bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic reliability of pretreatment biopsy in malignant nasoethmoidal tumors: A retrospective study of 77 cases
Authors: Schreiber Alberto , Rampinelli Vittorio , Ferrari Marco , Mattavelli Davide , Farina Davide , Battocchio Simonetta , Nicolai Piero 
Published: January 2018

Objectives/HypothesisPretreatment biopsy is crucial in histology‐based management of malignant nasoethmoidal tumors, because misdiagnosis can lead to inadequate therapeutic planning. Factors influencing the reliability of biopsy were retrospectively investigated in a tertiary referral center.Study DesignRetrospective case series.MethodsAll patients who underwent biopsy, staging magnetic resonance, surgery, and histologic diagnosis for nasoethmoidal tumors in our hospital were retrospectively evaluated. Histologic discrepancy, histology, procedure for biopsy (biopsy under local anesthesia [OB], biopsy under local anesthesia and sedation [SB], or under general anesthesia [GB]), site of the lesion, and the biopsy volume were analyzed. Biopsy reliability rate (BRR) (preoperative biopsy confirmed after surgical treatment) and concordance rate (CR) (postoperative diagnosis identified in preoperative biopsy) were calculated. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were used to identify factors influencing histologic discrepancies.ResultsSeventy‐seven patients were included. Five (6.5%) minor and eight (10.4%) major histologic discrepancies were observed (16.9%). OB and SB showed significantly lower biopsy volumes than GB (P < .0001 and P = .002, respectively). The biopsy volume was significantly lower in cases with histologic discrepancies (P = .045). Squamous cell carcinoma was independently associated with lower BRR. Germ cell tumor, salivary gland carcinoma, and sarcoma showed the lowest CR. Adenocarcinoma, mucosal melanoma, and olfactory neuroblastoma showed the highest BRR and CR.ConclusionsThe risk of misdiagnosis for nasoethmoidal tumors may be high even in referral centers. Especially when clinical and radiologic findings suggest a diagnosis different from adenocarcinoma, mucosal melanoma, and olfactory neuroblastoma, obtaining abundant material under general anesthesia may reduce the risk of diagnostic error and inadequate treatment.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 1772–1777, 2018
Protracted Colored Noise Dynamics Applied to Linear Polymer Systems
Authors: Peters Andrew J. , Nation Benjamin D. , Nicoloso Daniel , Ludovice Peter J. , Henderson Clifford L. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMolecular dynamics simulations of polymers are significantly limited because of the large time and length scales often required. In this paper, a simulation method known as Protracted Colored Noise Dynamics (PCND) is adapted to linear polymer simulations. This polymer PCND applies a time correlated random force (colored noise) along the backbone of the polymer chain, causing an increase in fluctuations on the length scale of individual chains. This form of PCND greatly increases the rate of diffusion of bulk homopolymers while not significantly altering chain conformation or crystal packing structure. It is then applied to a coarse‐grained polymer model to explore this method's ability to increase the rate at which equilibrium conformations are obtained. This polymer PCND drastically increases the kinetics of defect annihilation in block copolymer simulations with only small changes to the domain size. Application of molecular dynamics restores the correct domain size, indicating that the free energy landscape is not being significantly altered. The computational overhead associated with polymer PCND is minimal, and outweighed by the increased equilibration rate.
