bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ovarian HBV replication following ovulation induction in female hepatitis B carriers undergoing IVF treatment: A prospective observational study
Authors: Mak Jennifer Sze Man , Lao Terence T. , Leung Maran Bo Wah , Chung Cathy Hoi Sze , Chung Jacqueline Pui Wah , Cheung Lai Ping , Li Tin‐Chiu 
Published: September 2019

AbstractHepatitis B virus (HBV) can be found in ovarian tissues. This study compared HBV DNA levels in follicular fluid collected during oocyte retrieval with paired serum samples in HBV carriers after ovarian stimulation during IVF treatment for infertility. Sixty‐four HBV carrier women referred to the Assisted Reproductive Units of two Hong Kong hospitals were recruited. At oocyte retrieval, the follicular fluid aspirated from the first follicle was collected for study. In 22 women, the first follicular fluid sample from both ovaries was similarly collected and studied. These women were also tested for liver function test and HBeAg. In 28 (43.8%) women, HBV DNA was detected in follicular fluid and the level correlated with serum levels (Spearman's correlation P < .001). There was concordant detection of HBV DNA in both ovaries, and the levels were significantly correlated (Spearman's correlation P = .029). In 40% of women with FF HBV DNA, the follicular fluid:serum ratio was >1.0, suggesting stimulation of HBV replication. These women also had significantly different liver function test results. Increased HBV replication exists in 40% of women with HBV DNA detected in follicular undergoing ovarian stimulation during IVF treatment.
Self‐Processes of Acceptance, Compassion, and Regulation of Learning in University Students with Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD
Authors: Willoughby David , Evans Mary Ann 
Published: September 2019

AbstractUniversity students with a learning disability (LD) represent a growing fraction of the student population within North America. Although past research has focused on cognitive aspects of living with an LD and/or attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), social–emotional factors have received less attention. Such factors may play an important role in self‐regulation of learning. This study investigated the relations among self‐compassion, self‐acceptance of an LD, and self‐regulated learning in university students with an LD and/or ADHD. Participants were 78 university students who self‐identified as possessing an LD and/or ADHD. Variables were measured using an online questionnaire. These students had lower self‐compassion scores than found by researchers in other studies. Correlational analyses revealed significant associations among self‐acceptance of an LD, self‐compassion, and self‐regulated learning.
Relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and muscle quality as well as quantity evaluated by computed tomography
Authors: Tanaka Muhei , Okada Hiroshi , Hashimoto Yoshitaka , Kumagai Muneaki , Nishimura Hiromi , Oda Yohei , Fukui Michiaki 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackground & AimsSarcopenia is reported to be associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Evaluation of skeletal muscle attenuation and area by computed tomography (CT) may represent a promising approach for evaluation of the risk of NAFLD. We examined the association between skeletal muscle characteristics and NAFLD and investigated the combined effect of these parameters on the prevalence of NAFLD.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, we analysed data from 632 middle‐aged Japanese subjects without daily alcohol intake (353 men and 279 women) from a cohort of employees undergoing annual health examinations. The cross‐sectional skeletal muscle area was evaluated on the basis of CT data at the level of the third lumbar vertebrae, and the skeletal muscle index (SMI) and density (SMD) were calculated. The subjects were divided into four study groups according to their SMI and SMD relative to median values.ResultsOne hundred forty men and forty‐three women had NAFLD. Total SMI (odds ratio [OR] per 1.0 cm2/kg/m2increase 0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.29‐0.64 in men and OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.10‐0.42 in women) and total SMD (OR, per 1.0 Hounsfield Unit increase 0.88, 95% CI 0.83‐0.93 in men and 0.88, 0.82‐0.95 in women) were significantly associated with the prevalence of NAFLD after adjusting for covariates. The subgroup with simultaneous presence of low SMI and low SMD was associated with a significantly higher prevalence of NAFLD compared with other groups.ConclusionsBoth SMI and SMD are independently associated with the prevalence of NAFLD.
The Loz1 transcription factor from Schizosaccharomyces pombe binds to Loz1 response elements and represses gene expression when zinc is in excess
Authors: Wilson Stevin , Liu Yi‐Hsuan , Cardona‐Soto Carlos , Wadhwa Vibhuti , Foster Mark P. , Bird Amanda J. 
