bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Midlife and Late‐Life Vascular Risk Factors and White Matter Microstructural Integrity: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Neurocognitive Study
Authors: Power Melinda C. , Tingle Jonathan V. , Reid Robert I. , Huang Juebin , Sharrett A. Richey , Coresh Josef , Griswold Michael , Kantarci Kejal , Jack Clifford R. , Knopman David , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Mosley Thomas H. 
Published: May 2017

Background

Diffusion tensor imaging measures of white matter (
WM
) microstructural integrity appear to provide earlier indication of WM injury than WM hyperintensities; however, risk factors for poor WM microstructural integrity have not been established. Our study quantifies the association between vascular risk factors in midlife and late life with measures of late‐life WM microstructural integrity.

Methods and Results

We used data from 1851 participants in
ARIC
(Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study) who completed 3‐T magnetic resonance imaging, including diffusion tensor imaging, as part of the ARIC Neurocognitive Study (ARIC‐NCS). We quantified the association among lipids, glucose, and blood pressure from the baseline
ARIC
visit (1987–1989, ages 44–65, midlife) and visit 5 of
ARIC
(2011–2013, ages 67–90, late life, concurrent with ARIC‐NCS) with regional and overall WM mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy obtained at ARIC visit 5 for
ARIC
participants. We also considered whether these associations were independent of or modified by WM hyperintensity volumes. We found that elevated blood pressure in midlife and late life and elevated glucose in midlife, but not late life, were associated with worse late‐life WM microstructural integrity. These associations were independent of the degree of WM hyperintensity, and the association between glucose and WM microstructural integrity appeared stronger for those with the least
WM
hyperintensity. There was little support for an adverse association between lipids and WM microstructural integrity.

Conclusions
Hypertension in both midlife and late life and elevated glucose in midlife are related to worse WM microstructural integrity in late life.
Effects of Sodium‐Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors on 24‐Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Baker William L. , Buckley Leo F. , Kelly Michael S. , Bucheit John D. , Parod Eric D. , Brown Roy , Carbone Salvatore , Abbate Antonio , Dixon Dave L. 
Published: May 2017

Background
Sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a novel class of antihyperglycemic agents that improve glycemic control by increasing glycosuria. Additional benefits beyond glucose lowering include significant improvements in seated clinic blood pressure (BP), partly attributed to their diuretic‐like actions. Less known are the effects of this class on 24‐hour ambulatory BP, which is a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than seated clinic BP.

Methods and Results

We performed a meta‐analysis of randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials to investigate the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on 24‐hour ambulatory BP. We searched all studies published before August 17, 2016, which reported 24‐hour ambulatory BP data. Mean differences in 24‐hour BP, daytime BP, and nighttime BP were calculated by a random‐effects model. SGLT2 inhibitors significantly reduce 24‐hour ambulatory systolic and diastolic BP by −3.76 mm Hg (95% CI, −4.23 to −2.34; I
2
=0.99) and −1.83 mm Hg (95% CI, −2.35 to −1.31; I
2
=0.76), respectively. Significant reductions in daytime and nighttime systolic and diastolic BP were also found. No association between baseline BP or change in body weight were observed.

