bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prasugrel Plus Aspirin Beyond 12 Months Is Associated With Improved Outcomes After Taxus Liberté Paclitaxel-Eluting Coronary Stent Placement
Authors: Garratt Kirk N. , Weaver W. Douglas , Jenkins Ronald G. , Pow Thomas K. , Mauri Laura , Kereiakes Dean J. , Winters Kenneth J. , Christen Thomas , Allocco Dominic J. , Lee David P. 
Published: November 2014

Background—
The TAXUS Liberté Post Approval Study (TL-PAS) contributed patients treated with TAXUS Liberté paclitaxel-eluting stent and prasugrel to the Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Study (DAPT) that compared 12 and 30 months thienopyridine plus aspirin therapy after drug-eluting stents.

Methods and Results—

Outcomes for 2191 TL-PAS patients enrolled into DAPT were assessed. The DAPT coprimary composite end point (death, myocardial infarction [MI], or stroke) was lower with 30 compared with 12 months prasugrel treatment (3.7% versus 8.8%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.407;
P
<0.001). Rates of death and stroke were similar between groups, but MI was significantly reduced with prolonged prasugrel treatment (1.9% versus 7.1%; HR, 0.255;
P
<0.001). The DAPT coprimary end point, stent thrombosis, was also lower with longer therapy (0.2% versus 2.9%; HR, 0.063;
P
<0.001). MI related to stent thrombosis (0% versus 2.6%;
P
<0.001) and occurring spontaneously (1.9% versus 4.5%; HR, 0.407;
P
=0.007) were both reduced with prolonged prasugrel. MI rates increased within 90 days of prasugrel cessation after both 12 and 30 months treatment. Composite Global Utilization of Streptokinase and Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Occluded Coronary Arteries (GUSTO) moderate or severe bleeds were modestly increased (2.4% versus 1.7%; HR, 1.438;
P
=0.234) but severe bleeds were not more frequent (0.3% versus 0.5%; HR, 0.549;
P
=0.471) in the prolonged treatment group.

Conclusions—
Prasugrel and aspirin continued for 30 months reduced ischemic events for the TAXUS Liberté paclitaxel-eluting stent patient subset from DAPT through reductions in MI and stent thrombosis. Withdrawal of prasugrel was followed by an increase in MI after both 12 and 30 months therapy. The optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy with prasugrel after TAXUS Liberté paclitaxel-eluting stent remains unknown, but appears to be >30 months.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00997503.
Temporal Perceptual Learning
Authors: Bueti Domenica , Buonomano Dean V. 
Published: November 2014

Our interaction with the environment and each other is inherently time-varying in nature. It is thus not surprising that the nervous systems of animals have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to not only tell time, but to learn to discriminate and produce temporal patterns. Indeed some of the most sophisticated human behaviors, such as speech and music, would not exist if the human brain was unable to learn to discriminate and produce temporal patterns. Compared to the study of other forms of learning, such as visual perceptual learning, the study of the learning of interval and temporal pattern discrimination in the subsecond range is relatively recent. A growing number of studies over the past 15 years, however, have established that perceptual and motor timing undergo robust learning. One of the principles to have emerged from these studies is that temporal learning is generally specific to the trained interval, an observation that has important implications to the neural mechanisms underlying our ability to tell time.
Stabilization of company’s income modeled by a system of discrete stochastic equations
Authors: Diblík Josef , Dzhalladova Irada , Růžičková Miroslava 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The paper deals with a system of difference equations where the coefficients depend on Markov chains. The functional equations for a particular density and the moment equations for the system are derived and used in the investigation of mode stability of company’s income. An application of the results is illustrated by two models.
Local intra-articular injection of rapamycin delays articular cartilage degeneration in a murine model of osteoarthritis
Authors: Takayama Koji , Kawakami Yohei , Kobayashi Makoto , Greco Nick , Cummins James H , Matsushita Takehiko , Kuroda Ryosuke , Kurosaka Masahiro , Fu Freddie H , Huard Johnny 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Recent studies have revealed that rapamycin activates autophagy in human chondrocytes preventing the development of osteoarthritis (OA) like changes in vitro, while the systemic injection of rapamycin reduces the severity of experimental osteoarthritis in a murine model of OA in vivo. Since the systemic use of rapamycin is associated with numerous side effects, the goal of the current study was to examine the beneficial effect of local intra-articular injection of rapamycin in a murine model of OA and to elucidate the mechanism of action of rapamycin on articular cartilage.

