bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical direct writing and erasing of silver nanostructures on phosphate glass using atomic force microscopy
Authors: Barna Shama F , Jacobs Kyle E , Mensing Glennys A , Ferreira Placid M 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
This paper reports a liquid-free, mask-less electrochemical direct-write lithographic technique using an atomic force microscopy (AFM) probe for writing silver nanostructures in minutes on an optically transparent substrate. Under ambient conditions, silver is locally and controllably extracted to the surface of superionic (AgI)0.25 (AgPO3)0.75 glass by bringing a conductive AFM probe tip in contact with it, biasing the probe with a negative voltage, and regulating the resulting current. The growth mechanism of the resulting nanostructure is explored by extracting silver with a stationary AFM tip on the surface of the silver. A moving tip was then used to produce continuous lines, solid films and discrete dots of silver by implementing continuous and pulsed current writing approaches. The line dimensions depend on writing speed and current flowing in the electrochemical circuit, while the size and spacing of the dots depend on the parameters (magnitude, duration and frequency) of the current pulses and the writing speed of the AFM tip. Line-widths in the ∼100 nm range are demonstrated. Our investigation also shows that a threshold potential must be overcome to be able to draw and reduce silver ions on the glass surface. When polarity between the electrodes is reversed, the patterned silver ionizes back into the glass, thus offering the capability to erase and rewrite Ag patterns on the glass surface.
Increased Expression of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in the Nucleus of the Solitary Tract Attenuates Renovascular Hypertension in Rats
Authors: Barbosa Rafaela Moreira , Speretta Guilherme F. , Dias Daniel Penteado Martins , Ruchaya Prashant Jay , Li Hongwei , Menani José Vanderlei , Sumners Colin , Colombari Eduardo , Colombari Débora S. A. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an intracellular inhibitory regulator of the actions of angiotensin II in the central nervous system. Renovascular hypertensive 2-kidney, 1-clip (2K1C) rats have an increased activity of the renin–angiotensin system and a decrease in baroreflex function compared to normotensive (NT) rats. In the present study, we tested the effects of MIF overexpression within the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), a key brainstem region for cardiovascular regulation, on the development of hypertension, on baroreflex function, and on water and food intake in 2K1C rats.

METHODS
Holtzman NT rats received a silver clip around the left renal artery to induce 2K1C hypertension. Three weeks later, rats were microinjected in the NTS with AAV2-CBA-MIF, to increase the expression of MIF, or with the control vector AAV2-CBA-enhanced green fluorescent protein. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate were recorded by telemetry. Baroreflex function was tested, and water and food intake were also measured.

RESULTS
Increasing MIF expression in the NTS of 2K1C rats attenuated the development of hypertension, reversed the impairment of baroreflex function, and reduced the increase in water intake. In contrast to 2K1C rats, similar increases in MIF expression in the NTS of NT rats produced no changes in baseline MAP, baroreflex function, or water intake.

CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that an increased expression of MIF within the NTS attenuates the development of hypertension and restores the baroreflex function in 2K1C rats.
The cost of Lyme borreliosis
Authors: van den Wijngaard Cees. C. , Hofhuis Agnetha , Wong Albert , Harms Margriet G. , de Wit G. Ardine , Lugnér Anna K. , Suijkerbuijk Anita W. M. , Mangen Marie-Josée J. , van Pelt Wilfrid 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Background: Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the most frequently reported tick-borne infection in Europe and North America. The aim of this study was to estimate the cost-of-illness of LB in the Netherlands. Methods: We used available incidence estimates from 2010 for tick bite consultations and three symptomatic LB outcomes: erythema migrans (EM), disseminated LB and Lyme-related persisting symptoms. The cost was estimated using these incidences and the average cost per patient as derived from a patient questionnaire. We estimated the cost from a societal perspective, including healthcare cost, patient cost and production loss, using the friction cost method and a 4% annual discount rate. Results: Tick bites and LB in 2010 led to a societal cost of €19.3 million (95% CI 15.6–23.4; 16.6 million population) for the Netherlands. Healthcare cost and production loss each constituted 48% of the total cost (€9.3 and €9.2 million/year), and patient cost 4% (€0.8 million/year). Of the total cost, 37% was related to disseminated LB, followed by 27% for persisting symptoms, 22% for tick bites and 14% for EM. Per outcome, for an individual case the mean cost of disseminated LB and Lyme-related persisting symptoms was both around €5700; for EM and GP consultations for tick bites this was €122 and €53. As an alternative to the friction cost method, the human capital method resulted in a total cost of €23.5 million/year. Conclusion: LB leads to a substantial societal cost. Further research should therefore focus on additional preventive interventions.
Analysis of professional competencies for the clinical research data management profession: implications for training and professional certification
Authors: Zozus Meredith N , Lazarov Angel , Smith Leigh R , Breen Tim E , Krikorian Susan L , Zbyszewski Patrick S , Knoll Shelly K , Jendrasek Debra A , Perrin Derek C , Zambas Demetris N , Williams Tremaine B , Pieper Carl F 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Objective: To assess and refine competencies for the clinical research data management profession.
Materials and Methods: Based on prior work developing and maintaining a practice standard and professional certification exam, a survey was administered to a captive group of clinical research data managers to assess professional competencies, types of data managed, types of studies supported, and necessary foundational knowledge.
Results: Respondents confirmed a set of 91 professional competencies. As expected, differences were seen in job tasks between early- to mid-career and mid- to late-career practitioners. Respondents indicated growing variability in types of studies for which they managed data and types of data managed.
Discussion: Respondents adapted favorably to the separate articulation of professional competencies vs foundational knowledge. The increases in the types of data managed and variety of research settings in which data are managed indicate a need for formal education in principles and methods that can be applied to different research contexts (ie, formal degree programs supporting the profession), and stronger links with the informatics scientific discipline, clinical research informatics in particular.
Conclusion: The results document the scope of the profession and will serve as a foundation for the next revision of the Certified Clinical Data ManagerTM exam. A clear articulation of professional competencies and necessary foundational knowledge could inform the content of graduate degree programs or tracks in areas such as clinical research informatics that will develop the current and future clinical research data management workforce.
Development and validation of a structured query language implementation of the Elixhauser comorbidity index
Authors: Epstein Richard H , Dexter Franklin 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Objective: Comorbidity adjustment is often performed during outcomes and health care resource utilization research. Our goal was to develop an efficient algorithm in structured query language (SQL) to determine the Elixhauser comorbidity index.
Materials and Methods: We wrote an SQL algorithm to calculate the Elixhauser comorbidities from Diagnosis Related Group and International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes. Validation was by comparison to expected comorbidities from combinations of these codes and to the 2013 Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD).
Results: The SQL algorithm matched perfectly with expected comorbidities for all combinations of ICD-9 or ICD-10, and Diagnosis Related Groups. Of 13 585 859 evaluable NRD records, the algorithm matched 100% of the listed comorbidities. Processing time was ∼0.05 ms/record.
Discussion: The SQL Elixhauser code was efficient and computationally identical to the SAS algorithm used for the NRD.
Conclusions: This algorithm may be useful where preprocessing of large datasets in a relational database environment and comorbidity determination is desired before statistical analysis. A validated SQL procedure to calculate Elixhauser comorbidities and the van Walraven index from ICD-9 or ICD-10 discharge diagnosis codes has been published.
Genomic decision support needs in pediatric primary care
Authors: Pennington Jeffrey W , Karavite Dean J , Krause Edward M , Miller Jeffrey , Bernhardt Barbara A , Grundmeier Robert W 
Published: January 2017

AbstractClinical genome and exome sequencing can diagnose pediatric patients with complex conditions that often require follow-up care with multiple specialties. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes the role of the medical home and the primary care pediatrician in coordinating care for patients who need multidisciplinary support. In addition, the electronic health record (EHR) with embedded clinical decision support is recognized as an important component in providing care in this setting. We interviewed 6 clinicians to assess their experience caring for patients with complex and rare genetic findings and hear their opinions about how the EHR currently supports this role. Using these results, we designed a candidate EHR clinical decision support application mock-up and conducted formative exploratory user testing with 26 pediatric primary care providers to capture opinions on its utility in practice with respect to a specific clinical scenario. Our results indicate agreement that the functionality represented by the mock-up would effectively assist with care and warrants further development.
Acute circulatory failure–chronic liver failure–sequential organ failure assessment score: a novel scoring model for mortality risk prediction in critically ill cirrhotic patients with acute circulatory failure
Authors: Zhou Xiao-Dong , Chen Qin-Fen , Wang Zheng-Xian , Liu Wen-Yue , Van Poucke Sven , Mao Zhi , Wu Sheng-Jie , Huang Wei-Jian , Zheng Ming-Hua 
Published: January 2017

Background and aim
Acute circulatory failure (ACF) is associated with high mortality rates in critically ill cirrhotic patients. Only a few accurate scoring models exist specific to critically ill cirrhotic patients with acute circulatory failure (CICCF) for mortality risk assessment. The aim was to develop and evaluate a novel model specific to CICCF.

