bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous screening and isolation of activated constituents from Puerariae Flos by ultrafiltration with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry combined with high‐speed counter‐current chromatography
Authors: Wu Tong , Liu Chunming , Huang Yu , Li Sainan , Wang Yueqi 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPuerariae Flos is the flower of Puerariae Radix, which is a common Chinese herb containing numerous isoflavones in all parts of the flower. Standard methods for screening and isolating isoflavones are typically labor intensive and time consuming. In this study, a new assay based on ultrafiltration with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry was developed for the rapid screening and identification of ligands for α‐glucosidase, xanthine oxidase and lactate dehydrogenase in the extract of Puerariae Flos. Three isoflavones were identified as α‐glucosidase inhibitors, three isoflavones were identified as lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors, and no specific binding ligands were identified for xanthine oxidase in the extract. Subsequently, specific binding ligands, puerarin, genistin, and tectorigenin (purities were 90, 60, 99, and 91.73%, respectively), were separated by high‐speed counter‐current chromatography. The partition coefficient values of the target compounds and resolutions of peaks were employed as indicators and the solvent system and mobile phase flow rate were optimized for two‐stage separation. An optimized two‐phase solvent system comprised of ethyl acetate/ethanol/water (4:0.5:3, v/v/v) was successfully used to isolate the three compounds from Puerariae Flos. The monomer compounds isolated, collected, and purified by high‐speed counter‐current chromatography were analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography, resulting in the isolation of three targeted compounds. The chemical structures of all three targeted compounds were individually identified by ultra high performance liquid chromatography with high‐resolution mass spectrometry. The results demonstrate that ultrafiltration with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry combined with high‐speed counter‐current chromatography is not only a powerful tool for screening and isolating α‐glucosidase and lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors in complex samples, but also a useful platform for identifying bioactive compounds for preventing and treating diabetes and stroke.
The Role of Real‐Time Elastography in the Differential Diagnosis of Salivary Gland Tumors
Authors: Karaman Can Zafer , Başak Sema , Polat Yasemin Durum , Ünsal Alparslan , Taşkın Füsun , Kaya Ebru , Günel Ceren 
Published: November 2018

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to scrutinize the value of qualitative elastography in the diagnosis of salivary gland masses.MethodsSixty patients were enrolled in this prospective study. Patients aged between 1 and 91 years (mean age, 48.8 ± 20.48) with a salivary gland mass were studied with real‐time elastography. All patients were examined by 1 examiner, blinded to all relevant data. On elastography, masses were scored into 4 types according to their stiffness compared to normal tissue. Scores of 3 and 4 were accepted as signs of malignancy. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value were calculated for elastography in verifying malignancy.ResultsForty‐two percent of the masses were located in the parotid, and the rest in submandibular gland. The diameter of the lesions varied between 12 and 60 mm (mean, 24.36 ± 11.98 mm). Forty‐four masses were benign (73%), and among them the majority were inflammatory lesions (31 of 60; 51.7%). There were 16 malignant lesions (27%). On elastography, not only all malignant lesions but 15 benign lesions were scored as 3 to 4. All masses scored as 1 to 2 were benign. Sensitivity was 100%; specificity, 66%; positive predictive value, 52%; and negative predictive value, 100%. When only Score 4 lesions were accepted as malignant, these values became 75%, 77%, 55%, and 90%, respectively.ConclusionsElastography alone cannot be used to discriminate malignant from benign in the evaluation of salivary gland lesions. However, with its high negative predictive value, it may be used as an adjunct tool to increase the diagnostic value of ultrasonography.
