bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interobserver variability of selective region‐of‐interest measurement protocols for quantitative diffusion weighted imaging in soft tissue masses: Comparison with whole tumor volume measurements
Authors: Ahlawat Shivani , Khandheria Paras , Del Grande Filippo , Morelli John , Subhawong Ty K. , Demehri Shadpour , Fayad Laura M. 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundTo assess the interobserver reliability of three selective region‐of‐interest (ROI) measurement protocols for apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) quantifications in soft tissue masses (STMs) compared with whole tumor volume (WTV) ADC measurements.MethodsInstitutional review board approval was obtained and informed consent was waived. Three observers independently measured minimum and mean ADCs of 73 benign and malignant musculoskeletal STMs using three selective methods (single‐slice [SS], predefined three slices [PD], observer‐based [OB]) and WTV measurements at 3.0 Tesla. Minimum and mean ADC values derived from each method were compared with WTV measurements, and inter‐reader variation was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The time required for each method of ADC measurement was recorded.ResultsFor the SS, PD, OB, and WTV methods, minimum ADC values ((×10−3 mm2/s)) were 0.97, 0.78, 0.73, and 0.67, respectively, and mean ADC values ((×10−3 mm2/s)) were 1.49, 1.49, 1.51, and 1.49, respectively. Interobserver agreement was good to excellent for the minimum and mean ADC values for the three readers using the SS, PD, OB, and WTV (ICC range 0.78–0.90). The SS, PD and OB methods required the least amount of measurement time (14 ± 5, 40 ± 17, and 38 ± 15 s, respectively) while the reference WTV method required the longest measurement time (111 ± 54 s) (P < 0.01).ConclusionWhile all selective and WTV measurements offer good to excellent interobserver agreement, the selective OB method of ADC measurement results in the closest values to WTV measurements and requires significantly less measurement time than that required for the WTV method. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;43:446–454.
Novel neural approach for parameter extraction of microwave transistor noise models
Authors: Marinković Zlatica , Ivković Nenad , Pronić‐Rančić Olivera , Marković Vera , Caddemi Alina 
Published: July 2015

AbstractA novel approach for parameter extraction of microwave transistor noise models based on artificial neural networks is proposed in this work. Neural networks are applied to determine parameters of the noise model directly from the measured noise and small‐signal scattering parameters without any optimization procedure. Moreover, unlike the similar existing procedures, development of the extraction procedure does not require any measured data or optimizations in a circuit simulator, making the procedure more efficient, as described in detail in the paper. The approach has been applied to extraction of the Pospieszalski's noise model parameters for a specific pseudomorphic high‐electron‐mobility transistor (pHEMT) device working under different temperatures. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extreme seasonal droughts and floods in Amazonia: causes, trends and impacts
Authors: Marengo J. A. , Espinoza J. C. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTThis paper reviews recent progress in the study and understanding of extreme seasonal events in the Amazon region, focusing on drought and floods. The review includes a history of droughts and floods in the past, in the present and some discussions on future extremes in the context of climate change and its impacts on the Amazon region. Several extreme hydrological events, some of them characterized as ‘once in a century’, have been reported in the Amazon region during the last decade. While abundant rainfall in various sectors of the basin has determined extreme floods along the river's main stem in 1953, 1989, 1999, 2009, 2012–2015, deficient rainfall in 1912, 1926, 1963, 1980, 1983, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2005 and 2010 has caused anomalously low river levels, and an increase in the risk and number of fires in the region, with consequences for humans. This is consistent with changes in the variability of the hydrometeorology of the basin and suggests that extreme hydrological events have been more frequent in the last two decades. Some of these intense/reduced rainfalls and subsequent floods/droughts were associated (but not exclusively) with La Niña/El Niño events. In addition, moisture transport anomalies from the tropical Atlantic into Amazonia, and from northern to southern Amazonia alter the water cycle in the region year‐to‐year. We also assess the impacts of such extremes on natural and human systems in the region, considering ecological, economic and societal impacts in urban and rural areas, particularly during the recent decades. In the context of the future climate change, studies show a large range of uncertainty, but suggest that drought might intensify through the 21st century.
