bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Foley Balloon Facilitates Creation of Working Space in Transoral Thyroidectomy
Authors: Liang Tsung‐Jung , Tsai Chung‐Yu , Chen I‐Shu 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundTransoral thyroidectomy via the vestibular approach retains no scars in the body surface and is a good option for patients indicated for thyroidectomy but with cosmetic concerns. However, the working space of this procedure is relatively small and is also difficult to create compared with that of other remote‐access thyroidectomy procedures.MethodsIn this study, we first created a tract from the chin to the sternal notch, after which a Foley catheter with stylet was inserted through the middle oral incision. Sequential balloon insufflations were performed to dilate the entire subplatysmal tunnel.ResultsAfter Foley catheter dilatation, the subplatysmal space was larger, and subsequent trocar insertion became much easier. With the help of a balloon compressing the surrounding tissue, hemostasis was secured and a clearer tissue plane could be identified for subsequent sharp dissection.ConclusionsFoley balloon dilatation is a simple, effective, and low‐cost technique that overcomes the difficulty in creation of working space during the initial stage and can be applied to all transoral thyroidectomy procedures.
Unresolved issues of immune tolerance in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Lee Hye Won , Chan Henry Lik-Yuen 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDuring the natural course of chronic hepatitis B virus infection, immune-tolerant phase is characterized by high viral replication, the presence of HBV e antigen (HBeAg), and normal or minimally elevated serum alanine aminotransferase. Immune-tolerant phase is usually regarded as a benign course of the disease. International guidelines recommend observation rather than treatment during immune-tolerant phase. In this article, we review unresolved issues related to the definition of true immune-tolerant phase and the benefit of antiviral treatment. Defining true immune-tolerant phase requires a careful approach and long-term follow-up. In previous studies, many patients were misclassified as being immune-tolerant phase. Noninvasive methods of assessing fibrosis are warranted for patients in the immune-tolerant phase. Yet, there has been controversy over the benefit and harm of antiviral treatment for immune-tolerant phase patients. Thus, further larger scale studies are needed to investigate the prognosis of patients in true immune-tolerant phase and their need for antiviral therapy.
The Capacity of Generic Musculoskeletal Simulations to Predict Knee Joint Loading Using the CAMS-Knee Datasets
Authors: Imani Nejad Zohreh , Khalili Khalil , Hosseini Nasab Seyyed Hamed , Schütz Pascal , Damm Philipp , Trepczynski Adam , Taylor William R. , Smith Colin R. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMusculoskeletal models enable non-invasive estimation of knee contact forces (KCFs) during functional movements. However, the redundant nature of the musculoskeletal system and uncertainty in model parameters necessitates that model predictions are critically evaluated. This study compared KCF and muscle activation patterns predicted using a scaled generic model and OpenSim static optimization tool against in vivo measurements from six patients in the CAMS-knee datasets during level walking and squatting. Generally, the total KCFs were under-predicted (RMS: 47.55%BW, R2: 0.92) throughout the gait cycle, but substiantially over-predicted (RMS: 105.7%BW, R2: 0.81) during squatting. To understand the underlying etiology of the errors, muscle activations were compared to electromyography (EMG) signals, and showed good agreement during level walking. For squatting, however, the muscle activations showed large descrepancies especially for the biceps femoris long head. Errors in the predicted KCF and muscle activation patterns were greatest during deep squat. Hence suggesting that the errors mainly originate from muscle represented at the hip and an associated muscle co-contraction at the knee. Furthermore, there were substaintial differences in the ranking of subjects and activities based on peak KCFs in the simulations versus measurements. Thus, future simulation study designs must account for subject-specific uncertainties in musculoskeletal predictions.
Recovery in Supported Accommodations: A Scoping Review and Synthesis of Interventions for People with Severe Mental Illness
Authors: Bitter Neis , Roeg Diana , van Nieuwenhuizen Chijs , van Weeghel Jaap 
Published: February 2020

AbstractResearch on the recovery domains beside clinical recovery of people with severe mental illness in need of supported accommodations is limited. The aim of this study was (1) to investigate which recovery interventions exist for this group of people and (2) to explore the scientific evidence. We conducted a scoping review, including studies with different designs, evaluating the effectiveness the recovery interventions available. The search resulted in 53 eligible articles of which 22 focused on societal recovery, six on personal recovery, five on functional recovery, 13 on lifestyle-interventions, and seven on creative and spiritual interventions. About a quarter of these interventions showed added value and half of them initial promising results. The research in this area is still limited, but a number of recovery promoting interventions on other areas than clinical recovery have been developed and evaluated. Further innovation and research to strengthen and repeat the evidence are needed.
