bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring blood velocity using 4D‐DSA: A feasibility study
Authors: Shaughnessy Gabe , Schafer Sebastian , Speidel Michael A. , Strother Charles M. , Mistretta Charles A. 
Published: August 2018

PurposeFour‐dimensional (4D) DSA reconstruction provides three‐dimensional (3D) time‐resolved visualization of contrast bolus passage through arterial vasculature in the interventional setting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using these data in measuring blood velocity and flow.MethodsThe pulsatile signals in the time concentration curves (TCCs) measured at different points along a vessel are markers of the movement of a contrast bolus and thus of blood flow. When combined with the spatial content, that is, geometry of the vasculature, this information then provides the data required to determine blood velocity. A Fourier‐based algorithm was used to identify and follow the pulsatility signal. A Side Band Ratio (SBR) metric was used to reduce uncertainty in identifying the pulsatility in regions where the signal was weak. We tested this method using 4D‐DSA reconstructions from vascular phantoms as well as from human studies.ResultsIn five studies using 3D printed patient‐specific cerebrovascular phantoms, velocities calculated from the 4D‐DSAs were found to be within 10% of velocities measured with a flow meter. Calculated velocity and flow values from three human studies were within the range of those reported in the literature.Conclusions4D‐DSA provides temporal and spatial information about blood flow and vascular geometry. This information is obtained using conventional rotational angiographic systems. In this small feasibility study, these data allowed calculations of velocity values that correlated well with measured values. The availability of velocity and blood flow information in the interventional setting would support a more quantitative approach to diagnosis, treatment planning and post‐treatment evaluations of a variety of cerebrovascular diseases.
Spectrochemical Properties and Solvatochromism of Tetradentate Schiff Base Complex with Nickel: Calculations and Experiments
Authors: Gonciarz Agnieszka , Żuber Marian , Zwoździak Jerzy 
Published: August 2018

AbstractInvited for this month's cover picture is Dr. Agnieszka Gonciarz and her team. The team′s cooperation began recently when they met at the Military University of Land Forces (MULF) in Wrocław (Poland). Previously, each team member had various experience, in which chemistry played a major role. Dr. A. Gonciarz conducted spectroscopic research on coordination compounds, Prof. J. Zwoździak is a well‐known expert in the field of environmental protection, and Prof. M. Żuber is an expert in the application of chemistry in security sciences. When they met at MULF, the idea of cooperation arose and their research interest was directed toward the possibility of practical application of Schiff bases and their complexes in various areas. Read the full text of their Full Paper at 10.1002/open.201800100.
Re‐evaluating the Utility of Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis in the Critically Ill Patient: A Clinical Scenario‐Based Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Reynolds Paul M. , MacLaren Robert 
Published: August 2018

Study ObjectiveBecause recent studies have challenged the efficacy of stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) in the critically ill patient, our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of SUP with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or histamine2‐receptor antagonists (H2RAs) against placebo, control, no therapy, or enteral nutrition alone in critically ill adults.DesignMeta‐analysis with trial sequential analysis (TSA) of 34 randomized controlled trials.PatientsA total of 3220 critically ill adults who received PPIs or H2RAs versus placebo, control, no therapy, or enteral nutrition.Measurements and Main ResultsA systematic review was performed using a random effects meta‐analysis with TSA according to a predefined protocol. Randomized controlled trials comparing PPIs or H2RAs with either placebo, control, no therapy, or enteral nutrition alone were identified through a comprehensive search of the literature. Two blinded reviewers independently assessed studies for inclusion, risk of bias, and extracted data using Cochrane Collaborative methodology. The predefined primary outcomes were clinically important, overt, and any (clinically important plus overt) gastrointestinal bleeding. Secondary outcomes included pneumonia, Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea (CDAD), and mortality. Subgroup analyses were conducted for the primary outcome by PPI or H2RA use, intensive care unit (ICU) subtype, studies published after early goal‐directed therapy (EGDT), the presence of risk factors for stress ulceration, and enteral nutrition use. Of the 34 trials included, 33 were judged as high risk of bias and 1 was judged as low risk. Use of SUP significantly reduced clinically important bleeding (risk ratio [RR] 0.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37–0.76, p<0.001; I2 = 0%), overt bleeding (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.39–0.76, p=0.0003; I2 = 53%), and any bleeding (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.41–0.71, p<0.00001; I2 = 58%). TSA confirmed these findings. No significant differences in pneumonia, CDAD, or mortality were noted. Subgroup analyses revealed significant reductions in clinically important bleeding with SUP in neurosurgical patients (RR 0.37, p<0.05) but not in surgery/trauma or medical ICU patients with risk factors. SUP provided no benefit in studies published after EGDT. SUP significantly reduced clinically important bleeding regardless of the use of enteral nutrition (p<0.05).ConclusionThis meta‐analysis demonstrated that SUP use was associated with significant reductions in bleeding but not mortality. SUP should not be abandoned until large randomized trials demonstrate the futility of this intervention.
