bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of spring cranioplasty biomechanics in sagittal craniosynostosis patients
Authors: Borghi Alessandro , Schievano Silvia , Rodriguez Florez Naiara , McNicholas Roisin , Rodgers Will , Ponniah Allan , James Greg , Hayward Richard , Dunaway David , Jeelani N. u. Owase 
Published: August 2017

OBJECTIVEScaphocephaly secondary to sagittal craniosynostosis has been treated in recent years with spring-assisted cranioplasty, an innovative approach that leverages the use of metallic spring distractors to reshape the patient skull. In this study, a population of patients who had undergone spring cranioplasty for the correction of scaphocephaly at the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children was retrospectively analyzed to systematically assess spring biomechanical performance and kinematics in relation to spring model, patient age, and outcomes over time.METHODSData from 60 patients (49 males, mean age at surgery 5.2 ± 0.9 months) who had received 2 springs for the treatment of isolated sagittal craniosynostosis were analyzed. The opening distance of the springs at the time of insertion and removal was retrieved from the surgical notes and, during the implantation period, from planar radiographs obtained at 1 day postoperatively and at the 3-week follow-up. The force exerted by the spring to the patient skull at each time point was derived after mechanical testing of each spring model—3 devices with the same geometry but different wire thicknesses. Changes in the cephalic index between preoperatively and the 3-week follow-up were recorded.RESULTSStiffer springs were implanted in older patients (p < 0.05) to achieve the same opening on-table as in younger patients, but this entailed significantly different—higher—forces exerted on the skull when combinations of stiffer springs were used (p < 0.001). After initial force differences between spring models, however, the devices all plateaued. Indeed, regardless of patient age or spring model, after 10 days from insertion, all the devices were open.CONCLUSIONSResults in this study provide biomechanical insights into spring-assisted cranioplasty and could help to improve spring design and follow-up strategy in the future.
Elaborate mapping of the posterior visual pathway in awake craniotomy
Authors: Shahar Tal , Korn Akiva , Barkay Gal , Biron Tali , Hadanny Amir , Gazit Tomer , Nossek Erez , Ekstein Margaret , Kesler Anat , Ram Zvi 
Published: August 2017

OBJECTIVEResection of intraaxial tumors adjacent to the optic radiation (OR) may be associated with postoperative visual field (VF) deficits. Intraoperative navigation using MRI-based tractography and electrophysiological monitoring of the visual pathways may allow maximal resection while preserving visual function. In this study, the authors evaluated the value of visual pathway mapping in a series of patients undergoing awake craniotomy for tumor resection.METHODSA retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was conducted in 18 patients who underwent an awake craniotomy for resection of intraaxial tumors involving or adjacent to the OR. Preoperative MRI-based tractography was used for intraoperative navigation, and intraoperative acquisition of 3D ultrasonography images was performed for real-time imaging and correction of brain shift. Goggles with light-emitting diodes were used as a standard visual stimulus. Direct cortical visual evoked potential (VEP) recording, subcortical recordings from the OR, and subcortical stimulation of the OR were used intraoperatively to assess visual function and proximity of the lesion to the OR. VFs were assessed pre- and postoperatively.RESULTSBaseline cortical VEP recordings were available for 14 patients (77.7%). No association was found between preoperative VF status and baseline presence of cortical VEPs (p = 0.27). Five of the 14 patients (35.7%) who underwent subcortical stimulation of the OR reported seeing phosphenes in the corresponding contralateral VF. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.899, p = 0.04) between the subcortical threshold stimulation intensity (3–11.5 mA) and the distance from the OR. Subcortical recordings from the OR demonstrated a typical VEP waveform in 10 of the 13 evaluated patients (76.9%). These waveforms were present only when recordings were obtained within 10 mm of the OR (p = 0.04). Seven patients (38.9%) had postoperative VF deterioration, and it was associated with a length of < 8 mm between the tumor and the OR (p = 0.05).CONCLUSIONSIntraoperative electrophysiological monitoring of the visual pathways is feasible but may be of limited value in preserving the functional integrity of the posterior visual pathways. Subcortical stimulation of the OR may identify the location of the OR when done in proximity to the pathways, but such proximity may be associated with increased risk of postoperative worsening of the VF deficit.
Improving handover between the transport team and neonatal intensive care unit staff in neonatal transports using the plan-do-study-act tool
Authors: Kresch M.J. , Christensen S. , Kurtz M. , Lubin J. 
Published: August 2017

