bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Initial UK experience with transversus abdominis muscle release for posterior components separation in abdominal wall reconstruction of large or complex ventral hernias: a combined approach by general and plastic surgeons
Authors: Appleton ND , Anderson KD , Hancock K , Scott MH , Walsh CJ 
Published: August 2016

Introduction Large, complicated ventral hernias are an increasingly common problem. The transversus abdominis muscle release (TAMR) is a recently described modification of posterior components separation for repair of such hernias. We describe our initial experience with TAMR and sublay mesh to facilitate abdominal wall reconstruction. Methods The study is a retrospective review of patients undergoing TAMR performed synchronously by gastrointestinal and plastic surgeons. Results Twelve consecutive patients had their ventral hernias repaired using the TAMR technique from June 2013 to June 2014. Median body mass index was 30.8kg/m2 (range 19.0–34.4kg/m2). Four had a previous ventral hernia repair. Three had previous laparostomies. Four had previous stomas and three had stomas created at the time of the abdominal wall reconstruction. Average transverse distance between the recti was 13cm (3-20cm). Median operative time was 383 minutes (150–550 minutes) and mesh size was 950cm2 (532–2400cm2). Primary midline fascial closure was possible in all cases, with no bridging. Median length of hospital stay was 7.5 days (4–17 days). Three developed minor abdominal wall wound complications. At median review of 24 months (18–37 months), there have been no significant wound problems, mesh infections or explants, and none has developed recurrence of their midline ventral hernia. Visual analogue scales revealed high patient satisfaction levels overall and with their final aesthetic appearance. Conclusions We believe that TAMR offers significant advantages over other forms of components separation in this patient group. The technique can be adopted successfully in UK practice and combined gastrointestinal and plastic surgeon operating yields good results.
Operative treatment of calcaneal fractures: improved outcomes and low complications rates with a strict management protocol
Authors: Vasukutty N , Kumar V , Diab M , Moussa W 
Published: August 2016

This is a retrospective review of 80 intra-articular calcaneal fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation by a specialist team under supervision of a single surgeon in a tertiary centre between 2005 and 2014. The fractures were evaluated with plain radiography and computed tomography, and graded using the Eastwood–Atkins classification. A lateral approach was used and all fractures were fixed with calcaneal plates. All patients had clinical and radiological follow-up. Clinical assessment included foot and ankle disability index, SF-36® and Kerr–Atkins scores. The mean follow-up duration was 72 months (range: 12–130 months). The mean age of patients was 49 years (range: 17–73 years). There were three open fractures and eight patients had other injuries. The mean Bohler’s angle improved from 6° preoperatively to 26° postoperatively. The mean foot and ankle disability index score was 78.62, the mean SF-36® scores were 45.5 (physical component) and 52.6 (mental component), and the mean Kerr–Atkins score was 72 (range: 36–100). Early complications included one case of screw protrusion in the subtalar joint (which warranted a repeat procedure), one sural nerve injury and one wound breakdown, which healed with non-operative measures. Twelve patients had symptomatic subtalar joint osteoarthritis. Four of these had subtalar fusion. We believe that our strict protocols of patient selection, intraoperative and postoperative management produced long-term results comparable with those in the peer reviewed literature.
Serious tonsil infections versus tonsillectomy rates in Wales: A 15-year analysis
Authors: Yap D , Harris AS , Clarke J 
Published: August 2016

