bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transient phenotypic changes in endothelial cells and pericytes in neonatal mouse retina following short‐term blockade of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors
Authors: Morita Akane , Mori Asami , Arima Shiho , Sakamoto Kenji , Nagamitsu Tohru , Ishii Kunio , Nakahara Tsutomu 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTBackground: A short‐term interruption of vascular development causes structural abnormalities in retinal vasculature. However, the detailed changes in vascular components (endothelial cells, pericytes, and basement membranes) remain to be fully determined. The present study aimed to provide a detailed description of morphological changes in vascular components following a short‐term interruption of retinal vascular development in mice. Results: Two‐day treatment of neonatal mice with the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor KRN633 (10 mg/kg, subcutaneously) on postnatal day (P)0 and P1 (P0/1) and P4 and P5 (P4/5) induced different degrees and patterns of impairment of retinal vascular development. Three days after completion of the treatment, the delayed radial vascular growth occurred in P0/1 group mice, whereas in P4/5 group mice, revascularization preferentially occurred in the central avascular area, and radial vascular growth remained suppressed by P10. Differences in α‐smooth muscle actin expression in pericytes were noted in the processes between normal vascular formation and vascular regrowth. The changes in vascular cells were associated with the hypoxia‐induced enhancement of VEGF expression in the superficial retinal layer. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the phenotype of vascular cells is altered following a short‐term interruption of vascular development in the retina. Developmental Dynamics 247:699–711, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The mito::mKate2 mouse: A far‐red fluorescent reporter mouse line for tracking mitochondrial dynamics in vivo
Authors: Barrasso Anthony P. , Tong Xuefei , Poché Ross A. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryMitochondria are incredibly dynamic organelles that undergo continuous fission and fusion events to control morphology, which profoundly impacts cell physiology including cell cycle progression. This is highlighted by the fact that most major human neurodegenerative diseases are due to specific disruptions in mitochondrial fission or fusion machinery and null alleles of these genes result in embryonic lethality. To gain a better understanding of the pathophysiology of such disorders, tools for the in vivo assessment of mitochondrial dynamics are required. It would be particularly advantageous to simultaneously image mitochondrial fission‐fusion coincident with cell cycle progression. To that end, we have generated a new transgenic reporter mouse, called mito::mKate2 that ubiquitously expresses a mitochondria localized far‐red mKate2 fluorescent protein. Here we show that mito::mKate2 mice are viable and fertile and that mKate2 fluorescence can be spectrally separated from the previously developed Fucci cell cycle reporters. By crossing mito::mKate2 mice to the ROSA26R‐mTmG dual fluorescent Cre reporter line, we also demonstrate the potential utility of mito::mKate2 for genetic mosaic analysis of mitochondrial phenotypes.
FTO – an Electrode Material for the Stable Electrochemical Determination of Dopamine
Authors: Göbel Gero , Talke Anja , Lisdat Fred 
Published: December 2017

AbstractDopamine and other catecholamines play a keyrole for the interaction of numerous processes in the neuronal network. Hence, numerous detection methods have been developed. Electrochemical sensor developments for catecholamines are characterized mostly by complex modification strategies in order to avoid a disturbance of the sensor signal by interfering substances. Here the application of fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) as electrode material for dopamine detection is reported avoiding the necessity of expensive modifications and stability problems. This FTO based electrode allows the discrimination between dopamine and its precursor as well as its methylated degradation product and is not disturbed by typical interfering compounds (ascorbic acid, uric acid) and is characterized by high linearity and stability of the sensor signal for repeated measurements.
