bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kinetic Analysis of Nonisothermal Decomposition of Acetyl Ferrocene
Authors: Das Bratati , Bhattacharjee Ashis 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTThe work deals with thermal decomposition of acetyl ferrocene in nitrogen atmosphere based on nonisothermal thermogravimetry. It presents a mathematical analysis of nonisothermal thermogravimetric data using multiheating rates to estimate reaction kinetic parameters. Model free (integral isoconversional) methods are employed to analyze the thermogravimetric data. The decomposition is a multistep process. The activation energy Eα of decomposition is conversion (α) dependent. The average values of activation energy are Eα = 49.87, 106.28, and 183.35 kJ mol−1 for three major steps of decomposition. The most probable reaction mechanism function, g(α), for thermal reactions has been identified by the master plot method, and the stepwise reaction mechanisms are found to be different for different steps. The estimated values of the activation energy Eα and g(α) have been utilized in the determination of the reaction rate Aα of thermal decomposition. The α‐dependent reaction rate values are determined and are found to lie in the range of 5.2 × 105 to 3.2 × 104 min−1, 1.7 × 1015 to 7.8 × 106 min−1, and 3.8 × 108 to 1.4 × 107 min−1 for three different steps. Based on the values of Eα, g(α), and Aα, the thermodynamic triplets (ΔS, ΔH, ΔG) associated with the decomposition reactions have been estimated. Estimated kinetic parameters have been used to construct the conversion curves, and those have been successfully compared with the experimentally observed ones.
Photodynamic therapy via navigational bronchoscopy for peripheral lung cancer in dogs
Authors: Musani Ali I. , Veir Julia K. , Huang Zheng , Lei Tim , Groshong Steve , Worley Deanna 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveIn the setting of lung cancer, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is typically used to treat centrally located endobronchial tumors. The development of navigational bronchoscopy has opened the potential for using PDT to treat peripheral lung tumors. However, there is limited information about the feasibility of this approach for treating peripheral lung cancers, and about its effects on surrounding healthy lung tissue. We studied the use of PDT delivered by electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy to treat peripheral lung cancer in dogs.Materials and MethodsThree dogs with peripheral lung adenocarcinomas were given intravenous porfimer sodium (Photofrin® [Pinnacle Biologics, Inc., Chicago, IL]) to photosensitize the tumors, then navigational bronchoscopy was used to deliver photoradiation. One week after PDT, the tumors and involved lung lobe were surgically excised and evaluated histologically.ResultsPDT was successful in all three dogs and was associated with tolerable and manageable adverse effects. Tissue sections from within PDT‐treated tumors showed regions of coagulative central necrosis admixed with small numbers of inflammatory cells, and arterial thrombosis. Viable adenocarcinoma was seen in the surrounding areas.ConclusionThese results suggest that PDT can be successfully deployed to treat peripheral lung cancers using navigational bronchoscopy. Furthermore, damage to surrounding noncancerous tissues can be minimized with accurate placement of the optical fiber. Studies of this modality to treat peripheral lung cancers in humans may be warranted. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:483–490, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of myogenic precursor cells (C2C12) transplantation and low‐level laser therapy on muscle repair
Authors: Andreo Lucas , Mesquita‐Ferrari Raquel A. , Ribeiro Beatriz G. , Benitte Adriana , de Fátima Nogueira Tatiane , França Cristiane M. , Silva Daniela de Fátima Teixeira da , Bussadori Sandra K. , Fernandes Kristianne P.S. , Corrêa Fernanda I. , Corrêa João C.F. 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of myoblast inoculation in combination with photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on skeletal muscle tissue following injury.Materials and MethodsSixty‐five Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Control—animals not submitted to any procedure; Injury—cryoinjury of the tibialis anterior muscle; HBSS—animals submitted to cryoinjury and intramuscular Hank's Balanced Salt Solution; Injury + Cells—animals submitted to cryoinjury, followed by myogenic precursor cells (C2C12) transplantation; Injury + Cells + LLLT—animals submitted to cryoinjury, followed by myogenic precursor cells (C2C12) transplantation and PBMT (780 nm, 40 mW, 3.2 J in 8 points). The periods analyzed were 1, 3, and 7 days. The tibialis anterior muscle was harvest for histological analysis, collagen analysis, and immunolabeling of macrophages.ResultsNo differences were found between the HBSS group and injury group. The Injury + Cells group exhibited an increase of inflammatory cells and immature fibers as well as a decrease in the number of macrophages on Day 1. The Injury + Cells + LLLT group exhibited a decrease in myonecrosis and inflammatory infiltrate at 7 days, but an increase in inflammatory infiltrate at 1 and 3 days as well as an increase in blood vessels at 3 and 7 days, an increase in macrophages at 3 days and better collagen organization at 7 days.ConclusionCell transplantation combined with PBMT led to an increase in the number of blood vessels, a reduction in myonecrosis and total inflammatory cells as well as better organization of collagen fibers during the skeletal muscle repair process. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:781–791, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Photodynamic therapy in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hosokawa Seiji , Takebayashi Satoru , Takahashi Goro , Okamura Jun , Mineta Hiroyuki 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive treatment for malignant tumors. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of PDT in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).MethodsThirty‐three patients with HNSCC were treated with porfimer sodium‐mediated PDT followed by intraoperative light activation at 630 nm via fiber optic microlens delivered after 48 hours of injection.ResultsThe complete response (CR) rate was 72.7%, while the efficacy (CR + partial response) rate was 97.0%. The rate of good local control (i.e., CR without recurrence after PDT) achieved after the initial PDT (82.6%) was significantly higher than that achieved after the second or third PDT (10%); this rate remained at 62.1% without functional disturbance and disfigurement even after excluding four previously untreated patients. The final local control rate following PDT plus additional therapies was 73.8%.ConclusionsPDT is an effective therapy to treat HNSCC, and leads to an improved quality of life in patients with residual or recurrent disease. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:420–426, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrocardiogram Abnormalities Suggest Aberrant Cardiac Conduction in Huntington's Disease
Authors: Stephen Christopher D. , Hung Judy , Schifitto Giovanni , Hersch Steven M. , Rosas H. Diana 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundThere is increasing evidence that the effects of Huntington's disease (HD) extend beyond the central nervous system. In particular, significant cardiac dysfunction has been described in transgenic mouse models and suggested in symptomatic patients, in whom cardiac involvement could provide an independent risk for sudden cardiac death.MethodsStandard 12‐lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) obtained at screening from 590 early symptomatic (Stage 1 and 2) HD patients participating in a multi‐site Phase III study were analyzed.ResultsEvaluating only those ECGs in individuals not on medications or with potentially contributing medical conditions, the prevalence of bradycardia was 28.3% (marked in 5.8%), prolonged QRS 4.9%, intraventricular conduction delay 3.4%, right bundle branch block 1.3%, and QTc prolongation 3.7%.ConclusionSignificant cardiac abnormalities, characterized primarily by conduction abnormalities, were found in a larger than expected number of patients. Abnormal intraventricular conduction may lead to increased risk for arrhythmia and may be compounded by prescription of QT‐prolonging medications.
Esophageal reconstruction after oncological total laryngopharyngoesophagectomy: Algorithmic approach
Authors: Chang Tzu‐Yen , Hsiao Jenn‐Ren , Lee Wei‐Ting , Ou Chun‐Yen , Yen Yi‐Ting , Tseng Yau‐Lin , Pan Shin‐Chen , Shieh Shyh‐Jou , Lee Yao‐Chou 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundReconstruction for total laryngopharyngoesophagectomy is accomplished mainly by gastrointestinal transposition but can be complicated by anastomotic tension or associated neck‐skin defect. Here, we present the results of total esophageal reconstruction by gastrointestinal transposition alone or with additional free tissue transfer and propose an algorithm accordingly.MethodsWe reviewed patients who had oncologic total laryngopharyngoesophagectomy between January 2012 and January 2016. Twenty‐four men and one woman were included with a mean age of 54 (range, 41–72) years. Patients were grouped by reconstruction into the gastric pull‐up (GP, n = 15), colon interposition (CI, n = 2), GP combined with free jejunal flap (GPFJ, n = 6), or GP combined with anterolateral thigh flap (GPALT, n = 2) group to compare clinical outcomes.ResultsThe mean operation time was 1037.3 minutes and was significantly longer in the GPALT group than in the GP group (1235.0 ± 50.0 minutes vs. 929.7 ± 137.7 minutes, p =.009). All flaps survived. After a mean follow‐up of 18 months, the overall leakage, stricture, and successful swallowing rates were 44%, 4%, and 76%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the leakage (53.3%, 50.0%, 16.7%, and 50.0%, p =.581), stricture (6.7%, 0%, 0%, and 0%, p = 1.000), or successful swallowing (73.3%, 50.0%, 83.3%, and 100%, p =.783) rates between GP, CI, GPFJ, and GPALT groups, respectively.ConclusionsThe proposed algorithm that ranks gastric pull‐up as a priority and uses additional free tissue transfer to overcome the anastomotic tension or associated neck‐skin defect is feasible.
