bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic energy efficiency of slack‐based measure in high‐income economies
Authors: Lu Ching‐Cheng , Chen Xiang , Hsieh Chia‐Leng , Chou Kuo‐Wei 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMankind is constantly pursuing economic growth and social development, and while these bring convenience to people, they involve large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions under the heavy use of energy, which produces quite serious air pollution, which not only affects people's health but also leads to ecological environmental damage. Nowadays, the impact of the environment and the negative impacts of the world's economies while promoting economic growth are the most important issues for economies to achieve balanced development. This study uses the dynamic slack‐based data envelopment analysis (DEA) model to assess the environmental energy efficiency of high‐income economies (including China) and explore the negative impacts on the environment, to obtain a basis for energy‐saving emission reduction methods or configurations by using 48 high‐income economies (including China) from 2010 to 2014. The interperiod (carryover) variable is gross domestic product (GDP). The empirical results show that economies with high energy efficiency have a large consumption of energy and are unable to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. We also find that there exists a difference in the results depending on whether GDP is considered as the carryover variable. European economies are more efficient in energy consumption than others, and Asian economies are the most inefficient. In order to pursue GDP growth, economies need to consider reducing their energy consumption and CO2 emissions and improve their energy usage efficiency, further implementing sustainability.
Brain MRI shows white matter sparing in Kennedy's disease and slow‐progressing lower motor neuron disease
Authors: Spinelli Edoardo G. , Agosta Federica , Ferraro Pilar M. , Querin Giorgia , Riva Nilo , Bertolin Cinzia , Martinelli Ilaria , Lunetta Christian , Fontana Andrea , Sorarù Gianni , Filippi Massimo 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe extent of central nervous system involvement in Kennedy's disease (KD) relative to other motor neuron disease (MND) phenotypes still needs to be clarified. In this study, we investigated cortical and white matter (WM) MRI alterations in 25 patients with KD, compared with 24 healthy subjects, 25 patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and 35 cases with lower motor neuron‐predominant disease (LMND). LMND patients were clinically differentiated into 24 fast and 11 slow progressors. Whole‐brain cortical thickness, WM tract‐based spatial statistics and corticospinal tract (CST) tractography analyses were performed. No significant difference in terms of cortical thickness was found between groups. ALS patients showed widespread decreased fractional anisotropy and increased mean (MD) and radial diffusivity (radD) in the CST, corpus callosum and fronto‐temporal extra‐motor tracts, compared with healthy controls and other patient groups. CST tractography showed significant alterations of DT MRI metrics in ALS and LMND‐fast patients whereas KD and LMND‐slow patients were comparable with healthy controls. Our study demonstrated the absence of WM abnormalities in patients with KD and LMND‐slow, in contrast with diffuse WM damage in ALS and focal CST degeneration in LMND‐fast, supporting the use of DT MRI measures as powerful tools to differentiate fast‐ and slow‐progressing MND syndromes, including KD.
