bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Crystal Structure, Surface Topography, Surface Morphology and Optical Properties of DC Magnetron Sputtered VO2 Thin Films using VO2 Target
Authors: Muslim Noormariah , Md Idris Muhammad Nur Syafi’ie , Soon Ying Woan , Chau Yuan-Fong Chou , Lim Chee Ming , Voo Nyuk Yoong 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Vanadium dioxide (VO2) thin films were deposited at room temperature on Corning 2947 glass substrates by direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering with a high purity VO2 target. Crystal structure, surface topography, surface morphology and optical properties of the deposited VO2 thin films were investigated. The deposited films exhibited a single orientation of (110) with a crystallite size of 41.3 nm as confirmed by the X-ray diffraction analysis and Scherrer formula, respectively. From the surface topography analysis, the film surface had root mean square surface roughness of ~6.8 nm and consisted of round-shaped grains. Similarly, from the surface morphology analysis, spherical-like grains were observed on the surface of the deposited VO2 thin films with estimated average grain size of 34.2 nm. The deposited thin films showed high transmittance and low reflectance in the visible and near-infrared wavelength regions at room temperature. In addition, from the optical transmittance against temperature measurements, only a few transmittance variation and a slight change in hysteresis loop were detected during heating and cooling between room temperature and 100 °C. Hence, the deposited VO2 thin films were found to exhibit lack of phase transition.
Computational modeling of cellular structures using conditional deep generative networks
Authors: Yuan Hao , Cai Lei , Wang Zhengyang , Hu Xia , Zhang Shaoting , Ji Shuiwang 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Motivation
Cellular function is closely related to the localizations of its sub-structures. It is, however, challenging to experimentally label all sub-cellular structures simultaneously in the same cell. This raises the need of building a computational model to learn the relationships among these sub-cellular structures and use reference structures to infer the localizations of other structures.

Results
We formulate such a task as a conditional image generation problem and propose to use conditional generative adversarial networks for tackling it. We employ an encoder–decoder network as the generator and propose to use skip connections between the encoder and decoder to provide spatial information to the decoder. To incorporate the conditional information in a variety of different ways, we develop three different types of skip connections, known as the self-gated connection, encoder-gated connection and label-gated connection. The proposed skip connections are built based on the conditional information using gating mechanisms. By learning a gating function, the network is able to control what information should be passed through the skip connections from the encoder to the decoder. Since the gate parameters are also learned automatically, we expect that only useful spatial information is transmitted to the decoder to help image generation. We perform both qualitative and quantitative evaluations to assess the effectiveness of our proposed approaches. Experimental results show that our cGAN-based approaches have the ability to generate the desired sub-cellular structures correctly. Our results also demonstrate that the proposed approaches outperform the existing approach based on adversarial auto-encoders, and the new skip connections lead to improved performance. In addition, the localizations of generated sub-cellular structures by our approaches are consistent with observations in biological experiments.

