bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Texture analysis of 18F-FDG PET/CT for grading thymic epithelial tumours: usefulness of combining SUV and texture parameters
Authors: Nakajo Masatoyo , Jinguji Megumi , Shinaji Tetsuya , Nakajo Masayuki , Aoki Masaya , Tani Atsushi , Sato Masami , Yoshiura Takashi 
Published: November 2017

Objective:
To retrospectively investigate the standardized uptake value (SUV)-related and heterogeneous texture parameters individually and in combination for differentiating between low- and high-risk 18Fluorone-fludeoxyglucose (18F-FDG)-avid thymic epithelial tumours (TETs) with positron emission tomography (PET)/CT.

Methods:
SUV-related and 6 texture parameters (entropy, homogeneity, dissimilarity, intensity variability, size-zone variability and zone percentage) were compared between 11 low-risk and 23 high-risk TETs (metabolic tumour volume &gt;10.0 cm3 and SUV ≥2.5). Diagnostic performance was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic analysis. The diagnostic value of combining SUV and texture parameters was examined by a scoring system.

Results:
High-risk TETs were significantly higher in SUVmax (p = 0.022), entropy (p = 0.038), intensity variability (p = 0.041) and size-zone variability (p = 0.045) than low-risk TETs. Diagnostic accuracies of these 4 parameters, dissimilarity and zone percentage which also showed significance in receiver operating characteristic analysis ranged between 64.7 and 73.5% without significant differences in AUC (range; 0.71 to 0.75) (p ≥ 0.05 each). Each parameter was scored as 0 (negative for high-risk) or 1 (positive for high-risk) according to each threshold criterion, then scores were summed [0 or 1 for low-risk TETs (median; 1); ≥2 for high-risk TETs (median; 4)]. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of detecting high-risk TETs were 100, 81.8 and 94.1%, respectively, with an AUC of 0.99.

Conclusion:
The diagnostic performances of individual SUVmax and texture parameters were relatively low. However, combining these parameters can significantly increase diagnostic performance when differentiating between relatively large low- and high-risk 18F-FDG-avid TETs.

Advances in knowledge:
Combined use of SUVmax and texture parameters can significantly increase the diagnostic performance when differentiating between low- and high-risk TETs.
Choledochal cyst of the proximal cystic duct: a taxonomical and therapeutic conundrum
Authors: Kilambi R , Singh AN , Madhusudhan KS , Das P , Pal S 
Published: November 2017

Isolated choledochal cysts involving the cystic duct are rare. We present a case of a choledochal cyst involving only the proximal cystic duct, and discuss the taxonomic and therapeutic challenges. There is a need for a clearly defined classification system for these cysts as they may be categorised as either type II or type VI cysts. The optimal treatment remains debatable, with some authors recommending a bilioenteric reconstruction owing to the wide cystic duct–bile duct junction. However, we suggest that a cholecystectomy should be performed with examination of the specimen and frozen section in case of any abnormality rather than upfront bile duct excision. In addition, given the rarity of this condition and the paucity of long-term data, we recommend meticulous follow-up for development of any malignancy.
Student opinions on teaching astronomy with hands-on models<p>Fiziksel modellerle astronomi öğretimine ilişkin öğrenci görüşleri
Authors: Türk Cumhur , Kalkan Hüseyin 
Published: November 2017

