bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation of pulmonary vein reconnection patterns after cryoballoon and duty‐cycled ablation of atrial fibrillation with the time of arrhythmia recurrence
Authors: Wieczorek Marcus , Sassani Kiarash , Hoeltgen Reinhard 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundPulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is safe and effective in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). We compare and correlate pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection patterns at repeat ablation in patients with recurrent AF after PVI using duty‐cycled radiofrequency (RF) technology (PVAC) or second‐generation cryoballoon (CB) with the time of AF recurrence.Methods and ResultsIn total, 85 PVAC and 66 CB patients undergoing a second ablation were enrolled 9.7 ± 3.4 months after initial PVI. PV reconnections were comparably high between both groups (93% PVAC and 92% CB patients). A mean of 2.79 ± 1.2 PVs/patient were reconnected after PVAC PVI compared with 1.97 ± 0.8 in CB patients, P < .0001. 33% PVAC patients, but no CB patient had 4 reconnected PVs (P < .0001). Early AF recurrences were more frequently observed in PVAC patients with ≥2 reconnected PVs, in CB patients with ≥3 reconnected PVs (both P < .01) and patients without PV reconnection, irrespective of the ablation technique. One reconnected PV was associated with late AF recurrence only in CB patients. The correlation between number of reconnected PVs and time of AF recurrence was −0.32 for PVAC and −0.52 for CB.ConclusionsCB PVI was associated with greater durability and lesser PV reconnections/patient. There were negative correlations for both devices between extent of PV reconnections and time of AF recurrence. CB patients with early AF recurrences‐ although less frequently observed compared with PVAC patients had more reconnected PVs than PVAC patients, suggesting additional effects for AF prevention after CB PVI.
Assessing context suitability (generalizability, external validity, applicability or transferability) of findings in evidence syntheses in healthcare—An integrative review of methodological guidance
Authors: Weise Alina , Büchter Roland , Pieper Dawid , Mathes Tim 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundEvidence syntheses provide the basis for evidence‐based decision making in healthcare. To judge the certainty of findings for the specific decision context evidence syntheses should consider context suitability (ie, generalizability, external validity, applicability or transferability). Our objective was to determine the status quo and to provide a comprehensive overview of existing methodological recommendations of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and Systematic Review (SR) producing organizations in assessing context suitability of evidence on effectiveness of health care interventions. Additionally, we analyzed similarities and differences between the recommendations.MethodsIn this Integrative Review we performed a structured search for methods documents from evidence synthesis producing organizations that include recommendations on appraising context suitability in effectiveness assessments. Two reviewers independently selected documents according to predefined eligibility criteria. Data were extracted in standardized and piloted tables by one reviewer and verified by a second reviewer. We performed a thematic analysis to identify and summarize the main themes and categories regarding recommended context suitability assessments.ResultsWe included 14 methods documents of 12 organizations in our synthesis. Assessment approaches are very heterogeneous both regarding the general concepts (eg, integration in the evidence synthesis preparation process) and the content of assessments (eg, assessment criteria).ConclusionSome heterogeneity seems to be justified because of the need to tailor the assessment to different settings and medical areas. However, most differences were inexplicable. More harmonization is desirable and appears possible.
New film technologies to address limitations in vehicle display ecosystems
Authors: Van Derlofske John , Pankratz Steve , Franey Eileen 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSince the introduction of the first modern (i.e., digital) vehicle displays, designers and manufacturers have made significant advances in technologies that improve image quality and enhance unit durability. Typically, these advances have been targeted and discrete. For example, to increase brightness, high efficiency light control films were deployed; to reduce nighttime windshield glare, a light‐directing louver film was incorporated into the liquid crystal display (LCD) backlight. While this targeted approach to vehicle display concerns has advanced performance—in many cases impressively—it may have reached the limits of its effectiveness. For displays based on the most common head‐up display (HUD) architecture, shortcomings are often interrelated. As such, they require a holistic or cabin human machine interface (HMI) ecosystem approach that recognizes this interplay and, where possible, addresses multiple issues simultaneously. Several new films, in concert with existing film technologies, show how a cabin ecosystem strategy can be implemented.
