bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrophoretic deposition of titanium nitride coatings
Authors: Kavanlouei Majid , Akbari Alireza 
Published: February 2018

AbstractElectrophoretic deposition of the titanium nitride (TiN) coatings from suspensions prepared by dispersion of TiN particles in triethanolamine (TEA) containing butanol medium was studied. Effects of the TiN particles concentration (CTiN) on the weight of the deposited coatings, triethanolamine concentration (CTEA=0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 mL/L) on the Zeta potential of the TiN particles, suspension electrical conductivity and pH, as well as effects of the deposition voltage (Vd=60, 90, and 120 V) and time (td =1, 2, and 3 minutes) on the microstructure and thickness of the deposited coatings were investigated. Variations in deposition current density, effective deposition voltage, electrical resistance, and deposited coating weight versus deposition time were recorded. The morphology of the as‐dried coatings was studied using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results indicated that by increasing the CTiN the weight of deposits increases linearly up to 40 g/L. For suspensions containing CTiN=40 g/L, the optimum CTEA is obtained to be 0.5 mL/L leading to Zeta potential of 43.25 mV. Uniform and crack‐free as‐dried coatings obtained at Vd and td of 90 V and 2 minutes, respectively.
Regulatory competition and rules/principles‐based regulation
Authors: Frantz Pascal , Instefjord Norvald 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis paper analyses how regulatory competition affects principles‐based and rules‐based systems of regulation. Competition between regulators creates the possibility of regulatory arbitrage that generates a race to the bottom by regulators that is socially harmful. We derive the welfare effects of such competition and the regulatory response to these effects, in particular, regulatory harmonisation. We find, however, that regulators can adopt harmful regulatory harmonisation. These effects can make coordination efforts in developing global regulation socially desirable. We demonstrate, moreover, that corporate lobbying is not always harmful: it can both encourage and discourage socially desirable regulation.
A feasibility study of noninvasive ablation of ventricular tachycardia using high‐intensity focused ultrasound
Authors: Lü Fei , Huang Wei , Benditt David G. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundCurrent transcatheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) techniques is limited in part by its invasive nature and superficial depth of ablation lesions.ObjectivesThis study was aimed at evaluating the feasibility of targeted ablation of cardiac tissues using high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) as a potential means for noninvasive ablation of VT.MethodsAblation of ventricular myocardium was performed in anesthetized closed‐chest dogs using a HIFU therapeutic system that is currently used clinically for ablation of human solid tumors. Ventricular pacing using a bipolar catheter was performed at a rate slightly higher than intrinsic sinus rate to mimic VT. The myocardium at the tip of the pacing catheter was targeted for ablation. Ablation endpoint was loss of ventricular capture first and confirmed by electrical nonexcitation with 10‐mA, 2‐ms pulse‐width unipolar stimulation.ResultsOptimal ablation energy was identified at 400 W for 2–4 seconds. In five separate experimental preparations, pacing could be terminated successfully during HIFU energy delivery, which was further confirmed by electrical nonexcitation. However, capture could be obtained at other nonablated locations using the same pacing catheter. Both transmural and localized lesions could be created in a controlled fashion without apparent injury to skin, lung, or pericardium on postmortem examination.ConclusionThis pilot study suggests that HIFU is potentially useful for noninvasive ablation of targeted, localized myocardial tissues, and it may be potentially applicable for VT ablation, particularly for those with intramyocardial/epicardial origins.
