bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Role of Right Ventricular Function in Patients With Heart Failure Undergoing Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Rapacciuolo Antonio , Maffè Stefano , Palmisano Pietro , Ferraro Anna , Cecchetto Antonella , D'Onofrio Antonio , Solimene Francesco , Musatti Paola , Paffoni Paola , Esposito Francesca , Parravicini Umberto , Agresta Alessia , Botto Giovanni Luca , Malacrida Maurizio , Stabile Giuseppe 
Published: July 2016

BackgroundBecause 20% to 40% of patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) do not respond to it, identification of potential factors predicting response is a relevant research topic.HypothesisThere is a possible association between right ventricular function and response to CRT.MethodsWe analyzed 227 patients from the Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Modular Registry (CRT‐MORE) who received CRT according to current guidelines from March to December 2013. Response to therapy was defined as a decrease of ≥15% in left ventricular end‐systolic volume (LVESV) at 6 months.ResultsThe tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) value that best predicted improvement in LVESV (sensitivity 68%, specificity 54%) was 17 mm. Stratifying patients according to TAPSE, LVESV decreased ≥15% in 78% of patients with TAPSE >17 mm (vs 59% in patients with TAPSE ≤17 mm; P = 0.006). At multivariate analysis, TAPSE >17 mm was independently associated with LVESV improvement (odds ratio: 1.97, 95% confidence interval: 1.03‐3.80, P < 0.05), together with ischemic etiology (odds ratio: 0.39, 95% confidence interval: 0.20‐0.75, P < 0.01). These results were confirmed for New York Heart Association class III to IV patients (79% echocardiographic response rate in patients with TAPSE >17 mm vs 55% in patients with TAPSE <17 mm; P = 0.012).ConclusionsBaseline signs of right ventricular dysfunction suggest possible remodeling after CRT. A TAPSE value of 17 mm was identified as a good cutoff for predicting a better response to CRT in patients with both mildly symptomatic and severe heart failure.
Iron‐Catalysed Selective Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols to Carbonyl and Carboxylic Compounds
Authors: Lagerblom Kalle , Wrigstedt Pauli , Keskiväli Juha , Parviainen Arno , Repo Timo 
Published: July 2016

AbstractA method for aerobic alcohol oxidation catalysed by Fe(NO3)3/2,2’‐bipyridine/TEMPO has allowed highly selective conversion of primary alcohols into either aldehydes or carboxylic acids in one‐step. The oxidation of primary alcohols proceeded selectively to aldehydes, as TEMPO was present in the reaction. Nevertheless, the aldehydes were further oxidized into carboxylic acids as the reaction time was extended. Detailed investigation of the reaction suggested, that the deoxygenation of TEMPO into TMP enabled the auto‐oxidation of aldehydes to carboxylic acids, which was initially inhibited in the presence of TEMPO. The procedure was also efficient in oxidation of secondary alcohols when TEMPO was replaced by the less sterically hindered ABNO.
Subterranean termite phylogeography reveals multiple postglacial colonization events in southwestern Europe
Authors: Lefebvre Thomas , Vargo Edward L. , Zimmermann Marie , Dupont Simon , Kutnik Magdalena , Bagnères Anne‐Geneviève 
Published: July 2016

AbstractA long‐standing goal of evolutionary biology is to understand how paleoclimatic and geological events shape the geographical distribution and genetic structure within and among species. Using a diverse set of markers (cuticular hydrocarbons, mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences, microsatellite loci), we studied Reticulitermes grassei and R. banyulensis, two closely related termite species in southwestern Europe. We sought to clarify the current genetic structure of populations that formed following postglacial dispersal from refugia in southern Spain and characterize the gene flow between the two lineages over the last several million years. Each marker type separately provided a fragmented picture of the evolutionary history at different timescales. Chemical analyses of cuticular hydrocarbons and phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear genes showed clear separation between the species, suggesting they diverged following vicariance events in the Late Miocene. However, the presence of intermediate chemical profiles and mtDNA introgression in some Spanish colonies suggests ongoing gene flow. The current genetic structure of Iberian populations is consistent with alternating isolation and dispersal events during Quaternary glacial periods. Analyses of population genetic structure revealed postglacial colonization routes from southern Spain to France, where populations underwent strong genetic bottlenecks after traversing the Pyrenees resulting in parapatric speciation.
Potential role for clinical calibration to increase engagement with and application of home telemonitoring: a report from the HeartCycle programme
Authors: Gastelurrutia Paloma , Lupón Josep , Domingo Mar , Stut Wim , Dovancescu Silviu , Cleland John , Frankenstein Lutz , Bayes‐Genis Antoni ,   on behalf of the HeartCycle Programme Investigators
Published: July 2016

