bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved accuracy and precision of tracer kinetic parameters by joint fitting to variable flip angle and dynamic contrast enhanced MRI data
Authors: Dickie Ben R. , Banerji Anita , Kershaw Lucy E. , McPartlin Andrew , Choudhury Ananya , West Catharine M. , Rose Chris J. 
Published: October 2015

PurposeTo improve the accuracy and precision of tracer kinetic model parameter estimates for use in dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI studies of solid tumors.TheoryQuantitative DCE‐MRI requires an estimate of precontrast T1, which is obtained prior to fitting a tracer kinetic model. As T1 mapping and tracer kinetic signal models are both a function of precontrast T1 it was hypothesized that its joint estimation would improve the accuracy and precision of both precontrast T1 and tracer kinetic model parameters.MethodsAccuracy and/or precision of two‐compartment exchange model (2CXM) parameters were evaluated for standard and joint fitting methods in well‐controlled synthetic data and for 36 bladder cancer patients. Methods were compared under a number of experimental conditions.ResultsIn synthetic data, joint estimation led to statistically significant improvements in the accuracy of estimated parameters in 30 of 42 conditions (improvements between 1.8% and 49%). Reduced accuracy was observed in 7 of the remaining 12 conditions. Significant improvements in precision were observed in 35 of 42 conditions (between 4.7% and 50%). In clinical data, significant improvements in precision were observed in 18 of 21 conditions (between 4.6% and 38%).ConclusionAccuracy and precision of DCE‐MRI parameter estimates are improved when signal models are fit jointly rather than sequentially. Magn Reson Med 76:1270–1281, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risk factors to develop autonomic dysreflexia during urodynamic examinations in patients with spinal cord injury
Authors: Vírseda‐Chamorro Miguel , Salinas‐Casado Jesus , Gutiérrez‐Martín Pablo , de la Marta‐García Manuel , López‐García‐Moreno Antonio , Esteban Fuertes Manuel 
Published: October 2015

AimsThe risk factors for developing autonomic dysreflexia (AD) during urodynamic (UD) examination in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) above Th6 still remain unclear. The main goal of our study is to investigate the risk factors that could be associated with AD in these particular patients.DesignCross sectional survey.Subject and methodsThe study was carried out in 83 patients with SCI above Th6 who were submitted to our center for a UD examination. AD was defined as a rise in systolic blood pressure above 15 mm Hg with a pulse rate below 60 beats per minute.ResultsThe prevalence rate of AD among our patients was 54%. Univariate analysis of our study showed the following risk factors: patient's age, SCI completeness, traumatic etiology, indwelling catheter, presence of chills or sweating, anticholinergic treatment, maximum detrusor voiding pressure, detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate, detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia, and bladder outlet obstruction. Using multivariate logistic regression, we found that there are only two independent risk factors: patient's age equal to or above 45 years of age (OR = 10.995) and maximum detrusor voiding pressure equal to or above 31 cm H2O (OR = 3.879).ConclusionsAccording to our results, the patient's age and maximum detrusor voiding pressure should be considered at the time of performing a UD examination in order to prevent the sudden onset of AD in patients with SCI above Th6. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:171–175, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Validation of eight atmospheric reanalyses in the Antarctic Peninsula region
Authors: Nygård Tiina , Vihma Timo , Birnbaum Gerit , Hartmann Jörg , King John , Lachlan‐Cope Tom , Ladkin Russell , Lüpkes Christof , Weiss Alexandra 
Published: October 2015

AbstractEight atmospheric reanalyses were compared against observed vertical profiles of temperature, specific humidity and wind speed collected by two research aircraft in February–March 2010 in the Antarctic Peninsula region. These data offered a rare possibility to validate reanalyses against independent in situ data which have not been assimilated into the reanalyses. The reanalyses had generally too moist profiles with too low wind speeds, but otherwise the errors in the reanalyses had large spatial differences. On the eastern side of the peninsula, the near‐surface temperatures were largely overestimated. None of the reanalyses outperformed the others in all variables, at all altitudes and on both sides of the peninsula. Generally, NCEP‐CFSR and MERRA had the smallest errors in temperature profiles, JRA‐55 had marginally the most accurate specific humidity profiles and NCEP‐CFSR had the best wind profiles. The reanalyses were coherent, although biased, on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula, but on the eastern side the spread was large. All the reanalyses underestimated the variability between the individual profiles of temperature and wind speed. The modern reanalyses with a sufficient spatial resolution and an adequate data assimilation method outperformed the others, especially on the eastern side.
