bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of quinine and mortality‐risk in patients with heart failure—a Danish nationwide observational study
Authors: Gjesing Anne , Gislason Gunnar H. , Christensen Stefan B. , Jørgensen Mads E. , Mérie Charlotte , Norgaard Mette Lykke , Poulsen Henrik Enghusen , Gustafsson Finn , Køber Lars , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Andersson Charlotte 
Published: February 2015

AbstractPurposeLeg cramps are common in patients with heart failure. Quinine is frequently prescribed in low doses to these patients, but safety of this practice is unknown. We studied the outcomes associated with use of quinine in a nationwide cohort of patients with heart failure.MethodsThrough individual‐level‐linkage of Danish national registries, we identified patients discharged from first‐time hospitalization for heart failure in 1997–2010. We estimated the risk of mortality associated with quinine treatment by time‐dependent Poisson regression models.ResultsA total of 135 529 patients were included, with 14 510 patients (11%) using quinine at some point. During a median time of follow‐up of 989 days (interquartile range 350–2004) 88 878 patients (66%) died. Patients receiving quinine had slightly increased mortality risk, adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01 to 1.07). The risks differed according to concomitant β‐blocker treatment. For patients treated with both quinine and β‐blockers IRR was 1.15 (95% CI 1.09 to 1.21) vs. 0.99 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.03) for patients treated with quinine but not β‐blockers. The risks were highest shortly after initiation of therapy: for the first 14 days of treatment IRR was 2.12 (95% CI 1.54 to 2.93) for patients in treatment with β‐blockers and 1.17 (95% CI 0.86 to 1.59) for patients not treated with β‐blockers.ConclusionsUse of quinine was common and associated with increased mortality in heart failure, especially if administered together with β‐blockers and shortly after treatment initiation. Mechanisms underlying the findings remain to be established. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Greatly enhanced thermo‐oxidative stability of polybenzoxazine thermoset by incorporation of m‐carborane
Authors: Huang Xin , Zhang Qiuhong , Meng Zheng , Gu Jiangjiang , Jia Xudong , Xi Kai 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTNovel polybenzoxazine precursor containing m‐carborane unit in the main‐chain has been firstly synthesized through click reaction of diazidomethyl m‐carborane (DAMC) and diacetylene bisbenzoxazine (DABB). Meanwhlie, the traditional polybenzoxazine precursor was also prepared through click reaction of diazidomethyl p‐benzene (DAPB) and DABB as a control. 1H NMR was used to confirm the structures of the monomers and the resulting polymers. FT‐IR and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to study the curing behavior of carborane‐containing benzoxazine polymer (CCBP). Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) study demonstrated that the cured CCBP had high storage moduli and high Tg. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and ablation test showed that the cured CCBP had outstanding thermo‐oxidative stability. During thermal ablation of cured CCBP, organic material was degraded, and a passivation layer with oxidized m‐carboranes was formed, which prevented the underlying polymer from further degradation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 973–980
Blue light‐emitting hyperbranched polymers using fluorene‐co‐dibenzothiophene‐S,S‐dioxide as branches
Authors: Guo Ting , Yu Lei , Zhao Baofeng , Ying Lei , Wu Hongbin , Yang Wei , Cao Yong 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTA series of blue light‐emitting hyperbranched polymers comprising poly(fluorene‐co‐dibenzothiophene‐S,S‐dioxide) as the branch and benzene, triphenylamine, or triphenyltriazine as the core were synthesized by an “A2 + A2' + B3” approach of Suzuki polymerization, respectively. All resulted copolymers exhibited quite comparable thermal properties with the glass transition temperatures in the range of 59–68 °C and relatively high decomposition temperatures over 420 °C. Photoluminescent spectra exhibited slight variation with the molar ratio of the dibenzothiophene‐S,S‐dioxide unit and the size of the core units. Polymer light‐emitting devices demonstrated blue emission with excellent stability of electroluminescence. Copolymers based on smaller core units of benzene and triphenylamine exhibited enhanced device performances regarding to that of triphenyltriazine. With the device configuration of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/polymer/CsF/Al, a maximum luminous efficiency of 4.5 cd A−1 was obtained with Commission Internationale de L'.Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.16, 0.19) for the copolymer PFSO15B. These results indicated that hyperbranched structure can be a promising strategy to attain spectrally stable blue‐light‐emitting polymers with high efficiency. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 1043–1051
Supporting Use of Evidence in Argumentation Through Practice in Argumentation and Reflection in the Context of SOCRATES Learning Environment
Authors: IORDANOU KALYPSO , CONSTANTINOU COSTAS P. 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to examine how students used evidence in argumentation while they engaged in argumentive and reflective activities in the context of a designed learning environment. A Web‐based learning environment, SOCRATES, was developed, which included a rich data base on the topic of climate change. Sixteen 11th graders, working with a partner, engaged in electronic argumentive dialogs with classmates who held an opposing view on the topic and in some evidence‐focused reflective activities, based on transcriptions of their dialogs. Another sixteen 11th graders, who studied the data base in the learning environment for the same amount of time as experimental‐condition students but did not engage in an argumentive discourse activity, served as a comparison condition. Students who engaged in an evidence‐focused dialogic intervention increased the use of evidence in their dialogs, used more evidence that functioned to weaken opponents’ claims and used more accurate evidence. Significant gains in evidence use and in metalevel communication about evidence were observed after students engaged in reflective activities. We frame our discussion of these findings in terms of their implications for promoting use of evidence in argumentation and in relation to the development of epistemological understanding in science.
Die Farbe von Stahltragwerken
Authors: Bernabeu Larena Jorge , Bernabeu Larena Alejandro 
Published: February 2015

AbstractDie Farbe bestimmt die Wahrnehmung des Charakters des Tragwerks, insbesondere bei Metalltragwerken. Eine wenige Mikrometer feine Farbschicht trägt die Verantwortung für die optische Identität des Tragwerks. Auf der Grundlage der Farbenlehre und unter Bezugnahme auf repräsentative Bauwerke wird hier ein Ausflug in die Psychologie und die Bedeutung der wichtigsten Farben angeboten. Es werden die Zusammenhänge zwischen Form und Farbe sowie zwischen Farbe und Tragwerk analysiert. Die Farbe sollte als ästhetisches Instrument für Tragwerkplaner verstanden werden, mit deren Hilfe sie ihre Sensibilität ausbilden und ihre Kreativität anregen können.Colour of steel structures. Colour is decisive in the perception and character of structural engineering works, especially with steel structures. A micrometric coat of paint is responsible for the visual identity of the structure. Based on colour theory and relevant examples of structural engineering works, we propose a look at the psychology and meanings of the main colours. The analysis examines the relationships between shape and colour and between colour and structure. Colour should be an aesthetic instrument used by structural engineer’s to educate sensitivity and stimulate creativity.
Deutscher Stahlbautag 2014 in Hannover
Authors: Kurrer Karl‐Eugen 
Published: February 2015

AbstractDer vom 29. bis 30. Oktober 2014 im Hannover Congress Centrum (HCC) abgehaltene und vom Deutschen Stahlbau‐Verband DSTV und bauforumstahl ausgerichtete 37. Deutsche Stahlbautag 2014 stand unter dem Motto “Stahl! Modern und nachhaltig bauen“. Damit war der deutsche Stahlbau zum dritten Mal Gast in Hannover, fand doch dort 1947 der denkwürdige 1. und 1968 der 14. Deutsche Stahlbautag statt.Mit rd. 850 Teilnehmern und zahlreichen Ausstellern konnte der 37. Deutsche Stahlbautag seine Position als zentrales Forum der deutschsprachigen Stahlbaubeflissenen weiter ausbauen.
