bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of first-line and second-line terlipressin versus sole norepinephrine in fulminant ovine septic shock
Authors: Kampmeier Tim G. , Arnemann Philip H. , Hessler Michael , Seidel Laura M. , Becker Karsten , Morelli Andrea , Rehberg Sebastian W. , Ertmer Christian 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe Surviving Sepsis Guidelines suggest the use of vasopressin in case of catecholamine-refractory septic shock. Terlipressin (TP) as a V1-selective AVP analogue is a potential alternative, though data regarding the first-line administration in septic shock are scarce. The present study explored and compared the effects of first-line vs. second-line infusion of TP or sole norepinephrine regarding organ function, fluid and norepinephrine requirements and survival in fulminant ovine septic shock. Peritoneal sepsis was induced in 23 ewes after laparotomy and faecal withdrawal from the caecum. After onset of shock, causal and supportive sepsis therapy (antibiotics, peritoneal lavage, fluids and open-label norepinephrine) was performed in all animals. Concurrently, animals were randomized to receive 0.9% sodium chloride (control group) or TP (2 µg∙kg−1∙h−1, first-line group) after shock onset. In the second-line TP group, TP (2 µg∙kg−1∙h−1) was started once norepinephrine requirements exceeded 0.5 µg∙kg−1∙min−1. No significant differences were found between groups regarding survival, haemodynamics as well as fluid- and catecholamine-requirements. Kidney function and electron microscopic kidney injury were comparable between groups. In the present model of fulminant ovine septic shock, first-line TP infusion had no significant effect on fluid and norepinephrine requirements or organ dysfunction as compared to second-line TP infusion or placebo.
Differential contributions of peripheral and central mechanisms to pain in a rodent model of osteoarthritis
Authors: Haywood Adrian R. , Hathway Gareth J. , Chapman Victoria 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe mechanisms underlying the transition from acute nociceptive pain to centrally maintained chronic pain are not clear. We have studied the contributions of the peripheral and central nervous systems during the development of osteoarthritis (OA) pain. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received unilateral intra-articular injections of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA 1 mg) or saline, and weight-bearing (WB) asymmetry and distal allodynia measured. Subgroups of rats received intra-articular injections of, QX-314 (membrane impermeable local anaesthetic) + capsaicin, QX-314, capsaicin or vehicle on days 7, 14 or 28 post-MIA and WB and PWT remeasured. On days 7&14 post-MIA, but not day 28, QX-314 + capsaicin signficantly attenuated changes in WB induced by MIA, illustrating a crucial role for TRPV1 expressing nociceptors in early OA pain. The role of top-down control of spinal excitability was investigated. The mu-opioid receptor agonist DAMGO was microinjected into the rostroventral medulla, to activate endogenous pain modulatory systems, in MIA and control rats and reflex excitability measured using electromyography. DAMGO (3 ng) had a significantly larger inhibitory effect in MIA treated rats than in controls. These data show distinct temporal contribtuions of TRPV1 expressing nociceptors and opioidergic pain control systems at later timepoints.
Influence of Surface Roughness on Strong Light-Matter Interaction of a Quantum Emitter-Metallic Nanoparticle System
Authors: Lu Yu-Wei , Li Ling-Yan , Liu Jing-Feng 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe investigate the quantum optical properties of strong light-matter interaction between a quantum emitter and a metallic nanoparticle beyond idealized structures with a smooth surface. Based on the local coupling strength and macroscopic Green’s function, we derived an exact quantum optics approach to obtain the field enhancement and light-emission spectrum of a quantum emitter. Numerical simulations show that the surface roughness has a greater effect on the near-field than on the far-field, and slightly increases the vacuum Rabi splitting on average. Further, we verified that the near-field enhancement is mainly determined by the surface features of hot-spot area.