INTRODUCTION Sore throat and tonsillitis place a significant burden on the National Health Service. National guideline criteria for gauging the severity of sore throat and tonsillitis have reduced the number of tonsillectomies performed, which is thought to have increased the rate of tonsil-related infections. METHODS Data was extracted from the prospective Patient Episode Database of Wales and analysed to determine the annual number of tonsillectomies for recurrent tonsillitis, adjusted for population changes. Admissions to acute hospitals for tonsillitis, peritonsillar abscess and deep neck space abscesses were also examined. RESULTS Between 1999 and 2014, hospital admissions for tonsillitis rose three-fold (r=0.968), while admissions for peritonsillar abscess rose by 48% (r=0.857) and retro or parapharyngeal abscess admissions also increased (r=0.709). In contrast, the number of tonsillectomies per 100,000 population gradually decreased (r=-0.16). There was a positive correlation between the incidence of tonsillitis and admissions for peritonsillar abscess (adjusted r2 0.631; p=0.015) and retropharyngeal abscess (adjusted r2 0.442; p=0.00254). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the incidence of tonsillitis and the number of tonsillectomies performed (adjusted r2=-0.07; p=0.0235). CONCLUSIONS The significant rise in tonsillitis in Wales raises the question as to whether we should revisit the criteria for tonsillectomy. The perceived cost saving from limiting certain procedures should not prevent healthcare policymakers from considering all other evidence. The rise in peritonsillar, retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscess is alarming, as they are associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
Thermal Constraints on Clay Growth in Fault Gouge and Their Relationship with Fault-Zone Evolution and Hydrothermal Alteration: Case Study of Gouges in the Kojaku Granite, Central Japan
Authors: Niwa Masakazu , Shimada Koji , Tamura Hajimu , Shibata Kenji , Sueoka Shigeru , Yasue Ken-Ichi , Ishimaru Tsuneari , Umeda Koji 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIn order to elucidate the process of mineralization of clay minerals in fault gouge and its spatial-temporal relationship with fault-zone evolution and hydrothermal alteration, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and K-Ar dating were performed on clay samples from the Kojaku Granite of central Japan, including fault gouge along an active fault. The area studied is suitable for understanding thermal constraints on clay mineralization because the wall rock is homogeneous and its thermal history well defined. The results from XRD indicated that the clay minerals in the gouge samples are dioctahedral smectite, kaolinite, and 1Md illite, whereas clay fillings in fractures and joints in the intact granite (clay vein) include 2M1 illite in addition to dioctahedral smectite and 1Md illite. The evolution of clay mineralization is reconstructed as follows: (1) high-temperature hydrothermal alteration of feldspar and biotite produced 2M1 illite in clay veins; and (2) alteration accompanied by shearing at a lower temperature resulted in the formation of 1Md illite in the gouges. This scenario is consistent with the cooling history of the granite constrained by fission-track, U-Pb, and K-Ar dating methods. K-Ar dating of the clay samples separated into multiple particle-size fractions indicated that the low-temperature alteration leading to the production of 1Md illite was dated to ~40 Ma. Based on the cooling history of the granite, the 1Md illite formed at temperatures of 60–120°C. This temperature range was at the lower limit of the range reported in previous studies for faults. The spatial and geometrical relation of the faults studied and their K-Ar ages infer evolution which can be described as extensive development of small-scale faults at ~40 Ma followed by coalescence of the small-scale faults to form a larger, recently reactivated, active fault. The K-Ar ages have not been reset by the recent near-surface fault activity.
Radiation-Damage Resistance in Phyllosilicate Minerals from First Principles and Implications for Radiocesium and Strontium Retention in Soils
Authors: Sassi Michel , Rosso Kevin M. , Okumura Masahiko , Machida Masahiko 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAccidental discharges of the hazardous nuclear fission products 137Cs+ and 90Sr2+ into the environment, such as during the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear accident, have occurred repeatedly throughout the ‘nuclear age.’ Numerous studies of the fate and transport of 137Cs+ and 90Sr2+ in soils and sediments have demonstrated their strong and selective binding to phyllosilicate clay minerals, primarily by means of cation exchange into interlayer sites. The locally concentrated amounts of these radioactive beta-emitters that can be found in these host minerals raise important questions regarding the long-term interplay and durability of radioisotope—clay associations, which is not well known. The present study goes beyond the usual short-term focus to address the permanence of radioisotope retention in clay minerals, by developing a general theoretical understanding of their resistance to the creation of defects. The present study reports ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) calculations of the threshold displacement energy (TDE) of each symmetry-unique atomic species comprising the unit cell of model vermiculite. The TDE values determined are material specific, radiation independent, and can be used to estimate the probability of Frenkel-pair creation by direct electron—ion collision, as could be induced by the passage of a high-energy electron emitted during the beta-decay of 137Cs, 90Sr, and daughter 90Y. For 137Cs and 90Sr, the calculated probability is ~36%, while for 90Y the probability is much greater at ~89%. The long-term retention picture that emerges is that decay will progressively alter the clay interlayer structure and charge, probably leading to delamination of the clay, and re-release of residual parent isotopes. Further work examining the effect of Frenkel defect accumulation on the binding energy of parent and daughter radionuclides in the interlayer is thus justified and potentially important for accurate long-term forecasting of radionuclide transport in the environment.
Review of Clay-Drug Hybrid Materials for Biomedical Applications: Administration Routes
Authors: Kim Myung Hun , Choi Goeun , Elzatahry Ahmed , Vinu Ajayan , Choy Young Bin , Choy Jin-Ho 
Published: August 2016