Published: September 2019

SummaryIn Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the expression of the zrt1 zinc uptake gene is tightly regulated by zinc status. When intracellular zinc levels are low, zrt1 is highly expressed. However, when zinc levels are high, transcription of zrt1 is blocked in a manner that is dependent upon the transcription factor Loz1. To gain additional insight into the mechanism by which Loz1 inhibits gene expression in high zinc, we used RNA‐seq to identify Loz1‐regulated genes, and ChIP‐seq to analyze the recruitment of Loz1 to target gene promoters. We find that Loz1 is recruited to the promoters of 27 genes that are also repressed in high zinc in a Loz1‐dependent manner. We also find that the recruitment of Loz1 to the majority of target gene promoters is dependent upon zinc and the motif 5ʹ‐CGN(A/C)GATCNTY‐3ʹ, which we have named the Loz1 response element (LRE). Using reporter assays, we show that LREs are both required and sufficient for Loz1‐mediated gene repression, and that the level of gene repression is dependent upon the number and sequence of LREs. Our results elucidate the Loz1 regulon in fission yeast and provide new insight into how eukaryotic cells are able to respond to changes in zinc availability in the environment.
Role of major facilitator superfamily transporter Qdr2p in biofilm formation by Candida glabrata
Authors: Widiasih Widiyanto Tria , Chen Xinyue , Iwatani Shun , Chibana Hiroji , Kajiwara Susumu 
Published: September 2019

SummaryCandida glabrata represents the second‐most frequent cause of candidiasis infections of the mucosa, bloodstream and genito‐urinary tract in immunocompromised individuals. The incidence of C glabrata infection has increased significantly in the last two decades, mainly due to this species’ abilities to resist various antifungal drugs and to form biofilms. We focused on the relationship between biofilm formation and the product of QDR2, a C glabrata member of the major facilitator superfamily (MFS) gene family, given that fungal biofilm formation limits drug penetration and is associated with persistent infection. The fungal cells in biofilms were compared between a C glabrata ∆qdr2 mutant and its wild‐type strain. Cells were analysed for metabolism activity and drug susceptibility (using tetrazolium assay), adhesion activity, growth assay and intracellular pH (using flow cytometry). Compared to the wild type, the C glabrata ∆qdr2 showed lower adhesion activity and higher fluconazole susceptibility when assessed as a biofilm. The mutant also showed decreased metabolic activity during biofilm formation. Furthermore, the mutant grew more slowly under neutral‐basic pH conditions. The qdr2 deletion in C glabrata resulted in an impaired ability to maintain pH homeostasis, which led in turn to a reduction of cell growth and of adherence to an artificial matrix. These results suggested that the Qdr2p function is needed for proper biofilm formation and biofilm maintenance in C glabrata as well as biofilm drug resistance towards fluconazole. Qdr2p may play an important role in C glabrata's ability to form biofilms on implanted medical devices in human bodies.
Risk factors for absence of catch‐up growth in small for gestational age very low‐birthweight infants
Authors: Arai Sakiko , Sato Yoshiaki , Muramatsu Hideki , Yamamoto Hidenori , Aoki Fumiko , Okai Yu , Kataoka Shinsuke , Hanada Yu , Hamada Motoharu , Morimoto Yoshihito , Kojima Seiji , Natsume Jun , Takahashi Yoshiyuki ,   Nagoya Collaborative Clinical Research Team
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundMany small for gestational age (SGA) infants have catch‐up growth during the first 2 years of life, but approximately 10% have no catch‐up growth, and short stature continues into adulthood. Identification of risk factors for absence of catch‐up growth at an early age may be useful for earlier diagnosis and earlier treatment.MethodsThis was a retrospective multicenter study. The subjects were SGA infants with very low‐birthweight (VLBW), who were followed up until the age of 3 years. The risk factors for absence of catch‐up growth were identified on statistical analysis.ResultsOf the 217 SGA infants in this study, 181 were in the catch‐up group and 36 were in the no catch‐up group. The catch‐up rate was 83%. On multivariate analysis adjusted for gestational age, birthweight, birth height, and birth head circumference, multipara, Z and ΔZ scores of length at 12 months of corrected age, and the Z score of height at 24 months of corrected age were risk factors for lack of catch‐up at 3 years.ConclusionsThe length Z and ΔZ scores at 12 months of corrected age may be useful for an earlier diagnosis and earlier initiation of growth hormone treatment in VLBW infants.
