bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intraoperative near‐infrared imaging of parathyroid glands: A comparison of first‐ and second‐generation technologies
Authors: Akbulut Serkan , Erten Ozgun , Gokceimam Mehmet , Kim Yoo S. , Krishnamurthy Vikram , Heiden Katherine , Jin Judy , Siperstein Allan , Berber Eren 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundIntraoperative near‐infrared imaging (NIFI) of parathyroid glands (PG) by first‐generation technology had limited image quality and depth penetration. Second‐generation NIFI has recently been introduced. Our aim was to compare (1) capability to detect PG and (2) image quality between older and newer technologies.MethodsAccurately detecting PG, as well as, quality of autofluorescence (AF) was compared between an older charge‐coupled device (CCD) camera and a newer complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor (CMOS). χ2, t test, and analysis of variance were used for analysis.ResultsThere were 300 patients who underwent parathyroidectomy (PTX) and/or thyroidectomy (THY) with NIFI, 200 with CCD, and 100 with CMOS. Although both NIFI technologies detected >94% of PG, CMOS was superior to CCD. Comparing AF quality, mean pixel intensity of PG compared with the background was higher with CMOS compared with CCD. When comparing PG detected by NIFI before visual identification by a surgeon, both CCD and CMOS had similar results (25% vs. 22%; p = .3).ConclusionBoth NIFI cameras were excellent at detecting PG. Second‐generation NIFI (CMOS) displayed higher detection rates and AF intensity. Although surgeons identified majority of PG before NIFI detection, 25% of PG were identified with NIFI first, suggesting future advancements of this technology may expand its applications during parathyroid/thyroid operations.
Nomograms for predicting overall and recurrence‐free survival after trimodality therapy for esophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Merritt Robert E. , Abdel‐Rasoul Mahmoud , Souza Desmond M. D' , Kneuertz Peter J. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundLocally advanced esophageal carcinoma is treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation and esophagectomy. Patients may still experience recurrence and death despite undergoing potentially curative trimodality therapy. This study describes predictive nomograms for recurrence‐free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) after the completion of trimodality therapy.MethodsA total of 215 patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma underwent trimodality therapy from September 2010 to April 2018. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to create nomograms for OS and RFS. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were calculated for OS and RFS comparing high‐risk and low‐risk cohorts.ResultsOn multivariate analysis, clinical N‐stage, tumor differentiation, tumor regression grade, anastomotic leak, body mass index, age, and number of lymph nodes removed were predictive variables for overall survival. Clinical N‐stage, tumor differentiation, tumor regression grade, anastomotic leak, age, and positive lymph nodes were significant predictors of RFS in a multivariate model. The nomogram for OS had good predictive ability (Harrell's Concordance index [C‐index]: 0.71 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 0.66–0.76]). The nomogram for RFS also performed well (C‐index: 0.70 [95% CI: 0.65–0.74]).ConclusionOur nomograms can accurately predict OS and RFS after trimodality therapy and may provide guidance regarding adjuvant therapy and surveillance.
Rate constants of CH3O2 + NO2 CH3O2NO2 and C2H5O2 + NO2 C2H5O2NO2 reactions under atmospheric conditions
Authors: Kohno Nanase , Li Jiaru , Sakamoto Yosuke , Kajii Yoshizumi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPeroxy (RO2) radicals derived from short‐chain alkanes were detected by an improved technique involving combined fluorescence assay by gas expansion and laser‐induced fluorescence (FAGE‐LIF) and chemical conversion under atmospheric conditions (298 K and 1 bar). The suitability of the system for measuring RO2 kinetics was tested using the CH3O2 + NO2 + M CH3O2NO2 + M reaction. CH3O2 radicals were generated by the OH + CH4 → CH3 + H2O reaction and subsequent O2 addition. The CH3O2 radicals were monitored using the LIF intensity of the OH radicals, which were converted from CH3O2 radicals by chemical reaction with NO and O2. The decay rates of CH3O2 radicals were measured at various NO2 concentrations, and the bimolecular rate constant was determined to be k = (3.9 ± 0.3) × 10−12 cm3 molecule−1 s−1. The result is consistent with the literature value, thus demonstrating the validity of the improved system. We also constructed a fitting equation for the simultaneous determination of the forward and reverse reaction rates because the thermal decomposition of CH3O2NO2 was not negligible. From the global fitting analysis using the fitted equation, the decomposition rate of CH3O2NO2 was determined to be k = 2.0 ± 0.6 s−1. Furthermore, we investigated the C2H5O2 + NO2 + M C2H5O2NO2 + M reaction. The forward reaction rate was approximately 1.7 times faster than that of the CH3O2 + NO2 + M reaction: = (6.5 ± 0.4) × 10−12 cm3 molecule−1 s−1, and the reverse reaction rate was 3.6 ± 0.7 s−1. These results agree with the previous estimates.
