bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic study of gamma irradiated SiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Huseynov Elchin , Garibov Adil , Mehdiyeva Ravan , Huseynova Efsane 
Published: March 2018

In the present work, nano SiO2 particles are investigated before and after gamma irradiation (25, 50, 75, 100 and 200 kGy) using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy method for the wavenumber between 400–4000 cm[Formula: see text]. It is found that as a result of spectroscopic analysis, five new peaks have appeared after gamma radiation. Two of new obtained peaks (which are located at 687 cm[Formula: see text] and 2357 cm[Formula: see text] of wavenumber) were formed as a result of gamma radiation interaction with Si–O bonds. Another three new peaks (peaks appropriate to 941, 2052 and 2357 cm[Formula: see text] values of wavenumber) appear as a result of interaction of water with nano SiO2 particles after gamma irradiation. It has been defined as asymmetrical bending vibration, symmetrical bending vibration, symmetrical stretching vibration and asymmetrical stretching vibration of Si–O bonds appropriate to peaks.
Local and global Hopf bifurcation analysis in a neutral-type neuron system with two delays
Authors: Lv Qiuyu , Liao Xiaofeng 
Published: March 2018

In recent years, neutral-type differential-difference equations have been applied extensively in the field of engineering, and their dynamical behaviors are more complex than that of the delay differential-difference equations. In this paper, the equations used to describe a neutral-type neural network system of differential difference equation with two delays are studied (i.e. neutral-type differential equations). Firstly, by selecting [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] respectively as a parameter, we provide an analysis about the local stability of the zero equilibrium point of the equations, and sufficient conditions of asymptotic stability for the system are derived. Secondly, by using the theory of normal form and applying the theorem of center manifold introduced by Hassard et al., the Hopf bifurcation is found and some formulas for deciding the stability of periodic solutions and the direction of Hopf bifurcation are given. Moreover, by applying the theorem of global Hopf bifurcation, the existence of global periodic solution of the system is studied. Finally, an example is given, and some computer numerical simulations are taken to demonstrate and certify the correctness of the presented results.
Endothelial Progenitor Cell Secretome and Oligovascular Repair in a Mouse Model of Prolonged Cerebral Hypoperfusion
Authors: Maki Takakuni , Morancho Anna , Martinez-San Segundo Pablo , Hayakawa Kazuhide , Takase Hajime , Liang Anna C. , Gabriel-Salazar Marina , Medina-Gutiérrez Esperanza , Washida Kazuo , Montaner Joan , Lok Josephine , Lo Eng H. , Arai Ken , Rosell Anna 
Published: March 2018

Background and Purpose—
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been extensively investigated as a therapeutic approach for repairing the vascular system in cerebrovascular diseases. Beyond vascular regeneration per se, EPCs may also release factors that affect the entire neurovascular unit. Here, we aim to study the effects of the EPC secretome on oligovascular remodeling in a mouse model of white matter injury after prolonged cerebral hypoperfusion.

Methods—
The secretome of mouse EPCs was analyzed with a proteome array. In vitro, the effects of the EPC secretome and its factor angiogenin were assessed on primary oligodendrocyte precursor cells and mature human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMED/D3). In vivo, mice were subjected to permanent bilateral common carotid artery stenosis, then treated with EPC secretome at 24 hours and at 1 week, and cognitive outcome was evaluated with the Y maze test together with oligodendrocyte precursor cell proliferation/differentiation and vascular density in white matter at 4 weeks.

Results—
Multiple growth factors, cytokines, and proteases were identified in the EPC secretome, including angiogenin. In vitro, the EPC secretome significantly enhanced endothelial and oligodendrocyte precursor cell proliferation and potentiated oligodendrocyte precursor cell maturation. Angiogenin was proved to be a key factor since pharmacological blockade of angiogenin signaling negated the positive effects of the EPC secretome. In vivo, treatment with the EPC secretome increased vascular density, myelin, and mature oligodendrocytes in white matter and rescued cognitive function in the mouse hypoperfusion model.

