bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of the poly(A) tract in the replication and virulence of tick-borne encephalitis virus
Authors: Asghar Naveed , Lee Yi-Ping , Nilsson Emma , Lindqvist Richard , Melik Wessam , Kröger Andrea , Överby Anna K. , Johansson Magnus 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a flavivirus transmitted to humans, usually via tick bites. The virus causes tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in humans, and symptoms range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe and long-lasting sequelae, including permanent brain damage. It has been suggested that within the population of viruses transmitted to the mammalian host, quasispecies with neurotropic properties might become dominant in the host resulting in neurological symptoms. We previously demonstrated the existence of TBEV variants with variable poly(A) tracts within a single blood-fed tick. To characterize the role of the poly(A) tract in TBEV replication and virulence, we generated infectious clones of Torö-2003 with the wild-type (A)3C(A)6 sequence (Torö-6A) or with a modified (A)3C(A)38 sequence (Torö-38A). Torö-38A replicated poorly compared to Torö-6A in cell culture, but Torö-38A was more virulent than Torö-6A in a mouse model of TBE. Next-generation sequencing of TBEV genomes after passaging in cell culture and/or mouse brain revealed mutations in specific genomic regions and the presence of quasispecies that might contribute to the observed differences in virulence. These data suggest a role for quasispecies development within the poly(A) tract as a virulence determinant for TBEV in mice.
Spontaneous Isopeptide Bond Formation as a Powerful Tool for Engineering Site-Specific Antibody-Drug Conjugates
Authors: Siegmund Vanessa , Piater Birgit , Zakeri Bijan , Eichhorn Thomas , Fischer Frank , Deutsch Carl , Becker Stefan , Toleikis Lars , Hock Björn , Betz Ulrich A. K. , Kolmar Harald 
Published: December 2016

AbstractSpontaneous isopeptide bond formation, a stabilizing posttranslational modification that can be found in gram-positive bacterial cell surface proteins, has previously been used to develop a peptide-peptide ligation technology that enables the polymerization of tagged-proteins catalyzed by SpyLigase. Here we adapted this technology to establish a novel modular antibody labeling approach which is based on isopeptide bond formation between two recognition peptides, SpyTag and KTag. Our labeling strategy allows the attachment of a reporting cargo of interest to an antibody scaffold by fusing it chemically to KTag, available via semi-automated solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), while equipping the antibody with SpyTag. This strategy was successfully used to engineer site-specific antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) that exhibit cytotoxicities in the subnanomolar range. Our approach may lead to a new class of antibody conjugates based on peptide-tags that have minimal effects on protein structure and function, thus expanding the toolbox of site-specific antibody conjugation.
Improved charge carrier lifetime in planar perovskite solar cells by bromine doping
Authors: Kiermasch David , Rieder Philipp , Tvingstedt Kristofer , Baumann Andreas , Dyakonov Vladimir 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe charge carrier lifetime is an important parameter in solar cells as it defines, together with the mobility, the diffusion length of the charge carriers, thus directly determining the optimal active layer thickness of a device. Herein, we report on charge carrier lifetime values in bromine doped planar methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) solar cells determined by transient photovoltage. The corresponding charge carrier density has been derived from charge carrier extraction. We found increased lifetime values in solar cells incorporating bromine compared to pure MAPbI3 by a factor of ~2.75 at an illumination intensity corresponding to 1 sun. In the bromine containing solar cells we additionally observe an anomalously high value of extracted charge, which we deduce to originate from mobile ions.
Highly energetic phenomena in water electrolysis
Authors: Postnikov A. V. , Uvarov I. V. , Lokhanin M. V. , Svetovoy V. B. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractWater electrolysis performed in microsystems with a fast change of voltage polarity produces optically invisible nanobubbles containing H2and O2gases. In this form the gases are able to the reverse reaction of water formation. Here we report extreme phenomena observed in a millimeter-sized open system. Under a frequency of driving pulses above 100 kHz the process is accompanied by clicking sounds repeated every 50 ms or so. Fast video reveals that synchronously with the click a bubble is growing between the electrodes which reaches a size of 300 μm in 50 μs. Detailed dynamics of the system is monitored by means of a vibrometer by observing a piece of silicon floating above the electrodes. The energy of a single event is estimated as 0.3 μJ and a significant part of this energy is transformed into mechanical work moving the piece. The observations are explained by the combustion of hydrogen and oxygen mixture in the initial bubble with a diameter of about 40 μm. Unusual combustion mechanism supporting spontaneous ignition at room temperature is responsible for the process. The observed effect demonstrates a principal possibility to build a microscopic internal combustion engine.
CMOS transconductor with improved linearity using the bulk of self‐cascode transistors
Authors: Thomas‐Erviti G. , Algueta‐Miguel J.M. , De la Cruz Blas C.A. , Carrillo J.M. 
Published: December 2016

