bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self‐modification of Ni Metal Surfaces with CeO2 to Suppress Carbon Deposition at Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Anodes
Authors: Kubota J. , Hashimoto S. , Shindo T. , Yashiro K. , Matsui T. , Yamaji K. , Kishimoto H. , Kawada T. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractHigh durability against carbon deposition on Ni anodes of internal‐reforming solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) is one of the most significant challenges in the utilization of SOFCs. Carbon deposition is strongly affected by the type of solid oxide electrolyte, although it occurs on Ni surfaces which are a few hundred nanometers away from the solid oxide electrolyte. Carbon deposition under CH4 flow at 1,073 K on Ni particles on yttria‐stabilized ZrO2 was determined to occur more readily than on Ni particles on Gd‐doped CeO2. We have examined how the solid oxides interact with the Ni surfaces in anodes using Auger electron microanalysis and infrared spectroscopy with adsorbed molecules. The results suggest that the CeO2 species migrate on the Ni surfaces under reducing conditions. The chemical influence of CeO2 migration on the Ni surface was confirmed by infrared spectra of adsorbed CO on Ni sites.
Direct Formic Acid PEM Fuel Cell with Electrospun Carbon Nitride Nanofibers as Cathode Catalyst
Authors: Jindal Amandeep , Narayanan Harikrishnan , Basu Suddhasatwa 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCarbon nitride (CNx) nanofiber is tested as a cathode catalyst in the direct formic acid proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell at room temperature. CNx nanofiber is synthesized by electrospinning technique with polyacrylonitrile (PAN) as a supporting polymer and carbon black and Nafion® dispersion as fillers. Potassium permanganate (0.144M) is used as oxidant, due to its higher reduction potential (1.7 V) as compared to O2. CNx nanofibers show fuel cell activity with current density (23 mA cm−2) and power density (6.77 mW cm−2) comparable to Pt black catalyst loading (43 mA cm−2, 12.90 mW cm−2) at 300 mV.
Promotion of O2 on the co‐pyrolysis of CHF3 and CH4 for VDF synthesis
Authors: Han Wenfeng , Song Yanyan , Liu Wucan , Yang Luteng , Tang Haodong , Wang Shucheng , Wu Zhixing , Zhang Jianjun 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCo‐pyrolysis of CHF3 and CH4 in the presence of O2 was investigated in a tubular reactor at temperatures between 700 and 860°C, atmospheric pressure, and residence time of 1.64 s. Under reaction conditions studied, introduction of O2 in the CHF3 and CH4 feed significantly improves the conversion of CH4, and while conversion of CHF3 almost stays unchanged. In the absence of O2, CH4 is activated by chain reactions which are initiated by the surface of the reactor. Following the introduction of O2, a series of additional chain reactions (reactions of CH4 with O2, O•, •HO2 and •OH radicals) generate more •CH3 radicals which are one of the key species for the formation of target product, CH2=CF2. Therefore, formation rate of CH2=CF2 is doubled under optimal reaction conditions. The suitable O2/CH4 feed ratio is suggested to be 0.06 for the formation of CH2=CF2. In addition, introduction of O2 in the feed decreases the formation of major byproduct C2F4 and C2HF3 significantly. After O2 is introduced, as more H• radicals are produced, improved formation rate of C2H3F results. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does my high blood pressure improve your survival? Overall and subgroup learning curves in health
Authors: Van Gestel Raf , Müller Tobias , Bosmans Johan 
Published: April 2017

SummaryLearning curves in health are of interest for a wide range of medical disciplines, healthcare providers, and policy makers. In this paper, we distinguish between three types of learning when identifying overall learning curves: economies of scale, learning from cumulative experience, and human capital depreciation. In addition, we approach the question of how treating more patients with specific characteristics predicts provider performance. To soften collinearity problems, we explore the use of least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression as a variable selection method and Theil–Goldberger mixed estimation to augment the available information. We use data from the Belgian Transcatheter Aorta Valve Implantation (TAVI) registry, containing information on the first 860 TAVI procedures in Belgium. We find that treating an additional TAVI patient is associated with an increase in the probability of 2‐year survival by about 0.16%‐points. For adverse events like renal failure and stroke, we find that an extra day between procedures is associated with an increase in the probability for these events by 0.12%‐points and 0.07%‐points, respectively. Furthermore, we find evidence for positive learning effects from physicians' experience with defibrillation, treating patients with hypertension, and the use of certain types of replacement valves during the TAVI procedure.
