bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of rhythm on detection of auditory and vibrotactile asynchrony
Authors: Lauzon Andrew P. , Russo Frank A. , Harris Laurence R. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe perception of an event is strongly influenced by the context in which it occurs. Here, we examined the effect of a rhythmic context on detection of asynchrony in both the auditory and vibrotactile modalities. Using the method of constant stimuli and a two-alternative forced choice (2AFC), participants were presented with pairs of pure tones played either simultaneously or with various levels of stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA). Target stimuli in both modalities were nested within either: (i) a regularly occurring, predictable rhythm (ii) an irregular, unpredictable rhythm, or (iii) no rhythm at all. Vibrotactile asynchrony detection had higher thresholds and showed greater variability than auditory asynchrony detection in general. Asynchrony detection thresholds for auditory targets but not vibrotactile targets were significantly reduced when the target stimulus was embedded in a regular rhythm as compared to no rhythm. Embedding within an irregular rhythm produced no such improvement. The observed modality asymmetries are interpreted with regard to the superior temporal resolution of the auditory system and specialized brain circuitry supporting auditory–motor coupling.
Diltiazem Prophylaxis for the Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Thoracoabdominal Esophagectomy: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hochreiter Marcel , Schmidt Thomas , Siegler Benedikt H. , Sisic Leila , Schmidt Karsten , Bruckner Thomas , Müller‐Stich Beat P. , Diener Markus K. , Weigand Markus A. , Büchler Markus W. , Busch Cornelius J. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) represents the most frequent arrhythmic disorder after thoracoabdominal esophageal resection and is associated with a significant increase in perioperative morbidity and mortality.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, 167 patients who underwent thoracoabdominal esophagectomy at a large university hospital were assessed. We compared patients who received a 14‐day postoperative course of diltiazem with a control group of patients who did not undergo diltiazem prophylaxis. Diltiazem therapy started immediately upon admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) with a loading dose of 0.25 mg/kg bodyweight (i.v.) followed by continuous infusion (0.1 mg/kg bodyweight/h) for 40–48 h. Oral administration (Dilzem® 180 mg uno retard, once a day) was started on postoperative day 3.ResultsA total of 117 patients were assessed. Twelve (10.3%) of all patients developed postoperative new‐onset atrial fibrillation in the first 30 days after surgical intervention. Prevalence of new‐onset AF showed no significant differences between the diltiazem group and control group (p = 0.74). The prevalence of bradycardia (14.7% vs. 3.6%; p = 0.03) and dose of norepinephrine required (0.09 vs. 0.04 µg/kg bodyweight/min; p = 0.04) were higher in the diltiazem group. There were no significant differences between the groups for the median postoperative duration of hospital/ICU stay or mortality.ConclusionsA prophylactic 14‐day postoperative course of diltiazem was not associated with a reduction in new‐onset AF or 30‐day mortality following thoracoabdominal esophagectomy. Prophylactic diltiazem therapy was associated with drug‐related adverse effects such as bradycardia and increased requirement of norepinephrine.German Clinical Trial Registration Number: DKRS00016631.
Surgeon Experience with Parental Leave Policies Varies Based on Practice Setting
Authors: Bingmer Katherine , Walsh Danielle S. , Gantt Nancy L. , Sanfey Hilary A. , Stein Sharon L. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe increase in female surgeons has resulted in scrutiny of widely variable parental leave policies. We hypothesized that academic and private practice surgeons have different experiences based on difference in workplace expectations.MethodsA 25‐question survey was disseminated via social media and through the Association of Women Surgeons social media platforms from June 1 to September 15, 2017. An analysis of attending surgeons working in the USA in an academic or private practice setting was performed.ResultsOf 1115 total respondents, 477 were attending surgeons practicing in the USA. Practice distribution was 34% private and 47% academic. There was no difference in marital status, work status, or the number who report having been