bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Medical industry at tumor board: Three‐years analysis of the open payments database and comparison of oncologic specialties
Authors: Baadh Amanjit S. , Patel Mikin , Patel Ketan , Ahmed Osman 
Published: November 2017

Background and ObjectivesTo analyze and contrast medical industry payments across U.S. oncologic providers, including hematology‐oncology (HO), surgical oncology (SO), interventional radiology (IR), and radiation oncology (RO).MethodsOpen‐payment‐data for each provider including provider specialty, state of practice, industry payor, reason for payment, and amount was compiled for each transaction between 2013 and 2015. Total, mean, and median payment amounts per‐provider were calculated for each specialty. Tukey's‐method was used to identify and remove statistical outliers and Kruskal‐Wallis‐test with Bonferonni‐post‐hoc‐analysis was used to evaluate for differences in total payments received per‐provider across specialties. The percentage of providers accepting payments within each specialty were compared by Marascuilo's multiple‐proportion‐comparison.ResultsTotal aggregate payment amount (and number of transactions) for HO, SO, IR, and RO was $164 743 746 (778 007), $7 925 467 (15 031), $49 817 380 (44 939), and $13 643 739 (49 778), respectively. Corrected‐median (and corrected‐mean) payments‐per‐specialty were $676 ($1796), $330 ($1209), $487 ($1301), and $242 ($766). A significantly higher proportion of HO providers accepted payments than both RO (97% vs 80%, P < 0.0001) and IR (97% vs 78%, P < 0.0001). The mean total payment received per‐provider differed significantly across specialties (P = 0.0001). HO providers, on average, received significantly more payment‐per‐provider during the study period (P < 0.001) compared to all others while RO and IR received significantly less (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsAmong industry payments made to oncologic providers, HO received the highest median and corrected‐mean amounts along with the highest proportion of providers receiving open payments.
Determining Candidate Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Acquired Laryngotracheal Stenosis
Authors: Anis Mursalin M. , Krynetskaia Natalia , Zhao Zhigen , Krynetskiy Evgeny , Soliman Ahmed M. S. 
Published: November 2017

Objectives/HypothesisDespite wide adoption of strategies to prevent injury from prolonged intubation and tracheotomy, acquired laryngotracheal stenosis (ALTS) has not disappeared. ALTS’ persistence may be due to patient factors that confer unique susceptibility for some. We sought to identify genetic markers in genes associated with wound healing that could be associated with ALTS.Study DesignCase‐control study.MethodsOne hundred thirty‐eight patients were recruited, 53 patients with ALTS and 85 control patients who underwent intubation or tracheotomy without evidence of ALTS. The patients’ DNA was isolated from whole blood. Custom primers were designed, and the TaqMan assay employing allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction was used to interrogate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs1799750, rs522616, rs2276109, rs2569190, rs1800469, and rs1024611 of candidate wound healing genes MMP1, MMP3, MMP12, CD14, TGFβ1, and MCP1, respectively. A logistic regression model was used to examine the association of candidate gene polymorphisms with the presence or absence of ALTS.ResultsAll 138 patients were successfully genotyped. No significant association was found between candidate SNPs and development of ALTS in the overall group. However, subgroup analysis within each ethnicity identified SNPs that are associated with ALTS depending upon the ethnic background.ConclusionsPatient factors such as variations in wound healing due to functional SNPs may shed light on the development of ALTS. There may be a difference in susceptibility to developing ALTS in different ethnic backgrounds. These preliminary findings need to be corroborated in larger population studies.Level of Evidence3b. Laryngoscope, 128:E111–E116, 2018
When and where did the Loess Plateau turn “green”? Analysis of the tendency and breakpoints of the normalized difference vegetation index
Authors: Cao Zhi , Li Yurui , Liu Yansui , Chen Yufu , Wang Yongsheng 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe Loess Plateau experiences the most serious soil erosion problems in China and possibly even globally. Many measures have been taken to increase the vegetation cover and to control soil erosion. Of these measures, the Grain for Green Project, launched in 1999, has been the most effective, changing the ecological and socio‐economic situation of the Plateau significantly. Using time series normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data from 1981 to 2013, this study analysed spatial patterns of changes in vegetation cover, detected spatial patterns of the abrupt‐change time of NDVI trends, and investigated factors that may contribute to these changes. The results showed that (a) vegetation restoration was obvious over the last decades, especially in the 2000s, and the increase in NDVI during 2000–2013 was more than 3‐times that during 1990–2000. Approximately 54.99% of the Plateau during 2000–2013 had a statistically significant increase, mainly distributing in loess hilly and gully region and loess gully region. (b) Vegetation restoration was comprehensively affected by climate change and human activities (e.g., the Grain for Green Project, urbanization and policies), and the effects of each factor varied for different regions. (c) Vegetation in most of the Plateau began to increase around 2007–2010, and 4 discrete areas with different timings of such break points were detected. The difference in the timing of break points in NDVI may be related with precipitation, reproducing tree species, management measures, and survival rate. These results imply that integrating natural and human factors is important when making effective and suitable measures and policies.
