bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The vector‐matrix form numerical simulations for time‐derivative cellular neural networks
Authors: Tural Polat Sadiye Nergis 
Published: January 2018

AbstractTime‐derivative cellular neural network (TDCNN) state equations can be written in vector‐matrix form which enables the application of discrete‐time numerical simulation methods. In this paper, existing numerical simulation methods are adapted for TDCNN for the first time, namely, MATLAB ordinary differential equation simulation and the vector‐matrix fourth‐order Runge‐Kutta approximation. Afterwards, several simulation methods for TDCNN are analyzed. The ordinary differential equation solvers in MATLAB program, fourth‐order Runge‐Kutta approximation, and the forward Euler approximation are used in the numerical simulation of the vector‐matrix form TDCNN. Our previously proposed fast simulation method for TDCNNs is revisited. The methods are discussed from a programmer's point of view, and the results are presented.
Comparison of open and closed abdomen techniques for the delivery of intraperitoneal pemetrexed using a murine model
Authors: Badrudin David , Sideris Lucas , Perrault‐Mercier Camille , Hubert Julien , Leblond François A. , Dubé Pierre 
Published: January 2018

Background and ObjectivesPemetrexed is an appealing agent to use for cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). However, the optimal method of pemetrexed delivery still remains undefined. Using a murine model, we compared the use of open and closed abdomen techniques on the absorption of intraperitoneal (IP) pemetrexed in different compartments.MethodsEleven Sprague‐Dawley rats were submitted to a fixed dose of IP pemetrexed (1000 mg/m2) at a perfusion temperature of 40°C during 25 min according to two techniques: open and closed. At the end of perfusion, samples in different compartments were harvested and the concentrations of pemetrexed were measured by high performance liquid chromatography.ResultsAbsorption of IP pemetrexed in portal and systemic blood was significantly higher using the open compared to the closed abdomen technique (93.17 vs 52.50 µg/mL, P < 0.001) and (76.26 vs 51.65 µg/mL, P < 0.001), respectively. No difference was found between the two techniques on the peritoneal tissue concentration of pemetrexed (18.07 vs 19.17 µg/g, P = 0.51).ConclusionPeritoneal absorption of pemetrexed is not modified by the use of either technique. However, systemic concentrations of pemetrexed increased using the open technique, suggesting it could increase systemic toxicity.
Preoperative coagulation abnormalities as a risk factor for adverse events after pancreas surgery
Authors: Castle Joshua , Mazmudar Aditya , Bentrem David 
Published: January 2018

ObjectiveTo determine whether elevated INR or PTT values predicted 30‐day postoperative adverse events following elective pancreatectomy.MethodsThe American college of surgeons national surgical quality improvement program (ACS‐NSQIP) database was used to identify 14 747 patients undergoing elective pancreatectomy from 2005 to 2013. The association of elevated INR or PTT with 30‐day postoperative outcomes of morbidity and mortality was examined using multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe overall 30‐day mortality rate increased from 1.8% to 3.3% from the control to the high INR or PTT group (P = <0.001). An elevated INR/PTT increased the odds for bleeding requiring transfusion, superficial SSI, sepsis, unplanned intubation or >48 h on a ventilator, cardiac arrest or myocardial infarction, acute renal failure, return to the OR, and prolonged length of stay. With the exception of superficial SSI, multivariate logistic regression models revealed that these same events remained statistically significant after controlling for potential confounders.ConclusionProlonged bleeding times (high INR/PTT) is associated with increased mortality and adverse outcomes after pancreas surgery. A patient's coagulation profile may serve as a risk stratification tool to identify higher risk patients that require more resources.
Predictors for 30‐day readmission after pulmonary resection for lung cancer
Authors: Quero‐Valenzuela Florencio , Piedra‐Fernández Inmaculada , Martínez‐Ceres María , Romero‐Palacios Pedro J. , Sánchez‐Palencia Abel , De Guevara Antonio Cueto‐Ladrón , Torné‐Poyatos Pablo 
Published: January 2018

