bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low serum albumin: A significant predictor of reduced survival in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Gotsman Israel , Shauer Ayelet , Zwas Donna R. , Tahiroglu Ilgar , Lotan Chaim , Keren Andre 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundLow serum albumin is common in patients with chronic heart failure (HF).HypothesisAlbumin may have an impact on clinical outcome in HF. We evaluated the effect of albumin levels on clinical outcome in a real‐world cohort of patients with HF.MethodsAll patients with HF at a health maintenance organization were followed for cardiac‐related hospitalizations and death.ResultsA total of 5779 HF patients were included in the study; mean follow‐up was 576 days; median serum albumin was 4.0 g/dL (interquartile range 3.7‐4.2), and 12% of the patients had hypoalbuminemia (albumin<3.5 g/dL). Low albumin was associated with increasing age, higher urea and C‐reactive protein, lower sodium, hemoglobin, iron, less treatment with angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker, reduced right ventricular function, and pulmonary hypertension. Cox regression analysis after adjustment for significant predictors demonstrated that decreasing quartiles of albumin was significantly associated with mortality: Lowest quartile compared to highest: hazard ratio (HR) 5.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.08 to 8.07, P < 0.001. Cox regression analysis of albumin as a continuous parameter using restricted cubic splines after adjustment for significant parameters demonstrated that reduced albumin levels were directly associated with increased mortality (P < 0.001 for the adjusted model). Decreasing quartiles of albumin were also a significant predictor of increased cardiac‐related hospitalizations. A decrease in albumin on follow‐up was an independent predictor of increased mortality by Cox regression analysis: HR 2.58, 95% CI 2.12 to 3.14, P < 0.001.ConclusionsLow albumin provides important information regarding several detrimental processes in HF and is a significant predictor of a worse outcome in these patients.
Synthesis and Antiviral Evaluation of 3′‐Fluoro‐4′‐modified‐5′‐norcarbocyclic Nucleoside Phosphonates
Authors: Geant Pierre‐Yves , Kaci Malika , Uttaro Jean‐Pierre , Périgaud Christian , Mathé Christophe 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe synthesis and anti‐HIV evaluation of hitherto unknown 3′‐fluoro‐5′‐norcarbocyclic nucleoside phosphonates bearing adenine with modifications at the 4′ position (ethynyl, vinyl, ethyl, hydroxymethyl) is described. One of the synthesized compounds was found to be an inhibitor of HIV‐1 replication, but with moderate efficiency relative to (R)‐9‐(2‐phosphonylmethoxypropyl)adenine ((R)‐PMPA, tenofovir), with no concomitant cytotoxicity.
Impact of tumor, treatment, and access on outcomes in bladder cancer: Can equal access overcome race‐based differences in survival?
Authors: Cole Alexander P. , Fletcher Sean A. , Berg Sebastian , Nabi Junaid , Mahal Brandon A. , Sonpavde Guru P. , Nguyen Paul L. , Lipsitz Stuart R. , Sun Maxine , Choueiri Toni K. , Preston Mark A. , Kibel Adam S. , Trinh Quoc‐Dien 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundThere are race‐based differences in bladder cancer survival. To better understand this phenomenon, this study was designed to assess the statistical contributions of tumor, treatment, and access variables to race‐based differences in survival.MethodsData were extracted from the National Cancer Data Base on black and white adults with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer from 2004 to 2015. The impact of tumor, access, and treatment variables on differences in survival was inferred by the performance of sequential propensity score–weighted analyses in which black and white patients were balanced with respect to demographics and health status (comorbidities) tumor characteristics, treatment, and access‐related variables. The propensity score–weighted hazard of death (black vs white) was calculated after each iteration.ResultsThis study identified 44,577 patients with a median follow‐up of 77 months. After demographics and health status were balanced, black race was associated with 18% worse mortality (hazard ratio, 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12‐1.25; P < .001). Balancing by tumor characteristics reduced this to 16%, balancing by treatment reduced this to 10%, and balancing by access‐related variables resulted in no difference. Access‐related variables explained 40% (95% CI, 22.9%‐57.0%) of the excess risk of death in blacks, whereas treatment factors explained 35% (95% CI, 22.2%‐46.9%). The contribution of tumor characteristics was not significant.ConclusionsIn the models, differences in survival for black and white patients with bladder cancer are best explained by disparities in access and treatment, not tumor characteristics. Access to care is likely a key factor in racial disparities in cancer.
