bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing two posterior quadratus lumborum block approaches with low thoracic erector spinae plane block: an anatomic study
Authors: Elsharkawy Hesham , Bajracharya Gausan Ratna , El-Boghdadly Kariem , Drake Richard L. , Mariano Edward R. 
Published: March 2019

Background and objectives
Both posterior quadratus lumborum (QL) and erector spinae plane (ESP) blocks have been described as new truncal interfascial plane blocks. Distribution of injectate is influenced by fascial anatomy; therefore, different injection sites may produce similar spread. This anatomic study was designed to test the hypothesis that a posteromedial QL block at L2 level will more closely resemble a low thoracic ESP block when compared with the posterolateral approach at L2 level.

Methods
Left-sided ESP blocks were performed in six cadavers at T10–11. Three of these cadavers received right-sided posteromedial QL block at L2, while the other three received right-sided posterolateral QL block at L2. All injections were composed of 20 mL methylcellulose 0.5 % mixed with India ink and 10 mL of Omnipaque (Iohexol) 240 mg/mL. CT 24 hours after injection and cadaver dissection were used to evaluate injectate spread.

Results

Cephalocaudal spread of injectate by CT and cadaveric dissection was highly correlated (
r
=0.85 [95% CI 0.51 to 0.95]). Cadaver dissection showed ESP injectate spread deep to the muscle (mean [SD]) 11.7 (2.3) levels compared with 7.3 (1.2) levels for posterolateral QL and 9.7 (1.5) for posteromedial QL (p=0.04 overall, with a statistically significant pairwise difference between ESP and posterolateral QL only). The subcostal nerve and dorsal rami were commonly involved in most blocks, but the paravertebral space and ventral rami had inconsistent involvement. The lumbocostal ligament limited cranial spread from the posterlateral QL block approach.

Conclusions
The posteromedial QL block at L2 produces more cranial spread beyond the lumbocostal ligament than the posterolateral QL block, and this spread is comparable with a low thoracic ESP block. Both posterior QL and ESP blocks show unreliable spread of injectate to the paravertebral space and ventral rami, but the dorsal rami were frequently covered.
Clinical outcomes of intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures with third fragments: a retrospective analysis of risk factors for delayed union
Authors: Hamahashi Kosuke , Uchiyama Yoshiyasu , Kobayashi Yuka , Ebihara Goro , Ukai Taku , Watanabe Masahiko 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundThis study retrospectively evaluated the clinical outcomes of intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures with third fragments and analyzed the risk factors for delayed union.MethodsRetrospective analyses involving 51 patients who underwent intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures with third fragments (AO classification type B, 35 cases; type C, 16 cases) were conducted. Delayed union was defined as either more than 10 months required for callus formation in more than three of the four cortical bone surfaces observed in the frontal and lateral radiographic views or the requirement for additional surgery such as nail conversion or bone transplantation. Seventeen patients developed delayed union (D group). Thirty-four patients achieved bony union within 9 months (U group). The following background variables were compared between groups: age at the time of the injury; AO classification; ratio of open fracture; waiting period before surgery; rate of the infraisthmal fracture; diameter of the intramedullary nail; ratio of the intramedullary nail to the femur; length and displacement of the third fragment; and use of open reduction, poller screws, or dynamization.ResultsSignificant differences were found between the D and U groups for age (32.2±14.1 vs. 25.3±9.6 years), open fracture ratio (35.3% vs. 11.8%), and displacement of the third fragment (13.7±6.4 vs. 9±6.3 mm). Multiple logistic regression analysis only identified displacement of the third fragment as a risk factor for delayed union (p=0.03; OR 1.13; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.26).DiscussionDelayed union was observed in 17 cases (33.3%) after intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures with third fragments. Displacement of the third fragment influenced delayed union.Level of evidenceLevel III.
Trauma and acute care surgeons report prescribing less opioids over time
Authors: Anderson Jamie E , Cocanour Christine S. , Galante Joseph M 
Published: March 2019

