bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Evaporation Time on Separation Performance of Polysulfone/Cellulose Acetate (PSF/CA) Membrane
Authors: Syahbanu Intan , Piluharto Bambang , Khairi Syahrul , Sudarko  
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Polysulfone and cellulose acetate are common material in separation. In this research, polysulfone/cellulose actetate (PSF/CA) blend membrane was prepared. The aim of this research was to study effect of evaporation time in casting of PSF/CA membrane and its performance in filtration. CA was obtained by acetylation process of bacterial cellulose (BC) from fermentation of coconut water. Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) Spectroscopy was used to examine functional groups of BC, CA and commercial cellulose acetate. Subtitution of acetyl groups determined by titration method. Blend membranes were prepared through phase inversion technique in which composition of PSF/PEG/CA/NMP(%w) was 15/5/5/75. Polyethyleneglycol (PEG) and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) were act as pore forming agent and solvent, respectively. Variation of evaporation times were used as parameter to examine water uptake, flux, and morphology of PSF/CA blend membranes. FTIR spectra of CA show characteristic peak of acetyl group at 1220 cm−1 indicated that BC was acetylated succesfully. Degree of subtitution of BCA was found at 2.62. Highest water flux was performed at 2 bar obtained at 106.31 L.m-2.h-1 at 0 minute variation, and decrease as increasing evaporation time. Morphology of PSF/BCA blend membranes were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed that porous asymetric membrane were formed.
WDL-RF: predicting bioactivities of ligand molecules acting with G protein-coupled receptors by combining weighted deep learning and random forest
Authors: Wu Jiansheng , Zhang Qiuming , Wu Weijian , Pang Tao , Hu Haifeng , Chan Wallace K B , Ke Xiaoyan , Zhang Yang 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Motivation
Precise assessment of ligand bioactivities (including IC50, EC50, Ki, Kd, etc.) is essential for virtual screening and lead compound identification. However, not all ligands have experimentally determined activities. In particular, many G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which are the largest integral membrane protein family and represent targets of nearly 40% drugs on the market, lack published experimental data about ligand interactions. Computational methods with the ability to accurately predict the bioactivity of ligands can help efficiently address this problem.

Results
We proposed a new method, WDL-RF, using weighted deep learning and random forest, to model the bioactivity of GPCR-associated ligand molecules. The pipeline of our algorithm consists of two consecutive stages: (i) molecular fingerprint generation through a new weighted deep learning method, and (ii) bioactivity calculations with a random forest model; where one uniqueness of the approach is that the model allows end-to-end learning of prediction pipelines with input ligands being of arbitrary size. The method was tested on a set of twenty-six non-redundant GPCRs that have a high number of active ligands, each with 200–4000 ligand associations. The results from our benchmark show that WDL-RF can generate bioactivity predictions with an average root-mean square error 1.33 and correlation coefficient (r2) 0.80 compared to the experimental measurements, which are significantly more accurate than the control predictors with different molecular fingerprints and descriptors. In particular, data-driven molecular fingerprint features, as extracted from the weighted deep learning models, can help solve deficiencies stemming from the use of traditional hand-crafted features and significantly increase the efficiency of short molecular fingerprints in virtual screening.

