bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wide-area collaboration in the aftermath of the March 11 disasters in Japan: Implications for responsible disaster management
Authors: Aoki Naomi 
Published: October 2014

On 11 March 2011, an offshore earthquake of magnitude 9.0 and a massive tsunami hit the Tohoku region of Japan, followed by the Fukushima nuclear crisis. Despite these adversities, Tohoku is moving forward, and this extraordinary experience should guide us in the quest for responsible disaster management. A striking development after the disasters was the rise of wide-area collaboration, involving national and local governments, to help Tohoku municipalities. This study documents such collaboration in two areas – manpower support and debris processing. The empirical evidence suggests that the success of wide-area collaboration hinges on the success of both horizontal (interlocal) and vertical (inter-governmental) collaboration and that wide-area collaboration be added to future models predicting the effectiveness of recovery and reconstruction processes. Points for practitioners It would be an error to assume that large-scale disasters will not occur in the future, and the challenge of wide-area collaboration faced by Japan this time naturally prompts the question of how to best design such collaborative governance in the country. This study offers a checklist of items policy makers need to specify when they design wide-area collaboration. The findings would seem to be most generalizable to disaster-prone unitary states with decentralized disaster management. The study sounds an alert that a decentralized system devoid of a plan for wide-area collaboration can be dangerous in times of crisis.
Thyroglossal surgery in Scotland 1981–2010
Authors: Townsley Richard B , Hilmi Omar J 
Published: October 2014

Background and aims Thyroglossal surgery is not common in Scotland with 0.013 procedures performed per 1000 population in 2010. There is a growing practice in surgery to consolidate service providers to ensure a minimum ‘case volume’, with the belief that this will raise standards and improve co-ordination of services. We investigated thyroglossal surgery to see if this had occurred. Methods and results Data on thyroglossal surgery performed in Scotland from 1981 to 2010 were obtained from the Information Services Division of NHS Scotland. This was analysed to investigate the number of procedures involving thyroglossal tissue, the surgical speciality of operating surgeon and the health board in which the procedure was performed. Whilst the number of thyroglossal operations has remained essentially static over the study period, there has been a steady trend of consolidation of the surgical speciality performing the procedure. In 1981, 58% of thyroglossal surgery was performed by general surgeons, 18% by paediatric surgeons and 15% by ENT surgeons nationally. In 2010, ENT surgeons are performing 81%. Conclusions Our data suggest that the provision of thyroglossal surgery is being consolidated in Scotland by speciality and that ENT surgeons are providing this service in the majority of cases.
Improved image quality at 256-slice coronary CT angiography in patients with a high heart rate and coronary artery disease: comparison with 64-slice CT imaging
Authors: Oda Seitaro , Katahira Kazuhiro , Utsunomiya Daisuke , Takaoka Hiroko , Honda Keiichi , Noda Katsuo , Oshima Shuichi , Yuki Hideaki , Namimoto Tomohiro , Yamashita Yasuyuki 
Published: October 2014

Background The 256-slice computed tomography (CT) scanners with wider detector coverage and faster gantry rotation speed are now available. The performance of scanners that feature a rotation speed of 270 ms at coronary CT angiography (CCTA) has not been evaluated in patients with a higher heart rate. Purpose To evaluate the image quality of 256-slice CT with faster gantry rotation speed in patients undergoing CCTA. Material and Methods We enrolled 886 patients; 357(40.3%) underwent study on a 64-slice CT at a rotation speed of 420 ms, the other 529 (59.7%) were examined using a 256-slice CT scanner at 270 ms. Two observers judged the image quality of 2658 imaged coronary arteries on a 4-point scale. Results The mean image quality score was significantly higher for the 256 - than the 64-slice CT scans (3.94 ± 0.28 vs. 3.73 ± 0.61; P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the image quality scores between 64 - and 256-slice scans in patients whose heart rate (HR) was <60 bpm. However, in patients whose HR exceeded 60 bpm these scores were significantly higher for 256-slice CT images ( P < 0.01). Conclusion CCTA performed on the 256-slice CT scanner yielded significantly better image quality in patients with an HR exceeding 60 bpm.
Volumetric measurements in patients with corrected tetralogy of Fallot: comparison of short-axis versus axial cardiac MRI and echocardiography
Authors: Schelhorn Juliane , Neudorf Ulrich , Schemuth Haemi , Nensa Felix , Nassenstein Kai , Schlosser Thomas W 
Published: October 2014

