bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The mass and age of the first SONG target: the red giant 46 LMi
Authors: Frandsen S. , Fredslund Andersen M. , Brogaard K. , Jiang C. , Arentoft T. , Grundahl F. , Kjeldsen H. , Christensen-Dalsgaard J. , Weiss E. , Pallé P. , Antoci V. , Kjærgaard P. , Sørensen A. N. , Skottfelt J. , Jørgensen U. G. 
Published: March 2018

Context.The Stellar Observation Network Group (SONG) is an initiative to build a worldwide network of 1m telescopes with high-precision radial-velocity spectrographs. Here we analyse the first radial-velocity time series of a red-giant star measured by the SONG telescope at Tenerife. The asteroseismic results demonstrate a major increase in the achievable precision of the parameters for red-giant stars obtainable from ground-based observations. Reliable tests of the validity of these results are needed, however, before the accuracy of the parameters can be trusted.Aims.We analyse the first SONG time series for the star 46 LMi, which has a precise parallax and an angular diameter measured from interferometry, and therefore a good determination of the stellar radius. We use asteroseismic scaling relations to obtain an accurate mass, and modelling to determine the age.Methods.A 55-day time series of high-resolution, high S/N spectra were obtained with the first SONG telescope. We derive the asteroseismic parameters by analysing the power spectrum. To give a best guess on the large separation of modes in the power spectrum, we have applied a new method which uses the scaling of Kepler red-giant stars to 46 LMi.Results.Several methods have been applied: classical estimates, seismic methods using the observed time series, and model calculations to derive the fundamental parameters of 46 LMi. Parameters determined using the different methods are consistent within the uncertainties. We find the following values for the massM(scaling), radiusR(classical), age (modelling), and surface gravity (combining mass and radius):M= 1.09 ± 0.04M⊙,R= 7.95 ± 0.11R⊙aget= 8.2 ± 1.9 Gy, and logg= 2.674 ± 0.013.Conclusions.The exciting possibilities for ground-based asteroseismology of solar-like oscillations with a fully robotic network have been illustrated with the results obtained from just a single site of the SONG network. The window function is still a severe problem which will be solved when there are more nodes in the network.
Case A and B evolution towards electron capture supernova
Authors: Siess L. , Lebreuilly U. 
Published: March 2018

Context. Most super-asymptotic giant branch (SAGB) stars are expected to end their life as oxygen–neon white dwarfs rather than electron capture supernovae (ECSN). The reason is ascribed to the ability of the second dredge-up to significantly reduce the mass of the He core and of the efficient AGB winds to remove the stellar envelope before the degenerate core reaches the critical mass for the activation of electron capture reactions.
Aims. In this study, we investigate the formation of ECSN through case A and case B mass transfer. In these scenarios, when Roche lobe overflow stops, the primary has become a helium star. With a small envelope left, the second dredge-up is prevented, potentially opening new paths to ECSN.
Methods. We compute binary models using our stellar evolution code BINSTAR. We consider three different secondary masses of 8, 9, and 10 M⊙ and explore the parameter space, varying the companion mass, orbital period, and input physics.
Results. Assuming conservative mass transfer, with our choice of secondary masses all case A systems enter contact either during the main sequence or as a consequence of reversed mass transfer when the secondary overtakes its companion during core helium burning. Case B systems are able to produce ECSN progenitors in a relatively small range of periods (3 ≲ P(d) ≤ 30) and primary masses (10.9 ≤ M∕M⊙≤ 11.5). Changing the companion mass has little impact on the primary’s fate as long as the mass ratio M1∕M2 remains less than 1.4–1.5, above which evolution to contact becomes unavoidable. We also find that allowing for systemic mass loss substantially increases the period interval over which ECSN can occur. This change in the binary physics does not however affect the primary mass range. We finally stress that the formation of ECSN progenitors through case A and B mass transfer is very sensitive to adopted binary and stellar physics.
Conclusions. Close binaries provide additional channels for ECSN but the parameter space is rather constrained likely making ECSN a rare event.
