bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Remote Mentoring of Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound Skills to Inexperienced Operators Using Multiple Telemedicine Platforms: Is a Cell Phone Good Enough?
Authors: Smith Andrew , Addison Reuben , Rogers Peter , Stone‐McLean Jordan , Boyd Sarah , Hoover Kristopher , Pollard Megan , Dubrowski Adam , Parsons Mike 
Published: March 2018

ObjectivesTelemedicine technology contributes to the teaching of point‐of‐care ultrasound (US); however, expensive equipment can limit its deployment in resource‐challenged settings. We assessed 3 low‐cost telemedicine solutions capable of supporting remote US training to determine feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness. We also explored the value of instructional videos immediately before telementoring.MethodsThirty‐six participants were randomly assigned to receive US mentoring in 1 of 3 telemedicine conditions: multiple fixed cameras, a smartphone, and traditional audio with a live US stream. Participants were then asked to perform a standardized US examination of the right upper quadrant under remote guidance. We measured observer's global ratings of performance along with the mentor's and student's rating of effort and satisfaction to determine which of the 3 approaches was most feasible, acceptable, and effective. During the second phase, students were randomized to watch an instructional video or not before receiving remote coaching on how to complete a subxiphoid cardiac examination. Effort, satisfaction, and performance from the independent observer's and student's perspective were surveyed.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the different telemedicine setups from the observer's perspective; however, the mentor rated the smartphone significantly worse (P = .028–.04) than other technologies. Platforms were rated equivalent from the student's perspective. No benefit was detected for watching an instructional video before the mentored task.ConclusionsRemote US skills can be taught equally effectively by using a variety of telemedicine technologies. Smartphones represent a viable option for US training in resource‐challenged settings.
Odontogenic sinusitis: A review of the current literature
Authors: Little Ryan E. , Long Christopher M. , Loehrl Todd A. , Poetker David M. 
Published: March 2018

ObjectivesTo present current literature on the topic of odontogenic sinusitis.Data SourcePubMed literature search for odontogenic sinusitis.ResultsOdontogenic sinusitis is an inflammatory condition of the paranasal sinuses that is the result of dental pathology, most often resulting from prior dentoalveolar procedures, infections of maxillary dentition, or maxillary dental trauma. Infections are often polymicrobial with an anaerobe‐predominant microbiome requiring special considerations for antimicrobial therapy. Medical management and treatment of the underlying dental pathology remains a critical initial step in the treatment of odontogenic sinusitis, however recent literature suggests that a significant portion of patients may require endoscopic sinus surgery for successful disease resolution.ConclusionsThis review describes the essential epidemiological and etiological factors, relevant clinical findings and diagnostic modalities, microbiologic and antimicrobial considerations, as well as the medical and surgical treatment approaches commonly utilized for the management of odontogenic sinusitis.Level of EvidenceNA.
Oral and intratympanic steroid therapy for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Hara Jared H. , Zhang Julia A. , Gandhi Krupa R. , Flaherty Anna , Barber Wayne , Leung Marcia A. , Burgess Lawrence P. 
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveTo investigate the role of intratympanic (IT) therapy in the treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL).MethodsThis study was a retrospective review. Patients were treated for ISSNHL from January 1, 2011 to April 12, 2015 with the following: pre/posttreatment audios, treatment initiated ≤90 days and idiopathic etiology. Fifty‐three ISSNHL patients were analyzed in the following subgroups: oral steroids (n = 8), combination oral+IT (n = 39), and IT (n = 6). Main outcomes measured were pre/posttreatment pure tone average (PTA) scores.ResultsThe PTA changes for all treatment groups improved by 8.0 ± 19.5 dB (P = .004); for 31 patients treated ≤2 weeks after onset, PTA improved by 13.8 ± 16.6 dB (P < .001). Multivariable generalized linear model for repeated measures was conducted to investigate the association between PTA changes for treatment groups adjusted for age, gender, time‐to‐treatment, and vertigo. Earlier time‐to‐treatment and older age were statistically correlated towards improved outcomes. As time‐to‐treatment increased by each day, change in PTA decreased by 0.324 (95% CI [0.12, 0.52], P = .002). As age increased by each year, PTA changes increased by 0.802 (95% CI [0.36, 1.24], P < .001). For the oral+IT group, PTA changes for concurrent oral+IT (n = 20, 7.10 dB) and delayed/salvage oral+IT (n = 19, 5.43 dB) were not statistically different (P = .79); earlier time‐to‐treatment (P = .001), and older age (P = .006) remained statistically correlated towards improved outcomes.ConclusionResults suggest outcomes can be improved with early identification and oral steroid therapy by primary care providers. Poorer prognosis for younger patients potentially suggests a need for more aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic management for this subgroup.Level of Evidence3b.
