bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The top‐down regulation from the prefrontal cortex to insula via hypnotic aversion suggestions reduces smoking craving
Authors: Li Xiaoming , Chen Lijun , Ma Ru , Wang Haibao , Wan Li , Wang Ying , Bu Junjie , Hong Wei , Lv Wanwan , Vollstädt‐Klein Sabine , Yang Yihong , Zhang Xiaochu 
Published: November 2018

AbstractHypnosis has been shown to have treatment effects on nicotine addiction. However, the neural basis of these effects is poorly understood. This preliminary study investigated the neural mechanisms of hypnosis‐based treatment on cigarette smoking, specifically, whether the hypnosis involves a top‐down or bottom‐up mechanism. Two groups of 45 smokers underwent a smoking aversion suggestion and viewed smoking‐related pictures and neutral pictures. One group underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning twice (control and hypnotic states), whereas the other group underwent two electroencephalograph sessions. Our study found that self‐reported smoking craving decreased in both groups following hypnosis. Smoking cue‐elicited activations in the right dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (rDLPFC) and left insula (lI) and the functional connectivity between the rDLPFC and lI were increased in the hypnotic state compared with the control state. The delta band source waveforms indicated the activation from 390 to 862 ms at the rDLPFC and from 490 to 900 ms at the lI was significantly different between the smoking and neutral conditions in the hypnotic state, suggesting the activation in the rDLPFC preceded that in the lI. These results suggest that the decreased smoking craving via hypnotic aversion suggestions may arise from the top‐down regulation of the rDLPFC to the lI. Our findings provide novel neurobiological evidence for understanding the therapeutic effects of hypnosis on nicotine addiction, and the prefrontal–insula circuit may serve as an imaging biomarker to monitor the treatment efficacy noninvasively.
Perceived satisfaction with health services under National Health Insurance Scheme: Clients' perspectives
Authors: Badu Eric , Agyei‐Baffour Peter , Ofori Acheampong Isaac , Opoku Maxwell Preprah , Addai‐Donkor Kwasi 
Published: November 2018

SummaryThe study aims to explore the perceived satisfaction of insured clients in financing health services through National Health Insurance in Ghana. A quantitative method was used to recruit 380 respondents, selected by multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected through the administration of questionnaires. More than half, 57.9%, of respondents were males, and the average age was 34 years. Most respondents, 74.3%, were insured. Overall, 53.12% of insured clients were dissatisfied with the services of providers. Factors, such as benefit package of insurance, willingness to pay higher premium, and perceived discrimination were significantly associated with poor satisfaction with health services. The current advocacy for and awareness about the use of health insurance as a prepayment plan should be prioritised in policy initiatives. The benefit package for the insurance should be increased in order to cover all disease conditions that afflict the Ghanaian population.
Hydrological functions of a peatland in a Boreal Plains catchment
Authors: Goodbrand Amy , Westbrook Cherie J. , van der Kamp Garth 
Published: November 2018

AbstractStreamflow response in Boreal Plains catchments depends on hydrological connectivity between forested uplands, lakes, and peatlands, and their hydrogeomorphic setting. Expected future drying of the Boreal Plains ecozone is expected to reduce hydrological connectivity of landscape units. To better understand run‐off generation during dry periods, we determined whether peatland and groundwater connectivity can dampen expected future water deficits in forests and lakes. We studied Pine Fen Creek catchment in the Boreal Plains ecozone of central Saskatchewan, Canada, which has a large, valley‐bottom, terminally positioned peatland, two lakes, and forested uplands. A shorter intensive study permitted a more detailed partitioning of water inputs and outputs within the catchment during the low flow period, and an assessment of a 10‐year data set provided insight into the function of the peatland over a range of climate conditions. Using a water balance approach, we learned that two key processes regulate flow of Pine Fen Creek. The cumulative impact of landscape unit hydrological connectivity and the peatland's hydrological functional state were needed to understand catchment response. There was evidence of a run‐off threshold which, when crossed, changed the peatland's hydrological function from transmission to run‐off generation. Results also suggest the peatland should behave more often as a transmitter of groundwater than as a generator of run‐off under a drier climate future, owing to a reduced water supply.