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the rate, cause, and factors associated with readmissions following pulmonary resection for lung cancer and their relationship with 90‐day mortality.Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted of 379 patients who underwent surgery for lung cancer at the university hospitals Granada, Spain between 2012 and 2016.Results: The rate of readmissions within 30 postoperative days was 6.2%. The most common reason for readmission was subcutaneous emphysema (21.7%), pneumonia (13%), and pleural empyema (8.5%). A higher probability of requiring urgent readmission was associated with a higher Charlson index (OR 2.0,95% confidence interval 1.50‐2.67, P = 0.001); peripheral arterial vasculopathy (OR 4.8, 95%CI 1.27‐18.85, P = 0.021); a history of stroke (OR 8.2, 95%CI 1.08‐62.37, P = 0.04); postoperative atelectasis (OR 4.7, 95%CI 1.21‐18.64, P = 0.026); and air leaks (OR 12.6, 95%CI 4.10‐38.91, P = 0.001).The prediction multivariable model for readmission represents an area under the curve (ROC) of 0.90. Mortality at 90 postoperative days in the group of readmitted patients was 13% versus 1.5 for the group of patients who did not require readmission (P < 0.001).Conclusions: The factors predictive for readmission can help design individualized outpatient follow‐up plans and programs for the reduction of readmissions.
Perception and duration of pain after office‐based vocal fold injection augmentation
Authors: Crawley Brianna K. , Dehom Salem , Kutzner Emily , Murry Thomas , Krishna Priya , Hata Justin 
Published: January 2018

Objectives/HypothesisIn‐office laryngology procedures are important in the treatment of voice and swallowing disorders. Patient tolerance determines which procedures can be performed without sedation or formal anesthesia. This study examines pain perception during and after in‐office vocal fold injection augmentation.Study DesignProspective cohort study.MethodsPatients scheduled for office‐based vocal fold injection augmentation were prospectively enrolled at an academic voice center. The short‐form McGill Pain Questionnaire was administered before, during, and after the procedure and on postprocedure days 1, 3, and 7. Pre‐ and postprocedure vital signs were recorded and heart rate was continuously monitored. Telephone questionnaires were completed on postprocedure days 1 and 3.ResultsForty‐five patients consented to participate in our study (24 males, mean age 61 years). Most patients experienced mild to moderate pain with increasing heart rate during the procedure. Pain remained or increased 20 minutes after the procedure and improved but persisted for 1 day. Sensory and affective discomfort was endorsed by the majority. A minority of patients experienced bruising and changes in swallowing with diet modification for 3 days after the procedure. Sixteen percent had discomfort after 1 week.ConclusionsThis is the first prospective study examining patient perception of pain during and after in‐office injection augmentation using a validated scale and pain descriptors with extended follow‐up. The results may offer guidance for patient counseling, consent, and treatment to improve tolerance and success.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 128:929–934, 2018
Gold nanospheres enhanced photothermal therapy in a rat model
Authors: Xing Linzhuang , Chen Bin , Li Dong , Wu Wenjuan , Ying Zhaoxia 
Published: January 2018

Background and ObjectiveEfficient photothermal conversion of gold nanoparticles with strong light absorption suggests their wide use as selective photothermal agents in biomedical fields. The aim of this study is to investigate the use of gold nanospheres (GNPs) as exogenous visible light absorbers to improve laser treatment of port‐wine stains.Materials and MethodsThiol‐terminated methoxypolyethylene glycol modified GNPs (PEG‐GNPs) with peak extinction matching the visible light wavelength of the laser being used were synthesized. An in vitro capillary experiment was prepared to investigate the thermal response of blood vessels with and without injection of 4.54 mg PEG‐GNPs in mice prior to irradiation by a frequency‐doubled Nd:YAG laser at a wavelength of 532 nm.ResultsThe in vitro results demonstrated that the photocoagulation size in blood vessels after exposed to laser light increased with the increment of concentration of PEG‐GNPs in blood within a certain range. However, the unwanted thermal response (i.e., cavitation) occurred when the concentration of PEG‐GNPs in blood was larger than 2.5 mg/ml. The in vivo results suggested that more obvious blood thermal response can be induced by laser light after injection of PEG‐GNPs. After injection of 4.54 mg PEG‐GNPs, laser radiant exposure required for thread‐like constriction of blood vessels decreased from 12.5 to 9.8 J/cm2 with the pulse duration of 10 ms, from 15 to 11.85 J/cm2 with the pulse duration of 30 ms, respectively.ConclusionThis in vitro and in vivo experimental results show that PEG‐GNPs combined with laser light could be a promising modality to reduce the radiant exposure required for obvious blood thermal response, thereby providing a potential strategy for improving the laser treatment of cutaneous vascular lesions. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:669–679, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improving Hemocompatibility of Membranes for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenators by Grafting Nonthrombogenic Polymer Brushes
Authors: Obstals Fabian , Vorobii Mariia , Riedel Tomáš , de los Santos Pereira Andres , Bruns Michael , Singh Smriti , Rodriguez‐Emmenegger Cesar 
Published: January 2018