Background Patients with corrected tetralogy of Fallot (cToF) are prone to develop pulmonary regurgitation and right ventricular enlargement resulting in long-term complications, thus correct right ventricular volumetric monitoring is crucial. However, it remains controversial which cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) slice orientation is most appropriate in cToF for the analysis of the right ventricular volume. Purpose To investigate which slice orientation is most suited for right ventricular volumetry in cToF we compared short-axis and axial slices, and furthermore we compared right ventricular data between CMRI and echocardiography. Material and Methods Thirty CMRI examinations of 27 patients with cToF were included retrospectively. Right ventricular end-diastolic (EDV) and end-systolic volume (ESV) were derived from short-axis and axial cine CMRI planes. Furthermore, pulmonary trunk forward flow in phase-contrast CMRI and right ventricular inner diastolic diameter in echocardiography (R VIDdiast) were measured. By Bland-Altman and variance analysis intra- and inter-observer agreement were assessed for cine CMRI data. By Pearson correlation CMRI cine and phase-contrast data and CMRI cine and echocardiographic data were compared. Results Intra- and inter-observer variability for right ventricular EDV were significantly lower in axial slices ( P = 0.016, P = 0.010). For right ventricular ESV a trend towards a lower intra- and inter-observer variability in axial slices was found ( P = 0.063, P = 0.138). Right ventricular stroke volume in short-axis (r = 0.872, P < 0.001) and in axial (r = 0.914, P < 0.001) planes correlated highly, respectively very highly with pulmonary trunk forward flow in phase-contrast CMRI. R VIDdiast correlated highly with right ventricular EDV assessed by short-axis and axial CMRI ( P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Conclusion Due to lower intra- and inter-observer variability, axial slices are recommended for right ventricular volumetry in cToF.
IDEAL 3D spoiled gradient echo of the articular cartilage of the knee on 3.0 T MRI: a comparison with conventional 3.0 T fast spin-echo T2 fat saturation image
Authors: Han Chul Hee , Park Hee Jin , Lee So Yeon , Chung Eun Chul , Choi Seon Hyeong , Yun Ji Sup , Rho Myung Ho 
Published: October 2014

Background Many two-dimensional (2D) morphologic cartilage imaging sequences have disadvantages such as long acquisition time, inadequate spatial resolution, suboptimal tissue contrast, and image degradation secondary to artifacts. IDEAL imaging can overcome these disadvantages. Purpose To compare sound-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and quality of two different methods of imaging that include IDEAL 3D SPGR and 3.0-T FSE T2 fat saturation (FS) imaging and to evaluate the utility of IDEAL 3D SPGR for knee joint imaging. Material and Methods SNR and CNR of the patellar and femoral cartilages were measured and calculated. Two radiologists performed subjective scoring of all images for three measures: general image quality, FS, and cartilage evaluation. SNR and CNR values were compared by paired Student’s t-tests. Results Mean SNRs of patellar and femoral cartilages were 90% and 66% higher, respectively, for IDEAL 3D SPGR. CNRs of patellar cartilages and joint fluids were 2.4 times higher for FSE T2 FS, and CNR between the femoral cartilage and joint fluid was 2.2 times higher for FSE T2 FS. General image quality and FS were superior using FSE T2 FS compared to those of IDEAL 3D SPGR imaging according to both readers, while cartilage evaluation was superior using IDEAL 3D SPGR. Additionally, cartilage injuries were more prominent in IDEAL 3D SPGR than in FSE T2FS according to both readers. Conclusion IDEAL 3D SPGR images show excellent visualization of patellar and femoral cartilages in 3.0 T and can compensate for the weaknesses of FSE T2 FS in the evaluation of cartilage injuries.
Analysis of the changes induced by bevacizumab using a high temporal resolution DCE-MRI as prognostic factors for response to further neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Etxano Jon , Insausti Luis Pina , Elizalde Arlette , López Vega José Manuel , Plazaola Arrate , Martínez Purificación 
Published: October 2014

