bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Data Improvement Through Simplification: Implications for Low‐Resource Settings
Authors: Anderson Geoffrey A. , Bohnen Jordan , Spence Richard , Ilcisin Lenka , Ladha Karim , Chang David 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe focus of many data collection efforts centers on creation of more granular data. The assumption is that more complex data are better able to predict outcomes. We hypothesized that data are often needlessly complex. We sought to demonstrate this concept by examination of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scoring system.MethodsFirst, we created every possible consecutive two, three and four category combinations of the current five category ASA score. This resulted in 14 combinations of simplified ASA. We compared the predictive ability of these simplified scores for postoperative outcomes for 2.3 million patients in the NSQIP database. Individual model performance was assessed by comparing receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves for each model with the standard ASA.ResultsTwo of our 4‐category models and one of our 3‐category models had ability to predict all outcomes equivalent to standard ASA. These results held for all outcomes and on all subgroups tested. The performance of the three best performing simplified ASA scores were also equivalent to the standard ASA score in the univariate analysis and when included in a multivariate model.ConclusionsIt is assumed that the most granular data and use of the largest number of variables for risk‐adjusted predictions will increase accuracy. This complexity is often at the expense of utility. Using the single best predictor in surgical outcomes research, we have shown this is not the case. In this example, we demonstrate that one can simplify ASA into a 3‐category variable without losing any ability to predict outcomes.
Changing the characteristics and properties of zeolite Y and nano-anatase in the formation of a nano-anatase/Y composite with improved photocatalytic and adsorption properties
Authors: Domoroshchina E. N. , Chernyshev V. V. , Kuz’micheva G. M. , Dorokhov A. V. , Pirutko L. V. , Kravchenko G. V. , Chumakov R. B. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractZeolite Y and the NTD/Y nanocomposite, which were synthesized in situ (the addition of zeolite Y to the reaction mixture in the course of the synthesis of NTD by the sulfate method), were studied by a variety of methods. The decrease in the particle size (scanning electron microscopy) and the water content in pores (X-ray powder diffraction study, the full-profile Rietveld method, IR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry), the increase in OH groups content and the decrease in the water content on the surface of zeolite (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) in the composition of NTD/Y compared to the initial zeolite Y were all established. A larger specific surface area of NTD/Y (Brunauer–Emmet–Teller method) compared to the initial zeolite Y is due to the fact that zeolite Y in the nanocomposite contains a smaller amount of water because of the synthesis conditions and the presence of nanocrystalline NTD on the surface of zeolite particles. It was found that NTD/Y nanocomposite exhibits a higher photocatalytic activity in the model decomposition reaction of methyl orange under UV and adsorption capacity for the extraction of P(V) and As(V) ions from aqueous media compared to the initial zeolite and pure NTD obtained under the same conditions, which differs from NTD/Y by the larger particle size, the smaller specific surface and the smaller content of OH groups and water on the surface. The role of Bronsted and Lewis centers in the realization of properties is discussed.
Electrospinning pectin-based nanofibers: a parametric and cross-linker study
Authors: McCune Devon , Guo Xiaoru , Shi Tong , Stealey Samuel , Antrobus Romare , Kaltchev Matey , Chen Junhong , Kumpaty Subha , Hua Xiaolin , Ren Weiping , Zhang Wujie 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Pectin, a natural biopolymer mainly derived from citrus fruits and apple peels, shows excellent biodegradable and biocompatible properties. This study investigated the electrospinning of pectin-based nanofibers. The parameters, pectin:PEO (polyethylene oxide) ratio, surfactant concentration, voltage, and flow rate, were studied to optimize the electrospinning process for generating the pectin-based nanofibers. Oligochitosan, as a novel and nonionic cross-liker of pectin, was also researched. Nanofibers were characterized by using AFM, SEM, and FTIR spectroscopy. The results showed that oligochitosan was preferred over Ca2+ because it cross-linked pectin molecules without negatively affecting the nanofiber morphology. Moreover, oligochitosan treatment produced a positive surface charge of nanofibers, determined by zeta potential measurement, which is desired for tissue engineering applications.