Carbon‐Encapsulated Tube‐Wire Co3O4/MnO2 Heterostructure Nanofibers as Anode Material for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Wenming , Yue Ziwei , Miao Wenfang , Liu Sichen , Fu Chaochao , Li Ling , Zhang Zisheng , Wang Hong 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis study presents a general approach for the synthesis of carbon‐encapsulated wire‐in‐tube Co3O4/MnO2 heterostructure nanofibers (Co3O4/MnO2@C) via electrospinning followed by calcination. The as‐synthesized Co3O4/MnO2@C is investigated as the sodium‐ion batteries anode material, which not only exhibits a high reversible capacity of 306 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 over 200 cycles, but also shows a cycling stability of 126 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at a high current density of 800 mA g−1. The excellent electrochemical performance can be ascribed to the contribution from carbon‐encapsulated outer‐tube Co3O4 and inner‐wire MnO2 heterostructures, which offer a large internal space and good electrical conductivity. The present work can be helpful in providing new insights into heterostructures for sodium‐ion batteries and other applications.
Incidental Gallbladder Cancer: How Residual Disease Affects Outcome in Two Referral HPB Centers from South America
Authors: Gil Luis , de Aretxabala Xabier , Lendoire Javier , Duek Fernando , Hepp Juan , Imventarza Oscar 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundResidual disease (RD) has been described as one of the most relevant prognostic factors after radical surgical resection for incidental gallbladder cancer (IGC). The purpose of the present study was to analyze patterns of RD and determinant prognostic factors in patients undergoing re‐resection for IGC.MethodsPatients undergoing re‐exploration due to IGC between 1990 and 2014 were identified in two referral centers from different South‐American countries. Patients submitted to a radical definitive operation were included in the study. Demographics and tumor‐treated related variables were analyzed in correlation with RD and survival. The site of RD, local (gallbladder bed) or regional (lymph nodes and bile duct) was correlated with disease‐specific survival (DSS).ResultsOf 265 patients with IGC submitted to surgery, 168 underwent a radical re‐resection and RD was found in 58 (34.5%). Demographic, clinical and surgical variables were compared between both centers showing differences in type of resection, laparoscopic approach, T stages and disease stage. Location of RD was regional in 34 (20.2%) and local in 24 (14.3%), and no residual disease was found in 110 (65.5%) patients. T stage (T1b = 20%, T2 = 23.8%, T3 = 71.7%, p < 0.001) and disease stage (p < 0.001) were independent predictors of RD. Finding RD at any location reduced the DSS in comparison with non‐RD patients (19.6 months vs. 62.7 months p < 0.001). No differences in DSS according to the location of RD were found, and all anatomic sites were equally poor (p = 0.27). RD at any site predicted DSS (p < 0.001), independently of all other IGC variables.ConclusionsIGC presented similar clinical parameters in two different countries of South America. RD was demonstrated as the most critical prognostic variable in patients with IGC treated by a radical resection. The presence of RD was associated with poor outcome, independently of any anatomic location. Future studies incorporating neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with prognostic factors for RD are required to improve survival in this entity.
