bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preoperative vitamin D level as predictor of post‐thyroidectomy hypocalcemia in patients sustaining transient parathyroid injury
Authors: Danan Deepa , Shonka David C. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundSeveral studies have sought to identify predictors of postoperative hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy; however, there have been conflicting results regarding the impact of preoperative vitamin D deficiency.MethodsThe medical records of patients undergoing total thyroidectomy were retrospectively reviewed. The number of parathyroid glands identified or reimplanted at the time of surgery was used as a marker of transient parathyroid gland damage.ResultsSixty‐seven patients were included in the study. Vitamin D deficiency was a significant predictor of hypocalcemia in patients in whom ≥3 parathyroid glands were identified, but not in patients in whom 0‐2 parathyroid glands were identified intraoperatively (odds ratio [OR] 5.8; P = .036).ConclusionVitamin D deficiency is a significant predictor of postoperative hypocalcemia in patients in whom ≥3 parathyroid glands are identified intraoperatively, but not in patients who sustain minimal transient damage to the parathyroid glands.
Impact of total radiotherapy dose on survival for head and neck Merkel cell carcinoma after resection
Authors: Patel Sagar A. , Qureshi Muhammad M. , Mak Kimberley S. , Sahni Debjani , Giacalone Nicholas J. , Ezzat Waleed , Jalisi Scharukh , Truong Minh Tam 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundHead and neck Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is commonly treated with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) for high‐risk features. The optimal radiation dose is unknown.MethodsOne thousand six hundred twenty‐five eligible patients with head and neck MCC were identified in the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB). Radiation dose was divided into 3 groups: 30 to <50 Gray (Gy), 50‐55 Gy, and >55‐70 Gy. Cox regression was used to compare overall survival (OS) between groups, accounting for age, sex, stage, surgery type, margin status, comorbidities, and use of chemotherapy.ResultsWith a median follow‐up of 33.5 months, 3‐year OS was 48.9%, 70.3%, and 58.7% for 30 to <50 Gy, 50‐55 Gy, and >55‐70 Gy, respectively (P < .001). Compared to 50‐55 Gy, doses between 30 to <50 Gy (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17‐1.99; P = .002) and >55‐70 Gy (adjusted HR 1.21; 95% CI 1.0‐1.46; P = .06) were associated with worse survival.ConclusionAdjuvant radiation doses within 50‐55 Gy may be optimal for head and neck MCC.
The effects of neem oil (Azadirachta indica A. JUSS) enriched with different concentrations of azadirachtin on the integument of semi‐engorged Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Acari: Ixodidae) females
Authors: Lima de Souza José Ribamar , Remedio Rafael Neodini , Arnosti André , de Abreu Rusleyd Maria Magalhães , Camargo‐Mathias Maria Izabel 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSeveral studies searching for methods to control Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l., (dog tick) infestations have been developed aiming to minimize the damages caused by these ectoparasites to the hosts and the environment, which is harmed by the indiscriminate use of toxic acaricide products. In this scenario, neem oil has been used as a natural alternative against ticks, once this chemical has repellent properties and interferes in the growth regulation of these ectoparasites, inhibiting ecdysis. The present study evaluated the effects of azadirachtin‐enriched neem oil on the integument of semi‐engorged R.sanguineus s.l., females through morphohistological techniques. The results showed the occurrence of significant morphological and histochemical alterations, mainly in the females exposed to higher concentrations, which demonstrates the dose‐dependent action of the chemical. A decrease in the cuticle thickness was observed, as well as a modification in the distribution of the epithelial cells, which displayed pyknotic and fragmented nuclei, and intensely vacuolated cytoplasm, indicating that these cells would be undergoing death processes. These morphological alterations observed in the integument of the females exposed to the azadirachtin‐enriched neem oil encourage the use of this chemical as a strategy to control these ectoparasites.
Updated comprehensive epidemiology, microbiology, and outcomes among patients with acute cholangitis
Authors: Gomi Harumi , Takada Tadahiro , Hwang Tsann‐Long , Akazawa Kohei , Mori Rintaro , Endo Itaru , Miura Fumihiko , Kiriyama Seiki , Matsunaga Naohisa , Itoi Takao , Yokoe Masamichi , Chen Miin‐Fu , Jan Yi‐Yin , Ker Chen‐Guo , Wang Hsiu‐Po , Wada Keita , Yamaue Hiroki , Miyazaki Masaru , Yamamoto Masakazu 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe international practice guidelines for patients with acute cholangitis and cholecystitis were released in 2007 (TG07) and revised in 2013 (TG13). This study investigated updated epidemiology and outcomes among patients with acute cholangitis on a larger scale for the first time.MethodsThis is an international multi‐center retrospective observational study in Japan and Taiwan. All consecutive patients older than 18 years of age and given a clinical diagnosis of acute cholangitis by clinicians between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2012 were enrolled. Those who met the diagnostic criteria of acute cholangitis by TG13 were statistically analyzed.ResultsA total of 7,294 patients were enrolled and 6,433 patients met the TG13 diagnostic criteria. The severity distribution was Grade I (37.5%), Grade II (36.2%), and Grade III (26.2%). The 30‐day all‐cause mortality was 2.4%, 4.7%, and 8.4% in Grade I, II, III severity, respectively (P < 0.001). The incidence of liver abscess and endocarditis as complications of acute cholangitis was 2.0% and 0.26%, respectively.ConclusionsThis is the first large scale study to investigate patients with acute cholangitis. This study provides the basis to define the best practices to manage patients with acute cholangitis in future studies.
Objective climate classification of Slovenia