Background Antiangiogenic drugs are being used in the treatment of locally advanced breast cancer. The effect of these drugs can be monitorized using high temporal resolution dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). Purpose To evaluate changes in tumor microvasculature induced by bevacizumab and the usefulness of these changes predicting response to further neoadjuvant therapy. Material and Methods Seventy patients with locally advanced breast cancers were treated with one cycle of bevacizumab followed by neoadjuvant therapy, combining bevacizumab and cytotoxic chemotherapy. Two DCE-MRI were performed before and after bevacizumab. Changes in tumoral volume, pharmacodynamic curves, and pharmacokinetic variables (Ktrans, Kep, Ve, AUC90) in a ROI (ROI 1) encompassing the entire tumor and in another ROI (ROI 2) in the area of higher values of Ktrans were analyzed. Correlations with pathological response were made: parametrical and non-parametrical statistical analysis and ROC curves were used; a P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results Significant changes in tumoral volume (−4%), pharmacodynamic curves, and pharmacokinetic variables in ROI 1 Ktrans (−45%), Kep (−38%), Ve (−11%), and AUC90 (−44%) and ROI 2 Ktrans (−43%), Kep (−39%), Ve (−5%), and AUC90 (−45%) were observed after bevacizumab ( P < 0.05). The effect of bevacizumab was not different between responders and non-responders ( P > 0.05), and these changes could not predict response to further neoadjuvant therapy. Conclusion Bevacizumab induces remarkable tumoral volume, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetic changes. However, these changes could not be used as early predictors for response to further neoadjuvant therapy.
Modern multimodality diagnosis of portal vein infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma and expected changes during current therapies
Authors: Kaufmann Sascha , Schulze Maximilian , Spira Daniel , Horger Marius 
Published: October 2014

Diagnosis of malignant portal vein infiltration and especially differentiation from bland thrombosis is challenging for most imaging techniques. The use of contrast-enhanced real-time modern imaging modalities like contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), volume perfusion CT (VPCT), or dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) with dedicated postprocessing tools provides additional support in difficult cases and is therefore recommended. The purpose of this review is to present a practical overview of strengths and limitations of modern imaging techniques in the diagnosis of malignant infiltration of the portal vein by hepatocellular carcinoma and to describe subsequent changes during therapy.
Three-dimensional proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging with and without an endorectal coil: a prostate phantom study
Authors: Ma Chao , Chen Luguang , Scheenen Tom WJ , Lu Jianping , Wang Jian 
Published: October 2014