Availability and implementation
The WDL-RF web server, as well as source codes and datasets of WDL-RF, is freely available at https://zhanglab.ccmb.med.umich.edu/WDL-RF/ for academic purposes.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Endometriosis alters brain electrophysiology, gene expression and increases pain sensitization, anxiety, and depression in female mice†
Authors: Li Tian , Mamillapalli Ramanaiah , Ding Sheng , Chang Hao , Liu Zhong-Wu , Gao Xiao-Bing , Taylor Hugh S 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent inflammatory disorder among reproductive-aged women associated with pelvic pain, anxiety, and depression. Pain is characterized by central sensitization; however, it is not clear if endometriosis leads to increased pain perception or if women with the disease are more sensitive to pain, increasing the detection of endometriosis. Endometriosis was induced in mice and changes in behavior including pain perception, brain electrophysiology, and gene expression were characterized. Behavioral tests revealed that mice with endometriosis were more depressed, anxious and sensitive to pain compared to sham controls. Microarray analyses confirmed by qPCR identified differential gene expression in several regions of brain in mice with endometriosis. In these mice, genes such as Gpr88, Glra3 in insula, Chrnb4, Npas4 in the hippocampus, and Lcn2 in the amygdala were upregulated while Lct, Serpina3n (insula), and Nptx2 (amygdala) were downregulated. These genes are involved in anxiety, locomotion, and pain. Patch clamp recordings in the amygdala were altered in endometriosis mice demonstrating an effect of endometriosis on brain electrophysiology. Endometriosis induced pain sensitization, anxiety, and depression by modulating brain gene expression and electrophysiology; the effect of endometriosis on the brain may underlie pain sensitization and mood disorders reported in women with the disease.
Flow fuel cell powered by combustible agricultural waste
Authors: Liu Congmin , Zhang Zhe , Liu Wei , Xu Dong , Guo Hua , He Guangli , Li Xianming , Deng Yulin 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Combustible agricultural waste is a potential source of energy because of its high organic content and heating value. As China’s economy develops, energy demand increases while environmental protection becomes more stringent. These competing demands make it urgent to find environmentally acceptable ways to extract energy from agricultural wastes. In this study, a liquid catalyst flow fuel cell (FFC) directly powered by combustible agricultural waste is investigated. This type of flow fuel cell can directly convert combustible agricultural waste at atmospheric pressure to electricity at 80–150℃ and it is environmentally friendly. Polyoxometalates act as catalysts and charge carriers to drive the FFC. Wheat straw and wine residues were used to represent the main components of combustible agricultural waste. Experiment results indicated that the power density reached as high as 111 mW/cm2, hundreds of times higher than the output of a microbial cell.
Thom–Sebastiani Theorems for Filtered 𝒟-Modules and for Multiplier Ideals
Authors: Maxim Laurentiu , Saito Morihiko , Schürmann Jörg 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
We give a proof of the Thom–Sebastiani type theorem for holonomic filtered D-modules satisfying certain good conditions (including Hodge modules) by using algebraic partial microlocalization. By a well-known relation between multiplier ideals and V-filtrations of Kashiwara and Malgrange, the argument in the proof implies also a Thom–Sebastiani type theorem for multiplier ideals, which cannot be deduced from an already known proof of the Thom–Sebastiani theorem for mixed Hodge modules (since the latter gives only the information of graded pieces of multiplier ideals). We also sketch a more elementary proof of the Thom–Sebastiani type theorem for multiplier ideals (as communicated to us by M. Mustaţǎ), which seems to be known to specialists, although it does not seem to be stated explicitly in the literature.
Improving galaxy morphologies for SDSS with Deep Learning
Authors: Domínguez Sánchez H , Huertas-Company M , Bernardi M , Tuccillo D , Fischer J L 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
We present a morphological catalogue for ∼670 000 galaxies in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey in two flavours: T-type, related to the Hubble sequence, and Galaxy Zoo 2 (GZ2 hereafter) classification scheme. By combining accurate existing visual classification catalogues with machine learning, we provide the largest and most accurate morphological catalogue up to date. The classifications are obtained with Deep Learning algorithms using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). We use two visual classification catalogues, GZ2 and Nair & Abraham (2010), for training CNNs with colour images in order to obtain T-types and a series of GZ2 type questions (disc/features, edge-on galaxies, bar signature, bulge prominence, roundness, and mergers). We also provide an additional probability enabling a separation between pure elliptical (E) from S0, where the T-type model is not so efficient. For the T-type, our results show smaller offset and scatter than previous models trained with support vector machines. For the GZ2 type questions, our models have large accuracy (&gt;97 per cent), precision and recall values (&gt;90 per cent), when applied to a test sample with the same characteristics as the one used for training. The catalogue is publicly released with the paper.
High-Intensity Ultrasound Treatment for Vincristine-Induced Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Youn Youngwon , Hellman Abigail , Walling Ian , Gee Lucy , Qian Jiang , Burdette Clif , Frith Lance , Pilitsis Julie G 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Vincristine is a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent that results in debilitating untreatable peripheral neuropathy.

OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of pulsed high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) on sensory thresholds in a validated vincristine-induced neuropathy (VIN) rodent model.

METHODS
VIN was induced and mechanical allodynia was confirmed by nociceptive testing. von Frey fibers and Randall-Sellito test were used as measures of innocuous and noxious mechanical thresholds, respectively, and the hot plate test for thermal thresholds. Tests were performed before VIN, after 2 wk of vincristine, at 24, 48, 72, and 120 h after HIFU applied to the left L5 dorsal root ganglia at 3 Watts for 3 min. Comparisons were made between a VIN cohort who underwent HIFU, a VIN cohort who underwent sham HIFU, and naïve rodents who underwent HIFU.

RESULTS
VIN HIFU rats had significantly increased mechanical thresholds at 24 h (P < .001), 48 h (P = .008), 72 h (P = .003), and 120 h (P = .03) after treatment, when compared to pre-HIFU thresholds. Furthermore, at 24 and 48 h following treatment, VIN HIFU rats had significantly higher innocuous and noxious mechanical thresholds and thermal thresholds than VIN sham HIFU rats (P < .001). Thresholds were not altered in naïve rodents who underwent HIFU. Histological data of L5 dorsal root ganglia of VIN HIFU rats suggest that transient cellular edema resolves by 48 h.

CONCLUSION
Our data suggest that HIFU increases mechanical and thermal thresholds in VIN rodents. Whether HIFU can preclude the development of reduced thresholds in the VIN model warrants further study.
Palivizumab Prophylaxis for Respiratory Syncytial Virus: Examining the Evidence Around Value
Authors: Olchanski Natalia , Hansen Ryan N , Pope Elle , D’Cruz Brittany , Fergie Jaime , Goldstein Mitchell , Krilov Leonard R , McLaurin Kimmie K , Nabrit-Stephens Barbara , Oster Gerald , Schaecher Kenneth , Shaya Fadia T , Neumann Peter J , Sullivan Sean D 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infection and the leading cause of hospitalization among young children, incurring high annual costs among US children under the age of 5 years. Palivizumab has been found to be effective in reducing hospitalization and preventing serious lower respiratory tract infections in high-risk infants. This paper presents a systematic review of the cost-effectiveness studies of palivizumab and describes the main highlights of a round table discussion with clinical, payer, economic, research method, and other experts. The objectives of the discussion were to (1) review the current state of clinical, epidemiology, and economic data related to severe RSV disease; (2) review new cost-effectiveness estimates of RSV immunoprophylaxis in US preterm infants, including a review of the field’s areas of agreement and disagreement; and (3) identify needs for further research.
Immediate Physical Therapy Initiation in Patients With Acute Low Back Pain Is Associated With a Reduction in Downstream Health Care Utilization and Costs
Authors: Liu Xinliang , Hanney William J , Masaracchio Michael , Kolber Morey J , Zhao Mei , Spaulding Aaron C , Gabriel Meghan H 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Background
Physical therapy is an important treatment option for patients with low back pain (LBP). However, whether to refer patients for physical therapy and the timing of initiation remain controversial.

Objective
The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of receiving physical therapy and the timing of physical therapy initiation on downstream health care utilization and costs among patients with acute LBP.

Design
The design was a retrospective cohort study.

