bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Obesity and Alanine Aminotransferase Levels on the Diagnostic Accuracy for Advanced Liver Fibrosis of Noninvasive Tools in Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Petta Salvatore , Wai-Sun Wong Vincent , Bugianesi Elisabetta , Fracanzani Anna Ludovica , Cammà Calogero , Hiriart Jean-Baptiste , Lai-Hung Wong Grace , Vergniol Julien , Wing-Hung Chan Anthony , Giannetti Aurora , Merrouche Wassil , Lik-Yuen Chan Henry , Le-Bail Brigitte , Lombardi Rosa , Guastella Salvatore , Craxì Antonio , de Ledinghen Victor 
Published: June 2019

INTRODUCTION:
Some evidence suggests an interference of obesity and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels on the diagnostic accuracy for advanced fibrosis of noninvasive tools such as liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by FibroScan, Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS). We assessed whether the diagnostic accuracy of LSM, Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), and NFS and strategies based on the combination of these tools is affected by obesity and/or ALT levels.

METHODS:
We analyzed data from 968 patients with a histological diagnosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. FIB-4, NFS, and LSM by FibroScan were measured.

RESULTS:
LSM was better than both FIB-4 and NFS for staging F3-F4 fibrosis area under the receiver operating characteristic curve test (AUC) 0.863, 0.777, and 0.765, respectively; P < 0.001 for both), showing higher accuracy and higher negative predictive value (NPV), but lower positive predictive value (PPV). LSM worked less well in high ALT (>100 IU) (AUC 0.811 vs 0.877, P = 0.04; PPV 57.5% vs 62.4%; NPV 90.7% vs 94%) or obese patients (AUC 0.786 vs 0.902, P < 0.001; PPV 58.7% vs 64.8%; NPV 88.3% vs 95.2%), the latter not being affected by the M or XL probe. Consistently, LSM worked better in terms of AUC and accuracy compared with both FIB-4 and NFS only in nonobese or high ALT patients, even with always keeping a slightly lower PPV. A serial combination of FIB-4 or NFS with LSM as the second test in patients in the gray area of the first test retained—in most scenarios—similar PPV and NPV compared with LSM alone. These strategies also increased the diagnostic accuracy of about 20% in all groups of patients, even if with a lower overall accuracy in obese patients (71.3% and 67.1% for FIB-4 and NFS as the first test, respectively) compared to nonobese patients (81.9% and 82.4% for FIB-4 and NFS as the first test, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:
All tested noninvasive tools have overall better NPV than PPV. LSM has a better diagnostic accuracy for advanced fibrosis than both FIB-4 and NFS only in nonobese and/or low ALT patients. Serial combination strategies are better than a single tool strategy, regardless of obesity and ALT levels, although the accuracy is lower in obese patients.
Salivary cortisol is not associated with incident insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Gariani Karim , Marques-Vidal Pedro , Waeber Gérard , Vollenweider Peter , Jornayvaz François R 
Published: June 2019

Background
Excessive glucocorticoid secretion has been associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and other features of the metabolic syndrome. We aimed to evaluate whether basal or evening salivary cortisol may predict the occurrence of incident insulin resistance (IR) or T2DM.

Method
This was a prospective, population-based study derived from the CoLaus/PsyCoLaus study including 1525 participants (aged 57.7 ± 10.3 years; 725 women). A total of 1149 individuals were free from T2DM at baseline. Fasting plasma glucose and insulin were measured after a follow-up of 5.3 years. Basal and evening salivary cortisol were measured at baseline. The association between basal or evening salivary cortisol level and incidence of IR or T2DM were analyzed by logistic regression, and the results were expressed for each independent variable as ORs and 95% CI.

Results
After a median follow-up of 5.3 years, a total of 376 subjects (24.7%) developed IR and 32 subjects (2.1%) developed T2DM. Basal and evening salivary cortisol divided in quartiles were not associated with incidence of IR or T2DM. Multivariable analysis for age, gender, body mass index, physical activity and smoking status showed no association between basal or evening salivary cortisol and incidence of IR or T2DM.

