bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Natriuretic peptide levels taken following unplanned admission to a cardiology department predict the duration of hospitalization
Authors: Asphaug Marte , Skadberg Øyvind , Dalen Ingvild , Dickstein Kenneth 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAimsNatriuretic peptide (NP) levels are routinely employed as useful diagnostic and prognostic tools in the evaluation of patients with heart failure (HF). As hospitalization is the major consumer of healthcare resources, the prognostic power of admission NPs with regard to the duration of hospitalization deserves further investigation.Methods and resultsWe assessed retrospectively the association between NP values sampled shortly following unplanned admission and the duration of hospitalization in 2978 patients admitted to a cardiology department. Duration of hospitalization (hours) and survival were determined by interrogation of the electronic medical records system. Associations with peptide levels were estimated using regression models and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The results demonstrate a significant positive relationship between NP levels and the duration of hospitalization, after adjusting for age (P < 0.001). The median duration of hospitalization for the lowest BNP and NT‐proBNP quintiles were 80 and 97 h, respectively, vs. 224.5 and 236 h for the highest quintiles. Using cut‐off levels of 115 pmol/L for BNP and 390 pmol/L for NT‐proBNP, the peptides have a positive predictive value of 78% and 85% for a stay >4 days. During follow‐up, NP levels were strongly predictive of all‐cause mortality.ConclusionThe results quantify the strong relationship between NP levels taken following an unplanned admission to a cardiology department and the duration of hospitalization. This information permits improved identification of a patient population likely to require a prolonged hospital stay and consume more healthcare resources. Such patients may require a more aggressive diagnostic, treatment, and management strategy.
Monitoring of freshwater toxins in European environmental waters by using novel multi-detection methods
Authors: Rodriguez Ines , Fraga Maria , Alfonso Amparo , Guillebault Delphine , Medlin Linda , Baudart Julia , Jacob Pauline , Helmi Karim , Meyer Thomas , Breitenbach Ulrich , Holden Nicholas M. , Boots Bas , Spurio Roberto , Cimarelli Lucia , Mancini Laura , Marcheggiani Stefania , Albay Meric , Akcaalan Reyhan , Köker Latife , Botana Luis M. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract

Monitoring the quality of freshwater is an important issue for public health. In the context of the European project μAqua, 150 samples were collected from several waters in France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Turkey for 2 yr. These samples were analyzed using 2 multitoxin detection methods previously developed: a microsphere-based method coupled to flow-cytometry, and an ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method. The presence of microcystins, nodularin, domoic acid, cylindrospermopsin, and several analogues of anatoxin-a (ATX-a) was monitored. No traces of cylindrospermopsin or domoic acid were found in any of the environmental samples. Microcystin-LR and microcystin-RR were detected in 2 samples from Turkey and Germany. In the case of ATX-a derivatives, 75% of samples contained mainly H2-ATX-a and small amounts of H2-homoanatoxin-a, whereas ATX-a and homoanatoxin-a were found in only 1 sample. These results confirm the presence and wide distribution of dihydro derivatives of ATX-a toxins in European freshwaters. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:645–654. © 2016 SETAC
Decreased between‐hemisphere connectivity strength and network efficiency in geriatric depression
Authors: Li Xuesong , Steffens David C. , Potter Guy G. , Guo Hua , Song Sen , Wang Lihong 
Published: August 2016

