bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of self-reported medication use for hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia among employees of large-sized companies in Japan
Authors: Fukai Kota , Nagata Tomohisa , Mori Koji , Ohtani Makoto , Fujimoto Kenji , Nagata Masako , Fujino Yoshihisa 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of self-reported medication use for hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia by comparison with health insurance claims among employees of large-sized companies in Japan.

Methods
Participants were 61 676 participants of 13 large-sized companies in Japan. Self-reports on medication use were obtained through web- or paper-based questionnaires conducted at the annual health checkup in fiscal year 2016. Health insurance claims for medication were obtained from corporate health insurance associations from April 1, 2016, to March 31, 2017. Agreement rate, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV), and kappa statistics of self-reporting were examined for different reference periods (1-, 2-, and 3- months, and 1-year). Subgroup analysis was conducted stratified by sex, age, body mass index, smoking, alcohol drinking, blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Results
Agreement, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 0.98, 0.90, 0.98, 0.87, and 0.99 for hypertension, 0.99, 0.89, 1.00, 0.89, and 1.00 for diabetes, and 0.98, 0.86, 0.99, 0.83, and 0.99 for dyslipidemia, respectively, between self-reports and claims data for 3 months. Kappa statistics were highest with the 3-month reference period of claims data for hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. No major concordance was observed between the subgroups.

Conclusion
This validation of self-reported medication use for hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia showed almost perfect reliability among employees of large-sized companies in Japan.
Long-term observation of pulmonary toxicity of toner with external additives following a single intratracheal instillation in rats
Authors: Tomonaga Taisuke , Izumi Hiroto , Yoshiura Yukiko , Marui Takashi , Wang Ke-Yong , Nishida Chinatsu , Yatera Kazuhiro , Morimoto Yasuo 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Objectives
Along with technological innovations for improving the efficiency of printing, nanoparticles have been added to the surface of toners, and there is concern about the harmful effects of those components. We investigated, through a long-term observation following intratracheal instillation using rats, whether exposure to a toner with external additives can cause tumorigenesis.

Methods
Female Wistar rats were intratracheally instilled with dispersed toner at low (1 mg/rat) and high (2 mg/rat) doses, and the rats were sacrificed at 24 months after exposure, after which we examined pulmonary inflammation, histopathological changes, and DNA damage in the lung. Rats that had deceased before 24 months were dissected at that time as well, to compare tumor development.

Results
Although alveolar macrophages with pigment deposition in the alveoli were observed in the 1 and 2 mg exposure groups, no significant lung inflammation/fibrosis or tumor was observed. Since immunostaining with 8-OHdG or γ-H2AX did not show a remarkable positive reaction, it is thought that toner did not cause severe DNA damage to lung tissue.

Conclusion
These results suggest that toner with external additives may have low toxicity in the lung.
Accurate method for evaluating the duration of the entire radiotherapy process
Authors: Guo Chenlei , Huang Peng , Li Yexiong , Dai Jianrong 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackground and purposeAlong with the increasing demand for high‐quality radiotherapy and the growing number of high‐precision radiotherapy devices, precise radiotherapy workflow management and accurate time evaluation of the entire radiotherapy process are crucial to providing appropriate, timely treatment for cancer patients. This study therefore aimed to establish an accurate, reliable method for evaluating the duration of the radiotherapy process, from beginning to end, based on real‐time measurement data. These data are vital for improving the quality and efficiency of radiotherapy delivery.Materials and methodsAltogether, 17 620 cancer patients’ radiotherapy experiences were measured in real time in our radiation oncology department. The process was divided into five sequential core modules, with the start and stop times of each module automatically recorded using MOSAIQ software, an automated radiotherapy management system. The duration for each module and the total duration of the entire process were then automatically calculated and qualitatively analyzed.ResultsThe analysis showed significant treatment–time differences depending on the tumor site, which provided a practical reference for improvement of previous treatment modules and appointments management. In all, >60% of the cancer patients’ total treatment time could be shortened.ConclusionsWe established a reliable method for evaluating the overall duration of radiotherapy protocols. The results pointed out a clear pathway by which we could improve future radiotherapy workflow management and appointment systems.