Defining differences in patient characteristics between spasmodic dysphonia and laryngeal tremor
Authors: Patel Priyesh N. , Kabagambe Edmond K. , Starkweather Jennifer C. , Keller Matthew , Ahmed Zaki A. , Gruber Simone C , Akins Jordan S , Garrett C. Gaelyn , Francis David O. 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveTo compare presenting characteristics of patients with adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD), ADSD with laryngeal tremor (ADSD + LT), and laryngeal tremor without ADSD (LT).DesignCross‐sectional analysis.MethodsPatients treated for laryngeal movement disorders (1990–2016) were included. Analysis of variance and chi square tests measured differences in patient characteristics across the three disease groups. Using ADSD as the referent, multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine whether potential risk factors including patient demographics, family history, presence of potential inciting events prior to disease onset, and coprevalent movement disorders were associated with ADSD + LT or LT.ResultsIn all, 652 patients with ADSD (n = 377), ADSD + LT (n = 98), and LT (n = 177) were included. ADSD patients were significantly younger than those with ADSD + LT and LT (52.5 ± 13.4, 63.9 ± 11.3, and 69.3 ± 10.5 years, respectively; P < 0.001). Coprevalent movement disorders were more common in ADSD + LT (38.7%) and LT (57.1%) groups than in the ADSD group (11.5%; P < 0.001). Compared to ADSD, patients with ADSD + LT and LT were more likely to develop an additional movement disorder during follow‐up. In multivariable analyses, increasing age, female gender, and having a movement disorder at presentation were associated with significantly greater odds of having ADSD + LT or LT when compared to ADSD.ConclusionADSD + LT patients demonstrate intermediate gender composition and age distributions between those with ADSD and LT. These findings suggest that ADSD + LT may be a distinct phenotype in the spectrum of laryngeal movement disorders.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 129:170–176, 2019
Impact of a Formal Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Curriculum: A Prospective, Controlled Trial
Authors: Jamal Nausheen , Bowe Sarah N. , Brenner Michael J. , Balakrishnan Karthik , Bent John P. 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of implementing a dedicated Patient Safety and Quality Improvement (PSQI) curriculum for otolaryngology residents.MethodsResidents in two otolaryngology residency programs were recruited to participate in the study. Residents at institution A (intervention group) participated in a formal, newly developed, year‐long PSQI curriculum. Residents at institution B (control group) participated in traditional, morbidity, and mortality conference‐based PSQI education, with no formal curriculum in place. Curriculum participants completed anonymous surveys to assess learner satisfaction. Validated instruments were administered to assess for changes in resident confidence in the ability to develop PSQI projects, their attitudes toward patient safety, and PSQI‐related knowledge. The number and quality of PSQI‐related resident projects were also assessed.ResultsSurvey responses demonstrated excellent learner satisfaction with the curriculum. Based on validated instrument‐based responses, both programs demonstrated similar confidence scores (P = 0.05), safety attitudes (P = 0.82), and PSQI knowledge (P = 0.29) at the beginning of the year. The residents of institution A demonstrated significant improvement in confidence (P = 0.00009) and knowledge (P = 0.0006) after completing the curriculum, with no improvement noted for residents at institution B in either confidence (P = 0.06) or knowledge (P = 0.79). Neither program demonstrated improvement in attitudes toward patient safety at the end of the year‐long curriculum.ConclusionImplementing a formal curriculum dedicated to PSQI led to an improvement in PSQI‐related project development confidence and PSQI knowledge. Attitudes toward safety did not improve over the course of a year. Longer‐term studies involving multiple institutions and other interventions are needed to evaluate the impact and duration of changes that occur.Level of Evidence1b Laryngoscope, 129:1100–1106, 2019
Deglutition and respiratory patterns during sleep in the aged with OSAS
