bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanical imaging of bamboo fiber cell walls and their composites by means of peakforce quantitative nanomechanics (PQNM) technique
Authors: Ren Dan , Wang Hankun , Yu Zixuan , Wang Hao , Yu Yan 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
The mechanical properties of cell wall layers of bamboo fibers (BFs) and the interphase between BFs and maleated polypropylene polymer (MAPP) were investigated by means of peakforce quantitative nanomechanics based on atomic force microscopy. This technique is well suited for simultaneous imaging of several important material indicators, such as elastic modulus, deformation at peak force, and adhesion force between probe tip and sample. Furthermore, quantitative local mechanical information could be extracted from the obtained images by means of profile analysis. In case of BFs, the elastic modulus of the secondary cell wall and the compound middle lamella was found to be 21.3±2.9 GPa and 14.4±3.6 GPa, respectively, which agrees well with data measured by the nanoindentation technique. Additionally, this technique was also applied for bamboo plastic composites, and data from the transitional zone (interphase) between BFs and the MAPP matrix, with a thickness of 102±18 nm, could be obtained.
Surface modification of natural fibers by plasma for improving strength properties of paper sheets
Authors: Xiao He , He Beihai , Li Junrong 
Published: September 2015

AbstractFibers of aspen chemi-thermomechanical pulp (CTMP), spruce CTMP, bleached kraft pulp (BKP), and kraft pulp were treated by low-temperature plasma (air) aiming at the detection of the relationship between chemical components on the surface and the properties of sheets. The effects of plasma treatment were investigated by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The results show that the strength properties of sheets, especially the wet-tensile strength, were significantly improved, while optical properties were scarcely affected. Aspen and spruce CTMPs with abundant lignin and extractives were sensitive to plasma treatment in that the O/C ratio increased and lignin or extractive contents decreased. However, the crystallinity of BKP evidently decreased after plasma treatment owing to carbohydrate enrichment on the surface. Compared to the partial removal of noncarbohydrates through a laccase/mediator system, plasma treatment did not remove them in large amounts but created more carboxyl and hydroxyl groups, which improved the strength properties of paper sheets.
Accumulative Information Enhancement In The Self-Organizing Maps And Its Application To The Analysis Of Mission Statements
Authors: Kitajima Ryozo , Kamimura Ryotaro 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
This paper proposes a new information-theoretic method based on the information enhancement method to extract important input variables. The information enhancement method was developed to detect important components in neural systems. Previous methods have focused on the detection of only the most important components, and therefore have failed to fully incorporated the information contained in the components into learning processes. In addition, it has been observed that the information enhancement method cannot always extract input information from input patterns. Thus, in this paper a computational method is developed to accumulate information content in the process of information enhancement. The method was applied to an artificial data set and the analysis of mission statements. The results demonstrate that while we were able to explicitly extract the symmetric properties of the data from the artificial data set, only one main factor was able to be extracted from the mission statement, namely, “contribution to the society”. The companies with higher profits tend to have mission statements concerning the society. The results can be considered to be a first step toward the full clarification of the importance of mission statements in actual business activities.
Carotid ultrasound for pulmonary arteriovenous malformation screening
Authors: Yanna-Schulze Anita , Schneider Günther , Maßmann Alexander , Gräber Stefan , Geisthoff Urban W. 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Objective: In patients with hereditary hemorrhagic
telangiectasia (HHT), pulmonary arteriovenous
malformations (PAVMs) can cause serious neurological
complications. Our aim was to evaluate the potential of
contrast-enhanced Doppler ultrasound (CE-US) of the
common carotid artery as a screening test for detection
of PAVMs. Methods: A total of 124 consecutive patients
with HHT or a positive family history underwent screening
for PAVMs with CE-US and thoracic contrast-enhanced
magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA). CE-US was
performed after receiving (D)-galactose microparticulate,
and CE-MRA with gadobenate dimeglumine. Twenty-five
patients with confirmed PAVMs were referred to conventional
pulmonary catheter angiography (PA). Findings
on CE-US and CE-MRA were evaluated using contingency
tables and McNemar’s test. Results: Using CE-MRA as the
reference test, CE-US had a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity
of 87%, and a negative predictive value of 100%.
In 25 patients who underwent PA, PAVMs that had been
diagnosed on CE-US and CE-MRA were confirmed. Of the
PAVMs detected by CE-MRA, 24% were not identified on
PA. Conclusion: CE-US is a simple, minimally invasive
screening method that can easily be performed in different settings. CE-US can predict PAVMs with high probability
of success. CE-US may be a simple alternative to transthoracic
echocardiography in the assessment of PAVMs in
certain HHT-patients.
High serum lactate level may predict death within 24 hours
Authors: Blum Arnon , Almajid Zoubi Abd , Kuria Shiran , Blum Nava 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Background: Unexpected death within 24 hours
of admission is a real challenge for the clinician in the
emergency room. How to diagnose these patients and the
right approach to prevent sudden death with 24 hours is
still an enigma. The aims of our study were to find the
independent factors that may affect the clinical outcome
in the first 24 hours of admission to the hospital.

