bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of initial teaching on evaluation of left ventricular volumes by cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging: comparison between complete and intermediate beginners and experienced observers
Authors: Hedström Erik , Ishida Masaki , Sepúlveda-Martínez Alvaro , Ryd Daniel , Sperling Johannes , Engblom Henrik , Nagel Eike 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Background
High reproducibility and low intra- and interobserver variability are important strengths of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). In clinical practice a significant learning curve may however be observed. Basic CMR courses offer an average of 1.4 h dedicated to lecturing and demonstrating left ventricular (LV) function analysis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of initial teaching on complete and intermediate beginners’ quantitative measurements of LV volumes and function by CMR.

Methods
Standard clinical cine CMR sequences were acquired in 15 patients. Five observers (two complete beginners, one intermediate, two experienced) measured LV volumes. Before initial evaluation beginners read the SCMR guidelines on CMR analysis. After initial evaluation, beginners participated in a two-hour teaching session including cases and hands-on training, representative for most basic CMR courses, after which it is uncertain to what extent different centres provide continued teaching and feedback in-house. Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) assessed delineations. Agreement, accuracy, precision, repeatability and reliability were assessed by Bland-Altman, coefficient of variation, and intraclass correlation coefficient methods.

Results
Endocardial DSC improved after teaching (+0.14 ± 0.17;p < 0.001) for complete beginners. Low intraobserver variability was found before and after teaching, however with wide limits of agreement. Beginners underestimated volumes by up to 44 ml (EDV), 27 ml (ESV) and overestimated LVM by up to 53 g before teaching, improving to an underestimation of up to 9 ml (EDV), 7 ml (ESV) and an overestimation of up to 30 g (LVM) after teaching. For the intermediate beginner, however, accuracy was quite high already before teaching.

Conclusions
Initial teaching to complete beginners increases accuracy for assessment of LV volumes, however with high bias and low precision even after standardised teaching as offered in most basic CMR courses. Even though the intermediate beginner showed quite high accuracy already before teaching, precision did generally not improve after standardised teaching. To maintain CMR as a technique known for high accuracy and reproducibility and low intra- and inter-observer variability for quantitative measurements, internationally standardised training should be encouraged including high-quality feedback mechanisms. Objective measurements of training methods, training duration and, above all, quality of assessments are required.
Patient-centered primary care for adults at high risk for AUDs: the Choosing Healthier Drinking Options In primary CarE (CHOICE) trial
Authors: Bradley Katharine A. , Ludman Evette Joy , Chavez Laura J. , Bobb Jennifer F. , Ruedebusch Susan J. , Achtmeyer Carol E. , Merrill Joseph O. , Saxon Andrew J. , Caldeiro Ryan M. , Greenberg Diane M. , Lee Amy K. , Richards Julie E. , Thomas Rachel M. , Matson Theresa E. , Williams Emily C. , Hawkins Eric , Lapham Gwen , Kivlahan Daniel R. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Background
Most patients with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) never receive alcohol treatment, and experts have recommended management of AUDs in primary care. The Choosing Healthier Drinking Options In primary CarE (CHOICE) trial was a randomized controlled effectiveness trial of a novel intervention for primary care patients at high risk for AUDs. This report describes the conceptual and scientific foundation of the CHOICE model of care, critical elements of the CHOICE trial design consistent with the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR), results of recruitment, and baseline characteristics of the enrolled sample.

Methods

The CHOICE intervention is a multi-contact, extended counseling intervention, based on the Chronic Care Model, shared decision-making, motivational interviewing, and evidence-based options for managing AUDs, designed to be practical in primary care. Outpatients who received care at 3 Veterans Affairs primary care sites in the Pacific Northwest and reported frequent heavy drinking (≥4 drinks/day for women; ≥5 for men) were recruited (2011–2014) into a trial in which half of the participants would be offered additional alcohol-related care from a nurse. CHOICE nurses offered 12 months of patient-centered care, including proactive outreach and engagement, repeated brief motivational interventions, monitoring with and without alcohol biomarkers, medications for AUDs, and/or specialty alcohol treatment as appropriate and per patient preference. A CHOICE nurse practitioner was available to prescribe medications for AUDs.