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to achieve 100% effective handover from the critical care transport team to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) medical team. STUDY DESIGN: All patients transferred from referring hospitals by the critical care transport team to the Level IV NICU were included. Data for each infant was collected prospectively. The percentage of transported patients for which medical team and nursing handover occurred was recorded. A quality improvement project was launched using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) tool. We implemented several processes including call from the transport team before arrival and the completion of a transfer of care form on arrival to the NICU. The process measures and the outcome measure of completion of handover were monitored. Run charts of process measures and the outcome measure were analyzed. RESULTS: Completion of medical handover increased from 95% (baseline) to 100% after 3 PDSA cycles and this has been maintained for 18 consecutive months. CONCLUSION: Medical handover from the critical care transport team to the NICU medical staff has been achieved and sustained for all neonatal transports.
Troponin-T as a biomarker in neonates with perinatal asphyxia
Authors: Abiramalatha T. , Kumar M. , Chandran S. , Sudhakar Y. , Thenmozhi M. , Thomas N. 
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND: Troponin-T is a commonly used cardiac biomarker, which could be useful in perinatal asphyxia. We aimed to analyze troponin-T concentrations in asphyxiated neonates and to correlate the concentrations with clinical outcomes. METHODS: Data were collected from electronic medical records of neonates diagnosed with perinatal asphyxia over a period of four years. RESULTS: There were 63 neonates with moderate to severe encephalopathy, in whom serial troponin-T concentrations had been done on days 1, 3, and 7. 53 (84%) asphyxiated infants had troponin-T concentration >100 pg/ml at 2–4 h of life. The difference in troponin-T concentrations between moderate and severe encephalopathy was not statistically significant (173 vs. 263 pg/ml, p value 0.40). The difference in the concentrations at 72 hours between cooled and non-cooled neonates was not significant (48.5 vs. 62.5 pg/ml, p value 0.22). Troponin-T concentration was significantly higher in babies with hypotensive shock and hepatic injury, but not acute kidney injury. There was no significant correlation between troponin-T and the extent of resuscitation needed. Troponin-T concentration on day 1 of life was significantly higher in babies who died than who survived (407 vs. 168 pg/ml, p value 0.03). ROC curve for troponin-T to predict mortality had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.803; the best cut-off value (190 pg/ml) had 82% sensitivity and 80% specificity. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in troponin-T concentrations between cooled and non-cooled neonates. Troponin-T concentration had a good predictive accuracy for mortality before discharge.
Cerebral oxygenation and desaturations in preterm infants – a longitudinal data analysis
Authors: Mayer Benjamin , Pohl Moritz , Hummler Helmut D. , Schmid Manuel B. 
Published: August 2017

