bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative study on proper thermocouple attachment for vapour phase soldering profiling
Authors: Géczy Attila , Kvanduk Bíborka , Illes Balazs , Harsányi Gábor 
Published: January 2016

Purpose
– The paper aims to present a comparative study of various thermocouple (TC) attaching methods for the proper measurement of soldering temperature profiling during vapour phase soldering (VPS). The heat transfer process during VPS is different from common methods, while the required heat for reflow is provided by the condensation. The condensate is a flowing layer on the board, where the dynamic behaviour also affects the local conditions on the surfaces. Temperature measurements based on TCs are also affected this way; it is important to investigate the process for deeper understanding.

Design/methodology/approach
– Bare printed circuit boards (PCBs) were prepared for standard K-Type TCs attachment with industry standard materials: kapton polyimide tape, aluminium tape, SMD adhesive and high-temperature solder (HTS). Heating experiments were performed in a batch-type VPS oven with Galden LS240 fluid and fixed oven parameters.

Findings
– According to the specific attachment requirements, HTS and Alu-tape are the suggested methods for better profiling reliability and repeatability. Alu-tape is the preferred all-around method, for fast, exchangeable, cheap, reliable and repeatable profiling in a VPS oven. It was presented that the heating factor (Q?) gives more reliable comparison overview; the time period-based comparisons may be affected by the thermal inertia, while heating factor also includes temperature conditions at the given time points.

Originality/value
– The paper presents the reliability of the presented methods for VPS and present suggestions for the use of different TC ends and attaching materials during condensation heating of the PCBs. Also a new approach on profiling data evaluation based on the heating factor is presented and suggested for wider use.
Inhibitory effects of antibiofilm compound 1 against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms
Authors: Shrestha Looniva , Kayama Shizuo , Sasaki Michiko , Kato Fuminori , Hisatsune Junzo , Tsuruda Keiko , Koizumi Kazuhisa , Tatsukawa Nobuyuki , Yu Liansheng , Takeda Kei , Sugai Motoyuki 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTA novel benzimidazole molecule that was identified in a small‐molecule screen and is known as antibiofilm compound 1 (ABC‐1) has been found to prevent bacterial biofilm formation by multiple bacterial pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, without affecting bacterial growth. Here, the biofilm inhibiting ability of 156 μM ABC‐1 was tested in various biofilm‐forming strains of S. aureus. It was demonstrated that ABC‐1 inhibits biofilm formation by these strains at micromolar concentrations regardless of the strains' dependence on Polysaccharide Intercellular Adhesin (PIA), cell wall‐associated protein dependent or cell wall‐ associated extracellular DNA (eDNA). Of note, ABC‐1 treatment primarily inhibited Protein A (SpA) expression in all strains tested. spa gene disruption showed decreased biofilm formation; however, the mutants still produced more biofilm than ABC‐1 treated strains, implying that ABC‐1 affects not only SpA but also other factors. Indeed, ABC‐1 also attenuated the accumulation of PIA and eDNA on cell surface. Our results suggest that ABC‐1 has pleotropic effects on several biofilm components and thus inhibits biofilm formation by S. aureus.
New record of the genus Omalus Panzer, 1801 (Chrysididae: Chrysidinae: Elampini) in South Korea, with description of a new species
Authors: Kim Jeong Kyu 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe genus Omalus Panzer, 1801 is recorded for the first time in Korea with two species: Omalus aeneus (Fabricius, 1787) and a new species, O. exiguus n. sp. The new species is easily separated from congeners by small body, short notaulus pit, presence of paired anterior foveae and large median impunctate area on mesoscutellum, large brownish integument area and absence of apicomedian notch on T3, and brown to dark brown legs. Descriptions and images of these two species are provided.
