bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The massacre-centred memory of Sant’Anna di Stazzema, Italy
Authors: Di Pasquale Caterina 
Published: February 2018

This article is based on an anthropological study on memory carried out between 2002 and 2010 in Sant’Anna di Stazzema, a village located in the mountains of Tuscany, where the Nazis exterminated almost all of the civilian inhabitants on 12 August 1944. Nearly 400 people died, mainly women, children and the elderly. Despite what occurred, neither historical nor legal acknowledgements were forthcoming until as late as 2007. Through the study of ethnographical documents, the author analyses the cultural value of memory of the massacre narrated by survivors and the relatives of victims from 1944 to the present day. To examine how this memory has been passed down through time both inside and outside the martyred village, the author reflects on the complex intertwining of the individual and collective remembrances during the long and drawn-out elaboration of the trauma.
CHA2DS2-VASc score and risk of thromboembolism and bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation and recent cancer
Authors: D’Souza Maria , Carlson Nicholas , Fosbøl Emil , Lamberts Morten , Smedegaard Lærke , Nielsen Dorte , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Gislason Gunnar , Schou Morten 
Published: February 2018

Background Cancer may influence the risk of thromboembolism and bleeding associated with the CHA2DS2-VASc score. We examined the risk of thromboembolism and bleeding associated with the CHA2DS2-VASc score in atrial fibrillation patients with and without recent cancer. Methods and results Using nationwide registers all patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation from 2000 to 2015 and not on oral anticoagulation or heparin therapy were included and followed for 2 years. Recent cancer was defined by a cancer diagnosis 5 years or fewer earlier. Risks of thromboembolism and bleeding were estimated in cumulative incidence curves and Cox regression models. We included 122,053 patients with incident atrial fibrillation, 12,014 (10%) had recent cancer. The 2-year cumulative incidence of thromboembolism and bleeding in patients with versus without recent cancer was 1.7% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.5–2.8) and 4.3% (95% CI 2.4–6.2) versus 1.2% (95% CI 0.9–1.5) and 1.7% (95% CI 1.4–2.0) for CHA2DS2-VASc score 0; 3.2% (95%CI 2.2-4.3) and 4.4% (95%CI 3.2-5.6) versus 1.8% (95%CI 1.6-2.1) and 3.0% (95% CI 2.7–3.3) for CHA2DS2-VASc score 1; and 7.1% (95% CI 6.6–7.7) and 6.8% (95% CI 6.3–7.2) versus 10.9% (95% CI 10.7–11.1) and 6.2% (95% CI 6.1–6.4) for CHA2DS2-VASc score 2 or greater. Although the CHA2DS2-VASc score was associated with thromboembolism and bleeding in both patients with and without cancer, the association differed between the groups for thromboembolism (test for interaction, p < 0.001) and bleeding (test for interaction, p < 0.001). Conclusion The association of the CHA2DS2-VASc score and risk of thromboembolism and bleeding differed between atrial fibrillation patients with and without recent cancer. Therefore, the CHA2DS2-VASc score should be used with caution in patients with recent cancer.
Chronic exposure to traffic-related air pollution and cancer incidence among 10,000 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions: A historical prospective study
Authors: Cohen Gali , Levy Ilan , Yuval  , Kark Jeremy D , Levin Noam , Witberg Guy , Iakobishvili Zaza , Bental Tamir , Broday David M , Steinberg David M , Kornowski Ran , Gerber Yariv 
Published: February 2018

Background Exposure to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is considered to have a carcinogenic effect. The authors previously reported a nonsignificant association between TRAP and cancer risk in a relatively small cohort of myocardial infarction survivors. This study assessed whether TRAP exposure is associated with subsequent cancer in a large cohort of coronary patients. Methods & results Consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions in a major medical centre in central Israel from 2004 to 2014 were followed for cancer through 2015. Residential levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) – a proxy for TRAP – were estimated based on a high-resolution national land use regression model. Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to study relationships with cancer. Among 12,784 candidate patients, 9816 had available exposure data and no history of cancer (mean age, 68 years; 77% men). During a median (25th–75th percentiles) follow-up of 7.0 (3.9–9.3) years, 773 incident cases of cancer (8%) were diagnosed. In a multivariable-adjusted model, a 10-ppb increase in mean NOx exposure was associated with hazard ratios (HRs) of 1.07 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.15) for all-site cancer and 1.16 (95% CI 1.05–1.28) for cancers previously linked to TRAP (lung, breast, prostate, kidney and bladder). A stronger association was observed for breast cancer (HR = 1.43; 95% CI 1.12–1.83). Associations were slightly strengthened after limiting the cohort to patients with more precise exposure assessment. Conclusion Coronary patients exposed to TRAP are at increased risk of several types of cancer, particularly lung, prostate and breast. As these cancers are amenable to prevention strategies, identifying highly exposed patients may provide an opportunity to improve clinical care.
Perspectives from CQC ‘outstanding’ practices: How to have good uptake of vaccination services
Authors: McGeown Helen , Heffernan Catherine , Gibson Kenny 
Published: February 2018

