bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dual‐energy‐based metal segmentation for metal artifact reduction in dental computed tomography
Authors: Hegazy Mohamed A. A. , Eldib Mohamed Elsayed , Hernandez Daniel , Cho Myung Hye , Cho Min Hyoung , Lee Soo Yeol 
Published: December 2017

PurposeIn a dental CT scan, the presence of dental fillings or dental implants generates severe metal artifacts that often compromise readability of the CT images. Many metal artifact reduction (MAR) techniques have been introduced, but dental CT scans still suffer from severe metal artifacts particularly when multiple dental fillings or implants exist around the region of interest. The high attenuation coefficient of teeth often causes erroneous metal segmentation, compromising the MAR performance. We propose a metal segmentation method for a dental CT that is based on dual‐energy imaging with a narrow energy gap.MethodsUnlike a conventional dual‐energy CT, we acquire two projection data sets at two close tube voltages (80 and 90 kVp), and then, we compute the difference image between the two projection images with an optimized weighting factor so as to maximize the contrast of the metal regions. We reconstruct CT images from the weighted difference image to identify the metal region with global thresholding. We forward project the identified metal region to designate metal trace on the projection image. We substitute the pixel values on the metal trace with the ones computed by the region filling method. The region filling in the metal trace removes high‐intensity data made by the metallic objects from the projection image. We reconstruct final CT images from the region‐filled projection image with the fusion‐based approach. We have done imaging experiments on a dental phantom and a human skull phantom using a lab‐built micro‐CT and a commercial dental CT system.ResultsWe have corrected the projection images of a dental phantom and a human skull phantom using the single‐energy and dual‐energy‐based metal segmentation methods. The single‐energy‐based method often failed in correcting the metal artifacts on the slices on which tooth enamel exists. The dual‐energy‐based method showed better MAR performances in all cases regardless of the presence of tooth enamel on the slice of interest. We have compared the MAR performances between both methods in terms of the relative error (REL), the sum of squared difference (SSD) and the normalized absolute difference (NAD). For the dental phantom images corrected by the single‐energy‐based method, the metric values were 95.3%, 94.5%, and 90.6%, respectively, while they were 90.1%, 90.05%, and 86.4%, respectively, for the images corrected by the dual‐energy‐based method. For the human skull phantom images, the metric values were improved from 95.6%, 91.5%, and 89.6%, respectively, to 88.2%, 82.5%, and 81.3%, respectively.ConclusionsThe proposed dual‐energy‐based method has shown better performance in metal segmentation leading to better MAR performance in dental imaging. We expect the proposed metal segmentation method can be used to improve the MAR performance of existing MAR techniques that have metal segmentation steps in their correction procedures.
Inducing Subacute Enteritis in Yellowtail Kingfish Seriola lalandi: the Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Soybean Meal and Grape Seed Extract on Hindgut Morphology and Inflammation
Authors: Stone David A J , Bellgrove Emma J , Forder Rebecca E A , Howarth Gordon S , Bansemer Matthew S 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
In this 42-d trial, grape seed extract (GSE) was evaluated as a potential treatment for subacute enteritis in Yellowtail Kingfish Seriola lalandi induced by soybean meal (SBM) at winter water temperatures (12–15°C). Four diets were investigated: a fish meal control diet (46% fish meal, 0% SBM), a SBM diet (30% SBM with 0 mg/kg GSE), and two 30% SBM diets containing either 20 mg/kg or 40 mg/kg GSE. Yellowtail Kingfish growth performance was significantly reduced when fed 30% SBM. Fish fed 30% SBM exhibited a significant enlargement of the lamina propria, a sign of subacute enteritis, and a significant decrease in myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, compared with those fish fed the control diet. Dietary inclusions of GSE did not affect growth performance, intestinal morphology, or MPO activity. We recommend that SBM be excluded from Yellowtail Kingfish diets. We also recommend future studies investigate higher dietary GSE inclusions, other potential dietary additives, or more refined soy products, to alleviate subacute enteritis in Yellowtail Kingfish.
