bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of IFN‐γ Gene Polymorphisms on Spontaneous Clearance of HCV Infection in Fars Province, Southern of Iran
Authors: Sarvari Jamal , Moattari Afagh , Pirbonyeh Neda , Moini Maryam , Hosseini Seyed Younes 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundCertain polymorphisms in cytokine genes such as IFN‐γ may influence the outcome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Here the frequency of the genotype, allele, and haplotype of IFN‐γ gene at some loci is investigated in HCV‐infected patients.MethodsTotally 255 patients with chronic HCV infection and 44 spontaneously cleared individuals were included. The chronic or clearance states were confirmed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and two different qualitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) techniques. IFN‐γ gene polymorphisms were performed by PCR using sequence‐specific primers and PCR‐RLFP on extracted genomic DNA.ResultsThe frequency of GG genotype (P = 0.0001, OR: 5.69 and CI: 2.21–14.62) and allele (P = 0.0003, OR: 2.73 and CI: 1.54–4.83) of IFN‐γ gene at +2109 locus was significantly higher in cases that spontaneously cleared the infection. Haplotype analysis showed the association of AG haplotype (P = 0.0046, OR = 6.14 and CI = 1.56–25) with spontaneous clearance of the infection.ConclusionOur finding indicated that individuals with GG genotype at +2109 loci of IFN‐γ gene and also AG haplotype (A allele at +874 loci and G allele at +2109 loci) may clear HCV infection more frequently than those with AA and AG genotype at +2109 loci and AA, TA, and TG haplotype.
Ceiling art in a radiation therapy department: its effect on patient treatment experience
Authors: Bonett Jotham 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIntroductionA new initiative has been implemented at the Sunshine Hospital Radiation Therapy Centre, to provide a calming and comforting environment for patients attending radiation therapy treatment. As part of this initiative, the department's computed tomography (CT) room and radiation therapy bunkers were designed to incorporate ceiling art that replicates a number of different visual scenes. The study was undertaken to determine if ceiling art in the radiation therapy treatment CT and treatment bunkers had an effect on a patient's experience during treatment at the department. Additionally, the study aimed to identify which of the visuals in the ceiling art were most preferred by patients.MethodsPatients were requested to complete a 12‐question survey. The survey solicited a patient's opinion/perception on the unit's unique ceiling display with emphasis on aesthetic appeal, patient treatment experience and the patient's engagement due to the ceiling display. The responses were dichotomised to ‘positive’ or ‘negative’. Every sixth patient who completed the survey was invited to have a general face‐to‐face discussion to provide further information about their thoughts on the displays.ResultsThe results demonstrate that the ceiling artwork solicited a positive reaction in 89.8% of patients surveyed. This score indicates that ceiling artwork contributed positively to patients’ experiences during radiation therapy treatment.ConclusionThe study suggests that ceiling artwork in the department has a positive effect on patient experience during their radiation therapy treatment at the department.