Computed tomographic assessment of autologous fat injection augmentation for vocal fold paralysis
Authors: Nishio Naoki , Fujimoto Yasushi , Hiramatsu Mariko , Maruo Takashi , Suga Kenji , Tsuzuki Hidenori , Mukoyama Nobuaki , Shimono Mariko , Toriyama Kazuhiro , Takanari Keisuke , Kamei Yuzuru , Sone Michihiko 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveTo perform a quantitative computed tomography (CT) assessment of short‐ and long‐term outcomes of autologous fat injection augmentation in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis.Study DesignRetrospective case series.MethodsTwelve patients who had undergone autologous fat injection augmentation for unilateral vocal fold paralysis in our hospital between 2011 and 2015 were enrolled in this study. The autologous fat for injection was acquired from periumbilical subcutaneous tissue and was injected orally using a special‐purpose laryngeal injection needle. To evaluate the injected fat at the follow‐up assessments, CT was performed at several times after surgery in clinical practice. All thin‐section CT images were transferred to a workstation, and the volume of the injected fat was calculated.ResultsPatients comprised 6 men and 6 women with a mean age at the time of surgery of 62.9 years (range, 46–82 years). The actual injected fat volume was 1.1–2.5 ml (mean, 1.6 ml). In seven patients assessed by CT two days after surgery, the average residual rate of the injected fat was 63.9%. The mean residual rates of the injected fat were 30.0% at 3 months, 33.7% at 6 months, 29.2% at 12 months, and 32.0% at 24 months.ConclusionsAlthough the injected fat volume decreased within the first three months and the residual rate of the injected fat was 30.0% at three months after injection, the residual fat volume remained at the same level for 24 months after injection.Level of Evidence4
Usefulness of ultrasound for assessing the primary tumor of hypopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Fukuhara Takahiro , Matsuda Eriko , Hattori Yuiko , Donishi Ryohei , Ehara Hiroaki , Fujiwara Kazunori , Takeuchi Hiromi 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesTo clarify the usefulness of ultrasonography for detecting hypopharyngeal cancer.Study DesignCross‐sectional study.MethodsThe study included 95 patients who underwent pre‐treatment ultrasonography. We evaluated the usefulness of ultrasonography for detecting primary hypopharyngeal carcinoma of each T stage and subsite, and for assessing extrahypopharyngeal invasion. Additionally, we determined the efficacy of color Doppler for evaluating primary hypopharyngeal carcinoma.ResultsThe patients comprised 93 men and 2 women with a mean age of 67.5 years. The T stage (primary tumors) was T1 in 29 patients, T2 in 22, T3 in 9, and T4 in 35. Primary sites with a T stage over T3 were detected using ultrasonography in 17 patients.Regarding primary subsites, postcricoid tumors were assessed most easily (64%), while posterior wall tumors were the most difficult to assess (25%). In 15 of 17 patients, the evaluation of extrahypopharyngeal invasion by ultrasonography matched up precisely with computed tomography findings. In addition, abnormally increased blood flow in primary hypopharyngeal cancers was recognized by color Doppler, and could be used to predict subsites.ConclusionsCancers at T3 and T4 hypopharyngeal primary tumors and their extrahypopharyngeal invasion were detectable using ultrasonography. Furthermore, ultrasonography was useful for assessing postcricoid tumors that were difficult to observe by flexible laryngoscopy.Level of Evidence4
Percutaneous gastrostomy site metastasis from head and neck tumors: A single institution case series
