bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary function assessment post‐left ventricular assist device implantation
Authors: Sajgalik Pavol , Kim Chul‐Ho , Stulak John M. , Kushwaha Sudhir S. , Maltais Simon , Joyce David L. , Joyce Lyle D. , Johnson Bruce D. , Schirger John A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAimThe lungs—and particularly the alveolar‐capillary membrane—may be sensitive to continuous flow (CF) and pulmonary pressure alterations in heart failure (HF). We aimed to investigate long‐term effects of CF pumps on respiratory function.Methods and resultsWe conducted a retrospective study of patients with end‐stage HF at our institution. We analysed pulmonary function tests [e.g. forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)] and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) from before and after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation and compared them with invasive haemodynamic studies. Of the 274 patients screened, final study analysis involved 44 patients with end‐stage HF who had CF LVAD implantation between 1 February 2007 and 31 December 2015 at our institution. These patients [mean (standard deviation, SD) age, 50 (9) years; male sex, n = 33, 75%] received either the HeartMate II (Thoratec Corp.) pump (77%) or the HeartWare (HeartWare International Inc.) pump. The mean (SD) left ventricular ejection fraction was 21% (13%). At a median of 237 days post‐LVAD implantation, we observed significant DLCO decrease (−23%) since pre‐implantation (P < 0.001). ΔDLCO had an inverse relationship with changes in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) and right atrial pressure (RAP) from pre‐LVAD to post‐LVAD implantation: ΔDLCO to ΔPCWP (r = 0.50, P < 0.01) and ΔDLCO to ΔRAP (r = 0.39, P < 0.05). We observed other reductions in FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC between pre‐LVAD and post‐LVAD implantation. In mean (SD) values, FEV1 changed from 2.3 (0.7) to 2.1 (0.7) (P = 0.005); FVC decreased from 3.2 (0.8) to 2.9 (0.9) (P = 0.01); and FEV1/FVC went from 0.72 (0.1) to 0.72 (0.1) (P = 0.50). Landmark survival analysis revealed that ΔDLCO from 6 months after LVAD implantation was predictive of death for HF patients [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval), 0.60 (0.28–0.98); P = 0.03].ConclusionsPulmonary function did not improve after LVAD implantation. The degree of DLCO deterioration is related to haemodynamic status post‐LVAD implantation. The ΔDLCO within 6 months post‐operative was associated with survival.
Impacts of Forced Convection Generated via High Precision Stirring on Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy Experiments in Feedback Mode
Authors: Raith Timo , Iffelsberger Christian , Vatsyayan Preety , Matysik Frank‐Michael 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn this study, the effects of forced convection on scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) experiments in feedback mode using ferrocenemethanol as redox mediator are presented. Forced convection, which enhances the mass transfer inside the system, was generated via an electrical high precision stirrer integrated into the SECM setup. A thin‐film interdigitated array electrode serving as model substrate was investigated with probe scan curves in z‐direction and SECM imaging in constant height mode utilizing ultramicroelectrodes (UME) with diameters (dprobe) of 25 μm and 12.5 μm. It was found that forced convection increased the overall current during SECM imaging without distorting distinctive features of the imaged structure when working with a 25 μm UME at substrate‐to‐tip distances of 14 μm and 11 μm. Furthermore, the electrochemical contrast was improved under hydrodynamic conditions for a substrate‐to‐tip distance of 11 μm and scan rates of 5 μm s−1, 10 μm s−1, 20 μm s−1 and 40 μm s−1. When further decreasing the gap between the UME and the substrate to 9 μm almost no effects of the forced convection were observed. Consequently, for a 25 μm UME, forced convection led to higher currents and improved performance during SECM experiments in feedback mode at substrate‐to‐tip distances of 14 μm and 11 μm, whereas no effects were observed for a 12.5 μm UME at a distance of 8 μm.
