bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir in dialysis patients with genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Atsukawa Masanori , Tsubota Akihito , Koushima Yohei , Ikegami Tadashi , Watanabe Kouji , Shimada Noritomo , Sato Shinichi , Kato Keizo , Abe Hiroshi , Okubo Tomomi , Arai Taeang , Itokawa Norio , Kondo Chisa , Mikami Shigeru , Asano Toru , Chuganji Yoshimichi , Matsuzaki Yasushi , Iwakiri Katsuhiko 
Published: April 2017

AimFrom a pharmacokinetic viewpoint, the use of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, one of the standards of care for genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C in Japan, could be possible in patients with impaired renal function. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of this combination that have not yet been addressed in patients undergoing dialysis.MethodsA retrospective, multicenter study evaluated the outcome of 12‐week ombitasvir (non‐structural protein [NS]5A inhibitor)/paritaprevir (NS3/4A protease inhibitor)/ritonavir combination therapy for dialysis patients. The primary end‐point was sustained virologic response 12 weeks after therapy (SVR12).ResultsThe subjects were 31 patients with a median age of 64 years (range, 49–85 years), including 10 cirrhotic patients. All of the 31 patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate level <15 mL/min/1.73 m2, defined as end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Pre‐existing resistance‐associated substitutions at position L31 and Y93 of the NS5A region were detected in 0% and 3.6% (1/28), respectively. The rates of rapid virologic response, end‐of‐treatment response, and SVR12 were 93.5% (29/31), 100% (31/31), and 96.8% (30/31), respectively. The incidence of adverse events was 35.5% (11/31). Of the 11 patients, one discontinued the treatment due to erythema multiforme and thereafter relapsed. The most frequent adverse event was pruritus (6.5%; 2/31).ConclusionsThe present study suggests that ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir combination therapy is effective and safe for genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C patients undergoing dialysis due to ESRD.
Frequency mixing application based on BaTiO3 ceramic: Design and functional characterization
Authors: Pop Mihai V. , Horchidan Nadejda , Ianculescu Adelina C. , Mitoseriu Liliana 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn the present article, we propose a ferroelectric‐based frequency mixer capable of reconfigurable functioning, a key trait in multi frequency band coverage, based on the nonlinear dielectric properties of BaSnxTi1−xO3 ceramics. According to the properties of BaSnxTi1−xO3 solid solutions, an optimum composition was selected to demonstrate the applicability as a discrete passive mixer with a simple coplanar geometry. A prototype device, with four coplanar capacitors, connected in a circular electric circuit was built on the surface of the selected ceramic. In this configuration, mixing products of the pumping and working signals were obtained and characterized.
Low‐temperature sintering and electrical properties of Sr2Nb2O7 piezoceramics by CuO addition
Authors: Chen Tao , Liang Ruihong , Jiang Kai , Hu Zhigao , Zhou Zhiyong , Dong Xianlin 
Published: May 2017