OBJECTIVE: Hypoxemic episodes commonly occur in very preterm infants and may be associated with several adverse effects. Cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) as measured by near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) may be a useful measure to assess brain oxygenation. However, knowledge on variability of StO2 is limited in preterm infants at this time, so StO2 dependency on arterial oxygenation (SpO2) and heart rate (HR) was assessed in preterm infants using statistical methods of time series analysis. STUDY DESIGN: StO2, SpO2, and HR were recorded from 15 preterm infants every 2 seconds for six hours. Statistical methods of time series and longitudinal data analysis were applied to the data. RESULT: The mean StO2 level was found as 72% (95% confidence interval (CI) 55.5% –85.5%) based on a moving average process with a 5 minute order. Accordingly, longitudinal SpO2 measurements showed a mean level of 91% (95% CI 69% –98%). Generally, compensation strategies to cope with both StO2 and SpO2 desaturations were observed in the studied patients. SpO2 had a significant effect on cerebral oxygenation ( p < 0.001), but HR did not, which led to inconclusive results considering different time intervals. CONCLUSION: In infants with intermittent hypoxemia and bradycardia, we found a mean StO2 level of 72% and a strong correlation with SpO2. We observed large differences between individuals in the ability to maintain StO2 at a stable level.
The effect of meconium exposure on the expression and differentiation of amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Jensen T.J. , Shui J.E. , Finck C.M. 
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to determine if exposure to meconium would alter the phenotype of amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells (AF-MSCs) and the ability of these cells to be differentiated into distal airway type cells. METHODS: Meconium was collected, lyophilized and resuspended in PBS at 3 different concentrations (high, medium, and low). AF-MSCs were cultured in the presence of this meconium suspension for 8 hours and then analyzed for changes in gene expression. Additionally, AF-MSCs exposed to meconium were differentiated for 14 days using modified small airway growth medium (mSAGM) and gene expression was determined. As a spontaneous differentiation control, meconium exposed AF-MSCs were cultured in amniotic fluid stem cell medium (AF medium). RESULTS: After 8 hours of exposure in culture, AF-MSCs had increased expression of distal airway genes aquaporin 5 (AQP5) and surfactant protein c (SPC) when cultured in AF medium containing meconium. These gene expression levels were similar to that of AF-MSCs that were differentiated in mSAGM for 14 days. Furthermore, there was an up regulation of pluripotency genes NANOG and OCT4 in response to low meconium concentration for 8 hours. Following 14 days of culture in mSAGM, there was an upregulation of TTF1, SPC and AQP5 expression in the control, as well as in the low and medium meconium exposed groups indicating that these cells were still able to be differentiated. High meconium concentration did, however, appear to influence the level of distal airway gene expression after 14 days in mSAGM. After 14 days in AF medium, there was significant downregulation in pluripotency and mesenchymal markers as well as distal airway gene expression in all groups. CONCLUSION: The phenotype of AF-MSCs is modulated by meconium exposure; however, the cells were still able to differentiate into distal airway gene and protein expression. This result supports the hypothesis that progenitor cells exist in the amniotic fluid and the presence of meconium may affect their initial phenotype. However, these cells were still able to be differentiated to a distal lung phenotype.
Intestinal perforation in the premature infant
Authors: Vongbhavit K. , Underwood M.A. 
Published: August 2017

OBJECTIVE: To compare demographic data, prenatal and postnatal characteristics, laboratory data, and outcomes in a cohort of premature infants with spontaneous ileal perforation (SIP), surgical necrotizing enterocolitis (sNEC) and matched controls. METHODS: A retrospective case–control study of infants with intestinal perforation with a birth weight (BW) less than 2,000 grams and gestational age (GA) less than 34 weeks and infants without perforation matched for BW (±150 grams) and GA (±1week). RESULTS: 130 premature infants were included, 30 infants with SIP, 35 infants with sNEC and 65 control infants. The median age of onset was 5 days postnatal age in SIP versus 25 days in sNEC ( p < 0.001) and the peak onset was at 26 weeks corrected GA for SIP and 30 weeks corrected GA for sNEC. Infants with perforation had significantly higher rates of mortality ( p < 0.001) and common morbidities associated with prematurity. Administration of corticosteroids and indomethacin did not differ among groups. SIP was more common among infants born to young mothers ( p = 0.04) and less common in infants receiving caffeine ( p = 0.02). sNEC was less common among infants receiving early red cell transfusion ( p = 0.01). Perforation and sNEC trended towards less common in infants receiving inhaled nitric oxide. CONCLUSION: SIP and sNEC are distinct clinical entities. Potential protective effects of caffeine, inhaled nitric oxide, and early transfusion should be further studied.
The NuSTAR Serendipitous Survey: Hunting for the Most Extreme Obscured AGN at >10 keV
Authors: Lansbury G. B. , Alexander D. M. , Aird J. , Gandhi P. , Stern D. , Koss M. , Lamperti I. , Ajello M. , Annuar A. , Assef R. J. , Ballantyne D. R. , Baloković M. , Bauer F. E. , Brandt W. N. , Brightman M. , Chen C.-T. J. , Civano F. , Comastri A. , Moro A. Del , Fuentes C. , Harrison F. A. , Marchesi S. , Masini A. , Mullaney J. R. , Ricci C. , Saez C. , Tomsick J. A. , Treister E. , Walton D. J. , Zappacosta L. 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
We identify sources with extremely hard X-ray spectra (i.e., with photon indices of

