bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stereotaxic laser brain surgery with 1940‐nm Tm:fiber laser: An in vivo study
Authors: Tunc Burcu , Gulsoy Murat 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundWith exciting developments in fiber laser technology, studies investigating the use of lasers in neurosurgery have been increasing in the recent years. Fiber lasers are advantageous in many ways; first of all they are compact and they provide a more comfortable environment in the operating room due to feasibility of coupling laser light to different cross‐sectioned fibers. Thulium fiber (Tm:fiber) lasers have been under investigation for medical applications since 2005 due to their spectral proximity to the water absorption peak.ObjectivesThe primary aim of this study is to investigate the thermal effects of the 1940‐nm Tm:fiber laser on subcortical tissue and to examine the effects of laser parameters on laser‐induced lesions. Secondarily, it is also aimed to reveal the importance of temperature monitoring during laser surgeries by investigating the effects of temperature change on the characteristics of laser‐induced lesions.Materials and MethodsStereotaxic laser brain surgery was performed on 20 male Wistar rats, in order to investigate the thermal effects of Tm:fiber laser. During surgeries temperature changes in the subcortical tissue were observed with a t‐type thermocouple for which a holder was designed to accomplish a 1 mm distance between the fiber tip and thermocouple tip. Histological examinations were performed on cresyl fast violet (CFV) stained slices under light microscopy. Photothermal effects of Tm:fiber laser on subcortical tissue were investigated in terms of ablated (removal of tissue), coagulated and edematous areas with a blinded micrograph evaluation. Relations between laser parameters, ablation efficiencies and rates of temperature changes were determined. Pearson's correlation coefficients between rates of temperature changes and ablation efficiencies, total laser damage and edematous area were calculated.ResultsNo significant adverse effects were observed during surgeries. Histological examinations revealed localized ablation surrounded by coagulation areas as well as edema. Ablation efficiencies ranged from 20% to 50% with changing laser parameters. The correlation coefficient between rates of temperature change and ablation efficiencies, total laser damage and edematous area were rather high.ConclusionIn this study we show that Tm:fiber lasers seem to be useful tools in brain surgeries especially to vaporize and coagulate the tissue. It is also shown that temperature monitoring during laser surgery is very crucial and gives information about laser‐induced lesion. Another take home message from this study is rather than the temperature increase, the rate of temperature change is more important. We found that if the temperature is changing in a short time interval, the extent of thermal damage can be minimized. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Asymmetric Wide‐Bandgap Polymers Simultaneously Improve the Open‐Circuit Voltage and Short‐Circuit Current for Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Huang Shaorong , Gu Wanying , Chen Lie , Liao Zhihui , An Yongkang , An Cunbin , Chen Yiwang , Hou Jianhui 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA trade‐off between open‐circuit voltage (V
OC) and high short‐circuit (J
SC) becomes one of the most vital problems limiting further improvement in polymer solar cells' (PSCs) efficiency. In this work, two asymmetric polymer donors PBDT‐F‐2TC and PBDT‐SF‐2TC are designed and synthesized. When blended with a state‐of‐the‐art acceptor IT‐4F with low lowest‐unoccupied molecular orbital level, simultaneously high V
OC (up to 0.94 V) and J
SC (up to 20.73 mA cm−2) are obtained for both copolymers. Note that the V
OC value of 0.94 V is the highest value of PSCs based on IT‐4F reported so far. The simultaneously improved V
OC and J
SC in resulting devices are discovered from the deep highest‐occupied molecular orbital levels (−5.5 to −5.7 eV) and the hyperchromic effect of the polymers, the small driving force, and the small energy loss during the charge transfer, due to the synergistic effect of asymmetric carboxylate unit and fluorine/sulfur atoms. More importantly, thanks to the asymmetric 2TC, both PBDT‐F‐2TC‐ and PBDT‐SF‐2TC‐based PSCs can be successfully processed by non‐halogenated solvent 1,2,4‐trimethylbenzene (TMB) to yield device efficiencies of 10.29% and 10.39%, respectively, which are the maximum values for non‐fullerene PSCs fabricated using the eco‐friendly solvent TMB.
Comparing outcomes: The Clinical Outcome in Routine Evaluation from an international point of view
Authors: Zeldovich Marina , Alexandrowicz Rainer W. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectivesThe Clinical Outcome in Routine Evaluation–Outcome Measure (CORE‐OM) is a freely accessible self‐assessment questionnaire with a total of 34 items measuring the progress of psychological or psychotherapeutic treatments according to four scales (well‐being, problems, functioning, and risk). The CORE‐OM originated in the United Kingdom and has been translated into 54 languages and dialects. The aim of this study is to systematically compare the translated versions.MethodA total of 21 translations were compared using methods of systematic review and meta‐analysis.ResultsThe results show a certain heterogeneity between the studies; however, the 21 translations can be declared as equivalent.ConclusionThe factorial structure could not be replicated in any of translations. Therefore, further analysis of the CORE‐OM domains is recommended. In addition, some supplementary restrictions on the translation process, data collection, and reporting of results are necessary to ensure comparability and quality of CORE‐OM translations.
