bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Study of the Accuracy and Precision of Clinical Chemistry Determinations in 170 Canadian Laboratories
Authors: Tonks David B 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Lyophilized samples of two serum pools, prepared commercially, were sent to 200 Canadian clinical chemistry laboratories for estimations of total cholesterol, sodium, chloride, glucose, nonprotein or urea nitrogen, total protein, and inorganic phosphorus. The purpose of this evaluation study was to determine if these laboratories, as a group, were performing satisfactorily, and to help individual laboratories to evaluate their performances and detect gross errors in their results.
Values were reported from 170 laboratories. A summary of the complete data is presented in the form of tables, scatter diagrams, and frequency charts. It was found that there was a lack of accuracy and precision in many laboratories. Over 40% of the 3762 values reported fell outside of the allowable limits of errors and therefore were classified as unacceptable. These results indicated a need for improved performances in many of the participating laboratories.
The Direct Spectrophotometric Determination of Protein in Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Patrick Roman L , Thiers Ralph E 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
A rapid and sensitive direct spectrophotometric method for the determination of cerebrospinal fluid protein which uses as little as 0.1 ml. of sample has been described. The result is not affected by the ratio of albumin to globulin in the sample.
Interfering substances are removed prior to spectrophotometric measurement with an automatic separation chamber employing the principle of gel filtration.
Slight alterations of the procedure described for the measurement of protein enable one to obtain the nonprotein moiety for study or to measure proteins in other biologic fluids.
Rapid Cellulose Acetate Electrophoresis
Authors: Bartlett Raymond C 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
A method is described for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of abnormal hemoglobins including hemoglobin A2. Quantitative values are comparable to those observed with the starch block technic. The analysis is completed within 2 hr. The apparatus is the same as that used for quantitative analysis of serum proteins.
Enzymatic Oxalate Determination in Urine
Authors: Mayer Gerda G , Markow Deborah , Karp Frieda 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
A method depending upon the use of oxalic decarboxylase is described for the determination of oxalic acid in urine. The urinary oxalate excretion of 25 healthy persons measured by this procedure is found to average 20.5 mg. (COOH)2/24 hr. In 70 patients with calculus disease the oxalate titer of the urine was within the normal range.
The Effect of Fatty Acids upon Tumor Cell Respiration and Transplantability
Authors: Katchman Bernard J , Zipf Robert E , Murphy James P F 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The kinetic effect of palmitate, stearate, oleate, linoleate, and linolenate upon in vitro endogenous respiration of rat chloromyeloid leukemic cells has been investigated.
Inhibition of respiration has been correlated with the ability of fatty acids to cause decreased cell viability and cell count; in the bioassay of fatty acid-treated tumor inocula, the increase in animal life span is correlated to the degree of dilution of the inocula due to cell lysis.
The degree of lysis is dependent upon the chemical structure of the fatty acid, concentration, and duration of contact; unsaturated fatty acids are more effective than saturated fatty acids.
Tumor cells, when incubated at low concentrations of fatty acids, show stimulation of O2 uptake; however, in the bioassay these fatty acid-treated inocula showed no loss in tumor activity.
The nature of the physiochemical interaction between fatty acids and tumor cells is discussed.
Protein Electrophoretic Analyses of Serum of Cancer Patients
Authors: Graham W Donald 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The mean relative proportions of a number of blood serum protein fractions assessed electrophoretically are altered in active cancer. The changes in number and degree are generally greater than in other diseases; this may be a reflection of the seriousness of the condition and the extent of tissue involvement. A relative lowering of the proportion of albumin and an increase in that of the various globulins in "active" cancer was absent or much less apparent in treated cases.
Significant changes differ according to location of the malignancy. Proportions of the -globulins were not elevated in cancer of the gastrointestinal tract nor were those of the -globulins in prostatic cancer. Within the 2-globulins the central subfraction proportion was elevated most where tissue involvement was greatest, although in breast or prostate cancer the most pronounced alteration occurred in the proportion of the first 2-globulin subfraction. The subfraction of -globulin increased in proportion in cancer of the gastrointestinal tract differed from that elevated in cancer of the lung. Further refinement in fractionation techniques may reveal major differences in the serum protein distribution in different neoplasms. A considerable elevation of the 2-globulin proportion above the normal may be regarded as a sign of a poor prognosis.
Age had little significant effect with the exception of a rise in the third -globuIin subfraction proportion, which went through a maximum in the 50-59 year age group. The relative concentration of this same fraction was elevated in cardiovascular disease in hypertension and hypercholesterolemia.
A Simple Low-Voltage Paper Electrophoretic Method for the Determination of Urinary Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA)
Authors: Eichhorn F , Rutenberg A 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
A simple and accurate method for the determination of urinary 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-mandelic acid, vanillyl-mandelic acid (VMA), is described. The separation of VMA from all other phenolic acids in approximately 0.05 ml. untreated urine is achieved by using low-voltage paper electrophoresis with different buffer concentrations for the cathode and the anode. The concentration of the electrophoretically separated VMA is determined colorimetrically in the eluate. Values of excreted VMA in 24-hr. normal urine and those from subjects with pheochromocytoma differ considerably. We are now applying this new principle of "two solutions paper electrophoresis" for better separation of amino acids, proteins, and other biologic mixtures.
Microdetermination of Chloride in Blood Plasma and Cells, by Spectrophotometric Analysis Using Solid Silver Iodate
Authors: Rodkey F Lee , Sendroy Julius 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
As an extension of the silver iodate method of Sendroy, a convenient, reproducible, and sensitive method for analysis of chloride in 0.02-ml. samples of serum, whole blood, or red cells is described. The procedure involves (1) preparation of a protein-free filtrate of the sample, (2) Agl03 reaction with the filtrate, and (3) spectrophotometric analysis of iodine as the quantitative measure of the amount of iodate exchanged for chloride. Conditions important for each of these steps have been investigated. A precision of ± 0.85 (S.D.) mM CI per liter has been found for this method, the results of which are within 1% of those obtained by the macro nitric acid digestion method of Van Slyke.
Geographic assessment of cancer genome profiling studies
Authors: Carrio-Cordo Paula , Acheson Elise , Huang Qingyao , Baudis Michael 
Published: January 2020

