bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Object Affordance Modulates Visual Responses in the Macaque Medial Posterior Parietal Cortex
Authors: Breveglieri Rossella , Galletti Claudio , Bosco Annalisa , Gamberini Michela , Fattori Patrizia 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Area V6A is a visuomotor area of the dorsomedial visual stream that contains cells modulated by object observation and by grip formation. As different objects have different shapes but also evoke different grips, the response selectivity during object presentation could reflect either the coding of object geometry or object affordances. To clarify this point, we here investigate neural responses of V6A cells when monkeys observed two objects with similar visual features but different contextual information, such as the evoked grip type. We demonstrate that many V6A cells respond to the visual presentation of objects and about 30% of them by the object affordance. Given that area V6A is an early stage in the visuomotor processes underlying grasping, these data suggest that V6A may participate in the computation of object affordances. These results add some elements in the recent literature about the role of the dorsal visual stream areas in object representation and contribute in elucidating the neural correlates of the extraction of action-relevant information from general object properties, in agreement with recent neuroimaging studies on humans showing that vision of graspable objects activates action coding in the dorsomedial visual steam.
Across the Continents: Engaging and Questioning Community
Authors: Thakrar Jayshree , Kenn Deborah , Minkley Gary 
Published: February 2015

Academics study the concept of community as a dynamic force and, increasingly, universities have become researchers, partners, and participants in community engagement. What is surprising is the lack of a definitional framework for the word “community”, and perhaps due to the use (one might say overuse) of the term in common parlance, no one questions what we mean by community.To engage a discussion without questioning what community means would be insufficient, if not presumptuous. Our goal is to explore. Equally presumptuous would be to define the dynamic, fluid, transforming concept of community. We aim to plumb the wisdom of our colleagues, community partners, students and mentors to bring meaning to the word community in all its richness and resilience.
A Low Mach Number Model for Moist Atmospheric Flows
Authors: Duarte Max , Almgren Ann S. , Bell John B. 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
A low Mach number model for moist atmospheric flows is introduced that accurately incorporates reversible moist processes in flows whose features of interest occur on advective rather than acoustic time scales. Total water is used as a prognostic variable, so that water vapor and liquid water are diagnostically recovered as needed from an exact Clausius–Clapeyron formula for moist thermodynamics. Low Mach number models can be computationally more efficient than a fully compressible model, but the low Mach number formulation introduces additional mathematical and computational complexity because of the divergence constraint imposed on the velocity field. Here, latent heat release is accounted for in the source term of the constraint by estimating the rate of phase change based on the time variation of saturated water vapor subject to the thermodynamic equilibrium constraint. The authors numerically assess the validity of the low Mach number approximation for moist atmospheric flows by contrasting the low Mach number solution to reference solutions computed with a fully compressible formulation for a variety of test problems.
Applications of a Moist Nonhydrostatic Formulation of the Spectral Energy Budget to Baroclinic Waves. Part I: The Lower-Stratospheric Energy Spectra
Authors: Peng Jun , Zhang Lifeng , Guan Jiping 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The authors investigate the mesoscale dynamics that produce the lower-stratospheric energy spectra in idealized moist baroclinic waves, using the moist nonhydrostatic formulation of spectral energy budget of kinetic energy and available potential energy by J. Peng et al. The inclusion of moist processes energizes the lower-stratospheric mesoscale, helping to close the gap between observed and simulated energy spectra. In dry baroclinic waves, the lower-stratospheric mesoscale is mainly forced by weak downscale cascades of both horizontal kinetic energy (HKE) and available potential energy (APE) and by a weak conversion of APE to HKE. At wavelengths less than 1000 km, the pressure vertical flux divergence also has a significant positive contribution to the HKE; however, this positive contribution is largely counteracted by the negative HKE vertical flux divergence. In moist baroclinic waves, the lower-stratospheric mesoscale HKE is mainly generated by the pressure and HKE vertical flux divergences. This additional HKE is partly converted to APE and partly removed by diffusion. Another negative contribution to the mesoscale HKE is from the forcing of a visible upscale HKE cascade. Besides the conversion of HKE, however, the three-dimensional divergence also has a significant positive contribution to the mesoscale APE. With these two direct APE sources, the lower-stratospheric mesoscale also undergoes a much stronger upscale APE cascade. These results suggest that both downscale and upscale cascades through the mesoscale are permitted in the real atmosphere and the direct forcing of the mesoscale is available to feed the upscale energy cascade.
