bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of line length, orientation angle, and drawing direction on the straight‐line drawing performance of elderly Taiwanese adults during iPad use
Authors: Wu Chia‐Chen , Huang Kuo‐Chen 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe present study investigated the effects of drawing direction (top‐down or bottom‐up) and orientation angle (0°, 60°, or 300°) on the stability of straight‐line drawing with varied line length (5.7, 11.4, or 17.1 cm) of elderly Taiwanese adults. These three independent variables were within‐subject factors. In total, 38 elderly adults participated. The straight‐line drawing task was performed on an iPad using an electronic pen. Straight‐line drawing performance was analyzed using three‐way repeated analysis of variance measures. The results indicated that the error rate was significantly higher in the top‐down condition than in the bottom‐up condition and was higher for the 5.7‐cm line length than for the 11.4 or 17.1 cm lengths. In addition, the average drawing speed in the top‐down condition was significantly greater than that in the bottom‐up condition and was significantly greater at 17.1 and 11.4 cm than at 5.7 cm. The orientation angle also significantly affected the average drawing speed, which demonstrated that the 60° condition yielded a significantly greater speed than the 0° or 300° conditions. Our findings have implications for product design and computer–human interface design for seniors. Further studies are needed to determine whether these findings can be generalized to more complex motor movements and cognitive abilities.
Voluntary private health insurance demand determinants and risk preferences: Evidence from SHARE
Authors: Tavares Aida Isabel 
Published: December 2019

SummaryThe demand for voluntary private health insurance (VPHI) in universal coverage health systems in Europe raises some questions. The aim of this paper is to determine the factors that explain the decision to purchase VPHI, to analyse the role of individual risk attitudes and self‐assessed health (SAH) in purchasing VPHI, to explore the factors that explain individual risk preferences, and to test how SAH relates to those preferences. To achieve this aim, two recursive simultaneous probits are estimated using data collected by SHARE, wave 6. The main results indicate that people who are more satisfied with the health system coverage are more likely to buy VPHI; SAH is negative correlated with VPHI, but being a risk taker contributes to that decision; however, being a risk taker is positively influenced by good health status. This paper contributes to the discussion on the role of SAH and risk preferences in the decision to buy VPHI. It brings new insights for the health insurance companies and for health policy makers.Highlights
People who are more satisfied with the health system coverage are more likely to buy voluntary private health insurance.
The longer the planning horizon assumed by individuals, the greater the likelihood they are risk takers.
People reporting being risk takers are more likely to have taken out voluntary private health insurance.
Self‐assessed health influences the decision to buy voluntary private health insurance in two ways: a direct one, where better health lowers the odds of having insurance, and an indirect one through risk taking, which increases the odds of having insurance.
Contributions of this work are mainly for health policy makers and insurance companies.
Tissue‐engineered islet‐like cell clusters generated from adipose tissue‐derived stem cells on three‐dimensional electrospun scaffolds can reverse diabetes in an experimental rat model and the role of porosity of scaffolds on cluster differentiation
Authors: Anitha Rakhi , Vaikkath Dhanesh , Shenoy Sachin J. , Nair Prabha D. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn the current study, three‐dimensional (3D) nanofibrous scaffolds with pore sizes in the range of 24–250 μm and 24–190 μm were fabricated via a two‐step electrospinning method to overcome the limitation of obtaining three‐dimensionality with large pore sizes for islet culture using conventional electrospinning. The scaffolds supported the growth and differentiation of adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells to islet‐like clusters (ILCs). The pore size of the scaffolds was found to influence the cluster size, viability and insulin release of the differentiated islets. Hence, islet clusters of the desired size could be developed for transplantation to overcome the loss of bigger islets due to hypoxia which adversely impacts the outcome of transplantation. The tissue‐engineered constructs with ILC diameter of 50 μm reduced glycemic value within 3–4 weeks after implantation in the omental pouch of diabetic rats. Detection of insulin in the serum of implanted rats demonstrates that the tissue‐engineered construct is efficient to control hyperglycemia. Our findings prove that the 3D architecture and pore size of scaffolds regulates the morphology and size of islets during differentiation which is critical in the survival and function of ILCs in vitro and in vivo.
