bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human frontoparietal cortex represents behaviorally relevant target status based on abstract object features
Authors: Henderson Margaret , Serences John T. 
Published: February 2019

Searching for items that are useful given current goals, or “target” recognition, requires observers to flexibly attend to certain object properties at the expense of others. This could involve focusing on the identity of an object while ignoring identity-preserving transformations such as changes in viewpoint or focusing on its current viewpoint while ignoring its identity. To effectively filter out variation due to the irrelevant dimension, performing either type of task is likely to require high-level, abstract search templates. Past work has found target recognition signals in areas of ventral visual cortex and in subregions of parietal and frontal cortex. However, target status in these tasks is typically associated with the identity of an object, rather than identity-orthogonal properties such as object viewpoint. In this study, we used a task that required subjects to identify novel object stimuli as targets according to either identity or viewpoint, each of which was not predictable from low-level properties such as shape. We performed functional MRI in human subjects of both sexes and measured the strength of target-match signals in areas of visual, parietal, and frontal cortex. Our multivariate analyses suggest that the multiple-demand (MD) network, including subregions of parietal and frontal cortex, encodes information about an object’s status as a target in the relevant dimension only, across changes in the irrelevant dimension. Furthermore, there was more target-related information in MD regions on correct compared with incorrect trials, suggesting a strong link between MD target signals and behavior. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Real-world target detection tasks, such as searching for a car in a crowded parking lot, require both flexibility and abstraction. We investigated the neural basis of these abilities using a task that required invariant representations of either object identity or viewpoint. Multivariate decoding analyses of our whole brain functional MRI data reveal that invariant target representations are most pronounced in frontal and parietal regions, and the strength of these representations is associated with behavioral performance.
Wood discrimination analyses of Pterocarpus tinctorius and endangered Pterocarpus santalinus using DART-FTICR-MS coupled with multivariate statistics
Authors: Zhang Maomao , Zhao Guang Jie , Liu Bo , He Tuo , Guo Juan , Jiang Xiaomei , Yin Yafang 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACT
Pterocarpus santalinus, listed in CITES Appendix II, is an endangered timber species as a result of illegal harvesting due to its high value and commercial demand. The growing demand for P. santalinus and timbers with the morphologically similar Pterocarpus tinctorius has resulted in confusion as well as identification problems. Therefore, it is of vital importance to explore reliable ways to accurately discriminate between P. santalinus and P. tinctorius. In this study, the method of direct analysis in real time and fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (DART-FTICR-MS), combined with multivariate statistical analysis, was used to extract chemical information from xylarium wood specimens and to explore the feasibility of distinguishing these two species. Significant differences were observed in their DART-FTICR-MS spectra. Orthogonal partial least square-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) showed the highest prediction, with an accuracy of 100%. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of authenticating wood types using DART-FTICR-MS coupled with multivariate statistical analysis.
Are living peatland trees a reliable natural archive for climate reconstruction?
Authors: Dinella Anna , Giammarchi Francesco , Tonon Giustino 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTPeatland ecosystems are an important archive of paleoclimatic information. Within this context, tree-ring data from trees growing in such ecosystems are extremely valuable resources, and subfossil trees from peat bogs have been widely employed in dendroclimatological studies. However, there are still gaps in our understanding of the relationships among tree growth, peatland hydrology and climate factors. Here, we summarize the principal studies on living peatland trees, with a particular focus on their use as a source of information on past climatic conditions. We discuss the main factors influencing tree growth in this environment, whether it is the local hydrological cycle or climate. We put a particular focus on the reliability of the climate signal recorded by living peatland trees, comparing it with that found in subfossil trees. Finally, we discuss the relevance of quantitative wood anatomy in the context of peatland ecosystems research.
On the hydraulic conductance of three woody Devonian plants
Authors: Cascales-Miñana B. , Gerrienne P. , Sirjacq B. , Steemans P. 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTMost evolutionary innovations in plant vascular tissues, including secondary growth, occurred during the Devonian period (~420 to 360 million years ago). Such innovations had a major impact on land colonisation by plants and on their biodiversity. Here, we show the hydraulic conductance of the secondary xylem of three shrubby or arborescent plant fossils (a probably new genus of Cladoxylopsida, the archaeopteridalean genus Callixylon and the stenokolean genus Brabantophyton). Evidences come from the Ronquières fossil site (Belgium). This site is considered mid-late Givetian/earliest Frasnian in age. Results reveal that hydraulic conductivity of these early woody plants is more or less similar to that of modern gymnosperms, meaning that water transport was already as efficient in Devonian plants as it is in living plants. Our results further suggest that tracheids with features helping for optimised water transport were quickly selected in the evolutionary history of vascular plants.
Large volume vessels are vulnerable to water-stress-induced embolism in stems of poplar
Authors: Jacobsen Anna L. , Brandon Pratt R. , Venturas Martin D. , Hacke Uwe G. , Lens Frederic 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACT
Xylem vessels interconnect to form the vessel network that is responsible for long-distance water transport through the plant. As plants dehydrate, the water column within vessels cavitates and gas emboli form, which block transport through embolized vessels. The impact of vessel blockages on transport through the xylem tissue depends upon vessel size and the arrangement and connections between vessels in the network. We examined if there was a correlation between vessel length and diameter within poplar stem xylem tissue using both silicone-injection and analysis of tissue volumes scanned using high-resolution computed tomography (microCT). We then used microCT to scan intact stems sampled over varying water potentials to examine if larger vessels, which would have the greatest impact on hydraulic transport, were more vulnerable to cavitation and embolism than smaller vessels. Within the xylem tissue, larger diameter vessels tended to be longer than narrow diameter vessels. Vessel size distributions indicated that most vessels were narrow and short, with fewer large vessels. Larger volume vessels tended to embolize at higher water potentials and the mean vessel volume of embolized vessels declined as water potentials declined. Hydraulic transport through the xylem tissue was near zero when about 40% of the vessels within the xylem tissue volume were embolized, suggesting important vessel network effects occur as water moves through a three-dimensional (3D) tissue. The structure of the vessel network is important in understanding the impact of emboli within vessels on the overall hydraulic function of xylem tissue.
Thromboprophylaxis for varicose vein procedures – A national survey
Authors: Boyle Emily , Reid Julie , O’Donnell Mark , Harkin Denis , Badger Stephen 
Published: February 2019