Effect of Ti:sapphire laser on shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets to ceramic surfaces
Authors: Erdur Emire Aybuke , Basciftci Faruk Ayhan 
Published: May 2015

Background and ObjectivesWith increasing demand for orthodontic treatments in adults, orthodontists continue to debate the optimal way to prepare ceramic surfaces for bonding. This study evaluated the effects of a Ti:sapphire laser on the shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets bonded to two ceramic surfaces (feldspathic and IPS Empress e‐Max) and the results were compared with those using two other lasers (Er:YAG and Nd:YAG) and ‘conventional’ techniques, i.e., sandblasting (50 µm) and hydrofluoric (HF) acid.Materials and MethodsIn total, 150 ceramic discs were prepared and divided into two groups. In each group, the following five subgroups were prepared: Ti:sapphire laser, Nd:YAG laser, Er:YAG laser, sandblasting, and HF acid. Mandibular incisor brackets were bonded using a light‐cured adhesive. The samples were stored in distilled water for 24 hours at 37°C and then thermocycled. Extra samples were prepared and examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SBS testing was performed and failure modes were classified. ANOVA and Tukey's HSD tests were used to compare SBS among the five subgroups (P < 0.05).ResultsFeldspathic and IPS Empress e‐Max ceramics had similar SBS values. The Ti:sapphire femtosecond laser (16.76 ± 1.37 MPa) produced the highest mean bond strength, followed by sandblasting (12.79 ± 1.42 MPa) and HF acid (11.28 ± 1.26 MPa). The Er:YAG (5.43 ± 1.21 MPa) and Nd:YAG laser (5.36 ± 1.04 MPa) groups were similar and had the lowest SBS values. More homogeneous and regular surfaces were observed in the ablation pattern with the Ti:sapphire laser than with the other treatments by SEM analysis.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this in vitro study, Ti:sapphire laser‐ treated surfaces had the highest SBS values. Therefore, this technique may be useful for the pretreatment of ceramic surfaces as an alternative to ‘conventional’ techniques. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:512–519, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation of pH‐Responsive Amphoteric Glycogen Hydrogels by α‐Glucan Phosphorylase‐Catalyzed Successive Enzymatic Reactions
Authors: Takata Yusei , Yamamoto Kazuya , Kadokawa Jun‐ichi 
Published: May 2015

The thermostable α‐glucan phosphorylase‐catalyzed enzymatic α‐glucuronylation and subsequent α‐glucosaminylation of glycogen using α‐d‐glucuronic acid 1‐phosphate (GlcA‐1‐P) and α‐d‐glucosamine 1‐phosphate (GlcN‐1‐P), respectively, produce amphoteric glycogens. The products exhibit the inherent isoelectric points, which change depending on the GlcA/GlcN ratios. Chain elongation of amyloses from the nonfunctionalized, nonreducing ends of the products through the thermostable α‐glucan phosphorylase‐catalyzed enzymatic polymerization of α‐d‐glucose 1‐phosphate monomers is demonstrated to yield amphoteric glycogen hydrogels. The produced hydrogels exhibit pH‐responsive behavior.
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How electrodiagnosis predicts clinical outcome of focal peripheral nerve lesions
Authors: Robinson Lawrence R. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTThis article reviews the electrodiagnostic (EDX) prognostic factors for focal traumatic and nontraumatic peripheral nerve injuries. Referring physicians and patients often benefit from general and nerve‐specific prognostic information from the EDX consultant. Knowing the probable outcome from a nerve injury allows the referring physician to choose the best treatment options for his/her patients. Nerve injuries are variable in their mechanism, location, and pathophysiology. The general effects of the injuries on nerve and muscle are well known, but more research is needed for nerve‐specific information. Several factors currently known to influence prognosis include: nature of the nerve trauma, amount of axon loss, recruitment in muscles supplied by the nerve, the extent of demyelination, and the distance to reinnervate functional muscles. This article reviews these general concepts and also nerve‐specific EDX measures that predict outcome after focal neuropathies. Muscle Nerve 52:321–333, 2015
Is self‐reported adherence associated with clinical outcomes in women treated with anticholinergic medication for overactive bladder?
Authors: Andy Uduak U. , Arya Lily A. , Smith Ariana L. , Propert Kathleen J. , Bogner Hillary R. , Colavita Kristen , Harvie Heidi S. 