Directional subradiance from helical-phase-imprinted multiphoton states
Authors: Jen H. H. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe theoretically investigate the far-field scattering properties of multiphoton super- and subradiant states which can be prepared by multiphoton excitations with orbital angular momentum (OAM). Due to multiphoton interference, the far-field patterns of the subradiant modes show directional scattering along the excitation direction or transverse scattering with number of peaks equal to the number of atoms. When more atoms are involved, we consider structures of stacked and concentric rings, which respectively show enhanced directional scattering and smoothed emission patterns. Our scheme gives insights to prepare many-body subradiant states, and is potentially applicable to quantum storage of multiphoton with OAM. By designing atomic spatial distributions, these cooperative states can tailor the far-field emission properties, which is useful for light collections and quantum information manipulations.
Sarcopenia as a predictor of post-transplant tumor recurrence after living donor liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma beyond the Milan criteria
Authors: Kim Young Ri , Park Sukhee , Han Sangbin , Ahn Joong Hyun , Kim Seonwoo , Sinn Dong Hyun , Jeong Woo Kyoung , Ko Justin S. , Gwak Mi Sook , Kim Gaab Soo 
Published: May 2018

AbstractTo evaluate the association between sarcopenia and tumor recurrence after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we analyzed 92 males who underwent LDLT for treating HCC beyond the Milan criteria. Sarcopenia was defined when the height-normalized psoas muscle thickness was <15.5 mm/m at the L3 vertebra level on computed tomography based on an optimum stratification method using the Gray’s test statistic. Survival analysis was performed with death as a competing risk event. The primary outcome was post-transplant HCC recurrence. The median follow-up time was 36 months. There was a 9% increase in recurrence risk per unit decrease in height-normalized psoas muscle thickness. Twenty-six (36.1%) of 72 sarcopenic recipients developed HCC recurrence, whereas only one (5.0%) of 20 non-sarcopenic recipients developed HCC recurrence. Recurrence risk was greater in sarcopenic patients in univariable analysis (hazard ratio [HR] = 8.06 [1.06–16.70], p = 0.044) and in multivariable analysis (HR = 9.49 [1.18–76.32], p = 0.034). Greater alpha-fetoprotein and microvascular invasion were also identified as independent risk factors. Incorporation of sarcopenia improved the model fitness and prediction power of the estimation model. In conclusion, sarcopenia appears to be one of the important host factors modulating tumor recurrence risk after LDLT for advanced HCC.
The effect of surface charge on photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye using chargeable titania nanoparticles
Authors: Azeez Fadhel , Al-Hetlani Entesar , Arafa Mona , Abdelmonem Yasser , Nazeer Ahmed Abdel , Amin Mohamed O. , Madkour Metwally 
Published: May 2018

AbstractHerein, a simple approach based on tailoring the surface charge of nanoparticles, NPs, during the preparation to boost the electrostatic attraction between NPs and the organic pollutant was investigated. In this study, chargeable titania nanoparticles (TiΟ2 NPs) were synthesized via a hydrothermal route under different pH conditions (pH = 1.6, 7.0 and 10). The prepared TiΟ2 NPs were fully characterized via various techniques including; transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption/desorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The influence of the preparation pH on the particle size, surface area and band gap was investigated and showed pH-dependent behavior. The results revealed that upon increasing the pH value, the particle size decreases and lead to larger surface area with less particles agglomeration. Additionally, the effect of pH on the surface charge was monitored by XPS to determine the amount of hydroxyl groups on the TiO2 NPs surface. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity of the prepared TiΟ2 NPs towards methylene blue (MB) photodegradation was manifested. The variation in the preparation pH affected the point of zero charge (pHPZC) of TiO2 NPs, subsequently, different photocatalytic activities based on electrostatic interactions were observed. The optimum efficiency obtained was 97% at a degradation rate of 0.018 min−1 using TiO2 NPs prepared at pH 10.
