bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermal Decomposition and Nonisothermal Kinetics of Monoethanolamine Mixed with Various Metal Ions
Authors: Wei Mengning , Huang An-Chi , Shu Chi-Min , Zhang Lijing 
Published: February 2019

AbstractEthanolamine is a critical chemical for petrochemical enterprises. When corrosion occurs in pipelines, equipment, and containers in petrochemical enterprises, minute amounts of metal ions are released. In this study, the thermal decomposition and nonisothermal kinetics of monoethanolamine (MEA) and MEA mixed with copper and zinc ions were analyzed using thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The TG tests revealed that MEA mixed with copper (II) and zinc (II) began thermal decomposition at 75.2 and 60.3 °C, respectively, whereas pure MEA began thermal decomposition at 89.7 °C. Two exothermic peaks were observed in the DSC curves for MEA mixed with copper (II) and zinc (II), and thermokinetic parameters were obtained from DSC data. The apparent activation energy (Ea) of each stage was calculated using several nonisothermal kinetic methods, namely the ASTM E698, Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose, Starink, and Flynn–Wall–Ozawa methods. The Ea of pure MEA was 28.7 ± 2.5 kJ/mol, whereas that of the copper and zinc mixtures were 80.5 ± 1.1 and 46.8 ±1.7 kJ/mol, respectively. The results can be used to improve the intrinsic safety of storage tanks and petrochemical plants.
Optically Guided Epidural Needle Placement Using 405-nm Wavelength for Accurate Puncture
Authors: Lin Su-Man , Gong Cihun-Siyong Alex , Chiang Tai-An , Tsou Mei-Yung , Ting Chien-Kun 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSeveral approaches of locating the epidural space have been proposed. However, loss of Resistance method (LOR) remains the most common method for epidural anesthesia. Different optical signals were received from the ligamentum flavum and the epidural space allows operator to pinpoint position of the needle and determine whether the needle tip has entered the epidural space. Optical signals throughout the penetration process was recorded and position of needle tip was confirmed with a C-arm fluoroscopy. 60 lumbar punctures were performed in 20 vivo porcine models, and success rate of locating the epidural space with the optical auxiliary is calculated statistically. The data are expressed in mean ± SD. During all the lumber puncture processes, the strength of optical signals received decreased significantly while the needle tip penetrates the ligamentum flavum and entered the epidural space. The strength of optical signal received when needle tip was in the ligamentum flavum was 1.38 ± 0.57. The signal strength at epidural space was 0.46 ± 0.35. Strength of signal decreased by 67% when entered epidural space, and there is no significant differences in decrease of strength from data obtained from thevertebrae (lumbar segments)L2-L3, L3-L4, and L4-L5. Finally, we calculated with assistance of the proposed optical auxiliary, the success rate for guiding the needle tip to the epidural space using was as high as 87%. It is evidently believed that the optical auxiliary equipped is visualized to assist operators inserting needle accurately and efficiently into epidural space during epidural anesthesia operation.
Fluid Containing Structures in the tips of the fingers and toes delineated by Ultrasound Imaging before and after Induced Skin Wrinkling
Authors: Gechev Antonin 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis Ultrasound study identified spaces within the pulp of distal phalanx of the fingers and toes that halve in area after Water Induced Skin Wrinkling. These spaces appeared as fluid filled sacculi between connective tissue compartments accountable for distending digital pulp under normal circumstances and skin wrinkling after water immersion. Whilst studying conditions related to sympathetic nerve function with WISW ultrasound imaging is a valuable adjunct to the visual assessment.
Normalization strategies differently affect circulating miRNA profile associated with the training status
Authors: Faraldi Martina , Gomarasca Marta , Sansoni Veronica , Perego Silvia , Banfi Giuseppe , Lombardi Giovanni 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMicroRNAs are fine regulators of the whole-body adaptive response but their use as biomarkers is limited by the lack of standardized pre- and post-analytical procedures. This work aimed to compare different normalization approaches for RT-qPCR data analyses, in order to identify the most reliable and reproducible method to analyze circulating miRNA expression profiles in sedentary and highly-trained subjects. As the physically active status is known to affect miRNA expression, they could be effective biomarkers of the homeostatic response. Following RNA extraction from plasma, a panel of 179 miRNAs was assayed by RT-qPCR and quantified by applying different normalization strategies based on endogenous miRNAs and exogenous oligonucleotides. hsa-miR-320d was found as the most appropriate reference miRNA in reducing the technical variability among the experimental replicates and, hence, in highlighting the inter-cohorts differences. Our data showed an association between the physically active status and specific skeletal muscle- and bone-associated circulating miRNAs profiles, revealing that established epigenetic modifications affect the baseline physiological status of these tissues. Since different normalization strategies led to different outputs, in order to avoid misleading interpretation of data, we remark the importance of the accurate choice of the most reliable normalization method in every experimental setting.