Peripheral blood mononuclear cell microRNAs in coronary artery disease
Authors: Sanlialp Musa , Dodurga Yavuz , Uludag Burcu , Alihanoglu Yusuf I. , Enli Yasar , Secme Mucahit , Bostanci Hayrani Eren , Cetin Sanlialp Sara , Tok Ozge Ozden , Kaftan Asuman , Kilic Ismail Dogu 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe accuracy of risk prediction for coronary artery disease can be improved with the use of novel molecular or genetic biomarkers. In this study, we investigated the difference of five selected microRNAs (miR or miRNA) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and controls, assessed by coronary angiography. The study population consisted of 85 subjects, aged between 18 and 75 years and underwent invasive coronary angiography. Subjects with more than 30% stenosis in at least one coronary artery, patients with a history of prior percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary by‐pass surgery were allocated to the patient group; whereas the subjects without at least 30% stenosis consisted the control group. Groups were similar in age, presence of hypertension, and smoking status. However, the proportion of males and subjects taking angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, beta blockers, nitrates, and statins were higher in the patient group. miR‐221 and miR‐155 were downregulated (P = .02 and .001, respectively), while miR‐21 levels were significantly increased (P = .003) in the patient group compared to controls. Changes in miR‐145 and miR‐126 did not reach statistical significance (P > .05). miRNA‐ 21, miR‐155, and miR‐221 were differentially expressed between the patients and controls. miRNAs are promising biomarkers for CAD diagnosis, however, this requires further research with larger groups.
Synthesis of size‐tunable zinc blende ZnS nanocrystals
Authors: Lee An‐Ting , Huang Michael H. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractQuasi‐polyhedral ZnS nanocrystals with monodisperse tunable sizes of 40, 52, 62, 73, 82, 94, 103, and 110 nm have been synthesized in aqueous solution by regulating the amounts of thioacetamide, zinc acetate, and acetic acid added. The mixture was heated to 120°C in an oven for 10–20 min to produce the nanocrystals. Structural characterization reveals the formation of cubic zinc blende ZnS with some polycrystallinity, which possibly influences their optical properties, that is, the measured band gaps do not give a continuous narrowing trend with increasing particle size. However, when particle sizes are expressed in terms of volumes, the absorption band positions show steady red shifts with increasing crystal dimensions and very small wavelength changes for nanocrystals beyond 90 nm. Thus, these ZnS nanocrystals still possess some size‐dependent optical properties despite their polycrystalline nature.
Clinical profile of patients presenting with dysphagia ‐ an experience from a tertiary care center in North India
Authors: Mitra Tuhin , Dixit Vinod K , Shukla Sunit K , Yadav Dawesh P , Thakur Piyush , Thakur Ravi K 
Published: December 2019

Background and AimDysphagia can lead to substantial morbidity and mortality, especially in the elderly. It has both benign and malignant causes. Despite having a varied etiology, there have been few studies in India. Therefore, a study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical profile and various etiologies of dysphagia.MethodsA prospective study was conducted on 220 patients with a complaint of dysphagia. Detailed history and examination, endoscopy and biopsies, and barium swallow were performed. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed wherever required. Patients who had an oropharyngeal or neurological cause of dysphagia were excluded.ResultsThe mean age of patients was 57.2 years, with the male: female ratio being 1.7:1. Of the patients, 35% (78 patients) had malignant etiology, with a mean age of 65.2 years, and 65% (142 patients) had a benign etiology, with a mean age of 51 years. Among the patients with malignancy, 56 had squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus (71.7%), 20 had adenocarcinoma of esophagus (25.7%), and 2 had gastric cardia adenocarcinoma (2.6%). Malignancy was most commonly located in distal esophagus (48 patients), and among the cases, 18 had involvement of the gastroesophageal junction. The most common benign cause was esophagitis secondary to reflux in 25.5% (56 patients), followed by esophageal ulcer in 5.9%, achalasia in 5%, corrosive stricture in 4.5%, and peptic stricture in 3.6%.ConclusionDysphagia has diverse etiology, and a majority can be diagnosed by endoscopy and barium swallow. Malignancy is an important cause of dysphagia in elderly. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma remains the most common malignancy, but the incidence of gastroesophageal junctional adenocarcinoma is increasing.
