bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subclinical hypothyroidism is an independent predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute decompensated heart failure
Authors: Hayashi Tomohiro , Hasegawa Takuya , Kanzaki Hideaki , Funada Akira , Amaki Makoto , Takahama Hiroyuki , Ohara Takahiro , Sugano Yasuo , Yasuda Satoshi , Ogawa Hisao , Anzai Toshihisa 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimsAltered thyroid hormone metabolism characterized by a low triiodothyronine (T3), so‐called low‐T3 syndrome, is a common finding in patients with severe systemic diseases. Additionally, subclinical thyroid dysfunction, defined as abnormal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and normal thyroxine (T4), causes left ventricular dysfunction. Our objective was to identify the prevalence and prognostic impact of low‐T3 syndrome and subclinical thyroid dysfunction in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).Methods and resultsWe examined 274 ADHF patients who were not receiving thyroid medication or amiodarone on admission (70 ± 15 years, 156 male), who underwent thyroid function tests. Euthyroidism was defined as TSH of 0.45 to 4.49 mIU/L; subclinical hypothyroidism as TSH of 4.5 to 19.9 mIU/L; and subclinical hyperthyroidism as TSH < 0.45 mIU/L, with normal free T4 level for the last two. Additionally, low‐T3 syndrome was defined as free T3 < 4.0 pmol/L among euthyroidism subjects. On admission, 188 patients (69%) showed euthyroidism, 58 (21%) subclinical hypothyroidism, 5 (2%) subclinical hyperthyroidism, and 95 (35%) low‐T3 syndrome. Cox proportional hazards models revealed that higher TSH, but not free T3 and free T4, was independently associated with composite cardiovascular events, including cardiac death and re‐hospitalization for heart failure. Indeed, subclinical hypothyroidism was an independent predictor (hazard ratio: 2.31; 95% confidence interval: 1.44 to 3.67; P < 0.001), whereas low‐T3 syndrome and subclinical hyperthyroidism were not.ConclusionsSubclinical hypothyroidism on admission was an independent predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in ADHF patients, suggesting a possible interaction between thyroid dysfunction and the pathophysiology of ADHF.
Vibration Modeling of PEM Fuel Cell for Prediction of Cell Number Effects by Experimental Data
Authors: Imen S. J. , Shakeri M. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractOne of the most important challenges in increasing the performance, reliability and lifetime of fuel cells is the mechanical load effects that occur on real applications. Therefore, the vibration model of fuel cell that predicts the behavior of various fuel cell layouts is very useful. The fuel cell is made up of different adjacent layers that may have semi opposite mechanical properties. This special structure leads to occurrence of non‐linear behavior of fuel cell under dynamic mechanical vibrations and so, a black box method is selected for modeling of its vibration behavior. In this study, the mechanical load experiments in various shape and axes were applied on five layouts of proposed fuel cell and the vibration of its body measure by some accelerometers. The NNARXM neural network is created and trained with the experimental data of three layouts of the fuel cell. Then, the prediction error of this neural network, validated with the two other experimental data of fuel cell layouts, by correlation coefficients and histogram of prediction errors. Neural network validation shows the well prediction of both untrained layout and suitable estimation for any desired layout.
Post‐sensitization administration of non‐digestible oligosaccharides and Bifidobacterium breve M‐16V reduces allergic symptoms in mice
Authors: van Esch Betty C. A. M. , Abbring Suzanne , Diks Mara A. P. , Dingjan Gemma M. , Harthoorn Lucien F. , Vos A. Paul , Garssen Johan 
Published: March 2016

