bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parameterization of spectral baseline directly from short echo time full spectra in 1H‐MRS
Authors: Lee Hyeong Hun , Kim Hyeonjin 
Published: October 2016

PurposeTo investigate the feasibility of parameterizing macromolecule (MM) resonances directly from short echo time (TE) spectra rather than pre‐acquired, T1‐weighted, metabolite‐nulled spectra in 1H‐MRS.MethodsInitial line parameters for metabolites and MMs were set for rat brain spectra acquired at 9.4 Tesla upon a priori knowledge. Then, MM line parameters were optimized over several steps with fixed metabolite line parameters. The proposed method was tested by estimating metabolite T1. The results were compared with those obtained with two existing methods. Furthermore, subject‐specific, spin density‐weighted, MM model spectra were generated according to the MM line parameters from the proposed method for metabolite quantification. The results were compared with those obtained with subject‐specific, T1‐weighted, metabolite‐nulled spectra.ResultsThe metabolite T1 were largely in close agreement among the three methods. The spin density‐weighted MM resonances from the proposed method were in good agreement with the T1‐weighted, metabolite‐nulled spectra except for the MM resonance at ∼3.2 ppm. The metabolite concentrations estimated by incorporating these two different spectral baselines were also in good agreement except for several metabolites with resonances at ∼3.2 ppm.ConclusionThe MM parameterization directly from short‐TE spectra is feasible. Further development of the method may allow for better representation of spectral baseline with negligible T1‐weighting. Magn Reson Med 78:836–847, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Total variation–based method for generation of intravoxel incoherent motion parametric images in MRI
Authors: Lin Chieh , Shih Yi‐Yu , Huang Siao‐Lan , Huang Hsuan‐Ming 
Published: October 2016

PurposeTotal variation (TV) method has been used widely for image restoration and reconstruction. In this work, we propose a TV‐based algorithm for parametric image generation in intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW‐MRI).MethodsWe used simulated and real data to investigate whether the proposed TV‐based method can provide reliable parametric images. Parametric images of IVIM parameters including perfusion fraction (PF), diffusion coefficient (D), and pseudo‐diffusion coefficient (D*) were estimated using DW‐MRI data and TV through fitting the IVIM model. The Levenberg‐Marquardt (LM) method, which has often been used in the context of IVIM analysis, was employed as the standard method for comparison of the resulting parametric images.ResultsThe simulation results show that the proposed method outperforms the LM algorithm in terms of precision, providing a 40–81%, 90–93%, and 68–84% improvement for PF, D and D*, respectively, at signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of 30. For real data, the proposed method showed an average five‐fold, three‐fold, and four‐fold improvement in the SNR for PF, D and D*, respectively.ConclusionWe introduced the use of TV to produce parametric images, and demonstrated that the proposed TV‐based method is effective in improving the parametric image quality. Magn Reson Med 78:1383–1391, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Quantification of glutathione in the human brain by MR spectroscopy at 3 Tesla: Comparison of PRESS and MEGA‐PRESS
Authors: Sanaei Nezhad Faezeh , Anton Adriana , Parkes Laura M. , Deakin Bill , Williams Stephen R. 
Published: October 2016

PurposeGlutathione (GSH) is an important intracellular antioxidant in the brain. A number of studies report its measurement by localized 1H spectroscopy using PRESS and STEAM. This study evaluates the reliability and accuracy of GSH measurements from PRESS at 3 Tesla (T) and compares the results to those obtained with MEGA‐PRESS.MethodsPhantoms containing brain metabolites, identical except for variable GSH concentration between 0 and 24 mM, were scanned using PRESS (echo time (TE) = 35 ms) and MEGA‐PRESS (optimized TE = 130 ms) at 3 T. Spectra of the anterior cingulate cortex and occipital cortex in seven healthy volunteers were also acquired.ResultsPhantom GSH concentrations from 0 to 3mM were unreliably quantified using PRESS, although at 4 mM and above there was a linear relationship between measured and true concentrations (R2 = 0.99). Using MEGA‐PRESS, there was no signal detected at 0 mM GSH, plus a linear relationship (R2 = 0.99) over the full range from 0–24 mM. In brain, concentrations calculated from MEGA‐PRESS and PRESS were significantly different in occipital cortex (P < 0.001). Moreover, only MEGA‐PRESS reported significant differences in GSH between the two brain regions (P = 0.003).ConclusionDue to uncertainties in GSH quantification raised by the study, the authors conclude that physiological concentrations (<4 mM) of GSH cannot be reliably quantified from PRESS (TE = 35 ms) spectra at 3 T. Magn Reson Med 78:1257–1266, 2017. © 2016 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.
Selective arterial spin labeling in conjunction with phase‐contrast acquisition for the simultaneous visualization of morphology, flow direction, and velocity of individual arteries in the cerebrovascular system
Authors: Lindner Thomas , Larsen Naomi , Jansen Olav , Helle Michael 
Published: October 2016

