bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of mortality in adult patients with severe acute lung failure receiving veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a prospective observational study
Authors: Enger Tone Bull , Philipp Alois , Videm Vibeke , Lubnow Matthias , Wahba Alexander , Fischer Marcus , Schmid Christof , Bein Thomas , Müller Thomas 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vvECMO) can be a life-saving therapy in patients with severe acute lung failure refractory to conventional therapy. Nevertheless, vvECMO is a procedure associated with high costs and resource utilization. The aim of this study was to assess published models for prediction of mortality following vvECMO and optimize an alternative model.

Methods
Established mortality risk scores were validated to assess their usefulness in 304 adult patients undergoing vvECMO for refractory lung failure at the University Medical Center Regensburg from 2008 to 2013. A parsimonious prediction model was developed based on variables available before ECMO initiation using logistic regression modelling. We then assessed whether addition of variables available one day after ECMO implementation enhanced mortality prediction. Models were internally validated and calibrated by bootstrapping (400 runs). Predictive ability, goodness-of-fit and model discrimination were compared across the different models.

Results
In the present study population, existing mortality prediction tools for vvECMO patients showed suboptimal performance. Evaluated before vvECMO initiation, a logistic prediction model comprising age, immunocompromised state, artificial minute ventilation, pre-ECMO serum lactate and hemoglobin concentrations showed best mortality prediction in our patients (area under curve, AUC: 0.75). Additional information about norepinephrine dosage, fraction of inspired oxygen, C-reactive protein and fibrinogen concentrations the first day following ECMO initiation further improved discrimination (AUC: 0.79, P = 0.03) and predictive ability (likelihood ratio test, P < 0.001). When classifying patients as lower (<40%) or higher (>80%) risk based on their predicted mortality, the pre-ECMO and day1-on-ECMO models had negative/positive predictive values of 76%/82% and 82%/81%, respectively.

Conclusions
While pre-ECMO mortality prediction remains a challenge due to large patient heterogeneity, evaluation one day after ECMO initiation may improve the ability to separate lower- and higher-risk patients. Our findings support the clinical perception that chronic health condition, high comorbidity and reduced functional reserves are strongly related to survival during and following ECMO support. Renewed evaluation the first day after ECMO initiation may provide enhanced guidance for further handling of ECMO patients. Despite the usefulness of prediction models, thorough clinical evaluation should always represent the cornerstone in decision for ECMO.
Temporal Evolution of Catechol-Based Belousov–Zhabotinsky Chemical Oscillating System in Presence of Antioxidants
Authors: Shah Ishfaq Ahmad , Peerzada Ghulam Mustafa , Ganaie Nadeem Bashir , Gull Usma 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The perturbation effect of various antioxidants viz. ascorbic acid, glutathione, inosine, and N-acetylcysteine is monitored at 30 °C under stirred batch conditions and has a good sensitivity for the determination of these antioxidants. The addition of these antioxidants to the BZ mixture influences the oscillatory parameters to an extent that depends on the concentration of the antioxidant and higher concentrations as such were found to quench the oscillations. The experimental results have shown that the number of oscillations decreases on increasing the concentration of antioxidant. The detection limit is found to be less than 1.0 × 10−7 mol L−1. In the case of glutathione, ascorbic acid, and N-acetylcysteine, a linear relationship (R2 = 0.99) between time period and the [antioxidant] has been obtained over a concentration range of 0.025–0.6, 0.0125–1.0, and 0.00625–0.8 mol L−1 with detection limits 6.925 × 10−5, 3.462 × 10−5, and 1.371 × 10−5 mol L−1 respectively whereas that for inosine a linear relationship (R2 = 0.98) between amplitude and [antioxidant] has been obtained over a concentration range of 0.05–0.7 mol L−1 and the detection limit is 1.385 × 10−4 mol L−1. Further, interactions of these antioxidants with BZ reagents were confirmed by cyclic voltammetry, which paved the way for explaining the mechanisms involved.
Simultaneous Measurement of Surface Tension and Its Gradient around Moving Camphor Boat on Water Surface
Authors: Karasawa Yuichiro , Oshima Shogo , Nomoto Tomonori , Toyota Taro , Fujinami Masanori 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The distribution of surface tension on the front and rear sides of a camphor boat continuously moving on an aqueous-phase camphor solution was observed by the time-resolved quasi-elastic laser scattering method. The uniform motion of the boat was induced by a difference in the surface tension between the front and rear sides. A surface-tension gradient developed along the rear side, resulting in Marangoni convection that decelerated the boat.
Genotyping Accuracy of High-Resolution DNA Melting Instruments
Authors: Li Mei , Zhou Luming , Palais Robert A , Wittwer Carl T 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

