bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utility of MR proton density fat fraction and its correlation with ultrasonography and biochemical markers in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in overweight adolescents
Authors: Netaji Arjunlokesh , Jain Vandana , Gupta Arun Kumar , Kumar Udit , Jana Manisha 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundClinical or biochemical markers that have good correlation with magnetic resonance proton density fat fraction (MR PDFF) can be used as simple tools for the screening for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and in determining the degree of fatty infiltration of the liver. The objective of this study was to determine the degree of relationship between MR PDFF and ultrasonography (USG) grades of fatty liver, and clinical and biochemical parameters of adolescents and to determine the sensitivity and specificity of USG for diagnosis of NAFLD.MethodsThis prospective study included 34 overweight adolescents (mean age, 12.1 ± 1.5 years; range, 10–15.1 years; 10 girls and 24 boys) who underwent both USG and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Correlation analysis was performed between MR fat fraction and USG grades of fatty liver, and clinical and biochemical parameters of fatty liver disease.ResultsMR fat fraction had a moderate positive correlation with serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) (ρ = 0.634, p < 0.001, ρ = 0.516, p = 0.002, respectively) and had a negligible or weak correlation with body mass index (BMI), BMI standard deviation score (SDS), waist circumference (WC), fasting insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), serum triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and total cholesterol levels. The sensitivity and specificity of USG in the diagnosis of NAFLD were 81% (95% confidence interval 54%–95%) and 50% (27%–73%), respectively. The MR fat fraction had a moderate positive correlation with ultrasound grades of fatty liver (ρ = 0.487, p = 0.003).ConclusionsSerum ALT and AST are potential biochemical markers to assess the degree of hepatic steatosis in NAFLD, which needs validation in further studies. USG can be used as a screening tool for NAFLD, but the diagnosis should be confirmed by estimating the MR fat fraction.
The number of negative lymph nodes is positively associated with survival in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients in China
Authors: Yu Lan , Zhang Xiao-Tao , Guan Shang-Hui , Cheng Yu-Feng , Li Lin-Xi 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
There is a controversial relationship between the negative lymph nodes (NLNs) and survival in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study investigates the implications of total number of NLNs on thoracic ESCC patient prognosis.

Methods
579 thoracic ESCC patients were categorized into four groups (0-9, 10-14, 15-19 and ≥20 NLNs). Univariate analysis was done by the log-rank tests while multivariate analysis was undertaken using Cox regression models. Survival analysis was determined employing the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results
When the numbers of NLNs were 9 or less, 10 to 14, 15 to 19 and 20 or more, patients of 3-year survival rates were 21.7%, 40.0%, 61.2% and 77.5%, respectively (P<0.001). In the node-negative and node-positive subgroups, 3-year survival rates were 34.9% and 14.3%, 50.9% and 19.3%, 65.6% and 51.8%, 81.4% and 68.9% respectively (P<0.001). Gender, tumor length, tumor differentiation, T and N stage as well as the total NLNs were found to be significantly linked to survival rates. Multivariate analysis showed tumor length, T stage, N stage and total NLNs were independent prognostic factors for ESCC patients.

Conclusion
NLNs numbers is a significant independent prognostic indicator for thoracic ESCC patients’ survival after curative esophagectomy.
RAF1 expression is correlated with HAF, a parameter of liver computed tomographic perfusion, and may predict the early therapeutic response to sorafenib in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Tian Ninzi , Wu Dong , Tang Ming , Sun Huichuan , Ji Yuan , Huang Cheng , Chen Lingli , Chen Gang , Zeng Mengsu 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Objectives
Monitoring the early treatment effect of sorafenib in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients is a diagnostic challenge. In a previous study, we reported the potential role of liver computed tomography perfusion (CTP) in the assessment of the response to sorafenib therapy in HCC. The present study aims to investigate whether sorafenib-targeted genes is correlated with CTP parameter, and investigate the potential of sorafenib-targeted genes in early prediction of therapeutic response to sorafenib in advanced HCC.

