bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability and reproducibility analysis of the Cobb angle and assessing sagittal plane by computer-assisted and manual measurement tools
Authors: Wu Weifei , Liang Jie , Du Yuanli , Tan Xiaoyi , Xiang Xuanping , Wang Wanhong , Ru Neng , Le Jinbo 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Although many studies on reliability and reproducibility of measurement have been performed on coronal Cobb angle, few results about reliability and reproducibility are reported on sagittal alignment measurement including the pelvis. We usually use SurgimapSpine software to measure the Cobb angle in our studies; however, there are no reports till date on its reliability and reproducible measurements.

Methods
Sixty-eight standard standing posteroanterior whole-spine radiographs were reviewed. Three examiners carried out the measurements independently under the settings of manual measurement on X-ray radiographies and SurgimapSpine software on the computer. Parameters measured included pelvic incidence, sacral slope, pelvic tilt, Lumbar lordosis (LL), thoracic kyphosis, and coronal Cobb angle. SPSS 16.0 software was used for statistical analyses. The means, standard deviations, intraclass and interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

Results
There was no notable difference between the two tools (P = 0.21) for the coronal Cobb angle. In the sagittal plane parameters, the ICC of intraobserver reliability for the manual measures varied from 0.65 (T2–T5 angle) to 0.95 (LL angle). Further, for SurgimapSpine tool, the ICC ranged from 0.75 to 0.98. No significant difference in intraobserver reliability was found between the two measurements (P > 0.05). As for the interobserver reliability, measurements with SurgimapSpine tool had better ICC (0.71 to 0.98 vs 0.59 to 0.96) and Pearson’s coefficient (0.76 to 0.99 vs 0.60 to 0.97). The reliability of SurgimapSpine measures was significantly higher in all parameters except for the coronal Cobb angle where the difference was not significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusion
Although the differences between the two methods are very small, the results of this study indicate that the SurgimapSpine measurement is an equivalent measuring tool to the traditional manual in coronal Cobb angle, but is advantageous in spino-pelvic measurement in T2-T5, PT, PI, SS, and LL.
Expression of DNA-repair proteins and their significance in pancreatic cancer and non-cancerous pancreatic tissues of Sprague–Dawley rats
Authors: Tan Xing-guo , Yang Zhu-lin , Yang Le-ping , Miao Xiong-ying 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
To establish a model of pancreatic cancer induced by 7,12-dimethylbenzantracene (DMBA) in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats, and detect the expression of DNA-repair proteins (MGMT, ERCC1, hMSH2, and hMLH1) and their significance in pancreatic cancer and non-cancerous pancreatic tissues of SD rats.

Methods
DMBA was directly implanted into the parenchyma of rat pancreas (group A and group B), and group B rats were then treated with trichostatin A (TSA). The rats in both groups were executed within 3 to 5 months, and their pancreatic tissues were observed by macrography and under microscopy. Meanwhile, the rats in the control group (group C) were executed at 5 months. Immunohistochemistry was used to assay the expression of MGMT, ERCC1, hMSH2, and hMLH1.

Results
The incidence of pancreatic cancer in group A within 3 to 5 months was 48.7% (18/37), including 1 case of fibrosarcoma. The incidence of pancreatic cancer in group B was 33.3% (12/36), including 1 case of fibrosarcoma. The mean of maximal diameters of tumors in group A was higher than that in group B (P <0.05). No pathological changes were found in pancreas of group C and other main organs (except pancreas) of group A and group B. No statistical differences were found among the positive rates of MGMT, ERCC1, hMSH2, and hMLH1 in ductal adenocarcinoma and non-cancerous pancreatic tissues of group A (P >0.05). The positive rates of MGMT, ERCC1, hMSH2, and hMLH1 were significantly lower in ductal adenocarcinoma than those in non-cancerous tissues of group B (P ≤0.05). All pancreas of group C had positive expression of MGMT, ERCC1, hMSH2, and hMLH1 and two cases of fibrosarcoma showed a negative expression.

