bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Mathematical Treatment of the Blood Dissociation Curve for Oxygen
Authors: Margaria Rodolfo 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
A quantitative description of Bohr's effect can be made from the oxygen dissociation curves of hemoglobin at different pHs, and the dissociation constants of the 02-linked acidic group of Hb (KR) and Hb02 (Ko) have been calculated as, respectively, 1.29 1O-8 and 3.42 10-7 at37°.
On the assumption that the oxygenation of hemoglobin takes place in four successive steps, the constant for each equilibrium can easily be calculated, and the values given. It appears that the oxygenation takes place with the same affinity for the first three steps, while the affinity for the fourth oxygenation is 125 times greater.
On the basis of these results a simplification of Adair's formula is given, containing only two constants, one (K) being representative of the affinity of the oxygen for the first three hemes, and the other (in)being the increase of affinity for the fourth oxygenation. This formula seems to fit most data in the literature of hemoglobin solutions and of blood in vivo and in vitro.
The physiological effects and the functional importance of the increased affinity for the fourth oxygenation are described, and the possibility that disturbances of the Hb oxygenation process may be due to the lack of this process is considered.
A Rapid Procedure for Catalase Determination in Blood and Tissue Samples with the Van Slyke Manometric Apparatus
Authors: Kirk John Esben 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
A precise and rapid gasometric procedure is described for catalase determination in blood and tissue samples. The enzyme activity assay is performed with the Van Slyke manometric apparatus. In the developed technicw, a 45-sec. reaction period is used, and a large liquid-gas interphase is provided with the purpose of preventing the oxygen diffusion from becoming a rate-limiting factor. Under the devised methodological conditions, the rate of oxygen evolution closely follows a parabolic curve which permits the calculation of the initial activity velocity of the enzyme. The oxygen evolvement is directly proportional to the quantity of catalase present in the analyzed sample. Less than 4 min. are required for each catalase measurement.
A Procedure for Quantitative Determination of the Diaphorase Activity of Connective Tissue
Authors: Kirk John Esben 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
A quantitative procedure is described in which the diaphorase activity of samples with a high connective-tissue content is measured visually through determination of the decolorization time of 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol in the presence of DPNH and NaCN. The decolorization time values are directly converted to standard Mahler diaphorase units.
Artificial intelligence with multi-functional machine learning platform development for better healthcare and precision medicine
Authors: Ahmed Zeeshan , Mohamed Khalid , Zeeshan Saman , Dong XinQi 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPrecision medicine is one of the recent and powerful developments in medical care, which has the potential to improve the traditional symptom-driven practice of medicine, allowing earlier interventions using advanced diagnostics and tailoring better and economically personalized treatments. Identifying the best pathway to personalized and population medicine involves the ability to analyze comprehensive patient information together with broader aspects to monitor and distinguish between sick and relatively healthy people, which will lead to a better understanding of biological indicators that can signal shifts in health. While the complexities of disease at the individual level have made it difficult to utilize healthcare information in clinical decision-making, some of the existing constraints have been greatly minimized by technological advancements. To implement effective precision medicine with enhanced ability to positively impact patient outcomes and provide real-time decision support, it is important to harness the power of electronic health records by integrating disparate data sources and discovering patient-specific patterns of disease progression. Useful analytic tools, technologies, databases, and approaches are required to augment networking and interoperability of clinical, laboratory and public health systems, as well as addressing ethical and social issues related to the privacy and protection of healthcare data with effective balance. Developing multifunctional machine learning platforms for clinical data extraction, aggregation, management and analysis can support clinicians by efficiently stratifying subjects to understand specific scenarios and optimize decision-making. Implementation of artificial intelligence in healthcare is a compelling vision that has the potential in leading to the significant improvements for achieving the goals of providing real-time, better personalized and population medicine at lower costs. In this study, we focused on analyzing and discussing various published artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions, approaches and perspectives, aiming to advance academic solutions in paving the way for a new data-centric era of discovery in healthcare.
The MB score: a new risk stratification index to predict the need for advanced tools in lead extraction procedures
Authors: Bontempi Luca , Curnis Antonio , Della Bella Paolo , Cerini Manuel , Radinovic Andrea , Inama Lorenza , Melillo Francesco , Salghetti Francesca , Marzi Alessandra , Gargaro Alessio , Giacopelli Daniele , Mazzone Patrizio 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Aims
A validated risk stratification schema for transvenous lead extraction (TLE) could improve the management of these procedures. We aimed to derive and validate a scoring system to efficiently predict the need for advanced tools to achieve TLE success.