How excluding some benefits from value assessment of new drugs impacts innovation
Authors: Cook Joseph P. , Golec Joseph 
Published: April 2017

AbstractPayers often assess the benefits of new drugs relative to costs for reimbursement purposes, but they frequently exclude some drugs' option‐related benefits, reducing their reimbursement chances, and making them less attractive R&D investments. We develop and test a real options model of R&D investment that shows that excluding option‐related benefits heightens drug developers' incentives to avoid high‐risk (volatile) R&D investments and instead encourages them to focus on “safer” (positively skewed) investments. Our model and empirical results could partly explain the decline in the number of risky new molecular entities.
Indications and extent of central neck dissection for papillary thyroid cancer: An American Head and Neck Society Consensus Statement
Authors: Agrawal Nishant , Evasovich Maria R. , Kandil Emad , Noureldine Salem I. , Felger Erin A. , Tufano Ralph P. , Kraus Dennis H. , Orloff Lisa A. , Grogan Raymon , Angelos Peter , Stack Brendan C. , McIver Bryan , Randolph Gregory W. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe primary purposes of this interdisciplinary consensus statement were to review the relevant indications for central neck dissection (CND) in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and to outline the appropriate extent and relevant techniques required to accomplish a safe and effective CND.MethodsA writing group convened by the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) Endocrine Committee was tasked with identifying the important clinical elements to consider when managing the central neck compartment in patients with PTC based on available evidence in the literature, and the group's collective experience. The position statement paper was then submitted to the full Endocrine Committee, Education Committee, and AHNS Council.ResultsThis consensus statement was developed to inform the clinical decision‐making process when managing the central neck compartment in patients with PTC from the AHNS. This document is intended to provide clarity through definitions as well as a basic guideline from which to manage the central neck. It is our hope that this improves the quality and reduces variation in management of the central neck, facilitates communication, and furthers research for patients with thyroid cancer.ConclusionThis represents, in our opinion, contemporary optimal surgical care for this patient population and is endorsed by the American Head and Neck Society. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 1269–1279, 2017
Impact of metformin on patients with advanced head and neck cancer undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Chang Pei‐Hung , Yeh Kun‐Yun , Wang Cheng‐Hsu , Chen Eric Yen‐Chao , Yang Shih‐Wei , Chou Wen‐Chi , Hsieh Jason Chia‐Hsun 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of metformin on toxicities and survival in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed and compared the clinical characteristics, treatment tolerance, toxicities, and survival of 252 patients with stages III, IVA, and IVB head and neck cancer undergoing concurrent CRT with and without metformin treatment between 2007 and 2010.ResultsAmong all patients, 39 patients received metformin whereas 219 patients did not. Both groups had similar clinical characteristics and nearly identical disease‐free survival and overall survival. However, the metformin group was less likely to tolerate cisplatin, experienced more weight loss, had a tendency to receive lower doses of radiotherapy, required more feeding tube support, and had grade ≥3 nausea/vomiting and hematological toxicities.ConclusionPatients with head and neck cancer undergoing concurrent CRT along with metformin treatment require more careful multidisciplinary assessment and supportive care to ensure successful completion of treatment and avoid treatment‐related toxicities.
The burden of autoimmunity in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Fozza Claudio 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe clinical history of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is characterised by bone marrow insufficiency as well as by the possible evolution into acute leukaemia. However a number of reports highlight the frequent occurrence of autoimmune manifestations involving different sites and organs. The present review will first describe the clinical pictures most often observed in MDS patients. The actual burden of autoimmunity will be then addressed by focusing on the few available registry studies. Finally, the potential collateral impact of specific treatments for MDS on the evolution of autoimmune disorders will be considered.
