bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance of non‐invasive prenatal screening for fetal aneuploidy in twin pregnancies: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Liao Hong , Liu Shanling , Wang He 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to review the published studies of non‐invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) in twin pregnancies and to evaluate the performance for screening fetal trisomies 21, 18, and 13 in twin pregnancies.MethodTen eligible studies were included in this meta‐analysis. Data analysis, heterogeneity exploring, meta‐regression, and subgroup analysis were all conducted with Meta‐DiSc 1.4. Quality assessments were carried out with the Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies.ResultsNon‐invasive prenatal screening for trisomy 21 screening in twin pregnancies showed a pooled sensitivity of 0.99 (95% CI, 0.92–1.00), a specificity of 1.00 (95% CI, 0.99–1.00), a positive likelihood ratio (LR) of 116.46 (95% CI, 53.84–251.92), a negative LR of 0.11 (95% CI, 0.06–0.22), and a diagnostic odds ratio of 1297.73 (95% CI, 438.06–3844.42). But the difference of detection rates between monozygotic and dichorionic twin pregnancies was uncertain for only a very small number of monochorionic twins available. For trisomy 18 screening, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive LR, negative LR, and diagnostic odds ratio were 0.85 (95% CI, 0.55–0.98), 1.00 (95% CI, 0.99–1.00), 86.11 (95% CI, 32.45–228.47), 0.25 (95% CI, 0.11–0.56), and 333.90 (95% CI, 35.15–3171.78), respectively. For trisomy 13 screening, three cases in three studies were all detected accurately.ConclusionThe meta‐analysis results from 10 eligible studies demonstrated that NIPS has both high sensitivity and specificity for trisomy 21 screening in twin pregnancies. The results for trisomy 18 screening are less satisfactory than those for trisomy 21. The performance for trisomy 13 screening could not be determined as only three cases were identified. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnosis and management of diabetes in older people
Authors: Kilvert Anne , Fox Charles 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe incidence of diabetes has plateaued since 2004, although the prevalence continues to rise. The highest incidence is in people over the age of 70 years, most of whom have type 2 diabetes; a minority have type 1, which can present at any age. Type 1 diabetes may present more slowly in older people, a condition sometimes known as latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA).Older people with diabetes have more than double the risk of cardiovascular disease compared to their non‐diabetic peers, and the risk of diabetes‐related major lower limb amputation is twice as high in those over 75 years compared with the 40–64 age group.Treatment targets for glycaemic control, blood pressure and cholesterol should be individualised in older people, taking into account factors such as functional status, life expectancy and comorbidities, including visual impairment. In some individuals the risk of adverse effects from medication (hypoglycaemia, postural hypotension) may outweigh the potential benefits.Treatment should be selected based on functional status and comorbidities, and changing circumstances such as declining renal function, declining appetite, weight loss or cognitive changes should prompt a medication review. Hypoglycaemia is a particular threat in this age group.There is a high prevalence of diabetes in care homes, which should have policies in place for screening for diabetes, the management of people with diabetes and training of staff. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons.
Pancreatic exocrine dysfunction: common in type 3c diabetes, but don't forget types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Alington Katherine , Cummings Michael H 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIt is well understood that the pancreas has two distinct roles: the endocrine and exocrine functions, that are functionally and anatomically closely related. As specialists in diabetes care, we are adept at managing pancreatic endocrine failure and its associated complications. However, there is frequent overlap and many patients with diabetes also suffer from exocrine insufficiency.Here we outline the different causes of exocrine failure, and in particular that associated with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and how this differs from diabetes that is caused by pancreatic exocrine disease: type 3c diabetes. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons.
