bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Empirical comparison of univariate and multivariate meta‐analyses in Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth reviews with multiple binary outcomes
Authors: Price Malcolm J. , Blake Helen A. , Kenyon Sara , White Ian R. , Jackson Dan , Kirkham Jamie J. , Neilson James P. , Deeks Jonathan J. , Riley Richard D. 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundMultivariate meta‐analysis (MVMA) jointly synthesizes effects for multiple correlated outcomes. The MVMA model is potentially more difficult and time‐consuming to apply than univariate models, so if its use makes little difference to parameter estimates, it could be argued that it is redundant.MethodsWe assessed the applicability and impact of MVMA in Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth (CPCB) systematic reviews. We applied MVMA to CPCB reviews published between 2011 and 2013 with two or more binary outcomes with at least three studies and compared findings with results of univariate meta‐analyses. Univariate random effects meta‐analysis models were fitted using restricted maximum likelihood estimation (REML).ResultsEighty CPCB reviews were published. MVMA could not be applied in 70 of these reviews. MVMA was not feasible in three of the remaining 10 reviews because the appropriate models failed to converge. Estimates from MVMA agreed with those of univariate analyses in most of the other seven reviews. Statistical significance changed in two reviews: In one, this was due to a very small change in P value; in the other, the MVMA result for one outcome suggested that previous univariate results may be vulnerable to small‐study effects and that the certainty of clinical conclusions needs consideration.ConclusionsMVMA methods can be applied only in a minority of reviews of interventions in pregnancy and childbirth and can be difficult to apply because of missing correlations or lack of convergence. Nevertheless, clinical and/or statistical conclusions from MVMA may occasionally differ from those from univariate analyses.
EEG analysis of mixed‐reality music rehabilitation system for post‐stroke lower limb therapy
Authors: Chang Wei‐Chiao , Ko Li‐Wei , Yu Kuen‐Han , Ho Yu‐Chun , Chen Chia‐Hsin , Jong Yuh‐Jyh , Huang Yi‐Pai 
Published: May 2019

AbstractLots of evidence and guidelines recommended that stroke patients have to do the rehabilitation all the time, but in fact, the ratio of patients doing the rehabilitation is usually less than one third. In order to enhance the rehabilitation efficacy, we develop an innovative mixed‐reality music rehabilitation (MR2) system, which is consisted of an MR goggle, inertial measurement unit sensors, and an EEG system. Several music contents with different levels are implemented into the MR system. While doing the rehabilitation task, our system can monitor patient's both gait information and electroencephalographic (EEG) signals to understand the rehabilitation performance in both central and peripheral nervous systems. The MR2 system has been pilot testing on two stroke patients and three healthy controls. Experiment results show that the patient's motor function is significantly activating when wearing the MR2 system during the rehabilitation task. Furthermore, the gait analysis results also show that flexion angle of the hemiplegic knee during walking was significantly improved when following the tempo of the MR music content in the rehabilitation. The pilot testing results provide new insights into the understanding of complex brain functions of patients actively and continuously performing the rehabilitation ordinary tasks within the mixed‐reality applications.
Early versus late salvage abdominoperineal resection for anal squamous cell carcinoma: Is there a difference in survival?
Authors: Fields Adam C. , Melnitchouk Nelya , Senturk James , Irani Jennifer , Bleday Ronald , Goldberg Joel 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesThe first‐line treatment for anal squamous cell carcinoma is Nigro protocol chemoradiotherapy. Some patients will fail curative intent chemoradiotherapy and have persistent disease while others may have an initial response followed by disease recurrence. The goal of this study is to investigate survival in anal squamous cell carcinoma patients who fail first‐line treatment.MethodsThe National Cancer Database (2004‐2013) was used to identify patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma. The primary outcome was overall survival.ResultsThere were 256 patients in the early salvage group who underwent abdominoperineal resection (APR) within 6 months of completing chemoradiotherapy and 181 patients in the late salvage group who had APR 6 months or more after completion of chemoradiotherapy. Both groups of patients had similar tumor size (45  vs 50 mm; P = 0.07) and rate of positive margins (21.5% vs 15.6%;P = 0.13). There was no significant difference in overall survival between early and late salvage APR (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.50‐1.32; P = 0.40).ConclusionsThe overall survival of anal squamous cell carcinoma patients undergoing early vs late salvage APR after failure of chemoradiotherapy is similar. As a result, patients with persistent disease should be offered surgery just as readily as those with recurrent disease.
