bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Laser‐Resistant Port Wine Stain Blood Vessels Using In Vivo Reflectance Confocal Microscopy
Authors: Fu Zhibing , Huang Jinhua , Xiang Yaping , Huang Jian , Tang Zhen , Chen Jing , Nelson J. Stuart , Tan Wenbin , Lu Jianyun 
Published: July 2019

Background and ObjectivesPort wine stain (PWS) is a congenital vascular malformation of the human skin. Laser is the treatment of choice for PWS. Laser‐resistant PWS is one crucial factor accounting for inadequate treatment outcome, which needs to be fully characterized. This study aims to quantitatively characterize the morphology of laser‐resistant PWS blood vessels in the upper papillary dermis using in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM).Study Design/Materials and MethodsA total of 42 PWS subjects receiving laser treatment from August 2016 through July 2018 were enrolled into this study. Thirty‐three subjects had facial PWS; nine had extremity PWS. All subject's PWS received multiplex 585/1,064 nm laser treatment. RCM images were taken before and after treatment. The density, diameter, blood flow, and depth of PWS blood vessels were analyzed.ResultsWe found 44.4% PWS on the extremities (four out of nine subjects) were laser‐resistant, which was significantly higher (P < 0.001) when compared with those PWS on the face (15.2%, 5 out of 33 subjects). The laser‐resistant facial PWS blood vessels had significantly higher blood flow (1.35 ± 0.26 U vs. 0.89 ± 0.22 U, P < 0.001), larger blood vessel diameters (109.60 ± 18.24 µm vs. 84.36 ± 24.04 µm, P = 0.033) and were located deeper in the skin (106.01 ± 13.87 µm vs. 87.82 ± 12.57 µm, P < 0.001) in the skin when compared with laser‐responsive PWS on the face. The average PWS blood vessel density (17.01 ± 4.63/mm2 vs. 16.61 ± 4.44/mm2, P = 0.857) was not correlated to the laser resistance.ConclusionsLaser‐resistant PWS blood vessels had significantly higher blood flow, larger diameters, and were located deeper in the skin. RCM can be a valuable tool for a prognostic evaluation on laser‐resistant lesions before treatment, thereby providing guidance for tailored laser treatment protocols, which may improve the therapeutic outcome. The limitations for this study include relative small sample size and acquisitions of different blood vessels before and after 2 months of treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sales promotions for preorder products: The role of time‐of‐release
Authors: Jha Subhash , Deitz George D. , Hart Phillip , Royne Stafford Marla B. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPreorder offers are increasingly common for many types of products and services. Sales promotions, such as price discounts and free gifts, are frequently used to raise offer attractiveness and elicit a stronger sales response. Through a series of experiments, we show that a preorder promotion's effectiveness depends on whether it matches the construal level associated with timing of the featured product's release. When a match occurs, it increases consumers’ positive affect leading to higher purchase intention directly or by raising the perceived certainty of new product quality. In addition, we find interesting differences related to promotion type. Specifically, we show that a larger discount promotes low‐level construals, which leads to stronger purchase intentions only when the product is scheduled for near‐future release. Since a gift may elicit either high‐ or low‐level construals, a premium offer of higher perceived value leads to stronger purchase intentions regardless of release timing.
MRI super‐resolution reconstruction for MRI‐guided adaptive radiotherapy using cascaded deep learning: In the presence of limited training data and unknown translation model
Authors: Chun Jaehee , Zhang Hao , Gach H. Michael , Olberg Sven , Mazur Thomas , Green Olga , Kim Taeho , Kim Hyun , Kim Jin Sung , Mutic Sasa , Park Justin C. 
Published: July 2019

