bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cruciferous and Total Vegetable Intakes Are Inversely Associated With Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Older Adult Women
Authors: Blekkenhorst Lauren C. , Bondonno Catherine P. , Lewis Joshua R. , Woodman Richard J. , Devine Amanda , Bondonno Nicola P. , Lim Wai H. , Zhu Kun , Beilin Lawrence J. , Thompson Peter L. , Prince Richard L. , Hodgson Jonathan M. 
Published: April 2018

Background

Dietary patterns rich in fruits and vegetables are considered to reduce atherosclerotic disease presentation and are reported to be inversely associated with subclinical measures of atherosclerosis, such as carotid artery intima‐media thickness (IMT) and plaque. However, the effect of vegetable intake alone, and relationships to specific types of vegetables containing different phytochemical profiles, is important. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of total vegetable intake and specific vegetables grouped according to phytochemical constituents with common carotid artery IMT (
CCA
‐
IMT
) and carotid plaque severity in a cohort of older adult women (aged ≥70 years).

Methods and Results

Total vegetable intake was calculated at baseline (1998) using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Vegetable types included cruciferous, allium, yellow/orange/red, leafy green, and legumes. In 2001,
CCA
‐
IMT
(n=954) and carotid focal plaque (n=968) were assessed using high‐resolution B‐mode carotid ultrasonography. Mean (
SD
) total vegetable intake was 199.9 (78.0) g/d. Women consuming ≥3 servings of vegetables each day had ≈4.6% to 5.0% lower mean
CCA
‐
IMT
(
P
=0.014) and maximum
CCA
‐
IMT
(
P
=0.004) compared with participants consuming <2 servings of vegetables. For each 10 g/d higher in cruciferous vegetable intake, there was an associated 0.006 mm (0.8%) lower mean
CCA
‐
IMT
(
P
<0.01) and 0.007 mm (0.8%) lower maximum
CCA
‐
IMT
(
P
<0.01). Other vegetable types were not associated with
CCA
‐
IMT
(
P
>0.05). No associations were observed between vegetables and plaque severity (
P
>0.05).

Conclusions
Increasing vegetables in the diet with a focus on consuming cruciferous vegetables may have benefits for the prevention of subclinical atherosclerosis in older adult women.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.anzctr.org.au
. Unique identifier:
ACTRN
12615000750583.
Unrestricted Bridging Resolution
Authors: Hou Yufang , Markert Katja , Strube Michael 
Published: April 2018

