bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Definition and Validation of a Novel Metric of Erythropoiesis‐Stimulating Agent Response in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Meaney Calvin J. , Karas Spinel , Robinson Ben , Gaesser Jamie , Forrest Alan , Krzyzanski Wojciech , Panesar Mandip , Rao Gauri G. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractErythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (eg, epoetin alfa) are the primary treatment for anemia in patients with end‐stage renal disease. Hemoglobin variability in and out of a narrow target range is common and associated with higher morbidity and mortality risk. More robust erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent response metrics are needed to define optimal dosing and their association with clinical outcomes. In this cross‐sectional, single‐center, retrospective study, 49 patients with end‐stage renal disease on hemodialysis were followed over 12 months. To quantify hemoglobin deviations outside the target range (10–12 g/dL), the area under the curve of hemoglobin versus time over a 12‐month period (AUC‐HGB) was calculated using the trapezoidal rule. Patients were categorized into 4 responder groups based on AUC‐HGB quartiles. Comparative analyses of demographic and clinical characteristics between responder groups were performed. Correlations between AUC‐HGB, erythropoietin resistance index, and time within therapeutic range were calculated. There were no significant differences in laboratory and dialysis parameters between responder groups except hemoglobin concentration and epoetin alfa dose. There was a negative correlation between AUC‐HGB and time within therapeutic range (r = –.92; P < .001) and hemoglobin concentration (r = –.85; P < .01), indicating internal validity of the metric. There was a positive correlation between AUC‐HGB and erythropoietin resistance index (r = .70; P < .001) indicating external validity. The poor response group received a higher median epoetin alfa dose (160 U/kg/week) compared to the excellent response group (68.8 U/kg/week; P < .001) with a similar number of dose changes between the groups. AUC‐HGB is a valid marker of epoetin alfa response and should be considered in future analyses of larger populations.
Hepatocellular carcinoma after direct‐acting antiviral drug treatment in patients with hepatitis C virus
Authors: Kogiso Tomomi , Sagawa Takaomi , Kodama Kazuhisa , Taniai Makiko , Katagiri Satoshi , Egawa Hiroto , Yamamoto Masakazu , Tokushige Katsutoshi 
Published: November 2018

Background and AimGiven the use of direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV), their effects on hepatocarcinogenesis should be determined.MethodsThis study enrolled 349 patients with HCV who underwent DAA treatment at our hospital between 2014 and 2018. Their median age was 65 years, and 184 were male; 301 cases were of HCV serotype 1, and 48 were of serotype 2. The DAA treatment was daclatasvir/asunaprevir in 107 cases, sofosbuvir (SOF)/ledipasvir in 147 cases, ritonavir‐boosted ombitasvir/paritaprevir in 28 cases, elbasvir/grazoprevir in 19 cases, and SOF/ribavirin in 48 cases. The patients’ histories included hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in 45 cases, liver transplant (LT) in 10 cases, and kidney transplant (KT) in 17 cases.ResultsSustained virological responses occurred in 335 cases (96%). DAA treatment was initiated a median of 16.3 months after HCC treatment. After DAA treatment, 15 cases (33%) had recurrence of HCC after a median of 11.6 months, and 3 cases (1%) developed de novo HCC. Six LT patients and one KT patient had HCC; however, no HCC was observed after DAA. The incidence of HCC was significantly higher in patients with multiple HCC treatments in the Cox hazard model (hazard ratio 1.664, 95% confidence interval 1.134–2.441, P < 0.01). Surgical resection or LT reduced the risk of HCC.ConclusionsDAA did not increase the rate of HCC, even in immunosuppressed patients. However, careful follow‐up for HCC recurrence is required in previously treated cases.
