bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcomes of cardiac resynchronization therapy with and without a defibrillator in elderly patients with heart failure
Authors: Christie Simon , Hiebert Brett , Seifer Colette M. , Khoo Clarence 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundEvidence regarding the incremental benefit of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with a defibrillator (CRT‐D) versus without (CRT‐P) in elderly patients with heart failure is limited. We compared mortality and cardiac hospitalisation between CRT‐D and CRT‐P in the elderly.MethodsA retrospective chart review identified all consecutive patients with age ≥75 with CRT implantation over the last 10 years at a Canadian tertiary care cardiac centre. Kaplan‐Meier survival analyses and cumulative incidence curves were used to compare mortality and time to first cardiac hospitalisation, respectively, with CRT‐D versus CRT‐P over a 3 year period. Analyses were also repeated with propensity score matching based on age, sex, primary versus secondary prevention, date of implant, and Charlson Comorbidity Index.ResultsOne hundred and seventy CRT patients were identified. A total of 128 received CRT‐D while 42 received CRT‐P. Median age was 79 (IQR 77‐81), and the majority were male (83%). CRT‐P patients had a higher burden of comorbidities (Charlson score 7, IQR 6‐8) than CRT‐D patients (Charlson score 5, IQR 5‐7; P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in survival between the two groups in an unmatched comparison (P = 0.69) and with a propensity score‐matched cohort (P = 0.91). Secondary prevention CRT‐D patients had a higher risk of hospitalisation compared to primary prevention CRT‐D patients; however, there was no significant difference in hospitalisation between the CRT‐D and CRT‐P groups.ConclusionThis study suggests there is no significant difference in mortality or cardiac hospitalisation between CRT‐D and CRT‐P in elderly patients with heart failure.
Generations as social categories: An exploratory cognitive study of generational identity and generational stereotypes in a multigenerational workforce
Authors: Van Rossem Annick H.D. 
Published: November 2018

SummaryEven though the academic press recognizes generational diversity and its consequences, the related findings are fractured, and research is incomplete regarding methodology and theoretical background. In adopting a social identity perspective concerning groups and self‐conception, we argue that the social identity perspective is in line with generational identity theory. Employing a cognitive mapping method (repertory grid technique, mixed methods), the present study taps into three generations (Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y) of Belgian managers' minds and demonstrates how they perceive their own and the two other generations. Our research reveals that perceptions of their own and other generations may direct social categorization and generational stereotypes of the in‐group and out‐group(s), that some of these stereotypes can be enacted, and that generational stereotypes do not necessarily coincide with age‐based stereotypes. Several metapatterns in the stereotypes are revealed as well. Hence, we contribute to the emerging field of research that calls for an identity‐based approach rather than a cohort‐based approach to generations and that validates the argument that generations as a workplace phenomenon must be considered a legitimate phenomenon. Insights into generations as social categories give a richer view of the interrelationships between generations in multigenerational situations at work.
Using natural deep eutectic solvents for the extraction of metabolites in Byrsonima intermedia leaves
Authors: Fraige Karina , Arrua R. Dario , Sutton Adam T. , Funari Cristiano Soleo , Cavalheiro Alberto José , Hilder Emily F. , Bolzani Vanderlan da Silva 
Published: November 2018

AbstractNatural deep eutectic solvents have been used as an alternative to organic solvents for the extraction of plants metabolites, allowing for the extraction of compounds of different polarities, while being inexpensive, non‐toxic, and easy to prepare. This work presents the comparison of the chromatographic profiles by high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode‐array detection obtained from Byrsonima intermedia (Malpighiaceae) using five choline chloride‐based natural deep eutectic solvents, in addition to the most used traditional extraction solvents, methanol/water 7:3 and ethanol/water 7:3 v/v. A reference extract was used to tentatively identify compounds by high‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The water content appeared to be important for the extraction efficiency and the mixture choline chloride/glycerol was shown to be the best candidate for efficiently extracting this matrix when compared with the traditional extraction media in addition to being far greener as shown by the environmental analysis tool. Seven phenolic compounds (digalloyl quinic acid, proanthocyanidin dimer, galloylproanthocyanidin dimer, quercetin‐O‐hexoside, galloyl quercetin hexoside, quercetin‐O‐pentoside, and galloyl quercetin pentoside) were tentatively identified in all extracts. Moreover, the influence of these solvents on the antioxidant activity of the extracts was studied and the results for choline chloride/glycerol extracts were very similar to that of the traditional extraction solvents.
