bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anatomical Variations of the Human Cochlea Determined from Micro‐CT and High‐Resolution CT Imaging and Reconstruction
Authors: Tang Jie , Tang Xianglong , Li Zhenhua , Liu Yikang , Tan SongHua , Li Heng , Ke RongDan , Wang Zhi , Gong Li , Tang AnZhou 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTUnderstanding the anatomical variations in the human cochlea is important for cochlear implants. This study examined these variations using a reconstructed fusion model of the skull and temporal bone. The three‐dimensional (3D) digital model of the temporal bone was reconstructed from multiple axial micro‐computed tomography (CT) scans of temporal bone and high resolution CT of the skull from 15 cadavers. A skull model was reconstructed and merged with the reconstructed temporal bone. The 3D relationship between the cochlea and the skull's mid‐sagittal plane was analyzed. The α and β angles of the cochlear autogenous rotation and bottom position, respectively, further subdivided the cochlear spatial orientation. The relationship between the base of the cochlea and the round window was evaluated with the Φ angle. Cochlear size was measured and the relationship was statistically analyzed. Cochlear implant electrode arrays were observed in five cases of right‐temporal bone specimens. The α, β, and Φ angles were 46.01 ± 9.65, 56.79 ± 3.58, and 44.41 ± 7.23, respectively. The α angle varied greatly and was negatively correlated to the Φ angle (correlation coefficient = −0.211, P < 0.05). Among the five specimens, the α and Φ angle of the 2R and 4R cochlear specimens was lower and higher than the mean value, respectively. These measurements revealed variations in the size and position of the cochlea. Some of these variations may require surgical adjustments for insertion of electrodes with cochlear implants and present a greater challenge for implantation of cochlear electrode implantation. These data also provide a better understanding of variations in human cochlear anatomy. Anat Rec, 301:1086–1095, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bio‐based polymers production in a kraft lignin biorefinery: techno‐economic assessment
Authors: Dessbesell Luana , Yuan Zhongshun , Hamilton Shawn , Leitch Mathew , Pulkki Reino , Xu Chunbao (Charles) 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis paper presents a techno‐economic and risk analysis of a kraft lignin (KL) biorefinery (3000 tonne of KL·year‐1 capacity), where KL is depolymerized to produce depolymerized kraft lignin (DKL) as a bio‐substitute to polyol and phenol for the production of bio‐based polymers (polyurethane and phenolic resins). Three scenarios were examined: (i) DKL as a phenol substitute, (ii) DKL as a polyol substitute, and (iii) oxypropylated depolymerized kraft lignin (Oxy‐DKL) a polyol substitute. The Net Present Value was calculated to compare these scenarios. To address the uncertainty risks in feedstock and product price, a sensitivity analysis and a Monte Carlo simulation were performed. Results show that DKL and Oxy‐DKL derived from the KL biorefinery are a feasible bio‐substitute for petroleum‐based polyols with a minimum selling price of 1440 and 1623 US$·t‐1, respectively. However, DKL is likely not feasible when replacing phenol (minimum selling price of 1421 US$·t‐1) due to the current low market price of phenol. The feasibility of the KL biorefinery is highly sensitive to the market prices of the products. Feedstock supply and market demand for lignin‐derived biopolyols are still uncertain; therefore, a supply chain design model is necessary for decision‐making. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
DNA methylation alterations in the genome of a toddler with cri‐du‐chat syndrome
Authors: Naumova Oxana Y. , Rychkov Sergey Y. , Kuznetzova Tatyana V. , Odintsova Veronika V. , Kornilov Sergey A. , Grigorenko Elena L. 
