bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Remote ischemic preconditioning and its role in the prevention of new onset atrial fibrillation post‐cardiac surgery. A meta‐analysis of randomized control trials
Authors: Kumar Ashish , Singh Harpreet , Shariff Mariam 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe denouement of remote ischemic preconditioning on new onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) post‐cardiac surgery is not well‐established. An updated meta‐analysis of randomized control trials was performed by comparing remote ischemic preconditioning with controls and the outcome of interest was NOAF.MethodsThe systemic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred reporting items for systemic review) and AHA (American Heart Association) guidelines. PubMed database was searched to include relevant randomized control trials from inception to July 2019. We used Mantel‐Haenzsel method with random error model to calculate risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test> 50% or χ2 P < .05. Publication bias was visually assessed using a funnel plot.ResultsTwelve randomized control trials were included in the final analysis. Remote ischemic preconditioning did not alter the risk of NOAF post‐cardiac surgery [RR: 0.95, CI: 0.83‐1.09, P = .48, I2 = 37%, χ2 P = .09].ConclusionIn conclusion, the present meta‐analysis failed to provide any evidence for the beneficial effect of remote ischemic preconditioning in the prevention of NOAF.
Recent progress of enantioseparation under scale production (2014–2019)
Authors: Wu Datong , Pan Fei , Tan Wensheng , Gao Li , Tao Yongxin , Kong Yong 
Published: October 2019

AbstractVery different from enantiorecognition at an analytical level, preparative enantioseparation at scale production has to confront many problems. In recent years, various separation techniques have been developed with much progress including high‐performance liquid chromatography, liquid–liquid extraction, membrane separation, enantioselective solid‐phase absorption, and enantioselective precipitation. Among them, in order to achieve high enantiomerical purity of the enantiomers after separation, two approaches are commonly carried out. One is that continuous separation is necessary when one‐step separation cannot have satisfactory efficiency. Another is that most of the research groups focus on the construction of novel chiral environment with much more rigid structures of the selectors. Combined with these two aspects, we mainly introduce current topics, trends, strategies related to enantioseparation under large scale.
Analyses of reaction rate data for the simple hydrolysis of acetic anhydride in the acetonitrile/water and acetone/water cosolvent systems using recently developed thermodynamic rate equations
Authors: Wiseman F. L. , Scott D. W. , Tamine J. , O'Connell R. , Smarra A. , Olowoyo S. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis article presents reaction rate data for the simple hydrolysis of acetic anhydride in the acetonitrile/water and acetone/water cosolvent systems and regression analyses using recently developed thermodynamic rate equations that contain electrostatic and solvent‐solute terms. The isomole fraction plots for these reaction systems are linear, and previous theoretical work has shown that the electrostatic term is negligible for such systems. On the other hand, the reaction rates are dependent upon the cosolvent mole fraction, indicating that the solvent‐solute term, which is modeled empirically, is significant. The results of the analyses provide the foundation for a paradigm shift away from the emphasis on electrostatic effects to more tenable explanations of kinetic behavior in solvent systems.
Active rehabilitation of Amazonian sand mines converges soils, plant communities and environmental status to their predisturbance levels
Authors: Gastauer Markus , Caldeira Cecílio F. , Ramos Silvio J. , Silva Delmo F. , Siqueira José Oswaldo 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe continuous monitoring of mineland rehabilitation is paramount for identifying deviations from desired trajectories and providing assessments for environmental agencies. In this study, we analyzed soil texture and chemical properties, vegetation development and soil respiration along rehabilitation chronosequences including nonrehabilitated areas, areas at different rehabilitation stages and reference sites covered by native forests in three sand mines in the Carajás National Forest, eastern Amazonia, Brazil, to estimate their rehabilitation status. For nine environmental variables related to ecological processes, vegetation structure, and community diversity, we computed response ratios in relation to predisturbance levels found in native reference sites and integrated them into an index of rehabilitation status using a multivariate approach. Our analyses showed that the soil chemical properties and tree community composition of the rehabilitated minelands converged over time to those of native ecosystems. All environmental indicators and the overall rehabilitation status increased with rehabilitation time, indicating that rehabilitation interventions set the rehabilitation trajectory on a desired path. Although most indicators did not achieve predisturbance levels, we conclude that rehabilitation activities can effectively reduce the environmental impacts of sand extraction in Amazonia over short time periods, thereby contributing to the recovery of ecosystem services and the protection of biodiversity.
