bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma phenylalanine and glutamine concentrations correlate with subsequent hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence in liver cirrhosis patients: an exploratory study
Authors: Liang Kung-Hao , Cheng Mei-Ling , Lo Chi-Jen , Lin Yang-Hsiang , Lai Ming-Wei , Lin Wey-Ran , Yeh Chau-Ting 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAberrant metabolisms have been hypothesized to precede the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), therefore, we investigated biomarkers associated with subsequent HCC in peripheral bloods using metabolomic technologies. A cohort of 475 HCC-naïve liver cirrhotic patients were recruited and prospectively followed. A total of 39 patients developed HCC in the follow-up period. Baseline plasma metabolites were explored using untargeted nuclear magnetic resonance. Candidates were then quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography. A series of univairiate and multivariate analysis showed that Phenylalanine (Phe) and Glutamine (Gln) levels are associated with time to HCC, independent of viological etiologies and age. A HCC risk score R was then constructed using the polynomial combination of age, Phe and Gln in the units of micromolar (μM):$$\begin{aligned} {\text{R }} & = {\text{ Age }}* \, \left( {0.0694} \right) + {\text{ Phe }}* \, \left( {0.3399} \right) + {\text{ Phe }^{2}}* \, \left( { - 0.00188154} \right) \hfill \\ & \quad + {\text{ Gln }}* \, \left( { - 0.0133} \right) + {\text{ Gln }^{2}}* \, \left( { \, 0.00002244} \right) \hfill \\ \end{aligned}$$

R

=

Age

∗

0.0694

+

Phe

∗

0.3399

+

Phe

2

∗

-
0.00188154

+

Gln

∗

-
0.0133

+

Gln

2

∗

0.00002244

R correlates with the time to HCC significantly (Hazard ratio [HR] = 2.368, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.760–3.187, P < 0.001). An additional cross-sectional analysis showed that Phe and Gln concentrations both correlates with HCC occurrence in the next 3 years (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.607 and 0.629, P = 0.033 and 0.010 respectively). In conclusion, phenylalanine and glutamine concentrations in the peripheral blood correlate with subsequent HCC.
The Effectiveness of Hybrid Telepractice and In-Person Fluency Treatment for a School-Aged Child: A Case Study
Authors: Ryer Jacqueline E. , Poll Gerard H. 
Published: July 2020

Purpose
This case study assessed the effects of hybrid telepractice and in-person delivery of the Smooth Speech Treatment (Craig, 2010) for a school-aged child who stutters.

Method
The participant was an 8-year-old child who stuttered. Telepractice or in-person delivery were randomly assigned to treatment sessions in a single-subject AB design. The primary outcome measures were the percentage of syllables stuttered in conversation and reading probes taken at the beginning and end of each treatment session. Communication attitudes were measured before treatment began and at a posttreatment maintenance session. The pattern of treatment gains by delivery platform was also evaluated.

Results
Visual inspection of trends for outcome measures supported an association between the overall treatment package and a reduction in syllables stuttered. Pre- to post- treatment measures indicated an improvement in the child's attitudes toward stuttering. Within-session gains for telepractice sessions were more variable than in-person sessions.

Conclusions
These results indicate that fluency treatment delivered using a blend of telepractice and in-person delivery can be effective for a school-aged child who stutters. The findings align with prior studies showing the effectiveness of telepractice-delivered treatment for preschool children and adolescents. Replications of these results are needed with additional school-aged participants. Additional research is also warranted on factors that contribute to the variability of telepractice treatment effects for school-aged children.
Impacts of three‐phase power converter operating modes on harmonic emissions in distribution networks: harmonics emission within 2–9 kHz
Authors: Yaghoobi Jalil , Zare Firuz 
Published: July 2020