Conclusions—
Factors secreted by EPCs may ameliorate white matter damage in the brain by boosting oligovascular remodeling.
Minocycline Effects on Intracerebral Hemorrhage-Induced Iron Overload in Aged Rats
Authors: Cao Shenglong , Hua Ya , Keep Richard F. , Chaudhary Neeraj , Xi Guohua 
Published: March 2018

Background and Purpose—
Brain iron overload is a key factor causing brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). This study quantified brain iron levels after ICH with magnetic resonance imaging R2* mapping. The effect of minocycline on iron overload and ICH-induced brain injury in aged rats was also determined.

Methods—
Aged (18 months old) male Fischer 344 rats had an intracerebral injection of autologous blood or saline, and brain iron levels were measured by magnetic resonance imaging R2* mapping. Some ICH rats were treated with minocycline or vehicle. The rats were euthanized at days 7 and 28 after ICH, and brains were used for immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses. Magnetic resonance imaging (T2-weighted, T2* gradient-echo, and R2* mapping) sequences were performed at different time points.

Results—

ICH-induced brain iron overload in the perihematomal area could be quantified by R2* mapping. Minocycline treatment reduced brain iron accumulation, T2* lesion volume, iron-handling protein upregulation, neuronal cell death, and neurological deficits (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—
Magnetic resonance imaging R2* mapping is a reliable and noninvasive method, which can quantitatively measure brain iron levels after ICH. Minocycline reduced ICH-related perihematomal iron accumulation and brain injury in aged rats.
The EU Influence on Norwegian Domestic Legislation for the Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment
Authors: Johansen Elise 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
In the last several decades, the European Union (EU) has demonstrated its intention to play an important role in supporting Arctic cooperation and helping to meet the challenges now facing the region. Norway, one of the five Arctic coastal states, and the EU have cooperated closely in this regard, particularly through the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA Agreement). This article examines how Norway’s domestic legislation applicable to its Arctic marine areas has been influenced by the development of EU environmental legislation. Specifically, this paper provides a discussion and analysis of the relevant Norwegian laws and mechanisms used to regulate how EU environmental legislation has been incorporated into Norway’s domestic legislation through the EEA Agreement.
The Protection of Invaluable Natural Resources: Illustrating the Example of the Bialowieza Forest
Authors: Perkowski Maciej , Zoń Wojciech 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Invaluable natural resources require special legal protection. Their protection often does not fully correspond with their unique character. The protection of invaluable natural resources should be modelled in such a way as to provide full protection of their uniqueness, regardless of unstable political and legal circumstances. The authors argue for the implementation of such a solution in the example of the Bialowieza Forest. Under Polish and Belarusian laws, international law and partially also European Union law, the Forest is entangled in a complex socio-economic turnover, which often proves controversial or even problematical. The Bialowieza Forest is a complete natural system, so it ought to be protected as a whole. A well-planned international regulation of a localised nature (with Poland and Belarus as well as countries and international organisations willing to assume co-responsibility for its good as its parties), supported by appropriate social education, are strongly recommended.
The Interannual Dominant Covariation Mode of Boreal Summer Monsoon Rainfall during 1979–2014
Authors: Hao Yuqian , Liu Boqi , Zhu Congwen , Ma Shuangmei 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
The boreal summer monsoon (BSM), which includes the monsoons over India (IND), the western North Pacific (WNP), East Asia (EA), North America (NAM), and North Africa (NAF), shows prominent interannual variation (IAV) in summer precipitation and affects the areas with the largest populations in the world. In the present, the EOF analysis is used to extract the BSM dominant covariation mode during 1979–2014. This mode is featured by the out-of-phase rainfall IAV over the WNP compared with the other BSM members. The BSM covariation mode is closely associated with the upper- and lower-level coupled circulations, which are characterized by two anomalous zonal circulations over the tropical oceans coupled near the date line and an abnormal meridional cell over the WNP and EA regions, respectively. Furthermore, the strength of this mode depends on the phase relationship of rainfall IAV between the WNP and NAM monsoon regions, which is modulated by the seasonal evolution of ENSO events and the resultant SST anomalies (SSTAs) in the tropical Indian Ocean (TIO). The weaker mode is accompanied by the in-phase rainfall IAV between these two regions, along with the persisting ENSO events and stronger SSTAs in the TIO from winter to summer. In the years with fast-decaying ENSO events and the related weaker TIO SSTA, the out-of-phase rainfall IAV between the WNP and NAM region takes place to enhance this mode. A series of AGCM sensitivity experiments could reproduce the anomalies of atmospheric circulation related to the distinct seasonal evolution of ENSO events.
Orientation Analysis of Simulated Tornadic Debris
Authors: Umeyama Arturo , Cheong Boon Leng , Torres Sebastián , Bodine David 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPolarimetric weather radars are capable of detecting tornadic debris signatures (TDSs), which result from debris being lofted to the level of the radar beam and can be modulated by centrifuging and debris fallout. TDSs have been used in promising applications, such as enhanced tornado detection, improved warning and assessment of a potential tornado threat, and estimating tornado damage potential and intensity. Regions with negative differential reflectivity have been found in TDS observations but a physical explanation is yet to be determined. Some hypotheses suggest a common alignment of debris or non-Rayleigh scattering to be the cause. However, because it is inherently difficult and extremely dangerous to verify this, a simulated environment can aid in this context to reveal information that would otherwise be impossible to retrieve in practice. Under the simulation environment, the true construct of the debris is known, wherefrom the bulk distributions of position and orientation data can be extracted for statistical analysis. The primary focus of this work is to investigate the cause of nonzero mean values of in TDSs with simulated data from SimRadar, which is a polarimetric radar time series simulator developed for tornadic debris studies. The 6-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) model shows that for both small and large platelike debris, the debris face tends to have some common degree of alignment normal to the wind direction, which may be a plausible cause for the occurrence of negative in real polarimetric radar observations. Potential explanations for other hypotheses regarding tornado and debris dynamics are also briefly discussed.
Role of Antiplatelet/Anticoagulant Medications and Blood-Clotting Tests in Prediction of Traumatic Foot Compartment Syndrome
Authors: Park Young Hwan , Choi Won Seok , Choi Gi Won , Kim Hak Jun 
Published: March 2018

