bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Three-year customer satisfaction survey in laboratory medicine in a Chinese university hospital
Authors: Guo Siqi , Duan Yifei , Liu Xiaojuan , Jiang Yongmei 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackground:Customer satisfaction is a key quality indicator of laboratory service. Patients and physicians are the ultimate customers in medical laboratory, and their opinions are essential components in developing a customer-oriented laboratory.Methods:A longitudinal investigation of customer satisfaction was conducted through questionnaires. We designed two different questionnaires and selected 1200 customers (600 outpatients and 600 physicians) to assess customer satisfaction every other year from 2012 to 2016. Items with scores <4 were considered unsatisfactory, and corrective actions should be taken.Results:The completion rates of physicians were 96.8% in 2012, 97% in 2014 and 96.5% in 2016, whereas the rates of patients were 95.3%, 96.2% and 95.2%, respectively. In 2012, the most dissatisfaction items were test turnaround time (3.77 points) and service attitude (3.87 points) from physicians, whereas waiting time (3.58 points) and examination environment (3.64 points) were the most dissatisfaction items from patients. After corrective actions were taken, the result of satisfaction in 2014 was better, which illustrated our strategy was effective. However, some items remained to be less than 4, so we repeated the survey after modifying questionnaires in 2016. However, the general satisfaction points of the physicians and patients reduced in 2016, which reminded us of some influential factors we had neglected.Conclusions:By using dynamic survey of satisfaction, we can continuously find deficiencies in our laboratory services and take suitable corrective actions, thereby improving our service quality.
Estimation of fractions metabolized by hepatic CYP enzymes using a concept of inter-system extrapolation factors (ISEFs) – a comparison with the chemical inhibition method
Authors: Umehara Ken-ichi , Huth Felix , Gu Helen , Schiller Hilmar , Heimbach Tycho , He Handan 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackground:For estimation of fractions metabolized (fm) by different hepatic recombinant human CYP enzymes (rhCYP), calculation of inter-system extrapolation factors (ISEFs) has been proposed.Methods:ISEF values for CYP1A2, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4/5 were measured. A CYP2C9 ISEF was taken from a previous report. Using a set of compounds, fractions metabolized by CYP enzymes (fm,CYP) values calculated with the ISEFs based on rhCYP data were compared with those from the chemical inhibition data. Oral pharmacokinetics (PK) profiles of midazolam were simulated using the physiologically based pharmacokinetics (PBPK) model with the CYP3A ISEF. For other CYPs, theResults:-Conclusions:The rhCYP data with the measured ISEFs provided reasonable calculation of fm,CYP3A4 values, showing slight over-estimation compared to chemical inhibition.
The combined theoretical and experimental approach to arrive at optimum parameters in friction stir welding
Authors: Jagadeesha C.B. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractEven though friction stir welding was invented long back (1991) by TWI England, till now there has no method or procedure or approach developed, which helps to obtain quickly optimum or exact parameters yielding good or sound weld. An approach has developed in which an equation has been derived, by which approximate rpm can be obtained and by setting range of rpm ±100 or 50 rpm over approximate rpm and by setting welding speed equal to 60 mm/min or 50 mm/min one can conduct FSW experiment to reach optimum parameters; one can reach quickly to optimum parameters, i.e. desired rpm, and welding speed, which yield sound weld by the approach. This approach can be effectively used to obtain sound welds for all similar and dissimilar combinations of materials such as Steel, Al, Mg, Ti, etc.
Sirolimus therapy for congenital hyperinsulinism in an infant with a novel homozygous KCNJ11 mutation
Authors: Korula Sophy , Chapla Aaron , Priyambada Leena , Mathai Sarah , Simon Anna 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Background:
Congenital hyperinsulinism results in refractory hypoglycemia. If a therapy with diazoxide has been unresponsive this has been treated by subtotal pancreatectomy in the past. This therapeutic option poses an increased risk of developing diabetes at a later stage. There have been a few case reports on the use of sirolimus in such situations in the recent past.

