bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Review – Reclaiming Local Democracy: A progressive future for local government
Authors: Morris Gordon 
Published: April 2017

This is a book that needed to be written. First published in 2014, Ines Newman takes a timely, refreshing, and broad look at local government. Although it relates mainly to the UK, colleagues throughout the Commonwealth will find this book both interesting and relevant. Her thoughtful approach has, I think, optimism at its heart. The work is an effective counterpoint to the prevailing neoliberal orthodoxy that “austerity”, with its consequential public sector cuts, is unavoidable. As Newman makes clear, “austerity” is a political choice.
Influence of North Pacific decadal variability on the western Canadian Arctic over the past 700 years
Authors: Lapointe François , Francus Pierre , Lamoureux Scott F. , Vuille Mathias , Jenny Jean-Philippe , Bradley Raymond S. , Massa Charly 
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Understanding how internal climate variability influences arctic regions is required to better forecast future global climate variations. This paper investigates an annually-laminated (varved) record from the western Canadian Arctic and finds that the varves are negatively correlated with both the instrumental Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) during the past century and also with reconstructed PDO over the past 700 years, suggesting drier Arctic conditions during high-PDO phases, and vice versa. These results are in agreement with known regional teleconnections, whereby the PDO is negatively and positively correlated with summer precipitation and mean sea level pressure respectively. This pattern is also evident during the positive phase of the North Pacific Index (NPI) in autumn. Reduced sea-ice cover during summer–autumn is observed in the region during PDO− (NPI+) and is associated with low-level southerly winds that originate from the northernmost Pacific across the Bering Strait and can reach as far as the western Canadian Arctic. These climate anomalies are associated with the PDO− (NPI+) phase and are key factors in enhancing evaporation and subsequent precipitation in this region of the Arctic. Collectively, the sedimentary evidence suggests that North Pacific climate variability has been a persistent regulator of the regional climate in the western Canadian Arctic. Since projected sea-ice loss will contribute to enhanced future warming in the Arctic, future negative phases of the PDO (or NPI+) will likely act to amplify this positive feedback.
Large-scale forcing of the European Slope Current and associated inflows to the North Sea
Authors: Marsh Robert , Haigh Ivan D. , Cunningham Stuart A. , Inall Mark E. , Porter Marie , Moat Ben I. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract. The European Slope Current provides a shelf-edge conduit for Atlantic Water, a substantial fraction of which is destined for the northern North Sea, with implications for regional hydrography and ecosystems. Drifters drogued at 50 m in the European Slope Current at the Hebridean shelf break follow a wide range of pathways, indicating highly variable Atlantic inflow to the North Sea. Slope Current pathways, timescales and transports over 1988–2007 are further quantified in an eddy-resolving ocean model hindcast. Particle trajectories calculated with model currents indicate that Slope Current water is largely recruited from the eastern subpolar North Atlantic. Observations of absolute dynamic topography and climatological density support theoretical expectations that Slope Current transport is to first order associated with meridional density gradients in the eastern subpolar gyre, which support a geostrophic inflow towards the slope. In the model hindcast, Slope Current transport variability is dominated by abrupt 25–50 % reductions of these density gradients over 1996–1998. Concurrent changes in wind forcing, expressed in terms of density gradients, act in the same sense to reduce Slope Current transport. This indicates that coordinated regional changes of buoyancy and wind forcing acted together to reduce Slope Current transport during the 1990s. Particle trajectories further show that 10–40 % of Slope Current water is destined for the northern North Sea within 6 months of passing to the west of Scotland, with a general decline in this percentage over 1988–2007. Salinities in the Slope Current correspondingly decreased, evidenced in ocean analysis data. Further to the north, in the Atlantic Water conveyed by the Slope Current through the Faroe–Shetland Channel (FSC), salinity is observed to increase over this period while declining in the hindcast. The observed trend may have broadly compensated for a decline in the Atlantic inflow, limiting salinity changes in the northern North Sea during this period. Proxies for both Slope Current transport and Atlantic inflow to the North Sea are sought in sea level height differences across the FSC and between Shetland and the Scottish mainland (Wick). Variability of Slope Current transport on a wide range of timescales, from seasonal to multi-decadal, is implicit in sea level differences between Lerwick (Shetland) and Tórshavn (Faroes), in both tide gauge records from 1957 and a longer model hindcast spanning 1958–2012. Wick–Lerwick sea level differences in tide gauge records from 1965 indicate considerable decadal variability in the Fair Isle Current transport that dominates Atlantic inflow to the northwest North Sea, while sea level differences in the hindcast are dominated by strong seasonal variability. Uncertainties in the Wick tide gauge record limit confidence in this proxy.
Remnant Extraction by Using an Intraocular Lens Injector with Essential Flow
Authors: Yamakawa Momoko , Kusaka Mami , Yamada Shogo , Akimoto Masayuki 
Published: April 2017

