bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“Impact of drug‐reimbursement policies on prescribing: A case‐study of a newly marketed long‐acting injectable antipsychotic among relapsed schizophrenia patients”
Authors: Jackson John W. , Fulchino Lisa , Rogers James , Mogun Helen , Polinski Jennifer , Henderson David C. , Schneeweiss Sebastian , Fischer Michael A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo quantify and explain variation in use of long‐acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) in the United States, and understand the relationship between patient characteristics, drug reimbursement policies, and LAI prescribing after relapse.MethodsA cohort of recently relapsed patients with schizophrenia ages 18 to 64, were identified immediately after discharge from a related inpatient hospitalization, partial hospitalization, or emergency room visit, drawn from 2004 to 2006 Medicaid claims, and followed for 90 days until LAI initiation. Data on state‐level Medicaid prior authorization (PA) policies for LAIs were collected. Sequential longitudinal Poisson regression models were developed to understand the relationship between patient and PA policy variables and LAI prescribing, including prior adherence to oral antipsychotics, demographics, clinical variables, and presence of PA policy for LAI.ResultsAmong 36 282 patients, 3.1% received risperidone LAI, and 3.8% received a first‐generation (FGA) LAI with wide variation across states. Prior adherence ranged from 29% to 89% but was marginally associated with initiation and did not explain variation for LAI prescribing. FGA initiation was associated with geography and race/ethnicity but not PA policy. For risperidone LAI initiation, demographics and clinical factors explained, respectively, 5.0% and 3.0% of the variation; PA policy had a large negative association with initiation (RR = 0.41; 95%CI 0.20–0.87) and explained 8.4% of the variation.ConclusionsPA policies may represent a major treatment barrier for risperidone LAI among relapsed patients. Non‐adherence plays a little role in predicting which patients receive LAIs. Policy makers and health insurers will need to consider these findings when guiding the use of LAIs.KEY POINTS

Among a nationwide cohort of relapsed schizophrenia patients enrolled in US Medicaid, 3.1% received Risperdal Consta, a long‐acting injectable antipsychotic (LAI), and 3.8% initiated a first‐generation first‐generation LAI within 90 days after discharge.
During 2004 to 2006, there was marked variation in 90 day post‐relapse initiation of Risperdal‐Consta—a newly marketed medication during this period—and also marked variation in 90 day post‐relapse initiation of any first‐generation LAI, which appeared to be associated with race/ethnicity and geography.
Prior authorization policies were associated with substantially lower initiation of Risperdal Consta in this cohort of relapsed patients even after accounting for clinical indication (non‐adherence), relapse history, demographics, adjunctive medication, and mental health service use.
Synthesis and application of a novel cardanol‐based plasticizer as secondary or main plasticizer for poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Chen Jie , Nie Xiaoan , Jiang Jianchun 
Published: November 2017

AbstractA novel plasticizer based on cardanol, hydrogenated cardanol glycidyl ether acetic ester containing phosphaphenanthrene group (HCGEP), was prepared and incorporated into poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) for the first time. The molecular structure was characterized with Fourier transform infrared and 1H NMR spectroscopies. The thermal degradation behavior and flame retardant performance of PVC films with HCGEP as secondary or main plasticizer were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis, combustion tests, limiting oxygen index tests and morphological analysis of residues. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of PVC films were examined based on the results of tensile testing. The results were compared to those of the petroleum‐based plasticizer dioctyl phthalate. With the substitution of dioctyl phthalate with HCGEP, PVC films exhibited high thermal stability and better flame retardant performance. The tensile test results showed that the addition of HCGEP could endow PVC resin with well‐balanced properties of flexibility, strength and hardness. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
A combined experimental and theoretical study on p‐sulfonatocalix[4]arene encapsulated 7‐methoxycoumarin
Authors: Ashwin Bosco Christin Maria Arputham , Herculin Arun Baby Arulanandu , Prakash Muthuramalingam , Hochlaf Majdi , Muthu Mareeswaran Paulpandian 
Published: November 2017