Constituents of Mediterranean Spices Counteracting Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation: Identification and Characterization of Rosmarinic Acid Methyl Ester as a Novel Inhibitor
Authors: Liu Rongxia , Heiss Elke H. , Waltenberger Birgit , Blažević Tina , Schachner Daniel , Jiang Baohong , Krystof Vladimir , Liu Wanhui , Schwaiger Stefan , Peña‐Rodríguez Luis M. , Breuss Johannes M. , Stuppner Hermann , Dirsch Verena M. , Atanasov Atanas G. 
Published: February 2018

ScopeAberrant vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation is involved in atherosclerotic plaque formation and restenosis. Mediterranean spices have been reported to confer cardioprotection, but their direct influence on VSMCs has largely not been investigated. This study aims at examining rosmarinic acid (RA) and 11 related constituents for inhibition of VSMC proliferation in vitro, and at characterizing the most promising compound for their mode of action and influence on neointima formation in vivo.Methods and resultsRA, rosmarinic acid methyl ester (RAME), and caffeic acid methyl ester inhibit VSMC proliferation in a resazurin conversion assay with IC50s of 5.79, 3.12, and 6.78 µm, respectively. RAME significantly reduced neointima formation in vivo in a mouse femoral artery cuff model. Accordingly, RAME leads to an accumulation of VSMCs in the G0/G1 cell‐cycle phase, as indicated by blunted retinoblastoma protein phosphorylation upon mitogen stimulation and inhibition of cyclin‐dependent kinase 2 in vitro.ConclusionRAME represses PDGF‐induced VSMC proliferation in vitro and reduces neointima formation in vivo. These results recommend RAME as an interesting compound with VSMC‐inhibiting potential. Future metabolism and pharmacokinetics studies might help to further evaluate the potential relevance of RAME and other spice‐derived polyphenolics for vasoprotection.
Feasibility of real‐time motion management with helical tomotherapy
Authors: Schnarr Eric , Beneke Matt , Casey Dylan , Chao Edward , Chappelow Jonathan , Cox Andrea , Henderson Doug , Jordan Petr , Lessard Etienne , Lucas Dan , Myronenko Andriy , Maurer Calvin 
Published: February 2018

PurposeThis study investigates the potential application of image‐based motion tracking and real‐time motion correction to a helical tomotherapy system.MethodsA kV x‐ray imaging system was added to a helical tomotherapy system, mounted 90 degrees offset from the MV treatment beam, and an optical camera system was mounted above the foot of the couch. This experimental system tracks target motion by acquiring an x‐ray image every few seconds during gantry rotation. For respiratory (periodic) motion, software correlates internal target positions visible in the x‐ray images with marker positions detected continuously by the camera, and generates an internal–external correlation model to continuously determine the target position in three‐dimensions (3D). Motion correction is performed by continuously updating jaw positions and MLC leaf patterns to reshape (effectively re‐pointing) the treatment beam to follow the 3D target motion. For motion due to processes other than respiration (e.g., digestion), no correlation model is used — instead, target tracking is achieved with the periodically acquired x‐ray images, without correlating with a continuous camera signal.ResultsThe system's ability to correct for respiratory motion was demonstrated using a helical treatment plan delivered to a small (10 mm diameter) target. The phantom was moved following a breathing trace with an amplitude of 15 mm. Film measurements of delivered dose without motion, with motion, and with motion correction were acquired. Without motion correction, dose differences within the target of up to 30% were observed. With motion correction enabled, dose differences in the moving target were less than 2%.Nonrespiratory system performance was demonstrated using a helical treatment plan for a 55 mm diameter target following a prostate motion trace with up to 14 mm of motion. Without motion correction, dose differences up to 16% and shifts of greater than 5 mm were observed. Motion correction reduced these to less than a 6% dose difference and shifts of less than 2 mm.ConclusionsReal‐time motion tracking and correction is technically feasible on a helical tomotherapy system. In one experiment, dose differences due to respiratory motion were greatly reduced. Dose differences due to nonrespiratory motion were also reduced, although not as much as in the respiratory case due to less frequent tracking updates. In both cases, beam‐on time was not increased by motion correction, since the system tracks and corrects for motion simultaneously with treatment delivery.
