bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rumen microbial protein synthesis and nitrogen efficiency as affected by tanniferous and non‐tanniferous forage legumes incubated individually or together in Rumen Simulation Technique
Authors: Grosse Brinkhaus Anja , Bee Giuseppe , Schwarm Angela , Kreuzer Michael , Dohme‐Meier Frigga , Zeitz Johanna O 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDA limited availability of microbial protein can impair productivity in ruminants. Ruminal nitrogen efficiency might be optimised by combining high‐quality forage legumes such as red clover (RC), which has unfavourably high ruminal protein degradability, with tanniferous legumes like sainfoin (SF) and birdsfoot trefoil (BT). Silages from SF and from BT cultivars [Bull (BB) and Polom (BP)] were incubated singly or in combination with RC using the Rumen Simulation Technique (n = 6).RESULTSThe tanniferous legumes, when compared to RC, changed the total short‐chain fatty acid profile by increasing propionate proportions at the expense of butyrate. Silage from SF contained the most condensed tannins (CTs) (136 g CT kg−1 dry matter) and clearly differed in various traits from the BT and RC silages. The apparent nutrient degradability (small with SF), microbial protein synthesis, and calculated content of potentially utilisable crude protein (large with SF) indicated that SF had the greatest efficiency in ruminal protein synthesis. The effects of combining SF with RC were mostly linear.CONCLUSIONThe potential of sainfoin to improve protein supply, demonstrated either individually or in combination with a high‐performance forage legume, indicates its potential usefulness in complementing protein‐deficient ruminant diets and high‐quality forages rich in rumen‐degradable protein. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
The preoperative globulin‐to‐albumin ratio, a novel inflammation‐based prognostic system, predicts survival after potentially curative liver resection for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shimizu Takayuki , Ishizuka Mitsuru , Suzuki Takashi , Tanaka Genki , Park Kyung Hwa , Matsumoto Takatsugu , Shiraki Takayuki , Sakuraoka Yuhki , Kato Masato , Aoki Taku , Kubota Keiichi 
Published: August 2017

Background and ObjectivesAlthough the globulin‐to‐albumin ratio (GAR) is useful for prognostication of patients with various cancers, its relationship with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. The study aims to investigate the relationship between GAR and postoperative survival among patients with HCC undergoing potentially curative liver resection (LR).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 368 patients with newly diagnosed HCC who underwent initial and potentially curative LR. Univariate and multivariate analyses using the Cox proportional hazard model were performed to detect clinical characteristics that correlated with overall survival (OS). Kaplan‐Meier analysis and log‐rank test were used to compare OS and disease‐free survival (DFS).ResultsThe result of multivariate analysis using 25 clinical characteristics selected by univariate analysis revealed that the GAR (≥0.918/<0.918) was significantly associated with OS (hazard ratio [HR], 2.398; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.012‐5.683; P = 0.047), as well as platelet count (<14/≥14, ×104/mm3) and portal vein invasion (presence/absence). Kaplan‐Meier analysis and log‐rank test demonstrated that the OS and DFS of patients with a high GAR (>0.918) were significantly worse than that of patients with a low GAR (≤0.918).ConclusionsThe GAR is a useful predictor of postoperative survival among patients with HCC undergoing potentially curative LR.
Simultaneous determination of alcohols including diols and triols by HPLC with ultraviolet detection based on the formation of a copper(II) complex
Authors: Tanaka Sohei , Dohi Takumi , Aizawa Sen‐ichi , Kemmei Tomoko , Terashima Hiroyuki , Taga Atsushi , Yamamoto Atsushi , Kodama Shuji 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe developed a reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography method with ultraviolet detection using on‐line complexation with Cu(II) ion for analysis of five alcohols including diols and triol (methanol, ethanol, 1,2‐propanediol, 1,3‐propanediol, and glycerol). The Cu(II) ion concentration in the mobile phase had a great influence on the peak areas of these alcohols, but not on their retention times. Column temperature (25−40°C) and pH of the mobile phase did not affect the separation of analytes. The optimum separation conditions were determined as 5 mM CuSO4, 3 mM H2SO4, and 3 mM NaOH at 30°C. The ratio of the peak areas for three alcohols (methanol, 1,2‐propanediol, and glycerol) was in good agreement with that calculated from the obtained stability constants, molar absorption coefficients for the 1:1 Cu(II) complexes with the three alcohols, and the injected molar quantities. This fact strongly suggests that the observed high‐performance liquid chromatography signals resulted from formation of the 1:1 Cu(II)–alcohol complexes. Using the proposed method, these five alcohols in spirit, liquid for electronic cigarette, mouthwash, and nail enamel remover samples were successfully analyzed with only a simple pretreatment.