Direct measurement and correction of both megavoltage and kilovoltage scattered x‐rays for orthogonal kilovoltage imaging subsystems with dual flat panel detectors
Authors: Iramina Hiraku , Nakamura Mitsuhiro , Mizowaki Takashi 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPurposeTo measure the scattered x‐rays of megavoltage (MV) and kilovoltage (kV) beams (MV scatter and kV scatter, respectively) on the orthogonal kV imaging subsystems of Vero4DRT.MethodsImages containing MV‐ and kV‐scatter from another source only (i.e., MV‐ and kV‐scatter maps) were acquired for each investigated flat panel detector. The reference scatterer was a water‐equivalent cuboid phantom. The maps were acquired by changing one of the following parameters from the reference conditions while keeping the others fixed: field size: 10.0 × 10.0 cm2; dose rate: 400 MU/min; gantry and ring angles: 0°; kV collimator aperture size at isocenter: 10.0 × 10.0 cm2: tube voltage: 110 kV; and exposure: 0.8 mAs. The average pixel values of MV‐ and kV‐scatter (i.e., the MV‐ and kV‐scatter values) at the center of each map were calculated and normalized to the MV‐scatter value under the reference conditions (MV‐ and kV‐scatter value factor, respectively). In addition, an MV‐ and kV‐scatter correction experiment with intensity‐modulated beams was performed using a phantom with four gold markers (GMs). The ratios between the intensities of the GMs and those of their surroundings were calculated.ResultsThe measurements showed a strong dependency of the MV‐scatter on the field size and dose rate. The maximum MV‐scatter value factors were 2.0 at a field size of 15.0 × 15.0 cm2 and 2.5 at a dose rate of 500 MU/min. The maximum kV‐scatter value was 0.48 with a fully open kV collimator aperture. In the phantom experiment, the intensity ratios of kV images with MV‐ and kV‐scatter were decreased from the reference ones. After correction of kV‐scatter only, MV‐scatter only, and both MV‐ and kV‐scatter, the intensity ratios gradually improved.ConclusionsMV‐ and kV‐scatter could be corrected by subtracting the scatter maps from the projections, and the correction improved the intensity ratios of the GMs.
Evaluation of a commercial deformable image registration algorithm for dual‐energy CT processing
Authors: Huang Jessie Y. , Lawless Michael J. , Matrosic Charles K. , Di Maso Lianna D. , Miller Jessica R. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPurposeSeveral dual‐energy computed tomography (DECT) techniques require a deformable image registration to correct for motion between the acquisition of low and high energy data. However, current DECT software does not provide tools to assess registration accuracy or allow the user to export deformed images, presenting a unique challenge for image registration quality assurance (QA). This work presents a methodology to evaluate the accuracy of DECT deformable registration and to quantify the impact of registration errors on end‐product images.MethodsThe deformable algorithm implemented in Siemen Healthineers's Syngo was evaluated using a deformable abdomen phantom and a rigid phantom to mimic sliding motion in the thorax. Both phantoms were imaged using sequential 80 and 140 kVp scans with motion applied between the two scans. Since Syngo does not allow the export of the deformed images, this study focused on quantifying the accuracy of various end‐product, dual‐energy images resulting from processing of deformed images.ResultsThe Syngo algorithm performed well for the abdomen phantom with a mean registration error of 0.4 mm for landmark analysis, Dice similarity coefficients (DSCs) > 0.90 for five organs contoured, and mean iodine concentrations within 0.2 mg/mL of values measured on static images. For rigid sliding motion, the algorithm performed poorer and resulted in noticeable registration errors toward the superior and inferior scan extents and DSCs as low as 0.41 for iodine rods imaged in the phantom. Additionally, local iodine concentration errors in areas of misregistration exceeded 3 mg/mL.ConclusionsThis work represents the first methodology for DECT image registration QA using commercial software. Our data support the clinical use of the Syngo algorithm for abdominal sites with limited motion (i.e., pancreas and liver). However, dual‐energy images generated with this algorithm should be used with caution for quantitative measurements in areas with sliding motion.
