bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automatic coronary artery plaque thickness comparison between baseline and follow‐up CCTA images
Authors: Cao Qing , Broersen Alexander , Kitslaar Pieter H. , Yuan Mingyuan , Lelieveldt Boudewijn P. F. , Dijkstra Jouke 
Published: December 2019

PurposeCurrently, coronary plaque changes are manually compared between a baseline and follow‐up coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) images for long‐term coronary plaque development investigation. We propose an automatic method to measure the plaque thickness change over time.MethodsWe model the lumen and vessel wall for both the baseline coronary artery tree (CAT‐BL) and follow‐up coronary artery tree (CAT‐FU) as smooth three‐dimensional (3D) surfaces using a subdivision fitting scheme with the same coarse meshes by which the correspondence among these surface points is generated. Specifically, a rigid point set registration is used to transform the coarse mesh from the CAT‐FU to CAT‐BL. The plaque thickness and the thickness difference is calculated as the distance between corresponding surface points. To evaluate the registration accuracy, the average distance between manually defined markers on clinical scans is calculated. Artificial CAT‐BL and CAT‐FU pairs were created to simulate the plaque decrease and increase over time.ResultsFor 116 pairs of markers from nine clinical scans, the average marker distance after registration was 0.95 ± 0.98 mm (two times the voxel size). On the 10 artificial pairs of datasets, the proposed method successfully located the plaque changes. The average of the calculated plaque thickness difference is the same as the corresponding created value (standard deviation ± 0.1 mm).ConclusionsThe proposed method automatically calculates local coronary plaque thickness differences over time and can be used for 3D visualization of plaque differences. The analysis and reporting of coronary plaque progression and regression will benefit from an automatic plaque thickness comparison.
Feasibility study of navigated endoscopy for the placement of high dose rate brachytherapy applicators in the esophagus and lung
Authors: Weersink Robert A. , Qiu Jimmy , Martinez Diego , Rink Alexandra , Borg Jette , Di Tomasso Anne , Irish Jonathon C. , Jaffray David A. 
Published: December 2019

PurposeTo evaluate the electromagnetic (EM) tracking of endoscopes and applicators as a method of positioning a high dose rate (HDR) luminal applicator.MethodAn anatomical phantom consisting of a rigid trachea and flexible esophagus was used to compare applicator placement measurements using EM tracking vs the traditional method using two‐dimensional (2D) fluoroscopy and surface skin markers. The phantom included a tumor in the esophagus and several pairs of optically visible points inside the lumen that were used to simulate proximal and distal ends of tumors of varying lengths. The esophagus tumor and lung points were visible on a computed tomography (CT) image of the phantom, which was used as ground truth for the measurements. The EM tracking system was registered to the CT image using fiducial markers. A flexible endoscope was tracked using the EM system and the locations of the proximal and distal ends of the tumor identified and this position recorded. An EM‐tracked applicator was then inserted and positioned relative to the tumor markings. The applicator path was mapped using the EM tracking. The gross tumor length (GTL) and the distance between the first dwell position and distal edge of tumor (offset) were measured using the EM tracking and 2D fluoroscopy methods and compared to the same measurements on the CT image.ResultsThe errors in GTL using EM tracking were on average −0.5 ± 1.7 mm and 0.7 ± 3.6 mm for esophagus and lung measurements, similar to errors measured using the 2D fluoroscopy method of −0.9 ± 1.2 mm and 3.4 ± 4.4 mm. Offset measurements were slightly larger while using EM tracking relative to the fluoroscopy method but these were not statistically significant.ConclusionsElectromagnetic tracking for placement of lumen applicators is feasible and accurate. Tracking of the endoscope that is used to identify the proximal and distal ends of the tumor and of the applicator during insertion generates accurate three‐dimensional measurements of the applicator path, GTL and offset. Guiding the placement of intraluminal applicators using EM navigation is potentially attractive for cases with complex insertions, such as those with nonlinear paths or multiple applicator insertions.
Subcritical gas‐assisted processing of ethylene vinyl alcohol + nanoclay composites
Authors: Ellingham Thomas , Yilmaz Galip , Duddleston Lukas , Li Zhutong , Turng Lih‐Sheng 
Published: December 2019

AbstractEthylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) was melt compounded with an organomodified nanoclay (NC) at a loading level of 5% by weight in a twin‐screw extruder using a subcritical gas‐assisted process (SGAP). Carbon dioxide and nitrogen were used as blowing agents to induce foaming inside of the barrel of the extruder and as the melt exits the die. Samples processed with SGAP demonstrated better dispersion of NC vs the traditional extrusion process due to the additional stresses that bubble expansion provides during foaming. The dispersion was assessed by dynamic rheology, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and microcomputed tomography. Additionally, it was found that the inert gasses used in SGAP prevented some of the thermo‐oxidative degradation EVOH experienced during processing, as evidenced by thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO) Performance on the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Initial Certifying Examinations
Authors: Sliwa James A. , Raddatz Mikaela M. , Kinney Carolyn L. , Clark Gary , Robinson Lawrence 
Published: December 2019

