bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of scatter radiation dose and absorbed doses in eye lens and thyroid gland during digital breast tomosynthesis
Authors: Chusin Thunyarat , Matsubara Kosuke , Takemura Akihiro , Okubo Rena , Ogawa Yoshinori 
Published: November 2018

AbstractDigital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is an alternative tool for breast cancer screening; however, the magnitude of peripheral organs dose is not well known. This study aimed to measure scattered dose and estimate organ dose during mammography under conventional (CM) and Tomo (TM) modes in a specific DBT system. Optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLDs), whose responses were corrected using a parallel‐plate ionization chamber, were pasted on the surface of custom‐made polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and RANDO phantoms to measure entrance surface air kerma (ESAK). ESAK measurements were also acquired with a 4.5‐cm thick breast phantom for a standard mammogram. Organ dose conversion factors (CFD) were determined as ratio of air kerma at a specific depth to that at the surface for the PMMA phantom and multiplied by the ratio of mass energy absorption coefficients of tissue to air. Normalized eye lens and thyroid gland doses were calculated using the RANDO phantom by multiplying CFD and ESAK values. Maximum variability in OSLD response to scatter radiation from the DBT system was 33% in the W/Rh spectrum and variations in scattered dose distribution were observed between CM and TM. The CFD values for eye lens and thyroid gland ranged between 0.58 to 0.66 and 0.29 to 0.33, respectively. Mean organ doses for two‐view unilateral imaging were 0.24 (CM) and 0.18 (TM) μGy/mAs for the eye lens and 0.24 (CM) and 0.25 (TM) μGy/mAs for the thyroid gland. Higher organ doses were observed during TM compared to CM as the automatic exposure control (AEC) system resulted in greater total mAs values in TM.
Validated automatic speech biomarkers in primary progressive aphasia
Authors: Nevler Naomi , Ash Sharon , Irwin David J , Liberman Mark , Grossman Murray 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo automatically extract and quantify specific disease biomarkers of prosody from the acoustic properties of speech in patients with primary progressive aphasia.MethodsWe analyzed speech samples from 59 progressive aphasic patients (non‐fluent/agrammatic = 15, semantic = 21, logopenic = 23; ages 50–85 years) and 31 matched healthy controls (ages 54–89 years). Using a novel, automated speech analysis protocol, we extracted acoustic measurements of prosody, including fundamental frequency and speech and silent pause durations, and compared these between groups. We then examined their relationships with clinical tests, gray matter atrophy, and cerebrospinal fluid analytes.ResultsWe found a narrowed range of fundamental frequency in patients with non‐fluent/agrammatic variant aphasia (mean 3.86 ± 1.15 semitones) compared with healthy controls (6.06 ± 1.95 semitones;P < 0.001) and patients with semantic variant aphasia (6.12 ± 1.77 semitones;P = 0.001). Mean pause rate was significantly increased in the non‐fluent/agrammatic group (mean 61.4 ± 20.8 pauses per minute) and the logopenic group (58.7 ± 16.4 pauses per minute) compared to controls. In an exploratory analysis, narrowed fundamental frequency range was associated with atrophy in the left inferior frontal cortex. Cerebrospinal level of phosphorylated tau was associated with an acoustic classifier combining fundamental frequency range and pause rate (r = 0.58,P = 0.007). Receiver operating characteristic analysis with this combined classifier distinguished non‐fluent/agrammatic speakers from healthy controls (AUC = 0.94) and from semantic variant patients (AUC = 0.86).InterpretationRestricted fundamental frequency range and increased pause rate are characteristic markers of speech in non‐fluent/agrammatic primary progressive aphasia. These can be extracted with automated speech analysis and are associated with left inferior frontal atrophy and cerebrospinal phosphorylated tau level.
