bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Production and use of 13N labeled N2O5 to determine gas–aerosol interaction kinetics
Authors: Gržinić Goran , Bartels-Rausch Thorsten , Birrer Mario , Türler Andreas , Ammann Markus 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Dinitrogen pentoxide has aroused significant interest in atmospheric chemistry because of its importance in the night time chemistry of
nitrogen oxides to influence the tropospheric oxidation capacity. We have used an established method of 13N production to
synthesize 13N labeled N2O5 for the first time in order to study N2O5 uptake kinetics on aerosol
particles. 13N is produced via the 16O(p, α)13N reaction in a gas target attached to
the IP2 endstation of the Injector 2 cyclotron at PSI. The 13NO produced in the gas target is transported to a laboratory
where it is mixed, under dry conditions, with non-labeled NO and O3 in a gas reactor, giving 13NNO5. The
N2O5 thus produced is fed into an aerosol flow tube together with a humidified aerosol gas flow. The gaseous species
present in the resulting gas flow are selectively separated via a narrow parallel plate diffusion denuder system, while
aerosol particles can be trapped on a particle filter placed at the end of the denuder system. The activity of the 13N
labeled species trapped on the denuder plates and in the particle filter can be monitored via scintillation counters.
A system for the routine online production of 13N labeled N2O5 has been assembled and used to assess the
conformity of the results by kinetic modeling of gas phase N2O5 chemistry, showing good agreement. A few exemplary
experiments of uptake of labelled N2O5 to ammonium sulfate and citric acid particles are presented that are in good
agreement with results obtained with other methods reported in the literature.
Gene set analysis for GWAS: assessing the use of modified Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistics
Authors: Debrabant Birgit , Soerensen Mette 
Published: August 2014

AbstractWe discuss the use of modified Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) statistics in the context of gene set analysis and review corresponding null and alternative hypotheses. Especially, we show that, when enhancing the impact of highly significant genes in the calculation of the test statistic, the corresponding test can be considered to infer the classical self-contained null hypothesis. We use simulations to estimate the power for different kinds of alternatives, and to assess the impact of the weight parameter of the modified KS statistic on the power. Finally, we show the analogy between the weight parameter and the genesis and distribution of the gene-level statistics, and illustrate the effects of differential weighting in a real-life example.
Political and Economic Effects on Greenhouse Gas Emissions – a Quantitative Study
Authors: Lægreid Ole Martin 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis study examines whether there is a curve linear relationship between economic development and greenhouse gas emissions, where poor and rich countries have low emissions while middle-income countries have high emissions. This is a controversial argument that suggests that persistent economic growth is the best means for achieving considerable emission reductions. The study contributes with new knowledge about the causes of variations in greenhouse gas emissions, by analyzing data for greenhouse gas emissions and testing economic explanations in relation to a broad array of political explanations. As the study demonstrates, there is a curve linear relationship between the level of economic development and greenhouse gas emissions, but the turning point – where a higher level of economic development starts to produce lower rather than higher emission levels – is far higher than previously thought. Among the study’s sample of countries, only the Scandinavian countries and Switzerland have experienced a sufficiently high level of economic development in order for increased wealth to result in lower emissions. Among the political impacts on greenhouse gas emissions, the study indicates that countries with consensual political systems produce lower emission levels than countries where the separation of powers is more centralized. A more robust “green” civil society leads to lower emissions in countries where the democratic system is functioning well, and ambitious targets regarding reduction of emissions in the Kyoto Protocol also seems to lower emissions.
Los continuos dialectales de la lengua española
Authors: Coloma Germán 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
El presente trabajo busca identificar los principales continuos dialectales de la lengua española a través de la comparación de ocho características fonéticas (seseo, yeísmo, aspiración de /s/, aspiración de /x/, asibilación de /ʝ/, asibilación de /r/, velarización de /n/ y desafricación de /tʃ/) que sirven para delimitar zonas dialectales. Utilizando un criterio dialectométrico amplio, se llega a la conclusión de que en el mundo hispanohablante existen dos grandes continuos dialectales: uno que abarca el norte, centro y este de la península ibérica (continuo peninsular norteño) y otro que abarca Hispanoamérica y las Islas Canarias (continuo latinoamericano). Aplicando un criterio más estrecho, el primero de tales continuos dialectales queda dividido en dos, y el segundo queda dividido en seis. Con cualquiera de los dos criterios, la zona andaluza queda fragmentada en dos áreas (Andalucía oriental y Andalucía occidental), y la última de ellas no forma parte de ningún continuo dialectal.
Study of Steam and Microwave Curing of Concretes Containing Slag, Fly Ash, or Silica Fume
Authors: Lee Ming-Ju , Lee Ming-Gin , Wang Yung-Chih , Huang Yishuo , Wang Wei-Chien 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
This study investigates the effects of steam and microwave curing on concretes containing fly ash, blast-furnace slag, or silica fume. Two steam curing treatments, four microwave curing times, and four types of concrete mix were used in this study. The test results indicated that microwave heating could further increase the compressive strength of mortar and concrete. Pozzolanic reaction of silica fume, fly ash, and blast-furnace slag was observed to be further promoted by steam-microwave curing. Mortar and concrete samples with 10 % silica fume added responded well to microwave curing. The strength gain development of mortar and concrete appeared to level off after 40 min of microwave curing. Thus, a 40-min microwave heating time appeared to be the optimal time for energy saving consideration. The microwave-cured concrete did not show an increase in permeability relative to the concrete that was steam-cured, but showed an increase in strength. Thus, the microwave techniques could provide the advantage of quick and uniform heating for curing of cement mortar and concrete.
Small Geographic Area Variations in Prescription Drug Use
Authors: Weinstein Shelsey J. , House Samantha A. , Chang Chiang-Hua , Wasserman Jared R. , Goodman David C. , Morden Nancy E. 
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND:
Despite the frequency of pediatric prescribing little is known about practice differences across small geographic regions and payer type (Medicaid and commercial).