Decision making in pediatric hematopoietic cell transplantation: Influential factors vary among diseases
Authors: Schulz Ginny L. , Kelly Katherine P. , Holtmann Megan , Doering Michelle M. , Armer Jane M. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractHematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is not a trivial treatment decision in pediatrics. We sought to understand what influences this decision‐making process from the perspectives of the pediatric patients, their family, and physicians. Using integrative review methods, we identified 19 relevant studies: six qualitative, ten quantitative, and three mixed methods. Synthesis of the results revealed six themes describing patient, family, and provider decision‐making processes with distinct subthemes contrasting influential factors among malignant and nonmalignant diseases. Identification of what influences HCT decision making will aid in development of decision support, education, and communication strategies. The child/adolescent voice and provider perspective warrant more attention.
Predictors of hepatotoxicity and pancreatitis in children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated according to contemporary regimens
Authors: Denton Christopher C. , Rawlins Yasmin A. , Oberley Matthew J. , Bhojwani Deepa , Orgel Etan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundHepatotoxicity and pancreatitis are common treatment‐related toxicities (TRTs) during contemporary treatment regimens for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Limited detailed data from Children's Oncology Group (COG) regimens has been previously reported to enable identification of patient and treatment risk factors for these toxicities and their impact on outcomes.ProcedureWe analyzed a retrospective pediatric ALL cohort treated at a single institution according to COG regimens from 2008 to 2015. The primary endpoint was cumulative incidence of study‐defined “severe” hepatotoxicity (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events [CTCAE] Grade ≥ 4 transaminitis or Grade ≥ 3 hyperbilirubinemia) and clinically significant pancreatitis (any grade). Pancreatitis was additionally classified using the Ponte di Legno (PdL) toxicity criteria. Secondary endpoints were chemotherapy interruptions, early disease response (end of induction [EOI] minimal residual disease [MRD]), and event‐free survival (EFS).ResultsWe identified 262 patients, of whom 71 (27%) and 28 (11%) developed hepatotoxicity and pancreatitis, respectively. Three cases of pancreatitis did not fulfill PdL criteria despite otherwise consistent presentations. Both TRTs occurred throughout therapy, but approximately 25% of hepatotoxicity (18/71) and pancreatitis (8/28) occurred during induction alone. Both obesity and age (≥10 years) were identified as predictors of hepatotoxicity (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR] obesity = 1.75, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.04–2.96; SHR age ≥10 = 1.9, 95% CI 1.19–3.10) and pancreatitis (SHR obesity = 2.18, 95% CI 1.01–4.67; SHR age ≥ 10 = 2.76, 95% CI 1.19–6.39, P = 0.018). Dose interruptions were common but neither toxicity influenced EOI MRD nor EFS.ConclusionsObese and/or older children are particularly at risk for hepatotoxicity and pancreatitis, and may benefit from toxicity surveillance and chemoprotective strategies to prevent or mitigate associated morbidity.
“We just follow the patients’ lead”: Healthcare professional perspectives on the involvement of teenagers with cancer in decision making
Authors: Day Emma , Jones Louise , Langner Richard , Stirling L Caroline , Hough Rachael , Bluebond‐Langner Myra 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPurposeWe report on an in‐depth interview and participant observation study that uses data from multiple sources to determine how the involvement of teenagers with leukaemia is understood and enacted in healthcare. In this article, we investigate healthcare professionals’ (HCP) views of teenagers’ involvement in decisions about their care and treatment for leukaemia.MethodsWe conducted participant observation at 98 multi‐disciplinary meetings and 95 open‐ended, semi‐structured interviews and informal conversations with clinical teenage cancer teams at one UK tertiary referral centre. Data were collected over a 9‐month period, audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using principles of grounded theory.ResultsHCP revealed principles relating to the involvement of teenagers with leukaemia in decision making: (1) do the ‘right thing’, (2) act on the care and treatment preferences of the teenager and (3) openly disclose information about the teenagers’ condition. These principles were prioritised and utilised uniquely in each situation, reliant on three mediating factors: (1) family communication styles, (2) stage of illness and (3) nature of the disease.ConclusionsSpecialist haematology teams are aware of the individual, and shifting and situational preferences of teenagers. They follow the lead which teenagers give them with regard to these preferences. If actual practice with regard to the involvement of teenagers is found to be wanting, this study refutes that this should be ascribed to insensitivity on the part of HCP about teenagers informational and decisional role preferences.
