bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasmonic photothermal therapy: Approaches to advanced strategy
Authors: Bucharskaya Alla B. , Maslyakova Galina N. , Chekhonatskaya Marina L. , Terentyuk Georgy S. , Navolokin Nikita A. , Khlebtsov Boris N. , Khlebtsov Nikolai G. , Bashkatov Alexey N. , Genina Elina A. , Tuchin Valery V. 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundThe analysis of recent studies on plasmonic photothermal therapy (PPT) after intravenous administration of gold nanorods (GNRs) has demonstrated that the effectiveness of nanoparticle‐assisted laser hyperthermia depends on a correct dosage strategy of nanoparticle administration. Accumulation of GNRs in tumor tissue dramatically increases the local heating of the tumor without damage to healthy tissues. However, the optimal doses of GNR intravenous injections (IVIs) for effective accumulation in tumors, and optimal protocols of PPT are not designed yet. The current study aims to improve the efficacy of PPT in tumor‐bearing rats using multiple fractional intravenous administration of GNRs.Materials and MethodsFor PPT experiments, the GNRs with aspect ratio of 4.1 were functionalized with thiolated polyethylene glycol (PEG) and their suspensions were used for multiple fractional intravenous administration in outbred albino male rats with experimental model of rat liver cancer (cholangiocarcinoma line PC‐1). Doppler ultrasonography was performed to characterize the vascularity of transplanted rat tumors before any treatment. After a final injection of GNRs, tumor was irradiated during 15 minutes by 808‐nm NIR diode laser at a power density 2.3 W/cm2. The animals were withdrawn from the experiment and sampling of tissues for morphological study and gold accumulation was performed 24 hours and 3 weeks after PPT.ResultsThe multiple IVIs of gold nanorods and further PPT of transplanted cholangiocarcinoma provided significant damage to tumor tissue resulting in pronounced necrotic mass and retardation of the tumor growth. More importantly, the proposed PPT protocol had low toxicity as evidenced by histological examination of internal organs. The efficiency of PPT depends on the presence of newly formed vasculature as revealed by the Doppler ultrasound investigation.ConclusionThe repeatable IVIs promote greater of GNR accumulation within the tumor thus resulting in higher PPT efficacy. Accompanying ultrasonography can be useful for prognosis and monitoring of treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:1025–1033, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A clinical study of choledochoscopic holmium laser lithotripsy for multiple intrahepatic calculi within ERAS programs
Authors: Wang Cheng , Lv Shangdong , Wang Aidong , Zhang Fabiao , Wang Binfeng , Xu Yongfu , Zhu Yu , Fang Zheping 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesMultiple intrahepatic calculi, especially calculi in both sides of the liver, cannot be completely resolved by traditional surgery. In addition, morbidity after liver resection remains high. ERAS programs have been suggested that could relieve surgical stress and accelerate postoperative recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of choledocholithotomy combined with holmium laser lithotripsy in the treatment of multiple intrahepatic calculi within ERAS programs.MethodsIn all, 109 patients with multiple intrahepatic calculi were enrolled between January 2012 and September 2016, 42 of whom received choledocholithotomy combined with holmium laser lithotripsy. The remaining 67 patients underwent choledocholithotomy combined with choledochoscopic mechanical lithotripsy. Perioperative outcomes were compared and analyzed.ResultsPatient characteristics and preoperative details were similar between the groups (P > 0.05). The implementation of holmium laser lithotripsy could reduce the calculi residual rate (7.1% vs. 22.4%, P = 0.037), and even the liver resection rate (16.7% vs. 35.8%, P = 0.031). Additionally, holmium laser lithotripsy did not result in a higher morbidity (11.9% vs. 16.4%, P = 0.517), readmission rate (0% vs. 6%, P = 0.158), hospital stay (P = 0.189), hospital cost (P = 0.998), transfusion rate (P = 0.576), or operative time (P = 0.638).ConclusionsHolmium laser lithotripsy is feasible and efficient for treating multiple intrahepatic calculi within ERAS programs, which could reduce the liver resection rate and render refractory hepatic calculi easy to eliminate. In addition, holmium laser lithotripsy could be well coupled to the ERAS program to relieve surgical stress and accelerate postoperative recovery. Lasers Surg. Med. 51:161–166, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Perceived informative intention in advertising and its attenuating effect on persuasion attribution among children
