bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Local recurrence of Ewing sarcoma: Is wide excision an acceptable treatment?
Authors: Xue Ruifeng , Lewis Valerae O. , Moon Bryan S. , Lin Patrick P. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesLocal recurrence in Ewing sarcoma (ES) is associated with poor prognosis. The purpose of the study is to determine what factors affect overall survival after local recurrence and whether wide excision constitutes appropriate treatment.MethodsFrom 1992 to 2017, 26 patients were treated for local recurrence of ES. Sixteen patients presented with local recurrence only while 10 had metastasis. The median follow‐up was 23 months (range, 3‐255 months). Overall survival was assessed with Kaplan–Meier analysis.ResultsAt the last follow‐up, seven of 26 (27%) patients were alive. Overall survival after local recurrence was 28% at 5 years. Later onset of local recurrence (P = .041), surgical treatment (P < .001), and complete eradication of all recurrent disease (P < .001) predicted better survival. Metastasis was associated with worse survival (P = .014). All three patients who survived more than 10 years were treated with wide local excision. A second local recurrence developed in seven patients (28%) but did not predict worse overall survival.ConclusionsOverall survival after local recurrence is better for patients with nonmetastatic disease treated surgically. Wide excision can be compatible with long survival. We do not advocate amputation on a routine basis for local recurrence. Complete eradication of all diseases is associated with better survival.
An experimental study on the effects of grass root density on gully headcut erosion in the gully region of China's Loess Plateau
Authors: Guo Mingming , Wang Wenlong , Shi Qianhua , Chen Tongde , Kang Hongliang , Li Jianming 
Published: July 2019

AbstractVegetation plays an important role in gully headcut erosion in China's Loess Plateau, but little is known about the effects of root density on gully headcut erosion. This study attempted to investigate the effects of grass root density on gully headcut erosion and morphological development of the gully head using plots with different grass root densities (with bare land as the control). The experiment was performed on plots with different grass root densities, and the rainfall intensity and inflow discharge increased throughout the experiment. The results showed that headcut migration in bare land was mainly activated by upstream flow incision, headwall erosion, and plunge pool erosion, whereas headcut migration in grassland was driven by soil‐root matrix collapse at the headcut, headwall erosion, and plunge pool erosion. The soil loss rate (SLR), gully headcut retreat distance (GRD), gully area (GA), and upstream soil loss volume (SLVU) in grassland plots with different root densities were 45.64–68.45%, 66.97–85.38%, 69.26–78.18%, and 67.89–87.02% less than those in the bare land plots, respectively. However, as root density increased, the gully depth in the grassland plots increased from 19% to 59%, and the proportion of gully head soil loss volume (SLVGH) to the total soil loss volume increased from 63.37% to 88.37%. The SLR, GRD, GA, and SLVGH showed decreasing trends as the root density increased, as described by a Hill curve. Moreover, roots with diameters of 0–0.5 mm had greater effects on soil loss and morphological evolution than roots with larger diameters. Our results provide a reference for the reasonable selection of grass root density for controlling gully headcut erosion in China's Loess Plateau.
Bulk Acyclic Diene Metathesis Polycondensation
Authors: Bell Michael , Hester Holley Grace , Gallman Alec Nicholas , Gomez Valentina , Pribyl Julia , Rojas Giovanni , Riegger Andreas , Weil Tanja , Watanabe Hiro , Chujo Yoshiki , Wagener Kenneth B. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBulk acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization performed in the melt at temperatures up to 175 °C is completed using a cyclic (alkyl)(amino) carbene (CAAC) ruthenium‐based Grubbs catalyst. High temperature stability is investigated at temperatures well above conventional ADMET chemistry, leading to the highest weight‐average molecular weights ever achieved for any ADMET polymer. A study of isomerization tendency (double bond migration) is done via self‐metathesis of a small molecule model compound using CAAC catalysts. Minimal olefin isomerization is observed using appropriate catalyst ratios and temperatures.