Conclusions
DMBA, directly implanted into the parenchyma of pancreas, creates an ideal pancreatic cancer model within a short time. TSA might restrain DNA damage related to the genesis and growth of pancreatic cancer in rats. The DNA-repair proteins, including MGMT, ERCC1, hMSH2, and hMLH1, might play an important role in the genesis of pancreatic cancer induced by DMBA in rats.
A survey of medicinal plants used by the Deb barma clan of the Tripura tribe of Moulvibazar district, Bangladesh
Authors: Kabir Mohammad Humayun , Hasan Nur , Rahman Md Mahfuzur , Rahman Md Ashikur , Khan Jakia Alam , Hoque Nazia Tasnim , Bhuiyan Md Ruhul Quddus , Mou Sadia Moin , Jahan Rownak , Rahmatullah Mohammed 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
The number of tribes present within Bangladesh has been estimated to approximate one hundred and fifty. Information on traditional medicinal practices, particularly of the smaller tribes and their clans is lacking. It was the objective of the study to document the tribal medicinal practices of the Deb barma clan of the Tripura tribe, which clan can be found residing in Dolusora Tripura Palli of Moulvibazar district of Bangladesh. A further objective was to determine the extent of the community households who still prefer traditional treatment to other forms of treatment, particularly allopathic treatment.

Methods
Interviews of the tribal healer and the tribal community regarding their ethnomedicinal practices were carried out with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire and the guided field-walk method. All together 67 clan members were interviewed including the Headman, tribal healer, 19 Heads of households and 46 other adult members of the clan. Information on number of members of household, their age, gender, educational status, occupation of working household members and preferred mode of treatment was obtained through the semi-structured questionnaire. In the guided field-walk method, the healer took the interviewers on field-walks through areas from where he collected his medicinal plants, pointed out the plants, and described their uses.

Results
The clan had a total of 135 people distributed into 20 households and had only one traditional healer. Use of medicinal plants, wearing of amulets, and worship of the evil god ‘Bura debta’ constituted the traditional medicinal practices of the clan for treatment of diseases. The healer used a total of 44 medicinal plants distributed into 34 families for treatment of various ailments like pain, coughs, cold, gastrointestinal disorders, cuts and wounds, diabetes, malaria, heart disorders, and paralysis.

Conclusions
Available scientific reports validate the use of a number of plants by the traditional healer. A number of the plants used by the clan healer had reported similar uses in Ayurveda, but differ considerably in their therapeutic uses from that reported for other tribes in Bangladesh. The present survey also indicated that in recent years the Deb barma clan members are inclining more towards allopathic medicine.
A margin-based analysis of the dosimetric impact of motion on step-and-shoot IMRT lung plans
Authors: Waghorn Benjamin J , Shah Amish P , Rineer Justin M , Langen Katja M , Meeks Sanford L 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Purpose
Intrafraction motion during step-and-shoot (SNS) IMRT is known to affect the target dosimetry by a combination of dose blurring and interplay effects. These effects are typically managed by adding a margin around the target. A quantitative analysis was performed, assessing the relationship between target motion, margin size, and target dosimetry with the goal of introducing new margin recipes.

Methods
A computational algorithm was used to calculate 1,174 motion-encoded dose distributions and DVHs within the patient’s CT dataset. Sinusoidal motion tracks were used simulating intrafraction motion for nine lung tumor patients, each with multiple margin sizes.

Results
D95% decreased by less than 3% when the maximum target displacement beyond the margin experienced motion less than 5 mm in the superior-inferior direction and 15 mm in the anterior-posterior direction. For target displacements greater than this, D95% decreased rapidly.

Conclusions
Targets moving in excess of 5 mm outside the margin can cause significant changes to the target. D95% decreased by up to 20% with target motion 10 mm outside the margin, with underdosing primarily limited to the target periphery. Multi-fractionated treatments were found to exacerbate target under-coverage. Margins several millimeters smaller than the maximum target displacement provided acceptable motion protection, while also allowing for reduced normal tissue morbidity.