Abdominal Surgery in Patients With Idiopathic Noncirrhotic Portal Hypertension: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Elkrief Laure , Ferrusquia‐Acosta José , Payancé Audrey , Moga Lucile , Tellez Luis , Praktiknjo Michael , Procopet Bogdan , Farcau Oana , De Lédinghen Victor , Yuldashev Rustam , Tabchouri Nicolas , Barbier Louise , Dumortier Jérôme , Menahem Benjamin , Magaz Marta , Hernández‐Gea Virginia , Albillos Agustin , Trebicka Jonel , Spahr Laurent , De Gottardi Andrea , Plessier Aurélie , Valla Dominique , Rubbia‐Brandt Laura , Toso Christian , Bureau Christophe , Garcia‐Pagan Juan‐Carlos , Rautou Pierre‐Emmanuel ,   for VALDIG, an EASL consortium
Published: March 2019

In patients with idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH), data on morbidity and mortality of abdominal surgery are scarce. We retrospectively analyzed the charts of patients with INCPH undergoing abdominal surgery within the Vascular Liver Disease Interest Group network. Forty‐four patients with biopsy‐proven INCPH were included. Twenty‐five (57%) patients had one or more extrahepatic conditions related to INCPH, and 16 (36%) had a history of ascites. Forty‐five procedures were performed, including 30 that were minor and 15 major. Nine (20%) patients had one or more Dindo‐Clavien grade ≥ 3 complication within 1 month after surgery. Sixteen (33%) patients had one or more portal hypertension–related complication within 3 months after surgery. Extrahepatic conditions related to INCPH (P = 0.03) and history of ascites (P = 0.02) were associated with portal hypertension–related complications within 3 months after surgery. Splenectomy was associated with development of portal vein thrombosis after surgery (P = 0.01). Four (9%) patients died within 6 months after surgery. Six‐month cumulative risk of death was higher in patients with serum creatinine ≥ 100 μmol/L at surgery (33% versus 0%, P < 0.001). An unfavorable outcome (i.e., either liver or surgical complication or death) occurred in 22 (50%) patients and was associated with the presence of extrahepatic conditions related to INCPH, history of ascites, and serum creatinine ≥ 100 μmol/L: 5% of the patients with none of these features had an unfavorable outcome versus 32% and 64% when one or two or more features were present, respectively. Portal decompression procedures prior to surgery (n = 10) were not associated with postoperative outcome. Conclusion: Patients with INCPH are at high risk of major surgical and portal hypertension–related complications when they harbor extrahepatic conditions related to INCPH, history of ascites, or increased serum creatinine.
Development of Quantified Model for Application of Control Systems in Irrigation Networks by System Dynamic Approach
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Ghazichaki Zeinab , Monem Mohammad Javad 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBecause of water scarcity, improvement of water management has been gaining in importance. Agriculture is the largest water consumer, so improvement of irrigation networks is the priority. An automatic control system is one measure for achieving this goal. With the exception of automatic hydraulic structures, other automatic systems are new to Iranian irrigation networks, which make their selection a complicated task. In this paper, a dynamic system approach was used to investigate the interactions among automatic system components and the long‐term behaviour of irrigation networks. The conceptual model was developed and presented in a separate article. In this research, the quantified model is developed and verified for the Qazvin irrigation network (QIN). A data series of conveyance and distribution efficiency, and groundwater withdrawal, are used for verification using statistical indicators and extreme condition tests. The results show that the model simulates the system behaviour correctly. Sensitivity analysis shows that distribution and delivery management is the most effective parameter in irrigation network utility. Some improvement scenarios are tested. The results show that improving managerial structure has the greatest impact on network utility; in fact, other measures are not so useful, unless managerial structure is improved. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies on mechanism of free Nε‐(carboxymethyl)lysine‐induced toxic injury in mice
Authors: Wang Yi‐Xin , Xu Hao , Liu Xin , Liu Liang , Wu Yong‐Ning , Gong Zhi‐Yong 
Published: March 2019

AbstractNε‐(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), which is a compound produced when food is processed, has aroused concern in recent years because of its potentially dangerous effects. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of free CML‐induced toxic injury in mice. The inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor‐α, transforming growth factor‐β, vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 mRNA expression levels of CML‐infected mice liver and kidney tissues significantly increased. While CML receptor—receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) protein expression in male mice liver tissue had a more significant change than the control group, there was no significant difference in other dose groups compared with the control group. In conclusion, the foodborne free CML can be induced by oxidative stress and immune response to liver and kidney tissue injury in mice. Additionally, the free CML may also bind to RAGE, which activates the downstream inflammatory pathway.
Alkannin attenuates lipopolysaccharide‐induced lung injury in mice via Rho/ROCK/NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Li Bin , Lin Qingling , Hou Qiliang , Yin Chao , Zhang Lei , Li Yumin 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWe investigated the effects and associated mechanism of alkannin (AL) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced acute lung injury in a mouse model. Pretreatment with AL in vivo significantly reduced the lung wet/dry weight ratio and inhibited lung myeloperoxidase activity and malondialdehyde content, while increasing superoxide dismutase activity. Hematoxylin and eosin staining demonstrated that AL attenuated lung histopathological changes. In addition, AL‐inhibited overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissues in LPS‐injured mice and LPS‐exposed A549 cells. Further analysis showed that AL‐inhibited induction of the Rho/ROCK/NF‐κB pathway via LPS‐induced inflammation in mice and A549 cells. Fasudil, a selective ROCK inhibitor, showed similar effects. Overall, the findings indicate that AL suppresses the expression of messenger RNAs and proteins associated with Rho/ROCK/NF‐κB signaling to effectively ameliorate lung injury.