Purpose To describe a new technique for remnant removal in cases of posterior capsular rupture during cataract surgery and Soemmering ring extraction during intraocular lens (IOL) removal. Methods An IOL injector, inserted into the anterior chamber, provides a new exit for residual lens fragments. Passive fluid flow, supplied by an anterior chamber maintainer or some ocular viscoelastic device (OVD) injection, delivers the residual fragments into a lumen of the injector in assistance with a second device such as a phaco-chopper and vitreous cutter. Results Soemmering rings can be removed safely through small incisions even when under the iris. Nucleus fragments in anterior chamber can be removed safely. Fragments that fall into the vitreous cavity can float up for removal by passive flow. Conclusions This new technique, remnant extraction through lens injector with essential flow, has several practical advantages over existing methods including reduced OVD injection and smaller incision size. It may offer an alternative to existing methods of remnant removal in cases of posterior capsular rupture during cataract surgery and Soemmering ring extraction.
Evaluation of a Device for Standardized Measurements of Reading Performance in a Prepresbyopic Population
Authors: Arad Tschingis , Baumeister Martin , Bühren Jens , Kohnen Thomas 
Published: April 2017

Purpose Automated measurements of reading performance are required for clinical trials involving presbyopia-correcting surgery options. Repeatability of a testing device for reading (Salzburg Reading Desk) was evaluated in a prepresbyopic population. Methods Subjective reading performance of 50 subjects divided into 2 age groups (23-30 years and 38-49 years) with distance-corrected eyes was investigated with different log-scaled reading charts. At study entry, refractive parameters were measured and distance visual acuity assessed. Two standardized binocular measurements were performed for each subject (32.24 ± 9.87 days apart [mean ± SD]). The repeatability of the tests was estimated using correlation coefficients, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Bland-Altman method. Results The test parameters at both maximum reading rate (MRR) measurements demonstrate a strong relationship of age group 2 subjects (correlation coefficient [r] = 0.74 p = 10−4) and of younger subjects (age group 1: r = 0.69, p = 10−4). Prepresbyopic subjects of age group 2 showed moderate results for near reading distance (r = 0.67, p = 10−4); by contrast, younger subjects had poorer results (r = 0.55, p = 10−3). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed agreement between measurements and Bland-Altman plots showed a wide data spread for MRR and near reading distance in both groups. Conclusions The device measures repeatedly selected reading performance parameters of near real world conditions, such as MRR, in prepresbyopic populations if several factors are taken into account. The option to choose preferred distance leads to more variance in measuring repeated reading performance. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) registration reference number: DRKS00000784.
Negative staining of the vitreous with the use of vital dyes
Authors: Mariotti Cesare , Nicolai Michele , Donati Simone , Reibaldi Michele 
Published: April 2017

