bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nasopharyngeal Dimensions From Computed Tomography of Pugs and French Bulldogs With Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
Authors: Heidenreich Dorothee , Gradner Gabriele , Kneissl Sibylle , Dupré Gilles 
Published: January 2016

ObjectiveTo describe the nasopharyngeal airway dimensions of two brachycephalic breeds and to localize the area of smallest airway dimensions.Study DesignProspective, descriptive, computed tomographic imaging study.AnimalsThirty pugs and 30 French bulldogs with brachycephalic upper airway syndrome.MethodsThe thickness and length of the soft palate, cross‐sectional area of the airway passage dorsal to the soft and hard palates, and cross‐sectional area of the frontal sinus were measured and normalized to each dog's skull index and body weight before statistical comparison between breeds. Nasopharyngeal turbinates and surrounding airway space, and a possible relationship between the canine tooth angulation and the severity of airway obstruction were assessed.ResultsPugs had significantly smaller cross‐sectional areas of the airway dorsal to the soft and hard palates than French bulldogs. In both breeds, the smallest nasopharyngeal cross‐sectional areas were located dorsal to the caudal end of the soft palate. The soft palate of pugs was significantly shorter than that of French bulldogs and also significantly thinner when normalized to each dog's skull index. Pugs more commonly exhibited nasopharyngeal turbinates. Pugs had significantly smaller air‐filled cavities at the location of the frontal sinus. No correlation between the nasopharyngeal dimensions and canine tooth angulation was observed.ConclusionComputed tomographic assessment of the upper airway morphology showed the smallest nasopharyngeal cross‐sectional areas were located dorsal to the caudal end of the soft palate in both breeds. Pugs had a smaller nasopharyngeal cross‐sectional area despite smaller soft palate dimensions than French bulldogs.
Outcomes of Limb‐Sparing Surgery Using Two Generations of Metal Endoprosthesis in 45 Dogs With Distal Radial Osteosarcoma. A Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology Retrospective Study
Authors: Mitchell Katherine E. , Boston Sarah E. , Kung Marvin , Dry Sarah , Straw Rod C. , Ehrhart Nicole P. , Ryan Stewart D. 
Published: January 2016

ObjectiveTo report outcomes in dogs with distal radial osteosarcoma (OSA) treated with metal endoprosthesis limb‐sparing surgery and compare outcomes between 2 generations of endoprosthesis.Study DesignMulti‐institutional retrospective case series.AnimalsForty‐five dogs with distal radial OSA treated with endoprosthesis and chemotherapy.MethodsData of dogs treated with either first‐generation endoprosthesis (GEN1) or second‐generation endoprosthesis (GEN2) were sourced from medical records and radiographs. Surgical outcomes included postoperative lameness assessment and the presence, severity, and time to onset of complications. Oncologic outcomes included presence of local recurrence or metastasis, time to onset of local recurrence, metastasis‐free interval (MFI), and survival time. Results for surgical and oncologic outcomes were compared between GEN1 and GEN2.ResultsTwenty‐eight dogs received GEN1 and 17 dogs received GEN2. There were 39 complications (96%, 14 minor, 29 major) including infection (78%), implant‐related complication (36%), and local recurrence (24%). Metastatic frequency was 67% and median MFI was 188 days (95% confidence interval [CI]: 126–250 days). Survival time ranged from 34 days to 6.1 years with a median of 289 days (95% CI: 207–371 days). There was no significant difference in complication severity, frequency, time to complication, MFI, or survival time between dogs receiving GEN1 and GEN2.ConclusionThere was no significant difference in outcomes between dogs receiving GEN1 and GEN2 for limb‐sparing surgery of the radius. Metastatic frequency and survival time for metal endoprosthesis were similar to that of amputation with curative intent chemotherapy.
Vagus Nerve Stimulator Placement in Dogs: Surgical Implantation Technique, Complications, Long‐Term Follow‐Up, and Practical Considerations
Authors: Martlé Valentine , Van Ham Luc M. L. , Boon Paul , Caemaert Jacques , Tshamala Mulenda , Vonck Kristl , Raedt Robrecht , Polis Ingeborgh , Bhatti Sofie 
Published: January 2016