SPS bridge decks for new bridges and strengthening of existing bridge decks
Authors: Kennedy Stephen J. , Martino Aldo E. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe sandwich plate system (SPS) is a structural composite material made up of two metal plates bonded to a polyurethane elastomer core. SPS delivers high strength and stiffness, making it an excellent alternative to conventional stiffened steel and reinforced concrete. For strengthening of orthotropic bridge decks, SPS Overlay can be used to create a stiff bridge deck without removing the original plates. The renewed deck improves the distribution of wheel loads across the longitudinal stiffening elements, decreases deck curvatures associated with large concentrated wheel loads, extends the fatigue life of fatigue‐critical welds and increases the life of the wearing surface and the whole bridge. For new bridge applications, prefabricated SPS bridge deck plates reduce the dead load by up to 70 % compared with concrete bridge decks, thus allowing bridges to carry significantly greater live load without the need for girder or pier strengthening. Deck replacement can be completed while leaving the steel or concrete girders in place or, where speed of erection is critical, pre‐assembled longitudinal deck‐girder units can be used.
Risk Analysis of Biofuels Industry for Aviation with Scenario‐Based Expert Elicitation
Authors: Connelly Elizabeth B. , Colosi Lisa M. , Clarens Andres F. , Lambert James H. 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTThe aviation sector relies almost exclusively on petroleum‐derived fuels at the present time. Due to concerns including national security, long‐term availability of crude oil feedstock, and environmental impacts, there is an increasing interest in identifying alternatives to conventional jet fuel. Viable alternatives must meet a number of criteria, related to quality and quantity of supply, cost‐competitiveness, and environmental sustainability. Priorities for diverse industry initiatives for the development of a biojet fuel industry are influenced by uncertainties including environmental regulation, market prices of crude oil and refinery products, and competition from other industries. This work uses scenario‐based preferences to elicit and inform decision makers on the combinations of emergent and future conditions that are most impactful to the priorities for the industry. The analysis also reveals which initiatives are robust to evolving political, economic, and technological conditions, thus supporting decision‐making relevant to establishing a secure supply of biojet fuel. The method and its results are helpful to the generation of systems engineering requirements recognizing key sources of risk for an emerging industry.
Cooperation of Coordinative and π···π Interaction in Directing Two‐fold Interpenetrated Architecture of Two Eu/Dy(III) 2‐Sulfoterephthalate Complexes with 4,4′‐Bipyridine
Authors: Ren Yi‐Xia , An Miao , Chai Hong‐Mei , Zhang Mei‐Li , Wang Ji‐Jiang 
Published: February 2015

AbstractTwo novel lanthanide coordination polymers, {[Ln(stp)(bipy)(H2O)]·(H2O)}n [Ln = Eu (1) and Dy (2)], were synthesized by hydrothermal reactions of 2‐sulfoterephthalate (stp) and 4,4′‐bipyridine (bipy) ligands with europium/dysprosium(III) salts. Structural analyses show that both complexes 1 and 2 are isomorphic and crystallize in the monoclinic crystal system with space group P21/n. Complex 1 exhibits a two‐dimensional grid‐like structure from europium(III) ions bridged by the carboxyl and sulfonate groups of stp ligands. Notably, the stretching 4,4′‐bipyridine ligands besides the 2D grid‐like layers form π···π interactions and interpenetrate into the empty voids of another adjacent layer into a twofold interpenetrated structure. Fluorescence analysis show that the emission of two complexes exhibit the characteristic peaks of lanthanide ions.
The Clathrate Ba8–xSi46 Revisited: Preparation Routes, Electrical and Thermal Transport Properties
Authors: Castillo Rodrigo , Schnelle Walter , Bobnar Matej , Burkhardt Ulrich , Böhme Bodo , Baitinger Michael , Schwarz Ulrich , Grin Yuri 
Published: February 2015

Abstract The clathrate‐I Ba8–xSi46 was manufactured from BaSi2 and α‐Si by high‐pressure high‐temperature synthesis at 5 GPa and 900 °C and by redox reaction from Ba4Li2Si6. The transport properties were measured on specimens from the high‐pressure high‐temperature synthesis. The composition of the Ba8–xSi46 phase [space group Pm$\bar{3}$n, a = 10.3051(1) Å] corresponds to x = 0.8(2) according to the refined lattice parameter, the value determined from full‐profile refinement of powder X‐ray diffraction data amounts to x = 0.73(1), and the chemical analysis results in x = 1.0(1), yielding the average composition Ba7.2(2)Si46. The electrical transport properties of the phase with x = 0.8 were determined in the temperature range 2–300 K using a polycrystalline bulk specimen. The material is a metallic conductor with ρ(300 K) = 3.3 μΩ m and S(300 K) = –6.8 μV K–1. The thermal conductivity shows a relatively large – for an intermetallic clathrate – value of about 8 W·K–1 m–1.
