bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Friday and weekend hospital stays: effects on mortality
Authors: Suissa Samy , Dell’Aniello Sophie , Suissa Daniel , Ernst Pierre 
Published: May 2014

While weekend hospital admissions are associated with higher mortality, the effects of weekend hospital stays are not known. We assessed whether patients hospitalised for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pneumonia have higher mortality during weekend and Friday stays.Our cohort consisted of all hospitalisations for COPD or pneumonia during 1990–2007 from the healthcare databases of the province of Quebec, Canada. The hazard ratio (HR) of in-patient death associated with Friday and weekend stay was estimated by the Cox model with time-dependent covariates, adjusted for age, sex and comorbidity.The cohort included 323 895 hospitalisations for COPD or pneumonia during which 32 414 deaths occurred (rate of death 8.06 per 1000 per day). Mortality was higher for weekend (HR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03–1.09) but not Friday admissions (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95–1.00), relative to Monday–Thursday admissions. Independently of the admission day, mortality was higher during weekend stays (HR 1.07, 95% CI 1.04–1.09) and Friday stays (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02–1.08), relative to Monday–Thursday stays.Patients hospitalised for COPD or pneumonia are at increased risk of death when staying over on a Friday or a weekend. The additional 40–56 deaths per 100 000 patients staying in hospital on those days are most likely due to reduced access to healthcare at that time.
Challenges in software applications for the cognitive evaluation and stimulation of the elderly
Authors: Rute-Pérez Sandra , Santiago-Ramajo Sandra , Hurtado María Visitación , Rodríguez-Fórtiz María José , Caracuel Alfonso 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Background
Computer-based cognitive stimulation applications can help the elderly maintain and improve their cognitive skills. In this research paper, our objectives are to verify the usability of PESCO (an open-software application for cognitive evaluation and stimulation) and to determine the concurrent validity of cognitive assessment tests and the effectiveness of PESCO’s cognitive stimulation exercises.

Methods
Two studies were conducted in various community computer centers in the province of Granada. The first study tested tool usability by observing 43 elderly people and considering their responses to a questionnaire. In the second study, 36 elderly people completed pen-and-paper and PESCO tests followed by nine cognitive stimulation sessions. Meanwhile, a control group with 34 participants used computers for nine non-structured sessions.

Results
Analysis of the first study revealed that although PESCO had been developed by taking usability guidelines into account, there was room for improvement. Results from the second study indicated moderate concurrent validity between PESCO and standardized tests (Pearson’s r from .501 to .702) and highlighted the effectiveness of training exercises for improving attention (F = -4.111, p < .001) and planning (F = 5.791, p < .001) functions.

Conclusions
PESCO can be used by the elderly. The PESCO cognitive test module demonstrated its concurrent validity with traditional cognitive evaluation tests. The stimulation module is effective for improving attention and planning skills.
The association of angiotensin-converting enzyme with biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Jochemsen Hadassa M , Teunissen Charlotte E , Ashby Emma L , van der Flier Wiesje M , Jones Ruth E , Geerlings Mirjam I , Scheltens Philip , Kehoe Patrick G , Muller Majon 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Lower angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity could increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as ACE functions to degrade amyloid-β (Aβ). Therefore, we investigated whether ACE protein and activity levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum were associated with CSF Aβ, total tau (tau) and tau phosphorylated at threonine 181 (ptau).

Methods
We included 118 subjects from our memory clinic-based Amsterdam Dementia Cohort (mean age 66 ± 8 years) with subjective memory complaints (n = 40) or AD (n = 78), who did not use antihypertensive drugs. We measured ACE protein levels (ng/ml) and activity (RFU) in CSF and serum, and amyloid β1–42, tau and ptau (pg/ml) in CSF.

Results
Cross-sectional regression analyses showed that ACE protein level and activity in CSF and serum were lower in patients with AD compared to controls. Lower CSF ACE protein level, and to a lesser extent serum ACE protein level and CSF ACE activity, were associated with lower CSF Aβ, indicating more brain Aβ pathology; adjusted regression coefficients (B) (95% CI) per SD increase were 0.09 (0.04; 0.15), 0.06 (0.00; 0.12) and 0.05 (0.00; 0.11), respectively. Further, lower CSF ACE protein level was associated with lower CSF tau and ptau levels; adjusted B’s (95% CI) per SD increase were 0.15 (0.06; 0.25) and 0.17 (0.10; 0.25), respectively.