Methods
A total of 21 HCC patients were enrolled. Sorafenib was administered orally at a dose of 400 mg twice daily continuously. Treatment response was assessed using modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (mRECIST) criteria. CTP scanning was performed before and after two weeks of sorafenib treatment using a 320-detector row CT scanner. The perfusion parameters of portal vein flow (PVF), hepatic artery flow (HAF), and perfusion index (PI) were acquired by CTP. The expression levels of several sorafenib-targeted genes were assayed using real-time quantitative PCR and western blot analysis. Logistic regression was performed to analyze the relationship between HAF values and RAF1 expression levels.

Results
According to mRECIST, the disease control rate (CR+PR+SD) of treatment group was 70.5% after two months of treatment. Compared to background controls, tumor tissues exhibited higher HAF. A sorafenib-targeted gene, RAF1 expression, was increased in tumor tissues especially in the sorafenib-resistant group. The sorafenib-resistant group exhibited a significantly higher RAF1 expression and HAF than the sensitive group. Moreover, the RAF1 expression is positively correlated with the HAF value.

Conclusion
RAF1 expression might predict therapeutic effects of sorafenib in advanced HCC, where RAF1 could potentially serve as a molecular marker for monitoring early therapeutic effects after sorafenib treatment.
Differentiation of pontine infarction by size
Authors: Yang Lei , Qin Wei , Li Yue , Yang Shuna , Gu Hua , Hu Wenli 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Purpose
We hypothesized that the current criteria may be unsuitable for lacunar pontine infarctions (LPI) diagnosis and that size criteria may indicate different stroke mechanisms.

Methods
A total of 102 patients with isolated pontine infarctions were divided into a parent artery disease (PAD) and non-PAD groups according to stenosis of basilar artery. Further, 86 patients from the non-PAD group were divided into paramedian pontine infarction (PPI) and LPI groups. Data were collected from the three groups. The “golden” criterion for LPI was established based on the location of the infarction. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to evaluate the optimal cutoff value to use as an LPI diagnostic indicator.

Results
There was a high prevalence of patients with PAD in both asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis (ACAS) and PPI groups. Patients with PPI had a higher prevalence in diabetes and ACAS than those with LPI. Based upon the ROC curve, the optimal lesion size cutoff value for use as an LPI diagnostic indicator was 11.8 mm.

Conclusions
Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) cutoff points for predicting LPI may differ from that of the middle cerebral artery territory. The diameter of LPI may also indicate different stroke mechanisms.
LncRNA ZEB1-AS1 regulates colorectal cancer cells by miR-205/YAP1 axis
Authors: Jin Zhong , Chen Bing 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
Recent studies demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were involved in many biological processes. Dysregulated lncRNAs are related to many cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the molecular mechanism of lncRNA ZEB1-AS1 in CRC is not clear.

Methods
LncRNA ZEB1-AS1, miR-205, and YAP1 expression were measured by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (QRT-PCR). YAP1 protein expression was measured by western blotting. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the relationship between ZEB1-AS1, miR-205, and YAP1.

Results
LncRNA ZEB1-AS1 and YAP1 was upregulated in CRC tissues. The expression of YAP1 was positively correlated with ZEB1-AS1. Knockdown of ZEB1-AS1 inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis in CRC cell line SW480 and HCT116 which could be reversed by overexpression of YAP1. ZEB1-AS1 targeted and regulated miR-205 which could directly bind to YAP1. Meanwhile, ZEB1-AS1 regulated the expression of YAP1 via modulating miR-205.

Conclusion
Long non-coding RNA ZEB1-AS1 silencing could inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis of colorectal cancer via regulating miR-205 and YAP1.
Tissue coagulation in laser hemorrhoidoplasty – an experimental study
Authors: Danys Donatas , Pacevicius Julius , Makunaite Gabija , Palubeckas Rolandas , Mainelis Antanas , Markevicius Narimantas , Strupas Kestutis , Poskus Tomas 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
Laser hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP) is a new technique for treatment of hemorrhoids. The exact extent of coagulation is not visible at the time of the procedure. There currently is no experimental or clinical data on the subject.