Methods and results
Between November 2013 and March 2018, 1960 leads were extracted in 973 consecutive TLE procedures in two national referral sites using a stepwise approach. A procedure was defined as advanced extraction if required the use of powered sheaths and/or snares. The study population was a posteriori 1:1 randomized in derivation and validation cohorts. In the derivation cohort, presence of more than two targeted leads (odds ratio [OR] 1.76, P = 0.049), 3-year-old (OR 3.04, P = 0.001), 5-year-old (OR 3.48, P &lt; 0.001), 10-year-old (OR 3.58, P = 0.008) oldest lead, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (OR 3.84, P &lt; 0.001), and passive fixation lead (OR 1.91, P = 0.032) were selected by a stepwise procedure and constituted the MB score showing a C-statistics of 0.82. In the validation group, the MB score was significantly associated with the risk of advanced extraction (OR 2.40, 95% confidence interval 2.02-2.86, P &lt; 0.001) and showed an increase in event rate with increasing score. A low value (threshold = 1) ensured 100% sensibility and 100% negative predictive value, while a high value (threshold = 5) allowed a specificity of 92.8% and a positive predictive value of 91.9%.

Conclusion
In this study, we developed and tested a simple point-based scoring system able to efficiently identify patients at low and high risk of needing advanced tools during TLE procedures.
A combined subunit vaccine comprising BP26, Omp25 and L7/L12 against brucellosis
Authors: Gupta Sonal , Singh Damini , Gupta Manish , Bhatnagar Rakesh 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACT
The current vaccines against brucellosis, namely Brucella abortus strains 19 and RB51, prevent infection in animals but pose potential risks like virulence and attenuation reversal. In this milieu, although subunit vaccination using a single potent immunogen of B. abortus, e.g. BP26 or Omp25 or L7/L12 etc., appears as a safer alternative, nonetheless it confers inadequate protection against the zoonosis compared to attenuated vaccines. Hence, we have investigated the prophylactic potential of a combined subunit vaccine (CSV) comprising the BP26, Omp25 and L7/L12 antigens of B. abortus, in mice model. Sera obtained from CSV immunized mice groups showed heightened IgG titers against all the three components and exhibited specificity upon immunoblotting, reiterating their authenticity. Further, the IgG1/IgG2a ratio obtained against each antigen revealed a predominant Th2 immune response in CSV immunized mice group. However, on assessing the levels of Th1-dependent (IFN-γ and TNF-α) and Th2-dependent (IL-4 and IL-10) cytokines in different formulations, prominent IFN-γ levels were elicited in CSV immunized mice. Further, upon infection with virulent B. abortus 544, the combined subunit vaccinated mice displayed superior degree of protection (Log10 reduction) than the individual vaccines; however, B. abortus S19 showed the highest protection. Altogether, this study suggests that co-immunization of three B. abortus immunogens as a CSV complements and triggers a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response leading to superior degree of protection against pathogenic B. abortus 544 infection.
Creation of the Person-Centered Wellness Home in Older Adults
Authors: Mielenz Thelma J , Tracy Melissa , Jia Haomiao , Durbin Laura L , Allegrante John P , Arniella Guedy , Sorensen Julie A 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Extending the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model into the community may address the poor linkage between medical clinics and underserved communities. Our first of three objectives was to determine if peer leaders and wellness coaches can be the relationship center of wellness care. We evaluated the Self-management Resource Center Small Group Programs (SMRCSGP), plus wellness coaching, as a booster intervention in older adults with chronic diseases. Second, we evaluated the role of personal health records (PHR) prototype as the linkage between the clinic and community. Using input from these two objectives, we lay the groundwork for the Person-centered Wellness Home (PCWH).