Greenhouse gas emissions from lakes and impoundments: Upscaling in the face of global change
Authors: DelSontro Tonya , Beaulieu Jake J. , Downing John A. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractLakes and impoundments are important sources of greenhouse gases (GHG: i.e., CO2, CH4, N2O), yet global emission estimates are based on regionally biased averages and elementary upscaling. We assembled the largest global dataset to date on emission rates of all three GHGs and found they covary with lake size and trophic state. Fitted models were upscaled to estimate global emission using global lake size inventories and a remotely sensed global lake productivity distribution. Traditional upscaling approaches overestimated CO2 and N2O emission but underestimated CH4 by half. Our upscaled size‐productivity weighted estimates (1.25–2.30 Pg of CO2‐equivalents annually) are nearly 20% of global CO2 fossil fuel emission with ∼ 75% of the climate impact due to CH4. Moderate global increases in eutrophication could translate to 5–40% increases in the GHG effects in the atmosphere, adding the equivalent effect of another 13% of fossil fuel combustion or an effect equal to GHG emissions from current land use change.
Development of Biobased Epoxy Matrices for the Preparation of Green Composite Materials for Civil Engineering Applications
Authors: Viretto Amandine , Galy Jocelyne 
Published: March 2018

AbstractEpoxy matrices are successfully used for structural strengthening in civil engineering applications by means of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs). In the context of sustainable development, the aim of this study is to develop biobased epoxy matrices as an alternative to the traditional petroleum‐based epoxy matrices used in CFRPs. This study focuses on two biobased epoxy monomers: a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) and a sorbitol polyglycidyl ether (SPGE). These monomers are reacted with a biobased curing agent, a phenalkamine (PhA), derived from cardanol. After in‐depth characterization of the chemical structures of the three monomers, the reactivity of both systems, DGEBA‐PhA and SPGE‐PhA, is studied using differential scanning calorimetry and rheology. The properties of the networks are characterized via dynamic mechanical analysis and water uptake measurements for polymers with partial or full conversion of epoxy groups, which are obtained by crosslinking at room temperature or at high temperature, respectively. The results reveal that the two systems are good candidates for the preparation of green composite materials as they meet the requirements necessary for manufacturing composites in civil engineering applications.
Core–Shell Double Gyroid Structure Formed by Linear ABC Terpolymer Thin Films
Authors: Antoine Ségolène , Aissou Karim , Mumtaz Muhammad , Telitel Siham , Pécastaings Gilles , Wirotius Anne‐Laure , Brochon Cyril , Cloutet Eric , Fleury Guillaume , Hadziioannou Georges 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe synthesis and self‐assembly in thin‐film configuration of linear ABC triblock terpolymer chains consisting of polystyrene (PS), poly(2‐vinylpyridine) (P2VP), and polyisoprene (PI) are described. For that purpose, a hydroxyl‐terminated PS‐b‐P2VP (45 kg mol−1) building block and a carboxyl‐terminated PI (9 kg mol−1) are first separately prepared by anionic polymerization, and then are coupled via a Steglich esterification reaction. This quantitative and metal‐free catalyst synthesis route reveals to be very interesting since functionalization and purification steps are straightforward, and well‐defined terpolymers are produced. A solvent vapor annealing (SVA) process is used to promote the self‐assembly of frustrated PS‐b‐P2VP‐b‐PI chains into a thin‐film core–shell double gyroid (Q230, space group: Iad) structure. As terraces are formed within PS‐b‐P2VP‐b‐PI thin films during the SVA process under a CHCl3 vapor, different plane orientations of the Q230 structure ((211), (110), (111), and (100)) are observed at the polymer–air interface depending on the film thickness.
