bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pilot, Open, Randomized, Prospective Trial for Normothermic Machine Perfusion Evaluation in Liver Transplantation From Older Donors
Authors: Ghinolfi Davide , Rreka Erion , De Tata Vincenzo , Franzini Maria , Pezzati Daniele , Fierabracci Vanna , Masini Matilde , Cacciatoinsilla Andrea , Bindi Maria Lucia , Marselli Lorella , Mazzotti Valentina , Morganti Riccardo , Marchetti Piero , Biancofiore Giandomenico , Campani Daniela , Paolicchi Aldo , De Simone Paolo 
Published: October 2018

Ex situ normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) might minimize ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) of liver grafts. In this study, 20 primary liver transplantation recipients of older grafts (≥70 years) were randomized 1:1 to NMP or cold storage (CS) groups. The primary study endpoint was to evaluate graft and patient survival at 6 months posttransplantation. The secondary endpoint was to evaluate liver and bile duct biopsies; IRI by means of peak transaminases within 7 days after surgery; and incidence of biliary complications at month 6. Liver and bile duct biopsies were collected at bench surgery, end of ex situ NMP, and end of transplant surgery. Interleukin (IL) 6, IL10, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) perfusate concentrations were tested during NMP. All grafts were successfully transplanted. Median (interquartile range) posttransplant aspartate aminotransferase peak was 709 (371‐1575) IU/L for NMP and 574 (377‐1162) IU/L for CS (P = 0.597). There was 1 hepatic artery thrombosis in the NMP group and 1 death in the CS group. In NMP, we observed high TNF‐α perfusate levels, and these were inversely correlated with lactate (P < 0.001). Electron microscopy showed decreased mitochondrial volume density and steatosis and an increased volume density of autophagic vacuoles at the end of transplantation in NMP versus CS patients (P < 0.001). Use of NMP with older liver grafts is associated with histological evidence of reduced IRI, although the clinical benefit remains to be demonstrated.
Mathematical modeling of the corrosion response of aluminium 5052/tungsten carbide/graphite hybrid composite
Authors: Dhas D.S. Ebenezer Jacob , Velmurugan C. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAluminium metal matrix composites are comprehensively used in a variety of applications comprising marine, aerospace, automobiles etc. Being less dense and having low thermal coefficient of expansion, they have better wear resistance and corrosion rates. To develop strength and corrosion properties aluminium hybrid composites are employed, where tungsten carbide and graphite particles are the reinforcements. The composite was fabricated by stir casting due to its cost effectiveness and better availability among other fabrication methods. Immersion tests have been conducted to find the corrosion rate. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis were carried out before and after the corrosion tests which reveals pitting corrosion. Furthermore, input parameters such as concentration of electrolyte, time, contents of tungsten carbide particles and contents of graphite particles are considered by using response surface methodology and the mathematical models are constructed.
Estimation of the cyclic shear stress‐strain curve from tensile properties for steels
Authors: Li J. , Li C.W. , Zhang Z.P. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe objective of this study is to derive a method for estimating the cyclic shear deformation properties (the cyclic shear strength coefficient and cyclic shear strain hardening exponent) of steels from common tensile properties. For this purpose, equations that relate the cyclic shear strength coefficient and cyclic shear strain hardening exponent to the monotonic tensile properties (the ultimate tensile strength and monotonic yield strength) are established on the basis of the 15 kinds of steel taken from the technical literature. Validity of some of the more commonly used methods of estimating cyclic shear deformation properties is examined and compared to the correlations proposed in this study. The proposed method is shown to be better used to estimate the cyclic shear deformation properties.
How Do I Manage Patients With the Levodopa/Carbidopa Intestinal Gel?
Authors: Vijiaratnam Nirosen , Sue Carolyn M. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe levodopa carbidopa intestinal gel is a device‐assisted therapy used for the management of fluctuating motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease that are refractory to oral therapy. The approach has demonstrable clinical value, but consideration of the associated need for expert care, access to services, and costs of the treatment impact the method of introduction to optimize uptake and minimize discontinuation across populations examined. Systematic approaches and modifications have been explored by different centers over the years to mitigate these considerations, with the aim of minimizing adverse events and maximizing the quality‐of‐life years gained with the treatment. In this presentation, we aim to outline an approach to managing this treatment while highlighting measures that can be utilized throughout the process to improve patients’ experiences.
