bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Commodity Transaction Tax on Market Liquidity, Volatility, and Government Revenues: An Empirical Study for India
Authors: Sehgal Sanjay , Agrawal Tarunika Jain 
Published: March 2019

Executive Summary A commodity transaction tax (CTT) of 0.01 per cent is levied on non-agricultural commodity futures trading since 1 July 2013 by the Government of India. This article examines the impact of CTT on market liquidity, volatility and government tax revenues for the Indian commodities market. We use daily data of five sample commodities, namely gold, aluminium, copper, zinc and crude oil available from 1 May 2010 to 31 August 2016. It is found that CTT imposition has destroyed the parity of the Indian commodity futures market with the international markets as CTT is absent on COMEX, LME, NYMEX, and so on. Moreover, evidence of trade migration can be found by drawing a comparison across MCX and international exchanges. This argument is further substantiated by observing the decline in liquidity after the imposition of CTT. It should be further noted that parity with the equity market is also lost as the transaction taxes imposed in equity and commodity markets are not in line with the level of volatilities of the two markets. CTT has also failed to curb speculative pressure as average volatility on major commodities has risen significantly by about 33 per cent post its imposition. Considering the transaction tax, income tax and service tax aspects and decline in the trading volume attributed solely to the CTT imposition, it is found that CTT results in huge revenue loss to the exchequer. It is estimated that at the current CTT rate, government is losing an annual net tax revenue worth ₹30 billion. Even at a lower rate of 0.001 per cent (which is one-tenth of the current rate of 0.01%), the government’s fiscal loss is expected to be about ₹2.50 billion. Even if we make a conservative assumption that CTT accounts for only 25 per cent decline in the trading volumes, the optimal CTT rate, in terms of tax revenue collections, is found at 0.003 per cent, well below the current rate. There is, therefore, no justification for retaining CTT on the commodity futures trading in India as it leads to a huge revenue loss to the government, owing to reduced trading activity and trade migration. Withdrawal of CTT would be ideal for Indian commodities market development, improving its liquidity and making it more internationally competitive.
Clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction after total knee arthroplasty: a follow-up of the first 50 cases by a single surgeon
Authors: West Jacob A. , Scudday Travis , Anderson Scott , Amin Nirav H. 
Published: March 2019

Objective To examine the association between single-surgeon learning curve and clinical outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods This prospective study included the first consecutive patients undergoing TKA conducted by the same surgeon using the JOURNEY II Bi-Cruciate Stabilized Knee System (Smith & Nephew, Andover, MA, USA). Patients were assessed preoperatively, and at three months and one year postoperatively using Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Knee Society Score (KSS) and Knee Function Score (KFS). Outcomes were statistically analysed using sequential patient cohorts. Results Fifty patients were grouped into five sequential cohorts of 10 patients each. All patients showed significant improvement in postoperative knee scores following TKA. There was a trend toward increased improvement in knee scores in the later patient cohorts, at the three-month and 1-year follow-up. Conclusions The single-surgeon learning curve for minimally invasive TKA had a small effect on knee satisfaction scores at 3 months and 1 year following surgery in the first 50 consecutive cases, and only minor complications were encountered. A larger trial is necessary to draw generalizable conclusions regarding patient outcomes during surgeon learning.
Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of hepatic fat content with iron deposition: will it be disturbed?
Authors: Wang Qian , Ye Feng , Ma Peiqing , Chen Feng , Che Yiqun , Zhao Xinming , Yang Li 
Published: March 2019

