bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adjuvant Radiotherapy After Keloid Excision
Authors: Hsueh Wei-Ting , Hung Kuo-Shu , Chen Yu-Chen , Huang Yen-Tsung , Hsu Chao-Kai , Ogawa Rei , Hsueh Yuan-Yu 
Published: November 2018

Background
Surgical excision with adjuvant radiotherapy has gained attention as an effective treatment of keloid. The Asian population is challenged with a high incidence of keloid occurrence with a specific genetic predominance. The annual reported incidence of new keloid cases in Taiwan is around 30,000, but the disease control rate and effectiveness by means of surgical excision with adjuvant radiotherapy is not yet clear.

Methods
A retrospective chart review of the included consecutive keloid patients receiving surgical excision and radiotherapy was performed from 2013 to 2016 in a single institute. The reported risk factors were collected to investigate according to the outcome analysis. The Vancouver Scar Scale and the Japan Scar Workshop (JSW) Scar Scale were used to evaluate the correlation with keloid recurrence.

Results
In this series, the overall recurrence rate was 32%, reported with an average follow-up of 28 months. Independent risk factors varied according to the different outcome variables. Only JSW classification score independently predicted the risk of keloid recurrence (odds ratio, 1.305; P = 0.02). Both the Vancouver Scar Scale and the JSW system showed a good correlation with keloid recurrence (correlation efficiency, 0.529 and 0.54; P = 0.0437 and 0.0165, respectively).

Conclusions
This preliminary report revealed convincing evidence of feasibility and effectiveness of applying adjuvant radiotherapy after keloid excision in the Taiwanese population. A more delicate biological equivalent dose of radiotherapy with an effective local control should be considered to improve the final outcome.
Young People With Biliary Atresia Requiring Liver Transplantation: A Distinct Population Requiring Specialist Care
Authors: Samyn Marianne , Davenport Mark , Jain Vandana , Hadzic Nedim , Joshi Deepak , Heneghan Michael , Dhawan Anil , Heaton Nigel 
Published: November 2018

Background.Young people (YP) born with biliary atresia (BA) are an emerging population for adult hepatologists with 40% to 45% of children entering adolescence with their native liver intact. For those requiring liver transplantation (LT) during adolescence, disparity on the waiting list and post-LT outcome for young adults compared with younger and older age groups has stimulated discussion about the optimal timing of listing. In this study, we review our experience of YP with BA requiring LT during adolescence and young adulthood.Methods.Retrospective, single-center review of patients with BA requiring LT > 11 years.Results.Thirty-six YP (16 male) underwent LT between 1991 and 2014 at a median age of 16.6 (interquartile range [IQR], 14.2 to 19.5) years. The commonest indications for listing were refractory cholangitis (31%), synthetic failure (25%), and variceal bleeding (14%). Patients listed by the adult team (n = 14) waited longer than those listed by the pediatric team (10 [IQR, 7.7 to 24.6] vs 5.8 [IQR, 4.0 to 15.1] months;P< 0.05) and were more likely to require intensive care support at time of listing (29% vs 5%;P< 0.05). Admission to intensive care unit at listing was associated with poorer patient and graft survival and support from a multidisciplinary liver transition service improved survival. Liver disease severity scores did not correlate with time on waiting list or outcome.Conclusions.YP with BA requires close monitoring by specialists familiar with their condition and timing for LT needs to be fine-tuned to avoid clinical decompensation and improve long-term outcomes.
Thalamocortical network: a core structure for integrative multimodal vestibular functions
Authors: Brandt Thomas , Dieterich Marianne 
Published: November 2018

Purpose of review
To apply the concept of nonreflexive sensorimotor and cognitive vestibular functions and disturbances to the current view of separate right and left thalamocortical systems.

