bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reproducibility of Dietary Biomarkers in a Multiethnic Asian Population
Authors: Whitton Clare , Neelakantan Nithya , Ong Choon Nam , van Dam Rob M. 
Published: February 2019

ScopeDietary biomarkers allow for study of diet and disease risk relationships, but a key requirement is that these biomarkers are reproducible and reflect long‐term diet. This study assesses reproducibility of selected dietary biomarkers in a multi‐ethnic Asian population, and quantifies diet‐disease relationship attenuation arising from use of a single biomarker measurement.Methods and resultsIntra‐class correlation coefficients (ICC) are used to evaluate the reproducibility of urinary isoflavone and enterolignan, total plasma fatty acid (FA), and serum carotenoid concentrations measured 4 months apart in adult Singapore residents (ethnic Chinese, n 59; Malay, n 46; Indian, n 56). Total carotenoid ICC is 0.75 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68, 0.81), ranging from 0.63 to 0.84 for individual carotenoids. FA ICC (median) is 0.74 (inter‐quartile range 0.70–0.78). Total isoflavone ICC (95% CI) is 0.21 (0.06–0.35). Total enterolignan ICC is 0.42 (0.28, 0.54). Attenuation factors associated with a single time point measure ranged from 0.74 to 0.94 for carotenoids and FAs, and 0.42 to 0.70 for isoflavones and enterolignans.ConclusionsIn a multi‐ethnic Asian population, single measures of most serum carotenoids and plasma FAs likely represent habitual diet, whereas reproducibility of urinary isoflavones and enterolignans is moderate, possibly due to rapid excretion.
Biophysical model‐based parameters to classify tumor recurrence from radiation‐induced necrosis for brain metastases
Authors: Narasimhan Saramati , Johnson Haley B. , Nickles Tanner M. , Miga Michael I. , Rana Nitesh , Attia Albert , Weis Jared A. 
Published: February 2019

PurposeStereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is used for local control treatment of patients with intracranial metastases. As a result of SRS, some patients develop radiation‐induced necrosis. Radiographically, radiation‐induced necrosis can appear similar to tumor recurrence in magnetic resonance (MR) T1‐weighted contrast‐enhanced imaging, T2‐weighted MR imaging, and Fluid‐Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) MR imaging. Radiographic ambiguities often necessitate invasive brain biopsies to determine lesion etiology or cause delayed subsequent therapy initiation. We use a biomechanically coupled tumor growth model to estimate patient‐specific model parameters and model‐derived measures to noninvasively classify etiology of enhancing lesions in this patient population.MethodsIn this initial, preliminary retrospective study, we evaluated five patients with tumor recurrence and five with radiation‐induced necrosis. Longitudinal patient‐specific MR imaging data were used in conjunction with the model to parameterize tumor cell proliferation rate and tumor cell diffusion coefficient, and Dice correlation coefficients were used to quantify degree of correlation between model‐estimated mechanical stress fields and edema visualized from MR imaging.ResultsResults found four statistically relevant parameters which can differentiate tumor recurrence and radiation‐induced necrosis.ConclusionsThis preliminary investigation suggests potential of this framework to noninvasively determine the etiology of enhancing lesions in patients who previously underwent SRS for intracranial metastases.