Tuberculous lumbar spinal epidural abscess in a young adult (case report)
Authors: Hasan Ghazwan Abdulla , Kani Saif Mohammed , Alqatub Ahmed 
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Spinal Epidural abscess (SEA) is an uncommon pathology that needs an urgent intervention to decompress the pressure on the spinal epidural sac, cord, and roots. The authors report a rare case of a young adult with lumbar spinal epidural tuberculous abscess occupying the spinal canal from L2–L5 vertebrae with extesion to the posterior paraspinal muscles and presenting with bilateral progressive lower limb weakness.
Case report: A 42 years old male teacher presented with a 15-day history of progressive difficulty to walking and bilateral lower limb weakness associated with fever, malaise and later on urinary incontinence. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan revealed a paraspinal intermuscular abscess and an abscess occupying the spinal canal compressing the dural sac from L2–L4/5, without any signs of vertebral involvement. Surgery was done by a posterior midline incision. Pus was evacuated from multiple pockets through the paraspinal muscle layers. Laminectomy for L3/4, and hemilaminectomy for L2/3, and L4/5 were performed. Pus and bone specimens were negative for acid-fast bacilli. However, both histopathological studies and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing confirmed the presence of tuberculosis (TB). The patient received TB antibiotics, and a follow-up MRI scan at 2 months showed complete evacuation of the abscess. However, signs of L5 spondylitis were evident. No further surgery was needed as there was no vertebral collapse or neural compression and the patient's clinical condition was improving. He had normal right lower limb power and sensation and grade 4+ motor power of the left lower limb. Bowels and bladder function was normal.
Conclusion: Isolated tuberculous spinal epidural abscess is a rare disease and should be treated urgently with evacuation and decompression. Signs of spondylitis or spondylodiscitis may appear later and therefore long follow up is recommended in tuberculous cases presenting with an isolated epidural abscess.
A Clinical Study on Axial Symptoms and Imaging Changes in Paraspinal Muscles after Cervical Posterior Open-door Laminoplasty
Authors: Yin Hao , Han Guang , Li Qiang , He Xuejun , Wang Congyang 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Objective This research aimed to gain a better understanding of the relationship between cervical posterior open-door laminoplasty on axial symptoms, the net cross-sectional area of paraspinal muscles, and the degree of pimelosis.
Method A retrospective study was conducted on a consecutive series of 37 patients who had underwent cervical posterior open-door laminoplasty + lateral mass fixation and bone graft fusion between January 2015 and July 2015. All patients received postoperative examinations at 6 months and 18 months after the operation. For each follow-up visit, the VAS Rating Scale and ODI Function Index Questionnaire were filled out. Meanwhile, a C-Spine X-ray and MRI of the patients were taken. In the measurements taken with ImageJ 1.51 K Software, the cervical vertebra MRI T2-weighted image cross-section for each segment was measured separately, mainly including the mean T2 signal value of the contour area and the net area of the paraspinal muscles.
Results Differences between VAS and ODI (%) at three different time points were of statistical significance (p < 0.01). Pairwise comparisons of the results showed that VAS and ODI (%) at different times were clearly different (p < 0.01). Differences in the mean T2 signal value and net area at different times were of statistical significance (p < 0.01). Pairwise comparisons of the results indicated that the mean T2 signal value and net area at different times were clearly different (p < 0.01). The corresponding analytical results for VAS, ODI (%), and the mean of the T2 signal value and net area demonstrated that VAS6 months after surgery was positively correlated to the net area of C3/4 and C4/5 (r = 0.352, p < 0.05; r = 0.338, p < 0.05). The analogous analytical results for the mean T2 signal value and net area were of no statistical significance (p > 0.05).
Conclusions We believe that axial symptoms after cervical spine surgery does not affect the recovery of neurological function. There is a process of acute or subacute enlargement of paraspinal muscles on segments C3/4 and C4/5 after the operation, while the results of the follow-up visits show that there is a gradual process of atrophy in local posterior muscles, which may be related to axial symptoms. The degree of pimelosis of the neck paraspinal muscles may have no relationship with axial symptoms.