Simultaneous quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and for high iron concentration quantification with 3D ultrashort echo time sequences: An echo dependence study
Authors: Lu Xing , Ma Yajun , Chang Eric Y. , He Qun , Searleman Adam , von Drygalski Annette , Du Jiang 
Published: January 2018

PurposeTo evaluate the echo dependence of 3D ultrashort echo time (TE) quantitative susceptibility mapping (3D UTE‐QSM) and effective transverse relaxation rate (
) measurement in the setting of high concentrations of iron oxide nanoparticles.MethodsA phantom study with iron concentrations ranging from 2 to 22 mM was performed using a 3D UTE Cones sequence. Simultaneous QSM processing with morphology‐enabled dipole inversion (MEDI) and
single exponential fitting was conducted offline with the acquired 3D UTE data. The dependence of UTE‐QSM and
on echo spacing (ΔTE) and first TE (TE1) was investigated.ResultsA linear relationship was observed between UTE‐QSM measurement and iron concentration up to 22 mM only, with the minimal TE1 of 0.032 ms and ΔTE of less than 0.1 ms. A linear relationship was observed between
and iron concentration up to 22 mM only when TE1 was less than 0.132 ms and ΔTE was less than 1.2 ms. UTE‐QSM with MEDI processing showed strong dependence on ΔTE and TE1, especially at high iron concentrations.ConclusionUTE‐QSM is more sensitive than
measurement to TE selection. Both an ultrashort TE1 and a small ΔTE are needed to achieve accurate QSM for high iron concentrations. Magn Reson Med 79:2315–2322, 2018. © 2018 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
A priori error estimates for optimal control problems with state and control constraints
Authors: Zhou Lixin 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThe Galerkin spectral method is used to approximate elliptic optimal control problems with integral state and control constraints in this paper. We derive the optimality conditions for the control problems by E. Casas' results, then a priori error estimates are provided. Some numerical examples are investigated to confirm the theoretical results and to show the efficiency of the proposed method.
Overcoming resistance to resistance in public administration: Resistance strategies of marginalized publics in citizen‐state interactions
Authors: Nisar Muhammad Azfar 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThere has been a general resistance to resistance studies in public administration (PA) research. Although previous research has documented instances of selective policy implementation by PA practitioners that put minority groups at a comparative disadvantage, we still have a limited understanding of the different ways in which these groups contest discriminatory administrative practices especially within non‐western developing countries. To address this gap, in this article, I discuss the various strategic responses the Khawaja Sira—a genderqueer group of Pakistan—employ in their interactions with the frontline police workers to contest their hyper‐surveillance and moral policing. The discussion illustrates that while Khawaja Sira mostly rely on individual acts of contestation in their interactions with police officers, the emerging leadership of the Khawaja Sira is enabling emergence of new forms of resistance based on social capital and collective protests. In addition to contributing to the limited literature on citizen perspectives and LGBT issues in PA research, the theoretical framework of resistance presented here can serve as a good template to analyze citizen responses to discriminatory frontline practice in other sociopolitical contexts as well.
Role of Wnt signalling in advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Ahmad Imran , Sansom Owen J 
Published: January 2018

AbstractRecent next‐generation sequencing studies demonstrate that multiple pathways are often deregulated in advanced and metastatic prostate cancer (PC). In a recent issue of The Journal of Pathology, an elegant study by Jefferies et al used in vivo modelling to demonstrate how activation of the PI3K, WNT, and MAPK pathway converges on mTORC1 signalling to drive aggressive disease. The study also highlights that approaches to target advanced PC require intelligent combination of agents to target single/multiple signalling pathways in combination with androgen receptor (AR) blockade. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exercise program for children and adolescents with leukemia and lymphoma during treatment: A comprehensive review
Authors: Zucchetti Giulia , Rossi Francesca , Chamorro Vina Carolina , Bertorello Nicoletta , Fagioli Franca 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAn exercise program (EP) during cancer treatment seems to be a valid strategy against physiological and quality‐of‐life impairments, but scientific evidence of benefits among pediatric patients is still limited. This review summarizes the literature focused on randomized controlled trials of EP offered to patients during leukemia and lymphoma treatment. Studies published up to June 2017 were selected from multiple databases and assessed by three independent reviewers for methodological validity. The review identified eight studies, but several types of bias have to be avoided to provide evidence‐based recommendations accessible to patients, families, and professionals.
