bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic accuracy of a clinical carotid plaque MR protocol using a neurovascular coil compared to a surface coil protocol
Authors: Brinjikji Waleed , DeMarco J. Kevin , Shih Robert , Lanzino Giuseppe , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Hilditch Christopher A. , Nicholson Patrick J. , Huston John 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundCarotid plaque imaging with MRI is becoming more commonplace, but practical challenges exist in performing plaque imaging with surface coils.PurposeTo compare the diagnostic performance of a carotid plaque MRI protocol using a standard neurovascular coil (Neurovascular Coil Protocol) to a higher‐resolution carotid plaque MRI using carotid surface coils (Surface Coil Protocol) in characterizing carotid plaque.Study TypeProspective study comparing two MR techniques in plaque characterization.PopulationThirty‐eight consecutive carotid artery disease patients.Field Strength/SequencePatients underwent 3T MRI using 1) a Neurovascular Coil Protocol including the following sequences: 3D‐FSE T1 pre/postcontrast and precontrast 3D IR‐FSPGR, and 2) a Surface Coil Protocol using standard multicontrast MRI sequences.AssessmentPlaque characteristics analyzed by two independent neuroradiologists included intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), lipid‐rich necrotic‐core (LRNC), and thin/ruptured fibrous cap (TRFC).Statistical TestsDiagnostic performance of the Neurovascular Coil Protocol was compared to the Surface Coil Protocol reference standard using receiver‐operating curves.ResultsFor IPH, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) of the Neurovascular Coil Protocol were 91.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 78.8–97.5%), 87.0% (95% CI = 66.4–97.2%), and 0.92, respectively. For LRNC without IPH sensitivity, specificity, and AUC were 73.3% (95% CI = 44.9–92.2%), 85.7% (95% CI = 67.3–96.0%), and 0.84, respectively. For TRFC, sensitivity, specificity, and AUC were 35.3% (95% CI = 14.2–61.7%), 97.6% (95% CI = 87.4–99.9%), and 0.66 respectively. Interobserver agreement for IPH, LRNC, and TRFC using the Neurovascular Coil Protocol were k = 0.87 (95% CI = 0.75–0.99), k = 0.54 (95% CI = 0.29–0.80), and k = 0.41 (95% CI = 0.08–0.74), respectively.Data ConclusionOur Neurovascular Coil Protocol has high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in identifying IPH and LRNC but is limited in assessment of TRFC.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1264–1272.
Optimization of mucilage extraction from chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) using response surface methodology
Authors: Orifici Stefania C , Capitani Marianela I , Tomás Mabel C , Nolasco Susana M 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDChia mucilage has potential application as a functional ingredient; advances on maximizing its extraction yield could represent a significant technological and economic impact for the food industry. Thus, first, the effect of mechanical agitation time (1–3 h) on the exudation of chia mucilage was analyzed. Then, response surface methodology was used to determine the optimal combination of the independent variables temperature (15–85 °C) and seed: water ratio (1: 12–1: 40.8 w/v) for the 2 h exudation that give maximum chia mucilage yield. Experiments were designed according to central composite rotatable design.RESULTSA second‐order polynomial model predicted the variation in extraction mucilage yield with the variables temperature and seed: water ratio. The optimal operating conditions were found to be temperature 85 °C and a seed: water ratio of 1: 31 (w/v), reaching an experimental extraction yield of 116 ± 0.21 g kg−1 (dry basis). The mucilage obtained exhibited good functional properties, mainly in terms of water‐holding capacity, emulsifying activity, and emulsion stability.CONCLUSIONThe results obtained show that temperature, seed: water ratio, and exudation time are important variables of the process that affect the extraction yield and the quality of the chia mucilage, determined according to its physicochemical and functional properties. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
A Retrospective Evaluation of Echocardiograms to Establish Normative Inferior Vena Cava and Aortic Measurements for Children Younger Than 6 Years
Authors: Stenson Erin K. , Punn Rajesh , Ramsi Musaab , Kache Saraswati 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesThe ability to plot the inferior vena cava (IVC) size on a normal curve for pediatric patients may prove beneficial. First, in patients with normal cardiac anatomy who present in shock, assessing IVC size may be valuable for evaluating the degree of dehydration. Second, in children with heart disease, understanding how a child's IVC size compares to normal could be particularly beneficial for patients with right heart disease. We sought to create normal curves for the IVC and aorta in children younger than 6 years.MethodsData were gathered from 347 echocardiograms of healthy children younger than 6 years in a retrospective study at a quaternary care children's hospital. From the subcostal long‐ and short‐axis images, maximum diameters in the transverse and longitudinal views were obtained for both the IVC and the aorta.ResultsBoth IVC and aortic dimensions increased in a linear fashion and had excellent correlations with the body surface area, body mass, and height (IVC, r = 0.78–0.81; P < .0001; aorta, r = 0.82–0.86; P < .0001).ConclusionsIn children younger than 6 years, the IVC and aorta increase linearly as the children grow. Such normal curves will be beneficial for assessing a pediatric patient's hydration status or right heart function in patients with congenital heart disease.
