bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rectangular microstrip antenna with corrugation like defects at radiating edge: A new approach to reduce cross polarization radiation
Authors: Pawar U A , Mondal D , Nagaraju A , Chakraborty S , Singh L L K , Chattopadhyay S 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
In this paper, single layer, simple and compact RMA, with corrugation like defects at the radiating edge, is studied thoroughly to reduce XP radiation from the patch. Unlike the earlier works reported on defected ground structure integrated patches and defect patch structures, in this work, corrugation like linear defects have been placed at the radiating edges of the patch to reduce cross polarisation radiation. Around 30-40 dB of CP-XP isolation is observed in H-plane with 7% impedance bandwidth and in E-plane also, more than 55 dB CP-XP isolation is found. The proposed structure is very simple to design and easy to fabricate.
Predicting serious rare adverse reactions of novel chemicals
Authors: Poleksic Aleksandar , Xie Lei 
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Motivation
Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are one of the main causes of death and a major financial burden on the world’s economy. Due to the limitations of the animal model, computational prediction of serious and rare ADRs is invaluable. However, current state-of-the-art computational methods do not yield significantly better predictions of rare ADRs than random guessing.

Results
We present a novel method, based on the theory of ‘compressed sensing’ (CS), which can accurately predict serious side-effects of candidate and market drugs. Not only is our method able to infer new chemical-ADR associations using existing noisy, biased and incomplete databases, but our data also demonstrate that the accuracy of CS in predicting a serious ADR for a candidate drug increases with increasing knowledge of other ADRs associated with the drug. In practice, this means that as the candidate drug moves up the different stages of clinical trials, the prediction accuracy of our method will increase accordingly.

Availability and implementation
The program is available at https://github.com/poleksic/side-effects.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
PhenotypeSimulator: A comprehensive framework for simulating multi-trait, multi-locus genotype to phenotype relationships
Authors: Meyer Hannah Verena , Birney Ewan 
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Motivation
Simulation is a critical part of method development and assessment. With the increasing sophistication of multi-trait and multi-locus genetic analysis techniques, it is important that the community has flexible simulation tools to challenge and explore the properties of these methods.

Results
We have developed PhenotypeSimulator, a comprehensive phenotype simulation scheme that can model multiple traits with multiple underlying genetic loci as well as complex covariate and observational noise structure. This package has been designed to work with many common genetic tools both for input and output. We describe the underlying components of this simulation tool and illustrate its use on an example dataset.

Availability and implementation
PhenotypeSimulator is available as a well documented R/CRAN package and the code is available on github: https://github.com/HannahVMeyer/PhenotypeSimulator.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Constructing lightweight and flexible pipelines using Plugin-Based Microbiome Analysis (PluMA)
Authors: Cickovski Trevor , Narasimhan Giri 
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Motivation
Software pipelines have become almost standardized tools for microbiome analysis. Currently many pipelines are available, often sharing some of the same algorithms as stages. This is largely because each pipeline has its own source language and file formats, making it typically more economical to reinvent the wheel than to learn and interface to an existing package. We present Plugin-Based Microbiome Analysis (PluMA), which addresses this problem by providing a lightweight back end that can be infinitely extended using dynamically loaded plugin extensions. These can be written in one of many compiled or scripting languages. With PluMA and its online plugin pool, algorithm designers can easily plug-and-play existing pipeline stages with no knowledge of their underlying implementation, allowing them to efficiently test a new algorithm alongside these stages or combine them in a new and creative way.

Results
We demonstrate the usefulness of PluMA through an example pipeline (P-M16S) that expands an obesity study involving gut microbiome samples from the mouse, by integrating multiple plugins using a variety of source languages and file formats, and producing new results.

Availability and implementation
Links to github repositories for the PluMA source code and P-M16S, in addition to the plugin pool are available from the Bioinformatics Research Group (BioRG) at: http://biorg.cis.fiu.edu/pluma.
Recommendations for the Surgical Treatment of Endometriosis. Part 1: Ovarian Endometrioma†‡¶
Authors:   Working group of ESGE, ESHRE and WES, Saridogan Ertan , Becker Christian M , Feki Anis , Grimbizis Grigoris F , Hummelshoj Lone , Keckstein Joerg , Nisolle Michelle , Tanos Vasilios , Ulrich Uwe A , Vermeulen Nathalie , De Wilde Rudy Leon 
Published: March 2018

Abstract

STUDY QUESTION
What does this document on the surgical treatment of endometriosis jointly prepared by the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE), ESHRE, and the World Endometriosis Society (WES) provide?

