bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A 9‐year retrospective analysis of 418 consecutive temporal artery biopsies (TAB): a surgical perspective of patients treated in a UK district general hospital referral service
Authors: Bharadwaj G. , Ferris C. , Lyall J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAimTemporal artery biopsy (TAB) is a gold standard investigation in the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA). We explored the relationship of the specimen length and biopsy results before and after the establishment of Fife GCA referral protocols in 2010.Materials and MethodsA retrospective review of TAB carried out between the year 2005–2013 was carried out. The biopsy results were analysed for length of the specimen and diagnostic outcome.ResultsA total of 418 biopsies were performed from 2005 to 2013 inclusive. Four hundred and nine biopsies were eligible for study and nine specimen were excluded as they were non‐arterial. Seventy‐three biopsies (17.8%) were reported positive. Average length of specimen in our study was 13.15 mm. Mean specimen length of positive cases was less than that for negative cases (difference in means = −3.7, 95% confidence interval −4.9 to −2.6 mm, P < 0.001). There is evidence that the mean length of the sample increased after the introduction of the guidelines in 2010 and did not affect the percentage of positive results (r = −0.18, P = 0.64).ConclusionTAB is an invasive procedure, and our results indicated that the positive outcomes were low (17.8%). After introduction of local protocols, the specimen length increased but not the percentage of positive results.
Maximum likelihood positioning algorithm for high‐resolution PET scanners
Authors: Gross‐Weege Nicolas , Schug David , Hallen Patrick , Schulz Volkmar 
Published: May 2016

Purpose:In high‐resolution positron emission tomography (PET), lightsharing elements are incorporated into typical detector stacks to read out scintillator arrays in which one scintillator element (crystal) is smaller than the size of the readout channel. In order to identify the hit crystal by means of the measured light distribution, a positioning algorithm is required. One commonly applied positioning algorithm uses the center of gravity (COG) of the measured light distribution. The COG algorithm is limited in spatial resolution by noise and intercrystal Compton scatter. The purpose of this work is to develop a positioning algorithm which overcomes this limitation.Methods:The authors present a maximum likelihood (ML) algorithm which compares a set of expected light distributions given by probability density functions (PDFs) with the measured light distribution. Instead of modeling the PDFs by using an analytical model, the PDFs of the proposed ML algorithm are generated assuming a single‐gamma‐interaction model from measured data. The algorithm was evaluated with a hot‐rod phantom measurement acquired with the preclinical hyperion II D PET scanner. In order to assess the performance with respect to sensitivity, energy resolution, and image quality, the ML algorithm was compared to a COG algorithm which calculates the COG from a restricted set of channels. The authors studied the energy resolution of the ML and the COG algorithm regarding incomplete light distributions (missing channel information caused by detector dead time). Furthermore, the authors investigated the effects of using a filter based on the likelihood values on sensitivity, energy resolution, and image quality.Results:A sensitivity gain of up to 19% was demonstrated in comparison to the COG algorithm for the selected operation parameters. Energy resolution and image quality were on a similar level for both algorithms. Additionally, the authors demonstrated that the performance of the ML algorithm is less prone to missing channel information. A likelihood filter visually improved the image quality, i.e., the peak‐to‐valley increased up to a factor of 3 for 2‐mm‐diameter phantom rods by rejecting 87% of the coincidences. A relative improvement of the energy resolution of up to 12.8% was also measured rejecting 91% of the coincidences.Conclusions:The developed ML algorithm increases the sensitivity by correctly handling missing channel information without influencing energy resolution or image quality. Furthermore, the authors showed that energy resolution and image quality can be improved substantially by rejecting events that do not comply well with the single‐gamma‐interaction model, such as Compton‐scattered events.
A novel approach to background subtraction in contrast‐enhanced dual‐energy digital mammography with commercially available mammography devices: Noise minimization
Authors: Contillo Adriano , Di Domenico Giovanni , Cardarelli Paolo , Gambaccini Mauro , Taibi Angelo 
Published: May 2016

