bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Choriocapillaris and retinal vascular plexus density of diabetic eyes using split-spectrum amplitude decorrelation spectral-domain optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Conti Felipe F , Qin Vivian L , Rodrigues Eduardo B , Sharma Sumit , Rachitskaya Aleksandra V , Ehlers Justis P , Singh Rishi P 
Published: May 2018

Background/aimsSplit-spectrum amplitude decorrelation angiography for spectral-domain optical coherence tomography has enabled detailed, non-invasive assessment of vascular flow. This study evaluates choriocapillaris and retinal capillary perfusion density (CPD) in diabetic eyes using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).MethodsRecords of 136 eyes that underwent OCTA imaging at a single institution were reviewed. Eyes were grouped as non-diabetic controls (37 eyes), patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) without diabetic retinopathy (DM without DR, 31 eyes), non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR, 41 eyes) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR, 27 eyes). Quantitative CPD analyses were performed on OCTA images for assessing perfusion density of the choriocapillaris and retinal plexus for all patients and compared between groups.ResultsEyes with NPDR and PDR showed significantly decreased choriocapillaris CPD compared with controls, while DM eyes without DR did not show significant change. Choriocapillaris whole-image CPD was decreased by 8.3% in eyes with NPDR (p<0.01) and decreased by 7.1% in eyes with PDR (p<0.01). Choriocapillaris parafoveal CPD was decreased by 8.9% in eyes with NPDR (p<0.01) and decreased by 8.2% in eyes with PDR (p<0.01). Compared with controls, only eyes with PDR showed significantly decreased retinal CPD, as well as significantly increased foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area. In those patients, retinal whole-image CPD was decreased by 9.7% (p<0.01), retinal foveal CPD was decreased by 20.5% (p<0.01) and retinal parafoveal CPD was decreased by 11.4% (p<0.01). FAZ area was increased by 50.9% (p<0.01).ConclusionsChoriocapillaris and retinal CPD are reduced in diabetic retinopathy, while FAZ area is increased in eyes with PDR. Vascular changes captured by new imaging modalities can further characterise diabetic choroidopathy.
Effects of mindfulness training programmes delivered by a self-directed mobile app and by telephone compared with an education programme for survivors of critical illness: a pilot randomised clinical trial
Authors: Cox Christopher E , Hough Catherine L , Jones Derek M , Ungar Anna , Reagan Wen , Key Mary D , Gremore Tina , Olsen Maren K , Sanders Linda , Greeson Jeffrey M , Porter Laura S 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundPatients who are sick enough to be admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) commonly experience symptoms of psychological distress after discharge, yet few effective therapies have been applied to meet their needs.MethodsPilot randomised clinical trial with 3-month follow-up conducted at two academic medical centres. Adult (≥18 years) ICU patients treated for cardiorespiratory failure were randomised after discharge home to 1 of 3 month-long interventions: a self-directed mobile app-based mindfulness programme; a therapist-led telephone-based mindfulness programme; or a web-based critical illness education programme.ResultsAmong 80 patients allocated to mobile mindfulness (n=31), telephone mindfulness (n=31) or education (n=18), 66 (83%) completed the study. For the primary outcomes, target benchmarks were exceeded by observed rates for all participants for feasibility (consent 74%, randomisation 91%, retention 83%), acceptability (mean Client Satisfaction Questionnaire 27.6 (SD 3.8)) and usability (mean Systems Usability Score 89.1 (SD 11.5)). For secondary outcomes, mean values (and 95% CIs) reflected clinically significant group-based changes on the Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale (mobile (−4.8 (−6.6, −2.9)), telephone (−3.9 (−5.6, −2.2)), education (−3.0 (−5.3, 0.8)); the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (mobile −2.1 (−3.7, −0.5), telephone −1.6 (−3.0, −0.1), education −0.6 (−2.5, 1.3)); the Post-Traumatic Stress Scale (mobile −2.6 (−6.3, 1.2), telephone −2.2 (−5.6, 1.2), education −3.5 (−8.0, 1.0)); and the Patient Health Questionnaire physical symptom scale (mobile −5.3 (−7.0, −3.7), telephone −3.7 (−5.2, 2.2), education −4.8 (−6.8, 2.7)).ConclusionsAmong ICU patients, a mobile mindfulness app initiated after hospital discharge demonstrated evidence of feasibility, acceptability and usability and had a similar impact on psychological distress and physical symptoms as a therapist-led programme. A larger trial is warranted to formally test the efficacy of this approach.Trial registration numberResults,NCT02701361.
Sensory analysis of characterising flavours: evaluating tobacco product odours using an expert panel
Authors: Krüsemann Erna J Z , Lasschuijt Marlou P , de Graaf C , de Wijk René A , Punter Pieter H , van Tiel Loes , Cremers Johannes W J M , van de Nobelen Suzanne , Boesveldt Sanne , Talhout Reinskje 
Published: May 2018

