bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antral Follicle Diameter Variance Within Each Ovary May Be A Predictor For Poor Response In Cases With Normal Ovarian Reserve
Authors: Sanverdi Ilhan , Ozkaya Enis , Kucur Suna , Bilen Dilsat , Eken Meryem , Bilgic Bulent 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Objectives To determine the predictive value of antral follicle diameter variance within each ovary for ovarian response in cases with normal ovarian reserve tests.
Methods This is a prospective observational study. One hundred and thirty nine infertile women who underwent ART in IVF-ICSI unit of Zeynep Kamil women and children’s Health Training and research hospital between January 2017 to June 2017 were recruited. Blood samples were collected on day 2/day 3 for assessment of serum FSH and estradiol. Trans-vaginal sonography was done for antral follicle count. During antral follicle count, in order to determine antral follicle diameter variance, diameters of the largest and smallest follicles were recorded. Variance was calculated by subtracting the smallest diameter from the largest one. Following ovarian stimulation with antagonist protocol, poor response was determined in cases with total oocyte number≤3. Ovarian reserve tests and antral follicle diameter variance were utilized to predict cases with poor response in women with normal ovarian reserve.
Results Antral follicle diameter variance both in right (AUC=0.737, P<0.001) and left (AUC=0.651, P<0.05) ovaries significantly predicted poor ovarian response. Variance>3.5 mm was found to have 75% sensitivity to predict poor response. Basal serum FSH with estradiol levels and AFC failed to predict poor response (P>0.05). Other significant predictors for poor response were day 5 estradiol level and estradiol level at trigger day (P<0.05). In multivariate regression analysis, both AFC and antral follicle diameter variance in the right ovary were found to be significantly associated with clinical pregnancy, on the other hand peak estradiol concentration and antral follicle diameter variance in the right ovary were significantly associated with poor response.
Conclusion Antral follicle diameter variance may be utilized to predict poor ovarian response in cases with normal ovarian reserve.
Feasibility of a Single Contrast Bolus High-Pitch Pulmonary CT Angiography Protocol Followed by Low-Dose Retrospectively ECG-Gated Cardiac CT in Patients with Suspected Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Schäfer Julia , Haubenreisser Holger , Meyer Mathias , Grüttner Joachim , Walter Thomas , Borggrefe Martin , Schoepf Joseph , Nance John , Schönberg Stefan , Henzler Thomas 
Published: February 2018

Introduction To prospectively evaluate the feasibility of single contrast bolus high-pitch CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) subsequently followed by low-dose retrospectively ECG-gated cardiac CT (4D-cCT) in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) to accurately evaluate right ventricular (RV) function.
Materials and Methods 62 patients (33 female, age 65.1 ± 17.5 years) underwent high-pitch CTPA examination with 80cc of iodinated contrast material. 5 s after the end of the high-pitch CTPA study, a low-dose retrospectively ECG-gated cardiac CT examination was automatically started. The volume CT dose index (CTDI vol) and dose length product (DLP) were recorded in all patients and the effective dose was calculated. For the assessment of image quality, attenuation was measured as Hounsfield units (HUs) within various regions of interest (ROIs). These ROIs were used to calculate the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Subjective image quality was assessed using a five-point Likert scale. On 4D-cCT, the ejection fraction of both ventricles (RVEF, LVEF) as well as the ratio of RVEF and LVEF (RVEF/LVEF) was assessed. The statistical difference of all parameters between the PE and non-PE group was calculated.
Results The mean effective radiation dose was 4.22 ± 2.05 mSv. Attenuation measurements on CTPA showed the highest attenuation values in the main pulmonary artery (442.01 ± 187.64). On 4D-cCT attenuation values were highest in the descending aorta (560.59 ± 208.81). The CNR and SNR values on CTPA were highest within the main pulmonary artery (CNR = 12.43 ± 4.57; SNR = 15.14 ± 4.90). On 4D-cCT images, the highest SNR and CNR could be measured in the descending aorta (CNR = 10.26 ± 5.57; SNR = 10.86 ± 5.17). The mean LVEF was 60.73 %± 14.65 %, and the mean RVEF was 44.90 %± 9.54 %. The mean RVEF/LVEF was 0.79 ± 0.29. There was no significant difference between the PE and non-PE group for either of the parameters.
Conclusion The investigated combined CTPA and 4D-cCT protocol is feasible using a single contrast bolus and allows the evaluation of RV function in patients with suspected PE. Further studies have to evaluate the additional value of this protocol regarding risk stratification in patients with PE.
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Citation Format
Temporal–prefrontal cortical network for discrimination of valuable objects in long-term memory
Authors: Ghazizadeh Ali , Griggs Whitney , Leopold David A. , Hikosaka Okihide 
Published: February 2018