In this study, it was aimed to determine the opinions of the students on the teaching astronomy with models (TAM) by teaching the astronomy concepts in the "Solar System and Beyond" unit of the Science curriculum with hands-on models. Six different "hands-on" models have been developed in this direction. The study group of the study constitutes a total of 40 middle school seventh grade students who are studying in one of the state schools affiliated to the Ministry of National Education in Samsun province. In the study, case study method was used among qualitative research methods. The data of the study were gathered using the Teaching Astronomy with Models Assessment Form (TAMAF) and analyzed using the content analysis technique. As a result of the analysis, students stated that they think that they comprehend the subjects easier and better by using “hands-on” models and therefore make the learning permanent. Besides, the visuality of the models are liked by the students and also the lessons thought with the models are observed to be entertaining and enjoyable. Finally, it was determined that the most favourite models of students are constellations and eclipses. Based on these results, it is proposed to extend and popularize the teaching using the “hands-on” model and to support the curriculums and schools using “hands-on” models.Extended English abstract is in the end of Full Text PDF (TURKISH) file. ÖzetBu çalışmada Fen Bilimleri öğretim programında yer alan “Güneş Sistemi ve Ötesi” Ünitesi içerisindeki astronomi kavramlarının fiziksel modeller yardımıyla öğretilmesi sonucu öğrencilerin modellerle astronomi öğretimine (MAÖ) ilişkin görüşlerini belirlemek amaçlanmıştır. Bu doğrultuda altı farklı “hands-on (fiziksel model[1])” model geliştirilmiştir. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu Samsun ilinde Millî Eğitim Bakanlığına bağlı devlet okullarından birinde öğrenim gören toplam 40 ortaokul 7. sınıf öğrencisi oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden durum çalışması (örnek olay incelemesi) yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Çalışmanın verileri Modellerle Astronomi Öğretimi Değerlendirme Formu (MAÖDF) kullanılarak elde edilmiş olup, içerik analizi tekniği kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Analizler sonucunda öğrenciler, fiziksel modeller sayesinde konuları daha kolay ve iyi kavradıklarını, buna bağlı olarak da kalıcı öğrenme gerçekleştirdiklerini düşündüklerini ifade etmişlerdir. Bunun yanı sıra modellerin görselliğinin öğrenciler tarafından beğenildiği, modellerle yapılan derslerin de eğlenceli ve keyifli geçtiği belirtilmiştir. Son olarak öğrencilerin en çok beğendikleri modellerin takımyıldızları ve tutulmalar modelleri oldukları saptanmıştır. Bu sonuçlardan yola çıkarak, fiziksel model kullanılarak yapılan öğretimin yaygınlaştırılması, bunun içinde öğretim programlarının ve okulların fiziksel modellerle desteklenmesi önerilmiştir.
Motor module activation sequence and topography in the spinal cord during air‐stepping in human: Insights into the traveling wave in spinal locomotor circuits
Authors: Yokoyama Hikaru , Hagio Kohtaroh , Ogawa Tetsuya , Nakazawa Kimitaka 
Published: November 2017