Methods
Patients who had a new onset of LBP between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2013, in New York State were identified and grouped into different cohorts on the basis of whether they received physical therapy and the timing of physical therapy initiation. The probability of service use and LBP-related health care costs over a 1-year period were analyzed.

Results
Among 46,914 patients with acute LBP, 40,246 patients did not receive physical therapy and 6668 patients received physical therapy initiated at different times. After controlling for patient characteristics and adjusting for treatment selection bias, health care utilization and cost measures over the 1-year period were the lowest among patients not receiving physical therapy, followed by patients with immediate physical therapy initiation (within 3 days), with some exceptions. Among patients receiving physical therapy, those receiving physical therapy within 3 days were consistently associated with the lowest health care utilization and cost measures.

Limitations
This study was based on commercial insurance claims data from 1 state.

Conclusions
When referral for physical therapy is warranted for patients with acute LBP, immediate referral and initiation (within 3 days) may lead to lower health care utilization and LBP-related costs.
Evaluation of a Combination of Waveform Amplitude and Peak Latency in Intraoperative Spinal Cord Monitoring
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuyoshi , Ando Kei , Shinjo Ryuichi , Ito Kenyu , Tsushima Mikito , Morozumi Masayoshi , Tanaka Satoshi , Machino Masaaki , Ota Kyotaro , Ishiguro Naoki , Imagama Shiro 
Published: February 2018

Study Design.
Retrospective study.

Objective.
The goal of the study was to investigate the significance of a change in latency in monitoring of transcranial muscle-action potential (Tc-MsEP) waveforms.

Summary of Background Data.
Tc-MsEP has become a common approach in spine surgery due to its sensitivity and importance in motor function. Many reports have defined the alarm point of Tc-MsEP waveform as a particular decrease in amplitude, but evaluation of the waveform latency has not attracted as much attention.

Methods.
The subjects were 70 patients who underwent spine surgery using intraoperative Tc-MsEP monitoring. The peak latency was defined as the period from stimulation until the waveform amplitude reached its peak. Relationships with postoperative paralysis were examined separately for latency delays of 5% or more and 10% or more, and in combination with a decrease in amplitude of 70% or more from baseline.

Results.
Acceptable baseline Tc-MsEP responses were obtained from 1225 of 1372 muscles in the extremities (89.3%). Seven of the 70 patients (10%) had postoperative paralysis. A decrease in intraoperative amplitude of 70% or more from baseline occurred in 25 cases, with sensitivity 100%, specificity 71%, false positive rate 29%, and positive predictive value (PPV) 28% for prediction of postoperative paralysis. Compared to baseline, 15 cases had a latency delay of 5% or more, which gave a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 87%, false positive rate of 0%, and PPV 47%, and 8 cases had a delay of 10% or more, which gave a sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 97%, false positive rate of 3%, and PPV 75%. A combination of a decrease in amplitude of 70% or more from baseline and a delay in latency of 10% or more from baseline had a sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 98%, and a false positive rate of 2%, and PPV 86%.

Conclusion.
Combined use of latency and amplitude could lead to reduction of false positives and increase of PPV in Br(E)-MsEP monitoring.

Level of Evidence: 3
The Impact of Comorbid Mental Health Disorders on Complications Following Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery With Minimum 2-Year Surveillance
Authors: Diebo Bassel G. , Lavian Joshua D. , Murray Daniel P. , Liu Shian , Shah Neil V. , Beyer George A. , Segreto Frank A. , Bloom Lee , Vasquez-Montes Dennis , Day Louis M. , Hollern Douglas A. , Horn Samantha R. , Naziri Qais , Cukor Daniel , Passias Peter G. , Paulino Carl B. 
Published: February 2018

Study Design.
Retrospective analysis.

Objective.
To compare long-term outcomes between patients with and without mental health comorbidities who are undergoing surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD).

Summary of Background Data.
Recent literature reveals that one in three patients admitted for surgical treatment for ASD has comorbid mental health disorder. Currently, impacts of baseline mental health status on long-term outcomes following ASD surgery have not been thoroughly investigated.