Conceptual foundations and validation of the Pseudoscientific Belief Scale
Authors: Fasce Angelo , Picó Alfonso 
Published: November 2018

SummaryIn this study, we present the Pseudoscientific Belief Scale (PSEUDO; α = 0.90). The conceptual foundations of the scale include (a) a philosophically grounded and functional demarcation criterion between science and pseudoscience; (b) an analysis of the pseudoscientific status of science denialism, which is integrated into the scale; and (c) a bibliographic justification to back up the inclusion of each item. The validation process is carried out based on two studies. Study 1 (N = 3,416) uses both exploratory factor analysis and cluster analysis: Conceptually congruent factors are not reported. Study 2 (N = 292) includes a total of 21 sociodemographic, personality, and cognitive independent variables, as well as the two thematic subscales of PSEUDO as dependent variables, in order to analyze the psychological profile of both sets of believers. Results show high similarity between both groups, confirming construct validity.
Fracture‐Resistant and Bioresorbable Drug‐Eluting Poly(glycerol Sebacate) Coils
Authors: Mollazadeh‐Moghaddam Kamyar , Rezaei Nejad Hojatollah , Chen Ai‐Zheng , Ju Jie , Tamayol Ali , Liu Xiao , Zhang Yu Shrike , Oklu Rahmi , Khademhosseini Ali 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBiodegradable drug‐eluting stents (DESs) are used today to treat atherosclerotic arteries and as vehicles to deliver inhibitors to suppress restenosis, with potential applications also in localized cancer therapy. Here the development of a series of drug‐eluting poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) coils that may find possible use as DESs is reported. PGS is a tough, biodegradable, and biocompatible elastomer that has adjustable mechanical properties thanks to careful control of the fabrication process. Specifically, 3D PGS coils featuring superior mechanical and fracture‐resistance properties are fabricated. The surface erosion profile of PGS is designed to further reduce the risk of fragmentation and non‐target embolization during the degradation process. A dual‐encapsulation mechanism is applied, first poly(ε‐caprolactone) microparticles loaded with an anticancer drug Doxorubicin followed by dispersion of these microparticles in the PGS coils, to prolong the release of drug molecules from the interior. Systematic evaluations of the mechanical properties of the PGS coils and their drug release behaviors are conducted. It is anticipated that, these PGS coils may enable minimally invasive delivery using standard endovascular catheters, for achieving localized and sustained release of chemotherapy to tumors, as well as conventional applications in treating vascular disorders.
Pressure‐Induced Broadband Emission of 2D Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite (C6H5C2H4NH3)2PbBr4
Authors: Zhang Long , Wu Lianwei , Wang Kai , Zou Bo 
Published: November 2018

Abstract2D Ruddlesden–Popper halide perovskites, which incorporate hydrophobic organic interlayers to considerably improve environmental stability and optical properties diversity, have attracted substantial research attention for optoelectronic applications. The burgeoning broad emission arising from exciton self‐trapping of 2D perovskites shows a strong dependence on a deformable structure. Here, the pressure‐induced broadband emission of layered (001) Pb‐Br perovskite with a large Stokes shift in the visible region is observed by finely improving lattice distortion to increase exciton–phonon coupling under hydrostatic pressure. Band gap narrows ≈0.5 eV under modest pressure, mainly due to the large compressibility of the orientational organic layer, confirming that the bulky organic cations notably influence the structure and, in turn, the various properties of materials. Sequential amorphization of the organic and inorganic layer is confirmed by high pressure Raman and X‐ray diffraction measurements, suggesting the particularity of layered crystal structures. The mechanism constructed here offers a new route for tuning the optical properties of 2D perovskites.
The Relationship Between Grit, Burnout, and Well‐being in Emergency Medicine Residents
Authors: Dam Aaron , Perera Thomas , Jones Michael , Haughy Marianne , Gaeta Theodore 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundBurnout has become endemic in medicine, across all specialties and levels of training. Grit, defined as “perseverance and passion for long‐term goals,” attempts to quantify the ability to maintain sustained effort throughout an extended length of time. Our objective is to assess burnout and well‐being and examine their relationship with the character trait, grit, in emergency medicine residents.MethodsIn Fall 2016, we conducted a multicenter cross‐sectional survey at five large, urban, academically affiliated emergency departments. Residents were invited to anonymously provide responses to three validated survey instruments; the Short Grit Scale, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, and the World Health Organization‐5 Well‐Being Index.ResultsA total of 222 residents completed the survey (response rate = 86%). A total of 173 residents (77.9%) met criteria for burnout and 107 residents (48.2%) met criteria for low well‐being. Residents meeting criteria for burnout and low well‐being had significantly lower mean grit scores than those that did not meet criteria. Residents with high grit scores had lower odds of experiencing burnout and low well‐being (odds ratio [OR] = 0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.46–0.85; and [OR] = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.16–0.72, respectively). Residents with low grit scores were more likely to experience burnout and more likely to have low well‐being (OR = 6.17, 95% CI = 1.43–26.64; and OR = 2.76, 95% CI = 1.31–5.79, respectively).ConclusionA significant relationship exists between grit, burnout, and well‐being. Residents with high grit appear to be less likely to experience burnout and low well‐being while those with low grit are more likely to experience burnout and low well‐being.