Simulated performance of multi‐year harvest regulation cycles for wild turkeys
Authors: Manning Sydney E. , Stevens Bryan S. , Williams David M. 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTWild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) are a prolific species and valuable game animal throughout the United States. Stochastic simulations are commonly used to inform harvest management, and we used simulation to test performance of fall harvest management that included 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year cycles of population assessment and updating of harvest targets, respectively. To assess robustness of our conclusions, we replicated analyses across 18 combinations of model parameters that included population productivity (3 levels), sex‐specific vulnerability to fall harvest (3 levels), and magnitude of spring harvest (2 levels). Performance of multi‐year cycles, measured using abundance of males and annual harvest, depended on the context of model parameters that interacted to determine responses of populations to harvest. One‐ and 3‐year cycles had similar performance so long as female harvests were less than or equal to male harvests. However, when harvest of females was greater than males, or when 5‐year regulation cycles were implemented, there was greater risk due to nonlinear population responses to increased harvest. For example, nonlinearity resulted in thresholds where declines to abundance and harvest could occur with small increases to harvest rates, and thus the sustainability of fall harvests was less robust for multi‐year cycles with time‐lagged assessment and decision making. Moreover, the harvest rate resulting in threshold responses depended on model parameters and often occurred within the range of harvest rates recommended by earlier modeling studies (7–15%). Our results imply that multi‐year cycles can be a viable approach to harvest management. Monitoring that provides information on sex‐specific harvest is recommended, however, to determine if nonlinear population responses should be anticipated. Ideally, information on population‐specific vital rates would also be available to allow managers to avoid harvest rates near thresholds that are expected to result in population declines. © The Wildlife Society, 2019
Reaction kinetics and thermochemistry of the chemically activated and stabilized primary ethyl radical of methyl ethyl sulfide, CH3SCH2CH2•, with O2 to CH3SCH2CH2OO•
Authors: Song Guanghui , Bozzelli Joseph W 
Published: May 2019

AbstractOxidation of methyl ethyl sulfide (CH3SCH2CH3, methylthioethane, MES) under atmospheric and combustion conditions is initiated by hydroxyl radicals, MES radicals, generated after loss of a H atom via OH abstraction, will further react with O2 to form chemically activated and stabilized peroxyl radical adducts. The kinetics of the chemically activated reaction between the CH3SCH2CH2• radical and molecular oxygen are analyzed using quantum Rice‐Ramsperger‐Kassel theory for k(E) with master equation analysis and a modified strong‐collision approach to account for further reactions and collisional deactivation. Thermodynamic properties of reactants, products, and transition states are determined by the B3LYP/6‐31+G(2d,p), M062X/6‐311+G(2d,p), ωB97XD/6‐311+G(2d,p) density functional theory, and CBS‐QB3, G3MP2B3, and G4 composite methods. The reaction of CH3SCH2CH2• with O2 forms an energized peroxy adduct CH3SCH2CH2OO• with a calculated well depth of 34.1 kcal mol−1 at the CBS‐QB3 level of theory. Thermochemical properties of reactants, transition states, and products obtained under CBS‐QB3 level are used for calculation of kinetic parameters. Reaction enthalpies are compared between the methods. The temperature and pressure‐dependent rate coefficients for both the chemically activated reactions of the energized adduct and the thermally activated reactions of the stabilized adducts are presented. Stabilization and isomerization of the CH3SCH2CH2OO• adduct are important under high pressure and low temperature. At higher temperatures and atmospheric pressure, the chemically activated peroxy adduct reacts to new products before stabilization. Addition of the peroxyl oxygen radical to the sulfur atom followed by sulfur‐oxygen double bond formation and elimination of the methyl radical to form S(= O)CCO• + CH3 (branching) is a potentially important new pathway for other alkyl‐sulfide peroxy radical systems under thermal or combustion conditions.
Laryngeal distribution of adult‐onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: A longitudinal study
Authors: Hu Lizbeth , Benedict Peter A. , Garber David , Wang Binhuan , Amin Milan R. , Branski Ryan C. 
