bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Case study of PV output power degradation rates in Oman
Authors: Honnurvali Mohamed Shaik , Gupta Naren , Goh Keng , Umar Tariq , Kabbani Adnan , Nazeema Needa 
Published: October 2018

To meet the increase in peak electricity demand, reduce fossil fuel emissions in Oman, and as an initiative taken by the government, by 2030 15% (3000 MW) of the total energy mix (20,000 MW) should be generated from renewable energy resources. It is crucial for the stakeholders and photovoltaic (PV) enthusiast to predict the return on investments and its performance in the local climatic conditions. In this study, a case study has been presented where different factors under local climatic conditions are studied. The results showed that the output power degradation for all modules is around 1.96%/year, which is almost double compared with European countries. Electrical analysis of different PV technologies showed that multi‐crystalline silicon technology installed in hot‐and‐dry climate is degrading (around 2.54%/year) faster, while thin‐film technology (CdTe) has shown lowest degradation (average of 0.8%/year) compared with any other PV technology. Furthermore, infrared image analysis showed that the presence of hot cells in PV modules is also a significant contributing factor in PV degradation rates. Severity of interconnect breakage tests confirm the increase of the series resistance of PV modules, which further contributes to the reduction of short‐circuit current and thus PV maximum output. power.
Recent Advances in the Total Synthesis of Clavaminols
Authors: Jin Tian , Zhao Lu , Zheng Zhe-Bin , Liu Xiao , Sun Liang , Lin Jia-Fu 
Published: October 2018

Clavaminols are a new class of long-chain 2-amino-3-­alkanols that mostly contain 2R,3S-configurations. Owing to their interesting molecular architectures and promising activities, they have ­become popular targets for synthetic organic chemists. In this review, we highlight 12 total syntheses of clavaminols from different research groups during the period 2009 to 2018.1	Introduction2	Synthetic Approaches toward Clavaminols2.1	Total Synthesis by Chemla and Colleagues (2009)2.2	Total Synthesis by Greck and Colleagues (2010)2.3	Total Synthesis by Sutherland and Zaed (2011)2.4	Total Synthesis by Huang and Colleagues (2011)2.5	Total Synthesis by Kotora and Colleagues (2012)2.6	Total Synthesis by Kumar and Colleagues (2013)2.7	Total Synthesis by Prabhavathi Devi and Colleagues (2013 and 2016)2.8	Total Synthesis by Sarabia and Colleagues (2014)2.9	Total Synthesis by Mohapatra and Colleagues (2016)2.10	Total Synthesis by Lu and Colleagues (2016)2.11	Total Synthesis by Jin and Colleagues (2017)2.12	Total Synthesis by Kumar Pandey and Colleagues (2018)3	Conclusion
Papillary Tumor of the Pineal Region: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Yamaki Vitor , Vera Felipe , Ribeiro Renan , Medeiros Raphael , Teixeira Manoel , Figueiredo Eberval 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPapillary tumor of the pineal region (PTPR) is a neuroectodermal tumor thought to originate from cells of the subcommissural organ. Its oncologic properties are still under investigation, as well as the most suitable therapeutic measures for this type of neoplasm. We report the case of a 36-year-old woman with a 1-year history of headache and intermittent diplopia. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed a heterogeneously enhancing mass in the pineal region that caused an acute hydrocephalus, and an emergency shunt derivation was necessary. One week later, the patient was submitted to subtotal tumor resection, and remained asymptomatic in the post-operative period. In the follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic; in the imaging control 3.5 years after the surgical resection, local recurrence was identified, and the patient was submitted to a local radiation protocol. Our literature review showed an early clinical onset due to intracranial hypertension signs. Definitive clinical onset might be reached only through a histopathological examination. Gross total resection followed by radiotherapy is the current standard of care. Local recurrence is often observed, with rare dissemination to the cerebral spinal fluid. The natural history of the PTPR remains unknown, as well as the best treatment strategy. Large case series with longer follow-ups are necessary for further conclusions.
Periprosthetic Infection: Major Cause of Early Failure of Primary and Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Evangelopoulos Dimitrios S. , Ahmad Sufian S. , Krismer Anna M. , Albers Christoph E. , Hoppe Sven , Kleer Barbara , Kohl Sandro , Ateschrang Atesch 
Published: October 2018

