bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An electromechanical impedance-instrumented corrosion-measuring probe
Authors: Li Weijie , Liu Tiejun , Gao Shasha , Luo Mingzhang , Wang Jianjun , Wu Jianchao
Published: July 2019

Corrosion of metallic structures widely existed in multiple industries, such as oil and gas, civil infrastructure, aerospace, mechanical, mining, and processing. Current available corrosion-monitoring methods are based on different sensing principles, which have their own advantages, and some drawbacks that may limit their application on some aspects. This article presents an electromechanical impedance-instrumented corrosion-measuring probe for corrosion monitoring. The proposed probe is fabricated by attaching a circular lead zirconate titanate patch onto a metal rod. Compared to other electromechanical impedance-based corrosion-monitoring methods, the probe is capable of isolating the influence of structural complexity, variations in loading and boundary conditions. Five probes were fabricated in the experimental study and three of them were subjected to accelerated corrosion tests to mimic the corrosion-induced mass loss damage. Results showed that the peak magnitude of the conductance signatures was reduced with the increase in corrosion amount. The variations in the conductance signatures were quantified by three statistical quantifying metrics, that is, root-mean-square deviation, mean absolute percentage deviation, and correlation coefficient deviation. All these metrics increase with the increase in corrosion amount, which can be used as an indicator of the corrosion process. This study proves that the proposed corrosion-measuring probe is effective in monitoring corrosion and shows promising application potential. This research also serves as a proof-of-concept study to demonstrate the capability of the electromechanical impedance technique in monitoring mass loss due to corrosion.
Phenomenological ethnography can lead to the improvement of radiology diagnostics
Authors: Briedis Mindaugas
Published: July 2019

This opinion piece presents insights derived from research conducted in a radiology department in the United States. For several weeks I followed the head of department while making notes and occasionally discussing them with him. The main objective of this research visit was to study strategies of embodied cognition and the intersubjective ground for individual intentions in the process of image-based diagnosis in order to reveal the essential regularities and personalizations of diagnostic practices as performed by radiologists. I argue that my observation reveals how at least certain aspects of the diagnostic cognition focused on medical imaging are structured and may be improved.
Sufentanil Sublingual Tablet: A New Option for Acute Pain Management
Authors: Reardon Caitlin E. , Kane-Gill Sandra L. , Smithburger Pamela L. , Dasta Joseph F.
Published: July 2019

Objective: The purpose of this article is to review the safety and efficacy of sufentanil sublingual tablet (SST) and suggest its place in therapy for managing acute pain in patients requiring intravenous (IV) opioids. Data Sources: A MEDLINE/PubMed search was performed (2010 to April 2019) using the following keywords: sufentanil sublingual tablet, sufentanil, opioid, moderate to severe acute pain. Study Selection and Data Extraction Quantification: We included English language articles evaluating SST pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety in humans for the treatment of acute pain. Data Synthesis: SST is Food and Drug Administration approved and considered safe and effective for the treatment of acute pain in Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy–certified and medically supervised health care settings. Phase III clinical trials showed a statistically significant decrease in summed pain intensity score when SST was compared with placebo. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: SST can be a useful option in patients requiring a parenteral opioid who do not have IV access, or it may be unnecessary or difficult to obtain. Because of its quick onset and sustained analgesia, SST may also be useful for procedural pain in the critically ill, to expedite discharges for outpatient procedures, in emergency departments (EDs), and in the battlefield. Conclusions: SST can satisfy an unmet need in patients with acute pain, who require parenteral opioids, and either have no IV access or require prolonged time to achieve IV access such as patients in outpatient surgical centers, EDs, and the battlefield. During periods of parenteral opioid shortage, SST may provide another option for adequate analgesia.
Role of Platelet Activation and Oxidative Stress in the Evolution of Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Fuentes Eduardo , Moore-Carrasco Rodrigo , de Andrade Paes Antonio Marcus , Trostchansky Andres
Published: July 2019

Myocardial infarction, commonly known as heart attack, evolves from the rupture of unstable atherosclerotic plaques to coronary thrombosis and myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury. A body of evidence supports a close relationship between the alterations following an ischemia–reperfusion injury-induced oxidative stress and platelet activity. Through their critical role in thrombogenesis and inflammatory responses, platelets are fully (totally) implicated from atherothrombotic plaque formation to myocardial infarction onset and expansion. However, mere platelet aggregation prevention does not offer full protection, suggesting that other antiplatelet therapy mechanisms may also be involved. Thus, the present review discusses the integrative role of platelets, oxidative stress, and antiplatelet therapy in triggering myocardial infarction pathophysiology.
Longitudinal Relationships Between Parent Involvement, Parental Warmth, ADHD Symptoms, and Reading Achievement
Authors: Shelleby Elizabeth C. , Ogg Julia
Published: July 2019

Objective: This study examined potential bidirectional relationships between parental warmth, parent involvement in education, child symptoms of ADHD, and achievement between ages five and nine. Method: Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, a nationally representative, longitudinal study, associations between ADHD symptoms, parental warmth, parental involvement, and reading achievement in a cross-lagged panel model were analyzed with a sample of 3,386 children. Results: Parental warmth at the age of 5 years was a negative predictor of ADHD symptoms at the age of 9 years; ADHD symptoms at the age of 5 years negatively predicted parental warmth at the age of 9 years. ADHD symptoms at the age of 5 years negatively predicted later parental involvement, but involvement did not predict later ADHD symptoms. Conclusion: Findings provide support for bidirectional associations between parental warmth and ADHD symptoms across time but unidirectional effects from ADHD to parental involvement. These findings have implications for informing intervention efforts to consider both parenting and child-evocative effects.
A case report of acute zonal occult outer retinopathy
Authors: Kaye Rebecca , De Salvo Gabriella
Published: July 2019

Purpose:

To describe the diagnostic complexities of a patient with acute zonal occult outer retinopathy.