Published: May 2015

AimTo determine the association between self‐reported adherence to anticholinergic medication and clinical outcomes in women with overactive bladder (OAB).MethodsA prospective study of women with OAB treated with fesoterodine for 8 weeks. Adherence to medication was measured using the Medication Adherence Self‐report Inventory (MASRI). A self reported adherence rate of ≥80% was considered adherent. The association between self‐reported adherence and clinical outcomes (Global Index of Improvement, Global impression of Severity, urinary symptom and quality of life scores) was examined. We hypothesized that adherent women would have greater improvement in urinary symptoms and quality of life than non‐adherent women.ResultsBased on the MASRI, 115 (62.5%) women were adherent and 69 (37.5%) were non‐adherent to anticholinergic medication at 8weeks. Adherent women were more likely to report overall improvement in their symptoms compared to non‐adherent women (84% vs. 24%, P < 0.001). Significantly more non‐adherent women described their bladder symptoms as “moderate” or “severe” at 8 weeks compared to adherent women (74% vs. 44%, P = 0.03). At 8 weeks, adherent women reported significantly greater improvement (change) in urinary symptoms from baseline to 8 weeks than non‐adherent women (−13.3 ± 25.8 vs. 2.5 ± 14.4, P = 0.04). Similarly, adherent women reported greater improvement in quality of life scores than non‐adherent women (− 7.9 ± 24.0 vs. −1.8 ± 11.9, P = 0.003).ConclusionSelf‐reported non‐adherence, as measured by the MASRI, is associated with clinically meaningful outcomes in women with OAB. This further validates the MASRI as a clinically useful tool for measuring adherence to anticholinergic medications in women with OAB. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:738–742, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surface Modification of Boron‐Doped Diamond with Microcrystalline Copper Phthalocyanine: Oxygen Reduction Catalysis
Authors: Gan Patrick , Foord John S. , Compton Richard G. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractSurface modification of boron‐doped diamond (BDD) with copper phthalocyanine was achieved using a simple and convenient dropcast deposition, giving rise to a microcrystalline structure. Both unmodified and modified BDD electrodes of different surface terminations (namely hydrogen and oxygen) were compared via the electrochemical reduction of oxygen in aqueous solution. A significant lowering of the cathodic overpotential by about 500 mV was observed after modification of hydrogen‐terminated (hydrophobic) diamond, while no voltammetric peak was seen on modified oxidised (hydrophilic) diamond, signifying greater interaction between copper phthalocyanine and the hydrogen‐terminated BDD. Oxygen reduction was found to undergo a two‐electron process on the modified hydrogen‐terminated diamond, which was shown to be also active for the reduction of hydrogen peroxide. The lack of a further conversion of the peroxide was attributed to its rapid diffusion away from the triple phase boundary at which the reaction is expected to exclusively occur.
Morphological Transformation Reactions of Photocatalytic Metalloporphyrin‐Containing Coordination Polymer Particles from Seed Structures
Authors: Sun Yu , Yoo Bongyoung 
Published: May 2015

AbstractCoordination polymer particles have attracted a great deal of attention due to their characteristic properties and diverse applications in the fields of gas storage, catalysis, optics, sensing, electronics, photochemistry, and biology. Herein, we investigated shape transformation reactions of zinc 5, 10, 15, 20‐tetra(4‐pyridyl)‐21 H, 23 H‐porphine (ZnTPyP)‐containing coordination polymer particles (ZnTPyP−CPPs) from seed structures by delicately controlling the Gibbs energy of the self‐assembly system. We obtained a morphological transformation from 1 D short nanorods to 1 D long nanorods and 3 D nano‐octahedral structures, and from 3 D nano‐octahedral structures to 1 D nanorod structures. We illustrated a new method to design and synthesize metalloporphyrin‐containing CPPs in a controllable manner. Furthermore, photocatalytic properties of ZnTPyP−CPPs were tested, showing good catalytic abilities towards the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light illumination.
