bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dehydration as a stressor in toads (Rhinella ornata)
Authors: Barsotti Adriana Maria Giorgi , Titon Junior Braz , Titon Stefanny Christie Monteiro , Gomes Fernando Ribeiro 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAvailability of a humid environment is essential for amphibians to carry out their activities and most species are characterized by low resistance to evaporative water loss. Moreover, dehydration severely compromises amphibian locomotor and foraging performance, representing a relevant selective factor modulating the evolution of its integrative phenotype. In this way, we hypothesized that dehydration is a stressor for toads, inducing a stress response comparable to that elicited by another commonly used stress protocol: restraint challenge. We evaluated changes in plasma levels of corticosterone (CORT), hematocrit (Hct), and neutrophil:lymphocyte (N:L) ratio in adult males of Rhinella ornata, experimentally submitted to different levels of hydration (100%, 90%, and 80% of standard body mass) and to restraint challenge. Our results showed that dehydrating toads by 10% increase CORT to levels equivalent to that obtained by restraint. Moreover, toads dehydrated by 20% show a more pronounced increase in CORT, along with increased Hct and N:L ratio. In this way, we corroborated the hypothesis that dehydration triggers a pronounced stress response in
R. ornata.
Diffusion tensor imaging and diffusion modeling: Application to monitoring changes in the medial gastrocnemius in disuse atrophy induced by unilateral limb suspension
Authors: Malis Vadim , Sinha Usha , Csapo Robert , Narici Marco , Smitaman Edward , Sinha Shantanu 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundDiffusion tensor imaging (DTI) assesses underlying tissue microstructure, and has been applied to studying skeletal muscle. Unloading of the lower leg causes decreases in muscle force, mass, and muscle protein synthesis as well as changes in muscle architecture.PurposeTo monitor the change in DTI indices in the medial gastrocnemius (MG) after 4‐week unilateral limb suspension (ULLS) and to explore the feasibility of extracting tissue microstructural parameters based on a two‐compartment diffusion model.Study TypeProspective cohort study.SubjectsSeven moderately active subjects (29.1 ± 5.7 years).Field Strength/Sequence3T, single‐shot fat‐suppressed echo planar spin echo sequence.AssessmentSuspension‐related changes in the DTI indices (eigenvalues: λ1, λ2, λ3, fractional anisotropy; coefficient of planarity) were statistically analyzed. Changes in model‐derived tissue parameters (muscle fiber circularity and diameter, intracellular volume fraction, and residence time) after suspension are qualitatively discussed.Statistical TestsChanges in the DTI indices of the MG between pre‐ and postsuspension were assessed using repeated‐measures two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA).ResultsAll the eigenvalues (λ1: P = 0.025, λ2: P = 0.035, λ3: P = 0.049) as well as anisotropic diffusion coefficient (P = 0.029) were significantly smaller post‐ULLS. Diffusion modeling revealed that fibers were more circular (circularity index increased from 0.55 to 0.95) with a smaller diameter (diameter decreased from 82–60 μm) postsuspension.Data ConclusionWe have shown that DTI indices change with disuse and modeling can relate these voxel level changes to changes in the tissue microarchitecture.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy: Stage 1J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018.
Preparation of restricted‐access material precolumns by grafting δ‐gluconolactone onto a hybrid silica monolithic column for on‐line solid‐phase extraction of tetracycline residues from milk
Authors: Huang Li‐Fei , Jia Bo , Jiang Lin , Liu Wei‐Lun , Xia Li‐Ya , Lv Yun‐Kai 
Published: December 2018