The Mediating Role of Alexithymia in the Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Postdeployment Mental Health in Canadian Armed Forces Personnel
Authors: McCuaig Edge Heather J. , Lee Jennifer E. C. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractRecent studies showing an association between adverse childhood experiences and the development of alexithymia in military personnel have generated interest regarding the role of alexithymia in the pathway linking childhood trauma exposure to mental health disorders. Accordingly, the current study was conducted to (a) examine the associations among adverse childhood experiences, alexithymia, and symptoms of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among recently deployed Canadian military personnel and (b) assess the mediating role of alexithymia in these associations. Data collected from 2,927 members of the Canadian Armed Forces at baseline and after their return from an overseas deployment were subjected to a prospective path analysis. The results of the path analysis, R2 = .35, pointed to a significant direct effect of childhood adversity on postdeployment mental health symptoms. Contrary to our expectations, the results also pointed to a negative indirect effect of childhood neglect, suggesting that childhood neglect contributed to lower levels of postdeployment depression and PTSD symptoms through the dimension of alexithymia related to difficulty in describing feelings. These patterns of associations, for the most part, persisted even when accounting for combat exposure during recent deployments, R2 = .42. The present results are discussed in light of study limitations and methodological considerations, and policy and clinical implications are noted.
Application of Coblation Tonsillectomy with Inferior Pole Capsule Preservation in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Li Jingjia , Luo Lixia , Chen Weixiong , Zhang Jianli , Deng Xuequan , Liao Lieqiang , Zeng Xianping , Wang Bin 
Published: September 2020

Objectives/HypothesisTo evaluate the application and advantages of coblation tonsillectomy with inferior pole capsule preservation in pediatric patients with tonsillar hypertrophy and recurrent tonsillitis.Study DesignRetrospective chart review.MethodsA total of 726 children who were diagnosed with either tonsillar hypertrophy or recurrent tonsillitis were included. Children were divided into two groups according to the surgical technique: conventional coblation tonsillectomy and coblation tonsillectomy with inferior pole capsule preservation. The duration of surgery, intraoperative hemorrhage volume, and postoperative pain, as well as postoperative hemorrhage data in the format of time, location, and degree were compared between the two groups.ResultsOf the 726 children included, conventional coblation tonsillectomy was performed in 320 children, coblation tonsillectomy with inferior pole capsule preservation was performed in 406 children. There were no significant differences in duration of surgery or intraoperative hemorrhage volume between the two groups. Children who underwent coblation tonsillectomy with inferior pole capsule preservation showed a remarkable improvement in postoperative pain on days 3 and 5 postoperatively. Additionally, the coblation tonsillectomy with inferior pole capsule preservation group exhibited a significantly lower total postoperative hemorrhage rate, secondary hemorrhage rate, and hemorrhage rate in the inferior pole compared with that in the conventional coblation tonsillectomy group. During the 1‐year follow‐up period, no cases of tonsillar re‐hypertrophy or recurrent tonsillitis were observed in either group.ConclusionFor pediatric tonsillar hypertrophy and recurrent tonsillitis, coblation tonsillectomy with inferior pole capsule preservation is a safe and effective technique, capable of reducing postoperative pain and hemorrhage, especially secondary hemorrhage at the inferior pole.Level of Evidence3b Laryngoscope, 131:1157–1162, 2021
Effect of substrate pre‐treatment on the low cycle fatigue performance of tungsten carbide‐cobalt coated additive manufactured 316 L substrates
Authors: Tillmann W. , Hagen L. , Garthe K.‐U. , Hoyer K.‐P. , Schaper M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractNumerous studies already identified that the fatigue strength of 316 L parts processed by laser beam melting (LBM) is distinctly affected by the surface integrity. Among others, surface defects as well as residual stresses are of crucial importance. Despite new findings in the field of surface engineering of laser beam melting (LBM) parts, the low cycle fatigue strength of thermally sprayed additively manufactured substrates has not been in the focus of research to date. This study aims at evaluating the effect of different pre‐treatments onto 316 L substrates processed by laser beam melting (LBM) prior to the deposition of a high velocity oxy‐fuel (HVOF) sprayed tungsten carbide‐cobalt coating and their effect on the low cycle fatigue strength. Therefore, 316 L substrates were examined in their as‐built state as well as after grit blasting with regards to the surface roughness, strain hardening effects, and residual stresses. To differentiate between topographical effects and residual stress related phenomena, stress‐relieved 316 L substrates served as reference throughout the investigations. The tungsten carbide‐cobalt coated and differently pre‐treated 316 L substrates were mechanically tested under quasi‐static and dynamic load conditions. Besides the low cycle fatigue strength, the fracture toughness as well as the fracture mechanism were identified based on fracture surface analysis.