AbstractRevision total knee arthroplasty (RTKA) represents an effective treatment for failed TKA, but with less favorable outcomes. Considering the technical complexity and economic burden of RTKA procedures, it is mandatory to investigate current mechanisms and predictors for RTKA failure. The objective of this study is to evaluate the survivorship and determine the predominant causes of failure of RTKA. A total of 146 patients undergoing RTKA between 2003 and 2013 were identified from the institutional database. Revision was defined as surgery in which the whole prostheses (inlay and both femoral and tibial components) required exchange. Median follow-up was 6.3 ± 2.7 years (range: 2.2–10). Patient demographics, year of primary implantation, reasons for revision surgery, implant type, pain, knee mobility, systemic or local postoperative complications, and treatment of the complications were recorded and evaluated. Infection was a major cause of failure followed by aseptic loosening, instability, pain, malalignment, and inlay wear. Following RTKA, Knee Society Score (KSS) (knee score and functional score) demonstrated a significant improvement (p < 0.05). No significant difference in flexion, extension deficit, and KSS was detected between aseptic and septic primary TKAs preoperatively and following first RTKA. Reinfection rate of the septic primary TKAs was 5%. Infection was the major cause of a second revision, reaching as high as 50% in all cases. The results of this study support that septic failure of a primary TKA is likely to occur within the first 2 years following implantation. Septic failure of primary TKA does not influence survival of the revision prosthesis.
Moderate Interrater Reliability in the Diagnosis of Scaphoid Waist Fractures
Authors: Jørgensen Rasmus , Jensen Claus 
Published: October 2018

Background Conventional radiographs have been shown to yield unreliable results in classifying scaphoid fractures. Computed tomography (CT) has been claimed to be the tool of choice in determining the treatment as well as fracture displacement.
Purpose The purpose of the study was to examine the interrater reliability and intrarater reproducibility in the decision-making of the treatment of scaphoid waist fractures.
Patients and Methods Fifty-one CT scans of scaphoid waist fractures were utilized. Seven orthopaedic surgeons with a particular interest in hand surgery independently scrutinized the scans classifying each in undisplaced, < 2 mm displaced, or > 2 mm displaced, and suggested a treatment of immobilization in cast or screw fixation. The Fleiss' and Cohen's kappa values using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) version 24 were calculated and interpreted according to Landis and Koch.
Results The kappa value representing interrater reliability when choosing between operative or nonoperative treatment was 0.58. Interrater reliability of the distinction between < 2 mm displaced or > 2 mm displaced fractures was 0.61. On average 79.5% of the fractures were suggested treated nonoperatively and 20.5% operatively. Overall, intrarater reproducibility was 0.75 when classifying between < 2 mm displaced or > 2 mm displaced fractures. When choosing between operative or nonoperative treatment, intrarater reproducibility was 0.69.
Conclusion Moderate interrater reliability was found when choosing between nonoperative and operative treatment. The use of CT showed substantial reliability in the distinction between < 2 mm displaced and > 2 mm displaced fractures. Intrarater reproducibility was substantial when classifying between < 2 mm displaced and > 2 mm displaced fractures as well as when choosing between operative or nonoperative treatment.
Level of Evidence This is a Level III study.
The Influence of CYP3A4 Polymorphism in Sex Steroids as a Risk Factor for Breast Cancer
Authors: Veiga Melissa Gonzalez , Felizi Rogério Tadeu , Reis Dayane Guerino , Carelli Filho Ivo , Fernandes Cesar Eduardo , Souto Ricardo Peres do , Oliveira Emerson 
Published: October 2018