Γ
≲
0.6

) in the 13 deg2
NuSTAR serendipitous survey, to search for the most highly obscured active galactic nuclei (AGNs) detected at

>
10

keV

. Eight extreme NuSTAR sources are identified, and we use the NuSTAR data in combination with lower-energy X-ray observations (from Chandra, Swift XRT, and XMM-Newton) to characterize the broadband (0.5–24 keV) X-ray spectra. We find that all of the extreme sources are highly obscured AGNs, including three robust Compton-thick (CT;

N

H

>
1.5
×

10

24

cm−2) AGNs at low redshift (

z
<
0.1

) and a likely CT AGN at higher redshift (z = 0.16). Most of the extreme sources would not have been identified as highly obscured based on the low-energy (

<
10

keV) X-ray coverage alone. The multiwavelength properties (e.g., optical spectra and X-ray–mid-IR luminosity ratios) provide further support for the eight sources being significantly obscured. Correcting for absorption, the intrinsic rest-frame 10–40 keV luminosities of the extreme sources cover a broad range, from

≈
5
×

10

42

to 1045 erg s−1. The estimated number counts of CT AGNs in the NuSTAR serendipitous survey are in broad agreement with model expectations based on previous X-ray surveys, except for the lowest redshifts (

z
<
0.07

), where we measure a high CT fraction of

f

CT

obs

=

30

−
12

+
16

%

. For the small sample of CT AGNs, we find a high fraction of galaxy major mergers (50% ± 33%) compared to control samples of “normal” AGNs.
VLA Observations of the Disk around the Young Brown Dwarf 2MASS J044427+2512
Authors: Ricci L. , Rome H. , Pinilla P. , Facchini S. , Birnstiel T. , Testi L. 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
We present multi-wavelength radio observations obtained with the VLA of the protoplanetary disk surrounding the young brown dwarf 2MASS J04442713+2512164 (2M0444) in the Taurus star-forming region. 2M0444 is the brightest known brown dwarf disk at millimeter wavelengths, making this an ideal target to probe radio emission from a young brown dwarf. Thermal emission from dust in the disk is detected at 6.8 and 9.1 mm, whereas the 1.36 cm measured flux is dominated by ionized gas emission. We combine these data with previous observations at shorter sub-mm and mm wavelengths to test the predictions of dust evolution models in gas-rich disks after adapting their parameters to the case of 2M0444. These models show that the radial drift mechanism affecting solids in a gaseous environment has to be either completely made inefficient, or significantly slowed down by very strong gas pressure bumps in order to explain the presence of mm/cm-sized grains in the outer regions of the 2M0444 disk. We also discuss the possible mechanisms for the origin of the ionized gas emission detected at 1.36 cm. The inferred radio luminosity for this emission is in line with the relation between radio and bolometric luminosity valid for for more massive and luminous young stellar objects, and extrapolated down to the very low luminosity of the 2M0444 brown dwarf.
Alignment between Protostellar Outflows and Filamentary Structure
Authors: Stephens Ian W. , Dunham Michael M. , Myers Philip C. , Pokhrel Riwaj , Sadavoy Sarah I. , Vorobyov Eduard I. , Tobin John J. , Pineda Jaime E. , Offner Stella S. R. , Lee Katherine I. , Kristensen Lars E. , Jørgensen Jes K. , Goodman Alyssa A. , Bourke Tyler L. , Arce Héctor G. , Plunkett Adele L. 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
We present new Submillimeter Array (SMA) observations of CO(2–1) outflows toward young, embedded protostars in the Perseus molecular cloud as part of the Mass Assembly of Stellar Systems and their Evolution with the SMA (MASSES) survey. For 57 Perseus protostars, we characterize the orientation of the outflow angles and compare them with the orientation of the local filaments as derived from Herschel observations. We find that the relative angles between outflows and filaments are inconsistent with purely parallel or purely perpendicular distributions. Instead, the observed distribution of outflow-filament angles are more consistent with either randomly aligned angles or a mix of projected parallel and perpendicular angles. A mix of parallel and perpendicular angles requires perpendicular alignment to be more common by a factor of ∼3. Our results show that the observed distributions probably hold regardless of the protostar’s multiplicity, age, or the host core’s opacity. These observations indicate that the angular momentum axis of a protostar may be independent of the large-scale structure. We discuss the significance of independent protostellar rotation axes in the general picture of filament-based star formation.
An Upper Limit on the Mass of a Central Black Hole in the Large Magellanic Cloud from the Stellar Rotation Field
Authors: Boyce H. , Lützgendorf N. , van der Marel R. P. , Baumgardt H. , Kissler-Patig M. , Neumayer N. , de Zeeuw P. T. 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
We constrain the possible presence of a central black hole (BH) in the center of the Large Magellanic Cloud. This requires spectroscopic measurements over an area of the order of a square degree, due to the poorly known position of the kinematic center. Such measurements are now possible with the impressive field of view of the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) on the ESO Very Large Telescope. We used the Calcium Triplet (∼850 nm) spectral lines in many short-exposure MUSE pointings to create a two-dimensional integrated-light line-of-sight velocity map from the

