bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Internal quality control status for BNP and NT‐proBNP in China from 2014 to 2017
Authors: Sun Huizhen , Wang Wei , Zhao Haijian , Zhang Chuanbao , He Falin , Zhong Kun , Yuan Shuai , Wang Zhiguo 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate and analyze the status of internal quality control (IQC) for BNP and NT‐proBNP from 2014 to 2017, so as to have an integral understanding of quality performance of measurement in clinical laboratories in China.MethodsThe 4‐year IQC information for BNP and NT‐proBNP of participant laboratories were collected through EQA reporting system. Percentages of laboratories meeting different quality requirements (pass rates) for current coefficient of variations (CVs) were calculated afterwards. Further analysis for current CVs and pass rates among different years and measurement systems were conducted. Finally, we analyzed and summarized IQC practice and its changes in 4 years.ResultsThe current CVs for BNP and NT‐proBNP have decreased significantly from 2014 to 2017, and pass rates both presented significant increasing trends. NT‐proBNP had higher pass rates than BNP regardless of 1/3TEa or 1/4TEa specification was used. The main measurement systems for two analytes were different. For NT‐proBNP, current CVs of Roche has decreased significantly among 4 years and were significantly lower than Radiometer and BioMérieux in 2015. Current CVs of Abbott also had decreasing tendency for BNP. Analysis of IQC practice indicated that control rules and IQC frequency had made great progress in 4 years.ConclusionThe imprecision performance of measurement of BNP and NT‐proBNP has improved with decreasing of current CVs and increasing of pass rates in 4 years. However, it still needs continual improvement. Clinical laboratories in China should take active actions to promote performance of BNP and NT‐proBNP measurement.
Evaluation of the performance of two real‐time PCR assays for detecting Mycobacterium species
Authors: Lim Jae‐Hyung , Kim Chang‐Ki , Bae Mi Hyun 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundsRapid discrimination between Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is critical for patient treatment and to avoid unnecessary expenditure on infection control. Because real‐time PCR assays distinguish MTB from NTM, we evaluated the performance of two real‐time PCR assays (AdvanSure and PowerChek).MethodsThis study used 143 DNA samples from respiratory specimens which were collected based on routine PCR results using Anyplex kit. A total of 87 positive samples (65 MTB and 22 NTM) and 56 negative samples were collected consecutively during 6 months and 1 month, respectively. The diagnostic performance of PCR assays (AdvanSure and PowerChek) was retrospectively analyzed based on the results of conventional mycobacterial tests and routine PCR assay.ResultsBased on culture results, the sensitivities/specificities of AdvanSure and PowerChek were 90.7%/87.6% and 92.6%/85.4%, respectively, for MTB detection. For PCR‐positive specimens, the quantification cycle (Cq) values of smear‐negative specimens were higher than those of the smear‐positive specimens (P < 0.001). As expected, the two PCR assays had the same sensitivities for NTM detection, viz. 90.0%, and their specificities were 99.2% and 98.4%, respectively. The overall agreement rate between the three PCR assays was 96.5% for MTB and 97.9% for NTM.ConclusionThe sensitivities of PCR assays in our study might be overestimated, because this study enrolled relatively lower number of PCR‐negative samples which potentially missed PCR‐negative but culture‐positive specimens. However, the two real‐time PCR assays for detecting MTB and NTM perform equally well in relative performance evaluation and their Cq values can be considered suitable for predicting smear‐positive specimens.
