bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis B virus contact disclosure and testing in Lusaka, Zambia: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Franklin Sarah , Mouliom Amina , Sinkala Edford , Kanunga Annie , Helova Anna , Dionne-Odom Jodie , Turan Janet M , Vinikoor Michael 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of disclosure to and testing of contacts of patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Zambia.DesignWe used a convergent parallel mixed-method research design including a quantitative survey and focus group discussions with patients with HBV.SettingA university hospital in Lusaka, Zambia.Participants79 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive, HIV-negative, adults (18+ years) receiving HBV care completed a quantitative survey and 32 also participated in a focus group discussion.Outcomes and analysisContacts of patients with HBV were enumerated and patient-reported disclosure, contact testing and contact HBV test results were used to develop a testing cascade. Using multivariable logistic regression, we identified factors associated with disclosure of HBV status. In focus groups, we explored how index patient knowledge and awareness of their condition shaped perspectives on contact disclosure and testing. Focus groups coding and analysis followed a thematic analysis approach.ResultsAmong 79 patients with HBV (median age 35 years; 26.6% women), the majority reported disclosure to ≥1 contact. According to the index patients’ knowledge, of 776 contacts enumerated, 326 (42.1%) were disclosed to, 77 (9.9%) were tested, 67 (8.6%) received results and 8 (11.9%) were HBsAg-positive. Increased stigma score was associated with reduced disclosure. In focus groups, HBV awareness, knowledge and stigma emerged as barriers to disclosure and referral of contacts for testing. Association of HBV with HIV-related stigma was also reported as a strong barrier to contact disclosure and testing and to taking antivirals for HBV monoinfection.ConclusionsHBV contact disclosure and testing were feasible and yielded new diagnoses in Zambia. A better understanding of barriers to seeking HBV testing and treatment is needed to scale-up this important intervention in Africa.Trials registration numberNCT03158818.
Overall survival in older patients with cancer
Authors: Edwards Beatrice J , Zhang Xiaotao , Sun Ming , Song Juhee , Khalil Peter , Karuturi Meghan Sri , Pang Linda , Geng Yunlong , Dinney Colin P , Valero Vicente , Champlin Richard E , Tripathy Debasish 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesA growing number of patients with cancer are older adults. We sought to identify the predictors for overall survival (OS) in older adults with solid tumour and haematological malignancies between January 2013 and December 2016.MethodsRetrospective cohort study. A comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed, with a median follow-up of 12.8 months. Analysis: univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.ResultsIn this study, among the 455 patients with last follow-up date or date of death, 152 (33.4%) died during the follow-up. The median follow-up is 12.8 months (range 0.2–51.1 months) and the median OS is 20.5 months (range 0.3–44.5 months). Among all older patients with cancer, predictors of OS included male gender, cancer stage, malnutrition, history of smoking, heavy alcohol use, frailty, weight loss, major depression, low body weight and nursing home residence. Traditional performance scores (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) and Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS)) were predictors of OS. Independent predictors included age >85 years and haematological malignancies. Among solid tumours (n=311) in addition to the above predictors, comorbidity, gait speed and vitamin D deficiency were associated with OS.ConclusionsWe identified specific geriatric factors associated with OS in older patients with cancer, and comparable in predictive ability to traditional performance scores such as KPS and ECOG. Prospective studies will be necessary to confirm our findings.
