bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Total lesion glycolysis by 18F‐FDG PET/CT is independent prognostic factor in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Yıldırım Fatma , Yurdakul Ahmet Selim , Özkaya Sevket , Akdemir Ümit Özgür , Öztürk Can 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackground and AimsTo determine whether the primary tumor SUVmax and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) measured on 18F‐FDG PET/CT have prognostic significance in patients with non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsA retrospective review identified 142 patients NSCLC who underwent 18F‐FDG PET/CT at the time of diagnosis. The affect of the SUVmax and TLG of the primary tumor on survival were examined.ResultsTotal 142 patients were included the study. Thirty‐two patients were at early stage (stage I and II) and 110 patients were at advanced stage (stage III and IV). Both early and advanced stage patients were divided into two groups according to SUVmax 12 as low and high SUVmax groups. Overall survival (OS) of the low SUVmax group was significantly longer than higher SUVmax group for early‐stage patients (35.8 ± 15.3 vs 21.8 ± 13.3, P = 0.013). But there was no differences in advanced stage patients for OS (16.1 ± 14.8 vs 17.0 ± 15.1, P = 0.862). Primary lesion TLG of the 99 patients were calculated. For advanced stage, the patients with the lower TLG had significantly longer survival time (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis only TLG remained significant predictor of OS in advanced stage patients (HR and 95% confidence interval = 7.716 and 1.664–4.342, respectively).ConclusionHigh SUVmax is related to poor OS in patients with surgically resected early stage (stage I and II) NSCLC, but it is not an independent prognostic factor. TLG is a prognostic measurement and it is independent predictor factor of survival for advanced stage NSCLC.
Glucagon increases energy expenditure independently of brown adipose tissue activation in humans
Authors: Salem V. , Izzi‐Engbeaya C. , Coello C. , Thomas D. B. , Chambers E. S. , Comninos A. N. , Buckley A. , Win Z. , Al‐Nahhas A. , Rabiner E. A. , Gunn R. N. , Budge H. , Symonds M. E. , Bloom S. R. , Tan T. M. , Dhillo W. S. 
Published: October 2015

AimsTo investigate, for a given energy expenditure (EE) rise, the differential effects of glucagon infusion and cold exposure on brown adipose tissue (BAT) activation in humans.MethodsIndirect calorimetry and supraclavicular thermography was performed in 11 healthy male volunteers before and after: cold exposure; glucagon infusion (at 23 °C); and vehicle infusion (at 23 °C). All volunteers underwent 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT scanning with cold exposure. Subjects with cold‐induced BAT activation on 18F‐FDG PET/CT (n = 8) underwent a randomly allocated second 18F‐FDG PET/CT scan (at 23 °C), either with glucagon infusion (n = 4) or vehicle infusion (n = 4).ResultsWe observed that EE increased by 14% after cold exposure and by 15% after glucagon infusion (50 ng/kg/min; p < 0.05 vs control for both). Cold exposure produced an increase in neck temperature (+0.44 °C; p < 0.001 vs control), but glucagon infusion did not alter neck temperature. In subjects with a cold‐induced increase in the metabolic activity of supraclavicular BAT on 18F‐FDG PET/CT, a significant rise in the metabolic activity of BAT after glucagon infusion was not detected. Cold exposure increased sympathetic activation, as measured by circulating norepinephrine levels, but glucagon infusion did not.ConclusionsGlucagon increases EE by a similar magnitude compared with cold activation, but independently of BAT thermogenesis. This finding is of importance for the development of safe treatments for obesity through upregulation of EE.
Plan Before You Play: An Activity for Teaching The Managerial Process
Authors: Althouse Norm R. , Hedges Peggy L. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTThis article describes a 60‐minute classroom activity using LEGO® bricks that demonstrates and reinforces the importance of the managerial process. The activity, Plan Before You Play (PBP), is targeted to introductory business classes, and differs from others in that it requires little investment or up‐front planning, is easily scalable, and, with a few minor adjustments, can be altered sufficiently to discourage information drift across multiple class offerings and academic terms. It can also be modified to subject specific discussions. Students can participate in PBP regardless of their level of knowledge or interest in the subject. Participating in PBP provides students with a concrete example of how good communication and a decision framework can result in more efficient use of resources. The activity also encourages creativity and can be used to generate healthy competition between student groups.
