bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of effect of filter on the stand‐up technique for total skin irradiation by Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Tseng Wenchih , Li Ruiqi , Wu Qiuwen 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate dosimetric effects of scattering filter on the stand‐up technique for total skin irradiation (TSI) with a single electron field by Monte Carlo (MC) simulation.MethodsMC simulations were performed with BEAMnrc and DOSXYZnrc packages under EGSnrc environment. Scattering filter of a metal disc was mounted in the accessory slot. The filter materials (Cu, Fe, Au, Zn, Ag) were investigated, with thickness ranging from 0.05 to 0.55 mm, depending on material. The extended source to skin distance (SSD) ranging from 250 to 350 cm was studied. The following dosimetric quantities were evaluated: percent depth dose (PDD), profiles and output factor at depth of maximum, and composite dose distribution on a 30‐cm diameter cylindrical phantom. They were compared with the standard dual beam technique used at our clinic. The effects on different patient sizes were also studied.ResultsNo filter produced acceptable profile flatness (±10% within the central 160 cm) at 250 cm SSD. At 300 cm SSD, Au (0.1 mm), Ag (0.25 mm), Cu (0.5 mm) produced acceptable flatness while Zn (0.45 mm) required 325 cm SSD. For these four configurations, the dmax was 0.90–0.99 cm, similar to dual beam (0.97 cm); R50 was 1.85–1.91 cm, compared with dual beam of 2.06 cm; the output factor ranged from 0.025 to 0.029, lower than the dual beam (0.080). With the composite fields for four configurations, the dmax was 0.10 cm, compared with dual beam (0.16 cm). The surface dose was 97%, similar to dual beam (96%). B‐factor was 3.3–3.4, compared with dual beam of 3.1. The maximum X‐ray contamination was 3%, higher than dual beam (1%).ConclusionsThe investigation suggests the TSI stand‐up technique can be implemented using a single electron beam if a customized filter is used. More dosimetric measurements are needed to validate the MC results and clinical implementation.
Systematic review of CMTX1 patients with episodic neurological dysfunction
Authors: Tian Dandan , Zhao Yating , Zhu Ruixia , Li Qu , Liu Xu 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveX‐linked Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth type 1 (CMTX1) is an inherited peripheral neuropathy caused by mutations in the gap junction beta 1 (GJB1) gene, which encodes the connexin32 protein. A small number of patients withGJB1mutations present with episodic neurological dysfunction and reversible white matter lesions, which has not been adequately reported. Here, we aim to enable clinicians to further understand this particular situation through systematically reviewing all published relevant cases.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive search of the PubMed electronic database for medical literature relevant to CMTX1 patients with episodic neurological dysfunction and then fully analyzed the general information, clinical manifestations, and characteristics of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and nerve conduction study (NCS).ResultsWe identified 47 cases of CMTX1 associated with episodic central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction from 38 publications. CMTX1 patients experienced episodic CNS deficits at a young age, ranging from infancy to 26 years, and 45 (95.7%) of them were male. The CNS symptoms manifested as facial, lingual, or limb weakness in 44 (93.6%), dysarthria or dysphagia in 39 (83.0%), facial or limb numbness in 15 (31.9%), and ataxia in 10 (21.3%) patients. The duration of episodic symptoms ranged from 3 minutes to 6 months. Thirty (63.8%) CMTX1 cases have reported obvious predisposing factors, among which the most common factors were infection or fever (27.7%), travel to high altitude (12.8%), and intensive exercise (8.5%). As for brain MRI, most abnormal signals were found in bilateral deep white matter (88.9%) and corpus callosum (80.0%). In addition, most of the NCS results were abnormal, including prolonged latency, reduced amplitude, and slowed conduction velocity. The motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) of median nerve was the most detectable and valuable, ranging from 25 to 45 m/s.InterpretationWe have reported the most comprehensive summary of the demographic and clinical profile from 47 CMTX1 patients with episodic CNS deficits and provided new insight into the phenotype spectrum of CMTX1. We hope that our study can help clinicians make early diagnosis and implement the best prevention and treatment strategies for CMTX1 patients with episodic CNS deficits.
