bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ocular surface cytokine profile in chronic Stevens-Johnson syndrome and its response to mucous membrane grafting for lid margin keratinisation
Authors: Gurumurthy Srividya , Iyer Geetha , Srinivasan Bhaskar , Agarwal Shweta , Angayarkanni Narayanasamy 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundTo study the tear cytokine and the conjunctival and oral mucosal marker profile in chronic ocular Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and their alteration following mucous membrane grafting (MMG) for lid margin keratinisation (LMK).MethodsIn a 1-year prospective study, SJS cases (n=25) and age-matched/sex-matched healthy controls (n=25) were recruited. Tear specimen (Schirmer’s strip), conjunctival and oral mucosal imprints were collected from controls and SJS cases pre-MMG and post-MMG (at first follow-up, n=17). Tear cytokines were profiled using 27-bioplex array. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)-mediated extracellular matrix changes in conjunctival and oral mucosal cells were analysed by gene expression studies. 30ResultsTear cytokine profiling of chronic SJS cases at pre-MMG stage revealed significant upregulation of cytokines granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin (IL)-8, IL-1β, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, IL-15, IL-2, IL-17A and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) with downregulation of IP-10 (interferon gamma-induced protein 10), tumour necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, IL-10, vascular endothelial growth factor, regulated upon activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), IL-7, IL-12p70 and IL-13, with maximal increase in GM-CSF and maximal downregulation of IP-10, respectively. Of these, IL-2, IL-15, bFGF and IL-17A showed significant correlation with disease severity, pre-MMG. Conjunctival cells pre-MMG showed increase in TGF-β1, TGF-βRII, connective tissue growth factor and collagen-III gene expression by 10, 67, 173 and 184 folds, respectively, which dropped to 1.3, 11, 13.5 and 19 folds correspondingly, post-MMG. However, their expressions in oral mucosa were negligible.ConclusionA proinflammatory, profibrotic, antiapoptotic ocular surface milieu characterises chronic ocular SJS. IP-10, an antifibrotic cytokine was noted to be maximally downregulated, unlike in other forms of chronic dry eye disease. The alterations in the ocular surface are seen to reverse largely with MMG for LMK.
Anticipation, teamwork and cognitive load: chasing efficiency during robot-assisted surgery
Authors: Sexton Kevin , Johnson Amanda , Gotsch Amanda , Hussein Ahmed A , Cavuoto Lora , Guru Khurshid A 
Published: July 2017