PACS
87.55.dk
Perianal mantle cell lymphoma mimicking an external thrombosed hemorrhoid: a case report
Authors: Gulcu Baris , Ozer Ali , Nazlioglu Hulya Ozturk , Ozturk Ersin , Yilmazlar Tuncay 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Malignancies of the anal margin and perianal skin are relatively uncommon, and account for approximately 2% to 3% of all anorectal malignancies. Despite the fact that gastrointestinal presentation of lymphoma is not uncommon, primary localization of mantle cell lymphoma to the perianal region is rare.

Case presentation
We present the case of a 64-year-old Turkish man with a rapidly progressive perianal mass. Our patient had previously required medical treatment on multiple occasions for hemorrhoidal disease; however, the treatment was ineffective and gross lymph nodes were noted in his left inguinal region. Following excision of the mass and his lymph nodes, the pathological diagnosis of both tissues was mantle cell lymphoma.

Conclusion
Although gastrointestinal presentation of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is common, the literature includes only a few cases of perianal localization. Our case illustrates the importance of suspicion and complete examination of perianal masses. In practice, examination of the inguinal region should be a part of routine proctological examination.
A new haemocyanin in cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) eggs: sequence analysis and relevance during ontogeny
Authors: Thonig Anne , Oellermann Michael , Lieb Bernhard , Mark Felix Christopher 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Haemocyanin is the respiratory protein of most of the Mollusca. In cephalopods and gastropods at least two distinct isoforms are differentially expressed. However, their physiological purpose is unknown. For the common cuttlefish Sepia officinalis, three isoforms are known so far, whereas for only two of them the complete mRNA sequences are available. In this study, we sequenced the complete mRNA of the third haemocyanin isoform and measured the relative expression of all three isoforms during embryogenesis to reveal a potential ontogenetic relevance.

Results
The cDNA of isoform 3 clearly correlates to the known Sepia officinalis haemocyanin subunits consisting of eight functional units and an internal duplicated functional unit d. Our molecular phylogenetic analyses reveal the third isoform representing a potentially ancestral haemocyanin isoform, and the analyses of the expression of haemocyanin type 3 reveal that haemocyanin type 3 only can be observed within eggs and during early development. Isoforms 1 and 2 are absent at these stages. After hatching, isoform 3 is downregulated, and isoform 1 and 2 are upregulated.

Conclusions
Our study clearly shows an embryonic relevance of the third isoform, which will be further discussed in the light of the changes in the physiological function of haemocyanin during ontogeny. Taken together with the fact that it could also be the isoform closest related to the common ancestor of cuttlefish haemocyanin, the phylogeny of cuttlefish haemocyanin may be recapitulated during its ontogeny.
Survivin but not Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand is up-regulated before the onset of rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot study
Authors: Bokarewa Maria , Brink Mikael , Erlandsson Malin , Rantapää Dahlqvist Solbritt 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Antibodies against citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP) and increased levels of cytokines precede the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by several years. Recently, the proteins survivin and Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L) have been identified as biomarkers of RA associated with joint destruction. Our objective was to investigate the potential of survivin and Flt3L as predictors of RA in samples from patients prior to onset of symptoms.

Methods
This study included 47 individuals sampled before onset of RA (median 2.5 years (IQR 4.5) and 155 matched controls, all were donors to the Medical Biobank of Northern Sweden, and 36 RA patients. Levels of anti-CCP, survivin and Flt3L were measured using ELISAs and 29 cytokines/chemokines by multiplex detection.

Results
Levels of survivin were increased in pre-symptomatic individuals compared with controls (P = 0.003), whilst the levels of Flt3L were similar. The frequency of survivin positivity in the pre-symptomatic individuals was increased compared with the controls (36.2 vs.14.2%, P = 0.001) and predicted disease development (odds ratio (OR) =3.4 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6-7.2)). The frequency of survivin and Flt3L in RA patients was increased compared with the controls (both, P <0.0001, OR = 12.1 (95% CI, 5.3-27.6) and OR = 11.0 (95% CI, 3.9-30.9), respectively). Anti-CCP positive pre-symptomatic individuals and patients had significantly higher levels of survivin compared with anti-CCP2 negative individuals. In pre-symptomatic individuals, survivin correlated with IL-12, IL-1β and IL-9 whereas Flt3L correlated to a significantly broader spectrum of cytokines in RA patients.