Evaluation of Tubal Pregnancy After Treatment With Methotrexate by Ultrasound Elastography
Authors: Xie Meng , Zhang Xuyin , Wang Wenping , Hua Keqin 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the application of ultrasound elastography in the assessment of methotrexate (MTX) treatment for tubal pregnancy and the association with the elasticity score and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) concentration.MethodsA total of 73 cases of unruptured tubal pregnancy were diagnosed and treated systemically with MTX. The sonographic characters of conventional transvaginal sonography and elastography and serum hCG concentrations before and after MTX therapy were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed.ResultsThe mean elasticity score was statistically significantly lower for the ectopic tubal masses of the success group (mean ± SD, 2.58 ± 0.68) than for the failure group (3.33 ± 0.47) on day 7 (P < .001) and similar on day 0. The median elasticity score for the success group on day 7 was 3, and for the failure group, it was 4. When elasticity scores of 3 and 2 were used for the criterion of successful MTX treatment, the elastography had 94.5% sensitivity, 61.1% specificity, 88.1% positive predictive value, and 78.6% negative predictive value. Elastography of the ectopic masses and subsequent hCG concentration at 1 week after the MTX injection in the success group had a strong relationship.ConclusionsOur results suggest that transvaginal elastography was a useful tool in the evaluation of tubal pregnancy after pharmacologic management.
Comprehensive Ultrasound Assessment of the Craniocervical Circulation in Transient Global Amnesia
Authors: Jovanovic Zagorka B. , Pavlovic Aleksandra M. , Vujisic Tesic Bosiljka P. , Pekmezovic Tatjana P. , Kostic Boricic Marija V. , Cvitan Edita Z. , Covickovic Sternic Nadezda M. 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesStructural changes and metabolic stress have been reported on diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the cornu ammonis 1 area of the hippocampus in patients with transient global amnesia (TGA), but a consensus on pathogenesis is still lacking. The aim of our study was to perform a comprehensive ultrasound analysis of the cerebrovascular circulation in our population of patients with TGA.MethodsOne hundred patients with TGA and 50 age‐ and sex‐matched control participants underwent ultrasound examinations of the cervicocranial circulation.ResultsThe most significant risk factor for TGA was arterial hypertension (P < .01). There were no significant atherosclerotic lesions on the large arteries of the neck (mean internal carotid artery stenosis ± SD, 28.7% ± 11.7%) or on the large intracerebral arteries (good structural and hemodynamic status; P > .05). Rarely detected microembolic signals or a right‐left cardiopulmonary shunt excluded an emboligenic mechanism of TGA (P > .05). The internal jugular vein valves were incompetent in 54% of patients with TGA, and this condition was associated with an increased risk of TGA (odds ratio, 4.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.91–9.04). The mean values of the breath holding index and pulsatility index, as parameters of small‐vessel function, were within normal ranges and without differences between the TGA and control groups (P > .05).ConclusionsOur ultrasound examination did not detect significant structural atherosclerotic changes of cervicocranial arteries, and an emboligenic mechanism was excluded. Only a significant rise of blood pressure in TGA and significant valvular insufficiency of the internal jugular vein were established. New research should clarify whether these simultaneous functional circulatory changes have relevance for metabolic stress in the cornu ammonis of the hippocampus.
