bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Qualified viewing space determination of near‐eye and head‐up displays
Authors: Austin Richard L. , Denning Bruce S. , Drews Brian C. , Fedoriouk Victor B. , Calpito Robert C. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractA method for determining the extents of a qualified viewing space (QVS) based on repeatable and reproducible luminance measurements of augmented and virtual reality near‐eye displays is described. This QVS mapping can also use other display performance metrics such as (1) Michelson contrast, (2) modulation transfer function, or (3) color as boundary condition parameters. We describe the use of a 4‐mm‐diameter entrance pupil, 1° to 2° field of view tele‐spectroradiometer, to determine the luminance and color uniformity of the virtual image. A 1‐mm‐diameter entrance pupil is used to map the QVS boundaries based on luminance at the center of the virtual image. The luminance measurement results from a pair of binocular augmented reality display glasses in three separate eye relief planes of the QVS of both eyes are presented. The data are further reduced to provide a perimeter profile of the QVS for the 50% of peak luminance boundary points in each eye relief plane.
Alterations in patient plasma microRNA expression profiles following resection of metastatic melanoma
Authors: Latchana Nicholas , DiVincenzo Mallory J. , Regan Kelly , Abrams Zachary , Zhang Xiaoli , Jacob Naduparambil K. , Gru Alejandro A. , Fadda Paolo , Markowitz Joseph , Howard J. Harrison , Carson William E. 
Published: August 2018

Background and ObjectivesMicroRNAs (miRs) are noncoding RNAs that regulate protein translation and melanoma progression. Changes in plasma miR expression following surgical resection of metastatic melanoma are under‐investigated. We hypothesize differences in miR expression exist following complete surgical resection of metastatic melanoma.MethodsBlood collection pre‐ and post‐surgical resection was performed in six individuals with solitary melanoma metastases. miR expression in extracted RNA was quantified using the NanoString nCounter Digital Analyzer.ResultsPre‐ and post‐surgical plasma samples contained 216 miRs with expression above baseline. Comparison of postsurgical to preresection samples revealed differential expression of 25 miRs: miR‐let‐7a, miR‐let7g, miR‐15a, miR‐16, miR‐22, miR‐30b, miR‐126, miR‐140, miR‐145, miR‐148a, miR‐150‐5p, miR‐191, miR‐378i, miR‐449c, miR‐494, miR‐513b, miR‐548aa, miR‐571, miR‐587, miR‐891b, miR‐1260a, miR 1268a, miR‐1976, miR‐4268, miR‐4454 (P < 0.05). Utilizing P < 0.0046 as a cutoff to control for one false positive among the 216 miRs revealed that postsurgical melanoma plasma samples had upregulation of miR‐1260a (P = 0.0007) and downregulation of miR‐150‐5p (P = 0.0026) relative to pre‐surgical samples.ConclusionsDifferential expression of miR‐150‐5p and miR‐1260a is present in plasma following surgical resection of metastatic melanoma in this small sample (n = 6) of melanoma patients. Therefore, further investigation of these plasma miRs as noninvasive biomarkers for melanoma is warranted.
Trends in perioperative outcomes of hospitals performing major cancer surgery
Authors: Liu Jason B. , Berian Julia R. , Liu Yaoming , Ko Clifford Y. , Weber Sharon M. 
Published: August 2018

Background and ObjectivesCancer surgery outcomes at National Cancer Institute‐designated cancer centers (NCI‐CCs) have been shown to vary, and have not been uniformly better than outcomes among non‐NCI‐CCs. We aimed to assess whether NCI‐CCs have improved their short‐term outcomes over time and whether variation across these centers has changed.MethodsPatients who underwent colectomy, esophagectomy, hepatectomy, pancreatectomy, and proctectomy for cancer were identified from the 2010 to 2016 American College of Surgeons’ National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry. Hospital trends in risk‐adjusted, smoothed observed‐to‐expected ratios were assessed to evaluate improvement and variation in perioperative complications, stratified by NCI‐CC status.ResultsComplications occurred in 18.8% of 204 732 patients who underwent major cancer operations at 645 hospitals, and complications occurred in 19.9% of 60,903 patients at 54 NCI‐CCs studied. More NCI‐CCs than non‐NCI‐CCs improved over the period (85.2% vs 58.4%,
P < 0.001; relative risk [RR] 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28‐1.66); this remained significant after adjusting for years of participation (RR 1.33, 95% CI, 1.17‐1.51). Variation in performance remained unchanged over time.ConclusionNCI‐CCs were detected to have improved over a contemporary seven‐year period and to have improved more than non‐NCI‐CCs. However, NCI‐CCs do not uniformly outperform non‐NCI‐CCs, and variation in perioperative outcomes remains, warranting continued quality improvement efforts targeting cancer‐specific operations.
