bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Artifact reduction in free‐breathing, free‐running myocardial perfusion imaging with interleaved non‐selective RF excitations
Authors: Haji‐Valizadeh Hassan , Guo Rui , Kucukseymen Selcuk , Cai Xiaoying , Rodriguez Jennifer , Pierce Patrick , Goddu Beth , Manning Warren , Nezafat Reza 
Published: March 2021

PurposeTo reduce inflow and motion artifacts in free‐breathing, free‐running, steady‐state spoiled gradient echo T1‐weighted (SPGR) myocardial perfusion imaging.MethodUnsaturated spins from inflowing blood or out‐of‐plane motion cause flashing artifacts in free‐running SPGR myocardial perfusion. During free‐running SPGR, 1 non‐selective RF excitation was added after every 3 slice‐selective RF excitations to suppress inflow artifacts by forcing magnetization in neighboring regions to steady‐state. Bloch simulations and phantom experiments were performed to evaluate the impact of the flip angle and non‐selective RF frequency on inflowing spins and tissue contrast. Free‐running perfusion with (n = 11) interleaved non‐selective RF or without (n = 11) were studied in 22 subjects (age = 60.2 ± 14.3 years, 11 male). Perfusion images were graded on a 5‐point Likert scale for conspicuity of wall enhancement, inflow/motion artifact, and streaking artifact and compared using Wilcoxon sum‐rank testing.ResultNumeric simulation showed that 1 non‐selective RF excitation applied after every 3 slice‐selective RF excitations produced superior out‐of‐plane signal suppression compared to 1 non‐selective RF excitation applied after every 6 or 9 slice‐selective RF excitations. In vitro experiments showed that a 30° flip angle produced near‐optimal myocardial contrast. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the addition of interleaved non‐selective RF significantly (P < .01) improved conspicuity of wall enhancement (mean score = 4.4 vs. 3.2) and reduced inflow/motion (mean score = 4.5 vs. 2.5) and streaking (mean score = 3.9 vs. 2.4) artifacts.ConclusionNon‐selective RF excitations interleaved between slice‐selective excitations can reduce image artifacts in free‐breathing, ungated perfusion images. Further studies are warranted to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the proposed solution for evaluating myocardial ischemia.
Simultaneous proteoglycans and hypoxia mapping of chondrosarcoma environment by frequency selective CEST MRI
Authors: Autissier Roxane , Mazuel Leslie , Maubert Elise , Bonny Jean‐Marie , Auzeloux Philippe , Schmitt Sébastien , Traoré Amidou , Peyrode Caroline , Miot‐Noirault Elisabeth , Pagés Guilhem 
Published: March 2021

PurposeTo evaluate the relevance of CEST frequency selectivity in simultaneous in vivo imaging of both of chondrosarcoma’s phenotypic features, that are, its high proteoglycan concentration and its hypoxic core.MethodsSwarm rat chondrosarcomas were implanted subcutaneously in NMRI nude mice. When tumors were measurable (12‐16 days postoperative), mice were submitted to GAG, guanidyl, and APT CEST imaging. Proteoglycans and hypoxia were assessed in parallel by nuclear imaging exploiting 99mTc‐NTP 15‐5 and 18F‐FMISO, respectively. Data were completed by ex vivo analysis of proteoglycans (histology and biochemical assay) and hypoxia (immunofluorescence).ResultsQuantitative analysis of GAG CEST evidenced a significantly higher signal for tumor tissues than for muscles. These results were in agreement with nuclear imaging and ex vivo data. For imaging tumoral pH in vivo, the CEST ratio of APT/guanidyl was studied. This highlighted an important heterogeneity inside the tumor. The hypoxic status was confirmed by 18F‐FMISO PET imaging and ex vivo immunofluorescence.ConclusionCEST MRI simultaneously imaged both chondrosarcoma properties during a single experimental run and without the injection of any contrast agent. Both MR and nuclear imaging as well as ex vivo data were in agreement and showed that this chondrosarcoma animal model was rich in proteoglycans. However, even if tumors were lightly hypoxic at the stage studied, acidic areas were highlighted and mapped inside the tumor.
