bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The evolution of structural and elastic properties of a Zr-based metallic glass upon annealing below glass transition temperature
Authors: Zhang F. , Wang X. C. , Deng P. , Qin X. M. , Tan J. 
Published: January 2019

Bulk metallic glasses are often used well below their glass transition temperatures, Tg, because of their change in the physical properties of the material through its glass transition, which is not considered a phase transition; rather it is a phenomenon extending over a range of temperature and is defined by a viscosity threshold of 101 2 Pa ⋅ s. In this work, a Zr-based metallic glass upon annealing below glass transition temperature (Tg–30 K) was quasi-in-situ investigated. The structural and elastic properties were observed carefully by utilizing an in-house designed density testing device and an ultrasonic testing device. We found out that the density, the shear velocity, the longitudinal wave velocity, and the elastic modulus increased through annealing at 719 K for 300, 900 and 1500 s. A possible explanation was presented based on the free volume theory and it was found that the relaxation kinetics in this study obeyed the Kohlraush–Williams–Watts (KWW) relaxation function with [Formula: see text] = 0.420 [Formula: see text] 1 implying that the relaxation mechanisms were multiple ones.
Entrevista com Isabela Figueiredo
Authors: Salles Penélope Eiko Aragaki 
Published: January 2019

Entrevista realizada por Penélope Eiko Aragaki Salles, mestre em Letras e aluna egressa do Programa de Estudos Comparados de Literaturas de Língua Portuguesa, do Departamento de Língua Clássicas e Vernáculas da Universidade de São Paulo, no dia 27 de julho de 2018 na Pousada do Ouro Paraty em Paraty.
Interobserver Variability in Applying American Society of Echocardiography/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging 2016 Guidelines for Estimation of Left Ventricular Filling Pressure
Authors: Nagueh Sherif F. , Abraham Theodore P. , Aurigemma Gerard P. , Bax Jeroen J. , Beladan Carmen , Browning Alyssa , Chamsi-Pasha Mohammed A. , Delgado Victoria , Derumeaux Genevieve , Dolci Giulia , Donal Erwan , Edvardsen Thor , El Tallawi Kinan Carlos , Ernande Laura , Esposito Roberta , Flachskampf Frank A. , Galderisi Maurizio , Gentry James , Goldstein Steven A. , Harb Serge C. , Hubert Arnaud , Hung Judy , Klein Allan L. , Lancellotti Patrizio , Mahmood Redah Z. , Marino Paolo , Popescu Bogdan A. , Previato Martina , Sanghai Saket R. , Smiseth Otto A. , Xu Jiaqiong ,   for Diastolic Function Assessment Collaborators
Published: January 2019

Background:
Assessment of left ventricular (LV) filling pressure is among the important components of a comprehensive echocardiographic report. Previous studies noted wide limits of agreement using 2009 American Society of Echocardiography/European Association of Echocardiography guidelines, but reproducibility of 2016 guidelines update in estimating LV filling pressure is unknown.

Methods:
Echocardiographic and hemodynamic data were obtained from 50 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization for clinical indications. Clinical and echocardiographic findings but not invasive hemodynamics were provided to 4 groups of observers, including experienced echocardiographers and cardiology fellows. Invasively acquired LV filling pressure was the gold standard.

Results:
In group I of 8 experienced echocardiographers from the guidelines writing committee, sensitivity for elevated LV filling pressure was 92% for all observers, and specificity was 93±6%. Fleiss κ-value for the agreement in group I was 0.80. In group II of 4 fellows in training, sensitivity was 91±2%, and specificity was 95±2%. Fleiss κ-value for the agreement in group II was 0.94. In group III of 9 experienced echocardiographers who had not participated in drafting the guidelines, sensitivity was 88±5%, and specificity was 91±7%. Fleiss κ-value for the agreement in group III was 0.76. In group IV of 7 other fellows, sensitivity was 91±3%, and specificity was 92±5%. Fleiss κ-value for the agreement in group IV was 0.89.

