bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arc characteristics and metal transfer behavior of CMT+P process for Q235 steel of titanium-steel composite plate
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhu Zhongyin , Gou Guoqing , Peng Lin , Liu Yali , Yang Tao , Gao Wei 
Published: January 2019

The cold metal transfer (CMT) with addition of pulses (CMT[Formula: see text]P) process is a new CMT welding method. This paper uses a high-speed camera and electrical signal synchronization acquisition system to perform a CMT[Formula: see text]P welding test on a 10 mm thick Q235 steel plate, and performs arc characteristic and droplet transfer behavior in the welding process. It has been founded that under relatively small currents and voltages, the CMT[Formula: see text]P transfer mode is a combination of a projected transfer mode with one droplet in the pulse period and a short circuit transfer mode during the CMT period. The process is stable with little spatter; at relatively large currents and voltages, the transition mode is the combination of pulse transfer, spray transfer and short circuit transfer. It results in one or more droplets that enter the pool both in pulse transfer in the spray transfer mode during the pulse period and in the short circuit transfer mode during the CMT period in a weld cycle.
Impact of heat therapy on recovery after eccentric exercise in humans
Authors: Kim Kyoungrae , Kuang Shihuan , Song Qifan , Gavin Timothy P. , Roseguini Bruno T. 
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of heat therapy (HT) on functional recovery, the skeletal muscle expression of angiogenic factors, macrophage content, and capillarization after eccentric exercise in humans. Eleven untrained individuals (23.8 ± 0.6 yr) performed 300 bilateral maximal eccentric contractions of the knee extensors. One randomly selected thigh was treated with five daily 90-min sessions of HT, whereas the opposite thigh received a thermoneutral intervention. Peak isokinetic torque of the knee extensors was assessed at baseline and daily for 4 days and fatigue resistance was assessed at baseline and 1 and 4 days after the eccentric exercise session. Muscle biopsies were obtained 2 wk before and 1 and 5 days after the eccentric exercise bout. There were no differences between thighs in the overall recovery profile of peak torque. However, the thigh exposed to HT had greater fatigue resistance than the thigh exposed to the thermoneutral intervention. The change from baseline in mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was higher at day 1 in the thigh exposed to HT. Protein levels of VEGF and angiopoietin 1 were also significantly higher in the thigh treated with HT. The number of capillaries around type II fibers decreased similarly in both thighs at day 5. Exposure to HT had no impact on macrophage content. These results suggest that HT accelerates the recovery of fatigue resistance after eccentric exercise and promotes the expression of angiogenic factors in human skeletal muscle. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We investigated whether exposure to local heat therapy (HT) accelerates recovery after a bout of eccentric exercise in humans. Compared with a thermoneutral control intervention, HT improved fatigue resistance of the knee extensors and enhanced the expression of the angiogenic mediators vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin 1. These results suggest that HT hastens functional recovery and enhances the expression of regulatory factors involved in muscle repair after eccentric exercise in humans.
Predictive Value of Susceptibility Vessel Sign for Arterial Recanalization and Clinical Improvement in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Darcourt Jean , Withayasuk Pattarawit , Vukasinovic Ivan , Michelozzi Caterina , Bellanger Guillaume , Guenego Adrien , Adam Gilles , Roques Margaux , Januel Anne Christine , Tall Philippe , Meyrignac Olivier , Rousseau Vanessa , Garcia Cédric , Albucher Jean François , Payrastre Bernard , Bonneville Fabrice , Olivot Jean Marc , Cognard Christophe 
Published: January 2019

Background and Purpose—
Our goal was to evaluate whether the presence of a low signal intensity known as susceptibility vessel sign (SVS) on T2*-gradient echo imaging sequence was predictive of arterial recanalization and the early clinical improvement after mechanical thrombectomy.