IntroductionConfronted with the opioid epidemic, surgeons must play a larger role to reduce risk of opioid abuse while managing acute pain. Having a better understanding of the beliefs and practices of trauma and acute care surgeons regarding discharge pain management may offer potential targets for interventions beyond fixed legal mandates.MethodsAn Institutional Review Board-approved electronic survey was sent to trauma and acute care surgeons who are members of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, and trauma and acute care surgeons and nurse practitioners at a Level 1 trauma center in February 2018. The survey included four case-based scenarios and questions about discharge prescription practices and beliefs.ResultsOf 66 respondents, most (88.1%) were at academic institutions. Mean number of opioid tablets prescribed was 20–30 (range 5–90), with the fewest tablets prescribed for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy and the most for rib fractures. Few prescribed both opioid and non-opioid medications (22.4% to 31.4 %). Most would not change the number/strength of medications (69.2%), dose (53.9%), or number of tablets of opioids (83.1%) prescribed if patients used opioids regularly prior to their operation. The most common factors that made providers more likely to prescribe opioids were high inpatient opioid use (32.4%), history of opioid use/abuse (24.5%), and if the patient lives far from the hospital (12.9%). Most providers in practice >5 years reported a decrease in opioids (71.9%) prescribed at discharge.ConclusionTrauma and acute care surgeons and nurse practitioners reported decreasing the number/amount of opioids prescribed over time. Patients with high opioid use in the hospital, history of opioid use/abuse, or who live far from the provider may be prescribed more opioids at discharge.Level of evidenceLevel IV.
A Watershed Year: Chinese Foreign Policy in 2018
Authors: GORE Lance L P 
Published: March 2019

The year 2018 is a watershed year in China’s foreign relations, marked by rapid deterioration of the external environment. The trade war with the United States is fought simultaneously at business, geopolitical and ideological levels. The two were in a struggle to redefine their bilateral relations, which also affected China’s dealings with other states, including the two Koreas, Taiwan and Japan. A more cautious foreign policy is expected from China in 2019.
Electroacupuncture via chronically implanted electrodes improves gastrointestinal motility by balancing sympathovagal activities in a rat model of constipation
Authors: Wang Xinjun , Yang Boli , Yin Jieyun , Wei Wei , Chen Jiande D. Z. 
Published: March 2019

Electroacupuncture (EA) has been reported for treating constipation in clinical studies. However, little is known of the possible mechanisms involved in the prokinetic effect of EA. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and underlying autonomic mechanisms of EA via chronically implanted electrodes for constipation in rat induced by Loperamide (Lop). Lop was given to regular rats to induce constipation. EA was performed via a pair of electrodes chronically implanted at bilateral acupoint ST-36. Feces characteristics, gastric emptying, small intestinal transit, distal colon transit time (dCTT), and whole gut transit time (WGTT) were measured in various sessions with EA or sham EA in rats with constipation induced by Lop. Heart rate variability (HRV) derived from the electrocardiogram was analyzed to evaluate autonomic functions. The number of fecal pellets was reduced by 27% with Lop ( P < 0.01) and normalized by 7-day EA. Similar results were also observed in pellet weight. In normal rats compared with sham EA, EA shortened dCTT by 74% ( P < 0.05 vs. sham EA), increased small intestinal transit by 28% ( P < 0.01) and gastric emptying by 27% ( P < 0.05), and accelerated whole gut transit by 14% ( P < 0.05). In Lop-treated rats, the dCTT and WGTT were prolonged by Lop and normalized by EA. Lop significantly decreased vagal activity and increased sympathetic nerve activity; however, EA reversed these effects. EA at ST-36 via chronically implanted electrodes improves Lop-induced constipation by enhancing GI motility via the autonomic mechanisms. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The findings of the present study suggest that the proposed electroacupuncture (EA) may have great therapeutic potential for treating patients with opioid-induced constipation. It was demonstrated that EA at ST-36 improved transit of every organ along the gut mediated via the autonomic mechanisms in normal rats and rats with Lop-induced constipation. It is advised to administrate EA daily instead of two or three times weekly as reported in most of the clinical studies.
Phosphorylation of αB-crystallin and its cytoskeleton association differs in skeletal myofiber types depending on resistance exercise intensity and volume
Authors: Jacko Daniel , Bersiner Käthe , Hebchen Jonas , de Marées Markus , Bloch Wilhelm , Gehlert Sebastian 
Published: March 2019