Background: Although intracompartmental bleeding is one cause of traumatic compartment syndrome, no previous studies have defined the role of hemostatic stability in the development of traumatic compartment syndrome. Therefore, to investigate this issue, we identified the relationship between antiplatelet/anticoagulant medications and the development of traumatic foot compartment syndrome. In addition, as a possible predictor of compartment syndrome, we evaluated the utility of blood-clotting tests in the prediction of traumatic foot compartment syndrome. Methods: Retrospective review of patients diagnosed with isolated foot injury in our institution between 2008 and 2016 was used to identify patients who had traumatic foot compartment syndrome. Potential predictors, including medication history for antiplatelet/anticoagulant agents and blood-clotting test results, were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. The present study included 789 feet, and 29 (3.7%) had traumatic foot compartment syndrome. Results: The antiplatelet medication and the blood-clotting test results were not significantly associated with the development of traumatic foot compartment syndrome. Among other variables, damage caused by heavy objects as the injury mechanism was the only significant predictor in the development of traumatic foot compartment syndrome ( P < .05). Conclusion: Our results showed that antiplatelet medication and blood-clotting tests did not predict the development of traumatic foot compartment syndrome. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative series.
Pseudo-aneurysm caused from banding failure
Authors: Mallios Alexandros , Boura Benoit , Costanzo Alessandro , Combes Myriam 
Published: March 2018