End‐of‐life experiences of family caregivers of deceased patients with cancer: A nation‐wide survey
Authors: Hirooka Kayo , Otani Hiroyuki , Morita Tatsuya , Miura Tomofumi , Fukahori Hiroki , Aoyama Maho , Kizawa Yoshiyuki , Shima Yasuo , Tsuneto Satoru , Miyashita Mitsunori 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of this study was (a) to describe the end‐of‐life experience of family caregivers of cancer patients, (b) to describe talking about death and dying of the patient to minor children, and (c) to examine the association of family caregivers' experiences by their characteristics and talking about death and dying of the patient.MethodsA cross‐sectional nationwide survey of bereaved family caregivers was conducted. In total, 968 questionnaires were sent to bereaved family caregivers, and 711 were completed and returned. Fifty‐three responses indicating patients had minor children were analyzed. Univariate analysis and principal component analysis were performed.ResultsFamily caregivers' experiences were divided into 3 domains by principal component analysis: protect children from the patient's imminent death, little regard for the children, and worry and concern about the children's emotional reaction. Family caregivers' common experiences were as follows: “I wanted to know how the children felt,” “I wanted to avoid making the children confused,” and “I did not have much time to talk with and/or play with the children.” About 30% of family caregivers reported that they “did not talk” about death and dying of patients to minor children. Spouses of patients and family caregivers who did not talk about death tended to experience distress and worry.ConclusionsMost family caregivers experienced worry and fear regarding minor children's emotional reaction; therefore, clinicians need to explain children's emotional and psychological reactions to family caregivers when a patient is at the end‐of‐life.
Characterization of adenoviral transduction profile in prostate cancer cells and normal prostate tissue
Authors: Ai Jianzhong , Tai Phillip W.L. , Lu Yi , Li Jia , Ma Hong , Su Qin , Wei Qiang , Li Hong , Gao Guangping 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundProstate diseases are common in males worldwide with high morbidity. Gene therapy is an attractive therapeutic strategy for prostate diseases, however, it is currently underdeveloped. As well known, adeno virus (Ad) is the most widely used gene therapy vector. The aims of this study are to explore transduction efficiency of Ad in prostate cancer cells and normal prostate tissue, thus further providing guidance for future prostate pathophysiological studies and therapeutic development of prostate diseases.MethodsWe produced Ad expressing enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP), and characterized the transduction efficiency of Ad in both human and mouse prostate cancer cell lines in vitro, as well as prostate tumor xenograft, and wild‐type mouse prostate tissue in vivo. Ad transduction efficiency was determined by EGFP fluorescence using microscopy and flow cytometry. Cell type‐specific transduction was examined by immunofluorescence staining of cell markers.ResultsOur data showed that Ad efficiently transduced human and mouse prostate cancer cells in vitro in a dose dependent manner. Following intratumoral and intraprostate injection, Ad could efficiently transduce prostate tumor xenograft and the major prostatic cell types in vivo, respectively.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that Ad can efficiently transduce prostate tumor cells in vitro as well as xenograft and normal prostate tissue in vivo, and further indicate that Ad could be a potentially powerful toolbox for future gene therapy of prostate diseases.
Saharan dust and the African easterly jet–African easterly wave system: Structure, location and energetics
Authors: Bercos‐Hickey Emily , Nathan Terrence R. , Chen Shu‐Hua 
Published: July 2017

The radiative effects of Saharan mineral dust (SMD) aerosols on the structure, location and energetics of the African easterly jet–African easterly wave (AEJ‐AEW) system are examined for July–September 2006. Experiments are conducted with and without SMD using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, which is radiatively coupled to an interactive dust model. The SMD‐modified heating field shifts the AEJ northward, upward and westward, and enhances its zonal asymmetry. These SMD‐induced changes to the AEJ are manifest in the AEWs: the northern and southern tracks of the AEWs shift northward (like the AEJ); and the zonal‐scale of the AEWs expands and their westward propagation increases.The SMD also strengthens the energetics of the AEJ‐AEW system. The domain and temporally averaged baroclinic energy conversion, which is an order of magnitude larger than the barotropic conversion, increases by a factor of 2.5. The eddy kinetic energy and generation of available potential energy increase by factors of 1.5 and 2.7, respectively.The implications of an SMD‐modified AEJ‐AEW system for West African precipitation and tropical cyclogenesis in the eastern Atlantic Ocean are discussed.
