bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Finding of dose evaluation for organs at risk in intensity‐modulated radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma using magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Gong Guanzhong , Kong Xudong , Wang Xiuying , Zheng Chaojie , Guo Yujie , Yin Yong 
Published: March 2017

AbstractA critical step in predicting and avoiding radiation injury of organs at risk in radiation therapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is to carry out an accurate dose evaluation in planning design. In the present study, we investigated the dose evaluation feature of organs at risk on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images in intensity‐modulated radiation therapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma compared with computed tomography (CT) images. A total of 35 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients were selected for this trial. CT simulation with non‐contrast and contrast‐enhanced scan, and MRI simulation with non‐contrast and contrast‐enhanced T1, T2, and diffusion weighted imaging were obtained sequentially. The organs at risk were contoured on the CT and MRI images after rigid registration, respectively. Nine‐beam intensity‐modulated radiation therapy plans with equal division angles were designed for every patient, and the prescription dose for the tumor target was set as 72 Gy (2.4Gy/fraction). The boundary display, volume, and dosimetric indices of each organ were compared between MRI and CT images. We found that MRI showed clearer boundary of the brainstem, spinal cord, deep lobe of the parotid gland, and the optical nerve in the canal compared with CT. MRI images increased the volume of the lens and optic nerve, while slightly reducing the volume of eye; the maximum dose of the lens, and the mean dose of the eyes and optic nerve increased to different extents, though no statistical differences were found. The left and right parotid gland volume on MRI increased by 7.07% and 8.13%, and the mean dose increased by 14.95% (4.01 Gy) and 18.76% (4.95 Gy), with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). The brainstem volume reduced by 9.33% (P < 0.05), and the dose of 0.1 cm3 volume reduced by a mean 8.46% (4.32 Gy), whereas the dose of 0.1 cm3 of the spinal cord increased by 1.5 Gy on MRI. The maximum dose region of the spinal cord was very close on CT and MRI images, and was similar to the brainstem. In conclusion, it is credible to evaluate the radiation dose of the lens, eye, brainstem, and the spinal cord by applying simulation CT; whereas MRI images are sometimes necessary to evaluate the dose of the parotid glands and the optical nerve.
Self–assembly of Anacardic Acid Derived Cation–modified Montmorillonite into ′Arthropodal′ Branched Nanofibers
Authors: Chacko Asha Susan , Prasad Vadakkethonippurathu Sivankuttynair 
Published: March 2017

AbstractMontmorillonite (MMT) was organo‐modified with tri‐(2‐carboxy‐3‐pentadeca‐8,11,14]‐trienylphenoxy) aminopropylsilyl sulfate cation, synthesized from anacardic acid (AA), a bio‐monomer by cation exchange and characterized. The modified product (AAM) showed a decreased crystallinity with an increase in d‐spacing of MMT from 1.47 nm to 2.29 nm attributed to intercalation by modification. AAM solution in the water‐acetone mixture at 3.0 mg mL−1 showed an organization into ′arthropodal′ branched nanofibers of about 30–60 nm diameter and 10–20 μm length. These results were attributed to rolling of AAM into grain like morphology stabilized by hydrogen bonded interactions induced by the carboxyl group and end to end assembly of the grains. Though acidic pH stabilized the morphology, an increase in pH to 8.0 marked the absence of any assembly attributed to lack of hydrogen bonding. The effect of the carboxyl group in the assembly was further established by the absence of any assembly in the case of MMT modified with cardanol, the decarboxylated product of AA. A simple strategy for the synthesis of biocompatible hybrid silicate nanofibers is demonstrated here.
Intermolecular Nucleophilic Addition of N‐Diaminophosphinoyl‐Protected α‐Carbanions Derived from Secondary Amines to Arynes: Synthesis of 1‐Aryl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinolines
Authors: Singh Kamal N. , Singh Paramjit , Kaur Manjot , Sharma Esha 
Published: March 2017

AbstractVarious 1‐aryl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinolineswere synthesized by coupling α‐amino carbanions, derived from N‐protected secondary amines, with in situ generated arynes. Different N‐protecting/activating groups were investigated and it was found that only the N‐bis(dimethylamino)phosphinoyl group is suitable to obtain the title compounds.This procedure has also been used for an efficient one‐pot synthesis of the drug (±)‐FR115427.
Metal–free One–pot Synthesis of Functionalized Carbazoles
Authors: Tao Sheng , Wang Rong‐Jie , Liu Ning , Dai Bin 
Published: March 2017

