bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Liver fibrosis score predicts mortality in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Yoshihisa Akiomi , Sato Yu , Yokokawa Tetsuro , Sato Takamasa , Suzuki Satoshi , Oikawa Masayoshi , Kobayashi Atsushi , Yamaki Takayoshi , Kunii Hiroyuki , Nakazato Kazuhiko , Saitoh Shu‐ichi , Takeishi Yasuchika 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimsHeart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has several pathophysiological aspects, including stiffness and/or congestion of multiple organs. Poor prognosis is expected in heart failure patients with liver stiffness, which has recently been assessed by non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS; based on aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase ratio, platelet counts, and albumin). We aimed to investigate the impact of NFS on prognosis of HFpEF patients, with consideration for the peripheral collagen markers such as procollagen type III peptide (PIIIP), type IV collagen 7S, and hyaluronic acid.Methods and resultsWe performed a prospective observational study. Consecutive 492 hospitalized HFpEF patients were divided into four groups based on their NFS: first–fourth quartiles (n = 123). The fourth quartile group had the highest levels of PIIIP, type IV collagen 7S, hyaluronic acid, and B‐type natriuretic peptide (P<0.001 each). In addition, there were significant positive correlations between PIIIP, type IV collagen 7S, hyaluronic acid, B‐type natriuretic peptide, and NFS (P < 0.001 each). In the follow‐up period (mean 1107 days), 93 deaths occurred. All‐cause mortality increased in all four quartiles (8.1%, 12.2%, 23.6%, and 31.7%, P < 0.001). In the multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis, NFS was an independent predictor of all‐cause mortality in the HFpEF patients.ConclusionsNFS, a novel indicator of liver fibrosis, correlates with circulating systemic markers of fibrosis and congestion and is associated with higher all‐cause mortality in HFpEF patients. NFS can be calculated simply and may be a useful tool to assess liver stiffness and prognosis in HFpEF patients.
Pharmacokinetic Drug Interactions of Apatinib With Rifampin and Itraconazole
Authors: Liu Xiaoyun , Zhang Yifan , Chen Qian , Zhan Yan , Wang Quanren , Hu Chaoying , Yu Chen , Guo Zitao , Chen Xiaoyan , Zhong Dafang 
Published: October 2017

AbstractApatinib is a small‐molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has been approved for the treatment of patients with advanced‐stage gastric cancer or gastroesophageal junction cancer who have progressed or recurred after at least 2 kinds of systemic chemotherapy. In vitro data indicate that cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 is the primary CYP isoenzyme involved in the metabolism of apatinib. Pharmacokinetic drug–drug interactions of apatinib and (1) a CYP3A4 inducer (rifampin) or (2) a CYP3A inhibitor (itraconazole) were clinically evaluated in healthy volunteers. Compared with the single administration of apatinib, its coadministration with rifampin resulted in a 5.6‐fold plasma clearance (CL/F) and 83% decrease in plasma AUC0–t of apatinib. By contrast, coadministration with itraconazole reduced the CL/F of apatinib by 40% and increased its AUC0–t by 75%. In summary, a strong CYP3A4 inducer (rifampin) had a strong effect (>5‐fold) on the clinical pharmacokinetics of apatinib, whereas a strong CYP3A inhibitor (itraconazole 100 mg once a day) had a weak effect (1.25‐ to 2‐fold). Whether these effects are of clinical significance needs further research and information about the exposure–safety and exposure–efficacy relationship of apatinib.
Novel use of aliphatic n‐methyl ketones as a fumigant and alternative to methyl bromide for insect control
Authors: Zhu Jiwei , Dhammi Anirudh , van Kretschmar Jaap B , Vargo Edward L , Apperson Charles S , Michael Roe R 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDFumigants like phosphine, methyl bromide and sulfuryl fluoride are highly effective for the control of structural, storage and agricultural arthropod pests. Unfortunately, many of these synthetic compounds are highly toxic to people, many pests have developed resistance to these compounds and methyl bromide, the ‘gold standard’ for fumigants, was de‐registered because of its contribution to depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer. Alternative fumigant chemistry is needed.RESULTSSeveral plant species produce n‐aliphatic methyl ketones to prevent plant herbivory. To examine the use of methyl ketones as a fumigant, structure–mortality studies were conducted using the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, as a model. A new easy‐to‐use, inexpensive and disposable bioassay system was developed for this study. The LC50 values for heptanone, octanone, nonanone and undecanone were 4.27, 5.11, 5.26 and 8.21 µg/cm3 of ambient air, respectively. Although heptanone, octanone and nonanone were more effective than undecanone, subsequent research was conducted with 2‐undecanone because this compound already has US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration as a biopesticide. In dose–response field studies, 12.4 mL of undecanone injected into mounds was the lowest application rate that produced no ant activity in the mound with no re‐establishment of ants. Reagent grade undecanone was more cost‐effective than methyl bromide for fire ants, adult German cockroaches and tobacco budworm eggs, but slightly more expensive for adult flour beetles.CONCLUSIONThe naturally occurring methyl ketone undecanone has the potential to be an alternative to current fumigants for a variety of pest applications. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Concluding Observations on Sovereignty in Cyberspace
Authors: Corn Gary P. , Taylor Robert 
Published: October 2017