Published: May 2019

Objectives/HypothesisTo describe recurrence patterns in patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) following surgical intervention.Study DesignSingle‐center, retrospective, longitudinal case series.MethodsInitial and follow‐up laryngoscopic examinations of seven previously untreated adult‐onset RRP patients were reviewed. Patients were followed longitudinally for periods ranging from 3 months to 7 years. Lesion locations were recorded using a twenty‐one region laryngeal schematic, and maps were generated to illustrate the distribution of disease before and after cold‐knife or potassium‐titanyl‐phosphate laser intervention. Univariate and multivariate analyses were employed to examine variables affecting recurrence patterns.ResultsAcross all patients, a statistically significant correlation between initial distribution and primary recurrence was observed. Seventy‐five percent of new lesions were adjacent to regions with preexisting disease; 83% of new glottic lesions were adjacent to preexisting glottic lesions, and 66% of supraglottic lesions were adjacent to preexisting supraglottic regions. No statistically significant differences in recurrence rate were observed across sites.ConclusionsIn previously untreated patients with adult‐onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, lesions tended to recur either in the same regions or regions adjacent to those affected at the time of initial surgery.Level of Evidence4Laryngoscope, 129:1993–1997, 2019
Quantifying vocal fold wound‐healing biomechanical property changes
Authors: Dion Gregory R. , Guda Teja , Mukudai Shigeyuki , Bing Renjie , Lavoie Jean‐Francois , Branski Ryan C. 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesDevelopment of novel vocal fold (VF) therapeutics is limited by a lack of standardized, meaningful outcomes. We hypothesize that automated microindentation‐based VF biomechanical property mapping matched to histology permits quantitative assessment.Study DesignEx vivo.MethodsTwelve anesthetized New Zealand white rabbits underwent endoscopic right VF injury. Larynges were harvested/bisected day 7, 30, or 60 (n = 4/group), with four uninjured controls. Biomechanical measurements (normal force, structural stiffness, and displacement at 1.96 mN) were calculated using automated microindentation mapping (0.3 mm depth, 1.2 mm/s, 2 mm spherical indenter) with a grid overlay (>50 locations weighted toward VF edge, separated into 14 zones). Specimens were marked/fixed/sectioned, and slides matched to measurement points.ResultsIn the injury zone, normal force/structural stiffness (mean, standard deviation [SD]/mean, SD) increased from uninjured (2.2 mN, 0.64/7.4 mN/mm, 2.14) and day 7 (2.7 mN, 0.75/9.0 mN/mm, 2.49) to day 30 (4.3 mN, 2.11/14.2 mN/mm, 7.05) and decreased at 60 days (2.7 mN, 0.77/9.1 mN/mm, 2.58). VF displacement decreased from control (0.28 mm, 0.05) and day 7 (0.26 mm, 0.05) to day 30 (0.20 mm, 0.05), increasing at day 60 (0.25 mm, 0.06). A one‐way ANOVA was significant; Tukey's post hoc test confirmed day‐30 samples differed from other groups (P < 0.05), consistent across adjacent zones. Zones far from injury remained similar across groups (P = 0.143 to 0.551). These measurements matched qualitative histologic variations.ConclusionQuantifiable VF biomechanical properties can be linked to histology. This technological approach is the first to simultaneously correlate functional biomechanics with histology and is ideal for future preclinical studies.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 130:454–459, 2020
Efficient 169Yb high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy source production using reactivation
Authors: Flynn Ryan T. , Adams Quentin E. , Hopfensperger Karolyn M. , Wu Xiaodong , Xu Weiyu , Kim Yusung 
Published: May 2019

PurposeTo present and quantify the effectiveness of a method for the efficient production of 169Yb high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy sources with 27 Ci activity upon clinical delivery, which have about the same dose rate in water at 1 cm from the source center as 10 Ci 192Ir sources.MaterialsA theoretical framework for 169Yb source activation and reactivation using thermal neutrons in a research reactor and 168Yb‐Yb2O3 precursor is derived and benchmarked against published data. The model is dependent primarily on precursor 168Yb enrichment percentage, active source volume of the active element, and average thermal neutron flux within the active source.ResultsEfficiency gains in 169Yb source production are achievable through reactivation, and the gains increase with active source volume. For an average thermal neutron flux within the active source of 1 × 1014 n cm−2 s−1, increasing the active source volume from 1 to 3 mm3 decreased reactor‐days needed to generate one clinic‐year of 169Yb from 256 days yr−1 to 59 days yr−1, and 82%‐enriched precursor dropped from 80 mg yr−1 to 21 mg yr−1. A resource reduction of 74%–77% is predicted for an active source volume increase from 1 to 3 mm3.ConclusionsDramatic cost savings are achievable in 169Yb source production costs through reactivation if active sources larger than 1 mm3 are used.