ObjectiveTo describe a modified implantation procedure of a vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) device in dogs and to report short‐ and long‐term complications.Study DesignDescriptive, experimental study.AnimalsHealthy, adult Beagle dogs (n = 10).MethodsA VNS Therapy® System was implanted in the left cervical region of anesthetized dogs. During and within 48 hours after surgery, electrocardiography (ECG) and impedance testing of the system were performed. Dogs were monitored daily and the impedance of the system was determined regularly until VNS devices were surgically removed 3 years after implantation.ResultsThe implantation procedure was successful in all dogs without intraoperative complications. ECG monitoring and impedance tests were within normal limits during and within 48 hours after surgery. Postoperative seroma formation was common (70%). One dog developed an irreversible Horner's syndrome leading to removal of the device 5 months after implantation. Another dog developed trauma‐induced damage of the lead requiring surgical revision. The device could be safely removed in all dogs; however, electrodes were left in place to avoid nerve damage. At removal, the anchor tether was dislodged in 40% of dogs and the lead was twisted in 50% of dogs.ConclusionImplantation of a VNS Therapy® System is safe and feasible in dogs; however, seroma formation, twisting of the lead, and dislodgement of the anchor tether were common. Practical improvements in the technique include stable device placement, use of a compression bandage, and exercise restriction. Regular evaluation of lead impedance is important, as altered values can indicate serious complications.
UTILIZATION OF OIL PALM TRUNK (ELAEIS GUINEENSIS) AS FOAM COMPOSITE FOR SOUND ABSORPTION
Authors: Sa’adon Shafizah , M. Rus Anika Zafiah 
Published: January 2016

Oil Palm Trunk (OPT) act as a filler for polymer foam composite has been investigated and proved to have ability to absorb sound. In this study, treatment of wood untreated and treated with acid hydrolysis named as UP5 and TP5 was use as filler. This study was developed to compare the ability of sound absorption based on different composition of filler in polymer foam composite. By choosing the size of <500 µm, three different percentage has been selected which is 10 %, 15 % and 20 % for both conditions. These samples has been tested by using Impedance Tube test according to ASTM E-1050 for sound absorption coefficient, α measurement and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for determine the porosity for each samples. 20 % filler loading of UP5 gives highest sound absorption coefficient of 0.97 at 4728 Hz. Meanwhile for 20 % loaded of TP5 gives 0.99 at 3371 Hz. When comparing the sound absorption coefficient for both sounds absorbing materials, TP5 polymer foam composite showed higher value of sound absorption coefficient, α at lower frequency level (Hz) as compared to UP5 polymer foam composite which gives better results in sound absorption.
VALIDATION OF PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS FOR OPTIMIZED VEHICULAR AD HOC NETWORK USING TAGUCHI METHOD
Authors: Abdul Halim Aznor Hanah , Elshaikh Mohamed , Mohd Warip Mohd Nazri , Ahmad R Badlishah 
Published: January 2016

Vehicular Ad Hoc Network (VANET) is quite different from other ad hoc networks in term of functionality because of the variable node density, high node mobility, and unpredictable and harsh communication environment. There are two major application VANETs, namely safety applications and non-safety applications. Network optimization is one way to maintain the existing protocols and other network parameter rather than costly efforts for design and implementing new improved protocols. Motivated with the reasons to save effort of time and cost this paper presents the validation of optimized vehicular network for throughput, average delay and packet delivery ratio using Taguchi method. Highway scenario is chosen as the evaluation condition for this paper. From the performance evaluated the performance of optimized setting gives better results than non-optimized setting for both safety and non-safety applications. It is proved that Taguchi Method is applicable to optimize vehicular ad hoc network.
FATIGUE ANALYSIS OF MICRO CONTACT CELL VIA CONSTANT AMPLITUDE LOADING
Authors: S. Khairul Fadzli, , S. Muhammad Nasiruddin , A. Hambali , S. Maidin, , S. Abdul Rahim 
Published: January 2016