Genome sequencing reveals a deep intronic splicing ACVRL1 mutation hotspot in Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Authors: Wooderchak-Donahue Whitney L. , McDonald Jamie , Farrell Andrew , Akay Gulsen , Velinder Matt , Johnson Peter , VanSant-Webb Chad , Margraf Rebecca , Briggs Eric , Whitehead Kevin J , Thomson Jennifer , Lin Angela E , Pyeritz Reed E , Marth Gabor , Bayrak-Toydemir Pinar 
Published: September 2018

IntroductionHereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder caused by mutations in the genes ENG, ACVRL1, and SMAD4. Yet the genetic cause remains unknown for some families even after exhaustive exome analysis. We hypothesised that non-coding regions of the known HHT genes may harbour variants that disrupt splicing in these cases.MethodsDNA from 35 individuals with clinical findings of HHT and 2 healthy controls from 13 families underwent whole genome sequencing. Additionally, 87 unrelated cases suspected to have HHT were evaluated using a custom designed next-generation sequencing panel to capture the coding and non-coding regions of ENG, ACVRL1 and SMAD4. Individuals from both groups had tested negative previously for a mutation in the coding region of known HHT genes. Samples were sequenced on a HiSeq2500 instrument and data were analysed to identify novel and rare variants.ResultsEight cases had a novel non-coding ACVRL1 variant that disrupted splicing. One family had an ACVRL1intron 9:chromosome 3 translocation, the first reported case of a translocation causing HHT. The other seven cases had a variant located within a ~300 bp CT-rich ‘hotspot’ region of ACVRL1intron 9 that disrupted splicing.ConclusionsDespite the difficulty of interpreting deep intronic variants, our study highlights the importance of non-coding regions in the disease mechanism of HHT, particularly the CT-rich hotspot region of ACVRL1intron 9. The addition of this region to HHT molecular diagnostic testing algorithms will improve clinical sensitivity.
Thickness of the bone-cartilage unit in relation to osteoarthritis severity in the human hip joint
Authors: Hartlev Louise Brøndt , Klose-Jensen Rasmus , Thomsen Jesper Skovhus , Nyengaard Jens Randel , Boel Lene Warner Thorup , Laursen Mogens Berg , Laurberg Trine Bay , Nielsen Andreas Wiggers , Steengaard-Pedersen Kristian , Hauge Ellen-Margrethe 
Published: September 2018

ObjectiveBone formation is a hallmark of osteoarthritis (OA). It has been speculated that bone formation may occur because of ossification at the bone-cartilage unit, that is, bone formation directly involving the calcified cartilage (CC). This study aimed to investigate the thickness of the CC and subchondral bone (SCB) in relation to the severity of the overlying articular cartilage (AC) degeneration.DesignWe investigated femoral heads from 20 patients with OA and 15 healthy subjects with design-based stereology using systematic uniform random sampling of the entire joint surface. This was combined with the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) OA cartilage histopathology assessment system, thus obtaining focal OARSI grades paired with thickness measurements of AC, CC and the SCB.ResultsThe patients with OA had thicker CC (mean 159; 95% CI 144 to 177 µm) compared with the healthy subjects (mean 132; 95% CI 113 to 1550 µm; p=0.036), and this difference was even higher in areas without loss of AC thickness (OARSI grade ≤3); 187 (95% CI 164 to 214) µm vs 132 (95% CI 113 to 155) µm (p=0.001). In the patients with OA, a thicker SCB was observed in areas with loss of AC thickness (OARSI grade ≥4), but not in areas without loss of AC thickness (OARSI grade ≤3).ConclusionThe study showed that thicker CC is present in early stages of OA, suggesting that bone formation by endochondral ossification is an early phenomenon of OA. Thickening of the SCB was present, but only in areas with denuded bone. Suggesting that also appositional bone growth occurs and that it may be a consequence of changed biomechanics.
Magnetic surveying with an unmanned ground vehicle
Authors: Hay A. , Samson C. , Tuck L. , Ellery A. 
Published: September 2018

With the recent proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles for geophysical surveying, a novel opportunity exists to develop unmanned ground vehicles in parallel. This contribution features a study to integrate the Husky A200 robotic development platform with a GSMP 35U magnetometer that has recently been developed for the unmanned aerial vehicle market. Methods to identify and reduce the impact of magnetically noisy components on the unmanned ground vehicle platforms are discussed. The noise generated by the platform in laboratory and gentle field conditions, estimated using the fourth difference method for a magnetometer–vehicle separation distance of 121 cm and rotation of the chassis wheels at full speed (1 m/s), is ±1.97 nT. The integrated unmanned ground vehicle was used to conduct two robotic magnetic surveys to map cultural targets and natural variations of the magnetic field. In realistic field conditions, at a full speed of 1 m/s, the unmanned ground vehicle measured total magnetic intensity over a range of 1730 nT at 0.1 m spatial resolution with a productivity of 2651 line metres per hour.