Local delivery of mutant CCL2 protein‐reduced orthopaedic implant wear particle‐induced osteolysis and inflammation in vivo
Authors: Jiang Xinyi , Sato Taishi , Yao Zhenyu , Keeney Michael , Pajarinen Jukka , Lin Tzu‐hua , Loi Florence , Egashira Kensuke , Goodman Stuart , Yang Fan 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTTotal joint replacement (TJR) has been widely used as a standard treatment for late‐stage arthritis. One challenge for long‐term efficacy of TJR is the generation of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene wear particles from the implant surface that activates an inflammatory cascade which may lead to bone loss, prosthetic loosening and eventual failure of the procedure. Here, we investigate the efficacy of local administration of mutant CCL2 proteins, such as 7ND, on reducing wear particle‐induced inflammation and osteolysis in vivo using a mouse calvarial model. Mice were treated with local injection of 7ND or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) every other day for up to 14 days. Wear particle‐induced osteolysis and the effects of 7ND treatment were evaluated using micro‐CT, histology, and immunofluorescence staining. Compared with the PBS control, 7ND treatment significantly decreased wear particle‐induced osteolysis, which led to a higher bone volume fraction and bone mineral density. Furthermore, immunofluorescence staining showed 7ND treatment decreased the number of recruited inflammatory cells and osteoclasts. Together, our results support the feasibility of local delivery of 7ND for mitigating wear particle‐induced inflammation and osteolysis, which may offer a promising strategy for extending the life time of TJRs. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:58–64, 2016.
Lateglacial to Holocene relative sea‐level changes in the Stykkishólmur area, northern Snæfellsnes, Iceland
Authors: BRADER MARTIN D. , LLOYD JEREMY M. , BENTLEY MICHAEL J. , NEWTON ANTHONY J. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTComparatively little research has been undertaken on relative sea‐level (RSL) change in western Iceland. This paper presents the results of diatom, tephrochronological and radiocarbon analyses on six isolation basins and two coastal lowland sediment cores from the Stykkishólmur area, northern Snæfellsnes, western Iceland. The analyses provide a reconstruction of Lateglacial to mid‐Holocene RSL changes in the region. The marine limit is measured to 65–69 m above sea level (asl), with formation being estimated at 13.5 cal ka BP. RSL fall initially occurred rapidly following marine limit formation, until ca. 12.6 cal ka BP, when the rate of RSL fall decreased. RSL fell below present in the Stykkishólmur area during the early Holocene (by ca. 10 cal ka BP). The rates of RSL change noted in the Stykkishólmur area demonstrate lesser ice thicknesses in Snæfellsnes than Vestfirðir during the Younger Dryas, when viewed in the regional context. Consequently, the data provide an insight into patterns of glacio‐isostatic adjustment surrounding Breiðafjörður, a hypothesized major ice stream at the Last Glacial Maximum.