AbstractA distinct dichotomy in product distribution was initially observed in metal‐free domino C−N and C−O bond forming reaction of carbazoles with aryl halides or benzyl halides. The fluoride group in halogenated fluorobenzenes almost exclusively undergoes double nucleophilic substitution with hydroxy group and amino group bearing carbazole ring. The reaction was found to occur preferentially at benzyl‐halogen atom when halobenzyl halides were present. Controlling experiments found that first coupling occurred with excellent site‐selectivity in favor of the hydroxy group on carbazole. A wide range of halogenated functionalized carbazoles, which have a wide utility for organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, and advanced functional materials application, were tolerated.
Alleviation of Hepatotoxicity of Arecoline (Areca Alkaloid) by a Synthetic Receptor
Authors: Li Shengke , Yang Xue , Niu Yanan , Andrew Greg L. , Bardelang David , Chen Xiuping , Wang Ruibing 
Published: March 2017

AbstractArecoline, as one of the major biologically active compounds extracted from Areca nut, has shown profound links to hepatotoxicity. In this study, the inclusion of arecoline hydrobromide (AH) in a synthetic receptor, cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]), was demonstrated by 1H NMR spectroscopic titration, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS), and density functional theory (DFT) molecular modeling. The results showed that AH formed 1:1 host‐guest complexes with CB[7], with a binding constant Ka of 6.59 (±0.23) ×104 M−1, thermodynamically driven by both enthalpy (ΔH=‐4.93 kcal mol−1) and entropy (TΔS=1.65 kcal mol−1). The hepatotoxicity of AH, when evaluated using MTT assay with a human liver cell line L02, was significantly alleviated (up to four times) upon its encapsulation by CB[7]. This discovery may lead to a novel AH formulation for improved safety of this natural product.
Improving online learning activity interoperability with Acos server
Authors: Sirkiä Teemu , Haaranen Lassi 
Published: March 2017

