bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of nebivolol on the activity of BRL 37344 — the β3‐adrenergic receptor agonist, in the animal model of detrusor overactivity
Authors: Wróbel Andrzej , Miziak Barbara , Bańczerowska‐Górska Małgorzata , Szopa Aleksandra , Serefko Anna , Stangel‐Wójcikiewicz Klaudia , Czuczwar Piotr , Laskowska Marzena , Wlaźlak Edyta , Dudka Jarosław , Poleszak Ewa 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimsThe cardiotoxic effects of antimuscarinics constitute a significant restriction in their application in elderly people. Overactive bladder syndrome pharmacotherapy using compounds with cardioprotective properties would seem an ideal solution. The main goal of the study was to assess the impacts of nebivolol (NEB) on the activity of BRL 37344 — β3‐adrenergic receptor (β3AR) agonist, in the animal model of detrusor overactivity. As both these substances can impact on the cardiovascular system, their effect on the parameters of this system and diuresis was also examined.MethodsRetinyl acetate (RA; 0.75%) solution was used to induce detrusor overactivity in female Wistar rats. BRL and/or NEB were administered intra‐arterially during cystometry in a single dose (2.5 or 5, 0.05 or 0.1 mg/kg, respectively). In addition, a 24 hours measurement of heart rate, blood pressure, and urine production was carried out.ResultsNEB (0.05 mg/kg) and BRL (2.5 mg/kg) monotherapy proved to have no influence on the cystometric parameters of animals with RA‐induced detrusor overactivity. NEB at 0.1 mg/kg resulted in a drop in the detrusor overactivity index, similarly to BRL at 5 mg/kg. Coadministration of NEB and BRL, both at ineffective doses, decreased the detrusor overactivity index and ameliorated the nonvoiding contractions. β3AR stimulation proved to induce tachycardia and hypertension. NEB at 0.05 mg/kg proved to ameliorate detrusor overactivity and have preventive properties against adverse cardiovascular effects of the β3AR agonist.ConclusionsThe combined application of the β3AR agonist and NEB may improve detrusor overactivity without affecting the heart rate, blood pressure, and urine production.
Effect of lorcaserin on weight reduction in persons with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): a combined subgroup analysis from three randomized, controlled clinical trials
Authors: Fujioka K. , Perdomo C. , Malhotra M. 
Published: April 2019

SummaryStudy objectivesTo evaluate weight loss with lorcaserin in persons with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).MethodsThis retrospective analysis evaluated weight loss of lorcaserin (10 mg twice daily) versus placebo in persons with obesity or overweight persons with OSA from a pooled database of three randomized, controlled trials. Primary end points were reductions in the baseline body weight of ≥5% and ≥10% at year 1 and overall weight change at year 1. Changes in heart rate and blood pressure were also evaluated.ResultsA total of 336 persons with OSA were identified in the overall pooled population (N = 6,636). At year 1, more patients receiving lorcaserin lost ≥5% (47.2% lorcaserin vs. 25.6% placebo; p < 0.0001) and 10% (22.2% lorcaserin vs. 13.1% placebo; p < 0.0354) of their baseline body weight. Weight loss at year 1 was 6.4 kg versus 3.5 kg in the lorcaserin and placebo groups, respectively (p < 0.0001). Similar results were observed for change in blood pressure and heart rate, with responders having larger benefits. Weight loss was similar between persons with and without OSA.ConclusionsIn this retrospective analysis, persons with OSA showed significant and meaningful weight loss, blood pressure and heart rate reductions in patients treated with lorcaserin versus placebo. Persons with OSA lost just as much weight as those without OSA. Health care providers can expect persons with OSA to lose weight by diet, exercise and the weight loss medication lorcaserin comparable with persons without OSA. Further prospective research is warranted to evaluate impact of weight loss on OSA and overall outcomes for patients.