Antitubulin sulfonamides: The successful combination of an established drug class and a multifaceted target
Authors: Vicente‐Blázquez Alba , González Myriam , Álvarez Raquel , del Mazo Sara , Medarde Manuel , Peláez Rafael 
Published: October 2018

AbstractTubulin, the microtubules and their dynamic behavior are amongst the most successful antitumor, antifungal, antiparasitic, and herbicidal drug targets. Sulfonamides are exemplary drugs with applications in the clinic, in veterinary and in the agrochemical industry. This review summarizes the actual state and recent progress of both fields looking from the double point of view of the target and its drugs, with special focus onto the structural aspects. The article starts with a brief description of tubulin structure and its dynamic assembly and disassembly into microtubules and other polymers. Posttranslational modifications and the many cellular means of regulating and modulating tubulin’s biology are briefly presented in the tubulin code. Next, the structurally characterized drug binding sites, their occupying drugs and the effects they induce are described, emphasizing on the structural requirements for high potency, selectivity, and low toxicity. The second part starts with a summary of the favorable and highly tunable combination of physical–chemical and biological properties that render sulfonamides a prototypical example of privileged scaffolds with representatives in many therapeutic areas. A complete description of tubulin‐binding sulfonamides is provided, covering the different species and drug sites. Some of the antimitotic sulfonamides have met with very successful applications and others less so, thus illustrating the advances, limitations, and future perspectives of the field. All of them combine in a mechanism of action and a clinical outcome that conform efficient drugs.
Effects of even‐order nonlinear terms on dual‐band power amplifier modeling
Authors: Yan Siyuan , Yang Xianzhen , Li Fu 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe even‐order effects in the power amplifier (PA) modeling have been studied extensively for single band, but the even‐order nonlinearity for the dual bands remains undocumented, if not underived, to the best of our knowledge. Recent advances in communication technologies, fifth generation (5G), require concurrent multiple bands. In this letter, we will show that the even‐order nonlinearity is insignificant as it could be filtered in most of the cases, using analytic derivations for dual‐band power amplifiers. However, the even‐order distortion could be used for memory study.
Thermoacoustic range verification in the presence of acoustic heterogeneity and soundspeed errors – Robustness relative to ultrasound image of underlying anatomy
Authors: Patch Sarah K. , Santiago‐Gonzalez Daniel , Mustapha Brahim 
Published: October 2018

PurposeTo demonstrate robustness of thermooacoustic range verification to acoustic heterogeneity and discrepancies between assumed and true propagation speed, i.e., soundspeed errors.MethodsA beam sweeper was used to deliver 250 ns pulses that deposited 0.26 Gy of 16 MeV protons and 2.3 Gy of 60 MeV helium ions into water and oil targets, respectively. Thermoacoustic signals were detected by a 96‐channel ultrasound array with a 1–4 MHz sensitivity band (−6 dB), bandpass filtered and backprojected to create thermoacoustic images in the plane of the ultrasound array. The same soundspeed and transducer array were used to estimate range and generate the ultrasound images onto which Bragg peak locations were overlaid. An air‐gap phantom that displaced the Bragg peak by 6.5 mm demonstrated accuracy. Robustness to soundspeed errors was demonstrated in a waterbath as the assumed propagation speed scanner setting was altered by . Tissue‐mimicking gelatin and a bone sample were introduced to demonstrate robustness to acoustic heterogeneity relative to ultrasound images of the underlying morphology.ResultsSingle ion pulse measurements sufficed during the helium run, but signal averaging was required for protons. Range and entry point into the target were estimated from data collected by transducers placed at least 6 cm distal to the Bragg peak. When ultrasound images depicted the air–target interface where the beam enters, estimates of the entry point agreed with ultrasound images and range estimates agreed with Monte Carlo simulations to within 300 μm, even when thermoacoustic emissions traveled through a strongly scattering bone sample. Estimated Bragg peak locations were translated 6.5 mm by the air‐gap phantom and correctly identified scenarios when the beam stopped inside the bone.ConclusionsSoundspeed errors dilate and acoustic heterogeneities deform ultrasound images. When thermoacoustic receivers are co‐located with the ultrasound imaging array, the same transformations shift thermoacoustic range estimates. Therefore, thermoacoustic range verification is robust relative to ultrasound images of underlying anatomy. When the treatment target is visible in ultrasound, e.g., prostate, online thermoacoustic range estimates could verify that the treatment spot is inside the target.
