bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of topography in 3‐D continental‐collision models
Authors: Pusok A. E. , Kaus Boris J. P. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractUnderstanding the formation and evolution of high mountain belts, such as the Himalayas and the adjacent Tibetan Plateau, has been the focus of many tectonic and numerical models. Here we employ 3‐D numerical simulations to investigate the role that subduction, collision, and indentation play on lithosphere dynamics at convergent margins, and to analyze the conditions under which large topographic plateaus can form in an integrated lithospheric and upper mantle‐scale model. Distinct dynamics are obtained for the oceanic subduction side (trench retreat, slab rollback) and the continental‐collision side (trench advance, slab detachment, topographic uplift, lateral extrusion). We show that slab pull alone is insufficient to generate high topography in the upper plate, and that external forcing and the presence of strong blocks such as the Tarim Basin are necessary to create and shape anomalously high topographic fronts and plateaus. Moreover, scaling is used to predict four different modes of surface expression in continental‐collision models: (I) low‐amplitude homogeneous shortening, (II) high‐amplitude homogeneous shortening, (III) Alpine‐type topography with topographic front and low plateau, and (IV) Tibet‐Himalaya‐type topography with topographic front and high plateau. Results of semianalytical models suggest that the Argand number governs the formation of high topographic fronts, while the amplitude of plateaus is controlled by the initial buoyancy ratio of the upper plate. Applying these results to natural examples, we show that the Alps belong to regime (III), the Himalaya‐Tibet to regime (IV), whereas the Andes‐Altiplano fall at the boundary between regimes (III) and (IV).
Impact of quality improvement measures on the delivery of allergy immunotherapy: a 2‐year follow‐up
Authors: Mattos Jose L. , Ferguson Berrylin J. , Lee Stella 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundAnaphylaxis is the most serious potential complication from allergy treatment with subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT). Quality measures were developed with the goal to decrease the incidence of complications resulting from SCIT and improve the safety of care provided.MethodsThe incidence and characteristics of anaphylaxis episodes resulting from SCIT was measured between 2008 and 2012 prior to implementation of quality measures including vial verification, vial testing, and standardized training across 6 allergy delivery sites. Errors and anaphylaxis rates were then tracked prospectively over a 2‐year period after implementation of these process measures.ResultsFrom 2008 to 2012 there were 9 episodes of anaphylaxis or 0.02% of injections/year. Eight patients had sufficient information from which to derive meaningful data. Patient identification error led to anaphylaxis in 2 patients, dosing error in 2, and compounding error in 1 patient. In 2 patients, anaphylaxis occurred with advancement during pollen season, and in 1 patient no clear reason could be identified although she had asthma as a risk factor. After implementation of quality improvement measures the anaphylaxis rate fell to 0 of 8948 injections for years 2013 and 2014.ConclusionErrors in the mixing and administration of allergy serum comprised the majority of identifiable factors that led to anaphylaxis. Implementation of quality measures, including vial verification and vial testing, can improve safety and decrease anaphylaxis rates in the delivery of allergy immunotherapy.
A prospective randomized blinded clinical trial: large‐volume nasal irrigation with fluticasone propionate in the early postoperative period following septoplasty
Authors: Tugrul Selahattin , Dogan Remzi , Senturk Erol , Eren Sabri Baki , Meric Aysenur , Ozturan Orhan 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare 2 methods of nasal irrigation after septoplasty. The combined use of low‐pressure, high‐volume nasal saline (LPHVNS) irrigation, together with fluticasone propionate (FP) (LPHVNS+FP), was compared with high‐pressure, low‐volume nasal saline (HPLVNS) irrigation during the early postoperative period following septoplasty.MethodsSeventy‐three patients undergoing septoplasty for nasal obstruction were recruited for the study. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups; nasal irrigation was applied for 4 weeks in both groups. Group 1 (n = 40) used HPLVNS irrigation. Group 2 (n = 33) used the LPHVNS+FP combination. The patients were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS), Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE), nasal examination scores, acoustic rhinometry, rhinomanometry, and peak nasal inspiratory flowmetry (PNIF) measurements.ResultsIn group 2, the increase in VAS results was more prominent than in group 1. NOSE scores were significantly lower in group 2 than in group 1. The nasal examination revealed that group 2 had less edema and less crusting than group 1. The decrease in nasal airway resistance was significantly higher in group 2. The PNIF values increased to a significantly greater extent in group 2 than in group 1.ConclusionNasal irrigation with the LPHVNS+FP combination during the early postoperative period following septoplasty is an effective method, resulting not only in increased patient satisfaction and nasal air flow but also in decreased edema and crust formation.