individual spectra, taking care to identify and remove Galactic foreground populations. The data reveal a clear velocity gradient at an unprecedented spatial resolution of 1 arcmin2. We fit kinematic models to arrive at a

upper-mass limit of

for any central BH—consistent with the known scaling relations for supermassive black holes and their host systems. This adds to the growing body of knowledge on the presence of BHs in low-mass and dwarf galaxies, and their scaling relations with host-galaxy properties, which can shed light on theories of BH growth and host system interaction.
L’Astrée, 1619
Authors: Giavarini Laurence 
Published: August 2017

Quel rapport la troisième partie de l’Astrée, parue en 1619 entretient-elle avec la prise du pouvoir de Louis XIII deux ans plus tôt ? Après avoir formulé des propositions sur l’écriture d’Honoré d’Urfé comme action politique « à distance », cet article s’intéresse aux significations possibles de l’épître dédicatoire à « Louis le Juste », puis à trois histoires exemplaires venues du monde curial et enchâssées dans la fiction pastorale : celles-ci montrent que les rois et les fils de rois sont les acteurs d’une dégradation des valeurs de la chevalerie et d’un doute porté sur la sainteté monarchique – tandis qu’est laissée au monde pastoral la préservation du sens des lois d’amour et de l’histoire.
French multinationals in the United States
Authors: Wilkins Mira 
Published: August 2017

Les multinationales françaises aux Etats-Unis ont une histoire complexe et discontinue, caractérisée par l’irrégularité et par des entrées épisodiques sur le marché américain. Elle peut se diviser en six phases : les années antérieures à 1870, 1870-1914, 1914-1931, 19321945, 1946-1970, 1971-1992. Comme beaucoup de firmes françaises ont dû battre en retraite, une bonne partie de l’histoire des premières implantations françaises est tombée dans l’oubli. Cet article cherche à expliquer les retraits complets et les retraits partiels. Il met en évidence la fragilité particulière des entreprises mixtes, mais aussi la multiplicité des autres raisons de départ de sociétés françaises. Il fournit un nouvel éclairage sur la compétitivité des firmes françaises, qui est décidément à mettre en rapport avec le modèle français d’investissements directs aux Etats-Unis.