Assessment of Right Atrium Function in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With Different Pulmonary Artery Systolic Pressures by 2‐Dimensional Speckle‐Tracking Echocardiography
Authors: Sun Lihua , Wang Ying , Dong Yu , Song Shengda , Luo Runlan , Li Guangsen 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesTo assess right atrium (RA) function of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) by 2‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography.MethodsThirty matched healthy adults were selected as group A. Then, 102 patients with SLE were divided into 3 groups according to the severity of PAH. Group B included 37 patients without PAH (pulmonary artery [PA] systolic pressure ≤ 30 mm Hg); group C included 34 patients with PAH (PA systolic pressure of 30–50 mm Hg); and group D included 31 patients with PAH (PA systolic pressure ≥ 50 mm Hg). Parameters evaluated included RA maximum volume, minimum volume, preatrial contraction volume, passive ejection fraction (EF), and active EF. The global peak longitudinal systolic strain rate and early and late diastolic strain rates of the RA were obtained by 2‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography.ResultsNo significant differences were found in all parameters between groups B and A (P > .05). The RA maximum volume, minimum volume, preatrial contraction volume, active EF, and late diastolic strain rate in groups C and D were significantly increased compared with those in groups A and B, and the parameters in group D were significantly higher than those in group C (P < .05). Although the RA passive EF, early diastolic strain rate, and systolic strain rate in groups C and D were significantly decreased compared with those in groups A and B, those in group D were significantly lower than those in group C (P < .05).ConclusionsTwo‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography could effectively assess RA function in patients with SLE who have different severities of PAH.
The digital library
Authors: Geleijnse Hans 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTGives an overview of the current situation in the development of the Digital Library at Tilburg University, addressing positive experiences as well as problems, and focusing on the online provision of primary information to end–users, both of journal articles and of papers produced by the institution’s own researchers. The first results of the electronic use of our Elsevier journals are described, and the policy of libraries with respect to publishers considered.
Cutting‐edge endonasal surgical approaches to thyroid ophthalmopathy
Authors: Tyler Matthew A. , Zhang Caroline C. , Saini Alok T. , Yao William C. 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveThyroid orbitopathy is a poorly understood extrathyroidal manifestation of Graves' disease that can cause disfiguring proptosis and vision loss. Orbital decompression surgery for Graves' orbitopathy (GO) can address both cosmetic and visual sequelae of this autoimmune condition. Endonasal endoscopic orbital decompression provides unmatched visualization and access to inferomedial orbital wall and orbital apex. This review examines the state of the art approaches employed in endonasal endoscopic orbital decompression for GO.MethodsReview of literature evaluating novel surgical maneuvers for GO.ResultsStudies examining the efficacy of endonasal endoscopic orbital decompression are heterogenous and retrospective in design; however, they reveal this approach to be a safe and effective technique in the management of GO.ConclusionSubtle variations in endoscopic techniques significantly affect postsurgical outcomes and can be tailored to the specific clinical indication in GO making endonasal endoscopic decompression the most versatile approach available.Level of EvidenceNA.