A preoperative prognostic model to predict surgical success in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Gaspersz Marcia P. , Buettner Stefan , Roos Eva , van Vugt Jeroen L.A. , Coelen Robert J.S. , Vugts Jaynee , Wiggers Jimme K. , Allen Peter J. , Besselink Marc G. , Busch Olivier R.C. , Belt Eric J. , D’Angelica Michael I. , DeMatteo Ronald P. , de Jonge Jeroen , Kingham T. Peter , Polak Wojciech G. , Willemssen François E.J.A. , van Gulik Thomas M. , Jarnagin William R. , Ijzermans Jan N.M. , Groot Koerkamp Bas 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundPatients with resectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) on imaging have a substantial risk of metastatic or locally advanced disease, incomplete (R1) resection, and 90‐day mortality. Our aim was to develop a preoperative prognostic model to predict surgical success, defined as a complete (R0) resection without 90‐day mortality, in patients with resectable PHC on imaging.Study DesignPatients with PHC who underwent exploratory laparotomy in three tertiary referral centers were identified. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify preoperatively available prognostic factors. A prognostic model was developed using data from two European centers and validated in one American center.ResultsIn total, 671 patients with PHC underwent exploratory laparotomy. In the derivation cohort, surgical success was achieved in 102 of 331 patients (30.8%). No resection was performed in 176 patients (53.2%) because of metastatic or locally advanced disease. Of the 155 patients (46.8%) who underwent a resection, 38 (24.5%) had an R1‐resection. Of the remaining 117 (35.3%), 15 (12.8%) had 90‐day mortality. Independent poor prognostic factors for surgical success were identified, and a preoperative prognostic model was developed with a concordance index of 0.71. External validation showed good concordance (0.70).ConclusionSurgical success was achieved in only 30% of patients with PHC undergoing exploratory laparotomy and could be predicted by age, cholangitis, hepatic artery involvement, lymph node metastases, and Blumgart stage.
Advances in flap monitoring and impact of enhanced recovery protocols
Authors: Karinja Sarah J. , Lee Bernard T. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractRecent advances in technology have shown promise in improving outcomes in microsurgery. Although vascular compromise and flap loss represent major complications, flap monitoring techniques have evolved to improve rates of salvage. Enhanced recovery protocols have also been adapted to expedite patient recovery and length of stay. Early studies have shown benefits such as decreased complications and costs and improved patient outcomes. This review examines the current literature on these topics in the setting of microsurgery.
A modified liver hanging maneuver in pure laparoscopic extended left hepatectomy (with video)
Authors: Kim Ji Hoon 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundLaparoscopic extended left hepatectomy has rarely been reported because of technical difficulties. In this study, we describe the surgical technique of laparoscopic extended left hepatectomy using a modified liver hanging maneuver (LHM).MethodsThe upper end of the hanging tape was positioned to the lateral aspect of the left hepatic vein (LHV), and the pathway was positioned with the ligamentum venosum. The liver was transected from the Cantlie line to the right side of the middle hepatic vein (MHV) without using the hanging technique. The lower end of the tape was repositioned to the groove created along the right side of the MHV after the initial parenchymal transection. The remnant liver was transected using the hanging maneuver. The hanging tape encircled the common trunk of the LHV and MHV.ResultsThree patients underwent laparoscopic extended left hepatectomy using the LHM. The median operation time was 310 minutes (range, 260 to 350 minutes), and the median estimated blood loss was 110 mL (range, 90 to 260 mL). The median postoperative hospital stay was 7 days (range, 7 to 8 days). No postoperative morbidity or mortality was observed.ConclusionThis modified LHM may be a safe and useful method for laparoscopic extended left hepatectomy.
