bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influences of gas diffusion layer material models and parameters on mechanical analysis of proton exchange membrane fuel cell
Authors: Leng Yu , Yao Huan , Yang Daijun , Li Bin , Ming Pingwen , Zhang Cunman 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe deformation of gas diffusion layer (GDL) under compacting pressure has a close relationship with transport properties, and electrical and thermal conductivity of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). In this paper, two kinds of GDL material models with different material parameters are studied with the finite element method (FEM). Taguchi orthogonal experiments and analysis of variance (ANOVA) are performed to determine their effects on mechanical analysis of GDL deformation in PEMFC. Finally, the effects of material parameters on GDL diffusion and electrical performance are discussed. The results reveal that elastic modulus (E) is the only factor affecting the maximum displacement for GDL with isotropic model when the Poisson's ratio (ν) is in the range of 0–0.1. For orthotropic model, the through‐plane elastic modulus (Ez) has a great impact on both the deformation and contact pressure. In‐plane elastic modulus (Ex) and through‐plane shear modulus (Gxz) have significant influences on contact pressure. Ez has a great impact on diffusion and electrical performance of GDL, while the effects of Ex, Gxz and ν are negligible. In addition, orthotropic GDL material model and the parameters utilized are effective in analyzing the deformation of GDL.
Feedback from lateral occipital cortex to V1/V2 triggers object completion: Evidence from functional magnetic resonance imaging and dynamic causal modeling
Authors: Chen Siyi , Weidner Ralph , Zeng Hang , Fink Gereon R. , Müller Hermann J. , Conci Markus 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIllusory figures demonstrate the visual system's ability to integrate disparate parts into coherent wholes. We probed this object integration process by either presenting an integrated diamond shape or a comparable ungrouped configuration that did not render a complete object. Two tasks were used that either required localization of a target dot (relative to the presented configuration) or discrimination of the dot's luminance. The results showed that only when the configuration was task relevant (in the localization task), performance benefited from the presentation of an integrated object. Concurrent functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed and analyzed using dynamic causal modeling to investigate the (causal) relationship between regions that are associated with illusory figure completion. We found object‐specific feedback connections between the lateral occipital cortex (LOC) and early visual cortex (V1/V2). These modulatory connections persisted across task demands and hemispheres. Our results thus provide direct evidence that interactions between mid‐level and early visual processing regions engage in illusory figure perception. These data suggest that LOC first integrates inputs from multiple neurons in lower‐level cortices, generating a global shape representation while more fine‐graded object details are then determined via feedback to early visual areas, independently of the current task demands.
Understanding the distributional impacts of health insurance reform: Evidence from a consumer cost‐sharing program
Authors: Aouad Marion , Brown Timothy T. , Whaley Christopher M. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWe examine the heterogeneous effects of reference pricing, a health insurance reform introduced by the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), on the distribution of spending by patients and insurers. Using medical claims data for CalPERS and a comparison group not subject to reference pricing, we use the changes‐in‐changes approach to estimate the quantile treatment effects of the program across different medical procedures. We find that the quantile treatment effects vary across the patient spending distributions, with a range of positive and negative estimates of the QTE, depending on the medical procedure considered. However, across all procedures, the insurer's spending distributions tend to shift left, with the largest reductions occurring in the right‐tail of the spending distributions. These effects are not captured by mean estimates but have important policy implications.