A novel transconductor based on the source degeneration technique is introduced. The proposed solution includes self‐cascode transistors as input devices, additionally employing their bulk terminal to increase the linearity. Input transconductance characteristics are improved as compared with conventional topologies without considerably increasing power consumption and die area. The circuit was designed and fabricated in a standard 0.18 μm CMOS technology to operate with a 1.8 V single supply voltage. Experimental results showed a linearity improvement of 20 dB for an input signal of 0.2 V at 100 kHz.
Cobalt carbonate hydroxide hydrate nanowires array: a three‐dimensional catalyst electrode for effective water oxidation
Authors: Wang Weiyi , Ma Min , Kong Menglai , Yao Yadong , Wei Niandong 
Published: December 2016

The development of Earth‐abundant low‐cost catalyst materials for effective water oxidation is of critical importance for electrochemical hydrogen production. The first use of hydrothermally in situ grown cobalt carbonate hydroxide hydrate nanowires array on carbon cloth as an effective catalyst electrode for water oxidation in alkaline electrolytes is described. This three‐dimensional electrode shows high catalytic activity with the need of overpotential of 323 mV to drive 10 mA cm−2, and its activity can be retained for at least 40 h.
Antimonide-based membranes synthesis integration and strain engineering
Authors: Zamiri Marziyeh , Anwar Farhana , Klein Brianna A. , Rasoulof Amin , Dawson Noel M. , Schuler-Sandy Ted , Deneke Christoph F. , Ferreira Sukarno O. , Cavallo Francesca , Krishna Sanjay 
Published: December 2016

Significance
In this work we present a versatile method to fabricate antimonide-based heterostructures in membrane form, and we demonstrate the potential of these materials to enable hybrid integration and elastic strain engineering. The relevance of our work is threefold. First, integration of Sb-based compound membranes with Si substrates will potentially solve a number of technological challenges in the fabrication of IR optoelectronic devices based on type II superlattices. Second, transfer of Sb compounds to insulating materials will enable a thorough investigation of electrical transport in the heterostructure via Hall and Van der Pauw measurements. Third, membrane technology applied to Sb-based structures will enable one to engineer strain distributions, which are not obtainable within the limitations of epitaxial growth processes.
Effects of Cycled Lighting Versus Continuous Near Darkness on Physiological Stability and Motor Activity Level in Preterm Infants
Authors: Lebel Valérie , Aita Marilyn , Johnston Celeste , Héon Marjolaine , Dupuis France 
Published: December 2016

Background:Preterm infants generally spend weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit where light intensity can fluctuate as well as be high, leading to physiological instability and increased motor activity in these infants. To date, 2 lighting control methods have been studied: cycled lighting and continuous near darkness. The most appropriate method of lighting is still unknown due to ambivalent results from the studies that have assessed these 2 interventions.Objective:To compare the effects of cycled lighting versus continuous near darkness on physiological stability and motor activity level in preterm infants born between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation.Methods:A randomized clinical trial was conducted to compare physiological stability and motor activity level in preterm infants assigned to cycled lighting or continuous near darkness. Thirty-eight participants were recruited and randomly assigned to one of the lighting conditions for 24 hours. Physiological stability was measured using the Stability of the Cardiorespiratory System in Premature Infants (SCRIP) score, the means, and the coefficient of variation of each physiological parameter measured. The level of motor activity was measured with an accelerometer.Results:There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with regard to physiological stability measured by the SCRIP score, means, and coefficient of variation as well as motor activity level. Participants in both groups were physiologically stable and their motor activity level was comparable.Implications for Practice and Research:Neither cycled lighting nor continuous near darkness negatively impacted infant's physiologic stability and motor activity level. Further research is required to identify the most appropriate lighting control method for preterm infants born between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation.
Use of large healthcare databases for rheumatology clinical research
Authors: Desai Rishi J. , Solomon Daniel H. 
Published: December 2016