Cropland abandonment enhances soil inorganic nitrogen retention and carbon stock in China: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Tian Dashuan , Xiang Yangzhou , Wang Bingxue , Li Meiling , Liu Yanshu , Wang Jinsong , Li Zhaolei , Niu Shuli 
Published: August 2018

AbstractTransforming cropland into a semi‐natural ecosystem is an effective approach to increase soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen sequestration. However, we know little about large‐scale response patterns of SOC, soil inorganic nitrogen (SIN), and their interactions over long time of ecosystem restoration. Here, we conducted a meta‐analysis to examine changes in SOC, SIN, and their relationship along 50 year's ecosystem development from cropland transformation in China's ‘Grain for Green’ Programme. Our results showed that SOC and SIN were consistently enhanced by 57% and 35% with transformation, respectively. Similar with SOC, SIN had higher response magnitudes when cropland was restored to forests (47%) than to shrublands (36%) and grasslands (24%). Both SOC and SIN response ratios showed a quadratic relationship with precipitation. Moreover, we found a strong linear relationship (R2 = 0.36) between SOC and SIN response ratio, with the slope indicating a 0.43% increase in SIN per 1% of increasing SOC. This SIN retention capacity (the slope) significantly increased with restoration time but reduced with precipitation, temperature, and initial SOC. Restored forest had a lower SIN retention capacity than had shrubland and grassland. Overall, this study represents the first to regionally uncover SIN retention mechanism with increasing SOC during ecosystem development. It suggests that ecosystem restoration will contribute more to relieving serious environmental problems (i.e., N leaching and N2O emission) by enhancing SIN retention in China's Grain for Green Programme.
Observations of turbulence and mean flow in the low‐energy hypolimnetic boundary layer of a large lake
Authors: Cannon David J. , Troy Cary D. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractNear‐bed measurements are reported for both mean flow and turbulence structure in the deep hypolimnetic waters of Lake Michigan (55 m depth) during stratified and unstratified periods to determine validity and restrictions of the expected law‐of‐the‐wall (LOW) behavior. Near‐bed currents were weak (U50 = 3, 16 cm s−1for mean, maximum currents respectively at 50 cm elevation), dominated by subinertial energy across all seasons, and showed little seasonal variation in spite of the strong seasonality to wind forcing. Velocity structure for wave‐free conditions showed strong log‐linear trends within 1 mab, with over 98% of the 2152 velocity profiles producing significant log‐linear fits within the bottom meter and a strictly logarithmic velocity profile extending to only 66 cmab on average (Cd 50 = 0.0052;zo = 0.0015 m). Stratification was dynamically unimportant to mean flow and turbulence, but fitted log‐linear length scales suggest that deviations from strictly logarithmic velocity structure may be explained by flow unsteadiness. Turbulent quantities measured within 1 m of the bed including dissipation, turbulent kinetic energy, and turbulent length scales followed LOW expectations in the mean, but individual estimates deviated by several orders of magnitude. The observed deviations from LOW turbulent structure were found to be correlated with the log‐linear length scales fit to mean velocity profiles and were consistent with the effects of flow unsteadiness.
Plasmonic Enhancement and Manipulation of Optical Nonlinearity in Monolayer Tungsten Disulfide
Authors: Shi Jinwei , Liang Wei‐Yun , Raja Soniya S. , Sang Yungang , Zhang Xin‐Quan , Chen Chun‐An , Wang Yanrong , Yang Xinyue , Lee Yi‐Hsien , Ahn Hyeyoung , Gwo Shangjr 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMonolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have large second‐order optical nonlinearity owing to broken inversion symmetry in two‐dimensional (2D) crystals. However, despite the strong light–matter coupling in monolayer TMDCs, their nonlinear responses are ultimately limited by subnanometer thickness. Here, a dramatic enhancement of the second‐harmonic generation (SHG) is achieved from monolayer tungsten disulfide (WS2) incorporated onto a 2D silver (Ag) nanogroove grating with subwavelength pitch. By tuning surface plasmon mode and second‐harmonic frequency in resonance with the C exciton in WS2, a large SHG enhancement factor (≈400) and a large conversion efficiency (≈2.0 × 10–5) can be obtained. Furthermore, the azimuthal angle dependence of polarized SHG from monolayer WS2 can be manipulated by the nanogroove plasmonic mode. Based on this property, a polarization‐modulated optical encoding technique is demonstrated. The results suggest that 2D TMDC–plasmonic hybrid metasurface structures can provide an ideal integration platform for on‐chip nonlinear photonics and plasmonics.
