bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled, Multiple‐Ascending‐Dose Study to Assess the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of the Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Stimulator Praliciguat in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Hanrahan John P. , Wakefield James D. , Wilson Phebe J. , Mihova Marina , Chickering Jennifer G. , Ruff Dennis , Hall Michael , Milne G. Todd , Currie Mark G. , Profy Albert T. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractNitric oxide (NO)‐soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)‐cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling is central to the regulation of several physiological processes, including blood flow and inflammation. Deficient NO signaling is implicated in multiple diseases. sGC stimulators are small molecules that enhance sGC activity, particularly in combination with NO. In a randomized, placebo‐controlled phase 1 study, the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of multiple ascending doses of the sGC stimulator praliciguat were assessed in 44 healthy adults. Four cohorts of 11 subjects (8 praliciguat, 3 placebo) received once‐daily praliciguat for 14 days before up‐titrating for 7 days (treatment sequences: 15/30 mg, 20/40 mg, 30/40 mg, and weight‐based). All doses were tolerated. No serious or severe adverse events (AEs) were reported. The most common AEs in praliciguat recipients were headache and symptoms consistent with blood pressure (BP) lowering/vasodilation. There were no laboratory, vital sign, electrocardiographic, or platelet function findings indicative of a safety concern. Pharmacokinetics were dose proportional, with an effective half‐life of 24–37 hours, supporting once‐daily dosing. Praliciguat produced dose‐related increases in plasma cGMP consistent with stimulation of sGC. Repeated once‐daily dosing showed sustained decreases in BP. Results support evaluation of praliciguat for the treatment of conditions associated with deficient NO signaling.
Understanding the water dynamics on a tropical forest litter using a new device for interception measurement
Authors: Rosalem Lívia M.P. , Wendland Edson C. , Anache Jamil A.A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractForest litter is a layer on the forest floor formed by materials falling from the vegetation. It plays an important role in the interception process in forests and, combined with canopy interception, can represent up to 50% of the total evaporation. However, the forest litter interception is usually underestimated and has been neglected mainly because of the difficulties in performing these measurements. This paper presents an equipment called Litter Interception Device (LID), which can be used both in laboratory and on site to measure the forest litter interception and the intensity of water flux to the soil. We tested and calibrated the LID in laboratory using three different simulated rainfall intensities above three different litter samples amounts. The samples were collected in an undisturbed wooded Cerrado area located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The maximum and minimum water storage capacities of the wooded Cerrado litter ranged between 1.0–3.07 and 0.78–2.27 mm, respectively. The device enables continuous measurements of the litter interception with 0.006 mm min−1 of precision and can assist future studies on the role of forest litter on hydrological processes and water balance improvements.
‘Sometimes, it's not just about the food': The social identity dynamics of foodbank helping transactions
Authors: Bowe Mhairi , Wakefield Juliet R. H. , Kellezi Blerina , McNamara Niamh , Harkin Lydia , Jobling Rosie 
Published: November 2018

AbstractFood insecurity in developed countries has increased rapidly. Research has suggested that stigma may inhibit food‐aid help‐seeking, but has failed to determine how such barriers might be overcome. Adopting a social identity perspective, this study explored the processes involved in food‐aid helping transactions and sought to identify conditions that facilitate positive helping outcomes. Interviews were conducted with 18 clients and 12 volunteers at two English foodbanks, and a theoretically guided thematic analysis was conducted. Two primary themes were identified: ‘Here to Help’ and ‘The Legitimate Recipient’. This article offers a distinct and novel contribution by applying a social identity perspective to foodbank helping transactions, thereby demonstrating how group dynamics and behaviours are integral to these interactions, and by moving beyond the typical ‘Social Curse’ focus on barriers to help‐seeking to explore how such obstacles may be overcome. Suggestions for addressing stigma‐laden helping transactions and promoting successful delivery of aid are provided.