Coatable Photomobile Polymer Films Using Spring‐Like Photochromic Compounds
Authors: Kondo Mizuho , Makino Kotaro , Miyake Kazutoshi , Matsuo Yoshiaki , Fukae Ryohei , Kawatsuki Nobuhiro 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPhotoinduced macroscopic deformation behavior of crosslinked liquid‐crystalline polymer is induced in crosslinked N‐benzylideneaniline polymer films. The film is prepared by in situ polymer reaction using polymethacrylate‐containing phenylaldehyde side chains and o‐tolidine crosslinker. The film exhibits macroscopic bending upon exposure to UV light and then immediately reverts to the initial shape when the light is turned off. The bending behavior is strongly affected by the fabrication conditions; the changes in the macroscopic shape and photomechanical properties in response to UV light for the film prepared from a mixture solution are small, while those for the film prepared by top coating the crosslinker solution onto the prepolymer substrate are large.
Fully automatic segmentation and objective assessment of atrial scars for long‐standing persistent atrial fibrillation patients using late gadolinium‐enhanced MRI
Authors: Yang Guang , Zhuang Xiahai , Khan Habib , Haldar Shouvik , Nyktari Eva , Li Lei , Wage Ricardo , Ye Xujiong , Slabaugh Greg , Mohiaddin Raad , Wong Tom , Keegan Jennifer , Firmin David 
Published: February 2018

PurposeAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder and causes considerable morbidity and mortality, resulting in a large public health burden that is increasing as the population ages. It is associated with atrial fibrosis, the amount and distribution of which can be used to stratify patients and to guide subsequent electrophysiology ablation treatment. Atrial fibrosis may be assessed noninvasively using late gadolinium‐enhanced (LGE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) where scar tissue is visualized as a region of signal enhancement. However, manual segmentation of the heart chambers and of the atrial scar tissue is time consuming and subject to interoperator variability, particularly as image quality in AF is often poor. In this study, we propose a novel fully automatic pipeline to achieve accurate and objective segmentation of the heart (from MRI Roadmap data) and of scar tissue within the heart (from LGE MRI data) acquired in patients with AF.MethodsOur fully automatic pipeline uniquely combines: (a) a multiatlas‐based whole heart segmentation (MA‐WHS) to determine the cardiac anatomy from an MRI Roadmap acquisition which is then mapped to LGE MRI, and (b) a super‐pixel and supervised learning based approach to delineate the distribution and extent of atrial scarring in LGE MRI. We compared the accuracy of the automatic analysis to manual ground truth segmentations in 37 patients with persistent long‐standing AF.ResultsBoth our MA‐WHS and atrial scarring segmentations showed accurate delineations of cardiac anatomy (mean Dice = 89%) and atrial scarring (mean Dice = 79%), respectively, compared to the established ground truth from manual segmentation. In addition, compared to the ground truth, we obtained 88% segmentation accuracy, with 90% sensitivity and 79% specificity. Receiver operating characteristic analysis achieved an average area under the curve of 0.91.ConclusionCompared with previously studied methods with manual interventions, our innovative pipeline demonstrated comparable results, but was computed fully automatically. The proposed segmentation methods allow LGE MRI to be used as an objective assessment tool for localization, visualization, and quantitation of atrial scarring and to guide ablation treatment.
Can a QED Photon Propagate Out of the Black‐Hole Horizon?
Authors: Emelyanov Viacheslav A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe show at one‐loop approximation that the QED photon acquires a negative gauge‐invariant mass‐squared in the near‐horizon region of an evaporating Schwarzschild black hole. This result may imply that information about the inner structure of evaporating black holes is accessible, even without invoking the modification of the basic QFT and GR principles.
