bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Direct‐Acting Antiviral Treatment of Patients with Hepatitis C Resolves Serologic and Histopathologic Features of Autoimmune Hepatitis
Authors: Simoes Camila C. , Saldarriaga Omar A. , Utay Netanya S. , Stueck Ashley E. , Merwat Sheharyar K. , Merwat Shehzad N. , Schiano Thomas D. , Fiel Maria Isabel , Stevenson Heather L. 
Published: June 2019

Patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) often have elevated serum markers and histologic features of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). We evaluated an HCV‐positive (HCV+) study group that had elevated serum markers of AIH before starting direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy (n = 21) and compared them to an HCV+ control group that did not have laboratory studies suggesting AIH (n = 21). Several patients in the study (17/21) and control (11/21) groups had liver biopsies before DAA treatment, and many were biopsied due to elevated serum markers of AIH. Evaluation of pre‐DAA treatment liver biopsies showed histologic features suggestive of AIH in 64.7% (11/17) of the study group and 45.5% (5/11) of the control group. Patients who were HCV+ with elevated serum markers of AIH had significantly increased hepatitis activity (P < 0.001) and slightly increased fibrosis stages (P = 0.039) in their pretreatment liver biopsies compared to controls. We hypothesized that the elevated serum markers and histologic features of AIH would resolve following DAA treatment. Serum markers of AIH in the study group began decreasing by 6 months posttreatment, and 52.4% (11/21) had complete resolution. Alanine aminotransferase levels significantly decreased into the normal range for all patients (21/21). Even patients that had persistence of serum markers of AIH after DAA treatment had normal transaminases. Six patients from the study patient group and 4 patients from the control group had follow‐up liver biopsies after DAA treatment, and all biopsies showed resolution of the histologic features of AIH.Conclusion: The majority of HCV+ patients that have serum markers and/or histopathologic features of AIH should initially be treated with DAA.
The structures of MOFs prepared from 1,3,5‐tris [4‐pyridylethynyl]‐benzene and a copper(I) perchlorate complex
Authors: Yang En‐Che , Wu Chen‐Ming , Pan Pei‐Jia , Lee Gene‐Hsiang , Sheu Hwo‐Shuenn , Chang Chung‐Kai 
Published: June 2019

AbstractTwo copper(I)‐based frameworks of complexes {[Cu(L)2(ClO4)]⋅CH3CN}(2) and {[Cu(L)(ClO4)]⋅ 2CH3CN} (3) (L = 1,3,5‐tris(4‐pyridylethynyl) benzene) were produced by reacting [Cu(MeCN)4(ClO4)] with different amounts of a ligand (L) using a hydrothermal method at temperatures of up to 130°C. The nitrogen atoms in the pyridine moieties of the ligand coordinate to the Cu(I) ion. The charge on the Cu(I) ion can be stabilized by extending the degree of conjugation in the system and by taking advantage of its highly symmetrical structure. The large degree of conjugation also supports numerous π–π interactions in the framework.
Reactive oxygen species are involved in eosinophil extracellular traps release and in airway inflammation in asthma
Authors: Silveira Josiane Silva , Antunes Géssica Luana , Kaiber Daniela Benvenutti , da Costa Mariana Severo , Marques Eduardo Peil , Ferreira Fernanda Silva , Gassen Rodrigo Benedetti , Breda Ricardo Vaz , Wyse Angela T. S. , Pitrez Paulo , da Cunha Aline Andrea 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIn asthma, there are high levels of inflammatory mediators, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and eosinophil extracellular traps (EETs) formation in airway. Here, we attempted to investigate the ROS involvement in EETs release and airway inflammation in OVA‐challenged mice. Before the intranasal challenge with ovalbumin (OVA), animals were treated with two ROS inhibitors, N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) or diphenyleneiodonium (DPI). We showed that NAC treatment reduced inflammatory cells in lung. DPI and NAC treatments reduced eosinophil peroxidase (EPO), goblet cells hyperplasia, proinflammatory cytokines, NFκB p65 immunocontent, and oxidative stress in lung. However, only the NAC treatment improved mitochondrial energy metabolism. Moreover, the treatments with DPI and NAC reduced EETs release in airway. This is the first study to show that ROS are needed for EETs formation in asthma. Based on our results, NAC and DPI treatments can be an interesting alternative for reducing airway inflammation, mitochondrial damage, and EETs release in asthma.
Effect of sex hormones on extracellular matrix of lamina propria in rat vocal fold
Authors: Kim Ji Min , Shin Sung‐Chan , Park Gi‐Cheol , Lee Jin‐Choon , Jeon Yun Kyung , Ahn Sang Jeong , Thibeault Susan , Lee Byung‐Joo 
Published: June 2019