pregnant between the groups. Compared to academic surgeons, private practice surgeons were statistically less likely to have paid leave (p < 0.001) and were more likely to continue to pay benefits while on leave (p < 0.001). Private practitioners were more likely to return to work sooner than desired due to financial (p = 0.022) and supervisor (p = 0.004) pressures and were more likely to leave a job (p = 0.01). Academic surgeons were more likely to experience a delay in job advancement (p = 0.031). On multivariate analysis, more than two pregnancies were associated with an increased risk of perception of a bias and discrimination against pregnancy in the workplace.ConclusionsParental leave policies and attitudes vary between academic and private practice, creating unique challenges for female surgeons and different issues for family planning depending on employment model.
XUV laser mass spectrometry for nano-scale 3D elemental profiling of functional thin films
Authors: Bleiner D. , Trottmann M. , Cabas-Vidani A. , Wichser A. , Romanyuk Y. E. , Tiwari A. N. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractDirect nano-scale microanalysis is important for photovoltaic functional thin films to characterize their homogeneity and purity. This demands combining spatial resolution in the micro/nano-scale and sensitivity in the trace-level range, which is at the moment beyond state-of-the-art. As dictated by counting statistics, the reduction of the spot size degrades the detection limit. The utilization of a tabletop XUV laser at λ = 46.9 nm has shown to dramatically improve the ablation efficiency with respect to that of visible lasers, such that ablation spot of 1 μm limits. Li-doped Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (so-called kesterite) thin films were irradiated across 3D ablation arrays for hyperspectral mapping by means of time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The nominal 3D data node lattices were the initialisation perceptron, filled with measured values, and for a detailed supervised learning postprocessing, the node-to-node links were analysed by means of a 2D-kernel covariance algorithm. The latter permitted to obtain robust 3D elemental distribution functions well below the measurement spacing, giving insights into the inhomogeneity and impurities.
Characteristics of stratospheric polar vortex fluctuations associated with sea ice variability in the Arctic winter
Authors: Kim Jinju , Kim Kwang-Yul 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe leading two modes of winter (November–February) Arctic sea ice cover variability and their linkage to stratospheric polar vortex variations are analyzed based on the cyclostationary EOF techniques. The first mode represents an accelerating trend of Arctic sea ice decline associated with Arctic amplification, particularly in the Barents and Kara Seas. The second mode is associated with decadal-scale phase shifts of dipole sea ice anomalies in the North Atlantic caused by NAO circulation. The first two modes of sea ice variability represent respectively a forced climate change and internal variability, and result in temporally and spatially distinct stratospheric polar vortex weakening. Sea ice reduction in the Barents and Kara Seas for the first mode is linked to a stratospheric vortex weakening during mid January–late February. The second mode with the dipole structure of positive sea ice anomalies in the Barents and Greenland Seas and negative anomalies in the Hudson Bay and Labrador Sea is related to a stratospheric vortex weakening during December–early February. The spatial evolutionary structure of anomalous polar vortex also exhibits differences between the two modes. When stratospheric anomalies are fully developed, stratospheric vortex is shifted to Eurasia in the first mode and to Europe in the second mode.
Dipping and rotating: two maneuvers to achieve maximum magnification during indirect transnasal laryngoscopy
Authors: Fleischer Susanne , Pflug Christina , Hess Markus 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Since many years, office-based flexible transnasal laryngoscopy is a common routine procedure. The development of new technical equipment such as high-definition cameras and flexible tip-chip endoscopes nowadays allows for much more precise examination than a few years ago. In contrast to rigid laryngoscopy, it is possible to move the tip of the endoscope close to the vocal folds and to other structures of interest. Nevertheless, without professional handling of the equipment, one cannot benefit from the potential of the newest technology.

