bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microstructure, grain orientation, and properties of ITO ceramics sintered with various heating rates
Authors: Mei Fangsheng , Qin Kai , Mei Fangchao , Yuan Tiechui , Liu Wende , Li Ruidi , Chen Lisan 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn this study, the microstructure, grain orientation, electrical resistivity, nanohardness, and fracture strength were systematically investigated in ITO ceramics sintered with different heating rates. It was found that ITO ceramics sintered at 1600°C consist of main phase (In2O3) and secondary phase (In2SnO5) and the distributions of coarse grains with high indium content and fine grains with high tin content are interval. The higher heating rate was found to refine the grain size and increase the {1000} textured secondary phase. The increase in electrical resistivity of ITO ceramics was due to the decrease in oxygen vacancies caused by the reducing oxide decomposition. Moreover, the nanohardness of fine grains was found to be higher than that of coarse grains due to the reinforcement effect of Sn element. Besides, the increase of heating rate is beneficial to enhance the fracture strength due to the higher resistance of grain boundary to fracture propagation and the predominantly intergranular fracture.
In‐line estimation of the elastic module of milk gels with variation of temperature protein concentration
Authors: Salvador Daniel , Arango Oscar , Castillo Manuel 
Published: September 2018

SummaryThe cutting time of the curd is a relevant factor to improve the quality of the cheese. Only a few studies have focused on the prediction of objective rheological parameters, such as the elastic modulus of the gel (G′) instead of a subjective cut‐off time. A complete randomized factorial design with three replicates was used to determine the effect of proteins and temperature in the prediction of G′ values, gelation time and cutting time in reconstituted skimmed milk gels. The coagulation process was monitored simultaneously using an in‐line light backscatter sensor operated at 880 nm and a small amplitude oscillatory rheometer. Changes in the structure of the protein during milk coagulation correlated with the signal changes derived from both the optical sensor and the rheometer. The results showed that the backscatter sensor predicts well (R2 = 0.99) the time when the gel reaches a value of G′ = 30 Pa.
Associations between imprinted gene differentially methylated regions, appetitive traits and body mass index in children
Authors: Do E. K. , Zucker N. L. , Huang Z. Y. , Schechter J. C. , Kollins S. H. , Maguire R. L. , Murphy S. K. , Hoyo C. , Fuemmeler B. F. 
Published: September 2018

SummaryBackgroundKnowledge regarding genetic influences on eating behaviours is expanding; yet less is known regarding contributions of epigenetic variation to appetitive traits and body mass index (BMI) in children.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to explore relationships between methylation at differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of imprinted genes (insulin‐like growth factor 2/H19 and Delta‐like, Drosophila, homolog 1/maternally expressed gene 3) using DNA extracted from umbilical cord blood leucocytes, two genetically influenced appetitive traits (food responsiveness and satiety responsiveness) and BMI.MethodsData were obtained from participants (N = 317; mean age = 3.6 years; SD = 1.8 years) from the Newborn Epigenetic STudy. Conditional process models were implemented to investigate the associations between DMRs of imprinted genes and BMI, and test whether this association was mediated by appetitive traits and birthweight and moderated by sex.ResultsAppetitive traits and birthweight did not mediate the relationship between methylation at DMRs. Increased insulin‐like growth factor 2 DMR methylation was associated with higher satiety responsiveness. Higher satiety responsiveness was associated with lower BMI. Associations between methylation at DMRs, appetitive traits and BMI differed by sex.ConclusionsThis is one of the first studies to demonstrate associations between epigenetic variation established prior to birth with appetitive traits and BMI in children, providing support for the need to uncover genetic and epigenetic mechanisms for appetitive traits predisposing some individuals to obesity.
