bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Randomized Comparison of Double Small, Standard, and Endoscopic Approaches for Carpal Tunnel Release
Authors: Zhang Xu , Huang Xiangye , Wang Xianhui , Wen Shumin , Sun Jianxin , Shao Xinzhong 
Published: May 2016

Background:
The purpose of this study was to introduce a new surgical technique of carpal tunnel release through double small incisions, and to compare the technique with the standard open release and endoscopic release.

Methods:
Two hundred and seven patients were allocated randomly into group A (n = 73), B (n = 65), or C (n = 69). Patients in group A were treated with carpal tunnel release by means of double small incisions. Patients in group B were treated by means of the standard incision. Patients in group C had endoscopic release.

Results:
Preoperatively, the mean severity of symptoms of groups A, B, and C was 3.7 ± 0.58, 3.8 ± 0.62, and 3.7 ± 0.52, respectively; and the mean functional status was 3.2 ± 0.71, 3.2 ± 0.71, and 3.5 ± 0.64, respectively. At the final follow-up of 3 years, the mean severity of symptoms of the groups was 1.2 ± 0.45, 1.2 ± 0.31, and 1.5 ± 0.36, respectively; and the mean functional status was 1.2 ± 0.38, 1.2 ± 0.41, and 1.5 ± 0.42, respectively. Patient satisfaction was 95 ± 4.2, 90 ± 5.8, and 93 ± 4.4, respectively. There were no significant differences between groups regarding symptom severity or function status (p > 0.05). For scar appearance, there were significant differences between groups A and B and between B and C, but not between A and C; for patient satisfaction, there were significant differences in all comparisons.

Conclusions:
Carpal tunnel release by means of double small incisions is a minimally invasive and less technically challenging procedure with good nerve visualization, resulting in good appearance of scars.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
Therapeutic, II.
Secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor Expression and High-Risk HPV Infection in Anal Lesions of HIV-Positive Patients
Authors: Nicol Alcina F. , Brunette Laurie L. , Nuovo Gerard J. , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Friedman Ruth K. , Veloso Valdiléa G. , Cunha Cynthia B. , Coutinho José R. , Vianna de Andrade Cecilia , Oliveira Nathalia S. , Woodham Andrew W. , Da Silva Diane M. , Kast W. Martin 
Published: May 2016

Objective:
The aim of this study was to evaluate secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) expression in anal biopsies from HIV-positive (HIV+) individuals, and compare that to anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) diagnoses and human papillomavirus (HPV) status.

Design:
This is a cross-sectional study of a cohort of 54 HIV+ (31 males and 23 females) from an AIDS clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Methods:
The study material consisted of anorectal tissue biopsies obtained from HIV+ subjects, which were used to construct tissue microarray paraffin blocks for immunohistochemical analysis of SLPI expression. Biopsies were evaluated by an expert pathologist and classified as low-grade AIN1, high-grade AIN2/3, or normal squamous epithelium. In addition, DNA from the biopsies was extracted and analyzed for the presence of low- or high-risk HPV DNA.

Results:
Histologically, normal squamous epithelium from the anorectal region showed strong positive SLPI staining in 17/20 (85%) samples. In comparison, 9/17 (53%) dysplastic squamous epithelial samples from AIN1 patients showed strong SLPI staining, and only 5/17 (29%) samples from AIN2/3 patients exhibited strong SPLI staining, which both were significantly fewer than those from normal tissue (P = 0.005). Furthermore, there was a significantly higher proportion of samples in which oncogenic high-risk HPV genotypes were detected in low SLPI-expressing tissues than that in tissues with high SLPI expression (P = 0.040).