Emergency airway and ventilator procedures for community based home care staff validation of an educational program
Authors: Ramsey Ann Marie , Brennan Sarah , Stricker Adam , Riek Kurt , Brown Dana , Gurtowsky Rachel , Sturza Julie , Filbrun Amy Goldstein 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundChildren discharged home with tracheostomy and chronic mechanical ventilator support are at high risk for complications and adverse events. Private duty nursing and home respiratory care services are a critical support necessary for successful discharge. The literature suggests that there are opportunities for home care staff (HCS) to improve upon the skills necessary to assess and intervene in an emergency thereby increasing the likelihood of improving long‐term outcomes.MethodsHCS (RN, LPN, RRT) participated in a 4‐h session comprised of lecture and simulation. Lecture content focused on tracheostomy safety, operation of the Trilogy and LTV home ventilators, and review of their common alarms. Simulation included two scenarios simulating tracheostomy decannulation and mucous plugging events. Participant comfort with tracheostomy and ventilator management skills were measured on a five item self‐assessment tool and clinical knowledge was measured using an 11 item multiple choice skills test, both of which were completed before and after the session. We tested to see if there was a change in test scores from pre‐ to post‐intervention.ResultsFifty‐four HCS participated in the program and provided complete data sets. The vast majority (68%) were registered nurses, followed by licensed practical nurses (19%) and respiratory therapists (12%). Participant self‐reported comfort with emergency skills prior to intervention was 3.2/5 which increased to 4.1/5 after intervention (P > 0.0001). Average test score prior to intervention was 62%, post intervention score increased to 82% which represented significant improvement (P > 0.0001).DiscussionHCS are generally unprepared to intervene in an acute airway or ventilator emergency. This short, manageable program provided education that resulted in a significant improvement in both skill level and confidence.
Sensitivity and Stability Improvements of NEPE Propellants by Inclusion of FOX‐7
Authors: Xie Wuxi , Zhao Yu , Zhang Wei , Liu Yunfei , Fan Xuezhong , Wang Bozhou , He Wei , Yan Qi‐Long 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe performances of NEPE (Nitrate Ester Plasticized Polyether) propellants containing 1,1 diamino‐2,2‐dinitroethylene (FOX‐7) were evaluated by means of theoretical calculation, combustion, mechanical and sensitivity experiments. It was found that, by the replacement of Cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine (HMX) with FOX‐7 in NEPE propellants, the density (ρ) was maintained to be the same 1.80 g cm−3, whereas the combustion temperature (Tc) decreased from 3700 K to 3592 K. The meaN molecular weight of combustion gas (Mc) was slightly increased (from 27.28 to 27.48 g mol−1) and the theoretical specific impulse (Ispo) was decreased from 2615 to 2560 N s kg−1. The content of FOX‐7 was in the range of 0 % to 34 % in the formulation of NEPE propellant. It was also shown that the burning rate was increased along with the elevated pressure exponents from 0.44 to 0.48. Moreover, the tensile strength of the propellants at +20 °C and +50 °C was improved from 0.84 and 0.68 MPa to 1.06 MPa and 0.75 MPa, respectively, while the maximum elongation decreased from 64.1∼86.1 % to 32.5∼45.3 %. In terms of safety, the friction sensitivity of the propellant was improved (initiation probability decreases from 100 % to 88 % under pressure of 2.45 MPa) and the impact sensitivity (H50) increased from 6.74 N m to 9.31 N m (2.5 kg hammer).
Accurate geometries for “Mountain pass” regions of the Ramachandran plot using quantum chemical calculations
Authors: Jiang Zhongming , Biczysko Malgorzata , Moriarty Nigel W. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractUnusual local arrangements of protein in Ramachandran space are not well represented by standard geometry tools used in either protein structure refinement using simple harmonic geometry restraints or in protein simulations using molecular mechanics force fields. In contrast, quantum chemical computations using small poly‐peptide molecular models can predict accurate geometries for any well‐defined backbone Ramachandran orientation. For conformations along transition regions—ϕ from −60 to 60°—a very good agreement with representative high‐resolution experimental X‐ray (≤1.5 Å) protein structures is obtained for both backbone C−1‐N‐Cα angle and the nonbonded O−1…C distance, while “standard geometry” leads to the “clashing” of O…C atoms and Amber FF99SB predicts distances too large by about 0.15 Å. These results confirm that quantum chemistry computations add valuable support for detailed analysis of local structural arrangements in proteins, providing improved or missing data for less understood high‐energy or unusual regions.
