bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preoperative Assessment of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function and Right Ventricular Systolic Function Have Independent and Incremental Prognostic Value in Prediction of Early Postoperative Mortality in Redo Valve Surgery
Authors: Mordi Ify , Al‐Attar Nawwar , Tzemos Nikolaos 
Published: August 2014

ObjectivesRedo valve surgery is associated with increased risk of mortality that may be underestimated by current risk scores. In this study, we hypothesized that additional echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular diastolic and right ventricular systolic function would have independent prognostic value in the prediction of early postoperative mortality in patients undergoing redo valve surgery.MethodsWe prospectively evaluated 145 patients who underwent redo mitral or aortic valve surgery at our center. All patients underwent comprehensive preoperative echocardiography. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality at 30 days.ResultsThe 30‐day mortality rate was 11.7%. Independent of EuroSCORE II both preoperative left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and right ventricular systolic dysfunction were a significant multivariable predictors of 30‐day mortality (HR 5.47; 95% CI 1.12–26.74, P = 0.036 and HR 4.09; 95% CI 1.11–15.07, P = 0.035, respectively) in addition to EuroSCORE II. Diastolic dysfunction remained significant when added to other clinically significant variables. The assessment of both parameters increased the discriminatory power of EuroSCORE II for prediction of early mortality and the combination identified a group at very high risk of mortality.ConclusionsComprehensive preoperative echocardiography including assessment of left ventricular diastolic and right ventricular systolic function has independent prognostic value over and above EuroSCORE II in the prediction of early postoperative mortality in patients undergoing redo valve surgery. The results of preoperative echocardiography should be taken into account during the selection and perioperative management of patients undergoing redo valvular surgery.
Two‐Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography for the Prediction of Reversible Myocardial Dysfunction after Acute Myocardial Infarction: Comparison with Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Orii Makoto , Hirata Kumiko , Tanimoto Takashi , Shiono Yasutsugu , Shimamura Kunihiro , Ishibashi Kohei , Yamano Takashi , Ino Yasushi , Kitabata Hironori , Yamaguchi Tomoyuki , Kubo Takashi , Imanishi Toshio , Akasaka Takashi 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundWe aimed to determine the predictive value of longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strains by two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) for improvement in cardiac function after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) compared with that of contrast‐enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (ceMRI).MethodsIn 35 patients with first‐time AMI, myocardial viability was assessed to predict recovery of function at follow‐up (7 ± 2 months), prospectively. For each left ventricular segment, each peak strains were determined using 2DSTE, and the relative extent of hyperenhancement was assessed using ceMRI.ResultsOf 176 segments with impaired function early after AMI, 99 segments showed regional recovery. Compared with segments showing functional improvement, those that failed to recover had lower peak radial (20 ± 16% vs. 32 ± 21%; P < 0.001), circumferential (−10 ± 5% vs. −20 ± 6%; P < 0.001), and longitudinal (−10 ± 5% vs. −14 ± 5%; P < 0.001) strain and a greater extent of hyperenhancement (71 ± 22% vs. 27 ± 20%; P < 0.001). Among strain parameters, circumferential strain yielded greater area under the curve (AUC; 0.899) than radial and longitudinal strain (0.682 and 0.718, respectively). The predictive value of circumferential strain (sensitivity 81.0%, specificity 79.6%, at a cutoff value of −14.3%) could be comparable to that of hyperenhancement (sensitivity 86.2%, specificity 83.9%, AUC 0.921, at a cutoff value of 47%) (P = 0.439).ConclusionCircumferential strain can identify reversible myocardial dysfunction after AMI with a diagnostic ability comparable to that of ceMRI.
Surgical extrusion of multiple teeth with crown‐root fractures: a case report with 18‐months follow up
Authors: Lee Ji‐Hyun , Yoon Sung‐Min 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe objective of this case report is to describe the treatment procedure involved in surgical extrusion of multiple crown‐root fractures and review the critical factors to be considered for successful and predictable outcome. The treatment of complicated crown‐root fracture in anterior teeth is likely to compromise function and aesthetics when approached with conventional surgical crown lengthening. Orthodontic extrusion has also been suggested; however, it is time‐consuming, aesthetically compromising and hardly applicable on multiple anterior crown‐root fractures due to the limited source of anchorage. To overcome the shortcomings of suggested treatment modalities, we performed atraumatic surgical extrusion of four anterior fractured teeth along with their rotation within the sockets. The teeth were gently luxated and extruded to the desired position, minimizing damage to the marginal alveolar bone and root surfaces without rigid splint. The treated teeth were functioning normally 18 months after the procedure, and the mobility and probing depths were within normal limits. Radiographs revealed functional periodontal ligament space along with lamina dura formation around the extruded roots. There was neither root resorption nor significant marginal bone loss. This technique might be a promising alternative to conventional crown lengthening, especially in the anterior zone to avoid functional or aesthetic complications.
Lesions to the CA2 region of the hippocampus impair social memory in mice
Authors: Stevenson Erica L. , Caldwell Heather K. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe function of the CA2 region of the hippocampus is poorly understood. Although the CA1 and CA3 regions have been extensively studied, for years the CA2 region has primarily been viewed as a linking area between the two. However, the CA2 region is known to have distinct neurochemical and structural features that are different from the other parts of the hippocampus and in recent years it has been suggested that the CA2 region may play a role in the formation and/or recall of olfactory‐based memories needed for normal social behavior. Although this hypothesis has been supported by hippocampal lesion studies that have included the CA2 region, no studies have attempted to specifically lesion the CA2 region of the hippocampus in mice to determine the effects on social recognition memory and olfaction. To fill this knowledge gap, we sought to perform excitotoxic N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate lesions of the CA2 region and determine the effects on social recognition memory. We predicted that lesions of the CA2 region would impair social recognition memory. We then went on to test olfaction in CA2‐lesioned mice, as social memory requires a functional olfactory system. Consistent with our prediction, we found that CA2‐lesioned animals had impaired social recognition. These findings are significant because they confirmed that the CA2 region of the hippocampus is a part of the neural circuitry that regulates social recognition memory, which may have implications for our understanding of the neural regulation of social behavior across species.
Fine Individual Specialization and Elitism among Workers of the Ant Ectatomma tuberculatum for a Highly Specific Task: Intruder Removal
Authors: Rocha Franklin H. , Lachaud Jean‐Paul , Valle‐Mora Javier , Pérez‐Lachaud Gabriela 
Published: August 2014