Semi‐automated infarct segmentation from follow‐up noncontrast CT scans in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Kuang Hulin , Menon Bijoy K. , Qiu Wu 
Published: July 2019

PurposeCerebral infarct volume observed in follow‐up noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) scans of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients is as an important radiologic outcome measure of the effectiveness of endovascular therapy (EVT). In this paper, our aim is to propose a semiautomated segmentation approach that can accurately measure ischemic infarct volume from NCCT images of AIS patients.MethodsA novel cascaded random forest (RF) learning is first employed to classify each voxel into normal or ischemic voxel, leading to an infarct probability map. Four types of features: intensity, statistical information in local region, symmetric difference compared to the contralateral side, and spatial probability of infarct occurrence generated by the STAPLE method, are extracted. These features are input into RF to train a first‐stage classifier. The coarse segmentation results generated by the first‐stage classifier are then used to train a fine second‐stage classifier with fivefold cross validation. The RF estimated infarct probability map obtained in the second‐stage testing as well as user input high‐level knowledge are then incorporated into a convex optimization function to obtain final segmentation. One hundred AIS patients were collected in this study, of which 70 patient images were used for evaluation while the remaining 30 patient images were used for RF training.ResultsQuantitative results show that the proposed approach is capable of yielding a dice coefficient (DC) of 79.42%, significantly outperforming some state‐of‐the‐art automated segmentation methods, such as the RF‐based methods and convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based segmentation method, U‐net. The infarct volume obtained by the proposed method is strongly correlated with the manually segmented volume. In addition, interobserver variability analysis initialized by two observers suggests low user dependency.ConclusionsOur proposed semiautomated segmentation method can accurately segment infarct from NCCT of AIS patients.
The evolution of Ag nanoparticles inside a gas aggregation cluster source
Authors: Nikitin Daniil , Hanuš Jan , Ali‐Ogly Suren , Polonskyi Oleksandr , Drewes Jonas , Faupel Franz , Biederman Hynek , Choukourov Andrei 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn‐situ UV–Vis spectroscopy was used for investigating the evolution of silver nanoparticles (NPs) inside the gas aggregation cluster source (GAS). The light beam probed the interior of the GAS at different distances from the magnetron. Plasmon resonance was detected at 365 nm, with the highest intensity found close to the magnetron due to the NP trapping. Time‐resolved measurements revealed that after the discharge switch off the majority of trapped NPs fly out of the GAS. Part of them is redeposited onto the center of the target due to the electrostatic force. NPs collected at the distance of 20 mm and further from the magnetron demonstrate gradual decrease of the size, pointing to the loss of bigger NPs on the walls.
Effect of randomization of nasal high flow rate in preterm infants
Authors: Hough Judith L. , Shearman Andrew D. , Jardine Luke , Caldararo Deborah , Schibler Andreas 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the effect of nasal high flow (NHF) cannula on end‐expiratory level (EEL), continuous distending pressure (CDP) and regional ventilation distribution in preterm infants.DesignA prospective observational clinical study with randomly applied NHF rates.Patients and SettingPreterm infants requiring continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) respiratory support in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.InterventionsInfants were measured on randomly applied flow rates at 2, 4, and 6 L/min of NHF and compared with bubble CPAP.Measurements and ResultsRegional ventilation distribution and EEL were measured using electrical impedance tomography (EIT) and respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP) in 24 preterm infants (31.19 ± 1.17 weeks corrected age). Changes in CDP were measured from the esophagus via the nasogastric tube. Physiological variables were also recorded. There were no differences in ventilation distribution, EEL or CDP between CPAP and NHF (P > .05). However, the physiological variables of FiO2 (P = .01) and SpO2/FiO2 (P < .01) were improved on CPAP compared with NHF.ConclusionNHF applied in random order with flow rates between 2 to 6 L/min was equally as good as CPAP in maintaining EEL and ventilation distribution in stable preterm infants. Overall oxygenation was better on CPAP compared to NHF.