Case report:

A healthy female presented with acute bilateral visual field loss and photopsia. On initial examination, her visual acuity, colour vision, fundus examination and fluorescein angiography were normal. Fundus autofluorescence, however, revealed scattered hyperautofluorescence in both eyes and electrodiagnostic tests were abnormal. A differential diagnosis including acute zonal occult outer retinopathy was postulated and serology requested. The patient’s past medical history included both breast and endometrial cancer and raised the possibility of cancer-associated retinopathy. A normal full-body positron emission tomography scan, negative antibodies for cancer-associated retinopathy and abnormal electroretinogram led to a diagnosis of acute zonal occult outer retinopathy.

Conclusion:

It has been more than 20 years since Gass first described the syndrome of acute zonal occult outer retinopathy. Typically affecting young, healthy females, acute zonal occult outer retinopathy is characterised by photopsia, minimal fundoscopic changes and electroretinographic abnormalities. Visual field loss is permanent and often associated with slow-progressing degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelial cells. Retinal photoreceptor dysfunction is an uncommon and unrecognised cause of acute visual loss. Acute zonal occult outer retinopathy should be considered as a differential diagnosis in those patients with deceptively normal fundal examinations, abnormal electroretinograms and visual field loss.
Prediction of femoral head avascular necrosis following femoral neck fracture: “pin-tract sign” of 99mTc-HDP pinhole bone scan after metallic fixation
Authors: Noh Jong Ho , Lee Jae Young , Hwang Sunwook , Lee Kee Haeng
Published: July 2019

Objective:

To evaluate the predicting value of 99mTc-hydroxydiphosphonate (HDP) pinhole bone scan in development of osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) in patients with femoral neck fracture after cannulated screw fixation.

Methods:

Pinhole bone scan of patients with metallically fixed femoral neck fracture from 2001 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Initial pinhole bone scan was obtained within 2–3 weeks after surgery. Findings of initial pinhole bone scan were divided in to 4 groups. Group CU included cold defect in affected femoral head, group HU with no cold defect. Group PP with increased uptake along the inserted screws and group PN with no increased uptake along the inserted screws. More than 6 months of follow-up with pinhole bone scan and clinico-radiological evidence for ONFH was reviewed.

Results:

72 patients (mean age 54.01 years, male 22, female 50) were included. 19 patients were in group CU, 53 in group HU. 60 patients were in group PP, 12 in group PN. During the follow-up, 13 patients were diagnosed as ONFH. 9 (47.36%) patients in group CU developed ONFH and 4 (7.5%) in group HU. 4 (6.66%) patients in group PP developed ONFH and 9 (75%) in group PN.

Conclusions:

To predict ONFH of femoral head followed by neck fracture, many imaging techniques with variable results were known. In this study, cold defect in early postoperative pinhole bone scans could predict ONFH, and loss of increased uptake along screw inserted site could be a strong indicative sign of ONFH. Further evaluation with a larger population is necessary.
Accurate Classification of Differential Expression Patterns in a Bayesian Framework With Robust Normalization for Multi-Group RNA-Seq Count Data
Authors: Osabe Takayuki , Shimizu Kentaro , Kadota Koji
Published: July 2019

Empirical Bayes is a choice framework for differential expression (DE) analysis for multi-group RNA-seq count data. Its characteristic ability to compute posterior probabilities for predefined expression patterns allows users to assign the pattern with the highest value to the gene under consideration. However, current Bayesian methods such as baySeq and EBSeq can be improved, especially with respect to normalization. Two R packages (baySeq and EBSeq) with their default normalization settings and with other normalization methods (MRN and TCC) were compared using three-group simulation data and real count data. Our findings were as follows: (1) the Bayesian methods coupled with TCC normalization performed comparably or better than those with the default normalization settings under various simulation scenarios, (2) default DE pipelines provided in TCC that implements a generalized linear model framework was still superior to the Bayesian methods with TCC normalization when overall degree of DE was evaluated, and (3) baySeq with TCC was robust against different choices of possible expression patterns. In practice, we recommend using the default DE pipeline provided in TCC for obtaining overall gene ranking and then using the baySeq with TCC normalization for assigning the most plausible expression patterns to individual genes.
Wind-induced internal pressures on large cooling towers
Authors: Cheng XX , Wu G , Zhao L , Li PF , Ge YJ
Published: July 2019