Characteristics and gel properties of gelatin from goat skin as affected by pretreatments using sodium sulfate and hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Mad‐Ali Sulaiman , Benjakul Soottawat , Prodpran Thummanoon , Maqsood Sajid 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDGoat skin can be used as an alternative raw material for gelatin production, in which pretreatment conditions can determine the characteristics or properties of the resulting gelatin. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of pretreatment using sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on properties of goat skin gelatin.RESULTSPretreatment of skin using Na2SO4 (0–1 mol L−1) increased the yield of gelatin in a concentration‐dependent manner. When skins with prior Na2SO4 treatment were bleached using H2O2 (0–2 mol L−1), the resulting gelatin showed higher yield and gel strength than those without prior Na2SO4 treatment. All gelatins had α‐chain as a major component, followed by β‐chain. The degradation induced by H2O2 was lower in gelatin with prior Na2SO4 treatment. L* values increased with increasing H2O2 concentrations (P < 0.05) due to the bleaching effect of H2O2. With Na2SO4 and H2O2 pretreatments, gelatin gel had a finer and more ordered microstructure. Gelatin had an imino acid content of 217 residues/1000 residues with gelling and melting temperature of 22.49 and 32.28 °C, respectively.CONCLUSIONThe optimal pretreatment conditions for gelatin extraction from goat skin included soaking the skin in 0.75 mol L−1 NaOH, followed by treatment using 0.75 mol L−1 Na2SO4 and subsequent bleaching with 2 mol L−1 H2O2. This resulted in gelatin with superior quality to the untreated counterpart. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Liver transplantation for metastatic neuroendocrine tumors: Outcomes and prognostic variables
Authors: Sher Linda S. , Levi David M. , Wecsler Julie S. , Lo Mary , Petrovic Lydia M. , Groshen Susan , Ji Lingyun , Uso Teresa Diago , Tector A. Joseph , Hamilton Ann S. , Marsh J. Wallis , Schwartz Myron E. 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundPatient selection for liver transplantation for metastatic neuroendocrine tumors remains a topic of debate. There is no established MELD exception, making it difficult to obtain donor organs.MethodsA multicenter database was created assessing outcomes for liver and multivisceral transplantation for metastatic neuroendocrine tumors and identifying prognostic factors for survival. Demographic, transplant, primary tumor site and management, pathology, recurrent disease and survival data were collected and analyzed. Survival probabilities were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method.ResultsAnalysis included 85 patients who underwent liver transplantation November 1988–January 2012 at 28 centers. One, three, and five‐year patient survival rates were 83%, 60%, and 52%, respectively; 40 of 85 patients died, with 20 of 40 deaths due to recurrent disease. In univariate analyses, the following were predictors of poor prognosis: large vessel invasion (P < 0.001), extent of extrahepatic resection at liver transplant (P = 0.007), and tumor differentiation (P = 0.003). In multivariable analysis, predictors of poor overall survival included large vessel invasion (P = 0.001), and extent of extrahepatic resection at liver transplant (P = 0.015).ConclusionIn the absence of poor prognostic factors, metastatic neuroendocrine tumor is an acceptable indication for liver transplantation. Identification of favorable prognostic factors should allow assignment of a MELD exception similar to hepatocellular carcinoma. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:125–132. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Making a case for high‐volume robotic surgery centers: A cost‐effectiveness analysis of transoral robotic surgery
Authors: Rudmik Luke , An Wenyi , Livingstone Devon , Matthews Wayne , Seikaly Hadi , Scrimger Rufus , Marshall Deborah 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveTo evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) compared to intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for early stage (T1‐2, N0, M0) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).Patients and MethodsA Markov decision tree model with a 5‐year time horizon was developed. Comparative groups were: i) TORS with concurrent ipsilateral neck dissection +/− adjunctive IMRT, and ii) primary IMRT. Primary outcome was cost/quality adjusted life year (QALY). Perspective was the United States third party payer. Costs and effects were discounted at a rate of 3.5%. A threshold and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed.ResultsTORS strategy cost $30,992 and provided 4.81 QALYs/patient. The IMRT strategy cost $26,033 and provided a total of 4.78 QALYs/patient. The incremental cost effectiveness ratio for TORS vs. IMRT in the reference case was $165,300/QALY. The probability that TORS is cost‐effective compared to IMRT at a maximum willingness‐to‐pay threshold of $50,000/QALY is 42%.ConclusionAn IMRT strategy for management of early stage OPSCC is more likely to be cost‐effective compared to TORS. To improve the value of TORS for early stage OPSCC, consolidating TORS procedures to create high‐volume centers of excellence may be a potential strategy to increase incremental effectiveness and reduce incremental costs.J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:155–163. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of City Branding Literature (1988–2014) as a Research Domain
Authors: Oguztimur Senay , Akturan Ulun 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to systematically review the city branding literature, organize the subject matters and draw a map of the development and change in the city branding research domain. As a result, city branding literature is categorized under four thematic areas: (1) city branding concept, processes and measurement; (2) branding strategies; (3) social urbanism; and (4) branding culture and tourism. Most of the studies are research based. The qualitative methods are commonly used. There is a general tendency to describe the data but not to interpret the relations between the concepts and theories. Therefore, the knowledge is idiographic.