SUMMARY ANSWER
This document provides recommendations covering technical aspects of different methods of surgery for endometriomas in women of reproductive age.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN
Endometriomas (ovarian endometriotic cysts) are a commonly diagnosed form of endometriosis, owing to the relative ease and accuracy of ultrasound diagnosis. They frequently present a clinical dilemma as to whether and how to treat them when found during imaging or incidentally during surgery. Previously published guidelines have provided recommendations based on the best available evidence, but without technical details on the management of endometriosis.

STUDY DESIGN SIZE, DURATION
A working group of ESGE, ESHRE and WES collaborated on writing recommendations on the practical aspects of endometrioma surgery.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
This document focused on endometrioma surgery. Further documents in this series will provide recommendations for surgery of deep and peritoneal endometriosis.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
The document presents general recommendations for surgery of endometrioma, and specific recommendations for cystectomy, ablation by laser or by plasma energy, electrocoagulation and a combination of these techniques applied together or with an interval between them.

LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION
Owing to the limited evidence available, recommendations are mostly based on clinical expertise.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
These recommendations complement previous guidelines on the management of endometriosis.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS
The meetings of the working group were funded by ESGE, ESHRE and WES. C.B. declares to be a member of the independent data monitoring committee for a clinical study by ObsEva, and receiving research grants from Bayer, Roche Diagnostics, MDNA Life Sciences, and Volition. E.S. received honoraria for provision of training to healthcare professionals from Ethicon, Olympus and Gedeon Richter. The other authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
NA.
Almost Euclidean Isoperimetric Inequalities in Spaces Satisfying Local Ricci Curvature Lower Bounds
Authors: Cavalletti Fabio , Mondino Andrea 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMotivated by Perelman’s Pseudo-Locality Theorem for the Ricci flow, we prove that if a Riemannian manifold has Ricci curvature bounded below in a metric ball which moreover has almost maximal volume, then in a smaller ball (in a quantified sense) it holds an almost euclidean isoperimetric inequality. The result is actually established in the more general framework of non-smooth spaces satisfying local Ricci curvature lower bounds in a synthetic sense via optimal transportation.
Proximal Parent Vessel Tapering is Associated With Aneurysm at the Middle Cerebral Artery Bifurcation
Authors: Lauric Alexandra , Greim-Kuczewski Kilian , Antonov Alexei , Dardik Gabriel , Magida Jane K , Hippelheuser James E , Kono Kenichi , Malek Adel M 
Published: March 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Cerebral aneurysm initiation and evolution have been linked to hemodynamic and morphological factors. Stenotic morphology upstream to a bifurcation can alter hemodynamic patterns and lead to destructive vessel wall remodeling and aneurysm initiation. The effect of more subtle proximal variations in vessel diameter on bifurcation aneurysm development has not been evaluated.

OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether vessel tapering is associated with aneurysmal presence at the middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation.

METHODS
Bilateral catheter three-dimensional rotational angiographic datasets from 33 patients with unilateral unruptured MCA aneurysms and 44 datasets from healthy patients were analyzed. Equidistant cross-sectional cuts were generated along the MCA M1 segment with cross-sectional area measurement using edge-detection filtering. Relative tapering of the M1 segment was evaluated as the TaperingRatio. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed on bilateral patient models and parametric MCAs of constant and tapered inflow vessel.

RESULTS
MCA leading to aneurysms had significantly lower TaperingRatio (0.88 ± 0.15) compared to contralateral (1.00 ± 0.16, P = .002) and healthy MCAs (1.00 ± 0.15, P > .001, area under the curve = 0.73), which showed little to no tapering. CFD simulations showed that vessel tapering leads to flow acceleration with higher wall shear stress (WSS) and WSS gradients at the bifurcation apex.