IntroductionRobot-assisted surgery (RAS) has changed the traditional operating room (OR), occupying more space with equipment and isolating console surgeons away from the patients and their team. We aimed to evaluate how anticipation of surgical steps and familiarity between team members impacted efficiency.MethodsWe analysed recordings (video and audio) of 12 robot-assisted radical prostatectomies. Any requests between surgeon and the team members were documented and classified by personnel, equipment type, mode of communication, level of inconvenience in fulfilling the request and anticipation. Surgical team members completed questionnaires assessing team familiarity and cognitive load (National Aeronautics and Space Administration – Task Load Index). Predictors of team efficiency were assessed using Pearson correlation and stepwise linear regression.Results1330 requests were documented, of which 413 (31%) were anticipated. Anticipation correlated negatively with operative time, resulting in overall 8% reduction of OR time. Team familiarity negatively correlated with inconveniences. Anticipation ratio, per cent of requests that were non-verbal and total request duration were significantly correlated with the console surgeons’ cognitive load (r=0.77, p=0.006; r=0.63, p=0.04; and r=0.70, p=0.02, respectively).ConclusionsAnticipation and active engagement by the surgical team resulted in shorter operative time, and higher familiarity scores were associated with fewer inconveniences. Less anticipation and non-verbal requests were also associated with lower cognitive load for the console surgeon. Training efforts to increase anticipation and team familiarity can improve team efficiency during RAS.
Evaluation of a novel liquid embolic agent (precipitating hydrophobic injectable liquid (PHIL)) in an animal endovascular embolization model
Authors: Vollherbst Dominik F , Otto Ruth , von Deimling Andreas , Pfaff Johannes , Ulfert Christian , Kauczor Hans U , Bendszus Martin , Sommer Christof M , Möhlenbruch Markus A 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundThe choice of the embolic agent and the embolization technique can have a significant impact on the success of endovascular embolization.ObjectiveTo evaluate a novel iodinated copolymer-based liquid embolic agent (precipitating hydrophobic injectable liquid (PHIL)) in the porcine rete mirabile (RM), serving as an endovascular embolization model. Onyx, as an established liquid embolic agent, served as comparator.Materials and methodsSixteen embolization procedures were performed using PHIL (n=8) or Onyx (n=8) as liquid embolic agent. Waiting time between injections was set to 30 or 60 s (n=4 per study group). Survival time after intervention was 2 hours or 7 days. Embolization characteristics (eg, procedure times, number of injections and volume of embolic agent) and embolization extent (percentage of embolized RM in post-interventional x-ray) were assessed. Post-interventional CT and histopathological analyses were performed.ResultsEmbolization characteristics and embolization extent were not significantly different for PHIL and Onyx, including subgroups (eg, embolization extent 44% vs 69% (medians); p=0.101). For PHIL, extension of the waiting time from 30 to 60 s led to a significantly higher embolization extent (24% vs 72% (medians); p=0.035). Moderate disintegration and mild inflammation of the embolized blood vessels were present for both embolic agents.ConclusionPHIL is feasible for transarterial embolization in an acute and subacute endovascular embolization model. In this preliminary experimental in vivo study, embolization characteristics, embolization extent, and biocompatibility seem to be similar to those of Onyx.
Acute thrombus formation on phosphorilcholine surface modified flow diverters
Authors: Marosfoi Miklos , Clarencon Frederic , Langan Erin T , King Robert M , Brooks Olivia W , Tamura Takamisu , Wainwright John M , Gounis Matthew J , Vedantham Srinivasan , Puri Ajit S 
Published: July 2017

PurposeThromboembolic complications remain a limitation of flow diverting stents. We hypothesize that phosphorilcholine surface modified flow diverters (Pipeline Flex with Shield Technology, sPED) would have less acute thrombus formation on the device surface compared with the classic Pipeline Embolization device (cPED).MethodsElastase-induced aneurysms were created in 40 rabbits and randomly assigned to receive cPED or sPED devices with and without dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) (four groups, n=10/group). Angioplasty was performed to enhance apposition and create intimal injury for a pro-thrombotic environment. Both before and after angioplasty, the flow diverter was imaged with intravascular optical coherence tomography. The outcome measure was the number of predefined segments along the implant relative to the location of the aneurysm with a minimum of 0 (no clot formation) and maximum of 3 (all segments with thrombus). Clot formation over the device at ostia of branch arteries was assessed as either present or absent.ResultsFollowing angioplasty, the number of flow diverter segments with clots was significantly associated with the flow diverter (p<0.0001), but not with DAPT (p=0.3872) or aneurysm neck size (p=0.8555). The incidence rate for clots with cPED was 1.72 times more than with sPED. The clots on the flow diverter at the location corresponding to side branch ostia was significantly lower with sPED than with cPED (OR 0.180; 95% CI 0.044 to 0.734; p=0.0168), but was not associated with DAPT (p=0.3198).ConclusionIn the rabbit model, phosphorilcholine surface modified flow diverters are associated with less thrombus formation on the surface of the device.
Antiplatelet Regimen for Patients With Breakthrough Strokes While on Aspirin
Authors: Lee Meng , Saver Jeffrey L. , Hong Keun-Sik , Rao Neal M. , Wu Yi-Ling , Ovbiagele Bruce 
Published: July 2017

Background and Purpose—
Optimal antiplatelet therapy after an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack while on aspirin is uncertain. We, therefore, conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods—
We searched PubMed (1966 to August 2016) and bibliographies of relevant published original studies to identify randomized trials and cohort studies reporting patients who were on aspirin at the time of an index ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack and reported hazard ratio for major adverse cardiovascular events or recurrent stroke associated with a switch to or addition of another antiplatelet agent versus maintaining aspirin monotherapy. Estimates were combined using a random effects model.