Application of stereotactic body radiotherapy in advanced pancreatic cancers in Australia
Authors: Kim Laurence , Nguyen Nam , Singhal Nimit , Phan Vinh‐An , Iankov Ivan , Le Hien 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe majority of pancreatic cancers present locally advanced and carry a high mortality rate. Treatment is challenging, with mixed data suggesting use of chemotherapy alone or in combination with radiotherapy. The use of radiotherapy has previously been limited due to lack of ability to deliver radiation to the tumour mass without causing significant toxicity to surrounding organs. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) allows delivery of higher biologically equivalent dose in a shorter treatment duration. We sought to investigate the safety and application of this technique in our centre.MethodWe enrolled 27 patients from 2015, identified as locally advanced unresectable with histologically confirmed, non‐metastatic, pancreatic adenocarcinoma. All patients had endoscopically inserted fiducial markers and where possible concurrent chemotherapy was administered. Dose schedules ranged from 25 to 42 Gy in 5 or 3 fractions.ResultsWith an overall median follow up of 9 months (range, 3–32.7), the median survival was 11.6 months. Of those alive at 1 year, the local control rate was 67%. Six patients had Grade 3 toxicity, and other six had Grade 2 toxicity. None had Grade 4 or above toxicity. The most common symptom recorded was fatigue.ConclusionSBRT for locally advanced pancreatic cancer is technically complex but feasible in a high volume centre. SBRT is unique, allowing safe delivery of high radiation dose resulting in good local control and decreases treatment time making it an attractive option for patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer.
Association between Helicobacter pylori gastritis and dental diseases: A cross‐sectional, hospital‐based study in Eastern Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alagl A. S. , Abdelsalam M. , El Tantawi M. , Madi M. , Aljindan R. , Alsayyah A. , AlHumaid J. , Hussameddin A. M. , Alsulaiman R. M. , AlQurain A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundThere is inconsistent evidence about the association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and dental diseases with possible effect of environmental factors. The aims of the study were to assess (1) the association between gastric and oral H. pylori colonization and (2) the association between oral colonization of H. pylori and dental diseases.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted in King Fahad University hospital in Khobar, Eastern Saudi Arabia in 2017. Patients admitted to the Endoscopy Unit were recruited and clinically examined for plaque, decayed teeth (D), filled teeth (F), missing teeth (M), periodontal pocket depth (PPD), attachment loss (AL), and gingival bleeding in addition to assessing their age, gender, education, tooth brushing, flossing, and tobacco use with a questionnaire. Pooled dental plaque samples were collected and analyzed using nested polymerase chain reaction PCR to detect oral H. pylori. Gastroscopy was used to extract biopsies to assess gastritis and the presence of gastric H. pylori using Giemsa stain. Regression analysis was used to assess differences between patients with and without gastritis, oral H. pylori and gastric H. pylori in the percentage of sites with gingival bleeding, PPD, CAL, D, M, and F with adjustment for confounders.ResultsOne hundred twenty patients were included. Most of them brushed daily (82.6%) and had university education (45.7%). Of these, 34.2% had gastric H. pylori and 5% had oral H. pylori. No significant association was observed between the percentage of sites with gingival bleeding, mean PPD, AL, F, and either gastritis, the presence of oral or gastric H. pylori. Patients with gastritis had significantly higher number of D and M than patients without gastritis (P = 0.03).ConclusionsIn this study, the presence of gastric and oral H. pylori in patients with good oral hygiene and moderate socioeconomic status is not significantly associated with periodontal diseases. Patients with gastritis tend to have a higher number of decayed and missing teeth.
New Molecular Descriptors to Identify Surfactants and Solubilizers from Electron Density Distributions
Authors: Gaudin Théophile , Pezron Isabelle , Klamt Andreas 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn many applications, such as substitution of nonrenewable molecules by renewable ones in formulations or screening of pharmaceutical compounds, knowing whether molecules have associating properties in the liquid phase (i.e., if they are surfactants, hydrotropes, cosolvents, solvosurfactants, or cosurfactants) prior to any experiment may be useful. In this work, two new molecular properties derived from local surface polarity of molecules, denoted as polarity moment and heteropolarity, are proposed. It is shown that when predicted from Density Functional Theory (DFT)‐conductor‐like screening model (COSMO) polarization charge densities, polarity moment, heteropolarity, and polarity can help determine whether molecules are surfactants or solubilizers (hydrotropes, cosolvents, and solvosurfactants) prior to any experimental measurements. Results also indicate that these molecular properties predict cosurfactant behavior, as fatty esters and long‐chain fatty alcohols appear to cluster in a distinct region of the two‐dimensional map built by the two molecular properties. In particular, for complex molecular structures, modeling interfacially relevant conformations appeared as an important step to avoid misclassification in the process of calculating the polarity moment.