Recent advances in microfluidic cell sorting techniques based on both physical and biochemical principles
Authors: Tang Wenlai , Jiang Di , Li Zongan , Zhu Liya , Shi Jianping , Yang Jiquan , Xiang Nan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMicrofluidic technologies for isolating cells of interest from a heterogeneous sample have attracted great attentions, due to the advantages of less sample consumption, simple operating procedure, and high separation accuracy. According to the working principles, the microfluidic cell sorting techniques can be categorized into biochemical (labeled) and physical (label‐free) methods. However, the inherent drawbacks of each type of method may somehow influence the popularization of these cell sorting techniques. Using the multiple complementary isolation principles is a promising strategy to overcome this problem, therefore there appears to be a continuing trend to integrate two or more sorting methods together. In this review, we focus on the recent advances in microfluidic cell sorting techniques relied on both physical and biochemical principles, with emphasis on the mechanisms of cell separation. The biochemical cell sorting techniques enhanced by physical principles and the physical cell sorting techniques enhanced by biochemical principles, are first introduced. Then, we highlight on‐chip magnetic‐activated cell sorting, on‐chip fluorescence‐activated cell sorting, multi‐step cell sorting and multi‐principle cell sorting techniques, which are based on both physical and biochemical separation mechanisms. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives of the integrated microfluidics for cell sorting are discussed.
Rates of planimetric change in a proglacial gravel‐bed braided river: Field measurement and physical modelling
Authors: Middleton L. , Ashmore P. , Leduc P. , Sjogren D. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPlanimetric change was measured on daily hydrographs over two meltwater seasons using time‐lapse images of the proglacial, gravel, braided, Sunwapta River, Canada. Significant planimetric change occurred on 10–15 days per year. Area of planimetric change correlated with peak and total daily meltwater hydrograph discharge. A clear threshold discharge can be identified below which no planform activity occurs, an intermediate range over which change occurs conditionally, and a peak flow range at which significant change always occurs. Field conditions were reproduced in a physical model in a laboratory flume. Photogrammetric DEMs of bed morphology and measurements of bedload output were made for each hydrograph experimental run. The physical model results for planimetric change had a threshold discharge for change, and trend with discharge, similar to the field data. The model data also show that planimetric change correlates strongly with volumes of erosion/deposition measured from successive DEMs, and with bedload transport rate. The relation between planimetric change and topographic change is also apparent from previous cross‐section surveys at the field site. The results highlight the planimetric dynamics of braiding rivers in relation to discharge forcing, and the relationship between planimetric change, morphological change, and bedload transport in braided rivers. This also points to the potential use of measurements of planimetric change from time‐lapse imagery as a low‐cost method for high‐frequency monitoring for braiding dynamics and also a surrogate for bedload transport measurement. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of obstacle density on the travel time of the visually impaired people
Authors: Zhang Sen , Zeng Jian , Liu Xiaoyang , Ding Siyuan 
Published: October 2018

SummaryBecause China has put more emphasis on people with disabilities, their living conditions and protection have received increasing attention. In an emergency, the visually impaired people are limited in their ability to evacuate, especially along egress paths with obstacles. This paper studied the relationship between the travel time of visually impaired people and obstacle density in their path. Eight sighted people and 32 people with visual impairments were chosen to carry out the walking experiment. The results of the experiment showed that the travel time of sighted people was shorter than that of visually impaired people under the same obstacle and non‐obstacle situations. Based on the analysis of variance of travel time, it was clear from the results that the travel time of the visually impaired people rapidly increased when there were obstacles. When the obstacle density was kept to within a certain range, there was no obvious increase in travel time. Once the density exceeded this range, there was another obvious increase. Based on this result, it can be seen that keeping the obstacle density to within a certain range could be helpful for the visually impaired people during an evacuation when the egress paths cannot be made obstacle‐free.
Precarious Aging: Insecurity and Risk in Late Life
Authors: Grenier Amanda , Phillipson Christopher 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPopulation aging and longevity in the context of declining social commitments raise concerns about disadvantage, inequality, and the well‐being of older people. In this short piece, we use the concept of precarity as a lens to understand new and sustained forms of insecurity that affect late life, and we illustrate how these risks, when experienced over time and in relation to conditions such as austerity, can deepen disadvantage.