School Starting Age and Cognitive Development
Authors: Dhuey Elizabeth , Figlio David , Karbownik Krzysztof , Roth Jeffrey 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe present evidence of a positive relationship between school starting age and children's cognitive development from ages 6 to 18 using a fuzzy regression discontinuity design and large‐scale population‐level birth and school data from the state of Florida. We estimate effects of being old for grade (being born in September vs. August) that are remarkably stable—always around 0.2 SD difference in test scores—across a wide range of heterogeneous groups, based on maternal education, poverty at birth, race/ethnicity, birth weight, gestational age, and school quality. While the September‐August difference in kindergarten readiness is dramatically different by subgroup, by the time students take their first exams, the heterogeneity in estimated effects on test scores effectively disappears. We do, however, find significant heterogeneity in other outcome measures such as disability status and middle and high school course selections. We also document substantial variation in compensatory behaviors targeted towards young‐for‐grade children. While the more affluent families tend to redshirt their children, young‐for‐grade children from less affluent families are more likely to be retained in grades prior to testing. School district practices regarding retention and redshirting are correlated with improved outcomes for the groups less likely to use those remediation approaches (i.e., retention in the case of more affluent families and redshirting in the case of less affluent families.) Finally, we find that very few school policies or practices mitigate the test score advantage of September‐born children.
Money Talks: The Environmental Impact of China's Green Credit Policy
Authors: Sun Junxiu , Wang Feng , Yin Haitao , Zhang Bing 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis study examines the impact of China's green credit policy on the environment. In particular, we consider an initiative that requires all banks to base their loan decisions on corporate environmental performance. This is an important issue since it is globally gaining popularity to leverage bank loans as an avenue to enforce corporate environmental responsibility. Moreover, there are only a handful of empirical investigations in relation to the impacts of credit constraint on corporate environmental behaviors and strategies. This research also provides useful insights on how to enhance environmental regulation enforcement, using the Environmental Protection Bureau in partnership with local banks to exert a creditable threat of financial constraint on unfavorable environmental outcomes. Using the synthetic control method and difference‐in‐differences analysis, we find that this policy has significantly motivated firms, particularly those firms with a higher dependence on external financing, to reduce water pollution. We further discover that the policy compels firms to favor pollution prevention at the source instead of end‐of‐pipe treatments, since the policy imposes a long‐term credit constraint on pollution.
Feasibility, Validity, and Responsiveness of Self‐Report and Objective Measures of Physical Activity in Patients With Chronic Pain
Authors: Stevens Matthew L. , Lin Chung‐Wei C. , van der Ploeg Hidde P. , De Sousa Maria , Castle Jessica , Nicholas Michael K. , Maher Chris G. 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundAccurate tools for measuring physical activity are important for monitoring patients with chronic pain. However, these tools have not been properly validated in this population.ObjectiveTo determine the suitability of two physical activity measures for use in chronic pain populations.DesignLongitudinal observational study.SettingPain Management and Research Centre.ParticipantsSixty‐four patients presenting to the Pain Management and Research Centre with chronic pain.MethodsParticipants underwent a 3‐week pain management program that included cognitive behavioral strategies, education, and multiple exercises sessions per day. Physical activity was measured by the Active Australia Survey and the Actigraph GT3X at the start and end of the program. Feasibility of the physical activity measures was assessed. Criterion validity and responsiveness between the measures was compared. Correlation of physical activity with self‐rated global rating of change (GROC) scales in health were calculated.Main Outcome MeasurementsMinutes per day spent in low, moderate, and vigorous physical activity; global rating of change.ResultsFifty‐two percent (n = 33) and 78% (n = 50) of participants had valid Actigraph and Active Australia data, respectively, for both time points. For criterion validity and responsiveness correlations varied (rho = −.12‐.52). All correlations between physical activity measures and GROC were small or negligible (rho ≤ .18).ConclusionFeasibility of the Actigraph was poor compared to the Active Australia Survey. The criterion validity and responsiveness of the Active Australia Survey to the Actigraph was inconsistent and the relationship of both these measures to clinical outcomes was poor. However, limitations due to missing data mean that further research is required.Level of EvidenceIII
Preparation and characterization of starch composites with cellulose nanofibers obtained by plasma treatment and ultrasonication
Authors: Fazeli Mahyar , Simão Renata Antoun 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe cellulose nanofibers (CNF) are novelly extracted via air plasma treatment combined with the ultrasonication procedure. This study prepares and characterizes the starch‐based biocomposites reinforced by CNF within the glycerol plasticized matrix. The application of starch‐based polymers is improved with fabricating a biocomposite of thermoplastic starch (TPS) as matrix and the CNF as reinforcement. After modifying the surface of the cellulose fibers (CF) by air plasma treatment, CNFs are extracted by using an ultrasonic bath. The CNF are studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The TPS/CNF composites are prepared using the high‐friction and hot‐compression procedure. Tensile test results and SEM images of the fracture surfaces show significant improvement of adhesion between CNF and TPS matrix compared to composites reinforced by neat CF. The thermogravimetric analysis shows a considerable decompositionat approximately 270–340°C.
