bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cryptococcal antigenemia and associated risk factors among ART‐naïve and ART‐experienced HIV‐infected peoples at selected health institutions of Mekelle, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Hailu Kibra , Niguse Selam , Hagos Kiflom , Abdulkader Mahmud 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCryptococcal infection is a major cause of opportunistic infection in HIV/AID‐infected peoples. We determined cryptococcal antigenemia and cryptococcal meningitis among antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiated and ART‐naive HIV‐infected peoples. A cross‐sectional study was conducted at selected health facilities in Mekelle, Ethiopia. Blood was collected to determine CD4 and plasma cryptococcal antigen (CrAg). CSF CrAg and CSF culture and urease tests were also done. Socio‐demographic and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire and clinical chart review. From the enrolled study participants, 267 study participants had complete data, of which, 137 (51%) were females. From the study participants, 140 (52%) and 127 (48%) were ART experienced and ART naïve, respectively. The prevalence of cryptococcal antigenemia was 9 (3.4%). All the study participants, except one (CD4 = 120 cells/mm3), had CD4 count less than 100 cells/mm3. From CrAg‐positive peoples, 6 (4.7%) were ART naïve. Five CrAg‐positive peoples had cryptococcal meningitis. Being male, rural residence, and being hospitalized were associated with cryptococcal antigenemia. Cryptococcal infection poses a substantial risk of HIV‐positive peoples. This study provides relevant data for CrAg screening interventions in patients with low CD4 cell counts.
Multicenter reproducibility of quantitative susceptibility mapping in a gadolinium phantom using MEDI+0 automatic zero referencing
Authors: Deh Kofi , Kawaji Keigo , Bulk Marjolein , Van Der Weerd Louise , Lind Emelie , Spincemaille Pascal , McCabe Gillen Kelly , Van Auderkerke Johan , Wang Yi , Nguyen Thanh D. 
Published: October 2018

PurposeTo determine the reproducibility of quantitative susceptibility mapping at multiple sites on clinical and preclinical scanners (1.5 T, 3 T, 7 T, and 9.4 T) from different vendors (Siemens, GE, Philips, and Bruker) for standardization of multicenter studies.MethodsSeven phantoms distributed from the core site, each containing 5 compartments with gadolinium solutions with fixed concentrations between 0.625 mM and 10 mM. Multi‐echo gradient echo scans were performed at 1.5 T, 3 T, 7 T, and 9.4 T on 12 clinical and 3 preclinical scanners. DICOM images from the scans were processed into quantitative susceptibility maps using the Laplacian boundary value (LBV) and MEDI+0 automatic uniform reference algorithm. Region of interest (ROI) analyses were performed by a physicist to determine agreement between results from all sites. Measurement reproducibility was assessed using regression, Bland‐Altman plots, and the intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC).ResultsQuantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) from all scanners had similar, artifact‐free visual appearance. Regression analysis showed a linear relationship between gadolinium concentrations and average QSM measurements for all phantoms (y = 350x – 0.0346, r2>0.99). The SD of measurements increased almost linearly from 32 ppb to 230 ppb as the measured susceptibility increased from 0.26 ppm to 3.56 ppm. A Bland‐Altman plot showed the bias, upper, and lower limits of agreement for all comparisons were −10, −210, and 200 ppb, respectively. The ICC was 0.991 with a 95% CI (0.973, 0.99).ConclusionsQSM shows excellent multicenter reproducibility for a large range of susceptibility values encountered in cranial and extra‐cranial applications on a diverse set of scanner platforms.
An isogeometric collocation method for efficient random field discretization
Authors: Jahanbin Ramin , Rahman Sharif 
Published: October 2018

