bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular spectroscopy and adverse optical properties of N-(p-hexyloxy-benzylidene)–p-toluidine (HBT) liquid crystal molecule studied by DFT methodology
Authors: Kumar Narinder , Singh Pawan , Thapa Khem B , Kumar Devesh 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
In present work, we report the N-(p-hexyloxy-benzylidene)–p-toluidine (HBT) liquid crystal (LC) molecule having maximum absorbance due to the O–C stretching (carbon atom of benzene ring) during the intermolecular interaction. Under the expansion of an external electric field, the HBT LC having nematic to smectic phase stability with adverse (negative values) order parameter and birefringence. The refractive index expresses stability in the nematic, smectic, and isotropic phases. The director angle maintains stability for the nematic phase in the adverse order and smectic phase stable in positive order.
An Internet of Things app for monitor unit calculation in superficial and orthovoltage skin therapy
Authors: Pearse Julia , Chow James C L 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Purpose: We developed an app for Internet of Things (IoT) device such as smartphone or tablet to calculate the monitor unit in superficial and orthovoltage skin therapy. The app can run both on the Windows and Android operation system. Methods: The IoT app was created based on the formula to calculate the monitor unit in skin therapy using kV photon beams. The calculation was based on databases of dose variables such as relative exposure factor and backscatter factor. The calculation also considered the stand-off and stand-in correction according to the inverse-square and inverse-cube law. Verification of the app was carried out by comparing the monitor unit results with those from hand calculations. Results: The frontend window of the app provided a user-friendly interface to the user for inputting prescription dose, beam and treatment setup variables. The user could save the calculation record electronically, generate a printout or send it to other radiation staff using the IoT. Verification of the app showing that deviation between the monitor units calculated by the app and by hand is insignificant. Conclusion: The verified IoT app can effectively calculate the monitor unit in superficial and orthovoltage skin therapy. The app takes advantages of all innate features of IoT such as real time communication, Internet access, data transfer and sharing.
Welcome to IOP SciNotes—a new open access journal for short research outputs across the physical and environmental sciences
Authors: Carter Lauren 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

IOP SciNotes is a peer-reviewed, open access journal from IOP Publishing that enables researchers across the physical and environmental sciences to publish shorter research results (and other related outputs) which may not be suited to the traditional full-length journal article format. Adopting open science practices IOP SciNotes has been designed to provide authors with publication credit for individual stages or units of their research work, allowing anyone to validate, share and discover a wider range of scientific material associated with the research process.
Association Between Male Use of Pain Medication and Fecundability
Authors: Wesselink Amelia K , Bresnick Kathryn A , Hatch Elizabeth E , Rothman Kenneth J , Mikkelsen Ellen M , Wang Tanran R , Huybrechts Krista F , Wise Lauren A 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Administration of pain relievers has been associated with both lower and higher risks of adverse reproductive outcomes in animals. In the sole investigation of male pain-reliever use and human fertility carried out to date, Smarr et al. (Hum Reprod. 2016;31(9):2119–2127) found a 35% reduction in fecundability among males with urinary acetaminophen concentrations in the highest quartile (&gt;73.5 ng/mL) versus the lowest (&lt;5.4 ng/mL). We analyzed data from 1,956 males participating in Pregnancy Study Online, a preconception cohort study of North American couples enrolled between 2013 and 2019. Males and females completed baseline questionnaires on sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, medication use, and medical history; females completed bimonthly follow-up questionnaires for up to 12 months. We categorized pain medications by active ingredient (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, aspirin) and cumulative monthly dose. We used proportional probabilities models to calculate fecundability ratios and 95% confidence intervals, adjusting for potential confounders. In the 4 weeks before baseline, 51.7% of males used pain medications. Adjusted fecundability ratios were 1.02 for ibuprofen (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.91, 1.13), 0.89 for acetaminophen (95% CI: 0.77, 1.03), 1.07 for naproxen (95% CI: 0.85, 1.35), and 1.05 for aspirin (95% CI: 0.81, 1.35), as compared with nonuse of each medication. In this study, male use of pain medications at low doses was not notably associated with fecundability.
Safety and tolerability of i.v. push piperacillin/tazobactam within an emergency department
Authors: Hays William Blake , Flack Tara 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Purpose
Piperacillin/tazobactam is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is widely used and commonly administered via the intravenous (i.v.) piggyback route over 0.5 to 4.0 hours. Recommendations for i.v. push (IVP) administration of piperacillin/tazobactam are lacking due to the high osmolality of the solution. The primary objective of this study was to retrospectively assess the safety and tolerability of piperacillin/tazobactam administered peripherally by IVP. Methods. A retrospective chart review was conducted to evaluate adverse drug reactions after administration of a single dose of IVP piperacillin/tazobactam through a peripheral line in an emergency department from August 2016 through November 2017.