Research Design and Methods
Participants enrolled from five South Bronx New York City Housing Authority communities. We conducted a pragmatic, randomized controlled trial using two arms (n = 121): (1) SMRCSGP and (2) SMRCSGP plus wellness coaching initiated as a booster after SMRCSGP completion. Adjusted individual growth models compared the slope differences for outcomes. We conducted a social networking analysis on the ties between wellness coaches and participants. PCMH-certified physicians completed in-depth interviews on the PHR prototype. An adaptation from the consensus-workshop model summarized the priority PCWH items.

Results
There was an improvement in self-reported physical functioning (2.0 T-score units higher, p = .03) by the wellness coaching group, but the groups did not differ on physical activity. From the social networking analysis, connections were stable over time with wellness-coaches and participants. The Consensus Conference identified eight major components of the PCWH.

Discussion and Implications
Wellness coaching post-SMRCSGP was a booster to physical function, an upstream outcome for physical activity. During the Consensus-Conference, community-based prevention marketing and personal navigators for connecting to a PCMH emerged as novel components. This supports future work in training community health workers as peer leaders to provide evidence-based programs and other PCWH components.
3D revelation of phenotypic variation, evolutionary allometry, and ancestral states of corolla shape: a case study of clade Corytholoma (subtribe Ligeriinae, family Gesneriaceae)
Authors: Hsu Hao-Chun , Chou Wen-Chieh , Kuo Yan-Fu 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
Quantification of corolla shape variations helps biologists to investigate plant diversity and evolution. 3D images capture the genuine structure and provide comprehensive spatial information.

Results
This study applied X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT) to acquire 3D structures of the corollas of clade Corytholoma and extracted a set of 415 3D landmarks from each specimen. By applying the geometric morphometrics (GM) to the landmarks, the first 4 principal components (PCs) in the 3D shape and 3D form analyses, respectively, accounted for 87.86% and 96.34% of the total variance. The centroid sizes of the corollas only accounted for 5.46% of the corolla shape variation, suggesting that the evolutionary allometry was weak. The 4 morphological traits corresponding to the 4 shape PCs were defined as tube curvature, lobe area, tube dilation, and lobe recurvation. Tube curvature and tube dilation were strongly associated with the pollination type and contained phylogenetic signals in clade Corytholoma. The landmarks were further used to reconstruct corolla shapes at the ancestral states.

