bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of sagittal spinopelvic alignment on clinical outcomes after decompression surgery for lumbar spinal canal stenosis without coronal imbalance
Authors: Hikata Tomohiro , Watanabe Kota , Fujita Nobuyuki , Iwanami Akio , Hosogane Naobumi , Ishii Ken , Nakamura Masaya , Toyama Yoshiaki , Matsumoto Morio 
Published: July 2015

OBJECT
The object of this study was to investigate correlations between sagittal spinopelvic alignment and improvements in clinical and quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes after lumbar decompression surgery for lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LCS) without coronal imbalance.

METHODS
The authors retrospectively reviewed data from consecutive patients treated for LCS with decompression surgery in the period from 2009 through 2011. They examined correlations between preoperative or postoperative sagittal vertical axis (SVA) and radiological parameters, clinical outcomes, and health-related (HR)QOL scores in patients divided according to SVA. Clinical outcomes were assessed according to Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. Health-related QOL was evaluated using the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) and the JOA Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ).

RESULTS
One hundred nine patients were eligible for inclusion in the study. Compared to patients with normal sagittal alignment prior to surgery (Group A: SVA < 50 mm), those with preoperative sagittal imbalance (Group B: SVA ≥ 50 mm) had significantly smaller lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis angles and larger pelvic tilt. In Group B, there was a significant decrease in postoperative SVA compared with the preoperative SVA (76.3 ± 29.7 mm vs 54.3 ± 39.8 mm, p = 0.004). The patients in Group B with severe preoperative sagittal imbalance (SVA > 80 mm) had residual sagittal imbalance after surgery (82.8 ± 41.6 mm). There were no significant differences in clinical and HRQOL outcomes between Groups A and B. Compared to patients with normal postoperative SVA (Group C: SVA < 50 mm), patients with a postoperative SVA ≥ 50 mm (Group D) had significantly lower JOABPEQ scores, both preoperative and postoperative, for walking ability (preop: 36.6 ± 26.3 vs 22.7 ± 26.0, p = 0.038, respectively; postop: 71.1 ± 30.4 vs 42.5 ± 29.6, p < 0.001) and social functioning (preop: 38.7 ± 18.5 vs 30.2 ± 16.7, p = 0.045; postop: 67.0 ± 25.8 vs 49.6 ± 20.0, p = 0.001), as well as significantly higher postoperative RMDQ (4.9 ± 5.2 vs 7.9 ± 5.7, p = 0.015) and VAS scores for low-back pain (2.68 ± 2.69 vs 3.94 ± 2.59, p = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative sagittal balance was not significantly correlated with clinical or HRQOL outcomes after decompression surgery in LCS patients without coronal imbalance. Decompression surgery improved the SVA value in patients with preoperative sagittal imbalance; however, the patients with severe preoperative sagittal imbalance (SVA > 80 mm) had residual imbalance after decompression surgery. Both clinical and HRQOL outcomes were negatively affected by postoperative residual sagittal imbalance.
Gradual spinal cord decompression through migration of floated plaques after anterior decompression via a posterolateral approach for OPLL in the thoracic spine
Authors: Kato Satoshi , Murakami Hideki , Demura Satoru , Yoshioka Katsuhito , Hayashi Hiroyuki , Yokogawa Noriaki , Fang Xiang , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki 
Published: July 2015

OBJECT
Several surgical procedures have been developed to treat thoracic OPLL (ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament). However, favorable surgical results are not always achieved, and consistent protocols and procedures for surgical treatment of OPLL in this region have not been established. Beak-type OPLL in the thoracic spine is known to be the most complicated form of OPLL to treat surgically. In this study, the authors examine the clinical outcomes after anterior decompression via a posterolateral approach for beak-type OPLL in the thoracic spine and address the gradual spinal cord decompression caused by migration of the floated plaques after surgery.

METHODS
Between 2011 and 2013, a total of 12 patients with thoracic myelopathy due to OPLL were surgically treated at the authors’ institute. The study group for this paper comprises 6 of those 12 patients. These 6 patients, who had beak-type OPLL, underwent with anterior decompression and instrumented fusion via the authors’ posterolateral approach-based surgical technique. The other 6 patients, who exhibited other types of OPLL, underwent posterior decompression and instrumented fusion. In the study group (the 6 patients with beak-type OPLL), half of the patients (the 3 patients who were treated first) were treated with removal of the ossified ligament. These patients are referred to as the removal group. The other 3 patients were treated by means of “floating” the OPLL plaques and are referred to as the floating group. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated in these 6 cases.