Transplantation of a latissimus dorsi flap after nearly 6 hr of extracorporal perfusion: A case report
Authors: Kolbenschlag Jonas , Lescan Mario , Bahrs Christian , Bornemann Antje , Daigeler Adrien , Schäfer Ruth 
Published: September 2020

AbstractProlonged ischemia of tissues inevitably leads to their necrosis. This is especially relevant in the case of transplantation or replantation. In such situations, reperfusion in a timely manner might not be possible due to transportation times or other unforeseen complications. Therefore, a readily available and simple method to oxygenate the tissue and thus widen the time frame to reperfusion seems desirable. Here, we present the case of extracorporal perfusion of a latissimus dorsi (LD) flap that was successfully transplanted after nearly 6 hr of ischemia. A 41‐year‐old patient suffered multiple injuries including complete severance of the popliteal artery requiring emergency bypass. After stabilization of the patient and subsequent debridement, a LD flap was performed for soft tissue coverage. However, there was an acute occlusion of the bypass during flap inset. To salvage the free flap, a one‐way extracorporal perfusion of the flap with heparinized isotonic saline solution was performed for a total of 5 hr and 47 min. The flap survived with minimal tip necrosis. This case report describes the application of a simple extracorporal perfusion technique for salvage of a free flap over a prolonged ischemia time and discusses the relevant literature. Due to its ease and quickness of application as well as ubiquitous availability, it might serve as a valuable tool in cases of acute problems with the recipient vessels or other incidents where several hours of ischemia time are to be anticipated.
Improving the performance of NRZ‐DPSK optical fiber networks using adaptive FSR in the receiver
Authors: Haridim Motti , Afrimov Liran , Milgrom Benny , Zalmanovich Evgeny , Gamliel Amir , Juwiler Irit 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this work, we consider the impact of spectral narrowing of 43Gb/s NRZ‐DPSK signals on the system performance. NRZ‐DPSK signals passing through reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer (ROADM) devices are subject to spectral narrowing due to the narrow bandwidth of ROADMs. For a system level analysis of this phenomenon, we model the ROADM devices as a bandpass filter, the bandwidth of which is deliberately decreased. The dependence of the system performance on the delay time between adjacent bits in the receiver is also investigated. It is shown that the performance of signals passing through ROADM devices can be improved with an appropriate delay line interferometer (DLI) for any amount of devices. These results were obtained by simulating the whole system performance using different values of the BPF bandwidth and FSR. We present a technique for finding the optimal FSR of DLI that allows for improving the performance of NRZ‐DPSK systems in the presence of spectral narrowing of the channel. Improved bit error ratio is achieved by using optimized FSR for each BW.