Effects of wind-induced internal pressures on the cooling tower’s structural performances are as significant as those of wind-induced external pressures. However, comparing to wind-induced external pressures, limited research focuses on wind pressures on the internal surfaces of large cooling towers. To fill up the scientific void, numerical analyses, physical model tests, and analytical studies are undertaken in this article. It is demonstrated that the draught ventilation ratio (i.e. the total area of the openings on the stuffing layer divided by the area of the stuffing layer) is the dominant factor for wind-induced internal pressures on large cooling towers, and 15% draught ventilation ratio can be regarded as the most unfavorable case. Besides, it is revealed that the theoretical formulation of the internal pressure on a single-cell building with a dominant opening and background porosity proposed by some other researchers can be applied to the case of a cooling tower subjected to strong winds. Using the validated theoretical formulation, the geometry of a large cooling tower is optimized with regard to the most favorable wind-induced internal pressure. The findings of this article are helpful for improving the current Chinese Code that governs the design of cooling towers.
Buckling mechanism of cable-stiffened lattice shells with bolted connections
Authors: Wang Xi , Feng Ruo-qiang , Yan Gui-rong , Zhu Bao-chen , Liu Feng-cheng
Published: July 2019

The cable-stiffened lattice shell is a new structural system for its translucence and lighting. This article discusses the effect of the connections’ behavior and geometric imperfection on the structural stability and reveals the buckling mechanism of the cable-stiffened lattice shell. The spring stiffness for bolted connections of cable-stiffened lattice shells is deduced from the spring in series model. The buckling mechanism of cable-stiffened lattice shells with three types of joints have been studied based on the prototypical static experiments of bolted connections. The decrease of bolted connections’ stiffness would lead to the change in the displacement distribution for the lattice shell under its ultimate load. The buckling loads and initial structural stiffness of cable-stiffened lattice shells with shim-strengthened bolted joints are approximately 80% of those for cable-stiffened lattice shells with rigid joints. The result indicates that the buckling loads of cable-stiffened lattice shells with bolted connections decrease much more slowly than the decrease of bolted connections’ stiffness. The cable-stiffened lattice shell with SBP connections is more sensitive to the initial geometric imperfection. Finally, a formula has been proposed for estimating buckling loads of elliptic paraboloid cable-stiffened lattice shells with bolted connections.
Nomadic economics: The logic and logistics of Comanche imperialism in New Mexico
Authors: Montgomery Lindsay M
Published: July 2019

Over the past 20 years, scholars have expanded upon subsistence-driven models of indigenous labor and exchange by tracing out the dynamic social, economic, and political systems created by Native people. While current research has highlighted indigenous agency, especially in response to Western colonialism, these approaches have largely ignored the cultural and linguistic meanings behind key economic concepts. Through a case study of the Comanche, this article develops a culturally grounded approach to nomadic economics. The Comanche offer a compelling case for indigenous empire building, a case which points to the need to develop a revised understanding of imperialism. Drawing on documentary and archaeological evidence, this article traces the logic and logistics of Comanche imperialism in New Mexico. Specifically, I argue that during the 18th and early 19th centuries, Comanche people created a nomadic empire rooted in decentralized political power, kinship, and inter- and intra-ethnic exchange. This case study provides a glimpse into the priorities and practices of Comanche entrepreneurs and points to the important role of internal social dynamics in structuring indigenous forms of imperialism.
Universities Behaving Badly: The Impact of Athletic Malfeasance on Student Quality and Enrollment
Authors: Eggers Austin F. , Groothuis Peter A. , Redding Parker , Rotthoff Kurt W. , Solimini Michael
Published: July 2019

National accolades and positive media attention are frequently lavished upon successful collegiate sports programs. Correspondingly, studies have demonstrated that universities often benefit from the achievements of their athletic teams by increasing the schools’ application numbers, student quality, and alumni donations. This study demonstrates that the opposite effect occurs when a university’s sports team is accused of engaging in impropriety. Our findings suggest that the negative attention given to the National Collegiate Athletic Association postseason tournament ban of a men’s basketball program could serve as a signal to prospective students regarding the quality of the institution. This perception ultimately leads to a decrease in the infracting university’s enrollment the year before the ban that then rebounds the year after the ban. However, the ban reduces the percentage of high-achieving students who choose to attend the university after the ban has been implemented.
The Stereochemistry of the Hydroboration of 2-and 3-Methylene-5α-androstanes
Authors: Al-Footy Khalid , Hanson James R. , Uyanik Cavit
Published: July 2019

The exo facial selectivity in the hydroboration of 2-, 3- and 4-methylene-5α-androstanes is rationalized in terms of the easier steric access and a hyperconjugative interaction of the alkene with the adjacent axial C–H bonds enhancing the electron density on one face of the alkene.
Metalloporphyrins as New Catalysts in the Highly Regioselective Conversion of Epoxides to Halohydrins with Molecular Halogen
Authors: Sharghi Hashem , Naeimi Hossein
Published: July 2019

The highly regioselective cleavage of epoxides by means of molecular iodine and bromine in the presence of metalloporphyrins affords vicinal iodohydrins and bromohydrins in high yields.
1H NMR and X-Ray Crystallographic Studies of p-Toluenesulfonamides of 2,5-Di(pyrrol-2-yl)-pyrrolidines
Authors: Zhao Yuekun , Helliwell Madeleine , Joule John A.
Published: July 2019