Conclusions
These results strengthen the hypothesis that ACE degrades Aβ. This could suggest that lowering ACE levels by for example ACE-inhibitors might have adverse consequences for patients with, or at risk for AD.
The Chinese perception of quality: model building and analysis based on consumers' perception
Authors: Cheng Hong , Li Dandan , Luo Lianfa 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Theory construction and data reconstruction are required for the evaluation of quality in China. Taking into consideration existing mature quality evaluation models (particularly the methods of evaluating customer satisfaction) and China's unique national conditions during its economic transition, four dimensions are proposed to evaluate quality in China: consumer satisfaction with quality, product safety, government regulations on quality, and citizen's concept of quality. Based on empirical investigation data in this framework, the overall evaluation of quality in China is summarized as quality in China has just reached a general standard, product safety remains steady as a whole, government quality regulations are ineffective, and Chinese citizens' concept of quality is poor. Correlation analyses show a positive relation between the effectiveness of government regulation on quality and Chinese citizens' concept of quality, consumer satisfaction with quality, and product safety. Finally, the paper proposes the implementation of an emphasis on product safety during quality elevation and quality improvement systems, such as the constant enhancement of quality regulation effects and Chinese citizens' concept of quality, to drive quality development.
Influence of Complexing Agents on Adhesion Strength of Electroless Nickel–Phosphorus Plating to Silicon Nitride–Aluminum–Polyimide Mixed Substrates
Authors: Arakawa Tomiyuki , Watanabe Nobuaki , Nakada Tatsunosuke , Oshikiri Junki , Umemoto Hiroshi , Hashimoto Akira , Koiwa Ichiro 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The adhesion force of electroless nickel–phosphorus (Ni–P) platings prepared on silicon nitride (SiN), aluminum (Al), and polyimide (PI) substrates using complexing agents of glycine, succinic acid, succinic acid with glycine, and succinic acid with malic acid was demonstrated for the application to wafer-level packaging in large-scale integrated circuits. The adhesion strength of Ni–P platings was investigated by the tape-peeling test and the universal mechanical strength tester. As results, no peeling of Ni–P films formed using glycine, succinic acid, and succinic acid with glycine were observed, although Ni–P films formed using succinic acid with malic acid showed peeling. Thus, Ni–P plating formed using succinic acid with malic acid gave the smallest adhesion force. In contrast, the adhesion force of Ni–P platings formed using succinic acid with glycine on SiN, Al, and PI was the largest, approximately 850 kg cm−2, among Ni–P platings formed using those complexing agents. The growth rate of Ni–P films formed using succinic acid, succinic acid with glycine, and succinic acid with malic acid was uneven on SiN, Al, and PI. In comparison, Ni–P plating formed using glycine provided uniform growth rate on SiN, Al, and PI.
UV-Light-Induced Water Condensation in Air and the Role of Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Yoshihara Keitaro , Sakamoto Yosuke , Kawasaki Masahiro , Takatori Yoshiki , Kato Shungo , Kajii Yoshizumi 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
We report the UV-light-induced formation of water aerosol/droplets in air based on laser-light scattering measurements, differential mobility analyses and cavity ring-down laser spectroscopy (CRDS), and propose a mechanism. It was shown that UV-light (185 nm) irradiation of air within a soap bubble rapidly produced water droplets under supersaturated conditions. Multiple UV irradiation cycles were demonstrated to increase particle sizes in a controlled reaction chamber. We propose that the reaction mechanism is initiated by oxygen (O2) photodissociation and ozone (O3) formation and further photodissociation of O3 leads to sequential dark reactions, generating hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a hygroscopic stable product. Exciting excess O3 in wet air with mid-UV radiations (254 nm) was also demonstrated to produce water particles, indicating that this series of reactions can be started at an intermediate stage using a longer wavelength of UV light. For the first time, it was demonstrated that H2O2 in air is a precursor of the initial nucleation of water with two different aerosol formation schemes at 263 K: a) from a mixture of H2O2 and water vapor in dark and b) from a mixture of O3 and water vapor by mid-UV (266 nm) light irradiation. These results indicate that H2O2 can capture water molecules and form water particles.