Evaluation of a Novel Out‐of‐Plane Needle Guide
Authors: Neice Andrew E. , Forton Camelia 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesMost ultrasound‐guided regional procedures use an in‐plane approach. Out‐of‐plane approaches may be desirable in some situations but can be difficult because of an inability to visualize the needle until it intersects the plane of the ultrasonic beam. Here we present a novel out‐of‐plane needle guide, using a retreating depth stop, and compare its performance with unguided in‐plane and out‐of‐plane techniques.MethodsFirst‐ and third‐year medical students with no or minimal ultrasound experience were recruited for the study. After a brief training session on in‐plane and out‐of‐plane needling techniques, as well as use of the retreating‐stop needle guide, they attempted to place a needle as close as possible to a target embedded in porcine tissue. The total time to complete the procedure was measured. Accuracy was measured by a skilled sonographer, who identified the needle tip and measured the distance to the target. The data were tested for significance using an analysis of variance.ResultsThe mean total time spent differed significantly between groups (novel needle guide, 34 seconds; in‐plane, 120 seconds; out‐of‐plane, 113 seconds; P = .021). Needle proximity was on average more accurate with the needle guide, although this difference was not statistically significant (novel needle guide, 8 mm; in‐plane, 15 mm; out‐of‐plane, 14 mm; P = .289).ConclusionsIn relatively inexperienced sonographers, the retreating‐stop needle guide reduced the procedure time compared with in‐plane and out‐of‐plane techniques. No significant changes in needling accuracy were observed.
Three‐Dimensional Virtual Sonographic Cystoscopy for Detection of Ureterocele in Duplicated Collecting Systems in Children
Authors: Nabavizadeh Behnam , Mozafarpour Sarah , Hosseini Sharifi Seyed Hossein , Nabavizadeh Reza , Abbasioun Reza , Kajbafzadeh Abdol‐Mohammad 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesUreterocele is a sac‐like dilatation of terminal ureter. Precise anatomic delineation is of utmost importance to proceed with the surgical plan, particularly in the ectopic subtype. However, the level of ureterocele extension is not always elucidated by the existing imaging modalities and even by conventional cystoscopy, which is considered as the gold standard for evaluation of ureterocele. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of three‐dimensional virtual sonographic cystoscopy (VSC) in the characterization of ureterocele in duplex collecting systems.MethodsSixteen children with a mean age of 5.1 (standard deviation 1.96) years with transabdominal ultrasonography–proven duplex system and ureterocele were included. They underwent VSC by a single pediatric radiologist. All of them subsequently had conventional cystoscopy, and the results were compared in terms of ureterocele features including anatomy, number, size, location, and extension.ResultsThree‐dimensional VSC was well tolerated in all cases without any complication. Image quality was suboptimal in 2 of 16 patients. Out of the remaining 14 cases, VSC had a high accuracy in characterization of the ureterocele features (93%). Only the extension of one ureterocele was not precisely detected by VSC.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest three‐dimensional sonography as a promising noninvasive diagnostic modality in the evaluation of ectopic ureterocele in children.
Basal cell carcinoma of the temporal bone and external auditory canal
Authors: Breen Joseph T. , Roberts Dianna B. , Gidley Paul W. 
Published: August 2017

Objectives/HypothesisTo review the presenting features, treatment, and outcomes for patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) involving the temporal bone or external auditory canal (EAC).Study DesignRetrospective case series.MethodsPresenting characteristics, treatment strategies, and outcomes for patients with BCC involving the temporal bone or EAC were reviewed. Main outcome measures included rates of overall and disease‐free survival at 5 years.ResultsForty‐two patients met the inclusion criteria (mean age, 67 years). The most common presenting symptoms were hearing loss (15 patients, 36%) and otorrhea (11 patients, 26%). The 5‐year overall survival rate was 78%, and the 5‐year disease‐free survival rate was 77%. Patients who had undergone surgery elsewhere and presented with facial weakness had significantly worse overall survival (P = .004). Ten patients (24%) underwent sacrifice of at least a portion of the facial nerve at the time of their initial procedure at our institution. Two patients (5%) developed regional nodal disease. There was a trend toward better disease‐free survival for patients who received adjuvant radiation therapy after surgery at our institution (P = .06).ConclusionsBCC originating from or extending to the temporal bone can exhibit a wide range of behavior, ranging from superficial lesions readily managed with surgery to extensive locally invasive tumors with propensity for recurrence, treated with multimodality therapy. BCC may be associated with better prognosis than other temporal bone malignancies.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 128:1425–1430, 2018
Dynamic Thermal Emission Control Based on Ultrathin Plasmonic Metamaterials Including Phase‐Changing Material GST
Authors: Qu Yurui , Li Qiang , Du Kaikai , Cai Lu , Lu Jun , Qiu Min 
Published: August 2017

AbstractDynamic thermal emission control has attracted growing interest in a broad range of fields, including radiative cooling, thermophotovoltaics and adaptive camouflage. Previous demonstrations of dynamic thermal emission control present disadvantages of either large thickness or requiring sustained electrical or thermal excitations. In this paper, an ultrathin (∼0.023λ, λ is the emission peak wavelength) metal‐insulator‐metal plasmonic metamaterial‐based zero‐static‐power mid‐infrared thermal emitter incorporating phase‐changing material GST is experimentally demonstrated to dynamically control the thermal emission. The electromagnetic modes can be continuously tuned through the intermediate phases determined by controlling the temperature. A typical resonance mode, which involves the coupling between the high‐order magnetic resonance and anti‐reflection resonance, shifts from 6.51 to 9.33 μm while GST is tuned from amorphous to crystalline phase. This demonstration will pave the way towards the dynamical thermal emission control in both the fundamental science field and a number of energy‐harvesting applications.
