bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mixed and least‐squares finite element methods with application to linear hyperbolic problems
Authors: Kalchev Delyan Z. , Manteuffel Thomas A. , Münzenmaier Steffen 
Published: January 2018

SummaryIn this paper, a few dual least‐squares finite element methods and their application to scalar linear hyperbolic problems are studied. The purpose is to obtain L2‐norm approximations on finite element spaces of the exact solutions to hyperbolic partial differential equations of interest. This is approached by approximating the generally infeasible quadratic minimization that defines the L2‐orthogonal projection of the exact solution, by feasible least‐squares principles using the ideas of the original
method proposed in the context of elliptic equations. All methods in this paper are founded upon and extend the
approach that is rather general and applicable beyond the setting of elliptic problems. Error bounds are shown that point to the factors affecting the convergence and provide conditions that guarantee optimal rates. Furthermore, the preconditioning of the resulting linear systems is discussed. Numerical results are provided to illustrate the behavior of the methods on common finite element spaces.
On optimal singular control problem for general Mckean‐Vlasov differential equations: Necessary and sufficient optimality conditions
Authors: Hafayed Mokhtar , Meherrem Shahlar , Eren Şaban , Guçoglu Deniz Hasan 
Published: January 2018

SummaryIn this paper, we derive the necessary and sufficient conditions for optimal singular control for systems governed by general controlled McKean‐Vlasov differential equations, in which the coefficients depend on the state of the solution process as well as of its law and control. The control domain is assumed to be convex. The control variable has 2 components, ie, the first being absolutely continuous and the second being singular. The proof of our result is based on the derivative of the solution process with respect to the probability law and a corresponding Itô formula. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the theoretical results.
Calculus of variations approach for state and parameter estimation in switched 1D hyperbolic PDEs
Authors: Nguyen Van Tri , Georges Didier , Besançon Gildas 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThis paper proposes the use of calculus of variations to solve the problem of state and parameter estimation for a class of switched 1‐dimensional hyperbolic partial differential equations coupled with an ordinary differential equation. The term “switched” here refers to a system changing its characteristics according to a switching rule, which may depend on time, parameters of the system, and/or state of the system. The estimation method is based on a smooth approximation of the system dynamics and the use of variational calculus on an augmented Lagrangian cost functional to get the sensitivity with respect to the initial state and some (possibly distributed) parameters of the system. Those sensitivities or variations, together with related adjoint systems, are used as inputs for an optimization algorithm to identify the values of the variables to be estimated. Two examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The first one is concerned with a switched overland flow model, developed from Saint‐Venant equations and Green‐Ampt law; the second example deals with a switched free traffic flow model based on the Lighthill‐Whitham‐Richards representation, modified by the presence of a relief route.
Clinical and genetic associations for carboplatin‐related ototoxicity in children treated for retinoblastoma: A retrospective noncomparative single‐institute experience
Authors: Soliman Sameh E. , D'Silva Crystal N. , Dimaras Helen , Dzneladze Irakli , Chan Helen , Gallie Brenda L. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundChildren with retinoblastoma treated with carboplatin chemotherapy risk moderate to severe, irreversible hearing loss. Based on published evidence, we hypothesized that ototoxicity risk is associated with clinical parameters and variants in candidate genes in drug metabolism pathways (methyltransferases [thiopurine S‐methyltransferase, TPMT] and [catechol‐O‐methyltransferase, COMT], and drug transporter ABCC3).ProcedureWe retrospectively reviewed clinical records of patients with retinoblastoma treated with carboplatin chemotherapy regarding age (at diagnosis and chemotherapy initiation), chemotherapy sessions (cycles number, drug doses, and cumulative carboplatin dose), and hearing loss (defined as ototoxicity ≥grade 2 by at least one classification system). Blood samples were genotyped for genetic variants in TPMT (rs12201199, rs1800460), COMT (rs4646316, rs9332377), and ABCC3 (rs1051640) by quantitative PCR and confirmed by allele‐specific PCR. Univariate statistical tests, receiver‐operating characteristic analysis, and Kaplan–Meier curves were used to examine the association between hearing loss, clinical factors, and variants in candidate genes.ResultsAudiometric data and stored DNA were available for 71 patients with retinoblastoma (88% carried an RB1 pathogenic variant allele). Median carboplatin cumulative dose was 1,400 mg/m2 (260–5,148 mg/m2). Ototoxicity occurred in 18 patients (25%), strongly associated with age at diagnosis (P = 0.01) and age at chemotherapy initiation (OR = 4.99, P = 0.008). The highest likelihood ratio of hearing loss was associated with chemotherapy initiation <4.25 months of age. Ototoxicity was not associated with any tested genetic variants.ConclusionsWe observed a 25% prevalence of ototoxicity in patients with retinoblastoma treated with carboplatin, higher than previously published. Age at chemotherapy initiation was associated with carboplatin‐induced ototoxicity, with children <4.25 months of age at highest risk.