Optimal birth weight and term mortality risk differ among different ethnic groups in the U.S.
Authors: Jeon Jihyun , Kim Do-Hyun , Park Min Soo , Park Chang-Gi , Sriram Sudhir , Lee Kwang-Sun 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAmong European countries, optimal birth weight at which the mortality is minimal is shown to be different by country. We investigated this difference examining one geopolitical population, the U.S. term live births, born to the five groups of the same ethnic parents; White, Black, Hispanic, North Asian, and South Asian. North Asians and South Asians had more favorable maternal factors for birth weight. Yet, Whites had the highest mean birth weight and South Asians, the lowest. However, neonatal mortality rate in Whites was 0.78 per 1,000 live births, significantly higher than 0.36 and 0.72 per 1,000 live births in North Asians and South Asians, respectively. Other maternal factors hardly explained this ethnic disparity in birth weight or mortality. Optimal birth weight was greatest in Whites (3,890 g), and least in South Asians (3,491 g). However, neonatal mortality at optimal birth weight was significantly lower in North Asians. Adjustment of maternal factors except parental ethnicity changed little of this difference. Optimal birth weight and its mortality differ by ethnicity. On planning the best birth outcome in a population, one should consider the variable mortality risks by ethnicity.
Perceptual learning of task-irrelevant features depends on the sensory context
Authors: Bruns Patrick , Watanabe Takeo 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe brain has evolved to extract behaviourally meaningful information from the environment. For example, it has been shown that visual perceptual learning (VPL) can occur for task-irrelevant stimulus features when those features are consistently paired with internal or external reinforcement signals. It is, however, unclear whether or not task-irrelevant VPL is influenced by stimulus features that are unrelated to reinforcement in a given sensory context. To address this question, we exposed participants to task-irrelevant and subliminal coherent motion stimuli in the background while they performed a central character identification task. A specific motion direction was consistently paired with the task-targets, while two other directions occurred only with distractors and, thus, were unrelated to reinforcement. We found that the magnitude of VPL of the target-paired direction was significantly greater when the distractor-paired directions were close to the target-paired direction, compared to when they were farther. Thus, even very weak signals that are both subliminal and unrelated to reinforcement are processed and exert an influence on VPL. This finding suggests that the outcome of VPL depends on the sensory context in which learning takes place and calls for a refinement of VPL theories to incorporate exposure-based influences on learning.
Plasmid DNA contaminant in molecular reagents
Authors: Wally N. , Schneider M. , Thannesberger J. , Kastner M. T. , Bakonyi T. , Indik S. , Rattei T. , Bedarf J. , Hildebrand F. , Law J. , Jovel J. , Steininger C. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackground noise in metagenomic studies is often of high importance and its removal requires extensive post-analytic, bioinformatics filtering. This is relevant as significant signals may be lost due to a low signal-to-noise ratio. The presence of plasmid residues, that are frequently present in reagents as contaminants, has not been investigated so far, but may pose a substantial bias. Here we show that plasmid sequences from different sources are omnipresent in molecular biology reagents. Using a metagenomic approach, we identified the presence of the (pol) of equine infectious anemia virus in human samples and traced it back to the expression plasmid used for generation of a commercial reverse transcriptase. We found fragments of multiple other expression plasmids in human samples as well as commercial polymerase preparations. Plasmid contamination sources included production chain of molecular biology reagents as well as contamination of reagents from environment or human handling of samples and reagents. Retrospective analyses of published metagenomic studies revealed an inaccurate signal-to-noise differentiation. Hence, the plasmid sequences that seem to be omnipresent in molecular biology reagents may misguide conclusions derived from genomic/metagenomics datasets and thus also clinical interpretations. Critical appraisal of metagenomic data sets for the possibility of plasmid background noise is required to identify reliable and significant signals.