Co‐creating Environments: Empowering Elders and Strengthening Communities through Design
Authors: Kiyota Emi 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWorking with elders around the world has taught me that those living in grass huts in Africa with children at their feet are often happier than people in assisted‐living homes with a chandelier over their heads. My work in design consultancy and in fifteen years of running a nonprofit, Ibasho, that aims to co‐create socially integrated and sustainable communities that value their elders has allowed me to learn much about how architects and designers can contribute to helping people live a good life in late life. People often need supportive services or other adaptations as they age, but do they really need—or want—the luxury environment few are accustomed to? The challenge for architects and designers is not to create a built environment whose carefully curated facades hide lives of quiet desperation. It is to help elders access the support they need without upending their lives or severing virtually all ties to their communities.
Population Aging and the Sustainability of the Welfare State
Authors: Gusmano Michael K. , Okma Kieke G. H. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMany older people need external support for their daily living. A large minority of older adults with low or modest pension incomes face financial strains from the high cost of illness, and many older people in urban areas live in social isolation. Indeed, population aging has become a policy topic of concern. The policy debate since the end of the twentieth century about the future of public pensions and health and long‐term care programs has increasingly framed the growing numbers of older people in alarmist terms. Unfounded claims about the unaffordability and unsustainability of social policies supporting older people have become common currency, often disguised as concerns about intergenerational justice. Such claims and concerns hinder clear thinking about proper social and fiscal policies, housing, health care, and labor markets to safeguard the well‐being of older people in aging societies.
Response of head and neck epithelial cells to a DNA damage‐differentiation checkpoint involving polyploidization
Authors: Sanz‐Gómez Natalia , Freije Ana , Ceballos Laura , Obeso Sergio , Sanz J. Ramón , García‐Reija Fe , Morales‐Angulo Carmelo , Gandarillas Alberto 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundSquamous epithelia of the head and neck undergo continuous cell renewal and are continuously exposed to mutagenic hazard, the main cause of cancer. How they maintain homeostasis upon cell cycle deregulation is unclear.MethodsTo elucidate how head and neck epithelia respond to cell cycle stress, we studied human keratinocytes from various locations (oral mucosa, tonsil, pharynx, larynx, and trachea). We made use of genotoxic or mitotic drugs (doxorubicin [DOXO], paclitaxel, and nocodazole), or chemical inhibitors of the mitotic checkpoint kinases, Aurora B and polo‐like‐1. We further tested the response to inactivation of p53, ectopic cyclin E, or to the chemical carcinogen 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA).ResultsAll treatments provoked DNA damage or mitosis impairment and strikingly triggered squamous differentiation and polyploidization, resulting in irreversible loss of clonogenic capacity.ConclusionKeratinocytes from head and neck epithelia share a cell‐autonomous squamous DNA damage‐differentiation response that is common to the epidermis and might continuously protect them from cancer.
Topological applications of multilayer perceptrons and support vector machines in financial decision support systems
Authors: Abedin Mohammad Zoynul , Guotai Chi , Moula Fahmida–E– , Azad A.S.M. Sohel , Khan Mohammed Shamim Uddin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe heart of this study is particularly on risk assessment of financial decision support systems (FDSSs), to advance the model performance and improve classification accuracy. To conquer the downsides of the classical models, statistical intelligence (SI) technologies, for example, multilayer perceptrons (MLPs) and support vector machines (SVMs), have been deliberated in FDSS applications. Recently, the prestigiousness of SI approaches has been confronted by the latest prediction learners. Therefore, to ensure the competitive performance of SI mechanisms, the current investigation scrutinizes the topological applications of MLPs and SVMs over eight different databases with equivalent combinations in credit scoring and bankruptcy predictions example sets. The experimental results reveal that MLP5‐5 and MLP4‐4, that is, the sigmoid activation function with five and four hidden layers, are the feasible topologies for the MLP algorithm, and on all databases in all performance criterions, SVM trained with the linear kernel function (SVM‐1) achieves better prediction results. From the “Baseline” family, random forest learner brings significant improvements in financial decisions. Lastly, FDSSs are found to be correlated with the nature of databases and the performance criterions of the trained algorithms. The results of this study, however, have practical and managerial implications to make a range of financial and nonfinancial strategies. With these contributions, therefore, our study not only supplements earlier evidence but also enhances the predictive performance of SI algorithms for financial decision support applications.
