bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Procalcitonin in early rule-in/rule-out of sepsis in SIRS patients admitted to a medical ward
Authors: Fiotti Nicola , Mearelli Filippo , Ruscio Maurizio , Altamura Nicola , Vinci Pierandrea , Fernandes Giovanni , De Nardo Margherita , Lombardi Jacopo , Mamolo Lorenza , Chendi Enrico , Breglia Andrea , Peretti Alberto , Peric Daniele , Orso Daniele , Pivetti Giulia , Biolo Gianni 
Published: September 2014

AbstractA relevant amount of patients with clinical suspect of sepsis is admitted and treated in medical wards (MW). These patients have a better prognosis but are older and with more comorbidities compared to those admitted to intensive care units (ICU). Procalcitonin (PCT) is extensively used in emergency departments for the diagnosis of sepsis, but its accuracy in the setting of a MW has not been thoroughly investigated. Predicted low PCT levels also call for the comparison of immunomagnetic-chemiluminescent (L-PCT) and time-resolved amplified cryptate emission (TRACE, K-PCT) technologies, in PCT determination.In 80 patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) diagnostic criteria and suspect of sepsis newly admitted to a MW, PCT was determined with L- and K-PCT method.Sixty patients were diagnosed as sepsis (20 microbiologically and 40 clinically proven) and 20 with non-infective SIRS. The sepsis group had significantly higher levels of both PCTs, with no differences between the clinically and microbiologically proven subgroups. The areas under ROC curves for L- and K-PCT were 0.72 and 0.78 (p<0.001 for each), respectively. Based on MW customized cut-off values of 0.150 (L-PCT) and 0.143 ng/mL (K-PCT), overall accuracies were 66.8 (95% CI 58.7–78.9) and 78.2% (69.8–87.2), respectively, compared to the 55% (44.2–66) of 0.5 ng/mL canonical cut-off. Neither PCT-L nor -K held prognostic value on survival.In MW patients, customized PCT cut-off levels provide better accuracy than customary levels adopted from ICU, and TRACE technology seems to offer a wider analysis range.
A new device for the prompt diagnosis of urinary tract infections
Authors: Arienzo Alyexandra , Losito Francesca , Bottini Giorgia , Priolisi Francesca Romana , Mari Alberto , Visca Paolo , Antonini Giovanni 
Published: September 2014

AbstractUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infectious diseases. Results obtained from conventional microbiological analysis of urine and antibiotic susceptibility testing are available only after a few days, delaying precise diagnosis and appropriate therapy. Micro Biological Survey (MBS) srl (a spin-off of Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy) has developed and patented an automated colorimetric test for rapid bacterial counting. In a preliminary validation study it was demonstrated that the results obtained with the MBS method are equivalent to the results obtained with conventional culture-based microbiological analysis.In this study, sterile urine samples were artificially contaminated with bacterial species that are most frequently responsible for UTIs. The MBS method was used to evaluate the presence of bacteria and their sensitivity to some of the most commonly used antibiotics in UTIs.The MBS method was able to detect in a few hours the presence or absence of bacteria at clinically significant concentrations (>10The results obtained demonstrate that the MBS point-of-care testing (POCT) device could be developed into a valuable aid for the management of UTIs, possibly addressing more precise diagnosis and appropriate therapy.
Legumain expression, activity and secretion are increased during monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation and inhibited by atorvastatin
Authors: Solberg Rigmor , Smith Robert , Almlöf Maria , Tewolde Eyassu , Nilsen Hilde , Johansen Harald Thidemann 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Macrophages express several lysosomal cysteine proteases such as cathepsins and legumain. In this study, we assessed the expression, activity and secretion of legumain in cellular models of monocytes/macrophages. Macrophages were derived from M-CSF- or GM-CSF/IFNγ-stimulated human primary monocytes (M2 and M1, respectively), PMA-treated human THP-1 cells, or murine RAW264.7 macrophages. In both primary monocytes and THP-1 cells, monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation caused highly increased cellular expression and activity of legumain. Also, secretion of legumain from macrophages, but not from monocytes, was observed. Notably, M2 macrophages expressed significantly higher levels of active legumain than M1 macrophages, which are not previously reported. Legumain mRNA has been shown to be down-regulated in monocytes isolated from patients treated with the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor atorvastatin. Interestingly, in our study, the active legumain produced by M2 macrophages was found to be inhibited by atorvastatin, which was reflected in aberrant cellular expression and processing.
Early epigenetic cancer decisions
Authors: Martín-Lorenzo Alberto , Gonzalez-Herrero Inés , Rodríguez-Hernández Guillermo , García-Ramírez Idoia , Vicente-Dueñas Carolina , Sánchez-García Isidro 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
A cancer dogma states that inactivation of oncogene(s) can cause cancer remission, implying that oncogenes are the Achilles’ heel of cancers. This current model of cancer has kept oncogenes firmly in focus as therapeutic targets and is in agreement with the fact that in human cancers all cancerous cells, with independence of the cellular heterogeneity existing within the tumour, carry the same oncogenic genetic lesions. However, recent studies of the interactions between an oncogene and its target cell have shown that oncogenes contribute to cancer development via developmental reprogramming of the epigenome within the target cell. These results provide the first evidence that carcinogenesis can be initiated by epigenetic stem cell reprogramming, and uncover a new role for oncogenes in the origin of cancer. Here we analyse these evidences and discuss how this vision offers new avenues for developing novel anti-cancer interventions.
Cathepsin B-deficient mice as source of monoclonal anti-cathepsin B antibodies
Authors: Weber Ekkehard , Barbulescu Elena , Medek Rita , Reinheckel Thomas , Sameni Mansoureh , Anbalagan Arulselvi , Moin Kamiar , Sloane Bonnie F. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Cathepsin B has been demonstrated to be involved in several proteolytic processes that support tumor progression and metastasis and neurodegeneration. To further clarify its role, defined monoclonal antibodies are needed. As the primary structure of human cathepsin B is almost identical to that of the mouse, cathepsin B-deficient mice were used in a novel approach for generating such antibodies, providing the chance of an increased immune response to the antigen, human cathepsin B. Thirty clones were found to produce cathepsin B-specific antibodies. Seven of these antibodies were used to detect cathepsin B in MCF10-DCIS human breast cancer cells by immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting. Five different binding sites were identified by epitope mapping giving the opportunity to combine these antibodies in oligoclonal antibody mixtures for an improved detection of cathepsin B.
Transcription as a force partitioning the eukaryotic genome
Authors: Zirkel Anne , Papantonis Argyris 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Eukaryotic genomes – until recently dealt with as if they were a cohort of linear DNA molecules – are perplexed three-dimensional structures, the exact conformation of which profoundly affects genome function. Recent advances in molecular biology and DNA sequencing technologies have led to a new understanding of the folding of chromatin in the nucleus. Changes in chromatin structure underlie deployment of new gene expression programs during development, differentiation, or disease. In this review, we revisit data pointing to, arguably, the major force that shapes genomes: transcription of DNA into RNA.
Performance of Phase Modulation in WDM-PON Transmission System
Authors: Li Li , Zhao Dong 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe modulation and demodulation methods of the optical Differential Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (DQPSK), Optical Differential Phase Shift Keying (DPSK) and the different modulation formats including nonreturn-to-zero (NRZ), return-to-zero (RZ), carrier-suppressed return-to-zero (CS-RZ) are introduced, studying the ability of anti-dispersion for different optical signals in the 40 Gb/s high speed transmission system. The system is simulated in optical fiber by way of dispersion compensation. And then analyzed the compensation effect of the different dispersion compensation method for different phase modulation formats. It is shown that the ability of anti-dispersion and anti-PMD is better in the CS-RZ-DQPSK modulation format, and this format has the smallest eye-opening penalty (EOP) with a wider range of power into the optical fiber.
A Longitudinal Analysis of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake in Infancy and Obesity at 6 Years
Authors: Pan Liping , Li Ruowei , Park Sohyun , Galuska Deborah A. , Sherry Bettylou , Freedman David S. 
Published: September 2014

OBJECTIVE:
To examine whether sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake during infancy predicts obesity at age 6 years.

