bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety and efficacy of long‐term tolvaptan therapy for decompensated liver cirrhosis
Authors: Kogiso Tomomi , Tokushige Katsutoshi , Hashimoto Etsuko , Ikarashi Yuichi , Kodama Kazuhisa , Taniai Makiko , Torii Nobuyuki , Shiratori Keiko 
Published: June 2015

AimRecently, the short‐term efficacy of the vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist tolvaptan for the treatment of ascites in cirrhosis was reported. However, the long‐term effects remain unknown. Here, we report the clinical features of decompensated cirrhosis treated using long‐term tolvaptan therapy, and evaluate its safety and efficacy.MethodsFifty‐five cirrhotic patients hospitalized due to ascites, despite receiving appropriate diuretic treatment, were treated with tolvaptan. We excluded 35 patients due to liver transplant (20.0%), death (28.6%), poor general status (14.3%), improved ascites (5.7%) or other reasons (31.4%). In 20 cases treated with tolvaptan for 6 months, total body water (TBW) and extracellular fluids (ECW) were measured using bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) with an InBody720.ResultsThe median age of the 20 patients was 64 years (range, 48–90), and 60% were male. The etiology of cirrhosis included hepatitis C (45%), alcohol‐induced (20%) and other (35%). The percentage of patients with Child–Pugh class A, B and C was 0%, 40% and 60%, respectively. Biochemical findings revealed that serum creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate were not affected during 6 months of treatment with tolvaptan, and there was no renal disturbance. The median serum sodium levels were increased from 138 to 139 mEq/L, but serious adverse events related to renal and liver function were not observed. Data also revealed that long‐term treatment reduced the BIA‐estimated ECW/TBW ratio.ConclusionLong‐term tolvaptan treatment was a safe and effective treatment for decompensated cirrhosis.
A double-tuned 1H/23Na resonator allows 1H-guided 23Na-MRI in ischemic stroke patients in one session
Authors: Neumaier-Probst Eva , Konstandin Simon , Ssozi Judith , Groden Christoph , Hennerici Michael , Schad Lothar R. , Fatar Marc 
Published: June 2015

Background Established imaging methods are still not confident in the determination of stroke onset. Sodium imaging in animal models and lately in humans implicates that the sodium signal intensity within the ischemic lesion increases in a time-dependent fashion. Sodium imaging usually requires a time-consuming change of resonators or magnetic resonance imaging systems. To avoid this, we used a double-tuned 1H/23Na birdcage head coil in combination with a protocol minimizing T1- and T2*-weighting effects for measurement of sodium intensity in acute stroke patients. Methods Multinuclear 1H/23Na data sets were obtained from 16 stroke patients [75 ± 9.9 (standard deviation) years old] 4-130 h after symptom onset. The protocol was acquired on a clinical 3T magnetic resonance imaging site using a double-tuned 1H/23Na birdcage head coil. Sodium signal intensity within the lesion and homologous contralateral side was measured and compared. Results With an acquisition time of the complete magnetic resonance imaging protocol of 22 min, a nonlinear sodium signal intensity increase within the lesion over time after stroke onset was acknowledged. Onset time within six-hours showed an increase of only 8% or less, whereas onset time beyond 8.5 h demonstrated increases of 36% or more reaching a maximum of 170% > 120 h. In addition, some patients showed a difference in sodium signal intensity compared with diffusion weighted imaging lesion. Conclusions The use of a double-tuned 1H/23Na birdcage head coil in a clinical setting ‘allowed sodium intensity measurements’ in a justifiable time also for acute stroke patients, and heterogenous sodium signal intensity in the diffusion weighted imaging lesion might represent differences in tissue damage or repair.