De Novo Design of Covalent Organic Framework Membranes toward Ultrafast Anion Transport
Authors: He Xueyi , Yang Yi , Wu Hong , He Guangwei , Xu Zhongxing , Kong Yan , Cao Li , Shi Benbing , Zhang Zhenjie , Tongsh Chasen , Jiao Kui , Zhu Kongying , Jiang Zhongyi 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe emergence of all‐organic frameworks is of fundamental significance, and designing such structures for anion conduction holds great promise in energy conversion and storage applications. Herein, inspired by the efficient anion transport within organisms, a de novo design of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) toward ultrafast anion transport is demonstrated. A phase‐transfer polymerization process is developed to acquire dense and ordered alignment of quaternary ammonium‐functionalized side chains along the channels within the frameworks. The resultant self‐standing COFs membranes exhibit one of the highest hydroxide conductivities (212 mS cm−1 at 80 °C) among the reported anion exchange membranes. Meanwhile, it is found that shorter, more hydrophilic side chains are favorable for anion conduction. The present work highlights the prospects of all‐organic framework materials as the platform building blocks in designing ion exchange membranes and ion sieving membranes.
Short‐season soybean yield and protein unresponsive to starter nitrogen fertilizer
Authors: Brar Navneet , Lawley Yvonne 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe Canadian Prairies have become the new northern edge for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production in North America. In this short growing season production area, it has been speculated that application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer at planting could increase soybean growth, yield, and grain protein. To test this hypothesis, field experiments were conducted to determine if starter N fertilizer rates of 0, 17, 34, 50, 67, and 84 kg N ha−1 applied as broadcast and incorporated urea before planting would have an effect on biomass, yield, grain protein and oil, and biological N fixation (BNF) for a Maturity Group 00 soybean cultivar grown in Manitoba, Canada. There was no yield response to starter N fertilizer in 2 of the 3 yr of the study. There were no differences in biomass, grain protein, or oil content in response to starter N fertilizer. Nitrogen uptake at the full bloom stage (R2) increased at the highest N rate tested. Percent BNF as measured by relative ureide N (RUN) content in the N fertilized treatments was reduced in 2 of 3 yr relative to the control. The contributions of BNF, soil N, and fertilizer N to total crop uptake was influenced by growing conditions during the study period. The results of this study do not support the recommendation that starter N fertilizer be used as a way to increase soybean yield and grain protein in the short season soybean production areas of the Canadian Prairies.
Potassium transformation in clay soil with contrasting K budgets in long‐term experiment
Authors: Damar Hada , Ziadi Noura , Lafond Jean , Parent Léon‐Etienne 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCanadian Shield clay soils are high in potassium (K) reserves. The differential contribution of soil K fractions to crop nutrition is an important issue for ley farming systems of Eastern Canada where nitrogen (N)‐based manure application rate leads to K surplus and redistribution. Our objective was to assess the long‐term change in K offtake, K budget, and K forms under a 3‐yr‐cycle ley farming system (barley [Hordeum vulgare]–mixed forage–mixed forage) initiated in 1989 and ended in 2016. The liquid dairy manure (LDM) supplied higher amounts of K than mineral fertilization (MIN) and led to larger K offtake across crop cycles. The cumulative K budgets averaged −579 kg K ha−1 cycle−1 for MIN and +69 kg K ha−1 cycle−1 for LDM. Despite cyclic variations, topsoil showed a surplus of exchangeable K (>100 kg K ha−1) at the end of experimentation under MIN and LDM compared to the initial state in 1989. Exchangeable and non‐exchangeable K fractions increased between 2001 and 2016 in 0‐ to 30‐cm depth even under K deficit (MIN), due to K release from slowly available forms and recycling from lower layers. There were no significant relationships between K budget and exchangeable K down to 90 cm. The approach relating soil exchangeable K and K budgets to support buildup and maintenance of soil fertility proved to be inappropriate in clay soils high in illite‐like minerals. Potassium dynamics in clay soils under ley farming highlighted the importance of considering non‐exchangeable and subsoil K in K fertilization recommendations.