Growth response of calcifying marine epibionts to biogenic pH fluctuations and global ocean acidification scenarios
Authors: Johnson Mildred Jessica , Hennigs Laura Margarethe , Sawall Yvonne , Pansch Christian , Wall Marlene 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn coastal marine environments, physical and biological forces can cause dynamic pH fluctuations from microscale (diffusive boundary layer [DBL]) up to ecosystem‐scale (benthic boundary layer [BBL]). In the face of ocean acidification (OA), such natural pH variations may modulate an organism's response to OA by providing temporal refugia. We investigated the effect of pH fluctuations, generated by the brown alga Fucus serratus' biological activity, on the calcifying epibionts Balanus improvisus and Electra pilosa under OA. For this, both epibionts were grown on inactive and biologically active surfaces and exposed to (1) constant pH scenarios under ambient (pH 8.1) or OA conditions (pH 7.7), or (2) oscillating pH scenarios mimicking BBL conditions at ambient (pH 7.7–8.6) or OA scenarios (pH 7.4–8.2). Furthermore, all treatment combinations were tested at 10°C and 15°C. Against our expectations, OA treatments did not affect epibiont growth under constant or fluctuating (BBL) pH conditions, indicating rather high robustness against predicted OA scenarios. Furthermore, epibiont growth was hampered and not fostered on active surfaces (fluctuating DBL conditions), indicating that fluctuating pH conditions of the DBL with elevated daytime pH do not necessarily provide temporal refugia from OA. In contrast, results indicate that factors other than pH may play larger roles for epibiont growth on macrophytes (e.g., surface characteristics, macrophyte antifouling defense, or dynamics of oxygen and nutrient concentrations). Warming enhanced epibiont growth rates significantly, independently of OA, indicating no synergistic effects of pH treatments and temperature within their natural temperature range.
Objective and Long‐Term Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a 1064‐nm Picosecond Laser With Fractionated Microlens Array for the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scar in Asians
Authors: Manuskiatti Woraphong , Punyaratabandhu Preawphan , Tantrapornpong Ploypailin , Yan Chadakan , Cembrano Kathryn Anne G. 
Published: December 2020

Background and ObjectiveFractional 1064‐nm picosecond‐domain laser has recently been utilized for the treatment of atrophic acne scars and showed promising results. However, data on the safety and efficacy of this procedure in dark‐skinned patients are limited. This prospective, self‐controlled study was conducted to objectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of a 1064‐nm picosecond laser coupled with a microlens array (MLA) for the treatment of atrophic acne scars on Asian skin.Study Design/Materials and MethodsTwenty‐six subjects of Fitzpatrick skin types (FSTs) III and IV with atrophic acne scars were enrolled. All subjects were treated with a 1064‐nm picosecond laser (spot size of 8 mm, fluence of 1.0 J/cm2, a repetition rate of 10 Hz) in combination with the MLA handpiece for an average of three passes, for 6 monthly sessions. Objective (measurement of scar volume using three‐dimensional (3D) photography and skin roughness analysis using ultraviolet A‐light video camera) and subjective (clinical evaluation by two blinded dermatologists) assessments were obtained at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months after the final treatment.ResultsStatistically significant reduction of the scar volume from baseline at 1, 3, and 6 months after the final treatment were observed by 3D photography and ultraviolet A‐light video camera. At the 6‐month follow‐up, 50% (13 of 26) of the subjects were rated as having at least 50% improvement of the scars. The rate of improvement significantly increased from the 1‐month follow‐up to the 6‐month follow‐up (P = 0.013). Similarly, at the 6‐month follow‐up, the scar volume (P = 0.024) and skin roughness (P = 0.001) also significantly improved, in comparison with the baseline. Mild postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) was observed to develop in approximately 18% of all the treatment sessions. All cases of PIH were temporary and resolved within 4 weeks on average.ConclusionsThe 1064‐nm picosecond laser with MLA is a safe therapeutic alternative for the treatment of atrophic acne scars in dark‐skinned individuals. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Preventing wildlife crime with a focus on orangutans: Applying social influence techniques to public education efforts
