bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative evaluation of the combined application of titanium implants and calcium phosphate bone substitutes in a rabbit model
Authors: Alsayed Arwa , Anil Sukumaran , Jansen John A. , van den Beucken Jeroen J. J. P. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo study the healing of defects around titanium implants filled with biphasic calcium phosphates (BCP).Material and methodsForty custom‐made, titanium implants (Ti) with a diameter of 5 mm, and length of 8 mm, with two‐sided gaps, were fabricated and installed in the femoral condyle of 20 rabbits. Following a randomization protocol, implants were alternately installed in one condyle without BCP bone substitute material (Ti) in the gaps and in the contralateral condyle gaps were filled with BCP bone substitute material (Ti+BCP). The implants were retrieved after 4 and 12 weeks of healing, after which histological and histomorphometrical analyses were done to assess the percentage of bone implant contact (BIC), the percentage of bone area (BA) and the percentage of particle area (PA) within the region of interest (ROI); the rectangular area joining the two arms of the L‐shaped implant was considered as the ROI.ResultsAfter 4 and 12 weeks of healing, Ti+BCP showed significantly higher BIC and BA values compared to Ti. Further, the BCP particles showed a significant decrease from 4 to 12 weeks of healing. The BCP particles (PA) showed a significant reduction from 31.6 ± 11.0% at 4 weeks to 21.0 ± 7.2% at 12 weeks.ConclusionThe addition of BCP bone substitute to fill peri‐implant gaps significantly enhanced both bone formation (~2.5‐fold) and bone to implant contact (>2‐fold) for the custom‐made titanium implants with two‐sided gaps.
Comparison between magnetic resonance imaging and rigid rectoscopy in the preoperative identification of intra‐ and extraperitoneal rectal cancer
Authors: Paparo F. , Puppo C. , Montale A. , Bacigalupo L. , Pascariello A. , Clavarezza M. , Binda C. , Rollandi G. A. , Binda G. A. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAimAccurate preoperative discrimination between extra‐ and intraperitoneal rectal cancer has important treatment implications. Our main objective was to compare the diagnostic performance of MRI with rigid rectoscopy (RRS) in assessing the location of rectal cancers above or below the peritoneal reflection (PR), using the findings obtained during abdominal surgery for treatment of the cancer as the reference standard. We also compared the accuracy of MRI and RRS in assessing the level of the lower border of the tumour from the anal verge.MethodPatients with rectal carcinoma awaiting surgery underwent MRI and RRS. The MRI images were reviewed by two abdominal radiologists who determined the location of the inferior border of the tumour in relation to the PR. Receiver–operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the diagnostic performance of RRS at different cut‐off values.ResultsThe sensitivity and specificity were 98.15% and 100%, respectively, for MRI, and 100% and 76.92%, respectively, for RRS at a cut‐off value of < 10 cm. The mean level of the lower border of the tumour from the anal verge was 68 ± 44.3 mm on RRS and 73.5 ± 42.4 mm on MRI (P = 0.25), with a trend towards overestimation with MRI.ConclusionRRS is still the main means of assessing the level of a rectal tumour from the anal verge, but MRI has value in determining the level of the tumour in relation to the PR, which cannot be seen on endoscopy.
Right Ventricular Strain in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A 2D Echocardiography and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Study
Authors: Freed Benjamin H. , Tsang Wendy , Bhave Nicole M. , Patel Amit R. , Weinert Lynn , Yamat Megan , Vicedo Beatriz Miralles , Dill Karin , Mor‐Avi Victor , Gomberg‐Maitland Mardi , Lang Roberto M. 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundRight ventricular (RV) strain is a potentially useful prognostic marker in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, published reports regarding the accuracy of two‐dimensional echocardiography (2DE)‐derived RV strain against an independent reference in this patient population are limited. The aims of this study were: (1) to study the relationship between 2DE RV longitudinal strain and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)‐derived RV ejection fraction (RVEF) in patients with PAH; (2) to compare 2DE‐derived and CMR‐derived RV longitudinal strain in these patients; and (3) to determine the reproducibility of these measurements.MethodsThirty patients with PAH underwent 2DE and CMR imaging within a 2‐hour time period. 2DE RV longitudinal strain was measured from a focused RV apical four‐chamber view using speckle tracking software. CMR RV longitudinal strain was measured from short‐axis slices acquired using fast‐strain‐encoded sequence. Global peak systolic RV longitudinal strain was calculated for both 2DE and CMR.ResultsRV longitudinal strain using 2DE software correlated well with CMR‐derived RVEF (R = 0.69, P = 0.0006). There was moderate agreement when comparing 2DE to CMR RV longitudinal strain (R = 0.74, P = 0.0002; bias −1%, limits of agreement −9 to 7%). Inter‐observer variability and intra‐observer variability for RV longitudinal strain were lower for 2DE than CMR.ConclusionsRV longitudinal strain by 2DE provides a good alternative for CMR‐derived RVEF in patients with PAH. The moderate agreement in strain measurements between 2DE and CMR suggests that further software improvements are needed before these measurements can be used interchangeably in clinical practice.
Echocardiography: A Case of Coronary Sinus Endocarditis
Authors: Kwan Clara , Chen On , Radionova Svetlana , Sadiq Adnan , Moskovits Manfred 
Published: June 2014