Dynamic Changes of Intramural Hematoma in Patients with Acute Spontaneous Internal Carotid Artery Dissection
Authors: Heldner Mirjam R. , Nedelcheva Mila , Yan Xin , Slotboom Johannes , Mathier Etienne , Hulliger Justine , Verma Rajeev K. , Sturzenegger Matthias , Jung Simon , Bernasconi Corrado , Arnold Marcel , Wiest Roland , Fischer Urs 
Published: June 2015

Background We prospectively investigated temporal and spatial evolution of intramural hematomas in patients with acute spontaneous internal carotid artery dissection using repeated magnetic resonance imaging over six-months. Aim The aim of the present study was to assess dynamic changes of intramural hematoma in patients with acute spontaneous internal carotid artery dissection at multiple follow-up time-points with T1w, PD/T2w, and magnetic resonance angiography. Methods We performed serial multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in 10 patients with spontaneous internal carotid artery dissection on admission, at days 1, 3, 7–14 and at months 1·5, 3, and 6. We calculated the volume and extension of the hyperintense intramural hematoma using T1w and PD/T2w fat suppressed sequences and assessed the degree of stenosis due to the hematoma using magnetic resonance angiography. Results Mean interval from symptom onset to first magnetic resonance imaging was two-days (SD 2·7). Two patients presented with ischemic stroke, three with transient ischemic attacks, and five with pain and local symptoms only. Nine patients had a transient increase of the intramural hematoma volume, mainly up to day 10 after symptom onset. Fifty percent had a transient increase in the degree of the internal carotid artery stenosis on MRA, one resulting in a temporary occlusion. Lesions older than one-week were predominantly characterized by a shift from iso- to hyperintese signal on T2w images. At three-month follow-up, intramural hematoma was no longer detectable in 80% of patients and had completely resolved in all patients after six-months. Conclusions Spatial and temporal dynamics of intramural hematomas after spontaneous internal carotid artery dissection showed an early volume increase with concomitant progression of the internal carotid artery stenosis in 5 of 10 patients. Although spontaneous internal carotid artery dissection overall carries a good prognosis with spontaneous hematoma resorption in all our patients, early follow-up imaging may be considered, especially in case of new clinical symptoms.
Prognostic importance of weight change on short-term functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Kim Yerim , Kim Chi Kyung , Jung Seunguk , Ko Sang-Bae , Lee Seung-Hoon , Yoon Byung-Woo 
Published: June 2015

Background Controversy exists regarding the question of whether weight change decreases or increases the risk of mortality. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic importance of weight change on short-term outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients. Methods A total of 654 patients with acute ischemic stroke were enrolled in this study from March 2010 to May 2013. We assessed the weight change of each participant between admission and discharge from the Department of Neurology. Weight change was defined as change ≥0.05 kg/baseline body mass index unit. We evaluated the short-term outcomes using a modified Rankin Scale at three-months after the onset of a stroke. Results Among the 654 patients, 35.2% were included in the weight-change group. Weight loss occurred in 24.6% of the participants during the hospital stay following the stroke, which lasted an average of nine-days. Compared with the weight-stable group, the pronounced weight-loss group had a higher risk of unfavorable outcomes (odds ratio 2.43; 95% confidence interval 1.12-5.25). Conclusions Short-term weight loss after stroke appears to be more common than we expected, and our results suggest that it is associated with unfavorable functional outcomes. Therefore, clinical nutrition should be considered as a component of medical treatment and weight loss should be monitored as an indicator of malnutrition.
Influence of the Strain on Dielectric and Ferroelectric Properties of 0.5BaZr0.2Ti0.8O3–0.5Ba0.7Ca0.3TiO3
Authors: Xu Xijun , Yuan Guoliang , Xu Bo , Yin Jiang , Liu Junming , Liu Zhiguo 
Published: June 2015

0.5BaZr0.2Ti0.8O3‐0.5Ba0.7Ca0.3TiO3 ceramic and its epitaxial films on (0 0 1) SrTiO3 substrate were prepared to compare their dielectric and ferroelectric properties. The ceramic has a high dielectric permittivity, a weak dielectric relaxation, a low ferroelectric Curie temperature (TC) of 60°C and a fast polarization relaxation. The films show much lower dielectric permittivities and mild dielectric relaxations. Furthermore, the TC of film with 40, 100, and 200 nm thickness is 155°C, 110°C, and 60°C, respectively, because the epitaxial strain decreases with the film thickness increasing. The higher the TC is, the more stable the room‐temperature polarization is.
Associations of Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Insertion/Deletion, Angiotensin II Receptor A1166C, and Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase 4b/a Gene Polymorphisms With Pregnancy Hypertensive Disorders: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Gong Feng‐Feng , Hu Cai‐Yun , Lu Shan‐Shan , Qian Zhen‐Zhong , Feng Fang , Wu Yi‐Le , Yang Hui‐Yun , Sun Ye‐Huan 
Published: June 2015

There have been numerous studies concerning the associations of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D), angiotensin II receptor 1 (AT1R) gene A1166C, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene 4b/a polymorphisms with risk of pregnancy hypertensive disorders (PHDs). However, the results are inconsistent. A total of 83 eligible studies (10,354/18,446 cases/controls) were included in this meta‐analysis. Pooled odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were used to calculate these associations. The effects of ethnicity and types of PHDs were also considered. Results showed significant associations between the ACE gene polymorphism and PHDs in all of the populations except that in Africa. The associations also existed in AT1R, eNOS gene polymorphism and PHDs in part of the gene models in the overall population. These results indicated the ACE gene polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of PHDs, whereas the eNOS and AT1R gene polymorphism only have increased susceptibility to PHDs in part of the gene models.
