bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Beyond the bucket list: Unfinished and business among advanced cancer patients
Authors: Masterson Melissa P. , Slivjak Elizabeth , Jankauskaite Greta , Breitbart William , Pessin Hayley , Schofield Elizabeth , Holland Jason , Lichtenthal Wendy G. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe study aims to examine the prevalence and common themes of unfinished business (UB) and its associations with distress among advanced cancer patients.MethodsA total of 223 patients from a larger randomized controlled trial of Individual Meaning‐Centered Psychotherapy (IMCP) completed self‐report questionnaires that assessed UB and UB‐related distress, hopelessness, desire for hastened death, anxiety and depression, quality of life, spiritual well‐being, and purpose/meaning. Unfinished business themes were identified by qualitative analysis of open‐ended data.ResultsA total of 161 (72%) patients reported the presence of UB. The mean UB‐related distress score was 7.01 (SD = 2.1) out of 10. Results of independent t tests showed that patients with UB reported significantly higher levels of anxiety and lower levels of existential transcendence than patients without UB. Linear regression equations indicated that UB‐related distress significantly predicted hopelessness (F1,154 = 9.54, P < 0.05, R2 = 0.058), anxiety (F1,154 = 4.31, P < 0.05, R2 = 0.027), personal meaning (F1,136 = 6.18, P < 0.05, R2 = 0.043), and existential transcendence (F1,119 = 6.7, P < 0.05, R2 = 0.053). Ten UB themes emerged from open‐ended responses; UB themes were not associated with UB‐related distress or psychological adjustment.ConclusionsUnfinished business was both prevalent and distressing in our sample. Findings underscore the need to develop and implement interventions designed to help patients resolve or find solace with UB.
Modeling The Effects of Shock Pressure and Pore Morphology on Hot Spot Mechanisms in HMX
Authors: Springer H. Keo , Bastea Sorin , Nichols Albert L. , Tarver Craig M. , Reaugh John E. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractWe investigate the effects of shock pressure and pore morphology on the formation and growth of hot spots in HMX (octahydro‐1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazocine). Both non‐reactive and reactive ALE3D simulations are used in these studies. Our non‐reactive simulations show a viscous‐dominated pore collapse mode at lower shock pressures (2–10 GPa) with shear band formation and a hydrodynamic‐dominated mode at higher shock pressures (20‐40 GPa) due to bulk melting. When normalized by bulk shock heating, viscous‐dominated pore collapse modes are more efficient at generating hot spots. Pore morphology influences the post‐collapse temperature distributions and reaction rate for a fixed pore area and shock pressure. We find that multiple surface pores at the binder‐grain interface tend to react the fastest. Due to their upstream location in the HMX grain, the surface pores collapse sooner than interior pores; thus, the extent of reaction will generally favor these morphologies because they have more time to grow. In general, multiple smaller hot spots tend to react faster than a single larger hot spot because they accelerate one another's burning. The rank order of morphology effects, however, is not the same for non‐reactive and reactive simulations. For example, while multiple surface pores produce the highest reaction rates they do not produce the highest (non‐reactive) hot spot temperatures. Our numerical studies provide insights on hot spot mechanisms in lieu of direct measurements and can be used to develop advanced shock initiation models.
Global Tensor‐Matter Transitions in F‐Theory
Authors: Dierigl Markus , Oehlmann Paul , Ruehle Fabian 
Published: June 2018

AbstractWe use F‐theory to study gauge algebra preserving transitions of 6d supergravity theories that are connected by superconformal points. While the vector multiplets remain unchanged, the hyper‐ and tensor multiplet sectors are modified. In 6d F‐theory models, these transitions are realized by tuning the intersection points of two curves, one of them carrying a non‐Abelian gauge algebra, to a (4,6,12) singularity, followed by a resolution in the base. The six‐dimensional supergravity anomaly constraints are strong enough to completely fix the possible non‐Abelian representations and to restrict the Abelian charges in the hypermultiplet sector affected by the transition, as we demonstrate for all Lie algebras and their representations. Furthermore, we present several examples of such transitions in torically resolved fibrations. In these smooth models, superconformal points lead to non‐flat fibers which correspond to non‐toric Kähler deformations of the torus‐fibered Calabi‐Yau 3‐fold geometry.
Green tea as a safe alternative approach for nonalcoholic fatty liver treatment: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Mansour‐Ghanaei Fariborz , Hadi Amir , Pourmasoumi Makan , Joukar Farahnaz , Golpour Sahar , Najafgholizadeh Ameneh 
Published: June 2018