Diverse preparation methods for small intestinal submucosa (SIS): Decellularization, components, and structure
Authors: Ji Yanhui , Zhou Jinge , Sun Tingfang , Tang Kai , Xiong Zekang , Ren Zhengwei , Yao Sheng , Chen Kaifang , Yang Fan , Zhu Fengzhao , Guo Xiaodong 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe native extracellular matrix (ECM) biomaterial derived from small intestinal submucosa (SIS) is widely applied in tissue engineering for tissue repair and regeneration. SIS ECM is obtained through physical and chemical methods to remove the intrinsic cells, which would otherwise cause adverse immune reactions when the SIS ECM is implanted into the host body. Several research teams have reported diverse SIS decellularization methods. However, there was no consensus on the criteria to be used for the decellularization methods for SIS and further research on the mechanism action of SIS is needed for comprehensive detection of the biological composition. In this present study, we used three reported methods to prepare SIS and compared their effects on decellularization and the remaining biological components, microstructure and cytocompatibility. SIS prepared by the three kinds of decellularization methods all achieved the recommended criteria, had good biocompatibility and retained most active components. Nevertheless, regardless of which decellularization method was used, the microstructure and bioactive components of the prepared SIS were damaged in varying degrees. We recommend that researchers need to select a decellularization method that would be appropriate to use according to their research purposes. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 689–697, 2019.
Inflammatory potential of cotton‐based surgically invasive devices: Implications for cardiac surgery
Authors: Trunk Stefan , Müllerbader Pia , Hennig Ulrike , Abel Martin , Koggel Annette , Stang Katharina , Altreuter Yvonne , Steger Volker , Schlensak Christian , Wendel Hans P. , Stoppelkamp Sandra 
Published: November 2018

AbstractCotton‐based surgical invasive devices with their desired hemostyptic properties have been used for decades in the surgical field. However, in cardiac surgery using the heart–lung machine with direct retransfusion of suction blood, activated blood may re‐enter the circulation without filtration and may trigger a cascade reaction leading to systemic inflammation and thrombosis. We therefore set out to evaluate the inflammatory potential of untreated and pyrogen‐impregnated cotton‐based surgical invasive medical devices. After incubation of the swabs with whole blood or PBMC, the cell‐free supernatant was investigated for IL1β and IL6. While the reaction of human whole blood toward cotton swabs could not be influenced by any sterilization technique, dry heat and gamma‐irradiation were able to diminish the inflammatory reaction of PBMC toward the material and the used pyrogens. In conclusion, using PBMC in direct contact to cotton we are the first to establish a suitable test method for quantification of the pyrogenic/inflammatory activity of this material. The unaltered reaction of whole blood, however, suggests a crosstalk of cells and plasma proteins in the inflammation activation that is not prevented by sterilization of the swabs. This newin vitrotesting methodology may help to better display the clinical situation during development of new materials. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1877–1888, 2019.
Low titer A plasma in three AB patients for therapeutic plasma exchange
Authors: Kaplan Alesia , Sevcik Joan , Kiss Joseph E. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundCurrently, low titer A plasma is used on a routine basis in bleeding trauma patients of unknown AB type. Three AB non‐bleeding apheresis patients are presented here who safely received a combination of AB and low titer A plasma during therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). One control AB patient received AB plasma only.MethodsData was obtained retrospectively on number of procedures, volume replaced, total plasma, and A plasma volumes including hemolysis laboratory data. Average A plasma volume and % of A plasma out of total plasma volume used were calculated.ResultsTwo female AB patients were treated for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) with TPE and a third female AB patient was treated for microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. Patient 1 received a total of 12 procedures, 10/12 with AB+A plasma (average 916.3 ±84.6 mL). Patient 2 received a total of 12 procedures, 4/12 with AB+A plasma (average 1210.5 ±27.9 mL). Patient 3 received a total of six procedures, four out of six procedures with AB+A plasma (average 1009.8 ±80.3 mL). Patient 4, control, received AB plasma only. Percent of A plasma volume exchanged ranged between 23.8% and 47.8%. Haptoglobin, LDH, hemoglobin, and total bilirubin were monitored and trends were comparable with the control patient. The patients had a negative follow up direct antiglobulin test, adequate platelet recovery and a favorable clinical outcome with treatments.ConclusionsTPE was effectively performed without evidence of increased hemolysis using up to 47.8% of low titer A plasma. This approach can reduce strains on limited supplies of AB plasma whereas providing a vital treatment alternative for AB patients undergoing TPE with plasma replacement.
