bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coupled‐Waveguides for Dispersion Compensation in Semiconductor Lasers
Authors: Bidaux Yves , Kapsalidis Filippos , Jouy Pierre , Beck Mattias , Faist Jérôme 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA dual waveguide for intracavity dispersion compensation in semiconductor lasers is presented and applied to a short mid‐infrared wavelength quantum cascade laser operating in the first atmospheric window ( 4.6 μm). As a result, stable comb operation on the full multi‐mode dynamical range is achieved in this device. Unlike previously proposed schemes, the dual waveguide approach can be applied to various types of semiconductor lasers and material systems. In particular, it could enable efficient group velocity dispersion compensation at near‐infrared wavelengths where semiconductor materials exhibit a large value of that parameter.
Reaction‐Induced Phase Separation: A Strategy to Synthesize Azobenzene‐Modified All‐Optical PDLC Devices
Authors: Orofino Antonela B. , Oyanguren Patricia A. , Galante María J. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis work presents the synthesis of all‐optical polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLC) devices, in which the reversible trans–cis photoisomerization of azobenzene groups is used to induce the transition in the liquid crystal (LC) phase, activating the film from an opaque to a translucent state. The appropriate morphology is obtained through a reaction‐induced phase separation strategy using an epoxy–amine matrix modified with azobenzene precursors and the addition of a thermoplastic polymer (polystyrene, PS), which promotes the phase separation and the preferential location of the LC in separated domains. Formulations with liquid crystal content of 50 wt%, 5 wt% of modifier (PS), and 10 wt% of azo‐precursor present a reversible on–off optical response when irradiating the sample with the activation beam at λ = 488 nm. It is demonstrated that the liquid crystal responds according to the expected cooperative movement of orientation with the azobenzene groups. Based on the study of the PDLC devices obtained, its potential technological application can be confirmed.
Partially Fluorinated Multiblock Poly(arylene ether sulfone) Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Lee Sojeong , Yuk Jinok , Nugraha Adam F. , Shul Yong‐Gun , Park Seok‐Hee , Shin Dongwon , Bae Byungchan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) (SPAES‐F series) membranes, which are partially fluorinated multiblock polymers containing Bisphenol 6F (6F‐BPA), are synthesized. The membranes exhibit less water uptake and higher ion conductivity at similar ion exchange capacity (IEC) values compared to previous SPAES membranes containing identical hydrophilic blocks. This is attributed to the presence of 6F‐BPA in the hydrophobic block, which enhances hydrophobicity and promotes phase separation, as observed through transmission electron microscopy analysis. F4 (IEC = 2.4 meq g−1) shows superior ion conductivity than Nafion NRE212 membrane irrespective of the humidity level. Furthermore, the SPAES electrolyte membrane of 1.5 meq g−1 produces better performance than NRE212, yielding a current density of 488 mA cm−2 at 80 °C, 80% RH, and 0.6 V. In 50% RH at 80 °C, SPAES with 1.5 meq g−1 exhibits a cell resistance and fuel cell performance comparable to those of NRE212; clearly, regulating hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity is crucial for enhanced performance.
Hydrogen‐Bonded Polymer–Small Molecule Complexes with Tunable Mechanical Properties
Authors: Liu Tianqi , Peng Xin , Chen Ya‐Nan , Bai Qing‐Wen , Shang Cong , Zhang Lin , Wang Huiliang 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA novel type of polymeric material with tunable mechanical properties is fabricated from polymers and small molecules that can form hydrogen‐bonded intermolecular complexes (IMCs). In this work, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)–glycerol hydrogels are first prepared, and then they are dried to form IMCs. The tensile strengths and moduli of IMCs decrease dramatically with increasing glycerol content, while the elongations increase gradually. The mechanical properties are comparable with or even superior to those of common engineering plastics and rubbers. The IMCs with high glycerol content also show excellent flexibility and cold‐resistance at subzero temperatures. Cyclic tensile and stress relaxation tests prove that there is an effective energy dissipation mechanism in IMCs and dynamic mechanical analysis confirms their physical crosslinking nature. FTIR and NMR characterizations prove the existence of hydrogen bonding between glycerol and PVA chains, which suppresses the crystallization of PVA from X‐ray diffraction measurement. These PVA–glycerol IMCs may find potential applications in barrier films, biomedical packaging, etc., in the future.