Methods
Destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) was performed on 10-week-old male mice to induce OA. Intra-articular injections of 10 μl of rapamycin (10 μM) were administered twice weekly for 8 weeks. Articular cartilage damage was analyzed by histology using a semi-quantitative scoring system at 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), light chain 3 (LC3), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), collagen, type X alpha 1 (COL10A1), and matrix metallopeptidase 13 (MMP13) expressions were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. VEGF, COL10A1, and MMP13 expressions were further examined via quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR).

Results
Intra-articular injection of rapamycin significantly reduced the severity of articular cartilage degradation at 8 and 12 weeks after DMM surgery. A reduction in mTOR expression and the activation of LC3 (an autophagy marker) in the chondrocytes was observed in the rapamycin treated mice. Rapamycin treatment also reduced VEGF, COL10A1, and MMP13 expressions at 8 and 12 weeks after DMM surgery.

Conclusion
These results demonstrate that the intra-articular injection of rapamycin could reduce mTOR expression, leading to a delay in articular cartilage degradation in our OA murine model. Our observations suggest that local intra-articular injection of rapamycin could represent a potential therapeutic approach to prevent OA.
Bioinspired non-invasive radial pulse sensor: from biomimetic design, system calibration, to clinic application
Authors: Luo Yudong , Niu Sanku , Cordero Jose , Deng Hongbin , Shen Yantao 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The research work aims at developing a real-time non-invasive metabolism and blood circulation surveillance system for monitoring human’s health condition by sensing the various bio-signals on the human body. Our goal is to use the developed system to study the functions and characters of organs and tissues that highly relate with the metabolism and blood circulation system, and also, it is expected to help modeling the entire circulation system. At phase I of the research, in this paper we focus on developing a new low-cost, portable, high-accuracy, non-invasive radial pulse sensor. Inspired by touch capability and related biomechanical advantage of human fingertip, the mechanical design of the sensor mimics the physiological structure of human fingertip. The biomimetic sensor is then well calibrated using a high-accuracy force sensor, and the model is accurately identified by the system identification method. Further the calibrated sensor is applied to diagnose the arterial stiffness by measuring the augmentation index (AI) which is the important biomarker of vascular aging. Preliminary results demonstrate the sensor performance that it is capable of non-invasively, accurately, and reliably measuring radial pulse signals at real time, as well as to quantitatively determine the vessel aging.
Allyl-transfer Reaction from Photoexcited Hypervalent Allylsilicon Reagent toward Dicyanobenzenes
Authors: Matsuoka Daisuke , Nishigaichi Yutaka 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Photoreaction between dicyanobenzenes and a hypervalent allylsilicon reagent using 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene as a ligand on silicon efficiently proceeded to afford allyl-substituted benzonitriles in moderate to good yields. The present photoreaction was found to occur based on the excitation of the hypervalent allylsilicon reagent.
Experimental Study on Demineralization of Coal with Pseudomonas Mendocina Strain B6–1 Bacteria to Obtain Clean Fuel
Authors: Singh Asha Lata , Singh Prakash K. , Kumar Aniruddha , Yadav Akhilesh , Singh Mahendra P. 
Published: November 2014

We present the results of the investigations carried out on the demineralization of coal of the Rajmahal Gondwana basin of India using Pseudomonas mendocina strain B6–1. Petrographically these coals are characterized by high concentration of inertinite macerals with subordinate amount of vitrinite and liptinite macerals. The mineral matter content occurs in high concentration which gives a high ash yield. This coal contains relatively high content of major, minor and trace elements when compared with the Clarke values in coal. After the bacterial treatment a considerable reduction in the elemental content of oxygen, hydrogen and sulphur was seen. Reduction in the ash content (>5%) was achieved and variable degrees of removal of the various major, minor and trace element concentration was also noticed. Nearly 59% removal of Mn, 53% of Na, 13% of Fe was achieved among the major/minor elements while nearly 54% of As, 41% of Cd, 39% of Cu, 34% of Ni, 32% of Zn, 13% of Cr, 43% of Co and 66% of Pb could be removed. Arsenic, Fe and Ca have a strong positive correlation with the ash removal percentage indicating that the samples having increased concentration of these elements are prone to demineralization with Pseudomonas mendocina strain B6–1. Whereas the elements like Ni, Zn, Cr and Cu maintain a strong negative correlation with the ash removal percentage indicating that their enrichment could have hampered the process of demineralization.
A Fast Atmospheric Sound Propagation Model for Aircraft Noise Prediction
Authors: Tuinstra Marthijn 
Published: November 2014

