bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lagrangian carotid strain imaging indices normalized to blood pressure for vulnerable plaque
Authors: Varghese Tomy , Meshram Nirvedh H. , Mitchell Carol C. , Wilbrand Stephanie M. , Hermann Bruce P. , Dempsey Robert J. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectiveUltrasound Lagrangian carotid strain imaging (LCSI) utilizes physiological deformation caused by arterial pressure variations to generate strain tensor maps of the vessel walls and plaques. LCSI has been criticized for the lack of normalization of magnitude‐based strain indices to physiological stimuli, namely blood pressure. We evaluated the impact of normalization of magnitude‐based strain indices to blood pressure measured immediately after the acquisition of radiofrequency (RF) data loops for LCSI.Materials and MethodsA complete clinical ultrasound examination along with RF data loops for LCSI was performed on 50 patients (30 males and 20 females) who presented with >60% carotid stenosis and were scheduled for carotid endarterectomy. Cognition was assessed using the 60‐minute neuropsychological test protocol.ResultsFor axial strains correlation of maximum accumulated strain indices (MASI), cognition scores were −0.46 for non‐normalized and −0.45, −0.49, −0.37, and −0.48 for systolic, diastolic, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure normalized data, respectively. The corresponding area under the curve (AUC) values for classifiers designed using maximum likelihood estimation of a binormal distribution with a median‐split of the executive function cognition scores were 0.73, 0.70, 0.71, 0.70, and 0.71, respectively.ConclusionsNo significant differences in the AUC estimates were obtained between normalized and non‐normalized magnitude‐based strain indices.
Which “culture”? A critical analysis of intercultural communication in engineering education
Authors: Handford Michael , Van Maele Jan , Matous Petr , Maemura Yu 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundIt is increasingly acknowledged that technical expertise is not sufficient for engineers today, given the complex intercultural global contexts in which they are required to work. This article, therefore, examines how the concept of culture is typically operationalized in engineering education and discusses possible reasons for this approach.Purpose/HypothesisThe specific research question explored here is “How is culture conceptualized in engineering education?”Design/MethodTo examine this previously unasked question, a mixed‐methods methodology was developed, one that uses both quantitative and qualitative tools. More specifically, a corpus‐assisted discourse analysis of relevant engineering education articles published in leading academic journals between 2000 and 2015 was combined with a close reading of each and a critical discussion of two representative articles.ResultsOur findings reveal that, first, intercultural communication has not received the attention it deserves, given the multidisciplinary, diverse, global nature of the engineering profession. Furthermore, when intercultural concerns are discussed, the predominant approach is essentialist, meaning that culture is regarded as given (rather than constructed), framed in terms of differences between nations and potentially offering a causal explanation for individual behavior. This approach has been criticized for reinforcing stereotypical thinking and offering simplistic answers to complex problems.ConclusionsWe conclude by exploring reasons for the relatively wide‐spread acceptance of the “culture‐as‐given” approach in engineering education, then by urging educators to adopt a “small culture” approach for constructing culture in engineering, and finally by suggesting alternative ways for developing intercultural communicative competence.
Engineering representations guide student problem‐solving in statics
Authors: Johnson‐Glauch Nicole , Herman Geoffrey L. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundEngineering students inconsistently apply equilibrium when solving problems in statics, but few studies have explored why. Visual cognition studies suggest that features of the visual representations we use to teach students influence what domain knowledge they use to solve problems. However, few studies have explored how visual representations influence what problem‐solving strategies and domain knowledge students of different levels of expertise use when solving problems that require them to create and coordinate multiple representations.Purpose/HypothesisThis study addressed the following research question: How do students with different levels of expertise coordinate their problem‐solving strategies, problem‐solving heuristics, and representation features when sketching their shear force and bending moment diagrams?Design/MethodWe conducted think‐aloud interviews while students sketched shear force and bending moment diagrams. These interviews were subsequently analyzed using the constant comparative method to examine the effect of representations on students' problem‐solving approaches.ResultsThree themes emerged from the data: Students used heuristics that are based on perceptually salient features to sketch their shear force and bending moment diagrams; students across levels of expertise rely on the object translation heuristic rather than equilibrium problem‐solving schema to sketch and reason through their shear force and bending moment diagrams, and domain knowledge aids students' ability to resolve conflicting heuristics. Our findings suggest that students primarily rely on heuristics triggered by representation features they notice.ConclusionsStudents engaged with shear force and bending moment diagrams not as a way to describe systems that are not accelerating but as a series of representations that “should go to zero” or arrows that make things “not zero.”
