bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global longitudinal strain corrected by RR interval is a superior predictor of all‐cause mortality in patients with systolic heart failure and atrial fibrillation
Authors: Modin Daniel , Sengeløv Morten , Jørgensen Peter Godsk , Bruun Niels Eske , Olsen Flemming Javier , Dons Maria , Fritz Hansen Thomas , Jensen Jan Skov , Biering‐Sørensen Tor 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimsQuantification of systolic function in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is challenging. A novel approach, based on RR interval correction, to counteract the varying heart cycle lengths in AF has recently been proposed. Whether this method is superior in patients with systolic heart failure (HFrEF) with AF remains unknown. This study investigates the prognostic value of RR interval‐corrected peak global longitudinal strain {GLSc = GLS/[RR^(1/2)]} in relation to all‐cause mortality in HFrEF patients displaying AF during echocardiographic examination.Methods and resultsEchocardiograms from 151 patients with HFrEF and AF during examination were analysed offline. Peak global longitudinal strain (GLS) was averaged from 18 myocardial segments obtained from three apical views. GLS was indexed with the square root of the RR interval {GLSc = GLS/[RR^(1/2)]}. Endpoint was all‐cause mortality. During a median follow‐up of 2.7 years, 40 patients (26.5%) died. Neither uncorrected GLS (P = 0.056) nor left ventricular ejection fraction (P = 0.053) was significantly associated with all‐cause mortality. After RR^(1/2) indexation, GLSc became a significant predictor of all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio 1.16, 95% confidence interval 1.02–1.22, P = 0.014, per %/s^(1/2) decrease). GLSc remained an independent predictor of mortality after multivariable adjustment (age, sex, mean heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, left atrial volume index, and E/e′) (hazard ratio 1.17, 95% confidence interval 1.05–1.31, P = 0.005 per %/s^(1/2) decrease).ConclusionsDecreasing {GLSc = GLS/[RR^(1/2)]}, but not uncorrected GLS nor left ventricular ejection fraction, was significantly associated with increased risk of all‐cause mortality in HFrEF patients with AF and remained an independent predictor after multivariable adjustment.
Degradation of Fat by a Bioaugmentation Product Comprising of Bacillus spp. Before and After the Addition of a Pseudomonas sp
Authors: Tzirita Markella , Papanikolaou Seraphim , Quilty Bríd 
Published: October 2017

A bioaugmentation product, BFL, comprising strains of the genus Bacillus, is evaluated for its ability to degrade fat in laboratory‐scale experiments. Addition of a Pseudomonas putida strain CP1 to the commercial mixed population (BFL‐CP1) is tested for optimization of fat degradation. Experiments are carried out in aerobic batch culture, at 30 °C and 150 rpm for 13 days incubation. A minimal medium (MM) and an enriched nutrient medium (ENM) are investigated supplemented with 1% (w/v) butter. Fat removal is determined gravimetrically and the lipid content is analyzed using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and gas chromatography (GC). No degradation of butter by the product is recorded after 13 days of incubation, while up to 97% degradation is observed by BFL‐CP1. All the Bacillus isolates produced lipase but not the Pseudomonas putida. TLC and GC results suggested that while the Bacillus spp. hydrolyzed the fat to fatty acids and glycerol, complete metabolism of the breakdown products only took place in the presence of the Pseudomonad sp. A citrate buffer is used to investigate fat removal by BFL‐CP1in low and stable pH using citrated minimal buffer. Similar fat removal is observed. The use of citrated minimal buffer caused flocculation of the mixed culture, a phenomenon desirable for fats, oils, and grease (FOGs) degradation in grease traps.Practical Applications: The bioaugmentation product, BFL, comprising strains of the genus Bacillus, only promoted high fat removal in a few days incubation after the addition of a Pseudomonas putida strain CP1. Analysis of the remaining fat suggested a cooperative activity between the Bacillus spp., which hydrolyzed the fat to fatty acids and glycerol, and the Pseudomonas putida CP1, which assimilated the released fatty acids. Formation of flocs were observed when the inoculum was tested under different environmental conditions with low pH. This phenomenon is desirable and along with the high degradative ability of the that new inoculum, it showed good potential for use in the treatment of FOG in grease traps.Fats, oils, and greases (FOGs) are generated in high amounts from food facilities presenting potential blockages and wastewater management problems. FOG may be intercepted at source using grease traps and may be treated biologically in situ using bioaugmentation, an environmentally desirable approach that involves the introduction of suitable microorganisms. In this study, combination of Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria successfully cooperated and degraded the FOG breaking down the lipids to fatty acids and glycerol by the activity of lipases, and also assimilating the produced fatty acids to carbon dioxide and water through the β‐oxidation process.
