bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A promising structural magnetic resonance imaging assessment in patients with preclinical cognitive decline and diabetes mellitus
Authors: Dong Yulan , Wang Qi , Yao Hailun , Xiao Yawen , Wei Jiaohong , Xie Peihan , Hu Jun , Chen Wen , Tang Yan , Zhou Hong , Liu Jincai 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSubjective cognitive decline (SCD) is frequently reported in diabetic patients. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with changes in the microstructure of the brain arise in diabetic patients, including changes in gray matter volume (GMV). However, the underlying mechanisms of changes in GMV in DM patients with cognitive impairment remain uncertain. Here, we present an overview of amyloid‐β‐dependent cognitive impairment in DM patients with SCD. Moreover, we review the evolving insights from studies on the GMV changes in GMV and cognitive dysfunction to which provide the mechanisms of cognitive impairment in T2DM. Ultimately, the novel structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol was used for detecting neuroimaging biomarkers that can predict the clinical outcomes in diabetic patients with SCD. A reliable MRI protocol would be helpful to detect neurobiomarkers, and to understand the pathological mechanisms of preclinical cognitive impairment in diabetic patients.
Relative sarcopenia and mortality and the modifying effects of chronic kidney disease and adiposity
Authors: Ziolkowski Susan L. , Long Jin , Baker Joshua F. , Chertow Glenn M. , Leonard Mary B. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundConventional definitions of sarcopenia based on lean mass may fail to capture low lean mass relative to higher fat mass, that is, relative sarcopenia. The objective of this study is to determine the associations of sarcopenia and relative sarcopenia with mortality independent of co‐morbidities, and whether chronic kidney disease (CKD) and adiposity alter these associations.MethodsDual energy X‐ray absorptiometry‐derived appendicular lean mass index (ALMI, kg/m2) and fat mass index (FMI, kg/m2) were assessed in 14 850 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participants from 1999 to 2006 and were linked to death certificate data in the National Death Index with follow‐up through 2011. Sarcopenia was defined using sex‐specific and race/ethnicity‐specific standard deviation scores compared with young adults (T‐scores) as an ALMI T‐score < −2 and relative sarcopenia as fat‐adjusted ALMI (ALMIFMI) T‐score < −2. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated using creatinine‐based (eGFRCr) and cystatin C‐based (eGFRCys) regression equations.ResultsThree (3.0) per cent of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participants met criteria for sarcopenia and 8.7% met criteria for relative sarcopenia. Sarcopenia and relative sarcopenia were independently associated with mortality (HR sarcopenia 2.20, 95% CI 1.69 to 2.86; HR relative sarcopenia 1.60, 95% CI 1.31 to 1.96). The corresponding population attributable risks were 5.2% (95% CI 3.4% to 6.4%) and 8.4% (95% CI 4.8% to 11.2%), respectively. Relative sarcopenia remained significantly associated with mortality (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.61) when limited to the subset who did not meet the criteria for sarcopenia. The risk of mortality associated with relative sarcopenia was attenuated among persons with higher FMI (P for interaction <0.01) and was not affected by CKD status for either sarcopenia or relative sarcopenia.ConclusionsSarcopenia and relative sarcopenia are significantly associated with mortality regardless of CKD status. Relative sarcopenia is nearly three‐fold more prevalent amplifying its associated mortality risk at the population level. The association between relative sarcopenia and mortality is attenuated in persons with higher FMI.
Design and numerical simulation of a novel microfluidic electroosmotic micromixer with three electrode pairs
Authors: Chen Xueye , Wu Zeyang 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDMiniaturization of experimental instruments in the field of biochemistry and medicine has become more and more common. A major trend in microfluidic technology is the miniaturization of experimental instruments. The relatively simple design and fabrication of active micromixers has attracted more and more attention.RESULTSIn this paper, we design and simulate a novel electroosmotic micromixer that uses microelectrodes located in microchannel walls. The study first compares the mixing effect of the micromixer without and with electrodes, and then investigates the effects of the number of electrode pairs, the value of the alternating voltage and the AC frequency on the mixing performance.CONCLUSIONWhen the electroosmotic micromixer has three electrode pairs at alternating voltage of 10 V and alternating frequency of 16 Hz, the best mixing efficiency can reach 98.2%. We call this micromixer TEEM (three electrode electroosmotic micromixer). At the same flow velocity, the mixing efficiency of TEEM is 30% higher than the electrodeless micromixer. This paper provides an effective theoretical support for the design of active electroosmotic micromixers, and provides a potential application value for further research and manufacture of electroosmotic micromixers used in biomedicine. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Acute cardiac effects of high dose steroid treatment: A speckle tracking echocardiography study
Authors: Aksakal Emrah , Simsek Ziya , Aksu Uğur , Birdal Oguzhan , Ateş Esma Selva , Kalkan Kamuran , Gulcu Oktay , Demirelli Selami , Aksakal Enbiya , Tas Hakan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPurposeHigh‐dose steroid therapy (HDST) has frequent side‐effects that appear at its cessation and depend on its dose. However, there is a lack of studies about the acute effects of HDST on cardiac function in adult patients.MethodsWe included in this study 30 patients who underwent HDST (intravenously at doses ranging from 250 to 1000 mg) and 30 healthy control subjects with similar demographic and clinical characteristics, between September and December 2016. Echocardiographic measurements were made before and during the first 3 hours after the end of treatment, and results were compared between patients and controls.ResultsThere was no difference in baseline biochemical and echocardiographic characteristics between the patient and control groups. While left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) and strain rate E were higher after treatment, no significant change was observed in conventional echocardiographic variables.ConclusionsLVGLS, but not conventional echocardiographic variables, showed an increase in cardiac systolic function at the acute phase of HDST.
