bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Robot‐assisted surgical care delivery at a hospital: Policies for maximizing clinical outcome benefits and minimizing costs
Authors: Mukherjee Ujjal K. , Sinha Kingshuk K. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractRobot‐assisted surgery is a major advancement in minimally invasive surgical care delivery. It allows surgeons to gain additional dexterity, improved precision in surgical tasks, enhanced three‐dimensional vision of the surgical field, and superior accessibility to the surgical field. Notwithstanding the clinical outcome benefits (such as reduced blood loss and surgical duration, and shorter length‐of‐stay at a hospital), the cost of performing robot‐assisted surgery is significantly high, due to the investments needed for robot acquisition, maintenance, and procurement of surgical accessories. In this study, we address the twin objectives of a hospital where robot‐assisted surgery is performed: maximize the clinical outcome benefits and minimize the total cost of robot‐assisted surgery. The surgical robot that is the focus of the study is a da Vinci surgical system. The surgical procedure that serves as the context of this study is hysterectomy. We demonstrate the application of an integrated methodological approach—combining empirical analysis involving an on‐site, prospective investigation at a hospital and retrospective analysis of archival data from the hospital for robustness checks, analytical modeling, and discrete event simulation—to identify and analyze actionable policies that a hospital can implement. The specific policies we analyze are related to: (a) patient triaging for robot‐assisted surgery based on the criticality of disease condition of a patient; (b) the optimal size of surgeon pool to facilitate the development of surgeon experience and learning; and (c) the minimum experience level of a surgeon with a robot needed to be included in the surgeon pool for robot‐assisted surgery. The key contributions of this article are in demonstrating the following: First, hospital‐level policies can help to realize both the clinical outcome and cost benefits of a surgical robot. Second, the criticality of patient condition is a significant determinant of surgeon learning in robot‐assisted surgery. Third, application of the proposed integrated methodological approach can yield nuanced and actionable insights into an operational setting where data availability is limited and generalizability of study insights is a concern, as is the case in this study.
Assessing the effects of cyclosporine A on the osteoblastogenesis, osteoclastogenesis, and angiogenesis mediated by human periodontal ligament stem cells
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Joo , Yoo Ji Hyun , Choi YunJeong , Joo Ji‐Young , Lee Ju‐Youn , Kim Hyung Joon 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundThis study was performed to investigate the effects of cyclosporine A (CsA) on the osteogenic differentiation, osteoclastogenic‐supporting ability, and angiogenic potential of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs).MethodshPDLSCs were isolated from the extracted teeth of orthodontic patients. Cell proliferation was assessed using 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and osteogenic differentiation was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red (ARS) staining. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to quantify transcripts. Tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase staining of bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMMs) and tube formation assays on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were performed after treating cells with the conditioned media from CsA‐exposed or non‐exposed hPDLSCs. Signaling pathways mediating the angiogenic activity were investigated using western blotting.ResultsCsA suppressed the proliferation of hPDLSCs but enhanced osteogenic differentiation as determined by ALP and ARS staining and PCR of osteogenic transcripts. The expressions of osteoclastogenic transcripts in hPDLSCs and the differentiation of BMMs treated with conditioned medium from CsA‐exposed hPDLSCs were unaffected by CsA. However, the expressions of angiogenic transcripts and the transcripts known to support angiogenesis—phosphorylation of extracellular signal p‐regulated kinase (ERK) and p38, and c‐fos—were inhibited. Conditioned medium from CsA‐exposed hPDLSCs suppressed the tube forming abilities of HUVECs.ConclusionsCsA enhanced the osteogenic differentiation and reduced angiogenesis by blocking the ERK and p38/c‐fos pathway in hPDLSCs. It is necessary to confirm whether this phenomenon is also observed in vivo in subsequent animal experiments.