Case presentation:
Our patient was started on sirolimus very early, on day 29 of life and at the age of 14 months is doing well on sirolimus therapy. His growth and development have been good and he has not had any major complications so far. Genetic testing showed a novel KCNJ11 homozygous mutation on next generation sequencing and the parents were heterozygous carriers.

Conclusions:
We report the successful use of sirolimus in the management of diazoxide unresponsive congenital hyperinsulinism with diffuse pancreatic involvement. We believe this is the youngest patient to be initiated on sirolimus so far.
Transfusion-associated necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants: an updated meta-analysis of observational data
Authors: Garg Parvesh , Pinotti Rachel , Lal C. Vivek , Salas Ariel A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackground:The number of observational studies that report an association between packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) has increased. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the association between PRBC transfusions and NEC in observational studies.Methods:Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library databases as well as the Pediatrics Academic Societies abstract archives were systematically searched to identify observational studies that investigated the association between PRBC transfusions and NEC. Key search terms included premature infant, blood transfusion and necrotizing enterocolitis. The generic inverse variance method with a random-effects model was used to meta-analyze selected studies. Odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.Results:A meta-analysis of 17 observational studies that reported the association between PRBC transfusions and NEC was performed. The meta-analysis revealed no evidence of an association between PRBC transfusions and a higher risk of NEC (OR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.53–1.71; P=0.88). The effect estimates that suggested an association between PRBC transfusion and NEC in matched case-control studies (OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 0.58–2.47; P=0.63) differed from those reported in cohort studies (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.34–0.75; P=<0.01).Conclusions:This updated meta-analysis of predominantly low-to-moderate quality observational studies suggests that there is no significant association between PRBC transfusions and NEC. A higher quality of evidence on this topic is needed.
Dynamic thiol-disulfide homeostasis is disturbed in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Asil Mehmet , Dertli Ramazan , Biyik Murat , Yolacan Ramazan , Erel Ozcan , Neselioglu Salim , Ataseven Huseyin , Polat Hakkı , Demir Ali 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackground:Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Plasma thiols are major defense mechanisms against oxidative stress and undergo oxidation to form disulfides under oxidative conditions. This study was conducted to investigate thiol-disulfide homeostasis in NAFLD patients.Methods:Thirty patients with biopsy proven non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), 40 patients with simple steatosis and 50 healthy controls were included in the study. Serum total and native thiol concentrations and serum disulfide concentration were measured using the Erel and Neselioglu’s method.Results:The mean serum total thiol concentrations in the NASH, simple steatosis and control groups were 415±64 μmol/L, 447±38 μmol/L and 480±37 μmol/L, respectively (p<0.001). The mean serum native thiol concentrations in the NASH, simple steatosis and control groups were 378±62 μmol/L, 416±41 μmol/L and 451±36 μmol/L, respectively (p<0.001). The mean serum disulfide concentrations in the NASH, simple steatosis and control groups were 18.5±6.3 μmol/L, 15.5±4.8 μmol/L and 14.9±3.6 μmol/L, respectively (p=0.005). The native thiol/total thiol ratio was significantly lower and the disulfide/total thiol and disulfide/native thiol ratios were significantly higher in the NASH group than in the simple steatosis and control groups.Conclusions:Thiol-disulfide homeostasis is disturbed and shifted toward disulfide side in NAFLD and NASH patients.