Mitochondrial transfer from aged adipose‐derived stem cells does not improve the quality of aged oocytes in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Sheng Xiaoqiang , Yang Yanjun , Zhou Jianjun , Yan Guijun , Liu Mengyuan , Xu Lu , Li Zhongxun , Jiang Ruiwei , Diao Zhenyu , Zhen Xin , Ding Lijun , Sun Haixiang 
Published: February 2019

AbstractFemale fertility declines dramatically over the age of 35 due to age‐related decreases in oocyte quality and quantity. Although mitochondrial transfer promises to be a technology that can improve the quality of such age‐impaired oocytes, the ideal mitochondrial donor remains elusive. In the present study, we aimed to identify whether aged adipose‐derived stem cells constitute an excellent mitochondrial donor that would improve the quality of aged mouse oocytes. We showed that aging significantly impaired the mitochondrial function in mouse oocytes, but did not significantly affect the mitochondrial function of adipose‐derived stem cells. However, the mitochondrial transfer from aged adipose‐derived stem cells did not mitigate the poor fertilization and embryonic development rates of aged oocytes.
A novel reliability‐based topology optimization framework for the concurrent design of solid and truss‐like material structures with unknown‐but‐bounded uncertainties
Authors: Wang Lei , Liang Jinxiong , Liu Dongliang , Chen Wenpin 
Published: February 2019

SummaryA new nonprobabilistic reliability‐based topology optimization method for continuum structures with displacement constraints is proposed in this paper, in which the optimal layout consists of solid material and truss‐like microstructure material simultaneously. The unknown‐but‐bounded uncertainties that exist in material properties, external loads, and safety displacements are considered. By utilizing the representative volume element analysis, rules of macro‐micro stiffness performance equivalence can be confirmed. A solid material and truss‐like microstructure material structure integrated design interpolation model is firstly constructed, in which design domain elements can be conducted to select solid material or truss‐like microstructure material by a combination of the finite element method in the topology optimization process. Moreover, a new nonprobabilistic reliability measuring index, namely, the optimization feature distance is defined by making use of the area‐ratio ideas. Furthermore, the adjoint vector method is employed to obtain the sensitivity information between the reliability measure and design variables. By utilizing the method of moving asymptotes, the investigated optimization problem can be iteratively solved. The effectiveness of the developed methodology is eventually demonstrated by two examples.
Validating registry data on statins prescriptions by blood measurements
Authors: Riis Anders H. , Erichsen Rune , Ostenfeld Eva B. , Højskov Carsten S. , Thorlacius‐Ussing Ole , Stender Mogens Tornby , Lash Timothy L. , Møller Holger Jon 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPurposeTo validate prescription registry data as a measurement of adherence to statins through a direct method using assays for selected statins in serial blood samples collected from two prospective cohorts of Danish colorectal cancer patients.MethodsWe linked information on statin prescriptions from the Aarhus University Prescription Database with the cancer cohorts from Aalborg University Hospital. For statin‐prescribed patients, we calculated a prescription window covering the anticipated duration of the prescription. For each statin‐prescribed patient with at least one blood sample in a prescription window, we selected without replacement a never–statin‐prescribed patient matched on sex, age, and calendar year of surgery. Each of the selected blood samples were analyzed using assays to detect statins. We calculated the positive and negative predictive value of the prescription registry reporting using the assay result as the gold standard.ResultsWe identified 73 ever–statin‐prescribed patients with a total of 253 blood samples and 74 blood samples among never–statin‐prescribed patients. The positive predictive value for prescribed patients, with presence of statins in at least one blood sample as the gold standard, was 93% (95% CI, 86%‐97%) and the negative predictive value was 93% (95% CI, 86%‐97%). Stratified results did not reveal substantial differences in predictive values. Fifty‐two (71%) of the statin‐prescribed patients had statins in every blood sample, suggesting continuous adherence.ConclusionThis study showed a high adherence with treatment with statins among colorectal cancer patients.