AbstractInsect societies are characterized by a relatively sophisticated division of labor; they form tightly knit groups that must effectively exclude non‐members from the colony. However, the Neotropical predatory ant Ectatomma tuberculatum can harbor several specific myrmecophiles and, in particular, various eucharitid parasitoid wasp species. Adult wasps eclose in the host nests and are removed by worker ants without harm. Previous observations suggest that only a few workers perform this task. To test this hypothesis, we introduced different types of intruders, live and dead, pentane‐washed broad‐nosed grain weevil individuals (Caulophilus oryzae) and dead, pentane‐washed eucharitids (Dilocantha lachaudii), into laboratory colonies containing individually marked workers. We recorded all encounters and behaviors until the intruders were removed. Certain workers removed intruders more frequently than expected by chance. The number of encounters with an intruder was positively correlated with the number of removals performed by the workers. For each nest, a small group of workers was identified as specialized in intruder removal. A subset of very committed workers in the specialists group that performed up to 57% of removals qualified as hyperspecialists or elite workers. The behavioral sequences differed based on the type and condition of the intruder: the sequence was more complex and included numerous aggressive behaviors (mandibular strikes and attempts at stinging) when workers encountered a live weevil. In contrast, the behavioral sequences with dead, pentane‐washed insects were characterized by numerous detections through contact that did not lead to rejection and by the intruders simply being seized and removed from the nest. Overall, the data show that the ants discriminated between live and pentane‐washed intruders and adjusted their behavior accordingly. This is the first demonstration in ants of both behavioral specialization and hyperspecialization in intruder removal.
Fault prediction considering threshold effects of object‐oriented metrics
Authors: Malhotra Ruchika , Bansal Ankita Jain 
Published: August 2014