Therapeutic use of steroids in non–chronic rhinosinusitis olfactory dysfunction: a systematic evidence‐based review with recommendations
Authors: Yan Carol H. , Overdevest Jonathan B. , Patel Zara M. 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundOlfactory loss is a common and debilitating disease with limited treatment options, particularly for olfactory dysfunction not related to sinonasal inflammation. Both topical and systemic steroids have been used as treatments for olfactory loss. This study systematically reviews the literature on the efficacy of steroids for non–chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS)‐related olfactory loss and provides recommendations.MethodsA literature search of PubMed, Ovid, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Inclusion criteria included original data, English‐language articles on steroid treatment (topical and systemic) for olfactory loss unrelated to sinonasal inflammation. Data was collected on study design, olfaction dysfunction etiology, clinical outcomes, and level of evidence. Two investigators reviewed all articles independently, with a third acting as a mediator for any disagreements in recommendation.ResultsOf 866 abstracts identified, only 15 studies met inclusion criteria and were systematically reviewed. Level 4 evidence suggests oral steroids can improve olfactory loss. Level 1B evidence demonstrates topical steroid rinses improve olfactory dysfunction in a select group of patients. Topical steroid sprays show no improvement across several levels of evidence.ConclusionThere is a paucity of high‐quality studies demonstrating efficacy of either topical or oral steroids for olfactory dysfunction unrelated to sinonasal disease. The only level 1 evidence suggests using steroid rinses to improve olfactory outcomes in select patients, with weaker evidence supporting use of oral steroids. Topical steroid sprays do not improve olfactory dysfunction in this patient population and are not recommended.
Interleukin‐4‒induced posttranscriptional gene regulation of CCL26 by the RNA‐binding protein HuR in primary human nasal polyp‒derived epithelial cells
Authors: Tian Peng , Ou Huashuang , Wu Fan , Ma Yun , Liu Xiang , Chen Qiujian , Dang Hua , Zou Hua 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundMuch attention on the pathophysiology of nasal polyp (NP) has focused on eosinophils. Interleukin (IL)‐4 and eotaxin‐3 (C‐C motif chemokine ligand 26, or CCL26) levels have been reported to be increased in eosinophilic nasal polyps. The aim of this study was to characterize CCL26 posttranscriptional regulation by the RNA‐binding protein HuR in primary human nasal polyp‒derived epithelial cells (hNPDECs) challenged with IL‐4.MethodsA prospective, observational study was conducted. Nasal polyp tissues were obtained from eosinophilic (n = 12) and non‐eosinophilic (n = 10) NP patients, and inferior turbinate (IT) tissues were taken from control subjects (n = 9) and cultured into hNPDECs. Expression of HuR and CCL26 were measured by immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis, enzyme‐linked immunoassay, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of HuR in hNPDECs was detected by immunofluorescence. Posttranscriptional regulation of CCL26 by HuR was tested by ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation assay (RIP) and dual‐luciferase reporter assay. CCL26 mRNA stabilization was measured by quatititative PCR after treatment with actinomycin D. Student's t test and one‐way analysis of variance were used.ResultsImmunohistochemical data show that both HuR and CCL26 were highly expressed in NP tissues, especially eosinophilic NP tissues (p < 0.05). IL‐4 stimulation increased CCL26 mRNA stability, and overexpression and knockdown of HuR affected CCL26 expression. Immunofluorescence data indicate that IL‐4 altered the subcellular distribution of HuR. The RIP and dual‐luciferase reporter assay results supply strong evidence for HuR binding to CCL26.ConclusionOur results provide strong support for the hypothesis that IL‐4‒induced expression of CCL26 in hNPDECs relies partly on CCL26 mRNA stabilization mediated by the interaction of HuR with CCL26 3'UTR.