Objectives
Tobacco flavours are an important regulatory concept in several jurisdictions, for example in the USA, Canada and Europe. The European Tobacco Products Directive 2014/40/EU prohibits cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco having a characterising flavour. This directive defines characterising flavour as ‘a clearly noticeable smell or taste other than one of tobacco […]’. To distinguish between products with and without a characterising flavour, we trained an expert panel to identify characterising flavours by smelling.

Methods
An expert panel (n=18) evaluated the smell of 20 tobacco products using self-defined odour attributes, following Quantitative Descriptive Analysis. The panel was trained during 14 attribute training, consensus training and performance monitoring sessions. Products were assessed during six test sessions. Principal component analysis, hierarchical clustering (four and six clusters) and Hotelling’s T-tests (95% and 99% CIs) were used to determine differences and similarities between tobacco products based on odour attributes.

Results
The final attribute list contained 13 odour descriptors. Panel performance was sufficient after 14 training sessions. Products marketed as unflavoured that formed a cluster were considered reference products. A four-cluster method distinguished cherry-flavoured, vanilla-flavoured and menthol-flavoured products from reference products. Six clusters subdivided reference products into tobacco leaves, roll-your-own and commercial products.

Conclusions
An expert panel was successfully trained to assess characterising odours in cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco. This method could be applied to other product types such as e-cigarettes. Regulatory decisions on the choice of reference products and significance level are needed which directly influences the products being assessed as having a characterising odour.
New structural phase obtained by exerting high pressure on (Br2)n@AFI composite material
Authors: Yao Zhen , Lv Jia-Yin , Liu Bo , Liu Bing-Bing , Yang Bai 
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we present a theoretical study on the high-pressure behaviors of a (Br2)[Formula: see text]@AlPO4-5 (AFI) peapod structure. The influence of the encapsulated Br2 molecule on the structural deformation of AFI crystal is analyzed using the volume–pressure function. The bonding process of the linearly arrayed Br2 molecule transferring to the bromine atomic chain is analyzed by the electron density distribution. A new high-pressure phase with [Formula: see text] point group symmetry is obtained as the pressure increases to 34 GPa. In addition, electron density difference calculations are used to study the systematic charge transformation. Further analysis indicates that the encapsulated Br2 molecules can significantly modify the electronic structure of the AFI crystal. The band gap of the (Br2)[Formula: see text]@AFI decreases with pressure and closes at 9 GPa. Moreover, the calculated bulk modulus and electronic properties indicate that the new structural phase is metallic with a high hardness, providing a new strategy for exploring novel nanomaterials.
The band gap properties of the three-component semi-infinite plate-like LRPC by using PWE/FE method
Authors: Qian Denghui , Wang Jianchun 
Published: May 2018

This paper applies coupled plane wave expansion and finite element (PWE/FE) method to calculate the band structure of the proposed three-component semi-infinite plate-like locally resonant phononic crystal (LRPC). In order to verify the accuracy of the result, the band structure calculated by PWE/FE method is compared to that calculated by the traditional finite element (FE) method, and the frequency range of the band gap in the band structure is compared to that of the attenuation in the transmission power spectrum. Numerical results and further analysis demonstrate that a band gap is opened by the coupling between the dominant vibrations of the rubber layer and the matrix modes. In addition, the influences of the geometry parameters on the band gap are studied and understood with the help of the simple “base-spring-mass” model, the influence of the viscidity of rubber layer on the band gap is also investigated.
In situ SEM analysis for deformation mechanism of micro/nanostructured 304 stainless steel with high strength and good plasticity
Authors: Sheng Jie , La Peiqing , Su Jiaqiang , Ren Junqiang , Ma Jiqiang , Shi Yu , Li Zhengning , Wang Jiao 
Published: May 2018