Methods.
Patients admitted from 2009 to 2013 with diagnoses of ASD who underwent more than or equal to 4-level thoracolumbar fusion with minimum 2-year follow-up were retrospectively reviewed using New York State's Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS). Patients were stratified by fusion length (short: 4–8-level; long: ≥9 level). Patients with comorbid mental health disorder (MHD) at time of admission were selected for analysis (MHD) and compared against those without MHD (no-MHD). Univariate analysis compared demographics, complications, readmissions, and revisions between cohorts for each fusion length. Multivariate binary logistic regression models identified independent predictors of outcomes (covariates: fusion length, age, female sex, and Deyo score).

Results.
Six thousand twenty patients (MHD: n = 1631; no-MHD: n = 4389) met inclusion criteria. Mental health diagnoses included disorders of depression (59.0%), sleep (28.0%), anxiety (24.0%), and stress (2.3%). At 2-year follow-up, MHD patients with short fusion had significantly higher complication rates (P = 0.001). MHD patients with short or long fusion also had significantly higher rates of any readmission and revision (all P ≤ 0.002). Regression modeling revealed that comorbid MHD was a significant predictor of any complication (odds ratio [OR]: 1.17, P = 0.01) and readmission (OR: 1.32, P < 0.001). MHD was the strongest predictor of any revision (OR: 1.56, P < 0.001). Long fusion most strongly predicted any complication (OR: 1.87, P < 0.001).

Conclusion.
ASD patients with comorbid depressive, sleep, anxiety, and stress disorders were more likely to experience surgical complications and revision at minimum of 2 years following spinal fusion surgery. Proper patient counseling and psychological screening/support is recommended to complement ASD treatment.

Level of Evidence: 3
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Neuromuscular Scoliosis
Authors: Miladi Lotfi , Gaume Mathilde , Khouri Nejib , Johnson Michael , Topouchian Vicken , Glorion Christophe 
Published: February 2018

Study Design.
A retrospective review.

Objective.
To report the results of an alternative technique using a minimally invasive fusionless surgery. The originality is based on the progressive correction of the deformities with proximal and distal fixation and on the reliability of the pelvic fixation using iliosacral screws on osteoporotic bones.

Summary of Background Data.
Spinal deformities are common in neuromuscular diseases. Conventional treatment involves bracing, followed by spinal instrumented fusion. Growing rod techniques are increasingly advocated but have a high rate of complications.

Methods.
The technique relies on a bilateral double rod sliding construct anchored proximally by four hooks claws and distally to the pelvis by iliosacral screws through a minimally invasive approach. Hundred patients with neuromuscular scoliosis underwent the same fusionless surgery extended from T1 to the pelvis. The average age at initial surgery was 11 + 6 years. Diagnoses included cerebral palsy (61), spinal muscular atrophy (22), muscular dystrophy (10), and other neurological etiologies (7). Cobb angle and pelvic obliquity were measured before and after initial surgery, and at final follow-up. Complications were reviewed.

Results.
At latest follow-up 3 + 9 years (range 2 yr–6 + 3 yr), the mean Cobb angle improved from 89° to 35° which corresponds to 61% correction. Mean pelvic obliquity improved from 29° to 5°, which corresponds to 83% correction. Mean T1-S1 length increased from 30.02 to 37.28 cm. Mean preoperative hyper kyphosis was reduced from 68.44° to 33.29°. Complications occurred in 26 patients including mechanical complications (12) and wound infections (16). No arthrodesis was required at last follow-up.

Conclusion.
This original fusionless technique is safe and effective, preserving spinal and thoracic growth. It provides a significant correction of spinal deformities and pelvic obliquity with a reduced complications rate. The strength and stability of this modular construct over time allow the avoidance of final arthrodesis.

Level of Evidence: 4