bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Development of New Composite Metrics for the Comprehensive Analytic and Visual Assessment of Hypoglycemia Using the Hypo-Triad
Authors: Thomas Andreas , Shin John , Jiang Boyi , McMahon Chantal , Kolassa Ralf , Vigersky Robert A. 
Published: July 2017

Background: Quantifying hypoglycemia has traditionally been limited to using the frequency of hypoglycemic events during a given time interval using data from blood glucose (BG) testing. However, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) captures three parameters—a Hypo-Triad—unavailable with BG monitoring that can be used to better characterize hypoglycemia: area under the curve (AUC), time (duration of hypoglycemia), and frequency of daily episodes below a specified threshold. Methods: We developed two new analytic metrics to enhance the traditional Hypo-Triad of CGM-derived data to more effectively capture the intensity of hypoglycemia (IntHypo) and overall hypoglycemic environment called the “hypoglycemia risk volume” (HypoRV). We reanalyzed the CGM data from the ASPIRE In-Home study, a randomized, controlled trial of a sensor-integrated pump system with a low glucose threshold suspend feature (SIP+TS), using these new metrics and compared them to standard metrics of hypoglycemia. Results: IntHypo and HypoRV provide additional insights into the benefit of a SIP+TS system on glycemic exposure when compared to the standard reporting methods. In addition, the visual display of these parameters provides a unique and intuitive way to understand the impact of a diabetes intervention on a cohort of subjects as well as on individual patients. Conclusion: The IntHypo and HypoRV are new and enhanced ways of analyzing CGM-derived data in diabetes intervention studies which could lead to new insights in diabetes management. They require validation using existing, ongoing, or planned studies to determine whether they are superior to existing metrics.
The complete genome sequence of the cold adapted crude-oil degrader: Pedobacter steynii DX4
Authors: Chang Sijing , Zhang Gaosen , Chen Ximing , Long Haozhi , Wang Yilin , Chen Tuo , Liu Guangxiu 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPedobacter steynii DX4 was isolated from the soil of Tibetan Plateau and it can use crude oil as sole carbon and energy source at 15 °C. The genome of Pedobacter steynii DX4 has been sequenced and served as basis for analysis its metabolic mechanism. It is the first genome of crude oil degrading strain in Pedobacter genus. The 6.58 Mb genome has an average G + C content of 41.31% and encodes 5464 genes. In addition, annotation revealed that Pedobacter steynii DX4 has cold shock proteins, abundant response regulators for cell motility, and enzymes involved in energy conversion and fatty acid metabolism. The genomic characteristics could provide information for further study of oil-degrading microbes for recovery of crude oil polluted environment.
Use of Surveillance Mammography Among Older Breast Cancer Survivors by Life Expectancy
Authors: Freedman Rachel A. , Keating Nancy L. , Pace Lydia E. , Lii Joyce , McCarthy Ellen P. , Schonberg Mara A. 
Published: July 2017

Purpose The benefits of annual surveillance mammography in older breast cancer survivors with limited life expectancy are not known, and there are important risks; however, little is known about mammography use among these women. Materials and Methods We used National Health Interview Study data from 2000, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2013, and 2015 to examine surveillance mammography use among women age ≥ 65 years who reported a history of breast cancer. Using multivariable logistic regression, we assessed the probability of mammography within the last 12 months by 5- and 10-year life expectancy (using the validated Schonberg index), adjusting for survey year, region, age, marital status, insurance, educational attainment, and indicators of access to care. Results Of 1,040 respondents, 33.7% were age ≥ 80 years and 88.6% were white. Approximately 8.6% and 35.1% had an estimated life expectancy of ≤ 5 and ≤ 10 years, respectively. Overall, 78.9% reported having routine surveillance mammography in the last 12 months. Receipt of mammography decreased with decreasing life expectancy ( P < .001), although 56.7% and 65.9% of those with estimated ≤ 5-year and ≤ 10-year life expectancy, respectively, reported mammography in the last year. Conversely, 14.1% of those with life expectancy > 10 years did not report mammography. In adjusted analyses, lower ( v higher) life expectancy was significantly associated with lower odds of mammography (odds ratio, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.3 to 0.8 for ≤ 5-year life expectancy and OR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.3 to 0.6 for ≤ 10-year life expectancy). Conclusion Many (57%) older breast cancer survivors with an estimated short life expectancy (< 5 years) receive annual surveillance mammography despite unknown benefits, whereas 14% with estimated life expectancy > 10 years did not report mammography. Practice guidelines are needed to optimize and tailor follow-up care for older patients.
Ablative safety margin depicted by fusion imaging with post-treatment contrast-enhanced ultrasound and pre-treatment CECT/CEMRI after radiofrequency ablation for liver cancers
Authors: Bo Xiao-Wan , Xu Hui-Xiong , Guo Le-Hang , Sun Li-Ping , Li Xiao-Long , Zhao Chong-Ke , He Ya-Ping , Liu Bo-Ji , Li Dan-Dan , Zhang Kun , Wang Dan 
Published: July 2017

