bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Micro-Mechanical Variations in Experimental Arteriovenous Fistulae using Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Laurito Tyler , Sueiras Vivian , Fernandez Natasha , Escobar Luis A. , Martinez Laisel , Andreopoulos Fotios , Salman Loay H. , Vazquez-Padron Roberto I. , Ziebarth Noël M. 
Published: March 2016

Purpose This study presents a method to quantify micro-stiffness variations in experimental arteriovenous fistulae (AVF). Methods AVF created by anastomosing the superficial epigastric vein to the femoral artery in Sprague-Dawley rats were allowed to remodel for 21 days before being harvested and preserved in culture medium. A custom atomic force microscope was used to measure microvascular stiffness (Young's modulus) in three areas of the AVF: the inflow artery, the juxta-anastomotic area, and the outflow vein. Morphometric measurements and collagen and elastin contents were also determined. Results Atomic force microscopy indentation revealed an increased stiffness in the juxta-anastomotic area of the AVF compared to the outflow vein and inflow artery. The juxta-anastomotic area was also significantly stiffer than the contralateral vein. The lack of elasticity (higher Young's modulus) of the juxta-anastomotic region was associated with a thicker vascular wall that was rich in collagen but poor in elastin. Conclusions This study demonstrates for the first time the feasibility of using atomic force microscopy to measure local stiffness variations in experimental AVF. This technique could be instrumental in advancing our understanding of how micro-spatial organization of the AVF wall determines the overall biomechanical performance of this type of vascular access.
Ultrasound-guided Supraclavicular Central Venous Catheter Tip Positioning via the Right Subclavian Vein using a Microconvex Probe
Authors: Kim Se-Chan , Gräff Ingo , Sommer Alexandra , Hoeft Andreas , Weber Stefan 
Published: March 2016

Purpose The ultrasound-guided central venous catheter (CVC) guidewire tip positioning has been demonstrated for catheterization of the right internal jugular vein. We explored the feasibility of an ultrasound-guided right subclavian vein (RScV) CVC tip positioning via a right supraclavicular approach using a microconvex probe. Methods Twenty patients scheduled for elective surgery were consecutively included in this observational feasibility study following written informed consent. Exclusion criteria were emergency procedure, thrombosis and obstacle to guidewire advancement. Following an ultrasound pre-scan of the superior vena cava (SVC), the RScV and the right pulmonary artery (RPA) via the right supraclavicular fossa view, a sterile ultrasound-guided venipuncture was performed. The guidewire J-tip was advanced to the distal SVC with subsequent introduction of the CVC. The final CVC tip position was confirmed with ultrasound and postoperative chest radiograph. Results In all patients, SVC, RScV and RPA were visualized in the pre-scan. Guidewire positioning and final ultrasound CVC tip confirmation in the distal SVC was successful in all patients. In two patients, needle insertion of the RScV failed and insertion site was converted to a right internal jugular vein insertion. No misplacement, arterial puncture, pneumo- or hematothorax occurred. Time for pre-scan to venipuncture was 9 min 25 sec ± 5 min 24 sec and 1 min 05 sec ± 59 sec from venipuncture until guidewire positioning (mean ± SD, n = 18). Conclusions Ultrasound-guided CVC tip confirmation following catheterization of the right subclavian vein via a right supraclavicular approach with a microconvex probe is feasible.
A Technique for Ultrasound-Guided Blood Sampling from a Dry and Gel-Free Puncture Area
Authors: Thorn Sofie , Gopalasingam Nigopan , Bendtsen Thomas Fichtner , Knudsen Lars , Sloth Erik 
Published: March 2016

