bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma Energization in Colliding Magnetic Flux Ropes
Authors: Du Senbei , Guo Fan , Zank Gary P. , Li Xiaocan , Stanier Adam 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Magnetic flux ropes are commonly observed throughout the heliosphere, and recent studies suggest that interacting flux ropes are associated with some energetic particle events. In this work, we carry out 2D particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations to study the coalescence of two magnetic flux ropes (or magnetic islands), and the subsequent plasma energization processes. The simulations are initialized with two magnetic islands embedded in a reconnecting current sheet. The two islands collide and eventually merge into a single island. Particles are accelerated during this process as the magnetic energy is released and converted to the plasma energy, including bulk kinetic energy increase by the ideal electric field, and thermal energy increase by the fluid compression and the nonideal electric field. We find that contributions from these different energization mechanisms are all important and comparable with each other. Fluid shear and a nongyrotropic pressure tensor also contribute to the energy conversion process. For simulations with different box sizes ranging from L

x
∼ 25–100d

i
and ion-to-electron mass ratios m

i
/m

e
= 25, 100, and 400, we find that the general evolution is qualitatively the same for all runs, and the energization depends only weakly on either the system size or the mass ratio. The results may help us understand plasma energization in solar and heliospheric environments.
Rapid Buildup of a Magnetic Flux Rope during a Confined X2.2 Class Flare in NOAA AR 12673
Authors: Liu Lijuan , Cheng Xin , Wang Yuming , Zhou Zhenjun , Guo Yang , Cui Jun 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Magnetic flux ropes (MFRs) are believed to be the core structure in solar eruptions; nevertheless, their formation remains intensely debated. Here we report a rapid buildup process of an MFR system during a confined X2.2 class flare occurred on 2017 September 6 in NOAA active region (AR) 12673, three hours after which the structure erupted to a major coronal mass ejection (CME) accompanied by an X9.3 class flare. For the X2.2 flare, we do not find extreme ultraviolet dimmings, separation of its flare ribbons, or clear CME signatures, suggesting a confined flare. For the X9.3 flare, large-scale dimmings, separation of flare ribbons, and a CME show it to be eruptive. By performing a time sequence of nonlinear force-free fields extrapolations we find the following. Until the eruptive flare, an MFR system was located in the AR. During the confined flare, the axial flux and the lower bound of the magnetic helicity for the MFR system were dramatically enhanced by about 86% and 260%, respectively, although the mean twist number was almost unchanged. During the eruptive flare, the three parameters were all significantly reduced. The results evidence the buildup and release of the MFR system during the confined and the eruptive flare, respectively. The former may be achieved by flare reconnection. We also calculate the pre-flare distributions of the decay index above the main polarity inversion line and find no significant difference. It indicates that the buildup of the magnetic flux and helicity of the MFR system may play a role in facilitating its final eruption.
La fin de la « révolution » baathiste
Authors: Ghalioun Burhan 
Published: October 2018

Le système politique syrien trouve son origine dans le coup d’Etat militaire du 8 mars 1963 qui a mis au pouvoir une coalition hétéroclite des élites rurales issues de communautés longtemps marginalisées et soumises à une forte discrimination sociale et morale. Dans l’absence de toute perspective de surmonter ce défaut congénital et de se faire accepter comme pouvoir national, le nouveau régime n’avait pas d’autre choix que de maintenir l’usage généralisé de la coercition. L’arrivée au pouvoir de Bachar al-Assad en juillet 2000 a suscité l’espoir de réformes en profondeur, mais le « Printemps de Damas » n’a duré que quelques mois…
Chronique d’un printemps
Authors: Tayyara Najati 
Published: October 2018

Les expressions « Printemps de Damas » et « Printemps de la Syrie » désignent un certain nombre de phénomènes socio-politiques qui ont surgi après la mort du président Hafez al-Assad établissant une sorte de parallélisme avec le Printemps de Prague, de Varsovie et de Beijing. Le Printemps syrien a vu se développer le rôle des intellectuels et se multiplier les bulletins d’opinion, la naissance ou la renaissance de noyaux de la société civile, ainsi que la tenue un peu partout de cercles et de forums de discussions. Ces phénomènes n’ont pas surgi du néant et la société syrienne avait vécu auparavant une longue et douloureuse gestation ; le régime totalitaire avait longtemps réussi à maîtriser ces phénomènes pour des raisons très complexes. Pourtant, la braise qui couvait sous la cendre attendait que le vent se lève du bon côté.
Le débat sur la société civile
Authors: Barout Mohamed Jamal 
Published: October 2018

