bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modified Frameless Stereotactic System for Intracerebral Delivery of Viral Vector in Young Children
Authors: Tai Chun-Hwei , Hwu Wu-Lian , Wu Ruey-Meei , Tseng Sheng-Hong 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Stereotaxic surgery for viral vector delivery in young children is highly challenging because of their small cranial size, thin and fragile skull, and deformity of the skull or brain after prolonged bed ridden condition.

OBJECTIVE
To develop a modified frameless stereotactic system especially suitable for intracerebral delivery of viral vector in young children for accurate localization of intracerebral targets during stereotactic surgery.

METHODS
A modified frameless stereotactic system was developed for intracerebral delivery of viral vector in pediatric patients with congenital enzyme deficiency. Localization markers and a stereotactic stabilizer were designed specifically for surgery in pediatric patients, and this equipment is used along with a pre-existing frameless stereotactic and computer-assisted planning and navigation system.

RESULTS
We applied this modified frameless stereotactic system to treat 10 children with aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency.

CONCLUSION
It is potentially suitable for stereotactic functional neurosurgery in pediatric patients as young as 1 yr and 8 mo of age.
Stereoscopy in Surgical Neuroanatomy: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Rubio Roberto Rodriguez , Bonaventura Rina Di , Kournoutas Ioannis , Barakat Dania , Vigo Vera , El-Sayed Ivan , Abla Adib A 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Since the dawn of antiquity, scientists, philosophers, and artists have pondered the nature of optical stereopsis—the perception of depth that arises from binocular vision. The early 19th century saw the advent of stereoscopes, devices that could replicate stereopsis by producing a 3D illusion from the super-imposition of 2D photographs. This phenomenon opened up a plethora of possibilities through its usefulness as an educational tool—particularly in medicine. Before long, photographers, anatomists, and physicians were collaborating to create some of the first stereoscopic atlases available for the teaching of medical students and residents. In fields like neurosurgery—where a comprehensive visuospatial understanding of neuro-anatomical correlates is crucial—research into stereoscopic modalities are of fundamental importance. Already, medical institutions all over the world are capitalizing on new and immersive technologies—such as 3D intraoperative recording, and 3D endoscopes—to refine their pedagogical efforts as well as improve their clinical capacities. The present paper surveys the history of stereoscopy from antiquity to the modern era—with a focus on its role in neurosurgery and medical education. Through the tracking of this evolution, we can discuss potential benefits, future directions, and highlight areas in which further research is needed. By anticipating these factors, we may strive to take full advantage of an emergent field of technology, for our ultimate goal of improving patient care.
Columnar Injection for Intracerebral Cell Therapy
Authors: Schweitzer Jeffrey S , Song Bin , Leblanc Pierre R , Feitosa Melissa , Carter Bob S , Kim Kwang-Soo 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Surgical implantation of cellular grafts into the brain is of increasing importance, as stem cell-based therapies for Parkinson and other diseases continue to develop. The effect of grafting technique on development and survival of the graft has received less attention. Rate and method of graft delivery may impact the cell viability and success of these therapies. Understanding the final location of the graft with respect to the intended target location is also critical.

OBJECTIVE
To describe a “columnar injection” technique designed to reduce damage to host tissue and result in a column of graft material with greater surface area to volume ratio than traditional injection techniques.

METHODS
Using a clinically relevant model system of human embryonic stem cell-derived dopaminergic progenitors injected into athymic rat host brain, we describe a novel device that allows separate control of syringe barrel and plunger, permitting precise deposition of the contents into the cannula tract during withdrawal. Controls consist of contralateral injection using traditional techniques. Graft histology was examined at graft maturity.

RESULTS
Bolus grafts were centered on the injection tract but were largely proximal to the “target” location. These grafts displayed a conspicuous peripheral distribution of cells, particularly of mature dopaminergic neurons. In contrast, column injections remained centered at the intended target, contained more evenly distributed cells, and had significantly more mature dopaminergic neurons.