Castration‐induced prostate epithelial cell apoptosis results from targeted oxidative stress attack of M1142‐macrophages
Authors: Barbosa Guilherme O. , Silva Juliete A. F. , Siqueira‐Berti Aline , Nishan Umar , Rosa‐Ribeiro Rafaela , Oliveira Silvia B. P. , Baratti Mariana O. , Ferrucci Danilo , Santana Julio C. O. , Damas‐Souza Danilo M. , Bruni‐Cardoso Alexandre , Augusto Taize M. , Corrêa‐da‐Silva Felipe , Moraes‐Vieira Pedro M. , Stach‐Machado Dagmar R. , Felisbino Sergio L. , Menezes Gustavo B. , Cesar Carlos L. , Carvalho Hernandes F. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractProstate development and function are regulated by androgens. Epithelial cell apoptosis in response to androgen deprivation is caspase‐9‐dependent and peaks at Day 3 after castration. However, isolated epithelial cells survive in the absence of androgens. Znf142 showed an on‐off expression pattern in intraepithelial CD68‐positive macrophages, with the on‐phase at Day 3 after castration. Rats treated with gadolinium chloride to deplete macrophages showed a significant drop in apoptosis, suggesting a causal relationship between macrophages and epithelial cell apoptosis. Intraepithelial M1‐polarization was also limited to Day 3, and the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) knockout mice showed significantly less apoptosis than wild‐type controls. The epithelial cells showed focal DNA double‐strand breaks (DSB), 8‐oxoguanine, and protein tyrosine‐nitrosylation, fingerprints of exposure to peroxinitrite. Cultured epithelial cells induced M1‐polarization and showed focal DSB and underwent apoptosis. The same phenomena were reproduced in LNCaP cells cocultured with Raw 264.7 macrophages. In conclusion, the M1
142‐macrophage (named after Znf142) attack causes activation of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway in epithelial cells after castration.
Weakly supervised 3D deep learning for breast cancer classification and localization of the lesions in MR images
Authors: Zhou Juan , Luo Lu‐Yang , Dou Qi , Chen Hao , Chen Cheng , Li Gong‐Jie , Jiang Ze‐Fei , Heng Pheng‐Ann 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundThe usefulness of 3D deep learning‐based classification of breast cancer and malignancy localization from MRI has been reported. This work can potentially be very useful in the clinical domain and aid radiologists in breast cancer diagnosis.PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy of 3D deep convolutional neural network (CNN) for diagnosing breast cancer and localizing the lesions at dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI data in a weakly supervised manner.Study TypeRetrospective study.SubjectsA total of 1537 female study cases (mean age 47.5 years ±11.8) were collected from March 2013 to December 2016. All the cases had labels of the pathology results as well as BI‐RADS categories assessed by radiologists.Field Strength/Sequence1.5 T dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI.AssessmentDeep 3D densely connected networks were trained under image‐level supervision to automatically classify the images and localize the lesions. The dataset was randomly divided into training (1073), validation (157), and testing (307) subsets.Statistical TestsAccuracy, sensitivity, specificity, area under receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), and the McNemar test for breast cancer classification. Dice similarity for breast cancer localization.ResultsThe final algorithm performance for breast cancer diagnosis showed 83.7% (257 out of 307) accuracy (95% confidence interval [CI]: 79.1%, 87.4%), 90.8% (187 out of 206) sensitivity (95% CI: 80.6%, 94.1%), 69.3% (70 out of 101) specificity (95% CI: 59.7%, 77.5%), with the area under the curve ROC of 0.859. The weakly supervised cancer detection showed an overall Dice distance of 0.501 ± 0.274.Data Conclusion3D CNNs demonstrated high accuracy for diagnosing breast cancer. The weakly supervised learning method showed promise for localizing lesions in volumetric radiology images with only image‐level labels.Level of Evidence: 4Technical Efficacy: Stage 1J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1144–1151.