AbstractEffects of 0.5 wt% CuO addition on the sintering, structural and electrical properties of perovskite layer structured (PLS) Sr2Nb2O7 ceramics prepared by solid‐state reaction method are investigated. The addition of CuO is beneficial to the liquid phase bridge formation at sintering process, leading to lower sintering temperature of 1180°C and larger bulk density up to 98%. Meanwhile, CuO modified Sr2Nb2O7 ceramics show a remarkable d33 of (1.1 ± 0.1) pC/N while still with a very high Tc of (1340 ± 2)°C. Raman spectra indicate that the improvement of piezoelectricity could be attributed to the rotation and/or distortion of oxygen octahedron caused by possible Cu2+ substitution at the A‐sites of Sr2Nb2O7.
Identification of residual stress layers at glass surfaces via crack terminating angles
Authors: Schell Karl G. , Wagner Susanne , Hettich Pascal , Fett Theo , Rizzi Gabriele , Hoffmann Michael J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractCracks terminating at free surfaces are affected by local stresses in the surface region. Under residual compression the crack front must retard compared with the crack contour in the absence of stresses. This effect can be used for an identification of residual stresses at glass surfaces. For an illustration of the procedure, Vickers indentation tests in soda‐lime glass are considered. Specimens treated by ion exchange and chemically toughening showed reduced terminating angles compared with untreated glass.
The experience of adolescent motherhood: An exploratory mixed methods study
Authors: Kagawa Rose M. C. , Deardorff Julianna , Domínguez Esponda Rosalinda , Craig Darcy , Fernald Lia C. H. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimTo identify and better understand opportunities for and challenges in attaining the maternal role among women who began childbearing in adolescence in rural Mexico.BackgroundAdolescent mothers often face challenges rising from their socioeconomic status and developmental stage that can strain the process of developing confidence and competence in the maternal role. In Mexico, 19% of births are to women under age 20. Little is known about these mothers’ experiences with parenting.DesignMixed methods.MethodsQuantitative data collected in 2008 from a cluster‐random sample of mothers (n = 1,381) in rural, impoverished areas of three southern states provided objective measures of mothers’ socioeconomic position, well‐being, and parenting practices. Semi‐structured interviews conducted in 2013 with mothers (n = 30) provided insight into perceptions of motherhood and opportunities for and challenges in attaining the maternal role.FindingsEver‐adolescent mothers scored lower than never‐adolescent mothers on the total HOME and the parental responsivity and learning materials subscales. They also occupied the most economically disadvantaged positions, showing the lowest levels of education and wealth and the most depressive symptoms compared with never‐adolescent mothers. The qualitative analysis supported these challenges and highlighted areas of opportunity: (1) early‐adolescent parents faced economic challenges; (2) adolescent childbearing was normative with some exceptions; (3) participants’ mothers and mothers‐in‐law provided social support; and (4) mothers focused on learning to parent and helping their children “get ahead” in life.ConclusionFindings have important implications for identifying how to support young women as they become mothers and continue in this role.
Three‐dimensional microstructure characterisation of thermoplastic polyolefin blends
Authors: LIN J.‐C. , HUANG Y. , HARRIS J. , WEINLANDER B. , JONES M.A. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryThe size, shape and distribution of different phases in thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) blends and composites are critical to the properties of the materials, but can be difficult to characterise. Here we report the combination of heavy metal staining and focused ion beam – scanning electron microscopy (FIB‐SEM) to reveal the three‐dimensional (3D) structure of an elastomer‐modified poly(propylene) and a talc filled elastomer‐modified poly(propylene). High‐quality, high‐resolution serial images were collected and the 3D structures were characterised quantitatively.
Assessment of statistical agreement of three techniques for the study of cut marks: 3D digital microscope, laser scanning confocal microscopy and micro‐photogrammetry
Authors: MATÉ‐GONZÁLEZ MIGUEL ÁNGEL , ARAMENDI JULIA , YRAVEDRA JOSÉ , BLASCO RUTH , ROSELL JORDI , GONZÁLEZ‐AGUILERA DIEGO , DOMÍNGUEZ‐RODRIGO MANUEL 
Published: May 2017

SummaryIn the last few years, the study of cut marks on bone surfaces has become fundamental for the interpretation of prehistoric butchery practices. Due to the difficulties in the correct identification of cut marks, many criteria for their description and classification have been suggested. Different techniques, such as three‐dimensional digital microscope (3D DM), laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) and micro‐photogrammetry (M‐PG) have been recently applied to the study of cut marks. Although the 3D DM and LSCM microscopic techniques are the most commonly used for the 3D identification of cut marks, M‐PG has also proved to be very efficient and a low‐cost method. M‐PG is a noninvasive technique that allows the study of the cortical surface without any previous preparation of the samples, and that generates high‐resolution models. Despite the current application of microscopic and micro‐photogrammetric techniques to taphonomy, their reliability has never been tested. In this paper, we compare 3D DM, LSCM and M‐PG in order to assess their resolution and results. In this study, we analyse 26 experimental cut marks generated with a metal knife. The quantitative and qualitative information registered is analysed by means of standard multivariate statistics and geometric morphometrics to assess the similarities and differences obtained with the different methodologies.
Patterns and regulation of silicon accumulation in Synechococcus spp.
Authors: Brzezinski Mark A. , Krause Jeffrey W. , Baines Stephen B. , Collier Jackie L. , Ohnemus Daniel C. , Twining Benjamin S. 
Published: April 2017