Authors: Tarabashkina Liudmila , Quester Pascale , Tarabashkina Olga 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAlthough substantial research has been dedicated to children's understanding of advertising, the role of more diverse marketing purposes (attention capturing, product liking, and informative intentions) still has not been examined in relation to the activation of persuasion attribution among young consumers. Previous research has focused on one perceived advertising intention at a time, disregarding the complex nature of advertisements’ purposes and how these different perceived intentions relate to persuasion attribution. It is still unclear whether viewing advertising as a source of information reduces persuasion attribution and mitigates the attention capturing and product liking evaluations when children are exposed to commercial messages. This study shows that children's comprehension of attention capturing and product liking intentions relate to higher persuasion attribution. However, perceiving advertisements as a source of information attenuates the effects of product liking and attention capturing intentions on persuasion attribution in older children (10–11 and 12–13 years) who were expected to be more critical of advertising. No such effects were observed among younger children (8–9 years). The study highlights that advertisements are evaluated in a more complex manner by children than has been previously thought.
PV Analyzer: A Decision Support System for Photovoltaic Solar Cells Libraries
Authors: Kaspi Omer , Yosipof Abraham , Senderowitz Hanoch 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis work describes the integration of several data mining and machine learning tools for researching Photovoltaic (PV) solar cells libraries into a unified workflow embedded within a GUI‐supported Decision Support System (DSS), named PV Analyzer. The analyzer's workflow is composed of several data analysis components including basic statistical and visualization methods as well as an algorithm for building predictive machine learning models. The analyzer allows for the identification of interesting trends within the libraries, not easily observable using simple bi‐parametric correlations. This may lead to new insights into factor affecting solar cells performances with the ultimate goal of designing better solar cells. The analyzer was developed using MATLAB version R2014a and consequently could be easily extended by adding additional tools and algorithms. Furthermore, while in our hands, the analyzer has been primarily used in the area of PV cells, is it equally applicable to the analysis of any other dataset composed of activities as dependent variables and descriptors as independent variables.
Factors predicting remission in thymectomized patients with acetylcholine receptor antibody‐positive myasthenia gravis
Authors: Kim Hyunjin , Lim Young‐Min , Lee Eun‐Jae , Oh Yeo Jin , Kim Kwang‐Kuk 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Although thymectomy is an important therapeutic option for myasthenia gravis (MG), factors predicting remission after thymectomy are not well known.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR‐Ab)‐positive MG who had undergone thymectomy. Prognostic factors predicting remission were investigated. Changes in AChR‐Ab titer before and after thymectomy were also evaluated.Results: Among the 179 patients, 52.5% achieved complete stable or pharmacologic remission. Nonthymomatous pathology and mild preoperative status were favorable predictors of remission. The decrease in AChR‐Ab titer after thymectomy was significant in nonthymomatous MG but not in thymomatous MG.Discussion: Nonthymomatous pathology and mild preoperative status are prognostic factors that may predict remission after thymectomy. The decrease in AChR‐Ab titer after thymectomy was significant in nonthymomatous MG but not in thymomatous MG, suggesting that the pathogenic role of the thymus differs according to pathology.Muscle Nerve58:796–800, 2018
Determining integrity of bladder innervation and smooth muscle function 1 year after lower spinal root transection in canines
Authors: Salvadeo Danielle M. , Tiwari Ekta , Frara Nagat , Mazzei Michael , Brown Justin M. , Braverman Alan S. , Barbe Mary F. , Ruggieri Michael R. 