Purpose:Dual‐energy image subtraction represents a useful tool to improve the detectability of small lesions, especially in dense breasts. A feature it shares with all x‐ray imaging techniques is the appearance of fluctuations in the texture of the background, which can obscure the visibility of interesting details. The aim of the work is to investigate the main noise sources, in order to create a better performing subtraction mechanism. In particular, the structural noise cancellation was achieved by means of a suitable extension of the dual‐energy algorithm.Methods:The effect of the cancellation procedure was tested on an analytical simulation of a target with varying structural composition. Subsequently, the subtraction algorithm was also applied to a set of actual radiographs of a breast phantom exhibiting a nonuniform background pattern. The background power spectra of the outcomes were computed and compared to the ones obtained from a standard subtraction algorithm.Results:The comparison between the standard and the proposed cancellations showed an overall suppression of the magnitudes of the spectra, as well as a flattening of the frequency dependence of the structural component of the noise.Conclusions:The proposed subtraction procedure provides an effective cancellation of the residual background fluctuations. When combined with the polychromatic correction already described in a companion publication, it results in a high performing dual‐energy subtraction scheme for commercial mammography units.
Binding of Daptomycin to Anionic Lipid Vesicles Is Reduced in the Presence of Lysyl-Phosphatidylglycerol
Authors: Khatib Tala O. , Stevenson Heather , Yeaman Michael R. , Bayer Arnold S. , Pokorny Antje 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT

The cytoplasmic membrane of
Staphylococcus aureus
contains ∼20 mol% of the net cationic lipid lysyl-phosphatidylglycerol (LPG). Elevated fractions of LPG are associated with increased resistance to cationic antibiotics, including the lipopeptide daptomycin (DAP). Although the surface charge of the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane is altered by LPG, surface binding of DAP was found to be only moderately affected in anionic vesicles containing 20 mol% LPG. These results suggest that charge repulsion cannot fully explain LPG-mediated resistance to cationic peptides.
Complete Nucleotide Sequence of an IncI2 Plasmid Coharboring
bla
CTX-M-55
and
mcr-1
Authors: Sun Jian , Li Xing-Ping , Yang Run-Shi , Fang Liang-Xing , Huo Wei , Li Shu-Min , Jiang Peng , Liao Xiao-Ping , Liu Ya-Hong 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT

We report the complete nucleotide sequence of a plasmid, pA31-12, carrying
bla
CTX-M-55
and
mcr-1
from a chicken
Escherichia coli
isolate. pA31-12 has an IncI2 replicon that displays extensive sequence similarity with pHN1122-1-borne
bla
CTX-M-55
and pHNSHP45-borne
mcr-1
. Insertion sequences IS
Ecp1
and IS
Apl1
are responsible for the mobilization of
bla
CTX-M-55
and
mcr-1
, respectively. The colocalization of
mcr-1
with an extended-spectrum β-lactamase gene on a conjugative plasmid may accelerate the dissemination of both genes by coselection.
Blastocystis Isolate B Exhibits Multiple Modes of Resistance against Antimicrobial Peptide LL-37
Authors: Yason John Anthony , Ajjampur Sitara Swarna Rao , Tan Kevin Shyong Wei 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT