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of green tea supplementation on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease treatment.Electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, were systematically searched up to October 30, 2017, to identify eligible trials based on the inclusion criteria. The effect size was presented as mean difference with 95% confidence intervals (CI).The meta‐analysis of data from four studies indicated significant effects of green tea supplementation in altering alanine aminotransferases (−12.81 U/L; 95% CI: −18.17 to −7.45) and aspartate aminotransferases (−10.91 U/L; 95% CI: −19.66 to −2.17) blood concentrations. Likewise, a favorable effect of green tea administration was observed on body mass index (−2.08 kg/cm2; 95% CI: −2.81 to −1.36), triacylglycerol (−31.87 mg/dl; 95% CI: −40.62 to −23.12), total cholesterol (−27.57 mg/dl; 95% CI: −36.17 to −18.98), and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (−14.15 mg/dl; 95% CI: −23.69 to −4.60), whereas no significant effect was detected on high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations (7.41 mg/dl; 95% CI: −1.49 to 16.30) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (−4.06; 95% CI: −10.22 to 2.09).This systematic review and meta‐analysis of available trials suggests that there are potential benefits of green tea supplementation on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Statistical monitoring of multiple profiles simultaneously using Gaussian processes
Authors: Jahani Salman , Kontar Raed , Veeramani Dharmaraj , Zhou Shiyu 
Published: June 2018

AbstractProfile monitoring is the application of control charts to monitor the stability of a process over time when the process can be characterized by a functional relationship between a response variable and 1 or more explanatory variables. Most of the research in profile monitoring has been focused on monitoring univariate profiles, while multivariate profile data are widely observed in practice. In this paper, a monitoring approach based on a multivariate Gaussian process (MGP) model is proposed to monitor multivariate profiles simultaneously. In this regard, using a non‐separable covariance function, a MGP model is fitted to represent the baseline in‐control multivariate profile. Then, the stability of the process is tracked by monitoring a distance measure between the new observations of the multivariate profile and the baseline in‐control model. A key advantage of this method is that it considers correlations both within profiles and between profiles. We also introduce, as a benchmark, a univariate Gaussian process‐based profile monitoring scheme modified for multivariate profiles. The performance of the proposed approaches is investigated and compared through numerical studies and a real‐world case study. The analysis confirms the effectiveness of the MGP‐based monitoring scheme for multivariate profiles.
Impact of the complexing cation on the sensitivity of collision‐induced dissociation spectra to fatty acid position for a set of YXY/YYX‐type triglycerides
Authors: Makarov Pavel , Zheng Dong , Le Duc , Evans Jason J. 
Published: June 2018

