bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Numerical analysis of effective refractive index sensor based on slot micro-ring and Bragg grating
Authors: Zhao C. Y. , Chen P. Y. , Zhang L. 
Published: October 2019

A novel design of a silicon-on-insulator (SOI)-based resonator based on slot micro-ring and Bragg gratings is presented. The corrugated Bragg gratings are structured on both sides of slot micro-ring waveguides. The variation of the effective refractive index is detected by monitoring the shift of the spectral of the resonator. The transmission spectrum and field distribution of the sensor structures are simulated using finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. With the combination of the Bragg gratings, the measurement range of the sensor significantly increases without the restriction of a free spectral range (FSR). Our proposed sensor design provides a promising candidate for on-chip integration with other silicon photonic element.
First-principle calculations of ternary compounds: Immm-BxTi3−xN2
Authors: Wang Xin-Kuan , Yang Ruike , Ma Shaowei , Chai Bao , Xue Minhua 
Published: October 2019

Boron nitride (BN) and Titanium nitrides (TiNs) have been successfully researched recently. In order to analyze the relationship among the Boron, Nitrogen and Titanium, the ternary compounds with an orthorhombic structure Immm- are studied. We further researched on the mechanical, electronic and optical properties of new Immm-B[Formula: see text]Ti[Formula: see text]N2 ([Formula: see text]). The structures of BTi2N2 and B2TiN2 are mechanically stable at 0, 50 and 100 GPa. The BTi2N2 has the higher cutting resistance and better ductility than the B2TiN2. The higher Young’s modulus of B2TiN2 indicates the B2TiN2 is stiffer than BTi2N2. The BTi2N2 is harder to compress in the [Formula: see text] direction and the B2TiN2 is harder in [Formula: see text] direction. Immm-BTi2N2 and B2TiN2 have good metallicity at 0 and 100 GPa. Immm-BTi2N2 has the higher dielectric function than B2TiN2 and the plasma frequency of B2TiN2 is bigger than that of BTi2N2. We hope our work will provide some help to the experimental work about the technology of the material.
Targeting the Kynurenine Pathway for the Treatment of Cisplatin-Resistant Lung Cancer
Authors: Nguyen Dan J.M. , Theodoropoulos George , Li Ying-Ying , Wu Chunjing , Sha Wei , Feun Lynn G. , Lampidis Theodore J. , Savaraj Niramol , Wangpaichitr Medhi 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Cisplatin resistance is a major barrier in the effective treatment of lung cancer. Cisplatin-resistant (CR) lung cancer cells do not primarily use glucose but rather consume amino acids such as glutamine and tryptophan (Trp) for survival. CR cells activate the kynurenine (KYN) pathway (KP) to cope with excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and maintain homeostasis for growth and proliferation. Consequently, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1) becomes an essential enzyme for CR cells' survival because it initiates and regulates the first step in the KP. Increased IDO1 activities and ROS levels are found in CR cells versus cisplatin-sensitive lung cancer. Importantly, significantly greater KYN/Trp ratio (P = 0.005) is detected in serum of patients who fail cisplatin when compared with naïve treatment. Knocking down IDO1 using shRNA or IDO1 inhibitors heightens ROS levels and results in a significant growth inhibitory effect only on CR cells and not on cisplatin-sensitive cells. Exposing CR cells to antioxidant (TIRON) results in suppression of IDO1 activity and confers resistance to IDO1 inhibition, indicating an interrelationship between ROS and IDO1. Because KYN plays a critical role in reprogramming naïve T cells to the immune-suppressive regulatory T-cell (T-reg) phenotype, we observed higher expression of TGFβ, FoxP3, and CD4+CD25+ in mice bearing CR tumors compared with tumors from cisplatin-sensitive counterparts.