PurposeDeep learning (DL)‐based super‐resolution (SR) reconstruction for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has recently been receiving attention due to the significant improvement in spatial resolution compared to conventional SR techniques. Challenges hindering the widespread implementation of these approaches remain, however. Low‐resolution (LR) MRIs captured in the clinic exhibit complex tissue structures obfuscated by noise that are difficult for a simple DL framework to handle. Moreover, training a robust network for a SR task requires abundant, perfectly matched pairs of LR and high‐resolution (HR) images that are often unavailable or difficult to collect. The purpose of this study is to develop a novel SR technique for MRI based on the concept of cascaded DL that allows for the reconstruction of high‐quality SR images in the presence of insufficient training data, an unknown translation model, and noise.MethodsThe proposed framework, based on the concept named cascaded deep learning, consists of three components: (a) a denoising autoencoder (DAE) trained using clinical LR noisy MRI scans that have been processed with a nonlocal means filter that generates denoised LR data; (b) a down‐sampling network (DSN) trained with a small amount of paired LR/HR data from volunteers that allows for the generation of perfectly paired LR/HR data for the training of a generative model; and (c) the proposed SR generative model (p‐SRG) trained with data generated by the DSN that maps from LR inputs to HR outputs. After training, LR clinical images may be fed through the DAE and p‐SRG to yield SR reconstructions of the LR input. The application of this framework was explored in two settings: 3D breath‐hold MRI axial SR reconstruction from LR axial scans (<3 sec/vol) and in the enhancement of the spatial resolution of LR 4D‐MRI acquisitions (0.5 sec/vol).ResultsThe DSN produces LR scans from HR inputs with a higher fidelity to true, LR clinical scans compared to conventional k‐space down‐sampling methods based on the metrics of root mean square error (RMSE) and structural similarity index (SSIM). Furthermore, HR outputs generated by the p‐SRG exhibit improved scores in the peak signal‐to‐noise ratio, normalized RMSE, SSIM, and in the blind/reference‐less image spatial quality evaluator assessment compared to conventional approaches to MRI SR.ConclusionsThe robust, SR reconstruction method for MRI based on the novel cascaded deep learning framework is an end‐to‐end method for producing detail‐preserving SR reconstructions from noisy, LR clinical MRI scans. Fourfold enhancements in spatial resolution facilitate target delineation and motion management during radiation therapy, enabling precise MRI‐guided radiation therapy with 3D LR breath‐hold MRI and 4D‐MRI in a clinically feasible time frame.
Effects of Operating Conditions on the Copolymerization of Castor Oil Maleate–Styrene by Suspension Polymerization
Authors: Maia Dayanne L. H. , Fernandes Fabiano A. N. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis work studies the synthesis of copolymers (MACO‐St) of castor oil maleate (MACO) and styrene (St) initiated using benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as free radical initiator through suspension polymerization. The study investigates the effects of temperature (100–140 °C), the molar ratio between styrene and MACO (2:1–4:1), BPO concentration (0.10–0.20 wt%), and water concentration (50–100 wt%) on the molecular weight distribution, thermal stability, viscosity, and biodegradability of the copolymers. Suspension polymerization allows the production of a broad range of number average molecular weight (3465–18 995 g mol−1) and molecular weight distributions with dispersions (Đ) ranging from 1.8 to 4.4. The reaction presents high yields of castor oil into copolymers (>90%), which displays thermal stability up to 200 °C and are highly biodegradable according to the International Organization of Standardization reference.
Invasive fungal infections in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: Results from four Australian centres, 2003‐2013
Authors: Wang Stacie S. , Kotecha Rishi S. , Bernard Anne , Blyth Christopher C. , McMullan Brendan J. , Cann Megan P. , Yeoh Daniel K. , Bartlett Adam W. , Ryan Anne L. , Moore Andrew S. , Bryant Penelope A. , Clark Julia , Haeusler Gabrielle M. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundInvasive fungal infections (IFI) are an important complication of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) treatment. Our study describes the prevalence and outcomes of IFI in children with ALL.MethodsIFI episodes in children with primary or relapsed ALL, identified for The Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Invasive Fungal Infections in Immunocompromised Children study, were analysed. IFI were classified according to European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group criteria with a ‘modified‐possible’ category included.ResultsA total of 123 IFI episodes in 119 patients with ALL were included. A proven, probable, possible and modified‐possible IFI was diagnosed in 56 (45.5%), 22 (17.9%), 39 (31.7%) and six (4.9%) episodes, respectively. The prevalence was 9.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 8‐11.4%) overall and 23.5% (95% CI 14.5‐32.5%) for relapsed/refractory ALL. For non‐relapsed ALL, the IFI prevalence was significantly higher for children with high‐risk compared to standard‐risk ALL (14.5% vs 7.3%, P = .009), and IFI were more common during induction, consolidation and delayed intensification phases. Mould infections occurred more frequently than non‐mould infections. Thirteen children (10.9%) died within 6 months of IFI diagnosis with five deaths (4.2%) attributable to an IFI.ConclusionsIFI is more common in children with high‐risk ALL and in relapsed disease. Overall survival was encouraging, with IFI contributing to very few deaths.
Efficacy and safety of denosumab therapy for low bone mineral density in childhood cancer survivors: A report of preliminary experience
Authors: Huang Ting‐Huan , Liu Hsi‐Che , Hou Jen‐Yin , Chang Ching‐Yi , Sun Fang‐Ju , Yeh Ting‐Chi 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundIn childhood cancer survivors, low bone mineral density (BMD) is a bone‐related consequence. Efficacy of denosumab, an effective therapy for adult patients with osteoporosis, remains unclear in children. This study aimed to investigate denosumab therapy efficacy for low BMD in childhood cancer survivors.ProcedureBetween January 2014 and January 2018, we monitored lumbar BMD of children with cancer using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry after completing chemotherapy with a 6‐month interval. For patients with low BMD, defined as height‐adjusted Z‐scores of BMD < −1.5 in this study, calcium carbonate and vitamin D supplements were initially administered. When low BMD continued for at least 6 months, denosumab therapy was introduced. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation were continued in patients on denosumab. We investigated BMD change and adverse effects during denosumab therapy.ResultsDuring the study period, 20 patients received denosumab treatment. Mean height‐adjusted Z‐score of BMD before denosumab treatment was −2.68 but increased to −2, −1.96, and −1.33 at 0.5, 1, and 1.5 years after denosumab treatment, respectively (P = .012). In addition, hypocalcemia occurred in 40% (8/20) of patients; three patients had hypocalcemic symptoms with numbness in all four limbs. All hypocalcemic patients, except one patient who died due to relapsed leukemia, recovered well after continuous calcium supplementation.ConclusionsDenosumab is an effective treatment for low BMD in childhood cancer survivors. However, the complication of hypocalcemia might develop posttreatment.
Preparation, Microstructure and Thermal Property of ZrAl3/Al Composite Fuels
Authors: Hu Aobo , Zou Hui , Shi Wen , Pang Ai‐min , Cai Shuizhou 
Published: July 2019