BACKGROUND
High-resolution DNA melting is a closed-tube method for genotyping and variant scanning that depends on the thermal stability of PCR-generated products. Instruments vary in thermal precision, sample format, melting rates, acquisition, and software. Instrument genotyping accuracy has not been assessed.

METHODS
Each genotype of the single nucleotide variant (SNV) (c.3405–29A&gt;T) of CPS1 (carbamoyl-phosphate synthase 1, mitochondrial) was amplified by PCR in the presence of LCGreen Plus with 4 PCR product lengths. After blinding and genotype randomization, samples were melted in 10 instrument configurations under conditions recommended by the manufacturer. For each configuration and PCR product length, we analyzed 32–96 samples (depending on batch size) with both commercial and custom software. We assessed the accuracy of heterozygote detection and homozygote differentiation of a difficult, nearest-neighbor symmetric, class 4 variant with predicted ΔTm of 0.00 °C.

RESULTS
Overall, the heterozygote accuracy was 99.7% (n = 2141), whereas homozygote accuracy was 70.3% (n = 4441). Instruments with single sample detection as opposed to full-plate imaging better distinguished homozygotes (78.1% and 61.8%, respectively, χ2P &lt; 0.0005). Custom software improved accuracy over commercial software (P &lt; 0.002), although melting protocols recommended by manufacturers were better than a constant ramp rate of 0.1 °C with an oil overlay. PCR products of 51, 100, 272, and 547 bp had accuracies of 72.3%, 83.1%, 59.8%, and 65.9%, respectively (P &lt; 0.0005).

CONCLUSIONS
High-resolution melting detects heterozygotes with excellent accuracy, but homozygote accuracy is dependent on detection mode, analysis software, and PCR product size, as well as melting temperature differences between, and variation within, homozygotes.
Determination of the map of efficiency of the Jagiellonian Positron Emission Tomograph (J-PET) detector with the GATE package
Authors: Kowalski Paweł , Raczyński Lech , Bednarski Tomasz , Białas Piotr , Czerwiński Eryk , Giergiel Krzysztof , Kapłon Łukasz , Kochanowski Andrzej , Korcyl Grzegorz , Kowal Jakub , Kozik Tomasz , Krzemień Wojciech , Molenda Marcin , Moskal Ines , Moskal Paweł , Niedźwiecki Szymon , Pałka Marek , Pawlik-Niedźwiecka Monika , Rudy Zbigniew , Salabura Piotr , Sharma Neha , Silarski Michał , Słomski Artur , Smyrski Jerzy , Strzelecki Adam , Szymański Konrad , Wiślicki Wojciech , Witkowski Piotr , Zieliński Marcin , Zoń Natalia 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
A novel PET detector consisting of strips of polymer scintillators is being developed by the Jagiellonian Positron Emission Tomograph (J-PET) collaboration. The map of efficiency and the map of geometrical acceptance of the two-strip J-PET scanner are presented. The map of efficiency was determined using the Monte Carlo simulation software GEANT4 Application for Tomographic Emission (GATE), which is based on GEANT4. Both maps were compared using a method based on the χ2-test.
Cardiovascular therapy through nanotechnology – how far are we still from bedside?
Authors: Cicha Iwona , Garlichs Christoph D. , Alexiou Christoph 
Published: April 2014

