bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Apolipoprotein E Levels in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Aĝirbaşli Mehmet , Song Jianxun , Lei Fengyang , Wang Shigang , Kunselman Allen R. , Clark Joseph B. , Myers John L. , Ündar Akif 
Published: January 2015

AbstractApolipoprotein E (apoE) may play a critical role in modulating the response to neurological injury after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in children. Plasma samples were collected from 38 pediatric patients. Half of the patients received nonpulsatile flow and the other half underwent pulsatile flow during CPB. Plasma samples were collected at three time points: at baseline prior to incision (T1), 1 h after CPB (T2), and 24 h after CPB (T3). The study included 38 pediatric patients undergoing heart surgery (mean age 2.5 ± 2.1 years). Baseline apoE levels were low (<30 μg/mL) in 21 patients (55%). ApoE levels were significantly decreased at 1 h after CPB compared with baseline (22 ± 14 vs. 34 ± 18 μg/mL, P = 0.001). At 24 h after CPB, apoE levels were significantly increased compared with baseline (47 ± 25 vs. 34 ± 18 μg/mL, P = 0.002). Pulsatile mode was associated with lower apoE levels at 24 h after CPB compared with nonpulsatile mode (38 ± 14 vs. 57 ± 29 μg/mL, P = 0.018). ApoE levels correlated negatively with pump time (r = −0.525, P = 0.021) and cross‐clamp time (r = −0.464, P = 0.045) at 24 h following CPB for the nonpulsatile group but not for the pulsatile group. In this cohort of young children with congenital heart disease, baseline apoE levels were low in the majority of patients prior to surgery. ApoE levels decreased further at 1 h after CPB, and then significantly increased by 24 h. The mode of perfusion and the duration of pump time and clamp time influence the apoE levels after CPB. An improved understanding of these mechanisms may translate into the development of new techniques to improve the clinical outcomes after pediatric CPB.
Evaluation of a Novel Pulsatile Extracorporeal Life Support System Synchronized to the Cardiac Cycle: Effect of Rhythm Changes on Hemodynamic Performance
Authors: Patel Sunil , Wang Shigang , Pauliks Linda , Chang Dennis , Clark Joseph B. , Kunselman Allen R. , Ündar Akif 
Published: January 2015

AbstractArrhythmias are a frequent complication during extracorporeal life support (ECLS). A new ECLS system can provide pulsatile flow synchronized to the patient's intrinsic cardiac cycle based upon the R wave of the electrocardiogram (ECG). It is unclear how the occurrence of arrhythmias may alter the hemodynamic performance of the system. This in vitro study evaluated the effect of simulated arrhythmias on hemodynamics during R wave‐triggered pulsatile ECLS. The ECLS circuit with an i‐cor diagonal pump and iLA membrane ventilator was primed with whole blood at room temperature. Flow and pressure data were collected at 2.5 and 4 L/min for each condition using a customized data acquisition system. Pulsatile ECLS flow was R wave synchronized to an ECG simulator using 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 assist ratios. Conditions tested included sinus rhythm at 45 and 90 bpm, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), ventricular tachycardia (VT), and irregular rhythms such as ventricular fibrillation. Pulsatile mode was successfully triggered by ECG signals of normal sinus rhythm, SVT, VT, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and ventricular bigeminy with assist ratios 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3. Regular rhythm at 90 bpm generated the best surplus hemodynamic energy (SHE). For SVT and VT, an assist ratio of 1:2 resulted in maximum pulsatile flow waveforms with optimal SHE at 2.5 L/min flow rate. At 4 L/min, SHE declined and the pressure drop increased independent of arrhythmia condition. Irregular rhythms still produced adequate pulsatile wave forms at lower pulsatile frequency. This study demonstrated the feasibility of generating pulsatile ECLS flow with the novel ECG‐synchronized i‐cor system during various simulated rhythms. The optimal rate for pulsatile flow was 90 bpm. During irregular rhythms, the lower pulsatile frequency was the more reliable synchronization mode for generating pulsatile flow.
