bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Visualization of the airway in infants with MRI using pointwise encoding time reduction with radial acquisition (PETRA)
Authors: Niwa Tetsu , Nozawa Kumiko , Aida Noriko 
Published: August 2016

PurposeTo assess airway visibility in infants using pointwise encoding time reduction with radial acquisition (PETRA).Materials and MethodsPETRA was obtained in 37 infants (gestational age: 23–43 weeks; postconceptional age: 34–46 weeks) using 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) without respiratory gating. The visibility of the branching point and the airway structures, including the trachea and bronchi, on PETRA was scored by two experienced pediatric radiologists using a four‐point scale (0–3). The rates of good visibility (score 3 or 2) were calculated for each airway structure. Interrater agreement was evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).ResultsFor readers 1 and 2, good visibility was achieved for the branching point of the main bronchi (76% and 95%, respectively), trachea (97% and 95%, respectively), right main bronchus (92% and 92%, respectively), and left main bronchus (97% and 84%, respectively). Lower rates of visibility were achieved for the lobar bronchi. There was substantial agreement (ICC: 0.61–0.79) between the two readers for all the airway structures, except for the branching point at the right upper/middle lobe bronchi, for which there was moderate agreement (ICC: 0.56).ConclusionPETRA has the potential for good airway visibility in infants, particularly for the trachea and main bronchi.Level of Evidence: 3J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:839–844.
Clinical and molecular insights into adenoid cystic carcinoma: Neural crest‐like stemness as a target
Authors: Yarbrough Wendell G. , Panaccione Alexander , Chang Michael T. , Ivanov Sergey V. 
Published: August 2016

ObjectivesThis review surveys trialed therapies and molecular defects in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), with an emphasis on neural crest‐like stemness characteristics of newly discovered cancer stem cells (CSCs) and therapies that may target these CSCs.Data SourcesArticles available on Pubmed or OVID MEDLINE databases and unpublished data.Review MethodsSystematic review of articles pertaining to ACC and neural crest‐like stem cells.ResultsAdenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary gland is a slowly growing but relentless cancer that is prone to nerve invasion and metastases. A lack of understanding of molecular etiology and absence of targetable drivers has limited therapy for patients with ACC to surgery and radiation. Currently, no curative treatments are available for patients with metastatic disease, which highlights the need for effective new therapies. Research in this area has been inhibited by the lack of validated cell lines and a paucity of clinically useful markers. The ACC research environment has recently improved, thanks to the introduction of novel tools, technologies, approaches, and models. Improved understanding of ACC suggests that neural crest‐like stemness is a major target in this rare tumor. New cell culture techniques and patient‐derived xenografts provide tools for preclinical testing.ConclusionPreclinical research has not identified effective targets in ACC, as confirmed by the large number of failed clinical trials. New molecular data suggest that drivers of neural crest‐like stemness may be required for maintenance of ACC; as such, CSCs are a target for therapy of ACC.
Quantum dot materials for terahertz generation applications
Authors: Leyman Ross R. , Gorodetsky Andrei , Bazieva Natalia , Molis Gediminas , Krotkus Arūnas , Clarke Edmund , Rafailov Edik U. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractCompact and tunable semiconductor terahertz sources providing direct electrical control, efficient operation at room temperatures and device integration opportunities are of great interest at the present time. One of the most well‐established techniques for terahertz generation utilises photoconductive antennas driven by ultrafast pulsed or dual‐wavelength continuous wave laser systems, though some limitations, such as confined optical wavelength pumping range and thermal breakdown, still exist. The use of quantum dot‐based semiconductor materials, having unique carrier dynamics and material properties, can help to overcome limitations and enable efficient optical‐to‐terahertz signal conversion at room temperatures. Here we discuss the construction of novel and versatile terahertz transceiver systems based on quantum dot semiconductor devices. Configurable, energy‐dependent optical and electronic characteristics of quantum‐dot‐based semiconductors are described, and the resonant response to optical pump wavelength is revealed. Terahertz signal generation and detection at energies that resonantly excite only the implanted quantum dots opens the potential for using compact quantum dot‐based semiconductor lasers as pump sources. Proof‐of‐concept experiments are demonstrated here that show quantum dot‐based samples to have higher optical pump damage thresholds and reduced carrier lifetime with increasing pump power.
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Subject‐level reliability analysis of fast fMRI with application to epilepsy
Authors: Hao Yongfu , Khoo Hui Ming , von Ellenrieder Nicolas , Gotman Jean 
Published: August 2016