Conclusions:
There is a good level of agreement and accuracy in the estimation of LV filling pressure using the American Society of Echocardiography/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging 2016 recommendations update, irrespective of the experience level of the observer.
ARHGAP18: A Flow‐Responsive Gene That Regulates Endothelial Cell Alignment and Protects Against Atherosclerosis
Authors: Lay Angelina J. , Coleman Paul R. , Formaz‐Preston Ann , Ting Ka Ka , Roediger Ben , Weninger Wolfgang , Schwartz Martin A. , Vadas Mathew A. , Gamble Jennifer R. 
Published: January 2019

Background

Vascular endothelial cell (EC) alignment in the direction of flow is an adaptive response that protects against aortic diseases, such as atherosclerosis. The Rho
GTP
ases are known to regulate this alignment. Herein, we analyze the effect of
ARHGAP
18 on the regulation of EC alignment and examine the effect of
ARHGAP
18 deficiency on the development of atherosclerosis in mice.

Methods and Results

We used in vitro analysis of ECs under flow conditions together with apolipoprotein E
−/−

Arhgap
18

−/−
double‐mutant mice to study the function of
ARHGAP
18 in a high‐fat diet–induced model of atherosclerosis. Depletion of
ARHGAP
18 inhibited the alignment of ECs in the direction of flow and promoted inflammatory phenotype, as evidenced by disrupted junctions and increased expression of nuclear factor‐κB and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 and decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Mice with double deletion in
ARHGAP
18 and apolipoprotein E and fed a high‐fat diet show early onset of atherosclerosis, with lesions developing in atheroprotective regions.

Conclusions

ARHGAP
18 is a protective gene that maintains
EC
alignments in the direction of flow. Deletion of
ARHGAP
18 led to loss of
EC
ability to align and promoted atherosclerosis development.
Saliency-based Rhythmic Coordination of Perceptual Predictions
Authors: Huang Qiaoli , Luo Huan 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Objects, shown explicitly or held in mind internally, compete for limited processing resources. Recent studies have demonstrated that attention samples locations and objects rhythmically. Interestingly, periodic sampling not only operates over objects in the same scene but also occurs for multiple perceptual predictions that are held in attention for incoming inputs. However, how the brain coordinates perceptual predictions that are endowed with different levels of bottom–up saliency information remains unclear. To address the issue, we used a fine-grained behavioral measurement to investigate the temporal dynamics of processing of high- and low-salient visual stimuli, which have equal possibility to occur within experimental blocks. We demonstrate that perceptual predictions associated with different levels of saliency are organized via a theta-band rhythmic course and are optimally processed in different phases within each theta-band cycle. Meanwhile, when the high- and low-salient stimuli are presented in separate blocks and thus not competing with each other, the periodic behavioral profile is no longer present. In summary, our findings suggest that attention samples and coordinates multiple perceptual predictions through a theta-band rhythm according to their relative saliency. Our results, in combination with previous studies, advocate the rhythmic nature of attentional process.
A prospective observational study of the utility of early diagnostic laparoscopy for right lower abdominal pain: a safe and effective diagnostic and therapeutic tool
Authors: Guthrie Graeme JK , Johnston Thomas , Ewing Anne , Mullen Russell , Suttie Stuart A , Patil Pradeep V 
Published: January 2019

Background and aims Diagnostic laparoscopy is commonly performed for diagnosis of right lower abdominal pain and its use is increasing in the emergency setting. Some studies have reported that diagnostic laparoscopy and laparoscopic appendicectomy have advantages over conventional surgery. Many emergency surgeons now perform diagnostic laparoscopy for both clinically diagnosed appendicitis and when the diagnosis is in doubt. The aim of the present study was to assess whether the use of diagnostic laparoscopy is justified and safe for those admitted with right lower abdominal pain. Methods and results Data were collected prospectively on consecutive patients attending the acute surgical receiving unit with right iliac fossa pain or a suspected diagnosis of acute appendicitis. A total of 284 patients underwent diagnostic laparoscopy. Of them 233 (82%) had a positive finding at laparoscopy, 207 (88%) underwent appendicectomy, the majority of which were carried out laparoscopically. Surgical trainees performed the majority of operations and this did not have a negative impact on operative findings (p 0.856), operation performed (0.642), or operative duration (0.831). No intra-operative complications were sustained. Ultrasound examination was carried out in 49 patients, while CT was carried out in 24. Conclusion The results of the present study highlight the utility of early diagnostic laparoscopy as both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in the acute setting.
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine is associated with a higher risk of hypocalcemia compared to abacavir/lamivudine – results from a German cohort study
Authors: Noe S , Heldwein S , Jaeger H , Page M , Wolf E 
Published: January 2019