Study of Electrochemical Behaviour of Carotenoids in Aqueous Media
Authors: Čižmek Lara , Komorsky‐Lovrić Šebojka 
Published: November 2018

AbstractFocus of this research was electrochemical study of β‐carotene, astaxanthin and lutein in aqueous media. Compounds were investigated on paraffin impregnated graphite electrode (PIGE) in 0.1 M HClO4 aqueous electrolyte using square‐wave voltammetry (SWV) with pulse amplitude of 50 mV and step potential of 2 mV.Voltammetry of immobilized microparticles (VIM) allowed determination of β‐carotene and astaxanthin as solids immersed in aqueous electrolyte. Results obtained with SWV revealed oxidation peaks at 0.88 V and 1.09 V versus Ag/AgCl for β‐carotene and astaxanthin, respectively. To obtain additional information about their behaviour, stripping voltammetry microprobe (SPV) was employed. With this technique the responses of astaxanthin, β‐carotene and lutein exhibit three peaks (−0.345 V, 0.47 V and 0.65 V), two peaks (0.477 V and 0.725 V) and a single peak at 0.687 V, respectively. Based on these results, antioxidant activity of these carotenoids is in order: astaxanthin > β‐carotene > lutein. Good dose‐response relationship between carotenoid concentrations precipitated on PIGE and net peak current was obtained, but in rather narrow concentration range for each compound.
MWCNTs/Ionic Liquid/Graphene Quantum Dots Nanocomposite Coated with Nickel‐Cobalt Bimetallic Catalyst as a Highly Selective Non‐enzymatic Sensor for Determination of Glucose
Authors: Nasr‐Esfahani Parisa , Ensafi Ali A. , Rezaei Behzad 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn this work, a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified with multiwall carbon nanotubes/ionic liquid/graphene quantum dots (MWCNTs/IL/GQDs) nanocomposite. Then, the nanocomposite was decorated with nickel‐cobalt nanoparticles (Ni−Co NPs), and it was used as a non‐enzymatic glucose sensor. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy were employed to prove the electrodeposition of the Ni−Co NPs on the surface of MWCNTs/IL/GQDs/GCE. Also, cyclic voltammetric and amperometric methods were utilized for the investigation of the electrochemical behaviour of the Ni−Co NPs/MWCNTs/IL/GQDs/GCE for glucose oxidation. The novel amperometric sensor displayed two linear ranges from 1.0 to 190.0 μmol L−1 and 190.0 to 4910 μmol L−1 with a low detection limit of 0.3 μmol L−1 as well as fast response time (2 s) and high stability. Also, the sensor showed good selectivity for glucose determination in the presence of ascorbic acid, citric acid, dopamine, uric acid, fructose, and sucrose, as potential interference species. Finally, the performance of the proposed sensor was investigated for the glucose determination in real samples. Ni−Co NPs/MWCNTs/IL/GQDs/GCE showed good sensitivity and excellent selectivity.
Temperature Compensation by Embedded Temperature Variation Method for an AC Voltammeric Analyzer of Electroplating Baths
Authors: Jaworski Aleksander , Wikiel Hanna , Wikiel Kazimierz 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAn in‐situ sensor utilizing a variety of DC‐ and AC‐voltammetric techniques is an integral component of the on‐line monitoring system that provides a complete chemical analysis of different plating solutions by predicting concentration values of all deliberately‐added bath constituents with a single device despite differences in the constituents’ chemical properties. Such sensors are employed routinely for electroplating process control in semiconductor manufacturing. This voltammetric approach exploits quantitatively the physicochemical processes (like adsorption) which are temperature dependent. Therefore the accuracy of analyte concentration predictions can be affected adversely by temperature fluctuations. This paper introduces a novel comprehensive method which allows the mitigation of temperature variation effects on voltammetric scans allowing accurate concentration prediction. Specifically, this study introduces a multi‐step rigorous routine for the development and subsequent validation of the analytical method utilizing a chemometric model with temperature variation embedded in regression for exemplary determination of leveler additive concentration. This approach analyses the effect on AC voltammograms resulting from two qualitatively indistinguishable sources of variation: leveler concentration and temperature. A critical step of this routine of fundamental novelty, which aims to select the variables (index points of voltammogram) to be utilized for building of the analytical model in the presence of two concurrent sources of variation, is introduced to incorporate temperature variation.