Conclusion
In the CoLaus/PsyCoLaus study of healthy adults, neither basal nor evening salivary cortisol was associated with incident IR or T2DM.
Comparative Transcriptome Analyses Revealed Conserved and Novel Responses to Cold and Freezing Stress in Brassica napus L
Authors: Xin He , Xianchao Ni , Pan Xie , Wei Liu , Min Yao , Yu Kang , Lunwen Qin , Wei Hua 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Oil rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is a typical winter biennial plant, with high cold tolerance during vegetative stage. In recent years, more and more early-maturing rapeseed varieties were planted across China. Unfortunately, the early-maturing rapeseed varieties with low cold tolerance have higher risk of freeze injury in cold winter and spring. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms for coping with different low-temperature stress conditions in rapeseed. In this study, we investigated 47,328 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of two early-maturing rapeseed varieties with different cold tolerance treated with cold shock at chilling (4°) and freezing (−4°) temperatures, as well as chilling and freezing stress following cold acclimation or control conditions. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis indicated that two conserved (the primary metabolism and plant hormone signal transduction) and two novel (plant-pathogen interaction pathway and circadian rhythms pathway) signaling pathways were significantly enriched with differentially-expressed transcripts. Our results provided a foundation for understanding the low-temperature stress response mechanisms of rapeseed. We also propose new ideas and candidate genes for genetic improvement of rapeseed tolerance to cold stresses.
A Powerful Method To Test Associations Between Ordinal Traits and Genotypes
Authors: Wang Jinjuan , Ding Juan , Huang Shouyou , Li Qizhai , Pan Dongdong 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe methods commonly used to test the associations between ordinal phenotypes and genotypes often treat either the ordinal phenotype or the genotype as continuous variables. To address limitations of these approaches, we propose a model where both the ordinal phenotype and the genotype are viewed as manifestations of an underlying multivariate normal random variable. The proposed method allows modeling the ordinal phenotype, the genotype and covariates jointly. We employ the generalized estimating equation technique and M-estimation theory to estimate the model parameters and deduce the corresponding asymptotic distribution. Numerical simulations and real data applications are also conducted to compare the performance of the proposed method with those of methods based on the logit and probit models. Even though there may be potential limitations in Type I error rate control for our method, the gains in power can prove its practical value in case of exactly ordinal phenotypes.
Atención a la diversidad en la Educación Superior: Una propuesta desde el Trabajo Comunal Universitario (TCU)
Authors: Quesada Ligia 
Published: June 2019