Using stable isotope signatures to delineate the geographic point‐of‐origin of Keemun black tea
Authors: Peng Chuan‐yi , Zhang Yan‐ling , Song Wei , Lv Ya‐ning , Xu Qian , Zheng Ping , Zhang Zheng-zhu , Wan Xiao‐chun , Hou Ru‐yan , Cai Hui‐mei 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDConfirmation of food labeling that claims production in a small geographic region is critical to traceability, quality control and brand protection. In the current study, isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) was used to generate profiles of δ13C and δ15N to determine if the stable isotope signatures of Keemun black tea differ within the three counties that claim production. Other factors (cultivar type, leaf maturity and manufacturing process) were considered for their potential effects.RESULTSBoth cultivar type and leaf maturity have remarkable impact on the δ15N values of tea leaves, and that the cultivar influenced the δ13C values. Keemun black tea from Qimen county could be easily discriminated from samples from Dongzhi and Guichi counties based on δ15N signatures. The k‐NN model was cross‐validated with an accuracy of 91.6%. Environmental factors and/or genotype seem to be the major reasons for δ15N differences in Keemun black tea from the selected regions.CONCLUSIONThis article provides a potential effective method to delineate the geographic point‐of‐origin of Keemun black tea based on δ15N signatures. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Emission of dispersed‐type inorganic EL devices with frequency‐variable high‐voltage oscillation circuit
Authors: Sato Shuichi , Shimizu Tomohisa , Ohuchi Mikio 
Published: November 2018

AbstractDispersed‐type inorganic electroluminescent (EL) devices composed of a transparent electrode, a phosphor, a dielectric, and a back electrode were prepared under various conditions using a zinc sulfide (ZnS)‐based phosphor. Additionally, a voltage/frequency variable circuit was designed. A compact high‐voltage/frequency variable circuit including three modules for boosting, frequency conversion, and voltage conversion was designed. A 140 Vpp voltage and a frequency in the range of 270 Hz to 2.4 kHz can be controlled by this circuit. The emission has begun to be observed at a voltage about 60 Vpp and a frequency of 400 Hz, at a voltage about 40 Vpp and a frequency of 1.4 kHz, 2.4 kHz, respectively. The emission intensity increased with an increase in frequency; emission with a wavelength of 450 nm was strongly influenced by the frequency. The luminescence and the electrical properties were affected by the preparation conditions including device structures, dispersion of ZnS:Cu, and Cl particles because of the current path generated by defects in the EL cell.
A Simplified Gas Chromatographic Fatty‐Acid Analysis by the Direct Saponification/Methylation Procedure and Its Application on Wild Tuna Larvae
Authors: Matsumoto Yuko , Ando Yasuhiro , Hiraoka Yuko , Tawa Atsushi , Ohshimo Seiji 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA method for the direct preparation of fatty‐acid methyl esters (FAME) was simplified for fatty‐acid analysis of a single fish larva using gas chromatography (GC). The method included the isolation of a larval trunk and drying in a glass vial, followed by saponification of all the contents without prior lipid extraction. Thereafter, the fatty acids released were methylated by trimethylsilyldiazomethane. This method has advantages over another method, direct acid‐catalyzed transesterification, because both the saponification and methylation at room temperature can reduce loss of unsaturated fatty acids and formation of artifacts unavoidable in acidic reaction at high temperature. GC of the products showed that the simplified method can yield methyl esters without artifacts interfering analysis. More than 50 fatty acids were determined, which are twice as many as those previously analyzed using high‐performance liquid chromatography. Observation of consistent small impurities in GC of blank tests allowed the accurate determination of fatty acids by correcting the peak areas. Dry matter weights (<3 mg) and the total fatty‐acid contents displayed a linear relationship. Fatty‐acid analysis of wild larvae of bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, and skipjack tuna collected from the waters around Japan (n = 100) revealed that the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) level in bluefin tuna collected from the Japan Sea was significantly higher than that in the three species collected from Nansei Islands. The simplified direct saponification/methylation method will be a powerful tool for investigating growth and survival of individual larval tuna and other fish species.