Conclusions:
Taken together these results suggest that low SLPI expression is associated with high-risk HPV infections in the development of AIN.
Brief Report: Efficacy and Safety of Switching to a Single-Tablet Regimen of Elvitegravir/Cobicistat/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide in HIV-1/Hepatitis B–Coinfected Adults
Authors: Gallant Joel , Brunetta Jason , Crofoot Gordon , Benson Paul , Mills Anthony , Brinson Cynthia , Oka Shinichi , Cheng Andrew , Garner Will , Fordyce Marshall , Das Moupali , McCallister Scott ,   the GS-US-292-1249 Study Investigators
Published: May 2016

Abstract:
Coformulated elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide (E/C/F/TAF) has high efficacy and improved renal and bone safety in multiple phase 3 trials; TAF single agent is being studied in 2 phase 3 trials in patients with chronic hepatitis B. We report the results of an open-label, noncomparative switch study evaluating the efficacy and safety of E/C/F/TAF in HIV/hepatitis B virus (HBV)–coinfected adults. At 48 weeks, 91.7% of the 72 participants maintained or achieved virologic suppression (HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL; HBV DNA <29 IU/mL). Seroconversion occurred in 2.9% of hepatitis B surface antigen–positive participants and in 3.3% of HBV e antigen–positive participants; 40% of those with abnormal alanine aminotransferase normalized. E/C/F/TAF was associated with improved renal function and reduced bone turnover. These data support the use of E/C/F/TAF in treating HIV/HBV coinfection.
Hybrid Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Paulus Daniel H. , Quick Harald H. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Attenuation correction (AC) is an essential step in the positron emission tomography (PET) data reconstruction process to provide accurate and quantitative PET images. The introduction of PET/magnetic resonance (MR) hybrid systems has raised new challenges but also possibilities regarding PET AC. While in PET/computed tomography (CT) imaging, CT images can be converted to attenuation maps, MR images in PET/MR do not provide a direct relation to attenuation. For the AC of patient tissues, new methods have been suggested, for example, based on image segmentation, atlas registration, or ultrashort echo time MR sequences. Another challenge in PET/MR hybrid imaging is AC of hardware components that are placed in the PET/MR field of view, such as the patient table or various radiofrequency (RF) coils covering the body of the patient for MR signal detection. Hardware components can be categorized into 4 different groups: (1) patient table, (2) RF receiver coils, (3) radiation therapy equipment, and (4) PET and MR imaging phantoms. For rigid and stationary objects, such as the patient table and some RF coils like the head/neck coil, predefined CT-based attenuation maps stored on the system can be used for automatic AC. Flexible RF coils are not included into the AC process till now because they can vary in position as well as in shape and are not accurately detectable with the PET/MR system.
This work summarizes challenges, established methods, new concepts, and the state of art in hardware component AC in the context of PET/MR hybrid imaging. The work also gives an overview of PET/MR hardware devices, their attenuation properties, and their effect on PET quantification.
Image Quality of a Novel Frequency Selective Nonlinear Blending Algorithm
Authors: Bongers Malte N. , Bier Georg , Marcus Roy , Ditt Hendrik , Kloth Christopher , Schabel Christoph , Nikolaou Konstantin , Horger Marius 
Published: May 2016

Objective
Aim of this ex vivo phantom study was to evaluate the contrast enhancement applying a new frequency split nonlinear blending algorithm (best contrast [BC]) and to compare it with standard 120-kV single-energy computed tomography (SECT) images, as well as with low-kiloelectron volt monoenergetic extrapolations (Mono+40–100keV) from dual-energy CT (DECT) and with low-kilovolt (70–100 kV) SECT acquisitions.

Materials and Methods
A dilution series of iodinated contrast material–filled syringes was centered in an attenuation phantom and was scanned with SECT70–120kV and DECT80–100/Sn150. Monoenergetic images (40–100 keV) were reconstructed, and a new manual frequency split nonlinear blending algorithm (BC) was applied to SECT70kV and SECT120kV images. Manual BC settings were set to simulate a reading situation with fixed overall best values (FVBC120kV) as well as to achieve best possible values for each syringe (BVBC120kV) for maximum contrast enhancement. Contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were used as an objective region of interest–based image analysis parameter. Two radiologists evaluated the detectability of hyperdense and hypodense syringes (Likert). Results were compared between SECT70–100kV, Mono+40–100keV, and DECT80–100/Sn150kV, as well as FVBC120kV, BVBC120kV, and BC70kV.