Lasers and energy‐based devices marketed for vaginal rejuvenation: A cross‐sectional analysis of the MAUDE database
Authors: Ahluwalia Jusleen , Avram Mathew M. , Ortiz Arisa E. 
Published: March 2019

IntroductionThe FDA issued a statement on July 30, 2018, expressing concern over the marketing of lasers and energy‐based devices to promote “vaginal rejuvenation.” The FDA stated that there is insufficient data to recommend this modality for optimization of sexual function and alleviation of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)‐related symptoms in postmenopausal or postpartum women. This analysis aims to characterize the mandatory and voluntary reports concerning laser and energy‐based procedures marketed for vaginal rejuvenation.MethodsCross‐sectional analysis of the FDA database, Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE), for events related to laser and energy‐based devices for vaginal rejuvenation.ResultsBetween October 2015 and January 2019, 45 distinct events describing 46 patients were recorded and reviewed. The most commonly reported adverse event related to the procedure was pain (vulvar, bladder, urethral, or unspecified) (n = 19). The majority of patients sought medical care for their injuries, which included evaluation by urgent care, urology, gynecology, neurology, gastroenterology, pelvic floor therapy, primary care providers, and the device operator. Thirty‐three patients indicated chronicity of their injury, which included long‐term pain, numbness, burning, bladder disturbances, infections, scarring, dyspareunia, worsening symptoms, aggravation of lichen sclerosis, and disfigurement.ConclusionsA variety of adverse events associated with the use of laser and energy‐based devices for “vaginal rejuvenation“ was reported to the MAUDE database. Although the circumstances surrounding these events were unclear, these reports signify the importance of clinical trials that investigate the efficacy and safety profile of laser and energy‐based devices for optimization of sexual function and treatment of GSM‐related symptoms. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of temperature and chloride ion concentration on the corrosion behaviour of Mg–4Al–3Ca–0.5RE alloy
Authors: Xiong Xinhong , Chen Lianbo , Hu Kaixiong , Wang Zhiping , Zhang Qiaoxin , Lei Yongjie 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe influence of temperature and chloride ion concentration on the corrosion behaviour of Mg−4Al−3Ca−0.5RE alloys were studied in this paper. Corrosion rates of the alloys were measured by weight loss test and electrochemical measurement. The results revealed that a shorter incubation period to the onset of corrosion, a more negative corrosion potential, and a higher corrosion rate was correlated with a higher temperature in 3% NaCl solution and a higher chloride ion concentration at 30°C. The corrosion behaviour of the alloys was affected by surface film and the corrosion mainly occurred at the breaks or defects in surface films.
Two novel genes TOX3 and COL21A1 in large extended Malay families with nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate
Authors: Mohamad Shah Nurul Syazana , Sulong Sarina , Wan Sulaiman Wan Azman , Halim Ahmad Sukari 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundNonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate is one of the most common human birth defects worldwide that affects the lip and/or palate. The incidence of clefts varies among populations through ethnic, race, or geographical differences. The focus on Malay nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P) is because of a scarce report on genetic study in relation to this deformity in Malaysia. We are interested to discuss about the genes that are susceptible to cause orofacial cleft formation in the family.MethodsGenome‐wide linkage analysis was carried out on eight large extended families of NSCL/P with the total of 91 individuals among Malay population using microarray platform. Based on linkage analyses findings, copy number variation (CNV) of LPHN2, SATB2, PVRL3, COL21A1, and TOX3 were identified in four large extended families that showed linkage evidence using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) as for a validation purpose. Copy number calculated (CNC) for each genes were determined with Applied Biosystems CopyCallerTM Software v2.0. Normal CNC of the target sequence expected was set at two.ResultsGenome‐wide linkage analysis had discovered several genes including TOX3 and COL21A1 in four different loci 4p15.2‐p16.1, 6p11.2‐p12.3, 14q13‐q21, and 16q12.1. There was significant decreased, p < 0.05 of SATB2, COL21A1, and TOX3 copy number in extended families compared to the normal controls.ConclusionNovel linkage evidence and significant low copy number of COL21A1 and TOX3 in NSCLP family was confirmed. These genes increased the risks toward NSCLP formation in that family traits.