Effect of crosslinking polymer networks on the molecular reorientation and electro‐optical performance of in‐plane switching vertically aligned liquid crystal devices
Authors: Lin Guan‐Jhong , Chen Tien‐Jung , Lee Ming‐Jui , Wu Jin‐Jei , Lai Kun‐Yu , Yang Ying‐Jay 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTThe effects of crosslinking polymer networks (PNs) on the molecular reorientation and electro‐optical properties of vertically aligned (VA) liquid crystal (LC) devices are investigated by applying an in‐plane switching (IPS) electric field. Through the polymerization process, crosslinking PNs are developed on the substrate surface, effectively increasing the anchoring energy and governing the LC molecular reorientation. With its stronger anchoring effect, the PNs cell shows good light transmittance and excellent vertical alignment quality, as compared to the pure LC cell. Furthermore, the alignment transformation and transmittance bounce resulting from the transient process of LC molecular reorientation are eliminated when the cell is operated at high voltages. The rising‐time (tr) and falling‐time (tf) responses of the PNs cell are significantly improved, and around 36% improvement in the optical switching response is obtained. In addition, the dynamic gray‐level tr and tf responses of the PNs cell are enhanced by around 55% and 42%, respectively, at a low driving voltage (∼12 V). This developed VA‐IPS LC/PNs cell benefits not only the LC molecular alignment but also the electro‐optical performance. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 1123–1130
Seasonal changes in vertical canopy structure in a temperate broadleaved forest in Korea
Authors: Song Youngkeun , Ryu Youngryel 
Published: May 2015

AbstractField measurements of vertical canopy structure have been challenging for decades and still important for understanding forest ecosystems. We measured the vertical canopy structure and its seasonal changes in a temperate deciduous forest canopy in Gwangneung, Korea. Time‐series measurements of leaf area index (LAI) were collected in 2013 from a five story (4‐m vertical intervals) tower. We evaluated crown depth and species composition by height from a vegetation survey. The vertical distribution of leaf and woody area density was described from measurements taken during the leaf‐on and leaf‐off seasons, and averaged 0.18 and 0.04 m2 m−3, respectively. Three strata were characterized: (1) the dense upper crowns with large trees (>16‐m) of Quercus serrata, in which 29.3 % of the plant materials were distributed; (2) abundant foliage dominated by Carpinus laxiflora at about 16‐m (40.8 %); and (3) a diverse and well‐developed understory vegetation at about 4‐m (15.5 %), consisting of C. laxiflora, Carnipus cordata, and Styrax japonica communities. Per‐layer phenology of each species was successfully illustrated by the drastic increase in LAI during the leaf‐out season [days of the year (DOY) 110–140], the full‐leaved stage LAI of 3.4 ± 0.9 m2 m−2 (mean ±1 standard deviation), and a decrease during the leaf‐fall season (DOY 280–320). The seasonal variation in gap fractions reflected different light conditions varying with canopy height. This type of vertical profile archive is valuable not only for comparing the structure of various forests but also for monitoring changes in this ecosystem in the future.
A Vascular Access Team's Journey to Central Venous Catheter and Arterial Line Placement
Authors: Girgenti Constance , Donnellan Elizabeth , Smith Teon 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Background: The frequency with which vascular access specialists (VASs) are placing peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCS) has allowed for the improvement and expansion of the skill set by using advanced insertion techniques such as the modified Seldinger technique and ultrasound for real-time imaging. The use of real-time imaging has decreased complications such as arterial puncture and has improved success rates. Due to this positive influence on patient outcomes, many VASs are moving to the placement of central venous catheters (CVC).
Method: We describe the service improvement process of expanding a vascular access team (VAT) practice to include the placement of CVCs and arterial lines in a large community hospital in Illinois. We also outline the history of vascular access and the journey of a VAT.
Results: By following a methodic approach toward implementation of practice expansion, our VAT has gone from solely placing PICCS to the placement of CVCs in the internal jugular, axillary/subclavian, and femoral veins and to the placement of arterial lines.
Conclusions: VASs have the capacity to positively influence patient safety and outcomes even further by placing CVCs, rather than simply staying with the current scope of practice by placing intravenous lines, midlines, and PICCs. Patient outcomes will improve as VASs move to the placement of CVCs, and the costs associated with potential complications will improve also. Moving to the placement of CVCs is vital to the specialty of vascular access and will continue the breadth and depth of service provided by VASs.
DYNAMIC EFFECTS OF DROUGHT ON U.S. CROP AND LIVESTOCK SECTORS
Authors: LEISTER AMANDA M. , PAARLBERG PHILIP L. , LEE JOHN G. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis study investigates the long-term adjustments to drought by crop and livestock sectors using a dynamic partial equilibrium quarterly model of the U.S. agricultural economy. Results show that short-term drought effects including increases in crop and forage prices are in tandem with decreased live cattle prices resulting from drought-induced beef cattle herd liquidation. Crop price increases in the long run cause livestock inventory reductions, leading to fewer animals moving through the U.S. meat supply chain and increased livestock prices. Longer-term market adjustments cause a significant decrease in consumer surplus, and prolonged drought amplifies and extends the model-predicted results.