Bleeding and thrombotic complications of pediatric liver transplant
Authors: Borst Alexandra J. , Sudan Debra L. , Wang Laura A. , Neuss Michael J. , Rothman Jennifer A. , Ortel Thomas L. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundPediatric patients undergoing liver transplant are at significant risk for bleeding and thrombotic complications due to the complex nature of rebalanced hemostasis in patients with liver disease.Methods/objectivesWe reviewed records of 92 pediatric liver and multivisceral transplant cases at Duke University Medical Center between January 2009 and December 2015. The goal was to define the nature and incidence of bleeding and thrombotic complications in this cohort and define potential risk factors.ResultsThere were 24 major bleeding events in 19 transplants (incidence 20.7%) and 30 thrombotic events in 23 transplants (incidence 25%). Five of the 10 retransplantations were for vascular thrombotic complications. Thirty‐day mortality was 4.9%, and three of these four deaths were due to vascular thrombosis. No bleeding events led to retransplantation or mortality. Prophylactic aspirin was associated with decreased risk of thrombosis without increased bleeding. Prophylactic heparin did not increase bleeding risk. Laboratory assays predicted events poorly, apparently failing to capture the nuanced and dynamic interplay between pro‐ and anticoagulant factors in the posttransplant patient.ConclusionsBoth bleeding and thrombosis are frequent in this population, but only thrombotic complications contributed to retransplantation and mortality. A standardized approach to coagulation testing and antithrombotic therapy may be useful in predicting and reducing adverse outcomes. Alternative approaches to monitoring hemostasis need to be prospectively investigated in this complex patient population.
Inflammatory response and treatment tolerance of long‐term infusion of the anti‐GD2 antibody ch14.18/CHO in combination with interleukin‐2 in patients with high‐risk neuroblastoma
Authors: Ceylan Kiraz , Jahns Luciana J. , Lode Bjoern N. , Ehlert Karoline , Kietz Silke , Troschke‐Meurer Sascha , Siebert Nikolai , Lode Holger N. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe monoclonal anti‐GD2 antibody ch14.18/CHO in combination with IL‐2 is active and effective in high‐risk neuroblastoma (NB) patients. Here, we investigated the inflammatory response and treatment tolerance of long‐term infusion (LTI) of ch14.18/CHO (10 × 10 mg/m2; 24 hr) in combination with subcutaneous (s.c.) IL‐2 in a single center program.MethodsFifty‐three NB patients received up to six cycles of 100 mg/m2 ch14.18/CHO (d8–18, where d represents day(s)) as LTI combined with 6 × 106 IU/m2 s.c. IL‐2 (d1–5; 8–12) and 160 mg/m2 oral 13‐cis retinoic acid (RA) (d19–32). Side effects of ch14.18/CHO and IL‐2 treatment require hospitalization of patients on d8. Treatment tolerance was evaluated daily with clinical parameters (body temperature, vital signs, Lansky performance status, requirement of i.v. concomitant medication) to define an outpatient candidate status. sIL‐2‐R and C‐reactive protein values were determined to assess the inflammatory response.ResultsLTI of ch14.18/CHO (d8–18) in combination with s.c.IL‐2 (d8–12) showed an acceptable treatment tolerance that allowed all patients to receive part of the treatment as an outpatient (median time point of discharge: d15 for all cycles). The treatment tolerance improved from cycle to cycle and the time to become an outpatient candidate decreased from d15 to d13 in subsequent cycles. Clinical and laboratory parameters indicate a maximum inflammatory response at d11 of each cycle. Interestingly, the soluble IL‐2 receptor remained increased at baseline of the next cycle indicating immune activation over the entire treatment period of 6 months.ConclusionsLTI of ch14.18/CHO combined with s.c.IL‐2 shows an improved tolerance in subsequent cycles allowing outpatient treatment.