Two de novo GJA1 mutation in two sporadic patients with erythrokeratodermia variabilis et progressiva
Authors: Li Changxing , Liang Jingyao , Chen Pingjiao , Zeng Kang , Xue Rujun , Tian Xin , Liang Liuping , Wang Qi , Shi Minglan , Zhang Xibao 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundErythrokeratodermia variabilis et progressiva (EKVP, OMIM 133200) is a rare hereditary disorder characterized by varies from transient, fast moving erythema to persistent brown hyperkeratotic plaques. Recently, mutations in the genes gap junction alpha 1 gene (GJA1), GJB3, and GJB4 have been reported to cause EKVP. Here, we report the identification of two de novo missense mutations in the GJA1 gene in two unrelated individuals with EKVP.MethodsThe patients and his family members were subjected to mutation detection in the candidate gene GJA1, GJB3, and GJB4 by Sanger sequencing. The expression of connexin (Cx) 43 was detected by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence (IF) studies in the lesions.ResultsA 12‐year‐old boy presented with multiple hyperkeratotic plaques on the face, neck, elbows, wrists, limbs, knees, inguinal region, hands, and feet. A 7‐year‐old girl presented with symmetrical erythematous, plaques on the hands, feet, wrists, and ankles. A novel heterozygous missense mutation c.848C > T (p.P283L) in exon 2 of the GJA1 gene was identified in both patients. A novel heterozygous missense mutation c.869C > A (p.T290N) in exon 2 of the GJA1 gene was also identified in the boy. These mutations were not found in the unaffected family members and 100 normal controls. In the patients’ lesions, Cx43 protein was located to the cytomembrane and cytoplasm in the stratum corneum, and granular layer. Compound heterozygous mutations in the boy showed a more severe clinical phenotype and cytoplasmic mislocalization.ConclusionsThe novel mutations c.848C > T (p.P283L) and c.869C > A(p.T290N) arose de novo and were considered as the cause of two Chinese EKVP. GJA1 P283L and T290N mutations lead to Cx43 protein cytoplasmic mislocalization. Our finding expands the mutant spectrum of GJA1 gene and adds new understanding of the genotype‐phenotype correlation.
Dosimetry and characterization of a 25‐MeV proton beam line for preclinical radiobiology research
Authors: Constanzo Julie , Vanstalle Marie , Finck Christian , Brasse David , Rousseau Marc 
Published: March 2019

PurposeWith the increase in proton therapy centers, there is a growing need to make progress in preclinical proton radiation biology to give accessible data to medical physicists and practicing radiation oncologists.MethodsA cyclotron usually producing radioisotopes with a proton beam at an energy of about 25 MeV after acceleration, was used for radiobiology studies. Depleted silicon surface barrier detectors were used for the beam energy measurement. A complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor and a plastic scintillator detector were used for fluence measurement, and compared to Geant4 and an in‐house analytical dose modeling developed for this purpose. Also, from the energy measurement of each attenuated beam, the dose‐averaged linear energy transfer (LETd) was calculated with Geant4.ResultsThe measured proton beam energy was 24.85 ± 0.14 MeV with an energy straggling of 127 ± 22 keV before scattering and extraction in air. The measured flatness was within ± 2.1% over 9 mm in diameter. A wide range of LETd is achievable: constant between the entrance and the exit of the cancer cell sample ranging from 2.2 to 8 keV/μm, beyond 20 keV/μm, and an average of 2–5 keV/μm in a scattering spread‐out Bragg peak calculated for an example of a 6‐mm‐thick xenograft tumor.ConclusionThe dosimetry and the characterization of a 25‐MeV proton beam line for preclinical radiobiology research was performed by measurements and modeling, demonstrating the feasibility of delivering a proton beam for preclinical in vivo and in vitro studies with LETd of clinical interest.