Implications:
Findings suggest that the enzyme-inhibitory activity and antitumor efficacy of IDO1 inhibitors rely in part on ROS levels, arguing that IDO1 expression alone may be insufficient to determine the clinical benefits for this class of experimental cancer drugs. Importantly, IDO1 inhibitors may be more suitable to treat patients with lung cancer who failed cisplatin therapy than naïve treatment patients.
Effects of Motivation Framing and Content Domain on Intentions to Eat Plant- and Animal-Based Foods
Authors: Duchene T. N. , Jackson L. M. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis study examined the effectiveness of persuasive messages intended to encourage people to eat more plant foods and fewer nonhuman animal foods. One hundred twelve participants reported their eating habits and read an article that emphasized health or ethical implications of food choices as well as a brochure that used autonomy promoting or controlling motivational framing to encourage eating plant foods. They then indicated their future eating intentions. Across conditions, participants reported the intention to eat more plant foods following the manipulations compared to their current eating habits. In addition, people who perceived the article as promoting greater choice in eating habits reported an intention to decrease their consumption of meat and increase their consumption of higher protein plant foods. These findings can assist animal rights or welfare advocates, health-care practitioners, and educators in encouraging people to eat more plant foods and fewer animal foods.
Body size and life history traits of the fire salamander Salamandra salamandra from Poland
Authors: Najbar Anna , Konowalik Agnieszka , Halupka Konrad , Najbar Bartłomiej , Ogielska Maria 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The fire salamander Salamandra salamandra is a widespread taxon in Europe, exhibiting great intraspecific diversity in phenotype and life history traits across its geographical distribution. Here, we studied body size, sexual dimorphism, age, growth rate and condition of fire salamanders from the north-eastern margin of its range. In total, 2,102 individuals from 23 populations representing the Polish parts of the Sudetes and the Carpathian Mountains were sampled between 2004 and 2016. Body traits and age showed significant differences between the western (the Sudetes) and eastern (the Carpathians) groups of populations. Salamanders from the Carpathians tended to be longer, heavier and older. Female-biased sexual size dimorphism was found only in the Carpathians. Body condition at the beginning of the season was poor, then increased to reach a peak in early June, and deteriorated toward the end of the season. Age estimated by skeletochronology on phalangeal bones ranged from 2 to 16 years in both females and males, with the highest share of 7- to 9-year-old individuals. Age of juveniles ranged from 1 to 5 years in the Sudetes and from 1 to 4 years in the Carpathians. Growth curves (fitted using von Bertalanffy’s model) were asymptotic throughout the individual lifespans, but exhibited differences between sexes and mountain ranges. Altitude did not explain differences in characteristics of populations living in the two mountain ranges, but these differences most probably resulted from habitat quality (better in the Carpathians) and adverse human impact (higher in the Sudetes).
Board Diversity in Terms of Gender: a Recommendation for Mauritius
Authors: Beebeejaun Ambareen 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe increased presence of women on the boards of corporations is an international trend worth following by all countries. There are many good reasons for increasing gender diversity on boards have been evidenced by various studies such as better decisions, performance, and representation of the consumer base. However, the country of Mauritius has been lagging behind in terms of legislative initiatives to promote female representation on corporate boards. A study conducted by the Hay Group in association with the Mauritius Institute of Directors in 2015 supports this fact.The study seeks to identify the relative benefits behind the global trend of achieving gender diversity on corporate boards and on the factors that impact the representation of women on such boards. Some various kinds of regimes and initiatives that have been developed in some countries mainly Norway and the UK will be analysed to deal with the issue of underrepresentation of women on corporate boards. The purpose behind this research is to provide effective recommendations for Mauritius to achieve a greater level of gender diversity on corporate boards.The methodologies for the research are, in essence, comprised of the black letter approach which analyses the legal provisions relating to directors in Mauritius, Norway, and the UK. Journals, books, and reports amongst others will be also examined.The paper aims at responding to the research objectives set out above. In particular, a soft-law approach in terms of voluntary target and non-financial disclosure in terms of gender diversity status is suggested as a first step to resolve low representation of women on corporate boards in Mauritius.
Postoperative Opioid Use and Pain Management Following Otologic and Neurotologic Surgery
Authors: Boyd Christopher , Shew Matthew , Penn Joseph , Muelleman Thomas , Lin James , Staecker Hinrich , Wichova Helena 
Published: October 2019

