bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Na+ Micro-Current Value Detection as a New Modality for Identification of Benign and Malignant Disease in Surgery
Authors: Zhang Xu-Feng , Long Zhi-Da , Liu Xue-Min , Ma Feng , Li Qiang , Lv Yi 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIncrease of intracellular positive ions (mainly Na+) indicates greater possibility of cell malignancy. The present study investigated the correlation between the Na+ micro-current value (MCV) and tissue characteristics (normal, benign or malignant). 346 tissue samples have been detected within 30 min after surgical isolation by Na+ detector. MCV in 102 malignant tumor was significantly higher than that in benign/borderline tumor or normal tissue (33.3 ± 8.9 μA vs. 24.4 ± 8.6 μA and 14.0 ± 4.0 μA, p < 0.001, respectively). MCV in malignant tumor parenchyma was significantly higher than that in the paired paracanceroustissue, normal tissue and surgical margin tissue (33.3 ± 8.9 μA vs. 18.9 ± 4.1, 14.2 ± 4.0 or 15.2 ± 3.3, p < 0.001, respectively). However, the coincidence rate between Na+ detector and pathological examination was different in tissues from different organs or systems, which was high in pancreas, bile duct system, gastrointestinal system, esophagus, breasts, lungs, nose & throat and thyroids, but poor in urinary tissue. The overall coincidence rate was 83.1% (108/130) between Na+ detector and pathological examination. The sensitivity and specificity of correct diagnosis by Na+ detector was 83.3% (70/84) and 82.6% (38/46), respectively. This new modality may have diagnostic potential in complementing frozen examination in differentiating malignant tumor from benign or normal tissue, justifying tumor metastatic scope and confirming surgical margin.
Plasiatine, an Unprecedented Indole–Phenylpropanoid Hybrid from Plantago asiatica as a Potent Activator of the Nonreceptor Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Shp2
Authors: Gao Zhong-Hua , Shi Yi-Ming , Qiang Zhe , Wang Xia , Shang Shan-Zhai , Yang Yan , Du Bao-Wen , Peng Hui-Pan , Ji Xu , Li Honglin , Wang Fei , Xiao Wei-Lie 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPlasiatine (1), isolated from the seeds of Plantago asiatica, is an unprecedented indole analogue linked to a phenylpropanoid moiety via a carbon bond that builds up a novel heteromeric construction with a C19N2 scaffold. Its structure was determined by spectroscopic data and computational evidence. Notably, experimental assay demonstrated that 1 significantly enhanced the activity of the nonreceptor protein tyrosine phosphatase Shp2 in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 value of 0.97 μM, and activated phosphorylation of ERK, a known target of Shp2. Moreover, plasiatine (1) promoted hepatocellular HepG2 cells migration. Molecular docking suggested that plasiatine (1) binds to the catalytic cleft of Shp2. These results identified plasiatine (1) as the first small molecule Shp2 activator, and it warrants further investigation as a novel pharmaceutical tool to study the function of Shp2 in tumorigenesis.
Altered microRNA expression and pre-mRNA splicing events reveal new mechanisms associated with early stage Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis infection
Authors: Liang Guanxiang , Malmuthuge Nilusha , Guan Yongjuan , Ren Yuwei , Griebel Philip J. , Guan Le Luo 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe molecular regulatory mechanisms of host responses to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) infection during the early subclinical stage are still not clear. In this study, surgically isolated ileal segments in newborn calves (n = 5) were used to establish in vivo MAP infection adjacent to an uninfected control intestinal compartment. RNA-Seq was used to profile the whole transcriptome (mRNAs) and the microRNAome (miRNAs) of ileal tissues collected at one-month post-infection. The most related function of the differentially expressed mRNAs between infected and uninfected tissues was “proliferation of endothelial cells”, indicating that MAP infection may lead to the over-proliferation of endothelial cells. In addition, 46.2% of detected mRNAs displayed alternative splicing events. The pre-mRNA of two genes related to macrophage maturation (monocyte to macrophage differentiation-associated) and lysosome function (adenosine deaminase) showed differential alternative splicing events, suggesting that specific changes in the pre-mRNA splicing sites may be a mechanism by which MAP escapes host immune responses. Moreover, 9 miRNAs were differentially expressed after MAP infection. The integrated analysis of microRNAome and transcriptome revealed that these miRNAs might regulate host responses to MAP infection, such as “proliferation of endothelial cells” (bta-miR-196 b), “bacteria recognition” (bta-miR-146 b), and “regulation of the inflammatory response” (bta-miR-146 b).
Circulating microRNAs in follicular fluid, powerful tools to explore in vitro fertilization process
Authors: Scalici E. , Traver S. , Mullet T. , Molinari N. , Ferrières A. , Brunet C. , Belloc S. , Hamamah S. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractCirculating or “extracellular” microRNAs (miRNAs) detected in biological fluids, could be used as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of several disease, such as cancer, gynecological and pregnancy disorders. However, their contributions in female infertility andin vitrofertilization (IVF) remain unknown. This study investigated the expression profiles of five circulating miRNAs (let-7b, miR-29a, miR-30a, miR-140 and miR-320a) in human follicular fluid from 91 women with normal ovarian reserve and 30 with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and their ability to predict IVF outcomes. The combination of FF miR-30a, miR-140 and let-7b expression levels discriminated between PCOS and normal ovarian reserve with a specificity of 83.8% and a sensitivity of 70% (area under the ROC curve, AUC = 0.83 [0.73–0.92]; p < 0.0001). FF samples related to low number of mature oocytes (≤2) contained significant less miR-320a levels than those related to a number of mature oocytes >2 (p = 0.04). Moreover, FF let-7b predicted the development of expanded blastocysts with 70% sensitivity and 64.3% specificity (AUC = 0.67 [0.54–0.79]; p = 0.02) and FF miR-29a potential to predict clinical pregnancy outcome reached 0.68 [0.55–0.79] with a sensitivity of 83.3% and a specificity of 53.5% (p = 0.01). Therefore, these miRNAs could provide new helpful biomarkers to facilitate personalized medical care during IVF.
Cucurbit[7]uril inclusion complexation as a supramolecular strategy for color stabilization of anthocyanin model compounds
Authors: Held Barbara , Tang Hao , Natarajan Palani , Silva Cassio Pacheco , Oliveira Silva Volnir , Bohne Cornelia , Quina Frank H. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Host—guest complexation with cucurbit[7]uril of anthocyanin model compounds in which acid—base equilibria are blocked resulted in essentially complete stabilization of their color. The color protection is a thermodynamic effect and establishes a strategy to stabilize these colored compounds at pH values of interest for practical applications.
Cost‐effective, asynchronous inter‐sensor distance estimation using trigonometry
Authors: Yoon J.‐W. , Park H. , Kim N.S. , Park T. 
Published: April 2016