Objective Epidemiological studies have shown evidence of the effect of sex hormones in the pathogenesis of breast cancer, and have suggested a relationship of the disease with variations in genes involved in estrogen synthesis and/or metabolism. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between the CYP3A4*1B gene polymorphism (rs2740574) and the risk of developing breast cancer.
Methods In the present case-control study, the frequency of the CYP3A4*1B gene polymorphism was determined in 148 women with breast cancer and in 245 women without the disease. The DNA of the participants was extracted from plasma samples, and the gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction. The presence of the polymorphism was determined using restriction enzymes.
Results After adjusting for confounding variables, we have found that the polymorphism was not associated with the occurrence of breast cancer (odds ratio = 1.151; 95% confidence interval: 0.714–1.856; p = 0.564). We have also found no association with the presence of hormone receptors, with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression, or with the rate of tumor cell proliferation.
Conclusion We have not observed a relationship between the CYP3A4*1B gene polymorphism and the occurrence of breast cancer.
An Unusual Case of Choledochal Cyst
Authors: Pathak Manish , Saxena Rahul , Jayakumar T.K. , Sinha Arvind , Yadav Taruna 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCholedochal cyst (CC) is an important surgical cause of jaundice in infants. Infantile variant of CC can mimic biliary atresia in clinical presentation. CC associated with biliary atresia is well described in literature. We encountered an atretic variant of CC that has not been described in literature ever. The characteristics of this unusual case, management, and proposed hypothesis to its pathogenesis are discussed here.
Sarcolemmal Alterations in Unloaded Rat Heart after Heterotopic Transplantation
Authors: Makino Naoki , Ganguly Paul , Elimban Vijayan , Dhalla Naranjan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractFollowing heterotopic transplantation, the rat heart undergoes atrophy and exhibits delayed cardiac relaxation without any changes in contraction and systolic Ca2+ transients. Furthermore, the sarcoplasmic reticular Ca2+ uptake and release activities were reduced and Ca2+ influx through L-type Ca2+ channels was increased in the atrophied heart. Since Ca2+ movements at sarcolemma are intimately involved in the regulation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration, the present study was undertaken to test if sarcolemma plays any role to maintain cardiac function in the atrophied heart.The characteristics of sarcolemmal Ca2+ pump and Na+–Ca2+ exchange activities were examined in 8 weeks heterotopically isotransplanted rat hearts which did not support hemodynamic load and underwent atrophy. Sarcolemmal ATP (adenosine triphosphate)-dependent Ca2+ uptake and Ca2+-stimulated ATPase (adenosine triphosphatase) activities were increased without any changes in Na+–K+ ATPase activities in the transplanted hearts. Although no alterations in the Na+-dependent Ca2+ uptake were evident, Na+-induced Ca2+ release was increased in the transplanted heart sarcolemmal vesicles. The increase in Na+-induced Ca2+ release was observed at different times of incubation as well as at 5, 20, and 40 mM Na+. The sarcolemma from transplanted hearts also showed higher contents of phosphatidic acid, sphingomyelin, and cholesterol.These results indicate that increases in the sarcolemmal, Ca2+ transport activities in unloaded heart may provide an insight into adaptive mechanism to maintain normal contractile behavior of the atrophic heart.
Outcomes of Biliointestinal Bypass among Iranian Obese Patients
Authors: Naeini Seyed , Khalaj Alireza , Abbaszadeh-Kasbi Ali , Miri Seyed 
Published: October 2018

