bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonographic Characteristics of Pyriform Sinus Fistulas Involving the Thyroid Gland
Authors: Ahn Dongbin , Lee Gil Joon , Sohn Jin Ho 
Published: August 2018

ObjectivesUltrasonography (US) has been considered to have a more limited role in the diagnosis of pyriform sinus fistulas than computed tomography. The aim of this study was to evaluate the US characteristics of pyriform sinus fistulas involving the thyroid gland in an attempt to improve our ability to diagnose this condition using US.MethodsBetween 2005 and 2016, 14 patients with pyriform sinus fistulas presenting as suppurative thyroiditis or as thyroid nodules were enrolled in the study. Their US images were reviewed to identify US characteristics indicating the presence of an underlying pyriform sinus fistula and compared with the computed tomographic images.ResultsA hypoechoic tubular lesion across the thyroid gland was identified in 9 patients (64.3%). Hyperechoic foci or echogenic lines were found within the lesion in 10 patients (71.4%). A hypoechoic rim was found at the boundary of the lesion in 7 patients (50.0%). A lesion emerging from the posterolateral aspect of the thyroid cartilage was found in 4 patients (28.6%). Thirteen (92.9%) of the 14 patients had 1 of these 4 findings.ConclusionsUltrasonography would be a useful diagnostic modality for indicating the presence of an underlying pyriform sinus fistula in patients with suppurative thyroiditis or a thyroid nodule and can be used as a first‐line diagnostic tool to screen for pyriform sinus fistulas.
Current Experience of Ultrasound Training in Otolaryngology Residency Programs
Authors: Meister Kara D. , Vila Peter M. , Bonilla‐Velez Juliana , Sebelik Merry , Orloff Lisa A. 
Published: August 2018

ObjectivesThe applications of using ultrasound for the evaluation and management of otolaryngologic diagnoses are expanding. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current experience of ultrasound training in otolaryngology residency programs.MethodsAll allopathic and osteopathic otolaryngology residency programs in the United States were surveyed online via an e‐mailed survey link to the resident representatives of the Section for Residents and Fellows in Training of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. We present a descriptive analysis of the survey results.ResultsA total of 110 responses were obtained from resident representatives at MD and DO otolaryngology residency programs, representing a response rate of 94.8%. Forty‐four percent of residents reported that they would not feel comfortable with performing ultrasound‐guided procedures after residency; 43% reported that they do not perform ultrasound procedures as a part of their residency training; and 60% of those trainees performing ultrasound procedures do not log the procedures. Twenty‐three percent of residents did not have access to an ultrasound machine. Most respondents (71%) desired more exposure to diagnostic and/or interventional ultrasound training during residency.ConclusionsAlthough current experience is variable, there is a strong interest in increasing resident skill acquisition in ultrasound training among otolaryngology residents. Some barriers to these goals may be a lack of trained faculty members using ultrasound and insufficient recording mechanisms for residents performing ultrasound procedures.
Comparison of Ultrasound‐Guided and Landmark‐Based Lumbar Punctures in Inexperienced Resident Physicians
Authors: Evans David P. , Tozer Jordan , Joyce Michael , Vitto Michael J. 
Published: August 2018

ObjectivesWe sought to determine whether US‐guided lumbar puncture reduced the rate of lumbar puncture failures for providers at an academic teaching hospital with variable lumbar puncture and US experience compared to the traditional landmark‐based technique.MethodsWe conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial to compare US‐guided lumbar puncture to the traditional landmark technique in an academic emergency department. Thirty‐five patients were randomized to either have their lumbar puncture performed either via the landmark or US‐guided technique. All procedures were completed by an emergency medicine resident with variable lumbar puncture and US experience. Procedural failures, the number of attempts, the time to completion, and patient pain scores were all recorded.ResultsThe adjusted odds ratio of successfully obtaining cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the US‐guided lumbar puncture group was 2.31 compared to the landmark‐based lumbar puncture group (P = .377). It took 1.54 times more attempts to obtain CSF in the landmark group as it did in the US group (P = .046). It seemed to have no effect on postprocedural pain or the time to obtain CSF.ConclusionsThe use of US guidance to assist in lumbar punctures did not improve the procedural success rate over traditional landmark techniques in an academic setting with novice providers. Although using US for procedural guidance significantly decreased the number of attempts, it seemed to have no effect on postprocedural pain or the time to obtain CSF.
