bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Opioid prescribing patterns among otolaryngologists: Crucial insights among the medicare population
Authors: Svider Peter F. , Arianpour Khashayar , Guo Eric , Folbe Elana , Zuliani Giancarlo , Lin Hosheng , Eloy Jean Anderson , Folbe Adam J. 
Published: February 2018

Objectives/HypothesisThere has been growing recognition of the roles prescription drug misuse and diversion play in facilitating the ongoing opioid epidemic. Our objective was to evaluate opioid prescription patterns among practicing otolaryngologists.Study DesignRetrospective review of a CMS database.MethodsMedicare Part D beneficiary data (2015) were accessed for a list of otolaryngologists. Opioid prescription rates, amount, and supply were calculated. Factors including board certification, experience, gender, and location were obtained for the 9,068 unique otolaryngologists represented in this dataset.ResultsIn 2015, otolaryngologists wrote 133,779 opioid prescriptions for 922,806 days (6.9 days/per prescription). The majority was for hydrocodone‐acetaminophen (64.0%). Most otolaryngologists (51.2%) prescribed ≤ 10 opioids; 6.1% offered > 50 opioid prescriptions. Men wrote more prescriptions on average. Opioid prescription rates were greatest in the Midwest (4.6%) and least in the Northeast (1.8%), and the highest/lowest rates were in Delaware (8.6%) and New York (1.3%). Midcareer (11 –20 years) otolaryngologists were most likely to write >50 prescriptions. The opioid prescription rate declined with greater experience.ConclusionsOpioid prescriptions written by otolaryngologists may play a significant role in the availability of these agents, as otolaryngologists wrote nearly 1 million days worth of opioids to Medicare beneficiaries in 2015. Although the majority of otolaryngologists write fewer than 11 prescriptions annually, those writing more prescriptions also write lengthier courses. There is significant geographic variation in prescribing patterns, highlighting a lack of consensus, and midcareer otolaryngologists are more aggressive in offering opioids. These findings highlight an urgent need for strengthening educational resources aimed at minimizing unnecessary prescriptions.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, 128:1576–1581, 2018
Vestibulo‐ocular reflex gain values in the suppression head impulse test of healthy subjects
Authors: Rey‐Martinez Jorge , Thomas‐Arrizabalaga Izaskun , Espinosa‐Sanchez Juan Manuel , Batuecas‐Caletrio Angel , Trinidad‐Ruiz Gabriel , Matiño‐Soler Eusebi , Perez‐Fernandez Nicolas 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveTo assess whether there are differences in vestibulo‐ocular reflex (VOR) gain for suppression head impulse (SHIMP) and head impulse (HIMP) video head impulse test paradigms, and if so, what are their causes.MethodsProspective multicenter observational double‐blind nonrandomized clinical study was performed by collecting 80 healthy subjects from four reference hospitals. SHIMP data was postprocessed to eliminate impulses in which early SHIMP saccades were detected. Differences between HIMP and SHIMP VOR gain values were statistically evaluated. Head impulse maximum velocity, gender, age, direction of impulse, and hospital center were considered as possible influential factors.ResultsA small significant statistical difference between HIMP and SHIMP VOR gain values was found on repeated measures analysis of variance (−0.05 ± 0.006, P < 0.001). Optimized linear model showed a significant influence of age variable on the observed differences for HIMP and SHIMP gain values and did not find influence between gain values differences and maximum head impulse velocity. Both HIMP and SHIMP VOR gain values were significant lower (−0.09, P < 0.001) when the impulses were performed to the left side.ConclusionWe had observed a difference in SHIMP and HIMP gain values not adequately explained by known gain modification factors. The persistence of this slight but significant difference indicates that there are more factors causing lower SHIMP VOR gain values. This difference must to be considered in further studies as well as in the clinical SHIMP testing protocols. We hypothesized that VOR phasic response inhibition could be the underlying cause of this difference.Level of Evidence2b. Laryngoscope, 128:2383–2389, 2018