Results—
Five studies with 8723 patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack were identified. Clopidogrel was used in 4 cohorts, and ticagrelor was used in 1 cohort. Pooling results showed that addition of or a switch to another antiplatelet agent, versus aspirin monotherapy, was associated with reduced risks of major adverse cardiovascular events (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.54–0.85) and recurrent stroke (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.54–0.92). Each of the strategies of addition of and switching another antiplatelet agent showed benefit versus continued aspirin monotherapy, and studies with regimen initiation in the first days after index event showed more homogenous evidence of benefit.

Conclusions—
Among patients who experience an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack while on aspirin monotherapy, the addition of or a switch to another antiplatelet agent, especially in the first days after index event, is associated with fewer future vascular events, including stroke.
A new species of Mimosa (Leguminosae) endemic to the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: JORDÃO LUCAS SÁ BARRETO , MORIM MARLI PIRES , BAUMGRATZ JOSÉ FERNANDO A. , SIMON MARCELO FRAGOMENI 
Published: July 2017

Mimosa is a very large genus with more than 540 species, which are distributed mainly in the Neotropics and are especially diverse in the Cerrado, where the genus shows high rates of endemism. The Serra do Cabral mountain range, which is part of the Espinhaço mountain range, contains representative remnants of the Cerrado and is a very important area for the genus, where at least 20 taxa of Mimosa are reported. Unfortunately, it is a threatened and over-exploited region. Here we describe a new narrow endemic species from the Serra do Cabral, Mimosa osmarii, that shows affinities with M. paucifolia var. scoparia, a sympatric taxon. The conservation status of M. osmarii was assessed as vulnerable.
Speed of Convergence of the Maximum Likelihood Estimator in the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck Process
Authors: Bishwal J. P. N. , Bose Arup 
Published: July 2017

Berry-Bsseen bounds with random norming and Jario deviation probabilities arc derived for the maximum likelihood estimator of the drift parameter in tho Ornstoin-Uhlenbeck proccss. AMS (1991) Subject Classification: Primary 62F12, 62M05 Secondary 60FOS, 60F10
The Analysis of Fatal Accidents in Indian Coal Mines
Authors: Mandal A. , Sengupta D. 
Published: July 2017

This paper describes the analysis of fatal incidents of Indian coal mines from April 1989 to March 1998. It is found that Indian mines have considerably higher accident and fatality rates compared to those in USA and South Africa, respectively. While open cast mines are generally known to be safer than underground mines, the Indian open cast mines are shown to be at least as hazardous to the workers as the Indian underground mines. Analysis of the accident rates is made via a few regression models involving the effects of working shifts, the various companies, the types of mine, manshift and production. The accident-prone combinations of mine type and company are identified for follow-up action. The break-up of the accidents by cause is also studied. AMS (2000) Subject Classification: Primary 62-07; Secondary 62P99, 62N05.
The Effects of High and Low Sentence Contingency on Learning and Attitudes
Authors: Becker Selwyn W. , Carroll Jean 
Published: July 2017

By a logical analysis it was shown that the sentence contingency index is roughly equivalent to Shannon's measure of redundancy. In two independent experiments it was demonstrated that a significantly greater number of multiple-choice questions are answered by those who study text characterized by higher sentence contingency, or redundancy. The findings were compared to those found in investigations of the effects of redundancy on words and syllables. Data from a third experiment provided support for the conclusion that preference for text material also is related to sentence contingency.
Gating Techniques as an Aid in Speech Analysis
Authors: Hart J. 't , Cohen A. 
Published: July 2017