AbstractAimsThere is a need for alternative strategies that might avoid recurrent admissions in patients with heart failure. home telemonitoring (HTM) to monitor patient's symptoms from a distance may be useful. This study attempts to assess changes in HTM vital signs in response to daily life activities (variations in medication, salt intake, exercise, and stress) and to establish which variations affect weight, blood pressure, and heart rate.Methods and resultsWe assessed 76 patients with heart failure (mean age 76 ± 10.8 years, 75% male, mainly in NYHA class II/III and from ischaemic aetiology cause). Patients were given a calendar of interventions scheduling activities approximately twice a week before measuring their vital signs. Eating salty food or a large meal were the activities that had a significant impact on weight gain (+0.3 kg; P < 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively). Exercise and skipping a dose of medication other than diuretics increased heart rate (+3 bpm, P = 0.001 and almost +2 bpm, P = 0.016, respectively).ConclusionsOur HTM system was able to detect small changes in vital signs related to these activities. Further studies should assess if providing such a schedule of activities might be useful for patient education and could improve long‐term adherence to recommended lifestyle changes.
Two Tales of Return Predictability: The Case of Asia–Pacific Equity Markets
Authors: Shynkevich Andrei 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIf past prices can successfully predict future price movements, it would contradict the notion of weak‐form market efficiency. Return predictability can be assessed via a variety of random walk statistical tests or via the application of mechanical trading rules. Findings of return predictability and state of market efficiency are compared by applying a battery of popular random walk statistical tests and a large set of mechanical trading rules to a family of equity indexes in Asia–Pacific equity markets over a 20‐year period of time. Inferences drawn from different random walk based econometric tests of market efficiency often disagree among themselves and tend to exaggerate the extent of predictability in returns. Testing of return predictability via a set of mechanical trading rules allows one to account for a possible data snooping bias, error measurements due to nonsynchronous trading and market frictions such as trading costs. Persistent predictability of returns that cannot be explained by the combination of data snooping bias, nonsynchronicity bias and moderate level of transaction costs is found in just two emerging equity markets in the region. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clock drawing test in screening for Alzheimer's dementia and mild cognitive impairment in clinical practice
Authors: Vyhnálek Martin , Rubínová Eva , Marková Hana , Nikolai Tomáš , Laczó Jan , Andel Ross , Hort Jakub 
Published: July 2016

ObjectivesThe clock drawing test (CDT) is a commonly used brief cognitive measure. We evaluated diagnostic accuracy of subjective ratings of CDT by physicians (with/without specialty in cognitive neurology) and neuropsychologists in discriminating amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), Alzheimer's dementia (AD) and cognitively healthy older adults. We further compared the diagnostic accuracy of subjective categorical ratings with complex scoring of CDT.MethodsThree cognitive neurologists, three neuropsychologists and six neurology residents without experience in cognitive neurology blinded to the diagnosis rated 187 CDTs (50 mild AD, 49 aMCI and 88 cognitively healthy older adults) using a “yes” (abnormal) versus “suspected” versus “no” (normal) classification. The rating suspected was combined with yes or no to obtain two sets of sensitivity estimates. We also used a 17‐point CDT rating system.ResultsWhen using the categorical rating, neuropsychologists had highest sensitivity (89%) in differentiating patients with mild AD (yes/suspected versus no), followed by neurologic residents (80%) and cognitive neurologists (79%). When differentiating patients with aMCI (yes/suspected versus no), the sensitivity was 84% for neuropsychologists, 64% for cognitive neurologists and 62% for residents. The sensitivity using the complex scoring system was 92% in patients with mild AD and 69% in patients with aMCI.ConclusionsA categorical rating of CDT shows high sensitivity for mild AD even in non‐experienced raters. Neuropsychologists outperformed physicians in differentiating patients with aMCI from cognitively healthy older adults (specificity), which was counterbalanced by the lower specificity of their ratings. The diagnostic accuracy was not substantially improved by using complex scoring system. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Distortive Nature of Temperature – A Symmetry Analysis
Authors: Tuvi‐Arad Inbal , Stirling András 
Published: July 2016