Uncultivated stromal vascular fraction is equivalent to adipose‐derived stem and stromal cells on porous polyurethrane scaffolds forming adipose tissue in vivo
Authors: Griessl Michael , Buchberger Anna‐Maria , Regn Sybille , Kreutzer Kilian , Storck Katharina 
Published: February 2018

Objectives/HypothesisTo find an alternative approach to contemporary techniques in tissue augmentation and reconstruction, tissue engineering strategies aim to involve adipose‐derived stem and stromal cells (ASCs) harboring a strong differentiation potential into various tissue types such as bone, cartilage, and fat.Study DesignAnimal research.MethodsThe stromal vascular fraction (SVF) was used directly as a cell source to provide a potential alternative to contemporary ASC‐based adipose tissue engineering. Seeded in TissuCol fibrin, we applied ASCs or SVF cells to porous, degradable polyurethane (PU) scaffolds.ResultsWe successfully demonstrated the in vivo generation of volume‐stable, well‐vascularized PU‐based constructs containing host‐derived mature fat pads. Seeded human stem cells served as modulators of host‐cell migration rather than differentiating themselves. We further demonstrated that preliminary culture of SVF cells was not necessary.ConclusionsOur results bring adipose tissue engineering, together with automated processing devices, closer to clinical applicability. The time‐consuming and cost‐intensive culture and induction of the ASCs is not necessary.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, 128:E206–E213, 2018
Three‐dimensional reciprocal space x‐ray coherent scattering tomography of two‐dimensional object
Authors: Zhu Zheyuan , Pang Shuo 
Published: February 2018

PurposeX‐ray coherent scattering tomography is a powerful tool in discriminating biological tissues and bio‐compatible materials. Conventional x‐ray scattering tomography framework can only resolve isotropic scattering profile under the assumption that the material is amorphous or in powder form, which is not true especially for biological samples with orientation‐dependent structure. Previous tomography schemes based on x‐ray coherent scattering failed to preserve the scattering pattern from samples with preferred orientations, or required elaborated data acquisition scheme, which could limit its application in practical settings. Here, we demonstrate a simple imaging modality to preserve the anisotropic scattering signal in three‐dimensional reciprocal (momentum transfer) space of a two‐dimensional sample layer.MethodsBy incorporating detector movement along the direction of x‐ray beam, combined with a tomographic data acquisition scheme, we match the five dimensions of the measurements with the five dimensions (three in momentum transfer domain, and two in spatial domain) of the object. We employed a collimated pencil beam of a table‐top copper‐anode x‐ray tube, along with a panel detector to investigate the feasibility of our method.ResultsWe have demonstrated x‐ray coherent scattering tomographic imaging at a spatial resolution ~2 mm and momentum transfer resolution 0.01 Å−1 for the rotation‐invariant scattering direction. For any arbitrary, non‐rotation‐invariant direction, the same spatial and momentum transfer resolution can be achieved based on the spatial information from the rotation‐invariant direction. The reconstructed scattering profile of each pixel from the experiment is consistent with the x‐ray diffraction profile of each material. The three‐dimensional scattering pattern recovered from the measurement reveals the partially ordered molecular structure of Teflon wrap in our sample.ConclusionsWe extend the applicability of conventional x‐ray coherent scattering tomography to the reconstruction of two‐dimensional samples with anisotropic scattering profile by introducing additional degree of freedom on the detector. The presented method has the potential to achieve low‐cost, high‐specificity material discrimination based on x‐ray coherent scattering.
