bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knowledge-based iterative model reconstruction in coronary computed tomography angiography: comparison with hybrid iterative reconstruction and filtered back projection
Authors: Cha Min Jae , Seo Jae Seung , Yoo Dong Soo , Chong Semin 
Published: June 2017

Background Knowledge-based iterative model reconstruction (IMR) is known to allow radiation dose reduction while preserving image quality. Purpose To investigate the effect of IMR on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) by comparing it with filtered back projection (FBP) and hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR). Material and Methods Forty-five patients (group A) who underwent CCTA with prospective electrocardiogram (ECG) triggering at 80 kVp were included. All images were reconstructed using three algorithms: FBP, HIR, and IMR. The control group comprised 45 patients (group B) who underwent CCTA at 100 kVp; their images were reconstructed with HIR alone. Objective and subjective image quality was assessed by two radiologists. Results In group A, the signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios were significantly higher for images reconstructed with IMR than with HIR or FBP ( P < 0.001). IMR was also superior to HIR and FBP in subjective image quality analyses, including image noise, vessel sharpness, beam-hardening artifact, and overall quality ( P < 0.001). Moreover, the images reconstructed using IMR in group A had superior image quality with less radiation exposure than those reconstructed using HIR in group B on both objective and subjective analyses ( P < 0.001). The mean attenuation values were also significantly higher in group A than in group B ( P < 0.001). Conclusion Compared with HIR and FBP, IMR provided higher quality images with less radiation exposure in CCTA, using low kilovoltage and prospective ECG triggering.
Effectiveness of a 10-week group program based on Dialectical Behaviour Therapy skills among patients with personality and mood disorders: findings from a pilot study
Authors: Conrad Agatha M , Sankaranarayanan Anoop , Lewin Terry J , Dunbar Anna 
Published: June 2017

Objectives: Community mental health services are often required to manage people experiencing repeated crises. Personality disorders are not uncommon, accounting for up to one-third of such presentations. These patients are often difficult to treat, leading to a revolving-door phenomenon. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a pilot intervention in reducing psychological symptoms and distress, and examined the impact of the intervention on mental health service utilization. Methods: A pre- versus post-treatment evaluation was conducted of the effectiveness of a 10-week group psychological intervention based on Dialectical Behaviour Therapy skills, conducted in a regional Australian community mental health service with patients diagnosed with either Cluster B personality disorder or a mood disorder. Results: Of those who completed the program ( N = 38 patients), 84% were female, with an average age of 35.13 years. Participants were active clients of the service for an average of 58.3 weeks prior to the program. They demonstrated significant improvements in quality of life and self-control, and a reduction in hopelessness, cognitive instability and dependence on mental health services. Conclusions: Limiting the Dialectical Behaviour Therapy program to a short-term skills-based group component was successful with the targeted patient group; however, more research is required to establish the generalizability of these results.
Safety of IV pulse methylprednisolone therapy during breastfeeding in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Boz Cavit , Terzi Murat , Zengin Karahan Serap , Sen Sedat , Sarac Yasemin , Emrah Mavis Murat 
Published: June 2017

Background: Women with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience an increased risk of relapse in the postpartum period. High-dose methylprednisolone is the first-line treatment for acute relapses. Objectives: To determine the transfer of methylprednisolone into human milk in breastfeeding MS patients. Methods: Methylprednisolone therapy was given for postpartum relapse to nine patients for three consecutive days, and seven patients received a daily infusion once a month. Breast milk samples were obtained before infusion and 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 hours after completion of infusion. Results: Methylprednisolone concentrations in milk were below detection limits immediately before infusion. Cmax was measured at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 hours after infusion and levels of 2.100, 1.659, 0.680, 0.174, and 0.102 µg/mL were determined, respectively. The absolute infant dose was 98.98 µg/kg/day, and the relative infant dose (RID) was 0.71% of the weight-adjusted maternal dose. Conclusion: The level of methylprednisolone transfer into breast milk is very low. The RID for methylprednisolone was lower than the generally accepted value. As methylprednisolone therapy is of short duration, infant exposure would be very low should a mother choose to breastfeed 1 hour after infusion. Waiting 2–4 hours after infusion will limit infant exposure still further.
Avoidance of urinary catheterization to minimize in-hospital complications after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: An observational study
Authors: Lauck Sandra B , Kwon Jae-Yung , Wood David A , Baumbusch Jennifer , Norekvål Tone M , Htun Nay , Stephenson Leo , Webb John G 
Published: June 2017