In contrast to identity anaphors, which indicate coreference between a noun phrase and its antecedent, bridging anaphors link to their antecedent(s) via lexico-semantic, frame, or encyclopedic relations. Bridging resolution involves recognizing bridging anaphors and finding links to antecedents. In contrast to most prior work, we tackle both problems. Our work also follows a more wide-ranging definition of bridging than most previous work and does not impose any restrictions on the type of bridging anaphora or relations between anaphor and antecedent.We create a corpus (ISNotes) annotated for information status (IS), bridging being one of the IS subcategories. The annotations reach high reliability for all categories and marginal reliability for the bridging subcategory. We use a two-stage statistical global inference method for bridging resolution. Given all mentions in a document, the first stage, bridging anaphora recognition, recognizes bridging anaphors as a subtask of learning fine-grained IS. We use a cascading collective classification method where (i) collective classification allows us to investigate relations among several mentions and autocorrelation among IS classes and (ii) cascaded classification allows us to tackle class imbalance, important for minority classes such as bridging. We show that our method outperforms current methods both for IS recognition overall as well as for bridging, specifically. The second stage, bridging antecedent selection, finds the antecedents for all predicted bridging anaphors. We investigate the phenomenon of semantically or syntactically related bridging anaphors that share the same antecedent, a phenomenon we call sibling anaphors. We show that taking sibling anaphors into account in a joint inference model improves antecedent selection performance. In addition, we develop semantic and salience features for antecedent selection and suggest a novel method to build the candidate antecedent list for an anaphor, using the discourse scope of the anaphor. Our model outperforms previous work significantly.
A New Timbre Visualization Technique Based on Semantic Descriptors
Authors: Soraghan Sean , Faire Felix , Renaud Alain , Supper Ben 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
This article introduces the concept of Sound Signature audio visualization, a new form of amplitude waveform that also visualizes perceptually salient spectral features and their evolution over time. A brief review of existing research into timbre description and visualization is given. This is followed by an in-depth description of the algorithm. Rationale is given for the various visual mappings with reference to existing literature.
The results of an online subjective evaluation survey are reported and discussed. The survey examined user preferences for the visual mappings used in Sound Signature visualizations. Results show a preference for inverse mapping of spectral centroid to the first component of the hue, saturation, value (HSV) color space.
Vocal Control of Sound Synthesis Personalized by Unsupervised Machine Listening and Learning
Authors: Fasciani Stefano , Wyse Lonce 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn this article we describe a user-driven adaptive method to control the sonic response of digital musical instruments using information extracted from the timbre of the human voice. The mapping between heterogeneous attributes of the input and output timbres is determined from data collected through machine-listening techniques and then processed by unsupervised machine-learning algorithms. This approach is based on a minimum-loss mapping that hides any synthesizer-specific parameters and that maps the vocal interaction directly to perceptual characteristics of the generated sound. The mapping adapts to the dynamics detected in the voice and maximizes the timbral space covered by the sound synthesizer. The strategies for mapping vocal control to perceptual timbral features and for automating the customization of vocal interfaces for different users and synthesizers, in general, are evaluated through a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods.
Validation of an automated ultraperformance liquid chromatography IgG N-glycan analytical method applicable to classical galactosaemia
Authors: Colhoun Hugh Owen , Treacy Eileen P , MacMahon Marguerite , Rudd Pauline M , Fitzgibbon Maria , O'Flaherty Roisin , Stepien Karolina M 
Published: April 2018

Background Classical galactosaemia (OMIM #230400) is a rare disorder of carbohydrate metabolism caused by deficiency of the galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase enzyme. The pathophysiology of the long-term complications, mainly cognitive, neurological and female fertility problems, remains poorly understood. Current clinical methods of biochemical monitoring lack precision and individualization with an identified need for improved biomarkers for this condition. Methods We report the development and detailed validation of an automated ultraperformance liquid chromatography N-glycan analytical method of high peak resolution applied to galactose incorporation into human serum IgG. Samples are prepared on 96-well plates and the workflow features rapid glycoprotein denaturation, enzymatic glycan release, glycan purification on solid-supported hydrazide, fluorescent labelling and post-labelling clean-up with solid-phase extraction. Results This method is shown to be accurate and precise with repeatability (cumulative coefficients of variation) of 2.0 and 8.5%, respectively, for G0/G1 and G0/G2 ratios. Both serum and processed N-glycan samples were found to be stable at room temperature and in freeze–thaw experiments. Conclusions This high-throughput method of IgG galactose incorporation is robust, affordable and simple. This method is validated with the potential to apply as a biomarker for treatment outcomes for galactosaemia.
“Experience Isn’t Everything”: How Emotion Affects the Relationship Between Experience and Cue Utilization
Authors: Crane Monique Frances , Brouwers Sue , Wiggins Mark William , Loveday Thomas , Forrest Kirsty , Tan Suyin Giselle Marianne , Cyna Allan Michael 
Published: April 2018