Factors affecting outcome of treatment of chronic hepatitis C: result of an open label study from eastern India
Authors: Ray Gautam 
Published: February 2015

Background Standard treatment of hepatitis C involves the use of pegylated interferon (PEGIFN) and ribavirin but directly acting antiviral agents (DAA) with seemingly greater efficacy have now appeared on the market. Thus closer detail needs to be given to optimise the use of the former. Methods Fifty-two chronic hepatitis C patients (Child class A) were administered PEGIFN and ribavirin in a prospective, open label study in standard dose and duration. Complete therapy was ensured for the best chance of achieving a sustained viral response (SVR) and delineating its controlling factors. Results Seventy-five percent had genotype 3 virus. Compensated cirrhosis was present in 38.5%. Response overall and in cirrhotics were 65.4% and 30%, respectively, without difference between genotypes 1 and 3. Non-cirrhotics had higher response in all groups, especially genotype 1 (83.3%). The factors associated with positive response were age less than 50 years, absence of cirrhosis and presence of risk factors for transmission. Conclusion Treatment outcome and factors affecting it are similar to studies from Europe and America.
Maxillomandibular Advancement and Tracheostomy for Morbidly Obese Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Camacho Macario , Teixeira Jeffrey , Abdullatif Jose , Acevedo Jason L. , Certal Victor , Capasso Robson , Powell Nelson B. 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to systematically review polysomnography data and sleepiness in morbidly obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥40 kg/m2) patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treated with either a maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) or a tracheostomy and to evaluate the outcomes.Data SourcesMEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library.Review MethodsA search was performed from inception through April 8, 2014, in each database.ResultsSix maxillomandibular advancement studies (34 patients, age 42.42 ± 9.13 years, mean BMI 44.88 ± 4.28 kg/m2) and 6 tracheostomy studies (14 patients, age 52.21 ± 10.40 years, mean BMI 47.93 ± 7.55 kg/m2) reported individual patient data. The pre‐ and post‐MMA means ± SDs for apnea‐hypopnea indices were 86.18 ± 33.25/h and 9.16 ± 7.89/h (P <. 00001), and lowest oxygen saturations were 66.58% ± 16.41% and 87.03% ± 5.90% (P <. 00001), respectively. Sleepiness following MMA decreased in all 5 patients for whom it was reported. The pre‐ and posttracheostomy mean ± SD values for apnea indices were 64.43 ± 41.35/h and 1.73 ± 2.68/h (P =. 0086), oxygen desaturation indices were 69.20 ± 26.10/h and 41.38 ± 36.28/h (P =. 22), and lowest oxygen saturations were 55.17% ± 16.46% and 79.83% ± 4.36% (P =. 011), respectively. Two studies reported outcomes for Epworth Sleepiness Scale for 5 patients, with mean ± SD values of 18.80 ± 4.02 before tracheostomy and 2.80 ± 2.77 after tracheostomy (P =. 0034).ConclusionData for MMA and tracheostomy as treatment for morbidly obese, adult OSA patients are significantly limited. We caution surgeons about drawing definitive conclusions from these limited studies; higher level studies are needed.