Some pyrrole- N-substituted derivatives of cis-1-(4-methylphenylsulfonyl)-2,5-di(pyrrol-2-yl)pyrrolidine are prepared, subjected to Vilsmeier formylation and bromination conditions, and products characterised by NMR and in two cases X-ray analysis.
Synthesis of Some Substituted Adamantane-2,4-diones from 4,4-Disubstituted Cyclohexanone Enamines and α,β-Unsaturated Acid Chlorides
Authors: Ahmed M. Giasuddin , Moeiz Syed M. Iqbal , Ahmed S. Asghari , Kiuchi Fumiyuki , Tsuda Yoshisuke , Sampson Paul
Published: July 2019

Following our previous report7 on the synthesis of adamantane derivatives by condensation of 4,4-disubstituted cyclohexanone enamines with α,β-unsaturated acid chlorides, we now report the synthesis of seven new substituted adamantanediones from the reactions of three cyclohexanone enamines (4, Y = phenyl, isopropenyl, methyl) in which one of the substituents is an acetyl group.
Tin-mediated Organic Reactions: A Practical Method for the Synthesis of β-Hydroxynitriles and β-Hydroxyketones
Authors: Sun Peipei , Shi Baochuan
Published: July 2019

In the presence of chlorotrimethylsilane, the tin mediated addition of bromoacetonitrile or α-bromacetophenone to aldehydes in THF gives β-hydroxynitriles or β-hydroxyketones in moderate to good yields.
Regeneration of Ketones from Semicarbazones in the Solid State on Wet Silica Supported Sodium Bismuthate under Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Mitra Alok Kumar , De Aparna , Karchaudhuri Nilay
Published: July 2019

Microwave irradiation of ketosemicarbazones on wet silica supported sodium bismuthate under environmentally benign solvent-free condition provides a fast, efficient and simple method for regeneration of ketones in good yields.
Revised Structures, 1-Methylene-1H-[1,4]thiazino[4,3-a]-benzimidazole and 10-Methylene-10H-imidazo[2,1-c][1,4]-benzothiazine Derivatives, for the Cycloadducts Accompanying Rearrangement from Imidazo[2,1-b]benzothiazole and Thiazolo [3,2-a] benzimidazole Derivatives with Propiolic Esters
Authors: Abe Noritaka , Fujii Hiroyuki , Kakehi Akikazu , Shiro Motoo
Published: July 2019

Formerly-proposed structures, thiazolo[3,2- a] [1,5]benzodiazepine and [1,4]diazepino[7,1- b]benzothiazole derivatives, cycloadducts from the reactions of thiazolo[3,2- a] benzimidazole and imidazo[2,1- b]benzothiazole derivatives with propiolic esters, are revised to methyl 2-[4-methyl-( E)-1 H-[1,4]thiazino[4,3- a]benzimidazol-1-ylidene)methoxycarbonylmethyl]-( E)-acrylate and methyl [2-methyl-( E)-10 H-imidazo[2,1- c] [1,4]benzothiazine-10-ylidene)-methoxycarbonylmethyl]-( E)-acrylate, respectively, whose structures are deduced by X-ray structure analysis.
Lithium Perchlorate Mediated Three Component Reaction for the Preparation of Primary Amines
Authors: Saidi Mohammad R. , Javanshir Shahrzad , Mojtahedi Mohammad M.
Published: July 2019

In the presence of lithium perchlorate in diethyl ether, LPDE, a three-component reaction between aldehydes, sodium hexamethyldisilazane or lithium hexamethyldisilazane, LHMDS, and different nucleophiles proceeds smoothly to afford primary amines in good yields.
Novel Exocyclic Ligands. Synthesis of Selenium Calix[4]arenes and Their High Extraction Selectivity for Ag+
Authors: Hu Xubo , Chen Yuanyin , Tian Zhenjiao , Xue Jidong
Published: July 2019

1,3-Lower rim selenium-containing calix[4]arenes are synthesized from 1,3-di(2-chloroethoxy)- p- tert-butylcalix[4]arene and corresponding diselenides, and found to possess high Ag+ extraction selectivity.
Remarkable Fast Microwave-assisted Zeolite HZSM-5 Catalyzed Oxidation of Alcohols with Chromium Trioxide under Solvent-free Conditions
Authors: Heravi Majid M. , Ajami Dariush , Tabar-Hydar Kourosh , Ghassemzadeh Mitra
Published: July 2019

A variety of alcohols are oxidized to the corresponding carbonyl compounds in excellent yields by chromium trioxide-HZSM-5 zeolite under microwave irradiation in a solventless system.
Concerning the Extents of Nucleophilic Participation in Solvolyses of p-Methoxybenzyl Halides
Authors: Kevill Dennis N. , D'Souza Malcolm J.
Published: July 2019

The solvolyses of p-methoxybenzyl chloride (1) in 39 solvents are well correlated using an extended form of the Grunwald-Winstein equation; a claim that nucleophilic participation is greater than in the solvolyses of the corresponding bromide 2 is discussed.
Tandem 5-Exo-dig-5-exo-trig Radical Cyclization leading to a 6,5-Ring Fused Carbobicycle possessing Two Contiguous Quaternary Carbons at the Bridgehead and its Adjacent Positions
Authors: Nagano Hajime , Ohtani Yohko , Odake Eiko , Nakagawa Junko , Mori Yukie , Yajima Tomoko
Published: July 2019