Kinetic study of methoxycarbonylation of 1,6‐hexanediamine with dimethyl carbonate using Mn(OAc)2 catalyst
Authors: Cao Yan , Zhao Liyan , Zhu Ganyu , Wang Liguo , He Peng , Li Huiquan 
Published: August 2018

AbstractClean synthesis of dimethylhexane‐1,6‐dicarbamate (HDC) from methoxycarbonylation of 1,6‐hexanediamine (HDA) with dimethyl carbonate (DMC) was studied. Among several heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts, Mn(OAc)2 was screened as the most effective catalyst over which the kinetic balance could be reached within 2–3 h. Then the kinetic model of the methoxycarbonylation of HDA with DMC using Mn(OAc)2 catalyst, under the real reaction conditions was established. Results indicated that the reaction orders were confirmed to be 4.5 for the first step reaction and 4.3 for the second step reaction by the numerical differential method. In addition, the activation energies for the first and second step reaction were 47.0514 and 60.4504 kJ·mol−1 and the frequency factors were 1.4645 × 102 and 3.6519 × 104 min−1, respectively. Moreover, the kinetic model correlated well with experimental data. This study not only provides a highly efficient catalyst for the methoxycarbonylation of HDA with DMC but also gives the guidance for the design of the reactor by studying its kinetic under real reaction conditions.
Fluorescent Reporter Mice for Nerve Guidance Conduit Assessment: A High‐Throughput in vivo Model
Authors: Mohan Suresh , Hernández Iván Coto , Wang Wenjin , Yin Kaiyang , Sundback Cathryn A. , Wegst Ulrike G.K. , Jowett Nate 
Published: August 2018

ObjectiveUse of cell culture and conventional in vivo mammalian models to assess nerve regeneration across guidance conduits is resource‐intensive. Herein we describe a high‐throughput platform utilizing transgenic mice for stain‐free axon visualization paired with rapid cryosection techniques for low‐cost screening of novel bioengineered nerve guidance conduit performance.MethodsInterposition repair of sciatic nerve transection in mice expressing yellow fluorescent protein in peripheral neurons (Thy1.2 YFP‐16) was performed with various bioengineered neural conduit compositions using a rapid sutureless entubulation technique under isoflurane anesthesia. Axonal ingrowth was assessed at 3 and 6 weeks using epifluorescent microscopy following cryosectioning.ResultsMean procedure time (incision‐to‐closure) was less than 2½ minutes. Direct operational costs of a 3‐week experiment was calculated at $21.47 per animal. Tissue processing steps were minimized to aldehyde fixation, cryoprotection and sectioning, and rapid fluorescent dye staining for conduit visualization. Fluorescent microscopy readily resolved robust axonal sprouting at 3 weeks, with clear elucidation of ingrowth‐permissive, semipermissive, or restrictive nerve guidance conduit environments.ConclusionA rapid and cost‐efficient in vivo platform for screening of nerve guidance conduit performance has been described.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, E392–E392, 2018
GlaR (YugA)—a novel RpiR‐family transcription activator of the Leloir pathway of galactose utilization in Lactococcus lactis IL1403
Authors: Aleksandrzak‐Piekarczyk Tamara , Szatraj Katarzyna , Kosiorek Katarzyna 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBacteria can utilize diverse sugars as carbon and energy source, but the regulatory mechanisms directing the choice of the preferred substrate are often poorly understood. Here, we analyzed the role of the YugA protein (now designated GlaR—Galactose–lactose operon Regulatory protein) of the RpiR family as a transcriptional activator of galactose (gal genes) and lactose (lac genes) utilization genes in Lactococcus lactis IL1403. In this bacterium, gal genes forming the Leloir operon are combined with lac genes in a single so‐called gal–lac operon. The first gene of this operon is the lacS gene encoding galactose permease. The glaR gene encoding GlaR lies directly upstream of the gal–lac gene cluster and is transcribed in the same direction. This genetic layout and the presence of glaR homologues in the closest neighborhood to the Leloir or gal–lac operons are highly conserved only among Lactococcus species. Deletion of glaR disabled galactose utilization and abrogated or decreased expression of the gal–lac genes. The GlaR‐dependent regulation of the gal–lac operon depends on its specific binding to a DNA region upstream of the lacS gene activating lacS expression and increasing the expression of the operon genes localized downstream. Notably, expression of lacS‐downstream genes, namely galMKTE, thgA and lacZ, is partially independent of the GlaR‐driven activation likely due to the presence of additional promoters. The glaR transcription itself is not subject to catabolite control protein A (CcpA) carbon catabolite repression (CRR) and is induced by galactose. Up to date, no similar mechanism has been reported in other lactic acid bacteria species. These results reveal a novel regulatory protein and shed new light on the regulation of carbohydrate catabolism in L. lactis IL1403, and by similarity, probably also in other lactococci.