Injectable DaxibotulinumtoxinA in Cervical Dystonia: A Phase 2 Dose‐Escalation Multicenter Study
Authors: Jankovic Joseph , Truong Daniel , Patel Atul T. , Brashear Allison , Evatt Marian , Rubio Roman G. , Oh Chad K. , Snyder Daniel , Shears Gill , Comella Cynthia 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundInjectable daxibotulinumtoxinA (an investigational botulinum toxin, RT002) may offer a more prolonged duration of response—and therefore less frequent dosing—than onabotulinumtoxinA.ObjectivesTo perform a phase 2, open‐label, dose‐escalation study to assess the efficacy and safety of daxibotulinumtoxinA in cervical dystonia.MethodsSubjects with moderate‐to‐severe isolated cervical dystonia were enrolled in sequential cohorts to receive a single open‐label, intramuscular dose of injectable daxibotulinumtoxinA of up to 200 U (n = 12), 200–300 U (n = 12), or 300–450 U (n = 13; clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT02706795).ResultsOverall, 33/37 enrollees completed the trial. DaxibotulinumtoxinA was associated with mean reductions in Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS)‐Total score of 16.8 (38%) at week 4, 21.3 (50%) at week 6, and 12.8 (30%) at week 24. The proportion of subjects who were responders (achieved ≥ 20% reduction in TWSTRS‐Total score) was 94% at week 6 and 68% at week 24. The median duration of response (time until > 20% of the improvement in TWSTRS‐Total score achieved at week 4 was no longer retained or re‐treatment was needed) was 25.3 weeks (95% CI, 20.14–26.14 weeks). There were no serious adverse events and there was no apparent dose‐related increase in the incidence of adverse events. The most common treatment‐related adverse events were dysphagia (14%) and injection site erythema (8%).ConclusionsPreliminary assessments suggest that injectable daxibotulinumtoxinA at doses up to 450 U is well tolerated and may offer prolonged efficacy in the treatment of cervical dystonia. Further studies involving larger numbers of patients are now warranted.
Neurobehavioral features in individuals with Kabuki syndrome
Authors: Caciolo Cristina , Alfieri Paolo , Piccini Giorgia , Digilio Maria Cristina , Lepri Francesca Romana , Tartaglia Marco , Menghini Deny , Vicari Stefano 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundKabuki syndrome (KS) is a disorder characterized by multiple congenital anomalies affecting development and function of multiple systems. Over the years, researchers have attempted to characterize the neurobehavioral phenotype of KS in cohorts of patients enrolled on the basis of clinical assessment. The availability of molecular testing now allows for recruitment of patients with confirmed KS due to KMT2D and KDM6A.MethodsThe aims of the present study were to investigate the neuropsychological and behavioral profiles of individuals with molecularly confirmed diagnosis of KS, and determine the extent of heterogeneity occurring in these profiles between individuals with clinical diagnosis of KS with and without mutations in KMT2D. We also described performance of our cohort in any neuropsychological domain investigated.ResultsWe documented a marked variation in the neuropsychological profile of subjects with clinical diagnosis of KS, even though a relatively homogeneous impairment in linguistic domains and motor skills was observed. No significant difference occurred between mutation‐positive and mutation‐negative groups. Phonological disorders and oromotor dysfunctions were also found, and adaptive functioning was characterized by low performance in daily living and in motor domain.ConclusionThe present study allowed identification of a distinctive neurobehavioral profile in a cohort of individuals affected by KS with or without molecularly confirmed diagnosis. These findings are expected to help clinicians define more accurately targeted protocols for individualized intervention.
A Novel/Old Modification of the First Zagreb Index
Authors: Ali Akbar , Trinajstić Nenad 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn the seminal paper [I. Gutman, N. Trinajstić, Chem. Phys. Lett. 1972, 17, 535–538], it was shown that total electron energy (
) of any alternant hydrocarbon depends on the sum of the squares of the degrees of the corresponding molecular graph. Nowadays, this sum is known as the first Zagreb index. In the same paper, another molecular descriptor was proved to influence
, but that descriptor was never restudied explicitly. We call this descriptor as modified first Zagreb connection index and denote it by
. In this paper, chemical applicability of the molecular descriptor
is tested for the octane isomers. Some basic properties of
are also established here. Furthermore, the alkanes with maximum and minimum
values are determined from the class of all alkanes having fixed number of carbon atoms.