Objective
To evaluate the length of coagulation defect according to power and activation time of 1470nm diode laser on the perianal tissue model.

Methods
Fresh anorectal tissue of twenty-four pigs was used to produce 54 experimental samples. Each sample was randomly assigned to the laser power of 6, 8 and 10 W and 1, 2 or 3-second pulses. The procedure was performed using Biolitec Ceralas © diode laser with 1.85 mm optical fiber. The fiber was inserted in a manner, similar to intrahemorrhoidal laser application. Samples were evaluated using low-power and high-power light microscopy by a single pathologist. The length of tissue injury was measured on high-magnification microscopy.

Results
The longest tissue injury (mean 3.93 mm) was caused by the longest laser exposure time (3 sec) with no significant difference between laser power used.

Conclusions
8 W 3-second application of the 1470nm diode laser results in coagulation area approximately 4 mm, and further coagulation should be initiated approximately 5 mm from the first one.
Classification of pathological types of lung cancer from CT images by deep residual neural networks with transfer learning strategy
Authors: Wang Shudong , Dong Liyuan , Wang Xun , Wang Xingguang 
Published: March 2020

AbstractLung cancer is one of the most harmful malignant tumors to human health. The accurate judgment of the pathological type of lung cancer is vital for treatment. Traditionally, the pathological type of lung cancer requires a histopathological examination to determine, which is invasive and time consuming. In this work, a novel residual neural network is proposed to identify the pathological type of lung cancer via CT images. Due to the low amount of CT images in practice, we explored a medical-to-medical transfer learning strategy. Specifically, a residual neural network is pre-trained on public medical images dataset luna16, and then fine-tuned on our intellectual property lung cancer dataset collected in Shandong Provincial Hospital. Data experiments show that our method achieves 85.71% accuracy in identifying pathological types of lung cancer from CT images and outperforming other models trained with 2054 labels. Our method performs better than AlexNet, VGG16 and DenseNet, which provides an efficient, non-invasive detection tool for pathological diagnosis.
Broadband nonlinear optical response in GeSe nanoplates and its applications in all-optical diode
Authors: Tang Jie , Zhang Feng , Zhou Feng , Tang Xian , Dai Xiaoyu , Lu Shunbin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Germanium selenide nanoplates (GeSe NPs) are considered to have broadband nonlinear optical (NLO) properties and great potential for applications in nanophotonic devices. In this work, we systematically studied the NLO response of GeSe NPs by the open-aperture Z-scan technique. GeSe NPs exhibit strong saturable absorption at wavelengths of 400, 800, and 1064 nm with different pulse durations. Furthermore, we investigated the excited carrier dynamics of GeSe NPs by the non-degenerate pump-probe technique. The fast and slow relaxation times at different wavelengths of 800, 871, 1064, and 1100 nm were components with lifetimes of about 0.54–1.08 and 52.4–167.2 ps, respectively. The significant ultrafast NLO properties of GeSe NPs imply their potential in the development of nanophotonic devices. Here, we designed and fabricated the all-optical diode by means of the GeSe/C60 tandem structure and demonstrated that the saturable absorption behavior of GeSe NPs can be used to fabricate a photonic diode, which exhibits nonreciprocal transmission of light similar to that of an electron diode.
Recent progress of pulsed fiber lasers based on transition-metal dichalcogenides and black phosphorus saturable absorbers
Authors: Liu Xing , Gao Qun , Zheng Yang , Mao Dong , Zhao Jianlin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) and black phosphorus (BP) are typical 2D materials with layer-dependent bandgaps, which are emerging as promising saturable absorption materials for pulsed fiber lasers. In this review, we discuss the nonlinear saturable absorption properties of TMDCs and BP, and summarize the recent progress of saturable absorbers from fabrication methods to incorporation strategies. The performances of saturable absorbers and the properties of Q-switched/mode-locked fiber lasers at different wavelengths are summarized and compared to give a comprehensive insight to optical modulators based on TMDCs/BP, and to promote their practical applications in nonlinear optics.
Crystal structure of (E)-4-hydroxy-3-((5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)thio)pent-3-en-2-one, C13H12N2O3S
Authors: Zou Juan , Zhao Chen-Liang , Zhang Qi-Long , Pan Lu-Tai , He Kang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