Recent advances in mixed‐mode chromatographic stationary phases
Authors: Sýkora David , Řezanka Pavel , Záruba Kamil , Král Vladimír 
Published: November 2018

AbstractMixed‐mode phases have become very popular in the last decade, and the number of new mixed/multi‐mode sorbents is growing fast. Unlike single‐mode stationary phases, perfectly suited for the separation of the analytes possessing similar physicochemical properties, for instance reversed‐phase chromatography for hydrophobic solutes, mixed‐mode sorbents providing multimodal interactions can render better separation selectivity for complex mixtures of solutes differing significantly in their physicochemical characteristics. The most frequent modern mixed‐mode stationary phases are di/tri‐mode sorbents embracing the following interactions, hydrophobic, electrostatic (coulombic), and hydrophilic. According to their structures, it is possible to distinguish silica‐based, polymer‐based, hybrid, and monolithic mixed‐mode stationary phases. Herewith, newly synthesized mixed‐mode sorbents developed within the last two and half years are categorized, discussed, and summarized. The main attention is devoted to the description of the synthetic routes and characterization methods applied for the new stationary phases.
Shear Wave Elastography of the Lumbar Multifidus Muscle in Patients With Unilateral Lumbar Disk Herniation
Authors: Alis Deniz , Durmaz Emine Sebnem Memis , Alis Ceren , Erol Burak Caglar , Okur Betul , Kizilkilic Osman , Mihmanli Ismail 
Published: November 2018

ObjectivesTo assess lumbar multifidus muscle stiffness in patients with unilateral lumbar disk herniation (LDH) causing nerve root compression using shear wave elastography (SWE).MethodsThirty‐three patients with unilateral subarticular LDH (L3–L4, L4–L5, and L5–S1) causing nerve root compression, diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging, were enrolled in the study. Exclusion criteria were bilateral or multilevel LDH confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging, bilateral leg symptoms, and patients with a history of any spinal operation, malignancy, trauma, infection, spondylolisthesis, severe lateral recess stenosis, spinal canal stenosis, and substantial comorbidities. Two observers separately evaluated the multifidus muscle using SWE. Shear wave elastographic examinations of the muscle were performed slightly below the herniation using the spinous process of the vertebra as a landmark. The stiffness of the muscle between affected and normal sides was compared. Moreover, the correlation between the stiffness and duration of the symptoms and the correlation between the stiffness and severity of the nerve compression were also calculated.ResultsThe mean stiffness values of the multifidus muscle on the affected side (mean ± SD: observer 1, 14.08 ± 3.57 kPa; observer 2, 13.70 ± 4.05 kPa) were significantly lower compared to the contralateral side (observer 1, 18.81 ± 3.95 kPa; observer 2, 18.28 ± 4.12 kPa; P < .001). The muscle stiffness had a moderate negative correlation with the duration of the symptoms and the severity of the nerve compression (observer 1, r = –0.535; observer 2, r = –0.458; P < .001).ConclusionsThe multifidus muscle on the ipsilateral side of the LDH showed reduced stiffness values, and stiffness values were negatively correlated with the disease duration and severity of the nerve compression. Further studies might reveal the potential role of SWE of the multifidus muscle in determining clinical outcomes and assessing effectiveness treatment in patients with LDH.