The increasing penetration level of power electronic converters in distribution networks has raised concerns about the impact of these converters on the power quality of the grid. Pulse‐width modulated (PWM) voltage generated by these converters creates higher frequency current distortion around both its switching frequency and multiples, which could be circulated through the grid. Consequently, it is essential to understand and analyse the frequencies and amplitudes of these harmonics in terms of load parameters. Thus, this study proposes an analytical method to find the inverter current harmonics generated by PWM signal in terms of the load parameters, including its power factor. The impact of the load power factor on the inverter current harmonics has been found to be significant using the derived equations. Simulation and practical results have confirmed the accuracy of the obtained equations to calculate the inverter current harmonics. The mathematical modelling is important for harmonic analysis of converter within 2–9 kHz range as a new standard has been developed by IEC SC77A, WG1 committee.
Novel distortionless dimming in high power LED lighting using isolated SEPIC converter
Authors: Pal Somnath , Singh Bhim , Shrivastava Ashish 
Published: July 2020

A new low‐cost energy‐saving concept in the modern light‐emitting diode (LED) illumination system is developed and implemented using an isolated single‐ended primary inductance converter (SEPIC). The dimming scheme presented in this study is a single‐step with negligible distortion in the AC mains current as compared to the traditional low‐cost triode for alternating current (TRIAC) dimming system, which distorts the AC mains current wave‐shape beyond sinusoidal nature due to the phase‐cut techniques. This dimming concept is completely retrofitted, no additional arrangement is required to initiate the dimming as compared to a TRIAC dimmer or other controllers. The isolated SEPIC converter is modelled and analysed in detail using the state‐space average technique. The stability of the designed converter and overall closed‐loop control are verified using Bode‐plot analysis. The full load converter efficiency is found around 93%, which is much higher than the conventional flyback topology‐based LED driver. The concept presented in this study is tested with the help of a laboratory prototype with an LED load of 60 W.
Idiopathische inflammatorische Myopathien
Authors: Tomaras Stylianos , Kekow Jörn , Feist Eugen 
Published: July 2020

AbstractMyositis is a rare and an extremely heterogeneous autoimmune disease, that causes muscle weakness. Currently, “idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM)“ is the preferred umbrella-term used to describe the disease complexity within individuals. IIM include dermatomyositis, polymyositis, inclusion body myositis, autoimmune necrotizing myopathy, overlap myositis and antisynthetase syndrome. Research activity concerning myositis was very intense over the past ten years and led to new diagnostic approach as well as to novel therapeutic strategies. Correct classification is the key for successful management. One single treatment regime for every possible organ involvement in all different forms of IIM is still not existing.
Evaluating the Effect of Pravastatin in Early-Onset Fetal Growth Restriction: A Nonrandomized and Historically Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Carreras Elena , Alijotas-Reig Jaume , Mendoza Manel , Ferrer-Oliveras Raquel , Bonacina Erika , Garcia-Manau Pablo , Rodo Carlota 
Published: July 2020

Objective This study aimed to analyze the effect of pravastatin on angiogenic factors, feto–maternal Doppler findings and pregnancy outcomes in women with early-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR) treated with pravastatin compared with nontreated controls.
Study Design This was a pilot study conducted between March 2016 and September 2017. Women with single pregnancies and FGR diagnosed at ≤ 28 weeks of gestation were offered 40 mg of pravastatin daily. Doppler progression, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1)/placental growth factor (PlGF) values, and pregnancy outcomes were assessed and compared with consecutive historical controls. Controls were matched to treated women for gestational age, maternal characteristics, maternal and obstetric history, Doppler severity classification, and angiogenic factors at diagnosis. The sFlt-1/PlGF was measured in maternal serum at two different times: before pravastatin was started (ratio M0) and during pravastatin treatment (ratio M1). Doppler severity was classified into four categories: normal, mild, moderate, and severe.
Results A total of 38 women were enrolled in this study. No differences were observed in baseline characteristics between groups. However, when compared with the ratio M0, M1 was increased by a median (interquartile range) of 67.0 (−34.8 to 197.3) in the control group but decreased by a median (interquartile range) of −10.1 (−53.1 to −0.07) in the pravastatin treated group (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in Doppler progression throughout pregnancy. Median interval from diagnosis to delivery was extended by 16.5 days, the median newborn birthweight was increased from 1,040 to 1,300 g, and the number of women with preeclampsia decreased from 9 (47.4%) to 6 (31.6%) in treated women; however, these trends were not statistically significant.
Conclusion In women with early-onset FGR, treatment with pravastatin 40 mg daily was associated with significant improvement in the angiogenic profile. Additionally, median pregnancy duration and median birthweight increased and the incidence of PE was reduced in treated women. Nevertheless, since this pilot study was underpowered, none of these differences were statistically significant.
Key Points
Detection of COVID-19 in a Vulvar Lesion
Authors: Sansone Stephanie A. , Rubin Elizabeth S. , Hirshberg Adi , Clement Elizabeth G. , Srinivas Sindhu K. 
Published: July 2020