Purpose: The vitreous cortex, epiretinal membrane (ERM), and inner limiting membrane (ILM) are transparent tissues and are thus difficult to visualize. Staining these structures can increase the efficiency of a nontraumatic removal. Methods: The surgeon performs a partial core vitrectomy and induces a posterior vitreous detachment. The vital dye is then injected into the retrohyaloid space in balanced salt solution (BSS). The dyes used are TWIN (Alchimia srl, Padova, Italy), MembraneBlue-Dual (DORC International, Zuidland, the Netherlands), and Doubledyne (Alfa Intes, Casoria, Italy). The surgeon can complete the vitrectomy and gradually aspirate the dye with the probe. Once the vitrectomy is complete, the surgeon can perform the peeling of the ERM without the need to reinject the vital dye over the macula. Results: The presence of the dye over the macula facilitates visualization of the vitreous cortex by blocking the red reflex and increasing the contrast power of the coaxial light probe during the vitrectomy. This allows a negative coloration of the vitreous because the dye acts by increasing the visibility of the surrounding BSS and not the vitreous itself. Conclusions: We describe a new chromovitrectomy technique using the same dye to increase the visualization of the vitreous, posterior hyaloid, ERM, and ILM.
Outcome of various Hydrophobic Acrylic Intraocular Lens Implantations in Children with Congenital Cataract
Authors: Sukhija Jaspreet , Kaur Savleen , Ram Jagat , Yangzes Sonam , Madan Siddharth , Jinagal Jitender 
Published: April 2017

Purpose To evaluate performance of different intraocular lenses (IOLs) after cataract surgery in children aged less than 2 years with regards to rates of visual axis opacification (VAO). Methods This was a retrospective chart review of children <2 years of age undergoing cataract surgery with primary posterior capsulotomy, anterior vitrectomy, and IOL over a period of 5 years with minimum follow-up of 1 year at a tertiary care institute. Children with microphthalmos, persistent fetal vasculature, traumatic cataract, aphakia, secondary IOLs, or any other coexisting ocular disease were excluded. Results A total of 257 eyes of 159 children were included in the study. The mean age at the time of surgery was 11.63 ± 7.916 months (range 6-23 months). A total of 29 eyes of 16 children underwent phacoaspiration with implantation of SA60 AT (AcrySof, Alcon, Fort Worth, TX); 75 eyes of 45 children received Hoya IOL (Hoya-PS AF-1 Series, Model PC-60AD, Hoya, Japan), 70 eyes of 46 patients received Sensar (Abbott Medical Optics Inc., Santa Ana, CA, USA), and 83 eyes of 52 children received MA60AC (AcrySof). At mean follow-up of 18.31 ± 15.04 months, 22.46% of the patients required resurgery for visual axis obscuration. By multiple regression analysis, the rate of visual axis obscuration was affected by the rate of perioperative complications (p = 0.001) and not affected by age (p = 0.98), type of IOL (p = 0.104), or site of IOL implantation (p = 0.603). Conclusion Our findings suggest comparable rates of VAO for children less than 2 years of age receiving different types of hydrophobic acrylic IOLs.
Identification of a Disease-Causing Mutation in a Chinese Patient with Retinitis Pigmentosa by Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Xiao Jianping , Guo Xueqin , Wang Yong , Shao Mingkun , Wei Xiaoming , Du Lique , Li Long , Sun Yan , Yang Yun 
Published: April 2017

Purpose To identify disease-causing mutations in a Chinese patient with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Methods A detailed clinical examination was performed on the proband. Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) combined with bioinformatics analysis was performed on the proband to detect candidate disease-causing mutations. Sanger sequencing was performed on all subjects to confirm the candidate mutations and assess cosegregation within the family. Results Clinical examinations of the proband showed typical characteristics of RP. Three candidate heterozygous mutations in 3 genes associated with RP were detected in the proband by targeted NGS. The 3 mutations were confirmed by Sanger sequencing and the deletion (c.357_358delAA) in PRPF31 was shown to cosegregate with RP phenotype in 7 affected family members, but not in 3 unaffected family members. Conclusions The deletion (c.357_358delAA) in PRPF31 was the disease-causing mutation for the proband and his affected family members with RP. To our knowledge, this is the second report of the deletion and the first report of the other 2 mutations in the Chinese population. Targeted NGS combined with bioinformatics analysis proved to be an effective molecular diagnostic tool for RP.
Left Ventricular Assist Pump Pocket Infection: Conservative Treatment Strategy for Destination Therapy Candidates
Authors: Haddad Elie , Lescure François-Xavier , Ghodhbane Walid , Lepage Laurent , D'Humieres Camille , Vindrios William , Yazdanpanah Yazdan , Nataf Patrick , Kirsch Matthias 
Published: April 2017

