bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Robust Cardiac Function Assessment in 4D PC‐MRI Data of the Aorta and Pulmonary Artery
Authors: Köhler Benjamin , Preim Uta , Grothoff Matthias , Gutberlet Matthias , Fischbach Katharina , Preim Bernhard 
Published: July 2015

AbstractFour‐dimensional phase‐contrast magnetic resonance imaging (4D PC‐MRI) allows the non‐invasive acquisition of time‐resolved, 3D blood flow information. Stroke volumes (SVs) and regurgitation fractions (RFs) are two of the main measures to assess the cardiac function and severity of valvular pathologies. The flow rates in forward and backward direction through a plane above the aortic or pulmonary valve are required for their quantification. Unfortunately, the calculations are highly sensitive towards the plane's angulation since orthogonally passing flow is considered. This often leads to physiologically implausible results. In this work, a robust quantification method is introduced to overcome this problem. Collaborating radiologists and cardiologists were carefully observed while estimating SVs and RFs in various healthy volunteer and patient 4D PC‐MRI data sets with conventional quantification methods, that is, using a single plane above the valve that is freely movable along the centerline. By default it is aligned perpendicular to the vessel's centerline, but free angulation (rotation) is possible. This facilitated the automation of their approach which, in turn, allows to derive statistical information about the plane angulation sensitivity. Moreover, the experts expect a continuous decrease of the blood flow volume along the vessel course. Conventional methods are often unable to produce this behaviour. Thus, we present a procedure to fit a monotonous function that ensures such physiologically plausible results. In addition, this technique was adapted for the usage in branching vessels such as the pulmonary artery. The performed informal evaluation shows the capability of our method to support diagnosis; a parameter evaluation confirms the robustness. Vortex flow was identified as one of the main causes for quantification uncertainties.
Differential expression of LOXL4 in normal and tumour tissue samples of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yilmaz M. , Suer I. , Karatas O.F. , Cansiz H. , Ozen M. 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveHead and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer in worldwide with an increasing incidence rate in recent years. LOXL4 is expressed in several tissues, and its expression has been shown to display a significant correlation with local lymph node metastasis. In this study, we aimed to explore the LOXL4 expression level in metastatic and non‐metastatic LSCC tissues and to determine its prognostic significance.Study designBasic science research study.SettingUniversity hospital.ParticipantsA total of 40 patients were included in the study.Main outcome measureLOXL4 expression status in metastatic, non‐metastatic LSCC and normal tissue samples was investigated by quantitative reverse‐transcription PCR.ResultsWe demonstrated that LOXL4 was significantly overexpressed in LSCC tumour tissue samples in comparison with the corresponding normal tissues (P < 0.001); however, no significant relationship has been found between LOXL4 expression and either the metastatic potential or the T classification of the specimens.ConclusionsAlthough expression of LOXL4 is not statistically associated with neck metastases, we showed that LOXL4 expression significantly increased in laryngeal cancer.
Altitudinal distribution limits of aquatic macroinvertebrates: an experimental test in a tropical alpine stream
Authors: MADSEN PHILIP B. , MORABOWEN ANDRÉS , ANDINO PATRICIO , ESPINOSA RODRIGO , CAUVY‐FRAUNIÉ SOPHIE , DANGLES OLIVIER , JACOBSEN DEAN 
Published: July 2015

1. Temperature and oxygen are recognised as the main drivers of altitudinal limits of species distributions. However, the two factors are linked, and both decrease with altitude, why their effects are difficult to disentangle.2. This was experimentally addressed using aquatic macroinvertebrates; larvae ofAndesiops(Ephemeroptera),Claudioperla, (Plecoptera),Scirtes(Coleoptera) andAnomalocosmoecus(Trichoptera), and the amphipodHyalellain anEcuadorian glacier‐fed stream (4100–4500 m a.s.l.). The following were performed: (i) quantitative benthic sampling at three sites to determine altitudinal patterns in population densities, (ii) transplants of the five taxa upstream of their natural altitudinal limit to test the short‐term (14 days) effect on survival, and (iii)in situexperiments of locomotory activity as a proxy for animal response to relatively small differences in temperature (5 °C vs. 10 °C) and oxygen saturation (55% vs. 62%).3. The transplant experiment reduced survival to a varying degree among taxa, butClaudioperlasurvived well at a site where it did not naturally occur. In thein situexperiment,ScirtesandHyalelladecreased their activity at lower oxygen saturation, whereasAndesiopsandAnomalocosmoecusdid so at a low temperature. The decrease in activity from a high to a low temperature and oxygen for the five taxa was significantly correlated with their mortality in the transplant experiment.4. Together the present experiments indicate that even relatively small differences in temperature and oxygen may produce effects explaining ecological patterns, and depending on the taxon, either water temperature or oxygen saturation, without clear interacting effects, are important drivers of altitudinal limits.
Psychiatric and behavioral adverse events in randomized clinical studies of the noncompetitive AMPA receptor antagonist perampanel
Authors: Ettinger Alan B. , LoPresti Antonia , Yang Haichen , Williams Betsy , Zhou Sharon , Fain Randi , Laurenza Antonio 
Published: July 2015

