bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and Reproducibility of a Computed Tomography–Based Measurement for Upper Body Subcutaneous Neck Fat
Authors: Rosenquist Klara J. , Therkelsen Kate E. , Massaro Joseph M. , Hoffmann Udo , Fox Caroline S. 
Published: December 2014

Background

Upper body subcutaneous neck fat (
UBSF
) is a unique fat depot anatomically separate from visceral abdominal fat that appears to be associated with cardiometabolic risk above and beyond generalized adiposity. We sought to develop a protocol to quantify
UBSF
using multidetector computed tomography measurements.

Methods and Results

Protocol development was performed in participants from the Framingham Heart Study who had participated in the multidetector computed tomography scanning substudy, consisting of chest scans. Volumetric assessment of
UBSF
was defined by 40 contiguous 0.625‐mm slices superior to the body of the sternum. The reader manually traced the chest to identify total neck fat. Breast tissue exterior to the chest wall was excluded. Subcutaneous and visceral fat volumes were obtained using standard protocols. Age‐ and sex‐adjusted Pearson correlation coefficients were used to assess the association among
UBSF
, traditional adiposity measures, and cardiometabolic risk factors. Inter‐ and intrareader reproducibility was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients. Volumetric assessments were obtained in 92 participants because 8 scans were not readable (51% women; mean age: 59 years [women], 58 years [men]). The mean volume of
UBSF
was 310 cm
3
for women and 345 cm
3
for men. Intra‐ and interreader class correlation coefficients were 0.99 and 0.99, respectively.
UBSF
was correlated with waist circumference (
r
=0.90), neck circumference (
r
=0.75), body mass index (
r
=0.89), subcutaneous adipose tissue (
r
=0.87), and visceral adipose tissue (
r
=0.86).

Conclusions

UBSF
can be quantified reproducibly using computed tomography in a community‐dwelling sample from the Framingham Heart Study.
Longitudinal and Circumferential Strain of the Proximal Aorta
Authors: Bell Vanessa , Mitchell William A. , Sigurðsson Sigurður , Westenberg Jos J. M. , Gotal John D. , Torjesen Alyssa A. , Aspelund Thor , Launer Lenore J. , de Roos Albert , Gudnason Vilmundur , Harris Tamara B. , Mitchell Gary F. 
Published: December 2014

Background
Accurate assessment of mechanical properties of the proximal aorta is a requisite first step for elucidating the pathophysiology of isolated systolic hypertension. During systole, substantial proximal aortic axial displacement produces longitudinal strain, which we hypothesize causes variable underestimation of ascending aortic circumferential strain compared to values in the longitudinally constrained descending aorta.

Methods and Results

To assess effects of longitudinal strain, we performed magnetic resonance imaging in 375 participants (72 to 94 years old, 204 women) in the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility‐Reykjavik Study and measured aortic circumferential and longitudinal strain. Circumferential ascending aortic area strain uncorrected for longitudinal strain was comparable in women and men (mean [95% CI], 8.3 [7.8, 8.9] versus 7.9 [7.4, 8.5]%, respectively,
P
=0.3). However, longitudinal strain was greater in women (8.5±2.5 versus 7.0±2.5%,
P
<0.001), resulting in greater longitudinally corrected circumferential ascending aortic strain (14.4 [13.6, 15.2] versus 13.0 [12.4, 13.7]%,
P
=0.010). Observed circumferential descending aortic strain, which did not require correction (women: 14.0 [13.2, 14.8], men: 12.4 [11.6, 13.2]%,
P
=0.005), was larger than uncorrected (
P
<0.001), but comparable to longitudinally corrected (
P
=0.12) circumferential ascending aortic strain. Carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity did not correlate with uncorrected ascending aortic strain (
R
=−0.04,
P
=0.5), but was inversely related to longitudinally corrected ascending and observed descending aortic strain (
R
=−0.15,
P
=0.004;
R
=−0.36,
P
<0.001, respectively). Longitudinal strain was also inversely related to carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity and other risk factors for higher aortic stiffness including treated hypertension.