Results
A total of 1,813 patients received 1 dose of IVP piperacillin/tazobactam during the study timeframe. Three hundred patients were randomly selected for assessment of safety and tolerability. Two hundred ninety-nine patients (99.7%) tolerated IVP piperacillin/tazobactam. One patient had an allergic reaction that included itching and hives. No infusion-related reactions were documented.

Conclusion
IVP administration of piperacillin/tazobactam through a peripheral site is safe and tolerable for adult patients.
Anatomy of the Superior and Inferior Labial Arteries Revised: An Ultrasound Investigation and Implication for Lip Volumization
Authors: Cotofana Sebastian , Alfertshofer Michael , Schenck Thilo L , Bertucci Vince , Beleznay Katie , Ascher Benjamin , Lachmann Nirusha , Green Jeremy B , Swift Arthur , Frank Konstantin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Lips are considered a key element of facial attractiveness due to their central position in the face and their elemental role in verbal and nonverbal communication.

Objectives
The authors sought to provide clinically relevant information on the 3-dimensional pathway of the superior and inferior labial arteries within the lips to increase safety during labial soft tissue filler injections.

Methods
The study enrolled 41 healthy volunteers with a mean age of 26.17 ± 9.6 years and a mean body mass index of 23.09 ± 2.3 kg/m2. Ultrasound imaging was performed at 6 different locations. The position of the labial arteries within the lips, depth of the arteries, cranio-caudal location of each artery in relation to the vermilion border, and diameter of the superior/inferior labial arteries were recorded.

Results
The most frequent location of both the superior and inferior labial arteries was the submucosal plane (58.5%) followed by intramuscular (36.2%) and subcutaneous (5.3%) planes. The depth of the superior labial artery in the upper lip was 5.6 ± 0.13 mm, whereas the depth of the inferior labial artery in the lower lip was 5.2 ± 0.14 mm. Both arteries were more frequently located within the red lip: upper lip (83% vs 18.7%) and lower lip (86.2% vs 13.8%). In the midline, the artery coursed within the red lip in all investigated volunteers.

