bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management of postoperative dysphagia after prosthetic laryngoplasty or arytenoidectomy
Authors: Luedke Lauren K. , Cheetham Jonathan , Mohammed Hussni O. , Ducharme Norm G. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of various treatments for dysphagia after laryngeal surgery.Study designRetrospective.AnimalsHorses treated for dysphagia after laryngeal surgery.MethodsMedical records of horses treated for dysphagia after prosthetic laryngoplasty (PLP) or partial arytenoidectomy (PA) were reviewed. Signalment, prior surgery, preoperative videoendoscopic diagnosis, and surgical treatments were recorded. Short‐ and long‐term follow‐up were obtained. Chi‐square and logistical regression were performed to correlate independent variables and outcomes.ResultsForty‐four percent of horses with prior PLP and 88% of horses with prior PA had persistent resting dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP). Vocal fold augmentation (VFA) as a single treatment was most commonly performed (n = 22), followed by laryngoplasty removal (LPR; n = 1). Fifteen horses received a combination of treatments: VFA (n = 15), LPR (n = 4), laryngeal tie‐forward (LTF; n = 2), and esophageal release (n = 1). Short‐term clinical outcomes were reported; 80% of horses treated with VFA (n = 35) had resolution of dysphagia, and 20% were improved. Among the 33 horses available to long‐term follow‐up, 31 (94%) returned to some level of work, and DDSP during work was reportedly resolved in 23 of 25 horses.ConclusionVocal fold augmentation resulted in resolution of symptoms relating to dysphagia in 81% of horses. Twenty percent of horses treated with LPR had sustained resolution of dysphagia. A combination of LPR, VFA, LTF was performed in 18% of horses.Clinical significanceTreatment options directed at altering laryngeal geometry and/or position of the larynx were successful in resolving 86% of dysphagia in horses previously regarded as very difficult to treat.
A Numerical and Experimental Study on the Effects of CO2 on Laminar Diffusion Methane/Air Flames
Authors: Zhang Lei , Ren Xiaohan , Sun Rui , Levendis Yiannis A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractFlue gas recirculation (FGR) is an effective method to reduce NOx emissions from the combustion of fuels, such as natural gas. Nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and water are the main components of flue gas. Nitrogen is an inert gas, and water can be condensed out of the effluent before FGR. However, recycled CO2 can alter the physical and chemical combustion characteristics of a fuel. This research investigated the effects of CO2 on CH4/air laminar diffusion flames, both experimentally and numerically. Experiments used laser-induced fluorescence to measure OH and CH distributions in the resulting flames, at different CO2 concentrations. Numerical methods were used to investigate the reaction mechanism and predict temperature and species concentration fields, as well as the NOx formation. Experiments showed that the CH fluorescence intensities decreased with the addition of CO2, while the OH fluorescence intensities increased. Both the directed relation graph method and the sensitivity analysis method were used to reduce the GRI-mech 3.0 mechanism. The chemical kinetics of methane combustion were analyzed using the reduced mechanism with the diffusion opposed-flow flame model in the chemkin 4.1 software package to determine the main reactions among the major species. Numerical simulations showed that as the amount of CO2 in the fuel increased, the concentration of CH decreased. These CFD simulations using the reduced mechanism were in agreement with the experimental data. Thus, the reduced mechanism was then used to predict NO concentrations. Numerical simulations showed that as the amount of CO2 in the fuel increased, the concentration of CH decreased, and, as a result, lower amounts of NO were predicted.
Screening for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in type 2 diabetes using non-invasive scores and association with diabetic complications
Authors: Ciardullo Stefano , Muraca Emanuele , Perra Silvia , Bianconi Eleonora , Zerbini Francesca , Oltolini Alice , Cannistraci Rosa , Parmeggiani Paola , Manzoni Giuseppina , Gastaldelli Amalia , Lattuada Guido , Perseghin Gianluca 
Published: February 2020

ObjectiveNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is prevalent in patients with type 2 diabetes. Here, we estimate the proportion of patients with type 2 diabetes that should be referred to hepatologists according to the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL)-European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)-European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) Guidelines and evaluate the association between non-invasive biomarkers of steatosis and fibrosis and diabetic complications.Research design and methodsThis is a retrospective analysis of type 2 diabetes patients who attended on a regular basis our diabetes clinic between 2013 and 2018 (n=2770). Steatosis was assessed using Fatty Liver Index (FLI), Hepatic Steatosis Index and NAFLD Ridge Score and fibrosis using NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS), Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI) and AST/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio. Outcome measures were altered albumin excretion rate (AER), chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD).ResultsThe prevalence of advanced fibrosis varied from 1% (APRI) to 33% (NFS). The application of the guidelines using a sequential combination of FLI and FIB-4 would lead to referral of 28.3% of patients when using standard FIB-4 cut-offs, while this number dropped to 13.4% when age-adjusted FIB-4 thresholds were applied. A higher prevalence of altered AER was associated with liver steatosis (FLI: OR: 3.49; 95% CI 2.05 to 5.94, p<0.01), whereas liver fibrosis was associated with CKD (FIB-4: OR: 6.39; 95% CI 4.05 to 10.08, p<0.01) and CVD (FIB-4: OR: 2.62; 95% CI 1.69 to 4.04, p<0.01).ConclusionsWhile specific fibrosis scores identify different proportion of patients with advanced fibrosis, the use of age-adjusted FIB-4 cut-offs leads to a drop in gray-zone results, making referrals to hepatologists more sustainable. Interestingly non-invasive biomarkers were consistently associated with a different pattern of diabetic complications.
Systematic review protocol examining the influence of surgeon personality on perioperative decision making in abdominal surgery
Authors: Bisset Carly Nichola , McKee Tracey , Tilling Elliot , Cawley Mary , Moug Susan 
Published: February 2020

IntroductionThere is limited published literature exploring how the personality traits of surgeons may influence preoperative decision making, particularly in the context of visceral/abdominal surgery. Multiple validated personality scoring systems exist and have been used to describe surgeon personalities previously. The degree to which each trait is expressed by abdominal surgeons is neither currently known, nor the impact of these traits on postoperative outcomes. The protocol has been written in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols checklist.Methods and analysisThe search strategy has been developed by a Health Scientist Librarian in collaboration with the review team. The search was conducted on 1st October 2019.Database subject headings and text words relating to ‘abdominal/general surgeons’, ‘personality’, ‘postoperative outcomes’ and ‘decision making’ formed the basis of our literature search strategy; the MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo and Cochrane databases will be searched. Three reviewers will independently screen and appraise articles, with a fourth reviewer utilised if disagreements arise.A systematic narrative synthesis will be performed, with information presented in text and table format. These will summarise the findings and characteristics of any included studies. Using guidance from the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, the reviewers will describe the potential relationship and findings between studies using the narrative synthesis. Studies will only be reported if they are felt to have low or mid-levels of bias. Studies felt to display high levels of bias will be excluded.Ethics and disseminationThis study does not require ethical approval. The formal systematic review will be submitted for peer reviewed publication and presented at relevant conferences. The methods may inform future reviews in other surgical specialties regarding surgeon personality.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019151375.
Case–control study of brain and other central nervous system cancer among workers at semiconductor and storage device manufacturing facilities
Authors: Rodrigues Ema G , Herrick Robert F , Stewart James , Palacios Helena , Laden Francine , Clark William , Delzell Elizabeth 
Published: February 2020

ObjectiveThis study evaluated the relationship between brain and other central nervous system cancer (‘CNS cancer’) and exposures at two semiconductor and electronic module manufacturing facilities and at a storage device manufacturing facility.MethodsThe case–control study, nested in a cohort of 126 836 employees, compared 120 CNS cancer cases and 1028 matched controls with respect to employment in 10 process groups and estimated cumulative exposure to 31 known or possible carcinogens.ResultsCNS cancer was associated with module manufacturing operations at two facilities. Module manufacturing is a process that begins with production of ceramic substrates followed by attachment of completed semiconductor chips and metal-containing circuitry resulting in a high performing electronic device. Positive associations with the highest tertile of estimated cumulative exposure were found for several chemicals, including 2-butoxyethanol, cyclohexanone, ortho-dichlorobenzene, cadmium, molybdenum, trichloroethylene and vinyl chloride.ConclusionsResults suggested positive associations between CNS cancer and specific operations and chemicals experienced in the semiconductor and electronic module manufacturing industry. However, lack of external support for these findings precludes a causal interpretation, and the observed associations may have been due to chance.
Velocity-based resistance training: impact of velocity loss in the set on neuromuscular performance and hormonal response
Authors: Rodríguez-Rosell David , Yáñez-García Juan Manuel , Mora-Custodio Ricardo , Pareja-Blanco Fernando , Ravelo-García Antonio G. , Ribas-Serna Juan , González-Badillo Juan José 
Published: February 2020