Purpose of reviewLarge healthcare databases, which contain data collected during routinely delivered healthcare to patients, can serve as a valuable resource for generating actionable evidence to assist medical and healthcare policy decision-making. In this review, we summarize use of large healthcare databases in rheumatology clinical research.Recent findingsLarge healthcare data are critical to evaluate medication safety and effectiveness in patients with rheumatologic conditions. Three major sources of large healthcare data are: first, electronic medical records, second, health insurance claims, and third, patient registries. Each of these sources offers unique advantages, but also has some inherent limitations. To address some of these limitations and maximize the utility of these data sources for evidence generation, recent efforts have focused on linking different data sources. Innovations such as randomized registry trials, which aim to facilitate design of low-cost randomized controlled trials built on existing infrastructure provided by large healthcare databases, are likely to make clinical research more efficient in coming years.SummaryHarnessing the power of information contained in large healthcare databases, while paying close attention to their inherent limitations, is critical to generate a rigorous evidence-base for medical decision-making and ultimately enhancing patient care.
Dose-dependent Nerve Inflammatory Response to rhBMP-2 in a Rodent Spinal Nerve Model
Authors: Liau Zi Qiang Glen , Lam Raymond Wing Moon , Hu Tao , Wong Hee-Kit 
Published: December 2016

Study Design.
We developed a spinal nerve root wrapping rodent model to evaluate the relationship between recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) dosage and the degree of inflammation.

Objective.
To investigate the direct effects of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) dosage and the degree of inflammation in rodent spinal nerve roots.

Summary of Background Data.
rhBMP-2 is commonly used in clinical practice to augment spinal fusion. However, complications such as postoperative leg pain, and a higher rate of postoperative neurologic deficits have been reported. These may be attributable to the exposure of adjacent nerve roots to high doses of rhBMP-2.

Methods.
Eighteen rats were randomized into three groups as follows: Group 1: absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) + 10 μg rhBMP-2, Group 2: ACS + 1 μg rhBMP-2, and Group 3 ACS with 20 μL saline. The ACS containing rhBMP-2 or saline were then wrapped around the L5 nerve root and secured loosely with nonabsorbable sutures. At 1-week postoperation, the rats were sacrificed, and the L5 nerve root and dorsal root ganglion harvested for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), histology and immunohistochemical staining.

Results.
In our study, 10 μg rhBMP-2 induced a 10-fold increase in seroma compared with 1 μg group. Using RT-PCR, macrophage markers MIP3-α, and CD-68 were upregulated by 8- and 2-fold respectively in comparison with the saline group. Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) images demonstrated disruption of nerve structures in the high dose 10 μg rhBMP-2, but not at 1 μg rhBMP-2 and with saline.

Conclusion.
High doses of rhBMP-2 induced neuroinflammation in a dose dependent manner, resulting in higher seroma volume, macrophage marker gene expressions, and higher proportions of immunohistochemically stained TNF-alpha and more macrophage infiltration.

Level of Evidence: 2
Minimally Invasive Placement of Spinal Cord Stimulator Paddle Electrodes Is Associated With Improved Perioperative and Long-Term Experience Among Neuropathic Pain Patients
Authors: Shamji Mohammed F. , Paul Darcia , Mednikov Alina 
Published: December 2016

Study Design.
Prospective, observational cohort study.

Objective.
This study compared in-hospital and long-term outcomes among spinal cord stimulation (SCS) patients undergoing paddle insertion by open or minimally invasive surgery (MIS) approaches.