Bioavailability of Isothiocyanates From Broccoli Sprouts in Protein, Lipid, and Fiber Gels
Authors: Oliviero Teresa , Lamers Simone , Capuano Edoardo , Dekker Matthijs , Verkerk Ruud 
Published: March 2018

ScopeOptimization of bioavailability of dietary bioactive health‐beneficial compounds is as important as increasing their concentration in foods. The aim of this study is to explore the change in bioavailability of isothiocyanates (ITCs) in broccoli sprouts incorporated in protein, fiber, and lipid gels.Methods and resultsFive participants took part in a cross‐over study and collected timed urine samples up to 24 h after consumption of proteins, dietary fibers, and lipid gels containing broccoli sprouts powder. Sulforaphane and iberin metabolites were determined in the urine samples. Samples in which sulforaphane and iberin were preformed by myrosinase led to a higher bioavailability of those compounds. Compared to the control broccoli sprout, incorporation of sprouts in gels led to lower bioavailability for preformed sulforaphane and iberin (although for sulforaphane the lower bioavailability was not significantly different) whereas for the gels rich in their precursors, glucoraphanin and glucoiberin, the opposite trend was observed (although not significantly different).ConclusionThis explorative study suggests that ITCs bioavailability can be modulated by food structure and composition and further and deeper investigations are needed to develop food products that lead to an optimized ITCs bioavailability.
Plasma ANGPTL‐4 is Associated with Obesity and Glucose Tolerance: Cross‐Sectional and Longitudinal Findings
Authors: Barja‐Fernandez Silvia , Moreno‐Navarrete José María , Folgueira Cintia , Xifra Gemma , Sabater Mònica , Castelao Cecilia , FernØ Johan , Leis Rosaura , Diéguez Carlos , Casanueva Felipe F. , Ricart Wifredo , Seoane Luisa M. , Fernandez‐Real José Manuel , Nogueiras Rubén 
Published: March 2018

ScopeAngiopoietin‐like protein 4 (ANGPTL‐4) regulates plasma lipoprotein levels, but its relevance in human obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) is largely unknown. We aim to investigate the regulation of circulating ANGPTL‐4 levels in obesity, T2D, and after changes in body weight.Methods and resultsCirculating ANGPTL‐4 levels were measured in two different cohorts. First, in a cross‐sectional study, we evaluated ANGPTL‐4 levels in lean and obese patients with normoglycemia or with altered glucose tolerance (AGT; n = 282). Second, in a longitudinal intervention study, 51 obese participants were evaluated. A hypocaloric diet was prescribed, with follow‐up 2 years later. ANGPTL‐4 levels were significantly increased in obese patients with AGT compared to lean participants. Moreover, ANGPTL‐4 was positively correlated with BMI, waist circumference, fat mass, HbA1c, HOMA‐IR, fasting triglycerides, and with inflammatory markers. Participants gaining weight after the follow‐up showed increased ANGPTL‐4 levels in parallel to increased BMI, fat mass, and fasting glucose, while ANGPTL‐4 levels were reduced in participants losing weight.ConclusionOur data support a relevant role of ANGPTL‐4 in human obesity and its involvement in long‐term body weight changes.
Development of a measure for evaluating lesion‐wise performance of CAD algorithms in the context of mpMRI detection of prostate cancer
Authors: Leng Ethan , Spilseth Benjamin , Zhang Lin , Jin Jin , Koopmeiners Joseph S. , Metzger Gregory J. 
