bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Change in ejection fraction and long‐term mortality in adults referred for echocardiography
Authors: Strange Geoff , Playford David , Scalia Gregory M. , Celermajer David S. , Prior David , Codde Jim , Chan Yih‐Kai , Bulsara Max K. , Stewart Simon ,   the NEDA Investigators
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsWe investigated long‐term mortality associated with changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in a large, real‐world patient cohort.Methods and resultsA total of 117 275 adults (63 ± 16 years, 46% women) had LVEF quantified by the same method ≥6 months apart. This included 17 343 cases (66 ± 15 years, 48% women) being initially investigated for heart failure (HF). During 3.3 [interquartile range (IQR) 1.7–6.0] years from first to last echocardiogram, median change in LVEF was −1 (IQR −8 to +5) units from a baseline of 62% (IQR 54–69%). During subsequent 7.6 (IQR 4.3–10.1) years of follow‐up, 11 397 (9.7%) and 34 101 (29.1%) cases died from cardiovascular disease and all causes, respectively. Actual 5‐year, all‐cause mortality increased from 12% to 29% among those with the smallest to the largest decrease in LVEF (from <5 units to >30 units); the adjusted risk of cardiovascular‐related mortality increased two‐ to eightfold beyond a >10‐unit decline in LVEF (vs. minimal change; P < 0.001 for all comparisons). Among those initially investigated for HF (32% with initial LVEF <50%), the adjusted hazard ratio for cardiovascular‐related mortality ranged from 0.35 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28–0.49] to 4.21 (95% CI 3.30–5.22) for a >30‐unit increase to >30‐unit decline in LVEF (vs. minimal change; P < 0.001 for both comparisons). A distinctive, bi‐directional plateau of improved vs. worsening mortality was evident around a final LVEF of 50% to 55%.ConclusionsThese data, derived from a large, heterogeneous cohort of adults being followed up with echocardiography, suggest that modest LVEF changes (particularly around an LVEF of 50–55%) may be of clinical significance.
Virtual optimization of guideline‐directed medical therapy in hospitalized patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: the IMPLEMENT‐HF pilot study
Authors: Bhatt Ankeet S. , Varshney Anubodh S. , Nekoui Mahan , Moscone Alea , Cunningham Jonathan W. , Jering Karola S. , Patel Parth N. , Sinnenberg Lauren E. , Bernier Thomas D. , Buckley Leo F. , Cook Bryan M. , Dempsey Jillian , Kelly Julie , Knowles Danielle M. , Lupi Kenneth , Malloy Rhynn , Matta Lina S. , Rhoten Megan N. , Sharma Krishan , Snyder Caroline A. , Ting Clara , McElrath Erin E. , Amato Mary G. , Alobaidly Maryam , Ulbricht Catherine E. , Choudhry Niteesh K. , Adler Dale S. , Vaduganathan Muthiah 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsImplementation of guideline‐directed medical therapy (GDMT) for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) remains incomplete. Non‐cardiovascular hospitalization may present opportunities for GDMT optimization. We assessed the efficacy and durability of a virtual, multidisciplinary ‘GDMT Team’ on medical therapy prescription for HFrEF.Methods and resultsConsecutive hospitalizations in patients with HFrEF (ejection fraction ≤40%) were prospectively identified from 3 February to 1 March 2020 (usual care group) and 2 March to 28 August 2020 (intervention group). Patients with critical illness, de novo heart failure, and systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg in the preceeding 24 hs prior to enrollment were excluded. In the intervention group, a pharmacist–physician GDMT Team provided optimization suggestions to treating teams based on an evidence‐based algorithm. The primary outcome was a GDMT optimization score, the sum of positive (+1 for new initiations or up‐titrations) and negative therapeutic changes (−1 for discontinuations or down‐titrations) at hospital discharge. Serious in‐hospital safety events were assessed. Among 278 consecutive encounters with HFrEF, 118 met eligibility criteria; 29 (25%) received usual care and 89 (75%) received the GDMT Team intervention. Among usual care encounters, there were no changes in GDMT prescription during hospitalization. In the intervention group, β‐blocker (72% to 88%; P = 0.01), angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitor (6% to 17%; P = 0.03), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (16% to 29%; P = 0.05), and triple therapy (9% to 26%; P < 0.01) prescriptions increased during hospitalization. After adjustment for clinically relevant covariates, the GDMT Team was associated with an increase in GDMT optimization score (+0.58; 95% confidence interval +0.09 to +1.07; P = 0.02). There were no serious in‐hospital adverse events.ConclusionsNon‐cardiovascular hospitalizations are a potentially safe and effective setting for GDMT optimization. A virtual GDMT Team was associated with improved heart failure therapeutic optimization. This implementation strategy warrants testing in a prospective randomized controlled trial.