AbstractRecent years brought about a widespread interest in the potential applications of nanotechnology for the diagnostics and the therapy of human diseases. With its promise of disease-targeted, patient-tailored treatment and reduced side effects, nanomedicine brings hope for millions of patients suffering of non-communicable diseases such as cancer or cardiovascular disorders. However, the emergence of the complex, multicomponent products based on new technologies poses multiple challenges to successful approval in clinical practice. Regulatory and development considerations, including properties of the components, reproducible manufacturing and appropriate characterization methods, as well as nanodrugs’ safety and efficacy are critical for rapid marketing of the new products. This review discusses the recent advances in cardiovascular applications of nanotechnologies and highlights the challenges that must be overcome in order to fill the gap existing between the promising bench trials and the successful bedside applications.
Compression properties of vascular boundles and parenchyma of rattan (Plectocomia assamica Griff)
Authors: Liu Xing’e , Tian Genlin , Shang Lili , Yang Shumin , Jiang Zehui 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Rattan is a unique unidirectional vascular bundles-reinforced biocomposite with many nodes along its canes. Mechanical compression tests have been performed from rattan samples taken from different parts of the cross section. Compression strength increased with increasing amounts of vascular bundles (VBs) in the tissues was investigated. Samples including the outer ring with many VBs have the highest apparent Young’s modulus of 1.08 GPa and the highest compression strength of 17.6 MPa. However, samples consisting of parenchyma cells had an apparent Young’s modulus of 25 MPa, and the compression strength of 1.81 MPa. The compression properties of core samples improved with increasing amounts of VB. The apparent Young’s modulus and compression strength of a single VB were 730 MPa and 6.87 MPa, respectively, and were calculated according to the rule of mixture of composites.
On the Implications of Essential Heterogeneity for Estimating Causal Impacts Using Social Experiments
Authors: Ravallion Martin 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The standard model of essential heterogeneity, whereby program take up depends on unobserved costs and benefits of take up, is generalized to allow the source of latent heterogeneity to influence counterfactual outcomes. The standard instrumental variables (IV) estimator is shown to still be preferable to the naïve, ordinary least squares (OLS), estimator for mean impact on the treated. However, under certain conditions, the IV estimate of the overall mean impact will be even more biased than OLS. Examples are given for stylized training, insurance and microcredit schemes.
Optically induced forces in scanning probe microscopy
Authors: Kohlgraf-Owens Dana C. , Sukhov Sergey , Greusard Léo , De Wilde Yannick , Dogariu Aristide 
Published: April 2014

AbstractTypical measurements of light in the near-field utilize a photodetector such as a photomultiplier tube or a photodiode, which is placed remotely from the region under test. This kind of detection has many draw-backs including the necessity to detect light in the far-field, the influence of background propagating radiation, the relatively narrowband operation of photodetectors which complicates the operation over a wide wavelength range, and the difficulty in detecting radiation in the far-IR and THz. Here we review an alternative near-field light measurement technique based on the detection of optically induced forces acting on the scanning probe. This type of detection overcomes some of the above limitations, permitting true broad-band detection of light directly in the near-field with a single detector. The physical origins and the main characteristics of optical force detection are reviewed. In addition, intrinsic effects of the inherent optical forces for certain operation modalities of scanning probe microscopy are discussed. Finally, we review practical applications of optical force detection of interest for the broader field of the scanning probe microscopy.
Perspectives for the Brazilian residual biomass in renewable chemistry
Authors: Vaz Sílvio 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe need to change non-renewable raw materials by biomass as an oil substitute has been shown to be a strategic challenge for the 21st century. Chemicals have the highest potential to add value to a vegetable biomass chain because of the importance of conventional chemical industry and fine chemical chemistry for different sectors of the economy; these compounds may be used as building blocks, intermediaries of synthesis, and specialties. This article deals with the economic potential of the usage of residual biomass as a raw material in chemistry, with a special interest in residues from bioenergetic chains (biodiesel and ethanol). It focus on showing a scenario related to the perspectives and challenges for the development of a Brazilian renewable chemistry, considering that Brazil is one of the largest global producers of agro-industrial biomass for several purposes, especially for bioenergy.
The journey through the world of adolescent sleep
Authors: Darchia Nato , Cervena Katerina 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Sleep-wake patterns and the electroencephalogram (EEG) during sleep undergo fundamental changes during adolescence. Scientific evidence indicates that these changes represent components of an extensive maturational brain remodeling process. Sleep during periods of brain maturation appears to be particularly important for health and behavior. Adolescents’ sleep problems affect their cognitive and psychobehavioral functioning, making insufficient sleep during this developmental stage a significant international health concern. In this review, we summarize some key data concerning developmental changes in sleep behavior and regulation, and the association between sleep EEG changes and brain maturation. This review extends our understanding of adolescent sleep and highlights its significance for healthy development. We discuss the possibility to follow brain maturation and to detect errors in this maturational process by monitoring the developmental sleep EEG changes.
Biological effect of SAR on the human head due to variation of dielectric properties at 1800 and 2450 MHz with different antenna substrate materials
Authors: Faruque Mohammad Rashed Iqbal , Islam Mohammad Tariqul , Ullah Mohammad Habib 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe aim of this study was to consider a possible discrepancy in electromagnetic (EM) absorption in the human head. The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method with the lossy Drude model was adopted in this study. Here, the permittivity and conductivity of all head tissues were increased from 10% to 20% except when not using the same exposure conditions. Recognizable mobile phone frequencies of 1800 and 2450 MHz were studied in this simulation. The increase of up to 20% in conductivity and permittivity and varied substrate material always caused an EM absorption variation of 32.59% for specific absorption rate (SAR) 1 g and 35.25% for SAR 10 g at 1800 MHz, and variation of 20.37% for SAR 1 g and 17.99% for SAR 10 g at 2450 MHz, respectively.
Оцінки швидкості збіжності 1-періодичного гіллястого ланцюгового дробу спеціального вигляду
Authors: Bubniak M.M. 
Published: April 2014