Corrosion resistance of BIS 2062-grade steel coated with nano-metal-oxide mixtures of iron, cerium, and titanium in the marine environment
Authors: Ashraf P. Muhamed , Anuradha R. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
BIS 2062-grade carbon steel is extensively used for fishing boat construction. The steel is highly susceptible to corrosion on the hull and welding joints under marine environment. Here, we demonstrate the application of a novel multifunctional nano-metal-oxide mixture comprised of iron, titanium, and cerium as a marine coating to prevent corrosion. The electrochemical performance of nano-metal-oxide mixture coatings, applied over boat-building steel, was evaluated at 3.5% NaCl medium. The nano-mixture surface coatings showed an efficient corrosion resistance with increased polarization resistance of 6043 Ω cm2 and low corrosion current density of 3.53 × 10−6 A cm−2. The electrochemical impedance spectral data exhibited improvement in the polarization resistance of outermost surface and internal layers. The coating responded faster recovery to normal state when subjected to an induced stress over the coating. The nano-material in the coating behaves as a semiconductor; this enhanced electronic activity over the surface of the steel.
Photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes using composite nanofibers under UV irradiation
Authors: Salama Ahmed , Mohamed Alaa , Aboamera Nada M. , Osman T. A. , Khattab A. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
In this work, photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes such as methylene blue (MB) and indigo carmine (IC) have been studied by composite nanofibers systems containing cellulose acetate (CA), multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNT) and TiO2 nanoparticles under UV light. The amino factionalized TiO2–NH2 NPs cross-linked to the CA/CNT composite nanofibers works as a semiconductor catalyst. The morphology and crystallinity were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It was also seen that many factors affected the photodegradation rate, mainly the pH of the solution and the dye concentration, temperature, etc. The study demonstrated that IC degrades at a higher rate than MB. The maximum photodegradation rate of both organic dyes was achieved at a pH 2. In comparison to other studies, this work achieved high photodegradation rate in lower time and using less power intensity.
Promoting or suppressing resilience to mental health outcomes in at risk young people: The role of parental and peer attachment and school connectedness
Authors: Oldfield Jeremy , Stevenson Andrew , Ortiz Emily , Haley Bethany 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTAdolescent attachment relationships formed with parents are salient predictors of mental health. Few studies, however, have demonstrated whether peer attachment or school connectedness can predict resilience to mental health difficulties when a young person is at risk due to poor parental attachment. Ninety adolescents (44 females and 46 males) living in economically disadvantaged areas and attending informal schooling projects in and around Guatemala City participated. Participants completed self‐report measures of parental and peer attachment, school connectedness and mental health. Resilience to mental health difficulties was predicted by more secure school connectedness but lower levels of secure peer attachment. School connectedness may provide a role in promoting resilience for mental health for adolescents living in risk, whereas the potential negative influence that secure attachments to peers exerts, in context of poor parental attachment, needs to be explored further.
Parental documentation status and academic attitudes and expectations among early adolescent latinos
Authors: Shreffler Karina M. , Giano Zachary , Cox Ronald B. , Merten Michael J. , Gallus Kami L. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTMany Latino youth are U.S. citizens but live with parents whose immigration status is unauthorized. The association between parental documentation status and early adolescent academic attitudes and expectations is unclear. Using a general population sample of urban 7th grade students who self‐identified as Latino in the South Central U.S. (n = 514), we examine the associations between parental documentation status and youth attitudes about the importance of graduating high school and college and expectations of the likelihood of completing high school and attending college. Findings suggest that parent documentation status is not associated with attitudes toward the importance of high school and college among Latino early adolescents, but it is significantly associated with perceptions of the likelihood of achievement. Thus, parent immigration status may be an educational barrier that needs to be addressed early for Latino youth, as efforts in high school may be too late for some students.
