bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Three‐dimensional resistor network modeling of the resistivity and permeability of fractured rocks
Authors: Kirkby Alison , Heinson Graham 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe resistivity and permeability of 3‐D fracture networks have been modeled as the fractures within these networks are incrementally opened. In these models, the ratio of the rock resistivity to that of the fluid is 104, and the rock permeability is 1 × 10−18 m2. The changes in both resistivity and permeability depend on characteristics of the network itself such as fracture density, as well as the aperture distribution within individual fractures. In dense fracture networks where the density constant α is equal to 30, a percolation threshold can be defined in terms of mean fracture aperture, below which both resistivity and permeability are close to their matrix values. At the percolation threshold, a change in mean aperture of 0.02 mm can change the permeability by 4 orders of magnitude and resistivity by a factor of 4. The percolation threshold does not necessarily occur at the same aperture for different flow directions, so fracture networks near their percolation threshold commonly show anisotropy in both resistivity and permeability. Most sparse networks (α equal to 0.3 or less) do not percolate no matter how open the fractures are. On the other hand, many fracture networks with an intermediate value of α (equal to around 3) will percolate only in one or two directions. This can lead to very strong anisotropy in both resistivity and permeability (up to a factor of 160 and 109, respectively), with anisotropy increasing as the aperture of the fractures increases.
Effect of diabetes mellitus on postoperative endoscopic sinus surgery outcomes
Authors: Filimonov Andrey , Chung Sei Yeon , Wong Anni , Brady Jacob S. , Baredes Soly , Eloy Jean Anderson 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundEndoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) has become the treatment of choice for a variety of nasal conditions. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) on postoperative outcomes in ESS.MethodsData on endoscopic sinus surgery performed from 2005 to 2013 were collected from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement (ACS‐NSQIP) database. Two groups were created, based on the presence of a DM diagnosis, and were analyzed for preoperative variables, comorbidities, and postoperative complications using SPSS statistical software.ResultsThere were 644 patients included in the analysis, 85 of whom (13.2%) had a diagnosis of DM. Patients with DM were more likely to have higher rates of preoperative dyspnea and hypertension. After accounting for confounding factors, DM patients undergoing ESS were at higher risk of overall medical complications, pneumonia, unplanned reintubation, ventilator use of >48 hours, and mortality. However, after separating patients into outpatient and inpatient groups, DM was found to be an independent predictor of urinary tract infection in outpatients and of ventilator use >48 hours in inpatients.ConclusionDM patients undergoing ESS are at increased risk for postoperative medical complications. However, DM does not appear to increase the postoperative surgical complication rate in this population. Furthermore, DM does not appear to have an impact on ESS mortality, readmission, or reoperation rates.
Tightly Bound Double‐Caged [60]Fullerene Derivatives with Enhanced Solubility: Structural Features and Application in Solar Cells
Authors: Brotsman Victor A. , Ioutsi Vitaliy A. , Rybalchenko Alexey V. , Markov Vitaliy Yu. , Belov Nikita M. , Lukonina Natalia S. , Troyanov Sergey I. , Ioffe Ilya N. , Trukhanov Vasiliy A. , Galimova Galina K. , Mannanov Artur A. , Zubov Dmitry N. , Kemnitz Erhard , Sidorov Lev N. , Magdesieva Tatiana V. , Paraschuk Dmitry Yu. , Goryunkov Alexey A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractA series of novel highly soluble double‐caged [60]fullerene derivatives were prepared by means of lithium‐salt‐assisted [2+3] cycloaddition. The bispheric molecules feature rigid linking of the fullerene spheres through a four‐membered cycle and a pyrrolizidine bridge with an ester function CO2R (R=n‐decyl, n‐octadecyl, benzyl, and n‐butyl; compounds 1 a–d, respectively), as demonstrated by NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. Cyclic voltammetry studies revealed three closely overlapping pairs of reversible peaks owing to consecutive one‐electron reductions of fullerene cages, as well as an irreversible oxidation peak attributed to abstraction of an electron from the nitrogen lone‐electron pair. Owing to charge delocalization over both carbon cages, compounds 1 a–d are characterized by upshifted energies of frontier molecular orbitals, a narrowed bandgap, and reduced electron‐transfer reorganization energy relative to pristine C60. Neat thin films of the n‐decyl compound 1 a demonstrated electron mobility of (1.3±0.4)×10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1, which was comparable to phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) and thus potentially advantageous for organic solar cells (OSC). Application of 1 in OSC allowed a twofold increase in the power conversion efficiencies of as‐cast poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) (P3HT)/1 devices relative to the as‐cast P3HT/PCBM ones. This is attributed to the good solubility of 1 and their enhanced charge‐transport properties — both intramolecular, owing to tightly linked fullerene cages, and intermolecular, owing to the large number of close contacts between the neighboring double‐caged molecules. Test P3HT/1 OSCs demonstrated power‐conversion efficiencies up to 2.6 % (1 a). Surprisingly low optimal content of double‐caged fullerene acceptor 1 in the photoactive layer (≈30 wt %) favored better light harvesting and carrier transport owing to the greater content of P3HT and its higher degree of crystallinity.
