bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In‐hospital costs in patients with seizures and epilepsy after stroke
Authors: Guekht Alla , Mizinova Maria , Ershov Andrey , Guz Denis , Kaimovsky Igor , Messina Paolo , Beghi Ettore 
Published: June 2015

SummaryObjectivesTo verify the net effect of seizures after stroke on the use of in‐hospital health care resources.MethodsConsecutive patients with first‐ever stroke were admitted to the stroke unit of a Moscow hospital and followed prospectively until death or discharge. Each patient experiencing seizures was matched for age, sex, stroke type, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at admission, and stroke risk factors to 2+ patients with no seizures, as controls. Resources consumed included length of hospital stay, admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), diagnostic tests, medical consultations and treatments. Cost estimates were based on the Russian National Health Service perspective.ResultsThe sample comprised 30 patients with in‐hospital seizures and 70 matched controls. Patients dying in hospital were 15 of 30 (50%) versus 4 of 70 (5.7%) (p < 0.001). The overall cost of hospital stay was only slightly (nonsignificantly) higher in patients with seizures, but the cost was significantly higher in patients who died than in patients who were discharged alive. Compared to the controls, patients with seizures spent more intensive care unit (ICU) days and required more computed tomography (CT) scans, x‐rays, endoscopies, and specialist consultations, causing higher in‐hospital costs.SignificanceIn patients with first‐ever stroke, seizures per se do not increase the overall in‐hospital costs. However, the higher than expected mortality in patients with seizures is associated with additional hospital costs.
Clinically significant, nontraumatic, degenerative joint disease of the temporomandibular joints in a horse
Authors: Smyth T. , Allen A. L. , Carmalt J. L. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryHorses with degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) have been reported infrequently, with the majority of cases describing the disease as a consequence of an earlier traumatic event. A case of clinically significant TMJ‐DJD due to a nontraumatic event has not been published. This retrospective case report describes a case of bilateral, DJD of the TMJ. Case management, subsequent review and interpretation of the clinical records, tangential radiographic views of each TMJ, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the head, and post mortem histological examination of the TMJs were performed. The horse exhibited both quidding and a ‘clicking’ sound during mastication; episodes of intermittent colic were also prevalent in the horse's history. Computed tomography illustrated bilateral mineralisation of the rostral aspect of both intra‐articular discs. Treatment, by intra‐articular injection of corticosteroid, resulted in temporary resolution of both the quidding and the ‘clicking’ sound, as well as the recurrent episodes of colic. Repeated treatment over time was required. Ultimately the horse was subjected to euthanasia for reasons other than disease of the TMJ. The development of TMJ‐DJD may not be confined to traumatic events. Age‐related degeneration of this joint may occur and manifest through quidding and abnormal sounds noted during mastication.
Rigidity versus flexibility: the dilemma of understanding protein thermal stability
Authors: Karshikoff Andrey , Nilsson Lennart , Ladenstein Rudolf 
Published: June 2015

The role of fluctuations in protein thermostability has recently received considerable attention. In the current literature a dualistic picture can be found: thermostability seems to be associated with enhanced rigidity of the protein scaffold in parallel with the reduction of flexible parts of the structure. In contradiction to such arguments it has been shown by experimental studies and computer simulation that thermal tolerance of a protein is not necessarily correlated with the suppression of internal fluctuations and mobility. Both concepts, rigidity and flexibility, are derived from mechanical engineering and represent temporally insensitive features describing static properties, neglecting that relative motion at certain time scales is possible in structurally stable regions of a protein. This suggests that a strict separation of rigid and flexible parts of a protein molecule does not describe the reality correctly. In this work the concepts of mobility/flexibility versus rigidity will be critically reconsidered by taking into account molecular dynamics calculations of heat capacity and conformational entropy, salt bridge networks, electrostatic interactions in folded and unfolded states, and the emerging picture of protein thermostability in view of recently developed network theories. Last, but not least, the influence of high temperature on the active site and activity of enzymes will be considered.
Detection of malignant cells in serous body fluids by counting high‐fluorescent cells on the Sysmex XN‐2000 hematology analyzer
Authors: Labaere D. , Boeckx N. , Geerts I. , Moens M. , Van den Driessche M. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryIntroductionThe body fluid mode of the Sysmex XN‐2000 hematology analyzer differentiates cells into mononuclear and polymorphonuclear white blood cells (WBC) and high‐fluorescent cells (HFC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the HFC count for detecting malignant cells in serous body fluids.MethodsTwo‐hundred and thirty serous fluids were analyzed on the Sysmex XN body fluid mode. HFC were measured as relative count (HFC/100 WBC) and absolute count (HFC/μL). All samples were microscopically screened on cytospin slides for the presence of malignant cells.ResultsMalignant cells were found by microscopic examination in 49 of 230 samples (21.3%). Malignant samples contained significantly higher percentages (10.2 vs. 2.6/100 WBC) and absolute numbers (65 vs. 10/μL) of HFC than nonmalignant samples (P < 0.001). Areas under the ROC curve for relative and absolute HFC count were 0.69 and 0.77, respectively.A cutoff level of ≥17 HFC/μL showed the best performance to predict malignancy, with 88% sensitivity and 61% specificity.ConclusionAs serous body fluids will be more analyzed on automated analyzers in the future, HFC count can be a useful tool to select samples for microscopic review. Microscopic evaluation should be performed if HFC values are above a certain threshold (e.g. ≥17 HFC/μL) or in case of clinical suspicion of malignancy.
Micro–Macro Analysis of Capacitor Discharge Sintering in Copper–Diamond Bead
Authors: Di Napoli Paolo , Cagliero Roberto , Maizza Giovanni 
Published: June 2015

