bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maximal metric surfaces and the Sobolev-to-Lipschitz property
Authors: Creutz Paul , Soultanis Elefterios 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWe find maximal representatives within equivalence classes of metric spheres. For Ahlfors regular spheres these are uniquely characterized by satisfying the seemingly unrelated notions of Sobolev-to-Lipschitz property, or volume rigidity. We also apply our construction to solutions of the Plateau problem in metric spaces and obtain a variant of the associated intrinsic disc studied by Lytchak–Wenger, which satisfies a related maximality condition.
A novel negevirus isolated from Aedes vexans mosquitoes in Finland
Authors: Suvanto Maija T. , Truong Nguyen Phuoc , Uusitalo Ruut , Korhonen Essi M. , Faolotto Giulia , Vapalahti Olli , Huhtamo Eili , Smura Teemu 
Published: September 2020

AbstractNegeviruses are insect-specific enveloped RNA viruses that have been detected in mosquitoes and sandflies from various geographical locations. Here, we describe a new negevirus from Northern Europe, isolated from pool of Aedes vexans mosquitoes collected in Finland, designated as Mekrijärvi negevirus (MEJNV). MEJNV had a typical negevirus genome organization, is 9,740 nucleotides in length, and has a GC content of 47.53%. The MEJNV genome contains three ORFs, each containing the following identified conserved domains: ORF1 (7,068 nt) encodes a viral methyltransferase, an FtsJ-like methyltransferase, a viral RNA helicase, and an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, ORF2 (1,242 nt) encodes a putative virion glycoprotein, and ORF3 (660 nt) encodes a putative virion membrane protein. A distinctive feature relative to other currently known negeviruses is a 7-nucleotide-long overlap between ORF1 and ORF2. MEJNV shares the highest sequence identity with Ying Kou virus from China, with 67.71% nucleotide and 75.19% and 59.00% amino acid sequence identity in ORF 1 and ORF 2, respectively. ORF3 had the highest amino acid sequence similarity to Daeseongdong virus 1 and negevirus Nona 1, both with 77.61% identity, and to Ying Kou virus, with 71.22% identity. MEJNV is currently the northernmost negevirus described. Our report supports the view that negeviruses are a globally distributed, diverse group of viruses that can be found from mosquitoes in a wide range of terrestrial biomes from tropical to boreal forests.
Multi-scale verification of distributed synchronisation
Authors: Gainer Paul , Linker Sven , Dixon Clare , Hustadt Ullrich , Fisher Michael 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAlgorithms for the synchronisation of clocks across networks are both common and important within distributed systems. We here address not only the formal modelling of these algorithms, but also the formal verification of their behaviour. Of particular importance is the strong link between the very different levels of abstraction at which the algorithms may be verified. Our contribution is primarily the formalisation of this connection between individual models and population-based models, and the subsequent verification that is then possible. While the technique is applicable across a range of synchronisation algorithms, we particularly focus on the synchronisation of (biologically-inspired) pulse-coupled oscillators, a widely used approach in practical distributed systems. For this application domain, different levels of abstraction are crucial: models based on the behaviour of an individual process are able to capture the details of distinguished nodes in possibly heterogenous networks, where each node may exhibit different behaviour. On the other hand, collective models assume homogeneous sets of processes, and allow the behaviour of the network to be analysed at the global level. System-wide parameters may be easily adjusted, for example environmental factors inhibiting the reliability of the shared communication medium. This work provides a formal bridge across the “abstraction gap” separating the individual models and the population-based models for this important class of synchronisation algorithms.
Carboxylic acid recovery from Fischer–Tropsch aqueous product by fractional freezing