RESULTS
The recovery rates were 52.4% in the removal group and 60.0% in the floating group. Two patients in the removal group had operative complications, including a dural tear and temporary neurological deterioration. No operative complications were encountered in the floating group. In all 3 cases in the floating group, floating of the ossified ligament was completely achieved, and the floated plaque gradually migrated into the ventral bone resection areas. The mean migration distances of the floated plaque were 2.4 mm, 4.3 mm, 4.7 mm, and 4.8 mm at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS
Treatment of beak-type OPLL in the thoracic spine via the posterolateral approach-based floating plaque technique was safe and effective in this small case series. Gradual migration of the floated plaques provided additional spinal cord decompression during the postoperative course.
Ultrasound stylet for non-image-guided ventricular catheterization
Authors: Coulson Nathaniel K. , Chiarelli Peter A. , Su David K. , Chang Jason J. , MacConaghy Brian , Murthy Revathi , Toms Peter , Robb Terrence L. , Ellenbogen Richard G. , Browd Samuel R. , Mourad Pierre D. 
Published: July 2015

OBJECT
Urgent ventriculostomy placement can be a lifesaving procedure in the setting of hydrocephalus or elevated intracranial pressure. While external ventricular drain (EVD) insertion is common, there remains a high rate of suboptimal drain placement. Here, the authors seek to demonstrate the feasibility of an ultrasound-based guidance system that can be inserted into an existing EVD catheter to provide a linear ultrasound trace that guides the user toward the ventricle.

METHODS
The ultrasound stylet was constructed as a thin metal tube, with dimensions equivalent to standard catheter stylets, bearing a single-element, ceramic ultrasound transducer at the tip. Ultrasound backscatter signals from the porcine ventricle were processed by custom electronics to offer real-time information about ventricular location relative to the catheter. Data collected from the prototype device were compared with reference measurements obtained using standard clinical ultrasound imaging.

RESULTS
A study of porcine ventricular catheterization using the experimental device yielded a high rate of successful catheter placement after a single pass (10 of 12 trials), despite the small size of pig ventricles and the lack of prior instruction on porcine ventricular architecture. A characteristic double-peak signal was identified, which originated from ultrasound reflections off of the near and far ventricular walls. Ventricular dimensions, as obtained from the width between peaks, were in agreement with standard ultrasound reference measurements (p < 0.05). Furthermore, linear ultrasound backscatter data permitted in situ measurement of the stylet distance to the ventricular wall (p < 0.05), which assisted in catheter guidance.

CONCLUSIONS
The authors have demonstrated the ability of the prototype ultrasound stylet to guide ventricular access in the porcine brain. The alternative design of the device makes it potentially easy to integrate into the standard workflow for bedside EVD placement. The availability of a fast, easy-to-use, inexpensive guidance system can play a role in reducing the complication rate for EVD placement.
'Protecting the Primitive Natives': Indigenous People as Endangered Species in the Early Nature Protection Movement, 1900-1940
Authors: Sysling Fenneke 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
This paper draws attention to the role of indigenous people in the early nature protection movement in Europe. In the first half of the twentieth century, not only flora and fauna but on several occasions 'natural people' too were the object of the protection ambitions of nature conservationists. In discussions on the history of nature protection much attention has been paid to the ways indigenous people were separated from the nature in which they lived, while today they are often portrayed as ideal guardians of nature. However their complex position in the movement as endangered species themselves has been overlooked. This paper addresses this issue by examining the Swiss naturalist Paul Sarasin's calls for the protection of indigenous people in the 1910s and the campaign of the Netherlands-based Committee for International Nature Protection in the 1930s to establish a reserve to protect the inhabitants of the highlands of New Guinea. These episodes in the history of nature protection show how shared communities of scientific expertise and their concepts of endangerment produced a continuum between 'nature' and 'natural people' in early conservation discourse that was then mobilised into protection schemes.
Marketing Nature: The Canadian National Parks Branch and Constructing the Portrayal of National Parks in Promotional Brochures, 1936-1970
Authors: Saari Paula Johanna 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
This article studies the promotional publications of the Canadian National Parks Branch by examining how the ideal national park landscape was constructed in booklets. The study adds to literature that examines the shifting purposes of national parks and complements recent studies on representations of national park nature, by extending attention to Canadian park brochures, which have received little attention from scholars. Based on an examination of numerous booklets and extensive archival records on promotional publications, the article argues that rather than merely publicising the parks as they were, the Branch carefully constructed the park ideal in its booklets. This portrayal of parks drew from the parks agency's own ideas regarding the purpose of parks and from the perceived wishes of visitors and society, creating expectations of park nature but also responding to them. The park ideal portrayed in booklets transformed over time. The article illustrates how nature's place and meaning was altered in booklets to create and recreate the parks according to the needs of changing times. In examining the National Parks Branch's promotional brochures and their creation process, the article aids our understanding of the place of national parks and nature in society. It demonstrates how the parks agency redefined parks in response to its own evolving views of parks and society's wishes: changing views of what made parks useful altered their representation and the guiding themes of parks promotion shifted from usefulness and recreation to wilderness museum. Promotional literature carried certain connotations - such as national identity connected to natural landscape - throughout the period, rearticulating them to suit different times. As recent discussions on national parks in global perspective have noted, parks are part of transnational circulation of ideas, hence the Canadian experience can also be seen in a broader context.
Expected loss analysis for authentication in constrained channels
Authors: Dimitrakakis Christos , Mitrokotsa Aikaterini , Vaudenay Serge 
Published: July 2015