In Sovereignty in Cyberspace: Lex Lata Vel Non?, Michael Schmitt and Liis Vihul argue that territorial sovereignty is a primary rule of international law that limits cyber activities. They recognize, however, that not all cyber effects constitute violations of territorial sovereignty, and like Rule 4 in the Tallinn Manual 2.0 and its commentary, they acknowledge a distinct lack of consensus among the Tallinn participants on the critical question of applicable thresholds. Problematically, they do not identify the necessary state practice and opinio juris that would be required to establish either the primary rule that they proffer or the existence and contours of the exception they would recognize.
Patient Safety Culture and the Ability to Improve: A Proof of Concept Study on Hand Hygiene
Authors: Caris Martine G. , Kamphuis Pim G. A. , Dekker Mireille , de Bruijne Martine C. , van Agtmael Michiel A. , Vandenbroucke-Grauls Christina M. J. E. 
Published: October 2017

OBJECTIVETo investigate whether the safety culture of a hospital unit is associated with the ability to improve.DESIGNQualitative investigation of safety culture on hospital units following a before-and-after trial on hand hygiene.SETTINGVU University Medical Center, a tertiary-care hospital in the Netherlands.METHODSWith support from hospital management, we implemented a hospital-wide program to improve compliance. Over 2 years, compliance was measured through direct observation, twice before, and 4 times after interventions. We analyzed changes in compliance from baseline, and selected units to evaluate safety culture using a positive deviance approach: the hospital unit with the highest hand hygiene compliance and 2 units that showed significant improvement (21% and 16%, respectively) were selected as high performing. Another 2 units showed no improvement and were selected as low performing. A blinded, independent observer conducted interviews with unit management, physicians, and nurses, based on the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture. Safety culture was categorized as pathological (lowest level), reactive, bureaucratic, proactive, or generative (highest level).RESULTSOverall, 3 units showed a proactive or generative safety culture and 2 units had bureaucratic or pathological safety cultures. When comparing compliance and interview results, high-performing units showed high levels of safety culture, while low-performing units showed low levels of safety culture.CONCLUSIONSSafety culture is associated with the ability to improve hand hygiene. Interventions may not be effective when applied in units with low levels of safety culture. Although additional research is needed to corroborate our findings, the safety culture on a unit can benefit from enhancement strategies such as team-building exercises. Strengthening the safety culture before implementing interventions could aid improvement and prevent nonproductive interventions.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2017;38:1277–1283
The role of temporal flexibility on person–environment fit and job satisfaction
Authors: Irak Doruk Uysal , Mantler Janet 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe present study investigated the role of temporal flexibility on three conceptualizations of person–environment fit and job satisfaction. Data were collected from 320 full-time employees in Canada and America. Using structural equation modeling, it was found that temporal flexibility was directly related to increased job satisfaction and indirectly related to job satisfaction through supplementary fit, demands–abilities fit, and needs–supplies fit. Moreover, supplementary fit and demands–abilities fit were influential on perceptions of needs–supplies fit, although we acknowledge that additional research is required to further explore our novel findings of the relative relationships between the three conceptualizations of person–environment fit. The present research supports the idea that giving employees greater control over their schedule increases their autonomy, thus helping to satisfy a core psychological need. Organizations that provide employees with the opportunity to choose their own schedules may be more likely to retain satisfied and committed people who believe they fit well with their employer.
Impact of pre-operative body mass index in head and neck cancer patients undergoing microvascular reconstruction
Authors: Hyun D-J , Joo Y-H , Kim M-S 
Published: October 2017

