bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Triassic echinoids (Echinodermata) from the Aksala Formation, north Lake Laberge, Yukon Territory, Canada
Authors: Zonneveld John‐Paul , Furlong Carolyn M. , Sanders Shelby C. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractLate Triassic (Carnian–Norian) echinoids from the Aksala Formation in the Lake Laberge area of the Whitehorse Trough, Yukon Territory, Canada, are described. These echinoids comprise the first description of Triassic echinoids from Canada and, with the exception of fragmentary material from Utah, are the only Upper Triassic echinoids on the western coast of Pangaea north of Peru.Triassicidaris peruviensisSmith is identified from a coronal fragment that consists of an ambulacral column and five attached interambulacral plates from a Carnian outcrop succession.Parvicidarissp., also from Carnian strata, is identified based on a coronal fragment that consists of two ambulacral and three interambulacral columns. This occurrence extends the range of this typically Norian taxon both north to the Yukon and earlier into the Carnian. Additional specimens, identified asTriassicidarissp., occur within Norian strata of the Aksala taxa, one of which (‘Cidaris’labergensissp. nov.) is new. Both the corona‐based taxa and the spine form taxa show mixed affinities with Tethyan and southern New World populations and reinforce the association between Triassic echinoid faunas and reefal settings.
Robotic‐Assisted Surgery Improves the Quality of Total Mesorectal Excision for Rectal Cancer Compared to Laparoscopy: Results of a Case–Controlled Analysis
Authors: Allemann Pierre , Duvoisin Céline , Di Mare Luca , Hübner Martin , Demartines Nicolas , Hahnloser Dieter 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe use of a robotic surgical system is claimed to allow precise traction and counter‐traction, especially in a narrow pelvis. Whether this translates to improvement of the quality of the resected specimen is not yet clear. The aim of the study was to compare the quality of the TME and the short‐term oncological outcome between robotic and laparoscopic rectal cancer resections.
Methods20 consecutive robotic TME performed in a single institution for rectal cancer (Rob group) were matched 1:2 to 40 laparoscopic resections (Lap group) for gender, body mass index (BMI), and distance from anal verge on rigid proctoscopy. The quality of TME was assessed by 2 blinded and independent pathologists and reported according to international standardized guidelines.
ResultsBoth samples were well matched for gender, BMI (median 25.9 vs. 24.2 kg/m2, p = 0.24), and level of the tumor (4.1 vs. 4.8 cm, p = 0.20). The quality of the TME was better in the Robotic group (complete TME: 95 vs. 55 %; p = 0.0003, nearly complete TME 5 vs. 37 %; p = 0.04, incomplete TME 0 vs. 8 %, p = 0.09). A trend for lower positive circumferential margin was observed in the Robotic group (10 vs. 25 %, p = 0.1).ConclusionsThese results suggest that robotic‐assisted surgery improves the quality of TME for rectal cancer. Whether this translates to better oncological outcome needs to be further investigated.
Evaluation of 64‐Channel Contrast‐Enhanced Multi‐detector Row Computed Tomography for Preoperative N Staging in cT2‐4 Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: Ohashi Masaki , Morita Shinji , Fukagawa Takeo , Wada Takeyuki , Kushima Ryoji , Onaya Hiroaki , Katai Hitoshi 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundPreoperative N staging is essential for the best treatment planning in patients with gastric carcinoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of preoperative N staging using contrast‐enhanced multi‐detector row computed tomography (CE‐MDCT) in patients with resectable cT2‐4 gastric carcinoma.MethodsA total of 218 patients who underwent a gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for previously untreated cT2‐4 primary gastric carcinoma were studied. Preoperative N staging was performed according to the 7th (UICC) TNM Staging System using pre‐specified criteria on a 64‐channel CE‐MDCT and was compared with postoperative pathologic N staging.ResultsIn all 218 patients, a distal or total gastrectomy was performed. The overall accuracy of the preoperative N staging was 46.3 % (101/218), with the proportion of over‐ and under‐staging being 26.6 % (58/218) and 27.1 % (59/218), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for lymph node metastasis (≥pN1) were 79.1 % (106/134), 50.0 % (42/84), and 67.9 % (148/218), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for multiple lymph node metastases (≥pN2) were 80.2 % (73/91), 68.5 % (87/127), and 73.4 % (160/218), respectively. Multivariate analyses showed that macroscopic type 2 and ≥6 cm‐sized tumors were associated with preoperative over‐N staging, while macroscopic type 1/3 tumors were associated with under‐N staging.ConclusionPreoperative N staging with pinpoint accuracy is difficult. However, CE‐MDCT offers a reasonably high sensitivity and specificity for ≥pN2 and may be useful for selecting candidates for neoadjuvant therapies. The macroscopic type and size of the primary tumor may affect the accuracy of preoperative N staging.