Single‐item discrimination of quality‐of‐life–altering dysphagia among 714 long‐term oropharyngeal cancer survivors: Comparison of patient‐reported outcome measures of swallowing
Authors:   MD Anderson Head and Neck Cancer Symptom Working Group, Grant Stephen , Kamal Mona , Mohamed Abdallah S. R. , Zaveri Jhankruti , Barrow Martha P. , Gunn G. Brandon , Lai Stephen Y. , Lewin Jan S. , Rosenthal David I. , Wang Xin Shelley , Fuller Clifton D. , Hutcheson Katherine A. 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundTwo patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) of swallowing and their correlation to quality of life (QOL) were compared in long‐term survivors of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC).MethodsScores on the single dysphagia item from the 28‐item, multisymptom MD Anderson Symptom Inventory‐Head and Neck (MDASI‐HN‐S) were compared with scores on the dysphagia‐specific composite MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) and the EuroQol visual analog scale (EQ‐VAS) in 714 patients who had received definitive radiotherapy ≥12 months before the survey. An MDASI‐HN‐S score ≥6 and an MDADI composite score <60 were considered representative of moderate/severe swallowing dysfunction.ResultsModerate/severe dysphagia was reported by 17% and 16% of respondents on the MDASI‐HN‐S and the composite MDADI, respectively. Both swallow PROs were predictive of QOL, and the MDASI‐HN‐S model was slightly more parsimonious for the discrimination of EQ‐VAS scores compared with MDADI scores (Bayesian information criteria, 6062 vs 6076, respectively). An MDASI‐HN‐S cutoff score of ≥6 correlated best with a declining EQ‐VAS score (P < .0001) and was associated with increased radiotherapy dose to several normal swallowing structures.ConclusionsIn this cohort, the single‐item MDASI‐HN‐S performed favorably for the discrimination of QOL compared with the multi‐item MDADI. A time‐efficient model for PRO measurement of swallowing is proposed in which the MDADI may be reserved for patients who score ≥6 on the MDASI‐HN‐S.
Cortical and thalamic connectivity of temporal visual cortical areas 20a and 20b of the domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo)
Authors: Dell Leigh‐Anne , Innocenti Giorgio M. , Hilgetag Claus C. , Manger Paul R. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe present study describes the ipsilateral and contralateral corticocortical and corticothalamic connectivity of the temporal visual areas 20a and 20b in the ferret using standard anatomical tract‐tracing methods. The two temporal visual areas are strongly interconnected, but area 20a is primarily connected to the occipital visual areas, whereas area 20b maintains more widespread connections with the occipital, parietal and suprasylvian visual areas and the secondary auditory cortex. The callosal connectivity, although homotopic, consists mainly of very weak anterograde labeling which was more widespread in area 20a than area 20b. Although areas 20a and 20b are well connected with the visual dorsal thalamus, the injection into area 20a resulted in more anterograde label, whereas more retrograde label was observed in the visual thalamus following the injection into area 20b. Most interestingly, comparisons to previous connectional studies of cat areas 20a and 20b reveal a common pattern of connectivity of the temporal visual cortex in carnivores, where the posterior parietal cortex and the central temporal region (PMLS) provide network points required for dorsal and ventral stream interaction enroute to integration in the prefrontal cortex. This pattern of network connectivity is not dissimilar to that observed in primates, which highlights the ferret as a useful animal model to understand visual sensory integration between the dorsal and ventral streams. The data generated will also contribute to a connectomics database, to facilitate cross species analysis of brain connectomes and wiring principles of the brain.
Importance of the color of light for the illumination of urban squares
Authors: Cabarkapa Aleksandra , Djokic Lidija 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe objective of this article was to establish the significance of parameters relevant for urban square illumination, particularly those related with the color of light. Performed using a questionnaire and with 154 architecture students as respondents, the survey showed that the 18 parameters can be divided into two groups. The first group of 13 parameters refers to the overall impression, influencing the basic and most important lighting aims like safety, security, orientation, visual comfort, and amenity, whereas the second group includes parameters related to lighting features which may negatively influence the overall impression. The four parameters directly linked to the color of light were evaluated lower than expected, indicating that architecture students were probably translating their attitude toward color in architecture to color of light, thus underestimating this lighting parameter. The survey results also showed that female respondents are more sensitive to parameters, which affect safety and security.