Ivacaftor improves rhinologic, psychologic, and sleep‐related quality of life in G551D cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: McCormick Justin , Cho Do‐Yeon , Lampkin Brooks , Richman Joshua , Hathorne Heather , Rowe Steven M. , Woodworth Bradford A. 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundIvacaftor is a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) potentiator that improves pulmonary function in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with at least 1 copy of the G551D CFTR mutation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of ivacaftor on chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) symptoms in this population.MethodsThe G551D Observational (GOAL) study was a multicenter prospective cohort study enrolling CF patients ≥6 years with at least 1 G551D mutation. Subjects were provided 20‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐20) questionnaires prior to ivacaftor therapy and at 1, 3, and 6 months afterward. The impact on rhinologic (R), psychological (P), sleep (S), and ear/facial (E) quality of life (QOL) domains was evaluated separately.ResultsOf 153 subjects, 129 (84%) completed all questionnaires. Typical baseline symptom burden was low (75% with scores <1) and degree of improvement (ie, reduced scores) was greater with higher baseline scores. SNOT‐20 decreased, reflecting improvement, at all follow‐up intervals (1 month: [mean change ± standard deviation] –0.25 ± 0.53, p < 0.01; 3 months; –0.29 ± 0.58, p < 0.01; 6 months: –0.21 ± 0.58, p = 0.02), but less than the prespecified minimal clinically important difference (0.8). Significant improvement was observed at 1, 3, and 6 months in the R domain (1 month: –0.24, p < 0.01; 3 months: –0.34, p < 0.01; 6 months: –0.25, p < 0.01) and P domain (1 month: –0.25, p < 0.01; 3 months: –0.32, p < 0.01; 6 months: –0.26, p < 0.01), and 1 and 3 months in the S domain (1 months: –0.35, p < 0.01; 3 months: –0.32, p < 0.01; 6 months: –0.18, p = 0.07). There was no improvement in the E domain at any time point.ConclusionIvacaftor improves QOL in the R, P, and S domains in G551D CF patients, although QOL instruments validated for CRS may not translate well to CF CRS patients because symptom burden was surprisingly low.
Surface modification of polypropylene waste by the radiation grafting of styrene and upcycling into a cation‐exchange resin
Authors: Hassan Muhammad Inaam ul , Taimur Shaista , Khan Ijaz Ahmed , Yasin Tariq , Ali Syed Wasim 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTIn this study, we radiation‐grafted polypropylene waste (PPw) powder obtained from the accelerated aging of pristine polypropylene with styrene (St) using γ rays from a Co‐60 source at dose rate of 4.78 kGy/h. The influence of the variation of the γ absorbed dose, solvent types, and monomer concentration on the grafting yield was investigated. Solution grafting in methanol resulted in a higher grafting yield of 162.6% at 30 kGy in contrast to the 69.5% obtained in the absence of solvent. Grafting was found to be enhanced with the increased dilution of St with methanol. The grafted St units were incorporated with sulfonic (SO3H) groups by a sulfonation reaction with sulfuric acid. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy/energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis were used to characterize the grafted and sulfonated products. Sulfonation of 162.6% grafted PPw powder exhibited a maximum ion‐exchange capacity (IEC) of 3.56 mequiv/g. The utilization of PPw and its conversion into sulfonated PPw with comparable IECs is a new addition to already existing radiation grafting systems. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47145.
A percolation threshold model that effectively characterizes the full concentration range for electrical‐conducting polymer composites
Authors: Sudduth Richard D. 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTThe new percolation threshold model introduced in this study is a modification of Clingerman's model, which in turn is a modification of the model originally developed by Mamunya et al. Several of the original constants from Clingerman's and Mamunya's were consolidated, and most importantly, the concentration of the percolation threshold is not a required constant in the model. One extraordinary characteristic of this new model is that it is possible to separate this model into two different equations that separately describe the conducting filler component and the insulating matrix component. In general, this new percolation threshold model introduces five new calculated quantities on the S‐shaped curve, including the calculated volume fraction of the percolation threshold. The capability of this new model was evaluated with three of Clingerman's polymer composite percolation threshold data sets involving electrical conductivity measurements. This new model did an excellent job of fitting the data extremely well over the whole concentration range. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47184.