Six clones of the marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus, representing four major clades, were all found to contain significant amounts of silicon in culture. Growth rate was unaffected by silicic acid, Si(OH)4, concentration between 1 and 120 μM suggesting that Synechococcus lacks an obligate need for silicon (Si). Strains contained two major pools of Si: an aqueous soluble and an aqueous insoluble pool. Soluble pool sizes correspond to estimated intracellular dissolved Si concentrations of 2–24 mM, which would be thermodynamically unstable implying the binding of intracellular soluble Si to organic ligands. The Si content of all clones was inversely related to growth rate and increased with higher [Si(OH)4] in the growth medium. Accumulation rates showed a unique bilinear response to increasing [Si(OH)4] from 1 to 500 μM with the rate of Si acquisition increasing abruptly between 80 and 100 μM Si(OH)4. Although these linear responses imply some form of diffusion‐mediated transport, Si uptake rates at low Si (~1 μM Si) were inhibited by orthophosphate, suggesting a role of phosphate transporters in Si acquisition. Theoretical calculations imply that observed Si acquisition rates are too rapid to be supported by lipid‐solubility diffusion of Si through the plasmalemma; however, facilitated diffusion involving membrane protein channels may suffice. The data are used to construct a working model of the mechanisms governing the Si content and rate of Si acquisition in Synechococcus.
Evaluation of cardiovascular effects of intravenous robenacoxib in dogs
Authors: Desevaux C. , Marotte‐Weyn A‐A. , Champeroux P. , King J. N. 
Published: April 2017

The objective of the study was to assess the cardiovascular effects of intravenous (IV) dosing with robenacoxib (Onsior®) in conscious adult healthy beagle dogs. The study employed a randomized, open, placebo‐controlled, four‐phase Latin square design. A total of eight dogs received a single dose of 2 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg IV robenacoxib (test groups), 2 mg/kg subcutaneous (SC) robenacoxib (reference dose and route), and IV isotonic saline (control). There were no significant differences between groups for clinical observations, buccal mucosal bleeding time or blood hematology, coagulation, and clinical chemistry variables in all eight dogs. In a subset of four dogs, no significant differences between groups were detected using telemetric assessment for arterial blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiogram, or body temperature over 8 hr postdose. In conclusion, no significant cardiovascular effects were detected after a single IV dose of 2 or 4 mg/kg robenacoxib in conscious healthy dogs.
Comparison of direct sampling and brochoalveolar lavage for determining active drug concentrations in the pulmonary epithelial lining fluid of calves injected with enrofloxacin or tilmicosin
Authors: Foster D. M. , Sylvester H. J. , Papich M. G. 
Published: April 2017

Antibiotic distribution to interstitial fluid (ISF) and pulmonary epithelial fluid (PELF) was measured and compared to plasma drug concentrations in eight healthy calves. Enrofloxacin (Baytril®100) was administered at a dose of 12.5 mg/kg subcutaneously (SC), and tilmicosin (Micotil®300) was administered at a dose of 20 mg/kgSC.PELF, sampled by two different methods—bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and direct sampling (DS)—plasma, andISFwere collected from each calf and measured for tilmicosin, enrofloxacin and its metabolite ciprofloxacin byHPLC. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed on the concentrations in each fluid, for each drug. The enrofloxacin/ciprofloxacin concentration as measured byAUCinDSsamples was 137 ± 72% higher than in plasma, but inBALsamples, this value was 535 ± 403% (p < .05). The concentrations of tilmicosin inDSandBALsamples exceeded plasma drug concentrations by 567 ± 189% and 776 ± 1138%, respectively. The enrofloxacin/ciprofloxacin concentrations collected byDSwere significantly different than those collected byBAL, but the tilmicosin concentrations were not significantly different between the two methods. Concentrations of enrofloxacin/ciprofloxacin exceeded theMICvalues for bovine respiratory disease pathogens but tilmicosin did not reachMIClevels for these pathogens in any fluids.
Pharmacokinetics of grapiprant, a selective EP4 prostaglandin PGE2 receptor antagonist, after 2 mg/kg oral and i.v. administrations in cats
Authors: Lebkowska‐Wieruszewska B. , De Vito V. , Owen H. , Poapholatep A. , Giorgi M. 
Published: April 2017