CONCLUSION
We suggest that this columnar injection technique may allow better engraftment and development of intracerebral grafts, enhancing outcomes of cell therapy, compared to fixed-point injection techniques.
Thoracolumbar Vertebral Column Resection With Rectangular Endplate Cages Through a Posterior Approach: Surgical Techniques and Early Postoperative Outcomes
Authors: Safaee Michael M , Pekmezci Murat , Deviren Vedat , Ames Christopher P , Clark Aaron J 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Thoracolumbar pathology can result in compression of neural elements, instability, and deformity. Circumferential decompression with anterior column reconstruction is often required to restore biomechanical stability and minimize the risk of implant failure.

OBJECTIVE
To assess the safety and viability of wide-footprint rectangular cages for vertebral column resection (VCR).

METHODS
We performed VCR with wide-footprint rectangular endplate cages, which were designed for transthoracic or retroperitoneal approaches. We present our technique using a single-stage posterior approach.

RESULTS
A total of 45 patients underwent VCR with rectangular endplate cages. Mean age was 58 yr. Diagnoses included 23 tumors (51%), 14 infections (31%), and 8 deformities (18%). VCRs were performed in 10 upper thoracic, 17 middle thoracic, 14 lower thoracic, and 4 lumbar levels. Twenty-four cases involved a single level VCR (53%) with 18 two-level (40%) and 3 three-level (7%) VCRs. Average procedure duration was 264 min with mean estimated blood loss of 1900 ml. Neurological outcomes were stable in 27 cases (60%), improved in 16 (36%), and worse in 2 (4%). There were 7 medical and 7 surgical complications in 11 patients. There were significant decreases in postoperative thoracic kyphosis (47° vs 35°, P = .022) and regional kyphosis (34° vs 10°, P < .001). There were 2 cases of cage subsidence due to intraoperative endplate violation, neither of which progressed on CT scan at 14 and 35 mo.

CONCLUSION
Posterior VCR with rectangular footprint cages is safe and feasible. This provides improved biomechanical stability without the morbidity of a lateral transthoracic or retroperitoneal approach.
The Inferior Nuchal Line as a Simple Landmark for Identifying the Vertebral Artery During the Retrosigmoid Approach
Authors: Tayebi Meybodi Ali , Zhao Xiaochun , Borba Moreira Leandro , Lawton Michael T , Lang Michael J , Labib Mohamed , Preul Mark C 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The V3 segment of the vertebral artery (V3-VA) is at risk during various approaches to the craniovertebral junction. Several landmarks have been defined to identify V3-VA, but these landmarks are not routinely exposed during a retrosigmoid (RS) approach, where musculocutaneous dissection inferiorly towards the foramen magnum can threaten this arterial segment.

OBJECTIVE
To find a landmark that will identify the V3-VA during the RS approach, and analyze the inferior nuchal line (INL) as this novel landmark.

METHODS
The anatomic relationships between the INL and the V3-VA were assessed in 7 cadaveric heads through RS exposure in the lateral position.

RESULTS
The INL is an L-shaped bony ridge with horizontal (medial) and vertical (lateral) arms, with the vertical arm being more conspicuous in all specimens (INLV). The mean depths of the V3-VA relative to the medial and lateral ends of the INLV were (mean ± standard deviation) 24.9 ± 7.1 mm, and 8.3 ± 3.2 mm, respectively. In all specimens, the V3-VA was located inferior and anterior to the INLV.