Parapharyngeal Metastasis of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Moritani Sueyoshi 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundNodal involvement of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) commonly occurs in the paratracheal region and the internal jugular chain. Lymph node metastasis in the parapharyngeal space (PPS) is rare. In this report, we describe our experience and surgical outcomes of patients with PPS metastasis of PTC.MethodsClinical data of patients with PTC who underwent surgery at our institution between January 2006 and December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed, and 22 patients with PPS metastasis were enrolled.Results
There were 2 primary and 20 secondary cases of PPS metastasis. Involvement of the jugular nodes was noted before or at the time of PPS metastasis detection in all cases. A transcervical surgical approach with partial resection of the mandibular angle was performed in 21 patients, while 1 patient underwent extirpation of the PPS metastasis via a transoral approach. Although curative resection was performed in 21 patients, the PPS metastasis was not removable in 1 patient owing to an invaded internal carotid artery at the skull base. Twelve and 6 patients had locoregional and distant recurrence, respectively. Of the 12 patients with locoregional recurrence, isolated locoregional recurrence in the PPS occurred in 1. Eight patients died of distant or locoregional recurrence, with a median survival time of 91.7 months.ConclusionsFor patients who experience recurrence after thyroid surgery, the possibility of PPS metastasis should be considered. In this series, all patients with PPS metastasis also had previous unilateral or bilateral cervical metastasis. Despite curative attempt, most patients experienced local or distant recurrence.
Performance and grain yield stability of maize populations developed using marker-assisted recurrent selection and pedigree selection procedures
Authors: Beyene Yoseph , Semagn Kassa , Mugo Stephen , Prasanna Boddupalli M. , Tarekegne Amsal , Gakunga John , Sehabiague Pierre , Meisel Barbara , Oikeh Sylvester O. , Olsen Michael , Crossa Jose 
Published: November 2015

AbstractA marker-assisted recurrent selection (MARS) program was undertaken in sub-Saharan Africa to improve grain yield under drought-stress in 10 biparental tropical maize populations. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the performance of C1S2-derived hybrids obtained after three MARS cycles (one cycle of recombination (C1), followed by two generations of selfing (S2), and to study yield stability under both drought-stress (DS) and well-watered (WW) conditions. For each of the 10 populations, we evaluated hybrids developed by crossing 47–74 C1S2 lines advanced through MARS, the best five S5 lines developed through pedigree selection, and the founder parents with a single-cross tester from a complementary heterotic group. The hybrids and five commercial checks were evaluated in Kenya under 1–3 DS and 3–5 WW conditions with two replications. Combined across DS locations, the top 10 C1S2-derived hybrids from each of the 10 biparental populations produced 0.5–46.3 and 11.1–55.1 % higher mean grain yields than hybrids developed using pedigree selection and the commercial checks, respectively. Across WW locations, the best 10 hybrids derived from C1S2 of each population produced 3.4–13.3 and 7.9–36.5 % higher grain yields than hybrids derived using conventional pedigree breeding and the commercial checks, respectively. Mean days to anthesis of the best 10 C1S2 hybrids were comparable to those of hybrids developed using the pedigree method, the founder parents and the commercial checks, with a maximum difference of 3.5 days among the different groups. However, plant height was significantly (P < 0.01) different in most pairwise comparisons. Our results showed the superiority of MARS over pedigree selection for improving diverse tropical maize populations as sources of improved lines for stress-prone environments and thus MARS can be effectively integrated into mainstream maize breeding programs.