AbstractCancers arise from the accumulation of somatic genome mutations, which can be influenced by inherited genomic variants and external factors such as environmental or lifestyle-related exposure. Due to the heterogeneity of cancers, precise information about the genomic composition of germline and malignant tissues has to be correlated with morphological, clinical and extrinsic features to advance medical knowledge and treatment options. With global differences in cancer frequencies and disease types, geographic data is of importance to understand the interplay between genetic ancestry and environmental influence in cancer incidence, progression and treatment outcome. In this study, we analyzed the current landscape of oncogenomic screening publications for geographic information content and quality, to address underrepresented study populations and thereby to fill prominent gaps in our understanding of interactions between somatic variations, population genetics and environmental factors in oncogenesis. We conclude that while the use of proxy-derived geographic annotations can be useful for coarse-grained associations, the study of geo-correlated factors in cancer causation and progression will benefit from standardized geographic provenance annotations. Additionally, publication-derived geographic provenance data allowed us to highlight stark inequality in the geographies of cancer genome profiling, with a near lack of sizable studies from Africa and other large regions.
Detrimental effects of cerebrospinal fluid pressure elevation on spinal cord perfusion: first-time direct detection in a large animal model
Authors: Haunschild Josephina , von Aspern Konstantin , Khachatryan Zara , Bianchi Edoardo , Friedheim Till , Wipper Sabine , Trepte Constantin J , Ossmann Susann , Borger Michael A , Etz Christian D 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage is routinely utilized to mitigate perioperative and postoperative spinal cord ischaemia in open and endovascular thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm repair to prevent permanent paraplegia. Clinical decision-making in the vulnerable perioperative period, however, is still based on limited clinical and experimental data. Our aim was to investigate the isolated effect of CSF pressure elevation on spinal cord perfusion in an established large animal model.