Potassium control in chronic kidney disease: implications for neuromuscular function
Authors: Arnold Ria , Pianta Timothy J. , Pussell Bruce A. , Endre Zoltan , Kiernan Matthew C. , Krishnan Arun V. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn Australia, approximately 1.7 million adults have evidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This complex disease can result in a multitude of complications, including hyperkalaemia, which is common and well recognised. The advent of new therapeutics aimed at lowering serum potassium has raised the possibility of optimising potassium control to enable greater use of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors in the management of CKD. Recent studies suggest that hyperkalaemia also has implications for peripheral neuropathy in CKD, a complication that substantially contributes to patient morbidity. This review examines evidence of the relationship between potassium and peripheral neuropathy, with a discussion of clinical implications. We searched PubMed for original and review articles using pre‐specified key words, clinical guidelines and population data. The major findings were that contemporary CKD cohorts demonstrate a high prevalence of peripheral neuropathy, even in stage 3–4 CKD, including those without diabetes. The severity of the problem has been emphasised by an ominous rise in foot complications and amputation rates in dialysis patients, highlighting the need for increased awareness of the condition in earlier stages of CKD and targeted treatment strategies. It is likely that the pathophysiology of peripheral neuropathy in CKD is multifaceted, with potential influences from potassium, vascular abnormalities, diabetes, inflammation and unknown middle molecules. Despite these complexities, the relationship between potassium and nerve function in dialysis has been well established, and recent research in stage 3–4 CKD suggests that assertive potassium control may improve neuromuscular outcomes in CKD. These small studies should be confirmed in large, multicentre settings.
Chemotherapy and biologic use in the routine management of metastatic colorectal cancer in Australia: is clinical practice following the evidence?
Authors: Semira Christine , Wong Hui‐Li , Field Kathryn , Lee Margaret , Lee Belinda , Nott Louise , Shapiro Jeremy , Wong Rachel , Tie Jeanne , Tran Ben , Richardson Gary , Zimet Allan , Lipton Lara , Tamjid Babak , Burge Matthew , Ma Brigette , Johns Julie , Harold Michael , Gibbs Peter 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundEmerging evidence on the optimal use of chemotherapy and biologics in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer should impact management in routine care. Recent studies have demonstrated benefits for initial triplet chemotherapy (5‐fluorouracil, oxaliplatin and irinotecan, FOLFOXIRI) and for initial treatment with an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor (EGFRi) in patients with a RAS wild‐type tumour and a left‐sided primary tumour.AimTo explore evolving pattern of metastatic colorectal cancer care over time in Australia.MethodsWe analysed data from the Treatment of Recurrent and Advanced Colorectal Cancer registry.ResultsFrom July 2009 to December 2017, 2552 metastatic colorectal cancer patients were entered into the Treatment of Recurrent and Advanced Colorectal Cancer registry. Of 1585 patients who initially underwent chemotherapy, treatment was with a doublet in 76%. FOLFOXIRI was given to 22 patients (1.4%), mostly young patients and those with potentially resectable disease. Along with first‐line chemotherapy, 61% received bevacizumab, while 3.3% received an EGFRi, predominantly over the last 2 years. Within the KRAS wild‐type left‐sided tumour cohort, EGFRi use increased from 9% in 2015 to 37% in 2017. Across treatment sites, there was a wide variation in the utilisation of FOLFOXIRI and EGFRi therapy; bevacizumab use was more consistent. A clear impact on survival outcomes from these regimens is not evident, potentially due to multiple confounders.ConclusionDoublet chemotherapy + bevacizumab remains the dominant initial strategy, with limited uptake of triplet chemotherapy and of EGFRi. Potential explanations include uncertainty about the significance of post hoc analyses for EGFRi and concerns regarding adverse events for both strategies.