Availability and implementation
The source code and more results are available at https://github.com/divelab/cgan/.
Evaluating for Human Herpesvirus 6 in the Liver Explants of Children With Liver Failure of Unknown Etiology
Authors: Yang Christine H , Sahoo Malaya K , Fitzpatrick Megan , Lau Audrey H , Pinsky Benjamin A , Martinez Olivia M 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundLiver failure of unknown etiology (LFUE) has a transplant-free survival rate <25%. Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) may be associated with LFUE, but studies are limited by small sample size.MethodsWe identified all children who underwent liver transplant for LFUE at a single quaternary children’s hospital; 51/65 cases could be age matched with controls (children who underwent liver transplant for metabolic liver disease). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction for HHV-6 was performed on DNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded liver explant tissue.ResultsHHV-6 was detected in 34/51 cases (66.7%) and 19/51 controls (37.3%) (P = .005). Average HHV-6 viral load was 213207 copies/106 cells in positive cases (range: 7293–1102030) and 38115 copies/106 cells in positive controls (range: 1382–122375) (P = .0008). HHV-6 was present significantly more often in cases compared to controls in patients younger than 6 years. In particular, in patients younger than 3 years, HHV-6 was present in 13/27 cases (48.1%) and 2/27 controls (7.4%) (P = .0009).ConclusionsHHV-6 was detected in liver explants significantly more often and in higher quantities in children transplanted for LFUE compared to controls, suggesting HHV-6 should be evaluated in young children who present with LFUE.
Higher Education for Police Professionals. The Dutch Case
Authors: Huisjes Henk , Engbers Fiona , Meurs Teun 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn the Netherlands, already for some 20 years, a discourse on the relevance and nature of higher education for police professionals can be traced. To explain this discourse, the article consists of a reconstruction of the trajectory of change and an assessment of the current situation. Furthermore, a future perspective is included, which largely runs parallel with other forms of higher education for professions in the public sector. Key concepts, for instance, are the ‘reflective practitioner’ and the ‘hybrid professional’. Also, a case is presented on the education of reflective practices, which exemplifies a didactics of teaching and learning in police practice. More than ever a close cooperation between police practice and police education is needed, as well as a clear focus on how ‘learning by doing’ relates to the need of a solid knowledge base. Together, teachers and practitioners may challenge the student to develop a personal judgment on the connection between theories (concepts, words) and practice (experience, works).
Improvement of social support in empty-nest elderly: results from an intervention study based on the Self-Mutual-Group model
Authors: Zhang Chichen , Zhao Huining , Zhu Ruifang , Lu Jiao , Hou Lihong , Yang Xiaozhao Yousef , Yin Mei , Yang Tingzhong 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Background
China has the world’s largest elderly population and an increasing number of empty-nest elderly. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Self-Mutual-Group model on social support of the empty-nest elderly, thus providing reference for improving their quality of life.

Methods
A intervention study was conducted between October 2016 and May 2017 at six communities in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China. A total of 350 empty-nest elderly aged 60–88 years were randomly assigned in the intervention group (n = 167) with a 7-month SMG-based intervention or to a control group (n = 183) with no intervention. The social support of the participating elderly (n = 350) was assessed by the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) at the baseline and 7 months later, respectively.

Results
A 7-month follow-up showed an increasing mean scores of SSRS, objective support, subjective support and support utilization of the intervention group, and reached statistical significance (P &lt; 0.05).

Conclusions
The Self-Mutual-Group model was considered to be a positive intervention and was effective in increasing social support among the empty-nest elderly. Furthermore, future research should extend the intervention period and introduce multi-point measurement to better evaluate the intervention process and outcomes.

Trial registration
Study on the ‘SMG’ Health Management Model Based on Community Organization Theory among empty-nest elderly (ChiCTR1800015884).
Development and Evaluation of the Breast Cancer Online Rehabilitation (BRECOR) Program for Self-managed Upper-Body Rehabilitation for Women With Breast Cancer
Authors: Rafn Bolette S. , Nees Carina , Midtgaard Julie , Camp Pat G. , Vibe-Petersen Jette , Campbell Kristin L. 
Published: November 2018

Background:
Survivors of breast cancer experience upper-body issues.

Objectives:
To develop and evaluate a rehabilitation program (BRECOR) to support self-managed upper-body rehabilitation after treatment for breast cancer.

Design:
Development and feasibility study.

Setting:
Community-based.

Participants:
Development of program elements (clinical assessment tool, education pamphlet, and Website) was informed by 17 physical therapists with experience in oncology rehabilitation and 10 women with breast cancer. Feasibility was evaluated by 35 women who had recently undergone surgery for breast cancer and 29 women who had completed surgery and radiation therapy for breast cancer.

Intervention:
Participants performed an individualized 12-week self-managed upper-body rehabilitation program informed by the clinical assessment tool, with support from the education pamphlet and the Website.