ObjectivesThe role of sex hormones for voice changes in men and women is presently unknown. To determine the effect of sex hormone on the vocal fold, changes of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in vocal fold lamina propria were assessed in orchiectomized (ORX) and ovariectomized (OVX) rats.MethodsMale and female Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into sham‐operated control male (CON‐ORX), ORX, sham‐operated female (CON‐OVX), and OVX rats. Histological changes and expression of ECM‐related genes in lamina propria of the vocal fold were evaluated at 4 and 12 weeks after surgery.ResultsTestosterone and estradiol levels decreased in the ORX and OVX groups, respectively. ORX groups did not have significant changes compared with CON‐ORX groups. However, the expression of hyaluronic acid (HA) was decreased in the OVX group compared with the CON‐OVX group. The expression of collagen I in OVX was lower than in the CON‐OVX group. Collagen III levels were elevated at 4 weeks in the OVX group, but collagen III levels were diminished at 12 weeks in the OVX group. Expression of elastin in the ECM was less dense in the OVX group compared with controls. The expression MMP‐1 and MMP‐9 showed significantly increase in the OVX group compared to the CON‐OVX group.ConclusionNo changes of the ECM‐related genes in the vocal fold lamina propria were observed in ORX groups with reduced testosterone. However, changes of several ECM‐related genes were observed in OVX groups with decreased estrogen. These results indicate that the vocal fold is an estrogen‐sensitive target organ and that decreased estrogen, not testosterone, can affect the expression of several ECM‐related molecules of vocal fold.Level of EvidenceNALaryngoscope, 130:732–740, 2020
Segmentation and suppression of pulmonary vessels in low‐dose chest CT scans
Authors: Gu Xiaomeng , Wang Jiyong , Zhao Jun , Li Qiang 
Published: June 2019