SummaryModern online learning management systems (LMSs) support a variety of online learning activities, such as animations, exercises, and other interactive learning materials. However, there are many technical challenges in using the same activities in multiple LMSs because content is typically tightly coupled with one protocol to communicate with the LMS and different LMSs use different protocols for launching activities and receiving grades. This leads to low reusability of learning activities and similar content being developed in multiple places. To overcome these issues, we present Acos, a smart learning content server, which emphasizes the reusability of online learning activities by decoupling the content and existing interoperability protocols. It allows integrating the same learning activities into multiple LMSs using different protocols by providing a uniform interface for learning activities. Adapting this architecture allows instructors to choose activities based on pedagogical goals instead of letting technical restrictions of LMSs dictate the content selection process. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Diagnostic Value of Routine Contrast Esophagram in Anastomotic Leaks After Esophagectomy
Authors: Hu Zhongwu , Wang Xiaowe , An Xush , Li Wenjin , Feng Yun , You Zhenbing 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundRoutine contrast esophagram has been shown to be increasingly limited in diagnosing anastomotic leaks after esophagectomy.MethodsPatients undergoing esophagectomy from 2013 to 2014 at Huai’an First Peoples’ Hospital were identified. We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent routine contrast esophagram on postoperative day 7 (range 6–10) to preclude anastomotic leaks after esophagectomy.ResultsIn 846 patients who underwent esophagectomy, a cervical anastomosis was performed in 286 patients and an intrathoracic anastomosis in 560 patients. There were 57 (6.73%) cases with anastomotic leaks, including cervical leaks in 36 and intrathoracic leaks in 21 patients. In the cervical anastomotic leak patients, 13 were diagnosed by early local clinical symptoms and 23 underwent routine contrast esophagram. There were 7 (30.4%) true‐positive, 11 (47.8%) false‐negative, and five (21.8%) equivocal cases. In the intrathoracic anastomotic leak patients, four (19%) were diagnosed by clinical symptoms, 16 (76.2%) were true positives, and one (4.8%) was a false negative. Aspiration occurred in five patients with cervical anastomoses and in eight patients with intrathoracic anastomoses; aspiration pneumonitis did not occur in these cases.ConclusionsGastrografin and barium are safe contrast agents to use in post‐esophagectomy contrast esophagram. Because of the low sensitivity in detecting cervical anastomotic leaks, routine contrast esophagram is not advised. For patients with intrathoracic anastomoses, it is still an effective method for detecting anastomotic leaks.
Mentored Trainees have Similar Short‐Term Outcomes to a Consultant Trainer Following Laparoscopic Colorectal Resection
Authors: De’Ath Henry D. , Devoto Laurence , Mehta Chaitanya , Bromilow James , Qureshi Tahseen 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundLaparoscopic colorectal surgery has a long learning curve. Using a modular‐based training programme may shorten this. Concerns with laparoscopic surgery have been oncological compromise and poor surgical outcomes when training more junior surgeons. This study aimed to compare operative and oncological outcomes between trainees undergoing a mentored training programme and a consultant trainer.MethodsA prospective study of all elective laparoscopic colorectal resections was undertaken in a single institution. Operative and oncological outcomes were recorded. All trainees were mentored by a National Laparoscopic Trainer (Lapco), and results between trainer and trainees compared.ResultsThree hundred cases were included, with 198 (66%) performed for cancer. The trainer undertook 199 (66%) of operations, whilst trainees performed 101 (34%). Anterior resection was the commonest operation (n = 124, 41%). There were no differences between trainer and trainees for the majority of surgical outcomes, including blood loss (p = 0.598), conversion to open (p = 0.113), anastomotic leak (p = 0.263), readmission (p = 1.000) and death rates (p = 0.549). Only length of stay (p = 0.034), stoma formation (p < 0.01) and operative duration (p = 0.007) were higher in the trainer cohort, reflecting the more complex cases undertaken. Overall, there were no significant differences in both short‐ and longer‐term oncology outcomes according to the grade of operating surgeon, including lymph nodes in specimen, circumferential resection margin and 1‐ and 2‐year radiological recurrence.ConclusionWhen a modular‐based training system was combined with case selection, both clinical and histopathological outcomes following resectional laparoscopic colorectal surgery were similar between trainees and trainer. This should encourage the use of more training opportunities in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
Validation of the Surgical Apgar Score After Laparotomy at a Tertiary Referral Hospital in Rwanda
Authors: Ngarambe Christian , Smart Blair J. , Nagarajan Neeraja , Rickard Jennifer 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe surgical Apgar score (SAS) has demonstrated utility in predicting postoperative outcomes in a variety of surgical disciplines. However, there has not been a study validating the utility of the SAS in surgical patients in low‐income countries. We conducted a prospective, observational study of patients undergoing laparotomy at a tertiary referral hospital in Rwanda and determined the ability of SAS to predict inpatient major complications and mortality.MethodsAll adult patients undergoing laparotomy in a tertiary referral hospital in Rwanda from October 2014 to January 2015 were included. Data were collected on patient and operative characteristics. SAS was calculated and patients were divided into four SAS categories. Primary outcomes were in‐hospital mortality and major complications. Rates and odds of in‐hospital mortality and major complications were examined across the four SAS categories. Logistic regression modeling and calculation of c‐statistics was used to determine the discriminative ability of SAS.Results218 patients underwent laparotomy during the study period. One hundred and forty‐three (65.6%) were male, and the median age was 34 years (IQR 27–51 years). The most common diagnosis was intestinal obstruction (97 [44.5%]). A high proportion of patients (170 [78%]) underwent emergency surgery. Thirty‐nine (18.3%) patients died, and 61 (28.6%) patients had a major complication. In‐hospital mortality occurred in 25 (50%) patients in the high‐risk group, 12 (16%) in the moderate‐risk group, 2 (3%) in the mild‐risk group and there were no deaths in the low‐risk group. Major complications occurred in 32 (64%) patients in the high‐risk group, 22 (29%) in the moderate‐risk group, 7 (11%) in the mild‐risk group and there were no complications in the low‐risk group. SAS was a good predictor of postoperative mortality (c‐statistic 0.79) and major complications (c‐statistic 0.75).ConclusionsSAS can be used to predict in‐hospital mortality and major complications after laparotomy in a Rwandan tertiary referral hospital.
Exploring Factors Influencing Low Back Pain in People With Nondysvascular Lower Limb Amputation: A National Survey
Authors: Devan Hemakumar , Hendrick Paul , Hale Leigh , Carman Allan , Dillon Michael P. , Ribeiro Daniel Cury 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundChronic low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal impairment in people with lower limb amputation. Given the multifactorial nature of LBP, exploring the factors influencing the presence and intensity of LBP is warranted.ObjectiveTo investigate which physical, personal, and amputee‐specific factors predicted the presence and intensity of LBP in persons with nondysvascular transfemoral amputation (TFA) and transtibial amputation (TTA).DesignA retrospective cross‐sectional survey.SettingA national random sample of people with nondysvascular TFA and TTA.ParticipantsParticipants (N = 526) with unilateral TFA and TTA due to nondysvascular etiology (ie, trauma, tumors, and congenital causes) and a minimum prosthesis use of 1 year since amputation were invited to participate in the survey. The data from 208 participants (43.4% response rate) were used for multivariate regression analysis.Methods (Independent Variables)Personal (ie, age, body mass, gender, work status, and presence of comorbid conditions), amputee‐specific (ie, level of amputation, years of prosthesis use, presence of phantom‐limb pain, residual‐limb problems, and nonamputated limb pain), and physical factors (ie, pain‐provoking postures including standing, bending, lifting, walking, sitting, sit‐to‐stand, and climbing stairs).Main Outcome Measures (Dependent Variables)LBP presence and intensity.ResultsA multivariate logistic regression model showed that the presence of 2 or more comorbid conditions (prevalence odds ratio [POR] = 4.34,P= .01), residual‐limb problems (POR = 3.76,P< .01), and phantom‐limb pain (POR = 2.46,P= .01) influenced the presence of LBP. Given the high LBP prevalence (63%) in the study, there is a tendency for overestimation of POR, and the results must be interpreted with caution. In those with LBP, the presence of residual‐limb problems (β = 0.21,P= .01) and experiencing LBP symptoms during sit‐to‐stand task (β = 0.22,P= .03) were positively associated with LBP intensity, whereas being employed demonstrated a negative association (β = −0.18,P= .03) in the multivariate linear regression model.ConclusionsRehabilitation professionals should be cognizant of the influence that comorbid conditions, residual‐limb problems, and phantom pain have on the presence of LBP in people with nondysvascular lower limb amputation. Further prospective studies could investigate the underlying causal mechanisms of LBP.Level of EvidenceII
Finite dimensional behavior for weakly damped driven Schrödinger equations
Authors: Ghidaglia Jean-Michel 
Published: March 2017