Determination of Creep Properties of Clays from VRS Oedometer Tests
Authors: Länsivaara Tim Tapani 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe determination of creep properties still relies almost entirely on the incrementally loaded oedometer test introduced about 100 years ago. Although the simplicity of the test assures a robust evaluation of soil parameters, it also introduces some shortcomings like discontinuity of the evaluated parameters and the long duration of the test. In this study, the performance of the variable rate of strain (VRS) oedometer test for determination of creep properties of a sensitive soft clay is studied. The results from a comprehensive test series of VRS oedometer tests on a soft sensitive clay is presented. Three different setups for the strain rate variation were used, and each test was repeated thrice. The tests showed good consistency and yielded equal creep parameters compared to values from traditional incrementally loaded (IL) oedometer tests. The tests further verified that it is possible to describe the complex stress dependency of creep parameters with just one additional parameter to the primary deformation parameters. Compared to the IL tests, the VRS tests offers a faster determination and continuous creep properties for a wide range of stress.
Horizontal gene transfer for recombining graphs
Authors: Atkinson Timothy , Plump Detlef , Stepney Susan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe introduce a form of neutral horizontal gene transfer (HGT) to evolving graphs by graph programming (EGGP). We introduce the$$\mu \times \lambda$$μ×λevolutionary algorithm (EA), where$$\mu$$μparents each produce$$\lambda$$λchildren who compete only with their parents. HGT events then copy the entire active component of one surviving parent into the inactive component of another parent, exchanging genetic information without reproduction. Experimental results from symbolic regression problems show that the introduction of the$$\mu \times \lambda$$μ×λEA and HGT events improve the performance of EGGP. Comparisons with genetic programming and Cartesian genetic programming strongly favour our proposed approach. We also investigate the effect of using HGT events in neuroevolution tasks. We again find that the introduction of HGT improves the performance of EGGP, demonstrating that HGT is an effective cross-domain mechanism for recombining graphs.
Bregman Itoh–Abe Methods for Sparse Optimisation
Authors: Benning Martin , Riis Erlend Skaldehaug , Schönlieb Carola-Bibiane 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn this paper we propose optimisation methods for variational regularisation problems based on discretising the inverse scale space flow with discrete gradient methods. Inverse scale space flow generalises gradient flows by incorporating a generalised Bregman distance as the underlying metric. Its discrete-time counterparts, Bregman iterations and linearised Bregman iterations are popular regularisation schemes for inverse problems that incorporate a priori information without loss of contrast. Discrete gradient methods are tools from geometric numerical integration for preserving energy dissipation of dissipative differential systems. The resultant Bregman discrete gradient methods are unconditionally dissipative and achieve rapid convergence rates by exploiting structures of the problem such as sparsity. Building on previous work on discrete gradients for non-smooth, non-convex optimisation, we prove convergence guarantees for these methods in a Clarke subdifferential framework. Numerical results for convex and non-convex examples are presented.
An overview of forest loss and restoration in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: da Cruz Denis Conrado , Benayas José Maria Rey , Ferreira Gracialda Costa , Santos Sabrina Ribeiro , Schwartz Gustavo 
Published: February 2020

AbstractForest restoration is a strategy to reverse forest loss and degradation. We overviewed deforestation in the period 1975–2018 in the Brazilian Amazon and the projects, techniques, and scientific publications conducted to recover forest in the area by 2019. We used GIS to assess forest loss and a systematic data collection gathered from 12 universities, five major environmental agencies, and an ad-hoc bibliographic survey that rendered information from 405 restoration projects and 152 published studies. The Brazilian Amazon has undergone an accelerated deforestation in the last 43 years, resulting in 20% (788,353 km2) of its territory deforested by 2018. Deforestation rate was 27,033 km2 yr−1 between 1975 and 1987 and 14,542 km2 yr−1 between 1988 and 2018 (1.97% yr−1 of forest loss between 1975 and 2018). In 2018, 41 Amazonian municipalities were classified as priority areas for monitoring and control deforestation and 21 additional municipalities were deemed as areas with controlled deforestation. Our survey identified 405 projects of forest restoration in 191 municipalities between 1950 and 2017. The majority (229) of these projects used seedling planting as the main forest restoration technique. Forest restoration projects based upon agroforestry systems (144), assisted natural regeneration (27), and natural regeneration (5) were also identified. Despite a considerable number of projects and publications, the region still lacks scientific studies that reinforce the choice of best practices for forest restoration, and the information currently available is not enough to quantify what has already been recovered or the potential area to be restored.