Distributed stubborn‐set‐membership filtering with a dynamic event‐based scheme: The Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy framework
Authors: Mao Jingyang , Ding Derui , Wei Guoliang 
Published: December 2020

SummaryThe article develops a novel stubborn set‐membership filtering with the dynamic event‐triggered scheme for discrete‐time nonlinear systems with the state‐delays, unknown‐but‐bounded noises as well as abnormal measurements. First, in comparison with traditional event schemes, a dynamic event‐triggered scheme with a time‐varying auxiliary offset variable in the threshold is employed to schedule the access token with the purpose of mitigating the communication burden. A novel fuzzy stubborn filter in a distributed way is then constructed to obtain the ellipsoid set including the real state while constraining the direct influence of abnormal measurements, which could come from outliers or a malicious modification by attackers. An algorithm with the form of recursive linear matrix inequalities is presented to determine the desired ellipsoids as well as the distributed filter gains, where the operation of the algorithm do not depend on the global information of network topology. Finally, the validity of the proposed scheme is illustrated via an inverted pendulum system.
3D‐Bioprinted Inflammation Modulating Polymer Scaffolds for Soft Tissue Repair
Authors: Shin Crystal S. , Cabrera Fernando J. , Lee Richard , Kim John , Ammassam Veettil Remya , Zaheer Mahira , Adumbumkulath Aparna , Mhatre Kirti , Ajayan Pulickel M. , Curley Steven A. , Scott Bradford G. , Acharya Ghanashyam 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDevelopment of inflammation modulating polymer scaffolds for soft tissue repair with minimal postsurgical complications is a compelling clinical need. However, the current standard of care soft tissue repair meshes for hernia repair is highly inflammatory and initiates a dysregulated inflammatory process causing visceral adhesions and postsurgical complications. Herein, the development of an inflammation modulating biomaterial scaffold (bioscaffold) for soft tissue repair is presented. The bioscaffold design is based on the idea that, if the excess proinflammatory cytokines are sequestered from the site of injury by the surgical implantation of a bioscaffold, the inflammatory response can be modulated, and the visceral adhesion formations and postsurgical complications can be minimized. The bioscaffold is fabricated by 3D‐bioprinting of an in situ phosphate crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) polymer. In vivo efficacy of the bioscaffold is evaluated in a rat ventral hernia model. In vivo proinflammatory cytokine expression analysis and histopathological analysis of the tissues have confirmed that the bioscaffold acts as an inflammation trap and captures the proinflammatory cytokines secreted at the implant site and effectively modulates the local inflammation without the need for exogenous anti‐inflammatory agents. The bioscaffold is very effective in inhibiting visceral adhesions formation and minimizing postsurgical complications.
Postpartum amenorrhea duration by sex of the newborn in two natural fertility populations
Authors: Hoi Amber Gigi , Daiy Katherine , Altman Rachel MacKay , Venners Scott , Valeggia Claudia , Nepomnaschy Pablo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectivesPostpartum amenorrhea (PA) affects the length of interbirth intervals and thus is intimately related to human life history strategies. PA duration appears to be influenced by maternal energetic status. In humans, as in other mammals, sons are costlier than daughters. Thus, we hypothesize that, in energetically constrained environments, a newborn's sex should be associated with PA duration.MethodsWe analyzed data from two natural fertility populations in which mothers have differing energy budgets: Qom women (n = 121) from a periurban village in Argentina, who have a comparatively calorically dense diet and are sedentary (prepregnancy mean BMI = 24.8 ± 4.5 kg/m2 in 1997), and agropastoral Kaqchikel Maya women (n = 88), who have a comparatively calorically restricted diet and high physical activity levels (mean BMI = 21.8 ± 3.7 kg/m2). We predict that (a) mothers of sons exhibit longer PA duration than mothers of daughters and (b) this association between offspring sex and PA duration is stronger in the Maya, who have smaller energy budgets.ResultsMaya mothers with sons exhibited estimated mean and median PA durations that were 1.34 times the estimated mean and median PA duration of mothers with daughters (p = 0.02). Among the Qom, mean, and median PA duration did not differ significantly in relation to offspring sex (p = 0.94).ConclusionsMaya mothers with sons exhibited longer PA duration than those with daughters. This phenomenon was not observed in the well‐nourished Qom, possibly due to “buffering” effects from larger energy budgets. Offspring sex may influence birth spacing and maternal life history strategies in energetically constrained environments.