D‐dimer level in liver transplant recipients on the first day after surgery is correlated with postoperative thrombosis recurrence
Authors: Zhang Qun , Guo Renyong , Chen Yu 
Published: August 2018

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between plasma D‐dimer level, preoperative complications, and thrombosis in liver transplant recipients.MethodsThe clinical data of 525 liver transplant recipients with end‐stage liver disease (ESLD) in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University from October 2012 to December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were grouped based on thrombosis before and after surgery to determine the risk factors for postoperative thrombosis recurrence.ResultsOf the preoperative complications assessed, esophageal varices and thrombosis were significantly correlated (P = 0.000); ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and hepatic encephalopathy were significantly correlated with preoperative D‐dimer level (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.002, respectively); during the first week after surgery, the D‐dimer level was significantly and consecutively higher than that before surgery and was significantly higher in the group with both preoperative and postoperative thrombosis than in the other groups on the first day after surgery (P < 0.001); the area under the curve (AUC) for diagnosis of postoperative thrombosis recurrence in the preoperative thrombosis group using plasma D‐dimer level on the first day after surgery was 0.698 (P = 0.001); Cox regression analysis showed that D‐dimer was an independent risk factor for postoperative thrombosis recurrence (HR = 3.062, P = 0.029).ConclusionD‐dimer level on the first day after liver transplant is related to thrombosis recurrence and is an independent risk factor for postoperative thrombosis recurrence.
Speckle tracking carotid artery circumferential strain is a marker of arterial sclerosis but not coronary atherosis
Authors: Patton Daniel M. , Li Terry , Hétu Marie‐France , Day Andrew G. , Preece Erika , Matangi Murray F. , Johri Amer M. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPurposeCircumferential speckle tracking carotid artery strain is a novel method of quantifying vessel wall stiffness. We hypothesized that carotid wall stiffness would be associated with carotid intimal medial thickening (a medial process associated with risk factors), but not coronary artery disease (an intimal process).MethodsBilateral carotid artery ultrasound was conducted on outpatients who had previously undergone elective coronary angiography. Mean carotid artery far wall circumferential strain (FWCS) was assessed for correlations with coronary angiographic stenosis, cardiac risk factors, carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT), and carotid plaque.ResultsOne hundred and sixty five (165) patients were studied. No significant association was found between the presence of coronary artery disease on angiography and mean FWCS. FWCS was higher in current tobacco smokers. In addition, carotid strain was found to decrease with increased age (r = −0.33, P < 0.001). When adjusted for pulse pressure (PP), FWCS/PP was negatively correlated with mean CIMT (r = −0.29, P = 0.002) and bulb maximum plaque height (r = −0.27, P = 0.004). Hypertension and diabetes were associated with decreased FWCS/PP (increased wall stiffness).ConclusionsWhile no clear relationship between carotid strain and coronary artery disease was observed, increased CIMT, carotid plaque, and cardiac risk factors were associated with decreased carotid strain. Further work is required to explore the relationship between carotid strain and cardiovascular events.
High‐resolution projection of climate change and extremity over Israel using COSMO‐CLM
Authors: Hochman Assaf , Mercogliano Paola , Alpert Pinhas , Saaroni Hadas , Bucchignani Edoardo 
Published: August 2018

High‐resolution climate projections over Israel (about 8 km) have been obtained with the regional model COSMO‐CLM, nested into the CORDEX‐MENA simulations at 25 km resolution. This simulation provides high‐resolution spatial variability of total precipitation and precipitation intensity. Projections are presented not only in terms of average properties, but also using a subset of extreme temperature and precipitation indices from the standard Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI) for the period 2041–2070 with respect to 1981–2010 (RCP4.5).A general increase in seasonal mean temperature is projected throughout the domain with peaks of ~2.5 °C, especially in winter and autumn. Extreme temperature indices show increases, larger in the minimum than in the maximum temperatures. Regarding total seasonal precipitation, decreases were found in the north and central Mediterranean climate parts of Israel, with reductions reaching ~40%, and increases of the same percentage in the most southern arid parts during winter and spring. An increase in precipitation intensity is shown mostly for the southern arid part of the region, with some indications of extremity also in the north. This spatial pattern probably results from a decrease in cyclones’ occurrences, which mainly influences the northern and central parts of Israel, and an increase in convective activity in the south.The outcome of this study can serve as a basis for priority setting and policy formulation towards better climate adaptation.