Authors: Ahad Nuvaid , de Klerk Arno 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAbout half of the product from iron-based high-temperature Fischer–Tropsch synthesis is an aqueous product containing dissolved oxygenates. Volatile oxygenates can be recovered by distillation, but the bulk of the carboxylic acids remain in the water, which is called acid water. Fractional freezing was explored as a process for producing a more concentrated carboxylic acid solution from which the carboxylic acids could be recovered as petrochemical products, while concomitantly producing a cleaner wastewater. Solid–liquid equilibrium data were collected for aqueous solutions of acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid. A synthetic Fischer–Tropsch acid water mixture (0.70 wt% acetic acid, 0.15 wt% propionic acid, and 0.15 wt% butyric acid) was prepared and the liquid phase concentrations of the acid species at solid–liquid equilibrium were determined. Control experiments with material balance closure on each of the carboxylic acid species were performed at selected conditions. Having more than one carboxylic acid species present in the mixture meaningfully changed the solid–liquid equilibrium versus temperature of the system. The carboxylic acids partitioned between the solid phase and the liquid phase and a practical design would require multiple duty-controlled solid–liquid equilibrium stages, with most of the separation taking place in the temperature range 0 to − 5 °C.
Physico-chemical analysis of Commiphora wightii and borax coated herbal seton
Authors: V.S Sreelekshmi , P.N Rajeshwari , Tripathy Rabinarayan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Herbal seton (Kṣārasūtra) is a cost effective para-surgical technique employed in the management of anorectal conditions like fistula and hemorrhoids without causing much complications. Perennial non-availability raw materials, severe pain and allergic reactions are the major demerits of standard Kṣārasūtra demanding for its better options. Guggulu (Commiphora wightii) and Tankana (Borax) coated Kṣārasūtra (GTK) a modified variant of the standard is being used in the Anorectal Clinic under the Department of Shalyatantra (Surgery), Amrita School of Ayurveda since last 6 years. It has been observed for good patient tolerance, cutting and healing properties.
Methods The physico-chemical evaluation of GTK was conducted in the Quality Control (QC) lab of Amrita School of Ayurveda. The parameters assessed were length, weight, thickness, tensile strength, loss on drying, water soluble extractive, sulphated ash, pH and macroscopic appearance following the methodology elaborated in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API). Those were compared with the corresponding values of standard Kṣārasūtra prescribed by Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR).
Results The final results on each parameters were length – 39.44 cm, weight – 0.19934 g, thickness – 0.7147 mm, tensile strength – not less than 6.25 kg, loss on drying – 18.73%, water soluble extractive – 39.79%, sulphated ash – 12.89%, pH – 7.94 and macroscopic appearance – blackish brown.
Conclusion GTK was found less alkaline, higher in tensile strength, more in moisture content and less brittle in nature suggesting it as a safe choice in anorectal practice compared to the ICMR standard.
Polymorphisms of stress pathway genes and emergence of suicidal ideation at antidepressant treatment onset
Authors: Nobile B. , Ramoz N. , Jaussent I. , Dubois J. , Guillaume S. , Gorwood Ph , Courtet Ph 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe prescription of antidepressant drugs is one of the most frequently used strategies to prevent suicide and suicidal behavior. However, some patients develop suicidal ideation at antidepressant treatment onset, a phenomenon known as treatment-emergent suicidal ideation (TESI). Few studies have explored TESI pharmacogenomics. As the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis might be implicated in suicidal behavior, we assessed the relationship between TESI and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the HPA axis-implicated NR3C1 (n = 7 SNPs), FKBP5 (n = 5 SNPs), AVPR1B (n = 1 SNPs), CRHR1 (n = 1 SNPs), and SKA2 (n = 1 SNPs) genes, in a sample of 3566 adult outpatients with depression for whom an antidepressant treatment was introduced. General practitioners and psychiatrists throughout France followed participants for 6 weeks after the initial prescription of tianeptine, an antidepressant molecule showing mu agonism. Suicidal ideation was assessed with item 10 of the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (item dedicated to suicidal ideation) at baseline, and at week 2, 4, and 6 of treatment. Within the informative sample, 112 patients reported TESI and 384 did not. TESI was significantly associated with the TT genotype of the SNP rs6902321 in FKBP5 (OR = 1.76, 95% CI = [1.07; 2.90]; p-value = 0.03) and the GG/AG genotype of the SNP rs7208505 in SKA2 (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = [1.03;3.33]; p-value = 0.04). These associations were not significant after multiple test correction. Nevertheless, our results suggest a possible involvement of HPA axis elements in treatment-emergent suicidal ideation (TESI).
Use of a Novel Device in Reconstructive Venous Surgery: Preliminary Results
Authors: Camilli Daniele , Platone Alessandro , Ruggeri Massimo , Furgiuele Sergio 
Published: September 2020