Objective To explore noninvasive assessment of liver fat content with iron deposition using magnetic resonance (MR) quantitative technology. Methods A water–fat phantom with iron deposition containing 63 vials with predetermined fat percentages and iron concentrations was constructed. Thirty-three patients underwent fat quantitative MR examinations. The fat fraction (FF) was determined by three Dixon techniques. Pathological evaluation findings and the steatosis area rate (SAR) were used as the gold standards. Results FFIOP and FFLAVA-Flex significantly differed from FFTEST for iron concentrations of 1 to 30 µg/mL and fat components of 10% to 80%. Using the three Dixon techniques, FFIOP was 15.76% ± 6.98%, FFLAVA-Flex was 16.71% ± 6.77%, and FFIDEAL IQ was 13.18% ± 6.42% in patients without liver cirrhosis; these values in patients with liver cirrhosis were 20.35% ± 6.11%, 20.89% ± 8.49%, and 12.86% ± 4.00%, respectively. The SAR in patients without and with liver cirrhosis was 11.31% ± 5.89% and 9.84% ± 4.17%, respectively. There were significant positive correlations between FFIDEAL IQ and SAR with or without liver cirrhosis. Conclusion Iron deposition must be considered when using quantitative MR techniques to evaluate the hepatic fat content. Compared with the IOP and LAVA-Flex techniques, the IDEAL IQ technique has more stability and accuracy in measurement of the hepatic fat content, free from iron deposition.
Discontinuation of first-line bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal cancer: the BEAWARE Italian Observational Study
Authors: Lonardi Sara , Nasti Guglielmo , Fagnani Daniele , Gemma Donatello , Ciuffreda Libero , Granetto Cristina , Lucchesi Sara , Ballestrero Alberto , Biglietto Maria , Proserpio Ilaria , Bergamo Francesca , Proietti Emanuela , Tonini Giuseppe 
Published: March 2019

Aims: BEAWARE investigated the pattern of first-line bevacizumab early interruption in the Italian real-world setting of metastatic colorectal cancer. Methods: A total of 386 patients were followed for 15 months after first-line chemotherapy + bevacizumab start. The rate of bevacizumab interruption for progression or adverse drug reactions (ADRs) constituted the primary endpoint. Results: A total of 78.2% of patients interrupted bevacizumab: 56.6% for progression, 7.3% for ADRs, and 36.1% for other reasons. Median treatment duration was 6.7, 2.5, and 4.6 months, respectively. Median progression-free survival was 10.3 months; however, 35.8% of patients were not progressed and were thus censored at the data cutoff of 15 months, while 21.8% were still receiving bevacizumab. Patients discontinuing for progression/ADRs more frequently had metastases in >1 site ( p = .0001), and a shorter median progression-free survival (6.9 vs 13.9 months, p < .0001). Conclusions: In Italy, first-line bevacizumab is interrupted mainly for progression, only 7.3% due to adverse events, and about one third of cases for other reasons. In clinical practice, the attitude to treat until progression as per guidelines might be implemented. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01609075
Heat Sources in a Biosafety Cabinet Compromise Experimental and User Protection
Authors: Held Kara F. , Thibeault Robert , Boudreau Jacqueline 
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Keeping a contamination free environment in the laboratory has commonly been achieved by one of two ways: a flame or a biosafety cabinet (BSC). However, it has been frequently observed that these two practices have been combined, where a heat source has been used within the BSC. As flames require flammable gasses and cause hot air to rise, it was hypothesized that these could lead to a loss of BSC containment, as BSCs rely on unidirectional downflow air. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine whether BSCs can maintain containment when a heat source is operated within the work area. Methods: Several heat sources (Bunsen burner, High Heat Bunsen Burner, Spirit Lamp and Bacti-cinerator) were placed within two sizes of BSCs (4-foot and 6-foot), and smoke was used to visualize airflow disturbances, air cleanliness was measured by particle counting , and aerosol microbiological testing was conducted to ascertain containment. The risk of introducing a flammable gas into a BSC was also calculated. Results: Large flamed Bunsen burners were found to have the most detrimental effects on the ability of the BSC to maintain containment, especially in the center of the work area, while the smaller heat sources were more variable. Containment was completely lost in the 4-foot BSC, whereas the 6-foot BSC was capable of maintaining containment in only a few conditions. The BSC was also calculated to be able to maintain the required volume of flammable gas needed to operate the burners, not taking into consideration unintended leaks. Conclusions: Overall, it was determined that BSCs cannot operate safely and reliably while housing a heat source, as it could cause unexpected contamination of the work or the worker, or BSC ignition or explosion.
Longitudinal study of carotid artery bifurcation geometry using magnetic resonance angiography
Authors: Ngo Minh T , Kwak Hyo S , Ho Chung G , Koh Eun J 
Published: March 2019