Methods—
This observational study was based on a prospective database of acute ischemic strokes treated by mechanical thrombectomy. Inclusion criteria were patients with acute anterior ischemic stroke, diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging, including a T2*-gradient echo imaging sequence, and treated by mechanical thrombectomy. Two independent readers assessed the presence of an SVS. Successful recanalization was defined as a Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2b-3 after mechanical thrombectomy. Early clinical improvement was estimated by the difference between the baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale on day 1 after treatment

Results—

The SVS was detected in 137 (76%) out of 180 patients. The kappa interrater agreement was 0.71 with a 95% CI of 0.59 to 0.82. Successful recanalization was associated with an SVS+ with odds ratio, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.05–5.74;
P
=0.03. The early clinical improvement was better in patients with an SVS+ (median, −6; interquartile range, −11 to 0) compared with SVS− patients (median, −1; interquartile range, −10 to 3) with
P
=0.01.

Conclusions—
The visualization of SVS is a reliable and easily accessible predictive factor of recanalization success and early clinical improvement.
The Development of the North Pacific Jet Phase Diagram as an Objective Tool to Monitor the State and Forecast Skill of the Upper-Tropospheric Flow Pattern
Authors: Winters Andrew C. , Keyser Daniel , Bosart Lance F. 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Previous studies employing empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analyses of upper-tropospheric zonal wind anomalies have identified the leading modes of North Pacific jet (NPJ) variability that prevail on synoptic time scales. The first mode corresponds to a zonal extension or retraction of the exit region of the climatological NPJ, while the second mode corresponds to a poleward or equatorward shift of the exit region of the climatological NPJ. These NPJ regimes can strongly influence the character of the large-scale flow pattern over North America. Consequently, knowledge of the prevailing NPJ regime and the forecast skill associated with each NPJ regime can add considerable value to operational medium-range (6–10-day) forecasts over North America. This study documents the development of an NPJ phase diagram, which is constructed from the two leading EOFs of 250-hPa zonal wind anomalies during 1979–2014 excluding the summer months (June–August). The projection of 250-hPa zonal wind anomalies at one or multiple times onto the NPJ phase diagram provides an objective characterization of the state or evolution of the upper-tropospheric flow pattern over the North Pacific with respect to the two leading EOFs. A 30-yr analysis of GEFS reforecasts with respect to the NPJ phase diagram demonstrates that forecasts verified during jet retraction and equatorward shift regimes are associated with significantly larger average errors than jet extension and poleward shift regimes. An examination of the best and worst forecasts further suggests that periods characterized by rapid NPJ regime transition and the development and maintenance of North Pacific blocking events exhibit reduced forecast skill.
Estimating the Relationship Between the Current Account, the Capital Account and Investment for India
Authors: Goyal Ashima , Sharma Vaishnavi 
Published: January 2019

Causality from the capital account (KA) to the current account (CA) of the balance of payments indicates disruption from capital flows while the reverse can indicate smooth financing of the CA that allows investment to exceed domestic savings. A three-variable vector autoregression tests for Granger causality between the Indian CA, KA, KA components, and gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) over 2000–01Q1 to 2015–16Q3. Since a CA deficit indicates an excess of investment over savings it is useful to estimate which type of capital flows affect investment. No causality is found to exist in any direction between the KA and the CA. There is only indirect causality through some components. Of the capital flow components, only FDI affects GFCF. The latter consistently affects the CA. The CA affects debt portfolio flows and non-resident deposits, suggesting these were used to finance the CA, but they were not causal for GFCF. Volatile flows, therefore, did not deteriorate the CA, but they also did not contribute to GFCF. India’s gradual KA convertibility may have mitigated shocks from the KA. Long-term sustainability, however, requires FDI to increase as compared to other types of flows. JEL Codes: F21, F32
Street Gangs, Gun Violence, and Focused Deterrence: Comparing Place-based and Group-based Evaluation Methods to Estimate Direct and Spillover Deterrent Effects
Authors: Braga Anthony A. , Zimmerman Greg , Barao Lisa , Farrell Chelsea , Brunson Rod K. , Papachristos Andrew V. 
Published: January 2019