Objective:
To evaluate the value of fusion imaging with post-treatment contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and pre-treatment contrast-enhanced CT/MRI (CECT/CEMRI) in evaluating ablative safety margin after percutaneous ultrasound (US)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for liver cancers.

Methods:
34 consecutive patients with 47 liver lesions who had undergone RFA were included. Fusion imaging with post-treatment CEUS and pre-treatment CECT/CEMRI was carried out to evaluate local treatment response and ablative safety margin within 1–3 days after RFA. The minimal ablative safety margins of the ablation zones were recorded. The complete response (CR) rate was calculated with reference to CECT/CEMRI results 1 month after RFA. The local tumour progression (LTP) was also recorded.

Results:
Of the 47 ablation zones, 47 (100%) were clearly depicted with CEUS-CECT/CEMRI fusion imaging, 36 (76.6%) with US-CECT/CEMRI fusion imaging and 21 (44.7%) with conventional US (both p &lt; 0.001). The minimal ablative safety margins were great than or equal to 5 mm in 28 ablation zones, between 0 and 5 mm in 15, and less than 0 mm in 4. For the four lesions without enough ablative safety margin, three were referred to follow-up because CEUS showed larger ablation zones than pre-treatment lesions and the remaining lesion was subject to additional RFA 5 days after the first RFA. The CR rate was 95.7% (45/47) with reference to CECT/CEMRI results 1 month after RFA. During 2 to 34 months follow-up, LTP was found in two (4.4%) of 45 lesions with CR. Insufficient ablative safety margin was more commonly found in those lesions with LTP than those without LTP (1/4 vs 1/43, p &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion:
Fusion imaging with post-treatment CEUS and pre-treatment CECT/CEMRI can depict the ablative safety margin accurately after RFA. Inadequate ablative safety margin is associated with LTP. Depiction of ablative safety margin by fusion imaging after ablation might be considered as a routine procedure to assess the treatment response of RFA.

Advances in knowledge:
Fusion imaging with post-treatment CEUS and pre-treatment CECT/CEMRI is an effective method to evaluate the ablative safety margin early after RFA. Therefore, it should be recommended to be used as a routine procedure after RFA for liver cancers.
Diagnostic value of semi-quantitative and quantitative analysis of functional parameters in multiparametric MRI of the prostate
Authors: Hauth Elke , Halbritter Daniela , Jaeger Horst , Hohmuth Horst , Beer Meinrad 
Published: July 2017

Objective:
To determine the diagnostic value of semi-quantitative and quantitative parameters of three functional techniques in multiparametric (mp)-MRI of the prostate.

Methods:
Mp-MRI was performed in 110 patients with suspicion of prostate cancer (PCA) before transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided core biopsy.
Peak-enhancement, initial and post-initial enhancement, initial area under gadolinium curve, Ktrans (forward rate constant), Kep (efflux rate constant), Ve (extracellular volume), ADC (apparent diffusion coefficient) and MR spectroscopy ratio were obtained for malignant and benign lesions. For iAUGC, Ktrans, Kep and Ve we evaluated median, mean and the difference (Diff) between mean and median. For ADC we evaluated mean, median, Diff between mean and median, and min. In addition, we evaluated these parameters in dependence of Gleason score in PCA. Receiver operating characteristic analysis and area under curve (AUC) were determined.

