bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of cylindrical and parallel‐plate electrophoretic separations for the removal of ions and sub‐23 nm particles
Authors: Yu Tongzhu , Yang Yixin , Liu Jianguo , Gui Huaqiao , Zhang Jiaoshi , Cheng Yin , Wang Wenyu , Du Peng , Wang Jie , Wang Huanqin 
Published: October 2017

AbstractCylindrical and parallel‐plate electrophoretic separations for the removal of ions and sub‐23 nm particles were compared in this study. First, COMSOL Multiphysics® software was utilized to simulate the ion and particle trajectories inside both electrophoretic separations. The results show that ions and sub‐23 nm particles are removed simultaneously and that all particles can pass through both electrophoretic separations smoothly at a trap voltage of 25 V. The experimental results show that ion losses become smaller with increasing ion flow rates, and ion losses of the cylindrical and parallel‐plate electrophoretic separations range from 56.2 to 71.6% and from 43.8 to 59.6%, respectively, at ion flow rates ranging from 1–3 L/min. For the removal of ions and sub‐23 nm particles, the collection efficiency of both electrophoretic separations can reach 100%, but the parallel‐plate electrophoretic separation requires a lower trap voltage. The particle loss of the parallel‐plate electrophoretic separation is under approximately 10%, which is lower than that of the cylindrical electrophoretic separation. In particular, for large particles (800–2500 nm), the particle losses inside the cylindrical electrophoretic separation are approximately two times higher than those inside the parallel‐plate electrophoretic separation. The parallel‐plate electrophoretic separation is beneficial for the removal of ions and sub‐23 nm particles.
Qualitative and Semiquantitative Elastography for the Diagnosis of Intermediate Suspicious Thyroid Nodules Based on the 2015 American Thyroid Association Guidelines
Authors: Yang Bo Ra , Kim Eun‐Kyung , Moon Hee Jung , Yoon Jung Hyun , Park Vivian Y. , Kwak Jin Young 
Published: October 2017

ObjectivesTo evaluate qualitative and semiquantitative elastography for the diagnosis of intermediate suspicious thyroid nodules based on the 2015 American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines.MethodsThrough a retrospective search of our institutional database, 746 solid thyroid nodules found on grayscale ultrasonography, strain elastography, and ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration between June and November 2009 were collected. Among them, 80 nodules from 80 patients with an intermediate suspicion of malignancy based on the 2015 ATA guidelines that were 10 mm or larger were recruited as the final study nodules. Elastographic findings were categorized according to the criteria of Rago et al (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2007; 92:2917–2922) and Asteria et al (Thyroid 2008; 18:523–531), and strain ratio values were calculated and recorded. The independent 2‐sample t test and χ2 test (or Fisher exact test) were used to evaluate differences in clinical parameters between benign and malignant thyroid nodules. All variables were compared by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated.ResultsOf the 80 nodules, 6 (7.5%) were malignant, and 74 (92.5%) were benign. No significant differences were observed in age, sex, nodule size, elasticity score, and strain ratio between benign and malignant nodules. No variables significantly predicted thyroid malignancy on the univariate analysis. On the multivariate logistic regression analysis, there were no independent variables associated with thyroid malignancy, including the elasticity score and strain ratio (all P > .05).ConclusionsElastographic analysis using the elasticity score and strain ratio has limited ability to characterize the benignity or malignancy of thyroid nodules with an intermediate suspicion of malignancy based on the 2015 ATA guidelines.