Disability and common mental disorders: Results from the World Mental Health Survey Initiative Portugal
Authors: Antunes Ana , Frasquilho Diana , Azeredo-Lopes Sofia , Neto Daniel , Silva Manuela , Cardoso Graça , Caldas-de-Almeida José Miguel 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundCommon mental disorders are highly prevalent and disabling, leading to substantial individual and societal costs. This study aims to characterize the association between disability and common mental disorders in Portugal, using epidemiological data from the World Mental Health Survey Initiative.MethodsTwelve-month common mental disorders were assessed with the CIDI 3.0. Disability was evaluated with the modified WMHS WHODAS-II. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between disability and each disorder or diagnostic category (mood or anxiety disorders).ResultsAmong people with a common mental disorder, 14.6% reported disability. The specific diagnoses significantly associated with disability were post-traumatic stress disorder (OR: 6.69; 95% CI: 3.20, 14.01), major depressive disorder (OR: 3.49; 95% CI: 2.13, 5.72), bipolar disorder (OR: 3.41; 95% CI: 1.04, 11.12) and generalized anxiety disorder (OR: 3.14; 95% CI: 1.43, 6.90). Both categories of anxiety and mood disorders were significantly associated with disability (OR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.23, 2.86 and OR: 3.94; 95% CI: 2.45, 6.34 respectively).ConclusionsThe results of this study add to the current knowledge in this area by assessing the disability associated with common mental disorders using a multi-dimensional instrument, which may contribute to mental health policy efforts in the development of interventions to reduce the burden of disability associated with common mental disorders.
The incidence, psychiatric co-morbidity and pharmacological treatment of severe mental disorders in children and adolescents
Authors: Nesvåg Ragnar , Bramness Jørgen G. , Handal Marte , Hartz Ingeborg , Hjellvik Vidar , Skurtveit Svetlana 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundAntipsychotic drug use among children and adolescents is increasing, and there is growing concern about off-label use and adverse effects. The present study aims to investigate the incidence, psychiatric co-morbidity and pharmacological treatment of severe mental disorder in Norwegian children and adolescents.MethodsWe obtained data on mental disorders from the Norwegian Patient Registry on 0–18 year olds who during 2009–2011 were diagnosed for the first time with schizophrenia-like disorder (International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision codes F20-F29), bipolar disorder (F30-F31), or severe depressive episode with psychotic symptoms (F32.3 or F33.3). Data on filled prescriptions for psychotropic drugs were obtained from the Norwegian Prescription Database.ResultsA total of 884 children and adolescents (25.1 per 100 000 person years) were first time diagnosed with schizophrenia-like disorder (12.6 per 100 000 person years), bipolar disorder (9.2 per 100 000 person years), or severe depressive episode with psychotic symptoms (3.3 per 100 000 person years) during 2009–2011. The most common co-morbid mental disorders were depressive (38.1%) and anxiety disorders (31.2%). Antipsychotic drugs were prescribed to 62.4% of the patients, 72.0% of the schizophrenia-like disorder patients, 51.7% of the bipolar disorder patients, and 55.4% of the patients with psychotic depression. The most commonly prescribed drugs were quetiapine (29.5%), aripiprazole (19.6%), olanzapine (17.3%), and risperidone (16.6%).ConclusionsWhen a severe mental disorder was diagnosed in children and adolescents, the patient was usually also prescribed antipsychotic medication. Clinicians must be aware of the high prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders among early psychosis patients.
