bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Latent viral infections in young patients with inflammatory diseases treated with biological agents: Prevalence of JC virus genotype 2
Authors: Comar Manola , Delbue Serena , Lepore Loredana , Martelossi Stefano , Radillo Oriano , Ronfani Luca , D'Agaro Pierlanfranco , Ferrante Pasquale 
Published: January 2013

AbstractTreatment with biological drugs is associated with increased susceptibility to viral infections. Reactivation of JC virus (JCV) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in adults after therapy has been documented. The long‐term effects of biological and conventional therapy on human herpesviruses and polyomaviruses infections in young patients were assessed. One hundred eighty‐six samples [urine, serum, and blood cells (PBMCs)] from 62 patients (15.8 ± 6.2 years old) with Crohn's disease, ulcerative rectocolitis or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis treated with immunotherapy or conventional therapy for over 12 months were tested by real time PCR. One hundred twenty‐four samples (urine and blood) from 62 matched healthy volunteers (13.8 ± 8.6 years old) were included as controls. Sequencing of the JCV viral protein 1 (VP1) and transcriptional control region (TCR) was performed. Herpes simplex virus 1/2 and varicella zoster virus genomes were not detected in any patients, whereas Epstein–Barr virus, HCMV, and human herpesvirus‐6 genomes were detected in 4.8%, 3.2%, and 1.6% of the patients, respectively. JCV was detected in 22.6% (14/62) of urine samples from patients and in 8% (5/62) from controls, in 50% (7/14) of sera from patients shedding JCV, and in 71.4% (5/7) of matched PBMCs. There was a significant association between infliximab treatment and excretion of JCV genotype 2. Subclinical infection/reactivation of JCV genotype 2 in young patients during infliximab therapy was demonstrated. Conversely, increased susceptibility to herpesviruses infection was not shown. Future studies are warranted to investigate the effects of JCV reactivation on the health of young patients treated with infliximab. J. Med. Virol. 85:716–722, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recent progress in tissue optical clearing
Authors: Zhu Dan , Larin Kirill V. , Luo Qingming , Tuchin Valery V. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractTissue optical clearing technique provides a prospective solution for the application of advanced optical methods in life sciences. This paper gives a review of recent developments in tissue optical clearing techniques. The physical, molecular and physiological mechanisms of tissue optical clearing are overviewed and discussed. Various methods for enhancing penetration of optical‐clearing agents into tissue, such as physical methods, chemical‐penetration enhancers and combination of physical and chemical methods are introduced. Combining the tissue optical clearing technique with advanced microscopy image or labeling technique, applications for 3D microstructure of whole tissues such as brain and central nervous system with unprecedented resolution are demonstrated. Moreover, the difference in diffusion and/or clearing ability of selected agents in healthy versus pathological tissues can provide a highly sensitive indicator of the tissue health/pathology condition. Finally, recent advances in optical clearing of soft or hard tissue for in vivo imaging and phototherapy are introduced.
Quantum junction plasmons in graphene dimers
Authors: Thongrattanasiri Sukosin , Manjavacas Alejandro , Nordlander Peter , de Abajo F. Javier García 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe interaction between doped graphene nanoislands connected by narrow junctions constitutes an ideal testbed to probe quantum effects in plasmonic systems. Here, the interaction between graphene plasmons in neighboring nanoislands is predicted to be extremely sensitive to the size and shape of the junctions. The reported ab initio calculations reveal three different regimes of interaction: (1) for narrow bridges (<4 carbon‐atom rows), the conductance of the junction is too low to allow electron transport and the optical response is dominated by a characteristic bonding dipolar dimer mode that also appears in a classical description; (2) for wider junctions (4‐8 carbon rows), a strong charge polarization is induced across the junction, which gives rise to a novel junction plasmon that has no counterpart in a classical description; (3) for even wider junctions (≥8 rows), their conductance is sufficiently large to allow charge transport between the two graphene islands, resulting in a pronounced charge‐transfer plasmon, which can also be described classically. This work opens a new path for the investigation of intrinsic plasmon quantum effects.