Carbon and nitrogen discrimination factors of wolves and accuracy of diet inferences using stable isotope analysis
Authors: McLaren Ashley A. D. , Crawshaw Graham J. , Patterson Brent R. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTDietary inferences using stable isotope analysis rely on comparing stable carbon and nitrogen isotope content of consumer to prey tissues by modeling discrimination between these tissues. Diet–tissue discrimination factors applied in these models for wild populations must be obtained from controlled feeding studies where consumer diets are known. Species‐specific discrimination factors are lacking for wolves (Canis lupus), and most researchers assessing the diet of free‐ranging wolves have used discrimination factors derived from red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) fed a commercial pellet diet. We calculated diet–tissue discrimination factors for various tissues from captive wolves fed a controlled diet of horse (Equus caballus) meat and also assessed the feasibility of seasonal delineation of diet through the partitioning of metabolically inactive tissues such as guard hairs and whiskers. Stable carbon isotopic discrimination in wolves was highest in whiskers (4.31‰), followed by guard hair (4.25‰), and lowest in serum (2.21‰) and red blood cells (2.16‰). Stable nitrogen isotopic discrimination was highest in serum (4.54‰), guard hair (3.09‰), and whiskers (3.05‰), and lowest in red blood cells (2.99‰). Using these values, we demonstrated the sensitivity of estimated wolf diet proportions to choice of discrimination factors. We also documented a decrease in growth rate of hair and whiskers from summer through autumn, which cautions estimating temporally explicit diet of mammals based on stable isotope analysis of discrete sections of hair and whiskers. We conclude that species‐specific discrimination estimates should be used in dietary assessments based on stable isotope analyses to limit inaccuracies in diet interpretation of wild populations. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Governing the Family
Authors: Parton Nigel 
Published: October 2015

Drawing on original research this book provides a challenging and instructive analysis of the nature of the heated and often contradicting arguments of recent years about how to reform the child care system, and the emergence of a central concern with child protection.
It provides a unique insight into the political influences on the 1989 Children Act and the issues it attempted to address, the bargains that were struck in the process of it becoming law and the new balances it introduced between the role of the state, the responsibilities of parents and the rights of children.
The Establishment and Development of Neurosurgery Services in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Kaptigau W. Matui , Rosenfeld Jeffrey V. , Kevau Ikau , Watters David A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundPapua New Guinea (PNG) is a developing Pacific Nation of 7.3 million people. Although neurosurgery training was introduced to PNG in the year 2000, it was in 2003 that a neurosurgery service was established. Prior to this time, neurosurgery in PNG was performed by general surgeons, with some assistance from visiting Australian neurosurgeons. Neurosurgical training was introduced to PNG in 2000. The model involved a further 3 years of training for a surgeon who had already completed 4 years of general surgical training. We aim to review the output, outcomes and impact achieved by training the first national neurosurgeon.MethodsThe data on activity (output) and outcomes were collected prospectively from 2003–2012. Ongoing mentoring and continuing professional development were provided through annual neurosurgical visits from Australia. There were serious limitations in the provision of equipment, with a lack of computerized tomographic or MR imaging, and adjuvant oncological services.ResultsThere were 1618 neurosurgery admissions, 1020 neurosurgical procedures with a 5.74 % overall mortality. Seventy percent of cases presented as emergencies. There were improved outcomes, particularly for head injuries, whilst hydrocephalus was managed with an acceptable morbidity and revision rate.ConclusionsThe training of a neurosurgeon resulted in PNG patients receiving a better range of surgical services, with a lower mortality. The outcomes able to be delivered were limited by late presentations of patients and lack of resources including imaging. These themes are familiar to all low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) and this may serve as a model for other LMIC neurosurgical services to adopt as they consider whether to establish and develop neurosurgical and other sub‐specialist surgical services.
