bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complications after minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy with and without concomitant incontinence surgery: A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database study
Authors: Clancy Aisling A. , Mallick Ranjeeta , Breau Rodney H. , Khalil Hisham , Hickling Duane R. 
Published: April 2018

AimsTo compare surgical complications for patients having minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy (MISCP) with concomitant incontinence procedure, to those having MISCP alone.MethodsPatients undergoing MISCP with and without a concomitant incontinence procedure between 2006 and 2015 were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database using Current Procedural Terminology codes. The main outcome of interest was a composite of surgical site infection, bleeding requiring blood transfusion, return to the operating room within 30 days, and surgical stay >48 h. Log‐binomial regression was used to identify independent risk factors for the outcome and to generate adjusted effect measures for variables of interest.ResultsSeven thousand ninety‐seven women met the inclusion criteria, of which 2433 (34%) underwent a concomitant incontinence procedure. Patients having incontinence procedures were slightly older (59 ± 11 vs 58 ± 12, P < 0.0001) and had longer total operating time (225 IQR 170‐267 vs 184 IQR 120‐232 min, P < 0.0001). Pre‐operative steroid use, wound class III/IV (vs I/II), and longer operative time were independent predictors of the composite outcome. After adjusting for baseline patient characteristics and co‐morbidities, no association was observed between concomitant incontinence procedure and the composite outcome (adjusted RR 0.87, 95%CI 0.65‐1.18) but there was an increased likelihood of urinary tract infection (adjusted RR 2.47 95%CI 1.89‐3.27).ConclusionsDespite being associated with a longer operative time, performing an incontinence procedure at the time of MSCIP was not associated with an increased risk of clinically important surgical complications other than urinary tract infection.
Preparation and evaluation of poly glycerol sebacate/poly hydroxy butyrate core‐shell electrospun nanofibers with sequentially release of ciprofloxacin and simvastatin in wound dressings
Authors: Heydari Parisa , Varshosaz Jaleh , Zargar Kharazi Anousheh , Karbasi Saeed 
Published: April 2018

Biodegradable wound dressing of poly glycerol sebacate/poly hydroxy butyrate was fabricated via the coaxial electrospinning process. Simvastatin and ciprofloxacin were loaded in the core and shell of the fibers, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images showed a uniform core/shell structure. Introducing drugs into the polymers would cause the dressing samples to become more hydrophilic and degradation to occur faster. Drugs release would face no interventions, in which, approximately 60% of ciprofloxacin was released during the first 24 hours. Simvastatin exhibited a slower and controlled release behavior, with its release peak recorded after 2 days. The drug‐containing samples showed a proper bactericidal activity against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. It may be concluded that the drug‐laden wound dressing fabricated in this study is capable of releasing the 2 drugs sequentially and that it is the ideal conditions for controlling infections and reducing wound healing duration.
Identifying risks, costs, and lessons from ARENA‐funded off‐grid renewable energy projects in regional Australia
Authors: Herteleer Bert , Dobb Anthony , Boyd Olivia , Rodgers Steven , Frearson Lyndon 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has provided grant funding to 18 off‐grid and fringe‐of‐grid renewable energy projects under the Regional Australia's Renewables (RAR) program since 2013. This program was designed to address real and perceived risks associated with early stage, precommercial renewable energy development and provide a foundation of demonstration projects to enable the development of a competitive renewable energy sector. These projects range from low to high renewable energy fractions at megawatt scale in remote regions of Australia and encompass a variety of sectors, such as mining, tourism, and remote communities. All projects use photovoltaic as a key technology, often supplemented by additional technologies. The experience from these projects shows that land acquisition, technical integration, stakeholder engagement, and access to finance are among the main reasons for project delivery delays. A qualitative assessment for the remoteness premium is given, based on a comparison of ARENA‐funded on‐grid and off‐grid projects. This indicates that the structural barriers of governance, supply chains, and finance need to be tackled further to lower soft costs. One of the key enablers for future lower renewable energy costs is ARENA's Knowledge Sharing model, through which the funding agency is recompensed by data and information that is provided to the market and increases the impact of ARENA funding.