AbstractEvaluation of the outcomes of OSES (oval-shaped external support), a novel device for external valvuloplasty of the great saphenous vein (GSV) for the conservative treatment of superficial venous insufficiency. Between 2012 and 2015, 30 patients underwent external valvuloplasty of the GSV for a total of 32 limbs. Patients were subjected to clinical and instrumental follow-up by a half-year ultrasound for a minimum of 36 months. The main endpoints were the recurrence of varicose disease, persistent or recurrent venous reflux, and venous thrombosis. Varicose recurrence was verified in six limbs on 32 (18.75%). Four limbs (12.5%) presented a recurrence of the reflux even in the absence of varicose veins. Two limbs (6.25%) underwent saphenectomy after the valvuloplasty intervention at 12 and 18 months, respectively, because of the presence of saphenofemoral reflux and varicose recurrences. No case of venous thrombosis of the saphenous trunk was observed. The external valvuloplasty of the GSV is a well-known technique that used to treat the superficial venous insufficiency. The newly introduced OSES device seems to show better midterm results, due to a better alignment of the valve flaps. In our experience, the use of this device gives better long-term results and allowed to extend the indication to patients with saphenic diameters that were considered not eligible for repair. In conclusion, although our data needs further confirmation, OSES device might represents a new interesting opportunity for reconstructive venous surgery.
Resting Brain Fluctuations Are Intrinsically Coupled to Visual Response Dynamics
Authors: Belloy Michaël E , Billings Jacob , Abbas Anzar , Kashyap Amrit , Pan Wen-Ju , Hinz Rukun , Vanreusel Verdi , Van Audekerke Johan , Van der Linden Annemie , Keilholz Shella D , Verhoye Marleen , Keliris Georgios A 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
How do intrinsic brain dynamics interact with processing of external sensory stimuli? We sought new insights using functional magnetic resonance imaging to track spatiotemporal activity patterns at the whole brain level in lightly anesthetized mice, during both resting conditions and visual stimulation trials. Our results provide evidence that quasiperiodic patterns (QPPs) are the most prominent component of mouse resting brain dynamics. These QPPs captured the temporal alignment of anticorrelation between the default mode (DMN)- and task-positive (TPN)-like networks, with global brain fluctuations, and activity in neuromodulatory nuclei of the reticular formation. Specifically, the phase of QPPs prior to stimulation could significantly stratify subsequent visual response magnitude, suggesting QPPs relate to brain state fluctuations. This is the first observation in mice that dynamics of the DMN- and TPN-like networks, and particularly their anticorrelation, capture a brain state dynamic that affects sensory processing. Interestingly, QPPs also displayed transient onset response properties during visual stimulation, which covaried with deactivations in the reticular formation. We conclude that QPPs appear to capture a brain state fluctuation that may be orchestrated through neuromodulation. Our findings provide new frontiers to understand the neural processes that shape functional brain states and modulate sensory input processing.
Implications of taxon-level variation in climate change response for interpreting plankton lifeform biodiversity indicators
Authors: Bedford Jacob , Johns David G , McQuatters-Gollop Abigail 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Indicators based on broad functional characteristics, which group plankton taxa into “lifeforms”, summarize changes across a high number of taxa in a way that reflects changes in community functioning and are used to inform policy assessments. Key questions remain, however, as to what extent plankton taxa within these lifeforms share responses to environmental change. Addressing this knowledge gap can provide additional information on the influence of environmental drivers, including climate change, on plankton communities. Here, we use a multi-decadal plankton time series to examine the extent to which taxa within lifeforms share responses to sea surface temperature (SST) change. At the North Sea scale, the individual taxa responses within the dinoflagellate lifeform are skewed towards a negative response to increasing SST, consolidating previous findings that dinoflagellate abundance is decreasing with ocean warming. The individual taxa responses within the zooplankton lifeforms, however, varied, suggesting that lifeform traits are less of a factor determining response to SST for zooplankton than for phytoplankton. The lifeform level of grouping taxa, therefore, is useful for communicating change in the state and functioning of ecosystems, but finer taxonomically resolved data are essential for determining the drivers of plankton community change, including climate influences, during formal assessments.
Genetic Variant of TBX1 Gene Is Functionally Associated With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis in the Chinese Population
Authors: Li Yang , Wu Zhichong , Xu LeiLei , Feng Zhenhua , Wang Yuwen , Dai Zhicheng , Liu Zhen , Sun Xu , Qiu Yong , Zhu Zezhang 
Published: September 2020

Study Design.
A genetic association study.