Authors: Kozjek Katja , Dolinar Mojca , Skok Gregor 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTIn the study, the climate regions of Slovenia were determined. The regionalization was based on the gridded climate data for the reference period 1981–2010. The climatic regionalization was performed predominately objectively with a combination of two statistical methods; the factor analysis which was followed by k‐means clustering. With the use of factor analysis the initial number of 31 climate variables was reduced to four variables or factors, which comprised the input for the cluster analysis where Slovenia was divided into six climate regions: Submediterranean climate region, Wet climate of hilly region, Moderate climate of hilly region, Subcontinental climate region, Subalpine climate region and Alpine climate region. Compared to previous climatic regionalization studies for Slovenia, the presented study uses a higher degree of objectivity in the determination of the extent and borders between climate regions. The current study was based purely on climate data, while in the previous studies, the borders were defined more subjectively, based on the authors' expertise of local climate.
A new conventional regression model to estimate hourly photosynthetic photon flux density under all sky conditions
Authors: Foyo‐Moreno I. , Alados I. , Alados‐Arboledas L. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTIn this work, we propose a new and simple empirical model to estimate photosynthetic photon flux density under all sky conditions, developed using experimental measurements carried out at Granada, an urban site in Southeastern Spain during 2 recent years (2014–2015). The model uses the solar zenith angle and clearness index as input parameters, and thus needs only global irradiance measurements usually registered in most radiometric networks. Five stations located in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres with different climatological characteristics at Europe, Asia and America (Spain, Japan and Argentina) were used to validate the model. The model provides satisfactory results, with low mean bias error (MBE) for all stations, particularly MBE, being less than 1% in absolute values in three stations and root mean square error below 6% for all stations except one with 6.1%. These results show better accuracy in comparison with other earlier empirical models and suggest the effectiveness of the model by its general applicability.
Increased appendicularian zooplankton alter carbon cycling under warmer more acidified ocean conditions
Authors: Winder Monika , Bouquet Jean‐Marie , Rafael Bermúdez J. , Berger Stella A. , Hansen Thomas , Brandes Jay , Sazhin Andrey F. , Nejstgaard Jens C. , Båmstedt Ulf , Jakobsen Hans H. , Dutz Jörg , Frischer Marc E. , Troedsson Christofer , Thompson Eric M. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAnthropogenic atmospheric loading of CO2raises concerns about combined effects of increasing ocean temperature and acidification, on biological processes. In particular, the response of appendicularian zooplankton to climate change may have significant ecosystem implications as they can alter biogeochemical cycling compared to classical copepod dominated food webs. However, the response of appendicularians to multiple climate drivers and effect on carbon cycling are still not well understood. Here, we investigated how gelatinous zooplankton (appendicularians) affect carbon cycling of marine food webs under conditions predicted by future climate scenarios. Appendicularians performed well in warmer conditions and benefited from low pH levels, which in turn altered the direction of carbon flow. Increased appendicularians removed particles from the water column that might otherwise nourish copepods by increasing carbon transport to depth from continuous discarding of filtration houses and fecal pellets. This helps to remove CO2from the atmosphere, and may also have fisheries implications.
Chemical and photophysiological impact of terrestrially‐derived dissolved organic matter on nitrate uptake in the coastal western Arctic
Authors: Sipler Rachel E. , Baer Steven E. , Connelly Tara L. , Frischer Marc E. , Roberts Quinn N. , Yager Patricia L. , Bronk Deborah A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe Arctic is warming at a rate nearly twice the global average, leading to thawing permafrost, increased coastal erosion, and enhanced delivery of riverine terrestrially‐derived dissolved organic matter (tDOM) to coastal waters. This humic‐rich tDOM has the ability to attenuate light required for photosynthesis and stimulate heterotrophic growth by supplying a source of labile organic carbon. Due to tDOM's high carbon to nitrogen (C : N) ratio, additional nitrogen is required for microorganisms to utilize this excess carbon for growth, thus exacerbating competition between autotrophs and heterotrophs for limiting nutrients and potentially reducing primary production. The effect of Arctic tDOM additions on nitrate uptake by two microplankton size fractions in the coastal Chukchi Sea was quantified using 15N tracer methods. To assess the biogeochemical vs. spectral impacts of tDOM, the uptake incubations were amended with either tDOM or light attenuating films that mimic light absorption by the tDOM. Nitrate uptake and primary production rates in the larger, predominantly phytoplankton, size fraction generally decreased with increasing tDOM additions. The change in light attenuation alone accounted for a ∼ 50% reduction in nitrate uptake. Responses in the smaller size fraction varied seasonally with tDOM additions stimulating uptake in spring and suppressing it in summer. The largest variation in summer nitrate uptake can be explained by the shared effect of biogeochemistry and light attenuation. Therefore, large increases in tDOM delivery currently occurring and predicted to increase in the coastal Arctic, could reduce primary production, broadly impact nitrogen and carbon cycling, and affect higher trophic levels.
Dry‐etching‐assisted femtosecond laser machining
Authors: Liu Xue‐Qing , Chen Qi‐Dai , Guan Kai‐Min , Ma Zhuo‐Chen , Yu Yan‐Hao , Li Qian‐Kun , Tian Zhen‐Nan , Sun Hong‐Bo 
Published: March 2017