PurposeRecent studies have applied the new magnetic resonance encephalography (MREG) sequence to the study of interictal epileptic discharges (IEDs) in the electroencephalogram (EEG) of epileptic patients. However, there are no criteria to quantitatively evaluate different processing methods, to properly use the new sequence.MethodsWe evaluated different processing steps of this new sequence under the common generalized linear model (GLM) framework by assessing the reliability of results. A bootstrap sampling technique was first used to generate multiple replicated data sets; a GLM with different processing steps was then applied to obtain activation maps, and the reliability of these maps was assessed.ResultsWe applied our analysis in an event‐related GLM related to IEDs. A higher reliability was achieved by using a GLM with head motion confound regressor with 24 components rather than the usual 6, with an autoregressive model of order 5 and with a canonical hemodynamic response function (HRF) rather than variable latency or patient‐specific HRFs. Comparison of activation with IED field also favored the canonical HRF, consistent with the reliability analysis.ConclusionThe reliability analysis helps to optimize the processing methods for this fast fMRI sequence, in a context in which we do not know the ground truth of activation areas. Magn Reson Med 78:370–382, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
New laparoscopic approach to the pudendal nerve for neuromodulation based on an anatomic study
Authors: Konschake Marko , Brenner Erich , Moriggl Bernhard , Hörmann Romed , Bauer Sophina , Foditsch Esra , Janetschek Günther , Künzel Karl‐Heinz , Sievert Karl‐Dietrich , Zimmermann Reinhold 
Published: August 2016

AIMSThe aim was to develop a new laparoscopic technique for placement of a pudendal lead.METHODSDevelopment of a direct, feasible and reliable minimal‐invasive laparoscopic approach to the pudendal nerve (PN). Thirty‐one embalmed human specimens were dissected for the relevant anatomic structures of the pelvis. Step‐by‐step documentation and analysis of the laparoscopic approach in order to locate the PN directly in its course around the medial part of the sacrospinous ligament and test this approach for feasibility. Landmarks for intraoperative navigation towards the PN as well as the possible position of an lead were selected and demonstrated.RESULTSThe visible medial umbilical fold, the intrapelvine part of the internal pudendal artery, the coccygeus muscle and the sacrospinous ligament are the main landmarks. The PN traverses the medial part of the sacrospinous ligament dorsally, medially to the internal pudendal artery. The medial part of the sacrospinous ligament has to be exposed in order to display the nerve. An lead can be placed ventrally on the nerve or around it, depending on the lead type or shape.CONCLUSIONSA precise and reliable identification of the PN by means of laparoscopy is feasible with an easy four‐step approach: (1) identification of the medial umbilical fold; (2) identification of the internal iliac artery; (3) identification of the internal pudendal artery and incision of the coccygeus muscle (‘white line’, arcuated line); and (4) exposition of the medial part of the sacrospinous ligament to display the PN.
Finite volume analysis of laminated composite plates
Authors: Golubović Adnan , Demirdžić Ismet , Muzaferija Samir 
Published: August 2016