AbstractA restricted‐access material–hybrid monolithic column was prepared based on single‐component organosiloxane and dynamic grafting of δ‐gluconolactone for on‐line solid phase extraction of tetracycline antibiotic residues from milk. The hybrid monolithic column was prepared in a stainless‐steel chromatographic column using methyltrimethoxysilane as the single precursor. δ‐Gluconolactone was covalently coupled to aminopropyl derivatized hybrid monolithic column, which formed hydrophilic structures on the surface of the pore of the restricted‐access material–hybrid monolithic column. The columns were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption, contact angle analysis, dynamic adsorption, and chromatographic performance evaluation. The restricted‐access material–hybrid monolithic column was applied to the on‐line extraction of tetracycline residues from milk. An enrichment factor of 15.8 and a good sample clean‐up effect were obtained under the optimized conditions. The recoveries of the three spiked milk samples were between 81.7 and 102.5% with relative standard deviations (n = 3) in the range of 2–5%. The limits of detection (S/N = 3) for target compounds were in the range of 3.80–9.03 μg/kg. The results show that the on‐line extraction using the restricted‐access material–hybrid monolithic column was powerful for food sample pretreatment with high selectivity and good clean‐up effect.
Otolaryngology Residency Interviewing Dates and Practices: What Should an Applicant Expect?
Authors: Lee Andrew H. , Liao Ross , Young Patrick , Yi Paul H. , Reh Douglas , Eisele David W. , Hillel Alexander T. 
Published: December 2018

Objectives/HypothesisScheduling otolaryngology interviews may be a challenge for residency applicants due to overlapping interview dates. Our objective was to identify otolaryngology interview date patterns and scheduling conflicts over the past six application cycles.Study DesignRetrospective review of otolaryngology online forums (Otomatch.com and Student Doctor Network).MethodsOnline threads related to residency interview dates posted during the 2012 to 2013 through 2017 to 2018 interview seasons on Otomatch.com were reviewed. Program directors were contacted to complete any missing data. The χ‐ goodness‐of‐fit test and the χ2 test of independence was used to compare proportions. Analysis of variance was used to compare values across years.ResultsData from an average of 98 programs (99%) per year were obtained. The majority of invitations arrived late October (49%), followed by early November (37.1%). Interviews occurred primarily in December (48.4%) and January (37.5%). Programs on average scheduled 2.47 (range, 0–4) interview dates. Most interviews fell on Fridays (28.7%) and Saturdays (22.7%) (P < .0001), with an increasing trend toward interviewing on consecutive days. There was substantial overlap in interview dates, with six dates alone accounting for an average of 31.3% of all interviews in a given interview cycle.ConclusionsThe majority of otolaryngology interviews occur in December or January and fall on a Friday or Saturday. There is considerable overlap with the potential for scheduling conflicts. Our findings can help set expectations for applicants regarding interview invitations, as well as a strategy for scheduling interviews.Level of EvidenceNALaryngoscope, 129:2280–2285, 2019
What makes us tick: Implications of personality differences among otolaryngology residents and faculty
Authors: Villwock Jennifer A. , Bowe Sarah N. , Rotich Duncan C. , Beltramo Alvin , Friedman Alan , Kraft Shannon M. 
Published: December 2018

ObjectiveThe rapid personal and professional growth experienced during medical training and practice is impacted by personality. The surgeon's personality is renowned in both medical lore and literature. However, it is now known that the personality characteristics of today's millennial trainees differ from older faculty. This study investigates the variability of different personality attributes among otolaryngology residents and faculty, as well as the practical implications of these findings.MethodsThe opportunity to complete a series of web‐based, commercially available, self‐administered five factor‐based personality assessments was given to otolaryngology residents and faculty at nine academic training programs. The psychometrically validated assessments evaluate innate personality 1) strengths, 2) challenges, and 3) motivators/values. Differences between groups in the assessed metrics were evaluated using two‐tailed t tests.ResultsSeventy‐eight otolaryngology faculty and 104 residents completed all three assessments. Of the assessed metrics, there were several significant differences between residents and faculty (all P < 0.05). Residents scored higher than faculty in the domains of interpersonal sensitivity, sociability, and inquisitiveness. With respect to potential challenges, faculty displayed higher levels of skepticism and reservation. In contrast, residents scored higher in the categories of mischievous and dutiful. As for motivators/values, although both groups were highly motivated by altruism, faculty valued tradition more than residents, whereas residents valued hedonism and affiliation more than faculty.ConclusionThere are notable differences between residents and faculty in multiple domains, with implications for communication, education, and professional development.Level of Evidence3Laryngoscope, 129:2286–2290, 2019
The pattern of hearing outcome following surgery of the semicircular canals
Authors: Wolfovitz Amit , Grobman Ariel B. , Babcock Thomas A. , Angeli Simon I. 
Published: December 2018