Severe Complications of Laparoscopic and Conventional Appendectomy Reported to the Finnish Patient Insurance Centre
Authors: Kotaluoto Sannamari , Pauniaho Satu‐Liisa K. , Helminen Mika T. , Sand Juhani A. , Rantanen Tuomo K. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundAppendectomy is considered a safe operation, the related complications being minor. Negative exploration is an accepted procedure to avoid complications of appendicitis. Treatment with antibiotics is under debate as a primary treatment for appendicitis. The aim of this study was to collect and analyze detailed information on complications and morbidity related to appendectomy using the information of the nationwide Patient Insurance Association (PIA) database and to study the incidence of patient claims and compensated injuries related to appendectomy in Finland.MethodsPatients’ claims from 1990 to 2010 were collected from the PIA register. Complications were classified using the accordion severity grading system. Severe complications were selected for more detailed analyses. Laparoscopic and open surgeries were compared. Factors related to compensated claims were assessed. For statistical analysis, Fisher’s exact test, logistic multivariate regression, and the Mann–Kendall function were used.ResultsAppendectomy complications leading to a patient insurance claim in Finland are rare (0.2 %). The rate of patients’ claims after laparoscopic surgery was higher than after open surgery (p < 0.001), but the rate of compensated claims was equal. During the study period, complications after laparoscopic procedures more often led to additional surgery or organ failure (p = 0.03). Of the patients with a compensated injury, only 57 % had appendicitis. Preoperative computed tomography was used in only 6 % of these cases.ConclusionsPatient injuries and claims regarding severe complications after appendectomy are rare. The complications related to laparoscopic appendectomy were more severe than those of open surgery.
Improving phosphorus use efficiency in agriculture: opportunities for breeding
Authors: van de Wiel Clemens C. M. , van der Linden C. Gerard , Scholten Olga E. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPhosphorus (P) is often an important limiting factor for crop yields, but rock phosphate as fertilizer is a non-renewable resource and expected to become scarce in the future. High P input levels in agriculture have led to environmental problems. One of the ways to tackle these issues simultaneously is improving phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) of the crops through breeding. In this review, we describe plant architectural and physiological traits important for PUE. Subsequently, we discuss efficient methods of screening for PUE traits. We address targeted cultivation methods, including solid and hydroponic systems, as well as testing methods, such as image analysis systems, and biomass and photosynthesis measurements. Genetic variation for PUE traits has been assessed in many crops, and genetics of PUE has been studied by quantitative trait loci (QTL) analyses and genome-wide association study. A number of genes involved in the plant’s response to low P have been characterized. These genes include transcription factors, and genes involved in signal transduction, hormonal pathways, sugar signalling, P saving metabolic pathways, and in P scavenging, including transporters and metabolites and/or ATP-ases mobilizing P in the soil. In addition, the role of microorganisms promoting PUE of plants, particularly arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi is discussed. An overview is given of methods for selecting for optimal combinations of plant and fungal genotypes, and their genetics, incl. QTLs and genes involved. In conclusion, significant progress has been made in selecting for traits for PUE, developing systems for the difficult but highly relevant root phenotyping, and in identifying QTLs and genes involved.
