bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radiation-induced late dysphagia after intensity-modulated radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients: a dose-volume effect analysis
Authors: Jiang Li , Huang Chenhui , Gan Yixiu , Wu Tong , Tang Xiaobi , Wang Yiru , Wang Rensheng , Zhang Yong 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDysphagia is a side effect of nasopharyngeal carcinoma chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) which greatly influences the quality of life of the patients. We analyzed late dysphagia in 134 patients with nasopharyngeal cancer undergoing radical radiotherapy (RT), and correlated these findings with dose–volume histogram (DVH) parameters of the swallowing organs at risk (SWOARs). DVH parameters of SWOARs were correlated with late dysphagia, and with RTOG/EORTC scale score and the M. D. Anderson dysphagia inventory (MDADI) score. The mean dose (Dmean) to the superior and inferior constrictor muscles (SCM and ICM) and age were associated with grade 2 late dysphagia. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed that the threshold values for grade 2 late dysphagia were: Dmean to SCM ≥ 67 Gy, partial volume receiving specified dose of 60 Gy (V60) of SCM ≥ 95%, Dmean to ICM ≥ 47 Gy, and V50 of ICM ≥ 23%. The areas under the ROC curve were 0.681 (p = 0.02), 0.677 (p = 0.002), 0.71 (p < 0.001) and 0.726 (p < 0.001) respectively. Our study demonstrates a significant relationship between late dysphagia and the radiation doses delivered to the SCM and ICM. Our findings suggest that physicians should be cautious in reducing the RT dose to SWOARs in order to avoid severe dysphagia. Further prospective trials are necessary to recommend this as part of routine clinical practice.
Integrative workflows for network analysis
Authors: Khan Faiz M. , Gupta Shailendra K. , Wolkenhauer Olaf 
Published: October 2018

Due to genetic heterogeneity across patients, the identification of effective disease signatures and therapeutic targets is challenging. Addressing this challenge, we have previously developed a network-based approach, which integrates heterogeneous sources of biological information to identify disease specific core-regulatory networks. In particular, our workflow uses a multi-objective optimization function to calculate a ranking score for network components (e.g. feedback/feedforward loops) based on network properties, biomedical and high-throughput expression data. High ranked network components are merged to identify the core-regulatory network(s) that is then subjected to dynamical analysis using stimulus–response and in silico perturbation experiments for the identification of disease gene signatures and therapeutic targets. In a case study, we implemented our workflow to identify bladder and breast cancer specific core-regulatory networks underlying epithelial–mesenchymal transition from the E2F1 molecular interaction map.
In this study, we review our workflow and described how it has developed over time to understand the mechanisms underlying disease progression and prediction of signatures for clinical decision making.
Mask‐less oral and nasal audio recording and air flow estimation for speech analysis
Authors: Derrick D. , Duerr J. , Kerr R.G. 
Published: October 2018

Here is demonstrated Rivener, a mask‐less oral and nasal audio recorder and air flow estimation system. This system records audio and low‐frequency pseudo‐sound from the nares and mouth. The system does not interfere with speech intelligibility, and minimally interferes with visual observation of the speaker. From these recordings, nasalance (a ratio of oral and nasal sound energy), oral air flow, and nasal air flow patterns may be estimated, all while allowing effective clinical observation. The first demonstration is a case‐study comparison of the difference between hearing‐impaired (HI) speech and non‐impaired (NI) speech. Rivener records standard features of HI speech such as: (i) Atypically high or low speech amplitude; (ii) fundamental frequency (pitch) making individual words into intonational phrases; (iii) speech segment substitution; (iv) hypernasalance; (v) atypical air flow in HI speech, including low air flow during plosive release. The second demonstration is a comparison of Rivener and the Rothenberg NAS‐1's ability to record nasalance among 26 New Zealand English speakers. The NAS‐1 can differentiate low, medium, and high nasalance passages, whereas Rivener differentiates only medium and high nasalance passages consistently.
Four‐way hybrid SIW/microstrip‐line power divider with improved output isolation
Authors: Song Kaijun , Lu Wenzheng , Guo Song , Fan Yong 
Published: October 2018