AbstractA new approach to resolve and quantify the effect of temperature on both the average, as well as the instantaneous, structure of generally symmetric molecules is presented. The method employs the efficient continuous symmetry measure, which is shown here to be capable of separating temperature‐induced instantaneous disorders from other sources of distortion, such as the Jahn−Teller effect. We demonstrate the potential of the method by studying two highly symmetric molecules: adamantane and the cyclopentadienyl anion and their cationic states. Our results show that although the distortive effect of temperature is significant, it does not mask other distortion effects. Symmetry analysis provides means to quantify the extent of the distortion in each case, and is investigated from a statistical point of view. A major experimental and theoretical challenge is to resolve the Jahn−Teller effect from other environmental effects, such as solvent, solid matrix, concentration, etc. Our results provide a step forward in this direction.
Abnormal structural and functional hypothalamic connectivity in mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Zhou Yongxia 
Published: July 2016

PurposeTo investigate whether there is imaging evidence of hypothalamic injury in patients with mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), which is a major public health problem due to the high prevalence and difficulty in diagnosis and treatment.Materials and MethodsTwenty‐four patients (mean age 34.2, range, 18–56 years) with symptomatic MTBI and 22 age‐matched healthy controls (mean age 37.0, range 20–61 years) participated in the study. Diffusion kurtosis imaging was performed with diffusion‐weighted images acquired along 30 gradient directions and three b‐values (b = 0, 1000, 2000 s/mm2) based on a twice‐refocused spin‐echo sequence with a 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. Resting‐state functional (f)MRI with standard echo planar imaging (EPI) were performed to localize the resting‐state networks (RSN) and hypothalamic functional connectivity.ResultsThere were significantly reduced mean kurtosis (P = 0.0092) and radial kurtosis (P = 0.0078) in patients as compared to controls in the hypothalamus. Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation (r = –0.675, P = 0.0007) between radial kurtosis in the hypothalamus and fatigue severity scale in patients. The MTBI group also showed disrupted hypothalamic RSNs, with significantly decreased positive connectivity in medial prefrontal cortex, inferior posterior parietal, and cingulate regions but increased connectivity in the peri‐hypothalamic regions and cerebellum, together with significantly decreased negative RSNs in visual and bilateral premotor areas (cluster corrected P < 0.05).ConclusionOur results show disruption of functional and structural hypothalamic connectivity in patients with MTBI, and might further the understanding of an array of clinical symptoms in MTBI such as sleep disturbance and fatigue.Level of Evidence: 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:1105–1112
Conversion of Paper Waste Into Bioplastic (Poly‐Lactic Acid)
Authors: Neupane Bishnu Prasad , Tiwari Bishnu Raj , Malla Komal Prasad , Gautam Anil 
Published: July 2016