T2‐Mapping evaluation of early cartilage alteration of talus for chronic lateral ankle instability with isolated anterior talofibular ligament tear or combined with calcaneofibular ligament tear
Authors: Tao Hongyue , Hu Yiwen , Qiao Yang , Ma Kui , Yan Xu , Hua Yinghui , Chen Shuang 
Published: April 2017

PurposeTo quantitatively evaluate the cartilage alteration of talus for chronic lateral ankle instability (LAI) with isolated anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) tear and combined ATFL and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) tear using T2‐mapping at 3.0T.Materials and MethodsIn all, 27 patients including 17 with isolated ATFL tear and 10 with ATFL+CFL tear, and 21 healthy subjects were recruited. All participants underwent T2‐mapping scan at 3T and patients completed American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring. The total talar cartilage (TTC) was segmented into six compartments: medial anterior (MA), medial center (MC), medial posterior (MP), lateral anterior (LA), lateral center (LC), and lateral posterior (LP). The T2 value of each compartment was measured from T2‐mapping images. Data were analyzed with one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Student's t‐test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient.ResultsThe T2 values of MA, MC, MP, TTC in the ATFL group and MA, MC, MP, LC, LP, TTC in the ATFL+CFL group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the T2 values of MC, MP, LC, and TTC in the ATFL+CFL group were higher than those in the ATFL group (P < 0.05). The T2 values of MA in both patient groups were negatively correlated with AOFAS scores (r = –0.596, r = −0.690, P < 0.05).ConclusionChronic LAI with ATFL tear had a trend of increasing cartilage T2 values in talar trochlea, mainly involving medial cartilage compartments. Chronic LAI with ATFL+CFL tear might result in higher T2 values in a much larger cartilage region than with ATFL tear. MA could be the main cartilage compartment that may affect the patient's clinical symptoms.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy: Stage 3J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:69–77.
Center of pressure profiles in unilateral compared to bilateral end‐stage ankle osteoarthritis patients
Authors: Gladish Jonathan R. , Powell Douglas W. , Allison Lindsey E. , Queen Robin M. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTAnkle osteoarthritis (OA) compromises ankle joint stability in regards to static balance. Unilateral and bilateral osteoarthritis patients often exhibit different limb‐loading patterns during static balance tasks. Symmetrical loading has been posited to improve balance performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to quantify balance performance in both ankle osteoarthritis patient groups. Twenty‐two unilateral and twenty‐one bilateral ankle osteoarthritis patients performed three 10‐s quiet standing trials with their feet together. Ground reaction force data were collected from force platforms with one under each foot. Center of pressure excursion in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions as well as the resultant center of pressure were calculated using custom Matlab software. A 2 × 2 repeated measures ANOVA with Cohen's d were used to analyze the differences between groups (unilateral vs. bilateral) and between limbs (affected vs. unaffected) (α = 0.05). No significant differences were found between limbs or groups in either the anteroposterior or mediolateral direction for any measured variable. Though not statistically different, moderate to large effect sizes were observed for mean resultant distance between unilateral and bilateral (d = 0.096, d: 1.0) as well as anteroposterior excursion (p = 0.077, d: 1.731) and mean velocity (p = 0.084, d: 1.50) between affected and unaffected limbs. These large effect sizes suggested clinically relevant differences may exist, particularly in the anteroposterior direction. These findings may suggest that center of pressure is a better measure of postural strategy while center of mass measures may be more representative of postural steadiness. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2749–2754, 2017.