The Late Holocene tephra record of the central Mediterranean Sea: Mapping occurrences and new potential isochrons for the 4.4–2.0 ka time interval
Authors: Insinga D. D. , Petrosino P. , Alberico I. , de Lange G. J. , Lubritto C. , Molisso F. , Sacchi M. , Sulpizio R. , Wu J. , Lirer F. 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTFive cores from the southern Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas were studied for their tephra and cryptotephra content in the 4.4–2.0 ka time interval. The chronological framework for each core was obtained by accelerator mass spectrometry 14C dating, the occurrence of distinct marker tephra and stratigraphic correlation with adjacent records. Tephrochronology allowed us to correlate the analyzed deposits with tephra markers associated with Somma‐Vesuvius (79 ad), Ischia Island (Cretaio), Mt Etna (FG, FL and FS) and Campi Flegrei (Astroni‐Agnano Monte Spina) events. For the first time in the marine setting, a large single glass data set is provided for the Late Holocene Etnean marker beds including the FS tephra (ca. 4.3 ka). Moreover, unknown deposits from Lipari (ca. 2.2–2.0 ka) and Vulcano (3.6–3.3 ka) are also recognized at more distal sites than previously reported. These results contribute to improve the high‐resolution tephrostratigraphic framework of the central Mediterranean Sea. They also provide new insights into the chemical composition and dispersal pattern of tephras that can be used as inter‐archive tools for regional and ‘local’ stratigraphic correlations and for addressing paleoclimate research.
Low‐cost modified‐atmosphere hermetic storage structures to reduce storage losses of maize (Zea mays L.) cobs and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) heads
Authors: Tola Yetenayet B , Muleta Obsuman D , Hofacker Werner C 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDProduction and marketing of cereal grains are some of the main activities in developing countries to ensure food security. However, the food gap is complicated further by high postharvest loss of grains during storage. This study aimed to compare low‐cost modified‐atmosphere hermetic storage structures with traditional practice to minimize quantitative and qualitative losses of grains during storage. The study was conducted in two phases: in the first phase, seven hermetic storage structures with or without smoke infusion were compared, and one selected structure was further validated at scaled‐up capacity in the second phase.RESULTSGrains stored in PVC bag‐supported structures (with or without smoke infusion) resulted in low live weevil population, low percentage of damaged grains and reduced weight loss with better retention of crude protein and fat contents. Results from validation study also demonstrated that maize and sorghum stored in improved storage structures experienced, respectively, 9.8% and 10.4% weevil damage as compared with 47.3% and 42.3% when stored in traditional storage structures. The same was true in terms of crude protein and fat contents.ConclusionsThe study demonstrated that storage structures supported with PVC bags are efficient and low‐cost structures for reducing storage‐related losses and supporting food security efforts as compared to traditional methods. Furthermore, the bags can be made locally and with various storage capacities to store either shelled or unshelled products. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of endophytic Bacillus megaterium colonization on structure strengthening, microbial community, chemical composition and stabilization properties of Hybrid Pennisetum
Authors: Shah Assar A , Liu Zhiwei , Qian Chen , Wu Juanzi , Zhong Xiaoxian , Kalsoom Umm‐e‐ 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis study was conducted to analyze the effects of endophytic Bacillus megaterium (BM 18‐2) colonization on structure strengthening, microbial community, chemical composition and stabilization properties of Hybrid Pennisetum.RESULTSThe BM 18‐2 had successfully colonized in the interior tissues in both leaf and stem of Hybrid Pennisetum. During ensiling, the levels of pH, acetic acid (AA), butyric acid (BA), propionic acid (PA), and the population of yeast and aerobic bacteria were significantly (P > 0.05) lower, while lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and lactic acid (LA) were significantly (P < 0.001) higher with the steps forward of ensiling in with BM 18‐2 as compared to without BM 18‐2 colonized of Hybrid Pennisetum. During the different ensiling days, at days 3, 6, 15, and 30, the genus Brevundimonas, Klebsiella, Lactococcus, Weissella, Enterobacter, Serratia, etc. population were significantly decreased, while genus Pediococcus acidilactici and Lactobacillus plantarum were significantly influenced in treated groups as compared to control. The genus Lactobacillus and Pediococcus were positively correlated with treatment groups.CONCLUSIONSIt is concluded that the endophytic bacteria strain BM 18‐2 significantly promoted growth characteristics and biomass yield before ensiling and after ensiling inoculated with or without Lactobacillus plantarum could improve the distinct changes of the undesirable microbial diversity, chemical composition, and stabilization properties in with BM 18‐2 as compared to without BM 18‐2 colonized Hybrid Pennisetum. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of intraoperative remifentanil on postoperative pain and opioid use in thyroid surgery
Authors: Wu James X. , Assel Melissa , Vickers Andrew , Afonso Anoushka M. , Twersky Rebecca S. , Simon Brett A. , Cohen Marc A. , Rieth Elizabeth F. , Cracchiolo Jennifer R. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesRemifentanil infusion is used as an intraoperative anesthetic for thyroidectomy, but has been associated with acute opioid tolerance and hyperalgesia. A national shortage of remifentanil provided an opportunity to study postoperative pain in patients undergoing thyroidectomy.MethodsRetrospective review of prospectively collected data from an outpatient surgery center. Primary analysis compared patients treated before and after remifentanil shortage.ResultsMedian postoperative opioid consumption was 20 morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) among those treated in the high‐dose period and 15 MMEs in the low‐dose period. Remifentanil/weight received was a significant predictor of requiring a postoperative narcotic (P = .006). Total non‐remifentanil narcotics administered were equivalent but patients in the low dose period received higher amounts of intraoperative long‐acting narcotics.ConclusionsRemifentanil infusion for thyroid surgery is associated with higher postoperative pain and postoperative narcotics requirement. While a hyperalgesia state is possible, shifting of longer‐acting narcotics from intraoperative to postoperatively is also supported.