Objectives: Focused deterrence seeks to change the violent behavior of gangs not directly targeted by the intervention by leveraging network ties between groups. This study appraises group-based and place-based methodologies in detecting direct and spillover crime reduction impacts of a focused deterrence strategy implemented in Oakland, California. Method: Quasi-experimental designs and panel regression models were used to compare shooting trends for directly treated gangs and census block groups to shooting trends for comparison gangs and block groups that did not directly receive the treatment. The design further analyzed whether vicariously treated gangs and untreated block groups immediately surrounding treated block groups experienced spillover shooting reductions. Results: The focused deterrence program generated statistically significant direct reductions in shootings in treated block group areas and by treated gangs relative to shootings in untreated block group areas and by untreated gangs, respectively. Spillover deterrent effects of varying magnitudes were found when shooting trends by vicariously treated gangs and in surrounding block groups were compared to shootings trends in comparison units. Conclusions: Group-based evaluation methodologies were better positioned to detect changes in violent gang behaviors after treatment and to shed light on deterrence mechanisms supporting program efficacy. Future focused deterrence studies should be theory driven rather than black box evaluations.
Depressive Symptoms Among Adult Children Aged 55 Years or Older: The Effects of Support Provided to Their Older Parents
Authors: Gao Xiang , Guo Qiuju , Sun Fei , Hodge David R. 
Published: January 2019

Objectives This study examines the effects of frequency of visits, monetary, and in-kind support provided to older parents on the depressive symptoms of adult children. Method This study drew secondary data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study Follow-up Questionnaire. A total of 629 older children aged 55 years and older ( M = 59.80, standard deviation = 3.90) met the inclusion criteria. The dependent variable—depressive symptoms—was measured with the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale. Results Approximately 22% of participants reported clinically significant levels of depressive symptoms. Hierarchical regression analyses found that more frequent visits and monetary support to older parents were related to lower levels of depressive symptoms in older children. Conclusion Providing monetary support to parents may help mitigate a major concern of parents: health-care costs. Older children’s altruistic behaviors meet legal and cultural expectations in Chinese society, contributing to family intimacy and thereby their own mental health outcomes.
Androgen Mediation—and Antiandrogens Mitigation—of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Inhibitor–Induced Rash: Results From a Pilot Randomized Trial and Small Translational Case Series
Authors: Le-Rademacher Jennifer G. , Rowland Kendrith , Atherton Pamela J. , Dakhil Christopher , Sun Zhifu , Tan Angelina , Schmidt Lucy , Nguyen Phuong L. , Radecki Breitkopf Carmen , Pittelkow Mark , Tindall Donald , Menon Smitha , Jatoi Aminah 
Published: January 2019

Background: Although 50% to 90% of patients who receive epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors develop a rash, options for rash prevention or palliation remain limited. This issue is particularly important from a palliative care standpoint because these agents are prescribed only to patients with incurable cancer. Here, we report (1) gene expression profiling of skin biopsies from patients with an EGFR inhibitor–induced rash and (2) a randomized, placebo-controlled feasibility trial with the antiandrogen, spironolactone. Both investigations were undertaken to begin to explore the hypothesis that androgens mediate EGFR inhibitor–induced rash and that antiandrogens palliate it. Methods/Results: First, 4 skin biopsies from patients with EGFR inhibitor–induced rash (3 men and 1 woman) were subject to gene expression microarray profiling. A public data set of normal skin gene expression (Gene Expression Omnibus, GSE22998) served as a reference. Sixty percent of commonly interrogated androgen receptor genes (207 of 308 between the 2 data sets) were differentially expressed ( P < .05) in the rash samples. Second, in a 17-patient double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial with topical spironolactone applied to the face, although the primary feasibility end point was not achieved, patients in the spironolactone arm received more doses of EGFR inhibitor, and anecdotal photographic evidence suggested salutatory effects of spironolactone on rash. Conclusions: Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor–induced rash appears to be androgen-mediated; antiandrogen therapy merits further study for rash prevention/palliation.
Renal Cancer is Not Radioresistant: Slowly but Continuing Shrinkage of the Tumor After Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy
Authors: Funayama Satoshi , Onishi Hiroshi , Kuriyama Kengo , Komiyama Takafumi , Marino Kan , Araya Masayuki , Saito Ryo , Aoki Shinichi , Maehata Yoshiyasu , Nonaka Hotaka , Tominaga Licht , Muramatsu Juria , Nakagomi Hiroshi , Kamiyama Manabu , Takeda Masayuki 
Published: January 2019