Objectives: The topic of prescription opioid overuse remains a growing concern in the United States. Our objective is to provide insight into pain perception and opioid use based on a patient cohort undergoing common otologic and neurotologic surgeries. Study Design: Prospective observational study with patient questionnaire. Setting: Single academic medical center. Subjects and Methods: Adult patients undergoing otologic and neurotologic procedures by two fellowship trained neurotologists between June and November of 2018 were included in this study. During first postoperative follow-up, participants completed a questionnaire assessing perceived postoperative pain and its impact on quality of life, pain management techniques, and extent of prescription opioid use. Results: A total of 47 patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria. The median pain score was 3 out of 10 (Interquartile Range [IQR] = 2-6) with no significant gender differences ( P = .92). Patients were prescribed a median of 15.0 (IQR = 10.0-15.0) tablets of opioid pain medication postoperatively, but only used a median of 4.0 (IQR = 1.0-11.5) tablets at the time of first follow-up. Measured quality of life areas included sleep, physical activity, work, and mood. Sleep was most commonly affected, with 69.4% of patients noting disturbances. Conclusions: This study suggests that practitioners may over-estimate the need for opioid pain medication following otologic and neurotologic surgery. It also demonstrates the need for ongoing patient education regarding opioid risks, alternatives, and measures to prevent diversion.
A Pilot Study to Assess the Sialendoscopy-Assisted Transfacial Approach in Parotid Gland Sialolithiasis
Authors: Chiesa-Estomba Carlos Miguel , Saga-Gutierrez Carlos , Larruscain Ekhiñe , González-García José Ángel , Sistiaga-Suarez Jon Alexander , Altuna Xabier 
Published: October 2019

Introduction: Twenty percent of the total lithiasis that affect a major salivary gland will be found in the parotid gland. An exclusive sialoendoscopic approach has achieved success rates close to 80%. In a significant percentage of these remaining cases, combined transfacial approaches assisted by sialendoscopy are presented as an option to be taken into account. Patients and Methods: A prospective analysis of cases treated by combined transfacial approach assisted by sialendoscopy for lithiasis of the parotid gland and the impact of the facial nerve stimulator used during surgery. Results: Five patients were included; all of them operated satisfactorily. In 4 of them, the approach proposed by McGurk and modified by Capaccio was used, and in 1 of them, the approach proposed by Nahlieli was used. We suffered a complication in just case due to the appearance of postoperative sialocele. Conclusion: According to our results and those previously published, the transfacial approach assisted by sialendoscopy can be considered a useful technique. Proper planning ensures an optimal result in the treatment of parotid gland lithiasis. The use of facial nerve stimulator guarantees extra security when working near to a branch of the facial nerve is suspected.
Evaluating the effectiveness of aquatic therapy on mobility, balance, and level of functional independence in stroke rehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Iliescu Alice Mary , McIntyre Amanda , Wiener Joshua , Iruthayarajah Jerome , Lee Andrea , Caughlin Sarah , Teasell Robert 
Published: October 2019

Objective: To meta-analyze and systematically review the effectiveness of aquatic therapy in improving mobility, balance, and functional independence after stroke. Data Sources: Articles published in Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus up to 20 August 2019. Study Selection: Studies met the following inclusion criteria: (1) English, (2) adult stroke population, (3) randomized or non-randomized prospectively controlled trial (RCT or PCT, respectively) study design, (4) the experimental group received >1 session of aquatic therapy, and (5) included a clinical outcome measure of mobility, balance, or functional independence. Data Extraction: Participant characteristics, treatment protocols, between-group outcomes, point measures, and measures of variability were extracted. Methodological quality was assessed using Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) tool, and pooled mean differences (MD) ± standard error and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for Functional Reach Test (FRT), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), gait speed, and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Data Synthesis: Nineteen studies (17 RCTs and 2 PCTs) with a mean sample size of 36 participants and mean PEDro score of 5.6 (range 4–8) were included. Aquatic therapy demonstrated statistically significant improvements over land therapy on FRT (MD = 3.511 ± 1.597; 95% CI: 0.381–6.642; P = 0.028), TUG (MD = 2.229 ± 0.513; 95% CI: 1.224–3.234; P < 0.001), gait speed (MD = 0.049 ± 0.023; 95% CI: 0.005–0.094; P = 0.030), and BBS (MD = 2.252 ± 0.552; 95% CI: 1.171–3.334; P < 0.001). Conclusions: While the effect of aquatic therapy on mobility and balance is statistically significant compared to land-based therapy, the clinical significance is less clear, highly variable, and outcome measure dependent.
Gender Equity and Vitamin A Supplementation: Moving Beyond Equal Coverage
Authors: Nordhagen Stella , Bauck Aubrey , Doledec David 
Published: October 2019

