bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lead one ratio in left bundle branch block predicts poor cardiac resynchronization therapy response
Authors: Loring Zak , Friedman Daniel J. , Emerek Kasper , Graff Claus , Sørensen Peter L. , Hansen Steen M. , Wieslander Bjorn , Ugander Martin , Søgaard Peter , Atwater Brett D. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundA low electrocardiogram (ECG) lead one ratio (LOR) of the maximum positive/negative QRS amplitudes is associated with lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and worse outcomes in left bundle branch block (LBBB); however, the impact of LOR on cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) outcomes is unknown. We compared clinical outcomes and echocardiographic changes after CRT implantation by LOR.MethodsConsecutive CRT‐defibrillator recipients with LBBB implanted between 2006 and 2015 at Duke University Medical Center were included (N = 496). Time to heart transplant, left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, or death was compared among patients with LOR <12 vs ≥12 using Cox‐proportional hazard models. Changes in LVEF and LV volumes after CRT were compared by LOR.ResultsBaseline ECG LOR <12 was associated with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.69 (95% CI: 1.12‐2.40, P = .01) for heart transplant, LVAD, or death. Patients with LOR <12 had less reduction of LV end diastolic volume (ΔLVEDV −4 ± 21 vs −13 ± 23%, P = .04) and LV end systolic volume (ΔLVESV −9 ± 27 vs −22 ± 26%, P = .03) after CRT. In patients with QRS duration (QRSd) ≥150 ms, LOR <12 was associated with an adjusted HR of 2.01 (95% CI 1.21‐3.35, P = .008) for heart transplant, LVAD, or death, compared with LOR ≥12.ConclusionsBaseline ECG LOR <12 portends worse outcomes after CRT implantation in patients with LBBB, specifically among those with QRSd ≥150 ms. This ECG ratio may identify patients with a class I indication for CRT implantation at high risk for poor postimplantation outcomes.
Normal ranges and potential modifiers of T‐wave morphology parameters among healthy individuals: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Nussinovitch Udi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundT‐wave morphology parameters, such as total cosine R‐to‐T (TCRT), T‐wave loop dispersion (TWLD), T‐wave morphology dispersion (TMD), and T‐wave residuum (TWR), were suggested to be robust markers for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Yet, the normal range of these parameters is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the weighted normal values of T‐wave morphology parameters of healthy individuals and study the effect of potential modifiers.MethodsA systematic search of studies published in PubMed was conducted. Only those reporting on control groups of healthy individuals were included. Weighted means were calculated for TCRT, TWLD, TMD, and TWR. Linear regression analysis was conducted for age, percentage of males, heart rate, and QTc.ResultsThe weighted TCRT was 0.40 ± 0.05, significantly higher than the various cutoffs previously suggested to identify high risk. There was some overlap between the results of weighted normal TMD (19.42 ± 6.77°), TWLD (38.51 ± 0.31), and relative TWR (0.118 ± 0.056%) and reports on the same parameters from patients with cardiovascular disease. Women were also characterized by higher TWLD, TMD, and relative TWR. TCRT was negatively correlated with age and heart rate, and positively correlated with QTc duration, although all associations were weak (R2 < 0.9).ConclusionsT‐wave morphology parameters reported in the medical literature span a broad range of values in healthy individuals. Seemingly abnormal values of TWLD, TMD, and relative TWR were often reported in healthy adults. The variability between studies may stem from methodological issues. Therefore, standardizing the methodology for measuring T‐wave morphology is imperative.
Interaction effect of Alzheimer's disease pathology and education, occupation, and socioeconomic status as a proxy for cognitive reserve on cognitive performance: in vivo positron emission tomography study
Authors: Yasuno Fumihiko , Minami Hiroyuki , Hattori Hideyuki ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: April 2020

