bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling and validation of a new reconfigurable patch antenna through equivalent lumped circuit‐based design for minimum tuning effort
Authors: Koc Polat Hilal , Geyikoglu Miraç D. , Cavusoglu Bulent 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis study presents a modeling of a new reconfigurable patch antenna with equivalent lumped circuit. Instead of intuitive approaches, including structural changes used in the literature, the proposed reconfigurable antenna design is based on minimum tuning effort using only capacitance adjustments. The proposed design resolves impedance mismatch problem, which occurs due to the nature of using several frequencies by only capacitance adjustments rather than physical structure adjustments. Reconfigurable patch antenna for 2.45 GHz (Wi‐Fi), 3.6 GHz (Wi‐max and 5G), 5.4 GHz (WLAN and 5G) was considered for novel design strategy. A complete equivalent circuit model is configured and validated through AWR software. Full wave analysis of the proposed antenna is performed using CST software. A prototype of the proposed antenna is also fabricated on a FR4 substrate with the dimensions of 48.19 x 38.36 x 1.53 mm3 and measured to validate the full wave analysis and circuit theory solution results. It is shown that the equivalent circuit model, full wave analysis, and measurement results are in good agreement.
Estimating patient water equivalent diameter from CT localizer images – A longitudinal and multi‐institutional study of the stability of calibration parameters
Authors: Zhang Da , Liu Xinming , Duan Xinhui , Bankier Alexander A. , Rong John , Palmer Matthew R. 
Published: February 2020

PurposeWater equivalent diameter (WED) is a robust patient‐size descriptor. Localizer‐based WED estimation is less sensitive to truncation errors resulting from limited field of view, and produces WED estimates at different locations within one localizer radiograph, prior to the initiation of axial scans. This method is considered difficult to implement by the clinical community due to the necessary calibration between localizer pixel values (LPV) and attenuation, and the unknown stability of calibration results across scanners and over time. We investigated the stability of calibration results across 25 computed tomography (CT) scanners from three medical centers, and their stability over 3 ∼ 29 months for 14 of those scanners.MethodsLocalizer and axial images of ACR and body computed tomography dose index phantoms were acquired, using routine clinical techniques (120 kV and lateral localizers) on each of the 25 CT scanners: 8 GE scanners (CT750HD, VCT, and Revolution), 8 Siemens scanners (Definition AS, Force, Flash, and Edge), 5 Canon scanners (Aquilion‐One, Aquilion‐Prime80, and Aquilion‐64), and 4 Philips scanners (iCT 256, iQon, and Ingenuity). By associating axial images with the corresponding localizer lines, the relationship between the scaled water equivalent area (WEA) and averaged LPV were established through regression analysis.ResultsLinear relationships between the scaled WEA and the averaged LPV were observed in all 25 CT scanners (). Calibration parameters were similar for CT scanners from the same vendor: the coefficients of variation (COV) were ≤ 1% in all four vendor groups for the calibration slope, and < 7% for the intercept. By analyzing the deviation of WED resulted from errors in the calibration slope or intercept alone, we derived the tolerance ranges for the slope or intercept for a given WED error level. The variation of slope and intercept from different CT scanners of the same vendor introduced <±2.5% error in the estimated WED for subjects of 20 and 30‐cm WED. The calibration parameters remained stable over time, with the maximum deviations all within the boundary values that introduce ±2.5% error in the estimated WED for subjects of 20 and 30‐cm WED.ConclusionsThe stability in calibration results among CT scanners of the same vendor and over time demonstrated the feasibility of implementing WED estimation for routine clinical use.