Conclusions
Clinically, results of this study favor a superficial injection plane for lip volumization procedures. A perpendicular approach to the lip (coming from the cutaneous lip) might increase safety because the artery is located most frequently within the red lip.
Neural Correlates of Evidence and Urgency During Human Perceptual Decision-Making in Dynamically Changing Conditions
Authors: Yau Y , Dadar M , Taylor M , Zeighami Y , Fellows L K , Cisek P , Dagher A 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCurrent models of decision-making assume that the brain gradually accumulates evidence and drifts toward a threshold that, once crossed, results in a choice selection. These models have been especially successful in primate research; however, transposing them to human fMRI paradigms has proved it to be challenging. Here, we exploit the face-selective visual system and test whether decoded emotional facial features from multivariate fMRI signals during a dynamic perceptual decision-making task are related to the parameters of computational models of decision-making. We show that trial-by-trial variations in the pattern of neural activity in the fusiform gyrus reflect facial emotional information and modulate drift rates during deliberation. We also observed an inverse-urgency signal based in the caudate nucleus that was independent of sensory information but appeared to slow decisions, particularly when information in the task was ambiguous. Taken together, our results characterize how decision parameters from a computational model (i.e., drift rate and urgency signal) are involved in perceptual decision-making and reflected in the activity of the human brain.
Randomized, Ascending Dose, Phase 2 Study of KHK4083, an Anti-OX40 Monoclonal Antibody, in Moderately Active Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Kierkus Jaroslaw , Pesegova Marina , Klopocka Maria , Brankovic Marija , Kasai Noriyuki , Efuni Sergey , Kong Jennifer , Nakajima Yu , Jordan Christina , Matsui Takeshi , Feagan Brian G , Strout Vincent 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundOX40 (CD134) plays a role in the maintenance of late T-cell proliferation and survival. KHK4083 is a monoclonal antibody directed against OX40. We aimed to assess the safety and preliminary efficacy of KHK4083 in patients with moderately active ulcerative colitis (UC).MethodsIn this multicenter, double-blind, parallel-group, phase 2 study, patients with moderately active UC patients were randomized to ascending doses of intravenous KHK4083 (1, 3, or 10 mg/kg) or placebo every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was safety. The primary efficacy end point was the change from baseline in mean modified Mayo endoscopy subscore at week 12. Treatment with KHK4083 or placebo was continued every 4 weeks for up to 52 weeks in responders.ResultsLong-term treatment with KHK4083 was well tolerated, with treatment-related adverse events being predominantly transient mild-to-moderate infusion-related reactions. Exploratory analysis of biopsy samples showed the virtually complete elimination of OX40+ cells in colon mucosa after 12 weeks of KHK4083 treatment. There were no significant differences between any of the randomized KHK4083 dose groups and placebo for the mean change in Mayo endoscopy subscore from baseline to week 12.ConclusionsKHK4083 can be safely administered intravenously at doses up to 10 mg/kg every 2 or 4 weeks for up to 52 weeks. Proof of pharmacodynamic action was confirmed by depletion of the elevated levels of the OX40+ cells associated with UC at all tested doses. Clinical response and mucosal healing (endoscopic improvement) in this population was not correlated with ablation of OX40+ T cells.
Foci and Forms of Problematic Integration in the Context of Infertility
Authors: Kosenko Kami A 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Individuals struggling to conceive or maintain a pregnancy experience considerable stress; however, little is known about its sources. An analysis of 160 infertility narratives, guided by problematic integration (PI) theory, revealed three forms and eight foci of PI or sources of stress specific to the infertility experience. Participant accounts of diverging expectations and desires regarding pregnancy testing and prenatal loss, ambivalence about finances and treatment decisions, and uncertainty about the causes of their infertility and the likelihood of treatment success fit nicely within the PI framework; however, the narrators’ descriptions of relational uncertainty and the various uncertainties involved in adoption did not fit as well, suggesting the need for further theoretical development and refinement.
Clinical outcomes following real-world computed tomography angiography-derived fractional flow reserve testing in chronic coronary syndrome patients with calcification
Authors: Nørgaard Bjarne L , Mortensen Martin B , Parner Erik , Leipsic Jonathon , Steffensen Flemming H , Grove Erik Lerkevang , Mathiassen Ole N , Sand Niels Peter , Pedersen Kamilla , Riedl Katharina A , Engholm Morten , Bøtker Hans Erik , Jensen Jesper M 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAims This study sought to investigate outcomes following a normal CT-derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) result in patients with moderate stenosis and coronary artery calcification, and to describe the relationship between the extent of calcification, stenosis, and FFRCT.Methods and resultsData from 975 consecutive patients suspected of chronic coronary syndrome with stenosis (30–70%) determined by computed CT angiography and FFRCT to guide downstream management decisions were reviewed. Median (range) follow-up time was 2.2 (0.5–4.2) years. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores were ≥400 in 25%, stenosis ≥50% in 83%, and FFRCT &gt;0.80 in 51% of the patients. There was a lower incidence of the composite endpoint (death, myocardial infarction, hospitalization for unstable angina, and unplanned coronary revascularization) at 4.2 years in patients with any CAC and FFRCT &gt; 0.80 vs. FFRCT ≤ 0.80 (3.9% and 8.7%, P = 0.04), however, in patients with CAC scores ≥400 the risk difference between groups did not reach statistical significance, 4.2% vs. 9.7% (P = 0.24). A negative relationship between CAC scores and FFRCT irrespective of stenosis severity was demonstrated.ConclusionFFRCT shows promise in identifying patients with stenosis and calcification who can be managed without further downstream testing. Moreover, an inverse relationship between CAC levels and FFRCT was demonstrated. Studies are needed to further assess the clinical utility of FFRCT in patients with extensive coronary calcification.
Trends of 5-Aminosalicylate Medication Use in Patients With Crohn Disease
Authors: Noureldin Mohamed , Cohen-Mekelburg Shirley , Mahmood Asadullah , Stidham Ryan , Higgins Peter D R , Govani Shail , Deshpande Amar R , Waljee Akbar K 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
5-aminosalicylate (5-ASA) medications have a long history of use for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and continue to be widely prescribed today. The effectiveness of 5-ASAs in ulcerative colitis is clear; however, studies have shown little benefit for induction or maintenance treatment of Crohn disease (CD). We aimed to quantify usage and examine trends in 5-ASA prescription rates in patients with CD.