Resilience in the face of pelvic pain: A pilot study in males and females affected by urologic chronic pelvic pain
Authors: Giannantoni Antonella , Gubbiotti Marilena , Balzarro Matteo , Rubilotta Emanuele 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsResilience represents a fundamental element in the experience of pain, as it allows adaptation to suffering and increases psychological social well‐being and quality of life (QoL). We investigated resilience in patients affected by urologic chronic pelvic pain (UCPP) and the relationships with pain severity and distribution, catastrophizing and psychological distress.MethodsForty‐eight consecutive UCPP patients were classified on a pain body map as being affected by pelvic pain only or widespread pain (WP), and underwent the evaluation of resilience with the 14‐item Resilience Scale (RS‐14), with higher scores indicating high resilience levels; scores < 56 denote very poor resilience. Pelvic and nonpelvic pain intensity and the bother of urinary symptoms on QoL were measured by means of Pain Numerical Rating Scale (PNRS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS‐21) investigated catastrophizing and psychological conditions.ResultsOverall, RS‐14 mean ± SD total score was 50.2 ± 12.5 in patients with pelvic pain only and 40.2 ± 10.2 in those with WP. Significant relationships were observed between low resilience levels and high scores of pelvic and nonpelvic PNRS, VAS, pain catastrophizing scale and depression and anxiety, stress scale (for all: p < 0.001). Significantly lower RS‐14 scores were detected in females and in patients with WP.ConclusionsA very poor resilience has been identified in UCPP patients, particularly in those with greater catastrophizing and mood alterations. WP and female gender were mostly affected. In UCPP patients, low resilience appears as a crucial factor in pain experience.
Care difficulties and burden during COVID‐19 pandemic lockdowns among caregivers of people with schizophrenia: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Yasuma Naonori , Yamaguchi Sosei , Ogawa Makoto , Shiozawa Takuma , Abe Makiko , Igarashi Momoka , Kawaguchi Takayuki , Sato Sayaka , Nishi Daisuke , Kawakami Norito , Fujii Chiyo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsThe purpose of this study was to retrospectively investigate care difficulties experienced by caregivers of people with schizophrenia during COVID‐19 pandemic lockdowns in Japan (April 7‐May 25, 2020) and examine associations between these care difficulties during lockdowns and daily caregiver burden.MethodsData were collected from 132 participants of the LINE Schizophrenia Family Association using an online survey.ResultsCaregivers were mostly concerned about who would care for people with schizophrenia if caregivers become infected with COVID‐19. A significant association was found between higher daily caregiver burden and more difficult care experiences during COVID‐19 pandemic lockdowns (B = 0.58, 95% confidence interval, 0.40‐0.75, P < .01, adjusted R‐squared = .34).ConclusionsFurther studies and supports for caregivers of people with schizophrenia are needed.
Augmented Lagrangian methods for optimal control problems governed by mixed quasi‐equilibrium problems with applications
Authors: Chadli Ouayl , Ansari Qamrul Hasan , Al‐Homidan Suliman 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe main goal of this article is to study a general augmented Lagrangian method for optimal control problems governed by mixed (quasi‐)equilibrium problems. We establish zero duality gap properties between a primal problem and its augmented Lagrangian dual problem. As a consequence, we give some existence results for optimal control problem governed by evolutionary quasi‐variational inequalities. An application to optimal control of obstacle problems described by quasi‐hemivariational inequalities is studied. The results obtained in this article are new and improves considerably many recent results in literature.
Feasibility of ultrasound‐assisted lumbar punctures performed by pediatric oncologists at the point of care
Authors: Shaikh Furqan , Arzola Cristian , Alexander Sarah , Carvalho Jose C. A. , Everett Tobias , Shroff Manohar , Doria Andrea S. , Trottier Luc , To Teresa , Sung Lillian 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundUltrasound assistance improves success rates and reduces adverse outcomes of lumbar punctures (LPs) among adult patients in the emergency room and the operating room, but has not been evaluated in pediatric patients with cancer. Our objectives were (1) to determine whether pediatric oncologists could perform ultrasound‐assisted LPs following a structured teaching curriculum, and (2) to determine the feasibility of recruiting pediatric cancer patients to a clinical trial of this procedure.MethodsThree pediatric oncologists completed a curriculum composed of didactic teaching followed by hands‐on workshops. Each learner was evaluated during 20 attempts at three ultrasound tasks using the cumulative sum method. The three pediatric oncologists then performed ultrasound assessments prior to routinely scheduled LPs. Feasibility was defined as ability to perform at least 30 ultrasound‐assisted LPs within 6 months. Secondary outcomes were the proportion of successful, bloody, or traumatic LPs, time required, and perceived helpfulness of ultrasound.ResultsAll three pediatric oncologists achieved competence in the three tasks of ultrasound scanning within 20 evaluated attempts. We recruited 62 patients within 1 month, and 58 underwent an ultrasound‐assisted LP. All LPs were successful. Two LPs (4%) had ≥500 red blood cells (RBCs)/μl, and nine (16%) had ≥10 RBCs/μl. Median time to conduct the scan was 1.9 minutes (range 0.8–4.0 minutes). In 37 (64%) of the LPs, ultrasound assistance was considered helpful or very helpful.ConclusionsPediatric oncologists readily achieved competence in ultrasound‐assisted LPs, and ultrasound was commonly perceived as helpful. It is feasible to proceed to a randomized trial of this procedure in pediatric cancer.