Is drug insurance status an effect modifier in epidemiologic database studies? The case of maternal asthma and major congenital malformations
Authors: Blais Lucie , Kettani Fatima‐Zohra , Forget Amélie , Beauchesne Marie‐France , Lemière Catherine 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundOur previous work on the association between maternal asthma and congenital malformations was based on cohorts formed by women with public drug insurance, i.e., over‐represented by women with lower socioeconomic status, questioning the generalizability of our findings. This study aimed to evaluate whether or not drug insurance status, as a proxy of socioeconomic status, is an effect modifier for the association between maternal asthma and major congenital malformations.MethodsA cohort of 36,587 pregnancies from asthmatic women and 198,935 pregnancies from nonasthmatic women selected independently of their drug insurance status was reconstructed with Québec administrative databases (1998–2009). Asthmatic women were identified using a validated case definition of asthma. Cases of major congenital malformations were identified using diagnostic codes recorded in the hospitalization database. Drug insurance status at the beginning of pregnancy was classified into three groups: publicly insured with social welfare, publicly insured without social welfare, and privately insured. Adjusted odds ratios were estimated with generalized estimation equations, including an interaction term between maternal asthma and drug insurance status.ResultsThe prevalence of congenital malformations was 6.8% among asthmatic women and 5.8% among nonasthmatics. The impact of asthma on the prevalence of congenital malformations was significantly greater in women publicly insured with social welfare (odds ratio = 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.25–1.61) than in the other two groups ([odds ratio = 1.10; 1.00–1.21] in the publicly insured without social welfare and [odds ratio = 1.13; 1.07–1.20] in the privately insured group).ConclusionThe increased risk of major congenital malformation associated with asthma was significantly higher among pregnant women publicly insured with social welfare than among those privately insured. As a result of this effect modification by drug insurance status, findings from Québec observational studies using databases mainly formed of patients publicly insured with social welfare may not be generalized to the entire population. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 103:995–1002, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Residential radon and birth defects: A population‐based assessment
Authors: Langlois Peter H. , Lee MinJae , Lupo Philip J. , Rahbar Mohammad H. , Cortez Ruben K. 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundAssociations have been reported between maternal radiation exposure and birth defects. No such studies were found on radon. Our objective was to determine if there is an association between living in areas with higher radon levels and birth defects.MethodsThe Texas Birth Defects Registry provided data on all birth defects from 1999 to 2009 from the entire state. Mean radon levels by geologic region came from the Texas Indoor Radon Survey. The association between radon and birth defects was estimated using multilevel mixed effect Poisson regression.ResultsBirth defects overall were not associated with residential radon levels. Of the 100 other birth defect groups with at least 500 cases, 14 were significantly elevated in areas with high mean radon level in crude analyses, and 9 after adjustment for confounders. Cleft lip with/without cleft palate had an adjusted prevalence ratio of 1.16 per 1 picoCurie/liter (pCi/L) increase in exposure to region mean radon, 95% confidence interval, 1.08–1.26. Cystic hygroma / lymphangioma had an adjusted prevalence ratio of 1.22 per 1 pCi/L increase, 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.46. Other associations were suggested but not as consistent: three skeletal defects, Down syndrome, other specified anomalies of the brain, and other specified anomalies of the bladder and urethra.ConclusionIn the first study of residential radon and birth defects, we found associations with cleft lip w/wo cleft palate and cystic hygroma / lymphangioma. Other associations were suggested. The ecological nature of this study and multiple comparisons suggest that our results be interpreted with caution. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:5–15, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Next steps for birth defects research and prevention: The birth defects study to evaluate pregnancy exposures (BD‐STEPS)