Drugs that provide effective analgesia in cats are limited. The aim of the study was to assess the pharmacokinetics of grapiprant after 2 mg/kg administration via p.o. and i.v. routes in cats. Six healthy adult cats were used according to an open, single‐dose, two‐treatment, two‐period, randomized cross‐over design. Cats were assigned to two treatment groups and administered with 2 mg/kg of grapiprant (pure powder) through p.o. and i.v. administration. Blood samples were collected at preassigned times and analysed by a validated HPLC method.After both administrations, grapiprant concentrations were detectable in plasma for up to 24 hr in five of six animals. The critical parameters including clearance (173.2 ml hr−1 kg−1, range 120–326 ml hr−1 kg−1) and volume of distribution (918 ml/kg, range 611–1608 ml/kg) were calculated from the i.v. group. The mean oral F% was low (39.6% range 31.5%–45.2%).If the assumption that the minimal effective concentration in dogs (164 ng/ml) applies in cats too, grapiprant orally administered at 2 mg/kg might be effective for 10 hr. Further studies are necessary to establish the minimal effective concentration in this animal species.
Orthodoxy, Orthopraxis, and Orthopathy: Evaluating the Feminist Kenosis Debate
Authors: Selak Annie 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis study examines the feminist kenosis debate, tracing its development through Daphne Hampson, Sarah Coakley, Aristotle Papanikolaou, Carolyn Chau, Jennifer Newsome Martin and Anna Mercedes. Given the diversity of theologies put forth in this debate, it is necessary to have a method of evaluation. In order to do this, I will introduce the theology of Jon Sobrino to the feminist kenosis conversation. Sobrino's notions of orthodoxy, orthopraxis, and orthopathy are essential tools for assessing different interpretations of kenosis and advancing an adequate theology of “self‐emptying.” This analysis leads to a proposal for a comprehensive feminist theological view of kenosis.
Modulation of the N400 component in relation to hypomanic personality traits in a word meaning ambiguity resolution task
Authors: Raucher‐Chéné Delphine , Terrien Sarah , Gobin Pamela , Gierski Fabien , Kaladjian Arthur , Besche‐Richard Chrystel 
Published: April 2017

AimHigh levels of hypomanic personality traits have been associated with an increased risk of developing bipolar disorder (BD). Changes in semantic content, impaired verbal associations, abnormal prosody, and abnormal speed of language are core features of BD, and are thought to be related to semantic processing abnormalities. In the present study, we used event‐related potentials to investigate the relation between semantic processing (N400 component) and hypomanic personality traits.MethodsWe assessed 65 healthy young adults on the Hypomanic Personality Scale (HPS). Event‐related potentials were recorded during a semantic ambiguity resolution task exploring semantic ambiguity (polysemous word ending a sentence) and congruency (target word semantically related to the sentence).ResultsAs expected, semantic ambiguity and congruency both elicited an N400 effect across our sample. Correlation analyses showed a significant positive relationship between the Social Vitality subscore of the HPS and N400 modulation in the frontal region of interest in the incongruent unambiguous condition, and in the frontocentral region of interest in the incongruent ambiguous condition.ConclusionWe found differences in semantic processing (i.e., detection of incongruence and semantic inhibition) in individuals with higher Social Vitality subscores. In the light of the literature, we discuss the notion that a semantic processing impairment could be a potential marker of vulnerability to BD, and one that needs to be explored further in this clinical population.
Plasma copeptin and metabolic dysfunction in individuals with bipolar disorder
Authors: Mansur Rodrigo B. , Rizzo Lucas B. , Santos Camila M. , Asevedo Elson , Cunha Graccielle R. , Noto Mariane N. , Pedrini Mariana , Zeni‐Graiff Maiara , Cordeiro Quirino , McIntyre Roger S. , Brietzke Elisa 
Published: April 2017