Background Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) of the prostate has been used with only a combination of external surface coils. The quality of spectral fitting of the (choline + creatine)/citrate ([Cho + Cr]/Cit) ratio at different field strengths and different coils is important for quantitative/semi-quantitative diagnosis of prostate cancer. Purpose To evaluate the quality of spectral fitting of the (Cho + Cr)/Cit ratio of a prostate phantom using MRSI at different field strengths and various coils. Material and Methods Experiments were using 1.5-T and 3.0-T MR systems. Measurements were taken on a homemade prostate phantom with different coils: spinal array; abdominal array; and endorectal. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of choline, creatine, and citrate peaks as well as the (Cho + Cr)/Cit ratio in each voxel were compared among groups using multi-way analysis of variance. Results Magnetic field strength, coils, and plane position had a significant effect on the SNR or (Cho + Cr)/Cit ratio, and there were interactions among groups (all P = 0.000). The 1.5-T (0.228 ± 0.044) exhibited a higher (Cho + Cr)/Cit ratio than the 3.0-T (0.125 ± 0.041) magnetic field strength (F = 3238, P = 0.000). The (Cho + Cr)/Cit ratio of both surface coils (0.183 ± 0.065) and all coils (0.181 ± 0.057) was significantly lower than that of the endorectal coil (0.195 ± 0.077) (both P < 0.05), but significant differences in the mean (Cho + Cr)/Cit ratio were not observed if surface coils and all coils were used ( P > 0.05). No significant differences were found among the (Cho + Cr)/Cit ratios of all voxels in the middle planes by the post-hoc analyses (all P > 0.05). Conclusion Three-dimensional proton MRSI of prostate metabolites in a phantom using surface coils is feasible and reliable, but (Cho + Cr)/Cit ratios acquired at different magnetic fields and coils were different. This difference should be taken into account when calculating this ratio in a field strength-independent way.
Maternal Characteristics Associated with Milk Leptin Content in a Sample of Filipino Women and Associations with Infant Weight for Age
Authors: Quinn Elizabeth A. , Largado Fe , Borja Judith B. , Kuzawa Christopher W. 
Published: October 2014

Background: Human milk contains many metabolic hormones that may influence infant growth. Milk leptin is positively associated with maternal adiposity and inversely associated with infant growth. Most research has been conducted in populations with higher leptin levels; it is not well understood how milk leptin may vary in lean populations or the associations that reduced leptin may have with infant size for age. It is also largely unknown if associations between maternal body composition and milk leptin persist past 1 year of age. Objectives: We investigated the association between maternal body composition and milk leptin content in a sample of lean Filipino women and the association between milk leptin content and infant size for age. Methods: Milk samples were collected at in-home visits from 113 mothers from Cebu, Philippines. Milk leptin content was measured using EIA techniques; anthropometric data, dietary recalls, and household information were also collected. Results: Mean ± standard deviation (SD) milk leptin in this sample was 300.7 ± 293.6 pg/mL, among the lowest previously reported. Mean ± SD maternal percentage body fat was 24.8% ± 3.5%. Mean ± SD infant age was 9.9 ± 7.0 months, and mean ± SD weight for age z-score was −0.98 ± 1.06. Maternal percentage body fat was a significant, positive predictor of milk leptin content. Milk leptin was a significant, inverse predictor of infant weight and body mass index z-scores in infants 1 year old or younger. Conclusion: The association between maternal body composition, milk leptin, and infant growth persists in mothers with lean body composition. Milk leptin is not associated with growth in older infants.
Facilitating Working Mothers’ Ability to Breastfeed
Authors: Atabay Efe , Moreno Gonzalo , Nandi Arijit , Kranz Gabriella , Vincent Ilona , Assi Tina-Marie , Vaughan Winfrey Elise Marie , Earle Alison , Raub Amy , Heymann S. Jody 
Published: October 2014

Background: Mothers who work away from home tend to stop breastfeeding earlier than their nonworking counterparts due to workplace barriers. Barriers to breastfeeding discriminate against women and may lead to inequities in children’s health outcomes. Guaranteeing paid breastfeeding breaks at work is 1 mechanism that can improve mothers’ opportunity to breastfeed in the workplace. Objective: This study aimed to assess the trends in the share of countries guaranteeing breastfeeding breaks in the workplace and paid maternal leave that lasts until the infant is 6 months old (the World Health Organization recommended duration for exclusive breastfeeding), between 1995 and 2014. Methods: Legislation and secondary source data were collected and reviewed for 193 United Nations member states. Legislation was analyzed for content on breastfeeding breaks and maternal leave guarantees. Results: Fifty-one countries (26.7%) in 2014 did not guarantee breastfeeding breaks in any form and 4 countries provided only unpaid breaks or breaks that did not cover the first 6 months of life; since 1995, around 15 countries (10.2%) legislated for such a policy. In 2014, out of 55 countries that did not guarantee paid breastfeeding breaks for the first 6 months after birth, 7 countries guaranteed paid maternal leave for the same duration; 48 countries (25.1%) provided neither paid maternal leave nor paid breastfeeding breaks. Conclusion: Progress in the number of countries guaranteeing breastfeeding breaks at work is modest. Adopting measures to facilitate breastfeeding at work can be a critical opportunity for countries to increase breastfeeding rates among the growing number of women in the labor force.
Conventionalized code-switching: Entrenched semantic-pragmatic patterns of a bilingual Basque–Spanish speech style
Authors: Lantto Hanna 
Published: October 2014