Enhancing the Relevance of Incident Management Systems in Public Health Emergency Preparedness: A Novel Conceptual Framework
Authors: Bochenek Richard , Grant Moira , Schwartz Brian 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWe outline a conceptual framework developed to meet the needs of public health professionals in the province of Ontario for incident management system-related education and training. By using visual models, this framework applies a public health lens to emergency management, introducing concepts relevant to public health and thereby shifting the focus of emergency preparedness from a strict “doctrine” to a more dynamic and flexible approach grounded in the traditional principles of incident management systems. These models provide a foundation for further exploration of the theoretical foundations for public health emergency preparedness in practice. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:415–422)
Residence in Skilled Nursing Facilities Is Associated with Tigecycline Nonsusceptibility in Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: van Duin David , Cober Eric , Richter Sandra S. , Perez Federico , Kalayjian Robert C. , Salata Robert A. , Evans Scott , Fowler Vance G. , Bonomo Robert A. , Kaye Keith S. 
Published: May 2015

OBJECTIVETo determine the rates of and risk factors for tigecycline nonsusceptibility among carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKPs) isolated from hospitalized patientsDESIGNMulticenter prospective observational studySETTINGAcute care hospitals participating in the Consortium on Resistance against Carbapenems in Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRaCKle)PATIENTSA cohort of 287 patients who had CRKPs isolated from clinical cultures during hospitalizationMETHODSFor the period from December 24, 2011 to October 1, 2013, the first hospitalization of each patient with a CRKP during which tigecycline susceptibility for the CRKP isolate was determined was included. Clinical data were entered into a centralized database, including data regarding pre-hospital origin. Breakpoints established by the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) were used to interpret tigecycline susceptibility testing.RESULTSOf 287 patients included in the final cohort, 155 (54%) had tigecycline-susceptible CRKPs. Of all index isolates, 81 (28%) were tigecycline-intermediate and 51 (18%) were tigecycline resistant. In multivariate modeling, independent risk factors for tigecycline nonsusceptibility were (1) admission from a skilled nursing facility (OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.51–4.21; P=.0004), (2) positive culture within 2 days of admission (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.06–3.15; P=.03), and (3) receipt of tigecycline within 14 days (OR, 4.38, 95% CI, 1.37–17.01, P=.02).CONCLUSIONSIn hospitalized patients with CRKPs, tigecycline nonsusceptibility was more frequently observed in those admitted from skilled nursing facilities and occurred earlier during hospitalization. Skilled nursing facilities are an important target for interventions to decrease antibacterial resistance to antibiotics of last resort for treatment of CRKPs.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;36(8):942–948
Central Compact Objects in Kes 79 and RCW 103 as ‘Hidden’ Magnetars with Crustal Activity
Authors: Popov S. B. , Kaurov A. A. , Kaminker A. D. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWe propose that observations of ‘hidden’ magnetars in central compact objects can be used to probe crustal activity of neutron stars with large internal magnetic fields. Estimates based on calculations by Perna & Pons, Pons & Rea and Kaminker et al. suggest that central compact objects, which are proposed to be ‘hidden’ magnetars, must demonstrate flux variations on the time scale of months–years. However, the most prominent candidate for the ‘hidden’ magnetars — CXO J1852.6+0040 in Kes 79 — shows constant (within error bars) flux. This can be interpreted by lower variable crustal activity than in typical magnetars. Alternatively, CXO J1852.6+0040 can be in a high state of variable activity during the whole period of observations. Then we consider the source 1E161348 − 5055 in RCW103 as another candidate. Employing a simple 2D-modelling we argue that properties of the source can be explained by the crustal activity of the magnetar type. Thus, this object may be supplemented for the three known candidates for the ‘hidden’ magnetars among central compact objects discussed in literature.