bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Strategy for Nonmigrating Plasticized PVC Modified with Mannich base of Waste Cooking Oil Methyl Ester
Authors: Jia Puyou , Zhang Meng , Hu Lihong , Song Fei , Feng Guodong , Zhou Yonghong 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe waste cooking oil (WCO) production from the catering industry and food processing industry causes serious environmental, economic and social problems. However, WCO can be used for the preparation of fine chemicals such as internal plasticizer. With this aim, this work is focused on preparing internal plasticizer by using WCO and determining technical viability of non-migration poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) materials. The mannich base of waste cooking oil methyl ester (WCOME) was synthesized from WCO via esterification, interesterification and mannich reaction, which was used to produce self-plasticization PVC materials as an internal plasticizer. The results showed that the PVC was plasticized effectively. Self-plasticization PVC films showed no migration in n-hexane, but 15.7% of dioctyl phthalate (DOP) leached from DOP/PVC(50/50) system into n-hexane. These findings transformed the traditional plastic processing technology and obtained cleaner production of no migration plasticizer from WCO.
Application of Sustainable Natural Resources in Agriculture: Acaricidal and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Naphthoquinones and Their Analogs against Psoroptes cuniculi
Authors: Shang Xiao-Fei , Liu Ying-Qian , Guo Xiao , Miao Xiao-Lou , Chen Cheng , Zhang Jun-Xiang , Xu Xiao-Shan , Yang Guan-Zhou , Yang Cheng-Jie , Li Jun-Cai , Zhang Xiao-Shuai 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAs important secondary plant metabolites, naphthoquinones exhibit a wide range of biological activities. However, their potential as sustainable alternatives to synthetic acaricides has not been studied. This study for the first time investigates the acaricidal activity of naphthoquinones against Psoroptes cuniculi in vitro. Furthermore, the in vivo activity, the skin irritation effects, the cytotoxicity and the inhibitory activities against mite acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) of the two compounds that displayed the best insecticidal activity in vitro were evaluated. Among fourteen naphthoquinones and their analogs, juglone and plumbagin were observed to possess the strongest acaricidal activities against P. cuniculi with LC50 values of 20.53 ppm and 17.96 ppm, respectively, at 24 h. After three treatments, these two chemicals completely cured naturally infested rabbits in vivo within 15 days, and no skin irritation was found in any of the treated rabbits. Compared to plumbagin, juglone presented no or weak cytotoxicity against HL-7702 cells. Moreover, these two chemicals significantly inhibited AChE and GST activity. These results indicate that juglone has promising toxicity against P. cuniculi, is safe for both humans and animals at certain doses, and could be used as a potential alternative bio-acaricide for controlling the development of psoroptic mange in agricultural applications.
Inwardly Rectifying Potassium (Kir) Channels Represent a Critical Ion Conductance Pathway in the Nervous Systems of Insects
Authors: Chen Rui , Swale Daniel R. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA complete understanding of the physiological pathways critical for proper function of the insect nervous system is still lacking. The recent development of potent and selective small-molecule modulators of insect inward rectifier potassium (Kir) channels has enabled the interrogation of the physiological role and toxicological potential of Kir channels within various insect tissue systems. Therefore, we aimed to highlight the physiological and functional role of neural Kir channels the central nervous system, muscular system, and neuromuscular system through pharmacological and genetic manipulations. Our data provide significant evidence that Drosophila neural systems rely on the inward conductance of K+ ions for proper function since pharmacological inhibition and genetic ablation of neural Kir channels yielded dramatic alterations of the CNS spike discharge frequency and broadening and reduced amplitude of the evoked EPSP at the neuromuscular junction. Based on these data, we conclude that neural Kir channels in insects (1) are critical for proper function of the insect nervous system, (2) represents an unexplored physiological pathway that is likely to shape the understanding of neuronal signaling, maintenance of membrane potentials, and maintenance of the ionic balance of insects, and (3) are capable of inducing acute toxicity to insects through neurological poisoning.