AbstractNonthrombogenic modifications of membranes for extracorporeal membrane oxygenators (ECMOs) are of key interest. The absence of hemocompatibility of these membranes and the need of anticoagulation of patients result in severe and potentially life‐threatening complications during ECMO treatment. To address the lack of hemocompatibility of the membrane, surface modifications are developed, which act as barriers to protein adsorption on the membrane and, in this way, prevent activation of the coagulation cascade. The modifications are based on nonionic and zwitterionic polymer brushes grafted directly from poly(4‐methyl‐1‐pentene) (TPX) membranes via single electron transfer‐living radical polymerization. Notably, this work introduces the first example of well‐controlled surface‐initiated radical polymerization of zwitterionic brushes. The antifouling layers markedly increase the recalcification time (a proxy of initiation of coagulation) compared to bare TPX membranes. Furthermore, platelet and leukocyte adhesion is drastically decreased, rendering the ECMO membranes hemocompatible.
Polyolefins Made with Dual Metallocene Catalysts: How Microstructure Affects Polymer Properties
Authors: Voraruth Voradon , Caldera Anuar , Soares João B. P. , Anantawaraskul Siripon 
Published: January 2018

AbstractSlow crack growth resistance correlates with the lifetime of polyethylene pipes. Since this measurement may take considerable time, alternative ways to estimate it help expedite the development of new polyethylene resins. The primary structural parameter (PSP2), calculated from the distribution of molecular weight and short chain branching of polyethylenes, can predict the stress crack growth resistance of polyethylene resins without needing to measure it over long periods of time. In this investigation, a model is developed to calculate PSP2 of ethylene homopolymers and ethylene/1‐hexene copolymers made with two metallocene catalysts. For each metallocene, the effect of the following parameters on PSP2 is investigated: (1) polymer mass fraction, (2) polymer average molecular weight, and (3) average comonomer fraction. The simulation trends agree with previously published experimental results. The generated 3D surface response plots are useful guides for the design of polyethylenes having optimized slow crack growth resistance.
Simple Photochemical Route to Block Copolymers via Two‐Step Sequential Type II Photoinitiation
Authors: Aykac Fikret Simal , Yagci Yusuf 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA simple method for the preparation of block copolymers by a two‐step sequential Type II photoinitiation is described. In the first step, amine functionalized poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA‐N(Et)2) is prepared by photopolymerization of methyl methacrylate at λ = 350 nm using benzophenone and triethyl amine as photosensitizer and hydrogen donor, respectively. Subsequent benzophenone‐sensitized photopolymerization of tert‐butyl acrylate using PMMA‐N(Et)2 as hydrogen donor yielded poly(methyl methacrylate)‐block‐poly(tert‐butyl acrylate). The obtained hydrophobic block copolymer is readily converted to amphiphilic polymer by hydrolysis of the tert‐butyl ester moieties of the block copolymer as demonstrated by contact angle measurements. All polymers are characterized by NMR, Fourier transform infrared and UV–vis spectroscopies, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermal analyses.
Jordan operator algebras: basic theory
Authors: Blecher David P. , Wang Zhenhua 
Published: January 2018