This paper presents the fatigue analysis of the top part of micro contact cell via the constant amplitude loading of new electrical conductive cell contact using micro-structures. The cell is purposely developed to replace the pogo pin used in the assembly line of semi-conductor industry. The new design of micro contact cell utilizes different concept with the typical mechanism of pogo pin nowadays. The development of the cell is using a quasi-solid material as a function of spring mechanism. There are a number of studies giving promising results regarding the design of micro contact cell. This study determines the fatigue failure of micro-contact pins in order to analyze the reliability of the cell under the load of repetitive condition. This study also monitors the fatigue life of micro contact under certain parameters of the constantly repeated loading and suggests the most suitable pin number according to fatigue analysis. The fatigue lives of four (4) models of micro contact cell with different number of pins are studied. The results obtained from the study shows that 16-pin model of micro contact cell is the most reliable and robust design for the repetitive application.
TASK ANALYSIS AND DOMAIN MODELS IN DESIGNING VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT OF A WEB-BASED NON-IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT APPLICATION (WEB-NIVEA) FOR DIAGNOSING DYSLEXIC CHILDREN’ POTENTIAL
Authors: Hamid Jamilah , Ubaidullah Nor Hasbiah , Samsudin Khairul Anuar , Saad Aslina 
Published: January 2016

Virtual reality (VR) technology has novel, complex attributes such as realism and immersion that far surpass 3D multimedia applications, thus entailing appropriate development methodologies. In this study, the researchers propose a new development methodology based on the adaptation of Sutcliffe's VR development methodology in designing a diagnostic tool called Web Based Non-Immersive Virtual Environment Application (WEB-NIVEA), which would be used as a tool to diagnose dyslexic children’s potential in visual spatial field. The development of WEB-NIVEA was based on tasks analysis and domain models phases. Specifically, the analysis of task phases focused on three sub activities, namely application functions, interaction properties, and application activities. In tandem, the analysis of the domain models helped the design and development of the tool using relevant environmental themes mediated by a virtual agent. To add a sense of presence, realism and interaction elements were employed to engage potential users, especially dyslexic children, to use this tool with ease and fun. Through heightened engagement, dyslexic children can diagnose their potential, so that appropriate learning path can be identified and enhanced to help these children learn efficaciously, thus helping them to embark on suitable careers later in their lives.
APPLICATION OF RADIAL BASIS FUNCTION NETWORK ON PARKINSON DATA
Authors: Zainudin Nur Farahana , Mohamed Norizan , Aleng Nor Azlida , Ahmad Rusmili Siti Hasliza 
Published: January 2016

Radial basis function networks have many uses, including the function approximation, time series production, classification and system control. Radial basis function based diagnosis of medical diseases has been taken into great consideration in recent studies. The real data from UCI Machine Learning websites that used 500 Parkinson’s patients and 7 different attributes as the subject were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 21.0. Next, the result of SPSS software will be used and run by MATLAB software. From the research that has been done by other researchers, it was found that MATLAB software is much better in producing the best results for Radial Basis Function. The value of R2 for Multiple Linear Regression and Radial Basis Function is 0.7450 and 0.9702 respectively. Hence, the Radial Basis Function method shows that there is more variability is explained by this model
IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK SYSTEM FOR ACCREDITATION OF PRIOR EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING (APEL) IN HIGHER INSTITUTIONS IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Kaprawi Noraini , Razzaly Wahid , Wan Ali Wan Nor Syahira 
Published: January 2016

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) is a systematic process that involves identification, documentation and assessment of prior experiential learning. APEL has great potentials to widen access and increase mobility for higher education. However, APEL in Malaysia is practically quite unknown in the higher education (HE) sector. There are yet many barriers and this pose a great challenge to implement it in Malaysian higher education institutions (HEIs). These barriers need to be addressed in order for APEL to be in place in HEIs. Since APEL in Malaysian HEIs, is rather immature, therefore, this research focuses on the development of APEL implementation framework for Malaysian HEIs. This research also identifies the barriers and strategies to the effective APEL implementation in Malaysia. This qualitative research employed questionnaires, which were later triangulated with interviews from 62 respondents comprises staff from MQA and six (6) local universities. Three(3) experts from Unirazak, OUM and MQA were also involved in the interview. The findings of this research indicates that the biggest barrier in implementing APEL system in Malaysia is the assessment system, followed by quality assurance, assessor and APEL promotions. This study also indicates that among the effective strategies are to coordinate advising services from local and international experts and implementing research studies for improvement. Finally, the sustainable APEL implementation framework developed is flexible, interactive as well as user-friendly and consisted of four main phases, i.e. student responsibilities, assessor responsibilities, exemption sub-committee and students (approval and decision).
The Effectiveness of Custom Foot Orthotics in Treating Chronic Low Back Pain: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Hogan Kathleen K. , Perkins William O. , Powden, Cameron J. , Hoch Matthew C. 
Published: January 2016