Conclusions
Longitudinal strain creates substantial and variable errors in circumferential ascending aortic area strain measurements, particularly in women, and should be considered to avoid misclassification of ascending aortic stiffness.
Relating Hippocampus to Relational Memory Processing across Domains and Delays
Authors: Monti Jim M. , Cooke Gillian E. , Watson Patrick D. , Voss Michelle W. , Kramer Arthur F. , Cohen Neal J. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The hippocampus has been implicated in a diverse set of cognitive domains and paradigms, including cognitive mapping, long-term memory, and relational memory, at long or short study–test intervals. Despite the diversity of these areas, their association with the hippocampus may rely on an underlying commonality of relational memory processing shared among them. Most studies assess hippocampal memory within just one of these domains, making it difficult to know whether these paradigms all assess a similar underlying cognitive construct tied to the hippocampus. Here we directly tested the commonality among disparate tasks linked to the hippocampus by using PCA on performance from a battery of 12 cognitive tasks that included two traditional, long-delay neuropsychological tests of memory and two laboratory tests of relational memory (one of spatial and one of visual object associations) that imposed only short delays between study and test. Also included were different tests of memory, executive function, and processing speed. Structural MRI scans from a subset of participants were used to quantify the volume of the hippocampus and other subcortical regions. Results revealed that the 12 tasks clustered into four components; critically, the two neuropsychological tasks of long-term verbal memory and the two laboratory tests of relational memory loaded onto one component. Moreover, bilateral hippocampal volume was strongly tied to performance on this component. Taken together, these data emphasize the important contribution the hippocampus makes to relational memory processing across a broad range of tasks that span multiple domains.
Enchanted Encounter: Gender Politics, Cultural Identity, and Wang Tao’s (1828–97) Fictional Sino-Western Romance
Authors: Zheng Huili 
Published: December 2014