Patient and Surgeon Expectations Prior to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Khair Mahmoud Michael , Ghomrawi Hassan , Wilson Sean , Marx Robert G. 
Published: August 2018

Background When discussing potential treatment with patients choosing to undergo surgery for disruption of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and their families, surgeons spend considerable time discussing expectations of the short- and long-term health of the knee. Most of the research examining patient expectations in orthopedic surgery has focused largely on arthroplasty. Questions/Purposes The purpose of this study was to quantitatively assess the differences between the patient's and the surgeon's expectations before primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Methods In this case series, we prospectively enrolled 93 patients scheduled for primary ACLR between 2011 and 2014. Expectations were measured using the Hospital for Special Surgery 23-item Knee Expectations Survey; scores were calculated for each subject. Results In all but six categories, patients had expectations that either aligned with their surgeons’ or were lower. The largest discordance between surgeon and patient expectations in which the patient had lower expectations was employment; 75% of patients had similar expectations to the surgeon when asked if the knee would be “back to the way it was before the problem started,” less than 1% had higher expectations, and 17% had lower expectations. Conclusion In general, patient expectations align well with surgeon expectations. Patients who are older, have a lower activity level, and who have selected allograft over autograft for ACLR could also be at risk for greater discordance. Understanding these differences, and their predictors, will help guide physicians when they are counseling patients about ACLR and also help them interact with patients after surgery as they assess outcomes.
Recession of Milam Glacier, Kumaun Himalaya, Observed via Lichenometric Dating of Moraines
Authors: Bisht Kapil , Joshi Yogesh , Upadhyay Shashi , Metha Poonam 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACT
Glaciers being very sensitive to climate change have been identified as one of the best indicators of climate change and evidences have proved that most of the Himalayan glaciers have receded with an increased rate during the recent past under the influence of global warming. Lichenometric study was carried out on the moraines of Milam glacier (located in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand) with the help of lichen species Dimelaena oreina having an average annual growth rate of 1.31 mm. The study revealed that Milam glacier has receded 1450 m in last 69.37 years with an average recession rate of 20.90 m/year. Since lichenometric studies are cost effective and ecofriendly in comparison to carbon dating, satellite and remote sensing based studies and also reliable, hence, it should be promoted in Himalaya which is an abode of glaciers.
Geochemical Signatures of Karlad Lake Sediments, North Kerala: Source Area Weathering and Provenance
Authors: Babeesh C. , Achyuthan Hema , Sajeesh T. P. 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACT
In the present study, the lake floor sediments of the Karlad lake, located at higher elevation in Wayanad region of north Kerala, were analyzed for textural characteristics, organic matter, calcium carbonate, major oxides and trace elements. This study was carried out to infer the chemical composition, provenance and intensity of chemical weathering of the source rocks in the lake catchment area. Textural studies signify that lake floor sediments are predominantly as clays (38.75%) followed by sand (36.36%) and silt (25.19%) fractions. The C/N ratio of the lake sediments signify that the sediments are both autochthonous and allochthonous in origin. The major oxides average content reveals the order of abundance as follows; SiO2 &gt; Al2O3 &gt; Fe2O3 &gt; TiO2 &gt; MgO &gt; CaO &gt; K2O &gt; P2O5 &gt; Na2O &gt; MnO. Moreover, the various weathering indices such as Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA-Avg. 93.5%), PlagioclaseIndex of Alteration (PIA-Avg. 95.6%) and Chemical Index of Weathering (CIW-Avg. 95.76%) suggest an intense chemical weathering of the source area. The A-CN-K diagram is also corroborating the same. Various provenance discrimination diagrams reveal that the sediments are derived from the mafic source rocks.