The Characterization of Absorptive Nonlinearities
Authors: Liaros Nikolaos , Fourkas John T. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe measurement of the order and magnitude of absorptive nonlinearities is essential to the development and improvement of a wide range of optical materials. This review presents and contrasts some of the most commonly used methods for making such measurements. As background, we introduce the history of, and the essential physics behind, multiphoton absorption (MPA) and phenomena that can interfere with its measurement. We review methods for the direct and indirect measurement of MPA. The direct methods covered include nonlinear transmission, absorption modulation, Z‐scan, and spectrally‐resolved, two‐beam coupling. The indirect methods reviewed, all of which rely on the measurement of multiphoton action cross sections, include nonlinear fluorescence excitation, thermal lensing, MPA‐induced photocurrent, and various techniques for determining the order of effective nonlinear absorption in multiphoton absorption polymerization.
Association Between Sleep Duration and Body Mass Index Among US Low‐Income Preschoolers
Authors: Vézina‐Im Lydi‐Anne , Hughes Sheryl O. , Baranowski Tom , Nicklas Theresa A. 
Published: August 2017

ObjectiveTo verify whether sleep duration was related to body mass index z scores (zBMI) and whether bedtimes or ethnicity was a moderator of the sleep duration‐zBMI association among preschoolers from low‐income families.MethodsTwo hundred twenty‐eight African American and Hispanic parents and their preschoolers were recruited from Head Start Centers. Parents reported their preschoolers' sleep duration and bedtimes (using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire) and their television watching. Food intake was measured using multiple days of digital photography to estimate energy intake at dinner. The Parenting Stress Index and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale were used to measure stress and depression. Parents' and preschoolers' height and weight were measured by trained staff.ResultsLonger sleep duration was significantly associated with lower zBMI when controlling for demographics, bedtimes, energy intake at dinner, and television watching, but not when also controlling for parents' demographics, BMI, stress, and depression. Preschoolers' sleep duration‐zBMI association was not moderated by bedtimes or ethnicity.ConclusionsLonger sleep duration was associated with lower zBMI among low‐income preschoolers when controlling for preschoolers' characteristics, but this was no longer the case when also controlling for parents' characteristics. Additional studies are needed on the moderators of the sleep duration‐zBMI association among low‐income preschoolers.