Authors: Metkus James S. , Cognetti David , Curry Joseph 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesHead and neck cancer (HNC) patients often require percutaneous gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement due to malnutrition and dysphagia. While beneficial, PEG tube placement can cause a rare but reportable complication of metastasis of the original tumor to the gastrostomy exit site. The objectives of this case series were to present HNC patients at a single institution that developed PEG tube metastases, their subsequent treatment, and review of the literature for similar cases.MethodsWe describe three HNC patients who underwent PEG tube placement and developed metastasis at their tube site. We also describe their metastatic disease treatment and compare these cases with similar cases in the literatureResultsAll three cases' initial staging were node positive and all three cases had their PEG tubes placed by the “pull” method. Two patients presented with masses at their PEG site while one patient had a site mass on surveillance positron emission topography (PET) imaging. Biopsy showed the original HNC metastasized to the gastrostomy site. Two patients were treated with surgical resection while one patient was treated with palliative chemotherapy. The “pull” method has been most associated with cases of metastasis in the literature. In the literature, risk factors for metastasis include initial tumor clinical and pathological staging.ConclusionPEG site metastasis should be suspected in patients with skin changes at the PEG site. “Pull” procedures may cause metastasis through physical contact with the primary tumor causing tumor seeding at the PEG site. Surgical resection of metastasis has been shown to be an effective treatment strategy for PEG site metastasis. In patients with higher stage cancers, tube insertion methods that avoid contact with the primary tumor should be considered.Level of EvidenceNA
Non‐Rare‐Earth K2XF7:Mn4+(X = Ta, Nb): A Highly‐Efficient Narrow‐Band Red Phosphor Enabling the Application in Wide‐Color‐Gamut LCD
Authors: Lin Hang , Hu Tao , Huang Qingming , Cheng Yao , Wang Bo , Xu Ju , Wang Jiaomei , Wang Yuansheng 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe advent of wide color‐gamut LED backlight technology greatly improves the user experience in visions. The bottleneck restricting progress of this technology is to develop red phosphor with satisfactory spectral features and low cost. Herein, a novel non‐rare‐earth K2XF7:Mn4+(X = Ta, Nb) was successfully designed and synthesized, exhibiting an admirable quantum efficiency of ∼93.5%, an extremely narrow FWHM of ∼2.3 nm, and a high color purity of ∼99.6%. Unlike the previously reported Mn4+activated fluorides, Mn4+in K2XF7suffers highly distorted octahedral environment in C1(or C2v) group symmetry, enabling the appearance of intense zero phonon line and distinctive vibronic transitions. Systematical high‐resolution spectroscopic analyses down to 10 K disclose the influences of strong crystal field, weak nephelauxetic effect, and intermediate electron‐phonon coupling are responsible for the peculiar spectral features of Mn4+in K2XF7. Impressively, a wide color‐gamut reaching up to 86.7% NTSC is realized, demonstrating great validity of K2XF7:Mn4+for LCD backlights. The present study not only brings a brand‐new kind of Mn4+activated host to the sight of phosphor community (the host can be extended to surges of tantalum/niobium fluorides), but also may enlighten researchers to design highly distorted environment to achieve unique spectral properties of Mn4+.
Silicon Photonics Rectangular Universal Interferometer
Authors: Perez Daniel , Gasulla Ivana , Fraile Francisco Javier , Crudgington Lee , Thomson David J. , Khokhar Ali Z. , Li Ke , Cao Wei , Mashanovich Goran Z. , Capmany Jose 
Published: November 2017

AbstractUniversal multiport photonic interferometers that can implement any arbitrary unitary transformation between input and output optical modes are essential to support advanced optical functions. Integrated versions of these components can be implemented by means of either a fixed triangular or a fixed rectangular arrangement of the same components. We propose the implementation of a fixed rectangular universal interferometer using a reconfigurable hexagonal waveguide mesh circuit. A suitable adaptation synthesis algorithm tailored to this mesh configuration is provided and the experimental demonstration of a rectangular multiport interferometer by means of a fabricated silicon photonics chip is reported. The 7‐hexagonal cell chip can implement 2 × 2, 3 × 3 and 4 × 4 arbitrary unitary transformations. The proposed hexagonal waveguide mesh operates in a similar way as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) in electronics. We believe that this work represents an important step‐forward towards fully programmable and integrable multiport interferometers.