Conclusions
This meta‐analysis shows that the reduction in 24‐hour ambulatory BP observed with SGLT2 inhibitors is a class effect. The diurnal effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on 24‐hour ambulatory BP may contribute to their favorable effects on cardiovascular outcomes.
Reduced African Easterly Wave Activity with Quadrupled CO2 in the Superparameterized CESM
Authors: Hannah Walter M. , Aiyyer Anantha 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
African easterly wave (AEW) activity is examined in quadrupled CO2 experiments with the superparameterized CESM (SP-CESM). The variance of 2–10-day filtered precipitation increases with warming over the West African monsoon region, suggesting increased AEW activity. The perturbation enstrophy budget is used to investigate the dynamic signature of AEW activity. The northern wave track becomes more active associated with enhanced baroclinicity, consistent with previous studies. The southern track exhibits a surprising reduction of wave activity associated with less frequent occurrence of weak waves and a slight increase in the occurrence of strong waves. These changes are connected to changes in the profile of vortex stretching and tilting that can be understood as interconnected consequences of increased static stability from the lapse rate response, weak temperature gradient balance, and the fixed anvil temperature hypothesis.
Wind Tunnel Results for a Distributed Flush Airdata System
Authors: Laurence Roger J. , Argrow Brian M. , Frew Eric W. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe multihole probe (MHP) is an effective instrument for relative wind measurements from small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). Two common drawbacks for the integration of commercial MHP systems into low-cost sUAS are that 1) the MHP airdata system cost can be several times that of the sUAS airframe; and 2) when extended from the airframe, the pressure-measuring probe is often exposed to damage during normal operations. A flush airdata system (FADS) with static pressure sensing ports mounted flush with the airframe skin provides an alternative to the MHP system. This project implements a FADS with multiple static pressure sensors located at selected locations on the airframe. Computational fluid dynamics simulations are used to determine the airframe locations with the highest pressure change sensitivity to changes in the airframe angle of attack and sideslip angle. Wind tunnel test results are reported with nonlinear least squares and neural networks regression methods applied to the pressure measurements to estimate the instantaneous angle of attack and sideslip. Both methods achieved mean errors of less than . A direct comparison of the regression methods show that the neural network method provides a more accurate relative wind angle estimate than the nonlinear least squares method.
Challenges in Providing Timely Physiotherapy and Opportunities to Influence Outcomes for Potential Lung Donors
Authors: Raios Cassandra , Keating Jenny L. , Stitt Nicola , Opdam Helen I. , Skinner Elizabeth H. 
Published: May 2017

Context: There is a critical shortage of donor lungs however, considerable ethical considerations are associated with the conduct of research to optimize care of the potential organ donor. Objective: To investigate pathways of consent, respiratory care by physiotherapists and donation rates to contextualize future research on physiotherapy effects on donor lung suitability for procurement. Design: Retrospective audit. Setting: Australian tertiary hospital. Patients: Potential organ donors (defined as patients who may have been eligible to donate organs for transplantation via either brain death or circulatory death) 75 years or younger presenting to the emergency department or the intensive care unit (ICU) between September 2011 and December 2012. Main Outcome Measures: Donation rates, timing of organ procurement from initial hospital presentation, number of persons designated to make health-care decisions approached for and consenting to donation and clinical research, and number of patients assessed and/or treated by physiotherapists. Results: Records of 65 potentially eligible donors were analyzed. Eighteen (28%) of the 65 became donors. Organ procurement occurred at a median of 48 hours (interquartile range: 34-72 hours) after ICU admission. All decision-makers approached regarding participation in clinical research (4 [6%] of the 65) consented. Physiotherapists assessed 48 (74%) of the 65 patients at least once and provided 28 respiratory treatments to 18 (28%) of the 65 patients, including lung hyperinflation and positioning. Limitations were the retrospective, single-center design and the “potential organ donor” definition. Conclusion: Organ procurement occurs early. There is potential for early intervention to improve lung donor rates. Randomized controlled trials investigating protocolized respiratory packages of care may increase the potential donor pool and transplantation rates.
Treatment of Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: Platelet-Rich Plasma or Exercise Therapy? A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Nejati Parisa , Ghahremaninia Armita , Naderi Farrokh , Gharibzadeh Safoora , Mazaherinezhad Ali 
Published: May 2017