Facile Esterification of Degraded and Non‐Degraded Starch
Authors: Konieczny Jakob , Loos Katja 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe iodine‐catalyzed esterification (acetylation and propionation) and esterification with longer fatty acids of white dextrins (degraded starches) and “waxy potato” starch containing more than 95% amylopectin are reported. The degree of substitution can be finely tuned by a simple variation of the catalyst versus the amount of anhydroglucose units. Longer fatty acids can be readily converted using 1‐methylimidazole as a solvent. The esterified carbohydrates are attractive for industrial purposes, offering high functionality, a broad variety of functional groups, high solubility, and a unique rheological behavior.
C9orf72 and its Relevance in Parkinsonism and Movement Disorders: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature
Authors: Bourinaris Thomas , Houlden Henry 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe C9orf72 hexanucleotide expansion is one of the latest discovered repeat expansion disorders related to neurodegeneration. Its association with the FTD/ALS spectrum disorders is well established, and it is considered to be one of the leading related genes. It has also been reported as a possible cause of several other phenotypes, including parkinsonism and other movement disorders. Its significance, though outside the FTD/ALS spectrum, is not well defined.MethodsA comprehensive search of the literature was performed. All relevant papers, including reviews and case series/reports on movement disorder phenotypes reported with the C9orf72 repeat expansion, were reviewed. Data on frequency, natural history, phenotype, genetics, and possible underlying mechanisms were assessed.Results and DiscussionIn a number of studies, C9orf72 accounts for a small fraction of typical PD. Atypical parkinsonian syndromes, including CBS, PSP, and MSA have also been reported. Features that increase the probability of positive testing include early cognitive and/or behavioral symptoms, positive family history of ALS or FTD, and the presence of UMN and LMN signs. Furthermore, several studies conclude that C9orf72 is the most common cause of HD‐phenocopies. Interestingly, many cases with the parkinsonian phenotype that bear an intermediate range of repeats are also reported, questioning the direct causal role of C9orf72 and suggesting the possibility of being a susceptibility factor, while the presence of the expansion in normal controls questions its clinical significance. Finally, studies on pathology reveal a distinctive broad range of C9orf72‐related neurodegeneration that could explain the wide phenotypic variation.
Polygenic load: Earlier disease onset but similar longitudinal progression in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Lerche Stefanie , Liepelt‐Scarfone Inga , Wurster Isabel , Schulte Claudia , Schäffer Eva , Röben Benjamin , Machetanz Gerrit , Zimmermann Milan , Akbas Selda , Hauser Ann‐Kathrin , Gasser Thomas , Maetzler Walter , Berg Daniela , Brockmann Kathrin 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTObjectives: In order to evaluate the influence of the genetic load of 49 genetic variants known to be associated with PD on the age at onset as well as on clinical outcome parameters.Background: PD patients show a large variability in phenotype and progression reflecting interindividual heterogeneity. This might be influenced by a diverse genetic architecture.Methods: Six hundred seventeen PD patients were included in this study and stratified by their “genetic load,” which is based on the weighted odds ratios of 49 genetic variants known to be associated with PD from genome‐wide association studies. Clinical parameters (H & Y, UPDRS‐III, MMSE, and Beck's Depression Inventory) were evaluated cross‐sectionally and in a subgroup longitudinally over 8 years.Results: PD patients with the highest genetic load were younger at disease onset, whereas severity of clinical parameters were similar compared to patients with the lowest genetic load. These findings could be confirmed regarding progression to clinical endpoints in the longitudinal analysis.Conclusion: A high genetic load is associated with a younger age at onset, which, in turn, might possibly promote more effective compensatory mechanisms resulting in a similar rate of disease progression. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Approaches to carrier testing and results disclosure in translational genomics research: The clinical sequencing exploratory research consortium experience