Mini‐AbstractWe present a case of a 23‐year‐old woman with end‐stage renal disease on hemodialysis (HD) via a permacath for the past year, who was found to have endocarditis of the coronary sinus (CS). While patients on HD have higher rates of infective endocarditis (IE), involvement of the CS is rare with only a few cases reported. In our case, the presence of a HD catheter may have predisposed her to IE of the CS. Furthermore, her blood cultures were positive for Acinetobacter baumannii which is a rare pathogen but can be found in hospital settings and in patients on HD.
Two‐Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography Prognostic Parameters in Patients after Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Haberka Maciej , Liszka Jerzy , Kozyra Andrzej , Finik Maciej , Gąsior Zbigniew 
Published: June 2014

AimThe aim of the study was to evaluate the left ventricle (LV) function with speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and to assess its relation to prognosis in patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI).MethodsSixty‐three patients (F/M = 16/47 pts; 62.33 ± 11.85 years old) with AMI (NSTEMI/STEMI 24/39 pts) and successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent implantation (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction; TIMI 3 flow) were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent baseline two‐dimensional conventional echocardiography and STE 3 days (baseline) and 30 days after PCI. All patients were followed up for cardiovascular clinical endpoints, major adverse cardiovascular endpoint (MACE), and functional status (Canadian Cardiovascular Society and New York Heart Association).ResultsDuring the follow‐up (31.9 ± 5.1 months), there were 3 cardiovascular deaths, 15 patients had AMI, 2 patients had cerebral infarction, 24 patients reached the MACE. Baseline LV torsion (P = 0.035), but none of the other strain parameters were associated with the time to first unplanned cardiovascular hospitalization. Univariate analysis showed that baseline longitudinal two‐chamber and four‐chamber strain (sLa2 0 and sLa4 0) and the same parameters obtained 30 days after the AMI together with transverse four‐chamber strain (sLa2 30, sLa4 30, and sTa4 30) were significantly associated with combined endpoint (MACE). The strongest association in the univariate analysis was found for the baseline sLa2. However, in multivariable analysis only a left ventricular remodeling (LVR – 27% pts) was significantly associated with MACE and strain parameters were not associated with the combined endpoint.ConclusionThe assessment of LV function with STE may improve cardiovascular risk prediction in postmyocardial infarction patients.
Left Atrial Appendage Aneurysm: A Systematic Review of 82 Cases
Authors: Aryal Madan Raj , Hakim Fayaz A. , Ghimire Sailu , Ghimire Sushil , Giri Smith , Pandit Anil , Bhandari Yashoda , Bhandari Naresh , Pathak Ranjan , Karmacharya Paras , Pradhan Rajesh 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundAneurysm of the left atrial appendage is rare. We sought to systematically review the published literature on left atrial appendage aneurysm (LAAA) to address its demographic features, clinical characteristics, treatment, complications, and outcomes.MethodologyA systematic electronic search of Medline, PubMed, and EMBASE for case reports, case series, and related articles of LAAA published from 1962 until July 2013 was carried out. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0. Logistic Regression Analysis was used to identify the independent predictors of LAAA‐related thrombus formation and embolism.ResultsEighty‐two cases of LAAA were identified. There was a slight female preponderance and most of the patients presented in their third decades. Palpitation, dyspnea or both were most common clinical symptoms associated with LAAA. Echocardiography was the main diagnostic modality used and the mean size of aneurysm was 7.08 ± 3.03 × 5.75 ± 2.36 cm. Surgical resection of the aneurysm was performed in most patients with favorable results. Systemic embolism and atrial tachyarrhythmias were the two common complications associated with untreated LAAA. Presence of atrial fibrillation/flutter was the only significant predictor of thrombus formation/embolic events.ConclusionAneurysm of left atrial appendage is rare and often an incidental diagnosis during echocardiography. It is important to recognize this entity since it is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality by predisposing to atrial tachyarrhythmia and thromboembolism. Surgical resection is the standard of treatment in the current literature. Medical management is directed toward the treatment of thromboembolism and atrial tachyarrhythmia.
Incubation success and habitat selection of shore‐spawning kokanee Oncorhynchus nerka: effects of water‐level regulation and habitat characteristics
Authors: Whitlock Steven L. , Quist Michael C. , Dux Andrew M. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractChanges to water‐level regimes have been known to restructure fish assemblages and interfere with the population dynamics of both littoral and pelagic species. The effect of altered water‐level regimes on shore‐spawning kokanee Oncorhynchus nerka incubation success was evaluated using a comprehensive in situ study in Lake Pend Oreille, ID, USA. Survival was not related to substrate size composition or depth, indicating that shore‐spawning kokanee do not currently receive a substrate‐mediated survival benefit from higher winter water levels. Substrate composition also did not differ among isobaths in the nearshore area. On average, the odds of an egg surviving to the preemergent stage were more than three times greater for sites in downwelling areas than those lacking downwelling. This study revealed that shoreline spawning habitat is not as limited as previously thought. Downwelling areas appear to contribute substantially to shore‐spawning kokanee recruitment. This research illustrates the value of rigorous in situ studies both for testing potential mechanisms underlying population trends and providing insight into spawning habitat selection.
The utility of simple fish community metrics for evaluating the relative influence of fishing vs. other environmental drivers on Caribbean reef fish communities
Authors: Vallès Henri , Oxenford Hazel A 
Published: June 2014