Este artículo se origina en la ponencia presentada en marzo 2017 en el Congreso Internacional sobre Educación Inclusiva en Oviedo, España. Resume los resultados del trabajo realizado en el proyecto TCU-669, Trabajo Comunal Universitario “Atención a la diversidad en el marco de la Educación Inclusiva”. Este proyecto se implementó en el año 2016 como un plan piloto y su objetivo general fue promover acciones que mejoren las condiciones de educación para las personas, en condición de discapacidad y de esta manera coadyuvar en la consecución de metas académicas que mejoren su calidad de vida. Aunque el objetivo del proyecto se planteó en función de los individuos que recibirían el servicio, ha resultado sumamente exitoso porque ha sido una forma de concientizar a los estudiantes universitarios acerca de la diversidad y las diferentes necesidades que pueden tener los seres humanos, además les permite adquirir habilidades deseables para desarrollarse como profesionales en una sociedad diversa. Estudiantes de diferentes carreras se matriculan en este Trabajo Comunal Universitario (TCU), lo que viene a significar para ellos un gran desafío, ya que tienen que desarrollar un sinnúmero de actividades con personas en condición de discapacidad.
Changes in spent nuclear fuel due to dry interim storage
Authors: Duro L. , Riba O. , Martínez-Esparza A. , Bruno J. 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACTThe assessment of the main changes expected for spent nuclear fuel from its discharge to its deposition in a deep geological repository is of the outmost relevance to establish the initial conditions of the disposal. In this work, a literature review and a critical discussion of the main processes that will affect the structure and the inventory of the spent nuclear fuel during its interim dry storage is presented. Once the irradiation period is finished, the following changes are observed: i) the fuel pellet is fragmented due to the temperature gradient established during the irradiation stage. On average between 10-15 fragments are observed per pellet. ii) the initial gap existing between the pellet and the cladding decreases or disappears depending on the burnup. iii) a radial zonation is observed in the microstructure of the pellet. For burnup over 40MWd/KgU, the rim develops a porosity increase due to the high local burnup and the low temperature in the periphery. The rim also presents small bubbles of fission gases. This high burnup structure implies a degradation of the thermic conductivity in the pellet, that leads to a temperature increase in the center of the pellet with a subsequent migration of the fission gases and other impurities to the grain boundaries. The implications that all these changes may have on the spent fuel behaviour is presented and discussed.
Bentonite Interaction with Saline High-pH Solutions
Authors: Tiina Heikola , Ulla Vuorinen 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACTDegradation of cementitious materials produces leachates of high pH. Such an alkaline plume, if reaching the bentonite buffer, is likely to induce mineralogical and chemical changes in bentonite over long times and may jeopardise the set safety function of the buffer.The objective of this ongoing research is to study the possible alterations of two bentonites, MX-80 and Deponit CA-N, in alkaline leachates at two different temperatures. Also the buffering capacity of the bentonites against high pH will be evaluated.The ongoing batch experiments are carried out in an anaerobic glove-box (Ar atmosphere, low CO2) at two temperatures (25/60 °C) with three types of simulated cement waters (pH 9.7/9,3, 11.3/10.2 and 12.0/10.9) at 25/0 °C) and one saline groundwater simulate (pH 8.3/7.9) as reference. The solid to liquid ratio used is 1/10. For each set of experiments there are three parallels so that bentonite alteration can be analysed after three different time periods. In the experiment each bentonite sample is leached with several batches of leaching solution. For each renewal of the leaching solution the phases are separated by centrifugation, the reacted solution withdrawn and the chemical composition analysed.The high-pH experiments (11.3 and 12.0, at 25°C) have continuously shown an initial decrease in the pH-values after each leachate renewal, albeit less dramatic than in the beginning, indicating remaining buffering capacity of the bentonites. The other two experiments (pH 8.3 and 9.7 at 25°C) have shown rather unaltered pH-values. In general, slightly lower pH-values were observed in the Deponit CA-N samples than in those of MX-80. The main cations (Na and Ca) analysed in the leachates have shown a rather expected trends as a result of ion-exchange occurring in the bentonites. The analysed Si concentrations indicate possible dissolution of smectite. More conclusions are possible after the bentonites have been characterized. One experimental set of the 25 °C experiments has been finished and the bentonite phases are being characterized. Other experiment sets are still continued.
Impact of Film Structure on Ionization Energy of Titanyl-Phthalocyanine in Thin Films
Authors: Hosokai Takuya , Yonezawa Keiichirou , Makino Rintaro , Kanayama Noritsugu , Koganezawa Tomoyuki , Okudaira Koji K. , Kera Satoshi , Ueno Nobuo 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACTStructure-related ionization energy (IE) of vacuum-deposited titanyl-phthalocyanine (OTiPc) thin films was investigated by using in situ ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) and X-ray diffractometry. Distinct molecular orientations (i.e. lying-flat and standing-up orientation) in different polymorphous (i.e. monoclinic β-phase and triclinic α-phase) were observed on a surface of polycrystalline (poly-) Au and octadecyltrichlorosilane-self assembled monolayer (OTS-SAM). For the two structures IE of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of OTiPc thin films altered significantly by 0.55 eV. The different IE was attributed to surface dipole potential and strong intermolecular interaction.
Approaching materials science and solar energy to Uruguayan school children