Clinical Scenario:Chronic low back pain is one of the most common causes of pain and disability. Currently, there is a need for more effective interventions to treat low back pain.Clinical Question:Does the use of custom foot orthotics improve self-reported measures of pain and function in adults with chronic low back pain?Summary of Key Findings:A comprehensive and systematic search was conducted for studies of level 2 evidence or higher that pertained to the clinical question. The search yielded 11 studies, of which one randomized control trial and two prospective cohorts fit the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The articles examined the effectiveness of custom foot orthotics in isolation compared with no treatment as well as custom foot orthotics in combination with usual care compared with usual care alone. The included studies all demonstrated that the use of custom foot orthotics reduce chronic low back pain after seven weeks of use. One included study was considered high-quality evidence while two were deemed low-quality evidence using the PEDro.Clinical Bottom Line:There is moderate evidence to support the use of custom foot orthotics to improve self-reported measures in adults with chronic low back pain after seven weeks of use.Strength of Recommendation:The Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy recommends a grade of B for consistent limited-quality patient-oriented evidence.
Enhanced porosity preservation by pore fluid overpressure and chlorite grain coatings in the Triassic Skagerrak, Central Graben, North Sea, UK
Authors: Stricker Stephan , Jones Stuart J. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Current understanding of porosity preservation in deeply buried sandstone reservoirs tends to be focused on how diagenetic grain coatings of clay minerals and microquartz can inhibit macroquartz cementation. However, the importance of overpressure developed during initial (shallow) burial in maintaining high primary porosity during subsequent burial has generally not been appreciated. Where pore fluid pressures are high, and the vertical effective stress is low, the shallow arrest of compaction can allow preservation of high porosity and permeability at depths normally considered uneconomic. The deeply buried fluvial sandstone reservoirs of the Triassic Skagerrak Formation in the Central Graben, North Sea, show anomalously high porosities at depths greater than 3500 metres below sea floor (mbsf ). Pore pressures can exceed 80 MPa in the upper part of the Skagerrak Formation at depths of 4000–5000 mbsf, where temperatures are above 140°C. The Skagerrak reservoirs commonly have high primary porosities of up to 35%, little macroquartz cement and variable amounts of diagenetic chlorite grain coats. This research sheds light on the complex controls on reservoir quality in the fluvial sandstones of the Skagerrak Formation by identifying the role of shallow overpressure in arresting mechanical compaction and the importance of chlorite detrital grain coatings in inhibiting macroquartz cement overgrowth as temperature increases during progressive burial.
HMGB1 and Its Hyperacetylated Isoform are Sensitive and Specific Serum Biomarkers to Detect Asbestos Exposure and to Identify Mesothelioma Patients
Authors: Napolitano Andrea , Antoine Daniel J. , Pellegrini Laura , Baumann Francine , Pagano Ian , Pastorino Sandra , Goparaju Chandra M. , Prokrym Kirill , Canino Claudia , Pass Harvey I. , Carbone Michele , Yang Haining 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Purpose: To determine whether serum levels of high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) could differentiate malignant mesothelioma patients, asbestos-exposed individuals, and unexposed controls.
Experimental Design: Hyperacetylated and nonacetylated HMGB1 (together referred to as total HMGB1) were blindly measured in blood collected from malignant mesothelioma patients (n = 22), individuals with verified chronic asbestos exposure (n = 20), patients with benign pleural effusions (n = 13) or malignant pleural effusions not due to malignant mesothelioma (n = 25), and healthy controls (n = 20). Blood levels of previously proposed malignant mesothelioma biomarkers fibulin-3, mesothelin, and osteopontin were also measured in nonhealthy individuals.