We study the long time behavior of nonlinear Schrödinger equations with a zero order dissipation when they are driven by an external force. We show that this behavior is described by an attractor which captures all the trajectories. One of our main results concerns the estimate of the uniform Lyapunov exponents on this attractor, which allows us to prove its finite dimensional character.

Résumé
Nous étudions le comportement asymptotique, lorsque le temps tend vers l’infini, des solutions des équations de Schrödinger non linéaires, avec dissipation d’ordre zéro et en présence d’une force extérieure. Nous montrons que ce comportement est décrit par un attracteur qui capture toutes les trajectoires. Un de nos résultats principaux concerne l’estimation des exposants de Lyapunov uniformes sur cet attracteur.
Celle-ci nous permet d’établir, en particulier, que cet ensemble est de dimension finie.
Indice de Morse des points critiques obtenus par minimax
Authors: Viterbo Claude 
Published: March 2017

In this paper we give bounds for the Morse index of a critical point obtained by minmax on some homology class. This improves previous results in which the minmax was taken on a homotopy (resp. cohomotopy) class and one only obtains an upper (resp. lower) bound on the index (
see
for instance [B‐L]).

Résumé

On donne un encadrement de l’indice de Morse d’un point critique obtenu par minimax sur une classe d’homologie donnée. Ceci améliore les résultats précédemment obtenus en faisant un minimax sur une classe d’homotopie (resp. de cohomotopie) qui ne donnaient qu’une majoration (resp. minoration) de l’indice (
cf
. [B-L] par exemple).
Non-collision orbits for a class of Keplerian-like potentials
Authors: Ambrosetti Antonio , Zelati Vittorio Coti 
Published: March 2017

We prove the existence of non-collision orbits with large period for a class of Keplerian-like dynamical systems.