Examining between‐group and within‐group effects of a peer‐assisted reading strategies intervention
Authors: Völlinger Vanessa A. , Supanc Marina , Brunstein Joachim C. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe present study sought to evaluate the effects of a reading strategy instructional program on the reading competence of third‐grade students. Students were instructed in fluent and strategic reading by trained research assistants in whole class settings and subsequently worked on expository text material together with peers. Their reading competence was assessed continuously: in the baseline phase prior to the intervention (4 times), while the intervention was in place (8 times), and after the end of the intervention (4 times). Additionally, reading competence in the wait list control students was assessed 8 times during the same time period. Accordingly, within‐ and between‐group comparisons of students’ test scores were conducted on the data, with both resulting in significant positive effects on the reading competence of intervention students. This research provides an example of how to strengthen the validity of quasiexperimental intervention research through the addition of design features like multiple measurement points.
Retention and persistence of African‐American students in school psychology programs
Authors: Proctor Sherrie L. , Nasir Afshan , Wilson Tossea , Li Kathrynne , Castrillon Paola 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis qualitative study investigated eight African‐American specialist‐level students’ experiences with and perceptions of their retention and persistence toward degree completion in school psychology programs. Findings indicate that participants deemed the general supports faculty offered to all students and positive, supportive relationships with faculty as retention strategies they experienced as effective and access to diversity in support systems as a retention strategy they perceived would be beneficial. Participants described social engagement and reliance on family and classmates as persistence strategies they used. Based on these findings, the article provides recommendations for school psychology faculty interested in retaining African‐American students and African‐American students who aim to persist to degree completion.
Interaction among variants in the SLC gene family (SLC6A14, SLC26A9, SLC11A1, and SLC9A3) and CFTR mutations with clinical markers of cystic fibrosis
Authors: Pereira Stephanie V. N. , Ribeiro Jose D. , Bertuzzo Carmen S. , Marson Fernando A. L. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundCystic fibrosis (CF) is due to dysfunction of the CFTR channel and function of this channel is, in turn, affected by modifier genes that can impact the clinical phenotype. In this context, we analyzed the interaction among rs3788766*SLC6A14, rs7512462*SLC26A9, rs17235416*SLC11A1, and rs17563161*SLC9A3 variants, CFTR mutations and 40 CF severity markers by the Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction (MDR) model.MethodsA total of 164 patients with CF were included in the study. The variants in the modifier genes were identified by real‐time PCR and the genotype of the CFTR gene in the diagnostic routine. Analysis of interaction between variants, CFTR mutations groupings and demographic, clinical and laboratory data were performed by the MDR.ResultsThere were interaction between the rs3788766, rs7512462, rs17235416, and rs17563161 variants, and CFTR mutations with pancreatic insufficiency (PI), onset of digestive symptoms, and presence of mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Regarding PI, the interaction was observed for CFTR*rs17563161 (P‐value = 0.015). Also, for onset of digestive symptoms the interaction was observed for CFTR*rs3788766*rs7512462*rs17235416*rs17563161 (P‐value = 0.036). Considering the presence of mucoid P. aeruginosa, the interaction occurred for CFTR*rs3788766*rs7512462*rs17563161 (P‐value = 0.035).ConclusionInteraction between variants in the SLC family genes and the grouping for CFTR mutations were associated with PI, onset of digestive symptoms and mucoid P. aeruginosa, being important to determine one of the factors that may cause the diversity among the patients with CF.
Children with severe acute asthma admitted to Dutch PICUs: A changing landscape
Authors: Boeschoten Shelley A. , Buysse Corinne M. P. , Merkus Peter J. F. M. , van Wijngaarden Jacob M. C. , Heisterkamp Sabien G. J. , de Jongste Johan C. , van Rosmalen Joost , Cochius‐den Otter Suzan C. M. , Boehmer Annemie L. M. , de Hoog Matthijs ,   on behalf of SKIC Dutch collaborative PICU research network
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe number of children requiring pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission for severe acute asthma (SAA) around the world has increased.ObjectivesWe investigated whether this trend in SAA PICU admissions is present in the Netherlands.MethodsA multicenter retrospective cohort study across all tertiary care PICUs in the Netherlands. Inclusion criteria were children (2‐18 years) hospitalized for SAA between 2003 and 2013. Data included demographic data, asthma diagnosis, treatment, and mortality.ResultsIn the 11‐year study period 590 children (660 admissions) were admitted to a PICU with a threefold increase in the number of admissions per year over time. The severity of SAA seemed unchanged, based on the first blood gas, length of stay and mortality rate (0.6%). More children received highflow nasal cannula (P < 0.001) and fewer children needed invasive ventilation (P < 0.001). In 58% of the patients the maximal intravenous (IV) salbutamol infusion rate during PICU admission was 1 mcg/kg/min. However, the number of patients treated with IV salbutamol in the referring hospitals increased significantly over time (P = 0.005). The proportion of steroid‐naïve patients increased from 35% to 54% (P = 0.004), with a significant increase in both age groups (2‐4 years [P = 0.026] and 5‐17 years [P = 0.036]).ConclusionsThe number of children requiring PICU admission for SAA in the Netherlands has increased. We speculate that this threefold increase is explained by an increasing number of steroid‐naïve children, in conjunction with a lowered threshold for PICU admission, possibly caused by earlier use of salbutamol IV in the referring hospitals.