Markerless tumor tracking using fast‐kV switching dual‐energy fluoroscopy on a benchtop system
Authors: Haytmyradov Maksat , Mostafavi Hassan , Wang Adam , Zhu Liangjia , Surucu Murat , Patel Rakesh , Ganguly Arun , Richmond Michelle , Cassetta Roberto , Harkenrider Matthew M. , Roeske John C. 
Published: May 2019

PurposeTo evaluate markerless tumor tracking (MTT) using fast‐kV switching dual‐energy (DE) fluoroscopy on a bench top system.MethodsFast‐kV switching DE fluoroscopy was implemented on a bench top which includes a turntable stand, flat panel detector, and x‐ray tube. The customized generator firmware enables consecutive x‐ray pulses that alternate between programmed high and low energies (e.g., 60 and 120 kVp) with a maximum frame rate of 15 Hz. In‐house software was implemented to perform weighted DE subtraction of consecutive images to create an image sequence that removes bone and enhances soft tissues. The weighting factor was optimized based on gantry angle. To characterize this system, a phantom was used that simulates the chest anatomy and tumor motion in the lung. Five clinically relevant tumor sizes (5–25 mm diameter) were considered. The targets were programmed to move in the inferior‐superior direction of the phantom, perpendicular to the x‐ray beam, using a cos4 waveform to mimic respiratory motion. Target inserts were then tracked with MTT software using a template matching method. The optimal computed tomography (CT) slice thickness for template generation was also evaluated. Tracking success rate and accuracy were calculated in regions of the phantom where the target overlapped ribs vs spine, to compare the performance of single energy (SE) and DE imaging methods.ResultsFor the 5 mm target, a CT slice thickness of 0.75 mm resulted in the lowest tracking error. For the larger targets (≥10 mm) a CT slice thickness ≤2 mm resulted in comparable tracking errors for SE and DE images. Overall DE imaging improved MTT accuracy, relative to SE imaging, for all tumor targets in a rotational acquisition. Compared to SE, DE imaging increased tracking success rate of small target inserts (5 and 10 mm). For fast motion tracking, success rates improved from 23% to 64% and 74% to 90% for 5 and 10 mm targets inserts overlapping ribs, respectively. For slow moving targets success rates improved from 19% to 59% and 59% to 91% in 5 and 10 mm targets overlapping the ribs, respectively. Similar results were observed when the targets overlapped the spine. For larger targets (≥15 mm) tracking success rates were comparable using SE and DE imaging.ConclusionThis work presents the first results of MTT using fast‐kV switching DE fluoroscopy. Using DE imaging has improved the tracking accuracy of MTT, especially for small targets. The results of this study will guide the future implementation of fast‐kV switching DE imaging using the on‐board imager of a linear accelerator.
SAN plot: A graphical representation of the signal, noise, and artifacts content of spectra
Authors: Sheberstov Kirill F. , Sistaré Guardiola Eduard , Pupier Marion , Jeannerat Damien 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe signal‐to‐noise ratio is an important property of NMR spectra. It allows to compare the sensitivity of experiments, the performance of hardware, etc. Its measurement is usually done in a rudimentary manner involving manual operation of selecting separately a region of the spectrum with signal and noise, respectively, applying some operation and returning the signal‐to‐noise ratio. We introduce here a simple method based on the analysis of the distribution of point intensities in one‐ and two‐dimensional spectra. The signal/artifact/noise plots, (SAN plots) allows one to present in a graphical manner qualitative and quantitative information about spectra. It will be shown that besides measuring signal and noise levels, SAN plots are also quite useful to visualize and compare artifacts within a series of spectra. Some basic properties of the SAN plots are illustrated with simple application.