Effect of word association on linguistic event-related potentials in moderately to mildly constraining sentences
Authors: Khachatryan Elvira , Hnazaee Mansoureh Fahimi , Van Hulle Marc M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe processing of word associations in sentence context depends on several factors. EEG studies have shown that when the expectation of the upcoming word is high (high semantic constraint), the within-sentence word association plays a negligible role, whereas in the opposite case, when there is no expectation (as in pseudo-sentences), the role of word association becomes more pronounced. However, what happens when the expectations are not high (mild to moderate semantic constraint) is not yet clear. By adopting a cross-factorial design, crossing sentence congruity with within-sentence word association, our EEG recordings show that association comes into play during semantic processing of the word only when the sentence is meaningless. We also performed an exploratory source localization analysis of our EEG recordings to chart the brain regions putatively implicated in processing the said factors and showed its complementarity to EEG temporal analysis. This study furthers our knowledge on sentence processing and the brain networks involved in it.
Interval type‐2 fuzzy‐logic‐based decision fusion system for air‐lane monitoring
Authors: Shrinivasan Lakshmi , Raol Jitendra R. 
Published: May 2018

Eliminating mishaps due to human error is a primary focus of the avionics industry. Air‐lane monitoring is critical to avert occurrences of such mishaps and is achieved using intelligence imparting techniques. Fuzzy logic is one such technique, which incorporates human knowledge for decision making with ease. Type‐1 fuzzy logic for decision fusion is established to be advantageous for air‐lane monitoring considering sensor input data. Decision making capabilities of type‐1 systems are inconsistent when uncertainties or noise is present in the input data. To overcome this issue, this study discusses on interval type‐2 fuzzy logic‐based decision fusion software (IT2FLDS) for air‐lane monitoring. IT2FLDS is realised using an interval type‐2 Mamdani model. Experimental results presented prove that IT2FLDS exhibits better decision making capabilities when compared with type‐1 fuzzy logic systems considering uncertainties in input sensor data. IT2FLDS is further extended to include flight level parameters for air‐lane monitoring. Results presented prove that IT2FLDS works better than its type‐1 counterpart when flight level examples are considered. Using type‐2 fuzzy logic systems for avionics problems related to air‐lane discipline is advocated.
Solar hard X-ray imaging by means of compressed sensing and finite isotropic wavelet transform
Authors: Duval-Poo M. A. , Piana M. , Massone A. M. 
Published: May 2018

Aims. Compressed sensing realized by means of regularized deconvolution and the finite isotropic wavelet transform is effective and reliable in hard X-ray solar imaging.
Methods. The method uses the finite isotropic wavelet transform with the Meyer function as the mother wavelet. Furthermore, compressed sensing is realized by optimizing a sparsity-promoting regularized objective function by means of the fast iterative shrinkage-thresholding algorithm. Eventually, the regularization parameter is selected by means of the Miller criterion.
Results. The method is applied against both synthetic data mimicking measurements made with the Spectrometer/Telescope Imaging X-rays (STIX) and experimental observations provided by the Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI). The performances of the method are qualitatively validated by comparing some morphological properties of the reconstructed sources with those of the corresponding synthetic configurations. Furthermore, the results concerning experimental data are compared with those obtained by applying other visibility-based reconstruction methods.
Conclusions. The results show that when the new method is applied to synthetic STIX visibility sets, it provides reconstructions with a spatial accuracy comparable to the accuracy provided by the most popular method in hard X-ray solar imaging and with a higher spatial resolution. Furthermore, when it is applied to experimental RHESSI data, the reconstructions are characterized by reliable photometry and by a notable reduction of the ringing effects caused by the instrument point spread function.
Randomized (CO)mparison of (TRI)fecta and (P)erimount Magna Ease Supraannular Aortic Xenografts—CO.TRI.P Study
Authors: Van Linden Arnaud , Arsalan Mani , Körschgen Thore , Blumenstein Johannes , Kempfert Jörg , Hecker Florian , Walther Thomas 
Published: May 2018

Background Modern supraannular aortic xenografts offer a special design, thus providing maximized opening area for improved hemodynamics. The aim of this study was a prospectively randomized comparison of the Trifecta and the Perimount Magna Ease valves based on metric annulus sizing.