Authors: Sattler David N. , Berg Holly , Grattan Sadie R. , Nelson Alyssa , Poppe Megan , Harnish Richard J. , Shank Makayla 
Published: December 2020

AbstractOrangutans are projected to become critically endangered or extinct this century if humans continue to destroy their habitat. Threats include legal and illegal clearcutting of rain forests to establish palm oil plantations, climate change, and transnational organized crime. This study examines how self‐benefit and other benefit appeals, knowledge of threats, concern about habitat loss, and liking orangutans are associated with (a) intent to protect habitat due to licit threats and crimes against wildlife, and (b) seeking information to save habitat. Upon entry to a zoo, 251 (118 men, 128 women, and 5 unknown) persons viewed posters highlighting the benefits of habitat conservation to self or others and completed a survey. Concern, threat knowledge, liking, and self‐benefit and other benefit appeals accounted for 28% of the variance associated with intent to take action to protect the habitat. Integrating social influence principles into zoo displays and addressing barriers that prevent conservation behavior are discussed. The ideas in this paper are relevant to many primates and endangered species.
Consumer engagement behaviors in the online wildlife trade: Implications for conservationists
Authors: Feddema Kim , Harrigan Paul , Nekaris K. Anne Isola , Maghrifani Dila 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis study investigates consumer engagement behaviors in the online wildlife trade, drawing implications for conservationists. The first study undertook a quantitative content analysis of 500 Facebook posts in wildlife trade lateral exchange markets to show how creative strategies, media type and persuasion tactics influence the number of likes and comments that posts receive. The second study then undertook a thematic discourse analysis to develop a rich understanding of the culture, beliefs and motivations that influence how consumers engage in the markets. Findings showed that an overwhelming majority of posts use a functional or informational strategy and that when posts use overt persuasion tactics the number of comments decrease. A conceptual model of how cultural factors may impact the success of marketing strategies is then proposed. These findings have implications for conservationists who seek to build engagement with wildlife trade consumers online.
Application of preference selection index method in performance (mechanical properties and sliding wear) based ranking of AA2024‐Al2O3/SiC alloy composites
Authors: Kumar M. , Bhaskar S. , Kumar Shakyawal N. , Kumar A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn this research work, alumina/silicon‐carbide ceramic particulates are used to reinforce AA2024 with the objective of improvement in its mechanical performance so that it could be successfully applied for sliding wear applications e. g. counter‐surface of drum/disc in automobiles. The designed formulation was fabricated via semi‐automatic stir casting technique following standard industrial practice. Thereafter, the sample specimens were prepared as per ASTM standard dimensions and the physical/mechanical/sliding wear performance were evaluated and discussed. Taguchi design‐of‐experiment method was applied for designing of experimental runs and input control parameter optimization. The worn surface morphology studies were analyzed for understanding prevalent wear mechanism using field emission scanning electron microscope along with energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy. Further, multi‐criteria‐decision‐making tool namely, preference selection index method (computationally simple and easy to understand) have been applied in‐order‐to rank the composites of the formulation. The obtained test results have ∼95 % confidence level. It has been observed that alloy‐matrix mechanical properties improve with reinforcement that enhances the sliding wear performance. It has been verified that the composite sample with equal amount of reinforcements shows superior mechanical as well as sliding wear performance and ranked highest by preference selection index method methods. This infers that design engineer may use multi‐criteria‐decision‐making technique like preference selection index in selection of materials reasonably.