AbstractFish community metrics have been extensively investigated as indicators of fishing effects for ecosystem‐based fisheries management (EBFM) in temperate systems. Little similar work has been performed in the coral reefs of the Caribbean, where simple indicators are urgently needed. Here, we use 415 coral reef surveys throughout the Caribbean to assess the potential of four simple and intuitive fish community metrics, namely, fish biomass, fish density, average fish weight and species richness, to separate fishing effects from those of other environmental factors at both local (tens of kilometres) and broad (hundreds to thousands of kilometres) spatial scales. We found that these fish metrics differed considerably in environmental correlates and the spatial scales underlying fish metric–environment associations. Average fish weight and fish biomass were most sensitive to fishing indices at both spatial scales, although average fish weight responded more sensitively and specifically to fishing than fish biomass. Fish density and species richness were most sensitive to temperature over broad scales and to macroalgae and relief height over local ones. All fish metrics were negatively correlated with macroalgae over broad scales, supporting the utility of macroalgae to inform about the integrity of entire reef ecosystems. Most of the fish metric variance associated with fishing pressure operated over broad scales, highlighting the need for a Caribbean‐wide view of fish community status to establish local management objectives and avoid shifting baselines. Our study clarifies the utility of simple fish community metrics as indicators of fishing effects for EBFM in the Caribbean.
Coupled reductive and oxidative sulfur cycling in the phototrophic plate of a meromictic lake
Authors: Hamilton T. L. , Bovee R. J. , Thiel V. , Sattin S. R. , Mohr W. , Schaperdoth I. , Vogl K. , Gilhooly W. P. , Lyons T. W. , Tomsho L. P. , Schuster S. C. , Overmann J. , Bryant D. A. , Pearson A. , Macalady J. L. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractMahoney Lake represents an extreme meromictic model system and is a valuable site for examining the organisms and processes that sustain photic zone euxinia (PZE). A single population of purple sulfur bacteria (PSB) living in a dense phototrophic plate in the chemocline is responsible for most of the primary production in Mahoney Lake. Here, we present metagenomic data from this phototrophic plate – including the genome of the major PSB, as obtained from both a highly enriched culture and from the metagenomic data – as well as evidence for multiple other taxa that contribute to the oxidative sulfur cycle and to sulfate reduction. The planktonic PSB is a member of the Chromatiaceae, here renamed Thiohalocapsa sp. strain ML1. It produces the carotenoid okenone, yet its closest relatives are benthic PSB isolates, a finding that may complicate the use of okenone (okenane) as a biomarker for ancient PZE. Favorable thermodynamics for non‐phototrophic sulfide oxidation and sulfate reduction reactions also occur in the plate, and a suite of organisms capable of oxidizing and reducing sulfur is apparent in the metagenome. Fluctuating supplies of both reduced carbon and reduced sulfur to the chemocline may partly account for the diversity of both autotrophic and heterotrophic species. Collectively, the data demonstrate the physiological potential for maintaining complex sulfur and carbon cycles in an anoxic water column, driven by the input of exogenous organic matter. This is consistent with suggestions that high levels of oxygenic primary production maintain episodes of PZE in Earth's history and that such communities should support a diversity of sulfur cycle reactions.
Mitochondrial phylogeography of the Eurasian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus and the first genetic record of A. s. fuscus in Central Europe
Authors: Arbabi Tayebeh , Gonzalez Javier , Witt Hans‐Hinrich , Klein Rolf , Wink Michael 
Published: June 2014