CONCLUSION
Aneurysmal but not contralateral or control MCA M1 segments demonstrate a previously undescribed progressive distal tapering phenomenon. This upstream vessel narrowing leads to flow acceleration that accentuates WSS and spatial gradients at the bifurcation apex, a pattern previously shown to favor aneurysm initiation and progression.
Recent HIV Risk Behavior and Partnership Type Predict PrEP Adherence in Men Who Have Sex with Men
Authors: Blumenthal Jill , Jain Sonia , Dube Michael , Sun Xiaoying , Ellorin Eric , Hoenigl Martin , Corado Katya , Moore David , Morris Sheldon ,   California Collaborative Treatment Group
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Background
Individuals engaging in higher risk behavior are often more adherent to PrEP but it is unclear if partnership type itself affects PrEP adherence. We examined the effect of recent HIV risk behaviors and partnership type on PrEP adherence in men who have sex with men (MSM) taking PrEP.

Methods
CCTG 595 is a 48-week PrEP demonstration study of 398 HIV− at-risk MSM. At baseline and week 48, HIV risk score was estimated as the probability of seroconversion over the next year based on number of condomless anal sex acts with HIV+/unknown partners in the last month and any STI diagnosed at study visit. HIV risk score was categorized as low (&lt;0.12), moderate (0.12−0.59) and high (&gt;0.59) risk based on population seroconversion probabilities. Partnership type was assigned as no/single HIV− partner, single HIV+ partner, or multiple partners of any serostatus in the past 3 months. PrEP adherence was estimated by intracellular tenofovir-diphosphate (TFV-DP) levels as a continuous variable at week 48. Statistical methods included McNemar’s test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and linear regression model where appropriate.

Results
Of 313 MSM who completed week 48, there was no significant change in HIV risk category from baseline to week 48 (low: 44 to 42%; moderate: 27 to 24%; high: 28 to 34%; P = 0.25). There was a significant change in partnership type, with the proportion of those with no or single HIV− partnerships increasing (1 to 9%, P &lt; 0.001). In univariate analysis, moderate and high-risk groups had higher TFV-DP levels than the low-risk group at week 48 (P = 0.018). Participants with no/single HIV− partner had significantly lower TFV-DP levels than those with one HIV+ partner or multiple partners (P = 0.007). In a multivariable linear regression model, only low-risk partnerships remained significant where no/single HIV− partnerships were associated with lower TFV-DP levels (mean difference = −344fmol/punch [−617, −71], P = 0.014).

Conclusion
Although there was a shift in partnership type towards lower risk partnerships, objective HIV risk behavior remained stable over time. Individuals with higher HIV risk behaviors and risk partnerships had higher TFV-DP levels suggesting maintained strong motivation for PrEP adherence. Thus, recent sexual risk behavior and partnership type may be important predictors of PrEP adherence in MSM.

Disclosures
All authors: No reported disclosures.
Immunogenicity and Safety of a Candidate Subunit Adjuvanted Herpes Zoster Vaccine in Adults with Solid Tumors Vaccinated Before or During Immunosuppressive Chemotherapy Treatment: A Phase II/III, Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Vink Peter ,   the Zoster-028 Study Group
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Background
No herpes zoster (HZ) vaccine for immunosuppressed individuals is currently available. GSK’s candidate HZ vaccine containing recombinant varicella zoster virus glycoprotein E (gE) subunit and AS01B Adjuvant System (HZ/su) showed &gt;90% efficacy for HZ prevention in immunocompetent adults aged ≥50 years. The HZ incidence in individuals with solid tumors (ST) receiving immunosuppressive chemotherapy (chemo) is estimated as 3–4 times higher than in the overall US population (3.2/1000 person-years). We present HZ/su immunogenicity and safety in ST adults aged ≥18 years.