Assessment of the characteristics and biocompatibility of gelatin sponge scaffolds prepared by various crosslinking methods
Authors: Yang Gang , Xiao Zhenghua , Long Haiyan , Ma Kunlong , Zhang Junpeng , Ren Xiaomei , Zhang Jiang 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis comparative study aims to identify a biocompatible and effective crosslinker for preparing gelatin sponges. Glutaraldehyde (GTA), genipin (GP), 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC), and microbial transglutaminase (mTG) were used as crosslinking agents. The physical properties of the prepared samples were characterized, and material degradation was studied in vitro with various proteases and in vivo through subcutaneous implantation of the sponges in rats. Adipose-derived stromal stem cells (ADSCs) were cultured and inoculated onto the scaffolds to compare the cellular biocompatibility of the sponges. Cellular seeding efficiency and digestion time of the sponges were also evaluated. Cellular viability and proliferation in scaffolds were analyzed by fluorescence staining and MTT assay. All the samples exhibited high porosity, good swelling ratio, and hydrolysis properties; however, material strength, hydrolysis, and enzymolytic properties varied among the samples. GTA–sponge and GP–sponge possessed high compressive moduli, and EDC–sponge exhibited fast degradation performance. GTA and GP sponge implants exerted strong in vivo rejections, and the former showed poor cell growth. mTG–sponge exhibited the optimal comprehensive performance, with good porosity, compressive modulus, anti-degradation ability, and good biocompatibility. Hence, mTG–sponge can be used as a scaffold material for tissue engineering applications.
Investigation of bias polarity dependence of set operation in GeCu2Te3 phase change memory
Authors: An J.S. , Kim K.J. , Choi C.M. , Shindo S. , Sutou Y. , Song Y.H. 
Published: January 2018

We measured the impact of the thermoelectric effect, especially the Peltier effect, upon the operation of phase change memory (PCM) in which the contact resistance between the phase change material and the electrode dominates the total resistance. A PCM device having a pillar structure of diameter 500 nm was fabricated using GeCu2Te3 (GCT) material. During read operation, the set state (with crystalline PCM) showed ohmic contact between the PCM and the electrode, whereas the reset state (with amorphous PCM) showed Schottky contact. The Schottky contact between the amorphous GCT and the electrode showed a bias polarity dependence of set operation owing to the Peltier effect, which is one of the thermoelectric effects. As PCM devices scale down to the nanometre scale, research on contact resistance and various related effects will become more important.
Volumetric Analysis of Endoscopic and Maxillary Swing Surgical Approaches for Nasopharyngectomy
Authors: Muhanna Nidal , Chan Harley , Qiu Jimmy , Daly Michael , Khan Tahsin , Doglietto Francesco , Kucharczyk Walter , Goldstein David , Irish Jonathan , de Almeida John 
Published: January 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for nasopharyngectomy is an alternative to the maxillary swing approach (MSA) for selected recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC). We compare the access between these approaches.
Methods Three cadaver specimens were used to compare access volumes of the EEA and MSA. Exposure volumes were calculated using image guidance registration to cone beam computed tomography and tracking of accessible tissue with volumetric quantification. The area of exposure to the carotid artery was measured.
Results The MSA provided higher volumes for access volume compared with the EEA (66.6 vs 39.1 cm3, p = 0.009). The working area was larger in the MSA (80.2 vs 56.9 cm2, p = 0.06). The exposure to the carotid artery was higher in the MSA (1.88 vs 1.62 cm2, p = 0.04). The MSA provided larger volume of exposure for tumors of the parapharyngeal space with exposure below the palate.
Conclusions This study suggests that the MSA for nasopharyngectomy provides a larger volume of exposure. However, much of the increased exposure relates to exposure of the parapharyngeal space below the palate. The EEA provides adequate access to superior anatomical structures.
Three-Dimensional Volumetric Segmentation of Pituitary Tumors: Assessment of Inter-rater Agreement and Comparison with Conventional Geometric Equations
Authors: Kouti Angelica , Ziegelitz Doerthe , Hallén Tobias , Skoglund Thomas , Farahmand Dan , Lindberg Karl 
Published: January 2018

Background The assessment of pituitary tumor (PT) volume is important in the treatment and follow-up of patients with PT. Previously, PT volume estimation has been performed by conventional geometric equations (CGE) such as abc/2 (simplified ellipsoid volume equation) and 4πr3/3 (sphere), both presuming a symmetric tumor shape, which occurs uncommonly in patients with PT. In contrast, three-dimensional (3D) voxel-based software segmentation takes the irregular and asymmetric shapes that PTs often possess into account and might be a more accurate method for PT volume segmentation.The purpose of this study is twofold. (1) To compare 3D segmentation with CGE for PT volume estimation. (2) To assess inter-rater reliability in 3D segmentation of PTs.
