bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic and clinical characteristics of head and neck paragangliomas in a chinese population
Authors: Zheng Xiangqian , Wei Songfeng , Yu Yang , Xia Tingting , Zhao Jing , Gao Songyuan , Li Yigong , Gao Ming 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Head and neck paragangliomas (PGLs) are rare and frequently associated with germline mutations of the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) genes, especially for familial cases. The purpose of the study was to explore genetic and clinical characteristics of head and neck PGLs in a Chinese population.Study Design:Retrospective review.Methods:One hundred thirty‐two patients who had undergone resection for head and neck PGLs between 1975 and 2010 were identified. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were reviewed. Analysis of the SDH genes was performed in 29 patients and one kindred with familial PGL to identify germline mutations in the SDHB, SDHC, and SDHD genes by direct DNA sequencing.Results:There were 69 male (52.3%) and 63 female (47.76%) patients, with a mean age of 43.6 years (range, 13–72 years). Most lesions (61.4%) were PGLs of the carotid bifurcation. Others included jugular (25.0%), vagal (9.1%), and tympanic PGLs. Twenty‐one patients (15.9%) had multiple PGLs, 25 patients (18.9%) had a malignant PGL, and 15 patients (11.4%) in four families were familial PGLs. Analysis of the SDH genes in 29 patients showed that four familial cases (including two patients) carried a heterozygotic missense mutation in SDHD. The mutation was W43X, located in SDHD‐exon 2. Four sporadic cases carried samesense germline mutations in SDHB‐exon 1, and they were all malignant PGLs.Conclusions:Multifocal occurrence, potential malignancy, and genetic aspect should be considered in patients with head and neck PGLs. The high frequency of founder mutations in SDHB suggests a higher prevalence of malignancy, and the SDHD mutation is usually associated with familial cases. Laryngoscope, 2012
Virtual reality myringotomy simulation with real‐time deformation: Development and validity testing
Authors: Ho Andrew K. , Alsaffar Hussain , Doyle Philip C. , Ladak Hanif M. , Agrawal Sumit K. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Surgical simulation is becoming an increasingly common training tool in residency programs. The first objective was to implement real‐time soft‐tissue deformation and cutting into a virtual reality myringotomy simulator. The second objective was to test the various implemented incision algorithms to determine which most accurately represents the tympanic membrane during myringotomy.Study Design:Descriptive and face‐validity testing.Methods:A deformable tympanic membrane was developed, and three soft‐tissue cutting algorithms were successfully implemented into the virtual reality myringotomy simulator. The algorithms included element removal, direction prediction, and Delaunay cutting. The simulator was stable and capable of running in real time on inexpensive hardware. A face‐validity study was then carried out using a validated questionnaire given to eight otolaryngologists and four senior otolaryngology residents. Each participant was given an adaptation period on the simulator, was blinded to the algorithm being used, and was presented the three algorithms in a randomized order.Results:A virtual reality myringotomy simulator with real‐time soft‐tissue deformation and cutting was successfully developed. The simulator was stable, ran in real time on inexpensive hardware, and incorporated haptic feedback and stereoscopic vision. The Delaunay cutting algorithm was found to be the most realistic algorithm representing the incision during myringotomy (P < .05). The Likert and visual analog scales had strong correlations, suggesting good internal reliability.Conclusions:The first virtual reality myringotomy simulator is being developed and now integrates a real‐time deformable tympanic membrane that appears to have face validity. Further development and validation studies are necessary before the simulator can be studied with respect to training efficacy and clinical impact. Laryngoscope, 2012
Fabrication of Polylactide‐Based Biodegradable Thermoset Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Sakai Reika , John Baiju , Okamoto Masami , Seppälä Jukka V. , Vaithilingam Jayasheelan , Hussein Husnah , Goodridge Ruth 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe fabrication of tissue engineering scaffolds based on the polymerization of crosslinked polylactide using leaching and batch foaming to generate well‐controlled and interconnected biodegradable polymer scaffolds is reported. The scaffold fabrication parameters are studied in relation to the interpore connectivity, pore morphology, and structural stability of the crosslinked PLA scaffold. In vitro cell culture and in vitro degradation are used to analyze the biocompatibility and biodegradability of the scaffolds. The new crosslinked PLA thermoset scaffolds are highly suitable for bone tissue engineering applications due to their complex internal architecture, thermal stability, and biocompatibility. magnified image
A trace inequality of Riesz potentials in variable exponent Orlicz spaces
Authors: Mizuta Yoshihiro , Shimomura Tetsu 
Published: May 2012

AbstractOur aim in this paper is to deal with traces on the hyperplane for Riesz potentials of order α for functions f satisfying the Orlicz type condition

where p( · ) and q( · ) are variable exponents satisfying the log‐Hölder and the log log‐Hölder conditions, respectively.
