bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability of a measurement method for the cross-sectional area of the longus colli using real-time ultrasound imaging
Authors: O’Riordan Cliona , Van De Ven Pepijn , Nelson John , McCreesh Karen , Clifford Amanda 
Published: July 2016

Objective Real-time ultrasound imaging is an established objective outcome measurement with proven reliability. However, it is still largely biased by user-ability. Published research in the area of real-time ultrasound imaging reliability in the cervical region and in particular the deep cervical flexors is quite sparse. The purpose of this investigation was to examine if a novice ultrasound user could agree favourably with an experienced ultrasound sonographer in measuring the cross-sectional area of the longus colli. Methods Ultrasound images were captured from 22 healthy subjects on two different occasions, one week apart, by a novice ultrasound user. They were acquired using a GE Healthcare LOGIQe ultrasound machine, at a depth of 3–4 cm with the transducer frequency set to 8 MHz, in line with previous research guidelines. Cross-sectional area was then measured on-screen by both a novice and experienced ultrasound user to determine inter-rater reliability. Intra-rater reliability was also analysed using cross-sectional area figures from days one and two. Results Intra-rater reliability for real-time ultrasound imaging for the cross-sectional area of the longus colli was “excellent” (intra-class correlation 0.90, 95% CI 0.82–0.95). Inter-rater reliability was “moderate” but in keeping with previous published research (intra-class correlation 0.61, 95% CI 0.37–0.77). Conclusion Difficulties in identifying the borders of the longus colli muscle due to its deep anatomical location and surrounding structures make it difficult for assessors to agree favourably on cross-sectional area measurements, leading to “moderate” levels of inter-rater reliability and poor agreement. Intra-rater reliability is excellent, and in this instance indicates that a novice user can be just as reliable as a more experienced ultrasound user.
Measuring non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant levels: When is it appropriate and which methods should be used?
Authors: Drouet Ludovic , Bal dit Sollier Claire , Steiner Thorsten , Purrucker Jan 
Published: July 2016

Background Although the need for an emergency intervention may merit laboratory measurement of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) concentration or anticoagulant activity, NOACs are not supposed to require routine monitoring due to their stable pharmacological profiles compared with warfarin. Aims To examine situations where NOAC measurement may be useful and to provide information about methodologies available to measure NOAC-related anticoagulation activity. Summary of review The routine coagulation tests, including prothrombin time, thrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and international normalized ratio, have variable sensitivities to NOACs. Tests have been developed for use with specific NOACs, e.g. diluted thrombin time or chromogenic factor Xa assays. In emergency situations, such as severe bleeding, stroke, or a requirement for urgent surgery or procedures, there may be a need to assess anticoagulant activity to guide clinical decision making. In cases where neutralization of the anticoagulant effect is warranted, specific reversal agents are likely to become invaluable medical tools. Evidence to date suggests that dosing decisions for NOACs based on clinical features (e.g. age or renal function) can help optimize the benefit–risk balance without assessment of anticoagulant activity in non-emergency routine situations. Conclusions Regular monitoring of NOAC levels does not provide benefits and cannot be recommended at present. In some specific circumstances, e.g. severe bleeding, before urgent surgery, or before thrombolysis, measurement may be beneficial to assess whether a patient is actively anticoagulated. The availability of NOAC-specific reversal agents may change management practices in emergencies.
The antigenic complex in HIT binds to B cells via complement and complement receptor 2 (CD21)
Authors: Khandelwal Sanjay , Lee Grace M. , Hester C. Garren , Poncz Mortimer , McKenzie Steven E. , Sachais Bruce S. , Rauova Lubica , Kelsoe Garnett , Cines Douglas B. , Frank Michael , Arepally Gowthami M. 
Published: July 2016

Key PointsPF4/heparin ultra-large complexes activate complement and bind preferentially to B cells via CR2 (CD21). Complement-fixed PF4/heparin complexes can be detected on circulating B cells in patients receiving heparin therapy.
The evaluation of a health education campaign on the use of leave from work during pregnancy
Authors: Mastrangelo Giuseppe , Lange John H , Fadda Emanuela , Agostini Ornella , Agnesi Roberto , Bardin Andrea , Cegolon Luca 
Published: July 2016