Hyperparathyroidism has been described in people living with HIV undergoing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)-containing antiretroviral therapy (ART), but differences in calcium levels have never been investigated in detail. We aimed to compare the prevalence of hypocalcemia between patients with and without TDF-containing ART. The patients and methods were a retrospective cohort study in HIV-infected adult patients receiving dolutegravir and either abacavir (ABC)/lamivudine (3TC) or TDF/emtricitabine in a single center in Munich, Germany. Of 172 patients, 126 (73.3%) were male and the median age was 48.5 years (interquartile range 42–54). Average calcium levels were 2.24 (2.21–2.29) mmol/l and 2.21 (2.16–2.26) mmol/l (P < 0.001) with a prevalence of at least one episode of total calcium <2.12 mmol/l of 16.2 and 34.4% in the groups treated with ABC/3TC and TDF/emtricitabine, respectively (P = 0.006). TDF use was independently associated with the occurrence of albumin-corrected calcium levels of <2.12 mmol/l (odds ratio: 6.7 [1.3–35.6]; P = 0.025). Hypocalcemia seems to occur more often in TDF-treated patients. Further research into hypocalcemia with TDF and potential cardiovascular effects may be of benefit based on these findings.
Continuous Inotrope Therapy in Hospice Care: A Case Series
Authors: Patel Krishna , D’Souza Andre , Groninger Hunter 
Published: January 2019

Background: Continuous cardiac inotropes are increasingly utilized for symptom management in advanced heart failure (AHF). Among patients who are not eligible for cardiac transplant or mechanical circulatory support, many are hospice eligible at the time of inotrope initiation. Nevertheless, given relative infrequent use as well as cost issues, acceptability and management of inotropes in the hospice setting are likely widely variable between hospice agencies. Objective: To describe hospice care experiences for patients with AHF receiving continuous inotrope therapies and weaning inotropes at the end of life. Design: Single-institution retrospective chart review of patients with AHF receiving continuous inotropes who were discharged from the hospital to hospice care between February 2015 and October 2016 and survey of hospice medical directors providing direct care of these patients. Results: Eighteen patients with AHF receiving continuous inotropes were discharged to 6 hospice agencies. Twelve patients were weaned from inotropes prior to death. Among cases where the inotrope was weaned, patients lived several days to more than 2 weeks. All hospice medical directors surveyed would accept patients on inotropes again. Most believed that providing continuous inotrope therapy for patients with AHF is compatible with the philosophy of hospice care. Conclusion: Cardiac inotropes can align with both the goals of care for the patient with AHF and the philosophy of hospice care. Patients with AHF admitted to hospice care on continuous inotropes may live days to weeks, whether or not inotropes are discontinued.
Knotless Modified Arthroscopic-Broström Technique for Ankle Instability
Authors: Pellegrini Manuel J. , Sevillano Jesus , Ortiz Cristian , Giza Eric , Carcuro Giovanni 
Published: January 2019

Instability is a common sequela after repeated ankle sprains. When nonoperative treatment fails, open lateral ligament complex repair and reinforcement with the inferior extensor retinaculum has been the gold standard procedure. The recent advancements in arthroscopic techniques have created comparable biomechanical and functional results to open procedures. The authors’ modification to the standard arthroscopic technique permits ligament approximation to the distal fibula over a larger surface area, using knotless anchors to avoid the need of an accessory portal and limit potential suture knot–related complications. Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.
Overcoming the Balkanization of State Advance Directive Laws
Authors: Sabatino Charles P. 
Published: January 2019