A variable neighborhood search algorithm to generate piano fingerings for polyphonic sheet music
Authors: Balliauw Matteo , Herremans Dorien , Palhazi Cuervo Daniel , Sörensen Kenneth 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA piano fingering indicates which finger should play each note in a piece. Such a guideline is very helpful for both amateur and experienced players in order to play a piece fluently. In this paper, we propose a variable neighborhood search algorithm to generate piano fingerings for complex polyphonic music, a frequently encountered case that was ignored in previous research. The algorithm takes into account the biomechanical properties of the pianist's hand in order to generate a fingering that is user‐specific and as easy to play as possible. An extensive statistical analysis was carried out in order to tune the parameters of the algorithm and evaluate its performance. The results of computational experiments show that the algorithm generates good fingerings that are very similar to those published in sheet music books.
Near‐Infrared Broadband Photoluminescence of Bismuth‐Doped Zeolite‐Derived Silica Glass Prepared by SPS
Authors: Gu Shijia , Zhou Beiying , Luo Wei , Wang Lianjun , Jiang Weihui , Jiang Wan 
Published: October 2015

Through the order–disorder transition process of zeolites, bismuth‐doped zeolite‐derived silica glasses with broadband near‐infrared (NIR) photoluminescence have been successfully prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, UV‐vis, photoluminescence, and fluorescence lifetime. The results showed that as‐prepared samples possessed favorable broadband NIR luminescence. The NIR emission (peaked at ~1140 nm) intensity decreased with increasing the bismuth doping concentration when excited by 500 and 700 nm. The tendency was different from the emissions (peaked at ~1240 nm) excited by 800 nm. In addition, the NIR fluorescence peaks of the fixed Bi concentration sample can be observed almost around 1140 or 1240 nm when excited by different wavelengths from 500 to 950 nm. These phenomena implied that the NIR emission peaked at different wavelengths may originate from different bismuth species. Three kinds of Bi active centers Bi+, Bi0, and (Bi2)2− were proposed to contribute to the NIR emission peaks at ~1140, 1240, and 1440 nm, respectively. Interestingly, a broadband NIR emission peaked at 1207 nm with a full‐width at half maximum of 273 nm was observed when excited by 600 nm, whose intensity was stronger than that excited by 800 nm. This property might be useful for broadband fiber amplifiers and tunable lasers.
A review of case–control studies on the risk factors for the development of autoimmune blistering diseases
Authors: Oh D.D. , Zhao C.Y. , Murrell D.F. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAutoimmune blistering diseases (AIBD) are a group of rare but potentially fatal diseases characterized by the production of autoantibodies directed against the structural proteins of the skin. Much has been published on the clinical manifestation and interventional options for AIBD, especially on the more common subtypes such as bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF). However, the aetiology of AIBD remains unknown. We aim to provide an overview of published case–control studies focussing on the non‐genetic aetiological factors of bullous pemphigoid, PV and/or PF. The relevant studies were appraised for their validity and results. Our results showed that a large proportion of the studies had inconclusive results due to compromised study methodologies. Moreover, there were no identified case–control studies that investigated the possible associations between bullous pemphigoid and patient environment, or the potential links between pemphigus and drugs. Hence, a case–control study with a higher quality design addressing these shortcomings would contribute greatly to our knowledge of AIBD.
Calcium silicate‐based cements: composition, properties, and clinical applications
Authors: Dawood Alaa E. , Parashos Peter , Wong Rebecca H.K. , Reynolds Eric C. , Manton David J. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractMineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is a calcium silicate‐based cement (CSC) commonly used in endodontic procedures involving pulpal regeneration and hard tissue repair, such as pulp capping, pulpotomy, apexogenesis, apexification, perforation repair, and root‐end filling. Despite the superior laboratory and clinical performance of MTA in comparison with previous endodontic repair cements, such as Ca(OH)2, MTA has poor handling properties and a long setting time. New CSC have been commercially launched and marketed to overcome the limitations of MTA. The aim of the present review was to explore the available literature on new CSC products, and to give evidence‐based recommendations for the clinical use of these materials. Within the limitations of the available data in the literature regarding the properties and performance of the new CSC, the newer products could be promising alternatives to MTA; however, further research is required to support this assumption.