This qualitative study looked at general practices that had been rated as ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission in order to help other practices improve their vaccination services London's vaccination rates are consistently lower than England's averages. General practices are inspected by England's Care Quality Commission, but to date no best practice guidance for vaccination services has been published. This study explores what learning could be extrapolated from general practices that are rated as ‘outstanding’ by England's Care Quality Commission in relation to their vaccination services. The intention is to share this learning to help other practices improve their vaccination services. A qualitative methodology was utilised, consisting of 12 unstructured interviews with staff at seven of London's nice ‘outstanding’ practices in February 2016. Thematic analysis revealed that good immunisation practice was influenced by having patient- and family-centred care, trained ‘up-to-date’ staff, planning ahead, an ethos of working together, and allowing time for discussion about vaccinations with patients/parents. Further research is needed to test if the implementation of learning from ‘outstanding’ practices will increase immunisation rates.
The spectrum and outcome of blunt trauma related enteric hollow visceral injury
Authors: Bekker W , Kong VY , Laing GL , Bruce JL , Manchev V , Clarke DL 
Published: February 2018

Introduction This audit focused on patients who sustained enteric injury following blunt abdominal trauma. Methods Our prospectively maintained electronic registry was interrogated retrospectively, and all patients who had sustained blunt abdominal trauma between December 2011 and January 2016 were identified. Results Overall, 2,045 patients had sustained blunt abdominal trauma during the period under review. Seventy per cent were male. The median age was 28 years. Sixty patients (2.9%) sustained a small bowel injury (SBI). Thirty-five of these were peritonitic on presentation. All patients with a SBI had a chest x-ray and free air was present in seven. In 18 patients with a SBI, computed tomography (CT) was performed, which revealed isolated free fluid in 12 and free intraperitoneal air in 5. In five cases, the CT was normal. A total of 32 patients (1.5%) sustained blunt duodenal trauma (BDT). All patients with BDT had a chest x-ray on presentation. Free intraperitoneal air was not present in any. CT was performed on 17 patients with BDT. This revealed isolated free fluid or retroperitoneal air in 12. The median delay between injury and presentation for these enteric injures was 15.5 hours (interquartile range [IQR]: 8–25 hours) while between presentation at hospital and operation, the median delay was 6 hours (IQR: 3–13 hours). Conclusions Blunt trauma related enteric hollow visceral injury remains associated with delayed diagnosis and significant morbidity. It can be caused by a disparate array of mechanisms and is difficult to diagnose even with modern imaging strategies.
A Global Poincaré inequality on Graphs via a Conical Curvature-Dimension Condition
Authors: Lakzian Sajjad , Mcguirk Zachary 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
We introduce and study the conical curvature-dimension condition, CCD(K, N), for finite graphs.We show that CCD(K, N) provides necessary and sufficient conditions for the underlying graph to satisfy a sharp global Poincaré inequality which in turn translates to a sharp lower bound for the first eigenvalues of these graphs. Another application of the conical curvature-dimension analysis is finding a sharp estimate on the curvature of complete graphs
Response Surface Modeling of Physical and Mechanical Properties of Cotton Slub Yarns
Authors: Qadir Muhammad Bilal , Malik Zulfiqar Ali , Ali Usman , Shahzad Amir , Hussain Tanveer , Abbas Amir , Asad Muhammad , Khaliq Zubair 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe objective of this study was to model the physical and mechanical properties of 100% cotton slub yarns commonly used in denim and other casual wear. Statistical models were developed using central composite experimental design of the response surface methodology. Yarn’s linear density, slub thickness, slub length and pause length were used as the key input variables while yarn strength, elongation, coefficient of mass variation, imperfections and hairiness were used as response/output variables. It was concluded that yarn strength and elongation increased with increase in linear density and pause length, and decreased with increase in slub thickness and slub length. Yarn mass variation and total imperfections increased with increase in slub thickness and pause length, whereas yarn imperfections and hairiness decreased with increase in slub length. It was further concluded that due to statistically significant square and interaction effects of some of the input variables, only the quadratic model instead of the linear models can adequately represent the relationship between the input and the output variables. These statistical models will be of great importance for the industrial personnel to improve their productivity and reduce sampling.
The efficiency of tactical and technical actions of the national teams of Japan and Russia at the World Championships in Judo (2013, 2014 and 2015)
Authors: Adam Marek , Sterkowicz-Przybycień Katarzyna 
Published: February 2018