Selective Fluorescence Quenching in Cationic Fluorene‐Thiophene Diblock Copolymers for Ratiometric Sensing of Anions
Authors: Fonseca Sofia M. , Galvão Rita P. , Burrows Hugh D. , Gutacker Andrea , Scherf Ullrich , Bazan Guillermo C. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe cationic, all‐conjugated AB diblock copolymer poly[9,9‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)fluorene]‐b‐poly[3‐(6‐trimethylammoniumhexyl) thiophene] bromide (PF2/6‐b‐P3TMAHT) shows dual fluorescence from the poly(fluorene) (PF) and poly(thiophene) (PT) blocks. A comparison of fluorescence quenching of the cationic PT block fluorescence with unquenched PF block provides a sensitive ratiometric method for anion sensing. The application to analysis of halide ions, single‐ and double‐stranded DNA is demonstrated. High selectivity is observed with halide ions, with the strongest quenching being seen with iodide. The quenching with DNA can be used for nucleic acid quantification at sub‐μM concentrations.magnified image
Controlling the Pore Sizes and Related Properties of Inverse Opal Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Zhang Yu Shrike , Regan Kevin P. , Xia Younan 
Published: January 2013

AbstractInverse opal scaffolds are finding widespread use in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Herein, the way in which the pore sizes and related physical properties of poly(D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) inverse opal scaffolds are affected by the fabrication conditions is systematically investigated. It is found that the window size of an inverse opal scaffold is mainly determined by the annealing temperature rather than the duration of time, and the surface pore size is largely determined by the concentration of the infiltration solution. Although scaffolds with larger pore or window sizes facilitate faster migration of cells, they show slightly lower compressive moduli than scaffolds with smaller pore or window sizes.
Stochastic functional differential equations with infinite delay driven by G‐Brownian motion
Authors: Ren Yong , Bi Qiang , Sakthivel R. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractIn this paper, we consider a class of stochastic functional differential equations with infinite delay at phase space BC ( − ∞ ,0]; Rd) driven by G‐Brownian motion (SFDEGs) in the framework of sublinear expectation spaces . We prove the existence and uniqueness of the solutions to SFDEGs with the coefficients satisfying the linear growth condition and the classical Lipschitz condition. In addition, we establish the exponential estimate of the solution. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The k‐ary Montgomery modular inverse over nonbinary computers
Authors: Chen Chien‐Yuan , Huang Chien‐Feng , Lin Yu‐Feng 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis paper presents a k‐ary Montgomery modular inverse algorithm over nonbinary computers by using Sedjelmaci's right shift k‐ary greatest common divisor scheme. Over traditional binary computers, Kaliski's scheme can output Montgomery modular inverse Q − 12n mod P, where P is coprime to Q and n is the bit length of P. Over k‐ary computers, our algorithm can discover the k‐ary Montgomery inverse Q − 1km mod P, where P, Q, and k are pairwise relatively prime positive integers and m = log kP. In the worst case, the computational cost of our algorithm is O(m2)k‐ary digit operations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ethambutol toxicity exacerbating the phenotype of CMT2A2
Authors: Fonkem Ekokobe , Skordilis Monica A. , Binkley Elaine M. , Raymer David S. , Epstein Avrom , Arnold W. David , Kissel John T. , Lawson Victoria H. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTIntroduction: CMT2A2 is associated with mutations in the mitofusin 2 gene, which encodes a protein involved in mitochondrial fusion. Ethambutol is an antimycobacterial agent associated with toxic optic neuropathies. Ethambutol‐induced optic neuropathy occurs in patients with mutations in a related fusion gene, OPA1, which is responsible for autosomal dominant optic atrophy. Methods: We describe a patient with CMT2A2 (MFN2 mutation: T669G, F223L) who developed accelerated weakness, vocal cord paralysis, and optic atrophy after receiving ethambutol. Results: Deterioration began within months of initiating ethambutol therapy. After discontinuation of ethambutol, neurologic deterioration stabilized with subsequent improvement in visual fields. Conclusions: CMT2A2 is part of a group of genetic disorders which share an association with the process of mitochondrial fusion. This case shows that patients with CMT2A2, and possibly other mitochondrial fusion defects, may be uniquely susceptible to ethambutol‐induced neurotoxicity. This has implications regarding the underlying pathophysiology of mitochondrial fusion defects. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Single‐fiber electromyography in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and cervical spondylosis