AbstractHost‐guest interactions are essential in chemistry, biology, medicine and environmental science. In this combined experimental and theoretical contribution, the encapsulation of 7‐methoxycoumarin (herniarin, 7MC) with p‐sulfonatocalix[4]arene (p‐SC4) is studied using absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and computational approaches. The 1:1 stoichiometry is confirmed using Job's plot. Our results show that the keto group of 7MC is the main source for electrochemical conversion of this complex. The excited state 7MC radiative decay is studied using time‐correlated single photon counting technique. The computed UV‐Vis absorption spectra for this complex at gas phase and solvent are online with the experimental spectra. Moreover, we determined the binding energy and the binding constant of the 7MC‐p‐SC4 complex. Density functional theory computations revealed that stabilization of the complex formed by p‐SC4 and 7MC is due to weak noncovalent and dispersive types of interactions. A comparison with encapsulation of amino acids by p‐SC4 is also conducted. Finally, we show that the flexibility of p‐SC4 and the weak nature of its interaction with 7MC are on the origin of the reversibility of encapsulation, which is mandatory for applications such as drug delivery.
Pulmonary hypertension in the premature infant population: Analysis of echocardiographic findings and biomarkers
Authors: O'Connor Michael G. , Suthar Divya , Vera Kimberly , Slaughter James C. , Maitre Natalie L. , Steele Steven , Beller Amy , Fike Candice D. , Aschner Judy L. , Moore Paul E. , Austin Eric D. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectiveExtremely low gestational age neonates (ELGANs) are at risk for pulmonary hypertension (PH). We hypothesized that PH, defined by echocardiogram at 36 weeks gestational age (GA), would associate with respiratory morbidity, increased oxidant stress, and reduced nitric oxide production.Study DesignELGANs in the Vanderbilt fraction of the Prematurity and Respiratory Outcomes Program (PROP) who had echocardiograms at 36 ± 1 weeks GA were studied. Echocardiogram features of PH were compared with clinical characteristics as well as markers of oxidant stress and components of the nitric oxide pathway. Biomarkers were obtained at enrollment (median day 3), 7, 14, and 28 days of life.ResultsSixty of 172 infants had an echocardiogram at 36 weeks; 11 had evidence of PH. Infants did not differ by PH status in regards to demographics, respiratory morbidity, or oxidant stress. However, odds of more severe PH were significantly higher in infants with higher nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) at enrollment and with a lower citrulline level at day 7.ConclusionsRespiratory morbidity may not always associate with PH at 36 weeks among ELGANs. However, components of nitric oxide metabolism are potential biologic markers of PH in need of further study.
Immunostimulatory effects of cordycepin‐enriched WIB‐801CE from Cordyceps militaris in splenocytes and cyclophosphamide‐induced immunosuppressed mice
Authors: Shin Ji‐Sun , Chung Soo‐Hak , Lee Woo‐Seok , Lee Je‐Young , Kim Jong‐Lae , Lee Kyung‐Tae 
Published: November 2017

The medicinal mushroom Cordyceps militaris has been reported to possess anticancer and immunomodulatory effects. We investigated the immunostimulatory effects of culture supernatant of C. militaris (WIB‐801CE) by examining its in vitro enhancing effects on cell proliferation and cytokine releases in splenocytes and its in vivo effects on cyclophosphamide‐induced immunosuppressed mice. WIB‐801CE enhanced normal and methotrexate‐induced cell proliferation. WIB‐801CE significantly ameliorated interleukin (IL)‐2, interferon‐γ, and tumor necrosis factor‐α secretion in methotrexate‐induced splenocytes. Oral administration of WIB‐801CE effectively increased the cyclophosphamide‐suppressed splenocyte proliferation and natural killer cytotoxic activity. WIB‐801CE effectively recovered cyclophosphamide‐induced decreases in IL‐2, interferon‐γ, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and IL‐10 level. The collective data implicate WIB‐801CE as a therapeutic candidate in ameliorating the immunosuppression through immunostimulatory properties.
Citrus essential oils inhalation by mice: Behavioral testing, GCMS plasma analysis, corticosterone, and melatonin levels evaluation
Authors: Wolffenbüttel Adriana Nunes , Zamboni Amanda , Becker Gabriela , dos Santos Maíra Kerpel , Borille Bruna Tassi , de Cássia Mariotti Kristiane , Fagundes Ana Claudia , de Oliveira Salomón Janaína Lucas , Coelho Vanessa Rodrigues , Ruiz Leire Virto , de Moura Linck Viviane , Dallegrave Eliane , Cano Pilar , Esquifino Ana Isabel , Leal Mirna Bainy , Limberger Renata Pereira 
Published: November 2017