Topological Photonic Integrated Circuits Based on Valley Kink States
Authors: Ma Jingwen , Xi Xiang , Sun Xiankai 
Published: October 2019

AbstractValley pseudospin, a new degree of freedom in photonic lattices, provides an intriguing way to manipulate photons and enhance the robustness of optical networks. Here, topological waveguiding, refracting, resonating, and routing of valley‐polarized photons in integrated circuits are experimentally demonstrated. Specifically, it is shown that at the domain wall between photonic crystals of different topological valley phases, there exists a topologically protected valley kink state that is backscattering‐free at sharp bends and terminals. These valley kink states are further harnessed for constructing high‐Q topological photonic crystal cavities with tortuously shaped cavity geometries. A novel optical routing scheme at an intersection of multiple valley kink states is also demonstrated, where light splits counterintuitively due to the valley pseudospin of photons. These results can not only lead to robust optical communication and signal processing, but also open the door for fundamental research of topological photonics in areas such as lasing, quantum photon‐pair generation, and optomechanics.
The role of numeracy and information load in the tourist decision‐making process
Authors: Castañeda José‐Alberto , Rodríguez‐Molina Miguel‐Ángel , Frías‐Jamilena Dolores‐María , García‐Retamero Rocío 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACTThe aim of the present study is to merge two strands of research that have evolved in tandem (a) the consequences of numeracy; and (b) the effect of information load on the consumer decision‐making process. The study analyses the interaction effect between these two factors on decision accuracy and on a set of cognitive and affective variables of the decision‐making process (namely, confusion, calibration, and emotion). We measured participants' numeracy and used an experimental design to manipulate the information load. The results showed that the effect of numeracy on decision accuracy was entirely mediated by cognitive and affective processes involved in decision‐making. In particular, numeracy was found to have a negative relationship with the level of confusion, calibration, and emotions experienced during the decision‐making process. The results also showed that information load interacted with numeracy, such that individuals with high numeracy maintained lower levels of emotion when placed under conditions of low information load. However, under these same conditions, individuals with low numeracy maintained positive emotions. The findings help to identify approaches that can contribute to reducing the negative effects of low numeracy among consumers, in a context where the online channel predominates (the tourism sector).
Parkinson's Disease: Glucocerebrosidase 1 Mutation Severity Is Associated with CSF Alpha‐Synuclein Profiles
Authors: Lerche Stefanie , Wurster Isabel , Roeben Benjamin , Zimmermann Milan , Riebenbauer Benjamin , Deuschle Christian , Hauser Ann‐Kathrin , Schulte Claudia , Berg Daniela , Maetzler Walter , Waniek Katharina , Lachmann Ingolf , Liepelt‐Scarfone Inga , Gasser Thomas , Brockmann Kathrin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundMutations in the gene glucocerebrosidase (GBA1) are specifically associated with alpha‐synucleinopathies, namely, Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies. As disease‐modifying treatment options such as alpha‐synuclein lowering compounds are under way, patient stratification according to alpha‐synuclein‐specific enrichment strategies, possibly reflected by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) profiles, is a much needed prerequisite.ObjectiveAre GBA1 mutations associated with a CSF alpha‐synuclein profile in PD?MethodsScreening of the GBA1 gene and analysis of CSF levels of total alpha‐synuclein were performed in 80 PDGBA, 80 PDGBA_wildtype and 39 healthy controls cross‐sectionally. Subgroup analyses based on mutation severity was done for PDGBA.ResultsPatients carrying severe GBA1 mutations showed (1) an earlier age at onset, (2) more pronounced cognitive decline and higher prevalence of rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, and (3) reduced CSF levels of total alpha‐synuclein.ConclusionThe effects of GBA1 mutations on CSF alpha‐synuclein profiles and phenotypical characteristics seem dependent on GBA1 mutation severity. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Technical Note: A dose calculation framework for dynamic electron arc radiotherapy (DEAR) using VirtuaLinac Monte Carlo simulation tool