Authors: Barthaburu M. Pérez , Aguiar I. , Bañobre C. , Galain I. , Cárdenas A. , Mombrú M. , Noguera A. , Pereira H. Bentos , Chialanza M. Rodríguez , Fornaro L. 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACTThere is an extended concern related to renewable energies in South America. Particularly the Uruguayan government is encouraging initiatives in solar, biofuels and eolic wind energy issues. On the other hand, and in a similar manner than in other countries, Uruguay celebrates the “Science and Technology Week”, an activity annually organized, focused on sharing knowledge between scientists and technologists and society. In 2012, this week was devoted to energy and sustainability. In this framework we carried out an interactive activity in five primary school classes with the aim of bringing materials science and solar energy to children between 10 and 12 years old. In the beginning of the activity we asked students to complete a brief survey containing a few questions about materials and energy. This survey allowed us to further the children’s knowledge about these topics. Then, we introduced materials science history relating it with mankind development. From the active participation of children in the activity, we derived to materials applied in solar cells, performing demonstrations with real solar cells and showing their importance for improving our country energetic efficiency while preserving the environment. At the end of each activity students showed great enthusiasm about including alternative energies in their daily life. Furthermore, they realized the importance of materials science, and were capable of understanding the relation between materials and the development of solar cells. We consider the spread of this activity as an excellent way of creating consciousness from an early age, which will help in the achievement of a more sustainable country.
Connecting with the Public on ‘Nano’ – Lessons from a Demo Using Ouzo and Laser Pointers
Authors: Pinschmidt Robert , Kai Marc 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACTThe general public is typically positive towards ‘Nano’, but often have limited and anecdotal information from which to draw informed conclusions. We present lessons learned from a new demonstration for 1-on-1 and small group science expo table use that appears to captivate and lead to active learning for ages seven to adult. ‘Making Nanoparticles with Ouzo’ covers: 1. issues in measuring and seeing small particles; 2. light as having wave properties with wavelengths in the nm range; 3. using green (510 nm) and red (650 nm) laser pointers as ‘rulers’; 4. using the liqueur Ouzo (a blend of water, alcohol and water insoluble anethole oil) to illustrate and ‘illuminate’ nanoparticles invisible to the naked eye; 5. demonstrating that the anethole particles do not initially scatter laser light, but do as water is added and particle sizes increase; 6. allowing a visitor to ‘make nanoparticles’ by warming up a cold dispersion of cloudy anethole particles (micron size) in warm water until they vanish.Although a lot of information is presented, a surprising amount of it seems to stick, if it is presented and built in story form from widely appreciated concepts, with samples and props people can see and hold, and with a few diagrams and written descriptions.
Multidisciplinary NanoScience Concentration Certificate Program at UTB: Activities and Lessons Learned
Authors: Martirosyan Karen S. 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACTThe development of a novel multidisciplinary Nanoscience Concentration Certificate Program (NCCP) at University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB) is reported. The NCCP intended to prepare undergraduate students to emerging nanotechnology markets, industry trends, cutting edge research and technology developments. The rationale for the NCCP is to integrate and expand nanotechnology-relevant courses within a comprehensive curriculum. The established certificate program includes the following seven new upper level undergraduate courses: (i) Introduction to Nanoscience, (ii) Engineering of Nanomaterials, (iii) Nanofabrication and Nanoelectronics, (iv) Introduction to Bio-Nanotechnology, (v) Environmental Nanotechnology, (vi) NanoOptics, (vii) Capstone Design. This program is designed to address the needs for a multidisciplinary undergraduate education at the UTB, which extends beyond traditional courses within science and engineering disciplines. The designed courses will expose students to the nanotechnology areas as part of integration of nanoscience in UTB’s undergraduate programs. To complete the NCCP and receive a Certificate in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, students must complete 12 credit-hours of NCCP courses. Our ultimate goal is to establish and maintain at UTB a practical, modular, scalable, transferrable and implementable educational STEM platform in nano-sciences, engineering and nanotechnology. The goal of this paper is to examine an instructional technique for Introduction to Nanoscience course as an example for promoting student understanding of scientific concepts and explanations by using combines teaching learning activities and research oriented strategies.
Electronic Structure of One-Dimensional Biradical Molecular Chain
Authors: Koike H. , Ogawa K. , Kubo T. , Uchida K. , Chikamatsu M. , Azumi R. , Mase K. , Kanai K. 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACTWe investigated electronic structure of one-dimensional biradical molecular chain which is constructed by exploiting the covalency between organic molecules of a diphenyl derivative of s-indacenodiphenalene (Ph2-IDPL). To control the crystallinity, we used gas deposition method. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) revealed developed band structure with wide dispersion of the one-dimensional biradical molecular chain.
Thermal Modeling of the Optical Fiber Drawing Process
Authors: Papamichael Haris , Miaoulis Ioannis N. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractA new general method for determining the local dimensionless heat convection coefficient (Nusselt number) and the temperature distribution in thin and thick optical fibers during the drawing process was developed. The axial heat transfer by conduction was included in the analysis as an addition to previously developed models. The developed model can serve as a general thermal solver for thin (<200μm in dia.) and thick (>200μm in dia.) fibers. The general method was compared with existing methods and it was found to be in agreement in the case of thin fiber analysis but not in the case of thick fiber analysis, where axial conduction effects are significant. Results of a parametric study to examine the effects of diameter of fiber and drawing speed on the temperature distribution are presented.
Accelerated Cooling of Optical Fiber
Authors: Kyriacou S. , Polymeropoulos C. E. , Sernas V. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractA novel apparatus for accelerated cooling of optical fiber has been used at different fiber speeds using Nitrogen and Helium as the cooling gases. The gas flow was counter to the direction of the fiber motion inside a small diameter tube. The experimental results show significant improvement over natural cooling, as well as over available transverse cooling.
On Concentration-Dependent Solid State Diffusion
Authors: Cheng Yang-Tse 
Published: June 2019