METHODS
Ten juvenile pigs with normal (native) arterial inflow (patent segmental arteries and collaterals) underwent iatrogenic CSF pressure elevation (×2, ×3, ×4 from their individual baseline pressure). Each pressure level was maintained for 30 min to mimic clinical response time. After the quadrupling of CSF pressure, the dural sac was slowly depressurized against gravity allowing CSF pressure to passively return to baseline values. Measurements were taken 30 and 60 min after normalization, and microspheres for regional blood flow analysis were injected at each time point.

RESULTS
Spinal cord perfusion decreased significantly at all mid-thoracic to lumbar cord segments at the doubling of CSF pressure and declined to values &lt;53% compared to baseline when pressure was quadrupled. Normalizing CSF pressure led to an intense hyperperfusion of up to 186% at the cervical level and 151% within the lumbar region.

CONCLUSIONS
CSF pressure elevation results in a relevant impairment of spinal cord blood supply. Close perioperative and postoperative monitoring of CSF pressure is crucial for maintaining sufficient spinal cord perfusion. Radical and rapid withdrawal of CSF is followed by significant hyperperfusion in all spinal cord segments and may lead to ‘drainage-related’ iatrogenic reperfusion injury—aggravating the risk of delayed spinal cord injury—and should therefore be avoided.
Post-extrasystolic potentiation as a predictor of premature ventricular contraction–cardiomyopathy in an animal model
Authors: Kowlgi Gurukripa N , Ramirez Rafael J , Kaszala Karoly , Joslyn Martha , Koneru Jayanthi N , Ellenbogen Kenneth A , Tan Alex Y , Huizar Jose F 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Aims
High premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) burden does not always predict the development of PVC-cardiomyopathy (CM). We sought to evaluate post-extrasystolic potentiation (PESP) of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) to predict the severity of PVC-CM in an animal model.

Methods and results
Right ventricular apical bigeminal PVCs were introduced for 12 weeks in 11 canines to induce PVC-CM. Echocardiograms were performed to obtain LVEF without ectopy (Echo-1) and during PVCs (200 and 350 ms coupling intervals, Echo-2, and Echo-3, respectively), and premature atrial contractions (PACs) (Echo-4) at baseline and after 12 weeks of bigeminal PVCs. PESP was calculated as delta-LVEF between the sinus beat post-ectopy LVEF (Echo-2, -3, and -4, respectively) and LVEF without PVC (Echo-1) at baseline and 12 weeks of high PVC burden. A hyperdynamic LV function (LVEF &gt; 70%) was noted in all animals only with early-coupled PVCs (LVEF at 200 ms: 74.4 ± 6%) at baseline. While PVC PESP at 200 ms had a strong significant correlation with the final 12-week LVEF (R = 0.8, P = 0.003), PVC PESP at 350 ms and PAC PESP had a positive but non-significant correlation (R = 0.53, P = 0.09, and R = 0.29, P = 0.34, respectively). Premature ventricular contraction PESP at 350 ms was significantly higher after PVC-CM had developed (delta-LVEF baseline 2.7 ± 2.9% vs. 12 weeks 18.6 ± 12.3% P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
Bigeminal early-coupled PVCs cause hyperdynamic left ventricular function in the structurally normal canine heart due to PESP. The degree of PESP at baseline is inversely proportional to the PVC-CM severity at 12 weeks and maybe a predictor of PVC-CM as it may assess the myocardial adaptation reserve to PVCs.
Estimation of radiated energy using the KiK-net downhole records—old method for modern data
Authors: Kanamori Hiroo , Ross Zachary E , Rivera Luis 
Published: January 2020