Adulteration of clove essential oil: Detection using a handheld Raman spectrometer
Authors: Vargas Jentzsch Paul , Gualpa Fernando , Ramos Luis A. , Ciobotă Valerian 
Published: December 2017

AbstractEssential oils are highly appreciated substances used as row materials in the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry. Due to its biological activity and properties, the oil extracted from clove (Eugenia caryophyllus) has gained economic importance, and this is the main reason why adulterated clove essential oils have appeared in the market. The detection of adulteration is a fundamental task to ensure the quality of industrial products and, therefore, to protect the consumers from potential harmful products. In order to test the suitability of Raman spectroscopy to detect adulteration in essential oils, nineteen samples of commercial clove essential oil were measured with a handheld device and their Raman spectra analyzed. The Raman spectrum of a sample of authentic clove essential oil is dominated by bands of its main component eugenol. Principal component analysis (PCA) and independent component analysis (ICA) were applied in order to identify the adulterated samples and to assess the quality of the authentic samples. It was found that two samples were adulterated by the addition of benzyl alcohol and a third one by the addition of a vegetable oil. The adulteration by addition of benzyl alcohol is easy to detect by a quick inspection of the Raman spectrum, since this compound shows an intense band at 1003 cm‐1. However, the detection of adulteration by the addition of other substances (e.g., vegetable oils) requires the application of multivariable analysis, i.e., PCA or ICA. The results show that Raman spectroscopy is an appropriate technique for quality control of clove essential oil.
Healthcare provider attitudes regarding the provision of assisted reproductive services for HIV‐affected couples in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Pinsky Alana N. , Steenbergh Kylie , Boyd Heather M. , Michael Belen , Bekele Delayehu , Kobernik Emily , Gebremedhin Lia Tadesse , Mmeje Okeoma 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of providing assisted reproductive services as part of routine HIV care and treatment in Ethiopia.MethodsThe present cross‐sectional study using semistructured in‐depth interviews was conducted at St. Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during July 2014 and July 2015. The interviews assessed the perspectives of healthcare providers (HCPs) regarding the reproductive desires of HIV‐affected couples, on assisting them in achieving pregnancy, and on the facilitators and barriers to offering such services as part of routine HIV care.ResultsThere were 40 HCPs from two SPHMMC clinics interviewed. All HCPs asserted that HIV‐affected couples should have equal access to assisted reproductive services and most agreed that couples should have this access to reduce the risk of HIV transmission, even in the absence of underlying infertility. However, the HCPs cited systemic and structural barriers to the implementation and delivery of assisted reproductive services.ConclusionThe integration of assisted reproductive services into HIV care and treatment programs is acceptable and feasible to HCPs. Formal training of HCPs may improve the implementation of these services for HIV‐affected couples in low‐resource settings.
Retrospective observational study of interventions to improve acceptance of long‐acting reversible contraception following abortion at Lusaka Teaching Hospital, Zambia
Authors: Macha Swebby , Muyuni Mutinta , Nkonde Scholastica , Pádua Karla S. , Faundes Anibal 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate long‐acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) uptake immediately after abortion at Lusaka University Teaching Hospital, Zambia in the period following an intervention to increase the acceptance of LARC.MethodsThe present retrospective, observational study reviewed the clinical records of all patients admitted to the Lusaka University Teaching Hospital for an incomplete abortion or for a legal induced abortion between January 1 and December 31, 2016. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of adult women (aged 20–44 years) and adolescents (aged 10–19 years) who were already using an available contraceptive method at the time of hospital discharge. Contraceptive use was compared with historical data from the same institution before the intervention to increase LARC acceptance was performed.ResultsData from 3858 patients (587 adolescents and 3271 adults) were included. LARC use was recorded among 108 (18.4%) and 409 (12.5%) adolescents and adults, respectively. This compared with rates from 2011 of less than 1% and less than 4%, respectively.ConclusionThe rate of LARC use at discharge following incomplete or induced abortion had increased when compared with historical control data from before the intervention program was performed; however, there remains room for improvement.