The phylogeography and evolutionary history of the long‐distance migratory Eurasian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus were analysed using sequence data from the mitochondrial DNA COI gene of 405 individuals and cyt b sequences from a subset of those individuals from 20 breeding, migrating and wintering populations over its wide geographical range. Median‐joining network and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses recovered three lineages corresponding to three subspecies of A. scirpaceus that started to diverge approximately 480 000 years ago: one spanning Asia (Acrocephalus scirpaceus fuscus), one encompassing Europe and Northern Africa (Acrocephalus scirpaceus scirpaceus) and a third that included Eastern Africa and Southwestern Asia (Acrocephalus scirpaceus avicenniae). Phylogenetic analyses suggest that the third clade is basal and diverged from its sister species, the African Reed Warbler Acrocephalus baeticatus, around 700 000 years ago. This earliest subspecies (avicenniae) may have survived the Last Glacial Maximum in one of the African refugia, probably the low forest refugium of the Ethiopian Highlands. Sequences of 348 samples from Germany, which were captured for ringing, showed that one bird was genetically assigned to the subspecies fuscus, the first genetic evidence of this Asian subspecies in Central Europe. According to our DNA sequences, 6.8% of Eurasian Reed Warblers were misidentified at the species level, Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris accounting for most of these misidentified specimens. At the subspecies level, of 22 fuscus identified by genetic analyses, only six had been correctly named by the ringers.
A Cu–Pd–V System Filler Alloy for Silicon Nitride Ceramic Joining and the Interfacial Reactions
Authors: Xiong Hua‐Ping , Chen Bo , Pan Yu , Zhao Hai‐Sheng , Mao Wei , Cheng Yao‐Yong 
Published: June 2014

A Cu–Pd–V brazing alloy with the composition of Cu–(38.0~42.0)Pd–(7.0~10.0)V (in wt.%) was designed as a filler for joining Si3N4. Its wettability on Si3N4 ceramic was measured with the sessile drop method. It was shown that the Cu–Pd–V alloy gave a contact angle of 71° at 1473 K. The filler alloy was fabricated into foils with a thickness of 0.15 mm. The Si3N4–Si3N4 joints brazed at 1443 K for 10 min exhibit average three‐point bend strength of 263 MPa at room temperature, and the joint strengths at 973 K and 1073 K are 277 MPa and 218 MPa, respectively. The analysis results of SEM, XRD, and TEM for the brazed joint indicate the presence of V2N at the surface of the Si3N4. The increase of the thickness of V2N reaction layer obeyed parabolic law, and the parabolic rate constant (k) can be described as k = 2.8739 × 10−9 exp(−162989.4/RT) m2/s. Pd2Si and Cu3Pd compounds as well as (Cu, Pd) solid solution were detected in the central part of the joints. The presence of (Cu, Pd) phases and especially refractory Pd2Si compounds within the joints should contribute to the stable high‐temperature property. The interfacial reaction mechanisms were discussed.
Local Structure Evolution inBa‐SubstitutedPb(Fe1/2Nb1/2)O3Ceramics
Authors: Lv Xin , Liu Guo , Liu Xiao Qiang , Chen Xiang Ming 
Published: June 2014

Evolution of crystal structure inPb1‐xBax(Fe1/2Nb1/2)O3ceramics has been investigated by X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectra analysis together with the dielectric characterization. The crystal structure for all compositions is cubic and the cell volume indicates a sudden change atx = 0.075.Pb1‐xBax(Fe1/2Nb1/2)O3ceramics withx > 0.075 are paraelectric, whereas those forx < 0.075 are ferroelectric at room temperature. The evolution of phonon modes indicates that the ferroelectricity ofPb1‐xBax(Fe1/2Nb1/2)O3solid solution ceramics is caused by the off‐centerNb5+inBO6octahedron. The ferroelectric‐related distortion is still observed in paraelectric solid solutions withx > 0.075.
Electrical Properties of a 0.95(Na0.5K0.5)NbO3–0.05CaTiO3 Thin Film Grown on a Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si Substrate
Authors: Lee Youn‐Seon , Seo In‐Tae , Kim Bo‐Yun , Nahm Sahn , Kang Chong‐Yun , Jeong Young‐Hun , Paik Jong‐Hoo 
Published: June 2014