Estimation of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii biomass concentration from chord length distribution data
Authors: Lopez-Exposito Patricio , Suarez Angeles Blanco , Negro Carlos 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
A novel method to estimate the concentration of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii biomass was developed. The method employs the chord length distribution information gathered by means of a focused beam reflectance probe immersed in the culture sample and processes the data through a feedforward multilayer perceptron. The multilayer perceptron architecture was systematically optimised through the application of a simulated annealing algorithm. The method developed can predict the concentration of microalgae with acceptable accuracy and, with further development, it could be implemented online to monitor the aggregation status and biomass concentration of microalgal cultures.
Screw Dislocation Interacting with a Wedge Crack Penetrating a Fibrous Three-phase Magnetoelectroelastic Composite
Authors: Shen M.-H. , Hung S.-Y. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractOn the basis of the linear magnetoelectroelasticity, the interaction problem between a generalized screw dislocation and a fibrous three-phase magnetoelectroelastic composite penetrated by a semi-infinite wedge crack is investigated in this paper. The fibrous magnetoelectroelastic composite is composed of three dissimilar materials bonded along two concentric circular interfaces. The magnetoelectroelastic materials are assumed to be transversely isotropic and have the same poling direction. The analytical derivations are based on the complex variable, conformal mapping, analytical continuation and image singularity methods. Numerical calculations are given graphically for studying the effects of material combinations, geometric models, wedge angles and the load type on the generalized stress fields, the generalized stress intensity factors, and the forces on the dislocation.
Alumina Nanofluids As Electrolytes Comparisons to Various Neutral Aqueous Solutions Inside Battery
Authors: Wang R.-T. , Wang J.-C. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis study investigated four electrolytes (tap water, mineral water, seawater, and Al2O3 nanoparticles emulsified in deionized water) to prepare nanofluids for enhancing their microgeneration and heattransfer capabilities by conducting thermoelectric performance experiments on power generation facilities. This study first performed a two-step synthesis process by using emulsion-ultrasonic technology for fabricating an Al2O3 nanofluid to determine the optimal suspended stability for the alumina nanofluid used as an electrolyte according to the Zeta potential, pH value, thermal conductivity, and viscosity. The alumina nanofluid was then compared with the other aqueous solutions to determine the characteristics of the effects of the output currents, voltages, resistances, and temperature distributions at different operating temperatures, distances, and electrode areas. Finally, the emulsifying effect of the alumina nanofluid between 0 wt % and 2 wt % demonstrated the most favorable stability, particle fraction, thermal conductivity, and stable current output.
Application of dried blood spots to determine vitamin D status in a large nutritional study with unsupervised sampling: the Food4Me project
Authors: Hoeller Ulrich , Baur Manuela , Roos Franz F. , Brennan Lorraine , Daniel Hannelore , Fallaize Rosalind , Forster Hannah , Gibney Eileen R. , Gibney Mike , Godlewska Magdalena , Hartwig Kai , Kolossa Silvia , Lambrinou Christina P. , Livingstone Katherine M. , Lovegrove Julie A. , Macready Anna L. , Manios Yannis , Marsaux Cyril F. M. , Martinez J. Alfredo , Celis-Morales Carlos , Moschonis George , Navas-Carretero Santiago , O’Donovan Clare B. , San-Cristobal Rodrigo , Saris Wim H. M. , Surwiłło Agnieszka , Traczyk Iwona , Tsirigoti Lydia , Walsh Marianne C. , Woolhead Clara , Mathers John C. , Weber Peter 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAn efficient and robust method to measure vitamin D (25-hydroxy vitamin D3(25(OH)D3) and 25-hydroxy vitamin D2in dried blood spots (DBS) has been developed and applied in the pan-European multi-centre, internet-based, personalised nutrition intervention study Food4Me. The method includes calibration with blood containing endogenous 25(OH)D3, spotted as DBS and corrected for haematocrit content. The methodology was validated following international standards. The performance characteristics did not reach those of the current gold standard liquid chromatography-MS/MS in plasma for all parameters, but were found to be very suitable for status-level determination under field conditions. DBS sample quality was very high, and 3778 measurements of 25(OH)D3were obtained from 1465 participants. The study centre and the season within the study centre were very good predictors of 25(OH)D3levels (P<0·001 for each case). Seasonal effects were modelled by fitting a sine function with a minimum 25(OH)D3level on 20 January and a maximum on 21 July. The seasonal amplitude varied from centre to centre. The largest difference between winter and summer levels was found in Germany and the smallest in Poland. The model was cross-validated to determine the consistency of the predictions and the performance of the DBS method. The Pearson’s correlation between the measured values and the predicted values wasr0·65, and thesdof their differences was 21·2 nmol/l. This includes the analytical variation and the biological variation within subjects. Overall, DBS obtained by unsupervised sampling of the participants at home was a viable methodology for obtaining vitamin D status information in a large nutritional study.