OBJECTIVE:
The goal of this research was to quantify variation in prescription drug use among northern New England children.

METHODS:
Northern New England, all-payer administrative data (2007–2010) permitted study of prescriptions for 949 821 children ages 0 to 17 years (1.75 million person-years [PYs]; 54% Medicaid, 46% commercial). Age- and gender adjusted overall and drug group–specific prescription use was quantified according to payer type (Medicaid or commercial) and within payer type across 69 hospital service areas (HSAs). We measured prescription fills per PY (rate) and annual, mean percentage of the population with any drug group–specific fills (prevalence).

RESULTS:
Overall mean annual prescriptions per PY were 3.4 (commercial) and 5.5 (Medicaid). Generally, these payer type differences were smaller than HSA-level variation within payer type. HSA-level rates of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder drug use (5th–95th percentile) varied twofold in Medicaid and more than twofold in commercially insured children; HSA-level antidepressant use varied more than twofold within each payer type. Antacid use varied threefold across HSAs and was highest in infants where commercial use paradoxically exceeded Medicaid. Prevalence of drug use varied as much as rates across HSAs.

CONCLUSIONS:
Prescription use was higher among Medicaid-insured than commercially insured children. Regional variation generally exceeded payer type differences, especially for drugs used in situations of diagnostic and therapeutic uncertainty. Efforts should advance best pediatric prescribing discussions and shared decision-making.
Herpes PCR Testing and Empiric Acyclovir Use Beyond the Neonatal Period
Authors: Gaensbauer James T. , Birkholz Meghan , Pfannenstein Kari , Todd James K. 
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND:
Diagnostic strategies based on empirical testing and treatment to identify herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in neonates may not be appropriate for older children in whom the most common presentation of severe infection is encephalitis, a rare and clinically recognizable condition.

METHODS:
Use of acyclovir in infants and children in 6 common non-HSV infection–related diagnosis-related groups was characterized between 1999 and 2012 at 15 US pediatric hospitals by using the Pediatric Health Information System database. Characteristics of non-neonatal patients at 1 institution tested for HSV encephalitis over a 6.5-year period were then analyzed to identify factors associated with potentially unnecessary testing and treatment.