Capacitor Discharge Sintering (CDS) is an ultrafast electric current assisted sintering method (ECAS) suited for electrically conductive metallic and metal‐ceramic composite powders. The technique is a solid state near net shape sintering process which is in general characterized by a very short discharge time (tens of milliseconds), very high current intensity peak (up to 350 kA) and relatively high pressure (up to 1 GPa) with minimum shrinkage. Computer modeling comes to aid in the setup of industrial processes to produce enhanced sintered products such as copper–diamond beads for stone cutting applications. The simulation of the CDS process introduces a new class of nonlinear problems, involving a complex bulk and contact multiphysics with an intricate coupling of micro–macro phenomena. The work presents a micro–macro CDS model along with the solution strategy developed to assess the densification behavior of a copper–diamond bead for stone cutting applications. The overall CDS model implements a four‐way coupling strategy which combines the relevant partial differential equations governing the electrical, thermal, and stress–strain fields over the macroscopic scale of the CDS system, with the densification kinetic model governing the particle scale phenomena. The results are presented in terms of field and shrinkage variables as a function of space and time.
Influence of Crystallization Temperature on Ferroelectric Properties of Na0.9K0.1NbO3 Glass‐Ceramics
Authors: Pu Yongping , Liu Xiaoyan , Dong Zijing , Wang Peikui , Hu Yao , Sun Zixiong 
Published: June 2015

The correlation between the crystallization temperature and ferroelectric properties is studied by the measurements of impedance spectroscopy, activation energy, dielectric breakdown strength and dielectric constant in Na0.9K0.1NbO3 glass‐ceramics, while different nucleating agents are added to optimize performance. It is found that the glass‐ceramics crystallized at the temperatures of the second exothermic peak (about 900°C) have higher crystal degree, lager interface numbers and larger amount of bulk charges accumulated at the interfaces. However, the higher crystal degree of ferroelectric phase results in a lower value of resistivity and Ea which represent better charge spreading behavior. The better charge spreading behavior and drastic increase in the accumulation of bulk charge also result in low breakdown strength. The results show that the glass‐ceramics heated at the temperature of first exothermic peak (about 700°C) with a reasonable crystal degree obtain higher energy storage density which is 1.94 J/cm3.
High‐Temperature Aging of Plasma Sprayed Quasi‐Eutectoid LaYbZr2O7–Part II: Microstructure & Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Ren Xiaorui , Zhao Meng , Wan Chunlei , Zheng Yixin , Pan Wei 
Published: June 2015

LaYbZr2O7 ceramic thermal barrier coatings (TBC) of meta‐stable structure were prepared by an air plasma spraying process. Their microstructure and associated thermal transport properties evolution during high‐temperature annealing at 1300°C were characterized. The as‐sprayed LaYbZr2O7 TBCs underwent a fast crystallization and a quasi‐eutectoid transformation during annealing, resulting in a biphase composite consisting of La‐rich pyrochlore phase and Yb2Zr2O7 fluorite phase with coherent phase boundaries. Due to the diffusion barriers between the two phases as well as the low interface energy of the coherent boundaries, sintering and grain growth of materials was significantly refrained. Therefore, a final thermal dynamically stable microstructure with a grain size of ~300 nm and a total porosity about 5% could be maintained even after long‐term aging at a high temperature of 1300°C. Resulting from this stable microstructure, an ultralow thermal conductivity of 1.3 W·(m·K)−1 could be obtained even after 216 h high‐temperature aging, which is much lower than that of the state‐of‐art 7 wt% yttria‐stabilized zirconia TBCs. Both the high phase and microstructure stability and the extremely low thermal conductivities could be particularly beneficial for TBC material in gas turbine applications.
Rehydration and Rehydroxylation in Ancient Ceramics: New Constraints from Mass Gain Analyses Versus Annealing Temperatures
Authors: Gallet Yves , Le Goff Maxime 
Published: June 2015