Background Venous thromboembolism is rare following varicose vein ablation procedures, but uncertainty about its incidence combined with a lack of evidence-based clinical guidelines regarding thromboprophylaxis has led to debate about best practice. We conducted a national survey to investigate current practice among Irish vascular surgeons. Methods An anonymous online questionnaire was emailed to all members of the Irish Association of Vascular Surgeons and the Northern Ireland Vascular Society. Results Response rate was 60%. With regard to procedure type, 36.7% of respondents use only endovenous techniques and 53% use a combination of open and endovenous. Formal duplex imaging on all patients is obtained by 53.3%. With regard to VTE prevention, 73.3% always give thromboprophylaxis. For those who give it selectively, a variety of factors were considered as risks. Pharmacological agents used are enoxaparin in 73.3% of cases or tinzaparin, and 71.4% use a single dose (either 20/40 mg or 3500/4500 IU respectively). If patients are already taking anticoagulation, this is continued by 46.7% of respondents. Routine post procedure duplex imaging is carried out by 23.1% of recipients, either by the surgeon or formally and 80% review patients clinically. Moreover, 43.3% of respondents claim to know their post-operative VTE rate and this varies from 0 to 1% with one mortality reported. Conclusions The majority of respondents use single-dose thromboprophylaxis periprocedurally for varicose vein ablation procedures. VTE rates are low but the true incidence may be unknown.
Effectiveness and safety of a mixture of diosmin, coumarin and arbutin (Linfadren®) in addition to conventional treatment in the management of patients with post-trauma/surgery persistent hand edema: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cacchio Angelo , Di Carlo Giancarlo , Vincenza Cofini , Elisabetta De Blasis 
Published: February 2019

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of oral administration of Linfadren® in addition to conventional treatment in patients with post-trauma/surgery persistent hand edema. Design: Parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Setting: Outpatient rehabilitation center. Subjects: A total of 60 outpatients (mean age 48.5 (standard deviation (SD) = 12.3) years) with post-trauma/surgery persistent hand edema. Interventions: Patients were randomized to either receive six-week conventional treatment plus Linfadren® (Study Group) or conventional treatment (Control Group). Main Measures: Primary outcome was hand edema as measured by figure-of-eight method. Secondary outcomes were hand function, patient’s overall perceived treatment effectiveness and rescue medication request. Tolerability of Linfadren® was also evaluated. Assessments were performed at baseline, at the end of treatment and three months after the end of treatment. Results: All patients completed the six-week program and 57 patients (95%) completed the three-month follow-up. At six weeks, the Study Group had significantly greater improvement in hand edema (423.3 (SD = 23.8) mm vs 439.4 (SD = 22.6) mm; P = 0.009) and upper limb function ( Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire: 23.6 (SD = 13.6) vs 37.7 (SD = 15.9); P = 0.005) compared to the Control Group. Moreover, the percentage of patients who perceived treatment as effective was significantly higher in the Study Group than in the Control Group both after treatment (70% vs 37%, P = 0.002) and at follow-up (77% vs 30%, P < 0.0001). The rescue medication request was not different between groups. No adverse events were recorded. Conclusion: Linfadren® in addition to conventional treatment was safe and more effective than conventional treatment alone in patients with post-trauma/surgery persistent hand edema.
Palliative care specialists in hospice and hospital/community teams predominantly use low doses of sedative medication at the end of life for patient comfort rather than sedation: Findings from focus groups and patient records for I-CAN-CARE
Authors: Vivat Bella , Bemand-Qureshi Lucy , Harrington Jane , Davis Sarah , Stone Patrick 
Published: February 2019