Встановлено оцінки швидкості збіжності 1-періодичного гіллястого ланцюгового дробу спеціального вигляду при умовах: якщо один елемент дробу належить комплексній площині з розрізом ($-\infty; -1/4$], а сума модулів інших елементів обмежена деяким числом; а також, якщо елементи належать відповідним параболічним областям чи об'єднанню цих областей, a модулі елементів, починаючи з другого, обемежені
Hessian Fly (Mayetiola destructor [Say]) Resistance Identified on Chromosome 1AS in the Spring Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Cultivar ‘Louise’
Authors: Carter A. H. , Cambron S. E. , Ohm H. W. , Bosque‐Pérez N. A. , Kidwell K. K. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTThe Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor [Say]) is a major yield‐limiting pest in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production systems. Resistant varieties provide the most effective control method. The objectives of this study were to identify the chromosomal location of and molecular markers associated with the Hessian fly resistance from the spring wheat cultivar ‘Louise’. One hundred eighty‐eight F5:6 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a Louise (resistant) × ‘Penawawa’ (susceptible) cross were evaluated for resistance to Hessian fly biotype C and a mixed population originating from field collections in the Pacific Northwest (PNW). Eight to 15 plants per RIL were scored for resistance at Purdue University and the University of Idaho. Data were converted to percentages of susceptible plants within each RIL. Louise and Penawawa had averaged susceptibility values of 15 and 100%, respectively. The RIL population ranged from 0 to 100% susceptible. A genetic linkage map consisting of 320 simple sequence repeat and 8530 single nucleotide polymorphism DNA markers was used for quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis. One QTL, identified as QHf.wak‐1A, was significantly associated with Hessian fly resistance at an average LOD of 26.2 and accounted for 77% of the phenotypic variation. QHf.wak‐1A was localized to a 4.6‐cM region on chromosome 1AS, flanked by markers Xiwb70039 and Xcfd15. Marker, biotype screening, and allelism results indicate that this QTL is different from H9, H11, H5, and H3, but linked to H3 and H5. These data continue to clarify the relationship between Hessian fly genes on chromosome 1AS and would facilitate breeding efforts.
Quality Protein Maize Germplasm Characterized for Amino Acid Profiles and Endosperm Opacity
Authors: Mahan Adam L. , Murray Seth C. , Crosby Kevin , Scott M. Paul 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTQuality protein maize (QPM) is improved over normal (non‐QPM) maize in grain concentrations of the essential amino acids lysine and tryptophan. Quality protein maize has a long history as tropical adapted germplasm, but little effort has been made to incorporate temperate or sub‐tropical germplasm for temperate adaptation and interactions between different modifier loci in these backgrounds are poorly understood. A design‐II mating scheme including new temperate and subtropical lines produced 69 hybrids. Large hybrid genetic variation components resulted in substantial broad‐sense heritability H2 estimates, specifically tryptophan (0.46) and endosperm opacity (0.82). A microbial assay for amino acid estimation proved robust across diverse environments with minimal genotype × environment (G×E) effects. Endosperm opacity had no G×E effects across both Texas and Iowa locations demonstrating stability for this trait. Endosperm opacity primarily followed an additive, midparent trend, with a few hybrids deviating from the trend (36%) suggesting a complex nature of multiple modifier loci across diverse germplasm. The top QPM hybrid outperformed the top commercial hybrid by 35 and 30% for lysine and tryptophan as a proportion of grain, respectively. QPM line Tx832 was a parent of top hybrids for lysine and tryptophan, and the highest noncommercial hybrids for methionine. Minimal correlations with yield and other traits suggest that future breeding should result in QPM hybrids with increasingly competitive yields.