Objective: This research examined whether negative and positive arousal emotions modify the relationship between experience level and cue utilization among anesthetists. Background: The capacity of a practitioner to form precise associations between clusters of features (e.g., symptoms) and events (e.g., diagnosis) and then act on them is known as cue utilization. A common assumption is that practice experience allows opportunities for cue acquisition and cue utilization. However, this relationship is often not borne out in research findings. This study investigates the role of emotional state in this relationship. Method: An online tool (EXPERTise 2.0) was used to assess practitioner cue utilization for tasks relevant to anesthesia. The experience of positive and negative arousal emotions in the previous three days was measured, and emotion clusters were generated. Experience was measured as the composite of practice years and hours of practice experience. The moderating role of emotion on the relationship between experience and cue utilization was examined. Results: Data on 125 anesthetists (36% female) were included in the analysis. The predicted interaction between arousal emotions and the experience level emerged. In particular, post hoc analyses revealed that anxiety-related emotions facilitated the likelihood of high cue utilization in less experienced practitioners. Conclusion: The findings suggest a role for emotions in cue use and suggest a functional role for normal range anxiety emotions in a simulated work-relevant task. Application: This research illustrates the importance of understanding the potentially functional effects common negative arousal emotions may have on clinical performance, particularly for those with less experience.
Assessment of the apparent performance characterization along with levelized cost of energy of wind power plants considering real data
Authors: Hulio Zahid H , Jiang Wei 
Published: April 2018

Pakistan pursued the renewable energy policy to minimize the cost of energy per kWh as well as dependence on costly imported oil. Jhimpir site is termed as wind corridor and has tremendous proven wind power potential. The site is hosted for the first installed wind power plant. The aim of paper is to investigate the performance and levelized cost of energy of a wind farm. The methodology covers assessment of wind characteristics, performance function and levelized cost of energy model. The measured mean wind speed was found to be 8 m/s at 80 m above the ground level. The average values of standard deviation, Weibull k and c parameters, obtained using entire data set, were found to be 2.563, 3.360 and 8.940 m/s at 80 m. Performance assessment including technical, real availability and average capacity factor was found to be 97, 90 and 34.50%, respectively. It is evident that the power coefficient dropped if wind speed crosses the rated power. So it can be concluded that the efficiency of wind turbine decreased by increased wind speed. Tip speed ratio shows that a wind turbine operating close to optimal lift and drag will exhibit the performance level. Wind turbine performs better at the wind speed between 6 and 10 m/s. The estimated average levelized cost of energy was US $0.11371 and US $0.04092/kWh for 1–10 and 11–20 years, respectively. This makes it competitive in terms of low production cost per kWh to other energy technologies.
Anti-inflammatory effect of Mongolian drug Naru-3 on traumatic spinal cord injury and its mechanism of action
Authors: Baiyila Bulin , He Bing , He Guisong , Long Tengfei 
Published: April 2018

Objective This study was performed to confirm the anti-inflammatory effect of the Mongolian drug Naru-3 on traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) and its possible mechanism of action. Methods We prepared a TSCI model using Sprague–Dawley rats. The rats were divided into a Naru-3 group and a methylprednisolone group. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were performed to measure the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were employed to detect serum inflammatory cytokine levels. The localization and expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) in spinal cord tissue was determined by immunohistochemical analysis. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze the ratio of M1- and M2-phenotype macrophages. The locomotor function recovery was evaluated by the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan score. Results Naru-3 significantly inhibited the inflammatory response and reduced the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in both spinal cord and blood in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that Naru-3 significantly reduced MCP-1 expression in spinal cord and promoted M2-phenotype macrophage differentiation. Conclusions Naru-3 is an effective treatment for impact-induced TSCI in rats. Naru-3 treatment affects inflammatory cytokine levels and macrophage differentiation, which play a role in TSCI remission.
Breakdown of the Gut Barrier in Patients with Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome is Attenuated by Continuous Blood Purification: Effects on Tight Junction Structural Proteins
Authors: Zhang Jian-Bin , Du Xiao-Gang , Zhang Hui , Li Man-Li , Xiao Gang , Wu Jiang , Gan Hua 
Published: April 2018