The 10‐year Landscape of United States‐Registered Parkinson Disease Clinical Trials: 2007–2016
Authors: Wyant Kara J. , Yasuda Erika , Kotagal Vikas 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundWe know little about how well the goals and results of clinical trials in Parkinson disease (PD) reflect the priorities of patients and the broader PD community.ObjectivesWe conducted a review of registered trials on clincialtrials.gov from 2007 to 2016 to explore whether PD trials have moved closer to the therapeutic priority goals articulated by the PD community.MethodsUsing the search terms: Parkinson, interventional trials, phase “0‐4,” we categorized therapeutic PD studies from clinicaltrials.gov between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2016. Seven hundred and sixty‐six trials met the criteria for analysis. We explored temporal trends in the utilization of balance problems and falls; mood symptoms, including stress and anxiety; cognitive dysfunction, including dementia; and dyskinesias as primary outcomes. We analyzed trials where recruitment was listed as “completed” (n = 391) to explore publication rates.ResultsBalance problems and falls were listed as primary outcome measures in 125 studies (16.3%), cognitive measures in 48 (6.3%), mood features in 37 (4.8%), and dyskinesias in 30 (3.9%). Trials using balance problems and falls as a primary outcome increased in frequency per year between 2007 and 2016 (Z = ‐2.128, p = 0.033) unlike the proportion of trials evaluating cognitive dysfunction including dementia (Z = ‐0.380, p = 0.704), mood symptoms including stress and anxiety (Z = 0.345, p = 0.730), or dyskinesias (Z = 0.340, p = 0.734), which did not show temporal changes. 231 (59.1%) completed trials had results published in manuscript form as of 5/1/2017, leaving 40.9% of trials unpublished.ConclusionsPD trials focusing on balance problems and falls are becoming more common. About 40% of completed PD trials are unpublished, reflecting suboptimal utilization of participant efforts.
Video Review of Baseline Performance on Global Ratings in a Double‐Blind Placebo Surgery Trial
Authors: McRae Cynthia , Caspari Jennifer , Russell Daniel , Ellgring Heiner , Bezzant Chris , Greene Paul , Fahn Stanley 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundA randomized controlled double‐blind sham surgery trial was conducted to determine the effectiveness of implantation of human embryonic dopamine neurons into the putamen of patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). The present analyses determined whether patients viewing a video of them performing motor activities off medications at baseline would affect self‐ratings 12 months later on the Global Rating Scale (GRS).ObjectivesTo examine changes in GRS scores pre‐ and post‐video review for the total sample; to examine differences in scores between actual implant and sham groups, as well as perceived groups pre‐ and post‐video review; to examine differences among four subgroups of patients based on actual and perceived treatment (i.e., actual implant/perceived implant).MethodsForty participants were recruited and randomly assigned to receive either neural implantation or sham surgery. The primary outcome variable was a one‐item GRS ranging from −3 (much worse since surgery) to +3 (much improved since surgery). At 12 months (before the blind was lifted) patients rated themselves on the GRS before and after viewing the baseline video.ResultsTotal sample GRS scores improved after the video (P = .001). There were no differences between the actual implant and sham groups before or after the video, but there were differences between perceived groups at both times (P < .001). Among subgroups, improvement after the video was found only in the group receiving the implant but who thought sham (P = .011).ConclusionsWhen self‐ratings are an outcome variable, review of baseline videos is recommended before making comparative ratings.
