bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of Mini Nutritional Assessment—Short Form with aortic valve stenosis following transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Doi Shunichi , Ashikaga Kohei , Kida Keisuke , Watanabe Mika , Yoneyama Kihei , Suzuki Norio , Kuwata Shingo , Kaihara Toshiki , Koga Masashi , Okuyama Kazuaki , Kamijima Ryo , Tanabe Yasuhiro , Takeichi Naoya , Watanabe Satoshi , Izumo Masaki , Ishibashi Yuki , Akashi Yoshihiro J. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimsOlder adults at risk for malnutrition are known to have a high mortality rate. This study aimed to investigate whether the Mini Nutritional Assessment—Short Form (MNA‐SF) could predict midterm mortality in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).Methods and resultsWe applied the MNA‐SF in 288 patients who had undergone TAVI from January 2016 to June 2019 at the St. Marianna University School of Medicine hospital. Using the MNA‐SF cut‐off value to indicate the risk of malnutrition, patients were divided into two groups, namely, those with an MNA‐SF score ≤11 (impaired MNA‐SF group) and those with an MNA‐SF score ≥12 (maintained MNA‐SF group). We used this value to investigate the association between the MNA‐SF and all‐cause mortality. Overall, 188 (65%) and 100 (35%) patients comprised the impaired MNA‐SF and maintained MNA‐SF groups, respectively, and 41 patients died after TAVI (mean follow‐up duration, 458 ± 315 days). Kaplan–Meier analyses showed that patients in the impaired MNA‐SF group had a significantly higher incidence of all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio 2.67; 95% confidence interval 1.29–6.21; P = 0.01). Multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that the MNA‐SF score was an independent predictor of all‐cause mortality after adjusting for the Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk score, Katz Index, and brain natriuretic peptide test results (hazard ratio 1.14; 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.28; P = 0.04).ConclusionsThe MNA‐SF was useful to screen for the risk of malnutrition in patients with TAVI and in predicting midterm prognoses in patients undergoing TAVI and could predict patient mortality after the procedure.
Claiming credit and avoiding blame: political accountability in Greek and Turkish responses to the COVID‐19 crisis
Authors: Zahariadis Nikolaos , Petridou Evangelia , Oztig Lacin Idil 
Published: September 2020

AbstractUsing a framework developed by Hood and adapting it to crises, we explore the factors behind the use of three types of political accountability strategies— presentational, policy, and agency—during responses to the COVID‐19 crisis in Greece and Turkey. We situate the comparison in the current political context and conclude with implications for political survival as leaders attempt to balance public accountability, political expediency, and national health.
The Combined Algae Test for the Evaluation of Mixture Toxicity in Environmental Samples
Authors: Glauch Lisa , Escher Beate I. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The combined algae test is a 96-well plate-based algal toxicity assay with the green algae Raphidocelis subcapitata that combines inhibition of 24-h population growth rate with inhibition of photosynthesis detected after 2 and 24 h with pulse-amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometry using a Maxi-Imaging PAM. The combined algae test has been in use for more than a decade but has had limitations due to incompatibilities of the measurements of the 2 biological endpoints on the same microtiter plates. These limitations could be overcome by increasing growth rates and doubling times on black, clear-bottom 96-well plates by application of dichromatic red/blue light-emitting diode illumination. Different robotic dosing approaches and additional data evaluation methods helped to further expand the applicability domain of the assay. The combined algae test differentiates between nonspecifically acting compounds and photosynthesis inhibitors, such as photosystem II (PSII) herbicides. The PSII herbicides acted immediately on photosynthesis and showed growth rate inhibition at higher concentrations. If growth was a similar or more sensitive endpoint than photosynthesis inhibition, this was an indication that the tested chemical acted nonspecifically or that a mixture or a water sample was dominated by chemicals other than PSII herbicides acting on algal growth. We fingerprinted the effects of 45 chemicals on photosynthesis inhibition and growth rate and related the effects of the single compounds to designed mixtures of these chemicals detected in water samples and to the effects directly measured in water samples. Most of the observed effects in the water samples could be explained by known photosystem II inhibitors such as triazines and phenylurea herbicides. The improved setup of the combined algae test gave results consistent with those of the previous method but has lower costs, higher throughput, and higher precision. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2496–2508. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Abstract
The combined algae test (CAT) allows cost-efficient high-throughput monitoring of chemicals and water samples for their algae toxicity with a diagnostic component to differentiate between the mixture effects of photosynthesis inhibitors and other chemicals.