Copper‐catalyzed domino reaction between terminal alkynes, isocyanates, and oxiranes: An atom‐economic route to morpholine derivatives
Authors: Beigi‐Somar Vahid , Homami Seyed Saied , Ghazanfarpour‐Darjani Majid , Monzavi Amirhossein 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn situ generated copper acetylides react with isocyanates and oxiranes to form a decent range of morpholine derivatives. The reactions proceeded with acceptable yields and excellent regioselectivity. The presence of oxygen and moisture completely inhibited the reaction. The scope of the reaction is wide and the reactions involve consecutive C–C, C–N, and C–O bond formations.
Longitudinal Reproducibility of MR Perfusion Using 3D Pseudocontinuous Arterial Spin Labeling With Hadamard‐Encoded Multiple Postlabeling Delays
Authors: Cohen Alexander D. , Agarwal Mohit , Jagra Amritpal S. , Nencka Andrew S. , Meier Timothy B. , Lebel R. Marc , McCrea Michael A. , Wang Yang 
Published: December 2019

BackgroundArterial spin labeling (ASL) can be confounded by varying arterial transit times (ATT) across the brain and with disease. Hadamard encoding schemes can be applied to 3D pseudocontinuous ASL (pCASL) to acquire ASL data with multiple postlabeling delays (PLDs) to estimate ATT and then correct cerebral blood flow (CBF).PurposeTo assess the longitudinal reproducibility of 3D pCASL with Hadamard‐encoded multiple PLDs.Study TypeProspective, longitudinal.PopulationFifty‐two healthy, right‐handed male subjects who underwent imaging at four timepoints over 45 days.Field Strength/SequenceA Hadamard‐encoded 3D pCASL sequence was acquired at 3.0T with seven PLDs from 1.0–3.7 sec.AssessmentATT and corrected CBF (cCBF) were computed. Conventional uncorrected CBF (unCBF) was also estimated. Within‐ and between‐subject coefficient of variation (wCV and bCV, respectively) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were evaluated across four time intervals: 7, 14, 30, and 45 days, in gray matter and 17 independent regions of interest (ROIs). A power analysis was also conducted.Statistical TestsA repeated‐measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare ATT, cCBF, and unCBF across the four scan sessions. A paired two‐sample t‐test was used to compare cCBF and unCBF. Pearson's correlation was used to examine the relationship between the cCBF and unCBF difference and ATT. Power calculations were completed using both the cCBF and unCBF variances.ResultsATT showed the lowest wCV and bCV (3.3–4.4% and 6.0–6.3%, respectively) compared to both cCBF (10.5–11.7% and 20.6–22.2%, respectively) and unCBF (12.0–13.6% and 22.7–23.7%, respectively). wCV and bCV were lower for cCBF vs. unCBF. A significant difference between cCBF and unCBF was found in most regions (P = 5.5 × 10‐5–3.8 × 10‐4 in gray matter) that was highly correlated with ATT (R2 = 0.79–0.86). A power analysis yielded acceptable power at feasible sample sizes using cCBF.Data ConclusionATT and ATT‐corrected CBF were longitudinally stable, indicating that ATT and CBF changes can be reliably evaluated with Hadamard‐encoded 3D pCASL with multiple PLDs.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy Stage: 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1846–1853.
Epidemiology and clinical features of rotavirus, adenovirus, and astrovirus infections and coinfections in children with acute gastroenteritis prior to rotavirus vaccine introduction in Meerut, North India
Authors: Akdag Ali Ilter , Gupta Shipra , Khan Naushad , Upadhayay Amit , Ray Pratima 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThere are limited reports on the etiology of multiple enteric viruses causing acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in North India. In the present study we have determined the prevalence of three enteric viruses, namely rotavirus, astrovirus (AstV) and adenovirus (AdV) in a total of 312 diarrheic children (<5 years) hospitalized at Lala Lajpat Rai Memorial Medical College, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh from August 2014 to July 2016; and results were compared with data from Delhi. The fecal samples were individually screened for group A rotavirus (RVA), AdV, and AstV using enzyme immunoassay kits. At least one viral agent was detected in 29.2% of 312 fecal specimens. RNA of rotavirus antigen‐positive samples was extracted by TRIzol method. Rotavirus G/P genotyping was performed using seminested multiplex reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. RVA was the most predominant virus (18.3%) followed by AstV (12.5%), and AdV (9.9%). Coinfections were detected in 10.6% cases and the most common coinfection in diarrheic children was RVA combined with AstV (36.4%). Overall, the enteric viruses were found most prevalent in the 6 to 11 months age group (P = .01). Increased duration of vomiting (≥3 days) was significantly (P = .04) associated with AdV infection (61.3%) as compared with AstV (30.76%) and rotavirus (26.31%). G1P[8] was detected throughout as the most prevalent rotavirus strain (10.5%). Unusual RV strains like G2P[6] and G2P[8] were also detected. Of note G3, G4, and G12 rotavirus were detected for the first time in Meerut. This is the first report that demonstrated the important contribution of multiple enteric viruses causing AGE in young children in this part of Uttar Pradesh (Meerut).