The evolution of femoral cross‐sectional properties in sciuromorph rodents: Influence of body mass and locomotor ecology
Authors: Scheidt Adrian , Wölfer Jan , Nyakatura John A. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIn several groups of mammals, adaptation to differing functional demands is reflected in long bone cross‐sectional properties (CSP), which relate to the resistance to compression and to bending loads in the craniocaudal and mediolateral directions. Members of the Sciuromorpha (“squirrel‐like” rodents) display a diversity of locomotor ecologies and span three orders of magnitude in terms of body size. The availability of robust phylogenies is rendering them a suitable group to further substantiate the relationship of long bone CSP with locomotor ecology and body mass while taking the phylogenetic non‐independence among species into account. Here, we studied 69 species of Sciuromorpha belonging to three lifestyle categories, “arboreal,” “fossorial,” and “aerial” (i.e., gliding). We hypothesized locomotor category specific loading regimes that act on femora during predominant or, in terms of gliding, critical locomotor behaviors of each category. High resolution computed tomography scans of the specimens' femora were obtained and cross‐sections in 5% increments were analyzed. Cross‐sectional area, the craniocaudal second moment of area (SMAcc), and the mediolateral second moment of area were quantified. Further, a scaling analysis was conducted for each bone cross‐section to examine how the CSP scale with body mass. Body mass accounted for variances in CSP with mainly positive allometry. The aerial sciuromorphs showed lower values of CSP compared to the arboreal and fossorial species in the distal epiphysis for all quantified parameters and along the bone for SMAcc. In contrast to previous studies on other mammalian lineages, no differences in CSP were found between the fossorial and the arboreal lifestyles.
Pedicled descending branch latissimus dorsi mini‐flap in repairing partial mastectomy defect: Shoulder functional and esthetic outcomes
Authors: Zhou Lihuan , Wang Yan , Cai Ruizhao , Huang Junhao , Li Xing , Xie Zeming , Wang Jin , Sun Ya , Chang Edward I. , Tang Jun 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe axillary‐approach pedicled descending branch latissimus dorsi (LD) mini‐flap presents clear benefits in repairing partial mastectomy defects. This study assessed the functional and esthetic outcomes of this flap compared with conventional breast‐conserving surgery (BCS).MethodsFrom October of 2015 to March of 2017, patients with early breast cancer were enrolled and assigned to the LD group or conventional BCS (CCS) group according to the need of using the pedicled descending branch LD mini‐flap for volume replacement. Muscle strength and range of motion (ROMs) of bilateral shoulders, a disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire, and an esthetic evaluation were conducted in all patients at 1 year after surgery.ResultsThirty‐two patients were assigned in the LD group, and 28 in the CCS group. There was no significant difference in muscle strength, ROMs of the shoulder or DASH scores between LD and CCS groups. The results of esthetic survey also revealed a similarly high level of esthetics in both groups. Donor‐site seroma occurred in three patients in the LD group, and no other complication was observed.ConclusionsThe pedicled descending branch LD mini‐flap enabled larger excision with favorable esthetics, minimal functional impairment, low rate of complications, and high level of satisfaction.
Prognosis in patients with synchronous colorectal cancer metastases after complete resection of the primary tumor and the metastases
Authors: Stelzner Sigmar , Radulova‐Mauersberger Olga , Zschuppe Ernst , Kittner Thomas , Abolmaali Nasreddin , Puffer Eric , Zimmer Joerg , Witzigmann Helmut 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundSynchronous metastases are considered a negative prognostic factor in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). We investigated the outcomes of stage IV CRC patients undergoing complete gross resection (R0/1) of both the primary tumor and the metastases under the guidance of a multidisciplinary team (MDT).MethodsAll CRC patients with synchronous metastases were retrieved from a prospective database. Patients treated from 2006 to 2017 who underwent complete resection were analyzed. Various factors, including multiple metastatic sites and complex procedures, were investigated. Univariate and multivariate overall survival (OS) calculations were performed.ResultsOf 330 consecutive patients with synchronous metastases, 101 (30.6%) achieved an R0/1 status including 12 (11.9%) patients with multiple metastatic sites. Complex procedures were necessary in 45 (44.6%) patients. Five‐year OS was 53.0% for the R0/1 patient group. Multivariate analysis could not detect factors associated with prognosis.ConclusionsWith modern treatment, the prognosis of patients with synchronous CRC metastases can be improved. Decisions made by a MDT offered one‐third of patients a potentially curative approach to their stage IV disease. Despite the treatment of a high rate of patients with complex metastases necessitating complex procedures, we achieved a favorable 5‐year OS rate.