Evaluation of the Cervix After Cervical Conization by Transvaginal Elastography
Authors: Xie Meng , Zhang Xuyin , Yu Meng , Wang Wenping , Hua Keqin 
Published: October 2017

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the stiffness of the cervix after the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) by transvaginal elastography and its potential ability to predict future pregnancy.MethodsA retrospective study included patients of reproductive age who underwent LEEP for cervical high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions on the basis of colposcopic findings and who desired fertility. The characteristics on conventional transvaginal ultrasonography and elastography before and 6 months after LEEP were reviewed and analyzed. Each case had a 12‐month follow‐up, and the information on pregnancy and a cervical cytologic examination was recorded.ResultsFifty‐three patients who completed the 12‐month follow‐up were included in the analysis. Thirty‐two cases (group 1) were pregnant during the follow‐up, and the other 21 (group 2) had pregnancy failure. The cervical lengths of group 1 and 2 as measured by traditional transvaginal ultrasonography were similar before and 6 months after LEEP. The resistive index of group 1 was significantly higher 6 months after LEEP than before LEEP (mean ± SD, 0.88 ± 0.36 versus 0.42 ± 0.22; P = .007). The mean elasticity score for the cervix was statistically significantly lower after LEEP (2.21 ± 0.53) than before (3.46 ± 0.78; P = .001) in group 1. However, in group 2, the mean elasticity scores were similar after LEEP (3.19 ± 0.58) and before (3.25 ± 0.66; P = .75).ConclusionsOur results suggest that elastography was a useful technique for evaluating the stiffness of the cervix after LEEP. Elastography could provide a potential means to predict future pregnancy after LEEP.
Roost selection by bats in buildings, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Authors: Fagan Kirstin E. , Willcox Emma V. , Tran Liem T. , Bernard Riley F. , Stiver William H. 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTBats roosting in buildings are a challenge for wildlife managers because of their conservation needs, capacity to transmit disease, and potential to damage structures. An understanding of roost selection by bats in buildings is important for effective management but was lacking in the southeastern United States. During 2015 and 2016, we surveyed 140 buildings in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, USA for bats, identifying 48 roost sites and detecting 5 species. We compared the microclimate conditions, building features, and habitat patch characteristics of buildings used and unused by bats using an information‐theoretic approach. Averaged parameter estimates from logistic regression models developed with survey data indicated bat presence was more likely in old buildings with dark conditions surrounded by low road density. Of all roost buildings surveyed, 65.9% were accessed regularly by tourists and 68.2% were managed as historical structures. We present alternative management strategies that may be implemented to ensure human health and safety and preserve historical sites while protecting bats during the reproductive period. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Long‐term oncologic and functional outcome in pleomorphic adenomas of the submandibular gland
Authors: Mantsopoulos Konstantinos , Goncalves Miguel , Schapher Mirco , Iro Heinrich 
Published: October 2017

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to evaluate the oncologic and functional long‐term outcome after surgical therapy of pleomorphic adenomas of the submandibular gland.MethodsThe medical charts of all patients treated for pleomorphic adenomas of the submandibular gland by means of submandibulectomy between 2000 and 2016 were studied retrospectively. Patients who had had revision after external primary surgery, as well as patients with insufficient data were excluded from our study sample.ResultsA total of 75 patients formed our study sample (28 men, 47 women, male:female ratio 0.59:1). Their mean age was 48 years (14–78 years). Mean follow‐up was 82 months (12–170 months). No recurrences of a pleomorphic adenoma could be detected in our study cases. Normal facial nerve function (House‐Brackmann grade I) in the direct postoperative phase was shown in 54/75 cases (72%). In the remaining 21/75 cases (28%), mild paresis of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve (House‐Brackmann II) could be detected in the direct postoperative phase. All cases with facial palsy had recovered with normal facial nerve function (House‐Brackmann I) in 3–6 months.ConclusionOur study was able to show oncologic and consistently acceptable oncologic and functional outcomes after submandibulectomy for pleomorphic adenomas of the submandibular gland.Level of Evidence4.