Noninvasive in vivo Assessment of the Re‐endothelialization Process Using Ultrasound Biomicroscopy in the Rat Carotid Artery Balloon Injury Model
Authors: Röhl Samuel , Eriksson Linnea , Saxelin Robert , Lengquist Mariette , Östenson Claes‐Göran , Hedin Ulf , Caidahl Kenneth , Razuvaev Anton 
Published: November 2018

ObjectivesUltrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), or ultra high‐frequency ultrasound, is a technique used to assess the anatomy of small research animals. In this study, UBM was used to assess differences in intimal hyperplasia thickness as a surrogate measurement of the re‐endothelialization process after carotid artery balloon injury in rats.MethodsUltrasound biomicroscopic data from 3 different experiments and rat strains (Sprague Dawley, Wistar, and diabetic Goto‐Kakizaki) were analyzed. All animals were subjected to carotid artery balloon injury and examined with UBM (30–70 MHz) 2 and 4 weeks after injury. Re‐endothelialization on UBM was defined as the length from the carotid bifurcation to the most distal visible edge of the intimal hyperplasia. En face staining with Evans blue dye was performed at euthanasia 4 weeks after injury, followed by tissue harvesting for histochemical and immunohistochemical evaluations.ResultsA significant correlation (Spearman r = 0.63; P < .0001) was identified when comparing all measurements of re‐endothelialization obtained from UBM and en face staining. The findings revealed a similar pattern for all rat strains: Sprague Dawley (Spearman r = 0.70; P < .0001), Wistar (Spearman r = 0.36; P < .081), and Goto‐Kakizaki (Spearman r = 0.70; P < .05). A Bland‐Altman test showed agreement between en face staining and UBM. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed the presence of the endothelium in the areas detected as re‐endothelialized by the UBM assessment.ConclusionsUltrasound biomicroscopy can be used for repeated in vivo assessment of re‐endothelialization after carotid artery balloon injury in rats.
Kinetics of alkaline fading of methyl violet in micellar solutions of surfactants: Comparing Piszkiewicz's, Berezin's, and pseudophase ion‐exchange models
Authors: Laguta Anna N. , Eltsov Sergey V. , Mchedlov‐Petrossyan Nikolay O. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe micellar effect of surfactants of various types on the rate of the reaction between methyl violet and hydroxide ion is studied. The absorption spectra show that the cation of methyl violet is bound by micelles of all types at proper concentrations of surfactants. The observed rate constant in micellar systems containing nonionic Brij‐35, zwitterionic 3‐(dimethyldodecylammonio)‐propanesulfonate, cationic cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and hydroxide surfactants is higher, whereas in solutions of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecylsulfate is lower than that one in the surfactant‐free system. Piszkiewicz's, Berezin's, and pseudophase ion‐exchange models of the kinetic micellar effect are used for the treatment of the dependences of the above‐mentioned constants on the surfactant concentration. The values of the corresponding kinetic parameters are compared and discussed. The influence of nonionic, zwitterionic, and anionic micelles on the reaction rate is discussed on the basis of medium and concentration kinetic effects.The character of the cationic micelles effect is somewhat paradoxical. Although the observed pseudo–first‐order reaction rate constant substantially increases in the presence of such micelles, the second order‐rate constant in these micelles is lower than the corresponding value in surfactant‐free aqueous solution. As a possible explanation, the decrease in the reactivity of the HO– ions is proposed, owing to their electrostatic association with the cationic headgroups (“diverting effect”).
The influence of in‐store personnel on online store value: An analogical transfer perspective
Authors: Verhagen Tibert , van Dolen Willemijn , Merikivi Jani 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn today’s multichannel retail environment, consumers’ experiences in one channel influence their perceptions of another channel. Specifically, consumer evaluations of a firm’s online store have been found to be influenced by consumer interactions with the firm’s in‐store personnel. This paper is among the first to address this assumption and test it empirically. Drawing upon the analogical transfer paradigm, we propose hypotheses and accordingly model in‐store personnel’s competence and friendliness as determinants of online store usefulness, online store enjoyment, and online store value. Using consumer data collected from two Dutch multichannel retailers, we test this model with partial least squares modeling. The results provide clear support for the model and confirm that consumers may use characteristics of in‐store personnel as analogies when evaluating a firm’s online store. Implications for research and retail managers are discussed.