Published: March 2018

PurposeComputer‐aided detection/diagnosis (CAD) of prostate cancer (PCa) on multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) is an active area of research. In the literature, the performance of predictive models trained to detect PCa on mpMRI has typically been reported in terms of voxel‐wise measures such as sensitivity and specificity and/or area under the receiver operating curve (AUC). However, it is unclear whether models that score higher by these measures are actually superior. Here, we propose a novel method for lesion identification as well as novel measures that assess the quality of the detected lesions.MethodsA total of 46 axial MRI slices of interest from 34 patients and the associated histopathologic ground truths were used to develop and to characterize the proposed measures. The proposed lesion‐wise score sℓ is based on the Jaccard similarity index with modifications that emphasize the overlap and colocalization of predicted lesions with ground truth lesions. Thresholding of sℓ allowed for the sensitivity and specificity of lesion detection to be assessed, while the proposed lesion‐summary score sσ is a weighted average of sℓs that provides a single summary statistic of lesion detection performance. The proposed measures were used to compare the lesion detection performance of a predictive model vs that of a radiologist on the same data set. The measures were also used to evaluate the degree to which viewing the cancer prediction improved diagnostic accuracy.ResultsThe lesion‐wise score qualitatively reflected the goodness of predicted lesions over a wide range of values (sℓ = 0.1 to sℓ = 0.8) and was found to encompass a larger range of values than the Dice coefficient did over the same range of prediction qualities (0–0.9 vs 0–0.75). The lesion‐summary score was shown to vary linearly with voxel‐wise sensitivity and quadratically with voxel‐wise specificity and correlated well with voxel‐wise AUC (ρ = 0.68) and the Dice coefficient (ρ = 0.88). Radiologist performance was found to be significantly improved after viewing the model‐generated cancer prediction maps as quantified by both sσ (P = 0.01) and DSC (P = 0.04), with improvements in both lesion detection sensitivity and specificity.ConclusionThe proposed measures allow for the assessment of lesion detection performance, which is most relevant in a clinical setting and would not be possible to do with voxel‐wise measures alone.
Validation of GPU‐accelerated superposition–convolution dose computations for the Small Animal Radiation Research Platform
Authors: Cho Nathan , Tsiamas Panagiotis , Velarde Esteban , Tryggestad Erik , Jacques Robert , Berbeco Ross , McNutt Todd , Kazanzides Peter , Wong John 
Published: March 2018

PurposeThe Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP) has been developed for conformal microirradiation with on‐board cone beam CT (CBCT) guidance. The graphics processing unit (GPU)‐accelerated Superposition–Convolution (SC) method for dose computation has been integrated into the treatment planning system (TPS) for SARRP. This paper describes the validation of the SC method for the kilovoltage energy by comparing with EBT2 film measurements and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations.MethodsMC data were simulated by EGSnrc code with 3 × 108–1.5 × 109 histories, while 21 photon energy bins were used to model the 220 kVp x‐rays in the SC method. Various types of phantoms including plastic water, cork, graphite, and aluminum were used to encompass the range of densities of mouse organs. For the comparison, percentage depth dose (PDD) of SC, MC, and film measurements were analyzed. Cross beam (x,y) dosimetric profiles of SC and film measurements are also presented. Correction factors (CFz) to convert SC to MC dose‐to‐medium are derived from the SC and MC simulations in homogeneous phantoms of aluminum and graphite to improve the estimation.ResultsThe SC method produces dose values that are within 5% of film measurements and MC simulations in the flat regions of the profile. The dose is less accurate at the edges, due to factors such as geometric uncertainties of film placement and difference in dose calculation grids.ConclusionThe GPU‐accelerated Superposition–Convolution dose computation method was successfully validated with EBT2 film measurements and MC calculations. The SC method offers much faster computation speed than MC and provides calculations of both dose‐to‐water in medium and dose‐to‐medium in medium.
Pulmonary artery imaging under free‐breathing using golden‐angle radial bSSFP MRI: a proof of concept
Authors: Fyrdahl Alexander , Vargas Paris Roberto , Nyrén Sven , Holst Karen , Ugander Martin , Lindholm Peter , Sigfridsson Andreas 
Published: March 2018

PurposeTo evaluate the feasibility of an improved motion and flow robust methodology for imaging the pulmonary vasculature using non‐contrast‐enhanced, free‐breathing, golden‐angle radial MRI.MethodsHealthy volunteers (n = 10, age 46 ± 11 years, 50% female) and patients (n = 2, ages 27 and 84, both female) were imaged at 1.5 T using a Cartesian and golden‐angle radial 2D balanced SSFP pulse sequence. The acquisitions were made under free breathing without contrast agent enhancement. The radial acquisitions were reconstructed at 3 temporal footprints. All series were scored from 1 to 5 for perceived diagnostic quality, artifact level, and vessel sharpness in multiple anatomical locations. In addition, vessel sharpness and blood‐to‐blood clot contrast were measured.ResultsQuantitative measurements showed higher vessel sharpness for golden‐angle radial (n = 76, 0.79 ± 0.11 versus 0.71 ± 0.16, p < .05). Blood‐to‐blood clot contrast was found to be 23% higher in golden‐angle radial in the 2 patients. At comparable temporal footprints, golden‐angle radial was scored higher for diagnostic quality (mean ± SD, 2.3 ± 0.7 versus 2.2 ± 0.6, p < .01) and vessel sharpness (2.2 ± 0.8 versus 2.1 ± 0.5, p < .01), whereas the artifact level did not differ (3.0 ± 0.9 versus 3.0 ± 1.0, p = .80). The ability to retrospectively choose a temporal resolution and perform sliding‐window reconstructions was demonstrated in patients.ConclusionIn pulmonary artery imaging, the motion and flow robustness of a radial trajectory does both improve image quality over Cartesian trajectory in healthy volunteers, and allows for flexible selection of temporal footprints and the ability to perform real‐time sliding window reconstructions, which could potentially provide further diagnostic insight.