Unexpected curves and Togliatti‐type surfaces
Authors: Szpond Justyna 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe purpose of this note is to establish a direct link between the theory of unexpected hypersurfaces and varieties with defective osculating behavior. We identify unexpected plane curves of degree 4 as sections of a rational surface of degree 7 in with its osculating spaces of order 2 which in every point of have dimension lower than expected. We put this result in perspective with earlier examples of surfaces with defective osculating spaces due to Shifrin and Togliatti. Our considerations are rendered by an analysis of Lefschetz Properties of ideals associated with the studied surfaces.
Evaluation of Charge‐Regulated Supramolecular Copolymerization to Tune the Time Scale for Oxidative Disassembly of β‐Sheet Comonomers
Authors: Berac Christian M. , Zengerling Lydia , Straβburger David , Otter Ronja , Urschbach Moritz , Besenius Pol 
Published: November 2019

AbstractA multistimuli‐responsive supramolecular copolymerization is reported. The copolymerization is driven by hydrogen bond encoded β‐sheet‐based charge co‐assembly into 1D nanorods in water, using glutamic acid or lysine residues in either of the peptide comonomers. The incorporation of methionine as hydrophobic amino acid supports β‐sheet formation, but oxidation of the thioether side‐chain to a sulfoxide functional group destabilizes the β‐sheet ordered domains and induces disassembly of the supramolecular polymers. Using H2O2 as reactive oxygen species, the time scale and kinetics of the oxidative disassembly are probed. Compared to the charge neutral homopolymers, it is found that the oxidative disassembly of the charged ampholytic copolymers is up to two times faster and is operative at neutral pH. The strategy is therefore an important addition to the growing field of amphiphilic polythioether containing (macro)molecular building blocks, particularly in view of tuning their oxidation induced disassembly which tends to be notoriously slow and requires high concentrations of reactive oxygen species or acidic reaction media.
Systemic Activation of Nrf2 Pathway in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Petrillo Sara , Schirinzi Tommaso , Di Lazzaro Giulia , D'Amico Jessica , Colona Vito L. , Bertini Enrico , Pierantozzi Mariangela , Mari Luisa , Mercuri Nicola B. , Piemonte Fiorella , Pisani Antonio 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundPreclinical studies underlined the relevance of Nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) transcription factor pathway in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD).ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to explore Nrf2 pathway in vivo in PD, looking for novel disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets.MethodsThe levels of Nrf2, the downstream effectors (NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (Nqo1) enzyme, glutathione metabolism enzymes Glutamate–cysteine ligase (GCL) and Glutathione Reductase (GR)), the upstream activators (redox state and mitochondrial dysfunction), and α‐synuclein oligomers were assessed in the blood leukocytes of PD patients comparatively to controls. Biochemical data were correlated to clinical parameters.ResultsIn PD, Nrf2 was highly transcribed and expressed as well as its target effectors. The mitochondrial complex I activity was reduced and the oxidized form of glutathione prevailed, disclosing the presence of pathway's activators. Also, α‐synuclein oligomers levels were increased. Nrf2 transcript and oligomers levels correlated with PD duration.ConclusionsBlood leukocytes mirror pathogenic mechanisms of PD, showing the systemic activation of the Nrf2 pathway and its link with synucleinopathy and clinical events. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Optimal solutions of a (3 + 1)‐dimensional B‐Kadomtsev‐Petviashvii equation
Authors: Saleh Rash , Sadat Rahma , Kassem Magda 
Published: November 2019

We explored and specialized new Lie infinitesimals for the (3 + 1)‐dimensional B‐Kadomtsev‐Petviashvii (BKP) using the commutation product, which results a system of nonlinear ODEs manually solved. Through two stages of Lie symmetry reduction, (3 + 1)‐dimensional BKP equation is reduced to nonsolvable nonlinear ODEs using various combinations of optimal Lie vectors. Using the integration and Riccati equation methods, we investigate new analytical solutions for these ODEs. Back substituting to the original variables generates new solutions for BKP. Some selected solutions illustrated through three‐dimensional plots.