Method
Two easily performed and very helpful maneuvers in flexible endoscopy are described. The “dipping maneuver” enables a maximum magnification of the mucosal surfaces of the endolarynx as well as the examination of the subglottal region and the trachea by positioning the tip of the endoscope very close to the vocal folds or even in the upper trachea during long transnasal inspiration. During the “rotation laryngoscopy”, the tip of the endoscope is positioned in the posterior interarytenoid region by rotating the flexible endoscope by 180° and advancing it close to the glottis. This allows a close-up examination of the anterior commissure, the inferior aspect of the vocal folds and the inside of the Morgagni’s ventricle. Before performing transnasal flexible endoscopy, we routinely apply topical anesthesia sprayed intranasally.

Conclusion
The described techniques of flexible endoscopy are easily performed and allow a maximum magnification of the mucosal surfaces and otherwise not visible regions of the endolarynx.
Post-extubation stridor after prolonged intubation in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU): a prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Veder L. L. , Joosten K. F. M. , Schlink K. , Timmerman M. K. , Hoeve L. J. , van der Schroeff M. P. , Pullens B. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Prolonged endotracheal intubation may lead to laryngeal damage, with stridor being the most relevant clinical symptom. Our objective was to determine the incidence of post-extubation stridor and their clinical consequences in children within a tertiary referral center and to identify contributing factors.

Methods
150 children, aged 0–16 years, intubated for more than 24 h were prospectively enrolled until discharge of the hospital. Potential relevant factors, thought to mediate the risk of laryngeal damage, were recorded and analyzed.

Results
The median duration of intubation was 4 days, ranging from 1 to 31 days. Stridor following extubation occurred in 28 patients (18.7%); 3 of them required reintubation due to respiratory distress and in 1 child stridor persisted for which a surgical intervention was necessary. In multivariate analyses, we found the following independent predictors of stridor: intubation on the scene, the use of cuffed tubes and lower age.

Conclusion
Despite a high incidence for post-extubation stridor, only few children need reintubation or surgical intervention as a result of post-extubation lesions. Intubation on the scene, the use of cuffed tubes and young age are associated with a significant increased risk of post-extubation stridor. Awareness of these factors gives the possibility to anticipate on the situation and to minimize laryngeal injury and its possible future consequences.
Neurological update: dizziness
Authors: Kaski Diego 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe diagnosis and management of vertigo remains a challenge for clinicians, including general neurology. In recent years there have been advances in the understanding of established vestibular syndromes, and the development of treatments for existing vestibular diagnoses. In this ‘update’ I will review how our understanding of previously “unexplained” dizziness in the elderly is changing, explore novel insights into the pathophysiology of vestibular migraine, and its relationship to the newly coined term ‘persistent postural perceptual dizziness’, and finally discuss how a simple bedside oculomotor assessment may help identify vestibular presentations of stroke.
Impact of anti-epileptic drug choice on discharge in acute traumatic brain injury patients
Authors: Harris Lauren , Hateley Sofie , Tsang K. T. , Wilson M. , Seemungal B. M. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Anti-epileptic drug (AED) prophylaxis in the first-seven days post-traumatic brain injury (TBI) is known to reduce seizure frequency acutely. AED efficacy is equivalent; therefore, choice of AED may rest with their side-effects. We hypothesise that AEDs that impair balance will prolong recovery, shown by a longer hospital stay. We compared length of hospital stay (and reported dizziness) in TBI patients receiving the commonest AEDs used in our TBI patients, Phenytoin (which may cause imbalance), and Levetiracetam (which does not affect balance).

Method
A retrospective observational study was performed on TBI patients admitted to a Major Trauma Unit between October 2013 and June 2018. 100 of 278 patients treated with phenytoin or levetiracetam monotherapy for seizure prophylaxis were included. The inclusion criteria of admission Glasgow Coma Score of 14 or more and length of stay less than 3 weeks minimised confounding variables such as non-ambulant patients. Length of hospital stay and incidence of dizziness were assessed.

Results
The length of hospital stay was longer for patients on Phenytoin versus Levetiracetam, i.e., 10.74 vs. 7.58 days (p = 0.015; unpaired, two-sided t test). Dizziness reported by patients on phenytoin was 24% and levetiracetam was 8% (p = 0.018; Chi-squared test).