Houttuynia cordata extract increased systemic exposure and liver concentrations of metformin through OCTs and MATEs in rats
Authors: You Byoung Hoon , Chin Young‐Won , Kim Hojun , Choi Han Seok , Choi Young Hee 
Published: February 2018

The synergistic activity of Houttuynia cordata ethanol extract (HCT) and metformin combination in diabetic rats has been previously reported, but the fundamental causes remain unsolved. Organic cation transporters (OCTs) and multidrug and toxin extrusion proteins (MATEs) transport metformin to the liver and kidneys. Therefore, pharmacological activity and systemic exposure of metformin in HCT–metformin combination were determined from pharmacokinetic change and glucose‐lowering activity using in vitro HEK‐293 cells expressing human OCTs or human MATEs and in vivo rats. HCT inhibited human OCT2 and human MATE1‐mediated metformin transports in vitro. In in vivo rats, treatment with HCT and metformin for 28 days in rats (28MH rats) reduced the rat Oct2‐mediated renal excretion of metformin and thereby the increased systemic exposure of metformin compared with only metformin‐treated rats for 28 days (28M rats). In 28MH rats, rat Oct1‐mediated metformin uptake into the liver was enhanced, leading to an improved glucose‐lowering effect without hypoglycaemia compared with 28M rats. There was no impairment of renal function in HCT and metformin treatments. These results suggest that HCT–metformin combination therapy is applicable in terms of efficacy and safety.
Liposome Crosslinked Polyacrylamide/DNA Hydrogel: a Smart Controlled‐Release System for Small Molecular Payloads
Authors: Lyu Danya , Chen Shanshan , Guo Weiwei 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA novel stimuli‐responsive hydrogel system with liposomes serving as both noncovalent crosslinkers and functional small molecules carriers for controlled‐release is developed. Liposomes can crosslink polyacrylamide copolymers functionalized with cholesterol‐modified DNA motifs to yield a DNA hydrogel system, due to the hydrophobic interaction between cholesteryl groups and the lipid bilayer of liposomes. Functional information encoded DNA motifs on the polymer backbones endow the hydrogel with programmable smart responsive properties. In a model system, the hydrogel exhibits stimuli‐responsive gel‐to‐sol transformation triggered by the opening of DNA motifs upon the presence of a restriction endonuclease enzyme, EcoR I, or temperature change, realizing the controlled‐release of liposomes which are highly efficient carriers of active small molecules payloads. Two active molecules, 1,1‐dioctadecyl‐3,3,3,3‐tetramethylindodicarbocyanine perchlorate (DiIC18(5)) and calcein, are chosen as the hydrophobic and hydrophilic model payloads, respectively, to address the feasibility of the releasing strategy. Moreover, the hydrogel exhibits injectable property as well as self‐recovery behaviors.
Fall and Winter Microhabitat Use and Suitability for Spring Chinook Salmon Parr in a U.S. Pacific Northwest River
Authors: Favrot Scott D. , Jonasson Brian C. , Peterson James T. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractHabitat degradation has been implicated as a primary threat to Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. Habitat restoration and conservation are key toward stemming population declines; however, winter microhabitat use and suitability knowledge are lacking for small juvenile salmonids. Our objective was to characterize microhabitat use and suitability for spring Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha parr during fall and winter. Using radiotelemetry techniques during October–February (2009–2011), we identified fall and winter microhabitat use by spring Chinook Salmon parr in Catherine Creek, northeastern Oregon. Tagged fish occupied two distinct gradient reaches (moderate and low). Using a mixed‐effects logistic regression resource selection function (RSF) model, we found evidence that microhabitat use was similar between free‐flowing and surface ice conditions. However, habitat use shifted between seasons; most notably, there was greater use of silt substrate and areas farther from the bank during winter. Between gradients, microhabitat use differed with greater use of large wood (LW) and submerged aquatic vegetation in the low‐gradient reach. Using a Bayesian RSF approach, we developed gradient‐specific habitat suitability criteria. Throughout the study area, deep depths and slow currents were most suitable, with the exception of the low‐gradient reach where moderate depths were optimal. Near‐cover coarse and fine substrates were most suitable in the moderate‐ and low‐gradient reaches, respectively. Near‐bank LW was most suitable throughout the study area. Multivariate principal component analyses (PCA) indicated co‐occurring deep depths supporting slow currents near cover were intensively occupied in the moderate‐gradient reach. In the low‐gradient reach, PCA indicated co‐occurring moderate depths, slow currents, and near‐bank cover were most frequently occupied. Our study identified suitable and interrelated microhabitat combinations that can guide habitat restoration for fall migrant and overwintering Chinook Salmon parr in Catherine Creek and potentially the Pacific Northwest.