AbstractFocus here is placed on the pharmaceutical and biomedical applications of novel clay-drug hybrid materials categorized by methods of administration. Clay minerals have been used for many years as pharmaceutical and medicinal ingredients for therapeutic purposes. A number of studies have attempted to explore clay-drug hybrid materials for biomedical applications with desired functions, such as sustained release, increased solubility, enhanced adsorption, mucoadhesion, biocompatibility, targeting, etc. The present review attempts not only to summarize the state-of-the-art of clay-drug hybrid materials and their advantages, depending on the methods of administration, but also to deal with challenges and future perspectives of clay mineral-based hybrids for biomedical applications.
Holoentropy enabled-decision tree for automatic classification of diabetic retinopathy using retinal fundus images
Authors: Mane Vijay Mahadeo , Jadhav D.V. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common diabetic eye disease. Doctors are using various test methods to detect DR. But, the availability of test methods and requirements of domain experts pose a new challenge in the automatic detection of DR. In order to fulfill this objective, a variety of algorithms has been developed in the literature. In this paper, we propose a system consisting of a novel sparking process and a holoentropy-based decision tree for automatic classification of DR images to further improve the effectiveness. The sparking process algorithm is developed for automatic segmentation of blood vessels through the estimation of optimal threshold. The holoentropy enabled decision tree is newly developed for automatic classification of retinal images into normal or abnormal using hybrid features which preserve the disease-level patterns even more than the signal level of the feature. The effectiveness of the proposed system is analyzed using standard fundus image databases DIARETDB0 and DIARETDB1 for sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. The proposed system yields sensitivity, specificity and accuracy values of 96.72%, 97.01% and 96.45%, respectively. The experimental result reveals that the proposed technique outperforms the existing algorithms.
Tame combings and easy groups
Authors: Otera Daniele Ettore , Poénaru Valentin 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
We consider finitely presented groups admitting
0-combings which are both Lipschitz (in the sense of
Thurston) and tame (as defined by Mihalik and Tschantz in [8]).
What we prove is that such groups are easy (and hence
QSF by [11]), in the sense that they admit an easy
representation (that is a map from a 2-complex to a
singular 3-manifold associated to the group, satisfying several
topological conditions with a strong control over singularities).
Besides its own interest, one may also try to adapt the
proof in a wider context, namely for groups admitting tame 1-combings (as in [8]), in
order to prove the easy-representability for a larger class of finitely presented groups (note that there are still no examples of
finitely presented groups which are not tame 1-combable).
Lower bounds for regular genus and gem-complexity of PL 4-manifolds
Authors: Basak Biplab , Casali Maria Rita 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Within crystallization theory, two interesting PL invariants for d-manifolds have been introduced and studied, namely, gem-complexity and regular genus.
In the present paper we prove that for any closed connected PL 4-manifold M, its gem-complexity

k
⁢

(
M
)

{k(M)}

and its regular genus

𝒢
⁢

(
M
)

{\mathcal{G}(M)}

satisfy

k
⁢

(
M
)

≥

3
⁢
χ
⁢

(
M
)