Prognostic factors for response to treatment by corticosteroid injection or surgery in carpal tunnel syndrome (palms study): A prospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Jerosch‐Herold Christina , Shepstone Lee , Houghton Julie , Wilson Edward C. F. , Blake Julian 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTIntroductionStudies of prognosis for surgery and corticosteroid injection for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) have considered only a limited range of explanatory variables for outcome.MethodsData were prospectively collected on patient‐reported symptoms, physical and psychological functioning, comorbidity, and quality of life at baseline and every 6 months for up to 2 years. Outcomes were patient‐rated change over a 6‐month period and symptom‐severity score at 18 months.ResultsIn total, 754 patients with CTS completed baseline questionnaires, and 626 (83%) completed follow‐up to 18 months. Multivariable modeling identified, independent of symptom severity at outset, higher health utility, fewer comorbidities, and lower anxiety as significant predictors of better outcome from surgery. In patients treated by steroid injection, independent of symptom severity at outset, shorter duration of symptoms and having no prior injection were significant predictors of better outcome.DiscussionThese multivariable models of outcome may inform shared decision making about treatment for CTS. Muscle Nerve, 2019
Functional electrical stimulation following nerve injury in a large animal model
Authors: Cercone Marta , Jarvis Jonathan C. , Ducharme Norm G. , Perkins Justin , Piercy Richard J. , Willand Michael P. , Mitchell Lisa M. , Sledziona Michael , Soderholm Leo , Cheetham Jonathan 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Controversy exists over the effects of functional electrical stimulation (FES) on reinnervation. We hypothesized that intramuscular FES would not delay reinnervation after recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLn) axonotmesis.Methods: RLn cryo‐injury and electrode implantation in ipsilateralposterior cricoarytenoidmuscle (PCA) were performed in horses. PCA was stimulated for 20 weeks in eight animals; seven served as controls. Reinnervation was monitored through muscle response to hypercapnia, electrical stimulation and exercise. Ultimately, muscle fiber type proportions and minimum fiber diameters, and RLn axon number and degree of myelination were determined.Results: Laryngeal function returned to normal in both groups within 22 weeks. FES improved muscle strength and geometry, and induced increased type I:II fiber proportion (p = 0.038) in the stimulated PCA. FES showed no deleterious effects on reinnervation.Discussion: Intramuscular electrical stimulation did not delay PCA reinnervation after axonotmesis. FES can represent a supportive treatment to promote laryngeal functional recovery after RLn injury.Muscle Nerve59:717–725, 2019
Multiphase topology optimization with a single variable using the phase‐field design method
Authors: Seong Hong Kyoung , Kim Cheol Woong , Yoo Jeonghoon , Lee Jaewook 
Published: February 2019

SummaryIn this study, a multimaterial topology optimization method using a single variable is proposed by combining the solid isotropic material with penalization method and the reaction‐diffusion equation. Unlike ordinary multimaterial optimization, which requires several variables depending on the number of material types, this method intends to represent various materials as one variable. The proposed method combines two special functions in the sensitivity analysis of the objective function to converge the design variable into prespecified density values defined for each of the multimaterials. The composition constraint based on a normal distribution function is also introduced to estimate the distribution of each target density value in a single variable. It enables density exchange between multiple materials by increasing or decreasing the amount of a specific material. The proposed method is applied to structural and electromagnetic problems to verify its effectiveness, and its usefulness is also confirmed from the viewpoint of cost and computation time.
Synthesis of Non‐Symmetrical Nitrogen‐Containing Curcuminoids in the Pursuit of New Anticancer Candidates
Authors: Theppawong Atiruj , Van de Walle Tim , Grootaert Charlotte , Van Hecke Kristof , Catry Nathalie , Desmet Tom , Van Camp John , D'hooghe Matthias 
Published: February 2019

AbstractCurcumin is known to display pronounced anticancer effects and a variety of other biological activities. However, the low bioavailability and fast metabolism of this molecule present an issue of concern with respect to its medicinal applications. To address this issue, structural modifications of the curcumin scaffold can be envisioned as a strategy to improve both the solubility and stability of this chemical entity, without compromising its biological activities. Previous work in our group targeted the synthesis of symmetrical azaheteroaromatic curcuminoids, which showed better solubility and cytotoxicity profiles compared to curcumin. In continuation of that work, we now focused on the synthesis of non‐symmetrical nitrogen‐containing curcuminoids bearing both a phenolic and an azaheteroaromatic moiety. In that way, we aimed to combine good solubility, antioxidant potential and cytotoxic properties into one molecule. Some derivatives were selected for further chemical modification of their rather labile β‐diketone scaffold to the corresponding pyrazole moiety. In this way, thirteen new non‐symmetrical aza‐aromatic curcuminoids and four pyrazole‐based analogues were successfully synthesized in a yield of 11–69 %. All newly synthesized analogues were evaluated for their antioxidant properties, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, water solubility and anticancer activities. Several novel derivatives displayed good cytotoxicity profiles compared to curcumin, in combination with an improved water solubility and stability, and were thus identified as potential hit scaffolds for further optimization studies.