Q‐learning based flexible task scheduling in a global view for the Internet of Things
Authors: Ge Junxiao , Liu Bin , Wang Tian , Yang Qiang , Liu Anfeng , Li Ang 
Published: September 2020

SummaryWith billions of sensor‐based devices connected to the Internet of Things (IoT), it is a pivotal issue to design an effective task scheduling scheme when the resource of sensor nodes is limited. In the past, Q‐learning based task scheduling scheme which only focuses on the node angle led to poor performance of the whole network. Thus, a Q‐learning based flexible task scheduling with global view (QFTS‐GV) scheme is proposed to improve task scheduling success rate, reduce delay, and extend lifetime for the IoT. First, the Q‐learning framework, including state set, action set, and rewards function is defined in a global view so as to forms the basis of the QFTS‐GV scheme. Then, a task scheduling policy is established with distinguishing rewards for nodes in different areas of the network, so the energy‐strained nodes can be protected to ensure a high lifetime, and the energy‐relaxed nodes can increase their transmission power to promote the benefits of the whole network. Finally, experimental results demonstrate that the QFTS‐GV scheme can achieve a higher task scheduling success rate, lower delay, and less energy consumption. Compared with the Q‐learning based task scheduling scheme, the QFTS‐GV improves the task scheduling success rate by 1.42% to 7.13%, reduces the delay by 24.60% to 42.56%, and saves energy by 21.18% to 36.60%.
Effect of Maillard reaction conditions on the solubility and molecular properties of wheat gluten–maltose conjugates
Authors: Song Yongling , Yang Shaoming , Li Jianghe 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this experiment, the conjugation reaction between gluten and maltose via Maillard reaction under dry‐heated condition was studied. The process conditions for the preparation of protein–maltose conjugates with optimum solubility were optimized by using Box‐Behnken model. The conjugation reaction and the structure changes of the protein–maltose conjugates were confirmed by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the process conditions for the preparation of protein–maltose conjugates with optimum solubility were as follows: temperature 50.72°C, time 1.92 days, and gluten/maltose (W/W) 267.36%. The infrared spectroscopy showed that the structure of the modified protein had a very obvious change, including the decrease in β‐fold and β‐turn and the increase in α‐helix at a certain degree. But the conjugation reaction has little effect on the irregular coiled structure. The scanning electron microscopy showed that the microstructure of gluten is small grainy, but gluten–maltose conjugate looks sheet with bigger volume.
Antimicrobial activity of Satureja Khuzestanica Jamzad and Satureja bachtiarica Bunge essential oils against Shigella flexneri and Escherichia coli in table cream containing Lactobacillus plantarum LU5
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Mohammad Bagher , Khodaei Diako 
Published: September 2020

The essential oils (EOs) from Marzeh khuzestani (Satureja Khuzestanica Jamzad) and Marzeh bakhtiari (Satureja bachtiarica Bunge) were analyzed and their antibacterial activities on Shigella flexneri and Escherichia coli in probiotic table cream containing Lactobacillus plantarum LU5 were evaluated. Carvacrol (86.5%) was the main component of Marzeh khuzestani, but thymol (33.5%), carvacrol (14.2%), borneol (13.4%), and linalool (11.5%) were the major constituents of Marzeh Bakhtiari EOs. Marzeh khuzestani exhibited the highest antibacterial/bactericidal activity on the tested bacteria. EOs combination showed no interaction on the L. plantarum but a synergism effect to inhibit the pathogen strains observed. Agar diffusion assay showed the highest inhibitory effect on S. flexneri (32.7 mm), E. coli (28.4 mm), and L. plantarum (24.7 mm) for the combination 2:1 Marzeh khuzestani:Marzeh Bakhtiari (p ≤ .05). The antibacterial activity of mixture of EOs in creams was evaluated and the sample contained of 1%k + 1%b showed the highest antibacterial activity after day 10 of storage (by lowering the number of E. coli, S. flexneri, and L. plantarum to 2.3, 1.9, and 1.4 log CFU/g compared to control sample). Overall acceptability of creams slightly decreased by the increase in EOs addition and the highest acceptability score of 7.9 observed for the sample contained 0.5%k + 0.5%b EOs. However, all treatments exhibited a high acceptance level that it confirms that the addition of EOs mixture had no effect on the sensorial attributes of the creams. The combination of tested EOs can be used as an antimicrobial agent in probiotic food products containing L. plantarum.