AbstractTo support dietary management of severe cow's milk allergic infants, a synbiotic mixture of non‐digestible oligosaccharides and Bifidobacterium breve M‐16V (B. breve) was designed from source materials that are completely cow's milk‐free. It was investigated whether this specific synbiotic concept can reduce an established food allergic response in a research model for hen's egg allergy. Mice were orally sensitized once a week for 5 weeks to ovalbumin (OVA) using cholera toxin (CT) as an adjuvant. Non‐sensitized mice received CT in PBS only. Sensitized mice were fed a control diet or a diet enriched with short‐chain‐ (scFOS) and long‐chain fructo‐oligosaccharides (lcFOS), B. breve or scFOSlcFOS + B. breve for 3 weeks starting after the last sensitization. Non‐sensitized mice received the control diet. Anaphylactic shock symptoms, acute allergic skin responses and serum specific IgE, mMCP‐1 and galectin‐9 were measured upon OVA challenge. Activated Th2‐, Th1‐cells and regulatory T‐cells were quantified in spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and cytokine profiles were analyzed. Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) were measured in ceacal samples. The acute allergic skin response was reduced in mice fed the scFOSlcFOS + B. breve diet compared to mice fed any of the other diets. A reduction in mast cell degranulation (mMCP‐1) and anaphylactic shock symptoms was also observed in these mice. Unstimulated splenocyte cultures produced increased levels of IL10 and IFNg in mice fed the scFOSlcFOS + B. breve diet. Correspondingly, increased percentages of activated Th1 cells were observed in the spleen. Allergen‐specific re‐stimulation of splenocytes showed a decrease in IL5 production. In summary; post‐sensitization administration of scFOSlcFOS + B. breve was effective in reducing allergic symptoms after allergen challenge. These effects coincided with changes in regulatory and effector T‐cell subsets and increases in the SCFA propionic acid. These results suggest immune modulatory benefits of dietary intervention with a unique combination of scFOSlcFOS + B. breve in established food allergy. Whether these effects translate to human applications is subject for ongoing clinical studies.
Intrapolyp steroid injection for nasal polyposis: Randomized trial of safety and efficacy
Authors: Kırıs Muzaffer , Muderris Togay , Yalçıner Gökhan , Bercin Sami , Sevil Ergun , Gul Fatih 
Published: March 2016

Objectives/HypothesisLocal and systemic steroid treatment is the mainstay of therapy for nasal polyposis. This study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of intrapolyp steroid injection on nasal polyposis and to compare the outcomes with short‐term oral steroid treatment.Study DesignProspective, randomized, controlled endoscopic clinical trial.MethodsNinety patients with nasal polyps were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive oral prednisolone 1 mg/kg/day, tapering by 5 mg/day, for 2 weeks, or to receive intrapolyp steroid injection (40 mg/mL triamcinolone, 1 mL) for up to five times with intervals of 1 week. Both groups received fluticasone propionate nasal drops twice daily for 12 weeks after initial treatment. Total nasal symptoms scores and total nasal polyp scores of both groups were evaluated before and 3 and 6 months after treatment, whereas computed tomography (CT) scores were evaluated before and 6 months after treatment. Also, plasma cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels of the patients in the intrapolyp steroid injection group were evaluated before, during, and after treatment.ResultsA total of 211 injections were given to 45 patients, and no serious complications were observed. Both groups showed significant decrease in symptom score, polyp score, and CT score (P > 0.001), with no significant difference between groups (P > 0.05). Plasma cortisol and ACTH levels of the injected patients were in normal limits before treatment, 1 week after the first injection, and 1 week after the last injection.ConclusionIntrapolyp steroid injection appears to be an effective and safe method for treatment of nasal polyps, with comparable results to oral short‐term steroid treatment.Level of Evidence1b. Laryngoscope, 126:1730–1735, 2016
Does residual wall size or technique matter in the treatment of Zenker's diverticulum?
Authors: Shah Rupali N. , Slaughter Keimun A. , Fedore Lauren W. , Huang Benjamin Y. , Deal Allison M. , Buckmire Robert A. 
Published: March 2016