Evaluation of the Munich Plastic Sediment Separator efficiency in extraction of microplastics from natural marine bottom sediments
Authors: Zobkov Mikhail B. , Esiukova Elena E. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe Munich Plastic Sediment Separator (MPSS), proposed by Imhof et al. (), showed its high efficiency in extracting microplastics (MPs) from natural sediment samples preliminarily cleaned and then enriched by MPs in laboratory. We tested the efficiency of the MPSS, assembled at the Atlantic Branch of P.P.Shirshov Institute of Oceanology (Kaliningrad), using unprepared natural bottom deposits of different types collected in the Baltic Sea. The tests that were performed included spikes of sediments with artificial reference particles (ARPs) and the sediment samples analyses with two separate methods of extraction and determination of MPs content in residuals of MPSS. While the ARP extraction efficiency from natural sediments by the MPSS was really high (97.1% ± 2.6%; p = 0.05; n = 14; confidence interval, t‐distribution), the extraction efficiency of marine MPs was considerably lower (13–39%) than that obtained with a modification of the method previously published by NOAA. The remaining marine MPs were found in the spoil dump and in the bulk solution fractions of the separator, indicating that MPs were not perfectly cleaned from sediment particles, probably, due to presence of organic matter. It is concluded that the MPSS application for quantitative MPs analysis requires further testing and elaboration of standardized extraction procedures.
Contact Active Antimicrobial Coatings Prepared by Polymer Blending
Authors: Cuervo‐Rodríguez Rocío , López‐Fabal Fátima , Gómez‐Garcés José L. , Muñoz‐Bonilla Alexandra , Fernández‐García Marta 
Published: October 2017

AbstractHerein, contact active antimicrobial films are prepared by simply blending cationic amphiphilic block copolymers with commercial polystyrene (PS). The copolymers are prepared by combining atom transfer radical polymerization and “click chemistry.” A variety of copolymers are synthesized, and composed of a PS segment and an antimicrobial block bearing flexible side chain with thiazole and triazole groups, 4‐(1‐(2‐(4‐methylthiazol‐5‐yl)ethyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl) butyl methacrylate (TTBM). The length of the TTBM block is varied as well as the alkylating agent. Different films are prepared from N,N‐dimethylformamide solution, containing variable PS‐b‐PTTBM/PS ratio: from 0 to 100 wt%. Remarkably, the blend films, especially those with 30 and 50 wt% of copolymers, exhibit excellent antimicrobial activities against Gram‐positive, Gram‐negative bacteria and fungi, even higher than films prepared exclusively from the cationic copolymers. Blends composed of 50 wt% of the copolymers present a more than 99.999% killing efficiency against the studied microorganisms. The better activity found in blends can be due to the higher roughness, which increases the surface area and consequently the contact with the microorganisms. These results demonstrate that the use of blends implies a reduction of the content of antimicrobial agent and also enhances the antimicrobial activity, providing new insights for the better designing of antimicrobial coatings.
Qualitative behavior of solutions of a third order nonlinear differential equation
Authors: Graef John R. , Remili Moussadek 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn this paper the oscillatory and asymptotic behavior of solutions of a class of nonlinear third order differential equations of the form are studied. Results on the square integrability of solutions and their derivatives are obtained. An example to illustrate the results is included and directions for future research are indicated.
Substantial Variability Across Individuals in the Vascular and Nutrigenomic Response to an Acute Intake of Curcumin: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Barber‐Chamoux Nicolas , Milenkovic Dragan , Verny Marie‐Anne , Habauzit Véronique , Pereira Bruno , Lambert Céline , Richard Damien , Boby Céline , Mazur Andrzej , Lusson Jean René , Dubray Claude , Morand Christine 
Published: October 2017

ScopeCurcumin exerts biological activities of interest in cardiovascular prevention. However, its vascular protective effect is still poorly investigated in humans. The present study aims to assess vascular effect of an acute intake of curcumin and its nutrigenomic impact in circulating immune cells.Methods and resultsIn a randomized, double‐blind, crossover design, 18 healthy smokers consume a placebo or a 5‐g curcumin. Before and 2 h after the intake, vascular function measurements are performed by using flow‐mediated dilation (FMD). In addition, endothelial function in the microcirculation and blood pressure are evaluated. Plasma curcumin concentrations and changes in gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) are analyzed.No significant effect of curcumin on FMD is observed when considering the entire study population, mainly due to a high interindividual variability. A subgroup analysis according to the gender or the cardiovascular‐risk score reveals a significant effect of curcumin on FMD in women and in subjects presenting lower cardiovascular risk. No change in gene expression is observed when data are analyzed for all volunteers but changes in expression are observed when analyzed according to gender.ConclusionsThis clinical trial highlights that a substantial variability in efficacy of curcumin exists across individuals.