Experimental investigation of CO2–brine–rock interactions in relation with CO2 sequestration in an Iranian oil reservoir
Authors: Akbari Rozita , Khodapanah Elnaz , Tabatabaei‐Nezhad Seyyed Alireza 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe main purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of geologic CO2 sequestration in terms of CO2‐brine‐rock interactions in Ramin oil field, Iran. Static experiments were conducted with carbonate rocks at 70°C and atmospheric pressure for 14, 30, and 60 days. CO2‐brine‐rock interactions were inferred from the evaluation of Ca2+, Mg2+, , and concentrations and a thorough characterization of the carbonate rocks before and after treatment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs revealed the formation of dissolution pits and the growth of new structures. Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) indicated these minerals to be calcite. Porosity of the carbonate rocks increased from an initial value of 4.72% to the maximum value of 11.83%. Then, it decreased to a value of 5.48% until the end of the experiments, that is, 60 days. Chemical analysis of brine suggested the precipitation and dissolution of calcium sulfate. In addition, dolomite dissolution and halite precipitation/dissolution were inferred. Calcite precipitation and porosity reduction suggested that CO2 can be stored via mineral entrapment in the Ramin oil field, which is desired from the perspective of CO2 geologic sequestration. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk Prediction Models for Post‐Operative Mortality in Patients With Cirrhosis
Authors: Mahmud Nadim , Fricker Zachary , Hubbard Rebecca A. , Ioannou George N. , Lewis James D. , Taddei Tamar H. , Rothstein Kenneth D. , Serper Marina , Goldberg David S. , Kaplan David E. 
Published: September 2020

Background and Aims
Patients with cirrhosis are at increased risk of postoperative mortality. Currently available tools to predict postoperative risk are suboptimally calibrated and do not account for surgery type. Our objective was to use population‐level data to derive and internally validate cirrhosis surgical risk models.

Approach and Results
We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the Veterans Outcomes and Costs Associated with Liver Disease (VOCAL) cohort, which contains granular data on patients with cirrhosis from 128 U.S. medical centers, merged with the Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program (VASQIP) to identify surgical procedures. We categorized surgeries as abdominal wall, vascular, abdominal, cardiac, chest, or orthopedic and used multivariable logistic regression to model 30‐, 90‐, and 180‐day postoperative mortality (VOCAL‐Penn models). We compared model discrimination and calibration of VOCAL‐Penn to the Mayo Risk Score (MRS), Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD), Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease‐Sodium MELD‐Na, and Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh (CTP) scores. We identified 4,712 surgical procedures in 3,785 patients with cirrhosis. The VOCAL‐Penn models were derived and internally validated with excellent discrimination (30‐day postoperative mortality C‐statistic = 0.859; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.809‐0.909). Predictors included age, preoperative albumin, platelet count, bilirubin, surgery category, emergency indication, fatty liver disease, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, and obesity. Model performance was superior to MELD, MELD‐Na, CTP, and MRS at all time points (e.g., 30‐day postoperative mortality C‐statistic for MRS = 0.766; 95% CI, 0.676‐0.855) in terms of discrimination and calibration.

Conclusions
The VOCAL‐Penn models substantially improve postoperative mortality predictions in patients with cirrhosis. These models may be applied in practice to improve preoperative risk stratification and optimize patient selection for surgical procedures (www.vocalpennscore.com).