Results
A total of 304 patients consented to participate in the CHOICE trial. Among consenting participants, 90% were men, the mean age was 51 (range 22–75), and most met DSM-IV criteria for alcohol abuse (14%) or dependence (59%). Many participants also screened positive for tobacco use (44%), depression (45%), anxiety disorders (30-41%) and non-tobacco drug use disorders (19%). At baseline, participants had a median AUDIT score of 18 [Interquartile range (IQR) 14–24] and a median readiness to change drinking score of 5 (IQR 2.75–6.25) on a 1–10 Likert scale.

Conclusion
The CHOICE trial tested a patient-centered intervention for AUDs and recruited primary care patients at high risk for AUDs, with a spectrum of severity, co-morbidity, and readiness to change drinking.
Trial registration The trial is registered at clinicaltrial.gov (NCT01400581).
An Etomidate Analogue With Less Adrenocortical Suppression, Stable Hemodynamics, and Improved Behavioral Recovery in Rats
Authors: Wang Bin , Yang Jun , Chen Jun , Kang Yi , Yang Ling-Hui , Liu Jin , Zhang Wen-Sheng 
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND:
ET-26 hydrochloride (ET-26HCl) is a novel etomidate analogue designed to alleviate the adrenocortical suppression caused by etomidate while retaining the rapid sedative-hypnotic onset and stable hemodynamic features of etomidate. This study compared the anesthetic effect, hemodynamic stability, and recovery profiles of ET-26HCl, etomidate, and the sedative-hypnotic drug propofol in rats.

METHODS:
The metabolic half-life of ET-26HCl was determined in vitro using high performance liquid chromatography analysis of samples of rat plasma and liver homogenates taken from 3 animals. Hypnotic median effective doses (HD50) of ET-26HCl, etomidate, and propofol were determined by up-and-down methods. Anesthesia effect and mean arterial pressure were estimated using equivalent intravenous (IV) doses of propofol, etomidate, and ET-26HCl in the rats. Serum concentrations of corticosterone were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The ability of rats to recover from the sedative-hypnotic effects of the drugs was evaluated using open field and Morris water maze tests at equipotent doses of propofol, etomidate, ET-26HCl, and normal saline.

RESULTS:
The metabolic half-life of ET-26HCl was 81 ± 6 minutes in rat plasma and 126 ± 12 minutes in incubation liver homogenate (mean ± standard deviation), respectively. In vivo experiments showed that the potency of ET-26HCl to cause a loss of righting reflex in rats was 3 times lower than that of etomidate in the rats. IV propofol caused a greater decrease in mean arterial pressure relative to the baseline (−27.9 mm Hg) than did ET-26HCl (−10.7 mm Hg) and etomidate (−19.4 mm Hg) at equipotent doses. Serum corticosterone levels after drug administration were significantly higher in the ET-26HCl group than in the etomidate group at equivalent doses when measured 15 (P < .001), 30 (P < .001), and 60 (P = .002) minutes after stimulation with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH1–24). Recovery of spatial orientation from anesthesia induced by an IV bolus injection was faster with ET-26HCl than with propofol, but recovery of spontaneous activity was slower.

CONCLUSIONS:
ET-26HCl has anesthetic potency and hemodynamic stability similar to etomidate, but it caused less adrenocortical hormone synthesis suppression than etomidate and faster spatial orientation recovery from anesthesia than propofol, which was similar to etomidate.
Cerebral Oxygen Saturation in Children With Congenital Heart Disease and Chronic Hypoxemia
Authors: Kussman Barry D. , Laussen Peter C. , Benni Paul B. , McGowan Francis X. , McElhinney Doff B. 
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND:
Increased hemoglobin (Hb) concentration accompanying hypoxemia is a compensatory response to maintain tissue oxygen delivery. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is used clinically to detect abnormalities in the balance of cerebral tissue oxygen delivery and consumption, including in children with congenital heart disease (CHD). Although NIRS-measured cerebral tissue O2 saturation (ScO2) correlates with arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), jugular bulb O2 saturation (SjbO2), and Hb, little data exist on the interplay between these factors and cerebral O2 extraction (COE). This study investigated the associations of ScO2 and ΔSaO2−ScO2 with SaO2 and Hb and verified the normal range of ScO2 in children with CHD.