The use of orange essential oils (EOs) as a complementary treatment is very common in Brazilian popular culture. The levels of melatonin (MEL) and corticosterone (CORT) hormones were investigated simultaneously, by the Luminex™ immunoassay system in mice plasma, after Citrus aurantium and Citrus sinensis EOs inhalation for 30 min. The plasma was analyzed by headspace through gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry for investigation of the EO components. Mice were submitted to behavioral testing to research anxiolytic‐like, sedative, and antidepressant‐like effects. The inhalation of atmosphere obtained from vaporization of 10% solution of this Citrus EO separately did not affect MEL or CORT plasma levels; that is, the MEL and CORT levels did not present variation in function of the EO in the schedule used. On the other hand, the imipramine positive control used altered the level of MEL as expected. The EO constituents were detected in plasma at different ratios that is present in inhaled EO. Behavioral tests showed that the inhalation of 10% C. sinensis EO presents an anxiolytic‐like and sedative effect. Thus, C. sinensis EO can be a valuable tool for treatment of the anxiety disturbs, apparently without interference with MEL and CORT physiological levels.
A pilot pharmacokinetic study of miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol on rabbit sera using polyclonal antibody‐based icELISA analysis
Authors: Kitisripanya Tharita , Udomsin Orapin , Komaikul Jukrapun , Inyai Chadathorn , Limsuwanchote Supattra , Yusakul Gorawit , Putalun Waraporn 
Published: November 2017

Miroestrol (ME) and deoxymiroestrol (DME) are the most potent phytoestrogens and bioactive markers in Pueraria candollei var. mirifica tuberous roots. To understand their pharmacokinetic profiles, a pharmacokinetic study of ME and DME, at 0.43 and 0.21 mg per kg body weight, respectively, in three rabbits was performed after orally administering a single dose of P. candollei var. mirifica enriched fraction extract. Two established polyclonal antibody‐based indirect competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays were validated to determine ME and DME in rabbit sera. In rabbits, the area under the 0‐ to 48‐hr concentration‐time curve of ME and DME were 854.92 and 1,692.84 ng·h/ml, respectively. The maximum concentration of ME was measured 1 hr after administration as 69.62 ± 8.28 ng/ml, and the maximum concentration of DME was measured at 3 hr as 81.8 ± 5.43 ng/ml. These results provide an initial approach for designing and studying the relationship between the ME and DME levels and their therapeutic effects based on their pharmacokinetic profiles.
Approximate prediction intervals in the original units when fitting models using data transformations
Authors: Perry Marcus B. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we consider prediction interval estimation in the original units of observation after fitting a linear model to an appropriately transformed response variable. We assume that the residuals obtained from fitting the linear model in the transformed space areiidzero‐mean normal random variables, at least approximately. We discuss the bias in the retransformed mean and derive a reduced‐bias estimator for thekthmoment of the original response, given settings of the design variables. This is then used to compute reduced‐bias estimates for the mean and variance of theuntransformedresponse at various locations in design space. We then exploit a well‐known probability inequality, along with our proposed moment estimator, to construct an approximate 100(1−α)%prediction interval on the original response, given settings of the design factors. We used Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the performance of the proposed prediction interval estimator relative to 2 commonly used alternatives. Our results suggest the proposed method is often the better alternative when the sample size is small and/or when the underlying model is misspecified. We illustrate the application of our new method by applying it to a real experimental data set obtained from the literature, where machine tool life was studied as a function of various machining parameters.
Characterization of the interfacial structure and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in CoFeB‐MgO structures with different buffer layers
Authors: Shi Hui , Li Minghua , Fang Shuai , Zhou Wenhao , Yang Chen , Jiang Yiqun , Wang Dongwei , Yu Guanghua 
Published: November 2017