Effects of information sharing on banking credit and economic growth in developing countries: Evidence from the West African Economic and Monetary Union
Authors: Loaba Salamata , Zahonogo Pam 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis article aims to analyse the information sharing effect on bank credit and economic growth in West African Economic and Monetary Union. A simultaneous model was tested on panel data covering the period of 2005–2015. Using the credit register cover, the results found by the two‐stage least square and three‐stage least square methods indicate that high information sharing does not result in obviously high bank credit and economic growth. However, results also show a nonlinear relationship between information sharing and banking credit and a nonlinear relationship between information sharing and economic growth. The results show the necessity for promoting information sharing structures.
Mechanical stress protects against osteoarthritis via regulation of the AMPK/NF‐κB signaling pathway
Authors: Yang Yue , Wang Yang , Kong Yawei , Zhang Xiaoning , Zhang He , Gang Yi , Bai Lunhao 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMechanical stress plays a key role in regulating cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of mechanical stress on articular cartilage. A total of 80 male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 10 for each group): control group (CG), OA group (OAG), and CG or OAG subjected to low‐, moderate‐, or high‐intensity treadmill exercise (CL, CM, CH, OAL, OAM, and OAH, respectively). Chondrocytes were obtained from the knee joints of rats; they were cultured on Bioflex 6‐well culture plates and subjected to different durations of cyclic tensile strain (CTS) with or without exposure to interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β). The results of the histological score, immunohistochemistry, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and western‐blot analyses indicated that there were no differences between CM and CG, but OAM showed therapeutic effects compared with OAG. However, CH and OAH experienced more cartilage damage than CG and OAG, respectively. CTS had no therapeutic effects on collagen II of normal chondrocytes, which is consistent with findings after treadmill exercise. However, CTS for 4 hr could alleviate the chondrocyte damage induced by IL‐1β by activating AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and suppressing nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB p65. Our findings indicate that mechanical stress had no therapeutic effects on normal articular cartilage and chondrocytes; mechanical stress only caused damage with excessive stimulation. Still, moderate biomechanical stress could reduce sensitization to the inflammatory response of articular cartilage and chondrocytes through the AMPK/NF‐κB signaling pathway.
Diastereodivergent Synthesis of Pyrazoline Derivatives through [3 + 2] Cycloaddition of Baylis–Hillman Adducts and Nitrilimines
Authors: Zeng Yuan , Zhou Leijie , Gao Xing , Wu Yang , Wang Qijun , Guo Zhenyan , Huang Jiaxing , Guo Hongchao 
Published: October 2018

In this paper, a [3 + 2] cycloaddition of Baylis–Hillman adducts and nitrilimines has been achieved under mild reaction conditions, providing a concise approach to access biologically important pyrazoline derivatives.