Conclusion
Proto-oncogene survivin was increased in individuals prior to onset of symptoms of RA and was correlated to cytokines suggesting its role at pre-clinical stages of the disease.
Changes in protein expression in the salt marsh musselGeukensia demissa: evidence for a shift from anaerobic to aerobic metabolism during prolonged aerial exposure
Authors: Fields Peter , Eurich Chris , Gao William , Cela Bekim 
Published: February 2014

AbstractDuring aerial exposure (emersion), most sessile intertidal invertebrates experience cellular stress caused by hypoxia, and the amount and types of hypoxia-induced stress will differ as exposure time increases, likely leading to altered metabolic responses. We examined proteomic responses to increasing emersion times and decreasing recovery (immersion) times in the mussel Geukensia demissa, which occurs in salt marshes along the east coast of North America. Individuals are found above mean tide level, and can be emersed for over 18 hours during spring tides. We acclimated mussels to full immersion at 15°C for four weeks, and compared changes in gill protein expression between groups of mussels that continually were immersed (control), were emersed for six hours and immersed during recovery for 18 hours (6E/18R), were emersed for 12 hours and recovered for 12 hours (12E/12R), or were emersed for 18 hours with a six hour recovery (18E/6R). We found clear differences in protein expression patterns among the treatments. Proteins associated with anaerobic fermentation increased in abundance in 6E/18R but not 12E/12R or 18E/6R. Increases in oxidative stress proteins were most apparent in 12E/12R, and in 18E/6R changes in cytoskeletal protein expression predominated. We conclude that G. demissa alters its strategy for coping with emersion stress over time, relying on anaerobic metabolism for short- to medium-duration exposure, but switching to an air-gaping strategy for long term exposure, which reduces hypoxia stress but may cause structural damage to gill tissue.
Beyond campus borders: Canadian campus radio and community representation on the FM dial
Authors: Fauteux Brian 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
At a time when a number of prominent American college stations have moved online, the processes by which Canadian campus stations acquired FM licences exemplifies what can potentially be lost when stations move off the dial, as may occur if the Internet is assumed to be the most viable means of distributing alternative and community radio. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) first licensed campus radio in 1975. The licensing of community and campus stations by the CRTC represented not only the recognition of community media initiatives by the Canadian government but also the expansion of radio broadcasting on Canadian university and college campuses. This article addresses on-campus radio broadcasting in the years leading up to the FM licensing of three campus radio stations in Canada. Before stations crafted mandates catered to their communities that ensured the broadcasting of culturally and musically diverse content, many stations existed as insular radio clubs or closed-circuit stations that circulated through various university buildings. The transition from broadcasting within campus borders to FM broadcasting, as exemplified by CHMA, CKUW and CiTR, points to concerted efforts by groups and individuals who strove to expand the boundaries of campus radio. FM licences were acquired through administrative work and concerted campaigns by campus radio practitioners, who sought to reflect and represent local musical and cultural activity and increase its prominence in the wider community.
The birth of radio broadcasting: The matrix of science, technology and communication in the western world
Authors: Barboutis Christos 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Between the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth, the possibilities of three different types of wireless communication technology were made evident to the western world. Instead of uncritically presenting US-based accounts, this article delineates the relationship between radio technology and communication, moulded by the notion of modern science, which bears as a consequence the establishment of broadcasting as a mass phenomenon in western societies. The above-mentioned relationship is explained without downplaying at the same time the existence of relativism in particular social settings. Thus, the article is underpinned by the interplay among the cultural, economic and political factors that finally led to the development of radio broadcasting during the ‘Roaring Twenties’.
Mediastinal Schwannoma Diagnosed Preoperatively as a Cyst
Authors: Taguchi Shinichi , Mori Atsuo , Suzuki Ryo , Hasegawa Ichiro , Sato Hiroaki , Sugiura Hitoshi , Irie Rie 
Published: February 2014