MRI detection of bacterial brain abscesses and monitoring of antibiotic treatment using bacCEST
Authors: Liu Jing , Bai Renyuan , Li Yuguo , Staedtke Verena , Zhang Shuixing , van Zijl Peter C.M. , Liu Guanshu 
Published: March 2018

PurposeTo develop a new MRI method to detect and characterize brain abscesses using the CEST contrast inherently carried by bacterial cells, namely bacCEST.MethodsBacteria S. aureus (ATCC #49775) and F98 and 9L glioma cells were injected stereotactically in the brains of F344 rats to form abscesses and tumors. The CEST signals of brain abscesses (n = 4) and tumors (n = 7) were acquired using 2 B1 values (i.e., 1 and 3 µT) and compared. The bacCEST signal of the brain abscesses in the rats (n = 3) receiving ampicillin (intraperitoneal injection 40 mg/kg twice daily) was acquired before, 4 and 10 days after the treatment.ResultsThe bacCEST signal of S. aureus was characterized in vitro as a strong and broad signal in the range of 1 to 4 ppm, with the maximum contrast occurring at 2.6 ppm. The CEST signal in S. aureus–induced brain abscesses was significantly higher than that of contralateral parenchyma (p = .003). Moreover, thanks to their different B1 independence, brain abscesses and tumors could be effectively differentiated (p = .005) using ΔCEST(2.6 ppm, 3 µT−1 µT), defined by the difference between the CEST signal (offset = 2.6 ppm) acquired using B1 = 3 µT and that of 1 µT. In treated rats, bacCEST MRI could detect the response of bacteria as early as 4 days after the antibiotic treatment (p = .035).ConclusionBacCEST MRI provides a new imaging method to detect, discriminate, and monitor bacterial infection in deep‐seated organs. Because no contrast agent is needed, such an approach has a great translational potential for detecting and monitoring bacterial infection in deep‐seated organs.
On a Chebyshev accelerated splitting iteration method with application to two‐by‐two block linear systems
Authors: Wang Zeng‐Qi 
Published: March 2018

SummaryThe Chebyshev accelerated preconditioned modified Hermitian and skew‐Hermitian splitting (CAPMHSS) iteration method is presented for solving the linear systems of equations, which have two‐by‐two block coefficient matrices. We derive an iteration error bound to show that the new method is convergent as long as the eigenvalue bounds are not underestimated. Even when the spectral information is lacking, the CAPMHSS iteration method could be considered as an exponentially converging iterative scheme for certain choices of the method parameters. In this case, the convergence rate is independent of the parameters. Besides, the linear subsystems in each iteration can be solved inexactly, which leads to the inexact CAPMHSS iteration method. The iteration error bound of the inexact method is derived also. We discuss in detail the implementation of CAPMHSS for solving two models arising from the Galerkin finite‐element discretizations of distributed control problems and complex symmetric linear systems. The numerical results show the robustness and the efficiency of the new methods.
Preordering saddle‐point systems for sparse LDLT factorization without pivoting
Authors: Lungten Sangye , Schilders Wil H.A. , Scott Jennifer A. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryThis paper focuses on efficiently solving large sparse symmetric indefinite systems of linear equations in saddle‐point form using a fill‐reducing ordering technique with a direct solver. Row and column permutations partition the saddle‐point matrix into a block structure constituting a priori pivots of order 1 and 2. The partitioned matrix is compressed by treating each nonzero block as a single entry, and a fill‐reducing ordering is applied to the corresponding compressed graph. It is shown that, provided the saddle‐point matrix satisfies certain criteria, a block LDLT factorization can be computed using the resulting pivot sequence without modification. Numerical results for a range of problems from practical applications using a modern sparse direct solver are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the approach.