Retracted: TNF‐α–TNFR signal pathway inhibits autophagy and promotes apoptosis of alveolar macrophages in coal worker's pneumoconiosis
Authors: Qian Qingzeng , Cao Xiangke , Wang Bin , Qu Yi , Qian Qingqiang , Sun Zhiqian , Feng Fumin 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjective: Exposure to coal dust causes the development of coal worker's pneumoconiosis (CWP), which is associated with accumulating macrophages in the lower respiratory tract. This study was performed to investigate the effect of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α)–tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) signal pathway on autophagy and apoptosis of alveolar macrophages (AMs) in CWP.Methods: AMs from controls exposed to coal dust and CWP patients were collected, in which expressions of TNF‐α and TNFR1 were determined. Autophagy was observed by transmission electron microscopy, and apoptosis by light microscope and using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labeling staining. AMs in CWP patients were treated with TNF‐α or anti‐TNF‐α antibody. Besides, expressions of autophagy marker proteins, apoptosis‐related factors, FAS, caspase‐8, and receptor‐interacting serine–threonine‐protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) were determined by western Blot. Activities of caspase‐3 and caspase‐8 were determined by a fluorescence kit. Flow cytometry was applied to measure the expression of TNFR1 on the surface of the AM.Results: TNF‐α expression and TNFR1 expression on the surface of AM, as well as autophagy and apoptotic index were significantly increased in AMs of CWP patients. In response to the treatment of TNF‐α, TNF‐α expression and TNFR1 expression on the surface of AM as well as LC3I expression were increased, autophagy was decreased, and LC3, LC3II, Beclin1 and B‐cell lymphoma 2 expressions decreased, whereas FAS expression and activity and expression of caspase‐3 and caspase‐8 increased, and apoptotic index increased. Moreover, the situations were reversed with the treatment of anti‐TNF‐α antibody.Conclusion: TNF‐α–TNFR signal pathway was involved in the occurrence and development of CWP by activating FAS–caspase‐8 and thus inhibiting autophagy while promoting apoptosis of AM.
Newborn screening for 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaric aciduria using direct analysis in real‐time mass spectrometry
Authors: Huang Zhongping , Liu Yanshuxian , Huang Xiaoli , Hu Zhenzhen , Liu Huijun , Wang Lili , Liu Charles , Ren Yiping 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA novel method utilizing ambient thermal desorption ionization with a direct analysis in real‐time source integrated with mass spectrometry (DART‐MS) was established and applied to the rapid analysis of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaric (3‐HMG) acid in the neonatal urine. Instrument parameter settings were optimized to obtain high sensitive and accurate determination of 3‐HMG acid. The use of helium gas heated to temperature of 400°C was observed to permit deprotonation, 3‐HMG acid producing an abundant (M‐H)− (m/z 161) in the negative ion mode. The calibration curve was determined to be linear over the range of 0.05‐5 mg/L, with the correlation coefficient r = 0.9988 and the relative standard deviations (n = 6) in the range of 1.5‐11.8%. The limit of detection was 0.002 mg/L, and the limit of quantitation was 0.007 mg/L. The recoveries ranged from 88.0% to 123.1%. Four urine samples from patients and four simulated urine samples were investigated. The results of DART‐MS were in agreement with the values determined using established methods at the hospitals. The proposed method demonstrated significant potential in the application of the high‐throughput screening in newborn screening.
Dispersion characteristics and electromagnetic properties of semicircularly corrugated slow‐wave structure for backward‐wave oscillators
Authors: Al‐Amin Md. Rasheduzzaman , Amin Md. Ruhul , Sagor Rakibul Hasan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe dispersion relation of semicircularly corrugated slow‐wave structure (SCCSWS) is calculated and verified numerically using synthetic technique. The metallic periodic structure resonates at discrete frequencies when both ends of it are shorted and excited properly. From the discrete frequencies of the axial modes of the resonant cavity, continuous dispersion curve for both the fundamental and the higher order passband modes (TM01‐TM03) are generated. The generated dispersion curve is compared with the analytical results, which agree excellently with a maximum deviation of 1.33% for TM01 mode, 1.94% for TM02 mode, and 1.30% for TM03 mode. The electromagnetic field patterns of SCCSWS in both radial and axial direction are also calculated and compared with analytical field patterns. Comparative results validate both the obtained dispersion relation and field patterns of SCCSWS, which can be employed as viable alternative of the existing slow‐wave structure (SWS) in high‐power microwave devices.