Background: Contemporary transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) devices and approach present opportunities to review historical practices initially informed by early treatment development and cardiac surgery. The avoidance of urinary catheterization in the older TAVI population is a strategy to minimize in-hospital complications. The purpose of the study was to explore elimination-related complications following the phased implementation of a default strategy of avoiding urinary catheterization in patients undergoing transfemoral (TF) TAVI. Methods: We conducted an observational study using a retrospective chart review of patients treated between 2011 and 2013 to identify patient characteristics, peri-procedure details, in-hospital outcomes and elimination-related complications in patients who did or did not receive a peri-procedure indwelling catheter. Descriptive analyses were used to report differences between the groups; we conducted a regression analysis to explore the relationship between the practice of urinary catheterization and total procedure time. Results: Of the 408 patients who underwent TF TAVR, 188 (46.1%) received a peri-procedure indwelling urinary catheter and 220 (53.9%) did not. There was no difference in in-hospital mortality (2.2%), disabling stroke (0.5%), or other major cardiac adverse events. The avoidance of a urinary catheter resulted in significantly lower rates of urinary tract infection requiring a new antibiotic regimen (1.4% versus 6.1%, p = 0.014), haematuria documented by medicine or nursing (3.7% versus 17.6%, p = 0.001), and the need for continuous bladder irrigation (2.7% versus 0%, p = 0.027). Conclusion: The avoidance of a urinary catheter may contribute to improved outcomes in patients undergoing TAVI. The intervention should be further evaluated within the broader study of minimalist TAVI.
Identifying Factors and Root Causes Associated With Near-Miss or Safety Incidents in Patients Treated With Radiotherapy: A Case-Control Analysis
Authors: Judy Gregory D. , Mosaly Prithima R. , Mazur Lukasz M. , Tracton Gregg , Marks Lawrence B. , Chera Bhishamjit S. 
Published: June 2017

Purpose: To identify factors associated with a near-miss or safety incident (NMSI) in patients undergoing radiotherapy and identify common root causes of NMSIs and their relationship with incident severity. Methods: We retrospectively studied NMSIs filed between October 2014 and April 2016. We extracted patient-, treatment-, and disease-specific data from patients with an NMSI (n = 200; incident group) and a similar group of control patients (n = 200) matched in time, without an NMSI. A root cause and incident severity were determined for each NMSI. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine which specific factors were contributing to NMSIs. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine root causes of NMSIs and their relationship with incident severity. Results: NMSIs were associated with the following factors: head and neck sites (odds ratio [OR], 5.2; P = .01), image-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy (OR, 3; P = .009), daily imaging (OR, 7; P < .001), and tumors staged as T2 (OR, 3.3; P = .004). Documentation and scheduling errors were the most common root causes (29%). Communication errors were more likely to affect patients ( P < .001), and technical treatment delivery errors were most associated with a higher severity score ( P = .005). Conclusion: Several treatment- and disease-specific factors were found to be associated with an NMSI. Overall, our results suggest that complexity (eg, head and neck, image-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy, and daily imaging) might be a contributing factor for an NMSI. This promotes an idea of developing a more dedicated and robust quality assurance system for complex cases and highlights the importance of a strong reporting system to support a safety culture.
ПРЕЕМСТВЕННОСТЬ СМЫСЛОВ И ФОРМ ПАТРИОТИЗМА В КОНТЕКСТЕ СОЦИАЛЬНОГО ВРЕМЯВЕДЕНИЯ
Authors: Kashirina Olga Valerjevna , Mulikova Natalya Anatolyevna 
Published: June 2017