Abstract We derive bounds on the expected loss for authentication protocols in channels which are constrained due to noisy conditions and communication costs. This is motivated by a number of authentication protocols, where at least some part of the authentication is performed during a phase, lasting n rounds, with no error correction. This requires assigning an acceptable threshold for the number of detected errors and taking into account the cost of incorrect authentication and of communication. This paper describes a framework enabling an expected loss analysis for all the protocols in this family. Computationally simple methods to obtain nearly optimal values for the threshold, as well as for the number of rounds are suggested and upper bounds on the expected loss, holding uniformly, are given. These bounds are tight, as shown by a matching lower bound. Finally, a method to adaptively select both the number of rounds and the threshold is proposed for a certain class of protocols.
The South African Species of Myrica
Authors: Killick D. J. B. 
Published: July 2015

The South African species of Myrica are revised, the 19 species previously recognized being reduced to 9. One variety is elevated to specific rank, viz. M. conifera Burm.f. var. Integra A. Chev. becomes M. Integra (A. Chev.) Killick.
A New Species of Raphia from Northern Zululand and Southern Mozambique
Authors: Obermeyer A. A. , Strey R. G. 
Published: July 2015

The Raphia Palm from northern Zululand and southern Mozambique has been known for many years as Raphia vinifera Beauv., but an investigation of flowering material revealed that it was distinct from that species and represented a new species, which is here described as R. australis Oberm. Strey. In addition to the description, notes on the morphology, history, preservation and uses of the plant are given.
A Note on Erytlirophleum R. Br. in South Africa
Authors: Ross J. H. 
Published: July 2015

The Natal specimens of Erytlirophleum have in the past been variously referred either to E. lasianthum Corbishley or to E. suaveolens (Guill. Perr.) Brenan {=E. guineense G. Don). It was found that all specimens are referable to E. lasianthum and that E. suaveolens is absent from southern Africa. E. guineense G. Don var. swaziense Burtt Davy was found to be a synonym of E. lasianthum. E. lasianthum and E. africanum (Benth.) Harms are the only two species encountered in southern Africa. A synopsis of the differences between these two species is given.
Stapelieae from South Tropical Africa, V*
Authors: Leach L. C. 
Published: July 2015

The generic position of Huernia verekeri Stent and some related species is discussed. H. verekeri Stent var. pauciflora Leach is described, also several putative hybrids of H. verekeri. Three new combinations are made, viz. H. tanganyikensis (Bruce Bally) Leach (Duvalia tanganyikensis Bruce Bally),H. procumbens (R. A. Dyer) Leach {Duvalia procumbens R. A. Dyer) and H. andreaeana (Rauh) Leach {Duvalia andreaeana Rauh).
New and Interesting Records of South African Fungi, Part VI
Authors: Van der Westhuizen G. C. A. , Van Warmelo K. T. 
Published: July 2015