Methods A total of 100 patients with aortic stenosis undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) with or without concomitant procedures were prospectively included. After decalcification of the annulus, stratified intraoperative randomization was performed. The diameter of the aortic annulus was measured using metric Hegar dilators and randomization was based on this metric annulus diameter. Exercise echocardiography was performed at 10-month follow-up.
Results Mean age was 69 years, with 36% female. Predominant implanted valve sizes were 23 mm (39%) and 25 mm (32%). Unadjusted mean pressure gradient was significantly lower and effective orifice area larger for the Trifecta group (10.8 ± 5 vs. 13.2 ± 4 mm Hg, p = 0.02 and 1.93 ± 0.39 vs. 1.70 ± 0.30 cm2, p = 0.002) at discharge. In patients with small annuli, based on the metric annulus size there were no significant differences in gradients or the orifice area. At exercise echocardiography follow-up, there were no significant hemodynamic differences between both prostheses.
Conclusions The Trifecta and the Perimount Magna Ease prostheses both show excellent hemodynamic performance after AVR. In patients with larger annuli, the Trifecta valve seems to be even superior to the Magna Ease, which may be advantageous in obese patients.
Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty Demonstrated Greater Accuracy and Precision to Plan Compared with Manual Techniques
Authors: Hampp Emily , Chughtai Morad , Scholl Laura , Sodhi Nipun , Bhowmik-Stoker Manoshi , Jacofsky David , Mont Michael 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis study determined if robotic-arm assisted total knee arthroplasty (RATKA) allows for more accurate and precise bone cuts and component position to plan compared with manual total knee arthroplasty (MTKA). Specifically, we assessed the following: (1) final bone cuts, (2) final component position, and (3) a potential learning curve for RATKA. On six cadaver specimens (12 knees), a MTKA and RATKA were performed on the left and right knees, respectively. Bone-cut and final-component positioning errors relative to preoperative plans were compared. Median errors and standard deviations (SDs) in the sagittal, coronal, and axial planes were compared. Median values of the absolute deviation from plan defined the accuracy to plan. SDs described the precision to plan. RATKA bone cuts were as or more accurate to plan based on nominal median values in 11 out of 12 measurements. RATKA bone cuts were more precise to plan in 8 out of 12 measurements (p ≤ 0.05). RATKA final component positions were as or more accurate to plan based on median values in five out of five measurements. RATKA final component positions were more precise to plan in four out of five measurements (p ≤ 0.05). Stacked error results from all cuts and implant positions for each specimen in procedural order showed that RATKA error was less than MTKA error. Although this study analyzed a small number of cadaver specimens, there were clear differences that separated these two groups. When compared with MTKA, RATKA demonstrated more accurate and precise bone cuts and implant positioning to plan.
Epidemiology and Outcome of Major Congenital Malformations in a Large German County
Authors: Wittekindt Boris , Schloesser Rolf , Doberschuetz Nora , Salzmann-Manrique Emilia , Grossmann Jasmin , Misselwitz Bjoern , Rolle Udo 
Published: May 2018

Introduction Congenital malformations are associated with substantial neonatal morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, only sparse data are available on the modalities of care provided to and the associated clinical outcomes in affected neonates. In this study, we focused on five malformations that require surgery during the neonatal period: duodenal stenosis and atresia (DA), gastroschisis (GA), omphalocele (OM), congenital diaphragmatic herniation (CDH), and esophageal atresia (EA).
Materials and Methods We reviewed the Hessian neonatal registry (2010–2015) to identify records including the ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Edition) codes for the aforementioned diagnoses and identified 283 patients who were affected by at least one of these conditions. Multiple regression analyses were performed to further identify risk factors for mortality and extended length of hospital stay.
Results The incidence rates per 10,000 live births and inhospital mortality rates were as follows: DA: 1.79 and 3.6%; GA: 1.79 and 1.8%; OM: 1.60 and 24%; CDH: 1.32 and 27.5%; and EA: 2.67 and 11.1%, respectively. Thirty-three percent of the patients had not been born in a perinatal center in which corrective surgeries were performed. The following risk factors were significantly associated with early mortality: trisomy 13 and 18, congenital heart defects, prematurity, and high-risk malformations (OM and CDH). The predictors of length of stay were as follows: gestational age, number of additional malformations, and treatment in the center with the highest patient volume.