The SF‐36 and 6‐Minute Walk Test are Significant Predictors of Complications After Major Surgery
Authors: Awdeh Haitham , Kassak Kassem , Sfeir Pierre , Hatoum Hadi , Bitar Hala , Husari Ahmad 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundMajor surgeries are associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality. Current preoperative evaluation fails to identify patients at increased risk of postoperative complications. This study is aimed to determine whether the Short Form‐36 health survey (SF‐36) and the 6‐minute walk test (6‐MWT) are useful predictors of postoperative complications after major surgery.MethodsAll patients scheduled to undergo major surgery were eligible for the study. Major surgeries include patients undergoing thoracotomy, sternotomy, or upper abdominal laparotomy. The SF‐36 health survey and 6‐MWT were administered prior to surgery. Spirometry and other preoperative testing, ordered by the surgeon, like echocardiography were included in the study. Patients were then followed‐up for postoperative complications for 30 days.ResultsOne‐hundred and seventeen subjects undergoing major surgery were recruited to the study. The mean age was 58 years and 66 (56.4 %) were male. Physical Functioning as a component of the SF‐36 positively correlated with decreased length of hospital stay (LOS). The 6‐MWT had a negative correlation with LOS (p < 0.0001) and with severity of postoperative complications (p < 0.0001). Spirometry and echocardiography did not correlate with LOS or grade of complications.ConclusionsSF‐36 (Physical Functioning) and 6‐MWT are useful indicators for predicting postoperative complications and LOS.Condensed abstractPatients undergoing major surgery answered SF‐36 and performed 6‐MWT. Physical Functioning as a component of the SF‐36 correlated with LOS. The 6‐MWT had a negative correlation with LOS and with complication grade. SF‐36 and 6‐MWT are useful predictors of postoperative complications.
The EPOS‐CC Score: An Integration of Independent, Tumor‐ and Patient‐Associated Risk Factors to Predict 5‐years Overall Survival Following Colorectal Cancer Surgery
Authors: Haga Yoshio , Ikejiri Koji , Wada Yasuo , Ikenaga Masakazu , Koike Shoichiro , Nakamura Seiji , Koseki Masato 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundSurgical audit is an essential task for the estimation of postoperative outcome and comparison of quality of care. Previous studies on surgical audits focused on short‐term outcomes, such as postoperative mortality. We propose a surgical audit evaluating long‐term outcome following colorectal cancer surgery. The predictive model for this audit is designated as ‘Estimation of Postoperative Overall Survival for Colorectal Cancer (EPOS‐CC)’.MethodsThirty‐one tumor‐related and physiological variables were prospectively collected in 889 patients undergoing elective resection for colorectal cancer between April 2005 and April 2007 in 16 Japanese hospitals. Postoperative overall survival was assessed over a 5‐years period. The EPOS‐CC score was established by selecting significant variables in a uni‐ and multivariate analysis and allocating a risk‐adjusted multiplication factor to each variable using Cox regression analysis. For validation, the EPOS‐CC score was compared to the predictive power of UICC stage. Inter‐hospital variability of the observed‐to‐estimated 5‐years survival was assessed to estimate quality of care.ResultsAmong the 889 patients, 804 (90 %) completed the 5‐years follow‐up. Univariate analysis displayed a significant correlation with 5‐years survival for 14 physiological and nine tumor‐related variables (p < 0.005). Highly significant p‐values below 0.0001 were found for age, ASA score, severe pulmonary disease, respiratory history, performance status, hypoalbuminemia, alteration of hemoglobin, serum sodium level, and for all histological variables except tumor location. Age, TNM stage, lymphatic invasion, performance status, and serum sodium level were independent variables in the multivariate analysis and were entered the EPOS‐CC model for the prediction of survival. Risk‐adjusted multiplication factors between 1.5 (distant metastasis) and 0.16 (serum sodium level) were accorded to the different variables. The predictive power of EPOS‐CC was superior to the one of UICC stage; area under the curve 0.87, 95 % CI 0.85–0.90 for EPOS‐CC, and 0.80, 0.76–0.83 for UICC stage, p < 0.001. Quality of care did not differ between hospitals.ConclusionsThe EPOS‐CC score including the independent variables age, performance status, serum sodium level, TNM stage, and lymphatic invasion is superior to the UICC stage in the prediction of 5‐years overall survival. This higher accuracy might be explained by the inclusion of physiological factors, thus also taking non‐tumor‐associated deaths into account. Furthermore, EPOS‐CC score may compare quality of care among different institutions. Future studies are necessary to further evaluate this score and help improving the prediction of long‐term survival following colorectal cancer surgery.