Megathrust earthquake drives drastic organic carbon supply to the hadal trench
Authors: Kioka A. , Schwestermann T. , Moernaut J. , Ikehara K. , Kanamatsu T. , McHugh C. M. , dos Santos Ferreira C. , Wiemer G. , Haghipour N. , Kopf A. J. , Eglinton T. I. , Strasser M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe giant 2011 Tohoku-oki earthquake has been inferred to remobilise fine-grained, young surface sediment enriched in organic matter from the slope into the >7 km deep Japan Trench. Yet, this hypothesis and assessment of its significance for the carbon cycle has been hindered by limited data density and resolution in the hadal zone. Here we combine new high-resolution bathymetry data with sub-bottom profiler images and sediment cores taken during 2012–2016 in order to map for the first time the spatial extent of the earthquake-triggered event deposit along the hadal Japan Trench. We quantify a sediment volume of ~0.2 km3 deposited from spatially-widespread remobilisation of young surficial seafloor slope sediments triggered by the 2011 earthquake and its aftershock sequence. The mapped volume and organic carbon content in sediment cores encompassing the 2011 event reveals that this single tectonic event delivered >1 Tg of organic carbon to the hadal trench. This carbon supply is comparable to high carbon fluxes described for other Earth system processes, shedding new light on the impact of large earthquakes on long-term carbon cycling in the deep-sea.
Discovery and characterisation of an antibody that selectively modulates the inhibitory activity of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1
Authors: Vousden Katherine A. , Lundqvist Tomas , Popovic Bojana , Naiman Brian , Carruthers Alan M. , Newton Philip , Johnson Daniel J. D. , Pomowski Anja , Wilkinson Trevor , Dufner Patrick , de Mendez Isabelle , Mallinder Philip R. , Murray Clare , Strain Martin , Connor Jane , Murray Lynne A. , Sleeman Matthew A. , Lowe David C. , Huntington James A. , Vaughan Tristan J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPlasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is a serine protease inhibitor (serpin) that regulates fibrinolysis, cell adhesion and cell motility via its interactions with plasminogen activators and vitronectin. PAI-1 has been shown to play a role in a number of diverse pathologies including cardiovascular diseases, obesity and cancer and is therefore an attractive therapeutic target. However the multiple patho-physiological roles of PAI-1, and understanding the relative contributions of these in any one disease setting, make the development of therapeutically relevant molecules challenging. Here we describe the identification and characterisation of fully human antibody MEDI-579, which binds with high affinity and specificity to the active form of human PAI-1. MEDI-579 specifically inhibits serine protease interactions with PAI-1 while conserving vitronectin binding. Crystallographic analysis reveals that this specificity is achieved through direct binding of MEDI-579 Fab to the reactive centre loop (RCL) of PAI-1 and at the same exosite used by both tissue and urokinase plasminogen activators (tPA and uPA). We propose that MEDI-579 acts by directly competing with proteases for RCL binding and as such is able to modulate the interaction of PAI-1 with tPA and uPA in a way not previously described for a human PAI-1 inhibitor.
1.2 MHz relaxation oscillator with 16.8 ppm/°C temperature coefficient using resistive self‐bias current
Authors: Choi J. , Kim J. , Lee Y. , Chun J.‐H. 
Published: February 2019

In this research, the authors propose a self‐biased relaxation oscillator that outputs a constant 1.2 MHz clock over a wide temperature range. Excluding any external bias, the proposed oscillator embodies a self‐bias circuit that generates a bias current from a precisely trimmed resistor. To minimise the power consumption, a switched‐bias technique was applied to the two comparators in the oscillator. The proposed circuit was fabricated in a 180 nm CMOS process. It consumes 17.9 µW from a 1.5 V supply, and its temperature coefficient is 16.8 ppm/°C in the range of −20–80°C.
Update Uroonkologie – was gibt‘s Neues 2018?
Authors: Heers Hendrik , Boegemann Martin , Hegele Axel 
Published: February 2019

ZusammenfassungEs bleibt spannend in der Uroonkologie. Immer zahlreicher werden die Studien, immer neue Substanzen zur Tumortherapie erobern den Markt. Da es immer schwieriger wird, als Kliniker den Überblick zu behalten, soll dieser Artikel die wichtigsten Neuigkeiten in Bezug auf die 3 bedeutendsten urologischen Tumorentitäten zusammenfassen. Aktuelle Daten der wichtigsten urologischen und onkologischen Kongresse 2018 zum Prostatakarzinom, Nierenzellkarzinom und Urothelkarzinom werden vorgestellt und ihre Relevanz für die Praxis diskutiert.