Comparison of the two modes of the Western Pacific subtropical high between early and late summer
Authors: Dong Xiao , Lin Renping , Fan Fangxing 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIn this work, the first two leading modes of the western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) between early and late summer are compared. Results show that the first mode of both June and August is featured by an anomalous anticyclonic circulation in the western North Pacific region. The second mode of June (August) is featured by an east–west (south–north) dipole over the North Pacific. Then, the association between the WPSH leading modes and El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is examined. Results show that all PC1s are connected with ENSO developing phase. The connection between June–July–August (JJA) PC2 and ENSO decaying can only be seen in July. In June and August, the connection with ENSO is relatively weak. Finally, the PCs‐related precipitation anomaly is explored. The regressed precipitation anomaly patterns have close connection with the 850‐hPa wind field anomaly. The PC1‐related precipitation shows negative anomaly in the western equatorial Pacific and positive anomaly in the maritime continent. In June a PC1‐related positive rain band is located south to Japan along 30°N, which is absent in August. The PC2‐related positive anomaly in equatorial central Pacific in JJA is mainly attributed to August, while the positive anomaly along the east coast of East Asia is in June and July rather than August. The reasons for the differences between early and late summer are also discussed.
Vergleich der Versagenswahrscheinlichkeit und der Versagenshäufigkeit von Brücken
Authors: Proske Dirk 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIn diesem Artikel werden Versagenshäufigkeiten von Brücken mit den Zielversagenswahrscheinlichkeiten moderner Normen verglichen. Die Bestimmung der Versagenshäufigkeiten basiert im Sinne einer Metaanalyse auf verschiedenen Veröffentlichungen, die sowohl verschiedene Bezugszeiten als auch verschiedene Regionen umfassen. Außerdem werden die Zielversagenswahrscheinlichkeiten für neue und bestehende Bauwerke kurz diskutiert. Der Vergleich der Werte zeigt eine relativ gute Übereinstimmung.
A comparison between the larval eyes of the dimly luminescent Keroplatus nipponicus and the brightly luminescent Arachnocampa luminosa (Diptera; Keroplatidae)
Authors: Meyer‐Rochow V. Benno , Yamahama Yumi 
Published: March 2017

AbstractLarvae of the weakly blue‐luminescent fungus gnat Keroplatus nipponicus possess on either side of their heads a small black stemmatal eye with a plano‐convex lens approximately 25 μm in diameter. In total, 12–14 retinula cells give rise to a centrally fused rhabdom of up to 8 μm in diameter. The rhabdom's constituent microvilli, approximately 70 nm in width, are roughly orthogonally oriented, a requirement for polarization sensitivity. Screening pigment granules are abundant in the retinula cells and measure at least 1 μm in diameter. In comparison with the stemmatal eye of the brightly luminescent Arachnocampa luminosa, that of K. nipponicus is considerably smaller with a poorer developed lens and a rhabdom that is less voluminous, but possesses wider microvilli. Although the larval eye of K. nipponicus can be expected to be functional, as the larvae react to light with a behavioural response, the eyes are probably mainly involved in the detection of ambient light levels and not, as in A. luminosa, also in responding to the luminescence of nearby conspecifics.