Authors: Liu Mingsheng , Cui Liying , Guan Yuzhou , Li Benhong , Du Hua 
Published: January 2013

IntroductionCervical spondylosis (CS) is a common disease in adults and may coexist with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It is important to detect ALS coexisting with CS (ALS‐cs) at an early stage, especially when surgical treatment of CS is planned.MethodsSingle‐fiber electromyography was performed in 26 patients with ALS, 19 with ALS‐cs, and 22 with CS.ResultsMean jitter, percentage of jitter >55 μs, and percentage of impulse blocking were not statistically different between ALS and ALS‐cs cases, but they were significantly lower in CS. Mean fiber density was not statistically different among the 3 groups. The percentage of pairs with jitter >55 μs exceeding 40% and mean jitter exceeding 55 μs had high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of ALS.ConclusionsSingle‐fiber electromyography can supply valuable information in helping to differentiate ALS from CS. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Triple a syndrome in Japan
Authors: Ikeda Masanori , Hirano Makito , Shinoda Keiich , Katsumata Noriyuki , Furutama Daisuke , Nakamura Katsuya , Ikeda Shu‐Ichi , Tanaka Toshifumi , Hanafusa Toshiaki , Kitajima Hiroyuki , Kohno Hitoshi , Nakagawa Mizuho , Nakamura Yusaku , Ueno Satoshi 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTIntroductionTriple A syndrome is an autosomal recessive disease, characterized by esophageal achalasia, alacrima, and adrenal insufficiency, as well as involvement of the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems. This disease mimics amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in some patients. The causative gene encodes ALADIN, a nuclear pore complex (NPC) component. Only 5 patients have been reported in Japan.MethodsWe conducted the first nationwide survey of triple A syndrome. Identified mutants were expressed as GFP‐fusion proteins in cultured cells.ResultsTwo new patients were identified, and 1 had a novel mutation (p.Ser182fsX19). All mutant proteins tested were mislocalized from NPC to cytoplasm.ConclusionsThe most consistent neurological manifestation of triple A syndrome in Japanese patients was progressive bulbospinal muscular atrophy with both upper and lower motor neuron involvement, which mimicked motor neuron disease, similar to that seen in patients in Western countries. The identification of the new patients suggests that more cases are undiagnosed in Japan. Muscle Nerve 48: 381–386, 2013
Heterogeneity of quadriceps muscle phenotype in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Copd); implications for stratified medicine?
Authors: Natanek Samantha A. , Gosker Harry R. , Slot Ilse G.M. , Marsh Gemma S. , Hopkinson Nicholas S. , Man William D.‐C. , Tal‐Singer Ruth , Moxham John , Kemp Paul R. , Schols Annemie M.W.J. , Polkey Michael I. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTIntroductionQuadriceps muscle dysfunction is common in COPD. Determining, and, if possible, predicting quadriceps phenotype in COPD is important for patient stratification for therapeutic trials.MethodsIn biopsies from 114 COPD patients and 30 controls, we measured fiber size and proportion and assessed the relationship with quadriceps function (strength and endurance), clinical phenotype (lung function, physical activity, fat‐free mass) and exercise performance. In a subset (n = 40) we measured muscle mid‐thigh cross‐sectional area by computed tomography.ResultsNormal ranges for fiber proportions and fiber cross‐sectional area were defined from controls; we found isolated fiber shift in 31% of patients, isolated fiber (predominantly type II) atrophy in 20%, both shift and atrophy in 25%, and normal fiber parameters in 24%. Clinical parameters related poorly to muscle biopsy appearances.ConclusionsQuadriceps morphology is heterogeneous in COPD and cannot be predicted without biopsy, underlining the need for biomarkers. Muscle Nerve 48: 488–497, 2013
Muscle architecture adaptations to knee extensor eccentric training: Rectus femoris vs. vastus lateralis
Authors: Baroni Bruno Manfredini , Geremia Jeam Marcel , Rodrigues Rodrigo , De Azevedo Franke Rodrigo , Karamanidis Kiros , Vaz Marco Aurélio 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Changes in muscle architecture induced by eccentric knee extensor training remain unclear, as well the adaptive responses of synergistic knee extensor muscles with different geometrical designs. Methods: Ultrasonography images were taken from rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) of 20 male volunteers before and after a non‐training control period of 4 weeks, and additional evaluations were performed after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of isokinetic eccentric training. Results: RF and VL had significant changes in muscle architecture within the first 4 training weeks, and the adaptive response throughout the intervention was similar. Muscle thickness increased by around 7–10%, fascicle length increased 17–19%, and pennation angle was unchanged. Conclusions: Increased muscle thickness due to eccentric training was related to increased fascicle length and not to pennation angle changes. Although RF and VL have a different fascicular geometry, they had similar morphological adaptations to eccentric training. Muscle Nerve 48: 498–506, 2013