Recent findings
The neuronal modules for sensorimotor and cognitive functions are organized in so-called provincial hubs with intracommunity connections that interact task-dependently via connector hubs. Thalamic subnuclei may serve not only as provincial hubs but also in higher order nuclei as connector hubs. Thus, in addition to its function as a cortical relay station of sensory input, the human thalamus can be seen as an integrative hub for brain networks of higher multisensory vestibular function. Imaging studies on the functional connectivity have revealed a dominance of the right side in right-handers at the upper brainstem and thalamus. A connectivity-based parcellation study has confirmed the asymmetrical organization (i.e., cortical dominance) of the parieto-insular vestibular cortex, an area surrounded by other vestibular cortical areas with symmetrical (nondominant) organization. Notably, imaging techniques have shown that there are no crossings of the vestibular pathways in between the thalamic nuclei complexes. Central vestibular syndromes caused by lesions within the thalamocortical network rarely manifest with rotational vertigo. This can be explained and mathematically simulated by the specific coding of unilateral vestibular dysfunction within different cell systems, the angular velocity cell system (rotational vertigo in lower brainstem lesions) in contrast to the head direction cell system (directional disorientation and swaying vertigo in thalamocortical lesions).

Summary
The structural and functional separation of the two thalamic nuclei complexes allowed a lateralization of the right and left hemispheric functions to develop. Furthermore, it made possible the simultaneous performance of sensorimotor and cognitive tasks, which require different spatial reference systems in opposite hemispheres, for example, egocentric manipulation of objects (handedness) and allocentric orientation of the self in the environment by the multisensory vestibular system.
Activation of Multiple Signalling Pathways by P152Lp53 Mutant Reveals New Gain-of-function Implicating Tumorigenesis
Authors: Singh Siddharth , Kumar Manoj , Kumar Sanjeev , Sen Shrinka , Upadhyay Pawan , Naveen M , Tomar Vivek S. , Dutt Amit , Kundu Tapas K. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTP53 is the most frequently mutated tumor suppressor gene in context of all varieties of cancer, yet biochemical characterization of several reported mutations with probable biological significance have not been accomplished. We have identified a relatively rare proline to leucine mutation (P152L) in p53 in an Indian oral cancer patient sample at the fade end of its DNA binding domain (DBD). Although P152Lp53 DBD potentially binds to DNA, the full length protein is completely devoid of DNA binding ability at its cognate site. Interestingly, P152Lp53 can efficiently tetramerize. Significantly, this mutant when expressed in p53 null cell line, was found to induce cell mobility, proliferation, and invasion as compared to vector control. Also, enhanced tumorigenic potential was observed when cells expressing P152Lp53 were xenografted into nude mice, the mechanistic details of which were also investigated upon where several of the pathways were found to be upregulated such as Cell-Cell/Cell-ECM signalling, EGFR signalling, Rho-GTPase signalling. Taken together, this study establishes P152Lp53 as a new gain of function mutant.
R&D value of Chinese manufacturing listed companies
Authors: Tongliang An , Wenyi Wang 
Published: November 2018

PurposeThe way to measure the value of an enterprise’s R&D investments remains elusive for theoretical and empirical study on innovation economics. The paper aims to discuss this issue.Design/methodology/approachThis paper expands the asset-value model pioneered by Griliches (1981) and applies it for the first time to the Chinese stock market to calculate the value of R&D investment instilled by Chinese manufacturing listed companies (CMLCs) from 2003 to 2014.FindingsThe authors find that: the assets-value model can better explain the enterprise value composition of CMLCs; with equal input, the value of R&D is higher than that of tangible assets, and lower than that of organizational assets; compared with the developed countries, the R&D value of CMLCs is lower; and the R&D value of CMLCs saw a downward trend from 2007 to 2014.Originality/valueFurthermore, by rationally estimating the value of organizational assets and non-tradable shares, and innovatively introducing semi-annual momentum indicators from the perspective of behavioral finance to control the influence of investor sentiment on enterprise value, this paper tries to develop the asset-value model and provides a feasible solution to the problem of measuring the value of Chinese enterprises’ R&D investment.
Economic Zeitgeist in Xi Jinping
Authors: Hailiang Gu 
Published: November 2018

Purpose
Xi Jinping’s speech on the theme of “Continuously Exploring the New Zeitgeist of Marxist Political Economy in China,” dated back to November 2015, has illuminated the historical background, social roots, practical basis, basic characteristics, Zeitgeist, ideological realm and other issues relative to the development of “Systematic Economic Theory” with Chinese characteristics (hereinafter referred to as SETCC). The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
Exploring the SETCC marks a fundamental postulation for the development of contemporary Chinese Marxist political economy, and an important indicator of the Chinese wisdom thereof.