ITO/Ag alloy/ITO multilayer structure as an alternative to ITO for display electrodes
Authors: Toshimori Yuto , Umemoto Keita , Shirai Yoshinori , Shiono Ichiro , Zhang Shoubin , Nonaka Sohei 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWe have developed a Ag alloy for nano‐Ag films used as conductive transparent electrodes. Pure Ag does not readily form stable ultra‐thin films because of agglomeration. The proposed Ag alloy enables the formation of a fine and durable ultra‐thin film by suppression of Ag agglomeration. Nano‐Ag film using the Ag alloy (ITO/Ag alloy/ITO multilayer structure) shows better electrical properties than ITO film, with optical properties equivalent to those of ITO. Furthermore, this structure also shows better flexibility due to the ductility of Ag. The mechanism for inhibiting agglomeration in the Ag alloy is also discussed. The additive element in the Ag alloy suppresses surface diffusion, which is the main factor in Ag agglomeration, by segregation on the film surface. When heat treatment is applied, the additive becomes more segregated and covers the surface and more strongly suppresses the surface diffusion as a result. This is because the Ag alloy film shows high durability against heat. Through this investigation, we confirm that the Ag alloy has a much greater activation energy for agglomeration than pure Ag.
Online travel survey response rates and researcher ethnicity
Authors: Pan Bing , Smith Wayne W. , Litvin Stephen W. , Woodside Arch 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis paper documents a United States‐based experiment that tested response rates to an online travel survey request. The results of the experiment revealed a dramatically lower rate of response to requests sent by a researcher with an ethnically Chinese‐name than to an identical request from a researcher with a Western‐name. The importance of this study is evident to tourism practitioners and academic tourism researchers who so often rely upon survey‐based research. Recommendations for overcoming ethnic bias are provided.
Risk of developing radiogenic cancer following photon‐beam radiotherapy for Graves’ orbitopathy
Authors: Mazonakis Michalis , Tzedakis Antonis , Lyraraki Efrossyni , Damilakis John 
Published: August 2018

PurposeThe objective of this study was to estimate the probability for cancer development due to radiotherapy for Graves’ orbitopathy with 6 MV x rays.MethodsOrbital irradiation was simulated with the MCNP code. The radiation dose received by 10 out‐of‐field organs having a strong disposition for carcinogenesis was calculated with Monte Carlo methods. These dose calculations were used to estimate the organ‐dependent lifetime attributable risk (LAR) for cancer induction in 30‐ and 50‐yr‐old males and females on the basis of the linear model suggested by the BEIR‐VII report. Differential dose–volume histograms derived from patients’ three‐dimensional (3D) radiotherapy plans were employed to determine the organ equivalent dose (OED) of the brain which was partly exposed to primary radiation. The OED and the relevant LAR for brain cancer development were assessed with the plateau, bell‐shaped and mechanistic models. The radiotherapy‐induced cancer risks were compared with the lifetime intrinsic risk (LIR) values for unexposed population.ResultsThe radiation dose range to organs excluded from the treatment volume was 0.1–91.0 mGy for a target dose of 20 Gy. These peripheral organ doses increased the LIRs for cancer development of unexposed 30‐ and 50‐yr‐old males up to 1.0% and 0.2%, respectively. The corresponding elevations after radiotherapy of females were 2.0% and 0.4%. The use of nonlinear models gave an OED range of the brain of 482.0–562.5 mGy depending upon the model used for analysis and the patient's gender. The elevation of the LIR for developing brain malignancies after radiotherapy of 30‐yr‐old males and females reached to 13.3% and 16.6%, respectively. The corresponding increases after orbital irradiation at the age of 50 yr were 6.7% and 8.3%.ConclusionsThe level of the LIR increase attributable to radiation therapy for GO varied widely by the organ under examination and the age and gender of the exposed subject. This study provides the required data to quantify the elevation of these baseline cancer risks following orbital irradiation.
Is the 31P chemical shift anisotropy of aluminophosphates a useful parameter for NMR crystallography?