Results
Highest CNR without BC was detected at SECT70kV (5.04 ± 0.12) and Mono+40keV (4.40 ± 0.11). FVBC and BVBC images allow a significant increase of CNR compared with SECT120kV (CNRBVBC, 5.21 ± 0.15; CNRFVBC, 5.12 ± 0.16; CNRSECT120kV, 2.5 ± 0.08; all P ≤ 0.01). There was no significant difference in CNR between BVBC and FVBC. Averaged CNR in BVBC and FVBC was significantly higher compared with Mono+40–100keV (all P ≤ 0.01). Compared with SECT70kV, averaged CNR in BVBC and FVBC show no significant differences. BVBC70kV (7.67 ± 0.17) significantly increases CNR in SECT70kV up to 213%.
Subjective image analysis showed an interobserver agreement of 0.63 to 0.83 (κ), confirming the superiority of BC in detecting hyperdense and hypodense syringes, when compared with SECT120kV. Compared with SECT120kV, BVBC70kV was scored highest, followed by SECT70kV. BVBC showed higher scores when comparing to Mono+40keV, however almost identical to those of SECT70kV. Scores of FVBC were slightly lower than SECT70kV, but in the range of Mono+40keV.

Conclusions
The new frequency split nonlinear blending algorithm with fixed settings offers a superior differentiation of contrast levels from low- to high-contrast settings. Using the optimal settings, this algorithm shows an equivalent contrast enhancement when compared with SECT70kV. Because of the non–DECT-based algorithm of BC, the new method of contrast enhancement seems to be particularly valuable for implementation in CT systems not equipped for dual-energy or spectral CT imaging.
Early Revision of Suburethral Sling for Persistent Stress Incontinence
Authors: Shah Nima M. , Hall Cynthia D. 
Published: May 2016

Background
Midurethral slings are an effective treatment method for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Although success rates can be as high as 90%, the remaining patients with disappointing results may require further surgical intervention. In particular, those patients with persistent SUI may need further revision of the existing sling. Literature is limited in the optimal treatment of these patients.

Case Series
Five patients who underwent midurethral slings for SUI and had subsequent sling revision were included in this analysis. The technique of revision is outlined in this article. Subsequently, these patients had greatly improved continence.