The tin-mediated tandem 5- exo-dig-5- exo-trig radical cyclization of dibromoacetal 4a stereoselectively gives the angular 6,5,5-ring fused tricycle 6 via spirocyclic acetal 5 in 93% yield.
Isolation and Identification of Secondary Metabolites From Streptomyces sp. SP301
Authors: Liu Mengyujie , Shi Peng , Lu Chunhua , Zhong Lihong
Published: July 2019

Seven compounds, namely aminobenzoates A to D (1-4), naphthalenecarboxylates A and B (5-6), and glycosylatelactone A (7), were isolated from the fermentation medium of Streptomyces sp. SP301. Of these, aminobenzoates C and D (3-4), naphthalenecarboxylate B (6), and glycosylatelactone A (7) are new compounds. Aminobenzoates A to D (1-4) shared a common aromatic starter unit, para-aminobenzoic acid , and biosynthesis involving a different pathway. The structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D- and 2D-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and HR-ESIMS analysis.
Early assessment of recurrent glioblastoma response to bevacizumab treatment by diffusional kurtosis imaging: a preliminary report
Authors: Lee Chu-Yu , Kalra Amandeep , Spampinato Maria V , Tabesh Ali , Jensen Jens H , Helpern Joseph A , de Fatima Falangola Maria , Van Horn Mark H , Giglio Pierre
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this preliminary study is to apply diffusional kurtosis imaging to assess the early response of recurrent glioblastoma to bevacizumab treatment.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 10 patients who had been diagnosed with recurrent glioblastoma and scheduled to receive bevacizumab treatment. Diffusional kurtosis images were obtained from all the patients 0–7 days before (pre-bevacizumab) and 28 days after (post-bevacizumab) initiating bevacizumab treatment. The mean, 10th, and 90th percentile values were derived from the histogram of diffusional kurtosis imaging metrics in enhancing and non-enhancing lesions, selected on post-contrast T1-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images. Correlations of imaging measures with progression-free survival and overall survival were evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. The significance level was set at P < 0.05.

Results

Higher pre-bevacizumab non-enhancing lesion volume was correlated with poor overall survival ( r = −0.65, P = 0.049). Higher post-bevacizumab mean diffusivity and axial diffusivity (D∥, D∥10% and D∥90%) in non-enhancing lesions were correlated with poor progression-free survival ( r = −0.73, −0.83, −0.71 and −0.85; P < 0.05). Lower post-bevacizumab axial kurtosis (K∥10%) in non-enhancing lesions was correlated with poor progression-free survival ( r = 0.81, P = 0.008).

Conclusions

This preliminary study demonstrates that diffusional kurtosis imaging metrics allow the detection of tissue changes 28 days after initiating bevacizumab treatment and that they may provide information about tumor progression.
A systematic review of the efficacy of direct hemoperfusion with a polymyxin B–immobilized fibre column to treat rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonia
Authors: Kamiya Hiroyuki , Panlaqui Ogee Mer
Published: July 2019

Objectives:

Rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonia is a fatal disease with no established therapeutic options. The aim of this systematic review is to clarify the efficacy of interstitial pneumonia treatment utilizing direct hemoperfusion with a polymyxin B–immobilized fibre column.

Methods:

All patients with adult-onset rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonia including acute exacerbation of underlying chronic interstitial pneumonia were eligible. Primary studies of any design, which compared outcomes of direct hemoperfusion with a polymyxin B–immobilized fibre column treatment such as oxygenation and all-cause mortality with those of conventional therapy, were included. Electronic databases such as Medline and EMBASE were searched through October 7, 2018, and ICHUSHI, the largest database for medical articles in Japan, was also searched. Two reviewers independently extracted the relevant data and assessed the risk of bias in individual studies. The results were reported qualitatively due to substantial heterogeneity between studies.

Results:

Out of 775 records retrieved, 10 reports were eligible and 8 of them were included for further analysis. They were all retrospective studies including a total of 327 patients and contained some risk of bias. There was variation in the administration method of direct hemoperfusion with a polymyxin B–immobilized fibre column treatment such as the timing, frequency, duration and interval. Multivariate analyses of only two studies with historical controls demonstrated beneficial effects of direct hemoperfusion with a polymyxin B–immobilized fibre column treatment over conventional therapy with all-cause mortality hazard ratios of 0.345 (95% confidence interval: 0.127–0.936) and 0.505 (95% confidence interval: 0.270–0.904), respectively. A significant difference of an improvement in the ratio of partial arterial oxygen pressure to the fraction of inspired oxygen in-between two treatment groups was also reported in two studies utilizing historical controls with mean differences of 56.8 and 57.5 mmHg, respectively.