Blastocystis
is one of the most common eukaryotic organisms found in humans and many types of animals. Several reports have identified its role in gastrointestinal disorders, although its pathogenicity is yet to be clarified.
Blastocystis
is transmitted via the fecal-to-oral route and colonizes the large intestines. Epithelial cells lining the intestine secrete antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), including beta-defensins and cathelicidin, as a response to infection. This study explores the effects of host colonic antimicrobial peptides, particularly LL-37, a fragment of cathelicidin, on different
Blastocystis
subtypes.
Blastocystis
is composed of several subtypes that have genetic, metabolic, and biological differences. These subtypes also have various outcomes in terms of drug treatment and immune response. In this study,
Blastocystis
isolates from three different subtypes were found to induce intestinal epithelial cells to secrete LL-37. We also show that among the antimicrobial peptides tested, only LL-37 has broad activity on all the subtypes. LL-37 causes membrane disruption and causes
Blastocystis
to change shape.
Blastocystis
subtype 7 (ST7), however, showed relative resistance to LL-37. An isolate, ST7 isolate B (ST7-B), from this subtype releases proteases that can degrade the peptide. It also makes the environment acidic, which causes attenuation of LL-37 activity. The
Blastocystis
ST7-B isolate was also observed to have a thicker surface coat, which may protect the parasite from direct killing by LL-37. This study determined the effects of LL-37 on different
Blastocystis
isolates and indicates that AMPs have significant roles in
Blastocystis
infections.
Cyanobacterial RNA Helicase CrhR Localizes to the Thylakoid Membrane Region and Cosediments with Degradosome and Polysome Complexes in Synechocystis sp. Strain PCC 6803
Authors: Rosana Albert Remus R. , Whitford Denise S. , Fahlman Richard P. , Owttrim George W. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTThe cyanobacteriumSynechocystissp. strain PCC 6803 encodes a single DEAD box RNA helicase, CrhR, whose expression is tightly autoregulated in response to cold stress. Subcellular localization and proteomic analysis results indicate that CrhR localizes to both the cytoplasmic and thylakoid membrane regions and cosediments with polysome and RNA degradosome components. Evidence is presented that either functional RNA helicase activity or a C-terminal localization signal was required for polysome but not thylakoid membrane localization. Polysome fractionation and runoff translation analysis results indicate that CrhR associates with actively translating polysomes. The data implicate a role for CrhR in translation or RNA degradation in the thylakoid region related to thylakoid biogenesis or stability, a role that is enhanced at low temperature. Furthermore, CrhR cosedimentation with polysome and RNA degradosome complexes links alteration of RNA secondary structure with a potential translation-RNA degradation complex inSynechocystis.IMPORTANCEThe interaction between mRNA translation and degradation is a major determinant controlling gene expression. Regulation of RNA function by alteration of secondary structure by RNA helicases performs crucial roles, not only in both of these processes but also in all aspects of RNA metabolism. Here, we provide evidence that the cyanobacterial RNA helicase CrhR localizes to both the cytoplasmic and thylakoid membrane regions and cosediments with actively translating polysomes and RNA degradosome components. These findings link RNA helicase alteration of RNA secondary structure with translation and RNA degradation in prokaryotic systems and contribute to the data supporting the idea of the existence of a macromolecular machine catalyzing these reactions in prokaryotic systems, an association hitherto recognized only in archaea and eukarya.
Biomarker Panel for Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Authors: Yu Jeffrey , Storer Barry E. , Kushekhar Kushi , Abu Zaid Mohammad , Zhang Qing , Gafken Philip R. , Ogata Yuko , Martin Paul J. , Flowers Mary E. , Hansen John A. , Arora Mukta , Cutler Corey , Jagasia Madan , Pidala Joseph , Hamilton Betty K. , Chen George L. , Pusic Iskra , Lee Stephanie J. , Paczesny Sophie 
Published: May 2016

Purpose To identify diagnostic and prognostic markers of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), the major cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Patients and Methods Using a quantitative proteomics approach, we compared pooled plasma samples obtained at matched time points after HCT (median, 103 days) from 35 patients with cGVHD and 18 without cGVHD (data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD002762). Of 105 proteins showing at least a 1.25-fold difference in expression, 22 were selected on the basis of involvement in relevant pathways and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay availability. Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 9 (CXCL9) and suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) also were measured on the basis of previously determined associations with GVHD. Concentrations of the four lead biomarkers were measured at or after diagnosis in plasma from two independent verification cohorts (n = 391) to determine their association with cGVHD. Their prognostic ability when measured at approximately day +100 after HCT was evaluated in plasma of a second verification cohort (n = 172). Results Of 24 proteins measured in the first verification cohort, nine proteins were associated with cGVHD, and only four (ST2, CXCL9, matrix metalloproteinase 3, and osteopontin) were necessary to compose a four-biomarker panel with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.89 and significant correlation with cGVHD diagnosis, cGVHD severity, and nonrelapse mortality. In a second verification cohort, this panel distinguished patients with cGVHD (AUC, 0.75), and finally, the panel measured at day +100 could predict cGVHD occurring within the next 3 months with an AUC of 0.67 and 0.79 without and with known clinical risk factors, respectively. Conclusion We conclude that the biomarker panel measured at diagnosis or day +100 after HCT may allow patient stratification according to risk of cGVHD.
Perbandingan Survei dan Analisis Data Geolistrik Sounding Daerah Pantai dan Pegunungan Studi Kasus Penyelidikan Air Tanah di Kabupaten Kendal, Jawa Tengah
Authors: Suyanto Imam 
Published: May 2016