Methods: We performed a retrospective study defining
unexpected death within 24 hours of admission in our
Department of Medicine in the last 6 years. We found
43 patients who died within 24 hours of admission, and
compared their clinical and biochemical characteristics
to 6055 consecutive patients who were admitted in that
period of time and did not die within the first 24 hours of
admission. The parameters that were used include gender,
age, temperature, clinical and laboratory criteria for SIRS,
arterial blood lactate, and arterial blood pH.

Results: Most of the patients who died within 24 hours
had sepsis with SIRS. These patients were older (78.6±14.7
vs. 65.2±20.2 years [p<.0001]), had higher lactate levels
(8.0±4.8 vs. 2.1±1.8mmol/L[p<.0001]), and lower pH
(7.2±0.2 vs. 7.4±0.1 [p<.0001]). Logistic regression analysis
found that lactate was the strongest independent parameter
to predict death within 24 hours of admission (OR1.366 [95% CI 1.235-1.512]), followed by old age (OR 1.048
[95% CI 1.048-1.075] and low arterial blood pH (OR 0.007
[CI <0.001-0.147]). When gender was analyzed, pH was not
an independent variable in females (only in males).

Conclusions: The significant independent variable that
predicted death within 24 hours of admission was arterial
blood lactate level on admission. Older age was also
an independent variable; low pH affected only males,
but was a less dominant variable. We suggest use of arterial
blood lactate level on admission as a bio-marker in
patients with suspected sepsis admitted to the hospital for
risk assessment and prediction of death within 24 hours
of admission.
Formaldehyde may be found in cosmetic products
even when unlabelled
Authors: Malinauskiene Laura , Blaziene Audra , Chomiciene Anzelika , Isaksson Marléne 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Concomitant contact allergy to formaldehyde
and formaldehyde-releasers remains common among
patients with allergic contact dermatitis. Concentration
of free formaldehyde in cosmetic products within allowed
limits have been shown to induce dermatitis from shortterm
use on normal skin.

The aim of this study was to investigate the formaldehyde
content of cosmetic products made in Lithuania.
42 samples were analysed with the chromotropic acid
(CA) method for semi-quantitative formaldehyde determination.
These included 24 leave-on (e.g., creams,
lotions) and 18 rinse-off (e.g., shampoos, soaps) products.
Formaldehyde releasers were declared on the labels of 10
products. No formaldehyde releaser was declared on the
label of the only face cream investigated, but levels of free
formaldehyde with the CA method was >40 mg/ml and
when analysed with a high-performance liquid chromatographic
method – 532 ppm. According to the EU Cosmetic
directive, if the concentration of formaldehyde is above
0.05% a cosmetic product must be labelled “contains
formaldehyde“. It could be difficult for patients allergic to
formaldehyde to avoid contact with products containing it
as its presence cannot be determined from the ingredient
labelling with certainty. The CA method is a simple and reliable method for detecting formaldehyde presence in
cosmetic products.
Effects of rivastigmine and memantine alone and
in combination on learning and memory in rats
with scopolamine-induced amnesia
Authors: Yanev Peter Georgiev , Dimitrova Darinka Slavcheva , Getova-Spassova Damianka Peteva 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Background: Cholinesterase inhibitors and glutamate
blockers are commonly used for the treatment of
cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease. The aim
was to evaluate the effects of rivastigmine and memantine
alone or in combination in rats with scopolamine-impaired
memory.