Methods
In this phase II/III, observer-blind, multicenter study (NCT01798056), ST adults received 2 doses of HZ/su or placebo intramuscularly 1–2 months apart and were randomized 4:4:1:1 to receive a first dose 8–30 days (D) pre-chemo (HZ/su – HZ/su-PreC group, placebo – Pl-PreC) or on chemo start (±1 D) (HZ/su-OnC, Pl-OnC). Vaccine response rates (VRRs) and geometric means (GMs)/means were evaluated for gE humoral immune and gE-specific CD4+ cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses 1 month (M2) and 12 months (M13) post-dose 2. Solicited adverse events (AEs) were recorded for 7 D and unsolicited and medically-attended AEs (MAEs) for 30 D post each dose. Potential immune-mediated diseases (pIMDs) and serious AEs (SAEs) were recorded until study end.

Results
185 subjects (65 HZ/su-PreC, 78 Pl-PreC, 22 HZ/su-OnC, 20 Pl-OnC) were included in the according-to-protocol (ATP) cohort for humoral immunogenicity and 58 (27 HZ/su-PreC, 31 Pl-PreC) in the ATP sub-cohort for CMI. The most common ST were breast tumors (54% HZ/su, 49% placebo), followed by colorectal, lung, then other. Humoral and CMI VRRs were higher in HZ/su than Pl groups at M2 and M13. GM concentration (GMC) was highest at M2 in HZ/su-PreC. M13 GMCs were similar in the HZ/su-PreC and HZ/su-OnC groups (Table 1). The frequency of local solicited AEs was higher in HZ/su than Pl groups (Table 2); that of general solicited, unsolicited AEs, MAEs and SAEs was similar among groups (Table 3). 1 pIMD (Pl-OnC) and 23 fatal SAEs were reported. No SAE was considered vaccine-related by investigators.

Conclusion
HZ/su was highly immunogenic in ST adults receiving chemo. No safety concerns were raised.

Funding
GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA

Disclosures
P. Vink, GSK group of companies: Employee, Salary and stock options and stock granted
Causal Conditions Supporting Antibiotic Stewardship Information Dashboards
Authors: Kean Jacob , Butler Jorie , Bunker Lisa , Goetz Matthew , Glassman Peter , Jones Makoto , Graber Christopher , Madaras-Kelly Karl , Samore Matthew , Weir Charlene ,   The Veterans Affairs Antimicrobial Use Learning Collaborative
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Background
Antibiotic stewardship is key to minimizing antibiotic resistance. To assist antibiotic stewards in dissecting population-level antibiotic use patterns, our study group developed a dashboard that displays consolidated patterns, supports data exploration, and compares facility-level antibiotic use to others. We report fuzzy set qualitative comparative analyses (QCA) of interviews designed to elicit user experiences to uncover different combinations of causal conditions supporting dashboard use.

Methods
Dashboards were iteratively designed based upon longitudinal feedback from stewards. Views include antibiotic use stratified by diagnoses and duration of therapy. Eight VAMCs, each with 0.5 to 2.0 FTE stewards, used the dashboard. One to 2 stewards from each site were interviewed using a structured script that focused on: 1) structure (i.e., program FTE) and functions of the local stewardship program; 2) critical incident or usage story; and 3) perceived knowledge and efficacy.

Results
Qualitative codes were developed from the interviews and were scaled in a fuzzy logic framework (i.e., between 0 and 1) to reflect the degree to which the qualitative theme was present in the stewardship program at participating clinical sites. The scaling was assigned using prior knowledge external to the data. The most parsimonious QCA solution identified just the absence of program structure (program FTE) a sufficient causal configuration to the frequency of dashboard use (coverage = 0.612, consistency = 0.813). Intermediate solutions added stewardship activities, dashboard self-efficacy, and trust in the data (coverage = 0.502, consistency = 0.952) as sufficient conditions. The coverage for both solutions exceeded 0.75, which was the lower bound of acceptability.

Conclusion
The dashboard may be successfully integrated into institutions based on the complicated interplay between program structure (e.g., # FTE) and dashboard self-efficacy, experience with data-activities, and trust of population data. Incorporating user-centered design of dashboards supports the development of fully functional teams and has the potential for important population health impact.

Disclosures
All authors: No reported disclosures.
Probiotics to Reduce Clostridium difficile Infection: Clinical Experience in a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Box Maggie , Ortwine Kristine ,   Scripps Antimicrobial Stewardship Program
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Background
There is conflicting clinical data regarding the efficacy of probiotics to prevent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). The goal of this study is to compare rates of hospital acquired Clostridium difficile infection (HA-CDI) among patients receiving antibiotics with or without concomitant administration of probiotics.