The 2016 QSM Challenge: Lessons learned and considerations for a future challenge design
Authors: Milovic Carlos , Tejos Cristian , Acosta‐Cabronero Julio , Özbay Pinar Senay , Schwesser Ferdinand , Marques Jose Pedro , Irarrazaval Pablo , Bilgic Berkin , Langkammer Christian 
Published: February 2020

PurposeThe 4th International Workshop on MRI Phase Contrast and QSM (2016, Graz, Austria) hosted the first QSM Challenge. A single‐orientation gradient recalled echo acquisition was provided, along with COSMOS and the χ33 STI component as ground truths. The submitted solutions differed more than expected depending on the error metric used for optimization and were generally over‐regularized. This raised (unanswered) questions about the ground truths and the metrics utilized.MethodsWe investigated the influence of background field remnants by applying additional filters. We also estimated the anisotropic contributions from the STI tensor to the apparent susceptibility to amend the χ33 ground truth and to investigate the impact on the reconstructions. Lastly, we used forward simulations from the COSMOS reconstruction to investigate the impact noise had on the metric scores.ResultsReconstructions compared against the amended STI ground truth returned lower errors. We show that the background field remnants had a minor impact in the errors. In the absence of inconsistencies, all metrics converged to the same regularization weights, whereas structural similarity index metric was more insensitive to such inconsistencies.ConclusionThere was a mismatch between the provided data and the ground truths due to the presence of unaccounted anisotropic susceptibility contributions and noise. Given the lack of reliable ground truths when using in vivo acquisitions, simulations are suggested for future QSM Challenges.
MRSIGMA: Magnetic Resonance SIGnature MAtching for real‐time volumetric imaging
Authors: Feng Li , Tyagi Neelam , Otazo Ricardo 
Published: February 2020

PurposeTo propose a real‐time 3D MRI technique called MR SIGnature MAtching (MRSIGMA) for high‐resolution volumetric imaging and motion tracking with very low imaging latency.MethodsMRSIGMA consists of two steps: (1) offline learning of a database of possible 3D motion states and corresponding motion signature ranges and (2) online matching of new motion signatures acquired in real time with prelearned motion states. Specifically, the offline learning step (non‐real‐time) reconstructs motion‐resolved 4D images representing different motion states and assigns a unique motion range to each state. The online matching step (real‐time) acquires motion signatures only and selects one of the prelearned 3D motion states for each newly acquired signature, which generates 3D images efficiently in real time. The MRSIGMA technique was evaluated on 15 golden‐angle stack‐of‐stars liver data sets, and the performance of respiratory motion tracking with the online‐generated real‐time 3D MRI was compared with the corresponding 2D projections acquired in real time.ResultsThe total latency of generating each 3D image during online matching was about 300 ms, including acquisition of the motion signature data (~138 ms) and corresponding matching process (~150 ms). Linear correlation assessment suggested excellent correlation (R2 = 0.948) between motion displacement measured from the online‐generated real‐time 3D images and the 2D real‐time projections.ConclusionThis proof‐of‐concept study demonstrates the feasibility of MRSIGMA for high‐resolution real‐time volumetric imaging, which shifts the acquisition and reconstruction burden to an offline learning step and leaves fast online matching for online imaging with very low imaging latency. The MRSIGMA technique can potentially be used for real‐time motion tracking in MRI‐guided radiation therapy.
A metabolite‐specific 3D stack‐of‐spiral bSSFP sequence for improved lactate imaging in hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate studies on a 3T clinical scanner
Authors: Tang Shuyu , Bok Robert , Qin Hecong , Reed Galen , VanCriekinge Mark , Delos Santos Romelyn , Overall William , Santos Juan , Gordon Jeremy , Wang Zhen Jane , Vigneron Daniel B. , Larson Peder E. Z. 