Medical imaging data in the digital innovation age
Authors: Kesner Adam , Laforest Richard , Otazo Ricardo , Jennifer Kwak , Pan Tinsu 
Published: February 2018

As we reflect on decades of exponential advancements in electronic innovation, we can see the field of medical imaging eclipsed by a new digital landscape — one that is inexpensive, fast, and powerful. This new paradigm presents new opportunities to innovate in both research and clinical settings. In this article, we review the current role of data: the common perceptions around its valuation and the infrastructure currently in place for data‐driven innovation. Looking forward, we consider what has already been achieved using modern data capacities, the opportunities we have for further expansion in this area, and the obstacles we will need to transcend.
Deep learning with domain adaptation for accelerated projection‐reconstruction MR
Authors: Han Yoseob , Yoo Jaejun , Kim Hak Hee , Shin Hee Jung , Sung Kyunghyun , Ye Jong Chul 
Published: February 2018

PurposeThe radial k‐space trajectory is a well‐established sampling trajectory used in conjunction with magnetic resonance imaging. However, the radial k‐space trajectory requires a large number of radial lines for high‐resolution reconstruction. Increasing the number of radial lines causes longer acquisition time, making it more difficult for routine clinical use. On the other hand, if we reduce the number of radial lines, streaking artifact patterns are unavoidable. To solve this problem, we propose a novel deep learning approach with domain adaptation to restore high‐resolution MR images from under‐sampled k‐space data.MethodsThe proposed deep network removes the streaking artifacts from the artifact corrupted images. To address the situation given the limited available data, we propose a domain adaptation scheme that employs a pre‐trained network using a large number of X‐ray computed tomography (CT) or synthesized radial MR datasets, which is then fine‐tuned with only a few radial MR datasets.ResultsThe proposed method outperforms existing compressed sensing algorithms, such as the total variation and PR‐FOCUSS methods. In addition, the calculation time is several orders of magnitude faster than the total variation and PR‐FOCUSS methods. Moreover, we found that pre‐training using CT or MR data from similar organ data is more important than pre‐training using data from the same modality for different organ.ConclusionWe demonstrate the possibility of a domain‐adaptation when only a limited amount of MR data is available. The proposed method surpasses the existing compressed sensing algorithms in terms of the image quality and computation time.