The usefulness of electrodiagnostic studies in the diagnosis and management of neuromuscular disorders
Authors: Lindstrom Heather , Ashworth Nigel L. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction: This study seeks to evaluate the usefulness of electrodiagnostic (EDX) studies in terms of the patient's diagnosis and subsequent management and to identify patient groups in which EDX is particularly useful. Methods: The records of new patients referred to a single tertiary hospital EDX laboratory during 1 calendar year were reviewed to determine whether results of EDX studies led to a changed diagnosis and/or management plan. Logistic regression was used to determine whether any factors were associated with changed diagnosis or management. Results: Results of EDX studies led to a change in diagnosis and a confirmation in diagnosis in 51.5% and 46.5% of the cases, respectively. Results of EDX studies led to a change in the management plan in 63.4% of all cases. The diagnosis and management plan were more likely to be changed in older patients and patients referred in hospital. Discussion: EDX studies seem useful for confirming or changing the diagnosis and in guiding management in patients with suspected neuromuscular disorders. Muscle Nerve 58: 191–196, 2018
Dynamic responses of unsaturated half‐space soil to a moving harmonic rectangular load
Authors: Lu Zheng , Fang Ran , Yao Hailin , Dong Cheng , Xian Shaohua 
Published: March 2018

SummaryThe problem of the dynamic responses of a semi‐infinite unsaturated poroelastic medium subjected to a moving rectangular load is investigated analytical/numerically. The dynamic governing equations are obtained with consideration of the compressibility of solid grain and pore fluid, inertial coupling, and viscous drag as well as capillary pressure in the unsaturated soil, and they can be easily degraded to the complete Biot's theory. Using the Fourier transform, the general solution for the equations is derived in the transformed domain, and then a corresponding boundary value problem is formulated. By introducing fast Fourier transform algorithm, the unsaturated soil vertical displacements, effective stresses, and pore pressures induced by moving load are computed, and some of the calculated results are compared with those for the degenerated solution of saturated soils and confirmed. The influences of the saturation, the load speed, and excitation frequency on the response of the unsaturated half‐space soil are investigated. The numerical results reveal that the effects of these parameters on the dynamic response of the unsaturated soil are significant.
Reducing Blood Glucose Testing Is Safe in Patients Receiving Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Ratliff Ashley , Nishnick Amy , DeChicco Robert , Lopez Rocio 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundHyperglycemia is a common adverse event associated with parenteral nutrition (PN); however, there is no consensus on optimal glucose monitoring. Unnecessary point‐of‐care (POC) blood glucose (BG) testing can result in additional healthcare cost and discomfort to the patient. This study's aim was to determine whether decreasing the frequency of POC glucose testing in patients receiving PN can reduce costs without increasing the frequency of glycemic events.MethodsThis study examined adult, noncritically ill patients who require PN and are managed by a nutrition support team. Guidelines were developed for the initiation and discontinuation of POC BG monitoring. Pre‐intervention and post‐intervention data were collected for each patient, including daily POC glucose and glucose from the basic metabolic panel (BMP). Equivalency testing was completed for each group.ResultsData were collected on 171 subjects (86 preguideline, 85 postguideline). The total number of POC tests per patient was significantly less in the postintervention period (median 23.0 vs 25.5; P = .011), as well as the average number of POC tests per patient per day (2.9 ± 1.4 vs 3.6 ± 1.4; P < .001). The average BMP glucose (126 mg/dL preintervention vs 129 mg/dL postintervention; P = .005) and the number of hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic events per 100 tests (both P < .001) were equivalent.ConclusionsImplementation of new guidelines resulted in decreased frequency of POC BG tests by 20%, which may impact cost savings and patient comfort in hospitalized patients receiving PN without increasing average BG level or glycemic events.