Authors: Tinker Sarah C. , Carmichael Suzan L. , Anderka Marlene , Browne Marilyn L. , Caspers Conway Kristin M. , Meyer Robert E. , Nembhard Wendy N. , Olney Richard S. , Reefhuis Jennita ,   the Birth Defects Study To Evaluate Pregnancy exposureS
Published: April 2015

BackgroundThe Birth Defects Study To Evaluate Pregnancy exposureS (BD‐STEPS) is a population‐based, multi‐Center case–control study of modifiable risk factors for selected birth defects in the United States. BD‐STEPS is the second major research effort of the Centers for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, which extends and expands the initial research effort, the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS).MethodsBD‐STEPS focuses on 17 categories of structural birth defects selected based on severity, prevalence, consistent ascertainment, and previous findings that warrant additional research. Cases are identified through existing birth defects surveillance programs; controls are from vital records or birth hospital logs from the same catchment area. BD‐STEPS uses a standardized computer‐assisted telephone interview to collect information from case and control mothers on topics including demographics, health conditions, and medication use. Following the maternal interview, selected Centers request permission to sample residual newborn screening blood spots from state repositories for genetic analyses. New components planned for BD‐STEPS include linkages with external datasets and use of online questionnaires to collect in‐depth information on selected exposures.ResultsBD‐STEPS extends NBDPS by continuing to collect data on many exposures that were assessed in NBDPS, allowing data from both studies to be combined and providing an unprecedented sample size to analyze rare exposures. BD‐STEPS expands upon NBDPS by collecting more detailed information on existing exposures as well as new exposures.ConclusionThe goal of BD‐STEPS is to provide women and healthcare providers with information they need to make decisions to promote the healthiest pregnancy possible. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 103:733–740, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multi‐functional ion‐sensor based on a photochromic diarylethene with a 1H‐imidazo [4,5‐f][1,10] phenanthroline unit
Authors: Wang Renjie , Dong Xiaorong , Liu Gang , Ren Panpan , Pu Shouzhi 
Published: April 2015

AbstractA new asymmetrical diarylethene containing a 1H‐imidazo [4,5‐f][1,10] phenanthroline unit was synthesized. The compound showed typical photochromism and functioned as a notable fluorescence switch upon alternating irradiation with ultraviolet (UV) and visible light. Its closed‐ring isomer could be used as a selective ‘naked‐eye’ colorimetric sensor for Cu2+, accompanied by a notable color change from blue to colorless. Furthermore, the compound was found to be selective towards Ca2+, Mg2+, and Sr2+ with significant fluorescence changes. On the basis of this characteristic, a logic circuit was constructed by utilizing both light and chemical stimuli as inputs and fluorescence intensity at 487 nm as output. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring the chemical space of quorum sensing peptides
Authors: Wynendaele Evelien , Gevaert Bert , Stalmans Sofie , Verbeke Frederick , De Spiegeleer Bart 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTQuorum sensing peptides are signalling molecules that are produced by mainly gram‐positive bacteria. These peptides can exert different effects, ranging from intra‐ and interspecies bacterial virulence to bacterial–host interactions. To better comprehend these functional differences, we explored their chemical space, bacterial species distribution and receptor‐binding properties using multivariate data analyses, with information obtained from the Quorumpeps database. The quorum sensing peptides can be categorized into three main clusters, which, in turn, can be divided into several subclusters: the classification is based on characteristic chemical properties, including peptide size/compactness, hydrophilicity/lipophilicity, cyclization and the presence of (unnatural) S‐containing and aromatic amino acids. Most of the bacterial species synthesize peptides located into one cluster. However, some Streptococcus, Stapylococcus, Clostridium, Bacillus and Lactobacillus species produce peptides that are distributed over more than one cluster, with the quorum sensing peptides of Bacillus subtilis even occupying the total peptide space. The AgrC, FsrC and LamC receptors are only activated by cyclic (thio)lacton or lactam quorum sensing peptides, while the lipophilic isoprenyl‐modified peptides solely bind the ComP receptor in Bacillus species. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 104: 544–551, 2015.