This Letter presents a four‐way hybrid substrate integrated waveguide/microstrip‐line power divider circuit based on the double microstrip‐slot coupling. By slotting between T branch and loading isolation resistance, the isolation and output voltage standing wave ratio between non‐adjacent ports is improved. By putting four output ports on the same side, the practicability of the circuit is improved. The test results show that the input return loss is >17.5 dB and insertion loss is <2 dB in 9–10.5 GHz.
Amyotrophe Lateralsklerose
Authors: Weishaupt Jochen H. , Dorst Johannes , Ludolph Albert C. 
Published: October 2018

ZusammenfassungDas Bild der Amyotrophen Lateralsklerose (ALS) hat sich in den vergangenen Jahren durch neue Erkenntnisse im Hinblick auf Phänotyp und Verlauf, Neuropathologie
und Genetik deutlich gewandelt. Zudem werden aktuell innovative verlaufsmodifizierende Therapieansätzen sichtbar.
Doxercalciferol Alleviates Bone Deteriorations and Cartilage
Degeneration in Aging Mice
Authors: Li Jian , Li Nan , Yan Shuangtong , Liu Minyan , Sun Banruo , Lu Yanhui , Shao Yinghong 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Background Age-related bone deteriorations are the common endocrine
disorders in the elderly population, leading to an increased risk of fractures.
Therefore, effective treatment strategies provide a way to prevent bone loss and
improve the quality of life in the elderly population. The present study aimed
to investigate the anti-osteoporotic effects of doxercalciferol (DOX) in aging
mice.
Methods Bone metabolism-related markers were measured by ELISA assay. The
expression of bone formation and resorption-related genes was performed by
RT-qPCR analysis. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Safranin O staining
were performed to analyze the trabecular bone and cartilage degeneration.
Results Aging resulted in urine ca2+ excretion, a decrease in
bone ca2+ content and reduction of biomechanical strength in mice. We
also found that the level of PTH was increased in aging mice, while DOX
administration markedly down-regulated serum PTH in aging mice. H&E and
Safranin O staining showed that DOX protected against aging-induced bone loss
and cartilage regeneration in the tibia from aging mice. Furthermore, DOX
treatment resulted in an increase in Runx2, osterix and Col1a1 mRNA expression
and a decrease in Ctsk, MMP-9 and CAII mRNA expression in the tibia from aging
mice.
Conclusion These findings indicated that DOX had a beneficial effect on
age-related bone deteriorations in aging mice by promoting osteoblast activity
and cartilage regeneration and inhibiting osteoclast-specific genes
expression.
Changes in Palm Temperature as Predictor of Long-term Cure of Sympathicotomy for Palmar hyperhidrosis?
Authors: Liu Gaoli , Kang Ganjun , Xie Songping , Hu Haifeng , Huang Jie 
Published: October 2018

Objectives To investigate the long-term relationship between intraoperative temperature changes of the palm, treatment effects and compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH).
Methods We retrospectively analyzed the data of 41 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis who underwent bilateral endoscopic sympathicotomy 3 to 6 years ago. Before and after the operation, changes in ipsilateral palm temperature were monitored and recorded to evaluate the curative effect of the sympathicotomy.
Results All operations were performed successfully. Concerning cure, there was no statistically significant difference between patients with different maximum temperature (Tmax) values (p = 0.455). There was a very weak correlation between postoperative palm temperature (34.309 ± 1.377°C) (p = 0.049; correlation coefficient − 0.218). The T3 + T4 sympathicotomies had a higher Tmax (p = 0.000). The incidence and degree of CH had no relationship with Tmax in the left (p = 0.266 and p = 0.168, respectively) or the right hand (p = 0.640 and p = 0.824, respectively).
Conclusions Temperature change has a relationship with surgery, but it cannot directly predict the long-term curative effect of a sympathicotomy or the occurrence of CH. Additional studies are required.
Extradural Characteristics of the Origins of Lumbosacral Nerve Roots
Authors: Matejcik Viktor , Kuruc Roman , Líška Ján , Steno Juraj , Haviarova Zora 
Published: October 2018