Multistage‐multiresponse models for dynamic quality chain design problems
Authors: Hejazi Taha‐Hossein , Seyyed‐Esfahani Mirmehdi 
Published: July 2017

AbstractQuality of final products depends on several decision variables and design factors from several stages of operations. Multiresponse optimization is a well‐grounded method for offline quality design that can consider several inputs and outputs. This study introduces a new methodology for quality optimization in multistage systems with multiple response variables. Several stochastic parameters, including response surfaces and covariates, are to be considered in this methodology. For this purpose, scenario‐based multistage stochastic programming models are developed in three cases addressing (1) decision on control factors, (2) decision on control factors as well as targets of intermediate stages, and (3) scenario‐based decision on control factors. An example is presented at the end to illustrate the mechanism of the methodology and applicability of the three cases.
Leydig cell tumor of the testis, presenting with azoospermia
Authors: Hibi Hatsuki , Yamashita Kyoko , Sumitomo Makoto , Asada Yoshimasa 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCaseA case of Leydig cell tumor, associated with azoospermia, is presented.OutcomeThe levels of sex hormones obviously were decreased, including luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), with elevated testosterone. Computed tomography revealed no adrenal gland tumor, but a significant calcification in the right scrotal content was observed. He received a right radical orchiectomy and then he was unable to ejaculate. An endocrine panel revealed significantly decreased levels of testosterone and the low LH level had remained. Hormone replacement therapy with combined LH and FSH successfully recovered and preserved spermatogenesis.ConclusionsAlthough the patient’s sexual function deteriorated after surgery, hormone replacement therapy was successful in establishing spermatogenesis.
Output feedback stabilization of stochastic feedforward nonlinear time‐delay systems with unknown output function
Authors: Xie Xue‐Jun , Jiang Meng‐Meng 
Published: July 2017

SummaryThis paper studies the problem of output feedback stabilization for a class of stochastic feedforward nonlinear systems with state and input delays and the unknown output function. For stochastic feedforward nonlinear systems, the maximal open sector Δ of output function is given. As long as output function belongs to any closed sector included in Δ, by constructing a reduced‐order observer and
Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional and using the homogeneous domination method, an output feedback controller can be developed to guarantee the closed‐loop system globally asymptotically stable in probability.
Optimization of decision rules for hydroelectric operation to reduce both eel mortality and unnecessary turbine shutdown: A search for a win–win solution
Authors: Smith D. R. , Fackler P. L. , Eyler S. M. , Villegas Ortiz L. , Welsh S. A. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWorldwide populations of freshwater eels have declined with one of the contributing causes related to mortality during passage through hydropower turbines. An inherent trade‐off underlies turbine management where the competing demand for more hydropower comes at the expense of eel survival. A win–win solution exists when an option performs better on all competing demands compared to other options. A predictive model for eel migration based on a recent telemetry study was used to develop decision rules for turbine management in the Shenandoah River system. The performance of alternative decision rules was compared to the status quo policy to search for win–win solutions. Decision rules were defined by the probability of eel movement and were evaluated by the probabilities of false positive and false negative errors. The exact value of the cut‐off probability used in the decision rule will need to be determined through negotiation between stakeholders, but a range of cut‐off probabilities resulted in a win–win situation with both reduced eel mortality and increased turbine operation relative to the current shutdown strategy. Monitoring the implementation is needed to evaluate and update the predictive model and to refine the decision rule. Although the decision is framed for the Shenandoah River system, the analytical approach could be used to develop decision rules for turbine shutdown policy in other areas.