The efficacy of laser, ultrasound and self‐adjustable file in removing smear layer debris from oval root canals following retreatment: A scanning electron microscopy study
Authors: Keles Ali , Kamalak Aliye , Keskin Cangül , Akçay Merve , Uzun İsmail 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis study aims to compare the efficacy of different irrigation activation methods to remove smear layer and debris from oval‐shaped root canals following retreatment. Ninety mandibular canines with oval‐shaped root canals were selected. Retreatment was performed with R‐Endo retreatment files. The samples were randomly divided into six groups (n = 15). Groups were assigned according to agitation technique: R‐Endo with classic irrigation, with self‐adjustable file, with passive ultrasonic irrigation, R‐Endo + Er:YAG, R‐Endo + PIPS and R‐Endo + Nd:YAG. Compared with the classic irrigation (R‐Endo + CI) group, all other groups were more successful in reducing smear layer and debris (P < 0.05). The least amount of residual smear layer and debris was detected in the Er:YAG laser group (P < 0.05). Additional use of different agitation methods contributes to removal of debris and smear layer following root canal filling removal with rotary instruments; however, none of the techniques tested render root canal walls completely free of smear layer or debris.
Multiple needle‐pass percutaneous testicular sperm aspiration as first‐line treatment in azoospermic men
Authors: Jensen C. F. S. , Ohl D. A. , Hiner M. R. , Fode M. , Shah T. , Smith G. D. , Sonksen J. 
Published: January 2016

summaryPercutaneous testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) has been known for decades as a simple, minimally invasive approach to sperm retrieval in azoospermic men. Because of lower reported sperm retrieval rates (SRR) when compared with microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE), many centers now use mTESE as the first choice for retrieving spermatozoa in nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). Objectives of this study were to evaluate the outcome and safety of TESA and mTESE in the treatment of azoospermia and to investigate the usefulness of a prognostic TESA to individualize protocols for couples and limit the use of invasive testicular procedures. IRB approval was obtained to retrospectively evaluate 208 patients undergoing multiple needle‐pass TESA between 1999 and 2014. Prognostic TESA was performed on 125 men with NOA and 82 with obstructive azoospermia (OA). Nine NOA men and 31 OA men with previously demonstrated spermatozoa had a subsequent therapeutic TESA while nine NOA men with a failed TESA proceeded to mTESE. Main outcome measures were complication rates and SRR. SRR of the prognostic TESA was 30% (38/125) for NOA men and 100% (82/82) for OA men. Eight/nine NOA men and 31/31 OA men had spermatozoa found for intracytoplasmic sperm injection in a subsequent therapeutic TESA. In nine NOA men in whom a TESA produced no spermatozoa, only one had spermatozoa found with mTESE. Overall complication rates of TESA and mTESE were 3% (7/267) and 21% (3/14), respectively. TESA provides reasonable SRR and is a safe procedure. Successful prognostic TESA indicates future success with therapeutic TESA. Men with a failed TESA have a limited chance of sperm retrieval using mTESE. Approaching azoospermic men with an initial prognostic TESA followed by either therapeutic TESA and/or mTESE is an efficient algorithm in the management of azoospermia and limits the use of more invasive procedures.
Effect of including sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lam) meal in finishing pig diets on growth performance, carcass traits and pork quality
Authors: Pietrosemoli Silvana , Moron‐Fuenmayor Oneida Elizabeth , Paez Angel , Villamide Maria Jesús 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe partial replacement of a commercial concentrate at 10‐20% and 15‐30% (the first percentage of each dietary treatment corresponded to weeks 1–3 and the second to weeks 4–7 of the experiment, respectively) by sweet potato meal (SPM; 70% foliage: 30% roots) was evaluated for growth performance, carcass yield, instrumental and sensory pork quality using 36 commercial crossbred pigs (56.8 ± 1.3 kg initial body weight). Three dietary treatments were compared in a randomized complete block design. Most growth, carcass traits and pork quality variables were not affected by the SPM inclusion. Growth performance averaged 868 g/day and feed efficiency 0.24 kg/kg. However, feed intake increased 2.2% (P = 0.04) in pigs fed the 10‐20% SPM diets, in a similar order of magnitude as the decrease in dietary energy. Despite an increase in gastrointestinal tract as a percent of hot carcass weight (+14.7%) (P = 0.03) with SPM inclusion, carcass yield averaged 69.4%. Conversely, decreases in loin yield (−4.2%) (P = 0.05), backfat thickness (−6.0%) (P < 0.01) and pork tenderness (−13%) (P = 0.02) were observed with 15‐30% SPM inclusion. Results suggest that up to 20% SPM inclusion is a viable feed strategy for finishing pigs, easily replicable in small farm settings. © 2016 Japanese Society of Animal Science
N‐acetylcysteine in Acute Organophosphorus Pesticide Poisoning: A Randomized, Clinical Trial