Measurements:
Recruitment/retention rates, adherence, capacity, and participant satisfaction were collected to establish feasibility.

Results:
Feedback from the physical therapists was instrumental in developing the program content. User testing refined the program elements. Participant feedback in the feasibility testing was positive with good recruitment (80%), retention (83%), and adherence (72%) to the self-managed upper-body rehabilitation program. Participants improved their upper-body function and reported benefit from the program.

Limitations:
The effectiveness of the BRECOR program in improving upper-body function cannot be determined, as this was a single-group feasibility study.

Conclusion:
A feasible, self-managed upper-body rehabilitation program was developed through iterative stages of program development and feasibility testing. The BRECOR program elements provide a toolkit to enforce qualified upper-body assessment, provide rehabilitation prescriptions, and support self-managed upper-body rehabilitation after treatment for breast cancer.
Multidimensional Outcome Measurement of Children and Youth With Neuropathy Following Treatment of Leukemia: Cross-sectional Descriptive Report
Authors: Wright Marilyn , Twose Donna , Gorter Jan Willem 
Published: November 2018

Background:
Children/youth with chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) experience many impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions.

Objective:
The objective of this study was to describe the use and feasibility of selected multi-dimensional outcome measures of functioning, disability, and health in children/youth with CIPN following treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Methods:
A selection of clinician evaluated and patient reported outcome measures encompassing all dimensions of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health was collected from seventeen children/youth with CIPN within a study of 3D instrumented motion analysis. Measures included the pediatric modified Total Neuropathy Scale, ankle strength and range of motion, six-minute walk test, Edinburgh Visual Gait Score, Oxford Ankle and Foot Questionnaire, Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency running speed and agility subtest, and Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument Transfers and Basic Mobility, Sports/Physical Functioning, and Pain/Comfort scales.

Results:
The measures were shown to be feasible and were able to demonstrate differences compared to normative data. They showed variability within the group of children/youth with CIPN except for the running speed and agility test, which had a floor effect. The Edinburgh Visual Gait Scores correlated significantly (r = −0.668, p <0.001) with the Gait Deviation Index, a summary score of kinematic gait data from the 3D motion analysis study.

Conclusion:
These measures can contribute clinical practice, research, and the development of core outcome set registries.
Laparoscopic Radical Trachelectomy for Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma of the Cervix in a 2-Year-Old Girl
Authors: May Taymaa , Allen Lisa , Hogen Liat , King Carol , Lorenzo Armando J. , Browne-Farmer Chantelle , Gupta Abha , Shaikh Furqan 
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND:
Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the cervix is a rare and aggressive malignancy that usually affects children and young adults.

CASE:
We describe a 2-year-old patient who presented with a mass protruding through the vaginal introitus. Preoperative investigations including vaginoscopy, hysteroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, and biopsies confirmed embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, botryoid subtype, arising from the cervix. She was successfully treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and interval laparoscopic radical trachelectomy to achieve remission.

CONCLUSION:
Collaboration between the pediatric and adult surgical and medical oncology teams was critical to implement this fertility-sparing treatment strategy in such a young girl having this rare tumor.
Preconception Coverage Before and After the Affordable Care Act Medicaid Expansions
Authors: Clapp Mark A. , James Kaitlyn E. , Kaimal Anjali J. , Daw Jamie R. 
Published: November 2018

OBJECTIVE:
To estimate the effects of the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion provision that was largely implemented in 2014 on preconception insurance coverage among low-income women.

METHODS:
We used a quasiexperimental, difference-in-difference design to compare changes in preconception insurance coverage among low-income women living in expansion compared with nonexpansion states before and after the Medicaid expansions. Women with family incomes 138% the federal poverty level or less who participated in the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System from 2009 to 2015 from states that did or did not expand their Medicaid programs on January 1, 2014, were included. The exposure of interest was the state Medicaid expansion. The primary outcome was insurance status 1 month before conception. We conducted additional subgroup and sensitivity analyses to test the assumptions of the model and the robustness of the findings.