Mediastinal schwannomas are sometimes diagnosed as pericardial or bronchogenic cysts, if cystic degeneration is extensive. When mediastinal schwannomas are not diagnosed as primary cardiac tumors, the use of cardiopulmonary bypass in their resection appears to be infrequent.
We report the case of a 48-year-old woman who presented with symptoms from a suspected intrapericardial cyst. Multiple diagnostic images revealed a large mass, potentially a proteinaceous or hemorrhagic cyst, in the transverse sinus behind the ascending aorta and against the left main trunk. After complete resection with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, the mass was identified as a benign extracardiac schwannoma. More than 3 years postoperatively, the patient had no relevant symptoms. We discuss the preoperative diagnosis, the method of resection, and our broad strategy for dealing with such a case.
Repair of Bicuspid Aortic Valve in the Presence of Endocarditis and Leaflet Perforation
Authors: Kent William D.T. , Toeg Hadi D. , Appoo Jehangir J. 
Published: February 2014

Aortic valve repair can be a good option in younger patients who have severe aortic regurgitation. A systematic, disease-directed approach can simplify repair. This case report describes how a simplified approach can be successfully applied to complex pathologic conditions of the aortic valve.
A 49-year-old man with a bicuspid aortic valve and a history of endocarditis presented with severe aortic regurgitation and evidence of recurrent infection. Intraoperatively, we found congenital and degenerative aortic anatomy with endocarditis and perforation. We performed aortic valve repair to enable leaflet coaptation and to adjust the coaptation height. After 24 months, the patient remained well, with an intact repair and trivial aortic regurgitation. We describe our systematic repair approach and rationales for targeting repairs to identified lesions. To our knowledge, this is the first description of complex aortic valve repairs in a patient who had simultaneous congenital, degenerative, and infectious conditions.
Monte Carlo Simulation of a Microgrid Harmonic Power Flow
Authors: Amoo Abdullahi Lanre , Aliyu Usman O. , Said Dalila Mat , Mohd Zin Abdullah Asuhaimi , Bappah Abubakar Sadiq 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
With the transformation of power utility companies from vertical structure to full deregulated entities, the need for the integration of distributed generation (DG) resource in the form of Microgrid (MG) system would soon become indispensable in most deregulated power systems. This is due to renewability of such generation systems. The power quality performance in terms of intermittent energy of these DG systems supply is the major limitation to their full integration as the sole generation entities that can propel rapid decentralization of electric power systems operation. Nonetheless, the acceptable standard is to operate them in an islanding mode or as a MG optimally dispatch among generation mix. This paper developed a total harmonic distortion models for a Microgrid bus in a Nigerian grid system and applied Monte Carlo technique to reliably predict the level of harmonic power flow in the system. The result shows that the distortion increases as the demand factor of the station decreases.
On commutator socle-regular Abelian p-groups
Authors: Danchev Peter , Goldsmith Brendan 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
We define the notion of a commutator socle-regular Abelian p-group.
After establishing some crucial properties of commutator socle-regularity, we investigate its relationship with
socle-regularity, strong socle-regularity and projection socle-regularity.
Optimal design of spherical capacitive probe with
ultra-large aspect ratio based on modal analysis
Authors: Cui Junning , Lu Yesheng , He Zhangqiang , Guo Junchao 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
In order to solve the problem of stylus vibration of the spherical
capacitive probe with ultra-large aspect ratio, modal analysis of
the stylus is done and optimal design of stylus structure is carried out. The
Euler–Bernoulli Beam model is introduced to build the dynamic equation of
lateral vibration of the stylus. Based on results of modal analysis and
simulation, the first order natural frequency of the stylus is optimized to
near 100 Hz, and the resolution of the probing sensor is improved from 20 nm
to 4 nm with adoption of damping material.