Variation within MBP gene predicts disease course in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Simpson Steve , Charlesworth Jac C. , van der Mei Ingrid , Lucas Robyn M. , Ponsonby Anne‐Louise ,   AUSLONG Investigators Group, Taylor Bruce V. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectivePrognosis following a first demyelinating event is difficult to predict, with no genetic markers of MS progression currently identified. Myelin basic protein (MBP) is a major component of the myelin sheath of CNS neurons and may play a central role in demyelinating diseases such as MS. However, genetic variation in MBP has not been implicated in MS onset risk in large genome‐wide association studies. We hypothesized that genetic variations in MBP may be a determinant of MS clinical course.Materials and MethodsWe investigated whether variations in the MBP gene altered clinical course (conversion to MS and/or relapse, and annualized change in disability), using a prospectively collected longitudinal cohort study of 127 persons who had had a first demyelinating event, followed up to the 5‐year review.ResultsWe found one variant, rs12959006, predicted worse clinical outcomes. The risk genotype (CT + TT) was significantly associated with hazard of relapse (HR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.19–2.56, p = .005) and of greater annualized disability progression (β = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.06–0.30, p = .004). We also found a significant interaction between the risk genotype and baseline anti‐HHV6 IgG in predicting MS (pinteraction = 0.05) and relapse (pinteraction = 0.02). Functional prediction analysis showed this variant is the target of many transcription factors and the binding sites of miR‐218 and miR‐188‐3p.ConclusionsOur results provide novel insights into the role of genetic variation within the MBP gene predicting MS clinical course, both directly and by interaction with known environmental MS risk factors.
Reduced arterial elasticity due to surgical skeletonization is ameliorated by abluminal PEG hydrogel
Authors: Robinson Karyn G. , Scott Rebecca A. , Hesek Anne M. , Woodford Edward J. , Amir Wafa , Planchon Thomas A. , Kiick Kristi L. , Akins Robert E. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractArteries for bypass grafting are harvested either with neighboring tissue attached or as skeletonized vessels that are free of surrounding tissue. There are significant benefits to skeletonization, but reports suggest that skeletonized vessels may develop structural defects and are at risk for atherosclerosis. We investigated the specific short‐term effects of skeletonization on carotid artery biomechanics and microanatomy in a rabbit model. Six carotid arteries were surgically skeletonized. To support healing, three of these received polyethylene glycol hydrogel injected along their exterior surfaces. M‐mode ultrasonography was used to track circumferential cyclic strain in the skeletonized, hydrogel‐treated, and contralateral vessels. On day 21, the arteries were harvested, and vessel structure was assessed by histology, immunofluorescence microscopy, two‐photon elastin autofluorescence, and second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy. Intimal‐medial thickness appeared unaffected by skeletonization, but the SHG signals indicated significant changes in collagen turnover in the adventitia. Skeletonized arteries also exhibited significantly decreased radial compliance (circumferential cyclic strain dropped ∼30%) and decreased numbers of elastic laminae (9.1 ± 2.0 to 2.3 ± 1.4). Hydrogel treatment protected against these effects with treated vessels maintaining normal mechanical properties. These results indicate that arterial skeletonization triggers immediate effects on vessel remodeling and reduced vessel compliance resulting in specific tissue alterations within 21 days, but that these effects can be attenuated by the placement of hydrogel on the exterior surface of the skeletonized vessel.
Relational conversation: Linking head and heart as a means to transformation
Authors: Macaskie Jane 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimsA study of therapists’ experiences of transformation generated conversational moments typical of the experiences being studied. This paper outlines dialogical moves within research conversations and suggests that these contribute to linking thinking and feeling, head and heart, within an intersubjective matrix, which may be therapeutic.MethodVideo recordings of research conversations were reviewed by researcher and co‐researchers using an adaptation of Interpersonal Process Recall, and key moments were analysed dialogically.FindingsFollowing Stern's (The Present Moment in Psychotherapy and Everyday Life. 2004. New York: W.W. Norton) concept of moments of meeting, additional moments of not‐meeting, reflective moments of meeting and shared interest focus were identified, all functioning as building blocks of intersubjective connection and integration.DiscussionReflective moments of meeting in particular appear to be central to integrating thinking and feeling. Transformational opportunities appear to arise from such integration, while their absence seems to arise from a failure to integrate.Implications for practiceA therapeutic model is presented focusing on the role of reflection within the intersubjective experiencing of therapist and client. Implications for reflective practice are suggested.ConclusionsAttention to dialogical moves demonstrates the potential of research conversations to facilitate transformation for co‐researchers via the integration of thinking and feeling in reflection. Further research is suggested to track similar processes in therapy.
Chemical Composition, Antibacterial, Antibiofilm and Synergistic Properties of Essential Oils from Eucalyptus globulus Labill. and Seven Mediterranean Aromatic Plants
Authors: Vieira Maria , Bessa Lucinda J. , Martins M. Rosário , Arantes Sílvia , Teixeira António P. S. , Mendes Ângelo , Martins da Costa Paulo , Belo Anabela D. F. 