Findings
Unswervingly adhering to the new development concept as the leading factor, General Secretary Xi Jinping’s elucidation of the theoretical propositions and practical topics of building a modern economic system has, starting from the five aspects of development mainline, strategic support, fundamental approach, necessary road and institutional guarantee, and their interrelationships, unfolded new connotations and opened up a new realm of Xi’s New Economic Zeitgeist with new explorations on the structure and system of SETCC.

Originality/value
This paper first explains the development of Xi Jinping’s economic thoughts and reveals its systematization characteristics.
Demand response-based dynamic dispatch of microgrid system in hybrid electricity market
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Verma Yajvender Pal , Khanna Rintu 
Published: November 2018

Purpose
Technological development has not only helped in effective integration of renewable sources but also made it possible for consumers to participate in system operation. Different market players are coming up in the electricity market, microgrid being one of them. Thus, this paper aims to investigate consumers’ role in the dispatch of a microgrid system that has a hybrid market structure under varied system conditions.

Design/methodology/approach
The mathematical model developed has been solved by the CONOPT solver in the GAMS optimization tool. GAMS-MATLAB interfacing is done to obtain solutions.

Findings
The problem formulated shows the effect of consumers in dispatch and overall operational cost. Consumers’ participation has been proposed through a quadratic cost function. The system operation under pool and bilateral contracts has been investigated. It shows that proper incentives to the consumers can help in reduction and effective management of the demand, carbon emission and overall system operational cost.

Originality/value
This paper considers the hybrid market structure to find the load dispatch in a microgrid system. The participation of consumers in the microgrid system has been implemented considering variations in wind power, solar power and load. The power exchange between the grid and microgrid system has been modeled showing the contribution of the consumers in system operation.
Interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy TODIM approach through point operator-based similarity measures for multicriteria group decision making
Authors: Biswas Animesh , Sarkar Biswajit 
Published: November 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a methodology based on TODIM (an acronym in Portuguese for interactive and multicriteria decision-making) approach for the selection of the best alternative in the context of multi criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) problems under possibilistic uncertainty in interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy (IVPF) environment.

Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, IVPF-TODIM method is proposed. Some new point operator-based similarity measures (POSMs) for IVPF sets (IVPFSs) are introduced which have the capability to reduce the degree of uncertainty of the elements in the universe of discourse corresponding to IVPFS. Then the newly defined POSMs are used to compute the measure of relative dominance of each alternative over other alternatives in the IVPF-TODIM context. Finally, generalized mean aggregation operator is used to find the best alternative.

Findings
As the TODIM method is used to solve the MCGDM problems under uncertainty, POSMs are developed by using three parameters which can control the effect of decision-makers’ psychological perception under risk.

Research limitations/implications
The decision values are used in IVPF numbers (IVPFNs) format.

Practical implications
The proposed method is capable to solve real-life MCGDM problems with not only IVPFNs format but also with interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy numbers.