Fat Bloom Caused by Partial De‐Oiling on Chocolate Surfaces after High‐Temperature Exposure
Authors: Sato Sohei , Hondoh Hironori , Ueno Satoru 
Published: December 2020

AbstractFat bloom in chocolate is a substantial problem that affects its sensory properties, such as texture and appearance. This phenomenon is because of diffuse light reflection on a roughened surface of chocolate, caused by structural changes of fat crystals subjected to various temperature conditions. The purpose of this study is to characterize the fat bloom formed through gradual two‐step cooling after exposure to temperatures (35–37 °C) slightly above the cocoa butter Form βV melting point (33.8 °C). To clarify the fat bloom formation process, the structural changes in cocoa butter and on the chocolate surface, at the dynamic thermal condition for bloom formation, was investigated using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), fluorescence light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results revealed that an entirely light brown fat bloom occurred, even in the absence of the Form βVI or other polymorphic transformation. Microscopic observation showed that the light brown appearance was because of the porous structure on the chocolate surface. This porous structure was formed by liquid oil moving inside of chocolate from the surface. The formation of a coarse network and the subsequent de‐oiling, because of movement of unsolidified liquid fat into the chocolate, appeared to be the main causes of bloom formation. Therefore, a coarsened fat network and oil movement besides the conventional principles of polymorphic transformation of cocoa butter should be considered.
Sodium alginate/bismuth (III) oxide composites for γ‐ray shielding applications
Authors: Prabhu Srilakshmi , S. G. Bubbly , Gudennavar Shivappa B. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn the present work, we have explored the efficacy of bismuth (III) oxide (Bi2O3) loaded, calcium ion cross‐linked solution cast sodium alginate composite films for radioprotective applications. Calcium ion cross‐linking increased the water and chemical resistance, which further improved on introduction of Bi2O3into the composites. The 40 wt% Bi2O3loaded films showed good heat resistance with the peak degradation temperature reaching as high as 251°C. The Bi2O3loaded composites showed enhanced tensile strength (TS) and Youngs modulus (YM). Compared to high‐modulus polymers like epoxy, high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) and poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC), these exhibit relatively greater extent of stretching before breaking. The γ‐ray attenuation experiments showed that mass attenuation coefficients of the composites at various γ‐ray energies increased with filler loading. These composites are effective in shielding γ‐rays from radioactive sources like137Cs,22Na,133Ba, and60Co that are widely employed in several medical and industrial applications. The overall enhancement in thermal, mechanical, and radiation shielding characteristics of the composites may be attributed to the uniform distribution of the fillers in alginate matrix. These nontoxic sodium alginate/Bi2O3composites can be used as soft and biodegradable radiation shields, which may be processed to wearable forms.
Thermal and mechanical properties of UHMWPE/HDPE/PCL and bioglass filler: Effect of polycaprolactone
Authors: Alemán Espinosa Elzy , Escobar‐Barrios Vladimir , Palestino Escobedo Gabriela , Waldo Mendoza Miguel A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPolymeric composites based on polyethylene, high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) and ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with polycaprolactone (PCL) and a ceramic filler (bioglass type) were studied in terms of their thermal and mechanical behavior. Two polyethylene ratios (10/90 and 30/70% wt/wt of UHMWPE/HDPE) and two PCL content ratios (5% and 10% wt/wt) were used. The obtained composites were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, melt flow index, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The results indicate a nonchemical interaction between polyethylene, especially the UHMWPE, and PCL and that the composites' thermal transitions vary from the parent polymers and depend on the PCL concentration. The PCL's melting temperature in the composite was reduced, showing a new one. Also, the melting enthalpy of polyethylene was reduced when the concentration of PCL increased. The mechanical behavior depends on both the polyethylene ratio and the PCL content. The composite with 30% wt/wt of UHMWPE and 10% wt/wt of PCL showed the highest toughness value due to the good interaction between polymers. These new composites may be attractive for biomedical applications and could be evaluated, for example, as materials for prostheses.