AbstractWhite matter (WM) lesions have been recognized as a key etiological factor in geriatric depression. However, little is known about the topological pattern changes of WM in geriatric depression in the remitted state (RGD) and its relationship to depressive episodes. To address these questions, we acquired diffusion tensor images in 24 RGD and 24 healthy participants. Among them, 10 patients and 19 healthy controls completed a 1‐year follow up. Between‐hemisphere connectivity and graph theoretical methods were used to analyze the data. We found significantly reduced WM connectivity between the left and right hemisphere in the RGD group compared with the control group. Those with multiple depression episodes had greater reduction in between‐hemisphere connectivity strength than those with fewer episodes. In addition, the RGD group had a reduced global clustering coefficient, global efficiency, and network strength, and an increased shortest path length compared with the controls. A lower clustering coefficient was correlated with poorer memory function. The reduction of nodal clustering coefficient, global efficiency, and network strength in several regions were associated with slower information processing speed. At 1‐year follow up, the network properties in the RGD subjects were significantly changed suggesting instability of WM network properties of depressed patients. Together, our study provides direct evidence of reduced between‐hemisphere WM connectivity with greater depressive episodes, and of alterations of network properties with cognitive dysfunction in geriatric depression. Hum Brain Mapp 38:53–67, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Magnetic Property of New Trispin Ln(III)‐Nitronyl Nitroxide Complexes
Authors: Fan Zhe , Hou Yi‐Fang , Wang Shu‐Ping , Yang Shu‐Tao , Zhang Jian‐Jun , Shi Shi‐Kao , Geng Li‐Na 
Published: August 2016

Four Ln(III) complexes based on a new nitronyl nitroxide radical have been synthesized and structurally characterized: {Ln(hfac)3[NITPh(MeO)2]2} (Ln = Eu(1), Gd(2), Tb(3), Dy(4); NITPh(MeO)2 = 2‐(3′,4′‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide; hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate). The single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis shows that these complexes have similar mononuclear trispin structures, in which central Ln(III) ion is eight‐coordinated by two O‐atoms from two nitroxide groups and six O‐atoms from three hfac anions. The variable temperature magnetic susceptibility study reveals that there exist ferromagnetic interactions between Gd(III) and the radicals, and antiferromagnetic interactions between two radicals (JGd‐Rad = 3.40 cm−1, JRad‐Rad = −9.99 cm−1) in complex 2. Meanwhile, antiferromagnetic interactions are estimated between Eu(III) (or Dy(III)) and radicals in complexes 1 and 4, and ferromagnetic interaction between Tb(III) and radicals in complex 3, respectively.
Gridded, monthly rainfall and temperature climatology for El Niño Southern Oscillation impacts in the United States
Authors: Dourte Daniel R. , Gelcer Eduardo , Uryasev Oxana , Staub Caroline G. , Barreto Daniel D. , Fraisse Clyde W. 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTThis article introduces a web‐based climate information resource: an El Niño Southern Oscillation ENSO‐based monthly climatology for the United States, available on AgroClimate.org. Climate variability affects land managers and decision makers in a variety of ways. The ENSO is one of the leading drivers of seasonal and year‐to‐year climate variability. Understanding the historical rainfall and temperature anomalies associated with ENSO can be an important way for decision makers to learn how they might anticipate climate variability. We used the ENSO record from 1950 to 2013 to develop an ENSO‐specific climatology. This allows decision makers to pinpoint the combinations of location and month in which there are substantial ENSO‐associated rainfall or temperature anomalies. Learning about the timing of historical ENSO‐driven climate impacts can be an important first step for decision makers to develop management adjustments that could make the most positive outcomes based on the available climate information.