Methods Nineteen high-resolution (1mm slice thickness) T1-weighted MRI examinations of patients with PT were independently analyzed and manually segmented, using the software ITK-SNAP, by two certified neuroradiologists. Concurrently, the volumes of the PTs were estimated with abc/2 and 4πr3/3 by a clinician, and the results were compared with the corresponding segmented volumes.
Results There was a significant decrease in PT volume attained from the segmentations compared with the calculations made with abc/2 (p < 0.001, mean volume 18% higher than segmentation) and 4πr3/3 (p < 0.001, mean volume 28% higher than segmentation). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the two sets of segmented PTs was 0.99.
Conclusion CGE (abc/2 and 4πr3/3) significantly overestimates PT volume compared with 3D volumetric segmentation. The inter-rater agreement on manual 3D volumetric software segmentation is excellent.
Tuberculum Meningioma: Orbitopterional Approach
Authors: Yang Alexander , Aref Mohammed , Youssef A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis is a case of an extensive tuberculum sella meningioma involving the circle of Willis down to the basilar artery that presented with bilateral visual loss worse on the right than left side. A one-piece right orbitopterional approach along the worse eye was used to gain access to the three cranial fossae. The orbitotomy facilitates access to the midline structures and contralateral base of the tumor with minimal brain retraction. Tumor resection is initiated by first identifying the tumor capsule, followed by piecemeal debulking via ultrasonic aspiration. Early decompression of the ipsilateral optic nerve was performed. Gross total resection of the tumor was achieved through multiple windows as follows: prechiasmatic, opticocarotid, and carotid oculomotor. Sharp dissection is performed around critical neurovascular structures to reduce strain and vascular injury. The circle of Willis including the small perforators was completely preserved. Postoperative examination at follow-up demonstrated improvement in vision less on the right side and resolution of postoperative partial third nerve palsy.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/XfEh8CjkvA0.
The Posterior Transpetrosal Approach in a Case of Large Retrochiasmatic Craniopharyngioma: Operative Video and Technical Nuances
Authors: Labidi Moujahed , Watanabe Kentaro , Loit Marie-Pier , Hanakita Shunya , Froelich Sébastien 
Published: January 2018

Objectives To discuss the use of the posterior petrosal approach for the resection of a retrochiasmatic craniopharyngioma.
Design Operative video.
Results In this case video, the authors discuss the surgical management of a large craniopharyngioma, presenting with mass effect on the third ventricle and optic apparatus. A first surgical stage, through an endoscopic endonasal transtubercular approach, allowed satisfactory decompression of the optic chiasma and nerves in preparation for adjuvant therapy. However, accelerated growth of the tumor, with renewed visual deficits and mass effect on the hypothalamus and third ventricle, warranted a supplementary resection. A posterior transpetrosal1
2 (also called “retrolabyrinthine transtentorial”) was performed to obtain a better exposure of the tumor and the surrounding anatomy (floor and walls of the third ventricle, perforating vessels, optic nerves, etc.)3. Nuances of technique and surgical pearls related to the posterior transpetrosal are discussed and illustrated in this operative video, including the posterior mobilization of the transverse–sigmoid sinuses junction, preservation of the venous anatomy during the tentorial incision, identification and preservation of the floor of the third ventricle during tumor resection, and a careful multilayer closure.
Conclusion Retrochiasmatic craniopharyngiomas are difficult to reach tumors that often require skull base approaches, either endoscopic endonasal or transcranial. The posterior transpetrosal approach is an important part of the surgical armamentarium to safely resect these complex tumors.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/2MyGLJ_v1kI.
False Low-Risk Single Nucleotide Polymorphism–Based Noninvasive Prenatal Screening in Pentasomy 49,XXXXY
Authors: Putra Manesha , Hicks Melissa , Abramowicz Jacques 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Introduction Pentasomy 49,XXXXY is a sex chromosome anomaly difficult to be diagnosed prenatally. We describe a patient of pentasomy 49,XXXXY with false low-risk results using a noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS). A 30-year-old G1P0 woman presented at 336/7 weeks, secondary to sonographic fetal anomalies. She had low-risk NIPS at 136/7 weeks. Anatomy survey showed bilateral clubfeet, clinodactyly of the left fifth digit, micropenis, and echogenic bowel. Cytogenetics analysis revealed pentasomy 49,XXXXY syndrome. We report third-trimester sonographic features of a fetus with pentasomy 49,XXXXY and the importance of thorough pre- and posttest counseling for NIPS.