Background: Vitamin A supplementation (VAS) is currently implemented in over 80 countries worldwide, but little attention has been paid to gender equity in the design or implementation of these programs. Objective: This article describes the ways in which gender equity can impact or be impacted by VAS programs and suggests ways to ensure these programs better support gender equity in the future. Methods: We undertook a desk review of research on gender equity in health services and extrapolated findings to VAS, highlighting gender equity issues throughout the VAS implementation process and across delivery platform types. We also amassed secondary data on VAS coverage from 45 surveys in 13 countries and analyzed it to examine differences in VAS coverage between boys and girls. Results: Despite few significant differences in coverage between boys and girls, we identify numerous ways in which gender equity can impact or be impacted by VAS programs, including through the choice of VAS distributors and the communication materials used to promote VAS campaigns. Examining these different entry points reveals that there are several missed opportunities for better integration of gender within VAS. Conclusions: VAS program implementers and policymakers should revisit VAS approaches to identify opportunities for advancing gender equity through this wide-reaching platform.
Endovascular therapy for hemodialysis patients with atrial fibrillation and cerebral thromboembolism: A case series
Authors: Kamijo Masafumi , Hayashi Waka , Otsuka Emiko , Obata Yoko , Sahara Noriyuki , Takemoto Koichiro , Sakamoto Seisaburo , Ueki Yukitaka , Nishino Tomoya 
Published: October 2019

Introduction: Hemodialysis patients with atrial fibrillation are at high risk for stroke. Intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator is considered for acute ischemic stroke. However, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator therapy is contraindicated for some hemodialysis patients with atrial fibrillation. These patients and those who have received recombinant tissue plasminogen activator therapy without blood flow recovery are candidates for endovascular therapy. Methods and results: Three hemodialysis patients with atrial fibrillation received endovascular therapy for acute cerebral infarction. Cerebrovascular incident occurred during or after hemodialysis in two of these patients. All three patients achieved successful recanalization after endovascular therapy. Conclusion: In this series, endovascular therapy showed good results without complications. More cases should be investigated to obtain more evidence of successful endovascular therapy for hemodialysis patients.
Complementemia in pregnancies with antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Tabacco S , Giannini A , Garufi C , Botta A , Salvi S , Del Sordo G , Benedetti Panici P , Lanzone A , De Carolis S 
Published: October 2019

Prognosis of pregnancies in women with antiphospholipid syndrome has dramatically improved over the past two decades using conventional treatment with low molecular weight heparin and low-dose aspirin. However, despite this regimen, 10–15% of antiphospholipid syndrome patients experience pregnancy losses. Several studies have been performed in order to identify risk factors predictive of complications. Thrombosis has been generally accepted as the key pathogenetic mechanism underlying pregnancy morbidity. However, the thrombogenic state alone is not able to explain all the different mechanisms leading to pregnancy failure. In fact, emerging evidence shows that complement pathway could play an important role in mediating clinical events in antiphospholipid syndrome. However, the exact mechanism through which complement mediates antiphospholipid syndrome complications remains unknown. Low complement levels (C3 and C4) are associated with poor pregnancy outcome in women with antiphospholipid syndrome in different studies. Hypocomplementemia could be indicated as an early predictor of adverse pregnancy outcome, available at the beginning of pregnancy for starting, if necessary, additional treatment to conventional therapy. However, future studies need to better understand the impact of low complement level on antiphospholipid syndrome pregnancy outcome.
Contrast-Enhanced CT Texture Analysis for Distinguishing Fat-Poor Renal Angiomyolipoma From Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Guangjie , Gong Aidi , Nie Pei , Yan Lei , Miao Wenjie , Zhao Yujun , Wu Jie , Cui Jingjing , Jia Yan , Wang Zhenguang 
Published: October 2019