Ethylene Oligomerization Using Bis(imino)pyridinecobalt(II) Complexes Immobilized in Fluorotetrasilicic Mica Interlayer as Heterogeneous Catalysts
Authors: Kurokawa Hideki , Ishikawa Shun , Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Sakuragi Tsutomu , Ohshima Masa-aki , Miura Hiroshi 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Heterogeneous bis(imino)pyridinecobalt(II) catalysts were prepared by direct reaction of cobalt-ion-exchanged fluorotetrasilicic mica and a bis(imino)pyridine ligand. The catalyst prepared from the ligand with 2-CF3Ph groups on the imino nitrogen showed high activity in ethylene oligomerization, with excellent selectivity for α-olefins.
Capillary Chromatography Using an Annular and Sluggish Flow in the Ternary Water–Acetonitrile–Ethyl Acetate System as Carrier Solution
Authors: Hamaguchi Yuya , Fujinaga Satoshi , Murakami Shunpei , Hashimoto Masahiko , Tsukagoshi Kazuhiko 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
An open-tubular capillary chromatography system was developed using an annular and sluggish flow system in a ternary water–acetonitrile–ethyl acetate mixed solvent as carrier solution. Fused-silica capillary tubes with different inner diameters of 75 and 200 µm were used. The smaller tube was inserted into the larger tube using a T-type joint. Water–acetonitrile and acetonitrile–ethyl acetate mixed solutions were delivered to the smaller and larger tubes, respectively, and then combined at the other end of the smaller tube located in the larger tube, generating annular and sluggish flows in the water–acetonitrile–ethyl acetate ternary mixed solution (2:5:3 and 2:4:3 (v/v/v), respectively). The annular flow comprised the organic solvent-rich inner and water-rich outer phases and the sluggish flow comprised the organic solvent-rich sluggish domain and water-rich continuous phases. A model analyte mixed solution of 1-naphthol (hydrophobic) and 2,6-naphthalenedisulfonic acid (hydrophilic) were injected into the smaller tube and proceeded to the annular or sluggish flow in the larger tube, where they were separated and detected in that order. As observed, the annular and sluggish flows in the microspace could be used for separation without any specific treatments such as tube packing or coating.
Photochemistry of Nanocage Ca12Al14−xSixO32Cl2+x (x = 0.0 and 3.4) Crystals
Authors: Matsuishi Satoru , Muramatsu Hiroki , Hosono Hideo 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
We observed the photogenerated color centers in Ca12Al14−xSixO32Cl2+x analogs of Ca12Al14O33 (C12A7) crystals with crystallographic subnanometer-sized cages partially occupied by Cl ions. Excimer laser irradiation created electrons trapped in the cages and holes on nonbridging oxygen 2p orbitals, accompanied by the formation of O−, H0, and H−. These centers were gradually erased at room temperature in ca. 30 min. These results demonstrate that the cages in C12A7 analogs act as traps for active anionic species and electrons generated by light excitation.
Generation of a New Cystatin C–Based Estimating Equation for Glomerular Filtration Rate by Use of 7 Assays Standardized to the International Calibrator
Authors: Grubb Anders , Horio Masaru , Hansson Lars-Olof , Björk Jonas , Nyman Ulf , Flodin Mats , Larsson Anders , Bökenkamp Arend , Yasuda Yoshinari , Blufpand Hester , Lindström Veronica , Zegers Ingrid , Althaus Harald , Blirup-Jensen Søren , Itoh Yoshi , Sjöström Per , Nordin Gunnar , Christensson Anders , Klima Horst , Sunde Kathrin , Hjort-Christensen Per , Armbruster David , Ferrero Carlo 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Many different cystatin C–based equations exist for estimating glomerular filtration rate. Major reasons for this are the previous lack of an international cystatin C calibrator and the nonequivalence of results from different cystatin C assays.