Development and clinical characterization of a novel 2041 liquid‐filled ionization chambers array for high‐resolution verification of radiotherapy treatments
Authors: Brualla‐González Luis , Vázquez‐Luque Aurelio , Zapata Martín , González‐Castaño Diego Miguel , Luna‐Vega Víctor , Guiu‐Souto Jacobo , Prieto‐Pena Juan , García Trinitat , Granero Domingo , Vicedo Aurora , Rosellò Joan , Pombar Miguel , Gómez Faustino , Pardo‐Montero Juan 
Published: February 2018

PurposeThe aim of this study was to present a novel 2041 liquid‐filled ionization chamber array for high‐resolution verification of radiotherapy treatments.Materials and MethodsThe prototype has 2041 ionization chambers of 2.5 × 2.5 mm2 area filled with isooctane. The detection elements are arranged in a central square grid of 43 × 43, totally covering an area of 107.5 × 107.5 mm2. The central inline and cross‐line are extended to 227 mm and the diagonals to 321 mm to be able to perform profile measurements of large fields. We have studied stability, pixel response uniformity, dose rate dependence, depth and field size dependence and anisotropy. We present results for output factors, tongue‐and‐groove, garden fence, small field profiles, irregular fields, and verification of dose planes of patient treatments.ResultsComparison with other detectors used for small field dosimetry (SFD, CC13, microDiamond) has shown good agreement. Output factors measured with the device for square fields ranging from 10 × 10 to 100 × 100 mm2 showed relative differences within 1%. The response of the detector shows a strong dependence on the angle of incident radiation that needs to be corrected for. On the other hand, inter‐pixel relative response variations in the 0.95–1.08 range have been found and corrected for. The application of the device for the verification of dose planes of several treatments has shown gamma passing rates above 97% for tolerances of 2% and 2 mm. The verification of other clinical fields, like small fields and irregular fields used in the commissioning of the TPS, also showed large passing rates. The verification of garden fence and tongue‐and‐groove fields was affected by volume‐averaging effects.ConclusionsThe results show that the liquid filled ionization chamber prototype here presented is appropriate for the verification of radiotherapy treatments with high spatial resolution. Recombination effects do not affect very much the verification of relative dose distributions. However, verification of absolute dose distributions may require normalization to a radiation field which is representative of the dose rate of the treatment delivered.
A 12‐h combined physical and psychological treatment programme for patients with persistent back pain
Authors: Rogers David , Nightingale Peter , Gardner Adrian 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis service evaluation analysed the long‐term clinical outcomes, as measured by the Pain Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), of a 12‐h group‐based, multidisciplinary, combined physical and psychological treatment programme for patients with persistent back pain in a secondary care setting. Between April 2012 and December 2015, 373 patients attended the programme, with outcome measures obtained for 272 patients post‐treatment. We randomly selected 120 patients who had completed treatment, for long‐term outcome measurement follow‐up, and gained outcome measures for 40 patients in total. At a median follow‐up of 27 months post‐treatment, the results demonstrated significant improvements in both clinical outcome measures. We conclude that a brief combined physical and psychological treatment programme appears to be effective at reducing back disability and pain self‐efficacy, with improvements maintained in the longer term
Enteral Nutrition for Pediatric Crohn's Disease: An Underutilized Therapy
Authors: Shaikhkhalil Ala K. , Crandall Wallace 
Published: February 2018

AbstractEnteral nutrition (EN) for the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD) involves administration of a liquid nutrition product, administered orally or through tube feeding, while excluding typical dietary components. It is a safe and effective, but largely underused, therapy in the United States as a treatment for CD. EN is a particularly attractive option for pediatric CD as it avoids side effects of corticosteroids, improves growth, and may have a higher likelihood of achieving mucosal healing than some traditional medications. However, there are multiple real and perceived barriers to its use among providers. A comprehensive approach to addressing these barriers to EN may result in its increased use. This paper reviews the literature on the efficacy of EN, methods of utilization, and potential barriers and solutions to those barriers.
Greening of business: A step towards sustainability
Authors: Viswanathan Lakshmi , Varghese George 
Published: February 2018

The rising awareness of consumers regarding the adverse effects of the ever increasing ecological footprint has given rise to green consumerism. The idea is often encouraged but it can be enhanced only by a collective effort of consumers, firms, and governments. The article builds on the existing literature on green consumerism where it is, by and large, misconceived to be unidirectional—such that the burden of reducing human impressions on ecosystem falls only on the shoulders of consumers. The study reasons about the need for consumer initiatives to be supported with relevant policies and regulations from the government and through socially responsible corporate actions.The authors explore multiple dimensions of green consumerism and analyze in detail the scope and reach of green business practices in our ongoing strive to sustainability. The article highlights the actions required from the firms to make use of the opportunities provided by green consumerist ideas and the evolving consumer base. It explores the ways in which a business can adopt to become socially responsible by reaching green consumers. The article further identifies the need and impact of green marketing for eco‐friendly products, to penetrate to the expanding consumer base.