Objective.
The aim of this study was to investigate whether rs1978060 of TBX1 gene was a susceptible locus of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in the Chinese Han population and to better define the functional role of TBX1 in the development and progression of AIS.

Summary of Background Data.
A recent genome-wide association study reported a novel susceptible locus in TBX1 gene, which was associated with the development of AIS in the Japanese population. However, there is a paucity of knowledge concerning the functional role of TBX1 in the Chinese AIS population.

Methods.
The SNP rs1978060 was genotyped in 1725 female AIS patients and 2600 healthy controls. Paraspinal muscle samples were collected from 30 AIS patients and 26 age-matched congenital scoliosis (CS) patients for the analysis of tissue expression. The differences of genotype and allele distributions between the patients and the controls were calculated using the χ
2 test. The Pearson correlation analysis was carried out to investigate the relation between the expression of the PAX1 gene and the curve severity.

Results.
SNP rs1978060 was significantly associated with the susceptibility of AIS. Allele G of rs1978060 could significantly add to the risk of AIS with an odds ratio of 1.12. The tissue expression of TBX1 was obviously decreased in AIS patients. There was a remarkable correlation between the curve magnitude and the TBX1 expression (r = −0.519, P = 0.003).

Conclusion.
The association between TBX1 and the susceptibility of AIS was successfully replicated in the Chinese population. Moreover, rs1978060 may be a functional variant regulating the expression of TBX1. More studies were warranted to explore the functional role of TBX1 in the onset and progression of AIS.

Level of Evidence: 3
Limited Cost Benefit of Lateral Interbody Fusion for Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery
Authors: Yamamoto Tatsuya , Yagi Mitsuru , Suzuki Satoshi , Nori Satoshi , Tsuji Osahiko , Nagoshi Narihito , Okada Eijiro , Fujita Nobuyuki , Nakamura Masaya , Matsumoto Morio , Watanabe Kota 
Published: September 2020

Study Design.
Retrospective case series.

Objective.
The aim of this study was to compare the utility and cost-effectiveness of multilevel lateral interbody fusion (LIF) combined with posterior spinal fusion (PSF) (L group) and conventional PSF (with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion) (P group) in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery.

Summary of Background Data.
The clinical and radiographic outcomes of multilevel LIF for ASD have been reported favorable; however, the cost benefit of LIF in conjunction with PSF is still controversial.

Methods.
Retrospective comparisons of 88 surgically treated ASD patients with minimum 2-year follow-up from a multicenter database (L group [n = 39] and P group [n = 49]) were performed. Demographic and radiographic data, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and the direct hospitalization cost for the initial surgery and 2-year total hospitalization cost were analyzed.

Results.
Analyses of sagittal spinal alignment showed no significant difference between the two groups at baseline and 2 years post-operation. Surgical time was longer in the L group (L vs. P: 354 vs. 268 minutes, P < 0.01), whereas the amount of blood loss was greater in the P group (494 vs. 678 mL, P = 0.03). The HRQoL was improved similarly at 2 years post-operation (L vs. P: SRS-22 total score, 3.86 vs. 3.80, P = 0.54), with comparable revision rates (L vs. P: 18% vs. 10%, P = 0.29). The total direct cost of index surgery was significantly higher in the L group (65,937 vs. 49,849 USD, P < 0.01), which was mainly due to the operating room cost, including implant cost (54,466 vs. 41,328 USD, P < 0.01). In addition, the 2-year total hospitalization cost, including revision surgery, was also significantly higher in the L group (70,847 vs. 52,560 USD, P < 0.01).

Conclusion.
LIF with PSF is a similarly effective surgery for ASD when compared with conventional PSF. However, due to the significantly higher cost, additional studies on the cost-effectiveness of LIF in different ASD patient cohorts are warranted.

