bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of subthalamic nucleus stimulation and levodopa on decision‐making in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Atkinson‐Clement Cyril , Cavazzini Émilie , Zénon Alexandre , Witjas Tatiana , Fluchère Frédérique , Azulay Jean‐Philippe , Baunez Christelle , Eusebio Alexandre 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACTBackgroundParkinson's disease (PD) is frequently associated with behavioral disorders, particularly within the spectrum of motivated behaviors such as apathy or impulsivity. Both pharmacological and neurosurgical treatments have an impact on these impairments. However, there still is controversy as to whether subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN‐DBS) can cause or reduce impulsive behaviors.ObjectivesWe aimed to identify the influence of functional surgery on decision‐making processes in PD.MethodsWe studied 13 PD patients and 13 healthy controls. The experimental task involved squeezing a dynamometer with variable force to obtain rewards of various values under four conditions: without treatment, with l‐dopa or subthalamic stimulation alone, and with both l‐dopa and subthalamic stimulation. Statistical analyses consisted of generalized linear mixed models including treatment condition, reward value, level of effort, and their interactions. We analyzed acceptance rate (the percentage of accepted trials), decision time, and force applied.ResultsComparatively to controls, patients without treatment exhibited lower acceptance rate and force applied. Patients under l‐dopa alone did not exhibit increased acceptance rate. With subthalamic stimulation, either with or without added l‐dopa, all measures were improved so that patients’ behaviors were undistinguishable from healthy controls’.ConclusionsOur study shows that l‐dopa administration does not fully restore cost‐benefit decision‐making processes, whereas STN‐DBS fully normalizes patients’ behaviors. These findings suggest that dopamine is partly involved in cost‐benefit valuation, and that STN‐DBS can have a beneficial effect on motivated behaviors in PD and may improve certain forms of impulsive behaviors. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Helix aspersa as sentinel of development damage for biomonitoring purpose: A validation study
Authors: Carbone Donatella , Faggio Caterina 
Published: January 2019

AbstractEnvironmental health has always been threatened by the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the terrestrial ecosystem, affecting its quality and safety. The aim of this review is to investigate the effects of heavy metal soil contamination, using the land snail Helix aspersa as a bioindicator.
H. aspersa, a common species of land snail present in the area, has been used as a bioindicator of metal contamination and represents a promising ecological indicator. Various land snails species have become popular in microcosm studies because they accumulate high concentrations of certain trace metals. They express contamination as a whole through ingestion of polluted foods, such as live plants, microorganisms, soil, and water and also through cutaneous contact and from the polluted air they breathe. Land snails are considered appropriate sentinel species because trace metals tend to accumulate in their digestive gland to allow biomonitoring of metal pollution. Different experiments demonstrate that exposure in areas chronically polluted with metals, especially with lead, often causes changes in reproduction, with a variation in the mineral composition in the snail's eggs and also in its development, due to increased energy expenses associated with detoxiﬁcation and the excretion process.
Dependence of the MR signal on the magnetic susceptibility of blood studied with models based on real microvascular networks
Authors: Cheng Xiaojun , Berman Avery J.L. , Polimeni Jonathan R. , Buxton Richard B. , Gagnon Louis , Devor Anna , Sakadžić Sava , Boas David A. 
Published: January 2019