Nationwide survey of pediatric hypodiploid acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Japan
Authors: Ishimaru Sae , Okamoto Yasuhiro , Imai Chihaya , Sakaguchi Hirotoshi , Taki Tomohiko , Hasegawa Daisuke , Cho Yuko , Kakuda Harumi , Sano Hideki , Manabe Atsushi , Imamura Toshihiko , Kato Motohiro , Arakawa Yuki , Shimonodan Hidemi , Sato Atsushi , Suenobu Souichi , Inukai Takeshi , Watanabe Arata , Kawano Yoshifumi , Kikuta Atsushi , Horibe Keizo , Ohara Akira , Koh Katsuyoshi 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundPloidy is a highly significant prognostic factor for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Children with hypodiploid ALL have poor outcomes despite current intensive chemotherapy. Little has been investigated with regard to hypodiploid ALL in Japanese children.MethodsWe retrospectively collected clinical data on hypodiploid ALL cases from the registries of prospective multicenter trials conducted by the four independent clinical study groups in Japan between 1997 and 2012.ResultsA total of 117 ALL patients with hypodiploidy were analyzed in this study. There were 101, eight, and eight patients with 45, 44, and fewer than 44 chromosomes, respectively. The 5 year overall survival rates differed significantly: 86.0%, 87.5%, and 62.5% for patients with 45, 44, and fewer than 44 chromosomes, respectively (P = 0.037). Of the eight patients with 44 chromosomes, seven were alive, including five patients who maintained complete remission without undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Of the eight patients with fewer than 44 chromosomes, six were good responders to prednisolone and none had induction failure, but the relapse rate was high (5/8). No patients had central nervous system relapse. Four patients underwent HSCT after relapse, but only one survived.ConclusionsOutcomes of Japanese ALL patients with fewer than 44 chromosomes were poor, as previously reported in other countries. Although the sample size was small, patients with 44 chromosomes had better prognoses than those previously reported. Further studies including international collaboration are needed to improve outcomes for pediatric ALL patients with fewer than 44 chromosomes.
Riemann‐Hilbert problem and matrix discrete Painlevé II systems
Authors: Cassatella‐Contra Giovanni A. , Mañas Manuel 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMatrix Szegő biorthogonal polynomials for quasi‐definite matrices of Hölder continuous weights are studied. A Riemann‐Hilbert problem is uniquely solved in terms of the matrix Szegő polynomials and its Cauchy transforms. The Riemann‐Hilbert problem is given as an appropriate framework for the discussion of the Szegő matrix and the associated Szegő recursion relations for the matrix orthogonal polynomials and its Cauchy transforms. Pearson‐type differential systems characterizing the matrix of weights are studied. These are linear systems of ordinary differential equations that are required to have trivial monodromy. Linear ordinary differential equations for the matrix Szegő polynomials and its Cauchy transforms are derived. It is shown how these Pearson systems lead to nonlinear difference equations for the Verblunsky matrices and two examples, of Fuchsian and non‐Fuchsian type, are considered. For both cases, a new matrix version of the discrete Painlevé II equation for the Verblunsky matrices is found. Reductions of these matrix discrete Painlevé II systems presenting locality are discussed.
