bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Creation and Validation of a Knee Bone Age Atlas Utilizing MRI
Authors: Pennock Andrew T. , Bomar James D. , Manning John D. 
Published: February 2018

Background:
In managing many pediatric knee conditions, an accurate bone age assessment may be critical for diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment purposes. The aim of this study was to create an atlas of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of the knee spanning the pediatric and adolescent years that would enable accurate skeletal age to be assessed, potentially forgoing the need for a left-hand radiograph.

Methods:
We performed a retrospective assessment of 11 to 31 MRIs from male and female patients of each age from 2 to 19 years. Radiographic features specific to the patella, tibia, fibula, and femur were documented with respect to their presence or absence. From these data, age and sex “standards” were established, allowing the creation on an atlas. A separate cohort of MRIs with 2 to 13 patients per age and sex was then used to validate the reliability and reproducibility of the atlas.

Results:
In the creation of the atlas, a total of 859 MRIs were reviewed. The patella, tibia, fibula, and femur were noted to undergo a reproducible sequence of skeletal ossification. The patella provided the best age assessment in early childhood. Features specific to the tibia, particularly ossification of the tibial spine and the tibial tubercle, were of particular importance in children between the ages of 6 and 12 years. MRI features of the fibula and femur served a more important role in age assessment later in skeletal maturity. From a separate cohort of 323 MRIs utilized to validate the atlas, a strong correlation between chronologic age and bone age was shown, as was excellent interobserver and intraobserver reliability.

Conclusions:
The predictable ossification pattern of the patella, tibia, fibula, and femur enables accurate bone age calculations to be made from knee MRIs. When treating conditions about the knee that require MRI, obtaining an additional left-hand radiograph for bone age may be unnecessary. This information can be used to potentially avoid additional radiation exposure, impart cost savings, and lead to greater clinic efficiency.
Coagulation tests at trigger day in patients with Factor V Leiden Mutation to predict implantation failure
Authors: Devranoglu Belgin , Yayla Abide Cigdem , Ozkaya Enis , Senol Taylan , Kutlu Tayfun , Kayatas Eser Semra 
Published: February 2018

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of coagulation tests at trigger day in patients with isolated factor V Leiden mutation who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle (ICSI).Study Design: Ninety women with isolated factor V Leiden mutation underwent ICSI cycles with an indication of unexplained infertility. In all participants antagonist protocol was used for ovarian hyperstimulation and coagulation tests including activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), partial thromboplastin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), serum fibrinogen and D-dimer levels at trigger day were determined to predict successful implantation. All the clinical parameters specific for the treatment and some patient characteristics were recorded for each participants.Results: There was no significant difference between groups with and without succesfull implantation in terms of age, body mass index, basal hormone levels (follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol, progesterone at day 3 and antimullerian hormone) (P > 0.05). Estradiol and progestrone levels at trigger day were comparable between groups (P > 0.05). Groups had similar endometrial thickness at embryo transfer day (P > 0.05). Some ovarian stimulation characteristics including initial gonadotropin dose, number of follicles > 17 mm, number of oocytes harvested and number of embryos were similar between groups (P > 0.05). Although there was no significant difference between groups with regard to APTT and PT levels, INR level were significantly lower while D-dimer levels and fibrinogen were significantly higher in cases without implantation (P < 0.05).Conclusion: D-dimer, fibrinogen and INR levels were significant predictors for successful implantation in women with isolated factor V Leiden who underwent ovulation hyperstimulation.
Predictive modelling of water losses using random forests on weather covariates
Authors: Jenkins J. M. , Kowalski M. , Alvarenga E. F. S. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Conventionally, multiple linear regression methods have been used to predict water losses (a proportion of which is real losses) some weeks or months ahead, based upon various weather parameters. This paper describes the development of an alternative method to predict water losses using random forests and compares model performance with linear regression using a case study approach from one water utility. It suggests that a random forest approach can significantly improve the ability to predict water losses based on readily available covariates. Further validation work on holdout data is recommended to ensure the model is not over-fitted to the learning set.
Comparative multi-criteria performance assessment of alternative water infrastructure systems
Authors: Sartorius C. , Lévai P. , Niederste-Hollenberg J. , Nyga I. , Sorge C. , Hillenbrand T. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
This paper presents a new multi-criteria assessment tool enabling the comparison of conventional and innovative infrastructures and its application to a specific case in a mid-size German city, Lünen. The assessed infrastructure alternatives are a conventional system with centralised supply of drinking water, wastewater collection in a combined sewer system and central tertiary treatment in one case. In the other, more innovative system, one part of the wastewater is used decentrally to extract the contained heat, substitute one part of the drinking water and, after being passed into a park-like constructed wetland, improve the microclimate and biodiversity. The assessment method employed is utility analysis using a set of 21 criteria and 33 indicators. The comparative assessment of both infrastructure alternatives shows the superiority of the innovative system for most criteria.
Mechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of In-situ Amine Functionalized Multiple Layer Grpahene /epoxy Nanocomposites
Authors: Singh Pradeep Kumar , Sharma Kamal 
Published: February 2018