Effect of different firing atmospheres on debonding strength of dental porcelain fused to commercially pure titanium
Authors: Wang Jen‐Chyan , Fu Po‐Sung , Lai Pei‐Ling , Liu Chen‐Shih , Chen Wen‐Cheng , Hung Chun‐Cheng 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAn in vitro investigation was performed to evaluate the bonding characteristics of porcelain fused to metal (PFM)/commercially pure titanium (cp Ti, grade II) in three firing atmospheres of under vacuum and using two noble gases argon (Ar) and helium (He). Three groups of porcelain veneers firing under vacuum, Ar, and He were prepared to evaluate the bonding of porcelain fused to the cold‐rolled cp Ti. The bond strength of PFM durability by a three‐point bending test, phases, microhardness of cp Ti after firing processes, and fractures were measured and evaluated. Results show the microhardness of cp Ti in group of porcelain firing under He atmosphere was significantly lower than that of the two other groups, which were in vacuum and Ar (P < .05). X‐ray diffraction showed the He group produced in relatively small amounts of TiO2 and TiO oxides than other groups but featured relatively high quantity of airhole defects in the porcelain body leading to the lowest bond strength. The Ar group presented the highest bond strength of comparing with the groups under vacuum and using He (P < .05). Although the firing processes in He could efficiently prevent the diffusion of oxygen into Ti, the porcelain‐cp Ti bond strength using Ar protective atmosphere presented the advantage to achieve clinical requirement because porcelain firing under He revealed prominent voids and defects within the body of porcelain.
Needle‐Free Injection Assisted Drug Delivery—Histological Characterization of Cutaneous Deposition
Authors: Erlendsson Andrés M. , Haedersdal Merete , Rossi Anthony M. 
Published: December 2019

Background and ObjectivesMany cutaneous drug‐delivery techniques rely on passive diffusion to deliver topical compounds to the skin. When attempting to deliver drugs to thicker lesions, such as skin tumors, modalities that do not rely on diffusion may serve as a better drug‐delivery method. In this histological study, we aim to investigate the cutaneous delivery patterns of an electronic pneumatic needle‐free injection device.Study Design/Materials and MethodsNeedle‐free‐injection was investigated in 24 ex vivo porcine skin samples and one basal cell carcinoma (BCC) tissue sample. A needle‐free injection device with a nozzle size of 200 μm delivered 80 μl compound ink (0.1 cc black ink: 5.0 cc saline) at low (30%/3.1 bar; n = 6 porcine skin; n = 1 BCC tissue), medium (50%/3.9 bar; n = 6 porcine skin), high (65%/4.6 bar; n = 6 porcine skin), and stacked (30 + 50%/3.1 + 3.9 bar; n = 6 porcine skin) pressures. Depth, width, and depth of maximum width of ink deposition were evaluated on histological slides.ResultsDepositions with small ink‐lined vacuoles were seen intra‐dermally in all samples, including the BCC tissue. Deposition depth was similar at low and medium pressures (924 vs. 994 μm; P = 0.873) but increased significantly with high pressure (1,564 μm; P = 0.010). When injections were stacked (3.1 + 3.9 bar), the depth remained similar to that of a single injection (931 μm; P = 1.000). The width of the deposition stayed comparable for low, medium, and high pressures when a single needle‐free injection was performed (30% = 2,394 μm; 50% = 2,226 μm; and 65% = 2,757 μm; P = 0.09), but increased significantly with stacking (2,979 μm; P = 0.037). The depth of maximal width was superficially located in the papillary dermis at low and medium pressures (321 and 305 μm; P = 0.748) but shifted to the deeper reticular dermis with high pressure (950 μm; P = 0.004) and with stacking (734 μm; P = 0.004).ConclusionsIn conclusion, with an electronically controlled, pneumatic needle‐free injector, depth and width of a cutaneous deposition can be influenced by pressure and stacking, respectively. The pneumatic needle‐free injection can potentially serve as a viable drug‐delivery technique for cutaneous pathologies where dermal deposition is essential. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative Evaluation of 15 Laser and Perfluorodecalin Combinations for Tattoo Removal
Authors: Hardy Curtis L. , Kollipara Ramya , Hoss Elika , Goldman Mitchel P. 