Decomposition of inframonogenic functions with applications in elasticity theory
Authors: Moreno Garcia Arsenio , Moreno Garcia Tania , Abreu Blaya Ricardo , Bory Reyes Juan 
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we consider functions satisfying the sandwich equation
, where
stands for the Dirac operator in
. Such functions are referred as inframonogenic and represent an extension of the monogenic functions, ie, null solutions of
.In particular, for odd m, we prove that a C2‐function is both inframonogenic and harmonic in
if and only if it can be represented in Ω as

where f1 and f2 are, respectively, left and right monogenic functions in Ω, while f3 and f4 are two‐sided monogenic functions there. Finally, in deriving some applications of our results, we have made use of the deep connection between the class of inframonogenic vector fields and the universal solutions of the Lamé‐Navier system in
.
Generalized Lagrange Jacobi‐Gauss‐Lobatto vs Jacobi‐Gauss‐Lobatto collocation approximations for solving (2 + 1)‐dimensional Sine‐Gordon equations
Authors: Latifi Sobhan , Delkhosh Mehdi 
Published: November 2019

The Sine‐Gordon (SG) equations are very important in that they can accurately model many essential physical phenomena. In this paper, the Jacobi‐Gauss‐Lobatto collocation (JGL‐C) and Generalized Lagrange Jacobi‐Gauss‐Lobatto collocation (GLJGL‐C) methods are adopted and compared to simulate the (2 + 1)‐dimensional nonlinear SG equations. In order to discretize the time variable t, the Crank‐Nicolson method is employed. For the space variables, two numerical methods based on the aforementioned collocation methods are applied. Furthermore, error estimation for both methods is provided. The present numerical method is truly effective, free of integration and derivative, and easy to implement. The given examples and the results assert that the GLJGL‐C method outperforms the JGL‐C method in terms of computation speed. Also, the presented methods are very valid, effective, and reliable.
Gain‐enhanced 60‐GHz SIW cavity‐backed slot array antenna using metallic grooves
Authors: Hong Youngtaek , Bang Jihoon , Choi Jaehoon 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn this article, a 60‐GHz substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity‐backed slot array antenna with metallic grooves is proposed. To feed the four slot antenna elements, an SIW feed structure with a microstrip‐to‐SIW transition is used. To account for the effect of an actual connector on the antenna performance, simulations including the V‐band connector model were carried out. The measured 10‐dB return loss bandwidth of the proposed antenna with the connector is 600 MHz (59.76‐60.36 GHz). Sixteen metallic grooves are used to enhance the gain characteristics. By adding grooves, the electric field is concentrated in the +z direction. The measured broadside gain of the proposed antenna array with grooves is 13.59 dBi. Compared to a conventional SIW cavity‐backed slot antenna array, the proposed antenna array with 16 grooves has an enhanced gain of 5.6 dB.