Urologie der Frau – Rückblick auf die Entwicklung in den letzten 5 Jahrzehnten
Authors: Neymeyer Joerg , Moldovan Diana , Miller Kurt , Weinberger Sarah 
Published: February 2019

ZusammenfassungDie Urogynäkologie ist ein hochspezialisierter interdisziplinärer Fachbereich vom Charakter einer Subspezialisierung. Sie verfolgt das Ziel der Untersuchung und nachhaltigen ganzheitlichen Behandlung funktioneller, statischer, endokriner und sexueller Störungen bzw. Erkrankungen im Bereich des Urogenitalsystems und des kleinen Beckens. Der Arbeitskreis „Urologische Funktionsdiagnostik und Urologie der Frau“ der Akademie der Deutschen Urologen wurde 1977 gegründet und fokussiert die Urogynäkologie auf die Aktualisierung und Fortentwicklung der Diagnostik und klinischen Therapieverfahren, auf die Weiterbildung sowie auf die Mitgestaltung der urogynäkologischen Leitlinien. Harninkontinenz und Beckenbodensenkungen nehmen demografisch bedingt zu. Steigende soziokulturelle Ansprüche der Frauen erfordern effektivere Behandlungen mit erfolgssicheren und komplikationsarmen Methoden. Meilensteine in der Urogynäkologie waren die Einführung und Weiterentwicklung minimalinvasiver Operationsverfahren wie unter anderem TVT („tension-free vaginal tape“) -Systeme, laparoskopische und roboterassistierte Techniken, die Entwicklung eines Komplikationsmanagements, gezieltere medikamentöse Therapien sowie die Möglichkeiten der modernen Funktionsdiagnostik mit Beckenbodensonografie und MRT-Untersuchungen. Klassische Operationstechniken wie Kolposuspensionen oder Kolposakropexien und vaginale Plastiken ohne Fremdmaterial haben weiterhin einen hohen Stellenwert. In speziellen Fällen sowie Rezidivsenkungen haben sich netzbasierte pelvine Plastiken den konventionellen Verfahren wegen guter Langzeiterfolge und nur geringen Rezidivraten als überlegen erwiesen, sofern eine anatomisch korrekte Operationstechnik, kritische Auswahl textiler Implantate sowie eine angemessene Aufklärung erfolgt. Instrumentelle Nahttechniken und Operationsroboter sind aufgrund der beengten Zugänge und Aktionsräume vorteilhaft. Bei apikalen direkten Fixationen ist die therapeutisch relevante Zielgröße der Elevationswinkel der Scheide. Bewährte anatomische Fixationspunkte sind vorzuziehen.Die Aus- und Weiterbildung auf dem Fachgebiet der Urogynäkologie und die Harmonisierung mit europäischen Vorgaben (European Board & College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology) sollten umgesetzt werden. Fähigkeiten und Fertigkeiten zu hochspezialisierten netzbasierten Eingriffen und effektiven Techniken zum Komplikationsmanagement sollten genauso interdisziplinär vermittelt werden, wie einfach zu erlernende und zu nutzende diagnostische Verfahren, besonders aber die Beckenbodensonografie.Nur eine Fächerübergreifende urogynäkologische Subspezialisierung kann die Entwicklung erforderlicher Fachkompetenzen garantieren. Interdisziplinäre Weiterbildungen sollten durch die beteiligten Fachgesellschaften (Urologie, Chirurgie und Gynäkologie) inhaltlich festgelegt und deren Umsetzung vereinbart werden.