Published: March 2017

Essential oils (EOs) from Eucalyptus globulus Labill. ssp. globulus and from Mediterranean autochthonous aromatic plants – Thymus mastichina L., Mentha pulegium L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Calamintha nepeta (L.) Savi ssp. nepeta, Cistus ladanifer L., Foeniculum vulgare L., Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter ssp. viscosa – were extracted by hydrodistillation and characterized by GC‐FID and NMR spectroscopy. EOs were evaluated for antimicrobial properties against several bacterial strains, using diverse methods, namely, the agar disc‐diffusion method, the microdilution method, the crystal violet assay and the Live/Dead staining for assessment of biofilm formation. Potential synergy was assessed by a checkerboard method. EOs of R. officinalis and C. ladanifer showed a predominance in monoterpene hydrocarbons (> 60%); EOs of C. nepeta, M. pulegium, T. mastichina, E. globulus and F. vulgare were rich in oxygenated monoterpenes (62 – 96%) whereas EO of D. viscosa was mainly composed of oxygenated sesquiterpenes (54%). All EOs showed antimicrobial activity; M. pulegium and E. globulus generally had the strongest antimicrobial activity. EO of C. nepeta was the most promising in hampering the biofilm formation. The combinations D. viscosa/C. nepeta and E. globulus/T. mastichina were synergistic against Staphylococcus aureus. These results support the notion that EOs from the aromatic plants herein reported should be further explored as potential pharmaceuticals and/or food preservatives.
A Fungal N‐Dimethylallyltryptophan Metabolite from Fusarium fujikuroi
Authors: Arndt Birgit , Janevska Slavica , Schmid Robin , Hübner Florian , Tudzynski Bettina , Humpf Hans‐Ulrich 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe range of secondary metabolites (SMs) produced by the rice pathogen Fusarium fujikuroi is quite broad. Several polyketides, nonribosomal peptides and terpenes have been identified. However, no products of dimethylallyltryptophan synthases (DMATSs) have been elucidated, although two putative DMATS genes are present in the F. fujikuroi genome. In this study, the in vivo product derived from one of the DMATSs (DMATS1, FFUJ_09179) was identified with the help of the software MZmine 2. Detailed structure elucidation showed that this metabolite is a reversely N‐prenylated tryptophan with a rare form of prenylation. Further identified products probably resulted from side reactions of DMATS1. The genes adjacent to DMATS1 were analyzed; this showed no influence on the biosynthesis of the product.
Prevalence and clinical significance of left bundle branch block according to classical or strict definition criteria in permanent pacemaker patients
Authors: Mazza Andrea , Bendini Maria Grazia , De Cristofaro Raffaele , Lovecchio Mariolina , Valsecchi Sergio , Leggio Massimo , Boriani Giuseppe 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that the presence of left bundle branch block (LBBB) is associated with an increased risk of cardiac mortality and heart failure (HF). Recently, new criteria to define strict LBBB have been proposed: QRS duration ≥140 ms for men and ≥130 ms for women, along with mid‐QRS notching or slurring in ≥2 contiguous leads.HypothesisWe assessed the prevalence and prognostic significance of LBBB according to classical (QRS duration ≥120ms) and strict criteria in permanent pacemaker patients.MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled 723 consecutive patients who had undergone single‐ or dual‐chamber pacemaker implantation at the study center from July 2002 to December 2014. Patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% or a prior diagnosis of HF were excluded.Results
LBBB was reported in 54 (7%) patients, and strict‐LBBB in 15 (2%) patients. During a median follow‐up of 48 months (range, 18–92 months), 147 (20%) patients reached the combined endpoint of death or HF hospitalization. Patients with LBBB and those with strict‐LBBB displayed significantly higher rates of death or HF hospitalization (log‐rank test, all P < 0.0001). In particular, strict‐LBBB was associated with the worst outcome. The presence of LBBB according to classical definition criteria (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.98, confidence interval [CI]: 1.23‐3.19, P = 0.005) and to strict criteria (HR = 2.20; CI: 1.04‐4.65; P = 0.039) were both confirmed as independent predictors of death or HF hospitalization after adjustment for relevant clinical covariates.ConclusionsAmong patients who had undergone standard pacemaker implantation, the prevalence of LBBB was 7% according to classical definition criteria and 2% according to strict criteria. The presence of LBBB, and particularly of strict‐LBBB, at the baseline predicted a poor outcome in terms of death or HF hospitalization.