Being in a critical illness‐recovery process: a phenomenological hermeneutical study
Authors: Palesjö Carina , Nordgren Lena , Asp Margareta 
Published: October 2015

Aims and objectiveThe aim of this study was to describe and interpret the essential meaning of the lived experiences of being in a critical illness‐recovery process after a life‐threatening condition.BackgroundThe critical illness‐recovery process after a life‐threatening condition takes several years and does not only include patients' experiences during intensive care. Previous research has mainly focused on what critically ill patients recall. However, from a phenomenological point of view, experiences are more than memories alone. To plan and perform relevant health care and social support for patients who have survived a life‐threatening condition, a more profound understanding about their lived experiences is needed.Design and methodIn this qualitative study, a phenomenological hermeneutical approach was used. Interviews were conducted with seven patients, two to four years after they had received care in an intensive care unit in Sweden.ResultsThe comprehensive understanding of the results shows that the critical illness‐recovery process after a life‐threatening condition means an existential struggle to reconcile with an unfamiliar body and with ordinary life. This can be understood as an ‘unhomelikeness’ implying a struggle to create meaning and coherence from scary and fragmented memories. The previous life projects, such as work and social life become unfamiliar when the patient's fragile and weak body is disobedient and brings on altered sensations.ConclusionsPatients who survive a life‐threatening condition have an immense need for care and support during the entire critical illness‐recovery process, and also after the initial acute phase. They need a coherent understanding of what happened, and support to be able to perform their changed life projects.Relevance to clinical practiceSupporting and caring for patients' recovery from a life‐ threatening condition involves recognising the patients' struggle and responding to their existential concerns.
Policies to foster quality improvement registries: lessons from the Swedish case
Authors: Levay C. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackground and objectivesMulti‐institutional quality improvement registries (QI registries) are a promising approach to quality improvement. They are also used for clinical research, public quality reporting and other valuable purposes. The aim of this study was to identify elements and outcomes of national policies to promote registries in Sweden and to compare them with recent policies in the USA.MethodsThis case study draws on previous studies of Swedish registries and on interviews, observations and document studies conducted in Sweden and the USA.ResultsIn Sweden, registries are fostered by favourable patient data regulation and an indirect control approach combining government funding with soft regulation and professional self‐governance. This enables the development of high‐quality QI registries which are used for improvements by engaged clinicians, for clinical research and for decision support for practitioners and stakeholders. For example, Riks‐HIA/Swedeheart achieved improved outcomes in cardiac intensive care, SCAAR/Swedeheart was used in a unique registry‐based randomized trial, and the Swedish Rheumatology Quality Register provides a Web interface for patient encounters and clarifies adverse effects of biologic drugs. Still, the system has persistent limitations, especially the administrative burden on participants. In the USA, Medicare's programme for qualified clinical data registries and other recent changes mirror Swedish policies. Automated data capture is a US advantage, but uncertain funding and complex data regulations stall registry development in the USA.ConclusionThe findings of this study indicate that tailor‐made data regulation and a soft regulatory policy approach foster high‐quality QI registries with multiple meaningful uses. These findings offer a framework for further cross‐country comparative study to evaluate registry policies.
