bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of arrhythmia recurrence in patients with heart failure undergoing left atrial ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Bazoukis George , Letsas Konstantinos P. , Tse Gary , Naka Katerina K. , Korantzopoulos Panagiotis , Ntzani Evangelia , Vlachos Konstantinos , Saplaouras Athanasios , Pagkalidou Eirini , Michalis Lampros K. , Sideris Antonios , Efremidis Michael 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is increasingly used in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long‐term results of a single radiofrequency catheter ablation procedure in heart failure (HF) patients with AF.HypothesisWe tested the hypothesis that left atrial ablation is an effective therapeutic modality in patients with heart failure.MethodsOur study included HF patients with LVEF <50% who underwent catheter ablation for AF at our department between January 2010 and March 2017. All patients underwent our institution's protocol for follow‐up post‐ablation.ResultsThe study enrolled a total of 38 patients (mean age, 54.1 ± 12.2 years; 28 [73.7%] males; mean LVEF, 38.2% ± 6.3%). After a mean follow‐up period of 38.2 months (range, 5–92 months), 28 patients (73.7%) were free from arrhythmia recurrence. In multivariate analysis, early arrhythmia recurrence (P = 0.03) and amiodarone antiarrhythmic drug administration (P = 0.003) remained independent predictors of arrhythmia recurrence.ConclusionsThe main findings of this study are that (1) a single radiofrequency catheter ablation procedure is an effective and safe modality for AF in patients with concomitant HF; (2) after a mean 3.3 years of follow‐up, 73.7% of HF patients remained in sinus rhythm; and (3) early arrhythmia recurrence was a significant predictor of arrhythmia recurrence after the blanking period.
On the properties of residual dipolar coupling alignment tensors: Simulations illuminate how residual dipolar couplings depend on the relative orientations of the magnetic field, the director of the alignment phase and the bond vectors
Authors: Lepper Chris P. , Williams Martin A.K. , Edwards Patrick J.B. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe measurement of residual dipolar couplings (RDCs) exhibited by samples prepared in suitable alignment media can help in the elucidation of macromolecular structures. For any dipolar interactions that are not averaged to zero by molecular reorientations RDCs provide information about the possible orientations of the averaged interactions to the magnetic field. As such they contain information about the permitted relative positions of different motionally averaged bond vectors. This situation is often induced using nematic liquid crystalline phases with which the macromolecule under study interacts. While a single set of RDC measurements does not produce unique solutions for the orientation of each bond, multiple independent RDC datasets can be combined to restrict each bond to two diametrically opposed orientations. Attempts to obtain such datasets have primarily focused on performing experiments with multiple alignment media that interact with the macromolecule of interest in a different way. Other work has attempted to control the orientation of the media itself relative to that of the magnetic field. The latter has been explored using pre‐formed gels and might also be potentially realized using the application of different external fields during signal acquisition. This article seeks to clarify which approaches might generate independent RDC datasets and their utility in further restricting possible bond orientations using pictorial representations of simulated data.
Depressive symptoms predict head and neck cancer survival: Examining plausible behavioral and biological pathways
Authors: Zimmaro Lauren A. , Sephton Sandra E. , Siwik Chelsea J. , Phillips Kala M. , Rebholz Whitney N. , Kraemer Helena C. , Giese‐Davis Janine , Wilson Liz , Bumpous Jeffrey M. , Cash Elizabeth D. 