Mutation profile of FLNC gene and its prognostic relevance in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Cui Hao , Wang Jizheng , Zhang Ce , Wu Guixin , Zhu Changsheng , Tang Bing , Zou Yubao , Huang Xiaohong , Hui Rutai , Song Lei , Wang Shuiyun 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundFilamin C (FLNC) mutation was reported as a cause of HCM, with a high probability of sudden cardiac death. However, the mutation profile of FLNC, and its relationship with phenotypic expression in HCM, remains to be elucidated.MethodsIn this study, FLNC gene was sequenced in 540 HCM patients and 307 healthy controls.ResultsWe found that 39 (7.2%) patients carried FLNC mutations, with a similar frequency to that of controls (4.2%, p = 0.101). Pedigree analysis showed that mutations were not well segregated with HCM. The baseline characteristics between HCM patients, with and without mutations, were comparable. FLNC mutations did not increase the risk for either all‐cause mortality (HR 0.746, 95% CI 0.222–2.295, p = 0.575) or cardiac mortality (HR 0.615, 95% CI 0.153–1.947, p = 0.354) in HCM patients during a follow‐up of 4.7 ± 3.2 years. Moreover, there was no significant difference in survival free from sudden cardiac arrest (HR 0.721, 95% CI 0.128–3.667, p = 0.660) and heart failure (HR 0.757, 95% CI 0.318–1.642, p = 0.447).ConclusionsFLNC mutations were common in both HCM patients and healthy population. The pathogenicity of FLNC mutations detected in HCM patients and its association with the clinical outcomes should be cautiously interpreted.
Whole‐exome sequencing of nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome families and review of Human Gene Mutation Database PTCH1 mutation data
Authors: Gianferante D. Matthew , Rotunno Melissa , Dean Michael , Zhou Weiyin , Hicks Belynda D. , Wyatt Kathleen , Jones Kristine , Wang Mingyi , Zhu Bin , Goldstein Alisa M. , Mirabello Lisa 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundNevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) is an autosomal dominant disorder with variable expression and nearly complete penetrance. PTCH1 is the major susceptibility locus and has no known hot spots or genotype–phenotype relationships.MethodsWe evaluated 18 NBCCS National Cancer Institute (NCI) families plus PTCH1 data on 333 NBCCS disease‐causing mutations (DM) reported in the Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD). National Cancer Institute families underwent comprehensive genomic evaluation, and clinical data were extracted from NCI and HGMD cases. Genotype–phenotype relationships were analyzed using Fisher's exact tests focusing on mutation type and PTCH1 domains.ResultsPTCH1 pathogenic mutations were identified in 16 of 18 NCI families, including three previously mutation‐negative families. PTCH1 mutations were spread across the gene with no hot spot. After adjustment for multiple tests, a statistically significant genotype–phenotype association was observed for developmental delay and gross deletion–insertions (p = 9.0 × 10−6), and suggestive associations between falx cerebri calcification and all transmembrane domains (p = 0.002) and severe outcomes and gross deletion–insertions (p = 4.0 × 10−4).ConclusionOverall, 89% of our NCI families had a pathogenic PTCH1 mutation. The identification of PTCH1 mutations in previously mutation‐negative families underscores the importance of repeated testing when new technologies become available. Additional clinical information linked to mutation databases would enhance follow‐up and future studies of genotype–phenotype relationships.
A shape blending based design of printed slot antennas for various wideband applications
Authors: Wu Aiting , Zhang Zhonghai , Guan Boran 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA novel design for printed wide‐slot antennas based on shape blending is proposed for various wideband applications. The geometric form of the radiating patch is an essential wide‐slot antenna factor that determines antenna performance, particularly the impedance bandwidth. The basic form of the proposed antenna is a CPW‐fed wide‐slot antenna with a radiating patch constructed by blending circles and squares to form a hybrid shape. The resulting structures will have various bandwidths (BWs). The effects of key geometric parameters on the antenna BW have been investigated and discussed in detail. Antenna prototypes, of varying radiating patch shapes, were simulated, manufactured and measured to validate the inherent properties of the proposed designs. The measured results correspond with the simulation results. By appropriately selecting the shape of the radiating patch, a BW of 30.5%‐80.1% can be achieved for VSWRs less than 2.