Authors: Sato Kiminori , Chitose Shun‐ichi , Sato Fumihiko , Umeno Hirohito 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveClearance of the pharynx by deglutition, which removes matter that could be aspirated, is important in protecting the airways and lungs against aspiration. The deglutition and respiratory phase patterns during sleep in the aged with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) were investigated.Study DesignRetrospective study with case groups.MethodsTen aged adults with severe OSAS (average age 75, average apnea‐hypopnea index 43.8) were examined via time‐matched digital recordings of polysomnography and surface electromyography of the muscles (thyrohyoid and suprahyoid) related to swallowing and compared with aged adults without OSAS previously reported on.ResultsDuring sleep, swallowing was infrequent and absent for long periods. The median number of swallows per hour during total sleep time was 4.1 and the median longest deglutition‐free period was 70.5 minutes. Three‐fourths of deglutition occurred in association with respiratory electroencephalographic arousal. Deglutition was related to the sleep stage. The deeper the sleep stage, the lower the mean deglutition frequency. The median number of swallows per hour was 5.7 during stage N1 sleep and 2.8 during stage N2 sleep. There was no deglutition during stage N3 (deep) sleep. The median number of swallows per hour was 0.6 during REM sleep. Approximately 40% of swallows occurred after inspiration and approximately 42% were followed by inspiration.ConclusionDeglutition was infrequent and respiratory phase patterns were unique during sleep in the aged with OSAS. Sleep‐related deglutition and respiratory phase patterns may adversely influence aspiration‐related diseases (aspiration pneumonia, etc) in the aged with sleep‐related breathing disorders.Level of Evidence4
Muddy waters: An assessment of the suitability of zygocardiac ossicles for direct age estimation in the Giant mud crab Scylla serrata
Authors: Crook David A. , Adair Brendan J. , Grubert Mark A. , Saunders Thor M. , Morrongiello John R. , Douglas Michael M. , King Alison J. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA fundamental characteristic of calcified structures commonly used for direct age estimation in animals is that new material is accreted cumulatively and preserved across ontogeny, thus allowing growth marks to be reliably observed and counted. Direct age estimation in crustaceans has been problematic due to molting of calcified structures across ontogeny; however, recent studies suggest that gastric ossicle tissue is retained through molts and can be used for age estimation. We evaluate the use of sectioned gastric ossicles for direct aging of the Giant mud crab Scylla serrata. Sectioned zygocardiac ossicles from crabs collected in northern Australia are analyzed to determine: (1) whether putative annual age estimates can be reliably reproduced; (2) if age estimates are compatible with previous information; and (3) if ossicle growth is cumulative across ontogeny. Our analyses show that readability of putative annual increments in sectioned ossicles is poor and age estimates imprecise in comparison to fish otolith studies. Age‐at‐size estimates are broadly compatible with previous mark‐recapture data from the same regions. However, analyses of ossicle growth morphology suggest that the zygocardiac ossicles are either shed or extensively reworked during ontogeny, thus casting doubt on the utility of gastric ossicles for direct age estimation in this species. We conclude that the ontogenetic growth morphology of structures used for crustacean aging needs to be carefully considered and that detailed information on the timing and frequency of increment formation—and at least some understanding of the underlying processes—is required before this method is widely adopted.
Induced Transparency in Plasmon–Exciton Nanostructures for Sensing Applications
Authors: Krivenkov Victor , Goncharov Semyon , Nabiev Igor , Rakovich Yury P. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe effect of induced transparency, which is related to photoinduced bleaching of photoabsorbers, is being intensely studied and has many applications in the field of sensing. Along with this classical effect, numerous studies on induced transparency in coupled plasmon–exciton systems, which is accompanied by the formation of hybrid states, have been recently published. The formation of a new coupled system results in various spectral modifications. For example, induced transparency manifests itself as a narrow dip in the absorption spectrum of a coupled system. This effect can be used in sensing, the feasibility of which is the main objective here, where a variety of materials and methods for obtaining the induced transparency are considered. Various morphologies and geometries of plasmonic nanoparticles are discussed as well as types of molecular absorbers to assess the most favorable combinations for the evolvement of induced transparency. The potential applications of the induced transparency effect in sensing and molecular diagnostics are summarized.