Results:
ADC min and Kep Diff were the best predictors of malignancy in all lesions (AUC: 0.765). ADC min was the best predictor of malignancy for lesions in peripheral zone (PZ) (AUC: 0.7506) and Kep Diff was the best predictor of malignancy for lesions in transitional zone (AUC: 0.7514). Peak enhancement was the best parameter in differentiation of low-grade PCA with Gleason score 6 from high-grade PCA with Gleason score ≥ 7 (AUC: 0.7692).

Conclusion:
ADC min can differentiate PCA from benign prostate lesions in PZ. Kep Diff could possibly improve prostate cancer detection in. Peak enhancement might be able to differentiate low grade from high-grade PCA. Semi-quantitative and quantitative parameters may be useful for the functional techniques in mp-MRI.

Advances in knowledge:
ADC min can differentiate PCA from benign prostate lesions in PZ.
Peak enhancement might be able to differentiate low grade from high-grade PCA.
MRI assessment of sacroiliitis for the diagnosis of axial spondyloarthropathy: comparison of fat-saturated T2, STIR and contrast-enhanced sequences
Authors: Sung Siyoun , Kim Hyun Su , Kwon Jong Won 
Published: July 2017

Objective:
To evaluate whether there are significant differences between contrast-enhanced fat-saturated T 1 weighted imaging and non-enhanced fat-suppression imaging for diagnosing sacroiliitis in patients with inflammatory back pain.

Methods:
92 patients, consisting of 46 males and 46 females (mean age: 34 years; range: 15–63 years), who met at least 4 out of 5 Assessment in SpondyloArthritis international Society criteria for inflammatory low back pain were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent MRI consisting of a coronal short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequence, axial fat-saturated T 2 weighted imaging (T2FS), and coronal and axial contrast-enhanced fat-saturated T 1 weighted imaging (c & a T1CE). Two observers independently reviewed an image set of coronal STIR with axial T2FS, and an image set of c & a T1CE, at separate times. The degree of bone marrow edema and osteitis was evaluated from each image set. A decision for sacroiliitis positivity for each image set was made based on the findings. The presence of additional active inflammatory findings of spondyloarthropathy such as synovitis, enthesitis and capsulitis were also evaluated.

Results:
Interobserver and intersequence agreement for the degree of bone marrow edema and osteitis were good or excellent in all quadrants. Cohen’s kappa coefficients for sacroiliitis positivity between the two observers were 0.978 and 0.956, and Cohen’s kappa coefficients between the two image sets for each observer were 0.892 and 0.870, respectively. The intersequence agreement of additional active inflammatory findings was substantial, and the interobserver agreement was almost perfect or substantial.

Conclusion:
STIR with T2FS image is comparable to T1CE image for diagnosing spondyloarthropathy. T1CE images may have a role in evaluating additional active inflammatory findings of spondyloarthropathy such as synovitis, enthesitis and capsulitis.