SummaryObjectivePerampanel, a selective, noncompetitive α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) glutamate receptor antagonist, is indicated for adjunctive treatment of partial seizures in patients ≥12 years based on three phase III clinical studies. The perampanel U.S. Prescribing Information includes a boxed warning for serious psychiatric and behavioral adverse reactions. To provide context for this warning, detail on psychiatric and behavioral safety data from perampanel clinical studies is presented.MethodsAn analysis of pooled safety data from three phase III studies in patients with partial seizures is presented. Data from phase I and phase II studies in patients with and without epilepsy were also analyzed. Psychiatric and behavioral treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were evaluated according to Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) terms, using “narrow” and “narrow‐and‐broad” standardized MedDRA queries (SMQs) for TEAEs suggestive of hostility/aggression.ResultsFrom the three phase III partial‐seizure studies, the overall rate of psychiatric TEAEs was higher in the 8 mg (17.2%) and 12 mg (22.4%) perampanel groups versus placebo (12.4%). In the “narrow” SMQ, hostility/aggression TEAEs were observed in 2.8% for 8 mg and 6.3% for 12 mg perampanel groups, versus 0.7% of placebo patients. “Narrow‐and‐broad” SMQs for hostility/aggression TEAE rates were 12.3% for 8 mg and 20.4% for 12 mg perampanel groups, versus 5.7% for placebo; rates for events resulting in discontinuation were perampanel = 1.6% versus placebo = 0.7%. For events reported as serious AEs (SAEs), rates were perampanel = 0.7% versus placebo = 0.2%. In nonepilepsy patients, psychiatric TEAEs were similar between patients receiving perampanel and placebo. In phase I subjects/volunteers, all psychiatric TEAEs were mild or moderate. These analyses suggest that psychiatric adverse effects are associated with use of perampanel.SignificancePatients and caregivers should be counseled regarding the potential risk of psychiatric and behavioral events with perampanel in patients with partial seizures; patients should be monitored for these events during treatment, especially during titration and at higher doses.
Using neutral, selected, and hitchhiker loci to assess connectivity of marine populations in the genomic era
Authors: Gagnaire Pierre‐Alexandre , Broquet Thomas , Aurelle Didier , Viard Frédérique , Souissi Ahmed , Bonhomme François , Arnaud‐Haond Sophie , Bierne Nicolas 
Published: July 2015