Reliability and validity of severity dimensions of psychopathology assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐5 (SCID)
Authors: Shankman Stewart A. , Funkhouser Carter J. , Klein Daniel N. , Davila Joanne , Lerner Debra , Hee Danelle 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis study examined whether the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM (SCID), a widely used semistructured interview designed to assess psychopathology categorically, can be adapted to identify reliable and valid severity dimensions of psychopathology. The present study also examined whether these severity dimensions have better psychometric properties (internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and concurrent and predictive validity) than categorical diagnoses. Participants (N = 234) were recruited from the community and clinics. Retest reliability and prospective predictive validity (symptoms and functioning 1 year later) were examined in subsamples of participants. Dimensional severity scales were created from an adapted version of the SCID for both current and lifetime major depression, alcohol, substance, post‐traumatic stress disorder, panic, agoraphobia, social anxiety, specific phobia, obsessive–compulsive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. The SCID's severity scales demonstrated substantial internal consistency (all Cronbach's αs >.80), test–retest reliability, and concurrent and predictive validity. Symptom severity scales demonstrated significant incremental validity over and above categorical diagnoses for both current and prospective outcomes. The psychometric properties of SCID‐identified symptom scales were far superior to the psychometrics of categorical diagnoses for both current and lifetime psychopathology. These results highlight the feasibility and utility of the SCID to assess reliable and valid symptom severity dimensions of both current and lifetime psychopathology.
3D diffusion‐weighted 129Xe MRI for whole lung morphometry
Authors: Chan Ho‐Fung , Stewart Neil J. , Norquay Graham , Collier Guilhem J. , Wild Jim M. 
Published: October 2017

PurposeTo obtain whole lung morphometry measurements from 129Xe in a single breath‐hold with 3D multiple b‐value 129Xe diffusion‐weighted MRI (DW‐MRI) with an empirically optimized diffusion time and compressed sensing for scan acceleration.MethodsProspective three‐fold undersampled 3D multiple b‐value hyperpolarized 129Xe DW‐MRI datasets were acquired, and the diffusion time (Δ) was iterated so as to provide diffusive length scale (LmD) estimates from the stretched exponential model (SEM) that are comparable to those from 3He. The empirically optimized 129Xe diffusion time was then implemented with a four‐fold undersampling scheme and was prospectively benchmarked against 3He measurements in a cohort of five healthy volunteers, six ex‐smokers, and two chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients using both SEM‐derived LmD and cylinder model (CM)‐derived mean chord length (Lm).ResultsGood agreement between the mean 129Xe and 3He LmD (mean difference, 2.2%) and Lm (mean difference, 1.1%) values was obtained in all subjects at an empirically optimized 129Xe Δ = 8.5 ms.ConclusionCompressed sensing has facilitated single‐breath 3D multiple b‐value 129Xe DW‐MRI acquisitions, and results at 129Xe Δ = 8.5 ms indicate that 129Xe provides a viable alternative to 3He for whole lung morphometry mapping with either the SEM or CM. Magn Reson Med 79:2986–2995, 2018. © 2017 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
In vivo characterization of the downfield part of 1H MR spectra of human brain at 9.4 T: Magnetization exchange with water and relation to conventionally determined metabolite content
Authors: Fichtner Nicole D. , Giapitzakis Ioannis‐Angelos , Avdievich Nikolai , Mekle Ralf , Zaldivar Daniel , Henning Anke , Kreis Roland 
Published: October 2017