Bulk micro/nanostructured 304 austenitic stainless-steel plates with bimodal grain size distributions were prepared by Alumina Thermite Reaction at various temperatures and extents of rolling deformation. Rolling cogging of the sheet was performed with a rolling reduction of 40% at 1000[Formula: see text]C followed by rolling reduction of 80% at 700[Formula: see text]C. The strength and plasticity of the resulting micro/nanostructured 304 stainless steels with bimodal grain size distribution achieved the best matching, with tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation of 1410 MPa, 723 MPa and 15.3%, respectively. To better understand the deformation mechanism of this micro/nanostructured stainless steel sample, an in situ scanning electron microscopy technique was adopted. The crack initiation, propagation, and fracture were dynamically observed and recorded during the tensile deformation. Our results revealed that a stress concentration near the preset notch served as the initiation source and that microcracks were formed in the grain boundaries between micro- and nano-grains and then spread to the microcrystalline region until passing through the microcrystalline region or until passivation occurred in the microcrystalline region. The microcracks not only caused serious damage to the specimen but also generated back stress, which could lead to hardening of material, thereby enhancing the global ductility. Finally, the mechanism responsible for the enhanced plasticity and strength of the micro/nanostructured 304 stainless steel with a bimodal grain size distribution was analyzed and combined with the fracture morphology.
Distributed Online and Stochastic Queueing on a Multiple Access Channel
Authors: Bienkowski Marcin , Jurdzinski Tomasz , Korzeniowski Miroslaw , Kowalski Dariusz R. 
Published: May 2018

We consider the problems of online and stochastic packet queueing in a distributed system of
n
nodes with queues, where the communication between the nodes is done via a multiple access channel. In the online setting, in each round, an arbitrary number of packets can be injected to nodes’ queues. Two measures of performance are considered: the total number of packets in all queues, called the
total load
, and the maximum queue size, called the
maximum load
. We develop a deterministic distributed algorithm that is asymptotically optimal with respect to both complexity measures, in a competitive way. More precisely, the total load of our algorithm is bigger than the total load of any other algorithm, including centralized online solutions, by only an additive term of
O
(
n
2
), whereas the maximum queue size of our algorithm is at most
n
times bigger than the maximum queue size of any other algorithm, with an extra additive
O
(
n
). The optimality for both measures is justified by proving the corresponding lower bounds, which also separates nearly exponentially distributed solutions from the centralized ones. Next, we show that our algorithm is also stochastically stable for
any
expected injection rate smaller or equal to 1. This is the first solution to the stochastic queueing problem on a multiple access channel that achieves such stability for the (highest possible) rate equal to 1.
CACF
Authors: Zhang Yang , Feng Dan , Tong Wei , Hua Yu , Liu Jingning , Tan Zhipeng , Wang Chengning , Wu Bing , Li Zheng , Xu Gaoxiang 
Published: May 2018