Design and validation of a MV/kV imaging‐based markerless tracking system for assessing real‐time lung tumor motion
Authors: Zhang Pengpeng , Hunt Margie , Telles Arina B. , Pham Hai , Lovelock Michael , Yorke Ellen , Li Guang , Happersett Laura , Rimner Andreas , Mageras Gig 
Published: October 2018

PurposeLocalizing lung tumors during treatment delivery is critical for managing respiratory motion, ensuring tumor coverage, and reducing toxicities. The purpose of this project is to develop a real‐time system that performs markerless tracking of lung tumors using simultaneously acquired MV and kV images during radiotherapy of lung cancer with volumetric modulated arc therapy.MethodContinuous MV/kV images were simultaneously acquired during dose delivery. In the subsequent analysis, a gantry angle‐specific region of interest was defined according to the treatment aperture. After removing imaging artifacts, processed MV/kV images were directly registered to the corresponding daily setup cone‐beam CT (CBCT) projections that served as reference images. The registration objective function consisted of a sum of normalized cross‐correlation, weighted by the contrast‐to‐noise ratio of each MV and kV image. The calculated 3D shifts of the tumor were corrected by the displacements between the CBCT projections and the planning respiratory correlated CT (RCCT) to generate motion traces referred to a specific respiratory phase. The accuracy of the algorithm was evaluated on both anthropomorphic phantom and patient studies. The phantom consisted of localizing a 3D printed tumor, embedded in a thorax phantom, in an arc delivery. In an IRB‐approved study, data were obtained from VMAT treatments of two lung cancer patients with three electromagnetic (Calypso) beacon transponders implanted in airways near the lung tumor.ResultIn the phantom study, the root mean square error (RMSE) between the registered and actual (programmed couch movement) target position was 1.2 mm measured by the MV/kV imaging system, which was smaller compared to the MV or kV alone, of 4.1 and 1.3 mm, respectively. In the patient study, the mean and standard deviation discrepancy between electromagnetic‐based tumor position and the MV/KV‐markerless approach was −0.2 ± 0.6 mm, 0.2 ± 1.0 mm, and −1.2 ± 1.5 mm along the superior‐inferior, anterior‐posterior, and left‐right directions, respectively; resulting in a 3D displacement discrepancy of 2.0 ± 1.1 mm. Poor contrast around the tumor was the main contribution to registration uncertainties.ConclusionThe combined MV/kV imaging system can provide real‐time 3D localization of lung tumor, with comparable accuracy to the electromagnetic‐based system when features of tumors are detectable. Careful design of a registration algorithm and a VMAT plan that maximizes the tumor visibility are key elements for a successful MV/KV localization strategy.
A Riemannian variant of the Fletcher–Reeves conjugate gradient method for stochastic inverse eigenvalue problems with partial eigendata
Authors: Yao Teng‐Teng , Bai Zheng‐Jian , Zhao Zhi 
Published: October 2018

SummaryIn this paper, we focus on the stochastic inverse eigenvalue problem with partial eigendata of constructing a stochastic matrix from the prescribed partial eigendata. A Riemannian variant of the Fletcher–Reeves conjugate gradient method is proposed for solving a general unconstrained minimization problem on a Riemannian manifold, and the corresponding global convergence is established under some assumptions. Then, we reformulate the inverse problem as a nonlinear least squares problem over a matrix oblique manifold, and the application of the proposed geometric method to the nonlinear least squares problem is investigated. The proposed geometric method is also applied to the case of prescribed entries and the case of column stochastic matrix. Finally, some numerical tests are reported to illustrate that the proposed geometric method is effective for solving the inverse problem.