Urinary [TIMP‐2] × [IGFBP7] for risk prediction of acute kidney injury in decompensated heart failure
Authors: Schanz Moritz , Shi Jing , Wasser Christoph , Alscher Mark Dominik , Kimmel Martin 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundIn acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) is high. Early detection of patients at risk for AKI is important. We tested urinary [TIMP‐2] × [IGFBP7], a new US Food and Drug Administration–cleared test to assess AKI risk, in a cohort of hospitalized ADHF patients.HypothesisIn patients with ADHF, urinary [TIMP‐2] × [IGFBP7] is associated with moderate to severe AKI and related to increased mortality.MethodsWe enrolled 400 patients in the emergency department at Robert‐Bosch Hospital, Stuttgart, Germany. We examined the predictive ability of urinary [TIMP‐2] × [IGFBP7] (units: [ng/mL]2/1000) for development of AKI stage 2 or 3 within 24 hours of sample collection in patients with ADHF. Operating characteristics were determined for the validated cutoffs of 0.3 and 2.0.ResultsForty patients had ADHF upon presentation and sufficient data for AKI staging. 27.5% developed AKI stage 2–3 within 7 days. Urinary [TIMP‐2] × [IGFBP7] discriminated for AKI stage 2–3 over the first day with an area under the ROC curve of 0.84 (95% confidence interval: 0.72‐0.93) and over 7 days with an AUC of 0.77 (95% confidence interval: 0.65‐0.88). For the first day, sensitivity was 86% at the 0.3 cutoff and specificity was 95% at the 2.0 cutoff for prediction of AKI stage 2–3. There was a trend (P = 0.08) for higher mortality in patients with urinary [TIMP‐2] × [IGFBP7] >2.0 and AKI 2–3.ConclusionsUrinary [TIMP‐2] × [IGFBP7] is a promising marker for AKI risk assessment in patients with ADHF.
REGOSARC: Regorafenib versus placebo in doxorubicin‐refractory soft‐tissue sarcoma—A quality‐adjusted time without symptoms of progression or toxicity analysis
Authors: Berry Vincent , Basson Laurent , Bogart Emilie , Mir Olivier , Blay Jean‐Yves , Italiano Antoine , Bertucci François , Chevreau Christine , Clisant‐Delaine Stéphanie , Liegl‐Antzager Bernadette , Tresch‐Bruneel Emmanuelle , Wallet Jennifer , Taieb Sophie , Decoupigny Emilie , Le Cesne Axel , Brodowicz Thomas , Penel Nicolas 
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUNDIn a placebo‐controlled, randomized phase 2 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01900743), regorafenib improved progression‐free survival (PFS) for patients with doxorubicin‐pretreated advanced nonadipocytic sarcoma. A quality‐adjusted time without symptoms of progression or toxicity (Q‐TWiST) post hoc exploratory analysis was applied to provide an integrated measure of its clinical benefit.METHODSIn the base‐case analysis, each patient's overall survival (OS) was partitioned into 3 mutually exclusive health states: the time with a grade 3 or 4 adverse event (TOX), the time without symptoms of disease or grade 3 or 4 toxicity from treatment, and the time after tumor progression or relapse. The time spent in each state was weighted with a health‐state utility associated with that state and was summed to calculate the Q‐TWiST. The stability of the base‐case analysis was explored with several sensitivity analyses.RESULTSIn nonadipocytic sarcoma, the PFS was (4.0 months [2.6‐5.5 months] with regorafenib vs 1.0 month [0.9‐1.8 months] with a placebo; hazard ratio, 0.36 [0.25‐0.53]; P < .0001); the OS was 13.4 months (8.6‐17.3 months) with regorafenib and 9.0 months (6.8‐12.5 months) with a placebo (hazard ratio, 0.67 [0.44‐1.02]). With the classic definition of TOX (including all grade 3 and 4 clinical adverse events), the Q‐TWiSTs were 8.0 months (7.0‐9.0 months) with regorafenib and 5.7 months (4.9‐6.4 months) with a placebo (P < .001).CONCLUSIONSFor patients with doxorubicin‐pretreated soft‐tissue sarcoma, regorafenib significantly improved quality‐adjusted survival in comparison with a placebo. Cancer 2017;123:2294–2302. © 2017 The Authors. Cancer published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Cancer Society. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.