Published: November 2017

Key Clinical MessageThis manuscript reports on genomewide epigenetic alterations in cri‐du‐chat syndrome related to a partial aneusomy of chromosome 5. A systematic analysis of these alterations will open up new possibilities for the prognostic evaluation of CDCS patients and the development of new therapeutic interventions for reducing the severity of the disease.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Platinum‐Group‐Metal‐Free Catalysts: Structural Elucidation and Oxygen Reduction Catalysis
Authors: Gokhale Rohan , Tsui Lok‐Kun , Roach Kristin , Chen Yechuan , Hossen Md Mosaddek , Artyushkova Kateryna , Garzon Fernando , Atanassov Plamen 
Published: November 2017

AbstractA hydrothermal approach to generate a platinum‐group‐metal‐free (PGM‐free) Fe−N−C catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is introduced. The process involves partial carbonization by hydrothermal means followed by thermal treatment to obtain the final catalysts. Detailed X‐ray scattering analysis of the glucose−imidazole catalysts (termed as GLU‐IMID‐C catalysts), obtained for the first time with the use of CarbonXS GUI program, reveals the presence of face‐centered cubic (FCC) iron nanoparticles embedded in partially graphitic carbon in all catalyst variations. We also report the physical characterization of these catalysts by using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Brunauer−Emmett−Teller surface area analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. The electrocatalytic behavior of the catalysts towards oxygen reduction is studied separately in acidic and alkaline electrolytes by rotating ring disk electrode measurements. The catalysts exhibit high ORR activity in acidic (0.5 M H2SO4) and alkaline (0.1 M KOH) electrolytes. A precursor structure−performance relationship of these catalysts and their performance trends in both electrolytes has been discussed in this work.
Bifunctional Electrocatalysts (Co9S8@NSC) Derived from a Polymer‐metal Complex for the Oxygen Reduction and Oxygen Evolution Reactions
Authors: Alshehri Saad M , Ahmed Jahangeer , Khan Aslam , Naushad Mu , Ahamad Tansir 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBifunctional catalysts for water electrolysis are important for renewable and clean energy transformation processes like fuel cells, lithium−oxygen batteries, and so forth. Despite tremendous efforts, developing efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts with low cost and long‐term durability remains a great challenge. Herein, the synthesis of Co9S8 nanocrystals encapsulated in nitrogen/sulfur‐doped mesoporous graphitized carbon derived from a polymer−metal complex is reported, which exhibit similar electrocatalytic activity and superior stability for water‐splitting reactions (oxygen reduction/oxygen evolution). The remarkable electrochemical properties are mainly attributed to the synergetic effects between Co9S8, heteroatoms and graphitized carbon in alkaline medium, especially for the oxygen evolution reaction. The present strategy to fabricate Co9S8 nanocrystals in nitrogen and sulfur doped carbon using a single‐source precursor offers many prospects in developing highly effective electrocatalysts in rechargeable metal−air batteries.
Synthetic Oligosaccharide Libraries and Microarray Technology: A Powerful Combination for the Success of Current Glycosaminoglycan Interactomics
Authors: Pomin Vitor H. , Wang Xu 
Published: November 2017

AbstractGlycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are extracellular matrix and/or cell‐surface sulfated glycans crucial to the regulation of various signaling proteins, the functions of which are essential in many pathophysiological systems. Because structural heterogeneity is high in GAG chains and purification is difficult, the use of structurally defined GAG oligosaccharides from natural sources as molecular models in both biophysical and pharmacological assays is limited. To overcome this obstacle, GAG‐like oligosaccharides of well‐defined structures are currently being synthesized by chemical and/or enzymatic means in many research groups around the world. These synthetic GAG oligosaccharides serve as useful molecular tools in studies of GAG–protein interactions. In this review, besides discussing the commonest routes used for the synthesis of GAG oligosaccharides, we also survey some libraries of these synthetic models currently available for research and discuss their activities in interaction studies with functional proteins, especially through the microarray approach.