C13H12N2O3S, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 12.3541(8) Å, b = 14.3818(10) Å, c = 7.3757(5) Å, β = 96.471(2)°, V = 1302.12(15) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0417, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1080, T = 293(2) K.
The crystal structure of (E)-2-((2-hydroxy-4-ethoxybenzylidene)amino)-2-methylpropane-1,3-diol monohydrate, C13H21NO5
Authors: Liguo Yang , Zhen Zhang , Yongsheng Niu , Fang Wang , Dayong Tian 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
C13H21NO5, orthorhombic, Pca21 (no. 29), a = 19.718(8) Å, b = 9.102(4) Å, c = 8.091(4) Å, V = 1452.1(11) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0452, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1289, T = 298 K [1–3].
Towards a green and sustainable fruit waste valorisation model in Brazil: optimisation of homogenizer-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from mango waste using a response surface methodology
Authors: Zuin Vânia G. , Segatto Mateus L. , Zanotti Karine 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Food waste valorisation is currently at the core of discussions and development of future economic models which, allied to the application of green and sustainable technologies, offers a viable alternative to shift industrial practices towards a circular bioeconomy. The feasibility and technological possibilities based on an integrated mango waste biorefinery concept, focusing on the extraction of bioactive compounds, are discussed in this paper. Additionally, a statistically robust methodology is presented as a green approach to optimise the variables of a sustainable, low time and energy consumption extraction technique (homogenizer-assisted extraction). Maximum concentrations of the bioactive compounds were obtained in similar values of parameters ethanol/water concentration (67.73 and 70.11 %), sample/solvent ratio (29.33 and 28.17 %) and time (4.47 and 5.00 min) for mangiferin (354.4 mg/kg DW) and hyperoside (258.7 mg/kg DW), respectively. These results demonstrated the efficiency of the proposed green and sustainable method to obtain bioactive compounds from a very common and significant tropical fruit waste in Brazil, based on an integrated mango biorefinery concept.
A combination of experimental and computational methods to study the reactions during a Lignin-First approach
Authors: Kumaniaev Ivan , Subbotina Elena , Galkin Maxim V. , Srifa Pemikar , Monti Susanna , Mongkolpichayarak Isara , Tungasmita Duangamol Nuntasri , Samec Joseph S. M. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Current pulping technologies only valorize the cellulosic fiber giving total yields from biomass below 50 %. Catalytic fractionation enables valorization of both cellulose, lignin, and, optionally, also the hemicellulose. The process consists of two operations occurring in one pot: (1) solvolysis to separate lignin and hemicellulose from cellulose, and (2) transition metal catalyzed reactions to depolymerize lignin and to stabilized monophenolic products. In this article, new insights into the roles of the solvolysis step as well as the operation of the transition metal catalyst are given. By separating the solvolysis and transition metal catalyzed hydrogen transfer reactions in space and time by applying a flow-through set-up, we have been able to study the solvolysis and transition metal catalyzed reactions separately. Interestingly, the solvolysis generates a high amount of monophenolic compounds by pealing off the end groups from the lignin polymer and the main role of the transition metal catalyst is to stabilize these monomers by transfer hydrogenation/hydrogenolysis reactions. The experimental data from the transition metal catalyzed transfer hydrogenation/hydrogenolysis reactions was supported by molecular dynamics simulations using ReaXFF.
A narrative approach to human-robot interaction prototyping for companion robots
Authors: Koay Kheng Lee , Syrdal Dag Sverre , Dautenhahn Kerstin , Walters Michael L. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis paper presents a proof of concept prototype study for domestic home robot companions, using a narrative-based methodology based on the principles of immersive engagement and fictional enquiry, creating scenarios which are inter-connected through a coherent narrative arc, to encourage participant immersion within a realistic setting. The aim was to ground human interactions with this technology in a coherent, meaningful experience. Nine participants interacted with a robotic agent in a smart home environment twice a week over a month, with each interaction framed within a greater narrative arc. Participant responses, both to the scenarios and the robotic agents used within them are discussed, suggesting that the prototyping methodology was successful in conveying a meaningful interaction experience.