We present a series of new mass‐gain data acquired on ancient pottery following heating at increasing temperatures from 60°C to 590°C to further constrain our understanding of the rehydration and rehydroxylation (RHX) processes acting within archeological fired‐clay artifacts. The ancient pottery, deliberately chosen for its low‐porosity, is second century ad Samian ware fragments originating from Lezoux in central France. The mass‐gain data, after each temperature step, adequately define a (time)1/N power law. We demonstrate that values of the 1/N exponent vary systematically with heating temperature. These results suggest that the sorption of chemisorbed and rehydroxylated water into the clay matrix occurs simultaneously. The 1/N exponent values obtained are consistent with power law kinetics resulting from the combination of both one‐dimensional and Brownian diffusion processes. The balance between these two end‐member processes, in particular after heating at 500°C, may depend on the nature of the clay and on the manufacturing conditions of the studied ceramics. The results presented herein confirm previous claims that major complexities vitiate the RHX dating method proposed by Wilson et al.
Infrared‐Transparent Y2O3–MgO Nanocomposites Fabricated by the Glucose Sol–Gel Combustion and Hot‐Pressing Technique
Authors: Xu Shengquan , Li Jiang , Li Chaoyu , Pan Yubai , Guo Jingkun 
Published: June 2015

A glucose sol–gel combustion method has been developed to synthesize composite nanopowders with equal volume fractions of Y2O3 and MgO. The synthesis involves the generation of precursor foam containing Y3+ and Mg2+ cations via the chemical and thermal degradation of glucose molecules in aqueous solutions. Subsequent calcination of the foam gave the composite nanopowders uniform composition and surface areas of 44–62 m2/g depending on the relative amount of glucose. Then the nanopowder with an average particle size of 19 nm was consolidated by the hot‐pressing technique with different sintering temperatures. The fabricated nanocomposite is mid‐infrared transparent as the result of fine grains, narrow grain size distribution, and uniform phase domains. The transmittance increases with increase in the sintering temperature and reaches 83.5% at 3–5 μm mid‐infrared wave range once the temperature reaches 1350°C, which is close to the theoretical value of 85%. And it is noteworthy that the cutoff wavelength reaches 9.6 μm, which is superior to those of spinel, AlON, and sapphire. And the Vickers hardness of the sample reaches 10.0 ± 0.1 GPa, which is significantly higher than those of the coarse grained single‐phase MgO and Y2O3. The results indicate that the glucose sol–gel combustion and hot‐pressing technique is an effective method to fabricate infrared transparent Y2O3–MgO nanocomposites.
Characterizations of TiO2/SiO2/Ni–Cu–Zn Ferrite Composite for Magnetic Photocatalysts
Authors: Chen Ching‐Cheng , Fu Yen‐Pei , Hu Shao‐Hua 
Published: June 2015

The TiO2/SiO2/Ni–Cu–Zn ferrite composite for magnetic photocatalysts with high photocatalytic activity is successfully prepared in this study. The composite are composed of spherical or elliptical Ni–Cu–Zn ferrite nanoparticles about 20–60 nm as magnetic cores, silica as barrier layers with thickness of 15 nm between the magnetic cores and titania shells with thickness approximately 1.5 nm. Photodegradation examination of TiO2/SiO2/ Ni–Cu–Zn ferrite composite was carried out in methylene blue (MB) solutions illuminated under a Xe arc lamp with 35 W and color temperature of 6000 K. The results indicated that about 47.1% of MB molecules adsorbed on the TiO2/SiO2/Ni–Cu–Zn ferrite composite within 30 min mixing due to it higher pore volume of 0.034 cm3/g, and after 6 h Xe lamp irradiation, 83.9% of MB 16.1% was photodegraded. Compared with the TiO2 /Ni–Cu–Zn ferrite composite, the TiO2/SiO2/Ni–Cu–Zn ferrite composite with silica barrier layer prohibited the photodissolution and enhanced the photocatalytic ability. The magnetic photocatalyst shows high photocatalytic efficiency that the apparent first‐order rate constant kobs is 0.18427 h−1, and good magnetic property that the saturation magnetization (Ms) of is 37.45 emu/g, suggesting the magnetic photocatalyst can be easily recovered by the application of an external magnetic field.
Structural and Piezoelectric Properties of (1−x)Pb(Zr1−yTiy)O3–xPb(Zn0.4Ni0.6)1/3Nb2/3O3 Ceramics Near Triple Point
Authors: Hur Joon , Kim Jong‐Hyun , Lee Tae‐Gon , Seo In‐Tae , Kim Dae‐Hyeon , Nahm Sahn , Kang Chong‐Yun 
Published: June 2015