Background: Subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS) is the most common disorder of the shoulder. The evidence for the effectiveness of treatment options is inconclusive and limited. Therefore, there is a need for more evidence in this regard, particularly for long-term outcomes. Hypothesis: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) would be an effective method in treating subacromial impingement. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: This was a single-blinded randomized clinical trial with 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up. Sixty-two patients were randomly placed into 2 groups, receiving either PRP or exercise therapy. The outcome parameters were pain, shoulder range of motion (ROM), muscle force, functionality, and magnetic resonance imaging findings. Results: Both treatment options significantly reduced pain and increased shoulder ROM compared with baseline measurements. Both treatments also significantly improved functionality. However, the treatment choices were not significantly effective in improving muscle force. Trend analysis revealed that in the first and third months, exercise therapy was superior to PRP in pain, shoulder flexion and abduction, and functionality. However, in the sixth month, only shoulder abduction and total Western Ontario Rotator Cuff score were significantly different between the 2 groups. Conclusion: Both PRP injection and exercise therapy were effective in reducing pain and disability in patients with SAIS, with exercise therapy proving more effective.
PRotective Effect on the coronary microcirculation of patients with DIabetes by Clopidogrel or Ticagrelor (PREDICT): study rationale and design. A randomized multicenter clinical trial using intracoronary multimodal physiology
Authors: Cerrato Enrico , Quirós Alicia , Echavarría-Pinto Mauro , Mejia-Renteria Hernan , Aldazabal Andres , Ryan Nicola , Gonzalo Nieves , Jimenez-Quevedo Pilar , Nombela-Franco Luis , Salinas Pablo , Núñez-Gil Iván J. , Rumoroso José Ramón , Fernández-Ortiz Antonio , Macaya Carlos , Escaned Javier 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Background
In diabetic patients a predisposed coronary microcirculation along with a higher risk of distal particulate embolization during primary percutaneous intervention (PCI) increases the risk of peri-procedural microcirculatory damage. However, new antiplatelet agents, in particular Ticagrelor, may protect the microcirculation through its adenosine-mediated vasodilatory effects.

Methods
PREDICT is an original, prospective, randomized, multicenter controlled study designed to investigate the protective effect of Ticagrelor on the microcirculation during PCI in patient with diabetes mellitus type 2 or pre-diabetic status. The primary endpoints of this study aim to test (i) the decrease in microcirculatory resistance with antiplatelet therapy (Ticagrelor > Clopidogrel; mechanistic effect) and (ii) the relative microcirculatory protection of Ticagrelor compared to Clopidogrel during PCI (Ticagrelor < Clopidogrel; protective effect).

Conclusions
PREDICT will be the first multicentre clinical trial to test the adenosine-mediated vasodilatory effect of Ticagrelor on the microcirculation during PCI in diabetic patients. The results will provide important insights into the prospective beneficial effect of this drug in preventing microvascular impairment related to PCI (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov No. NCT02698618).
Characterisation of a novel poly (ether ether ketone)/calcium sulphate composite for bone augmentation
Authors: Hughes Erik A. B. , Grover Liam M. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Background
Calcium sulphate (CS) has been used in bone grafting since the 1800s. It has not replaced autograft as the gold standard, however, since its dissolution occurs rapidly in bodily fluids, meaning that the material cannot support long-term bone growth. Here, the polymer poly (ether ether ketone) (PEEK) was used to slow dissolution in in vitro physiological environments and augment the mechanical properties of the material.

Methods
PEEK/CS specimens were fabricated by combining powders of PEEK and CS with water, resulting in a hardening paste. To enhance physical interactions between phases, cylindrical specimens were heat-treated to melt and fuse the PEEK. Following analysis of physical and chemical interactions by SEM and FT-IR respectively, dynamic ageing in PBS and compression testing was undertaken to measure how the PEEK influenced the mechanical properties of the final parts. Changes in structure and chemistry were determined using helium pycnometry, SEM and analysis of powder XRD patterns.

Results

Powders of PEEK and CS hemihydrate (CSH) (CaSO
4
.0.5H
2
O) were combined with PEEK at 0 wt%, 2.5 wt%, 20 wt%, 40 wt% and 80 wt% and at a P:L ratio of 0.85 g/mL. The subsequently hardened structures were heat-treated, which initiated the melting of PEEK and dehydration of CSD (CaSO
4
.2H
2
O) to the CS anhydrite (CSA) (CaSO
4
) phase, which changed colour and apparent volume. FT-IR and SEM analysis revealed heat treatment of PEEK/CS specimens facilitated both physical and chemical interactions between phases. Over a period of 21 days of ageing in PBS, the hydration of CS was determined by XRD and improved specimen longevity at all levels of PEEK wt% loading was measured compared with the control. Importantly, increasing PEEK wt% loading resulted in a marked increase in the mechanical properties of PEEK/CS specimens in terms of both compressive strength and modulus.