Metered‐dose inhaler therapy with spacers: Are newborns capable of using this system correctly?
Authors: Herbes Carolina , Gonçalves Amanda Machado , Motta Gabriela Cantori , Ventura Danielle Aparecida dos Santos , Colvero Maurício , Amantéa Sérgio Luis 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIntroduction: Aerosol therapy using a metered‐dose inhaler (MDI) coupled to a spacer chamber is the most widely used long‐term treatment modality for chronic lung disease of prematurity. However, its use in neonates is based on data obtained from other age groups. Proper use of maintenance treatment is essential for the long‐term stability of these patients.Objective: To ascertain whether newborns are capable of generating negative pressure during the use of a spacer with face mask for aerosol therapy.Patients and methods: Total of 117 low‐risk newborns (age 12‐48 hours), with no congenital malformations or any detectable clinical symptoms, were included. Inspiratory pressure was measured with a respiratory pressure meter, at each respiratory cycle, during a 10‐second period, for three sequential measurements. The meter was connected to the inner chamber of the spacer through a noncollapsible silicone tube. Suitably sized masks were used.Results: Only 43 participants (36.8%) generated a negative pressure capable of opening the spacer valve, as verified by the respiratory pressure meter. In 25 patients, all three measurements were within the expected range. Weight, gestational age, and mode of delivery were in no way associated with the ability to generate a detectable negative pressure.Conclusion: In neonates, the MDI therapy with a spacer chamber and face mask is susceptible to failure due to the inability of most patients in this age range to generate a negative inspiratory pressure sufficient to open the spacer valve.
Cost‐effectiveness of combination therapy (Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment and Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections) among patients with an indication for a Lumbar Herniated Disc surgery: Protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mutubuki Elizabeth N. , van Helvoirt Hans , van Dongen Johanna M. , Vleggeert‐Lankamp Carmen L.A. , Huygen Frank J.P.M. , van Tulder Maurits W. , Klopper‐Kes Hanneke A.H.J. , Ostelo Raymond W.J.G. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectivesThe general consensus is that surgical treatment is advised when conservative methods fail in patients with lumbosacral radicular syndrome (LRS). Preliminary evidence from our pilot study indicates that combination therapy (mechanical diagnosis therapy and transforaminal epidural injections) can prevent surgical treatment in patients on the waiting list for surgery. The pilot study lacked a control group, and therefore, firm conclusions pertaining to effects could not be made. This study aims to determine if combination therapy, performed while being on the waiting list for lumbar herniated disc surgery, is effective and cost‐effective compared with usual care (i.e., no intervention while being on the waiting list) among patients with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐confirmed indication for a lumbar herniated disc surgery.MethodsA randomized controlled trial will be conducted with an economic evaluation. Patients aged 18 and above with incapacitating LRS, with leg pain and an MRI confirmed indication for lumbar disc hernia surgery, will be recruited from seven Dutch hospitals. While being on the waiting list for lumbar herniated disc surgery, patients will be randomized to either the combination therapy or usual care group. The primary outcome measure is the number of patients undergoing lumbar disc surgery during 12‐month follow‐up. Secondary outcomes include back and leg pain intensity (numeric pain rating scale), physical functioning (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaires‐23), self‐perceived recovery (global perceived effect), and health‐related quality of life (EuroQol Five Dimensions Health Questionnaire (EQ‐5D‐5L) and 12‐Item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐12)). For the economic evaluation, societal and health care costs will be measured. Measurements moments are baseline, 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months. Data will be analysed according to the intention‐to‐treat principle.ConclusionNo randomized controlled trials have evaluated the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of combination therapy compared with usual care in patients with an indication for lumbar herniated disc surgery, which emphasizes the importance of this study.