CONCLUSION
The INL provides an important landmark during RS approach that can protect the V3-VA from inadvertent injury or identify it for use in an interpositional bypass. The INLV identifies the region of the suboccipital triangle where the V3-VA is embedded. INLV is routinely seen during the RS approach, making it more relevant than other classic landmarks such as the transverse process of C1, C1 posterior arch, and the atlantomastoid line that are not exposed during the RS approach.
Helicobacter pylori infection is an infectious disease and the empiric therapy paradigm should be changed
Authors: Li Hong , Yang Tiankuo , Tang Hong , Tang Xiaoqiong , Shen Yalin , Benghezal Mohammed , Tay Alfred , Marshall Barry 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Helicobacter pylori infection is an infectious disease. Given the alarmingly high antibiotic resistance in H. pylori, gastroenterologists should change the empiric H. pylori treatment paradigm to an antimicrobial susceptibility testing-guided precision treatment. Antimicrobial stewardship programs for H. pylori should be implemented locally, regionally, and nationally to monitor the antibiotic resistance pattern.
Information theoretic measures for quantifying sequence–ensemble relationships of intrinsically disordered proteins
Authors: Cohan Megan C , Ruff Kiersten M , Pappu Rohit V 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) contribute to a multitude of functions. De novo design of IDPs should open the door to modulating functions and phenotypes controlled by these systems. Recent design efforts have focused on compositional biases and specific sequence patterns as the design features. Analysis of the impact of these designs on sequence-function relationships indicates that individual sequence/compositional parameters are insufficient for describing sequence-function relationships in IDPs. To remedy this problem, we have developed information theoretic measures for sequence–ensemble relationships (SERs) of IDPs. These measures rely on prior availability of statistically robust conformational ensembles derived from all atom simulations. We show that the measures we have developed are useful for comparing sequence-ensemble relationships even when sequence is poorly conserved. Based on our results, we propose that de novo designs of IDPs, guided by knowledge of their SERs, should provide improved insights into their sequence–ensemble–function relationships.
The Contingent Effect of Management Practices
Authors: Blader Steven , Gartenberg Claudine , Prat Andrea 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThis article investigates how the success of a management practice depends on the underlying values articulated by the management. A large U.S. transportation company is in the process of fitting its trucks with an electronic on-board recorder (EOBR) to provide drivers with information on their driving performance. The company also has commenced a multi-year initiative to remake its internal operations, the first phase of which focuses exclusively on changing values toward a greater emphasis on teamwork and empowerment. In this setting, a natural question is whether the optimal managerial practice consists of: (1) letting each driver know his or her individual performance only; or also (2) providing drivers with information about their performance with respect to other drivers. Using the EOBR-provided driver performance data, we randomize these practices across sites. The main result of our experiment is that (2) leads to better performance than (1) in a particular site if and only if the site has not yet received the values intervention, and worse performance if it has. The result is consistent with the presence of a conflict between competition-based managerial practices and a shift to a cooperation-based value system. More broadly, it highlights the role of intangible factors in determining the optimal set of managerial practices.
Mental Health and Functional Outcomes in Young Adulthood of Children With Psychotic Symptoms: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Trotta Antonella , Arseneault Louise , Caspi Avshalom , Moffitt Terrie E , Danese Andrea , Pariante Carmine , Fisher Helen L 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Background
Childhood psychotic symptoms have been associated with various psychiatric disorders in adulthood but their role as early markers of poor outcomes during the crucial transition to adulthood is largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated associations between age-12 psychotic symptoms and a range of mental health problems and functional outcomes at age 18.

Methods
Data were used from the Environmental Risk Longitudinal Twin Study, a nationally representative birth cohort of 2232 twins born in 1994–1995 in England and Wales, followed to age 18 with 93% retention. Childhood psychotic symptoms were assessed in structured interviews at age 12. At age 18, study members’ mental health problems, functional outcomes, risky behaviors, and offending were measured using self-reports and official records.

Results
Children with psychotic symptoms (N = 125, 5.9%) were more likely to experience a range of mental health problems in young adulthood than children without such symptoms. They were also more likely to be obese, smoke cigarettes, be lonely, be parents, and report a lower quality of life, but not more likely to commit crimes. Childhood psychotic symptoms predicted these poor outcomes over and above other emotional and behavioral problems during childhood. Nevertheless, twin analyses indicated that these associations were largely accounted for by shared family factors.