The Outcome of Dopamine Dysregulation Syndrome in Parkinson's Disease: A Retrospective Postmortem Study
Authors: Barbosa Pedro , Djamshidian Atbin , Lees Andrew J. , Warner Thomas T. 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTIntroductionWe have performed a retrospective analysis of the frequency and relation to treatment of dopamine dysregulation syndrome (DDS) using the Queen Square Brain Bank (QSBB) database.MethodsA search of the QSBB database for consecutive cases donated between 2005 and 2016 with a pathological diagnosis of Parkinson's disease was performed.ResultsDDS was present in 8.8% of cases, was more prevalent in males, and was associated with younger age of onset, longer disease duration, and more dopa‐induced dyskinesias. Treatment approaches for DDS included: reduction of levodopa, reduction/cessation of dopamine agonist (DA), and initiation of infusion therapies. DDS had completely resolved in just over half the patients. DA peak l‐dopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD) was higher in patients who failed to achieve remission.ConclusionThis is the first study to provide data on the course of DDS until death. Treatment strategies consisted mainly of reduction of dopaminergic treatment, and, despite the majority of patients showing some improvement, half remained symptomatic. Successful treatment was associated with a lower l‐dopa dosage at death.
Understanding, Impact, and Communication of “Off” Periods in Parkinson's Disease: A Scoping Review
Authors: Rastgardani Tara , Armstrong Melissa J. , Gagliardi Anna R. , Marras Connie 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundOff periods are a common and disabling symptom of Parkinson's disease. We reviewed published research on understanding, impact, and communication regarding off periods to identify issues warranting further research.MethodsWe performed a scoping review, searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and PsycINFO from 2006 to January 2018 for studies examining the impact of, understanding of, or communication about off periods.ResultsTwenty‐six papers met eligibility criteria. Twenty‐three studies evaluated the impact or experience of off periods in patients, three evaluated the impact upon carepartners, two papers addressed understanding of off periods, one study evaluated communication about off periods, and three studies evaluated a facilitator of communication about off periods. The findings indicate that (1) off periods are among the most troublesome symptoms to patients and that their impact on activities is broad; (2) the understanding of off periods by patients, carepartners, and nurses may be suboptimal; and (3) questionnaires hold promise as a mechanism for facilitating communication given the findings that they may enhance the detection of off periods and are rated as useful by physicians. No studies evaluated interventions to promote knowledge about off periods, and no studies identified barriers of communication about off periods.ConclusionsThere is a paucity of knowledge regarding the lived experiences of off periods, particularly for carepartners. Additionally, little knowledge exists in the literature regarding understanding of and communication about off periods between patients or carepartners and treating physicians. Further research is required to explore these issues to ultimately improve the treatment of off periods.
Search for altered imprinting marks in Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser patients
Authors: Eggermann Thomas , Ledig Susanne , Begemann Matthias , Elbracht Miriam , Kurth Ingo , Wieacker Peter 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundMayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome (MRKH) is the second most common cause of primary amenorrhea and characterized by absence of the uterus and the upper part of the vagina. The etiology of MRKH is mainly unknown but a contribution of genomic alterations is probable. A molecular disturbance so far neglected in MRKH research is aberrant methylation at imprinted loci. In fact, MRKH has been reported in patients with the imprinting disorder Silver–Russell syndrome.MethodsWe report on a rare patient with MRKH and SRS due to an ICR1 hypomethylation in 11p15.5. On the basis of this observation we screened a large cohort of MRKH patients (n > 100) for aberrant methylation at nine imprinted loci.ResultsWe failed to detect any epimutation, thus we conclude that imprinting defects at least at the currently known disease‐relevant imprinted loci do not contribute to the isolated MRKH phenotype. However, it cannot be excluded that altered methylation marks at other loci are involved in the etiology of MRKH.ConclusionThe molecular basis for MRKH remains unclear in the majority of patients, but future studies on the association between MRKH and ICR1 hypomethylation/SRS will to enlighten the role of epigenetics in the etiology of MRKH.
A dual band stub‐loaded AMC design for the gain enhancement of a planar monopole antenna
Authors: Paracha Kashif Nisar , Abdul Rahim Sharul K. , Soh P. J. , Chatha Hassan T. , Misran Misran H. , Lokman Abdul Halim 
Published: August 2018

AbstractA dual band stub‐loaded artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) structure to enhance the gain of a dual band monopole is presented. Designed for operation in the 2.4 and 5 GHz WLAN bands, the AMC unit cell is intended to be capable of independently tuning the upper (5 GHz) band by varying the stub length of the structure. To assess the effectiveness of the AMC plane, it is integrated underneath a coplanar waveguide (CPW)‐fed planar monopole antenna. Both structures are designed and fabricated on a FR4 substrate. The unit cell is first multiplied into a 5 x 5 array to form the AMC plane, which acts as a reflector to the monopole antenna. Measurements indicated values of 6.76 dBi (at 2.4 GHz) in band‐I, 6.5 dBi (at 3.53 GHz) in band‐II, and finally 7.26 dBi (at 4.85 GHz) in band‐III. It is also observed that the measured antenna gain is improved to 7.26 dBi from 4.2 dBi at 4.85 GHz with reduced SAR values. Moreover, its overall size of 70 × 70 × 10.76 mm3 (0.45λ0 × 0.45λ0 × 0.07λ0) validated the compactness in comparison with other similar structures, with reasonable realized gain.