AbstractFemtosecond laser machining has been widely used for fabricating arbitrary 2.5 dimensional (2.5D) structures. However, it suffers from the problems of low fabrication efficiency and high surface roughness when processing hard materials. To solve these problems, we propose a dry‐etching‐assisted femtosecond laser machining (DE‐FsLM) approach in this paper. The fabrication efficiency could be significantly improved for the formation of complicated 2.5D structures, as the power required for the laser modification of materials is lower than that required for laser ablation. Furthermore, the surface roughness defined by the root‐mean‐square improved by an order of magnitude because of the flat interfaces of laser‐modified regions and untreated areas as well as accurate control during the dry‐etching process. As the dry‐etching system is compatible with the IC fabrication process, the DE‐FsLM technology shows great potential for application in the device integration processing industry.
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Obesogenic eating behaviors mediate the relationships between psychological problems and BMI in children
Authors: Mallan Kimberley M. , Daniels Lynne A. , Nicholson Jan M. 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveTo examine the association between psychological problems and weight status in children aged 3.5 to 4 years and test whether obesogenic eating behaviors mediate this relationship.MethodsThis study is a cross‐sectional secondary analysis of data from first‐time mothers (N = 194) in the control arm of the NOURISH randomized controlled trial. At child age 3.5 to 4 years, maternal‐reported child eating behaviors and psychological problems were collected via valid tools, and child weight and height data were collected by trained study staff. Pearson's correlations and linear regressions examined associations between eating behaviors, psychological problems, and BMI z score. Multiple mediation models were tested by assessing indirect effects of psychological problems on BMI z score via obesogenic eating behaviors.ResultsPeer problems were associated with both higher food responsiveness and emotional overeating and directly with higher BMI z score. This relationship was partially mediated by emotional overeating. Both emotional overeating and food responsiveness fully mediated the association between emotional problems and BMI z score, and food responsiveness fully mediated the association between conduct problems and BMI z score.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that children with psychological problems may also display obesogenic eating behaviors, which may result in higher BMI. This needs to be considered in the clinical management of both pediatric overweight/obesity and psychological problems.
The influence of parenting on Mexican American children's self‐regulation
Authors: Díaz Guadalupe , McClelland Megan M. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractParental practices and beliefs have been recognized as having an important influence on the development of children's self‐regulation. Using a mixed methods approach, the present study explored how parental practices and beliefs influence low‐income Mexican American children's (N = 44) self‐regulation during the fall of preschool. Quantitative results indicated that the family learning environment and parental control were significantly related to stronger self‐regulation in Mexican American children from low‐income families. Qualitative interviews indicated that “respect” and “being well educated” emerged as key factors guiding parents’ expectations of children's behaviors and discipline. Additionally, these results indicated that parents struggled to provide additional educational materials to enrich the home learning environment of their children. This study highlights the importance of understanding the parental practices and beliefs of low‐income Mexican American parents and their influence on children's self‐regulation to better serve the needs of Mexican American parents and their children.
Effects of atomic arrangements on electronic structures of threading dislocations in III‐nitride alloy semiconductors: A first‐principles study
Authors: Akiyama Toru , Sakaguchi Ryohei , Nakamura Kohji , Ito Tomonori 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe effects of atomic arrangements of group‐III elements on the electronic structures of threading dislocations in III‐nitride semiconductors are theoretically investigated on the basis of first‐principles calculations within the density functional theory. Our calculations for edge and screw dislocations in AlGaN and InGaN reveal that these dislocations induce localized electronic states in the energy gap. The analysis of wave functions reveals that the appearance of these electronic states originates from the Ga–Ga pair and N atoms, which constitute the dislocation core configuration. Furthermore, these states are found to be leading to electronic bands corresponding to indirect transition implying that these dislocation act as non‐radiative centers, consistent with the experimental results.
A note on guaranteed cost control for nonlinear stochastic systems with input saturation and mixed time‐delays
Authors: Ma Lifeng , Wang Zidong , Liu Yurong , Alsaadi Fuad E. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryThisIn the system under investigation, the control input is subject to the saturation constraint, and both discrete and distributed time‐delays are taken into consideration. The objective of the addressed problem is to design a state feedback controller such that the resulting closed‐loop system is asymptotically stable in probability and an upper bound is guaranteed on a prespecified quadratic cost function. Sufficient conditions are established for the existence of the desired guaranteed cost control strategy in terms of the solvability of certain Hamilton–Jacobi inequalities. Simulation results demonstrate the correctness and applicability of the proposed control scheme. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamical adaptive integral backstepping variable structure controller design for uncertain systems and experimental application
Authors: Coban Ramazan 
Published: March 2017