Magnetic resonance imaging in heart failure, including coronary imaging: numbers, facts, and challenges
Authors: Adams Lisa , Noutsias Michel , Bigalke Boris , Makowski Marcus R. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractCoronary artery disease (CAD) is a major risk factor for the incidence and progression of heart failure (HF). HF is characterized by a substantial morbidity and mortality and its lifetime risk is estimated at approximately 20% for men and women. As patients are in most cases identified only after developing overt clinical symptoms, detecting early stages of CAD and HF is of paramount importance. Due to its non‐invasiveness, excellent soft‐tissue contrast, high spatial resolution, and multiparametric nature, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging has emerged as a promising radiation‐free technique to assess a wide range of cardiovascular diseases such as CAD or HF, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of myocardial anatomy, regional and global function, and viability with the additional benefit of in vivo tissue characterization. CMR has the potential to enhance our understanding of coronary atherosclerosis and the aetiology of HF on functional and biological levels, to identify patients at risk for CAD or HF, and to enable individualized patient management and improved outcomes. Even though larger‐scale studies on the different applications of CMR for the assessment of heart failure are scarce, recent research highlighted new possible clinical applications for CMR in the evaluation of CAD and HF.
Credit scoring: A historic recurrence in microfinance
Authors: Bumacov Vitalie , Ashta Arvind , Singh Pritam 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMicrofinance is a new credit segment that can benefit greatly from the advantages the credit scoring technique can offer. In the developing countries even the professionals are not familiar with the technique of credit scoring and many microfinance institutions that serve millions of borrowers do not consider using it. Since the credit scoring technique did not evolve fast enough to meet the needs of microfinance, its adoption by microfinance institutions is slow and resembles more a historic recurrence rather than a new historical stage. We outline a conceptual framework of credit scoring that enables the use of this technique in micro lending, avoiding the pitfalls of the past.
A comparison of equity crowdfunding in four countries: Implications for business angels
Authors: Tuomi Krista , Harrison Richard T. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractEquity crowdfunding as a rapidly growing source of finance for new and growing entrepreneurial ventures poses new challenges for financial regulators and potentially disrupts the early stage risk capital market and its existing actors, notably business angels. Equity crowdfunding responds primarily to the needs of small start‐ups that do not manage to access bank finance, or who do not need the larger sums available from venture capital or business angels. It is not appropriate for firms where business information is too sensitive to be shared with a large number of potential investors, nor those which require substantial amounts of follow on financing. Within these parameters and with sensible policy implementation and regulation, equity crowdfunding can play a useful complement to the role of business angels in innovation finance as an alternative form of start‐up and growth capital.
Increased Renal Echogenicity in Children With Appendicitis
Authors: Tal Tamir Hila , Ben‐Mordechay Daniel , Ben‐Shlush Aviva , Raviv‐Zilka Lisa , Soudack Michalle 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesUltrasound (US) is an important modality for the detection of acute appendicitis in children but has limited sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, additional US findings may contribute to the diagnosis. In our experience, children with acute appendicitis often have increased renal cortical echogenicity on US imaging. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of increased renal cortical echogenicity with appendicitis.MethodsThis study included 240 consecutive pediatric patients with no renal or liver disease who underwent US examinations for suspected appendicitis between February 2014 and January 2016. Ultrasound images of the liver and right kidney were retrospectively reviewed, and the echogenicity of the renal cortex was classified as less than the liver, equal to the liver, or greater than the liver.ResultsThe renal cortex was abnormally hyperechoic in 38 (50%) of all of the patients who had appendicitis according to US (P < .001) and in 47% of patients who underwent appendectomy (P = .002). Overall, 36% of patients with increased renal cortical echogenicity had a diagnosis of appendicitis. After correction for variables, patients with renal hyperechogenicity had a 2.5 times chance of appendicitis (odds ratio, 2.5).ConclusionsThere is a statistically significant association between increased renal cortical echogenicity and appendicitis. In the absence of hepatic or renal disease, this finding may increase the accuracy of the US diagnosis of appendicitis. Increased renal cortical echogenicity may be added to the list of US findings accompanying acute appendicitis in children.