A novel tissue‐based ß‐catenin gene and immunohistochemical analysis to exclude familial adenomatous polyposis among children with hepatoblastoma tumors
Authors: Dubbink Hendrikus J. , Hollink Iris H.I.M. , Avenca Valente Carolina , Wang Wenhui , Liu Pengyu , Doukas Michail , van Noesel Max M. , Dinjens Winand N.M. , Wagner Anja , Smits Ron 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe Wnt/β‐catenin pathway plays a central role in the pathogenesis of most hepatoblastomas (HBs), that is, up to 60–80% carry activating CTNNB1 mutations. HBs can however also be the first manifestation of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). As this is a severe disease, it is important for the patient and related family members to firmly exclude FAP at an early stage. Current diagnosis largely depends on APC germline mutation detection on genomic DNA, which is associated with 10–20% false‐negative results. Here, we establish and validate a tissue‐based β‐catenin gene and immunohistochemical analysis, which complements germline mutation screening to exclude the diagnosis of FAP among HB patients.MethodsTumor tissues of 18 HB patients, including three FAP cases were subjected to CTNNB1 exon 3 mutational analysis and immunohistochemistry comparing staining patterns for total and exon 3 specific β‐catenin antibodies.ResultsOur novel tissue‐based method reliably identified all three FAP patients. Their tumors were characterized by a wild‐type exon 3 sequence and a comparable nuclear staining for both antibodies. In contrast, the non‐FAP tumors carried missense CTNNB1 mutations combined with a clearly reduced staining for the exon 3 antibody, or complete loss of staining in case of lesions with exon 3 deletions.ConclusionWe have successfully established and validated a novel ß‐catenin gene and immunohistochemical diagnostic method, which, when combined with routine germline DNA testing, allows the exclusion of the diagnosis of FAP among HB patients.
Cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A/B gene deletions are markers of poor prognosis in Indian children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Agarwal Manisha , Bakhshi Sameer , Dwivedi Sadanand N. , Kabra Madhulika , Shukla Rashmi , Seth Rachna 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundCyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A/B (CDKN2A/B) genes are implicated in many malignancies including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). These tumor suppressor genes, with a key regulatory role in cell cycle are located on chromosome 9p21.3. Previous studies involving CDKN2A/B gene deletions have shown mixed associations with survival outcome in childhood ALL.ProcedureHundred and four newly diagnosed children with ALL (1–14 years) were enrolled in this study. Genomic DNA from pretreatment bone marrow/peripheral blood samples of these children was investigated for copy number alterations in CDKN2A/B genes using multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification assay. Immunophenotype subtyping and cytogenetic and molecular analysis of ALL was performed at start of induction chemotherapy in all children. Children were monitored for response to prednisolone (Day 8), complete morphological remission, and minimal residual disease at the end of induction. The minimum postinduction follow‐up period was 6 months.ResultsCDKN2A/B deletions were seen in 19.8% (18/91) of B lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL) and 38.5% (5/13) of T lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL). Monoallelic CDKN2A/B deletions were found in 61.1% of total deletions in B‐ALL while all the children with T‐ALL harbored biallelic deletions. The prevalence of CDKN2A/B gene deletions was found to be significantly higher in older children (P = 0.002), in those with higher leukocyte count (P = 0.037), and in National Cancer Institute high risk group patients (P = 0.001) in the B‐ALL subgroup. Hazard ratio was significantly high for children with CDKN2A/B deletions in total cohort (P = 0.004). Children with CDKN2A/B deletion had significantly lesser event free survival (P = 0.03).ConclusionsCDKN2A/B deletions were significantly more prevalent in T‐ALL subgroup and were found to have higher hazard ratio and lesser event free survival in total cohort in our study.