Background: Little research has explored the detail of practice when using sedative medications at the end of life. One work package of the I-CAN-CARE research programme investigates this in UK palliative care. Aims: To investigate current practices when using sedative medication at the end of life in London, UK, by (1) qualitatively exploring the understandings of palliative care clinicians, (2) examining documented sedative use in patient records and (3) comparing findings from both investigations. Design: We conducted focus groups with experienced palliative care physicians and nurses, and simultaneously reviewed deceased patient records. Setting/participants: In total, 10 physicians and 17 senior nurses in London hospice or hospital/community palliative care took part in eight focus groups. Simultaneously, 50 patient records for people who received continuous sedation at end of life in the hospice and hospital were retrieved and reviewed. Results: Focus group participants all said that they used sedative medication chiefly for managing agitation or distress; selecting drugs and dosages as appropriate for patients’ individual needs; and aiming to use the lowest possible dosages for patients to be ‘comfortable’, ‘calm’ or ‘relaxed’. None used structured observational tools to assess sedative effects, strongly preferring clinical observation and judgement. The patient records’ review corroborated these qualitative findings, with the median continuous dose of midazolam administered being 10 mg/24 h (range: 0.4–69.5 mg/24 h). Conclusion: Clinical practice in these London settings broadly aligns with the European Association for Palliative Care framework for using sedation at the end of life, but lacks any objective monitoring of depth of sedation. Our follow-on study explores the utility and feasibility of objectively monitoring sedation in practice.
Early functional outcomes following in-bore transrectal MR image-guided focal laser ablation for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia at one year
Authors: Sperling Dan S , Farbstein Avi , Farbstein Sam , Gentile John C 
Published: February 2019

Background Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common benign enlargement of the prostate. Purpose To assess complications, recovery, and early functional outcomes following in-bore transrectal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided focal laser ablation (FLA) for men with BPH at one year. Material and Methods The efficacy and safety outcomes at one year were evaluated for MRI-guided FLA of BPH. The efficacy objective was a reduction in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). The assessment of the safety objective was accomplished using the occurrence of Clavien-Dindo persistent grade 1 or grade 2 or higher operative complications. Results The IPSS was improved by 45% at one-year follow-up. Adverse events were typically mild to moderate with the most common being short duration dysuria, hematuria, and urgency. Conclusion MRI-guided FLA of BPH appears to offer rapid relief of symptoms while maintaining normal prostate and sexual function.
Comparative study of urethroplasties to reduce urethral strictures in patients with severe hypospadias
Authors: Huang Li-Qu , Wang Jun , Ge Zheng , Ma Geng , Lu Ru-Gang , Deng Yong-Ji , Huang Song-Ming , Guo Yun-Fei 
Published: February 2019

Objective Transverse island pedicle flap (TIPF) plus transected urethral plate-preserving urethroplasty is increasingly used for treatment of severe hypospadias. We aimed to reduce the occurrence of urethral strictures in patients undergoing such procedures. Methods Sixty-five patients with severe hypospadias were enrolled. Thirty-two patients underwent onlay-tube-onlay urethroplasty (Group A), and 33 patients underwent modified Duplay urethroplasty (Group B). Postoperative complications were recorded, including fistulas, urethral strictures, and diverticula. Results Three patients (9.4%) in Group A and 10 patients (30.3%) in group B had urethrocutaneous fistulas. Three patients (9.4%) in Group A and 0 patients (0%) in Group B had urethral strictures. No patient in the two groups had symptoms of diverticulum or penile chordee. The results of uroflowmetry were better in Group B than Group A, when comparing uroflow patterns. Conclusions TIPF plus transected urethral plate-preserving urethroplasty can lower the occurrence of stricture, which is a challenging complication. The occurrence of stricture was lower in patients who underwent modified Duplay urethroplasty, and neourethral function and quality were better in these patient. Thus, this modified procedure can be used for treatment of severe hypospadias.
A novel dynamic distraction external fixator for proximal interphalangeal joint fracture dislocation
Authors: Wang Hua-Zhu , Zhao Jian-Yong , Zhang Zhi-Sheng 
Published: February 2019