Talent dispositionalism
Authors: Robb Catherine M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTalents often play a significant role in our personal and social lives. For example, our talents may shape the choices we make and the goods that we value, making them central to the creation of a meaningful life. Differences in the level of talents also affect how social institutions are structured, and how social goods and resources are distributed. Despite their normative importance, it is surprising that talents have not yet received substantial philosophical analysis in their own right. As a result, the current literature is rife with conceptual ambiguity: a talent is referred to as all of a skill, potential, ability, capacity, endowment, and a natural gift. In response to this confusion, in this paper I develop an account of what a talent is, based on the debate concerning the metaphysics of ability and dispositions. I argue for a position that I call ‘talent dispositionalism’:Shas a talent for skillAin circumstancesCiffShas the general disposition to excellently develop and maintainAwhen, in circumstancesC, she tries to excellently develop and maintainA. On this account, a talent is not the skill itself, but a general iterated ability for the excellent development and up-keep of a particular skill, constituted by an agent’s dispositional properties. I defend the account against four objections usually levelled against traditional dispositionalist theories of ability, and highlight some ways the account may influence debates in other areas of philosophical inquiry.
On the Precipitation-Strengthening Contribution of the Ta-Containing Co3(Al,W)-Phase to the Creep Properties of γ/γ′ Cobalt-Base Superalloys
Authors: Bezold A. , Volz N. , Xue F. , Zenk C. H. , Neumeier S. , Göken M. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The creep strength of single-crystalline Co-based superalloys was found to be comparable to first-generation Ni-base superalloys. However, considerable shearing of the γ′ precipitates was observed in the early creep stages. To determine the strengthening contribution of the Ta-containing γ′-Co3(Al,W) precipitates, the creep strength of several single-crystalline Co-Al-W-Ta superalloys was determined as a function of the γ′ volume fraction at 1223 K (950 °C) and stress levels between 25 and 600 MPa. Employing a Lagneborg–Bergman–Reppich (LBR) approach, it is found that the strengthening contribution of the γ′ precipitates increases significantly with increasing γ′ volume fraction. In a Co-base superalloy that exhibits a precipitate volume fraction of about 70 pct, the γ′-strengthening contribution calculated with the LBR approach ranges between the ones observed in first-generation Ni-base superalloy CMSX-6 and second-generation Ni-base superalloy CMSX-4.
Psychosocial Interventions for Pain Management in Advanced Cancer Patients: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Warth Marco , Zöller Joshua , Köhler Friederike , Aguilar-Raab Corina , Kessler Jens , Ditzen Beate 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Purpose of Review
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the evidence on the effects of psychosocial interventions on pain in advanced cancer patients.

Recent Findings
The included studies investigated the effects of relaxation techniques, cognitive-behavioral therapy, music therapy, mindfulness- and acceptance-based interventions, and supportive-expressive group therapy. Overall, we found a small, but significant effect on pain intensity (d = − 0.29, CI = − 0.54 to − 0.05). Effect sizes were highly heterogeneous between studies. We did not find evidence for the superiority of any of the intervention types. However, psychosocial interventions may be more effective if they specifically targeted pain distress as the primary outcome.

Summary
Although findings were mixed, psychosocial interventions can be recommended to complement comprehensive care to alleviate pain in patients facing an advanced or terminal stage of the disease. Future research should develop innovative interventions tailored specifically for pain relief.
Finding your feet: student participation during initiation of international clinical placements: Student participation during initiation
Authors: Wijbenga Miriam H. , Duvivier Robbert J. , Sheehan Dale C. , Ramaekers Stephan P. J. , Teunissen Pim W. , Driessen Erik W. 
Published: February 2020

Introduction International placements challenge students to find the right level of participation, as local practices, language and time pressure may affect their engagement in patient-related tasks or team activities. This study sought to unpack the initiation process during international clinical placements with the ultimate aim to achieve active student participation.
Methods Following a constructivist grounded theory approach, we conducted two individual interviews with 15 undergraduate healthcare students (before departure and whilst on placement). To identify emerging themes, we applied an iterative process of data collection and constant comparative analysis. Several team discussions informed further analysis, allowing us to reach a more conceptual level of theory.
Results From our findings we constructed a four-phase model of healthcare students’ initiation of international clinical placements, which brings into focus how the phases of ‘orientation’, ‘adjustment’ and ‘contribution to patient care’ build up towards a ‘sense of belonging’. We identified several factors that induced active student participation in practice, such as a favourable workplace setting, opportunities for learning and a local support network.
Discussion Active student participation is aimed at different goals, depending on the four phases of initiation that eventually lead to a sense of belonging and support workplace learning.