Genetic and morphological studies ofTrichosirocalusspecies introduced to North America, Australia and New Zealand for the biological control of thistles
Authors: De Biase A. , Colonnelli E. , Belvedere S. , La Marca A. , Cristofaro M. , Smith L. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractTrichosirocalus horridussensu lato has been used as a biological control agent of several invasive thistles (Carduusspp.,Cirsiumspp. andOnopordumspp.) since 1974. It has been recognized as a single species until 2002, when it was split into three species based on morphological characters:T. horridus, Trichosirocalus brieseiandTrichosirocalus mortadelo, each purported to have different host plants. Because of this taxonomic change, uncertainty exists as to which species were released in various countries; furthermore, there appears to be some exceptions to the purported host plants of some of these species. To resolve these questions, we conducted an integrative taxonomic study of theT. horridusspecies complex using molecular genetic and morphological analyses of specimens from three continents. Both mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and nuclear elongation factor 1α markers clearly indicate that there are only two distinct species,T. horridusandT. briesei. Molecular evidence, morphological analysis and host plant associations support the synonymy ofT. horridus(Panzer, 1801) andT. mortadeloAlonso-Zarazaga & Sánchez-Ruiz, 2002. We determine thatT. horridushas been established in Canada, USA, New Zealand and Australia and thatT. brieseiis established in Australia. The former species was collected fromCarduus, CirsiumandOnopordumspp. in the field, whereas the latter appears to be specific toOnopordum.
Relationship between hatchability and non-destructive physical measurements of chicken eggs
Authors: NARUSHIN V. G. , BOGATYR V. P. , ROMANOV M. N. 
Published: November 2015

SUMMARYThe current study was aimed at exploring the relationship between egg physical parameters that can be evaluated before incubation without egg breakage and hatchability of chick embryos. Eggs from laying hens of the White Leghorn (WL), Rhode Island White (RIW) and Rhode Island Red (RIR) lines were examined using a ranking system for analysing influence of egg parameters on hatchability. Specifically, eggs were subdivided into three groups whose non-destructive measurement values were: (i) within the mean ± standard deviation (σ), (ii) < mean minus σ and (iii) > mean plus σ. As a result, the smaller WL and RIW eggs, where values of weight, volume, surface area, length and maximum breadth were < mean minus σ, appeared to be more successful at hatching than the bigger ones. Hatchability of the more ‘round-shaped’ WL and RIW eggs, whose shape index was 0·76−0·80, tended to be higher. Effect of egg-specific gravity on hatchability varied in different layer strains, and genetic background seemed to be an essential factor determining relationship between hatchability and other egg characteristics. The RIW eggs of larger weight with a relatively small surface area appeared to have decreased hatchability, supposedly due to insufficient gas exchange of embryos.
The reproductive effort ofLepeophtheirus pectoralis(Copepoda: Caligidae): insights into the egg production strategy of parasitic copepods
Authors: FRADE D. G. , SANTOS M. J. , CAVALEIRO F. I. 