Vascular ultrasonographic findings in canine patients with clinically diagnosed phlebitis
Authors: Lodzinska Joanna , Leigh Hannah , Parys Magdalena , Liuti Tiziana 
Published: September 2019

AbstractPeripheral vein phlebitis (inflammation) is a relatively frequent complication in dogs, however, published information on the ultrasonographic characteristics is currently lacking. This prospective, observational study describes the ultrasound (US) characteristics of normal canine cephalic veins, and veins with clinical phlebitis. Correlations among US findings and between US findings versus time that the intravenous catheter was in place were investigated. Safety of the US procedure was evaluated. Fifty patients were prospectively recruited for the study and 18 met the final inclusion criteria. Each patient underwent daily US examinations and was assessed for multiple criteria (vascular wall appearance, compressibility, spontaneity of flow, color fill, and presence/absence of filling defects, flow contour, direction, non‐pulsatility). Characteristics of normal canine cephalic veins were as follows: smooth and thin wall, complete compressibility, no flow disturbances, no filling defects, smooth flow contours, and unidirectional, non‐pulsatile flow with no turbulence. Characteristics of cephalic veins with clinical phlebitis were as follows: wall thickening (83%), decreased compressibility (55%), filling defects consistent with intraluminal thrombus (55%), vessel wall hyperechogenicity (44%), and abnormal color Doppler flow (39%). Significant correlations were found between Doppler filling defects and compressibility, Doppler filling defects and presumed thrombosis, and compressibility and presumed thrombosis (P= .001,P= .001,P= .000, respectively). No correlation was found between the US findings and time the intravenous catheter was in place. Findings indicated that duplex and compressibility US are feasible and safe methods for characterizing and monitoring cephalic veins in dogs with clinical phlebitis.
Influence of hairy vetch seed germination and maturation on weediness in subsequent crops
Authors: Pittman K B , Barney J N , Cahoon C W , Flessner M L 
Published: September 2019

SummaryHairy vetch is a widely adopted cover crop in the United States. However, hairy vetch can become weedy in subsequent crops as seeds germinate after the cover crop growing season, which is largely attributed to seed dormancy. We conducted two field experiments to determine seed germination, viability and seed production phenology of two common hairy vetch cultivars in Blacksburg and Blackstone, Virginia, US. ‘Groff’ and ‘Purple Bounty’ seed were sown in October 2015 and May 2016 and germination was tracked until June 2017. Subsequently, ungerminated seeds were tested for viability. Both cultivars had <2% germination after the initial germination period, and <1% of seed recovered was still viable at the end of the experiments. We also conducted experiments to determine when these cultivars produce viable seed. Hairy vetch seeds were counted and tested for germination in the spring. Both cultivars produced seed beginning in late‐May, but most seed were not viable until mid‐June in Virginia. Our results indicate that seed dormancy is not the primary cause of hairy vetch weediness in subsequent crops as nearly all germination, 99% of the total germinated seed, occurred during the cover crop growing season. Also, if complete termination occurs before mid‐June in Virginia, it is unlikely viable seed will be added to the seed bank. To better utilise this cover crop species, cultivar selection and proper termination are important to prevent weediness.
Effect of the Inlet Geometry on the Flow and Heat Transfer Characteristics of Three-Dimensional Wall Jets
Authors: Godi Sangamesh C. , Pattamatta Arvind , Balaji C. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIn this work, fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics of three-dimensional (3D) wall jets exiting from a circular and square opening are presented based on experimental investigations. Two hydraulic diameters, namely, 2.5 and 7.5 mm and a Reynolds number range of 5000–20,000 have been considered. Mean velocity and turbulence intensity distribution in the walljet are quantified using a hot wire anemometry. Measurements are done both along the streamwise and spanwise directions. Transient infrared thermography is used for mapping the temperatures over the surface, and the heat transfer coefficients are estimated using a semi-infinite approximation methodology. Results show that, for circular jets, the effect of the jet diameter on the local and the spanwise-averaged Nusselt number is most pronounced near the jet exit. Further, it is also observed that circular jets have an edge over square jets. A correlation with a high correlation coefficient of 0.95 has been developed for spanwise average Nusselt number as a function of the Reynolds number and the dimensionless streamwise distance.
Design and Evaluation of a Dexterous and Modular Hand-Held Surgical Robot for Minimally Invasive Surgery
Authors: Yang Yingkan , Kong Kang , Li Jianmin , Wang Shuxin , Li Jinhua 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Current surgical instruments with fewer degrees-of-freedom (DOF) for minimally invasive surgery (MIS) have limited capability to perform complicated and precise procedures, such as suturing and knot-tying. To address such a problem, a modular dexterous hand-held surgical robot with an ergonomic handle and 4DOF interchangeable instruments was developed. The kinematic arrangement of the instrument and that of the handle were designed to be the same. A compact roll-yaw-roll transmission was proposed applying cable-driven mechanism. Performance experiments were carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the overall system. The measured grip forces of the robot ranged from 8.63 N to 19.18 N. The suturing performance score of the robot was significantly higher than that of the conventional instrument (28.8 ± 5.02 versus 17.2 ± 7.43, p = 0.041). The trajectory tracking test and animal experiment verified the accuracy and feasibility of the robot. The proposed robot could improve the surgical performance of MIS, providing various end-effectors and having an intuitive interface in the meantime.