Raman spectra analysis of ZrO2 thermally grown on Zircaloy substrates irradiated with heavy ion: Effects of oxygen isotopic substitution
Authors: Ciszak Clément , Mermoux Michel , Gutierrez Gaëlle , Leprêtre Frédéric , Duriez Christian , Popa Ioana , Fayette Laurent , Chevalier Sébastien 
Published: November 2018

AbstractRecently, unusual Raman signals were observed in different works conducted on thin zirconia layers grown on zirconium alloys simulating in‐reactor materials after high fluence ion irradiation or for samples cut from fuel rods irradiated in nuclear plants. As such, these spectra clearly do not correspond to any known spectrum of a pure standard zirconia phase. Therefore, the analysis conducted in this paper aims to provide a better understanding of these peculiar Raman features. For that purpose, specific ion‐irradiated samples were analysed. In situ Raman spectroscopy was first used to follow the irradiation process. Then, samples were characterized using different excitation wavelengths. Finally, the effects of oxygen isotopic substitution were examined in details. Results are discussed in terms of disorder and size‐related effects.
TIRADS Interobserver Variability Among Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules: A Single‐Institution Study
Authors: Sahli Zeyad T. , Sharma Ashwyn K. , Canner Joseph K. , Karipineni Farah , Ali Osama , Kawamoto Satomi , Hang Jen‐Fan , Mathur Aarti , Ali Syed Z. , Zeiger Martha A. , Sheth Sheila 
Published: November 2018

ObjectivesA high proportion of cytologically indeterminate, Afirma Gene Expression Classifier “suspicious” thyroid nodules are benign. The Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS), was proposed by the American College of Radiology in 2017 to help classify thyroid nodules based on ultrasound characteristics in a standardized fashion to guide management. We aim to determine the interobserver variability of TIRADS classification among cytologically indeterminate and Afirma suspicious nodules.MethodsWe retrospectively queried cytopathology archives for thyroid fine‐needle aspiration specimens obtained between February 2012 and September 2016 with associated (1) indeterminate diagnosis, (2) ultrasound imaging at our institution, (3) Afirma suspicious result, and (4) surgery at our institution. We compared the TIRADS variability of the 3 blinded radiologists using intraclass correlation coefficients.ResultsOur cohort consisted of 127 nodules. Intraclass correlation coefficients can be interpreted as follows: less than 0.4, poor; 0.4 to 0.59, fair; 0.6 to 0.74, good; 0.75 to 1.00, excellent. The intraclass correlation coefficients of the raw TIRADS score and category variability was 0.561 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.464–0.651) or fair and 0.547 (95% CI, 0.449–0.640) or fair, respectively. When analyzing composition, echogenicity, shape, margin, and echogenic foci, the ICCs were 0.552 (95% CI, 0.454–0.643), fair; 0.533 (95% CI, 0.432–0.627), fair; 0.359 (95% CI, 0.248–0.469), poor; 0.192 (95% CI, 0.084–0.308), poor; and 0.549 (95% CI, 0.451– 0.641), fair, respectively.ConclusionsOur results show that among the subset of cytologically indeterminate and Afirma suspicious nodules, TIRADS interobserver variability was fair. Shape and margin criteria were the biggest sources of disagreement. Large prospective studies are needed to evaluate the interobserver variability of TIRADS in this subset of thyroid nodules.
Hybrid Cation Exchange Membranes with Lithium Ion‐Sieves for Highly Enhanced Li+ Permeation and Permselectivity
Authors: Zhang Jie , Cui Xulin , Yang Fan , Qu Lingbo , Du Fengguang , Zhang Haoqin , Wang Jingtao 
Published: November 2018

AbstractCation exchange membranes (CEMs) hold promise for efficient and environment‐friendly lithium extraction from salt‐lake brine. However, development and practical application of CEMs are significantly hindered by the low Li+ permeation and permselectivity. Herein, novel hybrid CEMs are developed by dispersing lithium ion‐sieves (LMO) into sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) matrix. Two kinds of LMOs are synthesized including acidified LMO (HMO) and its sulfonation compound (HMO‐S). The physicochemical property and separation performance of hybrid membranes are systematically investigated. The uniformly dispersed HMO and HMO‐S enhance the thermal, mechanical stability, and swelling resistance of hybrid membranes. Furthermore, these fillers obviously reduce the area resistance from 8.0 to less than 6.0 Ω cm−2. Importantly, the unique Li+ transfer channels in HMO/HMO‐S efficiently elevate the Li+ permeation by up to 66%. While the “ion‐sieve effect” of the channels weakens the migration of Mg2+ and K+, thus notably rising Li+/Mg2+ and Li+/K+ permselectivities by ≈5 times, which is difficult to realize with conventional fillers. Comparing with HMO, HMO‐S shows higher improvement for permselectivity because of the reduced area resistance of the resultant hybrid membrane. This study paves a way to design and development of selective Li+ exchange membranes for transport and separation applications.