Wang Tao (1828–97) was a late Qing translator, political commentator, and fiction writer who spent time in England, France and Scotland, and served as an important literary link between China and the West. In examining Wang’s tales of Sino-Western encounters and drawing from the long literary tradition of depicting foreign “Others,” this paper shows that Wang’s image of the West in his literary tales is ambivalent. Further, it argues that Wang’s gender positioning of the Chinese “Self” and Western “Other” is rather ambiguous. By interpreting his representation of the West against his immediate historical context (e.g., a China facing unprecedented political and cultural challenges), this study investigates Wang’s use of various rhetorical strategies from an existing discourse on foreign “Others” (particularly the theme of “foreign woman marrying Chinese man”) to appropriate, domesticate and even contain the West. It also shows how Wang complicates and even subverts these older rhetorical strategies as a way to cope with the new historical reality.
The EarthCARE Satellite: The Next Step Forward in Global Measurements of Clouds, Aerosols, Precipitation, and Radiation
Authors: Illingworth A. J. , Barker H. W. , Beljaars A. , Ceccaldi M. , Chepfer H. , Clerbaux N. , Cole J. , Delanoë J. , Domenech C. , Donovan D. P. , Fukuda S. , Hirakata M. , Hogan R. J. , Huenerbein A. , Kollias P. , Kubota T. , Nakajima T. , Nakajima T. Y. , Nishizawa T. , Ohno Y. , Okamoto H. , Oki R. , Sato K. , Satoh M. , Shephard M. W. , Velázquez-Blázquez A. , Wandinger U. , Wehr T. , van Zadelhoff G.-J. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The collective representation within global models of aerosol, cloud, precipitation, and their radiative properties remains unsatisfactory. They constitute the largest source of uncertainty in predictions of climatic change and hamper the ability of numerical weather prediction models to forecast high-impact weather events. The joint European Space Agency (ESA)–Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Earth Clouds, Aerosol and Radiation Explorer (EarthCARE) satellite mission, scheduled for launch in 2018, will help to resolve these weaknesses by providing global profiles of cloud, aerosol, precipitation, and associated radiative properties inferred from a combination of measurements made by its collocated active and passive sensors. EarthCARE will improve our understanding of cloud and aerosol processes by extending the invaluable dataset acquired by the A-Train satellites CloudSat, Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO), and Aqua. Specifically, EarthCARE’s cloud profiling radar, with 7 dB more sensitivity than CloudSat, will detect more thin clouds and its Doppler capability will provide novel information on convection, precipitating ice particle, and raindrop fall speeds. EarthCARE’s 355-nm high-spectral-resolution lidar will measure directly and accurately cloud and aerosol extinction and optical depth. Combining this with backscatter and polarization information should lead to an unprecedented ability to identify aerosol type. The multispectral imager will provide a context for, and the ability to construct, the cloud and aerosol distribution in 3D domains around the narrow 2D retrieved cross section. The consistency of the retrievals will be assessed to within a target of ±10 W m–2 on the (10 km)2 scale by comparing the multiview broadband radiometer observations to the top-of-atmosphere fluxes estimated by 3D radiative transfer models acting on retrieved 3D domains.
Cellular Network Infrastructure: The Future of Fog Monitoring?
Authors: David Noam , Sendik Omry , Messer Hagit , Alpert Pinhas 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Severe visibility limitations resulting from fog may lead to acute transportation accidents and high losses of property and lives. Thus, reliable monitoring facilities are of extreme importance. Nevertheless, current monitoring instruments suffer from low spatial resolution, high costs, or lack of precision at near-surface levels. It has, however, recently been shown that the commercial microwave links that form the infrastructure of cellular communication networks can provide crucial information regarding the appearance of dense fog and its intensity. Typical microwave systems currently in operation make use of frequencies between 6 and 40 GHz and, thus, can only monitor heavy fog. However, there is a growing demand for high data rates and expanded bandwidth in modern mobile radio networks. As a result, higher frequencies (e.g., around 80 GHz) are being implemented in order to fulfill these increased requirements. Notably, the attenuation induced as a result of fog at a given intensity increases as operating frequency rises, allowing, for the first time, the possibility of using this system to monitor typical fog intensities, at high resolution and low cost. Here, a theoretical simulation is presented in which simulated fog patches are introduced into an area where a network of links is deployed. Two-dimensional maps are generated utilizing the simulated microwave network to represent sensitivity thresholds for fog detection at three different frequencies: 20, 38, and 80 GHz. Real-data measurements of fog are also demonstrated using 38-GHz band links. The results indicate the vast future potential of commercial microwave links as an opportunistic system for monitoring fog.
Improvement in Global Cloud-System-Resolving Simulations by Using a Double-Moment Bulk Cloud Microphysics Scheme
Authors: Seiki Tatsuya , Kodama Chihiro , Noda Akira T. , Satoh Masaki 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
This study examines the impact of an alteration of a cloud microphysics scheme on the representation of longwave cloud radiative forcing (LWCRF) and its impact on the atmosphere in global cloud-system-resolving simulations. A new double-moment bulk cloud microphysics scheme is used, and the simulated results are compared with those of a previous study. It is demonstrated that improvements within the new cloud microphysics scheme have the potential to substantially improve climate simulations. The new cloud microphysics scheme represents a realistic spatial distribution of the cloud fraction and LWCRF, particularly near the tropopause. The improvement in the cirrus cloud-top height by the new cloud microphysics scheme substantially reduces the warm bias in atmospheric temperature from the previous simulation via LWCRF by the cirrus clouds. The conversion rate of cloud ice to snow and gravitational sedimentation of cloud ice are the most important parameters for determining the strength of the radiative heating near the tropopause and its impact on atmospheric temperature.
Survival on biventricular mechanical support with the Centrimag® as a bridge to decision: a single-center risk stratification
Authors: Mohamedali B , Bhat G , Yost G , Tatooles A 
Published: December 2014

Objective: Temporary mechanical assist devices are increasingly being used as a lifesaving bridge to decision in patients requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We report our single-center experience with biventricular Centrimag® pumps over a five-year period. Method: Data was retrospectively collected in consecutive patients who required biventricular support from 2008 to 2013. Patients who were supported with central cannulation using the Centrimag® system were analyzed. In addition to demographic information, data pertaining to indications, outcomes and mortality were collected. Results: The cohort consisted of 48 patients (19 women and 29 men, mean age of 56 years). The median duration of support was 14 days. The median duration to patient expiration while still on the Centrimag® was 12 days. Thirty-day survival was 56% (27/48). Nine patients were explanted to recovery, while fourteen patients were converted to a durable LVAD, two of whom were then transplanted. We stratified patients into two groups. Group I comprised patients who were either explanted to recovery, converted to durable LVAD or transplanted (23/48) and Group II consisted of patients who either died on the Centrimag® or were explanted for withdrawal of care (25/48). Statistical analysis did not reveal any clinically significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, sex, etiology, hemodynamic, co-morbidities or laboratory parameters. Conclusion: The biventricular Centrimag® can be used as a bridge to decision in patients with thirty-day survival of >50%. Parameters to predict 30-day survival in this high-risk cohort continue to remain elusive.
Laboratory Assessment of the Anticoagulant Activity of Dabigatran
Authors: Kyriakou Elias , Ikonomidis Ignatios , Stylos Dimitrios , Bonovas Stefanos , Papadakis Ioannis , Nikolopoulos Georgios K. , Kokoris Styliani , Kalantzis Dimitrios , Economopoulou Christine , Kopterides Petros , Lekakis John , Tsantes Argirios E. 
Published: December 2014