Efficacy of non-invasive brain stimulation on the symptom dimensions of schizophrenia: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kennedy Nigel I. , Lee Won Hee , Frangou Sophia 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundTranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) have shown promise in the treatment of schizophrenia.ObjectiveTo quantify the efficacy of double-blind randomized controlled trials (RCT) of tDCS and rTMS for the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia and identify significant moderators relating to patient-related features and stimulation parameters.MethodsSystemic review and meta-analyses of the relevant literature published until February 1st, 2017 to assess treatment efficacy and quantify the contribution of potential moderator variables.ResultsWe identified 7 RCTs on tDCS (involving 105 participants) and 30 RCTs on rTMS (involving 768 participants). Compared to sham, tDCS improved all symptom dimensions but the effect reached significance for negative symptoms (Hedge’s g = −0.63, p = 0.02). Efficacy for positive but not negative symptoms was linearly associated with cumulative tDCS stimulation. Compared to sham, rTMS improved hallucinations (Hedge’s g = −0.51, p < 0.001) and negative symptoms (Hedge’s g = −0.49, p = 0.01) but was associated with modest, non-significant worsening of positive symptoms (Hedge’s g = 0.28, p = 0.13). Higher pulse frequency (>10 Hz), motor threshold intensity of 110%, left prefrontal cortical treatment site and trial duration over 3 weeks were associated with improvement in negative symptoms and worsening in positive symptoms (all p < 0.03).ConclusionsThe symptom dimensions in schizophrenia may respond differently to brain stimulation interventions in a way that may reflect the interaction between disease- and treatment-related mechanisms. Our findings underscore the need for further research into patient selection prior to treatment assignment and greater refinement of stimulation protocols.
Cochlear implantation in infants below 12 months of age
Authors: Miyamoto Richard T. , Colson Bethany , Henning Shirley , Pisoni David 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesTo provide safety and efficacy data on infants implanted below 12 months of age.MethodsWith the wide application of newborn hearing screening programs, infants with deafness are being identified at birth. When a hearing aid trial fails, cochlear implantation is the only option to restore hearing. Mounting evidence suggests that age at implantation is a strong predictor of language outcomes. Using the minimally invasive surgical technique we have employed for nearly two decades, a limited clinical trial was initiated in the year 2000 because this age limitation fell outside of FDA guidelines. The infants were initially assessed using the preferential listening paradigm to confirm that they could learn associations between speech sounds and objects. Sufficient time was allowed to pass to administer more traditional language measures.ResultsNo surgical or anesthetic complications occurred in this group of infants. The pattern of listening skill development mirrored that seen in normal hearing infants. Long‐term language assessments using the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT) and other measures have demonstrated that many of infants achieved age appropriate language skills.ConclusionCochlear implantation in children less than 12 months of age is safe and efficacious as demonstrated by long‐term PPVT language data.
Mesenchymal stem cells over-expressing cxcl12 enhance the radioresistance of the small intestine
Authors: Chang Pengyu , Zhang Boyin , Shao Lihong , Song Wei , Shi Weiyan , Wang Libo , Xu Tiankai , Li Dong , Gao Xiuzhu , Qu Yaqin , Dong Lihua , Wang Jin 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe chemokine C–X–C motif chemokine 12 (CXCL12) greatly impacts various biological processes in mammals, including cell survival, growth and migration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising tools for carrying foreign genes to treat radiation-induced injuries in the intestinal epithelium. In this study, human adipose-derived MSCs were constructed to over-express the mouse cxcl12 gene to treat such injuries. In vitro, because of the high levels of mouse CXCL12 in conditioned medium produced by mouse cxcl12 gene-modified cells, phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 and Erk1/2 at Thr202/Thr204 was increased within crypt cells of irradiated organoids compared with unmodified controls. Moreover, intracellular stabilization of β-catenin was achieved after treatment of mouse cxcl12 gene-modified cells with conditioned medium. As a result, survival of crypt cells was maintained and their proliferation was promoted. When delivering mouse cxcl12 gene-modified cells into irradiated BALB/c nude mice, mice were rescued despite the clearance of cells from the host within 1 week. Irradiated mice that received mouse cxcl12 gene-modified MSCs exhibited reduced serum levels of interleukin-1α (IL-1α) and IL-6 as well as elevated levels of CXCL12. Additionally, epithelial recovery from radiation stress was accelerated compared with the irradiated-alone controls. Moreover, mouse cxcl12 gene-modified MSCs were superior to unmodified cells at strengthening host repair responses to radiation stress as well as presenting increased serum CXCL12 levels and decreased serum IL-1α levels. Furthermore, the number of crypt cells that were positive for phosphorylated Akt at Ser473 and phosphorylated Erk1/2 at Thr202/Thr204 increased following treatment with mouse cxcl12 gene-modified MSCs. Thus, cxcl12 gene-modified MSCs confer radioresistance to the intestinal epithelium.