PurposeThe suppression of pulmonary vessels in chest computed tomography (CT) images can enhance the conspicuity of lung nodules, thereby improving the detection rate of early lung cancer. This study aimed to develop two key techniques in vessel suppression, that is, segmentation and removal of pulmonary vessels while preserving the nodules.MethodsPulmonary vessel segmentation and removal methods in CT images were developed. The vessel segmentation method used a framework of two cascaded convolutional neural networks (CNNs). A bi‐class segmentation network was utilized in the first step to extract high‐intensity structures, including both vessels and nonvascular tissues such as nodules. A tri‐class segmentation network was employed in the second step to distinguish the vessels from nonvascular tissues (mainly nodules) and the lung parenchyma. In the vessel removal method, the voxels in the segmented vessels were replaced with randomly selected voxels from the surrounding lung parenchyma. The dataset in this study comprised 50 three‐dimensional (3D) low‐dose chest CT images. The labels for vessel and nodule segmentation were annotated with a semi automatic approach. The two cascaded networks for pulmonary vessel segmentation were trained with CT images of 40 cases and tested with CT images of ten cases. Pulmonary vessels were removed from the ten testing scans based on the predicted segmentation results. In addition to qualitative evaluation to the effects of segmentation and removal, the segmentation results were quantitatively evaluated using Dice coefficient (DICE), Jaccard index (JAC), and volumetric similarity (VS) and the removal results were evaluated using contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR).ResultsIn the first step of vessel segmentation, the mean DICE, JAC, and VS for high‐intensity tissues, including both vessels and nodules, were 0.943, 0.893, and 0.991, respectively. In the second step, all the nodules were separated from the vessels, and the mean DICE, JAC, and VS for the vessels were 0.941, 0.890, and 0.991, respectively. After vessel removal, the mean CNR for nodules was improved from 4.23 (6.26 dB) to 6.95 (8.42 dB).ConclusionsQuantitative and qualitative evaluations demonstrated that the proposed method achieved a high accuracy for pulmonary vessel segmentation and a good effect on pulmonary vessel suppression.
Specific interaction between fluorine atoms and thiol groups accounting for higher domain purity and photostability in narrowband BHJ systems
Authors: Zhou Weihua , Yu Zoukangning , Zhang Ming , Zhang Lifu , Yin Jingping , Ai Qingyun , Huang Liqiang , Liu Feng , Zeng Jianrong , Chen Yiwang 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACTIn order to explore the role of fluorine atoms on photostability as well as morphology control of active layer in the presence of 1,4‐butanedithiol (BT), the four polymers with or without fluorine atoms in the backbones including polythieno[3,4‐b]thiophene/benzodithiophene, poly[(4,8‐bis‐(2‐ethylhexyloxy)‐benzo(1,2‐b:4,5‐b9)dithiophene)‐2,6‐diyl‐alt‐(4‐(2‐ethylhexanoyl)‐thieno[3,4‐b]thiophene‐)‐2‐6‐diyl)], poly[4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b;4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl‐alt‐(4‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐3‐fluorothieno[3,4‐b]thiophene‐)‐2‐carboxylate‐2‐6‐diyl)], and poly[4,8‐bis‐(2‐ethyl‐hexyl‐thiophene‐5‐yl)‐benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b0]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl]‐alt‐[2‐(20‐ethyl‐hexanoyl)‐thieno [3,4‐b]thiophen‐4,6‐diyl] were selected for comparison. It is found that the specimens containing fluorine atoms in polymer backbones showed of higher stability after illumination for 1 h in the presence of BT additive, contributing to the higher domain purity. The specific interaction between fluorine atoms and thiol groups was demonstrated by the appearance of novel absorption peak at 2663.1 cm−1, in addition to the broadening of peak at 2556.2 cm−1 ascribing to SH stretching vibration as confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The finding may guide the accurate use of thiols as effective solvent additive in morphology and stability optimization. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 941–951
Quality assessment of fetal middle cerebral and umbilical artery Doppler images using an objective scale within an international randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rial‐Crestelo M. , Morales‐Roselló J. , Hernández‐Andrade E. , Prefumo F. , Oros D. , Caffici D. , Sotiriadis A. , Zohav E. , Cruz‐Martinez R. , Parra‐Cordero M. , Lubusky M. , Kacerovsky M. , Figueras F. 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo determine the quality of Doppler images of the fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) and umbilical artery (UA) using an objective scale, and to determine the reliability of this scale, within a multicenter randomized controlled trial (Revealed versus concealed criteria for placental insufficiency in unselected obstetric population in late pregnancy (Ratio37)).MethodsThe Ratio37 trial is an ongoing randomized, open‐label, multicenter controlled study of women with a low‐risk pregnancy recruited at 20 weeks. Doppler measurements of the fetal MCA and UA were performed at 37 weeks. Twenty patients from each of the six participating centers were selected randomly, with two images evaluated per patient (one each for the MCA and UA). The quality of a total of 240 images was evaluated by six experts, scored on an objective scale of six items. Inter‐ and intrarater reliability was assessed using the Fleiss‐modified kappa statistic for ordinal scales.ResultsOn average, 89.2% of MCA images and 85.0% of UA images were rated as being of perfect (score of 6) or almost perfect (score of 5) quality. Kappa values for intrarater reliability of quality assessment were 0.90 (95% CI, 0.88–0.92) and 0.90 (95% CI, 0.88–0.93) for the MCA and UA, respectively. The corresponding inter‐rater reliability values were 0.85 (95% CI, 0.81–0.89) and 0.84 (95% CI, 0.80–0.89), respectively.ConclusionThe quality of MCA and UA Doppler ultrasound images can be evaluated reliably using an objective scale. Over 85% of images, which were obtained by operators from a broad range of clinical practices within a multicenter study, were rated as being of perfect or almost perfect quality. Intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability of quality assessment was very good. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Goodness‐of‐fit testing in sparse contingency tables when the number of variables is large
Authors: Reiser Mark 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe Pearson and likelihood ratio statistics are commonly used to test goodness of fit for models applied to data from a multinomial distribution. When data are from a table formed by the cross‐classification of a large number of variables, the common statistics may have low power and inaccurate Type I error level due to sparseness. One approach to finding a valid approximation to the achieved significance level (ASL) is to use a bootstrap distribution for the test statistic. For a composite null hypothesis with unknown parameters, the parametric bootstrap has been employed. The parametric bootstrap can be computationally demanding, but a recent development provides a method for computationally efficient calculation of the Pearson–Fisher statistic for very large sparse tables. Another approach employs orthogonal components of the Pearson–Fisher statistic obtained from lower‐order marginal distributions of a large cross‐classified table rather than the joint distribution. These statistics are used essentially for focused tests and have mostly been applied to latent variable models. They have very good performance for Type I error rate and power, even when applied to a sparse table. However, there are limitations when the number of variables becomes larger than 20. Some related statistics also employ lower‐order marginals, but they are not components of the Pearson–Fisher statistic. The performance of these approaches is compared for obtaining a valid ASL for a goodness‐of‐fit test applied to a very large multi‐way contingency table. The approaches are compared with a small simulation study.This article is categorized under:Types and Structure > Categorical DataStatistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Bootstrap and ResamplingStatistical Models > Fitting Models
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Workup of Erectile Dysfunction: Results From a Delphi Consensus of Andrology Experts
Authors: Isidori Andrea M. , Giammusso Bruno , Corona Giovanni , Verze Paolo 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction is a highly prevalent condition. Existing guidelines provide recommendations for diagnosis and treatment, but they are often disregarded in clinical practice in favor of a “patient-tailored” approach.