Background and purpose Carotid artery geometry has been suggested as a risk factor for atherosclerotic carotid disease. Although normal aging and disease development can both lead to geometric changes in the arteries, the exact nature of this phenomenon remains elusive. The aim of our study was to investigate carotid artery geometric changes in a longitudinal study. Material and methods We conducted a retrospective study of 114 subjects who underwent carotid contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography at our clinic at baseline (2005 to 2007) and after 10 years. The right ( Rev#2–1) carotid arteries were segmented using semi-automated methods to obtain various measurements of carotid artery geometry. For each patient, these parameters were assessed at both time points, including bifurcation angle, internal carotid artery angle, vessel diameter, and circumference. Results The median age for the total patient population ( n = 114) at baseline was 59.06 ± 10.40 years. Mean time interval between baseline magnetic resonance angiography and magnetic resonance angiography after 10 years of these patients was 129.18 ± 7.77 months. For the whole group, there was a significant increase in the bifurcation angle ( p < 0.05) over a 10-year period. A significant increase was also noted in the diameter and circumference of the common carotid artery ( p < 0.05). However, the other vessel diameters and circumferences (bulb carotid, internal carotid) as well as the internal carotid angle did not significantly change ( p ≥ 0.05). Conclusion The diameter and circumference of the common carotid artery and bifurcation angle significantly increased over a decade of life.
Use of a subcutaneous ureteral bypass device for treatment of bilateral proximal ureteral injury in a 9-month-old cat
Authors: Sapora Joseph A , Hardie Robert J , Evans Natashia 
Published: March 2019

Case summary A 9-month-old male domestic longhair cat presented following iatrogenic ureteral trauma after an attempted laparoscopic ovariectomy. Prior to identifying that the cat was male, both ureters were transected approximately 4 mm from the renal pelves. Initial management involved a left-sided Boari flap neoureterocystostomy, cystonephropexy and right ureteronephrectomy. Thirty-six hours later, the cat developed uroabdomen due to leakage from the neoureterocystostomy site. At a tertiary referral institution, the ureter was reconstructed via end-to-end anastomosis and a left-sided subcutaneous ureteral bypass (SUB) device was placed in the event the anastomosis failed. Five weeks after SUB placement, the cat was dysuric and stranguric. A urine culture was negative and clinical signs were attributed to sterile cystitis secondary to device placement. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was 22 mg/dl and creatinine was 1.2 mg/dl. Contrast pyelography confirmed device patency, but no contrast was identified through the ureteral anastomosis. At 12 months, BUN and creatinine were 1.5 mg/dl and 25 mg/dl, respectively, and a subclinical urinary tract infection was identified ( Enterococcus faecalis). Antibiotic therapy was not prescribed in order to prevent multidrug resistance. At 42 months, BUN was 38 mg/dl and creatinine was 2.0 mg/dl. The cat had occasional and intermittent signs of pollakiuria and stranguria but was otherwise doing well. Relevance and novel information To our knowledge, this is the first case report to describe the use of a SUB device for management of traumatic proximal ureteral injury in a cat with one kidney. The case outcome provides valuable information about the direct effect of the SUB device and the presence of chronic Enterococcus species infection on long-term renal function.
A Biomechanical Evaluation of a Next-Generation Integrated and Modular ACDF Device Possessing Full-Plate, Half-Plate, and No-Profile Fixation Iterations
Authors: Panchal Ripul , Gandhi Anup , Ferry Chris , Farmer Sam , Hansmann Jeremy , Wanebo John 
Published: March 2019