Published: July 2018

AimsTo assess bladder smooth muscle function and innervation after long‐term lower spinal root transection in canines.MethodsThirteen female mixed‐breed hound dogs underwent bladder decentralization, which included transection of all sacral dorsal and ventral roots caudal to L7 and hypogastric nerves, bilaterally (n = 3); all sacral roots and hypogastric nerves plus transection of L7 dorsal roots, bilaterally (n = 4); or a sham operation (n = 6). At a year after initial surgery, bladder function was assessed in vivo by stimulation of the pelvic plexus. The bladder tissue was harvested for ex vivo smooth muscle contractility studies. Remaining bladder was evaluated for nerve morphology immunohistochemically using neuronal marker PGP9.5, apoptotic activity using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling, and histopathology using a hematoxylin and eosin stain.ResultsSacral root decentralization did not reduce maximum strength of pelvic plexus stimulation‐induced bladder contraction, although long‐term sacral dorsal and ventral root plus L7 dorsal root transection significantly decreased contraction strength. Electric field stimulation‐induced contractions of the detrusor from all decentralized animals were preserved, compared to controls. Viable nerves and intramural ganglia were visualized in the bladder wall, regardless of group. There was no difference in amount of apoptosis in bladder smooth muscle between groups.ConclusionBladder smooth muscle cells maintain their function after long‐term bladder decentralization. While pelvic plexus‐induced bladder contractions were less robust at 1 year after lower spinal root transection, the absence of atrophy and preservation of at least some nerve activity may allow for successful surgical reinnervation after long‐term injury.
Sensitivity analysis of an availability model for disaster tolerant cloud computing system
Authors: Silva Bruno , Matos Rubens , Tavares Eduardo , Maciel Paulo , Zimmermann Armin 
Published: July 2018

SummaryBecause of the dependence on Internet‐based services, many efforts have been conceived to mitigate the impact of disasters on service provision. In this context, cloud computing has become an interesting alternative for implementing disaster tolerant services due to its resource on‐demand and pay‐as‐you‐go models. This paper proposes a sensitivity analysis approach to assess the parameters that most impact the availability of cloud data centers, taking into account disaster occurrence, hardware and software failures, and disaster recovery mechanisms for cloud systems. The analysis adopts continuous‐time Markov chains, and the results indicate that disaster issues should not be neglected. Hardware failure rate and time for migration of virtual machines (VMs) are the critical factors pointed out for the system modeled in our analysis. Moreover, the location where data centers are placed has a significant impact on system availability, due to time for migrating VMs from a backup server.
Parental perception of child vulnerability in childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Staba Hogan Mary‐Jane , Ross Wilhelmenia L. , Balsamo Lyn , Mitchell Hannah‐Rose , Kadan‐Lottick Nina S. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundParents’ perception of their children's vulnerability to illness following cancer treatment is largely unknown, but is important to understand given known challenges of transitioning survivors to postcancer care. We investigated the frequency of and factors associated with perceived vulnerability by parents of childhood cancer survivors attending a regional survivorship clinic.ProcedureThis cohort study was offered to all parents of pediatric patients (currently ≤18 years) attending the Yale childhood cancer survivorship clinic January 2010 to October 2016 who were ≥1 year postcurative cancer therapy. Participating parents (one per patient) completed the standardized Child Vulnerability Scale at the beginning of the clinic visit (cutoff score ≥10 for perceived vulnerability). Patient sociodemographics, cancer history, and posttherapy complications were abstracted from medical records.ResultsOverall, 116 parents participated (98% participation rate) consisting of 89% mothers; survivors were 46% female, had a current mean age of 12.7 ± 3.9 years, and were a mean of 6.4 ± 3.8 years posttherapy. Twenty‐eight percent (n = 33) of parents perceived their children as vulnerable. Survivor sociodemographics (age, sex, race/ethnicity, family income, insurance, parental marital status, number of siblings), cancer diagnosis, years off‐therapy, survivorship visit number, treatment intensity, and late complications (number, type, severity) were not associated with perception of vulnerability.ConclusionsA sizeable proportion of parents continue to perceive their children as vulnerable even years after cancer therapy completion independent of current health status or past cancer history. Our data suggest the need to educate all parents of childhood cancer survivors regarding health risk, including those at lower risk for late complications.