Authors: Wang Xiaorong , Sawkey Daren , Wu Qiuwen 
Published: October 2019

PurposeDynamic electron arc radiotherapy (DEAR) is a novel dynamic technique that achieves highly conformal dose through simultaneous couch and gantry motion during delivery. The purpose of this study is to develop a framework integrating a Monte Carlo dose engine (VirtuaLinac) to a treatment planning system (TPS, Eclipse) for DEAR. A quality assurance (QA) procedure is also developed.Methods and materialsThe interfaces include the following: computed tomography image export and conversion for VirtuaLinac; VirtuaLinac computation tasks management through application programming interface (API); and dose matrix processing and evaluation. The framework was validated with both static beam and DEAR plan with a 3 × 3 cm2 cutout for both 6 and 9 MeV electrons. Verification plans for DEAR were created on flat phantom and a hybrid dose calculation technique was developed which convolves precalculated small field kernel with the beam trajectory, and the resulting dose was compared with the full VirtuaLinac calculation and film measurement.ResultsExcellent agreement between VirtuaLinac and eMC was observed with three‐dimensional γ pass rate of 98% at 1%/1 mm criteria for both 6 and 9 MeV electrons. Film measurement shows two‐dimensional (2D) γ passing rate of 99.8 % (6 MeV) and 97.1% (9 MeV) at 2%/2 mm criteria. For DEAR plans the comparison of VirtuaLinac and measurement shows the 2D γ passing rates of 94% at 2%/2 mm for 6 MeV. The dose distributions from hybrid method in phantom are identical to the full VirtuaLinac simulations, but can be done instantly.ConclusionsA framework has been developed for DEAR dose calculation using VirtuaLinac Monte Carlo dose engine. The VirtuaLinac calculated dose was validated against measurement. A feasible and practical DEAR QA method has been developed for dose measurement in phantom. The hybrid dose calculation technique is efficient and suitable for DEAR QA purpose.
Deep learning modeling using normal mammograms for predicting breast cancer risk
Authors: Arefan Dooman , Mohamed Aly A. , Berg Wendie A. , Zuley Margarita L. , Sumkin Jules H. , Wu Shandong 
Published: October 2019

PurposeTo investigate two deep learning‐based modeling schemes for predicting short‐term risk of developing breast cancer using prior normal screening digital mammograms in a case‐control setting.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective Institutional Review Board‐approved study on a case‐control cohort of 226 patients (including 113 women diagnosed with breast cancer and 113 controls) who underwent general population breast cancer screening. For each patient, a prior normal (i.e., with negative or benign findings) digital mammogram examination [including mediolateral oblique (MLO) view and craniocaudal (CC) view two images] was collected. Thus, a total of 452 normal images (226 MLO view images and 226 CC view images) of this case‐control cohort were analyzed to predict the outcome, i.e., developing breast cancer (cancer cases) or remaining breast cancer‐free (controls) within the follow‐up period. We implemented an end‐to‐end deep learning model and a GoogLeNet‐LDA model and compared their effects in several experimental settings using two mammographic view images and inputting two different subregions of the images to the models. The proposed models were also compared to logistic regression modeling of mammographic breast density. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used as the model performance metric.ResultsThe highest AUC was 0.73 [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.68–0.78; GoogLeNet‐LDA model on CC view] when using the whole‐breast and was 0.72 (95% CI: 0.67–0.76; GoogLeNet‐LDA model on MLO + CC view) when using the dense tissue, respectively, as the model input. The GoogleNet‐LDA model significantly (all P < 0.05) outperformed the end‐to‐end GoogLeNet model in all experiments. CC view was consistently more predictive than MLO view in both deep learning models, regardless of the input subregions. Both models exhibited superior performance than the percent breast density (AUC = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.49–0.59).ConclusionsThe proposed deep learning modeling approach can predict short‐term breast cancer risk using normal screening mammogram images. Larger studies are needed to further reveal the promise of deep learning in enhancing imaging‐based breast cancer risk assessment.