Associations of overweight/obesity and socioeconomic status with hypertension prevalence across racial and ethnic groups
Authors: Young Deborah Rohm , Fischer Heidi , Arterburn David , Bessesen Daniel , Cromwell Lee , Daley Matthew F. , Desai Jay , Ferrara Assiamira , Fitzpatrick Stephanie L. , Horberg Michael A. , Koebnick Corinna , Nau Claudia L. , Oshiro Caryn , Waitzfelder Beth , Yamamoto Ayae 
Published: February 2018

Racial/ethnic disparities in the prevalence of diagnosed hypertension are persistent but may be partially explained by racial/ethnic differences in weight category and neighborhood socioeconomic status. The authors compared hypertension prevalence rates among 4 060 585 adults with overweight or obesity across 10 healthcare systems by weight category and neighborhood education level in geographically and racially diverse individuals. Data were obtained from electronic health records. Hypertension was defined as at least two outpatient visits or one inpatient hospitalization with a coded diagnosis. Logistic regression, adjusted for age, sex, and site, with two‐way interactions between race/ethnicity and weight category or neighborhood education, was used to examine the association between hypertension and race/ethnicity, with whites as the reference. Results documented that odds ratios for hypertension prevalence were greater for blacks, American Indians/Alaskan Natives, Asians, and Native Hawaiians/other Pacific Islanders compared with whites and lower for Hispanics in similar weight categories and neighborhood education levels. Although two‐way interactions were statistically significant, the magnitude of the odds of hypertension compared with whites did not substantially vary across weight or neighborhood education. Hypertension odds were almost double relative to whites for blacks and Native Hawaiians/other Pacific Islanders across most weight categories and all neighborhood education levels. Odds of hypertension were about 50% greater for Asians relative to whites across weight categories. Results suggest that other factors might be associated with racial/ethnic disparities in hypertension. More research is needed to understand the many factors that may contribute to variation in diagnosed hypertension across racial/ethnic groups with overweight or obesity.
36‐Item Short Form Survey (SF‐36) Versus Gait Speed As Predictor of Preclinical Mobility Disability in Older Women: The Women's Health Initiative
Authors: Laddu Deepika R. , Wertheim Betsy C. , Garcia David O. , Woods Nancy F. , LaMonte Michael J. , Chen Bertha , Anton‐Culver Hoda , Zaslavsky Oleg , Cauley Jane A. , Chlebowski Rowan , Manson JoAnn E. , Thomson Cynthia A. , Stefanick Marcia L. ,   the Women's Health Initiative Investigators
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesTo compare the value of clinically measured gait speed with that of the self‐reported Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Short‐Form Survey Physical Function Index (SF‐36 PF) in predicting future preclinical mobility disability (PCMD) in older women.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingForty clinical centers in the United States.ParticipantsWomen aged 65 to 79 enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative Clinical Trials with gait speed and SF‐36 assessed at baseline (1993–1998) and follow‐up Years 1, 3, and 6 (N = 3,587).MeasurementsWomen were categorized as nondecliners or decliners based on changes (from baseline to Year 1) in gait speed and SF‐36 PF scores. Logistic regression models were used to estimate incident PCMD (gait speed <1.0 m/s) at Years 3 and 6. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to compare the predictive value of SF‐36 PF with that of measured gait speed.ResultsSlower baseline gait speed and lower SF‐36 PF scores were associated with higher adjusted odds of PCMD at Years 3 and 6 (all P < .001). For gait speed, decliners were 2.59 times as likely to have developed PCMD as nondecliners by Year 3 and 2.35 times as likely by Year 6. Likewise, for SF‐36, decliners were 1.42 times as likely to have developed PCMD by Year 3 and 1.49 times as likely by Year 6. Baseline gait speed (AUC = 0.713) was nonsignificantly better than SF‐36 (AUC = 0.705) at predicting PCMD over 6 years (P = .21); including measures at a second time point significantly improved model discrimination for predicting PCMD (all P < .001).ConclusionGait speed identified PCMD risk in older women better than the SF‐36 PF did, although the results may be limited given that gait speed served as a predictor and to define the PCMD outcome. Nonetheless, monitoring trajectories of change in mobility are better predictors of future mobility disability than single measures.
The Fed, the Bond Market, and Gradualism in Monetary Policy
Authors: STEIN JEREMY C. , SUNDERAM ADI 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTWe develop a model of monetary policy with two key features: the central bank has private information about its long‐run target rate and is averse to bond market volatility. In this setting, the central bank gradually impounds changes in its target into the policy rate. Such gradualism represents an attempt to not spook the bond market. However, this effort is partially undone in equilibrium, as markets rationally react more to a given move when the central bank moves more gradually. This time‐consistency problem means that society would be better off if the central bank cared less about the bond market.