Live cell imaging of Plasmodiophora brassicae—host plant interactions based on a two‐step axenic culture system
Authors: Tu Jiangying , Bush James , Bonham‐Smith Peta , Wei Yangdou 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPlasmodiophora brassicae, a parasitic protist, induces club‐shaped tumor‐like growth of host Brassicas roots and hypocotyls after infection. Due to its soil‐borne nature and intracellular, biotrophic parasitism the infection biology and early pathogenesis remains in doubt. In this study, we have established a new protocol, based on a two‐step axenic culture of P. brassicae with its host tissues, for easy and in planta observation of cellular interactions between P. brassicae and host plants: first, coculture of P. brassicae with infected canola root tissues, on growth‐medium plates, enables the propagation of P. brassicae that serves as pure inoculum for pathogenicity assays, and second, the pure inoculum is subsequently used for pathogenicity tests on both canola and Arabidopsis seedlings grown on medium plates in Petri dishes. During the first axenic culture, we established a staining protocol by which the pathogen was fluorescently labeled with Nile red and calcofluor white, thus allowing in planta observation of pathogen development. In the pathogenicity assays, our results showed that axenic cultures of P. brassicae, in calli, remains fully virulent and completes its life cycle in both canola and Arabidopsis roots grown in Petri dishes. Combining visualization of fluorescent probe‐labeled P. brassicae structures with fluorescent protein tagging of Arabidopsis cellular components, further revealed dynamic responses of host cells at the early stages of P. brassicae infection. Thus, established protocols for in planta detection of P. brassicae structures and the live cell imaging of P. brassicae—Arabidopsis interactions provide a novel strategy for improving our detailed knowledge of P. brassicae infection in host tissues.
Clinimetric Properties of the Fragile X‐associated Tremor Ataxia Syndrome Rating Scale
Authors: Hall Deborah A. , Stebbins Glenn T. , Jacquemont Sebastien , Berry‐Kravis Elizabeth , Goetz Christopher G. , Hagerman Randi , Zhang Lin , Leehey Maureen A. 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTBackgroundThere are currently no proven treatments for fragile X‐associated tremor and ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). Validated outcome measures are needed in order to plan and conduct clinical trials to aid in the development of therapy.MethodsThis study examined the reliability and construct validity of the FXTAS Rating Scale. The study was conducted by using ratings from movement disorder specialists, who were blinded to gene status, on the FXTAS Rating Scale.ResultsIn 295 premutation carriers with and without FXTAS, 33 scale items showed a high level of overall reliability, adequate item‐to‐total correlations and construct validity. Factor analysis revealed four components.ConclusionsThe result demonstrates that many items in the scale meet standard clinimetric criteria, but modification of the scale improved the overall utility.
IMPULSE: A scalable algorithm for design of minimum specific absorption rate parallel transmit RF pulses
Authors: Pendse Mihir , Stara Riccardo , Mehdi Khalighi Mohammad , Rutt Brian 
Published: November 2018

PurposeManaging local specific absorption rate (SAR) in parallel transmission requires ensuring that the peak SAR over a large number of voxels (>) is below the regulatory limit. The safety risk to the patient depends on cumulative (not instantaneous) SAR thus making a joint design of all RF pulses in a sequence desirable. We propose the Iterative Minimization Procedure with Uncompressed Local SAR Estimate (IMPULSE), an efficient optimization formulation and algorithm that can handle uncompressed SAR matrices and optimize pulses for all slices jointly within a practical time frame.Theory and MethodsIMPULSE optimizes parallel transmit pulses for small‐tip‐angle slice selective excitation to minimize a single cost function incorporating multiple quantities (local SAR, global SAR, and per‐channel power) averaged over the entire multislice scan subject to a strict constraint on excitation accuracy. Pulses for an 8‐channel 7T head coil were designed with IMPULSE and compared with pulses designed using generic optimization algorithms and VOPs to assess the computation time and SAR performance benefits.ResultsIMPULSE achieves lower SAR and shorter computation time compared with a VOP approach. Compared with the generic sequential quadratic programming algorithm, computation time is reduced by a factor of 5‐6 by using IMPULSE. Using as many as 6 million local SAR terms, up to 120 slices can be designed jointly with IMPULSE within 45 s.ConclusionsIMPULSE can handle significantly larger number of SAR matrices and slices than conventional optimization algorithms, enabling the use of uncompressed or partially compressed SAR matrices to design pulses for a multislice scan in a practical time frame.