A weather‐adaptive topdressing method to enhance rice yield in southwestern Japan
Authors: Nakano Hiroshi , Tanaka Ryo , Guan Senlin , Okami Midori , Wada Hiroshi , Hakata Makoto , Ohdan Hideki 
Published: July 2020

AbstractRice (Oryza sativa L.) plants grown in southwestern Japan are subjected to large variations in air temperature and solar radiation during the rainy season which can affect their growth. Therefore, in this study, a novel nitrogen (N) application method for topdressing was proposed to increase grain yield under different weather conditions. Field experiments were conducted to determine the grain yield response to the soil and plant analyzer development (SPAD) readings and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) during the early reproductive stage in 2018 and 2019. As the rainy season ended in early July in 2018 but continued until late July in 2019, the daily mean solar radiation during the vegetative and early reproductive stages was 26% lower in 2019 than in 2018. Grain yield was 10% lower in 2019 than in 2018, mainly due to the lower number of spikelets. During the early reproductive stage, the SPAD readings and NDVI were higher in 2019 than in 2018, suggesting that the biomass and N concentration in 2019 were lower and higher than those in 2018, respectively. Statistical modeling examination of grain yield response to growth‐related factors revealed that the N application rate during the reproductive stage and SPAD readings were significant predictors in 2018, whereas the N application rate and NDVI were significant predictors in 2019. Our findings suggest that SPAD readings and NDVI are key factors for determining N application rate during the reproductive stage under higher and lower solar radiation conditions during the vegetative and reproductive stages, respectively.
Multidisciplinary treatment of esophageal cancer: The role of active surveillance after neoadjuvant chemoradiation
Authors: Triantafyllou Tania , Wijnhoven Bas 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe optimal treatment of esophageal cancer is still controversial. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by radical esophagectomy is a standard treatment. Morbidity after esophagectomy however is still considerable and has an impact on patients' quality of life. Given a pathologic complete response rate of approximately 30% in patients after neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgery, active surveillance has been introduced as a new alternative approach. Active surveillance involves regular clinical response evaluations in patients after neoadjuvant therapy to detect residual or recurrent disease. As long as there is no suspicion of disease activity, surgery is withheld. Esophagectomy is reserved for patients presenting with an incomplete response or resectable recurrent disease. Active surveillance after neoadjuvant treatment has been previously applied in other types of malignancy with encouraging results. This paper discusses its role in esophageal cancer.
Genotype–phenotype correlation at codon 1740 of SETD2
Authors: Rabin Rachel , Radmanesh Alireza , Glass Ian A. , Dobyns William B. , Aldinger Kimberly A. , Shieh Joseph T. , Romoser Shelby , Bombei Hannah , Dowsett Leah , Trapane Pamela , Bernat John A. , Baker Janice , Mendelsohn Nancy J. , Popp Bernt , Siekmeyer Manuela , Sorge Ina , Sansbury Francis Hugh , Watts Patrick , Foulds Nicola C. , Burton Jennifer , Hoganson George , Hurst Jane A. , Menzies Lara , Osio Deborah , Kerecuk Larissa , Cobben Jan M. , Jizi Khadijé , Jacquemont Sebastien , Bélanger Stacey A. , Löhner Katharina , Veenstra‐Knol Hermine E. , Lemmink Henny H. , Keller‐Ramey Jennifer , Wentzensen Ingrid M. , Punj Sumit , McWalter Kirsty , Lenberg Jerica , Ellsworth Katarzyna A. , Radtke Kelly , Akbarian Schahram , Pappas John 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe SET domain containing 2, histone lysine methyltransferase encoded by SETD2 is a dual‐function methyltransferase for histones and microtubules and plays an important role for transcriptional regulation, genomic stability, and cytoskeletal functions. Specifically, SETD2 is associated with trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 36 (H3K36me3) and methylation of α‐tubulin at lysine 40. Heterozygous loss of function and missense variants have previously been described with Luscan‐Lumish syndrome (LLS), which is characterized by overgrowth, neurodevelopmental features, and absence of overt congenital anomalies. We have identified 15 individuals with de novo variants in codon 1740 of SETD2 whose features differ from those with LLS. Group 1 consists of 12 individuals with heterozygous variant c.5218C>T p.(Arg1740Trp) and Group 2 consists of 3 individuals with heterozygous variant c.5219G>A p.(Arg1740Gln). The phenotype of Group 1 includes microcephaly, profound intellectual disability, congenital anomalies affecting several organ systems, and similar facial features. Individuals in Group 2 had moderate to severe intellectual disability, low normal head circumference, and absence of additional major congenital anomalies. While LLS is likely due to loss of function of SETD2, the clinical features seen in individuals with variants affecting codon 1740 are more severe suggesting an alternative mechanism, such as gain of function, effects on epigenetic regulation, or posttranslational modification of the cytoskeleton. Our report is a prime example of different mutations in the same gene causing diverging phenotypes and the features observed in Group 1 suggest a new clinically recognizable syndrome uniquely associated with the heterozygous variant c.5218C>T p.(Arg1740Trp) in SETD2.