Modulation of microRNA‐375 expression alters voltage‐gated Na+ channel properties and exocytosis in insulin‐secreting cells
Authors: Salunkhe V. A. , Esguerra J. L. S. , Ofori J. K. , Mollet I. G. , Braun M. , Stoffel M. , Wendt A. , Eliasson L. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimMiR‐375 has been implicated in insulin secretion and exocytosis through incompletely understood mechanisms. Here we aimed to investigate the role of miR‐375 in the regulation of voltage‐gated Na+ channel properties and glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion in insulin‐secreting cells.MethodsMiR‐375 was overexpressed using double‐stranded mature miR‐375 in INS‐1 832/13 cells (OE375) or downregulated using locked nucleic acid (LNA)‐based anti‐miR against miR‐375 (LNA375). Insulin secretion was determined using RIA. Exocytosis and ion channel properties were measured using the patch‐clamp technique in INS‐1 832/13 cells and beta‐cells from miR‐375KO mice. Gene expression was analysed by RT‐qPCR, and protein levels were determined by Western blot.ResultsVoltage‐gated Na+ channels were found to be regulated by miR‐375. In INS‐1 832/13 cells, steady‐state inactivation of the voltage‐gated Na+ channels was shifted by approx. 6 mV to a more negative membrane potential upon down‐regulation of miR‐375. In the miR‐375 KO mouse, voltage‐gated Na+ channel inactivation was instead shifted by approx. 14 mV to a more positive membrane potential. Potential targets differed among species and expression of suggested targets Scn3a and Scn3b in INS‐1 832/13 cells was only slightly moderated by miR‐375. Modulation of miR‐375 levels in INS‐1‐832/13 cells did not significantly affect insulin release. However, Ca2+ dependent exocytosis was significantly reduced in OE375 cells.ConclusionWe conclude that voltage‐gated Na+ channels are regulated by miR‐375 in insulin‐secreting cells, and validate that the exocytotic machinery is controlled by miR‐375 also in INS‐1 832/13 cells. Altogether we suggest miR‐375 to be involved in a complex multifaceted network controlling insulin secretion and its different components.
Limits on efficient human mindreading: Convergence across Chinese adults and Semai children
Authors: Wang Bo , Hadi Nur Shafiqah Abdul , Low Jason 
Published: January 2015

We tested Apperly and Butterfill's (2009, Psychological Review, 116, 753) theory that humans have two mindreading systems whereby the efficient‐system guiding anticipatory glances displays signature limits that do not apply to the flexible system guiding verbal predictions. Experiments 1 and 2 tested urban Mainland‐Chinese adults (n = 64) and Experiment 3 tested Semai children living in the rainforests of Peninsular Malaysia (3‐ to 4‐year‐olds, n = 60). Participants – across different ages, groups and methods – anticipated others’ false‐beliefs about object‐location but not object‐identity. Convergence in signature limits signalled that the early‐developing efficient system involved minimal theory‐of‐mind. Chinese adults and older Semai children showed flexibility in their direct predictions. The flexible mindreading system in ascribing others’ beliefs as such was task‐sensitive and implicated maturational and cultural contributions.
Penile lengthening and widening without grafting according to a modified ‘sliding’ technique
Authors: Egydio Paulo H. , Kuehhas Franklin E. 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveTo present the feasibility and safety of penile length and girth restoration based on a modified ‘sliding’ technique for patients with severe erectile dysfunction (ED) and significant penile shortening, with or without Peyronie's disease (PD).Patients and MethodsBetween January 2013 and January 2014, 143 patients underwent our modified ‘sliding’ technique for penile length and girth restoration and concomitant penile prosthesis implantation. It is based on three key elements: (i) the sliding manoeuvre for penile length restoration; (ii) potential complementary longitudinal ventral and/or dorsal tunical incisions for girth restoration; and (iii) closure of the newly created rectangular bow‐shaped tunical defects with Buck's fascia only.ResultsIn all, 143 patients underwent the procedure. The causes of penile shortening and narrowing were: PD in 53.8%; severe ED with unsuccessful intracavernosal injection therapy in 21%; post‐radical prostatectomy 14.7%; androgen‐deprivation therapy, with or without brachytherapy or external radiotherapy, for prostate cancer in 7%; post‐penile fracture in 2.1%; post‐redo‐hypospadias repair in 0.7%; and post‐priapism in 0.7%. In patients with ED and PD, the mean (range) deviation of the penile axis was 45 (0‒100)°. The mean (range) subjective penile shortening reported by patients was 3.4 (1‒7) cm and shaft constriction was present in 53.8%. Malleable penile prostheses were used in 133 patients and inflatable penile prostheses were inserted in 10 patients. The median (range) follow‐up was 9.7 (6‒18) months. The mean (range) penile length gain was 3.1 (2‒7) cm. No penile prosthesis infection caused device explantation. The average International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score increased from 24 points at baseline to 60 points at the 6‐month follow‐up.ConclusionPenile length and girth restoration based on our modified sliding technique is a safe and effective procedure. The elimination of grafting saves operative time and, consequently, decreases the infection risk and costs associated with surgery.