This study aimed to compare the effects of 2 resistance training (RT) programs with different velocity losses (VLs) allowed in each set: 10% (VL10%) versus 30% (VL30%) on neuromuscular performance and hormonal response. Twenty-five young healthy males were randomly assigned into 2 groups: VL10% (n = 12) or VL30% (n = 13). Subjects followed a velocity-based RT program for 8 weeks (2 sessions per week) using only the full-squat (SQ) exercise at 70%–85% 1-repetition maximum (1RM). Repetition velocity was recorded in all training sessions. A 20-m running sprint, countermovement jump (CMJ), 1RM, muscle endurance, and electromyogram (EMG) during SQ exercise and resting hormonal concentrations were assessed before and after the RT program. Both groups showed similar improvements in muscle strength and endurance variables (VL10%: 7.0%–74.8%; VL30%: 4.2%–73.2%). The VL10% resulted in greater percentage increments in CMJ (9.2% vs. 5.4%) and sprint performance (–1.5% vs. 0.4%) than VL30%, despite VL10% performing less than half of the repetitions than VL30% during RT. In addition, only VL10% showed slight increments in EMG variables, whereas no significant changes in resting hormonal concentrations were observed. Therefore, our results suggest that velocity losses in the set as low as 10% are enough to achieve significant improvements in neuromuscular performance, which means greater efficiency during RT. Novelty The VL10% group showed similar or even greater percentage of changes in physical performance compared with VL30%. No significant changes in resting hormonal concentrations were observed for any training group. Curvilinear relationships between percentage VL in the set and changes in strength and CMJ performance were observed.
UHECRs mass composition from $$X_{\mathrm{max}}$$ distributions
Authors: Arsene Nicusor , Sima Octavian 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe atmospheric depth where the energy deposit profile of secondary particles from extensive air showers (EAS) reaches its maximum, $$X_{\mathrm{max}}$$Xmax, is related to the primary particle mass. The mass composition of the ultra-high energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) can be inferred from measurements of $$X_{\mathrm{max}}$$Xmax distributions in each energy interval, by fitting these distributions with Monte Carlo (MC) templates for four primary species (p, He, N and Fe). On the basis of simulations, we show that a high abundance of some intermediate elements in the $$X_{\mathrm{max}}$$Xmax distributions, e.g. Ne or Si, may affect the quality of the fit and also the reconstructed fractions of different species with respect to their true values. We propose a method for finding the “best combination” of elements in each energy interval from a larger set of primaries (p, He, C, N, O, Ne, Si and Fe) which best describes the $$X_{\mathrm{max}}$$Xmax distributions. Applying this method to the $$X_{\mathrm{max}}$$Xmax distributions measured by the Pierre Auger Observatory (2014), we found that the “best combination” of elements which best describe the data suggest the presence of Ne or Si in some low energy bins for the EPOS-LHC model.
Gravity gradient bias in the EPF experiment
Authors: Tóth Gyula 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe Eötvös Pekár and Fekete (EPF) equivalence test was aimed to check composition dependence of the gravitational force. It was designed to be free from any bias related to the possibly time-varying ambient gravity field. Interestingly in 1986 Fischbach and his colleagues found a systematic composition dependency in the EPF data. This discovery induced an intense debate, and even though the effect was unreproducible, the cause behind is still unknown. Now we found, however, that time-varying gravity gradients may have biased the results in spite of the experimenters’ protocol to avoid it. Moreover, even in a constant, but inhomogeneous gravity field the gravitational force was necessarily different on the EPF samples that had different shapes. These issues are serious: we demonstrate that time-varying ambient gravity alone can fully reproduce the EPF results. Hence, we propose a remeasurement with a careful control of gravity gradient bias. We also discuss other more precise equivalence tests in connection with the above bias.
EVOLUTIONARY NETWORK OF BUSINESS MODEL STUDIES AND APPLICATIONS IN EMERGING ECONOMIES
Authors: HO MEI HSIU-CHING 
Published: February 2020