Introduction:
Graphene is flat monolayer of carbon atoms (one atom thick), covalently
bonded to three other atoms in tightly packed two-dimensional (2D) hexagonal single layer stable
crystalline honeycomb lattice structure. In this paper, In-situ amine functionalized exfoliated graphene
with multiple layers (3-6) with low defect contents and average aspect ratio upto 10 microns
(average X and Y dimensions) and thickness upto 2-3 nm (average Z-direction) which have been
produced with the combined effort of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and chemical graphite exfoliation
method.

Methods:
This paper also focuses on the effect of the reinforcement of amine functionalized multiple
graphene layers (AF-MGL) on the mechanical and visco-elastic properties of epoxy composites. AFMGL/
epoxy composites (AF-MGL/EpC) were prepared with graphene fractions ranging from 0.5 to
2.0 wt%. The four different samples were prepared using an amount of graphene as 0.0, 0.5, 1.5, and
2.0. A series of tensile three point bend tests were performed on the different AFMGL/epoxy composites.
Optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the micro structural
features and fractured surfaces of AF-MGL/EpC.

Results:
Increased graphene content results in improved tensile strength and the modulus of an epoxy
matrix when compared with the pure epoxy matrix. The 1.5 wt% AF-MGL/EpC showed an increase
in tensile strength and modulus by 50.2 and 52.8% respectively. However, a shrink was noticed
beyond 1.5 wt.% samples of AF-MGL/EpC composite. Moreover, an improvement of 28.8% in
the storage modulus was also recorded when compared with epoxy composites.

Conclusion:
The effect of the amine functional group on the mechanical and viscoelastic properties
was also explored using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and predicted results were then compared
with experimental results.
Quasi-continuum Simulations of Solid-state Pressure Nanowelding of Metals
Authors: Wu Cheng-Da , Fang Te-Hua , Lin Ying-Jhih 
Published: February 2018

Background:
Nanowelding is an attractive bottom-up fabrication technique that allows
the construction, connection, and repair of nanomaterials. The effects of contact interference,
crystal orientation, and material type of nanoscale welded pairs are investigated in terms of
atomic trajectories, strain distribution, and the stress-strain curve.

Methods:
The quasi-continuum (QC) method is applied to simulate nanowelding process. The
QC method is a multi-scale combined molecular dynamics approach that mixes atomistic and
continuum algorithms.

Results:
At a small contact interference of 0-1 nm, the ultimate stress of welded pairs is independent
of the magnitude of contact interference. Regarding the effect of material type, the average
ultimate stress for Ni-Ni welded pairs is the highest and that for Cu-Cu welded pairs is the
lowest, regardless of the contact orientation mode. The elongation of Ni-Ni welded pairs increases
with increasing contact interference.