Methods
Using a retrospective design, we queried a national database of commercially insured patients (Truven-Health databases) between 2009 and 2014 to identify patients with CD aged 18 to 65 years. Prescription rates for 5-ASA medications including sulfasalazine, mesalamine, olsalazine, and balsalazide were calculated for each calendar year. Regression models were used to examine year-to-year trends in prescription rates and identify patient factors associated with 5-ASA use.

Results
We identified 132,804 patients with CD, of whom 37.3% (n = 49,529) received a 5-ASA prescription during the study period. From 2009 to 2014, the overall prescription rates of 5-ASAs declined from 42.9% to 30.0% (P &lt; 0.001). Patient factors independently associated with 5-ASA use included younger age, male sex, multimorbidity, and a health maintenance organization insurance plan, while controlling for the region of residence.

Conclusions
About 1 in 3 privately insured patients with CD received 5-ASA prescriptions despite their questionable effectiveness; however, in an encouraging trend, prescription rates significantly decreased from 2009 to 2014. This high prescription rate may reflect a gap in providers’ knowledge regarding the available evidence—an opportunity for cost savings with improved health care delivery.
Sex Differences in Demand for Highly Palatable Foods: Role of the Orexin System
Authors: Freeman Linnea R , Bentzley Brandon S , James Morgan H , Aston-Jones Gary 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence of eating disorders, including binge eating disorder, is significantly higher in women. These findings are mirrored by preclinical studies, which indicate that female rats have a higher preference for palatable food and show greater binge-like eating compared with male rats.MethodsHere, we describe a novel within-session behavioral-economic paradigm that allows for the simultaneous measurement of the intake at null cost (Q0) and normalized demand elasticity (α) of 3 types of palatable food (low fat, high fat, and chocolate sucrose pellets) via demand curve analysis. In light of evidence that the orexin (hypocretin) system is critically involved in reward and feeding behaviors, we also examined the role of orexin function in sex differences of economic demand for palatable foods.ResultsThe novel within-session behavioral-economic approach revealed that female rats have higher intake (demand) than males for all palatable foods at low cost (normalized to body weight) but no difference in intake at higher prices, indicating sex-dependent differences in the hedonic, but not motivational, aspects of palatable food. Immediately following behavioral-economic testing, we observed more orexin-expressing neurons and Fos expression (measure of recent neural activation) in these neurons in female rats compared with male rats. Moreover, the orexin-1 receptor antagonist SB334867 reduced both low- and high-cost intake for palatable food in both male and female rats.ConclusionsThese findings provide evidence of higher demand at low prices for palatable food in females and indicate that these behavioral differences may be associated with sexual dimorphism in orexin system function.
Antibacterial efficacy of R-type pyocins against Pseudomonas aeruginosa on biofilms and in a murine model of acute lung infection
Authors: Redero Mar , Aznar Javier , Prieto Ana I 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe appearance of MDR strains and the development of biofilms make Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections a therapeutic challenge. To overcome this scenario, bacteriocins have been proposed as a potential adjuvant or alternative to antibiotic treatment.ObjectivesTo study the activity of R-pyocins on biofilms and in a murine model of pneumonia using a high-risk clone of P. aeruginosa.MethodsThe activity of R-pyocins on P. aeruginosa biofilms was tested on bacteria attached to a silicone surface, before and after biofilm formation. The effectiveness of R1-pyocin was studied in a murine model of pneumonia using ST175, a high-risk clone of P. aeruginosa.ResultsR-pyocins attacked adherent bacteria, preventing biofilm formation, and penetrated into the biofilm, killing P. aeruginosa within it, resulting in a dramatic reduction in bacterial load. R1-pyocin was active in a murine model of P. aeruginosa lung infection, administered before infection as a preventive treatment, and in acute pneumonia, with efficiency higher than standard colistin treatment. In addition, this work is the first to describe histopathological lung changes after administration of R-pyocins, contributing to the resolution of P. aeruginosa pneumonia in a murine model.ConclusionsThis work highlights the potential use of the R-pyocins as therapeutic agents, alone or as adjuvants, due to its effectiveness on biofilms and in a murine model of pneumonia using ST175, a high-risk clone of P. aeruginosa. It may thus be feasible to consider R-pyocins as a possible therapeutic alternative in XDR infections, where treatment alternatives are limited.
Self-assessment of Competence in Endoscopy: Challenges and Insights
Authors: Scaffidi Michael A , Khan Rishad , Grover Samir C , Gimpaya Nikko , Walsh Catharine M 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Endoscopists use self-assessment to monitor the development and maintenance of their skills. The accuracy of these self-assessments, which reflects how closely one’s own rating corresponds to an external rating, is unclear.