SummaryThis paper presents an isogeometric collocation method for a computationally expedient random field discretization by means of the Karhunen‐Loève expansion. The method involves a collocation projection onto a finite‐dimensional subspace of continuous functions over a bounded domain, basis splines (B‐splines) and nonuniform rational B‐splines (NURBS) spanning the subspace, and standard methods of eigensolutions. Similar to the existing Galerkin isogeometric method, the isogeometric collocation method preserves an exact geometrical representation of many commonly used physical or computational domains and exploits the regularity of isogeometric basis functions delivering globally smooth eigensolutions. However, in the collocation method, the construction of the system matrices for a d‐dimensional eigenvalue problem asks for at most d‐dimensional domain integrations, as compared with 2d‐dimensional integrations required in the Galerkin method. Therefore, the introduction of the collocation method for random field discretization offers a huge computational advantage over the existing Galerkin method. Three numerical examples, including a three‐dimensional random field discretization problem, illustrate the accuracy and convergence properties of the collocation method for obtaining eigensolutions.
Psychosocial distress and utilization of professional psychological care in cancer patients: An observational study in National Comprehensive Cancer Centers (CCCs) in Germany
Authors: Weis Joachim , Hönig Klaus , Bergelt Corinna , Faller Hermann , Brechtel Anette , Hornemann Beate , Stein Barbara , Teufel Martin , Goerling Ute , Erim Yesim , Geiser Franziska , Niecke Alexander , Senf Bianca , Wickert Martin , Schmoor Claudia , Gerlach Angelika , Schellberg Dieter , Büttner‐Teleaga Antje , Schieber Katharina 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe study aimed to assess cancer patients' use of psychological care and its correlates in a large sample of cancer patients in Comprehensive Cancer Centers (CCCs) in Germany.MethodsIn a multicenter study in Germany, cancer patients with various diagnoses were evaluated for self‐reported use of psychological support. We measured psychological distress, depression and anxiety, quality of life, and social support with standardized questionnaires and analyzed its association with the utilization of psychological care using multivariable logistic regression. This paper focuses on a cross‐sectional analysis of the data assessed during inpatient care.ResultsThree thousand fifty‐four (50%) of hospitalized patients were asked for participation, and n = 1632 (53.6%) participated. We were able to analyze n = 1,398 (45.9%) patients. Three hundred ninety‐seven (28.4%) of the sample utilized psychological support. Users of psychological care were significantly younger than nonusers (odds ratio [OR]: 0.967, P < 0.001) and were more often female (OR: 1.878, P < 0.001), whereas educational level was not associated with the use of psychological care. In the multivariable analysis, effects on the use of psychological care were observed for Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) anxiety (OR: 1.106, P = 0.001) and both subscales of the 12‐item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐12) quality of life measure (mental, OR: 0.97, P = 0.002; physical, OR: 0.97, P = 0.002).ConclusionPsychological distress and anxiety are higher, and quality of life is lower in users of psychological care in comparison with nonusers during inpatient cancer treatment. Although psychooncological services should be provided to all patients who need them, special efforts should be made to reach populations that report low utilization.
Risk‐based metrics for performance evaluation of control charts
Authors: Weiß Christian H. , Testik Murat Caner 
Published: October 2018

AbstractControl charts are commonly evaluated in terms of their average run length (ARL). However, since run length distributions are typically strongly skewed, the ARL gives a very limited impression about the actual run length performance. In this study, it is proposed to evaluate a control chart's performance using risk metrics, specifically the value at risk and the tail conditional expectation. When a control chart is evaluated for an in‐control performance, the risk is an early occurrence of a false alarm, whereas in an out‐of‐control state, there is a risk of a delayed detection. For these situations, risk metric computations are derived and exemplified for diverse types of control charts. It is demonstrated that the use of such risk metrics leads to important new insights into a control chart's performance. In addition to the cases of known process parameters for control chart design, these risk metrics are further used to analyze the estimation uncertainty in evaluating a control chart's performance if the design parameters rely on a phase 1 analysis. Benefits of the risk‐based metrics are discussed thoroughly, and these are recommended as supplements to the traditional ARL metric.
Reliability assessment of high‐quality and long‐life products based on zero‐failure data
Authors: Li Haiyang , Xie Liyang , Li Ming , Ren Jungang , Zhao Bingfeng , Zhang Shijian 
Published: October 2018