METHODS:
Children undergoing cardiac catheterization for CHD were enrolled in a calibration and validation study of the FORE-SIGHT NIRS monitor. Two pairs of simultaneous arterial and jugular bulb samples were drawn for co-oximetry, calculation of a reference ScO2 (REF CX), and estimation of COE. Pearson correlation and linear regression were used to determine relationships between O2 saturation parameters and Hb. Data were also analyzed according to diagnostic group defined as acyanotic (SaO2 ≥ 90%) and cyanotic (SaO2 < 90%).

RESULTS:
Of 65 children studied, acceptable jugular bulb samples (SjbO2 absolute difference between samples ≤10%) were obtained in 57 (88%). The ΔSaO2−SjbO2, ΔSaO2−ScO2, and ΔSaO2−REF CX were positively correlated with SaO2 and negatively correlated with Hb (all P < .001). Although by diagnostic group ScO2 differed statistically (P = .002), values in the cyanotic patients were within the range considered normal (69% ± 6%). COE estimated by the difference between arterial and jugular bulb O2 content (ΔCaO2−CjbO2, mL O2/100 mL) was not different for cyanotic and acyanotic patients (P = .10), but estimates using ΔSaO2−SjbO2, ΔSaO2−ScO2, or ΔSaO2−ScO2/SaO2 were significantly different between the cyanotic and acyanotic children (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:
Children with adequately compensated chronic hypoxemia appear to have ScO2 values within the normal range. The ΔSaO2−ScO2 is inversely related to Hb, with the implication that in the presence of reduced Hb, particularly if coupled with a decreased cardiac output, the ScO2 can fall to values associated with brain injury in laboratory studies.
Osmoregulation, bioenergetics and oxidative stress in coastal marine invertebrates: raising the questions for future research
Authors: Rivera-Ingraham Georgina A. , Lignot Jehan-Hervé 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTOsmoregulation is by no means an energetically cheap process, and its costs have been extensively quantified in terms of respiration and aerobic metabolism. Common products of mitochondrial activity are reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which may cause oxidative stress by degrading key cell components, while playing essential roles in cell homeostasis. Given the delicate equilibrium between pro- and antioxidants in fueling acclimation responses, the need for a thorough understanding of the relationship between salinity-induced oxidative stress and osmoregulation arises as an important issue, especially in the context of global changes and anthropogenic impacts on coastal habitats. This is especially urgent for intertidal/estuarine organisms, which may be subject to drastic salinity and habitat changes, leading to redox imbalance. How do osmoregulation strategies determine energy expenditure, and how do these processes affect organisms in terms of oxidative stress? What mechanisms are used to cope with salinity-induced oxidative stress? This Commentary aims to highlight the main gaps in our knowledge, covering all levels of organization. From an energy-redox perspective, we discuss the link between environmental salinity changes and physiological responses at different levels of biological organization. Future studies should seek to provide a detailed understanding of the relationship between osmoregulatory strategies and redox metabolism, thereby informing conservation physiologists and allowing them to tackle the new challenges imposed by global climate change.
Construction of Functional Biomaterials by Biomolecular Self-Assembly
Authors: Matsuura Kazunori 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
This account discusses construction strategies for various functional biomaterials based on the designed self-assembly of biomolecules. Novel glycoclusters with regular intervals were developed by self-assembly of carbohydrate-conjugated oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs) with the half-sliding complementary ODNs. Complexes of carbohydrate-modified DNA and lectin afforded a new regulation system for gene expression. DNA three-way junctions bearing self-complementary sticky-ends were self-assembled into nanometer-to-micrometer-sized spherical structures depending on the concentration. The three-way component design was extended to the design of an artificial trigonal peptide conjugate. The trigonal peptide conjugates bearing β-sheet-forming peptides or glutathione self-assembled into nano-sized spherical assemblies. Self-assembly of β-annulus peptide derived from tomato bushy stunt virus afforded artificial viral capsids, which can encapsulate and be modified with various molecules.
A semi-automatic method for the extraction of the portal venous input function in quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced CT of the liver
Authors: Gill Andrew B , Hilliard Nicholas J , Hilliard Simon T , Graves Martin J , Lomas David J , Shaw Ashley 
Published: May 2017