PurposeThe primary goal of this study was to estimate the value of , the exponent in the power law relating changes of the transverse relaxation rate and intra‐extravascular local magnetic susceptibility differences as . The secondary objective was to evaluate any differences that might exist in the value of obtained using a deoxyhemoglobin‐weighted distribution versus a constant distribution assumed in earlier computations. The third objective was to estimate the value of β that is relevant for methods based on susceptibility contrast agents with a concentration of higher than that used for BOLD fMRI calculations.MethodsOur recently developed model of real microvascular anatomical networks is used to extend the original simplified Monte‐Carlo simulations to compute from the first principles.ResultsOur results show that for most BOLD fMRI measurements of real vascular networks, as opposed to earlier predictions of .5 using uniform distributions. For perfusion or fMRI methods based on contrast agents, which generate larger values for , for 9.4 T, whereas at 14 T can drop below 1 and the variation across subjects is large, indicating that a lower concentration of contrast agent with a lower value of is desired for experiments at high B0.ConclusionThese results improve our understanding of the relationship between R2* and the underlying microvascular properties. The findings will help to infer the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen and cerebral blood volume from BOLD and perfusion MRI, respectively.
Performance of a computable phenotype for identification of patients with diabetes within PCORnet: The Patient‐Centered Clinical Research Network
Authors: Wiese Andrew D. , Roumie Christianne L. , Buse John B. , Guzman Herodes , Bradford Robert , Zalimeni Emily , Knoepp Patricia , Morris Heather L. , Donahoo William T. , Fanous Nada , Epstein Britany F. , Katalenich Bonnie L. , Ayala Sujata G. , Cook Megan M. , Worley Katherine J. , Bachmann Katherine N. , Grijalva Carlos G. , Rothman Russell L. , Chakkalakal Rosette J. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPurposePCORnet, the National Patient‐Centered Clinical Research Network, represents an innovative system for the conduct of observational and pragmatic studies. We describe the identification and validation of a retrospective cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) from four PCORnet sites.MethodsWe adapted existing computable phenotypes (CP) for the identification of patients with T2DM and evaluated their performance across four PCORnet sites (2012‐2016). Patients entered the cohort on the earliest date they met one of three CP categories: (CP1) coded T2DM diagnosis (ICD‐9/ICD‐10) and an antidiabetic prescription, (CP2) diagnosis and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥6.5%, or (CP3) an antidiabetic prescription and HbA1c ≥6.5%. We required evidence of health care utilization in each of the 2 prior years for each patient, as we also developed an incident T2DM CP to identify the subset of patients without documentation of T2DM in the 365 days before t0. Among a systematic sample of patients, we calculated the positive predictive value (PPV) for the T2DM CP and incident‐T2DM CP using electronic health record (EHR) review as reference.ResultsThe CP identified 50 657 patients with T2DM. The PPV of patients randomly selected for validation was 96.2% (n = 1572; CI:95.1‐97.0) and was consistently high across sites. The PPV for the incident‐T2DM CP was 5.8% (CI:4.5‐7.5).ConclusionsThe T2DM CP accurately and efficiently identified patients with T2DM across multiple sites that participate in PCORnet, although the incident T2DM CP requires further study. PCORnet is a valuable data source for future epidemiological and comparative effectiveness research among patients with T2DM.
Depression predicts longitudinal declines in social support among women with newly diagnosed breast cancer
Authors: Chang Howard A. , Barreto Nicolas , Davtyan Arpine , Beier Ellis , Cangin Marissa A. , Salman Jaroslava , Patel Sunita K. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractObjectiveAmong breast cancer survivors, low social support is associated with adverse clinical and psychosocial outcomes. This study prospectively examined longitudinal trends in perceived social support in women with newly diagnosed breast cancer as a function of depression status prior to initiation of cancer treatment.MethodsOne hundred ten patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer and 59 age‐matched noncancer controls completed behavioral measures at four assessments: prior to treatment and at 1 month, 1 year, and 2 years post‐treatment. Participants reported their perceived tangible and emotional/informational support using the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey and were categorized as “depressed” or “non‐depressed” based on the Brief Symptom Inventory‐18 (BSI‐18). Analyses first compared longitudinal trends in support between patients and controls and then examined differences in longitudinal trends as a function of depression status in patients only, controlling for key covariates.ResultsBoth tangible and emotional/informational support decreased among breast cancer patients but increased or remained unchanged among noncancer controls across the assessments. Among patients, depressed individuals experienced a significant decline in both tangible (P = 0.004) and emotional/informational support (P = 0.013) between 1 month and 1 year post‐treatment, which remained unchanged between 1 year and 2 years post‐treatment. In contrast, nondepressed individuals had stable levels across all assessments. Depressed patients also had lower levels of both support types compared with nondepressed patients across all assessments.ConclusionsBreast cancer patients with depressive symptomatology have an elevated risk for declines in perceived social support over time.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the larynx in the pediatric population: A systematic review
Authors: Elders Bernadette B. L. J. , Hermelijn Sergei M. , Tiddens Harm A. W. M. , Pullens Bas , Wielopolski Pjotr A. , Ciet Pierluigi 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundMagnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques to image the larynx have evolved rapidly into a promising and safe imaging modality, without need for sedation or ionizing radiation. MRI is therefore of great interest to image pediatric laryngeal diseases. Our aim was to review MRI developments relevant for the pediatric larynx and to discuss future imaging options.MethodsA systematic search was conducted to identify all morphological and diagnostic studies in which MRI was used to image the pediatric larynx, laryngeal disease, or vocal cords.ResultsFourteen articles were included: three studies on anatomical imaging of the larynx, two studies on Diffusion Weighted Imaging, four studies on vocal cord imaging and five studies on the effect of anaesthesiology on the pediatric larynx. MRI has been used for pediatric laryngeal imaging since 1991. MRI provides excellent soft tissue contrast and good visualization of vascular diseases such as haemangiomas. However, visualization of cartilaginous structures, with varying ossification during childhood, and tissue differentiation remain challenging. The latter has been partly overcome with diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), differentiating between benign and malignant masses with excellent sensitivity (94‐94.4%) and specificity (91.2‐100%). Vocal cord imaging evolved from static images focused on vocal tract growth to dynamic images able to detect abnormal vocal cord movement.ConclusionMRI is promising to evaluate the pediatric larynx, but studies using MRI as diagnostic imaging modality are scarce. New static and dynamic MR imaging techniques could be implemented in the pediatric population. Further research on imaging of pediatric laryngeal diseases should be conducted.
Oxidase or peptidase? A computational insight into a putative aflatoxin oxidase from Armillariella tabescens
Authors: Tomin Marko , Tomić Sanja 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAflatoxin oxidase (AFO), an enzyme isolated from Armillariella tabescens, has been reported to degrade aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). However, recent studies reported sequence and structure similarities with the dipeptidyl peptidase III (DPP III) family of enzymes and confirmed peptidase activity toward DPP III substrates. In light of these investigations, an extensive computational study was performed in order to improve understanding of the AFO functions. Steered MD simulations revealed long‐range domain motions described as protein opening, characteristic for DPPs III and necessary for substrate binding. Newly identified open and partially open forms of the enzyme closely resemble those of the human DPP III orthologue. Docking of a synthetic DPP III substrate Arg2‐2‐naphthylamide revealed a binding mode similar to the one found in crystal structures of human DPP III complexes with peptides with the S1 and S2 subsites’ amino acid residues conserved. On the other hand, no energetically favorable AFB1 binding mode was detected, suggesting that aflatoxins are not good substrates of AFO. High plasticity of the zinc ion coordination sphere within the active site, consistent with that of up to date studied DPPs III, was observed as well. A detailed electrostatic analysis of the active site revealed a predominance of negatively charged regions, unsuitable for the binding of the neutral AFB1. The present study is in line with the most recent experimental study on this enzyme, both suggesting that AFO is a typical member of the DPP III family.
Toward a fully robotic surgery: Performing robotic major liver resection with no table‐side surgeon
Authors: Chen Po‐Da , Hu Rey‐Heng , Liang Jin‐Tung , Huang Chiun‐Sheng , Wu Yao‐Ming 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundEvidence has suggested that robotic system helps perform more major liver resections. However, the required table‐side surgeon has remained a concern because of the uncertain performance and the incomplete control of console surgeon.MethodsData were reviewed for consecutive 333 robotic liver resections, of which 56 patients underwent left liver resection with the usual setting, and 35 with no table‐side surgeon.ResultsNo conversion was required in the setting with no table‐side surgeon. The group without the table‐side surgeon had similar complication rates, blood loss, and operative time compared with that of the normal settings, as well as focused analysis on major left hemihepatectomy.ConclusionOur data suggest that performing robotic major liver resection without the presence of the table‐side surgeon is safe and feasible. The concise performance of robotic platforms might accelerate the machine learning process along with the ability to predict patterns of future autonomous surgery.
Citations of Norms and Lines of Flight in One Immigrant Boy's Performances of Masculinities and Reading Identities
Authors: Qin Kongji 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn this ethnographic case study, the author examined one immigrant adolescent's performances of masculinities through reading practices. The author analyzed how Omar (pseudonym), a Muslim boy from Libya, used reading practices to produce himself as a boy in one U.S. multilingual classroom. Extending the anti‐essentialist scholarship on gender and reading, the author brought together Butler's queer feminism and Deleuze and Guattari's philosophy of becoming to further trouble gender and analyze the instability of Omar's masculinity performances in relation to reading practice. Through analyses of field notes, classroom interactions, and artifacts, this study showed that Omar discursively performed and negotiated multiple and seemingly conflicting reading identities across time and space. Although he was discursively positioned as a nonreader in classroom interactions, he also performed disengagement with reading to display a cool, nonschoolish masculinity aligned to the normative discourses of Arab masculinity to which he was subject. However, he also enacted reader identity and behaviors not traditionally associated with masculinity. Omar's identity negotiation, interactionally and socially situated, demonstrated the instability of masculinity performances, featuring repeated citation of gender norms fissured with lines of flight breaking away from normative ways of being. This analysis contributes to the anti‐essentialist research on boys and literacies by shedding light on the regulations and ruptures in masculinity performances of a gendered subject. The study highlights the importance of situating analysis of gender and reading practices within the social and power relations in the discursive and interactional space. Addressing space allows a close reading of how gender hegemonies operate and fracture in micro movements of identity performance and how space can be shaped to open up opportunities for becoming‐other.
Metallated Macrocyclic Derivatives as a Hole – Transporting Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Reddy Govind , Devulapally Koteshwar , Islavath Nanaji , Giribabu Lingamallu 
Published: January 2019