BackgroundOsteopathic physicians (DOs) represent over 30% of residents in allopathic (MD) Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) training programs. However, some have questioned the quality of osteopathic medical school training and the graduates of osteopathic medical schools. The performance of osteopathic physicians in allopathic PM&R training programs has not been assessed.ObjectiveTo compare allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) physician performance on American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR) initial certifying examinations.DesignRetrospective cross‐sectional study.SettingBoard‐eligible PM&R physicians.ParticipantsMDs and DOs who completed an allopathic ACGME‐accredited PM&R residency training program.MethodsMD and DO pass rates and mean scaled scores on the ABPMR initial certifying examinations were compared. MD versus DO degrees and training program 6 years aggregate board pass rates were independent variables.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasureMD and DO pass rates and mean scaled scores on the ABPMR initial certifying examinations.ResultsOf the 2187 physicians who were first‐time ABPMR initial certifying examination takers, there were 1596 MDs (73%) and 591 DOs (27%). No statistically significant difference was found in pass rates between MDs and DOs on Part I (94.9% vs. 93.9%, P = .35) or Part II (87.8% vs. 88%, P = .83) of the ABPMR certifying examination. Analysis of mean scaled scores demonstrated higher MD scores on both Part I ( 526, SD = 31, vs. 516, SD = 67, P = .002) and Part II ( 6.73, SD = .83 vs. 6.62, SD = .77, P = .005), significant only in programs with a 90%‐100% pass rate. These differences, however, were of very small magnitude and likely not meaningful from a clinical or educational perspective.ConclusionThis study did not find meaningful differences in performance on the ABPMR certifying examinations between MDs and DOs.
Preferred Outcome Measures Used in Randomized Clinical Trials of Total Knee Replacement Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Blasco José M. , Acosta‐Ballester Yolanda , Igual‐Camacho Celedonia , Hernández‐Guillén David , Gómez María C. , Roig‐Casasús Sergio , Puigcerver‐Aranda Pablo 
Published: December 2019