Method: 5 groups of rats were used: control, scopolamine
(model), model with rivastigmine, model with memantine,
and model with both drugs. Active avoidance test was performed
and the number of conditioned responses, unconditioned
responses and intertrial crossing were recorded.
Passive avoidance tests step-through with criteria latency
of reaction 180 s in the light chamber and step-down with
criteria latency of reaction 60 s on the platform were done.

Results: Control rats learned the task and kept it on
memory tests. Scopolamine treated rats failed to perform
it. The rivastigmine, memantine and its combination
groups showed increased CRs during learning and
memory retention tests. In both passive avoidance tests
an increased latency of reaction was observed in the drug
treated groups.

Conclusion: The combination of both drugs rivastigmine
and memantine is more effective than the use of the single
drug in cognitive impaired rats. Cholinesterase inhibitors
and NMDA blockers may be combined in the treatment of
different kind of dementias.
Election in Christ in Schleiermacher’s Christian Faith and Christian Ethics
Authors: Schel Kevin Vander 
Published: September 2015

AbstractSchleiermacher’s treatment of election criticizes the narrow focus on individual salvation and emphasizes the primacy of divine grace. Yet more than merely offering a revision of this controversial doctrine, Schleiermacher’s position illuminates the larger correlation of grace, history, and soteriology in his theology. This essay examines Schleiermacher’s novel understanding of grace and history by attending to the subtle theme of the “supernatural-becoming-natural” in his thought. In contrast to rationalist and supernaturalist theologies in his day, his Christian Faith and Christian Ethics offer a historically-minded treatment that focuses on the original instance of grace in history: the appearance of the redeemer. Schleiermacher depicts the relatively supernatural influence of Christ as transforming the natural and historical world from within, drawing creation to its divinelyordained completion. This dynamic highlights Schleiermacher’s work as an innovative contribution to ongoing discussions of grace and redemption in modern and contemporary systematic theology.
Environmental Risk Factors in the Etiology of Nonsyndromic Orofacial Clefts in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Sabbagh Heba J. , Alamoudi Najlaa M. , Abdulhameed Fatma Dawood , Innes Nicola P. T. , Al-Aama Jumana Y. , Hummaida Tarig , Almalik Manal , El Derwi Douaa A. , Mossey Peter A. 
Published: September 2015

Objectives Nonsyndromic orofacial cleft (NSOFC) etiology is multifactorial and heterogeneous. This study aimed to identify environmental risk factors related to NSOFC in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia. Methods A case-control study carried out in seven hospitals in two main cities (Jeddah and Maddina) over 2 years on parents of 112 infants with NSOFC (infants were also examined) and 138 infant controls, matched for age (≤18 months), gender, and location, completed a questionnaire on 3-month pregestation and first trimester events. Results There was significantly increased NSOFC risk with twin pregnancies ( P = .01, odds ratio [OR] = 9.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15 to 78.4), maternal antibiotic use ( P = .021, OR = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.11 to 6.62), antiemetic medication ( P = .005, OR = 2.85, 95% CI: 1.3 to 6), severe morning sickness ( P = .006, OR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.34 to 9.65), illness ( P = .009, OR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.17 to 4.08), common cold/flu ( P = .003, OR = 3.32, 95% CI: 1.48 to 7.58), Jorak smoking ( P = .004, OR = 14.07, 95% CI: 1.55 to 128.1), and passive smoking ( P = .05, OR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.05 to 4.01). Reduced NSOFC risk was found with calcium supplementation ( P = .02, OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.88), incense use ( P = .03, OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.34 to 0.98), and maternal drinking water, with Zamzam water (which contains a high concentration of minerals) showing a significant protective effect compared with tap water ( P = .01, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.6) and bottled water ( P = .02, 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.57). Conclusion Twin births, maternal antibiotic use, antiemetic medication, severe morning sickness, common cold/flu, Jorak smoking, and passive smoking were associated with infants born with NSOFC. Calcium supplementation, incense use, and Zamzam water reduced the risk of NSOFC, raising the possibility of community preventive programs.
Perioperative Complications in Posterior Pharyngeal Flap Surgery: Review of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric (NSQIP-PEDS) Database
Authors: Swanson Jordan W. , Johnston James L. , Mitchell Brianne T. , Alcorn Kaitlyn , Taylor Jesse A. 
Published: September 2015