AbstractUsing a master equation approach, we derive a general expression for the diffusion coefficient as a function of concentration-dependent jump rates. When this approach is applied to diffusion in a binary solid, Darken's equation for intrinsic diffusion coefficients is derived together with an expression for self diffusion coefficients which satisfies the semi-empirical Ugaste relationship. This analysis suggests that the Darken term and the self diffusion coefficients are in general related.
Compound Formation in Pd Metallized Strained Layers of Sige on Si
Authors: Buxbaum A. , Eizenberg M. , Raizmann A. , Schaffler F. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIn this paper we report on the formation of compounds following the interaction of Pd with strained epitaxial layers of Si1−xGex (x=0.18) MBE grown on Si( 100), in the temperature range of 200 to 650°C. Compositional and structural analyses show that the dominant compound formed was an hexagonal ternary phase, Pd2Si1−yGey where the value of y is lower than of x, and varies with the reaction temperature. In addition to the ternary phase, the binary phase PdGe was also detected. The hexagonal compound grew in a textured manner with its c-axis oriented along the [100] direction of the Si1−xGex film. High temperature anneals (T≥550°C) resulted in the formation of a double layered structure, with the silicide/germanide compound layer on the surface, and below it a Ge rich epitaxial Si1−xGex layer. Strain relaxation of the unreacted layer occurred for specimens in which the double layer structure appeared (annealing temperature ≥550°C). A mechanism for the formation of the double layered structure is proposed.
Thermodynamic Analysis for the Solid-State Amorphization and Subsequent Crystallization of GaAs/Co
Authors: Shiau F.-Y. , Chen S.-L. , Loomans M. , Chang Y. A. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractPhase equilibria along the CoGa-CoAs join were determined by DTA and metallography. On the basis of these data and the phase diagram of Co-Ga-As at 600 °C, thermodynamic values for the various phases along the GaAs-Co join were estimated. The Gibbs energy of the amorphous phase is approximated to be that of the supercooled liquid phase. These data were used to rationalize the amorphization process.
Growth Kinetics of an Amorphous Phase Between GaAs and Co
Authors: Shiau F. Y. , Chang Y. A. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractSolid-state amorphization reaction between GaAs and Co thin-films was investigated by transmission electron micorscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy. Upon annealing of GaAs/Co thin-film couples at 260–300 °C, an amorphous phase was observed to form. The amorphization was attributed to the openness of the GaAs structure relative to the size of the Co atoms. This allows rapid diffusion of Co into the GaAs lattice and promotes the occurrence of SSAR. Annealing at higher temperatures or for longer times led to the formation of a crystalline phase, designated as the μ-phase which was determined to be a metastable supersaturated solid solution of CoAs exhibiting the B31 structure of the approximate composition of Co(Ga. .48As.52). The growth kinetics of both the amorphous phase and the μ-phase are parabolic in nature. The parabolic rate constant is higher for the μ-phase than for the amorphous phase. The activation energies are 1.47 and 1.35 eV, respectively.