The Role of Non-Echoplanar Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Diagnosis of Primary Cholesteatoma and Cholesteatoma Recidivism as an Adjunct to Clinical Evaluation
Authors: Laske Roman D. , Roth Thomas N. , Baráth Krisztina , Schuknecht Bernhard , Huber Alexander M. , Röösli Christof 
Published: September 2018

Introduction: The aim of this study was to analyze the sensitivity and specificity of non-echoplanar (non-EPI) diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the detection of cholesteatoma, with a focus on its value as an adjunct to clinical examination. Methods: In a prospective cohort study, 92 cases were divided into 2 groups: “clinically cholesteatoma” ( n = 79) and “clinically no cholesteatoma” ( n = 13). Non-EPI DW MRI was performed preoperatively in all cases. The presence of a cholesteatoma was assessed by clinicians otoscopically, by neuroradiologists on non-EPI DW MRI, by the surgeon intraoperatively, and finally by the pathologist postoperatively. Data analysis was performed for specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and interrater variability. Results: The sensitivity and specificity were 89.3% and 75%, respectively, in the “clinically cholesteatoma” group and 0% and 100% in the “clinically no cholesteatoma” group. Non-EPI DW MRI had a positive predictive value of 98.5% when cholesteatoma was suspected clinically and a negative predictive value of 84.6% when cholesteatoma was not suspected clinically. Conclusion: If cholesteatoma is suspected clinically, non-EPI DW MRI is not necessary. If there is no clinical suspicion of cholesteatoma in second-look situations, sensitivity is low and serial follow-up MRI with long intervals is advised.
An open-source software ecosystem for the interactive exploration of ultrafast electron scattering data
Authors: René de Cotret Laurent P. , Otto Martin R. , Stern Mark J. , Siwick Bradley J. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis paper details a software ecosystem comprising three free and open-source Python packages for processing raw ultrafast electron scattering (UES) data and interactively exploring the processed data. The first package, iris, is graphical user-interface program and library for interactive exploration of UES data. Under the hood, iris makes use of npstreams, an extensions of numpy to streaming array-processing, for high-throughput parallel data reduction. Finally, we present scikit-ued, a library of reusable routines and data structures for analysis of UES data, including specialized image processing algorithms, simulation routines, and crystal structure manipulation operations. In this paper, some of the features or all three packages are highlighted, such as parallel data reduction, image registration, interactive exploration. The packages are fully tested and documented and are released under permissive licenses.
DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE OF MAJOR ZOOPLANKTON GROUPS IN AMBON BAY (MALUKU, INDONESIA) DURING A SALP SWARMING, WITH NOTES ON CHAETOGNATHA AND PTEROPODA SPECIES
Authors: Troost Dick G. , Sutomo A. B. , Wenno L. F. 
Published: September 2018

Eight zooplankton samples from several stations along a line from the inner to the outermost part of Ambon Bay were studied. In the samples from the Inner Bay, the salp Thalia sibogae SOEST outnumbers all other groups. The competition for food is responsible for relatively low numbers of these groups. At the Outer Bay stations the Copepoda is by far the most abundant group.TGraphs indicating the numbers of specimens per m3 of each of the seventeen groups are given for three groups of stations, of which the central one appeared to be the richest.The Chaetognatha, Pteropoda, and oblong fish eggs were identified. Oxygen and reactive phosphorus are presumed to be more connected with differences in planktonic life in Ambon Bay than temperature and salinity.Because of the importance of the live-bait fishery, and the threat of increasing pollution, a call in made for more extensive surveys.
Процесс индивидуации как ключ к интерпретации главного героя романа Федора Достоевского „Бесы”
Authors: Stryjakowska Anna 
Published: September 2018

The article is an attempt to interpret Nikolay Stavrogin, the main character of Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s novel The Possessed, in the key of the analytical psychology. It is argued that Stavrogin may be undergoing the process of individuation by dealing with the collective unconscious. The attention is drawn particularly to the character of Matryosha, who can be perceived as the protagonist’s anima, showing him the way out of the tragic impasse.