Creating cell and animal models of human disease by genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Zarei Ali , Razban Vahid , Hosseini Seyed Ebrahim , Tabei Seyed Mohammad Bagher 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA set of unique sequences in bacterial genomes, responsible for protecting bacteria against bacteriophages, has recently been used for the genetic manipulation of specific points in the genome. These systems consist of one RNA component and one enzyme component, known as CRISPR (“clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats”) and Cas9, respectively. The present review focuses on the applications of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in the development of cellular and animal models of human disease. Making a desired genetic alteration depends on the design of RNA molecules that guide endonucleases to a favorable genomic location. With the discovery of CRISPR/Cas9 technology, researchers are able to achieve higher levels of accuracy because of its advantages over alternative methods for editing genome, including a simple design, a high targeting efficiency and the ability to create simultaneous alterations in multiple sequences. These factors allow the researchers to apply this technology to creating cellular and animal models of human diseases by knock‐in, knock‐out and Indel mutation strategies, such as for Huntington's disease, cardiovascular disorders and cancers. Optimized CRISPR/Cas9 technology will facilitate access to valuable novel cellular and animal genetic models with respect to the development of innovative drug discovery and gene therapy.
Modeling technology of InP heterojunction bipolar transistor for THz integrated circuit
Authors: Zhang Yong , Chen Yapei , Li Yukun , Qu Kun , Ren Tianhao 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIndium phosphide (InP)‐based transistors play an important role in high‐speed circuit and high‐frequency analog circuit applications. Over the past few decades, terahertz heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) is increasingly developed. As a result, many reports of HBTs operating at terahertz region have flourished. Since the high‐frequency circuit design faces the challenge from the lack of precise transistor models, this paper reviews the development of high‐frequency modeling technologies of InP HBT at terahertz region. Processes in the development of small‐signal models at terahertz frequencies, precise parasitic parameters extraction method, improvements in measurement, and the de‐embedding technologies open up more opportunities for precise representation of InP HBTs. Finally, some excellent terahertz circuits based on InP HBT are reviewed.
Exploring sources of resistance to brown rot in an interspecific almond × peach population
Authors: Baró‐Montel Núria , Eduardo Iban , Usall Josep , Casals Carla , Arús Pere , Teixidó Neus , Torres Rosario 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDMonilinia spp. are responsible for brown rot, one of the most significant stone fruit diseases. Planting resistant cultivars seems a promising alternative, although most commercial cultivars are susceptible to brown rot. The aim of this study was to explore resistance to Monilinia fructicola over two seasons in a backcross one interspecific population between almond ‘Texas’ and peach ‘Earlygold’ (named T1E).RESULTS‘Texas’ almond was resistant to brown rot inoculation, whereas peach was highly susceptible. Phenotypic data from the T1E population indicated wide differences in response to M. fructicola. Additionally, several non‐wounded individuals exhibited resistance to brown rot. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified in several linkage groups, but only two proximal QTLs in G4 were detected over both seasons and accounted for 11.3–16.2% of the phenotypic variation.CONCLUSIONAnalysis of the progeny allowed the identification of resistant genotypes that could serve as a source of resistance in peach breeding programs. The finding of loci associated with brown rot resistance would shed light on implementing a strategy based on marker‐assisted selection (MAS) for introgression of this trait into elite peach materials. New peach cultivars resistant to brown rot may contribute to the implementation of more sustainable crop protection strategies. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
An in‐needle solid‐phase microextraction device packed with etched steel wires for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons enrichment in water samples
Authors: Yang Ying , Mai Weimei , Gao Jingyi , Hu Zhe , Xu Jianqiao , Zou Shichun 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA novel, low‐cost and effective in‐needle solid‐phase microextraction device was developed for the enrichment of trace polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water samples. The in‐needle solid‐phase microextraction device could be easily assembled by inserting hydrofluoric acid‐etched wires, which were used as adsorbent, into a 22‐gauge needle tube within spring supporters. Compared with the commercial solid‐phase microextraction fiber, the developed device has higher efficiency for the extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with four to six rings from water samples using the optimized extraction conditions. With gas chromatography equipped with a flame ionization detector, the limits of detection for the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with four to six rings ranged from 0.0020 to 0.0067 ng/mL. The relative standard deviations for one needle and needle‐to‐needle extractions were in the range of 5.2–9.9% (n = 5) and 3.4–12.3% (n = 5), respectively. The spiked recoveries of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in tap water samples ranged from 73.2 to 95.4%. This in‐needle solid‐phase microextraction device could be a good field sampler because of the low sample loss over a long storage time.