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUNDHead and neck cancers are associated with high rates of depression, which may increase the risk for poorer immediate and long‐term outcomes. Here it was hypothesized that greater depressive symptoms would predict earlier mortality, and behavioral (treatment interruption) and biological (treatment response) mediators were examined.METHODSPatients (n = 134) reported depressive symptomatology at treatment planning. Clinical data were reviewed at the 2‐year follow‐up.RESULTSGreater depressive symptoms were associated with significantly shorter survival (hazard ratio, 0.868; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.819‐0.921; P < .001), higher rates of chemoradiation interruption (odds ratio, 0.865; 95% CI, 0.774‐0.966; P = .010), and poorer treatment response (odds ratio, 0.879; 95% CI, 0.803‐0.963; P = .005). The poorer treatment response partially explained the depression‐survival relation. Other known prognostic indicators did not challenge these results.CONCLUSIONSDepressive symptoms at the time of treatment planning predict overall 2‐year mortality. Effects are partly influenced by the treatment response. Depression screening and intervention may be beneficial. Future studies should examine parallel biological pathways linking depression to cancer survival, including endocrine disruption and inflammation. Cancer 2018;124:1053‐60. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Landau Damping to Partially Locked States in the Kuramoto Model
Authors: Dietert Helge , Fernandez Bastien , Gérard‐Varet David 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn the Kuramoto model of globally coupled oscillators, partially locked states (PLS) are stationary solutions that capture the emergence of partial synchrony when the interaction strength increases. While PLS have long been considered, existing results on their stability are limited to neutral stability of the linearized dynamics in strong topology or to specific invariant subspaces (obtained via the so‐called Ott‐Antonsen (OA) ansatz) with specific frequency distributions for the oscillators. In the mean‐field limit, the Kuramoto model shows various ingredients of the Landau damping mechanism in the Vlasov equation. This analogy has been a source of inspiration for stability proofs of regular Kuramoto equilibria. In addition, the major mathematical issue with PLS asymptotic stability is that these states consist of heterogeneous and singular measures. Here we establish an explicit criterion for their spectral stability and prove their local asymptotic stability in weak topology for a large class of analytic frequency marginals. The proof strongly relies on a suitable functional space that contains (Fourier transforms of) singular measures, and for which the linearized dynamics is well under control. For illustration, the stability criterion is evaluated in some standard examples. We confirm in particular that no loss of generality results in assuming the OA ansatz. To the best of our knowledge, our result provides the first proof of Landau damping to heterogeneous and irregular equilibria in the absence of dissipation. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Supervised neural networks with memristor binary synapses
Authors: Secco Jacopo , Poggio Mauro , Corinto Fernando 
Published: January 2018

SummaryMemristors are emerging devices that promise the efficient implementation of synapses in artificial neural networks. Memristors have permitted the processing and analysis of a large amount of data in evolutionary learning artificial systems through signals that can be assimilated to human brain‐like neurotransmitters and synapses. In this manuscript, we present a memristor‐based neural network implementing the Stochastic Belief‐Propagation‐Inspired algorithm, an efficient supervised learning algorithm (which infers a classification rule from a set of labelled examples) suited for devices with very‐low‐precision synaptic weights. Synapses are represented by memristor devices described by the Generalized Boundary Condition Memristor model. We will thus demonstrate how to implement the key features of a machine learning algorithm in real‐world circuitry. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oxytocin receptor gene polymorphisms (rs53576) and early paternal care sensitize males to distressing female vocalizations
Authors: Truzzi Anna , Poquérusse Jessie , Setoh Peipei , Shinohara Kazuyuki , Bornstein Marc H. , Esposito Gianluca 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe oxytocinergic system is highly involved in social bonding and early caregiver–infant interactions. Here, we hypothesize that oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene genotype and parental bonding history interact in influencing social development. To address this question, we assessed adult males’ arousal (heart rate changes) in response to different distress vocalizations (human female, human infant and bonobo). Region rs53576 of the OXTR gene was genotyped from buccal mucosa cell samples, and a self‐report Parental Bonding Instrument was used (which provide information about parental care or parental overprotection). A significant gene–environment interaction between OXTR genotype and parenting style was found to influence participants’ social responsivity to female cry vocalizations. Specifically, a history of appropriate paternal care in participants accentuated the heightened social sensitivity determined by G/G homozygosity, while higher versus lower paternal overprotection lead to distinct levels of physiological arousal particularly in A carriers individuals. These results add to our understanding of the dynamic interplay between genetic susceptibility and early environmental experience in shaping the development of appropriate social sensitivity in males.
Fast publication, a must for a journal
Authors: Pozzilli Paolo 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAs Diabetes/Metabolism: Research & Reviews (DMRR) begins its transition to a new editorial team, incoming Editor‐in‐Chief, Dr Paolo Pozzilli, reflects on the lessons learned from the past editorship and envisions the future of the journal. In today's fast‐paced world, a medical journal should be fast in communicating decisions. Authors are eager to publish their work as fast as possible, and a journal must guarantee this, whilst at the same time ensuring a rigorous peer‐review process. With this in mind, we hope to help the diabetes scientific community.
Regioselective Nucleophilic Additions to Diiron Carbonyl Complexes Containing a Bridging Aminocarbyne Ligand: A Synthetic, Crystallographic and DFT Study
Authors: Agonigi Gabriele , Bortoluzzi Marco , Marchetti Fabio , Pampaloni Guido , Zacchini Stefano , Zanotti Valerio 
Published: January 2018

AbstractInvited for the cover of this issue is the group of Fabio Marchetti from the University of Pisa, Italy. The cover image shows the X‐ray structure of a cationic diiron carbonyl cyclopentadienide complex with a bridging aminocarbyne ligand and the sites suitable for regioselective addition of nucleophiles.