Simple, efficient, and eco‐friendly sample preparation for simultaneous determination of paracetamol and chloramphenicol in meat
Authors: Jian Ningge , Li Ruixian , Li Jian , Liang Sihui , Xu Qian , Wang Chunmin 
Published: June 2019

AbstractWe have developed and validated a simple, eco‐friendly, and reliable method to simultaneously determine paracetamol and chloramphenicol in meat with ultra performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. The samples were firstly extracted with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid–McIlvaine's buffer and then purified by solid‐phase extraction by using a novel core‐shell polyaniline/polyacrylonitrile nanofibers mat. Compared with existing methods for the two analytes, the proposed method was simplified greatly with much fewer sample preparation steps, consumed much less time (< 2 min per sample) and organic solvent (0.7 mL per sample). Low detection levels (0.15–0.20 µg/kg for paracetamol, 0.01 µg/kg for chloramphenicol) with good precision and recoveries of the target compounds were obtained. The proposed method was applied to determine the residual paracetamol and chloramphenicol in pork, chicken, and beef samples, and the test results were consistent with those using the Chinese national standard methods, which demonstrates the reliability and practicality of the new method.
Surface Processing: An Elegant Way to Enhance the Femtosecond Laser Ablation Rate and Ablation Efficiency on Human Teeth
Authors: Loganathan Sarathkumar , Santhanakrishnan Soundarapandian , Bathe Ravi , Arunachalam Muthukumaraswamy 
Published: June 2019

Background and ObjectivesThe employability of the non‐invasive femtosecond laser ablation technique for dental treatment has been severely limited by its low ablation rate despite the advantage of minimal tissue damage. The study explores a means of improving the femtosecond laser ablation rate and efficiency by physiochemical surface modification.Materials and MethodsSurface modification of dental hard tissues has been carried out by food graded orthophosphoric acid and Carie care gel pretreatment. The laser ablation characteristics were studied by using a Ti:Sapphire laser (10 kHz, 10 mm/s, 100 fs, 800 nm) to ascertain the influence of pretreatment. Surface morphology and chemical composition were obtained by using an optical profiler, SEM and EDAX.ResultsThe ablation threshold fluence decreased by almost one‐third whereas the ablation rate and ablation efficiency nearly tripled upon pretreatment. The microstructural and compositional analysis clearly reveals that surface modification and demineralization reduce the threshold fluence and increase the ablation rate by effective utilization of the laser beam energy. The pretreatment effect is more pronounced in orthophosphoric acid as compared with Carie care gel.ConclusionsPhysiochemical surface modification can be an efficient method to improve the laser ablation rate and ablation efficiency. Compositional analysis can be an elegant tool for pre‐surgery determination of laser ablation characteristics.Clinical SignificancesPretreatment surface modification can be an effective way to overcome the limitation of the femtosecond laser for tooth preparation in the clinical setting by strongly enhancing the ablation rate. An enhanced ablation rate along with de nova prediction of ablation characteristics will enable the clinician to perform dental surgery in real time with minimal tissue damage. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fabry pedigree analysis: A successful program for targeted genetic approach
Authors: Rozenfeld Paula A. , Masllorens Francisca M. , Roa Norma , Rodriguez Fernanda , Bonnano Mariela , Yvorra Carolina , Ceci Romina 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundFabry disease (FD) is an X‐linked disorder of glycosphingolipid catabolism caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme alpha‐galactosidase A (GLA). FD is still an underdiagnosed disorder worldwide. Moreover, there is delay between symptom onset and Fabry diagnosis of at least 10 years. Family screening offers an important benefit for detection of new patients. The aim of this work is to present the approach along with the results of a targeted genetic strategy for pedigree analysis for FD in Argentina.MethodsBy this strategy as soon as a new index Fabry patient is diagnosed, the pedigree group contacts the physician and a meeting is arranged with the physician and the family to build the family tree.ResultsPedigree analysis was carried out for full in 31 families. In the work period, we have tested 1,462 relatives, and 501 were diagnosed FD. The proportion of positive detection was 33%.ConclusionThe targeted family screening approach is successful to detect undiagnosed Fabry patients. By this approach, the highest ratio index to pedigree ever reported for FD pedigree analysis of 1:15 was obtained.
Prednisone may rebuild the immunologic homeostasis: Alteration of Th17 and Treg cells in the lymphocytes from rats' spleens after treated with prednisone‐containing serum
Authors: Fu Xiao‐Qian , Cai Jun‐Ying , Li Mu‐Jun 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to investigate alterations of T helper 17 (Th17), regulatory T (Treg) cells and relative cytokines after treating with prednisone‐contained serum. Lymphocytes were isolated from female rats' spleens.MethodsThe splenic lymphocytes were divided into four groups: which were treated with normal rats' serum (control); prednisone‐containing rats' serum (PDN); normal rats' serum and cytokines (CTK); cytokines and prednisone‐containing rats' serum (PDN + CTK). The mRNA expression level of RORC, Foxp3 and interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) was examined by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. The quantities of Th17 and Treg cells were tested by flow cytometry, and the concentrations of IL‐17 and IL‐10 were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsHigher mRNA expression level of Foxp3, percentages of Treg/CD4+, and concentrations of IL‐10, lower mRNA expressions of RORC and IL‐17, concentrations of IL‐17 and percentages of Th17/CD4+ in PDN group were detected, compared with control group (all p < 0.01). Similar trend was detected in PDN + CTK group, compared with CTK group (all p < 0.01).ConclusionOur results suggest that prednisone may rebuild the immunologic homeostasis and may be used in human diseases with changes in the imbalance immune system such as unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA), hepatitis B infection, or other autoimmune diseases.