AbstractObjectives:To analyse the relationship of pre-operative body mass index with surgical complications and oncological outcomes in patients undergoing microvascular reconstruction for head and neck squamous cell cancer.Method:A retrospective review was conducted of 259 patients who underwent microvascular free flap reconstruction after head and neck ablative surgery.Results:Mean body mass index was 22.48 kg/m2. There were no correlations between body mass index and: flap failure (p = 0.739), flap ischaemia (p = 0.644), pharyngocutaneous fistula (p = 0.141) or wound infection (p = 0.224). The five-year disease-specific survival rate was 63 per cent. On univariate analysis, the five-year disease-specific survival rate was significantly correlated with pre-operative body mass index, based on Kaplan–Meier survival curves (p = 0.028). The five-year disease-specific survival rates in underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese groups were 47 per cent, 55 per cent, 65 per cent and 80 per cent, respectively.Conclusion:Pre-operative body mass index was a useful predictor for recurrence and survival in patients who underwent microvascular reconstruction for head and neck squamous cell cancer.
A minimally processed dietary pattern is associated with lower odds of metabolic syndrome among Lebanese adults
Authors: Nasreddine Lara , Tamim Hani , Itani Leila , Nasrallah Mona P , Isma’eel Hussain , Nakhoul Nancy F , Abou-Rizk Joana , Naja Farah 
Published: October 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo (i) estimate the consumption of minimally processed, processed and ultra-processed foods in a sample of Lebanese adults; (ii) explore patterns of intakes of these food groups; and (iii) investigate the association of the derived patterns with cardiometabolic risk.DesignCross-sectional survey. Data collection included dietary assessment using an FFQ and biochemical, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements. Food items were categorized into twenty-five groups based on the NOVA food classification. The contribution of each food group to total energy intake (TEI) was estimated. Patterns of intakes of these food groups were examined using exploratory factor analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations of derived patterns with cardiometabolic risk factors.SettingGreater Beirut area, Lebanon.SubjectsAdults ≥18 years (n302) with no prior history of chronic diseases.ResultsOf TEI, 36·53 and 27·10 % were contributed by ultra-processed and minimally processed foods, respectively. Two dietary patterns were identified: the ‘ultra-processed’ and the ‘minimally processed/processed’. The ‘ultra-processed’ consisted mainly of fast foods, snacks, meat, nuts, sweets and liquor, while the ‘minimally processed/processed’ consisted mostly of fruits, vegetables, legumes, breads, cheeses, sugar and fats. Participants in the highest quartile of the ‘minimally processed/processed’ pattern had significantly lower odds for metabolic syndrome (OR=0·18, 95 % CI 0·04, 0·77), hyperglycaemia (OR=0·25, 95 % CI 0·07, 0·98) and low HDL cholesterol (OR=0·17, 95 % CI 0·05, 0·60).ConclusionsThe study findings may be used for the development of evidence-based interventions aimed at encouraging the consumption of minimally processed foods.
Demonstrating deep biosphere activity in the geological record of lake sediments, on Earth and Mars
Authors: Parnell John , McMahon Sean , Boyce Adrian 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe investigation of Gale Crater has highlighted the occurrence of lake sediments in the geological record of Mars. Lacustrine basins include a diversity of potential habitats for life. An analogue terrestrial lacustrine basin of Devonian age in Scotland contains sulphide minerals in several settings where subsurface microbial colonization can be envisaged. Sulphur isotope compositions for the sulphides imply that they were precipitated by microbial sulphate reduction. The data suggest that the search for life in martian lacustrine basins should include investigation of potential subsurface habitats, and that any sulphides in martian lacustrine basins could be useful indicators in the search for life.
Understanding system innovation adoption: A comparative analysis of integrated soil fertility management uptake in Tamale (Ghana) and Kakamega (Kenya)
Authors: Adolwa Ivan Solomon , Schwarze Stefan , Waswa Boaz , Buerkert Andreas 
Published: October 2017