Spasticity, gait, and balance in patients with multiple sclerosis: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Norbye Anja Davis , Midgard Rune , Thrane Gyrd 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectiveMore than 80% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are affected by spasticity. Spasticity is known to reduce quality of life and contribute to additional symptoms, such as pain and reduced mobility, but the association between spasticity, balance, and mobility has not yet been established. Our aim was to examine whether a relationship exists between spasticity in the lower limbs, balance, and gait, as well as to explore the involvement of different muscle groups.MethodsThis study employed a cross‐sectional design. Thirty patients with MS were included. The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) was used to examine spasticity in the ankle plantar flexors, knee extensors, and hip adductors. Balance was measured using the Mini‐Balance Evaluation Systems Test, and gait with the 2‐Minute Walk Test. The participants were tested once with no additional follow‐up. Spearman's correlation, recursive partitioning, and linear regression analyses were used to explore the association.ResultsA significant correlation between gait distance and spasticity in the ankle plantar flexors (ρ = −.69, p < .001) and knee extensors (ρ = −.45, p = .012) was observed. Balance significantly correlated with spasticity in ankle plantar flexors (ρ = −.69, p < .001), knee extensors (ρ = −.52, p = .003), and hip adductors (ρ = −.5, p = .005). The relationship between spasticity in ankle plantar flexors and hip adductors was significant, even from low levels of spasticity, whereas MAS score ≥ 2 was clinically correlated with a decrease in gait and balance function. Adjustments for sex, age, or years since diagnosis had only minor impact on the results.ConclusionsThis study indicates that spasticity in the lower limbs is clinically significantly associated with mobility in people with MS.
Analogue spectra for impact ionization mass spectra of water ice grains obtained at different impact speeds in space
Authors: Klenner Fabian , Postberg Frank , Hillier Jon , Khawaja Nozair , Reviol René , Srama Ralf , Abel Bernd , Stolz Ferdinand , Kempf Sascha 
Published: July 2019

RationaleDetecting ice grains with impact ionization mass spectrometers in space provides information about the compositions of ice grains and their sources. Depending on the impact speeds of the ice grains onto the metal target of a mass spectrometer, ionization conditions can vary substantially, resulting in changes to the appearance of the resulting mass spectra.MethodsHere we accurately reproduce mass spectra of water ice grains, recorded with the Cosmic Dust Analyzer (CDA) on board the Cassini spacecraft at typical impact speeds ranging between 4 km/s to 21 km/s, with a laboratory analogue experiment. In this Laser‐Induced Liquid Beam Ion Desorption (LILBID) approach, a μm‐sized liquid water beam is irradiated with a pulsed infrared laser, desorbing charged analyte and solvent aggregates and isolated ions, which are subsequently analyzed in a time‐of‐flight (TOF) mass spectrometer.ResultsWe show that our analogue experiment can reproduce impact ionization mass spectra of ice grains obtained over a wide range of impact speeds, aiding the quantitative analyses of mass spectra from space.ConclusionsSpectra libraries created with the LILBID experiment will be a vital tool for inferring the composition of ice grains from mass spectra recorded by both past and future impact ionization mass spectrometers (e.g. the SUrface Dust Analyzer (SUDA) onboard NASA's Europa Clipper Mission or detectors on a future Enceladus Mission).