Influence of Defect Size and Localization on the Engagement of Reverse Hill-Sachs Lesions
Authors: Moroder Philipp , Runer Armin , Kraemer Manuel , Fierlbeck Johann , Niederberger Alfred , Cotofana Sebastian , Vasvari Imre , Hettegger Bernhard , Tauber Mark , Hurschler Christof , Resch Herbert 
Published: February 2015

Background: Reverse Hill-Sachs (RHS) lesions can cause recurrent posterior shoulder instability because of engagement with the posterior glenoid rim; however, the effect of defect size and localization have yet to be determined. Hypothesis: Both size and localization are critical for the engagement of an RHS defect with the posterior glenoid rim. Study design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Ten RHS defects with predefined extent and localization were created through an anterolateral rotator cuff sparing approach in 10 fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulder specimens using a custom-made saw guide. Computed tomography scans of all specimens were completed, and standardized measurements were performed to determine the size (alpha angle) and localization (beta angle) of the defect as well as a combination of both parameters (gamma angle). Internal rotation motions were imposed on the shoulder joint in different arm positions and with varying amount of posterior translation by means of a robot-assisted shoulder simulator. The association between engagement of the defects and the defined parameters (alpha, beta, and gamma angles) was analyzed. Results: In 0° of abduction, a cutoff value between engaging and nonengaging defects of 37.5° for the alpha angle (100% sensitivity; 75% specificity; area under the curve [AUC], 0.875; P = .055) and 36.5° for the beta angle (100% sensitivity; 25% specificity; AUC, 0.708; P = .286) was determined. The gamma angle showed the highest discriminatory power (AUC, 0.938; P = .025) with a cutoff value of 85.5° rendering 100% sensitivity and 75% specificity in the prediction of engagement. An increase in the applied posterior translation force decreased the degrees of internal rotation necessary before engagement occurred. No engagement occurred during internal rotation with the arm in 60° of abduction or 60° of flexion. Conclusion: The size and localization of RHS defects are both critical factors for engagement. The combination of both parameters in terms of the gamma angle measurement might be a helpful tool to identify defects prone to engagement. Clinical Relevance: Not only the size but also the localization is decisive for engagement of RHS defects. The standardized measurement of the gamma angle combines both factors and might be a helpful tool to identify defects prone to engagement warranting surgical treatment.
Patient Expectation and Satisfaction as Measures of Operative Outcome in End-Stage Ankle Arthritis
Authors: Younger Alastair S. E. , Wing Kevin J. , Glazebrook Mark , Daniels Timothy R. , Dryden Peter J. , Lalonde Karl-André , Wong Hubert , Qian Hong , Penner Murray 
Published: February 2015

Background: Current operative outcome scales are based on pain and function, such as the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS). Outcomes based on patient expectation and satisfaction may be more useful. The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to evaluate associations between patient expectation, satisfaction, and outcome scores for ankle fusion and total ankle replacement (TAR). Methods: In total, 654 ankles in 622 patients were analyzed at a mean of 61 months. Patient expectation and satisfaction with symptoms were quantified pre- and postoperatively using the Musculoskeletal Outcomes Data Evaluation and Management Scale questionnaires from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, while function was quantified using the AOS. Results: Patients undergoing ankle replacement had a higher preoperative expectation score (79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 77-81) compared with those undergoing ankle fusion (72; 95% CI, 68-75). Preoperative expectation scores correlated weakly with AOS scores ( R2 = 0.02) and with the “expectations met” score for ankle fusion ( R2 = 0.07) but not for ankle replacement ( R2 < 0.01). Satisfaction scores were similar for ankle fusion and ankle replacement at follow-up, but a greater number of ankle replacement patients showed improvement in satisfaction (84% vs 74%, P < .005). Higher satisfaction at final follow-up was associated with better expectations met and greater improvement in AOS outcome scores for both ankle fusion and ankle replacement. Expectations met and AOS scores at follow-up correlated for ankle fusion ( R2 = 0.38, P < .0001) and ankle replacement ( R2 = 0.31, P < .0001). Conclusions: Patients undergoing TAR had higher expectation scores prior to surgery than those undergoing ankle fusion. Expectations may be more likely to be met by ankle replacement compared with ankle fusion. Ankle replacement patients were more likely to report improved satisfaction scores after surgery. Preoperative expectation scores showed little correlation with preoperative AOS scores, indicating that expectation is independent of pain and function. However, postoperative expectations met and satisfaction scores were strongly associated with AOS scores at follow-up. Better preoperative patient education may change expectations and requires study. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective cohort study.