Injectable Biodegradable Chitosan‐Alginate 3D Porous Gel Scaffold for mRNA Vaccine Delivery
Authors: Yan Jingxuan , Chen Ruying , Zhang Hong , Bryers James D. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractmRNA vaccines have proven to be more stable, effective, and specific than protein/peptide‐based vaccines in stimulating both humoral and cellular immune response. However, mRNA's fast degradation rate and low‐transfection efficiency in vivo impede its potential in vaccination. Recent research in gene delivery has focused on nonviral vaccine carriers and either implantable or injectable delivery systems to improve transgene expression in vivo. Here, an injectable chitosan‐alginate gel scaffold for the local delivery of mRNA vaccines is reported. Gel scaffold biodegradation rates and biocompatibility are quantified. Scaffold‐mediated mRNA in vivo transgene expression as well as ovalbumin antigen specific cellular and humoral immune responses are evaluated in vivo. Luciferase reporter protein expression resulting from mRNA lipoplex‐loaded gel scaffolds is five times higher than systemic injection. Compared to systemic injections of naked mRNA or mRNA:lipoplexes, elevated levels of T cell proliferation and IFN‐γ secretion are seen with in vivo scaffold‐mediated mRNA lipoplex delivery. Furthermore, a humoral response (ovalbumin antigen specific IgG levels) is observed as early as week 1 for scaffold‐mediated mRNA lipoplex delivery, while protein‐based immunization did not elicit IgG production until 2 weeks post‐injection. Results suggest that injectable scaffold mRNA vaccine delivery maybe a viable alternative to traditional nucleic acid immunization methods.
Global existence versus blow‐up results for one dimensional compressible Navier–Stokes equations with Maxwell's law
Authors: Hu Yuxi , Wang Na 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWe consider one dimensional isentropic compressible Navier–Stokes equations with constitutive relation of Maxwell's law instead of Newtonion law. For this new model, we show that for small initial data, a unique smooth solution exists globally and converges to the equilibrium state as time goes to infinity. For some large data, in contrast to the situation for classical compressible Navier–Stokes equations, which admits global solutions, we show finite time blow up of solutions for the relaxed system. Moreover, we prove the compatibility of the two systems in the sense that, for vanishing relaxation parameters, the solutions to the relaxed system are shown to converge to the solutions of classical system.
Enhancing signal‐to‐noise ratio and resolution in low‐field NMR relaxation measurements using post‐acquisition digital filters
Authors: Monaretto Tatiana , Souza Andre , Moraes Tiago Bueno , Bertucci‐Neto Victor , Rondeau‐Mouro Corinne , Colnago Luiz Alberto 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe traditional way to enhance signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals is to increase the number of scans. However, this procedure increases the measuring time that can be prohibitive for some applications. Therefore, we have tested the use of several post‐acquisition digital filters to enhance SNR up to one order of magnitude in time domain NMR (TD‐NMR) relaxation measurements. The procedures were studied using continuous wave free precession (CWFP‐T1) signals, acquired with very low flip angles that contain six times more noise than the Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill (CPMG) signal of the same sample and experimental time. Linear (LI) and logarithmic (LO) data compression, low‐pass infinity impulse response (LP), Savitzky–Golay (SG), and wavelet transform (WA) post‐acquisition filters enhanced the SNR of the CWFP‐T1 signals by at least six times. The best filters were LO, SG, and WA that have high enhancement in SNR without significant distortions in the ILT relaxation distribution data. Therefore, it was demonstrated that these post‐acquisition digital filters could be a useful way to denoise CWFP‐T1, as well as CPMG noisy signals, and consequently reducing the experimental time. It was also demonstrated that filtered CWFP‐T1 method has the potential to be a rapid and nondestructive method to measure fat content in beef and certainly in other meat samples.
Motion‐robust diffusion compartment imaging using simultaneous multi‐slice acquisition
Authors: Marami Bahram , Scherrer Benoit , Khan Shadab , Afacan Onur , Prabhu Sanjay P. , Sahin Mustafa , Warfield Simon K. , Gholipour Ali 
Published: November 2018

PurposeTo achieve motion‐robust diffusion compartment imaging (DCI) in near continuously moving subjects based on simultaneous multi‐slice, diffusion‐weighted brain MRI.MethodsSimultaneous multi‐slice (SMS) acquisition enables fast and dense sampling of k‐ and q‐space. We propose to achieve motion‐robust DCI via slice‐level motion correction by exploiting the rigid coupling between simultaneously acquired slices. This coupling provides 3D coverage of the anatomy that substantially constraints the slice‐to‐volume alignment problem. This is incorporated into an explicit model of motion dynamics that handles continuous and large subject motion in robust DCI reconstruction.ResultsWe applied the proposed technique, called Motion Tracking based on Simultanous Multislice Registration (MT‐SMR) to multi b‐value SMS diffusion‐weighted brain MRI of healthy volunteers and motion‐corrupted scans of 20 pediatric subjects. Quantitative and qualitative evaluation based on fractional anisotropy in unidirectional fiber regions, and DCI in crossing‐fiber regions show robust reconstruction in the presence of motion.ConclusionThe proposed approach has the potential to extend routine use of SMS DCI in very challenging populations, such as young children, newborns, and non‐cooperative patients.