METHODS
Use of the recently introduced certified reference material, ERM-DA471/IFCC, and further work to achieve high agreement and equivalence of 7 commercially available cystatin C assays allowed a substantial decrease of the CV of the assays, as defined by their performance in an external quality assessment for clinical laboratory investigations. By use of 2 of these assays and a population of 4690 subjects, with large subpopulations of children and Asian and Caucasian adults, with their GFR determined by either renal or plasma inulin clearance or plasma iohexol clearance, we attempted to produce a virtually assay-independent simple cystatin C–based equation for estimation of GFR.

RESULTS
We developed a simple cystatin C–based equation for estimation of GFR comprising only 2 variables, cystatin C concentration and age. No terms for race and sex are required for optimal diagnostic performance. The equation, eGFR=130×cystatin C−1.069×age−0.117−7, is also biologically oriented, with 1 term for the theoretical renal clearance of small molecules and 1 constant for extrarenal clearance of cystatin C.

CONCLUSIONS
A virtually assay-independent simple cystatin C–based and biologically oriented equation for estimation of GFR, without terms for sex and race, was produced.
Ver a Poesia, Ler o Cinema
Authors: Athayde Manaíra Aires 
Published: May 2014

Recensão de Rosa Maria Martelo, O Cinema da Poesia. Lisboa: Documenta, 2012, 261 pp. ISBN 978-989-8618-19-1.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2182-8830_1-2_10
Testamentos Literários: A Difícil Arte da Mediação
Authors: Namora Ricardo 
Published: May 2014

Recensão de Jerónimo Pizarro, La Mediación Editorial – Sobre la Vida Póstuma de lo Escrito. Madrid: Iberoamericana Editorial Vervuert, 2012, 304 pp. ISBN: 978-84-8489-706-4DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2182-8830_1-2_12
Quem as Não Tem? (Como Escrever Cartas Faz de Nós Pessoas Melhores)
Authors: Namora Ricardo 
Published: May 2014