Propofol increases morbidity and mortality in a rat model of sepsis
Authors: Schläpfer Martin , Piegeler Tobias , Dull Randal O , Schwartz David E , Mao Mao , Bonini Marcelo G , Z’Graggen Birgit Roth , Beck-Schimmer Beatrice , Minshall Richard D 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIntroductionSevere sepsis is associated with approximately 50% mortality and accounts for tremendous healthcare costs. Most patients require ventilatory support and propofol is commonly used to sedate mechanically ventilated patients. Volatile anesthetics have been shown to attenuate inflammation in a variety of different settings. We therefore hypothesized that volatile anesthetic agents may offer beneficial immunomodulatory effects during the course of long-term intra-abdominal sepsis in rats under continuous sedation and ventilation for up to 24 hours.MethodsSham operation or cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was performed in adult male Wistar rats followed by mechanical ventilation. Animals were sedated for 24 hours with propofol (7 to 20 mg/kg/h), sevoflurane, desflurane or isoflurane (0.7 minimal alveolar concentration each).ResultsSeptic animals sedated with propofol showed a mean survival time of 12 hours, whereas >56% of all animals in the volatile groups survived 24 hours (P<0.001). After 18 hours, base excess in propofol + CLP animals (−20.6 ± 2.0) was lower than in the volatile groups (isoflurane + CLP: -11.7 ± 4.2, sevoflurane + CLP: -11.8 ± 3.5, desflurane + CLP -14.2 ± 3.7; allP<0.03). Plasma endotoxin levels reached 2-fold higher levels in propofol + CLP compared to isoflurane + CLP animals at 12 hours (P<0.001). Also blood levels of inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-10, CXCL-2, interferon-γ and high mobility group protein-1) were accentuated in propofol + CLP rats compared to the isoflurane + CLP group at the same time point (P<0.04).ConclusionsThis is the first study to assess prolonged effects of sepsis and long-term application of volatile sedatives compared to propofol on survival, cardiovascular, inflammatory and end organ parameters. Results indicate that volatile anesthetics dramatically improved survival and attenuate systemic inflammation as compared to propofol. The main mechanism responsible for adverse propofol effects could be an enhanced plasma endotoxin concentration, leading to profound hypotension, which was unresponsive to fluid resuscitation.
Do corticosteroids reduce the mortality of influenza A (H1N1) infection? A meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Yi , Sun Wenjie , Svendsen Erik R , Tang Song , MacIntyre Raina C , Yang Peng , Zhang Daitao , Wang Quanyi 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIntroductionCorticosteroids are used empirically in influenza A (H1N1) treatment despite lack of clear evidence for effective treatment. This study aims to assess the efficacy of corticosteroids treatment for H1N1 infection.MethodsSystematic review and meta-analysis were used to estimate the efficacy of corticosteroids for the prevention of mortality in H1N1 infection. Databases searched included MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials and so on, and bibliographies of retrieved articles, from April 2009 to October 2014. We included both cohort studies and case-control studies reported in English or Chinese that compared treatment effects between corticosteroids and non-corticosteroids therapy in inpatients with H1N1 virus infection. Cohort studies employed mortality as outcome, and case-control studies employed deaths as cases and survivors as controls; both were assessed in this meta-analysis.ResultsIn total twenty-three eligible studies were included. Both cohort studies (nine studies, n = 1,405) and case-control studies (14 studies, n = 4,700) showed a similar trend toward increased mortality (cohort studies relative risk was 1.85 with 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46 to 2.33; case-control studies odds ratio was 4.22 with 95% CI 3.10 to 5.76). The results from both subgroup analyses and sensitive analyses were consistent with each other, showing that steroid treatment is associated with mortality. However, considering the fact that corticosteroids were tend to be used in sickest case-patients and heterogeneity was observed between studies, we cannot make a solid conclusion.ConclusionsAvailable evidence did not support the use of corticosteroids as standard care for patients with severe influenza. We conclude that further research is required.