Background and Study Aims A great number of unsuccessful intervertebral herniated disk surgeries in the lumbosacral region have highlighted the importance of a comprehensive knowledge of the different types of nerve root anomalies. That knowledge gained by anatomical studies (and intraoperative findings) might contribute to better results. In our study we focused on intraspinal extradural lumbosacral nerve root anomalies and their possible role in radiculopathy.
Material and Methods The study was performed on 43 cadavers within 24 hours after death (32 men and 11 women). Bodies were dissected in the prone position, and a laminectomy exposed the entire spinal canal for the bilateral examination of each spinal nerve root from its origin to its exit through the intervertebral foramen or sacral hiatus. Uncommon extradural features in the lumbosacral region were pursued and documented. The spinal dural sac was also opened, aimed at recognizing the normotyped, prefixed, or postfixed type of plexus.
Results A total of 20.93% of anomalies of extradural lumbosacral nerve root origins were observed, with the normotyped plexus prevailing. We observed atypical spacing of exits of lumbosacral roots (four cases), two roots leaving one intervertebral foramen (one case), extradural anastomoses (two cases), and missing extradural nerve root courses (two cases). The results were differentiated according to the normotyped, prefixed, or postfixed plexus type.
Conclusion Results of similar studies dealing with anomalies of lumbosacral nerve roots were aimed at improving the results of herniated disk surgeries because ∼ 10% of misdiagnoses are related to ignorance of anatomical variability. Our observations may help explain the differences between the clinical picture and generally accepted anatomical standards.
Implementation and Impact of a Maternal–Fetal Medicine Telemedicine Program
Authors: Leighton Cassandra , Conroy Molly , Bilderback Andrew , Kalocay Wendy , Henderson James K. , Simhan Hyagriv N. 
Published: October 2018

Objective The increase in maternal morbidity has resulted in higher need for maternal–fetal medicine (MFM) subspecialty care. To meet the rising demand, particularly in rural areas, the use of MFM telemedicine services has increased. This study describes the structure, implementation, and patient and child health outcomes associated with a large health system's MFM telemedicine program.
Study Design Observational electronic health record data are used to compare maternal and childbirth outcomes between patients receiving care via telemedicine or in-person visits through regression analysis. Average patient time and resources saved are calculated, and patient satisfaction scores are reported.
Results The telemedicine patients experienced similar outcomes to the in-person group, indicating that MFM telemedicine can serve as an effective substitute for in-person care. MFM telemedicine patients saved $90.28 per consult in travel and work-related expenses. An overwhelming majority of MFM telemedicine patients were satisfied with their visit and indicated that they would be interested in receiving care via telemedicine in the future.
Conclusion The results indicate that the patients may benefit financially and experience similar outcomes when telemedicine programs are appropriately designed to eliminate access barriers and provide high-quality care.
Using the Saphenous Artery and Great Saphenous Vein Combined with Anterolateral Thigh Flap to Treat Skin Defects after Amputation
Authors: Kong Ling , Cheng Han , Nie Tao , Dai Min 
Published: October 2018

Background Aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of using the saphenous artery (SA) and great saphenous vein (GSV) as recipient vessels, combined with anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap, in the treatment of skin defects after lower limb amputation.
Methods From June 2015 to June 2017, 12 patients (average age, 33.5 years; range, 14–56 years; males, 9; female, 3) with large skin defects and symptoms of bone exposure in the proximal lower extremity were included in our study. The patients underwent emergency treatment and multiple debridement combined with vacuum sealing drainage therapy, followed by free flap surgery using the SA and GSV as recipient vessels, and ALT to cover the wound.
Results All 12 patients who underwent free flap surgery survived, but two patients had distal flap necrosis, which, however, was salvaged with conservative measures. All patients were satisfied with the postoperative outcome at the 3 and 6-month follow-up.
Conclusion The SA and GSV can be used as recipient vessels, combined with ALT, to treat skin defects after lower limb amputation.
Endoscopic Intramural Surgery Part 1: Resectional Therapies
Authors: Wadhwa Vaibhav , Gupta Kapil , Erim Tolga 
Published: October 2018