AbstractEstimating the rate of exchange of individuals among populations is a central concern to evolutionary ecology and its applications to conservation and management. For instance, the efficiency of protected areas in sustaining locally endangered populations and ecosystems depends on reserve network connectivity. The population genetics theory offers a powerful framework for estimating dispersal distances and migration rates from molecular data. In the marine realm, however, decades of molecular studies have met limited success in inferring genetic connectivity, due to the frequent lack of spatial genetic structure in species exhibiting high fecundity and dispersal capabilities. This is especially true within biogeographic regions bounded by well‐known hotspots of genetic differentiation. Here, we provide an overview of the current methods for estimating genetic connectivity using molecular markers and propose several directions for improving existing approaches using large population genomic datasets. We highlight several issues that limit the effectiveness of methods based on neutral markers when there is virtually no genetic differentiation among samples. We then focus on alternative methods based on markers influenced by selection. Although some of these methodologies are still underexplored, our aim was to stimulate new research to test how broadly they are applicable to nonmodel marine species. We argue that the increased ability to apply the concepts of cline analyses will improve dispersal inferences across physical and ecological barriers that reduce connectivity locally. We finally present how neutral markers hitchhiking with selected loci can also provide information about connectivity patterns within apparently well‐mixed biogeographic regions. We contend that one of the most promising applications of population genomics is the use of outlier loci to delineate relevant conservation units and related eco‐geographic features across which connectivity can be measured.
Circulating full‐length cytokeratin 18 for predicting prognosis of hepatitis B virus‐related acute‐on‐chronic liver failure patients with lamivudine treatment
Authors: Ding Guofeng , Li Zhi , Zhang Lei , Ma Hui , Li Hui 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimThe predictive value of circulating full‐length cytokeratin 18 (M65) on prognosis of hepatitis B virus‐related liver failure is still not well investigated. The aim of this study was to reveal the association between serum M65 levels and outcomes of hepatitis B virus‐related acute‐on‐chronic liver failure, and to further clarify clinical significance of M65 in lamivudine treatment.MethodsNinety‐six patients with hepatitis B virus‐related acute‐on‐chronic liver failure were recruited between January 2011 and December 2013, and 52 of them received lamivudine treatment. Blood were obtained from participants at admission, and M65 were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Other necessary data were collected from medical records.ResultsThe liver failure patients were divided into high and low level groups according to the serum M65 levels. After 24‐week follow up, survival incidences were significantly higher in the low level group than that in the high level group (odds ratio [OR] = 0.3, 95% confidence interval = 0.1–0.7). In addition, the survival incidences and albumin levels improved in the patients with lamivudine treatment compared with the patients without lamivudine treatment in the low level group (OR = 5.4, 95% CI = 1.1–26.0 and OR = 4.2, 95% CI = 1.3–13.2). A similar improvement was not observed in the high level group.ConclusionThe study suggested that the circulating M65 may serve as a relatively independent prognostic parameter for liver failure. If prospectively validated in further studies, M65 measurement may also be a useful method for optimizing antiviral therapy.
Twenty‐year follow‐up of root filled teeth in a Swedish population receiving high‐cost dental care
Authors: Petersson K. , Fransson H. , Wolf E. , Håkansson J. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimTo study the 20‐year survival rate and periapical status of root filled teeth in a Swedish population requiring high‐cost dental care and to identify factors related to survival and normal periapical status at follow‐up.MethodologyThe study population comprised 104 patients selected from four local health insurance districts with treatment plans including radiographs submitted for approval for reimbursement from the Swedish National Dental Insurance in 1977. In 1998, a clinical and radiographic follow‐up examination was conducted, to register the status of 449 teeth identified as root filled at baseline. Differences in tooth survival and periapical status at follow‐up, with reference to periapical status and quality of root filling at baseline, were analysed by chi‐square tests. Multiple regression analysis was used to describe tooth survival and normal periapical status at follow‐up, with the explanatory baseline variables: tooth type, type of restoration, type of post, quality of root filling, periapical status, marginal bone loss and caries. Differences were considered significant at a 5% level.ResultsTwo hundred and ninety (65%) of the root filled teeth survived at follow‐up. Baseline variables associated with low odds for tooth survival were mandibular molar, maxillary premolar, prefabricated posts other than screw posts, severe marginal bone loss, caries and apical periodontitis (AP). Normal periapical status at follow‐up was registered in 49% of the root filled teeth. Baseline variables associated with low odds for normal periapical status (high risk for AP) at follow‐up were mandibular molar, maxillary premolar, AP, severe marginal bone loss and inadequate root filling quality. Of the root filled teeth with AP at baseline, 42% had been left untreated during the observation period, and at follow‐up, the AP persisted in 57% of these teeth.ConclusionsAfter 20 years, 65% of the root filled teeth had survived and one‐third remained with a sound periapical condition, without any further treatment. Almost half of the APs registered at baseline were left without treatment, and more than half of them persisted after 20 years.
Structural and Optical Property of Titanium Oxide Film Prepared by Energy Filtering Magnetron Sputtering Technique
Authors: Wang Zhaoyong , Yao Ning , Hu Xing 
Published: July 2015

Titanium oxide (TiO2) film was deposited by an improved direct current magnetron sputtering (DMS) technique. The improved technique was named as energy filtering magnetron sputtering (EFMS) technique. The phase, surface morphology, and optical property of the film were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectrometer, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and spectroscopic ellipsometer, respectively. Results show that the TiO2 film prepared by the EFMS technique has good crystallization of the anatase phase without subsequent annealing process. The film is denser and the grain size is smaller. The crystallite sizes of the TiO2 films prepared by the DMS and EFMS techniques are obtained at about 17.3 and 12.5 nm. The TiO2 film deposited by the EFMS technique has higher refractive index and larger band gap owing to the result of the quantum size effect.
Hierarchical Structure of Porous Silicon Nitride Ceramics with Aligned Pore Channels Prepared by Ice‐Templating and Nitridation of Silicon Powder
Authors: Kim Dong Seok , Kim Do Kyung 
Published: July 2015

A unique hierarchical porous structure of silicon nitride ceramic with 76.5% porosity is fabricated by combining an ice‐templating method and nitridation for a silicon powder. The porous silicon nitride ceramics were composed of a lamellar structure with aligned pore channels and ceramic walls filled with fibrous whiskers. This study is focused on the influences of freezing rate on the microstructures and properties of the silicon nitride ceramics. The properties were characterized by compressive strength and gas permeability, which were shown to vary with controlled microstructure. The compressive strength and the permeability reached up to 32.2 MPa and 0.035−12 m2, respectively.
Appreciation of the research supervisory relationship by postgraduate nursing students
Authors: van Wyk N.C. , Coetzee I.M. , Havenga Y. , Heyns T. 
Published: July 2015