SummaryA numerical procedure for analysis of general laminated plates under transverse load is developed utilizing the Mindlin plate theory, the finite volume discretization, and a segregated solution algorithm. The force and moment balance equations with the laminate constitutive relations are written in the form of a generic transport equation. In order to obtain discrete counterparts of the governing equations, the plate is subdivided into N control volumes by a Cartesian numerical mesh. As a result, five sets of N linear equations with N unknowns are obtained and solved using the conjugate gradient method with preconditioning.For the method validation, a number of test cases are designed to cover thick and thin laminated plates with aspect ratio (width to thickness) from 4 to 100. Simply supported orthotropic, symmetric cross‐ply, and angle‐ply laminated plates under uniform and sinusoidal pressure loads are solved, and results are compared with available analytical solutions. The shear correction factor of 5/6 is utilized throughout the procedure, which is consistent with test cases used in the reviewed literature. Comparisons of the finite volume method results for maximum deflections at the center of the plate and the Navier solutions obtained for aspect ratios 10, 20, and 100 shows a very good agreement. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Amylin/leptin synergy is absent in extreme obesity and not restored by calorie restriction‐induced weight loss in rats
Authors: Trevaskis J. L. , Wittmer C. , Athanacio J. , Griffin P. S. , Parkes D. G. , Roth J. D. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryObjectiveCo‐administration of amylin and leptin induces synergistic and clinically meaningful (>10%) weight loss that is attenuated as the degree of obesity increases. We explored whether calorie restriction (CR) could restore amylin/leptin synergy in very obese rats.MethodsSprague Dawley rats on high‐fat diet (696 ± 8 g, n = 72) were randomized to three cohorts (C1–C3). Rats in C1 were administered vehicle, rat amylin (50 µg kg−1 d−1), murine leptin (125 µg kg−1 d−1) or amylin and leptin for 28 days (n = 6 per group) via subcutaneous minipump. Simultaneously, C2 and C3 rats initiated CR. After moderate (12.4 ± 0.3%, 86.7 ± 2.8 g; C2) or severe (24.9 ± 0.3%, 172.7 ± 4.7 g; C3) weight loss, amylin and/or leptin was administered as described.ResultsIn C1, leptin did not alter weight, and amylin induced 40.2 ± 6.1 g weight loss (−6.0 ± 0.9%), which was not enhanced by leptin (44.4 ± 4.9 g, −6.1 ± 0.8%). In C2, vehicle‐treated (75.1 ± 7.8 g weight change from start of treatment, 1.1 ± 0.8% difference from start of pre‐CR phase) and leptin‐treated rats (68.6 ± 9.2 g, −1.3 ± 1.0%) rebounded to pre‐restriction weight that was attenuated by amylin (29.2 ± 11.4 g, −6.2 ± 0.7%). Leptin did not enhance the effect of amylin (22.8 ± 11.7 g, −8.3 ± 1.5%). In C3, vehicle‐treated and leptin‐treated rats regained most of their weight (161.9 ± 11.8, −2.3 ± 0.8% and 144.6 ± 9.5 g, −2.3 ± 0.9%, respectively), which was attenuated by amylin (91.1 ± 16.8 g, −11.2 ± 0.7%), but not enhanced by leptin (83.0 ± 7.6 g, −10.7 ± 0.8%).ConclusionsExtreme obesity associated with leptin resistance perturbs amylin/leptin weight loss synergy in rats, which cannot be restored by pre‐treatment weight loss.
Towards human‐controlled, real‐time shape sensing based flexible needle steering for MRI‐guided percutaneous therapies