PurposeIn various cerebrovascular diseases the visualization of individual arteries and knowledge about their hemodynamic properties, like flow velocity and direction, can become important for an accurate diagnosis. Magnetic resonance angiography methods are intended to acquire this information, but often a single acquisition is not sufficient to retrieve all of this desired information.MethodsUsing selective arterial spin labeling (ASL) methods, a single artery of interest can be tagged and visualized, whereas quantitative information about hemodynamics can be retrieved using phase‐contrast techniques that are often limited regarding their selectivity. In this study, a method that allows for velocity mapping of individual arteries by incorporating phase‐contrast preparation into selective ASL angiography measurements is presented. Several postprocessing steps are required to generate velocity and directional‐encoded maps of selected arteries from the data acquired in a single scan.ResultsThe method was successfully evaluated in healthy volunteers, and a first application in two selected patients is presented. In one patient, an aneurysm of the middle cerebral artery is investigated, and in the second patient it is used to visualize an arterio‐venous malformation.ConclusionSelective ASL imaging in conjunction with phase‐contrast acquisition allows for investigating hemodynamic properties of individual arteries. Magn Reson Med 78:1469–1475, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
The effect of tuning chemical structure on the open‐circuit voltage and photovoltaic performance of narrow band‐gap polymers
Authors: Li Huan , Zhao Yifan , Zhu Xiangwei , Xia Benzheng , Lu Kun , Yuan Liu , Zhang Jianqi , Guo Xuefeng , Yan Wei , Wei Zhixiang 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTMost of the narrow band‐gap polymers exhibit low open‐circuit voltage (Voc) which limits the further improvement of photovoltaic performance. How to improve the Voc through fine tuning of the chemical structure is a significant project that worth exploring. As a big and strong electron accepting unit, fluorinated‐quinoxaline based copolymers always show a narrow band gap and broad absorption which makes it a good template to study the changes of Voc through structure tuning. In this work, the effect of the subtle chemical structure modulation of polymer side chains and main chain on the Voc and photovoltaic performance was investigated. The Voc was adjusted effectively, and the power conversion efficiency (PCE) also was improved simultaneously. Although the PCE was not high enough as those high‐performance polymers reported at present, the result indicates that fine tuning of chemical structure is an effective way to improve Voc and photovoltaic performance for narrow band‐gap polymers. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 699–706
Phenyl (2‐quinolyl) methanol: A Valuable Reagent for Metal‐Free Reduction of Aromatic Nitro Compounds and Imines
Authors: Giomi Donatella , Alfini Renzo , Ceccarelli Jacopo , Salvini Antonella , Brandi Alberto 
Published: October 2016

AbstractPhenyl (2‐quinolyl) methanol (PQM) behaves as a new efficient reagent for metal‐free reduction of nitro aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds. The reduction proceeds in mild reaction conditions affording anilines in good yields. Phenyl (2‐quinolyl) ketone (PQK), the oxidation product of PQM, can be quantitatively recovered and reused after reduction making sustainable the overall process. The reduction outcome changes with electron‐deficient nitroarenes that afford the expected anilines and electron‐rich nitro compounds that give reductive amination products via reduction of imines formed by condensation of nucleophilic anilines with PQK. These multicomponent reactions were observed also with activated aldehydes and in the presence of acrylates for the synthesis of β‐anilino esters. The synthetic value of the new metal‐free reducing agent, unmatched by the well‐known Hantzsch ester, has been exploited in metal‐free Reissert indole and Friedländer quinoline syntheses.
Relational job characteristics and well‐being: A study among Portuguese and Brazilian hospital nurses
Authors: Santos Alda , Castanheira Filipa , Chambel Maria José , Amarante Michael Vieira , Costa Carlos 
Published: October 2016