In situ observations of a doliolid bloom in a warm water filament using a video plankton recorder: Bloom development, fate, and effect on biogeochemical cycles and planktonic food webs
Authors: Takahashi Kazutaka , Ichikawa Tadafumi , Fukugama Chika , Yamane Misaki , Kakehi Shigeho , Okazaki Yuji , Kubota Hiroshi , Furuya Ken 
Published: July 2015

AbstractWe investigated distribution patterns of a doliolid (Dolioletta gegenbauri) bloom in relation to the physical environment using a video plankton recorder in the Oyashio–Kuroshio mixed water region. Using 12 km transects, doliolid blooms were encountered at a horizontal scale of about 2–3 km, which corresponds to submesoscale physical events. Doliolids were also consistently encountered in the subsurface layer above the pycnocline in warmer (> 14ºC) and higher‐salinity (> 34) water masses, and seawater density was the most critical factor affecting distribution depth. Compared to previous studies, the density and biomass of the blooms observed in this study (77 mgC m−3and 4600 inds m−3) were highest in the open ocean. Bloom formation consisted of two phases; first, the seeding population of a nurse stage increased rapidly to 2000 inds m−3by asexual reproduction, followed by asexual production of phorozooids. Estimated population clearance rates revealed that these dense patches could potentially sweep the surrounding water within 2–3 d. The incidence of exhausted and shrunken zooids was significantly correlated with patch density, suggesting that mortality was due to overgrazing. Shrunken doliolids appeared to sink below the pycnocline, corresponding to 8–17% of the particulate organic carbon flux at 150 m. Hydromedusae, pelagic polycheates, and sapphirinid copepods preyed on the doliolids. These results indicate that doliolids, which were seeded by populations originating from the Kuroshio, formed dense blooms in response to submesoscale physical events and would alter the sinking particle properties (i.e., biological pump) and the epipelagic food web structure through their grazing and mortality.
Targeted Imaging and Chemo‐Phototherapy of Brain Cancer by a Multifunctional Drug Delivery System
Authors: Hao Yongwei , Wang Lei , Zhao Yalin , Meng Dehui , Li Dong , Li Haixia , Zhang Bingxiang , Shi Jinjin , Zhang Hongling , Zhang Zhenzhong , Zhang Yun 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to develop multifunctional poly lactide‐co‐glycolide (PLGA) nanoparticles with the ability to simultaneously deliver indocyanine green (ICG) and docetaxel (DTX) to the brain by surface decoration with the brain‐targeting peptide angiopep‐2 to achieve combined chemo‐phototherapy for glioma under near‐infrared (NIR) imaging. ICG was selected as a near‐infrared imaging and phototherapy agent and DTX was employed as a chemotherapeutic agent. ICG and DTX were simultaneously incorporated into PLGA nanoparticles with higher stability. These nanoparticles were further decorated with angiopep‐2 via the outer maleimide group of 1,2‐distearoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine‐N‐[methoxy(polyethyleneglycol)‐2000]‐maleinimide incorporated in the nanoparticles. The NIR image‐guided chemo‐phototherapy of the angiopep‐2 modified PLGA/DTX/ICG nanoparticles (ANG/PLGA/DTX/ICG NPs) not only highly induced U87MG cell death in vitro, but also efficiently prolonged the life span of the brain orthotopic U87MG glioma xenograft‐bearing mice in vivo. Thus, this study suggests that ANG/PLGA/DTX/ICG NPs have the potential for combinatorial chemotherapy and phototherapy for glioma.