Prevalence of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder in parents of children with cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: van Warmerdam Jacqui , Zabih Veda , Kurdyak Paul , Sutradhar Rinku , Nathan Paul C. , Gupta Sumit 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundFor parents, a diagnosis of cancer in their child is a traumatic experience. However, there is conflicting evidence about the risk of developing mental illness among parents following diagnosis. Our objective was to conduct a meta‐analysis to determine the prevalence of mental illness in parents of children with cancer.MethodsFour databases were searched to identify articles describing the prevalence of anxiety, depression, or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in parents of pediatric cancer patients. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data. Subgroup analyses by gender and phase of cancer experience were selected a priori. Studies were reviewed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.ResultsOf 11 394 articles identified, 58 met inclusion criteria. Reported prevalence was highly heterogeneous, ranging from 5% to 65% for anxiety (pooled prevalence 21% [95% CI, 13%–35%]), 7% to 91% for depression (pooled prevalence 28% [95% CI, 23%–35%]), and 4% to 75% for PTSD (pooled prevalence 26% [95% CI, 22%–32%]). Prevalence was consistently higher than noncancer parental controls. Heterogeneity was not explained by parental gender or child's cancer phase and was instead likely due to significant methodological differences in measurement tools and defined thresholds.ConclusionsParents of children with cancer have a higher prevalence of anxiety, depression, and PTSD compared with population controls. Yet, the reported prevalence of mental illness was highly variable, hampering any conclusive findings on absolute prevalence. To better understand the risk of long‐term mental illness in this population and target interventions, future studies must adhere to standardized reporting and methods.
Sleep, emotional distress, and physical health in survivors of childhood cancer: A report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study
Authors: Daniel Lauren C. , Wang Mingjuan , Mulrooney Daniel A. , Srivastava Deo Kumar , Schwartz Lisa A. , Edelstein Kim , Brinkman Tara M. , Zhou Eric S. , Howell Rebecca M. , Gibson Todd M. , Leisenring Wendy , Oeffinger Kevin C. , Neglia Joseph , Robison Leslie L. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Krull Kevin R. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectiveSleep disorders are associated with psychological and physical health, although reports in long‐term survivors of childhood cancer are limited. We characterized the prevalence and risk factors for behaviors consistent with sleep disorders in survivors and examined longitudinal associations with emotional distress and physical health outcomes.MethodsSurvivors (n = 1933; median [IQR] age = 35 [30, 41]) and siblings (n = 380; age = 33 [27, 40]) from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study completed measures of sleep quality, fatigue, and sleepiness. Emotional distress and physical health outcomes were assessed approximately 5 years before and after the sleep survey. Multivariable logistic or modified Poisson regression models examined associations with cancer diagnosis, treatment exposures, and emotional and physical health outcomes.ResultsSurvivors were more likely to report poor sleep efficiency (30.8% vs 24.7%; prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.04‐1.53), daytime sleepiness (18.7% vs 14.2%; PR = 1.31 [1.01‐1.71]), and sleep supplement use (13.5% vs 8.3%; PR = 1.56 [1.09‐2.22]) than siblings. Survivors who developed emotional distress were more likely to report poor sleep efficiency (PR = 1.70 [1.40‐2.07]), restricted sleep time (PR = 1.35 [1.12‐1.62]), fatigue (PR = 2.11 [1.92‐2.32]), daytime sleepiness (PR = 2.19 [1.71‐2.82]), snoring (PR = 1.85 [1.08‐3.16]), and more sleep medication (PR = 2.86 [2.00‐4.09]) and supplement use (PR = 1.89[1.33‐2.69]). Survivors reporting symptoms of insomnia (PR = 1.46 [1.02‐2.08]), fatigue (PR = 1.31 [1.01‐1.72]), and using sleep medications (PR = 2.16 [1.13‐4.12]) were more likely to develop migraines/headaches.ConclusionsSurvivors report more sleep difficulties and efforts to manage sleep than siblings. These sleep behaviors are related to worsening or persistently elevated emotional distress and may result in increased risk for migraines. Behavioral interventions targeting sleep may be important for improving health outcomes.