αB-crystallin (CRYAB) is an important actor in the immediate cell stabilizing response following mechanical stress in skeletal muscle. Yet, only little is known regarding myofiber type-specific stress responses of CRYAB. We investigated whether the phosphorylation of CRYAB at serine 59 (pCRYABSer59) and its cytoskeleton association are influenced by varying load-intensity and -volume in a fiber type-specific manner. Male subjects were assigned to 1, 5, and 10 sets of different acute resistance exercise protocols: hypertrophy (HYP), maximum strength (MAX), strength endurance (SE), low intensity (LI), and three sets of maximum eccentric resistance exercise (ECC). Skeletal muscle biopsies were taken at baseline and 30 min after exercise. Western blot revealed an increase inpCRYABSer59only following 5 and 10 sets in groups HYP, MAX, SE, and LI as well as following 3 sets in the ECC group. In type I fibers, immunohistochemistry determined increasedpCRYABSer59in all groups. In type II fibers,pCRYABSer59only increased in MAX and ECC groups, with the increase in type II fibers exceeding that of type I fibers in ECC. Association of CRYAB andpCRYABSer59with the cytoskeleton reflected the fiber type-specific phosphorylation pattern. Phosphorylation of CRYAB and its association with the cytoskeleton in type I and II myofibers is highly specific in terms of loading intensity and volume. Most likely, this is based on specific recruitment patterns of the different myofiber entities due to the different resistance exercise loadings. We conclude thatpCRYABSer59indicates contraction-induced mechanical stress exposure of single myofibers in consequence of resistance exercise.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We determined that the phosphorylation of αB-crystallin at serine 59 (pCRYABSer59) after resistance exercise differs between myofiber types in a load- and intensity-dependent manner. The determination ofpCRYABSer59could serve as a marker indirectly indicating contractile involvement and applied mechanical stress on individual fibers. By that, it is possible to retrospectively assess the impact of resistance exercise loading on skeletal muscle fiber entities.
Flat Crystal X-Ray Optics
Authors: Campbell William J. , Leon Melvin , Thatcher John 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAn investigation was undertaken by the Bureau of Mines at College Park, Md., to determine the effect of various combinations of collimators, analyzing crystals and detectors on line intensities, line-to-backgrouhd ratios, and spectral resolution. The research showed that line broadening due to mosaic crystal surfaces was greatly reduced and line splitting from faults was eliminatedby the use of two fine collimators (0.005 inch, spacing, 4 inch length). Line intensities were reduced, but lineto- background ratios arid line profiles were substantially improved with double collimators. Pulse height discrimination resulted in marked improvement in the line-to-background ratio in the long-wave length region, 2 to 10 A, but was much less effective for shorter wave lengths.
Results Obtained with the Modified Norelco Autrometer
Authors: Miller David C. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractDuring the past year the NORELCO Autrometer has been modified with respect to several details. Operation with the helium path and flow counter is now possible for work with the soft elements. Rotation in and out of the loading position is automatic so that all that an operator is required to do is to load the specimen holder. The sample or standard in the reading position can be rotated in its own plane for elimination of diffraction effects and other sample preparation problems. Other modifications in the electronics have increased the reliability and ease of maintenance in the production models, A description will be given of this latest unit and data will be presented on the results obtained both with respect to precision and analytical determinations.
A Non-Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Unit for the Analysis of Biological Tissue Sections
Authors: Hall Theodore 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAn X-ray fluorescence analysis unit has been designed and built especially for the measurement of certain mineral elements in individual biological tissue sections. Such a section may contain in the neighborhood of 10-10 grams of an element of interest, in a concentration in the range of 1-100 p.p.m.The unit consists of a special high-power X-ray tube with a builtin interchangeable secondary radiator, which irradiates the speciman with the characteristic lines of the radiator element) and a proportional counter and pulse-height analyzer system, which provides analysis of the X-ray spectrum emitted by the specimen. Because the emitted spectrum is greatly simplified by the use of an appropriate radiator element, a diffracting crystal can be omitted, permitting a great increase in absolute sensitivity.The system is feasible only because of two peculiarities of our biological specimens: they are so thin that matrix effects are negligible, and they consist essentially of a few mineral elements in a light matrix.Design considerations, calibration procedures, procedures for the analysis of the observed proportional counter pulse-height spectra and results to date will be discussed.