Utilizing surface modification in plasma‐enhanced cyclic etching of tantalum nitride to surpass lithographic limits
Authors: Marchack Nathan , Hernandez Keith , Walusiak Benjamin , Innocent‐Dolor Jon‐l , Engelmann Sebastian 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPitch subdivision of tantalum nitride (TaN) lines is demonstrated across a 200 mm wafer using a cyclic quasi‐atomic layer etch process in an inductively coupled plasma reactor. Chlorine (Cl2) and hydrogen (H
2) chemistries are introduced sequentially to an argon plasma in discrete steps to etch the TaN film. The starting lithographic pattern with critical dimension (CD) of approximately 82 nm and pitch of 200 nm thus yields lines of approximately 40 nm CD and 100 nm pitch with minimal line edge roughness increase. We identify a synergistic effect between H
2‐exposed TaN and Cl
2 plasma as contributing to this result, as well as a potential link to surface oxidation. Optical emission spectroscopy analysis of the plasma discharge is used to characterize reactive species densities and explain the observed changes in profile.
SiO2 microstructure evolution during plasma deposition analyzed via ellipsometric porosimetry
Authors: Buschhaus Rahel , von Keudell  Achim 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe evolution of microstructures, deposited from hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) and oxygen gas mixtures by two different low pressure plasma sources, namely an inductively coupled plasma (ICP process) at 3 Pa and a microwave plasma (MW process) at 100 Pa, is evaluated and compared. The microstructure is monitored using ellipsometric porosimetry (EP) applying three different solvent molecules (water, ethanol, and toluene) to probe the different adsorption and absorption mechanisms as well as the pore sizes. Both plasma processes are adjusted so that an equivalent oxygen atom contribution to the growth flux is established and that an equivalent specific energy per molecule is dissipated in the process. The major difference is the partial pressure of the HMDSO precursor molecules, which is 0.04 Pa in the ICP process and 1 Pa in the MW process. The porosimetry analysis indicates that the films originating from the MW process are more porous than those from the ICP process. The pore sizes are typically in the range of 0.3 nm for films deposited from both plasma processes. This is explained by assuming that the gas phase polymerization in the MW process is much stronger due to the higher HMDSO partial pressure and, therefore, the films are deposited from larger HMDSO fragments in the MW process compared with smaller HMDSO fragments in the ICP process. This difference in the main growth species becomes visible in the different microstructures. Consequently, a plasma process using smaller precursor partial pressures seems to be optimal.
Mortality in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia: Data from cardiac catheterization
Authors: Steurer Martina A. , Nawaytou Hythem , Guslits Elyssa , Colglazier Elizabeth , Teitel David , Fineman Jeffrey R. , Keller Roberta L. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractRationalePulmonary hypertension (PH) is relatively common in infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), however, hemodynamic data and factors associated with mortality in this patient group are sparsely described in the literature.ObjectivesTo characterize the hemodynamics of former preterm infants with BPD and PH, as measured at cardiac catheterization, and to identify respiratory and cardiovascular predictors of mortality.MethodsSingle‐center, retrospective cohort study, including, 30 patients born at less than 32‐week gestational age (GA), who had an oxygen requirement at 36 weeks postmenstrual age and underwent cardiac catheterization between July 2014 and December 2017.ResultsMedian GA at birth was 25 5/7 weeks (interquartile range [IQR], 24 4/7‐26 6/7 weeks). Median birth weight was 620 g (IQR, 530‐700 g). With a median of 23 months of follow up (IQR, 11‐39 months), mortality as of July 2018 was 27% (8 of 30). The alveolar‐arterial oxygen gradient as a measure of lung disease did not correlate with mortality (log‐rank test
P = 0.28). However, indexed pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) of greater than 3 Woods units × m
2 showed a trend toward increased mortality (log‐rank test
P =
0.12). Pulmonary vein stenosis was the only predictor significantly associated with mortality (log‐rank test
P =
0.005).ConclusionsIn this cohort, the severity of lung disease as assessed by impaired oxygenation at cardiac catheterization did not correlate with mortality. The only factor significantly associated with mortality was the presence of pulmonary vein stenosis on cardiac catheterization, although PVR may also be an important factor.