Authors: Dawson Daniel M. , Moran Robert F. , Sneddon Scott , Ashbrook Sharon E. 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTThe 31P chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) offers a potential source of new information to help determine the structures of aluminophosphate (AlPO) framework materials. We investigate how to measure the CSAs, which are small (span of ~20–30 ppm) for AlPOs, demonstrating the need for CSA‐amplification experiments (often in conjunction with 27Al and/or 1H decoupling) at high magnetic field (20.0 T) to obtain accurate values. We show that the most shielded component of the chemical shift tensor, δ33, is related to the length of the shortest P─O bond, whereas the more deshielded components, δ11 and δ22 can be related more readily to the mean P─O bond lengths and P─O─Al angles. Using the case of Mg‐doped STA‐2 as an example, the CSA is shown to be much larger for P(OAl)4–n(OMg)n environments, primarily owing to a much shorter P─O(Mg) bond affecting δ33, however, because the mean P─O bond lengths and P─O─T (T = Al, Mg) bond angles do not change significantly between P(OAl)4 and P(OAl)4–n(OMg)n sites, the isotropic chemical shifts for these species are similar, leading to overlapped spectral lines. When the CSA information is included, spectral assignment becomes unambiguous, therefore, although the specialist conditions required might preclude the routine measurement of 31P CSAs in AlPOs, in some cases (particularly doped materials), the experiments can still provide valuable additional information for spectral assignment.
Looping Star
Authors: Wiesinger Florian , Menini Anne , Solana Ana Beatriz 
Published: August 2018

PurposeTo introduce a novel MR pulse sequence, termed Looping Star, for fast, robust, and yet quiet, 3D radial multi‐gradient echo T2* MR imaging.MethodsThe Looping Star pulse sequence is based on the 3D radial Rotating Ultra‐Fast Imaging Sequence (RUFIS) extended by a time‐multiplexed gradient‐refocusing mechanism. First, multiple magnetic coherences are excited, which are subsequently gradient‐refocused in form of a looping k‐space trajectory. Accordingly, Looping Star captures an initial FID image followed by gradient echo images at equidistant echo times.ResultsLooping Star was demonstrated in phantom and in vivo volunteer experiments for 3D, high resolution T2* weighted imaging, T2* mapping, and quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM). The method is fast, quiet, and robust against imperfections including Eddy currents, motion, and geometric distortions. When applied to a motor task fMRI experiment a BOLD sensitivity of 5% was achieved at minimal acoustic noise (i.e. 2.7 dB(A) above ambient noise) and with images congruent to other anatomical scans.ConclusionsLooping Star imaging provides new and exciting opportunities for fast, robust and yet quiet T2* MR imaging. Potential applications include T2*‐weighted imaging, T2* mapping, QSM, and fMRI.
The cost of a catheter: An environmental perspective on single use clean intermittent catheterization
Authors: Sun Andrew J. , Comiter Craig V. , Elliott Christopher S. 
Published: August 2018

MethodsWe estimated the prevalence of CIC use in the United States using a neurogenic population, consisting of persons with multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, and spinal cord injury. We measured catheter samples to obtain the amount of waste per catheter.ResultsAt least 300 800 persons in the United States perform CIC for neurogenic bladder management. Assuming five catheterization events per day, the amount of waste generated by single‐use CIC is between 26 500 to 235 400 pounds or 22 600 to 564 000 liters per day, depending on catheter model.ConclusionsSingle‐use CIC may generate up to 85 million pounds or 206 million liters of waste annually, equivalent to more than 26 000 cars or 80 Olympic‐sized swimming pools. Laid end‐to‐end, there is enough catheter length circumscribe the world more than 5.5 times. The most common materials used in catheter construction have little to no degradation once in a landfill. Given the unproven clinical benefit of single‐use catheterization, the environmental impact and alternatives should be considered.