AbstractZrAl3/Al composite fuels (Al‐xZr, x=10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 53 wt.%) were prepared by the non‐consumable arc‐melting technique and close‐coupled gas‐atomization. In order to study the effects of the zirconium content and the oxygen partial pressure on the thermal properties of composite fuels, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, TG‐DTA and DSC were used to characterize the composite fuels, respectively. The result shows that the addition of zirconium leads to the formation of a special structure inside the powder, promoting the oxidation of ZrAl3/Al composite fuels. Besides, non‐selective oxidation of ZrAl3 played an important role in promoting the oxidation process. The oxygen bomb experiment was conducted to evaluate the combustion performance of ZrAl3/Al composite fuels. Oxygen bomb experiments show that the gravimetric combustion enthalpy of the composite fuels decreases linearly with the increase of zirconium content, and increases with the increase of oxygen partial pressure. However, the volumetric combustion enthalpy decreases first and then increases with the increase of zirconium content, and shows a general upward trend when the partial pressure of oxygen reaches 2.5 MPa or more. The pressure curve indicates that the Al‐53Zr composite fuels have the maximum pressure propagation rate (dP/dt)max (which characterizes the maximum flame propagation rate and higher energy releasing rates) in the prepared series of composite fuels. The study demonstrates a complete combustion of ZrAl3/Al composite fuels under high pressure. ZrAl3/Al composite fuels could be considered as a very promising energetic additive in the field of new‐energetic material.
Random effects models for estimation of the probability and time to progression of a continuous biomarker
Authors: Reddy Tarylee , Molenberghs Geert , Bruckers Liesbeth , Njagi Edmund Njeru , Aerts Marc , Willem Schurink Geert 
Published: July 2019