Abstract

Background
The Italian Protective Maternity Legislation allows a woman to apply for early maternity leave from work during pregnancy if she is affected by health problems (option A) or if her working conditions are incompatible with pregnancy (option B). A community based health education program, implemented between 1995 to 1998 in North Eastern Italy, provided counseling (by a team of gynecologists, pediatricians, geneticists, psychologists and occupational physicians), and an information leaflet detailing the risks during pregnancy and the governmental benefits available to expectant mothers. This leaflet was distributed to women who were under occupational medical surveillance and to women attending any healthcare office and outpatient department and was also mailed to women working at home as shoemakers.
The effectiveness of this intervention has been evaluated in this investigation using an evidence based approach.

Methods
A quasi-experimental design was adopted, applying several outcome measurements before (1989 to 1994) and after (1999 to 2005) the intervention. The outcome (ratio B/A) is the number of women receiving approval for B (circumstance where the pregnant woman is employed to undertake activities forbidden under the Article 7 of Law 151/2001, and it is impossible to change her duties) to those receiving approval for A (risky pregnancy due to personal medical conditions, Article 17 of the same Law). A linear regression coefficient (for B/A against years) was obtained separately for time periods "before" (1989-94) and "after" (1999-2005) the intervention program. The two regression coefficients were compared using a t-test.

Results
The trend over-time for the ratio B/A was steady before the initial intervention (y = 0.008x - 16.087; t = 2.09; p > 0.05) then increased considerably (y = 0.0426x - 84.89; t = 19.55; p < 0.001) in coincidence with the start of the education campaign. There was a significant difference between the two regression coefficients (t = 7.58; p < 0.001).

Conclusion
From a bureaucratic perspective Option B is far more complicated than A. In fact it implies an active approach involving an arrangement between the claimant and the employer, who has to certify to the relevant Authority that the woman's working conditions are incompatible with pregnancy. The increasing number of women availing of option B, as recommended, therefore suggests the suitability of such educational campaign(s).
Mesenchymal stem cell implantation in atrophic nonunion of the long bones
Authors: Ismail H.D. , Phedy P. , Kholinne E. , Djaja Y. P. , Kusnadi Y. , Merlina M. , Yulisa N. D. 
Published: July 2016

ObjectivesTo explore the therapeutic potential of combining bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and hydroxyapatite (HA) granules to treat nonunion of the long bone.MethodsTen patients with an atrophic nonunion of a long bone fracture were selectively divided into two groups. Five subjects in the treatment group were treated with the combination of 15 million autologous BM-MSCs, 5g/cm3(HA) granules and internal fixation. Control subjects were treated with iliac crest autograft, 5g/cm3HA granules and internal fixation. The outcomes measured were post-operative pain (visual analogue scale), level of functionality (LEFS and DASH), and radiograph assessment.ResultsPost-operative pain evaluation showed no significant differences between the two groups. The treatment group demonstrated faster initial radiographic and functional improvements. Statistically significant differences in functional scores were present during the first (p = 0.002), second (p = 0.005) and third (p = 0.01) month. Both groups achieved similar outcomes by the end of one-year follow-up. No immunologic or neoplastic side effects were reported.ConclusionsAll cases of nonunion of a long bone presented in this study were successfully treated using autologous BM-MSCs. The combination of autologous BM-MSCs and HA granules is a safe method for treating nonunion. Patients treated with BM-MSCs had faster initial radiographic and functional improvements. By the end of 12 months, both groups had similar outcomes. Cite this article: H.D. Ismail, P. Phedy, E. Kholinne, Y. P. Djaja, Y. Kusnadi, M. Merlina, N. D. Yulisa. Mesenchymal stem cell implantation in atrophic nonunion of the long bones: A translational study. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:287–293. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.57.2000587.
The use of intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring in minimally invasive parathyroid surgery
Authors: Helbrow J , Owais AE , Sidwell AG , Frank LM , Lucarotti ME 
Published: July 2016