Mechanistic studies of malonic acid‐mediated in situ acylation
Authors: Chandra Koushik , Naoum Johnny N. , Roy Tapta Kanchan , Gilon Chaim , Gerber R. Benny , Friedler Assaf 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTWe have previously introduced an easy to perform, cost‐effective and highly efficient acetylation technique for solid phase synthesis (SPPS). Malonic acid is used as a precursor and the reaction proceeds via a reactive ketene that acetylates the target amine. Here we present a detailed mechanistic study of the malonic acid‐mediated acylation. The influence of reaction conditions, peptide sequence and reagents was systematically studied. Our results show that the methodology can be successfully applied to different types of peptides and nonpeptidic molecules irrespective of their structure, sequence, or conformation. Using alkyl, phenyl, and benzyl malonic acid, we synthesized various acyl peptides with almost quantitative yields. The ketenes obtained from the different malonic acid derived precursors were characterized by in situ 1H‐NMR. The reaction proceeded in short reaction times and resulted in excellent yields when using uronium‐based coupling agents, DIPEA as a base, DMF/DMSO/NMP as solvents, Rink amide/Wang/Merrifield resins, temperature of 20°C, pH 8–12 and 5 min preactivation at inert atmosphere. The reaction was unaffected by Lewis acids, transition metal ions, surfactants, or salt. DFT studies support the kinetically favorable concerted mechanism for CO2 and ketene formation that leads to the thermodynamically stable acylated products. We conclude that the malonic acid‐mediated acylation is a general method applicable to various target molecules. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 104: 495–505, 2015.
A rapid and sensitive determination of hypoxic radiosensitizer agent nimorazole in rat plasma by LC‐MS/MS and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Das Soumyajit , Dubey Ramkumar , Roychowdhury Subhradip , Ghosh Manik , Sinha Barij Nayan , Kumar Pradhan Kishanta , Bal Trishna , Muthukrishnan Venkateswari , Seijas Julio A. , Pujarid Abhijit 
Published: April 2015

AbstractA highly sensitive, accurate and robust LC‐MS/MS method was developed and validated for determination of nimorazole (NMZ) in rat plasma using metronidazole (MNZ) as internal standard (IS). The analyte and IS were extracted from plasma by precipitating protein with acetonitrile and were chromatographed using an Agilent Poroshell 120, EC‐C18 column. The mobile phase was composed of a mixture of acetonitrile and 0.1 % formic acid (85:15 v/v). The total run time was 1.5 min and injection volume was 5 μL. Multiple reaction monitoring mode using the transitions of m/z 227.1 → m/z 114.0 for MNZ and m/z 172.10 → m/z 128.1 for IS were monitored on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, operating in positive ion mode. The calibration curve was linear in the range of 0.25–200 ng/mL (r2 > 0.9996) and the lower limit of quantification was 0.25 ng/mL in the rat plasma samples. Recoveries of NMZ ranged between 88.05 and 95.25%. The precision (intra‐day and inter‐day) and accuracy of the quality control samples were 1.25–8.20% and −2.50–3.10, respectively. The analyte and IS were found to be stable during all sample storage and analysis procedures. The LC‐MS/MS method described here was validated and successfully applied to pharmacokinetic study in rats. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative effectiveness of surgery and radiosurgery for stage I non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Yu James B. , Soulos Pamela R. , Cramer Laura D. , Decker Roy H. , Kim Anthony W. , Gross Cary P. 