The controllable intensity and polarization degree of random laser from sheared dye-doped polymer-dispersed liquid crystal
Authors: Ye Lihua , Li Fangjie , Lu Changgui , Cheng Zhixiang , Hu Guohua , Lu Yanqing , Cui Yiping 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe random laser from sheared dye-doped polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (DDPDLC) is investigated. As the emission intensity weakens, the threshold of random laser from DDPDLC increases from 2.0 mJ/pulse to 4.0 mJ/pulse, and the degree of polarization (DOP) increases from 0.1 to 0.78, obviously when the shear distance increases from 0 mm to 4 mm. As the liquid crystal droplets are gradually oriented in the shear direction caused by alignment direction of polymer chain and anisotropy of droplet shape, the scattering intensity perpendicular to the shear direction gradually decreases and that parallel to the shear direction gradually increases. The anisotropic absorption of the laser dye also plays a certain role as the shear distance is 0 mm. The controllable intensity and polarization degree of random laser have a huge potential for sensing applications.
Glass fiber–reinforced polypropylene composites fabricated by direct fiber feeding injection molding
Authors: Yan Xiaofei , Yu Lichao , Shen Hua 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
This article investigates the effect of process parameters on the mechanical properties of polypropylene-glass fiber (GF/PP) composites made using a new injection molding method known as direct fiber feeding injection molding (DFFIM). In the DFFIM process, continuous fibers are directly guided into the barrel of the injection molding machine through the designed vent and are fed into the polymer melt by the shearing motion of the screw of the injection molding machine during the plasticization process. The DFFIM process improves the fiber length and avoids excessive fiber attrition, resulting in enhanced mechanical properties in the composites. The effect of process parameters on the mechanical properties of manufactured composite specimens is discussed based on the results of tensile tests, three-point flexural tests, and Izod impact tests. Scanning electron microscopy was performed on the fracture surfaces to observe cross-section morphology. There is a fiber agglomeration phenomenon that occurs in the core layer of GF/PP composites made using DFFIM. The number of fiber rovings, number of fiber filaments, matrix feeding speed, and screw speed influence the GF content and distribution in the composites, ultimately affecting the mechanical properties.
Synthetic draw solutes for forward osmosis: status and future
Authors: Chen Qiaozhen , Xu Wenxuan , Ge Qingchun 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Forward osmosis (FO) has developed rapidly over the past decade. The development of draw solutes, a key component of FO processes, has also progressed remarkably. A wide range of synthetic draw solutes have been explored in recent years. Synthetic draw solutes exhibit superiority over the conventional draw solutes obtained commercially in terms of lower reverse solute fluxes and less energy consumption in draw solute recycling. However, there are still some big challenges for synthetic draw solutes, such as complicated synthetic procedures, low water fluxes, severe concentration polarization (CP) and decreased water recovery efficiency when recycled draw solutes are reused in FO. These challenges are also the current research focus on the exploration of novel draw solutes. This article aims to review the recent progress especially on synthetic draw solutes. Their design strategies, synthesis routes and FO performance are assessed. Some representative applications involving the synthetic draw solutes-facilitated FO processes are exemplified. The advantages and disadvantages of the existing synthetic draw solutions are evaluated. The challenges and future directions in exploring novel draw solutes are highlighted.
A Study of the Structural Performance of Flexible Pavements Using Traffic Speed Deflectometer
Authors: Manoharan S. , Chai G. , Chowdhury S. , Golding A. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The falling weight deflectometer (FWD) is a non-destructive testing device that has been used by many road agencies worldwide since 1980 for structural evaluation of flexible pavements. In early 2000, the world first Doppler laser-based traffic speed deflectometer (TSD) was developed by Greenwood Engineering, and now eight TSD vehicles are in use worldwide. The two main advantages of the TSD technology are: (a) the ability to carry out continuous bearing capacity measurements instead of discrete points, (b) that testing can be carried out at traffic speeds without the need for lane closures with a stationary device such as FWD. The objective of this paper was to study the structural performance of flexible pavements using TSD deflection data. The study successfully established a correlation between maximum deflections TSD-D0 and FWD-D0 that are derived from the two devices. This study also drew some interesting conclusions in that deflection data collected by TSD could be transformed to FWD equivalent structural numbers with simple models as derived in the study. The outcome of this study was an established methodology for reporting structural performance at network level utilizing TSD deflection data.