ObjectiveTo analyze demographic, clinical, surgical, and audiometric factors that may affect hearing outcome following surgery for the semicircular canals (SCC).MethodThis is a retrospective case review of adults who underwent surgeries for superior SCC (SSCC), lateral SCC (LSCC), or posterior SCC (PSCC) and whose data were extracted and analyzed for factors affecting the hearing outcome in these procedures.ResultsThirteen patients underwent surgery for SSCC, seven cases for the LSCC, one for the PSCC, and one case of combined PSCC/SSCC surgery. The mean age was 49.8 ± 12 years (21–66). There was no difference between the preoperative and postoperative pure tone average (PTA) thresholds at 0.5–3 kHz. Higher thresholds were noted at 4, 6, and 8 kHz postoperatively. Deterioration (>10 dB) in the bone‐conduction (BC) PTA was demonstrated in 3 of 22 (13.6%) cases with no significant difference in the demographic, clinical, surgical, and preoperative audiometric parameters relative to the cases without PTA BC change. A significantly larger difference in PTA BC (pre‐ vs. postoperative) was seen for males. Small effect size was noted for Air conduction (AC) PTA in males, and moderate effect size for Word Recognition Score (WRS) in surgery for the LSCC compare to SSCC.ConclusionsSCC surgeries carry a relatively low risk of deterioration in PTA BC. High frequency thresholds should also be included in postoperative hearing outcome assessment. Cases of LSCC for intractable Meniere's disease and surgery in males carry higher risk of poor postoperative hearing outcomes.Level of Evidence: 4
Assessing the Evidence in Evidence‐Based Medicine
Authors: Koretz Ronald L. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractEvidence‐based medicine (EBM) has become a fixture in today's medical practice. Evidence consists of memorialized observations and should be contrasted with dogmatic pronouncements and/or hypotheses. Evidence has varying degrees of reliability. The randomized clinical trial (RCT) or a systematic review of RCTs is accorded the highest level of credibility and expert opinion the lowest. This ranking reflects the internal validity (degree to which factors in the study interfere with the gathering or interpretation of the observations) of the study design; more valid designs are more credible. The provision of healthcare requires an almost constant assessment of evidence. In so doing, there are a number of principles of EBM that need to be kept in mind:

Association can never prove causation.

Various methodologic biases can influence conclusions made in both RCTs and observational studies.

The strength of RCTs is in the elimination of confounding bias.

Surrogate outcomes must be validated in RCTs assessing how they are changed compared with the clinical outcomes.

Subgroup analyses cannot prove hypotheses although they can generate them.

P < 0.05 is not the same as truth.

Type I errors are more likely to occur when multiple analyses are performed, when trials are prematurely stopped for perceived benefit when there was no a priori plan to do so, or in small papers with dramatic results that are selectively published.

The failure to find a difference does not mean that no difference exists (type II error).
Detection and mitigation of monitor identification attacks in collaborative intrusion detection systems
Authors: Vasilomanolakis Emmanouil , Mühlhäuser Max 
Published: December 2018