Ukraińska mniejszość narodowa w Telewizji Polskiej. Analiza programów dla ukraińskiej mniejszości przed, podczas i po Euro¬majdanie na Ukrainie
Authors: Banytska Tetyana 
Published: September 2018

This article is an attempt to assess the quality of television programs targeted to Ukrainiannational minority in Poland. Public media in Poland have an obligation of broadcasting programs for the minorities in their languages, which is imposed by the law on broadcasting. For the Ukrainian minority the Polish public television broadcasts three programs: „Przegląd ukraiński”, „Ukraińskie wieści” oraz „Telenowyny”. In this article the most important quality issues of these programs, such as duration of programs, subject diversity, methods of translation, technical aspects as well as the way of showing the civil unrest in Ukraine known as Euromaidan, are presented. An analysis was conducted within the timespan before, during and after the wave of demonstrations in Ukraine (from 21 July 2013 to 22 June 2014).
John Italos on the eternity of the world
Authors: Kraft András , Perczel István 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
The paper discusses John Italos’ (d. after 1082) position on the eternity of the world. Italos was condemned for a series of heretical views including the thesis that the visible world was eternal. However, a treatise of Italos has been transmitted, in which he refutes the idea of an eternal kosmos and argues for its createdness in the beginning of time. The present study provides a critical edition of the Greek text of Italos’ treatise (Quaestio 71 of his Quaestiones quodlibetales), provided with a first English translation and followed by a commentary that develops Italos’ main arguments and identifies some of his sources. It is argued that Italos sincerely defended an anti-eternalist standpoint by adopting arguments, first and foremost, of the sixth-century philosopher John Philoponos. Moreover, Italos seems to react in Quaestio 71 to specific charges that had been brought up against him during his repeated synodal investigations in 1076/77 and 1082. His treatise against the eternity of the world appears to be a comprehensive apology of his orthodoxy.
Interactive Implants: Ethical, legal and social implications
Authors: Droste Wiebke , Hoffmann Peter , Olze Heidi , Kneist Werner , Krüger Thilo , Rupp Rüdiger , Ruta Marc 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
The use of intelligent implants and prostheses offers significant advances for optimizing medical treatment methods and is combined with an increasing technological modification of human body. This raises many exciting questions concerning law, ethics and social implications: Does the use of these techniques stay in line with our legal system and if yes, can the technical use be limited by governmental restrictions under certain conditions? Have moral values to be incorporated into technical artifacts? If machines are recreated from human beings, do they have to be provided with a legal subjectivity? Medical devices must be compatible with a high level of protection of health and safety. Therefore challenges, which are consequences of the indeterminate behaviour and the autonomous learning abilities of artificial intelligence, have to be faced. For avoidance of any hazards for legally protected rights medical product manufacturers have to assume legal duties, which affect construction, instruction and product development. For medical professionals there are also liabilities of maintenance measures and technical control that have to be accomplished. Associated with the use of intelligent medical devices is the processing of personal data on health. Health data have a high potential for misuse and discrimination and therefore they’re in need of special protection, particularly with regard to the development of “Big Data”, “Ubiquitous computing”, “Internet of Things” and constantly increasing cybercrime. If damages are suffered from the use of intelligent medical devices, difficulties in determining infringing acts, causality and culpability occur, especially because of the missing view into the technical progress of decision-making. It has to be explored, if the current liability law is able to assign responsibility adequately, otherwise there has to be found an appropriate concept for liability.
Observer-based controller design for the minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Smolinski Eike , Benkmann Alexander , Drewelow Wolfgang , Jeinsch Torsten , Cappius Hans-Joachim 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Due to its advantages like minimal trauma and a low risk of infections, the minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has become the standard operation technique for many surgical procedures. During this type of intervention, one of the main tasks from a technical point of view is the control of the pressure in the operation area in order to give the surgeon sufficient space to perform his actions. Because no invasive measurements are available, an extended Kalman filter incorporating the peristaltic behavior of the used medical device was developed to estimate the pressure in the operation area. This contribution focuses on the observer design while a separately designed PI controller using loop shaping was employed for validation. The proposed observer-based control structure was tested with a simulator deploying the principle of physical equivalence.