A survey is given of the various techniques applied in gating out portions of a speech utterance by means of tape cutting, mechanical suppression, and electric circuits, as found in the literature. Three aims are distinguished: to obtain objective measurements for resynthesizing speech or mechanical recognition, to establish perceptual cues through subjective measurements, to answer the question whether speech segmentation is at all possible. The various designs are evaluated in relation to the purpose for which they were built and wherever possible results are specified. The authors' various designs and overall approach are specified in the survey. In conclusion theoretical implications of applying the technique of gating are considered.
A Model for Continuous Language Behaviour
Authors: Morton John 
Published: July 2017

The errors made in reading passages of statistical approximations were analysed. They fell into categories of omissions, substitutions and errors showing the influence of preceding words and the influence of subsequent words (including errors of transposition). A relationship is shown between errors of transposition and omissions in such a way as to indicate that the material in the eye-voice span was subject to decay in a way similar to that described in some theories of immediate memory. Many of the errors due to effects of preceding words and certain of the substitutions and omissions are shown to be consistent with the transformational model for grammar due to Chomsky. Since it can be shown mathematically and linguistically that natural language sequences cannot be treated fully by information theory, the concept of ‘thought units' is developed to explain functionally language behaviour which may be described statistically by information theory. These thought units are then linked with the ‘kernel strings' which are the core of Chomsky's grammar. Finally some suggestions are put forward relating this structure to problems of semantics, with particular reference to comprehension in reading.
Oral Responses of Aphasics Under Different Syntactical Conditions
Authors: Rollin Walter Jerome 
Published: July 2017

A group of 32 aphasic subjects were given a list of ten questions taken from the Eisenson test, “Examining for Aphasia”. Each question was varied in terms of five different syntactical patterns and presented twice by means of a tape recording. The results of their performance on this total fifty item test are summarized below: (1) There are no significant differences among responses given by a group of aphasic patients to questions phrased in five different syntactical patterns. (2) There is a highly significant degree of association among the five syntactical conditions in terms of correctness and incorrectness of response to each of the question items. (3) There are no significant differences between responses given by a group of aphasic patients, under conditions of five different syntactical patterns, when presented question items in two trials.
Christian Mission and Giocai Violence in 2007 A.D. / 1428 H
Authors: Jennings J. Nelson 
Published: July 2017

This study first considers select situations in Southeast Asia and West Africa involving relations between Muslims and Christians. The global interconnectedness of these local situations dictates examining them in their “glocal” particularities and multifaceted complexities, especially including historical backgrounds. What constitutes legitimate authority in such situations — political, religious, and otherwise — in combating violence is considered next. The article then takes up the explicitly spiritual side of conflict situations, including unseen forces plus people's spiritualities and religious convictions. Finally, the relevance of biblical precedent, specifically the Christ-centered ecclesiological instruction in I Peter, is brought to bear on today's religion-filled violent contexts.
Influence of Polyfunctional Monomers and Fillers on Radiation Vulcanization of Ethylene-Propylene Diene Rubber
Authors: Abdel-Aziz M. M. , Shaltout N. , El Miligy A. A. 
Published: July 2017

Radiation vulcanization of raw EPDM in the presence of polyfunctional monomers; diallylamine, diallylsulphide, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, NN-methylene bis-acrylamide, triallyl cyanurate, trimethyloyl propane trimethacrylate and tetramethylol methane tetraacrylate has been carried out. The efficiency of the monomers studied in enhancing the crosslinking and the change in crosslinking density has been followed up by measurement of physical and mechanical properties of the vulcanized rubber. Also, the dependence of the properties of the loaded EPDM, with white and black fillers, on the type of filler has been examined.
Emulsion Polymerization of Vinyl Acetate by a Semicontinuous Polymerization Technique and Its Applications in Latex Paints
Authors: Abd El-Ghaffar M. A. , Badran A. S. , Ramadan A. M. , Shaffei K. A. 
Published: July 2017