Conclusions:

There is currently insufficient data to support the use of direct hemoperfusion with a polymyxin B–immobilized fibre column treatment for rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonia. It should be instituted for research purposes only until new evidence is available.
Infrared imaging of lymphatic function in the upper extremity of normal controls and hand transplant recipients via subcutaneous indocyanine green injection
Authors: Farias-Cisneros Efrain , Chilton Paula M , Palazzo Michelle D , Ozyurekoglu Tuna , Hoying Jay B , Williams Stuart K , Baughman Carter , Jones Christopher M , Kaufman Christina L
Published: July 2019

Objectives:

The goal of this study was to define the parameters of movement of indocyanine green in the upper extremity of normal control and hand transplant recipients. The purpose was to establish a non-invasive method of determining the level of lymphatic function in hand transplant recipients. In hand transplantation (and replantation), the deep lymphatic vessels are rarely repaired, resulting in altered lymphatic connections. In most cases, the relatively rapid inosculation of superficial lymphatic networks and drainage via the venous systems results in sufficient interstitial fluid and lymph drainage of the graft to prevent edema. However, our group and others have determined that some transplant recipients demonstrate chronic edema which is associated with lymphatic stasis. In one case, a patient with chronic edema has developed chronic rejection characterized by thinning of the skin, loss of adnexal structures, and fibrosis and contracture of the hand.

Methods:

Lymphatic function was evaluated by intradermal administration of near-infrared fluorescent dye, indocyanine green, and dynamic imaging with an infrared camera system (LUNA). To date, the assessment of lymphatic drainage in the upper extremity by clearance of indocyanine green dye has been studied primarily in oncology patients with abnormal lymphatic function, making assessment of normal drainage problematic. To establish normal parameters, indocyanine green lymphatic clearance functional tests were performed in a series of normal controls, and subsequently compared with indocyanine green clearance in hand transplant recipients.

Results:

The results demonstrate varied patterns of lymphatic drainage in the hand transplant patients that partially mimic normal hand lymphatic drainage, but also share characteristics of lymphedema patients defined in other studies. The study revealed significant deceleration of the dye drainage in the allograft of a patient with suspected chronic rejection and edema of the graft. Analysis of other hand transplant recipients revealed differing levels of dye deceleration, often localized at the level of surgical anastomosis.

Conclusion:

These studies suggest intradermal injection of indocyanine green and near-infrared imaging may be a useful clinical tool to assess adequacy of lymphatic function in hand transplant recipients.
“SPORTS ARE FUN”: A Guide for the Discussion of Sport-Related Films
Authors: Olympia Robert P. , Lucas Christy , Doraiswamy Vignesh , Funghi Cristina , Wakefield Hannah M. , Wakefield Bryan H. , Brady Jodi
Published: July 2019

Sport participation is an important part of the development of children and adolescents in the United States. Due to the popularity of sport-related films, coaches, athletic trainers, and parents have used these films to both educate and motivate pediatric athletes. The objective of this study was to develop a discussion guide template based on common positive and negative themes depicted in sport-related films, and demonstrate the application of this discussion guide template to a select number of sport-related films released from 2014 to 2018. A discussion guide template (“SPORTS ARE FUN”) was developed by the co-investigators, reflecting common themes of “ Sportsmanship, Participation for All, Obstacles, Relationships, Teamwork, Setting Realistic Goals, Academics, Responsibility, Exercise/Nutrition/Rest/Drugs/Performance Enhancing Drugs, Fun, Unrelenting Spirit, and “ No Pain, No Gain.” The authors hope that pediatric health care providers, athletic coaches/staff, and parents can utilize this discussion guide template in the education and development of children and adolescents who participate in sports.
Randomized Controlled Study to Evaluate Microbial Ecological Effects of CPP-ACP and Cranberry on Dental Plaque
Authors: Philip N. , Leishman S.J. , Bandara H.M.H.N. , Healey D.L. , Walsh L.J.
Published: July 2019

Introduction:

Ecological approaches to dental caries prevention play a key role in attaining long-term control over the disease and maintaining a symbiotic oral microbiome.

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate the microbial ecological effects of 2 interventional dentifrices: a casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) dentifrice and the same dentifrice supplemented with a polyphenol-rich cranberry extract.

Methods:

The interventional toothpastes were compared with each other and with an active control fluoride dentifrice in a double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis was used to determine changes in the bacterial loads of 14 key bacterial species (8 caries associated and 6 health associated) in the dental plaque of trial participants after they used the dentifrices for 5 to 6 wk.

Results:

From the baseline to the recall visit, significant differences were observed between the treatment groups in the bacterial loads of 2 caries-associated bacterial species ( Streptococcus mutans [ P < 0.001] and Veillonella parvula [ P < 0.001]) and 3 health-associated bacterial species ( Corynebacterium durum [P = 0.008], Neisseria flavescens [ P = 0.005], and Streptococcus sanguinis [ P < 0.001]). Compared to the fluoride control dentifrice, the CPP-ACP dentifrice demonstrated significant differences for S. mutans ( P = 0.032), C. durum ( P = 0.007), and S. sanguinis ( P < 0.001), while combination CPP-ACP–cranberry dentifrice showed significant differences for S. mutans ( P < 0.001), V. parvula ( P < 0.001), N. flavescens ( P = 0.003), and S. sanguinis ( P < 0.001). However, no significant differences were observed in the bacterial load comparisons between the CPP-ACP and combination dentifrices for any of the targeted bacterial species ( P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

Overall, the results indicate that dentifrices containing CPP-ACP and polyphenol-rich cranberry extracts can influence a species-level shift in the ecology of the oral microbiome, resulting in a microbial community less associated with dental caries (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ANZCTR 12618000095268).