AimEducational attainment, occupation, and socioeconomic status have been regarded as major factors influencing cognitive reserve (CR). This study aimed to investigate the interaction effect of amyloid‐β/tau burden and education/occupation/socioeconomic status as a proxy for CR on cognitive performance.MethodsWe analyzed the datasets of the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. We included clinically normal subjects and patients with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease who had undergone a florbetapir scan within 1 year of a flortaucipir (AV‐1451) scan (n = 127). Partial correlation analysis between the standardized uptake value ratio of florbetapir/AV‐1451 and the proxy for CR was performed with the 13‐item Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐cognitive subscale (ADAS‐cog) score as a covariate. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of ADAS‐cog performance based on the interaction between the imaging biomarkers and the proxy for CR.ResultsWe found a significant positive partial correlation between educational level and tau pathology in Braak stage 1/2 areas, and we observed significantly higher tau accumulation among participants with higher education when ADAS‐cog score was used as a covariate. The interaction between tau and education was a good predictor of cognitive function, with higher tau accumulation showing a greater association with higher ADAS‐cog score among participants with less education than among those with more education.ConclusionOur findings indicate the protective effect of education against cognitive dysfunction in early‐stage Alzheimer's disease pathology and suggest that education may exert a beneficial effect by reducing the adverse cognitive consequences of tau aggregation.
Successful Strategic Plan Implementation in Public Organizations: Connecting People, Process, and Plan (3Ps)
Authors: George Bert 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Strategic planning (SP) remains the dominant approach to strategy formulation at all levels of government, and it is an enduring topic of public administration research and practice. Simultaneously, little is known about the conditions under which strategic plans are successfully implemented in government. This Viewpoint essay provides evidence‐based recommendations from SP initiatives in Flemish municipalities using multi‐informant and multisource survey data. It shows that successfully implementing strategic plans is influenced by the people, process, and plan (3Ps) underlying SP. Involving creators in SP helps make the SP process more informed. An informed SP process that includes constructive conflict helps induce high‐quality strategic plans. High‐quality strategic plans contribute to successful strategic plan implementation. Practitioners are encouraged to consider SP not as a one‐size‐fits‐all solution to strategy formulation, but as an approach in which variation in people, process, and plan influences implementation success.
Digital technologies and power dynamics in the organization: A conceptual review of remote working and wearable technologies at work
Authors: Miele Francesco , Tirabeni Lia 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn this article, we examine the kinds of control practices that emerge with the introduction of digital technologies, and how these technologies are employed to shape power within workplaces. We present a comparative conceptual review of work practices by contrasting remote work and the use of workplace wearables. We trace forms of power and control that have been enacted with the adoption of these work‐related technologies and associated practices. We find that the prevailing literature focuses on the practices enacted by management in order to control workers and exert power over them, and we propose that a more comprehensive approach be taken. In support of this view, we show how the concept of appropriation emerges from science and technology studies, and we argue that such a concept would be useful for exploring how workers use and incorporate digital technologies into their daily lives, thus reshaping power in organizations.
Accounting for Quasi-Static Coupling in Nonlinear Dynamic Reduced-Order Models
Authors: Nicolaidou Evangelia , Melanthuru Venkata R. , Hill Thomas L. , Neild Simon A. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Engineering structures are often designed using detailed finite element (FE) models. Although these models can capture nonlinear effects, performing nonlinear dynamic analysis using FE models is often prohibitively computationally expensive. Nonlinear reduced-order modeling provides a means of capturing the principal dynamics of an FE model in a smaller, computationally cheaper reduced-order model (ROM). One challenge in formulating nonlinear ROMs is the strong coupling between low- and high-frequency modes, a feature we term quasi-static coupling. An example of this is the coupling between bending and axial modes of beams. Some methods for formulating ROMs require that these high-frequency modes are included in the ROM, thus increasing its size and adding computational expense. Other methods can implicitly capture the effects of the high-frequency modes within the retained low-frequency modes; however, the resulting ROMs are normally sensitive to the scaling used to calibrate them, which may introduce errors. In this paper, quasi-static coupling is first investigated using a simple oscillator with nonlinearities up to the cubic order. ROMs typically include quadratic and cubic nonlinear terms, however here it is demonstrated mathematically that the ROM describing the oscillator requires higher-order nonlinear terms to capture the modal coupling. Novel ROMs, with high-order nonlinear terms, are then shown to be more accurate, and significantly more robust to scaling, than standard ROMs developed using existing approaches. The robustness of these novel ROMs is further demonstrated using a clamped–clamped beam, modeled using commercial FE software.