Enhanced Lycopene Extraction from Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.) by the Z‐Isomerization Induced with Microwave Irradiation Pre‐Treatment
Authors: Honda Masaki , Watanabe Yo , Murakami Kazuya , Hoang Nguyen Ngoc , diono Wahyu , Kanda Hideki , Goto Motonobu 
Published: October 2017

This study aims to improve the efficiency of lycopene extraction from gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.) by the Z‐isomerization induced with microwave irradiation pre‐treatment. Although 93.6% of lycopene exist as all‐E‐isomers in dried gac aril, the total Z‐isomer content reaches 35.6 and 58.5% by microwave irradiation at 900 W for 40 s and at 1050 W for 60 s, respectively. The 35.6 and 58.5% Z‐isomerization treatment improves lycopene content of extract (by 6.0 or 8.5 times for press extraction, 7.8 or 13.5 times for ethanol extraction, and 4.5 or 6.1 times for supercritical CO2 (SC‐CO2)extraction, respectively) compared with no treatment. In addition, the extracts containes high amounts of lycopene Z‐isomers, which have higher bioavailability and antioxidant capacity than (all‐E)‐lycopene.Practical Applications: This study clearly shows that lycopene recovery by press, organic solvent, and SC‐CO2 extraction from dried gac aril improved by the increase in the Z‐isomer content. It indicates that the Z‐isomers are more soluble in oil, organic solvent, and SC‐CO2 than the all‐E‐isomer. Moreover, the thermal Z‐isomerization pre‐treatment increases the content of lycopene Z‐isomers in the extract. Therefore, this procedure is important not only for improving the productivity of lycopene, but also for providing a highly functionalized extract.The effect of the Z‐isomerization, induced by microwave irradiation pre‐treatment of gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.) aril, on the lycopene recovery and lycopene content of the extracts obtained using press, ethanol, and SC‐CO2 extractions is investigated. For all extraction methods, as the content of Z‐isomers in the raw material increases, the recovery and lycopene content of gac extracts improve.
Association Between Dietary Fiber Intake and Bone Loss in the Framingham Offspring Study
Authors: Dai Zhaoli , Zhang Yuqing , Lu Na , Felson David T , Kiel Douglas P , Sahni Shivani 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT

Dietary fiber may increase calcium absorption, but its role in bone mineralization is unclear. Furthermore, the health effect of dietary fiber may be different between sexes. We examined the association between dietary fiber (total fiber and fiber from cereal, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes) and bone loss at the femoral neck, trochanter, and lumbar spine (L2 to L4) in older men and women. In the Framingham Offspring Study, at baseline (1996–2001), diet was assessed using the Willett food-frequency questionnaire, and bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Follow-up BMD was measured in 2001–2005 and 2005–2008 among 792 men (mean age 58.1 years; BMI 28.6 kg/m2) and 1065 women (mean age 57.3 years; BMI 27.2 kg/m2). We used sex-specific generalized estimating equations in multivariable regressions to estimate the difference (β) of annualized BMD change in percent (%ΔBMD) at each skeletal site per 5 g/d increase in dietary fiber. We further estimated the adjusted mean for bone loss (annualized %ΔBMD) among participants in each higher quartile (Q2, Q3, or Q4) compared with those in the lowest quartile (Q1) of fiber intake. Higher dietary total fiber (β = 0.06, p = 0.003) and fruit fiber (β = 0.10, p = 0.008) was protective against bone loss at the femoral neck in men but not in women. When examined in quartiles, men in Q2–Q4 of total fiber had significantly less bone loss at the femoral neck versus those in Q1 (all p &lt; 0.04). For women, we did not observe associations with hip bone loss, although fiber from vegetables appeared to be protective against spine bone loss in women but not men. There were no associations with cereal fiber or nut and legume fiber and bone loss in men or women. Our findings suggest that higher dietary fiber may modestly reduce bone loss in men at the hip. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Risk stratifying the screening of Barrett's esophagus: An Asian perspective