+

10
⁢
m

-
6

and

𝒢
⁢

(
M
)

≥

2
⁢
χ
⁢

(
M
)

+

5
⁢
m

-
4

,

k(M)\geq 3\chi(M)+10m-6\quad\text{and}\quad\mathcal{G}(M)\geq 2\chi(M)+5m-4,

where

r
⁢
k
⁢

(

π
1

⁢

(
M
)

)

=
m

{rk(\pi_{1}(M))=m}

.
These lower bounds enable to strictly improve previously known estimations for regular genus and gem-complexity of product 4-manifolds.
Moreover, the class of semi-simple crystallizations is introduced, so that the represented PL 4-manifolds attain the above lower bounds. The additivity of both gem-complexity and regular genus with respect to connected sum is also proved for such a class of PL 4-manifolds, which comprehends all ones of “standard type”, involved in existing crystallization catalogs, and their connected sums.
Ultra-Small Dualband Dualmode Microstrip Antenna Based on Novel Hybrid Resonator
Authors: Zhu Ji-Xu , Bai Peng , Zheng Hao-Zhong 
Published: August 2016

AbstractA novel hybrid resonator consists of right handed patch+composite right and left handed transmission line (RH+CRLH) is proposed for the first time aiming at both compactness and frequency manipulation. A demonstration with theoretical dispersion relations and EM simulation is provided for the correctness and efficiency. According to the new method, an ultra-small and dualband antenna operating around 2.4 GHz (
Bird Face Microstrip Printed Monopole Antenna Design for Ultra Wide Band Applications
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Jakir , Faruque Mohammad Rashed Iqbal , Islam Md. Moinul , Islam Mohammad Tariqul , Rahman Md. Atiqur 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIn this paper, a novel bird face microstrip printed monopole ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna is investigated. The proposed compact antenna consists of a ring-shaped with additional slot and slotted ground plane on FR4 material. The overall electrical dimension of the proposed antenna is 0.25 λ×0.36 λ×0.016 λ and is energized by microstrip feed line. The Computer Simulation Technology (CST) and the High Frequency Structural Simulator (HFSS) is applied in this analysis. The impedance bandwidth of the monopole antenna cover 3.1–12.3 GHz (9.2 GHz, BW) frequency range. The messurement displayed that the designed antenna achieved excellent gain and stable omnidirectional radiation patterns within the UWB. The maximum gain of 6.8 dBi and omnidirectional radiation pattern makes the proposed antenna that is suitable for UWB systems.
Glutathione and glutathione derivatives in immunotherapy
Authors: Fraternale Alessandra , Brundu Serena , Magnani Mauro 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Reduced glutathione (GSH) is the most prevalent non-protein thiol in animal cells. Its de novo and salvage synthesis serves to maintain a reduced cellular environment, which is important for several cellular functions. Altered intracellular GSH levels are observed in a wide range of pathologies, including several viral infections, as well as in aging, all of which are also characterized by an unbalanced Th1/Th2 immune response. A central role in influencing the immune response has been ascribed to GSH. Specifically, GSH depletion in antigen-presenting cells (APCs) correlates with altered antigen processing and reduced secretion of Th1 cytokines. Conversely, an increase in intracellular GSH content stimulates IL-12 and/or IL-27, which in turn induces differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells to Th1 cells. In addition, GSH has been shown to inhibit the replication/survival of several pathogens, i.e. viruses and bacteria. Hence, molecules able to increase GSH levels have been proposed as new tools to more effectively hinder different pathogens by acting as both immunomodulators and antimicrobials. Herein, the new role of GSH and its derivatives as immunotherapeutics will be discussed.
Application of Energy Function as a Measure of Error in the Numerical Solution for Online Transient Stability Assessment
Authors: Sarojkumar K. , Krishna S. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Online dynamic security assessment (DSA) is a computationally intensive task. In order to reduce the amount of computation, screening of contingencies is performed. Screening involves analyzing the contingencies with the system described by a simpler model so that computation requirement is reduced. Screening identifies those contingencies which are sure to not cause instability and hence can be eliminated from further scrutiny. The numerical method and the step size used for screening should be chosen with a compromise between speed and accuracy. This paper proposes use of energy function as a measure of error in the numerical solution used for screening contingencies. The proposed measure of error can be used to determine the most accurate numerical method satisfying the time constraint of online DSA. Case studies on 17 generator system are reported.
Reconstruction of local volatility for the binary option model
Authors: Ota Yasushi , Kaji Shunsuke 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to reconstruct local volatility from market prices of binary options.
In the case of the space-dependent volatility, we obtain the stable linearization and the available integral equation to identify local volatility from observable data of binary options.
We achieve the reconstruction of local volatility by numerical simulation.
Biomarkers of spontaneous preterm birth: a systematic review of studies using multiplex analysis
Authors: Polettini Jossimara , Cobo Teresa , Kacerovsky Marian , Vinturache Angela E. , Laudanski Piotr , Peelen Myrthe J.C.S. , Helmer Hanns , Lamont Ronald F. , Takeda Jun , Lapointe Jerome , Torloni Maria Regina , Zhong Nanbert , Menon Ramkumar 
Published: August 2016