Linearized stability analysis of surface diffusion for hypersurfaces with boundary contact
Authors: Depner Daniel 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe linearized stability of stationary solutions for surface diffusion is studied. We consider hypersurfaces that lie inside a fixed domain, touch its boundary with a right angle and fulfill a no‐flux condition. We formulate the geometric evolution law as a partial differential equation with the help of a parametrization from Vogel 24, which takes care of a possible curved boundary. For the linearized stability analysis we identify as in the work of Garcke, Ito and Kohsaka 14 the problem as an H−1‐gradient flow, which will be crucial to show self‐adjointness of the linearized operator. Finally we study the linearized stability of some examples.
Desingularization of binomial varieties in arbitrary characteristic. Part I. A new resolution function and their properties
Authors: Blanco Rocío 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIn this paper we construct a resolution function that will provide an algorithm of resolution of singularities for binomial ideals, over a field of arbitrary characteristic. For us, a binomial ideal means an ideal generated by binomial equations without any restriction, including monomials andp‐th powers, wherepis the characteristic of the base field.This resolution function is based in a modified order function, calledE‐order. TheE‐order of a binomial ideal is the order of the ideal along a normal crossing divisorE. The resolution function allows us to construct an algorithm ofE‐resolution of binomial basic objects, that will be a subroutine of the main resolution algorithm.
MOXE: A model of gas exchange for hyperpolarized 129Xe magnetic resonance of the lung
Authors: Chang Yulin V. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractWe present a model of gas exchange for hyperpolarized 129Xe in the lung, which we refer to as the Model of Xenon Exchange. The model consists of two expressions and characterizes uptake of dissolved xenon in the lung at two different resonance frequencies. The two expressions are governed by the following five critical pulmonary parameters that characterize both lung function and structure: the surface‐area‐to‐volume ratio, barrier‐to‐septum ratio (ratio between air–blood barrier thickness and septal thickness), hematocrit, gas‐exchange time constant, and pulmonary capillary transit time. The model is first validated by computer simulation. We show that Model of Xenon Exchange can be used to measure the pulmonary parameters mentioned above under various pathological or physiological conditions and is robust against moderate noise. Model of Xenon Exchange is further used to fit an existing data set of xenon uptake, thereby we demonstrate that the data can be well interpreted with Model of Xenon Exchange and reasonable parameters from the fitting routine. The good results obtained in both simulation and fitting to real data indicate that the model is sensitive to various functional and structural changes of the lung, and that it will allow for screening for a variety of pulmonary diseases by using hyperpolarized 129Xe of the lung. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prospective motion correction using tracking coils
Authors: Qin Lei , Schmidt Ehud J. , Tse Zion Tsz Ho , Santos Juan , Hoge William S. , Tempany‐Afdhal Clare , Butts‐Pauly Kim , Dumoulin Charles L. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIntracavity imaging coils provide higher signal‐to‐noise than surface coils and have the potential to provide higher spatial resolution in shorter acquisition times. However, images from these coils suffer from physiologically induced motion artifacts, as both the anatomy and the coils move during image acquisition. We developed prospective motion‐correction techniques for intracavity imaging using an array of tracking coils. The system had <50 ms latency between tracking and imaging, so that the images from the intracavity coil were acquired in a frame of reference defined by the tracking array rather than by the system's gradient coils. Two‐dimensional gradient‐recalled and three‐dimensional electrocardiogram‐gated inversion‐recovery‐fast‐gradient‐echo sequences were tested with prospective motion correction using ex vivo hearts placed on a moving platform simulating both respiratory and cardiac motion. Human abdominal tests were subsequently conducted. The tracking array provided a positional accuracy of 0.7 ± 0.5 mm, 0.6 ± 0.4 mm, and 0.1 ± 0.1 mm along the X, Y, and Z directions at a rate of 20 frames‐per‐second. The ex vivo and human experiments showed significant image quality improvements for both in‐plane and through‐plane motion correction, which although not performed in intracavity imaging, demonstrates the feasibility of implementing such a motion‐correction system in a future design of combined tracking and intracavity coil. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Normokalemic periodic paralysis is not a distinct disease