Optimization of Aqueous Extraction from Kalanchoe pinnata Leaves to Obtain the Highest Content of an Anti‐inflammatory Flavonoid using a Response Surface Model
Authors: dos Santos Nascimento Luana Beatriz , de Aguiar Paula Fernandes , Leal‐Costa Marcos Vinicius , Coutinho Marcela Araújo Soares , Borsodi Maria Paula Gonçalves , Rossi‐Bergmann Bartira , Tavares Eliana Schwartz , Costa Sônia Soares 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe medicinal plant Kalanchoe pinnata is a phenolic‐rich species used worldwide. The reports on its pharmacological uses have increased by 70% in the last 10 years. The leaves of this plant are the main source of an unusual quercetin‐diglycosyl flavonoid (QAR, quercetin arabinopyranosyl rhamnopyranoside), which can be easily extracted using water. QAR possess a strong in vivo anti‐inflammatory activity.ObjectiveTo optimize the aqueous extraction of QAR from K. pinnata leaves using a three‐level full factorial design.Material and methodsAfter a previous screening design, time (x1) and temperature (x2) were chosen as the two independent variables for optimization. Freeze‐dried leaves were extracted with water (20% w/v), at 30°C, 40°C or 50°C for 5, 18 or 30 min. QAR content (determined by HPLC‐DAD) and yield of extracts were analyzed. The optimized extracts were also evaluated for cytotoxicity.ResultsThe optimal heating times for extract yield and QAR content were similar in two‐dimensional (2D) surface responses (between 12.8 and 30 min), but their optimal extraction temperatures were ranged between 40°C and 50°C for QAR content and 30°C and 38°C for extract yield. A compromise region for both parameters was at the mean points that were 40°C for the extraction temperature and 18 min for the total time.ConclusionThe optimized process is faster and spends less energy than the previous one (water; 30 min at 55°C); therefore is greener and more attractive for industrial purposes. This is the first report of extraction optimization of this bioactive flavonoid. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulating hippocampal hyperexcitability through GABAB Receptors
Authors: Lang Min , Moradi‐Chameh Homeira , Zahid Tariq , Gane Jonathan , Wu Chiping , Valiante Taufik , Zhang Liang 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDisturbances of GABAergic inhibition are a major cause of epileptic seizures. GABA exerts its actions via ionotropic GABAA receptors and metabotropic G protein‐coupled GABAB receptors. Malfunction of GABAA inhibition has long been recognized in seizure genesis but the role of GABAB receptors in controlling seizure activity is still not well understood. Here, we examined the anticonvulsive, or inhibitory effects, of GABAB receptors in a mouse model of hippocampal kindling as well as mouse hippocampal slices through the use of GS 39783, a positive allosteric GABAB receptor modulator, and CGP 55845, a selective GABAB receptor antagonist. When administered via intraperitoneal injections in kindled mice, GS 39783 (5 mg/kg) did not attenuate hippocampal EEG discharges, but did reduce aberrant hippocampal spikes, whereas CGP 55845 (10 mg/kg) prolonged hippocampal discharges and increased spike incidences. When examined in hippocampal slices, neither GS 39783 at 5 μmol/L nor the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen at 0.1 μmol/L alone significantly altered repetitive excitatory field potentials, but GS 39783 and baclofen together reversibly abolished these field potentials. In contrast, CGP 55845 at 1 μmol/L facilitated induction and incidence of these field potentials. In addition, CGP 55845 attenuated the paired pulse depression of CA3 population spikes and increased the frequency of EPSCs in individual CA3 pyramidal neurons. Collectively, these data suggest that GABABB receptors regulate hippocampal hyperexcitability by inhibiting CA3 glutamatergic synapses. We postulate that positive allosteric modulation of GABAB receptors may be effective in reducing seizure‐related hyperexcitability.