On ne saurait comprendre la portée des débats très vifs engagés par la société civile durant les six premiers mois du mandat du président syrien Bachar al-Assad, sans s’intéresser aux acteurs principaux qui les ont lancés. Qui sont-ils, en effet ? Il s’agit d’une frange de l’intelligentsia syrienne, formée de personnalités et d’organisations nationalistes et de gauche, nées de scissions dans les partis qui ont été à l’origine du Front national progressiste, « au pouvoir » en Syrie sous la direction du Baath. Cette classe s’inscrit dans une lignée socio politique radicalement nouvelle, pour la défense de l’intérêt général.
La lutte pour la démocratie en Syrie et l’indépendance libanaise
Authors: Kassir Samir 
Published: October 2018

Octobre 2002 : le général Ghazi Kanaan est muté à Damas, et la classe politique libanaise se met en quatre pour l’honorer. Le président de la République le décore de la plus haute distinction libanaise, et la clé de la ville de Beyrouth lui est solennellement remise en présence du chef du gouvernement. Ghazi Kanaan vient de passer deux décennies pleines au Liban, à la tête de l’antenne des services de renseignements syriens, dont au moins douze ans dans le statut officieux mais ô combien effectif de gouverneur du pays ou, comme il se disait à mi-voix, de « haut-commissaire ».
Pharmacokinetics of citicoline after intravenous and intramuscular administration in dogs
Authors: Abbaszadeh Mohammad , Rasooli Rokhsana , Shadi Mazdaghani Mohsen , Rajaian Hamid , Shamsaei Hossein Ali 
Published: October 2018

Background: New studies have confirmed the role of citicoline in reversing different pathological conditions in canine medicine, but dosing regimens of this drug has not yet been investigated in dogs. Using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system, this study aims to quantify the levels of citicoline in dogs plasma after intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) administration.Design and methods: The subjects of this study were 12 male, mixed breed healthy dogs that were approximately 2 to 3 years old and had a body weight between 15 and 25 kg. Plasma samples were extracted following protein precipitation. Samples were eluted from the column at flow rate of 0.7ml min-1. Solvents were degassed. The PH of the mobile phase of HPLC grade acetonitrile: water (20:80, v/v) was adjusted to 3.0 using 1% orthophosphoric acid. Both sample and standard solutions were filtered through 0.22 µm membrane filter. A sample volume of 20 microliter was injected to HPLC to obtain a standard curve.Results: No clinical signs or drug adverse effect was noticed in animals during and after the period of administration of citicoline. Measuring plasma concentration of citicoline sodium after IV and IM administration showed biphasic plasma peaks which occured at 15 minutes and 5 hours after the drug administration in dogs. Conclusions: Giving the drug once a day with 30-50 mg/kg dosage or twice daily with 15-30 mg/kg dosage would cause their levels to remain elevated for much of the day and doesn’t have any serious adverse effect.
Perceptions and satisfaction of caregivers regarding rehabilitation services from selected rehabilitation centres in the Western Cape
Authors: Mlenzana Nondwe B. , Eide Arne H. , Frantz Jose M. 
Published: October 2018