Objective: To evaluate the value of 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomography texture analysis (CTTA) models in distinguishing fat-poor angiomyolipoma (fpAML) from chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC). Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 32 fpAMLs and 24 chRCCs. Texture features were extracted from 2D and 3D regions of interest in triphasic CT images. The 2D and 3D CTTA models were constructed with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm and texture scores were calculated. The diagnostic performance of the 2D and 3D CTTA models was evaluated with respect to calibration, discrimination, and clinical usefulness. Results: Of the 177 and 183 texture features extracted from 2D and 3D regions of interest, respectively, 5 2D features and 8 3D features were selected to build 2D and 3D CTTA models. The 2D CTTA model (area under the curve [AUC], 0.811; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.695-0.927) and the 3D CTTA model (AUC, 0.915; 95% CI, 0.838-0.993) showed good discrimination and calibration ( P > .05). There was no significant difference in AUC between the 2 models ( P = .093). Decision curve analysis showed the 3D model outperformed the 2D model in terms of clinical usefulness. Conclusions: The CTTA models based on contrast-enhanced CT images had a high value in differentiating fpAML from chRCC.
Anatomic Sphenoid Cell Variants: Introduction of the Retrosphenoid Cell and Relevance in the Presentation and Management of Sinus Disease
Authors: Dadgostar Anali , Hashmi Aneela , Fan Judy , Javer Amin R. 
Published: October 2019

Background Despite the well-appreciated variability in sphenoid sinus anatomy, there are no documented cases of retrosphenoid cells in the literature to date. Objective This study defines and determines the prevalence of retrosphenoid cells as identified on computed tomography (CT) imaging and intraoperative endoscopy and reviews the prevalence of other related anatomical variants of the sphenoid sinus. Methods Retrospective study of 300 random noncontrast sinus CT scans of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis presenting to a tertiary rhinology center. All identifiable anatomic variations and any presence of retrosphenoid cells and their pneumatization patterns were recorded. The prevalence of various anatomic variations of the sphenoid sinus was also calculated. Results A total of 300 sinus CT scans were included in the study. Protrusion of both the internal carotid artery (42.6%) and optic nerve (19.7%) into the sinus was more prevalent than the dehiscence of either one. A retrosphenoid cell was identified in 2% of CT scans. Other anatomic variants were less prevalent. Conclusion Meticulous review of preoperative imaging is key in identifying rare and complex sphenoid cell variations in planning surgical approaches and potential treatment strategies for the unusually pneumatized sphenoid air cells. Various manifestations of sinus disease can be localized to this area, and suspicion of a retrosphenoid cell should be raised in patients presenting with recalcitrant headache.
Risk Factor Analysis for Proximal Junctional Kyphosis After Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: A New Simple Scoring System to Identify High-Risk Patients
Authors: Lafage Renaud , Beyer George , Schwab Frank , Klineberg Eric , Burton Douglas , Bess Shay , Kim Han Jo , Smith Justin , Ames Christopher , Hostin Richard , Khalife Marc , Shaffrey Christopher , Mundis Gregory , Lafage Virginie 
Published: October 2019

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Objective: Develop a simple scoring system to estimate proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) risk. Methods: A total of 417 adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients (80% females, 57.8 years) with 2-year follow-up were included. PJK was defined as a >10° kyphotic angle between the upper-most instrumented vertebra (UIV) and the vertebrae 2 levels above the UIV (UIV+2). Based on a previous literature review, the following point score was attributed to parameters likely to impact PJK development: age >55 years (1 point), fusion to S1/ilium (1 point), UIV in the upper thoracic spine (UIV-UT: 1 point), UIV in the lower thoracic region (UIV-LT: 2 points), flattening of the thoracic kyphosis (TK) relative to the lumbar lordosis (LL; ie, ▵LL − ▵TK) greater than 10° (1 point). Results: At 2 years, the overall PJK rate was 43%. The odds ratios for each risk factor were the following: age >55 years (2.52), fusion to S1/ilium (5.17), UIV-UT (6.63), UIV-LT (8.24), and ▵LL − ▵TK >10° (1.59). Analysis by risk factor revealed a significant impact on PJK (no PJK vs PJK): age >55 years (28% vs 51%, P < .001), LIV S1/ilium (16.3% vs 51.4%, P < .001), UIV in lower thoracic spine (12.0% vs 38.7% vs 52.9%, P < .001), and a >10° surgical reduction in TK relative to LL increase (40.0% vs 51.5%, P < .001). The PJK rate by point score was as follows: 1 = 17%, 2 = 29%, 3 = 40%, 4 = 53%, and 5 = 69%. Conclusion: A pragmatic scoring system was developed that is tied to the increasing risk of PJK. These findings are helpful for surgical planning and preoperative counseling.