Performance Evaluation of Optically Sensorized Tendons for Articulate Surgical Instruments
Authors: Karthikeyan Rohith , Sigmund Kelly , Park Yong-Lae , Ryu Seok Chang 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
This study proposes an optically sensorized force-sensing tendon for minimally invasive surgical instruments. The tendon is composed of a high strength, polarization maintaining (PM) optical fiber with Bragg sensors (FBGs) that negate the cross-sensitivity of conventional FBGs. The PM-FBG fiber is locally reinforced with high stiffness Kevlar that enhances its load carrying capacity while enabling higher curvatures in tendon routing. The composite tendon has a mean diameter of ∼268 μm which preserves the form-factor of instruments within this scope. Importantly, the tendons can improve the functionality of such tools by enabling local force and tissue-resistance estimation. This paper explores the performance of these sensorized tendons in terms of strength, stability, response under dynamic load, friction, and sensitivity as a force measuring tool within an 18 Ga articulate Nitinol (NiTi) cannula (a proxy for potential applications). Results reaffirm the potential of a bi-modal sensing and actuation component within instruments for robotic surgery.
Study of Interaction Patterns Between Evolving Interfaces Due to Boiling Around Different Arrangements of Heated Cylinders
Authors: Darshan M. B. , Kumar Ravi , Das Arup Kumar 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
An effort has been made to numerically study the interactions between the vapor films generating from multiple heated cylinders placed in a saturated water pool with a view to understand the influence of neighboring interface on growth of vapor films. Lagrangian smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) has been used for domain discretization and interface reconstruction. Unconstrained growth of vapor film around a cylinder is simulated first and the nature of vapor dynamics has been taken as a base case for the study of interaction patterns. Vapor growth has been understood through temporal phase contours, azimuthal thickness variation, and trajectory of the centroid of the vapor mass. It has been shown that the presence of cylinder in vertical neighborhood results in suppression of vapor film generating from the bottom cylinder, whereas, the vapor films generating from two cylinders placed in horizontal neighborhood experience a horizontal shift. Studies have also been made to observe multidirectional interactions of vapor films with heated cylinders placed in an inline array, vertically staggered and horizontally staggered arrangements. It has been found that the highest deviation from unconstrained growth occurs in case of the center cylinder in a horizontally staggered arrangement as compared to others. Mutual interaction coefficient and indices are proposed to judge the best possible arrangement in case of a requirement for placement of stacked cylinders.
A Novel Equivalence Approximate Model for Second Law Based Optimization of Three-Fluid Cross-Flow Plate-Fin Heat Exchanger Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Aasi Harpreet Kaur , Mishra Manish 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Number of entropy generation is a significant performance evaluation factor for heat exchanger as it results in trade-off between heat transfer and pressure drop. Optimization of the three-fluid heat exchanger (3−FHX) for minimum number of entropy generation unit requires ε−NTU relation which is unavailable for three-fluid cross-flow heat exchanger due to various complexities involved. A new approximate methodology for the optimization is presented by proving the equivalence of 3−FHX with a coupled two-fluid heat exchanger (2−FHX) followed by using ε−NTU relationship for 2−FHX. The experimental and numerical validation of the equivalence model is presented. Three-fluid cross-flow compact heat exchanger with offset strip fins is optimized for minimum number of entropy generation units using genetic algorithm (GA). Optimum design variables including heat distribution factor are determined for different cross-flow arrangements of 3−FHX with heat duty and pressure drop as constraint for both even and uneven fin dimensions case in all the passages. The present complex model including large number of continuous design variables can be handled well by GA. Validation of the results is carried out by using graphical techniques and very good agreement is observed. Additionally, sensitivity of the heat exchanger dimension has also been checked on the number of entropy generation along with the pressure drop in all the three fluids.