One‐Pot Oxidation of Secondary Alcohols to α‐Hydroxy Ketones: Application to Synthesis of Oxoaplysinopsin D, E, F, & G
Authors: Kulkarni Akshay S. , Ramesh Eagala , Srinivasa Reddy D. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA simple one‐pot transformation of secondary alcohols to α‐hydroxy ketones using pyridinium dichromate (PDC) in DMF has been developed and substrate scope tested with 25 compounds of hydantoin derivatives. Using this method, we have devised a common dihydroxy intermediate and synthesized four natural products oxoaplysinopsins D, E, F, and G for the first time.
Stopped‐Flow 19F NMR Spectroscopic Analysis of a Protodeboronation Proceeding at the Sub‐Second Time‐Scale
Authors: Wei Ran , Hall Andrew M. R. , Behrens Richard , Pritchard Mark S. , King Edward J. , Lloyd‐Jones Guy C. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn‐situ NMR spectroscopic analysis of homogeneous reactions is an essential tool for mechanistic analysis in organic and organometallic chemistry. However, rapid non‐equilibrium reactions, that are initiated by mixing, require specialized approaches. We report herein on a study of the factors that ensure quantitative results in a recently‐developed technique for stopped‐flow NMR spectroscopy. The influence of some of the key parameters on quantitation is studied by 19F NMR spectroscopic analysis of the kinetics and activation parameters for the base‐catalyzed protodeboronation of highly‐reactive polyfluorinated arylboronic acids, with half‐lives as low as 0.1 seconds. The effects of spin relaxation, pre‐magnetization, heat‐transfer versus reaction enthalpy, and mixing‐efficiency are analyzed in detail. We also compare and contrast choice of pulse angle, interscan delay, and use of pseudo real‐time by interleaving, as means to achieve an optimal balance between temporal resolution and sensitivity.
A Synthetic Route to Benzothiazocines with Two or Three Carbon Stereocenters via Copper‐Catalyzed Intramolecular N‐Arylation
Authors: Choury Mickael , Blond Gaëlle , Gulea Mihaela 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA new structural family of benzothiazocines bearing two or three carbon stereogenic centers on the 8‐membered ring was synthesized by intramolecular Cu‐catalyzed N‐arylation. The chiral racemic 1,3‐aminothioethers precursors have been prepared from easily available starting materials. An ionic organic base was used for the first time in an intramolecular C−N coupling, in medium‐ring series, leading to higher yields than those obtained with an inorganic base, and a partial epimerization in some cases. The synthetic sequence was successfully performed on one example in asymmetric version, demonstrating the accessibility of enantioenriched benzothiazocines.
Application of a Thiadiazole‐derivative in a Tyrosinase‐based Amperometric Biosensor for Epinephrine Detection
Authors: Meloni Francesca , Spychalska Kamila , Zając Dorota , Pilo Maria Itria , Zucca Antonio , Cabaj Joanna 
Published: March 2021

AbstractEnzyme‐based amperometric biosensors are proving to be important analytical tools in several fields such as food, environmental and, in recent years, the biomedical one. This work describes the use of 4,7‐bis(5‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole (TBT) in the development of a tyrosinase‐based biosensor for epinephrine detection. The modifying agent was obtained as a film by electrochemical oxidation of TBT on a gold disk electrode. Electrochemical characterization and scanning electrode microscopy (SEM) images suggest the formation of a conducting film on the electrode surface. Tyrosinase from mushroom was then immobilized by a mixed technique of adsorption and cross‐linking. Glutaraldehyde was used as a coupling agent. The obtained device shows a very good linear response (0.1–50 μM) with a LoD value of 0.06 μM and a LoQ of 0.09 μM. Moreover, good selectivity towards some typical interferents (namely, ascorbic acid, tryptophan, uric acid and L‐cysteine) and satisfactory recoveries have been observed.