Investigating the performance of square ring under uniform squeeze rate and internal pressure
Authors: Alunda B.O. , Agumba D.O. , Ondicho I.O. , Otieno L.O. , Chepkoech M. , Mutua N.A. , Hawong J.S. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTransportation and controlling fluid flow under high pressures in pumps, valves, boilers and heat exchangers is a common exercise in the industries. The main challenge, however that has confronted designers and manufacturers of pumps and valves along with those responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of such types of machinery is managing leakages at the positions where the seals are used. One fundamental feature of seal packing is the ability of the seal to ′flow′ into the groove spaces and effectively block fluid from passing through them. The square ring has shown good ‘flow’ behavior in addition to offering low contact stresses. This research seeks to investigate the performance of the square ring. The Hertz contact theory and photoelastic experimental hybrid method are used in the study of the performance of the square ring under a squeeze rate of 20 % and varying internal pressure. It was observed that while increasing the applied internal pressure, the deformation length and angle increased due to the high stresses produced by the applied pressure. Additionally, was initiated at an internal pressure of 0.98 MPa.
Effect of solid solution state of zirconium and Al3Zr (L12) precipitates on the recrystallization behavior of Al‐0.2 wt.%Zr alloy
Authors: Zhu C. , Zhu Q.F. , Ban C.Y. , Jia T. , Wang G.S. , Zhao Z.H. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractEffect of homogenization annealing on the existence form of zirconium in Al‐0.2wt.%Zr alloy and effect of various existence form of zirconium on the recrystallization behavior of Al‐0.2wt.%Zr cold‐rolled (total deformation is 92.8 %) sheet are studied. The results show that large numbers of nearly spherical Al3Zr (L12) nanoparticles precipitated from aluminum matrix after homogenizing at 475 °C for 24 h. Moreover, due to the precipitation of Al3Zr particles, the hardness and electrical conductivity of the as‐cast Al‐0.2wt.%Zr alloy is increased from 25.1±0.5 HV 3 and 54.0±0.2 %IACS to 28.6±0.7 HV 3 and 56.2±0.1 %IACS, respectively. Hence, zirconium exists as solid solution state in the as‐cast Al‐0.2wt.%Zr alloy and metastable Al3Zr phase in the homogenized alloy. Moreover, the recrystallization temperature of the pure aluminum without addition of zirconium is 300 °C, while the recrystallization temperature of the Al‐0.2wt.%Zr alloy without and with homogenization is about 350 °C and 400 °C, respectively. Obviously, the solid solution state of zirconium has certain effect on retarding the recrystallization of aluminum alloy, while the nanometer Al3Zr particles can inhibit the recrystallization of aluminum alloy effectively and increase the recrystallization temperature remarkably.
Mechanical alloying and consolidation of copper‐iron‐silicon carbide nanocomposites
Authors: Rabiee M. , Mirzadeh H. , Ataie A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMechanical alloying, cold pressing, and sintering were used for synthesizing bulk copper, copper‐iron, and copper‐iron‐silicon carbide nanomaterials. The precipitation of iron during sintering of the supersaturated mechanically alloyed powder significantly enhanced the thermal stability of the nanocomposite against grain growth. Moreover, the hardness of sintered composites was found to increase with increasing milling time, which was attributed to the work‐hardening, crystallite refinement, and increasing the relative density (decrease in porosity). Although the addition of silicon carbide did not affect the mean crystallite size of the bulk samples, it effectively increased the hardness of the nanocomposite based on its composite strengthening effect.