ObjectiveTo determine the most frequently used outcome measures in total knee replacement rehabilitation trials.Literature SurveySystematic review of randomized trials searched in five databases: Web of Science, MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Scopus, and Cochrane Library.MethodologyTrials were included if participants underwent total knee replacement rehabilitation and outcome measures were used to assess rehabilitation outcomes. A descriptive synthesis determined the frequency of using outcome measures and preferred assessment time points. Outcomes were classified into eight categories: patient‐ and clinician‐reported function, performance‐based function, balance, anxiety and depressive symptoms, quality of life, and others.SynthesisEighty‐one trials were included and 102 different outcome measures were classified. The most frequently reported outcome was knee range of motion, used in 54% of trials, followed by a visual analog scale of pain (43%) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC; 40%). Patient‐ and clinician‐reported function were the categories most frequently assessed (74%), whereas performance‐based measures were implemented by 56% of trials. The most frequent assessment time points were 1 week presurgery (52%) and 3 months postsurgery (39%).ConclusionsThere is consensus regarding the need to evaluate functional outcomes in total knee replacement rehabilitation trials but none regarding the outcome measure that should be used. These findings suggest that most trials include patient‐ and clinician‐reported functional measures, along with pain and performance‐based measures in trial designs.
Group dynamics in a group‐based, individualized physiotherapy intervention for people with multiple sclerosis: A qualitative study
Authors: Lahelle Andreas Falck , Øberg Gunn Kristin , Normann Britt 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveGroup‐based physiotherapy is a common and beneficial intervention for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Most group interventions are not individually adapted to each participant's needs. Evidence on how individualization and group elements can be combined in a clinical setting is lacking. The objective of this study is to expand the knowledge base in neurological physiotherapy by investigating the nature of group dynamics in a group‐based, individualized intervention for people with MS.MethodsThis qualitative study included 13 nonparticipatory video observations (14 hr 38 min) of GroupCoreDIST exercise sessions complemented by 13 interviews (12 hr 37 min) with physiotherapists (PTs). The purposively sampled participants included 40 patients with MS (expanded disability scale of 1.0–6.5) and six PTs with expertise in neurological physiotherapy. Data were analysed using systematic text condensation in an enactive theoretical framework.ResultsTwo main categories emerged from the material. (a) Individual systems affect group dynamics: Individual perceptions of success through adapted and embodied approaches positively affected the dynamics of the group. (b) Disease and exercise peer support: Social support was a substantial product of dynamic group processes and was enhanced through the PTs' strategic focus on experience sharing.ConclusionThe results revealed that group dynamics benefit from individualization and the PTs' focus on experience sharing. These findings are contrary to the prevailing view that individualization and group‐based interventions are mutually exclusive and thus should be considered in group‐based interventions for people with MS.
Circulatory and ventilatory power in diabetic patients: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Santos‐de‐Araújo Aldair Darlan , Bassi‐Dibai Daniela , Veiga Thalita Pereira , Caruso Flávia Cristina Rossi , Mendes Renata Gonçalves , Júnior José Carlos Bonjorno , Arena Ross , Schwartzmann Pedro Vellosa , Simões Rodrigo Polaquini , Borghi‐Silva Audrey 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundCirculatory (CP) and ventilatory power (VP) have been used to improve the prognostic accuracy of cardiopulmonary exercise tests in cardiovascular disease, such as coronary artery disease. However, the effects of combined resistance and aerobic exercise program on VP and CP, especially in type 2 diabetes patients, have not been adequately investigated. Thus, this new parameter can be useful to prescribe exercise programs more assertive for this population. The present study aimed to assess the effect of 3 months of combined resistance and aerobic exercise training (CET) on CP and VP in patients with type 2 diabetes.MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 48 diabetic patients with an average age of 52.4 (±8.01) years old. The subjects were randomized into two groups: sedentary (SG, n = 15) and the CET group (n = 19). Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (symptom‐limited incremental) was performed on a cycle ergometer, and the following parameters were measured: relative VO2, VE/VCO2 slope, linear relationship between oxygen uptake and minute ventilation, and VCO2. CET was performed with 30‐min aerobic and 30‐min resistance exercises three times a week for 12 weeks.ResultsSignificant (p < .05) and clinical (d ≥ .80) differences were observed that favoured CET compared with SG for the following variables: heart rate, workload, VO2 relative peak, circulatory power peak, and VCO2 peak. Although no statistical difference was observed for ventilatory power, there was a clinical difference (p > .05 and d ≥ 0.80) that favoured CET.ConclusionThree months of combined exercise training improved VP and CP indices in patients with type 2 diabetes when compared with a sedentary group.
Everything is a “matter” of perspective: the Unruh effect
Authors: Rosabal J. A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn this work we examine and extend the proposal of reference [1], concerning the new interpretation on the Unruh effect. The vacuum processes in Minkowski and Rindler space are described in detail, in connection with the observers perspective. We highlight the presence of antiparticles in the radiation, which is perhaps the main observation in the cited reference. We present a new derivation of the vacuum energy in Rindler space using the Schrödinger kernel. The quest for the Unruh radiation could be expanded by considering the possibility of detecting the antiparticles in it. A proposal for the experimental confirmation of the antiparticles in the radiation is presented.
A Note on the Swampland Distance Conjecture
Authors: Kehagias A. , Riotto A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWe discuss the Swampland Distance Conjecture in the framework of black hole thermodynamics. In particular, we consider black holes in de Sitter space and we show that the Swampland Distance Conjecture is a consequence of the fact that apparent horizons are always inside cosmic event horizons whenever they exist in the case of fast‐roll inflation. In addition, we show that the Bekenstein and the Hubble entropy bounds for the entropy in a region of spacetime lead similarly to the same conjecture.
Rapid identification of polyamides using direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry
Authors: Abe Yutaka , Ackerman Luke K. , Mutsuga Motoh , Sato Kyoko , Begley Timothy H. 
Published: December 2019

RationalePolyamide (PA) is the generic name of polymers synthesized by linking monomers via amide bonds, and various types of PAs with different monomer compositions are known. Distinguishing PA polymers is useful in directing monomer residual testing, product testing, and reverse engineering, but is analytically challenging and cumbersome. To simplify this, we explored the applicability of direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART‐MS) for screening PA polymers.MethodsA DART ion source coupled to a quadrupole Orbitrap (high‐resolution (HR) mass spectrometer) was employed for this study. Ten types of PA polymers and four retail samples were evaluated. The DART‐HRMS data for these samples, as well as the DART‐MS/MS (MS2) data for PA6 and PA66, were obtained, and their repeatability was assessed across days/calibrations, operators, and equipments.ResultsIons corresponding to the cyclic or linear monomers and oligomers of each PA polymer were detected in each DART‐HR mass spectrum. Although similar DART‐HR mass spectra were obtained for PA6, PA66, and PA6/PA66 (polymer blends of PA6 and PA66), their DART tandem mass spectra were completely different. The analysis was repeatable, and nearly identical DART tandem mass spectra were obtained on different days, by different operators, and with different equipment. This technique was successfully applied to commercially available samples.ConclusionsTen types of PA polymers were distinguished using DART‐HRMS and DART‐MS2, and their identification using these techniques was straightforward as the characteristic ions for each PA polymer were identified and detected. Furthermore, the spectra were obtained rapidly. Therefore, DART‐HRMS can be considered an efficient screening technique for the rapid identification and differentiation of PA polymers.
Investigation of polymer‐based composites by laser desorption/ionization study of their photo‐oxidative aging
Authors: Aubriet Frédéric 
Published: December 2019