Цель. Цель работы состоит в определении направленности преемственности смыслов и форм патриотизма в патриотическом выборе как стержневом смысле главной жизненной стратегии, которая стоит перед каждым цивилизационным субъектом – личностью, социальной общностью любого масштаба. Правильность или неправильность этого выбора определяется наличием смысловой времяцелостности и приближением ее структуры к «золотой пропорции».Метод или методология проведения работы. Анализ заявленной проблемы выполнен на основе междисциплинарного диалектико-триалектического метода различения и смыслообразования, как интеллектуальной технологии преемственности цивилизационного и ноосферного патриотизма.Результаты. В статье рассматривается преемственность смыс­лов и форм патриотизма в контексте социального времяведения, ведущая поиск решения проблемы патриотизма в трех направлениях: 1) как проблемы цивилизационного патриотизма Большой и Малой Родины, 2) как проблемы ноосферного патриотизма, 3) как проблемы преемственности смыслов между ними. Обращается внимание на вариативность решения проблемы патриотизма, которая связана с тем, что социальное времяведение рассматривает патриотизм как феномен культуры, который имеет диалектическую «природу бытия» и, вместе с тем, имеет тройственную модель смыслов «существования» цивилизационной реальности – целостность настоящего: преемственность прошлого и целесообразность будущего. В статье показано, что динамическое равновесие смыслов цивилизационного и ноосферного патриотизма в культуре самосознания цивилизационного субъекта, определяющего культуру его поведения и деятельности, обеспечивает формирование и устойчивость духовно-нравственного иммунитета, возникающего под их воздействием в смысловом поле патриотизма.Область применения результатов. Практическая значимость исследования состоит в возможности его использования для разработки курсов по философии, философии культуры и т.д. Теория социального времяведения может воплотиться в практике преподавания новой учебной дисциплины «Основы социального времяведения» в качестве гуманитарной составляющей для отраслевых вузов и отдельных специальностей классических университетов.
ПАМЯТЬ VS ЗАБВЕНИЕ: СТАНОВЛЕНИЕ КЛАССИЧЕСКОЙ СТРАТЕГИИ ВОПРОШАНИЯ О БЫТИИ
Authors: Batukhtin Alexander Sergeevich , Naumov Oleg Dmitrievich 
Published: June 2017