AbstractJordan operator algebras are norm‐closed spaces of operators on a Hilbert space which are closed under the Jordan product. The discovery of the present paper is that there exists a huge and tractable theory of possibly nonselfadjoint Jordan operator algebras; they are far more similar to associative operator algebras than was suspected. We initiate the theory of such algebras.
Motor cortex synchronization influences the rhythm of motor performance in premanifest huntington's disease
Authors: Casula Elias P. , Mayer Isabella M. S. , Desikan Mahalekshmi , Tabrizi Sarah J. , Rothwell John C. , Orth Michael 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTBackground: In Huntington's disease there is evidence of structural damage in the motor system, but it is still unclear how to link this to the behavioral disorder of movement. One feature of choreic movement is variable timing and coordination between sequences of actions. We postulate this results from desynchronization of neural activity in cortical motor areas.Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore the ability to synchronize activity in a motor network using transcranial magnetic stimulation and to relate this to timing of motor performance.Methods: We examined synchronization in oscillatory activity of cortical motor areas in response to an external input produced by a pulse of transcranial magnetic stimulation. We combined this with EEG to compare the response of 16 presymptomatic Huntington's disease participants with 16 age‐matched healthy volunteers to test whether the strength of synchronization relates to the variability of motor performance at the following 2 tasks: a grip force task and a speeded‐tapping task.Results: Phase synchronization in response to M1 stimulation was lower in Huntington's disease than healthy volunteers (P < .01), resulting in a reduced cortical activity at global (P < .02) and local levels (P < .01). Participants who showed better timed motor performance also showed stronger oscillatory synchronization (r = −0.356; P < .05) and higher cortical activity (r = −0.393; P < .05).Conclusions: Our data may model the ability of the motor command to respond to more subtle, physiological inputs from other brain areas. This novel insight indicates that impairments of the timing accuracy of synchronization and desynchronization could be a physiological basis for some key clinical features of Huntington's disease. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Neurogenic bladder in progressive supranuclear palsy: A comparison with Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy
Authors: Kim Kyeong Joon , Jeong Seong Jin , Kim Jong‐Min 
Published: January 2018

AimsProgressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) can present urinary symptoms, similar to other parkinsonian disorders. We investigated the urodynamic parameters of PSP and compared them with those of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA)MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the urodynamic data in patients diagnosed with parkinsonian disorders (PSP, IPD, and MSA) presenting urinary symptoms. Clinical data, including onset age, duration, and severity, as well as treatment status of parkinsonian disorders and urinary symptoms were collected.ResultsA total of 131 patients (10 with PSP, 79 with IPD, and 42 with MSA) were included. The mean age and disease onset age of PSP patients were similar to those of IPD patients, but older than those of MSA patients. The disease duration until the onset of urinary symptoms in PSP patients was similar to that in MSA patients, but shorter than that in IPD patients. According to the urodynamic study, storage phase dysfunctions in PSP patients were similar to those in IPD or MSA patients. However, according to a pressure‐flow study, PSP patients showed higher rates of voiding failure, as well as lower maximum flow rate, higher post‐void residual volume, and higher proportions of impaired detrusor contraction than IPD patients, but rather similar to MSA patients.ConclusionsUrinary dysfunctions in PSP patients were as extensive as those with MSA, and were more severe than those with IPD, especially in the voiding phase. This may reflect the extensive degenerative process of neural structure in PSP patients.
The Human Eye Proteome Project: Updates on an Emerging Proteome
Authors: Ahmad Meleha T. , Zhang Pingbo , Dufresne Craig , Ferrucci Luigi , Semba Richard D. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe human eye is a complex organ consisting of multiple compartments with unique and specialized properties that reflect their varied functions. Although there have been advancements in ocular imaging and therapeutics over the past decade, the pathogenesis of many common eye diseases remains poorly understood. Proteomics is an invaluable tool to gain insight into pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of eye diseases. By 2013, when the Human Eye Proteome Project (also known as the EyeOme) was founded, there were 4842 nonredundant proteins identified in the human eye. Twenty‐three recent papers on the human eye proteome were identified in PubMed searches. These papers were used to compile an updated resource of 9782 nonredundant proteins in the human eye. This updated catalogue sheds light on the molecular makeup of previously undescribed proteomes within the human eye, including optic nerve, sclera, iris, and ciliary body, while adding additional proteins to previously characterized proteomes such as aqueous humor, lens, vitreous, retina, and retinal pigment epithelium/choroid. Although considerable advances have been made to characterize the complete proteome of the human eye, additional high‐quality data are needed to confirm and quantify previously discovered eye proteins in both health and disease.
Controllably Hollow AgAu Nanoparticles via Nonaqueous, Reduction Agent‐Assisted Galvanic Replacement
Authors: Rehn Sarah M. , Ringe Emilie 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe galvanic replacement reaction is a robust tool for the controlled synthesis of hollow and semihollow bimetallic nanostructures, which have applications in a range of science, engineering, and medical fields due to the tunability of their localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) and surface chemistry. Here, a controllable galvanic replacement of Ag by Au coupled with coreduction is described, performed in nonaqueous solvents including methanol, ethanol, and an N,N‐dimethylformamide:toluene mixture and yielding hollow and semihollow alloyed nanoparticles. Structural control, from semihollow to nanoshell, and plasmon tunability are demonstrated via control of the Au:Ag stoichiometry. The high structural dependence on temperature is shown, with striking changes in nanoparticle surface smoothness and pinhole density, and reveals the optimal reaction temperature to be 65 °C in alcohols. Through optimizing this reaction, smooth closed shell AgAu alloy nanoparticles with LSPRs tunable from 494 to 567 nm are obtained. This work provides a framework for galvanic replacement of large anisotropic Ag nanoparticles with Au in nonaqueous media, which can be extended to other solvent systems suitable for air‐sensitive metals and precursors.
Rare germline mutations in African American men diagnosed with early‐onset prostate cancer
Authors: Beebe‐Dimmer Jennifer L. , Zuhlke Kimberly A. , Johnson Anna M. , Liesman Daniel , Cooney Kathleen A. 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundAfrican Americans have both a higher incidence of prostate cancer and greater disease‐specific mortality compared with non‐Hispanic whites. Historically, the investigation of the contribution of rare genetic variants to prostate cancer in African American men has been hampered by low participation in large genetic studies, particularly those focused on early‐onset and familial disease.MethodsWe sequenced 160 genes purported to be involved in carcinogenic pathways in germline DNA samples collected from 96 African American men diagnosed with early‐onset prostate cancer (≤55 years at diagnosis). REVEL software was used to determine the pathogenic potential of observed missense variants.ResultsWe observed three protein‐truncating mutations, one in BRCA2 and two in BRIP1 in three African American men diagnosed with early‐onset prostate cancer. Furthermore, we observed five rare, mostly private, missense variants among four genes (BRCA1, BRCA2, PMS2, and ATM) that were predicted to be deleterious and hence likely pathogenic in our patient sample.ConclusionsProtein‐truncating mutations in BRCA2 and BRIP1 were discovered in African American men diagnosed with early‐onset prostate cancer. Further study is necessary to determine the role of rare, missense variants to prostate cancer incidence, and progression in this group of high‐risk men.
Matrine inhibits the progression of prostate cancer by promoting expression of GADD45B
Authors: Huang Hai , Wang Qiong , Du Tao , Lin Chunhao , Lai Yiming , Zhu Dingjun , Wu Wanhua , Ma Xiaoming , Bai Soumin , Li Zean , Liu Leyuan , Li Qi 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundMatrine is a naturally occurring alkaloid extracted from the Chinese herb Sophora flavescens. It has been demonstrated to exhibit antiproliferative properties, promote apoptosis, and inhibit cell invasion in a number of cancer cell lines by modulating the NF‐κB pathway to downregulate the expression of MMP2 and MM9. It has also been shown to improve the efficacy of chemotherapy when it is combined with other chemotherapy drugs. However, the therapeutic potential of matrine for prostate cancer needs to be further studied.MethodsWe analyzed KEGG pathways of differential gene expression between matrine‐treated and untreated prostate cancer cell lines and identified GADD45B as one of major target genes of matrine based on its role in apoptosis and prognosis value for prostate cancer patients in TCGA database. We further analyzed the expression of GADD45B protein in a tissue microarray and mRNA in TCGA database, and tested the synergistic impacts of matrine and GADD45B overexpression on proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of prostate cancer cell DU145.ResultsMatrine promoted the expression of GADD45B, a tumor suppressive gene that is involved in the regulation of cell cycle, DNA damage repair, cell survival, aging, apoptosis and other cellular processes through p38/JNK, ROS‐GADD45B‐p38, or other signal pathways. Although GADD45B is elevated in prostate cancer tissues, levels of GADD45B in prostate tumor tissues are reduced at late stage of tumor invasion, and higher levels of GADD45B predict better survivals of prostate cancer patients.ConclusionsMatrine may be used to treat prostate cancer patients to increase the levels of GADD45B to inhibit tumor invasion and improve patient survivals.