Preparation and performance evaluation of carboxylic acid containing polyamide incorporated microporous ultrafiltration PES membranes
Authors: Rezania Jafar , Shockravi Abbas , Vatanpour Vahid , Ehsani Morteza 
Published: October 2018

Improved ultrafiltration membranes were prepared by the phase inversion technique via immersion precipitation of synthesized carboxylic acid containing polyamide (CPA) and polyethersulfone (PES) in dimethylacetamide. The CPA was synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry analyses. Next, the influence of CPA adding and its different concentrations on the performances and membrane structure were investigated. The obtained membranes were characterized by means of FTIR in the attenuated total reflection mode, scanning electron microscopy, and contact angle. The membrane performance studies revealed that the presence of CPA in the membrane structure increased water permeability while reducing protein fouling. It turned out that the PES/CPA membranes had better porosity, more hydrophilic surface, and more vertically finger‐like pores in comparison with the bare PES membrane. When the CPA concentration in the blending solution reached 1 wt%, the water permeability increased from 7.3 to 153.6 L/m2 h1. The attenuated total reflection‐FTIR analysis confirmed that CPA was captured in the membrane matrix.
Physical fitness in survivors of childhood Hodgkin lymphoma: A report from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort
Authors: Wogksch Matthew D. , Howell Carrie R. , Wilson Carmen L. , Partin Robyn E. , Ehrhardt Matthew J. , Krull Kevin R. , Brinkman Tara M. , Mulrooney Daniel A. , Hudson Melissa M. , Robison Leslie L. , Ness Kirsten K. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundThere are limited data describing fitness and associated health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in survivors of childhood Hodgkin lymphoma (HL).ProcedureFitness was evaluated among 336 adult survivors of childhood‐onset HL treated at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and 327 controls who never had childhood cancer. The controls were frequency matched on age, sex, and race. Associations were examined between chronic disease and fitness and between fitness and HRQoL using a multivariable linear and logistic regression.ResultsMale survivors had lower endurance (6‐min walk [6MW] distance 604.4 ± 7.9 m vs 637.0 ± 7.5 m, P < 0.01), and worse neuropathy (modified Total Neuropathy Score [mTNS] 2.7 ± 0.2 vs 1.4 ± 0.2, P < 0.01) compared to controls. Female survivors had lower endurance (6MW distance 564.5 ± 6.9 m vs 590.6 ± 7.0 m, P < 0.01), quadriceps strength (145.7 ± 4.0 vs 163.4 ± 4.0 N·m per kilogram, P < 0.01), and worse neuropathy (mTNS 3.2 ± 0.2 vs 1.4 ± 0.3, P < 0.01) compared to controls. Moderate, severe/disabling, or life‐threatening (grades 2‐4) neurological conditions were associated with impaired quadriceps strength (odds ratio [OR] 2.94, 99% confidence interval [CI] 1.24‐6.96) and impaired endurance (OR 2.96, 99% CI 1.28‐6.69). Cardiovascular (OR 2.36, 99% CI 1.00‐5.61) and pulmonary (OR 2.78, 99% CI 1.30‐5.94) conditions were associated with impaired endurance. Quadriceps strength (β –6.44 ± 2.01, P < 0.01), endurance (β –4.63 ± 1.54, P < 0.01), and neuropathy (β –4.98 ± 1.14, P < 0.01) were associated with a lower physical component summary on the HRQoL.ConclusionSurvivors of childhood HL, particularly those with neurological, cardiac, and pulmonary chronic conditions, are at risk for impaired fitness and HRQoL.
Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: A safe treatment option for intraperitoneal rhabdomyosarcoma in children below 5 years of age
Authors: Gesche Jens , Beckert Stefan , Neunhoeffer Felix , Kachanov Denis , Königsrainer Alfred , Seitz Guido , Fuchs Jörg 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAdvanced and relapsed intraperitoneal rhabdomyosarcomas in young children represent an oncological challenge and options for local tumor control are limited. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is commonly used in advanced peritoneal tumors in adults. However, no studies are available regarding CRS and HIPEC in young children. We report our experiences treating six patients with intraperitoneal rhabdomyosarcoma with CRS and HIPEC using cisplatin and doxorubicin focusing on safety and outcomes. No procedure‐associated mortalities occurred and no major short‐ or long‐term toxicities were recorded. All patients showed no evidence of disease after 12‐month median (7–41) follow‐up.