AimThis study aimed to compare plasma copeptin levels, the c‐terminal of provasopressin, between individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) and healthy controls and to assess the relation between copeptin and metabolic parameters.MethodsWe measured plasma levels of copeptin in individuals with BD (n = 55) and healthy controls (n = 21). Information related to psychiatric/medical history, as well as to metabolic comorbidities and laboratorial parameters was also captured. Insulin resistance and β‐cell function in basal state were calculated from fasting plasma glucose and C‐peptide using the HOMA2 calculator. Impaired glucose metabolism was defined as pre‐diabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus. Copeptin, adiponectin, and leptin plasma levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsPlasma copeptin levels were lower in individuals with BD, relative to healthy controls (P < 0.001). There were significant interactions between BD and plasma copeptin on β‐cell function (rate ratio [RR] = 1.048; P = 0.030) and on leptin levels (RR = 1.087; P = 0.012), indicating that there was a positive correlation between these markers in the BD group, but a negative one in healthy controls. Finally, in individuals with BD only, the association between β‐cell function, body mass index (RR = 1.007; P < 0.001), and insulin resistance (RR = 1.001; P = 0.037) was moderated by copeptin levels.ConclusionCopeptin levels were lower in individuals with BD than in healthy controls. There were differential associations between copeptin and metabolic parameters within the BD and healthy control subgroups, suggesting an association between abnormal copeptin and metabolic dysregulation only in the BD population.
Prolonged viremia in dengue virus infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients and patients with hematological malignancies
Authors: de Souza Pereira Bárbara Brito , Darrigo Junior Luiz Guilherme , de Mello Costa Thalita Cristina , Felix Alvina Clara , Simoes Belinda P. , Stracieri Ana Beatriz , da Silva Paula Moreira , Mauad Marcos , Machado Clarisse M. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractFever, skin rash, headache, and thrombocytopenia are considered hallmarks of dengue infection. However, these symptoms are frequently observed in infectious and non‐infectious complications of hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients and oncohematological patients. Thus, laboratory confirmation of dengue is relevant for prompt intervention and proper management of dengue in endemic and non‐endemic regions. Because no prospective study of dengue has been conducted in these populations, the actual morbidity and mortality of dengue is unknown. In the present series, we describe five cases of dengue in patients living in endemic areas, emphasizing the prolonged course of the disease and the occurrence of prolonged viremia.
AN OPTIMIZATION APPROACH FOR MINIMIZING ENERGY LOSSES OF DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS BASED ON DISTRIBUTED GENERATION PLACEMENT
Authors: Sultana Umbrin , Khairuddin Azhar , Mokhtar A. S. , Qazi Sajid Hussain , Sultana Beenish 
Published: April 2017

The interest of electric utilities in distributed energy resources has increased in terms of maximising the latter’s technical, economic and environmental benefits. This paper presents a Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) -based approach for optimal placement and sizing of multiple Distributed Generation (DG), aimed at reducing active and reactive energy losses in the distribution system. Power system constraints, such as voltage magnitude limits and current boundaries are also considered. Recently, a swarm intelligence technique, namely, GWO was introduced, which is inspired by grey wolves strategy and utilises four categories of grey wolves (alpha, beta, delta and omega) to simulate a leadership hierarchy. The GWO technique and two other popular methods Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA) – are here tested on 15- and 33-bus radial distribution systems. The numerical results obtained using these methods are compared, with the best performance recorded via the proposed GWO method in terms of not only active and reactive energy loss but also voltage profile and convergence characteristics.
IMPROVEMENT OF DIPOLE ANTENNA GAIN USING 8 CBU AMC-EBG AND 8 CBU FSS
Authors: Abu Maisarah , Md Ali Siti Adlina , Zabri Siti Normi 
Published: April 2017

This paper investigates the performances of dipole antenna incorporated with and without 8 CBU AMC-EBG and 8 CBU FSS at 5.8 GHz. The designs are simulated on Rogers RO 3010. Due to the flexibility of the material used as a substrate, the effect of a different angle is investigated. Both 8 CBU AMC-EBG and 8 CBU FSS act as reasonably good ground plane for the dipole antenna and help improving the realised gain and improve the radiation patterns by push the front lobe at the same time reduce the side lobes. The maximum improvements led by dipole antenna with 8 CBU AMC-EBG thus 8.543 dB of realised gain achieved and the front lobe is pushed higher and the side lobe is significantly lowered than with 8 CBU FSS. The designs of dipole antenna with 8 CBU AMC-EBG and 8 CBU FSS can be applied as high gain atenna for Intelligent Transport System (ITS).