The Greek version of the McMaster Family Assessment Device
Authors: Tsamparli Anastasia , Petmeza Ioanna , McCarthy Geraldine , Adamis Dimitrios 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe Family Assessment Device (FAD) is a self‐report questionnaire, developed to assess the six dimensions of the McMaster Model of Family Functioning. It has been translated into the Greek language but never validated. We aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Greek version of the FAD in a nonclinical sample. In a sample of Greek families, the FAD was administered together with the already validated Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (FACES‐III). In a subsample of 96 individual participants, the scales were administered again after 1 month. The sample of 453 participants (151 families: 194 children and 259 parents) completed both questionnaires. The mean age of the children was 23.62 years (SD = 6.35 years), and 68 (35%) were male. The mean age of the parents was 51.4 years (SD = 8.2 years), and 117 (45.2%) were male. All subscales of the FAD had significant correlation (concurrent validity) with the FACES‐III (n = 453, p < .001). Test–retest reliability ranged from .58 to .82 (N = 96, p < .001). Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) ranged from .47 to .94. A model with the six factors had a good statistical fit but not all the items were loading in the same components as from the theory assumed. The Greek FAD has good psychometric properties, although its factor structure might differ from the original version.
Lefamulin: Review of a Promising Novel Pleuromutilin Antibiotic
Authors: Veve Michael P. , Wagner Jamie L. 
Published: July 2018

The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance have led to a global public health emergency requiring development of new antimicrobial classes. Lefamulin (formally BC‐3781) is a novel pleuromutilin antibiotic currently undergoing Food and Drug Administration review for community‐acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) as intravenous (IV) and oral (PO) formulations. Although pleuromutilin antibiotics were first developed in the 1950s, lefamulin is the first to be used for systemic treatment of bacterial infections in humans. Lefamulin exhibits a unique mechanism of action through inhibition of protein synthesis by binding to the peptidyl transferase center of the 50S bacterial ribosome, thus preventing the binding of transfer RNA for peptide transfer. Lefamulin displays activity against gram‐positive and atypical organisms associated with CABP (i.e., Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, and Chlamydophila pneumoniae), with an expanded gram‐positive spectrum including Staphylococcus aureus (i.e., methicillin‐resistant, vancomycin‐intermediate, and heterogeneous strains) and vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus faecium. Lefamulin was also shown to retain activity against multidrug‐resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium. Lefamulin exhibits time‐dependent killing, and the pharmacodynamic target best associated with antibacterial activity is ƒAUC0–24/MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC]). Preclinical and phase II trials indicate that lefamulin concentrates in lung tissue are well tolerated at an IV dose of 150 mg twice/day over 1 hour or a PO dose of 600 mg twice/day, and preliminary phase III data suggest similar efficacy when compared with moxifloxacin with or without linezolid in CABP. Documented resistance and cross‐resistance with other gram‐positive antibacterials remains low. Additional published in vitro, in vivo, and preclinical trial data suggest further exploration of lefamulin in various infectious disease states (e.g., acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections, and sexually transmitted infections). This review discusses the pertinent bacterial spectrum of activity, preclinical and ongoing clinical data, and potential roles in therapy for lefamulin.
Prediction of Detonation Parameters of Energetic Nitro Compounds through Mixture Simulation
Authors: Li Jinshan 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBy adding the simulation of initial density into the Stine linear equations to match the element composition, condensed phase enthalpy of formation, and initial density of proposed compound, so‐called mixture simulation (MS) method for predicting the detonation parameters of energetic compound are deduced at the Chapman‐Jouguet detonation theory level in this work. Through selecting the suitable basis set consisting of six basis components, the maximum deviations of MS‐computed detonation velocity and detonation pressure from corresponding experimental values are within 0.2 km s−1 and within 3.4 GPa for the energetic nitro compounds calculated here, respectively. Considering that no empirical parameters are introduced into this model, this calculation is relatively accurate at present. Calculated results show that the MS method can effectively reflect the influence of initial density on detonation parameters and can predict the detonation parameters of non‐nitro energetic compound.