METHODS:
We included 1189 children who participated in the Infant Feeding Practices Study II in 2005–2007 and were followed up at 6 years in 2012. Children’s weight and height were measured by mothers. Obesity was defined as gender-specific BMI-for-age ≥95th percentile. We used logistic regression to estimate the associations of any SSB intake and age at SSB introduction before 12 months and mean SSB intake during ages 10 to 12 months with obesity at 6 years controlling for baseline characteristics.

RESULTS:
The obesity prevalence at 6 years among children who consumed SSBs during infancy was twice as high as that among non–SSB consumers (17.0% vs 8.6%). The adjusted odds of obesity at 6 years was 71% higher for any SSB intake and 92% higher for SSB introduction before 6 months compared with no SSB intake during infancy. Children who consumed SSBs ≥3 times per week during ages 10 to 12 months had twice the odds of obesity compared with those who consumed no SSBs in this period. However, among children who consumed SSBs, the odds of obesity at 6 years did not differ by age at SSB introduction during infancy or by mean weekly SSB intake during ages 10 to 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS:
Children who consumed SSBs during infancy had higher odds of obesity at 6 years than non–SSB consumers. SSB consumption during infancy may be a risk factor for obesity in early childhood. Whether unmeasured behaviors contributed to the association is unclear.
Breastfeeding and Later Psychosocial Development of Children at 6 Years of Age
Authors: Lind Jennifer N. , Li Ruowei , Perrine Cria G. , Schieve Laura A. 
Published: September 2014

OBJECTIVE:
To examine the association of breastfeeding duration with psychosocial development at 6 years of age.

METHODS:
We analyzed data from the 2005–2007 Infant Feeding Practices Study II and its 2012 Year 6 Follow-Up (N = 1442). Our breastfeeding duration variable combined overall and exclusive breastfeeding reported during infancy (never breastfed, breastfed &lt;6 months, breastfed ≥6 months + exclusive breastfeeding &lt;3 months, and breastfed ≥6 months + exclusive breastfeeding ≥3 months). Maternal responses to the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire were used to create our child psychosocial outcome domains (emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer problems, prosocial behavior, and total difficulties). Separate multivariable logistic regression models controlling for maternal sociodemographic characteristics, maternal mental health, and child characteristics were used to assess the likelihood of having difficulties on the 6 domains based on breastfeeding duration.