Conclusions
With the integration of μCT imaging into GM, the proposed approach boosted the precision in quantifying corolla traits and improved the understanding of the morphological traits corresponding to the pollination type, impact of size on shape variation, and evolution of corolla shape in clade Corytholoma.
Stigma, biomarkers, and algorithmic bias: recommendations for precision behavioral health with artificial intelligence
Authors: Walsh Colin G , Chaudhry Beenish , Dua Prerna , Goodman Kenneth W , Kaplan Bonnie , Kavuluru Ramakanth , Solomonides Anthony , Subbian Vignesh 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Effective implementation of artificial intelligence in behavioral healthcare delivery depends on overcoming challenges that are pronounced in this domain. Self and social stigma contribute to under-reported symptoms, and under-coding worsens ascertainment. Health disparities contribute to algorithmic bias. Lack of reliable biological and clinical markers hinders model development, and model explainability challenges impede trust among users. In this perspective, we describe these challenges and discuss design and implementation recommendations to overcome them in intelligent systems for behavioral and mental health.
The effect of supplementing glycine and serine to a low crude protein diet on growth and skin collagen abundance of nursery pigs1
Authors: Silva Kayla E , Mansilla Wilfredo D , Shoveller Anna K , Htoo John K , Cant John P , de Lange Cornelis F M , Huber Lee-Anne 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
A total of 96 newly weaned barrows (initial body weight [BW]: 6.3 ± 0.5 kg) were used to determine the effect of a low crude protein (CP) diet supplemented with Gly and Ser on growth and skin collagen abundance. Barrows were assigned to one of three experimental diets in a three-phase feeding program fed for 35 days (n = 8; pen was the experimental unit): 1) corn–soybean meal diet (CON; 20.3% to 23.1% CP; as-fed, analyzed contents); 2) low CP diet (14.8% to 21.4% CP) supplemented with Gly and Ser (G + S) to the same concentrations as CON; 3) low CP diet supplemented with Glu to maintain the same CP concentration as the G + S diet (GLU; 15.0% to 22.1% CP). On days 21 and 35, eight pigs per treatment were euthanized for the determination of physical and chemical body composition and skin collagen abundance. Pigs fed the CON diet had greater overall ADG and final BW compared to pigs fed GLU and G + S (P &lt; 0.01). Over the entire 35-day experimental period, ADFI was not influenced by dietary treatment but G:F tended to be greater for pigs fed CON than G + S (P = 0.084), while intermediate values were observed for GLU. Carcass weights on days 21 and 35 were greater for pigs fed CON than G + S or GLU (P &lt; 0.01). Viscera weights on day 21 were greater for CON than G + S and GLU (P &lt; 0.05) and on day 35 were greater for CON than G + S (P &lt; 0.05) with intermediate values observed for GLU. The N intake (g/d) between days 0 and 35 was greater for CON than G + S or GLU (P &lt; 0.05) and N retention in combined carcass and viscera was greater for CON than G + S (P &lt; 0.01) with intermediate values observed for GLU. No treatment effects were observed for efficiency of N utilization. Between days 0 and 21 however, the efficiency of using dietary N for N retention in carcass and viscera tended to be less for pigs fed CON vs. GLU (73.8% vs. 91.6%), while intermediate values were observed for G + S (84.3%; P = 0.095). Pigs fed CON and G + S diets had greater skin collagen abundance than pigs fed GLU on days 21 and 35 (P &lt; 0.01). Supplementing low CP diets with Glu or with Gly and Ser at the levels used in the current study did not maintain ADG or combined carcass and viscera N retention and only the G + S diet supported skin collagen abundance not different from pigs fed CON. The importance of meeting essential AA requirements for growth are well accepted, but supplementing specific NEAA may be needed when feeding reduced CP diets to newly weaned pigs to support secondary indicators of AA status, such as skin collagen abundance.
The Smartphone as a Pacifying Technology
Authors: Melumad Shiri , Pham Michel Tuan 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn light of consumers’ growing dependence on their smartphones, this article investigates the nature of the relationship that consumers form with their smartphone and its underlying mechanisms. We propose that in addition to obvious functional benefits, consumers in fact derive emotional benefits from their smartphone—in particular, feelings of psychological comfort and, if needed, actual stress relief. In other words, in a sense, smartphones are not unlike adult pacifiers. This psychological comfort arises from a unique combination of properties that turn smartphones into a reassuring presence for their owners: the portability of the device, its personal nature, the subjective sense of privacy experienced while on the device, and the haptic gratification it affords. Results from one large-scale field study and three laboratory experiments support the proposed underlying mechanisms and document downstream consequences of the psychological comfort that smartphones provide. The findings show, for example, that (a) in moments of stress, consumers exhibit a greater tendency to seek out their smartphone (study 2); and (b) engaging with one’s smartphone provides greater stress relief than engaging in the same activity with a comparable device such as one’s laptop (study 3) or a similar smartphone belonging to someone else (study 4).
Risks associated with pathogenic fungi isolated from surgical centers, intensive care units, and materials sterilization center in hospitals. Risks associated with pathogenic fungi isolated from critical hospital areas
Authors: de Oliveira Mayk Teles , Batista Nathany Kelly Ribeiro , Gil Eric de Souza , Silva Maria do Rosário Rodrigues , Costa Carolina Rodrigues , Bara Maria Teresa Freitas , Torres Ieda Maria Sapateiro 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The hospital environment requires special attention to air quality, since it needs to be healthy for the protection of patients and health professionals in order to prevent them against hospital infections. The objective of this study was to isolate, identify and evaluate the susceptibility profile of isolated fungi from two hospitals. For air sampling the impaction (Spin Air, IUL®) and passive sedimentation methods were used. For the isolation of fungi from surfaces, contact plates (RODAC®) were used. The identification of the fungi was performed by observing the macroscopic and microscopic aspects of the colonies, whereas for better visualization of fruiting structures, the microculture technique was performed on slides. To evaluate the susceptibility profile, the broth microdilution test recommended by CLSI was performed. Thirty-five isolates were identified: Aspergillus flavus (12), Aspergillus fumigatus (11), Aspergillus niger (1), Aspergillus terreus (2), Penicillium spp. (7), and Fusarium spp. (2) in the hospitals evaluated. All isolates had a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) more than 128 μg/ml for fluconazole; 0.5 to 4.0 μg/ml for amphotericin B (hospital 1), and all isolates from haospital 2 had MIC ≥2.0 μg/ml. In hospital 1, MIC for posaconazole ranged from 0.25 μg/ml to ≥32 μg/ml, and hospital 2 ranged from 0.5 to 1.0 μg/ml. The monitoring and evaluation of air quality and surfaces are essential measures for prevention and control of hospital infections, as these microorganisms are becoming increasingly resistant to antimicrobial agents, thus making treatment difficult, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
Addressing Global Warming Denialism
Authors: Rotman Jeff D , Weber T J , Perkins Andrew W 
Published: January 2020