Summary
Study aim: The aim of the study was to determine the value of indices characterizing the efficiency in attack and in defence in Judo influencing the course and the outcome of Japanese and Russian representatives’ fights. Material and methods: Research material comprised the results of observations and an analysis of bouts of Japanese (n = 15, 124 bouts) and Russian (n = 16, 103 bouts) athletes during the World Championships in 2013, 2014 and 2015. The observed athletes’ bouts were with different opponents. The collected material allowed determination of the value of the efficiency in at­tack indices (Sa) of groups of judo techniques and the indices in defence (So) characterising Japanese and Russian representa­tives’ opponents. The techniques dominant among the observed athletes were identified. Results: The Japanese were characterised by significantly higher values of the efficiency in attack indices resulting from throws, in particular, foot throws. The efficiency in defence in both teams was significantly lower when applying holds rather than throws. Representatives of Russia also had high efficiency in applying joint locks and low efficiency in defensive actions. Conclusion: Sports results obtained by representatives of both teams were connected not only with the efficiency of their defensive actions, but also with the type and efficiency of the techniques dominant in attack
MicroRNAs as predictive biomarkers of response to tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Kovacova Julia , Poprach Alexandr , Buchler Tomas , Cho William C. , Slaby Ondrej 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for 2%–3% of all malignant tumours. The first-choice treatment in metastatic RCC (mRCC) patients is tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Although TKIs may prolong survival of the treated patients who are not primary resistant, almost all of them will eventually develop secondary resistance to the treatment after a progression-free period. To predict treatment response, thus, we need efficient biomarkers for rational indication of TKIs in mRCC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) not only play important roles in the pathogenesis of many cancers, including RCC but also have been shown to serve as promising diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers in various cancers. However, the potential of miRNAs to predict response to therapy with TKIs in mRCC has not yet gained sufficient attention. Because personalisation of the TKIs indication in mRCC presents an important unmet medical need, we summarise research on this topic and give an overall insight on the current knowledge in this field.
Electrochemical and surface analytical techniques applied to microbiologically influenced corrosion investigation
Authors: Trif László , Shaban Abdul , Telegdi Judit 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSuitable application of techniques for detection and monitoring of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is crucial for understanding the mechanisms of the interactions and for selecting inhibition and control approaches. This paper presents a review of the application of electrochemical and surface analytical techniques in studying the MIC process of metals and their alloys. Conventional electrochemical techniques, such as corrosion potential (Ecorr), redox potential, dual-cell technique, polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), electrochemical noise (EN) analysis, and microelectrode techniques, are discussed, with examples of their use in various MIC studies. Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance, which is newly used in MIC study, is also discussed. Microscopic techniques [scanning electron microscopy (SEM), environmental SEM (ESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), confocal laser microscopy (CLM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), confocal Raman microscopy] and spectroscopic analytical methods [Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)] are also highlighted. This review highlights the heterogeneous characteristics of microbial consortia and use of special techniques to study their probable effects on the metal substrata. The aim of this review is to motivate using a combination of new procedures for research and practical measurement and calculation of the impact of MIC and biofilms on metals and their alloys.
Reduced multitype critical branching processes in random environment
Authors: Dyakonova Elena E. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
We consider a multitype critical branching process Z

n
, n = 0, 1,…, in an i.i.d. random environment. Let Z

m,n
be the number of particles in this process at time m having descendants at time n. A limit theorem is proved for the logarithm of Z

nt,n
at moments nt,0 ≤ t ≤ 1, conditioned on the survival of the process Z

n
up to moment n when n → ∞.
On the best choice of a branching variable in the subset sum problem
Authors: Kolpakov Roman M. , Posypkin Mikhail A. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
The paper is concerned with estimating the computational complexity of the branch-and-bound method for the subset sum problem. We study the relationship between the way of decomposition of subproblems and the number of the method steps. The standard variant of the branch-and-bound method for the subset sum problem with binary branching is considered: any subproblem is decomposed into two more simple subproblems by assigning values 0 and 1 to a selected branching variable. It is shown that for any set of parameters of the problem the procedure of branching variables selection in the descending order of their weights is optimal.
On periodic properties of polylinear shift registers
Authors: Kozlitin Oleg A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis paper continues the author’s studies in [4], [5], [6] on synthesis of generators of pseudorandom sequences on the basis of polylinear shift registers. The paper [9] puts forward a method of the study of periodic properties of such automata. In the present paper, this method is used for the study of the cyclic type of a polylinear shift register with irreducible characteristic polynomials.
Laboratory error reporting rates can change significantly with year-over-year examination
Authors: Noble Michael A. , Restelli Veronica , Taylor Annemarie , Cochrane Douglas 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Background:
Incident reporting systems are useful tools to raise awareness of patient safety issues associated with healthcare error, including errors associated with the medical laboratory.