Full‐Arch, Implant‐Supported Monolithic Zirconia Rehabilitations: Pilot Clinical Evaluation of Wear Against Natural or Composite Teeth
Authors: Cardelli Paolo , Manobianco Francesco Pio , Serafini Nicola , Murmura Giovanna , Beuer Florian 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPurposeTo clinically evaluate the amount of contact wear generated between full‐arch monolithic zirconia implant‐supported restorations and natural or composite antagonists, over a 1‐year period.Materials and MethodsForty‐seven teeth from clinically functional, full‐arch monolithic zirconia screw‐retained implant prostheses (FDPs) and their antagonists were investigated. The first group (“Zirconia‐E”) was opposed to natural teeth (“Enamel”), whereas the other one (“Zirconia‐CR”) was opposed to nano‐hybrid composite teeth (“Composite Resin”). Replicas of the restorations and their antagonists were obtained immediately after delivery (T0) and after 1 year of clinical service (T1). Each tooth surface was individually evaluated three‐dimensionally by software to quantify the vertical distance between the two scans (Hausdorff distance), which was considered as contact wear. Data obtained for each arch were subjected to one‐way ANOVA test and a post hoc analysis (Tukey's test) at a 5% level of significance. Furthermore, the influence of the location of the teeth (anterior or posterior) was analyzed. Minimum post hoc statistical power between statistically different groups was 99.6%.ResultsMean values were 63 ± 23 μm for Zirconia‐E, 76 ± 29 μm for enamel, 70 ± 38 μm for composite resin; Zirconia‐CR had a mean value of 19 ± 4 μm and significantly differed from the other groups. Contact wear between anterior and posterior teeth differed significantly only in the composite resin arch, with a mean of 39 ± 22 μm for anterior teeth versus 101 ± 19 μm for posterior ones.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this preliminary evaluation, monolithic zirconia full‐arch rehabilitations induced a clinically acceptable wear on natural and composite antagonists over a 1‐year period; they might be considered a viable solution for implant‐supported rehabilitations.
Effects of Continuous Exposure to Ozone Gas and Electrolyzed Water on the Skin Hardness of Table and Wine Grape Varieties
Authors: Laureano J. , Giacosa S. , Río Segade S. , Torchio F. , Cravero F. , Gerbi V. , Englezos V. , Carboni C. , Cocolin L. , Rantsiou K. , Faroni L.R.D. , Rolle L. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe effects of continuous exposure to ozone gas (O3, 30 μL/L, 24 h) and immersion in electrolyzed water (EW, 400 mg/L free chlorine, 10 min) on skin hardness of Italia and Muscat Hamburg table grapes, and Merlot and Barbera wine grapes were investigated and compared with those of control treatments (air and deionized water). Skin hardness was instrumentally evaluated via measurements of skin break energy using a puncture test. For all cultivars and density classes, ozone treatment was more effective in increasing skin hardness than EW treatment, although the differences were not always significant. For the same treatment, skin hardening was independent of berry density, and the magnitude of this effect was cultivar‐dependent. This skin hardening might positively affect the postharvest life of table grapes. In wine grapes, increases in skin break energy values were related to higher yields and slow extraction kinetics of phenolic compounds during maceration.Practical ApplicationsThe purpose and the originality of this work were to determine the real impact of continuous exposure to ozone gas and immersion in electrolyzed water on skin hardness in table grape and wine grape varieties. Differences in the treatment effect due to the grape maturity level were studied in berries sorted according to density. For all cultivars and density classes evaluated, ozone treatment was more effective for increasing skin hardness than electrolyzed water treatment although the differences were not always significant. Therefore, the use of ozone gas as alternative sanitizing agent could extend the postharvest life of table grapes and facilitate the extraction of phenolic compounds from wine grapes during maceration according to increased skin hardness.
Correlation of Thermal Conductivity of Instant Noodles with their Textural Property for Rehydration Study
Authors: Jang Areum , Kim Heewon , Shim Jae‐Yong , Lee Seok Ki , Lee Suyong 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA transient plane source method was introduced to an instant noodle system to characterize the rehydration property of noodles. The thermal conductivity of the white and whole wheat noodles was measured and correlated to their texture properties. The thermal conductivity of the noodles had a tendency to increase with increasing moisture content. Furthermore, a linear relationship (R2 > 0.95) was observed between the thermal conductivity of the noodles and their maximum extensional force depending on the moisture content. The thermal conductivity and maximum extensional force of noodles distinctly varied at the initial stage of cooking and then reached a plateau. However, their sensory firmness had a tendency to linearly decrease with cooking time. The change in the thermal conductivity of the noodles during cooking favorably correlated to the pattern of their maximum extensional force and rehydration rate.Practical ApplicationsThe improvement of rehydration rate of instant noodles has been a challenge faced by the food industry. However, the study on noodle rehydration is generally dependent on empirical and subjective measurements. In this study, a novel thermal technology based on the modified transient plane source method was utilized to characterize the rehydration property of instant noodles. One‐dimensional upward heat flow was applied to measure the thermal conductivity of disc‐shaped flat noodles. The thermal conductivity of the noodles was correlated with their instrumental and sensory texture properties depending on moisture content and cooking time. The method applied in this study can be utilized as a feasible tool to study the rehydration property of noodles during cooking by providing more scientific and fundamental thermal information.