Glucagon for Relief of Acute Esophageal Foreign Bodies and Food Impactions: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Peksa Gary D. , DeMott Joshua M. , Slocum Giles W. , Burkins Jaxson , Gottlieb Michael 
Published: February 2019

Glucagon is frequently used for the relief of esophageal impactions. This systematic review and meta‐analysis were performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of glucagon for acute esophageal foreign body and food impactions. PubMed, CINAHL, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception to March 1, 2018. Retrospective, observational, and randomized controlled trials assessing glucagon for the relief of acute esophageal foreign body and food impaction were included. There were no language or age restrictions. Only studies conducted on humans and with a comparator (e.g., control or placebo) were included. Study quality analysis was performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Quality of evidence analysis was performed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations approach. A total of 1988 studies were identified, and five studies with a total of 1185 subjects were included. Treatment success occurred in 213 of 706 (30.2%) patients in the glucagon group and 158 of 479 (33.0%) patients in the control group (odds ratio [OR] 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.69–1.17, p=0.42). There was minimal statistical heterogeneity (I2 = 14%, p=0.33). No publication bias was identified. Adverse events were identified in 24 (15.0%) patients in the glucagon group and 0 (0%) patients in the placebo group (risk difference [RD] 0.18, 95% CI 0.03‐0.33, p=0.02). Vomiting events occurred more frequently in the glucagon group (17 of 160 [10.6%] vs 0 of 53 [0%]) but was not statistically significant (RD 0.07, 95% CI ‐0.03‐0.17, p=0.19). Glucagon was not associated with a difference in treatment success but had a higher rate of adverse events for the treatment of esophageal foreign body and food impaction. Further controlled studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of glucagon with adequate power to assess adverse events.
Cancer‐related financial hardship among head and neck cancer survivors: Risk factors and associations with health‐related quality of life
Authors: Lu Liya , O'Sullivan Eleanor , Sharp Linda 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectiveCancer survivors are susceptible to financial hardship. In head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors, we investigated (a) predictors for cancer‐related financial hardship and (b) associations between financial hardship and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study in HNC survivors identified from the National Cancer Registry Ireland. HRQoL was based on the Functional Assessment for Cancer Therapy General (FACT‐G) plus Head and Neck Module (FACT‐HN). Objective cancer‐related financial hardship (financial stress) was assessed as household ability to make ends meet due to cancer and subjective financial hardship (financial strain) as feelings about household financial situation due to cancer. Modified Poisson regression was used to identify predictors for financial hardship. Bootstrap linear regression was used to estimate associations between hardship and FACT domain scores.ResultsPre‐diagnosis retirement (relative risk [RR] 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37‐0.67), pre‐diagnosis financial stress (RR 1.85, 95% CI 1.58‐2.15), and treatment were significantly associated with objective financial hardship. Predictors of subjective financial hardship were similar: aged greater than or equal to 65 years, pre‐diagnosis financial stress, and treatment. Participants with objective financial hardship reported significantly lower physical (coefficient −3.45, 95% CI −4.39 to −2.44), emotional (−2.01, 95% CI −2.83 to −1.24), functional (−2.56, 95% CI −3.77 to −1.33) and HN‐specific HRQoL (−3.55, 95% CI −5.04 to −2.23). Physical, emotional, and functional HN‐specific HRQoL were also significantly lower in participants with subjective financial hardship.ConclusionCancer‐related financial hardship is common and associated with worse HRQoL among HNC survivors. This supports the need for services and supports to address financial concerns among HNC survivors.
Misidentification Subtype of Alzheimer's Disease Psychosis Predicts a Faster Cognitive Decline
Authors: D'Antonio Fabrizia , Reeves Suzanne , Sheng Yucheng , McLachlan Emma , de Lena Carlo , Howard Robert , Bertrand Julie 
Published: February 2019

The presence of psychosis is associated with a more rapid decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the impact of paranoid (persecutory delusions) and misidentification (misperceptions and/or hallucinations) subtypes of psychosis on the speed of decline in AD is still unclear. We analyzed data on Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative 2 participants with late mild cognitive impairment or AD, and we described individual trajectories of Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive Subscale scores using a semimechanistic logistic model with a mixed effects–based approach, which accounted for dropout and adjusted for baseline Mini Mental State Examination scores. The covariate model included psychosis subtypes, age, gender, education, medications, and Apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 (Apo‐e ε4 genotype). We found that the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive Subscale rate of increase was doubled in misidentification (βr,misid_subtype = 0.63, P = 0.031) and mixed (both subtypes; βr,mixed_subtype = 0.70, P = 0.003) when compared with nonpsychotic (or paranoid) patients, suggesting that the misidentification subtype may represent a distinct AD sub‐phenotype associated with an accelerated pathological process.
Circumventing the pole problem of reduced lat–lon grids with local schemes. Part I: Analysis and model formulation
Authors: Bénard Pierre , Glinton Michael R. 
Published: February 2019

This paper describes a possible strategy for numerically integrating global meteorological equations cast in spherical coordinates with local/scalable algorithms on a reduced latitude–longitude grid. This approach is designed to address a major obstacle known as the “pole problem” in the literature. The nature of the problem is carefully examined in order to determine the conditions for its appearance (or disappearance). A class of discretization schemes avoiding the problem while being based on local algorithms of various accuracy orders is then proposed for non‐staggered grids. A numerical model for solving shallow‐water equations on the sphere with these discrete schemes (GRASS) has been developed and its ability to circumvent the pole problem is demonstrated through basic validations. Further validations on standard test‐cases are presented in Part II.