Purpose Vein punctures are performed daily to sample blood. Ultrasound (US) offers an alternative to the blind landmark technique for difficult vascular access. A challenge for this procedure is the presence of US gel in the puncture area. We present a technique for US-guided puncture from extremity veins not palpable or visible to the human eye, while keeping the puncture area dry and gel-free. Methods Ten healthy volunteers underwent two US-guided vein punctures from veins that were neither palpable nor visible. One was drawn from an antebrachial vein and another from a brachial vein. A sterile barrier drape was made from a commercially available dressing and a piece of transparent sterile plastic. The barrier drape consists of an adhesive part placed on the skin designed for sonography and a free transparent flap constituting the barrier between the unsterile sonographic site and the sterile gel-free puncture site. Results The success rate for vein puncture was 100% in both locations. A total of 22 skin punctures were performed (11 antebrachial and 11 brachial). Gain output was increased 7% (4-12%), and 8% (4-15%), respectively, to compensate for attenuation of the US signal due to the drape. Alignment of the centre of the transducer with the long-axis of the target vein during the procedure was reported as a challenge. Conclusions US-guided blood sampling from a brachial and antebrachial vein was possible with a 100% success rate, while ensuring a dry and gel-free venipuncture area on one side and the transducer on the other side of a sterile barrier.
A Two-Year Experience with a Rapid Access, Self-Sealing, Polycarbonate Urethane Nanofiber Vascular access Graft for Hemodialysis
Authors: Ferraresso Mariano , Bortolani Ettore M. , Amnon Gildor 
Published: March 2016

We present our experience with AVflo™, a nanofiber, electrospun, self-sealing, early-access graft for hemodialysis (HD). Objective Evaluating the safety and efficacy of the AVflo™ graft in terms of patency and complications (early and late) over 2 years. Materials and methods Twelve end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients (age: mean 68.5 ± 10 years) were followed up for a mean period of 946 ± 570 days after receiving an implantation of the graft for HD. The grafts were implanted at the lower arm (loop configuration), upper arm (straight configuration) and the thigh (loop configuration). First dialysis was performed at day 7 (3-21) following implantation. Results and discussion After a mean follow up of 24 months, the primary patency was 56% and the secondary patency was 82%. In this group, AVflo™ shows similar if not superior efficacy and safety to that of available grafts in terms of safety, complications, and long-term patency.
Risk Stratification System and Pattern of Relapse in Patients Treated with Adjuvant Radiotherapy after Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Levis Mario , Guarneri Alessia , Giaj Levra Niccolò , Spratt Daniel E. , Bartoncini Sara , Munoz Fernando , Trino Elisabetta , Botticella Angela , Arcadipane Francesca , Ricardi Umberto 
Published: March 2016

Purpose To retrospectively evaluate the role of adjuvant radiotherapy (ART) as monotherapy in a cohort of prostate cancer patients with undetectable prostate-specific antigen (PSA) after surgery and to propose a risk stratification system. Methods Between 2003 and 2010, 174 consecutive patients were treated with ART (median dose 71 Gy) at a single institution. Subsequently, we assigned a score of 1 to the following risk factors (RF): T stage ≥3b, presurgical PSA ≥10 ng/mL, pathologic Gleason score (GS) ≥4 + 3, and positive surgical margin (R1). The scores were then summed to stratify the population into low risk (LR), intermediate risk (IR), and high risk (HR). Results Median follow-up was 61 months (range 4-105). Five-year biochemical relapse-free survival (bRFS), clinical relapse-free survival (cRFS), and overall survival (OS) were respectively 93%, 97.1%, and 98.6%. On univariate analyses, GS was the only variable related to bRFS (p = 0.04) and to cRFS (p = 0.05). Any variable was related to OS. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that HR patients (3-4 RF) had a worse bRFS (p = 0.02) compared to LR patients (0 RF or R1 as single RF); IR patients (1-2 RF) had a lower bRFS compared to LR patients (p = 0.06). Patients with R1 as single RF have the same bRFS as patients with 0 RF (p = 0.6) and are considered as LR patients. Conclusions Adjuvant radiotherapy leads to excellent bRFS and cRFS rates at 5 years (93.3% and 97.1%, respectively) in our population. Patients with multiple RF are at higher risk of bRFS. Patients with R1 as single RF have bRFS rates comparable to patients without any RF.
Transarterial Chemoembolization Combination Therapy vs Monotherapy in Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Lei , Tian Jiangke , Liu Peng , Wang Xuan , Zhu Zhenyu 
Published: March 2016