Fear conditioning potentiates the hippocampal CA1 commissural pathway in vivo and increases awake phase sleep
Authors: Subramaniyan Manivannan , Manivannan Sumithrra , Chelur Vikas , Tsetsenis Theodoros , Jiang Evan , Dani John A. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe hippocampus is essential for spatial learning and memory. To assess learning we used contextual fear conditioning (cFC), where animals learn to associate a place with aversive events like foot‐shocks. Candidate memory mechanisms for cFC are long‐term potentiation (LTP) and long‐term depression (LTD), but there is little direct evidence of them operating in the hippocampus in vivo following cFC. Also, little is known about the behavioral state changes induced by cFC. To address these issues, we recorded local field potentials in freely behaving mice by stimulating in the left dorsal CA1 region and recording in the right dorsal CA1 region. Synaptic strength in the commissural pathway was monitored by measuring field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) before and after cFC. After cFC, the commissural pathway's synaptic strength was potentiated. Although recordings occurred during the wake phase of the light/dark cycle, the mice slept more in the post‐conditioning period than in the pre‐conditioning period. Relative to awake periods, in non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep the fEPSPs were larger in both pre‐ and post‐conditioning periods. We also found a significant negative correlation between the animal's speed and fEPSP size. Therefore, to avoid confounds in the fEFSP potentiation estimates, we controlled for speed‐related and sleep‐related fEPSP changes and still found that cFC induced long‐term potentiation, but no significant long‐term depression. Synaptic strength changes were not found in the control group that simply explored the fear‐conditioning chamber, indicating that exploration of the novel place did not produce the measurable effects caused by cFC. These results show that following cFC, the CA1 commissural pathway is potentiated, likely contributing to the functional integration of the left and right hippocampi in fear memory consolidation. In addition, the cFC paradigm produces significant changes in an animal's behavioral state, which are observable as proximal changes in sleep patterns.
Response efficacy and heterogeneity of antipsychotic drugs in schizophrenia: Systemic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Xin , Tang Jia , Zhang Xue , Abdelrahim Mohamed E. A. , Yin Zubin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundsThis meta‐analysis aimed to assess antipsychotic and placebo effects in patients with schizophrenia at the level of symptom factors.MethodsA systematic literature search up to June 2020 was undertaken and 62 studies were included, with 23,478 patients with schizophrenia at the study baseline point. We calculated mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. The comparison was made according to the study content using a continuous method with a random‐effects model.ResultsPatients with schizophrenia treated by antipsychotic drugs had a significantly lower psychiatric rating scale total score; lower clinical global impression of severity; lower positive and negative syndrome scale; and lower assessment of negative symptoms total score, when compared to placebo treated patients.ConclusionsPatients with schizophrenia treated with an antipsychotic drug show a much greater improvement and lower inconsistency in the level of symptom factors when compared to the effects of placebo. Our findings evidence for a comparatively homogeneous outcome of the antipsychotic‐treatment in improving schizophrenia symptoms. This opposes the notion of the presence of patient sub‐groups with treatment non‐responsive schizophrenia.
Association between transient financial stress during early childhood and pre‐school cognitive and socioemotional development
Authors: Ramanathan Seethalakshmi , Balasubramanian Natarajan , Faraone Stephen V. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractEconomic difficulties in early childhood are associated with significant adverse long‐term socioemotional and cognitive outcomes. In this study, we examine an understudied financial stressor that is often observed during periods of high unemployment—transient familial financial stress (TFS). We use the early childhood longitudinal study–(birth) cohort, to examine the association between exposure to TFS during early childhood and subsequent socioemotional and cognitive development. Exposure to TFS early in life is associated with a 1.25‐ and 1.16‐point reduction (p < .05) in preschool reading and math scores, respectively. Path analysis suggests that these outcomes are partially mediated by mother–child interaction and parental investment. These findings provide important insights that can help inform early intervention efforts.