Background: Our aim was to identify laboratory assays in order to assess the anticoagulant effects of dabigatran etexilate (DE). Methods: Twenty patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation treated on DE (110 mg per os twice daily) and 20 on acenocoumarol were studied. Conventional coagulation tests, endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), thromboelastometry (ROTEM), epinephrine-induced light transmission aggregometry (LTA), and Hemoclot Thrombin Inhibitors (HTI) were performed in all patients. Results: In ROTEM analysis, the lysis index at 60 minutes was significantly lower in patients receiving DE ( P = .011). In LTA, patients on DE showed decreased aggregation compared to those on acenocoumarol, marginally insignificant ( P = .068). Regarding ETP, acenocoumarol affected thrombin generation more than dabigatran (area under the curve [AUC], P < .001), while statistically significant associations were detected between dabigatran levels, as determined by the HTI assay, and almost all parameters of ETP assay (AUC, P < .001). Conclusion: The role of ETP in estimating anticoagulant activity of dabigatran possibly requires further research.
Occlusion and malocclusion in the cat
Authors: Milella Lisa 
Published: December 2014

Practical relevance: Malocclusion affecting cats, and treatment thereof, has not been widely described in the veterinary literature, yet is a condition seen in a growing number of breeds, often causing pain and discomfort to the patient. Recognising the problem, and certainly whether it is a hereditary problem (eg, a skeletal malocclusion), is important for the longer term health of pedigree breeds. Clinical challenges: If there is a malocclusion, the mouth may be painful and a thorough occlusal assessment of the conscious patient may be difficult. Occlusal assessment should always be accompanied by a thorough oral examination and, where necessary, further investigation under general anaesthesia, including dental radiography. Recognising what is normal, and what is not, can be challenging; so, too, can be determining the correct time to intervene. Audience: This article is intended to help fill the gap in dental education regarding the range of developmental and acquired malocclusions seen in cats. Treatment options are also briefly reviewed. Evidence base: The guidance contained in this article is based on a combination of the published literature, the author’s personal experience and that of colleagues.
Tooth resorption in cats
Authors: Gorrel Cecilia 
Published: December 2014