Intramedullary Screws versus Kirschner Wires for Metacarpal Fixation, Functional, and Patient-Related Outcomes
Authors: Couceiro Jose , Ayala Higinio , Sanchez Manuel , De la Red Maria , Velez Olga , Del Canto Fernando 
Published: March 2018

Purpose The purpose of our study is to compare the intramedullary fixation of metacarpal fractures with cannulated headless screws and antegrade Kirschner wires in terms of final total active motion, grip strength, patient-related outcomes, need for casting, and return to work times.
Methods The authors performed a retrospective review of the hospital records. Thirty fractures were included in the study, 19 in the screw fixation group, and 11 in the Kirschner wire group. Grip strength, and total active motion, was measured at the latest follow-up for both the injured and contralateral hand. Pain was measured on the visual analog scale. Patients were requested to fill a Quick disabilities of the arm and hand score (DASH) questionnaire at the latest follow-up. Satisfaction was measured on a scale from 0 to 10. The time to return to work was quantified from the accident to the point when the patient was back to active duty. Postoperative casting time was also quantified.
Results The authors did not find any differences between the two groups in total active motion, grip strength, pain, satisfaction, or Quick DASH scores. We did find a difference in the return to work and casting times; these appeared to be shorter in the screw group.
Conclusion Due to the small number of cases, we have been unable to clearly conclude that there were any benefits in the application of one particular technique when compared with the other.
Long-term Sequelae of Pediatric Neurocritical Care: The Parent Perspective
Authors: Eriksson Carl , Piantino Juan , Hall Trevor , Moyer Danielle , Kirby Aileen , McEvoy Cindy , Williams Cydni 
Published: March 2018

AbstractCritical neurologic disease and injury affect thousands of children annually with survivors suffering high rates of chronic morbidities related directly to the illness and to critical care hospitalization. Postintensive care syndrome (PICS) in patients and families encompasses a variety of morbidities including physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychological impairments following critical care. We conducted a focus group study with parents of children surviving pediatric neurocritical care (PNCC) for traumatic brain injury, stroke, meningitis, or encephalitis to determine outcomes important to patients and families, identify barriers to care, and identify potential interventions to improve outcomes. Sixteen parents participated in four groups across Oregon. Three global themes were identified: (1) PNCC is an intense emotional experience for the whole family; (2) PNCC survivorship is a chronic illness; and (3) PNCC has a significant psychological and social impact. Survivors and their families suffer physical, emotional, psychological, cognitive, and social impairments for many years after discharge. Parents in this study highlighted the emotional and psychological distress in survivors and families after PNCC, in contrast to most PNCC research focusing on physical outcomes. Several barriers to care were identified with potential implications on survivor outcomes, including limited pediatric resources in rural settings, perceived lack of awareness of PICS among medical providers, and the substantial financial burden on families. Parents desire improved education surrounding PICS morbidities for families and medical providers, improved communication with primary care providers after discharge, access to educational materials for patients and families, direction to mental health providers, and family support groups to assist them in dealing with morbidities and accessing appropriate resources. Clinicians and researchers should consider the parent perspectives reported here when caring for and evaluating outcomes for children requiring PNCC.
Begutachtung chronischer muskuloskeletaler Schmerzen
Authors: Schiltenwolf Marcus ,   Leitliniengruppe
Published: March 2018

ZusammenfassungBegutachtungen von Menschen mit chronischen muskuloskeletalen Schmerzen sind im Fachgebiet von Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie häufig. Die erstmals 2005 publizierte Leitlinie für die ärztliche Begutachtung von Menschen mit chronischen Schmerzen liegt inzwischen in ihrer 4. Version vor (AWMF-Registernummer 094 – 003). Sie gibt Empfehlungen für den Ablauf und dient damit der Qualitätssicherung bei Begutachtungen, wenn Klagen über chronische Schmerzen als Leitsymptom im Vordergrund stehen. In der aktuellen Version wurden die Indikationen zur Durchführung schmerzmedizinischer Gutachten neu formuliert, die Begutachtungskriterien wurden an die Vorgaben der ICF angepasst, und es erfolgte eine stringente Trennung zwischen Zustandsgutachtung und Gutachtung zu Zusammenhangsfragen. Ein eigenes Kapitel über Beschwerdevalidierung wurde eingeführt.