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUNDAlthough surgery is the standard treatment for early‐stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has been disseminated as an alternative therapy. The comparative mortalities and toxicities of these treatments for patients of different life expectancies are unknown.METHODSThe Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare linked database was used to identify patients who were 67 years old or older and underwent SBRT or surgery for stage I NSCLC from 2007 to 2009. Matched patients were stratified into short life expectancies (<5 years) and long life expectancies (≥5 years). Mortality and complication rates were compared with Poisson regression.RESULTSOverall, 367 SBRT patients and 711 surgery patients were matched. Acute toxicity (0‐1 month) was lower from SBRT versus surgery (7.9% vs 54.9%, P < .001). At 24 months after treatment, there was no difference (69.7% vs 73.9%, P = .31). The incidence rate ratio (IRR) for toxicity from SBRT versus surgery was 0.74 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64‐0.87). Overall mortality was lower with SBRT versus surgery at 3 months (2.2% vs 6.1%, P = .005), but by 24 months, overall mortality was higher with SBRT (40.1% vs 22.3%, P < .001). For patients with short life expectancies, there was no difference in lung cancer mortality (IRR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.40‐2.56). However, for patients with long life expectancies, there was greater overall mortality (IRR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.11‐2.01) as well as a trend toward greater lung cancer mortality (IRR, 1.63; 95% CI, 0.95‐2.79) with SBRT versus surgery.CONCLUSIONSSBRT was associated with lower immediate mortality and toxicity in comparison with surgery. However, for patients with long life expectancies, there appears to be a relative benefit from surgery versus SBRT. Cancer 2015;121:2341–2349. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Prospective quality‐of‐life outcomes for low‐risk prostate cancer: Active surveillance versus radical prostatectomy
Authors: Jeldres Claudio , Cullen Jennifer , Hurwitz Lauren M. , Wolff Erika M. , Levie Katherine E. , Odem‐Davis Katherine , Johnston Richard B. , Pham Khanh N. , Rosner Inger L. , Brand Timothy C. , L'Esperance James O. , Sterbis Joseph R. , Etzioni Ruth , Porter Christopher R. 
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUNDFor patients with low‐risk prostate cancer (PCa), active surveillance (AS) may produce oncologic outcomes comparable to those achieved with radical prostatectomy (RP). Health‐related quality‐of‐life (HRQoL) outcomes are important to consider, yet few studies have examined HRQoL among patients with PCa who were managed with AS. In this study, the authors compared longitudinal HRQoL in a prospective, racially diverse, and contemporary cohort of patients who underwent RP or AS for low‐risk PCa.METHODSBeginning in 2007, HRQoL data from validated questionnaires (the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite and the 36‐item RAND Medical Outcomes Study short‐form survey) were collected by the Center for Prostate Disease Research in a multicenter national database. Patients aged ≤75 years who were diagnosed with low‐risk PCa and elected RP or AS for initial disease management were followed for 3 years. Mean scores were estimated using generalized estimating equations adjusting for baseline HRQoL, demographic characteristics, and clinical patient characteristics.RESULTSOf the patients with low‐risk PCa, 228 underwent RP, and 77 underwent AS. Multivariable analysis revealed that patients in the RP group had significantly worse sexual function, sexual bother, and urinary function at all time points compared with patients in the AS group. Differences in mental health between groups were below the threshold for clinical significance at 1 year.CONCLUSIONSIn this study, no differences in mental health outcomes were observed, but urinary and sexual HRQoL were worse for patients who underwent RP compared with those who underwent AS for up to 3 years. These data offer support for the management of low‐risk PCa with AS as a means for postponing the morbidity associated with RP without concomitant declines in mental health. Cancer 2015;121:2465–2473. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Regional segmentation of ventricular models to achieve repolarization dispersion in cardiac electrophysiology modeling
Authors: Perotti L. E. , Krishnamoorthi S. , Borgstrom N. P. , Ennis D. B. , Klug W. S. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the most significant outputs of a computational model of cardiac electrophysiology because it relates the numerical results to clinical data and is a universal tool for diagnosing heart diseases. One key features of the ECG is the T‐wave, which is caused by longitudinal and transmural heterogeneity of the action potential duration (APD). Thus, in order to model a correct wave of repolarization, different cell properties resulting in different APDs must be assigned across the ventricular wall and longitudinally from apex to base. To achieve this requirement, a regional parametrization of the heart is necessary. We propose a robust approach to obtain the transmural and longitudinal segmentation in a general heart geometry without relying on ad hoc procedures. Our approach is based on auxiliary harmonic lifting analyses, already used in the literature to generate myocardial fiber orientations. Specifically, the solution of a sequence of Laplace boundary value problems allows parametrically controlled segmentation of both heart ventricles. The flexibility and simplicity of the proposed method is demonstrated through several representative examples, varying the locations and extents of the epicardial, midwall, and endocardial layers. Effects of the control parameters on the T‐wave morphology are illustrated via computed ECGs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.