AbstractFor a period of mission time, only zero‐failure data can be obtained for high‐quality long‐life products. In the case of zero‐failure data reliability assessment, the point estimates and confidence interval estimates of distribution parameters cannot be obtained simultaneously by the current reliability assessment models, and the credibility of the assessment results may be reduced if they are obtained at the same time. A new model is proposed for consistency problem in this paper. In the proposed model, the point estimates of reliability can be obtained by the lifetime probability distribution derived from matching distribution curve method, while the confidence interval estimates of reliability can be obtained by using new samples generated from the lifetime probability distribution according to parameter bootstrap method. By analyzing the zero‐failure data of the torque motors after real operation, the results show that the new model not only meets the requirements of reliability assessment but also improves the accuracy of reliability interval estimation.
The Role of Current Collector in Enabling the High Performance of Li/S Battery
Authors: Benítez Almudena , Caballero Álvaro , Rodríguez‐Castellón Enrique , Morales Julián , Hassoun Jusef 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAmong several factors, the nature of the current collector plays a significant role in determining the performance of Li/S battery. Carbon‐based substrates gained recently increasing interest as alternative to conventional aluminum substrate. We show herein that cells based on sulfur‐graphene composite reveal higher reversible capacity and lower polarization using carbon‐based support rather than the typical aluminum current collector. The enhancement of cell performances is attributed to a decrease of electrode‐electrolyte interphase resistance promoted by the use of carbon‐support, as detected by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) upon cyclic voltammetry (CV). This beneficial effect is ascribed to an improved contact of the active material particles with the support, and to increased electrode/electrolyte wetting due to its porosity and chemical nature, which are detected by Hg porosimetry, N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms, SEM and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Therefore, the results reported in this work may be of interest for setting‐up the most suitable condition for achieving high performance Li/S battery.
Laser Direct Writing of Heteroatom (N and S)‐Doped Graphene from a Polybenzimidazole Ink Donor on Polyethylene Terephthalate Polymer and Glass Substrates
Authors: Huang Yihe , Zeng Lei , Liu Chongguang , Zeng Desen , Liu Zhu , Liu Xuqing , Zhong Xiangli , Guo Wei , Li Lin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn this paper, for the first time, a laser direct writing technique is reported to form S‐ and N‐doped graphene patterns on thin (0.3 mm thickness) polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and glass substrates from a specially formulated organic polybenzimidazole (PBI) ink, without thermally affecting the substrates and without the need for a metallic precursor. Unlike standard graphene ink printing, postcuring at high temperatures is not needed here, thus avoiding potential substrate distortion and damages. A UV laser beam of 355 nm wavelength is used to generate photochemical reactions to break the CS bond (2.8 eV) from dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, a component of the PBI ink) and the CN bond (3.14 eV) of PBI and form N‐ and S‐doped graphene on the substrates. The sheet resistance of the laser‐induced graphene is as low as 12 Ω sq−1 on PET, matching that of indium–tin oxide (ITO). The laser‐written doped graphene shows hydrophilic characteristics, unlike pristine graphene. The S‐ and N‐doped graphene allows the tailoring of bandgaps and thus controlling electrical and chemical properties. The optical transparency of the written graphene is below 10% which could be improved in the future. Potential applications include printing of flexible circuits and sensors, and smart wearables.
Microwave Flow Chemistry as a Methodology in Organic Syntheses, Enzymatic Reactions, and Nanoparticle Syntheses
Authors: Horikoshi Satoshi , Serpone Nick 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSeveral studies have used microwaves as a heat source for carrying out various types of reactions employing circulation reaction vessels. The microwave flow chemical synthesis methodology is most appropriate in the use of microwaves in chemical syntheses. It can attenuate the problem of microwave heating (non‐uniform heating and penetration depth) and maximize the benefits (rapid heating and first temperature adjustments). In this brief review, we examine and explain some of the relevant features of microwave heating with applicative examples of the usage of microwave flow chemistry equipment in carrying out organic syntheses, enzymatic reactions, and (not least) nanoparticle syntheses.
Contributions of regulated transcription and mRNA decay to the dynamics of gene expression
Authors: Yamada Toshimichi , Akimitsu Nobuyoshi 
Published: October 2018