Resilient collapse of thermal sensitive polymer on the surface of the optical fiber taper
Authors: Zhuang Yiwei , Cui Minxin , Huang Zichao , Zou Gang , Zhang Qijin 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTIn this work, collapse of poly(N‐isopropyl‐acrylamide) (pNIPAM) grafted on the surface of the optical fiber taper is probed by measuring fluorescence of rhodamine B solution at various temperatures. It is observed that the fluorescence intensity through the taper shows a nonlinear response to temperature. According to the optical model for the special designed taper, it is realized that the nonlinear response results from changing in effective refractive index of interfacial layer between taper and solution. Analysis on relationship between signal change and collapse process reveals a springback process during the collapse of pNIPAM chains. Such a novel phenomenon is further investigated on method for fluorescence measurement and molecular weight of the polymer. These results have not only revealed details of the collapse, but also establish a novel technique for study the collapse of thermal sensitive polymers on the surface. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 778–785
Authentic science with citizen science and student‐driven science fair projects
Authors: Koomen Michele Hollingsworth , Rodriguez Elizabeth , Hoffman Alissa , Petersen Cindy , Oberhauser Karen 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis study reports on the process and development of middle school science fair projects inspired by a summer science program of citizen science monitoring (Monarch Larvae Monitoring Project) with their classroom teacher. We gathered and analyzed qualitative data (interviews, focus groups, and project boards). Our analysis revealed three key findings: (1) the process of developing and completing a student‐driven investigation for a science fair engages students in the scientific practices envisioned by the Next Generation Science Standards, (2) citizen science served as a springboard for the development of authentic participation in science, and (3) there are dual roles of a teacher as both mentor and master. Our findings have important implications for science education and student science fairs.
DFT Study on the Gas‐Phase Potential Energy Surface Crossing Mechanism of ZnO Formation from Diethylzinc and Triplet Oxygen during Metal‐Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Gan Hanlin , Wang Chaoyang , Li Jian , Gu Feng Long 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMetal‐organic chemical vapor deposition of zinc oxide (ZnO) using diethylzinc (DEZn) and triplet oxygen (3O2) is investigated at density functional theory level. The structures of reactants, transition states, intermediates, products, and the possible spin conversion points where singlet and triplet potential energy surfaces (PES) crossing have been determined at B3LYP/6‐311G(d) level of theory. The Zn−C bonds are generally considered as the weakest bonds in DEZn, however, the first dissociated bond of DEZn during the oxidation by triplet oxygen is calculated to be the C−H bonds of methyl groups. The reaction is proposed to occur on the triplet PES through a spin conversion points, and to generate zinc hydroxides on the singlet PES. Consequently, the zinc hydroxide tends to organize in oligomers and then dehydrate to generate ZnO clusters. This study could provide theoretical insights for the gas‐phase oxidation mechanism of DEZn by 3O2. We provide the evidence theoretically that the initial reaction inferred from the present computational results is inconsistent with that proposed by the experiment, which includes a coordination of oxygen to the metal atom and shift of an ethyl group from metal to oxygen.
Lithium Bis(fluorosulfony)imide‐Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Binary‐Salt Electrolytes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Aluminum Corrosion Behaviors and Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Xia Lan , Jiang Yabei , Pan Yueyang , Li Shiqi , Wang Jason , He Yiting , Xia Yonggao , Liu Zhaoping , Chen George Z. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAluminum corrosion behaviors and electrochemical properties of Lithium bis(fluorosulfony)imide (LiFSI)‐lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) binary‐salt electrolytes containing mixtures of LiFSI and LiPF6 (with a total salt content of 1.2 mol L−1) with different molar ratios in EC/EMC (3:7, by vol.) solutions are systematically investigated. Our experimental results from cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), chronoamperometry and the charge‐discharge measurements of Li/LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 half‐cells demonstrate that the LiFSI‐LiPF6 binary‐salt electrolytes with the LiFSI concentrations lower than 0.3 mol L−1 exhibit not only passivating aluminum current collectors at 4.3 V vs. Li+/Li, but also improved cycling performance. Meanwhile, Artificial Graphite/LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 (AG/NMC111) pouch cells made with the LiFSI(0.2)‐LiPF6 (1.0) electrolyte with the LiFSI concentration of 0.2 mol L−1 display an excellent cycling stability with 93.9% capacity retention at 1 C rate after 360 cycles, and enhanced capacity retention at −20 °C, 60 °C and after 55 °C storage for 30 days compared to cells with 1.2 mol L−1 LiPF6/EC‐EMC conventional electrolyte. This work confirms that binary‐salt electrolytes system, such as LiFSI‐LiPF6, may be a promising method to enhance the longevity and storage properties of Li‐ion batteries.