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of a novel dynamic distraction external fixator for proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) fracture-dislocation. Methods From March 2005 to March 2014, 20 patients with PIPJ fracture-dislocation were treated with our technique. Function scores according to the Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire (MHQ) score, union time, grip strength, and range of motion (ROM) were recorded before and after treatment. Results All patients completed a mean follow-up of 22 months (range, 12–60 months). All patients achieved fracture union and joint reduction. The mean union time was 3 months (range, 2–6 months). The mean postoperative MHQ score was 88.00 ± 3.42 (range, 84.00–92.00). Postoperative grip strength of the affected sides was 92% of the contralateral sides. X-rays showed that the fracture line disappeared completely with a good joint contour. The range of extension in the PIPJ was −5° (range, −10°–0°). The range of flexion in the PIPJ was 89.40° ± 9.79° (range, 75°–100°). Postoperatively, four patients had slight narrowing of the joint space and two had an uneven articular surface. Pin breakage, loosening, and tract infection were not observed. Conclusions The novel dynamic distraction external fixator is a promising option for PIPJ fracture-dislocation.
Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport Is Associated With Second Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
Authors: McPherson April L. , Feller Julian A. , Hewett Timothy E. , Webster Kate E. 
Published: February 2019

Background: Psychological responses after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and ACL reconstruction (ACLR) have been identified as predictors of return to sport but have not been investigated in relation to further injury. Purpose/Hypothesis: To determine whether psychological readiness to return to sport is associated with second ACL injury. It was hypothesized a priori that at both preoperative and 12-month postoperative time points, patients who sustained a second ACL injury would have lower psychological readiness than patients who did not have a second injury. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Patients who had a primary ACLR procedure between June 2014 and June 2016 completed the ACL–Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) (short version) scale before their ACLR and repeated the scale at 12 months after surgery to assess psychological readiness to return to sport. Patients were followed for a minimum of 2 years (range, 2-4 years) after surgery to determine further injury. The primary outcome was the relationship between ACL-RSI scores and the incidence of second ACL injury. Results: In 329 patients who returned to sport after ACLR, 52 (16%) sustained a second ACL injury. No difference in psychological readiness was observed at the preoperative time point, but patients who sustained a second injury trended toward lower psychological readiness at 12 months compared with noninjured patients (60.9 vs 67.2 points; P = .11). Younger (≤20 years) patients with injury had significantly lower psychological readiness to return to sport than young noninjured patients (60.8 vs 71.5 points; P = .02), but no difference was found in older patients (60.9 vs 64.6 points; P = .58). In younger patients, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed a cutoff score of 76.7 points with 90% sensitivity to identify younger patients who sustained a second ACL injury. Conclusion: Younger patients with lower psychological readiness are at higher risk for a second ACL injury after return to sport.
Patient’s Decisional Control Preferences of a Cohort of Patients With Advanced Cancer Receiving Palliative Care in India
Authors: Ghoshal Arunangshu , Damani Anuja , Muckaden M. A. , Yennurajalingam Sriram , Salins Naveen , Deodhar Jayita 
Published: February 2019

Context: Frequency of passive decisional control preferences (DCPs) has been variably reported but is generally higher among patients living in developing countries. Objectives: This prospective cross-sectional study aimed to determine the frequency of passive DCP among patients with advanced cancer in a tertiary cancer center in India and to identify its association with their sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Methods: Patients with advanced cancer referred to palliative care (between March and August 2016) underwent assessment of DCP using validated tools including Control Preference Scale, Satisfaction with Decision Scale, and understanding of illness questionnaire. Information regarding patient characteristics including age, gender, education, marital status, employment, Karnofsky Performance Status Scale (KPS), cancer stage and type, and religion were also collected. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: Median age 48 years, Karnofsky 90, and 55.3% were men. Shared, active (patient prefers to make decision by his or her own), and passive DCP were 20.7%, 26.7%, and 52.7%, respectively (n = 150). A total of 51.3% were satisfied by the way the actual decisions were made. Passive DCP did not vary across regions. Multivariate analysis shows that the active DCP was significantly associated with better KPS (exp B 1.07 [1.01-1.15], P = .03). Conclusions: There are significant differences in DCP with KPS. Patients report a high level of satisfaction with their treatment decision-making process, though they have a poor understanding of their prognosis and goals of care and understand their treatment to be of curative intent. Individualized understanding of DCP and focus on illness understanding may be important for quality care and patient satisfaction outcomes.