Objective:
To aid the extraction of the portal venous input function (PVIF) from axial dynamic contrast-enhanced CT images of the liver, eliminating the need for full manual outlining of the vessel across time points.

Methods:
A cohort of 20 patients undergoing perfusion CT imaging of the liver was examined. Dynamic images of the liver were reformatted into contiguous thin slices. A region of interest was defined within a transverse section of the portal vein on a single contrast-enhanced image. This region of interest was then computationally projected across all thin slices for all time points to yield a semi-automated PVIF curve. This was compared against the “gold-standard” PVIF curve obtained by conventional manual outlining.

Results:
Bland–Altman plots of curve characteristics indicated no substantial difference between automated and manual PVIF curves [concordance correlation coefficient in the range (0.66, 0.98)]. No substantial differences were shown by Bland–Altman plots of derived pharmacokinetic parameters when a suitable kinetic model was applied in each case [concordance correlation coefficient in range (0.92, 0.95)].

Conclusion:
This semi-automated method of extracting the PVIF performed equivalently to a “gold-standard” manual method for assessing liver function.

Advances in knowledge:
This technique provides a quick, simple and effective solution to the problems incurred by respiration motion and partial volume factors in the determination of the PVIF in liver dynamic contrast-enhanced CT.
Comparison of the Economic Feasibility between Conventional and Vacuum Drying for 4/4 Red Oak
Authors: Brenes-Angulo Oxana , Bond Brian , Kline Earl , Quesada-Pineda Henry 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Vacuum drying of wood is a method to reduce drying time and inventory; however, there is limited information regarding the economic feasibility for vacuum drying 4/4 red oak compared with traditional drying methods. The benefits of this technology, mainly dramatically reduced drying times and higher flexibility, must be weighed against the higher initial capital investment. The goal of this project was to compare the economic feasibility, using capital budgeting techniques, of conventional drying and vacuum drying for 4/4 red oak lumber. The analysis was conducted for two actual flooring manufacturers. Conventional drying for this analysis was considered to be air-drying plus kiln drying, which is commonly done with red oak. The vacuum technology considered used hot platens for heating the wood. Species, thickness, drying methods, and lumber demand compared, both drying methods (conventional and vacuum drying) were determined to be economically feasible. However, vacuum drying had a slightly higher net present value, cost–benefit ratio, and sensitivity analysis than conventional drying, making it a slightly better investment for drying 4/4 red oak. The initial tied-up inventory and its respective cost in the conventional drying scenario represents an opportunity cost that can be recovered using vacuum drying. This recovered cost can result in freed capital that can be invested elsewhere to increase competitiveness.
Corporate Social Responsibility in the Wood-Based Panel Industry: Main Strategies from Four Enterprises in China
Authors: Lu Feifei , Wen Zuomin , D'Amato Dalia , Toppinen Anne 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
With economic globalization and the diffusion of corporate social responsibility (CSR), firms are increasingly moving from using reactive to more proactive strategies in their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies. Wood-based panel processing enterprises, which are particularly sensitive to environmental and social issues, are increasingly developing their CSR strategies. Previous research on environmental protection and responsibility in this industry focused mainly on single aspects, such as the control of volatile noxious gases, while neglecting comprehensive social environmental responsibility strategies, especially in emerging economies. This article adopts a case study approach that analyzes the main CSR strategies of four leading Chinese wood-based panel processing enterprises. The study provides a reference for similar enterprises in China and other developing economies on CSR/ESG strategies. Even though context specific, our findings can provide further impetus for research and discussion on other emerging economies that share similar institutional characteristics.
Collagen Turnover Markers in Relation to Future Cardiovascular and Noncardiovascular Disease: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Duprez Daniel A , Gross Myron D , Sanchez Otto A , Kizer Jorge R , Ix Joachim H , Lima Joao , Tracy Russell P , Jacobs David R 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Sustained remodeling of extracellular matrix can compromise organs and tissues. Procollagen type III N-terminal propeptide (PIIINP) and collagen type I carboxy-terminal telopeptide (ICTP) reflect collagen synthesis and degradation. We studied their predictive value for future death and disease.