Desertification vulnerability index—an effective approach to assess desertification processes: A case study in Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Dharumarajan Subramanian , Bishop Thomas F.A. , Hegde Rajendra , Singh Surendra Kumar 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThere is a need for the up‐to‐date assessment of desertification/land degradation maps that are dynamic in nature at different scales for comprehensive planning and preparation of action plans. This paper aims to develop the desertification vulnerability index (DVI) and predict the different desertification processes operating in Anantapur District, India, based on machine language techniques. Climate, land use, soil, and socioeconomic parameters were used to prepare DVI by a multivariate index model. The computed DVI along with climate, terrain, and soil properties was used as explanatory variable to predict the desertification processes by using a random forest model. About 14.2% of the area was created as a training dataset in 9 places for modeling and remaining area was tested for prediction of desertification processes. We used desertification status map (DSM) of Anantapur District prepared under Desertification status mapping of India–2nd cycle as a reference dataset for calculation of accuracy indices. Kappa and classification accuracy index were calculated for training and validation datasets. We recorded overall accuracy rate and kappa index of 85.5% and 75.8% for training datasets and 71.0% and 51.8% for testing datasets. The results of variable importance analysis of random forest model showed that DVI was the most important predictor followed by potential evapotranspiration and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index for prediction of desertification processes. The results from this work given new insight into using the existing knowledge on prediction of desertification in unvisited areas and also quick update of DSM maps.
Characterization of photon‐counting multislit breast tomosynthesis
Authors: Berggren Karl , Cederström Björn , Lundqvist Mats , Fredenberg Erik 
Published: November 2017

PurposeIt has been shown that breast tomosynthesis may improve sensitivity and specificity compared to two‐dimensional mammography, resulting in increased detection‐rate of cancers or lowered call‐back rates. The purpose of this study is to characterize a spectral photon‐counting multislit breast tomosynthesis system that is able to do single‐scan spectral imaging with multiple collimated x‐ray beams. The system differs in many aspects compared to conventional tomosynthesis using energy‐integrating flat‐panel detectors.MethodsThe investigated system was a prototype consisting of a dual‐threshold photon‐counting detector with 21 collimated line detectors scanning across the compressed breast. A review of the system is done in terms of detector, acquisition geometry, and reconstruction methods. Three reconstruction methods were used, simple back‐projection, filtered back‐projection and an iterative algebraic reconstruction technique. The image quality was evaluated by measuring the modulation transfer‐function (MTF), normalized noise‐power spectrum, detective quantum‐efficiency (DQE), and artifact spread‐function (ASF) on reconstructed spectral tomosynthesis images for a total‐energy bin (defined by a low‐energy threshold calibrated to remove electronic noise) and for a high‐energy bin (with a threshold calibrated to split the spectrum in roughly equal parts). Acquisition was performed using a 29 kVp W/Al x‐ray spectrum at a 0.24 mGy exposure.ResultsThe difference in MTF between the two energy bins was negligible, that is, there was no energy dependence on resolution. The MTF dropped to 50% at 1.5 lp/mm to 2.3 lp/mm in the scan direction and 2.4 lp/mm to 3.3 lp/mm in the slit direction, depending on the reconstruction method. The full width at half maximum of the ASF was found to range from 13.8 mm to 18.0 mm for the different reconstruction methods. The zero‐frequency DQE of the system was found to be 0.72. The fraction of counts in the high‐energy bin was measured to be 59% of the total detected spectrum. Scantimes ranged from 4 s to 16.5 s depending on voltage and current settings.ConclusionsThe characterized system generates spectral tomosynthesis images with a dual‐energy photon‐counting detector. Measurements show a high DQE, enabling high image quality at a low dose, which is beneficial for low‐dose applications such as screening. The single‐scan spectral images open up for applications such as quantitative material decomposition and contrast‐enhanced tomosynthesis.