Left atrial rather than left ventricular impaired mechanics are associated with the pro‐fibrotic ST2 marker and outcomes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Nagy A. I. , Hage C. , Merkely B. , Donal E. , Daubert J.‐C. , Linde C. , Lund L. H. , Manouras A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimsLeft ventricular (LV) mechanics have been extensively investigated in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) overshadowing for a long time the potential role of left atrium (LA) in that setting. Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity‐2 receptor (ST2) is a novel biomarker of pro‐fibrotic burden in HF. We hypothesized that due to the thinner LA wall, the fibrotic myocardial changes in HFpEF as indicated by elevated ST2 levels might more readily be reflected by impairments in the LA rather than the LV performance.Methods and ResultsIn 86 patients with HFpEF, enrolled in the Karolinska Rennes (KaRen) biomarker prospective substudy, global LA strain (GL‐LS) along with other echocardiographic as well as haemodynamic parameters and ST2 levels were measured.ST2 levels were inversely associated with LA‐GS (r = −0.30, P = 0.009), but not with LA size, LV geometry, systolic or diastolic LV function (P > 0.05 for all). Furthermore, symptom severity correlated with ST2 and LA‐GS, but not with LV structural or functional indices. Finally, during a median 18‐month follow‐up, LA‐GS independently predicted the composite endpoint of HF hospitalization and all‐cause mortality, even after adjustment for potential clinical and cardiac mechanical confounders, including LV global longitudinal strain and filling pressures (odds ratio: 4.15; confidence interval: 1.2–14, P = 0.023).ConclusionsReduced LA‐GS but not LV functional systolic and diastolic parameters were associated with the pro‐fibrotic ST2 marker, HF symptoms and outcome in HFpEF.
Viral activity and outcome of hepatitis B surface antigen‐positive grafts in deceased liver transplantation
Authors: Lee W.‐C. , Chou H.‐S. , Lee C.‐S. , Wu T.‐H. , Wang Y.‐C. , Cheng C.‐H. , Lee C.‐F. , Wu T.‐J. , Chan K.‐M. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryIndications of liver transplantation are extensive, but deceased donation does not meet the demand. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐positive grafts used to be discarded in the past. The aim of this study was to examine viral activity and outcome of HBsAg‐positive deceased grafts transplanted to HBsAg‐positive recipients. Eleven HBsAg‐positive deceased grafts were transplanted to HBsAg‐positive patients with acute liver failure (3 patients), hepatocellular carcinoma (6 patients) and repeatedly bleeding varices (2 patients). Postoperatively, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was treated by a combination of antiviral nucleoside and nucleotide analogues. HBV DNA and HBsAg were measured periodically. The median (interquartile) model of end‐stage liver disease score for the recipients was 19 (16‐32) with a range from 11 to 40. HBV DNA was detected in 6 patients with a range from 61 to 1083 IU/mL before transplantation. After transplantation, HBV DNA was detected in 4 patients in the first month and 2 patients in the 6th month and became undetectable for all patients at end of the first year. The quantitative HBsAg ranged from 0.86 to 241.1 IU/mL at 6 months and 0.34 to 238.5 IU/mL at 24 months (P = .135). Three of the patients died in the early phase, and the other patients were followed up for 40.0 ± 19.2 months with normal liver function. In conclusion, HBsAg‐positive deceased liver grafts function well with minimal viral activity under treatment of combined antiviral nucleoside and nucleotide analogues. Use of HBsAg‐positive deceased grafts is feasible and increases the donor pool to rescue dying patients.