Conclusion Epidemiology and outcome of major congenital malformations in Hesse, Germany, are comparable to previously published data. In addition, our data revealed a volume–outcome association with regard to the length of hospital stay.
Needlescopic Video-Assisted Thoracic Bilateral T4 Sympathicotomy for the Treatment of Primary Palmar Hyperhidrosis: An Analysis of 200 Cases
Authors: Feng Xing , Xiong Xiaoling , Jin Er , Meng Wen 
Published: May 2018

Background Primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PPH) is featured by aberrantly perspiration of the hands, which may bring a lot of inconvenience to patient's daily life and work. The purpose of this study is to summarize the clinical effect of needlescopic video-assisted thoracic bilateral T4 sympathicotomy for the treatment of PPH.
Patients and Methods Between January 2009 and March 2014, 200 patients received needlescopic video-assisted thoracic bilateral T4 sympathicotomy. We, respectively, took two 5-mm incisions in the third intercostal space on the anterior axillary line and in the fifth intercostal space on the middle axillary line. After collapsing left lung, needlescopic exploration was the first step to determine the targeted sympathetic chain through the third intercostal space. Electric coagulation hook was inserted from another port to cut T4 sympathetic chain and the bypassing nerve fibers for 2 to 3 cm along the surface of the fourth rib. Right thoracic cavity was also administered the same procedure. The palmar temperature was recorded before and after sympathicotomy. The symptom improvement, operative complications, patients' recovery, and satisfaction were evaluated.
Finding One hundred and ninety-seven patients uneventfully received two 5-mm port bilateral sympathicotomy, and another 3 patients with extensive pleural adhesions completed the surgery through enlarging the third intercostal incision to 2 cm without conversion to open surgery. All operative procedures were completed in 15 to 35 minutes. The hospital stay was 2 to 4 days. The palmar temperature increased by 2.0 ± 0.5°C, and hyperhidrosis immediately disappeared in both hands after surgery. The efficacy rate was 100%. The postoperative complications such as hemorrhage, hemopneumothorax, bradycardia, or Horner's syndrome had no occurrence. During 6 to 60 months follow-up, mild compensatory sweating of buttock, back, and thigh occurred in 30 patients (15%) at 2 to 5 days after surgery and gradually disappeared at postoperative 15 to 30 days or longer time. All patients were greatly satisfied with the effect with better confidence and quality of life. Until now, no recurrent palmar hyperhidrosis happened.
Conclusion Needlescopic video-assisted thoracic bilateral T4 sympathicotomy could reach an excellent and immediate result of treating PPH. It is a safe, convenient, and minimally invasive method appropriate for wide clinical use.
Incidence and Risk Factors for Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction after the Arterial Switch Operation
Authors: Vitanova Keti , Pabst von Ohain Jelena , Ono Masamichi , Tanase Daniel , Burri Melchior , Lange Rüdiger , Cleuziou Julie 
Published: May 2018

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for the development of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO) after the arterial switch operation (ASO).
Methods Between 1983 and 2014, a total of 688 patients underwent ASO. RVOTO was defined as any obstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) requiring reintervention.
Results RVOTO developed in 79 patients (11%) at a median time of 3.8 years (range, 1 day–23.6 years) after ASO. Freedom from RVOT reintervention was 96 ± 1, 89 ± 1, and 83 ± 2% at 1, 10, and 25 years, respectively. Independent risk factors for the development of RVOTO in a Cox's regression model were side-by-side great arteries (p < 0.001), aortic arch anomalies (p < 0.001), use of a pericardial patch for augmentation of the coronary buttons (p < 0.001), and a peak gradient more than 20 mm Hg over the RVOT at discharge (p < 0.001).
Conclusion The incidence of RVOTO after ASO is not negligible. Complex morphology, such as side-by-side great arteries and aortic arch anomalies influences the development of RVOTO.