AbstractSustainable intensification of African farming systems has been high on the agenda of research and development programs for decades. System innovations such as integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) and conservation agriculture have been proposed to tackle the complex challenges farmers face. In this study, we assess how different factors at the plot, farm and institutional level can influence the adoption of ISFM. We employed a stratified sampling approach to randomly select 285 and 300 farmers in Tamale, northern Ghana and Kakamega County, western Kenya, respectively. These two locations were selected to understand the underlying reasons for their divergent adoption levels. Ordinal regression models were used to identify determinants of adoption. In Tamale, adoption rates of ISFM are much lower than in Kakamega. Only 3% of the farmers fully adopted the recommended practices compared with 36% in Kakamega. The low availability of improved seeds is a major reason for the lower uptake of the complete ISFM paradigm in Tamale. The econometric analysis revealed that plot level variables such as soil carbon, soil texture, slope and plot area had a significant effect on the number of adopted ISFM components at both locations. Moreover, family labor availability is also an important factor. Other farm and household characteristics, such as off-farm occupation, livestock ownership, and membership in associations, matter for Kakamega only. Key policy recommendations include promotion of locally available organic resources and improved access to improved seeds in Tamale.
Ultrafast giant magnetic cooling effect in ferromagnetic Co/Pt multilayers
Authors: Shim Je-Ho , Ali Syed Akbar , Kim Chul-Hoon , Lee Kyung Min , Park Seung-Young , Jeong Jong-Ryul , Kim Dong-Hyun , Eon Kim Dong 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe magnetic cooling effect originates from a large change in entropy by the forced magnetization alignment, which has long been considered to be utilized as an alternative environment-friendly cooling technology compared to conventional refrigeration. However, an ultimate timescale of the magnetic cooling effect has never been studied yet. Here, we report that a giant magnetic cooling (up to 200 K) phenomenon exists in the Co/Pt nano-multilayers on a femtosecond timescale during the photoinduced demagnetization and remagnetization, where the disordered spins are more rapidly aligned, and thus magnetically cooled, by the external magnetic field via the lattice-spin interaction in the multilayer system. These findings were obtained by the extensive analysis of time-resolved magneto-optical responses with systematic variation of laser fluence as well as external field strength and direction. Ultrafast giant magnetic cooling observed in the present study can enable a new avenue to the realization of ultrafast magnetic devices.
Non-invasive assessment of hepatic mitochondrial metabolism by positional isotopomer NMR tracer analysis (PINTA)
Authors: Perry Rachel J. , Peng Liang , Cline Gary W. , Butrico Gina M. , Wang Yongliang , Zhang Xian-Man , Rothman Douglas L. , Petersen Kitt Falk , Shulman Gerald I. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractHepatic mitochondria play a central role in the regulation of intermediary metabolism and maintenance of normoglycemia, and there is great interest in assessing rates of hepatic mitochondrial citrate synthase flux (VCS) and pyruvate carboxylase flux (VPC) in vivo. Here, we show that a positional isotopomer NMR tracer analysis (PINTA) method can be used to non-invasively assess rates of VCS and VPC fluxes using a combined NMR/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of plasma following infusion of [3-13C]lactate and glucose tracer. PINTA measures VCS and VPC fluxes over a wide range of physiological conditions with minimal pyruvate cycling and detects increased hepatic VCS following treatment with a liver-targeted mitochondrial uncoupler. Finally, validation studies in humans demonstrate that the VPC/VCS ratio measured by PINTA is similar to that determined by in vivo NMR spectroscopy. This method will provide investigators with a relatively simple tool to non-invasively examine the role of altered hepatic mitochondrial metabolism.
Erratum: 53-attosecond X-ray pulses reach the carbon K-edge
Authors: Li Jie , Ren Xiaoming , Yin Yanchun , Zhao Kun , Chew Andrew , Cheng Yan , Cunningham Eric , Wang Yang , Hu Shuyuan , Wu Yi , Chini Michael , Chang Zenghu 
Published: October 2017

AbstractNature Communications8:186 10.1038/s41467-017-00321-0 (2017); Article published online: 4 August 2017
Ferroic glasses
Authors: Ji Yuanchao , Wang Dong , Wang Yu , Zhou Yumei , Xue Dezhen , Otsuka Kazuhiro , Wang Yunzhi , Ren Xiaobing 
Published: October 2017