Background: To present a case of banding failure with vessel wall erosion and pseudo-aneurysm creation caused by the suture. Case report: A 75-year-old male patient was operated for a high-flow fistula (>2 L/min). This was overall the third time that the patient was operated for the same indication since he started dialysis 5 years ago. Standard banding technique with perioperative flow measurements was used, and three separate Prolene sutures tied over 5 and 4.5 mm probes to achieve flow reduction. The operation was successful and first few weeks were uneventful. However, 5–6 weeks postoperatively, the patient felt locally an acute pain that lasted only few seconds and a voluminous aneurysm occurred progressively within the next few weeks. He was observed 2 months after the first operation where a recurrent high-flow fistula was diagnosed and ultrasound examination revealed that the sutures used for banding were into the vessel lumen while a pseudo-aneurysm had occurred at the same level. The patient was re-operated for excision of the aneurysm and flow reduction with tapering of the anastomosis. Conclusion: Under certain conditions, the suture used for banding may erode through the vessel wall and get into the lumen. This will result in recurrence of a high-flow fistula. While this has been previously described, the phenomenon was otherwise uneventful. In contrary, in the case presented herein, a potentially threatening pseudo-aneurysm has occurred.
Primary to comprehensive stroke center transfers: Appropriateness, not futility
Authors: Goyal Mayank , Menon Bijoy K , Wilson Alexis T , Almekhlafi Mohammed A , McTaggart Ryan , Jayaraman Mahesh , Demchuk Andrew M , Hill Michael D 
Published: March 2018

Background and purpose Ischemic stroke patients must be transferred to comprehensive stroke centers for endovascular treatment, but this transfer can be interpreted post hoc as “futile” if patients do not ultimately undergo the procedure or have a poor outcome. We posit that transfer decisions must instead be evaluated in terms of appropriateness at the time of decision-making. Methods We propose a classification schema for Appropriateness of Transfer for Endovascular Thrombectomy based on patient, logistic, and center characteristics. Results The classification outline characteristics of patients that are 1. Appropriate for transfer for endovascular treatment; 2. Inappropriate for transfer; and 3. Appropriate for transfer for higher level of care. Conclusions Appropriate transfer decisions for endovascular treatment are significant for patient outcomes. A more nuanced understanding of transfer decision-making and a classification for such transfers can help minimize inappropriate transfers in acute stroke.
Safety, tolerability and efficacy of intra-articular Progenza in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled single ascending dose study
Authors: Kuah D. , Sivell S. , Longworth T. , James K. , Guermazi A. , Cicuttini F. , Wang Y. , Craig S. , Comin G. , Robinson D. , Wilson J. 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Background
Cell therapies are being investigated as potential disease modifying treatment options for osteoarthritis (OA). Progenza (PRG) comprises in vitro expanded mesenchymal stem cells derived from human donor adipose tissue combined with cell culture supernatant. The primary objective of this first-in-human study was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of PRG.

Methods
We conducted a single centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single ascending dose study. Twenty patients aged 40–65 years with symptomatic Kellgren–Lawrence grade 1–3 knee OA were treated in two cohorts and randomized 4:1 to PRG or placebo. Cohort 1: 3.9 million cells (PRG 3.9M, n = 8) or placebo (n = 2) and cohort 2: 6.7 million cells (PRG 6.7M, n = 8) or placebo (n = 2). Each patient received a single intra-articular injection and was followed-up for 12 months.

Results
The study population comprised 20 patients (placebo, n = 4; PRG 3.9M, n = 8; PRG 6.7M, n = 8). All patients reported at least one treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE). The majority of events [143/169 (84.6%)] were mild with 34 (20.1%) being considered by the investigator to be treatment related. There were no serious AEs or withdrawals due to AEs during the study. There was a statistically significant within group improvement in VAS pain scores from baseline at all timepoints for the PRG combined group, with highly significant improvements seen at months 3, 6, 9 and 12 (p ≤ 0.005) while VAS pain scores in the placebo group showed marginal improvement. A statistically significant improvement was also seen in WOMAC pain subscale scores from baseline at all timepoints for the PRG combined group while a marginal improvement in the placebo group was not statistically significant. Between screening and month 12, there was no decrease in average lateral tibial cartilage volume in the PRG 3.9M group while the placebo group showed a statistically significant cartilage loss. This difference between the placebo and PRG 3.9M group was statistically significant (LSM difference 106.47 mm3, 95% CI 13.56 mm3, 199.37 mm3, p = 0.028).