Conclusion:
The crystal orientation of the contact plane and material type significantly determine
the welding quality. Welding on the close-packed plane of both substrates leads to the
highest ultimate stress. The ultimate stress for Ni-Ni welding pairs is the highest, and that for Cu-
Cu welded pairs is the lowest.
1,3,5-Triazine Analogs: A Potent Anticancer Scaffold
Authors: Kumar Rajeev , Kumar Neeraj , Roy Ram Kumar , Singh Anita 
Published: February 2018

Background:
This review presents the exhaustive exploration of 1,3,5-triazine scaffold
for development of analogs of anticancer drugs, over the last century. In the recent years, striazine
moiety has been one of the most studied moiety, showing broad-spectrum pharmacological
activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic, anti-HIV, antileishmanial, antitrypanosomal,
antimalarial and antiviral. Nowadays, many boffins are have become interested in novel
synthesis of s-triazine derivatives because of low cost and ease of availability.

Methods:
This scaffold has been extensively investigated mainly in the past decade. Many products
have been synthesized from different starting materials and these synthetic products possess
anticancer potential against various cell lines.

Results:
Many 1,3,5-triazine analogs exhibited significant anticancer activity in various models
and cell lines exhibiting different mechanisms. Some analogs have also shown good pharmacokinetic
parameters with less IC50 values.

Conclusion:
Various 1,3,5-triazine analogs have shown potent activities and may be regarded as
clinical candidates for future anticancer formulations. This review may be helpful to those researchers
seeking required information with regard to the drug design and medicinal properties of
1,3,5-triazine derivatives for selected targets. This review may also offer help to find and improve
clinically viable anticancer molecules.
Type and doses of oral anticoagulants and adherence to anticoagulant treatment in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation: the ESPARTA study
Authors: Mostaza Jose María , Suárez Fernández Carmen , Castilla Guerra Luis , Suriñach Josep Maria , Tamarit Juan José , Diaz Diaz José Luis , García Polo Iluminada , Santamaria Esther Francia , Fidalgo Fernández María Angeles , de la Guerra Acebal Carla , Dávila Ramos Meliton Francisco , Ràfols Carles 
Published: February 2018

Aim:
To analyze the use of oral anticoagulants in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation in clinical practice.
Patients & methods:
Cross-sectional and multicenter study performed in atrial fibrillation patients ≥75 years treated with oral anticoagulants ≥3 months.
Results:
837 patients (83.0 ± 5.0 years; CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc 5.0 ± 1.4; HAS-BLED 2.1 ± 0.9; 70.8% vitamin K antagonists; 29.2% direct oral anticoagulants [DOACs]) were included. Poor adherence was observed in 27.9% of patients. Higher scores in the Pfeiffer’s test and FRAIL scale were associated with poorer adherence. Among patients treated with DOACs, 62.3% received the lower doses. Having high CHADS
2
score and being older were associated with the use of low doses.
Conclusion:
28% of patients had a poor adherence to anticoagulant treatment. 62% of patients were treated with the lower doses of DOACs.
Measuring Disease Severity in Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Davis Melinda F. , Scherer Katalin H. , Miller Timothy M. , Meaney F. John 
Published: February 2018

Medical investigations use a wide variety of outcome indicators that are often not comparable. It can be challenging to integrate results across multiple studies that do not share a common metric. Some conditions such as Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy have a predictable course of disease progression. Severity can be inferred from a patient's medical history. This paper describes the development of a disease severity measure using common markers of disease progression. Rasch modeling was used to estimate severity using dichotomous events that indicate disease progression. Caregivers of 34 young men with Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy completed structured interviews about their care and medical history. Interview questions included surgeries (tendon release, scoliosis, tracheostomy), respiratory equipment (assisted ventilation, cough assist devices), and the use of other medical equipment (e.g., braces, walkers, wheelchairs, transfer boards, hospital beds). The resulting measure had a reliability of .83. The correlation between the severity measure and the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS) was .68. Preliminary results and item calibrations are provided for the severity measure that can be estimated from caregiver reports or administrative data. DOI:10.2458/azu_jmmss_v1i1_davis
Patterns of Enrollment in Randomized and Preference Trials of Behavioral Treatments for Insomnia
Authors: Sidani Souraya , Bootzin Richard R. , Moritz Patricia , Epstein Dana R. , Miranda Joyal , Cousins Jennifer 
Published: February 2018