Methods
This retrospective, cohort study compares hospitalized patients who received antibiotics alone vs. antibiotics plus a multi-strain probiotic preparation of lactobacillus over a six month time period. Probiotics were given at the discretion of the physician. The primary outcome was incidence in HA-CDI (defined as onset after hospital day three) between groups.

Results
A total of 1,576 patients met selection criteria, with 927 patients receiving antibiotics alone and 649 patients receiving antibiotics plus probiotics. HA-CDI rates were 0.9% and 1.8% (P = 0.16), respectively. In a subgroup analysis of patients in the antibiotic only group, patients who received similar antibiotic exposure as the probiotics group (n = 284) had no difference in rates of HA-CDI (1.8% vs. 1.8%; P = 1.0).

Conclusion
Probiotic administration did not decrease rates of HA-CDI in our institution. We recommend prioritizing resources to other CDI reduction measures such as decreasing antibiotic exposure and preventing transmission.

Disclosures
All authors: No reported disclosures.
Molecular clouds in the NGC 6334 and NGC 6357 region: Evidence for a 100 pc-scale cloud–cloud collision triggering the Galactic mini-starbursts
Authors: Fukui Yasuo , Kohno Mikito , Yokoyama Keiko , Torii Kazufumi , Hattori Yusuke , Sano Hidetoshi , Nishimura Atsushi , Ohama Akio , Yamamoto Hiroaki , Tachihara Kengo 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
We carried out new CO (J = 1–0, 2–1, and 3–2) observations with NANTEN2 and ASTE in the region of the twin Galactic mini-starbursts NGC 6334 and NGC 6357. We detected two velocity molecular components of 12 km s−1 velocity separation, which is continuous over 3° along the plane. In NGC 6334 the two components show similar two-peaked intensity distributions toward the young H ii regions and are linked by a bridge feature. In NGC 6357 we found spatially complementary distribution between the two velocity components as well as a bridge feature in velocity. Based on these results we hypothesize that the two clouds in the two regions collided with each other in the past few Myr and triggered the formation of the starbursts over ∼ 100 pc. We suggest that the formation of the starbursts happened toward the collisional region of extent ∼ 10 pc with initial high molecular column densities. For NGC 6334 we present a scenario which includes spatial variation of the colliding epoch due to non-uniform cloud separation. The scenario possibly explains the apparent age differences among the young O stars in NGC 6334, which range from 104 yr to 106 yr; the latest collision happened within 105 yr toward the youngest stars in NGC 6334 I(N) and I which exhibit molecular outflows without H ii regions. For NGC 6357 the O stars were formed a few Myr ago, and the cloud dispersal by the O stars is significant. We conclude that cloud–cloud collision offers a possible explanation of the mini-starburst over a 100 pc scale.
A perfect storm in a sunny economy: a political economy approach to the crisis in Spain
Authors: Buendía Luis 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAlthough Spain’s economy was seen as a miracle during the most recent expansive phase (for its labour market outcomes in terms of job growth, among other things), the economy’s development during those years suffered from severe problems that deserve attention. This became more relevant in a context like the current one, where there is no consensus around which economic policies might lead the country back onto a stable growth path. Using a systemic approach in which we analyse the growth model, the role of Spain in the European division of labour, the financial sector, the labour market, the public sector, and the distribution of income, we contend that, in contrast with several narratives concerning the crisis in Spain: (i) the ‘living-beyond-our-means’ discourse is not true; and (ii) certain political and economic aspects, usually missing in those narratives, are essential to understanding the recent evolution of Spain.
A 67-year-old man with odynophagia and neck pain
Authors: Fenn DJ , Howard Brittany , Hoxworth Joseph , Sommers Annjanette 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT
Acute calcific longus colli tendinitis is a benign and self-limiting inflammatory disease that rarely requires aggressive intervention. However, clinicians may be unfamiliar with this condition, and it can easily be misdiagnosed for a deep neck abscess or tumor resulting in unnecessary and invasive procedures. This article describes a patient who presented to the ED with progressive odynophagia and neck pain.