Magnetic Mapping of Banded Iron Formation of Sandur Schist Belt, Dharwar Craton, India
Authors: Kumar K. Satish , Srinivas K. N. S. S. S. , Kumar V. Pradeep , Prasad P. Prabhakara , Seshunarayana T. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT
High ground magnetic anomalies are observed at western basin of the Sandur schist belt (SSB) near Muraripura village, Karnataka. Sources for these anomalies are inferred due to presence of exposed banded iron formations hosted by metabasalts, arenaous and argillaceous rocks associated with the Donimali Formation of the schist belt. Two varieties of BIF bands are observed in the study area viz. Band 1 and Band 2. The bands 1 and 2 are displaced by lateral strike-slip fault. Band 1 is dominantly composed of banded iron formation, rich in iron ore minerals and silica chert. Band 2 is largely composed of ferruginous quartzite and quartz arenites. Qualitative analysis of the magnetic data indicates that the study area can be divided into three lithologically important BIF/BQ formations. Spectral and quantitative analysis of the magnetic data indicates, the average depth of band 1 is 70 m and band 2 is 130 m. The magnetic data results are well correlated with chemical analysis of borehole and surface rock samples data.
Development of a Model to Identify the Flow at any Location of an Ungauged Stream for Selection of Sites for Small Hydel in the Kalimpong Subdivision of West Bengal
Authors: Paul Prabir Kumar , Das Santasmita 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT
Before the implementation of any small scale hydropower scheme, it is essential to determine the availability of sufficient and reliable amount of water to make the scheme economically viable. The sites for small hydels are generally located in the inaccessible tracts of hilly regions. This hinders the proper evaluation of the site. The investments in the small hydels are also comparatively very low as compared to a big hydel power plant; as such not much of fund can be allocated to the initial site suitability decisions. Once a best site in a stream having suitable head has been identified then proper and detailed survey of the site could be undertaken for the construction of the plant. The streams on which small hydel plants are planned are mostly ungauged, which again poses a problem in identifying the amount of flow at certain location. In this work an attempt has been made to create a model for identification of flow at any location of a watershed. The two components of flow that is the base flow and runoff has been taken into consideration for calculating the flow. The base flow has been identified by direct measurement and run off has been delineated using the distributed curve number method. Finally a regression has been done to come to a generalized equation for determination of total flow at any point of a watershed in the Kalimpong subdivision.
Role of MineVue Radar for Proving Abandoned and Unapproachable Mine Galleries for the Safety of Surface Structures
Authors: Singh K. K. K. , Singh S. K. , Singh A. K. , Ghosh C. N. , Singh P. K. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT
During the pre-nationalisation period due to unscientific mining, large number of old workings exist below important structures at various coal fields in India. Mostly these old workings exist below National Highways and Railway track. These workings are generally at shallow depth. It has been observed that subsidence and pot holing are common in those areas. As a result the safety of vehicles and passenger trains plying over these areas endangered. Since the old workings are more than 60 years old in most of the cases the proper plan and survey documents are not available. So it is extremely difficult to exactly locate the underground mine workings/galleries/voids from the surface such that precautionary measures can be initiated for the safety of roads and railway tracks. Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) has indicated that there may be some old workings below the national highway (NH–2) near Dalmia colliery of Salanpur Area of ECL. The most sophisticated system, MineVue Radar was used for delineation of abandoned mine workings or mine galleries below NH-2. Two voids of size 1.8 m height at depth of 40 m and another of size 1.35 m height at a depth of 33.5 m were delineated and confirmed using direct core drilling method. After that, Mine management was informed about these voids to take precautionary measures for the safety of NH-2. Thus, this system has played an important role for the safety of important surface structures. This paper deals the application of MineVue radar system for delineation of mine galleries below NH-2.