Whole Brain Volume Measured from 1.5T versus 3T MRI in Healthy Subjects and Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Chu Renxin , Tauhid Shahamat , Glanz Bonnie I. , Healy Brian C. , Kim Gloria , Oommen Vinit V. , Khalid Fariha , Neema Mohit , Bakshi Rohit 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDWhole brain atrophy is a putative outcome measure in monitoring relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). With the ongoing MRI transformation from 1.5T to 3T, there is an unmet need to calibrate this change. We evaluated brain parenchymal volumes (BPVs) from 1.5T versus 3T in MS and normal controls (NC).METHODSWe studied MS [n = 26, age (mean, range) 43 (21‐55), 22 (85%) RRMS, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 1.98 (0‐6.5), timed 25 foot walk (T25FW) 5.95 (3.2‐33.0 seconds)] and NC [n = 9, age 45 (31‐53)]. Subjects underwent 1.5T (Phillips) and 3T (GE) 3‐dimensional T1‐weighted scans to derive normalized BPV from an automated SIENAX pipeline. Neuropsychological testing was according to consensus panel recommendations.RESULTSBPV‐1.5T was higher than BPV‐3T [mean (95% CI) + 45.7 mL (+35.3, +56.1), P < .00001], most likely due to improved tissue‐CSF contrast at 3T. BPV‐3T showed a larger volume decrease and larger effect size in detecting brain atrophy in MS versus NC [−74.5 mL (−126.5, −22.5), P = .006, d = .92] when compared to BPV‐1.5T [−51.3.1 mL (−99.8, −2.8), P = .04, d = .67]. Correlations between BPV‐1.5T and EDSS (r = −.43, P = .027) and BPV‐3T and EDSS (r = −.49, P = .011) and between BPV‐1.5T and T25FW (r = −.46, P = .018) and BPV‐3T and T25FW (r = −.56, P = .003) slightly favored 3T. BPV‐cognition correlations were significant (P < .05) for 6 of 11 subscales to a similar degree at 1.5T (r range = .44‐.58) and 3T (r range = .43‐.53).CONCLUSIONSField strength may impact whole brain volume measurements in patients with MS though the differences are not too divergent between 1.5T and 3T.
A new likelihood ratio metric for the psychomotor vigilance test and its sensitivity to sleep loss
Authors: Basner Mathias , Mcguire Sarah , Goel Namni , Rao Hengyi , Dinges David F. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryThe Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT) is a widely used assay of behavioural alertness sensitive to the effects of sleep loss and circadian misalignment. However, there is currently no accepted PVT composite outcome metric that captures response slowing, attentional lapses and compensatory premature reactions observed typically in sleep‐deprived subjects. We developed a novel likelihood ratio metric (LRM) based on relative frequency distributions in 50 categories of reaction times (RT) and false starts in alert and sleep‐deprived subjects (acute total sleep deprivation: n = 31 subjects). The LRM had the largest effect size both in a 33‐h total sleep deprivation protocol [1.96; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.61–2.44; followed by response speed 1/RT, effect size 1.93, 95% CI: 1.55–2.65] and in a chronic partial sleep restriction protocol (1.22; 95% CI: 0.96–1.59; followed by response speed 1/RT, effect size 1.21, 95% CI: 0.94–1.59; 5 nights at 4 h sleep per night; n = 43 subjects). LRM scores correlated highly with response speed (R2 = 0.986), and less well with five other common PVT outcome metrics (R2 = 0.111–0.886). In conclusion, the new LRM is a sensitive PVT outcome metric with high statistical power that takes subtle sleep loss‐related changes in the distribution of reaction times (including false starts) into account, is not prone to outliers, does not require baseline data and can be calculated and interpreted easily. Congruence between LRM and PVT response speed and their similar effect size rankings support the use of response speed as the primary, most sensitive and most parsimonious standard PVT outcome metric for determining neurobehavioural deficits from sleep loss.