A person‐in‐context approach to student engagement in science: Examining learning activities and choice
Authors: Schmidt Jennifer A. , Rosenberg Joshua M. , Beymer Patrick N. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractScience education reform efforts in the Unites States call for a dramatic shift in the way students are expected to engage with scientific concepts, core ideas, and practices in the classroom. This new vision of science learning demands a more complex conceptual understanding of student engagement and research models that capture both the multidimensionality and contextual specificity of student engagement in science. In a unique application of person‐oriented analysis of experience sampling data, we employ cluster analysis to identify six distinctmomentary engagement profilesrepresenting different combinations of the behavioral, cognitive, and affective dimensions of student engagement in high school science classrooms. Students spend a majority of their classroom time in one of several engagement profiles characterized by high engagement on one dimension, but low levels on the others. Students exhibited low engagement across all three dimensions of engagement in about 22% of our observations. Full engagement, or high levels across all three dimensions, is the least frequent profile, occurring in only 11% of the observations. Students’ momentary engagement profiles are related in meaningful ways to both the learning activity in which students are engaged and the types of choices they are afforded. Laboratory activities provided especially polarized engagement experiences, producing full engagement, universally low engagement, and pleasurable engagement in which students are affectively engaged but are not engaged cognitively or behaviorally. Student choice is generally associated with more optimal engagement profiles and the specific type of choice matters in important ways. Choices about how to frame the learning activity have the most positive effects relative to other types of choices, such as choosing whom to work with or how much time to take. Results are discussed in terms of implications for practice and the utility of the methodological approach for evaluating the complexities of student engagement in science classrooms. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 88: 19–43, 2018
Polychromatic simultaneous WDXRF for chemical state analysis using laboratory X‐ray source
Authors: Sato Kenji , Nishimura Akihiro , Kaino Masatomo , Adachi Susumu 
Published: July 2017

The authors have started the development of a new scanning‐free, wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer, which uses a silicon strip detector instead of a goniometer, a slit, flat analyzing crystal, and laboratory X‐ray source. The X‐rays dispersed by the slit and flat analyzing crystal are detected simultaneously by different silicon strip detector channels, and a high energy resolution is achieved by limiting the measurement range. In the spectrometer designed for Cr, Mn, and Fe in the range from 5.38 to 6.64 keV, an energy resolution of 3.9 eV for Fe Kα1 was obtained, and it was observed that KMnO4 (VII) is different from MnO (II) in the peak energy of Mn Kβ1,3. Furthermore, a Kβ' satellite peak on the low‐energy side of Mn Kβ1,3 was clearly observed, and the difference in behavior of Kβ' was investigated. Another similar investigation of Cr2O3 (III) and K2CrO4 (VI) was performed. These results indicate that the new wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer has a high energy resolution and is applicable to the chemical state analysis of 3d transition elements, which is obtained by analyzing the details of the Kβ peak at the scale of a few eV. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determining the Reference Frame for Kinematic Analysis in S-tectonites Using AMS
Authors: Mamtani Manish A. , Abhijith V. , Lahiri Sivaji , Rana Virendra , Bhatt Sandeep , Goswami Shalini , Renjith A. R. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT
In this paper a methodology based on anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) measurements is presented to identify XZ section of the strain ellipsoid in order to perform kinematic analysis in S-tectonites, which are rocks that lack stretching lineation on the foliation plane. The similarity between orientations of three principal axes of the AMS ellipsoid (K1&gt;K2&gt;K3) and strain ellipsoid (X&gt;Y&gt;Z) is demonstrated by discussing the case of a mylonite (LS-tectonite) that contains both foliation and stretching lineation. Subsequently, the case of S-tectonite from the peninsular gneiss (south India) is discussed, where the K1K3 plane of AMS ellipsoid is equated with XZ section of strain ellipsoid. Quartz crystallo-graphic preferred orientations are investigated using SEM-EBSD studies in thin section prepared parallel to the K1K3 plane. Quartz c-axis patterns characteristic of rhomb &lt;a&gt; slip and indicating top-to-325° sense of shear are recorded. This supports the move-ment sense inferred by earlier researchers from northern parts of the sampled locality. Thus the usefulness of AMS in determining the reference frame for kinematic studies in S-tectonites is documented.