Aspiring personality: Patients waiting for obesity treatment
Authors: Garcia Danilo , Forssell Henrik , Cloninger Kevin M. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to investigate differences in temperament and character between patients (N = 70) waiting for obesity surgery and the general population. Patients waiting for obesity surgery scored higher in Harm‐Avoidance, Reward Dependence, Persistence, and Cooperativeness and also lower in Self‐Directedness.
Knowledge and behaviors in relation to antibiotic use among rural residents in Anhui, China
Authors: Cheng Jing , Coope Caroline , Chai Jing , Oliver Isabel , Kessel Anthony , Wang Debin , Sun Yehuan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo examine antibiotic‐related knowledge and behaviors in rural Anhui, identify factors associated with knowledge, and explore the relationship between knowledge and antibiotic use.MethodsCross‐sectional study of a random sample of 2760 residents of rural China using structured interviews.ResultsThe response rate was 94.6%. A total of 2390 respondents (91.6%) believed that antibiotics can control viruses; 2007 (77.5%) respondents thought that a combination of antibiotics is more effective than a single class; and 590 (22.6%) were able to name at least one disbenefit of using antibiotics. Multivariate analysis revealed those with a higher educational level and younger age group had greater knowledge of antibiotics (OR 2.54 and 0.77, respectively). Self‐medication was common with 1052 (out of 2274 responses, 46.3%) of participants use over the counter or leftover medicines for common infections. Greater knowledge was associated with buying drugs without prescription (aOR 2.02; 95% CI, 1.29–3.17) and using leftover medication (aOR 2.80; 95% CI, 1.55–5.06).ConclusionKnowledge about antibiotics was low and reported use high. Worryingly those with greater knowledge had less desirable behaviors that highlights the urgent need for multifaceted interventions to change behavior.
Gold Nanoparticles Stabilized by Single Tripodal Ligands
Authors: Peters Erich Henrik , Lehmann Mario , Mayor Marcel 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn order to coat the entire surface of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) by a single ligand, tripodal macromolecules comprising benzylic thioethers coordinating to the AuNP surface are synthesized and their abilities to stabilize AuNPs are investigated. Out of the five studied ligands 1–5, the tetraphenylmethane‐based oligomers 4 and 5 display excellent AuNP coating features. Both ligand structures are able to control the dimensions of the AuNPs by stabilizing particles of narrow size distributions during their syntheses (1.05 ± 0.28 nm for Au‐4, and 1.15 ± 0.34 nm for Au‐5). Closer inspection of these AuNPs by transmission electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analyses suggests that single ligands 4 and 5 are able to stabilize entire AuNPs. These particles Au‐4 and Au‐5 are obtained in good yields and display promising thermal stabilities (110 °C for Au‐4, and 95 °C for Au‐5), making them interesting nanoscale inorganic–organic building blocks for further functionalization/processing by wet chemistry.
Insights into Islet Differentiation and Maturation through Proteomic Characterization of a Human iPSC‐Derived Pancreatic Endocrine Model
Authors: Haller Corinne , Chaskar Prasad , Piccand Julie , Cominetti Ornella , Macron Charlotte , Dayon Loïc , Kraus Marine R‐C 
Published: March 2018

PurposeGreat progresses have been made for generating in vitro pluripotent stem cell pancreatic β‐like cells. However, the maturation stage of the cells still requires in vivo maturation to recreate the environmental niche. A deeper understanding of the factors promoting maturation of the cells is of great interest for clinical applications.Experimental designLabel‐free mass spectrometry based proteomic analysis is performed on samples from a longitudinal study of differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells toward glucose responsive insulin producing cells.ResultsProteome patterns correlate with specific transcription factor gene expression levels during in vitro differentiation, showing the relevance of the technology for identification of pancreatic‐specific markers. The analysis of proteomes of the implanted cells in a longitudinal study shows that the neovascularization process linked to the extracellular matrix environment is time‐dependent and conditions the proper maturation of the cells in β‐like cells secreting insulin in response to glucose.Conclusions and clinical relevanceProteomic profiling is valuable to qualify and better understand in vivo maturation of progenitor cells toward β‐cells. This is critical for future clinical trials where in vivo maturation still needs to be improved for robustness and effectiveness of cell therapy. Novel biomarkers for predicting the efficiency of maturation represents noninvasive monitoring tools for following efficiency of the implant.