SummaryIn this study, a dynamical adaptive integral backstepping variable structure control (DAIBVSC) system based on the Lyapunov stability theorem is proposed for the trajectory tracking control of a nonlinear uncertain mechatronic system with disturbances. In this control scheme, no prior knowledge is required on the uncertain parameters and disturbances because it is estimated by two types of dynamical adaptive laws. These adaptive laws are integrated into the dynamical adaptive integral backstepping control and variable structure control (VSC) parts of the DAIBVSC. The dynamical adaptive law in the dynamical adaptive integral backstepping control part updates parametric uncertainties, while the other in the VSC part adapts upper bounds of non‐parametric uncertainties and disturbances. In order to achieve a more robust output tracking and better parameter adaptation, the control system is extended by one integrator and sliding surface is augmented by an integral action. Experimental evaluation of the DAIBVSC is conducted with respect to performance and robustness to parametric uncertainties. Experimental results of the DAIBVSC are compared with those of a traditional VSC. The proposed DAIBVSC exhibits satisfactory output tracking performance, good estimation of the uncertain parameters and can reject disturbances with a chattering free control law. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Becoming Nonfiction Authors: Engaging in Science Inquiry
Authors: Kersten Sara 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis article describes how second‐grade students’ literacy learning was enhanced as they used their developing knowledge of nonfiction in an integrated English language arts/science unit toward the creation of multimodal nonfiction science books. After explaining the Common Core State Standards that guided the unit, the author outlines the theoretical practices of project‐based learning that informed the teacher's instruction. Then, the author explores how the teacher guided her students to an understanding of the genre and positioned her students as authors of nonfiction, taking readers through an outline of the students’ process of creating research questions, writing in their own words, establishing a purpose for their writing, and conveying scientific information through multiple modes. As a result, students had a deeper understanding of the genre of nonfiction and were engaged in scientific inquiry, learning how to convey and share nonfiction information through multimodal books.
Vaginismus Treatment: Clinical Trials Follow Up 241 Patients
Authors: Pacik Peter T. , Geletta Simon 
Published: March 2017