The effect of the atmosphere on sound propagation can impact the perceived noise on the ground significantly and therefore needs to be accounted for in aircraft noise modelling. However, to be practical, propagation modelling cannot impose a limitation on calculation time. The aim is therefore to design a robust and computationally lean atmospheric propagation model for the prediction of aircraft noise. Foreseen applications are the evaluation of en-route noise, noise optimisation studies and the evaluation of noise in airport scenarios. To achieve a computationally low demanding algorithm an analytical approach is pursued. When the wave front orientation is approximated to be perpendicular to the ray path, it follows from the Eikonal equation that a ray obeys to an adapted form of Snell's law. If the atmosphere is then discretized in layers of linearly varying sound speed and wind velocity, it allows the ray path and ray properties to be expressed analytically within a layer. Cross-validation against two independently developed ray tracing routines has shown the validity of the selected modelling approach. In conclusion, a robust and computationally low demanding method has been developed for atmospheric sound propagation that can be incorporated in aircraft noise modelling.
Unusual Use for a Baby Bottle Nipple; Confusion between Naropin for Epidural Infusion and Ofirmev IV; Pemetrexed Vials Contain Overfill; Misleading Kcentra Label Leads to Dosage Errors
Authors: Cohen Michael R. , Smetzer Judy L. 
Published: November 2014

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them at your inservice training programs. Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Medication Errors Reporting Program. Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers' names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below. Errors, close calls, or hazardous conditions may be reported directly to ISMP through the ISMP Web site ( www.ismp.org ), by calling 800-FAIL-SAFE, or via e-mail at ismpinfo@ismp.org . ISMP guarantees the confidentiality and security of the information received and respects reporters' wishes as to the level of detail included in publications.
Assessment of the Intensive Care Unit Treatment of Pneumonia at a Veterans Affairs Facility
Authors: Griffiths Carrie L. , Pass Steven , Yarbrough W. Claibe 
Published: November 2014

Introduction Pneumonia is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in the critically ill. Clinicians use a range of duration for antibiotic treatment from 7 to 14 days or longer. Failure to de-escalate antimicrobial therapy in a timely manner may lead to increased antimicrobial resistance, increased risk of side effects, and increased cost. Objective To investigate potential methods to improve treatment of pneumonia for patients in 4 intensive care units (ICUs). Methods A retrospective descriptive chart review was conducted at the Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS). Veterans aged 18 to 90 years admitted to the ICU with a diagnosis of pneumonia were included. Descriptive statistics were used to interpret the data. Current management was reviewed to identify markers such as length of antibiotic therapy, ICU length of stay, and inpatient mortality. Secondary objectives included appropriateness and accuracy of the empiric regimen. Results Of the 1,854 Veterans admitted, 107 met inclusion criteria. Antibiotic choices for positive cultures were appropriate in 45 out of 46 (98%) patients, with an average length of therapy of 8.6 ± 6.3 days. De-escalation of antibiotics based on sensitivity data occurred in 73% of positive cultures. Conclusions Pneumonia in the VANTHCS ICUs is initially treated with empiric antibiotics. Empiric antibiotic therapy for pneumonia was appropriate and accurate over this time period. Opportunities exist for de-escalation in patients with or without positive cultures. The procalcitonin assay is now being utilized at VANTHCS to optimize patient care.
Self-discharge Reactions in Energy Storage Devices Based on Polypyrrole-cellulose Composite Electrodes
Authors: Olsson Henrik , Sjödin Martin , Berg Erik Jämstorp , Strømme Maria , Nyholm Leif 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe self-discharge behavior of organic electrodes and symmetric devices for sustainable energy storage, composed of electrodes containing a thin layer of polypyrrole coated onto a high surface area cellulose matrix, has been studied for the first time using different electrode sizes and electrolytes. Experimental data from open circuit measurements of the individual electrode potentials of charged symmetrical two-electrode energy storage devices as a function of time were evaluated based on three different self-discharge models. This evaluation clearly showed that the self-discharge process of the positive electrode is governed by a previously undetected activation-controlled faradaic reaction while the self-discharge of the negative electrode is due to diffusion controlled oxidation involving oxygen dissolved in the electrolyte. Potentiostatic three-electrode measurements and spectroelectrochemical experiments also showed that protons as well as maleimide were released from positively polarized polypyrrole electrodes. These new findings clearly show that the self-discharge of the cells originate from two different types of reactions on the positive and negative electrodes and that the main contribution to the self-discharge of the cells comes from an activation controlled reaction involving the positive electrode. These results provide an improved understanding of polypyrrole based devices and also yield new possibilities for the development of stable conducting polymer system for energy storage applications.
Effect of Secondary Cooling Conditions on Solidification Structure and Central Macrosegregation in Continuously Cast High-Carbon Rectangular Billet
Authors: Zeng Jie , Chen Weiqing 
Published: November 2014