Originality/value
As per authors’ concern, no approach using TODIM with IVPFNs is found in literature to solve MCGDM problems under uncertainty. The final judgment values of alternatives using the extended TODIM methodology are highly corroborate in compare to the results of existing methods, which proves its great potentiality in solving MCGDM problems under risk.
Inferring predator–prey interactions in food webs
Authors: Pomeranz Justin P. F. , Thompson Ross M. , Poisot Timothée , Harding Jon S. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractFood webs are a powerful way to represent the diversity, structure, and function of ecological systems. However, the accurate description of food webs requires significant effort in time and resources, limiting their widespread use in ecological studies. Newly published methods allow for the inference of feeding interactions using proxy variables. Here, we compare the accuracy of two recently described methods, as well as describe a composite model of the two, for the inference of feeding interactions using a large, well‐described dataset.Both niche and neutral processes are involved in determining whether or not two species will form a feeding link in communities. Three different models for determining niche constraints of feeding interactions are compared, and all three models are extended by incorporating neutral processes, based on relative abundances. The three models compared here infer niche processes through (a) phylogenetic relationships, (b) local species trait distributions (e.g., body size), and (c) a composite of phylogeny and local traits.We show that all three methods perform well at predicting individual species interactions, and that these individual predictions scale up to the network level, resulting in food web structure of inferred networks being similar to their empirical counterparts.Our results indicate that inferring food web structure using phylogenies can be an efficient way of getting summary webs with minimal data, and offers a conservative test of changes in food web structure, particularly when there is low species turnover between sites. Inferences made using traits require more data, but allows for greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying trophic interactions. A composite model of the two methods provides a framework for investigating the importance of how phylogeny, trait distributions, and relative abundances, affect species interactions, and network structure.
Working Memory Training in Alcohol Use Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Khemiri Lotfi , Brynte Christoffer , Stunkel Angela , Klingberg Torkel , Jayaram‐Lindström Nitya 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundAlcohol use disorder (AUD) is associated with cognitive deficits such as impaired executive functions, which are hypothesized to contribute to the progression of the disease and worsen treatment outcome. Training of working memory (WM) to improve cognitive functions and thereby reduce alcohol use has been proposed as a novel treatment strategy.MethodsPatients with AUD (n = 50) who were recruited to an outpatient addiction clinic were randomized to receive 5 weeks of active WM training or control training. Participants had weekly follow‐up visits, and all cognitive training sessions were done online at home. Primary outcomes were WM function and change in self‐reported heavy drinking. Secondary outcomes were craving, other drinking outcomes, and performance on a range of neuropsychological tasks from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery.ResultsThe active training group demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in verbal WM compared with the control group. No statistically significant effect of training was found on the primary drinking outcome, but a trend was observed indicating that WM training reduces the number of drinks per drinking occasion. WM training had no statistically significant effect on any of the other neuropsychological tasks.ConclusionsCognitive training can improve WM function in individuals with AUD, suggesting that such interventions are feasible to administer in this patient population. The results do not support an effect of WM training on heavy drinking or transfer effects to other cognitive domains. Future studies should evaluate WM training as an adjunct to evidence‐based treatments for AUD to assess potential synergistic effects.
Diffusion of enrofloxacin to pregnancy fluids and effects on fetal cartilage after intravenous administration to late pregnant mares
Authors: Ellerbrock R. E. , Canisso I. F. , Roady P. J. , Rothrock L. T. , Zhong L. , Wilkins P. , Dirikolu L. , Lima F. S. , Honoroto J. 
Published: November 2018