Introduction Surgery is the first-line management option for patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) is now preferable but few centres offer this service, mainly because of lack of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) testing. The aim of this study was to identify whether the measurement of IOPTH in patients having minimally invasive parathyroidectomy for pHPT alters their management. Methods A retrospective review was carried out of 78 consecutive patients who underwent parathyroid surgery by a single surgeon with a special interest in parathyroid surgery. The clinical impact of IOPTH monitoring was recorded postoperatively in a timely manner. Serum adjusted calcium levels were checked preoperatively (on admission) and one month postoperatively; normalisation was considered a cure. Results In the setting of curative MIP, IOPTH measurement did not influence the management in any of the patients but it could have led to bilateral parathyroid exploration (BPE) in three instances. Similarly, in cases that required lengthening of the MIP incision, IOPTH results did not influence patient management although it could have led to BPE in one case. Conclusion MIP offers an effective cure for patients with hyperparathyroidism. The addition of IOPTH testing adds increased expense, operating time and risk to patients otherwise suitable for MIP.
Inequalities for hyperconvex sets
Authors: Fodor Ferenc , Kurusa Árpád , Vígh Viktor 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
An r-hyperconvex body is a set in the d-dimensional Euclidean space 𝔼
d
that is the intersection of a family of closed balls of radius r. We prove the analogue of the classical Blaschke–Santaló inequality for r-hyperconvex bodies, and we also establish a stability version of it. The other main result of the paper is an r-hyperconvex version of the reverse isoperimetric inequality in the plane.
Symmetric subspaces of SE(3)
Authors: Löwe Harald , Wu Yuanqing , Carricato Marco 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
Being a Lie group, the group SE(3) of orientation preserving motions of the real Euclidean 3-space becomes a symmetric space (in the sense of O. Loos) when endowed with the multiplication µ(g, h) = gh
−1
g. In this note we classify all connected symmetric subspaces of SE(3) up to conjugation. Moreover, we indicate some of its important applications in robot kinematics.
Effect of PHB on the properties of biodegradable PLA blends
Authors: Vanovčanová Zuzana , Alexy Pavol , Feranc Jozef , Plavec Roderik , Bočkaj Ján , Kaliňáková Leona , Tomanová Katarína , Perďochová Dagmara , Šariský Dávid , Gálisová Ivana 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBlends of biodegradable polymers polylactic acid/thermoplastic starch/polyhydroxybutyrate (PLA/TPS/PHB) were prepared using a twin-screw extruder. The TPS content was constant (50 %) and the PHB content in the blends was gradually changed from 0 mass % to 20 mass %. TPS was prepared by melting, where a mixture of native starch, water and glycerol was fed into the twin-screw extruder. Average temperature of extrusion was 180 °C and the concentration of glycerol was 40 mass %. Influence of the PHB concentration in the blend and that of the processing technology on the mechanical and rheological properties of the PLA/PHB composition containing TPS were studied. Mechanical properties were measured 24 h after the film and monofilament preparation and also after the specific storage time to study the effect of storage on the properties. The results indicate that differences in morphology strongly influence the mechanical properties of the studied materials with identical material composition.
Production of high-content galacto-oligosaccharides mixture using β-galactosidase and Kluyveromyces marxianus entrapped in polyvinylalcohol gel
Authors: Tokošová Silvia , Hronská Helena , Rosenberg Michal 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe production of a high-content galacto-oligosaccharides mixture (GOS) by immobilised
Fuzzy and Regression Modeling for Nd: YAG Laser Cutting of Ti-6Al-4V Superalloy Sheet
Authors: Rajamani D. , Tamilarasan A. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractTitanium super alloys are known as one of the difficult-to-cut materials through conventional machining processes, although it has superior characteristics. As well, laser cutting process is highly non-linear complex process which involves several process variables. With attention of many process variables, it is difficult to develop a precise functional relationship between input and output variables. Therefore, the aim of present work to predict the performance characteristics of kerf deviation and metal removal rate on the Nd-YAG laser cutting of Titanium (Ti-6Al-4V) super alloy sheet using fuzzy and regression modeling techniques. The pulse width, pulse energy, cutting speed and gas pressure were considered as process state variables. The experiments were conducted using RSM based box-behnken design methodology. A fuzzy rule based models were developed to predict the responses. The predicted fuzzy and regression results were compared and examined with experimental results. It is remarkable that, obtained R2 and average error values for each response are very consistent with small variations. Thus, the developed fuzzy model can be effectively used to predict laser cutting parameters in automated manufacturing environments to reduce the complexity of process planning activities.
Temperature study of magnetic resonance spectra of co-modified (Co,N)-TiO2nanocomposites