Background Breakdown of the gut barrier increases intestinal permeability and allows movement of intraluminal contents across the mucosa, which can lead to distant organ injury and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Intestinal permeability is associated with alterations in cellular tight junctions involving the structural proteins occludin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of continuous blood purification (CBP) on gut barrier function in patients with MODS. Method Serum diamine oxidase (DAO) and endotoxin, epithelial monolayer permeability, and transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) were used as markers for the assessment of gut barrier function in 22 patients with MODS who underwent continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) for 24 hours. Blood samples were taken from patients at 0, 6, 12, and 24 hours during CVVH therapy. Serum DAO and endotoxin were determined by spectrophotography. Permeability and TER were assessed using Caco-2 cell monolayers. Occludin and ZO-1 protein levels were analyzed by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence staining. And inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA levels and nitric oxide (NO) production were determined by real-time PCR and spectrophotography, respectively. Result Gut barrier dysfunction was evident in patients with MODS compared with normal controls. Serum DAO, endotoxin levels, and epithelial permeability were elevated, while TER was decreased in patients with MODS, and this change was more pronounced in nonsurvivors. Breakdown and reorganization of occludin and ZO-1 away from tight junctions was found in all MODS patients. After CBP treatment, APACHE II and MODS scores improved significantly. Serum DAO and endotoxin levels and epithelial permeability also diminished, while TER increased in all patients; CBP significantly attenuated breakdown and reorganization of tight junction proteins, and also attenuated the inflammation-induced increase in iNOS mRNA expression and NO production. Conclusion Breakdown of gut barrier function is present in patients with MODS and may be correlated with poor outcomes in the disease. CBP can not only improve the general conditions, as measured by the APACHE II score, but also improve gut barrier dysfunction by attenuating the breakdown and reorganization of occludin and ZO-1. This beneficial effect of CBP on gut barrier dysfunction is associated with down-regulation of iNOS.
BMP-7-Loaded PGLA Microspheres as a New Delivery System for the Cultivation of Human Chondrocytes in a Collagen Type I Gel: The Common Nude Mouse Model
Authors: Gavenis Karsten , Schneider Ulrich , Groll Jürgen , Schmidt-Rohlfing Bernhard 
Published: April 2018

Purpose Bone morphogenic protein 7 (BMP-7) released from polylactide (PLGA) microspheres has proven to be a potent system in cartilage tissue engineering in vitro. However, in vivo data are still lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate this BMP-7 release system utilizing the nude mouse as a small animal model. Methods Human osteoarthritic chondrocytes of 10 patients were enzymatically released and transferred into a collagen type-I gel. A concentration of 2×105 cells/mL was used. BMP-7 encapsulated in PGLA microspheres was added at an initial concentration of 500 ng BMP-7/mL gel. Untreated specimens and specimens with empty microspheres served as control. Samples were cultivated subcutaneously in nude mice for 6 weeks. Results After recovery, chondrocytes of all groups displayed a spheroid morphology without signs of dedifferentiation. The proteoglycan and collagen type II content of the control groups was restricted to the immediate pericellular region, whereas treatment group samples showed enhanced collagen type II production. Collagen type II and aggrecan gene expression was enhanced in treatment group samples with respect to the two control groups (mean ± SD: 0.268 ± 0.450 to 0.152 ± 0.129 and 0.155 ± 0.216 ng/ng β-actin for collagen type II; 0.535 ± 0.731 to 0.367 ± 0.651 and 0.405 ± 0.326 ng/ng β-actin for aggrecan), whereas collagen type I gene expression decreased by a factor of 10. Relative protein quantification of collagen type II, collagen type I and proteoglycan was in accordance. Conclusions Our data suggest that BMP-7 release from PGLA microspheres led to an improved tissue-engineered cartilage analogue in vivo with an increase in hyaline-cartilage-specific components.
Coercion in Outpatients under Community Treatment Orders: A Matched Comparison Study
Authors: Nakhost Arash , Sirotich Frank , Pridham Katherine M. Francombe , Stergiopoulos Vicky , Simpson Alexander I. F. 
Published: April 2018