Patients and methods
This study collected and analyzed the data on CICCF from the Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care-III database. The acute circulatory failure–chronic liver failure–sequential organ failure assessment (ACF–CLIF–SOFA) score was derived by Cox’s proportional hazards regression. Performance analysis of ACF–CLIF–SOFA against CLIF–SOFA and model for end-stage liver disease systems was completed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results
ACF–CLIF–SOFA identified six independent factors: mean arterial pressure [hazard ratio (HR)=0.984, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.978–0.990, P<0.001], vasopressin (HR=1.548, 95% CI: 1.273–1.883, P<0.001), temperature (HR=0.764, 95% CI: 0.694–0.840, P<0.001), bilirubin (HR=1.031, 95% CI: 1.022–1.041, P<0.001), lactate (HR=1.113, 95% CI: 1.084–1.142, P<0.001), and urine output (HR=0.854, 95% CI: 0.767–0.951, P=0.004). ACF–CLIF–SOFA showed a better predictive performance than CLIF–SOFA and model for end-stage liver disease in terms of predicting mortality (0.769 vs. 0.729 vs. 0.713 at 30 days, 0.757 vs. 0.707 vs. 0.698 at 90 days, 0.733 vs. 0.685 vs. 0.691 at 1 year, respectively, all P<0.05).

Conclusion
ACF–CLIF–SOFA, as the first model specific to CICCF, enables a more accurate prediction at 30-day, 90-day, and 1-year follow-up periods than other existing scoring systems.
Auditory and visual scene analysis: an overview
Authors: Kondo Hirohito M. , van Loon Anouk M. , Kawahara Jun-Ichiro , Moore Brian C. J. 
Published: January 2017

We perceive the world as stable and composed of discrete objects even though auditory and visual inputs are often ambiguous owing to spatial and temporal occluders and changes in the conditions of observation. This raises important questions regarding where and how ‘scene analysis’ is performed in the brain. Recent advances from both auditory and visual research suggest that the brain does not simply process the incoming scene properties. Rather, top-down processes such as attention, expectations and prior knowledge facilitate scene perception. Thus, scene analysis is linked not only with the extraction of stimulus features and formation and selection of perceptual objects, but also with selective attention, perceptual binding and awareness. This special issue covers novel advances in scene-analysis research obtained using a combination of psychophysics, computational modelling, neuroimaging and neurophysiology, and presents new empirical and theoretical approaches. For integrative understanding of scene analysis beyond and across sensory modalities, we provide a collection of 15 articles that enable comparison and integration of recent findings in auditory and visual scene analysis.This article is part of the themed issue ‘Auditory and visual scene analysis’.
Modelling auditory attention
Authors: Kaya Emine Merve , Elhilali Mounya 
Published: January 2017

Sounds in everyday life seldom appear in isolation. Both humans and machines are constantly flooded with a cacophony of sounds that need to be sorted through and scoured for relevant information—a phenomenon referred to as the ‘cocktail party problem’. A key component in parsing acoustic scenes is the role of attention, which mediates perception and behaviour by focusing both sensory and cognitive resources on pertinent information in the stimulus space. The current article provides a review of modelling studies of auditory attention. The review highlights how the term attention refers to a multitude of behavioural and cognitive processes that can shape sensory processing. Attention can be modulated by ‘bottom-up’ sensory-driven factors, as well as ‘top-down’ task-specific goals, expectations and learned schemas. Essentially, it acts as a selection process or processes that focus both sensory and cognitive resources on the most relevant events in the soundscape; with relevance being dictated by the stimulus itself (e.g. a loud explosion) or by a task at hand (e.g. listen to announcements in a busy airport). Recent computational models of auditory attention provide key insights into its role in facilitating perception in cluttered auditory scenes.This article is part of the themed issue ‘Auditory and visual scene analysis’.
A roadmap for the study of conscious audition and its neural basis
Authors: Dykstra Andrew R. , Cariani Peter A. , Gutschalk Alexander 
Published: January 2017

How and which aspects of neural activity give rise to subjective perceptual experience—i.e. conscious perception—is a fundamental question of neuroscience. To date, the vast majority of work concerning this question has come from vision, raising the issue of generalizability of prominent resulting theories. However, recent work has begun to shed light on the neural processes subserving conscious perception in other modalities, particularly audition. Here, we outline a roadmap for the future study of conscious auditory perception and its neural basis, paying particular attention to how conscious perception emerges (and of which elements or groups of elements) in complex auditory scenes. We begin by discussing the functional role of the auditory system, particularly as it pertains to conscious perception. Next, we ask: what are the phenomena that need to be explained by a theory of conscious auditory perception? After surveying the available literature for candidate neural correlates, we end by considering the implications that such results have for a general theory of conscious perception as well as prominent outstanding questions and what approaches/techniques can best be used to address them.This article is part of the themed issue ‘Auditory and visual scene analysis’.
Is predictability salient? A study of attentional capture by auditory patterns
Authors: Southwell Rosy , Baumann Anna , Gal Cécile , Barascud Nicolas , Friston Karl , Chait Maria 
Published: January 2017