AbstractNurse well‐being is a crucial factor in the quality of care given to patients and in patient safety. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between the psychological effects of relational job characteristics (PERJCs) and indicators of well‐being in hospital nurses. The data for this correlational study were collected from an online survey responded to by a sample of 620 hospital nurses (335 Portuguese and 285 Brazilian). Statistical procedures included structural equation modeling and multigroup analysis. A full mediation model was supported by data analysis, in which work‐related well‐being (i.e., engagement and burnout) explained the relationships between hospital nurses' perceived social worth and their context‐free well‐being. Moreover, in the Portuguese sample, the perceived social impact on client lives and the affective commitment to clients were indirectly related to the context‐free well‐being of nurses, through work engagement. Practical implications are presented in order to foster the PERJCs, thus contributing to nurse well‐being.
Impact of operating condition on the denitrifying bacterial community structure in a 3DBER-SAD reactor
Authors: Hao Ruixia , Meng Chengcheng , Li Jianbing 
Published: October 2016

AbstractTwo main operating parameters (influent C/N ratio and electric current intensity) were examined for their impacts on the denitrifying bacterial community structure in an integrated system of three-dimensional biofilm-electrode reactor and sulfur autotrophic denitrification (3DBER-SAD). It was found that genus β-proteobacteria played a leading role under different operating conditions. The influent C/N ratio illustrated a great impact on denitrifying bacteria diversity. When the C/N ratio decreased from 1.07 to 0.36, the Shannon–Wiener index and Simpson index increased from 2.44 to 2.71 and from 0.89 to 0.92, respectively, while the proportion of heterotrophic denitrifying bacteria Thauera decreased from 61.4 to 21.1%, and the sulfur autotrophic denitrifying bacteria (e.g., genus Sulfuricella and Thiobacillus denitrificans) increased from 3.5 to 19.3%. In terms of the impact of electric current intensity, the Shannon–Wiener index and Simpson index decreased from 2.71 to 2.63 and from 0.92 to 0.90, respectively, as the current intensity increased from 60 to 400 mA.
Complex fractionated atrial electrograms, high dominant frequency regions, and left atrial voltages during sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation
Authors: Sasaki Naoko , Watanabe Ichiro , Okumura Yasuo , Nagashima Koichi , Kogawa Rikitake , Sonoda Kazumasa , Iso Kazuki , Takahashi Keiko , Arai Masaru , Watanabe Ryuta , Kurokawa Sayaka , Ohkubo Kimie , Nakai Toshiko , Hirayama Atsushi , Nikaido Mizuki 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundAblation targeting complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAEs) or high dominant frequency (DF) sites is generally effective for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). CFAEs and/or high DF sites may exist in low‐voltage regions, which theoretically represent abnormal substrates. However, whether CFAEs or high DF sites reflect low voltage substrates during sinus rhythm (SR) is unknown.MethodsSixteen patients with AF (8 with paroxysmal AF; 8, persistent AF) underwent high‐density mapping of the left atrium (LA) with a 3‐dimensional electroanatomic mapping system before ablation. The LA was divided into 7 segments and the mean bipolar voltage recorded during AF and SR, CFAEs (cycle lengths of 50–120 ms), and DF sites were assessed in each segment with either a duo‐decapolar ring catheter (n=10) or a 64‐pole basket catheter (n=6). Low‐voltage areas were defined as those of <0.5 mV during AF and <1.0 mV during SR.ResultsRegional mean voltage recorded from the basket catheter showed good correlation between AF and SR (r=0.60, p<0.01); however, the % low‐voltage area in the LA recorded from the ring catheter showed weak correlation (r=0.34, p=0.05). Mean voltage was lower during AF than during SR (1.0 mV [IQR, 0.5–1.4] vs. 2.6 mV [IQR, 1.8–3.6], p<0.01). The regional and overall % low‐voltage area of the LA was greater during AF than during SR (20% vs. 11%, p=0.05). CFAEs and high DF sites (>8 Hz) did not correlate with % low‐voltage sites during SR; however, CFAEs sites were located in high‐voltage regions during AF and high DF sites were located in low voltage regions during AF.ConclusionsCFAEs and high DF areas during AF do not reflect damaged atrial myocardium as shown by the SR voltage. However, CFAEs and high DF sites may demonstrate different electrophysiologic properties because of different voltage amplitude during AF.
A multicenter, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial for cilostazol in patients with mild cognitive impairment: The COMCID study protocol