Evaluation of Nondestructiveness of Resonant Column Testing for Characterization of Asphalt Concrete Properties
Authors: Tavassoti-Kheiry P. , Boz I. , Solaimanian M. , Qiu T. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The resonant column (RC) test has been used as a nondestructive test (NDT) to study dynamic properties of soils for the past few decades. With some modifications, this test can also be employed to characterize properties of asphalt concrete, especially because these properties are strongly dependent on the loading frequency. A conventional RC apparatus was retrofitted to characterize asphalt concrete properties at a range of temperatures from 10°C to 45°C. The RC test is believed to be nondestructive for most soils; however, this must be verified in case of testing asphalt concrete, especially at elevated temperatures. For this purpose, the impact resonance (IR) test, as a purely NDT tool, was used to check the integrity of asphalt concrete specimens before and after RC testing. The modulus values measured before and after RC tests, at each of the testing temperatures, were compared to evaluate the nondestructiveness of RC testing. Strain levels were also monitored to ensure that the material remained within the linear elastic range through the tests. The results show that the specimens exhibited the same modulus before and after RC testing over the full range of temperature and frequency sweep tests.
Cavitation in Rolling Contact Bearings
Authors: Meged Y. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe service life of a single rolling contact bearing (RCB) cannot be predicted, due to the large scatter in bearing life. However, the service life of a group of identical bearings tested under identical conditions follows a typical pattern. Many theories that were established to describe this pattern are based on failure caused by fatigue due to cyclic loading. This loading causes high stresses and subsurface cracks. The cracks propagate and, once they reach the surface, cause bearing failure. These theories focus on the rolling elements and disregard the lubricant. This study is concerned with the failure mechanism caused by cavitation of the lubricant and presents its significant role in RCB failure. Both mechanisms act simultaneously and impose synergistic effects. It is therefore recommended to combine these theories into a unified concept.
Deficiency of the Thyroid Hormone Transporter Monocarboxylate Transporter 8 in Neural Progenitors Impairs Cellular Processes Crucial for Early Corticogenesis
Authors: Vancamp Pieter , Deprez Marie-Anne , Remmerie Michiel , Darras Veerle M. 
Published: November 2017

Thyroid hormones (THs) are essential for establishing layered brain structures, a process called corticogenesis, by acting on transcriptional activity of numerous genes. In humans, deficiency of the monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8), involved in cellular uptake of THs before their action, results in severe neurological abnormalities, known as the Allan–Herndon–Dudley syndrome. While the brain lesions predominantly originate prenatally, it remains unclear how and when exactly MCT8 dysfunction affects cellular processes crucial for corticogenesis. We investigated this by inducingin vivoRNAi vector-based knockdown of MCT8 in neural progenitors of the chicken optic tectum, a layered structure that shares many developmental features with the mammalian cerebral cortex. MCT8 knockdown resulted in cellular hypoplasia and a thinner optic tectum. This could be traced back to disrupted cell-cycle kinetics and a premature shift to asymmetric cell divisions impairing progenitor cell pool expansion. Birth-dating experiments confirmed diminished neurogenesis in the MCT8-deficient cell population as well as aberrant migration of both early-born and late-born neuroblasts, which could be linked to reduced reelin signaling and disorganized radial glial cell fibers. Impaired neurogenesis resulted in a reduced number of glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons, but the latter additionally showed decreased differentiation. Moreover, an accompanying reduction in untransfected GABAergic neurons suggests hampered intercellular communication. These results indicate that MCT8-dependent TH uptake in the neural progenitors is essential for early events in corticogenesis, and help to understand the origin of the problems in cortical development and function in Allan–Herndon–Dudley syndrome patients.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThyroid hormones (THs) are essential to establish the stereotypical layered structure of the human forebrain during embryonic development. Before their action on gene expression, THs require cellular uptake, a process facilitated by the TH transporter monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8). We investigated how and when dysfunctional MCT8 can induce brain lesions associated with the Allan–Herndon–Dudley syndrome, characterized by psychomotor retardation. We used the layered chicken optic tectum to model cortical development, and induced MCT8 deficiency in neural progenitors. Impaired cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation resulted in an underdeveloped optic tectum and a severe reduction in nerve cells. Our data underline the need for MCT8-dependent TH uptake in neural progenitors and stress the importance of local TH action in early development.