Motor unit potential change with contraction level: A concentric macro electromyography study
Authors: Jabre Joe F. , Guan Yuzhou , Chui Kenneth K.H. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Motor unit action potential (MUAP) reference values are usually given per muscle and age group. Our aim was to evaluate the change in MUAP size at different contraction levels using the concentric macro (ConMac) EMG technique. Methods: ConMac needles were used to record the electrode cannula MUAP and measure its amplitude and area during weak, moderate, and strong muscle contractions. Results: MUAP area and amplitude gradually increased from weak to strong contraction levels in all muscles studied. MUAP amplitudes were larger in distal than in proximal muscles, likely because of a higher fiber density distally. Conclusions: MUAP normal values in the literature per muscle do not take into account the contraction level at which they were recorded and can misrepresent the interpretation of normal. Concentric macro EMG is a simple and useful complement to routine EMG studies and yields additional information on MUAP neurophysiology. Muscle Nerve 48: 551–556, 2013
Assessment of transverse ultrasonographic parameters to optimize carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis in a case–control study
Authors: Korstanje Jan‐Wiebe H. , Van Balen Richard , Scheltens‐De Boer Marjan , Blok Joleen H. , Slijper Harm P. , Stam Henk J. , Hovius Steven E.R. , Selles Ruud W. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Transverse ultrasound measurements of the median nerve (MN) for diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) suffer from inconsistent findings within and between patients and healthy subjects. The objective of this study was to improve ultrasound assessment of CTS.Methods: In a case–control study (51 patients, 25 controls) we evaluated the performance gained by: (1) correcting for ultrasound probe angulation; (2) including active parameters such as forceful gripping of the hand; and (3) including hand flexor tendon parameters.Results: Correcting ultrasound probe angulation increased the correct classification rate by 4.5%; including forceful gripping resulted in increasing it by 2.8%; and including the hand flexor tendon resulted in an increase of 1.3%.Conclusions: The best predictive model combines correcting probe angulation with forceful gripping parameters and hand flexor tendon parameters. However, the clinically most practical model might use only probe angulation correction.Muscle Nerve48: 532–538, 2013
Influence of maximum range of motion and stiffness on the viscoelastic stretch response
Authors: Sobolewski Eric J. , Ryan Eric D. , Thompson Brennan J. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTIntroductionWe examined the influence of maximum range of motion (MROM) and passive stiffness on the viscoelastic stretch response.MethodsFour 30‐s constant‐angle passive stretches of the plantar flexors at a predetermined torque were performed to determine the rate and relative change in stress relaxation (decline in torque during each 30‐s stretch) and creep (increase in ankle joint angle across all 4 stretches). Stress relaxation and creep responses were examined between participants after they were ranked into high and low groups based on MROM and passive stiffness values.ResultsStress relaxation responses were unaffected by MROM and passive stiffness; however, creep was influenced by differences in passive stiffness but not MROM.ConclusionsPassive stiffness but not MROM influences the acute viscoelastic response to passive stretching. Participants with less stiff plantar flexors experience greater increases in range of motion when they are stretched at a constant torque. Muscle Nerve 48: 571–577, 2013
Screening for HIV‐associated peripheral neuropathy in resource‐limited settings