Social Autonomy and Heteronomy in the Age of ICT: The Digital Pharmakon and the (Dis)Empowerment of the General Intellect
Authors: Lemmens Pieter 
Published: October 2015

Abstract‘The art of living with ICTs (information and communication technologies)’ today not only means finding new ways to cope, interact and create new lifestyles on the basis of the new digital (network) technologiesindividually, as ‘consumer-citizens’. It also means inventing new modes of living, producing and, not in the least place, strugglingcollectively, as workers and producers. As the so-called digital revolution unfolds in the context of a neoliberal cognitive and consumerist capitalism, its ‘innovations’ are predominantly employed to modulate and control both production processes and consumer behavior in view of the overall goal of extracting surplus value. Today, the digital networks overwhelmingly destroy social autonomy, instead engendering increasing social heteronomy and proletarianization. Yet it is these very networks themselves, as technicalpharmakain the sense of French ‘technophilosopher’ Bernard Stiegler, that can be employed as no other to struggle against this tendency. This paper briefly explores this possibility by reflecting upon current diagnoses of our ‘technological situation’ by some exemplary post-operaist Marxists from a Stieglerian, pharmacological perspective.
Immunization Coverage in Migrant School Children Along the Thailand-Myanmar Border
Authors: Kaji Aiko , Parker Daniel M. , Chu Cindy S. , Thayatkawin Wipa , Suelaor Jiraporn , Charatrueangrongkun Rachai , Salathibuppha Kloloi , Nosten Francois H. , McGready Rose 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe objective of this project was to document and increase vaccine coverage in migrant school children on the Thailand-Myanmar border. Migrant school children (n = 12,277) were enrolled in a school-based immunization program in four Thai border districts. The children were evaluated for vaccination completion and timing, for six different vaccines: Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG); Oral Polio vaccine (OPV); Hepatitis B vaccine (HepB); Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus vaccine (DTP); Measles Containing Vaccine or Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine (MMR); Tetanus and Diphtheria containing vaccine (Td). Vaccine coverage proportions for BCG, OPV3, DTP3, HepB3 and measles containing vaccine were 92.3, 85.3, 63.8, 72.2, and 90.9 % respectively. Most children were able to receive vaccines in a time appropriate manner. School-based immunization programs offer a suitable vaccine delivery mechanism for hard-to-reach populations. However, these data suggest overall low vaccine coverage in migrant populations. Further efforts toward improving appropriate vaccine coverage and methods of retaining documentation of vaccination in mobile migrant populations are necessary for improved health.
Grain Boundary Segregation of Rare-Earth Elements in Magnesium Alloys
Authors: Robson Joseph D. , Haigh Sarah J. , Davis Bruce , Griffiths David 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Small additions of rare-earth (RE) elements have been shown to have a powerful effect in modifying the texture of wrought magnesium alloys, giving a highly beneficial effect in improving their formability. Recent work has shown that segregation of RE atoms to grain boundaries is important in producing this texture change. In this work, two Mg-RE systems have been studied Mg-Y and Mg-Nd using high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy that permits both imaging and elemental analysis with a spatial resolution of better than 0.1 nm. The Mg-Y alloy, where the solubility and level of addition are relatively high, showed the RE texture change effect. This was accompanied by clustering of Y on the grain boundaries, consistent with previous studies of the Mg-Gd system. The Mg-Nd alloy, where the solubility and level of addition are relatively low, showed no texture change and no segregation. In this case, impurity elements binding the RE into insoluble particles, rendering it ineffective. The results are analyzed by modifying a previous model for the solute drag effect on boundaries expected due to the RE additions. This predicts that both Gd and Y will strongly inhibit boundary motion, with Gd being approximately twice as effective as Y.
Novel Synthesized Gemini Surfactant as Corrosion Inhibitor for Carbon Steel in HCl Solution
Authors: Zhang Ting , Pan Zhongwen , Gao Haixia 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA quaternary ammonium gemini surfactant containing an ester spacer, namely (diethylhexanedioate)diyl‐α,ω‐bis(dimethyl myristyl ammonium bromide) (14‐DEHA‐14) was synthesized using a two‐step procedure with dimethyl hexanedioate, dimethylaminoethanol, and 1‐bromotetradecane. The chemical structure of the compound was confirmed by infrared (IR) spectrum, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and elemental analysis. The critical micelle concentration was determined by conductivity and tensiometry measurements, and its inhibition effect on corrosion of carbon steel in dilute (1.0 M) hydrochloric acid solution was investigated by weight loss measurements. The results show that the synthesized gemini surfactant acts as an excellent corrosion inhibitor in 1.0 M HCl solution. The adsorption of the inhibitor via chemical adsorption onto the carbon steel surface obeyed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. A possible corrosion mechanism of the compound is discussed in relation to the calculated thermodynamic parameters and adsorption isotherm.