In this study, we describe the deposition of Hf and Mo metal layers individually on Ta to compose new buffer layers, ie, Ta/Hf and Ta/Mo, where CoFeB/MgO stacks are deposited using magnetron sputtering. The synthesised Ta/Hf buffer has higher surface roughness, while the Ta/Mo buffer has lower surface roughness as compared with the Ta buffer. The surface roughness of the buffer appears to influence the interface of the subsequently deposited layers, resulting in rougher or smoother CoFeB/MgO interfaces. Additionally, we present a report on the magnetic properties of Ta, Ta/Hf, and Ta/Mo buffer samples. As the annealing temperature is below 200 °C, the saturation magnetisation (Ms) values for all buffer layers increase at similar rates, whereas the effective magnetic anisotropy energy (Keff) values increase at varying rates. After annealing at 350 °C, Keff reaches its maximum value for Ta/Hf and Ta/Mo buffer layers, whereas the CoFeB/MgO interface width decreases to a minimum value. The width increases as the annealing temperature is increased over 350 °C, and Keff gradually decreases with increase in the annealing temperature. The CoFeB/MgO interface width is primarily dependent on the buffer/CoFeB interface width, which is a critical parameter to obtain high perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) and high‐quality films. This work provides perspectives for understanding and controlling PMA from the viewpoint of interfacial structure.
Tungsten and nitrogen co‐doped TiO2 nanobelts with significant visible light photoactivity
Authors: Chen Hongjian , Wang Longxuan , Guan Lixiu , Ren Hui , Zhang Yingxin , Tao Junguang 
Published: November 2017

Tungsten and nitrogen co‐doped TiO2 nanobelts (W/N‐TNBs) have been successfully synthesized via 1‐step hydrothermal method. The structure, morphology, and composition of prepared samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. The prominent phase of all as‐prepared samples is anatase crystal. For samples with N doping, new energy states can be introduced on top of O 2p states which reduced the band gap by 1.1 eV. The reduced band gap leads to efficient visible light activity. The 3%‐W/N‐TNBs were found to exhibit the highest activity. The photocatalytic performance of 3%‐W/N‐TNBs under visible light is about 4.8 times than that of pure TiO2 nanobelts, which emphasizes the synergistic effect of W and N co‐doping for effectively inhibiting the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes. In addition, our results testify the different redox potentials of the photoelectrons at different final states.
A Novel Microdevice for Rapid Neutrophil Purification and Phenotyping in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Tay Hui Min , Dalan Rinkoo , Li King Ho Holden , Boehm Bernhard O. , Hou Han Wei 
Published: November 2017