RationaleThe development of an automated platform for the positional analysis of triglycerides based on electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS/MS) continues to be pursued. This work compares the positional sensitivities of the collision‐induced dissociation (CID) spectra for a representative set of YXY/YYX triglycerides using ammonium, silver, sodium and lithium as complexing agents.MethodsA set of triglycerides were synthesized and analyzed by ESI‐MS/MS using an ion trap mass spectrometer. Using different salt additives, the product ion spectra of the corresponding precursor ions for twelve systems of the form YXY/YYX, where Y and X represent C16:0, C18:1(c‐9), C18:2(cc‐9,12) and C20:4(cccc‐5,8,11,14), were collected. The data was used to prepare two‐point calibration plots for each of the twelve positional isomer systems using each of the four complexing agents.ResultsThe positional sensitivities for all twelve positional isomer systems were robust for both the sodium and lithium TAG adducts. The CID data for both the sodium and lithium TAG adducts are much less sensitive to the degree of unsaturation and double bond position of the fatty acids constituents than the CID data for the ammonium adducts.ConclusionsUsing sodium or lithium TAG adducts may be advantageous for the development of an accurate predictive model for performing positional analysis of complex TAG mixtures based on ESI‐MS/MS. Ammonium adducts are likely complicated by the ability of the ammonium ion to provide extra stability to some precursor ions through hydrogen‐bond‐like interactions.
Changes in urethral mobility and configuration after prolapse repair
Authors: Wen L. , Shek K. L. , Dietz H. P. 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo evaluate changes in urethral mobility and configuration after prolapse repair.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of 92 patients who were examined between 2005 and 2016 before and after surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) without concomitant anti‐incontinence surgery. All patients were assessed with an interview, POP quantification and translabial four‐dimensional ultrasound. Urethral mobility was evaluated using semi‐automated urethral motion profile software in which x‐ and y‐coordinates of six equidistant points along the length of the urethra were determined both at rest and on Valsalva, relative to the posteroinferior margin of the pubic symphysis. Urethral kinking was measured by placing tangents distal and proximal to any visually identified change in the urethral axis. Imaging data obtained before and after prolapse surgery were compared.ResultsMean age was 58 years and mean follow‐up was 5.8 months. Prolapse symptoms had resolved in 85% of patients. Highly significant reductions in urethral mobility and urethral kinking were seen after surgery (all P ≤ 0.001). Similar changes were observed after anterior vaginal repair with or without apical repair, without concomitant posterior repair (n = 23; all P < 0.05).ConclusionsPOP surgery was associated significantly with ‘straightening’ of the urethra and reduction in urethral mobility. The effect seems to be due largely to cystocele repair. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Fetal exome sequencing: yield and limitations in a tertiary referral center
Authors: Daum H. , Meiner V. , Elpeleg O. , Harel T. ,   collaborating authors
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo explore the indications for and diagnostic outcomes of fetal exome sequencing in a tertiary referral center.MethodsBetween 2012 and 2017, 77 unrelated fetal samples from pregnancies referred to our center underwent exome sequencing. The cohort included 37 fetuses, 36 products of conception (from cases of pregnancy termination or intrauterine fetal death), one case with DNA from both the fetus and a previous termination of pregnancy, and three cases with DNA of unknown origin. Exome sequencing was performed on DNA extracted from amniocytes or fetal tissue and, in some cases, from parental peripheral blood. Indications, turnaround time, diagnostic rates and pregnancy outcomes were investigated. Diagnostic yield was analyzed according to consanguinity (yes or no), sample type (proband only, or trio or other) and referral indication (malformation or isolated nuchal translucency (NT)).ResultsThe most common indication for fetal exome sequencing was multiple malformations (21/77, 27%), followed by isolated brain malformation (15/77, 19%). Twelve (16%) fetuses were referred for isolated increased NT. Exome analysis was diagnostic for 16 fetuses (21%); when subclassified into fetal malformations