AbstractFerroic glasses (strain glass, relaxor and cluster spin glass) refer to frozen disordered states in ferroic systems; they are conjugate states to the long-range ordered ferroic states—the ferroic crystals. Ferroic glasses exhibit unusual properties that are absent in ferroic crystals, such as slim hysteresis and gradual property changes over a wide temperature range. In addition to ferroic glasses and ferroic crystals, a third ferroic state, a glass-ferroic (i.e., a composite of ferroic glass and ferroic crystal), can be produced by the crystallization transition of ferroic glasses. It can have a superior property not possessed by its two components. These three classes of ferroic materials (ferroic crystal, ferroic glass and glass-ferroic) correspond to three transitions (ferroic phase transition, ferroic glass transition and crystallization transition of ferroic glass, respectively), as demonstrated in a generic temperature vs. defect-concentration phase diagram. Moreover, through constructing a phase field model, the microstructure evolution of three transitions and the phase diagram can be reproduced, which reveals the important role of point defects in the formation of ferroic glass and glass-ferroic. The phase diagram can be used to design various ferroic glasses and glass-ferroics that may exhibit unusual properties.
Insensitive ionic bio-energetic materials derived from amino acids
Authors: Zhang Lei , Song Kang-Xiang , Zhang Zhang , Yuan Wen-Li , Zhao Nanrong , Qin Song , He Ling , Tao Guo-Hong 
Published: October 2017

AbstractEnergetic salts/ionic liquids have received increasing attention as fascinating energetic materials, and the use of renewable compounds is a promising approach to developing energetic materials. Until recently, biomolecules have been used as raw materials to develop neutral energetic compounds, whereas research focused on ionic energetic materials obtained from natural bio-renewable frameworks is scarce. This work systematically investigates ionic bio-energetic materials (IBEMs) derived from sustainable natural amino acids. In addition to combustibility, high density, good thermal stability, and one-step preparation, these IBEMs demonstrated apparent hypotoxicity and insensitivity. Moreover, a theoretical examination was performed to explore their appropriate properties. The intriguing results of this study indicates that IBEMs are potential bio-based energetic materials.
Collision with duplex DNA renders Escherichia coli DNA polymerase III holoenzyme susceptible to DNA polymerase IV-mediated polymerase switching on the sliding clamp
Authors: Le Thanh Thi , Furukohri Asako , Tatsumi-Akiyama Masahiro , Maki Hisaji 
Published: October 2017

AbstractOrganisms possess multiple DNA polymerases (Pols) and use each for a different purpose. One of the five Pols in Escherichia coli, DNA polymerase IV (Pol IV), encoded by the dinB gene, is known to participate in lesion bypass at certain DNA adducts. To understand how cells choose Pols when the replication fork encounters an obstacle on template DNA, the process of polymerase exchange from the primary replicative enzyme DNA polymerase III (Pol III) to Pol IV was studied in vitro. Replicating Pol III forming a tight holoenzyme (Pol III HE) with the sliding clamp was challenged by Pol IV on a primed ssDNA template carrying a short inverted repeat. A rapid and lesion-independent switch from Pol III to Pol IV occurred when Pol III HE encountered a hairpin stem duplex, implying that the loss of Pol III-ssDNA contact induces switching to Pol IV. Supporting this idea, mutant Pol III with an increased affinity for ssDNA was more resistant to Pol IV than wild-type Pol III was. We observed that an exchange between Pol III and Pol IV also occurred when Pol III HE collided with primer/template duplex. Our data suggest that Pol III-ssDNA interaction may modulate the susceptibility of Pol III HE to Pol IV-mediated polymerase exchange.
Intensification processes in Italian
Authors: Grandi Nicola 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
In this paper intensification will be considered an instantiation of evaluative morphology. Intensification will be defined as a uniform semantic-functional operation formally performed by different strategies. The main goal of this paper is to survey these formal strategies in order to understand the reciprocal relationships among them and in order to understand which of them can be considered the most typical expressions of this semantic operation. My main focus will be on Italian. After a brief survey of the constructions usually used to express intensification in contemporary Italian, I will concentrate on two specific issues: the synonymy among the intensifiers described in the first part of the article and the internal structure of constructions where more intensifiers are present at the same time. In this way, it will be possible to single out which are the most typical Italian intensifiers.