Precise estimation of inter‐sensor distances is essential for reliable localisation in Internet of Things sensor networks. A cost‐effective, scalable, asynchronous solution to estimate inter‐sensor distances based solely on measurements of distances to a moving object is proposed. More specifically, the proposed solution estimates uncharted distances using trigonometry and processes these estimated distances with a distributed weighted multi‐dimensional scaling algorithm for more precise localisation of sensors. It is demonstrated that the proposed solution achieves the localisation error of 4.8–33.9 cm when the measurement errors of sensor devices are in the range of 5–40%.
Time–frequency image‐based carrier tracking method for Global Navigation Satellite System signal with ultra‐high dynamics
Authors: Xia Xuan , Zhao Jiankang , Zhu Chengguang , Xu Jinhui 
Published: April 2016

Uncertainty principle has made the inevitable trade‐off between achieving better frequency resolution and better time resolution in signal parameter estimation. High dynamics could make this problem even more challenging. In this study, the authors propose a novel tracking method for Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal carrier. Different from the single‐domain tracking methods or Strapdown Inertial Navigation System, the presented method works in the time–frequency (TF) image generated by Wigner–Ville distribution. It has the ability to restrict the TF uncertainty to a small number of pixels around instantaneous frequency (IF) curve, which almost completely avoids the effect of high dynamics in its time/frequency estimation. The clear curve of the IF in TF image makes it possible to accurately estimate the instantaneous Doppler frequency and acceleration. Moreover, this estimation can be improved by image enhancement technique and image space transforms. Its ability of GNSS signal tracking is proved by the real signal static experiments. Simulation results show that the authors’ method has the ability to track GNSS signal under at least 400 g dynamic stress in standard outdoor carrier‐to‐noise ratio.
Noise in waveguide between 18 GHz and 26.5 GHz
Authors: ALLAL D 
Published: April 2016