Methods:
Previously, we presented the analysis of data compiled by the British Columbia Patient Safety & Learning System over a 3-year period. A second comparable set was collected and analyzed to determine if reported error rates would tend to remain stable or change.

Results:
Compared to the original set, the second set presented changes that were both materially and statistically significant. Overall, the total number of reports increased by 297% with substantial changes between the pre-examination, examination and post-examination phases (χ2: 993.925, DF=20; p<0.00001). While the rate of change for pre-examination (clerical and collection) errors were not significantly different than the total year results, the rate of change for reporting examination errors rose by 998%. While the exact reason for dramatic change is not clear, possible explanations are provided.

Conclusions:
Longitudinal error rate tracking is a useful approach to monitor for laboratory quality improvement.
Surveying the Importance of Population and its Demographic Profile, Responsible for the Evolution of the Natura 2000 Sites of Bihor County, Romania
Authors: Linc Ribana , Dinca Iulian , Stasac  , Tatar Marcu Corina , Bucur Liviu 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
The current study focuses on the demographic profile research of Nature 2000 sites belonging to 28 administrative entities located in Bihor County, in northwestern Romania. For the purposes of this study, out of the 74 local administrative units (LAUs) holding protected areas of the type Nature 2000 while only sites that cover over 40% of the administrative entities’ area were taken into account. Starting from the interrelation of the contact between human communities and local ecosystems, the research sought to determine the interdependence level between the local residents’ lifestyle and the biodiversity-related maintenance/preservation of these protected areas.
Based on the referenced statistics, more demographic indicators were calculated (population decrement, population density, structure by age, dependency index, active population and structure by industry) and basic indicators of pressure on the environment (naturality index, human pressure through land use and forest area per capita). Each of these factors are meant to reveal how man cohabitates with nature in a balanced or disrupted manner according to the study results. Thus, considering the 28 LAUs from case to case, areas where environmental health tends to insecurity were identified, but there are cases in which it is satisfactory thanks to the existence of massive woodlands over wide areas, while also being due to a considerable demographic decrement.
Techniques employed to create event prestige value for corporate VIPs: the V.I.P. Framework
Authors: Jones Kayleigh , Moital Miguel 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis research explored the techniques employed by event managers to create event prestige value for VIPs in a corporate events context. Research on prestige has mainly focused on the attributes that deliver prestige value (the prestige values). However, by focusing on those delivering prestige (as opposed to the recipients of prestige), this research identified two deeper, less explicit mechanisms required to deliver prestigious experiences, labelled Interaction and Principles. By identifying a more comprehensive set of techniques, those designing VIP experiences will be better equipped to satisfy the prestige needs of VIPs.
Impact of opioid therapy on gonadal hormones: focus on buprenorphine
Authors: Varma Anjali , Sapra Mamta , Iranmanesh Ali 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Objective
The USA is in the midst of an opioid crisis. Understanding the impact of opioids and commonly used treatments for opioid dependence is essential for clinicians and researchers in order to educate and treat the nation’s growing population with opioid use disorders. As a relatively new treatment for opioid dependence, buprenorphine is gaining popularity to the extent of becoming not only a preferred approach to the maintenance of opiate addiction, but also an option for chronic pain management. The purpose of this report is to review the available evidence on the endocrine effects of buprenorphine, particularly as it relates to the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which is controversial and not fully defined.

Method
We conducted a Pubmed search (2000–2017) for human studies in the English language for articles that were available as full length regarding buprenorphine, endocrinopathy, hypogonadism, bone density, opioids. Case reports were also reviewed, although prospective studies and randomized controlled trials received more weight.

Results
Opioid induced hypogonadism is well established. Most studies report that buprenorphine being a partial agonist/antagonist may not be impacting the pituitary trophic hormones as much. There are reports of sexual dysfunction in subjects maintained on buprenorphine, some without hormonal correlation. Thus with the understanding that pertinent clinical studies are limited in number, varied in methodology, mostly cross sectional, predominantly in men and small number of participants, more research in this area is warranted.

Conclusion
Based on a comprehensive review of the available literature, we conclude that despite its increasing popularity, buprenorphine has not been adequately studied in respect to its long-term effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. There is a great need for longitudinal systematic trials to define the potential buprenorphine-induced endocrine consequences.