Ultrasound enhances calcium absorption of jujube fruit by regulating the cellular calcium distribution and metabolism of cell wall polysaccharides
Authors: Zhi Huanhuan , Liu Qiqi , Xu Juan , Dong Yu , Liu Mengpei , Zong Wei 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDUltrasound has been applied in fruit pre‐washing processes. However, it is not sufficient to protect fruit from pathogenic infection throughout the entire storage period, and sometimes ultrasound causes tissue damage. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of calcium chloride (CaCl2, 10 g L−1) and ultrasound (350 W at 40 kHz), separately and in combination, on jujube fruit quality, antioxidant status, tissue Ca2+ content and distribution along with cell wall metabolism at 20 °C for 6 days.RESULTSAll three treatments significantly maintained fruit firmness and peel color, reduced respiration rate, decay incidence, superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde and preserved higher enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase) and non‐enzymatic (ascorbic acid and glutathione) antioxidants compared with the control. Moreover, the combined treatment was more effective in increasing tissue Ca2+ content and distribution, inhibiting the generation of water‐soluble and CDTA‐soluble pectin fractions, delaying the solubilization of Na2CO3‐soluble pectin and having lower activities of cell wall‐modifying enzymes (polygalacturonase and pectate lyase) during storage.CONCLUSIONThese results demonstrated that the combination of CaCl2 and ultrasound has potential commercial application to extend the shelf life of jujube fruit by facilitating Ca2+ absorption and stabilizing the cell wall structure. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Partial tibial nerve transfer to tibialis anterior for traumatic peroneal nerve palsy
Authors: Ferris Scott , Maciburko Simon J. 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundPartial tibial nerve transfer to the motor branches of tibialis anterior is an emerging reconstructive technique for the treatment of traumatic common peroneal nerve (CPN) injury; however, few papers in the literature describe clinical outcomes.MethodsA prospective single‐surgeon series of nine consecutive patients who underwent partial tibial nerve transfers to the motor branches of tibialis anterior for traumatic CPN injuries between 2008 and 2014. Eight patients were male and the average age at operation was 28.2 years old (range 21–39). All nine patients experienced high‐energy CPN injuries. The average time to operation was 5.8 months (range 1–10) and all patients scored M0 for ankle dorsiflexion preoperatively according to the Medical Research Council (MRC) grading system. Outcome parameters included time since operation, postoperative MRC grade for ankle dorsiflexion, and the use of an orthosis for walking.ResultsSeven of nine patients achieved an MRC grade of ≥M4, allowing for active dorsiflexion against gravity and some resistance, by a mean of 16.7 months postoperatively (range 8–26) and no longer required an orthosis for walking. No complications were recorded during the procedures, nor were any compromises to the tibial nerve donor site during follow‐up. No patients were lost to follow‐up with an average follow‐up period of 30.8 months (range 15–61).ConclusionsThis series provides good evidence that this evolving reconstructive technique may achieve excellent results and should be considered in traumatic common peroneal nerve injuries that would traditionally rely on conventional nerve grafting alone.
Kantorovich variant of a new kind of q‐Bernstein–Schurer operators
Authors: Ruchi Ruchi , Ispir Nurhayat , Agrawal P. N. 
Published: April 2017

Ren and Zeng (2013) introduced a new kind of q‐Bernstein–Schurer operators and studied some approximation properties. Acu et al. (2016) defined the Durrmeyer modification of these operators and studied the rate of convergence and statistical approximation. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a Kantorovich modification of these operators by using q‐Riemann integral and investigate the rate of convergence by means of the Lipschitz class and the Peetre's K‐functional. Next, we introduce the bivariate case of q‐Bernstein–Schurer–Kantorovich operators and study the degree of approximation with the aid of the partial modulus continuity, Lipschitz space, and the Peetre's K‐functional. Finally, we define the generalized Boolean sum operators of the q‐Bernstein–Schurer–Kantorovich type and investigate the approximation of the Bögel continuous and Bögel differentiable functions by using the mixed modulus of smoothness. Furthermore, we illustrate the convergence of the operators considered in the paper for the univariate case and the associated generalized Boolean sum operators to certain functions by means of graphics using Maple algorithms. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Review of the strengths and difficulties questionnaire translated into languages spoken by children and adolescents of refugee background
Authors: Stolk Yvonne , Kaplan Ida , Szwarc Josef 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), routinely used to screen for children's and adolescents' emotional and behavioural problems, has been translated into at least 80 languages. As children of refugee background are particularly vulnerable to mental health problems resulting from their refugee experiences, this review examines whether SDQs translated into languages spoken by major refugee groups are validated and culturally equivalent to the original SDQ and sensitive to change following interventions. No reviewed studies of translated SDQs reported on challenges in achieving conceptual and linguistic equivalence in translation. Factor analysis predominantly showed structural inequivalence with the original 5‐factor model, suggesting translated SDQ subscales may measure different constructs. Predictive equivalence findings tended to show somewhat higher sensitivity for detecting disorder than the original SDQ's low sensitivity, and somewhat lower specificity. Outcome studies yielded equivocal results with refugee and immigrant groups. SDQ items do not detect the psychological sequelae of trauma; hence it is recommended that the SDQ be used with caution to screen refugee children, with a follow‐up clinical interview for verification. Cross‐cultural qualitative research is needed into parents' and adolescents' interpretation of translated SDQ items.