Level of Evidence: 3
The Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis in Cyprus: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Hadjimichail Kyriakos , Asimakopoulou Evanthia , Charalambous Demetra , Pantzaris Marios , Theodosis-Nobelos Panagiotis , Triantis Charalampos 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and degenerative disorder of the central nervous system with significant immune participation. It can cause a variety of symptoms that may impact quality of life. This study investigates sexual dysfunction (SD) in patients with MS in Cyprus and compares it with a sample of the general population. METHODS: The sample includes 107 patients with MS and 104 healthy controls. Recruitment was based on simple random sampling during their follow-up at a neurology clinic. Data collection for this study was carried out from May to September 2019. RESULTS: Among patients with MS, 29.9% experienced SD symptoms (40.0% men and 23.9% women), whereas in the healthy population, the percentage with SD was 12.5%. Although 10 women with MS expressed SD symptoms, they did not categorize themselves as having sexual problems. Almost 90% of all patients reported that they have never been tested for SD. CONCLUSION: Patients with MS have a higher rate of SD than the healthy control population, especially for the female population. There is a growing need for clinical advice on the issue of SD.
Postcraniotomy Patients' Readiness for Discharge and Predictors of Their Readiness for Discharge
Authors: Baksi Altun , Arda Sürücü Hamdiye , I˙nal Gülşah 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Postcraniotomy individuals should be monitored because of the direct influence on brain function as well as constraints caused by underlying illness. The relationship between demographic and clinical characteristics of postcraniotomy individuals and their readiness for discharge was examined. METHODS: A descriptive correlational study included 150 individuals. The Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale and demographic variables were examined using descriptive statistics, correlation, and stepwise multiple linear regression. RESULTS: The mean postcraniotomy score for the subdimension of knowledge related to readiness for discharge was 5.13 ± 3.04, and mean score for the whole scale was 7.76 ± 1.48. The individuals' age, employment status, presence of a person to provide care at home, poor financial status, and first hospitalization during the lifetime of the patient were statistically significant predictors of their readiness for discharge. This model was statistically significant (F = 25.572, P < .001) and accounted for 57% of the variance in discharge readiness. CONCLUSION: Patients had moderate levels of readiness for discharge and low levels of discharge-related knowledge. The findings point to the importance of individual approach to the discharge planning.
Preventing Alveolar Osteitis After Molar Extraction Using Chlorhexidine Rinse and Gel: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: WANG Chia-Hui , YANG Shu-Hui , JEN Hsiu-Ju , TSAI Jui-Chen , LIN Hsi-Kuei , LOH El-Wui 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACT

Background
Alveolar osteitis (AO) may occur after molar extraction. Chlorhexidine (CHX) rinse and CHX gel are widely used to prevent AO. Although previous meta-analyses support the effectiveness of both CHX rinse and CHX gel in preventing AO, important issues regarding these two formulations have not been addressed adequately in the literature.

Purpose
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted to determine the effectiveness of CHX rinse and CHX gel in preventing AO.

Methods
PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Cochrane databases were searched for randomized controlled trials published before June 2018. The risk ratio (RR) was used to estimate the pooled effect of AO incidence using a random-effect model.

Results
The RRs of AO in patients treated with 0.12% CHX rinse (RR = 0.54, 95% CI [0.41, 0.72]) and 0.2% CHX rinse (RR = 0.84, 95% CI [0.52, 1.35]) were significantly lower than in those treated with the control. Moreover, a significantly lower RR was identified in patients treated with 0.2% CHX gel (RR = 0.47, 95% CI [0.34, 0.64]) than in those treated with the control. When CHX products of different concentrations were grouped together, patients treated with CHX rinse showed an RR of AO of 0.61 (95% CI [0.48, 0.78]) and those treated with CHX gel showed an RR of AO of 0.44 (95% CI [0.43, 0.65]). On the other hand, a meta-analysis of three trials that compared CHX rinse and CHX gel directly showed a significantly lower RR of AO in patients treated with CHX rinse than in those treated with CHX gel (RR = 0.56, 95% CI [0.34, 0.96]).

Conclusions/Implications for Practice
The results support the effectiveness of both CHX rinse and gel in reducing the risk of AO after molar extraction. Each formulation provides unique benefits in terms of ease of application and cost. On the basis of the results of this study, the authors recommend that CHX gel be used immediately after molar extraction because of the convenience and cost-effectiveness of this treatment and that CHX rinse be used by the patient after discharge at home in combination with appropriate health education and case management.