Biomarkers play a key role in the monitoring of disease progression. The time taken for an individual to reach a biomarker exceeding or lower than a meaningful threshold is often of interest. Due to the inherent variability of biomarkers, persistence criteria are sometimes included in the definitions of progression, such that only two consecutive measurements above or below the relevant threshold signal that “true” progression has occurred. In previous work, a novel approach was developed, which allowed estimation of the time to threshold using the parameters from a linear mixed model where the residual variance was assumed to be pure measurement error. In this paper, we extend this methodology so that serial correlation can be accommodated. Assuming that the Markov property holds and applying the chain rule of probabilities, we found that the probability of progression at each timepoint can be expressed simply as the product of conditional probabilities. The methodology is applied to a cohort of HIV positive individuals, where the time to reach a CD4 count threshold is estimated. The second application we present is based on a study on abdominal aortic aneurysms, where the time taken for an individual to reach a diameter exceeding 55 mm is studied. We observed that erroneously ignoring the residual correlation when it is strong may result in substantial overestimation of the time to threshold. The estimated probability of the biomarker reaching a threshold of interest, expected time to threshold, and confidence intervals are presented for selected patients in both applications.
Driving factors of the flushing time of bays formed where tributaries enter a reservoir
Authors: Zhao Qian , Mao Jingqiao , Cai Haibin , Dai Huichao 
Published: July 2019

AbstractFlushing time is an integrative parameter that can represent water exchange capacity and sensitivity to pollution threats. As bays formed where tributaries enter the Three Gorges Reservoir of China have experienced frequent algal blooms over the past decade, we examine the spatially variable flushing time of a typical tributary bay (Xiangxi Bay) by numerical tracer experiments. First, the tracer concentration reduction could be approximated well by a double exponential decay curve, and the local flushing time of Xiangxi Bay is determined using key flushing coefficients. Second, a sensitivity analysis is performed to examine the influence of upstream inflow, temperature difference, wind, water level of the reservoir, and daily water level fluctuation on the spatial variation in local flushing time. Finally, according to local flushing time values and the sensitivity analysis results, the bay can be generally characterized by three zones: riverine, transitional, and mainstream‐influenced zones. In particular, the local flushing times in the riverine zone are mainly affected by the upstream inflow. The difference in temperature between the reservoir mainstream and Xiangxi Bay is the main forcing in the transitional and mainstream‐influenced zones. This study is the first to investigate different driving factors for flushing time in a typical reservoir tributary bay. The findings provide insights on the transport processes in such water bodies, suggesting the possibility of using the longitudinal zonation of flushing time for reservoir management.
Effects of cyclonic plasma deposited organosilicon nano‐coating on 316 stainless steel and its surface characterization
Authors: Wu Li‐Yu , Kuo Yu‐Lin , Chang Kuang‐Hui , Chen Ting‐Hao , Cheng Chou‐Yuan , Liu Yu‐Shuan , Huang Chun 
Published: July 2019

Cyclonic atmospheric pressure plasma is developed to synthesize the organosilicon nano‐coating on 316 L stainless steel surface with hexamethyldisilazane (HMDSN) and HMDSN/N2 monomers. The modified 316 L stainless steel surface characteristics of cyclonic plasma deposited organosilicon nano‐coating were evaluated by the static contact angle measurement, FTIR, SEM, AFM, and XPS detections. The chemical analysis with FTIR and XPS depicts that cyclonic plasma deposited nano‐coating obtains the relatively inorganic characteristics. The surface morphological determination with SEM and AFM refers cyclonic plasma deposited 316 L stainless steel surface roughness alteration with switching monomer inputs. This study shows the potential of chamber‐less deposition to create the plasma deposited organosilicon nano‐coating for 316 L stainless.
Exposing {001} Crystal Plane on Hexagonal Ni‐MOF with Surface‐Grown Cross‐Linked Mesh‐Structures for Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Li Yan , Xu Yuxia , Liu Yong , Pang Huan 
Published: July 2019