Authors: Song Young‐Wha , Kim Sung‐Jo , Heo Tae‐Hwe , Kim Man‐Ho , Kim June‐Bum 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIntroduction: Recent molecular studies of the original cases of normokalemic periodic paralysis (normoKPP) have raised suspicions that these families actually had hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (hyperKPP) due to mutations in the skeletal muscle sodium channel gene SCN4A. However, there is still a debate about the existence of normoKPP. Methods: We screened 230 individuals with primary periodic paralysis for mutations in the SCN4A, CACNA1S, and KCNJ2 genes. All patients had either a hyperKPP or a hypoKPP phenotype, and none had a normoKPP phenotype. Results: In 4 hyperKPP patients from 2 families, molecular analyses revealed Arg675Gly and Arg675Gln mutations of SCN4A, which were previously reported to cause normoKPP. Each patient exhibited the characteristic clinical and laboratory features (including hyperkalemia during spontaneous attacks) of hyperKPP. Conclusion: Our findings support the notion that normoKPP is not a distinct disease. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Relating applied strain to the type and severity of structural damage in the rat median nerve using second harmonic generation microscopy
Authors: Sinclair Elaine B. , Andarawis‐Puri Nelly , Ros Stephen J. , Laudier Damien M. , Jepsen Karl J. , Hausman Michael R. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIntroduction: Stretch injuries in peripheral nerves can cause pain, paralysis, and loss of sensation. Although optimal treatment depends on the degree of injury, it is difficult to determine the severity of induced nerve damage. Methods: The load–deformation curves of rat median nerves were generated from monotonic load‐to‐failure experiments to determine low, medium, and high strain levels. Additional excised median nerves were then elongated to induce damage at low (4%), medium (10% and 12%), and high (14% and 20%) tensile strains and the resulting structural damage was evaluated using second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging and light microscopy. Results: No substantial structural changes occurred at 4% strain, but higher strain values resulted in disruption of the normal collagen architecture. Conclusions: The results demonstrate a spectrum of structural damage that can be monitored using SHG, a non‐destructive imaging modality, and that the pattern of damage may correspond to functional deficit. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Myasthenic crisis patients who require intensive care unit management
Authors: Sakaguchi Hideya , Yamashita Satoshi , Hirano Teruyuki , Nakajima Makoto , Kimura En , Maeda Yasushi , Uchino Makoto 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe purpose of this report was to investigate predictive factors that necessitate intensive care in myasthenic crisis (MC). We retrospectively reviewed MC patients at our institution and compared ICU and ward management groups. Higher MG‐ADL scale scores, non‐ocular initial symptoms, infection‐triggered findings, and higher MGFA classification were observed more frequently in the ICU group. In patients with these prognostic factors, better outcomes may be obtained with early institution of intensive care. Muscle Nerve 46: 440–442, 2012
Cell surface complement regulators moderate experimental myasthenia gravis pathology
Authors: Kusner Linda L. , Halperin Jose A. , Kaminski Henry J. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIntroduction:Intrinsic mouse complement regulators influence the severity of passively induced experimental acquired myasthenia gravis (EAMG). To assess the potential influence of CD59b in the absence of CD59a background, we used the mCD59ab−/− mouse model to re‐evaluate mCD59 in protecting the neuromuscular junction (NMJ).Methods:EAMG was induced with monoclonal antibody to the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) in Daf1−/−, CD59ab−/−, Daf1−/−CD59ab−/−, and wild‐type C57Bl/6 mice. Animals were monitored throughout the experiment. Diaphragms were analyzed for NMJ injury.Results:Daf1−/−CD59ab−/− mice required euthanasia 24 hours after disease induction because of severe weakness. Histological assessment demonstrated reduced AChR density, simplification of synaptic folds, and disrupted mitochondria. CD59ab‐deficient mice demonstrated mild weakness and reduction in weight after 24 hours. In contrast, Daf1−/− had more severe weakness at 60 hours. The NMJ of EAMG‐induced Daf1−/− and CD59ab−/− mice demonstrated similar AChR density.Conclusion:NMJs of CD59 and DAF mice are protected from complement‐mediated injury of passive EAMG. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Capturing cases of distal symmetric polyneuropathy in a community