Caffeine intake from coffee and tea and invasive breast cancer incidence among postmenopausal women in the Women's Health Initiative
Authors: Zheng Kan Hong , Zhu Kexin , Wactawski‐Wende Jean , Freudenheim Jo L. , LaMonte Michael J. , Hovey Kathleen M. , Mu Lina 
Published: August 2021

AbstractResearch findings remain inconsistent whether caffeine consumption is associated with invasive breast cancer. We aimed to examine the association between caffeine intake from coffee and tea and incident invasive breast cancer among postmenopausal women. We included 79 871 participants in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study in the current analysis. Incident invasive breast cancers were identified through September 30, 2015. Caffeine intake (mg/day) from caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee and tea was estimated based on self‐reported frequency (cups/day) and average caffeine amount in each beverage. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore whether associations of caffeine intake from coffee and tea with invasive breast cancer were different by age, race and ethnicity, smoking status, body mass index, history of hormone therapy use, alcohol intake and subtypes of breast cancer. During a median follow‐up of 16.0 years, 4719 incident invasive breast cancers were identified. No significant association was found between caffeine intake from coffee and tea and invasive breast cancer incidence after adjusting for demographic, lifestyle and reproductive factors: HRs (95% CIs) for increasing quartiles of caffeine intake compared to the lowest were 1.03 (0.94, 1.12), 1.04 (0.95, 1.13) and 1.03 (0.94, 1.13), respectively (P‐for‐trend = .54). No significant associations of coffee and tea intake (cups/day) with overall breast cancer risk were found. Our findings are consistent with others showing no clear association of caffeine consumption with invasive breast cancer among postmenopausal women.
Risk factors for sexual dysfunction during the first year postpartum: A prospective study
Authors: Szöllősi Katalin , Komka Kinga , Szabó László 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the connection of postpartum sexual dysfunction with mode of delivery, amenorrhea, depressive symptoms, and relationship satisfaction.MethodsFor a prospective longitudinal study, we invited 729 Hungarian obstetrics patients to complete questionnaires at 3 months (T1), 6 months (T2), and 12 months (T3) postpartum. We sent them the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EDPS), the Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS), and a self‐constructed questionnaire for body mass index (BMI; calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) and other data. Of the 389 who responded at T1, we selected 293 who met our criteria for age, obstetrical history, relationship history, completeness of response, and sexual activity. At T2 and T3, we selected 214 and 95. We analyzed their data by multivariate logit regression.ResultsThe rates of sexual dysfunction were 44.70% (T1), 40.18% (T2), and 23.15% (T3). Mode of delivery was not a risk factor. Amenorrhea was a risk factor at T1 (P = 0.012) and T2 (P = 0.001). Obesity was a protective factor at T1 (P = 0.021). The higher the EPDS score (T1:P < 0.001; T2:P = 0.035; T3:P = 0.043), and the lower the RAS score (T1:P = 0.016; T2:P = 0.010; T3:P = 0.032), the greater was the risk of dysfunction.ConclusionLevel of relationship satisfaction, severity of depressive symptoms, amenorrhea, and BMI are connected with sexual dysfunction within a year postpartum.
Approaches to preclinical studies with heterogeneous breast phantom using reconstruction and three‐dimensional image processing algorithms for diffuse optical imaging
Authors: Üncü Yiğit Ali , Sevim Gençay , Canpolat Murat 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe continuous‐wave back reflection diffuse optical tomography (rCWDOT) system is one of the new medical imaging modalities. This study examines the success of reconstruction and three‐dimensional (3D) image processing algorithms on data obtained from a heterogonous breast phantom by rCWDOT. Breast phantoms were prepared by putting a bit of spleen inside the tail. The spleen mimics a breast tumor since it has more blood than tail fat. rCWDOT was used to acquire data from the breast phantoms. The breast phantoms were reconstructed using the transpose‐free quasi‐minimal residual (TFQMR) reconstruction algorithm. Then, image processing algorithms were performed to improve the image quality. In image processing, 3D Gaussian filtering and bi‐cubic interpolation were used to enhance the appearance and remove noise from the images. After the image processing, the images were evaluated numerically using the peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) method. It has been shown that the used reconstruction technique and image processing algorithms for a heterogeneous breast phantom provided 3D images that resemble actual ones. This study will help researchers use the most convenient reconstruction algorithm and image processing algorithms and perform preclinical experiments in this field.