Abstract Despite the scientific consensus concerning the current causes and future effects of anthropogenic global warming, there has been little to no improvement in public opinion, attitudes, or behavior related to its mitigation. This article examines how different information conveyance strategies affect belief in global warming. Three experiments reveal that a fundamental understanding of the underlying mechanism of global warming—the greenhouse gas effect—is integral to belief in the existence of global warming. Specifically, the current research demonstrates that persuasive messaging incorporating an explanation of the mechanism (versus consequences) underlying global warming leads to belief change (study 1); that this effect is moderated by political orientation, such that the effect of mechanism-understanding on global warming belief is greater for conservatives (study 1, 2, and 3); that understanding of the mechanism underlying global warming affects willingness to engage in sustainable activities and buying socially conscious products (study 2); and that the effect persists over time and can influence actual donation behavior (study 3). Social, public policy, and marketing implications for this strategy are discussed.
The Rise of Market Power and the Macroeconomic Implications*
Authors: De Loecker Jan , Eeckhout Jan , Unger Gabriel 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We document the evolution of market power based on firm-level data for the U.S. economy since 1955. We measure both markups and profitability. In 1980, aggregate markups start to rise from 21% above marginal cost to 61% now. The increase is driven mainly by the upper tail of the markup distribution: the upper percentiles have increased sharply. Quite strikingly, the median is unchanged. In addition to the fattening upper tail of the markup distribution, there is reallocation of market share from low- to high-markup firms. This rise occurs mostly within industry. We also find an increase in the average profit rate from 1% to 8%. Although there is also an increase in overhead costs, the markup increase is in excess of overhead. We discuss the macroeconomic implications of an increase in average market power, which can account for a number of secular trends in the past four decades, most notably the declining labor and capital shares as well as the decrease in labor market dynamism.
Time-dependent defects in integrable soliton equations
Authors: Xia Baoqiang , Zhou Ruguang 
Published: January 2020

We study (1 + 1)-dimensional integrable soliton equations with time-dependent defects located at
x
=
c
(
t
), where
c
(
t
) is a function of class
C
1
. We define the defect condition as a Bäcklund transformation evaluated at
x
=
c
(
t
) in space rather than over the full line. We show that such a defect condition does not spoil the integrability of the system. We also study soliton solutions that can meet the defect for the system. An interesting discovery is that the defect system admits peaked soliton solutions.