Authors: Callaghan Brian , Kerber Kevin , Longoria Ruth , Feldman Eva , Lisabeth Lynda 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIntroduction:Little is known about what constitutes appropriate diagnostic testing in patients with distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSP).Methods:Utilizing an ICD‐9 screening method and medical record abstraction, we determined the number of new cases of DSP within community neurology practices in Nueces County, Texas. We then compared 2 case capture methods (ICD‐9 vs. all‐case review screening).Results:The ICD‐9 case capture method identified 52 cases over a 3‐month period. Comparing case capture methods, the ICD‐9 method identified 16 of 17 cases identified by the all‐case review method (94%). The ICD‐9 method required screening of 84% fewer charts compared with the all‐case review.Conclusions:Many new cases of DSP occur each month within Nueces County. The ICD‐9 screening technique combined with medical abstraction is an efficient method to identify new DSP cases in this community. These findings are critical for future epidemiological investigations into patients with DSP. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Diabetes increases mechanical sensitivity and causes morphological abnormalities in the sural nerve that are prevented by treadmill training
Authors: Severo Do Nascimento Patrícia , Lovatel Gisele Agustini , Ilha Jocemar , Schaan Beatriz D'agord , Achaval Matilde 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIntroduction:In this investigation we evaluated the effects of treadmill training on mechanical sensitivity and sural nerve morphology in diabetic rats.Methods:Rats were divided into 3 groups: control (C); diabetic (D); and trained diabetic (TD). Training was performed for 8 weeks. Mechanical sensitivity was evaluated using von Frey filaments. Sural nerve analysis included fiber area, diameter, density of myelinated fibers, area occupied by connective tissue, myelin sheath thickness, and g‐ratio.Results:Animals in the D group had a reduced mechanical sensitivity threshold. Morphometric study showed that the D group had a smaller myelinated fiber area and diameter, higher density of fibers and area occupied by connective tissue, thinner myelin sheath, and higher g‐ratio. The D group had a higher percentage of small myelinated fibers and a lower percentage of large‐diameter myelinated fibers than the C and TD groups.Conclusion:Training prevents functional and morphological abnormalities in the sural nerve caused by diabetes. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Use of hand diagrams in screening for ulnar neuropathy: Comparison with electrodiagnostic studies
Authors: Werner Robert A. , Chiodo Tony , Spiegelberg Teresa , Franzblau Alfred 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIntroduction:The objective of this study was to determine whether a hand diagram could be used to predict ulnar mononeuropathy.Methods:This was a prospective study of 117 consecutive patients referred for hand symptoms. Each subject filled out a hand diagram of symptoms and had median and ulnar sensory and motor nerve conduction studies, including ulnar conduction across the elbow.Results:The best model for predicting an ulnar mononeuropathy included hand diagram scores of definite or possible. The model had a sensitivity of 50% and specificity of 93% with an ROC area of 0.90.Conclusions:The ulnar hand diagram scoring system can be useful as a screening tool in the electrodiagnostic laboratory or for epidemiologic studies. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Discharge rates in electromyography distinguish early between peripheral and central paresis
Authors: Jürgens Tim P. , Puchner Christoph , Schulte‐Mattler Wilhelm J. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIntroduction:Abnormally increased discharge rates (DRs) of motor unit potentials on concentric needle electromyography (CNEMG) indicate a loss of motor units in peripheral neurogenic lesions.Methods:To determine when increased DRs occur during the course of a peripheral nerve lesion, we retrospectively analyzed CNEMG recordings of 19 patients with acute weakness of peripheral origin.Results:The initial CNEMG studies took place from 3.7 hours to 10 days after the onset of the lesion. Abnormally increased DRs (≥20/s) were found in all but 1 of the muscles in which MRC grade was <4. Peripheral neurogenic damage was confirmed in all patients thereafter. The DRs depended on neither the kind of lesion nor the time between onset and CNEMG examination.Conclusions:The measurement of DRs of motor unit potentials is helpful immediately after a sudden paresis of MRC grade 3 or worse to differentiate between a central and a peripheral lesion. Muscle Nerve 46: 596–598, 2012