Estimated differences in economic and environmental performance of forage‐based dairy herds across the UK
Authors: Bell Matthew J. , Wilson Paul 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDifferences in performance among the areas of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland can provide some insight into the resilience of UK milk supplies from forage‐based dairy herds. This study used a Markov Chain approach to model the average herd in each region between the years 2010 and 2015. The effect of a single unit change in milk production (milk volume, fat yield, and protein yield), fitness (survival, somatic cell count, mastitis, and calving interval) and efficiency (methane) traits on the economic value and GHG emissions intensity (expressed as carbon dioxide equivalents per cow and per kg milk solids) were assessed. Production data were obtained from a total of about half a million milk recorded dairy cows in the UK and the Farm Business Surveys for each region. Across the UK improving the health, somatic cell counts (SCC and mastitis), fertility (calving intervals) and survival of cows will increase profitability and reduce emissions intensity of milk production. In Scotland, herds had higher milk yields but poorer survival, which potentially could be due to poor fertility indicated by a longer calving interval compared to other regions. Herds in Northern Ireland had the shortest average calving interval but the highest SCC, and thus greater estimated mastitis incidence and wasted milk. Notably, England had considerably higher economic values (between 10% and 30%) and emission intensity values (between 11% and 37%) for SCC and mastitis incidence than other regions, due to lost milk production and the higher gross margin. This study provides a framework that can be customized for individual herds to allow assessment of resilience and resource efficiency of milk production not only in the UK but for comparison with international dairy systems.
Robotic surgery for submandibular gland resection through a trans‐hairline approach: The first human series and comparison with applicable approaches
Authors: Yang Tsung‐Lin 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundMany submandibular gland diseases are treated by surgical intervention. Transcervical surgery results in an obvious cervical scar, whereas the retroauricular approach leaves a scar in the postauricular area. Therefore, robotic submandibular gland resection through a trans‐hairline approach is developed to improve postoperative aesthetic outcomes.MethodsFrom 2012 to 2017, 24 consecutive patients who met the inclusion criteria and had received submandibular gland resection through the trans‐hairline robotic surgery were analyzed.ResultsAll surgical procedures were successfully performed without conversion and appreciable complications. The incision was completely concealed within the hairs. Treatments of submandibular gland benign or malignant tumors were completed without any positive margins or disease recurrence.ConclusionThis study demonstrated the feasibility and safety of the trans‐hairline approach for robotic submandibular gland resection in the first human series. The procedure is applicable to many submandibular gland diseases with complete disease control, and has aesthetic advantages over other robotic surgical approaches.
Evaluation of margins in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma from the surgeon's perspective
Authors: Baumeister Philipp , Baumüller Konstantin , Harréus Ulrich , Reiter Maximilian , Welz Christian 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe surgeon's evaluation of resection status based on frozen section analysis during operation and pathological examination of resected specimens often differ. For this study, we recapitulated the surgeon's perspective during an operation, accordingly classified the evaluation of margins by the surgeon, and analyzed its impact on the outcome compared with the pathological results.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis. As data sources, paper‐based and digital patient files, as well as the Munich Cancer Registry database were used.ResultsThree hundred ninety‐six cases were included in this analysis. Only the evaluation of margins by the surgeon influenced local control, and the pathological results influenced disease‐free survival (DFS). Surprisingly, margins of >5 mm of normal tissue to cancer growth led to local control and overall survival (OS) significantly worse than 1 to 5‐mm resections.ConclusionThe evaluation of margins by the surgeon is of significant importance for local control and OS. It is largely based on frozen section analysis, which, therefore, should be used whenever possible.
Children's understanding of conditional promise contract violations
Authors: Chin Jui‐Chih , Lin Miao‐Hui 
Published: January 2018

AbstractRecent studies have suggested that young children readily understand contract violations that have a prescriptive element. However, prior research has only investigated social contracts where the child is being addressed. In the current study, we reversed the child's role to the speaker (the party initiating a contract) and investigated the capability of young children to detect the violator of conditional promises. Children aged 5 to 7 were presented with scenarios in which conditional promises were made between a child protagonist and a parent or a superordinate peer. When the child in the story was the addressee, older children were better able to identify a superordinate party as a violator. Children were better able to detect a superordinate violator in stories where the conditional promise was made with a peer. Children's identification of a subordinate violation varied as a function of age and story type. In evaluating not p and not q situations, older children were better able to ignore power asymmetry to identify a superordinate violator or bilateral violation when the child in the story was the speaker. These findings reveal that young children are sensitive to the role of the speaker and obligations in a social contract.Highlights

This study aimed to investigate the capability of young children to detect the violator of conditional promises.