Q/V band LNA for satellite on‐board space applications using a 70 nanometers GaAs mHEMT commercial technology
Authors: Ciccognani Walter , Longhi Patrick E. , Colangeli Sergio , Limiti Ernesto ,   Senior Member IEEE
Published: August 2018

AbstractDesigning wideband low noise amplifiers (LNAs) at millimeter wave frequencies (>30 GHz) is rather challenging due to trade‐offs that need to be achieved between often contrasting goals such as noise figure, gain, impedance matching, stability, DC power consumption, and chip size. In this paper, a low noise design procedure at 50 GHz is presented, proving the feasibility of a 2 dB Noise Figure LNA at Q/V band. Such performance is enabling for future (but imminent) satellite communication systems operating in the 47‐52 GHz frequency band. Repeatability and reliability are key requirements for satellite operations and therefore an Industrial Grade—Space Qualified technology has been selected.
Behavior modeling of passive intermodulation distortion with multiple nonlinear sources
Authors: Jin Qiuyan , Gao Jinchun , Wu Yongle , Xie Gang 
Published: August 2018

AbstractA modified passive intermodulation (PIM) model with multiple nonlinear sources and lossy transmission is developed to evaluate the reflected passive intermodulation products (PIMP) in case of series connection. Equivalent circuit models are proposed for demonstrating the effect of length between nonlinear sources and number of connections on the PIM behaviors, followed by some experimental validation. The measurement results agree well with the theoretical calculations and circuit simulations, having a mean difference within 0.5 dB.
Design and realization of quasi Yagi antenna for indoor application with 3D printing technology
Authors: Belen Mehmet A. , Mahouti Peyman 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWith the advances in the extrusion depositing base three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology and decreases in their costs, these technologies are being used in many fields for fast and low cost prototyping means. One of these applications is manufacturing of microwave circuits. Herein, design and realization of quasi Yagi antenna for indoor application with 3D printing technology is presented. First, design of a wide band microstrip quasi Yagi antenna consists of a dipole fed by a coplanar strip line, a rectangular patch, and a ground reflector is studied. The size of the antenna is reduced by using a half bowtie shaped dipole and reflector. The studied microstrip quasi Yagi antenna is aimed to operate within the operation frequency range of 670–3000 MHz. Then for experimental results, the designed antenna is fabricated by using a 3D printer with poly(lactide acid) material. From observing the experiment results it can be concluded that 3D printed antenna has good performance, within the operation band with a good return loss characteristic performance of less than −10 dB and a moderate gain of 3.5–4.6 dBi. As it can be seen, the 3D printer technology is an efficient method for fast and accurate prototyping of antenna design.
An Q‐factor calibration method for compensation of the I/Q signal imbalances in 5–6 GHz beamforming receiver
Authors: Jung Won‐Jae , Hong Nam‐Pyo , Jang Jong‐Eun , Kim Jin‐Sup , Park Jun‐Seok 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis article presents 5–6 GHz beamforming receiver with Q‐factor calibrated vector modulator to reduce phase error and amplitude mismatch. Q‐factor of vector modulator IQ network has to be 0.95–1.05 in 5–6 GHz to get under ±3° phase error. Proposed Q‐factor calibration circuit selects the best capacitance and resistance for proper Q‐factor in desired frequency range. Beamforming receiver prototype, which is implemented in 0.13‐μm CMOS, has 0.98–1.03 Q‐factor in 5–6 GHz. The prototype has improved performance than without calibration: its rms phase error is maximum 1.5° (4.5° improved), and amplitude mismatch is maximum 0.47 dB (0.73‐dB improved). In addition, noise figure is 3.8–4.6 dB at 5–6 GHz.