Hughes Stovin: Sustained remission and regression of pulmonary aneurysms with anti–tumor necrosis factor treatment
Authors: Ghirardo Sergio , Pastore Serena , Gortani Giulia , Tommasini Alberto , Taddio Andrea 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe report the first case of Hughes Stovin Syndrome successfully treated with long‐lasting tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) blocker (infliximab) treatment. Because of the failure of the standard therapeutic regimen with steroids and cyclophosphamide, infliximab was started achieving a stable disease remission and a complete resolution of pulmonary aneurysms. Hughes Stovin Syndrome, although rare, is a life‐threatening condition that needs to be timely identified and treated aggressively. Our report underlines the importance of TNF‐α blocker treatment in Hughes Stovin Syndrome, suggesting its use as long‐term safe and useful.
Assessing the impact of breathing retraining on asthma symptoms and dysfunctional breathing in children
Authors: Hepworth Claire , Sinha Ian , Saint Gemma L. , Hawcutt Daniel B. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the impact of breathing retraining on asthma symptoms and dysfunctional breathing (DB) in children. Breathing retraining can improve DB but there is a lack of evidence in pediatrics.MethodsParticipants attended outpatient physiotherapy appointments and received individually tailored interventions, particularly Buteyko breathing techniques. The primary outcome was the change in the Asthma Control Test (ACT) score or change in childhood ACT (CACT) score from first to final appointment. The ACT and CACT are validated in children more than or equal to 12 years and children aged 4 to 11, respectively. The secondary outcome measure was the change in Nijmegen Questionnaire (NQ) score from first to the final appointment (score range, 0‐64) with a score of more than or equal to 23 indicating DB symptoms.ResultsOne hundred and sixty‐nine children with asthma attended and completed a mean of six physiotherapy sessions, over a mean of 15 weeks. Patients were aged 2 to 18, mean 10 years. Fifty‐five patients were more than or equal to 12 years old and 114 were less than or equal to 11 years. One hundred and seven patients were receiving BTS/SIGN asthma guideline step 1 to 3 therapy and 62 were on step 4 to 5 therapy. The mean ACT score improved by 4.4 (P < 0.0001), the mean CACT score improved by 4.9 (P < 0.0001), and the mean NQ score change improved by −9.3 points (P < 0.0001).ConclusionIn addition to standard medical therapy, individually tailored physiotherapy interventions improved asthma control and DB in children on all levels of asthma treatment. A randomized controlled study is required to determine whether these improvements are due to the intervention.
Preparation, Characterization and the Thermodynamic Properties of HNIW ⋅ TNT Cocrystal
Authors: Jia Qian , Zhang Jiaoqiang , Kou Kaichang , Zhang Shijie , Xu Yunlong 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe cocrystal of 2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (HNIW) with 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT) (in a 1 : 1 mole ratio) was prepared by a solvent /non‐solvent (acetonitrile/distilled water) method, and systematically characterized by several methods. The thermal decomposition kinetics of HNIW ⋅ TNT cocrystal were investigated using dynamic Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and the apparent activation energy (
) was calculated by Kissinger‐Akahira‐Sunose (KAS), Flynn‐Wall‐Ozawa (FWO) and Starink methods. The standard molar enthalpy of formation (
) of HNIW ⋅ TNT cocrystal was acquired by a DC08‐1 Calvet microcalorimeter with the help of a rational thermochemical cycle and was 324.45±0.15 kJ mol−1. A continuous Cp mode of Micro‐DSC III was used to determine the specific heat capacity (Cp,m) of HNIW ⋅ TNT cocrystal from T=(283.15–333.15) K, and the Cp,m was 673.62 J mol−1 K−1 at 298.15 K.