Authors: Li Meng , Li Gang , Gonenc Berk , Duan Xingguang , Iordachita Iulian 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundAccurate needle placement into soft tissue is essential to percutaneous prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment procedures.MethodsThis paper discusses the steering of a 20 gauge (G) FBG‐integrated needle with three sets of Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors. A fourth‐order polynomial shape reconstruction method is introduced and compared with previous approaches. To control the needle, a bicycle model based navigation method is developed to provide visual guidance lines for clinicians. A real‐time model updating method is proposed for needle steering inside inhomogeneous tissue. A series of experiments were performed to evaluate the proposed needle shape reconstruction, visual guidance and real‐time model updating methods.ResultsTargeting experiments were performed in soft plastic phantoms and in vitro tissues with insertion depths ranging between 90 and 120 mm. Average targeting errors calculated based upon the acquired camera images were 0.40 ± 0.35 mm in homogeneous plastic phantoms, 0.61 ± 0.45 mm in multilayer plastic phantoms and 0.69 ± 0.25 mm in ex vivo tissue.ConclusionsResults endorse the feasibility and accuracy of the needle shape reconstruction and visual guidance methods developed in this work. The approach implemented for the multilayer phantom study could facilitate accurate needle placement efforts in real inhomogeneous tissues. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robotic Enucleation for Benign or Borderline Tumours of the Pancreas: A Retrospective Analysis and Comparison from a High‐Volume Centre in Asia
Authors: Jin Jia‐Bin , Qin Kai , Li Hua , Wu Zhi‐Chong , Zhan Qian , Deng Xia‐Xing , Chen Hao , Shen Bai‐Yong , Peng Cheng‐hong , Li Hong‐Wei 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundEnucleation is increasingly performed for benign or borderline tumours of the pancreas because it is a parenchyma‐sparing and less invasive procedure compared to conventional pancreatectomy, which reduces the risk of exocrine and endocrine insufficiency. This study retrospectively evaluated and compared the pre‐, intra‐, and post‐operative clinical characteristics after open and robotic approaches for pancreatic enucleation.MethodsFifty‐six cases of enucleation for benign or borderline tumours of the pancreas treated from March 2010 to July 2015 were identified by a retrospective search. These included 25 patients who underwent an open approach and 31 patients who underwent a robotic approach. The clinical characteristics were extracted and compared.ResultsThe two groups had a similar location and pathology of the tumour. The robotic group had a significantly shorter operation time and significantly less blood loss than the open group. The rates of clinical pancreatic fistula (PF) formation and major complications were similar. The robotic approach could be applied for a tumour on the right side of the pancreas without increasing the incidence of clinical PF or other major complications. The patients with clinical PF had a significantly shorter distance between the lesion and the main pancreatic duct (MPD).ConclusionRobotic enucleation appears to be a feasible and safe approach for benign or borderline tumours of the pancreas and was associated with similarly favourable surgical outcomes as the open approach. Identifying and avoiding the MPD is an important step during enucleation.
Risk Factors for Priapism Readmission
Authors: Sui Wilson , Onyeji Ifeanyi C. , James Maxwell B. , Stahl Peter J. , RoyChoudhury Arindam , Anderson Christopher B. 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Priapism is a urologic emergency with a tendency to recur in some patients. The frequency of, time to, and risk factors for priapism recurrence have not been well characterized.