Objective: Since the deinstitutionalization of psychiatric services around the world, the scope of outpatient psychiatric care has also increased to better support treatment access and adherence. For those with serious mental illness who may lack insight into their own illness, available interventions include coercive community practices such as mandated community treatment orders (CTOs). This paper examines the perceptions of coercion among service users treated with a CTO. Method: We used a cross-sectional comparative design where service users treated under a CTO were matched to a comparison group of voluntary psychiatric outpatients. Both groups were receiving intensive community mental health services ( n = 69 in each group). Participants were interviewed using a series of questionnaires aimed at evaluating their perceptions of coercion and other aspects of the psychiatric treatment. Results: The level of coercion reported by service users treated under a CTO was significantly higher than that in the comparison group. However, in adjusted analyses, service users’ perception of coercion, irrespective of their CTO status, was directly correlated with their previous experience with probation and inversely correlated with the sense of procedural justice in their treatment. Conclusions: Evaluation of psychiatric service users’ experiences of coercion should consider their past and current involvement with other types of coercive measures, particularly history of probation. Clinicians may be able to minimize these experiences of coercion by incorporating procedural justice principles into their practice.
Cerebral Artery Gas Embolism Following Navigational Bronchoscopy
Authors: Fogelfeld Keren , Rana Richie K. , Soo Hoo Guy W. 
Published: April 2018

Introduction: Cerebral artery gas embolism (CAGE) is a rare but serious adverse event with potentially devastating neurologic sequelae. Bronchoscopy is a frequently performed procedure but with only a few reported cases of CAGE. Methods: We report the first documented case of CAGE associated with electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy. Results: A 61-year-old man with a left lower lobe nodule underwent electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy. The target lesion underwent transbronchial biopsy, brushing and an end-procedure lavage. Following the procedure, he developed seizures, evidence of hypoxic injury and cerebral edema, and air emboli were seen on computed tomography imaging. He then underwent treatment with hyperbaric oxygen with a full and complete neurologic recovery. Review of other cases reported in the literature suggests improved neurologic outcomes with hyperbaric oxygen treatment. Conclusions: Biopsy techniques performed during bronchoscopy and electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy can result in CAGE. Comparison with other reported cases suggests improved neurologic outcomes in those treated with hyperbaric oxygen. Prompt recognition of this complication and timely treatment with hyperbaric oxygen are the cornerstones to recovery.
Conscientious objection and nurses: Results of an interpretive phenomenological study
Authors: Lamb Christina , Babenko-Mould Yolanda , Evans Marilyn , Wong Carol A , Kirkwood Ken W 
Published: April 2018

Background: While conscientious objection is a well-known phenomenon in normative and bioethical literature, there is a lack of evidence to support an understanding of what it is like for nurses to make a conscientious objection in clinical practice including the meaning this holds for them and the nursing profession. Research question: The question guiding this research was: what is the lived experience of conscientious objection for Registered Nurses in Ontario? Research design: Interpretive phenomenological methodology was used to gain an in-depth understanding of what it means to be a nurse making a conscientious objection. Purposive sampling with in-depth interview methods was used to collect and then analyze data through an iterative process. Participants and research context: Eight nurse participants were interviewed from across practice settings in Ontario, Canada. Each participant was interviewed twice over 9 months. Ethical considerations: This study was conducted in accordance with Health Science Research Ethics Board approval and all participants gave consent. Findings: Six themes emerged from data analysis: encountering the problem, knowing oneself, taking a stand, alone and uncertain, caring for others, and perceptions of support. Discussion: This study offers an initial understanding of what it is like to be a nurse making a conscientious objection in clinical practice. Implications for nursing practice, education, policy, and further research are discussed. Conclusion: Addressing ethical issues in nursing practice is complex. The need for education across nursing, healthcare disciplines and socio-political sectors is essential to respond to nurses’ ethical concerns giving rise to objections. Conscience emerged as an informant to nurses’ conscientious objections. The need for morally inclusive environments and addressing challenging ethical questions as well as the concept of conscience are relevant to advancing nursing ethics and ethical nursing practice.