Differential graphical games for H∞ control of linear heterogeneous multiagent systems
Authors: Adib Yaghmaie Farnaz , Hengster Movric Kristian , Lewis Frank L. , Su Rong 
Published: April 2019

SummaryDifferential graphical games have been introduced in the literature to solve state synchronization problem for linear homogeneous agents. When the agents are heterogeneous, the previous notion of graphical games cannot be used anymore and a new definition is required. In this paper, we define a novel concept of differential graphical games for linear heterogeneous agents subject to external unmodeled disturbances, which contain the previously introduced graphical game for homogeneous agents as a special case. Using our new formulation, we can solve both the output regulation and H∞ output regulation problems. Our graphical game framework yields coupled Hamilton‐Jacobi‐Bellman equations, which are, in general, impossible to solve analytically. Therefore, we propose a new actor‐critic algorithm to solve these coupled equations numerically in real time. Moreover, we find an explicit upper bound for the overall
‐gain of the output synchronization error with respect to disturbance. We demonstrate our developments by a simulation example.
A Facile Synthesis of Hematite Nanorods from Rice Starch and Their Application to Pb(II) Ions Removal
Authors: Hoque Md. Ikram Ul , Yamauchi Yusuke , Naidu Ravi , Holze Rudolf , Saidur Rahman , Qu Qunting , Rahman Mohammad Mahmudur , Torad Nagy L. , Hossain Md. Shahriar A. , Kim Minjun , Kim Jeonghun , Ahmad Syed Haseeb Ali , Rehman Ateeq Ur , Firoz Md. Shakhawat Hossain , Luba Ummayhanni , Chowdhury Shahriar , Chowdhury Al‐Nakib 
Published: April 2019

Abstract1D hematite (α‐Fe2O3) nanorods were synthesized in the presence of rice starch solution. The size of the nanorods was about 250 nm and 50 nm in length and diameter, respectively. The synthesized nanorods possessed a single α‐Fe2O3 phase without any impurities and crystal defects. The obtained hematite nanorods were employed as an adsorbent for lead (II) removal. The isotherms and kinetic studies indicated that our material would be a potential candidate for heavy metal adsorption and removal.
Raman Microscopy Analysis of the Biochemical Changes in the Cytoplasm of Bovine Oocytes Induced by an In Vitro Maturation Process: Interference of the Zona Pellucida
Authors: Jimenez Luis Emanuel , Roldán‐Olarte Mariela , Álvarez Rosa María Susana 
Published: April 2019

AbstractRaman microscopy proved to be a rapid method for determining the quality of the cytoplasmic state of bovine oocytes as part of the evaluation and prediction of their competence for development and subsequent fertilization.
A New Paradigm in Alewife Migration: Oscillations between Spawning Grounds and Estuarine Habitats
Authors: McCartin Kellie , Jordaan Adrian , Sclafani Matthew , Cerrato Robert , Frisk Michael G. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe current paradigm in Alewife Alosa pseudoharengus migrations is shifting from a single reproductive event and rapid movement in and out of freshwater to one that recognizes more nuanced movements and asynchronous batch spawning. In this study, Alewives (n = 72) were acoustically tagged in the Carmans River, Long Island, New York, a small coastal river with restored fish passage. Our objective was to examine fine‐scale spatial movements in the tidal and reconnected habitats to identify spawning behavior patterns, including habitat use and spawning periodicity, that can be applied to fishway restoration and species management. Alewives that completed their spawning migration (n = 27) exhibited variability in posttagging trajectories, residency, passage rate, and behavior. The current paradigm consisting of a single upstream migration followed by a downstream migration was only seen in 26% (n = 7) of fish, while 41% (n = 11) deviated from the paradigm and made multiple reversals and numerous movements on and off the spawning grounds. Oscillations spanned from the estuary into the reconnected habitat and resulted in a proportionally large amount of time spent in the estuarine and brackish habitats. Some oscillations also consisted of multiple fishway passage events within a season. Oscillation behavior is likely a naturally occurring spawning strategy that has gone undetected. Consequently, the proportion of individuals of a population that display single versus multiple passage events could result in fishway counts that bias run size estimations and thus population assessments.