Este ensaio lida com certas características físicas, materiais, simbólicas e sensoriais do objecto “carta”, desde as suas primeiras ocorrências enquanto função da criação de um sistema postal, passando pela modelação da sua natureza que ocorreu no século XIX e foi fundamental para a sua definição, até algumas das suas manifestações contemporâneas. Serão descritos, para o efeito, argumentos pragmáticos, filosóficos e literários.Abstract This essay aims to deal with certain physical, material, symbolic and sensory features of the “letter” as an object, from its first occurrences as a function of the creation of a postal system, through the modeling that occurred in the nineteenth century and was crucial to its definition, until its contemporary forms. For that purpose, a series of pragmatic, philosophical and literary arguments will be discussed. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2182-8830_1-2_8
EGF/EGFR signaling axis is a significant regulator of the proteasome expression and activity in colon cancer cells
Authors: Ellina Maria-Ioanna , Bouris Panagiotis , Kletsas Dimitrios , Aletras Alexios J. , Karamanos Nikos K. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer worldwide. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays a crucial role in the (patho)physiology of the disease. EGFR controls vital cellular processes, while this action is associated with poor prognosis. In addition, K-Ras mutations are associated with the promotion of the disease and the anti-EGFR resistance. The ubiquitin-proteasome system plays also a very important role in cancer, modulating cell cycle and other cellular processes such as the growth and the survival of cancer cells. Proteasome inhibition affects, in several cases, the action and the protein levels of EGFR. Nevertheless, little is known whether the reversed option is possible. In this study, we, therefore, investigated the impact of epidermal growth factor (EGF)/EGFR signaling axis on gene expression and the proteolytic activity of the proteasome subunits, as well as whether nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), an activator of proteasome expression, plays a role in this process. Moreover, we evaluated whether EGF regulates the expression of its own receptor and the proliferation rate of DLD-1 (K-Ras mutated) colon cancer cells. The obtained data showed that, although EGF has no significant effect on the proliferation of DLD-1 colon cancer cells, it significantly upregulates the expression of EGFR as well as the expression and the activity of the proteasome, suggesting that the EGF-mediated proteasome activation could possibly lead to enhanced EGFR degradation leading to autoregulation of EGF–EGFR pathway. Nrf2 activation did not induce proteasome gene expression in DLD-1 colon cancer cells.
Examining Relative Age Effects in Fundamental Skill Proficiency in British Children Aged 6–11 Years
Authors: Birch Samantha , Cummings Laura , Oxford Samuel W. , Duncan Michael J. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Birch, S, Cummings, L, Oxford, SW, and Duncan, MJ. Examining relative age effects in fundamental skill proficiency in British children aged 6–11 years. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2809–2815, 2016—The relative age effect (RAE) suggests that there is a clustering of birth dates just after the cutoff used for sports selection in age-grouped sports and that in such circumstances, relatively older sportspeople may enjoy maturational and physical advantages over their younger peers. Few studies have examined this issue in nonselective groups of children, and none have examined whether there is evidence of any RAE in skill performance. The aim of this study was to assess whether there were differences in fundamental movement skill (FMS) proficiency within children placed in age groups according to the school year. Six FMS (sprint, side gallop, balance, jump, catch, and throw) were assessed in 539 school children (258 boys and 281 girls) aged 6–11 years (mean age ± SD = 7.7 ± 1.7 years). We examined differences in these FMS between gender groups and children born in different quarters of the year after controlling for age and body mass index (BMI). For balance, chronological age was significant as a covariate (p = 0.0001) with increases in age associated with increases in balance. Boys had significantly higher sprint mastery compared with girls (p = 0.012), and increased BMI was associated with poorer sprint mastery (p = 0.001). Boys had higher catching mastery than girls (p = 0.003), and children born in Q1 had significantly greater catching mastery than those born in Q2 (p = 0.015), Q3 (p = 0.019), and Q4 (p = 0.01). Results for throwing mastery also indicated higher mastery in boys compared with girls (p = 0.013) and that children born in Q1 had higher throwing proficiency than those born in Q4 (p = 0.038). These results are important if coaches are basing sport selection on measures of skilled performance, particularly in object-control skills. Categorizing children's skilled performance based on rounded down values of whole-year age may disadvantage children born relatively later in the selection year, whereas children born earlier in the selection year will likely evidence greater skill mastery and subsequent advantage for selection purposes.
Acute Effect of High-Intensity Eccentric Exercise on Vascular Endothelial Function in Young Men
Authors: Choi Youngju , Akazawa Nobuhiko , Zempo-Miyaki Asako , Ra Song-Gyu , Shiraki Hitoshi , Ajisaka Ryuichi , Maeda Seiji 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Choi, Y, Akazawa, N, Zempo-Miyaki, A, Ra, S-G, Shiraki, H, Ajisaka, R, and Maeda, S. Acute effect of high-intensity eccentric exercise on vascular endothelial function in young men. J Strength Cond Res 30(8): 2279–2285, 2016—Increased central arterial stiffness is as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Evidence regarding the effects of high-intensity resistance exercise on vascular endothelial function and central arterial stiffness is conflicting. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of acute high-intensity eccentric exercise on vascular endothelial function and central arterial stiffness. We evaluated the acute changes in endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilation (FMD), low-flow–mediated constriction (L-FMC), and arterial stiffness after high-intensity eccentric exercise. Seven healthy, sedentary men (age, 24 ± 1 year) performed maximal eccentric elbow flexor exercise using their nondominant arm. Before and 45 minutes after eccentric exercise, carotid arterial compliance and brachial artery FMD and L-FMC in the nonexercised arm were measured. Carotid arterial compliance was significantly decreased, and β-stiffness index significantly increased after eccentric exercise. Brachial FMD was significantly reduced after eccentric exercise, whereas there was no significant difference in brachial L-FMC before and after eccentric exercise. A positive correlation was detected between change in arterial compliance and change in FMD (r = 0.779; p ≤ 0.05), and a negative correlation was detected between change in β-stiffness index and change in FMD (r = −0.891; p < 0.01) with eccentric exercise. In this study, acute high-intensity eccentric exercise increased central arterial stiffness; this increase was accompanied by a decrease in endothelial function caused by reduced endothelium-dependent vasodilation but not by a change in endothelium-dependent vasoconstriction.
Conductive Concrete for Electromagnetic Shielding Applications
Authors: Yehia Sherif , Qaddoumi Nasser , Hassan Mohamed , Swaked Bassam 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Conventional concrete is a dielectric whose properties change based on the constituents of the mixture. Consequently, it is not an effective electromagnetic shield since radio frequency (RF) waves can still propagate through it with relatively low attenuation. Recently, conductive concrete, which is a cement-based mix, was developed to achieve high electrical conductivity and high mechanical strength. Petroleum coke with different particle sizes, synthetic graphite, and steel fibers were used to improve the electrical properties of the concrete. In this paper, the effectiveness of conductive concrete as an electromagnetic shield is investigated. Steel fiber configuration and sample thickness were the parameters used in the evaluation. Frequencies between 0.3 to 11 GHz were considered in the investigation. The free space measurement method was used to measure the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness and the results showed that attenuation up to 50 dB could be achieved for the frequency range considered in the investigation.