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of stereotactic body radiation therapy for primary lesion of renal cell carcinoma with long-term and regular follow-up of tumor size and renal function. Methods: This prospective study included 13 patients treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy for primary lesion of stage I renal cell carcinoma between August 2007 and June 2016 in our institution. Diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma was made by 2 radiologists using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. A dosage of 60 Gy in 10 fractions or 70 Gy in 10 fractions was prescribed. The higher dose was selected if dose constraints were satisfied. Tumor response on imaging examination, local progression-free rate, overall survival, and toxicity were assessed. Results: The mean follow-up period was 48.3 months (range: 11-108 months). The tumors showed very slow but continuous response during long-term follow-up. Three cases (23.1%) showed transient progression during the short follow-up. The mean duration until the day on which partial response was confirmed among the partial or complete response cases was 22.6 months (95% confidence interval, 15.3-30.0 months). Local progression-free rate was 92.3% for 3 years and overall survival rate 91.7% for 2 years and 71.3% for 3 years. Twelve cases (92.3%) had impaired renal function at baseline. Renal function decreased slowly and mildly in most of the cases, but 2 cases of solitary kidney showed grade 4 or 5 renal dysfunction. Conclusion: All renal tumors decreased in size slowly but continuously for years after stereotactic body radiation therapy. Renal cancer can be treated radically with stereotactic body radiation therapy as a radiosensitive tumor, but careful attention should be given in cases with solitary kidney.
Transaortic Endoclamp for Mitral Valve Operation through Right Minithoracotomy in 369 Patients
Authors: Glower Donald D. , Desai Bhargavi 
Published: January 2019

Objective The effects and benefits of a transaortic endoclamp for mitral valve operation through right minithoracotomy have not been established. Methods The records were examined in 671 patients undergoing mitral valve operation using aortic cannulation through a 6-cm right minithoracotomy in the fourth intercostal space. The ascending aorta was cannulated with a 24-Fr cannula through a 12-mm port in the first intercostal space. The experience from 1998 to 2006 with aortic endoclamping (group A, N = 436) was compared with the experience from 2006 to 2009 with external aortic clamping (group B, N = 235). Aortic endoclamping was achieved with a 30 mL endoclamp introduced through the aortic cannula into the ascending aorta to provide aortic endoclamping, anterograde cardioplegia, and root venting. Percutaneous femoral venous cannulation was used. Results Group A and group B had similar demographics. Endoclamp availability (group A) resulted in significantly less fibrillatory arrest (no clamping) in 67 of 436 (15%) versus 104 of 235 (44%) patients in group B (P = 0.001). In patients with aortic clamping, endoclamp (group A) versus external clamp (group B) was not a determinant of clamp time or pump time. Hospital and late outcomes were not different between groups. No patient complications could be attributed to the endoclamp. Conclusions Aortic endoclamping requires no more clamp or pump time than external clamping and can provide a more bloodless field than ventricular fibrillation without obstructing hardware. Aortic endoclamping is a safe alternative for mitral surgery through right minithoracotomy.
Long-Term Survival after Minimal Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass (MIDCAB) Surgery in Patients with Low Ejection Fraction
Authors: Gorki Hagen , Patel Nirav C. , Balacumaraswami Lognathen , Jennings Joan , Goksedef Deniz , Subramanian Valavanur A. 
Published: January 2019

Objective The long-term survival after minimal invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) surgery to any coronary territory in patients with ejection fraction of ≤30% was investigated for the first time in literature. Methods Seventy-three patients with primary MIDCAB and 89 patients with reoperative MIDCAB were studied including preoperative risk factors, operative details, early postoperative complications, and survival up to 10 years postoperatively. Results Despite the high-risk profile of the patients, the MIDCAB approach for targeted revascularization resulted in excellent short-term results. Ventricular arrhythmia contributed to four of six early deaths. Survival at 5 years postoperatively was 62.5% for primary MIDCAB and 43.2% for reoperative MIDCAB and at 10 years was 36.9% and 29.5%, respectively. Functionally complete vascularization correlates with significantly better long-term survival particularly in primary MIDCAB procedures. Conclusions MIDCAB is a valuable option for targeted revascularization in high-risk patients with low ejection fraction and reoperation.
Performance of Four Risk Algorithms in Predicting Intermediate Survival in Patients Undergoing Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Tran Henry A. , Roy Sion K. , Hebsur Shrinivas , Barnett Scott D. , Schlauch Karen A. , Hunt Sharon L. , Holmes Sari D. , Ad Niv 
Published: January 2019