Influence of Topology of Highly Porous Methacrylate Polymers on their Mechanical Properties
Authors: Paljevac Muzafera , Kotek Jiří , Jeřabek Karel , Krajnc Peter 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPorous polymer monoliths are prepared using glycidyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate as monomers, in both cases crosslinked with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate. Up to 75% porous samples are produced using either emulsion templating or bulk polymerization with porogens. In the case of emulsion templating, a cellular topology with cavities between 3.1 and 5.5 µm is observed for both monomers, while a cauliflower‐like topology is formed in the case of bulk polymerization. The influence of topology features of monoliths on the mechanical properties is studied and for both polymers a dramatic influence, on both compressive moduli and compressive strength, is found. The mechanical parameters, namely elastic modulus and compressive strength are significantly higher for emulsion templated samples.
Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance of PEDOT:PSS Films by Sequential Post‐Treatment with Formamide
Authors: Kyaw Aung Ko Ko , Yemata Temesgen A. , Wang Xizu , Lim Siew Lay , Chin Wee Shong , Hippalgaonkar Kedar , Xu Jianwei 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis paper reports a series of sequential post‐treatments using a polar solvent formamide to enhance the thermoelectric performance of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with poly(styrene sulfonate) anions (PEDOT:PSS). The electrical conductivity of PEDOT:PSS films significantly increases from 0.33 S cm−1for the pristine film to ≈2929 S cm−1for the treated film and meanwhile the Seebeck coefficient maintains as high as 17.4 µV K−1, resulting in a power factor of 88.7 µW m−1K−2. Formamide is a polar solvent with a high boiling point of 210 °C and high dielectric constant of 109, and PSS has a good solubility in it. Post‐treatment with formamide causes not only the phase segregation of PEDOT and PSS but also the removal of insulating PSS, therefore leading to the reorientation of PEDOT chains and enhancement in mobility without altering the doping level considerably. The cross‐plane thermal conductivity also reduces from 0.54 to 0.19 W m−1K−1after the post‐treatment, leading to a figure of merit (ZT) value of 0.04 at room temperature.
Regulation of Hedgehog Signaling in Cancer by Natural and Dietary Compounds
Authors: Bao Cheng , Kramata Pavel , Lee Hong Jin , Suh Nanjoo 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe aberrant Hedgehog (Hh) signaling induced by mutations or overexpression of the signaling mediators has been implicated in cancer, associated with processes including inflammation, tumor cell growth, invasion, and metastasis, as well as cancer stemness. Small molecules targeting the regulatory components of the Hh signaling pathway, especially Smoothened (Smo), have been developed for the treatment of cancer. However, acquired resistance to a Smo inhibitor vismodegib observed in clinical trials suggests that other Hh signaling components need to be explored as potential anticancer targets. Natural and dietary compounds provide a resource for the development of potent agents affecting intracellular signaling cascades, and numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of natural products in targeting the Hh signaling pathway. In this review, we summarize the role of Hh signaling in tumorigenesis, discuss results from recent studies investigating the effect of natural products and dietary components on Hh signaling in cancer, and provide insight on novel small molecules as potential Hh signaling inhibitors.
Computational measurements of stress fields from digital images
Authors: Réthoré Julien , Leygue Adrien , Coret Michel , Stainier Laurent , Verron Erwan 
Published: November 2017

SummarySince the pioneering works on digital image correlation, a huge effort has been devoted to the elaboration of strategies coupling measurements with numerical simulations. The main issue achieved with such coupling is the identification of constitutive law parameters from experimental configurations yielding heterogeneous strain/stress fields. The main limitation of this framework is that a constitutive law is to be postulated, what sometimes reveals far from being straightforward. To circumvent this limitation, a methodology is proposed to build a parametric description not only of the displacement field for digital image correlation but also of the local stress. With no assumption on the constitutive relation, the method allows for estimating displacement, strain, and stress fields. The ability of the method is illustrated for different situations.