Conclusion
In this cohort, using Phenytoin for acute TBI, seizure prophylaxis was associated with longer length of stay and more dizziness compared to Levetiracetam. Given their equivalent AED efficacy in acute TBI seizure prophylaxis, our data suggest that Levetiracetam is preferable to Phenytoin for early seizure prophylaxis in TBI. This requires evaluation in larger, prospective studies.
One more look on visualization of operation of a root-finding algorithm
Authors: Gościniak Ireneusz , Gdawiec Krzysztof 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMany algorithms that iteratively find solution of an equation require tuning. Due to the complex dependence of many algorithm’s elements, it is difficult to know their impact on the work of the algorithm. The article presents a simple root-finding algorithm with self-adaptation that requires tuning, similarly to evolutionary algorithms. Moreover, the use of various iteration processes instead of the standard Picard iteration is presented. In the algorithm’s analysis, visualizations of the dynamics were used. The conducted experiments and the discussion regarding their results allow to understand the influence of tuning on the proposed algorithm. The understanding of the tuning mechanisms can be helpful in using other evolutionary algorithms. Moreover, the presented visualizations show intriguing patterns of potential artistic applications.
Indecomposable sets of finite perimeter in doubling metric measure spaces
Authors: Bonicatto Paolo , Pasqualetto Enrico , Rajala Tapio 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe study a measure-theoretic notion of connectedness for sets of finite perimeter in the setting of doubling metric measure spaces supporting a weak$$(1,1)$$(1,1)-Poincaré inequality. The two main results we obtain are a decomposition theorem into indecomposable sets and a characterisation of extreme points in the space of BV functions. In both cases, the proof we propose requires an additional assumption on the space, which is called isotropicity and concerns the Hausdorff-type representation of the perimeter measure.
Completeness and accuracy of data in spine registries: an independent audit-based study
Authors: Meyer Bernhard , Shiban Ehab , Albers Lucia E. , Krieg Sandro M. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Clinical registries are used for quality management and clinical research. Due to the importance and implications of both aims, completeness and high quality of data are of paramount importance. However, this remains uncertain, as none of these registries have implemented independent monitoring. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy and completeness of registry data o the example of the German Spine Society (DWG) registry.

Methods
In a prospective study, audits by a board-certified neurosurgeon were conducted at certified spine centers with mandatory registry input, a setting comparable to most existing registries worldwide. A 2-week period was analyzed, and any discrepancy between patients’ charts and the registry entry was evaluated. A median of 31 items per patient was evaluated including completeness and accuracy of data.

Results
Out of 17 centers willing to participate, 4 were still lacking any data entries. Even in the remaining 13 centers eligible for audits, 28.50% (95%-CI = [22.46–34.55]) of entries were finalized only after the audits were announced. Only 82.55% (95%-CI = [79.12–85.98]) of surgeries were documented, and on average 14.95% (95%-CI = [10.93–19.00]) of entries were not accurate with a wide variation (range; 6.21–27.44%) between centers. Aspects for improvement of the situation were identified.

Conclusion
Due to the high inaccuracy, the high number of centers lacking mandatory entries at all and the number of false entries, these data alert us to advocate unannounced audits and further measures to improve the situation. Data should not be used for the time being, since wrong conclusion will be drawn.