Authors: Guskos Nikos , Typek Janusz , Zolnierkiewicz Grzegorz , Guskos Aleksander , Berczynski Pawel , Dolat Diana , Mozia Sylwia , Aidinis Konstantinos , Kruk Konrad , Morawski Antoni W. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe (nCo,N)-TiO2(n = 1, 5 and 10 wt.% of Co) nanocomposites were investigated by magnetic resonance spectroscopy in 4 K to 290 K range. Analyses of ferromagnetic/electron paramagnetic resonance (FMR/EPR) spectra in terms of four Callen lineshape components revealed the existence of two types of magnetic centers, one derived from metallic cobalt nanoparticles in superparamagnetic (SPM) phase and the other from cobalt clusters in the TiO2lattice. Additionally, at low temperature the EPR spectrum arising from Ti3+ ions was also registered. Both relaxations of the Landau-Lifshitz type and the Bloch-Bloembergen type played an important role at high temperature in determining the linewidths and the latter relaxation was prevailing at low temperature. Analysis of the integrated intensity showed that the SPM signal is due to small size FM cobalt nanoparticles while the paramagnetic signal from Co clusters originates from those nanoparticles in which the concentration of magnetic polarons is below the percolation threshold.
Site preference and electronic structure of Mn2RhZ (Z = Al, Ga, In, Si, Ge, Sn, Sb): a theoretical study
Authors: Ren Zhi , Liu Yang , Li Songtao , Zhang Xiaohong , Liu Heyan 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
The electronic structure and magnetism of Mn2RhZ (Z = Al, Ga, In, Si, Ge, Sn, Sb) Heusler alloys have been studied by using first-principles calculations. Three half-metallic ferromagnets, namely, Mn2RhAl, Mn2RhGe and Mn2RhSb have been considered. The calculated equilibrium lattice constant increases with increasing atomic number of Z atoms lying in same column of periodic table. The calculated total magnetic moments Mtot are 2 µB/f.u. for Mn2RhAl and Mn2RhGa, 3 µB/f.u. for Mn2RhSi, Mn2RhGe and Mn2RhSn, and 4 µB/f.u. for Mn2RhSb, which agrees with the Slater-Pauling curve quite well. In all these compounds, except for Mn2RhSb, the moments of Mn (A) and Mn (B) are antiparallel to each other. The total magnetic moments of the three considered half-metals assume integral values in a wide range of equilibrium lattice parameters.
Electronic structure, first and second order physical properties of MPS4: a theoretical study
Authors: Dahame Tahar , Bentria Bachir , Faraoun Houda , Benghia Ali , Reshak A.H. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractWe have calculated the electronic structure and physical properties of metal thiophosphate compounds InPS4and AlPS4by means of pseudopotential density functional theory (DFT) coupled with the modern theory of polarization. The targeted physical properties are ﬁrst and second order optical properties as well as elastic, piezoelectric and electro-optic coefﬁcients. Furthermore, population analysis is presented in order to evaluate the covalent-ionic character of the constituent bonds. The calculated elastic constants, refractive indices and second order optical coefﬁcients of InPS4are in good agreement with experimental values. With the absence of any theoretical or experimental physical properties of AlPS4, we predict that this compound has high piezoelectric coefﬁcients with d14= − 73.82 pm/V, d25= − 10.96 pm/V and d36= 28.19 pm/V.
Structural and electrochemical investigation of waste newspaper based electrodes for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Adinaveen T. , Vijaya J. Judith , Sivakumar R. , Kennedy L. John 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
There is a general consensus to develop renewable energy storage and conversion technologies to replace fossil fuel energy for sustainable development. Currently, the development of high performance energy storage and conversion devices is an important step on the road to alternative energy technologies. With a special focus on the upgradation of waste to valuable energy, this paper presents an effective synthetic method that utilizes waste newspapers as the precursor to prepare the activated carbon electrodes by the pyrolysis and chemical activation processes. The amorphous nature and surface morphology of the carbon samples were confirmed by XRD and SEM analysis, respectively. Activated waste newspaper carbon (AWNP) showed good electrochemical properties at 800 °C and its specific capacitance at a scan rate of 2 mV/s was found to be 380 F/g. It is important to mention that the source of the raw material is cost effective and suitable for green technology.
On the Evaluation of the Effect of Microstructure on the SNR of Ultrasonic Images and on the Velocity of Lcr Waves
Authors: Pereira P. , Buenos A. A. , Santos A. A. 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
Stress measurement using ultrasound employs the acoustoelastic theory that relates the variation of the velocity of elastic waves to the variation of stress in the material. However, not only stress has influence on wave velocity, but also the microstructure of the specimen being evaluated. The aim of this work is to verify the feasibility of using ultrasonic images to evaluate microstructural variations that affect the velocity of longitudinal critically refracted (Lcr) waves used in stress measurements. The images were generated applying the total focusing method (TFM) in signals obtained with an ultrasonic array. The signals recorded contain grain noise related to the material's microstructure. In this work, the time-of-flight (TOF) of Lcr waves and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of ultrasonic images are obtained for samples of ASTM A36 steel with different grain sizes and shapes. The TOF is related to the wave velocity and the SNR to the grain noise intensity. The influence of stresses on the TOF and SNR was also verified. A linear relation between TOF and SNR was established with a variation rate of −76 ns/dB. No significant variations were observed in the SNR caused by the applied stress. Because the noise intensity of the images are sensitive only to microstructural variations, the technique presented has potential to be used to correct values of ultrasonic wave velocity in stress measurements.
Fuels Specifications: What They Are, Why We Have Them, and How They Are Used
Authors: Rand Salvatore J. , Verstuyft Allen W. 
Published: July 2016