Access, knowledge and experience with fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in infection management: a survey of Australia and New Zealand infectious diseases physicians and microbiologists
Authors: Douglas Abby P. , Thursky Karin A. , Worth Leon J. , Harrison Simon J. , Hicks Rodney J. , Slavin Monica A. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundDespite fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG‐PET/CT) being funded only for staging and restaging of some malignancies in Australia, there is evidence of benefit of FDG‐PET/CT for infection indications such as pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO), prolonged neutropenic fever (NF) and prosthetic device infection.AimTo evaluate the current knowledge, utilisation of and gaps in access to FDG‐PET/CT for infectious indications by Australasian infectious diseases (ID) physicians and microbiologists.MethodsAn online survey was administered to ID and microbiology doctors practising in adult medicine in Australia and New Zealand through two established email networks. Using targeted questions and case‐based examples, multiple themes were explored, including access to FDG‐PET/CT, use and perceived benefit of FDG‐PET/CT in diagnosis and monitoring of non‐malignant conditions such as NF and PUO, and barriers to clinical use of FDG‐PET/CT.ResultsA response was received from 120 participants across all states and territories. Onsite and offsite FDG‐PET/CT access was 63% and 31% respectively. Eighty‐six percent reported using FDG‐PET/CT for one or more infection indications and all had found it clinically useful, with common indications being PUO, prosthetic device infections and use in the immunocompromised host for prolonged NF and invasive fungal infection. Thirty‐eight percent reported barriers in accessing FDG‐PET/CT for infection indications and 76% would utilise FDG‐PET/CT more frequently if funding existed for infection indications.ConclusionAccess to FDG‐PET/CT in Australia and New Zealand is modest and is limited by lack of reimbursement for infection indications. There is discrepancy between recognised ID indications for FDG‐PET/CT and funded indications.
Does Independent Industry Expertise Improve Board Effectiveness? Evidence From Bank CEO Turnovers
Authors: Chen Zhongdong 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis study explores the impact of independent bank directors’ financial industry expertise on board effectiveness by investigating bank CEO turnovers and post‐turnover bank performance. Empirical results find such expertise increases the probability of forced CEO turnover and the probability of outsider succession. It improves bank performance and reduces bank risk‐taking following a forced CEO turnover. This is likely because industry‐specific expertise enhances boards’ ability to locate a superior successor CEO and to monitor and advise the new management. Market reaction to bank CEO turnover announcements tends to agree with this view.
Understanding the Water Resources of a Small Rural Community: Citizen Science in Cascabel, Arizona
Authors: Eastoe Christopher J. , Clark Barbara 
Published: September 2018

AbstractCascabel residents have cooperated in assembling and discussing a dataset addressing community concerns about groundwater quality and sustainability of water supply in their reach of the semi‐arid San Pedro Valley. Most of the groundwater is drawn from Holocene sediments underlying the pre‐entrenchment floodplain of the San Pedro River and similar sediments in major tributaries. Stable O and H isotopes distinguish two main floodplain aquifers: A, containing groundwater derived from the Valley flanks, and B, containing groundwater labeled by the presence of ancient water from a hot‐spring system. In aquifer A, unpalatable groundwater containing dissolved ferrous iron and hydrogen sulfide is associated with clay containing buried wetland sediments that supply nutrients for microbial reduction of iron and sulfate. In aquifer B, groundwater is palatable, and static water levels at three locations have generally declined since the early 1990s, probably as a result of natural drainage in the upgradient part of the aquifer. Most groundwater from both aquifers contains measurable tritium, indicating vulnerability to multi‐decadal drought.
Towards Broader Adoption of Educational Innovations in Undergraduate Water Resources Engineering: Views from Academia and Industry
Authors: Habib Emad , Deshotel Matthew 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis article investigates the challenges that face the development, community‐scale adoption, and long‐term sustainability of educational innovations in the field of hydrology and water resources engineering undergraduate education. Adopting a customer‐based discovery process, the current study conducted a set of 78 informal interviews with two main groups: faculty members who teach water resources and hydrology courses, and practicing engineers with specialty in the same field. The interviews revealed that the main motivation for faculty to develop or adopt new educational innovations stems from self‐efficacy and desire to achieve effective instructional strategies. Other factors, such as institutional requirements and faculty evaluations and incentives, seem to play a modulating role for generating self‐created motivation. The results identified time limitations and steep learning‐curves as the two adoption hindering factors cited by a majority of the interviewees. Other hindering factors reported were rigidity of resources and lack of assessment data. Industry perspectives on preparedness of recent graduates and relation to current educational practices showed that young engineers may lack critical skills on the proper use and interpretation of data and modeling analyses. The study also discusses potential solutions, such as development of sharing environments to facilitate exchange of data and resources, modular design to support adaptation and compatibility with existing curricula, collaborative efforts to produce shareable evaluation and assessment data, and potential opportunities for collaboration between academia and the professional industry to facilitate development and sustainability of educational innovations.