Lethal fibrosing mediastinitis in a child possibly due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Goussard Pierre , Gie Robert P. , Janson Jacque 
Published: April 2018

AbstractFibrosing mediastinitis (FM) is a rare benign disease resulting from an excessive fibro‐inflammatory reaction in the mediastinum that can compress and occlude mediastinal structures. There is a granulomatous and a diffuse non‐granulomatous form of FM. We present a case of granulomatous FM following possible tuberculosis in a young child who presented with severe compression of the airways, pulmonary artery and the superior vena cava (SVC), unresponsive to treatment, resulting in death. Bronchoscopic findings included concentric narrowing and mucosal hyperaemia of the tracheobronchial airways. This case raises awareness of this rare complication and the limited treatment options available.
Earlier use of androgen receptor‐axis‐targeted drugs may improve overall survival in patients with non‐metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Mori Keiichiro , Kimura Takahiro , Ito Kagenori , Onuma Hajime , Tanaka Masatoshi , Matsuura Taishi , Kurokawa Gaku , Iwatani Kosuke , Inaba Yuzo , Sakanaka Keigo , Sasaki Hiroshi , Miki Jun , Shimomura Tatsuya , Miki Kenta , Egawa Shin 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundTo evaluate the role of androgen receptor‐axis‐targeted drugs (ARAT) in non‐metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) versus mCRPC.MethodsChemotherapy‐naive patients (n = 114) with CRPC who had no metastasis at the time of diagnosis were included in this retrospective study. All patients were treated with ARAT at Jikei University and its affiliated hospitals from July 2014 to March 2017. The patients were stratified into nmCRPC (n = 81) and mCRPC (n = 33) groups according to their metastatic status at ARAT induction. The primary outcome measure was difference in overall survival (OS) between groups from the time of CRPC diagnosis. The patients were compared for progression‐free survival (PFS) and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) response. The predictors of OS were explored by a multivariate Cox model.ResultsThe baseline demographics did not differ significantly between the groups. The median observation period from the diagnosis of CRPC was 24.5 months (range: 3‐135) and 20 months (range: 1‐66) in nmCRPC and mCRPC groups, respectively. The nmCRPC group demonstrated better OS from the time of diagnosis of CRPC in Kaplan‐Meier analysis than mCRPC group (86 months vs 40 months; P = 0.004), with similar results obtained for PFS (P = 0.048) and PSA response (P = 0.0014). Multivariate analysis demonstrated non‐metastatic status, low PSA, and long PSA doubling time (PSADT) at ARAT induction as the significant predictors of longer OS (P = 0.044, 0.0001, and 0.026, respectively).ConclusionsEarly use of ARAT may improve OS, PFS, and PSA response in CRPC. Larger, prospective studies will be required to confirm our findings.
Strategic entrepreneurial orientation: Configurations, performance, and the effects of industry and time
Authors: McKenny Aaron F. , Short Jeremy C. , Ketchen David J. , Payne G. Tyge , Moss Todd W. 