Accuracy of Targeting Under the Rural Employment Guarantee Programme: A Comparison Between West Bengal and Rest of India
Authors: Das Upasak 
Published: October 2018

AbstractOne major success indicator of any welfare programme is accuracy of targeting of the benefits to the intended population. Using data from 2009–2010 and 2011–2012, this paper assesses targeting in terms of participation of the poorer households in Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act in the Indian state of West Bengal and compares it with rest of the country. Although implementation of the programme in the state has been poor, the targeting performance is found to be fair in comparison to other parts. The findings lay emphasis on improvement in other dimensions of the programme to realise the optimal benefits. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diffusion MRI of cancer: From low to high b‐values
Authors: Tang Lei , Zhou Xiaohong Joe 
Published: October 2018

Following its success in early detection of cerebral ischemia, diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) has been increasingly used in cancer diagnosis and treatment evaluation. These applications are propelled by the rapid development of novel diffusion models to extract biologically valuable information from diffusion‐weighted MR signals, and significant advances in MR hardware that has enabled image acquisition with high b‐values. This article reviews recent technical developments and clinical applications in cancer imaging using DWI, with a special emphasis on high b‐value diffusion models. The article is organized in four sections. First, we provide an overview of diffusion models that are relevant to cancer imaging. The model parameters are discussed in relation to three tissue properties—cellularity, vascularity, and microstructures. An emphasis is placed on characterization of microstructural heterogeneity, given its novelty and close relevance to cancer. Second, we illustrate diffusion MR clinical applications in each of the following three categories: 1) cancer detection and diagnosis; 2) cancer grading, staging, and classification; and 3) cancer treatment response prediction and evaluation. Third, we discuss several practical issues, including selection of image acquisition parameters, reproducibility and reliability, motion management, image distortion, etc., that are commonly encountered when applying DWI to cancer in clinical settings. Lastly, we highlight a few ongoing challenges and provide some possible future directions, particularly in the area of establishing standards via well‐organized multicenter clinical trials to accelerate clinical translation of advanced DWI techniques to improving cancer care on a large scale.Level of Evidence: 5Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:23–40.
Pollen and non‐pollen palynomorphs of Lake Chalco as indicators of paleolimnological changes in high‐elevation tropical central Mexico since MIS 5
Authors: Torres‐Rodríguez Esperanza , Lozano‐García Socorro , Caballero‐Miranda Margarita , Ortega‐Guerrero Beatriz , Sosa‐Nájera Susana , Debajyoti‐Roy Priyadarsi 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTAquatic pollen and non‐pollen palynomorphs (NPPs) from a 72‐m‐long sediment core from Lake Chalco in central Mexico document macrophyte vegetation and paleolimnological conditions during the last glacial (∼85–10.8 k cal a BP). We compared macrophyte vegetation and NPP records with data for authigenic carbonate deposition estimated from concentrations of total inorganic carbon. We estimated saline and variable trophic conditions during the last glacial. An association indicative of higher salinity conditions characterized by NPP and diatom assemblages characteristic of alkaline and saline environments is documented. Changes in hydrophyte taxa and microalgae assemblages were related to trophic level fluctuations. Higher salinity environments were contemporary with arid intervals reconstructed based on abundances of inorganic carbonate. Two main periods were evident in this record: (i) 85–29 k cal a BP [Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5b–MIS 3] characterized by saline conditions with high abundance of Type‐TXA, and variable high carbonate content, and (ii) 29–10.8 k cal a BP (MIS 2–MIS 1) when conditions changed to higher trophic levels and lower salinities, characterized by extremely low values of Type‐TXA and carbonate content. Spring and summer insolation and latitudinal position of the Intertropical Convergence Zone over the last glacial were considered as possible controllers of the recorded paleoenvironmental changes.
Investigating Raman spectra and density functional theory calculations on SrAl2O4 polymorphs
Authors: Rojas‐Hernandez Rocío Estefanía , More Wilfredo , Rubio‐Marcos Fernando , Fernandez José Francisco 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSrAl2O4 is a long‐lasting material that combines several favorable attributes in comparison with their inorganic luminescent predecessor. In addition, it is an intriguing material combining a structural polymorphism with potential application such as in solar cells, biological labeling and imaging, and security encode. Here, we unambiguously determinate the Raman spectra for hexagonal and monoclinic polymorphs. Specifically, the Raman mode assignment of phonon modes obtained experimentally is done for the first time by modeling these structures following the principle calculations within the framework of the density functional theory. Several functionals are evaluated, considering the agreement of the calculated modes with the experimental data. The optimized structure is obtained, first, on the basis of minimizing the total energy of the structure. The calculated vibrational modes show qualitative agreement with the experimental observation. This study offers a new insight to study the relationships between structural and optical behavior in this system, providing tools to design new technological applications.