Emerging Resistive Random Access Memory (ReRAM) is a promising candidate as the replacement for DRAM due to its low standby power, high density, high scalability, and nonvolatility. By employing the unique crossbar structure, ReRAM can be constructed with extremely high density. However, the crossbar ReRAM faces some serious challenges in terms of performance, reliability, and energy consumption. First, ReRAM’s crossbar structure causes an IR drop problem due to wire resistance and sneak currents, which results in nonuniform access latency in ReRAM banks and reduces its reliability. Second, without access transistors in the crossbar structure, write disturbance results in serious data reliability problem. Third, the access latency, reliability, and energy use of ReRAM arrays are significantly influenced by the data patterns involved in a write operation.
To overcome the challenges of the crossbar ReRAM, we propose a novel circuit architecture co-optimization framework for improving the performance, reliability, and energy use of ReRAM-based main memory system, called CACF. The proposed CACF consists of three levels, including the circuit level, circuit architecture level, and architecture level. At the circuit level, to reduce the IR drops along bitlines, we propose a double-sided write driver design by applying write drivers along both sides of bitlines and selectively activating the write drivers. At the circuit architecture level, to address the write disturbance with low overheads, we propose a RESET disturbance detection scheme by adding disturbance reference cells and conditionally performing refresh operations. At the architecture level, a region partition with address remapping method is proposed to leverage the nonuniform access latency in ReRAM banks, and two flip schemes are proposed in different regions to optimize the data patterns involved in a write operation. The experimental results show that CACF improves system performance by 26.1%, decreases memory access latency by 22.4%, shortens running time by 20.1%, and reduces energy consumption by 21.6% on average over an aggressive baseline. Meanwhile, CACF significantly improves the reliability of ReRAM-based memory systems.
Combining Software Cache Partitioning and Loop Tiling for Effective Shared Cache Management
Authors: Vasilios Kelefouras , Georgios Keramidas , Nikolaos Voros 
Published: May 2018