Background: Understanding caregivers’ views on rehabilitation services is important as it may assist in informing healthcare services and patient management.Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore caregivers’ perceptions and satisfaction regarding rehabilitation services in the Western Cape, South Africa, and to inform clinical practice and policy in this emerging field.Method: This study used a descriptive, qualitative design using in-depth interviews with conveniently selected participants. Interviews were conducted with 13 caregivers of patients with: amputations (3), cerebrovascular accidents (5) and neuromuscular disorders (5). Thematic content analysis was conducted with the transcripts.Results: Four key themes emerged, which were (1) financial difficulties, (2) caregiver and therapist relationships, (3) facility management and (4) caregiver experience with service delivery.Conclusion: Based on the participants’ feedback, the rehabilitation services seem to be meeting the basic rehabilitation needs of the patients; however, the needs of the caregivers require attention.
Embracing Cultural Diversity: Meaningful Engagement for Older Adults With Advanced Dementia in a Residential Care Setting
Authors: du Toit Sanetta H. J. , Buchanan Helen 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Providing person-centered care (PCC) that focuses on meaningful engagement in residential care settings for older adults with moderate to advanced dementia is an internationally recognized challenge. In this study, we aimed to identify best-practice scenarios for supporting older adults with moderate to advanced dementia from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who lived in care facilities. A mixed-methods study with a concurrent triangulation strategy was adopted. Data collection occurred with care partners by means of a preworkshop questionnaire, an appreciative-inquiry workshop, and an adapted Delphi technique. The findings indicate that care partners valued the care facilities’ residents’ needs for doing, being, and belonging. Collaborative data generation reflected the setting-specific PCC practices. Leadership team members agreed that enabling inclusion and celebrating cultural diversity were important but that cultural humility needed to be promoted.
Percutaneous extraction of residual post-cholecystectomy gallstones through the T-tube tract
Authors: Sobstyl Jan , Sojka Michał , Kuczyńska Maryla , Światłowski Łukasz , Kuklik Ewa , Jargiełło Tomasz 
Published: October 2018

PurposeIn the present study, the effectiveness and safety of minimally invasive percutaneous extraction of residual post-cholecystectomy gallstones through the T-tube tract were assessed.Material and methodsBetween 2000 and 2015, 12 patients (seven women and five men, mean age 78 ± 8 years) after open cholecystectomy with common bile duct exploration and T-tube drainage underwent percutaneous extraction of residual gallstones through the T-tube tract.ResultsThe intervention was successful in 92% (11/12). In seven patients complete extraction of the retained gallstones was achieved, and in four cases partial extraction combined with passage of small residual fragments to the duodenum was obtained. In one case the extraction attempt was ineffective. Mild haemobilia was observed in two patients. No mortality or major complications were observed.ConclusionsOur findings are consistent with literature data and confirm that percutaneous extraction of residual post-cholecystectomy gallstones through the T-tube tract is an effective and safe treatment method. Although the presented technique is not a novel approach, it can be beneficial in patients unsuitable for open surgery or laparoscopic intervention when ERCP attempt occurs ineffective or there exist contraindications to ERCP.
Application of the apparent diffusion coefficient in magnetic resonance imaging in an assessment of the early response to treatment in Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma – pilot study
Authors: Patyk Mateusz , Kwiatkowski Jacek , Pawluś Aleksander , Hołownia Daniel , Szymańska Kinga , Mazur Rafał , Silicki Jurand , Badowski Roman , Sokołowska-Dąbek Dąbrówka , Kuliszkiewicz-Janus Małgorzata , Zaleska-Dorobisz Urszula 
Published: October 2018

PurposeLymphoproliferative neoplasms are the largest and most frequently diagnosed entities in the group of haema­tological malignancies. The aim of the study was to assess whether apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measured on the first day of the second cycle of chemotherapy could be a predictor of prognosis and of the final treatment’s outcome.Material and methodsThe study included 27 patients with diagnosed Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, who had magnetic resonance (MR) performed with diffusion weighted imaging/apparent diffusion coefficient (DWI/ADC) before and on the first day of the second cycle of chemotherapy. Imaging was performed using a 1.5 T MR scanner. ADC was measured in lymphoma infiltration in the area of the lowest signal in the ADC map and the highest signal on β 800 images in post-treatment study. After that, the corresponding area was determined in a pre-treatment study and an ADC value was measured.ResultsThe difference between ADC values in pre-treatment (ADC = 720 mm<sup>2</sup>/s) and post-treatment (ADC = 1059 mm<sup>2</sup>/s) studies was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Cutoff values for estimating response to treatment were established at the level of ADC 1080 mm<sup>2</sup>/s, and ADC to muscle ratio at 0.82 in post-treatment study. Patients with ADC > 752 mm<sup>2</sup>/s before treatment manifested lower probability of progression than patients with ADC < 752 mm<sup>2</sup>/s.ConclusionsADC measurement’s before treatment and on the first day of the second cycle of chemotherapy can be used as a prognostic marker in lymphoma therapy. ADC values lower than 1080 mm<sup>2</sup>/s and an increase of the ratio after the treatment can be considered as a marker of disease progression.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the frontal region in patients with metabolic syndrome: correlation with anthropometric measurement
Authors: El-Mewafy Zizi Moustafa Hassan , Razek Ahmed Abdel Khalek Abdel , El-Eshmawy Mervat Mohamed , El-Eneen Nader Ramadan Abo , EL-Biaomy Azaa Abdel Baky 
Published: October 2018