Gelatin supports with immobilized laccase as sustainable biocatalysts for water treatment
Authors: Harguindeguy Marine , Antonelli Claire , Belleville Marie‐Pierre , Sanchez‐Marcano José , Pochat‐Bohatier Céline 
Published: July 2020

AbstractMillimeter‐size beads of gelatin are manufactured by dripping process to give enzyme supports qualified for micropollutants biodegradation in alternative wastewater treatment. The bead diameter is dependent on the tip diameter, the gelatin solution viscosity and the swelling of polymer chains in the collecting bath. Chemical crosslinking was performed with glutaraldehyde using optimal concentration to give mechanical and thermal properties suitable for application in stirred reactor in aqueous medium. Laccases from Trametes versicolor are grafted on the gelatin beads with glutaraldehyde. Sixty percentage of the initial enzymatic activity, evaluated by the oxidation of 2′‐Azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid)diammonium salt (ABTS) is maintained after 10 successive cycles of reaction. Thermal stability at 60°C of immobilized biocatalysts is improved when compared to free enzymes (45% vs 10% of relative activity after 6 h of incubation). The simplicity of the procedure to form gelatin beads and their properties make them promising bio‐based and biodegradable support for enzyme immobilization.
Designing of phosphorous based highly functional dendrimeric macromolecular resin as an effective coating material for carbon steel in NaCl: Computational and experimental studies
Authors: Dagdag Omar , El Harfi Ahmed , El Gana Lahoucine , S. Safi Zaki , Guo Lei , Berisha Avni , Verma Chandrabhan , Ebenso Eno E. , Wazzan Nuha , El Gouri Mustapha 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjective of this study is to develop a highly effective and durable phosphorus based epoxy resin as anticorrosive coating material for carbon steel in 3% NaCl medium. The hexaglycidyl N,N′,N″‐tris (4,4′‐ethylene dianiline) phosphoramide (HGTEDPA) was characterized using spectral methods. The anticorrosive formulation (HGTEDPA‐MDA) was synthesized using HGTEDPA curing with 4,4′‐methylenedianiline (MDA). The formulation (HGTEDPA‐MDA) coated steel specimens were exposed to UV radiation for a specific durable (189 days) and durability of the formulation was tested along with its inhibition effectiveness. The anticorrosive property of the formulation was evaluated using electrochemical (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP)) methods. Results showed that HGTEDPA‐MDA coating improved the corrosion resistance value even after exposing 180 days to the UV radiation. PDP study suggested that HGTEDPA‐MDA before and after UV radiations acted as mainly anodic and cathodic type of inhibitor, respectively. The EIS and PDP results were corroborated with density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamic simulations (MDS) methods and a reasonable good agreement was observed. DFT study revealed that HGTEDPA‐MDA interacts with the metallic surface using donor–acceptor interactions. MDS study revealed that HGTEDPA‐MDA spontaneously interacts with steel surface and adsorb using horizontal orientation.
Polydopamine modified ammonium polyphosphate modified shape memory water‐borne epoxy composites with photo‐responsive flame retardant property
Authors: Zhu Shanwen , Wang Wenjun , MD Islam Zahidul , Fu Yaqin , Dong Yubing 
Published: July 2020

AbstractShape memory epoxy (SMEP) is a high performance shape memory polymer; however, is extremely flammable which severely restricts its applications. In this work, a novel polydopamine modified ammonium polyphosphate (PDA@APP) flame retardant was prepared to improve the flame retardant and enrich the response method of SMEP. Through flame retardancy test confirmed that the flame retarding properties of the PDA@APP/WEP composites significantly improved than the APP/WEP composites, the limiting oxygen index (LOI) values of the APP/SMEP and the PDA@APP/SMEP samples increased by 29.8% and 32.2%, respectively. Moreover, the PDA@APP/WEP composites had excellent light response shape‐memory performance. Interestingly, the PDA@APP/WEP treated polyester fabric exhibited excellent light crease recovery performance and excellent flame retardant property. This work develops a new method for fabric crease recovery and will help broaden the application of WEP and its composites.