Using Continuous Response and Self‐Report Measures to Understand Spokesperson Evaluation Processes During Water Crises
Authors: VanDyke Matthew S. , Callison Coy 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis study investigated how perceptions of news conference sources varied from measures taken in real‐time to those taken retrospectively after exposure to news conference footage. A 4 (source type) X 4 (message replication) mixed design experiment was conducted in which participants viewed four organizational spokespersons responding to water crises involving organizations. Participants evaluated spokespersons using a handheld dial during stimulus exposure, and then, retrospectively, using self‐report measures. Evaluation of source trustworthiness tended to increase over time, regardless of the type of source. However, retrospective self‐report measures demonstrated that public relations practitioner credibility suffered in comparison to that of other sources. Implications are discussed for public relations practice and future research in source credibility.
Particle atomic layer deposition of alumina for sintering yttria‐stabilized cubic zirconia
Authors: O'Toole Rebecca J. , Bartel Christopher J. , Kodas Maila U. , Horrell Alexa J. , Ricote Sandrine , Sullivan Neal P. , Gump Christopher J. , Musgrave Charles B. , Weimer Alan W. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe addition of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) as a sintering aid to yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) reduces the required densification temperature. Sintering aids are incorporated using a number of processes which can lead to ambiguity when determining the effect of the sintering aid on the densification mechanism. In this study, a novel method for sintering aid addition, Particle Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), was used to deposit an amorphous Al2O3 thin film on YSZ particles. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the deposition of conformal Al2O3 thin films on the surface of the YSZ particles. The addition of Al2O3 to YSZ reduced the temperature at which densification began by ~75°C, and 2.2 wt% Al2O3 addition resulted in a minimum activation energy for the intermediate stage of densification. This concentration is well in excess of the solubility limit of Al2O3 in YSZ, showing that Al2O3 does not enhance the densification of YSZ solely by dissolving into the YSZ lattice and activating volume diffusion. The addition of 0.7 wt% Al2O3 with one Particle ALD cycle enhanced the ionic conductivity of YSZ by 23% after sintering at 1350°C for 2 hours, demonstrating that dense parts with high oxygen ion conductivities can be produced after sintering at reduced temperatures. One Particle ALD cycle is a fast, easily scaled‐up process that eliminates the use of solvents and has substantial cost/performance advantages over conventional processing.