SummaryThe broadly apposite bioplastic, poly lactic acid was synthesized by using deinked paper waste as substrate, fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae under controlled laboratory conditions followed by condensation polymerization. The substrate was initially subjected to acid hydrolysis followed by alkali neutralization to attain an ideal neutral pH for the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. At regular intervals the amount of reducing sugar present in the samples were tested using 2,4‐dinitrosalicyclic acid (DNS) method and the amount of sugar that was metabolized to alcohol and lactate were estimated using cerric ammonium nitrate and ρ‐hydroxy biphenyl method respectively. The lactic acid extract was concentrated using a rotary vacuum evaporator and the amount was determined spectrophotometrically. The concentrated extract was used for polymerization in the presence of stannous chloride. This resulted in the production of white amorphous wafers. Polymerization trial with stannous chloride was done with 1 ml of purified extract with 0.1 g of stannous chloride.
Influence of Nanoclay on the Rheological Properties of PMMA/Organoclay Nanocomposites Prepared by Solvent Blending Technique
Authors: Kumar Manish , Kumar Vijay , Muthuraja A. , Senthilvelan S. , Pugazhenthi G. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryThe aim of present work is to study the effect of organoclay concentration on the rheological properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposites. The PMMA nanocomposites containing organoclay in different proportions (3, 5 and 7 wt.%) were prepared by solvent blending method. The rheological properties of PMMA/organoclay nanocomposites were evaluated by parallel‐plate rheometer at fixed temperature (190 °C). Viscoelastic parameters such as storage modulus, loss modulus and complex viscosity exhibit the change from primarily viscous to elastic behaviour when the frequency increases. The thermal degradation kinetic model, Coats‐Redfern, also demonstrates the enhanced activation energy for the nanocomposites with an increase in the organoclay content.
Modification of Poly(Vinyl Chloride) + Epoxy Systems for Improved Thermal and Aging Stability
Authors: Bashta Bogdana , Brostow Witold , Granowski Gregory , Hnatchuk Nathalie 
Published: July 2016

SummaryFunctional oligomers were synthesized via a reaction of ED‐24 epoxy resin or a peroxy derivative of that resin with free peroxy and epoxy groups with adipic acid and via interaction between derivative of pyromellitic dianhydride and peroxy derivative of the same resin in the presence of benzyl triethylammonium chloride. The effects of oligomer presence, oligomer nature and amount on the crosslinking of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) mixtures were investigated. The thermal stability of synthesized oligomers and PVC mixtures based on them were determined, as was resistance to aging. Schematics of cross‐linking reactions of modified mixtures are proposed. Higher thermal stability and better resistance to aging have been achieved.
Quality Control Tests and Matching Fourier‐Transform Infrared Spectra for Raw and Intermediate Materials of 2‐Pack Epoxy Paints
Authors: Salim Yoga Sugama , Chan Chin Han , Ong Chong Hup 
Published: July 2016

SummaryThe local users of the oil and gas companies suffering from high cost of repainting the steel structures and pipelines when the coatings fail prematurely, where one of the attributing factors may be the adulterated polymeric coatings supplied to the job sites. This posted the needs to fingerprint the polymeric coatings supplied, which shall not deviate from the submitted specifications for prequalification and tender purpose of projects. The first part of the study shows that the coatings formula remains trade secret, even though spectra of Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) are submitted along with the delivery of the polymeric coatings. Characterizations of the raw materials (viscosity and density) as well as final products (adhesion and dry film thickness) can hardly be differentiated for different grades of materials with exception on the salt spray test. The salt spray test is usually performed before the paint manufacturer submits its product for qualification and tender purpose. Infrared component searching of various raw and intermediate paint materials ranging from organic color pigments, epoxy resins to epoxy hardeners for 2‐pack epoxy paints was attempted. The materials were analyzed with FTIR. It appears that the component search gives several possible (chemical) compounds according to extensive FTIR library search. Although some of these components are known to exist within the material (color pigments, epoxy resins and epoxy hardeners), it does not reveal further detailed formulation. Reproducibility of the estimation of correlation (r) or the matching ratio of the reference spectrum to that of the sample spectrum is noted when the FTIR analysis was carried out. The statistical examination utilizing two‐sample paired t‐test shows that there is no statistically difference at 95% confidence level for the results of r estimated between Softwares A and B, or between Softwares A and C when the samples were analyzed using Nicolet FTIR spectrometer.
Solidification of Suspended Colloids at Nonplanar Interfaces
Authors: Xu Zhanping , Yu Hongfeng , Yan Jia , Tan Li 
Published: July 2016