AbstractEndoscopic resectional therapies for lesions of gastrointestinal tract have progressed rapidly over the past two decades. Advances in minimally invasive endoscopic approaches continue to emerge and evolve, while boundaries of resection techniques continue to be pushed. The concept of third space endoscopy with mucosal flap as a safety valve has emerged arguably as the most innovative technique among these approaches. We review several techniques for intramural endoscopic resection of lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, but to gain a full understanding of why these exist, we must first examine the background from which they emerged.
Silencing of retrotransposon-derived imprinted gene RTL1 is the main cause for postimplantational failures in mammalian cloning
Authors: Yu Dawei , Wang Jing , Zou Huiying , Feng Tao , Chen Lei , Li Jia , Qi Xiaolan , Li Zhifang , Duan Xiaoyue , Xu Chunlong , Zhang Liang , Long Xi , Lan Jing , Chen Chao , Wang Chao , Xu Xinyu , Ren Jilong , Zhao Yiqiang , Hu Xiaoxiang , Lian Zhengxing , Men Hongsheng , Pan Dengke , Li Ning , Capecchi Mario R. , Du Xuguang , Zhao Yaofeng , Wu Sen 
Published: October 2018

Significance
To investigate the epigenetic mechanism of pregnancy failure in mammals, we exploited the high rate of fetal loss in pig induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) nuclear transfer. We generated methylomes of pig iPSCs and associated nuclear transfer embryos from reciprocal crosses between two distinct pig breeds. Our methylome analysis revealed that misregulation of RTL1 as the principal basis of pregnancy failure using pig iPSCs. Remarkably, RTL1 has broad fertility implications across mouse, rat, pig, cattle, and human from nuclear transfer cloning, tetraploid complementation, and artificial insemination, to natural fertilization. In all of these procedures, low RTL1 expression consistently corresponds to pregnancy failures.
Beyond the L-Strut: Redefining the Biomechanics of Rhinoplasty Using Topographic Optimization Modeling
Authors: Glass Graeme Ewan , Staruch Robert M T , Ruston Julia , East Charles A , Tan P J 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Rhinoplasty utilizes cartilage harvested from the nasal septum as autologous graft material. Traditional dogma espouses preservation of the “L-strut” of dorsal and caudal septum, which is less resistant to axial loading than virgin septum. Considering the 90° angle between dorsal and caudal limbs, the traditional L-strut also suffers from localized increases in internal stresses leading to premature septal “cracking,” structural-scale deformation, or both. Deformation and failure of the L-strut leads to nasal deviation, saddle deformity, loss of tip support, or restriction of the nasal valve. The balance between cartilage yield and structural integrity is a topographical optimization problem. Guided by finite element (FE) modelling, recent efforts have yielded important modifications including the chamfering of right-angled corners to reduce stress concentrations and the preservation of a minimum width along the inferior portion of the caudal strut. However, all existing FE studies offer simplified assumptions to make the construct easier to model. This review article highlights advances in our understanding of septal engineering and identifies areas that require more work to further refine the balance between the competing interests of graft acquisition and the maintenance of nasal structural integrity.
Discovering network phenotype between genetic risk factors and disease status via diagnosis-aligned multi-modality regression method in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Wang Meiling , Hao Xiaoke , Huang Jiashuang , Shao Wei , Zhang Daoqiang 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Motivation
Neuroimaging genetics is an emerging field to identify the associations between genetic variants [e.g. single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)] and quantitative traits (QTs) such as brain imaging phenotypes. However, most of the current studies focus only on the associations between brain structure imaging and genetic variants, while neglecting the connectivity information between brain regions. In addition, the brain itself is a complex network, and the higher-order interaction may contain useful information for the mechanistic understanding of diseases [i.e. Alzheimer’s disease (AD)].

Results
A general framework is proposed to exploit network voxel information and network connectivity information as intermediate traits that bridge genetic risk factors and disease status. Specifically, we first use the sparse representation (SR) model to build hyper-network to express the connectivity features of the brain. The network voxel node features and network connectivity edge features are extracted from the structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), respectively. Second, a diagnosis-aligned multi-modality regression method is adopted to fully explore the relationships among modalities of different subjects, which can help further mine the relation between the risk genetics and brain network features. In experiments, all methods are tested on the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database. The experimental results not only verify the effectiveness of our proposed framework but also discover some brain regions and connectivity features that are highly related to diseases.