SUMMARYWe use KiK-net (NIED) downhole records to estimate the radiated energy, ER, of 29 Japanese inland earthquakes with a magnitude range from Mw = 5.6 to 7.0. The method is based on the work of Gutenberg and Richter in which the time integral of S-wave ground-motion velocity-squared is measured as a basic metric of the radiated energy. Only stations within a distance of 100 km are used to minimize complex path and attenuation effects. Unlike the teleseismic method that uses mainly P waves, the use of S waves which carry more than 95 per cent of the radiated energy allows us to obtain robust results. We calibrate the method using synthetic seismograms to modernize and improve the Gutenberg–Richter method. We compute synthetic seismograms for a source model of each event with a given source function (i.e. known ER), the actual mechanism and the source-station geometry. Then, we compare the given ER with the computed energy metric to correct for the unknown effect of wave propagation and the mechanism. The use of downhole records minimizes the uncertainty resulting from the site response. Our results suggest that the currently available estimates of ER from teleseismic data are probably within a factor of 3, on average, of the absolute value. The scaled energy eR ( = ER/M0) is nearly constant at about 3 × 10−5 over a magnitude range from Mw = 5.6 to 7.0 with a slight increasing trend with Mw. We found no significant difference in eR between dip-slip and strike-slip events.
Multivariable inversion using exhaustive grid search and high-performance GPU processing: a new perspective
Authors: Venetis Ioannis E , Saltogianni Vasso , Stiros Stathis , Gallopoulos Efstratios 
Published: January 2020

SUMMARYExhaustive searches in regular grids is a traditional and effective method for inversion, that is numerical solution of systems of non-linear equations which cannot be solved using formal algebraic techniques. However, this technique is effective for very few (3–4) variables and is slow. Recently, the first limitation was to a major degree overpassed with the new TOPological INVersion (TOPINV) algorithm which was used for inversion of systems with up to 18, or even more unknown variables. The novelty of this algorithm is that it is not based on the principle of the mean minimum misfit (cost function) between observations and model predictions, used by most inversion techniques. The new algorithm investigates for each gridpoint whether misfits of each observation are within specified uncertainty intervals, and stores clusters of ‘successful’ gridpoints in matrix form. These clusters (ensembles, sets) of gridpoints are tested whether they satisfy certain criteria and are then used to compute one or more optimal statistical solutions. The new algorithm is efficient for highly non-linear problems with high measurement uncertainties (low signal-to-noise ratio, SNR) and poor distribution of observations, that is problems leading to complicated 3-D mean misfit surfaces without dominant peaks, but it is slow when running in common computers. To overcome this limitation, we used GPUs which permit parallel processing in common computers, but faced another computational problem: GPU parallel processing supports only up to three dimensions.To solve this problem, we used CUDA programming and optimized the distribution of the computational load to all GPU cores. This leads up to 100x speedup relative to common CPU processing, as is derived from comparative tests with synthetic data for two typical inversion geophysical problems with up to 18 unknown variables, Mogi magma source modeling and elastic dislocation modeling of seismic faults. This impressive speedup makes the GPU/CUDA implementation of TOPINV practical even for low-latency solution of certain geophysical problems.This speedup in calculations also permitted to investigate the performance of the new algorithm in relation to the density of the adopted grids. We focused on a typical problem of elastic dislocation in unfavorable conditions (poor observations geometry, data with low SNR) and on synthetic observations with noise, so that the difference of each solution from the ‘true’/reference value was known (accuracy-based approach). Application of the algorithm revealed stable, accurate and precise solutions, with quality increasing with the grid density. Solution defects (bias), mainly produced by very coarse grids, can be identified through specific diagnostic criteria, dictating finer search grids.
A causal inference perspective on the analysis of compositional data
Authors: Arnold Kellyn F , Berrie Laurie , Tennant Peter W G , Gilthorpe Mark S 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
Compositional data comprise the parts of some whole, for which all parts sum to that whole. They are prevalent in many epidemiological contexts. Although many of the challenges associated with analysing compositional data have been discussed previously, we do so within a formal causal framework by utilizing directed acyclic graphs (DAGs).

Methods
We depict compositional data using DAGs and identify two distinct effect estimands in the generic case: (i) the total effect, and (ii) the relative effect. We consider each in the context of three specific example scenarios involving compositional data: (1) the relationship between the economically active population and area-level gross domestic product; (2) the relationship between fat consumption and body weight; and (3) the relationship between time spent sedentary and body weight. For each, we consider the distinct interpretation of each effect, and the resulting implications for related analyses.