PurposeTo perform exchange‐rate measurements on the in vivo human brain downfield spectrum (5–10 ppm) at 9.4 T and to compare the variation in concentrations of the downfield resonances and of known upfield metabolites to determine potential peak labels.MethodsNon‐water‐suppressed metabolite cycling was used in combination with an inversion transfer technique in two brain locations in healthy volunteers to measure the exchange rates and T1 values of exchanging peaks. Spectra were fitted with a heuristic model of a series of 13 or 14 Voigt lines, and a Bloch–McConnell model was used to fit the exchange rate curves. Concentrations from non‐water‐inverted spectra upfield and downfield were compared.ResultsMean T1 values ranged from 0.40 to 0.77 s, and exchange rates from 0.74 to 13.8 s−1. There were no significant correlations between downfield and upfield concentrations, except for N‐acetylaspartate, with a correlation coefficient of 0.63 and P < 0.01.ConclusionsUsing ultrahigh field allowed improved separation of peaks in the 8.2 to 8.5 ppm amide proton region, and the exchange rates of multiple downfield resonances including the 5.8‐ppm peak, previously tentatively assigned to urea, were measured in vivo in human brain. Downfield peaks consisted of overlapping components, and largely missing correlations between upfield and downfield resonances—although not conclusive—indicate limited contributions from metabolites present upfield to the downfield spectrum. Magn Reson Med 79:2863–2873, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Average mid‐sleep time as a proxy for circadian phase
Authors: Kantermann Thomas , Burgess Helen J. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAssessments of circadian phase using melatonin are laborious. Sleep‐time indices allow for less laborious phase calculations, but common indices weakly represent melatonin phase. We show how a single sleep‐time assessment can represent melatonin phase by over 60%, improving the use of subjective sleep to mirror objective circadian phase.
Is Routine Intraoperative Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasonography Useful During Whole Liver Transplantation?
Authors: Golse Nicolas , Santoni Simone , Karam Vincent , Ciacio Oriana , Pittau Gabriella , Allard Marc‐Antoine , Cherqui Daniel , Sa Cunha Antonio , Adam René , Castaing Denis , Vibert Eric 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundVascular complications following liver transplantation (LT) may result from technical deficiencies. Intraoperative diagnosis remains challenging but can prevent serious delayed complications. Intraoperative Doppler ultrasonography (IOUS) represents the gold standard for imaging, although it requires radiological skills. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography has been reported during postoperative assessments, but never intraoperatively (CE‐IOUS). The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of routine CE‐IOUS, to evaluate its impact on surgical strategy and its usefulness.MethodsAll 553 whole LTs performed in our tertiary centre between 01/2010 and 12/2014 were reviewed. We compared perioperative outcomes and long‐term survival in IOUS (n = 370) versus CE‐IOUS (n = 103) groups. Secondarily, the seven cases where the two imaging findings conflicted (CE+ Group) were matched 1:2 and compared with an exclusively IOUS procedure (CE− Group, n = 14) to assess the consequences of a specific CE‐guided strategy.ResultsCE‐IOUS assessments were successful in 100% of cases, without any adverse effects. Vascular complications and patient/graft survival rates were identical in the IOUS and CE‐IOUS groups (p = 0.65, 0.95 and 0.86, respectively). CE‐IOUS confirmed IOUS findings in 93% of cases (n = 96) and led to the realization of an additional procedure (median arcuate ligament lysis) and six conservative strategies despite poor arterial (n = 5) or venous flow (n = 1) under Doppler analysis. The CE+ and CE− groups presented statistically identical perioperative and long‐term outcomes.ConclusionThis study demonstrated the feasibility of CE‐IOUS during whole LT. However, we failed to demonstrate any advantages of CE‐IOUS over IOUS. Therefore, IOUS currently remains the gold‐standard imaging technique for the intraoperative assessment of vascular patency.