Background Posterior pharyngeal flap (PPF) surgery is effective for treating velopharyngeal insufficiency but has historically been associated with risk of airway compromise. This study aims to identify risk factors for complications from and readmission after PPF using a national database. Methods Patients who underwent PPF surgery were selected from the 2012 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric (NSQIP-PEDS) database. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, and complication/readmission data were analyzed. Results Among 225 study patients, 12 (5.3%) suffered perioperative complications. The most common complications were pulmonary in nature (5 patients, 2.2%), including prolonged postoperative mechanical ventilation (3 patients, 1.3%). Underlying asthma ( P = .024) or any cardiac risk factor ( P = .047) conveyed significant complication risk. Further, severe cardiac risk factors were associated with postoperative bleeding ( P = .024). Readmission (4 patients, 1.7%) and reoperation (3 patients, 1.3%) occurred at mean intervals of 9 and 10 days after the original procedure. Seventy-nine patients (35%) were discharged postoperatively on an outpatient basis, and this subgroup included only one patient (1.2%) with a complication ( P = .038). Conclusions The overall perioperative complication rate for PPF surgery is low at 5.3%. Patients with underlying cardiac risk factors, severe American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status class, and asthma should prompt greater attention given their heightened risk profiles.
Dislocation After Hip Arthroscopy for Cam-Type Femoroacetabular Impingement Leading to Progressive Arthritis
Authors: Wylie James D. , Beckmann James T. , Aoki Stephen K. 
Published: September 2015

Case:
We present the case of a fifty-two-year-old man who underwent hip arthroscopy for cam-type femoroacetabular impingement and had an anterior hip dislocation three weeks postoperatively. The patient did not have any of the previously identified risk factors for instability after hip arthroscopy. He underwent revision involving capsular repair and removal of loose bodies but progressed to needing total hip arthroplasty within two years.

Conclusion:
This case illustrates that even patients without the previously reported risk factors for hip instability are at risk of dislocation after hip arthroscopy and this can lead to rapid joint degeneration necessitating arthroplasty.
Brachial Plexopathy Following Use of Recombinant Human BMP-2 for Treatment of Atrophic Delayed Union of the Clavicle
Authors: Matthews John R. , Margolis David S. , Wu Eileen , Truchan Lisa M. 
Published: September 2015

Case:
Although recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) is approved for treatment of open tibial fractures and anterior lumbar interbody fusion, off-label use has been associated with complications such as local inflammation, osteolysis, and dysphagia. This case report describes a patient treated with rhBMP-2 for an atrophic delayed union of a clavicular fracture who subsequently developed a profound motor and sensory brachial plexopathy.

Conclusion:
Use of rhBMP-2 near peripheral nerves may cause neuropathy. This should be considered prior to its use in surgical sites with peripheral nerves in proximity.
Emphysematous Cystitis Found Incidentally in a Patient Undergoing Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Kim Sang-Rim , Dimitriou Dimitris , Nam Uk , Park Yong-Geun , Choi Sung-Wook , Seo Kyu-Bum , Kim Hee Joong , Nam Kwang Woo 
Published: September 2015

Case:
Emphysematous cystitis is a rare, complicated urinary tract infection that is potentially life-threatening if left untreated. We present the case of an eighty-one-year-old woman with left hip pain from a low-energy fall with no associated urinary symptoms. Pelvic computed tomography revealed a left femoral neck fracture and an air-fluid level in the bladder. Bipolar hemiarthroplasty was delayed for three weeks to allow for the potentially serious urinary tract infection to resolve.