Black Holes as Brains: Neural Networks with Area Law Entropy
Authors: Dvali Gia 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMotivated by the potential similarities between the underlying mechanisms of the enhanced memory storage capacity in black holes and in brain networks, we construct an artificial quantum neural network based on gravity‐like synaptic connections and a symmetry structure that allows to describe the network in terms of geometry of a d‐dimensional space. We show that the network possesses a critical state in which the gapless neurons emerge that appear to inhabit a ‐dimensional surface, with their number given by the surface area. In the excitations of these neurons, the network can store and retrieve an exponentially large number of patterns within an arbitrarily narrow energy gap. The corresponding micro‐state entropy of the brain network exhibits an area law. The neural network can be described in terms of a quantum field, via identifying the different neurons with the different momentum modes of the field, while identifying the synaptic connections among the neurons with the interactions among the corresponding momentum modes. Such a mapping allows to attribute a well‐defined sense of geometry to an intrinsically non‐local system, such as the neural network, and vice versa, it allows to represent the quantum field model as a neural network.
Spreadsheet guardian: An approach to protecting semantic correctness throughout the evolution of spreadsheets
Authors: Kulesz Daniel , Käfer Verena , Wagner Stefan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSpreadsheets are powerful tools that play a business‐critical role in many organizations. However, many bad decisions taken due to faulty spreadsheets show that these tools need serious quality assurance. Furthermore, while collaboration on spreadsheets for maintenance tasks is common, there has been almost no support for ensuring that the spreadsheets remain correct during this process.We have developed an approach named Spreadsheet Guardian, which separates the specification of spreadsheet test rules from their execution. By automatically executing user‐defined test rules, our approach is able to detect semantic faults. It also protects all collaborating spreadsheet users from introducing faults during maintenance, even if only few end‐users specify test rules. To evaluate Spreadsheet Guardian, we implemented a representative testing technique as an add‐in for Microsoft Excel.We evaluated the testing technique in 2 empirical evaluations with 29 end‐users and 42 computer science students. The results indicate that the technique is easy to learn and to apply. Furthermore, after finishing maintenance, participants with spreadsheets “protected” by the technique are more realistic about the correctness of their spreadsheets than participants who use only “classic,” noninteractive test rules on the basis of static analysis techniques. Hence, we believe that Spreadsheet Guardian can be of use for business‐critical spreadsheets.
Rainfall intensity in the Genoa Metropolitan Area: secular variations and consequences
Authors: Acquaotta Fiorella , Faccini Francesco , Fratianni Simona , Paliaga Guido , Sacchini Alessandro 
Published: March 2018

According to historical papers, the Genoa Metropolitan Area (GMA) has been affected by floods since the Middle Ages. An increase in flash floods has been recorded over the last few years, and in 2014 at least four floods were observed, three of which occurred during autumn. Following these observations, the secular pluviometric variations for the region have been analysed.Pluviometric data recorded at the Genoa University station (since 1833) and Chiavari station (since 1877), which represent the central and the eastern zones of the GMA along the coast, have been analysed. Weather data recorded at the Isoverde station (since 1921) and Giacopiane Dam station (since 1925) have allowed the analysis to be completed in the western valley and eastern mountain regions of the GMA hinterland, respectively. This analysis was based on the mean annual, seasonal and monthly rainfall amounts, the number of rainy days and the rainfall rate (the ratio between the former and the latter) recorded at the four stations. Furthermore, the annual maximum hourly rainfall data have been analysed for the Pontecarrega station (at the Bisagno stream, the most affected valley in Genoa) and the Giacopiane Dam station. No trend was found for annual rainfall, though significant decreases were observed for the numbers of rainy days. As a result, an increase in the rainfall rate for the coastal and mountain stations was found. Moreover, an increase has also been found in the 3‐ and 6‐hourly rainfall values. These findings could be related to the intensification of flash flood events that has been observed over the last decade. Interventions to reduce flood risks in the GMA should therefore no longer be postponed.