Carcinogenic and Non-carcinogenic Risk Assessment of Metals in Groundwater via Ingestion and Dermal Absorption Pathways for Children and Adults in Malwa Region of Punjab
Authors: Duggal Vikas , Rani Asha 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACT
The concentration of trace metals was measured in groundwater samples collected from Malwa region of Punjab, India. The samples were analyzed by using high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS). The results were compared with permissible limits prescribed by various health and environmental protection agencies. The concentrations of trace metals such as Mn, Se, Mo, Cd, Sb and Pb were higher than their respective permissible limits at some sampling sites. The total hazard index (HItotal) (summing the hazard index through ingestion and dermal routes) at all the sampling sites exceeded or nearing unity, indicating the presence of non-carcinogenic health effects from ingestion of groundwater and dermal contact with groundwater. The results reveal that the total excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCRtotal) of metals exposure was in accordance with the acceptable lifetime risks for carcinogens in drinking water.
ESTABLISHING A MILITARY PRESENCE IN A DISPUTED TERRITORY: INTERPRETATION OF ARTICLE 2(3) AND (4) OF THE UN CHARTER
Authors: Mikanagi Tomohiro 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn its 2015 judgment in the Costa Rica v Nicaragua case, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) found that Nicaragua's establishment of a military presence in disputed territory violated the territorial sovereignty of Costa Rica. Two judges considered that Nicaragua's actions had constituted a breach of Article 2(4) of the United Nations (UN) Charter, but the majority of the judges chose not to pronounce on the issue. Whilst it has been clarified that the prohibition of the use of force applies to a disputed territory, it seems less clear as to whether such force has to be violent in nature, causing injury to human beings or damage to property, for it to be in breach of Article 2(4). The ICJ's Advisory Opinion on the Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory case strongly indicated that the construction of the wall breached Article 2(4). If a State establishes a military presence to change the status quo in a disputed territory, it would not be regarded as a ‘peaceful’ means of settling the territorial dispute. Therefore, such behaviour would violate Article 2(3), under which States shall settle their international disputes ‘exclusively’ by peaceful means. Furthermore, to constitute an unlawful use of force under Article 2(4), the establishment of a military presence in a disputed territory does not have to be violent but should involve coercion that makes it materially impossible for other claimants to restore the status quo ante without risking human injury or damage to property.
Removal of external ear canal exostoses by piezo surgery: a novel technique
Authors: Puttasiddaiah P M , Browning S T 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundExternal auditory canal exostoses are known to occur in patients who engage in cold-water sports. Although the majority of patients with exostosis remain asymptomatic, larger lesions can cause wax impaction, conductive hearing loss and predispose to recurrent otitis externa.ObjectiveA novel technique is described of using a piezo saw to excise exostoses that are symptomatic. The piezo saw is used to perform various procedures, but its use in removing exostoses has not been described in the literature.ConclusionExcision of exostoses of the ear canal using a piezo saw is a safe technique and patients have a speedy recovery. This paper describes a new technique for removing exostoses.
Ending the US Embargo of Cuba: International Law in Dispute
Authors: White Nigel D. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe announcement by Presidents Obama and Castro in December 2014 of a major step towards normalisation of inter-state relations was part of what is primarily a political process, but normalisation implies a return to peaceful inter-state relations based on respect for fundamental principles of international law. This commentary explores the role that those principles have played in helping shape the confrontation between the United States and Cuba since the revolution of 1959, which has been underpinned by an economic, commercial and financial embargo of Cuba by the United States. This commentary argues that, from being an integral part of the bilateral dispute, international law can, at key moments, shift to form part of a solution. The changing political landscape raises the prospects of the parties turning to international law as a means of restoring normal relations between them resulting in, amongst other changes, the demise of the embargo.