Objectives/HypothesisWe aimed to compare three surgical techniques (open approach for diverticulectomy with cricopharyngeal myotomy [OA], endoscopic laser‐assisted diverticulotomy [ELD], and endoscopic stapler‐assisted diverticulotomy [ESD]) for treatment of Zenker's diverticulum with regard to validated swallowing outcomes, radiographic outcomes, complications, and revision rates. We statistically analyzed whether the size of residual postoperative party wall or the specific surgical technique correlates with swallowing outcomes.Study DesignRetrospective chart review and radiographic study analysis.MethodsA retrospective chart review and radiographic analysis of preoperative and postoperative contrast swallow studies were conducted on patients undergoing surgery for Zenker's diverticulum between 2002 and 2014 at our institution. A follow‐up validated swallowing outcome questionnaire, the Eating Assessment Tool‐10, was administered to measure and compare patients' symptomatic outcomes.ResultsSeventy‐three patients were reviewed and grouped according to technique. Median follow‐up was 1.6 years. ESD resulted in a significantly larger residual party wall than ELD and OA but yielded comparative swallowing outcomes. OA had the highest complication rate and ESD had the highest revision rate. There were no revisions after ELD nor OA.ConclusionsDespite the predictably larger residual postoperative party wall following ESD, this technique produced statistically comparable swallowing outcomes. Given its low complication rate and comparable results, ESD should be considered first line therapy for medically high‐risk patients with Zenker's diverticulum, while acknowledging a higher risk of symptom recurrence. ELD, with its slightly greater risk profile but low recurrence rate, is well suited for most in revision cases. OA may best be reserved for those patients in whom endoscopic approach is not feasible.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 126:2475–2479, 2016
Mechanistic study of ring‐opening copolymerization of ɛ‐caprolactam with epoxide: Development of novel thermosetting epoxy resin system
Authors: Kudo Hiroto , Buya Kentaro 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTWe investigated the mechanism of the ring‐opening copolymerization of ɛ‐caprolactam (ɛ‐CL) with glycidyl phenyl ether (GPE) to afford poly(ɛ‐CL‐co‐GPE) as a model reaction of the thermal curing of certain epoxy resins with ɛ‐CL. The reaction of ɛ‐CL and GPE proceeded efficiently in the presence of 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU) at 170°C for 2 h. The monomer reactivities r1 of ɛ‐CL and r2 of GPE calculated according to the Fineman‐Ross method and the Kelen‐Tüdös method were 0.58 and 5.52, respectively. These values indicate that poly(ɛ‐CL‐co‐GPE) has a pseudo‐block gradient copolymer. Based on these results, we examined the thermal curing reactions of certain epoxy resins with ɛ‐CL. The corresponding novel cured products were obtained quantitatively, and each of them showed a high glass transition temperature and high thermal stability, presumably due at least in part to a pseudo‐block gradient primary structure resembling that of poly(ɛ‐CL‐co‐GPE). © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 2220–2228
Electrospinning of poly(lactic acid): Theoretical approach for the solvent selection to produce defect‐free nanofibers
Authors: Casasola Raffaella , Thomas Noreen L. , Georgiadou Stella 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTIn this study an integrated methodology was proposed for the selection of solvent systems to produce electrospinnable solutions that form defect‐free poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fibers with narrow diameter distributions. The solvent systems were chosen using a thermodynamic approach, combined with electrical and rheological property criteria. More specifically, the three step methodology includes (1) initial choice of solvent by solubility evaluation to meet thermodynamic criteria, (2) electrical properties, that is, conductivity and dielectric constant adjustment by using solvent mixtures to meet electrical property criteria, and (3) critical entanglement concentration (Ce) determination by viscosity measurements, supported by elastic and plastic moduli measurements, followed by concentration adjustment to meet rheological criteria. All three criteria need to be met to ensure defect‐free nanofiber morphology. The methodology was demonstrated using PLA solutions that were characterized in terms of thermodynamic properties, conductivity, surface tension, and viscosity measurements. These data were analyzed and related to the nanofiber morphology and diameter as determined from scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Measurements of the elastic (G′) and the plastic (G″) moduli of PLA solutions showed a sharp increase of G′ at the chain entanglement concentration. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys.2016,54, 1483–1498
Auxiliary Part of Ligand Mediated Unique Coordination Chemistry of Copper (II)
Authors: Majumder Ishani , Chakraborty Prateeti , Adhikary Jaydeep , Kara Hulya , Zangrando Ennio , Bauza Antonio , Frontera Antonio , Das Debasis 
Published: March 2016