Small angle X‐ray scattering and cross‐linking for data assisted protein structure prediction in CASP 12 with prospects for improved accuracy
Authors: Ogorzalek Tadeusz L. , Hura Greg L. , Belsom Adam , Burnett Kathryn H. , Kryshtafovych Andriy , Tainer John A. , Rappsilber Juri , Tsutakawa Susan E. , Fidelis Krzysztof 
Published: January 2018

AbstractExperimental data offers empowering constraints for structure prediction. These constraints can be used to filter equivalently scored models or more powerfully within optimization functions toward prediction. In CASP12, Small Angle X‐ray Scattering (SAXS) and Cross‐Linking Mass Spectrometry (CLMS) data, measured on an exemplary set of novel fold targets, were provided to the CASP community of protein structure predictors. As solution‐based techniques, SAXS and CLMS can efficiently measure states of the full‐length sequence in its native solution conformation and assembly. However, this experimental data did not substantially improve prediction accuracy judged by fits to crystallographic models. One issue, beyond intrinsic limitations of the algorithms, was a disconnect between crystal structures and solution‐based measurements. Our analyses show that many targets had substantial percentages of disordered regions (up to 40%) or were multimeric or both. Thus, solution measurements of flexibility and assembly support variations that may confound prediction algorithms trained on crystallographic data and expecting globular fully‐folded monomeric proteins. Here, we consider the CLMS and SAXS data collected, the information in these solution measurements, and the challenges in incorporating them into computational prediction. As improvement opportunities were only partly realized in CASP12, we provide guidance on how data from the full‐length biological unit and the solution state can better aid prediction of the folded monomer or subunit. We furthermore describe strategic integrations of solution measurements with computational prediction programs with the aim of substantially improving foundational knowledge and the accuracy of computational algorithms for biologically‐relevant structure predictions for proteins in solution.
Delay and state observation for SISO nonlinear systems with input delay
Authors: Léchappé Vincent , De Léon Jesús , Moulay Emmanuel , Plestan Franck , Glumineau Alain 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThis paper deals with the problem of state and delay estimation for SISO nonlinear systems with an unknown time‐varying delay in the input. The main idea is to approximate the delayed input by using Taylor's theorem and to create an extended system with the delay as part of the extended state. Then, the construction of an observer is proposed to estimate both state and delay. The results are illustrated by simulations.
Determination of the metabolites of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol in urine and plasma using multiple reaction monitoring gas chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry
Authors: Leghissa Allegra , Hildenbrand Zacariah L. , Foss Frank W. , Schug Kevin A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractOnce introduced into the human body, only minimal amounts of cannabinoids are excreted in their original forms, due to various complex metabolic pathways. For this reason, it is less desirable to quantify the amount of parent cannabinoids in urine, plasma, or feces, as opposed to the pertinent cannabinoid metabolites. Δ9‐Tetrahydrocannabinol is reported to be the most potent and psychoactive among natural cannabinoids. Here, two known metabolites, 11‐hydroxy‐Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol and 11‐nor‐9‐carboxy‐Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol, plus their precursor Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol, were targeted for analysis. We describe the creation of a method using gas chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry and multiple reaction monitoring mode for these two metabolites. The analytes were silylated prior to analysis. The validation of the methods using samples of urine and plasma spiked with known amounts of the metabolites was shown to provide recoveries between 80 and 110%, limits of detection were 75 pg for both Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol and 11‐hydroxy‐Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol, and 25 ng for 11‐nor‐9‐carboxy‐Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol in their silylated forms.
Activation of AKT-mTOR Signaling Directs Tenogenesis of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Cong Xiao Xia , Rao Xi Sheng , Lin Jun Xin , Liu Xiao Ceng , Zhang Guang An , Gao Xiu Kui , He Min Yi , Shen Wei Liang , Fan Wei , Pioletti Dominique , Zheng Li Ling , Liu Huan Huan , Yin Zi , Low Boon Chuan , Schweitzer Ronen , Ouyang Hongwei , Chen Xiao , Zhou Yi Ting 
Published: January 2018

AbstractTendon repair is a clinical challenge because of the limited understanding on tenogenesis. The synthesis of type I collagen (Collagen I) and other extracellular matrix are essential for tendon differentiation and homeostasis. Current studies on tenogenesis focused mostly on the tenogenic transcriptional factors while the signaling controlling tenogenesis on translational level remains largely unknown. Here, we showed that mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling was activated by protenogenic growth factor, transforming growth factors beta1, and insulin-like growth factor-I. The expression of mTOR was upregulated during tenogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Moreover, mTOR was downregulated in human tendinopathy tissues and was inactivated upon statin treatment. Both inhibition and depletion of AKT or mTOR significantly reduced type I collagen production and impaired tenogenesis of MSCs. Tendon specific-ablation of mTOR resulted in tendon defect and reduction of Collagen I. However, there is no evident downregulation of tendon associated collagens at the transcription level. Our study demonstrated that AKT-mTOR axis is a key mediator of tendon differentiation and provided a novel therapeutic target for tendinopathy and tendon injuries.