Epicardial ventricular tachycardia in ischemic cardiomyopathy: Prevalence, electrophysiological characteristics, and long‐term ablation outcomes
Authors: Hayashi Tatsuya , Liang Jackson J. , Muser Daniele , Shirai Yasuhiro , Enriquez Andres , Garcia Fermin C. , Supple Gregory E. , Schaller Robert D. , Frankel David S. , Lin David , Nazarian Saman , Zado Erica S. , Arkles Jeffrey S. , Dixit Sanjay , Callans David J. , Marchlinski Francis E. , Santangeli Pasquale 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe characteristics of the epicardial (EPI) substrate responsible for ventricular tachycardia (VT) in ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) are undefined, and data on the long‐term outcomes of EPI catheter ablation limited. We evaluated the prevalence, electrophysiologic features, and outcomes of catheter ablation of EPI VT in ICM.Methods and ResultsFrom December 2010 to June 2013, a total of 13 of 93 (14%) patients with ICM underwent catheter ablation at our institution and had conclusive evidence of critical EPI substrate demonstrated to participate in VT with activation, entrainment and/or pace mapping during sinus rhythm (two other patients underwent EPI mapping but had no optimal ablation targets). The electrophysiologic substrate characteristics and activation/entrainment mapping data were compared with a reference group of ICM patients without evidence of critical EPI substrate (N = 44), defined as a complete procedural success (noninducibility of any VT at programmed stimulation) after endocardial (ENDO)‐only ablation. Patients with failed EPI access (N = 2) or history of cardiac surgery (N = 92) were excluded from the study. All 13 patients had evidence of abnormal EPI substrate with fractionated/late/split electrograms and low‐bipolar voltage areas. The critical VT ablation sites were all located within the EPI bipolar “dense” scar (<1.0 mV) opposite the ENDO bipolar scar in 77% of cases and extending beyond the ENDO bipolar scar (within the ENDO unipolar low‐voltage area) in the remaining patients. Compared with the reference ENDO‐only group, patients with EPI VT had a smaller ENDO bipolar scar area, 54.0 (37.1‐84) vs 86.7 (55.6‐112) cm2; P = 0.0159, with a similar extent of ENDO unipolar low voltage. No other substrate characteristics or location differed between the two groups. After 35.2 ± 24.2 months of follow‐up, VT‐free survival was 73% in patients with EPI VT compared with 66% in the ENDO‐only group (log‐rank P = 0.56).ConclusionsThe presence of the critical EPI substrate responsible for VT can be demonstrated in at least 14% of patients with ICM. The majority of EPI critical ablation sites are distributed opposite the ENDO bipolar scar area and catheter ablation is effective in achieving long‐term arrhythmia control.
The importance of extrapulmonary vein triggers and atypical atrial flutter in atrial fibrillation recurrence after cryoablation: Insights from repeat ablation procedures
Authors: Chang Ting‐Yung , Lo Li‐Wei , Te Abigail Louise D. , Lin Yenn‐Jiang , Chang Shih‐Lin , Hu Yu‐Feng , Chung Fa‐Po , Chao Tze‐Fan , Liao Jo‐Nan , Tuan Ta‐Chuan , Lin Chin‐Yu , Vicera Jennifer Jeanne , Huang Ting‐Chun , Hoang Minh Quang , Yamada Shinya , Chen Shih‐Ann 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIntroductionIt has not been previously investigated whether the recurrence mechanism after cryoballoon ablation (CBA) of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) is similar to that of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). We aimed to evaluate the differences of recurrence characteristics between RFCA and CBA after the index procedure.MethodsA total of 210 patients were enrolled in the study, and 69 patients underwent pulmonary vein (PV) isolation using a 28‐mm second‐generation CBA. The control group comprising 140 patients underwent PV isolation using an open‐irrigated radiofrequency ablation catheter. A total of 69 patients in the CBA group and 69 patients in the RFCA group were investigated after propensity score matching. Recurrence patterns of AF were studied in the repeated procedure.ResultsDuring the index procedure, there was no difference in PV or non‐PV triggers between the two groups. Nineteen (27.5%) patients in the CBA group and 19 (27.5%) patients in the RFCA group had recurrence after a follow‐up of 11.3 ± 7 months. The Kaplan‐Meier curve did not reveal significant difference in recurrence (log‐rank, P = 0.364) between the two groups. In the second procedure, the CBA group had more non‐PV triggers (63.6%,
P = 0.009) and left atrial (LA) flutters (54.5%,
P = 0.027) compared with the RFCA group (12.5% and 12.5%, respectively). The PV reconnection rates were similar between both groups.ConclusionsThere was no difference in AF recurrence after catheter ablation between CBA and RFCA, but significant increases of non‐PV triggers and LA flutter during the second procedure suggest the importance of the atrial substrate in maintaining AF during the second procedure after previous CBA.