Development of a novel high quantum efficiency MV x‐ray detector for image‐guided radiotherapy: A feasibility study
Authors: Liu Jian , Xu Yuan , Teymurazyan Aram , Papandreou Zisis , Pang Geordi 
Published: November 2019

PurposeTo develop a new scintillating fiber‐based electronic portal imaging device (EPID) with a high quantum efficiency (QE) while preserving an adequate spatial resolution.MethodsTwo prototypes were built: one with a single pixel readout and the other with an active matrix flat‐panel imager (AMFPI) for readout. The energy conversion layer of both prototypes was made of scintillating fiber layers interleaved with corrugated lead sheets to form a honeycomb pattern. The scintillating fibers have a diameter of 1 mm and the distance between the centers of neighboring fibers on the same layer is 1.35 mm. The layers have 1.22 mm spacing between them. The energy conversion layer has a thickness of 2 cm. The modulation transfer function (MTF), antiscatter properties and sensitivity of the detector with a single pixel readout were measured using a 6‐MV beam on a LINAC machine. In addition, a Monte Carlo simulation was conducted to calculate the zero‐frequency detective quantum efficiency (DQE(0)) of the proposed detector with an active matrix flat‐panel imager for readout.ResultsThe DQE(0) of the proposed detector can be 11.5%, which is about an order of magnitude higher than that of current EPIDs. The frequency of 50% modulation () of the measured MTF is 0.2 mm at 6 MV, which is comparable to that of video‐based EPIDs. The scatter to primary ratio (SPR) measured with the detector at 10 cm air gap and 20 × 20 cm field size is approximately 30% lower than that of ionization chamber–based detectors with a comparable QE. The detector noise which includes the x‐ray quantum noise and absorption noise is much larger than the electronic noise per pixel of the flat‐panel imager at a dose of less than two LINAC pulses. Thus, the proposed detector is quantum noise limited down to very low doses (∼a couple of radiation pulses of the LINAC). A proof‐of‐concept image has been obtained using a 6‐MV beam.ConclusionsThis work indicates that by using scintillating fibers and lead layers it is possible to increase the thickness of the detecting materials, and therefore the QE or the DQE(0) of the detector, while maintaining an adequate spatial resolution for MV x‐ray imaging. Due to the use of lead as the spacing material, the new detector also has antiscatter property, which will help improve the signal‐to‐noise ratio of the images. Further investigation to optimize the design of the detector and achieve a better combination of DQE and spatial resolution is warranted.
Autism spectrum disorder characterization in children by capturing local‐regional brain changes in MRI
Authors: Alvarez‐Jimenez Charlems , Múnera‐Garzón Nicolás , Zuluaga Maria A. , Velasco Nelson F. , Romero Eduardo 
Published: November 2019

PurposeTo design a multiscale descriptor capable of capturing complex local‐regional unfolding patterns to support quantitation and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) using T1‐weighted structural magnetic resonance images (MRI) with voxel size of 1 × 1 × 1 mm.MethodsThe proposed image descriptor uses an adapted multiscale representation, the Curvelet transform, interpretable in terms of texture (local) and shape (regional) to characterize brain regions, and a Generalized Gaussian Distribution (GGD) to reduce feature dimensionality. In this approach, each MRI is first parcelled into 3D anatomical regions. Each resultant region is represented by a single 2D image where slices are placed next to each other. Each 2D image is characterized by mapping it to the Curvelet space and each of the different Curvelet sub‐bands is described by the set of GGD parameters. To assess the discriminant power of the proposed descriptor, a classification model per brain region was built to differentiate ASD patients from control subjects. Models were constructed with support vector machines and evaluated using two samples from heterogeneous databases, namely Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange — ABIDE I (34 ASD and 34 controls, mean age 11.46 ± 2.03 and 11.53 ± 1.79 yr, respectively, male population) and ABIDE II (42 ASD and 41 controls, mean age 10.09 ± 1.37 and 10.52 ± 1.27 yr, respectively, male population), for a total of 151 individuals.ResultsWhen the model was trained with ABIDE II sample and tested with ABIDE I on a hold‐out validation, an area under receiver operator curve (AUC) of 0.69 was computed. When each sample was independently used under a cross‐validation scheme, the estimated AUC was 0.75 ± 0.02 for ABIDE I and 0.77 ± 0.01 for ABIDE II. This analysis determined a set of discriminant regions widely reported in the literature as characteristic of ASD.ConclusionsThe presented image descriptor demonstrated differences at local and regional level when high differences were observed in the Curvelet sub‐bands. The method is simple in conceptual terms, robust to several sources of noise, and has a very low computational cost.