Quantitative 3D myocardial perfusion with an efficient arterial input function
Authors: Mendes Jason Kraig , Adluru Ganesh , Likhite Devavrat , Fair Merlin J. , Gatehouse Peter D. , Tian Ye , Pedgaonkar Apoorva , Wilson Brent , DiBella Edward V. R. 
Published: October 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to further develop and combine several innovative sequence designs to achieve quantitative 3D myocardial perfusion. These developments include an optimized 3D stack‐of‐stars readout (150 ms per beat), efficient acquisition of a 2D arterial input function, tailored saturation pulse design, and potential whole heart coverage during quantitative stress perfusion.Theory and MethodsAll studies were performed free‐breathing on a Prisma 3T MRI scanner. Phantom validation was used to verify sequence accuracy. A total of 21 subjects (3 patients with known disease) were scanned, 12 with a rest only protocol and 9 with both stress (regadenoson) and rest protocols. First pass quantitative perfusion was performed with gadoteridol (0.075 mmol/kg).ResultsImplementation and quantitative perfusion results are shown for healthy subjects and subjects with known coronary disease. Average rest perfusion for the 15 included healthy subjects was 0.79 ± 0.19 mL/g/min, the average stress perfusion for 6 healthy subject studies was 2.44 ± 0.61 mL/g/min, and the average global myocardial perfusion reserve ratio for 6 healthy subjects was 3.10 ± 0.24. Perfusion deficits for 3 patients with ischemia are shown. Average resting heart rate was 59 ± 7 bpm and the average stress heart rate was 81 ± 10 bpm.ConclusionThis work demonstrates that a quantitative 3D myocardial perfusion sequence with the acquisition of a 2D arterial input function is feasible at high stress heart rates such as during stress. T1 values and gadolinium concentrations of the sequence match the reference standard well in a phantom, and myocardial rest and stress perfusion and myocardial perfusion reserve values are consistent with those published in literature.
Chemical grafting of salicylaldehyde onto carbon fiber for enhancing interfacial strength of silicone resin composites
Authors: Liu Jingxiang , Liu Huilin , Wu Guangshun 
Published: October 2019

AbstractChemical grafting of salicylaldehyde onto the surface of carbon fibers (CFs) via the bridging 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane was reported to improve interfacial properties of composites. Surface microstructures, compositions, wettability, and surface energy of CFs before and after modification were studied. Single‐fiber tensile strength (TS) was also determined to evaluate the damage degree brought by using the grafting strategy to the fiber intrinsic strength. The interfacial shear strength of composites was characterized to confirm interfacial compatibility and adhesion between CFs and matrix resin. Antihydrothermal aging experiments were also carried out to evaluate their environmental stability. As a result, the introduced salicylaldehyde molecules could increase polar functional groups, roughness, and interfacial wettability of CFs, and thus enhance interfacial strength as well as the hydrothermal aging resistance of the resulting composites significantly. Such sharp improvements could be due to the increases of interfacial compatibility, mechanical interlocking, and chemical bonding at the interfacial region via the formation of salicylaldehyde‐modified interface. Meanwhile, the modification procedure does not decrease fiber TS.
Validation of fetal DNA fraction estimation and its application in noninvasive prenatal testing for aneuploidy detection in multiple pregnancies
Authors: Chen Min , Jiang Fuman , Guo Yulai , Yan Huanchen , Wang Jiayan , Zhang Longmei , Zeng XiaoJing , Li Sheng , Li Yufan , Li Nan , Zhang Chunsheng , Zhu Wentao , Du Bole , Wang Yang , Lan Zhiheng , Luo Xingcheng , Luo Fei , Chen Dunjin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze the fetal fraction, fetal sex, and chromosomal aneuploidy in multiple pregnancies using noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT).MethodA total of 362 pregnant women including 203 singleton pregnancies, 69 twins, and 90 higher‐order multiple pregnancies were recruited. Fetal fractions estimated by size ratio‐based and Y chromosome‐based approaches in singleton pregnancies with male fetus were used as source data to establish the model. The model was then applied to multiple pregnancies for fetal fraction estimation. By comparing the fetal fractions estimated by size ratio to those estimated by Y chromosome or autosomal chromosomes, fetal sex and chromosomal aneuploidy can be analyzed.ResultsThe size ratio‐based approach has been well established in estimating fetal fractions for twin and higher‐order multiple pregnancies. Fetal fraction had a positive correlation with gestational age in twin and triplet pregnancies. Fetal sex was determined with accuracies of 98.6% (95% CI, 92.19%‐99.96%) in twins and 97.6% (95% CI, 91.76%‐99.71%) in triplet pregnancies. Four trisomy 21, one trisomy 18, and one trisomy 13 cases were detected by NIPT. Two trisomy 21 singleton pregnancies and one trisomy 21 twin pregnancy were confirmed by karyotyping.ConclusionFetal sex and chromosomal aneuploidy in multiple pregnancies can be determined using NIPT.