METHODS
A total of 3068 men and women in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis who were free of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and in generally good health had a baseline blood sample taken for ICTP and PIIINP. Median follow-up was 13.0 years. Among 4 primary outcomes, CVD events (n = 697) were adjudicated, death (n = 571) was by death certificate, and chronic inflammatory–related severe hospitalization and death (ChrIRD, n = 726) and total cancer (n = 327) were classified using International Classification of Diseases codes. We used Poisson regression to study baseline ICTP and PIIINP relative to these outcomes.

RESULTS
Mean (SD) PIIINP was 5.47 (1.95) μg/L and ICTP was 3.37 (1.70) μg/L. PIIINP and ICTP were highly correlated with each other and with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Adjustment for age and eGFR attenuated relative risks, remaining 20%–30% per SD of both PIIINP and ICTP in prediction for total death and ChrIRD, and of PIIINP for cancer, with little additional attenuation by adjusting for risk factors and inflammatory biomarkers. CVD outcome was generally unrelated to PIIINP but became marginally inversely related to ICTP in the most adjusted model.

CONCLUSIONS
The collagen biomarkers PIIINP and ICTP, in part through pathophysiologically parallel associations with renal function, predicted ChrIRD and total death. Moreover, PIIINP predicted future cancer. These collagen markers may help differentiate healthy from unhealthy aging.
Overhead Perturbation Training
Authors: Burne Graham , Tack Christopher 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT
OVERHEAD PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE OF THE UPPER LIMB IS PREDICATED ON VARIOUS FACTORS INCLUDING PROPRIOCEPTION, KINESTHESIA, AND MUSCLE ACTIVITY AROUND THE GLENOHUMERAL AND SCAPULOTHORACIC JOINTS. SUSTAINING SUFFICIENT NEUROMUSCULAR CONTROL ALLOWS OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE TO OCCUR, WHILE REDUCING RISK OF INJURY. CONVERSELY, BOTH FACTORS ARE REDUCED IN THE PRESENCE OF AN INJURY SHOWING THEIR IMPORTANCE IN REHABILITATION. OVERHEAD PERTURBATION TRAINING ALLOWS CONTROLLED EXPOSURE OF THE ATHLETE TO POSITIONS OF VULNERABILITY TO ALLOW FACILITATION OF ADAPTIVE RESPONSES TO IMPROVE RESPONSE TO EXTERNAL PERTURBATIONS OF LIMB POSITION. THIS TECHNIQUE ALLOWS DEVELOPMENT OF NEUROMUSCULAR CONTROL PATTERNS THAT MAY REDUCE INJURY.
Study of the Elastic Shear Modulus of Bío Bío Sand Using Bender Elements in an Oedometer
Authors: Ayala Juan L. , Villalobos Felipe A. , Alvarado Giovanny 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
The objective of the paper is to study the shear stiffness of Bío Bío sand. To this end, a system to measure the travel time of shear waves in Bío Bío sand samples using bender elements was designed and setup in an adapted oedometer device. Measurements were carried out for sand samples with different relative density, pressure/deformation, diameter/height, dry/saturated and varying the frequency, amplitude, and type of the triggered electric signals. The shear wave velocity and elastic shear modulus increased with relative density and effective vertical stress as previously found by other authors. In addition, Hardin type empirical formulas for estimating the elastic shear modulus are used to compare with the experimental results. Estimations proved to be good only in loading for effective vertical stresses around 100 kPa, since underestimation and overestimation of the shear modulus occurred for stresses below and above that value, respectively. Soil shear stiffness during unloading/reloading cycles was underestimated with the expressions used for loading.