Lymphocyte‐to‐monocyte ratio combined with CA19‐9 for predicting postoperative recurrence of colorectal cancer in patients with diabetes
Authors: Yu Dan , An Guangyu , Yao Jiannan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the significance of lymphocyte‐to‐monocyte ratio (LMR) combined with carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19‐9 for predicting postoperative recurrence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients with type II diabetes.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of 106 postoperative patients with stage II–III CRC and with type II diabetes. Their clinical indexes such as LMR and CA19‐9 were collected, and the patients were followed up for 5 years.ResultsThe CA19‐9 level was 119.7 U/ml at baseline in the relapsed group, while this was 24.81 U/ml in non‐relapsed group (p = 0.001). On the contrary, the LMR level was 5.10 and 2.57 for non‐relapsed and relapsed group (p < 0.001), respectively. Kaplan‐Meier survival curves stratified by CA19‐9 and LMR suggested that patients with lower CA19‐9 had higher survival probability (p < 0.001), while patients with high LMR level had higher survival probability (p < 0.001). The multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis with CA19‐9 and LMR indicated that although the baseline CA19‐9 is significantly associated with increasing risk of disease recurrence, the HR (HR = 1.0, 95% CI 1.00–1.01) was small and close to 1, whereas the high baseline LMR (HR = 0.44, 95% CI 0.32–0.61) was associated with decrease in disease recurrence. Model with continuous CA19‐9 and LMR was able to better predict (AUC 73.17%) the disease recurrence.ConclusionLMR combined with CA19‐9 may become a new index for predicting postoperative recurrence of CRC in patients with diabetes.
Systemic immune‐inflammation index is associated with disease activity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Wu Junlai , Yan Lifang , Chai Kexia 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII) is a recently developed indicator for systemic inflammatory response. We aimed to explore the association between SII and disease activity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).MethodsThis retrospective study included 136 patients with AS and 63 healthy controls. Patients were divided into two groups according to Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI); active group (n = 60) and remission group (n = 76). Clinical, laboratory, and demographic characteristics were recorded. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to determine correlations of SII with C‐reactive protein (CRP) level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and BASDAI in AS patients. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess risk factors for AS disease activity. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of SII and the above variables for the active group compared with the remission group.ResultsSystemic immune‐inflammation index levels were higher in AS patients than in healthy controls (p < 0.001). SII levels were higher in the active group than in the remission group (p < 0.001). For patients with AS, SII correlated positively with CRP (rs = 0.483, p < 0.001), ESR (rs = 0.374, p < 0.001), and BASDAI (rs = 0.667, p < 0.001). SII (OR = 1.009, 95% CI = 1.006–1.012, p < 0.001) was an independent risk factor affecting AS disease activity. The specificity and sensitivity of SII using a cutoff value of 513.2 were 83.33% and 86.84%, respectively, for the active group.ConclusionSystemic immune‐inflammation index was increased in AS. SII may be a novel indicator for monitoring AS disease activity.
Discrete light sheet microscopic segmentation of left ventricle using morphological tuning and active contours
Authors: Irshad Mehreen , Sharif Muhammad , Yasmin Mussarat , Rehman Amjad , Khan Muhammad Attique 
Published: August 2021

AbstractLeft ventricular segmentation using cardiovascular MR scan is required for the diagnosis and further cure of cardiac diseases. Automatic systems for left ventricle segmentation are being studied for attaining more accurate results in a shorter period of time. A novel algorithm introducing discrete segmentation of left ventricle achieves an independent processing of images swiftly. The workflow consists of four segments; first, automated localization is performed on the MR image. Second, performing preprocessing intimately improves and enhances the quality of image using mean contrast adjustment. Central segmentation of endocardium and epicardium layers includes novel MTAC (Morphological tuning using active contours) segmentation algorithm that provides a perfect combination of active contours and morphological tuning to bring an adequate and desirable segmentation. The prospective snake model is a restrained progression, which takes iterations for an impulse throughout the left ventricle contours. At the end, contrast based refining overcomes minor edge problems for both outer and inner boundaries. Proposed algorithm is evaluated via Sunnybrook cardiac MR images by producing an overall average perpendicular distance 2.45 mm, an average dice matrix (endo: 91.3%; epi: 92.16%) and 91.7% dice matrix of overall endocardium and epicardium contours from ground truth contours.