Purpose To perform a meta-analysis examining the efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) alone or in combination with radiofrequency ablation (RFA), percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI), or high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched through May 31, 2014, using the following keywords: hepatocellular carcinoma, transarterial chemoembolization, percutaneous ethanol ablation, percutaneous ethanol injection, radiofrequency ablation, and high-intensity focused ultrasound. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing 1- and 3-year mortality rates in patients with unresectable HCC receiving either TACE alone or TACE in combination with RFA, PEI, or HIFU were included. One- and 3-year survival rates were compared. Results Eleven RCTs were included. The total number of patients ranged from 37 to 189, mean age ranged from 52 to 73 years, and percentage male ranged from 54% to 94%. Overall, TACE alone was associated with higher 1-year mortality than TACE combination therapies (pooled odds ratio [OR] 2.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37 to 4.43, p = 0.003). The 1-year mortality rate between TACE alone vs TACE + PEI was not different, but TACE + PEI was associated with a significantly lower 3-year mortality as compared to TACE alone (pooled OR 6.02, 95% CI 3.03 to 11.93, p<0.001). The RFA alone was associated with higher 1-year mortality compared with TACE + RFA (pooled OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.11 to 4.32, p = 0.023). Conclusions Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in combination with percutaneous ablation therapies may improve the survival of patients with unresectable HCC.
Combination Chemotherapy of Solid Tumors: An American-Italian Collaboration: A Celebration of the work of Gianni Bonadonna
Authors: DeVita Vincent T. , Canellos George P. 
Published: March 2016

This article highlights the important collaboration between the U.S. NCI in Bethesda, Maryland and the Istituto Tumori in Milan, Italy that had a major impact on the development of curative regimens for breast cancer, Hodgkin's disease and diffuse large B cell lymphoma. In addition to his contribution to developing new therapies, Gianni Bonadonna played an important role in bringing highly focused, disciplined, ethical clinical trials to the European continent.
“There's no Reason why”: A Campaign to Raise Cancer Awareness among Adolescents
Authors: Magni Chiara , Maggioni Francesca , Ricci Angelo , Barisone Elena , Jankovic Momcilo , Postiglione Emma Sarlo , Cargnel Enrica , Barricelli Barbara Rita , Valtolina Stefano , Veneroni Laura , Chiaravalli Stefano , Lapidari Pietro , Capelletti Mirko , Clerici Carlo A. , Biondi Andrea , Ferrari Andrea 
Published: March 2016

Introduction Adolescents with cancer often experience a longer diagnostic delay than children, mainly because they take longer to go to a doctor. The Italian Society for Adolescents with Oncohematological Diseases (SIAMO) has launched an information campaign focusing on raising adolescents’ awareness of the importance of diagnosing cancer early. Methods The concepts of the campaign were developed by a scientific committee of clinicians, cancer patients and their parents, and marketing experts. The title of the campaign is “There's no reason why”. A video has been launched on TV channels and the Internet, and the final frame refers viewers to the SIAMO website, which provides advice to help adolescents interpret any symptoms they experience. Results The video has had 12,181 views. In the 6 months following the launch of the campaign, the SIAMO website page dedicated to the campaign was opened by 9,767 viewers for a total of 13,632 views. Conclusions Though it remains very difficult to judge the efficacy of this initiative, the value of a campaign focusing on improving the adolescent population's cancer awareness is supported by the large number of studies published on the diagnostic delay in this age group. Our campaign goes to show the importance of ensuring cooperation between the different stakeholders involved in the global care of adolescents with cancer.
Survival benefits of antiretroviral therapy in Brazil: a model‐based analysis
Authors: Luz Paula M , Girouard Michael P , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Freedberg Kenneth A , Veloso Valdilea G , Losina Elena , Struchiner Claudio J , MacLean Rachel L , Parker Robert A , Paltiel A David , Walensky Rochelle P 
Published: March 2016