Background Heart failure is a major cause of mortality and morbidity, particularly among patients with advanced disease and no access to cardiac transplantation. LVAD implantation is not only a bridge-to-transplantation option for patients awaiting a heart donor, but is often used as bridge-to-destination therapy in patients unsuited for transplantation for various reasons. LVAD infection is considered the second-most common cause of death in patients who survive the initial 6 months on LVAD support. Few reports describe the indications for chronic suppressing antibiotic therapy, device exchange, methods for exchanging infected devices, post-exchange antimicrobial management status, and the outcomes of such patients. Case presentation This is the case of a 74-year-old male patient with numerous comorbidities who received urgent surgical management for severe heart failure with a HeartMate II. Six months later he developed an LVAD pump infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis, which was diagnosed with leucocyte scintigraphy. The patient received an omental graft over the LVAD and a chronic suppressive antibiotic regime. A marked leukocyte scintigraphy showed the infection's regression 6 months after the initiation of antibiotic treatment. Discussion We concisely reviewed the driveline infections and the main aspects of the LVAD pump infection. We reviewed options for conservative and nonconservative management and showed that conservative management of the LVAD pump infection is possible. Conclusions There are no defined recommendations for the management of LVAD pump infection. This case is among the few in the literature showing that conservative treatment of an LVAD pump infection is possible.
Turbulence Measurements in an Axial Rotary Blood Pump with Laser Doppler Velocimetry
Authors: Schüle Chan Y. , Affeld Klaus , Kossatz Max , Paschereit Christian O. , Kertzscher Ulrich 
Published: April 2017

Background The implantation of rotary blood pumps as ventricular assist devices (VADs) has become a viable therapy for quite a number of patients with end-stage heart failure. However, these rotary blood pumps cause adverse events that are related to blood trauma. It is currently believed that turbulence in the pump flow plays a significant role. But turbulence has not been measured to date because there is no optical access to the flow space in rotary blood pumps because of their opaque casings. Methods This difficulty is overcome with a scaled-up model of the HeartMate II (HM II) rotary blood pump with a transparent acrylic housing. A 2-component laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) system was used for the measurement of time resolved velocity profiles and velocity spectra upstream and downstream of the rotor blades. Observing similarity laws, the speed and pump head were adjusted to correspond closely to the design point of the original pump – 10,600 rpm speed and 80 mmHg pressure head. A model fluid consisting of a water-glycerol mixture was used. Results The measured velocity spectra were scalable by the Kolmogorov length and the Kolmogorov length was estimated to be between 14 and 24 μm at original scale, thus being about 1.5 to 3 times the size of a red blood cell. Conclusions It can be concluded that turbulence is indeed present in the investigated blood pump and that it can be described by Kolmogorov's theory of turbulence. The size of the smallest vortices compares well to the turbulence length scales as found in prosthetic heart valves, for example.
Pre-ECMO Coagulopathy does not Increase the Occurrence of Hemorrhage during Extracorporeal Support
Authors: Anton-Martin Pilar , Raman Lakshmi , Thatte Nikhil , Tweed Jefferson , Modem Vinai , Journeycake Janna 
Published: April 2017