Multistep Treatment of a Complex Electrolyte for Removal of Heavy Metal Ions and Recycling in Electrochemical Machining
Authors: Önel Selis , Ergin Gözde 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
During electrochemical machining (ECM) of metals, the electrolyte gets polluted by heavy metal ions and compounds. This creates crucial process control problems due to variation in electrical conductivity and is an environmental threat if the solution is discharged without treatment. In this study, an economical, simple multistep treatment system based on ion-exchange was developed to remove metal ions from the polluted electrolyte. We specifically looked at the electrolytic discharge from ECM of copper pieces, which is widely used in biomedical and electronic applications. Three different ion-exchange media were used: (1) a natural zeolite, (2) a special type of adsorbent quantitative filter paper, and (3) a polymer-based synthetic cation-holder resin (Lewatit TP 207) that works well with copper ions. Optimization studies for pH and contact time showed the following: (1) by using zeolite alone, and after 2 h of mixing, 43.2% of Cu2+ could be removed; (2) by using the filter paper alone, and after three times of filtration, 90% of Cu2+ could be removed; and (3) by using Lewatit TP 207 alone, 100% of Cu2+ could be removed. While Lewatit TP 207 allowed for 100% removal of Cu2+, its use alone is costly and troublesome due to constraints from service life and multistep regeneration and conditioning with strong acids and bases, respectively. The most simple and economical scheme for removal of Cu2+ and recycling the electrolyte for reuse was the three-step zeolite-filter-resin treatment system.
About the Thermal Hydraulic Analysis Part of a Coupled Study on a Thorium-Fueled SCWR Concept
Authors: Kiss Attila , Hegyesi Béla , Ujváry Patrik Richárd , Ványi András Szabolcs , Csom Gyula 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Inherently poorer moderation in supercritical water-cooled reactors (SCWRs) due to average density lower than in light water reactors and the resulted spectral shift can be useful when we apply thorium fuel-cycle instead of uranium–plutonium one, according to an ongoing study in Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) Institute of Nuclear Techniques (NTI). Upon this conclusion, a thorium-fueled SCWR design (Th-SCWR) has been proposed by BME NTI. In the current feasibility study phase, detailed three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations with novel neutronics analysis were coupled and conducted separately. Neutronics calculations provided the distribution of heat source, while the CFD analysis gave back axial distribution of coolant density (this iteration was repeated until an acceptable convergence). This paper presents the CFD analysis on thermal hydraulics of the initial design (two CFD models without any spacer device and one model with wrapped wire spacer) of Th-SCWR fuel assembly. As results of the preliminary design of Th-SCWR cladding wall, coolant and fuel temperatures have been determined; the flow field with and without spacer device has been showed, and the application of wrapped wire spacer has been proposed.
Flame-Free Combustion of Radioactive and Hazardous Wastes in the Salt Melt
Authors: Galek Vojtěch , Stoklasa Jaroslav , Hadrava Jan , Vokatý Roman 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Molten salt oxidation (MSO) is a technology using the flame-free oxidation in molten salts materials in order to reduce the volume of hazardous solid and liquid wastes. MSO allows the processing of the loose materials, semiliquid suspensions, or liquids over a wide range of viscosity. Combustible wastes are fed through the dosing system into the reactor together with air or oxygen. During the oxidation process, which is deliberately under the melt level, heavy metals and radionuclides are captured. This paper deals with the process of combustion of an ion exchange resin containing stable Cs, Co, and Sr isotopes with the temperature set to 880 °C. The oxidation time was 90 min. The research phase focuses on the capture and dissipation of these isotopes in MSO technology.
Prospective registration and reporting of trial number in randomised clinical trials: global cross sectional study of the adoption of ICMJE and Declaration of Helsinki recommendations
Authors: Al-Durra Mustafa , Nolan Robert P , Seto Emily , Cafazzo Joseph A 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Objectives
To evaluate the compliance with prospective registration and inclusion of the trial registration number (TRN) in published randomised controlled trials (RCTs), and to analyse the rationale behind, and detect selective registration bias in, retrospective trial registration.