Graphic abstract
These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
Local stress distribution in composites for pulled-out fibers with axially varying bonding
Authors: Andrianov Igor V. , Danishevskyy Vladyslav V. , Topol Heiko 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe present a study on the local stress distribution in a composite for a single-fiber pulled-out model. We consider an interphase between a fiber of finite length and the matrix, and we take into account varying bonding conditions in the axial direction between the fiber and the interphase and between the interphase and the matrix. Bonding is modeled by a modification of the classical spring-layer model, in which the quality of bonding between two constituents is quantified by a proportionality constant that describes the ratio of the displacements to the acting shear stresses in an interface. The problem is studied for linear elastic and for viscoelastic problems by the means of the elastic–viscoelastic correspondence principle. In numerical examples, we illustrate the development of the normal stresses in the constituents and of the interfacial shear stresses for different bonding conditions as well as for viscoelastic creep in the matrix.
Prevalence of Sjögren’s syndrome associated with rheumatoid arthritis in the USA: an observational study from the Corrona registry
Authors: Harrold Leslie R. , Shan Ying , Rebello Sabrina , Kramer Neil , Connolly Sean E. , Alemao Evo , Kelly Sheila , Kremer Joel M. , Rosenstein Elliot D. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe objectives of this analysis were to assess the prevalence of Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to compare baseline characteristics of patients with RA with and without SS. Adult patients with RA from a large observational US registry (Corrona RA), with ≥ 1 visit for assessment of SS status between 22 April 2010 and 28 February 2018, were considered. Patients with RA with versus without SS were compared. SS status was determined from a yes/no variable and reported at enrollment into the Corrona RA registry and follow-up visits. Outcomes were unadjusted prevalence of SS in patients with RA, prevalence of SS by RA disease duration, and baseline characteristics in patients with RA by SS status. Of 24,528 eligible patients, 7870 (32.1%) had a diagnosis of RA and SS. The unadjusted overall rate for SS prevalence in patients with RA was 0.30 (95% confidence interval 0.29, 0.31). SS prevalence increased with increasing RA duration. Patients with RA with versus without SS were more likely to be older, female, and seropositive; had a longer RA duration; higher disease activity; and a higher incidence of comorbidities (hypertension, cardiovascular disease, malignancies, and serious infections), erosive disease, and subcutaneous nodules at index date. Patients with RA and SS had a higher disease burden than those with RA only. The prevalence of SS increased as duration of RA increased. RA with SS was associated with seropositivity, more severe RA, extra-articular manifestations, and comorbidities.Key Points• The overall prevalence of SS among patients with RA was 30%.• The prevalence of SS increased with increasing RA disease duration.• Identifying specific clinical characteristics of patients with RA with SS, such as a greater incidence of extra-articular manifestations and comorbidities, may help clinicians to better characterize this patient population.
Ignaz Semmelweis: a victim of harassment?
Authors: Schreiner Sonja 
Published: March 2020

SummaryIgnaz Semmelweis’ (1818–1865) discovery of the endemic causes offebris puerperalisis a striking example of the role of pathology in medicine. Transdisciplinarity encounters Semmelweis’ biography, which is neither linear nor totally focused on medicine. He completed thephilosophicum(artisterium), studying theseptem artes liberales(1835–1837) in Pest, comprising humanities and natural science. After moving to Vienna, he began to study law, but turned to medicine as early as 1838. In 1844, he graduated with a botanical doctoral thesis composed in Neo-Latin, showing linguistic and stylistic talent and a broad knowledge of gynecology and obstetrics. The style and topoi demonstrate the interchangeability of what he learnt during hispropaedeuticum. Nowadays, hardly anyone is familiar with this booklet, for two main reasons: the language choice and the life-saving impact of the physician’sopus magnumon the reasons for puerperal fever (Die Aetiologie, der Begriff und die Prophylaxis des Kindbettfiebers). In later life, he became convinced that he had no talent as a (scientific) author—a fatal error that led him to become a victim of what we now call “publish or perish.” Semmelweis had felt rejected for years. This negative feeling was the reason for his decision not to publish his great book for 14 years. When it finally went to the printer in 1861, the scientific community did not accept it. This experience caused psychosomatic symptoms owing to his long-standing and deeply felt disappointment. Bad conscience tortured him. This permanent stress destroyed his health: in 1865, his relatives (including his wife) and friends took him from Budapest to Vienna. He thought he was going to spend some time relaxing, but in fact was led into a newly built asylum for the mentally ill, theNiederösterreichische Landesirrenanstalt. When he realized what was happening, he tried to escape. Badly abused, he died from sepsis caused by open wounds and a dirty straightjacket 2 weeks later. This article will show Semmelweis to be a multilingual author of scientific literature and (open) letters; it will present him as a researcher who became a victim of harassment and what is referred to as the “Semmelweis reflex” (“Semmelweis effect”); and it will focus on his afterlife in (children’s) literature, drama, and film.