Vertebrate herbivory weakens directional selection for earlier emergence in competition
Authors: Waterton Joseph , Cleland Elsa E. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe timing of seedling emergence is strongly linked with fitness because it determines the biotic and abiotic environment experienced by plants in this vulnerable life stage. Experiments and observations consistently find that earlier-emerging plants have a competitive advantage over those emerging later. However, substantial genetic and phenotypic variation in emergence timing is harbored within and among plant populations, making it important to characterize the selective agents—including biotic interactions—that contribute to this variation. In seasonal herbaceous communities, we hypothesized that consumption of early-emerging individuals by vertebrates could weaken the strength of directional selection for earlier emergence in competitive environments. To investigate this, we carried out phenotypic selection analyses on emergence timing in two California grass species, the native Stipa pulchra and non-native Bromus diandrus, growing in intraspecific competitive neighborhoods with and without vertebrate herbivore exclusion. Vertebrate herbivores consistently weakened directional selection for earlier emergence. Our results demonstrate that vertebrate herbivores play an underappreciated selective role on phenology in plant populations, with implications for contemporary evolution, such as the potential of species to adapt to global environmental changes.
Natural convection and entropy generation in square and skew cavities due to large temperature differences: A Gay–Lussac‐type vorticity stream‐function approach
Authors: Mayeli Peyman , Sheard Gregory J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this study, a benchmark natural convection problem is studied under a Gay–Lussac‐type approximation incorporating centrifugal effects in the context of a new vorticity‐stream‐function approach. This approximation differs from the classic Boussinesq approximation in that density variations are considered in the advection term as well as the gravity term in the momentum equations. Such a treatment invokes Froude number as a non‐Boussinesq parameter deviating results from the classic Boussinesq approximation. It is also shown how the Gay–Lussac parameter may be expressed by its equivalent relative temperature difference. Numerical simulation of natural convection in square and skewed cavities are performed up to Ra = 106 and ϵ = 0.3 at Pr = 0.71. Results obtained with new approximation are compared against the weakly compressible approach and the conventional Boussinesq approximation in terms of the average and local Nusselt number, coefficient of friction and entropy generation. Comparing the local Nusselt number indicates a negligible difference between Gay–Lussac type and the Boussinesq approximations even at a high relative temperature difference, with both deviating from the weakly compressible approach. Comparing coefficient friction results obtained by the Gay–Lussac‐type approximation against the weakly compressible approach confirms superior numerical data in some regions of the physical domain with less deviation for rotating flows in comparison with the Boussinesq approximation. Finally, comparing the computational cost of the numerical simulation shows at least 8% less computational cost when governing equations are solved via secondary variables using a central scheme rather than primitive variables.
Time‐varying dynamics of expected shortfall in commodity futures markets
Authors: Mehlitz Julia S. , Auer Benjamin R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMotivated by the growing interest of investors in commodities and by advances in risk measurement, we present a full‐scale analysis of expected shortfall (ES) in commodity futures markets. Besides illustrating the dynamics of historic ES, we evaluate whether popular estimators are suitable for forecasting future ES. By implementing a new backtest, we find that the performance of estimators hinges on market stability. Estimators tend to fail when markets are in turmoil and accurate forecasts are urgently needed. Even though a kernel method performs best on average, our results advise against the use of established estimators for risk (and margin) prediction.