Recent Applications with the X-Ray Microscope
Authors: Summers Selby E. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe X-ray microscope is an electrostatic optical instrument employing X-rays for shadow projection to magnify and reveal detailed internal structure of specimens opaque to light or electrons. Its many advantages — high resolving power, greater penetration, large depth of field, and stereographic presentation — make the X-ray Microscope a versatile instrument for industrial research and development. Because the instrument was recently introduced, little information is available on specimen preparation techniques, or types of specimens suitable for study. A few of the many possible applications will be discussed, as well as a brief review of the technical details of the instrument.
The Crystallography of Compounds in the Calcium Oxide-Niobium Pentoxide System
Authors: Rowland John F. , Bright Norman F. H. , Jongejan Arnout 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn the course of work, on the CaO-Nb205-Si02 System, a series of compositions on the Ca0-Nb2-05 binary join has been studied. There are indications of the existence of three calcium niobates. These compounds have been characterized by X-ray powder diffraction and optical data. Single crystal studies have given information concerning the crystallography of these materials.
Microstructure, Mass and Chemical Analysis with 8 to 44 Angstrom X-Radiation
Authors: Henke Burton L. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe requirement of ultrasoft x-radiation (10 to 100A) for high resolution microradiographic analysis is established. Optimum methods are described for obtaining structure, mass distribution and mass-chemical information for microscopic sample regions as small as a few square microns and for total mass as small as a few micro-micrograms. The details of the techniques and of the instrumentation which are used in high resolution microradiographic analysis are presented.There has been a considerable amount of work reported on low magnification microradiography (up to 100 diameters) using conventional x-ray wavelengths.Relatively little work has been done in high resolution microradiography and with ultra soft x-radiation. Nearly all which has been reported has been in application to biological research where the need for such an analysis method seems to be greatest at this time. Outstanding among this work has been that of Engstrom and his co-workers.Much of the material which is presented in the present paper is intended as a supplement to that presented in the works of Engstrom and Lindstrom and with an emphasis upon the quantitative aspects of microradiographic analysis, using ultrasoft x-radiation.
Cladding Thickness of Fuel Elements by X-Rays
Authors: Lowe Beverley James , Sierer Payson D. , Ogilvie Robert B. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe paper is based on a feasibility study to determine the suitability of various techniques for the non-destructive measurement of cladding thickness on uranium fuel elements. The techniques studied were: 1—the attentuation of the characteristic X-ray fluorescence from the uranium base metal by the cladding material, and 2—Compton scattering of X-rays from the cladding surface. The cladding materials used in the investigation were aluminum, 304 stainless steel and zirconium, providing a wide range of both atomic number and density.
Determination of Calcium in Wolframite Concentrates by Fluorescent X-Ray Spectrography
Authors: Campbell William J. , Thatcher John W. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe purpose of this investigation was to develop a rapid, accurate method of analysis for small amounts of calcium in wolframite concentrates. This analysis is necessary to determine if wolframite concentrates meet the U. S. National Stockpile Specification P-57R2, which limits the calcium content to 0.2 per cent.Because of the small depth of sample analyzed in fluorescent x-ray spectrography the calcium Kα line intensity was found to be a function of the chemical composition of the calcium-bearing particle as well as the matrix composition. This particle-conn position effect was particularly important in this analysis because the calcium may be present as a carbonate, tungstate, phosphate, etc. Three methods of sample preparation were found to eliminate the variation of calcium Kα intensity with mineralogical occurrences: (1) Reduction in particle size by extensive grinding, (2) chemical fusion wtli sodium carbonate, and (3) solution of the calcium by an add.Determinations by all three procedures are believed to be accurate to within ± 5 per cent for more than 0.30 per cent calcium and ± 10 per cent at the 0.1-per cent level. The lower limit of detectability is in the order of 0.005-0.01 per cent.The operating characteristics of a gas-flow proportional counter used in conjunction with a pulse-height analyzer were studied in detail. This detector was found to have a high counting efficiency for calcium Ka radiation, to have a low counting efficiency for overlapping higher order radiation and to have counting stability equivalent to Geiger tubes.