Systematic review on women's values and preferences concerning breast cancer screening and diagnostic services
Authors: Mathioudakis Alexander G. , Salakari Minna , Pylkkanen Liisa , Saz‐Parkinson Zuleika , Bramesfeld Anke , Deandrea Silvia , Lerda Donata , Neamtiu Luciana , Pardo‐Hernandez Hector , Solà Ivan , Alonso‐Coello Pablo 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundThere is still lack of consensus on the benefit‐harm balance of breast cancer screening. In this scenario, women's values and preferences are crucial for developing health‐related recommendations. In the context of the European Commission Initiative on Breast Cancer, we conducted a systematic review to inform the European Breast Guidelines.MethodsWe searched Medline and included primary studies assessing women's values and preferences regarding breast cancer screening and diagnosis decision making. We used a thematic approach to synthesise relevant data. The quality of evidence was determined with GRADE, including GRADE CERQual for qualitative research.ResultsWe included 22 individual studies. Women were willing to accept the psychological and physical burden of breast cancer screening and a significant risk of overdiagnosis and false‐positive mammography findings, in return for the benefit of earlier diagnosis. The anxiety engendered by the delay in getting results of diagnostic tests was highlighted as a significant burden, emphasising the need for rapid and efficient screening services, and clear and efficient communication. The confidence in the findings was low to moderate for screening and moderate for diagnosis, predominantly because of methodological limitations, lack of adequate understanding of the outcomes by participants, and indirectness.ConclusionsWomen value more the possibility of an earlier diagnosis over the risks of a false‐positive result or overdiagnosis. Concerns remain that women may not understand the concept of overdiagnosis. Women highly value time efficient screening processes and rapid result delivery and will accept some discomfort for the peace of mind screening may provide.
Highly Selective Optical Detection of Fe3+ Ions in Aqueous Solution Using Label‐Free Silicon Nanocrystals
Authors: Linehan Keith , Carolan Darragh , Doyle Hugh 
Published: February 2019

AbstractHigh brightness amine‐terminated silicon nanocrystals (Si NCs) have been utilized in a simple and rapid assay for the highly selective and sensitive detection of Fe3+ via quenching of their strong blue luminescence, without the need for analyte‐specific labeling groups. Sensitive detection of Fe3+ is successfully demonstrated, with a linear relationship observed between luminescence quenching and Fe3+ concentration from 5 × 10−6 to 900 × 10−6m and a limit of detection of 1.3 × 10−6m. The Si NCs show excellent selectivity toward Fe3+ ions, with no quenching of the luminescence signal induced by the presence of Fe2+ ions, allowing for solution phase discrimination between the ionic species in different charge states.
Investigation of physicochemical properties of CuSn‐based PAN nanofibers prepared via electrospinning method
Authors: Choi Jinhee , Park Juyun , Kang Jisoo , Frey Margaret W. , Oh Jin‐Woo , Kang Yong‐Cheol 
Published: February 2019

Copper‐tin (CuSn) nanomaterials have been receiving substantial attention due to their excellent thermal, electrical, and optical properties. However, how such properties are affected based on heat treatment temperature and chemical composition of copper and tin is still not very well understood. In this paper, CuSn nanofibers were fabricated by electrospinning a precursor solution of polyacrylonitrile, copper, and tin. Calcination temperatures were selected using thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA) and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) results. Analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) were employed to investigate the physicochemical properties of the CuSn nanofibers. SEM images and EDS revealed the formation of pores on the nanofibers and high concentrations of tin were in the core, while copper was located on the surface. XRD results confirmed the monoclinic phase of Cu6Sn5 for the CuSn nanofibers because peaks for diffraction angles at 27.6°, 53.4°, and 60.0° were observed. XPS results showed that Cu―C and Sn―C bonds occur at binding energies around 932 and 484 eV, respectively. The work function of the CuSn NF heat treated at 150°C was calculated from the UPS spectra, and the value was 4.19 eV.