Conclusion:
Increased awareness is required for early diagnosis and treatment of asymptomatic emphysematous cystitis in a patient presenting with musculoskeletal symptoms.
Formate Drilling and Completion Fluids: Evaluation of Potential Well-Productivity Impact, Valemon
Authors: Fleming N.. , Moland L. G. , Svanes G.. , Watson R.. , Green J.. , Patey I.. , Byrne M.. , Howard S.. 
Published: September 2015

Summary
Valemon, operated by Statoil, is a high-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) gas/condensate field on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. Production started at the beginning of 2015 from a development consisting initially of cased-and-perforated wells. However, during early field development, the orginal concept was for a standalone-screen (SAS) lower completion. A potassium/cesium (K/Cs) formate water-based system with a density of 2.02 specific gravity (sg) was considered as a candidate drilling-and-completion fluid for the wells completed with screens, one of which could potentially be suspended in formate brine for up to 10 months before the arrival of the platform and before cleanup and the onset of production. An unknown was the possibility for any near-wellbore interaction with these fluids during extended contact and the possible detrimental impact on productivity. Computational-fluid-dynamics (CFD) modeling was performed to determine the length of time formate would be in contact with the near wellbore, demonstrating that, especially for the lower-permeability intervals, a contact time of approximately 45 days was a possibility. In light of this, a sequence of corefloods was performed that involved extended soaks in formate along with pre- and post-test analyses to identify potential damage mechanisms. Those identified included kaolinite dissolution, precipitation of barium and cesium silicate, and swelling of kaolinite because of the incorporation of potassium and cesium into the kaolinite lattice. To confirm the findings from the CFD and coreflood modeling, a field review was made of Statoil’s experiences with suspending wells for extended time in formate before cleanup and production. The field review demonstrated positive experiences in the use of formates in suspended wells with respect to productivity. Lower than expected productivity was experienced for some wells, but this could not be related conclusively to the use of formates. This paper provides an overview of lessons learned from coreflooding, CFD modeling, and actual field data on wells suspended in formate before cleanup and production.
Biodiversity Of Weed Communities In Organic And Conventional Orchards
Authors: Lisek Jerzy , Sas-Paszt Lidia 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
The aim of the study was to analyze the occurrence of segetal and ruderal weeds in young apple and cherry organic orchards, where weeds under tree canopies were controlled mechanically with a rototiller, and in conventional orchards, where post-emergence herbicides were used. The research material consisted of phytosociological relevés recorded according to the Braun-Blanquet method, in three organic and three conventional orchards, situated near Skierniewice (central Poland), in 2010-2013. On the basis of the collected source material, species composition for the synanthropic flora, as well as phytosociological stability, the cover factor, and weed infestation rate for the analysed species were determined. The total number of the recorded weeds and the average number of weed species in a single relevé were for each of the three organic orchards greater than for the conventional orchards. The organic orchard situated in the same location as the conventional orchard was characterized by a greater biodiversity of flora. Systematic shallow cultivation of the soil, without herbicide treatments, resulted in the proliferation of perennial weeds.
Tree ring variability and climate response of Abies spectabilis along an elevation gradient in Mustang, Nepal
Authors: Kharal D. K. , Meilby H. , Rayamajhi S. , Bhuju D. , Thapa U. K. 
Published: September 2015

In mountainous areas including the Himalayas, tree lines are expected to advance to higher altitudes due to global climate change affecting the distribution and growth of plant species. This study aimed at identifying the tree ring variability of Abies spectabilis (D. Don) and its response to the climate along an elevation gradient in the high Himalayas of central Nepal. Tree core samples were collected from four sites in Mustang district. All sites were located in the same valley and exposed to similar weather conditions. Out of 232 samples collected from the sites, Titi lower (2700 m), Titi upper (2900 m), Pangukhark (3100 m) and Lete upper (3300 m), 44, 40, 39 and 41 series were successfully cross-dated and ring-width chronologies including 168, 79, 138 and 156 years previous to 2012 were developed, respectively. Statistically significant differences in average annual radial growth were noted among the four sites with the highest radial growth observed at mid-elevation sites. Chronological statistics based on residual chronologies for the common period revealed that A. spectabilis at the upper elevation site was more climate sensitive than at the other three sites. At the highest-elevation sites the correlation between pre-monsoon precipitation and tree growth was positive, and for the month of May this was statistically significant (p<0.05). Moreover, spring temperature (March-June) was negatively correlated with precipitation and with tree growth at all sites, and at the upper elevation site (3300 m) the correlation was significant for March, April and May. Banko Janakari, Vol. 24, No. 1 pp. 3-13