RESULTS:
The study sample included 30,495 women from eight states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act and 26,561 patients from seven states in that did not. The rate of preconception Medicaid coverage was 30.8% prepolicy and 35.6% postpolicy in nonexpansion states and 43.2% prepolicy and 56.8% postpolicy in expansion states. There was a significantly greater increase in Medicaid coverage in expansion states after the policy implementation (adjusted difference-in-difference estimate +8.6% points, 95% CI 1.1–16.0). Rates of preconception uninsurance were 44.2% prepolicy and 34.3% postpolicy in nonexpansion states and 37.4% prepolicy and 23.5% postpolicy in expansion states. There was no significant difference in the changes in uninsurance between the two groups in the postpolicy period (adjusted difference-in-difference estimate −4.1, 95% CI −11.1 to 2.9). Non-Medicaid insurance coverage was 25.3% prepolicy and 30.5% postpolicy in nonexpansion states and 19.4% prepolicy and 19.7% postpolicy in expansion states. Relative to nonexpansion states, there was a significant decrease in non-Medicaid coverage in the expansion states in the postpolicy period (adjusted difference-in-difference estimate −4.7, 95% CI −8.3 to −1.1). The results were robust to alternate model specifications and study period definitions.

CONCLUSION:
Medicaid expansion was associated with increased enrollment in Medicaid before pregnancy among low-income women; however, there were no changes in the rates of uninsurance. Additional years of postpolicy data are needed to fully assess the effects of the policy change.
Chromosomal Microarray Analysis Results From Pregnancies With Various Ultrasonographic Anomalies
Authors: Sagi-Dain Lena , Maya Idit , Reches Adi , Frumkin Ayala , Grinshpun-Cohen Julia , Segel Reeval , Manor Esther , Khayat Morad , Tenne Tamar , Banne Ehud , Shalata Adel , Yonath Hagith , Berger Racheli , Singer Amihood , Ben-Shachar Shay 
Published: November 2018

OBJECTIVE:
To examine chromosomal microarray analysis results in pregnancies with various ultrasonographic anomalies and to characterize the copy number variants in diverse fetal phenotypes.

METHODS:
We retrospectively examined chromosomal microarray analyses of amniocenteses performed nationwide as a result of fetal ultrasonographic anomalies (structural defects, fetal growth restriction, and polyhydramnios) between January 2013 and September 2017. The rate of abnormal chromosomal microarray findings was compared between the different phenotypes and with a previously described control population of 15,225 pregnancies with normal ultrasonographic findings.

RESULTS:
Clinically significant chromosomal microarray aberrations were detected in 272 of 5,750 pregnancies (4.7%): 115 (2%) karyotype-detectable and 157 (2.7%) submicroscopic. Most commonly detected copy number variants were 22q11.21 deletions (0.4%) followed by 22q11.21 gain of copy number (0.2%). Specific copy number variants detected among pregnancies with abnormal ultrasonographic findings were up to 20-fold more prevalent compared with low-risk pregnancies. Some variants were associated with specific phenotypes (eg, 22q11.21 microdeletions with cardiovascular and 17q12 microdeletions with genitourinary defects).

CONCLUSION:
The rate of abnormal amniotic chromosomal microarray analysis results is twice that of karyotypic abnormalities in pregnancies with various abnormal ultrasonographic findings.
Terminal Complement Activation in Preeclampsia
Authors: Burwick Richard M. , Velásquez Jesús A. , Valencia Catalina M. , Gutiérrez-Marín Jorge , Edna-Estrada Francisco , Silva Jaime L. , Trujillo-Otálvaro Juliana , Vargas-Rodríguez Johanna , Bernal Yamile , Quintero Alvaro , Rincón Mónica , Tolosa Jorge E. 
Published: November 2018

OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate whether C5b-9 concentrations in blood and urine are increased in preeclampsia with severe features.