State law requirements for health care advance directive documents were reviewed in every state and the District of Columbia to determine whether they are consistent and/or flexible enough to permit the utilization by the public of “universal” advance directive forms, specifically a health care power of attorney, that would be valid under every state's advance directive statutes. Such documents would have to overcome the wide variability of state legal formalities for validity. If this could be accomplished, the public would benefit from having a variety of multi-state or truly universal forms available that could be used with confidence in their validity.The review found that a basic, multi-state health care power of attorney appears to be feasible in 41 States and the District of Columbia, compared to 36 states and the District in 2005. Only nine states prevent recognition of a truly universal form. Some barriers were surmountable, including differing agent and witness requirements, execution requirements, and effectiveness triggers. Other barriers were insurmountable, including mandatory forms, mandatory disclosures, and decision-specific language requirements. The strategies identified for overcoming some barriers can be used by lawyers in drafting true multi-state directives. More importantly, states should simplify state advance directive laws to facilitate a more meaningful communication model of advance care planning.
Rubber Band Ligation of Hemorrhoids is often a Necessary Complement in the Management of Hemorrhagic Radiation Proctitis
Authors: De Robles M. S. , Young C. J. 
Published: January 2019

Background: Management of radiation proctitis presents a treatment challenge. Limited data exist on the management of symptomatic hemorrhoids in radiated patients. This study aims to present a practical approach to the management of radiation proctitis, particularly in patients with synchronous hemorrhoids. Methods: A total of 52 consecutive cases of radiation proctitis managed between September 1999 and October 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary treatment was formalin application, plus rubber band ligation in conjunction with formalin when hemorrhoids were a significant component of bleeding, and occasionally argon plasma coagulation. Results: The primary indication for radiotherapy was for the treatment of prostate cancer (71%), anal squamous cell carcinoma (10%), and gynecological malignancies (18%). More than half of the patients (52%) presented with radiation proctitis and concomitant internal hemorrhoids. The hemorrhoids were managed with rubber band ligation (56%) and stapled hemorrhoidectomy (7%), at the same procedure as formalin application. At a median follow-up of 12 months, no recurrent rectal bleeding occurred, and no further treatment was needed for most patients. One patient experienced a short period of perianal pain, which was treated with analgesics. Conclusion: Formalin application has consistently demonstrated an excellent cure rate and safety profile comparable with the published results as a primary treatment for radiation proctitis. The prolapse of irradiated mucosa over the internal hemorrhoids appears to exacerbate bleeding. Local hemorrhoid treatment is often required as an adjunct in the management of these patients.
E hoa ma, ina te ora o te tangata (My friends, this is the essence of life): Meal-making as a pedagogical tool for learning about food politics
Authors: Kiddle Rebecca , Mawer Chantal , McAuliffe Bickerton Ceara , Ryan Alyssa , Siemonek Laurette 
Published: January 2019

Many environmental concerns such as climate change and reducing fossil-fuel dependence seem ‘out of reach’ for the majority of us regarding creating change. However, food systems and how we interact with them, offer tangible opportunities to respond to these environmental concerns in small but meaningful ways. By examining the impact of our food consumption, we are provided with an opportunity for ongoing self-assessment. To engage in this self-assessment as part of a community of practice, we argue, is all the more impactful. This paper is self-reflective, exploring the process and outcomes of a group of non-experts working together to develop a workshop to explore the politics of everyday eating. This workshop took the form of a seven-course meal. To disquiet this indulgence, these seven courses included both food for physical sustenance and food to provoke hearts and minds, because ‘we don’t usually think of what we eat as a matter of ethics’ ( Singer and Mason, 2007 : 3). The three food courses were sourced and cooked for conference participants by the authors of this paper. While undertaking these activities, we debated and documented our sourcing decisions and mused on the role of food in Aotearoa New Zealand. The remaining four courses served our guests the critical musings of food rescuers, local food producers and other food thinkers to cleanse the palate by way of presentations, poetry and performances. By using a meal as our methodology, we, as non-expert organizers and chefs, sought to explore our own, and allow others to explore their food consumption and ethics.
A multidisciplinary pulmonary embolism response team (PERT)—experience from a national multicenter consortium
Authors: Schultz Jacob , Giordano Nicholas , Zheng Hui , Parry Blair A. , Barnes Geoffrey D. , Heresi Gustavo A. , Jaber Wissam , Wood Todd , Todoran Thomas , Courtney D. Mark , Naydenov Soophia , Khandhar Sameer , Green Philip , Kabrhel Christopher ,   National PERT Consortium Research Committee
Published: January 2019