A Two‐Photon Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe for Imaging of Hydrogen Peroxide Levels in Rat Organ Tissues
Authors: Lim Chang Su , Cho Myoung Ki , Park Mi Yeon , Kim Hwan Myung 
Published: November 2017

AbstractHydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is important in the regulation of a variety of biological processes and is involved in various diseases. Quantitative measurement of H2O2 levels at the subcellular level is important for understanding its positive and negative effects on biological processes. Herein, a two‐photon ratiometric fluorescent probe (SHP‐Cyto) with a boronate‐based carbamate leaving group as the H2O2 reactive trigger and 6‐(benzo[d]thiazol‐2′‐yl)‐2‐(N,N‐dimethylamino) naphthalene (BTDAN) as the fluorophore was synthesized and examined for its ability to detect cytosolic H2O2 in situ. This probe, based on the specific reaction between boronate and H2O2, displayed a fluorescent color change (455 to 528 nm) in response to H2O2 in the presence of diverse reactive oxygen species in a physiological medium. In addition, ratiometric two‐photon microscopy (TPM) images with SHP‐Cyto revealed that H2O2 levels gradually increased from brain to kidney, skin, heart, lung, and then liver tissues. SHP‐Cyto was successfully applied to the imaging of endogenously produced cytosolic H2O2 levels in live cells and various rat organs by using TPM.
Should embryos with autosomal monosomy by preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy be transferred?: Implications for embryo selection from a systematic literature review of autosomal monosomy survivors
Authors: Bunnell M.E. , Wilkins‐Haug L. , Reiss R. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo review the literature for survival and phenotypes of liveborns with autosomal monosomy to inform decisions regarding transfer of in vitro fertilization‐derived embryos reported as monosomic on preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT‐A).MethodOvid‐Medline and EMBASE were systematically searched to identify published case reports of liveborn individuals with autosomal monosomy, full or mosaic, for a whole chromosome.ResultsFifty‐three reports describing 56 individuals with autosomal monosomy met the selection criteria: 1 case each of monosomy 14 and 16, 3 each for monosomy 15 and 18, 1 for group “E”, 5 for monosomy 20, 24 for monosomy 21, 7 for monosomy 22, and eleven for a “G” group chromosome. There were no reports with monosomy for the larger chromosomes 1 through 13, nor for chromosomes 17 or 19, autosomes with highest gene density. Most reported individuals had severe handicaps and died in infancy with some surviving longer.ConclusionGiven potential for survival of handicapped individuals with autosomal monosomy for chromosomes 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 21, and 22, low priority should be given to transfer of embryos apparently monosomic for these chromosomes. Couples electing transfer of monosomic embryos should consider amniocentesis for ongoing pregnancies but should be informed of its limitations.
Enhancing the molecular cooperativity of polyvinyl butyral using liquid additives
Authors: Carini Giovanni , Carini Giuseppe , D'Angelo Giovanna , Federico Mauro , Marco Gaetano Di , Bartolotta Antonino 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTThe specific role of acetonitrile and methoxypropionitrile, as accelerators of the relaxation dynamics of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), was investigated in polymer/additive mixtures with a saturation liquid content. The aim was to improve the ionic mobility of PVB‐based solid electrolytes to be used in solid dye‐sensitized solar cells. Mechanical and dielectric relaxation measurements between 120 K and 380 K revealed that the α‐relaxation observed above 330 K in dry‐PVB is shifted quite below room temperature in PVB/additives. Both the additives cause a growing intermolecular cooperativity, the sub‐glass β‐relaxation exhibiting a strength enhanced by a factor 3 and a frequency factor which increases from 1015 s−1 to 1021 s−1. This discloses an activation entropy as high as 165.7 J/K mol in comparison to 40.8 J/K mol in dry‐PVB. It is suggested the existence of cooperative transitions, mainly driven by bridges formed through additive molecules, which influence both short‐ and long‐scale segmental motions and also favor the ion dynamics in PVB/additive/electrolyte systems. The room temperature ionic conductivity σrt exhibits large changes from 6.4*10−14 S/m in dry PVB, through 1.5*10−8 S/m in PVB/LiI, to 2.45*10−5 S/m in PVB/MPN/LiI. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 340–346