AbstractHexagonal nickel‐organic framework (Ni‐MOF) [Ni(NO3)2·6H2O, 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylic acid, 4‐4′‐bipyridine] is fabricated through a one‐step solvothermal method. The {001} crystal plane is exposed to the largest hexagonal surface, which is an ideal structure for electron transport and ion diffusion. Compared with the surrounding rectangular crystal surface, the ion diffusion length through the {001} crystal plane is the shortest. In addition, the cross‐linked porous mesh structures growing on the {001} crystal plane strengthen the mixing with conductive carbon, inducing preferable conductivity, as well as increasing the area of ion contact and the number of active sites. These advantages enable the hexagonal Ni‐MOF to exhibit excellent electrochemical performance as supercapacitor electrode materials. In a three‐electrode cell, specific capacitance of hexagonal Ni‐MOF in the 3.0 m KOH electrolyte is 977.04 F g−1 and remains at the initial value of 92.34% after 5,000 cycles. When the hexagonal Ni‐MOF and activated carbon are assembled into aqueous devices, the electrochemical performance remains effective.
Alprostadil attenuates LPS-induced cardiomyocyte injury by inhibiting the Wnt5a/JNK/NF-κB pathway
Authors: Yu T. , Dong D. , Guan J. , Sun J. , Guo M. , Wang Q. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background
Clinical research has demonstrated that alprostadil has an anti-inflammatory effect; however, to date, its molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the anti-inflammatory activity and related mechanisms of alprostadil in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated H9c2 cells.

Methods
Cell morphology was observed under an inverted light microscope, while cell viability was assessed with the 3‑(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were conducted to study biochemical indicators of cellular damage, such as released lactate dehydrase (LDH) and troponin, and inflammatory cytokine levels including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The mRNA expression levels of Wnt5a, c‑jun N‑terminal kinase (JNK), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were further investigated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The effects of alprostadil on the Wnt5a/JNK/NF-κB pathway in H9c2 cells was examined by Western blotting.

Results
Alprostadil increased the cell viability of LPS-stimulated H9c2 cells, reduced LDH and troponin production, and attenuated IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α secretion. Moreover, alprostadil reduced the mRNA expression of Wnt5a, JNK, and NF-κB and decreased the expression of Wnt5a, NF-κB, and the ratio of p‑JNK/JNK in H9c2 cells treated with LPS. The siWnt5a or JNK inhibitor SP600125 significantly augmented the inhibitory effects of alprostadil on the Wnt5a/JNK/NF-κB pathway.

Conclusion
Our results show that alprostadil has anti-inflammatory effects and could attenuate LPS-induced injury in H9c2 cardiomyocytes via the Wnt5a/JNK/NF-κB pathway.
Neutrophil extracellular traps and fibrocytes in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Hofbauer Thomas M. , Mangold Andreas , Scherz Thomas , Seidl Veronika , Panzenböck Adelheid , Ondracek Anna S. , Müller Julian , Schneider Matthias , Binder Thomas , Hell Lena , Lang Irene M. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Leukocyte-mediated inflammation is central in atherothrombosis and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been shown to enhance atherothrombosis and stimulate fibroblast function. We analyzed the effects of NETs on cardiac remodeling after STEMI. We measured double-stranded (ds)DNA and citrullinated histone H3 (citH3) as NET surrogate markers in human culprit site and femoral blood collected during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (n = 50). Fibrocytes were characterized in whole blood by flow cytometry, and in culprit site thrombi and myocardium by immunofluorescence. To investigate mechanisms of fibrocyte activation, isolated NETs were used to induce fibrocyte responses in vitro. Enzymatic infarct size was assessed using creatine-phosphokinase isoform MB area under the curve. Left ventricular function was measured by transthoracic echocardiography. NET surrogate markers were increased at the culprit site compared to the femoral site and were positively correlated with infarct size and left ventricular dysfunction at follow-up. In vitro, NETs promoted fibrocyte differentiation from monocytes and induced fibrocyte activation. Highly activated fibrocytes accumulated at the culprit site and in the infarct transition zone. Our data suggest that NETs might be important mediators of fibrotic remodeling after STEMI, possibly by stimulating fibrocytes.