The spectrum of genetic variants and phenotypic features of Southeast Asian patients with Noonan syndrome
Authors: Koh Ai‐Ling , Tan Ee‐Shien , Brett Maggie S. , Lai Angeline H. M. , Jamuar Saumya Shekhar , Ng Ivy , Tan Ene‐Choo 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundNoonan syndrome (NS) is an autosomal dominant disorder that belongs to a group of developmental disorders called RASopathies with overlapping features and multiple causative genes. The aim of the study was to identify mutations underlying this disorder in patients from Southeast Asia and characterize their clinical presentations.MethodsPatients were identified from the hospital's Genetics clinics after assessment by attending clinical geneticists. A targeted gene panel was used for next‐generation sequencing on genomic DNA extracted from the blood samples of 17 patients.ResultsHeterozygous missense variants were identified in 13 patients: eight were in PTPN11, three in SOS1, and one each in RIT1 and KRAS. All are known variants that have been reported in patients with NS. Of the 13 patients with identified variants, 10 had short stature, the most common feature for NS. Four of the eight patients with PTPN11 variants had atrial septal defect. Only two had pulmonary stenosis which is reported to be common for PTPN11 mutation carriers. Another two had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a feature which is negatively associated with PTPN11 mutations.ConclusionsOur study provides the mutation and phenotypic spectrum of NS from a new population group. The molecular testing yield of 76% is similar to other studies and shows that the targeted panel approach is useful for identifying genetic mutations in NS which has multiple causative genes. The molecular basis for the phenotypes of the remaining patients remains unknown and would need to be uncovered via sequencing of additional genes or other investigative methods.
Correlation between PLCE1 rs2274223 variant and digestive tract cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Qingfa , Wang Yu , Xu Yan , Lin Hai , Xue Fangxi , Chen Xingtian 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe relationship between phospholipase C ε‐1 (PLCE1) rs2274223 variant and digestive tract cancer remains inconclusive despite extensive investigations. Therefore, we performed this meta‐analysis to obtain a more credible conclusion.MethodsPubMed, Medline, and Embase were systematic searched. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.ResultsA total of 27 studies were finally included. Pooled analyses suggested that PLCE1 rs2274223 variant was significantly correlated with the likelihood of esophageal cancer (dominant model: p < 0.001, OR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.72–0.83; recessive model: p < 0.001, OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.12–1.45; additive model: p < 0.001, OR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.11–1.29; allele model: p < 0.001, OR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.74–0.88) and gastric cancer (recessive model: p = 0.001, OR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.10–1.47; allele model: p = 0.03, OR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.78–0.98) in overall population. Further subgroup analyses showed that the positive results were mainly driven by the East Asians. However, no positive results were detected in Caucasians and West Asians.ConclusionOur findings indicated that the PLCE1 rs2274223 variant might serve as a promising genetic biomarker of esophageal and gastric cancer in East Asians.
Design of novel high‐efficient DPA using ACL‐loaded SIR for linearity improvement
Authors: Xia Zu‐Xue , Cao Xin 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn this article, a novel high‐efficient Doherty power amplifier (DPA) is designed for linearity improvement from 2.1 to 2.4 GHz. The proposed DPA employs a pair of anti‐coupled lines loaded with a stepped impedance resonator to replace the λ/4 transmission line in the conventional DPA for harmonic suppression, phase compensation, and impedance transformation. The DPA is simulated, fabricated, and measured. As the measured results show, in the 2.1‐2.4 GHz band, the saturated output power is between 43.2 and 44.5 dBm with the saturated gain level between 10.2 and 11.5 dB. The saturated drain efficiency (DE) is between 60% and 70% with DE at 6 dB output power back‐off between 38% and 50%. Compared with the conventional DPA, the third‐order intermodulation distortion is reduced by 20 dB. The efficiency and gain have also been improved. The proposed DPA is feasible and applicable in modern wireless communication systems.