Diagnostic ultrasound probes: a typology and overview of technologies
Authors: De Luca Ramona , Dattoma Tommaso , Forzoni Leonardo , Bamber Jeffrey , Palchetti Paolo , Gubbini Alessandro 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
The routine clinical use of diagnostic ultrasound (US) has spread considerably worldwide in recent decades. This is due in large part to the availability of US probes that enable a wide range of clinical applications as well as provide performance benefits arising from technological improvements. This paper describes the current commercially available US probe types, lists some of their clinical applications and briefly explains the technologies that are responsible for recent enhancements in image quality and ergonomics. Our intention is to summarize information that will allow healthcare professionals to select the appropriate probe for the intended use and the desired performance-price ratio.
In silico study of the dynamic interaction between extracorporeal circulation and native circulation
Authors: Bongert Markus , Gehron Johannes , Geller Marius , Böning Andreas , Grieshaber Philippe 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
An in silico investigation of modelled Extracorporeal Life Support (ECLS) via a femoral arterial cannula revealed the existence of both a defined separation zone between the opposing flows (ECLS, native flow) and different ranges dependent on flow distribution. The interaction between pulsating native circulation and constant ECLS flow is dynamic. A transient simulation model was developed to investigate the dynamic influence on this fluid mechanical interaction. The in silico model is based on a CT-generated 3D model derived from a life-sized silicon aorta. A geometric standard cannula (16Fr) is inserted femoral. Inlet boundary conditions such as the temporal flow profile of a subject from the left ventricle (native circulation) and the flow from the femoral cannula are varied such that during transient simulations the summed flow (total perfusion) is 5.5 l/min. The outlet pressure boundary conditions at the branching arteries are selected such as to model the downstream vascular system. Transient simulations revealed the dynamic effects of different flow fractions (Heart - ECLS) on the flow. Stationary simulations show a separation zone between the two flows, the position of which respectively the ECLSrange, oscillates dependent of the native circulation. Furthermore, it was noted that a raised pulse was impedimental to ECLS. This can be partly compensated by increasing the length of cannula inserted. At the same time the ECLS supply for the brain can improve at the cost of performance post-bifurcation. Increasing the ECLS fraction to above 50% flow led to retrograde flow combined with blood suction from the femoral artery. The EMPAC project model has been further developed to include investigation of the dynamic effects of blood flow. This has made it possible for the first time to analyse in detail and evaluate the temporal effects of both opposing flows streams. A subsequent investigation explains whether aortic elasticity plays a significant role.
Flexible interventional imaging system based on miniaturized X-ray tubes (FlexScan)
Authors: Lagotzki Sinja , Iftikhar  , Friebe Michael , Boese Axel 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
In orthopedic hand surgeries C-arms are the standard imaging modalities for procedure and tool guidance. However, the currently used systems have a large footprint and high weight, which can lead to workspace restrictions and difficult positioning of the device at the desired imaging position. The aim of this paper is to present a prototype of a new, flexible, lightweight and small footprint X-ray system, which is capable to create 2D projection images from different orientations. The new design includes a miniaturized Xray tube covered in a custom-made case mounted on a flexible holding arm attached to the standard OR table rail. With that, fast positioning and fixation for the subsequent image acquisition is achieved. A flat panel detector is placed in an adjustable metal sheet construction below the table. For safety aspects an overlay of the X-ray cone beam with an integrated light source visualizes the irradiation area. The acquired images are visualized on a 2-in-1 netbook. A foot pedal initiates the imaging process. A prototype of the free movable miniaturized X-ray system FlexScan was build. Workspace restriction, usability and general imaging needs were simulated and tested. FlexScan has the potential to improve X-ray guided interventions on extremities especially for small private surgery centers. It fulfills the general imaging needs and is capable of producing 2D projection images from different orientations within a small and lightweight setup.