Congenital vesicouterine fistulas—A PRISMA‐compliant systematic review
Authors: Jóźwik Maciej , Jóźwik Marcin , Zaręba Kamil , Semczuk Andrzej , Modzelewska Beata , Jóźwik Michał 
Published: August 2018

AimsVesicouterine fistulas (VUFs) are infrequent abnormal connections between the bladder and the uterine cavity or cervical canal, being mainly sequelae of repeat Cesarean sections. Exceedingly rare are congenital VUFs. This is a systematic review of available world data aimed to characterize congenital VUFs and better understand the mechanism(s) of their formation.MethodsThe PubMed® database via MEDLINE® search engine was explored from its inception to March 2018. Relevant studies were identified using selected Medical Subject Heading‐based terms. This was further supplemented by cross‐referencing and handsearching. Retrieved literature was evaluated in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses, or PRISMA, guidelines.ResultsA total of 6561 articles were identified of which 10 were analyzed. Three VUFs accompanied broader syndromes of congenital defects. A lack of patency at the level of the vagina was present in all assessed cases. Unilateral renal agenesis was confirmed in four of eight (50%) verified patients. Hence, unilateral kidney agenesis was related to a lesser degree (P = 0.0186) than vaginal atresia to VUF. The principal features of these fistulas were as follows: partial or complete vaginal atresia resulting in primary amenorrhea, menouria present since menarche, and urinary continence.ConclusionsThis review provides the first systematic evidence that congenital VUFs are chiefly associated with concomitant vaginal atresia. The symptomatology of such VUFs is consistent with that of type I acquired fistulas.
Uniaxial tensile investigation of a porous compound nonwoven fabric
Authors: Lu Longsheng , Tang Weijin , Wang Hongfei , Zhang Bin , Tang Kairui 
Published: August 2018

Carbon fiber (CF) nonwoven fabric possesses excellent chemical resistance, remarkable electrical properties, and low density, but its mechanical strength must be enhanced to facilitate its application. Therefore, a flexible compound nonwoven fabric (CEF‐NF) consisting of CF and a bicomponent polypropylene/polyethylene core/sheath fiber (known as ESF) was prepared using a 2‐step wet papermaking/thermal bonding process. Scanning electron microscopy observations indicated that the CEF‐NF fibrous network could be strengthened without blocking its pores by using a heat‐pressing temperature falling between the melting regions of the sheath polyethylene and core polypropylene. Additionally, uniaxial tensile experiments were conducted to investigate the failure mode and tensile properties of the CEF‐NF by varying the thermal bonding and structural parameters. The results showed that 3 failure modes of fiber physical contact separation, thermal bond breakage, and ESF fracture emerged and could be defined based on the variation in the heat‐pressing temperature. The tensile strength of the CEF‐NF was improved with increasing thermal bonding and structural parameters. Under a set of process parameters, ie, 180°C heat‐pressing temperature, 6‐MPa heat‐pressing pressure, 40 wt% ESF mass fraction, and 40‐gsm areal density, the tensile strength of CEF‐NF reached 5.7 MPa, which is much higher than that of pure CF nonwoven fabric.
Measurement and modelling of water ingress into double‐glass photovoltaic modules
Authors: Wisniewski David , Lv Ruirui , Nair Selvakumar V. , Jaubert Jean‐Nicolas , Xu Tao , Ruda Harry E. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPolymer encapsulants are an essential component in photovoltaic (PV) devices, providing mechanical support, optical coupling, and electrical and physical isolation. However, moisture ingress into the module can degrade these polymers and subsequently the performance of the device. In this paper, we report experimental measurements of the temporal evolution of moisture content in ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) encapsulant in a double‐glass PV module. Using physical properties of EVA as determined by water vapour transmission rate measurements, we simulate diffusion of water into the module using a finite element model. The model accounts for realistic geometry of our module and is used to simulate accelerated test conditions and outdoor operation in geographic locations. Using the calculated results, we propose two schemes using the accelerated test results to understand the behaviour of modules operating in humid climates. Finally, we show that the time needed to reach the saturation water concentration can be increased by as much as a factor of two by reducing the initial water content in EVA films.
A Note on Inflation and the Swampland
Authors: Kehagias A. , Riotto A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWe provide some comments about the constraints on the inflationary models inferred from the two Swampland criteria which have been recently proposed. In particular we argue that, in the absence of any knowledge about the origin of the adiabatic curvature perturbations, within the slow‐roll single field models of inflation there is no tension between the swampland criteria and the current lower bound on the tensor‐to‐scalar ratio.