Availability and implementation
The Matlab code is available at http://ibrain.nuaa.edu.cn/2018/list.htm.
The Value of Mixing It Up: Student Experiences of a Multi-Modal Approach to Supervision on Placement
Authors: Vassos Sevi , Harms Louise , Rose David 
Published: October 2018

AbstractOne-to-one supervision has been widely acknowledged in the social work literature as the gold-standard approach in field education. However, the sustainability of this approach has been challenged in recent decades amidst the managerial mandates permeating both education and health/human service sectors. Universities and placement organisations have experimented with alternative supervision approaches in response to these contextual pressures, although the research on these alternatives is limited at this point. In an attempt to contribute to the emerging research base, this article reports on a three-year trial of a multi-modal supervision approach involving the systematic application of individual and collective supervision modes within each student placement. The study explored the supervision experiences of 128 Master of Social Work students participating in the multi-modal supervision trial across five health networks in Melbourne, Australia. The study adopted a mixed-methods research design involving surveys followed by interviews. The findings suggest that, although one-to-one supervision is integral, students value the combination of one-to-one and collective supervision, provided that supervision content is student-centred; and that inter-personal trust and mutual engagement imbue the supervisory process. Ultimately, the study points to the importance of both content and relationships in the supervisory process, irrespective of the supervision mode employed.
Enhanced Population Coding for Rewarded Choices in the Medial Frontal Cortex of the Mouse
Authors: Siniscalchi Michael J , Wang Hongli , Kwan Alex C 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Instrumental behavior is characterized by the selection of actions based on the degree to which they lead to a desired outcome. However, we lack a detailed understanding of how rewarded actions are reinforced and preferentially implemented. In rodents, the medial frontal cortex is hypothesized to play an important role in this process, based in part on its capacity to encode chosen actions and their outcomes. We therefore asked how neural representations of choice and outcome might interact to facilitate instrumental behavior. To investigate this question, we imaged neural ensemble activity in layer 2/3 of the secondary motor region (M2) while mice engaged in a two-choice auditory discrimination task with probabilistic outcomes. Correct choices could result in one of three reward amounts (single, double or omitted reward), which allowed us to measure neural and behavioral effects of reward magnitude, as well as its categorical presence or absence. Single-unit and population decoding analyses revealed a consistent influence of outcome on choice signals in M2. Specifically, rewarded choices were more robustly encoded relative to unrewarded choices, with little dependence on the exact magnitude of reinforcement. Our results provide insight into the integration of past choices and outcomes in the rodent brain during instrumental behavior.
The prothrombotic state in atrial fibrillation: pathophysiological and management implications
Authors: Khan Ahsan A , Lip Gregory Y H 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the commonest sustained cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There is plenty of evidence available to support the presence of a prothrombotic or hypercoagulable state in AF, but the contributory factors are multifactorial and cannot simply be explained by blood stasis. Abnormal changes in atrial wall (anatomical and structural, as ‘vessel wall abnormalities’), the presence of spontaneous echo contrast to signify abnormal changes in flow and stasis (‘flow abnormalities’), and abnormal changes in coagulation, platelet, and other pathophysiologic pathways (‘abnormalities of blood constituents’) are well documented in AF. The presence of these components therefore fulfils Virchow’s triad for thrombogenesis. In this review, we present an overview of the established and professed pathophysiological mechanisms for thrombogenesis in AF and its management implications.
Distances and Intersections of Curves
Authors: Watanabe Yohsuke 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe obtain a coarse relationship between geometric intersection numbers of curves and the sum of their subsurface projection distances with explicit quasi-constants. By using this relationship, we study intersection numbers of curves contained in geodesics in the curve graph. Furthermore, we generalize a well-known result on intersection number growth of curves under iteration of Dehn twists and multitwists for all kinds of pure mapping classes.