Results: HMGB1 serum levels reliably distinguished malignant mesothelioma patients, asbestos-exposed individuals, and unexposed controls. Total HMGB1 was significantly higher in malignant mesothelioma patients and asbestos-exposed individuals compared with healthy controls. Hyperacetylated HMGB1 was significantly higher in malignant mesothelioma patients compared with asbestos-exposed individuals and healthy controls, and did not vary with tumor stage. At the cut-off value of 2.00 ng/mL, the sensitivity and specificity of serum hyperacetylated HMGB1 in differentiating malignant mesothelioma patients from asbestos-exposed individuals and healthy controls was 100%, outperforming other previously proposed biomarkers. Combining HMGB1 and fibulin-3 provided increased sensitivity and specificity in differentiating malignant mesothelioma patients from patients with cytologically benign or malignant non–mesothelioma pleural effusion.
Conclusions: Our results are significant and clinically relevant as they provide the first biomarker of asbestos exposure and indicate that hyperacetylated HMGB1 is an accurate biomarker to differentiate malignant mesothelioma patients from individuals occupationally exposed to asbestos and unexposed controls. A trial to independently validate these findings will start soon. Clin Cancer Res; 22(12); 3087–96. ©2016 AACR.
Pooled Analysis of the Prognostic Relevance of Circulating Tumor Cells in Primary Breast Cancer
Authors: Janni Wolfgang J. , Rack Brigitte , Terstappen Leon W.M.M. , Pierga Jean-Yves , Taran Florin-Andrei , Fehm Tanja , Hall Carolyn , de Groot Marco R. , Bidard François-Clement , Friedl Thomas W.P. , Fasching Peter A. , Brucker Sara Y. , Pantel Klaus , Lucci Anthony 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Purpose: Although unequivocal evidence has shown the prognostic relevance of circulating tumor cells (CTC) in the peripheral blood of patients with metastatic breast cancer, less evidence is available for the prognostic relevance of CTCs at the time of primary diagnosis.
Experimental Design: We conducted a pooled analysis of individual data from 3,173 patients with nonmetastatic (stage I–III) breast cancer from five breast cancer institutions. The prevalence and numbers of CTCs were assessed at the time of primary diagnosis with the FDA-cleared CellSearch System (Janssen Diagnostics, LLC). Patient outcomes were analyzed using meta-analytic procedures, univariate log-rank tests, and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses. The median follow-up duration was 62.8 months.
Results: One or more CTCs were detected in 20.2% of the patients. CTC-positive patients had larger tumors, increased lymph node involvement, and a higher histologic tumor grade than did CTC-negative patients (all P &lt; 0.002). Multivariate Cox regressions, which included tumor size, nodal status, histologic tumor grade, and hormone receptor and HER2 status, confirmed that the presence of CTCs was an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival [HR, 1.82; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.47–2.26], distant disease-free survival (HR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.49–2.40), breast cancer–specific survival (HR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.52–2.75), and overall survival (HR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.51–2.59).
Conclusions: In patients with primary breast cancer, the presence of CTCs was an independent predictor of poor disease-free, overall, breast cancer–specific, and distant disease-free survival. Clin Cancer Res; 22(10); 2583–93. ©2016 AACR.
Development of 22 polymorphic microsatellite markers for Taipei grass frogs (Hylarana taipehensis)
Authors: Chang Yi-Chun , Li Shou-Hsien , Lin Hsuan-You , Chen Szu-Lung , Chang Ming-Hsung 
Published: January 2016

The Taipei grass frog, Hylarana taipehensis, is a slender frog widely distributed throughout Southeast Asia and thus is predicted to contain a high level of genetic diversity and undetected endemics. Habitat destruction and pesticide pollution have resulted in the population crash of some genetically distinct populations. To assign appropriate conservation measures, a genetic survey covering individuals from the entire species’ range is urgently required to reveal cryptic diversity and delineate these frogs into various management units. However, effective codominant markers are lacking for this species. Here, we reported 22 tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for H. taipehensis. Alleles ranged between 6 and 17 per locus. The observed heterozygosities and expected heterozygosities were 0.280-0.893 and 0.721-0.908, respectively. These polymorphic microsatellites should be useful in identifying the most important units for conservation management of the Taipei grass frogs.