Small intestinal permeability in older adults
Authors: Valentini Luzia , Ramminger Sara , Haas Verena , Postrach Elisa , Werich Martina , Fischer André , Koller Michael , Swidsinski Alexander , Bereswill Stefan , Lochs Herbert , Schulzke Jörg‐Dieter 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIt is not yet clear whether intestinal mucosal permeability changes with advancing age in humans. This question is of high importance for drug and nutrition approaches for older adults. Our main objective was to answer the question if small intestinal barrier integrity deteriorates with healthy aging. We conducted a cross‐sectional study including the pooled data of 215 nonsmoking healthy adults (93 female/122 male), 84 of whom were aged between 60 and 82 years. After a 12‐h fast, all participants ingested 10 g of lactulose and 5 g of mannitol. Urine was collected for 5 h afterwards and analyzed for test sugars. The permeability index (PI = lactulose/mannitol) was used to assess small intestinal permeability. Low‐grade inflammation defined by high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein ≥1 mL/L and kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate) were determined in the older age group. The PI was similar in older compared to younger adults (P = 0.887). However, the urinary recovery of lactulose and mannitol was lower in the older adults and this change was neither associated with urinary volume nor glomerular filtration rate. The PI was not significantly correlated with low‐grade inflammation or presence of noninsulin‐dependent type 2 diabetes. However, it significantly deteriorated in the copresence of both conditions compared to low‐grade inflammation alone (P = 0.043) or type 2 diabetes alone (P = 0.015). Small intestinal mucosal barrier does not deteriorate with age per se. But low‐grade inflammation coupled with minor disease challenges, such as type 2 diabetes, can compromise the small intestinal barrier.
Polyimides as cathodic materials in lithium batteries: Effect of the chemical structure of the diamine monomer
Authors: Hernández Guiomar , Salsamendi Maitane , Morozova Sofia M. , Lozinskaya Elena I. , Devaraj Shanmukaraj , Vygodskii Yakov S. , Shaplov Alexander S. , Mecerreyes David 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTPolyimides are being investigated as alternative, environmentally friendly and safe organic electrode materials for lithium and sodium batteries. However, further improvements need the proper chemical design of these polymers. In this paper, the effect of chemical structure of polyimides on their performance as cathodic materials in lithium batteries was investigated in detail. More in particular, we studied polyimides based on seven different diamine monomers in combination with best performing naphthalenic dianhydride monomer. The first set included the so‐called cardo diamines possessing additional redox‐active carbonyl group with the goal to enhance the theoretical capacity of the polymer. Second, several aromatic diamines including additional functionalities such as cyclic amides, anthrone, or quinolidinium groups were investigated. Finally, aliphatic diamines, containing oxyethylene moieties and thus capable to increase the ionic conductivity of the resulting polymer system, were explored. Among the different polyimides, the “cardo” one based on naphthalenic dianhydride and aromatic aniline phthalein with an additional carbonyl group showed the best results in terms of battery performance. Such polyimide was capable to deliver up to 130 mAhg−1 specific capacity (87% of the theoretical value) at 25 °C and at a current density of 250 mAg−1 during 100 charge/discharge cycles. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 714–723
Rejection of mismatched disturbances for systems with input delay via a predictive extended state observer
Authors: Sanz R. , Garcia P. , Fridman E. , Albertos P. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThe problem of output stabilization and disturbance rejection for input‐delayed systems is tackled in this work. First, a suitable transformation is introduced to translate mismatched disturbances into an equivalent input disturbance. Then, an extended state observer is combined with a predictive observer structure to obtain a future estimation of both the state and the disturbance. A disturbance model is assumed to be known but attenuation of unmodeled components is also considered. The stabilization is proved via Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functionals, leading to sufficient conditions in terms of linear matrix inequalities for the closed‐loop analysis and parameter tuning. The proposed strategy is illustrated through a numerical example.