An Enzyme‐free H2O2 Sensor Based on Poly(2‐Aminophenylbenzimidazole)/Gold Nanoparticles Coated Pencil Graphite Electrode
Authors: Teker Mine Şen , Karaca Erhan , Pekmez Nuran Özçiçek , Tamer Uğur , Pekmez Kadir 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA poly(2‐aminophenylbenzimidazole)/gold nanoparticles (P2AB/AuNPs) coated disposable pencil graphite electrode (PGE) was fabricated as an enzyme‐free sensor for the H2O2 determination. P2AB/AuNPs and P2AB were successfully synthesized electrochemically on PGE in acetonitrile for the first time. The coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy, Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and UV‐Vis spectroscopy. AuNPs interacted with P2AB as carrier enhances the electrocatalytic activity towards reduction of H2O2. The analytical performance was evaluated in a 100 mM phosphate buffer solution at pH 6.5 by amperometry. The steady state current vs. H2O2 concentration is linear in the range of 0.06 to 100 mM (R2=0.992) with a limit of detection 3.67×10−5 M at −0.8 V vs. SCE and no interference is caused by ascorbic acid, dopamine, uric acid, and glucose. The examination for the sensitive determination of H2O2 was conducted in commercially available hair oxidant solution. The results demonstrate that P2AB/AuNPs/PGE has potential applications as a sensing material for quantitative determination of H2O2.
Spontaneous oscillatory markers of cognitive status in two forms of dementia
Authors: Shah‐Basak Priyanka P. , Kielar Aneta , Deschamps Tiffany , Verhoeff Nicolaas Paul , Jokel Regina , Meltzer Jed 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAbnormal oscillatory brain activity in dementia may indicate incipient neuronal/synaptic dysfunction, rather than frank structural atrophy. Leveraging a potential link between the degree of abnormal oscillatory activity and cognitive symptom severity, one could localize brain regions in a diseased but pre‐atrophic state, which may be more amenable to interventions. In the current study, we evaluated the relationships among cognitive deficits, regional volumetric changes, and resting‐state magnetoencephalography abnormalities in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI; N = 10; age: 75.9 ± 7.3) or primary progressive aphasia (PPA; N = 12; 69.7 ± 8.0), and compared them to normal aging [young (N = 18; 24.6 ± 3.5), older controls (N = 24; 67.2 ± 9.7]. Whole‐brain source‐level resting‐state estimates of relative oscillatory power in the delta (1–4 Hz), theta (4–7 Hz), alpha (8–12 Hz), and beta (15–30 Hz) bands were combined with gray matter volumes and cognitive scores to examine between‐group differences and brain–behavior correlations. Language and executive function (EF) abilities were impaired in patients with PPA, while episodic memory was impaired in MCI. Widespread oscillatory speeding and volumetric shrinkage was associated with normal aging, whereas the trajectory in PPA indicated widespread oscillatory slowing with additional volumetric reductions. Increases in delta and decreases in alpha power uniquely predicted group membership to PPA. Beyond volumetric reductions, more delta predicted poorer memory. In patients with MCI, no consistent group difference among oscillatory measures was found. The contributions of delta/alpha power on memory abilities were larger than volumetric differences. Spontaneous oscillatory abnormalities in association with cognitive symptom severity can serve as a marker of neuronal dysfunction in dementia, providing targets for promising treatments.
miR‐483 inhibits bovine myoblast cell proliferation and differentiation via IGF1/PI3K/AKT signal pathway
Authors: Song Chengchuang , Yang Zhaoxin , Dong Dong , Xu Jiawei , Wang Jian , Li Hui , Huang Yongzhen , Lan Xianyong , Lei Chuzhao , Ma Yun , Chen Hong 
Published: November 2018

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been established to regulate skeletal muscle development in mammals. However, few studies have been conducted on the regulation of proliferation and differentiation of bovine myoblast cells by miRNAs. The aim of our study was to explore the function of miR‐483 in cell proliferation and differentiation of bovine myoblast. Here, we found that miR‐483 declined in both proliferation and differentiation stages of bovine myoblast cells. During the proliferation phase, the overexpression of miR‐483 downregulated the cell cycle–associated genes cyclin‐dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) messenger RNA (mRNA), and the protein levels. At the cellular level, cell cycle, cell counting kit‐8, and 5‐ethynyl‐2´‐deoxyuridine results indicated that the overexpression of miR‐483 block cell proliferation. During differentiation, the overexpression of miR‐483 led to a decrease in the levels of the myogenic marker genes MyoD1 and MyoG mRNA and protein. Furthermore, the immunofluorescence analysis results showed that the number of MyHC‐positive myotubes was reduced. In contrast, the opposite experimental results were obtained concerning both proliferation and differentiation after the inhibition of miR‐483. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that miR‐483 target insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and downregulated the expression of key proteins in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Altogether, our findings indicate that miR‐483 acts as a negative regulator of bovine myoblast cell proliferation and differentiation.