Analysis of Aluminum-Nickel Diffusion Couples by X-Ray Absorption
Authors: Lublin Paul 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe X-ray technique for analyzing diffusion couples employs a monochromatic X-ray beam which impinges on a very fine slit, a holder for aligning the diffusion zone with the slit, and a scintillation counter for the high counting rates which have to be measured. Sample preparation, experimental instrumentation, and the application of the technique to the aluminum-nickel system will be discussed.
Instrumentation for Electron Probe Micro Analysis
Authors: Wittry David B. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractSince the development of the first practical electron probe microanalyzer by Castaing and Guinier in 1951, approximately 14 such instruments have been placed in operation throughout the world and at least 15 more are under construction. All of the existing instruments contain the following basic components: (1) An electron beam system, (2) a movable specimen stage, (3) a means for viewing the surface of the specimen, and (4) an X-ray analyzer. The integration of these components into a practical instrument requires certain compromises in the performance capability of the instrument. A critical evaluation of the various approaches to this problem is given and a new electron objective lens is described which results in fewer restrictions on the over-all performance. The basic design of an instrument employing this lens, which will be manufactured by the Applied Research Laboratories, is discussed.
An Introduction to Total Reflection X-Ray Microscopy*
Authors: McGee James F. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe reflection X-ray microscope is a microscope in the conventional sense. X-rays are actually focused in the formation of magnified images of minute objects. Its principal component is a pair of concave glass mirrors whichhave been polished and figured with great care. In common with other optical devices, the reflection X-ray microscope suffers from various aberrations which limit its resolution. Until recently its narrow field and lack of contrast have made it impractical for the examination of histological or metallurgical specimens.The X-ray microscope has the theoretical advantage of resolution when compared with the optical microscope. While it cannot compete with the ultimate resolution of the electron microscope, it has the advantage of being able to reveal the internal details of objects which are opaque to the electron microscope- Although there is no doubt that the X-ray microscope can contribute to our knowledge of structural details, perhaps its greatest potential lies in its analytical-chemistry aspects. Already a technique exists at unit magnification (contact microradiography) for weighing histological specimens whose cellular structures range from 10−12 to 10−14 g. The enlarged image provided by X-ray microscopy should greatly aid in a more extensive application of the technique.The above advantages and possible areas of application are a source of continuous stimulation in the development of a reflection X-ray microscope which will operate close to its theoretical limit of resolution.
A Precise Determination of the Atomic Position Parameter for α-Uranium*
Authors: Sturcken Edward F. , Post Ben 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe new value determined for the parameter was y= 0.1025 ± 0.0003 compared to a previous value of y= 0.105 ± 0.005 deduced by Jacob and Warren. The absorption errors and preferred orientation effects were eliminated and the statistical precision of the measurements was increased by employing a single-crystal diffractometrlc technique.The cell dimensions were also refined by using the diffractometric technique for high-purity annealed polycrystalllne uranium. Cell dimensions were ao= 2.854 A, bo=5.869 A, and co=4.955 A, all ±0.002 A. Interatomic distances of the twelve nearest neighbors were two atoms at 2.754 and 2.854 A andfour atoms at 3,263 and 3,342 A. The bond lengths were only slightly affected by the changes in y. The main effects of the new parameter are to alter the component of the bond along the b direction by 0.015 A and to change appreciably the calculated relative diffraction intensities.