Published: December 2019

Background and ObjectivesWe present a case of laser tattoo removal treated with 15 different combinations using picosecond 1064 nm, picosecond 755 nm, nanosecond 755 nm, and a fractionated CO2 laser, both with and without a perfluorodecalin (PFD) patch to ascertain the most effective approach.Study Design/Materials and MethodsA single lower extremity black tattoo was divided into 15 treatment sections allowing for testing of various laser and PFD combinations. Sectioned treatment was conducted until a treatment superiority was noted.ResultsAfter two sessions using sectioned combination treatments with a 4‐week interval clinically significant results were produced.ConclusionsThe combination of picosecond 1064 nm, picosecond 755 nm, and a fractionated CO2 laser without the PFD patch showed superior clinical improvement over the other combinations. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical Evaluation of Sibling Pairs With Gaucher Disease Discordant for Parkinsonism
Authors: Lopez Grisel , Steward Alta , Ryan Emory , Groden Catherine , Wiggs Edythe , Segalà Laura , Monestime Gianina M. , Tayebi Nahid , Sidransky Ellen 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundAlthough the association between mutations in GBA1 and parkinsonism is well established, most GBA1 mutation carriers never develop parkinsonism, implicating the contribution of other genetic, epigenetic, and/or environmental modifiers.ObjectivesTo identify factors predisposing to or offering protection from parkinsonism among siblings with Gaucher's disease) discordant for Parkinson disease (PD).MethodsThis prospective, longitudinal study included nine sib pairs with Gaucher disease, but discordant for PD. Assessments included neurological, neuropsychological, olfactory, motor, nonmotor evaluations, and transcranial sonography. Validated mood and nonmotor questionnaires assessed fatigue, olfactory dysfunction, sleepiness, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and/or depression.ResultsThere was no relationship between Gaucher treatments, genotype, or splenectomy and PD. Male sex predominance, younger age, and milder Gaucher disease symptoms were observed among the patients with PD. Substantia nigral echogenicity, olfactory dysfunction, serum triglycerides levels, and 9‐hole peg scores, but not caffeine, alcohol, or tobacco use, environmental exposures, uric acid, or glucose levels, differed significantly between groups.ConclusionsLongitudinal evaluation of discordant sib pairs may help identify PD risk factors. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Design and realization of dual band stacked antenna via three‐dimensional printing technology
Authors: Belen Mehmet A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWith the ever‐increasing demands for high‐performance wireless communication systems, the need of fast and low‐cost realization of antenna stages had also become more crucial for wireless communication industry. Herein, design and low‐cost realization of a three‐dimensional (3D) printed dual band Stacked Microstrip Patch Array (SMPA) antenna has been studied. A 3D electromagnetic‐based simulation model of the proposed SMPA antenna has been created in CST Microwave Studio. The antenna achieves a simulated gain level of almost 8.3 dBi at 5.2 and 10.4 GHz frequencies. Then, the antenna design with optimally selected parameters has been prototyped via the use of 3D printing technology. The prototyped antenna has a measured gain level of 7.2 dBi at the operation frequencies. Furthermore, the experimental results of the prototyped antenna have been compared with the simulated results. From the compared results, it can be concluded that not only the proposed antenna design has achieved high‐performance measures compared with counterpart designs in the literature but also it is possible to achieve an accurate, fast, and low‐cost realization via the use of 3D printing technology.