Authors: Sharma Neel , Hui Tianyi , Wong Hung C , Srivastava Supriya , Teh Ming , Yeoh Khay G , Ho Khek Y 
Published: October 2017

Background and AimBarrett's esophagus (BE) is a premalignant condition for esophageal adenocarcinoma. Although risk factors exist for screening patients in the West, we aimed to determine the factors in terms of demographics and symptoms for patients in an Asian setting.MethodsWe recruited 1378 patients over a 7‐year period as part of an ongoing gastric cancer screening program. An appropriately designed questionnaire was utilized to determine the necessary risk factors and symptoms with endoscopic analysis and subsequent histological confirmation as the gold standard. We utilized the existence of intestinal metaplasia of the distal esophagus as the primary diagnostic pathology.ResultsWe demonstrated that no symptoms were indicative of BE in an Asian setting. Age (odds ratio 1.081, 95% confidence interval 1.022–1.143) and male gender (odds ratio 4.808, 95% confidence interval 1.727–13.33) proved significant demographic factors for the presence of intestinal metaplasia (P 0.007, 0.003, respectively).ConclusionsWe advocate the utilization of increasing age and male gender as the primary risk factors for patients at risk of BE. We also recommend astute examination of the distal esophagus whilst patients undergo simultaneous gastric cancer screening.
Friendship in War: Camaraderie and Prevention of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Prevention
Authors: Nevarez Michael D. , Yee Hannah M. , Waldinger Robert J. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAspects of social support during combat deployment, such as unit cohesion, have been shown to affect later posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) development among veterans. We utilized a longitudinal database to assess how relationship quality with fellow soldiers in World War II (WWII) might be linked with postwar PTSD symptoms. Data were available on 101 men who experienced combat exposure in WWII, documented through postwar assessment. Upon study entry (1939 to 1942), data were collected on the quality of participants’ early childhood relationships and their emotional adjustment during college. Data on WWII experiences were collected in 1946. Relationship quality with fellow soldiers in WWII was examined as a moderator of the link between combat exposure and postwar PTSD symptoms. Prewar emotional adjustment was examined as a mediator between quality of childhood relationships and subsequent quality of relationships quality with fellow soldiers during war. Better quality relationships with fellow soldiers attenuated (i.e., moderated) the link between combat exposure severity and PTSD symptom count, explaining a significant percent of the variance, R2 = .19, p < .001. There was also a significant indirect mediation effect of childhood relationship quality on relationships with soldiers through prewar emotional adjustment, ab = 0.02, 95% BCa CI [0.01, 0.05]. Results suggest that better peer relationship quality during deployment may reduce the likelihood of subsequent PTSD symptom development, and that the quality of early relationships may set the stage for better relationships during stressful contexts such as war. These findings have implications for PTSD risk factor screening prior to deployment, and underscore the importance of interpersonal support among soldiers during deployment.