Participants’ preferences for treatment may deter enrollment in a randomized clinical trial (RCT). The Partially randomized clinical trial (PRCT) is proposed as an alternative design to increase enrollment rate and enhance representativeness of the sample. There is limited evidence supporting the advantages of the PRCT. This study aimed to examine enrollment and refusal rates, reasons for refusal, and clinical profile of persons who declined participation and those who enrolled, in the context of a RCT and a PRCT. Persons with chronic insomnia completed a questionnaire to determine if they met the eligibility criteria regarding type, frequency, and duration of insomnia. Those who declined participation indicated reasons for refusal. Enrollment rate was computed as the percentage of individuals who took part in the study out of those found eligible. Independent sample t-test was used to compare enrollees and non-enrollees on characteristics of insomnia. The results showed a higher enrollment rate in the RCT than PRCT. Reasons for refusal were similar under the RCT and PRCT. Significant differences between enrollees and non-enrollees were found on fewer characteristics in the RCT than PRCT. The results do not support the advantages of the PRCT in enhancing enrollment of participants in studies evaluating the effectiveness of behavioral treatments of chronic insomnia. DOI:10.2458/azu_jmmss_v1i2_sidani
Comparing the Measured and Latent Dark Triad: Are Three Measures Better than One?
Authors: Jonason Peter K. , Kavanagh Phillip S. , Webster Gregory D. , Fitzgerald Debra 
Published: February 2018