Changes in regional body fat, lean body mass and body shape in trans persons using cross-sex hormonal therapy: results from a multicenter prospective study
Authors: Klaver M , de Blok C J M , Wiepjes C M , Nota N M , Dekker M J H J , de Mutsert R , Schreiner T , Fisher A D , T’Sjoen G , den Heijer M 
Published: November 2017

Objective
Cross-sex hormonal therapy (CHT) in trans persons affects their total body fat and total lean body mass. However, it is unknown how separate body regions are affected and whether these changes alter body shape. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects on body fat and lean body mass in separate body regions and on body shape after one year of CHT.

Design and methods
In a multicenter prospective study at university hospitals, 179 male-to-female gender dysphoric persons, referred to as transwomen, and 162 female-to-male gender dysphoric persons, referred to as transmen, were included. All underwent whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and anthropometric measurements before and after one year of CHT.

Results
In transwomen, increases in body fat ranged from +18% (95% CI: 13%;23%) in the android region to +42% (95% CI: 37%;46%) in the leg region and +34% (95% CI: 29%;38%) in the gynoid region. In transmen, changes in body fat ranged from −16% (95% CI: −19;−14%) in the leg region and −14% in the gynoid region (95% CI: −16%;−12) to no change in the android region (+1%, 95% CI: −3%;5%). Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) decreased in transwomen (−0.03, 95% CI: −0.04;−0.02) mainly due to an increase in hip circumference (+3.2 cm, 95% CI: 2.3;4.0). Transmen have a decrease in hip circumference (−1.9 cm, 95% CI: −3.1;−0.7) resulting in an increase in WHR (+0.01, 95% CI: 0.00;0.02).

Conclusions
CHT causes a more feminine body fat distribution and a lower WHR in transwomen and a more masculine body fat distribution with a lower hip circumference in transmen.
Competencias emocionales y toma de decisiones responsable en preadolescentes con el apoyo de docentes, padres y madres de familia: Un estudio comparativo en estudiantes de 4º a 6º año de educación primaria en España
Authors: Márquez-Cervantes Concepción , Gaeta-González Martha Leticia 
Published: November 2017

This article aims to analyze the relationship between emotional competencies and responsible decision making in pre-adolescents, and the support of teachers and parents in this process, which could help students to solve problems and face risk situations in a better way. A quantitative, descriptive correlation and cross-sectional type research was carried out to achieve this aim. 70 students from the 4th, 5th and 6th grades (ages 8-12), three teachers and 12 parents from a public school in the province of Almeria, Spain, participated in the study. Three questionnaires were designed (for students, teachers and parents) to collect the information; they were based on theoretical models (Bisquerra & Pérez, 2007) and standardized self-report inventories in emotional competencies (Extremera & Fernández-Berrocal, 2004; Matson et al., 1983). The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, a comparison between groups, and a correlation between variables. Among the main results, students reported that they did greater work in strengthening their emotional awareness, followed by emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships. There were no significant differences in emotional management and responsible decision making among students from the three academic years; however, males reported greater emotional control than females. A significant correlation between emotional competencies and responsible decision making in pre-adolescents was found. Teaching staff mentioned having done greater work in the development of students’ emotional awareness and support of their responsible decision making. Parents, in turn, seek to help their sons and daughters to be more self-reliant, in addition to working collaboratively with the school, by documenting or seeking support to contribute to education and personal development of their children.