Background There are several surgical approaches to treat obesity not cured with medical approaches. Each method has its advantages and complications. In here, we have conducted a study to evaluate complications of biliointestinal bypass surgery (BIBP).
Methods A prospective study was conducted in a private hospital from 2002 to 2016. Those patients, not previously operated for morbid obesity, were eligible. Mean follow-up period was 89 months ( ± 54 months; range: 73–108 months). Main outcome measures were weight, BMI (body mass index), concentrations of blood lipids and glucose, liver transaminases, and obesity-related comorbidities and complications.
Results Twenty-three consecutive patients with morbid obesity, including 16 women (69.7%) and seven men (31.3%) with mean age 38.47 ± 10 years (range: 26–57 years) underwent surgery. At the end of follow-up period, a mean BMI reduction of 12.2 kg/m2 kg/m2 (p < 0.001)] was observed. An excess weight loss (EWL) of 63% ( ± 34) was achieved at the end of the study. Additionally, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels decreased postoperative significantly. The main long-term complications were flatulence (60%), borborygmus (47.8%), mal odorous stool (30.4%), and diarrhea (21.7%). Revision rate was 4.34%. There were no cases with irreversible hepatic injury, deaths due to the surgery, or progressive renal failure.
Conclusion BIBP seems to be a safe, easily reversible, and one of valid therapeutic approaches in morbidly obese patients. BIBP has the potential to achieve durable weight loss and offers an improved quality of life.
Enterovesical Fistula Secondary to Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder
Authors: Bugeja Mark , Mizzi Christine , Ellul Ernest , Bugeja Simon , Mattocks Stephen 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAlthough fistulae between the urinary bladder and the gastrointestinal tract are not uncommon, those caused by carcinoma of the urinary bladder are rare. This report describes the case of an 85 years old male who was diagnosed with a mass involving the small bowel and the urinary bladder during the course of investigation for recurrent urinary tract infections. At laparotomy, the presence of an enterovesical fistula involving the ileum and bladder was confirmed. Histopathological examination of the resected mass showed poorly differentiated urothelial carcinoma. No early postoperative complications were encountered and postoperative cystography showed healing of the bladder without evidence of leakage. Due to the patient's age and comorbidities, no further oncological treatment was offered. Three months later the patient was readmitted to hospital with a severe pneumonia to which he succumbed.
Retrosigmoid Craniotomy for the Removal of Left Sided Tentorial and Posterior Fossa Meningioma Combined with Microvascular Decompression for Hemifacial Spasm
Authors: Cheng Yu-Wen , Cheng Chun-Yu , Qazi Zeeshan , Sekhar Laligam N. 
Published: October 2018

This 68-year-old woman presented with repeated episodes of bilateral hemifacial spasm with headache for 5 years and with recent progression of left sided symptoms. Preoperative imaging showed a left sided tentorial meningioma with brain stem and cerebellar compression. Left facial nerve was compressed by the vertebral artery (VA) and the right facial nerve by the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA). This patient underwent left side retrosigmoid craniotomy and mastoidectomy. The cisterna magna was drained to relax the brain. The tumor was very firm, attached to the tentorium and had medial and lateral lobules. The superior cerebellar artery was adherent to the lateral lobule of the tumor and dissected away. The tumor was detached from its tentorial base; we first removed the lateral lobule. Following this, the medial lobule was also completely dissected and removed. The root exit zone of cranial nerve (CN) VII was dissected and exposed. The compression was caused both by a prominent VA and AICA. Initially, the several pieces of Teflon felt were placed for the decompression. Then vertebropexy was performed by using 8–0 nylon suture placed through the VA media to the clival dura. A further piece of Teflon felt was placed between cerebellopontine angle region and AICA. Her hemifacial spasm resolved postoperatively, and she discharged home 1 week later. Postoperative imaging showed complete tumor removal and decompression of left CN VII. This video shows the complex surgery of microsurgical resection of a large tentorial meningioma and microvascular decompression with a vertebropexy procedure.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/N5aHN9CRJeM.
Impact of Graft Steatosis on Postoperative Complications after Liver Transplantation
Authors: Ahmed Emad , El-Badry Ashraf , Mocchegiani Federico , Montalti Roberto , Hassan Asem , Redwan Alaa , Vivarelli Marco 
Published: October 2018