Six species of fungi, recorded for the first time in South Africa, are described. The species are Gelasinospora cerealis Dowding from roots of Eucalyptus saligna; Spegazzinia tessarthra (B. C.) Saccardo from Zea mays; Melampsora larici-populina Klebahn from Populus deltoides; Saccobolus depauperatus (Berk. Hr.) Phill. from horse dung; Humicola stellata Bunce from grass hay and Chaetomium cochliodes Palliser from garden soil.
Conidial Nucleation in Stemphylium botryosum
Authors: Van Warmelo K. T. 
Published: July 2015

Conidial nuclcation in an isolate of Stemphylium botryosum obtained from lucerne was investigated using the HCl-Giennsa technique. Conidiophores arose as anucleate buds into which somatic nuclei migrated. After attaining varying stages of complexity the terminal cell, which was strictly monokaryotic. developed into a conidium. Division of the young conidial nucleus and subsequent cell wall formation resulted in a multicellular conidium Conidial cells contained either one, two or four nuclei. As all the conidial nuclei are derived from the single nucleus of the terminal conidiophore cell, the whole conidium is homokaryotic. There is thus no mechanism for the psrpetuation of heterokaryons through the conidia.
Cotton Staining caused by Crebrothecium ashbyi (= Eremothecium ashbyi) in South Africa
Authors: Marasas W. F. O. 
Published: July 2015

A description is given of Crebrothecium ashbyi (Guill.) Routien (— Eremothecium ashbyi Guill.) which was isolated from yellow stained cotton fibres. This fungus, in association with cotton Stainer insects, caused extensive cotton staining in the Vaalharts area o f the Cape Province during 1969-1970.
The Rate of Forest Tree Growth and a Forest Ordination at Xumeni, Natal
Authors: Moll E. J. , Woods D. B. 
Published: July 2015

The rate of increment in circumference at breast height of canopy tree species in the southern temperate, Mist-belt forest at Xumeni, Natal, South Africa, is very slow. The mean for all trees calculated from measurements in 1929 and 1966 is 0.201 ± 0.015 inches per year. Results from an ordination analysis of 39 plots were interpreted in terms of a successional gradient from serai sites on steep ground, characterized by Kiggelaria africana, Xymalos monospora and Fagara davyi, to climax sites on flatter ground with Podocarpus spp. Two climax types are indicated, with P. henkelli on moist soil and P. falcatus on drier soils.
Notes on Acacia Species in Southern Africa: II
Authors: Ross J. H. 
Published: July 2015

Some information concerning miscellaneous Acacia species is presented. The typification of A. galpinii Burtt Davy is discussed, attention is drawn to an unusual specimen of A. giraffae Willd. and to the seedling development of A. haematoxylon Willd., and the identity of A. inermis Marl, is discussed. The continued confusion over the identity of A. heteracantha Burch, is considered and the misapplication of this name in the literature is traced. The location of type specimens of A. spirocarpoides Engl, and of A. maras Engl, is recorded.
The Current Status of Mistbelt Mixed Podocarpus Forest in Natal
Authors: Moll E. J. 
Published: July 2015

The known distribution and history of Mistbelt Mixed Podocarpus Forest in Natal, and its utilization and destruction are discussed. It is suggested that there may be a general drying of the forest climate, which is supported by evidence from canopy tree growth and regeneration. That this generally drier period has contributed to the rapid rate of forest degradation is postulated, and the need for the immediate implementation of conservation measures to ensure the safety of a representative area of forest is stressed.
New and Interesting Records of South African Fungi, Part VIII
Authors: Papendorf M. C. , Jooste W. J. 
Published: July 2015

Descriptions of the following eight fungi isolated from various habitats are given: Achtaztomiumstrumarium Rai, Tewari Mukerji, from a leaf of Protea sp.; Phoma glomerata (Corda) Wollenw. Hochapf. from wheat debris; Phoma glunarum Ell. Tracy and Phoma capitulum Pawar,Mathur Thirumalachar from leaf litter of Acacia karroo Hayne; Phoma jolyana Pirozynski Morgan-Jones from contaminated agar plate; Veronaea botryosa Cifferi Montemartini, Scytalidium lignicolum Pesante and Rhinocladiella mansonii (Castell.) Schol-Schwarz from deterioratedcanvas; Cerebella andropogonis Ces. from Lolium multiftorum Lam. spikelets.
A new species of <i>Phaeoramularia</i> (Fungi Imperfecti: Dematiaceae) from South Africa
Authors: Marasas W. F. O. , Bredell Ingrid H. 
Published: July 2015