Integrated use of unmanned aerial vehicle photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning to support archaeological analysis: The Acropolis of Selinunte case (Sicily, Italy)
Authors: Costanzo Antonio , Pisciotta Antonino , Pannaccione Apa Maria Ilaria , Bongiovanni Simona , Capizzi Patrizia , D'Alessandro Antonino , Falcone Sergio , La Piana Carmelo , Martorana Raffaele 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSouthwestern Sicily is an area of infrequent seismic activity; however, some studies carried out in the archaeological Selinunte site suggest that, between the fourth century BC and the early Middle Ages, probably at least two earthquakes strucked this area with enough energy to damage and cause the collapse and kinematics of much of the architecture of Selinunte. Take into account that, in 2008, a noninvasive archaeological prospection and traditional data gathering methods along the Acropolis north fortifications were carried out. Following these first studies, after about 10 years, a new geophysical campaign was carried out. This second campaign benefited from the application of modern technologies for the acquisition and processing of the point cloud data on the northern part of the Acropolis, like terrestrial laser scanning and unmanned aerial vehicle photogrammetry. In this paper, we present the application of these techniques and a strategy for their integration for the 3D modelling of buildings and cultural heritages. We show how the integration of data acquired independently by these two techniques is an added value able to overcome the intrinsic limits of the individual techniques. The application to Selinunte's Acropolis allowed it to highlight and measure with high accuracy fractures, dislocation, inclinations of walls, depressions of some areas and other interesting observations, which may be important starting points for future investigations.
Comparison of Adaptive Functioning in Children with Williams Beuren Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Cross‐Syndrome Study
Authors: Alfieri Paolo , Scibelli Francesco , Digilio Maria C. , Novello Roberta L. , Caciolo Cristina , Valeri Giovanni , Vicari Stefano 
Published: December 2020

Williams Beuren syndrome (WBS) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been long considered as “polar opposite” disorders. Although children with WBS appears to be hypersociable, recent researches have revealed difficulties in socio‐communicative skills such as shared attention, showing or giving objects, social relationships comprehension, pragmatic use of language, and emotion's recognition. The aim of this cross‐syndrome study is to compare clinician‐report adaptive profiles of two wide developmental range children by means of Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales—Interview Edition, Survey Form. Eighty individuals, 40 with WBS and 40 with ASD (31 preschoolers and 49 scholars) with ASD and WBS matched for chronological age and developmental/cognitive level were recruited. Analysis of domains and subdomains have been reported. Results showed no significant difference in global adaptive level between WBS and ASD in both preschooler and scholar children. Communication domain significantly differ in preschoolers (higher in WBS children), but not in scholars. Expressive subdomain significantly differ in both preschoolers and scholars (higher in WBS children). Play and Leisure subdomain significantly differ in scholars (higher in WBS children), but not in preschoolers. Our results support hypothesis on a shared global adaptive impairment in children with WBS and ASD, by extending this findings to scholar‐age children. Analysis of domains and subdomains differences highlight the need for interventions targeting social‐pragmatic skills since first years of life. Differences in preschoolers and scholars adaptive profiles could be explained through a developmental perspective.Lay SummaryLittle is known about differences in adaptive profiles between Williams Beuren syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. Our results show similarities in global adaptive level and difference in communication level. Furthermore, expressive skills seem to be higher in Williams Beuren Syndrome. Autism Res 2021, 14: 748–758. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC
Determination of amlodipine, indapamide and perindopril in human plasma by a novel LC–MS/MS method: Application to a bioequivalence study
Authors: Rezk Mamdouh R. , Badr Kamal A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA robust and rapid UPLC–MS/MS method has been developed, optimized and validated for determination of amlodipine (AML), indapamide (IND) and perindopril (PRN) in human plasma. A positive electrospray ionization mode was used in a Xevo TQD LC–MS/MS instrument. A single sample preparation step using extraction technique was applied to extract the three analytes from plasma samples. There was no need to extract indapamide from blood samples in a further step. Extraction of the three drugs and internal standards was done using a solvent mixture composed of methyl tertiary butyl ether, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate. The prepared samples were analyzed using an Acquity UPLC HSS C18 (100 × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) column. Ammonium acetate and methanol, pumped at a flow rate of 0.3 ml/min, were used as a mobile phase. Method validation was done as per the US Food and Drug Administration guidelines. Linearity was achieved in the range of 0.2–15 ng/ml for AML, 0.5–50 ng/ml for IND and 0.5–120 ng/ml for PRN. Accuracy and precision were estimated and found to be within the acceptable ranges. The rapid chromatography permits analysis of many samples per batch, making the method suitable for clinical and pharmacokinetic investigations. The developed and validated method was applied to estimate AML, IND, and PRN in a fasting bioequivalence study in healthy human volunteers.