Medicinal Chemistry Aware Database GDBMedChem
Authors: Awale Mahendra , Sirockin Finton , Stiefl Nikolaus , Reymond Jean‐Louis 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe generated database GDB17 enumerates 166.4 billion possible molecules up to 17 atoms of C, N, O, S and halogens following simple chemical stability and synthetic feasibility rules, however medicinal chemistry criteria are not taken into account. Here we applied rules inspired by medicinal chemistry to exclude problematic functional groups and complex molecules from GDB17, and sampled the resulting subset uniformly across molecular size, stereochemistry and polarity to form GDBMedChem as a compact collection of 10 million small molecules. This collection has reduced complexity and better synthetic accessibility than the entire GDB17 but retains higher sp3‐carbon fraction and natural product likeness scores compared to known drugs. GDBMedChem molecules are more diverse and very different from known molecules in terms of substructures and represent an unprecedented source of diversity for drug design. GDBMedChem is available for 3D‐visualization, similarity searching and for download at http://gdb.unibe.ch.
Design and validation of a surgical navigation system for brachytherapy based on mixed reality
Authors: Zhou Zeyang , Yang Zhiyong , Jiang Shan , Zhang Fujun , Yan Huzheng 
Published: June 2019

PurposeAn accurate position of the needle is vitally important in low‐dose‐rate seed implantation brachytherapy. Our paper aims to implement a mixed reality navigation system to assist with the placement of the I125 seed implantation thoracoabdominal tumor brachytherapy needle and to validate the accuracy and quality of this type of method.MethodsWith the surgical navigation system, based on mixed reality through a novel modified multi‐information fusion method, the fusion of virtual organs and a preoperative plan for a real patient and the tracking of surgical tools in real time were achieved. Personalized image recognition and pose estimation were used to track needle punctures in real time and to perform registration processes. After a one‐time registration with a hexagonal prism tracker that used an iterative closest point algorithm, all information, including medical images and volume renderings of organs, needles, and seeds, was precisely merged with the patient. Doctors were able to observe the tumor target and to visualize the preoperative plan. This system was validated in both phantom and animal experiments. The accuracy of this system was validated by calculating the positional and rotational error of each needle insertion. The accuracy of implantation of each seed was determined in an animal experiment to test the accuracy in low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy. The efficiency of this system was also validated through time consumption assessments.ResultsIn the phantom experiment, the average error of the needle locations was 0.664 mm and the angle error was 4.74°, average time consumption was 16.1 min with six needles inserted. Based on the results of the animal experiment, the accuracy of the needle insertion was 1.617 mm, while the angle error was 5.574° and the average error of the seed positions was 1.925 mm.ConclusionsThis paper describes the design and experimental validation of a novel surgical navigation system based on mixed reality for I125 seed brachytherapy for thoracoabdominal tumors. This system was validated through a series of experiments, including phantom experiments and animal experiments. Compared with the traditional image‐guided system, the procedure presented here is convenient, displays clinically acceptable accuracy and reduces the number of CT scans, allowing doctors to perform surgery based on a visualized plan. All the experimental results indicated that the procedure is ready to be applied in further clinical studies.
A stable interface‐enriched formulation for immersed domains with strong enforcement of essential boundary conditions
Authors: van den Boom Sanne J. , Zhang Jian , van Keulen Fred , Aragón Alejandro M. 
Published: June 2019

SummaryGenerating matching meshes for finite element analysis is not always a convenient choice, for instance, in cases where the location of the boundary is not known a priori or when the boundary has a complex shape. In such cases, enriched finite element methods can be used to describe the geometric features independently from the mesh. The Discontinuity‐Enriched Finite Element Method (DE‐FEM) was recently proposed for solving problems with both weak and strong discontinuities within the computational domain. In this paper, we extend DE‐FEM to treat fictitious domain problems, where the mesh‐independent boundaries might either describe a discontinuity within the object, or the boundary of the object itself. These boundaries might be given by an explicit expression or an implicit level set. We demonstrate the main assets of DE‐FEM as an immersed method by means of a number of numerical examples; we show that the method is not only stable and optimally convergent but, most importantly, that essential boundary conditions can be prescribed strongly.