3D Hierarchical Nanorod@Nanobowl Array Photoanode with a Tunable Light‐Trapping Cutoff and Bottom‐Selective Field Enhancement for Efficient Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Tang Songtao , Li Mingyang , Huang Duan , Qiu Weitao , Xiao Shuang , Tong Yexiang , Yang Shihe 
Published: February 2019

AbstractConstructing 3D nanophotonic structures is regarded as an effective means to realize both efficient light absorption and efficient charge separation. However, most of the 3D structures reported so far enhance light trapping beyond the absorption onset wavelength, and thus greatly attentuate or even completely block the long‐wavelength light, which could otherwise be efficiently absorbed by narrow‐bandgap materials in a Z‐scheme or tandem device. In addition, constructing a 3D conductive substrate often involves complex processes causing increased cost and upscaling problems. To overcome these shortcomings, a novel 3D hematite nanorod@nanobowl array nanophotonic structure is designed and fabricated by a low‐cost method. This unique structure can enhance light absorption with tunable cutoffs and rationally concentrate photons right above the bowl bottom, enabling efficient charge separation. By loading NiFeOx as a cocatalyst, a high photocurrent density of 3.41 ± 0.2 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) can be obtained, which is 2.35 times that with a planar structure in otherwise the same system.
The politics of fossil fuel subsidies and their reform: Implications for climate change mitigation
Authors: Skovgaard Jakob , van Asselt Harro 
Published: February 2019

The production and consumption of fossil fuels need to decrease significantly to meet the 2015 Paris Agreement's ambitious climate change goals. However, fossil fuels continue to receive significant amounts of government support. Although reforming fossil fuel subsidies can yield climate change mitigation benefits, the specific international and domestic political context and political economy of fossil fuel subsidies means that such reform is not straightforward and may not be aligned with traditional climate politics. Our objective in this review article is to examine the implications of the politics of fossil fuel subsidies and their reform for climate change mitigation. The first step of examining these implications is to review existing studies on the size and impacts of global fossil fuel subsidies. Subsequently, we discuss the international politics of fossil fuel subsidies, including the emerging norm of fossil fuel subsidy reform, and the respective roles played by the international climate regime and several international economic institutions. Finally, we examine why fossil fuel subsidies are introduced and maintained at the domestic level, how fossil fuel subsidy reform has functioned in practice, and whether and how such reform could be conceived as an instrument for climate policy.This article is categorized under:The Carbon Economy and Climate Mitigation > Policies, Instruments, Lifestyles, BehaviorPolicy and Governance > Private Governance of Climate Change
The Age and Origin of Karez Systems of Silk Road Oases around Turpan, Xinjiang, P.R. of China
Authors: Mächtle Bertil , Hecht Stefan , Manke Nicola , Kromer Bernd , Lindauer Susanne , Li Cheng-Sen , Li Ying , Wang Xiaofei , Bubenzer Olaf 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAge and origin of ancient famous Karez water systems in the oases of the Turpan Basin are open questions in geoarchaeological and historical research. Four hypotheses exist: (a) invention during Han dynasty more than 2000 years ago, (b) transfer of technology from Persian Qanat’s more than 3000 years ago, (c) independent invention of local Uyghur people in the 15th century, and (d) late invention during the Chinese Qing dynasty (19th century). Our study dates, for the first time, 8 Karez systems by 14C from plants buried during the formation of Karez mounds, and interviews in order to record oral tradition. We found that the oldest investigated Karez systems originated in the Uyghurian Huihe dynasty (790–1755 AD), which coincides with the oral tradition. A second phase may have occurred during late Huihe/Qing dynasty (after 1755 AD), which may explain why information and the Uygurian term „Kan er jing“ went down in historic Chinese records. In conclusion, hypothesis (d) that oldest Karez systems were built during Qing dynasty has to be rejected because they are at least 600 years old. Instead, during the 3rd Chinese expansion in the 19th century AD the Karez system expanded and got maintenance. A review of regional palaeoclimatic proxies suggests that the origin and the maintenance of the Karez systems took place rather in more humid periods than in more arid ones. However, more research is needed on other Karez systems to test the pending hypotheses of a much older age.
Routes Beyond Gandhara: Buddhist Rock Carvings in the Context of the Early Silk Roads
Authors: van Aerde Marike 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis chapter presents the first results and interpretations of a selected dataset of rock carvings from the Karakorum mountains. The research is focused on early Buddhist carvings and their spread and role within networks of the early Silk Roads in Central Asia from the 2nd–1st century BCE. The rock carvings and their archaeological context are studied to gain insight into routes from Gandhara through the Karakorum range. The first part presents the general aims and relevance. The second and third parts describe the analysis and interpretation of the Karakorum dataset, followed by the main points of discussion and conclusions to incite future investigations.