Surgery for Undiagnosed Ground Glass Pulmonary Nodules: Decision Making Using Serial Computed Tomography
Authors: Ueda Kazuhiro , Hayashi Masataro , Tanaka Nobuyuki , Hoshii Yoshinobu , Tanaka Toshiki , Hamano Kimikazu 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundAlthough long‐term observation of ground glass nodules on computed tomography facilitates the ability to distinguish malignant lesions from benign lesions, the resulting treatment delay can increase the rate of cancer recurrence. We reviewed our surgical cases of pathologically undiagnosed lung nodules possessing ground glass to clarify the clinical impact of selecting surgical candidates based on serial computed tomography, not preoperative biopsy results.MethodsA consecutive series of 100 patients with clinically suspected lung cancer possessing ground glass among our prospective database of 262 surgical cases of suspected lung cancer were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsSurgical indication was determined based on the interval change in the outer diameter or internal attenuation of the lesions in 53 patients (increasing lesions), while that was determined based on the specific marginal or internal features of the lesions in 47 patients (non‐increasing lesions). The length of preoperative follow‐up was significantly longer in the patients with increasing lesions than in the patients with non‐increasing lesions (27 vs. 3 months, P < 0.001). The final pathological diagnoses consisted of 97 adenocarcinomas and three non‐malignant lesions. All increasing lesions were adenocarcinomas. Surgical biopsy contributed in avoiding futile lobectomy in patients with non‐malignant lesions, while that caused false‐negative result in one patient with an increasing lesion. Postoperative recurrence occurred in two patients.ConclusionsIn a surgical series, serial computed tomography‐diagnosed ground glass lesions are highly suggestive of adenocarcinoma, especially increasing lesions. Despite spending a long‐term preoperative follow‐up period without a pathological diagnosis, the surgical outcome is satisfactory. Surgical biopsy for increasing lesions is generally futile.
Organic acids from lignocellulose: Candida lignohabitans as a new microbial cell factory
Authors: Bellasio Martina , Mattanovich Diethard , Sauer Michael , Marx Hans 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Biorefinery applications require microbial cell factories for the conversion of various sugars derived from lignocellulosic material into value-added chemicals. Here, the capabilities of the yeast Candida lignohabitans to utilize a range of such sugars is characterized. Substrates efficiently converted by this yeast include the pentoses xylose and arabinose. Genetic engineering of C. lignohabitans with the isolated endogenous GAP promoter and GAP terminator was successful. GFP expression was used as a proof of functionality for the isolated transcription elements. Expression of lactate dehydrogenase and cis-aconitate decarboxylase resulted in stable and reproducible production of lactic acid and itaconic acid, respectively. The desired organic acids were accumulated converting pure sugars as well as lignocellulosic hydrolysates. C. lignohabitans proved therefore to be a promising reliable microbial host for production of organic acids from lignocellulosic material.