RESULTS:
Compared with children who were never breastfed, those who were breastfed for ≥6 months and exclusively breastfed for ≥3 months had decreased odds of difficulties with emotional symptoms (odds ratio [OR]: 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.27–0.99), conduct problems (OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.10–0.54), and total difficulties (OR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.18–0.85) before adjustment. These associations were no longer significant after adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS:
Although in our unadjusted analyses we observed significant associations between breastfeeding duration and later psychosocial development, including decreased odds of emotional, conduct, and total difficulties at 6 years of age, these findings were no longer detectable after adjusting for the many potential confounding factors that play a role in psychosocial development.
Approximation of Bounded Continuous Functions by Linear Combinations of Phillips Operators
Authors: Tachev Gancho 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
We study the approximation properties of linear combinations of the so-called Phillips operators, which can be considered as genuine Szász-Mirakjan-Durrmeyer operators. As main result, we prove a direct estimate for the rate of approximation of bounded continuous functions f E C[0,x), measured in C|\[0,x)-norm and thus generalizing the results, proved earlier by Gupta, Agrawal, and Gairola in [3]. Our estimates rely on the recent results, obtained in the joint works of M. Heilmann and the author-[10, 11]
Vapour permeation and sorption in fluoropolymer gel membrane based on ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulphonyl)imide
Authors: Morávková Lenka , Vopička Ondřej , Vejražka Jiří , Vychodilová Hana , Sedláková Zuzana , Friess Karel , Izák Pavel 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe emissions of hydrocarbons from fossil fuels into atmosphere entail both an economic loss and an environmental pollution. Membrane separations can be used for vapour recovery and/or vapour removal from the permanent gas stream, given that the appropriate membrane is identified. A neat poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) membrane is impermeable to both the representatives of aliphatic hydrocarbons and branched hydrocarbons, namely hexane and isooctane, whereas the permeation flux is enhanced by the presence of 80 mass % of the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulphonyl)imide in the membrane, as detailed in this work. The permeabilities of hydrocarbon vapours were determined from the binary mixture containing hydrocarbon and nitrogen to simulate the real input of an air stream containing a condensable hydrocarbon. The diffusion coefficient determined from sorption measurements was higher for hexane, as would be expected for a smaller molecule, whereas both the sorption isotherms and permeabilities of the hydrocarbons studied were found to be almost identical. It is possible that the sorption effect predominates in the transport mechanism for VOCs/N2 separations.
Ethanol extracts of Hemidesmus indicus leaves as eco-friendly inhibitor of mild steel corrosion in H2SO4 medium
Authors: Patel Niketan , Šnita Dalimil 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe inhibitory action of an extract of Hemidesmus indicus leaves as a potential corrosion inhibitor for steel in H2SO4 solutions was examined using conventional mass loss, gasometric techniques, electrochemical polarisations and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results revealed that the extract of Hemidesmus indicus leaves performed well as an inhibitor for the corrosion of the metal employed in an accelerating medium. The inhibition efficiencies for all the experimental techniques employed increased with increasing the concentration of the plant extract but decreased with a rise in temperature. Both the cathodic hydrogen evolution and the anodic dissolution of mild steel were inhibited, hence the active molecule of the extract studied acted as a mixed-type corrosion inhibitor.
Correlation between structural and electrical properties in highly porous (Y,Sr)(Ti,Nb)O3−δ
SOFC anodes
Authors: Miruszewski T. , Trawiński B. , Gałka M. , Morzy J. , Bochentyn B. , Karczewski J. , Gdaniec P. , Gazda M. , Kusz B. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
In order to find a relationship between structural and electrical properties, niobium and yttrium doped SrTiO3 ceramics were prepared via solid-state reaction. The samples were sintered in hydrogen and air conditions. The samples were also fabricated with a pore-former to obtain highly porous specimens. The electrical properties of Nb-doped SrTiO3 samples and yttrium and niobium co-doped SrTiO3 were compared. The comparable electrical properties were observed and discussed according to previous literature reports. It was noticed that the synthesis in a reducing hydrogen atmosphere can increase the solubility of dopants. Moreover, the samples sintered in air presented lower conductivity level and worse structural properties than the samples sintered in hydrogen. The explanation of obtained results was also suggested and discussed.
Cerone’s Generalizations of Steffensen’s Inequality
Authors: Pečarić Josip , Perušić Anamarija , Smoljak Ksenija 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
In this paper, generalizations of Steffensen’s inequality with bounds involving any two subintervals motivated by Cerone’s generalizations are given. Furthermore, weaker conditions for Cerone’s generalization as well as for new generalizations obtained in this paper are given. Moreover, functionals defined as the difference between the left-hand and the right-hand side of these generalizations are studied and new Stolarsky type means related to them are obtained.
Notes on Modifications of A wQN-Space
Authors: Šupina Jaroslav 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
We continue to investigate the generalizations of the notion of wQN-space introduced by [L. Bukovský-J. Šupina: Modifications of sequence selection principles, Topology Appl. 160 (2013), 2356-2370] and by [J. Šupina: On Ohta-Sakai’s properties of a topological space (to appear)]. We present covering characterizations, slightly different formulations, and some new relations among them
Additional small-scale boundary effects on free vibration of carbon nanotubes and their macroscopic energy meaning
Authors: Li Ming , Zheng Huiming , Luo Xia 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
In this paper, additional small-scale boundary effects on the free vibration of single-walled carbon nanotubes under various boundary conditions are investigated using an analytical nonlocal Euler-beam model. From the numerical results, it seems that the various beam boundary conditions due to local and nonlocal elasticity are equivalent. For simplicity, local boundary conditions can still be used even for the free end. It is convenient to analyze the vibration of single-walled carbon nanotubes under various types of boundary conditions. In addition, Hamilton's energy function, which can be explicitly expressed by transverse displacement, has also been derived to explain the boundary equivalence of nonlocal and local beams.
Synthesis and characterization of zirconium nitride coatings by cathodic arc sputtering technique
Authors: Sarwar M. N. , Awan M. S. , Akbar S. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Polycrystalline zirconium nitride films (560 nm) were deposited on stainless steel (SS-316) substrates using the multi-target cathodic arc sputtering technique. Deposition was carried out under N2 reactive atmosphere (4 × 10−3 mbar) at two different temperatures, 150 and 200 °C. X-ray diffraction studies show that reflections from planes changed from (111) to (200) for deposition temperatures of 150 °C and 200 °C, respectively. Films deposited at 150 °C and 200 °C bear a critical load of 6.4 N and 6.8 N respectively, showing better adherence at higher temperature. This may be the result of film–substrate diffusion at the interface.
Development and Validation of a New Instrument to Measure Health-related Quality of Life in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis: The VITACORA-19
Authors: Torre-Alonso Juan Carlos , Gratacós Jordi , Rey-Rey José Santos , Valdazo de Diego Juan Pablo , Urriticoechea-Arana Ana , Daudén Esteban , Moreno Mireia , Zarco-Montejo Pedro , Collantes-Estévez Eduardo , Fernández-López Juan Antonio 
Published: September 2014