3‐D printed waveguide attenuators operating at ka‐band (26.5‐40 GHz)
Authors: Wang Yi , Guo Cheng , Shang Xiaobang , Wu Wen 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this article, two Ka‐band (26.5‐40 GHz) waveguide attenuators designed for three‐dimensional (3‐D) metal printing are presented. These designs are based on long waveguides with elliptical cross‐sections, so that the waveguide structure can be self‐supported during printing. Bended waveguide and helical waveguide are utilized by the two attenuators, respectively, to achieve reduced overall sizes. The attenuations are fixed, however, these can be altered by varying the length/height of waveguides. The limitation of 3‐D metal printing process on surface roughness is also used to provide attenuation. Therefore, the proposed attenuators can cope with printing process with relatively poor surface finish. The prototype designs are fabricated using a metallic selective laser melting (SLM) process and are measured to have good electrical performance across the full waveguide band. The measured attenuation values are in the range of 3.7 to 6.3 dB for the bended waveguide attenuator and 4.3 to 6.3 dB for the helical waveguide attenuator. Both attenuators are measured to have a good return loss (S11 < −20 dB) across the whole Ka‐band. This demonstrates that 3‐D metal printed attenuators could be an attractive alternative to the conventional designs based on absorbing materials, particularly for applications demanding high powers.
Efficacy of a complex smartphone application for reducing hazardous alcohol consumption: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial with analysis of in‐app user behavior in relation to outcome
Authors: File Domonkos , Bőthe Beáta , Kapitány‐Fövény Máté , Demetrovics Zsolt 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe efficacy of alcohol reduction applications is variable, and the underlying factors are largely unknown. The aim of this study is threefold: evaluate the relationship between user engagement and intervention efficacy, investigate the efficacy of the different functions applied, and investigate the efficacy of the intervention application compared to control groups.MethodsA randomized controlled trial will be conducted to determine the efficacy of a newly developed smartphone application compared to the controls in reducing alcohol consumption at a 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 days follow‐up. Hazardous drinkers, aged 18 years or older, will be recruited through web articles and will be randomized (blinded to their allocation), to receive one of the two versions of the application (educational or control application) for 30 days, or will be allocated to a wait‐list control group. Function usage times will be recorded on a single‐user level to determine the association between application usage and efficacy.ResultsData collection will be completed by July 2020, and follow‐up will be completed by January 2021.ConclusionsThe evaluation of intervention efficacy as a function of user behavior will hopefully contribute to the science of developing more efficient alcohol intervention applications in the future.
Differences in pharmacokinetic behaviors of two lipophilic 3‐substituted 2,2,5,5‐tetramethylpyrrolidine‐N‐oxyl radicals, in vivo probes to assess the redox status in the brain using magnetic resonance techniques
Authors: Takeshita Keizo , Okazaki Hana , Tsukamoto Megumi , Okazaki Shoko 
Published: September 2020

PurposeThe pharmacokinetics of 3‐methoxycarbonyl‐ and 3‐hydroxymethyl‐2,2,5,5‐tetramethylpyrrolidine‐N‐oxyl radicals (MCP and HMP, respectively), magnetic resonance probes to assess the brain redox status, were examined in healthy mouse brains.MethodsThe time course of the concentration of the radical form of the probe in the brain was examined by signal enhancements on T1‐weighted MR image after an intravenous injection. The distribution of the total probe (sum of radical and reduced forms) was investigated using brain homogenates.ResultsMCP distributed to the brain more than HMP. MCP exhibited biphasic decay with fast and slow components, whereas HMP exhibited monophasic decay with a similar rate constant to the slow component of MCP. Similar profiles were observed in various regions of the brain. The total probe for MCP exhibited monophasic decay at a similar rate constant to the slow component of the radical form; however, the initial content of the total probe was similar to its radical form. For HMP, decay of the total probe coincided with that of the radical form.ConclusionThe decay of MCP needs to consider the reduction of the probe in and its elimination from the brain, while the decay of HMP may mainly result from its elimination from the brain.