Synthesis of High Molecular Weight Cyclic Poly(ε‐caprolactone)s of Variable Ring Size Based on a Light‐Induced Ring‐Closure Approach
Authors: Wang Haodi , Zhang Li , Liu Binyuan , Han Bing , Duan Zhongyu , Qi Cuiyun , Park Dae‐Won , Kim Il 
Published: July 2015

High molecular weight cyclic poly(ε‐caprolactone)s (cPCLs) with variable ring size are synthesized via light‐induced ring closure of α,ω‐anthracene‐terminated PCL (An‐PCL‐An). The ring size of cPCL is tunable simply by adjusting the polymer concentration from 10 to 100 mg mL−1 in THF. The cyclo­addition via the bimolecular cyclization of An‐PC‐An is well characterized by a variety of analyses such as 1H NMR and UV–vis spectroscopies, gel‐permeation chromatography, and differential scanning calorimetry. The reversible dimerization of An induced by heating enables the cyclic PCL to have a switchable “on–off” capability. This novel light‐induced ring‐closure technique can be one of the most powerful candidates for producing various well‐defined cyclic polymers in highly concentrated polymer solution.
image
More Time with Tremor: The Experience of Essential Tremor Versus Parkinson's Disease Patients
Authors: Louis Elan D. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundA broad range of tremors occur in patients with essential tremor (ET) and Parkinson's disease (PD); despite this, there are virtually no published data that focus on the patient perspective. The aims were to (1) assess the subjective experience of tremor, comparing ET and PD patients and (2) assess the clinical correlates of that experience (i.e., what specific clinical characteristics were associated with more experienced tremor)?MethodsOne hundred twenty‐one ET and 100 PD cases enrolled in a cross‐sectional, clinical‐epidemiological study underwent a detailed clinical assessment, which included a series of standardized questionnaires and neurological examination. The question, “On a typical day, how many waking hours do you have tremor in any body part?” was also administered.ResultsEssential tremor cases reported more than 3 times the median number of waking hours experiencing tremor than PD cases: 10.1 ± 7.8 (median, 10.0) versus 5.5 ± 6.3 (median, 3.0) hours (P < 0.001). A small number of cases (especially ET) reported spending ≥16 h/day shaking. Greater number of hours experiencing tremor was associated with female gender, higher Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale scores, greater perceived disability, and, in ET, higher Essential Tremor Embarrassment Assessment scores.ConclusionsET patients reported more than 3 times the median number of waking hours experiencing tremor than PD patients. Certain clinical characteristics tracked with more reported tremor, and the number of such hours had clear clinical ramifications—greater number of hours was associated with both psychosocial and functional consequences.
Challenging the understanding of significant improvement and outcome in schizophrenia – the concept of reliable and clinically significant change methods
Authors: Schennach Rebecca , Möller Hans‐Jürgen , Obermeier Michael , Seemüller Florian , Jäger Markus , Schmauss Max , Laux Gerd , Pfeiffer Herbert , Naber Dieter , Schmidt Lutz G. , Gaebel Wolfgang , Klosterkötter Joachim , Heuser Isabella , Maier Wolfgang , Lemke Matthias R. , Rüther Eckart , Klingberg Stefan , Gastpar Markus , Musil Richard , Spellmann Ilja , Riedel Michael 
Published: July 2015

AbstractSignificant changes of schizophrenia patients during inpatient treatment were evalutaed and compared to established outcome criteria. The concept of reliable and clinically significant change methods was applied to three hundred and ninety‐six patients suffering from a schizophrenia spectrum disorder. First, information on whether or not the change of the patient's condition is sufficient in order to declare that it is beyond a measurement error or random effect (= reliable change) was evaluated and in a second step it was observed if the reliable change was clinically meaningful (= clinically significant change). Different Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale for Schizophrenia (PANSS) thresholds were applied to define the clinically significant change (40, 45 and 50 points). These changes were then compared to established outcome criteria such as response and remission. Seventy‐nine of the 396 patients (20%) showed a reliable improvement of symptoms, whereas 70% improved without achieving a reliable change of their condition. Of the 79 patients achieving a reliable change during treatment 8‐15% concurrently showed a clinically significant change depending on the respective PANSS threshold. In contrast, 56% of the patients achieved response and 60% were in remission at discharge when applying established outcome criteria. Our results showed that a rather small number of schizophrenia patients were found to reliably change during inpatient treatment, with even less patients achieving a clinically significant change. The concept of reliable and clinically significant changes revealed to be a lot more stringent than today's established outcome criteria and should be critically evaluated regarding its use in schizophrenia patients. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.