Extended Endoscopic Endonasal Approach for Craniopharyngioma Removal
Authors: Messerer Mahmoud , Maduri Rodolfo , Daniel Roy 
Published: January 2018

Objective Endoscopic transsphenoidal extended endoscopic approach (EEA) represents a valid alternative to microsurgery for craniopharyngiomas removal, especially for retrochiasmatic lesions without large parasellar extension. The present video illustrates the salient surgical steps of the EEA for craniopahryngioma removal.
Patient A 52-year-old man presented with a bitemporal hemianopia and a bilateral decreased visual acuity. MRI showed a Kassam type III cystic craniopharyngioma with a solid component (Fig. 1, panels A and B).
Surgical Procedure The head is rotated 10 degrees toward the surgeons. The nasal step is started through the left nostril with a middle turbinectomy. A nasoseptal flap is harvested and positioned in the left choana. The binostril approach allows a large sphenoidotomy to expose the key anatomic landmarks. The craniotomy boundaries are the planum sphenoidale superiorly, the median opticocarotid recesses, the internal carotid artery laterally and the clival recess inferiorly. After dural opening and superior intercavernous sinus coagulation, the tumor is entirely removed (Fig. 2, panels A and B). Skull base reconstruction is ensured by fascia lata grafting and nasoseptal flap positioning.
Results Postoperative MRI showed the complete tumor resection (Fig. 1, panels C and D). At 3 months postoperatively, the bitemporal hemianopia regressed and the visual acuity improved. A novel left homonymous hemianopia developed secondary to optic tract manipulation.
Conclusions The extended EEA is a valid surgical approach for craniopharyngioma resection. A comprehensive knowledge of the sellar and parasellar anatomy is mandatory for safe tumor removal with decreased morbidity and satisfactory oncologic results.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/NrCPPnVK2qA.
Eyelid Reconstruction: Pediculated versus Non-Pediculated
Authors: Frimmel Sonja , Kniestedt Christoph , Chaloupka Karla 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Background To compare the functional and cosmetic outcome of pediculated versus free anterior and posterior lamella reconstruction after large eyelid defects due to malignancy excision.
Patients and Methods A retrospective study over 2 years with 12 patients matching the criterion of pediculated versus non-pediculated transplants out of a cohort of 124 tumor excisions. The mean age was 76 ± 8 years of the 7 male and 5 female patients. In the majority of cases, more than half of the eyelid was excised. The posterior lamella was always reconstructed with tarsal tissue, and the anterior lamella mostly with an upper eyelid skin graft. The postoperative follow-up time was between 2 months and 1 year.
Results Nodular basal cell carcinoma was the prevailing histology (6 patients). The reconstruction techniques included a Hughes procedure (four patients) or a free tarsal graft with a pediculated skin flap (four patients), respectively. In the remaining four patients, a combination of pediculated/free anterior AND posterior lamellae was performed. Four patients had a one-stage and eight patients a 2nd stage procedure with a mean time until tarsoconjunctival flap reopening of 16 ± 2 days.
Conclusions No difference was found in the final functional outcome in pediculted versus free grafts. The cosmetic result was better in anterior lamella reconstructions with a pediculated flap, which usually allows a one-stage procedure. The 2nd stage procedure could be performed after 2 weeks without any complications.