Цель статьи сводится к реконструкции и концептуальному анализу специфики мифоархаической стратегии понимания бытия. Основная задача заключается в репрезентации феномена забвения в качестве одной из главных стратегий вопрошания о бытии в рамках архаической эпохи. Феномен забвения концептуализируется и рассматривается в следующих аспектах: метафилософском, онтологическом, гносеологическом, антропологическом. В результате, феномен забвения анализируется в качестве одного из механизмов, актуализирующих процесс трансформации архаического Мифа в античный Логос.Исследование основано на применении следующих методов: метод концептуального анализа, герменевтический метод, метод деконструкции, компаративистский анализ, а также психоаналитическая традиция исследования вытесненных феноменов сознания.В ходе исследования было установлено, что архаическая мифоонтология представляет собой своего рода предконцептуальный пролог к философии, история которой осуществляется как процесс взаимодействия субъекта и бытия, традиционно концептуализируемый классической традицией в таких формах, как открытие, явленность, говорение, обусловленных ситуацией забвения предъизначального начала и самоистиранием им самого себя. Смысловым центром архаической мифоонтологии является фигура героя, основная функция которого сводится к выявлению и поддержанию существующего миропорядка с помощью сохранения и восстановления различий, осуществляемых благодаря ритуальным практикам. Мифоонтология – это досимволическая онтология жеста, строящаяся на следующих принципах: а) онтогносеологической интерпретации ощущения в качестве онтической процедуры, предшествующей и обуславливающей всякую попытку оформления и выражения мира в качестве единого целого; б) преимущественно топографическом восприятии мира, впоследствии дополненном историческим измерением, необходимым для включения субъекта в сакральное измерение динамичного бытия, представленного схемой: космос-боги-люди.Настоящая статья адресована специалистам по истории философии, философии, истории и теории культуры; аспирантам, магистрантам, студентам гуманитарных направлений, широкому кругу читателей, интересующихся актуальными проблемами социально-гуманитарных наук.
Fe–Cr–Mn–C–N Steels for Down-Hole Application in Sour Environments: Statistical Analysis of Mechanical Properties
Authors: Lee Eunkyung , Khalfaoui Walid , Mishra Brajendra , Palmer Bruce R. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Two types of Fe–Cr–Mn–C–N steels (CN66, CN71) were developed and investigated for down-hole applications. Results of the experiments were used to identify statistically significant metallurgical factors and to predict the mechanical properties of CN66 and CN71. The three factors involved in the study were cooling rate (air or water), carbon and nitrogen content (C+N, 0.66 or 0.71 in wt. %), and heat-treatment holding time (2 or 4 h). The experiments were designed with a three-factor full-factorial design with two replicates for each condition. Cooling rate and C+N content (composition) were significant variables that affected the mechanical properties of CN66 and CN71, and the most favorable mechanical properties of the developed steels were obtained for a fast cooling rate and a high C+N content. The microstructures of the CN66 and CN71 were investigated to understand these strengthening effects, and it was found that the formation of precipitates was controlled by the cooling rate and that fast cooling suppressed precipitate formation. In addition, CN66 showed that a larger amount of ferrite phase in the material than that of CN71. The mechanical properties of CN66 and CN71 were compared to Fe–Cr–Ni based non-magnetic austenitic steel, 316L stainless steel, to evaluate the application possibilities of these alloys for down-hole applications. The superior mechanical properties of CN66 and CN71 show their potential to replace 316L stainless steel in many applications.
FLC-Based SOGI Controller for Photovoltaic-Operated STATCOM for Current Harmonic Elimination
Authors: Gokulakrishnan B. , Govindaraj T. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
In this paper, a photovoltaic (PV)-array-interfaced static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) with a fuzzy-logic-controller (FLC)-based second-order generalized integrator (SOGI) is presented to compensate for the current harmonics in the three-phase four-wire distribution system. The compensation ability and the effectiveness of the compensation depend on the capability of the dc link and the control techniques employed. The control techniques used in the system decides the required quantity of the measurement devices and the cost of the control unit. The proposed SOGI controller uses only the currents measured at the converter and load terminals. It does not require any voltage sensor. The proposed topology of STATCOM uses the energy generated in the PV array and FLC-based SOGI to offer the sufficient energy and provide the sustainable compensation against the current disturbances. The simulation results and experimental results of the prototype model are presented to validate the performance of the proposed STATCOM in compensating the current harmonics.
Complejidades y desafíos en la relación entre Chile y Perú en el siglo XXI: Un enfoque desde la geopolítica crítica
Authors: Cabrera-Toledo Lester Martín Andrés 
Published: June 2017

Las relaciones entre Chile y Perú-Bolivia, no solamente pueden ser vistas desde un punto de vista de la conflictividad en torno a las consecuencias de la Guerra del Pacífico, sino que también desde un punto de vista negativo en los ámbitos cultural, social y geopolítico. Y en esta última visión, la relación en el presentese construye sobre una serie de discursos opuestos y contrarios que, en un primer momento, no tiene una solución que pueda establecerse por cada una de las partes por separado, sino que se requiere una visión integral en la cual confluyan las tres posturas. Pero dicha visión no puede ser en torno a los elementos que generan conflictos, sino que debiese tener una postura innovadora y creativa, y que principalmente, no vaya en contra de los intereses de los Estados en cuestión, considerando los actuales problemas que existen entre estos países.
Alteration of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase expression in lower limb ischemia caused by atherosclerosis obliterans
Authors: Fodor J , Gomba-Tóth A , Oláh T , Zádor E , Tóth Zs Cs , Ioannis I , Molnár B , Kovács I , Csernoch L 
Published: June 2017