Review and Validation of Bayesian Dose‐Optimizing Software and Equations for Calculation of the Vancomycin Area Under the Curve in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Turner R. Brigg , Kojiro Kyle , Shephard Emily A. , Won Regina , Chang Eric , Chan Dominic , Elbarbry Fawzy 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundVancomycin area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC) has been linked to efficacy and safety. An accurate method of calculating the AUC is needed.MethodsBayesian dose‐optimizing software programs available for clinician use and first‐order pharmacokinetic equations were evaluated for their ability to estimate vancomycin AUC. A previously published rich pharmacokinetic data set of 19 critically ill patients was used for validation of the AUC estimation. The AUC estimated using subsets of the full data set by Bayesian software and equations was compared with the reference AUC. Accuracy (ratio of estimated AUC to the reference AUC) and bias (percentage difference of estimated AUC to reference AUC) were calculated.ResultsFive Bayesian dose‐optimizing software programs (Adult and Pediatric Kinetics [APK], BestDose, DoseMe, InsightRx, and Precise PK) and two first‐order pharmacokinetic equations were included. Of the Bayesian programs, InsightRx was the most adaptable, visually appealing, easiest to use, and had the most company support. Utilizing only the trough, accuracy (range 0.79–1.03) and bias (range 5.1–21.2%) of the Bayesian dose‐optimizing software were variable. Precise PK and BestDose had the most accurate estimates with the accuracy values of BestDose exhibiting the most variability of all the programs; however, both programs were more difficult to use. Precise PK was the least biased (median 5.1%). Using a single nontrough value produced similar results to that of the trough for most programs. The addition of a second level to the trough improved the accuracy and bias for DoseMe and InsightRx but not Precise PK and BestDose. APK did not reliably estimate the AUC with input of two levels. Using two levels, the pharmacokinetic equations produced similar or better accuracy and bias as compared with Bayesian software.ConclusionBayesian dose‐optimizing software using one or more vancomycin levels and pharmacokinetic equations utilizing two vancomycin levels produce similar estimates of the AUC.
An analysis of general education teachers’ use of diverse praise
Authors: Floress Margaret T. , Beschta Shelby L. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe current study examined teachers’ use of diverse praise or the extent to which teachers used a variety of praise as opposed to using the same praise repeatedly. Verbatim general and behavior‐specific praise data were analyzed from a larger study where 5,721 min of direct observation were collected across 28 kindergarten through fifth‐grade classrooms. On average, teachers used 3.7 total diverse praise categories per observation. Teachers also used more general, diverse praise categories per observation per hour compared with behavior‐specific, diverse praise categories. Although results did not indicate statistically significant differences in the amount of diverse praise between early elementary school teachers and later elementary teachers, a clear pattern of diminishing diverse praise was observed such that later elementary teachers provided less diverse praise per observation per hour.
Early elementary teacher ratings of behavior as predictors of grade retention: Race, gender, and socioeconomic status as potential moderators
Authors: Mattison Amira , Raffaele Mendez Linda M. , Dedrick Robert , Dickinson Sarah , Wingate Emily , Hanks Camille 
Published: October 2018

AbstractOur goals in this study were to examine (a) the degree to which teacher perceptions of children’s behavior in kindergarten (averaged across fall and spring for each child) predict retention by Grade 5 and (b) whether these relationships are moderated by student race, gender, or socioeconomic status (SES). Data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998‐99 (ECLS‐K) were used to examine how Externalizing Problem Behavior (EPB; e.g., aggression, defiance) and Weak Approaches To Learning (WATL; low enthusiasm for/engagement in learning) were related to retention among children identified as Black or White (
N = 6,750). Results showed that both types of behavior ratings were significant predictors of retention. There was a 46% increase in the odds of retention for every one‐unit increase in EPB (OR = 1.46,
p < 0.001) and a 261% increase in the odds of retention for every one‐unit increase in WATL (OR = 3.61,
p < 0.001). Gender moderated the relationship between EPB and retention and WATL and retention. Students who were female with EPB or WATL were at higher risk for being retained than their male peers. Implications for educators, researchers, and policymakers are discussed.