A Photochromic Benzothiadiazole‐Diarylethene System with Tunable On/Off Fluorescence Modulation
Authors: Ziebart Nandor , Schröder Fanny , Rück‐Braun Karola 
Published: January 2019

AbstractOrganic molecules with photoswitchable emission properties are of interest in the optical devices field. We present herein in‐solution studies for two dimethoxydithienylethene‐fluorophore (DTE‐fluorophore) conjugates with a carboxylic acid anchor group attachable to semiconductor surfaces (DTE‐BODIPY and BTD‐DTE, where BTD=benzothiadiazole). Both conjugates show almost quantitative reversible photoisomerization between open (OF) and closed forms (CF). With excitation of the fluorophores, both conjugates emit fluorescence with highly solvent‐dependent OFs (BTD‐DTE>DTE‐BODIPY) and minor solvent‐dependent CFs. In the polar solvent MeCN for BTD‐DTE a TICT state is clearly observed, which will be located in the twisted conjugated structure of the benzoic acid‐BTD‐fluorophore‐methoxy‐thiophene unit. BTD‐DTE shows positive solvatofluorochromism with a decrease of fluorescence quantum yields by increasing the Lippert orientation polarizability function (Δf) verified in Lippert‐Mataga plots. This leads to solvent dependent on‐off/off‐on (CF‐OF) emission modulation by Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) with well‐separated emission bands for BTD‐DTE.
Perylene Diimide‐Based Electron‐Transporting Material for Perovskite Solar Cells with Undoped Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) as Hole‐Transporting Material
Authors: Zou Ding , Yang Fafu , Zhuang Qixin , Zhu Mingguang , Chen Yunxiang , You Guofeng , Lin Zhenghuan , Zhen Hongyu , Ling Qidan 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPerylene diimide‐based small molecules are widely used as intermediates of liquid crystals, owing to their high planarity and electron mobility. In this study, tetrachloroperylene diimide (TCl‐PDI) was used as a small‐molecule replacement for TiO2 as electron‐transporting material (ETM) for planar perovskite solar cells (PVSCs). Among hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) for PVSCs, poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) gives the devices the highest stability and reproducibility. Therefore, PVSCs with the structure of indium tin oxide (ITO)/ETM/perovskite/P3HT/MoO3/Ag were used to evaluate the performances of new ETMs. A reference device with compact TiO2 and P3HT gave a reasonable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 12.78 %, whereas the PVSC with TCl‐PDI as ETM gave an enhanced PCE of 14.73 %, which is among the highest reported values for PVSCs with undoped P3HT as the HTM. Moreover, TCl‐PDI‐based devices displayed higher stability than those based on compact TiO2, owing to the superior perovskite quality.
Evaluation of hemiplegia caused by stroke by using joint detection of depth sensors—case of SIAS
Authors: Ohnishi Tomoya , Iwasaki Tomohiro , Tanaka Masahiro 
Published: January 2019

AbstractStroke Impairment Analysis Set (SIAS) is a set of evaluation methods of the hemiplegia body caused by stroke. The score of the test is made by visual examiners. However, the decisions are often different between them. Thus, the purpose of this study is to make an automatic evaluation system for the SIAS by using depth sensors. Kinect and Leap Motion are used to evaluate the proximal and distal upper extremity tests and the proximal lower extremity test in SIAS. The evaluation of these tests is based on the time difference of left and right cases, and the smoothness. If both of left and right motions are roughly the same and the motion is smooth enough, the score is 5, otherwise the score is decreased to between 4 and 0. The perfect match ratio between the system output and therapist judged is 65‐75% and it can be higher than this if similar judgments are partially added to the score. In experimental results, this system has been shown to yield reasonable scores for the knee‐mouth test, the finger test and the hip flexion test in motor function of SIAS.