A variable‐selection control chart via penalized likelihood and Gaussian mixture model for multimodal and high‐dimensional processes
Authors: Yan Dandan , Zhang Shuai , Jung Uk 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWith the development of the sensor network and manufacturing technology, multivariate processes face a new challenge of high‐dimensional data. However, traditional statistical methods based on small‐ or medium‐sized samples such as T2 monitoring statistics may not be suitable because of the “curse of dimensionality” problem. To overcome this shortcoming, some control charts based on the variable‐selection (VS) algorithms using penalized likelihood have been suggested for process monitoring and fault diagnosis. Although there has been much effort to improve VS‐based control charts, there is usually a common distributional assumption that in‐control observations should follow a single multivariate Gaussian distribution. However, in current manufacturing processes, processes can have multimodal properties. To handle the high‐dimensionality and multimodality, in this study, a VS‐based control chart with a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) is proposed. We extend the VS‐based control chart framework to the process with multimodal distributions, so that the high‐dimensionality and multimodal information in the process can be better considered.
Fructose 1,6-Bisphosphate as a Protective Agent for Experimental Fat Grafting
Authors: Lv Tao , Gu Yunpeng , Bi Jianhai , Kang Ning , Yang Zhigang , Fu Xin , Wang Qian , Yan Li , Liu Xia , Cao Yilin , Xiao Ran 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Fat grafting procedures are considered to be a promising regenerative, cell-directed therapy; however, their survival is mainly influenced by ischemia condition. Fructose 1,6-bisphosphate (FBP), as an intermediate in energy metabolism, has the potential to rescue cells and tissues from hypoxic-ischemic circumstances. In the present study, human lipoaspirates were grafted subcutaneously into nude mice followed by a daily intraperitoneal injection of FBP at different doses for 7 days. Next, the grafts were harvested at different time points till 12 weeks postimplantation and were evaluated for cell viability and function, tissue revascularization and inflammatory cell infiltration using histological analysis, whole-mount living tissue imaging, glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity assays, and quantitative analysis of gene expression. The results demonstrated that exogenous FBP administration could attenuate the volume and weight reduction of fat graft; meanwhile, FBP enhanced adipocyte viability and function, increased blood vessel formation, and decreased inflammation. Moreover, in vitro cell experiments showed that FBP could promote adipose-derived stem cell viability and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA expression in ischemia conditions. Our study indicates that FBP can be used as a protective agent for fat grafting and may be applied in stem cell-based regenerative medicine. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2019;8:606–616
The effect of social roles, religiosity, and values on climate change concern: An empirical analysis for Turkey
Authors: Ergun Selim Jürgen , Rivas M. Fernanda 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThere are several papers studying climate change concern, but the majority of them are West‐centric, and there are few studies for developing countries. Using a database from Pew Global and controlling for socio‐demographic variables, we analyze how values, social roles, religiosity, and political orientation affect climate change concern in Turkey. We find that social roles, religiosity, and values are important determinants. In particular, having children and being a homemaker increase climate change concern, as well as holding more egalitarian and postmaterialistic views. Although giving more importance to religion increases concern, our findings regarding political orientation are more ambiguous.
Temporal Persistence of Red Grouper Holes and Analysis of Associated Fish Assemblages from Towed Camera Data in the Steamboat Lumps Marine Protected Area
Authors: Grasty Sarah E. , Wall Carrie C. , Gray John Willis , Brizzolara Jennifer , Murawski Steven 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe Red Grouper Epinephelus morio is an ecologically and economically important Gulf of Mexico reef fish species. The well‐documented excavation behavior of this species generates several‐meter‐wide holes that serve as habitat in otherwise structureless areas. These mesohabitats are notably dense within the Steamboat Lumps (SL) Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Previous work in the SL‐MPA used high‐resolution multibeam bathymetry to analyze changes in hole density and structure (width, height, and slope) between 2006 and 2009. The present study utilizes additional multibeam data collected in 2017 to further these analyses. Overall, the density of holes within the SL‐MPA continued to increase, but no definite trend in structural changes could be identified. Additionally, a towed camera was used to directly observe 95 holes, of which 63 had detectable reef fishes. Within the occupied holes, approximately 46% had a Red Grouper or other grouper species (Epinephelidae) present. The most frequently observed species within the occupied holes were invasive lionfish Pterois spp., which were present in 84% of the holes. The increasing density of Red Grouper holes in the SL‐MPA indicates that the closure of the area may be resulting in a more robust local population of this species. However, quick colonization of the holes by lionfish has occurred, and additional studies are necessary to determine the impact of this on grouper and other native reef fish populations found within this type of uniquely created habitat.