<span>A geoelectrical method research have been done to find out the presence of aquifer at moun<span>tain and coastal area in Kabupaten Kendal, Central java, February 2008 using VES (Vertical <span>Electrical Sounding) method, Schlumberger configuration. 22 measurement location spread <span>out at coastal and mountain area with the 500 meter long each measurement point. Each mea<span>surement point presented in resistivity curve and the thick of each detected subsurface layer as<br /><span>a result of Progress III data processing software. From the result of this measurement shown <span>that the aquifer at coastal area defined as confined a aquifer with the range of thickness more <span>than 50 meter thick and the range of resistivity value between 5 – 15 Ohm meter and the eksis<span>tence of the detected subsurface layer shown mostly at each sounding point. For the mountain<br /><span>area, the the deep of the aquifer around hundred meters at the subsurface with the range of<span>thickness about 10-20 meters with the range of resistivity value 10-80 Ohm meter.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /></span>
Simulating history in contemporary board games: The case of the Spanish Civil War
Authors: Gonzalo Iglesia Juan Luis 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
This article examines the structure of simulation of two recently published analogic war games on the Spanish Civil War in order to analyse the ways in which they represent the history of the Spanish conflict. The study places the board games as an object of analysis within the field of Game Studies and then undertakes a search of which elements used in the study of video games can be used to approach the analysis of historical board games. The analysis of the ludic structure of these games shows a Civil War initially focused on the chaos on the Republican side, followed by the progression towards the professionalization and militarization of the conflict as the only path to victory. The study shows that the elements of the ludic macrostructure become the means used by the game to delimit the simulation of history, before going on to reflect on the theoretical and cultural implications of this condition.
Efficacy and Safety of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Patients Over 70 Years with Kidney Stones
Authors: Todea-Moga Ciprian , Boja Radu , Porav-Hodade Daniel , Maier Adrian , Ghirca Veronica , Mártha Orsolya 
Published: May 2016

Abstract

Introduction and objectives: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy represent the main indication for patients with kidney stones, even in the presence of various comorbidities. In our clinic open surgery for this pathology is less than 0.5% of all procedures for renal stones. The objective of this paper is to assess the safety and efficacy of this procedure in patients over 70 years.

Material and methods: A retrospective study was performed for a period of 16 years (1997-2012). A totally of 323 patients entered in this study (162 women, 161 men), aged over 70 and with renal stones They were treated endoscopically by percutaneous nephrolithtomy or anterograde ureteroscopy. 85 patients (26.31%) had comorbidities that were preoperatively diagnosed and treated where necessary.

Results: Overall status of “stone free” at the end of surgery was present in 263 patients (81.42%). 60 patients (18.58%) had residual fragments. Residual stones were solved by a new percutaneuos nephrolithtomy session, spontaneous elimination or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. The most common complications were bleeding and infection. We had no deaths. No hemostasis nephrectomy was necessary.

Conclusions: Recognized preoperative comorbidities do not represent risk factors in elderly patients, but it requires a rigorous evaluation in the preoperative period. The number, size and complexity of stones directly influences the state “stone free” at the end of surgery.
Transseptal Leftventricular Endocardial Pacing is an Alternative Technique in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy. One Year Experience in a High Volume Center
Authors: Neuhoff I. , Szilágyi S. , Molnár L. , Osztheimer I. , Zima E. , Dan G.A. , Merkely B. , Gellér L. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract

Introduction. In patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), failure rate to implant the left ventricular (LV) lead by the traditional trans-venous approach is 4-8%. Surgical epicardial implantation is considered as an alternative, but this technique is not without morbidity. Evidence from case documentation and from small trial batches demonstrated the viability of endocardial LV lead implantation where surgical epicardial lead placement is not applicable.