Loss of fundus view as an indication for secondary enucleation in retinoblastoma
Authors: Berry Jesse L. , Kogachi Kaitlin , Jubran Rima , Kim Jonathan W. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn this retrospective study, we evaluated loss of fundus view as an indication for secondary enucleation and associated histopathologic findings. Of 64 secondarily enucleated eyes, 24 were enucleated for loss of fundus view. Average time from loss of fundus view to enucleation was 4.7 months. Of these eyes, 22 had viable tumor cells on histopathology, but none had high‐risk features. Loss of fundus view was a common indication for secondary enucleation after chemoreduction. Given the high prevalence of viable histopathologic tumor cells, enucleation for loss of fundus view should not be significantly delayed to decrease risk of high‐risk tumor progression.
Poly(N‐vinyl imidazole) grafted silica nanofillers: Synthesis by RAFT polymerization and nanocomposites with polybenzimidazole
Authors: Kutcherlapati Satyanarayana Raju , Koyilapu Rambabu , Jana Tushar 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTIn this report, we synthesized poly(N‐vinyl imidazole) (PNVI) grafted silica nanoparticles (SiNP) by using RAFT polymerization through grafting‐from approach to demonstrate that the self‐assembled structure of SiNP is the key diving force in improving physical properties of SiNP based nanocomposites. In a multistep synthetic process, well‐defined PNVI chains with tunable molecular weights and surface chain densities were grown from the RAFT agent anchored SiNP surface using N‐vinyl imidazole (NVI) as a monomer. Spectroscopic and thermal analysis confirmed surface grafting of PNVI on SiNP surface and the amount of grafted PNVI chins were also quantified. The mean diameter of the PNVI grafted SiNP (PNVI‐g‐SiNP) particles altered between 50 and 100 nm with the variation of PNVI chain lengths. The present approach is metal‐catalyst free, straight forward, and provides PNVI functionalized SiNP in a simple manner in comparison to the reported methods. Further, these PNVI‐g‐SiNP particles were used as a nanofiller to prepare nanocomposites with Poly(4,4′‐diphenylether‐5,5′‐bibenzimidazole) (OPBI). These nanocomposites displayed significantly higher mechanical, proton conductivity and less acid leaching properties than the pristine OPBI. The anisotropic self‐assembled ordered structure formation of nanofillers in the nanocomposites believed to be the driving force for the enhanced physical properties. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 365–375
Characterization of oocyte retrieval cycles with empty zona pellucida
Authors: Oride Aki , Kanasaki Haruhiko , Hara Tomomi , Ohta Hiroko , Kyo Satoru 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPurposeTo identify the factors that characterize cycles with empty zona pellucida (EZP).MethodsThirty‐six oocyte retrieval cycles from which EZP were collected and another 36 cycles from which no EZP was collected were compared. The patients were divided into three groups: those with no EZP collected during any cycle, those with EZP collected during all cycles, and those experiencing cycles both with and without EZP.ResultsThe mean number of oocytes collected per cycle was higher in the cycles with EZP than without EZP. The fertilization rate of the collected oocytes and the rate of good embryo formation were significantly lower in the cycles with EZP. No significant difference was observed between the three groups in terms of age, number of oocytes collected, or hormone levels before and after the oocyte retrieval. The fertilization and pregnancy rates were highest in the patients with no EZP being collected during any cycle, followed by those experiencing cycles both with and without EZP, and then by those with EZP collected during all cycles.ConclusionThe observation of lower fertilization, poor embryo formation, and a low pregnancy rate in the patients with EZP suggests the poor quality of oocytes that were collected with EZP in the same cycle.