Published: February 2020

PurposeThe balanced steady‐state free precession sequence has been previously explored to improve the efficient use of nonrecoverable hyperpolarized magnetization, but suffers from poor spectral selectivity and long acquisition time. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel metabolite‐specific 3D bSSFP (“MS‐3DSSFP”) sequence with stack‐of‐spiral readouts for improved lactate imaging in hyperpolarized []pyruvate studies on a clinical 3T scanner.MethodsSimulations were performed to evaluate the spectral response of the MS‐3DSSFP sequence. Thermal phantom experiments were performed to validate the MS‐3DSSFP sequence. In vivo hyperpolarized [], pyruvate studies were performed to compare the MS‐3DSSFP sequence with metabolite‐specific gradient echo (“MS‐GRE”) sequences for lactate imaging.ResultsSimulations, phantom, and in vivo studies demonstrate that the MS‐3DSSFP sequence achieved spectrally selective excitation on lactate while minimally perturbing other metabolites. Compared with MS‐GRE sequences, the MS‐3DSSFP sequence showed approximately a 2.5‐fold SNR improvement for lactate imaging in rat kidneys, prostate tumors in a mouse model, and human kidneys.ConclusionsImproved lactate imaging using the MS‐3DSSFP sequence in hyperpolarized []pyruvate studies was demonstrated in animals and humans. The MS‐3DSSFP sequence could be applied for other clinical applications such as in the brain or adapted for imaging other metabolites such as pyruvate and bicarbonate.
One‐hour universal protocol for mouse genotyping
Authors: Joubert Romain , Mariot Virginie , Dumonceaux Julie 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundTransgenic animals are widely used for research and for most of them, genotyping is unavoidable. Published protocols may be powerful but may also present disadvantages such as their cost or the requirement of additional steps/equipment. Moreover, if more than one strain must be genotyped, several protocols may need to be developed.Methodswe adapted the existing amplification‐resistant mutation protocol to develop the 1‐h universal genotyping protocol (1‐HUG), which allows the robust genotyping of genetically modified mice in 1 h from sample isolation to polymerase chain reaction gel running.ResultsThis protocol allows the genotyping of different mouse models including mdx mouse, and FLExDUX4 and HSA‐MerCreMer alone or in combination. It can be applied to different types of genomic modifications and to sexing.ConclusionsThe 1‐HUG protocol can be used routinely in any laboratory using mouse models for neuromuscular diseases.
Recent advances in the biology of tumour hypoxia with relevance to diagnostic practice and tissue‐based research
Authors: Macklin Philip S , Yamamoto Atsushi , Browning Lisa , Hofer Monika , Adam Julie , Pugh Christopher W 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn this review article, we examine the importance of low levels of oxygen (hypoxia) in cancer biology. We provide a brief description of how mammalian cells sense oxygen. The hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) pathway is currently the best characterised oxygen‐sensing system, but recent work has revealed that mammals also use an oxygen‐sensing system found in plants to regulate the abundance of some proteins and peptides with an amino‐terminal cysteine residue. We discuss how the HIF pathway is affected during the growth of solid tumours, which develop in microenvironments with gradients of oxygen availability. We then introduce the concept of ‘pseudohypoxia’, a state of constitutive, oxygen‐independent HIF system activation that occurs due to oncogenic stimulation in a number of specific tumour types that are of immediate relevance to diagnostic histopathologists. We provide an overview of the different methods of quantifying tumour hypoxia, emphasising the importance of pre‐analytic factors in interpreting the results of tissue‐based studies. Finally, we review recent approaches to targeting hypoxia/HIF system activation for therapeutic benefit, the application of which may require knowledge of which hypoxia signalling components are being utilised by a given tumour. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Biology and therapeutic targeting of tumour‐associated macrophages
Authors: Beltraminelli Tim , De Palma Michele 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMacrophages sustain tumour progression by facilitating angiogenesis, promoting immunosuppression, and enhancing cancer cell invasion and metastasis. They also modulate tumour response to anti‐cancer therapy in pre‐clinical models. This knowledge has motivated the development of agents that target tumour‐associated macrophages (TAMs), some of which have been investigated in early clinical trials. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the biology and therapeutic targeting of TAMs, highlighting opportunities, setbacks, and new challenges that have emerged after a decade of intense translational and clinical research into these multifaceted immune cells. © 2020 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of Nickel nanoparticles on graphene oxide as a promising reinforcement for epoxy composites
Authors: Vakhshouri Mohammad , Khosravi Hamed 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHerein, Nickel‐decorated graphene oxide nanoplatelets (Ni@GNs) were introduced as a promising reinforcement for epoxy composites. The morphology and structure of Ni@GNs were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, atomic force microscope, and scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy‐dispersive X‐ray analyzer. This study sought to investigate the effects of Ni@GNs addition at different weight percentages (0.05, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 wt%) on the tensile and dry‐sliding wear properties of epoxy composites. Maximum enhancements in tensile strength (ie, 36%) and failure strain (ie, 56%) were observed for the specimen filled with 0.1 wt% Ni@GNs. In addition, by the introduction of 0.7 wt% Ni@GNs, a maximum enhancement of tensile modulus (ie, 39%) was achieved. The results of the wear tests demonstrated that the wear rate and friction coefficient of the epoxy matrix were decreased by 86% and 75%, respectively, by the addition of 0.3 wt% Ni@GNs. It was also found that the Ni@GNs/epoxy nanocomposite showed significant improvements in tensile and wear properties in comparison to the specimen filled with GNs.