Nicotine Suppresses the Invasiveness of Human Trophoblasts by Downregulation of CXCL12 Expression through the Alpha-7 Subunit of the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor
Authors: Chen Jing , Qiu Min , Huang Zirui , Chen Jimei , Zhou Chengbin , Han Fengzhen , Qu Yanji , Wang Sheng , Zhuang Jian , Li Xiaohong 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSmoke exposure during pregnancy has detrimental effects upon numerous fetal and neonatal outcomes. Nicotine (the main component of tobacco) has been suggested to affect placental development. During placental development, efficient invasion by trophoblasts is required for establishment of the fetus–maternal circulation. In this study we explored the regulation of trophoblast invasion by nicotine. An immortalized first trimester extravillous trophoblast cell line (HTR-8/SVneo cells) was used for all the experiments, which were treated by nicotine, methyllycaconitine, and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12). Total RNA and protein were used to study the expressions of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), and transwell assay was used to study invasiveness. Changes of RNA expression due to nicotine treatment were detected by RNA sequence. Level of CXCL12 mRNA was verified by quantitative PCR. We showed that HTR-8/SVneo expressed subunits α2–4, α7, α9, β1, and β2 of nAChRs. Nicotine downregulated CXCL12 expression and inhibited trophoblast invasion. Methyllycaconitine, as an antagonist of the α7 homopolymer, blocked the inhibitory effect of nicotine. CXCL12 could rescue the nicotine-induced inhibitory effect on invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells. These results suggest that the α7 subunit of the nAChR has important roles in modulating trophoblast invasion through CXCL12.
Estimation of ice fabric within Whillans Ice Stream using polarimetric phase-sensitive radar sounding
Authors: Jordan Thomas M. , Schroeder Dustin M. , Elsworth Cooper W. , Siegfried Matthew R. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHere we use polarimetric measurements from an Autonomous phase-sensitive Radio-Echo Sounder (ApRES) to investigate ice fabric within Whillans Ice Stream, West Antarctica. The survey traverse is bounded at one end by the suture zone with the Mercer Ice Stream and at the other end by a basal ‘sticky spot’. Our data analysis employs a phase-based polarimetric coherence method to estimate horizontal ice fabric properties: the fabric orientation and the magnitude of the horizontal fabric asymmetry. We infer an azimuthal rotation in the prevailing horizontalc-axis between the near-surface (z≈ 10–50 m) and deeper ice (z≈ 170–360 m), with the near-surface orientated closer to perpendicular to flow and deeper ice closer to parallel. In the near-surface, the fabric asymmetry increases toward the center of Whillans Ice Stream which is consistent with the surface compression direction. By contrast, the fabric orientation in deeper ice is not aligned with the surface compression direction but is consistent with englacial ice reacting to longitudinal compression associated with basal resistance from the nearby sticky spot.
The Effect of White Social Prejudice on Support for American Democracy
Authors: Miller Steven V. , Davis Nicholas T. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSocial prejudice constitutes an unwillingness to associate with individuals whose cultural or racial background differs from one's own group. Such prejudice is a particularly thorny problem in the context of democracy, which requires citizens to minimally respect such differences. In this paper, we assess the relationships between these attitudes and support for democratic institutions. Using World Values Survey data from 1995 to 2011, we find that prejudice toward cultural, ethnic, or racial “others” reduces the value that white Americans assign to democracy. We also find white Americans who exhibit these attitudes are more likely to dismiss the value of separation of powers and are more likely to support army rule. These findings imply that exclusionary rhetoric targeted toward non-white groups is accompanied by lower baseline support for democracy. We close with a discussion of how our analyses inform the study of Americans' attitudes toward democracy
Risk factors ofS. aureusintramammary infection in pre partum dairy heifers under grazing conditions and molecular characterization of isolates from heifers and cows
Authors: Camussone Cecilia M. , Molineri Ana I. , Signorini Marcelo L. , Neder Verónica E. , Vitulich Carlos A. , Calvinho Luis F. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe aims of the research reported here were to identify potential risk factors associated with the presence ofStaphylococcus aureusintramammary infection (IMI) in pre partum dairy heifers on 17 dairy farms from three provinces of Argentina and to characterize, at molecular level, isolates from those heifers and lactating cows from two selected herds. A total of 1474 heifers and 4878 lactating cows were studied. The prevalence ofStaphylococcus aureusIMI in the heifers, heifers at quarter level and lactating cow mammary quarters was 14.41, 4.82, and 14.65%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed the key variables associated withS. aureusIMI presence in the heifers were:S. aureusIMI prevalence in cows of the lactating herd, the time calves stayed with their dam after birth, the calf rearing system, the place of rearing (own farm or other dairy farm) and fly control on the farm. None of the variables included in the multivariable analysis was associated with the presence ofS. aureusIMI in the pre partum heifers, probably due to low variability among management practices used by the farms for rearing the heifer calves. At the molecular level,S. aureusisolates were grouped into three main PFGE clusters and several genotypes within the clusters. Isolates from mammary secretion of pre partum heifers and milk of lactating cows comprised different PFGE clusters in both herds, although two exceptions occurred. The absence of genefnbpB, which codifies for a virulence factor protein involved in cell invasion byS. aureus, was significantly more frequent in pre partum heifer secretion isolates than in isolates from lactating cow milk. These results suggest that, under these management conditions, isolates from mammary secretions of pre partum heifers do not originate from the milk of lactating cows, but rather other sources to which the heifer is exposed.