SummaryCollaborative defensive approaches such as collaborative intrusion detection system (CIDS) have emerged as a response to the continuous increase in the sophistication of cyberattacks. Such systems utilize a plethora of heterogeneous monitors to create a holistic picture of the monitored network. A number of research institutes deploy CIDSs that publish their alert data publicly over the Internet. This is important for researchers and security administrators, as such systems provide a source of real‐world alert data for experimentation. However, a class of identification attacks exists, namely probe‐response attacks (PRAs), which can significantly reduce the benefits of a CIDS. In particular, such attacks allow an adversary to detect the network location of the monitors of a CIDS. This article discusses the state of the art, with an emphasis on our previous and ongoing work, with regard to the detection and the mitigation of PRAs. We compare the most promising defensive mechanisms with respect to their effectiveness and the possible negative effects they might introduce to the CIDS. Finally, we provide a thorough discussion of research gaps and possible future directions for the field.
Effect of liraglutide on anthropometric measurements, sagittal abdominal diameter and adiponectin levels in people with type 2 diabetes treated with multiple daily insulin injections: evaluations from a randomized trial (MDI‐liraglutide study 5)
Authors: Ahmadi S. S. , Filipsson K. , Dimenäs H. , Isaksson S. S. , Imberg H. , Sjöberg S. , Ahrén B. , Dahlqvist S. , Gustafsson T. , Tuomilehto J. , Hirsch I. B. , Lind M. 
Published: December 2018

SummaryAimUse of the glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonist liraglutide has been shown to reduce weight. Different types of anthropometric measurements can be used to measure adiposity. This study evaluated the effect of liraglutide on sagittal abdominal diameter, waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio and adiponectin levels in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) treated with multiple daily insulin injections (MDI).Materials and methodsIn the multicentre, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled MDI‐liraglutide trial, 124 individuals with T2D treated with MDI were randomized to either liraglutide or placebo. Basal values of weight, waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio, sagittal abdominal diameter and adiponectin were compared with measurements at 12 and 24 weeks after randomization.ResultsBaseline‐adjusted mean weight loss was 3.8 ± 2.9 kg greater in liraglutide than placebo‐treated individuals (p < 0.0001). Waist circumference was reduced by 2.9 ± 4.3 cm and 0.2 ± 3.6 cm in the liraglutide and placebo groups, respectively, after 24 weeks (baseline‐adjusted mean difference: 2.6 ± 4.0 cm, p = 0.0005). Corresponding reductions in sagittal abdominal diameter were 1.1 ± 1.7 cm and 0.0 ± 1.8 cm (baseline‐adjusted mean difference: 1.1 ± 1.7 cm, p = 0.0008). Hip circumference was reduced in patients randomized to liraglutide (baseline‐adjusted mean difference between treatment groups: 2.8 ± 3.8 cm, p = 0.0001), but there was no significant difference between the groups in either waist‐to‐hip ratio (baseline‐adjusted mean difference: 0.0 ± 0.04 cm, p = 0.51) or adiponectin levels (baseline‐adjusted mean difference: 0.8 ± 3.3 mg L−1, p = 0.17). Lower HbA1c and mean glucose levels measured by masked continuous glucose monitoring at baseline were associated with greater effects of liraglutide on reductions in waist circumference and sagittal abdominal diameter.ConclusionsIn patients with T2D, adding liraglutide to MDI may reduce abdominal and hip obesity to a similar extent, suggesting an effect on both visceral and subcutaneous fat. Liraglutide had greater effects on reducing abdominal obesity in patients with less pronounced long‐term hyperglycaemia but did not affect adiponectin levels.
Segmental relaxation and partial crystallization of chain‐extended Poly(l‐lactic acid) reinforced with carboxylated carbon nanotube
Authors: Yousefzade Omid , Valenti Sofia , Puiggalí Jordi , Garmabi Hamid , Macovez Roberto 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTTemperature‐modulated differential scanning calorimetry (TMDSC) and broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) were employed to study the glass transition, size of the cooperative rearranging regions (CRRs), crystallization kinetics, and dielectric relaxation response of nanocomposites constituted by chain‐extended poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA) and carboxylated carbon nanotubes (f‐CNTs). The CRR size and the number of relaxing structural units decreased in the presence of crystals during isothermal crystallization. All samples displayed both a primary (α) and secondary (β) relaxation in BDS spectra. The relaxation dynamics of PLLA chains was barely affected by the presence of the f‐CNT. Constrained polymer chains and thickness of interphase (t
i) were measured using dielectric spectra in tan δ representation. t
i values were found to be 46 and 24 nm for sample containing 0.2 and 0.5% weight fraction of f‐CNT, respectively. All samples underwent partial crystallization (with roughly 30% of final crystalline fraction) some 15 or 20° above their glass‐transition temperature (T
g). Crystallization leads to a fragile‐to‐strong transition in the temperature dependence of the cooperative α relaxation and to the increased visibility of a Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars (MWS) interfacial relaxation, which appears to be present in all samples. The heterogeneity of the polymeric samples was quantified in terms of a new parameter, the heterogeneity index (H). © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 222–233
Advances in attractive ellipsoid method for robust control design
Authors: Azhmyakov V. , Mera M. , Juárez R. 
Published: December 2018