Impact of Fencing and Irrigation on Species Composition and Diversity of Desert Plant Communities in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: El‐Keblawy Ali 
Published: August 2016

AbstractGrazing and water are among the most important factors influencing community structure and productivity in natural rangelands. Little is known about the independent effects of grazing and water and their interaction on plant community structure and productivity in rangelands of the arid Arab Gulf deserts. Paired sampling plots were used to compare plant species composition, diversity and plant abundances and sizes inside and outside 14‐month irrigated and 30‐month non‐irrigated exclosures constructed during dry years on sandy dunes of the arid Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. The results showed that the negative impacts of high grazing pressures on plant productivity (plant sizes and abundances) and diversity were stronger in the non‐irrigated sites. Both irrigation (IR) and protection (PR) enhanced plant diversity and productivity of the overgrazed degraded Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. The combined effects of PR and IR resulted in the occurrence of a total of 22 species inside the irrigated exclosures; however, none of them appeared in the irrigated grazed sites. Eighteen palatable species occurred inside, but not outside, the irrigated exclosures. Chamaephytes, which are more sensitive to human and animal disturbances, recovered more than other life forms under PR and IR. Dipterygium glaucum showed a great potential to be used for restoration projects under water IR in the Arab Gulf deserts. It is concluded that grazing and water independently affected plant diversity and productivity, but the relative role of grazing is more important than that of water in conserving desert plants, especially the palatable ones. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chitosan Schiff base as effective corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in acid medium
Authors: Menaka Ramanathan , Subhashini Sethumanickam 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAn environment
friendly inhibitor, chitosan thiophene carboxaldehyde Schiff base, was synthesized by a condensation reaction of the carbonyl group of thiophene 2‐carboxaldehyde and free amino groups of chitosan. The chitosan Schiff base was characterized by UV spectroscopy, Fourier transform IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and thermal analysis. The surface morphology of the Schiff base derivative was examined by SEM. Gravimetric and electrochemical techniques were used to explore the behaviour of the chitosan thiophene derivative as a corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in an acidic environment. The effects of inhibitor concentration, exposure time and temperature were investigated. The chitosan Schiff base showed a good inhibition performance of 92% inhibition efficiency at room temperature for 12 h of immersion in a weight loss experiment. The electrochemical results showed that the chitosan derivative acts as an effective mixed type inhibitor. The adsorption of the inhibitor followed the Temkin isotherm model. SEM and AFM techniques were used to characterize the protective layer formed on the mild steel substrate. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Thermoelectric phenomena in chemically synthesized graphene nanoribbons with substitution atoms and functional groups
Authors: Zberecki K. , Swirkowicz R. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractWe analyze theoretically electronic, magnetic, and thermoelectric properties of narrow carbon polymers. Such nanoribbons, which can be obtained chemically via bottom‐up approach from the appropriate monomers, may exhibit extremely interesting properties from application point of view if modified with substitution Al/N atoms or functionalized with NOCH3 group. Our investigations, based on ab initio calculations, show that such modification may considerably narrow the bandgap with respect to pristine structures. Also, magnetic moments ordered ferromagnetically can be generated along modified edges, which results in the spin dependent band structure giving rise to remarkable spin effects, giving strongly enhanced spin Seebeck coefficient. These results suggest that modified polymeric graphene nanoribbons would have a great potential for applications in spintronic devices.
S100B Mediates Stemness of Ovarian Cancer Stem-Like Cells Through Inhibiting p53
Authors: Yang Tao , Cheng Jianan , Yang Yang , Qi Wei , Zhao Yuetao , Long Haixia , Xie Rongkai , Zhu Bo 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
S100B is one of the members of the S100 protein family and is involved in the progression of a variety of cancers. Ovarian cancer is driven by cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs) that are involved in tumorigenesis, metastasis, chemo-resistance and relapse. We then hypothesized that S100B might exert pro-tumor effects by regulating ovarian CSLCs stemness, a key characteristic of CSLCs. First, we observed the high expression of S100B in ovarian cancer specimens when compared to that in normal ovary. The S100B upregulation associated with more advanced tumor stages, poorer differentiation and poorer survival. In addition, elevated S100B expression correlated with increased expression of stem cell markers including CD133, Nanog and Oct4. Then, we found that S100B was preferentially expressed in CD133+ ovarian CSLCs derived from both ovarian cancer cell lines and primary tumors of patients. More importantly, we revealed that S100B knockdown suppressed the in vitro self-renewal and in vivo tumorigenicity of ovarian CSLCs and decreased their expression of stem cell markers. S100B ectopic expression endowed non-CSLCs with stemness, which has been demonstrated with both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Mechanically, we demonstrated that the underlying mechanism of S100B-mediated effects on CSLCs stemness was not dependent on its binding with a receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), but might be through intracellular regulation, through the inhibition of p53 expression and phosphorylation. In conclusion, our results elucidate the importance of S100B in maintenance of ovarian CSLCs stemness, which might provide a promising therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.