Electromagnetic silicon MEMS resonator
Authors: Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Yahagi Toru , Abe Yutaka , Murayama Hiroki 
Published: January 2019

AbstractWe have fabricated a silicon MEMS resonator aiming at multimodal sensors, and evaluated vibration characteristics by electromagnetic drive and induced electromotive force detection. The resonance frequency of the driving voltage of 0.6 Vpp shows torsional vibration of approximately 87 kHz, and the resonance frequency is shifted toward the low‐frequency side as the driving voltage increases. Resonance characteristics due to temperature change and film stress were evaluated.
Higher silver bioavailability after nanoparticle dietary exposure in marine amphipods
Authors: Vannuci-Silva Monizze , Cadore Solange , Henry Theodore B. , Umbuzeiro Gisela 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

On release into surface waters, engineered silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) tend to settle to sediments and, consequently, epibenthic fauna will be exposed to them through diet. We established Ag uptake and accumulation profiles over time in the hemolymph of a marine amphipod fed with a formulated feed containing AgNPs or AgCl. Silver bioavailability was higher in organisms exposed to AgNPs, indicating that the nanoparticles pose a higher risk of toxicity compared to similar concentrations of AgCl. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:806–810. © 2019 SETAC
Abstract
Ag uptake and accumulation profiles over time in the hemolymph of a marine amphipod after water exposure and dietary exposure with a formulated feed containing AgNPs or AgCl.
Synthesis and structure of bis(ethylenedioxy)‐1,4,5,8‐tetraselenanaphthalene
Authors: Watanabe Ryoji , Hasegawa Masashi , Iyoda Masahiko 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBis (ethylenedioxy)‐1,4,5,8‐tetraselenanaphthalene (BEDO‐TSeN) has been synthesized by the reaction of diselenolate with tetraiodoethylene or tetrabromoethylene. The structure of BEDO‐TSeN was determined by X‐ray analysis, and its π‐donor property was estimated by MO calculations and determined by CV analysis.
Social media technology for the strategic positioning of small and medium‐sized enterprises: Empirical evidence from Kenya
Authors: Ndiege Joshua Rumo Arongo 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAs the complexity of the market environment increases, so does the need for small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) to devise new innovative ways of strategically positioning themselves. Owing to resource constraints, it would be sensible for SMEs to adopt technologies that are relatively cheap and easily manageable, yet richly rewarding. Social media technology comes in handy in such scenarios; however, little is known about how SMEs are embracing this technology, especially in developing countries. This study presents the results of exploratory research conducted using semistructured interviews with 15 SME owners in Kenya. The findings suggest that social media technology appears to be particularly beneficial for supporting SMEs to position themselves better strategically. However, the adoption of such technologies in many cases has not been driven by a purposeful and thoughtful agenda, as external factors such as customers' and competitors' use of technology have influenced the initial adoption decision. Additionally, most of the SMEs are yet to fully exploit the capabilities of social media technology. The findings of this study not only advance an understanding of how the SMEs in developing countries are embracing social media technology but also offer an understanding of the strategies that SMEs can employ to enhance their social media experience for better strategic positioning.
“My Thoughts on Gun Violence”: An Urban Adolescent's Display of Agency and Multimodal Literacies
Authors: Lee Vera J. , Meloche Alysha , Grant Allen , Neuman Delia , Tecce DeCarlo Mary Jean 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe authors analyzed the multimodal presentation of one student in a seventh‐grade social studies class situated in an urban charter school in the Northeastern United States. The student researched a specific problem that existed in his community and located solutions using web‐based sources. The authors analyzed the student's classwork, focus group interview, and final project using Gee's critical discourse analysis approach to examine the use of language tasks. The student used text, design, visual art, and music to build relationships, identity, meaning, and purpose. The findings revealed that the project supported his development of agency, technology use, and multimodal literacies as he purposefully and meaningfully communicated with his audience about the issue of gun violence that impacted his community.