Business models are crucial for explaining firm performance. In practice, managers apply business models to increase firm’s advantage. Particularly, innovative business models solve many economic and social problems in emerging economies. To show the knowledge development in the field, we explored the knowledge network and identified the role of business models in emerging economies. To examine the primary topics in business model studies, we reviewed the academic literature and applied main path analysis (MPA) to explain the development in this field since 2000. The valid sample of this study comprised 665 papers, and citation information was used in the MPA. We further investigated the role of business models in emerging economies through keyword analysis and case analysis. The results for the main path indicate that the development of business model studies proceeded in three stages. In general, the literature in business model studies has transitioned from discussing internal and external value to framing business model structures. Specifically, in the latest stage, sustainability in a business model was conceptualized, and studies focused on how a business model can function as a structured model for explaining how various businesses operate. Moreover, studies on emerging economies have noted the importance of sustainable business models and model adaptations for firms in developing countries.
Electrochemical Performance and Degradation Analysis of an SOFC Short Stack Following Operation of More than 100,000 Hours
Authors: Fang Qingping , Blum Ludger , Stolten Detlef 
Published: February 2020

From August 2007 to January 2019, a two-layer solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) short stack of a planer design with zirconia-based, anode-supported cells (ASC) and ITM interconnectors (with 26% chromium content) was tested with hydrogen and compressed air at a furnace temperature of 700°C for more than 100,000 hours, of which ∼93,000 were in constant current mode, with a current density of 0.5 Acm−2 and with a fuel utilization of 40%. The calculated voltage degradation rate slowly decreased, from ∼8.0 mV/kh (∼1.0%/kh) for the first 40,000 h to ∼1.4 mV/kh (∼0.2%/kh) for the subsequent operation under load, indicating different dominating degradation mechanisms. The average voltage and area-specific resistance (ASR) degradation rates for the complete operating period under electrical load were 0.5%/kh and 2.5%/kh, respectively. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was also implemented at the end of the testing period for the purpose of electrochemical characterization and a degradation analysis. The post-mortem analysis of the stack is currently in preparation. In this study, the performance and degradation behavior of the stack and cells are analyzed and discussed on the basis of the electrochemical measurements collected.
Thermal Proteome Profiling Identifies Oxidative-Dependent Inhibition of the Transcription of Major Oncogenes as a New Therapeutic Mechanism for Select Anticancer Compounds
Authors: Peuget Sylvain , Zhu Jiawei , Sanz Gema , Singh Madhurendra , Gaetani Massimiliano , Chen Xinsong , Shi Yao , Saei Amir Ata , Visnes Torkild , Lindström Mikael S. , Rihani Ali , Moyano-Galceran Lidia , Carlson Joseph W. , Hjerpe Elisabet , Joneborg Ulrika , Lehti Kaisa , Hartman Johan , Helleday Thomas , Zubarev Roman , Selivanova Galina 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Identification of the molecular mechanism of action (MoA) of bioactive compounds is a crucial step for drug development but remains a challenging task despite recent advances in technology. In this study, we applied multidimensional proteomics, sensitivity correlation analysis, and transcriptomics to identify a common MoA for the anticancer compounds RITA, aminoflavone (AF), and oncrasin-1 (Onc-1). Global thermal proteome profiling revealed that the three compounds target mRNA processing and transcription, thereby attacking a cancer vulnerability, transcriptional addiction. This led to the preferential loss of expression of oncogenes involved in PDGF, EGFR, VEGF, insulin/IGF/MAPKK, FGF, Hedgehog, TGFβ, and PI3K signaling pathways. Increased reactive oxygen species level in cancer cells was a prerequisite for targeting the mRNA transcription machinery, thus conferring cancer selectivity to these compounds. Furthermore, DNA repair factors involved in homologous recombination were among the most prominently repressed proteins. In cancer patient samples, RITA, AF, and Onc-1 sensitized to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors both in vitro and ex vivo. These findings might pave a way for new synthetic lethal combination therapies.
Significance: These findings highlight agents that target transcriptional addiction in cancer cells and suggest combination treatments that target RNA processing and DNA repair pathways simultaneously as effective cancer therapies.
Proteomic Profiling of the ECM of Xenograft Breast Cancer Metastases in Different Organs Reveals Distinct Metastatic Niches
Authors: Hebert Jess D. , Myers Samuel A. , Naba Alexandra , Abbruzzese Genevieve , Lamar John M. , Carr Steven A. , Hynes Richard O. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Metastasis causes most cancer-related deaths, and one poorly understood aspect of metastatic cancer is the adaptability of cells from a primary tumor to create new niches and survive in multiple, different secondary sites. We used quantitative mass spectrometry to analyze the extracellular matrix (ECM), a critical component of metastatic niches, in metastases to the brain, lungs, liver, and bone marrow, all derived from parental MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells. Tumor and stromal cells cooperated in forming niches; stromal cells produced predominantly core, structural ECM proteins and tumor cells produced a diverse array of ECM-associated proteins, including secreted factors and modulators of the matrix. In addition, tumor and stromal cells together created distinct niches in each tissue. Downregulation of SERPINB1, a protein elevated in brain metastases, led to a reduction in brain metastasis, suggesting that some niche-specific ECM proteins may be involved in metastatic tropism.