Fascin Is Critical for the Maintenance of Breast Cancer Stem Cell Pool Predominantly via the Activation of the Notch Self-Renewal Pathway
Authors: Barnawi Rayanah , Al-Khaldi Samiyah , Majed Sleiman Ghida , Sarkar Abdullah , Al-Dhfyan Abdullah , Al-Mohanna Falah , Ghebeh Hazem , Al-Alwan Monther 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
An emerging dogma shows that tumors are initiated and maintained by a subpopulation of cancer cells that hijack some stem cell features and thus referred to as “cancer stem cells” (CSCs). The exact mechanism that regulates the maintenance of CSC pool remains largely unknown. Fascin is an actin-bundling protein that we have previously demonstrated to be a major regulator of breast cancer chemoresistance and metastasis, two cardinal features of CSCs. Here, we manipulated fascin expression in breast cancer cell lines and used several in vitro and in vivo approaches to examine the relationship between fascin expression and breast CSCs. Fascin knockdown significantly reduced stem cell-like phenotype (CD44hi/CD24lo and ALDH+) and reversal of epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Interestingly, expression of the embryonic stem cell transcriptional factors (Oct4, Nanog, Sox2, and Klf4) was significantly reduced when fascin expression was down-regulated. Functionally, fascin-knockdown cells were less competent in forming colonies and tumorspheres, consistent with lower basal self-renewal activity and higher susceptibility to chemotherapy. Fascin effect on CSC chemoresistance and self-renewability was associated with Notch signaling. Activation of Notch induced the relevant downstream targets predominantly in the fascin-positive cells. Limiting-dilution xenotransplantation assay showed higher frequency of tumor-initiating cells in the fascin-positive group. Collectively, our data demonstrated fascin as a critical regulator of breast CSC pool at least partially via activation of the Notch self-renewal signaling pathway and modification of the expression embryonic transcriptional factors. Targeting fascin may halt CSCs and thus presents a novel therapeutic approach for effective treatment of breast cancer.
Video Highlight: https://youtu.be/GxS4fJ_Ow-o
A Semi-Automated Approach for Mapping Geomorphology in Mountainous Terrain, Ferozpora Watershed (Kashmir Himalaya)
Authors: Rashid Irfan , Romshoo Shakil Ahmad , Hajam Javaid Ahmad , Abdullah Tariq 
Published: August 2016

Abstract:
Mapping geomorphology in a mountainous terrain is very critical for understanding various land surface processes for their accurate quantification and prediction on different spatial and temporal scales. In the present study, geomorphological mapping was carried out in Ferozpora watershed of Jhelum using remotely sensed data supported by extensive field observations. Three approaches were adopted for mapping geomorphology of Ferozpora watershed. A geomorphological mapping model, Topographic Position Index (TPI), on Screen Image Interpretation (OSII) of satellite data and a hybrid approach utilizing information from TPI and OSII of satellite data were employed. Geomorphology of the area, mapped using the three approaches, was cross checked and verified with the ground data collected by extensively surveying the area and recording the geo-location of the geomorphological features using GPS. Overall, 12 different landforms were mapped which include Alluvial plains, Deeply incised streams, Glacial terrain, Highly dissected hills, Karewa, Fluvial landforms, Moderately dissected hills, Mountain ridges, River channel and U-shaped valleys. The study revealed that Hybrid approach, using inputs from TPI, OSII and field observations, is appropriate in mapping different geomorphological features in this topographically complex terrain with an overall accuracy of 91.53% as compared to TPI (45.56%) and OSII (77.82%) approaches. The study could be extrapolated to other parts of topographically complex Himalayan terrain so as to bring about a very high resolution geomorphological map of Himalayas which could aid policy makers, planners and earth scientists in better modelling the earth surface processes like soil erosion, landslides, hydrology, etc. in the region.