Purposeto demonstrate 1H-MR spectroscopy of the frontal region in patients with metabolic syndrome and to correlate the metabolic ratios with anthropometric measurement.Material and methodsA prospective study was conducted upon 20 patients with metabolic syndrome (10 male, 10 female; mean age 52 years) and 20 age- and sex-matched volunteers. Patients were mild-moderate (n = 14) and marked and morbid obesity (n = 6). Patients and volunteers underwent 1H-MR spectroscopy of the frontal region. The Ch/Cr and NAA/Cr ratio were calculated and correlated with anthropometric measurement.ResultsThe Cho/Cr and NAA/Cr of patients with Mets (1.03 ± 0.08 and 1.62 ± 0.08) were significantly different
(p = 0.001) to those of volunteers (0.78 ± 0 and 1.71 ± 0.61, respectively). The Cho/Cr and NAA/Cr cutoffs used to differentiate patients from volunteers were 0.89 and 1.77 with areas under the curve of 0.992 and 0.867 and accuracy of 97% and 93%, respectively. There was a significant difference in Cho/Cr and NAA/Cr between patients with marked-morbid obesity and moderate-mild obesity (p = 0.001 respectively).ConclusionsWe concluded that NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr ratios of the frontal region can differentiate patients with metabolic syndrome from volunteers and are well correlated with the anthropometric measurement.
DCE-MRI and parametric imaging in monitoring response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast carcinoma: a preliminary report
Authors: Sharma Anjna , Sharma Sanjiv , Sood Shikha , Seam Rajeev K. , Sharma Mukesh , Fotedar Vikas 
Published: October 2018

PurposeNeoadjuvant chemotherapy is recommended in patients with locally advanced breast cancer. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) enables evaluation of the tumour neovasculature that occurs prior to any volume change, which helps identify early treatment failures and allows prompt implementation of second-line therapy.Material and methodsWe conducted a prospective study in 14 patients with histopathologically proven breast cancer. DCE-MRI data were acquired using multisection, T1-weighted, 3D vibe sequences with fat suppression before, during, and after IV bolus injection (0.1 mmol/kg body weight, Gadoversetamide, Optimark). Post-processing of dynamic contrast perfusion data was done with the vendor’s Tissue 4D software to generate various dynamic contrast parameters, i.e. Ktrans, Kep, Ve, initial area under the time signal curve (IAUC), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and enhancement curve. Patients underwent MRI examinations at baseline, and then after two cycles, and finally at completion of chemotherapy.ResultsBased on Sataloff criteria for pathological responses, four patients out of 14 were responders, and 10 were non-responders. At the 2nd MRI examination, IAUC was significantly smaller in responders than in non-responders (p = 0.023). When the results of the first and second MRI examinations were compared, Kep decreased from baseline to the second MRI (p = 0.03) in non-responders and in responders (p = 0.04). This change was statistically significant in both groups. The ADC values increased significantly in responders from baseline to the third MRI (p = 0.012).ConclusionsIn our study, IAUC and ADC were the only parameters that reliably differentiated responders from non-responders after two and three cycles of chemotherapy.
Evaluation of some spiral and sequential computed tomography protocols of adults used in three hospitals in Shiraz, Iran with American College of Radiology and European Commission guidelines
Authors: Mahdavi Maziyar , Rahimi Saeed , Eghlidospoor Mahsa 
Published: October 2018