Significance:
Tumor and stromal cells together create distinct ECM niches in breast cancer metastases to various tissues, providing new insight into how tumor cells adapt to survive in different tissue environments.
Synergistic Combination of Oncolytic Virotherapy and Immunotherapy for Glioma
Authors: Tang Bingtao , Guo Zong Sheng , Bartlett David L. , Yan David Z. , Schane Claire P. , Thomas Diana L. , Liu Jia , McFadden Grant , Shisler Joanna L. , Roy Edward J. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Purpose:
We hypothesized that the combination of a local stimulus for activating tumor-specific T cells and an anti-immunosuppressant would improve treatment of gliomas. Virally encoded IL15Rα-IL15 as the T-cell activating stimulus and a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor as the anti-immunosuppressant were combined with adoptive transfer of tumor-specific T cells.

Experimental Design:
Two oncolytic poxviruses, vvDD vaccinia virus and myxoma virus, were each engineered to express the fusion protein IL15Rα-IL15 and a fluorescent protein. Viral gene expression (YFP or tdTomato Red) was confirmed in the murine glioma GL261 in vitro and in vivo. GL261 tumors in immunocompetent C57BL/6J mice were treated with vvDD-IL15Rα-YFP vaccinia virus or vMyx-IL15Rα-tdTr combined with other treatments, including vaccination with GARC-1 peptide (a neoantigen for GL261), rapamycin, celecoxib, and adoptive T-cell therapy.

Results:
vvDD-IL15Rα-YFP and vMyx-IL15Rα-tdTr each infected and killed GL261 cells in vitro. In vivo, NK cells and CD8+ T cells were increased in the tumor due to the expression of IL15Rα-IL15. Each component of a combination treatment contributed to prolonging survival: an oncolytic virus, the IL15Rα-IL15 expressed by the virus, a source of T cells (whether by prevaccination or adoptive transfer), and prostaglandin inhibition all synergized to produce elimination of gliomas in a majority of mice. vvDD-IL15Rα-YFP occasionally caused ventriculitis-meningitis, but vMyx-IL15Rα-tdTr was safe and effective, causing a strong infiltration of tumor-specific T cells and eliminating gliomas in 83% of treated mice.

Conclusions:
IL15Rα-IL15–armed oncolytic poxviruses provide potent antitumor effects against brain tumors when combined with adoptive T-cell therapy, rapamycin, and celecoxib.