Transition of Care in Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy: A Survey of Current Practices
Authors: Bolger Ashlee , Vargus‐Adams Jilda , McMahon Mary 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundTransition of care from pediatric to adult health care providers for youth with special needs (including cerebral palsy [CP]) is of current interest because these individuals are now living well into adulthood. Studies have attempted to identify barriers to transition, ideal timing for transition of care, and key elements for successful transition programs. These studies often encompass a wide range of diagnoses, and results cannot be fully applied to those with CP.ObjectiveTo identify and describe current transition‐of‐care (TOC) practices and beliefs among physician providers of adolescents with CP in multidisciplinary CP clinics.DesignDescriptive survey.SettingMultidisciplinary CP clinics in the United States.ParticipantsPhysician leaders in the aforementioned CP clinics.MethodsRespondents completed an electronic survey. Responses were deidentified and reported in aggregate by the use of descriptive statistics.Main Outcome MeasureElectronic survey addressing 3 domains: demographics of clinics, current opinions/practices related to TOC processes, and perceived barriers to successful TOC.ResultsFifteen surveys were sent with 11 returned (response rate = 73%). TOC practices varied among clinics surveyed. Fifty‐five percent of clinics had a structured transition program, but only one transitioned 100% of their patients to adult providers by 22 years of age. Only one clinic had an absolute upper age limit for seeing patients, and 36% of clinics accepted new patients older than 21 years. No respondent was “completely satisfied” with their transition process, and only one respondent was “moderately satisfied.” The majority of respondents felt the ideal care setting for adults with CP was a comprehensive, multidisciplinary adult‐focused clinic in an adult hospital/clinic with primarily adult providers. They noted the top 3 perceived barriers to successful TOC were limited adult providers willing to accept CP patients, concern about the level of care in the adult health care system, and lack of financial resources.ConclusionCurrent TOC practices vary considerably among multidisciplinary pediatric CP clinics and are not satisfactory to individual physician providers within these clinics. Respondents desired a multidisciplinary clinic in an adult care setting with adult providers; however, the top 3 perceived barriers involved the adult health care system, making it difficult for pediatric providers to develop effective TOC programs.Level of EvidenceNot applicable.
The permissive power of the ban on war
Authors: Hurd Ian 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe ban on inter-state war in the UN Charter is widely identified as central to the modern international order–Michael Byers calls it ‘one of the twentieth century’s greatest achievements’. Even if it is only imperfectly observed, it is often seen as a constraint on state autonomy and an improvement on the pre-legal, unregulated world before 1945. In response to this conventional view, this article shows that the laws on war in the Charter are better seen as permissive rather than constraining. I make two points. First, by creating a legal category around ‘self-defence’, the laws on war authorise, and thus legitimate, wars that are motivated by the security needs of the state, while forbidding other motives for wars. Second, state practice since 1945 has expanded the scope of this authorisation, extending it in both time and space beyond the black-letter text of the Charter. The permissive effect of law on war has therefore been getting larger. These two effects suggest that international law is a resource that increases state power, at least for powerful states, and this relation between international law and power politics is missed by both realists and liberal internationalists.
Household Transmission ofClostridium difficileto Family Members and Domestic Pets
Authors: Loo Vivian G. , Brassard Paul , Miller Mark A. 
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVETo determine the risk ofClostridium difficiletransmission from index cases withC. difficileinfection (CDI) to their household contacts and domestic pets.DESIGNA prospective study from April 2011 to June 2013.SETTINGPatients with CDI from Canadian tertiary care centers.PARTICIPANTSPatients with CDI, their household human contacts, and pets.METHODSEpidemiologic information and stool or rectal swabs were collected from participants at enrollment and monthly for up to 4 months. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was performed onC. difficileisolates. Probable transmission was defined as the conversion of aC. difficileculture–negative contact toC. difficileculture–positive contact with a PFGE pattern indistinguishable or closely related to the index case. Possible transmission was defined as a contact with a positiveC. difficileculture at baseline with a strain indistinguishable or closely related to the index case.RESULTSA total of 51 patients with CDI participated in this study; 67 human contacts and 15 pet contacts were included. Overall, 9 human contacts (13.4%) wereC. difficileculture positive; 1 contact (1.5%) developed CDI; and 8 contacts were asymptomatic. Of 67 human contacts, probable transmission occurred in 1 human contact (1.5%) and possible transmission occurred in 5 human contacts (7.5%). Of 15 pet contacts, probable transmission occurred in 3 (20%) and possible transmission occurred in 1 (6.7%).CONCLUSIONSThere was a high proportion ofC. difficileculture positivity at 13.4% among human contacts and asymptomatic carriage of domestic pets reached 26.7%. These results suggest that household transmission ofC. difficilemay be a source of community-associated cases.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2016;1–7