Significance
Animals, including humans, are surrounded by many objects, only some of which are valuable. To survive, it is critical to efficiently discriminate valuable objects, particularly those that are only occasionally or seasonally available. Here, we use fMRI to show that, in macaques, a network consisting of areas in the temporal and prefrontal cortex and their associated subcortical structures maintained value memories for a large number of objects. This memory representation lasted for many months after the objects were last seen and accordingly the monkeys were able to find valuable objects efficiently. We postulate that this temporal–prefrontal circuit is critical for drawing on learned value memory to guide goal-oriented behavior toward certain objects.
A multitude of “lishes”
Authors: Lambert James 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe present paper deals with portmanteau terms based on the wordEnglish, the bulk of which form a varied and extensive nomenclature used to describe hybrids of the English language with other languages. A citation database of over 3,500 entries was created containing 510 separate terms dating from the early 20th century to mid-2016. These figures indicate a widespread interest in the ways in which English hybridises with other languages and becomes localised in various parts of the globe. The results also show a trend of continuing increase in the coining of such terms to be expected in an increasingly globalised world. However, to date there has been no exhaustive examination of names for English-language hybrids. The present paper examines these portmanteau terms with regard to semantics, etymology, history, frequency, and pronunciation, and presents an alphabetical table of the complete set of terms in the Appendix.
Advanced Dublin English as audience and referee design in Irish radio advertising
Authors: O’Sullivan Joan 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis paper examines change in the sociolinguistic landscape of Irish English based on a diachronic corpus of radio advertisements from 1997 and 2007, with a focus on the relatively new accent variety, Advanced Dublin English (AdvD) (Hickey 2013). The quantitative and qualitative analyses are based onSussex’s (1989)“Action and Comment” framework (which differentiates the advertisement components based on discourse genre) and onBell’s (1984)audience and referee design framework. AdvD is viewed in the 1997 subcorpus as outgroup referee design where it has an “initiative” role in constructing listener identity. In the 2007 subcorpus, the increased frequency of AdvD suggests that it is evolving to an audience designed style. Stylised representations of this accent can be understood as ingroup referee design, a strategy which facilitates the evolution of this form as audience design. These findings illustrate the initiative role of the media in constructing contemporary cultural identities (Piller 2001).
Pronoun omission in high-contact varieties of English
Authors: Tamaredo Iván 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis paper considers pronoun omission in different varieties of English. It argues that omitted pronouns simplify structures if their referents are accessible in discourse, which explains the greater frequency of this grammatical feature in high-contact varieties of English, spoken in speech communities with a history of high numbers of second-language users. A corpus study of two high-contact varieties, Indian English and Singapore English, and a low-contact one, British English, is conducted in order to examine the distribution of omitted and overt pronouns. As expected, pronoun omission is more frequent in the high-contact varieties than in British English. Moreover, pronouns are omitted almost exclusively when they have highly accessible referents as antecedents, which is not a conventionalized feature of the grammars of Indian or Singapore English, where overt pronouns are the default choice when referring to antecedents.
Depicting and describing meanings with iconic signs in Norwegian Sign Language
Authors: Ferrara Lindsay , Halvorsen Rolf Piene 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThere is growing momentum towards a theory of languaging that acknowledges the diverse semiotic repertoires people use with each other. This paper contributes to this goal by providing further evidence from signed language discourse. In particular, we examine iconic signs from Norwegian Sign Language, which can be interpreted as both “regular” lexical signs and token depictions. This dual potential is manipulated by signers in context. We analyze these signs asdescriptionsanddepictions, two different modes of representation. Then we compare these signs to some of the description and depiction that occurs in spoken language discourse. In this way we aim to present some of the advantages of using description and depiction in analyses of communication and interaction. By doing this, we also forge links between the languaging of speakers and the languaging of signers.
Mismatch negativity (MMN)
Authors: Gabr Takwa A. 
Published: February 2018

Background:
Cochlear implants (CIs) can be used effectively in the profoundly impaired children. However, they show great variability in their outcomes and performance in the rehabilitation program. This variability could be related to the underlying temporal processing variability in those children.

Objectives:
To assess fine auditory discrimination in children fitted with CIs.

Methods:
Mismatch negativity (MMN) was recorded in 20 children fitted with unilateral CIs. MMN was recorded in two tones paradigms using 1000 Hz, 4000 Hz and one speech paradigm using speech syllables.

Results:
Children fitted with CI have good MMN that morphologically similar to that recorded in normal hearing peers, however, with delayed latencies. There was also a good correlation between MMN response and duration of CI use.