Technological Hazard Vulnerability: A GIS-Based Approach for Supporting Environmental Zoning
Authors: Possantti Iporã , Silva Tatiana 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Technological hazard assessments are extremely rare in Brazil, despite their importance for planning. Aquatic systems are of particular concern, since they are the endpoint of every process occurring in the watershed, including technological disasters. Thus, our goal is to map the technological hazard vulnerability in lagoon systems though a geographic information systems (GIS) model. The technological hazard vulnerability model consists of the spatial overlapping of technological pressure and fragility, having environmental systems as spatial units. The methodology was applied to the lagoon systems of the Rio Grande do Sul State, Southern Brazil, as a case study. The very high vulnerability of the Northern Guaíba Lake is due to the high concentration of technological infrastructures combined with high fragilities of wetland systems. In the Patos Lagoon Estuary, highly vulnerable systems consist mostly in shallow waters. The Mirim Lagoon was less vulnerable compared to other systems, due to a much smaller occurrence of elements of technological pressure. The proposed methodology allowed for the identification of environmental systems particularly vulnerable to technological hazards, where management efforts must be more intense. The results were used for the Ecological-Economic Zoning of the Rio Grande do Sul, as well as to revise the water quality framework of the Patos Lagoon estuary, currently underway. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:445–454. © 2020 SETAC
KEY POINTS
The technological hazard vulnerability (THV) model offers a simple tool to support environmental management and planning, and at the same time, advances in terms of technological hazard assessments, which are extremely rare in Brazil. A considerably large and commonly available set of variables is used as pressure elements and the results are aggregated in only 5 classes, making the impact of a possible wrong choice in terms of how the model was structured very low, and the model per se easily reproducible. Guaíba Lake and Patos Lagoon Estuary presented an increasing pattern of THV in the North-South direction. While in the first it is mostly related to the basin outfall points, in the second it is due to the presence of the Rio Grande port, industrial pole, and urban area. The Mirim Lagoon was much less vulnerable when compared with the other 2 areas. The results presented here were used for the Ecological-Economic Zoning of the Rio Grande do Sul, as well as to revise the water quality framework of the Patos Lagoon estuary, currently underway.
Temporal Trends of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Delaware River Fish, USA
Authors: MacGillivray A Ronald 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are found in a variety of industrial and household products. Human and wildlife exposure to PFAS is widespread. Increasing evidence suggests adverse effects of PFAS to human health and the environment. Human health risks from exposure through drinking water and fish consumption are areas of concern. Therefore, understanding occurrence and exposure risk is important to protect water resources. PFAS was investigated in fish fillet from the Delaware River over a 15-y period (2004–2018). The sample period coincided with actions to reduce or eliminate the release of certain PFAS to the environment. Elevated levels of perfluorononanoate (PFNA) and perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnA) were initially observed in tidal fish fillet. While significant decreases in PFNA and PFUnA concentrations were observed in fish fillet from the tidal river during the timeframe of the study, changes in concentrations of other PFAS in tidal and nontidal fish were less substantial. In 2018, fish fillet continued to be contaminated with perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) at levels exceeding recommended regional risk advisory limits on fish consumption. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:411–421. © 2020 SETAC
KEY POINTS
Significant decreases in PFNA and PFUnA concentrations in fish fillet were observed during a period of actions to reduce local releases. The PFOS concentrations declined more slowly and are estimated to trigger fish consumption advisories. Further evaluations of initiatives to manage PFAS exposure and risk to human health and wildlife are warranted.
Serotonin receptor type 2B activation augments TNF‐α‐induced matrix mineralization in murine valvular interstitial cells
Authors: Fong Felicia , Xian Joshua , Demer Linda L. , Tintut Yin 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCalcification, fibrosis, and chronic inflammation are the predominant features of calcific aortic valve disease, a life‐threatening condition. Drugs that induce serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine [5‐HT]) are known to damage valves, and activated platelets, which carry peripheral serotonin, are known to promote calcific aortic valve stenosis. However, the role of 5‐HT in valve leaflet pathology is not known. We tested whether serotonin mediates inflammation‐induced matrix mineralization in valve cells. Real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that murine aortic valve interstitial cells (VICs) expressed both serotonin receptor types 2A and 2B (Htr2a and Htr2b). Although Htr2a expression was greater at baseline, Htr2b expression was induced several‐fold more than Htr2a in response to the pro‐calcific tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) treatment. 5‐HT also augmented TNF‐α‐induced osteoblastic differentiation and matrix mineralization of VIC, but 5‐HT alone had no effects. Inhibition of serotonin receptor type 2B, using specific inhibitors or lentiviral knockdown in VIC, attenuated 5‐HT effects on TNF‐α‐induced osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization. 5‐HT treatment also augmented TNF‐α‐induced matrix metalloproteinase‐3 expression, which was also attenuated by Htr2b knockdown. Htr2b expression in aortic roots and serum levels of peripheral 5‐HT were also greater in the hyperlipidemic Apoe−/− mice than in control normolipemic mice. These findings suggest a new role for serotonin signaling in inflammation‐induced calcific valvulopathy.