vs isolated increased NT it became clear that exome analysis did not reveal any known or probable pathogenic variants in cases referred for isolated increased NT, whereas, among the remaining fetuses, a molecular diagnosis was reached in 16/65 (25%). Proband‐only cases received a diagnosis more often than did cases that had trio exome sequencing.ConclusionsExome sequencing has the potential to provide molecular diagnoses in cases in which conventional prenatal cytogenetic testing is negative. Referral bias of consanguineous cases could account for the high diagnostic rate of proband‐only sequencing. Syndrome‐specific prognostic information enables parents to make informed decisions, whereas challenges include time limitations and variant interpretation in the setting of non‐specific fetal findings. As we report only established disease–gene associations, further segregation and functional studies in a research setting are expected to increase significantly the diagnostic yield. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Structural changes in puborectalis muscle after vaginal delivery
Authors: Van de Waarsenburg M. K. , van der Vaart C. H. , Withagen M. I. J. 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo evaluate the structural composition of the puborectalis muscle before and at several timepoints after first vaginal delivery, by the use of echogenicity and area measurements, in order to explore its recovery.MethodsTwenty nulliparous women with a singleton pregnancy underwent 3D/4D transperineal ultrasound assessments at rest, on pelvic floor muscle contraction and on Valsalva maneuver at 12 weeks' gestation and at 1 day and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 18 and 24 weeks after vaginal delivery. The puborectalis muscle was delineated for measurements of mean echogenicity (MEP) and area (PMA). To assess changes in MEP and PMA over time, linear mixed model analysis was used. The exact number of days after delivery at each ultrasound examination was used as a covariate.ResultsFor all timepoints after delivery, MEP was significantly decreased compared with that at 12 weeks' gestation. MEP values increased significantly over time from 1 day to 24 weeks after delivery. Although not statistically significant, a decrease in MEP was observed between 3 and 4 weeks after delivery for all maneuvers. PMA at rest and on Valsalva maneuver remained constant after delivery.ConclusionWhen compared with measurements taken during pregnancy, a sharp decrease in MEP was observed soon after vaginal delivery, which was most likely caused by stretch trauma to the puborectalis muscle and subsequent formation of (micro) hematoma and edema. Subsequent increases in MEP may reflect the disappearance of hematoma and edema, and also the formation of connective and scar tissue. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Tensor and matrix models: a one-night stand or a lifetime romance?
Authors: Diaz Pablo 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe spectra of energy eigenstates of free tensor and matrix models are organized by Kronecker coefficients and Littlewood-Richardson numbers, respectively. Exploiting recent results in combinatorics for Kronecker coefficients, we derive a formula that relates Kronecker coefficients with a hook shape with Littlewood-Richardson numbers. This formula has a natural translation into physics: the eigenstates of the hook sector of tensor models are in one-to-one correspondence with fluctuations of 1/2-BPS states in multi-matrix models. We then conjecture the duality between both sectors. Finally, we study the Hagedorn behaviour of tensor models with finite rank of the symmetry group and, using similar arguments, suggest that the second (high energy) phase could be entirely described by multi-matrix models.
Increased Radiation but No Benefits in Pedicle Screw Accuracy With Navigation versus a Freehand Technique in Scoliosis Surgery
Authors: Urbanski Wiktor , Jurasz Wojciech , Wolanczyk Michal , Kulej Miroslaw , Morasiewicz Piotr , Dragan Szymon Lukasz , Zaluski Rafal , Miekisiak Grzegorz , Dragan Szymon Feliks 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Background
The clinical value of pedicle screws in spinal deformity surgery is well known; however, screw insertion is demanding and sometimes associated with complications. Navigation systems based on intraoperatively obtained three-dimensional (3-D) images were developed to minimize pedicle screw misplacements. However, there is a lack of data confirming superiority of navigation above other techniques. There are also concerns regarding increased radiation used during the procedure.