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

The results of this randomized controlled trial indicate that dentifrices containing casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and polyphenol-rich cranberry extracts were able to beneficially modulate the microbial ecology of dental plaque in a group of high caries-risk patients. This could contribute toward lowering the risk of developing new caries lesions, an important goal sought by patients, clinicians, and policy makers.
Bariatric surgery: a potential cure for asthma?
Authors: Chaaban Toufic A.
Published: July 2019

Asthma incidence and severity are increased in obese populations. Systematic reviews have shown benefit from weight-loss interventions on asthma outcomes, but the role of bariatric surgery is still unclear. In this review, cohorts of obese asthmatic patients undergoing bariatric surgery were examined regarding different asthma outcomes. The available data on patients who were followed up showed improvements in asthma control, exacerbation risk, asthma-related hospitalisation, medication use and airway hyperresponsiveness, with some patients not requiring further treatment for asthma. Follow-up duration was variable, being mostly of 1 year, with some studies reporting long-term outcomes after 5 years. The studies reviewed had many limitations, including small numbers of patients, lack of control arm in some studies and lack of standardisation of asthma diagnosis, classification and outcome measures, in addition to possible reporting bias. Data on small numbers of patients also show the possibility of benefit exclusively in nonallergic asthma. Larger, more stringent clinical trials are needed before recommending bariatric surgery for treatment of asthma.
Evidence for lifestyle interventions in asthma
Authors: Stoodley Isobel , Williams Lily , Thompson Cherry , Scott Hayley , Wood Lisa
Published: July 2019

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airways disease, estimated to affect 300 million people worldwide. Asthma management plans focus on optimisation of asthma pharmacotherapy. Lifestyle interventions also hold great promise for asthma sufferers as they are accessible, low cost and have minimal side-effects, thus making adherence more likely. This review explores lifestyle interventions that have been tested in asthma, including improving nutrition, increasing physical activity and introduction of relaxation therapies such as yoga and massage therapy. Available evidence suggests a protective effect of increasing fruit, vegetable and wholegrain intake and increasing physical activity levels in asthma. Weight loss is recommended for obese asthmatic patients, as just 5–10% weight loss has been found to improve quality of life and asthma control in most obese asthmatic patients. Other lifestyle interventions such as meditation, yoga and massage therapy show promise, with positive effects on asthma seen in some studies. However, the study protocols are highly variable and the results are inconsistent. Additional research is needed to further develop and refine recommendations regarding lifestyle modifications that can be implemented to improve asthma.

Key points

Improving diet quality, by increasing fruit, vegetable and wholegrain intake and reducing saturated fat intake, should be recommended in asthma, as there is evidence suggesting that this leads to improvements in airway inflammation, asthma control and exacerbation risk.

Regular physical activity should be promoted for people with asthma, as it can improve quality of life and lung function, as well as general health.

In obese asthmatic patients, weight loss should be recommended, as it leads to numerous health benefits, including improvements in asthma. Even small amounts of weight loss in adults (5–10% body weight) have been shown to improve asthma quality of life and asthma control in the majority of people with asthma.

There is some evidence of benefit of meditation, yoga and breathing exercises for adults with asthma, while massage therapy shows promise in children with asthma. However, the evidence is inconsistent and more research is needed to make definitive recommendations.

Educational aims

To summarise current knowledge on lifestyle interventions in asthma.

To improve awareness of how lifestyle modification can be used in asthma management.

To identify areas for future research on lifestyle interventions in asthma.
The prevalence of poor sleep quality and its associated factors in patients with interstitial lung disease: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Cho Jin-Gun , Teoh Alan , Roberts Mary , Wheatley John
Published: July 2019

Background

Many patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) experience poor sleep quality, which may contribute to decreased quality of life. Sleep disordered breathing is commonly associated with ILD but there is less information on other factors that may contribute to poor sleep quality.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 101 patients with a diagnosis of ILD at a pulmonary rehabilitation assessment clinic. We assessed the prevalence of poor sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and performed multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine factors independently associated with poor sleep quality.

Results

Median forced expiratory volume in 1 s was 64% predicted (interquartile range (IQR) 50–77%) and vital capacity was 62% predicted (IQR 48–78%). 67 (66%) out of 101 patients reported poor sleep quality. The median PSQI was 8 units (IQR 4–11 units). There were no significant differences in physical or physiological parameters including age, sex distribution, body mass index or spirometry values between subjects with good sleep quality and those with poor sleep quality (all p>0.1). Multivariable logistic regression showed that depression (p=0.003) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (p=0.03) were independently associated with poor sleep quality.

Conclusion

Poor sleep quality is common in patients with ILD and is independently associated with increasing symptoms of depression and sleepiness. Routine assessment of sleep quality should be undertaken and interventions targeting depression and coexisting sleep disorders may be required in symptomatic patients to determine if sleep quality and ultimately, health-related quality of life improves as a result.
Community analysis and co-occurrence patterns in airway microbial communities during health and disease
Authors: Einarsson Gisli G. , Zhao Jiangchao , LiPuma John J. , Downey Damian G. , Tunney Michael M. , Elborn J. Stuart
Published: July 2019

Ecological relationships between bacteria are important when considering variation in bacterial communities in humans, with such variation playing an important role in both health and disease.

Using high-throughput sequence data of the 16S rRNA marker-gene, we analysed the prevalence of taxa in the airways of a number of health- and disease-associated cohorts and determined the main drivers of community variance and bacterial co-occurrence.