Conclusions
Reinforcement of CS with PEEK significantly enhanced in vitro dissolution resistance, in addition to enhancing mechanical properties. This composite therefore has significant future potential as a bone graft replacement.
In vivo analysis of covering materials composed of biodegradable polymers enriched with flax fibers
Authors: Gredes Tomasz , Schönitz Sandra , Gedrange Tomasz , Stepien Lukas , Kozak Karol , Kunert-Keil Christiane 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Background
The objective of this study was to investigate the in vivo effect of bioactive composites with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) or polycaprolactone (PCL) as the matrix, reinforced with bioplastic flax fibers, on the surrounding muscle tissue.

Methods
Materials of pure PLA and PCL and their composites with flax fibers from genetically modified plants producing poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PLA-transgen, PCL-transgen) and unmodified plants (PLA-wt, PCL-wt) were placed subcutaneous on the M. latissimus dorsi for four weeks.

Results
The analysis of histological samples revealed that every tested material was differently encapsulated and the capsule thickness is much more pronounced when using the PCL composites in comparison with the PLA composites. The encapsulation by connective tissue was significantly reduced around PCL-transgen and significantly increased in the cases of PLA-transgen and PLA-wt. In the collected muscle samples, the measured protein expression of CD45, lymphocyte common antigen, was significantly increased after the use of all tested materials, with the exception of pure PCL. In contrast, the protein expression of caveolin-1 remained unchanged after treatment with the most examined materials. Only after insertion of PLA-wt, a significant increase of caveolin-1 protein expression was detected, due to the improved neovascularization.

Conclusion
These data support the presumption that the new bioactive composites are biocompatible and they could be applicable in the medical field to support the regenerative processes.
The investment behavior of people in Russia: myths and realities
Authors: Годунова  , Корепова  , Korepova Valeriya , Нагач  , Nagach Tatyana 
Published: May 2017

Investment behavior of people is one of the main problems of Russia at the moment. But if we are talking
about investments, is it worth thinking about the fact that in order to invest, you need to have "free" money.
Laying the foundations for parental narcissism
Authors: Hendrick Harry 
Published: May 2017

This chapter considers the foundations of parental narcissism. The chapter begins by referencing the shift from the 'Me' decade to the 'Me' millennium, so as to contextualise two critical political developments: the coming of the New Right and the failure of the Labour Party to counter its influence. The chapter shows how the New Right set about creating the economic and social agenda, not least through Sir Keith Joseph's cycle of deprivation thesis and his growing interest in 'parent education' as an antidote to 1960s permissiveness. The chapter then proceeds to examine the cultural remoralising of Britain that begin to occur in the 1970s with particular reference to the Labour Party's retreat from liberal social democratic principles to those of a more authoritarian character. The rightward (and authoritarian) drift was gradually confirmed by the introduction of the 'new behaviourism' into British psychology and particularly into health visiting and social work, which served to problematise children's behaviour in favour of parental convenience.
Morphological, Karyological and Molecular Characteristics of Festuca arietina Klok. – a Neglected Psammophilous Species of the Festuca valesiaca agg. from Eastern Europe
Authors: Bednarska Iryna , Kostikov Igor , Tarieiev Andrii , Stukonis Vaclovas 
Published: May 2017