Authors: Cettomai Deanna , Kwasa Judith K. , Birbeck Gretchen L. , Price Richard W. , Cohen Craig R. , Bukusi Elizabeth A. , Kendi Caroline , Meyer Ana‐Claire L. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTIntroductionPeripheral neuropathy is the most common neurological complication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection but is widely under‐diagnosed in resource‐limited settings. We investigated the utility of screening tools administered by nonphysician healthcare workers (HCW) and quantitative sensory testing (QST) administered by trained individuals for identification of moderate/severe neuropathy.MethodsWe enrolled 240 HIV‐infected outpatients using 2‐stage cluster randomized sampling. HCWs administered the several screening tools. Trained study staff performed QST. Tools were validated against a clinical diagnosis of neuropathy.ResultsParticipants were 65% women, mean age 36.4 years, median CD4 324 cells/μL. A total of 65% were taking antiretrovirals, and 18% had moderate/severe neuropathy. The screening tests were 76% sensitive in diagnosing moderate/severe neuropathy with negative predictive values of 84–92%. QST was less sensitive but more specific.ConclusionsScreening tests administered by HCW have excellent negative predictive values and are promising tools for scale‐up in resource‐limited settings. QST shows promise for research use. Muscle Nerve 48: 516–524, 2013
Early changes of muscle insulin‐like growth factor‐1 and myostatin gene expression in gastric cancer patients
Authors: Bonetto Andrea , Penna Fabio , Aversa Zaira , Mercantini Paolo , Baccino Francesco M. , Costelli Paola , Ziparo Vincenzo , Lucia Simone , Fanelli Filippo Rossi , Muscaritoli Maurizio 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTIntroductionCachexia increases morbidity and mortality of cancer patients. The progressive loss of muscle mass negatively affects physical function and quality of life. We previously showed reduced muscle insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) expression and enhanced myostatin signaling in tumor‐bearing animals. This study was aimed at investigating whether similar perturbations occur in gastric cancer patients.MethodsEarly perturbations of myostatin and IGF‐1 signaling (including the expression of muscle‐specific ubiquitin ligases) were investigated in 16 gastric cancer patients and in 6 controls by analyzing muscle mRNA expression with semiquantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real‐time PCR.ResultsIn gastric cancer patients, muscle mRNA levels for IGF‐1, myostatin, and atrogin‐1 were reduced irrespective of weight loss (≤5% or >5%), whereas MuRF1 expression was unchanged.ConclusionsIGF‐1 and myostatin mRNA levels are downregulated in gastric cancer patients who have minimal or no weight loss. These early alterations are particularly relevant in order to devise preventive and therapeutic strategies for cancer cachexia. Muscle Nerve 48: 387–392, 2013
Muscle coactivation: A generalized or localized motor control strategy?
Authors: Frey‐Law Laura A. , Avin Keith G. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTIntroduction: We examined generalized versus joint‐specific influences on muscle coactivation. Methods: Muscle coactivation was assessed during maximal isometric and isokinetic knee and elbow joint extension moments in 48 healthy subjects (27 men). Local (joint‐specific) and generalized (person‐specific) contributions were examined using a combination of statistical tests, including regression with generalized estimating equations (GEEs), exploratory factor analysis, and cluster analysis. Results: GEEs produced similar significant coefficients for gender and joint; contraction type and test condition (angle or velocity) were not significant. Factor analysis indicated 2 joint‐based factors, and cluster analysis indicated 2 groups of individuals, those with and without elevated coactivation at the knee and elbow. Women exhibited greater coactivation at both joints, but no consistent influences of angle or velocity were observed at either joint. Conclusion Muscle coactivation is a neuromuscular control response determined by local, joint‐specific, and generalized, individual‐specific influences. Muscle Nerve 48: 578–585, 2013
An algebraic multigrid approach to solve extended finite element method based fracture problems
Authors: Gerstenberger Axel , Tuminaro Raymond S. 
Published: January 2013

SUMMARYThis article proposes an algebraic multigrid (AMG) approach to solve linear systems arising from applications where strong discontinuities are modeled by the extended finite element method. The application of AMG methods promises optimal scalability for solving large linear systems. However, the straightforward (or ‘black‐box’) use of existing AMG techniques for extended finite element method problems is often problematic. In this paper, we highlight the reasons for this behavior and propose a relatively simple adaptation that allows one to leverage existing AMG software mostly unchanged. Numerical tests demonstrate that optimal iterative convergence rates can be attained that are comparable with AMG convergence rates associated with linear systems for standard finite element approximations without discontinuities. Published 2012. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.