PurposeUse of computed tomography (CT) has increased considerably all over the world. In addition, there has been an increased demand for utilisation of CT scanning in Iran over the past decade, especially after introducing multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). It should be considered that making a mistake in the selection of scan parameters leads to patients receiving higher doses and having increased risk of cancer. All of these facts prompted us to compare six routine CT protocols in three hospitals in the city of Shiraz, and to compare the results with American College of Radiology (ACR) practice parameters and European Commission (EC) guidelines for dual- and multi-detector CT.Material and methodsIn the studied hospitals, 10 adult patients were chosen randomly for every six protocols, taken by different technologists. Seven and 11 scan factors in sequential and spiral scans, respectively, were compared with ACR (2014) and EC guidelines (EC16262 & EC2004).ResultsThe majority of scan factors in sequential and the spiral protocols that were scrutinised met the guidelines. The CTDIvol and DLPs for sequential and spiral scans were lower than the dose reference level (DRL) pronounced by ACR in three CT departments, and they were compatible with the recommended dose by EC (16262) in a private hospital.ConclusionsBased on accordance of CTDIvol with ACR measurements and incompatibility with EC (2004) in teaching hospitals, we concluded that the recorded doses should be compared with different criteria. A regular review of protocols, using special protocols for different pathologic circumstances and continual education for technologists in the three CT departments, are recommended.
Faster magnetic resonance imaging in emergency room patients with right lower quadrant pain and suspected acute appendicitis
Authors: Mian Memoona , Khosa Faisal , Ali Ismail T. , McLaughlin Patrick , Klass Darren , Chang Silvia , Nicolaou Savvas 
Published: October 2018

PurposeEmergency Departments (ED) are becoming busier, with a resultant increase in the number of imaging referrals. The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of an abbreviated two sequence magnetic resonance (MR) protocol for evaluating ED patients with right lower quadrant pain and suspected acute appendicitis, with a view to expediting patient turnaround times and imaging costs.Material and methodsFifty patients (49 females, one male; mean age 25.4 ± 5.2 years) who underwent ED MR imaging from July 2014 to March 2015 for right lower quadrant pain were retrospectively reviewed. MR abdomen/pelvis was performed on 1.5 T MR obtaining axial T1 gradient echo in/out of phase, transverse fast spin echo T2 with fat sat/motion correction, axial/coronal T2 HASTE (half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo), and axial DWI (diffusion-weighted imaging) sequences. Images were reviewed by two fellowship-trained radiologists on a five-point confidence scale. Mean acquisition/interpretation times for the standard departmental protocol and the proposed abbreviated MR protocol (comprising T2 HASTE and DWI images) were calculated. Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy for the abbreviated protocol against the full protocol were also calculated.ResultsMean scanning time for abbreviated protocol and standard protocol was calculated to be 21.1 minutes and 40.5 minutes, respectively. Mean interpretation time for abbreviated protocol for reader one and two was 4.1 ± 1.5 minutes and 4.5 ± 1.4 minutes, respectively, and for standard protocol was 8.1 ± 1.8 minutes and 7.1 ± 1.4 minutes, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the FAST protocol were calculated to be 100% each for reader one and 75%, 100%, and 94%, respectively, for reader two.ConclusionsThe proposed abbreviated MR protocol has comparable diagnostic accuracy in diagnosing ED patients with right lower quadrant pain, with significant reduction in imaging/interpretation times. It thus has the potential to be implemented in ED imaging with significant reduction in patient turnaround times and costs.
Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation after anorectal pull-through surgery for anorectal malformations: a comprehensive review
Authors: Desai Saloni N. , Choudhury Himanshu , Joshi Prashant , Pargewar Sudheer 
Published: October 2018

Anorectal malformations (ARM) include congenital anomalies of the distal anus and rectum with or without anomalies of the urogenital tract. Posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) and minimally invasive laparoscopically assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP) procedure are now mainly used to surgically treat ARMs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice for interval follow-up assessment of structural and functional outcome after these surgeries to assess future bowel continence. <br />
Well-developed pelvic musculature has been found to be a reflector of better anal continence after ARM surgery. Thus, MRI plays an important role in evaluating the external sphincter complex, puborectalis, and levator ani muscles. Other parameters that need to be noted include the position of the neoanus, rectal diameter, anorectal angle, presence or absence of megarectum, and other ancillary anomalies in the spine. <br />
Thus, MRI due to superior soft-tissue resolution is the modality of choice and indispensable for post-operative pelvic evaluation in children.