Conjoined ultra‐wideband (2,300‐6,000 MHz) dual antennas for LTE HB/WiFi/5G multi‐input multi‐output operation in the fifth‐generation tablet device
Authors: Wong Kin‐Lu , Chen Yu‐Han , Li Wei‐Yu 
Published: February 2019

AbstractConjoined dual antennas with an ultra‐wideband (UWB) of 2300‐6000 MHz for multi‐input multi‐output operation in the fifth‐generation (5G) tablet device is presented. The UWB covers not only the 5G band in 3300‐5000 MHz, but also the long term evolution high band in 2300‐2400/2500‐2690 MHz and the Wireless Fidelity band in 2400‐2500/5100‐5900 MHz. Additionally, the envelope correlation coefficient in the UWB is less than 0.1. The conjoined dual antennas have a planar printed structure and require only 32.2 mm (about 0.25‐wavelength at 2.3 GHz) along the edge of the device ground plane. The dual antennas share a conjoined section of a ring strip for bandwidth enhancement and a band‐pass resonant structure for effective decoupling. The band‐pass resonant structure is formed by a printed structure of distributed capacitor and inductor connected in series. Details of the conjoined UWB dual antennas are presented.
Max flow vitality in general and st‐planar graphs
Authors: Ausiello Giorgio , Franciosa Paolo G. , Lari Isabella , Ribichini Andrea 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe vitality of an arc/node of a graph with respect to the maximum flow between two fixed nodes s and t is defined as the reduction of the maximum flow caused by the removal of that arc/node. In this paper, we address the issue of determining the vitality of arcs and/or nodes for the maximum flow problem. We show how to compute the vitality of all arcs in a general undirected graph by solving only 2(n − 1) max flow instances and, in st‐planar graphs (directed or undirected) we show how to compute the vitality of all arcs and all nodes in O(n) worst‐case time. Moreover, after determining the vitality of arcs and/or nodes, and given a planar embedding of the graph, we can determine the vitality of a “contiguous” set of arcs/nodes in time proportional to the size of the set.
A cut mark on the Mesolithic (ca. 5850 BC) cranium from Wieliszew (Poland): A revision of an analytical conclusion from previous studies
Authors: Tomczyk Jacek , Myszka Anna , Ostrowska Agnieszka , Sulgostowska Zofia , Palczewski Piotr 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe present the application of computed tomography (CT) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) technologies for the analysis of the Mesolithic skull of an adult individual from Wieliszew (Poland; ca. 5850 BC). Macroscopic examinations carried out in the 1950s showed a bone defect on the skull identified as post‐mortem. On this basis, it was argued to be evidence of cannibalistic practices in the Mesolithic period. CT and SEM demonstrated that the transverse fracture in the frontal squama has regular, oblique, sloping margins. Close to the right end of the fracture, features of healing were identified. It suggests that the individual survived the insult, at least till the beginning of the early reparative phase. It is the first time a documented case of violence has been detected in the Mesolithic in Poland. The applied CT and SEM technologies showed that the previous interpretation of the wound on the skull of Wieliszew as a trace of cannibalistic practice turned out to be wrong.
Design and fabrication of poly (glycerol sebacate)‐based fibers for neural tissue engineering: Synthesis, electrospinning, and characterization
Authors: Saudi Ahmad , Rafienia Mohammad , Zargar Kharazi Anousheh , Salehi Hossein , Zarrabi Ali , Karevan Mehdi 
Published: February 2019

Poly (glycerol sebacate) (PGS) is a thermoset biodegradable elastomer considered as a promising candidate material for nerve applications. However, PGS synthesis is very time and energy consuming. In this study, the PGS pre‐polymer (pPGS) was synthesized using three synthesis times of 3, 5, and 7 hours at 170°C. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry thermogram were utilized to study the pPGS behavior. Poly (vinyl alcohol) was used as a carrier to fabricate aligned poly (vinyl alcohol)‐poly (glycerol sebacate) (PVA‐PGS) fibers with various ratios (60:40, 50:50, and 40:60) using electrospinning and crosslinked through the thermal crosslinking method. Morphology of the fibers was studied before and after crosslinking using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR, mechanical properties in the dry and wet state, water contact angle, in vitro degradation, and water uptake behavior of crosslinked scaffolds were also investigated. 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, SEM analysis, and 4′, 6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI) staining were utilized to determine the biocompatibility of scaffolds. The results show the synthesized pPGS in 3 hours at 170°C is the optimized sample in the terms of chemical reaction. All scaffolds have bead‐free and a uniform fiber diameter. The Young's modulus of crosslinked PVA‐PGS (50:50 and 40:60) fibers is shown to be in the expected range for nerve applications. The cell culture studies reveal PVA‐PGS (50:50 and 40:60) fibers could lead to better cell adhesion and proliferation. The results suggest that PVA‐PGS (50:50 and 40:60) is a suitable and promising biodegradable material in the fabrication of scaffolds for nerve regeneration.