The hip in arthrogryposis
Authors: Bradish Christopher 
Published: October 2015

Pathology Hip dislocation is seen in approximately 30 % of children with amyoplasia and approximately 50 % of these will be bilateral. Treatment Closed reduction is rarely successful. Open reduction is indicated for unilateral dislocations and for the majority of bilateral dislocations. Reduction is recommended via a medial approach. Results A long-term satisfactory outcome can be achieved but with some loss of hip range of movement.
Imaging neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis using TSPO-PET
Authors: Airas Laura , Rissanen Eero , Rinne Juha O. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Conventional MR imaging (MRI) techniques form the cornerstone of multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnostics and clinical follow-up today. MRI is sensitive in demonstrating focal inflammatory lesions and diffuse atrophy. However, especially in progressive MS, there is increasingly widespread diffuse pathology also outside the plaques, often related to microglial activation and neurodegeneration. This cannot be detected using conventional MRI. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging using 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO) binding radioligands has recently shown promise as a tool to detect this diffuse pathology in vivo, and for the first time allows one to follow its development longitudinally. It is becoming evident that the more advanced the MS disease is, the more pronounced is microglial activation. PET imaging allows the detection of MS-related pathology at molecular level in vivo. It has potential to enable measurement of effects of new disease-modifying drugs aimed at reducing neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. PET imaging could thus be included in the design of future clinical trials of progressive MS. There are still technical issues related to the quality of TSPO radioligands and post-processing methodology, and comparison of studies from different PET centres is challenging. In this review, we summarise the main evidence supporting the use of TSPO-PET as a tool to explore the diffuse inflammation in MS.
Urinary biomarkers of oxidative stress and plasmatic inflammatory profile in phenylketonuric treated patients
Authors: Deon Marion , Sitta Angela , Faverzani Jessica L. , Guerreiro Gillian B. , Donida Bruna , Marchetti Desirèe P. , Mescka Caroline P. , Ribas Graziela S. , Coitinho Adriana S. , Wajner Moacir , Vargas Carmen R. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractOxidative stress has been proposed as an important pathophysiologic feature of various inborn errors of metabolism, including phenylketonuria (PKU). Considering that there are few studies relating oxidative stress and inflammation directly in PKU disease, the aim of this study was to evaluate and correlate oxidative damage to biomolecules, antioxidant defenses, pro‐inflammatory cytokines, phenylalanine (Phe) and its metabolites (phenyllactic acid—PLA and phenylacetic acid—PAA) levels in urine and plasma from patients with PKU under dietary treatment. We observed a marked increase of isoprostanes, which is a lipid peroxidation biomarker, in urine from these treated patients. Next, we demonstrated that protein oxidative damage, measured by di‐tyrosine formation, was significantly increased in urine from PKU treated patients and that decreased urinary antioxidant capacity was also observed. Our findings concerning to the inflammatory cytokines interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐1β, both significantly increased in these patients, provide evidence that the pro‐inflammatory state occurs. Besides, interleukin‐1β was positively correlated with isoprostanes. We observed a negative correlation between interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐10, an anti‐inflammatory cytokine. Di‐tyrosine was positively correlated with Phe, which indicates oxidative damage to proteins, as well as with PAA. These findings may suggest that the protein damage may be induced by Phe and its metabolite PAA in PKU. Our results indicate that pro‐oxidant and pro‐inflammatory states occur and are, in part, correlated and protein oxidation seems to be induced by Phe and PPA in PKU patients.