SummaryFreeze‐drying has been widely used to deliver wide varieties of porous structures because of its processing ease and environment‐friendly nature. However, freezing of colloidal suspensions is also complex that depends on interplay of multiple parameters including the rate of processing, the magnitude of temperature gradient, and the portion of each component in the liquid mixture. While these parameters are relatively easy to measure and control, the mutual interaction between the growing solid‐liquid interface and the solute content in the suspension is much harder to evaluate. We present a two‐dimensional numerical model to simulate this latter scenario in a unidirectional freezing process, with a focus of colloidal particle motions at self‐evolving nonplanar solid‐liquid interface. This growing interface is determined by a real‐time thermal and constitutional supercooling in the liquid medium. We found colloidal particles can be rejected by the interface if the repelling from the interface is strong and freezing speed is low. Microscale liquid medium among colloidal particle gaps can freeze when particles are highly packed between frozen solid tips, with small pores easily frozen than larger ones. Noting all these findings are revealed by coupling our simulation with a visualization module though high performance GPU devices.
Multislice CEST MRI improves the spatial assessment of tumor pH
Authors: Randtke Edward A. , Granados Jeffry C. , Howison Christine M. , Pagel Mark D. , Cárdenas‐Rodríguez Julio 
Published: July 2016

PurposeMultislice maps of extracellular pH (pHe) are needed to interrogate the heterogeneities of tumors and normal organs. To address this need, we have developed a multislice chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI acquisition method with a CEST spectrum‐fitting method that measures in vivo pHe over a range of 6.3 to 7.4.MethodsThe phase offset multiplanar (POMP) method was adapted for CEST fast imaging with steady‐state free precession (FISP) MRI to acquire multiple image slices with a single CEST saturation pulse. The Bloch‐McConnell equations were modified to include pH based on a calibration of pH and chemical exchange rate for the contrast agent iopamidol. These equations were used to estimate the pixel‐wise pHe values throughout the multislice acidoCEST MR images of the tumor, kidney, bladder, and other tissues of a MDA‐MB‐231 tumor model.ResultsMultislice acidoCEST MRI successfully mapped a gradient of pHe from 6.73 to 6.81 units from the tumor core to rim, and also mapped a gradient of pHe 6.56 to 6.97 across the mouse kidney. The bladder was found to be pHe 6.3.ConclusionAcidoCEST MRI with POMP acquisition and Bloch‐McConnel analysis can map pHe in multiple imaging slices through the tumor, kidney, and bladder. This multislice evaluation facilitates assessments of spatial heterogeneity of tissue pHe. Magn Reson Med 78:97–106, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Optimization of simultaneous multislice EPI for concurrent functional perfusion and BOLD signal measurements at 7T
Authors: Ivanov Dimo , Poser Benedikt A , Huber Laurentius , Pfeuffer Josef , Uludağ Kâmil 
Published: July 2016

PurposeTo overcome limitations of previous ultra‐high‐field arterial spin labeling (ASL) techniques concerning temporal resolution and brain coverage by utilizing the simultaneous multi‐slice (SMS) approach.MethodsAn optimized, flow‐alternating inversion recovery quantitative imaging of perfusion using a single subtraction II scheme was developed that tackles the challenges of 7 tesla (T) ASL. The implementation of tailored labeling radiofrequency pulses reduced the effect of transmit field (
) inhomogeneities. The proposed approach utilizes an SMS echo‐planar imaging (EPI) readout to efficiently achieve large brain coverage.ResultsA pulsed ASL (PASL) technique with large brain coverage is described and optimized that can be applied at temporal resolutions below 2.5 s, similar to those achievable at 1.5 and 3T magnetic field strength. The influences of within‐ and through‐slice acceleration factors and reconstruction parameters on perfusion and blood‐oxygenation‐level‐dependent (BOLD)‐signal image and temporal signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) are presented. The proposed approach yielded twice the brain coverage as compared to conventional PASL at 7T, without notable loss in image quality.ConclusionThe presented SMS EPI PASL at 7T overcomes current limitations in SNR, temporal resolution, and spatial coverage for functional perfusion and BOLD signal as well as baseline perfusion measurements. Magn Reson Med 78:121–129, 2017. © 2016 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution‐NonCommercial‐NoDerivs License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non‐commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made.