In this series of behavioural and electroencephalography (EEG) experiments, we investigate the extent to which repeating patterns of sounds capture attention. Work in the visual domain has revealed attentional capture by statistically predictable stimuli, consistent with predictive coding accounts which suggest that attention is drawn to sensory regularities. Here, stimuli comprised rapid sequences of tone pips, arranged in regular (REG) or random (RAND) patterns. EEG data demonstrate that the brain rapidly recognizes predictable patterns manifested as a rapid increase in responses to REG relative to RAND sequences. This increase is reminiscent of the increase in gain on neural responses to attended stimuli often seen in the neuroimaging literature, and thus consistent with the hypothesis that predictable sequences draw attention. To study potential attentional capture by auditory regularities, we used REG and RAND sequences in two different behavioural tasks designed to reveal effects of attentional capture by regularity. Overall, the pattern of results suggests that regularity does not capture attention.
This article is part of the themed issue ‘Auditory and visual scene analysis’.
Cat and mouse search: the influence of scene and object analysis on eye movements when targets change locations during search
Authors: Hillstrom Anne P. , Segabinazi Joice D. , Godwin Hayward J. , Liversedge Simon P. , Benson Valerie 
Published: January 2017

We explored the influence of early scene analysis and visible object characteristics on eye movements when searching for objects in photographs of scenes. On each trial, participants were shown sequentially either a scene preview or a uniform grey screen (250 ms), a visual mask, the name of the target and the scene, now including the target at a likely location. During the participant's first saccade during search, the target location was changed to: (i) a different likely location, (ii) an unlikely but possible location or (iii) a very implausible location. The results showed that the first saccade landed more often on the likely location in which the target re-appeared than on unlikely or implausible locations, and overall the first saccade landed nearer the first target location with a preview than without. Hence, rapid scene analysis influenced initial eye movement planning, but availability of the target rapidly modified that plan. After the target moved, it was found more quickly when it appeared in a likely location than when it appeared in an unlikely or implausible location. The findings show that both scene gist and object properties are extracted rapidly, and are used in conjunction to guide saccadic eye movements during visual search.
This article is part of the themed issue ‘Auditory and visual scene analysis’.
Interindividual variability in auditory scene analysis revealed by confidence judgements
Authors: Pelofi C. , de Gardelle V. , Egré P. , Pressnitzer D. 
Published: January 2017

Because musicians are trained to discern sounds within complex acoustic scenes, such as an orchestra playing, it has been hypothesized that musicianship improves general auditory scene analysis abilities. Here, we compared musicians and non-musicians in a behavioural paradigm using ambiguous stimuli, combining performance, reaction times and confidence measures. We used ‘Shepard tones’, for which listeners may report either an upward or a downward pitch shift for the same ambiguous tone pair. Musicians and non-musicians performed similarly on the pitch-shift direction task. In particular, both groups were at chance for the ambiguous case. However, groups differed in their reaction times and judgements of confidence. Musicians responded to the ambiguous case with long reaction times and low confidence, whereas non-musicians responded with fast reaction times and maximal confidence. In a subsequent experiment, non-musicians displayed reduced confidence for the ambiguous case when pure-tone components of the Shepard complex were made easier to discern. The results suggest an effect of musical training on scene analysis: we speculate that musicians were more likely to discern components within complex auditory scenes, perhaps because of enhanced attentional resolution, and thus discovered the ambiguity. For untrained listeners, stimulus ambiguity was not available to perceptual awareness.
This article is part of the themed issue ‘Auditory and visual scene analysis’.
Resolving the neural dynamics of visual and auditory scene processing in the human brain: a methodological approach
Authors: Cichy Radoslaw Martin , Teng Santani 
Published: January 2017

In natural environments, visual and auditory stimulation elicit responses across a large set of brain regions in a fraction of a second, yielding representations of the multimodal scene and its properties. The rapid and complex neural dynamics underlying visual and auditory information processing pose major challenges to human cognitive neuroscience. Brain signals measured non-invasively are inherently noisy, the format of neural representations is unknown, and transformations between representations are complex and often nonlinear. Further, no single non-invasive brain measurement technique provides a spatio-temporally integrated view. In this opinion piece, we argue that progress can be made by a concerted effort based on three pillars of recent methodological development: (i) sensitive analysis techniques such as decoding and cross-classification, (ii) complex computational modelling using models such as deep neural networks, and (iii) integration across imaging methods (magnetoencephalography/electroencephalography, functional magnetic resonance imaging) and models, e.g. using representational similarity analysis. We showcase two recent efforts that have been undertaken in this spirit and provide novel results about visual and auditory scene analysis. Finally, we discuss the limits of this perspective and sketch a concrete roadmap for future research.This article is part of the themed issue ‘Auditory and visual scene analysis’.