Aims and objectives: This article examines a grey area on the code-switching–borrowing continuum in a Basque–Spanish language contact situation. It is argued that the notion of conventionalized code-switching is needed to explain the clear semantic-pragmatic patterns that emerge under these specific sociolinguistic circumstances. A key aspect of conventionalized code-switching is its predictability: items that pertain to certain semantic-pragmatic categories are switched as default. Approach: The approach follows the principles of usage-based grammar: cognitive organization of linguistic material can be deduced from the usage. Conventionalized code-switching informs us about the bilingual informants’ mental representation of the contact varieties. Data and analysis: Two types of data were examined for this research: (1) 22 hours of naturally occurring speech data with 22 informants from the Greater Bilbao area, and (2) eight hours of metalinguistic conversations about code-switching with 33 informants. Findings and conclusions: The informants seem to use Spanish pragmatic markers, swear words and colloquialisms throughout the data as default expressions for these semantic-pragmatic domains. Their Basque equivalents are almost absent from the data. Even though frequently used, the conventionalized expressions still retain their Spanishness and have not become established borrowings for the informants. Originality: The discussion about code-switching and borrowing has concerned mainly single items. In this article, the focus is on patterns. The paper also connects the study of synchronic code-switching with loanword layers studied in historical contact linguistics. Significance: The article paints a comprehensive picture of ongoing lexical language change. Yet, conventionalized code-switching is fundamentally a synchronic phenomenon and does not always turn into diachronic establishment of these elements. Limitations: The code-switching of aforementioned semantic-pragmatic categories has been conventionalized in the bilingual community, but there is great variation of entrenched items in the individual repertoires. This individual variation is worth further study.
Phosphorylation status of human RNA-binding protein 8A in cells and its inhibitory regulation by Magoh
Authors: Ishigaki Yasuhito , Nakamura Yuka , Tatsuno Takanori , Ma Shaofu , Tomosugi Naohisa 
Published: October 2014

The RNA-binding protein 8A (RBM8A)–mago-nashi homolog, proliferation-associated (Magoh) complex is a component of the exon junction complex (EJC) required for mRNA metabolism involving nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). RBM8A is a phosphorylated protein that plays some roles in NMD. However, the detailed status and mechanism of the phosphorylation of RBM8A is not completely understood. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed in detail RBM8A phosphorylation in human cells. Accordingly, analysis of the phosphorylation status of RBM8A protein in whole-cell lysates by using Phos-tag gels revealed that the majority of endogenous RBM8A was phosphorylated throughout the cell-cycle progression. Nuclear and cytoplasmic RBM8A and RBM8A in the EJC were also found to be mostly phosphorylated. We also screened the phosphorylated serine by mutational analysis using Phos-tag gels to reveal modifications of serine residues 166 and 168. A single substitution at position 168 that concomitantly abolished the phosphorylation of serine 166 suggested the priority of kinase reaction between these sites. Furthermore, analysis of the role of the binding protein Magoh in RBM8A phosphorylation revealed its inhibitory effect in vitro and in vivo. Thus, we conclude that almost all synthesized RBM8A proteins are rapidly phosphorylated in cells and that phosphorylation occurs before the complex formation with Magoh.