As new information about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is rapidly discovered, clinicians are better equipped to make informed decisions for their patients. While current research suggests COVID-19 viral antigen is not found in vaginal secretions, its detectability in the female lower genital tract may have clinical implications for obstetric and gynecologic care for women. We present a case of a woman at 31 weeks' gestation with simultaneous upper respiratory symptoms and vulvovaginitis. She was found to have a vulvar lesion positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome-COVID by viral swab. This case shows that COVID-19 is detectable in the vulva. This may have implications for health care workers' exposure and personal protective equipment needs. While vertical transmission has largely not been reported, the presence of detectable virus in the female lower genital tract makes this a continued possibility and area of study.
Key Points
Cost-Utility of Sildenafil for Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn
Authors: Evers Patrick D. , Critser Paul J. , Cash Michelle , Magness Melissa , Hoelle Susan , Hirsch Russel 
Published: July 2020

Objective While advanced therapies for severe persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) such as inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are standard treatments in high-income countries, these therapies are often unavailable in resource-limited settings such as middle-income countries. However, there are small clinical trials illustrating the efficacy of sildenafil at reducing mortality in PPHN. This analysis sought to determine the cost-utility of enteral sildenafil for the treatment of severe PPHN.Study Design A Markov-state transition model was constructed for the two clinical approaches to compare costs, clinical outcomes, and quality of life: (1) “conventional,” (2) “sildenafil.” The impact of sildenafil was modeled as a relative risk modifier of the conventional strategy's mortality risk. Transitional probabilities, costs, and utility metrics were extracted from the literature. Sensitivity analyses for each model input as well as 100-patient Monte Carlo simulations were used to test the durability of the model conclusion.Results The sildenafil strategy was cost-effective for upper but not lower middle-income countries with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $2,339 per quality-adjusted life year. This conclusion was durable across a wide-range of model assumptions; the sildenafil strategy only failed to meet criteria for cost-effectiveness when sildenafil therapy had a mortality relative risk efficacy of >0.89, if life expectancy in that country is <40 years, or if the lifetime forecasted costs of a survivor's life was quite high.Conclusion Enteral sildenafil is a cost-effective intervention for severe PPHN for upper middle-income countries where ECMO and iNO are not available.Key Points
Emergent scenario in mimetic gravity
Authors: Huang Qihong , Xu Bing , Huang He , Tu Feiquan , Zhang Ruanjing 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The emergent scenario provides a possible way to avoid the big bang singularity by assuming that the Universe originates from an Einstein static state. Therefore, an Einstein static Universe stable under perturbations is crucial to a successful implementation of the emergent mechanism. In this paper, we analyze the stability of the Einstein static Universe against the scalar perturbations in the mimetic theory and find that stable Einstein static solutions exist under certain conditions in this theory. In the original mimetic gravity, the Einstein static Universe is unstable. Then, we find that the Universe can naturally exit from the initial static state, evolve into an inflationary era and then exit from the inflationary era. Thus, the emergent scenario can be used to resolve the big bang singularity in the mimetic theory.
Core-hole localization and ultra-fast dissociation in SF6
Authors: Ekholm V , Chiuzbǎian G S , Såthe C , Nicolaou A , Guarise M , Simon M , Jaouen N , Lüning J , Hague C F , Gel’mukhanov F , Odelius M , Björneholm O , Rubensson J-E 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Resonant inelastic x-ray scattering spectra excited at the fluorine K resonances of SF6 have been recorded. While a small but significant propensity for electronically parity-allowed transitions is found, the observation of parity-forbidden electronic transitions is attributed to vibronic coupling that breaks the global inversion symmetry of the electronic wavefunction and localizes the core hole. The dependence of the scattering cross section on the polarization of the incident radiation and the scattering angle is interpreted in terms of local π/σ symmetry around the S–F bond. This symmetry selectivity prevails during the dissociation that occurs during the scattering process.
Experimental artifact in MOKE measurements when using paramagnetic sample holders
Authors: Muñoz-Noval A , Bonin C J , Bonetto F , García M A 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
We describe here an artifact that may affect to magneto-optical Kerr measurements. When paramagnetic sample holders (SH) with non-negligible susceptibilities are used, the inhomogeneity of the applied magnetic field can induce forces and torques on it, shifting the reflected beam, and altering its intensity at the photodetector. The effect is even and can be avoided using low susceptibility paramagnetic or diamagnetic SH We also present a detailed analytical description of the magnetic forces involved and provide some estimated values of the SH shifting, showing that they might distort the magneto-optical Kerr effect signal. Moreover, in this paper we show how the artifact can be removed from the experimental curves with an appropriated data analysis.
On optimal coupling of the ‘electronic photoreceptors’ into the degenerate retina
Authors: Werginz Paul , Wang Bing-Yi , Chen Zhijie Charles , Palanker Daniel 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Objective
To restore sight in atrophic age-related macular degeneration, the lost photoreceptors can be replaced with electronic implants, which replicate their two major functions: (1) converting light into an electric signal, and (2) transferring visual information to the secondary neurons in the retinal neural network—the bipolar cells (BC). We study the selectivity of BC activation by subretinal implants and dynamics of their response to pulsatile waveforms in order to optimize the electrical stimulation scheme such that retinal signal processing with ‘electronic photoreceptors’ remains as close to natural as possible.