Study Design: In vitro biomechanical study. Objectives: The objective of this in vitro biomechanical range-of-motion (ROM) study was to evaluate spinal segmental stability following fixation with a novel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) device (“novel device”) that possesses integrated and modular no-profile, half-plate, and full-plate fixation capabilities. Methods: Human cadaveric (n = 18, C3-T1) specimens were divided into 3 groups (n = 6/group). Each group would receive one novel device iteration. Specimen terminal ends were potted. Each specimen was first tested in an intact state, followed by anterior discectomy (C5/C6) and iterative instrumentation. Testing order: (1) novel device (group 1, no-profile; group 2, half-plate; group 3, full-plate); (2) novel device (all groups) with lateral mass screws (LMS); (3) traditional ACDF plate + cage; (4) traditional ACDF plate + cage + LMS. A 2 N·m moment was applied in flexion/extension (FE), lateral bending (LB), and axial rotation (AR) via a kinematic testing machine. Segmental ROM was tracked and normalized to intact conditions. Comparative statistical analyses were performed. Results: Key findings: (1) the novel half- and full-plate constructs provided comparable reduction in FE and LB ROM to that of traditional plated ACDF ( P ≥ .05); (2) the novel full-plate construct significantly exceeded all other anterior-only constructs ( P ≤ .05) in AR ROM reduction; and (3) the novel half-plate construct significantly exceeded the no-profile construct in FE ( P < .05). Conclusions: The novel ACDF device may be a versatile alternative to traditional no-profile and independent plating techniques, as it provides comparable ROM reduction in all principle motion directions, across all device iterations.
Factors Affecting Return to Play After Primary Achilles Tendon Tear: A Cohort of NFL Players
Authors: Yang JaeWon , Hodax Jonathan D. , Machan Jason T. , Krill Michael K. , Lemme Nicholas J. , Durand Wesley M. , Hoffman Joshua T. , Hewett Timothy E. , Owens Brett D. 
Published: March 2019

Background: Achilles tendon tears are potentially career-ending injuries for professional athletes. For players in the National Football League (NFL), return requires not only surgery and extensive rehabilitation but also the ability to compete in a market with limited positions that annually introduces new recruits. Purpose/Hypothesis: We authors sought to evaluate factors related to return to play (RTP) and changes in performance following a primary Achilles tear. Our hypothesis was that “skilled” position players and those drafted in later rounds would return at a lower rate as compared with “unskilled” position players and higher draft-round players. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: From a previously established database, 80 NFL players were identified as having primary Achilles tendon tears between the 2009 and 2014 seasons. RTP was defined as playing in a regular season or postseason game following injury. Probability of RTP was modeled as a function of time after injury in Kaplan-Meier analysis with demographic variables assessed via generalized linear models. Twelve players (15%) experienced a subsequent Achilles tendon tear during or after the study period and were included in the overall RTP rate but were excluded from performance analyses owing to the confounding effects of an ipsilateral retear or contralateral tear. Results: The overall RTP rate was 61.3%. Age, number of prior seasons, position type, or draft round status did not significantly affect RTP when evaluated with Kaplan-Meier analysis. In the season before their injury, players who did RTP played in a significantly greater number of regular season games (13.7) compared with players who did not RTP (8.71) ( P = .011). Players who did not RTP exhibited a significant decrease in performance in the season preceding injury (12.7 regular season games played 2 seasons preinjury vs 8.71 regular season games played 1 season prior preinjury;, P = .019). Players who returned did not display a significant change in the number of games played or started in seasons following injury when >1 season after return was evaluated. Conclusion: Rate of RTP following primary Achilles tendon tears may be lower than previously published. However, for those able to return, performance only in the season immediately following injury appears to be affected; players return to preinjury levels if given the opportunity to play >1 season after injury.
Examining Public Communication About Kidney Cancer on Twitter
Authors: Sedrak Mina S. , Salgia Meghan M. , Decat Bergerot Cristiane , Ashing-Giwa Kemi , Cotta Brendan N. , Adashek Jacob J. , Dizman Nazli , Wong Andrew R. , Pal Sumanta K. , Bergerot Paulo Gustavo 
Published: March 2019