Salivary fistula: Blue dye testing as part of an algorithm for early diagnosis
Authors: Kiong Kimberley L. , Tan Ngian Chye , Skanthakumar Thakshayeni , Teo Constance E.H. , Soo Khee Chee , Tan Hiang Khoon , Roche Elizabeth , Yee Kaisin , Iyer N. Gopalakrishna 
Published: October 2017

ObjectiveOrocutaneous and pharyngocutaneous fistula (OPCF) is a debilitating complication of head and neck surgery for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), resulting in delayed adjuvant treatment and prolonged hospitalization. As yet, there is no established test that can help in prompt and accurate diagnosis of OPCF. This study aims to determine the accuracy of bedside blue dye testing and its role as part of an algorithm for early diagnosis. We also analyze the risk factors predisposing to OPCF.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study from 2012 to 2014.MethodsPatients with head and neck SCC who underwent major resection and reconstruction, at risk of OPCF, were included. Results of blue‐dye and video‐fluoroscopic swallow‐studies (VFSS) testing for OPCF were recorded. For the patients that were noted to develop OPCF, the length of time to diagnosis of fistula and subsequent mode of management were examined.ResultsOf the 93 patients in this study, 25 (26.9%) developed OPCF. Advanced T‐classification (T3/T4) was the only significant predisposing risk factor (p = 0.013). The sensitivity and specificity of the bedside blue dye testing was found to be 36.4% and 100%, respectively. The test positive patients were diagnosed with OPCF at a median of postoperative day (POD) 9.5 as compared to POD 13 for the test negative patients (p = 0.001). Early diagnosis was associated with faster fistula resolution with treatment.ConclusionBlue dye testing is a simple bedside test that can assist in the early diagnosis of OPCF in patients, allowing treatment to be instituted earlier with improved outcomes.Level of Evidence3
The metabolic regimes of flowing waters
Authors: Bernhardt E. S. , Heffernan J. B. , Grimm N. B. , Stanley E. H. , Harvey J. W. , Arroita M. , Appling A. P. , Cohen M. J. , McDowell W. H. , Hall R. O. , Read J. S. , Roberts B. J. , Stets E. G. , Yackulic C. B. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe processes and biomass that characterize any ecosystem are fundamentally constrained by the total amount of energy that is either fixed within or delivered across its boundaries. Ultimately, ecosystems may be understood and classified by their rates of total and net productivity and by the seasonal patterns of photosynthesis and respiration. Such understanding is well developed for terrestrial and lentic ecosystems but our understanding of ecosystem phenology has lagged well behind for rivers. The proliferation of reliable and inexpensive sensors for monitoring dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide is underpinning a revolution in our understanding of the ecosystem energetics of rivers. Here, we synthesize our current understanding of the drivers and constraints on river metabolism, and set out a research agenda aimed at characterizing, classifying and modeling the current and future metabolic regimes of flowing waters.
In‐Situ Tensile Testing of Propellants in SEM: Influence of Temperature
Authors: Di Benedetto Giuseppe L. , van Ramshorst Marthinus C. J. , Duvalois Willem , Hooijmeijer Peter A. , van der Heijden Antoine E. D. M. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractA tensile module system placed within a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was utilized to conduct in‐situ tensile testing of propellant samples. The tensile module system allows for real‐time in‐situ SEM analysis of the samples to determine the failure mechanism of the propellant material under tensile force. The focus of this study was to vary the experimental parameters of the tensile module system and analyze how they affect the failure mechanism of the samples. The experimental parameters varied included strain rate and sample temperature (−54, +25 and +40 °C). Stress‐strain diagrams were recorded during the in‐situ tensile tests, and these results were coupled with the in‐situ images and videos of the samples captured with SEM analysis. The experiments conducted at −54 °C showed a different failure behavior of the propellant sample due to its rigidity at this low temperature, while experiments conducted at +25 and +40 °C displayed a similar failure mechanism. For future testing using this tensile tester, special attention should be given to improved temperature control of the specimen, especially at low temperatures.
Target of rapamycin FATC domain as a general membrane anchor: The FKBP‐12 like domain of FKBP38 as a case study
Authors: De Cicco Maristella , Milroy Lech‐G. , Dames Sonja A. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIncreased efforts have been undertaken to better understand the formation of signaling complexes at cellular membranes. Since the preparation of proteins containing a transmembrane domain or a prenylation motif is generally challenging an alternative membrane anchoring unit that is easy to attach, water‐soluble and binds to different membrane mimetics would find broad application. The 33‐residue long FATC domain of yeast TOR1 (y1fatc) fulfills these criteria and binds to neutral and negatively charged micelles, bicelles, and liposomes. As a case study, we fused it to the FKBP506‐binding region of the protein FKBP38 (FKBP38‐BD) and used 1H–15N NMR spectroscopy to characterize localization of the chimeric protein to micelles, bicelles, and liposomes. Based on these and published data for y1fatc, its use as a C‐terminally attachable membrane anchor for other proteins is compatible with a wide range of buffer conditions (pH circa 6–8.5, NaCl 0 to >150 mM, presence of reducing agents, different salts such as MgCl2 and CaCl2). The high water‐solubility of y1fatc enables its use for titration experiments against a membrane‐localized interaction partner of the fused target protein. Results from studies with peptides corresponding to the C‐terminal 17–11 residues of the 33‐residue long domain by 1D 1H NMR and CD spectroscopy indicate that they still can interact with membrane mimetics. Thus, they may be used as membrane anchors if the full y1fatc sequence is disturbing or if a chemically synthesized y1fatc peptide shall be attached by native chemical ligation, for example, unlabeled peptide to 15N‐labeled target protein for NMR studies.