ObjectiveIn Brazil, universal provision of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been guaranteed free of charge to eligible HIV‐positive patients since December 1996. We sought to quantify the survival benefits of ART attributable to this programme.MethodsWe used a previously published microsimulation model of HIV disease and treatment (CEPAC‐International) and data from Brazil to estimate life expectancy increase for HIV‐positive patients initiating ART in Brazil. We divided the period of 1997 to 2014 into six eras reflecting increased drug regimen efficacy, regimen availability and era‐specific mean CD4 count at ART initiation. Patients were simulated first without ART and then with ART. The 2014‐censored and lifetime survival benefits attributable to ART in each era were calculated as the product of the number of patients initiating ART in a given era and the increase in life expectancy attributable to ART in that era.ResultsIn total, we estimated that 598,741 individuals initiated ART. Projected life expectancy increased from 2.7, 3.3, 4.1, 4.9, 5.5 and 7.1 years without ART to 11.0, 17.5, 20.7, 23.0, 25.3, and 27.0 years with ART in Eras 1 through 6, respectively. Of the total projected lifetime survival benefit of 9.3 million life‐years, 16% (or 1.5 million life‐years) has been realized as of December 2014.ConclusionsProvision of ART through a national programme has led to dramatic survival benefits in Brazil, the majority of which are still to be realized. Improvements in initial and subsequent ART regimens and higher CD4 counts at ART initiation have contributed to these increasing benefits.
Strongly (001)-textured MgO/Co40Fe40B20 spin-tunnel contact on n-Ge(001) and its spin accumulation: Structural modification with ultrathin Mg insertion by sputtering
Authors: Lee Soogil , Kim Sanghoon , Son Jangyup , Baek Seung-heon Chris , Lee Seok-Hee , Hong Jongill 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
The sputter-deposited fcc-MgO (001)[100]/bcc-Co40Fe40B20 (001)[110] spin-tunnel contact (STC) was successfully prepared on n-Ge(001). We found that the interfacial modification by ultrathin (6 Å) Mg insertion at the interface between n-Ge and MgO plays an important role in spin injection into Ge. The significantly amplified spin accumulation was observed in this STC as a result of the structural modification. The three-terminal Hanle signal of this STC was 2.7 times larger than that of the STC without Mg insertion. Our study confirms that a sputtering technique is indeed practical and useful to modify interfacial structures for the efficient injection of spins into semiconductors.
Dependence of ohmic contact properties on AlGaN layer thickness for AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistors
Authors: Takei Yusuke , Tsutsui Kazuo , Saito Wataru , Kakushima Kuniyuki , Wakabayashi Hitoshi , Iwai Hiroshi 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
The dependence of ohmic contact resistance on the AlGaN layer thickness was evaluated for AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) structures. Mo/Al/Ti contacts were formed on AlGaN layers with various thicknesses. The observed resistance characteristics are discussed on the basis of a model in which the overall contact resistance is composed of a series of three resistance components. Different dependences on the AlGaN layer thickness was observed after annealing at low temperatures (800–850 °C) and at high temperatures (900–950 °C). It was determined that lowering the resistance at the metal/AlGaN interface and that of the AlGaN layer is important for obtaining low-resistance ohmic contacts.
Effect of in situ Sb doping on crystalline and electrical characteristics of n-type Ge1−
xSnx epitaxial layer
Authors: Jeon Jihee , Asano Takanori , Shimura Yosuke , Takeuchi Wakana , Kurosawa Masashi , Sakashita Mitsuo , Nakatsuka Osamu , Zaima Shigeaki 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
We examined the molecular beam epitaxy of Ge1−

x
Sn
x
with in situ Sb doping on Ge substrates. The effects of Sb doping on the crystalline and electrical characteristics of Ge1−

x
Sn
x
epitaxial layer were investigated in detail. We found that Sb doping with a concentration of 1020 cm−3 remarkably improves the crystallinity, and surface uniformity of the Ge1−

x
Sn
x
epitaxial layer by changing the growth mode by the surfactant effect of Sb atoms. Low-temperature Ge1−