Could measurement level be a factor worth considering when studying the Dark Triad (i.e., narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism)? In two studies (N = 465), we compared the relative fit of two Dark Triad models: one that treats the three measures as separate-yet-related personality traits and another that treats the measures as tapping a single, latent construct. Mid-level personality traits, such as mate-retention strategies (Study 1) were best explained by a three-measure model, whereas the higher-order trait of sociosexuality (Study 2), were best explained by a single, latent-factor model. When considering mid-level measurement in personality, the three traits may provide independent effects for interpersonal relationships, whereas at the higher-order level, the three traits may function as a single entity relating to other higher-order traits. We suggest one should consider level of measurement between the predictor and criterion variables to better predict correlations among variables such as the Dark Triad. DOI:10.2458/azu_jmmss_v2i1_jonason
Determination of anatomic landmarks for optimal placement in captive-bolt euthanasia of goats
Authors: Plummer Paul J. , Shearer Jan K. , Kleinhenz Katie E. , Shearer Leslie C. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the optimal anatomic site and directional aim of a penetrating captive bolt (PCB) for euthanasia of goats.
SAMPLE 8 skulls from horned and polled goat cadavers and 10 anesthetized horned and polled goats scheduled to be euthanized at the end of a teaching laboratory.
PROCEDURES Sagittal sections of cadaver skulls from 8 horned and polled goats were used to determine the ideal anatomic site and aiming of a PCB to maximize damage to the midbrain region of the brainstem for euthanasia. Anatomic sites for ideal placement and directional aiming were confirmed by use of 10 anesthetized horned and polled goats.
RESULTS Clinical observation and postmortem examination of the sagittal sections of skulls from the 10 anesthetized goats that were euthanized confirmed that perpendicular placement and firing of a PCB at the intersection of 2 lines, each drawn from the lateral canthus of 1 eye to the middle of the base of the opposite ear, resulted in consistent disruption of the midbrain and thalamus in all goats. Immediate cessation of breathing, followed by a loss of heartbeat in all 10 of the anesthetized goats, confirmed that use of this site consistently resulted in effective euthanasia.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Damage to the brainstem and key adjacent structures may be accomplished by firing a PCB perpendicular to the skull over the anatomic site identified at the intersection of 2 lines, each drawn from the lateral canthus of 1 eye to the middle of the base of the opposite ear.
Use of high-field and low-field magnetic resonance imaging to describe the anatomy of the proximal portion of the tarsal region of nonlame horses
Authors: Biggi Marianna , Dyson Sue J. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
OBJECTIVE To use high-field and low-field MRI to describe the anatomy of the proximal portion of the tarsal region (proximal tarsal region) of nonlame horses.
SAMPLE 25 cadaveric equine tarsi.
PROCEDURES The proximal portion of 1 tarsus from each of 25 nonlame horses with no history of tarsal lameness underwent high-field (1.5-T) and low-field (0.27-T) MRI. Resulting images were used to subjectively describe the anatomy of that region and obtain measurements of the collateral ligaments of the tarsocrural joint.
RESULTS Long and short components of the lateral and medial collateral ligaments of the tarsocrural joint were identified. Various bundles of the short collateral ligaments were difficult to delineate on low-field images. Ligaments typically had low signal intensity in all sequences; however, multiple areas of increased signal intensity were identified at specific locations in most tarsi. This signal intensity was attributed to focal magic angle effect associated with orientation of collagen fibers within the ligaments at those locations. Subchondral bone of the distal aspect of the tibia was uniform in thickness, whereas that of the medial trochlear ridge of the talus was generally thicker than that of the lateral trochlear ridge. In most tarsi, subchondral bone of the talocalcaneal joint decreased in thickness from proximal to distal.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results generated in this study can be used as a reference for interpretation of MRI images of the proximal tarsal region in horses.
Effect of a syringe aspiration technique versus a mechanical suction technique and use of N-butylscopolammonium bromide on the quantity and quality of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples obtained from horses with the summer pasture endophenotype of equine asthma
Authors: Bowser Jacquelyn E. , Costa Lais R. R. , Rodil Alba U. , Lopp Christine T. , Johnson Melanie E. , Wills Robert W. , Swiderski Cyprianna E. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of 2 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) sampling techniques and the use of N-butylscopolammonium bromide (NBB) on the quantity and quality of BAL fluid (BALF) samples obtained from horses with the summer pasture endophenotype of equine asthma.
ANIMALS 8 horses with the summer pasture endophenotype of equine asthma.
PROCEDURES BAL was performed bilaterally (right and left lung sites) with a flexible videoendoscope passed through the left or right nasal passage. During lavage of the first lung site, a BALF sample was collected by means of either gentle syringe aspiration or mechanical suction with a pressure-regulated wall-mounted suction pump. The endoscope was then maneuvered into the contralateral lung site, and lavage was performed with the alternate fluid retrieval technique. For each horse, BAL was performed bilaterally once with and once without premedication with NBB (21-day interval). The BALF samples retrieved were evaluated for volume, total cell count, differential cell count, RBC count, and total protein concentration.
RESULTS Use of syringe aspiration significantly increased total BALF volume (mean volume increase, 40 mL [approx 7.5% yield]) and decreased total RBC count (mean decrease, 142 cells/μL), compared with use of mechanical suction. The BALF nucleated cell count and differential cell count did not differ between BAL procedures. Use of NBB had no effect on BALF retrieval.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that retrieval of BALF by syringe aspiration may increase yield and reduce barotrauma in horses at increased risk of bronchoconstriction and bronchiolar collapse. Further studies to determine the usefulness of NBB and other bronchodilators during BAL procedures in horses are warranted.
METODE SPATIAL AUTOREGRESSIVE DALAM MEMODELKAN MASYARAKAT YANG BERPERILAKU MCK DI SUNGAI
Authors: DEWI P KOMANG KOKOM SUCAHYATI , SUSILAWATI MADE , SUMARJAYA I WAYAN 
Published: February 2018

Spatial autoregressive (SAR) is a model of spatial regression which assumes that autoregressive process is only for the dependent variable by considering the spatial effect. The spatial effect consists of spatial dependence and spatial heterogeneity. One of problems which considers spatial effect is the case of society which do public bathing, washing, and toilets facilities (PBWTF) in the river, in Blahbatuh District. The aim of this research is to obtaine the model of society which still do PBWTF in the river, in Blahbatuh Districts in 2016 and to determine the factors that influence it. In this research, we obtained the model which is able to illustrate the case of society which do PBWTF and the factors that influence it such as the amount of householde which do not have latrine and the amount of family who lives near the river in every subvillage in Blahbatuh District.

Keywords: SAR, Spatial Effect, and Public Bathing, Washing, and Toilets Facilities in the River.