Practical relevance: Tooth resorption is common in the domestic cat and the incidence has been reported to increase with increasing age. Cats with clinically missing teeth have also been found to be more likely to have tooth resorption. All types of teeth in the feline dentition may be affected, but lesions seem to be more common in certain teeth. Clinical challenges: Tooth resorption can be difficult to detect, with cats often masking signs of oral discomfort or pain. Routine radiography is required for timely diagnosis, as clinical (visual and tactile) methods only detect late-stage lesions – that is, when they become evident in the crown. The aetiology of many tooth resorptions is not clear. A large number of lesions appear to be idiopathic and, to date, there is no known treatment that prevents the development and/or progression of this category of tooth resorption. Tooth extraction is the gold standard treatment but teeth with resorptive lesions are notoriously difficult to extract and coronal amputation is often indicated. Determining the best treatment option in an individual case again relies on radiography. Audience: This review is aimed at feline and general practitioners, as well as veterinarians with expertise in dentistry. Evidence base: The author draws on the published literature and her clinical experience and own research to review current thinking about the epidemiology, aetiology and pathogenesis of tooth resorptions, and to offer advice on diagnosis and treatment options.
Modifying the Rizzoli foot model to improve the diagnosis of pes‐planus: application to kinematics of feet in teenagers
Authors: Portinaro Nicola , Leardini Alberto , Panou Artemisia , Monzani Valerio , Caravaggi Paolo 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundA number of multi‐segment foot protocols have been proposed to obtain measurements of clinical value. In the clinical assessment of foot pathologies and deformities, such as in the pes‐planus, the frontal‐plane alignment of the calcaneus and the dynamic properties of the medial longitudinal arch are critical parameters though often neglected by the majority of foot protocols. The aim of the present work is to modify an established foot protocol to obtain static and kinematic measures more consistent with corresponding clinical observations. Moreover, while many papers have reported kinematic data from varying populations, few investigations have focussed on young participants from same‐age cohorts.MethodsA 6‐camera motion capture system was employed to track the shank, rear‐, mid‐ and fore‐foot segments in the left and right leg of 10 children (13.1 ± 0.8 years) during gait. Three markers were attached to each segment thus allowing for triplanar motion of five joints to be described according to the Rizzoli Foot Model. An additional marker was attached to the posterior bottom of the calcaneus to enhance measurement of frontal‐plane orientation. Description of the medial longitudinal arch angle was redefined to be more consistent with rearfoot orientation and to common clinical assessments. A novel 3‐marker description of the hallux segment was implemented to improve robustness in calculating 1st metatarso‐phalangeal joint rotations.ResultsFoot segments kinematics showed good inter‐ participant repeatability and overall consistency with previous similar reports. 15 out of 20 feet showed neutral or slightly valgus orientation of the calcaneus. Relatively large medial longitudinal arch angles (mean 186 ± 16 deg) were found in the present young population. Both measurements were reasonably in accordance with the relevant clinical observations of these feet.ConclusionsModifications to a widely used multisegmental foot kinematic model were implemented to improve robustness and consistency with relevant clinical observations. A detailed description of foot joints motion during barefoot walking in a population of 13‐year old children with apparent flat feet has been presented, which may provide useful information to investigate the development of gait in children and the diagnosis of flexible flat foot.
Percutaneous and surgical tracheostomy in critically ill adult patients: a meta-analysis
Authors: Putensen Christian , Theuerkauf Nils , Guenther Ulf , Vargas Maria , Pelosi Paolo 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Introduction
The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to determine whether percutaneous tracheostomy (PT) techniques are advantageous over surgical tracheostomy (ST), and if one PT technique is superior to the others.

Methods
Computerized databases (1966 to 2013) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting complications as predefined endpoints and comparing PT and ST and among the different PT techniques in mechanically ventilated adult critically ill patients. Odds ratios (OR) and mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI), and I2 values were estimated.

Results
Fourteen RCTs tested PT techniques versus ST in 973 patients. PT techniques were performed faster (MD, −13.06 minutes (95% CI, −19.37 to −6.76 (P <0.0001)); I2 = 97% (P <0.00001)) and reduced odds for stoma inflammation (OR, 0.38 (95% CI, 0.19 to 0.76 (P = 0.006)); I2 = 2% (P = 0.36)), and infection (OR, 0.22 (95% CI, 0.11 to 0.41 (P <0.00001)); I2 = 0% (P = 0.54)), but increased odds for procedural technical difficulties (OR, 4.58 (95% CI, 2.21 to 9.47 (P <0.0001)); I2 = 0% (P = 0.63)). PT techniques reduced odds for postprocedural major bleeding (OR, 0.39 (95% CI, 0.15 to 0.97 (P = 0.04)); I2 = 0% (P = 0.69)), but not when a single RCT using translaryngeal tracheostomy was excluded (OR, 0.58 (95% CI, 0.21 to 1.63 (P = 0.30)); I2 = 0% (P = 0.89)). Eight RCTs compared different PT techniques in 700 patients. Multiple (MDT) and single step (SSDT) dilatator techniques are associated with the lowest odds for difficult dilatation or cannula insertion (OR, 0.30 (95% CI, 0.12 to 0.80 (P = 0.02)); I2 = 56% (P = 0.03)) and major intraprocedural bleeding (OR, 0.29 (95% CI, 0.10 to 0.85 (P = 0.02)); I2 = 0% (P = 0.72)), compared to the guide wire dilatation forceps technique.

Conclusion
In critically ill adult patients, PT techniques can be performed faster and reduce stoma inflammation and infection but are associated with increased technical difficulties when compared to ST. Among PT techniques, MDT and SSDT were associated with the lowest intraprocedural risks and seem to be preferable.