Objectives
We planned a Delphi consensus method to bridge the gap between evidence-based medicine and the real-life approach in daily practice.

Materials and Methods
The Advisory Board prepared 15 statements on debated topics in andrology, each including 4–6 items designed as a 5-point Likert scale. After a validation phase, the questionnaire was sent by e-mail to a panel of experts for a first round of voting; members of the panel were later invited to a second round of voting, preceded by discussion of the “hot topics” identified in the first round.

Results
The first round of the Delphi consensus involved 101 experts; 71 (70%) also took part in the second round of voting. The Advisory Board deemed 22 items to be worthy of debate, and these underwent the second round of voting. “Real-life” results from the survey proved quite different from evidence-based recommendations.

Conclusion
Although guidelines suggest the best approach for a “standard” patient, real-life settings require flexibility. Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches should be tailored to the patients’ needs. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are recognized as the first-line therapy in both settings, including the newly introduced sildenafil orodispersible film. Indications from the panel might help close the gap between recommendations from guidelines and real-life practice in relation to the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction.
International Interdependence between Cash Crop and Staple Food Futures Price Indices: A Dynamic Assessment
Authors: Amrouk El Mamoun , Heckelei Thomas , Grosche Stephanie-Carolin 
Published: June 2019

Abstract:This study examines the price level and volatility interaction between international staple food and cash crop futures price indices. Understanding the relationship between these commodities bears significant implications for low-income food deficit countries that depend on cash crops to finance food import bills. We use a wavelet analysis to decompose the price indices and then apply a BEKK-MGARCH (Baba, Engle, Kraft and Kroner–multivariate generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity) approach to analyze the relationship across timescales. Results indicate the level of correlation and volatility linkages are strongest at lower frequencies (longer run) than at higher timescales (short run), with information running from staple food to cash crop markets.
A note onPlacenticeras warthiKossmat, 1895 (Ammonoidea), the type species of the genusHypengonocerasSpath, 1922
Authors: Roy Arindam , Bardhan Subhendu 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe type speciesPlacenticeras warthiKossmat, 1895 described from the Early Cretaceous (Albian) of South India is crucial for understanding the true affinity of the genusHypengonocerasSpath, 1922. The species description was based on a holotype and was influenced by the erroneous and misleading hand sketches of the species published in the literature. We recently inspected the type specimen archived in Geological Survey of India, Kolkata, along with one additional specimen kept in Indian Museum, Kolkata, and redescribe them in the present study.
Investigating Subantarctic14C Ages of Different Peat Components: Site and Sample Selection for Developing Robust Age Models in Dynamic Landscapes
Authors: Thomas Zoë A , Turney Chris S M , Hogg Alan , Williams Alan N , Fogwill Chris J 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACTPrecise radiocarbon (14C) dating of sedimentary sequences is important for developing robust chronologies of environmental change, but sampling of suitable components can be challenging in highly dynamic landscapes. Here we investigate radiocarbon determinations of different peat size fractions from six peat sites, representing a range of geomorphological contexts on the South Atlantic subantarctic islands of the Falklands and South Georgia. To investigate the most suitable fraction for dating, 112 measurements were obtained from three components within selected horizons: a fine fraction <0.2 mm, a coarse fraction >0.2 mm, and bulk material. We find site selection is critical, with locations surrounded by high-ground and/or relatively slowly accumulating sites more susceptible to the translocation of older carbon. Importantly, in locations with reduced potential for redeposition of material, our results show that there is no significant or systematic difference between ages derived from bulk material, fine or coarse (plant macrofossil) material, providing confidence in the resulting age model. Crucially, in areas comprising complex terrain with extreme relief, we recommend dating macrofossils or bulk carbon rather than a fine fraction, or employing comprehensive dating of multiple sedimentary fractions to determine the most reliable fraction(s) for developing a robust chronological framework.
On Three Passages of Theocritvs
Authors: Gow A. S. F. 
Published: June 2019