Advances in knowledge:
Coronal STIR with axial T2FS may be sufficient for diagnosis spondyloarthropathy without use of contrast administration.
APPLICATION OF OSL METHOD IN DATING PAST EARTHQUAKES
Authors: Tsodoulos I. , Stamoulis K.C. , Papachristodoulou C. , Pavlides PS. , Ioannides K.G. 
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study was to establish a chronological frame of paleoseismic events of Gyrtoni Fault, (Thessaly, Central Greece), with the use of OSL dating method. The Gyrtoni Fault, defines the north-eastern boundary of the Middle-Late Quaternary Tyrnavos Basin, and was previously investigated with geological methods. Twenty five fluvial-colluvial sediment and pottery samples were collected from two paleoseismological trenches, excavated along the Gyrtoni Fault, from both the upthrown and the downthrown fault blocks. Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating was applied to coarse grain quartz using the single-aliquot regenerative-dose (SAR) protocol. Investigations of luminescence characteristics using various tests confirmed the suitability of the material for OSL dating using the SAR protocol. Radioactivity measurements were performed in order to estimate the annual dose rateof the surrounding soils to which the quartz grains were submitted during the burial period of the collected samples. The estimated OSL ages agreed well with the available stratigraphical data, and archaeological evidence. The occurrence of three surface faulting events in a time span between 1.42 ± 0.06 ka and 5.59 ± 0.13 ka was revealed while an earlier faulting event (fourth) was also recognized to be older than 5.59 ± 0.13 ka.
The effect of catalyst precursors and conditions of preparing Pt and Pd-Pt catalysts on their activity in the oxidation of hexane
Authors: Kucharczyk Barbara , Szczygieł Bogdan , Chęcmanowski Jacek 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe effectiveness of under-air n-hexane oxidation over monolithic catalysts made of heat-resistant foil, containing Pt, Pd or Pt-Pd, was compared. Pt and Pd precursors, either containing chlorine or devoid of chlorine, were used to prepare the catalysts. The chlorine- containing Pt (H2PtCl6) and Pd (PdCl2) precursors were found to lower the activity of the catalysts in hexane oxidation. Studies of the effect of 0.15% Pt/Al2O3catalyst (using H2PtCl6as the precursor) calcination conditions on catalyst activity showed the catalyst calcined in static air at 500°C to be the most active. Airflow calcination of the catalyst does not change its catalytic properties. In comparison with the 0.5% Pd/Al2O3catalyst obtained from Pd(NO3)2, the use of a bimetallic 0.5% Pd/0.1% Pt/Al2O3catalyst, in which the precursors were Pd(NO3)2and Pt(NO3)4, resulted in the lowering of 10% and 50% n-hexane temperature by 15°C and 10°C.
Glass fiber reinforced rigid polyurethane foam: synthesis and characterization
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Kaur Raminder 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe present study emphasizes the reinforcement of rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) by the addition of glass fibers (GFs) for diverse engineering applications. In contrast to the conventional RPUF, the foam developed in this case is castor oil based. The developed reinforced foam was tested for its mechanical properties such as hardness, tensile, flexural and compressive strength and for its morphology. Mechanical properties of the resulted reinforced RPUF were found to be improved with addition of the GF content. The foam density was also observed to be increased with the insertion of GF. The SEM results clearly indicated the decreased cell size in the reinforced RPUF.
Protecting Foreign Investments in Public Services: Regulatory Stability at Any Cost?
Authors: Costamagna Francesco 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe article addresses the tension between regulatory stability and regulatory change within the international regime for the protection of foreign investments. The work focuses on public services, a sector where striking a balance between stability and change has been highly problematic. In this context, modifications of the regulatory framework may substantially affect the profitability of investments that normally presuppose large network infrastructures. On the other hand, adapting the regulatory framework to ever-changing social needs is crucial to pursue fundamental social purposes. The article deals with this tension through the prism of the fair and equitable treatment standard and the protection of investors’ legitimate expectations. The analysis shows that there has been an evolution in the arbitral practice, but that there is still considerable uncertainty on key aspects. The paper proposes the adoption of an interpretive approach that can help ease the tension between stability and change.
State Estimation Based on Nonlinear Observer for Hydrogen Production in a Photocatalytic Anaerobic Bioreactor
Authors: Aguilar López Ricardo , Ruiz Camacho Beatriz , Neria-González M. Isabel , Rangel Eduardo , Santos Omar , López Pérez Pablo A. 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Hydrogen concentration in a photocatalytic continuous bioreactor was estimated. For the above system, a novel kinetic model of the sulfate-reducing process for hydrogen production was proposed and experimentally confirmed. In addition, we present the design of an estimator based on nonlinear observer, which is robust against modeling errors, to estimate the observable states of the bioreactor. Sulfate, biomass, sulfide, carbon dioxide, cadmium in liquid, cadmium sulfide, and hydrogen concentrations were estimated in spite of errors in the evaluation of the parameters using sulfate concentration as measurable output. The convergence of the proposed observer was analyzed using Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, maximum hydrogen production was 225 mL and 175 mL for batch and continuous processes, respectively.
Complex Challenges, Complex Responses and the State
Authors: Boldizsár Gábor 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
After the Cold War, military challenges were generated on the periphery of Europe and beyond. Europe and NATO dealt with such challenges within the framework of crisis response and peace support operations. During the development of operations in the increasingly complex environments military actors carried out increasingly complex tasks and missions. The top of the efforts is state building affecting almost all of the governmental and state organizations and actors. Today in Central Europe and in the Carpathian Basin we are facing new threats. The massive and uncontrolled migration, terrorism and hybrid threats pose new challenges for the states. Today the physical and internal security in the homeland has to be reconsidered by the state. The new threats require a new type of response. The military and law enforcement organizations, vital governmental authorities have to effectively act together in order to provide safe and secure environment in the country. This joint effort is a new type of home- and collective defence. The complex security of the state and citizens can be guaranteed by coordinated cooperation based on mutual trust and knowledge among organizations only. This activity is labelled as Inter-agency Operations, in which the intent and capability of interoperability are required from all actors.
The Hybrid Warfare in the 21St Century: An Old Concept with a New Face
Authors: Cîrdei Ionut Alin 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
In the last years the focus of the military specialists changed from the asymmetrical threats to the hybrid threats, seen as one of the main challenge for the security in the 21st century. The increased attention paid to hybrid threats is due to the events that took place in Ukraine, Syria and other confrontation areas and which highlighted the vulnerability of the modern societies and modern armies toward this type of actions. The use of hybrid type tactics can ensure the achievement of the main objectives of an international actor, with a low effort, usually without using the force, and can deny to the target/victim the possibility to take any defensive actions. The hybrid warfare can represent the war of the 21st century, a new type of direct or indirect confrontation, with effects on short and medium term, impossible to be anticipated.
Hybrid Warfare – A Form of Asymmetric Conflict
Authors: Herța Laura-Maria 
Published: July 2017