Extrachromosomal circular elements targeted by CRISPR-Cas in Dehalococcoides mccartyi are linked to mobilization of reductive dehalogenase genes
Authors: Molenda Olivia , Tang Shuiquan , Lomheim Line , Gautam Vasu K , Lemak Sofia , Yakunin Alexander F , Maxwell Karen L , Edwards Elizabeth A 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Dehalococcoides mccartyi are obligate organohalide-respiring bacteria that play an important detoxifying role in the environment. They have small genomes (~1.4 Mb) with a core region interrupted by two high plasticity regions (HPRs) containing dozens of genes encoding reductive dehalogenases involved in organohalide respiration. The genomes of eight new strains of D. mccartyi were closed from metagenomic data from a related set of enrichment cultures, bringing the total number of genomes to 24. Two of the newly sequenced strains and three previously sequenced strains contain CRISPR-Cas systems. These D. mccartyi CRISPR-Cas systems were found to primarily target prophages and genomic islands. The genomic islands were identified either as integrated into D. mccartyi genomes or as circular extrachromosomal elements. We observed active circularization of the integrated genomic island containing vcrABC operon encoding the dehalogenase (VcrA) responsible for the transformation of vinyl chloride to non-toxic ethene. We interrogated archived DNA from established enrichment cultures and found that the CRISPR array acquired three new spacers in 11 years. These data provide a glimpse into dynamic processes operating on the genomes distinct to D. mccartyi strains found in enrichment cultures and provide the first insights into possible mechanisms of lateral DNA exchange in D. mccartyi.
Tdp-25 Routing to Autophagy and Proteasome Ameliorates its Aggregation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Target Cells
Authors: Cicardi Maria Elena , Cristofani Riccardo , Rusmini Paola , Meroni Marco , Ferrari Veronica , Vezzoli Giulia , Tedesco Barbara , Piccolella Margherita , Messi Elio , Galbiati Mariarita , Boncoraglio Alessandra , Carra Serena , Crippa Valeria , Poletti Angelo 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects motoneurons, while non-neuronal cells may contribute to disease onset and progression. Most ALS cases are characterized by the mislocalization and aggregation of the TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) in affected cells. TDP-43 aggregates contain C-terminal TDP-43 fragments of 35 kDa (TDP-35) and 25 kDa (TDP-25) and have been mainly studied in motoneurons, while little is currently known about their rate of accumulation and clearance in myoblasts. Here, we performed a comparative study in immortalized motoneuronal like (NSC34; i-motoneurons) cells and stabilized myoblasts (C2C12; s-myoblasts) to evaluate if these two cell types differentially accumulate and clear TDP forms. The most aggregating specie in i-motoneurons is the TDP-25 fragment, mainly constituted by the “prion-like” domain of TDP-43. To a lower extent, TDP-25 also aggregates in s-myoblasts. In both cell types, all TDP species are cleared by proteasome, but TDP-25 impairs autophagy. Interestingly, the routing of TDP-25 fragment to proteasome, by overexpressing BAG1, or to autophagy, by overexpressing HSPB8 or BAG3 decreased its accumulation in both cell types. These results demonstrate that promoting the chaperone-assisted clearance of ALS-linked proteins is beneficial not only in motoneurons but also in myoblasts.
Genetics, personality and wellbeing. A twin study of traits, facets and life satisfaction
Authors: Røysamb Espen , Nes Ragnhild B. , Czajkowski Nikolai O. , Vassend Olav 
Published: August 2018

AbstractHuman wellbeing is influenced by personality traits, in particular neuroticism and extraversion. Little is known about which facets that drive these associations, and the role of genes and environments. Our aim was to identify personality facets that are important for life satisfaction, and to estimate the contribution of genetic and environmental factors in the association between personality and life satisfaction. Norwegian twins (N = 1,516, age 50–65, response rate 71%) responded to a personality instrument (NEO-PI-R) and the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). Regression analyses and biometric modeling were used to examine influences from personality traits and facets, and to estimate genetic and environmental contributions. Neuroticism and extraversion explained 24%, and personality facets accounted for 32% of the variance in life satisfaction. Four facets were particularly important; anxiety and depression in the neuroticism domain, and activity and positive emotions within extraversion. Heritability of life satisfaction was 0.31 (0.22–0.40), of which 65% was explained by personality-related genetic influences. The remaining genetic variance was unique to life satisfaction. The association between personality and life satisfaction is driven mainly by four, predominantly emotional, personality facets. Genetic factors play an important role in these associations, but influence life satisfaction also beyond the effects of personality.