Description
This new manual outlines reasons for fuel characteristics and the requirements of each specification. This is a complement product to our best-selling Manual 1, Significance of Tests for Petroleum Products. Written by our expert fuels instructors, this manual is an excellent resource for
Individual chapters are available for separate purchases.
Save 60% on the full price of key standards referenced in Manual 69. See related compilations ASTM Standards Related to Fuel Specifications, ASTM Standards on Gasoline and ASTM Standards on Aviation Fuels for details.
Validation Testing and Analysis of Cracked-Hole Continuing Damage Solutions
Authors: Smith Luciano , Pilarczyk Robert , Feiger James 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
In performing damage tolerance analysis (DTA) for aircraft structures, there are instances in which it is necessary to determine not only the life of a crack from a hole to the edge of a part, but the growth of a secondary crack on the opposite side of the hole to failure. These types of fracture mechanics models have recently been added to the commercially available crack growth software programs used for DTA. Southwest Research Institute and the United States Air Force performed testing designed to simulate continuing damage scenarios in which a crack from a hole has failed the primary ligament and a secondary crack is growing from the opposite side of the hole. This testing included constant amplitude testing of two geometries for fracture mechanics model validation and spectrum testing at four combinations of material, geometry, and stress level for validation of retardation parameters. Test results were then compared analytically to stress intensity values calculated using AFGROW, NASGRO, DSTO-developed equations, and the p-version finite element software StressCheck. Because of the nature of the cracking, there is significant in-plane bending, and the different methods available to model the boundary conditions played a large role in the accuracy of the results. When boundary conditions were applied in a manner that closely modeled the testing, stress intensities matched well except near the transition from corner crack to through crack. Deviations from test results in this area and in spectrum test results seem to be caused by differences in crack aspect ratio compared to what is expected analytically. Further investigation is recommended—and planned—to determine the reasons for differences in crack aspect ratio across geometries and loading.