Authors: Saito Satoshi , Kojima Shinsuke , Oishi Naoya , Kakuta Ryosuke , Maki Takakuni , Yasuno Fumihiko , Nagatsuka Kazuyuki , Yamamoto Haruko , Fukuyama Hidenao , Fukushima Masanori , Ihara Masafumi 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIntroductionThere are currently no effective treatments preventing conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's disease. Cilostazol is a selective type‐3 phosphodiesterase inhibitor that ameliorates accumulation of amyloid‐β and has prevented cognitive decline in rodent models. Furthermore, cilostazol is known to suppress platelet aggregation, protect vascular endothelia, dilate vessels, and increase cerebral blood flow. Beneficial effects have also been shown in observational cohort studies, demonstrating the need for a prospective clinical trial.MethodsThe Cilostazol for prevention of COnversion from MCI to Dementia (COMCID) study is a double‐blind, randomized phase II study of patients with MCI. Participants will receive cilostazol or placebo for 96 weeks. The primary objective is to evaluate whether cilostazol slows down cognitive decline measured by the Mini‐Mental State Examination. Secondary objectives are assessing time to conversion from MCI to dementia and assessing incremental changes in several psychological assessment scales.DiscussionThe COMCID trial will identify the therapeutic potential of cilostazol. This trial, which is based on a drug repositioning strategy, may aid the development of a neurovascular treatment for neurocognitive disorders.
A pilot study examining the speed and accuracy of triage for simulated disaster patients in an emergency department setting: Comparison of a computerized version of Canadian Triage Acuity Scale (CTAS) and Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment (START) methods
Authors: Curran-Sills Gwynn , Franc Jeffrey M. 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo compare emergency department triage nurses’ time to triage and accuracy of a simulated mass casualty incident (MCI) population using a computerized version of CTAS or START systems.MethodsThis pilot study was a prospective trial using a convenience sample. A total of 20 ED triage nurses, 10 in each arm of the study, were recruited. The paper-based questionnaire contained nine simulated MCI vignettes. An expert panel arrived at consensuses on the wording of the vignettes and created a standard triage score from which to compare the study participants. Linear regression and chi-squared test were used to examine the time to triage and accuracy of triage, respectively.ResultsThe mean triage time for computerized CTAS (cCTAS) and START were 138 seconds/patient and 33 seconds/patient, respectively. The effect size due to triage method was 108 seconds/patient (95% CI 83-134 seconds/patient). The cumulative triage accuracy for the cCTAS and START tools were 70/90 (77.8%) and 65/90 (72.2%), respectively. The percent difference between cumulative triage was 6% (95% CI −19-8%).ConclusionsTriage nurses completed START triage 105 seconds/patient faster when compared to cCTAS triage and a similar level of accuracy between the two methods was achieved. However, when the typing time is taken into consideration cCTAS took 45 seconds/patient longer. The use of either CTAS or START in the ED during a MCI may be reasonable but choosing one method over another is not justified from this investigation.
Increased IgG antibody responses to excretory/secretory antigens in neonates born from mothers infected with filarial nematodes
Authors: Achary K.G. , Bal M.S. , Mandal N.N. , Satapathy A.K. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe present investigation aimed to evaluate the extent to which maternal filarial infection influences IgG subclass immune responses in the cord blood of neonates. Prevalence of antigenaemia was detected using an Og4C3 assay. Filaria-specific IgG subclasses against excretory/secretory antigens were measured by ELISA. Transplacental transfer of circulating filarial antigen (CFA) was observed from 34.8% of CFA-positive mothers to their respective cord bloods. Filaria-specific IgG1, IgG2 and IgG4 responses were significantly higher among cord bloods of infected mothers compared to cord bloods of uninfected mothers. In contrast, the IgG3 response was significantly higher among cord bloods of uninfected mothers. The study shows that transplacental transfer of filarial antigens and filaria-specific IgG4 occurs more in mothers having high worm burdens, and transfer of filaria-specific IgG3 occurs more in the cord blood of uninfected mothers. The findings of the study provide evidence for the development of prenatal sensitization to filarial antigens in utero, and high filaria-specific IgG4 in cord blood may serve as a marker for in-utero sensitization.
Effects of anatomical variation on trainee performance in a virtual reality temporal bone surgery simulator
Authors: Piromchai P , Ioannou I , Wijewickrema S , Kasemsiri P , Lodge J , Kennedy G , O'Leary S 
Published: October 2016