Atherosclerosis is a disease caused by a build-up of fatty plaques and cholesterol in the arteries. The lumen of the vessels is obliterated resulting in restricted blood supply to tissues. In ischemic conditions, the cytosolic Ca2+ level of skeletal muscle may increase, indicating the alteration of Ca2+ removal mechanisms. Ca2+ is transported from cytosol into the sarcoplasmic reticulum by Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA), with its 1a isoform expressed in adult, while its 1b isoform in neonatal and regenerating fast-twitch skeletal muscle. To investigate the role of these isoforms in ischemic skeletal muscle, biopsies from musculus biceps femoris of patients who underwent amputation due to atherosclerosis were examined. Samples were removed from the visibly healthy and hypoxia-affected tissue. Significantly increased SERCA1a expression was detected under the ischemic conditions (246 ± 69%; p < 0.05) compared with the healthy tissue. Furthermore, the ratio of SERCA1a-positive fibers was slightly increased (46 ± 4% in healthy tissue and 60 ± 5% in ischemic tissue; p > 0.05), whereas SERCA2a did not change. In addition, in primary cultures derived from hypoxia-affected tissue, the diameter and fusion index of myotubes were significantly increased (30 ± 1.6 µm vs. 41 ± 2.4 µm and 31 ± 4% vs. 45 ± 3%; p < 0.05). We propose that the increased SERCA1a expression indicates the existence and location of compensating mechanisms in ischemic muscle.
Contemporary Legal Issues in Electronic Commerce in Nigeria
Authors: Akomolede TI 
Published: June 2017

The Internet has no doubt added a great deal to the quality of human life today. It has knitted the world together as a global village. Many difficulties which hampered international and even national commercial transactions in the past have now been consigned to the dust-bin of history. The emergence of electronic commerce is as a result of the creation of the internet, through which commercial transactions are conducted between parties from different parts of the world and who may never see themselves in their lifetimes. However, the emergence of electronic commerce has also brought with it a number of legal and socio-economic problems, especially in the developing nations such as Nigeria – problems which pose significance challenges to the legal regime of electronic commerce in those countries. This paper examines these legal issues within the context of the current legal and regulatory framework for electronic commerce in Nigeria.
The Committee System for Competitive Bids in Local Government
Authors: Bolton P 
Published: June 2017

When a municipality contracts for goods or services, it must make use of competitive bidding / a public call for tenders for contracts over R200 000 as well as for long term contracts. A competitive bidding process generally consists of different stages, for example, compiling bid specifications, advertising the bid, the receipt and evaluation of bids, and the award and implementation of the contract. The Municipal Supply Chain Management Regulations require a municipality’s Supply Chain Management Policy to provide for a committee system to oversee the different stages. Such committee system must, moreover, consist of at least a bid specification committee, a bid evaluation committee and a bid adjudication committee. Until recently, little attention has been given by the courts to the roles and composition of the different committees in the committee system. It is only after government, and in particular, municipalities have begun to implement the committee system in their procurement processes that it is evident that problems are arising. In recent months, the courts have increasingly had to deal with issues pertaining to the implementation of the committee system.
In this article, the relevant legislative provisions on the committee system for competitive bids in local government are discussed. The functions of each committee are explained and all the cases that have thus far involved the implementation of the committee system are critically analysed. Much attention is given to the cases since they serve as a warning to municipalities to uphold and comply with the rules relating to the roles and composition of the different committees. The cases illustrate how important it is for municipalities to ensure that the different committees are properly constituted and that decisions at meetings are properly taken. They also highlight the importance of the supervisory role of the municipal manager over the different committees. In light of the cases it is clear that failure to comply with all the legislative requirements results in very costly litigation.