AbstractSoftware product quality can be enhanced significantly if we have a good knowledge and understanding of the potential faults therein. This paper describes a study to build predictive models to identify parts of the software that have high probability of occurrence of fault. We have considered the effect of thresholds of object‐oriented metrics on fault proneness and built predictive models based on the threshold values of the metrics used. Prediction of fault prone classes in earlier phases of software development life cycle will help software developers in allocating the resources efficiently. In this paper, we have used a statistical model derived from logistic regression to calculate the threshold values of object oriented, Chidamber and Kemerer metrics. Thresholds help developers to alarm the classes that fall outside a specified risk level. In this way, using the threshold values, we can divide the classes into two levels of risk – low risk and high risk. We have shown threshold effects at various risk levels and validated the use of these thresholds on a public domain, proprietary dataset, KC1 obtained from NASA and two open source, Promise datasets, IVY and JEdit using various machine learning methods and data mining classifiers. Interproject validation has also been carried out on three different open source datasets, Ant and Tomcat and Sakura. This will provide practitioners and researchers with well formed theories and generalised results. The results concluded that the proposed threshold methodology works well for the projects of similar nature or having similar characteristics.
Crack growth resistance curves of GLARE 3 5/4 0.3 fiber–metal laminates at low temperature
Authors: Paiva Martins Fontes O. H. , Bastian F. L. , Castrodeza E. M. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTThe objective of this work was the evaluation of crack growth resistance curves ( J–Rcurves) of commercial GLARE® 3 5/4 laminates at −50 °C. The experimental evaluation of these curves was performed on 50‐mm‐wide compact tension specimens through the unloading compliance technique. The tests were based on the ASTM E1820 standard with minor modifications. Additionally, tensile tests were also performed at −50 °C on dogbone specimens according to the ASTM E8M standard. Comparisons between low and room temperature properties indicate that the material preserves both its tensile strength and fracture toughness at −50 °C, although low temperatureJ–Rcurves presented smaller slopes than the room temperature ones after the onset of stable crack growth.
Empirical Validation of Listening Proficiency Guidelines
Authors: Cox Troy L. , Clifford Ray 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBecause listening has received little attention and the validation of ability scales describing multidimensional skills is always challenging, this study applied a multistage, criterion‐referenced approach that used a framework of aligned audio passages and listening tasks to explore the validity of the ACTFL and related listening proficiency guidelines. Rasch measurement and statistical analyses of data generated in seven separate language studies resulted in significant differences in listening difficulty between the proficiency levels tested and confirmed the validity of the ACTFL proficiency assessment for listening.
Comparing Teachers' Judgments of Learners' Speech in Chinese as a Foreign Language
Authors: Orton Jane 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPedagogical norms for Chinese as a foreign language (CFL) shared by teachers, curriculum writers, and resource designers inside and outside of Chinese societies are yet to be established. To initiate and inform dialogue within the CFL community over shared expectations of learners, this study compared the judgments of students' oral presentations rendered by three groups of teachers: first language (L1) teachers of Chinese in China, L1 teachers of Chinese in Australia, and second language (L2) teachers of Chinese in Australia, where Chinese has been taught in K–16 schools for more than 25 years. The aim was to ascertain the nature and range of features that the three groups noticed and found acceptable and to identify differences in perspectives, including those that were tacitly understood and those that were overtly stated. Results showed considerable common ground on which to create norms for the growing number of CFL programs. However, the data also revealed strong differences between L1 teachers and L2 teachers on the nature of the speaker–audience relationship being sought, suggesting deeper conceptual differences along L1‐L2 lines about this particular aspect of students' oral communication. These findings call for committed intercultural dialogue over “appropriate meaning schemata for FL [foreign language] learners” (Kramsch, 2002) as well as further research.
Exploring Oral Proficiency Profiles of Heritage Speakers of Russian and Spanish
Authors: Swender Elvira , Martin Cynthia L. , Rivera‐Martinez Mildred , Kagan Olga E. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis article explores the linguistic profiles of heritage speakers of Russian and Spanish. Data from the 2009–2013 ACTFL‐UCLA NHLRC Heritage Language Project included biographical information as well as speech samples that were elicited using the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview–computer and were rated according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines 2012–Speaking by certified testers. The goal of the study was to better understand the multiple linguistic, educational, and experiential factors that contributed to the speaking proficiency of these heritage speakers as well as how those features affected the tasks and contexts in which the speakers could more appropriately communicate in the language. The data illuminate the linguistic strengths and weaknesses of speakers within certain ranges and highlight those language features that prevented the participants from being rated at the next higher level. The authors discuss implications for teaching and learning and make recommendations for both heritage speakers and their instructors.
Quality of life across three groups of older adults differing in cognitive status and place of residence
Authors: León‐Salas Beatriz , Ayala Alba , Blaya‐Nováková Vendula , Avila‐Villanueva Marina , Rodríguez‐Blázquez Carmen , Rojo‐Pérez Fermina , Fernández‐Mayoralas Gloria , Martínez‐Martín Pablo , Forjaz Maria João ,   Spanish Research Group on Quality of Life and Aging
Published: August 2014