Soluble CD163 Changes Indicate Monocyte Association With Cognitive Deficits in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Nissen Sara Konstantin , Ferreira Sara Almeida , Nielsen Marlene Christina , Schulte Claudia , Shrivastava Kalpana , Hennig Dorle , Etzerodt Anders , Graversen Jonas Heilskov , Berg Daniela , Maetzler Walter , Panhelainen Anne , Møller Holger Jon , Brockmann Kathrin , Romero‐Ramos Marina 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundParkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with a significant immune component, as demonstrated by changes in immune biomarkers in patients' biofluids. However, which specific cells are responsible for those changes is unclear because most immune biomarkers can be produced by various cell types.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to explore monocyte involvement in PD.MethodsWe investigated the monocyte‐specific biomarker sCD163, the soluble form of the receptor CD163, in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum in two experiments, and compared it with other biomarkers and clinical data. Potential connections between CD163 and alpha‐synuclein were studied in vitro.ResultsCSF‐sCD163 increased in late‐stage PD and correlated with the PD biomarkers alpha‐synuclein, Tau, and phosphorylated Tau, whereas it inversely correlated with the patients' cognitive scores, supporting monocyte involvement in neurodegeneration and cognition in PD. Serum‐sCD163 increased only in female patients, suggesting a sex‐distinctive monocyte response. CSF‐sCD163 also correlated with molecules associated with adaptive and innate immune system activation and with immune cell recruitment to the brain. Serum‐sCD163 correlated with proinflammatory cytokines and acute‐phase proteins, suggesting a relation to chronic systemic inflammation. Our in vitro study showed that alpha‐synuclein activates macrophages and induces shedding of sCD163, which in turn enhances alpha‐synuclein uptake by myeloid cells, potentially participating in its clearance.ConclusionsOur data present sCD163 as a potential cognition‐related biomarker in PD and suggest a role for monocytes in both peripheral and brain immune responses. This may be directly related to alpha‐synuclein's proinflammatory capacity but could also have consequences for alpha‐synuclein processing. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Defective Somatosensory Inhibition and Plasticity Are Not Required to Develop Dystonia
Authors: Latorre Anna , Cocco Antoniangela , Bhatia Kailash P. , Erro Roberto , Antelmi Elena , Conte Antonella , Rothwell John C. , Rocchi Lorenzo 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundDystonia may have different neuroanatomical substrates and pathophysiology. This is supported by studies on the motor system showing, for instance, that plasticity is abnormal in idiopathic dystonia, but not in dystonia secondary to basal ganglia lesions.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to test whether somatosensory inhibition and plasticity abnormalities reported in patients with idiopathic dystonia also occur in patients with dystonia caused by basal ganglia damage.MethodsTen patients with acquired dystonia as a result of basal ganglia lesions and 12 healthy control subjects were recruited. They underwent electrophysiological testing at baseline and after a single 45‐minute session of high‐frequency repetitive somatosensory stimulation. Electrophysiological testing consisted of somatosensory temporal discrimination, somatosensory‐evoked potentials (including measurement of early and late high‐frequency oscillations and the spatial inhibition ratio of N20/25 and P14 components), the recovery cycle of paired‐pulse somatosensory‐evoked potentials, and primary motor cortex short‐interval intracortical inhibition.ResultsUnlike previous reports of patients with idiopathic dystonia, patients with acquired dystonia did not differ from healthy control subjects in any of the electrophysiological measures either before or after high‐frequency repetitive somatosensory stimulation, except for short‐interval intracortical inhibition, which was reduced at baseline in patients compared to control subjects.ConclusionsThe data show that reduced somatosensory inhibition and enhanced cortical plasticity are not required for the clinical expression of dystonia, and that the abnormalities reported in idiopathic dystonia are not necessarily linked to basal ganglia damage. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
On the modification and convergence of unconstrained optimal control using pseudospectral methods
Authors: Ghassemi Hussein , Maleki Mohammad , Allame Masoud 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA modified pseudospectral (PS) method is presented based on direct Legendre interpolation for unconstrained optimal control problems (OCP). The conditions for the convergence of the proposed PS method are provided and it is proved that the method possesses the spectral accuracy for solutions in appropriate Sobolev spaces. Different from existing convergence results in the literature, in this new analysis neither special cases of the problem nor relaxing the discretized dynamics is considered. Moreover, the proof does not use necessary conditions of optimal control. An iterative procedure is then proposed for nonlinear OCPs. The nonlinear problem is first replaced with a sequence of linear‐quadratic OCPs by utilizing the quasilinearization technique. Then, this sequence of problems are successively solved using the modified PS method. In some nonlinear OCPs where the resulting nonlinear programming problem is dense, the PS method becomes computationally intractable. In such a this problems, the iterative PS method reduces the computational complexity and saves work. In addition, a new efficient costate estimation procedure is derived by employing the necessary optimality conditions. This new costate estimation method is flexible in that it allows us to define three different schemes based on the structure of the problem. Several examples of varying complexity are included to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed methods.