Aim
To identify predictors of priapism readmission.

Methods
We used the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database to identify patients presenting to emergency departments with priapism from 2005 through 2014. Patients were tracked up to 12 months after initial presentation. Proportional hazards regression was used to identify risk factors for priapism readmission.

Main Outcome Measures
Readmissions for priapism.

Results
The analytic cohort included 3,372 men with a diagnosis of priapism. The average age at first presentation was 39 ± 18 years and 40% were black. Within 1 year, 24% of patients were readmitted for recurrent priapism, 68% of whom were readmitted within 60 days. On multivariate analysis, sickle cell disease (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.5, 95% CI = 2.0–3.0), drug abuse or psychiatric disease (HR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.6–2.2), erectile dysfunction history (HR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.5–2.3), other than commercial medical insurance (HR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.0–1.4), and inpatient admission for initial priapism event (HR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.4–0.6) were significant risk factors for readmission.

Conclusion
Nearly one fourth of patients with priapism were readmitted for recurrent priapism within 1 year of initial presentation. Most readmissions were within 60 days. Future research should focus on strategies to decrease recurrences in high-risk patients.
Characteristics of gas accumulation in a less efficient tight-gas reservoir, He 8 interval, Sulige gas field, Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Ding Xiaoqi , Yang Peng , Han Meimei , Chen Yang , Zhang Siyang , Zhang Shaonan , Liu Xuan , Gong Yiming , Nechval A.M. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Because of the lack of gas supply from source rocks and gas loss, inefficient tight-gas fields represent a high share of all gas reservoirs in China. These gas fields are characterized by low abundance and large gas reserves. Here, the He 8 tight-gas reservoirs in the western region of the Sulige gas field are used as an example to characterize gas distribution under conditions of less efficient charging. Results show the following characteristics. First, the sandstone densification process has a relatively large impact on the charging of gas. Litharenite was already subjected to densification at the time of large-scale gas charging, and this was not conducive to gas charging. On the contrary, for sublitharenite, although strong compaction has already occurred during gas generation, quartz overgrowth that leads to further densification of the gas reservoirs occurs simultaneously with large-scale gas charging. This facilitates gas charging and is characterized by concomitant densification and reservoir formation. Second, structure traps can control the accumulation of gas to a certain extent. In particular, when physical properties of sandstones within the structure traps are appropriate, gas saturation during gas charging can be increased by approximately 7%. Third, less efficient charging is the main cause of the complex gas and water distribution in the He 8 gas reservoirs. The strong heterogeneity of the reservoirs and the decline in the gas reservoir pressure caused by tectonic uplift in the Yanshan period further exacerbate the complexity of gas and water distribution. These factors ultimately caused the He 8 gas reservoirs to become a multireservoir gas field with several gas–water interfaces. The He 8 gas reservoirs are neither conventional gas nor continuous gas reservoirs. Rather, they are quasi-continuous gas reservoirs, and the accumulation of gas is controlled by both the top surface of sandstone and the physical properties of the reservoirs. Traps and high-quality reservoirs within the regional traps are beneficial for the gas accumulation.
Oxidative Stress and Environmental Exposures are Associated with Multiple System Atrophy in Chinese Patients
Authors: Zhou Linli , Jiang Ying , Zhu Cansheng , Ma Lili , Huang Qiling , Chen Xiaohong 
Published: August 2016

AbstractObjective:Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of multiple system atrophy (MSA). The aim of this study is to examine oxidant biomarkers including homocysteine (Hcys), bilirubin, uric acid, lipids, and potential environmental risk factors and to ascertain whether these data correlate with MSA in a Chinese population.Methods:In this study, serum levels of Hcys, bilirubin, uric acid, and lipids were studied in 55 MSA patients and 76 healthy controls (HCs). Education, anti-parkinsonian agent usage, smoking, drinking, farming, and living area of the subjects also were analyzed. The Unified MSA Rating Scale (UMSARS), Hoehn & Yahr stage, International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale, and Mini-Mental State Examination were used to assess the disease severity, the parkinsonism, ataxia, and the cognitive ability of MSA, respectively.Results:The levels of Hcys were higher (p<0.001) and those of total bilirubin (p=0.007), indirect bilirubin (p=0.011), and total cholesterol (p=0.046) were lower in MSA patients than in healthy controls, whereas uric acid levels did not differ significantly between MSA and healthy controls. Moreover, Hcys levels in MSA patients had positive correlations with illness duration (rs=0.422, p=0.001) and UMSARS-I (rs=0.555, p<0.001), respectively. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were negatively correlated with UMSARS-I (rs=−0.325, p=0.015). Farming was more frequent in MSA patients (1-20 years: odds ratio, 6.36; p<0.001; >20 years: odds ratio, 10.26; p=0.001), whereas current smoking was less frequent (odds ratio, 0.13, p=0.002).Conclusions:Elevated Hcys and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol may be associated with the disease severity of MSA. Environmental exposures such as farming and smoking may contribute to the occurrence but not the progression of MSA.
A time-lagged study on the moderating role of overall satisfaction in perceived politics: Job outcomes relationships
Authors: Jam Farooq Ahmed , Donia Magda B L , Raja Usman , Ling Chong Hui 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIn a time-lagged study with independent measures (N=115, paired responses), we examined the interactive effects of perceived organizational politics and overall satisfaction on job stress, interpersonal conflict, job performance, and creativity. The data were collected from a diverse sample of employees from various workplaces in Pakistan. The findings showed that perceived politics had a positive effect on job stress, while overall satisfaction had a negative effect on interpersonal conflict and a positive effect on creative performance. The results also revealed that in the face of high politics, highly satisfied individuals demonstrated higher levels of creativity and job performance. However, in this context of high politics negative effects were also observed, namely that highly satisfied individuals participated in interpersonal conflict and experienced high stress.