The crystal structure and piezoelectric properties of (1−x)Pb(Zr1−yTiy)O3‐xPb(Zn0.4Ni0.6)1/3Nb2/3O3 [(1−x)PZ1−yTy‐xPZNN] ceramics were investigated. The 0.665PZ0.45T0.55‐0.335PZNN ceramic has the triple point composition, where the rhombohedral, pseudocubic, and tetragonal structures coexist. Maximum d33 and kp values of 770 pC/N and 0.69, respectively, were observed from this specimen; it also exhibited a large εT33/εo value of 3250. Although the maximum d33 value was obtained from the triple point composition specimen, its g33 and d33 × g33 values were relatively small because of its large εT33/εo value. However, the 0.665PZ0.46T0.54‐0.335PZNN ceramic, which has a rhombohedral structure, exhibited a large g33 value of 43 × 10−3 Vm/N and a d33 × g33 value of 27 000 × 10−15 m2/N. Therefore, this ceramic is a good candidate for multilayer actuators and piezoelectric energy harvesters.
Correlation of Cardiac Markers and Biomarkers With Blood Pressure of Middle‐Aged Marathon Runners
Authors: Kim Young‐Joo , Ahn Jae Ki , Shin Kyung‐A , Kim Chul‐Hyun , Lee Yoon‐Hee , Park Kyoung‐Min 
Published: June 2015

Runners with exercise‐induced high blood pressure have recently been reported to exhibit higher levels of cardiac markers, vasoconstrictors, and inflammation. The authors attempted to identify correlations between exercise‐related personal characteristics and the levels of biochemical/cardiac markers in marathon runners in this study. Forty healthy runners were enrolled. Blood samples were taken both before and after finishing a full marathon. The change in each cardiac/biochemical marker over the course of the marathon was determined. All markers were significantly (P<.001) increased immediately after the marathon (creatine kinase‐MB [CK‐MB]: 7.9±2.7 ng/mL, cardiac troponin I (cTnI): 0.06±0.10ng/mL, N‐terminal pro–B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP): 95.7±76.4, endothelin‐1: 2.7±1.16, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein [hs‐CRP]: 0.1±0.09, creatine kinase [CK]: 315.7±94.0, lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]: 552.8±130.3) compared with their premarathon values (CK‐MB: 4.3±1.3, cTnI: 0.01±0.003, NT‐proBNP: 27.6±31.1, endothelin‐1: 1.11±0.5, hs‐CRP: 0.06±0.07, CK: 149.2±66.0, LDH: 399±75.1). In middle‐aged marathon runners, factors related to increased blood pressure were correlated with marathon‐induced increases in cTnI, NT‐proBNP, endothelin‐1, and hs‐CRP. These correlations were observed independent of running history, records of finishing, and peak oxygen uptake.
Differential Diagnosis and Treatment Rates Between Systolic and Diastolic Hypertension in Young Adults: A Multidisciplinary Observational Study
Authors: Johnson Heather M. , Bartels Christie M. , Thorpe Carolyn T. , Schumacher Jessica R. , Pandhi Nancy , Smith Maureen A. 
Published: June 2015