AbstractNeutrophil dysfunction is strongly linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) pathophysiology, but the prognostic potential of neutrophil biomarkers remains largely unexplored due to arduous leukocyte isolation methods. Herein, a novel integrated microdevice is reported for single‐step neutrophil sorting and phenotyping (chemotaxis and formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETosis)) using small blood volumes (fingerprick). Untouched neutrophils are purified on‐chip from whole blood directly using biomimetic cell margination and affinity‐based capture, and are exposed to preloaded chemoattractant or NETosis stimulant to initiate chemotaxis or NETosis, respectively. Device performance is first characterized using healthy and in vitro inflamed blood samples (tumor necrosis factor alpha, high glucose), followed by clinical risk stratification in a cohort of subjects with T2DM. Interestingly, “high‐risk” T2DM patients characterized by severe chemotaxis impairment reveal significantly higher C‐reactive protein levels and poor lipid metabolism characteristics as compared to “low‐risk” subjects, and their neutrophil chemotaxis responses can be mitigated after in vitro metformin treatment. Overall, this unique and user‐friendly microfluidics immune health profiling strategy can significantly aid the quantification of chemotaxis and NETosis in clinical settings, and be further translated into a tool for risk stratification and precision medicine methods in subjects with metabolic diseases such as T2DM.
Older adults and hackathons: a qualitative study
Authors: Kopeć Wiesław , Balcerzak Bartłomiej , Nielek Radosław , Kowalik Grzegorz , Wierzbicki Adam , Casati Fabio 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Globally observed trends in aging indicate that older adults constitute a growing share of the population and an increasing demographic in the modern technologies marketplace. Therefore, it has become important to address the issue of participation of older adults in the process of developing solutions suitable for their group. In this study, we approached this topic by organizing a hackathon involving teams of young programmers and older adults participants. Below we describe a case study of that hackathon, in which our objective was to motivate older adults to participate in software engineering processes. Based on our results from an array of qualitative methods, we propose a set of good practices that may lead to improved older adult participation in similar events and an improved process of developing apps that target older adults.
Transcription regulation by DNA methylation under stressful conditions in human cancer
Authors: Cao Sha , Zhou Yi , Wu Yue , Song Tianci , Alsaihati Burair , Xu Ying 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundWe aim to address one question: do cancer vs. normal tissue cells execute their transcription regulation essentially the same or differently, and why?MethodsWe utilized an integrated computational study of cancer epigenomes and transcriptomes of 10 cancer types, by using penalized linear regression models to evaluate the regulatory effects of DNA methylations on gene expressions.ResultsOur main discoveries are: (i) 56 genes have their expressions consistently regulated by DNA methylation specifically in cancer, which enrich pathways associated with micro‐environmental stresses and responses, particularly oxidative stress; (ii) the level of involvement by DNA methylation in transcription regulation increases as a cancer advances for majority of the cancer types examined; (iii) transcription regulation in cancer vs. control tissue cells are substantially different, with the former being largely done through direct DNA methylation and the latter mainly done via transcriptional factors; (iv) the altered DNA methylation landscapes in cancer vs. control are predominantly accomplished by DNMT1, TET3 and CBX2, which are predicted to be the result of persistent stresses present in the intracellular and micro‐environments of cancer cells, which is consistent with the general understanding about epigenomic functions.ConclusionsOur integrative analyses discovered that a large class of genes is regulated via direct DNA methylation of the genes in cancer, comparing to TFs in normal cells. Such genes fall into a few stress and response pathways. As a cancer advances, the level of involvement by direct DNA methylation in transcription regulation increases for majority of the cancer types examined.
Friction characteristics of mechanically exfoliated and CVD-grown single-layer MoS2
Authors: Ky Dinh Le Cao , Tran Khac Bien-Cuong , Le Chinh Tam , Kim Yong Soo , Chung Koo-Hyun 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
In this work, the friction characteristics of single-layer MoS2 prepared with chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at three different temperatures were quantitatively investigated and compared to those of single-layer MoS2 prepared using mechanical exfoliation. The surface and crystalline qualities of the MoS2 specimens were characterized using an optical microscope, atomic force microscope (AFM), and Raman spectroscopy. The surfaces of the MoS2 specimens were generally flat and smooth. However, the Raman data showed that the crystalline qualities of CVD-grown single-layer MoS2 at 800 °C and 850 °C were relatively similar to those of mechanically exfoliated MoS2 whereas the crystalline quality of the CVD-grown single-layer MoS2 at 900 °C was lower. The CVD-grown single-layer MoS2 exhibited higher friction than mechanically exfoliated single-layer MoS2, which might be related to the crystalline imperfections in the CVD-grown MoS2. In addition, the friction of CVD-grown single-layer MoS2 increased as the CVD growth temperature increased. In terms of tribological properties, 800 °C was the optimal temperature for the CVD process used in this work. Furthermore, it was observed that the friction at the grain boundary was significantly larger than that at the grain, potentially due to defects at the grain boundary. This result indicates that the temperature used during CVD should be optimized considering the grain size to achieve low friction characteristics. The outcomes of this work will be useful for understanding the intrinsic friction characteristics of single-layer MoS2 and elucidating the feasibility of single-layer MoS2 as protective or lubricant layers for micro- and nano-devices.
Integrating sex and gender into neurodegeneration research: A six‐component strategy
Authors: Tierney Mary C. , Curtis Ashley F. , Chertkow Howard , Rylett R. Jane 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIntroductionDespite important sex differences, there remains a paucity of studies examining sex and gender differences in neurodegeneration. The Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA), a national network of researchers, provides an ideal platform to incorporate sex and gender.MethodsCCNA's Women, Gender, Sex and Dementia program developed and implemented a six‐component strategy involving executive oversight, training, research collaboration, progress report assessment, results dissemination, and ongoing manuscript review. The inclusion of sex and gender in current and planned CCNA projects was examined in two progress reporting periods in 2016.ResultsSex and gender research productivity increased substantially for both preclinical (36%–45%) and human (56%–60%) cohorts. The main barrier was lack of funding.DiscussionThe Women, Gender, Sex and Dementia strategy resulted in a major increase of sex and gender into research on neurodegenerative disorders. This best practice model could be utilized by a wide variety of large multidisciplinary groups.