RationalePolybutadiene (PB) is one of the most widely used polymers. Its aging occurs by reaction with oxygen under illumination and may modify its mechanical and/or aesthetic properties. To modify its properties, organic and/or inorganic compounds are generally added to PB. The aging of such composite materials is poorly known.MethodsPB and its mixtures with TiO2 and/or the Orange 13 pigment are subjected to an accelerated photo‐oxidative aging step for one week. The analysis of PB and its composites with regard to their composition and the aging time is carried out by 266 nm and/or 355 nm laser desorption/ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (LDI‐FTICR‐MS).ResultsBoth PB and its degradation products are detected by (+) LDI‐FTICR‐MS. The oxidation mechanism of PB is not significantly affected by the used organic or inorganic fillers, which results from the cleavage of the polymer chain and the formation of carbonyl compounds. The crosslinking of PB is significantly reduced by the two investigated fillers. Analysis in negative mode [(−) LDI‐FTICR‐MS] ensures the specific detection of the Orange 13 pigment.ConclusionsLDI‐FTICR‐MS has demonstrated its ability to provide relevant information on the degradation of polymer‐based composites. The main advantages of this approach are its ability to probe the surface, which is specifically affected by photo‐oxidation aging processes, and to access the insoluble degradation compounds.
Event‐triggered finite‐time reliable control for nonhomogeneous Markovian jump systems
Authors: Gao Xiaobin , Deng Feiqi , Li Xiao‐Meng , Zhou Qi 
Published: December 2019

SummaryThis article investigates the event‐triggered finite‐time reliable control problem for a class of Markovian jump systems with time‐varying transition probabilities, time‐varying actuator faults, and time‐varying delays. First, a Luenberger observer is constructed to estimate the unmeasured system state. Second, by applying an event‐triggered strategy from observer to controller, the frequency of transmission is reduced. Third, based on linear matrix inequality technique and stochastic finite‐time analysis, event‐triggered observer‐based controllers are designed and sufficient conditions are given, which ensure the finite‐time boundedness of the closed‐loop system in an H∞ sense. Finally, an example is utilized to show the effectiveness of the proposed controller design approach.
Designing a Multi‐Sided Platform business model assessment framework: a Dynamic Performance Management perspective
Authors: Bivona Enzo , Cosenz Federico 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe purpose of this research is to offer an assessment framework to validate multisided platform business models. For this aim, we propose a systemic perspective based on the dynamic performance management approach. This approach is particularly effective to make explicit the net of relationships between internal and external strategic resources, the value creation and capture drivers, and the way such drivers influence platform performances. The developed multisided platform business model assessment framework has been tested by using a success and a failure case, respectively, Airbnb and Take Eat Easy. Research originality results from the combination of multisided platform value creation/capture drivers and innovative approach like the dynamic performance management to assess platforms business models. Findings show that neglecting the role played by value creation and capture drivers and those cause‐and‐effect mechanisms aimed at leveraging critical internal and external strategic resources can lead to platform failure.
CH4 oxidation in a boreal lake during the development of hypolimnetic hypoxia
Authors: Saarela Taija , Rissanen Antti J. , Ojala Anne , Pumpanen Jukka , Aalto Sanni L. , Tiirola Marja , Vesala Timo , Jäntti Helena 
Published: December 2019

AbstractFreshwater ecosystems represent a significant natural source of methane (CH4). CH4 produced through anaerobic decomposition of organic matter (OM) in lake sediment and water column can be either oxidized to carbon dioxide (CO2) by methanotrophic microbes or emitted to the atmosphere. While the role of CH4 oxidation as a CH4 sink is widely accepted, neither the magnitude nor the drivers behind CH4 oxidation are well constrained. In this study, we aimed to gain more specific insight into CH4 oxidation in the water column of a seasonally stratified, typical boreal lake, particularly under hypoxic conditions. We used 13CH4 incubations to determine the active CH4 oxidation sites and the potential CH4 oxidation rates in the water column, and we measured environmental variables that could explain CH4 oxidation in the water column. During hypolimnetic hypoxia, 91% of available CH4 was oxidized in the active CH4 oxidation zone, where the potential CH4 oxidation rates gradually increased from the oxycline to the hypolimnion. Our results showed that in warm springs, which become more frequent, early thermal stratification with cold well-oxygenated hypolimnion delays the period of hypolimnetic hypoxia and limits CH4 production. Thus, the delayed development of hypolimnetic hypoxia may partially counteract the expected increase in the lacustrine CH4 emissions caused by the increasing organic carbon load from forested catchments.