Pregabalin and injury: A nested case‐control and case‐crossover study
Authors: Miyamoto Yoshihisa , Iwagami Masao , Aso Shotaro , Matsui Hiroki , Doi Kent , Yasunaga Hideo 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPurposeThis study was performed to investigate the association between the use of pregabalin and injury.MethodsThe study was based on a predefined cohort of patients aged ≥20 years who had been registered for ≥6 months and contributed to the Japan Medical Data Center claims database. All patients (cases) had been treated for injuries from January 2014 to December 2016. One‐to‐four case‐control matching was performed for age, sex, calendar day of injury (index date), and follow‐up duration. A conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate the odds ratio (OR) for pregabalin use within 180 days prior to the index date between the matched cases and controls, with adjustment for comorbidities and relevant drug categories associated with a risk of injury. To minimize within‐individual confounding, we also performed a case‐crossover analysis to compare the odds of pregabalin use between a 30‐day hazard period immediately before the injury and five consecutive 30‐day control periods within individuals with injury.ResultsAmong the 2 324 974 people in the nested cohort, we identified 18 084 cases with injury and 71 885 matched controls. The proportion of pregabalin use was 1.7% (304/18 084) and 1.1% (803/71 885), respectively. The adjusted OR for injury was 1.22 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06‐1.40). In the case‐crossover analysis (n = 304), pregabalin use was also significantly associated with an increased risk of injury (adjusted OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.10‐2.00).ConclusionThis large database study using two different study designs consistently suggested that the use of pregabalin may be associated with an increased risk of injury.
CalibraCurve: A Tool for Calibration of Targeted MS‐Based Measurements
Authors: Kohl Michael , Stepath Markus , Bracht Thilo , Megger Dominik A , Sitek Barbara , Marcus Katrin , Eisenacher Martin 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTargeted proteomics techniques allow accurate quantitative measurements of analytes in complex matrices with dynamic linear ranges that span up to 4–5 orders of magnitude. Hence, targeted methods are promising for the development of robust protein assays in several sensitive areas, for example, in health care. However, exploiting the full method potential requires reliable determination of the dynamic range along with related quantification limits for each analyte. Here, a software named CalibraCurve that enables an automated batch‐mode determination of dynamic linear ranges and quantification limits for both targeted proteomics and similar assays is presented. The software uses a variety of measures to assess the accuracy of the calibration, namely precision and trueness. Two different kinds of customizable graphs are created (calibration curves and response factor plots). The accuracy measures and the graphs offer an intuitive, detailed, and reliable opportunity to assess the quality of the model fit. Thus, CalibraCurve is deemed a highly useful and flexible tool to facilitate the development and control of reliable SRM/MRM‐MS‐based proteomics assays.
A National Survey of Prosthesis Use in Veterans with Major Upper Limb Amputation: Comparisons by Gender
Authors: Resnik Linda J. , Borgia Matthew L. , Clark Melissa A. 