AbstractCoordinated locomotor muscle activity is generated by the spinal central pattern generators (CPGs), which are modulated by peripheral and supraspinal inputs. The CPGs would consist of multiple motor modules generating basic muscle activity, which are distributed rostrocaudally along the spinal cord. To activate the motor modules in proper sequence, rostrocaudally traveling waves of activation in the spinal cord are important mechanisms in the CPGs. The traveling waves of activation have been observed in nonhuman vertebrates. However, they have not yet been confirmed during human locomotion. Although, rostrocaudal wave‐like activations in the spinal cord were observed during walking in humans in a previous study, the propagation shifted rostrally toward the upper lumbar segments at foot contact. Here, using an air stepping task to remove the foot‐contact interactions, we examined whether the traveling wave mechanism exists in the human spinal circuits based on the activation sequence of motor modules and their topography. We measured electromyographic activity of lower leg muscles during the air‐stepping task. Then, we extracted motor modules (i.e., basic patterns of sets of muscle activations: muscle synergies) from the measured muscle activities using nonnegative matrix factorization method. Next, we reconstructed motoneuron (MN) activity from each module activity based on myotomal charts. We identified four types of motor modules from muscle activities during the air‐stepping task. Each motor module represented different sets of synergistic muscle activations. MN clusters innervating each motor module were sequentially activated from the rostral to caudal region in the spinal cord, from the initial flexion to the last extension phase during air‐stepping. The rostrocaudally sequential activation of MN clusters suggests the possibility that rostrocaudally traveling waves exist in human locomotor spinal circuits. The present results advance the understanding of human locomotor control mechanisms, and provide important insights into the evolution of locomotor networks in vertebrates.
Validity and variability of xBRS: instantaneous cardiac baroreflex sensitivity
Authors: Wesseling Karel H. , Karemaker John M. , Castiglioni Paolo , Toader Emil , Cividjian Andrei , Settels Jos J. , Quintin Luc , Westerhof Berend E. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSpontaneous oscillations of blood pressure (BP) and interbeat interval (IBI) may reveal important information on the underlying baroreflex control and regulation of BP. We evaluated the method of continuously measured instantaneous baroreflex sensitivity by cross correlation (xBRS) validating its mean value against the gold standard of phenylephrine (Phe) and nitroprusside (SNP) bolus injections, and focusing on its spontaneous changes quantified as variability around the mean. For this purpose, we analyzed data from an earlier study of eight healthy males (aged 25–46 years) who had received Phe and SNP in conditions of baseline and autonomic blocking agents: atropine, propranolol, and clonidine. Average xBRS corresponds well to Phe/SNP‐BRS, with xBRS levels ranging from 1.2 (atropine) to 102 msec/mmHg (subject asleep under clonidine). Time shifts from BP‐ to IBI‐signal increased from ≤1 sec (maximum correlations within the current heartbeat) to 3–5 sec (under atropine). Plotted on a logarithmic vertical scale, xBRS values show 40% variability (defined as SD/mean) over the whole range in the various conditions, except twice when the subjects had fallen asleep and it dropped to 20%. The xBRS oscillates at frequencies of 0.1 Hz and lower, dominant between 0.02–0.05 Hz. Although xBRS is the result of IBI/BP‐changes, no linear coherence was found in the cross‐spectra of the xBRS‐signal and IBI or BP. We speculate that the level of variability in the xBRS‐signal may act as a probe into the central nervous condition, as evidenced in the two subjects who fell asleep with high xBRS and only 20% of relative variation.
Finite-Dimensionality and Determining Modes of the Global Attractor for 2D Boussinesq Equations with Fractional Laplacian
Authors: Huang Aimin , Huo Wenru , Jolly Michael 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
We prove the finite dimensionality of the global attractor and estimate the numbers of the determining modes for the 2D Boussinesq system in a periodic domain with fractional Laplacian in the subcritical case.
Questions about CLIL which are unfortunately still not outdated: A reply to Pérez-Cañado
Authors: Bruton Anthony 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis response to Pérez-Cañado’s (2017) disappointing defence of CLIL interests insists on the need for a clear definition of CLIL not only so that it can be characterised for comparative purposes, but also so that the fundamentals underlying it can be scrutinised, instead of the continued hedging of bets on a moving target, justified for its contextual flexibility. As an example, whether CLIL classes are accompanied by FL classes on the curriculum or not is not a minor issue, both practically and theoretically. In addition other questions are reconsidered such as the communicative nature of CLIL, especially when it comes to whether the content is likely to be more motivating, and the supposed egalitarianism of CLIL initiatives. Finally, two research issues are discussed. Firstly, an example demonstrates how it is perfectly legitimate to critique empirical CLIL research which argues apparently beneficial results from a ‘due to’ stance by countering it with ‘despite’ arguments, while leaving much of the flawed CLIL research aside. Secondly, there is a reiterated demand that disinterested research at a curricular level confront outcomes in both the FLs and the content covered in CLIL programmes for all the state-school students affected both directly or indirectly, and in comparable terms.
Serum prolactin levels across pregnancy and the establishment of reference intervals