Design and Synthesis of Butenolide‐based Novel Benzyl Pyrrolones: Their TNF‐α based Molecular Docking with In vivo and In vitro Anti‐inflammatory Activity
Authors: Ali Yakub , Alam Mohammad Sarwar , Hamid Hinna , Husain Asif , Shafi Syed , Dhulap Abhijeet , Hussain Firasat , Bano Sameena , Kharbanda Chetna , Nazreen Syed , Haider Saqlain 
Published: January 2015

A focused library of novel benzyl pyrrolones has been synthesized and their in silico molecular docking studies carried out against TNF‐α target. Among all the docked molecules, compound 3f showed best glide score of −6.89. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated for in vivo anti‐inflammatory activity by carrageenan‐induced paw edema model. Compounds showing significant anti‐inflammatory activity were further tested for their in vitro TNF α expression. Compounds 3b and 2b were found to show significant inhibition of 76.22% and 71.47%, respectively after 5 h in comparison with standard drug indomethacin, which showed 80.98% inhibition of inflammation. Compounds 3b and 2b also suppressed TNF α level by 65.03% and 60.90% as compared indomethacin, which showed 68.84% of inhibition. Compound 3b showed significant analgesic activity of 60.04%, and its activity was comparable with indomethacin (64.04%). Compounds 3b and 2b were also tested for their effect on protein expression of COX‐2 and NF‐κB in the liver tissues. Compounds 3b and 2b were further evaluated for their gastric risk and lipid peroxidation action and showed superior GI safety along with reduction of LPO as compared to indomethacin. Hepatotoxicity study showed that these two compounds did not cause any damage to liver.
CorrelatedMultiples: Spatially Coherent Small Multiples With Constrained Multi‐Dimensional Scaling
Authors: Liu Xiaotong , Hu Yifan , North Stephen , Shen Han‐Wei 
Published: January 2015

AbstractDisplaying small multiples is a popular method for visually summarizing and comparing multiple facets of a complex data set. If the correlations between the data are not considered when displaying the multiples, searching and comparing specific items become more difficult since a sequential scan of the display is often required. To address this issue, we introduce CorrelatedMultiples, a spatially coherent visualization based on small multiples, where the items are placed so that the distances reflect their dissimilarities. We propose a constrained multi‐dimensional scaling (CMDS) solver that preserves spatial proximity while forcing the items to remain within a fixed region. We evaluate the effectiveness of our approach by comparing CMDS with other competing methods through a controlled user study and a quantitative study, and demonstrate the usefulness of CorrelatedMultiples for visual search and comparison in three real‐world case studies.