Accuracy of a single‐lead mobile smartphone electrocardiogram for QT interval measurement in patients undergoing maintenance methadone therapy
Authors: Titus‐Lay Erika N. , Jaynes Heather A. , Tomaselli Muensterman Elena , Ott Carol A. , Walroth Todd A. , Williams Gabriela , Moe Paul R. , Wilbrandt Michelle , Tisdale James E. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractStudy ObjectiveMethadone is associated with QT interval prolongation and torsades de pointes. Expert panel recommendations advocate a pre‐methadone electrocardiogram (ECG) and another ECG at 30 days of therapy in patients with risk factors. Some guidelines recommend a pre‐methadone ECG and routine ECG monitoring in all methadone patients, but this is controversial due to the resources required. Availability of a convenient, less resource‐intensive method of ECG monitoring for patients taking methadone is desirable. The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of a handheld smartphone ECG (iECG) for QT measurement in patients on maintenance methadone therapy in an urban opioid treatment program.DesignProspective study.SettingUrban opioid treatment program.Patientsn = 115 patients in normal sinus rhythm who were on steady‐state maintenance methadone therapyInterventionPatients (n = 115) underwent a simultaneous 12‐lead ECG and a single‐lead iECG.Measurements and Main ResultsThe first three QT and RR intervals from lead II of the 12‐lead ECG and simulated lead I from the iECG were compared using the Bland‐Altman analysis of measurement agreement. Mean [± standard deviation) age was 34 ± 11 years; 71% were female, 75% were white. Compared to the 12‐lead ECG, the iECG was associated with a QTc bias of ‐ 0.14 ms (SD = 12 ms, 95% CI = ‐2.4 to 2.1 ms). The absolute mean difference in QTc between the two methods was 9.5 ± 7.1 ms. For identification of patients with methadone‐associated QTc prolongation, the iECG performed moderately well [c‐statistic 0.97 (95% CI 0.91–0.99); sensitivity and specificity 75% (95% CI 43–95%) and 99% (95% CI 94–99%), respectively]. The positive and negative likelihood ratios of the iECG for identifying patients with methadone‐associated QTc prolongation were 77.25 (95% CI 10.69 to 558.18) and 0.25 (95% CI 0.09 to 0.67), respectively, while the positive and negative predictive values were 90% (95% CI 56–99%) and 97% (95% CI 92–99%), respectively. The accuracy of the iECG for identifying patients with QTc prolongation was 97% (95% CI 91–99%).ConclusionA handheld smartphone ECG is accurate for QT interval measurement in patients taking maintenance methadone therapy, and its performance is moderately good for identifying patients with methadone‐associated QTc prolongation.