Conclusion:
MMN can be used as good new diagnostic AEPs for the assessment of fine discrimination in CIs users. So, MMN provides for further efforts for improving CI design and speech strategy and monitor recipients’ results in rehabilitation program.
Superiority of localized surface plasmon resonance technique in characterization of ultra-thin metallic films
Authors: Sudheer  , Tiwari P. , Bhartiya S. , Mukherjee C. , Rai S. K. , Rai V. N. , Srivastava A. K. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
The comparison and correlation of morphological, optical and crystallographic properties of ultra-thin Au films obtained using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), x-ray reflectivity (XRR), UV-visible transmission, and grazing incidence x-ray diffraction (GIXRD) are presented. The Au thin films of different thickness are grown on the glass substrate using the sputtering technique. The particle size, number density and the covered area fraction of Au thin film are obtained from FESEM images. The XRR technique is used to determine the film thickness and surface roughness. The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) response of Au thin films is obtained using UV-Vis transmission spectroscopy. The LSPR peak position and its strength are correlated with film morphology and thickness. Finally, it is shown that LSPR based spectroscopy techniques can provide much better information about morphology and thickness of the Au films up to a resolution of ~1 nm.
Neonatal BCG Vaccination Influences Cytokine Responses to Toll-like Receptor Ligands and Heterologous Antigens
Authors: Freyne Bridget , Donath Susan , Germano Susan , Gardiner Kaya , Casalaz Dan , Robins-Browne Roy M , Amenyogbe Nelly , Messina Nicole L , Netea Mihai G , Flanagan Katie L , Kollmann Tobias , Curtis Nigel 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Background
BCG vaccination is associated with a reduction in all-cause infant mortality in high-mortality settings. The underlying mechanisms remain uncertain, but long-term modulation of the innate immune response (trained immunity) may be involved.

Methods
Whole-blood specimens, collected 7 days after randomization from 212 neonates enrolled in a randomized trial of neonatal BCG vaccination, were stimulated with killed pathogens and Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands to interrogate cytokine responses.

Results
BCG-vaccinated infants had increased production of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in unstimulated samples and decreased production of interleukin 1 receptor antagonist, IL-6, and IL-10 and the chemokines macrophage inflammatory protein 1α (MIP-1α), MIP-1β, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) following stimulation with peptidoglycan (TLR2) and R848 (TLR7/8). BCG-vaccinated infants also had decreased MCP-1 responses following stimulation with heterologous pathogens. Sex and maternal BCG vaccination status interacted with neonatal BCG vaccination.

Conclusions
Neonatal BCG vaccination influences cytokine responses to TLR ligands and heterologous pathogens. This effect is characterized by decreased antiinflammatory cytokine and chemokine responses in the context of higher levels of IL-6 in unstimulated samples. This supports the hypothesis that BCG vaccination modulates the innate immune system. Further research is warranted to determine whether there is an association between these findings and the beneficial nonspecific (heterologous) effects of BCG vaccine on all-cause mortality.
Spiral jet
Authors: Istomin Ya N 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
We show that a quasi-cylindrical configuration of a jet in the central region, where direct electric current flows, is confined in a radial equilibrium by a spiral wave at the periphery of a jet. A spiral wave means that in a coordinate system moving with the velocity of the matter along the axis of the jet, all quantities are proportional to exp {ik∥z + imϕ}, z is the longitudinal coordinate, and ϕ is the azimuthal angle. The luminosity of such a jet corresponds to observations. It is also shown that the jet slowly expands with distance z from its base by the power law, R(z) ∝ zk, where the exponent k varies from ≃0.5 to ≃1.
Activation of Nuclear Factor-kappa B in Endothelial Cells of Chronic Subdural Hematoma Outer Membranes
Authors: Osuka Koji , Watanabe Yasuo , Usuda Nobuteru , Aoyama Masahiro , Kawaguchi Reo , Takeuchi Mikinobu , Takayasu Masakazu 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is considered an angiogenic and inflammatory disease. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) induces the production of inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules, which play an essential role in angiogenesis and inflammation. Recently, the double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR) was shown to directly interact with NF-κB subunits to influence its transcriptional activity.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the expression of NF-κB signaling pathway components and PKR in CSDH outer membranes.

METHODS: Eight patients whose outer membranes were successfully obtained during trepanation surgery were included in this study. The IκBα, IKKβ, IKKγ, NF-κB, phosphorylated (p)-NF-κB, and PKR expression levels were examined using western blotting analysis. NF-κB expression was also examined using immunohistochemistry. We investigated whether CSDH fluid could activate NF-κB in cultured endothelial cells in Vitro.