Elastic Surface Model For Beta‐Barrels: Geometric, Computational, And Statistical Analysis
Authors: Toda Magdalena , Zhang Fangyuan , Athukorallage Bhagya 
Published: October 2017

AbstractOver the past 2 decades, many different geometric models were created for beta barrels, including, but not limited to: cylinders, 1‐sheeted hyperboloids, twisted hyperboloids, catenoids, and so forth. We are proponents of an elastic surface model for beta‐barrels, which includes the minimal surface model as a particular case, but is a lot more comprehensive. Beta barrel models are obtained as numerical solutions of a boundary value problem, using the COMSOL Multiphysics Modeling Software. We have compared them against the best fitting statistical models, with positive results. The geometry of each individual beta barrel, as a rotational elastic surface, is determined by the ratio between the exterior diameter and the height. Through our COMSOL computational modeling, we created a rather large variety of generalized Willmore surfaces that may represent models for beta barrels. The catenoid is just a particular solution among all these shapes.
White‐Light Photoassisted Covalent Functionalization of Graphene Using 2‐Propanol
Authors: Lundstedt Anna , Papadakis Raffaello , Li Hu , Han Yuanyuan , Jorner Kjell , Bergman Joakim , Leifer Klaus , Grennberg Helena , Ottosson Henrik 
Published: October 2017

AbstractHerein, a photochemical method for functionalization of graphene using 2‐propanol is reported. The functionalization method which is catalyst‐free operates at ambient temperature in neat 2‐propanol under an inert atmosphere of argon. The equipment requirement is a white‐light source for the irradiation. The same methodology when applied to kish graphite results in a novel material, exhibiting significantly higher wettability than the starting material according to water contact angle measurements. Furthermore, the materials generated from both graphene and kish graphite exhibit increased adhesion energy, attributed to the fixation of isopropyl alcohol fragments onto graphene and graphite, respectively. The presence of hydroxyl groups and the possibility for further reactions on the functionalized graphene material are demonstrated through a substitution reaction with thionyl chloride, where the hydroxyl groups are replaced with chlorides, as confirmed through X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis.
Seven Tips for Teachers of Newcomer Emergent Bilingual Students
Authors: Cain Amelia Ashworth 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWhen a newcomer arrives, classroom teachers may wonder what to do. This article provides seven practical tips for getting started with a newcomer, nurturing healthy relationships, and facilitating learning experiences. Teachers can ease the transition for newcomers by attempting to perceive situations from the student's perspective. Awareness of students' first language(s), background experiences, and funds of knowledge nurtures interculturality in the classroom and promotes a climate of mutual respect. Specific suggestions for preparing a newcomer kit provide ways to assess newcomers and to begin to develop their spoken and written vocabulary in English. Using the kit allows newcomers to make connections between English and their first language, develop confidence, and build on background knowledge and prior experiences. The tips in this article may reduce stress for classroom teachers and newcomers.
Cover Image, Volume 9, Issue 6
Authors: Sangtani Ajmeeta , Nag Okhil K. , Field Lauren D. , Breger Joyce C. , Delehanty James B. 
Published: October 2017

In the Overview by Sangtani and Nag et al., the authors detail recent advances in multifunctional therapeutic nanoparticles (NPs) for drug delivery and imaging. The distinction is made between hard NPs such as quantum dots and gold NPs (where drug cargos are attached to the NP surface) and soft NPs such as liposomes and micelles (which allow both core loading and surface attachment). The image shows a cut away view of a mammalian cell interfaced with soft (foreground left) and hard (foreground right) NPs during the delivery of surface‐appended (green spheres) and core‐loaded (red rods) cargos. Illustration is courtesy Ella Maru Studio, Inc. DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1466.
image