Local contrast‐enhanced MR images via high dynamic range processing
Authors: Chandra Shekhar S. , Engstrom Craig , Fripp Jurgen , Neubert Ales , Jin Jin , Walker Duncan , Salvado Olivier , Ho Charles , Crozier Stuart 
Published: February 2018

PurposeTo develop a local contrast‐enhancing and feature‐preserving high dynamic range (HDR) image processing algorithm for multichannel and multisequence MR images of multiple body regions and tissues, and to evaluate its performance for structure visualization, bias field (correction) mitigation, and automated tissue segmentation.MethodsA multiscale‐shape and detail‐enhancement HDR‐MRI algorithm is applied to data sets of multichannel and multisequence MR images of the brain, knee, breast, and hip. In multisequence 3T hip images, agreement between automatic cartilage segmentations and corresponding synthesized HDR‐MRI series were computed for mean voxel overlap established from manual segmentations for a series of cases. Qualitative comparisons between the developed HDR‐MRI and standard synthesis methods were performed on multichannel 7T brain and knee data, and multisequence 3T breast and knee data.ResultsThe synthesized HDR‐MRI series provided excellent enhancement of fine‐scale structure from multiple scales and contrasts, while substantially reducing bias field effects in 7T brain gradient echo, T1 and T2 breast images and 7T knee multichannel images. Evaluation of the HDR‐MRI approach on 3T hip multisequence images showed superior outcomes for automatic cartilage segmentations with respect to manual segmentation, particularly around regions with hyperintense synovial fluid, across a set of 3D sequences.ConclusionThe successful combination of multichannel/sequence MR images into a single‐fused HDR‐MR image format provided consolidated visualization of tissues within 1 omnibus image, enhanced definition of thin, complex anatomical structures in the presence of variable or hyperintense signals, and improved tissue (cartilage) segmentation outcomes.
Kinematical analysis of 3D passive earth pressure with nonlinear yield criterion
Authors: Yang Xiaoli , Li Zhengwei 
Published: February 2018

SummaryConventional methods for calculation of passive earth pressure were mainly based on the assumptions of the linear Mohr‐Coulomb yield condition and plane strain failure mechanism. However, both theoretical and experimental studies have shown that such assumptions are not satisfied in some geotechnical projects. Herein, a novel method incorporating a kinematically admissible 3‐dimensional (3D) rotational failure mechanism and the nonlinear power‐law yield criterion is proposed to compute the passive earth pressure acting on the inclined retaining walls. Instead of using the nonlinear yield criterion directly, a straight line tangential to the nonlinear yield curve is employed to represent the strength of soils, and therefore, the nonlinear problem is transformed into the traditional linear problem. The 3D failure mechanism is generated through rotating a circle defined by 2 log‐spirals, and a plane strain block is inserted into the mechanism to consider the retaining walls with different widths. Earthquake effects are taken into account by using quasi‐static representation, and the horizontal seismic coefficient concept is adopted for the estimation of passive earth pressure under seismic conditions. An analytical expression about the 3D passive earth pressure is educed by means of the upper bound theorem of limit analysis. Numerical results for different practical parameters are obtained from an optimization scheme where the minimum of passive earth pressure is sought. Compared with available 2‐dimensional and 3D solutions, the proposed method is validated. A parametric study is conducted to investigate the effects of different parameters on the 3D static and seismic passive earth pressure.
The frequency spectrum of bladder non‐voiding activity as a trigger‐event for conditional stimulation: Closed‐loop inhibition of bladder contractions in rats
Authors: Choudhary Mahipal , van Mastrigt Ron , van Asselt Els 
Published: February 2018

AimsTo test the hypothesis that the frequency of bladder non‐voiding contractions (NVCs) can be used as a trigger event for closed‐loop conditional inhibition of detrusor contractions via tibial nerve (TN) or dorsal penile nerve (DPN) stimulation.MethodsIn urethane anaesthetized male Wistar rats, the bladder was filled continuously with saline to evoke contractions. To test the plausibility of conditional inhibition via the TN, electrical stimulation was switched on manually when the pressure increased above a threshold of 10 cmH20 above the baseline. For testing conditional stimulation via the DPN, the pressure signal was continuously stored and a baseline threshold, the area under the curve (AUC) of the amplitude spectrum in the 0.2–20 Hz range of a 5 s window at the beginning of filling was calculated. When the AUC of subsequent pressure windows superseded the baseline threshold, the DPN was automatically stimulated.ResultsTN stimulation failed to inhibit evoked voiding contractions. The NVC frequency spectrum based DPN stimulation successfully inhibited 70% of the evoked contractions and resulted in a 45% increase in bladder capacity (BC).ConclusionsWhile, conditional TN stimulation failed to suppress bladder contractions, DPN stimulation, automatically triggered by an increased frequency of bladder non‐voiding activity, resulted in bladder inhibition, and a consequential increase in BC. This study demonstrates the plausibility of using the frequency of NVCs as a trigger event for conditional inhibition of detrusor contractions.