Potential interventions for SARS‐CoV‐2 infections: Zinc showing promise
Authors: Brewer Joseph , Gomez Marti Juan Luis , Brufsky Adam 
Published: September 2020

HighlightsZinc (Zn) inhibits SARS‐CoV‐2 in vitro by several different mechanism. Zn deficiency may increase the risk for severity of COVID‐19 infection. The addition of Zn, particularly with a Zn ionophore, shows substantial promise as a treatment regimen.
Performance Improvement of Cleaning Formulations for the Exterior Surface of High‐Speed Trains
Authors: Zhang Liangliang , Liu Chenyu , Li Fugui , Qiao Weihong 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWith the development of high‐speed railways, there is an increasing demand for high‐efficiency and environmentally friendly high‐speed rail exterior surface cleaning agents. Based on emulsification experiment, contact angle experiment, solvent solubility experiment, and decontamination effect, this article provides the initial formulation for basic high‐speed rail surface cleaner and a variety of improved formulations for special environments. The initial formulation uses cetostearyl alcohol ethoxylate C16‐18‐EO10 (O‐10) and 2‐propyl‐1‐heptano ethoxylate i‐C10‐EO5 (XP‐50) as surfactants, dipropylene glycol butyl ether as solvent, citric acid as chelating agent, benzotriazole (BTA), sodium benzoate (SB), and triethanolamine (TEOA) as corrosion inhibitors. Then it is confirmed that adding 3% sodium percarbonate to the initial formula can effectively clean stubborn dirt. Increasing the BTA mass fraction to 3%, TEOA to 12%, add linoleic acid 2%, aluminum corrosion inhibitor (CIA) 3%, and Antirust 316 3%, can significantly improve the high‐temperature corrosion‐resistant detergent. Controlling BTA concentration not exceed than 0.5%, and adding an appropriate amount of hydrotrope (such as sodium xylenesulfonate), can ensure that the detergent will not delaminate within 6 h at 60°C, which effectively prolong its high temperature stability. The performance test results show that both initial formula and the improved formula meet the basic requirements, but the improved formula shows better performance in terms of cleaning ability, high‐temperature corrosion resistance or high‐temperature stability.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy is associated with increased cost in higher risk thin melanoma
Authors: Aiken Taylor J. , Stahl Christopher C. , Schwartz Patrick B. , Barrett James , Acher Alexandra W. , Lemaster Deborah , Leverson Glen , Weber Sharon , Neuman Heather , Abbott Daniel E. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionNational Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommend that sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) be discussed with patients with thin melanoma at higher risk for lymph node metastasis (T1b or T1a with positive deep margins, lymphovascular invasion, or high mitotic index). We examined the association between SLNB and resource utilization in this cohort.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients that underwent wide local excision for higher risk thin melanomas from 2009 to 2018 at a tertiary care center. Patients who underwent SLNB were compared to those who did not undergo SLNB with regard to resource utilization, including total hospital cost.ResultsA total of 70 patients were included in the analysis and 50 patients (71.4%) underwent SLNB. SLNB was associated with increased hospital costs ($6700 vs. $3767; p < .01) and increased operative time (68.5 vs. 36.0 min; p < .01). This cost difference persisted in multivariable regression (p < .01). Of patients who underwent successful SLN mapping, 3 out of 49 patients had a positive SLN (6.1%). The cost to identify a single positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) was $47,906.ConclusionIn patients with a higher risk of thin melanoma, SLNB is associated with increased cost despite a low likelihood of SLN positivity. These data better inform patient‐provider discussions as the role of SLNB in thin melanoma evolves.