Bestimmung von Gebirgsspannungen mit dem Überbohrverfahren – Teil 1: Triaxialmesssonden – Neufassung der Empfehlung Nr. 14 des Arbeitskreises „Versuchstechnik Fels“ der DGGT
Authors: Kiehl Johannes R. , Heusermann Stefan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDer Arbeitskreis AK 3.3 „Versuchstechnik Fels“ der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Geotechnik e. V. erarbeitet Empfehlungen für felsmechanische Labor‐ und Feldversuche sowie Messungen im Gebirge und an geotechnischen Bauwerken. Die vorliegende Neufassung der Empfehlung Nr. 14 behandelt Überbohrversuche zur Bestimmung von Gebirgsspannungen und berücksichtigt die Weiterentwicklung der Versuchstechnik seit der Herausgabe der Empfehlung Nr. 14 „Überbohr‐Entlastungsversuche zur Bestimmung von Gebirgsspannungen“ im Jahre 1990 [1]. Es werden die Anforderungen an die Messgeräte sowie die Vorgehensweise für die Durchführung und Auswertung dieser Versuche festgelegt. Es wird auf die Empfehlungen der International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM), in denen Überbohrversuche behandelt werden, hingewiesen [2, 3]. Die Empfehlung Nr. 14 ist in zwei Teile gegliedert. Im vorliegenden Teil 1 werden Überbohrversuche mithilfe von Triaxialmesssonden behandelt. Der Teil 2 dieser Empfehlung befasst sich mit Überbohrversuchen mittels Weggebersonden.
Maturity and thermal evolution differences between two sets of Lower Palaeozoic shales and its significance for shale gas formation in south‐western Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Wang Ye , Qiu Nansheng , Xie Xiaomin , Ma Zhongliang , Li Longlong , Feng Qianqian , Yang Liu , Shen Baojian , Borjigin Tenger , Tao Ni 
Published: March 2021

AbtractThe Lower Cambrian Qiongzhusi shale and the Upper Ordovician–Lower Silurian Wufeng‐Longmaxi shale are major source rocks and important shale gas exploration targets in the Sichuan Basin. Cutting and core samples from two shale gas wells in south‐western Sichuan Basin have been selected for organic matter (OM) reflectance measurement and Raman spectra analysis with the aim to determine maturity. The results were incorporated for basin modelling to construct the thermal evolution of this area. Graptolite fragments and pyrobitumens are the dominant form of OM in Wufeng‐Longmaxi shale. A limited number of the OM as pyrobitumens and vitrinite‐like particles is presented in Qiongzhusi shale. According to the measured reflectance of OM in conjunction with the maturity calculated using Raman spectra, the equivalent vitrinite reflectance (EqVRo) values based on solid bitumen and graptolite is 2.53–2.81% for the Wufeng‐Longmaxi shale. The EqVRo value is 2.85–3.53% within 300 m depth intervals for the Qiongzhusi shale. A significant difference in oil generation occurred before the Late Permian between Qiongzhusi shale and Wufeng‐Longmaxi shale based on basin modelling and reassessment of previous published data. Compared with the Qiongzhusi shale, the Wufeng‐Longmaxi shale would have lower maturities before Late Permian and less hydrocarbon could be generated/expelled at that time, therefore, this shale remained with a large amount of oil, which could crack into gas. This difference had shown a favourable time relationship for generation and accumulation of shale gas in Wufeng‐Longmaxi shale.
Insulin resistance accounts for metabolic syndrome‐related alterations in brain structure
Authors: Lu Ran , Aziz N. Ahmad , Diers Kersten , Stöcker Tony , Reuter Martin , Breteler Monique M.B. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major public health burden worldwide and associated with brain abnormalities. Although insulin resistance is considered a pivotal feature of MetS, its role in the pathogenesis of MetS‐related brain alterations in the general population is unclear. Therefore, in 973 participants (mean age 52.5 years) of the population‐based Rhineland Study, we assessed brain morphology in relation to MetS and insulin resistance, and evaluated to what extent the pattern of structural brain changes seen in MetS overlap with those associated with insulin resistance. Cortical reconstruction and volumetric segmentation were obtained from high‐resolution brain images at 3 Tesla using FreeSurfer. The relations between metabolic measures and brain structure were assessed through (generalized) linear models. Both MetS and insulin resistance were associated with smaller cortical gray matter volume and thickness, but not with white matter or subcortical gray matter volume. Age‐ and sex‐adjusted vertex‐based brain morphometry demonstrated that MetS and insulin resistance were related to cortical thinning in a similar spatial pattern. Importantly, no independent effect of MetS on cortical gray matter was observed beyond the effect of insulin resistance. Our findings suggest that addressing insulin resistance is critical in the prevention of MetS‐related brain changes in later life.