Background Steatotic grafts are more susceptible to ischemia-reperfusion injury than are normal grafts. Therefore, using steatotic grafts for liver transplantation (LT) is associated with high primary dysfunction and decreased survival rates. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of graft steatosis on post LT outcomes.
Methods A retrospective cohort analysis of 271 LT recipients from 2005 to 2016 was performed and patients were classified based on two types of steatosis, macrosteatosis (MaS), and microsteatosis (MiS). Each category was subdivided into three groups according to the degree of steatosis: no (< 5%), mild (≥5 to < 30%), and moderate (≥30 to ≤60%). The primary hospital stays and 6-month postoperative complications were analyzed by the Clavien–Dindo classification system. Additionally, patient and graft survivals were studied.
Results Significant differences were observed in grade III MaS (p-value = 0.019) and grade V MiS (p-value = 0.020). A high trend of early graft dysfunction was found in the moderate MaS and MiS groups; however, they were not statistically significant (p-value = 0.199 and 0.282, respectively). Interestingly, the acute cellular rejection (ACR) rate was found to be inversely proportional to the degree of steatosis in both categories but it did not reach a significant level (p-value = 0.161 and 0.111, respectively).
Conclusion Excellent post LT long-term outcomes using grafts with mild and moderate steatosis were determined. Further studies are needed to evaluate the newly proposed relationship between ACR and steatosis.
Lafora Disease: A Review of Molecular Mechanisms and Pathology
Authors: Verhalen Brandy , Arnold Susan , Minassian Berge 
Published: October 2018

AbstractLafora's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by recessive loss-of-function mutations in the EPM2A (laforin glycogen phosphatase) or EPM2B (malin E3 ubiquitin ligase) genes. Neuropathology is characterized by malformed precipitated glycogen aggregates termed Lafora bodies. Asymptomatic until adolescence, patients undergo first insidious then rapid progressive myoclonus epilepsy toward a vegetative state and death within a decade. Laforin and malin interact to regulate glycogen phosphorylation and chain length pattern, the latter critical to glycogen's solubility. Significant gaps remain in precise mechanistic understanding. However, demonstration that partial reduction in brain glycogen synthesis near-completely prevents the disease in its genetic animal models opens a direct present path to therapy.
Unraveling the role of B cells in the pathogenesis of an oncogenic avian herpesvirus
Authors: Bertzbach Luca D. , Laparidou Maria , Härtle Sonja , Etches Robert J. , Kaspers Bernd , Schusser Benjamin , Kaufer Benedikt B. 
Published: October 2018

Significance
Marek’s disease virus (MDV) infects chickens and causes the most frequent clinically diagnosed cancer in the animal kingdom, and it is used as a small-animal model for virus-induced tumor formation. Until now, B cells were thought to play a central role in MDV pathogenesis. We disproved this dogma using knockout (KO) chickens that lack mature and peripheral B cells. We demonstrated that B cells are dispensable for virus replication, virus spread, and tumor formation. In the absence of B cells, T cells facilitate efficient virus replication and are subsequently transformed, resulting in deadly lymphomas. Our data pioneer the use of KO chickens in infectious disease research and expand the knowledge on the life cycle of this highly oncogenic virus.
Shakespearean Seriality: The ‘Hollow Crown’, the ‘Wooden O’, and the ‘Circle in the Water’ of History
Authors: Elliott Tomas 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe recent adaptation of Shakespeare’s tetralogies into a two-season television mini-series by the BBC gives new impetus to an age-old question: how do seriality and Shakespeare relate? In The Hollow Crown (2012) and The Wars of the Roses (2016), Richard II’s ‘scepter’d isle’ transforms into 2 Henry VI’s ‘fertile England’ before becoming ‘mad and scarred’ in Richard III. In this ‘swelling scene’ of Shakespearean seriality, ‘time jumps o’er’ from one episode to the next, inviting us to reconsider the spatio-temporal flows of serialized history in the theatre and on screen. Whereas both Shakespeare’s history plays, and television series in general, have often been thought to dramatize little more than the relentless progress of time as it marches forwards into history, this paper argues that The Hollow Crown and The Wars of the Roses systematically disrupt that process. Rather than moving along a simply linear trajectory, these connected series throw up fragile permutations of history that are contested over time. In tracking this process, this paper explores new methods for understanding the narrative processes that govern both the complex patterns of serialized television as well as the shifting flows of history in Shakespeare’s plays.