Approach
A multicompartmental model of a BC was implemented to simulate responses of the voltage-gated calcium channels and subsequent synaptic vesicle release under continuous and pulsatile stimuli. We compared the predicted response under various frequencies, pulse durations, and alternating gratings to the corresponding experimental measurements. In addition, electric field was computed for various electrode configurations in a 3-d finite element model to assess the stimulation selectivity via spatial confinement of the field.

Main results
The modeled BC-mediated retinal responses were, in general, in good agreement with previously published experimental results. Kinetics of the calcium pumps and of the neurotransmitter release in ribbon synapses, which underpin the BC’s temporal filtering and rectifying functions, allow mimicking the natural BC response with high frequency pulsatile stimulation, thereby preserving features of the retinal signal processing, such as flicker fusion, adaptation to static stimuli and non-linear summation of subunits in receptive field. Selectivity of the BC stimulation while avoiding direct activation of the downstream neurons (amacrine and ganglion cells—RGCs) is improved with local return electrodes.

Significance
If the retinal neural network is preserved to a large extent in age-related macular degeneration, selective stimulation of BCs with proper spatial and temporal modulation of the extracellular electric field may retain many features of the natural retinal signal processing and hence allow highly functional restoration of sight.
BCI for stroke rehabilitation: motor and beyond
Authors: Mane Ravikiran , Chouhan Tushar , Guan Cuntai 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability among adults and contributes to major socio-economic burden globally. Stroke frequently results in multifaceted impairments including motor, cognitive and emotion deficits. In recent years, brain–computer interface (BCI)-based therapy has shown promising results for post-stroke motor rehabilitation. In spite of the success received by BCI-based interventions in the motor domain, non-motor impairments are yet to receive similar attention in research and clinical settings. Some preliminary encouraging results in post-stroke cognitive rehabilitation using BCI seem to suggest that it may also hold potential for treating non-motor deficits such as cognitive and emotion impairments. Moreover, past studies have shown an intricate relationship between motor, cognitive and emotion functions which might influence the overall post-stroke rehabilitation outcome. A number of studies highlight the inability of current treatment protocols to account for the implicit interplay between motor, cognitive and emotion functions. This indicates the necessity to explore an all-inclusive treatment plan targeting the synergistic influence of these standalone interventions. This approach may lead to better overall recovery than treating the individual deficits in isolation. In this paper, we review the recent advances in BCI-based post-stroke motor rehabilitation and highlight the potential for the use of BCI systems beyond the motor domain, in particular, in improving cognition and emotion of stroke patients. Building on the current results and findings of studies in individual domains, we next discuss the possibility of a holistic BCI system for motor, cognitive and affect rehabilitation which may synergistically promote restorative neuroplasticity. Such a system would provide an all-encompassing rehabilitation platform, leading to overarching clinical outcomes and transfer of these outcomes to a better quality of living. This is one of the first works to analyse the possibility of targeting cross-domain influence of post-stroke functional recovery enabled by BCI-based rehabilitation.