BackgroundWe provide the first multicenter analysis of patients cared for by eight Pulmonary Embolism Response Teams (PERTs) in the United States (US); describing the frequency of team activation, patient characteristics, pulmonary embolism (PE) severity, treatments delivered, and outcomes.MethodsWe enrolled patients from the National PERT Consortium™ multicenter registry with a PERT activation between 18 October 2016 and 17 October 2017. Data are presented combined and by PERT institution. Differences between institutions were analyzed using chi‐squared test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables, and ANOVA or Kruskal‐Wallis test for continuous variables, with a two‐sided P value < 0.05 considered statistically significant.ResultsThere were 475 unique PERT activations across the Consortium, with acute PE confirmed in 416 (88%). The number of activations at each institution ranged from 3 to 13 activations/month/1000 beds with the majority originating from the emergency department (281/475; 59.3%). The largest percentage of patients were at intermediate–low (141/416, 34%) and intermediate–high (146/416, 35%) risk of early mortality, while fewer were at high‐risk (51/416, 12%) and low‐risk (78/416, 19%). The distribution of risk groups varied significantly between institutions (P = 0.002). Anticoagulation alone was the most common therapy, delivered to 289/416 (70%) patients with confirmed PE. The proportion of patients receiving any advanced therapy varied between institutions (P = 0.0003), ranging from 16% to 46%. The 30‐day mortality was 16% (53/338), ranging from 9% to 44%.ConclusionsThe frequency of team activation, PE severity, treatments delivered, and 30‐day mortality varies between US PERTs. Further research should investigate the sources of this variability.
Impact of chronic khat (Catha edulis Forsk) chewing on pulmonary function test and oxygen saturation in humans: A comparative study
Authors: Woldeamanuel Gashaw Garedew , Geta Teshome Gensa 
Published: January 2019

Background: Chronic consumption of khat affects many organ systems and leads to various health disturbances in the chewers. Few studies examined the acute effects of khat ingestion on lung function parameters. However, studies which assessed the long-term effects of khat chewing on pulmonary function parameters and oxygen saturation are lacking. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of chronic Khat chewing on pulmonary function parameters and oxygen saturation among chronic Khat chewers in Wolkite, Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Wolkite, Ethiopia from 1 June 2018 to 15 August 2018. A total of 324 participants, 162 khat chewers and 162 non-chewers were included in the study. The data were collected through face-to-face interview by trained data collectors. British Medical Research Council respiratory questionnaire was used to assess respiratory symptoms. A spirometer was used to assess various lung function parameters. Moreover, oxygen saturation of hemoglobin was measured using pulse oximeter. Data were entered into CSPro version 6.2 and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: This study showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the mean values of forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in first second and maximum ventilation volume among khat chewers as compared to non-chewers. There was no significant difference in the mean values of other lung function parameters between the two groups. Similarly, there was no significant difference (p = 0.642) in mean oxygen saturation of hemoglobin (SaO2) across the two groups. Conclusion: It is evident from this study that long-term khat consumption is associated with decreased mean forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in first second and maximum ventilation volume. Hence, there is a need for further study to strengthen the current findings and to explore the mechanisms of khat chewing effect on lung function parameters.