Methods
In this narrative review, we critically examine the current literature on self-assessment in gastrointestinal endoscopy with the aim of informing training and practice and identifying opportunities to improve the methodological rigor of future studies.

Results
In the seven included studies, the evidence regarding self-assessment accuracy was mixed. When stratified by experience level, however, novice endoscopists were least accurate in their self-assessments and tended to overestimate their performance. Studies examining the utility of video-based interventions using observation of expert benchmark performances show promise as a mechanism to improve self-assessment accuracy among novices.

Conclusions
Based on the results of this review, we highlight problematic areas, identify opportunities to improve the methodological rigor of future studies on endoscopic self-assessment and outline potential avenues for further exploration.
An unexpected intraoperative finding of cystic adventitial degeneration of the common femoral artery
Authors: Esposito Davide , Masciello Fabrizio , Dorigo Walter , Alessi Innocenti Alessandro , Santi Raffaella , Nesi Gabriella , Pratesi Carlo 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Herein we present a rare case of cystic adventitial degeneration involving the common femoral artery (CFA) of a 71-year-old patient, an unusual site of presentation of the disease. The most commonly affected district is the popliteal artery, and only a few cases of CFA involvement are described in literature. The history and comorbidities of the patient oriented us initially towards the diagnosis of an atherosclerotic obstructive disease. It was only intraoperatively indeed that a diagnosis of cystic adventitial arterial degeneration was made, subsequently confirmed by microscopic examination. Our case shows how both clinical and instrumental diagnosis of cystic adventitial disease can be challenging, given its non-specific presentation and low incidence. Suspicion of cystic adventitial degeneration is recommended in patients with sudden appearance of symptoms and with an isolated lesion of the affected artery without other involvement of the vascular tree.
Dissolution-precipitation growth of uniform and clean two dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Cai Zhengyang , Lai Yongjue , Zhao Shilong , Zhang Rongjie , Tan Junyang , Feng Simin , Zou Jingyun , Tang Lei , Lin Junhao , Liu Bilu , Cheng Hui-Ming 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Two dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have attracted much interest and shown promise in many applications. However, it is challenging to obtain uniform TMDCs with clean surfaces, because of the difficulties in controlling the way the reactants are supplied to the reaction in the current chemical vapor deposition growth process. Here, we report a new growth approach called ‘dissolution-precipitation’ (DP) growth, where the metal sources are sealed inside glass substrates to control their feeding to the reaction. Noteworthy, the diffusion of metal source inside glass to its surface provides a uniform metal source on the glass surface, and restricts the TMDC growth to only a surface reaction while eliminating unwanted gas-phase reaction. This feature gives rise to highly uniform monolayer TMDCs with a clean surface on centimeter-scale substrates. The DP growth works well for a large variety of TMDCs and their alloys, providing a solid foundation for the controlled growth of clean TMDCs by the fine control of the metal source.