Introduction and methods Observational retrospective cohort study to evaluate the association between precannulation coagulopathy and the occurrence of hemorrhage during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in neonatal and pediatric patients at a tertiary children's hospital. Results Of 241 patients supported with ECMO between January 2009 and December 2014, 175 (72.6%) had precannulation coagulation laboratory data and were included in the study. Of the eligible patients, 84 (48%) were identified as coagulopathic and 91 (52%) were noncoagulopathic. In the coagulopathic group, sepsis (27.3%) was the most common diagnosis leading to ECMO. Over half of the patients in both groups (55.9% of the coagulopathic and 52.7% of the noncoagulopathic group) developed hemorrhagic complications during ECMO support. The most frequent bleeding sites for both groups were the cannulation site (24%), the chest tube site (17%), and intracranial (10%). Pre-ECMO coagulopathy was not associated with higher incidence of hemorrhage during extracorporeal support (p = 0.76). Conclusions Pre-ECMO coagulopathy was frequent in our cohort but did not increase the occurrence of hemorrhage during extracorporeal support. Although the identification of factors associated with hemorrhage is key to safely managing ECMO anticoagulation, the implication of precannulation coagulopathy seems to be minimal.
Effect of Retreatment Instruments on Microcrack Formation: A Microcomputed Tomography Study
Authors: Koçak Mustafa M. , Çirakoğlu Neslihan Y. , Koçak Sibel , Sağlam Baran C. , Çiçek Ersan , Türker Sevinç A. , Bodrumlu Emre 
Published: April 2017

Introduction The purpose of this study was to compare the occurrence of microcracks in teeth prepared with different retreatment systems using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). Methods Forty-two freshly extracted mandibular premolar teeth were used. The root canals were instrumented with stainless steel K-files to an apical size of 35/.02 using the balanced-force technique and were obturated using the passive compaction technique. The specimens were divided into 3 experimental groups according to retreatment system used (n = 14): ProTaper Universal retreatment (PTUR), Mtwo retreatment (MTR), or D-RaCe retreatment (D-RC) systems. Each specimen was scanned using a high-resolution micro-CT system before instrumentation, after obturation, and after the removal of the filling material. The images were evaluated, and the presence of microcracks was recorded. Results The PTUR system demonstrated the highest percentage, while MTR and D-RC retreatment systems resulted in similar numbers of microcracks. Conclusions Clinicians should be aware that all retreatment systems may cause microcracks.
Effect of hemodialysis access blood flow on cardiac events after coronary artery bypass grafting using an internal thoracic artery
Authors: Feldman Leonid , Beberashvili Ilia , Abu Tair Ahmad , Efrati Shai , Gorelik Oleg , Wasser Walter G. , Heldenberg Eitan , Rabin Igor 
Published: April 2017

Background The possibility of coronary steal through an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in hemodialysis (HD) patients with coronary artery bypass grafts (CABGs) using an ipsilateral internal thoracic artery (ITA) has been suggested. In order to define the significance of such a possibility, we analyzed cardiac events and mortality risk in patients in relation to AVF flow. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed on prevalent HD patients from a single center. The outcomes included a first cardiac event, cardiac death and death from any cause. Results The group consisted of 23 chronic HD patients having ITA CABG and upper extremity AV access, 12 patients had an ipsilateral and 11 patients had a contralateral location of ITA CABG and an upper extremity AV access. The mean follow-up period was for 37.0 months. Multivariable Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis of risk of death from any cause in relation to AV access flow showed no increased risk, neither in the group with ipsilateral location of ITA grafts and dialysis accesses (adjusted HR, 3.047 [95% CI, 0.996 to 1.000], p = 0.081), nor in the group with contralateral location of both shunts (adjusted HR, 0.173 [95% CI, 0.997 to 1.002], p = 0.678). There was no significant correlation between AV access blood flow and the risk of first cardiac event as well as cardiac death in either study group. Conclusions In this study on HD patients having ipsilateral ITA CABG and AVF, fistula flow rate was not found to be associated with mortality or cardiac risk.