Authors: Porter Kathryn M. , Kauffman Tia L. , Koenig Barbara A. , Lewis Katie L. , Rehm Heidi L. , Richards Carolyn Sue , Strande Natasha T. , Tabor Holly K. , Wolf Susan M. , Yang Yaping , Amendola Laura M. , Azzariti Danielle R. , Berg Jonathan S. , Bergstrom Katie , Biesecker Leslie G. , Biswas Sawona , Bowling Kevin M. , Chung Wendy K. , Clayton Ellen W. , Conlin Laura K. , Cooper Gregory M. , Dulik Matthew C. , Garraway Levi A. , Ghazani Arezou A. , Green Robert C. , Hiatt Susan M. , Jamal Seema M. , Jarvik Gail P. , Goddard Katrina A. B. , Wilfond Benjamin S. ,   The members of the CSER Actionability and Return of Results Working Group
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundClinical genome and exome sequencing (CGES) is primarily used to address specific clinical concerns by detecting risk of future disease, clarifying diagnosis, or directing treatment. Additionally, CGES makes possible the disclosure of autosomal recessive and X‐linked carrier results as additional secondary findings, and research about the impact of carrier results disclosure in this context is needed.MethodsRepresentatives from 11 projects in the clinical sequencing exploratory research (CSER) consortium collected data from their projects using a structured survey. The survey focused on project characteristics, which variants were offered and/or disclosed to participants as carrier results, methods for carrier results disclosure, and project‐specific outcomes. We recorded quantitative responses and report descriptive statistics with the aim of describing the variability in approaches to disclosing carrier results in translational genomics research projects.ResultsThe proportion of participants with carrier results was related to the number of genes included, ranging from 3% (three genes) to 92% (4,600 genes). Between one and seven results were disclosed to those participants who received any positive result. Most projects offered participants choices about whether to receive some or all of the carrier results. There were a range of approaches to communicate results, and many projects used separate approaches for disclosing positive and negative results.ConclusionFuture translational genomics research projects will need to make decisions regarding whether and how to disclose carrier results. The CSER consortium experience identifies approaches that balance potential participant interest while limiting impact on project resources.
Technical Note: A benchtop cone‐beam x‐ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) system with a high‐power x‐ray source and transmission CT imaging capability
Authors: Manohar Nivedh , Reynoso Francisco J. , Cho Sang Hyun 
Published: August 2018

PurposeThis report describes upgrades and performance characterization of an experimental benchtop cone‐beam x‐ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) system capable of determining the spatial distribution and concentration of metal probes such as gold nanoparticles (GNPs). Specifically, a high‐power (~3 kW) industrial x‐ray source and transmission CT capability were deployed in the same platform under the cone‐beam geometry.MethodsAll components of the system are described in detail, including the x‐ray source, imaging stage, cadmium‐telluride detector for XFCT, and flat‐panel detector for transmission CT imaging. The general data acquisition scheme for XFCT and transmission CT is also explicated. The detection limit of the system was determined using calibration samples containing water and GNPs at various concentrations. Samples were then embedded in a small‐animal‐sized phantom and imaged with XFCT and CT. The reconstructed XFCT and CT images were compared and analyzed using the contrast‐to‐noise ratio for each GNP‐containing region of interest. Also, measurements of the incident beam spectra used for XFCT and CT imaging were made and the corresponding x‐ray dose rates were estimated, along with the imaging dose.ResultsThe present configuration produced a GNP detection limit of 0.03 wt. % with the delivery of an effective dose of 1.87 cGy per projection. XFCT scan of an animal‐sized phantom containing low concentrations (down to 0.03 wt. %) of GNP‐loaded inserts can be performed within an hour.ConclusionsThe high performance of the system combined with the ability to perform transmission CT in tandem with XFCT suggests that the currently developed benchtop cone‐beam XFCT/CT system, in conjunction with GNPs, can be used for routine multimodal preclinical imaging tasks with less stringent dose constraints such as ex vivo imaging. With further effort to minimize XFCT imaging dose as discussed in this report, it may also be used for in vivo imaging.