Preferential groundwater seepage in karst terrane inferred from geoelectric measurements
Authors: Ikard Scott , Pease Emily 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTThe Ellenburger–San Saba aquifer discharges spring flows into the overlying Hamilton Creek bed in Burnet County, central Texas. The aquifer is susceptible to contamination from surface‐water reservoirs because of the presence of dissolution cavities that are hydraulically connected to the reservoirs in some locations. There is concern that preferential groundwater seepage from reservoirs into the aquifer in these locations might ultimately degrade the quality of the springwater that enters Hamilton Creek. To investigate preferential groundwater seepage patterns and hydraulic connectivity between surface‐water reservoirs and the Ellenburger–San Saba aquifer, geophysical reconnaissance surveys were completed between July 2017 and January 2018 to map dissolution cavities and locate preferential groundwater seepage within a specific region of the aquifer. Two‐dimensional electric resistivity tomography and self‐potential profiling were utilized, and a simplified, three‐dimensional finite‐element model of the field site was constructed to provide an interpretive aid. The self‐potential data indicated the occurrence of preferential groundwater seepage through a porous seepage conduit that was imaged by the electric resistivity tomography data but did not indicate the occurrence of groundwater seepage through two fluid‐filled dissolution cavities that were imaged by electric resistivity tomography data. Collectively, the surveying and modelling results demonstrate the efficacy of geoelectric methods for mapping the locations of dissolution cavities and preferential groundwater seepage in the electrically resistive karst terrane of the Ellenburger–San Saba aquifer.
The Returns of Recognition: Ngarinyin Experiences of Native Title, Encounter and Indeterminacy in the Kimberley Region of Northern Australia
Authors: Dalley Cameo 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTThis article explores a contemporary politics of recognition as it relates to Ngarinyin Aboriginal people of the Northern Kimberley region of Western Australia. I focus on the reflections and experiences of a Ngarinyin man, ‘the Alchemist’, who was involved in a native title claim across the region during the 2000s. Through ethnographic examples drawn from along the Gibb River Road, I show that time on country is animated by unexpected encounters imbued with interpersonal recognition and indeterminacy. These encounters involve non‐Aboriginal people (including tourists) and non‐human animals: allies who are co‐opted at a time when people's intimate knowledge of country is becoming further attenuated. This article contributes to a growing literature on Aboriginal people's perceptions of and experiences in country in post‐native title contexts.
Effects of grab bars and backrests on independent wheelchair transfer performance and technique
Authors: Koontz Alicia M. , Bass Sarah , Kulich Hailee , Cooper Rory A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveFor individuals who rely on wheeled mobility devices for primary mobility, the ability to transfer independently greatly enhances participation in activities within and outside of the home. Nonlevel transfers are challenging and inevitable as not all surfaces in all settings can be made level with an individual's seat to floor height. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two transfer aids, grab bars, and backrests, on the performance and quality of nonlevel transfers.MethodsThis study employed a repeated‐measures design with transfer setup as the independent variable. Sixty‐eight (53 men and 15 women) wheeled mobility device users performed level and nonlevel transfers to a bare surface, a surface with grab bars present, a surface with grab bars, and a backrest present. For each condition, participants were asked to transfer as high and as low as they could go while still performing an independent and safe transfer. The transfer assessment instrument was used to evaluate the quality of their transfer technique.ResultsParticipants were able to transfer an absolute height up to 2.5 cm (1″) higher and lower when grab bars or grab bars and a backrest were present on the surface (p < 0.042) and 2.3 cm (~1″) higher relative to their wheelchair level seat high when grab bars were present on the surface (p < .001). Transfer technique significantly improved for both uphill and downhill transfers with the presence of grab bars and a backrest as shown by the transfer assessment instrument scores (p < 0.046).ConclusionsThe presence of grab bars and a backrest on transfer surfaces may help mobility device users to achieve higher and lower absolute transfer heights and facilitate better transfer technique.