Computational characterization of the binding mode between oncoprotein Ets‐1 and DNA‐repair enzymes
Authors: de Ruyck Jerome , Brysbaert Guillaume , Villeret Vincent , Aumercier Marc , Lensink Marc F. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe Ets‐1 oncoprotein is a transcription factor that promotes target gene expression in specific biological processes. Typically, Ets‐1 activity is low in healthy cells, but elevated levels of expression have been found in cancerous cells, specifically related to tumor progression. Like the vast majority of the cellular effectors, Ets‐1 does not act alone but in association with partners. Given the important role that is attributed to Ets‐1 in major human diseases, it is crucial to identify its partners and characterize their interactions. In this context, two DNA‐repair enzymes, PARP‐1 and DNA‐PK, have been identified recently as interaction partners of Ets‐1. We here identify their binding mode by means of protein docking. The results identify the interacting surface between Ets‐1 and the two DNA‐repair enzymes centered on the α‐helix H1 of the ETS domain, leaving α‐helix H3 available to bind DNA. The models highlight a hydrophobic patch on Ets‐1 at the center of the interaction interface that includes three tryptophans (Trp338, Trp356, and Trp361). We rationalize the binding mode using a series of computational analyses, including alanine scanning, molecular dynamics simulation, and residue centrality analysis. Our study constitutes a first but important step in the characterization, at the molecular level, of the interaction between an oncoprotein and DNA‐repair enzymes.
Potential investment tradeoff between offspring production and functional recovery promoted by larval cannibalism inCoccinella septempunctata(Coleoptera: coccinellidae)
Authors: Wu Pengxiang , Ma Baoxu , Ouyang Haoyong , Xu Jing , Zhang Runzhi 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTBackgroundSince larval cannibalism is frequently observed in intensive rearing systems, the regeneration of lost legs is common for the beneficial speciesCoccinella septempunctata(Coccinella: Coccinellidae) to adapt to the competitive environment, but whether functional recovery occurs in the leg‐regenerated coccinellids remains unknown. To evaluate the functional recovery of regenerated right foreleg after being damaged, the behaviors of leg‐regenerated ladybugs containing predation, attachment, intraspecific competition, prey preference and fecundity were studied in the laboratory.ResultsThe prey consumption and searching rate of leg‐regenerated ladybugs decreased, and their handling time extended. A significantly reduced attachment coefficient was detected in leg‐regenerated coccinellids. Because of the competitive inferiority, leg‐regenerated ladybugs were greatly hampered in competition with normal opponents, and this inferiority led to a switch of prey preference from big‐sized adults to small‐sized first–second instar nymphs ofParatriozasinica. However, although reduced functional abilities were examined, the leg‐regenerated paternity had a higher reproductive output compared to the normal paternity.ConclusionLeg‐regenerated ladybugs caused by cannibalism may make an investment tradeoff between egg fecundity and functional recovery. Thus, larval cannibalism potentially improves the offspring production of the biological control agent in complex environments. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Interrelation between births and the housing market: A cointegration analysis for the Spanish case
Authors: Díaz‐Fernández Montserrat , Llorente‐Marrón Mar , Méndez‐Rodríguez Paz 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThere are numerous studies that have analysed the demographic effects on the demand for housing. In addition, different studies have examined how housing market conditions affect family formation. This paper analyses the causal relations between the housing cycle and fertility in Spain during the period 1986–2014. Employing a model of the dynamic interrelationship between the housing cycle and fertility, this paper investigates how changes in housing supply affect decisions to have children, and how these decisions, in turn, have an effect on the housing market. The theoretical approach considers housing as an important associated cost of raising children, considering the latter as normal goods. The empirical evidence is obtained via the specification of an error correction model that allows short‐ and long‐term adjustments in the variables. The domino effect of the long term on the short term is evaluated. The model thus obtained detects a long‐term equilibrium between the two series, a cointegrating equation.