Electrostatic field–induced tip‐electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for direct analysis of raw food materials
Authors: Li Lei , Li Wen , Hu Bin 
Published: November 2018

AbstractRapid characterization of metabolites and risk compounds such as chemical residues and natural toxins in raw food materials such as vegetables, meats, and edible living plants and animals plays an important part in ensuing food quality and safety. To rapidly characterize the analytes in raw food materials, it is essential to develop in situ method for directly analyzing raw food materials. In this work, raw food materials including biological tissues and living samples were placed between an electrode and mass spectrometric (MS) inlet under a strong electrostatic field; analytes were rapidly induced to generate electrospray ionization (ESI) from the sample tip by adding a drop of solvent onto the sample. Therefore, the electrostatic field–induced tip‐ESI‐MS allows raw samples to avoid contacting high voltage, and thus this method has the advantage for in vivo analysis of food living plants and animals. Metabolite profiling, residues of pesticides and veterinary drugs, and natural toxins from raw food materials have been successfully detected. The analytical performances, including the linear ranges, sensitivity, and reproducibility, were investigated for direct sample analysis. The ionization mechanism of electrostatic field–induced tip‐ESI was also discussed in this work.
Periodontal reconstructive surgery of deep intraosseous defects using an apical approach. Non‐incised papillae surgical approach (NIPSA): A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Moreno Rodríguez Jose A. , Ortiz Ruiz Antonio J. , Caffesse Raúl G. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of this study was to compare a minimally‐invasive surgical technique (MIST) and a non‐incised papilla surgical approach (NIPSA) in periodontal reconstructive surgery of deep intraosseous defects.MethodsData on 30 patients with a deep intraosseous defect treated with MIST (n = 15) or NIPSA (n = 15) were analyzed retrospectively. All patients met the same inclusion criteria and were treated following the same protocol, except for the surgical management of soft tissue (MIST versus NIPSA). Clinical parameters at baseline and at 1‐year post‐surgery, early healing at 1 week, and postoperative pain were assessed.ResultsNIPSA and MIST resulted in significant clinical attachment gain (CAG) (P < 0.001) and probing depth reduction (PDr) (P < 0.001) at 1‐year post‐surgery. However, NIPSA resulted in significantly lower recession of the tip of the interdental papilla compared with MIST (P < 0.001). Smoking negatively influenced early healing in both techniques (P < 0.05).ConclusionsNIPSA and MIST both resulted in significant improvements in clinical parameters. NIPSA showed significant soft tissue preservation. NIPSA may represent a promising papillae preservation technique in the treatment of intraosseous periodontal defects.
A cascaded Mura defect detection method based on mean shift and level set algorithm for active‐matrix OLED display panel
Authors: Sun Yufeng , Li Xiongjie , Xiao Junjun 
Published: November 2018

AbstractActive‐matrix OLED (AMOLED), as the next‐generation display technology, is being commercially promoted rapidly. And Mura defects occur unavoidable during different phases of the AMOLED panel production process. In this paper, a cascaded Mura detection method leveraging the mean shift and the level set algorithm is proposed. First, we use the mean shift algorithm to find the general contour of the Mura defects that circumvent the issue in established level set segmentation approach wherein the use of the local image information is sensitive to the initial contour. Then, we improve the level set model that combines global and local information to segment Mura defects accurately. The integration of local image information can levitate the challenges in the global image model, which cannot separate the local intensity inhomogeneity and texture background individually. The experiments show that the cascaded method has a superior capability in terms of both accuracy and efficiency.