x
Sn
x
growth with in situ Sb doping realizes a very high electron concentration of 1020 cm−3, which is above the thermal equilibrium solid solubility, as a result of suppressing Sb segregation and precipitation.
Monolithically integrated quantum dot optical modulator with semiconductor optical amplifier for thousand and original band optical communication
Authors: Yamamoto Naokatsu , Akahane Kouichi , Umezawa Toshimasa , Matsumoto Atsushi , Kawanishi Tetsuya 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
A monolithically integrated quantum dot (QD) optical gain modulator (OGM) with a QD semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) was successfully developed with T-band (1.0 µm waveband) and O-band (1.3 µm waveband) QD optical gain materials for Gbps-order, high-speed optical data generation. The insertion loss due to coupling between the device and the optical fiber was effectively compensated for by the SOA section. It was also confirmed that the monolithic QD-OGM/SOA device enabled >4.8 Gbps optical data generation with a clear eye opening in the T-band. Furthermore, we successfully demonstrated error-free 4.8 Gbps optical data transmissions in each of the six wavelength channels over a 10-km-long photonic crystal fiber using the monolithic QD-OGM/SOA device in multiple O-band wavelength channels, which were generated by the single QD gain chip. These results suggest that the monolithic QD-OGM/SOA device will be advantageous in ultra-broadband optical frequency systems that utilize the T+O-band for short- and medium-range optical communications.
Localized surface plasmon-enhanced photoluminescence of amorphous silicon quantum dots through plasmonic subwavelength crossed metallic gratings
Authors: Tsai Tsung-Han , Lin Ming-Yi , Hsiao Li-Jen , Choi Wing-Kit , Lin Hoang Yan 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
We investigate experimentally the enhancing effect of plasmonic subwavelength crossed Ag gratings on photoluminescence (PL) from the amorphous silicon quantum dots (a-Si QDs) embedded in a central silicon-rich SiO
x
film of the Ag/SiO
x
:a-Si QDs/Ag sandwich nanostructures. The use of the crossed Ag grating structure as the top layer in the sandwich nanostructures results in a 2-fold increase in the PL peak intensity and a 1.34-fold increase in the integrated emission intensity compared with the use of a one-dimensional (1D) Ag grating top layer, and a 1.53-fold peak intensity increase compared with that of a SiO
x
:a-Si QDs/Ag structure without a Ag top layer. These significant PL enhancements can be attributed to the high light-extraction efficiency of the polarization-independent crossed metallic grating structure, the strong out-coupling of localized surface plasmons (LSPs), and the strong a-Si QD–LSP coupling.
Output characteristics of a semiconductor laser diode with two circular ring resonators
Authors: Shih Ming Chang , Kao Yi Hsiang , Lan Wen How 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Here, we present the output characteristics of a semiconductor laser diode with two circular ring resonators. The material of the laser diode is a metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD)-grown InGaAlP multiple-quantum-well (MQW) structure. The current injection of the laser diode is confined by the ridge waveguide of two circular ring resonators connected by two directional couplers. The confined light output through the nonwaveguide region of the substrate was observed. Measurements of light–current (L–I) and spectral characteristics at each output terminal were presented. These measurements showed asymmetric output characteristics of emission from two directional coupling terminals. In addition, output characteristics of a laser diode device with larger diameter ring resonators showed shifting of the lasing emission wavelength from a different side of the output coupling terminal.
Silicon photonic crystal resonators for label free biosensor
Authors: Sana Amrita Kumar , Honzawa Keita , Amemiya Yoshiteru , Yokoyama Shin 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
We report the fabrication and characterization of a two-dimensional (2D) silicon photonic crystal biosensor consisting of waveguides and cavity-type and defect-type resonators for enhancing the interactions between light and biomaterials. Sensitivity was measured using sucrose solution and the sensor showed the highest sensitivity [1570 nm/RIU (refractive index unit)] ever reported. We also investigated cavity size effects on resonance wavelength shift, and we observed that a large cavity exhibits a greater resonance wavelength shift. The fabricated sensor has shown a high Q of ∼105 in water and a device figure of merit of 1.2 × 105, which represent the improvements of the device performance over other photonic-crystal-based sensors.
Frequency-response-based analysis of respiratory sensor measuring capacitance built across skin
Authors: Terasawa Makie , Kumagai Shinya , Sasaki Minoru 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
A capacitive respiratory sensor is studied by attaching the electrodes to the skin. The signal characteristics related to the electrode position and body motion are examined. The frequency response indicates the nearly pure capacitance characteristics. The sensing mechanism model based on the equivalent skin thickness change generated by the body volume change accompanying respiration is reasonably consistent with the experimental results. The sensing method is examined by measuring the frequency response under some different conditions including the grounding issue. The electrode attached to the concave site tends to show a smaller signal difference between inhalation and exhalation. The convex site stabilizes the measurement. The bellyband combined with the electrode realizes stable sensing with comfortable fit on the skin.