Objective Several risk models exist to predict operative outcomes after cardiac surgery and are used in selecting patients for alternative procedures such as transcatheter valve implantation. We sought to evaluate the performance of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality (STS-PROM) model in accurately identifying patients at high risk for aortic valve replacement (AVR). Methods Three hundred and ninety four consecutive patients who underwent isolated AVR from January 1, 2001, to July 1, 2007, at a tertiary care center were analyzed using the STS database. Patients were stratified into tertiles according to operative surgical risk calculated by the four models [STS-PROM, European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation (EuroSCORE), Ambler, and Providence]. Vital status at 1 year was determined using the National Death Index and Social Security Death Index. Results There were 310 low-risk patients, 56 intermediate-risk patients, and 28 high-risk patients with respect to the STS-PROM. The predicted risk of death for the low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk groups were 2.4% ± 1.1%, 6.9% ± 1.4%, 15.8% ± 7.6% (P < 0.001) with respect to the STS-PROM model. Actual operative mortality for each respective group was 1.94%, 5.36%, 14.29% (P < 0.001) and 1-year mortality was 3.23%, 12.50%, 21.43% (P < 0.001), respectively. Conclusions High-risk patients have significantly high mortality after AVR. The STS-PROM accurately predicts operative mortality and can be used to predict 1-year survival as well. This risk model may be preferentially used instead of the EuroSCORE.
Video-Assisted Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery External Aortic Clamp versus Endoclamp Techniques
Authors: Loforte Antonio , Luzi Giampaolo , Montalto Andrea , Ranocchi Federico , Polizzi Vincenzo , Sbaraglia Fabio , Della Monica Paola Lilla , Menichetti Antonio , Musumeci Francesco 
Published: January 2019

Objective Video-assisted minimally invasive mitral valve surgery can be performed through different approaches. The aim of the study was to report our early results and compare the external transthoracic aortic clamping with the endoaortic balloon occlusion techniques according to our experience. Methods Between January 2000 and March 2010, 138 patients (103 women, aged 58.4 ± 10.2 years) underwent video-assisted mitral valve surgery through a right thoracotomy. Cardiopulmonary bypass was instituted by femoral arterial and bicaval cannulation with active venous drainage and normothermia; cardioplegic arrest achieved with intermittent blood cardioplegia. In group A (93 patients, 68 women, aged 58.8 ± 7.8 years, 72 MV replacement, 21 MV repair), aortic clamping was achieved using the external transthoracic aortic clamp. In group B (45 patients, 35 women, aged 58.1 ± 11.4 years, 33 MV replacement, 12 MV repair), aortic clamping was achieved with endoaortic balloon occlusion. Results Intraoperative procedure-associated problems were experienced in one patient (0.7%) in group A (one conversion to sternotomy for pleural adhesions and bad exposure). At a mean follow-up of 36 ± 18 months, 135 patients (97.8%) were in New York Heart Association class I to II, with satisfactory echocardiographic follow-up. In group A, two patients had noncardiac-related deaths. No perioperative deaths were observed in both groups. There were four (2.8%) transient ischemic attacks and one (0.7%) peripheral ischemic event (group A) during the early postoperative period. Mitral valve repair patients had a 5-year freedom from reoperation of 100% in both groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding preoperative variables, such as age, sex, New York Heart Association class, and left ventricular ejection fraction (P ≥ 0.05). Postoperative levels of myocardial cytonecrosis enzymes (MB fraction, creatine kinase, and troponine I) as well as operative time, extracorporeal circulation, and aortic cross-clamping times or ventilation and intensive care unit times were not significantly different between the two groups (P ≥ 0.05). More microembolic events were observed in group A than in group B (total 143.4 ± 30.6 per patient vs 78.9 ± 28.6 per patient) by means of continuous automated intraoperative transcranial Doppler evaluations (P < 0.05) applied to part of population. Conclusions Both techniques proved safe and comparable with low risk of morbidity and mortality. Patients undergoing endoclamp technique resulted to be less subject to embolism.