A dematiaceous Hyphomycete isolated fro n wheat and oat straw, as well as lucerne seed in South Africa, is described as Phaeoramularia kellermaniana Marasas Bred ill, sp. nov. The relationships ofP. kellermaniana to Cladosporium resinae (Lindau) de Vries and other species of Phaeoramularia are discussed.
The naturalized and cultivated exotic Acacia species in South Africa
Authors: Ross J. H. 
Published: July 2015

The first species of Acacia from Australia are thought to have been brought to the Cape in 1845. Some of the factors which are believed to have contributed to the success of the exotic Acacia species are enumerated briefly. A key to the identification of the naturalized Acacia species is provided, together with descriptions of each species and an indication of their range of distribution in our area.
The genus <i>Acacia</i> Miller in South Africa. I. Stipules and spines
Authors: Robbertse P. J. 
Published: July 2015

A large number of seedlings and young twigs of South African Acacia species was sectioned and the vascularization of the nodes and internodes studied. The nodes of all the species examined are trilacunate and the vascular tissue of the stipules originates from the lateral leaf traces. The Gummiferae species all have spinescent stipules, while stipules of the Vulgares species are membranous. Prickles containing no vascular tissue are found on the nodes and in some species also on the internodes of the Vulgares species. These prickles always occur on the ridges formed on the stem by leaf traces.
The typification of <i>Lycium inerme</i>
Authors: Ross J. H. 
Published: July 2015

As the piotologue of Plectronia ventosa L., Mant. 1: 52 (1767), was based on discordant Oliniaceous and Rubiaceous elements, and as P. ventosa has been typified in an Oliniaceous sense, it is no longer possible to use the name Canthium ventosum (L.) Kuntze for a Rubiaceous plant. The correct name for the Rubiaceous plant, previously but incorrectly called C. ventosum, is Canthium inerme (L.f.) Kuntze, with Lycium inerme L.f., Suppl. 150 ( 1781) as the basionym. The holotype of Lycium inerme is housed in the Thunberg Herbarium in Uppsala.
The South African species of <i>Hemizygia</i> (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Codd L. E. 
Published: July 2015

The South African species of Hemizygia are reviewed and 28 species are recognized, including the following new names: H. macrophylla (Guerke) Codd (=Syncolostemon macrophyllus Guerke), H. pretoriae Guerke var. heterotricha Codd, H. cinerea Codd, H. incana Codd, H. modesta Codd, H. parvifolia Codd, H. punctata Codd and H. ramosa Codd.
Studies in the Hypoxidaceae. I. Vegetative morphology and anatomyt
Authors: Thompson M. F. 
Published: July 2015

The leaf and corm morphology and anatomy of representatives of the genera Spiloxene, Pauridia and Empodium were studied. The corms are annual and tunicated, except in the group Aquaticae of Spiloxene. They are swollen stems consisting of a number of internodes. In Spiloxene and Pauridia the roots grow from the base of the corm, while in Empodium they develop from the sides. The epidermis of the older corms is replaced by several layers of thin-walled cork. Characters of the corm coverings are used to divide Spiloxene into six groups. Four leaf forms are recognised namely carinate, terete, canaliculate and plicate. Multicellular processes and unicellular hairs occur occasionally.The leaf stomata are paracytic. Most species have mucilage canals containing pectic compounds of mucopoly­saccharides. The vascular bundles have complete or incomplete bundle sheaths and larger bundles have sclerenchyma caps.
A note on the <i>Stachys aethiopica</i> Complex
Authors: Codd L. E. 
Published: July 2015

The Stachys aethiopica Complex is examined and a key provided to the species recognized. The com­bination S. natalensis Hochst. var. galpinii (Briq.) Codd is effected and two new species, S. reticulata Codd and S. arachnoidea Codd are described.
The identity of <i>Erica flavisepala</i>
Authors: Oliver E. G. H. 
Published: July 2015

The recording of a few scattered plants of E. flavisepala Guth. Bol. among sympatric populations of two other species led to a comparison of their morphological characters. From this comparison a putative hybrid origin was indicated, thus E. x flavisepala Guth. Bol.=E. thunbergii Montin X E. sphaerocephala Wendl.