Abstract

Introduction
Vaginismus is mostly unknown among clinicians and women. Vaginismus causes women to have fear, anxiety, and pain with penetration attempts.

Aim
To present a large cohort of patients based on prior published studies approved by an institutional review board and the Food and Drug Administration using a comprehensive multimodal vaginismus treatment program to treat the physical and psychologic manifestations of women with vaginismus and to record successes, failures, and untoward effects of this treatment approach.

Methods
Assessment of vaginismus included a comprehensive pretreatment questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and consultation. All patients signed a detailed informed consent. Treatment consisted of a multimodal approach including intravaginal injections of onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) and bupivacaine, progressive dilation under conscious sedation, indwelling dilator, follow-up and support with office visits, phone calls, e-mails, dilation logs, and FSFI reports.

Main Outcome Measures
Logs noting dilation progression, pain and anxiety scores, time to achieve intercourse, setbacks, and untoward effects. Post-treatment FSFI scores were compared with preprocedure scores.

Results
One hundred seventy-one patients (71%) reported having pain-free intercourse at a mean of 5.1 weeks (median = 2.5). Six patients (2.5%) were unable to achieve intercourse within a 1-year period after treatment and 64 patients (26.6%) were lost to follow-up. The change in the overall FSFI score measured at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year was statistically significant at the 0.05 level. Three patients developed mild temporary stress incontinence, two patients developed a short period of temporary blurred vision, and one patient developed temporary excessive vaginal dryness. All adverse events resolved by approximately 4 months. One patient required retreatment followed by successful coitus.

Conclusion
A multimodal program that treated the physical and psychologic aspects of vaginismus enabled women to achieve pain-free intercourse as noted by patient communications and serial female sexual function studies. Further studies are indicated to better understand the individual components of this multimodal treatment program.
Pacik PT, Geletta S. Vaginismus Treatment: Clinical Trials Follow Up 241 Patients. Sex Med 2017;5:e114–e123.