Serum miR‐122 may serve as a biomarker for response to direct acting antivirals: effect of paritaprevir/R with dasabuvir or ombitasvir on miR‐122 in HCV‐infected subjects
Authors: Waring J. F. , Dumas E. O. , Abel S. , Coakley E. , Cohen D. E. , Davis J. Wade , Podsadecki T. , Dutta S. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryCirculating microRNAs (miRNA) have been intensely investigated as biomarkers in disease and therapy. Several studies have identified miR‐122 as an important regulator of HCV replication. The effect of new therapies that directly target the HCV replication life cycle on circulating microRNA levels has not been elucidated. We performed expression profiling of circulating miRNA in serum in subjects treated with HCV direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs). Serum miRNA levels were evaluated from two studies in HCV GT1‐infected treatment‐naïve subjects and prior nonresponders to pegylated interferon (pegIFN) and ribavirin (RBV) who received paritaprevir/ritonavir + dasabuvir + RBV for 12 weeks, and in treatment‐naïve genotype (GT)1‐3‐infected subjects who received paritaprevir/ritonavir + ombitasvir ± RBV for 12 weeks. Over 100 different miRNA species were detected in serum. Of these, levels of miR‐122 showed the most consistent change in response to treatment across all HCV genotypes. In all subjects, miR‐122 showed an average four‐fold reduction between baseline and week 2, and remained below baseline through post‐treatment week 12 in subjects who achieved sustained virological response. In contrast, in subjects who did not achieve SVR, miR‐122 levels began to return to baseline levels after the second week of treatment. The change in miR‐122 levels was similar across genotypes, and was comparable with or without RBV. This is the first report comparing expression levels of circulating miRNA in HCV GT1‐3 subjects treated with IFN‐free combinations of DAAs. The results suggest that serum levels of miR‐122 are reduced following treatment in subjects who achieve SVR, and correlate with HCV RNA levels across genotypes.
Functional analysis of an unusual type IV pilus in the Gram‐positive Streptococcus sanguinis
Authors: Gurung Ishwori , Spielman Ingrid , Davies Mark R. , Lala Rajan , Gaustad Peter , Biais Nicolas , Pelicic Vladimir 
Published: October 2015

SummaryType IV pili (Tfp), which have been studied extensively in a few Gram‐negative species, are the paradigm of a group of widespread and functionally versatile nano‐machines. Here, we performed the most detailed molecular characterisation of Tfp in a Gram‐positive bacterium. We demonstrate that the naturally competent Streptococcus sanguinis produces retractable Tfp, which like their Gram‐negative counterparts can generate hundreds of piconewton of tensile force and promote intense surface‐associated motility. Tfp power ‘train‐like’ directional motion parallel to the long axis of chains of cells, leading to spreading zones around bacteria grown on plates. However, S. sanguinis Tfp are not involved in DNA uptake, which is mediated by a related but distinct nano‐machine, and are unusual because they are composed of two pilins in comparable amounts, rather than one as normally seen. Whole genome sequencing identified a locus encoding all the genes involved in Tfp biology in S. sanguinis. A systematic mutational analysis revealed that Tfp biogenesis in S. sanguinis relies on a more basic machinery (only 10 components) than in Gram‐negative species and that a small subset of four proteins dispensable for pilus biogenesis are essential for motility. Intriguingly, one of the piliated mutants that does not exhibit spreading retains microscopic motility but moves sideways, which suggests that the corresponding protein controls motion directionality. Besides establishing S. sanguinis as a useful new model for studying Tfp biology, these findings have important implications for our understanding of these widespread filamentous nano‐machines.