Summary of Background Data.
Patients with treatment-refractory extremity neuropathic pain may benefit from SCS. Conventional placement of surgical paddles for an external neurostimulation trial is through open laminectomy, but MIS techniques may offer advantages.

Methods.
Twenty SCS patients were prospectively assessed. Open patients underwent caudal thoracic laminectomy for multicolumnar electrode paddle placement. MIS patients underwent paddle placement through interlaminar flavectomy using tubular retractors. Demographic data included age, sex, underlying diagnosis, and preoperative visual analog scale (VAS) extremity scores. Intraoperative data included operative duration, blood loss, and number of device passages to achieve final position. Perioperative data included VAS back pain scores; trial data included time-to-trial and time-to-decision. Postoperative data included 1 month VAS back pain scores and 1 year follow-up device complications.

Results.
No demographic differences were observed among surgical cohorts. MIS procedures had shorter operative duration (P = 0.03), less blood loss (P < 0.001), and similar median number of device passages (2 vs 1.5, P = 0.71). MIS patients reported less perioperative surgical back pain (P < 0.05). External neurostimulation trials began sooner among MIS patients who also made sooner decision whether to implant the SCS device (2.8 ± 1.4 vs 4.3 ± 1.0 days, P = 0.013). Similar 1 month back pain scores were reported between surgical cohorts (P = 0.08).

Conclusion.
MIS techniques for SCS surgical paddle implantation is associated with less perioperative morbidity and surgical site back pain, shorter external neurostimulator trial duration, and long-term device stability benefits.

Level of Evidence: 2
Safety and Efficacy of Underdosing Non-vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants in Patients Undergoing Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Yamaji Hirosuke , Murakami Takashi , Hina Kazuyoshi , Higashiya Shunichi , Kawamura Hiroshi , Murakami Masaaki , Kamikawa Shigeshi , Komatsubara Issei , Kusachi Shozo 
Published: December 2016

Background:
Some patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) received underdoses of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in the real world. Underdosing is defined as administration of a dose lower than the manufacturer recommended dose.

Objectives:
To identify the efficacy and safety of underdosing NOACs as perioperative anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation ablation.

Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed patients who received rivaroxaban or dabigatran etexilate according to dosage: adjusted low dosage (reduced by disturbed renal function; n = 30), underdosage (n = 307), or standard dosage (n = 683). Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants and dosing decisions were at the discretion of treating cardiologists.

Results:
Patients who received underdosed NOACs were older, more often female, and had lower body weight and lower renal function than those who received standard dosages. Activated clotting time at baseline in patients who received adjusted low dosage or underdosages was slightly longer than that in patients receiving standard dosages (156 ± 23, 151 ± 224, and 147 ± 24 seconds, respectively). Meaningful differences were not observed in other coagulation parameters. Adjusted low-, under-, and standard-dosing regimens did not differ in perioperative thromboembolic complications (0/30, 0.0%; 1/307, 0.3%; and 0/683, 0%, respectively) or major (0/30, 0.0%; 2/307, 0.6%; 3/683, 0.4%) and minor (1/30, 3.3%; 13/307, 4.2%; 25/683, 3.6%) bleeding episodes. When comparisons were performed for each NOAC, similar results were observed.

Conclusions:
With consideration of patient condition, age, sex, body weight, body mass index, and renal function, underdosing NOACs was effective and safe as a perioperative anticoagulation therapy for atrial fibrillation ablation. The therapeutic range of NOACs is potentially wider than manufacturer recommendations.
Determinants of knowledge-sharing networks in primary care
Authors: Mascia Daniele , Pallotti Francesca , Dandi Roberto 
Published: December 2016

Background:
Around the world, health reforms are increasingly fostering collaboration and integration among primary care physicians with the aim of facilitating knowledge sharing and evidence-informed decision-making. Although extant research on this topic is abundant, the evidence and results regarding social and organizational factors affecting the formation of knowledge-sharing networks in this setting are inconclusive.

Purpose:
The aim of this article is to explore multiple theoretical mechanisms explaining the formation of knowledge-sharing networks among primary care physicians across relevant clinical areas.