LTP3 contributes to disease susceptibility in Arabidopsis by enhancing abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis
Authors: Gao Shan , Guo Wenya , Feng Wen , Liu Liang , Song Xiaorui , Chen Jian , Hou Wei , Zhu Hongxia , Tang Saijun , Hu Jian 
Published: June 2015

SummarySeveral plant lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) act positively in plant disease resistance. Here, we show that LTP3 (At5g59320), a pathogen and abscisic acid (ABA)‐induced gene, negatively regulates plant immunity in Arabidopsis. The overexpression of LTP3 (LTP3‐OX) led to an enhanced susceptibility to virulent bacteria and compromised resistance to avirulent bacteria. On infection of LTP3‐OX plants with Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato, genes involved in ABA biosynthesis, NCED3 and AAO3, were highly induced, whereas salicylic acid (SA)‐related genes, ICS1 and PR1, were down‐regulated. Accordingly, in LTP3‐OX plants, we observed increased ABA levels and decreased SA levels relative to the wild‐type. We also showed that the LTP3 overexpression‐mediated enhanced susceptibility was partially dependent on AAO3. Interestingly, loss of function of LTP3 (ltp3‐1) did not affect ABA pathways, but resulted in PR1 gene induction and elevated SA levels, suggesting that LTP3 can negatively regulate SA in an ABA‐independent manner. However, a double mutant consisting of ltp3‐1 and silent LTP4 (ltp3/ltp4) showed reduced susceptibility to Pseudomonas and down‐regulation of ABA biosynthesis genes, suggesting that LTP3 acts in a redundant manner with its closest homologue LTP4 by modulating the ABA pathway. Taken together, our data show that LTP3 is a novel negative regulator of plant immunity which acts through the manipulation of the ABA–SA balance.
Community Factors in Differential Responses of Child Protective Services
Authors: McCallum Karen , Cheng An‐Lin 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjectiveIn response to criticisms of the traditional investigative model of child protective services (CPS) as adversarial, a Differential Response Model has emerged, with investigative and noninvestigative alternative response (AR) paths. The purpose of this study was to identify relationships of county‐level community variables to response paths.Design and SampleSecondary analysis used data from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System linked to county‐level variables from the American Community Survey. The final dataset included 62,499 cases and 98 counties from five states.MeasuresMultilevel modeling was used to analyze the binary outcome variable of CPS response path (AR, non‐AR). Predictor variables included indicators at child, county, and state levels.ResultsCounty‐level variables (housing vacancy, child poverty, unemployment, and households with public assistance) were significant predictors (p < .05) of CPS response path and accounted for 12.30% of variability in the final three‐level model. Individual variables (report source, maltreatment type, child age, race, and number of children in the report) were also significant predictors.ConclusionCounty‐level community variables have significant relationships with CPS response paths and impact how CPS units respond to new referrals. Research is needed to apply advanced multilevel analytic procedures to more accurately model nested relationships.
Do Trade Agreements Stimulate International Trade Differently? Evidence from 296 Trade Agreements
Authors: Kohl Tristan , Brakman Steven , Garretsen Harry 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIn a seminal article, Rose (2004) found that the assumed positive impact of the WTO on international trade was questionable. This finding has been scrutinised and modified in subsequent research, using different data sets, econometric methods and separating the WTO from other forms of trade agreements. A key characteristic of the subsequent literature is the rather simplistic way in which trade agreements are treated whereby all trade agreements are lumped together. Trade agreements come, however, in many different forms and shapes. This study addresses these differences in trade agreements. Using a unique database of 296 trade agreements, we distinguish 17 trade‐related policy domains and indicate whether the agreements contain legally enforceable commitments. This extensive and novel taxonomy of trade agreements enables us to allow for the possible heterogeneity of the impact of trade agreements on international trade. Using a gravity model, we find that trade agreement heterogeneity indeed matters for international trade and that countries experience significant trade increases due to comprehensive trade agreements even if not all participants are in the WTO.