Zirconium-based metallic glass and zirconia coatings to inhibit bone formation on titanium
Authors: Rajan S Thanka , V V Anusha Thampi , Terada-Nakaishi Michiko , Chen Peng , Hanawa Takao , Nandakumar A K , Subramanian B 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Surface-modified commercially pure titanium (Cp-Ti) with zirconium (Zr)-based thin film metallic glasses (Zr-TFMGs) and ZrO2 thin films were surgically implanted into the tibiae of rats; the bone formation was analyzed to examine the performance of the coatings as a biomaterial. Zr-TFMGs and ZrO2 thin films were coated on Cp-Ti substrates to monitor the control of assimilation in vitro and in vivo. The microstructural and elemental analyses were carried out for the as deposited thin films by x-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. TFMG- and ZrO2-coated Ti specimens were immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) for a period of 21 days to evaluate the calcium phosphate precipitation in vitro. XRD, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy were used to quantify the mineralization on the coated Zr-TFMG and ZrO2. In vitro corrosion studies showed that the Zr-based TFMG and ZrO2 coatings sustained in the SBF, exhibited superior corrosion resistance to the bare crystalline Ti substrate. Wettability studies showed TFMG and ZrO2 coatings with a hydrophobic nature, and the TFMG-coated SBF-submerged specimens showed a hydrophilic nature. The in vitro cell viability of MC3T3-E1 cells showed good cell proliferation and low cytotoxicity. The calcification deposits were evaluated by staining with alizarin red S, which showed a lower calcium formation on Zr-TFMG compared to ZrO2. The present work also aims to assess the assimilation behavior of Cp-Ti, Zr-TFMG and ZrO2
in vivo by inserting the coated specimen in the femur of rats. After post-implantation of 8 weeks, specimens were examined by micro-CT evaluation. The bone contact ratios as calculated were 72.75%, 15.32% and 38.79%. Consequently, the bone affinity was Cp-Ti wire >ZrO2-coated Ti wire >Zr48Cu36Ag8Al8-coated Ti wire.
Stress–strain analysis of rock mass during mining of protective pillar of vertical shaft
Authors: Neverov SA , Shaposhnik Yu N , Nikolsky AM 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The implemented studies aim at the geomechanical assessment of safe mining, including safety pillars, within the limits of the protective pillar of shaft RESH in the Irtysh Mine, with estimation of influence exerted by stresses and strains on the rock mass, permanent excavations and ground surface. Slacked replenishment of the raw material resources makes re-extraction of ore reserves from pillars highly topical. It is found that ore loss in mining of the protective pillars reach 30% and above of total reserves at some deposits. Based on the analytical solutions and 3D FEM modeling in terms of the Irtysh Mine, the authors validate feasibility of safe partial extraction of ore reserves from the protective pillar of shaft RESH without aggravating effect on the shaft operation and on the ground surface. The feature of this study is using both specification documents and mathematical modeling, with regard to geology, structure and lithology of a deposit and rock mass, physical and mechanical properties and geometrical complexity of mine objects, which essentially improves studies into stability of underground openings and ground surface. It is found that the basic measure of safety I mining of the protective pillar of shaft RESH is establishing safety pillars.