Emission of Pyrene Connected to Benzothiazole Unit via Resonance and Intramolecular Charge Transfer
Authors: Singh Munendra Pal , Phukan Nithi , Baruah Jubaraj Bikash 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe compound 2‐(pyren‐1‐yl)benzo[d]thiazole has two independent fluorescent components connected directly through C−C bond; each component has fluorescence emission at comparable wavelengths. Fluorescence emission of this compound in solution is completely different from the fluorescence emission observed from solid sample. Solid sample of the compound shows emission at 555 nm with a large Stoke's shift 180 nm; this emission is attributed to resonance energy transfer between donor and acceptor components. Compound in solution shows intramolecular charge transfer emissions at 425 nm and 443 nm; such emissions in solution of the compound are quenched on addition of water; whereas these emissions are enhanced by stannic ions. The reasons for quenching of emission by water are studied by 1H NMR experiments, fluorescence emission decay study and micro‐calorimetric titrations.
Paraptosis‐Inducing Nanomedicine Overcomes Cancer Drug Resistance for a Potent Cancer Therapy
Authors: Zhou Yongcun , Huang Feiteng , Yang Ying , Wang Pingli , Zhang Zhen , Tang Yining , Shen Youqing , Wang Kai 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMost chemotherapeutic drugs and their nanomedicine formulations exert anticancer activity by inducing cancer cell apoptosis. However, cancer cells inherently have and acquire many antiapoptosis mechanisms, causing cancer drug resistance and poor prognoses in patients. Herein, a potent paraptosis‐inducing nanomedicine is reported that causes quick nonapoptotic death of cancer cells, overcoming apoptosis‐based resistance and effectively inhibiting drug‐resistant tumor growth. The nanomedicine is composed of micelles made from an amphiphilic 8‐hydroxyquinoline (HQ)‐conjugate block copolymer with polyethylene glycol. Cu2+ can catalyze the hydrolysis of the HQ conjugation linker and liberate HQ, and these molecules can form the complex Cu(HQ)2, a strong proteasome inhibitor effective at inducing cell paraptosis. In vivo, the Cu2+‐responsive HQ‐releasing micelles respond to elevated tumor Cu2+ levels or externally administered Cu2+ and effectively inhibit the growth of human breast adenocarcinoma doxorubicin‐resistant (MCF‐7/ADR) tumors. Compared with other nanomedicines that overcome drug resistance via delivering several agents or even siRNA, this paraptosis‐inducing nanomedicine provides a simple but potent approach to overcoming cancer drug resistance.
Impact of Hepatitis B Carrier Status on the Outcomes of Surgical Treatment of Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Au Kin Pan , Chok Kenneth Siu Ho , Chan Albert Chi Yan , Dai Wing Chiu , Cheung Tan To , Lo Chung Mau 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundChronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is associated with a lower incidence of colorectal liver metastases. We explored the impact of HBV carrier status on outcomes of surgical treatment of colorectal liver metastases.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted for consecutive patients undergoing liver resection for colorectal liver metastases from 2000 to 2016. HBV carriers were matched with controls by propensity scoring.Results304 patients with known HBV carrier status who underwent resection of colorectal liver metastases were studied. From the 21 (6.9%) hepatitis B carriers, a more prolonged prothrombin time (12.1 vs. 11.3 s, OR 1.42, p = 0.027) was observed, and fewer major resections were performed (19.0 vs. 47.3%, OR 0.262, p = 0.018). After 1:5 propensity score matching, they were compared with 105 controls with similar liver function, tumour status and receiving similar treatments. Patients with chronic hepatitis B enjoyed better median disease‐free survival (15.8 vs. 9.20 month, p = 0.032). Overall survivals (50.0 vs. 43.6 month, p = 0.15) were similar. Operating time (227 vs. 240 min, OR 1.00, p = 0.33), blood loss (0.50 vs. 0.37 L, OR 1.15, p = 0.62), hospital stay (6 vs. 6 day, OR 1.02, p = 0.48), operative morbidity (9.5 vs. 16.2%, OR 0.545, p = 0.44) and mortality (0 vs. 1.0%, OR 1.62, p = 0.77) were comparable. The use of antiviral agents did not affect survival of HBV carriers.ConclusionsChronic HBV infection confers oncological benefit to surgical treatment of colorectal liver metastases. Given satisfactory liver reserve, HBV carrier status did not affect operative morbidity or mortality.