Results
For scenarios (1) and (2), both the total and relative effects may be identifiable and causally meaningful, depending upon the specific question of interest. For scenario (3), only the relative effect is identifiable. In all scenarios, the relative effect represents a joint effect, and thus requires careful interpretation.

Conclusions
DAGs are useful for considering causal effects for compositional data. In all analyses involving compositional data, researchers should explicitly consider and declare which causal effect is sought and how it should be interpreted.
Emerging questions about merger notification and the Canadian response
Authors: Bester Keldon , Byers Jacqueline 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Amid a global uptick in public interest in competition policy, questions have emerged about the fitness of tools available to international competition authorities, particularly in relation to the digital economy. Treatment of mergers has come under increased scrutiny, and while the competitive analysis of mergers is a rich vein of debate, equally important is the question of which mergers competition authorities decide to analyse at all. We provide a brief overview of the Canadian approach to pre-merger notification, the emerging challenges associated with but not limited to the digital economy, and the Canadian response thus far.
Outcomes following surgical management of inguinal-related groin pain in athletes: a case series
Authors: Gerhardt Michael , Christiansen Josh , Sherman Benjamin , Miranda Alejandro , Hutchinson William , Chahla Jorge 
Published: January 2020

AbstractTo determine the outcomes of a limited surgical intervention, consisting of neurolysis, inguinal wall repair and/or adductor debridement of adhesions based on intraoperative findings. Retrospective case series. Outpatient orthopedic/general surgery clinic. Fifty-one athletes treated surgically for inguinal-related groin pain from 2009 to 2015. Limited surgical intervention, consisting of neurolysis, inguinal wall repair and/or adductor debridement based on intra-operative findings. Ability to return to sport at the same level, time to return to play. Fifty-one athletes were included in the study with an average follow-up of 4.42 years (range 2.02–7.01). The average age was 24.2 years (range 16–49) and consisted of 94.0% males and 6.0% females. Nerve entrapment was demonstrated in 96.2% of cases with involvement of the ilioinguinal in 92.5%, the iliohypogastric in 30.8% and the genitofemoral in 13.2%. Attenuation of the posterior inguinal wall was present and repaired in 79.3% of cases. Scar tissue was present around the adductor origin and required debridement in 56.7% of cases. Forty-nine (96.1%) athletes returned to sport at the same level of play at an average of 5.9 weeks. Two athletes required a revision surgery. High rates of return to sport were achieved after surgery for inguinal-related groin pain that addresses the varying pathology and associated nerve entrapment.
Ligamentum teres reconstruction: indications, technique and minimum 1-year results in nine patients
Authors: O’Donnell J , Klaber I , Takla A 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Ligamentum teres (LT) tear is a recognized cause of hip pain. Debridement of tears and capsule plication has shown satisfactory results. However, a group of patients with complete tears do not improve after debridement and physiotherapy. The purpose of this work was to describe the senior author’s technique and clinical results for the early series of LT reconstructions. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Patients who underwent isolated LT reconstruction between 2013 and 2018. All the patients had previous debridement of a completely torn LT, capsule plication and rehabilitation. Patients who had any other associated procedure during LT reconstruction surgery and dysplastic acetabular features were excluded. Demographic and clinical data was reviewed. Complications, type of graft and modified Harris hip scores (mHHSs) were recorded preoperatively and at 1-year follow-up. Fifteen LT reconstructions were performed during the study period. Six were excluded (as they had additional procedures performed during surgery) and nine patients aged a mean 30 (range: 22–48) years old were included. The patients had a mean of 2 (range: 1–4) prior surgeries. At minimum 12 months (range: 12–24) 9/9 patients reported reduction of pain and instability symptoms with mHHSs of 84.2 (73.7–100) versus 51.7 (36.3–70.4) preoperatively (P = 0.00094). Three patients (of the total cohort of 15) underwent second-look arthroscopy (11–22 months after reconstruction). None of these patients underwent total hip replacement at a mean of 4 (range: 1–6) years. Arthroscopic LT reconstruction improved function and pain in patients with persistent pain and instability after resection of the LT.