Evaluation of the utility of 99mTc‐MDP bone scintigraphy versus MIBG scintigraphy and cross‐sectional imaging for staging patients with neuroblastoma
Authors: Gauguet Jean‐Marc , Pace‐Emerson Tamara , Grant Frederick D. , Shusterman Suzanne , DuBois Steven G. , Frazier A. Lindsay , Voss Stephan D. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractPurposeAccurate staging of neuroblastoma requires multiple imaging examinations. The purpose of this study was to determine the relative contribution of 99mTc‐methylene diphosphonate (MDP) bone scintigraphy (bone scan) versus metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy (MIBG scan) for accurate staging of neuroblastoma.MethodsA medical record search by the identified patients with neuroblastoma from 1993 to 2012 who underwent both MIBG and bone scan for disease staging. Cross‐sectional imaging was used to corroborate the scintigraphy results. Clinical records were used to correlate imaging findings with clinical staging and patient management.ResultsOne hundred thirty‐two patients underwent both MIBG and bone scan for diagnosis. All stage 1 (n = 12), 2 (n = 8), and 4S (n = 4) patients had a normal bone scan with no skeletal MIBG uptake. Six of 30 stage 3 patients had false (+) bone scans. In the 78 stage 4 patients, 58/78 (74%) were both skeletal MIBG(+)/bone scan (+). In 56 of the 58 cases, skeletal involvement detected with MIBG was equal to or greater than that detected by bone scan. Only 3/78 had (–) skeletal MIBG uptake and (+) bone scans; all 3 had other sites of metastatic disease. Five of 78 had (+) skeletal MIBG with a (–) bone scan, while 12/78 had no skeletal involvement by either MIBG or bone scan. In no case did a positive bone scan alone determine a stage 4 designation.ConclusionIn the staging of neuroblastoma, 99mTc‐MDP bone scintigraphy does not identify unique sites of disease that affect disease stage or clinical management, and in the majority of cases bone scans can be omitted from the routine neuroblastoma staging algorithm.
The frequency of QTc prolongation among pediatric and young adult patients receiving methadone for cancer pain
Authors: Madden Kevin , Park Minjeong , Liu Diane , Bruera Eduardo 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIntroductionA prolonged corrected QT (QTc) interval in pediatric patients is defined as ≥470 msec. Methadone can cause a prolonged QTc interval that can lead to ventricular arrhythmias. The risk of methadone‐induced prolongation of the QTc interval in children and young adults is unknown. The purpose of the study was to determine the frequency of QTc prolongation among pediatric and young adult patients with cancer pain on methadone treatment.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed data for all patients on methadone during the study period. Qualifying patient data were reviewed to determine whether these patients had an electrocardiogram (ECG) while on methadone. The QTc values for analysis were manually calculated using the standard formula described by Bazett.ResultsTwenty‐five patients were identified that met eligibility criteria. The median QTc decreased from baseline after initiation of methadone. QTc prolongation occurred in four of 25 (16%) patients and only one patient had a QTc greater than 500 msec. This patient had 17 normal QTc intervals on methadone prior to the prolongation. After resolution of electrolyte abnormalities, six subsequent ECGs on methadone had a normal QTc interval.ConclusionsProlongation of the QTc interval is infrequent. The only observed case was transient during multiple comorbid conditions. A prospective study is justified to better understand what role methadone plays as one of many risk factors for prolongation of the QTc interval in children and young adults.