Die Rolle Der Psychotherapie Beim Reizdarmsyndrom
Authors: Weibert Elena , Stengel Andreas 
Published: February 2019

ZusammenfassungDas Reizdarmsyndrom ist eine häufige funktionelle gastrointestinale Störung, die aufgrund wiederkehrender gastrointestinaler Beschwerden wie Bauchschmerzen oder Stuhlveränderungen die Lebensqualität erheblich beeinträchtigen kann. Basierend auf dem biopsychosozialen Krankheitsmodell wird die Ausprägung des Reizdarmsyndroms durch die Kombination von veränderten physiologischen Prozessen, sozialen Aspekten und psychischen Faktoren beeinflusst. Während der Fokus bisher auf der Linderung der Darmbeschwerden mittels Diät sowie medikamentöser Therapie lag, stellen Psychotherapieverfahren angesichts der starken Assoziation mit psychischen Komorbiditäten (u. a. Depression, Angststörung) zunehmend alternative oder ergänzende Behandlungsmethoden mit mittlerweile sehr guter Evidenz dar. Grundsätzlich können zusätzliche psychische Begleitsymptome die Wahrscheinlichkeit komplizierter Krankheitsverläufe erhöhen, wobei sich psychische Symptome und Darmbeschwerden maßgeblich gegenseitig beeinflussen. Mithilfe von kognitiver Verhaltenstherapie, psychodynamischer Psychotherapie, Hypnotherapie, achtsamkeitsbasierter Therapie und anderen psychotherapeutischen Verfahren sollen die Krankheitsbewältigung und -kontrolle gesteigert und fehlregulierte kognitive Prozesse umstrukturiert werden. In dieser Übersichtsarbeit fokussieren wir uns auf den psychosozialen Aspekt des Reizdarmsyndroms und diskutieren den Nutzen der psychotherapeutischen Verfahren.
Interrater Reliability of Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Sialolithiasis
Authors: Goncalves Miguel , Mantsopoulos Konstantinos , Schapher Mirco Lothar , Zenk Johannes , Bozzato Alessandro , Kuenzel Julian , Zengel Pamela , Iro Heinrich , Koch Michael 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study was to assess the interrater reliability of ultrasound for diagnosing sialolithiasis.
Materials and Methods A total of 100 consecutive patients with signs of obstructive sialadenopathy were evaluated. The patients all underwent ultrasound examinations in a standardized manner conducted by one specialist with extensive experience in the management of salivary gland disorders and proficiency in head and neck ultrasonography. The video recordings were sent to six colleagues with comparable experience without providing any further information about the patients’ medical history and physical examination.
Results The overall agreement between the seven observers was substantial, with a κ of 0.765 for the 100 cases and a percentage agreement level of 88.29 ± 3.01 % (range: 83–94 %). The range of agreement on this video set for observer pairs varied from substantial to almost perfect agreement (0.663 to 0.878). Among the few false-negative findings (5.4 %), 71.8 % were due to distal sialolithiasis. Two-thirds of the false-positive findings (3.7 %) were due to fibrotic stenosis.
Conclusion The study confirmed the diagnostic value of ultrasound in sialolithiasis and demonstrated a very high level of interrater agreement, even in the absence of additional clinical patient information, thus further underscoring the importance of ultrasound as the examination of first choice in sialolithiasis.
Lessons Learned in Creating Interoperable Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources Profiles for Large-Scale Public Health Programs
Authors: Matney Susan , Heale Bret , Hasley Steve , Decker Emily , Frederiksen Brittni , Davis Nathan , Langford Patrick , Ramey Nadia , Huff Stanley 
Published: February 2019

Objective This article describes lessons learned from the collaborative creation of logical models and standard Health Level Seven (HL7) Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) profiles for family planning and reproductive health. The National Health Service delivery program will use the FHIR profiles to improve federal reporting, program monitoring, and quality improvement efforts.
Materials and Methods Organizational frameworks, work processes, and artifact testing to create FHIR profiles are described.
Results Logical models and FHIR profiles for the Family Planning Annual Report 2.0 dataset have been created and validated.
Discussion Using clinical element models and FHIR to meet the needs of a real-world use case has been accomplished but has also demonstrated the need for additional tooling, terminology services, and application sandbox development.
Conclusion FHIR profiles may reduce the administrative burden for the reporting of federally mandated program data.
Bone Conduction Implants for Hearing Rehabilitation in Skull Base Tumor Patients
Authors: Placke Lauren , Appelbaum Eric , Patel Akash , Sweeney Alex 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBone conduction implants transfer sound to the inner ear through direct vibration of the skull. In patients with skull base tumors and infections, these devices can bypass a dysfunctional ear canal and/or middle ear. Though not all skull base surgery patients opt for bone conduction hearing rehabilitation, a variety of these devices have been developed and marketed over time. This article reviews the evolution and existing state of bone conduction technology.