This report summarises the results of the Key Comparison CCEM.RF-K22.W on noise temperature, performed between October 2007 and February 2011. In this comparison, the available noise temperature of three noise sources was determined by six National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) in the frequency range from 18 GHz to 26.5 GHz.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.
The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCEM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Gravitational waves from the remnants of the first stars
Authors: Hartwig Tilman , Volonteri Marta , Bromm Volker , Klessen Ralf S. , Barausse Enrico , Magg Mattis , Stacy Athena 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Gravitational waves (GWs) provide a revolutionary tool to investigate yet unobserved astrophysical objects. Especially the first stars, which are believed to be more massive than present-day stars, might be indirectly observable via the merger of their compact remnants. We develop a self-consistent, cosmologically representative, semi-analytical model to simulate the formation of the first stars. By extrapolating binary stellar-evolution models at 10 per cent solar metallicity to metal-free stars, we track the individual systems until the coalescence of the compact remnants. We estimate the contribution of primordial stars to the merger rate density and to the detection rate of the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (aLIGO). Owing to their higher masses, the remnants of primordial stars produce strong GW signals, even if their contribution in number is relatively small. We find a probability of ≳1 per cent that the current detection GW150914 is of primordial origin. We estimate that aLIGO will detect roughly 1 primordial BH–BH merger per year for the final design sensitivity, although this rate depends sensitively on the primordial initial mass function (IMF). Turning this around, the detection of black hole mergers with a total binary mass of ∼ 300 M⊙ would enable us to constrain the primordial IMF.
MRI Phenotyping of COL9A2/Trp2 and COL9A3/Trp3 Alleles in Lumbar Disc Disease
Authors: Bagheri Mohammad H. , Honarpisheh Amir P. , Yavarian Majid , Alavi Zahra , Siegelman Jenifer , Valtchinov Vladimir I. 
Published: April 2016

Study Design.
A case-control study of the Trp2/3 alleles of COL9A2/3 genes and their correlation with occurrence of Lumbar disc disease (DDD) as phenotyped by magnetic resonance imaging.

Objective.
To establish a better understanding of relationship between presence of said alleles and occurrence of DDD in South-Western Iranian population.

Summary of Background Data.
A number of genetic predisposing factors have been identified in elevating the risk of developing DDD. Specifically, the Trp2 and Trp3 alleles of COL9A2 and COL9A3 genes have been suggested as DDD risk variants.

Methods.
A total of 108 patients (mean age = 41±11.8 yrs, range = 20–66 yrs) with 57 controls (mean age = 35±10.0 yrs, range = 20–58 yrs) participated in the study. The frequency of G/A polymorphism in COL9A2 gene on location 326 on chromosome 1 and G/A/C/ or T polymorphism in 103 location of COL9A3 gene on chromosome 20 was assessed using a PCR short-primer technique. Outcome measure was defined as presence of DDD on MRI. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to assess the likelihood of DDD given occurrence of Trp2(3).

Results.
Each allele was present in both patients and controls. The Trp2 allele was positive in 28.5% of individuals (31.5% of patients; 22.8% of controls), OR 1.55 (0.71–3.56). The Trp3 allele, the frequency was 23.6% in all patients (26.9% patients; 17.5% controls), OR 1.72 (0.73–4.33). We observed a 5.8-fold increase in the odds of DDD in males when the Trp3 allele was present, OR 5.83 (1.09–9.98), P = 0.0273.

Conclusion.
Both Trp2 and Trp3 alleles occurred more frequently compared with other studied ethnicities. The sampled Iranian population exhibited a similar Trp2 frequency to a Southern Chinese population, and Trp3 occurrence to Finnish and Greek population. We found that male patient were much more likely to develop DDD when Trp 3 was present.

Level of Evidence: N/A
Diagnosis and Treatment of C4 Radiculopathy
Authors: Ross Donald A. , Ross Miner N. 
Published: April 2016

Study Design.
Clinical case series.

Objective.
This study sought to clarify symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and treatment of C4 radiculopathy, and the role of diagnostic C4 root block in this entity.

Summary of Background Data.
Although well understood cervical dermatomal/myotomal syndromes have been described for symptoms originating from impingement on the C2, C3, C5, C6, C7, and C8 roots, less has been written about the syndrome(s) associated with the C4 root.