Résumé
Nous prouvons l’existence d’orbites de non-collision avec grand period pour une classe de systèmes dynamiques de type keplerien.
Effect of increasing concentrations of total dissolved salts in drinking water on digestion, performance and water balance in heifers
Authors: ALVES J. N. , ARAÚJO G. G. L. , NETO S. G. , VOLTOLINI T. V. , SANTOS R. D. , ROSA P. R. , GUAN L. , McALLISTER T. , NEVES A. L. A. 
Published: March 2017

SUMMARYIn the near future, ruminants may be forced to consume low-quality water since potable drinking water will become increasingly scarce in some regions of the world. A completely randomized design trial was completed to evaluate the effect of increasing concentrations of total dissolved salts (TDS) (640, 3187, 5740 and 8326 mg TDS/l) in drinking water on the performance, diet digestibility, microbial protein synthesis, nitrogen (N) and water balance using 24 Red Sindhi heifers (200 ± 5 kg) that were fed Buffel (Cenchrus ciliaris) grass hay and concentrate in a ratio of 50 : 50. After a 15-day diet adaptation period, the digestion study was completed over a 5-day period and the performance trial was completed over a 56-day period. Dry matter intake, average daily gain, feed:gain, intake and digestibility of most feed components were unaffected by the concentration of salt in the water. However, intake and digestibility of neutral detergent fibre declined linearly as TDS inclusion rate increased. Further, the inclusion of TDS resulted in a linear increase in the intake of drinking water and total (food plus drinking) water intake. Similarly, TDS inclusion levels resulted in a linear increase in total water excretion, with urine being the major route of water excretion. In contrast, increasing concentrations of TDS caused a linear decrease in creatinine and allantoin excretions. Finally, increasing the inclusion rate of TDS resulted in a linear decrease in N retention and a linear increase in urinary N excretion, which may pose a considerable challenge for farmers with respect to the reduction and management of nutrient losses.
Baseline demographics, clinical features and predictors of conversion among 200 individuals in a longitudinal prospective psychosis-risk cohort
Authors: Brucato G. , Masucci M. D. , Arndt L. Y. , Ben-David S. , Colibazzi T. , Corcoran C. M. , Crumbley A. H. , Crump F. M. , Gill K. E. , Kimhy D. , Lister A. , Schobel S. A. , Yang L. H. , Lieberman J. A. , Girgis R. R. 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundDSM-5 proposes an Attenuated Psychosis Syndrome (APS) for further investigation, based upon the Attenuated Positive Symptom Syndrome (APSS) in the Structured Interview for Psychosis-Risk Syndromes (SIPS). SIPS Unusual Thought Content, Disorganized Communication and Total Disorganization scores predicted progression to psychosis in a 2015 NAPLS-2 Consortium report. We sought to independently replicate this in a large single-site high-risk cohort, and identify baseline demographic and clinical predictors beyond current APS/APSS criteria.MethodWe prospectively studied 200 participants meeting criteria for both the SIPS APSS and DSM-5 APS. SIPS scores, demographics, family history of psychosis, DSM Axis-I diagnoses, schizotypy, and social and role functioning were assessed at baseline, with follow-up every 3 months for 2 years.ResultsThe conversion rate was 30% (n = 60), or 37.7% excluding participants who were followed under 2 years. This rate was stable across time. Conversion time averaged 7.97 months for 60% who developed schizophrenia and 15.68 for other psychoses. Mean conversion age was 20.3 for males and 23.5 for females. Attenuated odd ideas and thought disorder appear to be the positive symptoms which best predict psychosis in a logistic regression. Total negative symptom score, Asian/Pacific Islander and Black/African-American race were also predictive. As no Axis-I diagnosis or schizotypy predicted conversion, the APS is supported as a distinct syndrome. In addition, cannabis use disorder did not increase risk of conversion to psychosis.ConclusionsNAPLS SIPS findings were replicated while controlling for clinical and demographic factors, strongly supporting the validity of the SIPS APSS and DSM-5 APS diagnosis.