AbstractSpiro‐OMeTAD is widely used as thehole‐transporting material (HTM) in perovskite solar cells (PSC), which extracts positive charges and protects the perovskite materials from metal electrode, setting a new world‐record efficiency of more than 20 %. Spiro‐OMeTAD layer engross moisture leading to the degradation of perovskite, and therefore, has poor air stability. It is also expensive therefore limiting scale‐up, so macrocyclic metal complex derivatives (MMDs) could be a suitable replacement. Our review covers low‐cost, high yield hydrophobic materials with minimal steps required for synthesis of efficient HTMs for planar/mesostructured PSCs. The MMDs based devices demonstrated PCEs around 19 % and showed stability for a longer duration, indicating that MMDs are a promising alternative to spiro‐OMeTAD and also easy to scale‐up via solution approach. Additionally, this review describes how optical and electrical properties of MMDs change with chemical structure, allowing for the design of novel hole‐mobility materials to achieve negligible hysteresis and act as effective functional barriers against moisture which results in a significant increase in the stability of the device. We provide an overview of the apt green‐synthesis, characterization, stability and implementation of the various classes of macrocyclic metal complex derivatives as HTM for photovoltaic applications.
Multiscale simulation on thermal stability of supported metal nanocatalysts
Authors: Deng Shengwei , Qiu Chenglong , Yao Zihao , Sun Xiang , Wei Zhongzhe , Zhuang Guilin , Zhong Xing , Wang Jian‐guo 
Published: January 2019