PURPOSE Several studies have described the content of Twitter conversations about lung, breast, and prostate cancer, but little is known about how the public uses Twitter to discuss kidney cancer. We sought to characterize the content of conversations on Twitter about kidney cancer and the participants engaged in these dialogues. METHODS This qualitative study analyzed the content of 2,097 tweets that contained the key words kidney cancer from August 1 to 22, 2017. Tweets were categorized by content domain of conversations related to kidney cancer on Twitter and user types of participants in these dialogues. RESULTS Among the 2,097 kidney cancer–related tweets analyzed, 858 (41.4%) were authored by individuals, 865 (41.2%) by organizations, and 364 (17.4%) by media sites. The most common content discussed was support (29.3%) and treatment (26.5%). Among the 2,097 tweets, 825 were unique tweets, and 1,272 were retweets. The most common unique tweets were about clinical trials (23.9%), most often authored by media sites. The most common retweets were about treatment (38.5%), most often authored by organizations. CONCLUSION Twitter dialogues about kidney cancer are most commonly related to support and treatment. Our findings provide insights that may inform the design of new interventions that use social media as a tool to improve communication of kidney cancer information. Additional efforts are needed to improve our understanding of the value and direct utility of social media in improving kidney cancer care.
Wheat Strip Effects on Microbial Transport Following Variable Applications of Beef Cattle Manure
Authors: Durso Lisa M. , Gilley John E. , Marx David B. , Thayer Chance A. , Woodbury Bryan L. 
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Vegetative filter strips (VFS) consisting of perennial vegetation have been successfully used to reduce the transport of contaminants in runoff from land application areas. The effectiveness of a winter wheat strip, which may be more acceptable to producers, in reducing microbial transport was examined in this study. A 1.4 m wheat strip was used to allow direct comparison with experimental results obtained in previous studies. Beef cattle manure was applied to 0.75 m wide by 4.0 m long plots established on an Aksarben silty clay loam located in southeast Nebraska. Manure was added at rates required to meet the 0- 1-, 2-, or 4-year phosphorus requirement for corn. The transport of selected microbes was measured for three 30 min simulated rainfall events separated by 24 h intervals. The narrow wheat strip did not significantly reduce counts of any of the measured microbes. The application of manure to meet the 4-year P requirement resulted in and enterococci loads that were significantly greater than the 1-year P requirement. Rainfall simulation run significantly affected measurements of phages, total coliforms, , and enterococci, with measurements during the three runs varying from 9.35 to 10.9 log plaque-forming units (PFU) ha-1, from 11.5 to 12.1 log colony-forming units (CFU) ha-1, from 12.1 to 12.5 log CFU ha-1, and from 11.1 to 11.4 log CFU ha-1, respectively. The transport of was found to be significantly correlated to selected nutrient loads and electrical conductivity of runoff. The presence of narrow wheat strips did not reduce microbial loads in runoff. Keywords: Bacteria, Cattle manure, E. coli, Filter strips, Land application, Manure management, Manure runoff, Microbial, Microorganisms, Runoff.
Feasibility of Immunosuppressant Drug Monitoring by a Microsampling Device
Authors: Gruzdys Valentinas , Merrigan Stephen D , Johnson-Davis Kamisha L 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Background
Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for immunosuppressive (ISP) drugs is an important component of organ and tissue transplantation and chemotherapy management. Whole blood is the specimen type for the quantitative analysis of cyclosporine A, everolimus, sirolimus, and tacrolimus. Some alternatives to venous whole blood samples have the potential to reduce blood volume requirements and simplify sample collection and transport.

Methods
The feasibility of ISP drug (cyclosporine A, everolimus, sirolimus, and tacrolimus) monitoring via microsampling device (MitraTM, Neoteryx) was assessed by comparing venous samples collected and extracted using microsampling device to conventional extraction procedure. Analysis was performed by LC-MS/MS.

Results
All analytes were found to be linear across the measurement range of 22.7–937.0 ng/mL (18.9–779.1 nmol/L) for cyclosporine A, 2.3–44.2 ng/mL (2.4–46.1 nmol/L) for everolimus, 2.2–47.2 ng/mL (2.4–51.6 nmol/L) for sirolimus, and 2.2–41.3 ng/mL (2.7–51.4 nmol/L) for tacrolimus. Imprecision was evaluated at concentrations within the therapeutic range and was found to be 10.1% and 5.8% for cyclosporine A, 10.0% and 10.0% for everolimus, 15.0% and 11.9% for sirolimus, and 6.8% and 8.5% for tacrolimus. Method comparison (n = 30 for each analyte, using Deming regression) indicated slopes of 1.08, 1.02, 0.90, and 1.15 and intercepts of −12.8 ng/mL (−10.7 nmol/L), 0.8 ng/mL (0.8 nmol/L), 1.5 ng/mL (1.7 nmol/L), and −0.3 ng/mL (−0.3 nmol/L) for cyclosporine A, everolimus, sirolimus, and tacrolimus, respectively.

Conclusions
This feasibility study demonstrates that precision and bias of ≤15% can be achieved for microsampling-based ISP monitoring.