Conclusions
Our patients did benefit from this method of sling revision. Further information on sling revisions with increased patient populations would allow us to make appropriate recommendations.
Systematic Reconstruction of Autism Biology with Multi-Level Whole Exome Analysis
Authors: Luo Weijun , Zhang Chaolin , Brouwer Cory R. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWhole exome/genome studies on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) identified thousands of variants, yet not a coherent and systematic disease mechanism. We conduct novel integrated analyses across multiple levels on ASD exomes. These mutations do not recur or replicate at variant level, but significantly and increasingly so at gene and pathway level. Genetic association reveals a novel gene+pathway dual-hit model, better explaining ASD risk than the well-accepted mutation burden model.In multiple analyses with independent datasets, hundreds of variants or genes consistently converge to several canonical pathways. Unlike the reported gene groups or networks, these pathways define novel, relevant, recurrent and systematic ASD biology. At sub-pathway level, most variants disrupt the pathway-related gene functions, and multiple interacting variants spotlight key modules, e.g. cAMP second-messenger system and mGluR signaling regulation by GRK in synapses. At super-pathway level, these distinct pathways are highly interconnected, and further converge to a few biology themes, i.e. synaptic function, morphology and plasticity. Therefore, ASD is a not just multi-genic but a multi-pathway disease.
Linking Turgor with ABA Biosynthesis: Implications for Stomatal Responses to Vapor Pressure Deficit across Land Plants
Authors: McAdam Scott A.M. , Brodribb Timothy J. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Stomatal responses to changes in vapor pressure deficit (VPD) constitute the predominant form of daytime gas-exchange regulation in plants. Stomatal closure in response to increased VPD is driven by the rapid up-regulation of foliar abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis and ABA levels in angiosperms; however, very little is known about the physiological trigger for this increase in ABA biosynthesis at increased VPD. Using a novel method of modifying leaf cell turgor by the application of external pressures, we test whether changes in turgor pressure can trigger increases in foliar ABA levels over 20 min, a period of time most relevant to the stomatal response to VPD. We found in angiosperm species that the biosynthesis of ABA was triggered by reductions in leaf turgor, and in two species tested, that a higher sensitivity of ABA synthesis to leaf turgor corresponded with a higher stomatal sensitivity to VPD. In contrast, representative species from nonflowering plant lineages did not show a rapid turgor-triggered increase in foliar ABA levels, which is consistent with previous studies demonstrating passive stomatal responses to changes in VPD in these lineages. Our method provides a new tool for characterizing the response of stomata to water availability.
Examining social exchange among Chinese service workers
Authors: Ng Mark 
Published: May 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of perceived external prestige (PEP), perceived organizational support (POS), and organizational inducement (OI) on employee turnover intention (TI) and on the mediation effect of trust in organizations (TOs).Design/methodology/approach– In all, 243 self-administered questionnaires were collected from five service companies in Guangdong, China. The construct validity, the measurement model, and the hypothetical relationship between variables were tested by partial-least-squares structural equation modeling.Findings– The results demonstrate that OI, PEP, and POS tended to increase employees’ trust in their organization and hence to reduce their TI.Practical implications– The findings of this study have implications for managers’ design and implementation of effective human resource management strategies for adults in China. To deal with the serious problem of high employee turnover in China, organizations should implement not only appropriate human resource policy but also practices to improve corporate reputation.Originality/value– This paper extends the research on TI by investigating the impacts of PEP and the mediating effect of TOs in a Chinese context.
The role of universities in nation-building in 1950s Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand
Authors: Manathunga Catherine 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the diverse rendering of the idea of nation and the role of universities in nation-building in the 1950s Murray and Hughes Parry Reports in Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand. This paper provides trans-Tasman comparisons that reflect the different national and international interests, positioning of science and the humanities and desired academic and student subject positions and power relations.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper adopts a Foucauldian genealogical approach that is informed by Wodak’s (2011) historical discourse analysis in order to analyse the reports’ discursive constructions of the national role of universities, the positioning of science and humanities and the development of desired academics and student subjectivities and power relations.

Findings
– The analysis reveals the different positioning of Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand in relation to the Empire and the Cold War. It also demonstrates how Australian national interests were represented in these reports as largely economic and defence related, while Aotearoa/New Zealand national interests were about economic, social and cultural nation-building. These differences were also matched by diverse weightings attached to university science and the humanities education. There is also a hailing of traditional, enlightenment-inspired discourses about desired academic and student subjectivities and power relations in Australia that contrasts with the emergence of early traces of more contemporary discourses about equity and diversity in universities in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Originality/value
– The paper demonstrates the value of transnational analysis in contributing to historiography about university education. The Foucauldian discourse analysis approach extends existing Australian historiography about universities during this period and represents a key contribution to Aotearoa/New Zealand historiography that has explored academic and student subjectivities to a lesser extent.
Interior design students perceptions of sustainability
Authors: Stark Johnnie , Park Jin Gyu “Phillip” 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
This longitudinal study assessed student perceptions of sustainable design issues in the context of an accredited interior design program. Although literature exists documenting the integration of sustainable strategies into interior design curriculum, more analysis is needed to determine the impact of program experiences on students’ attitudes.

Design/methodology/approach
Over a four-year period, a questionnaire was administered to 245 freshmen in an introduction to interior design survey course and to 122 seniors enrolled in a professional practice in interior design seminar. In addition to statistically analyzing category responses between the two subject groups, the authors also looked for patterns in responses within each subject group.