A simple HPLC assay for determining eltrombopag concentration in human serum
Authors: Yanagimachi Naoya , Obara Naoshi , Sakata‐Yanagimoto Mamiko , Chiba Shigeru , Doki Kosuke , Homma Masato 
Published: December 2020

AbstractEltrombopag, a thrombopoietin receptor agonist, is used for the treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and aplastic anemia. We developed a HPLC assay for the determination of serum eltrombopag concentration in ITP patients. An aliquot of a serum sample spiked with diclofenac as the internal standard (IS) was treated with acetonitrile to precipitate the proteins. Eltrombopag and the IS were separated on an octadecylsilyl silica‐gel column using a mobile phase consisting of 10 mM 1‐pentanesulfonic acid sodium salt, acetonitrile, and acetic acid. The detection wavelength was set at 265 nm. The calibration curve was linear at the concentration range of 0.15–12.5 μg/mL for eltrombopag (r = 0.9987). The recoveries of eltrombopag from the serum samples were greater than 95.9% with coefficients of variation (CVs) being less than 2.8%. The CVs for the intra‐day and inter‐day assays were 1.9–11.8% and 1.0–11.8%, respectively. This assay method could be used for therapeutic drug monitoring of eltrombopag in ITP patients.
Changes in the anterior cingulate cortex in Crohn’s disease: A neuroimaging perspective
Authors: Kong Ning , Gao Chen , Xu Maosheng , Gao Xuning 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIntroductionEvidence suggests that Crohn's disease (CD) pathophysiology goes beyond the gastrointestinal tract and is also strongly associated with the brain. In particular, the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), which plays an integral role in the first brain as part of the default mode network (DMN) and pain matrix, shows abnormalities using multiple neuroimaging modalities. This review summarizes nine related studies that investigated changes in the ACC using structural magnetic resonance imaging, resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy.MethodsAn extensive PubMed literature search was conducted from 1980 to August 2020. In a review of the articles identified, particular attention was paid to analysis methods, technical protocol characteristics, and specific changes in the ACC.ResultsIn terms of morphology, a decrease in gray matter volume and cortical thickness was observed along with an increase in local gyrification index. In terms of function, functional connectivity (FC) within the DMN was increased. FC between the ACC and the amygdala was decreased. Higher amplitudes of low‐frequency fluctuation and graph theory results, including connectivity strength, clustering coefficient, and local efficiency, were detected. In terms of neurotransmitter changes, the concentrations of glutamate increased along with a decrease in gamma‐aminobutyric acid, providing a rational explanation for abdominal pain. These changes may be attributed to stress, pain, and negative emotions, as well as changes in gut microbiota.ConclusionsFor patients with CD, the ACC demonstrates structural, functional, and metabolic changes. In terms of clinical findings, the ACC plays an important role in the onset of depression/anxiety and abdominal pain. Therefore, successful modulation of this pathway may guide treatment.