Evaluation of systemic absorption and renal effects of topical ophthalmic flurbiprofen and diclofenac in healthy cats
Authors: Lanuza Rick , Rankin Amy J. , KuKanich Butch , Meekins Jessica M. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate systemic absorption and renal effects of topically applied ophthalmic flurbiprofen and diclofenac in healthy cats.Animals studiedTwelve domestic shorthair cats.ProceduresCats were randomly assigned to two treatment groups (n = 6) and administered one drop (approximately 40 μL) of either flurbiprofen 0.03% or diclofenac 0.1% in both eyes four times daily (6 am, 12 pm, 6 pm, and 12 am) for 14 days. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 4, 8, 14, 16, and 17 and analyzed by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry for flurbiprofen and diclofenac plasma concentrations. A complete blood count (CBC), serum chemistry, and urinalysis were analyzed at the beginning of the study (Day 0) and at the end of topical drug administration (Day 15).ResultsBoth drugs demonstrated systemic absorption. Flurbiprofen was detected (mean ± SD) at day 4 (237 ± 65 ng/mL), day 8 (396 ± 91 ng/mL), day 14 (423 ± 56 ng/mL), day 16 (350 ± 66 ng/mL), and day 17 (270 ± 62 ng/mL), and diclofenac was detected (mean ± SD) at day 4 (130 ± 44 ng/mL), day 8 (131 ± 25 ng/mL), day 14 (150 ± 36 mg/mL), and sporadically on day 16. Flurbiprofen plasma concentration decreased slowly over 48 h after the last dose. No clinically significant abnormalities were noted in the serum blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, or urine specific gravity at the end of topical drug administration compared to the beginning of the study.ConclusionsFlurbiprofen and diclofenac were systemically absorbed after topical administration four times daily to both eyes of healthy cats. Flurbiprofen reached higher plasma concentrations compared to diclofenac.
Impact Welding of Aluminum Alloys 6061 and 5052 by Vaporizing Foil
Actuators: Heat-Affected Zone Size and Peel Strength
Authors: Hansen Steven R. , Vivek Anupam , Daehn Glenn S. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Joining aluminum alloy sheets is increasingly important in manufacturing. Traditional welding techniques create a heat-affected zone (HAZ) around the joint; however, solid-state joining methods such as impact welding produce joints without significant heat. Here, electrically vaporized foil actuators (VFA) provided the high-pressure pulses needed for impact welding. 0.96 mm thick AA6061-T6 and 0.76 mm thick AA5052 were joined in lap and spotlike configurations, at a variety of impact velocities. The welds failed in coach-peel outside the joint interface. The 5052 hardened within 100 μm of the interface. The 6061-T6 may have softened slightly within 50 μm of the interface.
Microcalcification detectability using a bench‐top prototype photon‐counting breast CT based on a Si strip detector
Authors: Cho Hyo‐Min , Ding Huanjun , Barber William C. , Iwanczyk Jan S. , Molloi Sabee 
Published: June 2015

Purpose:To investigate the feasibility of detecting breast microcalcification (μCa) with a dedicated breast computed tomography (CT) system based on energy‐resolved photon‐counting silicon (Si) strip detectors.Methods:The proposed photon‐counting breast CT system and a bench‐top prototype photon‐counting breast CT system were simulated using a simulation package written in matlab to determine the smallest detectable μCa. A 14 cm diameter cylindrical phantom made of breast tissue with 20% glandularity was used to simulate an average‐sized breast. Five different size groups of calcium carbonate grains, from 100 to 180 μm in diameter, were simulated inside of the cylindrical phantom. The images were acquired with a mean glandular dose (MGD) in the range of 0.7–8 mGy. A total of 400 images was used to perform a reader study. Another simulation study was performed using a 1.6 cm diameter cylindrical phantom to validate the experimental results from a bench‐top prototype breast CT system. In the experimental study, a bench‐top prototype CT system was constructed using a tungsten anode x‐ray source and a single line 256‐pixels Si strip photon‐counting detector with a pixel pitch of 100 μm. Calcium carbonate grains, with diameter in the range of 105–215 μm, were embedded in a cylindrical plastic resin phantom to simulate μCas. The physical phantoms were imaged at 65 kVp with an entrance exposure in the range of 0.6–8 mGy. A total of 500 images was used to perform another reader study. The images were displayed in random order to three blinded observers, who were asked to give a 4‐point confidence rating on each image regarding the presence of μCa. The μCa detectability for each image was evaluated by using the average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) across the readers.Results:The simulation results using a 14 cm diameter breast phantom showed that the proposed photon‐counting breast CT system can achieve high detection accuracy with an average AUC greater than 0.89 ± 0.07 for μCas larger than 120 μm in diameter at a MGD of 3 mGy. The experimental results using a 1.6 cm diameter breast phantom showed that the prototype system can achieve an average AUC greater than 0.98 ± 0.01 for μCas larger than 140 μm in diameter using an entrance exposure of 1.2 mGy.Conclusions:The proposed photon‐counting breast CT system based on a Si strip detector can potentially offer superior image quality to detect μCa with a lower dose level than a standard two‐view mammography.