Comparative Petrophysical and Geochemical Characteristics of Thermal and Volcanic Ash from Southeastern India
Authors: Krishnan Geethanjali , Achyuthan Hema , Siva V. H. R. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT
This paper examines the difference in the geophysical and chemical characteristic of the volcanic ash and thermal fly ash to evaluate environmental pollution. Natural volcanic ash (VA) samples from Sagirelu, Cuddapah dist., Andhra Pradesh and thermal fly ash (FA) samples from the Thermal Power Station, Ennore, Chennai, were collected, analysed and compared. The particle sizes of the ash samples were determined using the laser particle size analyzer and the different surface morphological characters were studied using SEM analyses. The chemical components such as pH, major oxides, trace metals and mineral compositions were determined using pH metre, XRF and XRD methods. pH value of the volcanic ash varies from 8.5 to 8.9 indicating its alkalinity (8.5 to 9) in volcanic ash, while the thermal ash is neutral to mildly alkaline with pH varying from 6 to 7.5. Both the ash samples have higher concentration value in SiO2 (VA - 69.25%, FA-46%) in major oxides and Cl (VA - 0.8%, FA - 0.1%) in trace elements. Quartz is the dominant mineral in both the types of ash, however, the volcanic ash has amorphous silica, while the fly ash contains crystalline quartz.
Geochemical Characteristics and Evaluation of Minor and Trace Elements Pollution in Groundwater of Tuticorin City, Tamil Nadu, India using Geospatial Techniques
Authors: Selvam S. , Venkatramanan S. , Sivasubramanian P. , Chung S. Y. , Singaraja C. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT
In this work the major and trace elements pollution levels in groundwater of Tuticorin city of Tamil Nadu was investigated. This coastal city with numerous large and small scale industries has increasingly affected the water quality by dumping effluents. The mean major and trace elements levels in groundwater in descending order: Si &gt; Sr &gt; Zn &gt; Fe &gt; Rb &gt; Se &gt; Al &gt; Mn &gt; Cu &gt; As &gt; Cr &gt; Ba &gt; V &gt; Ni &gt; Pb &gt; Mo &gt; Co &gt; Sb &gt; Cd &gt; Ag. The concentrations of As, Se, Pb, Ba, Al, Fe and V (0.084, 0.150, 0.057, 0.837, 0.357 and 0.052) in some of the groundwater samples exceed the standard value of world health organization (WHO, 2004). Interrelationship between the elements was done by correlation matrix and factor analysis which indicates the contribution from industrial and irrigation fields. Spatial interpolation of inverse distance method (IDW) maps of all the elements suggested that discharge of effluents from chemical factory (STERLITE, TAC, SPIC, HEAVY WATER PLANT, NILA SEA FOODS), municipal wastewater, fertilizers were added to the natural sources. Results of this research suggests that proper measures should be taken to protect the vital groundwater resources in the Tuticorin city.
Groundwater Quality Assessment for Drinking Purpose in Raipur City, Chhattisgarh Using Water Quality Index and Geographic Information System
Authors: Khan Rubia , Jhariya D. C. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT
An effort has been made to comprehend the groundwater quality of Raipur city for drinking purpose utilizing Water Quality Index (WQI) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. In this study thirty four groundwater samples were collected during May, 2015. Standard methods has been adopted in groundwater sampling which are prescribed by the American Public Health Association (APHA, 1995). Eight water quality parameters have been considered to ascertained water quality index viz. pH, chloride, fluoride, calcium, magnesium, alkalinity, hardness and nitrate. The Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS, 2009) has been considered to assess the suitability of groundwater for drinking purposes and for the calculation of WQI. This study reveals that 76% area is falling under excellent, very good and good category and 24% area is falling under poor, very poor and unfit category as per the WQI classification. The predicted accuracy of the obtained result is around 97.05% reflecting capability of adopted techniques. Anthropogenic activities are influencing the groundwater quality of the study area. The present study is helpful in proper planning and management of available water resource for drinking purpose.