One of the biggest challenges in multicore platforms is shared cache management, especially for data-dominant applications. Two commonly used approaches for increasing shared cache utilization are cache partitioning and loop tiling. However, state-of-the-art compilers lack efficient cache partitioning and loop tiling methods for two reasons. First, cache partitioning and loop tiling are strongly coupled together, and thus addressing them separately is simply not effective. Second, cache partitioning and loop tiling must be tailored to the target shared cache architecture details and the memory characteristics of the corunning workloads.
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a methodology provides (1) a theoretical foundation in the above-mentioned cache management mechanisms and (2) a unified framework to orchestrate these two mechanisms in tandem (not separately). Our approach manages to lower the number of main memory accesses by an order of magnitude keeping at the same time the number of arithmetic/addressing instructions to a minimal level. We motivate this work by showcasing that cache partitioning, loop tiling, data array layouts, shared cache architecture details (i.e., cache size and associativity), and the memory reuse patterns of the executing tasks must be addressed together as one problem, when a (near)-optimal solution is requested. To this end, we present a search space exploration analysis where our proposal is able to offer a vast deduction in the required search space.
BET Inhibition Overcomes Receptor Tyrosine Kinase–Mediated Cetuximab Resistance in HNSCC
Authors: Leonard Brandon , Brand Toni M. , O'Keefe Rachel A. , Lee Eliot D. , Zeng Yan , Kemmer Jacquelyn D. , Li Hua , Grandis Jennifer R. , Bhola Neil E. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Cetuximab, the FDA-approved anti-EGFR antibody for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), has displayed limited efficacy due to the emergence of intrinsic and acquired resistance. We and others have demonstrated that cetuximab resistance in HNSCC is driven by alternative receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), including HER3, MET, and AXL. In an effort to overcome cetuximab resistance and circumvent toxicities associated with the administration of multiple RTK inhibitors, we sought to identify a common molecular target that regulates expression of multiple RTK. Bromodomain-containing protein-4 (BRD4) has been shown to regulate the transcription of various RTK in the context of resistance to PI3K and HER2 inhibition in breast cancer models. We hypothesized that, in HNSCC, targeting BRD4 could overcome cetuximab resistance by depleting alternative RTK expression. We generated independent models of cetuximab resistance in HNSCC cell lines and interrogated their RTK and BRD4 expression profiles. Cetuximab-resistant clones displayed increased expression and activation of several RTK, such as MET and AXL, as well as an increased percentage of BRD4-expressing cells. Both genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of BRD4 abrogated cell viability in models of acquired and intrinsic cetuximab resistance and was associated with a robust decrease in alternative RTK expression by cetuximab. Combined treatment with cetuximab and bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 significantly delayed acquired resistance and RTK upregulation in patient-derived xenograft models of HNSCC. These findings indicate that the combination of cetuximab and bromodomain inhibition may be a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with HNSCC.
Significance: Inhibition of bromodomain protein BRD4 represents a potential therapeutic strategy to circumvent the toxicities and financial burden of targeting the multiple receptor tyrosine kinases that drive cetuximab resistance in HNSCC and NSCLC.
Graphical Abstract: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/78/15/4331/F1.large.jpg. Cancer Res; 78(15); 4331–43. ©2018 AACR.
Phase II Study of Taselisib (GDC-0032) in Combination with Fulvestrant in Patients with HER2-Negative, Hormone Receptor–Positive Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Dickler Maura N. , Saura Cristina , Richards Donald A. , Krop Ian E. , Cervantes Andrés , Bedard Philippe L. , Patel Manish R. , Pusztai Lajos , Oliveira Mafalda , Cardenas Alison K. , Cui Na , Wilson Timothy R. , Stout Thomas J. , Wei Michael C. , Hsu Jerry Y. , Baselga José 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPurpose: This single-arm, open-label phase II study evaluated the safety and efficacy of taselisib (GDC-0032) plus fulvestrant in postmenopausal women with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-negative, hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer.Patients and Methods: Patients received 6-mg oral taselisib capsules daily plus intramuscular fulvestrant (500 mg) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Tumor tissue (if available) was centrally evaluated for PIK3CA mutations. Adverse events (AE) were recorded using NCI-CTCAE v4.0. Tumor response was investigator-determined using RECIST v1.1.Results: Median treatment duration was 4.6 (range: 0.9–40.5) months. All patients experienced ≥1 AE, 30 (50.0%) had grade ≥3 AEs, and 19 (31.7%) experienced 35 serious AEs. Forty-seven of 60 patients had evaluable tissue for central PIK3CA mutation testing [20 had mutations, 27 had no mutation detected (MND)]. In patients with baseline measurable disease, clinical activity was observed in tumors with PIK3CA mutations [best confirmed response rate: 38.5% (5/13; 95% CI, 13.9–68.4); clinical benefit rate (CBR): 38.5% (5/13; 95% CI, 13.9–68.4)], PIK3CA-MND [best confirmed response rate: 14.3% (3/21; 95% CI, 3.0–36.3); CBR: 23.8% (5/21; 95% CI, 8.2–47.2)], and unknown PIK3CA mutation status [best confirmed response rate: 20.0% (2/10; 95% CI, 2.5–55.6); CBR: 30.0% (3/10; 95% CI, 6.7–65.2)].Conclusions: Taselisib plus fulvestrant had clinical activity irrespective of PIK3CA mutation status, with numerically higher objective response rate and CBR in patients with PIK3CA-mutated (vs. -MND) locally advanced or metastatic HER2-negative, HR-positive breast cancer. No new safety signals were reported. A confirmatory phase III trial is ongoing. Clin Cancer Res; 24(18); 4380–7. ©2018 AACR.
Comparison of the Thermal Spread of Three Different Electrosurgical Generators on Rat Uterus: A Preliminary Experimental Study
Authors: Karacan Tolga , Usta Taner , Ozkaynak Aysel , Onur Cakir Omer , Kahraman Aslı , Ozyurek Eser 
Published: May 2018

<b><i>Background/Aims:</i></b> The objective of this study was to compare the depth and width of thermal spread caused on rat uterine tissue after application of 3 different electrosurgical generators. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Alsa Excell 350 MCDSe (Unit A), Meditom DT-400P (Unit M), and ERBE Erbotom VIO 300 D (Unit E) electrosurgical units (ESUs) were used. The number of Wistar Hannover rats required to obtain valid results was 10. The primary objective of the study was to compare the 3 ESUs using the same instrument and the same waveform. The secondary objective of the study was to compare the differences between monopolar and bipolar systems of each ESU separately using the same waveform. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The thermal spread caused by each ESU using monopolar instruments with continuous and interrupted waveforms was significantly different. Among the 3 devices, Unit A caused the largest thermal uterine tissue spread. On the other hand, Unit E caused the most superficial thermal tissue spread, and the smallest thermal spread among all ESUs. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Surgeons should note that different ESUs used with the same power output might create different thermal effects especially in the monopolar configuration within the same waveform, for the same duration, and with the same instrument.