BackgroundHealth‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in older adults is determined by personal conditions, as well as by the social and physical environment. The purpose of the present study was to describe the factors related to health conditions and residential environment that influence HRQOL of older adults.MethodsData from 1815 cases came from three cross‐sectional surveys on quality of life in older adults in Spain: non‐institutionalized older adults (n = 1106), institutionalized older adults without dementia (n = 234) and institutionalized older adults with dementia (n = 475). Assessment instruments used were: Barthel Index, Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire, Comorbidity Index, EQ‐5D‐3L (5 dimensions, EQ‐index and EQ‐VAS), and information about sociodemographic characteristics and social networks. Partial correlation and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out.ResultsIn group comparisons, institutionalized older adults showed a higher percentage of problems in the EQ‐5D‐3L dimensions than the non‐institutionalized ones. Also, older adults with dementia presented less pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression than the other groups, but showed more problems in mobility, self‐care and usual activities. EQ‐Index showed a high association with functional independence, perceived health status and comorbidity. According to the logistic regression models, the Barthel Index was the most common determinant for most of EQ‐5D‐3L dimensions in all groups.ConclusionInstitutionalized older adults with dementia presented lower HRQOL than the other groups. Functional independence, comorbidity and cognitive status were the main HRQOL determinants in all groups. Maintenance and improvement of the functional condition might be translated into a higher HRQOL of older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 627–635.
Are cytokeratin‐positive cells in sentinel lymph nodes of patients with invasive breast carcinomas up to 5 mm usually insignificant?
Authors: Jaffer Shabnam , Bleiweiss Ira J , Nayak Anupma 
Published: August 2014

AimsIt is known that sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) may be falsely positive due to displaced epithelial cells, particularly in cases with an underlying intraductal papilloma. Given the low metastatic rate in pT1a carcinomas, we aimed to investigate the effect of this phenomenon on staging.Methods and resultsUsing morphology and immunohistochemistry, we classified the epithelial cells in the SLN in 39 cases of pT1a carcinoma as positive for carcinoma in six, negative in 26 and undetermined in seven. Comparative morphology and immunohistochemistry (using oestrogen receptor, ER) showed complete concordance between the primary carcinoma and SLN in the positive cases, and discordance in the negative cases. The primary tumours in the negative cases were ER‐positive except one, in contrast to the SLN cytokeratin‐positive (CK+) cells, which were ER‐negative. The exception was a case with a Her2‐positive primary, in which the SLN CK+ cells did not stain for Her2. In these cases considered SLN‐negative, either displacement (19 cases) or an intraductal papilloma (20 cases) was identified. Two cases showed displacement of benign and malignant cells in the biopsy. Seven cases were indeterminate due to the small number of SLN CK+ cells, precluding comparison with the primary.ConclusionGiven the low rate of metastases in pT1a carcinomas, the significance of SLN CK+ cells should be resolved by comparative morphology and immunohistochemistry to prevent erroneous upstaging.
Type A and AB thymomas: histological features associated with increased stage
Authors: Green Anna C , Marx Alexander , Ströbel Philipp , Mason Marianne , Lim Eric , Jordan Simon , Ladas George , Dusmet Michael , Rice Alexandra , Nicholson Andrew G 
Published: August 2014

AimsThe current WHO classification of thymic epithelial neoplasms describes type A and type AB thymomas as behaving ‘like benign neoplasms’. However, recent published data suggest that rare cases may show more aggressive behaviour. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of atypical cases, and to determine whether atypia is associated with more advanced disease.Methods and resultsOne hundred and twenty‐one thymomas (type A, n = 68; type AB, n = 53) were retrospectively reviewed for ‘atypical’ features (nuclear pleomorphism, mitotic activity, and necrosis). Logistic regression was used to ascertain the association with increasing Masaoka–Koga stage. Where available, follow‐up data were also reviewed. There were 72 stage I, 42 stage II, five stage III and two stage IV tumours. Only the presence of necrosis showed a significant association with increased stage in univariate and multivariate analysis. Nuclear atypia and increased mitotic activity were not associated with increasing stage of disease.ConclusionsOur data support the concept of there being more aggressive atypical variants of both type A and type AB thymoma, and suggest that the presence of necrosis could be used to predict aggressive behaviour.
Monitoring the biogenic amines in Chinese traditional salted pork in jelly (Yao‐meat) by colorimetric sensor array based on nine natural pigments
Authors: Xiaowei Huang , Xiaobo Zou , Jiewen Zhao , Jiyong Shi , Zhihua Li , Tingting Shen 
Published: August 2014

SummaryTo develop simple, cheap and convenient sensors for Yao‐meat freshness evaluation and biogenic amines (BAs) detection, a colorimetric sensor array was made by printing nine natural pigments on a hydrophobic nanoporous film. A colour change profile for each sample was obtained by differentiating the image of sensor array before and after exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The sensor array was exposed to atmospheres containing BAs vapours with concentrations over the range 10–30 ppm. Rosa chinensis extract possessed the highest sensitivity thanked to the highest anthocyanin contents. The results of principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the measurements corresponded to three freshness levels were separated clearly. The partial least‐squares prediction model was obtained with the correlation coefficients of 0.921 and 0.907 in calibration and validation sets, respectively. This research suggested that the anthocyanins content pigments maybe a very useful colorimetric sensor for quality evaluation of meat.