Forelimb and hindlimb loading patterns during quadrupedal locomotion in the large flying fox (Pteropus vampyrus) and common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus)
Authors: Granatosky M. C. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAdaptations for flight have greatly modified the forelimbs and hindlimbs of bats compared to other mammals so that terrestrial and/or above branch quadrupedal locomotion is awkward and unusual for most species. However, suspensory quadrupedal gaits are quite common for bats, but little is known about this type of movement and no data are available on how these animals load their limbs and support the body. Values for vertical, fore‐aft and mediolateral peak forces were collected for the forelimb and hindlimb during suspensory quadrupedal locomotion in the large flying fox (Pteropus vampyrus) and common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus), and during terrestrial locomotion in the common vampire bats. During suspensory quadrupedal locomotion in both species, the hindlimbs serves as the primary weight‐bearing and braking organ, whereas the forelimb has a reduced weight‐bearing role and acts as the primary propulsive limb. Mediolateral forces are dominated by medially directed forces by the animal that likely serve to help maintain ‘grip’ while moving below supports. Kinetic patterns of terrestrial locomotion in the common vampire bat are completely opposite, and resemble data that has been reported for most mammals with the exception of relatively high lateral forces. The data presented here add to the growing body of knowledge that suspensory quadrupedal locomotion does not represent a neuromuscular mirror to non‐suspensory quadrupedal gaits. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that suspensory quadrupedal gaits are not the same across mammals, and species have adopted multiple mechanical strategies for moving quadrupedally below a support.
How to improve access to therapy in hepatitis B patients
Authors: Subic Miroslava , Zoulim Fabien 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDespite the availability of a preventive vaccine and active antiviral treatments that stop disease progression and reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatitis B is still a major public health problem. Only an estimated 10% of the 257 million people living with HBV have been diagnosed and as few as 1% are being adequately treated. Barriers to diagnosis and treatment include: (i) limited awareness and lack of knowledge about HBV infection and HBV‐related diseases; (ii) under‐diagnosis with insufficient screening and referral to care; (iii) limited treatment due to drug availability, costs, reimbursement policies and the need for long‐term or life‐long therapy. These barriers and the actions needed to improve access to treatment are strongly influenced by the prevalence of infection and affect middle‐high vs low‐middle income countries differently, where most HBV carriers are found. In high‐prevalence regions and low‐to middle‐income countries, the main challenges are availability and cost while in low‐prevalence regions and middle‐to high‐income countries low screening rates, public awareness, social stigma and discrimination play an important role. Overcoming these challenges on a global scale is a complex clinical and public health challenge and multilateral commitment from pharmaceutical companies, governments, funders and the research community is lacking. The new WHO 2016 Global Health Sector Strategy on viral hepatitis targets testing and treatment, suggesting that important but strong actions are needed from advocacy groups, scientific societies and funding agencies to foster awareness and access to cure.
Genome‐wide expression reveals multiple systemic effects associated with detection of anticoagulant poisons in bobcats (Lynx rufus)
Authors: Fraser Devaughn , Mouton Alice , Serieys Laurel E. K. , Cole Steve , Carver Scott , Vandewoude Sue , Lappin Michael , Riley Seth P.D. , Wayne Robert 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAnticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are indiscriminate toxicants that threaten nontarget predatory and scavenger species through secondary poisoning. Accumulating evidence suggests that AR exposure may have disruptive sublethal consequences on individuals that can affect fitness. We evaluated AR‐related effects on genome‐wide expression patterns in a population of bobcats in southern California. We identify differential expression of genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism, endoplasmic reticulum stress response, epithelial integrity and both adaptive and innate immune function. Further, we find that differential expression of immune‐related genes may be attributable to AR‐related effects on leucocyte differentiation. Collectively, our results provide an unprecedented understanding of the sublethal effects of AR exposure on a wild carnivore. These findings highlight potential detrimental effects of ARs on a wide variety of species worldwide that may consume poisoned rodents and indicate the need to investigate gene expression effects of other toxicants added to natural environments by humans.
Gavin D'Costa's Theory of the Unevangelized: A Continuing Assessment
Authors: Faircloth Kyle 
Published: February 2018

AbstractGavin D'Costa has distinguished himself as a leading voice in the field of theology of religions, and not just among Roman Catholics. His Trinitarian approach to the subject has also garnered respect among Protestants, such as Reformed theologian Tan Loe-Joo. Yet Tan is concerned that D'Costa compromises the Trinitarian framework of his approach by conflating universal salvific will and salvific grace, and that his use of limbo falls short of satisfying the scriptural principle that faith comes by hearing (Rom 10:17). This article is an evaluation of D'Costa's theory as it relates to the former issue concerning salvific will and grace. I seek to show that Tan's worry stems more from an incomplete theological delineation of grace than from an actual shift in D'Costa's theological position. I then suggest a solution that provides some common ground from which both Catholic and Protestant theologians can seek a resolution to the latter issue concerning the principle of faith by hearing.