METHODS:
The Complement and Preeclampsia in the Americas study is a prospective, multicenter case–control study performed at six centers in Colombia from November 2015 to July 2016. The case group included women with preeclampsia with severe features, and the control group included women who were healthy or had chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, or preeclampsia without severe features. We enrolled two women in the control group for every woman in the case group. Soluble C5b-9 concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in blood and urine. The primary outcome was C5b-9 concentrations in women in the case group compared with all women in the control group, and the secondary outcome was C5b-9 levels in women in the case group compared with individual control subgroups. Differences were assessed by test of medians, and associations were further evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and logistic regression with α=0.05.

RESULTS:
Three hundred fifty-two patients were enrolled. Plasma C5b-9 concentrations did not differ significantly between women in the case group and those in the control group, but urine C5b-9 concentrations were higher in women in the case group (median [interquartile range] 9.9 [1.6–43.7] vs 1.8 [0.54–4.1] ng/mL, P<.001). In subgroup analysis, plasma C5b-9 concentrations were increased in women in the case group compared with healthy women in the control group (median [interquartile range] 2,778 [1,633–4,230] vs 1,374 [1,064–2,332] ng/mL, P<.001), and urine C5b-9 concentrations were increased in women in the case group compared with all control subgroups (P<.001). Using receiver operating characteristic analysis, urine C5b-9 concentrations differentiated preeclampsia with severe features from hypertensive women in the control group (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.74, 95% CI 0.68–0.80). Urine C5b-9 22 ng/mL or greater (range 0–158.4 ng/mL) was the optimal cut point for diagnosis of preeclampsia with severe features with adjusted odds ratio of 10.0 (95% CI 3.5–28.8, P<.001).

CONCLUSION:
Urinary excretion of terminal complement effector C5b-9 is higher in women with preeclampsia with severe features compared with women with other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and women without hypertension.
Does Gender Influence Postoperative Outcomes in Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion?
Authors: Khechen Benjamin , Haws Brittany E. , Patel Dil V. , Cardinal Kaitlyn L. , Guntin Jordan A. , Singh Kern 
Published: November 2018

Study Design:
Retrospective cohort.

Objective:
The objective of this study was to determine if an association exists between gender and postoperative improvements in patient-reported outcomes (PRO) measures following minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF).

Summary of Background Data:
Current spine literature presents conflicting findings regarding the influence of gender on clinical outcomes.

Methods:
Patients undergoing primary, single-level MIS TLIF were retrospectively reviewed. PRO measures including Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) back and leg pain scores were collected preoperatively and 6-week, 12-week, and 6-month postoperatively. Rates of minimum clinically important difference (MCID) achievement were determined at 6-months postoperative. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson χ2 analysis or Student t test.

Results:
In total, 169 patients, 40.83% females and 59.17% males, were included. Females experienced greater inpatient pain scores than males (POD 0: 5.30 vs. 4.69, P=0.041; POD 1: 4.80 vs. 4.13, P=0.019). Females demonstrated significantly greater ODI (43.77 vs. 36.22; P=0.002) and VAS leg (6.20 vs. 5.27; P=0.039) scores than males. No differences in postoperative improvements in ODI, VAS back or VAS leg pain scores were identified between genders, with exception to females demonstrating greater improvement in VAS leg pain at 6 months postoperatively (female: −4.40 vs. male: −3.32; P=0.033). Furthermore, no differences in MCID achievement for PROs were identified between cohorts.

Conclusions:
Females demonstrated greater preoperative pain and disability as well as inpatient VAS pain scores compared to males. Furthermore, gender was not associated with differences in length of stay, perioperative complication rates, or narcotics consumption. Improvements in pain and disability, as well as rates of MCID achievement were similar between genders. These findings suggest that gender is not associated with surgical or clinical outcomes and should not be used as a predictor of outcomes following MIS TLIF.

Level of Evidence:
Level III.