Design
Cross sectional analysis.

Data sources
PubMed, the 17 World Health Organization’s trial registries, University of Toronto library, International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) list of member journals, and the InCites Journal Citation Reports.

Study selection criteria
RCTs registered in any WHO trial registry and published in any PubMed indexed journal in 2018.

Results
This study included 10 500 manuscripts published in 2105 journals. Overall, 71.2% (7473/10500) reported the TRN and 41.7% (3013/7218) complied with prospective trial registration. The univariable and multivariable analyses reported significant relations (P<0.05) between reporting the TRN and the impact factor and ICMJE membership of the publishing journal. A significant relation (P<0.05) was also observed between prospective trial registration and the registry, region, condition, funding, trial size, interval between paper registration and submission dates, impact factor, and ICMJE membership of the publishing journal. A manuscript published in an ICMJE member journal was 5.8 times more likely to include the TRN (odds ratio 5.8, 95% confidence interval 4.0 to 8.2), and a published trial was 1.8 times more likely to be registered prospectively (1.8, 1.5 to 2.2) when published in an ICMJE member journal compared with other journals. This study detected a new form of bias, selective registration bias, with a higher proportion (85.2% (616/723)) of trials registered retrospectively within a year of submission for publication. Higher rates of retrospective registrations were observed within the first three to eight weeks after enrolment of study participants. Within the 286 RCTs registered retrospectively and published in an ICMJE member journal, only 2.8% (8/286) of the authors included a statement justifying the delayed registration. Reasons included lack of awareness, error of omission, and the registration process taking longer than anticipated.

Conclusions
This study found a high compliance in reporting of the TRN for trial papers published in ICMJE member journals, but prospective trial registration was low.
The prevalence of noma in northwest Nigeria
Authors: Farley Elise , Oyemakinde Modupe Juliana , Schuurmans Jorien , Ariti Cono , Saleh Fatima , Uzoigwe Gloria , Bil Karla , Oluyide Bukola , Fotso Adolphe , Amirtharajah Mohana , Vyncke Jorieke , Brechard Raphael , Adetunji Adeniyi Semiyu , Ritmeijer Koert , van der Kam Saskia , Baratti-Mayer Denise , Mehta Ushma , Isah Shafi'u , Ihekweazu Chikwe , Lenglet Annick 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundNoma, a rapidly progressing infection of the oral cavity, mainly affects children. The true burden is unknown. This study reports estimated noma prevalence in children in northwest Nigeria.MethodsOral screening was performed on all ≤15 year olds, with caretaker consent, in selected households during this cross-sectional survey. Noma stages were classified using WHO criteria and caretakers answered survey questions. The prevalence of noma was estimated stratified by age group (0–5 and 6–15 years). Factors associated with noma were estimated using logistic regression.ResultsA total of 177 clusters, 3499 households and 7122 children were included. In this sample, 4239 (59.8%) were 0–5 years and 3692 (52.1%) were female. Simple gingivitis was identified in 3.1% (n=181; 95% CI 2.6 to 3.8), acute necrotising gingivitis in 0.1% (n=10; CI 0.1 to 0.3) and oedema in 0.05% (n=3; CI 0.02 to 0.2). No cases of late-stage noma were detected. Multivariable analysis in the group aged 0–5 years showed having a well as the drinking water source (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.1; CI 1.2 to 3.6) and being aged 3–5 years (aOR 3.9; CI 2.1 to 7.8) was associated with being a noma case. In 6–15 year olds, being male (aOR 1.5; CI 1.0 to 2.2) was associated with being a noma case and preparing pap once or more per week (aOR 0.4; CI 0.2 to 0.8) was associated with not having noma. We estimated that 129120 (CI 105294 to 1 52 947) individuals <15 years of age would have any stage of noma at the time of the survey within the two states. Most of these cases (93%; n=120 082) would be children with simple gingivitis.ConclusionsOur study identified a high prevalence of children at risk of developing advanced noma. This disease is important but neglected and therefore merits inclusion in the WHO neglected tropical diseases list.
Receptor for advanced glycation end products modulates oxidative stress and mitochondrial function in the soleus muscle of mice fed a high-fat diet
Authors: Velayoudom-Cephise Fritz Line , Cano-Sanchez Mariola , Bercion Sylvie , Tessier Frédéric , Yu Yichi , Boulanger Eric , Neviere Remi 
Published: April 2020

Accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and activation of the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) are implicated in the progression of pathologies associated with aging, chronic inflammation, diabetes, and cellular stress. RAGE activation is also implicated in cardiovascular complications of type 2 diabetes, such as nephropathy, retinopathy, accelerated vascular diseases, and cardiomyopathy. Studies investigating the effects of AGE/RAGE axis activation on skeletal muscle oxidative stress and metabolism are more limited. We tested whether a high-fat diet (HFD) would alter circulating AGE concentration, skeletal muscle AGE accumulation, and oxidative stress in wild-type and RAGE-deficient mice. The physiological significance of AGE/RAGE axis activation in HFD-fed mice was evaluated in terms of exercise tolerance and mitochondrial respiratory chain complex activity. HFD elicited adiposity, abnormal fat distribution, and oral glucose intolerance. HFD also induced accumulation of Nε-carboxymethyl-l-lysine, increased protein carbonyl levels, and impaired respiratory chain complex activity in soleus muscle. Ablation of RAGE had no effects on weight gain and oral glucose tolerance in HFD-fed mice. Peak aerobic capacity and mitochondrial cytochrome-c oxidase activity were restored in HFD-fed RAGE−/− mice. We concluded that RAGE signaling plays an important role in skeletal muscle homeostasis of mice under metabolic stress. Novelty HFD in mice induces accumulation of AGEs, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction in the soleus muscle. RAGE, the multi-ligand receptor for AGEs, modulates oxidative stress and mitochondrial electron transport chain function in the soleus muscle of HFD-fed mice.
Effect of dietary inclusion of antioxidants and organic trace minerals on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of finishing pigs with pre-slaughter transportation
Authors: Wang Chong , Wang Junhong , Qi Sirui , Xu Cunzhu , Wang Yanming , Wang Haifeng 
Published: April 2020

A total of 320 pigs (body weight = 98 ± 4 kg) were assigned to four treatments, with eight replicates (pens) per treatment. Pigs were fed the following diets: a control diet (CON), the CON diet plus antioxidant blends (AOX), organic trace minerals (OTM), or both (AOX + OTM). After the feeding trial, two pigs from each pen were selected for slaughtering right away or after transportation. The inclusion of AOX, OTM, or AOX + OTM had no significant effect on feed intake, average daily gain, and feed efficiency compared with CON (P > 0.05). The pre-transportation significantly reduced the pH value of loin meat at 24 h post mortem and leg meat at 45 min post mortem (P < 0.05). The pigs in the AOX, OTM, and AOX + OTM group had significantly lower plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) content than the CON group (P < 0.05). Pre-transportation resulted in significantly higher meat MDA contents (P < 0.05), clearly influencing the oxidative stress of pigs. The inclusion of antioxidant blends or organic trace minerals had no significant effect on the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of finishing pigs.
Synthesis and characterization of diamond with KBH4 additive under high pressure and high temperature conditions
Authors: Zhou Zhenxiang , Wang Fangbiao , Huang Hailiang , Jiang Hongwei , Zheng Youjin , Peng Jiaxiao , Yue Lu 
Published: April 2020

In this paper, diamond single crystals have been successfully synthesized with potassium berohydride (KBH4) additive from 0 wt.% to 0.4 wt.% in the NiMnCo–C system at 6 GPa and temperature range of 1300[Formula: see text]C–1350[Formula: see text]C by temperature gradient growth (TGG) method. The results of experiments showed that the color of diamond crystals changed from light yellow to dark blue to black, as the KBH4 content increases from 0 wt.% to 0.4 wt.%. The results of FTIR absorption spectroscopy showed that the peaks of boron-related enhanced with an increase of KBH4 additive. The XPS results showed that the boron, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen coexisted in the diamond crystal. The results of Hall effect measurements indicated that the synthesized diamonds using KBH4 as additive presented [Formula: see text]-type semiconductor characterizations. The Hall mobility was nearly equivalent between diamond crystals of with 0.2 wt.% and 0.4 wt.% KBH4 additive, but which was all extremely low due to scattering causing by N and O defects. While the concentrations of carrier and conductivity of the co-doped diamonds enhanced with increasing KBH4 additive.