Neurophysiological examination of dorsal sural nerve
Authors: Frigeni Barbara , Cacciavillani Mario , Ermani Mario , Briani Chiara , Alberti Paola , Ferrarese Carlo , Cavaletti Guido 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIntroduction:Nerve conduction study of the dorsal sural nerve (DSN) has been reported to be a sensitive method for early detection of peripheral neuropathies. However, normal reference values are scarce and vary greatly among the different studies.Methods:A comprehensive neurophysiological study, including nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) recording, was performed in 294 healthy subjects (21–86 years) with no evidence of neuropathy.Results:The amplitude of the DSN SNAP ranged from 2.50 to 15.90 μV, and NCV ranged from 28.9 to 52.8 m/s. A significant age‐related decrease in DSN SNAP amplitude and NCV was observed. The mean ratio of sural NCV to DSN NCV was 1.33 ± 0.19, and the mean ratio of sural nerve SNAP amplitude to DSN SNAP amplitude was 3.17 ± 1.33.Conclusion:These normative data of the DSN might be used as reference values for the study of this very distal peripheral nerve. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Synthesis of branch‐ring‐branch tadpole‐shaped [linear‐poly(ε‐caprolactone)]‐b‐[cyclic‐poly(ethylene oxide)]‐b‐ [linear‐poly(ε‐caprolactone)] by combination of glaser coupling reaction with ring‐opening polymerization
Authors: Fan Xiaoshan , Tang Tingting , Huang Kun , Wang Guowei , Huang Junlian 
Published: May 2012

AbstractA novel amphiphilic branch‐ring‐branch tadpole‐shaped [linear‐poly(ε‐caprolactone)]‐b‐[cyclic‐poly(ethylene oxide)]‐b‐[linear‐poly(ε‐caprolactone)] [(l‐PCL)‐b‐(c‐PEO)‐b‐(l‐PCL)] was synthesized by combination of glaser coupling reaction with ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) mechanism. The self‐assembling behaviors of (l‐PCL)‐b‐(c‐PEO)‐b‐(l‐PCL) and their π‐shaped analogs of poly(ε‐caprolactone)/poly(ethylene oxide)]‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐[poly(ε‐caprolactone)/poly(ethylene oxide) with comparable molecular weight in water were preliminarily investigated. The results showed that the micelles formed from the former took a fiber look, however, that formed from the latter took a spherical look. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Bioactive mesoglobules of poly(di(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether methacrylate)–peptide conjugate
Authors: Trzcinska Roza , Szweda Dawid , Rangelov Stanislav , Suder Piotr , Silberring Jerzy , Dworak Andrzej , Trzebicka Barbara 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis study describes the synthesis and aggregation behavior of thermosensitive poly(di(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether methacrylate) (P(DEGMA‐ME)) conjugated with the fluorescently labeled pentapeptide glycine‐arginine‐lysine‐phenylalanine‐glycine‐dansyl (GRKFG‐Dns). The GRKFG‐Dns was obtained using Fmoc solid‐phase peptide synthesis and was modified with 2‐bromopropionic acid to initiate an atom transfer radical polymerization of di(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether methacrylate (DEGMA‐ME). The polymerization led to a well‐defined P(DEGMA‐ME)–GRKFG‐Dns conjugate with a number average molar mass of 108,000 g/mol. The pentapeptide acted as a hydrophilic moiety that increased the phase transition temperature compared to the P(DEGMA‐ME) homopolymer of similar molar mass. The bioconjugate macromolecules aggregated in dilute aqueous solution into spherical particles (mesoglobules). The sizes of aggregates were easily controlled by changing the concentration and heating rate of the P(DEGMA‐ME)‐GRKFG‐Dns solution. The weight average molar masses and sizes of mesoglobules were determined based on light scattering measurements. Enzymatic hydrolysis of the bioconjugate in dilute solution was performed at temperatures below and above the cloud point temperature of the bioconjugate. The peptides were fully accessible to enzymatic digestion even when the macromolecules were aggregated to mesoglobules, indicating that the peptide segments in mesoglobules formed the external shell of the nanoparticles and could be easily released by enzymes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012