AbstractSolidification structures of high carbon rectangular billet with a size of 180 mm × 240 mm in different secondary cooling conditions were simulated using cellular automaton-finite element (CAFE) coupling model. The adequacy of the model was compared with the simulated and the actual macrostructures of 82B steel. Effects of the secondary cooling water intensity on solidification structures including the equiaxed grain ratio and the equiaxed grain compactness were discussed. It was shown that the equiaxed grain ratio and the equiaxed grain compactness changed in the opposite direction at different secondary cooling water intensities. Increasing the secondary cooling water intensity from 0.9 or 1.1 to 1.3 L/kg could improve the equiaxed grain compactness and decrease the equiaxed grain ratio. Besides, the industrial test was conducted to investigate the effect of different secondary cooling water intensities on the center carbon macrosegregation of 82B steel. The optimum secondary cooling water intensity was 0.9 L/kg, while the center carbon segregation degree was 1.10. The relationship between solidification structure and center carbon segregation was discussed based on the simulation results and the industrial test.
Serious Games for education and training
Authors: De Gloria Alessandro , Bellotti Francesco , Berta Riccardo 
Published: November 2014

Serious Games (SGs) are gaining an ever increasing interest for education and traning. Exploiting the latest simulation and visualization technologies, SGs are able to contextualize the player’s experience in challenging, realistic environments, supporting situated cognition. However, we still miss methods and tools for effectively and deeply infusing pedagogy and instruction inside digital games. After presenting an overview of the state of the art of the SG taxonomies, the paper introduces the pedagogical theories and models most relevant to SGs and their implications on SG design. We also present a schema for a proper integration of games in education, supporting different goals in different steps of a formal education process. By analyzing a set of well-established SGs and formats, the paper presents the main mechanics and models that are being used in SG designs, with a particular focus on assessment, feedback and learning analytics. An overview of tools and models for SG design is also presented. Finally, based on the performed analysis, indications for future research in the field are provided.
Serious Gaming Analytics: What Students´ Log Files Tell Us about Gaming and Learning
Authors: Westera Wim , Nadolski Rob , Hummel Hans 
Published: November 2014

In this paper we explore existing log files of the VIBOA environmental policy game. Our aim is to identify relevant player behaviours and performance patterns. The VIBOA game is a 50 hours master level serious game that supports inquiry-based learning: students adopt the role of an environmental consultant in the (fictitious) consultancy agency VIBOA, and have to deal with complex, multi-faceted environmental problems in an academic and methodologically sound way. A sample of 118 master students played the game. We used learning analytics to extract relevant data from the logging and find meaningful patterns and relationships. We observed substantial behavioural variability across students. Correlation analysis suggest a behavioural trade that reflects the rate of “switching” between different game objects or activities. We were able to establish a model that uses switching indicators as predictors for the efficiency of learning. Also we found slight evidence that students who display increased switching behaviours need more time to complete the games. We conclude the paper by critically evaluating our findings, making explicit the limitations of our study and making suggestions for future research that links together learning analytics and serious gaming.
Effect of Self-Efficacy on Weight Loss: A Psychosocial Analysis of a Community-Based Adaptation of the Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Intervention
Authors: Hays Laura M. , Finch Emily A. , Saha Chandan , Marrero David G. , Ackermann Ronald T. 
Published: November 2014

Objective. Weight loss is the most effective approach to reducing diabetes risk. It is a research priority to identify factors that may enhance weight loss success, particularly among those at risk for diabetes. This analysis explored the relationships between self-efficacy, weight loss, and dietary fat intake among adults at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
Methods. This pilot, site-randomized trial was designed to compare group-based Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle intervention delivery by YMCA staff to brief counseling alone (control) in 92 adults at risk for diabetes (BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2, ≥ 2 diabetes risk factors, and a random capillary blood glucose of 110–199 mg/dl). Self-efficacy was measured using the Weight Efficacy Lifestyle questionnaire. Data were collected at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. A paired t test was used to determine within-group changes in self-efficacy and weight at 6 and 12 months. Using a fitted model, we estimated how much of an increase in self-efficacy was related to a 5% weight reduction at 6 and 12 months.
Results. Self-efficacy was associated with a 5% reduction in baseline weight at 6 and 12 months but was not related to fat intake.
Conclusion. These findings suggest that it is important to assess the level of self-efficacy when counseling adults at high risk for diabetes about weight loss. Certain aspects of self-efficacy seem to play a greater role, depending on the stage of weight loss.