Questions/purposes
The purposes of this study were (1) to compare accuracy of the two methods of pedicle screws placement: intraoperative 3-D image navigation versus a freehand technique in patients with idiopathic scoliosis; and (2) to assess the radiation dose received by patients with both methods.

Methods
Between 2014 and 2016, 49 patients underwent posterior spinal fusion with all pedicle screw constructs for idiopathic scoliosis performed by two surgeons. The study design involved alternating the use of the freehand technique and navigation to position pedicle screws in consecutive patients, forming groups of 27 patients with 451 navigated screws and 22 patients with 384 screws positioned freehand. The two groups did not differ in age, sex, or magnitude of deformity. Two observers not involved in the treatment evaluated the position of the screws. The pedicle breach was assessed on intraoperatively obtained 3-D O-arm® scans according to a grading system: Grade 0 = no pedicle wall violation; Grade 1 = perforation ≤ 2 mm; Grade 2 = 2 to 4 mm; and Grade 3 = perforation > 4 mm. Grades 0 and 1 were considered properly positioned and Grades 2 and 3 represented malposition.

Results
In terms of accuracy, we found no differences, with the numbers available, between the freehand and navigated groups in terms of the proportion of screws that were properly positioned (96% freehand and 96% in the navigation group, respectively; p = 0.518). Grade 3 pedicle screws were observed only in the freehand group and were all located in the upper thoracic spine. Patients undergoing navigated pedicle screw placement received a greater mean radiation dose than those whose screws were placed freehand (1071 ± 447 mGy-cm versus 391 ± 53 mGy-cm; mean difference, 680 mGy-cm; 95% confidence interval, 217-2053 mGy-cm; p < 0.001).

Conclusions
In patients with moderate idiopathic scoliosis undergoing primary surgery, we did not observe benefits of pedicle screw placement with CT-based navigation, but the patients experienced greater exposure to radiation.

Level of Evidence
Level III, therapeutic study.
Does the Alpha-defensin Immunoassay or the Lateral Flow Test Have Better Diagnostic Value for Periprosthetic Joint Infection? A Systematic Review
Authors: Eriksson Hannah K. , Nordström Jakob , Gabrysch Katja , Hailer Nils P. , Lazarinis Stergios 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Background
Measuring alpha-defensin concentrations in synovial fluid may help to diagnose periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). There are two commercially available methods for measuring alpha-defensin in synovial fluid: the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based Synovasure® alpha-defensin immunoassay, which gives a numeric readout within 24 hours, and the Synovasure lateral flow test, which gives a binary readout within 20 minutes. There is no compilation of the existing literature to support the use of one of these two tests over the other.

Questions/purposes
Does the immunoassay or the lateral flow test have better diagnostic value (sensitivity and specificity) in diagnosing PJI?

Methods
We followed PRISMA guidelines and identified all studies on alpha-defensin concentration in synovial fluid as a PJI diagnostic marker, indexed to April 14, 2017, in PubMed, JSTOR, Google Scholar, and OVID databases. The search retrieved 1578 records. All prospective and retrospective studies on alpha-defensin as a PJI marker (PJI classified according to the criteria of the Musculoskeletal Infection Society) after THA or TKA were included in the analysis. All studies used only one of the two commercially available test methods, but none of them was comparative. After excluding studies with overlapping patient populations, four studies investigating the alpha-defensin immunoassay and three investigating the lateral flow test remained. Alpha-defensin immunoassay studies included 482 joints and lateral flow test studies included 119. The quality of the trials was assessed according to the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool. The heterogeneity among studies was evaluated by the I2 index, indicating that the heterogeneity of the included studies was low. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and receiver operating curves were calculated for each method and compared with each other.

Results
The alpha-defensin immunoassay had superior overall diagnostic value compared with the lateral flow test (area under the curve, 0.98 versus 0.75) with higher sensitivity (96% [90%-98%] versus 71% [55%-83%], p < 0.001), but no difference in specificity with the numbers available (96% [93%-97%] versus 90% [81%-95%], p = 0.060).

Conclusions
Measurement of alpha-defensin in synovial fluid is a valuable complement to existing diagnostic criteria, and the immunoassay test detects PJI more accurately than the lateral flow test. The lateral flow test has lower sensitivity, making it difficult to rule out infection, but its relatively high specificity combined with the advantage of a quick response time can make it useful to rule in infection perioperatively.

Level of Evidence
Level III, diagnostic study.
ZHANG ZAI'S (1020–1077) CRITIQUE OF THE SENSES
Authors: Zuo Ya 
Published: June 2018

AbstractOften termed aswenjian zhizhi聞見之知 (knowing from hearing and seeing), sensory knowing was a prominent topic in Song (960–1279) writings. Zhang Zai 張載 (1020–1077) developed a systematic critique of sense perception in the broad context of learning. While endorsing its utility, Zhang considered this way of knowing to be partial, superficial, and prone to error. He located the source of sensory errors inside the human body, arguing that the sense organs’ vulnerability to pathological changes constituted the cause for perceptual fallibility. This line of argument had solid corroborating evidence in contemporaneous medical knowledge, a field of study Zhang was interested in pursuing. In sum, Zhang's critique demonstrated the importance of the senses and the different ways in which middle-period Chinese literati conceptualized the problem of perception in comparison with Western epistemological traditions.