Current status on the development of pseudoviruses for enveloped viruses
Authors: Li Qianqian , Liu Qiang , Huang Weijin , Li Xuguang , Wang Youchun 
Published: December 2017

SummaryEmerging and reemerging infectious diseases have a strong negative impact on public health. However, because many of these pathogens must be handled in biosafety level, 3 or 4 containment laboratories, research and development of antivirals or vaccines against these diseases are often impeded. Alternative approaches to address this issue have been vigorously pursued, particularly the use of pseudoviruses in place of wild‐type viruses. As pseudoviruses have been deprived of certain gene sequences of the virulent virus, they can be handled in biosafety level 2 laboratories. Importantly, the envelopes of these viral particles may have similar conformational structures to those of the wild‐type viruses, making it feasible to conduct mechanistic investigation on viral entry and to evaluate potential neutralizing antibodies. However, a variety of challenging issues remain, including the production of a sufficient pseudovirus yield and the inability to produce an appropriate pseudotype of certain viruses. This review discusses current progress in the development of pseudoviruses and dissects the factors that contribute to low viral yields.
Towards actionable visualization for software developers
Authors: Merino Leonel , Ghafari Mohammad , Nierstrasz Oscar 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAbundant studies have shown that visualization is advantageous for software developers, yet adopting visualization during software development is not a common practice due to the large effort involved in finding an appropriate visualization. Developers require support to facilitate that task. Among 368 papers in SOFTVIS/VISSOFT venues, we identify 86 design study papers about the application of visualization to relieve concerns in software development. We extract from these studies the task, need, audience, data source, representation, medium, and tool, and we characterize them according to the subject, process, and problem domain. On the one hand, we support software developers to put visualization in action by mapping existing visualization techniques to particular needs from different perspectives. On the other hand, we highlight the problem domains that are overlooked in the field and need more support.
Mathematical model of working process of oil free scroll vacuum pump
Authors: Burmistrov A. , Salikeev S. , Raykov A. , Fomina M. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryA mathematical model of oil free scroll machine working in vacuum conditions is considered. Differential equations and main assumptions in the model are presented. Four types of control volumes are specified. The model takes into consideration heat exchange between the pump working elements, change of clearances due to thermal deformations, and mobility of the scroll element wall in calculation of leakage. The comparison of the calculated values of the pumping speed with experimental values obtained at different rotation speed of the driveshaft is carried out.
Reliability assessment for Chinese domestic wind turbines based on data mining techniques
Authors: Su Chun , Hu Zhaoyong 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn this work, based on the field operating data of a Chinese domestic wind farm, which came from the supervisory control and data acquisition system, data mining techniques are applied to analyze the reliability characteristics of wind turbines and their components. The reliability indexes including time among failures, failure rate, and downtime are analyzed. On that basis, the key components that influence the wind turbines' reliability most seriously are determined. The internal relation between the failure rate and the environmental temperature is identified with correlation function, and time series approach is used to analyze the seasonal feature of the wind turbines' failure rate. The results show that compared with the wind turbines mentioned in the literatures, the failure rate of the current sample is higher. Among the components, the failure rates of electrical and control systems are the highest, while the corresponding repair time is relatively short; on the contrary, the failure rates of main shaft, gearbox, and generator are relatively low, while the average time for maintenance is comparably long. Furthermore, there is an obvious dependency between the failure rate and environmental temperature, and the failure rate has a clear seasonal feature.