Flexible MEGA editing scheme with asymmetric adiabatic pulses applied for measurement of lactate in human brain
Authors: Dacko Michael , Lange Thomas 
Published: September 2020

PurposeA flexible MEGA editing scheme which decouples the editing efficiency from TE is proposed and the utility of asymmetric adiabatic pulses for this new technique is explored. It is demonstrated that the method enables robust
measurement of lactate in healthy human brain.MethodsThe proposed variation of the MEGA scheme applies editing pulses in both acquired spectra, ensuring that the difference in J‐evolution of the target resonance leads to maximal signal yield in the difference spectrum for arbitrary TE. A MEGA‐sLASER sequence is augmented with asymmetric adiabatic editing pulses for enhanced flexibility and immunity to
miscalibration and inhomogeneities. The technique is validated and optimized for flexible lactate editing via a simple analytical model, numerical simulations and in vitro experiments. The
relaxation constant of lactate is determined in vivo via multiple‐TE measurements with the proposed method and a dedicated postprocessing and quantification approach.ResultsAsymmetric adiabatic editing pulses improve robustness and facilitate efficient J‐editing in sequences or protocols with strong timing constraints. Single voxel measurements using the proposed MEGA scheme in the occipital cortex of six healthy subjects yield a relaxation constant of
ms for the methyl resonance of lactate at a field strength of 3T.ConclusionsThe proposed MEGA editing scheme allows for novel kinds of J‐editing experiments and promises to be an asset to robust
measurement of lactate and potentially other J‐coupled metabolites in vivo.
Home‐Prepared Enteral Tube Feeding: Evaluation of Microbiological Contamination, Hygiene, and the Profile of the Food Handler
Authors: Galindo Caroline de Oliveira , Beux Marcia Regina , da Costa Rayane Luizi , Uniat Kelly Cristina , Leobet Jaqueline , Ferreira Sila Mary Rodrigues , Medeiros Caroline Opolski , Schieferdecker Maria Eliana Madalozzo , Stangarlin‐Fiori Lize 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about the risk to patients’ health when using home‐prepared enteral tube feeding. The objective of this study was to explore the differences in hygiene conditions and microbial load of different types of home‐prepared enteral tube feeding and explore associations between those differences and food handlers’ characteristics.MethodsWe evaluated 96 enteral formulations, considering 3 types used by adult patients: homemade enteral preparations (HEPs), blended enteral preparations (BEPs), and commercial enteral formulas (CEFs). Enteral formulations were collected from homes and microbiologically analyzed. Hygiene criteria were assessed using a checklist, applied during the handling stages. The profile of the food handler was reviewed using a questionnaire.Results82.3% (79/96) exceeded acceptable bacterial counts, which was 10³ colony‐forming units per gram for aerobic mesophilic microorganisms and for total coliforms (35 °C), Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus sp, and Staphylococcus coagulase‐positive, if present in the enteral formulations. The number of inadequate samples was higher in HEPs and BEPs than in CEFs. Considering the hygiene criteria, the home‐prepared enteral tube feedings did not differ significantly. There was a significant difference among hygiene conditions considering the variables “monthly family income” and “food training.”ConclusionRegardless of the type of enteral formulations used by patients, when handled at home, there was a risk of contamination. However, contaminants present in enteral formulations can be easily controlled with improvements in hygiene measures as well as with greater guidance and control during the handling stages.
Why do participants in voluntary organizations leave? Exploring the relationship between value congruence and length of stay
Authors: Ihm Jennifer , Baek Young Min 
Published: September 2020

AbstractRecognizing the importance of values and the specific characteristics of participants and situations in voluntary organizations, we examine how value congruence—the fit or compatibility of values between participants and the organization, or among participants—interacts with personal and situational factors to predict participants' length of stay in their organizations. Introducing the case of a voluntary organization that offers shared housing, we measure value congruence through textual similarity in the self‐introduction documents of 49 participants and the organization's mission statement. This approach differs from the self‐reported measures based on participants' perceptions or recalled interactions used in previous studies. In line with expectation‐disconfirmation theory, participants with the strongest beliefs in organizational values had shorter lengths of stay. The amount of intraorganizational communication also moderated the relationship between value congruence and length of stay. This study provides theoretical and methodological implications for nonprofit management by considering personal and situational factors and evaluating value congruence by textual similarity.