Genetic Diversity of the Canadian Dry Bean Varieties Released Since 1930: A Pedigree Analysis
Authors: Navabi A. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTA pedigree database of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) varieties of different market classes released in Canada since 1930 was developed. The coefficient of parentage was estimated for all pair‐wise combinations of varieties, parental and (or) ancestral genotypes. A cluster analysis was employed to study the genetic diversity of dry bean in the Canadian gene pool. The pedigree‐based estimate of genetic diversity (1 − coefficient of parentage) for all dry bean varieties released between 1930 and 2010 was 0.93. This value was smaller for varieties within each evolutionary race, estimated at 0.89 for the varieties of race Durango (pinto, Great Northern, and small red beans), 0.83 for varieties of race Mesoamerica (navy and black), and 0.76 for varieties of race Nueva Granada (kidney and cranberry beans). The results indicated a narrow genetic diversity among the Canadian beans of Andean origin (kidney and cranberry beans), suggesting that the breeding efforts for these market classes would benefit from the introduction of new genetic diversity. Among the small‐seeded beans of race Mesoamerica, varieties ‘Ex‐Rico 23’ (syn. ICA Bunsi) and ‘Seafarer’, the medium‐sized beans of race Durango varieties ‘UI‐111’ and ‘NW‐63’, and the large‐seeded beans of race Nueva Granada varieties, ‘Montcalm’ and ‘California Dark Red Kidney’, were identified as the major progenitors of Canadian dry beans.
A Correlation Study of Caffeine Content with Theobromine Content, cSNPs, and Transcriptional Expression of Three Genes in Tea Plants
Authors: Li Jin , Wei Yan‐Li , Li Ye‐Yun , Pang Lei , Deng Wei‐Wei , Jiang Chang‐Jun 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTCaffeine is an important secondary metabolite of tea plants whose content is affected by multiple factors during its synthesis. In the present study, a series of experiments on different tea cultivars were performed to investigate the following factors that influence the ratio of caffeine content to theobromine content, coding single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (cSNPs), and expression levels of three key enzyme genes (TCS1, TIDH, and sAMS). The results revealed a significantly positive correlation with the caffeine and theobromine contents of different tea cultivars. There were 7, 8, and 7 cSNPs in the coding sequences of TCS1, TIDH, and sAMS, respectively. Among them, the TCS1 A995C, TIDH T573A, and sAMS C393T cSNP sites were significantly associated with the caffeine content. Gene expression was detected by the quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) method, and it suggested a significant association of TCS1 expression with caffeine content but not with theobromine content. TIDH and sAMS expression levels had no significant association with either caffeine or theobromine content. Therefore, it could be concluded from the study findings that the following three factors had a significant influence on the biosynthesis of caffeine in tea plants: the precursor theobromine content; SNPs in TCS1, TIDH, and sAMS in the coding region; and TCS1 expression level.