Authors: El‐Ebiary Ahmad A. , Elsharkawy Rasha E. , Soliman Nema A. , Soliman Mohammed A. , Hashem Ahmed A. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractOrganophosphorus poisoning is a major global health problem with hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. Research interest in N‐acetylcysteine has grown among increasing evidence of the role of oxidative stress in organophosphorus poisoning. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of N‐acetylcysteine as an adjuvant treatment in patients with acute organophosphorus poisoning. This was a randomized, controlled, parallel‐group trial on 30 patients suffering from acute organophosphorus poisoning, who were admitted to the Poison Control Center of Tanta University Emergency Hospital, Tanta, Egypt, between April and September 2014. Interventions included oral N‐acetylcysteine (600 mg three times daily for 3 days) as an added treatment to the conventional measures versus only the conventional treatment. Outcome measures included mortality, total dose of atropine administered, duration of hospitalization and the need for ICU admission and/or mechanical ventilation. A total of 46 patients were screened and 30 were randomized. No significant difference was found between both groups regarding demographic characteristics and the nature or severity of baseline clinical manifestations. No major adverse effects to N‐acetylcysteine therapy were reported. Malondialdehyde significantly decreased and reduced glutathione significantly increased only in the NAC‐treated patients. The patients on NAC therapy required less atropine doses than those who received only the conventional treatment; however, the length of hospital stay showed no significant difference between both groups. The study concluded that the use of N‐acetylcysteine as an added treatment was apparently safe, and it reduced atropine requirements in patients with acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning.
Spatial Regression with Covariate Measurement Error: A Semiparametric Approach
Authors: Huque Md Hamidul , Bondell Howard D. , Carroll Raymond J. , Ryan Louise M. 
Published: January 2016

Summary
Spatial data have become increasingly common in epidemiology and public health research thanks to advances in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) technology. In health research, for example, it is common for epidemiologists to incorporate geographically indexed data into their studies. In practice, however, the spatially defined covariates are often measured with error. Naive estimators of regression coefficients are attenuated if measurement error is ignored. Moreover, the classical measurement error theory is inapplicable in the context of spatial modeling because of the presence of spatial correlation among the observations. We propose a semiparametric regression approach to obtain bias-corrected estimates of regression parameters and derive their large sample properties. We evaluate the performance of the proposed method through simulation studies and illustrate using data on Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD). Both simulation and practical application demonstrate that the proposed method can be effective in practice.
An intact putative mouse telomerase essential N‐terminal domain is necessary for proper telomere maintenance
Authors: Rousseau Philippe , Khondaker Shanjadia , Zhu Shusen , Lauzon Catherine , Mai Sabine , Autexier Chantal 
Published: January 2016

Background InformationNaturally occurring telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) isoforms may regulate telomerase activity, and possibly function independently of telomeres to modulate embryonic stem (ES) cell self‐renewal and differentiation.ResultsWe report the characterisation of two novel mouse TERT (mTERT) splice variants, Ins‐i1[1‐102] (Insi1 for short) and Del‐e12[1‐40] (Dele12 for short) that have not been previously described. Insi1 represents an in‐frame insertion of nucleotides 1–102 from intron 1, encoding a 34 amino acid insertion at amino acid 73. Based on known functions of this region in human and Tetrahymena TERTs, the insertion interrupts the RNA interaction domain 1 implicated in low‐affinity RNA binding and the telomerase essential N‐terminal domain implicated in DNA substrate interactions. Dele12 contains a 40 nucleotide deletion of exon 12 which generates a premature stop codon, and possible protein lacking the C‐terminus. We found Insi1 expressed in adult mouse brain and kidney and Dele12 expressed in adult mouse ovary. Dele12 was inactive in vitro and in mTERT−/− ES cells and Insi1 retained 26–48% of telomerase activity reconstituted by wild‐type mTERT in vitro and in mTERT−/− ES cells. The Insi1 variant exhibited reduced DNA substrate binding in vitro and both variants exhibited a reduction in binding the telomerase RNA, mTR, when expressed in mTERT−/− ES cells. Stable expression of Dele12 in the mouse fibroblast CB17 cell line inhibited telomerase activity and slowed cell growth, suggesting a potential dominant‐negative effect. Levels of signal‐free ends, representing short telomeres, and end‐to‐end fusions were higher in mTERT–/– ES cells expressing mTERT‐Insi1 and mTERT‐Dele12, compared with levels observed in mTERT–/– ES cells expressing wild‐type mTERT. In addition, in mTERT−/− cells expressing mTERT‐Insi1, we observed chromosomes that were products of repeated breakage‐bridge‐fusion cycles and other telomere dysfunction‐related aberrations.Conclusion and SignificanceAn intact mTERT N‐terminus which contributes to mTR binding, DNA binding and telomerase activity is necessary for elongation of short telomeres and the maintenance of functional telomeres. It is reasonable to speculate that relative levels of mTERT‐Insi1 may regulate telomere function in specific tissues.