Reduced Growth Hormone Secretion is Associated with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Obese Children
Authors: Liang Shuang , Yu Zhen , Song Xiaobo , Wang Yu , Li Meng , Xue Jiang 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe purpose of the study was to evaluate the relationship between arginine-levodopa-induced growth hormone (GH) secretion and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in obese children. This study includes a total of 84 obese and 43 normal weight children. The obese subjects are divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of NAFLD. Clinical examination, anthropometric and laboratory examinations, and liver ultrasonography are assessed for all participants. The obese group had significantly lower peak stimulated GH (p<0.001) and lower insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) (p<0.001) compared with the control group. Children with NAFLD had significantly lower peak stimulated GH (p<0.001) and lower IGF-1 (p=0.022) compared with non-NAFLD group. Results from logistic regression model showed that only peak GH after stimulation test was inversely associated with NAFLD (p=0.015), while body mass index (BMI) was positively associated with NAFLD (p=0.03). Among 84 obese children and adolescents, peak stimulated GH was negatively associated with alanine aminotransferase (r=–0.394, p<0.001), BMI (r=–0.571, p<0.001), systolic blood pressure (r=–0.223, p=0.041), diastolic blood pressure (r=–0.272, p=0.012), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (r=–0.369, p=0.001), insulin (r=–0.382, p<0.001), and positively associated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (r=0.275, p=0.011). Our study confirms a significant inverse relationship between NAFLD and GH response to standard stimulation testing in obese children without known hypothalamic/pituitary disease.
New Tirucallane-Type Triterpenoids from Guarea guidonia
Authors: Hernandez Vanessa , De Leo Marinella , Cotugno Roberta , Braca Alessandra , De Tommasi Nunziatina , Severino Lorella 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe aerial parts of Guarea guidonia afforded three new tirucallane-type triterpenoids: 3,4-seco-tirucalla-4(28),8(9),24(25)-trien-7α,11α-dihydroxy-21,23-epoxy-3,11-olide, named guareolide (1), 3,4-seco-tirucalla-4(28),7(8),24(25)-trien-21-hydroxy-21,23-epoxy-3-oic acid, named guareoic acid A (2), and 3,4-seco-tirucalla-4(28),7(8),24(25)-trien-21,23-epoxy-3-oic acid, named guareoic acid B (3), of which 1 possessed an unusual seven-membered lactone ring. Seven known terpenes were also isolated and characterized as flindissone, 7-acetyldihydronomilin, picroquassin E, boscartol C, and cneorubins A, B, and X. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods including one-dimensional and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance analysis and high-resolution mass spectrometry. The isolates were investigated for their potential cytotoxic activity on Jurkat, HeLa, and MCF7 cancer cell lines. Flindissone and compound 2 showed an antiproliferative activity in all cell lines. Further studies revealed that flindissone, the most active compound, induced in Jurkat and HeLa cells both cytostatic and cytotoxic responses.
Heteromeric interactions regulate butyrophilin (BTN) and BTN-like molecules governing γδ T cell biology
Authors: Vantourout Pierre , Laing Adam , Woodward Martin J. , Zlatareva Iva , Apolonia Luis , Jones Andrew W. , Snijders Ambrosius P. , Malim Michael H. , Hayday Adrian C. 
Published: January 2018

Significance
Although gamma delta (γδ) T cells compose an evolutionarily conserved third lineage of diversified lymphocytes, alongside αβ T cells and B cells, they can seem overtly different across species and tissues. Thus, human blood γδ cells show butyrophilin (BTN)3A1-dependent responses to metabolites (“phosphoantigens”) not seen by rodent γδ cells, whereas some rodent, γδ-rich compartments, notably in the skin, lack obvious human counterparts. Recently, however, mouse and human intraepithelial gut γδ cells were found to be regulated by pairings of BTN-like genes. This study now shows that BTN3A1 also functions as a pairing, with its subcellular trafficking and optimal activity both regulated by BTN3A2. Hence, seemingly diverse γδ cell biologies across species and tissues are underpinned by conserved mechanisms.
Artificial intelligence exploration of unstable protocells leads to predictable properties and discovery of collective behavior
Authors: Points Laurie J. , Taylor James Ward , Grizou Jonathan , Donkers Kevin , Cronin Leroy 
Published: January 2018

Significance
Exploring and understanding the emergence of complex behaviors is difficult even in “simple” chemical systems since the dynamics can rest on a knife edge between stability and instability. Herein, we study the complex dynamics of a simple protocell system, comprising four-component oil droplets in an aqueous environment using an automated platform equipped with artificial intelligence. The system autonomously selects and performs oil-in-water droplet experiments, and then records and classifies the behavior of the droplets using image recognition. The data acquired are then used to build predictive models of the system. Physical properties such as viscosity, surface tension, and density are related to behaviors, as well as to droplet behavioral niches, such as collective swarming.