A number of facultative and obligately anaerobic bacterial taxa are commonly associated with the upper airways, forming the main “core” microbiota,e.g. Streptococcusspp.,Veillonellaspp.,Prevotellaspp.,Granulicatellaspp. andFusobacteriumspp. Opportunistic pathogenic bacteria associated with chronic airways disease, such asPseudomonasspp. (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), Burkholderiaspp. (Burkholderia cepaciacomplex) andHaemophilusspp. (Haemophilus influenzae) demonstrated poor correlation with other members of their respective communities (ρ<0.5; p>0.005), indicating probable independent acquisition and colonisation. Furthermore, our findings suggest that intra-genus variation between health and disease may affect community assemblies.

Improved understanding of how bacteria assemble in time and space during health and disease will enable the future development of tailored treatment according to the patient's own signature microbiota, potentially providing benefit to patients suffering from airway diseases characterised by chronic infection.
Applications of supervised deep learning for seismic interpretation and inversion
Authors: Zheng York , Zhang Qie , Yusifov Anar , Shi Yunzhi
Published: July 2019

Recent advances in machine learning and its applications in various sectors are generating a new wave of experiments and solutions to solve geophysical problems in the oil and gas industry. We present two separate case studies in which supervised deep learning is used as an alternative to conventional techniques. The first case is an example of image classification applied to seismic interpretation. A convolutional neural network (CNN) is trained to pick faults automatically in 3D seismic volumes. Every sample in the input seismic image is classified as either a nonfault or fault with a certain dip and azimuth that are predicted simultaneously. The second case is an example of elastic model building — casting prestack seismic inversion as a machine learning regression problem. A CNN is trained to make predictions of 1D velocity and density profiles from input seismic records. In both case studies, we demonstrate that CNN models trained from synthetic data can be used to make efficient and effective predictions on field data. While results from the first example show that high-quality fault picks can be predicted from migrated seismic images, we find that it is more challenging in the prestack seismic inversion case where constraining the subsurface geologic variations and careful preconditioning of input seismic data are important for obtaining reasonably reliable results. This observation matches our experience using conventional workflows and methods, which also respond to improved signal to noise after migration and stack, and the inherent subsurface ambiguity makes unique parameter inversion difficult.
Recent advances in remote sensing technologies for hydrocarbon exploration and environmental evaluation
Authors: Li Yongyi , Nelson Roice , Jeffery William , Foster Douglas , Dubucq Dominique , Verliac Michel , Soofi Khalid , Leifer Ira
Published: July 2019

Remote sensing detects and monitors the physical and spatial characteristics of the earth's oceans, surface, and atmosphere by measuring the reflected or scattered downwelling or emitted upwelling electromagnetic radiation or acoustic signal using passive or active sensors at a distance. It plays an important role in today's energy and environmental sustainability efforts. Remote sensing from spaceborne, airborne, terrestrial, and marine platforms has long been used in hydrocarbon exploration to map surface geology, topography, and hydrocarbon seepages, as well as to evaluate environments that relate to petroleum industry activities. Since the mid-2000s, remote sensing technologies have undergone substantial advances in data acquisition, processing, and interpretation. In the last decade, rapid advances in satellite systems, unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAVs), sensors, and scale of surveys have further expanded applications.
Living With Neuroendocrine Tumors: Assessment of Quality of Life Through a Mobile Application
Authors: Adams Jared R. , Ray David , Willmon Renee , Pulgar Sonia , Dasari Arvind
Published: July 2019

PURPOSE

To understand the quality of life (QoL) for patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) through comparison of QoL questionnaires and symptom tracking as well as journaling via the Carcinoid NETs Health Storylines mobile application (app).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a 12-week prospective, observational study of US patients with NET who were taking long-acting somatostatin analogs. National Institutes of Health Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) questionnaires were administered three times. Patients also monitored symptoms, mood, bowel movements, food, activity, and sleep, and they journaled in their app, which was coded by theme and sentiment for qualitative analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 120 patients with NET, 78% were women (mean age, 57 years); 76% had gastroenteropancreatic NETs, and 88% had metastases. Lanreotide depot and octreotide long-acting release (LAR) were used by 41% and 59%, respectively. The most common symptoms at baseline were fatigue (76.7%), diarrhea (62.5%), abdominal discomfort (64.1%), and trouble sleeping (57.5%). The majority completed five of six survey assessments (median, 5; mean, 5.1) and tracked four symptoms in the app (median, 4; mean, 5.5); the average frequency was 41.6 days for each symptom (median, 43; mean, 41.6; range, 1 to 84 days [12 weeks]). Without treatment change, most EORTC-assessed physical symptoms decreased from baseline to midpoint (eg, 59.3% at baseline v 33% at midpoint reported “quite a bit” or “very much” diarrhea; P = .002). App-based symptom tracking revealed large day-to-day variation, but weekly averages correlated well with survey scores. Journal entries showed that more patients made predominantly negative unsolicited entries about their injection experience with octreotide LAR compared with lanreotide (13 of 17 v two of 13; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Patients with NET experience a large symptom burden that varies daily. A decrease in physical symptoms on QoL surveys suggests an effect from daily app-based monitoring or journaling, which may reduce recall bias and benefit the patient’s experience of symptoms.