Universal dental adhesives: Current status, laboratory testing, and clinical performance
Authors: Nagarkar Sanket , Theis‐Mahon Nicole , Perdigão Jorge 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIncreasing demand for simplified and user‐friendly adhesive systems has led to the development of a new class of adhesives termed as Universal Adhesives (UAs). The term “Universal” reflects manufacturers' claims that these adhesives can be applied with any adhesion strategy and offer the versatility of use with a variety of direct and indirect restorative materials. The aim of this review was to synthesize the literature regarding the current status of UAs, their adhesion potential to various substrates and their performance in different restorative situations. In vitro studies, clinical trials and systematic reviews were identified utilizing controlled vocabulary and keyword searches in Medline and EMBASE databases. About 282 studies (272 in vitro studies; 11 clinical studies) were included. Available laboratory and clinical evidence does not support the claim that UAs can be used with any adhesive strategy. Although, they can chemically bond to various tooth and direct/indirect restorative substrates, the stability of this bond is material‐dependent and subject to hydrolytic degradation. Hence, additional measures are still needed to ensure long‐term durability. which undermines the versatility of UAs. The lack of long‐term data regarding the clinical performance of UAs further complicates clinical decision‐making. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 2121–2131, 2019.
Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling of Acetaminophen and Metabolites in Children After Cardiac Surgery With Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Mian P. , Valkenburg A.J. , Allegaert K. , Koch B.C.P. , Breatnach C.V. , Knibbe C.A.J. , Tibboel D. , Krekels E.H.J. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractChildren undergoing cardiac surgery often receive acetaminophen (paracetamol) as part of their postoperative pain treatment. To date, there is no information on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of acetaminophen in this special population, even though differences, as a result of altered hemodynamics and/or use of cardiopulmonary bypass, may be anticipated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the PK of intravenous acetaminophen in children after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. In the study, both children with and without Down syndrome were included. A population PK analysis, using NONMEM 7.2, was performed based on 161 concentrations of acetaminophen, acetaminophen sulfate, acetaminophen glucuronide, and oxidative metabolites from 17 children with Down syndrome and 13 children without Down syndrome of a previously published study (median age, 177 days [range, 92–944], body weight, 6.1 kg [4.0–12.9]). All children received 3 intravenous acetaminophen doses of 7.5 mg/kg (<10 kg) or 15 mg/kg (≥10 kg) at 8–hour intervals after cardiac surgery. For acetaminophen and its metabolites, 1‐compartment models were identified. Clearance of acetaminophen and metabolites increased linearly with body weight. Acetaminophen clearance in a typical child of 6.1 kg is 0.96 L/h and volume of distribution 7.96 L. Down syndrome did not statistically significantly impact any of the PK parameters for acetaminophen, nor did any other remaining covariate. When comparing the PK parameters of acetaminophen in children after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass with those from children of the same age following noncardiac surgery reported in the literature, clearance of acetaminophen was lower and volume of distribution higher.
Immuno‐detection of mRNA‐binding protein complex in human cells under transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Ma Qingfeng , Tatsuno Takanori , Nakamura Yuka , Izumi Shin‐Ichi , Tomosugi Naohisa , Ishigaki Yasuhito 
Published: January 2019

AbstractTransit from the nuclear complex to the cytoplasm through the nuclear pore complex permits modification of mRNA, including processing such as splicing, capping, and polyadenylation, etc. At each of these events, mRNA interacts with various proteins to form mRNA‐protein complex. Visualizing the mRNA is crucial for understanding the mechanisms underlying mRNA processing and elucidating its structure and recent advances in mRNA imaging allow detection of real‐time mRNA localization in living cells. However, these techniques revealed only the location of mRNA but cannot visualize the conformation of mRNA‐protein complex in cells. On the other hand, transmission electron microscopy has been used to visualize the structure of the Balbiani ring‐derived large mRNA, but their observations were limited to the insect cells. In this study, we visualized the structure of mRNA‐protein complex in human culture cells by using immuno‐electron microscopy. Through immuno‐detection, an mRNA exon junction binding complex Y14, and its binding protien Upf2, different gold particle patterns were imaged with transmission electron microscopy and analyzed. Characteristic linear and stacked particle orientation were observed. Across the nuclear membrane, only linear aggregation pattern was observed, whereas the stacked aggregation pattern was detected in the cytoplasm. Our method is able to visualize mRNA‐conformation and applicable to many cell types, including mammalian cells, where genes can easily be manipulated.