Are psychological comorbidities important in the aetiology of lower urinary tract dysfunction—ICI‐RS 2018?
Authors: von Gontard Alexander , Vrijens Desiree , Selai Caroline , Mosiello Giovanni , Panicker Jalesh , van Koeveringe Gommert , Apostolidis Apostolos , Anding Ralf 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimsTo review studies on the comorbid psychological symptoms and disorders in patients with lower urinary tract disorders (LUTD) over the life‐span, to analyse how they contribute toward the aetiology of LUTD and to discuss optimal service implementation.Materials and MethodsA review of relevant literature was conducted and presented during the ICI‐RS meeting in 2018. Open questions and future directions were discussed.ResultsOn the basis of current research, there is overwhelming evidence in all age groups that psychological comorbidities are more common in patients with LUTD. Vice versa, patients with psychiatric disorders have higher rates of LUTD. The types of LUTDs and psychiatric disorders are heterogeneous. Complex aetiological models best explain specific associations of comorbidity. Irrespective of aetiology, it is advisable to address both urological and psychological issues in patients of all age groups with LUTD.ConclusionsPsychological symptoms and disorders play a decisive role in the development of LUTD in all age groups and need to be considered in the assessment and treatment of LUTD.
Preincubation format for a sensitive immunochromatographic assay for monocrotaline, a toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid
Authors: Yusakul Gorawit , Sakamoto Seiichi , Chanpokapaiboon Kaskamol , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Morimoto Satoshi 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIntroductionMonocrotaline (MCT), which is classified as a 1,2‐dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloid (DHPA), is a toxic compound that is mainly produced by Crotalaria spp. MCT contamination in cereals and herbs leads to hepatitis, gastroenteritis, pulmonary vasculitis and hypertension, and different types of cancer. The current analytical methods for MCT are complicated and expensive using liquid chromatography equipped with mass spectrometry detection.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to develop a simple and sensitive preincubation format for an immunochromatographic assay (PI‐ICA) for MCT detection.MethodologyWe conducted the PI‐ICA via incubation of an MCT‐containing sample with an anti‐MCT monoclonal antibody conjugated with colloidal gold before strip dipping. We compared the PI‐ICA detection sensitivity with that of the conventional ICA (Conv‐ICA) format.ResultsThe PI‐ICA was sensitive with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.61 ng/mL, which is a 16‐fold improvement over the Conv‐ICA format. These results indicated that the PI‐ICA method exhibits high binding specificity for MCT and low cross‐reactivity towards retronecine, retrorsine, senecionine and heliotrine. Sample solutions from plants containing MCT and related DHPAs produced positive results via PI‐ICA analysis.ConclusionsThe proposed PI‐ICA system provides a highly sensitive method compared to Conv‐ICA. In addition, the developed PI‐ICA method is simple and highly effective for detecting MCT contamination.
How Space‐Times Emerge from the Superpoint
Authors: Huerta John 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWe describe how the super Minkowski space‐times relevant to string theory and M‐theory, complete with their Lorentz metrics and spin structures, emerge from a much more elementary object: the superpoint. In the sense of higher structures, this comes from treating the superpoint as an object in a flavor of rational homotopy theory, and repeatedly constructing central extensions. We will fit this story into the larger picture of the brane bouquet of Fiorenza–Sati–Schreiber: string theories and membrane theories emerge from super Minkowski space‐times in precisely the same way as the super Minkowski space‐times themselves emerge from the superpoint. This note is adapted from a talk I gave at the Durham symposium Higher Structures in M‐Theory.
Twisted Weil Algebras for the String Lie 2‐Algebra
Authors: Schmidt Lennart 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn this article, we give a concise summary of ‐algebras viewed in terms of Chevalley–Eilenberg algebras, Weil algebras and invariant polynomials and their use in defining connections in higher gauge theory. Using this, we discuss the example of the string Lie 2‐algebra in both the skeletal and the loop model. In both cases, we show how to arrive at the twisted Weil algebras which were used in [1] to construct a non‐abelian self‐dual string soliton, see also [2–4].