Fenofibrate inhibits atrial metabolic remodelling in atrial fibrillation through PPAR‐α/sirtuin 1/PGC‐1α pathway
Authors: Liu Guang‐zhong , Hou Ting‐ting , Yuan Yue , Hang Peng‐zhou , Zhao Jing‐jing , Sun Li , Zhao Guan‐qi , Zhao Jing , Dong Jing‐mei , Wang Xiao‐bing , Shi Hang , Liu Yong‐wu , Zhou Jing‐hua , Dong Zeng‐xiang , Liu Yang , Zhan Cheng‐chuang , Li Yue , Li Wei‐min 
Published: January 2016

Background and PurposeAtrial metabolic remodelling is critical for the process of atrial fibrillation (AF). The PPAR‐α/sirtuin 1 /PPAR co‐activator α (PGC‐1α) pathway plays an important role in maintaining energy metabolism. However, the effect of the PPAR‐α agonist fenofibrate on AF is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of fenofibrate on atrial metabolic remodelling in AF and explore its possible mechanisms of action.Experimental ApproachThe expression of metabolic proteins was examined in the left atria of AF patients. Thirty‐two rabbits were divided into sham, AF (pacing with 600 beats·min−1 for 1 week), fenofibrate treated (pretreated with fenofibrate before pacing) and fenofibrate alone treated (for 2 weeks) groups. HL‐1 cells were subjected to rapid pacing in the presence or absence of fenofibrate, the PPAR‐α antagonist GW6471 or sirtuin 1‐specific inhibitor EX527. Metabolic factors, circulating biochemical metabolites, atrial electrophysiology, adenine nucleotide levels and accumulation of glycogen and lipid droplets were assessed.Key ResultsThe PPAR‐α/sirtuin 1/PGC‐1α pathway was significantly inhibited in AF patients and in the rabbit/HL‐1 cell models, resulting in a reduction of key downstream metabolic factors; this effect was significantly restored by fenofibrate. Fenofibrate prevented the alterations in circulating biochemical metabolites, reduced the level of adenine nucleotides and accumulation of glycogen and lipid droplets, reversed the shortened atrial effective refractory period and increased risk of AF.Conclusion and ImplicationsFenofibrate inhibited atrial metabolic remodelling in AF by regulating the PPAR‐α/sirtuin 1/PGC‐1α pathway. The present study may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for AF.
Doppler‐guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation with suture mucopexy compared with suture mucopexy alone for the treatment of Grade III haemorrhoids: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Aigner F. , Kronberger I. , Oberwalder M. , Loizides A. , Ulmer H. , Gruber L. , Pratschke J. , Peer S. , Gruber H. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimNovel minimally invasive techniques aimed to reposition the haemorrhoidal zone have been established for prolapsing haemorrhoids. We present a prospective randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of additional Doppler‐guided ligation of submucosal haemorrhoidal arteries (DG‐HAL) in patients with symptomatic Grade III haemorrhoids. The trial was registered as ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02372981.MethodAll consecutive patients with symptomatic Grade III haemorrhoids were randomly allocated to one of the two study arms: (i) Group A, DG‐HAL with mucopexy or (ii) Group B, mucopexy alone. End‐points were postoperative pain, faecal incontinence, bleeding, residual prolapse and alterations of the vascularization of the anorectal vascular plexus. Vascularization of the anorectal vascular plexus was assessed by transperineal contrast enhanced ultrasound. Patients recorded their symptoms in a diary maintained for a month.ResultsForty patients were recruited and randomized to the two study groups. Patients in Group A had less pain in the first two postoperative weeks. At the 12‐month follow‐up, two patients in Group A (10%) and one in Group B (5%) showed recurrent Grade III haemorrhoids (P = 0.274). No significant morphological changes were observed in the transperineal ultrasound findings between the preoperative assessment and the assessment at 1 and 6 months in either group (P > 0.05).ConclusionMucopexy techniques for treating prolapsing haemorrhoids are effective, but DG‐HAL does not add significantly to the results achieved by mucopexy. Repositioning the haemorrhoidal zone is the key to success, and mucopexy should be placed at the sites of the largest visible prolapse.