Measuring fucosylated alpha‐fetoprotein in hepatocellular carcinoma: A comparison of μTAS and parallel reaction monitoring
Authors: Kim Kwang Hoe , Lee Sang Yoon , Baek Je‐Hyun , Lee Soo‐Youn , Kim Jin Young , Yoo Jong Shin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPurposeFucosylation of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) is closely correlated with the diagnosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In current, a micro‐total analysis system (μTAS) using immunoassay has been developed for determining fucosylated AFPExperimental DesignWe compared two analytical methods, μTAS and liquid chromatography‐parallel reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (LC‐PRM MS), for the measurement of fucosylated AFP in serum to evaluate the usefulness of the results. For this purpose, serum samples were used (cirrhosis, n = 105; HCC, n = 105), and we have discussed the analytical performance of these two methodsResultsWe observed a correlation (R2 = 0.84) between LC‐PRM MS and μTAS using samples where fucosylated levels were measured by both methods. The fucosylated level of AFP by LC‐PRM MS better differentiated between cirrhosis and HCC patients than those by μTAS (AUC = 0.910 vs. 0.861), particularly in subgroups with a level of total AFP < 20 ng/mL (0.973 vs. 0.874) and in early stage (I and II) patients (0.922 vs. 0.835)Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceFrom this comparative study we can suggest that the LC‐PRM MS is applicable in the measurement of fucosylated AFP from human serum and is more useful for early diagnosis of HCC.Clinical RelevanceFucosylation of AFP is used for the detection of HCC. A micro‐total analysis system (μTAS) has been only developed for measuring fucosylation of AFP in clinical research. This study reports the fucosylation of AFP in human serum samples from cirrhosis and HCC patients using the μTAS and a LC‐PRM MS to evaluate fucosylation of AFP from each method. As a result, LC‐PRM MS is complementary to the conventional μTAS method. Furthermore, LC‐PRM MS provides a higher diagnostic accuracy than the μTAS in patients with low AFP levels and an early stage.
Efficacy of chemotherapy versus chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced endometrial cancer: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Xiang Xiaoyong , Wang Jing , Ding Zhen 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis meta‐analysis evaluates the efficacy of chemoradiotherapy versus chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced endometrial cancer (EC).MethodsA systematic search in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was performed, according to the PRISMA statement, for the past 10 years to May 28 2020 to identify studies on chemoradiotherapy versus chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced EC. Two independent observers evaluated the identified studies. The obtained data were analyzed using the RevMan 5.3 software.ResultsFive studies involving 1346 patients with locally advanced EC were identified and included in this meta‐analysis according to the inclusion criteria. All studies reported the recurrence‐free survival, and found that patients who received chemoradiotherapy had a better recurrence‐free survival than those who received chemotherapy only (hazard ratio 1.53, 95% confidence interval 1.01–2.05, P < 0. Data on overall survival were provided in three studies; the meta‐analysis showed that patients who received chemoradiotherapy had a better overall survival than those who received chemotherapy only (hazard ratio 1.80, 95% confidence interval 1.07–2.53; P < 0.001), and their difference was significant. Toxicity details were reported in the Gynecologic Oncology Group‐258 trial. In summary, constitutional symptoms, fatigue, gastrointestinal events, renal or genitourinary events, and musculoskeletal events were more frequent in patients who received chemoradiotherapy, whereas hematological adverse events were more frequent and more severe in those who received chemotherapy only.ConclusionsThe meta‐analysis showed that patients receiving chemoradiotherapy had a better overall survival and recurrence‐free survival than those who received chemotherapy only. Large‐scale randomized controlled trials are necessary for the future.
Effects of dosing frequency on the clinical efficacy of ampicillin/sulbactam in Japanese elderly patients with pneumonia: A single‐center retrospective observational study
Authors: Suzuki Tomokazu , Sugiyama Erika , Nozawa Kenji , Tajima Masataka , Takahashi Kyoka , Yoshii Masayoshi , Suzuki Hidenori , Sato Vilasinee H. , Sato Hitoshi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study sought to investigate whether dosing frequency (the number of doses per day) affects the antimicrobial efficacy and safety of ampicillin/sulbactam (ABPC/SBT) in Japanese elderly pneumonia patients treated with ABPC/SBT at 6 g/day. This was a retrospective observational study that included hospitalized elderly patients (aged ≥75 years, 10 ml/min ≤CLcr <50 ml/min) who received 3 g every 12 h (BID; n = 61) or 1.5 g every 6 h (QID; n = 45) for the treatment of pneumonia. The primary endpoint was clinical response, assessed by measuring body temperature, white blood cell count, and C‐reactive protein levels. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic simulations were conducted in silico to rationalize the clinical findings. The clinical response rates (extremely effective and effective) in the BID and QID groups were 36.1% and 55.6%, respectively (p = .0459). QID tended to be more effective in patients with gram‐negative rods detected (p = .0563). According to the simulated minimum plasma ABPC concentrations at steady state for BID and QID were 2.5 and 7.3 μg/ml, respectively (p < .0001). Based on the simulated time above minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), pharmacological (not clinical) efficacy was predicted to be higher with QID. Both groups had similar safety profiles. The main adverse event in both groups was liver damage. The present retrospective survey demonstrated that ABPC/SBT treatment for elderly patients with pneumonia and renal dysfunction was more effective with QID than with BID. Therefore, the QID regimen is worthy of consideration to improve the clinical outcomes of ABPC/SBT therapy in the present patient population.