Organisms have acquired sophisticated regulatory networks that control gene expression in response to cellular perturbations. Understanding of the mechanisms underlying the coordinated changes in gene expression in response to external and internal stimuli is a fundamental issue in biology. Recent advances in high‐throughput technologies have enabled the measurement of diverse biological information, including gene expression levels, kinetics of gene expression, and interactions among gene expression regulatory molecules. By coupling these technologies with quantitative modeling, we can now uncover the biological roles and mechanisms of gene regulation at the system level. This review consists of two parts. First, we focus on the methods using uridine analogs that measure synthesis and decay rates of RNAs, which demonstrate how cells dynamically change the regulation of gene expression in response to both internal and external cues. Second, we discuss the underlying mechanisms of these changes in kinetics, including the functions of transcription factors and RNA‐binding proteins. Overall, this review will help to clarify a system‐level view of gene expression programs in cells.This article is categorized under:
Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs
RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability
RNA Methods > RNA Analyses in vitro and In Silico
Introduction: Indigenous Peoples, Extractivism, and Turbulences in South America
Authors: Rivera Andía Juan Javier , Vindal Ødegaard Cecilie 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe introduction lays the groundwork for the volume’s explorations of indigenous life-making projects in encounters with extractivism in South America. It discusses how people’s contestations of extractive endeavours have opened up questions of alternative ‘politics of nature’, bringing entities of the landscape into the political sphere. Examining ways in which current turbulences actualise questions of indigeneity, difference, and ontological dynamics, the introduction considers the contributions and problems of a ‘turn to ontology’ in anthropology. It argues for an ethnographic exploration of indigenous life projects and for the significance of ontological and cosmological dimensions of indigenous responses and creativities. Amerindian experiences of loss and suffering are discussed as a function of an inflicted inability to realise their life projects in situations saturated by extractivism. We revisit debates on continuities and transformations regarding indigeneity, capitalism, representation, and land, trying to avoid conceptual imperialism while addressing extractivism on a broad front.
Relationships Between Expertise, Crew Familiarity and Surgical Workflow Disruptions: An Observational Study
Authors: Henaux Pierre‐Louis , Michinov Estelle , Rochat Julie , Hémon Brivael , Jannin Pierre , Riffaud Laurent 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundTeamwork is an essential factor in reducing workflow disruption (WD) in the operating room. Team familiarity (TF) has been recognized as an antecedent to surgical quality and safety. To date, no study has examined the link between team members’ role and expertise, TF and WD in surgical setting. This study aimed to examine the relationships between expertise, surgeon–scrub nurse familiarity and WD.MethodsWe observed a convenience sample of 12 elective neurosurgical procedures carried out by 4 surgeons and 11 SN with different levels of expertise and different degrees of familiarity between surgeons and SN. We calculated the number of WD per unit of coding time to control for the duration of operation. We explored the type and frequency of WD, and the differences between the surgeons and SN. We examined the relationships between duration of WD, staff expertise and surgeon–scrub nurse familiarity.Results9.91% of the coded surgical time concerned WD. The most frequent causes of WD were distractions (29.7%) and colleagues’ interruptions (25.2%). This proportion was seen for SN, whereas teaching moments and colleagues’ interruptions were the most frequent WD for surgeons. The WD was less high among expert surgeons and less frequent when surgeon was familiar with SN.ConclusionsThe frequency of WD during surgical time can compromise surgical quality and patient safety. WD seems to decrease in teams with high levels of surgeon–scrub nurse familiarity and with development of surgical expertise. Favoring TF and giving feedback to the team about WD issues could be interesting ways to improve teamwork.
Intrahepatic Balloon Tamponade for Penetrating Liver Injury: Rarely Needed but Highly Effective
Authors: Kodadek Lisa M. , Efron David T. , Haut Elliott R. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundSevere penetrating liver injuries are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the 15‐year experience of a Level 1 US trauma center with use of intrahepatic balloon tamponade for penetrating liver injuries in adult patients.MethodsOperative notes were used to identify cases employing intrahepatic balloon tamponade. Charts were reviewed for patient characteristics, injury characteristics, morbidity, and in‐hospital mortality.ResultsOf the 4961 penetrating trauma patients admitted during the study period, 279 (5.6%) had liver injury and underwent exploratory laparotomy. Intrahepatic balloon tamponade was attempted in nine patients (3.2%). Two of the nine patients (22%) were in cardiac arrest at time of balloon placement and died during the index operation; both had retrohepatic IVC injury combined with cardiopulmonary injury. In patients who reached the operating room alive and had spontaneous circulation at the time of balloon placement, utilization of this technique was associated with 100% survival.ConclusionAlthough rarely needed, trauma surgeons must be prepared to use intrahepatic balloon tamponade as one surgical technique to control major hepatic injuries.
Portugal nutritional transition during the last 4 decades: 1974–2011
Authors: Bento Alexandra , Gonçalves Carla , Cordeiro Tânia , Vaz de Almeida Maria Daniel 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACT

Objective:
To examine trends in food availability for Portugal during the last 4 decades (1974–2011) and analyze such changes in accordance with the nutritional transition theory.

Methods:
Food balance sheets from Portugal from 1974 to 2011 were analyzed for potential trends by linear regression to study the availability of protein, fat, carbohydrate, ethanol, and total energy and the availability of the following food groups: (i) cereals and tubers; (ii) vegetables; (iii) fruit; (iv) milk; (v) meat, fish, and eggs; (vi) fat; (vii) pulses; (viii) alcoholic beverages; and (ix) sugar and sweeteners. A comparison regarding protein, fat, and carbohydrate availability and WHO recommendation was also performed.

Results:
The data suggest that in Portugal food availability and consumption have changed throughout the analyzed period. The national availability of most food groups increased considerably, which also resulted in an increase in daily energy. The consumption of cereals and tubers, pulses, and alcohol diminished during this time. Energy availability increased by 406 kcal/person/day, a result from an increase in protein and fat. Protein availability was in accordance with WHO recommendations during the 4 decades analyzed, whereas carbohydrate have always been below the recommended level and fat has been above the recommended level since the second decade (1984).

Conclusion:
Portugal has crossed into a nutritional transition over the last 4 decades, revealing characteristics of a pattern of degenerative diseases. The country may experience a new nutritional transition that would involve positive changes of behavior, as observed in other developed countries, driven by community multisectorial strategies.
Hearing treatment for reducing cognitive decline: Design and methods of the Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders randomized controlled trial
Authors: Deal Jennifer A. , Goman Adele M. , Albert Marilyn S. , Arnold Michelle L. , Burgard Sheila , Chisolm Theresa , Couper David , Glynn Nancy W. , Gmelin Theresa , Hayden Kathleen M. , Mosley Thomas , Pankow James S. , Reed Nicholas , Sanchez Victoria A. , Richey Sharrett A. , Thomas Sonia D. , Coresh Josef , Lin Frank R. ,   ACHIEVE Investigators
Published: October 2018

AbstractIntroductionHearing impairment is highly prevalent and independently associated with cognitive decline. The Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders study is a multicenter randomized controlled trial to determine efficacy of hearing treatment in reducing cognitive decline in older adults. Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03243422.MethodsEight hundred fifty participants without dementia aged 70 to 84 years with mild‐to‐moderate hearing impairment recruited from four United States field sites and randomized 1:1 to a best‐practices hearing intervention or health education control. Primary study outcome is 3‐year change in global cognitive function. Secondary outcomes include domain‐specific cognitive decline, incident dementia, brain structural changes on magnetic resonance imaging, health‐related quality of life, physical and social function, and physical activity.ResultsTrial enrollment began January 4, 2018 and is ongoing.DiscussionWhen completed in 2022, Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders study should provide definitive evidence of the effect of hearing treatment versus education control on cognitive decline in community‐dwelling older adults with mild‐to‐moderate hearing impairment.