Methods.
The senior author reviewed surgical records and describes his personal experience with the diagnosis and treatment of C4 radiculopathy.

Results.
A total of 712 procedures for cervical radiculopathy without myelopathy were reviewed. Among that cohort, 13 procedures involved the C4 root only and five procedures involved two level procedures including the C4 root. Patients described pain as involving the axial cervical region, paraspinal muscles, trapezius muscle, and interscapular region. No patient described pain over the anterior chest wall or radiating distal to the shoulder, one described pain over the medial clavicle. All patients who were offered surgery had a positive response to a diagnostic C4 transforaminal single nerve root block. Thirteen patients underwent posterior foraminotomy (five at two levels) and five patients underwent an anterior discectomy and fusion at C3-4. Mean Oswestry Disability Index score significantly declined; preoperative score 24.3 (range 14–29), postoperative score 9.7 (range 2–18; P = 0.003) at ≥3 months. Mean Short Form-36v2 score significantly increased; preoperative score 34.2 (range 20–40.2), postoperative score 73.7 (range 40.5–88.3, P = 0.001) at ≥3 months.

Conclusion.
C4 root symptoms overlap those of the C3 and C5 roots and are very similar to facet mediated pain. Asymptomatic C4 foraminal stenosis may be a common imaging finding, it can be difficult to diagnose C4 radiculopathy clinically. Diagnostic C4 root block can make an accurate diagnosis and lead to successful surgical outcomes.

Level of Evidence: 4
Are Traditional Radiographic Methods Accurate Predictors of Pedicle Morphology?
Authors: Simpson Venita , Clair Brandon , Ordway Nathaniel R. , Albanese Stephen A. , Lavelle William F. 
Published: April 2016

Study Design.
Cadaveric in vitro computed tomography (CT) imaging study.

Objective.
To examine minimum pedicle diameter from transverse and coronal CT reconstructions of thoracolumbar spine specimens and compare their degree of disparity, if any. Pedicle angulation in coronal and transverse planes was measured and their contribution to the disparity in minimum pedicle diameter was assessed.

Summary of Background Data.
Spinal minimum pedicle diameter can be obtained from both transverse and coronal CT reconstructions; however, the degree of disparity in these measurements has not been described previously. Angulation of the pedicle in transverse and coronal planes may contribute to a disparity in minimum pedicle diameter acquired from reconstructions. This also has not been described previously. This study examined whether the disparity could be predicted by spinal level, as pedicle angulations vary in both coronal and transverse planes.

Methods.
Five thoracolumbar specimens (T1-L5, age 48–59 yrs, male) were CT scanned utilizing clinical protocols. Minimum pedicle diameters and pedicle angulations were acquired in transverse and coronal reconstructions. Disparities between minimum pedicle diameters were measured and the correlation between this disparity and spinal level was characterized.

Results.
A significant difference (P < 0.001) in minimum pedicle diameter existed between measures from coronal and transverse reconstructions. There was a significant correlation (P < 0.001) between the difference in minimal pedicle diameter and the transverse pedicle angle as well as the coronal pedicle angle.

Conclusion.
An overestimation of minimum pedicle diameter in the transverse reconstruction occurs when the coronal pedicle angulation increases, and in the coronal reconstruction when the transverse pedicle angulation increases. Therefore, pedicle angle should be determined using both coronal and transverse reconstructions and utilized to reduce the risk of overestimation of the true pedicle diameter.

Level of Evidence: NA
Longitudinal Study of the Six Degrees of Freedom Cervical Spine Range of Motion During Dynamic Flexion, Extension, and Rotation After Single-level Anterior Arthrodesis
Authors: Anderst William J. , West Tyler , Donaldson William F. , Lee Joon Y. , Kang James D. 
Published: April 2016

Study Design.
A longitudinal study using biplane radiography to measure in vivo intervertebral range of motion (ROM) during dynamic flexion/extension, and rotation.

Objective.
To longitudinally compare intervertebral maximal ROM and midrange motion in asymptomatic control subjects and single-level arthrodesis patients.

Summary of Background Data.

In vitro studies consistently report that adjacent segment maximal ROM increases superior and inferior to cervical arthrodesis. Previous in vivo results have been conflicting, indicating that maximal ROM may or may not increase superior and/or inferior to the arthrodesis. There are no previous reports of midrange motion in arthrodesis patients and similar-aged controls.