AbstractFor a few decades now, a vivid scholarly discussion centred on new forms of conflict has been developing. Military historians and political scientists entered into debates building consistent pro and counter-arguments about whether armed conflict at the end of the 20thcentury and beginning of the 21st century features novel aspects. Several concepts have been coined in order to describe the nature and dynamic of warfare in a post-clausewitzian/post-conventional era, such as new wars, Fourth Generation Warfare, compound wars and last, but not least, hybrid warfare. This article will briefly present the core of each category and will stress hybrid warfare as most recent development of such intellectual categories. The main argument defended here is that hybrid wars are a contemporary feature of global politics, mostly associated with non-state actors (such as terrorist groups) and with Russia’s strategies in eastern Ukraine, but also that they are a form of asymmetric conflict.
Wargaming and Challenges in the Experimentation Domain
Authors: Hodicky Jan 
Published: July 2017

AbstractMilitary domain lacks the sufficient funding. It becomes extremely critical investing into the right projects that will deliver the expected outcome in the acquisition phase from the medium and long term perspective. The Concept Development and Experimentation (CD&E) is a powerful approach to reduce the related risk if it is consistently applied. Wargaming is a method that is used in the military to get insight about the examined phenomena when employing the military decision making process. The article deals with the role of wargaming in the CD&E. The second part of the article describes the architecture of wargame, main constructs, phases and critical factors of its design. The last part of the article describes the proposed Case Study of the Computer Assisted Wargaming (CAW) to be used for the complex problem like military capability planning and risk reduction under the specified uncertainty. Uncertainty is reduced by proper Design of Experiment when the CAW plays the crucial role.
Competence to the Leadership and It’s Concept in the Army of Czech Republic
Authors: Mikulka Zdeněk , Nekvapilová Ivana , Pospíšil Roman 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
The performance of commanding roles in non-standard situations and cooperation within NATO troops showed the need for the development of leadership skills among the commanders of the Army of the Czech Republic at all levels of command. The competence to lead people hasn't been yet systematically developed and explored in the Czech Army. It lacks not only a precise definition for the role of commander but also specifications for each level of command. The aim of this article is to inform about the initial approach to the concept of competence to lead people in the Czech Army, to generate the structure of given competence and a description of its sub-skills for the position of team and platoon from the available theoretical sources. To compare the theoretical model with the results of the research among selected military professionals, which will permit to more accurately identify, for the military experience, necessary elements of competence. The results will be usable for following internal differentiation of the researched competence for other levels of command. This article was written as a part of the project Development of social competencies of the military leader.