SummaryOur contribution is devoted to a further theoretic development of the attractive ellipsoid method (AEM). We consider dynamic models given by nonlinear ordinary differential equations in the presence of bounded disturbances. The resulting robustness analysis of the closed‐loop system incorporates the celebrated Clarke invariancy concept (an analytic extension of the celebrated Lyapunov methodology). We finally obtain a new general geometric characterization of the AEM‐based approach to the robust systems design. Moreover, we also discuss the corresponding numerical aspects of the proposed theoretical extensions of the method. The theoretic results obtained in this contribution are finally illustrated by a practically oriented computational example.
The role of ultrasound in the diagnosis of penile fracture
Authors: Napier Donna 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAlthough considered a relatively rare occurrence, penile fracture is nonetheless a urological emergency. The importance of correctly identifying this pathology is essential when the long‐term sequelae of a delayed or misdiagnosis are considered. Due to the stigma attached to this entity, it is assumed that its true incidence remains underreported, and as such, literature on the sonographic evaluation of penile fracture is rendered to be relatively scarce. The consequence of such an unusual referral means that there is a gap in knowledge when it comes to attaining an accurate ultrasound diagnosis. This article will review the anatomy of the penis, the pathophysiology contributing to penile fracture, and how an inherent understanding of both is vital to the accurate sonographic grading of different fracture types. Although penile fracture is still considered a clinical diagnosis, ultrasound provides critical information in atypical or equivocal cases whereby multiple differential diagnoses cannot be excluded. The possibility of an incorrect diagnosis based on inconclusive historical and clinical findings therefore highlights not only the important role of ultrasound in the facilitation of prompt surgical intervention but also its contribution to a favourable patient outcome by way of correct management.
Lake-level changes and hominin occupations in the arid Turkana basin during volcanic closure of the Omo River outflows to the Indian Ocean
Authors: Boës Xavier , Prat Sandrine , Arrighi Vincent , Feibel Craig , Haileab Bereket , Lewis Jason , Harmand Sonia 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIn the East African Rift, the western margin of Lake Turkana (northern Kenya) exposes Mio-Plio-Pleistocene lake sediments with dated volcanic horizons constraining basin dynamics at the astronomical time scale. Since the late Pliocene, coastal archaeological sites have formed within the lacustrine dynamics. Here, lake levels are reconstructed from 2.4 to 1.7 Ma using sedimentary facies and water/depth-controlled sediment association. The lacustrine stratigraphy is measured with a total station, and cyclostratigraphy is derived from tephrochronology. The water depths are evaluated from paleochemical properties of lake sediments analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Our reconstruction highlights that Lake Turkana rose during 100 ka insolation/eccentricity maxima periods in response to higher monsoonal inputs of the Omo River. However, Lake Turkana also expanded through an insolation minimum at 2.17–1.95 Ma. This asynchronous lake phase coincides with volcanic closure of the Omo River and Lake Turkana outflow sill to the east and the Indian Ocean. An archaeological hiatus occurs during this endorheic lake phase, and alkalinity increases at the beginning of the hiatus. The lake rose again during insolation/eccentricity maxima at 1.9–1.7 Ma, and a new outflow sill opened to the west and the Nile basin. Hominin coastal occupations return during this exorheic/freshwater lake phase.