Methods.
Eight single-level (C5/C6) anterior arthrodesis patients (tested 7 ± 1 months and 28 ± 6 months postsurgery) and six asymptomatic control subjects (tested twice, 58 ± 6 months apart) performed dynamic full ROM flexion/extension and axial rotation whereas biplane radiographs were collected at 30 images per second. A previously validated tracking process determined three-dimensional vertebral position from each pair of radiographs with submillimeter accuracy. The intervertebral maximal ROM and midrange motion in flexion/extension, rotation, lateral bending, and anterior-posterior translation were compared between test dates and between groups.

Results.
Adjacent segment maximal ROM did not increase over time during flexion/extension, or rotation movements. Adjacent segment maximal rotational ROM was not significantly greater in arthrodesis patients than in corresponding motion segments of similar-aged controls. C4/C5 adjacent segment rotation during the midrange of head motion and maximal anterior-posterior translation were significantly greater in arthrodesis patients than in the corresponding motion segment in controls on the second test date.

Conclusion.
C5/C6 arthrodesis appears to significantly affect midrange, but not end-range, adjacent segment motions. The effects of arthrodesis on adjacent segment motion may be best evaluated by longitudinal studies that compare maximal and midrange adjacent segment motion to corresponding motion segments of similar-aged controls to determine if the adjacent segment motion is truly excessive.

Level of Evidence: 3
Influence of Sacral Slope on the Loading of Pedicle Screws in Postoperative L5/S1 Isthmic Spondylolisthesis Patient
Authors: Chen Liang , Feng Yu , Che Chun-Qing , Gu Yong , Wang Ling-Jun , Yang Hui-Lin 
Published: April 2016

Study Design.
A finite element analysis.

Objective.
To evaluate the influence of sacral slope (SS) on the loading of pedicle screws in postoperative isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS).

Summary of Background Data.
The spinopelvic anatomy was important for the biomechanics in spondylolisthesis. To our knowledge, no study concentrated on the postoperative biomechanics of the IS with the different SS.

Methods.
Based on the computed tomography images, a finite model of L5/S1 IS was constructed. Posterolateral fusion (PLF) and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) models were simulated with different sacral slope (35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, and 55°). Moreover, 500N preload was imposed on the L5 superior endplate and 15 Nm was given to simulate flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation of the body. The maximum stress on the instrumentation was recorded in different model with different sacral slope.

Result.
The model of the L5/S1 IS was verified to be valid. The maximum stress on the internal fixation system of each model was always at the posterior part of the sacral screw or connection point between screw and rod. Except for the SS of 35° in PLIF model, all the maximum stress occurred in flexion loading, which was 535.47 MPa for PLF and 339.49 MPa for PLIF with SS of 55°. The stress on the sacral screw of the PLF was higher than that of the PLIF model with same sacral slope, for example, 453.38 MPa for PLF, 282.64 MPa for PLIF under flexion with SS of 45°. With the increase of the SS, the maximum stress on the sacral screws increased in both the PLF and PLIF models.

Conclusion.
The maximum stress on the internal fixation system of the PLF and PLIF concentrated at the posterior part of sacral screw or the connection point between the screw and rod. With the same SS, the stress on the screw of PLF was higher than that of PLIF. PLIF may be a better choice for IS with a high SS.

Level of Evidence: N/A
A 15-year-old Girl with an Asymmetric Hemitruncal Fat Distribution: Hemihyperthrophy or Hemiatrophy?
Authors: van der Velpen Inge , Schendelaar Pamela , van Pinxteren-Nagler Evelyn , Mouës-Vink Chantal M. 
Published: April 2016

Summary:
A 15-year-old girl presented to the pediatrician with complaints of excessive fat distribution on the right side and breast asymmetry. At age 2, she had undergone a left-sided nephrectomy because of a stage III Wilms tumor using a transverse cut supraumbilical approach, followed by systemic chemotherapy and local radiotherapy. In the case of trunk asymmetry, it is questionable which side is deviant. The asymmetry may be an expression of isolated hemihyperthrophy, syndromal hemihypertrophy related to the Wilms tumor, or an expression of left-sided hemiatrophy as a late consequence of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or surgery. Late clinical manifestations of childhood cancer treatment are difficult to distinguish from other independent diseases but must be considered as explanations for new onset of symptoms in adolescents.