Conclusions
Psychotic symptoms in childhood signal risk for pervasive mental health and functional difficulties in young adulthood and thus may provide a useful screen for an array of later problems. However, early psychotic symptoms and poor outcomes may be manifestations of shared environmental and genetic risks.
The comparative institutional analysis of energy transitions
Authors: Wood Geoffrey , Finnegan Jared J , Allen Maria L , Allen Matthew M C , Cumming Douglas , Johan Sofia , Nicklich Manuel , Endo Takahiro , Lim Sijeong , Tanaka Seiki 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
The discussion on ‘The comparative institutional analysis of energy transitions’ gives us a state-of-the-art overview of the main theoretical and conceptual developments within the field of political economy. It invites us to broaden our knowledge on the changing realities of different geographical regions in energy transition. In this discussion forum, Finnegan discusses emerging themes in the comparative political economy literature of climate change. He identifies gaps and offers an outline for further research. Allen, Allen, Cumming and Johan take a closer look at the links between different types of capitalism and the natural environment. The authors stress the importance of adopting an institutional perspective to explain differences in environmental outcomes. Wood compares the transitions of energy usage and mixes between liberal and coordinated market economies from a historical perspective. He looks for parallels between the energy transition from coal to oil and gas to the current renewables. Nicklich and Endo answer the question ‘Do globalization and globally perceived occurrences of environmental problems lead to a convergence of energy supply?’. They compare the fields of German and Japanese wind power with a particular focus on Greenpeace after the Fukushima disaster in 2011. Finally, Lim and Tanaka focus on the question ‘When do energy transition policies enjoy broad-based acceptance?’. They conclude that the public acceptance of energy transition varies between Western and non-Western societies.
Debt struggles: How financial markets gave birth to a working-class movement
Authors: Ravelli Quentin 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThough the social consequences of financialization are well-known, their influence on radical politics remains unclear. The failure of the democratization of finance led to unprecedented levels of debt and to new types of social movement. Across the globe, the collapse of mortgage markets, and the promise of private property for all, generated strong contestation. In Spain, the movement against debt, structured around the Platform of People Affected by Mortgages, is exceptionally powerful, contributing to unprecedented political change. What makes this anti-eviction movement so successful? How can a brand new organization, off the well-worn paths of trade unions and political parties, mobilize debtors, despite their isolation, despondency and lack of organizational skills? Combining visual ethnography with a survey of 568 underwater borrowers from 12 cities, this article shows who the over-indebted activists are. Construction workers and migrant women played a central role in transforming individual guilt and shame into political empowerment.
Detection of flunixin in the urine of untreated pigs housed with pigs treated with flunixin meglumine at labeled doses1
Authors: Hairgrove Thomas B , Mask Joe W , Mays Travis P , Fajt Virginia R , Bentke Ashley L , Warner Jacob L , Baynes Ronald E 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the likelihood that swine treated with flunixin meglumine could contaminate their environment, which could cause untreated swine housed in the same pen to ingest or absorb enough drug to be detected in their urine. Currently, any detectable level of flunixin found in the urine of pigs exhibited at livestock shows in Texas can disqualify the exhibitor. We conducted 2 trials in this study. The first, a pilot trial, placed pigs in 2 pens, with each pen housing a pig that did not receive a drug and a treated pig that received 2.2 mg/kg of flunixin intramuscularly. This trial demonstrated that transfer of the drug from treated to untreated pigs housed in close proximity was possible. The second trial was conducted using 10 pens, with a treated and untreated pig in each pen. Each pig receiving treatment was randomly selected and administered 2.2 mg/kg of flunixin intramuscularly; then, urine and plasma were collected from all swine for 10 d. Flunixin was detected at or above the limit of detection of 0.1 ng/mL in the urine of all treated and untreated pigs throughout the 10-d trial. Treated pigs had higher urine levels of flunixin than their untreated pen mates for 4 d post-treatment (P &lt; 0.0001), but there was no statistical difference between pen mates during the last 5 d of the trial, making it impossible to differentiate treated from untreated pigs.