Bayesian estimation of multicomponent relaxation parameters in magnetic resonance fingerprinting
Authors: McGivney Debra , Deshmane Anagha , Jiang Yun , Ma Dan , Badve Chaitra , Sloan Andrew , Gulani Vikas , Griswold Mark 
Published: November 2017

PurposeTo estimate multiple components within a single voxel in magnetic resonance fingerprinting when the number and types of tissues comprising the voxel are not known a priori.TheoryMultiple tissue components within a single voxel are potentially separable with magnetic resonance fingerprinting as a result of differences in signal evolutions of each component. The Bayesian framework for inverse problems provides a natural and flexible setting for solving this problem when the tissue composition per voxel is unknown. Assuming that only a few entries from the dictionary contribute to a mixed signal, sparsity‐promoting priors can be placed upon the solution.MethodsAn iterative algorithm is applied to compute the maximum a posteriori estimator of the posterior probability density to determine the magnetic resonance fingerprinting dictionary entries that contribute most significantly to mixed or pure voxels.ResultsSimulation results show that the algorithm is robust in finding the component tissues of mixed voxels. Preliminary in vivo data confirm this result, and show good agreement in voxels containing pure tissue.ConclusionsThe Bayesian framework and algorithm shown provide accurate solutions for the partial‐volume problem in magnetic resonance fingerprinting. The flexibility of the method will allow further study into different priors and hyperpriors that can be applied in the model. Magn Reson Med 80:159–170, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Modeling of prolactin response following dopamine D2 receptor antagonists in rats: can it be translated to clinical dosing?
Authors: Taneja Amit , Vermeulen An , Huntjens Dymphy R. H. , Danhof Meindert , De Lange Elizabeth C. M. , Proost Johannes H. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractProlactin release is a side effect of antipsychotic therapy with dopamine antagonists, observed in rats as well as humans. We examined whether two semimechanistic models could describe prolactin response in rats and subsequently be translated to predict pituitary dopamine D2 receptor occupancy and plasma prolactin concentrations in humans following administration of paliperidone or remoxipride. Data on male Wistar rats receiving single or multiple doses of risperidone, paliperidone, or remoxipride was described by two semimechanistic models, the precursor pool model and the agonist–antagonist interaction model. Using interspecies scaling approaches, human D2 receptor occupancy and plasma prolactin concentrations were predicted for a range of clinical paliperidone and remoxipride doses. The predictions were compared with corresponding observations described in literature as well as with predictions from published models developed on human data. The pool model could predict D2 receptor occupancy and prolactin response in humans following single doses of paliperidone and remoxipride. Tolerance of prolactin release was predicted following multiple doses. The interaction model underpredicted both D2 receptor occupancy and prolactin response. Prolactin elevation may be deployed as a suitable biomarker for interspecies translation and can inform the clinical safe and effective dose range of antipsychotic drugs. While the pool model was more predictive than the interaction model, it overpredicted tolerance on multiple dosing. Shortcomings of the translations reflect the need for better mechanistic models.
Stakeholder scrutiny, urban bias, and the private provision of public goods
Authors: Chrun Elizabeth , Berliner Daniel , Prakash Aseem 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWhile many scholars have studied “urban bias” in public policy, the potential for bias in the private provision of public goods has received little attention. Private certification is a mechanism encouraging private provision of environmental public goods. We show that within countries, there are often wide disparities in certification rates between firms located in urban and non-urban areas. However, these disparities can be mitigated if there is a countervailing force: scrutiny of firms' practices by key stakeholders. We suggest that the presence of strong civil society, independent media, a functioning state regulatory apparatus, and multinational owners can ameliorate the urban bias in certification uptakes. We test this argument with global, firm-level data covering over 40,000 firms in ninety-three countries. Our analyses suggest that an urban bias is mitigated when stakeholders—both public and private—have the freedom and capacity to scrutinize firms' activities.