Comparison of a low Hartmann's procedure with low colorectal anastomosis with and without defunctioning ileostomy after radiotherapy for rectal cancer: results from a national registry
Authors: Jonker F. H. W. , Tanis P. J. , Coene P. P. L. O. , Gietelink L. , van der Harst E. ,   Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit Group
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimThis study used a national registry to compare the outcome after a low Hartmann's procedure (LHP), defined as removal of most of the rectum to leave a short anorectal stump and an end colostomy, and low anterior resection (LA) with or without a diverting ileostomy (DI) in rectal cancer patients all of whom had received preoperative neoadjuvant radiotherapy (RT).MethodPatients who underwent LHP or LA with or without DI for rectal cancer after RT between 2009 and 2013 were identified from the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit. The postoperative outcome was compared between the three groups and risk of complications, reoperation and mortality were analysed in a multivariable model.ResultsThe study included 4288 patients were included, of whom 27.8% underwent LHP, 20.2% LA and 52.0% LA with DI. Thirty‐day mortality was higher after LHP (3.2% vs 1.3% and 1.3% for LA with or without DI, P < 0.001), but LHP was not an independent predictor of mortality in multivariable analysis. LHP and LA with DI were associated with a lower rate of abdominal infective complications (6.5% and 10.1% vs 16.2%, P < 0.001) and reoperation (7.3% and 8.1% vs 16.5%, P < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, LHP (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.26–0.47) and LA with DI (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.33–0.54) were associated with a lower risk of reoperation than LA alone. LHP was associated with a lower risk of any postoperative complication than LA with or without DI (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.66–0.98).ConclusionLHP and LA with DI were associated with fewer infective complications and reoperations than LA alone. The rate of any complication was less after LHR than LA with or without DI.
Endobronchial metastases from melanoma: a survival analysis
Authors: Chaussende Amandine , Hermant Christophe , Tazi‐Mezalek Rachid , Favrolt Nicolas , Hureaux José , Fournier Clément , Lorut Christine , Paganin Fabrice , Ngo Minh‐Triet , Vandemoortele Thomas , Anevlavis Stavros , Froudarakis Marios E. , Vergnon Jean‐Michel 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundMetastatic spread to the tracheobronchial tree from other than bronchopulmonary tumors is a common clinical problem. However, malignant melanoma, a highly metastatic potential tumor, is rarely metastasing in the airways. Therefore little is known about survival of patients with endobronchial metastasis from melanoma.ObjectivesThe aim of our study was to assess survival of patients with endobronchial metastasis of melanomas according to clinical and radiological features, to determine any possible factor affecting survival.MethodsThis retrospective study included 19 patients who underwent a bronchoscopy from 11 different hospitals. Data about patients’ demographics, symptoms, radiographic, endoscopic findings and treatment were investigated to evaluate any possible impact on survival.ResultsEndobronchial metastases occurred at a median of 48 months (range 0–120) following the diagnosis of the primary tumor. About 73.7% of patients had other proven metastases when the endobronchial involvement was diagnosed. Symptoms are not specific as well as radiological features. Median overall survival of the studied population was 6 months (range 1–46). Factors of poor survival were multiple metastatic sites (P = 0.019), pleural (P = 0.0014) and soft tissue metastasis (P = 0.024). Different treatment modalities applied in our patients showed no effect on survival.ConclusionPatients with endobronchial metastasis have overall poor survival, affected by multiple organ involvement, the presence of pleural and soft tissue disease, while no impact on survival has been shown by any treatment applied.