Simultaneous separation of Am and Cm from Nd and Sm by multi-step extraction using the TODGA-DTPA-BA-HNO3 system
Authors: Sasaki Yuji , Morita Keisuke , Matsumiya Masahiko , Nakase Masahiko 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The simultaneous separation of Am and Cm from lanthanides is important for atomic energy fields. However, the process is difficult owing to the chemical behavior of trivalent metal ions with similar ionic radii. All lanthanides, Am, and Cm can be extracted by diglycolamide (DGA). In addition, relatively high separation factors between An and Ln were obtained by the extraction system of TODGA, DTPA (diethylenetriamine-N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentaacetic acid) and HNO3. In this work, DTPA-BA (diethylenetriamine-N,N′,N″-triacetic-N,N″-bisamide), which is an improved version of DTPA, was employed for the separation of Ln and An. After performing a basic study on DTPA-BA, a relatively high separation factor (approximately 8) for actinides/lanthanides was obtained. Then, the multi-step extraction was performed. Thus, the recoveries of 94.7 % for Nd and 4.7 % for Am and Cm in organic phase, and 5.3 % Nd and 95.3 % for Am and Cm in aqueous phase were obtained.
The use of nanotechnology to prevent and mitigate fine migration: a comprehensive review
Authors: Madadizadeh Ali , Sadeghein Alireza , Riahi Siavash 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Fine migration is a serious problem in petroleum reservoir that causes damage to the reservoir and production equipment. One of the methods to solve this problem is using nanotechnology. Nanoparticles can reduce fine migration by various mechanisms such as reducing the zeta potential, changing the total interaction energy between surfaces, pH, and roughness of the particle’s surfaces. This study presents a review of the methods such as sand pack test, core flood test, and proppant test that study the nanoparticles’ influence on fine migration. Also, there are two different scenarios for the use of nanoparticles to mitigate fine migration. One of these scenarios is the co-injection of nanoparticles and particles suspended fluid, and another scenario is the initial injection of nanoparticles into the porous media (pre-flush). The results of the studies have shown that pre-flush of nanoparticles has a better effect on the control of fine migration.
Thermodynamic models applied to CO2absorption modelling
Authors: N. Borhani Tohid , Nabavi Seyed A. , Hanak Dawid P. , Manovic Vasilije 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCarbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) is considered as the least cost-intensive option towards achieving the emission reduction target by 2050. One of the important technologies to remove CO2from different gas streams is solvent-based CO2capture. Modelling and simulation of solvent-based CO2capture processes have been attracting a lot of attention in recent years. Thermodynamic models play a vital role in these modelling and simulation studies. Hence, this study critically reviews the thermodynamic models applied in the modelling of solvent-based CO2capture systems over the past years, to provide a guideline for the selection of the optimum models for future studies. These models have wide applications in two main areas: equilibrium modelling [vapour-liquid equilibrium (VLE) (physical) and speciation equilibrium (chemical)], and calculation of some thermodynamic properties. VLE and speciation modelling methods are classified rigorously. VLE modelling methods are classified as homogeneous, heterogeneous, and empirical, and speciation modelling methods are classified as iterative (which could be stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric) and non-iterative. Thermodynamic models are categorised into three key families: activity-coefficient based, equation of state based, and quantum mechanical based. Theory and concepts of different thermodynamic models are presented. Some selected studies that used each family of thermodynamic models are reviewed.
Vietnam: country report on children’s environmental health
Authors: Thai Ha Le 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAs a developing country, Vietnam is facing many problems such as environmental pollution caused by industrialization, urbanization and the ethnic minority gap. Besides, Vietnam is one of the 10 countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change and natural disasters. Vietnam has more than 26.3 million children under 16 years of age, with the ratio being 114 boys/100 girls. Children are especially vulnerable to environmental risks. This review includes much data collected during 2010–2018 on children’s environmental health in Vietnam.