AbstractUntil recently,Festuca arietinawas practically an unknown species in the flora of Eastern Europe. Such a situation can be treated as a consequence of insufficient studying ofFestuca valesiacagroup species in Eastern Europe and misinterpretation of the volume of some taxa. As a result of a complex study ofF. arietinapopulations from the territory of Ukraine (including the material fromlocus classicus), Belarus and Lithuania, original anatomy, morphology and molecular data were obtained. These data confirmed the taxonomical status ofF. arietinaas a separate species. Eleven morphological and 12 anatomical characters, ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 cluster of nuclear ribosomal genes, as well as the models of secondary structure of ITS1 and ITS2 transcripts were studied in this approach. It was found for the first time thatF. arietinais hexaploid (6x = 42), which is distinguished from all the other narrow-leaved fescues by specific leaf anatomy as well as in ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequences. Molecular data indicating possible hybridogenous origin ofF. arietina, fall in line with the anatomical-morphological data and explain the tendency toward sclerenchyma strands fusion with formation of a continuous ring inF. arietina, as well asF. arietinaecological confinement to psammophyte biotopes.
Structural Transformations During Tempering in the Steels with High Content of Mo and Co
Authors: Anghelina Florina Violeta , Ungureanu Dan Nicolae 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
The structural transformations occurring at tempering for some high-speed steels are a subject of research for which have been dedicated numerous studies. More complex compositions of the high-speed steels were direct consequence of the complexity of structural transformations which occur during heat treatment. On the other hand, current tendency in energy requires maximum efficiency and rational use of heating sources used in industry. Thus, only a precise knowledge of the kinetics of transformations occurring at tempering can be a basis for optimizing this treatment. Although cobalt is used for a long time as an alloying element, though relatively recently it was considered important to the properties of rapid steel. These circumstances, combined with the lack of quantitative information on the kinetics transformation at tempering operation treatment for some steel has led to this paper. The thickness of the studied samples is 5 mm and was taken from the annealed steel bars. These samples were subjected to hardening and tempering treatment in salts bath. Heating for hardening was performed in two steps, at 5500C and 8300C. Austenitizing was done at 12000C, during 120 seconds. The cooling was done up to 5300C in salts bath, with a keeping of 15 seconds, and then air cooling was done. On these samples were carried out, HRC Rockwell hardness measurements, and X-ray diffraction analysis.
The Mathematical Model Applied to Solidify and Segregation of Ledeburite Tool Steel Ingots
Authors: Bratu Vasile , Popescu Ileana Nicoleta 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
In order to determine the optimum geometry of the ingot mold format (the format of ingot mold with a diameter per height ratio H / D <3 and the conicity of minimum 7%) was analyzed by mathematical modeling of solidification and segregation of the carbon and sulfur in it.
It was considered 205Cr115 steel type (according with , STAS 3611 - Romanian stardandization) and known also as X210Cr12 steel type (according with European standard). It has been considered an element of volume of coordinates x, y, z in the solidifying ingot and have made the following assumptions: (i) the equilibrium distribution ratio K, is applied to the solid-liquid interface; (ii) solid diffusion is negligible during solidification; and (iii) the solid density is constant during solidification. In carrying out the simulation of segregation mechanisms are resolved heat transfer equation, that simulating the solidification process and are are solved the interdendritic fluid equation of motion.
Mechanical Characterization of Nanostructured Thin Films Used to Imporve Mechatronic Components
Authors: Badita Liliana-Laura , Gheorghe Gheorghe , Bratu Vasile , Gornoava Valentin , Vocurek Marian , Zapciu Aurel , Munteanu Iulian Sorin 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Taking into account the importance of mechatronic applications, researches regarding the possibility to improve the lifetime of mechatronic components were made. Nanostructured metallic thin films (Ti, Cr, Al and Ti/Al multilayer) were deposited on different types of steel substrates, because nanomaterials have exceptional properties in relation to the common materials. In this paper a part of the results obtained after mechanical and topographic characterization of the thin films are presented. Cr is the deposited thin film showing the highest hardness on the surface of steel substrate type OSC. After the scratch tests realized, Ti layer presented the best adhesion on all types of steel substrates used in experiments. The results of these researches could be extremely useful for engineers in the mechatronic field.