Micromechanical modeling of cohesive thermoelastic steady‐state and transient cracking in polycrystalline materials
Authors: Geraci G. , Aliabadi M. H. 
Published: November 2018

SummaryIn this paper, a micromechanical formulation is proposed for modeling thermoelastic intergranular and transgranular damage and microcracking evolution in brittle polycrystalline materials. The model is based on a multiregion boundary element approach combined with the dual boundary element formulation. Polycrystalline microstructures are created through a Voronoi tessellation algorithm. Each crystal has an elastic isotropic behavior, and multiphase aggregates have been considered. Damage evolution along (intergranular or transgranular) interfaces is modeled using thermomechanical cohesive laws, and upon failure, nonlinear frictional contact analysis is introduced to model separation, stick or slip. Steady‐state and transient thermoelastic formulations have been modeled, and numerical simulations are presented, not only to demonstrate the validity but also to study the physical implications of the proposed formulation, in comparison with other numerical methods as well as experimental observations and literature results.
Preparation of pH‐sensitive hydrogels by graft polymerization of itaconic acid on tragacanth gum
Authors: Verma Chetna , Negi Poonam , Pathania Deepak , Sethi Vipula , Gupta Bhuvanesh 
Published: November 2018

AbstractGraft polymerization of itaconic acid on tragacanth gum (TG) was carried out using potassium persulfate as initiator to develop smart hydrogels for drug delivery systems. The effect of the grafting parameters on the degree of grafting was investigated. The grafting was significantly influenced by the reaction medium, the reaction temperature and the monomer concentration. The monomer dependency of the system was found to be 1.52. The hydrogels were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray diffraction. The grafted TG had an amorphous nature and exhibited excellent swelling in water and strong dependence on the pH of the medium. The grafted TG showed pH‐dependent release of ciprofloxacin which offers the possibility of using these materials in colon‐specific drug targeting for human healthcare systems. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Real‐Time Detection of Nanoparticles Interaction with Lipid Membranes Using an Integrated Acoustical and Electrical Multimode Biosensor
Authors: Lu Yao , Zhang Hao , Wang Zhan , Jeong Sundo , Jo Min‐Chul , Park Myoung‐Hwan , Duan Xuexin 
Published: November 2018

AbstractUnderstanding interactions of nanoparticles with biomembranes is critical in nanomedicine and nanobiotechnology. The underlying mechanisms still remain unclear due to the fact that there are no reliable tools to follow such complex processes. In this work, the interactions between gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and the supported lipid bilayer (SLB) are monitored in situ by a multimode biosensor integrating a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation function (QCM‐D) and a field effect transistor (FET). Real‐time responses of frequency shift (Δf), dissipation (ΔD), and ion current (ΔI) are simultaneously recorded to provide complementary information for AuNPs translocation across the SLB. The combined mass loading, mechanical and electrical measurements reveal the dynamics of the particle–membrane interactions as well as the formation of transient pores or permanent defects in the membrane. AuNPs with different diameters, surface charge, and ligand properties are used to study their translocation behaviors, including adsorption on or desorption from the membrane surface, diffusion into or penetration through the lipid bilayer. This multimode sensing approach provides insights into the mechanism of the particle–membrane interactions and suggests a method of label‐free screening of nanomaterials' interaction with model membranes in a real‐time manner.