Objective.To develop/validate an instrument to measure health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), for use in clinical studies.Methods.An item pool of 35 items was generated following standardized procedures. Item reduction was performed using clinimetric and psychometric approaches after administration to 66 patients with PsA. The resulting instrument, the VITACORA-19, consists of 19 items. Its validity content, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, known groups/convergent validity, and sensitivity to change were tested in a longitudinal and multicenter study conducted in 10 hospitals in Spain, with 323 patients who also completed the EuroQol 5-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D) and a health status transition item. There were 3 study groups: group A (n = 209, patients with PsA), group B (n = 71, patients with arthritis without psoriatic aspect, patients with arthrosis, and patients with dermatitis), and group C (n = 43, healthy controls).Results.The questionnaire was considered easy/very easy to answer by 94.7% of the patients with PsA. The factorial analysis clearly identified only 1 factor. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and interclass correlation coefficients exceeded 0.90. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed between groups: subjects from group C had better HRQoL, followed by group B, and finally group A had the worst HRQoL. The VITACORA-19 scores showed significant correlations (p < 0.001) to PsA disease activity, EQ-5D, and perceived health state, scoring the patients with better health state higher. The minimum important difference was established as an 8-point change in the global score.Conclusion.The Spanish-developed VITACORA-19, designed to measure HRQoL in patients with PsA, has good validity, reliability, and sensitivity to change.
Extension Study of Participants from the Trial of Early Aggressive Therapy in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Wallace Carol A. , Ringold Sarah , Bohnsack John , Spalding Steven J. , Brunner Hermine I. , Milojevic Diana , Schanberg Laura E. , Higgins Gloria C. , O’Neil Kathleen M. , Gottlieb Beth S. , Hsu Joyce , Punaro Marilynn G. , Kimura Yukiko , Hendrickson Audrey 
Published: September 2014

Objective.To follow children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) who had completed at least 6 months of the TRial of Early Aggressive Therapy (TREAT) clinical study for an additional 2 years, describing safety of early aggressive treatment, disease activity, function, and duration of clinical inactive disease (CID) during followup.Methods.Children were treated as per provider’s discretion. Physician, patient/parent, and laboratory measures of disease status as well as safety information were collected at clinic visits every 3 months for up to 2 years.Results.Forty-eight children were followed for a mean of 28 months (range 12–42) beyond the end of the TREAT study. Half of patients were in CID for > 50% of their followup time. Overall, 88% of patients achieved CID at > 1 study visit and 54% achieved clinical remission while taking medication. Six patients were in CID for the duration of the study, and, of those, 2 achieved a full year of clinical remission while not taking medication. Active disease was mild: mean physician’s global assessment 2.4, active joint count 3.5, parent global evaluation 2.4, Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire 0.32, erythrocyte sedimentation rate 19 mm/h, and morning stiffness 23 min. There were no serious adverse events or adverse events reported at grade 3 or higher of Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events.Conclusion.Early aggressive therapy in this cohort of patients with polyarticular JIA who had high initial disease activity was associated with prolonged periods of CID in the majority of patients during followup. Those not in CID had low levels of disease activity.