Differential rates of diagnosis and treatment by hypertension (HTN) type may contribute to poor HTN control in young adults. The objective of this study was to compare rates of receiving a hypertension diagnosis and antihypertensive agent among young adults with (1) isolated systolic, (2) isolated diastolic, and (3) combined systolic/diastolic HTN. A retrospective analysis was conducted in patients aged 18 to 39 years (n=3003) with incident HTN. Kaplan–Meier survival and Cox proportional hazards analyses were performed. Only 56% with isolated systolic HTN received a diagnosis compared with 63% (systolic/diastolic); 32% with isolated systolic HTN received an initial antihypertensive compared with 52% (systolic/diastolic). Compared with patients with systolic/diastolic HTN, those with isolated systolic HTN had a 50% slower diagnosis rate (hazard ratio [HR], 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41–0.60) and those with isolated diastolic HTN had a 26% slower rate (HR, 0.74; CI, 0.60–0.92). Patients with isolated systolic HTN had 58% slower medication initiation (HR, 0.42; CI, 0.34–0.51) and those with isolated diastolic HTN had 31% slower rates (HR, 0.69; CI, 0.55–0.86). Young adults with isolated systolic HTN have lower diagnosis and treatment rates.
A proprietary herbal medicine (5‐Ling Granule) for Tourette syndrome: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zheng Yi , Zhang Zhang‐Jin , Han Xin‐Min , Ding Ying , Chen Yu‐Yan , Wang Xue‐Feng , Wei Xiao‐Wei , Wang Min‐Jie , Cheng Yan , Nie Zhao‐Hong , Zhao Min , Zheng Xi‐Xi 
Published: June 2015

BackgroundTourette syndrome (TS) is a common tic disorder in children and adolescents. There is preliminary evidence that herbal medicine may possess the potential to treat tics. The purpose of this study was to formally evaluate the efficacy and safety of 5‐Ling Granule (5‐LGr), a proprietary polyherbal product, for the treatment of patients with TS in comparison with tiapride and placebo.MethodsIn this multisite, double‐blind, double‐dummy, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial, 603 patients with TS aged 5–18 years were randomly assigned to treatment with placebo (n = 117), tiapride (n = 123, 200–400 mg/day) or 5‐LGr (n = 363, 15–22.5 g/day) for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was measured using the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) and its subscales, total tic Score (TTS) and tic‐related impairment. Incidence of adverse events was compared among the three groups.ResultsWhile tics of all patients were reduced over time, 5‐LGr and tiapride treatment produced significantly greater improvement on the YGTSS overall scale and subscale for TTS and impairment at endpoint than the placebo. Seventy‐four percentage of patients in the 5‐LGr arm and 68.3% in the tiapride arm had clinical response and these rates of response were significantly higher than those on placebo (44.0%, p < .001). The incidence of overall adverse events was significantly fewer for patients on placebo and 5‐LGr compared to tiapride (11.2% and 13.8% vs. 26.0%, p = .002); in particular physical tiredness, dizziness and sleep disturbance.ConclusionsThe clinical efficacy of 5‐LGr is comparable to tiapride in reducing tics. Its safety profile is better than tiapride. 5‐LGr can be considered a safe and effective therapy for TS (Trial registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01501695).
Preschool hyperactivity is associated with long‐term economic burden: evidence from a longitudinal health economic analysis of costs incurred across childhood, adolescence and young adulthood
Authors: Chorozoglou Maria , Smith Elizabeth , Koerting Johanna , Thompson Margaret J. , Sayal Kapil , Sonuga‐Barke Edmund J.S. 
Published: June 2015

BackgroundPreschool hyperactivity is an early risk factor for adult mental health problems and criminality. Little is known about; (a) the patterns of long‐term service costs associated with this behavioural marker in the general population and (b) the specific factors predicting hyperactivity‐related costs. We undertook a prospective study investigating associations between preschool hyperactivity and average individual annual service costs up to late adolescent and young adulthood.MethodsOne‐hundred and seventy individuals rated as hyperactive by their parents and 88 nonhyperactive controls were identified from a community sample of 4,215 three years olds. Baseline information about behaviour/emotional problems and background characteristics were collected. At follow‐up (when individuals were aged between 14 and 25 years) information was obtained on service use, and associated costs since the age of three. Based on this information we calculated the average cost per annum incurred by each individual.ResultsCompared to controls, preschoolers with hyperactivity had 17.6 times higher average costs per annum across domains (apart from nonmental health costs). These were £562 for each hyperactive individual compared with £30 for controls. Average annual costs decreased as a function of age, with higher costs incurred at younger ages. The effects of hyperactivity remained significant when other baseline factors were added to the model. Effects were fully mediated by later psychiatric morbidity. When the hyperactive group were examined separately, costs were consistently predicted by male gender and, for some cost codes, by conduct problems.ConclusionsPreventative approaches targeting early hyperactivity may be of value. Services should be targeted towards high‐risk individuals with careful consideration given to the cost‐to‐benefit trade‐off of early intervention strategies.