MRI Outperforms [18F]AV‐1451 PET as a Longitudinal Biomarker in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Authors: Whitwell Jennifer L. , Tosakulwong Nirubol , Schwarz Christopher G. , Botha Hugo , Senjem Matthew L. , Spychalla Anthony J. , Ahlskog J. Eric , Knopman David S. , Petersen Ronald C. , Jack Clifford R. , Lowe Val J. , Josephs Keith A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundElevated uptake of the [18F]AV‐1451 tau‐PET ligand has been observed cross‐sectionally in subjects with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). However, it is unknown how the ligand performs longitudinally in PSP. We aimed to determine how regional measures of change on [18F]AV‐1451 PET perform as longitudinal biomarkers of PSP compared with the more established biomarker of rate of midbrain atrophy.MethodsSixteen subjects with PSP underwent 2 serial [18F]AV‐1451 tau‐PET scans and 3‐Tesla MRI over 12 months and were age‐ and sex‐matched to 39 healthy controls with longitudinal [18F]AV‐1451 PET. Median [18F]AV‐1451 uptake was calculated for each scan for regions of interest across the brain and divided by uptake in cerebellar crus to create standard uptake value ratios. Midbrain volume on MRI was also calculated for each scan. Sample sizes required to power placebo‐controlled treatment trials were calculated.ResultsRate of midbrain atrophy was significantly increased in PSP compared with controls. [18F]AV‐1451 regional change measures were significantly increased in PSP compared with controls in the pallidum, precentral cortex, dentate nucleus of the cerebellum, and midbrain. Change over time in the PSP Rating Scale correlated with change in midbrain volume but did not correlate with change in the [18F]AV‐1451 measures. Smallest sample‐size estimates were obtained with rate of midbrain atrophy, followed by the PSP Rating Scale, with both outperforming [18F]AV‐1451 measures.Conclusions[18F]AV‐1451 tau‐PET measures increase over time in subjects with PSP, but longitudinal [18F]AV‐1451 measures may not perform as well as rate of midbrain atrophy as biomarkers for PSP clinical trials. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A miniaturized substrate integrated waveguide end‐fire antenna with improved E‐plane radiation pattern for X and Ku bands
Authors: Zhou Xiangyu , Zhai Huiqing , Wei Zichun , Ma Shaobo , Zheng Licheng 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA miniaturized substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) end‐fire antenna with improved E‐plane radiation pattern for X and Ku bands is proposed in this letter. The width of the antenna is only 15 mm, which is about 0.7λ0 at the center frequency, and the height of the antenna is 3.5 mm, which is only 0.17λ0 at the center frequency. The two stepped metalized ridges are used for impedance matching, which can achieve a wide bandwidth from 10.2 GHz to 19 GHz. The four small metal strips which are placed at the front of the antenna and the other FR4 substrate are used to improve the stable E‐plane radiation direction of the antenna. The measured results and the simulated results have good agreement.
Dual‐wideband semi‐circular patch antenna for Ku/K band applications
Authors: Singh Vivek , Mishra Brijesh , Singh Rajeev 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA compact dual wideband semi‐circular shape micro‐strip patch antenna is proposed for Ku/K band applications. The proposed antenna structure comprises of a modified T‐shape slot on the patch. Simulated and measured bandwidths of 2.12 GHz and 1.92 GHz at lower frequency bands (16.60‐18.72 GHz) and (16.78‐18.70 GHz) respectively are reported. We observe simulated and measured bandwidths of 0.77 GHz and 0.81 GHz at higher frequency bands (22.66‐23.43 GHz) and (22.56‐23.37 GHz), respectively. Ringing resonating frequencies are observed at lower operating band and are responsible for gain degradation.