RESULTS:
Acyclovir use increased from 7.6% to 15.6% (P &lt; .001) from 1999 to 2012. Much of this increase came in infants 30 to 60 days of age (82.7% increase, P &lt; .001) and in patients with milder disease severity (44.8% increase, P &lt; .001). Length of stay was increased by 2 days for children treated with acyclovir (P &lt; .001). At our institution, 1394 HSV cerebrospinal fluid polymerase chain reactions were performed in children &gt;30 days old, with only 3 positive results (0.22%). Comparison of the 3 subjects with positive testing and 55 with negative testing revealed that all cases, but only 4% (95% confidence interval 1.2%–14.0%) of noncases had clinical characteristics typical of HSV encephalitis.

CONCLUSIONS:
Strategies for diagnosis and empirical treatment of suspected HSV encephalitis beyond the neonatal period have trended toward the approach common for neonates without evidence of an increase in disease incidence. This may result in increased medical costs and risk to patients.
The Association of Hospital Spending Intensity and Cancer Outcomes: A Population-Based Study in an Asian Country
Authors: Chang Ting-Shou , Huang Kuang-Yung , Chang Chun-Ming , Lin Chun-Hsuan , Su Yu-Chieh , Lee Ching-Chih 
Published: August 2014

Abstract

Background.
Different results are reported for the relationship between regional variation in medical spending and disease prognosis for acute illness and for cancer. Our objective was to investigate the association between hospital medical care spending intensity and mortality rates in cancer patients.

Methods.
A total of 80,597 patients with incident cancer diagnosed in 2002 were identified from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, Republic of China. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to compare the 5-year survival rates of patients treated at hospitals with different spending intensities after adjusting for possible confounding and risk factors.

Results.
After adjustment for patient characteristics, treatment modality, and hospital volume, an association was found between lower hospital spending intensity and poorer survival rates. The 5-year survival rate expressed by hazard ratios was 1.36 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.30–1.43, p &lt; .001) for colorectal cancer, 1.18 (95% CI: 1.08–1.29, p &lt; .001) for lung cancer, 1.13 (95% CI: 1.05–1.22, p = .002) for hepatoma, 1.16 (95% CI: 1.07–1.26, p &lt; .001) for breast cancer, and 1.23 (95% CI: 1.10–1.39, p = .001) for prostate cancer.

Conclusion.
Our preliminary findings indicate that higher hospital spending intensity was associated with lower mortality rates in patients being treated for lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, hepatoma, or head and neck cancer. The cancer stages were unavailable in this series, and more research linked with the primary data may be necessary to clearly address this issue.
Real-World Study of Everolimus in Advanced Progressive Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Panzuto Francesco , Rinzivillo Maria , Fazio Nicola , de Braud Filippo , Luppi Gabriele , Zatelli Maria Chiara , Lugli Francesca , Tomassetti Paola , Riccardi Ferdinando , Nuzzo Carmen , Brizzi Maria Pia , Faggiano Antongiulio , Zaniboni Alberto , Nobili Elisabetta , Pastorelli Davide , Cascinu Stefano , Merlano Marco , Chiara Silvana , Antonuzzo Lorenzo , Funaioli Chiara , Spada Francesca , Pusceddu Sara , Fontana Annalisa , Ambrosio Maria Rosaria , Cassano Alessandra , Campana Davide , Cartenì Giacomo , Appetecchia Marialuisa , Berruti Alfredo , Colao Annamaria , Falconi Massimo , Delle Fave Gianfranco 
Published: August 2014