Technology assessment of new biodegradable poly(R‐3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐1,4‐butylene adipate) copolymers for drug delivery
Authors: Musumeci Teresa , Cupri Sarha , Bonaccorso Angela , Impallomeni Giuseppe , Ballistreri Alberto , Puglisi Giovanni , Pignatello Rosario 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTNew biodegradable biomaterials are attracting a huge interest as alternative to conventional polymers used in the field of drug delivery. In this work, we evaluated the ability of new biocompatible and biodegradable polyesters to form nanoparticles (NPs), and tested their potential carrier properties for controlled release of hydrophilic or lipophilic compounds. Multiblock copolymers derived from poly(R‐3‐hydroxybutyrate) and poly(1,4‐butylene adipate) by microwave‐assisted transesterification, having different chemical and physicochemical properties were tested. Nanoprecipitation was applied to obtain NPs with a homogenous size distribution. Oil Red O and calcein were encapsulated as lipophilic and hydrophilic probes, evaluating NP mean size and size polydispersity, surface charge, encapsulation efficiency, and release profile. The release curves were fitted into mathematical models to investigate the release mechanism. NPs stability appeared to be strictly related to storage conditions. The NPs were also successfully autoclaved and their mucoadhesive behavior was assessed by a “mucin‐particle method.” © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47233.
Drug release kinetics of pH‐responsive microgels of different glass‐transition temperatures
Authors: Islam M. S. , Tan J. P. K. , Kwok C. Y. , Tam K. C. 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTThe pH‐responsive microgels (MGs) consisting of methacrylic acid‐ethyl acrylate (MAA‐EA), methacrylic acid‐butyl methacrylate (MAA‐BMA) or methacrylic acid‐methyl methacrylate (MAA‐MMA) crosslinked with di‐allyl phthalate (DAP) were synthesized via emulsion polymerization. It was found that the energy required to extract a proton from MGs with higher glass‐transition temperature (Tg) was greater than at a lower Tg. Procaine hydrochloride (PrHy) was used to study the release of a model hydrophobic drug from MGs with different Tgs. A drug selective electrode (DSE) was used to monitor the release as a function of pHs and Tgs. With increasing pH or decreasing Tg, the swelling of MGs was enhanced, leading to greater release of the drug. From the Berens and Hopfenberg model, the contributions of chain relaxation and diffusion processes during a release process were determined. The drug release from lower Tg MGs and at high pH is dominated by diffusion rather than chain relaxation. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47284.
Thermomechanical investigation of hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene‐based linear polyurethane elastomers
Authors: Akram Nadia , Zia Khalid Mahmood , Sattar Rabia , Tabassum Shazia , Saeed Muhammad 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTThe present work describes the trend of linear polyurethane elastomers for its thermal and mechanical behavior. The linear polyurethane elastomers have been synthesized in two different series by changing the composition of the polymers. Both series have common macrodiol of hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene and butanediol while they vary in the presence of diisocyanate. One of the series, contain an aromatic diisocyanate, toluene diisocyanate (TDI), and the other consist of 1,6‐hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) as an aliphatic diisocyanate. For linear structure, ratio of OH and NCO group has been maintained 1.0. The hydrogen bonding index is determined from Fourier transform infrared to calculate the extent of interchain hydrogen bonding which manifest the microphase separation. Young's modulus (5.79 MPa) and tensile strength (1.14 MPa) are recorded for HDI‐derived elastomers, while Young's modulus varies from 1.14 to 1.63 MPa for TDI‐based elastomers which also resulted in higher thermal stability. Thermogravimetric curves exhibit two‐step degradation with the stability of 300 °C. HDI‐based polyurethane elastomers show better tensile properties and HDI but poor thermal stability as compared to TDI‐based elastomers. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47289.