Audit of operative hysteroscopies among infertile women in a resource‐poor setting
Authors: Ugboaja Joseph O. , Oguejiofor Charlotte B. , Ogelle Onyecherelam M. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the operative hysteroscopy procedures performed among infertile women at two hospitals in Nigeria.MethodsA prospective case series was undertaken among all patients with infertility who underwent operative hysteroscopy between November 2015 and April 2017. The outcome measures included the frequency and type of operative hysteroscopy and the reproductive outcome.ResultsThe series included 159 women, 70.4% (n=112) of whom had abnormal findings at hysteroscopy. A total of 162 operative hysteroscopic procedures were performed; the most common procedures were adhesiolysis (76 [46.9%]), polypectomy (28 [17.3%]), and septum resection/incision (17 [10.5%]). The instruments used were mainly scissors (65 [40.1%]) and a resectoscope (52 [32.1%]). Complete removal of the lesions was achieved in 86.4% (n=140) of the procedures and a normal cavity in 87.0% (n=141). The complication rate was 6.8% (n=11); the most common complication was minor hemorrhage (5 [3.1%]). The main challenges included poor distention (10 [6.2%]) and poor vision (8 [4.9%]). Menstrual normalization was achieved in 64 (40.3%) of the patients, the cumulative pregnancy rate was 19.5% (n=31), and the live birth rate was 3.8% (n=6).ConclusionOperative hysteroscopy was feasible and safe in the present resource‐poor region. There is a need to build capacity for the performance of hysteroscopy to facilitate the management of infertility in the region.
IGM‐based perceptual multimodal medical image fusion using free energy motivated adaptive PCNN
Authors: Tang Lu , Tian Chuangeng , Xu Kai 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMultimodal medical image fusion merges two medical images to produce a visual enhanced fused image, to provide more accurate comprehensive pathological information to doctors for better diagnosis and treatment. In this article, we present a perceptual multimodal medical image fusion method with free energy (FE) motivated adaptive pulse coupled neural network (PCNN) by employing Internal Generative Mechanism (IGM). First, source images are divided into predicted layers and detail layers with Bayesian prediction model. Then to retain human visual system inspired features, FE is used to motivate the PCNN for processing detail layers, and large firing times are selected as coefficients. The predicted layers are fused with the averaging strategy as activity level measurement. Finally, the fused image is reconstructed by merging coefficients in both fused layers. Experimental results visually and quantitatively show that the proposed fusion strategy is superior to the state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Mental health therapists’ perceptions of their readiness to address the intersection of intimate partner violence and suicide
Authors: Wilson John L. , Uthman Cassandra , Thompson Stone Jennifer , Nichols‐Hadeed Corey , Kruchten Rachel , Rousseau Sally , Cerulli Catherine 
Published: December 2017

AbstractOur aim is characterize mental health therapists’ self‐efficacy pertaining to working with patients at risk for intimate partner violence (IPV) and suicide at a community mental health center (CMHC), where these issues intersect. Consistent with community‐based participatory research, a multidisciplinary team partnered with an urban CMHC in New York to conduct 3 focus groups comprising 23 therapists. We iteratively coded and mapped prevalent themes according to self‐efficacy theory. Therapists described multiple sources of self‐efficacy: successful achievement of tasks such as demonstrating a mastery of local resources and knowledge of therapeutic strategies for IPV‐involved clients; vicarious experiences including homicide–suicide portrayals in the media; verbally persuading patients regarding treatment engagement; and physiologic reactions, including distress and burnout. Therapists feel equipped to address patients’ needs, but they want more information on IPV and suicide. Perhaps most surprising was the frustration and isolation participants discussed regarding working with physicians and agencies outside their office walls. Interdisciplinary dialogue and case conferencing may enhance patient care and safety.