Published: November 2015

SUMMARYThe reproductive effort ofLepeophtheirus pectoralis(Müller O. F., 1776), a caligid copepod, which is commonly found infecting the European flounder,Platichthys flesus(Linnaeus, 1758), is studied in detail for the first time. Seasonal variation in body dimensions and reproductive effort are analysed. Data for 120 ovigerous females, 30 from each season of the year, were considered in the analyses. Females were larger and produced a larger number of smaller eggs in winter, than during the summer. The relationship between egg number and egg size is similar to that recorded for other copepods exploiting fish hosts. Much of the recorded variation was also similar to that reported for a copepod parasitic on an invertebrate host, which suggests the possibility of a general trend in copepod reproduction. Overall, our results provide further support for the hypothesis that there is an alternation of summer and winter generations.
Deaths from necrotizing fasciitis in the United States, 2003–2013
Authors: ARIF N. , YOUSFI S. , VINNARD C. 
Published: November 2015

SUMMARYNecrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a life-threatening infection requiring urgent surgical and medical therapy. Our objective was to estimate the mortality burden of NF in the United States, and to identify time trends in the incidence rate of NF-related mortality. We obtained data from the National Center for Health Statistics, which receives information from death certificates from all states, including demographic information and cause of death. The U.S. Multiple Cause of Death Files were searched from 2003 to 2013 for a listing of NF (ICD-10 code M72.6) as either the underlying or contributing cause of death. We identified a total of 9871 NF-related deaths in the United States between 2003 and 2013, corresponding to a crude mortality rate of 4·8 deaths/1 000 000 person-years, without a significant time trend. Compared to white individuals, the incidence rate of NF-associated death was greater in black, Hispanic, and American Indian individuals, and lower in Asian individuals. Streptococcal infection was most commonly identified in cases where a pathogen was reported. Diabetes mellitus and obesity were more commonly observed in NF-related deaths compared to deaths due to other causes. Racial differences in the incidence of NF-related deaths merits further investigation.
Epidemiology of Traumatic Injuries in the Northeast Region of Haiti: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Aluisio Adam R. , De Wulf Annelies , Louis Ambert , Bloem Christina 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIntroductionMore than 90% of traumatic morbidity and mortality occurs in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and lacks contemporary statistics on the epidemiology of traumatic injuries. This study aimed to characterize the burden of traumatic injuries among emergency department patients in the Northeast region of Haiti.MethodsData were collected from the emergency departments of all public hospitals in the Northeast region of Haiti, which included the Fort Liberté, Ouanaminthe, and Trou du Nord sites. All patients presenting for emergent care of traumatic injuries were included. Data were obtained via review of emergency department registries and patient records from October 1, 2013 through November 30, 2013. Data on demographics, mechanisms of trauma, and anatomical regions of injury were gathered using a standardized tool and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Temporal analysis of injury frequency was explored using regression modeling.ResultsData from 383 patient encounters were accrued. Ouanaminthe Hospital treated the majority of emergent injuries (59.3%), followed by Fort Liberté (30.3%) and Trou du Nord (10.4%). The median age in years was 23 with 23.1% of patients being less than 15 years of age. Road traffic accidents (RTAs) and interpersonal violence accounted for 65.8% and 30.1% of all traumatic mechanisms, respectively. Extremity trauma was the most frequently observed anatomical region of injury (38.9%), followed by head and neck (30.3%) and facial (19.1%) injuries. Trauma due to RTA resulted in a single injury (83.8%) to either an extremity or the head and neck regions most frequently. A minority of patients had medical record documentation (37.9%). Blood pressure, respiratory rate, and mental status were documented in 19.3%, 4.1%, and 0.0% of records, respectively. There were 6.3 injuries/day during the data collection period with no correlation between the frequency of emergent trauma cases and day of the week (R^2=0.01).ConclusionsTraumatic injuries are a common emergent presentation in the Northeast region of Haiti with characteristics similar to other LMIC. Documentation and associated data to adequately characterize the burden of disease in this region are lacking. Road traffic accidents are the predominate mechanism of injury, suggesting that interventions addressing prevention and treatment of this common occurrence may provide public health benefits in this setting.AluisioAR,De WulfA,LouisA,BloemC.Epidemiology of traumatic injuries in the Northeast region of Haiti: a cross-sectional study.Prehosp Disaster Med.2015;30(6):599–605.