Melanocortin‐3 Receptors Expressed on Agouti‐Related Peptide Neurons Inhibit Feeding Behavior in Female Mice
Authors: Girardet Clemence , Marks Daniel L. , Butler Andrew A. 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveActivation of hypothalamic agouti‐related peptide expressing (AgRP)+ve neurons during energy deficit is a negative valence signal, rapidly activating food‐seeking behaviors. This study examined the roles of melanocortin‐3 receptors (MC3Rs) coexpressed in a subpopulation of AgRP+ve neurons.MethodsAgRP‐MC3R mice expressing MC3Rs selectively in AgRP+ve neurons were generated by crossing AgRP‐IRES‐Cre mice with LoxTBMc3r mice containing a “loxP‐STOP‐loxP” sequence in the 5′ untranslated region. Body weight, body composition, and feeding behavior were assessed during ad libitum and time‐restricted feeding conditions.ResultsIn females, food intake of AgRP‐IRES‐Cre+ve (n = 7) or AgRP‐IRES‐Cre‐ve (n = 9) mice was not significantly different; these mice were therefore pooled to form the “control” group. Female AgRP‐MC3R mice exhibited lower food intake (25.4 ± 2.4 kJ/12 h; n = 6) compared with controls (35.3 ± 1.8 kJ/12 h; n = 16) and LoxTBMc3r mice (32.1 ± 2.1 kJ/12 h; n = 9) in the active phase during the dark period. Food intake during the rest phase (lights on) when mice consume less food (9‐10 kJ) was normal between genotypes. Body weight and composition of AgRP‐MC3R and LoxTBMc3r mice were similar, suggesting compensatory mechanisms for reduced calorie intake. Remarkably, AgRP‐MC3R mice continued to consume less food during refeeding after fasting and time‐restricted feeding.ConclusionsMC3Rs expressed on AgRP+ve neurons appear to exert a strong inhibitory signal on hypothalamic networks governing feeding behavior.
Coverage for Obesity Prevention and Treatment Services: Analysis of Medicaid and State Employee Health Insurance Programs
Authors: Jannah Nichole , Hild Jeff , Gallagher Christine , Dietz William 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveThis study examined changes in coverage for adult obesity treatment services in Medicaid and state employee health insurance programs between 2009 and 2017.MethodsAdministrative materials from Medicaid and state employee health insurance programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia were reviewed for indications of coverage and payment policies specific to evidence‐based treatment modalities for adults (≥ 21 years of age) with obesity, including nutritional counseling, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery.ResultsFrom 2009 to 2017, the proportion of state employee programs indicating coverage increased by 75% for nutritional counseling (from 24 to 42 states), 64% for pharmacotherapy (from 14 to 23 states), and 23% for bariatric surgery (from 35 to 43 states). The proportion of Medicaid programs indicating coverage increased by 133% for nutritional counseling (from 9 to 21 states) and 9% for bariatric surgery (from 45 to 49 states), with no net increase for pharmacotherapy (16 states in both plan years).ConclusionsCoverage for adult obesity care improved substantially in Medicaid and state employee insurance programs since 2009. However, recommended treatment modalities are still not covered in many states. Where coverage has expanded, educating providers and beneficiaries on the availability and proper use of evidence‐based obesity treatments may improve health outcomes.
Effects of Indoor Thermal Environment on Human Food Intake, Productivity, and Comfort: Pilot, Randomized, Crossover Trial
Authors: Richardson Molly B. , Li Peng , Gohlke Julia M. , Allison David B. 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveIt was hypothesized that exposure to mild temperatures above the human thermoneutral zone would decrease caloric intake in a sedentary office environment.MethodsWomen (n = 25) were randomized in a crossover design to perform seated office work for 7 hours in a thermoneutral condition (control, 19°C‐20°C) and a condition above the thermoneutral zone (warm, 26°C‐27°C). Food intake was estimated by weight and bomb calorimetry, peripheral temperature by thermal imaging, and thermal comfort and productivity by questionnaires. Mixed effects models were used to examine the effects of thermal condition on caloric intake.ResultsParticipants ate, on average, 357 kcal less in the warm condition, adjusting for BMI and peripheral temperature (P = 0.0219). According to the survey results at midday (after 3.5 hours of exposure), 96% of the participants in the warm condition reported being comfortable (n = 24) compared with 32% in the control condition (n = 8). More participants reported being as productive or more productive than usual in the warm condition (n = 22, 88%) than in the control condition (n = 12, 48%).ConclusionsThis line of research is worthy of further exploration. Untightening climate control toward warmer conditions during summer to increase comfort and productivity while decreasing caloric intake may prove both effective and comfortable.