Color evaluation of a dielectric mirror coating using porcine tissue and prosthetic gingival material: a comparison of two models
Authors: Pecnik Christina Martina , Muff Daniel , Spolenak Ralph , Sailer Irena 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to firstly evaluate the esthetics of a dielectric multilayer coating on titanium below porcine tissue (in vitro porcine model). Secondly, a polymer model was used to investigate the same samples to compare the models to each other and discuss their validity for optical assessment of esthetic coatings for implant applications.Materials & MethodsA dielectric mirror coating was deposited on titanium substrates (Ti‐ Bragg) and tested below porcine tissue and polymer platelets of three test thicknesses (1 mm, 2 mm and 3 mm). Titanium without coating (Ti) was used as a negative control. Furthermore, the substrates were subjected to three different surface treatments (polished, machined and sand‐blasted). The color difference values ΔL, Δa, Δb and ΔE were calculated for each sample. In total, six samples were tested in both models. Statistical analysis of the data (one sample Wilcoxon test, Kruskal‐Wallis with Bonferroni–Holm corrected Mann–Whitney post hoc tests for multiple testing) was conducted for each sample in both evaluation methods.ResultsIn the in vitro porcine model, sand‐blasted Ti‐Bragg and Ti samples showed ΔE values significantly above the threshold value of 3.70, indicating a dark appearance of the 1 mm thick covering tissue. As the test thickness increased, polished and machined Ti‐Bragg samples were significantly invisible (ΔE < 3.70 with P < 0.05). Excessive brightening effects from Ti‐Bragg samples were not observed from the in vitro porcine model, but below polymer platelets the samples exhibited significantly high ΔL values, which also resulted in a significant and visible color change (ΔE >> 3.70 with P < 0.05).ConclusionTi‐Bragg was suggested to be an appropriate coating system for dental implants to improve the soft tissue esthetics. The design of this coating system can be adjusted by varying different parameters to satisfy the requirements of an esthetic coating. The polymer model is valid for test thicknesses of 2 and 3 mm, however, one might have to increase the thickness to 1.5 mm or alter the composition of the resin for 1 mm thick platelets to increase the opacity and therefore adapt to the soft tissue situation.
The relationship between excessive daytime sleepiness and metabolic syndrome in severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: Huang Jie‐feng , Chen Li‐Da , Lin Qi‐Chang , Chen Gong‐Ping , Yu Yao‐Hua , Huang Jian‐Chai , Zhao Jian‐Ming 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundExcessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), which is commonly considered a cardinal sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), may lead to an increased rate of metabolic syndrome (MetS), and be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to examine the role of EDS in MetS and its components by researching severe OSA patients.MethodsThe records of 175 consecutive patients who underwent standard polysomnography and diagnosed severe OSA were included. Subjective daytime sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS). Fasting glucose, lipids, insulin and polysomnography parameters were measured. A metabolic score was counted as the total number of the positive diagnostic criteria of MetS for each subject, which indicated the level of metabolic disorder.ResultsThe prevalence of central obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, low high density lipoprotein‐cholesterol and MetS (78.2% vs 28.6%) was significantly higher among EDS group compared with control group. Compared with non‐EDS patients, patients with EDS showed significantly higher metabolic score (3.22 ± 0.94 vs 1.96 ± 1.06). After adjustment for confounders, ESS score, log insulin and age significantly predicted the metabolic score (β = 0.567, P = 0.000; β = 0.197, P = 0.001 and β = 0.118, P = 0.048, respectively).ConclusionEDS was independently correlated with the sum of metabolic components in severe OSA patients. Our study suggested that EDS might be a potentially useful clinical marker to identify patients with severe OSA at risk of MetS.
Range expansion of an invasive species through a heterogeneous landscape – the case of American mink in Scotland
Authors: Fraser Elaine J. , Lambin Xavier , Travis Justin M. J. , Harrington Lauren A. , Palmer Stephen C. F. , Bocedi Greta , Macdonald David W. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimThe impact of invasive species is one of the main causes of biodiversity loss world‐wide, and as a result, there is much interest in understanding the pattern and rate of expansion of species outside their native range. We aimed to characterize the range expansion of the American mink (Neovison vison) invading from multiple introduction points through a varied landscape bounded by coastline to better understand and manage its spread.LocationScotland, UK.MethodWe collated and used records of mink presence to calculate the historical range and rate of range expansion at successive time intervals. We used a presence‐only model to predict habitat suitability and a newly developed individual‐based modelling platform, RangeShifter, to simulate range expansion.ResultsRecords showed that mink were distributed throughout Scotland, except in the far north. We found that the rate of spread varied both spatially and temporally and was related to landscape heterogeneity. Habitat suitable for mink in west Scotland is restricted to the coast.Main conclusionsWe concluded that temporal and spatial variation in range expansion is attributable to heterogeneity within the landscape and also demonstrated that the potential for long‐distance dispersal does not necessarily facilitate range expansion when availability of suitable habitat occurs in narrow strips and/or is fragmented. We have highlighted methodological gaps in calculating rates of expansion in invasive species but have demonstrated alternative methods that successfully utilize presence‐only data. Our study reaffirms that invasive species will colonize less favourable habitats and highlights the need to remain vigilant of their potential for expansion even when distribution appears to be static for a time.
The Flipped Classroom of Operations Management: A Not‐For‐Cost‐Reduction Platform
Authors: Asef‐Vaziri A. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTBy delivering lectures online using screen capture technology, students can learn course material at the time and location of their choice, when they are in control to pause, rewind, and fast forward the professor. Class time is no longer spent teaching basic concepts, but rather focused on more value‐added activities such as problem solving, systems thinking and active learning, as well as potential collaborative exercises such as case studies, web‐based simulation games, and real‐world applications. A flipped classroom is an online course because its online components must compete with the best of the online courses. It is also a traditional course since not even a single class session is cancelled while all the lectures are delivered online. This core concept is reinforced by a network of resources and learning processes to ensure a smooth, lean, and synchronized course delivery system. Our pilot statistical analysis indicates that a flipped classroom, when implemented in a quantitative and analytical course, can outperform its alternatives.
A Classroom Exercise to Examine the Trade‐off between Mission Capacity and Life Cycle Cost
Authors: Kang Keebom , Doerr Kenneth H. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTThis article presents a classroom exercise, centered on a simulation that has been used for 4 years in an MBA program to help students develop an understanding of the trade‐offs involved in managing capital assets in the public sector. Though often ignored in business schools, mission is a key criterion that must be considered when managing such assets, and acts as a surrogate for profit. The case presents a rich environment in which the impact of cost reductions (or additional investments) on mission can be quantified, and trade‐offs can be assessed and discussed. It gives students a chance to develop creative ideas for process improvement, and provides sufficient data for them to analyze the impact of their suggestions in a rigorous way.
Searching for New Answers: The Application of Task‐Technology Fit to E‐Textbook Usage
Authors: Gerhart Natalie , Peak Daniel A. , Prybutok Victor R. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTStudents have been slow to adopt e‐textbooks even though they are often less expensive than traditional textbooks. Prior e‐textbook research has focused on adoption behavior, with little research to date on how students perceive e‐textbooks fitting their needs. This work builds upon Task‐Technology Fit (TTF) and Consumer Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) theory to present a student‐perspective model of e‐textbook usage. By contextualizing TTF and UTAUT2 to e‐textbooks, the research fills a gap in the literature and provides guidance to researchers and practitioners.The goal of the research is to understand how students perceive their task of learning to fit with e‐textbook technology, and how that fit influences e‐textbook usage and expected performance in their classes. To achieve this goal, the research develops a model to test the relationship between perceived TTF of e‐textbooks and UTAUT2‐defined user characteristics that encourage adoption behaviors, thus facilitating student learning. The findings show that four factors impact a student's perceived TTF: substitution, habit, hedonic motivation, and facilitating conditions. Furthermore, perceived TTF positively correlates with students’ e‐textbook usage and expected performance in classes when using e‐textbooks. While price value exhibits a measurable effect on e‐textbook utilization, it is a minor factor.
Fleshy seeds form in the basal Angiosperm Magnolia grandiflora and several MADS‐box genes are expressed as fleshy seed tissues develop
Authors: Lovisetto Alessandro , Masiero Simona , Rahim Md Abdur , Mendes Marta Adelina Miranda , Casadoro Giorgio 
Published: January 2015

SUMMARYOne successful mechanism of seed dispersal in plants involves production of edible fleshy structures which attract frugivorous animals and transfer this task to them. Not only Angiosperms but also Gymnosperms may use the fleshy fruit habit for seed dispersal, and a similar suite of MADS‐box genes may be expressed as these structures form. Magnolia grandiflora produces dry follicles which, at maturity, open to reveal brightly colored fleshy seeds. This species thus also employs endozoochory for seed dispersal, although it produces dry fruits. Molecular analysis reveals that genes involved in softening and color changes are expressed at late stages of seed development, when the fleshy seed sarcotesta softens and accumulates carotenoids. Several MADS‐box genes have also been studied and results highlight the existence of a basic genetic toolkit which may be common to all fleshy fruit‐like structures, independently of their anatomic origin. According to their expression patterns, one of two AGAMOUS genes and the three SEPALLATA genes known so far in Magnolia are of particular interest. Duplication of AGAMOUS already occurs in both Nymphaeales and Magnoliids, although the lack of functional gene analysis prevents comparisons with known duplications in the AGAMOUS lineage of core Eudicots.