Raman spectroscopic imaging for quantification of depth-dependent and local heterogeneities in native and engineered cartilage
Authors: Albro M. B. , Bergholt M. S. , St-Pierre J. P. , Vinals Guitart A. , Zlotnick H. M. , Evita E. G. , Stevens M. M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractArticular cartilage possesses a remarkable, mechanically-robust extracellular matrix (ECM) that is organized and distributed throughout the tissue to resist physiologic strains and provide low friction during articulation. The ability to characterize the make-up and distribution of the cartilage ECM is critical to both understand the process by which articular cartilage undergoes disease-related degeneration and to develop novel tissue repair strategies to restore tissue functionality. However, the ability to quantitatively measure the spatial distribution of cartilage ECM constituents throughout the tissue has remained a major challenge. In this experimental investigation, we assessed the analytical ability of Raman micro-spectroscopic imaging to semi-quantitatively measure the distribution of the major ECM constituents in cartilage tissues. Raman spectroscopic images were acquired of two distinct cartilage tissue types that possess large spatial ECM gradients throughout their depth: native articular cartilage explants and large engineered cartilage tissue constructs. Spectral acquisitions were processed via multivariate curve resolution to decompose the “fingerprint” range spectra (800–1800 cm−1) to the component spectra of GAG, collagen, and water, giving rise to the depth dependent concentration profile of each constituent throughout the tissues. These Raman spectroscopic acquired-profiles exhibited strong agreement with profiles independently acquired via direct biochemical assaying of spatial tissue sections. Further, we harness this spectroscopic technique to evaluate local heterogeneities through the depth of cartilage. This work represents a powerful analytical validation of the accuracy of Raman spectroscopic imaging measurements of the spatial distribution of biochemical components in a biological tissue and shows that it can be used as a valuable tool for quantitatively measuring the distribution and organization of ECM constituents in native and engineered cartilage tissue specimens.
490 fs pulse generation from passively mode‐locked single section quantum dot laser directly grown on on‐axis GaP/Si
Authors: Liu S. , Jung D. , Norman J. C. , Kennedy M. J. , Gossard A. C. , Bowers J. E. 
Published: February 2018

We demonstrate, for the first time, a single section passively mode‐locked InAs/InGaAs quantum dot laser directly grown on on‐axis (001) GaP/Si substrate. The laser has a continuous‐wave threshold current of 34 mA at 20°C. By forward biasing the laser gain section current at 470 mA, 490 fs pulse generation with 31 GHz repetition rate can be obtained. This simple femtosecond pulse generation structure with CMOS fabrication compatibility makes the laser a promising light source candidate in future large‐scale silicon photonic applications.
230 VAC/28 VDC high‐power density power supply for more electric aircraft applications
Authors: Liu Ran , Xu Lie , Kang Yuanli , Hui Yannian , Li Yongdong 
Published: February 2018

The most important characteristics of aircraft power system are power density, reliability, availability and power quality. The traditional more electric aircraft (MEA) 28 VDC network is used to power the core electronic system. However, the 28 VDC network in modern MEAs such as B787 or A380 is a centralised power network obtained by transformer rectifier unit (TRU), battery charge and rectifier unit (BCRU) or two‐stage power conversion (AC/DC + DC/DC) from 230 VAC, 400–800 Hz variable frequency input. The traditional centralised architecture is of low‐power density and low fault tolerance. Furthermore, compared to distributed power network, the centralised architecture is of less availability inherently, therefore a single‐stage, isolated, low‐power and high‐power density power supply is required to achieve the distributed 28 VDC network. In this study, a three‐phase single‐switch discontinuous mode AC–DC flyback converter is proposed. The converter directly rectifies a three‐phase, 400–800 Hz, 230 VAC network into a 28 VDC network. The operation modes of the converter are analysed. A prototype is carefully designed and implemented using high‐frequency planner transformer and SiC MOSFET techniques, aiming at higher performance. Experimental results demonstrate the practicability and high performance of the proposed power supply system.