A review of mammographic image quality in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Pape Ruth , Spuur Kelly Maree , Wilkinson Jenny Maree , Zuhukepe Aileen 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIntroductionTo report for the first time the image quality of mammograms performed in Papua New Guinea (PNG) using the Perfect, Good, Moderate, Inadequate (PGMI) image evaluation system (IES); and to benchmark the image quality against BreastScreen Australia (BSA) National Accreditation Standards (NAS).MethodsA retrospective image quality analysis of the de‐identified mammograms of 102 women imaged at the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) was undertaken using the PGMI IES. Each craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) image was assigned a grade and the reasons for the grade recorded. Age was recorded in years. Simple frequency analysis was undertaken and comparison with BSA NAS 2.4 was made.ResultsWomen were aged between 25 and 74 years. There were 111 CC views and 109 MLO views. The most frequent individual grade for the CC view was G (83.8%) and for the MLO view M (72.48%); and for a routine series (four images), P and G combined (14.8%). Non‐visualisation of the IMA (28%), nipple not in profile (26%) and short length of pectoral muscle (12%) were the most cited reasons for assigning an M grade.ConclusionThe reported image quality is not commensurate with that required by BSA (P and G > 50%) and while common positioning errors can be rectified through education and training, it is also important to recognise the complex challenges faced by PNG radiographers in obtaining mammographic images that extend beyond education and training and reflect the emerging nature of the modality as well as wider health, economic and other issues. This work raises the need for national standards, dedicated equipment, and radiographer education to best serve the women of PNG.
Fragmented QRS on far‐field intracardiac electrograms as a predictor of arrhythmic events
Authors: Osaka Yuki , Ono Yuichi , Goto Kentaro , Yabe Kento , Tanaka Akifumi , Miyazaki Toru , Suzuki Asami , Kurihara Ken , Goya Masahiko , Otomo Kenichiro , Sasano Tetsuo 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundStudies suggest that fragmented QRS (fQRS) can predict arrhythmic events in various cardiac diseases. However, the association between fQRS recordings on intracardiac electrogram (EGM) and ventricular arrhythmic events remains unknown.MethodsWe enrolled 51 patients (age, 62 ± 12 years; 40 men) with an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) and structural heart disease and evaluated surface electrocardiogram (ECG) and EGM measurement of fQRS and the association between fQRS and arrhythmic events.ResultsfQRS was detected on surface ECG and ICD‐EGM in 12 (23.5%) and 15 (29.4%) patients, respectively. fQRS was detected more frequently on ICD‐EGM in patients with fQRS on surface ECG than in patients without fQRS (7/12 [58.3%] vs 8/39 patients [20.5%], P = .01). Appropriate ICD therapies were documented in 16 patients. Among these patients, fQRS was detected more frequently on surface ECG and ICD‐EGM in patients with appropriate ICD therapies (8/16, 50.0%; P = .001 and 11/16, 68.9%; P < .001). Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia was significantly more frequent in patients with appropriate ICD therapies (15/16, 93.8%; P = .04). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that fQRS on ICD‐EGM was a predictor of arrhythmic events (P = .03). Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis revealed that ICD therapies were significantly more frequent among patients with fQRS on both surface ECG and ICD‐EGM than among those without fQRS (66.7% vs 6.6%, P < .001).ConclusionThe presence of fQRS on ICD‐EGM can be a predictor of arrhythmic events in ICD patients. Surface ECG and ICD‐EGM measurement may help predict ventricular arrhythmic events.