Review of DC fault protection for HVDC grids
Authors: Li Rui , Xu Lie 
Published: December 2017

The development of modular multilevel converter (MMC) and the increased needs for long distance bulk power transmission using underground and subsea cables have promoted the rapid development and application of voltage source converter (VSC) based high‐voltage DC (HVDC) systems. In this paper, recent advances in the area of DC fault protection in VSC‐based HVDC systems are reviewed. The main characteristics during DC faults are described and various converter topologies, which have DC fault blocking capability, are introduced and compared in terms of efficiency, cost, and control flexibility. The development of DC circuit breaker is introduced and various methods for DC fault detection and system level protection approaches for large scale HVDC grids are also discussed. WIREs Energy Environ 2018, 7:e278. doi: 10.1002/wene.278This article is categorized under:

Energy Infrastructure > Systems and Infrastructure
Energy Systems Economics > Systems and Infrastructure
Can Ultrasound Be Used to Improve the Palpation Skills of Physicians in Training? A Prospective Study
Authors: Woods Ryan , Wisniewski Steve J. , Lueders Daniel R. , Pittelkow Thomas P. , Larson Dirk R. , Finnoff Jonathan T. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundAccurate diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders relies heavily on the physical examination, including accurate palpation of musculoskeletal structures. The literature suggests that there has been a deterioration of physical examination skills among medical students and residents, in part due to increased reliance on advanced imaging. It has been shown that knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy and physical examination skills improve with the use of ultrasound; however, the literature is limited.ObjectiveTo determine whether ultrasound can improve the ability of physicians in training (residents) to palpate the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) in the bicipital groove.DesignProspective study design.SettingTertiary care center.ParticipantsTen physical medicine and rehabilitation residents served as subjects. Exclusion criteria included the presence of any condition that precluded their ability to palpate. Three volunteers were used as models. Model exclusion criteria included anything that distorted normal shoulder anatomy or inhibited examiner palpation. Three investigators with experience performing diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound were used to confirm palpation attempts.MethodsSubjects attempted to palpate the LHBT bilaterally in the bicipital groove of each model. Investigators assessed the accuracy of the palpation attempt using real‐time ultrasonography. Subjects participated in a 30‐minute ultrasound‐assisted training session learning how to palpate the LHBT in the bicipital groove with ultrasound confirmation. After the ultrasound training session, subjects again attempted to palpate the LHBT in the bicipital groove of each model with investigator confirmation.Main Outcome MeasurementsLHBT palpation accuracy rates preintervention versus postintervention.ResultsPretraining LHBT palpation accuracy was 20% (12/60 attempts). Post‐ultrasound training session accuracy was 51.7% (31/60 attempts; P ≤ .001).ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that palpation accuracy improves after ultrasound assisted LHBT palpation training. These data suggest that the use of ultrasound may be beneficial when teaching musculoskeletal palpation skills to health care professionals.Level of EvidenceII
Wrecking rap's conventions: the cultural production of three daring Detroit emcees
Authors: Farrugia Rebekah , Hay Kellie D. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis article profiles the music of three politically motivated hip hop emcees. It combines textual and musicological analysis with ethnographic data to examine the ways in which these women use music to empower themselves and to contribute to meaningful, positive change in post-industrial, post-bankruptcy Detroit. These narratives are significant because they combat the dominant, hegemonic two-dimensional representations of African American women that are epitomised in commercial hip hop and popular culture at large. Further, in a context where art and activism are connected, their work challenges the current controlling images and sexual scripts that dominate both commercial music industry representations and scholarship on women in hip hop. The artists we profile exemplify a new kind of musical movement where women are agents and creative solutionaries. At times, they are explicitly critical of the narrow range of black womanhood presented in popular culture and in other instances, they focus on issues such as the environment, race relations, racialized bodies, poverty and abuse, all the while challenging the hip hop industry and popular culture norms that communicate who black women are and who they should be.