SummaryBackgroundIn selective cases, enrofloxacin may be an alternative antibacterial agent to treat unresponsive infections in pregnant mares. Supratherapeutic doses of enrofloxacin are toxic to adult horses and also to newborn foals, however, it is unknown if enrofloxacin crosses the equine placenta or if it is toxic to the fetus.ObjectivesTo assess the diffusion of enrofloxacin and its metabolite to fetal fluids and its effects on fetal cartilage when administered to pregnant mares.Study designIn vivo and terminal controlled experiment.MethodsHealthy mares at 260 days of gestation were allocated into three groups: untreated (n = 3), therapeutic treatment (5 mg/kg enrofloxacin, i.v., n = 7) or supratherapeutic treatment (10 mg/kg, i.v., n = 6) for 11 days. Fetal fluids were collected on days 1, 5 and 11 of treatment. Premature delivery was induced on day 11 with oxytocin and fetal fluids and plasma were collected during delivery. Plasma and fetal fluid enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Fetal articular cartilage was examined macroscopically and histologically for lesions.ResultsEnrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin reached the minimum inhibitory concentrations for common pathogens in all fluids. Ciprofloxacin did not increase with the double enrofloxacin dose in maternal plasma, but allantoic fluid showed a 10‐fold increase relative to fetal trough plasma concentrations. Administration of enrofloxacin at recommended doses did not result in cartilaginous lesions in fetuses.Main limitationsOnly one time point in gestation was evaluated and mares treated in the study were healthy at the time of treatment. It remains to be determined if enrofloxacin shows toxicity at other stages of pregnancy, after a longer duration of treatment, or once the foals are delivered and articular surfaces are weightbearing.ConclusionsShort‐term administration of enrofloxacin to late gestation mares resulted in detectable enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin concentrations in fetal fluids and did not result in macroscopic or microscopic lesions in the fetus. While further research is needed to address long‐term foal outcomes, enrofloxacin may be useful for select bacterial infections in pregnant mares.
Gas‐pressure assisted sintering of copper indium gallium selenide thin films
Authors: Wu Yu‐Chien , Yang Chang‐Ting , Sun Manting , Hsiang Hsing‐I 
Published: November 2018

AbstractDefects, such as cracks, porous structure, small grains that easily occur in the fabrication of copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) thin film absorbers using non‐vacuum process have been the major obstacle to practical application of this technology so far. A gas‐pressure assisted sintering process has been developed to achieve dense, crack‐free, large‐grained CIGS films. The gas‐pressure assisted sintering effects on the microstructure, crystalline, and electric properties were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Hall‐effect analyzer. A uniform microstructure with a large grain size and small amount of isolated residual pores and good electric properties can be obtained by pre‐sintering at 500°C under 6 bar N2 overpressure and then annealing at 500°C for 20 minutes under a selenium atmosphere.
MARSHALL bundles elimination, Pulmonary veins isolation and Lines completion for ANatomical ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation: MARSHALL‐PLAN case series
Authors: Pambrun Thomas , Denis Arnaud , Duchateau Josselin , Sacher Frédéric , Hocini Mélèze , Jaïs Pierre , Haïssaguerre Michel , Derval Nicolas 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIntroductionBeyond pulmonary veins (PV) isolation, the ablation strategy for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) remains controversial. Substrate ablation may provide a high termination rate but at the cost of impaired atrial physiology and recurrent complex re‐entries. To overcome these pitfalls, we investigated a new lesion set based on important anatomical considerations.Methods and ResultsThe case series included 10 consecutive patients with persistent AF. Three atrial structures were successively targeted: (1) coronary sinus and vein of Marshall (CS‐VOM) musculature elimination; (2) PVs isolation; and (3) anatomical isthmuses block. The lesion set completion was the procedural endpoint. Step 1: VOM ethanol infusion was feasible in all cases (mean time of 33.4 ± 9.4 minutes), mean radiofrequency (RF) time for CS‐VOM bundles was 14.4 ± 6.9 minutes. Step 2: mean RF time for PV isolation was 27.7 ± 9.3 minutes. Step 3: mean RF time for mitral, roof, and cavotricuspid lines was 5.7 ± 2.3, 8.1 ± 4.3, and 5.9 ± 1.9 minutes, respectively. The lesion set was achieved in all patients. Mean procedure time was 270 ± 29.9 minutes. AF termination and noninducibility were, respectively, obtained in 50% and 90% of the patients. After a 6‐month follow‐up, all patients were free from arrhythmia recurrence.ConclusionThe present case series reports a new ablation strategy systematically targeting anatomical structures previously identified as possibly involved in the fibrillatory process and the recurrent tachycardias. The resulting lesion set provides good short‐term outcomes. Although promising, these preliminary results need to be confirmed in the larger prospective study.