Authors: Hu Yun , Ding Yiling , Yang Mengyuan , Xiang Zhongyuan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackground:Reference intervals (RIs) play key roles in clinical diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. However, RIs for clinical testing tend to be confined to the general population, and RIs for pregnant women are not very comprehensive. In this study, we establish RIs for prolactin (PRL) in healthy pregnant and postpartum women in the Chinese population.Methods:Healthy pregnant women (n=378) were divided into groups according to whether they were in the first, second or third trimester of pregnancy. Healthy postpartum women (n=493) were separated into four groups according to mode of delivery as follows: postvaginal (24 and 48 h) or postcesarean (24 and 48 h). Healthy, non-pregnant women (n=123) were enrolled as a control group. Serum PRL levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, and RIs were established for each group.Results:The RIs for PRL were as follows: healthy non-pregnant women, 178.89–757.52 μIU/mL; first trimester, 621.20–3584.00 μIU/mL; second trimester, 1432.00–5349.68 μIU/mL; third trimester, 4087.33–9733.65 μIU/mL; 24 and 48 h postvaginal delivery (combined), 7865.36–10998.86 μIU/mL; and 24 and 48 h postcesarean delivery, 4556.41–7675.99 and 6578.45–9980.45 μIU/mL, respectively.Conclusions:PRL RIs for pregnant women were established according to trimester, days postpartum and mode of delivery, thus providing a clinical reference for medical staff.
From field notebooks to automatic mapping: the ‘Atlas Lingüístico Galego’ database
Authors: Sousa Xulio 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe use of computerized systems for geolinguistic data processing began in the 1970s with the production of maps for linguistic atlas projects. From that moment, dialect studies have continuously benefitted from the innovations that took place in the field of digital technologies. At present, linguistic geography projects are fully integrated within the Digital Humanities and are governed by the same principles that guide studies in this discipline: the interoperability of applications, free reuse of data and interdisciplinarity. This paper provides a brief outline of the structure and design of the database that currently houses theAtlas Lingüístico Galegomaterials, a linguistic atlas of Galician begun as a project in the 1970s. This database is being used as an information source for the publication of the project’s volumes, for research into variation and change of Galician varieties, and to contribute to the elaboration of geolinguistic projects that are greater in scope.
Four low central vowels in Eastern Andalusian Spanish: /a/ before underlying /-s/, /-r/, and /-θ/ in El Ejido
Authors: Herrero de Haro Alfredo 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Coda-final consonant deletion has been extensively documented in Eastern Andalusian Spanish; however, its effects on neighbouring segments is still unknown. Scholars working on consonant deletion in Eastern Andalusian Spanish have mainly focused on /s/, given the semantic importance of this consonant in Spanish. As a result, other consonants which are often deleted syllable-finally in this geolect have been studied to a much lesser degree. The present paper aims to expand the traditional view on vowel doubling by analysing /-s/, /-r/, and /-Ɵ/ deletion before /a/. Firstly, the speech of 24 speakers from El Ejido (Eastern Andalusia) is analysed to ascertain how the deletion of word final /s/, /r/, and /Ɵ/ changes the quality of a preceding /a/. Secondly, a perception test is carried out with native speakers from the local area to confirm whether these speakers can differentiate perceptually between word-final /a/ and /a/ preceding underlying /-s/, /-r/, or /-Ɵ/. This paper presents two main conclusions: 1) /-s/, /-r/, and /-Ɵ/ deletion changes the quality of a preceding /a/ to different degrees; 2) EAS speakers can identify whether /a/ is followed or not by an underlying /-s/, /-r/, or /-Ɵ/, but they cannot identify which consonant has been deleted in each case.
Improvement of beech wood properties by in situ formation of polyesters of citric and tartaric acid in combination with glycerol
Authors: L’Hostis Clément , Thévenon Marie-France , Fredon Emmanuel , Gérardin Philippe 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Beech wood has been treated by impregnation followed by heating at various temperatures with solutions containing citric acid (CA) or tartaric acid (TA) alone or in combination with glycerol (G), i.e. with G+CA and G+TA. The resulting modified woods were tested in terms of resistance to leaching, durability and dimensional stability. These properties are improved as a function of heating temperature, which leads to higher levels of poly-esterification involving grafting onto wood simultaneously with thermal degradation of wood. Dimensional stability of all treated wood was increased, but glycerol does not have a positive effect with this regard. Attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy contributed to understanding the effects of the different treatments. In situ polymerization of G+TA at 140°C increased the bending resistance, while G+CA polymerization does not compensate notably the mechanical weakness induced by thermal degradation of wood at higher temperatures. However, G+CA treatment is more efficient regarding leaching and decay resistance, than that with G+TA.
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism increase plasma irisin levels in rats
Authors: Atici Emine , Mogulkoc Rasim , Baltaci Abdulkerim Kasim , Menevse Esma 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Background
A recently discovered hormone, irisin is accepted to be significantly involved in the regulation of body weight. Thyroid functions may be, directly or indirectly, associated with irisin.