AbstractEverolimus is a valid therapeutic option for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs); however, data in a real-world setting outside regulatory trials are sparse. The aim of this study was to determine everolimus tolerability and efficacy, in relation to previous treatments, in a compassionate use program. A total of 169 patients with advanced progressive NETs treated with everolimus were enrolled, including 85 with pancreatic NETs (pNETs) and 84 with nonpancreatic NETs (non-pNETs). Previous treatments included somatostatin analogs (92.9%), peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT; 50.3%), chemotherapy (49.7%), and PRRT and chemotherapy (22.8%). Overall, 85.2% of patients experienced adverse events (AEs), which were severe (grade 3–4) in 46.1%. The most frequent severe AEs were pneumonitis (8.3%), thrombocytopenia (7.7%), anemia (5.3%), and renal failure (3.5%). In patients previously treated with PRRT and chemotherapy, a 12-fold increased risk for severe toxicity was observed, with grade 3–4 AEs reported in 86.8% (vs. 34.3% in other patients). In addition, 63.3% of patients required temporarily everolimus discontinuation due to toxicity. Overall, 27.8% of patients died during a median follow-up of 12 months. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 12 months and 32 months, respectively. Similar disease control rates, PFS, and OS were reported in pNETs and non-pNETs. In the real-world setting, everolimus is safe and effective for the treatment of NETs of different origins. Higher severe toxicity occurred in patients previously treated with systemic chemotherapy and PRRT. This finding prompts caution when using this drug in pretreated patients and raises the issue of planning for everolimus before PRRT and chemotherapy in the therapeutic algorithm for advanced NETs.
A Community-Based Multicenter Trial of Pharmacokinetically Guided 5-Fluorouracil Dosing for Personalized Colorectal Cancer Therapy
Authors: Patel Jai N. , O'Neil Bert H. , Deal Allison M. , Ibrahim Joseph G. , Sherrill Gary B. , Olajide Oludamilola A. , Atluri Prashanti M. , Inzerillo John J. , Chay Christopher H. , McLeod Howard L. , Walko Christine M. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract

Background.
Pharmacokinetically guided (PK-guided) versus body surface area-based 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) dosing results in higher response rates and better tolerability. A paucity of data exists on PK-guided 5-FU dosing in the community setting.

Patients and Methods.
Seventy colorectal cancer patients, from one academic and five community cancer centers, received the mFOLFOX6 regimen (5-FU 2,400 mg/m2 over 46 hours every 2 weeks) with or without bevacizumab at cycle 1. The 5-FU continuous-infusion dose was adjusted for cycles 2–4 using a PK-guided algorithm to achieve a literature-based target area under the concentration-time curve (AUC). The primary objective was to demonstrate that PK-guided 5-FU dosing improves the ability to achieve a target AUC within four cycles of therapy. The secondary objective was to demonstrate reduced incidence of 5-FU-related toxicities.

Results.
At cycles 1 and 4, 27.7% and 46.8% of patients achieved the target AUC (20–25 mg × hour/L), respectively (odds ratio [OR]: 2.20; p = .046). Significantly more patients were within range at cycle 4 compared with a literature rate of 20% (p &lt; .0001). Patients had significantly higher odds of not being underdosed at cycle 4 versus cycle 1 (OR: 2.29; p = .037). The odds of a patient being within range increased by 30% at each subsequent cycle (OR: 1.30; p = .03). Less grade 3/4 mucositis and diarrhea were observed compared with historical data (1.9% vs 16% and 5.6% vs 12%, respectively); however, rates of grade 3/4 neutropenia were similar (33% vs 25%–50%).

Conclusion.
PK-guided 5-FU dosing resulted in significantly fewer underdosed patients and less gastrointestinal toxicity and allows for the application of personalized colorectal cancer therapy in the community setting.
Effects of Segmentation and Skeletonization Algorithms on Pore Networks and Predicted Multiphase-Transport Properties of Reservoir-Rock Samples
Authors: Idowu N.A.. A. , Nardi C.. , Long H.. , Varslot T.. , Øren P.E.. E. 
Published: August 2014