Cross-border regulation and fintech: are transnational cooperation agreements the right way to go?
Authors: Ivanova Petja 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
In light of inevitable cross-border scenarios in today’s highly interconnected financial markets and since financial stability may be put at risk by the rising phenomenon of financial technology (known as fintech), the importance of developing effective ways to regulate fintech across borders cannot be neglected. The financial sector has changed from a traditional one marked by conventional financial intermediation structures towards an increasingly technology-affected one. Not only this change but anticipated developments too require if not extensively reconsidering the design of financial regulation,1 then at least not turning a blind eye to shaping developments. Whether the numerous recently sprouting bilateral fintech cooperation agreements are adequate transnational regulatory instruments to address fintech effectively across borders is for this paper to elucidate.
Chromosome-scale assembly comparison of the Korean Reference Genome KOREF from PromethION and PacBio with Hi-C mapping information
Authors: Kim Hui-Su , Jeon Sungwon , Kim Changjae , Kim Yeon Kyung , Cho Yun Sung , Kim Jungeun , Blazyte Asta , Manica Andrea , Lee Semin , Bhak Jong 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundLong DNA reads produced by single molecule and pore-based sequencers are more suitable for assembly and structural variation discovery than short read DNA fragments. For de novo assembly, PacBio and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) are favorite options. However, PacBio’s SMRT sequencing is expensive for a full human genome assembly and costs over 40,000 USD for 30x coverage as of 2019. ONT PromethION sequencing, on the other hand, is one-twelfth the price of PacBio for the same coverage. This study aimed to compare the cost-effectiveness of ONT PromethION and PacBio’s SMRT sequencing in relation to the quality.FindingsWe performed whole genome de novo assemblies and comparison to construct an improved version of KOREF, the Korean reference genome, using sequencing data produced by PromethION and PacBio. With PromethION, an assembly using sequenced reads with 64x coverage (193 Gb, 3 flowcell sequencing) resulted in 3,725 contigs with N50s of 16.7 Mbp and a total genome length of 2.8 Gbp. It was comparable to a KOREF assembly constructed using PacBio at 62x coverage (188 Gbp, 2,695 contigs and N50s of 17.9 Mbp). When we applied Hi-C-derived long-range mapping data, an even higher quality assembly for the 64x coverage was achieved, resulting in 3,179 scaffolds with an N50 of 56.4 Mbp.ConclusionThe pore-based PromethION approach provides a good quality chromosome-scale human genome assembly at a low cost with long maximum contig and scaffold lengths and is more cost-effective than PacBio at comparable quality measurements.
A workflow for visualizing human cancer biopsies using large-format electron microscopy
Authors: Riesterer Jessica L. , López Claudia S. , Stempinski Erin S. , Williams Melissa , Loftis Kevin , Stoltz Kevin , Thibault Guillaume , Lanicault Christian , Williams Todd , Gray Joe W. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractRecent developments in large format electron microscopy have enabled generation of images that provide detailed ultrastructural information on normal and diseased cells and tissues. Analyses of these images increase our understanding of cellular organization and interactions and disease-related changes therein. In this manuscript, we describe a workflow for two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) imaging, including both optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods, that allow pathologists and cancer biology researchers to identify areas of interest from human cancer biopsies. The protocols and mounting strategies described in this workflow are compatible with 2D large format EM mapping, 3D focused ion beam-SEM and serial block face-SEM. The flexibility to use diverse imaging technologies available at most academic institutions makes this workflow useful and applicable for most life science samples. Volumetric analysis of the biopsies studied here revealed morphological, organizational and ultrastructural aspects of the tumor cells and surrounding environment that cannot be revealed by conventional 2D EM imaging. Our results indicate that although 2D EM is still an important tool in many areas of diagnostic pathology, 3D images of ultrastructural relationships between both normal and cancerous cells, in combination with their extracellular matrix, enables cancer researchers and pathologists to better understand the progression of the disease and identify potential therapeutic targets.