Supported metal nanocatalysts offer a wide range of promising applications because of their many enhanced catalytic properties arising from highly active species dispersed onto a high surface area support. Developing a deep understanding of thermal stability is of great importance to avoid irreversible catalyst deactivation. It is generally acknowledged that many factors including the chemical composition, morphology, support material, metal–support interaction, reaction condition and environment have significant impacts on the thermal stability. The rapid developments of computational capacity and advanced simulation techniques allow one to correlate the structure–property relationships at the atomic level. In this review, the widely used simulation methods and computational strategies on supported metal nanocatalysts will be briefly introduced. Next, we will summarize the theoretical models of structure evolution of nanoparticles and describe the calculation of metal–support interaction, accompanying with intra‐ and inter‐particle sintering process in the vacuum or reaction environments, and then give perspectives on the future directions towards better utilization of various simulation techniques.This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Reaction Mechanisms and Catalysis
Structure and Mechanism > Computational Materials Science
Turbulence and interphase mass diffusion assumptions on the performance of secondary settling tanks
Authors: Gao Haiwen , Stenstrom Michael K. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractSecondary settling tanks (SSTs), also known as secondary sedimentation tanks or secondary clarifiers, are a basic yet complicated process in a biological water resource recovery facility. In order to understand and improve SST performance, computational fluid dynamics methods have been employed over the last 30 years. In the present investigation, a Fluent‐based two‐dimensional axisymmetric numerical model is applied to understand the effects of the buoyancy term (Gb) in the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) equation and two model parameters (the coefficient of buoyancy term (C3) in the turbulent dissipation rate equation and the turbulent Schmidt number (σc) in the sludge transport equation) on the performance of an SST. The results show that the hydrodynamics can only be correctly predicted by buoyancy‐coupled TKE equation, unless the mixed liquor suspended solids is low and sludge settling velocity is extremely high. When the field observations show the SST is operating well, the buoyancy‐decoupled TKE equation predicts the correct result, but the buoyancy‐decoupled TKE equation may predict failure. Care is required in selecting the correct modeling technique for various conditions. This study provides guidance on how to avoid modeling problems and increase rates of convergence.Practitioner points

C3 can be set to zero to improve rate of convergence and reduce computing time.

σc can be used to adjust SBH, when ESS and RAS concentrations are well calibrated to the field data, but the SBH does not fit field observation.
A data mining application in credit scoring processes of small and medium enterprises commercial corporate customers
Authors: Gulsoy Nihan , Kulluk Sinem 
Published: January 2019

The constant need to assess loans makes risk evaluation a very important problem for the banking sector. A crucial function of the banks is to fund households and companies from various industries in the economy. Risk is taken by the banks as soon as a loan is given to an entity. Currently, there are sector‐and‐experience based methods of analysis employed by the banks to estimate the risks to be taken. For the credit process, there exist a large number of studies in the literature on scoring individual clients but there are very few studies on scoring small and medium enterprises (SME) commercial corporate customers. In this study, we propose an objective risk measurement method for the lending process of SME commercial corporate customers and performed classification task of data mining by collecting current customer data on credit evaluation process of a bank. For this purpose, we first create a risk measure by looking into the risks identified for existing customers by the analysts of a bank. These scores are used as target variable in the classification process. Then, we extract rules for estimating these scores using Weka software. We used six different algorithms, and compared results in terms of test accuracy, the number of rules, recall, precision and Kappa statistic. We obtained high accuracy rates on real life data by our approach. As a result, we showed that an objective evaluation strategy is possible to use in the lending process for SME commercial corporate customers in the banking system using data mining.This article is categorized under:

Application Areas > Business and Industry
Technologies > Classification
Application Areas > Industry Specific Applications