Published: April 2018

Research Summary: Strategic entrepreneurship research has sought to understand how firms' entrepreneurial behaviors and decision making influence firm performance. Generally this research has treated entrepreneurial orientation (EO) as consisting of dimensions that independently influence firm performance. This approach conflicts with conceptual and empirical work suggesting that managers embrace complex knowledge structures. Taking a configurational perspective that accounts for relations among the EO dimensions, we analyze a longitudinal sample of 399 firms in four technology industries to reveal how different EO patterns—identified using fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis—lead to higher or lower firm performance based on industrial‐, temporal‐, and measurement‐related factors.Managerial Summary: A firm's entrepreneurial orientation consists of its relative emphasis on autonomy, competitive aggressiveness, innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk taking. Do companies intentionally emphasize different aspects of entrepreneurship? Our analysis suggests that they do and that different patterns developed by companies have implications for their performance. Our work suggests managers should develop a profile of entrepreneurial dimensions that fit well in their industry. For instance, firms in growing yet stable industries tend to perform well when they emphasize autonomy and competitive aggressiveness and focus less on innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk taking. In contrast, this approach would not lead to high performance in more hostile industries where innovativeness is essential.
Ultra‐Sensitive Detection of Proteins Using Chemically Modified Nanoporous PVDF Membrane with Attenuated Near IR Autofluorescence
Authors: Padmavathy Nagarajan , Das Ghosh Lopamudra , Sharma Maya , Remanan Mr. Sanjay , Chatterjee Kaushik , Bose Suryasarathi 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWe report the lowest autofluorescent nanoporous polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes exhibit near infra‐red (NIR) emission properties for western blot detection of high and low molecular weight proteins. The design involves post modification of PVDF membranes by an alkali treatment that reduces the native of PVDF at 450–520 nm. The background fluorescence of these modified membranes is eight times lower than the commercial available PVDF membranes and displayed NIR emission at 750 nm. Imparted alkene conjugated double bonds in the polymeric backbone by alkali treatment causes the NIR emission in the modified PVDF membranes and this translates improvement in detection of, in particular, high molecular weight proteins (130 kDa) compared to traditional western blot. To validate the pore size effect, two different pores sized (∼100 nm and ∼0.8 μm) PVDF membranes were prepared, surface modified and subjected for protein profiling. High linearity was achieved in detection of high molecular weight proteins and significant protein binding was noticed for the alkali treated membranes of ∼∼100 nm size. The methodology permits the design of modified PVDF membranes with lesser pore size could be an alternative for existing membranes with minimal autofluorescence for efficient and quick detection of high molecular weight proteins.
Electroless Growth of High Surface Area Au Dendrites with Corrugated Edge Structure for Hybrid Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Avasthi Piyush , Balakrishnan Viswanath 
Published: April 2018

AbstractEnergy storage applications demand for high surface area materials having moderate conducting nature along with redox behavior for increased energy density and power density. We report, development of hybrid material of dendritic Au structure coated with iron oxide with high surface area that combines both electric double layer capacitance and pseudocapacitance. One step electroless method is used for the rapid growth of gold dendritic microstructure followed by sputter coating of Fe2O3 to make hybrid material for supercapacitor application. Time dependent growth evolution reveals that the dendritic stem and lateral branches grow in length as a function of time. The lateral branches are found to be few tens of nm thick with sub 100 nm spacing among each other, providing high surface area as well as high catalytic activity. Electrochemical measurements confirm significant increase in supercapacitive performance including delayed discharging time and improved energy density (3.87 μWhr/cm2). Dendritic Au‐Fe2O3 hybrid materials can be a suitable candidate for energy storage material in normal and harsh operating conditions due to its microstructural stability and noble nature.
Supramolecular Interactions of Bambus[6]urils with Quinoline and 6‐Hydroxyisoquinoline Hydrochloride Salts
Authors: Yang Xi , Cong Hang , Yan Shan , Wang Zhong‐Cai , Li Jia‐Xing , Tao Zhu 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe host‐guest interactions of bambus[6]uril and dodeca(4‐carboxybenzyl)bambus[6]uril with quinoline and 6‐hydroxyisoquinoline hydrochloride salts have been investigated by means of 1H NMR, fluorescence emission spectroscopy and molecular simulation. The 1H NMR spectra confirmed the host‐guest interactions through changes in the proton signals of the guests in the presence of the host. The changes of fluorescence emissions of guests upon addition of increasing amounts of bambus[6]uril suggested the formation of host‐guest complexes in a ratio of 1:1. Additionally, calculations with a semi‐empirical PM6‐D3H4 method provided insight into structures of the supramolecular complexes.