Associations Between Thyroid and Blood Pressure in Euthyroid Adults: A 9-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Abdi Hengameh , Gharibzadeh Safoora , Tasdighi Erfan , Amouzegar Atieh , Mehran Ladan , Tohidi Maryam , Azizi Fereidoun 
Published: March 2018

AbstractLongitudinal studies considering associations between thyroid function in the reference range (RR) with blood pressure (BP) are scarce and contradictory. We aimed to investigate the associations of serum thyrotropin (TSH) and free T4 (FT4) with different components of BP also incident prehyperetension (preHTN) and HTN during a 9-year follow-up. A sum of 2282 euthyroid individuals from an ongoing population-based cohort study were selected. A sex-stratified multivariate generalized estimating equation (GEE) method was employed. Moreover, a multivariate transitional model was used considering preceding BP status as a predictor of dichotomous outcomes of preHTN and HTN. Multivariate-adjusted GEE analysis revealed a decreasing trend for systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and pulse pressure (PP) throughout the study period in both men and women, either adjusted for serum TSH or FT4 levels. Serum FT4 within the RR was positively associated with all BP parameters in total population and in men, but serum TSH had a statistically significant mild increasing effect only on SBP, DBP and MAP of men. Multivariate transitional model found no association between serum TSH levels within the reference range (RR) and BP status; regarding serum FT4, a 1 ng/dl higher FT4 was associated with 40% increased risk of preHTN [OR (95% CI), 1.40 (1.02–1.90)], but not with HTN [OR (95% CI), 0.93 (0.80–1.09)]. It is concluded that serum FT4 within the RR is more strongly associated with BP parameters compared to TSH. This association is not consistent between men and women. Moreover, higher FT4 is associated with increased risk of preHTN.
The Effects of Supplementation with Chromium on Insulin Resistance Indices in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Heshmati Javad , Omani-Samani Reza , Vesali Samira , Maroufizadeh Saman , Rezaeinejad Mahroo , Razavi Maryam , Sepidarkish Mahdi 
Published: March 2018

AbstractRecently, the effects of nutritional supplementation on improvement or prevention of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have been considered. Several studies have been carried out on the effect of chromium supplementation in improving PCOS patients. This study aimed to summarize the available findings regarding the effect of chromium on improving the polycystic ovary syndrome. The review includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing chromium treatment with placebo or other treatments in women with PCOS. Women with PCOS diagnosed according to the ESHRE/ASRM or NIH criteria in reproductive age were eligible. Electronic searches using the MeSH terms were conducted in the following databases: Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library. Effects were measured as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for studies of PCOS and control subjects were calculated by using random-effects model. The initial search yielded potentially 100 relevant articles of randomized clinical trials on dietary chromium supplements: 16 from Pubmed, 36 from Embase, 29 from Scopus, and 19 from Web of Science. After studying these publications, 5 were potentially eligible and retrieved in full text. The five studies included in the meta-analysis reported data on 137 women with PCOS and 131 controls. A meta-analysis of 5 studies showed a non-significant difference in fasting insulin between chromium, and placebo or other treatment (mean difference (MD): –1.14; (95% CI: –4.11 to 1.83, p=0.45). We retrieved two randomized controlled trials, in which Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) was compared between chromium, and placebo or other treatment in 156 women with PCOS. Meta-analysis of two RCTs showed no significant difference in QUICKI score between chromium and placebo (MD: 0.01; 95% CI: –0.01 to 0.04, p=0.34). Two randomized controlled trials compared Homeostatic Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) between chromium, and placebo or other treatment in 81 women with PCOS. After combining the data, there was a significantly lower HOMA-IR in the chromium group (MD: –1.68; 95% CI: –2.42 to –0.94, p<0.001). One RCT reported a significant difference in Homeostatic Model Assessment-beta-cell function (HOMA-B) between chromium and placebo groups (–15.5±32.3 vs. +13.6±23.1, p<0.001). No significant effect of chromium on fasting insulin and QUICKI score was found in women with PCOS. Chromium supplementation significantly improved HOMA-IR and HOMA-B among patients with diabetes. The magnitude of the effect is small, and the clinical relevance is uncertain. Future trials in well characterized studies that address the limitations in the current evidence are needed before definitive claims can be made about the effect of chromium supplementation.