Minimally invasive resection of synchronous thoracic esophageal and gastric carcinomas followed by reconstruction: a case report
Authors: Honda Masayuki , Daiko Hiroyuki , Kinoshita Takahiro , Fujita Takeo , Shibasaki Hidehito , Nishida Toshiro 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
We report on a case of synchronous carcinomas of the esophagus and stomach. A 68-year-old man was referred to our hospital for an abnormality found during his medical examination. Further evaluation revealed squamous cell carcinoma in the thoracic lower esophagus and gastric adenocarcinoma located in the middle third of the stomach. Thoracoscopic esophagectomy in the prone position (TSEP), laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) with three-field lymph node dissection, and laparoscopically assisted colon reconstruction (LACR) were performed. The patient did not have any major postoperative complications. His pathological examination revealed no metastases in 56 harvested lymph nodes and no residual tumor. He was followed up for 30 months without recurrence. To our knowledge, this is the first report of esophageal and gastric synchronous carcinomas that were successfully treated with a combination of TSEP, LTG, and LACR. These operations may be a feasible and appropriate treatment for this disease.
Active Smoking and Mortality Among Colorectal Cancer Survivors: The Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort
Authors: Yang Baiyu , Jacobs Eric J. , Gapstur Susan M. , Stevens Victoria , Campbell Peter T. 
Published: February 2015

Purpose Active smoking is associated with higher colorectal cancer risk, but its association with survival after colorectal cancer diagnosis is unclear. We investigated associations of smoking, before and after diagnosis, with all-cause and colorectal cancer–specific mortality among colorectal cancer survivors. Patients and Methods From a cohort of adults who were initially free of colorectal cancer, we identified 2,548 persons diagnosed with invasive, nonmetastatic colorectal cancer between baseline (1992 or 1993) and 2009. Vital status and cause of death were determined through 2010. Smoking was self-reported on the baseline questionnaire and updated in 1997 and every 2 years thereafter. Postdiagnosis smoking information was available for 2,256 persons (88.5%). Results Among the 2,548 colorectal cancer survivors, 1,074 died during follow-up, including 453 as a result of colorectal cancer. In multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models, prediagnosis current smoking was associated with higher all-cause mortality (relative risk [RR], 2.12; 95% CI, 1.65 to 2.74) and colorectal cancer–specific mortality (RR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.50 to 3.07), whereas former smoking was associated with higher all-cause mortality (RR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.36) but not with colorectal cancer–specific mortality (RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.72 to 1.10). Postdiagnosis current smoking was associated with higher all-cause (RR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.58 to 3.13) and colorectal cancer–specific mortality (RR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.15 to 3.21), whereas former smoking was associated with all-cause mortality (RR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.42). Conclusion This study adds to the existing evidence that cigarette smoking is associated with higher all-cause and colorectal cancer–specific mortality among persons with nonmetastatic colorectal cancer.
Corporate Coalitions and Policy Making in the European Union: How and Why British American Tobacco Promoted “Better Regulation”
Authors: Smith Katherine Elizabeth , Fooks Gary , Gilmore Anna B. , Collin Jeff , Weishaar Heide 
Published: February 2015

AbstractOver the past fifteen years, an interconnected set of regulatory reforms, known as Better Regulation, has been adopted across Europe, marking a significant shift in the way that European Union policies are developed. There has been little exploration of the origins of these reforms, which include mandatory ex ante impact assessment. Drawing on documentary and interview data, this article discusses how and why large corporations, notably British American Tobacco (BAT), worked to influence and promote these reforms. Our analysis highlights (1) how policy entrepreneurs with sufficient resources (such as large corporations) can shape the membership and direction of advocacy coalitions; (2) the extent to which “think tanks” may be prepared to lobby on behalf of commercial clients; and (3) why regulated industries (including tobacco) may favor the use of “evidence tools,” such as impact assessments, in policy making. We argue that a key aspect of BAT's ability to shape regulatory reform involved the deliberate construction of a vaguely defined idea that could be strategically adapted to appeal to diverse constituencies. We discuss the theoretical implications of this finding for the Advocacy Coalition Framework, as well as the practical implications of the findings for efforts to promote transparency and public health in the European Union.