A Novel and One‐pot Green Synthesis of Vanadium Oxide Nanorods Using a Phytomolecule Isolated from Phyllanthus amarus
Authors: Prasad Kollur Shiva , Shivamallu Chandan , Shruthi Govindaraju , Prasad Melvin 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe nanorods of vanadium oxide (V2O5) is synthesized by environmentally benign synthetic approach using a phytomolecule, 4‐(3‐(3,4‐dimethoxybenzyl)‐4‐methoxy‐2‐(methoxymethyl)butyl)‐3,6‐dimethoxybenzene‐1,2‐diol, isolated from Phyllanthus amarus. The rod shaped V2O5 nanostructures with the widths about 10–60 nm and the lengths reaching up to 1.5 μm was evident from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. The orthorhombic structure of V2O5 is apparent from X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results. Furthermore, the crystalline nature of V2O5 nanorods was supported by the results of high‐resolution TEM (HRTEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) analysis, which showed that the interplanar distance between two lattice fringes is 0.33 nm corresponding to (001) reflection plane. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) studies revealed that the peak at 533.6 eV indicates the presence of metal oxide and also confirms that the oxidation state of vanadium in as‐prepared V2O5 is V5+. The scission of supercoiled plasmid DNA was observed from 2D gel‐image, which clearly indicated that the propensity of plasmid cleavage increases with increase in concentration of V2O5 nanorods. Interestingly, high degree of cell viability with relatively less cytotoxicity was observed for V2O5 nanorods than phytomolecule in comparison with standard drug, Methotrexate against breast cancer cell line MDA MB 231 and MCF 12 A human cell line, respectively.
Synthesis, Structure and Anion Sensing Properties of a Dicationic Bis(imidazolium)‐Based Cyclophane
Authors: Sabater Paula , Zapata Fabiola , Caballero Antonio , Alkorta Ibon , Ramirez de Arellano Carmen , Elguero Jose , Molina Pedro 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe preparation and sensing properties of a tetracyclic cyclophane receptor containing two imidazolium rings as anion binding sites and two fluorene rings as fluorescent signaling units, are reported. The receptor behaves as a selective fluorescent chemosensor molecule for inorganic phosphates. 1H‐NMR spectroscopical data clearly indicate the simultaneous occurrence of charge‐assisted aromatic and aliphatic C−H noncovalent interactions. PCM/DFT calculations have been carried out to predict the structures of the complexes formed with one and two molecules of PF6−, H2PO4− and HP2O73−
Phase‐Engineered PtSe2‐Layered Films by a Plasma‐Assisted Selenization Process toward All PtSe2‐Based Field Effect Transistor to Highly Sensitive, Flexible, and Wide‐Spectrum Photoresponse Photodetectors
Authors: Su Teng‐Yu , Medina Henry , Chen Yu‐Ze , Wang Sheng‐Wen , Lee Shao‐Shin , Shih Yu‐Chuan , Chen Chia‐Wei , Kuo Hao‐Chung , Chuang Feng‐Chuan , Chueh Yu‐Lun 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe formation of PtSe2‐layered films is reported in a large area by the direct plasma‐assisted selenization of Pt films at a low temperature, where temperatures, as low as 100 °C at the applied plasma power of 400 W can be achieved. As the thickness of the Pt film exceeds 5 nm, the PtSe2‐layered film (five monolayers) exhibits a metallic behavior. A clear p‐type semiconducting behavior of the PtSe2‐layered film (≈trilayers) is observed with the average field effective mobility of 0.7 cm2 V−1 s−1 from back‐gated transistor measurements as the thickness of the Pt film reaches below 2.5 nm. A full PtSe2 field effect transistor is demonstrated where the thinner PtSe2, exhibiting a semiconducting behavior, is used as the channel material, and the thicker PtSe2, exhibiting a metallic behavior, is used as an electrode, yielding an ohmic contact. Furthermore, photodetectors using a few PtSe2‐layered films as an adsorption layer synthesized at the low temperature on a flexible substrate exhibit a wide range of absorption and photoresponse with the highest photocurrent of 9 µA under the laser wavelength of 408 nm. In addition, the device can maintain a high photoresponse under a large bending stress and 1000 bending cycles.