Abstract

Objective:
Despite decades of research on risk indicators of spontaneous preterm birth (PTB), reliable biomarkers are still not available to screen or diagnose high-risk pregnancies. Several biomarkers in maternal and fetal compartments have been mechanistically linked to PTB, but none of them are reliable predictors of pregnancy outcome. This systematic review was conducted to synthesize the knowledge on PTB biomarkers identified using multiplex analysis.

Materials and methods:
Three electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science) were searched for studies in any language reporting the use of multiplex assays for maternal biomarkers associated with PTB published from January 2005 to March 2014.

Results:
Retrieved citations (3631) were screened, and relevant studies (33) were selected for full-text reading. Ten studies were included in the review. Forty-two PTB-related proteins were reported, and RANTES and IL-10 (three studies) followed by MIP-1β, GM-CSF, Eotaxin, and TNF-RI (two studies) were reported more than once in maternal serum. However, results could not be combined due to heterogeneity in type of sample, study population, assay, and analysis methods.

Conclusion:
By this systematic review, we conclude that multiplex assays are a potential technological advancement for identifying biomarkers of PTB, although no single or combination of biomarkers could be identified to predict PTB risk.
Going beyond language: Soft skill-ing cultural difference and immigrant integration in Toronto, Canada
Authors: Allan Kori 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThis article traces how a language and soft skills training approach to Canadian immigrant integration emerged with Canada’s shift towards a post-industrial tertiary economy. In this economy, soft skills index characteristics of ideal workers that fit the needs of Canada’s post-Fordist labour regime. It examines how skills’ training is not viewed as overly assimilatory, although skills are recognized as culturally specific, because they are understood to be civic and work related rather than ethno-cultural. This paper argues that the value of soft skills, including communication skills, cannot be straightforwardly accumulated in post-Fordist labour regimes; rather, value is contingently and relationally defined in context-specific events. In such an economy, discrimination against immigrants is pervasive and indefinite, affectively woven into the means of production.
Metasurfaces-based holography and beam shaping: engineering the phase profile of light
Authors: Scheuer Jacob 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
The ability to engineer and shape the phase profile of optical beams is in the heart of any optical element. Be it a simple lens or a sophisticated holographic element, the functionality of such components is dictated by their spatial phase response. In contrast to conventional optical components which rely on thickness variation to induce a phase profile, metasurfaces facilitate the realization of arbitrary phase distributions using large arrays with sub-wavelength and ultrathin (tens of nanometers) features. Such components can be easily realized using a single lithographic step and is highly suited for patterning a variety of substrates, including nonplanar and soft surfaces. In this article, we review the recent developments, potential, and opportunities of metasurfaces applications. We focus primarily on flat optical devices, holography, and beam-shaping applications as these are the key ingredients needed for the development of a new generation of optical devices which could find widespread applications in photonics.