Conclusion
When administered as a single intra-articular injection to patients with symptomatic knee OA, PRG was safe and well tolerated. Furthermore, measurable improvements in symptoms and knee structure outcomes warrant further studies on PRG’s potential for disease modification in OA.
Trial registration ANZCTR, ACTRN12615000439549. Date registered: 7th May 2015, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=368355
Colonization of long-term care facility residents in three Italian Provinces by multidrug-resistant bacteria
Authors: Nucleo Elisabetta , Caltagirone Mariasofia , Marchetti Vittoria Mattioni , D’Angelo Roberto , Fogato Elena , Confalonieri Massimo , Reboli Camilla , March Albert , Sleghel Ferisa , Soelva Gertrud , Pagani Elisabetta , Aschbacher Richard , Migliavacca Roberta , Pagani Laura ,   AMCLI – GLISTer Group, Pagani Laura , Confalonieri Massimo , Aschbacher Richard , Farina Claudio , Fazii Paolo , Luzzaro Francesco , Montanera Pier Giorgio ,   ESCMID Study Group Elderly Infections – ESGIE, Migliavacca Roberta 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Background
Rationale and aims of the study were to compare colonization frequencies with MDR bacteria isolated from LTCF residents in three different Northern Italian regions, to investigate risk factors for colonization and the genotypic characteristics of isolates. The screening included Enterobacteriaceae expressing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESβLs) and high-level AmpC cephalosporinases, carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Acinetobacter baumannii, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE).

Methods
Urine samples and rectal, inguinal, oropharyngeal and nasal swabs were plated on selective agar; resistance genes were sought by PCR and sequencing. Demographic and clinical data were collected.

Results
Among the LTCF residents, 75.0% (78/104), 69.4% (84/121) and 66.1% (76/115) were colonized with at least one of the target organisms in LTCFs located in Milan, Piacenza and Bolzano, respectively. ESβL producers (60.5, 66.1 and 53.0%) were highly predominant, mainly belonging to Escherichia coli expressing CTX-M group-1 enzymes. Carbapenemase-producing enterobacteria were found in 7.6, 0.0 and 1.6% of residents; carbapemenase-producing P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii were also detected. Colonization by MRSA (24.0, 5.7 and 14.8%) and VRE (20.2, 0.8 and 0.8%) was highly variable. Several risk factors for colonization by ESβL-producing Enterobacteriaceae and MRSA were found and compared among LTCFs in the three Provinces. Colonization differences among the enrolled LTCFs can be partially explained by variation in risk factors, resident populations and staff/resident ratios, applied hygiene measures and especially the local antibiotic resistance epidemiology.

Conclusions
The widespread diffusion of MDR bacteria in LTCFs within three Italian Provinces confirms that LTCFs are an important reservoir of MDR organisms in Italy and suggests that future efforts should focus on MDR screening, improved implementation of infection control strategies and antibiotic stewardship programs targeting the complex aspects of LTCFs.
School achievement as a predictor of depression and self-harm in adolescence: linked education and health record study
Authors: Rahman Muhammad A , Todd Charlotte , John Ann , Tan Jacinta , Kerr Michael , Potter Robert , Kennedy Jonathan , Rice Frances , Brophy Sinead 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundMental disorders in children and adolescents have an impact on educational attainment.AimsTo examine the temporal association between attainment in education and subsequent diagnosis of depression or self-harm in the teenage years.MethodGeneral practitioner, hospital and education records of young people in Wales between 1999 and 2014 were linked and analysed using Cox regression.ResultsLinked records were available for 652 903 young people and of these 33 498 (5.1%) developed depression and 15 946 (2.4%) self-harmed after the age of 12 but before the age of 20. Young people who developed depression over the study period were more likely to have achieved key stage 1 (age 7 years) but not key stage 2 (age 11) (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.79, 95% CI 0.74–0.84) milestones, indicating that they were declining in academic attainment during primary school. Conversely, those who self-harmed were achieving as well as those who did not self-harm in primary school, but showed a severe decline in their attainment during secondary school (HR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.68–0.78).ConclusionsLong-term declining educational attainment in primary and secondary school was associated with development of depression in the teenage years. Self-harm was associated with declining educational attainment during secondary school only. Incorporating information on academic decline with other known risk factors for depression/self-harm (for example stressful life events, parental mental health problems) may improve risk profiling methods.Declaration of interestNone.