Summary
Networks of large pores connected by narrower throats (pore networks) are essential inputs into network models that are routinely used to predict transport properties from digital rock images. Extracting pore networks from microcomputed-tomography (micro-CT) images of rocks involves a number of steps: filtering, segmentation, skeletonization, and others. Because of the amount of clay and its distribution, the segmentation of micro-CT images is not trivial, and different algorithms exist for achieving this. Similarly, several methods are available for skeletonizing the segmented images and for extracting the pore networks. The nonuniqueness of these processes raises questions about the predictive power of network models. In the present work, we evaluate the effects of these processes on the computed petrophysical and multiphase-flow properties of reservoir-rock samples.
By use of micro-CT images of reservoir sandstones, we first apply three different segmentation algorithms and assess the effects of the different algorithms on estimated porosity, amount of clay, and clay distribution. Single-phase properties are computed directly on the segmented images and compared with experimental data. Next, we extract skeletons from the segmented images by use of three different algorithms. On the pore networks generated from the different skeletons, we simulate two-phase oil/ water and three-phase gas/oil/water displacements by use of a quasistatic pore-network model.
Analysis of the segmentation results shows differences in the amount of clay, in the total porosity, and in the computed singlephase properties. Simulated results show that there are differences in the network-predicted single-phase properties as well. However, predicted multiphase-transport properties from the different networks are in good agreement. This indicates that the topology of the pore space is well preserved in the extracted skeleton. Comparison of the computed capillary pressure and relative permeability curves for all networks with available experimental data shows good agreements.
By use of a segmentation that captures porosity and microporosity, we show that the extracted networks can be used to reliably predict multiphase-transport properties, irrespective of the algorithms used.
The Experience of Being an Old Never-Married Single: A Life Course Perspective
Authors: Band-Winterstein Tova , Manchik-Rimon Carmit 
Published: August 2014

Purpose of the study: To explore the aging experience of the “over 60” group of singles who have never been married and have no children. How they experience their aging process in terms of their singlehood and vice versa. Design and Methods: A qualitative-phenomenological approach was adopted. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 participants aged 60 to 87. Results: Four major themes emerged: (a) “How come I stayed single?” (b) Between loneliness, aloneness and solitude. (c) “I have to take care of myself in old age.” (d) The self behind prejudices and stereotypes. Implications: As the normative expectation is to live with partners, children, and grandchildren, they need to account for their alternative choice and give meaning to being a never married single. This meaning is expressed by constructing their self-identity and accepting their way of life.
Contribution of Liraglutide in the Fixed-Ratio Combination of Insulin Degludec and Liraglutide (IDegLira)
Authors: Buse John B. , Vilsbøll Tina , Thurman Jerry , Blevins Thomas C. , Langbakke Irene H. , Bøttcher Susanne G. , Rodbard Helena W. 
Published: August 2014

OBJECTIVE
Insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) is a novel combination of insulin degludec (IDeg) and liraglutide. This trial investigated the contribution of the liraglutide component of IDegLira versus IDeg alone on efficacy and safety in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
In a 26-week, double-blind trial, patients with type 2 diabetes (A1C 7.5–10.0% [58–86 mmol/mol]) on basal insulin (20–40 units) and metformin with or without sulfonylurea/glinides were randomized (1:1) to once-daily IDegLira + metformin or IDeg + metformin with titration aiming for fasting plasma glucose between 4 and 5 mmol/L. Maximum allowed doses were 50 dose steps (equal to 50 units IDeg plus 1.8 mg liraglutide) and 50 units for IDeg. The primary end point was change in A1C from baseline.

RESULTS
A total of 413 patients were randomized (mean A1C 8.8% [73 mmol/mol]; BMI 33.7 kg/m2). IDeg dose, alone or as part of IDegLira, was equivalent (45 units). A1C decreased by 1.9% (21 mmol/mol) with IDegLira and by 0.9% (10 mmol/mol) with IDeg (estimated treatment difference −1.1% [95% CI −1.3, −0.8], −12 mmol/mol [95% CI −14, −9; P &lt; 0.0001). Mean weight reduction with IDegLira was 2.7 kg vs. no weight change with IDeg, P &lt; 0.0001. Hypoglycemia incidence was comparable (24% for IDegLira vs. 25% for IDeg). Overall adverse events were similar, and incidence of nausea was low in both groups (IDegLira 6.5% vs. IDeg 3.5%).

CONCLUSIONS
IDegLira achieved glycemic control superior to that of IDeg at equivalent insulin doses without higher risk of hypoglycemia and with the benefit of weight loss. These findings establish the efficacy and safety of IDegLira and the distinct contribution of the liraglutide component.