The results showed a three‐way interaction among the context, the status of the violating party, and the child's role as speaker or addressee.
These findings further our understanding of the deontic advantage and the impact of various types of conditional promises made with superordinates in daily life.
Evaluation of outpatient acupuncture for relief of pregnancy‐related conditions
Authors: Buchberger Barbara , Krabbe Laura 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundAcupuncture is a non‐pharmacological option to relieve pregnancy‐related complaints.ObjectivesTo critically appraise the best available evidence for the use of acupuncture in outpatient care.Search strategyThe MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Centre for Reviews and Dissemination databases were searched for English‐language and German‐language papers published from January 1980 to March 2017 using search terms related to pregnancy combined with ‘acupuncture’.Selection criteriaSystematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing non‐pharmacological treatments in unselected or low‐risk pregnant women.Data collection and analysisQuality was assessed using a checklist (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews) and the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Meta‐analyses were also performed.Main resultsHigh‐quality systematic reviews (n=5) and RCTs with low risk of bias (n=3) were identified. The systematic reviews were based on single studies, with small sample sizes, that showed a benefit of acupuncture for evening pelvic pain; pelvic and low‐back pain; nausea; functional disability; and sleep quality. Contradictory results were found in the RCTs regarding cesarean delivery; time to delivery; spontaneous labor; fetal distress; and Apgar score. Data pooling emphasized the heterogeneity of results.ConclusionsEvidence to support the use of acupuncture for relief of pregnancy‐related conditions was limited.
Synthesis and characterization of biogenic selenium nanoparticles with antimicrobial properties made by Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Medina Cruz David , Mi Gujie , Webster Thomas J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAntimicrobial resistance is a global concern that affects more than two million people each year. Therefore, new approaches to kill bacteria are needed. One of the most promising methodologies may come from metallic nanoparticles, since bacteria may not develop a resistance to these nanostructures as they do for antibiotics. While metallic nanoparticle synthesis methods have been well studied, they are often accompanied by significant drawbacks such as cost, extreme processing conditions, and toxic waste production since they use harsh chemicals such as corrosive agents (hydrazine) or strong acids (hydrochloride acid). In this work, we explored the environmentally safe synthesis of selenium nanoparticles, which have shown promise in killing bacteria. Using Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Methicillin‐resistance Staphylococcus aureus, and S. aureus, 90–150 nm average diameter selenium nanoparticles were synthesized using an environmentally safe approach. Nanoparticles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy to determine the chemical composition, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to validate chemistry. Nanoparticles were also characterized and tested for their ability to inhibit bacterial growth. A decay in bacterial growth after 24 h was achieved against both S. aureus and E. coli at biogenic selenium nanoparticle concentrations from 25 to 250 µg/mL and showed no significant cytotoxicity effect against human dermal fibroblasts for 24 h. Bacteria were able to synthesize selenium nanoparticles through the use of different functional structures within the organisms, mainly enzymes such as selenite reductases. Therefore, biogenic selenium nanoparticles made by bacteria represent a viable approach to reduce bacteria growth without antibiotics overcoming the drawbacks of synthetic methods that employ toxic chemicals. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1400–1412, 2018.
Brain tumor segmentation in multi‐spectral MRI using convolutional neural networks (CNN)
Authors: Iqbal Sajid , Ghani M. Usman , Saba Tanzila , Rehman Amjad 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA tumor could be found in any area of the brain and could be of any size, shape, and contrast. There may exist multiple tumors of different types in a human brain at the same time. Accurate tumor area segmentation is considered primary step for treatment of brain tumors. Deep Learning is a set of promising techniques that could provide better results as compared to nondeep learning techniques for segmenting timorous part inside a brain. This article presents a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) to segment brain tumors in MRIs. The proposed network uses BRATS segmentation challenge dataset which is composed of images obtained through four different modalities. Accordingly, we present an extended version of existing network to solve segmentation problem. The network architecture consists of multiple neural network layers connected in sequential order with the feeding of Convolutional feature maps at the peer level. Experimental results on BRATS 2015 benchmark data thus show the usability of the proposed approach and its superiority over the other approaches in this area of research.
The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in regulatory T-cell development, stability, and function
Authors: Pompura Saige L , Dominguez-Villar Margarita 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is an essential node in mammalian cells that controls cell growth, migration, proliferation, and metabolism. During the last decade, a number of works have demonstrated an important role for the PI3K/AKT pathway in regulatory T cell development, function, and stability. This review summarizes our current knowledge of how the PI3K/AKT pathway regulates thymic and peripheral Treg generation and function, with an emphasis on translation of these observations to therapies targeting Tregs in several pathologies.