Material and Methods. Four patients were implanted with endocardial LV lead using the transseptal atrial approach after unsuccessful transvenous implantation. Implantation of an endocardial active fixation LV leads was successful in all patients with stable electrical parameters immediately after implantation and over the follow-up period. All patients received anticoagulation therapy in order to target the international normalized ratio of 2.5-3.5 and have not experienced any thromboembolic, hemorrhagic events, or infection.

Results. Follow-up echocardiography indicated significant improvement of LV systolic function (24 + 4.9 to 32 + 5.1 %, P = 0.023) with a notable improvement of the functional status.

Conclusions. Endocardial left ventricular lead implantation can be a valuable and safe alternative technique to enable LV stimulation in high surgical risk patients where standard coronary sinus implant is unsuccessful.
Sinn, Reflexion und System / Meaning, Reflection, and System
Authors: Maciejewski Franz 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Taking LUHMANN’s theory of evolution as an instance, it can be demonstrated that a concept of meaning compatible with the categories of systems theory is bound to neglect important dimensions of socio-cultural development. The attempt to vindicate this very limitation by drawing a line between social systems and organisms is proved problematical in the context of the ,Meaning vs. Life’ debate. At the same time, employment of the term ’evolutionary mechanisms’ (viz., variation, selection, and stabilization) brings into evidence that the theory of social evolution as proposed by LUHMANN is fashioned, in the last analysis, after the model of biological evolution. Carried to its extreme, this theory must lead to a notion of society as susceptible to being brought under control in the same way as nature is. When following HEGEL, in contrast, it should be possible to conceive of socio-cultural history in its uniqueness as the outcome of a social dialectic, which in turn could be adequately deployed by introducing a category of ’media of socialization’ (viz., work, language, and domination). Prerequisite to this, however, would be the adoption of an unabbreviated concept of meaning (as derived from communications theory), which in itself would no longer be compatible with systems theory. Thus, the latter’s claim to universal applicability should be evinced as untenable.
Rechtssoziologie und juristische Ausbildung in der Bundesrepublik / The Sociology of Law and Legal Education in the Federal Republic of Germany
Authors: Rotter Frank 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
This contribution gives, in its first part, a survey of the sociology of law as it has recently become firmly installed, as an academic discipline, in the federal Länders’ legal curricula. As the corresponding syllabusses mostly provide for the composition of papers in sociology of law as part of the written examination, a draft model of such a topic (on a subject in ‘Comparative Sociology of Law’) is included. The second part reviews the different approaches of research in sociology of law in the Federal Republic as evidenced in the most recent publications in the field. The areas given priority by present research policy here include, besides a most strictly empirically based sociology of law, inquiries on the societal level and endeavours to integrate the sociological and psychological perspectives.
Mathematische Methoden zur Sicherung der Vertraulichkeit und Anonymität von Forschungsdaten / Mathematical Methods to Assure Confidentiality and Anonymity of Research Data
Authors: Boruch Robert F. , Endruweit Günter 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The need to develop methods for assuring confidentiality of social research data stems from two related problems. First, research subjects who are emabarassed or threatened by an inquiry about their private lives may refuse to respond or may distort their response, thereby assuring for themselves the confidentiality of particular information; as a consequence, the accuracy and precision of estimates of parameters in social research may be critically undermined. Second, the social researcher in Germany as in the United States, has no legal protection against judicial appropriation of the data for non-research purposes; if obtained from the researcher, the research subjects’ responses may lead to legal or social sanctions against him.
The mathematical methods described in this article have been developed to alleviate these problems and, more specifically, to increase the strength of the researcher’s promise that “confidentiality” will be maintained. The randomized response method, the unrelated question method, and the newly developed contamination method permit one to aquire information without needlessly jeopardizing or embarrassing the research subject. The methods, based on simple laws of probability, are summarized and compared in the following remarks.