Surrogate modeling and variability analysis of on‐chip spiral inductors
Authors: Akso Emre , Soysal İhsan Baturay , Yelten Mustafa Berke 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper presents an approach to the analysis of on‐chip integrated spiral inductors in terms of parametric variabilities. An enhanced single‐π model is proposed to compensate for high frequency deviations. In addition to the single‐π model parameters, the skin effect and the proximity effect are included in the surrogate model to reflect high frequency behavior much more accurately while retaining a simple structure. Y‐parameters of the equivalent circuit are derived to extract the frequency‐dependent inductance and quality factor representations using the shunt and differential configurations. This study introduces a novel algorithm able to yield model parameter values through iterations converging on the predetermined inductance curve within an error margin of 5%. High‐Q and low‐Q characteristics of inductors arising from process variations were also captured with the proposed algorithm, along with the failure points of the inductance, the quality factor, and the self‐resonance frequency. Variability analysis results demonstrate that the differential configuration is more robust to inductance and quality factor failures, but also that it is more vulnerable to self‐resonance frequency failures.
An improved time marching simulation of distributed multiport networks loaded with nonlinear devices
Authors: Becerra Juan , Vega Felix , Rachidi Farhad 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we present a method for obtaining stable time marching equations of distributed multiport networks with nonlinear loads. This method allows to highly decrease the number of frequency samples required by other stable TM methods. Stability is analyzed and ensured in the Z‐domain.
Lossless convexification of nonconvex MINLP on the UAV path‐planning problem
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Wang Jun , Li Jianxun 
Published: December 2017

SummaryMost unmanned aerial vehicle path‐planning problems have been modeled as linear optimal control problems, ie, as mixed‐integer linear programming problems. However, most constraints cannot be described accurately in linear form in practical engineering applications. In this paper, the traditional unmanned aerial vehicle path‐planning problem is modified as a nonconvex mixed‐integer nonlinear programming problem, whose continuous relaxation is a nonconvex programming problem. A lossless convexification method is introduced into the generalized Benders decomposition algorithm framework. Thus, an optimal solution can be obtained without directly solving the nonconvex programming problem. The output of the proposed algorithm has been rigorously proved to be the optimal solution to the original problem. Meanwhile, the simulation results verify the validity of the theoretical analysis and demonstrate the superior efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
Dysregulated mitogen‐activated protein kinase signalling as an oncogenic basis for clear cell sarcoma of the kidney
Authors: Kenny Colin , McDonagh Naomi , Lazaro Antonio , O'Meara Elaine , Klinger Rut , O'Connor Darran , Roche Fiona , Hokamp Karsten , O'Sullivan Maureen J 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe oncogenic mechanisms and tumour biology underpinning clear cell sarcoma of the kidney (CCSK), the second commonest paediatric renal malignancy, are poorly understood and currently, therapy depends heavily on doxorubicin with cardiotoxic side‐effects. Previously, we characterized the balanced t(10;17)(q22;p13) chromosomal translocation, identified at that time as the only recurrent genetic aberration in CCSK. This translocation results in an in‐frame fusion of the genes YWHAE (encoding 14‐3‐3ϵ) and NUTM2, with a somatic incidence of 12%. Clinico‐pathological features of that cohort suggested that this aberration might be associated with higher stage and grade disease. Since no primary CCSK cell line exists, we generated various stably transfected cell lines containing doxycycline‐inducible HA‐tagged YWHAE–NUTM2, in order to study the effect of expressing this transcript. 14‐3‐3ϵ–NUTM2‐expressing cells exhibited significantly greater cell migration compared to isogenic controls. Gene and protein expression studies were indicative of dysregulated MAPK/PI3K–AKT signalling, and by blocking these pathways using neutralizing antibodies, the migratory advantage conferred by the transcript was abrogated. Importantly, CCSK tumour samples similarly show up‐regulation/activation of these pathways. These results support the oncogenic role of 14‐3‐3ϵ–NUTM2 in CCSK and provide avenues for the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Opioid analgesic dose and the risk of misuse, overdose, and death: A narrative review