Simulation‐based fetal shunting training
Authors: Phithakwatchara Nisarat , Nawapun Katika , Viboonchart Sommai , Jaingam Suparat , Wataganara Tuangsit 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo develop a simulation model and assess the learning curve of fetal shunting.MethodsThree staff and three trainees performed fetal shunting on a model using the fetal bladder stent. The model was evaluated according to various sources of validity evidence. The number of procedures to reach competency was determined by the learning curve‐cumulative summation (LC‐CUSUM) and CUSUM analysis. The learning and control phases were defined as the periods before and after passing the level of competency, respectively.ResultsThe model was validated to be constructive in the educational process. A total of 600 procedures were carried out with an overall success rate of 94.2% and no significant difference between staff and trainees. The average number of procedures to reach competency was 47. Total procedural time decreased after passing the level of competency. Although the trainees required a longer procedural time in the learning phase than the staff did, there was no significant between‐group difference in the control phase.ConclusionsUsing this model, the estimated number of procedures to achieve competency was 47, as substantiated by the increased procedural success and reduced procedural time in the control phase. Training on this simulation model may improve technical performance.
Return to the countryside: The return intentions of highly educated young people in the Akmola province of northern Kazakhstan
Authors: Buchenrieder Gertrud , Dufhues Thomas , Möllers Judith , Runschke David , Sagyndykova Galiya 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe rural out‐migration of young people leads to problems such as “brain drain” and the overageing of the rural population. The purpose of this paper is to study return migration motives among students originating from rural areas. The case study relates to the province of Akmola, northern Kazakhstan. Based on data collected from college and university students (n = 357), a binary logistic regression model is used to identify rural return motives. Noneconomic and economic motives are equally important in forming a return intention. Our findings do not suggest that particularly underperforming students intend to return. As expected, compared with those in major cities, students who study in a regional town intend to return more often. We also found a large difference in return intentions along ethnic lines. Students of non‐Kazakh decent are much more likely to return than ethnic Kazakhs, and the two ethnic groups have quite distinct motives indicating signs of ethnic discrimination against non‐Kazakhs in the job market.
Predicting Paclitaxel Disposition in Humans With Whole‐Body Physiologically‐Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling
Authors: Fu Qiang , Sun Xinxin , Lustburg Maryam B. , Sparreboom Alex , Hu Shuiying 
Published: October 2019

Paclitaxel is a commonly used drug in the treatment of multiple solid tumors, including cancers of the breast, lung, and ovaries. Despite the established exposure–pharmacodynamic relationships for paclitaxel, treatment is associated with wide interindividual pharmacokinetic variability that leads to unpredictability of the agent's clinical activity and toxicity. We hypothesized that physiologically‐based modeling approaches could be employed to predict the human pharmacokinetics of paclitaxel following administration of the approved Cremophor‐based formulation (Taxol). The model was developed from tissue distribution studies performed in mice and applied to plasma concentration‐time data obtained in adult cancer patients receiving Taxol at the approved dose and schedule (175 mg/m2 by a 3‐hour intravenous infusion), taking into account interspecies differences in physiological parameters. The final model adequately captured the observed concentrations in patients and allowed prediction of paclitaxel distribution profiles in multiple target organs and can be applied to further refine the chemotherapeutic treatment with a clinically important agent.