Aim
The aim of the present study is to determine the effect of experimental thyroid dysfunction on irisin levels in rats.

Methods
The study registered 40 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, which were allocated to groups as follows: 1. Control; 2. Hypothyroidism induced by injection of 10 mg/kg/day intraperitoneal propylthiouracil (PTU) for 3 weeks; 3. Hypothyroidism (PTU 2 weeks) + L-thyroxin (1.5 mg/kg/day for 1 week); 4. Hyperthyroidism induced in rats by 3-week thyroxin (0.3 mg/kg/day); 5. Hyperthyroidism + PTU. At the end of the study, blood samples were collected to quantify free triiodothyronine (FT3), free triiodothyronine (FT4) and irisin levels.

Results
FT3 and FT4 levels were reduced in hypothyroidism and were significantly elevated in hyperthyroidism (p < 0.001). Irisin values, on the other hand, were found to be elevated in both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
The results of the study suggest that irisin values increase in thyroid dysfunction, hypo- and hyperthyroidism, and that when hypothyroidism is corrected by thyroxin administration and hyperthyroidism by PTU injection, plasma irisin values go back to normal.
Access Selection Algorithm of Heterogeneous Wireless Networks for Smart Distribution Grid Based on Entropy-Weight and Rough Set
Authors: Xiang Min , Qu Qinqin , Chen Cheng , Tian Li , Zeng Lingkang 
Published: November 2017

AbstractTo improve the reliability of communication service in smart distribution grid (SDG), an access selection algorithm based on dynamic network status and different service types for heterogeneous wireless networks was proposed. The network performance index values were obtained in real time by multimode terminal and the variation trend of index values was analyzed by the growth matrix. The index weights were calculated by entropy-weight and then modified by rough set to get the final weights. Combining the grey relational analysis to sort the candidate networks, and the optimum communication network is selected. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can implement dynamically access selection in heterogeneous wireless networks of SDG effectively and reduce the network blocking probability.
„Ich dachte mir, das ist nicht der Weg, den ich gehen will!” – Gründe für Langzeitmobilität europäischer InformationswissenschaftlerInnen
Authors: Hillebrand Vera 
Published: November 2017

ZusammenfassungZweck dieser Studie ist, herauszufinden, welche Push- und Pull-Faktoren es für degree und post-diploma mobility in der europäischen Informationswissenschaft gibt. Die Autorin führte 16 Interviews mit InformationswissenschaftlerInnen über ihr Mobilitätsverhalten. Die Untersuchung zeigt, dass es sich nicht nur um berufliche Gründe handelt, die ForscherInnen mobil werden lassen. Persönliche Gründe, wie Partnerschaft, oder finanzielle Gründe, wie eine bezahlte Promotionsstelle, fördern Langzeitmobilität. Kinder bzw. Familie konnten als einziger Grund für Immobilität in dieser Studie festgestellt werden. Die Ergebnisse stellen in Frage, ob ein brain drain einzig anhand von Statistiken analysiert werden kann. Diese Studie zählt zu den wenigen qualitativen Datenerhebungen über Langzeitmobilität.
Sleep onset insomnia, daytime sleepiness and sleep duration in relationship toToxoplasma gondiiIgG seropositivity and serointensity
Authors: Ahmad Zaki , Moustafa Yara W. , Stiller John W. , Pavlovich Mary A. , Raheja Uttam K. , Gragnoli Claudia , Snitker Soren , Nazem Sarra , Dagdag Aline , Fang Beverly , Fuchs Dietmar , Lowry Christopher A. , Postolache Teodor T. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractToxoplasma gondii(T. gondii) infects central nervous tissue and is kept in relative dormancy by a healthy immune system. Sleep disturbances have been found to precipitate mental illness, suicidal behavior and car accidents, which have been previously linked toT. gondii as well.We speculated that if sleep disruption, particularly insomnia, would mediate, at least partly, the link betweenT. gondiiinfection and related behavioral dysregulation, then we would be able to identify significant associations between sleep disruption andT. gondii. The mechanisms for such an association may involve dopamine (DA) production byT. gondii, or collateral effects of immune activation necessary to keepT. gondiiin check. Sleep questionnaires from 2031 Old Order Amish were analyzed in relationship toT. gondii-IgG antibodies measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Toxoplasma gondiiseropositivity and serointensity were not associated with any of the sleep latency variables or Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). A secondary analysis identified, after adjustment for age group, a statistical trend toward shorter sleep duration in seropositive men (p=0.07). In conclusion, it is unlikely that sleep disruption mediates links betweenT. gondiiand mental illness or behavioral dysregulation. Trending gender differences in associations betweenT. gondiiand shorter sleep need further investigation.