Authors: Coyle David Tyler , Pratt Chih‐Ying , Ocran‐Appiah Josephine , Secora Alex , Kornegay Cynthia , Staffa Judy 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPurposeDespite the rise in serious adverse events paralleling increased prescription opioid analgesic use in the United States over the past 2 decades, the association between opioid analgesic dose and the risk of serious adverse health outcomes is incompletely characterized. We sought to synthesize the medical literature for observational studies examining the association between opioid analgesic dose and the risk of serious adverse health outcomes, with particular attention to the outcomes of misuse, abuse, addiction, overdose, and death.MethodsSearching MEDLINE using PubMed and bibliography review, we identified 22 observational studies published between 2000 and 2015 that assessed the association between opioid analgesic dose and the risk of serious adverse health outcomes. Some of these studies had significant methodological limitations. Twelve reviewed studies examined the outcomes of misuse, overdose, or death; no studies examining the risk of addiction or abuse met our criteria for inclusion.ResultsThe results of multiple studies clearly indicate an increasing risk of serious adverse health outcomes associated with increasing opioid analgesic dose. In particular, the risk of misuse, overdose, and death increases with increasing opioid analgesic dose. However, there is no opioid dose inflection point beyond which the risk of these adverse health outcomes increases. No opioid analgesic dose is without risk.ConclusionsThe reviewed studies show an increasing risk of serious adverse health outcomes—including misuse, overdose, and death—associated with increasing opioid analgesic dose. Further research is needed to characterize the relationship between opioid analgesic dose and the risk of addiction and abuse. This analysis could inform policy actions for regulators and clinical decision making for providers.
Phosphoramidate‐functionalized Merrifield resin: synthesis and application in actinide separation
Authors: Das Dhrubajyoti , Sivaramakrishna Akella , Brahmmananda Rao CVS , Sivaraman N , Vijayakrishna Kari 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA novel phosphoramidate‐functionalized polymeric resin was synthesized by anchoring diethyl (3‐(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)propyl)phosphoramidate group with chloromethylated polystyrene divinylbenzene resin. The grafted resin was characterized using elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared, solid‐state 31P NMR energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopies, and thermogravimetric analysis. The surface morphology of the functionalized resin was investigated using scanning electron microscopy and the surface area was measured with Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis. Sorption affinities of the functionalized resin towards actinides such as Th(IV) and U(VI) were determined under various concentrations of nitric acid solution (0.01–6 mol L−1). Desorption of the actinides from the loaded resin was performed using a solution of 0.01 mol L−1 nitric acid. Reusability of the grafted resin was studied over various successive cycles and the stability of the functional groups on the synthesized resin was monitored using various analytical techniques. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of Cu‐deficient layer formation in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar‐cell performance
Authors: Nishimura Takahito , Toki Soma , Sugiura Hiroki , Nakada Kazuyoshi , Yamada Akira 
Published: December 2017

AbstractCu‐deficient layer (CDL) on Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) promotes Cd diffusion from CdS buffer layer and forms a valence band offset (ΔEV) between CDL and CIGS. We quantitively demonstrate the effects of CDL formation on the performance of CIGS solar cells through experiments and theoretical simulation. To investigate the effects of Cd diffusion and ΔEV by CDL, theoretical analysis was carried out for a CIGS solar cell with a surface layer which simulated the CDL at CdS/CIGS interface. It was revealed that when electron concentration in n‐type surface layer is higher than the absolute carrier concentration in CIGS absorber (ND > |NA, CIGS|), open‐circuit voltage and fill factor are improved. Additionally, ΔEV ≥ 0.15 eV leads to the highest open‐circuit voltage by suppression of interfacial recombination. Transmission electron microscope energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry and scanning spreading resistance microscopy were employed for the same cross section of a CIGS solar cell fabricated by three‐stage process. Despite CDL with Cu/(Ga + In) of 0.31 formed on the surface had high Cd contents of 3.4 at%, its carrier concentration of 4.8 × 1010 cm−3 was lower than that of 1014 –1016 cm−3 in grain interior owing to insufficient activation of Cd atoms. These results indicate the effectiveness of ΔEV formation by introducing CDL with low Cu/(Ga + In) of 0.31 to boost CIGS solar cell performance and difficulty in realizing ND > |NA, CIGS| by surface Cd doping.