‘Come, live with me,’ says Polyphemus (1. 42), ‘and leave the grey sea to beat upon the shore; my cave has all the heart could desire, laurels and cypresses, ivy and a sweet-fruited vine; a stream too fed by the snows of Etna.’αἰ δέ τοι αὐτ⋯ς ⋯ϒὼν λασιώτερος ημεν, ⋯ντ⋯ δρυ⋯ς ξύλα μοι ὑπ⋯ σποδ⋯ ⋯κάματον π⋯ρ καιόμενος δ ὑπ⋯ τε⋯ς και τ⋯ν ψυχ⋯ν ⋯νεχοιμαν κα⋯ τ⋯ν ἕν ⋯ϕθαλμόν τ⋯ μοι γλυκερώτερον οὐδέν
The Phonetics of Mr- in Latin
Authors: Fay Edwin W. 
Published: June 2019

A. The Vestine Inscription with brat.T. Vetio | duno | didet | Herclo | Iovio | brat. | data.1. This inscription, most easily consulted in Diehl's Alt-lat. Inschriften, No. 70, has been explained, beyond any reasonable doubt, by von Planta (Osk.-Umbr. Gram. 1. 304) as follows: ‘ The entire inscription is accordingly to be rendered thus: T. Vettius donum dat Herculi Iouio; merito data, sc. est or sunt, according as the votive offering was feminine singular or neuter plural.’ The very abbreviation of brat. favours a formulaic word such as merito. Von Planta accounts also for all other dialectic occurrences of the stem brato-, vindicating a sense of meritum (quasi gratia) for all of them.
Josiah Royce — Twenty Years After
Authors: Bixler Julius Seelye 
Published: June 2019

‘Two hundred years from now,’ exclaimed William James, in one of his characteristically enthusiastic moods, ‘Harvard will be known as the place where Josiah Royce once taught.’ The approach of the twentieth anniversary of Royce's death is an appropriate time at which to inquire whether the prophecy — making allowances for the exaggeration of James's friendly generosity — is in a fair way toward being fulfilled. Has Royce's work so far stood the test of time? Or must we say that as the experimental interest bequeathed by James increases the calm assurance of Royce's philosophy must decrease? And with the growing seriousness which practical issues assume have we time or inclination left for speculations about the Absolute? Has not the war destroyed our faith in the world's reasonableness and forced us to take a less indulgently ‘idealistic’ and more frankly ‘realistic’ view?Often we say this, but as often we are forced to remind ourselves that the ‘realism’ in which we take pride may have the virtue of looking the immediate facts squarely in the face, but may lack the sustained critical power which is eager to face other facts than those which are immediate. In that type of realism which is content to ‘take things as they come,’ there is a suggestion of an inability to see why they come as they do. As pluralists and empiricists, appealing to what we call ‘immediate experience’ for our data, we may say that our world is shot to pieces and that it cannot be put together again. But as philosophers and religious men we cannot leave the matter here and believe that we have seen through our problem or seen our job through.
Some Notes on Valuation Methods with special reference to Mr. Chatham's Paper on this Subject in the J.I.A., vol. xxxii. Being Presidential Address delivered to the Actuarial Society of New South Wales on the 28th February 1898
Authors: Dovey W. R. 
Published: June 2019

In considering a subject on which to address you to-night, it occurred to me that I might invite your attention to some practical matters of office work, especially in connection with valuation books and forms.Allow me, however, at the outset to express my thanks for the honour you have conferred on me by my election to the office of President. As a duty of my office an address is expected from me, and I must ask your indulgence in attempting to fulfil this obligation towards the close of what is to me the busiest season of the year.