Quantum State Transfer with Seamless Frequency‐Connection Through Diamond Optomechanical Cavity
Authors: Hao He , Shan Lingxiao , Zhang Qi , Yu Xiao‐Chong , Gong Qihuang , Gu Ying 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHigh‐fidelity quantum state transfer, lying in the heart of the scalable quantum network, requires the frequency linkage among different quantum elements. Here, a protocol of quantum state transfer with seamless frequency‐connection between the solid spin and phonon as well as between arbitrary frequency and telecom photons through the diamond optomechanical cavity is proposed. When the diamond optomechanical cavity acts as a quantum node of the network, within each node, the spin state can map to the phonon state with arbitrary frequency via the sideband transition between spins and phonons, and simultaneously such phonon state can convert to photon state without any frequency selection through optomechanical interaction. Furthermore, the communication among quantum nodes is implemented by the evanescent field of nanofiber. The scheme not only enables universal scalable quantum networks for using robust quantum spins, but also offers a paradigm of the building block for optical quantum communications.
Accelerated quantitative feedback theory interval automatic loop shaping algorithm
Authors: Martínez‐Forte Isaac , Cervera Joaquín 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe quest for an efficient quantitative feedback theory (QFT) Automatic Loop Shaping algorithm is an open research problem. Different approaches have been adopted in the literature to efficiently solve this optimization problem, which is computationally hard due to its nonlinear and nonconvex nature. The first algorithms focused on different forms of simplification of the original problem, leading to faster but not accurate results. Stochastic algorithms have been another popular way of dealing with the complexity of this problem. These algorithms are faster than an exhaustive search, but do not guarantee, in general, the globally optimal solution. A third, more recent, approach, consists of using interval analysis global search algorithms, which are able to accurately solve the original problem, and are very suitable for execution speed optimization. In this work, one of these algorithms is taken as a basis to propose and develop an improved algorithm which is more efficient in terms of the execution time needed to solve a given problem. This improved efficiency is achieved by using two new information sources: Phase information and feasible boxes information. The main contribution of this work is to propose the use of these two new information sources to reduce execution time and to integrate this idea in the original algorithm. Their individual and joint associated speedups are measured by solving two classical QFT example problems: Matlab® QFT Toolbox example 2 and ACC '90 benchmark problem. The results show that the new algorithm's performance is significantly better.
Trajectory tracking control of spatial underactuated vehicles
Authors: Fetzer Karl L. , Nersesov Sergey G. , Ashrafiuon Hashem 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA common approach to control of underactuated vehicles is a prelude to cooperative control of heterogeneous networks. This article presents a novel nonlinear trajectory tracking control framework for general three‐dimensional models of underactuated vehicles with twelve states and four control inputs, including underwater, air, and space vehicles. Given a desired reference trajectory for four of the six degrees of freedom, feasible state trajectories are generated using the second‐order nonholonomic constraints in the vehicle equations of motion. A novel transformation is then introduced to formulate the error dynamics in a simplified form. The error dynamics is stabilized using a traditional nonlinear control approach. The control law is shown to uniformly asymptotically stabilize all six pose states assuming bounded unknown uncertainties and disturbances. Adaptation of the method to underwater vehicles is presented along with simulation under highly nonlinear conditions. The approach is also applied to quadrotors and both simulation and experimental results are presented.
Low frequency Lagrange stabilization for pendulum‐like systems
Authors: Li Peng , Wang Yijing , Zuo Zhiqiang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this article, the low frequency Lagrange stabilization issue is investigated for a pendulum‐like system. To this end, an H∞ control method is developed for converting the frequency‐domain stabilization condition into an H∞ norm bound requirement in low frequency domain. With the aid of a generalized Kalman‐Yakubovich‐Popov (KYP) lemma, time‐domain matrix inequality conditions are derived to assure both pendulum‐like and low frequency Lagrange stability properties for the closed‐loop system. Furthermore, an output feedback Lagrange stabilization controller is constructed via feasible solutions of a certain set of linear matrix inequalities. An illustrative example is provided to verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed controller.