AbstractSix N,N,O‐donor Schiff‐base ligands, HL1‐HL6, [HL1/HL2/HL3={2‐(2‐piperazin‐1‐yl)ethylimino)methyl)‐4‐(Cl/H/Me)‐phenol}; HL4/HL5/HL6={2‐(2‐morpholine/piperidine/ pyrrolidine −1‐yl)ethylimino)methyl)‐4‐chlorophenol}, have been designed by combining 5‐R‐2‐hydroxy‐benzaldehyde, (R=Cl/H/Me) and N‐(2‐aminoethyl)‐Y, (Y=piperazin/morpholine/ piperidine/pyrrolidine) with the view to explore the role of R and X (part of Y excluding coordinating N) on the coordination chemistry of Cu(II) in presence of bromide as counter anion. HL1‐HL6 formed in situ on reaction with Cu(II)Br2 produce complexes 1–6, respectively. Complex 1, [Cu(II)2Cu(I)2(L1)(MeOH)2Br7.30], is a mixed valence Cu(I)‐Cu(II) species having phenyl ring brominated at ortho position with 0.65 occupancy. Complexes 2–4 are mononuclear species with general formula [Cu{L2/L3/L4)}Br2]. Complexes [Cu3(L5)Br4] (5) and [Cu3(L6)Br4] (6) are trinuclear species having similar structure but exhibit different magnetic property, 5 is ferro‐ (J= +16.64 cm−1 ) and 6 is antiferromegnetic (J=–11.76 cm−1). The influence of R and X on bromonation, magnetic property and nuclearity issues have been rationalized by DFT calculations.
C–N cross coupling approach synthesis and electronic properties of donor–acceptor oligomer
Authors: Kundu Rajen , Kulshreshtha Chandramouli 
Published: March 2016

AbstractC–N cross coupling approach synthesis of donor–acceptor oligomer containing 9,9‐dioctyl‐N2,N7‐diaryl‐9H‐fluorene‐2,7‐diamine and 5‐octyl‐1,3‐di(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐4H‐thieno[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐4,6(5H)‐dione has been reported. The electronic properties of the synthesized oligomers were studied by UV‐visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and computational analysis. The oligomers absorb the visible light at around 508–520 nm, both in solution as well as in solid state. We observed dual emission band centred at around 595 nm (LE emission) and 650 nm (CT emission) with a long tail in near‐infrared (NIR) spectral region when the oligomers were excited at around 510 nm. Large Stokes shifts (∼130 nm) led to deep red emission which was likely due to the interaction of donor–acceptor units of the oligomer backbone. Overall, the experimental and theoretical results of these oligomers indicate that they can be used as a promising materials for organic electronics.
Are founder CEOs more overconfident than professional CEOs? Evidence from S&P 1500 companies
Authors: Lee Joon Mahn , Hwang Byoung‐Hyoun , Chen Hailiang 
Published: March 2016

Research summary: We provide evidence that founder chief executive officers (CEOs) of large S&P 1500 companies are more overconfident than their nonfounder counterparts (“professional CEOs”). We measure overconfidence via tone of CEO tweets, tone of CEO statements during earnings conference calls, management earnings forecasts, and CEO option‐exercise behavior. Compared with professional CEOs, founder CEOs use more optimistic language on Twitter and during earnings conference calls. In addition, founder CEOs are more likely to issue earnings forecasts that are too high; they are also more likely to perceive their firms to be undervalued, as implied by their option‐exercise behavior. We provide evidence that, to date, investors appear unaware of this “overconfidence bias” among founders.Managerial summary: This article helps to explain why firms managed by founder chief executive officers (CEOs) behave differently from those managed by professional CEOs. We study a sample of S&P 1500 firms and find strong evidence that founder CEOs are more overconfident than professional CEOs. To date, investors appear unaware of this overconfidence bias among founders. Our study should help firm stakeholders, including investors, employees, suppliers, and customers, put the statements and actions of founder CEOs in perspective. Our study should also help members of corporate boards make more informed decisions about whether to retain (or bring back) founder CEOs or hire professional CEOs. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The recent history and successes of China's energy efficiency policy
Authors: Yang Mian , Hu Zheng , Yuan Jiahai 
Published: March 2016

Energy conservation has been a critical argument in China's development agenda for decades. China had 8 billion tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission in 2012 (shared 27% of total global GHG emission), which received attention from researchers at home and abroad. This paper summarizes China's major policy development pathway on energy efficiency since the 1978 open‐door policy. The major focuses of this paper are provided from the perspectives of building energy efficiency capacity and reducing long‐term energy intensity as well as accelerating China's economic transformation. According to the characteristics of economic development phases, energy efficiency policy improvement in the past 35 years could be divided into three categories: planned economic period (1978–1991), partial market economic period (1992–2002) and technology‐oriented economic transformation period (2003‐present). This paper also recommends China's future energy efficiency plan to enable a long‐term energy conservation mechanism, particularly to place a close emphasis on economic transformations. WIREs Energy Environ 2016, 5:715–730. doi: 10.1002/wene.213This article is categorized under:

Energy Policy and Planning > Economics and Policy
Energy Policy and Planning > Systems and Infrastructure
Energy Policy and Planning > Climate and Environment
Intestinal ileus and pneumatosis intestinalis as the major manifestations of tuberculous peritonitis: A diagnostic challenge
Authors: Chen Chang‐Hua , Chou Kun‐Ching , Tsao Lien‐Cheng 
Published: March 2016

SummaryTuberculous peritonitis (TBP) is a continuing problem in populations with high prevalence of tuberculosis and is difficult to diagnose early. Here, we report a case of confirmed TBP that presented as intestinal ileus and pneumatosis intestinalis. The 79‐year‐old woman had a history of atrial fibrillation, chronic ischemic heart disease, and chronic renal failure (chronic kidney disease, stage V). She complained of abdominal fullness and pain for 1 week prior to hospitalization. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed pneumatosis intestinalis. Laparoscopic surgery was performed, and multiple whitish nodules covering the peritoneum were discovered. Biopsy results were consistent with caseating granulomatous inflammation. A modified anti‐tuberculosis regimen (isoniazid, 300 mg daily; rifampicin 600 mg daily; ethambutol 800 mg three times per week; and pyrazinamide 1200 mg three times per week) was initiated, stabilizing the condition of the patient. The total duration of anti‐tuberculosis therapy was 12 months, with patient condition gradually improving to normal. The elderly, uremic patients recovered fully after the modified anti‐tuberculosis regimen for 12 months. For clinical practice, we developed a decision‐making algorithm for patients suspecting TBP.
The effects of experimental pain and induced optimism on working memory task performance
Authors: Boselie Jantine J.L.M. , Vancleef Linda M.G. , Peters Madelon L. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract

Background/aims
Pain can interrupt and deteriorate executive task performance. We have previously shown that experimentally induced optimism can diminish the deteriorating effect of cold pressor pain on a subsequent working memory task (i.e., operation span task). In two successive experiments we sought further evidence for the protective role of optimism on pain-induced working memory impairments. We used another working memory task (i.e., 2-back task) that was performed either after or during pain induction.

Methods
Study 1 employed a 2 (optimism vs. no-optimism) × 2 (pain vs. no-pain) × 2 (pre-score vs. postscore) mixed factorial design. In half of the participants optimism was induced by the Best Possible Self (BPS) manipulation, which required them to write and visualize about a life in the future where everything turned out for the best. In the control condition, participants wrote and visualized a typical day in their life (TD). Next, participants completed either the cold pressor task (CPT) or a warm water control task (WWCT). Before (baseline) and after the CPT or WWCT participants working memory performance was measured with the 2-back task. The 2-back task measures the ability to monitor and update working memory representation by asking participants to indicate whether the current stimulus corresponds to the stimulus that was presented 2 stimuli ago. Study 2 had a 2 (optimism vs. no-optimism) × 2 (pain vs. no-pain) mixed factorial design. After receiving the BPS or control manipulation, participants completed the 2-back task twice: once with painful heat stimulation, and once without any stimulation (counterbalanced order). Continuous heat stimulation was used with temperatures oscillating around 1 °C above and 1 °C below the individual pain threshold.

Results
In study 1, the results did not show an effect of cold pressor pain on subsequent 2-back task performance. Results of study 2 indicated that heat pain impaired concurrent 2-back task performance. However, no evidence was found that optimism protected against this pain-induced performance deterioration.

Conclusions
Experimentally induced pain impairs concurrent but not subsequent working memory task performance. Manipulated optimism did not counteract pain-induced deterioration of 2-back performance.

Implications
It is important to explore factors that may diminish the negative impact of pain on the ability to function in daily life, as pain itself often cannot be remediated. We are planning to conduct future studies that should shed further light on the conditions, contexts and executive operations for which optimism can act as a protective factor.