The semicontinuous emulsion polymerization of vinyl acetate in the presence of potassium persulfate and Octyl aldehyde sodium bisulfite (OASBS) as a newly developed redox initiation system was studied using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a unique surface active agent. The maximum conversion, conversion percentage per hour, stability, pH, and particle size distribution were investigated. Also, the physical and mechanical properties of latex films such as hardness, impact resistance, ductility, adhesion, and durability were studied as a function of PVA concentration. It was shown that very small amounts of PVA (0.5-1%) in the presence of the newly developed (OASBS) led to the formation of highly stable emulsions, with 40% solid content. The more stable emulsions in the previous series were chosen and incorporated in latex paint formulae for studying their physical and mechanical properties.
Trauma Exposure and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in the Canadian Military
Authors: Brunet Alain , Monson Eva , Liu Aihua , Fikretoglu Deniz 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To estimate the lifetime prevalence of trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among a representative, active military sample, and to identify demographic and military variables that modulate rates of trauma exposure as well as PTSD rates and duration. Method: A cross-sectional weighted sample of 5155 regular members and 3957 reservists ( n = 8441) of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) was face-to-face interviewed using a lay-administered structured interview that generates Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, psychiatric diagnoses. Results: Within this sample, 85.6% reported 1 or more trauma exposure, with a median number of 3 or more exposures. Compared with males, females were less likely ( P < 0.05) to be exposed to warlike trauma (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.40), disasters (AOR 0.43), assaultive violence (AOR 0.52), and witnessing trauma (AOR 0.75). However, they were more likely to report sexual assault (AOR 7.36). The lifetime prevalence of PTSD was 6.6% and the conditional rate was 7.7%. Both lifetime and conditional PTSD rates were higher among female soldiers, but lower among the reserve forces, both male and female. Finally, the median duration of PTSD was negatively influenced by younger age of onset, but not influenced by whether the event occurred during deployment. Conclusions: Active members of the CAF report a high degree of trauma exposure but a moderate rate of lifetime PTSD.
Residence Conditions on Community Treatment Orders
Authors: Dawson John , O'Reilly Richard 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To identify the clinical reasons and legal authority for including a residential placement condition in a community treatment order (CTO). Method: We describe the clinical reasons for imposing a residence condition and discuss how this is authorized by the laws of the Canadian provinces (using Ontario as the main example). Results: A residence condition can facilitate numerous benefits, including: regular access to a person by a clinical team; continuing therapeutic relations; supervision of medication; provision of general medical care; and reduction in substance use, risks of victimization, and other unintended harm. A resident condition can be lawfully imposed when it clearly fits the purposes of the CTO legislation and stops short of authorizing detention in a community facility. Conclusions: In certain circumstances, a residence condition is clinically justified and a lawful aspect of a CTO.
The Influence of Water Immersion on Skin-Core Debonding in GFRP-Balsa Sandwich Structures
Authors: Cantwell W. J. , Broster G. , Davies P. 
Published: July 2017

A new test technique has been developed in order to characterise the skincore interfacial properties of a series of fibre reinforced sandwich structures similar to those presently being used in the marine industry. The technique involves peeling the lower surface skin away from the core in a controlled fashion. Four different glass fibre reinforced epoxy/balsa structures have been tested and the effect of incorporating various skin-core interlayers assessed. Tests were also undertaken on specimens that had been immersed in seawater for a period of forty-five days. The results indicate that the fracture energies associated with skin-core debonding are relatively high, typically 1000 J/m2. It has also been shown that neither a pre-treatment of the balsa core nor the incorporation of a layer of CSM fibres resulted in an improvement in the fracture energy of the interfacial region. Immersion in seawater for forty-five days resulted in a significant increase in the fracture toughness of this region. A subsequent examination of the fracture surfaces showed that fibre bridging between the GFRP skin and the balsa core was more extensive in the soaked samples.