AbstractObjective:To investigate the importance of anatomical variation in acquiring skills in virtual reality cochlear implant surgery.Methods:Eleven otolaryngology residents participated in this study. They were randomly allocated to practice cochlear implant surgery on the same specimen or on different specimens for four weeks. They were then tested on two new specimens, one standard and one challenging. Videos of their performance were de-identified and reviewed independently, by two blinded consultant otolaryngologists, using a validated assessment scale. The scores were compared between groups.Results:On the standard specimen, the round window preparation score was 2.7 ± 0.4 for the experimental group and 1.7 ± 0.6 for the control group (p = 0.01). On the challenging specimen, instrument handling and facial nerve preservation scores of the experimental group were 3.0 ± 0.4 and 3.5 ± 0.7 respectively, while the control group received scores of 2.1 ± 0.8 and 2.4 ± 0.9 respectively (p < 0.05).Conclusion:Training on temporal bones with differing anatomies is beneficial in the development of expertise.
An archaeological analysis of a battlefield of the Second Punic War: the camps of the battle of Baecula
Authors: Bellón Juan Pedro , Rueda Carmen , Lechuga Miguel Ángel , Moreno María Isabel 
Published: October 2016

Since 2002, our team at the University of Jaén's Research Institute for Iberian Archaeology has been undertaking an archaeological research project focusing on the analysis of the site of a conflict that can indisputably be dated to the final phase of the Second Punic War. Based on the topography, descriptions in the ancient sources, and archaeological data, we present the hypothesis that the site we have located corresponds to that of the battle of Baecula. In that confrontation in 208 B.C., Scipio the Younger faced Hasdrubal Barca. It was a momentous battle, at least in terms of its subsequent outcome, given that it could be considered the event that triggered Hasdrubal's withdrawal to Italy.Our research project has yielded information which we believe to be paradigmatic in two respects. First, we have been able to ascertain the size of the area over which an armed confrontation of this type would have taken place, thanks to the identification of determining elements such as the different camps set up for the battle and their sizes. It covers the area where the armies clashed, where they were positioned and deployed, their movements on the battlefield, and so forth. Second, thanks to intensive sampling, we have recovered a corpus of finds that may be used in the future as a reference for the allocation of other sites to the period of the Second Punic War.
Early Roman copper-alloy brooch production: a compositional analysis of 400 brooches from Germania Inferior
Authors: Roxburgh Marcus , Heeren Stijn , Huisman Hans , Van Os Bertil 
Published: October 2016

We present here a compositional study of a large number of copper-alloy brooches, undertaken in 2014 using Handheld X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (HHpXRF). The brooches, which come from the area of Nijmegen, date from the Late Iron Age until the 2nd c. A.D. Our aim is to explore the ways in which artefact production was organized both in the context of Roman centres and in the countryside. The link between alloys and workshop organization will be elucidated before the methodology and results are presented. The results will then be discussed, leading to the formation of several hypotheses regarding the organization of workshops that produced metal artefacts.Scientific interest in the composition of ancient artefacts has existed for well over two centuries. Roman brooches in particular have been in the forefront of this research both because of their ease of categorization and because they are found in large numbers on archaeological sites. Much work has been done on how they were made and on the technical choices available to the craftsmen. In particular, the choice of alloying agents (tin, lead, zinc) added to copper demonstrated a complex relationship between composition and typology, especially in the debate over Roman or local production. The technological restraints imposed on these artefacts by different alloy ratios have been studied in some detail, especially in terms of casting in liquid form, into a mould, or being wrought through beating with a hammer.