IntroductionThe quality of the relationship between postgraduate students and their supervisors often determines the progress of the students.BackgroundSuccessful supervision according to students is associated with the expertise of the supervisors and their willingness to share their knowledge with their students. On the other hand, supervisors expect their students to be able to work independently to a large extent. Contradictory expectations of supervisors and postgraduate students can cause delays in the progress of students.AimThe aim of this study was to explore and describe the aspects of the supervisory relationship that postgraduate students in nursing science at a selected university in South Africa appreciate.MethodA qualitative research design with an appreciative inquiry approach was used and 18 students under the guidance of an independent facilitator provided the data during group interviews.Findings and discussionSpecific personal and professional qualities of the supervisors contribute to a valued supervisory relationship. Regarding personal qualities, the supervisors should show their understanding of the unique circumstances of the students in challenging times. Supervisors should also be expert researchers. The valued relationship refers to an open and trusting relationship between the students and the supervisors.ConclusionThe students' appreciation of the research supervisory relationship contributes to the understanding of the expectations of postgraduate students regarding the support that they need to become scholars in an academic discipline.Implications for nursing and health policyThere is a need for continuing professional development of supervisors to sensitize them about the expectations of the students.
Lecture capture with real‐time rearrangement of visual elements: impact on student performance
Authors: Yu P.‐T. , Wang B.‐Y. , Su M.‐H. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe primary goal of this study is to create and test a lecture‐capture system that can rearrange visual elements while recording is still taking place, in such a way that student performance can be positively influenced. The system we have devised is capable of integrating and rearranging multimedia sources, including learning content, the instructor and students' images, into lecture videos that are embedded in a website for students to review after school. The present study employed a two‐group experimental design, with 153 participants (145 females and 8 males) making up an experimental group in which lecture courses were recorded using the new lecture‐capture system, and 149 participants (140 females and 9 males) forming a control group whose lectures were recorded by traditional means. All participants were in the freshman college and studying Introduction to Computer and Information Science in one of six classes, and were randomly assigned to one of the two groups. The participants' midterm examination and final examination scores were collected as indicators of their academic performance, with their mathematics entrance scores used as a pre‐test. The findings obtained from analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) suggest that appropriate rearrangement of visual elements in lecture videos can significantly impact students' learning performance.
Targeting Household Air Pollution for Curbing the Cardiovascular Disease Burden: A Health Priority in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Noubiap Jean Jacques N. , Essouma Mickael , Bigna Jean Joel R. 
Published: July 2015

Household air pollution (HAP) is a major public health problem, particularly in sub‐Saharan Africa where most of the populations still rely on solid fuels for cooking, heating, and lighting. This narrative review highlights the direct and indirect evidence of the important role of HAP in cardiovascular disease, especially in sub‐Saharan African countries where highest rates of major cardiovascular disease and death are observed, and thus provides ample reason for promotion of preventive interventions to reduce HAP exposures in the region. There is an urgent need for efficient strategies to educate populations on the health issues associated with this health hazard, to provide affordable clean cooking energy for poor people and to promote improved household ventilation. High‐quality data on household energy practices and patterns of HAP and related health issues are still needed for efficient policy making in this region.
Elevated Serum Level of Interleukin 17 in a Population With Prehypertension
Authors: Yao Wei , Sun Yuemin , Wang Xuechun , Niu Kaijun 
Published: July 2015

Cytokines play an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. The authors hypothesized that interleukin 17 (IL‐17) might contribute to the prehypertensive state. This study evaluated the relationship between serum levels of IL‐17 and prehypertension. A total of 394 participants were enrolled, after excluding for hypertension or treated hypertension, and divided into two groups (optimal blood pressure [BP] and prehypertension) based on the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure classification of BP. Optimal BP was defined as systolic BP <120 mm Hg and diastolic BP <80 mm Hg. Prehypertension was defined as systolic BP of 120 to 139 mm Hg or diastolic BP of 80 to 89 mm Hg. IL‐17A levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The mean serum IL‐17 concentration in the prehypertension group was significantly higher than in the optimal BP group. The cohort was divided into quartiles Q1 (≤3.5 ng/L), Q2 (3.60 to 6.10 ng/L), Q3 (6.20 to 10.00 ng/L), and Q4 (≥10.10 ng/L) based on IL‐17 levels. The Q2 to Q4 groups had increasing odds ratios for having prehypertension compared with the Q1 group. Elevated serum IL‐17 was accompanied by a rise in systolic BP. Thus, increased serum IL‐17 levels are associated with prehypertension.