Comparison of dipstick and quantitative tests for proteinuria and hematuria in middle‐aged, male Japanese employees: A single‐center study
Authors: Ikeda Kanako , Abe Masaharu , Masamoto Izumi , Ishii Chikako , Arimura Emi , Ushikai Miharu , Oketani Kaoru , Hashiguchi Teruto , Horiuchi Masahisa 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground and AimsThe early and reliable detection of chronic kidney disease is important. In the present study, we aimed to compare the diagnostic results for proteinuria and hematuria between the dipstick test used in primary occupational health examinations and the quantitative tests used in more thorough examinations in clinics.MethodsWe conducted a single‐center observational study of male staff (N = 573) at Kagoshima University who underwent a health examination in 2017. Both dipsticks and biochemical methods were used to assess proteinuria and hematuria.ResultsFor the dipstick test, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value were 55.6%, 92.4% and 10.4% for proteinuria, and 64.3%, 98.3% and 66.7% for hematuria, respectively. Four participants for whom false‐negative results were obtained using dipsticks for proteinuria, and two of these had 3+ urinary glucose.ConclusionQualitative tests for proteinuria and hematuria had low sensitivities and positive predictive values. Therefore, for the early and reliable detection of chronic kidney disease, the use of quantitative urine tests should be considered during occupational health examinations.
Investigation on a small‐scale vertical tube evaporator multieffect desalination system: Modeling, analysis, and optimization
Authors: Deharkar Rahul , Mudgal Anurag , Patel Vivek K. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA growing population with depleting water resources has increased the requirement for desalination systems. Large‐scale desalination plants have seen a growth in the recent period; however, the small‐scale (SS) decentralized desalination plants' need has not been realized for the rural population. Low specific heat consumption for multieffect desalination systems makes it suitable for such decentralized operation. The challenge now lies in determining the system capacity and optimal operational range for the SS requirements. In this study, the thermoeconomic model for an SS multieffect desalination system for various configurations is developed. Optimization of the SS plant for the number of effects is performed to determine the optimal operational range of motive steam pressure, motive steam flow rate, and feed water flow rate. Total distillate production and freshwater cost are focused on objectives and constraints imposed over the input parameters with SS production. The results reveal that for a distillate production of 750 L/day, the motive steam flow requirement is estimated to be 25–35 kg/h with a pressure range of 2–5 bar. This study provided an overview for selecting the number of effects based on the commercial aspect of total production requirements.
EU bank insolvency law harmonisation: What next?
Authors: Schillig Michael 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAfter the COVID‐19 crisis has subsided, the (further) harmonization of bank insolvency law will again be high on the agenda of EU regulators and policymakers. On the basis of an analysis of the status quo pain points, this article advocates the extension of the BRRD resolution regime to all bank failures, regardless of their systemic relevance. This could be achieved by removing the public interest requirement as part of the resolution trigger. The ensuing consolidation would significantly reduce complexity and enhance the transparency and legitimacy of the EU crisis management framework.
Influence of mowing height of cut and frequency for golf tournament preparation on putting green ball roll distance and turfgrass quality
Authors: Lulis Timothy T. , Kaminski John E. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn preparation for golf course tournaments, turfgrass managers often seek increased ball roll distances on putting greens. The objective of this study was to determine the effect mowing height and frequency had on ball roll distance during simulated tournament conditions. Two 14‐d field experiments were conducted in 2015 and 2016 at the Joseph Valentine Turfgrass Research Center located in University Park, PA. Each study was conducted on a ‘Penn A‐4’ creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.; CBG) and annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.; ABG) putting green. Plots measured 1.5 m by 3.0 m and were arranged in a randomized complete block design with a 3 × 3 factorial treatment structure. For the main effect of height of cut (HOC), mowers were set to a bench height of 2.1 mm, 2.5 mm, and 2.9 mm. For mowing frequency (MF), plots were mowed once, twice, or four times per day. Single cut (SC) and double cut (DC) treatments were performed in the morning whereas double‐double cut (DD) treatments consisted of a DC in the morning and again in the afternoon. Ball roll distance (BRD) and turfgrass quality were assessed. Although a few interactions were present in the ABG study, the main effects of HOC and MF were significant on 79% and 82% rating dates, respectively. On CBG, the main effect of HOC and MF were significant on 89% and 86% of rating dates. For both species, turfgrass quality was reduced during the trial as HOC was reduced and MF was increased.