Published: February 2020

BackgroundA better understanding of women veterans with upper limb amputation is needed.ObjectiveTo compare prosthetic use and outcomes of female and male veterans with upper limb amputation.DesignCross‐sectional survey: Amputation characteristics, prosthesis use, and quality of life outcomes were compared by gender. Separate logistic regression models examined association of gender with prosthesis use and receipt of training to use a prosthesis. Separate linear regression models examined the relationship between gender and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes.ParticipantsParticipants were veterans with major upper limb amputation who received care at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in 2010‐2015, identified from VA data sources. A total of 808 individuals (755 men, 21 women) were surveyed by telephone.Main Outcome MeasuresDisabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), VR‐12 Physical Component Summary (PCS) and VR‐12 Mental Component Summary (MCS), Trinity Amputation and Prosthetic Experience Scale satisfaction scale, Orthotics and Prosthetic User's Survey client satisfaction with devices scale.SettingTelephone survey of community dwelling participants.InterventionsNot applicable.ResultsSurvey response rate was 47.3% for men and 62.8% for women. Women were less likely to have ever used a prosthesis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.26; confidence interval [CI] 0.08‐0.88), have received training for an initial prosthesis (aOR: 0.24; CI 0.08‐0.70), be current users (aOR = 0.34; CI 0.12‐1.01), and have received training for a current prosthesis (aOR: 0.15; 0.03‐0.87). A greater proportion of women used cosmetic and a smaller proportion used body‐powered devices compared to men (P < .05). Device heaviness or fatigue was the most common reason for abandonment. There were no significant differences in outcome measures by gender.ConclusionsWomen were less likely than men to have ever used and currently use prostheses or to have received prosthetic training, more likely to use cosmetic devices, and less likely to use body‐powered devices. Efforts to develop prostheses that are cosmetically acceptable, yet lightweight and functional, are needed.
Construction method and application of real‐time monitoring and early‐warning model for anaerobic reactor leakage
Authors: Wang Feng , Deng Fujie , Wang Yipeng 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe anaerobic reactor is one of the most critical reaction devices for biogas engineering, wherein is usually a large amount of flammable gas methane. Fire and explosion accidents will be easily triggered if the gas leaks, threatening the surrounding buildings, equipment, personnel, and so forth. Avoiding the significant accidents caused by CH4 leakage has become a critical issue in the design and condition monitoring for an anaerobic reactor. This article presents a model construction method for leakage early‐warning. Incident database and hazard and operability analysis (HAZOP) can be utilized to identify the leakage risks, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation and consequence quantity calculation can be used to determine the consequence influence ranges. The calculation results can be employed to establish prediction models for abnormal situations. Process safety management (PSM) data and risk analysis results can be combined with the possible abnormal situations to assist operators in adopting the right solutions. An early‐warning system has been developed to illustrate the industrial application of the model. It can be concluded that collecting multi‐parameter values according to the real‐time changes in the actual production process, continuous monitoring and early‐warning of leakage risk, and so forth, will contribute to accident avoiding and emergency response in reactor operations.
Effectiveness of an encecalin standardized extract of Ageratina pichinchensis on the treatment of onychomycosis in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Romero‐Cerecero Ofelia , Islas‐Garduño Ana Laura , Zamilpa Alejandro , Tortoriello Jaime 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAgeratina pichinchensis is utilized in traditional medicine for the treatment of dermatomycosis and inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and mycological effectiveness of the topical administration of an enecalin standardized extract of A. pichinchensis for treating onychomycosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). A double blind, randomized, and controlled clinical trial was carried out that included patients with DM2 and who had mild or moderate onychomycosis. Participants were administered topically, for 6 months, a lacquer containing the encecalin standardized extract of A. pichinchensis (experimental group) or 8% ciclopirox (control group). In a large percentage of both, the control group (77.2%) and the experimental group (78.5%), clinical efficacy was detected as a decrease in the number of affected nails and a reduction in the severity of nail involvement. Without exhibiting statistically significant differences between groups, the encecalin standardized extract of A. pichinchensis was clinically and mycologically effective in the treatment of mild and moderate onychomycosis in patients with DM2. The treatment of onychomycosis in patients with DM2 implies a greater challenge, while control of blood glucose levels in these patients, played a very important role in the response of patients to treatment.