Adaptive neural network control for a nonlinear Euler‐Bernoulli beam in three‐dimensional space with unknown control direction
Authors: Ji Ning , Liu Jinkun 
Published: July 2019

SummaryIn this paper, an adaptive neural network control system is developed for a nonlinear three‐dimensional Euler‐Bernoulli beam with unknown control direction. The Euler‐Bernoulli beam is modeled as a combination of partial differential equations (PDEs) and ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Adaptive radial basis function–based neural network control laws are designed to determine approximation of disturbances. A projection mapping operator is adopted to realize bounded approximation of disturbances. A Nussbaum function is introduced to compensate for the unknown control direction. The goal of this study is to suppress the vibrations of the Euler‐Bernoulli beam in three‐dimensional space. In addition, unknown control direction problem and bounded disturbances are considered to guarantee that the signals of the system are uniformly bounded. Numerical simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Growth response of Abies spectabilis to climate along an elevation gradient of the Manang valley in the central Himalayas
Authors: Rai Samresh , Dawadi Binod , Wang Yafeng , Lu Xiaoming , Ru Huang , Sigdel Shalik Ram 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
The Himalayas are characterized by a broad gradient of bioclimatic zones along their elevation. However, less is known how forest growth responds to climatic change along elevation. In this study, four standard tree-ring width chronologies of Himalayan fir (Abiesspectabilis) were developed, spanning 142–649 years along an elevation gradient of 3076–3900 m a.s.l. Principal component analysis classified the four chronologies into two groups; the ones at lower elevations (M1 and M2) and higher elevations (M3 and M4) show two distinct growth trends. Radial growth is limited by summer (June–August) precipitation at M3, and by precipitation during spring (March–May) and summer at M4. It is limited by spring temperatures and winter precipitation (December–February) at M1. Tree-ring width chronologies also significantly correlate with winter and spring Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) at M1, and with summer PDSI at M3 and M4. Thus, Himalayan fir growth at high elevations is mainly limited by moisture stress rather than by low temperatures. Furthermore, the occurrence of missing rings coincides with dry periods, providing additional evidence for moisture limitation of Himalayan fir growth.
Building capacity in the healthcare sector: A strengths-based approach for increasing employees' well-being and organisational resilience
Authors: Brunetto Yvonne , Dick Tom , Xerri Matthew , Cully Ashley 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis study uses Appreciative Inquiry (AI) as a lens for informing the process for building on employees' existing wellbeing within one Australian organisation, using the ‘discovery, dreaming, designing, and achieving destiny’ process. Using POSH as a theoretical framework, we worked with a large Not-For-Profit healthcare organisation as part of the ‘discovery’ phase to identify elements of what was positive, flourishing, and life-giving in the practices of their employees. During the ‘dreaming’ process, employees' wellbeing was identified as a strength. During the ‘designing’ phase, a training program was co-designed to build on employees' existing levels of wellbeing. This paper reports outcomes as part of the ‘achieving destiny component’ of the AI process. In particular, the outcomes show that employees' knowledge of, and ability to use positive emotions increased, which is a positive first step for increasing employees' wellbeing and organisational resilience.
Long-term disability in major depressive disorder: a 6-year follow-up study
Authors: Iancu Sorana C. , Wong Yak Mee , Rhebergen Didi , van Balkom Anton J. L. M. , Batelaan Neeltje M. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundMajor depressive disorder (MDD) represents a leading cause of disability. This study examines the course of disability in patients with chronic, recurrent and remitting MDD compared to healthy controls and identifies predictors of disability in remitting MDD.MethodsWe included 914 participants from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA). DSM-IV MDD and WHO DAS II disability were assessed at baseline and at 2, 4 and 6 years. Six-year total and domain-specific disability were analysed and compared in participants with chronic (n = 57), recurrent (n = 120), remitting (n = 127) MDD and in healthy controls (n = 430). Predictors of residual disability were identified using linear regression analysis.ResultsAt baseline, most disability was found in chronic MDD, followed by recurrent MDD, remitting MDD and healthy controls. Across diagnostic groups, most disability was found in household activities, interpersonal functioning, participation in society and cognition. A chronic course was associated with chronic disability. Symptom remission was associated with a decrease in disability, but some disability remained. In remitting MDD, higher residual disability was predicted by older age, more severe avoidance symptoms, higher disability at baseline and late symptom remission. Severity of residual disability correlated with the severity of residual depressive symptoms.ConclusionsSymptomatic remission is a prerequisite for improvements in disability. However, disability persists despite symptom remission. Therefore, treatment of MDD should include an explicit focus on disability, especially on the more complex domains. To this end, treatments should promote behavioural activation and address subthreshold depressive symptoms in patients with remitted MDD.