Building Up Functional Bionanocomposites from the Assembly of Clays and Biopolymers
Authors: Alcântara Ana C. S. , Darder Margarita 
Published: January 2018

AbstractFunctional bionanocomposites are developed from the assembly of naturally occurring polymers and inorganic solids that show at least one dimension at the nanoscale. Our research group focused on the development of bionanocomposites based on clay minerals, including smectites and fibrous silicates, as well as layered double hydroxides. The resulting materials show interesting properties regarding biocompatibility and biodegradability, together with improved mechanical and thermal properties in comparison to the pristine biopolymer. Besides these characteristics, they offer also other interesting functional properties that allow their potential use in a wide range of applications, including sensors, drug delivery and other health care applications, bioplastics and environmental remediation. For these materials, nature provides not only the components but also the inspiration to develop new combinations that may give rise to nanostructured biomaterials with exceptional features.
Nanoparticles Formed onto/into Halloysite Clay Tubules: Architectural Synthesis and Applications
Authors: Vinokurov Vladimir A. , Stavitskaya Anna V. , Glotov Aleksandr P. , Novikov Andrei A. , Zolotukhina Anna V. , Kotelev Mikhail S. , Gushchin Pawel A. , Ivanov Evgenii V. , Darrat Yusuf , Lvov Yuri M. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractNanoparticles, being objects with high surface area are prone to agglomeration. Immobilization onto solid supports is a promising method to increase their stability and it allows for scalable industrial applications, such as metal nanoparticles adsorbed to mesoporous ceramic carriers. Tubular nanoclay – halloysite – can be an efficient solid support, enabling the fast and practical architectural (inside / outside) synthesis of stable metal nanoparticles. The obtained halloysite‐nanoparticle composites can be employed as advanced catalysts, ion‐conducting membrane modifiers, inorganic pigments, and optical markers for biomedical studies. Here, we discuss the possibilities to synthesize halloysite decorated with metal, metal chalcogenide, and carbon nanoparticles, and to use these materials in various fields, especially in catalysis and petroleum refinery.
Effects of Neuromodulation on Excitatory–Inhibitory Neural Network Dynamics Depend on Network Connectivity Structure
Authors: Rich Scott , Zochowski Michal , Booth Victoria 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAcetylcholine (ACh), one of the brain’s most potent neuromodulators, can affect intrinsic neuron properties through blockade of an M-type potassium current. The effect of ACh on excitatory and inhibitory cells with this potassium channel modulates their membrane excitability, which in turn affects their tendency to synchronize in networks. Here, we study the resulting changes in dynamics in networks with inter-connected excitatory and inhibitory populations (E–I networks), which are ubiquitous in the brain. Utilizing biophysical models of E–I networks, we analyze how the network connectivity structure in terms of synaptic connectivity alters the influence of ACh on the generation of synchronous excitatory bursting. We investigate networks containing all combinations of excitatory and inhibitory cells with high (Type I properties) or low (Type II properties) modulatory tone. To vary network connectivity structure, we focus on the effects of the strengths of inter-connections between excitatory and inhibitory cells (E–I synapses and I–E synapses), and the strengths of intra-connections among excitatory cells (E–E synapses) and among inhibitory cells (I-I synapses). We show that the presence of ACh may or may not affect the generation of network synchrony depending on the network connectivity. Specifically, strong network inter-connectivity induces synchronous excitatory bursting regardless of the cellular propensity for synchronization, which aligns with predictions of the PING model. However, when a network’s intra-connectivity dominates its inter-connectivity, the propensity for synchrony of either inhibitory or excitatory cells can determine the generation of network-wide bursting.