Clinical outcomes and toxicity following palliative radiotherapy for childhood cancers
Authors: Mak Kimberley S. , Lee Stephanie W. , Balboni Tracy A. , Marcus Karen J. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundFew reports of palliative radiotherapy (RT) for pedialltric malignancies have been published. We described clinical indications, outcomes, and toxicities for children who received palliative RT.ProcedurePediatric patients (age ≤18 years) treated with palliative RT for incurable cancer from January 1 2008 to February 26, 2014 were included. Diagnosis, details of RT, treatment response, toxicity, and survival were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsForty‐six patients received 76 RT courses. Fifteen patients (33%) had ≥2 courses. Median age at palliative RT was 10.3 years; 54% were male. The most common diagnoses were neuroblastoma (20%) and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (17%). The most common indications for RT were oligometastatic disease in asymptomatic patients (39%) and pain (25%). The most common treatment sites were brain (32%) and bone (29%). Median RT dose was 30 Gy. Median number of RT fractions was 12. Sixty‐five treatment courses (86%) were delivered with fraction sizes ≥2.5 Gy. Twenty‐seven treatment courses (36%) were given under general anesthesia. Median follow‐up was 3.9 months. Grade 1–2 RT‐related toxicity occurred in 21% of treatment courses and 4–8% up to 12 months after RT. Two patients had Grade 3 toxicity during RT (esophagitis). Of symptomatic patients, 91%, 73%, 58%, and 43% had improved or stable symptoms during RT and 0–3, 3–6, and 6–12 months afterwards, respectively. Median survival after palliative RT was 4.2 months. Four of 21 surviving patients (19%) had hospice care at last follow‐up.ConclusionsPalliative RT was well tolerated in children with incurable malignancies, with most cases associated with acceptable toxicity, and improved or stable symptoms.
Algorithms for evaluating reference scaled average bioequivalence: power, bias, and consumer risk
Authors: Tothfalusi Laszlo , Endrenyi Laszlo 
Published: August 2017

The determination of the bioequivalence between highly variable drug products involves the evaluation of reference scaled average bioequivalence. The European and US regulatory authorities suggest different algorithms for the implementation of this approach. Both algorithms are based on approximations reflected in lower than the achievable power or higher than the nominal consumer risk of 5%. To overcome these deficiencies, a new class of algorithms, the so‐called Exact methods, was earlier introduced. However, their applicability was limited. We propose 2 modifications which make their computation simpler and also applicable with any study design.Four algorithms were evaluated in simulated 3‐period and 4‐period bioequivalence studies: Hyslop's approach recommended by the US FDA, the method of average bioequivalence with expanding limits requested by the European EMA, and 2 versions of the new Exact methods.At small sample sizes, the Exact methods had substantially higher statistical power than Hyslop's algorithm and had lower consumer risk than the method of average bioequivalence with expanding limits. Similarly to the Hyslop's algorithm, higher than 5% consumer risk was observed only with either unbalanced study design or with additional regulatory requirements.The improved Exact algorithms compare favorably with the alternative procedures. They are based on the bias correction method of Hedges. The recognition that the scaled difference statistics is measured with bias has important practical implications when results of pilot bioequivalence studies are evaluated and, at the same time, calls for the revision of the statistical theory of RSABE and its related methods.
Visibility bias for sage‐grouse lek counts
Authors: Baumgardt Jeremy A. , Reese Kerry P. , Connelly John W. , Garton Edward O. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTDeclining populations of greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; hereafter, sage‐grouse) necessitate accurate estimates of population trends. The most widespread approach to monitoring sage‐grouse populations involves counting males attending leks and tracking changes across years. Visibility of male sage‐grouse on leks is likely <100% for numerous reasons, but this potential bias has generally been overlooked. Our objectives were to estimate the visibility bias (failure to enumerate all males on a lek during a count) of sage‐grouse and identify variables that influence visibility of males attending leks by developing a sightability model. We conducted simultaneous counts of male sage‐grouse from a truck using standard lek‐counting procedures and ground blinds during 2007–2009 in south‐central Idaho, USA. We built candidate sightability models using logistic regression with proportion counted from the blind that were also counted from the truck as the response variable. Naïve visibility in our study averaged 79%. Our sightability model suggests visibility bias decreased when sun was shining on the lek and when female birds were present, but increased with time of day. Additionally, cloud cover appeared to negatively affect visibility before sunrise, but improved visibility later in the mornings. Per our model, average visibility of male sage‐grouse on leks decreased 16% from 33 min before sunrise to 90 min past sunrise when both female birds and direct sun were recorded, and decreased 28% over the same time without direct sun or females. Additionally, our model predicted visibility decreased 9% as cloud cover increased from 0% to 100% at 30 min before sunrise, but increased 44% as cloud cover increased from 0% to 100% at 90 min past sunrise. Our study does not suggest the visibility bias we observed necessarily relates to a bias in the lek route index. However, by accounting for visibility bias, detecting population changes should require fewer counts or be evident with fewer years of data. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.