Localized synovial sarcoma of the foot or ankle: A series of 32 Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Study Group patients
Authors: Scheer Monika , Greulich Michael , Loff Steffan , Vokuhl Christian , Feuchtgruber Simone , von Kalle Thekla , Münter Marc , Stegmaier Sabine , Sparber‐Sauer Monika , Kazanowska Bernarda , Niggli Felix , Fuchs Jörg , Bielack Stefan S. , Klingebiel Thomas , Koscielniak Ewa ,   and the other members of the Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe (CWS) Group
Published: November 2018

BackgroundSynovial sarcoma of the foot/ankle is rare. Mutilating surgery is often discussed.MethodsPatients registered from 1981 to 2013 were analyzed. Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe (CWS) protocols recommend chemotherapy for all synovial sarcoma patients.ResultsThirty‐two of 330 patients with localized synovial sarcoma had their tumor at the foot/ankle. Eleven of thirty‐two tumors were >5 cm. Twenty were T1, 11 T2, and one TX, respectively. Eight (25%) patients underwent primary complete resection with free margins (Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study [IRS] I), 12 of 32 (38%) primary complete resection with positive margins (IRS II), and 12 of 32 (38%) had macroscopic residuals (IRS III). The best surgical result at any time was R0 in 19, R1 in 10 and R2 in one patient, and missing in two. Mutilation was documented in 14 of 32 (44%). Radiotherapy was conducted in 20 patients. All patients achieved a first complete remission. Five‐year‐event‐free survival and overall survival rates were 80% and 86%, respectively. Four patients suffered local and four other metastatic recurrences. IRS and the best surgical result at any time did not correlate with survival. There was no prognostic difference between R0‐ and R1‐resection.ConclusionSurvival expectancies for patients with localized synovial sarcomas of the foot/ankle compare favorably to that of those with other affected sites.DiscussionFurther studies are needed to set the limits of minimally required aggressiveness of local therapies.
T‐Helper 2 Lymphocyte Immunophenotype Is Associated With Iatrogenic Laryngotracheal Stenosis
Authors: Hillel Alexander T. , Ding Dacheng , Samad Idris , Murphy Michael K. , Motz Kevin 
Published: November 2018

Objective/HypothesisThis prospective controlled human and murine study assessed the presence of inflammatory cells and cytokines to test the hypothesis that immune cells are associated with fibroproliferation in iatrogenic laryngotracheal stenosis (iLTS).MethodsInflammation was assessed by histology and immunofluorescence (IF), quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), and flow cytometry of cricotracheal resections of iLTS patients compared to normal controls. An iLTS murine model assessed the temporal relationship between inflammation and fibrosis.ResultsiLTS specimens showed increased inflammation versus normal controls (159/high power field [hpf] vs. 119/hpf, P = 0.038), and increased CD3 + T‐cells, CD4 + cells, and CD3+/CD4 + T‐helper (TH) cells (all P < 0.05). The inflammatory infiltrate was located immediately adjacent to the epithelial surface in the superficial aspect of the thickened lamina propria. Human flow cytometry and qRT‐PCR showed a significant increase in interleukin (IL)‐4 gene expression, indicating a TH2 phenotype. Murine IF revealed a dense CD4 + T‐cell inflammatory infiltrate on day 4 to 7 postinjury, which preceded the development of fibrosis. Murine flow cytometry and qRT‐PCR studies mirrored the human ones, with increased T‐helper cells and IL‐4 in iLTS versus normal controls.ConclusionCD3/CD4 + T‐helper lymphocytes and the proinflammatory cytokine IL‐4 are associated with iLTS. The association of a TH2 immunophenotype with iLTS is consistent with findings in other fibroinflammatory disorders. The murine results reveal that the inflammatory infiltrate precedes the development of fibrosis. However, human iLTS specimens with well‐developed fibrosis also contain a marked chronic inflammatory infiltrate, suggesting that the continued release of IL‐4 by T‐helper lymphocytes may continue to propagate iLTS.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 129:177–186, 2019