CCs). The sustainability of this synthetic approach is increased by using scaffolds prepared from renewable resources. Indeed, recent years have seen the rise of various types of carbonate syntheses and applications. 5CC monomers are often polymerized with diamines to yield polyhydroxyurethanes (PHU). Foams are developed from this type of polymers; moreover, the additional hydroxyl groups in PHU, absent in classical polyurethanes, lead to coatings with excellent adhesive properties. Furthermore, carbonate groups in polymers offer the possibility of post‐functionalization, such as curing reactions under mild conditions. Finally, the polarity of carbonate groups is remarkably high, so polymers with carbonates side‐chains can be used as polymer electrolytes in batteries or as conductive membranes. The target of this Review is to highlight the multiple opportunities offered by polymers prepared from and/or containing 5CCs. Firstly, the preparation of several classes of 5CCs is discussed with special focus on the sustainability of the synthetic routes. Thereafter, specific classes of polymers are discussed for which the use and/or presence of carbonate moieties is crucial to impart the targeted properties (foams, adhesives, polymers for energy applications, and other functional materials).
The utility of combined mutation analysis and microRNA classification in reclassifying cancer risk of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules
Authors: Banizs Anna B. , Silverman Jan F. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectivesReal‐world clinical results of (1) Bethesda categorization, (2) mutation analysis, and (3) a microRNA classifier were correlated to show the utility of molecular analysis in assessing malignancy risk of indeterminate thyroid nodules.MethodsCytology and molecular results of clinically tested thyroid nodules were compared. An additional microRNA threshold was determined based on nodules with known disease status, establishing a 3‐tiered microRNA approach to clinical risk assessments. Expected rate of malignancy given mutation panel and 3‐tiered microRNA approach was validated in an independent cohort of atypia of undetermined significance or follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) and follicular neoplasm or suspicious for follicular neoplasm (FN/SFN) nodules with surgically derived outcomes.ResultsIn 2685 patients clinically tested, PIK3CA, PAX8/PPARγ, and RET/PTC mutations occurred in less than 1%. Of note, 2% had BRAFV600E mutation and 82% lacked mutations. The maximum expected risk of malignancy in nodules lacking mutations was 9% and 17% for AUS/FLUS and FN/SFN nodules, respectively. Positive microRNA status further increased risk, with the most worrisome status (level‐3) elevating risk to 36% and 54%, respectively. RAS mutations occurred in 15% of nodules tested clinically, including in 8% of those that were cytologically benign. The maximum expected risk of malignancy in nodules with RAS or PAX8/PPARγ mutations was 49% and 65% for AUS/FLUS and FN/SFN nodules, respectively. Positive microRNA status further increased risk, with the most worrisome microRNA status (level‐3) elevating risk to 85% and 91%, respectively.ConclusionsMutation panels alone do not sufficiently risk stratify thyroid nodular disease. microRNA classification complements cytology and mutation analysis with the capacity to better differentiate nodules at high risk of malignancy.
Synthesis, in vivo and in silico evaluation of novel 2,3‐dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H)‐one derivatives as potential anticonvulsant agents
Authors: Kothayer Hend , Ibrahim Samy M. , Soltan Moustafa K. , Rezq Samar , Mahmoud Shireen S. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIn light of the pharmacophoric structural requirements for achieving anticonvulsant activity, a series of N‐(1‐methyl‐4‐oxo‐2‐un/substituted‐1,2‐dihydroquinazolin‐3[4H]‐yl)benzamide (4a‐g) and N‐(1‐methyl‐4‐oxo‐2‐un/substituted‐1,2‐dihydroquinazolin‐3[4H]‐yl)‐2‐phenylacetamide (4h‐n) derivatives were synthesized in two steps starting from the reaction of N‐methyl isatoic anhydride with the appropriate hydrazide and followed by condensation with the appropriate aldehyde. The anticonvulsant activities of the synthesized compounds were evaluated according to the anticonvulsant drug development (ADD) programme protocol. Among the synthesized compounds, 4n showed promising activity in both the maximal electroshock (MES) and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) tests with median effective dose (ED50) values of 40.7 and 6 mg/kg, respectively. The six most promising derivatives, 4b, 4a, 4c, 4f, 4j, and 4i, showed very low ED50 values in the PTZ test (3.1, 4.96, 8.68, 9.89, 12, and 13.53 mg/kg, respectively). All the tested compounds showed no to low neurotoxicity in the rotarod test with a wide therapeutic index. Docking studies of compound 4n suggested that GABAA binding could be the mechanism of action of these derivatives. The in silico drug likeliness parameters indicated that none of the designed compounds violate Lipinski's rule of five and that they are able to cross the blood–brain barrier.

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