The city politics of an urban age: urban resilience conceptualisations and policies
Authors: X Sanchez Adriana , van der Heijden Jeroen , Osmond Paul 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAround the globe, cities seek to improve their resilience to face the stresses and shocks that are expected from global climate change and other threats. In implementing urban resilience policies, they are guided by different urban resilience conceptualisations. What is meant by the concept differs between scholars, governments, as well as international organisations that seek to study, advise on and implement urban resilience policies and governance interventions. This article presents a review of the urban resilience literature since the 1970s. It seeks to map and interrogate dominant urban resilience conceptualisations, and decipher whether and how different understandings of the concept can result in essentially different policies and governance interventions and outcomes. In contrasting the ‘what’ of urban resilience (various conceptualisations) with the ‘why’ of urban resilience policy (bouncing back, falling forwards, persistence) it investigates approaches to overcome some of the key critiques to urban resilience policy and research.
A novel synthetic compound, (Z)-5-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzylidene)-2-iminothiazolidin-4-one (MHY773) inhibits mushroom tyrosinase
Authors: Jung Hee Jin , Lee Min Jung , Park Yeo Jin , Noh Sang Gyun , Lee A Kyoung , Moon Kyoung Mi , Lee Eun Kyeong , Bang Eun Jin , Park Yun Jung , Kim Su Jeong , Yang Jungho , Ullah Sultan , Chun Pusoon , Jung Young Suk , Moon Hyung Ryong , Chung Hae Young 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAs part of continued efforts for the development of new tyrosinase inhibitors, (Z)-5-(substituted benzylidene)-2-iminothiazolidin-4-one derivatives (1a – 1l) were rationally synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory potential in vitro. These compounds were designed and synthesized based on the structural attributes of a β-phenyl-α,β-unsaturated carbonyl scaffold template. Among these compounds, (Z)-5-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzylidene)-2-iminothiazolidin-4-one (1e, MHY773) exhibited the greatest tyrosinase inhibition (IC50 = 2.87 μM and 8.06 μM for monophenolase and diphenolase), and outperformed the positive control, kojic acid (IC50 = 15.59 and 31.61 μM). The kinetic and docking studies demonstrated that MHY773 interacted with active site of tyrosinase. Moreover, a melanin quantification assay demonstrated that MHY773 attenuates α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX)-induced melanin contents in B16F10 melanoma cells. Taken together, these data suggest that MHY773 suppressed the melanin production via the inhibition of tyrosinase activity. MHY773 is a promising for the development of effective pharmacological and cosmetic agents for skin-whitening.
Comparison of WRF local and nonlocal boundary layer Physics in Greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Authors: Ooi M C G , Chan A , Kumarenthiran S , Morris K I , Oozeer M Y , Islam M A , Salleh S A 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
The urban boundary layer (UBL) is the internal advection layer of atmosphere above urban region which determines the exchanges of momentum, water and other atmospheric constituents between the urban land surface and the free troposphere. This paper tested the performance of three planetary boundary layer (PBL) physics schemes of Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) software to ensure the appropriate representation of vertical structure of UBL in Greater Kuala Lumpur (GKL). Comparison was conducted on the performance of respective PBL schemes to generate vertical and near-surface weather profile and rainfall. Mellor-Yamada- Janjíc (MYJ) local PBL scheme coupled with Eta MM5 surface layer scheme was found to predict the near-surface temperature and wind profile and mixing height better than the nonlocal schemes during the intermonsoonal period with least influences of the synoptic background weather.
Focus group discussion in built environment qualitative research practice
Authors: Omar D 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Focus groups discussion is a useful way in built environment for qualitative research practice. Drawing upon recent reviews of focus group discussion and examples of how focus group discussions have been used by researchers and educators, this paper provides what actually happens in focus group discussion as practiced. There is difference between group of people and topic of interest. This article examines the focus group discussions as practiced in built environment. Thus, there is broad form of focus group discussions as practiced in built environment and the applications are varied.