An amorphous phase was formed in a 0.95(Na0.5K0.5)NbO3–0.05CaTiO3 (NKN‐CT) film grown at 300°C, and a low‐temperature transient Ca2Nb2O7 phase was formed in the film grown at 500°C. In films grown at high temperatures (≥600°C), secondary phases such as K5.75Nb10.85O30 and K4Ti10Nb2O27 were developed without the formation of a NKN‐CT phase, probably because of Na2O evaporation. The same secondary phases were formed in the film grown at 300°C and subsequently annealed at 850°C under an air atmosphere. However, a homogeneous NKN‐CT phase was formed in films grown at 300°C and subsequently annealed at 830°C–880°C under the K2O and Na2O atmospheres. Moreover, the film annealed at 830°C in particular exhibited good electric and piezoelectric properties, including a high dielectric constant of 747 with a low dissipation factor of 0.93% at 100 kHz, low leakage current density of 2.0 × 10−7 A/cm2 at 0.1 MV/cm, and high Pr and d33 values of 15.4 μC/cm2 and 124 pm/V at 100 kV/cm, respectively.
First‐Principles Insight into the Composition‐Dependent Structure and Properties of γ‐Alon
Authors: Tu Bingtian , Wang Hao , Liu Xiao , Wang Weimin , Fu Zhengyi 
Published: June 2014

Spinel type Aluminum oxynitride (γ‐alon) solid solution exists in the Al2O3‐rich region of AlN–Al2O3 systems. The first‐principles calculations facilitate our investigations on composition‐dependence of structure and properties in γ‐alon without the limit of experimental solubility. The constant anion crystal structure of γ‐alon was described as the solid solution of spinel phase γ‐Al2O3 and the ideal Al3O3N with formula of Al(8+x)/3O4−xNx (0 ≤ x ≤ 1). The unit cell expands with increasing Al3O3N composition. The lattice parameter increases nonlinearly with the composition of Al3O3N, which deviates from Vegard's law. As x increases, the anions dilate from the AlIV along (1 1 1) direction, and two new narrow peaks (approximate –12.7 and –0.3 eV) become stronger and the conduction band presents a downward shift to low energy in the TDOS. The absorption edge in the UV region of ε2(ω) present slight red‐shift of 0.5 eV as x increases. Because the compressibility was improved by expansion of coordination polyhedron, the elastic properties were just slightly enhanced as the nitrogen concentration increases. It is suggested that the notable enhancement of mechanical properties in γ‐alon may be difficult to yield by varying the content of substituted nitrogen atoms. The calculated results provide the basis for understanding the crystal structure and intrinsic properties of γ‐alon with different compositions.
Tunable Mission and Trichromatic White‐Emitting in Oxyfluoride Glasses by Utilization of Cu+ Ions as Multiple Energy‐Transfer Creators
Authors: Lv Tianshuai , Xu Xuhui , Yu Xue , Yu Hongling , Zhou Dacheng , Qiu Jianbei 
Published: June 2014

A series of copper species, Tb3+, Mn2+ single‐ and co‐doped oxyfluoride glasses were synthesized by a melt‐quenching method. The photoluminescence properties of the glasses containing copper species were demonstrated. Results indicate that the blue‐green emission band peaking at 440 nm was observed, which was ascribed to the photoluminescence of Cu+ ions rather than the emissions of Cu2+ cations or Cu nano‐particles (Cu NPs) induced by local field effect (LFE) enhancement through surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The interaction mechanisms between Cu+ and Tb3+/Mn2+ have been systematically investigated, and significant enhancement of Cu+ emission and the energy‐transfer (ET) efficiencies of Cu+→Tb3+ and Cu+→Mn2+ were observed in glasses doped with SnO reducing agent. Furthermore, a wide‐range‐tunable emission and ideal white‐light fluorescence were realized in Cu+/Tb3+/Mn2+‐coactivated glasses by utilization of Cu+ cations as dual ET contributors from deep‐UV‐source to multiactivators. Our research further extends the understanding of the interactions between Cu+ and Tb3+/Mn2+ in amorphous materials.