Methodology/Approach:
The data are collected from two local health authorities in the Italian National Health Service that are responsible for delivering primary care in two Italian regions. Exponential random graph models are used to test the hypotheses.

Findings:
Our findings indicate that knowledge-sharing networks are highly correlated across clinical areas. In addition, knowledge-sharing networks are highly reciprocal and clustered. We also observe that formal models adopted to foster collaboration have remarkably different effects on the formation of knowledge networks, depending upon the diverse knowledge management approaches adopted in the surveyed local health authorities.

Practice Implications:
Primary care organizations need to develop and implement knowledge management practices in order to help physicians in identifying knowledge domain experts as well as to support connections through formal groupings and incentives.
CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF INTRAVITREAL BEVACIZUMAB VERSUS PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY WITH OR WITHOUT BEVACIZUMAB FOR MYOPIC CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION
Authors: Kang Eui Chun , Seo Jeong Gi , Kim Bo Ram , Koh Hyoung Jun 
Published: December 2016

Purpose:
To compare the long-term visual outcomes of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) with those of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for myopic choroidal neovascularization over a 7-year period.

Methods:
Eyes treated with IVB (17 eyes) or PDT (20 eyes) that were followed up for at least 7 years were included in this retrospective study. Myopic maculopathy was classified according to the international photographic classification before treatment. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the chorioretinal atrophy (CRA) size were measured before and after treatment over a 7-year period.

Results:
The mean change in BCVA at 7 years was greater in the IVB group than in the PDT group (P = 0.044). While BCVA improved from baseline throughout the 7-year period in the IVB group (P = 0.029), there was no improvement in the PDT group (P = 0.266). In subgroup analysis for 18 eyes with preoperative tessellated fundi (Category 1), there was no difference in BCVA improvement (P = 0.166) and CRA size between the 2 groups at 7 years. However, for 17 eyes with preoperative diffuse CRA (Category 2), BCVA remained unchanged in the IVB group and decreased in the PDT group (P = 0.030) at 7 years.

Conclusion:
IVB resulted in superior long-term functional and anatomical outcomes compared with PDT. In particular, PDT resulted in a greater BCVA decrease and CRA increase compared with IVB in eyes with preoperative diffuse CRA. However, the clinical outcomes were not different in eyes with preoperative tessellated fundi.
Customized Minimally Invasive Orbital Decompression Surgery Improves Lower Eyelid Retraction and Contour in Thyroid Eye Disease
Authors: Pieroni Goncalves Allan C. , Gupta Shivani , Monteiro Mario L. R. , Douglas Raymond S. 
Published: December 2016

Purpose:
To investigate the outcome of a customized approach with targeted zygomatic basin bone removal orbital decompression in lower eyelid retraction and contour of patients with thyroid eye disease.

Methods:
In a comparative case series, clinical charts and photos of a consecutive sample of 92 patients with thyroid eye disease submitted to different types orbital decompression were studied. Exophthalmos, midpupil to lower eyelid margin distances (MRD2) at 11 meridians, and globe position were measured and compared according to the types of decompression. Each eyelid was also labeled as within or outside normal limits regarding both contour pattern analysis and MRD2 compared with a control normal range. Eyelid contour and globe position from patients with orbital decompression with zygomatic basin removal were compared with those without basin removal.

Results:
A total of 105 orbits from 57 patients met the study inclusion criteria. Ninety-eight orbits had lateral orbital wall decompression and in 53% of these cases, bone in the zygomatic basin was removed. Removal of the zygomatic basin did not significantly enhance decrease in proptosis, but significantly induced vertical globe descent and improved MRD2 (p < 0.05). Preoperatively, 37% of the eyelids were in the normal MRD2 range and 18% within the normal contour range. Preoperatively, 77% had normal MRD2 and 55% normal contour range.

Conclusions:
Our study findings support the practical utility of incorporating a customized approach to orbital decompression, and suggest that an individualized approach with targeted bone removal may obviate the need for additional surgeries such as lower eyelid retraction repair.