RESULTS: The IκBα, IKKβ, IKKγ, and NF-κB levels were approximately the same. Additionally, p-NF-κB and PKR were detected at similar levels. Immunostaining showed that NF-κB was expressed in the vascular endothelium. p-NF-κB expression in endothelial cells was significantly induced immediately after treatment with CSDH fluid. Furthermore, NF-κB activation was significantly inhibited by treatment with antibodies directed against vascular endothelial growth factor.

CONCLUSION: PKR might activate NF-κB through vascular endothelial growth factor in endothelial cells, which might be associated with endothelial cell proliferation in the CSDH outer membrane. Thus, the NF-κB signaling pathway could play a critical role in CSDH growth.
Intraspinosum Middle Meningeal Artery Ligation: A Simple Technique to Control Bleeding in the Middle Fossa During the Anterior Transpetrosal Approach
Authors: Shibao Shunsuke , Borghei-Razavi Hamid , Yoshida Kazunari 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although the greater superficial petrosal nerve (GSPN) is an important landmark of the anterior transpetrosal approach (ATPA), bleeding from the interdural space around the foramen spinosum (FS), the GSPN, and the foramen ovale impedes the identification of the GSPN, during epidural dissection in the ATPA.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the technique of intraspinosum middle meningeal artery (MMA) ligation, which enables us to control bleeding from the interdural space.

METHODS: During epidural dissection, we identified the FS and partially drilled the lateral side of the FS. Next, we cut the convergence site of the neurovascular structures such as the MMA, middle meningeal vein, and the meningeal branch of the mandibular nerve with the periosteal dura within the FS and continued dural detachment epidurally to expose the petrous apex. Bleeding control around the FS and postoperative facial nerve paresis were assessed for 96 patients treated with the ATPA. Additionally, histological study was performed around the FS using Masson's trichrome stain.

RESULTS: In all cases, in which this technique was used, bleeding from the interdural space was well controlled and no persistent facial nerve paresis was identified. In the histological study, we confirmed that the MMA, the middle meningeal vein, and the meningeal branch of the mandibular nerve converged into the FS and many venous channels existed in the interdural space around the FS and the foramen ovale.

CONCLUSION: Intra-FS MMA ligation is an effective method for control of bleeding from the interdural space of the middle fossa during the ATPA.
Biomarkers and asthma management: analysis and potential applications
Authors: Richards Levi B. , Neerincx Anne H. , van Bragt Job J.M.H. , Sterk Peter J. , Bel Elisabeth H.D. , Maitland-van der Zee Anke H. 
Published: February 2018

Purpose of reviewAsthma features a high degree of heterogeneity in both pathophysiology and therapeutic response, resulting in many asthma patients being treated inadequately. Biomarkers indicative of underlying pathological processes could be used to identify disease subtypes, determine prognosis and to predict or monitor treatment response. However, the newly identified as well as more established biomarkers have different applications and limitations.Recent findingsConventional markers for type 2-high asthma, such as blood eosinophils, fraction of exhaled nitric oxide, serum IgE and periostin, feature limited sensitivity and specificity despite their significant correlations. More distinctive models have been developed by combining biomarkers and/or using omics techniques. Recently, a model with a positive predictive value of 100% for identification of type 2-high asthma based on a combination of minimally invasive biomarkers was developed.SummaryIndividualisation of asthma treatment regimens on the basis of biomarkers is necessary to improve asthma control. However, the suboptimal properties of currently available conventional biomarkers limit its clinical utility. Newly identified biomarkers and models based on combinations and/or omics analysis must be validated and standardised before they can be routinely applied in clinical practice. The development of robust biomarkers will allow development of more efficacious precision medicine-based treatment approaches for asthma.
Current management of sarcoidosis I: pulmonary, cardiac, and neurologic manifestations
Authors: West Sterling G. 
Published: February 2018

Purpose of review
Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease characterized by noncaseating granulomatous inflammation of multiple organ systems. Pulmonary, cardiac, and neurologic involvements have the worst prognosis. Current recommendations for the therapeutic management and follow-up of sarcoidosis involving these critical organs will be reviewed.

Recent findings
In those sarcoidosis patients requiring immunosuppressive therapy, corticosteroids are used first at varying doses depending on the presenting manifestation. Patients with symptomatic pulmonary, cardiac, or neurologic involvement will be maintained on corticosteroids for at least a year. Many require a second immunosuppressive agent with methotrexate used most commonly. Anti-tumor necrosis factor agents, especially infliximab, are effective and recommendations for their use have been proposed.

Summary
Evidence-based treatment guidelines do not exist for most sarcoidosis clinical manifestations. Therefore, clinical care of these patients must rely on expert opinion. Patients are best served by a multidisciplinary approach to their care. Future research to identify environmental triggers, genetic associations, biomarkers for treatment response, and where to position new steroid-sparing immunosuppressive agents is warranted.