Findings
Results indicated that the seniors were significantly more aware of the term “sustainable design” than the freshmen were. Understanding the students’ perceptions of more specific principles including life cycle thinking, environmentally and socially responsible materials sourcing and sustainable design practice required a more nuanced discussion. Although statistical significance of differences between the two groups was small to moderate throughout the survey categories, the seniors tended to be more deliberate in their responses.

Originality/value
This study is the first of its kind to conduct a longitudinal investigation of an interior design student body from freshman through senior cohorts regarding perceptions of sustainable design. Findings from the large sample size provide direction for interior design programs and form the basis for further study.
Abnormal stock returns in Greece during the Cypriot banking crisis
Authors: Repousis Spyridon 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the Cypriot banking crisis in specific bank stocks’ prices traded in the Athens Stock Exchange.

Design/methodology/approach
In the present study, event study methodology has been used. The basis of the event study is to examine the returns derived from the stock prices of the relevant banks before March 15, 2013.

Findings
This study focuses on three banks, Bank of Cyprus, Cyprus Popular Bank and Piraeus Bank, and finds abnormal stock returns during the ten-day period before the event date (announcement of prohibition and put under suspension trading of all movable securities of Bank of Cyprus and Cyprus Popular Bank). Also, an interesting matter is that during the estimation period and in specific dates, such as October 18, 22 and 23, 2012, a high volume of stocks trading took place in Bank of Cyprus and Cyprus Popular Bank.

Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study examining it.
ISIS political economy: financing a terror state
Authors: Stergiou Dimitrios 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the financial aspects of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), its sources of financing and the management of funds in a State-like apparatus.

Design/methodology/approach
It is argued that ISIS constitutes a phenomenon not only due to the extreme violence, instrumentalized via “marketing” methods but also on grounds of its declared aspiration to occupy and control land and population with ever expanding borders. After analyzing the group’s sources of funding which are closely interlinked to the areas it controls and its coordinated efforts to establish a proto-terror state framework, a strategy for addressing this threat based on international practices and decisions is being highlighted.

Findings
ISIS represents a “sui generis”, primarily self-funded State Scale Entity, a case study for Defense and Security Geo-economics. Its “economic model”, an amalgam of terrorist and criminal practices, could not be used for a viable proto-state it aspires to be.

Research limitations/implications
No official data of any kind are available by international recognized organizations or bodies. The sources for this paper are primarily Western media, journalists, indirect habitants’ testimonies and very few official reports.

Practical implications
Caution must be exercised, when using even trivial platforms of social media and mobile applications, linked even remotely with ISIS or its affiliates.

Originality/value
This paper is a comprehensive presentation of the economic facets of this first modern endeavor for a terror-state.
International anti-money laundering laws: the problems with enforcement
Authors: Keesoony Selina 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
This paper aims to explore the underlying problem of tackling money laundering, namely, the difficulty of enforcing international laws and whether this is a problem which is too great to overcome in practice.

Design/methodology/approach
A doctrinal approach is used to discuss international anti-money laundering (AML) laws and question whether money laundering can be truly regarded as an international crime. A comparative approach with case studies of corruption in financial institutions illustrates the problems which law enforcement might encounter. The advantages and disadvantages of tackling money laundering will be highlighted to elucidate both the negative impacts of the crime and the reasons why some states may not be tackling money laundering as forcefully as they could.

Findings
Uniformity of AML laws among different countries may deter criminals from laundering money. The ratification of the Vienna Convention can help to facilitate uniformity of legal rules. States need robust domestic laws to tackle money laundering. Money laundering is an international crime, although not always a specific crime in international law. Moreover, it is generally advantageous to consider money laundering to be a specific crime under international law.

Originality/value
The article questions the effectiveness of current AML laws by examining the foundations of international law. Suggestions as to how uniformity can be achieved are given. A comparative approach is also used to demonstrate the extent of the crime, weaknesses in companies’ regulatory regimes and how each State responds to money laundering. The comparison also reveals State-specific issues which fuel money laundering. Moreover, the article explores the practical and legal advantages and disadvantages of money laundering being considered a specific crime in international law.