Low Grip Strength is a Strong Risk Factor of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Li Yi‐zhong , Zhuang Hua‐feng , Cai Si‐qing , Lin Chang‐kun , Wang Pei‐wen , Yan Li‐sheng , Lin Jin‐kuang , Yu Hai‐ming 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of grip strength on bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women. Low BMD is related to risk of fracture and falling is the strongest factor for fragility fractures. Handgrip strength is a reliable indicator of muscle strength and muscle strength is associated with falling.MethodsFor the present study 120 women were divided into two groups: those ≤65 years and those >65 years. Serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), BMD, and handgrip strength were measured to observe the effect of age on 25OHD, grip strength, and BMD, as well as the effect of 25OHD on grip strength and BMD. The correlation between grip strength and BMD was investigated.ResultsIn the 120 patients, 25OHD was 24.31 ± 8.29 ng/mL. There were 37 cases with 25OHD <20 ng/mL and 83 cases with 25 OHD ≥20 ng/mL. The patients with 25OHD <20 ng/mL had significantly lower femoral neck BMD, most of them with a T score ≤−2.5 (P < 0.05). BMD measurement showed 66 patients with femoral neck T ≤−2.5, 30 cases with total hip T ≤−2.5 and 90 cases with lumbar BMD T ≤−2.5. The maximum grip strength in the group is 22.28 ± 6.17 kg. There were 38 cases with the maximum grip strength <20 kg and 82 cases with the maximum grip strength ≥20 kg. Patients >65 years had lower 25OHD, lower maximum grip strength, and lower BMD. The osteoporosis risk in postmenopausal women with a maximum grip strength <20 kg and who were >65 years was significantly elevated.ConclusionHandgrip strength and 25OHD decrease with aging in postmenopausal women. The patients with lower 25OHD level had significantly lower BMD of femoral neck. The patients with lower handgrip strength had significantly lower BMD of lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip. Grip strength measurement is the simplest muscle strength measurement method. Our study confirmed that low grip strength was correlated with low BMD and was a strong risk factor for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
An initial experience with an Extraluminal EZ‐Blocker®: A new alternative for 1‐lung ventilation in pediatric patients
Authors: Templeton Thomas Wesley , Templeton Leah B. , Lawrence Ann E. , Sieren Leah M. , Downard Martina G. , Ririe Douglas G. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryBackgroundThe need for 1‐lung ventilation in school age, pediatric patients is uncommon and as a result there are relatively few devices available to facilitate lung isolation in this population. Furthermore, little is known about the efficacy and techniques of placement of the currently available devices. One of the newest devices available that may be appropriate in this age group is the EZ‐Blocker.AimsWe aimed to examine our initial experience with the EZ‐Blocker to evaluate the performance of this device with respect to potential improvements in technique and patient selection going forward.MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review of all pediatric patients who underwent 1‐lung ventilation with an EZ‐Blocker since the blocker became available at our institution. We recorded demographics, details of placement, intraoperative course, number of repositions, and any postoperative morbidity related to blocker placement or 1‐lung ventilation.ResultsWe were able to correctly place the EZ‐Blocker and achieve lung isolation in 8 of 11 patients. There was a single episode of repositioning required during 1‐lung ventilation with an EZ‐Blocker.ConclusionThe EZ‐Blocker was successful in providing lung isolation for a majority of our school age patients. Size constraints in children <6 years of age, excessive secretions, and distortions of tracheal anatomy seemed to be the greatest hindrances to successful placement and positioning of the device. Once correctly positioned, however, the EZ‐Blocker may be more stable than the Arndt endobronchial blocker.